29 gippslandthelifestyle summer 2017 by gippsland life

the lifestyle. Our pride, Our place

summer SUZI QUATRO Live in Sale

ISSN 1838-8124

â&#x201E;¢

| $7.95 |

TIM COPE ADVENTURER Beyond the Horizon

FRENCH ISLAND

Not so Secret

+ REGULAR FEATURES

MARGARETA OSBORNE Voice of the Bush

SPEC IAL SALE FEAT URE INSID E

Horoscope | Book Reviews | Positive Lifestyle Tips | Canine Corner | Gardening Tips

1- 5 Roughhead Street, Leongatha, Vic, 3953 P (03) 5662 2327 F (03) 5662 2642 E edney@dsci.net.au www.edneysleongatha.com.au LMCT 1500

index advertisers our advertisers ALAN WILSON INSURANCE BROKERS ALI FULLARD Artist STUDIO & GALLERY ANDRE THE SHRINK BAIRNSDALE GOLF CLUB BASS RIVER WINES BLUE HILLS RISE BRANDY CREEK WINERY BRENT SINCLAIR CATERING COAL CREEK COMMUNITY PARK & MUSEUM COFFEE CORNER & THE WINE DOWN BAR CRAWFORD MARINE CURTIS AUSTRALIA DCSI DINNER PLAIN DUART HOMESTEAD EDNEYS LEONGATHA EVANS PETROLEUM FISH CREEK HOTEL FOSTER SEAFOODS GRINTERS TRANSPORT SERVICES GROW MASTER TRARALGON GYPSY DREAMING HARMAN WINES HEALERS SHACK IMAGE DIRECT INVY ESPY | CAPTAIN’S LOUNGE JINDI CAF’ KING BUILT LARDNER PARK LAURIE COLLINS SCULPTURE GARDEN & RED TREE GALLERY LEONGATHA RSL LITTLE FLEA STORE NEERIM SOUTH MERCURE HOTELS WARRAGUL MORWELL BOWLING CLUB MOO’S AT MEENIYAN MOUNT BAW BAW NOOJEE HOTEL PAINT PLACE GROUP OF STORES PHILLIP ISLAND NATURE PARKS PHILLIP ISLAND RSL RIVIERA CYCLES BAIRNSDALE RUSSELL NORTHE MLA SHIMMER MARQUEES SHOE AFFAIR STONY CREEK GO-KARTS STRAY KATZ BOUTIQUE THE CAPE TAVERN THE RIVERSLEIGH BOUTIQUE HOTEL THE TINY TEAPOT CAFÉ TRARALGON BOWLS CLUB WATERFRONT RETREAT AT WATTLE POINT WEST GIPPSLAND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY WONTHAGGI MEDICAL GROUP WONTHAGGI NEWSAGENCY & LOTTO

Gippsland the Lifestyle Magazine PO Box 862, Wonthaggi 3995 P: 0404 301 333 W: thelifestylemagazine.com.au facebook.com/lifestylegippsland

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

196 185 121 99 144 194-5 9 134 4 119 59 81 57 5 69 3 84 145 181 187 125 6 145 113 141 150-151 112 2 135 115 73 113 7 81 85 113 127 175 161 169 87 121 155 81 143 155 159 92-93 136-137 122-123 103

WONTHAGGI NEWSPOWER & LOTTO

31 Murray Street Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256 Hours: Monday to Friday 6.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 6.30am to 2.30pm Sunday & Public Holidays Closed

D RECYCLE E G A T NEW VINL HANDMADE LOCA

89 139 6+191

Monday - Friday 10.00am – 5.00 pm | Saturday 10.00am – 2.00pm

107a Graham Street, Wonthaggi 3995 Ph | 0438 006 503 Like us on Facebook and Instagram

"Here at Mercure Hotel we are proud to present a new standard of accommodation, conferencing and dining facilities to the Warragul and Surrounding areas. We look forward to welcoming you to the new Mercure Warragul on your next visit." Warm Regards, Dale Bainbridge ‘Managing Director’

For Enquiries Phone (03) 5618 3500 or Email: reservations@mercurewarragul.com.au 23 Mason Street, WARRAGUL, Vic 3820

“We extend a warm invitation to all business clients frequently travelling throughout Gippsland. Make Warragul one of your stops and experience a new level of service. Contact us directly for 'Corporate Rate' details.” Sean Pennicard ‘Hotel Manager’

“MERCURE MEETINGS” WARRAGUL’S NEWEST PLACE TO DO BUSINESS. Our facilities include a conference and boardroom fitted with “State of the Art” AV equipment. We are dedicated to meeting our clients’ conferencing needs. Contact us for further information. For All Enquiries Email: conference@mercurewarragul.com.au

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

editorial summer #29 After a long winter and an indifferent spring we now usher in summer and hopefully it will be a season of sunny weather, and for the readers of our magazine, we hope that the season brings you much joy.

Chris West has written his usual classy stories, but an exception is a heart warming feature on John Leslie OBE, a 97 year old gentleman from Sale who has given so much to the town that he loves, dedication to the core.

This has been a challenging edition in more ways than one. Our writers have been very busy putting together a vast array of features that I am sure will bring delight to the readers.

Gippsland Grooves has a special guest and Geoff Watt has talked to Superstar performer Suzi Quatro who will be performing in Sale in February. This candid interview gives a great insight into her music and life.

Again we have over 50 features, and Lyn Skillern takes a look at the history of Jumbunna and Outtrim in South Gippsland, these once two bustling towns at the turn of the 20th century have changed significantly since the coal mining days.

The Traralgon Railway Reserve is a hidden gem and has a significant part to play in the history of Traralgon, Wendy Morriss as usual has given her beautiful touch to this must see park.

There are many great stories in this edition, our town focus is Sale, and along with our usual contributions, this summer edition has the lot and more! Enjoy your Christmas and New Year, make it a safe one and we will see you next year! Maree and Doug Pell

Writers: Chris West, Lyn Skillern, Geoff Watt, Wendy Morriss, Stuart Hay, Linda Cuttriss, Martyn Kemp, Olivia Skillern, Kellie Willis, Angela Borelli and Ali Fullard Contributors: Reader’s Emporium, Erin Miller, Kerry Galea, Laurie Collins, Craig Goodman, John Turner MAAPM, Jim Radford, Trevor Brown, Frank Butera and Andre Stewart Cartoonist: Steve White Quirky Pictures: Marguerite Sharlott Photographers: Wildwood Photography, Lisa Maatsoo, Wendy Morriss, Linda Cuttriss, Douglas Pell Drone Photographer: Shannon Shumski Advertising: Douglas Pell Editor: Maree Bradshaw Creative: Alex Smirnakos Printers Graphic Impressions | www.gimpressions.com.au

index contents

Brandy Creek Winery Opening Maffra’s 128th Show - Some Highlights Foster Place Café Maffra Fire Brigade brings Eastern District Championships to Town Pine Hill Park Alpacas Powerscourt – The Story of a Home Sarah Jolly – Demon Bound – a Rising Star Morwell Bowling Club’s Augmented Facilities WGCMA – Keeping the Gippsland Lakes Healthy for Life Jan Long Artist Pixie Violet Spreads Her Magic Waterfront Retreat at Wattle Point Conference Centre Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve Margareta Osborn is the voice of the bush The Hidden Valley – The Rise of Gippsland Swordcraft The Healers Shack A Peek Behind the Valley 3rd Blessing of the Bikes A Hidden Treasure Walkerville & Returning to Walkerville Highlights of 2016 Bass Coast Cycle Challenge Neale Daniher Visits Inverloch – Stage 3 Gippsland Tour Outtrim & Jumbunna – The Ghost Mining Towns Look to the Skies – Phillip Island - Shearwaters Beyond the Horizon – Tim Cope Family Friendly Lone Pine Bistro value for money Island Skies – A Scenic Helicopter Flight Tranquil French Island Flickerfest – Aussie Shorts on Australia Day

We ventured over to French Island, with a population of 120 people and probably more koalas, this wonderful island has many highlights and holds that rustic charm that the locals experience day to day and for visitors it is a welcome novel experience, and beautifully written by author Angela Borelli.

Gippsland the Lifestyle Magazine PO Box 862, Wonthaggi 3995 P: 0404 301 333 | W: thelifestylemagazine.com.au | facebook.com/lifestylegippsland

Front Cover Image Aerial shot of Seaspray Surf Beach and thanks to the Seaspray Surf Lifesaving Club Photograph taken by Shannon Shumski www.SkyPhotoGuru

regular features 10-11 62-63 64-65 66-68 70-72 74-77 78-80 82-83 90-91 96-98 100-102 103 104-106 108-111 116-118 128-129 130-133 142 146-149 152-153 154 156-158 160-161 162-167 168 170-174 176-180 192-193

Index – Advertisers Editorial – Features Cycling – Where to Buy a Bike this Christmas Curtis Australia – Celebrate with Beautiful Jewellery Stuart Hay Wine Review – Lightfoot & Sons Winery Reader’s Emporium Book Review Summer in West Gippsland with Laurie Collins Andre Stewart – Surviving the End of Year Sillies Gardening with Grow Master Traralgon Craig Goodman Stuart Hay Food Review – Noojee Hotel Brent Sinclair Catering Recipe John Turner – Artificial Intelligence - ‘AlphaGo’ SEM search engine marketing Frank Butera – Gippsland Sparkling Wine Production Summer Markets Guide Summer Events Guide Ali’s Art Page – Briagolong Art Gallery Canine Corner Kerry Galea Summer Horoscope Zest for Life – Inspire Christmas Cheer Steve White Cartoon Summer Crossword Puzzle Outlets – Where you can get a GTL magazine

6 8 86 88 94-95 107 114-115 120 124 126 134 138 140-141 144 182 183 184-185 186-187 188 189 190 190 192

Town Highlight SALE SECTION

12 - 61

The function room

the reinvigorated

BRANDY CREEK ESTATE By Wendy Morriss

West Gippsland’s popular, beloved Brandy Creek Restaurant and Winery offering unique Spanish themed tapas, grand renowned paella feasts and Spanish wine varieties has been upgraded and transformed into a spectacular venue with even greater appeal that offers a top level overall wine, dining and relaxation experience. After months of renovations, the newly expanded and refurbished venue opened with a special day to showcase what the newly named Brandy Creek Estate has to offer.

and richly vocal musicians and Hispanic dancer, all in colourful, immaculately embroidered dress.

Michael Kyberd who works six months in Australia and six months in Spain.

Around 150 invited guests enjoyed delicious complimentary finger food and sparkling wine either inside the venue’s various opulently decorated sections or outside in warm sunshine on the new deck, with clear attractive views overlooking the vineyard and olive grove to the Baw Baw Ranges.

Brandy Creek Estate’s new owners took over the restaurant and winery in April 2013. Darshana Prasad is operations manager and a director in the business. “After taking over we had three things running, which were tapas, the churrasco barbeque, paella feasts and the winery,” he said. “We still do all of those things but we’ve since expanded, made a lot of improvements and we’ve added the Day Spa.”

They were also treated to a display of exceptional entertainment by Melbourne’s Mexican Mariachi Band, a group of extremely talented string, brass

The estate’s wines produced from their vineyards, which includes tempranillo, pinot gris and pinot noir, are now created by their new winemaker

Darshana said the reason they chose to purchase a Gippsland restaurant and winery with a Spanish theme is because the style of food blends so well with the wines. “A lot of people are happy having tapas rather than a two or three course meal. Also the location is ideal for a nice relaxing restaurant and it’s not far from Melbourne. It’s in the country with very easy access. Our main objective is to get people from Melbourne into an area like this to spend the day here and to take good care of our local patrons.”

(L to R) Drulee Jayawardane (financial consultant) Hasi Narampanawa (marketing) Dinushan (owner) Darshana Prasad (operations manager) Natasha Davis (spa manager)

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Mariachi Band and dancer

Patrons enjoying the deck

Arlen and Brian Kenny built some elaborate parts of the design The initial plan to renovate and refurbish the restaurant came about after receiving feedback from patrons. “As a practice we normally give a comments card to guests so they can tell us about their experience and what we need to improve so we can keep our service always at the top level. Some of the earlier feedback was negative. Two major areas of concern were the plastic blinds in the alfresco dining area and not enough toilets particularly on weekends when we would have up to 150 guests. Plans were then made in 2014 for all the renovations to be done and we received council approval in December 2015.” By the time the approval came through he said they had already done the ground work and really only had three months during winter when they could close to do the renovations.

Mariachi Band’s Hispanic dancer “We thought while concentrating on the restaurant and the vineyards, we should have something else to encourage people to spend the day here. We decided on the Day Spa because there wasn’t anything like it in this area especially in a winery. Now we have a world class day spa with a Hamman and five treatment rooms.” Natasha Davis, an award winning spa therapist, is the spa manager. He said the staff are all fully qualified in their section and regularly upgrade their skills to make sure anyone visiting the spa has the best experience ever. The next goal is being able to provide accommodation. “We’ve started doing some of the ground work, a little bit of the business study and approached designers to come up with some plans. However, it could be two years before the project is completed.”

He said they are also planning to come up with some new ideas to give people a little bit of a different wine and dining experience. “We are not going to move away from our existing menus because people love that, but we’d like to include other products and wines especially from local producers and wineries and a few local breweries. I want to bring them in so when people visit us they can experience all the local specialities as well. “We are looking at giving a good total over all experience to everyone who visits us. Our main concern is to make sure everyone is happy and they want to come back and keep enjoying what we are doing here.” Photographs by Wendy Morriss

Melbourne’s

Darshana with one of the guests

Mexican Mariachi Band

Darshana Prasad (operations manager) Craig Fison (interior designer) and Dinushan (owner)

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

SALE While there are many fascinating and attractive places to visit in Sale, it’s also a wonderful base to explore the beauty in the surrounding area. The town’s major annual events are The Marlay Point Overnight Yacht Race and the Sale Music Festival in March and then the Sale Cup and Sale's Agricultural Show in October.

