38 gippsland the lifestyle autumn 2019 by gippsland life

Autumn ISSUE #38 Gippsland Home

Building Gippsland

ISSN 1838-8124

$7.95

Leongatha Golf Club Above Par

Neerim South & Jindivick

Beautiful countryside

Food, Wine Accommodation

+ Regular Features Horoscope | Positive Lifestyle Tips | Canine Corner | Millieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adventures

Features inside

more insid e

P (03) 5662 2327 F (03) 5662 2642 E edney@dcsi.net.au

LMCT 1500

www.edneysleongatha.com.au

thelifestyle autumn 2019

editorial autumn #38

index

Autumn in Gippsland!

our content WGCMA - WE ALL LIVE DOWNSTREAM PRESTIGE & PERFORMANCE JAGUAR + LAND ROVER WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK LEONGATHA RSL CENTENARY FLY ADDICTION – A UNIQUE, WILD ANGLING EXPERIENCE NEERIM SOUTH & JINDIVICK JINDIVICK COMMUNITY GARDEN CHRISTIE NELSON – WERE YOU ‘WITH IT’ CHRISTINE BOUCHER – EXPLAND YOUR POTENTIAL ERIN MILLER – THE FIRE OF LIFE AUTUMN CANINE CORNER ADVENTURES OF MILLIE, BLOND BAY BEAUTY! THE SOCIAL BOND BETWEEN HUMANS & DOGS A RARE PAIR – MARGARET HAYCROFT LEONGATHA GOLF CLUB – ABOVE PAR CRICKET FOR BABY BOOMERS AUTUMN EVENTS AUTUMN HOROSCOPE WHERE YOU CAN GET A COPY OF GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE

38-39 40-41 44-45 46-48 86-87 94-98 100-102 104-105 106-107 108 109 110-111 112-113 114-115 116-119 120-121 130 142 144

gippsland home A NEW FEATURE IN GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

With summer having passed, once again we are in awe of our volunteer firemen and women who have kept us safe with their great work in preventing any loss of life in towns such as Walhalla and Grantville. The fires came dangerously close to the historic township of Walhalla, which should serve us all with a reminder that we need to be fire safe and prepared. Autumn is a great time in Gippsland; there are many events being held, particularly in March and April, but we have shown a couple of the events that brought thousands of people to visit our beautiful Gippsland, such as the Meeniyan Garlic Festival and Mirboo North Italian Festa. In this edition we have introduced a new Gippsland Home section, which shows what is great about living in Gippsland and showcasing builders and designers as well as an informative feature on ‘The Cape’ – an 8 star energy rating home development – which is the vision and passion of Brendan Condon, a must read. Again, we show our diversity with the many varied features that we have, and along with Home, our ever-popular Food, Wine + Accommodation section continues to grow and there is genuine excitement with Gippsland Arts + Culture. We are now into our tenth year of producing magazines and we have no plans to cease doing what our team loves and that is producing a magazine of great variety, interesting features and spectacular photography and we thank all our readers for supporting Gippsland businesses.

Doug Pell

Writers

gippsland FOOD + WINE + ACCOMMODATION & CULTURE INDEX

Contributors 50

Photographers Advertising Editor Creative Printers

Chris West, Wendy Morriss, Lia Spencer, Anita Butterworth, Meredith Bardwell, Wendy Hall, Casey Hall and John Turner MAAPM. Ken Roberts and Stu Hay. Ali Fullard, Erin Miller, Kerry Galea, Frank Butera, Christie Nelson, Christine Boucher and Terry Earle Wendy Morriss, Lisa Maatsoo, Anita Butterworth, Chris West and Doug Pell, Thomas Smith Photography & media101 Doug Pell Maree Bradshaw media101 Southern Colour (VIC) Pty Ltd | www.southerncolour.com.au

our autumn front cover that autumn feeling

our advertisers A MAZE’N THINGS – PHILLIP ISLAND COAL CREEK COMMUNITY PARK & MUSEUM CRAWFORD MARINE EDNEYS LEONGATHA – NISSAN NAVARA EVANS PETROLEUM – Castrol Oil + Ad Blue GIPPSLAND JAGUAR LAND ROVER HIT 94.3 97.9 GET UP WITH NICK & ZOE NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS MUSEUM STONY CREEK GO KARTS TNT EXPLOSIVE PRINTZ WONTHAGGI WEST GIPPSLAND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY WILDLIFE COAST CRUISES WONTHAGGI MEDICAL GROUP WONTHAGGI NEWSAGENCY + LOTTO

+our regular features

Photography by Daria Shevtsova 7 6 43 3 145 148 5 49 42 49 37 43 136 131 + 144

GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE/COAST/COUNTRY A: PO Box 862, Wonthaggi 3995 P: 0404 301 333 E: thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au W: www.gippslandlifestyle.com facebook.com/lifestylegippsland instagram | g_the_lifestyle

ASTROLOGY, POSITIVE LIFESTYLE TIPS, CANINE CORNER , MILLIE’S ADVENTURES

thelifestyle autumn 2019

home

gippsland

Gippsland Home is a new feature in Gippsland Lifestyle magazine, and we are showcasing some of the great developments, designs, houses and the exciting Eco venture that is proceeding at Cape Paterson being ‘The Cape’.

With the population spread coming from Melbourne and pushing its way particularly through South and West Gippsland there are some exciting developments happening, which is leading to solid employment in the building and related industries. Gippsland Home is also a tribute to the memory of Kelly Koochew from Honeypot Creative Solutions and Kingbuilt Homes who shared the vision I had with emphasising what is great about the developments in Gippsland. Enjoy!

index TREASE BUILDERS - A HOME OF DISTINCTION KINGBUILT HOMES ’THE STORY BEHIND THE TRIBUTE DISPLAY’ HOSTING THIS AUTUMN WITH KINGBUILT SOUTH GIPPSLAND HOMES ‘THE TRUE BUILDER’S TOUCH’ SOUTH GIPPSLAND HOMES THE POWER AND THE PASSION OF THE CAPE THE CAPE - STAGE 3 NOW SELLING CONQUEST POOLS TS CONSTRUCTIONS - ECO DISPLAY ‘THE CORE 9’ WESTERN CONNECTIONS - ‘WESTERN 5’ DB DESIGN DESIGNS BORN FROM EXPERIENCE DB DESIGN - OUTSIDE THE BOX GROWMASTER TRARALGON - INSPIRATION AWAITS YOU

Gippsland Home A: PO Box 862, Wonthaggi 3995 P: 0404 301 333 E: thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au W: www.gippslandlifestyle.com facebook.com/lifestylegippsland instagram | g_the_lifestyle

thelifestyle autumn 2019

9 10-12 13 14-16 17 18-21 22 23 24-27 28-32 33 34-35 36

"A HOME OF DISTINCTION" AN ODE TO M.C. ESCHER

ARCHITECT | HAYNE WADLEY

TREASE BUILDERS MULTIPLE NATIONAL, VICTORIAN AND REGIONAL AWARD WINNERS FOR BEAUTIFUL HOMES

91 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan VIC 3956 T [03] 5664 0118 E info@treasebuilders.com.au

www.treasebuilders.com.au

THE THE STORY TRIBUTE BEHIND DISPLAY It was exciting times for Kingbuilt when the opportunity arose for a new display home to be built in Warragul along with 4 other major builders. Land developers David and Natalie Sowerby of LandGipps approached Kingbuilt in the preliminary stages of their new development ‘Brandy Creek Views’ to discuss the potential of a new display. It was a no brainer; Kingbuilt was eager to put a footprint in Warragul’s red soil. Right in the depths of the display construction, on Saturday October the 6th, Kingbuilt Marketing Manager Kelly Koochew was admitted to hospital due to an excruciating headache, she had an Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that unless you have a specific scan for it you wouldn’t know it was there, unfortunately the massive bleed and swelling was too much for Kelly to survive. Kingbuilt that day lost one of their greatest assets, although the staff were sad and utterly devastated, they knew they owed it to Kelly to come together as a team and honour her strengths and positivity that she showed day in day out both personally and professionally. The work that Jo Daly (Interior Designer) and Jarrod Broadbent (site Supervisor) put in to getting the project to completion from then on was incalculable and the finish product speaks just that!

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Jo explained, “Kelly treasured that we were building a display in Brandy Creek Views through Dave and Nat and was keen to cross promote and market within the Warragul Community. She loved that I was looking to push the boundaries with fixtures and finishes and Kingbuilt was going to provide Warragul with something unseen, she was proud that we were going to work together to do just that.” A discussion was had between staff regarding a way to honour Kelly’s impact on the Kingbuilt family. Another contributing aspect was something Michael MacPhail from Ultra Garden solutions who was the creator behind the amazing landscaping said that stood out. “This one I made extra special, just for Kel.” It was a quick decision that the new Warragul display naming was a great fit, and that’s where “The Tribute” was decided on.

The Tribute display is tastefully elegant, honest and all class. With modern design features and a finish quality that is second to none this house really does leave a lasting impression just like Kelly did on all that had the pleasure of knowing her.

KELLY KOOCHEW thelifestyle autumn 2019

“Kel had the ability to change the way you viewed something with her ideas and excitement. I am extremely thankful to have had the chance to be around her and experience everything she stood for,” says Mrs Daly, “I know Kel would be so proud of what we have created, without her guidance it truly wouldn’t have been possible.” To experience 'The Tribute' display book an appointment with one of Kingbuilt’s design consultants 1300 546 428 | sales@kingbuilt.com.au www.kingbuilt.com.au

thelifestyle autumn 2019

south gippsland homes When entering South Gippsland Homes in Leongatha, you might be surprised to find yourself not ushered into a meeting room or sales office, but invited to sit and have a cup of coffee around the kitchen bench. The welcoming atmosphere of the Roughead Street showroom is where Managing Director Tyrone Zukovskis sits down with his clients for a ‘cuppa’ and a chat, getting to know them on a personal level and establishing their individual wants and needs. Having grown up with his plumber father on building sites around Meeniyan, Tyrone is no stranger to the practicalities of constructing houses, but it is providing a personal and honest approach that he prides himself on most. “We try and make the process enjoyable, with no hidden surprises,” he says, noting that some other builders in the industry can be impersonal and simply ‘palm you off’ through different channels like another product on a factory line.

South Gippsland Homes believe it is important to personally know each of their clients and guide them through what is a very significant and important investment in their family’s future. “Every house we build we treat like it’s ours,” Tyrone says. “We wouldn’t hand over a home we wouldn’t live in ourselves.” What better way then, he thought, than ‘putting his money where his mouth is’ and building his own home with South Gippsland Homes. Tyrone notes that he really was part of every aspect of the process of designing and constructing his home, and felt informed and in control at all times throughout the process. Tyrone chose the Yanakie 30 design home from the Ascent range, in which he and his family now happily reside. The Yanakie 30 is a modern family home, featuring three bright and spacious living areas and a generous kitchen. The facade is sleek and contemporary, whilst the interior mixes the comforts of a traditional three-bedroom family home with the modern sleekness of open-plan living.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

the true builderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touch

Words by Casey Hall

thelifestyle autumn 2019

South Gippsland Homes offers over 25 different designs and packaged homes for customers to select from. There is something for everyone, beginning with the cost-effective Advance range, perfect for a first home with options to suit all budgets, to the innovative design and craftsman-built luxury of the Ascent range for a higher state of living with stunning fixtures and finishes. Underpinning the South Gippsland Homes product range is a commitment to making a high calibre home attainable for everyone, no matter their budget. Tyrone understands that it can be difficult to “get a start” and build your own home, so he and his team see it as a priority that they provide entry-level homes that do not sacrifice quality despite being budget-friendly.

He says these packages are designed with young couples and families in mind to help make their Aussie home ownership dream a reality, as well as investors looking to establish a rental property. The homes in this range are known as turnkey products, meaning they are ready to live in as soon as they are finished. “You can simply have a block of land, choose your design, then we will build it and hand you the key,” Tyrone explains. Not only are their homes of the highest quality design and construction, but South Gippsland Homes boast a 6-star energy rating as standard, saving their owners on energy bills by being energy efficient throughout winter and summer, reducing the need for as much artificial heating and cooling. To be classed as a 6-star home, houses need to have environmental sustainability, social sustainability and economic sustainability. The house is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save water and energy and reduce waste during construction and its eventual lifetime. Built-in safety elements provide social sustainability and improve the occupants’ sense of security. Features are also used to provide flexibility and comfort for people of varying abilities and at different life stages. Finally, from start to finish, the house is designed to save money throughout its lifetime. Careful planning avoids the need for major future renovations and reduces costs associated with energy use, water use and maintenance. Ultimately, the true test comes not when the house is built, but well after construction has finished and the house is being lived in. Thus, it is testament to the quality of South Gippsland Homes that past clients have become positive advocates of the company. They are not only happy with the quality of their homes, but have built such a great relationship with the team at South Gippsland Homes that they have been happy for Tyrone to organise to show potential new customers through their homes. One of the hallmarks of South Gippsland Homes is the company’s insistence on engaging only professional local builders and trades in the construction of its homes. Along with a focus on quality, choice, attention to detail and personalised customer service, it’s all part of the vision to make South Gippsland Homes the builder of choice in the region. Photography by media101

thelifestyle autumn 2019

THE POWER AND THE PASSION OF

WORDS: WENDY HALL

Nestled behind the quiet hamlet of Cape Paterson, on the majestic South Gippsland coast, The Cape sustainable living development quietly embraces its landscape, yet shines as a beacon of everything that is its power and its passion. The power of people, the power of change and the passion of those that drive its existence.

vision was eventually given the green light to come to life. Having spruiked the case for sustainable housing and living for many years, this was his demonstration that it could be done, could make people happy and could be a model for how we can live more simply, more smartly and more efficiently. No brainer. Exactly.

On the day of our visit the skies are milky grey, the sea breeze brings the tang of salt and the houses that we come upon are almost growing out of, and into, this environment. They are subtle, not confronting, and have you tilting your head to ask them questions. This is a special place. There is calmness and excitement co-existing.

So what is going on here? A development with the feeling of a village, and a meaningful community that minimises use of precious resources. It gives so much to its residents in so many ways, and gives back to the landscape upon which it lies.

The Cape, Cape Paterson, is more the passion than the business of its developer Brendan Condon, a respected authority in the field of environmental restoration. The project is the realisation of his vision to create a benchmark for sustainable living in a location unlike any other. He brings on board an award-winning team with strong credentials in sustainability and quality modern design, namely Small Giants, Archiblox, Martin Builders, TS Constructions, Australian Ecosystems and The Sociable Weaver. The Cape project has only become a reality in the last four years, but has been a labour of love for so many more. With absolute conviction and commitment, Brendan fought skeins of bureaucratic red tape for more than a decade to secure planning permission, refusing to succumb until his

thelifestyle autumn 2019

The Cape is one of very few truly sustainable residential projects in Australia. There are just 230 home sites, being released in stages, the first two of which are virtually sold out. This is unsurprising, given its majestic presence overlooking the pristine Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park is inescapably compelling, drawing the attention of people of many minds and at many stages of life to notice and connect with what it has to offer. With some of the best minds in design and building on hand, purchasers can choose from The Cape’s ten unique designs or work with them, within their sustainable guidelines, to create a bespoke home in an environment that enhances every aspect of what ‘living’ can be. NBN with fibre optic to every home is part of ensuring The Cape has the technological smarts and everything a master-planned modern community of its kind should include.

A SUSTAINABLE WAY TO LIVE

Many homes at The Cape have annual energy costs as low as $500 per year, and some are approaching no running costs at all. The project is already creating a large surplus of clean solar energy and there are plans to store and return this energy to its owners for purposes such as powering vehicles, removing yet another fossil fuel use as EVs become the way of the future. Homes at The Cape have EV charge points, anticipating this obvious development. There are no grandiose “McMansions” at The Cape. This is no ‘cookie cutter’ development to swell some developer’s superannuation portfolio. Quite the opposite. Homes at The Cape are smart, ecologically and literally. They boast an average 8 star energy rating (the only 10 star rated home in Victoria can be found here). They feature critical orientation to capture maximum warmth and light in winter and minimum heat and sun in summer. Shading, double glazing, best insulation and attention to all aspects of state-of-the-art sustainable and energy efficient construction and fit out make them sit firmly on the world stage of best practice in the field. But LIVING here is more. These homes are modern, powerful and passionate. Don’t imagine some kind of hippy living alternative. They are sleek, subtle and serene, and upon entering them, one feels the calmness and control that sets them apart from other homes.

As Brendan Condon observes, light is the ‘lifeblood’ that powers these homes, and it is worked into every aspect of their character. “It costs just as much to put a window in the wrong place as it does to put it in the right place,” he remarks. Walking through these homes you realise what he is talking about. Spaces are not large, but they are spacious, and the design of natural light in these dwellings is stunningly unobtrusive. You wonder why it feels so right; because it is. At the risk of running with a cliche: “But wait. There’s more!”

‘Lifestyle living’ is an overused term, but here is a genuine style of life that has enormous appeal. The smaller footprint of the average house at The Cape and its physical connection to walking and cycling paths, the garden and, unobtrusively, to other homes is a considered decision of the man behind the vision.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

THE POWER AND THE PASSION OF THE CAPE

Brendan notes this cohesion and connection is carefully deliberate as an “antidote to the social isolation of mass produced, formulaic housing. It is socially positive design which encourages incidental contact.” But, equally, this does not feel like some sort of school camp. There are gentle, private spaces in these homes, quiet decks, pocket parks to stop at along the walking paths and as much peace as you could choose to need. Brendan proudly surveys the scene as we stroll through The Cape environs. The community garden is well underway and he gestures to the site that will seat the cafe and community kitchen, the orchard, the apiary and “Cluckingham Palace” for the chickens. He waves and greets residents as we walk past the site of what will be the bocce playing field and the off-leash dog park. We stand on a rise and enjoy the panorama. No one builds on the high ground here. It is preserved for community enjoyment of the vista not for “the big house on the hill”. Amongst the residents already living here is Tad Hendry. Tad is a genial and welcoming bloke, a friend and colleague of Brendan Condon and has been part of the development of The Cape almost since the project’s inception. His like-minded enthusiasm for everything about this community is palpable. He lives and breathes all that it lives and breathes. And live it he does. Tad invites us into his own home at The Cape which he shares with his wife and daughter. It is called Dune 1 and is designed by his own company, Adapt Design Group. It is warm and inviting, yet minimalist and hugely energy efficient. Subtle tones inside and out reiterate the notion of houses resting in their natural environment as they should. What better recommendation than building your own design in the concept community you believe in and then living in it? People here know people on a first name basis and, as we walk around, Tad speaks to and of various residents as clients who become acquaintances and acquaintances who become friends. Tad tells us of the annual “Sustainable House Day” (held in September each year) with pride and excitement. Over 1,000 people came last year. This groundswell of understanding that we need to live smarter is growing.

He comments on the peacefulness of life here, inside the beautiful, acoustically-balanced homes and outside in the quiet landscape of the coast. “Except one morning,” he laughs. “There was loud thumping out the front of the house and I went out to find a couple of kangaroos on the deck!” Nice! As a part of the team of designers, architects and builders, Tad is keen to indicate that, although there are many individuals involved, there is always a willingness, when they get together, to share ideas and learn from each other. They constantly seek to stay at the cutting edge of ideas and work to incorporate them in this benchmark development. He describes it as “coopetition”. The Cape does not rest on its laurels. Its movement forward is an organic thing because change is part of excellence. So, as we all bemoan ever-increasing energy costs, particularly in the context of extreme weather events becoming more common, here we have homes whose passive performance maintains them at between 18 and 25 degrees almost all year. Where precious water and its supply is another of our modern worries, it is collected, stored, recycled and given back to the natural environment here. When alarming statistics about increasing levels of social isolation and, similarly, physical obesity, here is a place where these things, by design, will be better addressed. On a recent edition of Grand Designs, architecture guru Kevin McLeod was speaking of exactly these things, saying that a home should be a haven but with “connection, light, space, community and sustainability” and that “to live out there (in the 21st century world), you need to be a bit out there.” Indeed. For more information about The Cape you can visit the website at www. liveatthecape.com.au at any time. Or better still, take a drive there one weekend and experience in person what is being created at this unique beachfront development on Gippsland’s beautiful Bass Coast. Look. Feel. Be inspired as you discover a better way to embrace today’s changing lifestyle in a community that is at one with the environment. Photography kindly supplied by The Cape | A Sustainable Way To Live

thelifestyle autumn 2019

A SUSTAINABLE AND CONNECTED COASTAL LIFESTYLE IN GIPPSL AND

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Family owned and run. Victoria's largest fibreglass swimming pool manufacturer. Huge range of shapes and sizes. All with 25 years structural guarantee. Servicing Greater Gippsland, the Valley and Bass Coast. 1300 WeDoPools | 0448 777 043 | ben@conquestpools.com.au | www.conquestpools.com.au

SCOPE OF WORKS The Cape eco community is a master planned residential development on the South Coast of Victoria at Cape Paterson. Consisting of over 200 homes surrounded by more than 50% of open, natural space, The Cape has very clear and prescriptive guidelines for all homes. A minimum 7.5 star rating, 2.5kW PV Solar and 10,000 litres of water storage is mandatory. With over 30 year’s experience in construction we know all aspects of our trade. Our team has extensive knowledge of the latest building products and construction techniques, combined with a professional workforce of tradespeople who share our passion for quality. It is this combination that ensures TS Constructions delivers a superior result in every project we undertake. Our areas of expertise include commercial project, premium housing and environmentally sensitive solutions and we deliver projects tailored to each client’s individual needs. We can work with a client's preferred designer or architect, or we can manage the entire project from concept to handover. Consultation and project management is a strength of our company. Our attention to OHS and Site Management is exceptional.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

TS Constructions have been working closely with Beaumont Concepts to develop the CORE range of homes. Beaumont Concepts sustainable design experts, David Leggett and Sharyn Blakemore have created this range of sustainable home design options, which pushes the boundaries of energy efficient and environmentally sustainable principles. Together they have designed and built a stylish, 173m2 single-story home (132m2 of living space) with visually impressive articulation and material selection. CORE is more than a name, it is a collaboration between designer, builder and energy rating professional to develop a range of homes which achieve optimal energy efficiency and materials sustainability whilst still being affordable for the mainstream housing market.

Core stands for ‘Carbon Positive’, ‘Zero Waste’, ‘Recycled’ and ‘Economical’. The home is a three bedroom, single level home with separate garage, generous living and two bathrooms. TS Constructions were proudly responsible for all aspects of the build, from the initial site cut through to final landscaping.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION FEATURES The home was designed with prefabricated components in mind to ease construction, reduce time frames and ensure safety. The ceiling lines, although raking, were built from timber trusses to allow easy installation. Panellised cladding was used externally to allow for Lock Up to be achieved quickly.

COST EFFECTIVENESS The home has been designed along Passive Solar guidelines with large, but well shaded windows to the North allowing for winter sun to heat the thermal mass elements of the polished concrete floors and the recycled brick thermal mass walls, but preventing the harsh summer sun from overheating the building.

ECO DISPLAY THE CORE 9

TS CONSTRUCTIONS

thelifestyle autumn 2019

A pergola constructed from PEFC certified Australian Hardwood provides some of the Northern shade, whilst clever placement of the solar panels provides the balance of the shade giving the panels a second function. Windows have been placed to allow for good cross flow ventilation capturing the south westerly cool breezes in summer off the ocean. 10,000 litres of water tanks provide all the water used by the external taps and internal toilets. The 6.0kW of solar panels on the roof are harnessed to a 4.8kW battery system allowing the owner to use their own solar energy at night.

BENEFITS TO END USER The home owners will have a place to live that will be significantly cheaper to run than a similar sized house that does not have the same level of environmental consideration. Modelling from ATA shows the house will have a zero annual net electricity bill. The homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outlook is onto a welldesigned and locally sympathetic garden that will become a haven for local fauna, birds and insects. Day to day benefits include the availability of natural light throughout the home and natural airflow. From a power consumption point of view, all standby appliances associated with the TV and entertainment units are connected to a Greenswitch to permit them to be turned with one switch. Livability is also a large feature with materials selected to reduce the amount of off-gassing encountered in the home. Features such as zero or very low emission paints, EO joinery, architraves, skirtings, claddings and natural fibre carpets all add together to create a space that has much reduced emissions and allergens.

TS Constructions 4 Mortimer St, Wonthaggi VIC 3995 Phone: (03) 5672 2466 www.tsconstructions.com.au

thelifestyle autumn 2019

CHOICE AND USE OF MATERIALS Material selection on the Core 9 has been every bit as important as the overall design.

ECO DISPLAY THE CORE 9

Materials were selected not only for their appearance but also for their sustainable characteristics. Several examples of this include: Recycled content in the concrete slabs Use of Weathertex external cladding which has a better than Carbon Zero footprint Recycled bricks to provide thermal mass Plantation grown pine for all wall framing and roof trusses PEFC sustainably harvested hardwood for external pergola LED lighting throughout for lower power costs Plaster selected for its recycled content Zero and Low VOC internal paints supplied by Haymes Aluminium windows for low maintenance in the Coastal environment.

INCORPORATION OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGN PRINCIPLES INTO THE BUILDING The home is in a unique and environmentally aware development on the South Coast of Victoria at Cape Paterson called The Cape. Comprehensive design guidelines have been produced that enforce minimum environmental standards that are far in excess of anything else in the region. This home has been designed to far exceed the minimum guidelines. The overall energy rating/ABGR/Green Star rating of the building 9.1 Stars - 1st Rate.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

WESTERN CONNECTIONS When Christine Peterson and her husband John were planning the design and build of their impressive beachside home in Inverloch known as Western 5, the real essence of the project was about encapsulating the strong connections to Christineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family history with the property. BY MEREDITH BARDWELL & CHRIS WEST

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Christine’s parents Jack and Vera Western originally purchased the heritage listed property known as Charnwood on a 4½ acre sloping block facing the waterfront at Inverloch in 1957. On the opposite side of a dividing laneway is a heritage home known as Shirwell, which has belonged to Christine’s grandparents since the early 1900s. Both Charnwood and Shirwell still stand today and remain in the ownership of members of Christine’s family. One of her three sisters and brother-in-law own Charnwood, whilst cousins from the Western family have Shirwell. For several decades, Charnwood provided the setting for summer holidays amongst Christine’s extended family. After Christine’s father died in 2006, the block was divided up between the four Western sisters, who each have an individual title within the original property. Christine and John then set about planning their own dream home on the site that held so many fond memories for them. The result is Western 5, a visually striking, architecturally designed property positioned close to the southern boundary of the block, just a stone’s throw from the shoreline. This prime location offers 180 degree water views to the south-east and south-west and an attractive bush outlook to the north. The double-storey home features a spacious floorplan that includes a large open kitchen, meals and living area, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, four toilets, a fully-enclosed alfresco and a 3.5 car garage with built-in storage and workbench. A variety of reclaimed timbers have been used in the construction of the home, which blend seamlessly with the modern look of the other main materials, primarily rendered foam and Mini Orb corrugated sheeting. Western 5 was a collaboration of the talents of local builder Mike Gibbins and Peter Jackson of Peter Jackson Design Pty Ltd, who in conjunction with Christine and John and their son John Paul, came together with a vision to create a home with the history and heritage of Charnwood and the Western family in mind.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

WESTERN CONNECTIONS

The Petersons have enjoyed a long association with Mike Gibbins, who has now built five houses for members of Christine’s family in Inverloch. “This house was ten years in the planning,” John says. “We had plenty of time to get everything right, but we were only ever going to have Mike as our builder. He’s a stickler for detail. For him, it’s got to be right. It doesn’t matter what you come up with, he’ll work with it.” Christine, John and John Paul were handed the keys to Western 5 shortly before Christmas in 2016 following the completion of a construction period that spanned approximately 18 months. The finished home is everything they had hoped for and more.

