52 Gippsland Lifestyle Spring by gippsland life

ISSN 1838-8124ISSN 1838-8124 $9.95 PHILLIP ISLAND & SAN REMO Fun by the sea THE MIDDLE EVERYWHEREOF Central Gippsland Has the Lot! HEYFIELD andDiscoverenjoy INVERLOCH’SSILOHOUSE A Grand Escape SPRING #52

Happy Reading! our frontspringcover Kindly supplied by Metung Country Club Douglas Pell | Editor issue...toWelcomeour52nd our advertisers 87 AUSTRALIAN FOREST & GARDEN - Home of Husqvarna Power Equipment 92 BASS COAST CYCLE CHALLENGE - Enjoy the beautiful Bass Coast by bike 118 BRENT SINCLAIR CATERING - Mobile Catering & Takeaway Meals 114-115 CITY TO COAST AIR WONTHAGGI - Service Bass Coast & South Gippsland 19 C P McLAREN MOTOR BODY - Leongatha’s Motor Body & Vehicle Repairer 86 CRAWFORD MARINE - Live the dream Campion and Stacer boats 130 CURTIS AUSTRALIA - Designed and crafted in Australia 86 EDGWATER TERRACES METUNG - Great accommodation in Metung 3 EDNEY’S LEONGATHA - All new Nissan X-Trail 103 EVANS PETROLEUM - BP Wonthaggi 78 GARY BLACKWOOD MP - Member for Narracan 2 G J GARDNER HOMES - Build your dream home with a local builder 95 GROWMASTER TRARALGON - Garden, Fashion & Giftware solutions 121 JEFF BOURMAN MP - State Member for Eastern Victoria 119 LAURIE COLLINS - Check the coming events for Spring 120 LEONGATHA RSL - Family friendly venue 15 MARY MacKILLOP CATHOLIC REGIONAL COLLEGE - Enquiries are welcome 18 MELALEUCA NURSERY - Indigenous & Native plant farm 125 MOOS AT MEENIYAN - Eat, Drink and Have a good time! 126-127 PETS DOMAIN - The home for pets 104 REDI MILK - Delivering to South Gippsland 97 RIGBY HOMEMAKERS – Gippsland’s finest furniture & bedding store 5 RUSSELL NORTHE MP - State Member for Morwell 113 STONY CREEK GO KARTS - Fun for all the family, Go Kart hire 18 SUNSCAPE SOLAR - Have you been thinking of getting solar? 105 THE GURDIES WINERY - Take a detour to the Gurdies Winery 104 THE MELBOURNE FURNISHING CO - Quality furnishing store 89 VAN STEENSEL TIMBERS - We have everything for Spring 132 VIRTUE HOMES - ‘ Building Excellence’ 119 WARATAH HILLS VINEYARD - Award winning wines, created for celebrations 14 WEST GIPPSLAND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY 123 WEST GIPPLSAND LIBRARIES – Libraries change lives 7 WONTHAGGI LOTTO - Authorised Tattslotto Agency our content 8-11 Inverloch’s Silo House – A grand escape 12-13 Curtis Australia - The finer things in life 16-17 Poowong Loch Cricket Club - A tale of survival and a flag 79 Walks with Doug - Mt Cannibal 80-81 Virtue Homes - ‘ Building Excellence’ 82-85 Metung Country Club - Par Excellence 88-89 Van Steensel Timbers - Grantville & Officer 90-91 Warragul Newsagency - Relevant and thriving in a digital world 92-93 Bass Coast Cycle Challenge - Driver and road safety programs 96-97 Rigby Homemakers Wonthaggi 98-99 WGCMA - People power for the Powlett 100-101 Waratah Hills Vineyard - Gippsland’s slice of Burgundy 102 The Cheque - The Courthouse Restaurant & Garden Bar Warragul 106-109 Wilsons Promontory National Park 110-112 Joe Matera - Rock n’ Soul 116-117 South Gippsland Floods 122-123 For Health and Wellbeing - My Community Library 124 Seeing with Stars Astrology - Stephanie Johnson 128-129 Canine Corner - Our Best Friends

Earlier in the year on Foxtel, in the latest series of Grand Designs Australia the Silo House in Inverloch was featured and we have also written up a feature on this beautiful property owned by the Scott family, this is a must read. Some old features are returning, and we welcome back our food gourmet article The Cheque, you never know where the Cheque goes but in this issue the Cheque went to the Courthouse in Warragul.

Sadly, we say goodbye to our long-standing canine friend Millie who along with owner Ken Roberts has traversed a fair few miles of Gippsland. I might add that Millie is in great health, but there is only so many miles her paws can take her, so she is now partaking in sitting on couches and taking longer naps, well done Millie and Ken!

There is plenty to read and see in this edition, plenty of places to visit, The Prom is one of my favourite places to go to, many of the walks are accessible and easy to get to and the best part of the Prom walks is that you are always seeing something spectacular on your journey. All in all, enjoy the magazine, and as I always say, support your local businesses, we need them and they need us!

4 gippsland lifestyle spring �� editorial Spring #52

Welcome to our 52nd issue of Gippsland Lifestyle magazine and Spring is here and hopefully it has brought some nice warm Gippslandweather.certainly is a region of diversity, and this edition highlights that exactly with many varied features that makes this magazine not only the perfect coffee table addition, but also a nice addition to your bedside for a late night read.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 5 Russell Northe is your local MP for the Morwell Electorate in the Victorian Parliament’s Legislative Assembly ”Gippsland, such a great place to live, work and visit.Through natural disasters and even pandemics the generosity and goodwill of Gippsland people always shines through” Authorised by Russell Northe, 12-14 George Street Morwell, Funded by Parliamentary Budget 12 – 14 George Street Morwell, VIC 3840 (03) 5133 russellnorthe.com.auRussell.Northe@parliament.vic.gov.au9088 Proud Parliamentary representative of the following local towns and communities including: Boolarra, Callignee, Churchill, Cowwarr, Glengarry, Hazelwood, Jeeralang, Koornalla, Morwell, Newborough, Toongabbie, Traralgon, Traralgon South, Tyers, Yallourn North & Yinnar RUSSELL NORTHE MP MEMBER FOR MORWELL RUSSELL NORTHE MP MEMBER FOR MORWELL

CONTENT COVERAGE AREA Through continual research, we seek and ﬁnd new products and innovative manufacturing processes; implementing energy saving efﬁciencies, removing potential waste and harmful processes affecting the environment.

Southern Impact adheres to all current governing laws and regulations set down by the State and Federal Governments in relation to Environmental and Conservation Acts. Southern Impact is active in ensuring all their disposable waste materials are disposed of in accordance to those laws. Regular audits are carried out on the companies they use to ensure they follow the strict guidelines set out by these laws.

Vegetable based low Volatile Organic Compounds and VOC free inks are used and all of their paper waste material is recycled. As a result, their factory and current printing processes are some of the most environmentally friendly on the market today.

6 gippsland lifestyle spring �� SOUTH GIPPSLAND PUBLISHING PTY LTD. Trading as Gippsland Lifestyle magazine ABN 81 144 063 089 ADDRESS PO BOX 862 WONTHAGGI VIC 3995 PHONE 0404 301 333 EMAIL gippslandlifestyle@bigpond.com ONLINE DIGITAL issuu.com/james448 WEB www.gippslandlifestyle.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/lifestylegippsland INSTAGRAM gippslandlifestyle WRITERS Chris West, Anita Butterworth, Wendy Morriss and Ken Roberts CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Baker and Garry Knox SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Paul Henderson (Curtis Australia) PHOTOGRAPHERS Doug Pell, Gini Patullo and Ken Roberts ADVERTISING Maxine Sando - Sales Manager Doug Pell - Sales Consultant EDITOR Doug Pell CREATIVE media101 | Alex Smirnakos DISTRIBUTION Gippsland the Lifestyle Magazine is published quarterly, usually available at the beginning of each season and distributed to selected newsagents and retail outlets within the Gippsland region and surrounding Melbourne regions and parts of Victoria. Issues are also available to read online on desktop and mobile devices.

GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE DETAILS

Southern Impact (VIC) Pty www.southerncolour.com.auLtd Southern Impact (VIC) Pty Ltd is environmentally conscious. They take action to minimise their waste and recycle their waste products; ethically and responsibly.

PRINTERS

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 7 EVANS PETROLEUM OUTLETS Fish Creek 2 Falls Road Foster 94 Main Street Inverloch 25 Williams Street Johnsonville 1760 Princes Highway Korumburra South 2-8 Commercial Street Leongatha Westside 7 Anderson Street Leongatha 95 Bair Street Mirboo North 106 Ridgway Newmerella 5327 Princes Highway Rosedale Prince Street Sale 344-350 Raglan Street Toora 26 Foster Road Wonthaggi 103-105 McKenzie Street Yarram 325 Commercial Street WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR COPY GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE OUTLETS Bairnsdale newsXpress 21 Bailey St Bairnsdale Dahlsens Mitre 10 19 Dalmahoy Street Bairnsdale Main Street Newsagency 212 Main Street Bayles General Store 675 Koo Wee Rup & Longwarry Roads Berwick Newsagency 29-31 High Street Briagolong Post Office & Newsagency 4 Avon Street Boolarra Store & Newsagency 9 Tarwin Street Bunyip IGA 2-6 Main Street Cape Woolamai Food & Liquor Express 2 Vista Place Churchill Newsagency Hazelwood Village Shopping Centre Cowes Newsagency Chapel Street Drouin Newsagency 93 Princes Way Fish Creek Alison Lester 1 Falls Road Fish Creek Discount Pharmacy Plus 25 Falls Road Foster FoodWorks 37 Main Street Grantville Newsagency Shop 2 Bass Highway Heyfield IGA 18-22 George Street Inverloch FoodWorks 10-12 Reilly Street Inverloch Paperplay 10 A'Beckett Street The Jindi Caf 1070 Jacksons Track Koo Wee Rup LPO 48 Station Street Korumburra Michael's Supa IGA 1 South Railway Cres Lake Tyers The General 575 Lake Tyers Beach Road Lang Lang IGA 32 Main Street Leongatha Authorised Newsagency 30 Bair Street Leongatha Michael's Supa IGA Cnr Church & Bruce Sts Loch Village Emporium 5 Victoria Road Maffra newsXpress 144 Johnson Street Metung Village Store 62 Metung Road Moe Nextra Lotto Shop 2, 1-3 Moore Street Morwell Newsagency 174-176 Commercial Road Nar Nar Goon, Clough Fuel 1975 Princes Hwy Neerim South IGA 147 Main Road Newry General Store 44 Main Street Noojee Little Red Duck Café 1 Bennett Street Omeo Post Office 155 Day Avenue Rosedale Butchers 32 Prince Street Sale Newsagency 308-310 Raymond Street San Remo IGA 135 Main Parade San Remo The Yards 117 Marine Parade Stratford IGA 67 Tyers Street Swifts Creek General Store Great Alpine Road Tarwin Lower IGA 45 River Drive Toora FoodWorks 66 Stanley Street Trafalgar IGA 5 McCrorey Street Trafalgar Newsagency 97 Princes Hwy Traralgon News & Lotto 51-53 Franklin Street 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 Yanakie General Store 3640 Meeniyan-Promontory Road Yarram Artichoke Books 1/243 Commercial Road Yarragon Fozigobble Café 79 Princes Highway 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: gippslandlifestyle@bigpond.com Disclaimer: © South Gippsland Publishing Pty Ltd 2022, All Rights Reserved, 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, or 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. 31 Murray Street, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256 OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK | CLOSED SUNDAY RITCHIES SUPA IGA Stores Maffra 102 Johnson Street Paynesville 3-5 Wellington Street Sale 177 York Street Wonthaggi 160 Graham Street NEWSAGENCYWONTHAGGI&LOTTO

Allister and Belinda have remained in their own house located separately on the farm property, which is one of three dwellings situated on the 500acre land holding.

“It was very sad to see the old place go, but in building The Silo House we hope to create many new memories,” Allister says.

“It was di cult to visualise it properly until all the furniture and everything was in there and you could then get an idea of how well the spaces work and just how liveable the home actually is,” she adds.

But with their two sons presently attending boarding school in Melbourne, and both girls also sampling a taste of life in the city, the change in circumstances prompted the Scotts to revise their plans for the unique home, at least for the short term. Rather than taking up permanent residence in the premises themselves upon the completion of construction in June 2020, the couple instead took some time to consider their options before deciding to make The Silo House available for guest bookings.

By adopting Belinda’s unconventional vision of constructing a brand new home that instead looks like a weathered, century-old dairy shed, the Scotts have achieved their aim of paying homage to the family’s past while creating something for current and future generations that will stand for the next hundred years and beyond.

INVERLOCH’S SILO HOUSE - a grand escape

8 gippsland lifestyle spring �� WORDS: CHRIS WEST | PHOTOS: DOUG PELL

“The build project was a commitment we undertook with the kids’ futures mostly in mind,” Allister emphasises.

When Inverloch couple Allister and Belinda Scott spent 18 months building the property now widely known as The Silo House, a journey which was featured earlier this year on Grand Designs Australia, it was with the intention that the house would become home for their four children - Lily, 21, Bethany, 19, Harry, 17, and Max, 14.

“Ultimately, we’d like to encourage them to stay on the farm and continue our family’s history here.”

The Silo House is an eclectic merging of rustic and industrial styling, with galvanised steel and repurposed timber to the fore. Farming-themed items, including cattle grids, crushes and head bales have also been cleverly applied in a variety of uses throughout the ﬂoorplan.

“We knew the design concept was a bit ‘out there’ and we were taking a risk with it because there was nothing else like it,” Belinda comments.

The Silo House was built to replace the former cedar homestead which was accidentally lost to ﬁre in 2016.

The property next changed hands within the Scott family in 2001 when Allister and Dougal purchased it from their parents, two years after the brothers had built a new dairy on the main farm.

The backstory to The Silo House is steeped in the history of its rural roots. Located on the Inverloch-Kongwak Road, just over a kilometre out of Inverloch, the property on which it stands has been in Allister’s family’s ownership since the 1950s. His great uncle Russell Scott started clearing the property and commenced beef farming, before building a dairy and beginning milking in the 1960s.

ALLISTER AND BELINDA SCOTT’S DAIRY INSPIRED HOUSE PAYS HOMAGE TO THE PAST WHILE CREATING A UNIQUE HOME FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS OF THEIR FAMILY TO ENJOY.

Allister and his elder brother Dougal and younger sister Lucy were all born and bred on the property.

location : Inverloch

Whilst still maintaining his partnership with Dougal, Allister is no longer actively involved in the day-to-running of the farm.

“My parents moved into the old homestead in 1968 and eventually brought the farm from my great uncle Russell in the 1980s,” Allister says.

Allister’s father Malcolm worked for Russell on the farm in the 1960s, whilst his mother Margaret’s career was as a Registered Nurse.

Dougal continues to manage the farm and lives in one of the homes on the property with his wife Kathryn and their three children, whilst Lucy lives in Inverloch with her husband Marty and three children, where she operates a bakery.

In making the house available as a short-term rental property, the enjoyment can be shared by others.

“I haven’t milked cows for about seven years now,” he estimates.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 9

Amongst many popular features of the home’s design that visitors most appreciate are the glass-covered sunken lounge area dubbed the ‘Gin Pit’, which provides the perfect place to unwind. But it was Belinda’s inspired decision to also include two external grain silos as bedrooms that added another dimension to a home that already has more than its share of wow factor throughout.

“The ﬁrst booking for The Silo House was over Christmas 2020, and we have had many more visitors since,” Allister says. “We love the house ourselves, of course, but the best part of opening it up for accommodation has been that each and every one of the guests has loved it as well.”

This was achieved through the construction of two adjoining pavilion structures; however, the extra slice of inspiration was her idea to add two connecting grain silos for use as bedrooms and storage. It is this particular piece of thinking outside the square on Belinda’s behalf that has ensured the home has become known to all as The Silo House.

Allister was in nearby Wonthaggi when the ﬁre took hold and received the terrible news via a phone call from his brother. In the aftermath of the ﬁre, the Scotts took their time to carefully contemplate when and how they should replace the homestead.

“Allister’s farming expertise, in particular, was a really important asset in achieving the desired look,” Belinda says. “He was a great sounding board in helping to identify what ideas might and might not work.”

10 gippsland lifestyle spring ��

“Steve is a fabulous builder and a great guy. He and I get on really well and have a terriﬁc understanding of each other in our working relationship,” Belinda notes.

The home was built by Steve Duffey of Rosedale Construction Services.

“The opportunity made us think about the history and gave us a chance to create something lasting that would be there for the future,” Belinda says.

The following year when the homestead burnt down during the winter of 2016, it was being occupied by a share farmer. Late one afternoon he lit the open fire and a spark caused firstly the floor and then a couch to catch alight. His attempt to drag the couch outside only succeeded in fanning the flames further when he opened the door and allowed the wind to rush in. After that point, the blaze was out of control and the house could not be saved.

BELINDA SCOTT

Allister attributes all credit for the big picture design of the project to his wife.

Originally from bayside Melbourne, Belinda moved to Inverloch in 1998, a year prior to her and Allister’s wedding.

Director and Allister has also been involved with the business since 2015.

“We did engage the services of architect Darren Brown from DB Design in Wonthaggi for some additional help, but only after Belinda went to him with a clear vision of what she wanted.”

The vision Belinda came upon was to build a house with the appearance of an ageing dairy milking shed with accompanying machinery shed.

Whilst Belinda was the creative force behind the project and also managed the considerable task of sourcing recycled materials and authentic farming-related items for use within the home, Allister took on the role of all-rounder and happily leant a hand in any way needed.

Other key contributors to the Scott’s project included interior designer and close friend Claire Cau-Cecile, who Belinda has known since childhood.

“One of the curious things I noticed with the large rural properties after ﬁrst moving from the city to the country was often the house is positioned close to the road and you don’t get to see the actual farm. I thought that was strange,” she remarks.

INVERLOCH’S SILO HOUSE

Belinda arrived with a career background in insurance and following her relocation took over a small agency at Cowes. Under her guidance and direction, the business has grown into a national operation as the BJS Insurance Group, with ofﬁces in San Remo, Leongatha, Wonthaggi, Mornington, St. Kilda Road in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and BelindaPerth.isManaging

“It was Belinda who imagined the concept of building a house that would look like a dairy from outside but have a beautiful home inside,” he acknowledges.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 11

“Oneobserves.person’s trash can be another person’s treasure. I love the stories behind imperfect pieces, but in trying to retroﬁt things I had to make sure that they would still be functional in the home.”

“I imagine the kids will end up ﬁghting over it,” Allister laughs.

Energised and motivated by the experience of working on The Silo House, Belinda is now ﬁnding time to assist Claire with bespoke designer builds and interior projects for Bower Bird Designs (Instagram: @bower.bird.designs)

“It’s probably typical of everyone that starts to build a house that the minute you mention the word ‘concrete’ it begins to rain,” Belinda muses.

As occurs with any build, the project did not go exactly one hundred percent to plan and threw up its share of challenges along the way. The biggest obstacles to overcome in Allister and Belinda’s case were a combination of wet weather, finding sufficient quantities of the specific types of recycled materials they were looking for, and juggling the everyday needs of managing both a family and a business.