FEATURES Port of Sale Sale: From Flooding Creek to City SBTA: The Shop in Sale E-Voucher Gentleman John: John Leslie Sale Music Festival: Picnic on the Green Loud and Proud: Darren McCubbin Gippsland Centre Management Sale Ladbrokes Sale Cup Day 2016: Sale Turf Club Pulling Together: Rowing at Gippsland Grammar Gippsland Sale Cup Carnival: Sale Greyhounds New Exciting Team at Oneills The Gloriously Outstanding Heart Morass Gippsland Grooves: Suzi Quatro in Gippsland Boating: Port of Sale and Thomson River Cox’s Bridge to Cox’s Place Quirky Pictures – Mooland Rouge

12 13 - 15 18 - 19 22 - 25 26 28 - 32 33 34 36 - 39 41 46 48 - 50 54 - 56 58 - 59 60-61 61

Port of Sale Drone Photography by Shannon Shumski

ADVERTISERS Darren Chester MP Flying Colours Travel Denim & White Sale Classic Jewellers Stothers Music & Hi Fi Sale Music Festival Esso BHP Billiton WellingtonEntertainment Centre Danny O’Brien MP Gippsland Centre Sale Sale Turf Club LJ Hooker Sale Sale Greyhounds Hillross Riviera Ontrac Mortgage Brokers Collins Booksellers | ABC Centre Connley McInnes Lawyers Pty Ltd Oneills Restaurant Wild Honey Café Sale Authorised Newspower Gippsland Laser Centre Turnbull Toyota Ranfords Family Butcher Gippsland Business Machines The Coffee Pit John Brady Wood Sculpture Gallery Sale Electronic Barn For more information visit www.tourismwellington.com.au

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

8 16 - 17 20 21 21 26 27 32 33 34 35 40 42 42 42 43 44 45 46 46 47 51 52 53 53 53

SALE

FR O M FLO O DI N G C R E E K T O CI TY By Wendy Morriss

Sale is a large regional town in the heart of Gippsland with a commercial centre that features a mix of beautiful vintage, contemporary and colonial architecture and an attractive pedestrian mall dominated by a large town clock tower. Highlights for visitors to the area include the Historic Port of Sale and Swing Bridge, The Gippsland Art Gallery, The Bataluk Cultural Trail, splendid world-listed wetlands and Sale Botanic Gardens established in 1860. The town centre has several significant historical buildings including the former Municipal Offices built in 1863, which now houses The Sale Historical Museum, and the Criterion Hotel built in 1865 and one of the oldest hotels in Gippsland. A short distance to the north east of Sale is sandy Marlay Point on Lake Wellington, the starting place for the longest overnight inland yacht race in the world that is held each Labour Day weekend in March. To the south is Ninety Mile Beach, which is one of the world’s longest stretches of unbroken sand. Then less than an hour’s drive to the east are the beautiful Gippsland Lakes.

The settlement of Sale formerly known as Flooding Creek was gazetted in 1851. It became a borough in 1863, a town in 1924 and was proclaimed a city in 1950. In 1994, the City of Sale was abolished when it became part of the newly formed Shire of Wellington. The first road to Sale was completed in 1865 and Cobb and Co established a 24-hour coach service to Melbourne. The large former Cobb and Co stable can still be seen in the town today. The introduction of rail to the town in 1879 provided easy travel between Sale and Melbourne. The station, which was once the hub of the town, was eventually closed and demolished in 1983. However, the Signal Box built in 1888, along with two level crossing gates and two semaphore signals were left intact and preserved. The Port of Sale, established in 1890 with the construction of a man made canal and the Swing Bridge, linked the town via the Thomson River to the Gippsland Lakes and the open waters of Bass Strait. It became a busy port for steamers until the early 1900s.

A multi-million dollar redevelopment of the historic inland port was carried out in 2004. Since then it has become one of the most popular and picturesque places to visit with grassed areas and gardens, barbeque facilities, a boardwalk, walking path, fishing platform, berthing facilities and a boat ramp. The Swing Bridge built in 1883, is about five kilometres south of Sale at the junction of the Thomson and Latrobe Rivers. The 61-metre long wrought iron structure has a central swing span of almost 46 metres. It was designed by Australian engineer John Grainger to swing open allowing steam boats travelling to and from the port to pass through. Classified by The National Trust and seen as one of the engineering wonders of Gippsland, the bridge is also the only one of its kind in Victoria and the oldest surviving operational swing bridge in Australia. ‘Port of Sale Heritage Cruises’ operate tours from the Port through the canal system to the Swing Bridge on the ‘Rubeena’, a Pittwater style ferry built in 1911 and was launched in Lakes Entrance in 1912. The beautifully preserved wooden vessel,

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

originally powered by steam and later by diesel, is now quietly powered electrically enabling passengers to view birds and wildlife. Lake Guthridge Parklands in Sale is an attractive major recreational area covering more than 35 hectares. It encompasses Lake Guthridge, the smaller Lake Guyatt and the historically significant Sale Botanic Gardens. Visitors to the parklands can enjoy sensory gardens, walking trails, many leisure activities, wetlands, wildlife, cultural activities and indigenous artworks.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

The nearby 323-hectare Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve established in 1964, features natural marshland, red gum woodland and grassland. The reserve is managed by Parks Victoria with the acknowledgment of the indigenous traditional owners. The Gunaikurnai people, through their cultural traditions, identify the Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve as their Traditional Country. The Bataluk Cultural Trail follows significant traditional routes used by the Gunaikurnai for more than 30,000 years. The trail introduces

visitors to many aspects of Gunaikurnai life, history and culture including dreamtime stories, traditional lifestyles, European invasion and settlement and present day life. Development of the Bataluk Cultural trail is a joint initiative of the Far East Gippsland Aboriginal Corporation, Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative, Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, Moogji Aboriginal Council, Ramahyuck Aboriginal Corporation, East Gippsland Shire Council and Wellington Shire Council.

Visitors are asked to treat all sites along the trail with respect and care to ensure they are preserved for future generations. Another wonderful place to visit in Sale is The Gippsland Art Gallery, which was established in 1965 as one of regional Victoria’s leading public galleries. Each year the gallery hosts exhibitions featuring works by local, national and international artists. It is home to a permanent collection of more than 1000 items including paintings, works on paper, photographs, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, woodwork, metalwork and Indigenous

art. The collection’s focus is Gippsland artists, Gippsland themes and the natural environment.

highlight the role played by Gippslanders in the country’s defense forces, both in peace and war.

The Gippsland Armed Forces Museum at West Sale Aerodrome houses an interesting collection of more than 1500 items preserving the history of Gippsland’s military service from 1885 until now. It includes personal items, weapons, photographs and maps as well as items from Gallipoli, France and Belgium. It also incorporates the George Aucterlonie Collection from Egypt, Sinai and Palestine during World War I. The museum aims to preserve Gippsland's military heritage and

While there are many fascinating and attractive places to visit in Sale, it’s also a wonderful base to explore the beauty in the surrounding area. The town’s major annual events are The Marlay Point Overnight Yacht Race and the Sale Music Festival in March and then the Sale Cup and Sale's Agricultural Show in October. For more information visit www.tourismwellington.com.au

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

The friendly and professional team at Flying Colours are constantly furthering their impressive knowledge with extensive training programs and travel to destinations within Australia and overseas. They check hotel rooms and services, fly on different airlines, travel on day tours, local trains and buses, all to ensure that when they talk with you about your holiday plans, they are imparting the most up to date and relevant information about your chosen destination, seats, cabins and classes of travel. In addition to this, they offer detailed itineraries and documentation presented prior to you departing. They have an amazing range of suitcases and travel bags, PLUS give advice on the best way to manage your travel money with the instant issue of a Travelex Foreign Currency card, and if needed, provide you with a 24 hour local contact.

What are you waiting for!!! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Experience our Experienceâ&#x20AC;? Flying Colours Travel 83 Cunninghame Street, Sale 3850 Phone: 5144 3199 Hours: Mon- Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm - Sat 10am to 12.00pm www.flyingcolourstravel.com.au

T R AV E L E X P O

WEDNESDAY 15TH FEBRUARY, 1:30PM - 6:00PM SPORTING LEGENDS 233 YORK STREET, SALE Spirit Of Tasmania, Qantas Holidays, Scenic Tours, Albatross Tours, Australian Pacific Tours, Back Roads Touring, Globus/Cosmos, Grand Pacific, Helen Wong, Insight Tours, InterAsia Tours & Interglobal Tours, Peregrine Adventures, The African Safari Co, Trafalgar Tours, Insider Journeys, Wide Eyed Tours, Aussie Travel Insurance, Viking River Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Worldwide Cruising, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Avalon Cruises, Driveaway, Great Southern Rail, Rail Plus, Island Escapes, KirraTours/ANZCRO, Tempo Holidays, Sealink, Sunlover Holidays, The Kimberley Collection, Intrepid Travel, Geckos Tours, Tauck Tours, Ponant Cruises, Collette Tours, Freestyle Tours, Rosie Holidays, Senior Holidays, Austaralian Air Safaris, Silversea Cruises, Swagman Tours, Momento Travel, Chimu Adventures, Adventure World and Broome and Kimberly Holidays.

CRUISING

This is the Biggest Travel Expo available East of Melbourne and it’s right here in Sale! The team at Flying Colours have again prepared an impressive list of over 40 tour operators to exhibit, representing over 65 companies.

European River Cruising is looking to be extremely popular once again, so now is the time to start thinking about 2018. It may sound crazy planning that far in advance, but if you want to secure the best deal with your preferred company and cabin grade, now’s the time to begin planning! There will be representatives from APT, Scenic, Viking and Avalon, all available on the day to help discuss your plans. Asian River Cruises will also be represented by these operators. Ocean Cruising is still growing in popularity. Flying Colours Travel are very excited to have Princess Cruises, Carnival, Silverseas, Holland America and Worldwide Cruise Centres joining them. Worldwide Cruise Centres represent more than 50 different cruise companies throughout the world. Viking will also have their new ocean cruise ship details available for you to look at and discuss.

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL Independent travellers will be happy to hear that Driveaway Holidays, (who specialise in campervans, Peugeot leasing, motorbike and car hire) still have some great early bird deals available. Kirra Tours who specialise in New Zealand travel will once again be down. Qantas Holidays who cover all of Europe, America, Pacific and Asia. Africa Safari Company, Tempo Holidays, Swagman Tours and InterAsia are coming, along with Insider Journeys for those looking at more exotic destinations.

COACH

Thinking about planning a holiday? Don’t miss Flying Colours’ Travel Expo on Wednesday the 15th of February, 1.30pm until 6.00pm at Sporting Legends 233 York Street, Sale.

Experts from major coach operators’ APT Tours, Globus/ Cosmos, Scenic Tours, Trafalgar Tours, Insight Tours, Collette, Tauck Tours, Helen Wong and Grand Pacific will be in attendance, along with some more boutique coach operators that include Back Road Touring, Collette Tours, Seniors Coach Tours, Peregrine and Albatross Tours. Whether you are looking for a tour through Australia, Europe, Canada, United Kingdom, Africa, Asia, the USA or South America, you will find a specialist at this Expo to assist you. Asia, the Pacific and New Zealand will be well and truly covered with representatives from InterAsia, Island Escapes, Wide Eyed Tours, Kirra Tours and Qantas Holidays, with operators happy to answer your questions.

RAIL Rail Plus are back again this year and have rail travel available throughout the world, from the Eurail Passes in Europe to the Orient Express and the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada.

AUSTRALIA Australian specialists attending who focus on every part of our beautiful country include Qantas Holidays, The Kimberley Collection & Sunlover Holidays. The Kimberley is one of the most beautiful and remote areas in Australia, offering something to suit almost everyone’s needs. Representatives from Sealink for Kangaroo Island and Spirit of Tasmania travel will be attending. Great Southern Rail will also be available to discuss the ever popular Ghan and Indian Pacific train travel within Australia. Aussie Travel Insurance top off what is set to be the biggest and best range of travel operators we have seen at this Sale based Expo.

Flying Colours Travel is pleased to be able to bring such a range of operators to Gippsland to assist in your travel plans

THE SHOP IN SALE R E H C U O V E-

The SBTA started as the Sale Business Community Association many years ago and in recent times the name was changed to Sale Business & Tourism Association to reflect the bigger focus on the wider more diverse business base we have in Sale. The Shop In Sale Voucher system was established using a unique online gift voucher system, which can be ordered online and printed instantly to then redeem at any participating local business The system was created to encourage shopping in the locally owned stores and services rather than travelling outside the region to shop at the larger chain stores. The SBTA has an increasingly diverse member base. Starting out with a largely retail membership it has grown to include tourism, hospitality, service, trade and industry based businesses that vary from sole traders to large companies. The aim is to include all locally owned businesses and encourage networking with a common focus to improve the local community.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

The beauty of being involved with the SBTA is networking with business and gaining an understanding of how they are trading. Mostly we hear that the businesses that are being innovative and assess their business regularly are trading strongly. The businesses that have embraced technology and ways to develop their business around the internet are finding strong sales and growth from areas that they would have traditionally not.

The networking with other business owners and also building a strong relationship with the shire has been a great positive for the members and the greater community being able to work together for the good of the local community. Unfortunately, within the local shire there have been real challenges with the dairy industry, which has had an ongoing impact on the local economy.

The SBTA are working to promote the support local message to the community so it can continue to support each other keeping the money and jobs in the community and creating a stronger economy for future generations. The voucher system that is in place is very easy to access and use, creating a local focus with the ability to redeem the instant online vouchers at any of the large number of participating members. It was important to ensure a user friendly approach and re-establish the program with the community as well as major corporates and institutions in Sale and district. The Shop in Sale Voucher program has continued enjoying great support from local businesses using the vouchers as gifts and rewards as well as receiving a massive boost with the support of the Hazelwood Health Survey purchasing the vouchers as rewards for their participants. With nearly $30,000 of vouchers purchased in the last financial year and currently over $16,000 in circulation, it is such a great boost injected into the local economy.