“The house is a joy to us,” Christine says. “It’s a structure of beauty and practicality.” The rich environment of water views, bird life and the bush outlook were features that impacted how Peter Jackson Design Pty Ltd went about planning the bespoke design. It was important to the Petersons that the home included natural materials had plenty of space, warmth and natural light from every outlook. The extensive use of recycled timbers helps give Western 5 its real point of difference and connection to the past. Christine was particularly drawn to the historical significance of incorporating old Jarrah posts salvaged from the railway tracks at Princes Pier in Melbourne, which were sourced from a timber yard at Kinglake. In 1916, her uncle Ivan Walker had embarked from Princes Pier at age 18 to fight in the First World War on the Somme in France and never returned. Christine and John recognised that their son John Paul’s creative insights and solutionfocused mindset would be a great asset to the project and he was integrally involved throughout both the design and build processes. John Paul re-designed large aspects of the home, including the addition of the second storey, with two additional bedrooms, bathroom and open living space and enclosing and extending the Alfresco/ Entertainment area. Both Christine and John had a few personal wish-list items for inclusion in the final design. For John, other than the home being a happy place for family and friends to gather, his main criteria was for it to be warm and include a music room for him. John’s wishes have been fulfilled. Wallmounted hydronic heating and a gas log fire ensure he is never cold. Double glazed industrial windows also allow the sun to stream in and retain the warmth within the home.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Soundproofing features including double glazing to all the Industrial glass doors, internal and external, noise cancelling clips on the ceiling joists and Firecheck Insulation in the walls, have also been incorporated into the design by John Paul to ensure the enclosed alfresco area can be used without disturbing the privacy and tranquillity throughout the remainder of the home. Christine adores her NEFF kitchen, which includes lighting under the island bench, as well as under the bench in the walk-in butler’s pantry. “We usually only have those lights on at night and can just sit and watch the sunsets. It’s really quite beautiful,” Christine remarks. “I also love the black reflective splashback in our kitchen and the French Oak floor,” she adds.

Upon entering Western 5, you instantly feel the richness of the natural materials and the light surrounding you. The inclusion of seven skylights along with floor to ceiling windows ensures the home is filled with brightness and natural light. There are subtle curves throughout the home that soften the straight lines. Christine mentions that a Timorese friend suggested this as an important feature in a home. The house has flexibility. A staircase built from reclaimed timber leads to the upstairs level which includes its own living space and two of the home’s six bedrooms, along with a Murphy bed to add to its capacity to accommodate flexible numbers of guests. With its spaciousness and the versatility of the features in its floorplan, Western 5 is a great house to be creative in and is perfect for entertaining.

“The design of the house is about being very inclusive,” Christine says. “I have a large extended family and have always adopted an open house approach to people visiting or staying with us.” The home stays cool and comfortable in summer. Large sliding glass doors with Freedom Retractable insect screens can be opened up to allow the refreshing sea breeze to filter through. Mike Gibbins says that from a builder’s perspective, the main challenges in the construction of the home were figuring out how to pull all the timbers together and how the connections would work. The complexities of the roof also presented some challenges for the younger tradesmen in his team, but Mike is proud of the end result of all his work on Western 5.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

WESTERN CONNECTIONS

“You can’t build a home like this with any great speed,” he observes. “As I look over the house I appreciate all the angles. Everywhere you look there’s detail. I think it’s probably the most interesting house in Inverloch.” Mike and his team enjoyed working with the natural and recycled materials such as the upstairs window frames restored from the original Charnwood property. Such is the quality and uniqueness of the home, Peter Jackson Design Pty Ltd entered Western 5 into the 2018 BDAV Awards, where it received a commendation for excellence in the use of recycled materials. Milled timber from Coastal Manna Gums cleared from the block prior to construction was also saved for use in landscaping furniture outside the home. For Christine, John and John Paul, Western 5 has successfully achieved its aims. The long hours of deliberations and decision making in the planning process ultimately paid off. They now enjoy living in their beautiful home that has been created in faithfulness with the property’s historic past, whilst adding the best in contemporary design features to ensure many new memories are made for their family today and in the future generations to come. Photography courtesy of Peter Jackson Design P/L

Ph. 03 9557 4790 | www.peterjackson.net.au

thelifestyle autumn 2019

DESIGNS BORN FROM EXPERIENCE

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a new home for your business or your family, we will create a design that exceeds your expectations. Set an appointment with one of our designers today to get started.

GETTING THE BEST RESULTS We have an extensive and experienced group of building industry professionals at our disposal who bring their expertise to every project when required, creating a one-stop shop approach to the design and documentation process.

CUSTOM HOMES The open and consultative approach of db design, combined with an intimate knowledge of good design practices, passive solar design principles and construction techniques leads to stunning results that are a pleasure to live in for years to come.

COMMERCIAL DESIGNS db design is a recognised leader in the commercial field through award-winning designs that have quickly become iconic in the region.

47 GRAHAM STREET WONTHAGGI VIC 3995 | 03 5672 1144

www.dbdesign.com.au

db design outside the box WORDS: CASEY HALL

ORIGINALLY A BUILDING SURVEYOR, DARREN BROWN MOVED INTO THE BUILDING DESIGN AND DRAFTING FIELD IN 1996, ESTABLISHING DB DESIGN FROM A SMALL OFFICE IN SAN REMO. MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS LATER, THE EVOLUTION OF THE BUSINESS HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLE. Today, db design is based in Wonthaggi and Darren has established himself as one of the local region’s leading building design professionals. His highly sought-after designs can be found throughout the Bass Coast and surrounding areas. Darren’s work portfolio covers everything from custom designed homes, multi-dwelling residential developments, renovations to small and large scale commercial design projects, all of which carry elements of a distinctive coastal style. Sleek, contemporary lines mixed with different materials and shapes give each building a unique connection with its Victorian coastal, country or township location.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Sitting where he describes as “somewhere between a draftsman and an architect,” Darren is a man with vision that goes far beyond four walls. Darren heads db designs, a company that bears not only his name but champions his signature ability to think outside of the box to integrate style and liveability. Darren prides himself on a unique ability to connect with each client’s individual wants and needs, whilst embracing sustainable building methods and good design philosophies to create a result that is functional, yet stylish. “Each design begins with a process of discovery and investigation to develop the best design suited for each individual client,” he says. This extensive level of client consultation allows for the creation of a design brief that captures not only the significant features, but also considers the tiny details that make your home - well, your home! Darren oversees an extensive and experienced group of designers and building

industry professionals, who bring their expertise to every project as required, creating a ‘one-stopshop’ approach that streamlines the pathway to the project you envision. Essentially, db design provides a holistic approach to building a home, in which Darren wants to allow the client to focus on their overall vision and leave the stress of the mundane details and tasks to him and his team. Instead of worrying about permits and regulations, or having to spend time coordinating multiple services and trades, db design acts as overseer of all these details and brings everything together, as the team project manage the design and documentation process. Darren wants his clients to have the time to focus on forming and perfecting their dream design and to remain inspired by an overall vision. He doesn’t want his clients to be bogged down by the “boring technical stuff” that can dampen enthusiasm.

“WE TRY TO MAKE THE PROCESS AS SEAMLESS AND ENJOYABLE AS POSSIBLE FOR THE OWNERS,” DARREN SAYS. “I would rather they be on Pinterest finding the latest ideas for their kitchen and other finishes then leave us to worry about how to make it happen! “No two design journeys are the same; so it follows that each requires a unique combination of designers, builders and trades to suit the particular project. With db design you can be as discerning as you like and take complete ownership of the process as we work together in a pursuit to exceed expectations.” As Darren explains, db design has established a working association with many reputable local builders, each of whom is a trusted professional with different strengths and specialities.

Once the preliminary design of a home is completed, the working drawings are tendered to a selection of local builders who are experienced in the required scale and style of that particular construction. Darren introduces you to builders he feels are suited to the project, or you may have a particular builder in mind. “It is very important to find the best building partner for your project, that you are comfortable with and ensures value for money,” Darren notes. Whilst each design is customised, Darren likes to help bring out the potential of a design concept with elements of his signature style. The Rip Curl store at Phillip Island is one of the most striking examples of Darren’s style, incorporating earthy tones, steel and timbers with blue and grey hues reminiscent of the nearby ocean. A good example of designing a building, be it commercial or residential, to suit its location.

This clean-cut yet natural style is also mirrored in his many residential home designs throughout the local region, including the building from which the db design team work in Wonthaggi. “Why work in an office? Homes are what we do, it makes the process more relaxed and personable for our clients,” Darren says. The quality of db design has been recognised with multiple industry awards and their environmental credentials are endorsed with HIA GreenSmart Professional accreditation. So, if you are seeking a unique and hassle-free design and build process in Bass Coast, South Gippsland and surrounding areas which will be easy and comfortable but deliver a stylish and sustainable home that’s a little bit ‘outside of the box’, db design can tailor an innovative and energy efficient design to suit every location and your lifestyle. Images kindly supplied by db design

thelifestyle autumn 2019

AT G R O W M A S T E R T R A R A L G O N I N S P I R AT I O N A W A I T S Y O U

GROWMASTER TRARALGON

COME TO GROW MASTER FOR ALL SHOPPING, GIFTWARE, HOME WARES, LADIES FASHION AND GARDEN SUPPLIES OR CHOOSE A GIFT CARDÂ

W E A R E Y O U R D E S T I N AT I O N For advice, range and quality. For an experience and a garden encounter that will enchant you. For solutions, inspiration and motivation. Wa n d e r t h ro u g h t h e l a y e r s o f o u r b e a u t i f u l G a rd e n C e n t re , e a c h s t e p l e a d i n g you into another chapter of ideas for your home, garden and lifestyle.

Hours | Monday to Sunday 9.00am - 5.00pm 62 Argyle St, Traralgon Vic 3844 Ph: (03) 5174 2861 Em: growmastertraralgon@yahoo.com.au www.growmastertraralgon.com.au

thelifestyle autumn 2019

The upper Thomson River

We all live downstream

There has been a lot of focus recently in the national media on the Murray Darling Basin and NSW river systems, but what about the health of our local Gippsland rivers? West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s CEO, Martin Fuller, said a range of projects are underway aimed at improving river health and resilience right across Gippsland. “We believe healthy rivers are at the heart of healthy communities,” said Mr Fuller. “But when we talk about river health, we actually have to look at the bigger picture – the whole catchment. “It’s important to remember that the activities that happen within towns, businesses and on farms will impact the waterways in the catchment area. Gippsland rivers are extremely important to our community, but healthy river systems also have statewide importance.” The Thomson River gathers its waters from the slopes of the Baw Baws where it is filtered by the alpine peatlands and forms a river. The river descends 970-metres over its 170-kilometre course before joining the Latrobe River near Sale. In the upper reaches of the Thomson River is the Thomson Dam that provides around seventy per cent of Melbourne’s water storage.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

While the river is a major source of water for Victoria, it also plays a vital role in the Gippsland environment. “Our work on the Thomson River is a great example of how we approach river health,” continued Mr Fuller. “Up high in the headwaters, we have our willow control program. Through this program we target willows upstream to stop them from becoming a downstream problem. This is a really cost effective program and will save thousands of dollars down the track. “Further down the river, we work with farmers to fence off and revegetate their waterways. This creates a filter for the run-off from the farm as well as providing a corridor for wildlife. “This is where we also treat established willows, removing them and then re stabilising the banks with native vegetation.” These works also help build the resilience of the river so it can withstand the impact of flood and other unpredictable events.

“Within the Thomson River catchment, we have programs that work on farm efficiency. These might be aimed at improving irrigation efficiency or keeping nutrients and sediments on farm. These programs have a dual benefit. There are real cost and productivity savings for the farmer but also health benefits for the river and the local environment.

“Our farmers know that while their farms have boundaries, their impact doesn’t and many of them work hard to have a positive impact on the environment.” Connecting rivers and allowing them to flow through their original course is an important part of river health. Past practices mean that rivers have been straightened or bends chopped out of them. This can mean the river flows too fast in a flood, stirs up sediment or in some cases, prevents migratory fish passage.

The Upper Thomson River

THOMSON RIVER FISHWAY “One of our most important projects now is to reconnect the Thomson River at Horseshoe Bend,” continued Mr Fuller. “The Thomson River was heavily mined in the late 1800s early 1900s. At this time a tunnel was built through Horseshoe Bend to divert the original course of the river, allowing alluvial mining. “The tunnel and the Thomson Dam have meant that water flows around Horseshoe Bend only six percent of the time. This has effectively stopped native fish migration.” The Thomson River fishway is currently under construction and when complete will see sixty per cent of water flow through the tunnel and forty per cent around Horseshoe Bend – allowing fish consistent and long-term access to 84 km of pristine habitat above the tunnel.

The Aberfeldy River, a tributary of the Thomson River

Horseshoe Bend Tunnel inlet, near where the Thomson River Fishway is being created.

“Horseshoe Bend is a heritage listed site because of its gold mining past,” said Mr Fuller. “Ensuring that this heritage is protected has been an important part of this project. Sixty per cent of the water flow will still go through the tunnel, so that visitors to the site will still be able to enjoy this experience. “It will also mean that the river is connected, right through from the Gippsland Lakes up to the alpine reaches of the Thomson and tributaries. “River connectivity is one of the key principles of ecosystem health. Like we plant trees to create wildlife corridors, a fully connected river is like a wildlife corridor for aquatic species. They can move up and down the river as part of their lifecycle or, as is sometimes the case, to move away from bushfires and other threats.” The site at Horseshoe Bend is closed to the public until mid-2019 while the fishway is created. For more information about West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority visit wgcma.vic.gov.au or follow them on Facebook @WestGippslandCatchmentManagmentAuthority.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

PRESTIGE & PERFORMANCE GIPPSLANDERS SEARCHING FOR THEIR DREAM PRESTIGE VEHICLE ARE FLOCKING TO THE REGION’S MOTORING MECCA, WHICH NOW INCLUDES TWO VEHICLE GIANTS ADORED BY BRAND LOYALISTS. Gippsland Motor Group prides itself as the premium vehicle specialists, and after taking over the local Land Rover Dealership three years ago, it has worked to bring its brands together in the one home.

“Land Rover has been in the Valley for 30 years as Massaro Motors then Gippsland Motor Group,” explains dealer principal Marco Tripodi. Over the entire three decades sales manager Charlie Calafiore has built up a huge loyalty in the Land Rover brand, which is now extending to Jaguar. One of the most important parts in the journey to unity has just been unveiled with the official opening of the new Jaguar and Land Rover showroom.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

“Part of the brand’s identity worldwide was to get into this look showroom. With 10 brands across the group in total, we’re now five brands on one super site, and we’re now Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Land Rover, Suzuki and Isuzu on this site. So, from a business perspective it was about the consolidation of our Brands on two sites. “If you’re going to be in cars in Gippsland, this is the motor strip to be on. Being that Jaguar is new to us, and it hasn’t been in the Valley for over 20 years, to launch another prestige brand locally, it made perfect sense to place it in the strip where we have BMW 500 metres down the road and Mercedes Benz 100 metres up the road. The space that we picked is ideal.” Marco says buyers are itching for vehicles to fill the gap in the market left by the exit of locallybuilt cars.

New showroom and official opening of the new Gippsland Jaguar and Land Rover showroom

ARE NOW TOGETHER

BY ANITA BUTTERWORTH

STRETCHING ACROSS A SECTION OF THE PRINCES HIGHWAY IS A MOTORING STRIP OF EPIC PROPORTIONS, THAT UNFOLDS BETWEEN MORWELL AND TRARALGON. AND THE LUXURY VEHICLE HAVEN HAS JUST WELCOMED A DEDICATED JAGUAR AND LAND ROVER SHOWROOM. “It’s opened the door to the people that were spending $60,000 and $80,000 on SS Commodores and HSVs and high-end Fords to go, ‘what else is out there?’ – we can’t get something that’s built locally, there’s now a myriad of options out there. We’re seeing a lot of local people take to it.” As evidence of the esteem in which both brands are held, Jaguar and Land Rover enthusiasts from across Gippsland and beyond converged on the dealership with their vintage vehicles for the grand opening. More than 20 classic cars created the perfect backdrop against the shiny new showroom that houses both Jaguar and Land Rover. “We’re big supporters of the Land Rover Owners Club of Gippsland,” said Marco. “We host their meetings on the first Monday of every month.

In the old showroom we were doing it and we’re doing it again in these showrooms. So really strong affiliation. Charlie our sales manager is the secretary of the club.” Gippsland Jaguar discovered that the Jaguar Car Club of Victoria has a Gippsland register – enthusiastic drivers who love sharing their Jags with other vehicle aficionados. “The followers of those two brands are loyalists. So, a lot of the people we had here at the opening are driving classic Jaguars and then some of them have got their classic cars and are using Jags as their everyday cars as well, which is the same as the Land Rover fraternity. The old Land Rover adage was ‘dipped in green’ – once you had it, it was you forever. And we’re noticing the same thing with Jaguar people that are loyal to the brand.”

The passion for the brand has extended to Gippsland Jaguar Land Rover, which regularly showcases vintage and classic cars and are planning to continue bringing rare vehicles into their new building. They’ve already been flooded with offers from car enthusiasts who delight in sharing their pieces of history with the wider car-loving community. And such is the trust built by Gippsland Motor Group in all its guises over the past three decades in Gippsland, that these car collectors are willing to loan their most prized possessions for sometimes weeks on end. “The little red convertible that’s in the showroom now, which is estimated to be valued somewhere around $250,000 – the gentleman who dropped that car off last Monday, isn’t even a customer of ours. He is just an enthusiast who is happy to display his car.” Photos by Anita Butterworth & Thomas Smith

The Gippsland Jaguar & Land Rover showroom located at 5535 Princes Highway, Traralgon

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Stony Creek Go-Karts is now well and truly one of the highlights of South Gippsland.

■ Hire Karts ■ BYO Kart Membership (Day/Yearly Rate) ■ Corporate Days ■ Group Bookings ■ Birthday Parties & Functions ■ Driver Education ■ Phoenix Kart Agents ■ Kart Sales & Spares ■ Café

Please check website for dates and times.

PH : 5664 7272

EM: info@stonycreekgokarts.com.au For more information visit stonycreekgokarts.com.au Please Note: When Stony Creek Racing Club is holding a race meeting the venue will be closed. During the winter period the venue is closed mid week unless prior booking is made. 42

thelifestyle autumn 2019

OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10am

CAMPION BOATS ARE BACK IN AUSTRALIA

BOATING SINCE 1964

71-77 Chickerell Street, Morwell 3840 P: 5134 6522 E: info@crawfordmarine.com.au www.crawfordmarine.com.au

MEMBER

thelifestyle autumn 2019

WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK ITS TERRAIN IS ENIGMATIC AND SUBLIME, ENRICHED WITH STORIES OF HUMAN SURVIVAL AND GEOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Wilsons Promontory National Park is God’s country. Its terrain is enigmatic and sublime, enriched with stories of human survival and geological transformation. The Prom, as it is affectionately known by locals, is a world in miniature, made up of heathland, forest, woodland, rainforest and wetland areas. It is Yiruk or Wamoon to indigenous peoples, and the Gunakurnai and Boon Wurrung both utilised the area as a summer food source. During the past ice age, Aboriginal people used the Prom as a land bridge that connected Tasmania to the mainland and its indigenous history is signalled by the presence of middens in the area, containing the remnants of shellfish, bones and other artefacts. European discovery is thought to have occurred in 1798 by George Bass and Matthew Flinders. The area became a hub of commercial activity for sealing, grazing, whaling and timber harvesting, and these activities continued for nearly one hundred years. But the Prom also became a refuge for others; escaped convicts, immigrants and settlers that made up the fledgling country of what is now the great nation of Australia. For instance, there is Chinaman’s Beach, so called because of the Chinese immigrants who moved into the area in the hope of finding gold. They commenced commercial fishing and fish curing operations, mainly of calamari, which was exported to China and Southeast Asia. On the eastern side of the Prom, there is John Suey Cove, named after another Chinese immigrant who operated a fish curing business in the 1860’s. The nearby Monkey Point is named for his precious pet monkey. Then there is Biddy’s Cove, named after an escaped convict who made camp at Mt Singapore, far from lawmakers and the shackles of imprisonment. The eponymous lady found work with local pastoralists and was eventually given her freedom, thanks to the support of her employers. The Prom’s 50,500 hectares of majestic beauty abound with many such stories. But there are also evidence of non-human stories … of a geological time when the Earth itself was taking shape. For instance, the Prom’s numerous offshore islands formed some 350-390 million years ago from molten rock rising from the sea bed. These have since eroded into granite peaks of all shapes and sizes. Impressive granite formations decorate the entire coastline of the Prom… formations that looks like fists, elephants and whatever your imagination may conjure. There is no better way to see this unique coastal environment than by boat. Wildlife Coast Cruises offers a full day cruise along this spectacular coastline. Fully catered, with morning tea and a delicious buffet lunch, the trip includes a leisurely cruise past the Prom Lighthouse, the Kanowna Island seal colony and a visit to the aptly nicknamed Skull Rock, named for its resemblance to a human skull. Skull Rock, or Cleft Island, boasts a giant cave and the depth of the sea surrounding the formation allows the boat to be manoeuvred close to its face and under its protrusions, an experience not to be missed. The boat also drops anchor at beautiful Refuge Cove where passengers can have a swim or a walk in the peaceful bushland surrounding the beach. On the journey, there are regular sea bird and dolphin sightings. The dolphins, in particular, love to play in the wake of the boat, offering fantastic photo and video opportunities. The cruise departs from Port Welshpool and coach pick up is available from Cowes, San Remo, Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Meeniyan or Foster (subject to availability, fees apply). Port Welshpool is easily accessible by car and only a stone’s throw away from Foster. Accommodation is also readily available in the area. This amazing journey offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a magnificent wilderness area, rich in history, stories and geological evolution. The Prom will satisfy any kind of wanderlust because it is nothing other than God’s country. www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au

thelifestyle autumn 2019

LEONGATHA RSL

Leongatha Returned Services League SubBranch recently celebrated their 100th year with various activities including a Saturday night gala dinner with live entertainment, attended by RSL State President Dr Rob Webster and past State President David McLachlan AO (Ret’d). A Thanksgiving Service was held on the Sunday at The Place of Reflection at the Leongatha Recreation Reserve near the Avenue of Honour. The Leongatha RSL received its charter on January 3, 1919. Since then it has grown and now has more than 2500 members. The club today provides a place for social connections for veterans, former service men and women and the general public in a comfortable modern venue where they can enjoy drinks, meals and view an extensive range of service memorabilia. Three staff members that were heavily involved in the preparations for the centenary are Anne Davies, Manager, Wendy Wyhoon, the welfare and activities coordinator, who has worked for the RSL for 12 years and Ricky McNaughton, the assistant manager who has worked for the club for more than 20 years.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

“The RSL venue is a medium size but probably a large one for the area,” Ricky said. “We can seat 120 in the bistro and the same number in our members lounge. We can also cater for dinner meetings upstairs for about 20 – 25 people.”

They are however, expected to become a member after the first visit, if they live within 10 kilometres of the club but the cost to become a member is gained back quite quickly though points and discounts.

Wendy said the club is well supported by members and there are more tourists coming through the town and new people moving into the area that find them. “Many comments made are about how much they love Leongatha RSL because it’s personable and the staff are always pleasant.”

Apart from service memberships, the club has affiliate memberships, which is for anyone that hasn’t served themselves but have a family member that has. It could be an uncle or sister, a person that is deceased or a living son or a daughter. Social membership is for members that don’t have any personal or family service record. Wendy said all members whether they are affiliate members, social members or service members all receive the same benefits and discounts.

“Although the club is a substantial size, it’s family-friendly and still has that small country feel,” Ricky said, “which is something we never want to lose. When Joe Blow walks in off the street, we generally know what he drinks. We also have members that come in for dinner on particular nights and want their certain table, which is always booked for them.” He said Member’s Nights, which are Thursdays and Fridays offer them the chance to win raffles and a weekly members' draw. “We purchase the prizes from local businesses around the town so it’s supporting them as well,” he said. “We have free live entertainment on the first Friday of the month and I try to get in local acts that play from 7 to 10 pm.” Wendy said patrons coming in don’t have to be a member, they have the option of signing in.

Ricky said they also have the same reciprocal rights as well. “If a member from here say goes to Phillip Island for the day and wants to have lunch at the RSL there, they can use their membership card and receive the same discounts and accumulate points as well. It’s the same in all RSL venues throughout Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. The remaining states are governed differently and a separate membership is required.” Apart from the main venue, the club also has a Veteran’s Resource Hub close by, which according to Wendy is a type of drop in centre for veterans, veteran’s families and for the community as well. “We have a large library there containing donated books, a pool table, a dart board and the coffee pot is always on.” She said the facility is often used by community groups and sporting clubs as a meeting room.

Centenary

By Wendy Morriss

Major.H.Pern A.A.M.C. A.I.F.

Leongatha group taken at heliopolis in egypt 16th January, 1916 (after Gallipoi)

“Friday mornings we have a local Knit and Natter group come in. For the centenary, the group along with the local Probus ladies knitted around 800 poppies. The poppies along with 25 more from a woman who came in off the street were all sewn onto a camouflage canopy that was displayed during the celebrations in the Leongatha Memorial Hall.”

Leongatha Sub-Branch Ladies Auxiliary 1960 left to right: Mai Riseley, Mrs R McIndoe, Jessie Motton, Iila Burchell Mrs Parson, Lesley Hunt, Lorna Goldsworth & Mrs Bond

The Memorial Hall, which was built in 1926, is where the Leongatha RSL first held meetings until their club rooms were built. Anne believes that when the community were raising funds to build the hall, the RSL contributed £1000 on the proviso that when the hall was built, they could hold their meetings there until their clubrooms were available. She said the RSL club rooms had to be built as a house to obtain the building supplies they needed. It was built on the current site and opened on July 19, 1952 by Lieutenant-General the Honourable Sir Edmund Herring, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Victoria.