Another signiﬁcant ﬁgure working behind the scenes on the project was blacksmith Les Guilfoyle, whose bespoke elements utilised in different parts of the home made an important contribution to its success.

Some of the more unusual items utilised in the home without a tangible dairy connection include old doors from the cells of Pentridge Prison.

“Although we were a bit concerned about the ﬂooding we experienced in the downstairs area and what the possible repercussions of that could be, fortunately our builder Steve had done a lot of preparatory work with the engineer to plan for how we would be able to get the water out. Our main concern ended up being whether we could dry it out quickly enough and whether the rain would actually stop, because it just kept coming and Sourcingcoming.”recycled items for the project was another ongoing challenge.

wonderful ﬁnd for the Scotts was a consignment of recycled timber from Marysville used for ceiling rafters which have become another of the most eye-catching features within the home.

Allister and Belinda describe the home as everything they hoped it would be and more. They remain conﬁdent that one or more of their children will eventually occupy the home as originally intended once the timing is right in their lives.

“But building it for them was really what it was all about.”

It’s hard to imagine a more unique escape, so experience it while you can.

Much to Belinda’s initial disappointment, however, her wish to utilise the grain silos she located for sale at a nearby depot proved problematic.

In the meantime, The Silo House is available for everyone to enjoy. The four-bedroom home has the capability to accommodate up to 12 people.

Booking enquiries are best made via the property’s Instagram page (@thesilohouse_inverloch).

Not only did they lack the structural integrity needed to be successfully converted into bedroom and storage spaces for the home, transporting them was also unfortunately deemed to be impractical. The solution agreed upon was to retain the use of actual silo roofs but fabricate the steel walls from scratch for both silos on the Scott’s property.

Belinda searched throughout Gippsland and further aﬁeld for the recycled materials on her wish list. Concrete bricks for the external walls were sourced from an old dairy in Bairnsdale, while many items came from a nearby farm in Outtrim, on which is located a scrapyard full of obsolete agricultural equipment and objects. The discovery of this assortment of bits and pieces lying in paddocks became a veritable goldmine for the AnotherScotts.

Although not everything went perfectly to script, the end result of The Silo House is stunning.

“The recycled materials are out there, the problem was just ﬁnding them in the quantities we needed and having the time to search,” Belinda

Curtis Australia are open and ready to help in lots of different ways. You can come in for a 'one on one' appointment, or remotely by phone or video chat – you can even chat online through their website, so distance is no barrier!

They've recently expanded their showroom, adding all new display cases that feature their hand crafted watch range. This is certainly something you won't see in any other jeweller, with ladies and men's models in solid gold to look at and try on.

TO CELEBRATE, EVEN IF ITS 'JUST BECAUSE' OR MAYBE YOU WANT TO TREAT YOURSELF WHATEVER THE REASON. BIRTHDAYS, ENGAGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES ARE STILL HAPPENING.

BY PAUL HENDERSON

YELLOW GOLD & DIAMOND RING

When you're looking for that very special piece of sparkling jewellery everyone's story is different, and Master Jeweller Glenn Curtis has a special knack of designing just what you're after, listening carefully - and gently guiding along the way. With over 45 years of experience as a jeweller, Glenn is certainly able to help with any jewellery desire.

A beautiful piece of jewellery can be the perfect way to celebrate life's wonderful Bairnsdalemoments.basedjewellers

When you come in, the showroom at Curtis Australia is both comfortable and private, so you'll enjoy an individual consultation from Monday to Friday, or even by appointment.

Recently expanded showroom with their hand crafted watch range

12 gippsland lifestyle spring �� THE THINGSFINERINLIFE

Treat yourselfto somethingspecial

WITH A GREAT SELECTION OF LOOSE NATURAL GEMS TO CHOOSE FROM, YOU'RE SURE TO FIND SOMETHING THAT CATCHES YOUR ATTENTION, AND THESE OFTEN CREATE A WONDERFUL STARTING POINT FOR YOUR OWN DESIGN. THERE ARE DIAMONDS IN DIFFERENT COLOURS, SAPPHIRES, RUBIES AND MORE UNUSUAL GEMS TO LOOK AT AND CHOOSE FROM. Or, you might ﬁnd just what you're looking for already available in the well appointed Bairnsdale showroom, where you can browse their stunning jewellery displays. They only sell what they make, so you're sure of choosing something you can't ﬁnd anywhere else in Australia. They're certainly not a typical big brand store, and have a caring and personal approach.

MATCHING PENDANT & EARINGS WITH DIAMONDS, YELLOW, BLUE & PARTI SAPPHIRES IN YELLOW GOLD NATURAL COLOURED DIAMONDS & GEMSTONES TO SELECT FROM

He'll happily do that for you too – and even if you can't get to the studio you can give him a call and things will start to happen. They're using technology too – catch up on Skype, chat on their website, or just pick up a phone – it's easy. They'll even send you pictures by email or straight to your phone, just to help things along. Be sure to check out exciting new displays of Curtis Australia watches –these are original, handcrafted designs in solid gold, often gem set, so be sure to check them out. With a family heritage of watch making to draw on, Glenn Curtis is looking forward to helping clients with their dream watch too.

You can see more at Curtis Australia’s stunning work at www.curtisaustralia.com or, next time you are in Bairnsdale, why not pop into their studio at 129 Macleod Street Ph | 03 5152 1089 So, if you can make it to their Bairnsdale studio in Macleod Street, you'll not only enjoy seeing wonderful jewellery, but also a warm welcome and, importantly, very personal service.

All this adds up to lots of reasons to visit Curtis Australia, either in person or another way. You'll be assured of expert help and advice and it's important to note too, that all work is carried out on the premises, so when you commission an entirely new piece or have a favourite remodelled, your precious jewellery is always in safe hands. Glenn Curtis is highly experienced in all forms of precious jewellery and his dedicated team are wanting to help you. The professional team all understand the emotive connection we have with our jewellery, and that's just one reason why a visit to the studio is so rewarding.

You'll relax while Glenn & Heather Curtis chat to you about jewellery, and even if you don't know what you want, simply looking at pieces on display will help focus thoughts and spark great ideas. Listening carefully is a skill Glenn Curtis has honed over the years, and soon he'll start to form a picture (quite literally) of a special design, just for you.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 13

IT'S AN INTERESTING AND FUN THING TO DO, CHOOSING YOUR OWN JEWELLERY OR SOMETHING FOR A LOVED ONE. CURTIS AUSTRALIA EVEN HAVE THEMED JEWELLERY COLLECTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM, AND AS AN AWARD WINNING JEWELLER, GLENN USES HIS IMAGINATION TO BRING EVOCATIVE MEMORIES TO LIFE.

LADIES ROSE GOLD MYST WATCH

CURTIS curtisaustralia.comAUSTRALIA0351521089

The Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Vision Statement speaks clearly of our strong desire to build partnerships with families as together we nurture our students as they develop within a child safe environment.

Education is progressing at an ever-increasing rate. Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College is committed to constant review supported by data and research, to ensure best practice in contemporary learning in order to engage and connect our students in learning. It is our aim to assist all students in developing the conﬁdence and competence as well as the relevant skills and aptitudes they need to enter the world as good Christians and ethical global citizens.

Our students are engaged in a learning environment that is real and purposeful, that embraces 21st century learning pedagogies and technologies.

It is in the spirit of collaboration that we warmly invite you to consider Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College as you discern the next stage in your child’s educational journey. All enquiries are welcome.

All key learning areas use teaching, learning and assessment styles that draw on each child’s strengths. By the time each student is entering the Senior School, they will have been provided with the opportunity and support to reﬂect on his or her special interests and abilities in order to identify the ideal pathway towards further study or career opportunities.

Principal: Mr John Freeman Phone: 03 5662 4255 115 Horn Street www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.auLeongatha Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College

The plan was to amalgamate what was previously Ranceby, form one club and compete in the Leongatha and District Cricket Association. Nyora had other thoughts. Their players and their residents had progressively migrated to Nyora from outer Eastern Melbourne and were keen to continue their cricketing links in that direction. A growing Nyora township gave them confidence for the future. They went their own way.... and the Poowong Loch Cricket Club applied to join Leongatha. Leongatha doubted Poowong Loch's capabilities. Reluctantly, but feeling obligated to accept Poowong Loch, Leongatha admitted this new team which was reliant on two small neighbouring country towns "getting married." A shotgun marriage if ever! The first year was competitive. C Grade did well and would have made the finals, only to be penalized late in the season for an oversight, a transgression that would be tolerated by the By- Laws of today.

The second season saw ten A Grade players depart for greener pastures. The club asked for and got concessions from the Association. The Association allowed Poowong Loch to play with just B and C Grade teams. This disrupted the uniformity of Leongatha cricket.

GRAND FINAL WINNING SIDE

Front: Anwar Magnusson, Jason Hibbs, Peter Miller, Alex Dixon, Matt Hancock and Greg Miller

Thirty years ago the Ranceby Cricket Association disbanded. Until then they might have been the smallest cricket association in Australia. Six clubs with one team each and Nyora with two. Loch, Nyora, Woodleigh, Krowera, Bena, Ranceby and Poowong all competed. The hours of play (11 am till 3.30 pm) accommodated mainly dairy farmers. Some of the previously mentioned clubs folded prior to the Association disbanding.

POOWONG LOCH CRICKET CLUB

Two B Grade and one C Grade Premiership over the next ten years evaporated any sympathy for Poowong Loch. When the Association developed six Grades of cricket rather than the previous three, Poowong Loch were elevated to A Grade Division 2. Poowong Loch embraced this appropriate and timely promotion.

16 gippsland lifestyle spring �� THE BACK STORY

In 2020, amongst the complications of Covid, Poowong Loch looked doomed. Players and administrators were scarce. Zoom meetings conﬁrmed apathy. Would Poowong Loch follow Fish Creek and Wonthaggi Miners into oblivion? A desperate plea to the Association to ﬁeld just a B Grade team was accepted and a competitive season followed.

THE FUTURE Poowong Loch Cricket Club could do no wrong in the 21/22 season. From very humble beginnings where five players at pre-season training was hailed a major success, to winning a B2 flag was "a mighty ride." It was more than "the flooding rain that follows the seemingly never ending drought."

Winning matches and the ﬂag was the unexpected icing,..... the table tennis marathon, the annual sheep shearing, the improved culture and enthusiasm, the arrival of new players, increased exposure on Facebook, hosting the Association windup, the emerging support of the community, the privilege of playing on the Poowong oval, and new leadership on and off the ﬁeld, have all contributed to the reincarnation of a country cricket club.

The gloom reappeared in the Winter of 2021 when nobody turned up for the AGM. A second AGM proved equally disappointing. Best players were being targeted and tempted to other clubs. Indecision as to which grade Poowong Loch would be asked to play, Covid, a general apathy and lack of direction, and no one prepared to accept ofﬁce bearer positions, threatened to suck what life was left out of this small country cricket club. The club came within a week of closure.

Back: Michael Buzasi, Joel Dickson, Shannon Rosario, Sa’id Magnusson, Ben Giles, Jesse Patullo

Poowong Loch C.C. kept cricket in the community for the next 20 seasons. The Association insisted on an A Grade team. Poowong Loch fulfilled that commitment, and fielded a varying number of teams in lower Grades and Juniors. Ultimate success proved elusive. Poowong Loch were occasional runners up across all Grades. An Under 16 flag in 2017 the only highlight. The club was participating, but not thriving.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 17

This is the “ ball of the century” that helped Poowong Loch win the B2 ﬂag. OMK’s Captain, Russ White was playing the typical Captain’s innings when Jesse Patullo bowled him with this.

Words by Garry Knox & Photos by Gini Patullo

By comparison, the dramatic population explosion in Phillip Island, Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Leongatha relegates Poowong and Loch to third world status. There is a dearth of good young local leaders. That is the challenge for those basking in Premiership glory: to ﬁnd crickets good young keen local leaders and players. Perhaps that's the challenge for all small country cricket clubs.

The personal development of players and their newfound team spirit is as satisfying as the ﬂag. The beginnings of a new club culture has emerged. However, the future remains unknown. This team will happily accept promotion next season. At some stage the Association will insist on an A Grade team, regardless of performance. Players will continue to be courted by other clubs. (Poowong Loch has a no-paid player policy) Two of the new leaders are "pensioner qualiﬁed" or thereabouts.

While Poowong's population growth promises to be equal to other small country towns, Loch's growth is negligible.

A TALE OF SURVIVAL AND A FLAG

18 gippsland lifestyle spring �� WHOLESALE ENQUIRIES WELCOME 03 5674 1014 | info@melaleucanursery.com.au | www.melaleucanursery.com.au Find us on facebook @MelaleucaNurseryInverloch 50 Pearsalls Road, Inverloch Vic 3996 instagram: melaleucanursery Melaleuca Nursery has been supplying quality indigenous and native plants for over 30 years. Whether it’s a few plants for the backyard or thousands for a revegetation project, we have a wide range of plants suitable for your area. A 1/501 Bass Highway, Grantville P 1300 733 332 E www.sunscapesolar.com.auoffice@sunscapesolar.com.au ABN: 191 322 396 99 | REC: 17292 | CEC: A0712025 HAVE YOU BEEN THINKING OF GETTING SOLAR? We are a local, family owned business who have been specialising in the installation of high quality solar power systems for over 13 years. We are fully qualified Master Electricians and our Workmanship is guaranteed for 10 years. Government Rebates are available and we can also retrofit batteries to existing systems. Check out our Google reviews online to hear from our many happy customers. CALL US NOW 1300 733 332

WE NEVER COMPROMISE PREMIUM QUALITY & SAFETY STANDARDS insurance claims assistance GIPPSLAND’S PREMIER PRESTIGE MOTOR BODY REPAIR FACILITY CPK McLaren MotorBody is recognised as one of the State’s leading Automotive Repair Facilities, one of only 5 Regional Finalists over 3 years in the VACC Industry Awards Best Body Repairer, Passenger Vehicle Category. UTILISING THE LATEST Environmentally friendly automotive reﬁnishing technologies. Diagnostic, Fault discovery & Safety Restraint System equipment.  ALL VEHICLES INCLUDING PRESTIGE  CLAIMS ASSISTANCE  GENUINE VEHICLE PARTS ONLY  GENUINE CAR GLASS & WINDSCREEN REPLACEMENT ONLY  24 HOUR TOWING  COMPANY FLEET VEHICLES cpkmclarenmotorbody.com.au 17-19 Roughead Street, Leongatha | 5662 4173 | info@mclarenmotorbody.com.au

Phillip Island & San Remo Index 131 ALEX SCOTT AND STAFF – Real Estate from the mountains to the sea 28 BLUE GUM GARDEN CENTRE – One stop shop... gardening & landscaping 20 BOWENS PHILLIP ISLAND – Tradeperks when you shop with Bowens 44-45 DAIKIN AIRCONDITIONING – The best air everywhere 43 DANNY NASH – Traditional signwriter & artist 22-23 DESTINATION PHILLIP ISLAND – Phillip Island 101 – One amazing place 42 FINDING THE GRAIN – Handcrafted, reclaimed timber furniture 35 HAYMES PAINT SHOP – Servicing Cowes, Wonthaggi and Leongatha 30 -32 HER SKIN SPA – The exclusive skin and spa destination 46 HER SKIN SPA – Laser, beauty and day spa 33 INTERIORS BY BD – Brinnie T Design - Design for diversity 25 ISLAND SHOES – Cabello comfort for Spring 42 LATTITUDE TRADING – Great range of giftware 25 NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS MUSEUM – Learn about our history 21 NEWHAVEN COLLEGE – Open spaces, Open minds 29 OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA – Shining inside and out 36-37 OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA – Every day is open day 40 PHILLIP ISLAND HOT SPRINGS – Opening Winter 2023 24 PHILLIP ISLAND RSL – A family friendly modern venue with great food 41 PHILLIP ISLAND WINERY – Is Gippsland at it’s ﬁnest! 47 SAN REMO FISHERMAN’S CO-OP - Best ﬁsh and chips in San Remo 46 SILVERWATERS VINEYARD – Order wine online, free local delivery 38-39 WILDLIFE COAST CRUISES – From Phillip Island to the Prom 26-27 THE WOOLI TAVERN – Cape Woolamai’s go to attraction 34 THE WOOLI TAVERN – Family friendly restaurant and live music 20 gippsland lifestyle spring ��

Indulge your adventurous side with a surf lesson with the locals at Island Surfboards, Pioneer kayaking tour or take to the skies with Phillip Island Helicopters.

Waking to crisp mornings and sunny Spring days plan your stay on Victoria’s Island sanctuary. Rug up and explore the Phillip Island and Bass Coast walks and trails which offer spectacular vantage points.

No matter what time of the year you visit, there’s 101 square kilometres of island magic to be discovered. From watching fur seals sun themselves on Seal Rocks, to enjoying a cocktail at a local bar and restaurant, witnessing the nightly parade of little penguins at Summerland there are so many amazing experiences to explore.

Near enough to reach on a short drive from Melbourne but far enough to feel like you’ve had a real escape, Phillip Island is Victoria’s holiday sweet spot.

For a culinary experience on Phillip Island, enjoy quality food as you soak up the views of Beach HQ, M&O Café in Cowes and Kelp in San Remo. Indulge in a glass of wine at the Purple Hen Winery or taste exciting new releases of craft beer at Rusty Water Brewery and Restaurant.

Phillip Island comes alive hosting the world class events of Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) 14-16 October and the ﬁnale of the Superbike World Championships 1820 November. Take in the action and atmosphere of these adrenalin pumping events. The breathtaking Phillip Island circuit delivers the fastest motorcycle racing in the world.

Whether you book at a holiday park, stay in an apartment or book a holiday house with a view, we invite you to stay and create your own Island adventure. 101 square kilometres of amazing is waiting. Phillip Island 101. One amazing place.

Be inspired at visitphillipisland.com.au Welcome to Phillip Island, 101km2 of amazing experiences distilled into one easy going island sanctuary.

Phone BH: 03 5952 1004 Enquiries: functions@pirsl.com.auwww.pirsl.com.au BISTRO: LUNCH AND DINNER BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL LUNCH: FROM 12.00PM DINNER – SEATING TIMES: FROM 5.30PM OPENING HOURS PHILLIP ISLAND RSL VENUE: OPEN 7 DAYS 11.00AM TO LATE FAMILY FRIENDLY AND FULLY ACCESSIBLE | KIDS PLAY AREA OPEN DAILY MENU FEATURES HEALTHY CHOICE OPTIONS CATERS FOR VEGETARIANS, VEGANS, GLUTEN FREE | SENIORS AND KIDS MENUS AVAILABLE PHILLIP ISLAND RSL A VENUE FOR ALL OF LIFE’S OCCASIONS BIRTHDAYS | CHRISTENINGS | ANNIVERSARIES | WEDDINGS | CONFERENCES | MEETINGS | WAKES

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 25 island shoes COWES PHILLIP ISLAND COMFY SPRING SHOE RANGE 134 - 138 Thompson Avenue, Cowes 3922 | Phone: 03 5952 2515 Follow us on Facebook @islandshoesphillipisland Great European Brands, Exceptional Quality & BrilliantServiceCustomer EG17 Colour Range Ask in store for available colour

THE WOOLI TAVERN Cape Woolamai’s go to attraction 26 gippsland lifestyle spring ��

The key to any good dining venue is the food and the service, and The Wooli Tavern are running special theme nights with their meals. Curry nights specially prepared by their experienced Sri Lankan chef delivers taste watering meals. Thursday nights are Burgers, Live music on Friday and Saturday nights and plans are underway for Trivia nights in September

One of the latest attractions to The Wooli Tavern is their new Courtesy Bus, which is very handy for those that struggle to get to the venue or need a lift home, the bus is quite distinguishable being in black and is a great asset to the tavern. All in all, this is a great venue, and well done to Vanessa Ware and her partner Fraser Livingstone in having the foresight and the determination to re-invent an old age venue and turn it into the Wooli Tavern proud , warming and welcoming to locals and visitors alike.