L-R: Julian McIvor (vice president), Elisa Walter, Leeanne Pearce (president), Naomi Cranston (executive officer), Jeanette Henwood, Justine Andrew, Tim Munckton (secretary), Brad Seeber (treasurer)

The enthusiasm and dedication of the project team led by Trent Fairweather supported by all board members of the SBTA and the professional expertise of the contractors employed to develop the concept, particularly the technology of the E Voucher system was a big drive to the program, which was greatly supported by government grants. The SBTA Committee has been able to provide a number of very successful events and benefits this year, kicking off with our President's Cocktail Party in February, which was very well supported by the increasing membership. The opening of the fantastic new public toilet has been a great benefit to the CBD. The SBTA has also provided our members with extra services under the new VCCI membership offer.

The recent Spring Carnival 3 hour sale, which was part of the Sale Cup Carnival, provided more opportunities for the members to get to know each other and network amongst likeminded people. Our members receive a monthly newsletter, along with direct emails and the general public can access information through our websites: shopinsale.com.au and salebta.com.au, as well as our Facebook page which includes our new focus of "Meet our Members" profiles. The SBTA is looking at introducing more regular networking events to help the members stay up to date and in touch with other business owners, helping them to benefit from local knowledge and experience.

The Board has been able to continue an increasingly positive relationship with the Wellington Shire Officers and Council Members, as well as improving communication with our members through the continuation of the executive officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

denim & white Mesop | Sophie Moran | Jac + Mooki | Cartel + Willow

Gabrielle, Di & Liz are happy to introduce a new concept store to Sale. We specialise in smart, affordable women’s fashion, sourced from Melbourne’s leading design houses. All locally sourced, featuring natural fabrics; we cater for all sizes 6 – 16. Personal shopping available on request.

Liz’s homewares are inspired by the latest interior designs and are locally made in Victoria. Beautiful L’Ascari & Grown Alchemist candles and skincare products, which are organic and cater for men and women.

We at DENIM & WHITE are excited about our new venture in Sale and appreciate the encouraging feedback from all of you, since our opening in February.

We provide contemporary, innovative advice for your home.

244 Raymond Street, SALE ph | 0418 852 124 Find us on Facebook

S T O T H E R S MU S I C

HI FI

Stothers Music & Hi Fi has been serving Gippsland for more than 30 years. Whether you play an instrument or love quality audio we have the range.

The Wireless HiFi System. All the Music on Earth. In Every Room. Wirelessly. Connect Once and Never Again. Easy Set Up.

Come in and see us at Stothers Music & Hi Fi for your music requirements.

Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm | Saturday 9am-1pm

292 Raymond Street, SALE 3850 Ph: 03 5144 3863

Like Us On Facebook thelifestyle summer 2016/17

Gentleman John By Chris West

In an incredible life nearing sight of a century, retired former businessman, Councillor, Arts patron and philanthropist John Leslie continues to be one the most respected members of the Sale community. Few others can claim to have made such a contribution to the local area in so many ways.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

It is not easy to find people who are extremely close to John Leslie. It’s not that he isn’t popular or well liked. Far from it, in fact. It’s just that at 97 years of age, he’s outlived most of his family and friends.

“My grandfather built up a chain of four department stores in Warragul, Traralgon, Maffra and Sale. He later sold the Warragul and Traralgon stores and concentrated the business on Maffa and Sale,” John explains.

“My father had wanted to do other things in life, just as my grandfather had done, and the plan had been for my brother to take over the business, but that of course all changed when he was killed in the war,” John says.

Apart from his military service during World War II, John has always made Sale his permanent home.

“But he was a man who was always in a hurry and was actually more interested in breeding Ayreshire cattle and racehorses on his stud farm in Sale than spending all his years as a retailer. Sadly, he was knocked down by a motorcyclist while in Sydney and later died of his injuries, but he had already handed the business over to my father by then.”

“If I’d gone to the farm upon my return from New Guinea, my father was saying he would most likely have to sell the business if I wasn’t going to follow in his footsteps. I didn’t want that to happen, as I knew the business was too good to sell. Although I wasn’t enthusiastic about working in retail, once I started I found I actually quite liked it,” he states.

Growing up in Sale, John spent his early years living in a house in Lansdowne Street that his grandparents owned but had loaned to his parents. When John was seven, his family relocated a short distance to a house they had built in Macarthur Street. This residence became the place he called home for the next 53 years.

Initially, John was learning the ropes in the Sale store. But when his father died in 1948, he was thrust into a much more prominent position of responsibility.

“I have known no other town for any length of time. This is a very nice area to live in and I’ve never wanted to be anywhere else,” he says. “Nowadays I don’t know that many people because the majority of my friends have died. But each year I still have a Christmas party and invite my diminishing number of friends along.” John has remained a bachelor through all his years, although he has had three lasting romances during his life, the most enduring of which blossomed for more than three decades. Born in Sale on 6th February, 1919, John is certain of the date but unsure whether his birth occurred at home or in the nearby private hospital. He and his elder brother Jim enjoyed a happy childhood. The siblings were close in age, having been born only fifteen months apart. “I have just wonderful recollections of growing up as a child in Sale. I had a lot of friends and in those days life was very simple and uncomplicated,” John reflects. “I suppose there must have been times when I was unhappy, but I don’t remember them.” John’s roots are firmly entrenched in Sale. His family’s association with the town traces back several generations. “My great grandparents were originally from Scotland. The village of Leslie is about thirty miles from Edinburgh. They paid fifty six pounds to emigrate to Australia in 1854, sailing from England and arriving in Melbourne. My grandfather was born in Sale twelve months later and my father was also born here,” he explains. John’s great grandfather James Leslie was a skilled engineer, which brought him to Sale in pursuit of boat building work soon after arriving in Melbourne. His great grandparents reached the town by a fairly unconventional route. “They came to Port Albert by boat and walked the rest of the way to Sale,” he says.

As a boy, John attended the local elementary school before completing his secondary education at Scotch College in Melbourne. World War II was under way when John joined the Army in 1940 at the age of 21. His brother Jim had already joined the Air Force. “My parents wanted to spread the risk a bit I think, so I went into the Army,” he says. John spent considerable time in training at various locations in Victoria and interstate until finishing up in the Armoured Corps. “We were trained in desert fighting and were waiting to go to the Middle East when the Japanese entered the war and things changed,” he explains. “I was re-trained as infrantry and ended up serving for just under two years in New Guinea.” While away fighting for his country in New Guinea, John received devastating news from home. “A letter arrived from my mother telling me that my brother had been shot down and killed in a bombing sortie over Berlin. It was awful news to get and knocked the stuffing out of me.” John survived the war and returned home to Sale at the end of 1945. He was contemplating going to work at his mother’s farm “Allandale” located at Mathoura between Echuca and Deniliquin, but instead joined his father William Leslie in the family’s retail business in 1946.

“My dad also had two brothers, Alex and Jim, involved in the business. Alex was an accountant who managed the Maffra store, while Jim worked with us in the Sale store, where he looked after the Manchester and softgoods department. He didn’t want anything to do with management or staff and wouldn’t take on any additional responsibility,” John recalls. “My uncle Alex became managing director of the company after my father died and I was promoted to manage the Sale store. Alex eventually handed the business over to me in the mid 1950s.” But while he was running the company, John had other plans in mind for his life, particularly a desire to get involved in the local community. “Fortunately we had a very good accountant for our company, Hugh Keane, who over time took on a lot of my responsibilities which enabled me to pursue my ambitions and spend more time away from the business,” he says. John became a member of community-based organisations Rotary and Apex, before joining the City of Sale Council in 1958. His grandfather had served on the former borough council many years earlier, but his father didn’t believe in mixing politics and business so had not followed suit. “At the time I got on the Council I had been getting a bit vocal about improving things for Sale,” John recollects. “The town was getting bypassed when it came to government grants and things generally were just not happening here. At times like that, you either shut up or do something about it.”

John’s great grandfather installed a engine in a boat for a local Sale identity named Phillip McArdle. The pair later established a tannery business together and John believes his great grandfather also worked for a time as a blacksmith. On both sides of his family tree, John has blood ties to some of the most prominent names in Gippsland’s past. His mother Isabel was a Widdis, a daughter of Edith Widdis who in 1915 became the first woman to own a Melbourne Cup winner when Patrobas triumphed in Australia’s greatest horse race. John has many great memories of spending time with his grandmother Edith at her property Nambrok House near Rosedale during regular visits over more than a decade. “My grandmother was a remarkable woman. She was a Nixon, a famous family who were pioneers of the Orbost area,” he notes. On the paternal side, John’s grandfather William D. Leslie founded a successful retail business in 1886 that stayed in the family for a century.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

“Marjorie’s heart was really in Melbourne and she always lived there. I was not prepared to live in Melbourne permanently, as my home was in Sale.” The pair did, however, reach something of a compromise. When Marjorie moved permanently into a new apartment in Melbourne, John also purchased one for himself in the same complex for occasional use when spending time in the city. Over many years, John served on numerous committees and councils across the Arts and Education domains, including the Building Committee of the Victorian Arts Centre in Melbourne and the Monash University Council. In his later life, John has continued to be a highly influential figure in the local Arts scene. Since 2000, the John Leslie Art Prize has been awarded every two years by the Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale. It is now firmly entrenched as one of Australia’s most prestigious and valuable prizes for landscape painting. John’s tenure on the Council spanned three terms from 1958 until 1967 and included three years as Mayor. Amongst many notable achievements for Sale during his time on Council were the construction of the Memorial Hall with Library and Arts Centre, along with seeing the completion of the town’s sewerage system. He is particularly proud of having instigated the development of the Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale. “Bert Hyland, who was our Member of Parliament, accompanied me to Melbourne to see Victorian Premier Henry Bolte about funding for the project,” John recalls. “Henry asked how much I wanted and I said forty thousand dollars. His sharp reply was straight to the point. He said: I’m not going to give you that much! You can have twenty thousand. Take it or leave it.” With John having secured less money than he had hoped for from Premier Bolte, the plans for the gallery were downsized slightly and the required remaining funds were raised locally to ensure the facility could still be constructed. John also gained immense satisfaction from having been the driving force behind the establishment of the Sale Elderly Citizens Village, which opened in 1972 and continues to operate today.

“I was mindful that there was nowhere in Sale for elderly citizens to spend time back then and it is wonderful to see the facility still providing so much benefit to the elderly in our community more than forty years later,” he says. By the completion of his Council service in 1967, John had lost most of any remaining passion for the family business and sold his interest in the company to three of his cousins the following year. He expresses a sense of disappointment that the family business that he handed over is no longer in existence today, having ceased trading in the late 1980s. During the 1970s, the performing arts became an increasingly important part of John’s life, although his involvement came about by chance rather than by design. While attending a function in Melbourne in 1973, he was approached by Victorian Premier, Dick Hamer about becoming a member of a committee to advise him on the Arts. Beside being Premier of the State, Hamer was also Minister for the Arts at that time.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

“I had some interest in the Arts but not to any great extent, so I was a little surprised that Dick sought me out to be part of the Advisory Council he was putting together,” John states.

“The establishment of the art prize was my idea, but it was not my idea to have my name on it,” John says with typical modesty.

“I asked him if I could have some time to think about it. He replied: Yes, you can have five minutes.”

That decision was made by the Gippsland Art Gallery Committee, which understandably deemed it appropriate that the prize should carry the name of its creator and long-time Patron of the gallery.

John trusted the Premier’s judgement and accepted the invitation. Alongside him amongst the other members of the Arts Advisory Council which commenced in 1974 was Marjorie Tipping, the widow of prominent journalist Bill Tipping.

John’s name is also perpetuated through the John Leslie Theatre at the Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre in Sale.

“Marjorie was very much into the Arts. More so than me. She had a real passion for Chinese Art and was also President of the Royal Historical Society,” John remembers fondly. “Through our involvement on Premier Hamer’s Arts Advisory Council, Marjorie and I had to go to a lot of functions and assess various theatre and ballet perfomers and directors. As a result, we spent considerable time together. Although Marjorie and I had different tastes in some things, we found that we had a lot of interests in common.” John and Marjorie became close companions for the next 35 years until her passing in 2009. “We contemplated marriage on several occasions but never actually progressed beyond talking about it,” John says.

After so many years of dedicated service to the town, John’s contribution was formally recognised with an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours in 1978. He received a letter notifying him of his nomination, but his humility caused him to question whether he was deserving of such recognition. “I didn’t really think I had earned it,” he says. “I went to see my friend Milton Lewis who was editor of the Gippsland Times and asked him if he thought I should accept it. He said I should take it of course.” John travelled to Goverment House in Melbourne for the presentation of his OBE medal and certificate, which states that the honour was bestowed upon him in recognition of his long and distinguished community service as Mayor and Councillor of the City of Sale and Sale district.

He is also the only individual to hold the keys to the city of Sale, which were presented to him in 2005. Whilst it is not in John’s nature to draw attention to all his achievements, one of his longtime friends, Daryl Page, was more than happy to pay tribute to him. “I have known John for about fifty years and have spent time travelling with him,” says Daryl, a former surgeon in Sale who now owns the historic local bed and breakfast establishment and function centre, Kilmany Park.

“He is a delightful, knowledgable and generous man who has made an incredible contribution to the local community in Sale. I’ve never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He has supported so many charities and given away so much money over the years and is still doing so. Some of John’s donations are given anonymously. He just never wants any fuss.” John has kept remarkably good health throughout his life but is not sure if there is any secret to his longevity. “I don’t know really. Lots of people ask me that. Maybe it’s doing things in moderation,” he suggests. John still finds plenty of things to keep him active, including attending the University of the 3rd Age in Sale at least once a week.

“Rarely does a day go by without there being something for me to do. I seem to be able to stay busy enough,” he comments. With a little over two years to go before reaching the grand old age of 100, John is not preoccupied at all about the milestone. “I just wanted to make it to eighty,” he says. “I had a party at eighty and then another at ninety, so I guess I have to now start to think about the prospect of another if I last to one hundred.”

Whilst he is downplaying the century, John does have one ambition foremost in his mind. “They are rebuilding the Arts Centre and Library here in Sale on the old Council Chambers site. It is due to be finished by September next year and I very much want to be still around to see that.” Photograph of Painting John Leslie OBE 2014 by Dawn Stubbs, 2012 Black Swan Prize Portraiture Winner Photographs by Wildwood Photography

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

0pm 3 . 7 – 11am Come along and enjoy this popular free community event with a wide variety of music to suit all tastes! What a beautiful setting for an all day picnic on the lawn at the LEAF by the lake. BYO food, drinks, blankets and chairs. Children’s activities available. Light refreshments will also be available to purchase. Where Sale Botanic Gardens

Find us on Facebook!