Leongatha RSL 1972

Members of the No:33 RSL District Board last meeting of the board at the Leongatha RSL Club - 27 February, 2003

thelifestyle autumn 2019

LEONGATHA RSL

Centenary

Ken Wanklyn (President) Ricky McNaughton, Michelle Andrews Anne Davies (Manager), Wendy Wyhoon, Andrea Koolen

The club’s founding president was Dr H Pern, who served during the First World War, the secretary was Mr A Bryan and Mr W Wilson was the treasurer. “Back then, women weren’t allowed to become members even the women that had served, so The Ladies Auxiliary was established and they did all the catering until 1986,” Wendy said. “They were allowed to feed everyone but they weren’t allowed to join.” Ricky said in 1972, the original building was extended and reclad in brick. In 1996, it was again extended, refurbished and opened by the then RSL State President Bruce Ruxton. On December 11, 2009, major extensions and refurbishments of the Leongatha RSL were officially opened by State President Major General David McLachlan. These new extensions and refurbishments included new offices and meeting rooms. The same year, the club was awarded the Victorian RSL Licenced Sub-Branch of the Year and long serving committee member Rod Cameron, who was president at the time, was inducted into the RSL hall of fame. Photography by Wendy Morriss Historical Images kindly supplied by Leongatha RSL The Member’s Lounge

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Bar staff - Travis Strybosch, Nick Tuckett Ricky McNaughton

The Bistro

thelifestyle autumn 2019

lifestyle | coast | country

food + wine + accommodation Focusing on our extraordinary winemakers, our abundant and wonderfully diverse stays and of course our amazing food providers, producing fare from lush Gippsland farms or creating delectable dishes for the table.

index BASS RIVER WINERY – LATE SWEET WHITE WINES BASS STRAIT – PURE SOUTHERN BEEF BLUE HILLS RISE – CRANBOURNE EAST BRANDY CREEK ESTATE - THE FURIOUS FLOCK BREEDING THE BEST AT MERLEWOOD – ANGUS BEEF BRENT SINCLAIR – FIT FOR A FEAST BRENT SINCLAIR CATERTING - LEONGATHA | FEAST ON US CAPTIAN’S LOUNGE – INVERLOCH FISH CREEK HOTEL FOSTER SEAFOODS HARMAN WINES – DELIGHTFUL, NATURAL FAMILY WINERY HARMAN WINES – WATTLE BANK HARRY’S ON THE ESPLANADE – NOW SELLING JINDI CAF LEONGATHA RSL LITTLE RED DUCK – IN THE HEART OF NOOJEE LIVING THE DREAM – DAVID & ANNETTE MOGFORD MANSI - LUXURY ACCOMMODATION - SALE MEENIYAN GARLIC FESTIVAL MIRBOO NORTH ITALIAN FESTA MOO’S AT MEENIYAN MORWELL BOWLING CLUB MOUNTAIN VIEW LEONGATHA NEERIM SOUTH IGA PLUS LIQUOR PHILLIP ISLAND RSL - COWES ROSEDALE BUTCHERS ROYAL HOTEL DROUIN THE CAPE TAVERN – CAPE PATERSON THE GRANTVILLE GENERAL THE GURDIES WINERY – FIELDS OF INQUIRY WILLOW GROVE DUCK INN WONTHAGGI STREET FESTIVAL

84-85 71 146-147 2 58-61 76-78 79 53 67 64 54-55 56 70 103 65 88-90 80-81 91 72-73 62-63 74 69 66 92-93 75 69 51 57 68 82-83 99 52

gippsland culture index ALI FULLARD ARTIST STUDIO ALI’S ART PAGE – HELEN BANKS EXHIBITION BRIAGOLONG ART GALLERY CHRIS KANDIS ART – WITHOUT PIER GALLERY GRIGORYAN BROTHERS AT THE WEDGE IMOGEN PRICE – BALANCING ACT KENNETH WILLIAM DAVID JACK – WITHOUT PIER GALLERY LAURIE COLLINS SCULTURE GARDEN & RED TREE GALLERY SCULPTURE CULTURE IN YINNAR SWING REVIVAL QUARTET – THE GOLDEN ERAS THE WEDGE – CANNED HEAT THE WEDGE – CIRCUS OZ WITHOUT PIER GALLERY - CHELTENHAM YINNAR’S GIPPSLAND SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

Gippsland lifestyle / coast /country A: PO Box 862, Wonthaggi 3995 P: 0404 301 333 E: thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au W: www.gippslandlifestyle.com facebook.com/lifestylegippsland instagram | g_the_lifestyle

thelifestyle autumn 2019

127 126-127 127 138-139 125 132-135 140-141 137 131 122-124 137 131 143 128-129

A FA N SELE TASTIC C THE W TION O F ON HOS DERFUL P IT AL GIPP SLAN ITY TO O D HAS FFER

Bar The Royal Hotel Drouin still offers fantastic country service and the atmosphere of a truly great local pub… 120 years and counting! Public Bar Bottle Shop

11am - Late 11am - Late

(Mon-Sun) (Mon-Sun)

Dining Our new menu is jam packed with awesome dishes from your favourite pub classics to Springa’s hand picked specials. Book a table for lunch or dinner, or pop in for a cold beer and some tasty bar snacks! Lunch Dinner Dinner

12:00pm - 2pm 5:30pm - 8pm 5:30pm - 8:30pm

(Mon-Sun) (Sun-Thur) (Friday-Sat)

From the exciting new menu to the freshly renovated function rooms and accommodation, the Royal Hotel Drouin is through and through a brilliant meeting place for food, drinks and a great time. Got a function coming up? You can’t beat the Royal Hotel Drouin, give us a call today!

Functions Parties, seminars, receptions, birthdays, weddings, conferences, wakes… you need it, we’ll provide it! Our function rooms are ideal for any kind of occasion, small or large. Give us a call today and let’s start planning your next function!

Accommodation Planning a function with guests travelling from afar? Our newly renovated rooms are just what you need! Put up your guests for the night, or have a room to retire to once the festivities have ended! MIDWEEK FROM $70-$140 PN

The Royal Hotel Drouin 2/4 Main S Road, Drouin VIC 3818 | Phone (03) 5625 1620

theroyalhoteldrouin.com.au

FANTASTIC LIVE MUSIC CARNIVAL & AMUSEMENT RIDES DELICIOUS FOOD STALLS ROVING PERFORMANCES ART & CRAFT MAIN STAGE AREA LOCATED IN WISHART RESERVE. Lovely grassed area in McBride Avenue, between the council buildings and the old secondary college building. Located at the bottom (north end) facing up (south) the hill. THIS AREA WILL BE A LICENSED AREA AND ADULTS WILL NEED TO PAY $5 PER HEAD TO ENTER. THE YOUTH BUSKING STAGE will be set up about 100 metres downhill (north of the main stage), facing downhill (north) and the top end of McBride Avenue, between Graham Street and Watt Street, will be closed. CARNIVAL RIDES will be located in Watt Street and the Youth Hub, which is located in the old CFA building (in with the boxing club) will have an ART GALLERY / OTHER ACTIVITIES going on during the day.

SATURDAY 13TH APRIL, 3PM - 10PM

Nicky Bomba's Bustamento AFTER SPENDING THE LAST 2 YEARS PERFORMING AROUND THE GLOBE, BUSTAMENTO HAVE RETURNED TO MUSICAL SHORES WITH A GREAT COLLECTION OF SONGS CAPTURING THE INTERNATIONAL FLAVOUR OF THEIR INTREPID TRAVELS. ...Mediterranean Blue with a Burgundy Fez... tilted just enough to know there's a hybrid in the house. Byron Bay Boogaloo meets African horn snappin' goodness. Glastonbury mud shuffles with a New Orleans blood transfusion. Jamaican Reggae Bootysway with a hot Trinidadian Sauce.. Mexican love songs sprinkled with Middle Eastern Desert dust. Tropical Palmswayin' musical droplets in the key of Reflection... Parisien Tap Dancin' flurries with a cheetah at your heels. "Dance boy, Dance!" It was all there to be discovered. Time to style up, get in with the scene and sharpen our sensibilities...

Enquiries: info@wonthaggibusinesses.com.au OR phone the Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association on 0427 587 104 Follow us on Facebook: Wonthaggi Streets

D I N N E R T H U R S D AY - S A T U R D AY BOOK NOW ON

L e ve l 1 o f Th e I nv y Es p y H ot e l 1 A â&#x20AC;&#x2122;B e c ke t t S tre e t , I nv e r loc h 3 9 9 6 f u n c t i on s@i nv ye s py.c o m .a u w w w. i nv ye s py.c o m .a u

| S U N D AY B R U N C H

5674 1432

NICOLE & DAVID HARMAN

DELIGHTFUL, NATURAL HARMAN WINES Multi-award winning Harman Wines vineyard and cellar door is located in Wattle Bank with beautiful, coastal rural views and only a short drive north of Inverloch. The family run business is owned and operated by David and Nicole Harman who happily produce superb cool climate wines for all occasions. They also manage a cellar door where patrons can enjoy wine tastings, platters of local produce and sensational wood-fired pizzas in a relaxing tranquil setting.

Since then, they have continued to plant vines almost every year with another two years of planting ahead of them to have half the property under vines. They have planted several varieties but they are predominately chardonnay and pinot noir closely followed by pinot Gris, Shiraz and viognier as well, which is an experimental grape. The next stage of their venture was building a cellar door, which they started in 2012 and opened to the public in November 2014.

The endearing couple purchased the four-hectare property in 2004 as a bare block that was once part of an old horse stud. “There wasn’t a blade of grass or any plants,” David said “just a lot of fenced small yards for horses.”

David said they started with a loose plan that was more of a vision and they have evolved as things have progressed. “In a way we let the line run to see where it takes us and every now and then we take stock and work out where we want to go from here and then go a little further.”

He said they did very little for the first few years to let the land recover. “We wanted to see where the grass grew back, where it was going to be naturally lush and where it would struggle. When we found the best place to plant, we put in the first six rows of vines, which were chardonnay and pinot noir.”

The successful project has been a wonderful tree change for the couple who previously lived in Melbourne where they both grew up. Nicole worked in marketing for a community organisation and David had a career in IT. “We probably work more hours now than we have ever worked but we love it,” David said.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

“When I was about 16 or 17, my family went across to the Barossa Valley and while they were doing some wine tasting in the Seppeltsfield Winery, which is a gorgeous old winery and cellar door, I went for a wander around the vineyard reading all the plaques. I read about the history and the romance of the way they did something through every season, how they employed people during the depression and the cordials and other by-products they had come up with through different eras. I really loved the idea of all that, yet I went off and followed a sensible career in IT for a number of years, but I had caught the bug and the call of the grapes has always been there.” David made his first hand-crafted wine as a hobby and then made a little more each year. The hobby grew and in 2010, they decided to sell the wine commercially. “We are now nine years on and making more each year,” he said. His main role in the business is winemaker and managing the vineyard. “We are very much noncertified organic so our approach in the vineyard is really only providing what the plants need with compost and compost teas as the major inputs

FAMILY WINERY VINEYARD & CELLAR DOOR BY WENDY MORRISS

and then organic sulphur and copper spray based on needs. We are fortunate here with the wind. The site really doesn’t struggle much with disease because there’s usually enough air movement to keep the vineyard relatively dry and not too humid. I oversee the transformation of the grapes, getting them in and doing as little as possible to them. We let the reds ferment naturally with wild yeast from the environment and we try to go with an unfiltered and unfined approach letting gravity do its thing until the solids drop out. I like to let nature do its thing rather than be in a rush. It means it might take an extra six months to get the wine out but it doesn’t matter. We’re happy with the result.” Nicole said her role is everything else but mainly managing the cellar door where visitors and customers see her as the face of the business. She also manages the marketing, social media and coordinates their functions and events. “I help a bit in the vineyard as well with the netting, picking and processing, we all do; the whole family get involved and help.”

Five staff members are employed on a rotational basis on weekends and some work when the winery is open through January. “We open on weekends and offer lunch services consisting of platters, shared platters featuring local produce and wood-fired pizzas, and on Sundays we have live music performed by local musicians. We have a nice small team of staff that are amazing, we all get along really well and its fun.” David and Nicole have been married for 20 years and have two children. Jenna who is 14 years and James, who is almost 12, are both involved in the business. “Each vintage they stomp on grapes and help out,” David said. “James enjoys working with me in the vineyard and is less interested in the wine making, whereas Jenna has very little interest in the vineyard per say, apart from a few cameo appearances, but loves the wine making element of it.”

The business has won several awards with the latest being the 2018 Bass Coast Shire ‘Business of the Year’. “That was huge,” Nicole said, “and so exciting.” Sustainability is one of the family’s core values. All the waste from the vineyard and cellar door goes into a worm composting system with chemical free treatment. At the end of last year they also put in a solar system that has supplied 90 percent of their electricity for the last several months. This year they plan to extend the kitchen and add a small tasting room and auxiliary bar so they can hold functions and tastings at the same time. “We just keep evolving and do new things,” Nicole said. “For the first time later this year, we will be hosting weddings, which is exciting and a little nerve racking.” Photography by Wendy Morriss

Nicole said they live in Inverloch and not on the property yet but the next stage of the project is building a home. “We decided from the start to establish the winery and cellar door first.”

thelifestyle autumn 2019

HARMAN WINES

S O U T H G I P P S L A N D • Delicious Wines • Wood Fired Pizzas • Live Music • Amazing Views • Family friendly •Functions • Local Produce

OPEN 11AM-5PM WEEKENDS | WOOD FIRED PIZZAS Check website for more information and for our live music dates

612 Korumburra-Inverloch Road, Wattle Bank (C441) | Ph: (03) 5611 3857

www.harmanwines.com.au

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF CAPE PATERSON NEW OUTDOOR LICENSED DINING AREA BISTRO – A GOOD VARIETY OF DISHES WITH SPECIALS CHANGING DAILY BAR – A GREAT SELECTION OF BOUTIQUE BEERS AND CIDER BOTTLESHOP SPECIALISING IN LOCAL WINES REGULAR EVENTS INCLUDES MUSIC USING LOCAL MUSICIANS CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR LATEST NEWS & EVENTS

Market Place Surf Beach Rd CAPE PATERSON, VIC 3995 Ph: (03) 5674 8122 w w w.th ec a p eta ver n .c om visit our facebook page

BREEDING the BEST at

MERLEWOOD

We all know that Gippsland produces some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best beef, finished on clean local pastures. But, you may not know that the region is home to renowned beef breeding operations that are leading the industry. Meet Daniel and Anne Marie Barrow of Merlewood Angus.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Daniel and Anne Marie Barrow have a love for farming with dual infectious personalities!

Eleven years since their initial land purchase of 230 acres at Mirboo North, Daniel and Anne Marie have honed their craft after working in non-farming backgrounds. With experience in construction quantity surveying for Anne Marie and many years in oil and gas for Daniel, both are methodical operators and with a highly professional approach to beef production.

“We were interested in the beef game and then specifically south Gippsland for its reliable rainfall. We started out backgrounding steers. It was good fun for a while but deep down we had a burning desire to breed black Angus cattle,” Daniel explains. Driving down ‘Barrow Highway’, Anne Marie talks through the property, which was an ex-dairy farm and had already been set up for rotational grazing. Evolving to a seed stock model now sees Merlewood Angus join 270 cattle both naturally and via a dedicated AI program with eggs from the best producing heifers to 45-50 recipient cows. Their core business as a seedstock producer sees Merlewood Angus currently bringing 40 registerered Bulls to their annual autumn on-farm sale which is in March of every year. In addition Daniel and Anne Marie currently sell commercial mobs of steers and heifers once they hit a desired weight range. Anne Marie and Daniel certainly have their eye on the whole supply chain and are happy to be able produce a natural beef product that is fit for the purpose of chefs or consumers and provides an excellent eating experience – all while implementing regenerative agriculture practices. “We try to be as natural as we can and have moved over to a broad use of non-synthetic fertilizers like fish emulsions, natural NPK’s and natural Causmag or Guano pellets which are all mixed on site and spread as part of our grazing regime. We’re always looking for products that can be more natural,” Daniel adds.

Undulating country is often referred to as flat country (in comparison to really hilly ground!)

Merlewood Angus has signed up with the Greenham Never Ever Program which was established in 2012 to source, certify and promote premium quality natural grass-fed beef from producers across Southern Australia.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Daniel and Greenhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sean Kallady having a look at the Bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress

Young cattle are put onto oats during the winter for the feed gap and oversewing oats tackles the problem of dormancy in the Lucerne.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Once we get the grass, we get gains of up to 3kg per day for these Bulls

From birth until slaughter, all the cattle in the third party audited program are 100% Grass Fed and free from antibiotics, added hormones and importantly, attain the Certified Humane accreditation. The Humane certification being a key draw point for Merlewood Angus as Daniel and Anne Marie both farm with love and respect for their cattle. So why Never Ever? “We were really glad to be presented with the Never Ever program and what Greenham are trying to do. In fact it is in line with our philosophy. To be honest, we’d looked at other grass fed programs over the years but we never joined up for any of them because they didn’t cross all the T’s and dot the I’s.

We were happy to sign up and associate our name with a brand that promoted humane handling of animals grazed on natural, healthy soils,” says Anne Marie. “Obviously our main market is producing seed stock but we really want our 330-350kg heifers and steers to go onto other Never Ever finishers or at least have the opportunity to sell into an accredited program with all the carcase feedback that we can then use to improve our breeding methods.”

They have a 5 year plan and a distinct vision about where they want to take their business. One of the key areas is stewardship and how they want to leave their farm, “In a better condition to what they found it, for the next generation.” “Every one of our partners, whether it is the pasture genetics rep or the natural farming products guy, or Greenham knows where we want to be and how we can get there together.

The Merlewood Angus Bull Sale will be held on March 22nd. www.merlewoodangus.com.au For more information about the Greenham Never Ever Program, please call Nikki Gilder on 0427 838 535

“Same goes with our bulls – we’d prefer for other breeders to keep our genetics in Gippsland and keep them on grass rather than going to feedlots up north,” Daniel adds.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

The Italian Festa held in Mirboo North continues to be one of Gippslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular annual events. Thousands of people visited Baromi Park on Sunday 10th February 2019 to be entertained by singers, dancers, cooking demonstrations, competitions and free kids activities. A celebration of all things Italian, the crowd had access to over 70 food and drink stalls, and 50 market stalls. Viva Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;italia! Words and Images by Lisa Maatsoo

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Specialising in Local Fish

Order Your Seafood For Easter

For all

the best in fresh

Seafood

For all the best in fresh seafood, there is none better than Foster Seafoods This shop has everything for the seafood lover. Alice and Lachie Duncan have added new lines to their business along with the freshest and best fish caught locally within Corner Inlet and Bass Strait.

On offer are freshly cooked Prawns, Moreton Bay Bugs, Crayfish, freshly opened Oysters, Mussels and a large variety of Local Fish â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whole or filleted; along with our beautiful sauces. Just give us a call or drop in. You are always welcome!

And you can be assured that the quality and service is still the best!

Crumbing: Sardine and Garfish fillets Smoking: Hot Smoked Atlantic Salmon, Chilli Mussels & Smoked Sardines all in Olive Oil Pickling: Local Scallops, Oysters with Tartare and Seafood Sauce, Home Made Chilli Sauce on the Mussels

35 Main Street, Foster, Vic 3960 Tel/Fax: (03) 5682 2815 Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm, Saturday 8:30am - 12:00pm Contact: Alice and Lachie Duncan

thelifestyle spring 2015

LEONGATHA RSL •

BISTRO OPEN 7 DAYS

New Members Welcome. Reciprocal rights with RSL'S in Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania

Members Happy Hour

Members Discounts On meals and drinks 2 Function Rooms available Members Draw $800-$1000 to be won

Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere Gluten Free, Kids Menu all available Reservations required for most nights of the week

Seniors Meals

Monday to Friday Now Available Fantastic Members Nights every Thursday and Friday

NORMAL TRADING HOURS

EASTER TRADING HOURS

CONTACTS

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

OFFICE: RECEPTION: BISTRO:

11.30AM - 10PM 10AM - 10PM 10AM - 11PM 10AM - 11PM 10AM - MIDNIGHT 10AM - MIDNIGHT 10AM - MIDNIGHT

ANZAC DAY THURSDAY | 25TH APRIL 12.00PM – 8.00PM

5662 2012 5662 2747 5662 4487

www.leongatha-rsl.com.au Find us on Facebook

BOOK YOUR FUNCTION TODAY AT LEONGATHA RSL

Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Any Special Occasion Catered for Business Breakfasts Seminars

CALL RICKY TO ORGANISE A QUOTE! Corner of Smith Street & Michael Place, Leongatha

CORNER OF SMITH STREET & MICHAEL PLACE, LEONGATHA

thelifestyle autumn 2019

The iconic Fish Creek Hotel (1939) is a magnificently imposing Art Deco building located in the heart of Fish Creek. Seven comfortable upstairs bedrooms and nine motel units provide accommodation. With the Great Southern Rail Trail and art galleries on its doorstep, award winning wineries nearby and only 25 minutes from the gates of Wilson’s Promontory, it is ideally located as your accommodation base.

Enjoy a plate of fresh handmade Gippsland pasta. Craft Beers on Tap The Bar has TAB facilities and also provides Foxtel on a giant 100” plus HD screen to show all sports live. ◊◊◊◊◊ The Fish Creek Hotel ArtSpaces - a new exhibition space in the Art Hub of Fish Creek featuring local artists. ◊◊◊◊◊

BISTRO O P E N 7 DAYS

LUNCH Mon – Fri: Midday – 2pm Sat – Sun: Midday – 2.30pm

THE

DINNER Sun – Thur: 5.45pm – 8pm Fri – Sat: 5.45pm – 8.30pm

FISH CREEK HOTEL

1 Old Waratah Rd, FISH CREEK, Vic 3959 (03) 5683 2404 www.fishcreekhotel.com.au

BAR OPEN Mon – Sun: 11.00am till late

THE GRANTVILLE GENERAL

has an innovative menu, keeping your health and taste buds in mind. Our seasonal menu supports local producers and makers where possible. We use compostable take away products, reducing our environmental impact and encourage our like-minded customers to bring their own containers.

The Grantville General’s philosophy is to provide quality, real food and exceptional coffee and beverages. Our practices also support to reduce waste and landfill and minimise single use plastic. Our extensive plant-based, Vegan dishes will delight and are often also gluten free. We also cater for the wholesome meat eaters and use free range, natural beef supplied by Macca’s farm 3km’s down the road. At the Grantville General we care about food, environment and we care for our community. Open 7:30am – 3pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 3pm on the weekends, come in and try us for your next breakfast date or lunch.

2/1509 Bass Highway, Grantville | Phone: 9070 8109

MORWELL BOWLING CLUB

The Morwell Bowling Club is the ultimate in function dining! We delight in meeting your every requirement, through personalised professional service, attention to detail and friendly staff. The Morwell Bowling Club provides wedding packages or we can tailor to suit your needs. Morwell Bowling Club caters for group bookings, and is great for children. OPEN SEVEN DAYS - SERVING LUNCH, DINNER, COFFEE & DRINKS RESERVATIONS OR WALK-INS ARE WELCOME Visit www.morwellbowls.com.au for news and upcoming events. NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOME Winner of Peoples Choice Award 2014 for Excellence in customer service

Winner of CCV 'Best Bowling Club'

Finalist of CCV 'Club of the Year'

52 Hazelwood Road Morwell 3840 Ph: 03 5134 3449 Em: functions@morwellbowls.com.au www.morwellbowls.com.au

ROSEDALE BUTCHERS Local Family Owned Country Butcher

Three generations of Vaux Family owned and operated business since 1977. In 1986 their first smokehouse was purchased and then later in 1992 a second larger smokehouse was obtained and are still used today, which allows them to produce the quality products that Rosedale Butchers have become known for. Ray and Janet Vaux took over the business in May 1977 with their son Neville starting his apprenticeship with them and eventually he and his wife Debbie took over the business in July 1995. In turn, in 2012 their son Matthew after completing his apprenticeship in 2012 took on the job of smallgoods making and created the line of Mattyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gourmet Sausages.

Call now for all Meat and Smallgoods Needs 32 Prince Street, Rosedale 3847 Ph 5199 2210 Like us on Facebook www.rosedalebutchers.com.au thelifestyle autumn 2019

HARRY'S ON THE ESPLANADE - PHILLIP ISLAND RESTAURANT - FREEHOLD AND BUSINESS

NOW SELLING

ONE OF REGIONAL VICTORIA’S FINEST RESTAURANTS WITH A POSITION TO MATCH. SET ON THE FIRST FLOOR WITH SPECTACULAR CLOSE WATER VIEWS. THIS SUCCESSFUL PHILLIP ISLAND RESTAURANT IS OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION, BUSINESS AND FREEHOLD. WITH SEATING FOR UP TO 120 GUESTS THIS PROPERTY REPRESENTS AN OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANISATION TO ESTABLISH A FOOTHOLD IN VICTORIA’S BUSIEST TOURIST DESTINATION. OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE WITH A LA CARTE, TOUR BUSES AND EVENTS.

17 THE ESPLANADE, COWES, PHILLIP ISLAND PH 03 5952 6226 WWW.HARRYSRESTAURANT.COM.AU

MEENIYAN GARLIC FESTIVAL 2019 HELD ON SATURDAY 16TH FEBRUARY Photographs by Lisa Maatsoo

thelifestyle autumn 2019

moo’s at meeniyan Restaurant & Café

TRY OUR NEW DELICIOUS TAPAS MENU SOUTH GIPPSLAND’S TOP FOOD, WINE AND SERVICE

Savour the flavours at Moo’s at Meeniyan Restaurant & Café, which has a relaxed, fun ambiance.

Hours of Trading

Thursday to Monday 8.30am - 4.30pm | Dinner Friday & Saturday Nights from 6.00pm

moo’s at meeniyan | 89 whitelaw street, meeniyan vic 3956 Phone: (03) 5664 0010 | Email: eat@moosatmeeniyan.com.au visit www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au

PHILLIP ISLAND RSL – A VENUE FOR ALL OF LIFE’S OCCASIONS BIRTHDAYS/CHRISTENINGS | ANNIVERSARIES | WEDDINGS | CONFERENCES/MEETINGS | WAKES

Lone Pine Bistro located at the gateway to Cowes Family friendly and Fully accessible Vegetarian, gluten free, children’s and senior’s options Kids playroom, monthly Funday Sunday and free Playful Puggles playgroup Wednesday mornings Function rooms ideal for weddings, reunions, seminars, wakes, parties

OPENING HOURS PHILLIP ISLAND RSL MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM TO 1AM SUNDAY 10AM TO MIDNIGHT

Phone: 03 5952 1004 BH

Enquiries: functions@pirsl.com.au

LONE PINE BISTRO PHILLIP ISLAND RSL LUNCH: NOON TO 2PM DINNER: 5.30PM TO 8.30PM

Visit www.phillipislandrsl.com.au

BRENT SINCLAIR

FIT

FOR A

FEAST

FROM FOOD-ON-THE-GO TO THE BEST IN FINE DINING EXPERIENCES, BRENT SINCLAIR HAS FOUND THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS THAT HAS MADE HIM ONE OF GIPPSLAND’S MOST IN-DEMAND CATERERS. WORDS: CHRIS WEST

Although he has not yet reached thirty years of age, Leongatha-based chef and catering business owner Brent Sinclair has been cooking for over twenty years.

Brent Sinclair Catering became a full-time concern in late 2015. As owner/ chef, the business has been shaped by Brent’s personal desire to the best in Gippsland and his willingness to dare to be different.

“I grew up on a diary farm at Stony Creek and started cooking the meals at home for my parents and three younger brothers from the age of about eight,” he says.

“There are a few more competitors out in the local catering marketplace nowadays. It used to be just me and a couple of others doing it. Now there’s about half a dozen of us,” he observes.

“Part of growing on a farm was that everyone was expected to help out. My job was to cook dinner.”

Brent has built his business on a foundation of good, old-fashioned family values and providing a high quality service.

Brent found his niche in the kitchen and never contemplated doing anything else for a living.

“The business has really taken off and has become extremely busy now. We are doing three to four events every weekend and do a lot of catering for corporate customers and the education department during the week,” he says.

“From as early as the age of five, I only ever wanted a career as chef,” he reflects. After commencing as an apprentice chef at the Fish Creek Hotel, Brent later moved to Inverloch where he completed the remainder of his four-year apprenticeship at the Inverloch Hotel. “My grounding was in pub food, cooking meals for the bistro,” he says. After finishing his apprenticeship at the age of 21, Brent moved to Melbourne and found employment as in-house chef for leading professional services firm KPMG. “I spent four and a half years at KPMG doing all their corporate catering for a variety of functions and events, including boardroom lunches and cocktail parties,” he explains. “That role provided me with my introduction to fine dining and was very different from preparing pub food. It was like doing my apprenticeship all over again.” The position at KPMG was a Monday to Friday job, which allowed Brent to come back home to the farm at Stony Creek with his parents on weekends and kick-start his own catering enterprise in his free time. “I started doing little bits and pieces for people on weekends and those requests started to increase via word-of-mouth,” he says. “In my last year at KPMG, I job-shared with a lady who returned from maternity leave. I was working a seven-day fortnight in the city and then have three days off to do my own thing in the country.” An integral part of elevating Brent Sinclair Catering to a new level was his decision to purchase a property in Leongatha to become the base for his Gippsland work. “I did some renovations in the back yard and put in a commercial kitchen,” he says. Having tested the water part-time for about three years, Brent recognised that owning his own catering business was something he really wanted to do full-time rather than as a sideline, so he decided to take the plunge and pursue his dream. “Things had become busier with the work in Gippsland and I was getting less hours with KPMG in Melbourne under the job-share arrangement,” he recalls. “It wasn’t worth the hassle of driving into the city, paying rent up there and also paying a mortgage down here.”

Brent has a team of casual employees who he can call upon to help with events as required. His parents Daryl and Fay are also always on-hand to lend invaluable assistance and support.