Back in March 2021 during what was to be the 2nd year of covid-19 The Wooli Tavern was born, and this wonderful local establishment has not looked back, only forward and the people support this location in droves. Locals and visitors alike call in for a drink, a meal, game of pool, relax and watch the large screen TV’s, music, outside and indoor dining, this venue has the lot.

Open every

THE WOOLI TAVERN Vista Place Cape Woolamai Vic 3925 Tel: 03 5956 6836 for bookings day from 11.30am Courtesy Bus available

Another popular attraction at The Wooli Tavern are the comedy nights and tribute shows, so there is always something happening here at this great venue. And of course on Saturday nights we have the popular Cocktail of the week, so don’t miss out on your favourite cocktail.

In Spring

the venue will be operating 7 days per week and there is space upstairs that can hold up to approx. 50 to 60 people for functions, wedding parties, or any event that you have in mind.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 27

886 Phillip island Road, Newhaven, Vic, 3922 92 Dunsmore Road, Cowes, Vic, 3922 Open 7 days Monday to Friday 7.30am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 3pm Sunday 9am - 1pm Public Holidays: 9am to 1pm Tel:(03)5952 3855 Email info@bggc.com.au Web www.bggc.com.au ONE STOP SHOP FOR GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING ■ FORMBOSS GARDEN EDGING ■ SUPERNATURAL GRASS SYNTHETIC & NATURAL GRASS ■ 3MM GAUGE HAND FORGED LETTERBOXES FROM TASMANIA ■ PAVERS, BRICKS & EDGING ■ SOIL, SCREENINGS, SAND AND MULCH ■ WIDE RANGE OF PLANTS, TREES AND INDOOR ■ POTS GALORE SMALL TO LARGE ■ BIOFILTA FOOD CUBE WICKING BEDS THROUGHOUTAVAILABLEDELIVERYBASSCOAST Now incorporating Phillip Island Waste & Recycling… specialising in Skip bin hire, Skip bag service, Walk-in bin hire, Event and builders toilet hire, Rubbish removal and recycling services. Rapid Response, Reliable, Local business – We know the area! Mon-Fri 8am - 4pm Call: 0417 598 968

Stage Two of our original masterplan is now complete with our spectacular outdoor kitchen, the sensory gardens, our discovery centre (library) with its own amphitheatre and new playgrounds.

olsscowes.catholic.edu.au

SHINING INSIDE AND OUT CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL OUR STARLADYOFTHE SEA 6 Cowes-Rhyll Road, Cowes 3922 | Phone: (03)

Our students have been involved with the planting of the new vegetation and are very proud of their efforts as they have worked with the landscape gardener and our science teacher to learn about the importance of being environmentally aware and their role in looking after our world. As sustainability is part of our philosophy, we have solar panels, water tanks and biodiversity areas including a bird hide, orchard and sensory gardens. The size of our school lends itself to a close knit and inclusive family style atmosphere. Our learning spaces are designed to allow the students to learn both inside and outside and always have bright stimulating outlooks.

We welcome enquiries and tours as “Open Day” is every day for our school community. All denominations are welcome. 5951 | Catherine Blackford

We have such a wonderful space to work with and the ﬁnal product is certainly a winner with eight classrooms, new inside and outside kitchens, an extended staff room, four playgrounds, a synthetic oval with three running tracks, the ﬂexible library/discovery centre, entrance façade and natural gardens and grounds.

Principal

1700

30 gippsland lifestyle spring �� PHILLIP ISLAND’S MOST EXCLUSIVE SKIN AND DESTINATIONSPAWORDSBYANITABUTTERWORTHPHOTOSSUPPLIEDHER.SKINSPA

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 31 location : Phillip island

Spending any amount of time at Her. Clinic and Spa in San Remo is a truly transcendent experience. From the carefully curated and exclusive treatments to the highly experience staff, at the beating heart of this skin mecca is a passion for nurturing everything it is to be a woman.

One of the keys to the success of Her. is the dedicated and highly skilled “Allstaff.of our staff are what we like to call senior therapists, all with 10 plus years experience. Most of them have been in the industry longer than that. We have dermal therapists – they are Bachelor holders, they hold a Bachelor of Health Science. And we also have our senior therapists who have a beauty therapy diploma and qualiﬁcation in Advanced Skin Analysis and laser treatment as well.”

Crystal-Jae’s experience also includes a stint at Harrods in London, where she wrote procedure manuals for the luxury Urban Retreat salon.

“We’ve had an incredible 12 months growing beyond our expectations and proving a real need for these types of services on the island. When the opportunity arose to open a second location in Cowes, we decided a dedicated day spa for locals and tourists would be perfect."

Crystal-Jae, who hails from New Zealand, has 25 years of experience in the industry, having opened salons back in NZ, as well as working in the US where she qualiﬁed in biomedicine and cosmetic formulation. She purchased the business as an existing salon just 12 months ago, rebranding and relaunching with a whole new ethos, and a meticulous devotion to all things skin.

“The Her. signature facials and spa experiences I’ve created were part of what I wrote for Harrods. They are based on a technique called Sensory Heaven. Sensory Heaven focuses on four of the ﬁve senses; hearing, sight, smell and touch. Incorporating sound healing, visual aesthetic, aromatherapy, and reiki bring you into a mind body relaxation. A Her. Therapist is always grounded, working from a place of intuition and intention Crystal-Jae“ and her family relocated to Australia nine years ago, after falling in love with the Phillip Island region. And she’s been welcomed with open arms, as locals ﬂock to her clinic.

“We would travel around all the areas, all of the outer rural areas of Melbourne just looking to see what felt right. As soon as I came down that hill at Kilcunda, I had an instant feeling and sense of home. It reminds me of where I’m from in New Zealand, the landscape, the people, the beautiful winery and ocean region. I love it down here.”

Founded in 2021 by Crystal-Jae Harrison, Her. Clinic and Spa has redeﬁned the treatment of skin. Bringing world-renown and exclusive treatments to one of the most picturesque corners of Gippsland, CrystalJae is a beacon of everything she espouses in her clinic; a genuine devotion to delivering the best treatments possible, balanced with a passion for excellence in every facet of her salon.

“So, the journey from the time you walk in the door until the time you walk out. Creating a community culture where we love skin, and we love what we do. Everyone is super passionate when it comes to achieving results for our clients. So much so that we discuss a client’s skin between everybody as a group or with another therapist, it’s not just them coming in and seeing one person. We’re really a collective of passionate skin “Theyenthusiasts.feelthat there’s a sense of unity with our team, it’s a very, caring and nurturing environment. You’re often discussing with people aspects of their appearance they would like to improve, their insecurities, their “Itvulnerabilities.ﬂowsontohow people feel about themselves, so I really empower my team to help women see their own beauty from within, that improving their skin just makes for a better window to shine through. So, it’s more than just skin. It’s so much more than just skin. Making a positive impact on people’s lives is at the heart of everything we do.”

32 gippsland lifestyle spring �� Services include brows and lashes, hair removal, skin consultations, dermapen skin needling, dermal planning, Pico skin rejuvenation and IPL skin rejuvenation. While the technology available at Her. incorporates Potenza RF Micro Needling, Ultracel Qplus, Pico Laser tattoo removal, Observ 520x and Hydrolux. All of the staff at Her. have trained at the elite Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College in Melbourne as well as being guided by Crystal-Jae in her unique therapies. And underpinning all of the teachings is a genuine love for healthy skin and an understanding of what’s needed to get it functioning to the best of its ability.

The Her. Spa in Cowes is due to open before summer 2022.

CRYSTAL JAE

“Our whole ethos at Her. is about connection. We create connections for people. Every aspect of our approach is important not just analysing skin. It’s in our touch, it’s in our language, it’s in providing a small part of luxury in everybody’s service when they come in."

Brinnie T Home 6/34 Thompson Avenue Cowes VIC @brinniethome3922 www.brinniethome.com.au Tel: 5952 6110 Brinnie T Design Studio 5, 26 The Concourse Cowes VIC @brinnietdesign3922 www.btdesign.com.au Tel: 5951 9829 SHOP: OPEN 9.00AM TO 4.00PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY | 10.00AM TO 2.00PM SATURDAY OR BY APPOINTMENT STUDIO: 9.00AM TO 5.00PM MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY OR BY APPOINTMENT Hey Beautiful ones,

Brinnie T Design is now able to o er you a complete holistic approach to bring all of your interior dreams to life. Come and see us for everything from fabrics and wallpapers, custom furniture and upholstery, rugs and artwork to paint and cabinetry colours, stone samples, tiles, basins, handles, tapware and more. We work closely with other local businesses including Southcoast Furniture & Flooring Extra, Elegance Tiles, Haymes Paint Shop, Reece, Bass Coast Blinds and Lightique as well as local builders and trades to o er you comprehensive designs and execution of your project.

Design for Diversity (accessible design) is a passion close to my heart. Whether you have existing needs for support or you are future planning, we can help you create the perfect space with all the support you need that still looks beautiful and suits your personal aesthetic.

I’m so excited to share a little secret with you... The reason you may not have seen me in the shop lately is because I have been busy in the background getting ready to open my new Interior Design Studio in the Cowes Concourse.

If you are looking to renovate or rejuvenate your home, come visit the studio – Brinnie T Design or if you are looking for a gi or just something gorgeous for home, pop into the shop Brinnie T Home.

FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT, BEER ON TAP, BEAUTIFUL LOCAL WINES, COCKTAILS AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 1 VISTA PLACE, CAPE WOOLAMAI VIC 3925 TEL: 03 5956 6836 FOR BOOKINGS www.thewoolitavern.com.au THE WOOLI TAVERN UPSTAIRS FUNCTION SPACE FOR UP TO 50 PERSONS | POOL TABLES AVAILABLE BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR AND INDOOR FACILITIES | ALL DAY DINING | COURTESY BUS NOW AVAILABLE MONDAY & TUESDAY CLOSED WED, THU & SUN 11.30AM 10.00PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11.30AM 11.00PM LUNCH 12.00PM 2.30PM DINNER 5.30PM 8.30PM

PAINT SHOP WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED WONTHAGGI | PH: 5672 5522 MANAGER: ROB GEYER | 5 7 KORUMBURRA ROAD, WONTHAGGI VIC 3995 Tel: 5672 5522 | Email: wonthaggi@haymespaintshop.com.au Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm Saturday 8.30am to 1.00pm | Sunday 10.00am to 12.00pm COWES | PH: 5952 2522 | 215 SETTLEMENT ROAD, COWES VIC 3922 Tel: 5952 2522 | Email: cowes@haymespaintshop.com.au Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm | Saturday 8.00am to 1.00pm | Sunday 9.00am to 1.00pm LEONGATHA | PH: 5662 2941 MANAGER: LUKE WATSON | 68 BAIR STREET, LEONGATHA VIC 3953 Tel: 5662 2941 | Email: Leongatha@haymespaintshop.com.au Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am to 12.00pm | Sunday closed WONTHAGGI LEONGATHA COWES LEONGATHA MANAGER: LUKE WATSONWONTHAGGI MANAGER: ROB GEYERCOWES MANAGER: DAVID FUSINATO

36 gippsland lifestyle spring �� CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL Every Day Is Open Day PHOTOS BY DOUG PELL Our Lady Star Of The Sea

“At home, our children tell stories that help us see they are noticed, their strengths focussed on….. new academic, but also culturally exciting and artistically fabulous, learning opportunities are provided.”

We empower our students to understand that they can make a difference, both locally and globally, by caring for the Earth and other people. Our sustainably designed learning spaces allow our students to learn both inside and outside, and reduce our environmental impact.

“Selecting a school that recognises the uniqueness of each child and is able to meet their needs is an important investment in their future. As you are the ﬁrst educators of your child, we look to work in partnership as they continue their educational journey.”

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 37

Established in 2018, we are a growing Catholic school community, inclusive of all faiths and denominations. We recognise the individuality of each child and their needs. Our welcoming staff believe that, with the right support, all children can succeed. The curriculum offered at Our Lady Star of the Sea reﬂects the high expectations we have for the academic, social, spiritual, physical and personal development of all students. The size of our school ensures a close-knit community. We have strong home-school partnerships and value the trust and communication we build with all families.

Our school grounds embrace the biodiversity of the natural environment to enhance student learning. This includes sensory gardens, an orchard, vegetable gardens, a native wildlife corridor, a bird hide and diverse habitat gardens. These features are complemented by local artists’ installations, an amphitheatre, indoor and outdoor kitchens, a synthetic oval, and a variety of play areas.

Dr Sarah. M. Crinall, Educational Research Fellow, Western Sydney University and a valued parent of the OLSS community. We welcome enquiries and tours, as every day is open day at Our Lady Star of the Sea. All denominations welcome. A fee reduction scheme is available, if required.

location : Cowes | Phillip Island

38 gippsland lifestyle spring �� Head out on a whale adventure aboard the “Arafura Pearl” departing the South Gippsland township of Port Welshpool.

The perfect tour to match with a weekend or mid-week escape.

Humpback Whales returning south after calving, nursing and mating in warmer waters.

Making a splash, these springtime whales at Wilsons Promontory show a range of behaviour that is never predictable, often spotted tail slapping and pec slapping even spy hopping, breaching, and mugging the boat on occasion.

Sailing along this scenic coastline, on the lookout for that elusive whale blow, ﬁnding

Viewing one of Australia’s most diverse and picturesque national parks, Wilsons Promontory.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 39

An incredible experience made even better with playful dolphins along in the bow and slippery seals darting around in the waters below. local birdlife such as shy albatross and white bellied eagles can be spotted soaring above or perched in the trees and rolling forest that frame the coast.

Stopover in one of the many sheltered coves, with white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters where you are served a delicious lunch and sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Whales are frequently spotted with mothers and calves, teaching their young the route back to Antarctica feeding grounds.

Spring has arrived and Gippsland is about to BURST into life. But in a region that is LITERALLY the size of Switzerland, it’s impossible to experience all of its wonder in just one weekend. That’s why, at Phillip Island Winery, we bring it all directly to you, on one little patch of dirt, on one little island, just 90 minutes from Melbourne.

Beer from the local breweries, gin from local distilleries, you get the picture, BUT, it doesn’t just start and end with the food and wine…..

Open to Sunday 11.30am – 5.30pm Check our socials

for extended summer hours @phillipislandwinery PHILLIP ISLAND WINERY IS GIPPSLAND AT IT’S FINEST!

We also immerse you in the art and culture that surrounds us by dining from locally hand-cra ed ceramics.

Purchase produce and art from local makers and creators in our beautiful cellar door ‘The Yards’ , or listen to live performances by one of the many local musicians that we have play every weekend on the back of a Bedford truck.

PHILLIP ISLAND WINERY 414

Taste wine from only one of 3 island based wineries in the state, taste award winning cheese from the foothills of the famous Strzlecki’s, olives from three paddocks away in a grove overlooking Bass Strait, organic prosciutto from the Gippsland Hinterland, and eat seafood caught from the very waters that you look out upon from our restaurant.

Thursday

Join a cooking class to learn the art of artisan bread making, or an art class to create your very own masterpiece on canvas. Open for lunch four days per week and available for private events and location shoots.

From the moment you arrive we cocoon you in the richness of all the region has to o er, and that is why your next Gippsland experience should start right here with us at Phillip Island Winery. Berrys Beach Road, Ventnor Vic 3922 www.phillipislandwinery.com.au

42 gippsland lifestyle spring �� 139 MARINE PARADE SAN REMO VIC 3925 | TEL: 03 5678 5122 | OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK - 10.00AM – 5.00PM lattitudetrading.com.au Like us on face book UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT GREAT RANGE OF GIFTWARE BY ROBERT GORDON, LEATHER GOODS, HOMEWARES, CLOTHING, JEWELLERY, CANDLES, HANDBAGS, GIFTS, AND BABY WEAR FINDING THE GRAIN TIMBERHANDCRAFTEDFURNTIURE Finding The Grain is able to produce life lasting, hand crafted furniture created from reclaimed timber. COMMISSION AND CUSTOM DESIGNS A SPECIALTY WITH ATTENTION TO CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS. Salvaged from local demolition sites around Phillip Island, this timber has historically been sent to landﬁll. Finding The Grain is dedicated to reclaiming that timber, and not only reducing our carbon footprint, and allowing the timber to live on preserving nature’s history. Beautiful furniture and home dressings are created on site from all types of magniﬁcent timber Red Gum, Native hardwoods, Huon Pine, Jarrah - the list is endless. Mark Davis 0418 355 148 | 40 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven VIC 3925 www.findingthegrain.com.au

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 43

space for local artisans and buskers. Keep your eye out for the next

Cowes Bazaar which will

outdoor mural

outdoor space. Danny is available for murals and commissions by phoning 0418 512 091 TRADITIONAL SIGNWRITER & ARTIST Danny Nash location : cowes

Traditional signwriter/artist Danny Nash has recently completed an next to soon become an exciting new stage of this

EXPERTS IN AIR CONDITIONING As specialists, air conditioning is all we do. We take pride in designing products that provide clean, efficient, and superior comfort in the places we live, work and play. SPECIALISTNETWORKDEALER With over 450+ strong dealer network, Daikin is available through our Specialist Dealer network, who will assess, plan and install the right air condi tioning solution for your home. QUALITY AFTER SALES SUPPORT Our comprehensive range of services from our dedicated after sales support team will ensure the long term durability and keep your Daikin running smoothly for many years to come. SENSITIVE conditionersDaikin'sAPPROVEDCHOICE®splitsystemairareapproved by the National Asthma Council Australia Sensitive Choice® program, and are the only split systems that carry the blue butterfly symbol WHY CHOOSE DAIKIN?

THE BEST AIR ANYWHERE 1/60 Genista Street, San Remo 5678 5190 After hours commercial breakdown offce@picra.com.au www.coastalrefrigandaircon.com.au COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC REGRERATION & AIR CONDITIONING | REFRIGERANT TRADE AUTH NO: AU 51246 - PI 48651

The wine is sold through the vineyard’s online store. All orders are gift wrapped and they offer free local delivery, with no minimum purchase and free shipping Australia wide on 6 or more bottles.

silverwatersvineyard.com.au

The new Silverwaters Vineyard label features Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

46 gippsland lifestyle spring ��

“Everything under the Silverwaters Vineyard label is from our single vineyard in San Remo.”