When Sunday March 12th 2017, 11am – 7:30pm Sale’s Fifth annual Sale Music Festival!

Contact details 0407 965 313 salemusicfestival@gmail.com

Photographs courtesy of Sale Music Festival

Darren McCubbin Wellington Shire Councillor

Darren McCubbin as Inspector Sherman Jones

Loud&Proud When it comes to being vocal about Sale, theatre-loving Wellington Shire Councillor, Darren McCubbin is happy to take centre stage. By Chris West Darren at the World Town Crier Championship in Chester

In Chester Cathedral

Rolling first ball on new Maffra Bowls Club surface

On the streets of Sale and around the town, Darren McCubbin is one of the most recognisable people in the community. If you haven’t seen him, chances are you’ve heard him.

a period in Cloverlea near Darnum. Next stop was Hurstbridge in Melbourne’s north before another shift to Narre Warren in the city’s south eastern outskirts, where he went to high school.

“I thought the Institute had forgotten about me for a while. It took them two years to finally send someone down to do the classroom rounds and see if I knew what I was doing,” he laughs.

Many know Darren as a passionate local Councillor and former Mayor, others have encountered him through his creative pursuits in the theatrical world, while some are more familiar with him from his occasional appearances as Sale’s town crier.

Darren continued his education in Melbourne at Monash University and obtained an Honours Degree in Applied Mathematics majoring in Meteorology. Upon graduating in 1982, Darren’s ability with numbers helped him secure work at Bureau of Meteorology in Melbourne as a trainee weather forecaster.

After moving to Sale, Darren met Jill Boulton, who lived nearby on a farm in Clydebank. The pair went travelling together in Europe for a year, which brought Darren’s first teaching stint of three years to a close. Upon returning home, he resumed teaching for a further four years.

Wherever he goes, Darren is comfortable meeting people and makes enough noise to stand out from the crowd. For him, it’s been that way for as long as he can remember. “I was really loud as a kid. At school, I was always the kid down the back of the class who has been told off. I recall that at primary school, if you got caught talking they’d put your name on the board and if you got caught out a second time you missed out on recess. I think I missed out on recess for about two and a half years,” he laughs. “Nothing really changed at high school. It was pretty much the same story. In Year 12 they put me in my own special desk so I wouldn’t talk to anyone.”

“It didn’t take long to realise that the job wasn’t for me. Nine months into the training I gave it away,” he says. Darren instead decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a teacher. The fact that he didn’t have a teaching degree failed to deter him. “I figured I could talk my way into anything,” he chuckles. Living at that time in Armadale, Darren only wanted to look for teaching jobs in Melbourne and chose to limit his applications to positions based in the city and suburban areas.

“We went wherever dad’s work took us,” he explains.

“Somehow, something went wrong. For some reason, I must have got confused with my applications because out of the blue I got accepted for a vacancy at a Catholic school in Sale. They wanted me to teach Year 12 physics and maths and pretty much gave me the job on the spot,” he recalls.

During Darren’s childhood, his family relocated to Darlington in Western Victoria for three years, before returning to Gippsland where they lived for

Darren relocated to Sale and undertook teacher training at the Gippsland Institute in Churchill while on the job.

Darren was born in Yallourn Hospital, but his father’s job as a primary school teacher resulted in his family being regularly on the move.

The relationship between Darren and Jill continued to progress and the couple exchanged vows in 1990. “I married the farmer’s daughter, much to his great disappointment I suspect,” Darren says. “My father-in-law Cyril wasn’t impressed that this school teacher from Melbourne who had won his daughter’s heart was never going to get his hands dirty on the farm. Cyril and I actually ended up getting on very well, even though he knew I was never going to be any kind of farm boy.” After leaving teaching, Darren then reached an important crossroad in his career. “I decided to work on my real passion which was the theatre,” he says. The career shift was not a difficult transition for Darren. “I was always fairly theatrical. After Year 12, I had the choice of going into the Arts or Applied Mathematics but went down the maths pathway. But performing was always somewhere in the

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

The Murder Company Team

background. I had been involved with lots of amateur theatre companies around Melbourne and at uni I was part of a troupe that performed in shopping centres,” he explains.

“I was always happy to have a go, whether it be singing or playing the ukulele. I can pretty much turn my hand to anything when it comes to performing and entertaining.” Darren started broadening his theatrical involvement, including making short films and organising murder mystery nights, which led to him establishing two businesses - the Murder Company and Wishbone Children’s Theatre. The murder mystery nights were aimed at the corporate market and interest spread into Asia as far as Beijing and Taiwan, whilst Darren’s endeavours with the Wishbone Children’s Theatre involved running shows at numerous festivals and events. According to Darren, the murder mystery concept comes out of improvised theatre. He gives clients a choice of 24 different plot scenarios, all of which were written by him. “The murder mystery is our signature show. It’s a whodunit done in improvised real time. I play the role of the detective and certain audience members are characters in the plot. Information is provided beforehand so they are prepared for their part,” he explains. “In our shows, people just say what comes into

With Kevin Rudd in Traralgon

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

their head and together we create the story. Nothing is taken too seriously. There is a path I guide them along as the crime is solved.” Darren enjoys how the show’s off-the-cuff format encourages audience members to unlock the creative side of their personalities. “When you’re a young kid, everybody role plays. When we grow up, we think we don’t need to do that anymore. I think that’s silly. We all role play in our lives,” he says. “Whether I’m running a show for a corporate client or a sporting club, people get right into it and enjoy themselves.” Darren has been operating the Murder Company for twenty years. “We were doing about 350 shows per annum at our peak, but have eased back to around 150 a year now,” he notes. Clients often ask if he can base a show around familiar television favourites such as Sale of the Century and So You Think You Can Dance, which he is usually able to do. “It’s very rare that I find a request that I am unable to do or refuse to do. Thinking back, I did say no to jelly wrestling once,” he giggles. Darren also has a keen interest in the past. He leads historical walks and has hosted This is Your Life shows for clients. Adept and at ease in any public speaking setting, Darren is often asked to make presentations on a variety of subjects. “I am a natural story teller,” he says.

With Fiona Nash and Darren Chester at launch of Cultural Hub in Sale

One thing that is certain with Darren is that he is never short of colourful tales to recite. For instance, when the Council needed a town crier for the opening of the clock tower in the centre of Sale many years ago, somebody thought of him. “It was known that I was involved in local theatre, so I was asked to perform the role of town crier for the official ceremony. They dressed me up in a rented costume and I gave it a shot,” he remembers. “I thought it was nice that they chose me, but I discovered later on that I was actually the fourth person they asked,” he adds with mock indignity. Town crying proved to be more than a one-off novelty for Darren and his vocal chords have since taken him to all sorts of places. “It turned out that being loud is something I’m reasonably good at,” he says. Darren happened to be at Seaspray one day and was asked by a town crier if he knew there were competitions to test their vocal skill against their peers. “This town crier at Seaspray was aware that I had done it in Sale and suddenly declared he was going to take me to the Australian Championships.” Darren journeyed to the Knox Shopping Centre in outer eastern Melbourne and prepared to take on the best town criers in the nation. “People were taking it super seriously,” he recalls with some derision.

With Minister Lily D'Ambrosia and Richard Owen of Esso at the opening of the pipeline through Rosedale

Recent Japan Trip - Family

“There were contestants back stage doing warm up exercises with their breathing. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and didn’t feel the need to get that absorbed by it or go to so much effort. I just went out and came second in that one which was great.” Darren has since gone on to compete in a number of international events. “I’ve been to Toronto in Canada and Chester in England, where I finished second in the World Championships in 2014. I have also been fortunate enough to win the Australian title a couple of times,” he notes. “I pay my way on my travels and I get to spruik the Gippsland area wherever I am which is a really good side benefit of doing it.” Nowadays, Darren turns out as town crier about a dozen times a year at the familiar clock tower in the centre of town, where it all began for him. “It’s a bit of fun, but I’d hand it over in a heartbeat,” he insists. Darren has been politically aware for a long time. He has served as Wellington Shire Councillor since 2003 and has twice stood for the Federal seat of Gippsland, firstly contesting the 2008 by-election before standing again in the 2010 election. In early November this year Darren concluded his third one-year term as Mayor of the Wellington Shire, handing back the reins to his predecessor Carolyn Crossley soon after the Council election in late October. His two earlier periods as Mayor were in 2008 and 2009.

“I’m a strong supporter of the mayoral responsibility being turned over amongst Council members reasonably regularly,” he states. When polling was counted at the recent Council election, Darren was first over the line in the Central Ward, securing 25% of the vote. Whereas he was able to maintain his popularity with public voters in the local community, several other previous Council members were not so fortunate.

“We had four existing Councillors returned and gained new members,” Darren reports.

But far more than any building or new service, it is integrity that matters most to Darren.

“I think we’ve assembled a really good team. They are a nice group of people,” he comments. Darren is now well accustomed to all the mechanisms of Local Government.

“For me, the most important legacy I can hope to leave when my time on Council comes to an end is the good governance and approachability of the Shire. In my opinion, in general we’ve been pretty stable in terms of the way we do business,” he asserts.

“I’m an old hat at this, but there’s always things you can learn,” he says. “I’m not a town planner or engineer or any of those things. It’s not my job to be an expert in any of those operational areas. My job is to bring a community perspective to the table.” Wellington Shire encompasses 11,000 square kilometres and contains a population base of 40,000 people. Such a large area requires huge infrastructure, including 3,000 kilometres of roads and over 40 public recreation reserves. Darren relishes all the challenges that he and his fellow Councillors face. “Council has to manage all the infrastructure and facilities, which is part of the excitement. I really like that,” he says. “It’s important that we have a range of services spread evenly around the Shire and maintained appropriately which obviously comes at considerable cost. State and Federal Governments are pulling back more and more from country areas. It’s not cost effective for them to maintain services in country areas. More and more, it’s Local Government that has to provide those services. People want high standard facilities and services, but we have to maintain a balance.” Darren has seen several major projects successfully implemented since commencing his involvement on the Shire Council. “The Equus Centre in Sale opened in the first week I became a Councillor. It has had a couple of upgrades since its establishment and has been really exciting for the town,” he suggests. “Aqua Energy has also been fantastic, as has the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex with its indoor basketball and netball facilities. Now we have the new cultural hub under construction with art gallery, library and performing facilities which gives us more to look forward to in the near future.”

“I think that it is really important for Local Government to maintain the trust of the community in terms of good governance. That’s the thing I’m most proud of. Whereas other Councils are constantly plagued by in-fighting, that hasn’t happened to us in my fourteen years on Council.” Darren says the current challenges faced by residents of the Sale community are very similar to other regional areas. “Like all country towns, we’re in a bit of a struggle to retain our population base and we’re facing a battle for growth. The challenge is to grow in a manageable and appropriate manner.” He also recognises that localised employment opportunities are also fundamental to the economic future of the region. “People live in the country because they don’t want to live in an intense urban area. They want an attractive lifestyle away from the rat race. We’ve spent a lot of the time over the past ten years putting in facilities and services here that improve the lifestyle level. That’s great, but the crucial element is that you’ve got to have jobs to offer the kids.” Darren sees expansion and relocation of the local TAFE as being vital. “We are getting a generation of young people who are unable to access further education in our town. The TAFE here is about fifteen kilometres away which is a big deterrent to many kids. If you put barriers in their way for education, they just won’t do it. The TAFE needs to be moved in to town and developed with a range of new courses.” But in order for such a change to occur, Darren concedes that considerable lobbying is required at both State and Federal Government level.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Darren with Steph Ryan and Danny O’Brien

Launch of Maffra Historical Book

“It’s incredibly difficult. We have been prioritised by the TAFE Board which is encouraging, but talk needs to turn into action,” he says.

“The older I get the keener I get on writing and performing plays and honing my writing skills. My ideal would be to write more and perform a little less,” he says.

Darren is clear on where he believes the priorities should be placed in order to build a prosperous future for the local community.

Having lived in several homes in and around Sale since moving to the area, Darren presently resides on a four acre property in Longford with wife Jill and daughters Marnie, 13 and Ella, 12.

“It’s about education. It’s about young people. We want young people to be comfortable living in a country area and feel proud,” he states.

“I think the Arts in country areas is a lot better than the city in many ways. You actually find people are much more engaged with their local community and there is far less of a sense of entitlement than you find in the Arts scene around a big city like Melbourne.” Darren is just as passionate now about the interests of the community as he was when he joined the Council and he is able to successfully juggle his Shire commitments with his widereaching theatrical pursuits. “Council is only part-time and I also have people working for me at the Murder Company in teams based in both Sydney and Melbourne,” he says.

These days Darren finds himself taking his creative flair back to his educational roots. “I’m finding lots of work in schools writing plays and performances. People ask me why I am bothering to do that when I’m in politics,” he remarks. It is a blinkered viewpoint that bewilders and frustrates Darren. “We have this weird thing in Australia where we think politicians should be lawyers or accountants, when in actual fact I believe that creative thinkers, problem solvers and innovators are the ones who should be in politics.”

Member for Gippsland South

Your Strong Local Voice 54B Cunningham Street Sale 36A Bair Street Leongatha Ph: 5144 1987 www.dannyobrienmp.com.au Funded from the Parliament's Electorate Office and Communications Budget. Authorised by Danny O’Brien, 54B Cunningham St Sale

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

“It makes me wonder why anyone would want to live in the city. I wouldn’t be anywhere else than here,” he insists. Darren is perfectly content to enjoy the lifestyle in the Wellington Shire and work on his writing projects. He is also counting on his murder mysteries and other shows to maintain a regular flow of income. “Hopefully the popularity of the shows will continue and I won’t have to go out and get a real job,” he concludes with a trademark grin. Photographs courtesy of Darren McCubbin

Darren aims to do more writing in the future, whilst also continuing his political involvement.

DANNY O’BRIEN MP

Darren only travels to Melbourne occasionally now and dreads the heavy traffic when he does.

for Regional Victoria

“In culture and arts for instance, we think everything cool comes out of Melbourne and it really irritates me. We have plenty of home grown talent here. We have some exceptional artists and thinkers in our area and we need to keep pushing and promoting that fact.