Brent Sinclair Catering covers the full gamut of events, whether it’s a lavish wedding, an elegant cocktail party, a corporate conference or afternoon tea, a mouth-watering gourmet barbecue or private party for any occasion. “We do all sorts of functions. Nothing’s too big or small for us,” Brent insists. “Recently, we even provided lunch packs for the Herald Sun Tour Down Under cycling event.” Of all the culinary delights Brent prepares in his kitchen, baking sweets and cakes is what he enjoys most. Cake making has become one of his specialties. “I do cakes for weddings, birthdays or any special celebration,” he says. Brent is content to concentrate the lion’s share of his work engagements within the South Gippsland area. As a guide, he tries to contain the location of his catering bookings to within an hour and a half travelling time of his home base in Leongatha. “Having said that, I did go as far as Cape Otway once,” he says. Brent prides himself on using the best quality fresh produce, often sourced locally from Gippsland suppliers. He also promises a personalised experience for each client. “If there’s anything they want, we’ll make it for them. We offer a menu which is sent out but have the flexibility to be able to tailor it to the customer’s individual requirements. You have to take into consideration that everyone has different likes and tastes,” he notes. Amongst Brent’s major goals with his business are a focus on creativity and offering a point of difference from his competitors. “We want to inspire our customers and also be inspired by them,” he says. Affordability is another important consideration for Brent Sinclair Catering. Regardless of whether an event is on a modest scale or extravagant, Brent aims to offer his customers value for money.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

“It’s all part of keeping our clients happy,” he comments. One decision that has created a real point of difference for Brent’s business was the addition of a mobile food truck in late 2017. “I had seen the American food trucks on television and decided I wanted something like that myself,” he explains. The food truck operates as a separate arm of the business under the banner of Feast On Us. “As it is well equipped and fitted with ovens, the truck has become something of a dual purpose asset,” Brent states. “It can be taken to public events, but I also use it when I’m catering for weddings and other larger functions. That is a real bonus for me, as is no longer having to load equipment on and off at every event which certainly makes life a lot easier.” Many locals would have seen the Feast On Us truck at public events and festivals around the region, or at the beach over summer. The delicious fare prepared on board keeps the customers well fed and coming back for more. “The food truck menu depends on what sort of event or location we’re going to,” Brent says.

“It has more capability than just serving burgers or tacos. That’s why I called it Feast On Us, because we can offer so much more.” Brent finds his current workload across the catering company and the food truck enterprise to be busy but manageable. He is unsure whether he has the appetite to keep expanding the business at the rate it has been growing since its inception. “What I have at the moment suits me. If we go bigger I would have to buy a bigger property to accommodate the growth. I’m a bit in limbo about which way to go with it,” he admits. Looking back on the past decade, Brent believes the contrast and variety in his formative years as a professional chef have served him well in terms of developing the skills and know-how that he is putting the good effect in his business today. “I progressed from preparing pub food in the country to fine dining in city. These are two totally different aspects of cooking, but I learnt that you can cross them over. Our business demonstrates that it is possible to produce massive amounts of food in quick time but also make it top quality for the higher end as well,” he says. One thing is for certain. Whatever the nature and scale of the event, Brent Sinclair Catering’s many satisfied clients never go hungry. Photography by Doug Pell

thelifestyle autumn 2019

TRUCKING AROUND GIPPSLAND TO ALL YOUR EVENTS, WE CAN CATER ANY LOCATION. We are fully self-contained and can take care of everything including attendants. BOOK US FOR LARGE SCALE FESTIVALS - EVENTS - CORPORATE FUNCTIONS.

We also offer catering for many other occasions including birthdays, weddings and engagements. You can find us at Markets around Gippsland and we can prepare our menu to suit your event.

When looking for a superior culinary experience from an intimate gathering to a lavish banquet choose Brent Sinclair Catering. Relax and have the Brent Sinclair Catering team handle all the details and tailor any menu to perfectly suit your event.

Call Brent Sinclair on 0447 728 547 146 McCartin Street, Leongatha, Vic 3953 E: brent@brentsinclaircatering.com.au www.brentsinclaircatering.com.au

thelifestyle autumn 2019

David and Annette Mogford at their new country home

LIVING THE DREAM

after a lifetime of challenges DAVID AND ANNETTE MOGFORD, WHO OWN AND OPERATE THE COWES NEWSAGENCY, HAVE RECENTLY FULFILLED THEIR DREAM TO LIVE ON A PEACEFUL COUNTRY PROPERTY WITH A SMALL VINEYARD. By Wendy Morriss They now commute from their new home in Hallston to work in their successful business two to three days a week. “We’ve been here for eight weeks so we still have a lot of boxes to unpack but it’s really nice,” Annette said. “We love the views, the peace and quiet and we love the wildlife. We have little wrens hopping around, kookaburras, king parrots, various cockatoos, a family of koalas and wild deer. It’s just beautiful.” David who has had a long-held interest in wine making said the vineyard is an ideal size with several good varieties of wine grapes and he has future plans to put in an orchard. For the last nine years, the couple have lived in the rural town of Cowes close to the business after a lifetime of challenging experiences that have taken them to the other side of the world. David, who is originally from South Wales in the United Kingdom, came to Australia in 1995 with his then wife and three children to work for a company called Amcor in Melbourne.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

He arrived with the position of State Manager for Victoria and Tasmania with 250 employees. Sadly, within the first three months his wife left them and went back to the UK. ”It was a difficult time,” he said. “I didn’t know anyone in Australia, I had a demanding new job and three children to get off to school each day.” After a return trip back to the UK and an unsuccessful attempt to reconcile with his wife, he returned to Australia with the children and said they somehow muddled through. Sometime later, he met Annette on a blind date that was organised by their employers. “We went to Tolarnos in Melbourne, talked all night and we’ve been together ever since,” he said. Annette, who grew up in Melbourne, was separated with two children of her own. “When we met they were 10 and 12 years old and David’s children were 13, 14 and 15 so it was a pretty challenging time for a few years and we had a very busy household but we all got through it,” she said. The couple were married in 1997, two years after they met.

She said in 2006, while David was working for an American recruitment company called Westaff, they travelled to Mildura for a weekend break. “David said I love this place why don’t we buy something here so we did. We purchased a 9-hectare property with sultana grapes, merlot grapes and currants. We sold our house in Melbourne and moved, which fortunately David’s position allowed for and he opened an office in Mildura. It was a huge learning curve because we knew nothing about it. We dried the sultana grapes and currants and sold them to Sunbeam Foods and we sold the merlot grapes to the local Yellow Tail winery.” It was there that David developed more of an interest in wine making and he experimented with a few varieties until the company he worked for offered him a position as Managing Director in their UK office, which had 24 branches nationwide. He accepted and they sold the Mildura property and moved to the UK. “We lived in a small village surrounded by farmland,” Annette said. “We realised then that we really liked country life and being in the country.”

David Mogford amongst the vines with Chloe and Alfie

Their dogs Alfie and Chloe

First wine grapes

David said within six months, the company that had offices in America, Australia, New Zealand and the UK decided they wanted to divest and he was asked by the CEO if he wanted to purchase the UK part of the company. “We didn’t have a lot of money but we managed to buy the business and stayed in the UK longer than we expected to. At the time, it was turning over £140 million a year but then later the global financial crisis hit and the business started to struggle, so we sold it and came home. “I started looking for work but after applying for more than 20 jobs just as a salesman, I couldn’t even get an interview, so we went to Phillip Island looking for a business to buy and the Cowes Newsagency was for sale.” “My parents had a holiday house in Cowes for a long time and had moved there permanently,” Annette said, “so we knew the Island well, we knew the newsagency well and we knew we didn’t want to live in the suburbs anymore. Again we embarked on something we really knew

nothing about so it was another huge learning curve. We worked really hard, about 10 hours a day seven days a week for the first 12 months and we’ve been there now for nine years.”

She said they built a house in the town and were really well centred but over the years, Cowes had become much busier and there had always been this underlying thing about wanting some space and a bit of peace. They are both still very involved in the business and said fortunately they have fantastic staff, which enabled them to wind back the hours they spend there, so they sold the house and moved to their 1.2-hectare property in Hallston with their dogs Chloe and Alfie and their cat Molly.

as well. Brewing and wine making is a hobby I’ve had for a long time. I’ve always made wine, beer and cider and I’ve become better at it. Normally I would buy the grapes but now I can grow them and produce wine from my own. I was told when we bought the property that the vineyard could produce 600 bottles of wine so we won’t be producing it commercially but I want to produce enough to share with others. We’re going to call it ‘Two Dogs Valley Wine’ and we’ll keep living the dream.” Photography by Wendy Morriss

“The grapes in the vineyard are pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and merlot,” David said, “so we’ll make a lot of different varieties of wine and there are some fruit trees

thelifestyle autumn 2019

FIELDS OF INQUIRY

THE GURDIES WINERY Words by Stu Hay

Every vintage at a winery is an experiment bound by the changing variables of sun, wind, temperature and rain. The only constants are soil and Varietal. Human manipulation is required in the vineyard and winery and these inputs can be measured and replicated. The outcome each year always has an element of surprise. This unending experiment just has to be catnip to an inquiring mind. Enter the Biochemist. Dick Wettenhall had retired to a small holding in Grantville that had an acre or so of Tempranillo to keep his mind and body active after a long career in universities. He was a frequent visitor to the Gurdies winery for a glass and a chat about things Vinous. When the owners wanted out, the possibility of a purchase was floated with Dick and he decided to chance his hand at the business side of his hobby. Unsurprisingly his children thought he was mad taking on 60-70 hour weeks at the age of 65. In truth I also asked him if he was mad. Dick was not mad. He wanted a challenge and a scientific yet creative outlet for his continuing capacity to work.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

The let down for him was how few of those 70 hours were exciting, glamorous or creative. There is a lot of cleaning and maintenance in producing wine. His first years were involved with the rehabilitation of the vineyard and changing its public persona. Previously The Gurdies was a 7 day a week bus tour destination which had a steady flow of Bucks, Hens and overseas tourists keeping the cellar door busy and leaving no time for qualitative focus. Focus is a key word for Dick’s winemaking style. Complete focus is on the process from grape to glass, almost too scientific as he shares an anecdote from his early learnings with his friend Marcus Satchell. Marcus asked him to add five grams of yeast nutrient to a ferment. Dick pulled out the super sensitive scales and began adding grains of nutrient building towards the five grams. Ten minutes later Marcus came and found him halfway through the process. With a bemused smile he shoved a teaspoon in the jar and said, “Here mate that’s five grams”.

Dick is passionate about the variables in producing wine and fatalistic about the inputs outside of his control. He is happy with his soils, which are heavy and loamy at the high point of his vineyard, and the somewhat sandier soils he has below the winery. He gets lighter more structured grapes on the sand and richer heavier grapes on the loam. People familiar with The Gurdies location above the Bass highway before you get to Grantville will be aware of the exposed nature of the partly forested hill that rises there. While Dick and I were talking we had to occasionally yell over the roaring wind and clattering hail. Dick describes his vineyards climate as cool and acknowledges all the challenges that brings. High winds make for poor fruit set, and rain and cold at unfavourable timing can affect yields and quality. The upside is naturally low yields and slow cool ripening in good years provides superlative fruit for which Dick’s vineyard is well known in winemaking circles. Speaking of which Dick is keen to acknowledge the early and ongoing help he has received from some good friends he has made in the small Gippsland winemaking community.

COOL CLIMATE WINES

OF SOUTH GIPPSLAND Marcus Satchell of Dirty Three Wines was a key adviser on Dick’s early vintages and he also seeks advice and discussion with Rick Lacey from Purple Hen wines, as they share a fascination with the technical aspects of Fermentation and best practice in the vineyard to maximise fruit quality. As an untrained winemaker the assistance of these two men during Dick’s ten year journey has been invaluable. The Gurdies has ten or so acres under vine which include many classical varieties. Of particular interest to Dick is the Shiraz and Riesling while he acknowledges the important place Chardonnay and Pinot Noir play as hero varietals for the region. Recently The Gurdies have had some conspicuous success with Chardonnay. Dick’s 2017 Chardonnay took out the Premiers trophy at the Victorian wine show for best Victorian Chardonnay. A huge accolade that should get a few Yarra Valley, Mornington and Beechworth winemaker’s attention. Dick particularly enjoys the Alsatian style of dry yet rich Riesling.

He has had success at the Gippsland wine show with an off dry Riesling which is a style the current field of judges is trying to encourage in Gippsland. It is a more Germanic style that seeks to balance acid and intense fruit with a creamy hint of sugar.

He would love to see more high class eateries and accommodation business arrive to provide a total wine touring experience. His enthusiasm is infectious and I can see the Mercedes and Audi rolling down his driveway in my mind’s eye.

Dick describes himself as a numbers driven winemaker who is learning the art of sensitive mouthfeel. He is introducing some of the more character building variables like whole bunches to his Shiraz ferments, and eliminating out of favour variables like American oak barrels.

Dick feels that the open and free sharing of ideas, equipment and expertise are what are required within the Gippsland winemaking fraternity to achieve the market penetration and critical acclaim that will attract the attention and interest of the day tripping masses.

Dick is determined to keep learning and researching his art and improve his wine’s reputation and pedigree. Dick is passionate about the Gippsland wine region. He sees no reason why The Gurdies can’t resemble the Mornington Peninsula one day with a similar density of wineries and tourist numbers. All the conditions are right, it is just the critical mass of associated businesses that is missing.

We discussed the various forms and entities Gippsland wine may one day mature into, with little success, and this is the ongoing conundrum for our geographically massive region. Finding the answer may be a job for a retired university researcher! Photography by Stu Hay & kindly supplied by The Gurdies Winery

thelifestyle autumn 2019

LATE SWEET

thelifestyle autumn 2019

WHITE WINES

By Frank Butera

Generally the last grapes to be picked are those destined for late sweet white wines, they have to wait until the end of autumn and in most cases the vines are bare of any leaves. At that point, they don’t look very good: brown, shrivelled, and rotten. Picking them requires patience. When grapes are allowed to hang on the vine after they are fully ripe, they begin to lose their juices. As a result, sugar and acids become concentrated. This is the natural process for the production of the elegant sweet wines. Two factors (mostly) make the process possible: on the one hand, the skin of the fruit becomes thinner and thinner, until it allows water to pass through. On the other hand, there is the appearance of the grape mold Botrytis cinereal, whose spores grow through the skins and leave behind microscopic holes. The first produces raisin-like, shrivelled fruit; the second covers the shrivelled fruit with a mold. These two factors have the same effect: they cause the water within the berries, which is originally 90 percent of its bulk to evaporate through the now-porous skin. The outcome is that the relative concentration of the other components of grape juice, the extract increases.

Sweet wines are usually made from late-picked grapes or grapes, which have undergone some kind of concentrating process. The reason is that to make a sweet wine you need to start with a high sugar concentration, so that when some of it has been fermented to produce alcohol, there is still some unfermented sugar remaining. One of the rare sweet white category is ice wine. This wine gets a special quality by being harvested and crushed while frozen. Obviously, for this to happen freezing weather is required. Since the water content of the berries has largely turned to ice, what little juice can be pressed out contains a very high proportion of sugars, acids, and other extract components. In other words, the lower the temperature and the more solidly frozen the grapes, the more concentrated the must. The grapes have to be at least at minus 7°C when they arrive at the presses. Other common methods of concentrating the juice are by freezing the juice in a tank, so that a large ice-block forms, and the remaining super-sweet juice is then drained away to ferment and make a sweet wine. Another method is to snip the vine’s canes a few days or week before picking, to stop the sap flow and encourage the grapes to shrivel. A method known as cordon cut.

At Bass River we have developed a hybrid method to the freezing grapes to develop our Iced Riesling wine. The grapes are picked at optimum acid and sugar levels, the grapes are then pressed and transferred into our freezer. The temperature of the grape juice is then lowered to minus 7°C to form ice blocks on the surface of the juice. The ice is removed, and the remaining juice is intensely sweet. We have developed a process of fermenting a portion of the juice to dryness. The two portions are then combined, that is the fermented wine and unfermented juice. The result is a balanced acid sweet wine with citrus and lime characteristics underlining orange-marzipan sweetness at normal wine alcohol.

There are various examples of Gippsland sweet wines, these wines are labour intensive and as a result are generally priced a higher than conventional table wine. It’s often a great wine to finish a meal or share with dessert, often served in smaller portions. Frank Butera is the wine maker at Bass River winery. frank@bassriverwinery.com

thelifestyle autumn 2019

FLY

ADDICTION By Wendy Morriss

Corey fly fishing the Latrobe River, Noojee

VICTORIAN RIVER TROUT

A UNIQUE, WILD ANGLING EXPERIENCE Corey Milner, a born and bred West Gippslander recently established an exciting new commercial venture to share his lifetime passion for fly fishing, using his expertise, experience and intimate knowledge of the many, amazing angling waters in the Gippsland Region. Corey said Gippsland offers an exceptional range of picturesque fishing locations that cater for the first time fly angler all the way through to the seasoned campaigner. It could be sight fishing in hidden, clear mountain streams for a prized wild trout or catching an Australian Bass on a dry fly in the foothills of Mt Baw Baw. His business known as ‘Fly Addiction’ caters for all levels of experience and he provides everything his customers need. “Whatever they want to do, we happily cater for accordingly to give them the best experience they can possibly have,” he said.

FISHING FOR AUSTRALIAN BASS ON BLUE ROCK LAKE, GIPPSLAND

Although Corey has spent much of his time fishing with his father, he has also spent a lot of time learning with professional fly fisherman and guides and is excited about sharing those skills with others. He will be assisted in the business by his mates Rick and Wayne who are also expert fly fisherman guides that he has fished with since primary school. They fish in the Gippsland rivers for trout, the Blue Rock Lake for Australian Bass and every year they spend a few weeks in Tasmania to fish the lakes for trout. “Fly fishing is a sport that people often get really addicted to,” he said. “It’s about more than just catching a fish. It’s being able to spot the fish before casting and being able to cast well. It’s the challenge of using the right fly and the places you go are always nice. Many fly fishermen tie their own flies and it’s always nice to catch a fish on a fly you’ve made yourself.” He said there are many advantages to having a guide. “We provide everything our customers need, we take them to where the fish are and we teach them how to cast and how to fish the river or lake. We teach them more about the different areas and take them to new places.” For more information call Corey on 0477 453 967 Photography by Wendy Morriss + Corey Milner FISHING FOR TROUT ON A TASMANIAN CENTRAL HIGHLAND LAKE

While building the business, Corey works some hours as a sub-contractor in landscape gardening and concreting, which he finds easier and more flexible than previously working for himself in the same industry. It’s one he has worked in since completing a landscaping apprenticeship he commenced at the age of 17 but he hopes his new business will take over and become a fulltime commitment. Fly fishing is something he said he has done since he was old enough to walk. “My father has always been a keen fly fisherman and I always tagged along. I was able to cast a fly rod on my own for the first time when I was about 10 years old, and it’s been since then that I’ve taken to it more seriously.” He said around the same age, when his father thought he was ready, he took him to Tasmania for the first time to fly fish in the central highland lakes. “Fly fishing in Tasmania is a very different experience. We walk around the lakes in deep water and cast our lines in strong winds so they are big days. The trout caught look and taste very different to the trout in Victoria. They are lake fish, not river fish and their flesh is a rich orange to red in colour.”

thelifestyle autumn 2019

The Little RedDuck Rosie Duck / The Little Red Duck

Produce from the kitchen garden

in the heart of picturesque Noojee

Herbs from the kitchen garden

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Employee Brooke Peters, Shane & Rosie with some gourmet foods

Café & Store By Wendy Morriss

The exceedingly popular Little Red Duck Café, in the heart of the serene picturesque town of Noojee, now has store items for locals and campers and a wonderful provedore devoted to exploring local gourmet foods and produce.

Shane the chef with some of his treats

Rosie & husband Simon Duck on the café verandah

The café is contemporary with an old-fashioned touch and a friendly, country atmosphere. It is situated close to the beautiful Latrobe River and not far from the iconic Trestle Bridge, Toorongo Falls and Mt Baw Baw snow fields.

Six people, who all live locally, are employed in the café on a shift basis and Rosie gets in more help when she needs it, from staff working in the other venues.

It is owned and operated by Rosie and Simon Duck, business owner of the Noojee Hotel, affectionately known as the Nooj, and the Willow Grove Duck Inn.

She said the provedore was part of the plan from day one, but it has taken time to source the products that people want and it’s still evolving. The reason for it was so patrons could enjoy a meal and take something nice home with them as a memento of their visit. “We started with our own packaged blend of coffee beans, Noojee honey and honeycomb supplied by Eric Duffy and a large range of homemade chutneys, and sauces from St Fiacre’s farm in nearby Neerim South. Since then we’ve added artisan breads, dairy products, local pasteurised free range eggs and Weyhill Farm garlic granules and salts, which are popular. We have Tambo gourmet jams and preserves, Darryl’s natural peanut butter, which is made from freshly roasted Australian peanuts with a pinch of sea salt, and King Valley natural popcorn in salted caramel, lightly salted and chilli and parmesan.”

We assume that Rosie Duck, who is an endearing, shorter than average redhead, is the Little Red Duck. She is the face of the business and manager of the café and store. In the café both she and her staff serve all day breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. They offer perfectly brewed coffee, quality T2 teas, light meals, a variety of house made cakes and sweet treats and a selection of Peter’s gourmet and traditionally flavoured scoop ice cream. Rosie and Shane her chef, who has exceptional culinary skills and 20 years’ experience in the industry, both cook and create all the wonderful food that’s served both inside the café and outside in the garden, under the verandah.

“Everything is now made in-house from scratch,” Rosie said. “We make popular homemade quiches and now we make really delicious gourmet pies that are chicken and vegetable and chunky beef steak.” Another recent development at the back of the building is the kitchen garden where they have grown vegetables, strawberries and a variety of herbs that are used in the café. “This year,” she said, “we have had to share a few cherry tomatoes and strawberries with the local king parrots.” During winter, the café is heated by a central wood fire and the fresh organic flowers placed around the venue are supplied by local organic flower grower Heather Gillespie. An exhibition of photographic works by local bushman and photographer Peter Christian adorn the walls along with artist D Till’s unique coffee prints. “Her beautiful prints are wonderful and popular,” Rosie said. “They are all painted with coffee and water colours and she’s painted a signature coffee cup ring in each one.”

In December last year, The Little Red Duck Café celebrated the first year of business and Rosie said during that time, the business has grown rapidly. “The busiest times are on the weekend when thousands of visitors and campers come to Noojee. We see all sorts of people all ages including locals, workers and tourists from various parts of the state and from overseas.” She said the recent installation of store items was instigated by the closure of the small general store on the opposite side of the road. “It’s to provide basic supplies for locals and campers so they don’t have to go to another town to get what they need. Although they are store items, we still try to source Australian products whenever we can.” Rosie has future plans to supply fresh organic produce, to further develop the kitchen garden for the café and to source more unique gourmet products locally, from other parts of Gippsland and Victoria that will satisfy the needs of their discerning patrons. The café is the main business while the store is a service that enhances it. She said she loves it, she enjoys the work and the customers, so it’s become a dream almost fulfilled.

Photography by Wendy Morriss & kindly supplied by The Little Red Duck

Shane and Rosie

thelifestyle autumn 2019

MANSI

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION WITH ALL THE COMFORT & SPACE OF HOME IN SALE.

OUR BACKYARD IS A BEAUTY.

Sale. A town with charm and class, and a golden glow we can’t quite describe. (It might have something to do with the gold rush here back in 1851). And it's back yard... Lakes Entrance, Bulga National Park, Tarra Valley, Port Albert, Walhalla, Mount Hotham, Mount Baw Baw… well and truly putting the suburban sandpits to shame. Pull on your boots, pack a picnic and explore the Gippsland Riviera. And then come Mansi.

WORK AND PLAY

Mansi, accommodation comes set up for both business and leisure. Work stations, highspeed internet, smart TVs and living spaces that moonlight as meeting rooms all mean you can go about your business, before getting a solid night’s sleep and breakfast in bed (if that’s how your work self rolls). Set in the centre of Sale Mansi gives you food, shopping and fitness tempting you from the door.

A PLACE OF YOUR OWN.

This eco-friendly accommodation has been designed to balance luxury and comfort. While the furniture is custom-designed, it's OK to put your feet on the couch. The design is infused with a sense of nature to help you relax and disconnect, but includes high-speed internet for when you want to reconnect. The spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments have been designed to offer you everything you need. So you needn’t ever leave.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION.

For groups and families (or solo travellers who like to swirl around in their own company), the townhouses feature full living areas, kitchens and courtyards. Studios are self-contained worlds of focus for solo travellers and couples who like to live (and visit) in luxury.

OUT AND ABOUT

Mansi on Raymond lives in the heart of Sale, at the edge of the Gippsland Riviera. So you can lift your feet and rest your head in their beautifully appointed eco-apartments when you’re done spying on our green neighbours. For more information on Mansi visit www.mansi.com.au

thelifestyle autumn 2019

NEERIM SOUTH

NESTLED IN THE ROLLING GREEN HILLS OF WEST GIPPSLAND, IGA NEERIM SOUTH PLUS LIQUOR IS A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH A STRONG COMMUNITY ETHOS AND A GENUINE LOVE FOR LOCAL PRODUCE THAT’S BECOME A THRIVING HUB FOR LOCALS AND TOURISTS ALIKE.

Words & Photos by Anita Butterworth

When Peter and Jackie Bain were searching for their own supermarket almost ten years ago, they stumbled upon an opportunity that would not only give them a new business direction, but a tree change.

The town has also seen a spike in tourism. “Whether it’s dirt bikes, motorbikes, car clubs or just sightseers, being only an hour out of Melbourne on weekends the town is bustling.”

“We’d never even heard of Neerim South!” Peter explains. “But we were looking for a change when we discovered this beautiful place. I was managing supermarkets, and when we found this supermarket here was for sale, we jumped at it. Unbeknownst to us what a great community we would become part of.”

IGA Neerim South Plus Liquor showcases the award-winning, delectable delights of Tarago River Cheese, the wine produced at St Fiacres Farm and Wild Dog Winery and Gippsland Jersey milk, it’s all about bringing the region’s incredible offerings to people’s tables.

In return for the gentle lifestyle the town has bestowed on the Bains, the family has ensured IGA Neerim South Plus Liquor has become a huge part of the little town with a big heart. “My wife and I took over the business in 2010 and we’re now embedded in the community. We have five kids and they love being part of the district.” Over the almost decade that the Bain family has headed up IGA Neerim South Plus Liquor, they’ve seen a steady growth in the quiet town, with the population swelling during the weekends. “There are more new families coming to the area. People live here because they want to live here, not because they have to live here. We have seen the community grow, the schools are growing and it’s a fun place to be.”

thelifestyle autumn 2019

“We have butcher cut meat supplied by our renowned local butcher Jindi Pig, which is very unique to a supermarket offer. Our flowers are supplied by Ridgey Didge Flowers from Noojee, which are organically grown. We stock Tarago Cheese, produced in Neerim South. They turn out world-class soft cheeses as part of their range. We stock fresh organic eggs from Lucky Cluckers from Jindivick.” IGA Neerim South Plus Liquor also has at the core of its values the drive to give back to the community.

“We offer community barbecues every Saturday, but our point of difference is that we supply absolutely everything. Typically, the community groups can fundraise $300 or more every Saturday morning, which, if you times that over a year, there’s a fair bit of money going back into the community.” IGA Neerim South has also firmly embedded itself in the local sport – sponsoring everything from the local cricket and footy clubs to the bowls club. They also supply, free of charge, produce for ‘Fresh Fruit Friday’ to the local primary school each week. IGA Neerim South is proud to employ all local staff – 22 in total, including the Store Manager Jordan Hedge, who grew up in the town. IGA Neerim South plus Liquor is open seven days a week, from 7am to 8.30pm.