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 47 prawns, scallops, oysters, octopus & more… featuring fresh gummy off the boats 170 Marine Parade, Sa Phone: 5678 5206arade, San Remo 6 170 Marine Parade, Sa Phone: 5678 5206 w w w.s r fco.com . a u Pelican feeding Daily at noon

48 THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE INDEX 49 GIPPSLAND REAL ESTATE – YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS 50-52 AUSTRALIAN SUSTAINABLE HARDWOODS – A GIPPSLAND INNOVATOR 52 ASH RETAIL CENTRE – A ONE STOP SHOP FOR YOUR TIMBER FAVOURITES 53 THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE – CREATE A LIFE 54-57 DISCOVER HEYFIELD- THE CLOSER YOU GET, THE BETTER YOU FEEL 58-60 THE MAKING OF THE HEYFIELD MUSEUM – AND THE REST IS HISTORY 61 THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE 62-65 MILLIE AND THE MILL TOWN – TRIBUTE TO MILLIE 66 VERN GRAHAM MITRE 10 – MIGHTY HELPFUL HEYFIELD STORE 66 ROSEDALE BUTCHERS – FAMILY OWNED COUNTRY BUTCHER 67 THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE – FARMGATE FOLLIES 68-71 GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR – THE BEST PLACE TO LEARN, LIVE AND LEAD 72-75 WOODSIDE BEACH HOTEL – PUB REVIVAL TAPS COMMUNITY SPIRIT 76 BOAT HARBOUR JETTY B&B – REST AND RELAXATION IN PORT ALBERT 76 GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR – TEACHING EXCELLENCE 77 THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE – COASTAL ESCAPE 78 PORT OF SALE HERITAGE CRUISES – GREAT RIVER CRUISES Find out more at themiddleofeverywhere.com.au 48 gippsland lifestyle spring ��

4 Temple Street, Heyﬁeld (03) 5148 3007 118-120 Johnson Street, Maffra (03) 5147 2200

www.gippslandrealestate.com

We are members of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and abide by its strict Code of Conduct and Professional Standards. We are committed to providing superior customer service delivered professionally, with honesty and integrity and always in the best interest of our clients.

All directors of Gippsland Real Estate are Licensed Estate Agents and fully involved in the day to day operation of the business and have a combined experience of over 70 years in the local real estate market. We have experienced residential, lifestyle, rural, business and commercial Sales Agents, Auctioneers, Property Managers with over 25 years combined experience, support staff and receptionists. Gippsland Real Estate staff are motivated, highly trained and qualiﬁed. The company has an emphasis on staff training and bringing a fresh and innovative approach to real estate services.

The team at Gippsland Real Estate has a thorough knowledge of the Heyﬁeld and Maffra townships and surrounding district and contribute to a wide range of community and sporting activities through personal involvement and/or sponsorship.

Gippsland Real Estate operates ofﬁces in Heyﬁeld and Maffra to service these towns and the surrounding districts.

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50 gippsland lifestyle spring ��

Vince is understandably passionate about the timber industry, a devotion that dates back to when his uncle ran the Dargo sawmill.

“People have a view that a mill is a couple of big blokes in blue singlets putting a bit of wood through,” says ASH Managing Director and shareholder Vince Hurley.

“It’s nothing like that. It’s automated. We have a lot of women in our manufacturing, we have engineers, we have tertiary qualiﬁed people as well as people who have come up from the shop ﬂoor.”

“We had another go in 2013, extending that manufacturing plant to include another couple of manufacturing lines. And the big evolution has been from 2017 to now, where we’ve put in four more manufacturing lines. And they’re very large scale, yet lean. We’re also installing a new engineered flooring line. When operating in early 2023, it will be the only engineered pre finished flooring made in Australia.

For 30 years ASH has been a mainstay in the timber milling and manufacturing industry, not just in Gippsland. Continued investment in technology and people has seen it become one of the largest hardwood mills in Australia, as well as the country’s largest hardwood timber Butmanufacturer.it’sincredible how many people still assume that at the core of ‘the mill’ are burly men hauling wood.

“In manufacturing we basically compete with imports from countries like China, Vietnam and Eastern Europe. Where labour, wages and working conditions are a lot lower than here in Australia. So, in order to compete we’ve had to invest in automation and technology, which we’ve successfully done.”

After gaining his Bachelor of Forest Science in the 80s, Vince worked as a forester, before starting his career at Neville Smith Timber Industries, which eventually became ASH. He’s played an integral role in building the business up into the behemoth it is today – branching out from milling into “Theremanufacturing.wasalways a bit of timber processing done on the Heyfield site, we started with some moulders and dressing or profiling timber rather than manufacturing. Then in 2007 we built our first, large manufacturing plant, it’s quite automated with three lines in it, and it really cranked up in 2007 and that got us away.

HardwoodsSustainableAustralian MASSLAM MEMBER ON THE MOVE IN THE ASH GANTRY SHED

The timber industry has long been part of the fabric of Gippsland but there are some misconceptions about it. Thankfully, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) is dispelling the myths, as it continues to forge an impressive name for itself on the national, and international stage.

Words by Anita Butterworth a gippsland innovator

But for ASH, the sustainability and wellbeing of its workforce is just as “Weimportant.payvery well – $404 a fortnight above the Award to our employees on the shop ﬂoor. We have training programs to encourage progression and run apprenticeships in our engineering, electrical and diesel mechanic workshops.”

location : Heyfield

ASH’s MASSLAM line includes a range of glue-laminated timber systems, including hardwood and softwood beams, columns, ﬂoors and roof structures that can be used in domestic and commercial builds – like the ethereal internal ‘trees’ in the new Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in “TheTraralgon.other thing that happened during Covid was the amount of stimulus put into economies in Europe and the US, which meant that diverted ﬁbre that might have come to Australia, stayed in Europe and the States. This really helped us get a leg up (with the MASSLAM line) quicker than we might have.

“I think we were always going to be very successful, but it just gave us an extra leg up in two ways –making it a little bit more difﬁcult and more expensive to import and also highlighting the importance of home grown. We’re here, we can react quickly.”

Another pillar in the success and longevity of ASH is its commitment to sustainability. For example, for every cubic metre of MASSLAM produced at ASH, there’s 780kg of carbon stored.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 51

INSIDE THE ASJ RETAIL CENTRE AT 75 MAFFRA ROAD, HEYFIELD ASH'S WEIR ROAD OPERATIONS

“That’s because everything’s local. Our resource is local, our manufacturing’s local, we generate a lot of our own energy by burning sawdust through our boilers. If you’re dealing with imports of course you’ve got that huge carbon miles of bringing it in.”

When Covid hit and imports were limited, ASH seized the opportunity to further diversify.

“It highlighted the importance of home grown. It was a good time to start particularly our MASSLAM line, which is our range of huge columns and beams, made for the mass timber market in Australia. Historically, columns and beams of this size were only made in Europe and not in Australia, until we started manufacturing them in 2020. Then all of a sudden, Europe found it difﬁcult to supply.”

ASH, as a business, is anything but a follower. It’s created pathways for development and diversiﬁcation, including the opening of the ASH Retail Centre in May this year. What started out as the brainchild of ASH National Sales Manager Brett Bould just a couple of weeks before the ﬁrst 2020 lockdown, has blossomed into a thriving adjunct.

52 gippsland lifestyle spring ��

“It’s gone unbelievably well, because community members can buy timber products that historically they didn’t have access to. They can go into the ASH Retail Centre and get for example, an American Oak timber benchtop made to order. They might want it 3.6m long, no problem. We’ve got them on the ﬂoor.

But above it all, there’s a humble undertone that keeps the ASH cogs turning. The executives recently cooked a barbecue for the entire ASH workforce, and took every single employee on site tours to see how the business is progressing. Vince’s passion for ASH ﬁlters down to each member of the team – a team that’s continually expanding.

ASH also has a fulltime physio on site, and a huge commitment to including the 192 strong workforce in decision-making, and idea development. And there’s a huge emphasis on career development.

“We involve and listen to each other to get the best outcomes. And that has been brilliant. A lot of the ideas we have in manufacturing and improving ourselves comes from just giving people the opportunity to be involved and listened to.” MICHELLE ZACKOR, SALES AND MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR VINCE HURLEY MANAGING DIRECTOR

THE MASSLAM HUNDEGGER K2I (CNC)

“And we’ll cut it to the shape of your kitchen there and then. It might be something like a chopping board, staircase components, lining, sawn and dressed timber, bar tops or shelving, you can come in and get them and they’re extremely well priced. Because it’s effectively our factory Andoutlet.”the success of ASH has become the success of Heyﬁeld and surrounds. It’s one of the largest employers in Wellington Shire, as well as contributing $14 million in direct wages annually. ASH focuses on using local contractors. As part of its place in the community, ASH is also a signiﬁcant contributor to local community and sporting groups.

“At the moment, we’re hiring. We’re after the right people. There are career paths. Every single one of our line manager and line supervisors have come from the shop ﬂoor. A lot of our salespeople have come from the shop ﬂoor. So it’s not just a career path in one place, it could take you anywhere.”

Heyfield is a pleasant rural township with a population of around 2,000 people situated near the Thomson river at the gateway to the High ItCountry.services the timber industry, a very large dairy farming community, and thousands of tourists visiting nearby Lake Glenmaggie and the vast expanses of natural bush and National Parks in the High Country. Once the home of eight sawmills, it is now the major sawmilling centre of hardwoods in Victoria. Heyfield is the southern gateway to the Alpine National Park and the pristine area reserved as the Avon Wilderness. The cattle sale yards are still only 20 metres from the main street. Heyfield Wetlands is a serene location for visitors to take a walk around the waterways, to observe the birds and fauna close up.

Discover Heyﬁeld HEYFIELD WAR MEMORIAL VICTORIAN TIMBER WORKERS MEMORIAL PHOTOGRAPHY DOUG PELL

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gippsland lifestyle spring �� 55 The closer you get, the better you feel THE RAILWAY HOTEL WENDY FROM THE INFO CENTRE

56 gippsland lifestyle spring �� Discover Heyﬁeld HEYFIELD BATS FOR WIL DISPLAY HEYFIELD IGATHOMSONSUPERMARKETRIVER

Former AFL footballer with Collingwood now playing with Tooradin-Dalmore in the West Gippsland Football League

HEYFIELD & NETBALL CLUB

FOOTBALL

Coming up in Spring is the Heyﬁeld Food and Wine Festival which is a popular event and this year it will be held at the Gordon Street Recreation Reserve, check local details for dates, times etc.

gippsland lifestyle spring

An RV Park is also located in the town for the travelling tourist.

Sporting facilities include, playing ﬁelds, a large basketball stadium, an 18 hole golf course, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. IGA Supermarket, Vern Graham Mitre 10, Railway Hotel, nearby accommodation venues, along with food outlets and various shops.

Former AFL Geelong footballer Brent McCaffer

Other notable news is the appointment of home grown footy star Leigh Brown who played in a Premiership side with Collingwood and also played with North Melbourne and Fremantle is the new Senior Coach for Heyﬁeld in 2023. Leigh is a passionate and loyal Roo player whose resume as coach and player would rival any in Victoria. He will be a major asset for the Heyﬁeld Football Club.

NOTABLE PEOPLE THAT HAVE COME FROM HEYFIELD Will Anderson

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Australian stand up comedian and TV and radio personality David Wojcinski

The Wetlands Centre has information and rest-room facilities, with a public BBQ available at all times. Apex Park is an award winning Adventure Playground with barbecues and toilets for the visitors to take a real break with children.

58 gippsland lifestyle spring �� The making of the ... and the rest is history Heyﬁeld Museum WORDS BY KEN ROBERTS

location : Heyfield

A visit to the Heyfield Museum, located in the old Heyfield Post Office, is inspirational. It’s unlike any other museum I’ve ever visited in its story and its practice. A small group of volunteers had operated a museum for years in a cramped building behind the main street but they had plans for something much grander and more suitable to their growing collections and displays.

The late Malcolm Hole, a former Wellington Shire Councillor and Mayor, was a keen supporter and approached the State Government for assistance. Regional Development Victoria promised to match their funds dollar for dollar in the most “unlikely” event that they could raise the total and secure the building. Well, in only five months the task was completed. The goodwill and generosity of the community had saved the day. Many former Heyfield residents and people who wanted the old Post Office building saved and restored joined those interested in securing a suitable home for the Museum and so in June 2016 the deposit was made and it was Securingpurchased.thebuilding was only the end of the beginning as it then had to be renovated and restored back to its former glory and made suitable for its new use as a museum. Once again the local community came to the party and assisted, sometimes with labour and other times with trades and goods needed. Disabled friendly access and toilets were established. Layers and layers of floor coverings were taken off to reveal stunning redgum flooring which was then polished.

Because of the many items they had on hand relating to present and former townspeople they contacted the families relating to the items. This personalised approach was a winner and even more donations came through. They were grateful for every cent they were given and donations ranged from $5 to $10,000.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 59

The former Post Office building had been vacant for several years when the Museum committee approached the owners. They agreed to hold the building for them while they tried to raise the funds. Their fundraising target was $150,000, a feat that some members of the small committee were sceptical could be raised in their small town. On Australia Day 2016 the Heyfield and District Historical Society commenced the fundraising campaign. The consensus was that it would possibly take several years. They didn’t underestimate the community spirit that existed in the town but they were still totally surprised that due to their efforts donations began flooding in.

The former front entrance to the building was glazed and created a perfect display window. Painting and many repairs were completed to enable all their precious items to be displayed. The triumphant project was awarded the Community Group of the year 2016 in the October Regional Achievement & Community Awards. The building was ofﬁcially opened on Easter Saturday 2017 with a crowd of over 250 people present. What an Sinceachievement!itsopening the gallery has forged ahead with great success. They received the Award of Merit in 2017, a prestigious award given by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria in recognition of distinguished service to history in Victoria. It has always been open to and employed new and innovative ideas.

One thing that is so noticeable and so “un-museum” like is that it is a hands on place. You can touch and feel exhibits, unless specified, and it brings you even closer to the past. On one display there is a suitcase that was all that one immigrant could bring with him on his journey to a new country that eventually lead him to settling in Heyfield. Within the suitcase on display are photos of many of the migrants that settled in the town with their names on the back. The original post office counter has Perspex covered drawers that when opened show displays of postal reference, including letters sent to soldiers at war that were then brought back home. The museum has established relationships with four local schools who use visits to the collection as part of their curriculum. A surprising revelation as a result of the children’s visits is the interest in recent history items such as a manual typewriter which seems very strange to those born solely in the digital age! The dial telephone too must look to them as if it came out of the stone age.

60 gippsland lifestyle spring �� ... and the rest is history Heyﬁeld Museum

The displays in the museum are changed at times to retain interest. The front window display is a nod to the timber heritage of this “timbertown”. What struck me about the museum was that it wasn’t a dry and fussy institution because it remains relevant and in contact with their community. They regularly contribute to the Heyfield News which often sparks much discussion. Their facebook page is like a community history hub because it not only features topics relating to their own museum but links to other historical news and stories in the wider Gippsland area. Much discussion is generated there about many topics. The museum’s doors are open every Saturday from 10 to midday and this too has become a community meeting point of sorts with people calling in to say hello and see each Thisother.wonderful place really is people focussed and the small team that perform the tasks to keep the wheels turning run a tight ship. Without any formal training but with each person performing a specific role they learnt from scratch how to do business plans, become incorporated, raise money, deal with bureaucracy and run a museum. It speaks volumes for their personal commitment to the town, their community and the history of the area. They are open to new members and volunteers to join them. It is obviously not a chore at all as they work together to achieve a common goal. What they have been able to do in Heyfield is quite unique as most other small museums are usually run under the auspices of local government. Because of their efforts in being self funded and owning their building they are totally independent. It gives them total freedom. The time was exactly right to be able to achieve what they have done because now it would have been nigh on impossible. The planets must have aligned to have the right people in the right place to make it happen.

It’s a fantastic acknowledgement of people power and of a community working together to not only preserve their history but ensure that community members in the future will have access to their past.

Millie

The other side benefit has been that she has sparked an interest in discovering places that I had forgotten about or never been to, despite them only being a stone’s throw away. Millie and I have roamed and explored many places in Maffra where we live and she has led me to other hidden gems. Walking and exploring with Millie has become a lifestyle choice that I never expected. We have recently been to Heyfield, only a short drive from Maffra and she took me to the wonderful Heyfield Wetlands. Even though it is so near and I have driven past it so many times, I had never taken the time to stop, but now I have, thanks to Mills. I found an amazing haven for birds (and people) on this 28-hectare site almost adjacent to the main street of the town. We wandered around the walking tracks, down tree-shaded avenues that encouraged us to stop, look and just appreciate the native environment that has been created on what was once a racecourse reserve. Bird life abounds as well as sculptures, exercise stations and views that provide a restful respite from the daily grind. Millie and I only walked a fraction of the way on what will be our first and not our last visit. We intend to return.

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When my beautiful 16-year-old dog Midge passed away, I swore I would never have another. That was until Millie the wonder dog came into my life and things have never been the same since... She was all I ever wanted in a dog and past the puppy stage when I inherited her from a friend. She has brought me more joy and companionship than I could ever have imagined.

It’s incredible the amount of invaluable work that volunteers have done to return what was originally wetlands, then pasture, back to its original purpose. They have created a sustainable ecosystem through a series of ponds to hold outflows of storm water and grey water that is progressively purified as it flows from one pond to the next. Pollutants are broken down and the water is oxygenated so that at the end of the process the water is clean. The most amazing thing is, to a casual observer like me, it just looks natural and was always like that. It actually exemplifies the whole ethos of the small country town of Heyfield.

There are so many community driven projects in Heyfield that it’s difficult to believe such a small community could achieve so much. Two recent examples are the fantastic Heyfield Museum at the refurbished old post office and the memorial to timber workers who had lost their lives.

A small group of dedicated towns people who were interested in preserving the history of their town and its people were in desperate need of a new home for their growing collection of artefacts and stories. They took on the mammoth and seemingly impossible task of raising an enormous amount of money to buy their iconic old post ofﬁce building in the middle of OnceHeyﬁeld.they did that, they had an equally huge task of repurposing the building into an innovative and interesting museum. I returned to visit one Sunday morning, minus Millie, and was amazed at their ingenious and clever ways of displaying the myriad of items they had available. An old suitcase held photos with descriptions of the many migrant families who became vital members of the town.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 63 By Ken Roberts Mill Town& the

To finish our roaming we headed out of Heyfield, just down the road to Glenmaggie Weir. This was a favourite family haunt as a child and we would frequently be fishing, swimming, boating, and camping along its shores. Once again, even though it’s not far away, I never find the time to visit now. Millie and I wandered along the shore, enjoying the peace and quiet, of the pristine lake that is the lifeblood of the fertile Macalister irrigation district. Not only does it provide recreational facilities for boaties, skiers and jet skiers but it also allows vegetables and milk production to thrive in the lush soils of the river plains. I also stopped at the Glenmaggie cemetery, something I had always wanted to do. It was thanks to Millie for giving me the time to slow down and see the things I wanted to see. We wandered around this pioneer cemetery perched on the side of the hill with the most majestic view – an eternal resting place to die for! Again, I mused on why, with or without Millie, I hadn’t taken the time to see what had always been before my eyes. While being swept up in modern life, I just hadn’t made the effort to do so. Walking Millie had given me an excuse to wander at a slower pace and to experience what I had been too busy to stop and see.