“It’s peaceful there. The only sound that bothers you is the birds. Then again, they have to put up with my noise, so it goes both ways I guess,” he laughs.

Opening Hours Monday 9.00am to 5.30pm Tuesday 9.00am to 5.30pm Wednesday 9.00am to 5.30pm Thursday 9.00am to 5.30pm Friday 9.00am to 7.00pm Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm Sunday 10.00am to 5.00pm

Woolworths Open 7 days 7.00am to 11.00pm Coles Open 7 days 6.00am to11.00pm Target Mon-Wed 8.00am to 6.00pm Thurs & Fri 8.00am to 9.00pm Sat 8.00am to 6.00pm Sun 9.00am to 6.00pm

SITUATED IN THE HEART OF THE GIPPSLAND REGION IN EASTERN VICTORIA The Gippsland Centre aims to make your shopping experience as friendly and easy as possible.

Check out the specials and offers. But be quick! The Gippsland Centre offers exciting retail shopping for all ages with retailers such as Target, Coles, Woolworths, Priceline Pharmacy, The Reject Shop, Best & Less plus specialty stores covering fashion, food and leisure. The natural light that enters the Centre gives the customer the feeling of space with airconditioned comfort to enjoy their shopping experience. The Centre also has ample parking, free wheelchair availability, an indoor playground and a 5 Star Parents Room, for your convenience. Should you require any assistance, the centre management team are only happy to help and they can be contacted on 03 5144 7133.

37 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 39 CUNNINGHAME STREET, SALE 3850 PHONE: (03) 5144 7133 Find us on Facebook

www.gippslandcentre.com.au

Sale Turf Club Ladbrokes Sale Cup Day 2016 GIPPSLAND’S PREMIER THOROUGHBRED RACE DAY PRESENTED IN THE HEART OF SPRING. The 2016 Sale Cup is a Listed race held at Sale Racecourse and is open to horses aged three years and older and is run under handicap conditions. Paying a total of $150,000 prize money, the Sale Cup is a fairly lucrative listed race and is usually frequented by prominent horses and racegoers alike. Photographs courtesy of Sale Turf Club

Summer Race Meetings Phone: Email: Website: Facebook:

(03) 5144 2962 saletc@countryracing.com.au www.saleturfclub.com https://www.facebook.com/saleturfclub/

Sunday 4 December 2016 – Christmas Breakups Race Meeting Thursday 22 December 2016 Sunday 22 January 2017 – Kids Day Out Sunday 5 February 2017 – Quality Raceday Tuesday 14 February 2017

PULLING TOGETHER In the quiet serenity of dawn, the Thomson and Latrobe Rivers at Sale are still. This tranquillity is gently broken by the boats of the Gippsland Grammar Rowing Club as the dedicated students undertake their morning training. By Olivia Skillern

Under the guidance of their coaches the students are put through their paces with the dream of competing at the highest level. Their devotion is clear. While most of us are still warm in bed these students are undertaking a two-hour training session. All before breakfast. Established from very humble beginnings in the early eighties Gippsland Grammar Rowing Club has grown into a competitive force at both State and National levels. Notwithstanding the challenges faced by regional schools, the rowing club has continued to grow and be successful. Despite rowing existing in Sale in the fifties and sixties there was yet to be a rowing program at the local schools. What is now Gippsland Grammar

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Rowing Club was initially formed by Andrew McColl and John Payne who attended St Anne’s and Gippsland Grammar School (STAGGS), now Gippsland Grammar in the early eighties. John was the son of the School’s Physical Education teacher Laurie Payne and knowing his father had the keys to the old Sale Rowing Club boat shed, suggested to Andrew that they check out the boats. Despite most being beyond repair they were able to find a racing coxed pair to fix up. Its name was Ladies Gift. Although in these early years Catholic College Sale was advancing their rowing program at a faster pace, the STAGGS boys were able to achieve their dream of competing in their trusty boat and encourage other students to join them in the rowing club. The contribution of the

McColl family was later recognised when the club’s committee was named the “McColl Club”, a name that continues today. While students continued to row at a low level from this time, it was in the early to 2000s that the club found a stable grounding under the guidance of Frank Stone. After many years at numerous top rowing schools around the country, such as Scots College in Sydney, Geelong College and Melbourne Grammar, Frank moved to Gippsland bringing with him many years of rowing experience, but no intention of coaching. Luckily for Gippsland Grammar he did coach again and went on to become Director of Rowing.

ROWING AT

GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR

Frank’s previous schools had very strong traditions of rowing and a huge pool to select crews from. At Gippsland Grammar students rowed because they wanted to and although there were not the numbers comparable to other schools, Frank felt they were easier to coach and that coaching the students was very enjoyable. In only a few years, Frank had crews rowing in A Finals of the National Championships. It was a significant feat given the competition being the big rowing schools. The growth and success brought the rowing program into its current status through Frank’s hard work and determination. In addition to the school rowing program, Frank inspired Sale’s time as a Sculling Centre of Excellence, and as Victoria’s Under 17 Development Coach had many top

rowers come and train in Sale, resulting in some local rowers competing in the squad as well. The success of these programs can be seen through Frank guiding Gippsland Grammar’s students in bringing home numerous state and national titles. Over the past decade, Gippsland Grammar crews have won a multitude of medals at the Australian National Rowing Championships, most recently Gold in 2009 and 2010, Silver in 2014 and Bronze in 2009. It is even more common to see Gippsland Grammar standing on the podium at the Victorian State Rowing Championships. In the 2015 season alone, crews from the school won seven State medals, including two Golds - quite a feat for a small school entering only seven crews.

Old Boy Jackson Harrison is another illustration of the success of the program. He went from rowing at Gippsland Grammar to row for Australia at the 2014 Sydney World Rowing Cup. Jackson is now the Head Coach at Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School and coached their crew to second place at the National Championships in 2016, their first medal at that level. A great success for the former student. Frank’s retirement in 2015 saw the rowing program take a new turn with the appointment of a new Director of Rowing, Peter Campbell. Building on the strong foundations of the rowing program, Peter brought additional ideas for the continuing program.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

PULLING TOGETHER ROWING AT GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR Peter says rowing is the ultimate team sport and his aim at the school is basic, he wants to get children into rowing. Coming from the UK, where rowing is highly regarded, Peter brought with him significant experience to share and an understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level.

The program that Peter is running is a high performance development program that continues the good work of the past. The students commit to the program with the aim to do the best they can do, and by doing so the results will likely follow. Alongside many general regattas Gippsland Grammarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rowers attend several major events. These are the state based Rowing Victoria State Championship Regatta, the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta in Geelong and the NSW Schoolboy Head of the River Regatta. Crews that perform to a required standard are also selected to compete at the Australian National Rowing Championships. Although the aim to row at an elite level is desired, Gippsland Grammar is committed to being an inclusive rowing program. Therefore, any student who wishes to row is encouraged to give it a try

Morning on Camp

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

and is coached equally. The rowing program is not only about winning but developing well rounded individuals who give their all to be the best they can be. Under Peter, the rowing program is in its infancy but he has the goal of emulating the culture of professionalism, pride and performance the program has displayed over the years which in turn establishes a high standard of dedication, commitment and hard work. All integral to being part of the rowing program. The success of the club has been significant but goals for the future are also clear. Peter hopes that the club can continue to grow and become selfsustaining where the program speaks for itself with more students taking up rowing and continuing throughout their studies. Currently the rowing program at Gippsland Grammar has approximately 40 students participating each year. With a population of around 1000, this equates to four percent of the student body. It is hoped that, for the program to become self-sufficient, the numbers could increase to ten percent. This increase in the number of students participating into the future will result in greater success at a State and National level.

Although for many people rowing is a specialty of elite city schools, Gippsland Grammar is a local school giving their students the opportunity to embrace this prestigious sport. Through the support of the school and the growth of the program Gippsland Grammar Rowing Club hopes to propel Sale into being the centre of rowing in Gippsland. The rowing program requires significant commitment by the students. The early morning and lunchtime training sessions take up much time and energy alongside other commitments. With this hard work perhaps Gippsland Grammar Rowing Club can produce the next Jackson Harrison or Drew Ginn. As they pack up their boats and equipment after their early morning training the rowing students from Gippsland Grammar contemplate their school day ahead. Photographs courtesy of Gippsland Grammar Rowing Club

Whole Squad - 2 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze - Vic States - 2016

Jess - Senior School Girl Single 2016-17

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Group 1 Sale Cup Boxing Day 2016

Free Entry!

No donuts NSW Syndicate

Sale Showgrounds Maffra Road Sale Vic 3850 Ph. 03 5144 2148

FREE ENTRY, GIVEAWAYS, ON COURSE CATERING LOTS OF KIDS ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDING JUMPING CASTLES, FACE PAINTING& SHOWBAGS, LIVE MUSIC, GIANT SCREEN VIEWING + COLOURS ON COURSE , SPINNING WHEEL WHERE YOU COULD WIN $10,000 + MUCH MORE

2015 Gold 1242 Sale Cup Group 1 Winner â&#x20AC;&#x201C; No Donuts Trainer: Braden Finn

WIN A TRIP TO DISNEYLAND salegreyhounds.com.au

gippslandcarnival.com.au

Hillross Riviera is a Financial Planning Business that has been servicing clients in the surrounding Gippsland Region for over 30 years. It has evolved with succession changes, while still maintaining over 100 years of experience in the space of our Professional Advisory Services. Craig Greenwood, the Director/Owner and Senior Planner of the practice, has over 20 years of Financial Planning experience. Craig and his staff believe the business strengths are built on unsurpassed levels of service to our clients, whilst providing community support in the form of sponsorship and fundraising for local initiatives. We continually employ highly skilled and educated staff to ensure that these services are provided well into the future. Our Team of four Financial Planners can provide expertise in the following areas: • Pre & Post Retirement Planning • Superannuation Strategies, Including Self Managed Super Funds • Centrelink Services, Including Age Pension • Aged Care Services • Personal Insurances

Craig Greenwood Pty. Ltd. ABN 62 138 087 288 trading as Hillross Riviera is an authorised representative and credit representative of Hillross Financial Services Ltd, AFSL and Australian Credit Licensee.

HILLROSS RIVIERA Office hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 152 Raymond Street, Sale VIC 3850 P: 03 5144 2955 E: cgreenwood@flgroup.com.au W: www.hillross.com.au/hillross-riviera

See how we can help with: • Home Loans • Refinance • Investment Loans • First Homes Buyers • Construction Loans • We have access to Multiple Lenders & multiple products 164 Raymond Street, SALE 3850 T: 03 5144 1866 | E: admin@otmb.com.au www.otmb.com.au 42

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

9.00am to 5.30pm Monday - Friday 9.00am to 2.00pm Saturday

phone: 5144 6262

Shop 6 Spotlight Plaza, 216 Raymond Street, SALE 3850 Like Us on Facebook

Connley McInnes Lawyers Pty Ltd Appearing in all courts from Bair nsdale through to Melbour ne •

Family Law

•

Criminal Law

•

Commercial Law

•

Wills and Probate

•

Estate Planning

•

Small Business

•

Conveyancing

•

Mediation

Sale Court House Rod Connley and Jennifer McInnes were both born and raised in East Gippsland and have maintained strong connections with the region’s farming, construction and retail industries. The firm and its predecessors have been providing quality legal services to the Gippsland community since 1979 and are committed to providing clients with comprehensive and broad based advice to enable them to make fully informed and cost effective decisions to better achieve their objectives. To optimise client outcomes Rod and Jennifer personally represent their clients in all jurisdictions including VCAT, Magistrates, County, Federal Circuit and Supreme Court throughout Gippsland and Melbourne. Connley McInnes Lawyers use advanced information technologies to enable clients’ needs to be identified, prioritised and satisfied with minimum cost and delay. Rod and Jennifer through frequent court appearances, regular attendance at professional seminars and their positions on the executive of the Gippsland Law Association, bring the most up to date knowledge and skills to bear on all issues with which they deal. Connley McInnes Lawyers take pride in their ability to provide clients with a firm direction and strategy for the future management of the issues concerning them.

Suite 1, Dove Court, Sale 3850 Ph: (03) 51 446 800 office@cmlegal.com.au

Incredible Cuisine Experience

The perfect venue for a private party, birthday, wedding or just a relaxed dinner with friends or family.

Contact the team at Oneills hours Monday – Friday 12.00pm – 3.00pm | 6.00pm – 1.00am | Saturday 6.00pm – 1.00am 29 Desailly Street, Sale 3850 Phone: (03) 5144 1122 find us on Facebook and Instagram

FRIENDS + COFFEE + FOOD

Wild Honey stands out as one of Sale's longest running and iconic cafes. Our dedicated staff aim for the very best in food, coffee and service with a friendly smile. Wild Honey has a range to please every customer.

that you can choose to your liking, it is the health kick your body desires!

With the addition of a fresh juice bar and a selection of over 30 different juices

We also provide Catering (Delivered) Private Functions

HOURS: Monday to Friday: 8.00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5.00pm Saturday: 8.00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2.00pm Sunday: Closed

Wild Honey invites everyone to enjoy the experience and friendly atmosphere, indoor or al fresco.

76 Cunninghame Street Sale 3850 P: (03) 5144 5001 follow us on facebook

NEW EXCITING TEAM AT ONEILLS AFTER 6 MONTHS OF SEARCHING FOR A SUITABLE CHEF, KURT AND KAREN ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE THEIR NEWEST MEMBERS TO THE ONEILLS’ TEAM. INTRODUCING CRAIG STELMACK AND JAKE MCKENZIE

SALE AUTHORISED

Both Chefs bring with them extensive experience and expertise, and together they are creating exquisite meals for the senses! Craig, Head Chef, is Canadian born with over 20 years’ experience in the industry and studied under celebrity chef Michael Smith at the world renowned “Inn at Bay Fortune” on Prince Edward Island, Canada. In 2005 during a visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia, the New York Times awarded Craig a 5 star review for his wine inspired coffee rubbed lamb rack. The reviewer said, “Craig Stelmack, is the real draw here.” In recent years, he was the executive Sous Chef at Lizard Island’s 5 star restaurant voted as one of the top 10 resorts worldwide.