NEERIM SOUTH 147 Main Neerim Road, Neerim South 3831 Phone: (03) 5628 1462 Facebook: neerimsouthiga

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Main Street, Neerim South

NEERIM SOUTH Neerim Bower public sculpture

Two exceptionally attractive country destinations in West Gippsland are the small rural hamlets of Neerim South and Jindivick. The area offers outstanding scenic views, wonderful primary produce and products, wineries, galleries, gardens, restaurants, cafes, a pub and various unique accommodation options.

Coming into the town of Neerim South, which is just a 20 minute drive from Warragul, the road passes through a magnificent towering public sculpture known as The Neerim Bower that forms a gateway to the Neerim District. The Bower, designed by artists Phil Henshall, Christine Cochran and Keith Graham in 2014, was inspired by the ingenious way the satin bower bird builds and decorates his bower with intertwined twigs and blue ornaments. The town centre is situated on the Main Neerim Road, which opens into a wide avenue with a median strip featuring tall deciduous trees and flower beds. On one side is an independent supermarket, milk bar and take away, hotel, cafĂŠ, gallery, bakery, gourmet butcher and other services. On the other side is the entrance road

thelifestyle autumn 2019

to a public outdoor swimming pool and in another adjoining road are other recreational facilities including a playground, picnic area, skate park, sports oval and netball courts. Neerim is an Aboriginal word meaning high or long and Neerim South is the largest of five Neerim settlements. To the north of the town are Neerim, Neerim East, Neerim Junction and Neerim North. Initially the area was covered in dense forest. Gold prospectors arrived in the early 1870s, closely followed by selectors who cleared the land. A town was first surveyed at Neerim but it never developed apart from a cemetery, a hall and a recreation reserve.

In Neerim South, a school was established in 1881, a post office opened in 1883 and a courthouse and police station opened in 1888. A railway line from Warragul to Neerim South opened in 1892, which led to the establishment of several sawmills and agriculture. The amount of cleared land increased along with farming, which was mainly potatoes and dairying and a butter factory opened in 1903. The factory closed in the 1940s when milk was transported to larger factories. The town grew; there were several shops and a Mechanics Institute hall was built in the 1890s.

Laurie Collin’s Sculpture Garden

& JINDIVICK

In the early 1900s, a newspaper was established, a general store was built and a hotel known as ‘Ye King’s Arms’. In 1919, the railway line was extended from Neerim South to Noojee to take out forest timber and it closed in 1958. The districts first agricultural show was held in Neerim in 1907 by the Neerim District Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Since then, The Neerim District Country Show has been a successful agricultural and horticultural event enjoyed by the local community and visitors in January each year. The first Neerim South Hospital was built in 1928. The new larger building used today was constructed and opened in 1967 as the Neerim District Soldiers Memorial Hospital.

Also in the 60s, a large reservoir was constructed on the Tarago River to supply town water. Today the Tarago Reservoir is surrounded by beautiful parkland with scenic walking tracks. Picnic and barbeque facilities are available with views of the surrounding landscape. Access to the Tarago Reservoir Park is via the Jindivick Road where a turn-off leads to a car park near the dam wall. A kilometre or so north of the Neerim South township is the Candalaraine Alpaca farm and retail clothing shop. The owners Lorraine and Alan Barnett have received many accolades for their garments which are distributed to stores throughout Victoria, New South Wales

BY WENDY MORRISS

and overseas. All of the garments feature the lightweight, durable and silky smooth texture that alpaca fleece is renowned for and are exclusive Candalaraine Designs. Neerim South is also well-known for its wonderful blue cheese and excellent cool climate wine. The Tarago River Cheese Company is a joint venture between two local farming families, the Jensens and the Johnsons. Together they were pioneers of Australian artisan cheese making, creating Australia’s first commercially available blue cheese. They use their own fresh milk and meticulous craftsmanship to create a fantastic selection of premium Australian artisan cow’s milk cheeses including their famous Gippsland Blue.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Jindi Pig butchers shop

Neerim South Ada River is a family owned boutique winery that specialises in premium quality wines produced from their vineyard in Neerim and another in Heathcote. The Jindi Pig butchers shop in Neerim South specialises in free range pork, flavoured sausages, traditional and gourmet meats and they stock a large range of condiments, cheeses and smoked meats. For art lovers, the town has two unique galleries. The Garage Gallery is a car lover's space with displays of model cars, motoring memorabilia and paintings of cars and motoring scenes. It is open on the second Sunday of each month or by appointment.

The Serigraph Gallery displays contemporary art, showcasing paintings, prints, ceramics, glassware, jewellery and hand-made furniture. A small cafe operates within the gallery, serving great coffee and delicious cake. The gallery is open weekends, public holidays or by appointment. Neerim South Hotel, formerly the 'Kings Arms Hotel', offers quality pub meals and great coffee with breathtaking views of the country side, accommodation and bottle shop facilities. The hotel is open seven days a week. Other accommodation options are the Vivere Retreat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a top-rated accommodation venue on seven hectares near the town with spectacular views over the Baw Baw Ranges.

Blerick Country Retreat provides country accommodation on a majestic two-hectare property surrounded by grazing farm animals, vineyards and views of Mt Baw Baw. Neerim Country Cottages in Neerim is a rural retreat with self-contained cottages on 2-hectares open to rural views with a swimming pool, communal games room and outdoor camp fire. Neerim South Caravan Park is centrally located to the many tourist attractions in the area and very close to the Neerim East State Forest where patrons can enjoy trail bike riding, horse riding, freshwater fishing, gold prospecting and scenic walks.

Neerim South Memorial Hall

The Serigraph Gallery

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Jindivick Community Garden

Jindivick Jindivick, located 10 kilometres east of Neerim South near the Tarago River and surrounded by lush green farmland is a quiet and peaceful place. In the early 1860s, Joseph Jackson built a track through heavily timbered hills that became known as Jackson’s Track, which is now the main road through the town. It was used by miners and drovers who also patronised a store and an accommodation house that Jackson built. Selectors arrived in the 1870s and the district was named Jindivick, an aboriginal word meaning ‘burst asunder’. A school was established in the 1870s and a Mechanics' Institute hall was built in 1886. A post office was opened in the town in 1888 and closed in 1994. A General store was established in 1889 by Norwegian seaman Johann Tandberg and his wife Mary. The original building was demolished in 1959 and replaced with the current building,

which ceased operating as a general store in 2015. There were several owners over the years with the most well-known being the Pretty family. They lived in the house adjoining the store, which is now the Jindi Caf. The café/restaurant is owned by Bryan and Susan Goodwin and provides the local area with post, papers, gas bottles and milk. From the 1880s, timber was harvested in the area and used by the established sawmills, which assisted in clearing the land and made way for widespread dairy farming. Pigs were raised while milk was separated for cream, onions and potatoes were also produced and some flax was grown in the 1930s. In 1910, a Presbyterian church was built and an Anglican church was relocated to the town. Jacksons Track became known nationally in 2000 when a memoir by Daryl Tonkins was published.

Daryl and his older brother Harry, bought 550 acres of farmland and regrowth forest in 1937 and set up a sawmill. A Kurnai man and his family came to work for the Tonkin brothers and because there was plenty of work, water and firewood, other members of the Kurnai family came and set up camp on Jacksons Track. They all lived there in relative peace for more than two decades. Daryl married Euphemia Mullett, a Kurnai woman and their descendants still live in the area today. Amongst the four indigenous families were the Roses and their son Lionel Rose became the first indigenous Australian to win a boxing world title. Today Jindivick has a fine café/restaurant, a gallery, rare plant nursery, school, hall, church, community garden, tennis courts and a recreation reserve. The farming district is mainly dairying and is well known for its Jindi Cheese, Australia's largest specialty cheese manufacturer.

Laurie Collin’s Sculpture Garden

Photogrpahy by Wendy Morriss

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Jindivick Laurie Collins and the The Red Tree Gallery

Susan Goodwin from the Jindi Caf

Jindivick’s popular Jindi Farm Bush Foods are produced on a small family run 6-hectare farm, from more than 400 native Australian bush food plants and are sold online and in various gourmet outlets. The Jindi Caf is a delightful old-fashioned eatery that serves wonderful home-made country meals and perfectly brewed tea and coffee, seven days a week. The Jindivick Community Garden, established after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, is a wonderful place of inspiration and contemplation with stunning rural views.

The Jindivick Farmer’s Market has a range of upcycled, recycled goods, home-made products and home-grown produce and is held on the first Saturday of the month. The Red Tree Gallery and Sculpture Garden established by local artist Laurie Collins is an art lover’s paradise with monthly exhibitions by various renowned artists and a permanent exhibition of Laurie’s works. The gallery is located on Main Jindivick Road and is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm. Broughton Hall in Palmer Road is one of Australia’s finest gardens with spectacular views and essential amenities. It is open to the public for six months of the year.

Nangara Reserve is a beautiful 14-hectare art and nature park on Nangara Road that adjoins the Bunyip State Park. The reserve has attractive walking/riding tracks set in a revegetated quarry area with picnic tables. Nangara means 'meeting of the waters’, and the reserve forms part of the headwaters to the Labertouche Creek that runs south west to the Tarago River and then the Bunyip River. Indigenous culture is an important part of the reserve and the local area. Accommodation options are Vue at Jindivick, a lovely eco-bed and breakfast on 15 hectares with spectacular views of Mt Baw Baw and the centrally located Jindivick Gardens bed and breakfast.

Indoor art works by Laurie Collins

Jindivick Cricket Club Pavillion View from the Jindi Caf

thelifestyle autumn 2019

JINDIVICK COMMUNITY GARDEN

Jindivick’s delightful community garden was born out of the devastation of the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009 and has since had a positive impact on the small country community. By Wendy Morriss Local resident and artist Graham Duell, who has been a volunteer in the garden since its inception said a little while after the fires, all kinds of measures were put in place to bring something positive back into the community. “In 2010, the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust in Melbourne, which is a remarkable organisation, put aside grant money for five community gardens in burnt areas with Sustainable Gardening Australia as the project manager. The Jindivick Progress Association expressed an interest in being one of them and we were selected.” Regular garden workshops were held at the Jindivick Cricket Clubrooms. After a community engagement process to establish a suitable site and plan for the garden, along with lengthy discussions with the Baw Baw Shire, a design was developed and the garden was built. “It created a really nice warm glow amongst a small percentage of the community and it had a positive impact,” Graham said. To mark the transition from the planning stage to the building stage, the Jindivick Progress Association held a ’Turning of the Sod’ ceremony on the site at Kydd Parke Reserve. The site overlooks a picturesque country cricket ground with a stunning panoramic view across the valley below. “We engaged a local contractor to implement the design and build the garden,” he said, “and then we started planting.” Volunteer Nikki Cadzow has since enjoyed putting much of her time into the garden. She said she wasn’t involved in the initial planning as she and her family, who are dairy farmers, were directly impacted by the bushfire. “My life then was just family and farm, but when the project commenced, my husband brought up the tractor and rotary hoe to dig up the virgin ground and we brought in some mulch.” Marilyn Coventry, a volunteer who is retired and lives in Jindivick, also enjoys working in the garden. She said several of the plantings have been to honour deceased members of the community. “Their families have planted memorials for them and they are marked with a plaque.” Graham said as part of the development process, they went by bus to view community gardens around Melbourne. “Some had plots that were owned by community members and others had systems that were harvested by communities for their own benefit. We decided on a different model because all the people involved and our other community members have land and grow their own fruit and vegies. We decided instead to make it a nice space where there was some capacity to grow different foods as a demonstration and that people could taste and experience. We have a combination of traditional and native flowers and there’s a native food system. “We also wanted it to be a place of inspiration and one way of doing that was adding artwork. During that time, the community were running a series of sculpture shows and with a grant from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, we were able to acquire a piece from the show each year for three years. The acquisitions were by David Doyle, Wendy Osborn and Lyn Childs. I donated a few pieces and local artist Laurie Collins did as well.”

100

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Graham in front of the entrance he created

At the bottom of the garden is an outdoor gym with a small garden entrance, funded by The Black Saturday Fire Fund. “It seems to be a bit out of the way,” Marilyn said, “but people do use it.” One community member comes three times a week to use the gym and there are other regulars. It’s close to the town’s attractive cricket reserve so it’s handy for players to use before training. Volunteer Tim Morgan does a considerable amount of the physical work in the garden and according to the other volunteers, they couldn’t manage without him. He lives in Jindivick; he has an extensive farming background and an avid interest in microbial agriculture. He said there really isn’t that much work if they keep on top of it. “The raised beds can at times be difficult to manage because we have a limited amount of water. During winter I put in some peas and broad beans to fix the nitrogen and then if we get a decent summer with a bit of rain, I plant other vegies.” He said water for the garden is collected on their shed roof and stored in a 10,000 litre tank, and the shed gutters are cleaned out twice a year. Graham said the shed roof is large enough to fill the tank twice a year with average rainfall, but during dry seasons they are limited.

Tim in a patch of native Warrigal Greens

Apples growing in the garden

Volunteers Nikki, Graham and Marilyn

thelifestyle autumn 2019

101

Grapes still growing well in the garden

Marilyn and Tim on the other side of the entrance

One of several garden sculptures. This one by Graham Duell

JINDIVICK COMMUNITY GARDEN “We have to live within our means and to do that we find gardening processes and plants that can cope with it.” “Most years it’s not an issue,” Tim said. “The garden does quite well on its own and we only have to supplement it, so it’s only during an excessively dry year that it’s difficult.” He said people that come to the town with their families and others that have moved into the area will often have a cup of coffee in the café and then browse through the garden. “There are blueberries, asparagus, apples and herbs and it seems to make people happier. We have had some groups of autistic children through who amaze me. It makes my day when I see them in their own little world touching, smelling and tasting things in the garden, because they see things so differently. “Coming here is not a chore; I really enjoy it apart from having to deal with the aggressive resident magpie we can hear warbling. I get dive-bombed by the dam thing.” Marilyn said the community garden is a subcommittee of the Jindivick Progress Association so there is no hierarchy; they are all just a bunch of volunteers working together.

Sustainable Gardening Australia is an organisation that encourages and educates home and professional gardeners to adopt sustainable gardening practices. The five community gardens they’ve helped establish, including Jindivick’s, were to create closer community ties in fire ravaged districts, allowing emotional and environmental healing and building new assets. “I’m also involved in a few other community gardens in the region,” Graham said. “They are lovely places, they are important to the community and people in the community value them.” Photography by Wendy Morriss

102

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Nikki with a bunch of freshly picked herbs

Country-style Restaurant

EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTIFUL ROLLING GREEN HILLS OF JINDIVICK AND VIEWS OF MOUNT BAW BAW FROM THE FAMILY AND PET FRIENDLY OUTDOOR DINING AREA

• TAKEAWAY • RESTAURANT MEALS • BYO • HOMEMADE DESSERTS • GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS • FRIENDLY SERVICE • BOOKING ONLINE • MENUS ONLINE • LOYALTY CARDS Sunday Roast with all the home style roast essentials. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment

OPENING HOURS: 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Thurs 8.00am to 5.00pm • Fri - Sat 8.00 am to 8.30pm • Sun 8.00 am to 4.00pm 1055 Jacksons Track, Jindivick, Vic 3818 www.jindivick.com.au Like us on Facebook

Tel: 5628 5227

health & wellness

WERE YOU 'WITH IT', THEN THEY CHANGED WHAT 'IT' WAS BY CHRISTIE NELSON The queen of reinvention herself, Madonna, is a prime example of being someone savvy enough to recognise whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular and marketable in a changing world in order to remain successful, and therefore always adapted herself and her music to suit the demands of her music lovers and fans. The notion of keeping with the times in order to remain viable in the modern world is something I have also recognised in terms of the way I do business. I believe a change in structure or an evolutionary approach is something to be embraced, not feared.

104

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Businesses on all levels are widely acknowledging that not only the way consumers shop and demand services is constantly reshaping to suit their time constraints and market trends, but also how they need to provide services or products and advertise to meet these consumer choices in a world of online shopping popularity and social media is shifting greatly as well." When I first began in my former career in Real Estate in the year 2000, we were developing our photos at the chemist from a roll of film and just beginning to adapt to a digital camera.

We were advertising our home phone number in the newspaper and were only just learning how to use the internet. It was evident over the years that we just had to keep up or get left behind by competitors. Fast forward nineteen years and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to imagine that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to own and operate a personal drone for photos and videos, landlines are virtually a thing of the past, people are being replaced by technology, our computers fit in our pockets and websites are a definite must-have; each of which when embraced and utilised effectively, are powerful business tools across many industries.

Christie Nelson I personally certainly am not Madonna (apart from the beauty spot) but in recent years, life’s demands and my vision for my future had altered and grown, and I found myself at a point where I was looking for a change that matched my determination, as well as our family dynamic and was going to be part of a growth industry. I knew there was a better way but wasn’t sure what that was.

Coincidentally, at the same time as I launched 'YOU CAN ACTIVE WEAR', an opportunity found me which was in line and on trend with my new business, but also met the following requirements:

¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

better suits my family’s needs allows time freedom and travel is something I’m truly passionate about and allows me to help others enables me to have a portable international business operating twenty-four hours a day sophisticated yet simple business module based online but still combines the interpersonal approach and a sense of exclusivity (because I do still like real people and interactions) enables me to be my own boss, operate my own business with little overheads be an entrepreneur and give back to our charity earn an uncapped residual income for the effort put in and... provides the platform to educate, mentor, develop personally and professionally, business build, form incredible friendships and help provide solutions for others

“If you want something you’ve never had, you’ve got to do something you’ve never done before.” THOMAS JEFFERSON Whether you have a bricks and mortar business or an online presence, word of mouth advertising has and always will be a strong way to grow a return due to consumers constantly referring services, restaurants, their experiences and movies etc. to others in their network. These referrals can help those particular businesses but lack reward for the consumer for their referral efforts.

Today’s modern business world is only just catching up with a vision Petter Morck had back in 1965. I’m also part of the rapidly expanding “global wellness economy [which] is a $4.2 trillion market” (2) tipped for further growth, particularly in the Direct Selling/ Social Networking Industry which is also booming, and as at 2017 was worth USD $189 billion in annual sales (1). There are some wonderful platforms for businesses to utilise and combine with traditional methods, so I ask you to consider, where do you see yourself in three to five years’ time in your world and is it time to perhaps think outside the square (or comfort zone) and embrace the business evolution that’s rapidly occurring?

REFERENCES

¥ ¥

https://directselling.org.au/statistics-research/ retrieved 10/2/19 https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/press-room/ statistics-and-facts/ retrieved 10/2/19

Real connections with people are still extremely vital in our lives, however if you combine the power of interpersonal relationships, as well as social media, and the broadened use of technology platforms, there are now multiple new opportunities for people to earn an income from word of mouth advertising in a ‘phygital’ (physical and digital) business concept. Many people are looking for the chance to buy back more time, work flexible hours and therefore a whole new career option has become embraced, viable and accepted from those with foresight, as an income producing activity for any generation, and yes, ‘Social Influencer’ is a legitimate thing now. All you need to do is to reflect on Mark Zuckerberg’s success and the scope and power of social networking is put in perspective, only he’s worth approximately 6.1 billion US dollars from all of our free referrals, and we all need glasses from too much screen time. I am extremely proud to be involved with a longstanding company with a history spanning over thirty-five years with strong ethics, and whose founder had such a futuristic vision from the beginning, right down to our Vegan, Kosher and Non GMO ingredient certifications and list of 2000 ingredients that we deem unsafe to use due to the health risks involved.

Christie is a dual health and wellness business owner, business builder, social networker, educator and busy Mum who can offer solutions and products to those looking for a postive change. For further information, please email youcanactivewear@gmail.com or go to www.youcanlifestyle.com.au www.christienelson.arbonne.com youcanactivewearandlifestyle youcanactivewear christienelson0827

thelifestyle autumn 2019

105

EXPAND YOUR POTENTIAL

Are you truly living to your true potential? The human body is in a constant state of regeneration and growth, from the cells in our muscles, neural pathways in our brain to the emotional intelligence we develop. Every single physical, mental and emotional choice we make will impact upon the person we will be in the future. According to Corporate Health and Performance Coach Christine Boucher from Natural Health Balance expanding YOUR potential and living the best version of YOU comes down to four simple lifestyle considerations: P H YSICAL EX ER CISE M E NTAL STIMULATION E M O TIO NAL INTELLI GENC E LIFE BALANCE

PHYSICAL EXERCISE Just a few short weeks after commencing an exercise program you will begin to see measurable improvements in your strength and fitness. If weight loss is the goal and your exercise program is being complemented by healthy eating then you may start to see desirable changes in your weight.

106

thelifestyle autumn 2019

WE ARE ALL BUSY. WE HAVE DAILY TASKS TO GET THE JOB DONE. WE GO ABOUT OUR BUSINESS WITH OUR HEADS DOWN. OFTEN WE ARE HIRED FOR OUR TECHNICAL SKILLS. HOWEVER, WHATEVER CAREER CHOICE WE MAKE, WE ARE REQUIRED ON A DAILY BASIS TO BE ENGAGED, PERFORM AND BE THE BEST VERSION OF OURSELVES. TAKING A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IS THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE YOUR SUCCESS AT WORK AND HOME.

The benefits of regular exercise are so profound and often personal that it would be impossible to identify all the effects. People can expect to see improvements in their physical health, mental health and emotional health.

Exercise has been shown to improve productivity, reduce sick days, reduce stress and improve communication, relationships and overall happiness. Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills and focus. There are plenty of good reasons to be physically active. Big ones include reducing the odds of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Chronic diseases are becoming more prevalent with our aging population and impacting upon the cost for business, community and families. Maybe you want to lose weight, lower your blood pressure, prevent depression, or just look better. We all know exercise makes us feel good, it stimulates those healthy, happy hormones that promote good moods and happy hearts. The physiological health benefits of exercise increase our potential to have the capacity to be more productive and efficient, getting more done in our day. We have the clarity of focus and the physical energy that lasts, avoiding those afternoon slumps and desire for a sugary pick me up or caffeine laden beverage.

MENTAL STIMULATION Just like the body we need to exercise our brain. Intelligence is fluid and can be increased with the right stimulus. The gains are dependent on the amount of training, the more you train, the more you gain. Anyone can increase their cognitive abilities, no matter their starting point. Cognitive enhancement made in one area could improve totally unrelated skills. Mental Stimulation and cognitive potential can be incorporated into your life in a number of simple ways. Read a book, study a language, play Sudoku. Do things you’ve never done before. Travel somewhere you’ve never been. Check out an unfamiliar ethnic cuisine. Try a hobby that is totally out of character for you. When you participate in activities that increase feelings of happiness, you increase activity in your brain. As you continue to feel happy, you strengthen this activity and solidify brain pathways that make it easier to replicate feelings of happiness. Think of it like walking through the bush and clearing a path. Each time you take this path it’s easier and clearer, now becoming a walking track. Forging healthy, happy neural pathways are the same and we ignite a healthy mindset loop. Where thoughts are positive, feelings are happy, actions are effective and results are healthy.

There are so many hacks I’ve learnt to work efficiency, productively giving myself to those I love and keeping time space and energy for myself. No 1 priority is simply looking after health. If health fails you are no good to anyone else. Batching is another trick I’ve learnt, this article for example can be utilized as video content, social media content, workshops (which I am actually running a few of in East Gippsland in March- contact me for more details!). One job many platforms and uses. Why reinvent the wheel? Another strategy that I have implemented into my life is social pruning, letting go of the nay Sayers, the people who only drain time and energy. Saying “No” is healthy, I don’t need to do everything for everyone every time. Expand YOUR potential, create a vision of the future YOU. Who do you want to be? Physically, Mentally, Emotionally. Where are the gaps? What do you need to let go of? Reverse engineer from that vision the activities that serve your purpose, align with your values, utilize your strengths and encourage YOUR best self.

THE BEST VERSION OF YOU IS WAITING….

Our brains are pliable, this plasticity appears to be the physiological basis for the possibility of transforming our minds. By being mindful of our thoughts and practicing new ways of thinking, we can reshape our nerve cells and change the way our brains work. We can break old patterns and unhealthy habits and replace them with healthy lifestyle choices that become our new norm. We can forge new paths and teach our brains to ignite and expand our full potential

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE We are emotional and social creatures. So much of our success depends on our capacity to perceive, understand, use and manage emotions in ourselves and others. You could even say that our emotional intelligence is almost more important than our intellectual intelligence as it helps us to integrate our emotions and our thinking and make intelligent choices.

www.eventbrite.com.au/o/christine-boucher-17978128092

Our emotions play a critical role in influencing and guiding our thinking and behaviour. When our intellectual and emotional brains are not communicating effectively, we may behave emotionally rather than intelligently, we may lose focus or make logical decisions without considering the emotional implications. The two need to be utilised in balance, what is the most logical decision with the right equation of emotional intelligence to achieve optimum results. Emotional intelligence is about harnessing these two aspects to ensure we are managing our own emotions rather than allowing our emotions to manage us. Learning how to use emotions intelligently empowers us to respond proactively, rather than reactively. By increasing our range of strategies we can achieve more positive outcomes and improve our performance. Proactive emotional intelligence strategies may include getting regular exercise to keep our brain and body healthy and increase the amount of positive emotions we experience. Simple breathing techniques can also help to mitigate a stressful situation bring the body back into a homeostatic balance and reduce negative emotional reactions in a moment. Shifting your posture can shift your mood, if going into a meeting not feeling confident. A few deep breaths shoulders back, head held high can promote a healthy and confident attitude which in turn will be expressed in your actions and the results you achieve.

LIFE BALANCE I like to think of it as work life integration as we are not living separate lives but as one. Our thoughts and energies and activities cross over from our personal into our professional lives and back. We are ourselves at work and we are also professional at home, to me as a small business owner it’s one and the same. So work life integration is thinking from the perspective of how can I achieve more by doing less. How can I work smarter instead of harder How can I be the best version of myself when I am pulled from so many angles, mother to two red heads daughter to aging parents, business owner to many corporate clients friend to many. What about ME?

CHRISTINE BOUCHER of Natural Health Balance is a corporate health and performance coach transforming organisations to work productively and cohesively as a team. Improving the health of staff and the well-being of business through performance management, health coaching and team building to improve productivity, performance and profitability. Christine is dedicated and passionate about Health & Wellness. Holding a Bachelor of Nursing Degree, specialising in Intensive Care Nursing. With over 20 years’ experience working in the healthcare industry. www.naturalhealthbalance.com.au

thelifestyle autumn 2019

107

fire of life

the

By Erin Miller

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire Ferdinand Foch

feelings & emotions

If you follow me on social media, you will know that we got caught up in the recent Grantville fires. We are all safely back home and very grateful to the 100 odd firefighters that worked around the clock to ensure our homes and local businesses were not lost. Having never experienced anything like this, so close to home (literally) only ever having observed from a very safe distance-the first thing that struck me was my level of fear. Mostly, fear of the unknown, unchartered territory. Fire can strike fear into even the bravest of people, but it can also be the perfect metaphor for many of life’s attributes.

reciprocity

What you give to yourself, you are able to give to others and will return to you. Take care of and nurture the fire and it will give you and others warmth, cook your food and feed your soul. Feed your soul and you will find joy and fulfilment.

integrity

Think about integrity as being similar to choosing the wood for your fire. Your fire will burn brightly when you have dry wood. If you choose wet wood, it will be a struggle to keep your fire burning brightly and warm. Similarly, if you put yourself into situations that are out of alignment with your values, beliefs and purpose your energetic light will be dimmed. When we dim our light to fit in we may feel less than or out of sorts, which will impact our outcomes.