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Old doors were display boards and the massive original post ofﬁce counter became an ingenious display facility with the drawers hiding surprise postal items from the past. A simple typewriter seemed to fascinate younger visitors as they could try to type out a letter. It’s again a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the committee and the many people who donated money and labour to make it possible. As is the memorial to timber workers whose lives were lost in the often dangerous industry that was a dominate part of the establishment of the town. Nestled in a grove of eucalypts, a small iron building is surrounded by stone cairns, which contain the names and stories of those whose lives were lost. The cleverly constructed rusty walls of the building display scenes of trees. Inside is a hearth and ﬁreplace depicted in a bush home with photos on its mantelpiece. This too was the work of a dedicated committee of local people who made a dream to honour their loved ones happen. I have passed by this memorial many times without stopping. Millie encouraged me to linger and spend the time seeing what was before my very eyes...

I might add that Millie is ne and is loving life, but we have decided to give Millie a well deserved break from her walks as she has travelled more of Gippsland than the average IssueGippslander.34iswhere it all began for Millie and the Mill Town appropriately we are repeating her very rst feature that took Millie and Ken through Hey eld which is our main town feature for The Middle of Everywhere. Enjoy your well earned rest Millie!

Back in the Autumn of 2018, I sat down over a coffee with local Maffra icon Ken Roberts and we had a chat about a TV show called ‘ Walks with Dogs’. The show originated from the UK and was shown on Foxtel and it was about entertainers, writers, sports people from the UK taking their dogs on various walks through the UK and showing the countryside as to how their dogs see it.

So Millie’s adventures was born, and for the next 5 years, Millie and Ken have traversed all over Gippsland to bring to our lucky readers Millie’s Adventures.

66 gippsland lifestyle spring �� The Vern Graham Mitre 10 team are with you in your projects, your gardens, your builds, your everyday purchases, with Mighty Helpful advice. Helping the Hey eld community since 1900, and it’s this long-term commitment we dedicate to our members and customers every day. We pride ourselves on selling some of the best brands in the industry, so no need to look any further. We have all the top brands, including Makita, Weber, DeWALT, Yates, Rockwell and Dulux, to name a few. VERN GRAHAM MITRE 10 36 GEORGE STREET, HEYFIELD VIC 3858 TEL: 03 5148 1100 Monday to Friday 8.00am – 5.30pm | Saturday 8.30am – 12.00pm ROSEDALE BUTCHERSROSEDALE BUTCHERS Local Family Owned Country ButcherLocal Family Owned Country Butcher Call now for your Meat & Smallgoods needs or call us to conveniently place your order Three generations of Vaux Family owned and operated business since 1977. www.rosedalebutchers.com.au Follow us 32 Prince Street, Rosedale 3847 Ph 5199 2210 Smallgoods made in the premises from ham and bacon to a range of cabanas, plain, garlic, chilli, cheese and chilli. Ready to heat home style meals. Fresh Gippsland fsh on Wednesday’s. Maffra and Gippsland cheese, as well as other locally sourced Gippsland products.

THE COMMUNITY AT GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR. WORDS & PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY LISA BAKER

GIPPSLAND IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, LEARN AND LEAD; JUST ASK

Year 12 School Captain Mia Mackintosh lives on beautiful Raymond Island in East Gippsland and takes advantage of the boarding facilities at the school when she attends after-school music lessons. She began her learning journey at the leading independent school as a three-year-old in the Early Learning Centre and now as she prepares to ‘ﬂy the coup’ she is proud of her contribution to the school and the connections she has made.

68 gippsland lifestyle spring ��

“I was out of my comfort zone,” Mia said. “City life is completely different to my current country life, but I got a taste of independence, and I will forever be grateful for the experience.”

Gippsland

Hiking Tali Karng in Victoria’s Alpine region, learning to surf on the spectacular coast at Phillip Island, exploring our expansive wetlands in between, watching the sunrise during rowing training on the Port of Sale and seeing snow for the very ﬁrst time are among the experiences the School’s students - past and present - talk about.

“I really see the beauty in this region – I feel deeply connected to Gippsland and the people,” she said. “While I am excited for my life beyond school I know this great place I call home is always here to ground me if I need it and will provide a relaxing environment when I need Ironically,recharging.”Mia said “getting out of Gippsland and exploring Melbourne” for two weeks as part of the Year 9 Program was among the highlights of her school life.

Region is the best place to Live, Learn, Lead BILLY OSBORNE | PORT OF SALE

"THE ROWING PROGRAM HELPED ME FIND SOMETHING I ENJOY AND AM ABLE TO WORK TOWARDS EXCITING AND REALISTIC GOALS,” BILLY SAID.

GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR SHOOTING CAPTAIN PIP TREASURE AND FELLOW SHOOTER GEORGIA ANDERSON, YEAR 10, AT LONGFORD SHOOTING RANGE. IT'S JUST 10KM FROM THE CLASSROOM BUT IT COULD BE 1000.

MIA MACKINTOSH, RORY MCLEOD, TESS O'TOOL AND ADEN BEST ENJOY THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF LAKE GLENMAGGIE FROM PEARSON POINT. IT IS ALL PART OF THEIR FINAL VCE OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES COURSE.

Billy and his classmate Lindsay Hamilton won gold at the 2022 Australian Rowing Championships for the second consecutive year making it the most successful Nationals campaign in the history of the School. The boys also teamed with Cameron Rule, Year 12, and Anthony Smith and cox Kaylah Young, both Year 11, to take another gold in the School Boys Coxed Quad Scull which opened doors to compete on the world stage.

Fellow Year 12 student Billy Osborne is a current Australian rowing schoolboy champion who has just returned from the World Rowing Championships in Italy and agrees with Mia wholeheartedly.

“The whole (overseas) experience was just unbelievable,” Billy said. “Rowing at the Henley Royal Regatta gave us our ﬁrst taste of international competition, which is a lot tougher than anything we’d been exposed to in Australia.

We felt a bit thrown into it at ﬁrst but when we went to Italy (to compete in the World Rowing Championships) we were based at the Australian Institute of Sport’s European Training Centre and that was amazing; we had everything we needed including three meals a day and all of the world-class training facilities. They call it a ‘home-away-from-home’ and that really was the truth.

GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR GOLD WINNING ROWERS BILLY OSBORNE AND LINDSAY HAMILTON - FINISHING THEIR DAYS AT THE LOCAL SCHOOL WELL

“And at that point we really felt our improvement every time we got on the water. And we could definitely feel it by our third race. And to win our final race meant we really did finish on a high.”

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 69

70 gippsland lifestyle spring �� JUNIOR STUDENTS MATTHEW CANFIELD, OSCAR CALLANAN, ASHTON CARROLL, DILLON MEREDITH AND HANNAH MACK ENJOY PERFORMING IN SHREK THE MUSICAL JR AT THE WEDGE IN AUGUST STUDENTS LEARNING TO SURF AT SMITH’S BEACH, ON OUR BEAUTIFUL PHILLIP ISLAND. GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR TEACHER ANDREW NICHOLAS IS A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AS HE LEADS STUDENTS ON A HIKE. Gippsland Grammar

Like every mum, Sharon Mekken from Newmerella near Orbost, only wants the best for her children. When choosing secondary schools she was looking for a school with a record of academic excellence.

“SO MANY ELEMENTS OF OUR PROGRAMS, FROM JUNIOR YEARS THROUGH TO SENIOR, ARE DESIGNED TO DEMONSTRATE TO STUDENTS THAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING MUCH MORE THAN THEY THINK EVER POSSIBLE. "

“As they tackle a steep incline or feel scared by a situation, self-doubt kicks in … but, when they reach the summit or conquer their fears true growth and learning is obvious, and it’s amazing to witness. I feel privileged to be part of it."

Cass went on to complete a double degree - Batchelor in Sport and Outdoor Recreation and Batchelor in Education - and now heads the Outdoor Education Program.

The School helps students realise what they love, and usually but not always, they end up excelling in the things they love, whether it be clay target shooting or debating, chess or performing arts. In ﬁnding this passion they really feel connected to the school, its community and to each Currentother.teacher

But at its core, it is about helping young people ﬁnd their passion, ﬁnding something that lights them up and makes them smile. Exposing students to a variety of subjects and activities that under normal circumstances they may not ever get the opportunity to try.

Gippsland Grammar is proud of its academic record and the way it prepares students to become critical and contributing global citizens and, of course, world leaders. It is equally proud to call this beautiful region home. Its well-established and ever-expanding education will stand in good stead as the next generation strives to live, learn and lead.

and Old Scholar Cass Booth spoke at the School’s Commemoration Day in August suggesting that back in the 1990s, when she was a student, the same values were evident.

“The challenges and personal growth that occurs within our program can not be underestimated."

She describes Gippsland Grammar’s Blackwood House boarding facilities as ‘not too big with a family atmosphere and supportive staff’.

“I have many fond memories from my school days but deﬁnitely it was the outdoor ed programs that inspired me the most.”

Sharon said it was the littlest of things at the Boarding House, such as the beautiful birthday cakes, the fun dinner quizzes, structured study time and supportive boarding staff happy to drive her children to their afterschool activities, that have become her measure of excellence.

The Mekken’s four children have all attended Gippsland Grammar as fulltime boarders. The eldest Cameron graduated in 2019 and is in his third year of medical degree at Monash University. Josh ﬁnished at Gippsland Grammar in 2021 and was so inspired by his VCE teacher Jenny Dyke that he is now studying a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting. While Stella is currently in Year 10 and Libby in Year 8. Gippsland Grammar has a rich history within the region and is nearing its 100th birthday celebrations in 2024. Many have been before and many more will follow, gathering at this great place of learning.

AS AN ANGLICAN CO EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL THERE ARE MANY ADVANTAGES OF THE SCHOOL’S TEACHING AND LEARNING PHILOSOPHIES AND ITS EXTENSIVE EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAMS.

“Our region offers us so many great opportunities, from the mountains to the sea and everything in between. I love Gippsland.”

At Gippsland Grammar it is okay to be good at things – and the motto of ‘a passion for excellence’ rings clear. Excellence looks different or has a different meaning for each of the students as they ﬁnd their own level of personal excellence. It could be catching that elusive ball, spelling a tricky word, canoeing across Lake Victoria, performing centre-stage in the musical or achieving a high ATAR score.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 71

GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR STUDENT LEADERS CHATTING WITH HEAD OF GARNSEY CAMPUS ROHAN JAYATILAKE

“We wanted to send the children to Gippsland Grammar so boarding was the best option,” the mum-of-four explained.

“Just like when I was a student here, students grow and thrive because of the opportunities afforded them,” Ms Booth said.

Old Scholar Ann Andrew (nee Gooch) is one of those students who attended St Anne’s Campus, where the school’s history began. She attended in 1965 and her own children enjoyed a Gippsland Grammar education, and now her grandchildren follow in the same footsteps and Anntraditions.iscurrently researching and writing a book titled ‘100 Years, 100 Stories’, which will be published for the School’s centenary. It is impressive to reﬂect on the impact Gippsland Grammar has had on the community throughout the generations. The School currently boasts 1200 students from Early Learning through to Year 12 with campuses and spacious grounds in Sale and in Bairnsdale (overlooking the picturesque Mitchell River at Wy Yung). Gippsland Grammar is the only boarding school east of Melbourne’s suburban fringe and is a home-away-from-home for students from far East Gippsland, Victoria’s High Country, South Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.

72 gippsland lifestyle spring ��

“Our key message with this project is that we actually don’t mind if we don’t make one dollar out of it. We just wanted to get the pub up and running again for the community which we can now proudly say we have achieved,” Clint states.

Amid great cheer, the beers are again flowing in Woodside.

“It was such a satisfying feeling to welcome people back through the doors in late July and get this exciting new era for the pub started,” says ownership cofounder, Clint Hillas.

COMMUNITYSPIRIT

“The town and its people have endured a lot over the past couple of decades, from drought to the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009. Then the general store and post office also burnt, and the final blow was the pub closing in 2016,” Clint observes.

WORDS BY CHRIS WEST BY DOUG PELL

“Losing the pub, along with general store and the post ofﬁce, really wiped out not only the town’s commercial hub, but its heart and soul. Now that the pub is back, it’s just us and the petrol station across the road.”

“I’ve been coming down here to Woodside regularly for over ﬁfteen years. My wife Kristen is from the area,” he explains.

“I even played a couple of seasons of football for Woodside and hold many fond memories of the old pub, which was an amazing place full of great characters. I always enjoyed listening to their stories. The last owners unfortunately didn’t give it the love it deserved, and it slowly slipped into decline. I remember on my ﬁnal night at the pub before it closed, I put my foot through the ﬂoorboards.

| PHOTOS

PUB REVIVAL

Six years after the Woodside Hotel closed its doors, the historic local watering hole has reopened with a new name and more contemporary look thanks to the efforts of its passionate new ownership group.

The pub originally opened in 1849 and has previously been known under two different names through its 173-year history.

“The reaction from everyone has been truly amazing and we’re still on a high from it. To see our dream become a reality has been absolutely Clintbrilliant.”and his ten fellow investors in the ownership syndicate all have a direct connection to the area and were motivated by a shared desire to give the community its pub back.

“It was the Woodside Hotel when we got it and its earlier name was the Beach Grove Hotel. We’ve combined those two names to now call it the Woodside Beach Hotel,” Clint says.

“If we cover the rent then that’s fantastic, but the desire to do something positive for the local community is really what it’s all about. Pubs are often where you go to meet people and engage in conversation, especially in small country towns like Woodside. Having that meeting place to connect with others is more relevant than ever today at a time when mental health is very much in the spotlight. We therefore think it is extremely important that the community here has this as their place.”

The pub’s new ownership group, which includes Western Bulldogs AFL footballer Josh Dunkley, have not entered into the venture with ﬁnancial success as their driving force.

Although Melbourne born and raised, Clint says he considers himself as an adopted local.

TAPS

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 73

The catalyst for the pub’s revival began during the COVID pandemic, when Clint lost his job in the events industry in Melbourne and Kristen was temporarily furloughed from her hotel-based employment.

With the opportunity to purchase on the table, Clint canvassed a few of his friends and had soon assembled a syndicate of 11 investors willing to become involved and get behind the restoration mission.

“It was great to have someone with a high proﬁle like Josh Dunkley within the group, and he subsequently became a bit of an unofﬁcial ambassador for the project as we progressed.”

After approaching the agent last winter, Clint and Kristen were given access to the vacant building, which they found to be in a state of absolute disrepair.

“The ﬂoors were completely decimated and there was a lot of water damage, and although there was a lot of work needed you could still see the potential there,” Clint remarks.

The purchase of the hotel was ﬁnalised in November last year and works commenced a week after settlement.

“It’s remarkable how quickly you can ﬁnd people willing to get on board when you say you’re looking to buy a pub, but we had to be selective in who we agreed to join us,” Clint says.

“We were lucky enough to get access to the property straight away and everything moved along pretty quickly,” Clint comments.

location : Woodside

Previously, it had been a thriving metropolis on a Friday and Saturday night. I can remember the glory days when the place was really rocking with good live music, and that’s where we want to get back to.”

“We both moved down to help out on Kristen’s family farm in mid-2020. It was always going to be a short-term arrangement until we both resumed work again in Melbourne, which we’ve subsequently done, but while we were down here, we became aware that the pub was for sale,” Clint “Itrecalls.was something that I had always wanted to own, so we decided to look into it. To our disappointment there was a sold sticker up when made our initial enquiry, but fortunately for us the buyer’s ﬁnance fell though. Apparently, that was one of four occasions where the pub was to be sold during COVID but the transaction did not proceed to completion.”

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“We wanted it to be welcoming and appeal to all demographics,” Clint comments. “As part of the refurbishment, we have put some really cool local memorabilia items on display, including some old Woodside Wildcats Football Club jumpers and team photos. We’ve also ensured it has a family friendly feel by offering internal games for kids like giant Connect 4 and Jenga.”

“With the exception of adding in a cosy cognac room with open ﬁre, which we created by knocking through a wall and gaining access to a storeroom, the traditional ﬂoorplan basically remains the same. But the look and feel are completely different,” Clint says.

WOODSIDE BEACH HOTEL

Importantly, the pub’s revival has created employment opportunities for approximately 15 staff, headed by general manager, Braden Anderson, and chef Rob Paget.

The pub’s front bar has been nicknamed ‘The Woody’, a moniker appearing on new merchandise available for purchase which includes Thebeanies.ownership group has also devised a new tagline for the pub’s marketing, referring to the Woodside Beach Hotel as being ‘where the bush meets the sea’.

EXECUTIVE CHEF ROB PARGET WITH GENERAL MANAGER BRADEN ANDERSON JOHN MCCAUSLAND, DYLAN CONWAY, TESS SHANNON AND EXECUTIVE CHEF ROB PAGET

“That’s exactly what it is. We have the start of the Ninety Mile Beach at our doorstep. We’re only ten kilometres inland, or a six-minute drive from the beach, yet have countryside all around us,” Clint observes.

“We kept the money in a trust fund, so that for every dollar a person donated, they get that dollar back over the bar. We made it clear that it wouldn’t just be a donation to the rebuild but came with value back the other Largerway.”donors have also been specially acknowledged by having their names displayed on brick pavers in one of the beer gardens.

Inside, the décor features lots of warm colours and timber tones.

In fully renovating the pub, the new owners have stayed true to its previous layout, while giving the property totally refreshed internal and external makeover.

“Braden used to head up the Criterion Hotel in Sale which won the AHA Pub of the Year in 2020 when he was in charge, so recruiting him has been considered a bit of a coup for us,” Clint suggests.

Newly arrived chef Rob Paget hails from England but more recently has been working in pubs in Sydney. He now has a gleaming, newly installed commercial kitchen at the Woodside Beach Hotel in which to operate.

“Rob is well connected in the hospitality industry and is another key appointment for us,” Clint says.

Adding to the project’s momentum was a Go Fund Me campaign established by the new ownership group which raised approximately “It$70,000.wasnot a traditional type of Go Fund Me campaign,” Clint explains.

“Externally, we kept the same façade but added in a verandah and replaced the former tiled roof with a new steel roof which has the pub’s new name emblazoned on it. The exterior was also repainted. Another addition was the creation of a second beer garden.”

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 75

“Our focus was on getting the pub up and running ﬁrst, but the next step involves adding accommodation which we aim to have ready by Christmas. We intend going to market initially with three accommodation pods, which will be modern, luxurious, self-contained, two-bedroom units capable of accommodating multiple people. They will offer fabulous views across the rolling paddocks out the back of the property and will be perfect for everyone from groups of ﬁshermen to destination travellers out of Melbourne.”

“He even made the effort to come down here from Sydney to have a look at the hotel when he applied for the position and fell in love with it immediately. He wants to make it an iconic English style pub with menu to match. We’re offering the traditional kind of popular pub fare – steaks, parmas, burgers and the like – with an emphasis on sourcing local produce. We’ve openly stated that we just want to be ‘simple done well’ with our menu and ensure the prices of our meals are as affordable as Whenpossible.”the renovated pub was ready to reopen in July, the ownership group elected to keep the news under wraps.

“We’re open Thursday to Sunday at the moment and intend to increase trading to every day during summer,” Clint says. “We plan to have regular live music featuring local talent and our ultimate dream is to attract performers of the calibre of Darryl Braithwaite and James Reyne appear here at some point.”

Clint invites all Gippslanders or anyone from further aﬁeld to drop in and see what’s already been achieved at the new-look Woodside Beach Hotel.