308-310 Raymond Street SALE, Vic 3850 Ph: 03 5144 2070

Craig specialises in smoking and curing meats, as well as classic and modern sauces with big bold flavours. He also has a strong passion for utilising local produce which has led him to building and planting an amazing herb and vegetable garden behind the restaurant to supply the kitchen with the freshest ingredients. Jake, Sous Chef, qualified in 2016 after receiving a high standard of training under international chef, Paul Van Ruiten. Paul taught him the fundamentals of cooking, while utilising classic French techniques. His most recent achievement was winning the 2016 Fonterra “Proud to be A Chef” competition, sending him to the 2 Michelin Star restaurant ‘The Ledbury’ in Notting Hill, London, to work under the world renowned Australian chef, Brett Graham. The Ledbury was voted 14th in the world’s top 50 restaurants.

Tattoo Removal Skin Treatments Hair Removal Nail Fungus Jake’s youthful ideas and experience from London brings a modern twist to Craig’s classic techniques. Together, Craig and Jake are taking the menu to a whole new level with creative and approachable meals utilising their amazing skill sets. Kurt and Karen say, “We are so lucky to have chefs of this calibre under one roof.” With a new kitchen team including Dessert Apprentice Tyler and Line Chef Danyon, you can expect some big changes at Oneills; including a shopfront facelift and a fresh, ever changing menu! Come and experience their amazing cuisine for yourself. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. ONEILLS RESTAURANT 29 Desailly Street, Sale 3850 Phone: (03) 5144 1122

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

Jill Palmer Registered Nurse Bookings by Appointment Only

Phone: 5144 5050 Pure Serenity Skin+Wellness Retreat 83 Macarthur Street, Sale 3850 gippslandlasercentre.com.au

The Gloriously Outstanding

The vast, magnificent and peaceful environment of Heart Morass near Sale is the result of an extraordinary undertaking by hunters, conservationists, educators and government and is one of the largest wetland habitat restoration projects in Australia. It began in 2006 when after a few years of negotiations, Field and Game Australia's, Wetland Environmental Taskforce purchased 801 hectares of heavily grazed, dry, salt encrusted privately owned wetland. A few years later, they purchased another 312 adjoining hectares for stage two of the project and another 223 hectares in 2013. Heart Morass, now an ecologically flourishing wetland and woodland covers 1,336 hectares between Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve and Heart

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Morass State Game Reserve. A large part of Heart Morass is also one of the largest areas in Victoria covered by a protective covenant with Trust for Nature.

habitat reconstruction, removal of flood debris, track maintenance and liaising with the other project partners.

This was all achieved with funds from FGA memberships and branch donations, generous funding from the Hugh Williamson Foundation and passionate volunteers. Partners in the project with WET are the HW Foundation, Bug Blitz, which is funded by the foundation, Water Mark Inc. and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.

He said WET initiated the project. Watermark Inc. then provided introductions to the various trusts. When an understanding between the organisations was established, a management plan was written in conjunction with the various groups and overseen by the WGCMA who manage water flows throughout Gippsland.

Gary Howard is an Australian Field and Game member and a WET representative on the Heart Morass committee of management. His role is the on-ground management of the project, which involves weed and vermin control, fencing, revegetation works,

He said all three parcels of land were previously used for grazing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We purchased the first property during a drought. It had been heavily grazed and was severely degraded by lake salinity. The second and third were purchased out of the drought and werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as bad

Heart Morass

By Wendy Morriss

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

although I do recall calling my mate at the WGCMA after the third purchase and saying ‘well we’ve bought a blackberry farm’. “The first task was cleaning up and getting rid of things that come with farming like fencing wire. Then there was fencing to sort out and we went to work on water management, the salinity and revegetation. We’ve since moved on from there and now it’s general management and maintenance.” Gary is enormously proud of what the community groups together have been able to achieve for the broader community. He said included in the works has been the planting of 60,000 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses. “It’s more than 10 kilometres from the front gate to the back gate of the reserve so it’s an enormous project.” One major ongoing issue is acidic soil and the other is carp with both being part of the management plan. “We brought in professional carp fisherman and in two separate days, they removed 32 tons of carp.”

He said the reserve’s habitat changes depending on water levels and climate conditions.

The returning wildlife includes at least 80 identified species of aquatic birds and two rare frog species, which means the habitat is improving and the water quality is good.

In 2002, FGA members created the WET trust with the aim of purchasing and restoring Australia’s remaining wetlands to ensure their preservation for future generations. Heart Morass is open to the public however, groups and individuals will have to obtain a key from the FGA to open locked gates. “We’d love to leave the gates open but we can’t risk having the reserve damaged.”

The Field and Game Association formed in Sale in 1958, have always wanted to manage their own wetland, and showcase their credentials as a hunting and conservation organisation. “In the early days, there was a tax incentive for draining wetlands and turning them into farms,” Gary said. “Members of the association could see then that the culture was wrong. They approached the State Government about introducing a game licence and using the money to purchase land for a state game reserve system, which

Gary said what the hunting group has achieved in conjunction with other community groups is amazing. “Bug Blitz uses the reserve and has had up to 600 children over three days looking for and learning about bugs, plants and aquatic wildlife. They had a wonderful time and that’s what I think this project is all about.” For more information call Gary on 0427 432 540. Photographs by Lisa Maatsoo

they did. Hunters were at the forefront of conservation in the state before our National Park systems were put in place.”

Heart Morass 50

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

THE BEST QUALITY & SELECTION OF MEATS BY FAR AT AFFORDABLE PRICES!

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED BUTCHERY OFFERING GOOD OLD-FASHIONED PERSONAL SERVICE, WHILE ALSO EMBRACING THE FUTURE OF RETAILING. HOURS MONDAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FRIDAY SATURDAY

6.30AM TO 6.00PM 7.00AM TO 1.30PM

293 RAYMOND STREET, SALE 3850 T: (03) 5144 4370 follow us on facebook

MONDAY – FRIDAY 6AM TO 3PM | SATURDAY & SUNDAY 7AM TO 1PM

GET YOUR FIX

The Coffee Pit is Sale's one stop drive thru cafe/coffee shop!! Conveniently located on the main highway, we pride ourselves on offering outstanding customer service, amazing coffee and fresh food made to go, eat in or take away!! The Coffee Pit also provides Catering Services for corporate functions and private occasions.... Pop in and see us or Call 5144 7255

317 York Street, SALE, 3840

Phone: 5144 7255

www.facebook.com/The-Coffee-Pit

JOHN BRADY Wood Scultpure Gallery • Wood Sculpture • Paintings by Local Artist • Wooden Furniture & Gifts • Coffee & Handmade Chocolates • Cypress Slabs & Timber cut to order Open Weekends & Public Holidays: 9.30am to 4.30pm Group Bookings and appointments at other times welcome

FOR OVER 15 YEARS

Jaycar Electronics Authorised Stockist

GIFTS AND GADGETS, UHF RADIOS, TV ANTENNAS

Contact John 0409 187 590 / Alison 0422 393 040

4176 Princes Highway, Fulham, 3851

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.00AM TO 5.30PM SATURDAY 9.00AM TO 12.00PM

Ph: 5144 7700

306 Raymond street, Sale 3850 www.electronicbarn.com.au Like Us on Facebook

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

FROM BATON ROUGE â&#x20AC;¦TO GIPPSLAND by Geoff Watt

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

It's no ordinary event when Sale is about to play host to an artist who has sold over 55 million records worldwide! Especially when you also add to that the fact that the artist will go down in history as a true icon due to the incredible impact she has had on popular culture. I am referring to Suzi Quatro and the concert event is set to happen at the Sale Botanical Gardens on February 19, 2017. I was only eleven when Suzi Quatro's first album was released in Australia in 1973. But even at that age I observed first hand the effect Suzi Quatro had on the consciousness of a generation. My older sister at the age of seventeen and her friends saw Suzie as an agent of empowerment, taking it up to the 'boys' by singing and playing bass out front of a male rock band - she was it's leader, it was her band and she was the driving force. Even my older brother (when he was nineteen) and his friends loved Suzi because she was clad in leather, the music was hard and tight and she was well, pretty damn hot. Any way you look at it, Suzi Quatro was a pioneer. Sure there were other great female singers before and after - Grace Slick, Gladys Knight, Karen Carpenter, Debbie Harry of Blondie, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics and Marie Fredriksson of Roxette to name a few. But none of these women were singing while playing an instrument and leading the band. I would even be as bold as to say that the reason we have so many great women rock musicians goes back to the pioneering work of Suzi in breaking down the stereotypical image that then existed of a rock band. We Gippslanders are indeed very fortunate to have Suzi Quatro and her band coming to Sale for a show that will rock the neighborhood. I was lucky enough to get to interview Suzi, and in view of the aforementioned, it is the first thing I have to ask about:

GW Firstly, thank you so much Suzi for this opportunity to interview you. We are so excited that you are visiting Australia again in 2017 for your 'Leather Forever Encore Tour'. Suzy, you were the first true rock chick. It was your band and you empowered so many girls by leading a band of guys and not just being a token singer, but also playing an instrument integral to the sound of a rock band - the bass. Did you have any idea at the time how significant it would be? SQ "My reason for doing what I did was simply to remain true to myself. I knew I was different - not quite sure why. I realised what I had done when I looked back at it a few years later. It was quite incredible. I gave women 'permission' to be rockers. And serious ones too."

GW It's quite a legacy isn't it? SQ "It's a heavy load to carry. Luckily I have a strong back from fifty-two years in the business swinging my bass guitar!"

GW You were trained at piano and percussion but took up bass guitar. Why did that become your instrument of choice? SQ "Because it felt right...as soon as I put it on...it was an epiphany. I didn't want to be behind drums or behind a keyboard. I had to be out there. I had to be rockin' with that neck in my hands."

Suzi is a great bass player. In her recordings the bass is always there with good tone and her bass lines are a major part of holding the rhythm together. Songs like 'She's In Love With You', 'The Girl From Detroit City' and 'Walking Through The Changes' highlight her creative and driving bass. On stage she also does incredible bass solos - there are many of her live bass solos on You Tube. Suzi's hero growing up was Elvis Presley, so I naturally ask her about 'The King'. GW You have said that your hero was Elvis and there is a searing version of 'Jailhouse Rock' from your 1975 tour of Japan on You Tube, which also displays your great showmanship with your audience. Was the leather Elvis wore in his '68 Comeback Special an influence on what you did? SQ "Yes, one hundred percent. When I was searching around for an image in my all girl band days I saw him on the 1968 Comeback Special and went out and bought my first leather jacket first thing the next morning!"

Being a pioneer and innovator is one thing, but the bottom line is that you don't get to Suzi's position in popular music nor have the longevity that she has had without great songs. Suzi had a string of rock hits in the seventies such as Can The Can, 48 Crash, Daytona Demon, Devil Gate Drive and The Wild One. The singles in the 1970's were written by the songwriting duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman who at the time wrote many of the hits songs for The Sweet as well (e.g. Ballroom Blitz, Blockbuster). But it was the album tracks where Suzi's own songs shone and many a fan would find the real satisfaction in the album cuts rather than the singles. It was a great mix. GW I asked Suzi if she had always written her own songs growing up or if songwriting was something she developed when in the band? SQ "I have always written poetry - I started writing poetry at around the age of eight. I have been writing songs since I was about eleven years old. I am an artiste and I am always creating. I love, love, love writing.....love, love, love the written word and I love the music that sometimes goes with it".

Suzi has toured the world many times over and has come to tour Australia 31 times. That is a hell of a lot of times to come down under from the other side of the world! There are ample clips on You Tube demonstrating her prowess as a performer and entertainer and she is always engaged with her audience, the playing is tight, the vocals strong and plenty of hits to satisfy her fans. I was at one of her concerts at Festival Hall back in the seventies with my big sister (probably around 1975) and the crowd atmosphere was just electric.

GW I asked Suzi if country music resonated with her growing up? SQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think most authentic rockers can also turn their hand to country. I do love it, and certain songs I just love to sing. If the lyrics resonate with me then it works. I just can't sing words that I don't believe. 'Stumblin' In' and 'If You Can't Give Me Love' are the evergreens and are loved the world over."

GW Suzi, you have had many collaborations - recording with Chris Norman, Jeff Beck and Cozy Powell to name a few. Do you have fond memories of working with your contemporaries? SQ "Yes I do, very fond memories. I was absolutely thrilled Jeff Beck agreed to play on 'Desperado'...what a guitar player! Chris of course has a great ballad voice and Mike (Chapman) wrote an amazing song. Cozy Powell, well he was in Detroit with Jeff Beck when Mickie (producer Mickie Most) discovered me. So there is a lot of history there...RIP Cozy."

I made reference to Cozy Powell because I happen to have the single of it - from 1973. It is called 'Dance with the Devil'. Cozy Powell was one of the all time great drummers (Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow with Ritchie Blackmore, Whitesnake) and it was very unusual for a guy who played drums to release an instrumental as a single. But it was a cracking song. I never knew Suzi played on that record until I was researching for our interview - a nice surprise! GW Suzi has released fifteen albums and as a songwriter has written many great songs over her career. I asked her if there are any that, looking back now, she regards with special admiration? SQ "I do have some favorites. 'Singing with Angels', which is my tribute to Elvis. I recorded it in Nashville with James Burton (Elvis' guitarist) and the Jordanaires (Elvis' backing singers). Another one is 'Sometimes Love is Letting Go' which is pretty special to me. And there is a new song on the new album coming out for this tour by our new group, which is called QSP - it is me, Andy Scott and Don Powell. We are opening the show. The song's name is 'Pain' and it is beautiful. This new album also contains what I like to refer to as my masterpiece - broken pieces suite."

GW What was it like being on the road touring so much in those heady days? SQ "I loved it. It was what I was born to do. I am happiest living out of a suitcase, knowing what each day entails...flight time, hotel, sound check time, stage time... then repeat the next day. There is a beautiful military precision to it all. I love it, even fifty-two years later!"