108

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Beneath a good roaring fire you will find red hot burning embers that keep the fire burning. If we were to bury or smother those embers the fire may not continue to burn. In life we are taught that it is a sign of weakness and therefore we are often not given permission to share our feelings and emotions. I’m sure we are all familiar with a few of the following phrases, “don’t cry over spilt milk”, “cry baby”, “be a man”. Emotions and feelings are powerful allies when you are aware of and connected to them. If channelled in the right way, they can be a huge catalyst for momentum and growth.

authenticity

Most of us have grown up in a world that creates situations where we act as one version of ourselves at work, another in social situations and then another at home. We do, say or behave in ways that allow us to blend in with the groups of people we are surrounded by depending on the circumstances. Authenticity often take courage and strength, to be seen as being different can be scary. Fire burns away the masks, fears and ways of being that do not align with our truth.

the shadow

What you don’t own, owns you. In the shadows of a fire exists the aspects of yourself that you don’t own or that you are unaware of. As you sit by the fire observe the shadows and observe yourself. Invite these hidden aspects to come out of the shadow so that they will dance for you in the flames and in time may be transformed.

accountability

As the saying goes “if you play with fire you will get burnt.” To be accountable is to take responsibility for your choices and actions-regardless of the outcome! Do you have the ability to find the silver lining in even the most challenging situations? And to take 100% responsibility for your choices even if they don’t go to plan? Self-reflection once acknowledged can be very liberating.

Fire is the perfect metaphor for what can happen when we step through our fears and into our own magnificence.

ERIN MILLER

Erin Miller is a personal life coach, motivational speaker, published author and proud mama to 3 very active little boys. Her previous career roles have been quite diverse and she has a background in hospitality/ travel, disability/ mental health and business management. Erin is formally trained in a variety of modalities including NLP, Life Coaching, Mindfulness & Meditation, and has had the privilege to work with clients all around Australia and also runs empowerment workshops, retreats and group events. Do you have a question or a topic you would like Erin to write about? Send me an email at erin@erinmiller.com.au Erin Miller is a Holistic Life Coach, NLP Practitioner, Healer and Writer. Her aim is to live life with a sense of excitement, anticipation and energy! Her passion and purpose is to help and guide others to also find their true calling and zest for life! For further information please call 0418 328 441 or visit my website www.erinmiller.com.au

r e n r co

George

Angel Clancy

Tilka

Bindie

Minnie

Diesel

Millie

Tess

our best friends Do you want to place a photo of your dog in Canine Corner ? It's easy, just email us your pic and their name at thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au thelifestyle autumn 2019

109

Millie, Blond By Ken Roberts

As we were roaming towards the beach one day, Millie and I decided to take the turn along the Golden Beach Road out of Sale and head towards Loch Sport. It’s somewhere we just never think to go and where I hadn’t visited for years. I was surprised as we drove around town at the amount of progress that had been made since I had been there many years before. It’s such a popular and beautiful place. It only has roughly eight hundred permanent residents but this swells to over four thousand in the peak holiday times of Christmas and Easter. Its popularity is enhanced by that fact that it has access to both Lake Victoria and the Ninety mile Beach. It still retains the ambiance of a sleepy seaside town but with so many more facilities and it boasts its own share of large and small holiday ‘mansions’ of all different kinds! Mills and I had our lunch along the shores of Lake Victoria. The town has done so much to make it accessible to visitors and to provide so many amenities. As we sat on the shoreline I was entranced by the beauty of an old jetty nearby. No longer used for boats its purpose now seemed to be the resting place for so many seagulls. Millie and I couldn’t help but investigate. It was a perfect photo opportunity for Miss Millie! The Lake was calm and very serene and it made me stop and remind myself how fortunate we were to have the majesty of the Gippsland Lakes system on our doorstep.

110

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Lake Victoria covers 150 square kilometres and the whole system covers 354 square kilometres. The waterway is a fantastic system of lakes, marshes, lagoons and wetlands fed by streams and the region’s mighty rivers. I was intrigued as I stood on the end of the abandoned jetty and wondered what was on the other side of the lake. It looked like just nondescript bushy scrub. After we had returned from our lakeside jaunt I was telling a bushwalking friend where Millie and I had been. She told me that directly opposite Loch Sport was beautiful Blond Bay, a place she had visited many times. As with so many places in this vast Gippsland region where we live I had never heard of this before. She volunteered to take us for a visit there one day. I couldn’t wait. It was a couple of months later that we ventured off together, with Millie, down the Bengworden Road on the other side of Stratford on our trek to Blond Bay. I had no idea where we were going but it was actually a relatively short drive to get there. We stopped at Wattle Point on the way, a lovely spot on Lake Victoria, a perfect place to camp. We proceeded further and suddenly we were off the beaten track. I discovered that in the Blond Bay Wildlife Reservation there is a designated Blond Bay State Game reserve which covers 2000 hectares. They have seasonal duck hunting and balloted hunting of Hog deer. The sandy 4WD track we drove down was soft but her small SUV handled it well. Unfortunately vandals had removed some of the signs but my friend knew the way anyway. We stopped along the way to admire the massive grass trees, extremely old and mature ones that were growing in abundance in the heath both sides of the track.

One large grass tree had survived in the middle of the track with traffic making a detour around both sides of it, an unusual sight and incredible luck to survive there. When we arrived at Blond Bay on the shore of Lake Victoria there was not another person in sight. The only sound was the gentle lapping of the water on the sand. We were at Storm Point, almost in the middle of the Blond Bay Wildlife reserve. What a truly majestic place! It is relatively untouched and somewhere that few obviously know about. It was gratifying to find no litter there at all. Millie loved exploring the sandy shore, sniffing everything as she went. The sun shimmered on the water through the cloudy sky and the warm gentle breeze created such a lovely and peaceful setting. As we stood gazing out across the water the best was yet to come. Dozens of black swans slowly paddled through the water down at the end of the beach in a procession that stretched across the horizon. It was a magnificent sight! They were so graceful, elegant and calm. The image is something I will remember for a very long time. We stood and watched them for ages. Walking along the shore my friend pointed out the buildings on the opposite side of the lake. It was Loch Sport, a jumble of shapes glimpsed from afar, the place Millie and I had been so recently. How wrong had I been when I was there to believe that the opposite side was just nondescript bushy scrub! We unpacked the thermos and had a cuppa and a picnic on the beach. It was heaven, surrounded by the beautiful lake, coastal heath and banksia woodland. I could have spent a whole day there, or more. It was a slice of paradise. I was reluctant to leave but I know that I will return again. Yet another hidden gem that Millie and I have found to spend more time at.

Bay Beauty! by Ken Roberts

It’s funny how the drive out of there was quicker, as it always is on return journeys. We saw a few kangaroos and an echidna and soon we were sliding down the asphalt past the ‘towns’ of Perry Bridge, Bengworden and Meerlieu. I mused on the way home how different the intense development was on one side of the lake at Loch Sport to the nature reserve on the other side at Blond Bay. It’s fortunate in our amazing region of Gippsland that we have such a variety of contrasts and that in a relatively short drive you can experience such places.

My Blond Bay bombshell Millie certainly enjoyed her run and frolic on the beach and was sound asleep all the way home. Dreaming of our next adventure maybe... Photography by Ken Roberts

thelifestyle autumn 2019

111

THE SOCIAL BOND BETWEEN HUMANS & DOGS

By John Turner B.Social Welfare, Master International & Community Development, GAICD Getting a dog can be a wonderful life changing experience but it is not to be undertaken lightly. Unfortunately it is a fact that every year in Australia hundreds of dogs are abandoned, poorly cared for or abused. So first ask yourself “do I or other members of the family really have the time, the inclination and the budget for dog ownership?” Cute and fluffy puppies become adult dogs that are less cute and not so fluffy. Dogs need proper training, physical exercise, feeding and ready access to water. Regular grooming is important not just to maintain skin health but because, as in a wolf pack, it helps to cement the social bond between you and the dog. A dog in the family can restrict your movements and affect your lifestyle. As a pack animal, when a dog enters your home they become part of your ‘pack’ and they need constant social contact with pack members, namely you and/or your family. Buying a dog and leaving it isolated for most or all of the day is not good for the dog and will generally result in anxiety and behavioural problems such as destructiveness.

WHAT TYPE OF DOG IS THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY?

How you interact with your dog will profoundly affect the way it behaves, however its wolf ancestry and the purpose for which it has been bred, is also intrinsic to both its temperament and its social and physical needs.

112

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Your physical capabilities, family budget, available time, the physical environment you can provide, and your own personality and social needs will determine the characteristics you want in a dog. Larger ‘working’ dogs such the shepherd dogs or gun dogs need plenty of exercise and activities to challenge their intelligence. They are also more costly to feed than smaller breeds. Small terriers are very active and full of energy and need a lot of social engagement. If you engage in ‘rough’ play with them they will play rough with you and as puppies they may get a bit ‘nippy’. This is something to consider if you have small children. Once you have decided the type of dog you want then spend some time researching the various breeds’ characteristics. A quick internet search can yield a lot of useful information. The breed clubs usually have web sites containing all the relevant information on their particular breed so are a good starting point. This will give you some information about what to expect in terms of a breed’s physical needs, temperament, general behaviour, coat shedding and potential health problems etc. All breeds of dog have a susceptibility to particular health conditions and visits to the vet can be expensive while pet insurance is not cheap.

ADULT DOG OR PUPPY?

I chose a puppy because I wish to show it and breed from it. I also I feel that a better bond can be established with a dog that you have as a puppy, although not everyone would agree with this notion.

For me this meant delaying the purchase until I retired and had sufficient time at home to raise a puppy. Puppies are very time consuming, lots of positive training and care is required. Unless you are very alert and methodical there will be plenty of ‘accidents’ in the early period of toilet training. Alternatively you can buy a mature dog either from breeders who are sometimes looking to place older dogs or from a dog rescue agency.

WHAT BREED?

This is very much a personal choice but you need to be sensible. For example, if you live in a small unit or apartment it would be the height of folly to get an Irish Wolfhound or Great Dane. I have a strong liking for the terrier breeds, I grew up with English Bull-Terriers and have owned and bred both Staffordshire Bull-Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers. At present I have a 10 month old West Highland White Terrier called Tess that is full of character and bounce, has a most charming nature and follows me everywhere. So why did I choose to buy a West Highland White Terrier? ‘Westies’ as they are affectionately known, are typical terriers - faithful, active, alert, tenacious, courageous, very hardy and enjoy being out in all weathers but like all terriers they bark when there is cause. These characteristics arise from the fact that they were bred in Scotland to hunt vermin and to control foxes and hares. In a hunt they go to ’earth’ to flush out and kill their prey. It is said that their pure white coat came about because in the 19th century a certain Col.

PART 2 CHOOSING A DOG (or why recently I chose a Westie)

A rather scruffy Tess (she needs stripping) is totally relaxed after a day’s play

Tess at 8 weeks of age displaying her natural ‘vermin killing‘ instincts on a toy squirrel

Malcom of Poltalloch accidentally shot one of his favourite brown terriers that was mistaken for a fox and after this tragic accident he selectively kept and bred only the lightest coloured dogs in each litter. By the 20th Century the Poltalloch terrier came to be known as the ‘West Highland White Terrier’.

It is often said we are attracted to dogs that mirror aspects of our own character. The Westie is known for a certain stubborn streak, a trait I am sometimes accused of possessing, which is probably why I like them so much. Appealing also is their pure white coat and general appearance which makes them look rather cute. A small stocky dog weighing 7 to 8.5 kgs, the Westie suits my budget and also my physical strength should it pull a bit on the lead. They are very intelligent, easy to train and their instincts are obvious at an early age. Westies are double coated and therefore need occasional ‘stripping’ and regular brushing. However they shed very little hair. Grooming is also beneficial insofar as it strengthens the social bond between dog and owner, besides which it reduces the blood pressure of both owner and dog!

Being bred as an earth dog the Westie is an enthusiastic digger; fortunately I have raised garden beds. The good news is that if they get damp and dirty from their digging activities, by letting them dry out and giving them a good brushing their colour and appearance is soon restored. I would describe Westies in four words ‘Cocky’, ‘Stocky’, ‘Hale’ and ‘Hearty’. My dog Tess displays all these characteristics and is also ‘very laid back’ as can be seen in the photograph. If my Tess is anything to go by, Westies adapt well to children and other dogs if introduced to them early. As a pup Tess went to puppy socialisation classes at the local vets and this is something I would recommend to everyone who purchases a puppy.

Recent research evidence suggests that 8 weeks may be too early in terms of a dog’s development and socialisation and that the minimum should perhaps be 12 weeks. This is a controversial view that I subscribe to. All puppies should have had their initial vaccination and have been wormed prior to delivery and most breeders nowadays will insist that puppies sold as pets are de-sexed prior to handing them over.

My final word is that dog ownership is a responsibility not a right, but for those up to the challenge it is very rewarding and satisfying.

Should you decide to buy a dog of any breed, research it well to avoid making a decision that you may regret. Go only to a reputable breeder or to a reputable rescue organisation. Dog breeders must be registered with Dogs Victoria and must comply with a rigorous set of standards and guidelines or lose their registration. Ask the breeder about the health history of the pup’s mother and sire and about any necessary health/DNA clearances. No dog should be sold less than 8 weeks of age and they must be properly weaned before sale.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

113

a Rare Pair One recipient, Margaret Haycroft of Foster, can claim to be in an even more exclusive club! Margaret was accompanied to the investiture ceremony on 4th September at Government House in Melbourne by her mother Eunice Barnes who is also a holder of the Order of Australia award. The rarity of a mother and daughter both receiving this honour was recognised by the Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau when she requested especially to have her photo with this rare pair of wonderful ladies. Eunice lives in Melbourne and received her award 22 years ago for many years of volunteering and support she gave to the Association for the Blind. Her late husband was a war veteran and Eunice is an active member of Legacy. At age 89 she is now serving as President of her local Legacy club. Margaret credits her parents Jack and Eunice with instilling in her their desire to volunteer and help others. “They were mentors, “she said “in showing me that it was natural and normal to want to do things for the community.” Margaret’s husband Harley passed away 2 years ago and she is understandably sad that he was not there to see her receive her honour. She credits Harley with providing the support and encouragement to enable her to be so active in her community. Margaret has been a Justice of the Peace since 1996 and as with most of the recipients of these awards the recognised work in the community and for others is just the tip of the iceberg. Unheralded and unannounced are the visits, phone calls and support she has given, and still does give to the people of Foster and surrounds. All of this done with her trademark irreverent sense of humour and love for everything “Cat” and “French”.

114

thelifestyle autumn 2019

In the whole of Gippsland there were only 6 recipients of the Order of Australia Medal last year in the June Honours.These awards are given for years of dedication and service to many areas of the community.

When Margaret and Harley arrived in Foster 35 years ago they quickly found a place in the community. She says that her award is really also for all the people who she has worked with in the many committees and organisations in the Corner Inlet area of South Gippsland.

The Governor in her address at the investiture said she wanted the recipients to do three things:

These include the Australia Day Committee (30+ years), Corner Inlet Uniting Church Council as chair (25 years-non consecutive), Foster Kindergarten (President), Foster Primary School Parents Club, Foster Brownies, (Committee and Leader), Foster Chamber of Commerce, South Gippsland Secondary College Magazine editor (2 years), “What’s On”, community events column contributor for local newspaper “The Mirror” (3 Years), School Holidays activities, including Story time (8 years), Foster Show Volunteer (25 years), and a Justice of the Peace (25 years + service).

To wear the medals and pins awarded proudly, in recognition of their own achievement but also to be a touch point of inspiration for others.

Very few people would be aware of her walking in the eighties from Sydney to Melbourne dressed as Millie the Clown to raise money for the Bible Society. She tried to raise $20,000 but ended up raising over $70,000, a serious amount in those days. As well as being Postmistress at The Foster Post Office for many years Margaret is the type of person who is the personification of the heart and soul of a small rural community. Initially “embarrassed” at receiving the honour Margaret then realized it highlights not only her contribution but also that of others and also the region where she lives and loves so much.

~ one ~

~ two ~

To think about nominating others for these awards and thereby recognising the diversity, contribution and achievements of men and women and that they reflect our communities at all time.

~ three ~

Finally, to relax, enjoy the day and the accolade given. She thanked them for advancing Australia in all that they do and said that they are the embodiment of the peace and prosperity of our state. The ceremony at Government House was held in the ballroom and run like clockwork. Afterwards a garden Party enabled all of the recipients, families and friends to mingle and enjoy a tour of the state apartments. In addition to being there on the day with her proud mother Eunice Margaret was accompanied by her daughter Victoria and two close friends. The Governor posed for a photo with the rare duo of a mother and daughter holders of the Order of Australia honour.

Margaret hopes that her award encourages others to contribute to their communities in any way possible. The everyday people on hall committees, fundraising for town improvements, in the many service clubs are the life blood of local towns and are what keep them going. Their tireless efforts are not often enough acknowledged or recognised and Margaret hopes that others will know that she shares her award with all of those who she has worked with. Words and Photographs by Ken Roberts

thelifestyle autumn 2019

115

ABOVE LEONGATHA IS HOME TO GIPPSLAND’S PREMIER GOLF COURSE – A CHALLENGING BUT ENJOYABLE 18-HOLE LAYOUT BOASTING THE CLASSIC DESIGN HALLMARKS OF ITS ARCHITECT, THE LATE VERN MORCOM.

Once considered a hidden gem by discerning golfers, the secret is well and truly out about Leongatha Golf Club. Back in 2013, Leongatha made the listing in Golf Australia magazine’s Top 100 public access courses for the first time and has now reached 61st position nationally in the current rankings for 2019. “We are only the course in Gippsland that appears in the Golf Australia Top 100 list,” notes Leongatha Golf Club Manager and PGA Professional, Josh Hall. Leongatha is already Gippsland’s premier golf venue, but continues to aim to get even better. In 2014, the club commenced a strategic planning process in consultation with members and other key stakeholders. The comprehensive plan provides a strong strategic direction and ensures the platform is established for continued growth and sustainability long into the future. Leongatha Golf Club has built its reputation through the quality of the course and its scenic layout.

116

thelifestyle autumn 2019

The wide fairways are flanked by natural bushland that is the habitat of an abundance of wildlife including wallabies, wombats and echidnas, whilst the clean country air above is filled with the sounds of birdlife. Through occasional breaks in the trees and from elevated vantage points, golfers can pause between shots to look out on the surrounding farmland and countryside.

“THE SETTING REALLY IS THE STANDOUT FEATURE HERE. IT’S WHAT SETS LEONGATHA APART FROM OTHER COURSES IN THE REGION,” JOSH SAYS. A par 70 layout, Leongatha has only two par five holes but has several lengthy and testing par four and par threes that will challenge any golfer. This is a course where players have to think their way around. There are a number of dogleg holes which call for players to make strategic choices with their club selections with the aim of directing their tee shot to the best position for the approach to the green. Accuracy is key at Leongatha, with unforgiving bush scrub and many bunkers waiting to swallow up any errant shots.

Importantly, the difficult aspects of the course do not prevent golfers of any level of ability from enjoying themselves at Leongatha. The excellent condition of the fairways and greens and the aesthetic beauty of the natural bush setting make the course a pleasure to play at any time of the year. The rolling hills and undulations of Leongatha are not severe enough to deter most golfers from walking the course, whilst some opt to use a golf cart to negotiate the journey and help speed up play. The Santa-Ana couch fairways are maintained immaculately and the greens are also in excellent condition, which is a credit to the hard work and effort of Course Superintendent, Dylan McMeekin and his ground staff team. Leongatha Golf Club has a long history spanning 110 years and has been at its present location in Leongatha South since 1961. The original location of the course was on the northern boundary of the Leongatha township. This former site is now known as Woorayl Golf Course.

PAR

WORDS: CHRIS WEST

During the 1950s, the Leongatha Golf Club purchased 138 acres of land on the InverlochKoonwarra Road, approximately 17 kilometres south of Leongatha and 12 kilometres north of Inverloch, to provide the setting for its new base. One of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most esteemed golf course designers of that era, Vern Morcom, was engaged to design the layout. Morcom was also the Superintendent of the famed Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne at that time. He put his signature stamp on the course design at Leongatha and visited the site several times during its construction in the late 1950s and beginning of the 1960s. On the 11th March 1961, the Leongatha Golf Club officially opened its new Vern Morcom-designed course, which remains its home today. Several new facilities have been added to the club over the past 58 years, including the clubhouse which was constructed in three stages and competed in 1979. Leongatha Golf Club welcomes green fee players and members. The club offers several different membership options for male and female players of all ages, with fees at a level that represent outstanding value for money. There is also no waiting period to become a member.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

117

LEONGATHA GOLF CLUB INC. The club currently has approximately 600 members, including a proportion of holidaymakers who reside in Melbourne and play whenever visiting. Men and women members are able to play in official competitions five days a week, from Tuesday to Thursday and both weekend days.

NOT ONLY DO MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY GOLF AT LEONGATHA ALL YEAR ROUND, THE CLUB ALSO HAS RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS IN PLACE WITH MORE THAN 20 OTHER COURSES AROUND VICTORIA AND INTERSTATE, INCLUDING SEVERAL IN CLOSE PROXIMITY AROUND THE GIPPSLAND REGION. Seeking to attract and encourage the next generation of golfers, Leongatha has a very active junior golf program in place for boys and girls from as young as five years of age, with tuition provided by PGA professionals. The kids learn the basics of golf and gain enjoyment from their participation in the program.

118

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Josh Hall has been the head PGA Professional at Leongatha and the Club Manager since he relocated from Melbourne to take on the dual role five years ago. He is currently assisted by Trainee Professional, Tyler Marotti, a local South Gippslander from Korumburra. Tyler will soon complete this three-year traineeship and presently sees his future career more as a club professional specialising in operations and golf instruction rather than as a player on the tournament circuit. The pro shop at Leongatha is well stocked with all the latest golf equipment and attire. Golfers can also utilise the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practice facilities which include a driving range and practice putting green. Before or after a game, the club offers welcoming social facilities for meals, snacks and refreshments. The bistro in the clubhouse is open for lunch from Wednesday to Friday from 12 noon to 2pm and 11.30am to 2pm on Saturdays. Leongatha Golf Club can also host a range of functions and events including corporate golf days, conferences, seminars, weddings and parties.

But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out on the course where you really see Leongatha Golf Club at its best and appreciate the full extent of its appeal. The first hole is a testing par four measuring 370 metres from the black tee markers. Rated the fourth hardest hole on the course, it provides a difficult opening but making your way into the beautiful natural surroundings really does whet your appetite for what is to follow. You quickly notice a real sense of quiet seclusion as you settle into your game. There are chances to set up your score in the early part of front nine, before the hardest section of the course looms large from holes 9 to 11. A couple of slightly less demanding holes at 13 and 14 present some scoring opportunities to set players up for the closing stretch. By the time you sign your card after putting out on the 18th green, whatever your final score may be, you will have come to appreciate what you have just experienced at Leongatha Golf Club and want to return to play this classic Vern Morcom-designed layout again. As a golf setting, it is undoubtedly well above par. Photographs kindly supplied by Leongatha Golf Club and Chris West

thelifestyle autumn 2019

119

ROB FRANCIS (KOOKABURRAS) WITH GRAEME FRESHWATER (GOANNAS)

for

TREVOR WILSON (KOOKABURRAS)

CRICKET

BABY BOOMERS

BY GARRY KNOX

Can a team of sixty-year-olds be described as ‘the new kids on the block’? This cricket team certainly can be as they are living proof that cricket for the baby boomer age group is ‘booming’. Twenty-four teams constitute Veterans Cricket Victoria. This team from Leongatha/South Gippsland is one of the newest and they are just completing their first season. Their nickname is the ‘Kookaburras’ and they were formed under the banner of the Leongatha and District Cricket Association. Their aim was to play eight games this season, and their performance over the Summer of 2018/19 has been commendable. Neighbouring teams, the Goannas (from midGippsland to Maffra) and Iona, have been playing over sixties’ cricket for ten years; and Kooweerup is into their third season. The build up to the Kookaburras versus Goannas match in January

was big. The Kookaburras had won four of their first five matches, whilst the Goannas have been well resourced, competitive and successful for a decade. Also, some of the Goannas have represented Victoria and Australia. The Kookaburras and the Goannas have a lot in common. Murray Moore (Goannas) had played all his early cricket in the Ranceby Cricket Association and consequently knew some of the Kookaburras. Fred De Bono (Goannas) lives in Inverloch and often trains at Outtrim with the Kookaburras. Ian Gibson (Goannas) and Garry Knox (Kookaburras) played together in a winning Country Week team way back in '83.

KOOKABURRAS: PETER LITTLE, GARRY KNOX, NEIL WHITE; GOANNAS: MURRAY MOORE

120

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Neil White (Kookaburras) played in a Krowera premiership with Murray Moore, and Rob Francis was a regular with the Goannas before the Kookaburras began. Gordon Cowling (Goannas) remembers Ranceby and ‘The Gentlemen of Flooding Creek’ going all the way to Bowral in 2005 to play a match on the Bradman Oval. Years later, egos, memories and waistlines have all blossomed; the one constant is that all who still play the game, love the game. Fortunately for them, their bodies allow them to play. Cricket being a game of hitting, running, bowling, throwing and catching was probably not designed for players over the age of sixty.

KORUMBURRA REC RESERVE PAVILLION

GARY ADAMS (KOOKABURRAS) WITH KEVIN LANIGAN (GOANNAS) HOLDING THE GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE CUP

Calves, groins, hamstrings and shoulders come under scrutiny. Rules are implemented to encourage participation, not domination. Bowlers are limited to a maximum of eight overs and batsmen retire when their score reaches 40. The captain’s dilemma is often when to curtail the innings of a batsman in full flight, so that numbers 9, 10, 11 and 12 get time at the crease.

Importantly there are no ‘sheep stations’ at stake. No ladders, finals, trophies or premierships. The competitive spirit of all these cricket tragics is deeply imbedded, but not at the expense of camaraderie and ‘the spirit of the game’. The Kookaburras have a nice balance of long term ‘Leongatha’ cricketers and some new faces. Goss, Adams, Hayes, Mitchell, Loos and Francis have all had lengthy local careers, while the creation of this new team has invited their equivalent from all over the State. Leigh Watmuff from Mildura, Bob Mastin from Beaufort, Pat Sheedy from Prahran, Dave Mock from outer Eastern Melbourne and others, have all put variety and freshness into this local cricket team. They all now call South Gippsland home.

DAVID MOK & WARRICK HAYES (KOOKABURRAS)

The positives of over 60's cricket are many. Not only does it burn some calories, there's the men's mental health factor, a chance to reminisce and remember, and to indulge in unbuyable friendship and team spirit. It's a chance to ‘pad up’ and stride physically down memory lane. It's a feel-good experience at a time when men transition from father to grandfather, from worker to retiree, from cricketer to ex cricketer. It's a modest opportunity to partake in a weekend ritual that has in many cases been uppermost in their lives for many seasons. And managed correctly, it can be another opportunity for these players to prosper the game. Local clubs can host matches and run fundraisers in conjunction with over 60's games. Clubs can add another demographic to their line up, there's facility utilisation, good publicity and exposure for both their club and cricket in general.Bass Coast Shire Council via keen Kookaburra Cr. Les Larke, acknowledges the economic effect visiting teams can inject into local business. It's a win-win situation, even though winning the actual game is not of paramount importance.

A chance for a bunch of older country cricketers to understand the plight of new Australians. Another win-win. Furthermore, the Goannas’ 167 defeated the Kookaburras’ 162 on a perfect Korumburra turf pitch. Gary Adams was Man of the Match for the Kookaburras and Murray Moore the Goanna's equivalent. The match sponsor, Doug Pell declared that the big winner on the day was "cricket in Gippsland". A perfect delivery! Find us on Facebook: Leongatha/South Gippsland over 60'scricket team. Veterans Cricket Victoria administers over 50's, over 60's, over 70's and some mid-week games. They also promote and organise cricket touring teams to many overseas destinations. Leongatha are working on an over 50's team for next year. Photographs by Garry Knox & Doug Pell

It is proposed that prior to the Kookaburras’ last match of the season (at Hobsons Bay on March 3), the Kookaburras may spend time with Ethiopian migrants in Melbourne.