Clint also notes that adding the accommodation may also create the opportunity to allow chef Rob Paget to develop variations to the menu for special gastronomic escapes.

“It opens up so many possibilities. We’re thinking about creating a universal ﬁre pit and providing things like mountain bikes for the guests to use,” he reveals. In the interim, the pub revival continues to gain momentum as word-ofmouth spreads with the added aid of the power of social media.

“We’re only two and a half hours from Melbourne and do get a lot of tourism through this area. Please come in and enjoy and drink or a meal. We’ve restored the pub to raise the spirits of the local community, but everyone is welcome at The Woody.”

“The original two acres already provided us with plenty of upside, but the additional land further enhances the potential for expansion,” Clint says.

“This enabled us to test our systems and stafﬁng under real trading conditions before we ofﬁcially reopened to the public on 29th July. The renovation created a real buzz amongst the locals from the moment it started late last year, and now that we’re open, we’ve been overwhelmed by the feedback. Straight away we had many happy customers back in the doors and were receiving a strong level of enquiries for weddings and birthday functions.”

“We instead hosted a couple of private functions for family, friends, suppliers, community representatives and various other people who have supported us during the rebuild,” Clint reveals.

In July, the pub’s owners purchased an adjoining six-acre land parcel, increasing the size of the site to eight acres, as part of their plans for the next phase of the redevelopment.

76 gippsland lifestyle spring �� For enquiries phone Sharon on 0429 832 535 | Email: BoatHarbourJettyBnB@bigpond.com Boat Harbour Jetty B&B 25 Wharf Street Port Albert, Vic 3971 PortAlbertBoatHarbourJettyBnB.mydirectstay.com BOAT HARBOUR JETTY B&B REST & RELAXATION IN LUXURY Waterfront B&B accommodation in picturesque Port Albert, Victoria. O ering 3 Deluxe King studios with private facilities. Complimentary gourmet continental breakfast daily

78 gippsland lifestyle spring �� Bookings: Rachel or Christina on M: 0400 933 112 Enjoywww.saleheritagecruises.com.auaserenevoyagetothehistoricSwing Bridge and spot birds and native wildlife as you travel back in time aboard the 110-year-old Rubeena, along the longest canal in Australia Cruise Duration: up to 2 hours

Each feature we will be promoting a walk that is accessible for most people, showing and highlighting why we all need to ﬁnd some time in our busy routines to exercise our mind and bodies and take in some of the great highlights of Gippsland.

PHOTOGRAPHYCANNIBAL&WORDSBYDOUGPELL

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 79

WALKS WITH DOUG MT

I have focussed on Mt Cannibal which was back a few years ago, almost destroyed by bushfire which devastated the area and for quite a while the reserve was closed to clear the many damaged trees. This walk is a 2.3km loop trail located near the township of Garfield North. It takes around 45 minutes to complete that is if you don’t stop to take photos, which of course you should. The views from the various points are breathtaking and you can still see what damage the fires did and where the vegetation has regenerated.

The views from the Rotary Lookout are worth the walk, it is not a difﬁcult walk, yes it is naturally all up hill to get to the top, but take your time. You can go from any of the two directions, I chose the left ,which was very good with wide steps and there were seats along the way if you wanted to rest and take in the ﬂora and Thefauna.walk from the Rotary Lookout back to the bottom in parts is very rocky and narrow and you do need to look where you are walking as you could trip on the sharp edges, but most walkers do look where they are going and it is perfectly safe, but make sure you wear good walking foot wear with non slippery soles.

In this edition

The walk is open all year round and there are toilet facilities and a spacious car park and it is well signed. Just one thing leave your dogs at home as dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.

VIRTUE HOMES 'BUILDING EXCELLENCE' Opening late 2022 Franklin North Estate, Traralgon 3 NEW DISPLAY HOMES COMING TO TRARALGON Winner Residential Builder of the Year Winner Best Custom Home $500,000 - $600,000 Winner Best Display Home $350,000 - $500,000

Theareas.term “resort feel” was quoted many times by the client in the design process, so it was important the Virtue Homes team designed the home to be connected throughout all areas – from the main living area, outdoor living, and pool area – as well as having a fully functional kitchen area that acts as a central hub for this award winning custom home. Virtue Homes is a leading residential building company in Gippsland. Virtue Homes is committed to providing our clients with quality custom homes that are built to last.

VIRTUE HOMES AWARDED REGIONAL RESIDENTIAL BUILDER OF THE YEAR

WINNER 2022 WINNER 2021 Photography by Open2ViewGippsland 03 5176 5997 | info@virtuehomes.com.au | www.virtuehomes.com.au DISPLAY HOME LOCATIONS THE ACURA 38 243 COPELANDS ROAD WARRAGUL THE HUDSON POP UP DISPLAY 12 CORNELL WAY, TRARALGON 2021 Master Builders Victoria has announced the 2022 Master Builders Victoria South East Regional Residential Building of the Year

The “Traralgon” build was judged by a group of building industry peers from Master Builders Victoria as the prime example of a custom built residential home. Virtue Homes was involved with the client from the very start of this project. Externally the vision was to create a home with a unique street appeal and differentiate itself from other homes in the street with contemporary features that will also stand the test of time. Internally, the home features large windows throughout to “bring the outside in” focusing on the pool, extensive outdoor entertaining and living areas and beautifully designed landscape

Virtuewinner.Homes are proud to announce they have been recognised as Regional Residential Builder of the Year at the 2022 Master Builders Victoria Regional Building Awards.

Announced last week, the awards recognise the excellent work of MBV’s residential master builders in regional Victoria. The award is given to the residential home builder that demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and standards of excellence, something that Virtue Homes have built their reputation on for nearly 20 years.

Mick Nicola, Virtue Homes owner said, “Being awarded Regional Residential Builder of the Year is testament to our dedicated team, taking time to understand our clients needs and living to our values of Building Excellence”.

82 gippsland lifestyle spring �� AN EXCITING NEW LEISURE AND RELAXATION HUB WHICH IN THE FUTURE WILL BECOME HOME TO AUSTRALIA’S FIRST HOT SPRINGS GOLF COURSE IS ABOUT TO TEE OFF. PARCOUNTRYMETUNGCLUB:EXCELLENCEWORDS:CHRISWESTIMAGESKINDLYSUPPLIEDBYMETUNGCOUNTRYCLUB winter ��

“The golf club hasn’t operated a restaurant for many years. The clubhouse was architecturally designed almost 20 years ago and was ahead of its time in that respect. It’s a beautiful building, but has been underutilised for too long,” Rachel notes.

But the main initial draw card of the upgrade to the facility will be the return of restaurant dining in the new-look country club.

“We’ve been invited to host East Gippsland’s Food and Wine Festival, which is a great opportunity that we’ve decided to incorporate into our ofﬁcial launch activities for Metung Hot Springs,” Rachel reveals.

When Metung Hot Springs part owners Adrian and Rachel Bromage ﬁrst began creating their vision together with Charles Davidson and his partners who form the Peninsula Hot Springs Group, it seemed a logical progression to also utilise the great potential presented by the golf course within their master plan.

In now creating a resort-style country club with enhanced food and beverage offering, the timing perfectly complements the upcoming opening of the Metung Hot Springs facility which is scheduled to be ready to launch over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.

Adrian and Rachel officially took over management of the golf club on 1st July this year, in addition to their ongoing respective roles at Metung Hot Springs of Managing Director and Director of Operations. Over the past couple of months, the enterprising and hard-working couple has been busily overseeing the transformation of the golf club into a more appealing, modernised country club. The final touches are now being made to an extensive renovation of the clubhouse, which has included the installation of new flooring, high quality luxe furnishings and fresh painting. All works have been carried out without any disruption to golf operations.

“The hot springs and golf course are only ﬁve hundred metres apart, so we saw it as making perfect sense for the two facilities to be connected as the one resort,” Rachel observes.

“We believe there’s great symmetry between them and think it’s a match made in heaven,” she adds.

In conjunction with the eagerly anticipated upcoming opening of Metung Hot Springs, the adjacent Kings Cove Golf Club is being rebranded as Metung Country Club as part of a series of key developments unfolding across both facilities.

As part of the relaunch, a new logo has been created for the Metung Country Club which incorporates aspects of the Metung Hot Springs logo into its design. The two facilities will also share a uniﬁed website with two different links.

“Our plan is to hold a ribbon cutting event on the main site on Saturday, 29th October, followed by the Food and Wine Festival the following day.”

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 83

Further down the track, Adrian and Rachel are planning to create a small hot springs facility at the golf club in addition to the main hot springs site. It is hoped that this separate, dedicated hot springs facility at the golf course will be available within two years following planning, design and Inconstruction.theinterim, water is being pumped from the adjacent hot springs to be cleverly re-utilised in a number of ways at the golf club, including for irrigation of the fairways after passing through a process of UV treatment and sand ﬁltration.

“Players will be able to remove their shoes at the completion of their round of golf and dip their feet in the soothing geothermal water while relaxing and enjoying a drink,” he reveals.

“From around October onwards we are aiming to be ready to open seven days a week with food and beverage and golf. It is really exciting to be creating this new hub, which is exactly what Metung needs. We also intend to direct most of the food and beverage offerings for the hot springs through the country club, including servicing our glamping guests. There will be lots of people going back and forth between the two sites all day, so it really makes sense that we incorporate them both from the beginning.”

Lesley Eccles has been recruited as the country club’s new chef and is due to commence in mid-September. Lesley brings over two decades of hospitality industry experience in a career which has taken her to Brisbane and as far aﬁeld as the Davis Research Station at the Antarctic, where she was employed as Head Chef for eight years between 2011 and 2019.

“When golf architect Ted Parslow originally designed the course, it was to have a stream running through it but that didn’t end up eventuating,” Adrian states.

Contemporary day and evening dining options with a strong focus on regionally sourced, seasonal produce will feature on the Metung Country Club’s restaurant menu under Lesley’s supervision.

But an even more noticeable use from a visual perspective will soon be evident through the creation of a water course within the course layout.

As Adrian Bromage explains, many exciting developments are also on the horizon of speciﬁc note from a golf perspective in addition to the clubhouse improvements. Other initiatives helping to create a whole new dimension at the golf club include the upcoming installation of a geothermal foot pool for golfers, which is expected to be operational in the New Year.

“The pool is of sufﬁcient size to ﬁt up to 10 to 12 people at any time and will be serviced by a mobile bar.”

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gippsland lifestyle spring �� 85 GOLF AT METUNG COUNTRY CLUB GREEN FEES 9 HOLES $20 AND 18 HOLES $30 HAND BUGGY HIRE 9 HOLES $3 AND 18 HOLES $5 ELECTRIC CART HIRE 9 HOLES $25 AND 18 HOLES $30 CLUB HIRE 9 HOLES $10 AND 18 HOLES $15 CONTACT info@metungcountryclub.com (03) 5156 2927 LOCATION 94 KINGS COVE BOULEVARD, METUNG VIC 3904

With golf currently enjoying something of a COVID-inspired boom, Adrian and Rachel look forward to welcoming Foundation Memberships, along with new public members keen to experience the course possibly for the first Newtime.members are welcome to join at an enticing introduction member fee offer. This 12-month membership includes golfing seven days a week, discounts in pro-shop and restaurant, member events, golf handicap administration and reciprocal access to affiliate courses across the country for $500 per annum.

For anyone unfamiliar with the layout, Metung Country Club is home to a challenging 9-hole course that can also be played as 18-holes through the use of alternate tees on the second nine. Measuring more than 6000 metres in length, the course plays as a par 72 for 18 holes. Bunker protected large greens, generous fairways and two signature par 3 holes always ensure an enjoyable day’s golf.

“This presents a great opportunity for us, as it frees up the leisure market and allows us to take casual bookings from green fee players on weekends. We also want to work with other local accommodation venues as well in tailoring packages with them,” Adrian comments.

Whilst many other golf clubs host member competitions on weekends which restricts available tee times for visitors, Metung Country Club prefers to allocate its competitions on midweek days.

“With all the facilities and new offerings opening in the coming months, there are some great career opportunities, and we are looking for energetic passionate people to join our team. If you are interested in a career in the Wellness Tourism industry, please keep an eye on our website.”

“The knowledge that Clint has acquired working at Royal Melbourne will be a huge asset for us,” Adrian comments.

“We’re in the process of now building a water course and making excellent progress with those works. The addition of water as a feature on the layout will not only make the course more challenging, it is also going to make it pretty spectacular visually. We believe we are on the verge of successfully realising our aim of establishing Metung Country Club as Victoria’s best nine-hole course, and ultimately, Australia’s ﬁrst hot springs golf course,” he adds. Helping to achieve those ambitions is the appointment of Clint White as the new Course Superintendent. Clint joins Metung Country Club from one of the world’s premier golf venues – Royal Melbourne Golf Club –where he gained 10 years of experience as a greenskeeper.

Gift certiﬁcates are currently available via the Metung Hot Springs website consisting of replenishing spa and bathing experiences, a grazing box and nine holes of golf.

“His wife is originally from Lakes Entrance and has returned home through her work which has brought Clint to our area. We are thrilled to have secured his services and look forward to the improvements he will undoubtedly bring to our course.”

86 gippsland lifestyle spring �� 71-77 Chickerell Street, Morwell 3840 P: 5134 6522 E: www.crawfordmarine.com.auinfo@crawfordmarine.com.auBOATINGSINCE1964 MEMBER CAMPION BOATS ARE BACK IN AUSTRALIA

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88 gippsland lifestyle spring �� Grantville Corner Bass Highway & Dalyston-Glen Forbes Road

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 89 Officer Full range of Water Tanks, Building Materials, Gates, Rural Supplies & Nursery. Available for pick up or delivery. To Order Phone 5678 8552 E: grantville@vansteenseltimbers.com.au | www.vansteenseltimbers.com.au GRANTVILLE Cnr Bass Highway & Dalyston-Glen Forbes Road Mon – Fri 7.00am – 5.00pm Sat – 7.00am – 12.00pm | Sun – 9.00am – 2.00pm OFFICER 421 Princes Highway Mon – Fri 7.00am – 5.00pm Sat – 7.00am to 12.00pm | Sun Closed 421 Princes Highway

Patrick arrived in Australia from Hong Kong in 1993 to attend high school. After leaving school, he studied computers. He then worked for Australia Post for three years in the St Kilda Delivery Centre, before purchasing the business in Warragul. He said building the business was a challenge to begin with. “There were so many things I needed to control and manage – the papers, the stationary, the staff, the cash ﬂow and the payroll. It was something I had never done before but once I got used to it all, I was then able to make the business more successful.”

90 gippsland lifestyle spring ��

It’s a great business owned and operated by Patrick Chan who purchased it in 2008. He and his three, sometimes four staff members are a happy, pleasant team that exude warmth, competence and connect with customers.

The shop is open at 5 am, seven days a week. A staff member comes in at 2 am each day to prepare and load the papers for delivery. Patrick starts when the shop opens, commuting each day from his home in Glen Waverley, but if the paper boy is sick or can’t come in then he starts at 2 Thisam.shop is responsible for the complete distribution of papers in the Warragul area and supplies more than 20 sub agents. “It’s a pretty big area,” he said. “The majority of the delivery is newspapers and we deliver around 1000 a day. It includes the main papers, local papers and others that people want like the ‘Stock and Land’ and the ‘Gippsland Times’ and some people request magazines.

“Many are delivered to private homes and we throw the paper out to the front door like they did in the old days from push bikes, but now we stick our head out the van window and throw it. We start on the road at 3.00 am then schedule to finish before five. We do that for safety, otherwise there’s too much traffic on the road and it’s too dangerous.”

“People still love to come in to buy their stationary because our prices are still the most competitive,” he said. “Often people will come in for a newspaper or something else and then decide to buy their stationary at the same time.”

Sarina, a staff member said if they don’t have something in stock that a customer is looking for, they do their best to get it in for them within the

Theweek.newsagency is a large shop that stocks many other items as well. This includes greeting cards, books, VicRoads learner books and P plates, confectionary, drinks, maps of both Australia and the world, Melways, kid's toys and a few gift items.

When asked if he felt the competition with online news, Patrick said that Warragul is a stable town to sell in, so they are able to sell a lot of papers.

Relevant and thriving

“The staff are lovely,” Patrick said, “there is no boss and staff here, we are a family and there is no stress. We work and if we are stuck we all help each other out.”

Warragul’s one and only newsagency, originally owned by Mr and Mrs AJ Dungey in the early 1900’s, has served the community since then and is still relevant and successful in today’s digital world.

“People in this area still love their papers and many still enjoy sitting down to have a coffee with their paper or magazine in their hand. They come in every day, and sometimes we’ll have customers waiting for us to open the door at 5 am so they can come in and buy the ﬁrst paper. Magazines are also popular so we still sell a lot of those including ‘The Gippsland Lifestyle’ of course, which we’ve sold here for more than ten Theyears.”shopalso stocks a large range of stationary and again Patrick said competition with large online outlets and stores isn’t really felt in Warragul.

NewsagencyPatrick with Sarina Johnson, Debby Sullivan and Tracey Gallagher

in a digital world

Sarina Johnson WARRAGUL gippsland lifestyle

He has always lived in Glen Waverley and is well established in the community. “One of my neighbours used to live in Warragul and he always comes past my house and asks if I still run the newsagency in Warragul,” he said smiling. Patrick has two sisters living in Melbourne and gets together with them regularly, often over dinner. His extended family live in Hong Kong. He said running the business makes it very hard to go back there or to do much Althoughelse.driving to Warragul each day is quite a distance, he ﬁnds it easy in the early hours of the morning when there is very little trafﬁc on the road. “I used to work in the shop until closing but now I leave around the middle of the day and do some work at home. It’s a long day for me after starting at 5am, so I let the girls close the shop.”

Words + Photos by Wendy Morriss

Business owner Patrick Chan in front of Warragul

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And as South Gippsland and Bass Coast teenagers become more mobile, local schools are encouraging students to take part in driver and road safety programs. And it’s thanks to a local cycling event, the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge, that these workshops are possible for our local youth.

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ESSENTIAL IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND REGION Driver and road safety programs

Victoria’s police recently revealed that our state has recorded its worst monthly pedestrian death total in more than a decade.

As police urge all road users to be aware of their surroundings and take extra time – especially during the dangerous weather - these statistics give focus to the importance of road safety education.

According to Bass Coast Cycle Challenge event organiser David Butler, raising funds to support local youth to access these programs has been the driving force behind the BCCC’s appeal and success.

Pitched for students in Years 10-12, at the time of their lives when they are most likely to be novice drivers or their passengers, RYDA provides a 'whole of school' approach to road safety education.

“RYDA focuses on the 'big 5’ road safety issues facing young drivers and their passengers; distraction, impairment (alcohol & fatigue), speeding and seatbelts, and includes a unique live speed and stopping demonstration.

“This includes pre-workshop discoveries to help introduce students to workshop content, the 4-hour workshop, designed to ﬁt into a standard school day with 6 inventive and interactive sessions, and a range of online, individual and in-class post-workshop activities.”

“Targeted road safety education is essential to reducing trauma on the road, and it needs to start early and continue through all of high school.” He said.“It’s not enough to teach young people how to manoeuvre a vehicle… it’s absolutely vital to balance this with critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for safety on the road.”