In the later part of the seventies Suzi stretched out her style and revealed her creative diversity. Songs like 'Stumblin' In' (nearly 30 million viewings on You Tube) and 'If You Can't Give Me Love' saw a softer edge to both the music and Suzi's vocals - a tinge of country even. The songs really showed a richness and variety in Suzi's voice. Suzi has also recorded a great version of the Eagles classic 'Desperado'.

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

That's right - Suzi has got together with Andy Scott (the well respected guitarist from The Sweet) and Don Powell (the incredible drummer from Slade) - a formidable lineup indeed. As well as her own show, Suzi is unveiling QSP for the first time; a supergroup of seventies legends that apparently was the idea of her husband promoter Rainer Haas who had previously worked with The Sweet and Slade. It will make for a unique concert experience and by all reports some great new songs have been written. GW How did you get this group together Suzi? SQ "Ten years ago my husband had the idea when we were discussing organic musicians. Then two years ago it started to become a reality. We went into the studio with two cover choices each and then we started to write. And then things really took shape. We have something original and we are all very proud of it - QSP look out Australia! You are witnessing the birth of this act. Act 1 of the show on the tour is QSP and then Act 2 is of course the Suzi Quatro Show. I'll be part of my own support act."

GW The Sale Botanic Gardens will be a beautiful outdoor venue to perform in. I do notice however that your tour also takes you to the iconic Sydney Opera House. Sounds very special. Have you ever performed there on a previous tour or is this the first time? SQ "I have never performed there. How is that for an honour? And yesterday I was made an honorary Doctor of Music, receiving my award at Cambridge University dressed in a cap and gown - it doesn't get much better."

GW For those who are going to see you live on the 2017 'Leather Forever Encore Tour', what can they expect from your large and diverse songbook? SQ "Something for everyone. A few surprises and of course lots of their favorite hits and album material. We are going to rock every single joint we play in including the Opera House!"

Suzi's career hasn't just involved music but encompassed Radio Hosting (BBC2), T.V. (including Happy Days, Minder, Midsomer Murders and Absolutely Fabulous) and West End Stage (Annie Get Your Gun) - reflecting the quality and diversity of her talent. I would love to have been able to talk about more but one would need literally days - so creative has Suzi's journey been thus far. Always creating, always true to herself, always rocking and always approachable. Thank you so much Suzi Quatro. “No problem Geoff.” Suzi Quatro's 'Leather Forever Encore Tour' brings her to the Sale Botanical Gardens on Sunday 19th February 2017 Tickets available through Ticketek www.suziquatro.com Photographs courtesy of Dianna O’Neill Publicity

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

PORT OF SALE AND THOMSON RIVER There is nothing better in life than spending some time cruising Gippsland's vast arrays of waterways with Terry Raymond of Crawford Marine in Morwell. Port of Sale has a rich and diverse history. It is the gateway to the three rivers that meet - Thomson, Avon and Latrobe and of course the nearby Lake Wellington. The weather was fine and we soon had the boat expertly dropped off into the Port; there are two boat ramps side by side with easy access for departure and arriving.

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

In this issue Terry chose to bring along the Stacer 429 Outlaw SC with the 40HP Mercury motor and we were soon underway. Together with good weather we had glass-like conditions on the water, and literally without a bump, we were off down the port and into the equally calm waters of the Thomson River. The Stacer 429 Outlaw Side Console is the perfect boat for fishing, with plenty of room to move around the boat, the seats have full turning capacity and with the canopy it would lead to a great day any time, any where.

This Outlaw has the Factory Bimini, deluxe side console, motor guide electric motor mount, live bait tank rear step and rail and tackle draw. There are many things to see when cruising along the Thomson River, bird life is aplenty; you will often see pelicans by the banks or flying above in their graceful manner. Of course there is the historic Swing Bridge and you fully appreciate the workings of this bridge when you are actually underneath it. This bridge is a massive structure and is a big part of the history of Sale.

The Stacer 429 Outlaw SC with it's single hull style is 4.4 metres in length and it is easily one of the best fishing boats I have been on, so I can clearly imagine that this boat is rigged up for a great day's fishing, in any of Gippsland's rivers, ports, bays etc. The Mercury Motor did what it had to do, but with the waters so calm, it was able to pick up speed quite efficiently and then murmur (or purr) similar to a cat with quiet ease. And when travelling along the Thomson River, you might see other boats out and about and The Rubeena was on one of its regular sightseeing day trips. I can imagine the stories being told by the Skipper as to what looked like a boat full of happy people. The boating people of Sale should be proud of their waterways, the Port of Sale is historic and it is an outstanding waterway that proudly accompanies this great town. After out trip we had lunch at the Sale Greyhound Club, top service, good food and that capped off another great day with Terry Raymond of Crawford Marine, where to next? Doug Pell with Terry Raymond

Call in and inspect our range of new and pre-owned boats

BOATING SINCE 1964

71-77 Chickerell Street, Morwell 3840 P: 5134 6522 E: info@crawfordmarine F: 5134 6455 www.crawfordmarine.com.au

MEMBER

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

COX’S BRIDGE TO COX’S PLACE

Ride for Research & Care

The second annual bike ride event was held in October 2016 to honour Bruce “The Doc” Cox a tireless worker within Sale, Loch Sport and Gippsland communities, who lost his fight to battle the degenerative, unrelenting Motor Neurone Disease. The race was flagged off at the starting line by past Essendon AFL Footballer, Neale Daniher who is a sufferer of MND during the Daniher’s Drive to support the caring for MND research and raise funds to find a cure for this merciless disease.

Amongst the riders and supporters were Bruce’s wife, daughters and friends who were there to honour his memory and wish that this event be held annually to raise awareness of MND. Also, contributing were family of the late Monica Best who passed away 12 years ago due to MND who did their bit with either a ride or walk. These are all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, cousins and other family members. They are standing under the finish line, which was kindly donated by Riviera Triathlon Club for use during the event. Photographs by Chris Holmes Photography and Lotje McDonald Photography

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Donna Cox, Judy Cox (Bruce's wife), Denise Retzlaff (Secretary Loch Sport Bus & Tourism - Event Director)

Hans Retzlaff (Ride Co-ordinator), Neale Daniher and Tracey Cox

Donna Cox (Bruce Cox's Daughter), Neale Daniher, Tracey Cox (Bruce's daughter) at the commencement of the ride Cox's Bridge in Sale

Neale Daniher waving riders off at starting line

Quirky Pictures by Marguerite Sharlott

t aveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brigh D r e m r a F d to Sale, is was On the roa with the Dairy cris pe idea to co w heads! fe a g turnin

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

a glimpse of

22nd October 2016

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

CafĂŠ

By Geoff Watt

It's nice to know Gippsland has always supported disadvantaged groups in our community. A prime example in Maffra goes back nearly sixty years to 1957 when Sister Flora Johns drove the idea to develop a service for children with an intellectual disability. With the help of two teachers and a few other volunteers, a Saturday morning session with a small group of children began. From these humble beginnings the program has gone through much growth and change, having included at various times a Special Development School, an Independent Living Skills Residential Service, an Adult Training Service and even a Hydroponics Farm. All of these services impacted positively on the development of the George Gray Centre Inc. Support Services, which has just recently celebrated fifty years of service to the community.

and all of the programs are based on the individual needs of the participants attending. They currently cater for over one hundred and fifteen participants with a disability.

In 1987 a cafe was developed in Maffra and in 1991 a garden service work crew was also established, and it is these latter two that continue to shine today. They are invaluable as employment training programs and are complemented by two Disability Support Services for persons with a disability. One of the support services is based in Maffra at the George Gray Centre and one at their other campus at the Wellington Community Connect Facility in Sale. Both support services provide vocational, recreational and independent living skills programs

I was fortunate enough to take some time out of CEO Ian Hunt's busy day to have a chat and learn more. Ian has been CEO of the George Gray Centre Inc. for the past eleven years and is responsible for overseeing all services provided by GGC and is well supported by an excellent management team. I visited the lovely garden surrounds of Foster Place Cafe in Maffra where I met Ian for our chat.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

The Supported Employment Programs that I visited - the cafĂŠ and work crew - are all about empowering the participants by teaching them vital work skills and good work habits that will give them every opportunity to move into open employment.

The organisation and its history is a credit to the township of Maffra. The number of families and

individuals it has assisted and empowered over the past fifty years is incalculable. Ian explains that there is also a great holiday program for the participants who access interstate trips, bush camps and also day trips to places such as Melbourne and Sovereign Hill. Over the previous twelve months they have even had a couple of ship cruises for small groups. This program is one of many provided by GGC that puts purpose into the participant's days by getting them out into the broader community and experiencing new places and situations. Employees from the CafĂŠ and work crews also have the opportunity to access the holiday program, the cost of which is very competitive against similar trips through professional travel companies, but has the added bonus of trained support staff accompaniment. Ian explains the process for staffing the Cafe, "Those in the Support Service Programs who wish to move into employment will be identified

and that feeds the staffing at the Cafe. When first entering the service they will complete a M.I.P. (My Individual Plan) and will tick their preferences for employment - it could be the work crew or the Cafe or it might be somewhere else in the community. The Cafe is staffed by a bank of twelve people with a disability over any given week and supported generally by about two Employment Officers." Skills such as cooking, food prep, cash register operation, table service, etc are all invaluable skills for the participants to learn. All employees interact directly with the general community, and of course in a cafĂŠ environment there are many times when 'the pressure is on' - so this is an amazing skill development program. Getting the right people into the job of Employment Officer is crucial to the success of the businesses,

"It's really important for the organisation that a person working in the industry has empathy for people with a disability, a respect for their skills and what they can achieve and have a strong work ethic. It's a terrific work environment we've developed here and all employees really enjoy coming to work and interacting with other staff and the community." The difference that working in the Cafe makes to all employees seems to be something of a great, untold story. I ask Cafe Manager Lou Regan if there is feedback from the parents, perhaps thankful their adult son or daughter now has a place to go and interact with the community - a place to learn and empower. Both Lou and Ian reply with a resounding "Yes". Lou elaborates on one in particular, "One girl that started when she was eighteen about three years ago didn't have a great relationship with her mum. She has matured incredibly working here and now has a great relationship with her mum. I've spoken with her mum who is really impressed by the way her daughter's whole attitude has changed."

One would assume that the Cafe would certainly take a lot of frustration out of the lives of the Cafe employees with a disability, who may have been sitting at home bored if not given the opportunity to use the skills they undoubtedly have. Another thing that the Cafe and work crew would give the participants is a social life. When you think about it, how many of our friends come from the places where we have worked? The Cafe is well supported by the local community as it has an extensive menu, good service and is popular with many young parents due to its outside secure play area. Manager Lou Regan seems to represent the passion and drive around this venture when she says: "I've got a vision for this place, I think it has a lot of potential. We've had some outdoor furniture especially made for children when they accompany their family to the Cafe and we are just in the process of painting them." It seems that there is a real pride in the Cafe. Ian further elaborates: "Our aim is to find the employees long term open employment. Obviously there will be some that may not attain the skills needed to move onto open employment but the interactions they have with the public and the skills they achieve make it a great avenue for personal development. We give all employees the opportunity to expand their skills, so their horizons are broadened." It is still hard for some whose disability may mean they need adaptive equipment and if it is not available to them, it can further restrict their transition into open employment. For example Foster Place Cafe will make an effort to provide equipment that will make it easier for someone with a vision impairment to operate a cash register, but if this is not provided for in open employment, their opportunities may be limited. But no matter what percentage end up going into open employment, the bottom line is that one hundred per cent of the participants that come through here have enhanced their work, social and communicative skills - and this enables them to be more active in their lives and in their community.

The other main employment program is the work crew, which is a contract gardening service. Ian elaborates, "The service originally focused on domestic lawn mowing and gardening and then after a time we had more equipment so we started tendering for larger contracts. Each tender is obtained on their merits, as is the continuing renewal of existing contracts." I was also lucky enough to speak to Glen Cater, the Manager of the work crews who told me, "There are four groups of three workers with a disability with each group supervised by an Employment Officer. They have around two hundred contracts both commercial and domestic over a rotating three week period." Glen spoke enthusiastically about the work ethic of those crews and mentioned that the greatest reward was seeing the sense of pride the workers have - saying "we mowed that". So if you are hankering for a great coffee and muffin, or perhaps something more substantial such as Gourmet Wraps and Focaccias, Nachos or Lasagna, this is the place. Where else do you go to enjoy a great meal and also assist persons with a disability to improve their opportunity for long term employment? Foster Place Cafe is the place. The Cafe also has a function room, which they can provide catering for birthdays, Christmas functions, etc up to 40 people. Local commercial enterprises also avail of the great catering services in the function room. Cafe Opened Tuesday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30pm Ph: 5147-1335 www.georgegray.org.au Ph: 5147-2221 Photographs by Wildwood Photography

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

MAFFRA FIRE BRIGADE BRINGS EASTERN DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS TO TOWN

By Kellie Willis

THE MAFFRA FIRE BRIGADE ARE THE PROUD HOSTS OF THIS SUMMER’S 2017 EASTERN DISTRICT FIRE BRIGADE CHAMPIONSHIPS

With 20 teams expected to enter, from Dandenong to Lakes Entrance, the Mornington Peninsula to Healesville, a great event and fantastic competition will be presented. As well as being a chance to bring people to Maffra, it’s an opportunity for the town and its surrounding districts to come out and support their local brigades.

“We would love people to come out and support the Brigade and barrack for us. The competitions are just one element of why we are here, but they are good, competitive exercises and they help us bring the juniors through the ranks to become fire fighters.” The Maffra Fire Brigade has a very proud history of more than 100 years continuous service in the town – it celebrated its Centenary in August, 2014. And a couple of its members have been there almost that long.