RETIRED WEALTH PLANNERS - SPONSOR

DOUG PELL, ROB FRANCIS & NORM FRASER (KOOKABURRAS)

thelifestyle autumn 2019

121

THE GOLDEN ERA’S IN FULL SWING

A GIPPSLAND QUARTET IS BRINGING BIG BAND BACK By Lia Spencer Photograph by Marshall Cock

John and Ian were the first to unite, having played together in the Box Hill High School Orchestra about 60 years ago. They knew Jack from various music associations over the years and asked him to join them. Jack jumped at the chance. Chris was the final piece of the puzzle after a chance meeting at a Christmas function. “My wife is a member of a Singing Group and John and I met at the Group’s Christmas lunch,” Chris said. “We started talking, and when John found out I played the drums he invited me to come along for a jam - which I think was really a sneaky audition.” If it was a sneaky audition, Chris aced it. The quartet was formed, and the rest is history. “We all have such a long experience in music, so playing together is pretty easy,” Chris said.

Swing music has been making a comeback thanks to popular singers like Michael Buble, David Campbell and Rod Stewart. But locally, four talented musicians are bringing the Big Band era back to life in Gippsland and showcasing it to the region. Hidden away in a quaint Warragul court with a picturesque backdrop, Gippsland’s Swing Revival Quartet meet at John Stevens’ house regularly to rehearse upbeat numbers from the 1930’s and 40’s Golden Swing Era.

“It helps when we all have an interest in the same type of music,” Jack added. “I grew up in the Big Band era in the late 30s, early 40s. I remember listening to the hit parades on Sunday evenings. I would try to find a Melbourne radio station, put my ear to the radio and listen to the top ten hits. That’s when I first became interested in the music.”

With John on Piano, Ian Christensen on Clarinet, Jack Pretty on Double Bass and Chris Waddell on Drums, the quartet has proven to be a hit since forming two years ago, playing four near capacity community concerts at the Darnum Memorial Hall, as well as entertaining crowds at the Drouin Rotary Farmers Market and the Darnum Music Village.

Jack began playing guitar in the mid 1940’s and became an essential part of a popular band that won the hearts of many. “I remember playing three months straight without an evening off. We got paid twelve shillings and sixpence a night ($1.25 in today’s currency),” he laughed. “One night, when we were meant to finish up, a man gave us extra money to play another hour. When that was finished, another man gave us more to continue. We didn’t stop until it was almost daylight.”

The decision to form a band was made quite spontaneously, but together they were a perfect fit.

Ian recalled when he first fell in love with music.

122

thelifestyle autumn 2019

“My father played music in bands and when I was six, he took my brother and me to his band practice. Looking back, I think it was a way to give my mother some space,” Ian said. “At primary school I had the opportunity to learn fife. I have a great memory of my father going to work late so that he could come and hear me play as we marched into school for the first time. In my early teens, I wanted to play trombone. My dad only had a saxophone and a clarinet and insisted I learn clarinet because it is considered harder to play.

“When I was about 14, I played my first gig with my father at the Camberwell Town Hall. I played one set and wore beautiful trousers and a tie because I had to look the part. I remember going to bed that night knowing that this is what I wanted to do. Since then, my whole life has been music.” Ian subsequently became a music teacher, and for the last twenty years of his career was in charge of music at Warragul North Primary School.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

123

The al" iv v e R g "Swin artet Qu

Chris’s passion for the drums also stemmed from his parents’ musical roots. His mother was a piano teacher and his dad played several instruments. Chris played drums for both of them at various events but didn’t play in a band until his early twenties. Since then, Chris has played in nearly a dozen bands playing all sorts of musical genres. And like the others, John developed his interest in music from a very early age. He started learning piano from a pre-school age, and continued classical piano lessons through to his late teens. In the mid 1970’s he taught himself to play the organ and became a church organist and choir leader for many years. John went on to organise the Community Christmas Carols in Neerim South, assisted the Warragul Theatre Company as a rehearsal pianist, and conducted choirs in Warragul including the Baw Baw Singers - a very popular community singing group still performing today. While all four members have a wealth of experiences in several genres, their passion lies with the Golden Swing Era. And it shows. You can hear a pin drop at their concerts, as audiences are captivated by the music which ignites memories of their own.

“Music brings back wonderful memories,” John said. “Music is very generational. It just needs a few years for there to be a distinct difference in the music people identify with and enjoy. I grew up listening to Golden Swing Era ‘Big Band’ music on the kitchen radio, and to a large extent we find our audiences are folk who also grew up in that same kind of era. The next Swing Revival Quartet Concert will be at Darnum Memorial Hall at 2pm on Sunday, 7 April. Tickets are $10 at the door. The Quartet presents an entirely fresh program of music at each of its concerts. If you would like to know when and where the Quartet is playing, you can email John Stevens at john.stevens.3820@gmail.com to receive an e-mail reminder in the lead-up to each concert.

124

thelifestyle autumn 2019

GRIGORYAN BROTHERS SATURDAY JUNE 22 AT 8PM

“... Slava and Leonard belong in a special category of excellence” - The West Australian Guitarists, Slava and Leonard Grigoryan are counted amongst the finest musicians of their generation having developed a reputation for enthralling audiences with the energy of their performances and the breadth of their repertoire – embracing genres such as classical, jazz and contemporary music from around the world. Between them, they have received 4 ARIA awards (Australian Recording Industry Association) and an incredible 25 ARIA Award nominations. As a duo they have recorded 11 albums with the 12th coming out in 2019. They have been touring internationally since 2003, regularly performing throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA, as well as more exotic performances in Brazil, South Africa, India and the Middle East.

Their diverse repertoire continues to present new opportunities for performances in traditional and unconventional settings, from projects with orchestras to duo performances in iconic classical venues such as London’s Wigmore Hall and Vienna’s Konzerthaus. Australia’s finest guitar duo will be performing works from their latest release, which sees a return to classical repertoire. The album will include songs by composers such as Bach, Elgar, Dvorak, Rachmaninoff, Faure, De Falla and Ponce all masterfully arranged for them by their father Edward. The program will also include other works highlighting Slava and Leonard’s diverse skills; their deep appreciation of a broad spectrum of musical styles has resulted in many collaborations involving music, both written and improvised.

Combine this with their classical training and the result is a unique sound incorporating all these influences. It is not classical, not jazz, not world music....it is the Grigoryan Brothers. Date: Saturday June 22 at 8pm Location: The Wedge, Sale Check out the website www.thewedge.com.au for more information 100 Foster Street, Sale VIC 3850 ph (03) 5143 3200 em box.office@wellington.vic.gov.au @ebbwec

thelifestyle autumn 2019

125

ALI'S ART

BY ALI FULLARD

HELEN BANKS

Gippsland artist Helen Banks has put together a series of works that illustrate her artistic practice that has evolved over many years. Her latest exhibition at Briagolong Art Gallery is titled ‘Vestige: Travels of a Busy Woman’. Vestige refers to a trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists.

Helen says her true art making began in 2011 under the guidance of and mentoring of Dr Michael Schiell, followed by a Diploma of Visual Art at Advanced TAFE Bairnsdale and an Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development through Chisholm Frankston.

“Through my art I want to highlight the things people often take for granted in this busy world we call ‘life’, the way people view relationships not only with each other, but the environment we pass every day in our rush and hurry to participate in life.”

Helen has explored many art forms, the culmination of which is now being expressed in her current body of work, through printmaking, book art and textiles that connect her to how she is feeling within her world, both emotionally and environmentally.

To gain an understanding of the exhibition I asked Helen some questions relating to the mediums, techniques and processes used in her works.

Helen says, “Through the influence of artists Heather Shimmen, Fiona Hall, John Wolseley and Shelley Rhodes, I am able to look at both my environment and the way I produce my work, with clarity and focus, that provides a sense of meaning, which may not always be visible to the audience, but to me provides an indescribable connection. “My work explores the various relationships and interactions we not only have personally but also the sense of belonging and comfort that is created within our community.

“The prints are a process called photogravure, which is an image produced from a photographic negative and transferred to a metal plate and etched in. It is a process I initially learnt from Annie Day and Robin Ezra ‘The Printmaking Sisters’ at a workshop in Ballarat. I have worked more recently with Dianne Longley at Agave Print Studio in Trentham, refining the process and learning a few more techniques that can be used in conjunction with it. The prints were inspired by a trip I did to Rajasthan in India in 2017.

“Relationships are ever evolving and provide a never-ending source of material for my work. How we interact with family and our culture intrigues me, we define family and the roles family members play in so many ways and the reflection on life’s memories is a significant element in my work.

“The textile piece ‘Land Skin’ is made up of silks and woollen fabrics felted and eco dyed and then embroidered. This piece was inspired by the work of John Wolseley.

126

thelifestyle autumn 2019

“The Artist books use a combination of a lot of techniques and the ones in the exhibition utilise not only traditional techniques and materials but also some things not normally used.” The books are Coptic bound, made of recycled prints, some also including Japanese papers and vintage ephemera. Helen was a founding member of the Textile group in Bairnsdale, Fusion Fibre Arts Inc. which has just celebrated its 10th anniversary and she is still an active member. She works from her studio at home and also at Freestone Printmaking studio in Briagolong. Exhibition is on from March 9th till April 14th. Official opening Sunday 17th March at 2.00pm, with an address by Eileen Thurgood. The Committee and Art Gallery members would also like to announce there will be a new venture with the Gallery expanding into the adjacent space which will be known as the ‘East Space’. This will give the public a chance to purchase high quality prints, paintings, drawings, jewellery, textiles, ceramics and books produced by members of the Briagolong Art Gallery. Other artists will be invited to exhibit their art in a series of ‘Pop-Up’ shops. Briagolong Gallery is open 11am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday Photos courtesy of Helen Banks

BRIAGOLONG & SURROUNDS

“I work across a range of media inspired by the natural world and dramatic landscape of the Gippsland region.” Prints | Drawings | Watercolours Mixed Media | Digital images | Original cards

Open: By Appointment | All Welcome 75 Landy Lane Briagolong 3860 Ph. 0427327494 | Email alifullard@bigpond.com

HELEN BANKS

BRIAGOLONG ART GALLERY

Cnr Forbes and Avon Streets, Briagolong 3860 Open Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm or by appointment Contact 03 51 455 439 or 0427 327 494 | Email briagolongartgallery@gmail.com | Web briagolongartgallery.com Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/briagolongartgallery

thelifestyle autumn 2019

127

YINNAR’S GIPPSLAND SCULPTURE EXHIBITION ALDO BILOTTA ‘EMOJI’ WINNER 2017 $5000 GLOVER PRIZE FOR EXTERIOR WORK

BY HARRY BALLIS

Yinnar has a tradition of welcoming artists and celebrating art. The value the town places on art cannot be missed. Nicole Allen’s sculpture of guitar playing Johnnie Be Good has pride of place outside the Yinnar Pub on the corner of Main and Jumbuk Roads. The Yinnar Mob, a sculpture of six metal kangaroos by David Doyle, lines the front of the Yinnar Retirement Village. These are two of 54 sculptures that were displayed in the town during the inaugural Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition in 2017. It is estimated 5,000 people visited Yinnar during the eight-week exhibition, resulting in the event being nominated by the Latrobe City Council for the Australia Day Award Community Event of the Year. The Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition is the brainchild of Nicole Allen, herself a successful sculptor and her partner Jeff Glover. The concept emerged from a visit to Castlegar in Canada where Nicole exhibited at a street exhibition. She explains that she returned from Castlegar “full of enthusiasm, having seen how a street sculpture exhibition had changed that town, a town not too dissimilar to our own”. Nicole recalls that Castlegar “had come alive with sculpture”. She returned from that visit passionately determined to establish an exhibition along similar lines in Yinnar. Good ideas don’t grow in a vacuum, and big ideas, like the one Nicole was contemplating, needed the backing of lots of people for it to materialise. Fortunately, Nicole’s vision was embraced wholeheartedly by the Yinnar community. Everyone, from the local businesses, to the Lions Club, and the Yinnar District Community Association, got on board, including the Latrobe City Council which had not previously been involved in a major sculpture exhibition like this. Everyone became determined to make the exhibition a reality.

With a shoestring budget provided by the families of Nicole and her partner, Jeff Glover, and their immediate friends, and with the generous voluntary assistance of Yinnar residents and others from as far as Morwell and Mirboo North, “the inaugural Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition became reality”. Accordingly, the sculptures were installed along a 500 metre stretch of Main Road and immediately captivated the town. Nicole recalls, “every time I walked around the town, I saw the entire community interacting with what was going on”. As with all forms of art, not everyone will agree about a work; but everyone will have an opinion. She was delighted to see people milling around a particular sculpture. “They talked about it. Engaged with it and shared their opinion”.

ANDREW BRYANT ‘REGENERATE’ WINNER 2017 $2000 ALLEN PRIZE FOR INTERIOR WORK

128

thelifestyle autumn 2019

NICOLE ALLEN ‘JOHNNIE BE GOOD’ WAS PURCHASED BY THE TOWN THROUGH THE LATROBE CITY COUNCIL WITH THE WONDERFUL HELP OF YINNAR AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, YINNAR LIONS CLUB AND THE COMMUNITY HOTEL. THIS IS A PERMANENT SCULPTURE IN THE TOWN. The township of Yinnar is no stranger to Art. In the early 1980s, a group of local artists, including graduates from the School of Art at the former Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education, took the opportunity to make use of and renovate the disused Yinnar Butter Factory. They transformed the old factory into a centrepiece for the arts. The renovated building is now the home of the Yinnar Art Resource Collective (Yinnar ARC), and a unique centre for creativity and contemporary arts that combines a superb gallery, a venue for vibrant music, and studio spaces for artists. The Sculpture Exhibition tapped into this culture of art and the conviction that art can contribute value to a community. This year’s Sculpture Exhibition will be bigger and better. Over 80 sculptures will be on display by 43 participating sculptors: fourteen from Gippsland and the others from across Victoria and other Australian States. This year 24 sculptures will be exhibited along the Main Road of Yinnar and the other sculptures will be on display in the Yinnar ARC gallery. Events have been arranged for every weekend during the eight weeks of the exhibition. These commence with the Official Opening on 6 April at 1.00pm and extend to the formal closure on 1 June.

PIP NIKODEMSKI ‘STILL FIGURE’ WINNER 2017 $1000 FRANK PELL PEOPLES CHOICE PRIZE

The weekend events include artist demonstrations of chainsaw carving, wood burning, lead-lighting and leather work, market stalls, music, historical displays and activities showcasing Yinnar’s Community Garden. Nicole’s seed idea has blossomed. It is now an exciting series of experiences involving Yinnar and the wider Valley. This is significant considering the hardship the local community has experienced from the recent mine fires and the Hazelwood Power Station closure. While the Sculpture exhibition is no compensation for these hardships, it has engendered a positive spirit in the town. Local residents are proud of what a small town, like Yinnar, can achieve with vision, application and community collaboration. Jeff Glover predicts that “in years to come, Yinnar will be known within the region, and across the State, as a place to visit to view sculpture in the street”. www.gippslandsculptureexhibition.com Doctor Harry Ballis is a sociologist and recently retired Head of Federation University’s Gippsland Campus. Photographs supplied Nicole Allen

DAVID DOYLE ‘THE YINNAR MOB’ WAS ALSO PURCHASED BY THE LATROBE CITY COUNCIL WITH THE WONDERFUL HELP OF YINNAR AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AND THE YINNAR LIONS CLUB. THIS IS NOW A PERMANENT SCULPTURE IN YINNAR.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

129

Your Events Guide to Autumn march | april | may

MARCH

GIPPSLAND VEHICLE COLLECTION Date Sunday, 17th March Time Late morning Place Gippsland Vehicle Collection (GVC), 1A Sale Rd, Maffra, Victoria. Contact www.gippslandvehiclecollection.org.au www.facebook.com/gippslandvehiclecollection Description Approximately 30 vehicles from the Gippsland Car Register will visit the GVC. Members of the public are invited along to view the vehicles on the grounds.

THE 26TH INVERLOCH JAZZ FESTIVAL Date Friday to Monday, 8th – 11th March Place Spread over 4 venues, all in the centre of the town of Inverloch Contact For more information see www.inverlochjazzfestival.com Description Enjoy amazing Jazz performers, gourmet food and wine. The Saturday parade is a highlight, recognised for the colourful cars, floats and banners.

MAZDA MX5 CLUB VISIT TO THE GIPPSLAND VEHICLE COLLECTION Date Sunday, 17th March Time Afternoon Place Gippsland Vehicle Collection (GVC), 1A Sale Rd, Maffra, Victoria Contact www.gippslandvehiclecollection.org.au www.facebook.com/gippslandvehiclecollection Description Members of the Mazda MX5 Club will visit the GVC, arriving in their club vehicles. Members of the public are invited along to view the vehicles on the grounds. CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB VISIT TO THE GIPPSLAND VEHICLE COLLECTION Date Sunday, 31st March Time 11.30am. Place Gippsland Vehicle Collection (GVC), 1A Sale Rd, Maffra, Victoria. Contact www.gippslandvehiclecollection.org.au www.facebook.com/gippslandvehiclecollection Description Approximately 50 motorcycles from the Classic Motorcycle Club will visit the GVC. Members of the public are invited along to view the vehicles on the grounds.

APRIL THORPDALE POTATO FESTIVAL Date Sunday, 10th March Time 12.00pm Place Thorpdale Recreation Reserve, Stockdales Road, Thorpdale Contact Barbara Butterworth on (03) 5634 6242 Description The amazing sheep dog trials, wood choppers, patting pets for the kids, motor-cross shows and Hessians on the Field, potatoes plus more.

Health and Wellness Workshops run by Christine Boucher, Corporate Health & Performance Coach in East Gippsland

130

thelifestyle autumn 2019

WONTHAGGI STREET FESTIVAL 2019 Date Saturday, 13th April Time 1.00pm Place Wonthaggi streets and laneways Contact Dee Connell – 0409 631 923 Description Fun activities, art, games, kids’ amusement rides, live music including bands on the main stage and a youth busking stage as well as many food stalls. COAL CREEK EASTER EGG HUNT Date Sunday, 21st April Place Coal Creek Community Park and Museum, Korumburra Contact Coal Creek 5655 1811 to book Description Bring the family along and join in the fun. Collect gold blocks to exchange for eggs, meet Easter Bunny, there is a lucky door prize. Steam Train and more. GIPPSLAND VEHICLE COLLECTION SWAP MEET Date Sunday, 28th April, 2019 Time Gates open for buyers and sellers at 7am Place Gippsland Vehicle Collection (GVC), 1A Sale Rd, Maffra, Victoria Contact www.gippslandvehiclecollection.org.au www.facebook.com/gippslandvehiclecollection Description Swap meet will feature car, motorbike and other vehicle parts, collectables, Garagenalia, Man Cave items and other motoring-related treasures. Cost is a $10 site fee for sellers and $5 entry fee to the grounds for buyers. Camping is available on the grounds on Saturday night, but must be booked. Full onsite catering on the day. For more information and bookings call Mike on 0402 084 302. Admission to view the Gippsland Vehicle Collection and Model World Maffra on the day is at a discounted rate of $10, with children 15 and under admitted for free.

Sale 14th March 9:00am to 4:30pm Lakes Entrance 21st March 9:00am to 4:30pm Bairnsdale 28th March 9:00am to 4:30pm

Morning tea, Lunch & Health checks provided Lifestyle Health & Work Performance Stress to Strength it’s up to YOU! Work/Life Integration is Easy Building Resiliency and a Positive Mindset Communication is key for Workplace Well-Being Christine Boucher GIPPSLAND CAR REGISTER CLUB VISIT TO THE MB: 0420211965 F: @naturalhealthbalance www.naturalhealthbalance.com.au

SWING REVIVAL QUARTET CONCERT Date Sunday, 7th April Time 2.00pm – Doors open at 1.30pm Place Darnum Memorial Hall – Tickets at the door Description Presenting a program of favourites from the golden swing era of the 1930s and 40s.

DEMONSTRATION OF CHAINSAW CARVING BY ANGELA POLGLAZE Date Sunday, 7th April Time 12.00-4.00pm Place Yinnar Historical Society – next to the Art Gallery Contact www.gippslandculture exhibition.com Description A display of chainsaw carving by the legendary Angela Polglaze, chainsaw sculptor.

MAY WARRAGUL NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION Date Friday to Monday, 17th to 20th May Time 10.00am – 4.00pm Place Warragul Downtowner Bar & Bistro 55 Victoria St, Warragul Contact Jane Woodcock, Warragul Camera Club ph: 5628 1518 Description Come and see the work of highly skilled photographers from across Australia. These include prints and digital photographs from nature to nightscapes.

SCULPTURE CULTURE COMES TO YINNAR After it’s successful inaugural year in 2017, the Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition is on again, in Yinnar. From 6th April until 1st June 2019, there will be on display throughout Main Street Yinnar, 27 exterior sculptures and within the main gallery of Arc, there will also be 50 interior sculptures. Throughout the 8 weeks of the exhibition, and on every weekend, artists will demonstrate their craft, for public viewing. For example, there’ll be chainsaw carving, copper foiling, stone carving and a mosaic workshop. For more information about the type of culture that’s coming to Yinnar, contact Arc Gallery on 5163 1310, or go to the 2019 Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition website. www.gippslandsculptureexhibition.com

Available at

WONTHAGGI NEWSPOWER & LOTTO

MOTHER’S DAY IDEAS, GIFTWARE, TOYS & MORE 31 Murray Street, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256

Monday to Friday 7.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 7.30am to 1.00pm | Sunday Closed

thelifestyle autumn 2019

131

BALANCING ACT PHILLIP ISLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RISING YOUNG MUSICAL TALENT IMOGEN PRICE IS KEEPING HER FEET ON THE GROUND AS SHE COMBINES PERFORMING WITH HER BUSY EDUCATIONAL SCHEDULE. WORDS: CHRIS WEST

Words: Chris West

IMOGEN PRICE It is already evident that 2019 is destined to be a memorable and potentially life-changing year for seventeen-year-old singer/songwriter Imogen Price. Not only will the VCE student finish her secondary schooling at Newhaven College, Imogen also hopes to complete and release an EP of her own songs before the year’s end. “I’m aiming to have five or six possibly six tracks on the EP,” Imogen says. “It’s really exciting and I can’t wait for that to happen.” In the meantime, Imogen has to juggle her musical aspirations around a hectic school schedule which includes leadership roles in addition to her VCE studies. She is House Captain, Music Captain and lead singer for the school band, Parallel Parking. Although the band only performs in public occasionally, including last year’s Jazz Festival at Inverloch, there are rehearsals for Imogen to attend every Tuesday during the school year. As Music Captain, she is involved in the organisation of music camps, whilst other obligations that eat into her free time include rehearsals for guitar ensemble on Wednesdays and folk group on Thursdays. But it is as solo performer where Imogen’s music career is really beginning to take off as she continues to attract a growing fan base courtesy of a regular stream of live performances at venues around Gippsland and further afield, plus an ever-increasing profile on social media. Singing a mix of cover versions and her own compositions, she describes her style as a “folk/pop vibe” and lists Joni Mitchell, Keaton Henson, Fleetwood Mac, the Pierce Brothers and Missy Higgins amongst her major musical influences. “I play a lot of Joni Mitchell. I love her music,” she says. Despite her young age, Imogen clearly feels comfortable enough in the spotlight in front of live audiences, with or without accompaniment. “On some occasions my friend Jack Towers, who is a teacher at school, comes on cajon and also plays drums. But most of the time, it’s just me up there with my guitar,” she explains. Recent highlights for Imogen have included supporting multiple ARIA award winner Wendy Matthews at the Bundy Hall in Bundalaguah near Sale in February. “The Wendy Matthews gig was fantastic. There was an incredible atmosphere at the Bundy,” she remarks.

Amongst other notable recent engagements, Imogen performed on the Live at Spectrum finale in November which aired on television on Channel 31 and was amongst the line-up at the Oceans Sound Festival on Churchill Island in January. Each winter, Imogen also appears at a number of hotels and restaurants at Mount Hotham, which helps to introduce her talent to new audiences beyond the Gippsland region.

“Mount Hotham is such a great place to play. My first ever paid gig was up there at The General,” she recalls. Closer to home, Imogen has entertained audiences at an array of local venues around Phillip Island and the Bass Coast. This consistent flow of engagements has included live gigs at the Rusty Water Brewery, the Trumpet Bar and Phillip Island RSL at Cowes, the Westernport Hotel in San Remo and Dirty Three Wines in Inverloch, just to name a few. People are taking notice of this talented young artist, who also boosts her profile and attracts bookings through her active social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. Level-headed and mature beyond her years, Imogen is aware of the need to manage her workload as she continues to mix music with her education. “It’s been a really busy time over recent months from the latter part of last year into the beginning of this year,” she comments. A milestone moment in Imogen’s fledgling career came on 2nd November last year when she released her first single - Lifeboat - which is available on iTunes and Spotify. Lifeboat will feature on her upcoming EP, as will two more songs – Let Me Go and Into Dust – which were recorded at her last studio session in Melbourne and are being mastered at the moment. “I’m hoping to get back into the studio around mid-year and record the next two. It’s a matter of finding time,” she says. Imogen is appreciative of the support she receives at home from her family and from the school environment. “The music program at Newhaven is amazing. It’s the main reason I’m so into my music and have gotten so far,” she states. Her parents – Greg and Amanda Price – have each contributed to Imogen’s development in music and education on a number of fronts. Both are well known and respected figures in the local community.

thelifestyle autumn 2019

133

IMOGEN PRICE Imogen with her father Greg Price

Imogen has taken her musical interest further than any of her three elder siblings. “I don’t think my brother Brodie was particularly musical, but my sisters both learned instruments. Ella played piano and flute, whilst Sianan plays piano and clarinet and used to be in the school band Parallel Parking when she was at Newhaven,” she notes. For a girl who has grown up on a farm in Ventnor on Phillip Island all her life, the prospect of a possible career in the music industry must fill Imogen with a sense of anticipation and excitement beyond anything she could have ever imagined. Right now, she is unsure where it is all going to lead. “When I was little I always wanted to be a pop star. It would be a dream come true to have my music listened to by millions of people. That would be amazing, but I do have a back-up plan. My big hope is to get into Melbourne Uni and do a Bachelor of Science and on to Veterinary Science,” she reveals. Not surprisingly, Imogen is unsure which is going to take priority – Veterinary Science or her music – but knows that it’s best to keep all doors open. Only time will tell which career pathway she chooses. “I don’t yet know whether music will be my back-up to Veterinary Science or the other way around,” she concedes. “I need quite a high ATAR score and this year I’ve dropped Japanese and picked up a second music subject. Although there’s a big focus on my studies this year, I would love to pursue music and get more albums out. I have to admit, it would be incredible if I really did break through with my music.” Given all the demands on her time and the importance of her VCE result, it seems sensible that Imogen is following her mum’s advice to monitor and restrict the number of her music engagements during the remainder of 2019. “Mum has tightened the leash on dad and I,” she laughs.

Amanda is President of Phillip Island-based amateur theatre group Offshore Theatre and also teaches Japanese at Newhaven College. Imogen was previously one of her students. Significantly, there is a long history of singing and theatre on the maternal side of the family that spans several generations. “I definitely get the music from mum and not dad. It’s in her genes,” Imogen says. “Mum was a singer when she was younger and also acted on the stage. I grew up watching Offshore Theatre and mum was either producing or acting in the plays. I always loved every minute of it.” Imogen’s father, Greg, is prominent in the local property industry as a Director of Alex Scott and Staff on Phillip Island. Although he may not have a musical background, he brings networking abilities and other skills that have made an immense contribution in helping Imogen to pursue her dream. “Dad is amazing to my music career. If I didn’t have him I don’t think I’d be getting anywhere,” she suggests.

“The Kardashians have their ‘mumager’, but I call dad my ‘dadager’, although he calls himself the ‘roadie’. Dad comes to every gig of mine and has helped me in so many ways including getting me a high quality sound system. He’s always putting the feelers out and helping to get bookings for me. I don’t think anyone would do as good a job as dad. He’s great.”