One of the 6 RYDA sessions, Drive SOS, speciﬁcally focuses on safely sharing the road with cyclists and other vulnerable road users.”

Hockey says that key to making these programs a reality for our local students as been the support provided by local councils and the charity cycling event – the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge.

RYDA is Australia’s largest and leading road safety education program.

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If you have a bike and would like to contribute to improved road safety and support these important education programs, enter one of the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge rides via basscoastcyclechallenge.com

Rides distances are 40km, 53km, 85km and 121km.

“Road safety education lies the heart of the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge.” Butler said. “It’s one of the best events on Victoria’s cycling calendar and attracts many riders who want to contribute to supporting these essential programs which have real impact on our youth and broader community.”

The event is in its 12th year and has also been successful because of its broad appeal. With four rides on offer, it attracts riders of all abilities – from recreational to road warriors… from young, to some riders in their 80s!

“The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge has been integral in supporting these programs and thanks to this event we have educated over 2600 local students.”

Programs such as RYDA are key in increasing safety for road users –cyclists, pedestrians, drivers and passengers - according to Anton Hockey from Road Safety Education Limited (RSE).

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gippsland lifestyle spring �� 97 Rigby Homemakers is a family run local business that prides itself on its customer service and quality furniture & bedding. We have been trading in Wonthaggi since 2005. We service all of Bass Coast, South Gippsland and Phillip Island. We offer delivery to all areas. With premium brands like La-Z-Boy, IMG Norway Sealy Posturepedic and Sleepmaker along with the extensive range of furniture and bedding available through Homemakers Furniture buying group you can be assured all your requirements will be satis ed. "Gippsland’s finest furniture & bedding store" 24 INVERLOCH ROAD, WONTHAGGI Ph 5672 5906Rigby fu rn it ur e & b eddin gfurniture & bedding fu rn it ur e & b eddin g

Partnerships in action is what West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority is all about and the Powlett River/Kugerungmome Partnerships Project is the latest example of how many hands can make light work for the “Theenvironment.

People Power for the Powlett

Project partners Trust for Nature and committed landholders will also ensure the project leaves a lasting legacy. Together they are playing their part in the project, as they restore precious native vegetation and remove weed infestations on properties with conservation covenants to ensure these remnants that provide homes for wildlife are protected forever.

PROJECT PARTNERS GATHERED AT DALYSTON TO SHARE KNOWLEDGE AND DISCUSS THE PROJECT.

Also central to the success is partnering with landholders to enhance the waterways. This is where Bass Coast Landcare and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority come in, working to remove weeds, fence and ﬁnally revegetate the waterways along their course.

Powlett River/Kugerungmome Partnerships Project is about having an holistic and integrated view of the entire Powlett catchment - from the southern slopes of the Strzelecki Ranges to the estuary, where it meets Bass Strait in Kilcunda,” explained Paula Camenzuli, Natural Resource Management Strategic Planner for West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.

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Another key outcome is protecting and raising awareness of threatened species such as the Giant Gippsland Earthworm found in the hills and headwaters. Project partner, Parks Victoria along with dedicated volunteers are protecting Hooded Plovers on the beaches through signage, pest control and community education. “There is potential for increased numbers of Hooded Plovers through fox control and getting more people on board,” said Brian Martin, Parks Victoria.

The Powlett River winds its way from Korumburra through hills, gullies, farms and communities before entering the sea at Kilcunda. Along its meandering 27 kilometres, you’ll ﬁnd a whole lot of people power at work ensuring the river is protected for wildlife and future generations.

“My dream for this catchment is that all the waterways are fenced and replanted with corridors for wildlife that all link together and provide safe pathways for biodiversity and threatened species,” said Jye Anderson from Bass Coast Landcare Network.

The three-year project brings the people who are working on projects across the Powlett River/Kugernungmome catchment together into one team Consultationeffort. with Traditional Owners is essential and the Bunurong Land Council has been involved from the outset. The Land Council gave permission for the language name of Kugerungmome to be used alongside Powlett River and created a stunning painting that symbolises the river and its story.

HOODED PLOVERSPOWLETT ESTUARY POWLETT ESTUARY

PAUL SPIERS AND PROJECT PARTNERS DISCUSSING WEED CONTROL ON A COVENANTED PROPERTY. PROJECT PARTNERS MEETING ON A PROPERTY ALONG THE RIVER COURSE.

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POWLETT RIVER

This project is supported by WGCMA through funding from the Victorian Government’s Our Catchments, Our Communities Program. Keep in touch about this and other projects

“We’re all playing our tiny part, but if we don’t have the links with other people, it is only a tiny part. I like to think of being part of a much bigger effort.” Rivers connect places, communities and people. This integrated initiative combines the passion people have for their local area with the power of connections to expand the reach and impact that could not be achieved Paulalone.Speirs, Bass Coast Landcare Network Board member and local landholder is passionate about the project and said: “We need to re-dress the damage and the landscape. It might not happen in my lifetime, but hopefully in that of the next generation – that’s my dream.”

“Partnerships with likeminded organisations and accessing the expertise within them is absolutely critical,” said landholder Jon Temby.

The Powlett River catchment is a priority area for West Gippsland and has a total catchment area of 50,800 hectares and six main tributaries, of which Foster Creek is the most upstream, followed by Lance, West, Archies, Bridge and Woolshed Creeks. Land-use in the catchment is largely agricultural and is dominated by dairy and beef production. Lance Creek reservoir supplies water to the Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cape Patterson townships.

www.wgcma.vic.gov.au or follow them on Facebook Instagram

The time has been well-spent, investing back into the cellar door and the vineyard to continue bringing new offerings to a growing number of visitors. The cellar door and restaurant ooze charm, located in a former tractor shed. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve invested into our hospitality offering by expanding our kitchen, paving a big courtyard for outdoor dining, new amenities and freshening up our dining spaces.”

Ben Smith lives on site and manages the day-to-day operations at the vineyard, which includes 1.2ha of chardonnay and 2.8ha of pinot noir, a cellar door and a restaurant.

And despite more than two years of hospitality pain due to lockdowns, they’ve built a thriving business that draws on local expertise and produce to deliver an experience, and wines, as unique as the location.

Sitting snuggly along the route to Wilsons Promontory is Gippsland’s own slice of east-central France. The southernmost cellar door on the Australian mainland, Waratah Hills boasts enviable views, and even more sought-after local drops. Exposed to one of the coolest possible climates for a vineyard, Waratah Hills is the poster child for high risk, high reward in this marginal region.

Waratah Hills Vineyard

WORDS BY ANITA BUTTERWORTH PHOTOS BY DOUG PELL

The Fish Creek vineyard ofﬁcially changed hands in August 2020, when a group of friends, partners and siblings mixed business with pleasure and took over the established business.

GIPPSLAND’S SLICE OF BURGUNDY

“And this year we’ve just completed the re-trellising of two of our three blocks. We’ve heavily invested into both sides of the business. Even though it’s been a bit of a down time for hospitality. At the moment we’re full steam ahead with what we’re doing out here. We’re hoping we can continue to sustain our busy little business out here.”

“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster over the past couple of years due to the circumstances but working with my brother and our close team has had its rewards, it’s been good,” Ben explained.

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“What we grow appears in the dishes we prepare in our restaurant. We also have a young green thumb Jimmy who does labour work for us and grows lots of produce for us and other local businesses in Fish Creek, so percentage wise a good chunk of the produce either comes from our property or comes from ﬁve minutes down the road. We also use iconic local grocer Aherns as a supplier. We use Berry’s Creek Cheese which is seven minutes away, an award-winning cheese maker that produces lovely cheeses, all different styles, my favourite being the Tarwin blue.”

“Our viticulturalist Georgia Roberts, who lives in Sandy Point, 15 minutes away from our vineyard. She’s lived in the area for six years but has been coming to the area all her life. She is also a wine maker who has worked in the industry for a long time, more recently getting into viticulture, the growing and farming of the grapes. She is employed fulltime, the vineyard is her Supportingbaby.”

The two seasons that the group has owned Waratah Hills have both provided challenges, and a glimpse into the ﬁckle nature of South Gippsland weather.

location :

“What we’ve noticed is that the two seasons we’ve been here have been quite different. We had quite a wet 2020-2021 season. Which produced a higher yielding crop. We went in not having a lot of information on previous vintages, but what we were told was the volume was higher than more recent seasons. Whereas 2022, the most current season which was picked in early April this year was a lower yielding crop. It was a dryer, more humid season. Across the board in Victoria, most producers were slightly down on volume to the previous year.

“At the moment the vineyard is dormant (sleeping). We are 95% through pruning. The Chardonnay block, which is up the top of our site, a northfacing block, you can already see the furry buds starting to push through, so we’re getting prepared now for an early bud-burst. Which means there’s a little bit more heat in the ground at this time of the year pushing those buds through.”

Fish Creek

As this jewel of South Gippsland enters another growing season, there’s little doubt that the scales are balancing in the favour of high rewards, in exchange for the high risks of winter.

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local is a cornerstone for Waratah Hills, which sources produce for its seasonal menu from a nearby grocer as well as growing as much on site as possible.

“We have a kitchen garden down near our cellar door. And then up the top where the house is we have three bigger beds where we are growing garlic, cauliﬂower, broccoli and beetroot at the moment.”

And for anyone who visits Waratah Hills Vineyard, the only risk is never wanting to leave.

“We are producing a sparkling wine which is called Blanc de Noir, which is essentially a version of French Champagne or a Burgundian Sparkling. It is crisp, elegant and a must for celebrations. It is made with our pinot noir grapes. You don’t see too many of them around. It’s a really ﬁne, high-quality sparkling wine.” When it comes to the all-important vines, they’re left in the hands of a highly-skilled local.

Waratah Hills’ vines were planted in the mid-nineties, and their tightly-planted, low trellising style is just one of the nods to Burgundy. Another is the vineyard’s Blanc de Noir.

The Courthouse is a beloved space in the heart of Warragul and Manish and Raj are doing a great job of securing a future for this iconic multi faceted venue by offering diverse and delicious fare at a fair price. Bravo!

THE CREW Manish Sabharwal and Rajvir Singh jointly own the business and are hands on Chefs leading the kitchen. The ﬂoor is managed by DJ and Jason Ram who lead a happy team of enthusiastic and personable wait staff.

THE SERVICE wereopinionsStandardsgivenkeepingDetailsareimportantinthisrestaurantandyouareawarethattheteamarealwaysaneyeontheneedsofeverytable.Recommendationsarehappilyandtheconﬁdentservicemakesyoufeelyournightisingoodhands.areupheldunderEmma'swatchfuleye.ThereareplentyoffromthestaffonwhatImaypreferoffthemenu.Alltheinteractionsproductiveandenjoyable.

Words & Photographs by Stu Hay | Warragul Press Cellars

Entrée 15.90 + Main 34.90 + Dessert 17.90 + Bottle of Domain Road Pinot Gris 60 = Total 128.70

A Mod Oz Bistro offering a broad range of international dishes, served in a friendly professional environment that has a strong local identity. Owner operated with a team focus.

I began with an entrée of smoked salmon on a zucchini ﬂower fritter. The soft ricotta had a lovely sweet sour character which foiled the rich oiliness of the salmon and the fritter and crunchy salad added texture and freshness an excellent harmonious dish. My main was a crumbed pork cutlet cooked perfectly and served on a base of roast potatoes with an Italian vegetable ragu coating.

THE PRICE

THE TASTE

102 gippsland lifestyle spring �� THE COURTHOUSE RESTAURANT & GARDEN BAR 72 Smith Street Warragul 3820 | 5622 2442 Classic Courty - an intimate dining experience

THE THEORY

The Cheque

THE FEEL There is a different air to the Courthouse. It is quiet and still. There is Gravitas in this space that is due in part to the buildings original purpose. The ﬁt out has purpose. Banquettes and classic timber café chair and, muted tones on the walls bring a comfortable, familiar feel to the formal architecture. Two private rooms and an upstairs function area make for a versatile main building. Also on the grounds is a Bar and outside dining/ drinking area. It feels like the complete package.

ENTRÉE MAIN DESSERT

The mustard aioli worked well to inject tart powerful ﬂavours into this simple Dessertdish.was a re-imagined Lemon Meringue tart which was generous and delicious with a riot of different textures giving the dish a real curiosity and interest.

THE WASH

BP Service Stations FISH CREEK 2 Falls Road, Fish Creek, Vic 3959 Tel/Fax: 5683 2521 Email: shcreek@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 Of ce/Fax: 5156 4102 Workshop: 5156 4233 Email: johnsonville@evanspetroleum.com.au KORUMBURRA SOUTH South Gippsland Highway, Korumburra, Vic 3950 Tel/Fax: 5655 1668 Email: korumburra@evanspetroleum.com.au LEONGATHA 95 Bair Street, Leongatha, Vic 3953 Tel/Fax: 5662 2440 Email: leongatha@evanspetroleum.com.au LEONGATHA - WESTSIDE 7 Anderson Street, Leongatha, Vic 3953 Tel/Fax: 5662 2834 Email: westside@evanspetroleum.com.au MIRBOO NORTH 106 Ridgway, Mirboo North, Vic 3871 Tel/Fax: 5668 2377 Email: mirboo@evanspetroleum.com.au NEWMERELLA 5327 Princes Highway, Newmerella, Vic 3886 Tel/Fax: 5154 1601 Email: newmerella@evanspetroleum.com.au ROSEDALE 65-79 Prince Street, Rosedale Vic 3847 Tel: 5667 2951 Email: Rosedale@evanspetroleum.com.au SALE 344 Raglan Street, Sale, Vic 3850 Tel: 5143 1030 Fax: 5143 2686 Email: sale@evanspetroleum.com.au TOORA 26 Foster Road, Toora, Vic 3962 Tel/Fax: 5686 2324 Email: toora@evanspetroleum.com.au TRARALGON 23-29 Shakespeare Street, Traralgon, Vic 3844 Tel: 5174 1138 Email: Tim@evanspetroleum.com.au WONTHAGGI 103-105 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi, Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 3988 Fax: 5672 5229 Email: wonthaggi@evanspetroleum.com.au YARRAM 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 EVANS WONTHAGGIBP BP WONTHAGGI 103-105 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi,Vic3995 Tel: 5672 3988 Fax: 5672 5229 Email: wonthaggi@evanspetroleum.com.au

104 gippsland lifestyle spring �� Wholesale & Retail Enquiries Welcome Email:www.facebook.com/redimilkservice@redimilk.com.au Get Redi! – Redi Milk is delivering to South Gippsland Keep your eye out for Redi Milk’s range now hitting the shelves  Fresh Milk Products  Plant Based Products Including: Almond Milk, Soy Milk, Oat Milk & Hemp Milk  Cold Pressed Juices  Kombucha  Smallgoods  Eggs  Butter  Yoghurts  Cheese  Biogradeable Sugar Cane Straws  Sparkling drinks Redi Milk Australia Pty Ltd Phone: 03 9702 www.redimilk.com.au4262

All our wines are made from Estate grown grapes. Riesling, Chardonnay, Verdelho Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Our grazing platters showcase Bassine Cheese and local produce supporting our farmers. Bring your own picnic, or book one of our bbqs, Gippsland cider, Burra, Ocean Reach and Loch beer also available. TAKE A DETOUR TO THE GURDIES WINERY 215 Gurdies-St Helier Rd, The Gurdies VIC 3984 OPEN FRIDAY TO SUNDAY 11AM TO 5PM Phone (03) 5997 6208 | Email www.thegurdieswinery.com.auinfo@thegurdieswinery.com.au Located on the top of the hill at The Gurdies, our winery boasts breathtaking views of French Island and Western Port Bay. Our large Cellar Door with open fire place, huge patio and newly built outdoor function area, caters for all your special occasions. Come and experience what The Gurdies Winery has to offer.    WEDDINGGREATVENUE

WILSONSDARBYPROMONTORYCOTTERSBEACHRIVER

BYPHOTOGRAPHYDOUGPELL

Gippsland is a region of great diversity, none better than Wilsons Promontory. Not long ago you needed to pay to get into this area but these days you can drive to many of the great places along with small walks you can take in what this great region has to offer. There is plenty to see and do, breathtaking mountain ranges, rivers, ocean, inlets, natural ﬂora and fauna, the list is endless. In this edition we are highlighting just some of the wonderful places to visit. The Prom is only about 2 ½ hours drive from Melbourne or approximately 200kms from Melbourne. You can camp, hike and stay in various parts of the Prom or seek accommodation in the nearby towns of Yanakie, Fish Creek and Foster all within close proximity of the Prom. Without doubt Wilsons Promontory is a yearly must see and do region of Gippsland. What are you waiting for? Go visit the Prom!

NATIONAL PARK MOUNT OBERON VIEWS FAIRY COVE

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PROM WILDLIFE PARK SKULLWILSONSROCKPROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK

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WORDS BY ANITA BUTTERWORTH Delivers His Backstage Pass JOE MATERA ROCK N' SOUL Joe Matera Live | Photo by Darren Clarke 110 gippsland lifestyle spring ��

It was an unparalleled era for music. The late 60s, the 70s, the 80s and the 90s saw the birth of new genres, cult rock stars and music that would become the soundtrack to a changing world.

Hank Marvin & Joe Matera in 2007

“I’m mostly a 70s child because I grew up with all of those classic bands and everything I do with my music you can hear that inﬂuence. Then the 80s came in and that was a lot more image-based – everything was big. Big hair, big sounds. And that was cool. And I think Nirvana were one of the most important bands in music in the 90s. I mean The Beatles changed the music industry in regards to what they did, but I think Nirvana also changed it for another generation.

Born in Australia to Italian immigrant parents, Joe grew up listening to music from all over the world, despite his parents not playing any “It’sinstruments.reallyweird, most people would think that, but I didn’t come from a musical family. Only difference with my family is my parents did have a great vinyl record collection and they used to go and get the latest 45s imported from overseas,” Joe explained.

“I don’t think we’ll ever have the types of bands and music that we had in the 70s and 80s.”

“He had a reputation for being the wildest rockstar around but behind that whole persona he was one of a really true gentlemen. He was intelligent, he was witty. He was very respectful, even though there were all these images of him that were the opposite. And I got to see this side of him that you go back and remember and go ‘Wow, what a wonderful person’. Truly beautiful human being.”

So, it’s little wonder that he’s found a permanent home in Newborough with his wife, where lockdowns provided him with the perfect opportunity to pen a book retelling the memories of an enviable career as a guitarist and music journalist.

“We were very spoilt back then, we had a lot of great shows, even the latenight shows, the variety shows, bands would come on and Countdown was so important to the music industry. And I think we’ve lost that.

“Once Countdown started, I watched that every, single Sunday religiously throughout my whole entire childhood and teenage years. And that’s where it grew – my love of seeing Aussie bands like Hush and Sherbet. You see them on stage, you go, ‘Wow, that’s cool! I want to get myself a guitar and do the same thing!’.

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“So, I grew up listening to a lot of Italian pop music, and the radio was always on, my dad always had his radio on. And that’s where my love of music began. I was four years old when I pointed out to my mother The Beach Boys’ album Pet Sounds. So, she bought that for me, and I loved that album. And suppose that’s where my whole taste for melodic pop music comes from.”

Joe also fondly recalls interviewing The Shadows’ lead guitarist Hank “IMarvin.learnt to play guitar to 20 Golden Greats with The Shadows. Back then it was on cassette. I just sat down and spent a long time learning by ear, learning those songs and I learnt to play guitar with that, so when I met Hank back in the mid 2000s, I told him the story about I learnt guitar.

Joe Matera Live Photo by Soﬁa Rewert-Strasser

Over the years Joe’s articles have appeared in publications like Rolling Stone and Metal Hammer, demonstrating his ability to ﬁnd the softer side to rock n’ rolls’ most notorious characters. Like Lemmy – the lead singer and founder of Motörhead.

Growing up in north central Victoria, Joe Matera has always been a country boy at heart – despite rubbing shoulders and jamming with some of the world’s most talented musicians.

The explosive musical scene drew Joe in, and he became a talented guitarist playing in several original and cover bands in a career that’s spanned more than three decades. But somewhere along the line, Joe’s curiosity and love for writing led him to add another string to his bow. He discovered a love for interviewing and writing about musicians. He admits he ‘fell into’ music journalism, by simply contacting his favourite artists out of curiosity, wanting to scratch a musical itch. Surprised that he’d always receive a response to his inquiries, he decided to pursue writing articles, and he got his ﬁrst big break when he interviewed Nickelback not long before they blew up.

At a time when music has become so highly consumable and disposable, Joe wants to keep alive the spirit of a musical era that saw the emergence of incredible talent, the likes of which we may never see again.

With half a lifetime of stories to tell, Joe ﬁnally found the time to collate his memories into a book – Backstage Pass: The Grit And The Glamour.

ROCK N' SOUL

112 gippsland lifestyle spring �� MATERAJOE

"So that’s why a lot of bands split. It’s a very tough business. I showed a side to these artists that they’re just normal human beings. But the difference is they’ve got a talent and they obviously got a machine behind them – a team. But it’s a lot of hard work.”

“I want people to know what it’s really like. I’ve read a lot of these sex, drugs, rock n’ roll books and a lot of it’s myth-making. There are some bands that really do that, but they’re not around. And that’s the tragic tale to it. I want to show people what it’s really like. It’s a wonderful business, you’re lucky to be able to do it, but also to show that it’s really tough, hard work and it’s important to share the stories."

JOE WITH BOOK |

“It lifts the veil on what it’s like to tour and what’s it’s like to be at the top of your game. Some of the superstars I spent time with – you see this image of them travelling in limousines and everyone thinks they’re rich, and they’re not. It’s a very small percentage who are actually making a lot of money. A lot of them are struggling, they’ve got day jobs. That’s one of the things I learnt early on in my career when I was interviewing all of these artists is that they would have number one albums and I would say to them, ‘And you’ve got a day job?! Why?’.

“And people don’t understand that for example an advance from a record label for a million dollars – that’s an advance, that’s a loan you have to pay that back. If you can’t sell enough records to pay that back, you’re basically going to be paying that for the rest of your life.

PHOTO BY LIZ MATERA

“And he told me a similar story about how he had a friend of his who used that same album to teach his own guitar students and that it was very inﬂuential in a lot of guitar players learning their own instruments. I found it so interesting that, here was this album that I used, unknown to me thousands of others had used the same album to learn guitar too.”

■ 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. Stony Creek Go-Karts is now well and truly one of the highlights of South Gippsland. EVENT DAY – RETRO KARTING AUSTRALIA F100 Please check our facebook for updates Some changes are in place to keep you healthy and safe. 1. Bookings are essential. Please call to book your time. 2. There is a maximum of 12 karts only. 3. A 50% deposit is needed to secure your booking. 4. If you are sick, please stay at home. 5. Karts and Helmets will be disinfected between groups.

Servicing Bass Coast and beyond for over six years From Phillip Island to Inverloch, Grantville to Tarwin Lower, Venus Bay to Foster, Wonthaggi and Leongatha

RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS $1,000 CASH BACK WITH OUR HEATING & COOLING AUTHORISED GOVERNMENT REBATE ATHEBEATHEAT47%ENERGYPSERIES Home Heating and Cooling Upgrade rebates are available for rental properties to lower running costs and improve the health and wellbeing for renters. Under the Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Pro gram, eligible rental properties can receive $1,000 towards the cost of energy-efﬁcient reverse-cycle air conditioner to upgrade inefﬁcient gas heaters, electric heaters, and wood heaters. $500 is availa ble for switchboard upgrade. Visit www.heatingupgrades.vic.gov.au

Most parts of South Gippsland, Bass Coast, Cardinia right through to Traralgon were hit by a deluge of rain.

NEAR

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GRANNY

The low lying farm land areas near Powlett River and Tarwin River were severely hit with locals describing that these were the worst ﬂoods for nearly 20 years. At one stage the road to Venus Bay was cut off. Cows were huddled up on higher grounds and you almost needed a canoe or kayak to get through some farmland. At the time of writing, rain is continuing to fall heavily here in South Gippsland and one hopes that soon this will ease off and give the farmers a chance to reclaim their land from the mass of water that abounds their properties. CLOSE TO WATERS FISH CREEKFARMLAND MEENIYAN CASHINS CREEK DALYSTON ZONE MOSSVALE PARK UNDER WATER

FLOOD

SOUTH GIPPSLAND FLOODS DAIRY FARM

NEAR

DALYSTON FARMING LANDS FLOODED, NOTE DESAL PLANT IN BACKGROUND FAR TOP RIGHT FARMS IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND INUNDATED WITH WATER PROBABLY A WISE MOVE NOT TO TRAVEL ANY FURTHER ON THE ROAD TO TARWIN LOWER TARWIN RIVER IN FULL FLOW NEAR MEENIYAN THE FISH CREEK ROAD UNDER WATER THE OLD RAILWAY BRIDGE NEAR MEENIYAN SITS IN STARK CONTRAST TO THE FLOOD WATERS THE ROAD TO TARWIN LOWER THIS AREA IS FLOODED AT THE BEST OF TIMES, WONTHAGGI IN THE BACKGROUND VAST AMOUNT OF WATER NEAR MEENIYAN TAKEN NEAR THE GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL TRAIL gippsland lifestyle spring �� 117

118 gippsland lifestyle spring �� Call Brent Sinclair on 0447 728 547 146 McCartin Street, Leongatha, Vic 3953 E: brent@brentsinclaircatering.com.au www.brentsinclaircatering.com.au 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. We also o er catering for many other occasions including birthdays, weddings and engagements. You can nd us at Markets around Gippsland and we can prepare our menu to suit your event. Contact us today on 0447 728 547 or brent@brentsinclaircatering.com.au During the COVID restriction period we are o ering TAKE AWAY MENUS. Please visit our Facebook @BrentSinclairCatering for weekly changing menus and specials. 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 SPECIAL OCCASIONS EVENTS & CORPORATE FUNCTIONS

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 119 RED TREE GALLERY EXHIBITIONS 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!) 420 Main Jindivick Road, Jindivick VIC 3818 P: 5628 5224 | E: www.lauriecollins.com.auinfo@lauriecollins.com.au EXHIBITIONSWINTER2022 For more info visit www.redtreegallery.com.au Thanks Laurie - Good on ya OCTOBERWaynePollard with his photography NOVEMBERCathySmithSEPTEMBERRobynRinehart with her paintings and pastels and she features dogs and is a great talent. Waratah Hills Trading Hours Cellar Door – Friday – Sunday 11.00am – 5.00pm | Lunch 12.00pm – 3.00pm Bookings via vineyard@waratahhills.com.au or (03) 5683 2441 www.waratahhills.com.au  Cellar door wine tastings  Group bookings and functions  Indoor & Outdoor dining  Shop online www.waratahhills.com.au Follow us on instagram @waratahhillsvineyard for upcoming events AWARD WINNING WINES, CREATED FOR CELEBRATIONS

LEONGATHA RSL CONTACTS OFFICE: 5662 2012 RECEPTION: 5662 2747 BISTRO: 5662 www.leongatha-rsl.com.au4487 New Members Welcome. Reciprocal rights with RSL'S in Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania LEONGATHA RSL BISTRO Find us on Facebook Corner of Smith Street & Michael Place, LeongathaCORNER OF SMITH STREET & MICHAEL PLACE, LEONGATHA TAKE-AWAY MEALS SEE LUNCH & DINNER MENUS ON CHECKFACEBOOKFACEBOOK FOR ANY ONGOING UPDATES

Jeff Bourman is your local MP for the Eastern Victoria electorate in the Victorian Parliament’s Legislative Council Jeff Bourman MP Member for Eastern Victoria Unit 1, 9 Napier Street Warragul Vic 3820 Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party Victoria (03) 5623 Jeff.Bourman@parliament.vic.gov.au2999 Jeff ﬁghts for regional jobs, promoting regional and rural lifestyle Jeff is your voice in the Upper House of the Victorian Parliament Authorised by Jeff Bourman, Unit 1, 9 Napier Street Warragul, Funded by Parliamentary Budget

Every day, Myli offers an incredible range of programs that support health and wellbeing. These include hosting social groups like the Chatty Café that aim to kickstart conversations, get people chatting to increase safe and respectful social connections within a community and possibly reduce loneliness along the way.

Myli – My Community Library launched the ﬁrst phase of a new Libraries for Health and Wellbeing initiative last month, inviting local leaders and library users to a very special library event.

By just providing a free space for people to read, connect to free Wi-Fi or study, libraries are a place where we come together as a community.

The Libraries for Health and Wellbeing initiative is being rolled out in partnership with Public Libraries Victoria and State Library Victoria. Discover all that libraries have to offer, visit myli.org.au or call 1800 HI MYLI (1800 44 6954)

When more two million Victorians are members of their local library, library programs that foster stronger and healthier local communities have an essential role to play in supporting public health.

Patrons were welcomed by a lovely volunteer from the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) and learn all about keeping greyhounds as pets.

It also provided the opportunity to reinforce responsible pet ownership and the importance of recognising that if you are struggling to look after yourself, that it is best to talk to your healthcare professional before you take on caring for a pet.

One of the key goals of this event was to promote the health beneﬁts of pet ownership. According to HealthDirect.gov.au, ‘Pets make excellent companions, they're also good for your physical and mental health.’

The event provided an overview of The Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) the most well-known of GRV’s initiatives aimed at ﬁnding loving homes for greyhounds who have retired from the racetrack. It also provided the opportunity to meet some gorgeous greyhounds. This event hosted by Myli provided patrons with an introduction to pet ownership and the Greyhound Adoption Program. It also provided the opportunity to enhance community awareness of animals for adoption via the BBSC Municipal Animal Pound.

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This event highlights the critical work the library is doing to promote mental wellbeing in our local area at a time when 1 in 4 Australians feels lonely.

Under the statewide Libraries for Health and Wellbeing initiative, libraries will deliver programs, share information, and connect people to services and supports to make a difference across three impact areas: mental wellbeing, social connection, and physical health.

Along with hosting groups with like-minded interests including knitting and craft and book clubs. There are also programs for children and families like Baby Rhyme Time, Story Time and STEAM clubs that feature a range of learning activities and provide opportunities for children and families to connect with others.

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 123 for andhealthwellbeing

21 June – 22 July September sees you focus on your purpose. Are you in the right profession? Do you need to make adjustments? Is now the right time to leap? As always, use the Moon as your guiding light. And the Sun in the 3rd House of your Solar Chart means that you can also undertake short courses or seek professional advice. It’s time to focus on mindfulness, mindset, making up your mind and such like. As the season progresses you can start to put any changes in action, or you can network to boost your own hopes, dreams and wishes.

Some months are busier than others, demanding a pace that is supercharged. September sees Scorpios experience such a month. Your ruling planet Mars is in Gemini, urging you to make adjustments and move forward on plans that may have been on the backburner. It’s time to network, linking up with friends and work colleagues. By mid-season you can slow down a little, and you can let your associates know of your plans, perhaps engaging in their help. If you ﬁnd yourself facing a fork in the road, with the option of two ways forward, seek advice.

23 Aug – 22 Sep

22 Dec – 19 Jan Have you heard of the saying ‘champagne tastes on a beer budget’? This is your theme for September. No matter what your budget or lifestyle, you are keen to spread your wings and ﬂy. And you are counting the costs. Perhaps you are planning to travel to a foreign country or taking time off work for a sabbatical or study course. On the other hand, you may be re-doing your budget as part of planning for a change of lifestyle such as retirement. As Spring progresses, you need to turn your attention back to your profession and work contacts.

with

Stephanie Johnson

YOUR STARS 2022

21 May – 20 June Once again your ruling planet, Mercury, is heading Retrograde from September 10 till early October. Each time this happens it affects a different sector of your Solar Chart. This season sees you pondering your relationship with children, creative projects, and romantic aspirations. The Sun is lighting up home and family matters. So, it’s likely that you’re juggling household duties while trying to have fun. Perhaps you are in two minds about a family issue? While Mercury heads backwards you need to pause before taking any action or making any decisions. A little digging into family patterns or your family history could shed light on a personal matter.

It’s your season to focus on your own health and happiness, ensuring that your daily habits are conducive to good health and a satisfying lifestyle. This means physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Take some time to note your habits and make adjustments if necessary. Perhaps it’s time for a change of diet? Or maybe you need to reach out and socialise more? Is there a new hobby or pastime that could be mentally stimulating? And what about your spiritual life? Are you living in sync with your own beliefs? Self-criticism is unhelpful. Aim for change with support.

20 Jan – 18 Feb Do you sometimes feel restless and don’t know why? The planets are aligned for change, and your restlessness is a sign that it’s time to do things differently. Step it up a notch. You may need to juggle your time and money. Investing more in your primary partnership is likely to pay dividends. Or you may need to reassess your ﬁscal investments. It’s a change of season in one or more areas of your life. If you are feeling like the changes are too bumpy, take a deep breath and trust that you have the fortitude to ride them out.

22 Nov – 21 Dec

The start of Spring each year sees Libra Sun Sign people surprisingly anti-social. You usually enjoy the company of others, but the start of Spring is an opportunity to sit in peace, quietly soaking up the sun before the social calendar lights up for birthday celebrations. You may also temporarily retreat to pursue an artistic or creative project, or perhaps enjoy an indulgent spa or health retreat. As the season progresses you enjoy mingling with your many friends and loved ones, soaking up the love and attention that comes your way. You can enjoy outings to your favourite places and events.

SPRING

It’s time to spring clean your budget. Assessing your income and expenditure in September helps you have a more positive mindset in October, which leads to happy times in your private life in November. The warmer weather is likely to put a spring in your step. So also take part in activities that boost your self-esteem. You may plan a short journey in the ﬁrst half of the Spring season. For instance, you could be a tourist in your own Gippsland area, or perhaps further aﬁeld, travelling interstate. By the end of the season, you are ready to enjoy your own home.

19 Feb – 20 March September sees you focus on your marital status. If you are single, then it’s time to decide whether or not you are truly happy. If not, then you can seek ways to meet a special someone. If you are already in a committed relationship, then you are likely to focus on whether or not you are on the right track and make the adjustments to ensure personal satisfaction. As the season progresses, your attention turns to joint resources. Perhaps, you are planning a romantic escape over waters to a foreign land. By November you are keen to escape your usual responsibilities.

Stephanie also heads up Esoteric Technologies, the company that produces astrology software for professional astrologers around the world. She was one of the original creators of the world-renowned Solar Fire for Windows and continues to co-create apps for the iPhone, iPad and macOS. Stephanie lives and works on the Mornington Peninsula, and writes horoscopes for her own business, as well as local bespoke magazines. She is also the author of numerous astrology reports which are used across the globe. You can follow Stephanie @seeingwithstars on Instagram | Twitter | www.seeingwithstars.net

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21 March – 19 April Habits that you change for the better at the start of Spring help you transform by the end. This is your season to boost your health, a physical and personal spring clean. Planets in Virgo and the 6th House of your Solar Chart urge you to catch up on chores and improve your well-being. As the Sun moves into Libra it lights up relationships for all Aries, helping you achieve the right balance between ‘me’ time and togetherness. By the end of November, you are more focussed on achieving the work/life balance that you aspired to at the start of Spring.

23 Sep – 22 Oct

23 Oct – 21 Nov

20 April – 20 May Spring starts with fun times for Taurus. Children can light up your life, or perhaps romance is in the air. Creative, fun, and artistic hobbies or projects started now can be a real boost as Spring progresses. Mid-season sees you pay more attention to details and lifestyle issues. Or perhaps you are putting the ﬁnishing touches to a project started earlier. As November starts, your partnerships are the focus. This could be business or personal associates. It’s time to look at the give and take in key connections, as well as any joint resources or investments.

Your professional life is highlighted at the start of Spring. This means that you are busy, focusing on work matters. You may receive a promotion, extra duties or have a project or product launch. On the other hand, perhaps recent ofﬁce politics is triggering a change of direction. If you are happy with your life direction, then all is well. If not, then you are likely to seek an alternative path, something more satisfying. By the end of the season, you are able to sit back, knowing that everything is in order. You could even take a well-earned break.

23 July – 22 Aug

Stephanie Johnson (BA/J) is an international consulting astrologer running her own Seeing With Stars business for personal and business clients.

FROM BREKKY TO BOOZE, YOUR LOCAL IS MOO'S RECENTLY RENOVATED + SERVING THE FINEST THAT SOUTH GIPPSLAND HAS TO OFFER RESERVE A TABLE CALL 03 5664 0010 EMAIL eat@moosatmeeniyan.com.au www.moosatmeeniyan.com.auMOO’SATMEENIYAN89WHITELAWSTREETMEENIYANVIC3956 BREKKY | LUNCH | DINNER | TAPAS | COFFEE + CAKE Photography by Mark Thurman | Nicky Cawood

128 gippsland lifestyle spring �� Tilka - Did you say food or walk? cornercanine Myf - comfy, cosy, couchtime Millie - No adventure Ken, whats goin on? Neptune - happy & content Willow & Rocco - buddies through & through Myf & Lenny - more logs on the fire please Bundy - we walkin? Crunchy - I'm not tired, just relaxing! George - beach is that way, where ya going

gippsland lifestyle spring �� 129 Lucy The Lab - I smell food over there... Scout - what do ya mean I'm a pup? proudly brought to you by Buckley - this is me smiling... Angel Rollie - always an angel! Willow Lynch - did I just come out the dryer? Lani - I'm cuteness dont ya think? Miss Poppy - Where's my human gone... Brodie - Not getting off ther couch... Nah! Blue - Got any stick human? Spring

www.virtuehomes.com.au WINNER 2022 RESIDENTIAL BUILDER OF THE YEAR SOUTH EAST VICTORIA 'BUILDING EXCELLENCE'

52 Gippsland Lifestyle Spring

Articles inside

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Seeing with Stars Astrology - Stephanie Johnson

South Gippsland Floods

For Health and Wellbeing - My Community Library

Waratah Hills Vineyard - Gippsland’s slice of Burgundy

Warragul Newsagency - Relevant and thriving in a digital world

Poowong Loch Cricket Club - A tale of survival and a flag

Curtis Australia - The finer things in life

Inverloch’s Silo House – A grand escape

Bass Coast Cycle Challenge - Driver and road safety programs

Metung Country Club - Par Excellence

Walks with Doug - Mt Cannibal

Rigby Homemakers Wonthaggi