134

thelifestyle autumn 2019

“She’s saying I need to slow up and wants me to limit it to a couple of gigs a month on Fridays and Saturdays for now.” Imogen finds it difficult to switch off completely from music and always manages to maximise every opportunity to work on the singing and songwriting talents that feed her passion. “Whenever I’m at home, I’m often spending quite a lot of time on the baby grand piano in our loungeroom or in my room on my guitar,” she says. Performing comes naturally to Imogen, who has been singing in some shape or form for as long as she can remember. “I started singing as soon as I could speak. My mum used to sing and play guitar and I would sing along with her when I was little. I also started playing piano at the age of four or five,” she recalls. “The first time I sang in front of people would have been at San Remo Primary School at one of their Sanny’s Got Talent performances. My guess is that I would have sung Tomorrow from the musical Annie, as that was my go-to song when I was young. I’m sure that some time prior to singing in public for the first time I would have played piano in front of people.” Imogen started learning guitar as a Year 7 student and soon after penned her first song titled No End. “I’ll be honest. Mum helped with me with the bridge. I had all the chords, but I got stuck,” she admits.

BALANCING ACT “The song is all about how every story starts with an ending but life is that story without an end, so you have to find that new page to turn to. I didn’t have the best time at primary school trying to navigate my way through friendship groups. It was a bit of a struggle at times for me back then. But when I came to Newhaven College it was like a fresh start. I had a new school and new friends.” Imogen says that No End will be amongst the feature songs on her debut EP. “I’ve got about five or six songs at present. I perform four of them at gigs and I have the two others that are finished but I’m not ready to perform them just yet. I’ve matured a lot as a song writer since I wrote No End, but I will definitely be including it on the EP.” With all her commitments, it’s hard to imagine Imogen has room for any other interests in her spare time, but she manages to actively pursue her love of horse riding. She is a member of the Wonthaggi Pony Club and also rides her own family’s horses at home around the farm at Ventnor. “We’ve got about nine horses at the moment, including a lot of old retired horses. We lease some out but have never sold any of them,” she says. “Every girl falls in love with horses and I’ve even still got my first Shetland pony named Honey. My love of horses is another thing that has been passed on from my mum, who grew up in Ferntree Gully.” Amanda Price says that she and Greg are extremely proud of Imogen’s many achievements, but at the same time they are concerned about her workload. “Imogen does want to get a good score with her VCE but she also works hard at her music. She’s always practising piano or in her room on guitar trying to jot down songs. We do worry about the potential for her to overburden herself,” she concedes. Amanda says that most of the time Imogen seems to be coping admirably with her workload but every so often it can get problematic. She draws upon a Seinfeld reference to explain.

“It’s that whole George Costanza ‘all worlds collide’ moment whenever there’s a weekend where music gigs are clashing with school and study obligations. Generally though, you’d have to say that Imogen holds it together really well,” she comments. “As parents, our focus is on trying to make sure that balance is kept right. Imogen would say yes to everything, given the opportunity. It’s one of those life lessons that she has to learn as well I guess.” Amanda says that she and Greg are supportive of whatever career choice Imogen ultimately hones her sights on, whether that is in music or instead evolves through her tertiary studies. “I know everyone now says that your ATAR score doesn’t define you. That’s become the new catchphrase,” she notes. “But without it, there are opportunities that may not become available to you. I just want Imogen to be able to access the opportunities she’s capable of and to keep her options open.” Given her singing background, Amanda appreciates that important music gigs can also open career doors of their own and she does not want to deny her daughter any significant opportunities.

“Imogen loves performing and people enjoy listening to her,” she remarks. “Although the music industry is unpredictable, that is her passion and we don’t want to block opportunities that may come her way. It really is a game of balance.” When she was about the same age that Imogen is now, Amanda recalls listening to Australian actress Zoe Caldwell offer some very pertinent words of wisdom during an interview on radio. “The interviewer asked what advice Zoe would give to any aspiring young actress. She said she’d tell them not to worry about whether they would have a future in the theatre. The theatre will let you know. “That’s what I hang my hat on with Imogen because from gig to gig, she only gets more work, not less.” Whilst Amanda has attended many of her daughter’s performances, she is generally content to keep a watchful eye from the sidelines and provide guidance or assistance whenever needed. “I don’t go to all her gigs. Greg does. He’s really gregarious and is in his element talking to people and negotiating on Imogen’s behalf. He loves everything about his involvement in her career and she’s so fortunate to have him in her corner,” she states. “There are thousands of beautiful singers out there, but it’s having that good support behind you that makes all the difference. Imogen has that and I’d say it’s her secret weapon.” Photographs kindly supplied by Imogen Price

thelifestyle autumn 2019

135

WONTHAGGI MEDICAL GROUP

Accredited Providers of High Quality Medical Services to the Bass Coast Community

YOUR LOCAL GENERAL PRACTICE FOR • Medical Services for the whole family • Obstetrics - Pregnancy Management/Birth • Palliative Care • Aged Care • Vascular Health Assessments • General Health Assessments • Healthy Kids Check

• Immunisation • Diabetes Management, Education and Risk Assessment • Asthma Management & Education • GP Management Plans • Chronic Disease Management - Team Care Arrangements • Skin Checks and Lesion Removal • Travel Health Advice

OPENING HOURS 42 Murray Street, Wonthaggi

8.30am - 6.00pm Mon - Fri 9.00am - 12.00pm Sat

25 A'Beckett Street, Inverloch

9.00am - 5.00pm Mon - Fri

Consulting Suites, Wonthaggi Hospital 2/1524 Bass Highway, Grantville

9.00am - 8.00pm Mon - Fri 9.00am - 4.30pm Mon - Fri early closing 1.00pm Wednesday

Holiday Season

MOO’S is closed on CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY Then OPEN 7 Days a Week until the end of January

Tel: 5672 1333 For Appointments and After Hours www.wonthaggimedical.com.au

Set in Jindivick’s rolling green hills discover an acre of recycled metal sculptures and browse the gallery space hosting the work of contemporary artists and Laurie’s small stories sculptures. Call in anytime, no cost and see the studio (amongst the metal chaos!)

RED TREE GALLERY EXHIBITIONS COMING UP AT THE RED TREE GALLERY JINDIVICK OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS ARE A RANGE OF SHOWS AND ACTIVITIES.

AUTUMN EXHIBITIONS 2019 MARCH Wide Land Big Sky, Outback photography by a group of Warragul Camera Club Photographers, Linda Zwierlein, Russ and Carol Monson, Bruce Langdon, Ruth Burleigh and Marshall Cock

APRIL The first exhibition of Warragul painter Gail Twyford

MAY Roni Schell with horses and other animals More info on

www.redtreegallery.com.au Carol Monson, Marshall Cock, Linda Zwierlein, Ruth Burleigh and Russell Monson

Thanks Laurie Good on ya

420 Main Jindivick Road, Jindivick VIC 3818 P: 5628 5224 | E: info@lauriecollins.com.au

www.lauriecollins.com.au

thelifestyle autumn 2019

137

STEWART WESTLE CHRIS KANDIS

Chris Kandis was born in 1966 and at age 14, decided that painting was going to be his chosen profession.

The boldness and design of his work is highlighted by the subtle mood and atmosphere he is able to effectively capture in his paintings.

Chris was fortunate to study informally with Leonard Long OAM where he received guidance, support and encouragement from him. He gained his experience when he travelled to Europe to work and study.

Chris says that,

As a testament to his talent, he was invited to exhibit alongside the late Pro Hart. Chris has the talent to vary his technique and style according to the different subject matter he paints. His paintings are highlighted by energetic brush and palette knife work with texture, colour and expression.

138

thelifestyle autumn 2019

‘paintings should be attractive, or at least have an element of beauty about them.’ Much of the subject matter Chris paints relates to the beautiful Australian landscape. Chris was part of the Commonwealth Games promotion in Toronto, Canada.

He has acquired numerous prizes and awards for his paintings. He is represented in many corporate and private collections including Qantas, Austrade in Canada and Singapore Airlines. Private Commissions include Greg Norman and Nicholas Cage. Chris lives and works in Melbourne. Without Pier represents and promotes Chris’s works. New works are currently on show at the Cheltenham Gallery. Chris is a painter of Atmosphere in the Impressionist manner. He has held over 25 solo exhibitions nationally and participated in many more group shows.

Hillside with Creek 40 x 50cm Oil on Canvas

Sand Dunes Anglesea 50 x 40cm Oil on Canvas

Amongst the Foreshore Cliffs 30 x 40cm Oil on Canvas

Portsea 30 x 40cm Oil on Canvas

thelifestyle autumn 2019

139

Hawker Railway Station Lithograph 28 x 44cm

KENNETH WILLIAM DAVID JACK 1924 ~2006 Kenneth Jack AM MBE RWS, (5 October 1924–10 June 2006) was an Australian watercolour artist who specialised in painting the images of an almost forgotten outback life: old mine workings, ghost towns, decaying farm buildings. He became a professional painter at the age of 39 after giving up his job as senior instructor at the Caulfield Institute of Technology. In 1977 he was elected to The Royal Watercolour Society. In 1982 he was awarded the MBE, and the Order of Australia (AM) followed in 1987. He continued as a prolific painter and printmaker until his death in June 2006. Classic and Rare Works – Exhibition at Without Pier Gallery in Cheltenham 9 – 24 March 2019

140

thelifestyle autumn 2019

Without Pier Gallery presents Classic and Rare Works of significant paintings, drawings and prints from the Jack Family Collection including historic oil paintings from the 1950’s. The exhibition includes fine outdoor sketches of towns and locations across the western district and edition prints that reflect the legendary status of Kenneth Jack’s graphics. Many have only become available in the last 7 years, together with wellknown works that feature in books and publications about the life and art of Kenneth Jack. All works are for sale. With a masterly approach to technique across many mediums, and a career spanning six decades, Kenneth Jack exhibited widely and is represented extensively, in public and private collections throughout Australia and internationally.

CAREER 1943 ~ 45

Jack served in the RAAF as a survey and cartographical draughtsman with overseas service in PNG, Morotai and Borneo.

1947

Jack attended RMIT where he qualified for Drawing Teachers Primary and Secondary Certificates, Art Teachers Certificate, Teachers Diploma Melbourne, Teachers College and Trained Teachers Certificate (Manual Arts).

1948 – 56

Jack was a full-time art instructor for the Victorian Department of Education. During this time he learned printmaking and continued to draw and paint.

Buninyong VIC Lithograph 33 x 48cm

1956 – 68

Jack founded and headed the Painting and Printmaking Department at the Caulfield Institute of Technology. He resigned in 1968 to paint full time. The same year he was appointed Deputy Head of CIT Art School.

1969 – 76

Council Member of CIT

1980 – 83

Foundation Member of the Federal Government’s Artbank Board

Old Melbourne Gaol Franklin Street (Built 1841) 31 x 46cm Lino Cut

REPRESENTED IN COLLECTIONS Kenneth Jack’s work appears in many famous national and international collections.

His work is on display in every capital city art gallery in Australia. He has five hundred paintings and drawings in the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, and his work is in the National Collection in Canberra, Artbank and many regional public art galleries.

Bridge to Bulla 1947 Watercolour 30 x 50cm

The Old Mill and Hall – Strathalbyn 1992 Watercolour 50 x 50cm

Kenneth Jack is recognised nationally and internationally as a master painter and one of the most progressive teachers of his day. Jack has been the recipient of numerous prizes and awards. He was the first Australian to gain admission to Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours (RWS) in England. He was also a member of the National Register of Prominent Americans and International Notables and a Life Fellow and Patron of the International Biographical Association (Cambridge, England).

thelifestyle autumn 2019

141

AUTUMN MARCH | APRIL | MAY 2019

SUN SIGN ASTROLOGY forecast with KERRY GALEA ARIES 21 MARCH – 19 APRIL

In the short term, friends or groups offer opportunities and there is a focus on spending… some rashly, some wisely. In the long term, your values are changing. What we value determines our habits, our friends, our behaviour and hence our life. To change what you don’t like…. decide to change what you value! Soon a personal growth spurt means you must take what you have learnt… and apply it. While later in the season there is a strong need to speak your own truth, but remember that there is a delicate balance needed between speaking up and being argumentative.

TAURUS 20 APRIL – 20 MAY

Your role is being recognised. This helps you make the changes you want, and there are long-term changes coming. You have the creative power and inner discipline necessary to manage these changes beautifully. Soon it’s time to stand up for your values… but bear in mind that other people also want to stand up for theirs, so don’t take a stance that is hard to change. Later in the season it’s time to get out there and start... suit up and show up! Rash spending will create debt so make careful choices about what has real value in your life.

GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUNE

You will find it easy to gain knowledge and experience. Emotions run high at work or in any role you perform… and while you will appear calm, you are holding everything inwards. A bit like a shaken bottle of fizzy water! A surge of energy brings either reactive reactions, restlessness or intense productive activity … and you get to choose how you use it…. the ball is in your court! Later in the season you still have the energy, the opportunity and now, help will come. What more do you need? Perhaps a mission or a goal? What do you want to do next season?

CANCER 21 JUNE – 22 JULY

This is a time to seek information and advice, and double check everything you are told. Hold back from giving advice. There are awkward tensions developing in various groups, so stay focused on manifesting a healthy debate. Soon you are stuck going backwards rather than forward. Like being in an ocean rip… just wait and let a coming wave take you back in. Later in the season, you can be too focused on the small things of life and annoyances may mask the real issue. Look deep when you are obsessing over details as you are distracting yourself from seeing the big picture.

LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUG

People bring opportunities and a dash of help to all endeavors. Romance could be in the air! Your role or working life is changing… so get with the program and ‘change’. You cannot do anything about it… as they say, change what you can and accept what you cannot. Deep thinking and honest self-reflection can bring a renewed sense of inspiration. This helps clarify your future goals. Later in the season there is a huge shift on your role in the world. People will see you differently, especially at work and it can involve a job change.

VIRGO 23 AUG – 22 SEP

You are in the dark and not being told everything you should be told. It won’t last long but don’t defend your position unless you absolutely know 100% you have all the facts. Soon it’s time to start breaking routines to strive for your own goals. Bosses and other authority figures will see this as confrontational if you challenge them. Luckily, relationships have an extra special glow and fun and enjoyment is likely. Later in the season, it is a time of learning, sharing knowledge and being constantly on the move. Home and family life will take a lot of your attention.

LIBRA 23 SEP – 22 OCT

Plan on having an enjoyable social occasion or two, but don’t wait to be asked... do it yourself. It will take your mind off what’s happening within the extended family where awkwardness arises, leading to niggles over the little things rather than facing the big things. Mid-season it’s time to expand your mind with new ideas with a natural approach, but be practical about any health issues. Later in the season you are entering a hidden world which can be confusing and revealing. Remember that we cannot control the uncontrollable as there are treasures, as well as opportunities when you release the unwanted... and form new bonds.

SCORPIO 23 OCT – 21 NOV

While you want to improve your environment and get cozy at home, the people around you are preparing to change (yet again). Encourage them to move forward, adapt, seek information and get advice so they can fly high. Then for you, it’s time to recycle, clean, and get rid of some garbage both literally and figuratively. Also, creativity or celebrations bring smiles. Later in the season, money, and what is spent and what is owed, continues to be in focus. Think carefully about what you are actually receiving. A loved one is on a new learning experience, which brings changes.

SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV – 21 DEC

You want to communicate your opinion and ideas easily and persuasively but it does not seem to be working. Especially with extended family members. There is current confusion about what steps to take, but soon you have a plan about how to organise home and family issues, and you can move ahead. The focus is then back to you and what you want to do, especially for the future. Later in the season, energy, be it physical or emotional, is high. Taking time to rest and care for yourself, and staying focused on the ‘here-and-now’ is a great idea.

CAPRICORN 22 DEC – 19 JAN

This is a month where communication goes haywire. What you say will be misunderstood or misinterpreted so double check that everyone is on the same wavelength. While part of you wants to take the easy path of least resistance and ignore things, the other part of you wants to take a risk to do something different. Don’t beat yourself up, as it means that it is hard to make decisions. This continues later in the season as duty and responsibility alternate with delicious fun or creative activities. Give each one its time and you will keep the month in harmony.

AQUARIUS 20 JAN – 18 FEB

You are shining and will attract attention to yourself. Self-worth or self-esteem issues may be activated but I bet these will be revealed as self-imposed perceptions arising from early life or past experiences. Perceptions are not facts. There are changes coming and to help make them easily, change your environment and start to express your creativity and playful nature by taking small risks and doing something different. Even small changes in routine will help. Later in the season, rash spending can lead to money problems. And a rush of energy leads to lots of ‘busyness’.

PISCES 19 FEB – 20 MARCH

Don’t make final decisions… in fact, don’t make any decisions… for you will just have to change, adapt, return or revise. Go over any plans in detail to find all the possible problems. Beware of speaking before you know all the facts. Soon it’s time for home renovations, both physically in the actual house, and in dealings with the extended family. You have charm and grace to achieve an ideal outcome but take care you are not being overly optimistic. Later in the season, tensions arise when you are trying to balance work and home life with demands on your time and energy.

KERRY GALEA ASTROLOGY Palmistry and Ancient Moon Gardening Email: kerry@kerrygalea.com.au Web: www.kerrygalea.com | Web: www.ancientmoongardening.com

142

thelifestyle autumn 2019

143

where you can get your copy GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE OUTLETS

EVANS PETROLEUM OUTLETS

Bairnsdale newsXpress 21 Bailey St Bairnsdale Main Street Newsagency 212 Main Street Berwick Newsagency 29-31 High Street Boolarra Store & Newsagency 9 Tarwin Street Bunyip IGA 2-6 Main Street Churchill Newsagency Hazelwood Village Shopping Centre Cowes Newsagency 44-46 Thompson Avenue Dalyston General Store 4213 Bass Highway Dargo General Store 111 Lind Avenue Dumbalk General Store 25 Farmers Road Drouin Newsagency 93 Princes Way Fish Creek Alison Lester 1 Falls Road Fish Creek General Store 25 Falls Road Foster Newsagency 52 Main Street Garfield Licensed Post Office 77 Main Street Glengarry General Store Main Street Golden Beach Blue Water Fish & Chips Grantville Newsagency & Post Office Shop 2, 1503 Bass Hwy Heyfield IGA 18-22 George Street Inverloch FoodWorks 10-12 Reilly Street Inverloch Newsagency 10 A'Beckett Street The Jindi Caf 1055 Jacksons Track Johnsonville Black Stump Princes Highway Korumburra Michael's Supa IGA 1 South Railway Cres Lakes Entrance Newspower 297 Esplanade Lang Lang IGA 32 Main Street Leongatha Authorised Newsagency 30 Bair Street Leongatha Michael's Supa IGA Cnr Church & Bruce Sts Loch Sport Food Works 48-52 Lake Street Loch Victoria Street Gallery 34 Victoria Street Maffra FoodWorks 87A Powerscourt Street Maffra newsXpress 144 Johnson Street Metung Village Store 62 Metung Road Mirboo North Newsagency 52 Ridgway Moe Nextra Lotto 87 Albert Street Morwell Newsagency 174-176 Commercial Road Nar Nar Goon, Clough Fuel 1975 Princes Hwy Neerim Junction General Store Main Road Neerim South IGA147 Main Road Newborough Newsagency 30 Rutherglen Road Newry General Store 44 Main Street Omeo Post Office 155 Day Avenue Pakenham Newsagency 99-101 Main Street Paynesville Newsagency 65a The Esplanade Poowong IGA 17-19 Main Street Rhyll General Store 41 Lock Road Sale Newsagency 308-310 Raymond Street San Remo IGA 135 Main Parade Stratford Authorised Newsagency 60 Tyers Road Stratford IGA 67 Tyers Street Swan Reach General Store 2025 Princes Highway Swifts Creek General Store Great Alpine Road Tarwin Lower IGA 45 River Drive Thorpdale Bakery 34 Station Street Tinamba General Store Maffra-Rosedale Road Toora FoodWorks 66 Stanley Street Trafalgar IGA 5 McCrorey Street Trafalgar Newsagency 97 Princes Hwy Traralgon Seymour Street News 83 Seymour Street Ventnor The Anchorage Caravan Park Ventnor Road Venus Bay General Store 139 Jupiter Blvd Warragul Newsagency & Officesmart 43 Victoria Street Welshpool Supermarket 18 Main Street Wonthaggi Newsagency 31 Murray Street Yallourn North Supermarket 42-44 North Road Yanakie General Store 3640 Meeniyan-Promontory Road Yarragon Newsagency 107A Princes Highway Yarram newsXpress 195-197 Commercial Road Yinnar General Store 44 Main Street

Fish Creek 2 Falls Road Foster 94 Main Street Inverloch 25 Williams Street Johnsonville 1760 Princes Highway Korumburra 2-8 Commercial Street Leongatha 7 Anderson Street Leongatha 95 Bair Street Mirboo North 106 Ridgway Newmerella 5327 Princes Highway Sale 344-350 Raglan Street Toora 26 Foster Road Wonthaggi 103-105 McKenzie Street Yarram 325 Commercial Street Gippsland the Lifestyle Magazine is published quarterly. This magazine is distributed throughout Victoria. All photographs in this publication are copyright to Gippsland the Lifestyle, and if any are used in other publications or used in a commercial sense, you are liable to prosecution. Permission to use any photos in the publication must be obtained by contacting South Gippsland Publishing Pty Ltd via email to: thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au Disclaimer: South Gippsland Publishing Pty Ltd 2019 has the discretion to add or remove words or photos that are deemed unsuitable for the magazine. South Gippsland Publishing Pty Ltd is not responsible or liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, nor use of information contained within these pages, offering no warranties, either expressed or implied with respect to any material contained within the pages. Material in this magazine cannot be published or reproduced without South Gippsland Publishing Pty Ltd's written consent. Failure to heed to this could result in prosecution. The opinions and views expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

WONTHAGGI NEWSPOWER & LOTTO

31 Murray Street, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256 Monday to Friday 7.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 7.30am to 1.00pm | Sunday Closed

144

thelifestyle autumn 2019

EVANS PETROLEUM

and it’s customers

BP Service Stations FISH CREEK 2 Falls Road, Fish Creek, Vic 3959 Tel/Fax: 5683 2521 Email: fishcreek@evanspetroleum.com.au

FOSTER 94 Main Street, Foster, Vic 3960 Tel/Fax: 5682 2008 Email: foster@evanspetroleum.com.au

INVERLOCH 25 Williams Street, Inverloch, Vic 3996 Tel/Fax: 5674 1442 Email: inverloch@evanspetroleum.com.au

JOHNSONVILLE 1760 Princes Highway, Johnsonville, Vic 3902 Office/Fax: 5156 4102 Workshop: 5156 4233 Email: johnsonville@evanspetroleum.com.au

KORUMBURRA 2-8 Commercial Street, Korumburra, Vic 3950 Tel/Fax: 5655 1668 Email: korumburra@evanspetroleum.com.au

LEONGATHA 95 Bair Street, Leongartha, Vic 3953 Tel/Fax: 5662 2440 Email: leongatha@evanspetroleum.com.au

Castrol Oil Evans Petroleum are the authorised stockist and Gippsland distributor for Castrol Oil Australia with three depots in Leongatha, Traralgon and Sale carrying and delivering to Castrol and their own customers on specified route runs. Evans load and deliver stocks from the Castrol warehouse in Melbourne on a weekly basis using their purpose built curtain sided trailer. Castrol are considered the premium lubricant supplier to Australian business and are extremely well respected throughout the world for providing only the very best of OEM approved lubricants to all engine manufacturers and machinery in general. With the support of teams of engineers and experienced personnel at Castrol, Evans Petroleum have the very best of back-up to ensure that they deliver the correct lubricant to their customers in the same reliable and timely fashion, coupled with competitive pricing that the company is well known for in the Gippsland area with its petroleum products.

MIRBOO NORTH 106 Ridgway, Mirboo North, Vic 3871 Tel/Fax: 5668 2377 Email: mirboo@evanspetroleum.com.au

MUDDY CREEK 26 Foster Road, Toora, Vic 3962 Tel/Fax: 5686 2324 Email: toora@evanspetroleum.com.au

NEWMERELLA 5327 Princes Highway, Newmerella, Vic 3886 Tel/Fax: 5154 1601 Email: newmerella@evanspetroleum.com.au

SALE 344 Raglan Street, Sale, Vic 3850 Tel: 5143 1030 Fax: 5143 2686 Email: sale@evanspetroleum.com.au

TRARALGON 23-29 Shakespeare Street, Traralgon, VIC 3844 Tel: 5174 1138 Email: Tim@evanspetroleum.com.au

WESTSIDE 7 Anderson Street, Leongatha, VIC 3953 Tel/Fax: 5662 2834 Email: westside@evanspetroleum.com.au

WONTHAGGI 103-105 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi, Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 3988 Fax: 5672 5229 Email: wonthaggi@evanspetroleum.com.au

YARRAM

Ad Blue Coupled with its fuel and lubricant division, Evans Petroleum have also invested heavily in the Ad Blue market to ensure that they are aligned with reputable companies who provide the highest quality VDA approved product to the customer base, which ensures that all new diesel vehicles that require Ad Blue are being serviced with the best product available. In recent years Evans have sourced their Ad Blue from the Cummins facility in Kilsyth under the Go Blue brand which recently merged with another quality distributor, Ausblue, late in December 2018. With a fully fitted trailer and a certified NMI rated meter on its pumping gear, Evans Petroleum have been delivering bulk Ad Blue throughout Victoria for over two years now. Adding to this, Evans sell and distribute IBC’s, 200 litre drums and 15 litre containers through their depots and retail stores scattered throughout Gippsland, and are well respected in the transport industry for their service and reliability. Why not give them a call to discuss your next delivery with them.

325 Commercial Street, Yarram, Vic 3971 Tel: 5182 6019 Fax: 5182 6458 Email: yarram@evanspetroleum.com.au

EVANS PETROLEUM HEAD OFFICE 22 Hughes Street, Leongatha Vic 3953 Tel: 5662 2217 Web: www.evanspetroleum.com.au

Where the lifestyle continues

blue Hills Rise

Family owned and operated - Blue Hills Rise joins the multi award winner Blue Hills Residences as the best 55 plus resort lifestyle options in Cranbourne East. Looking for the best way to spend your retirement, Blue Hills Rise offers six unit designs with modern furnishings and fittings. If you want to downsize our two bedroom Stephanie Apartments, may just be the answer. Live independently, within a secure, caring environment.

Like us on facebook

146

thelifestyle autumn 2019

START THE RETIREMENT YOU HAVE WORKED TOWARD.... CALL THE TEAM AT BLUE HILLS RISE TODAY (03) 5991 5000

fa n ta s t ic On s i t e fa c i l i t i e s There are so many 55 plus lifestyle resorts around, all offering something different, the biggest question you need to ask is ‘What am I looking for?’ If you are looking for a quality home with access to some of the most amazing onsite facilities, then Blue Hills Rise is the best choice for you. This family owned and operated 55 plus resort, has a variety of home designs, all offering something just a little different. You will quickly realise that the Resort Owners, the Clarkson family, are serious about the homes they build in their very popular resort in Cranbourne East. No expense has been spared; all fittings and furnishings are of an extremely high standard.

Swimming Pool / Spa Indoor Bowls Dance Floor Tennis Courts Alfresco Café - Orange Leaf Gymnasium Library Restaurant Sports Bar Cinema Arts and Crafts Centre Administration Centre ATM Computer Room BOWLING GREEN VILlAGE BUS

The recent addition of Shopping On Clyde Shopping Centre right next door - you have a great variety of shops within walking distance. Remember Blue Hills Rise is only a 50 minute drive to Melbourne, and close to the Dandenong Ranges and the door step to Phillip Island and the Gippsland region.

Call David & Rikki today to kick off the retirement you have worked towards Blue Hills Rise 240 Berwick-Cranbourne Road Cranbourne East 3977

phone: 03 5991 5000

Open 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, or via appointments on the weekend.