“Everyone is welcome to come along and watch the events,” long-term member and Maffra Fire Brigade Treasurer, Phil Hawkins says. “It’s very entertaining and it’s free for spectators. We are hoping the community will come along and support the Maffra boys as they compete.” The Championships start on Saturday, 28 January, with a discipline contest at the Maffra Recreation Reserve, doubling as the Opening Ceremony. “You have all the Brigades in uniform and they get judged on their attire. Then they march around the course, performing certain manoeuvres and each team is judged on its marching ability,” Third Lieutenant Kyle Hargreaves says. From there, the action moves to Maffra’s Boisdale Street training track, where all the competition events take place across the Saturday and Sunday. The events, which are basically competitive training exercises, make for some exciting finishes. Competitions include ladder races, hydrant races, and a reel event that requires teams to lay out lengths of hose as

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

quickly as possible, connect water to the hose and hit a target with the water jet to win the race. A highlight of the weekend will be the torch light procession on Saturday night. All the teams will form a procession down Maffra’s main street, marching along the Johnson Street service lane. Commencing at 8.45pm, the event is a visual spectacle not to be missed. After the Eastern Districts, all the teams will go on and represent their brigades at the State Championships in March – and the Maffra boys say the team from Maryvale is the one to beat, after it claimed a stunning victory in the Victorian Championships this year. “We haven’t won an Eastern District Championship since 1989, but we’ve been training two nights a week, and will be competing at an Inter-towns event almost every weekend from now until January, so we will be in good form,” Maffra Fire Brigade Captain, Dave Giles, says.

Former Captain Barry Bennett joined up in 1951 and has notched up 65 years of active involvement. “In those days you turned up to a fire however you could – probably on a push bike, and there was no particular clothing or safety equipment,” he says. “During the winter you had football or badminton, in the summer you had cricket, tennis or the Brigade. There weren’t any other sports, so a lot of people used to participate.” “It is fairly infectious,” Mr Hawkins says. “Once you get involved, it’s hard to stay away. It all starts through a desire to help the community, to help people in trouble. And then you find yourself involved with this incredible team and organisation, actively helping out in the community, and you are hooked.”

Back Row (L to R): Fire Fighter Ash Dickinson, Ex-Captain Ron Graham, Current Captain Dave Giles Front Row (L to R): Fire Fighter Phil Hawkins, Training Co-Ordinator Craig Gardiner

Former Captain Ron Graham adds, “I came in through the fundraising activities. I guess what we come to do is our motto – ‘We Strive to Save’”.

and other events; door knocking for the Good Friday Appeal; and inspecting and maintaining fire plugs around the town.

sure it’s visible and report any defects to the Shire. We’re just asking the community to have an input into keeping the town’s fire safety equipment in good working order.”

Apart from the vital service of fighting fires, the Maffra Fire Brigade plays other roles in the community, including fire equipment maintenance for various premises in the town; running the Fire Safe program in local schools, working with children from Prep to Secondary levels; running the smokehouse at Kid’s Day at the Maffra Show

“The Brigade is slowly implementing a fire inspection round and promoting the concept of ‘Adopt A Fire Plug’,” First Lieutenant Ryan Wheeler says.

While the Fire Brigade is important to the community, the community is also imperative to the Brigade’s survival.

“We are encouraging residents with a fire plug outside their house to keep an eye on it, make

“We have been very lucky over the years that the town has really supported the Brigade in

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

any fundraising we have done, and we certainly appreciate that,” Mr Graham says. “We have three vehicles that have been fully funded by the public through fund raising, all of them very well equipped. We are very fortunate with the support we get from the community.” And also fortunate in the support they get from each other.

Restored 1928 Graham Brothers bush fire truck

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

“It’s a family more than anything. You join with intentions of helping the community but at the end of the day, you develop a family,” Captain Giles says. “I started with the Brigade when I was at Maffra High, I’m getting close to 20 years with the Maffra CFA. You don’t hang around somewhere that long if you haven’t found something important.”

“And some of us were born into it,” Hargreaves adds. “I’ve been going to competitions ever since I can remember – Dad was a part of the Maffra team. So you just follow in your father’s footsteps. It’s always been a part of who we are and I can’t imagine life without it.” Photographs by Lisa Maatsoo Competition photographs by Maffra Fire Brigade

Duart is a Victorian Homestead built in1883 which has been converted to an Event Venue consisting of a warm character filled ballroom, and smaller Fig Tree room adjacent to the ivy clad veranda and terrace areas with two private rotundas and 160 year old Moreton Bay Fig tree which reigns supreme over the gardens.

It has a reputation for quality hospitality providing local produce and friendly customer service. Duart also offer an extensive off site catering service and can go as far east as Marlo or as far west as Warragul.

20 McL e an St re e t , Maf f r a , Vic 3860 P: 035147 1985 www.duarthomestead.com Facebook

PINE HILL PARK

ALPACAS “So, it’s a view you want”, and the Real Estate agent was true to his word. Our farm sits on Pine Hill, a few kilometres north of Maffra and overlooks the Macalister Irrigation District and beyond - to the Longford Ridge south of Sale, the endless horizon that is the Latrobe Valley framed by Mount Baw Baw to the west and the Avon Wilderness Area to the north dominated by Ben Cruachen and the Mount Wellington range dominating the view also to the north.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Welcome to Pine Hill Park. Why alpacas? Being busy professionals off-farm, we needed to have animals that were fairly low maintenance. Jill had travelled through South America in 1983, where she saw them while trekking through the Andes in Peru. She saw beautifully majestic and versatile animals. She saw them being shorn, the fibre being spun into yarn, dye them and weave them. Having grown up on a sheep and cattle farm at Toora, her observations were well informed in terms of comparison to conventional sheep and cattle farming here in Gippsland. Alpacas have soft padded feet and nail (like humans) and have very little impact on soil. Like sheep they prefer the short grass left by larger herbivores like cattle. Cattle were on the farm when we arrived on the Hill and it all looked quite stark. However, in 2008 the millennium drought was coming to a close and the Hill was pretty well devoid of grass. But confident that every day is a day closer to the drought breaking we could see what the place would look like in good times. In fact, we were pretty much oblivious to the drought, having moved down the year before from Katherine in the Northern Territory where we’d lived for the duration of it. We came to Gippsland as Jill’s family are scattered around here, but to also give our sons, Mark and Ben a good stable Victorian education. During the first year, while our home was being built, we spent hours researching alpacas. Studying books on camelids, searching the internet, visiting neighbouring Merungle Alpacas and attending alpaca farm visits around Bairnsdale, prepared us to commence alpaca farming in 2009. We began with five pregnant females and now have a sizeable herd consisting of mature females, younger females, crias (baby alpacas) and wethers. We have a variety of colours in browns, fawn and white and every alpaca has their own particular personality. At Pine Hill Park all our alpacas have names. And like all alpacas in Australia they are registered with the Australian Alpaca Association.

This year we had nine crias. With our own working certified male we manage matings and are planning for the next drop in 2017. An alpaca pregnancy is about 11.5 months and they usually birth (unpack) during the day time and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It is a wonderful event to watch a new cria come into the world. Alpaca mothers are very protective of their young so it’s always at a respectful distance. Our alpacas are shorn once a year and some fleeces are sold to local spinners. We have had some of our fleeces professionally spun and are now ready for knitting and crocheting. Scarves and beanies are incredibly soft, light and super warm. It doesn’t have the scratchy or prickly feel of some sheep wool. My two boys have proudly worn their hand knitted scarves and beanies while on exchange in France. I enjoy knitting and love the idea of producing a bespoke garment from our own alpacas. Some of the ‘not so fine’ fleece is cleaned and used to fill the most luxurious pet beds. Our family dogs love their alpaca fleece cushions. Soft, warm, natural and 100% farm produced. The bulk of the fleece clip is sent to Melbourne where it is graded and packed for either export to China or South America for processing or used in Australia to produce the fabulous Australian Alpaca products. Beautiful coats, jumpers, scarves, socks, luxurious blankets and bedding products are also produced from Australian alpaca fleece. Maybe some from Pine Hill Park! Alpaca fleece is very versatile. We have been using alpaca fleece for garden mulch for the past 6 years and have noticed remarkable improvement in our soil quality. Alpaca fleece is dry – no lanolin, which makes it perfect for soil improvement. The worms just love the fibre and it breaks down slowly. Another useful alpaca by-product is their manure. Alpacas kindly poop in communal heaps allowing

easy collection. Our vegetable garden and fledgling orchard reap the benefits of regular alpaca fertiliser. Some of our alpaca wethers (castrated males) are in training to be guard animals for sheep or goats. Our training program entails guarding our Dorper sheep and their lambs from foxes, dogs and eagles. They do a great job and we have even been a target of their guarding! Our dogs have a very healthy respect for the alpacas and will take a long detour around their paddock. Pine Hill Park has alpacas, alpaca fleece and yarn for spinning/craftwork; and also a range of 100% alpaca fleece cushions for dog/cat pet beds for sale. We can be found at local markets and welcome farm visits.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

We have not ventured into alpaca meat as yet but consider this could be something to expand into in the future. We love our alpacas and have thoroughly enjoyed the learning opportunity they presented. Our teenage sons, Mark and Ben are experienced alpaca wranglers and are an important part of shearing, drenching and general care times. It is a family experience and one we are very happy to be living. Steve and Jill McAnulty 3141 1660 Jill’s mobile 0427 665 181 Words and photos courtesy of Steve and Jill McAnulty

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

We have alpacas as guard animals from $250, pregnant females from $500 each as well as younger male and female alpacas as future breeding stock or the best looking lawn mowers on the block. Colours range from white, fawn to darker brown. We welcome interested alpaca owners to visit and spend time with us to appreciate the gentle nature of the alpaca as well as the care required prior to making a purchase. Some of the annual alpaca fleece clip is used to create the best dog and cat cushions. The canine and feline pets love the natural fibre offering a snug warmth in winter and cool comfort in the warmer months. Sizing is small, medium, large or size made to order. Prices start from $50 for the smaller cushion suitable for cats or small sized dogs. For the crafty person fleeces are available for sale for spinning or felting and we have yarn ready for knitting or crocheting. Using luxurious yarns like alpaca to create amazing garments is a delight everyone can now experience.

2009 Licensed Sub-Branch of the Year

Saturday 17th December Tickets $25.00 members | $30 non members 8pm Bookings essential

LEONGATHA RSL • BISTRO OPEN 7 DAYS New Members Welcome. Reciprocal rights with RSLs in Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania

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

Members Happy Hour

Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ½ Serve Meals, Gluten Free, Kids Menu all available Reservations required for most nights of the week

Seniors Meals

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

NORMAL TRADING HOURS

Xmas trading hours:

CONTACTS

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

SATURDAY 24TH DEC 10AM – MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 25TH DEC 11AM – 4PM MONDAY 26TH DEC CLOSED TUESDAY 27TH DEC 12 NOON – 8PM SATURDAY 31ST DEC 10AM – 1AM (DOORS LOCKED AT 10PM) SUNDAY 1ST JAN CLOSED MONDAY 2ND 12 NOON – 8PM

OFFICE: 5662 2012 RECEPTION: 5662 2747 BISTRO: 5662 4487

12 NOON - 10PM 10AM - 10PM 10AM - 11PM 10AM - 11PM 10AM - MIDNIGHT 10AM - MIDNIGHT 10AM - MIDNIGHT

BOOK YOUR FUNCTION TODAY

www.leongatharsl.com.au Find us on Facebook

WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAYS BOOK YOUR FUNCTION TODAY AT LEONGATHA RSL ANNIVERSARIES, ANY SPECIAL Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Any special occasion catered for Business Breakfasts Seminars OCCASION CATERED FOR BUSINESS BREAKFASTS CALL RICKY TO ORGANISE A QUOTE! SEMINARS

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

Powersc the story of a home By Kellie Willis

The “Powerscourt” sign swings stately from its sentry post at the property on the Maffra-Stratford Road, its presence indicating something special at the end of the gumtree-lined driveway. “Powerscourt” has been home to pioneers and their hired servants, and a much-loved fine-dining restaurant. Today, it is home to Paul and Helen Bourke and their family, who are thriving in their role as its owners and caretakers. One of the oldest properties in the district, William and Mary Power built the “Powerscourt”

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

homestead in 1859. They were known for topping the Melbourne Cattle Markets, breeding successful race horses and holding annual horse racing events, and they built a home befitting their status.

The family was looking to move from their dairy farm at Newry and Paul had just started a new career with a local real estate agent. He came home from his first auction and told Helen “Powerscourt” had been passed in.

Since then, “Powerscourt” has welcomed many families, with all making changes pertinent to the times and their individual needs.

“He asked if I wanted to go out and have a look,” Helen remembers. “I said ‘No, I don’t! It’s old and it’s cold … I’m not going!’”

The arrival of the Bourkes nine years ago marked a period of change and renewal – for the family and the homestead.

“But after we’d had a look, we went home and said ‘OK, it needs this and this.’ We thought we could give the property those things.”

court

After “a lot of budgeting and a lot of planning” they decided they could make it work, and next thing, the Bourkes and their eight children were moving.

They built decking off the kitchen/living area, and the northern wall is predominantly windows and glass doors that look out across this deck to the ornamental lake.

One of the first projects they undertook was renovating the kitchen/living area.

An octagonal gazebo was designed to complement the striking circular meat house located conveniently close to the kitchen. The Bourkes use the meat house as a storeroom and garden shed but originally, cattle carcasses would have been hung in the cool building until they were butchered.

“We squared it up and made it bigger,” Helen says. “We pulled out the wall of a bedroom and we converted the ensuite of that bedroom into the laundry, which was originally outside.”

Today, the property remains a cattle enterprise. “The farmland here worked well with our operation at Newry, so we’ve got people running the dairy and we rear all its replacement stock,” Paul says. “We cut hay and silage, rear the Friesian bulls and have a herd of Friesian cross Angus.” From the kitchen/living room back to the western end of the home are three outdoor bedrooms that were once servants’ quarters. “Those rooms are very plain, no fancy details,” Helen says.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

But stepping from the kitchen/living room into the formal lounge you enter a world of intricate cornices and ceiling decorations, detailed stained glass windows, ornate fire places and a stunning 90ft by 20ft ballroom with 18ft ceilings. The ballroom was built by the homestead’s second owners, John and Rebecca Mills. Both were ex-employees of “Powerscourt” who made their fortune in gold. Not only celebratory, the ballroom was also a base for the Red Cross during World War I for sewing shirts, rolling bandages and knitting socks. The impressive stained glass windows along the length of the walls are a key feature of this room, and its outside doors open onto a wooden deck that was built by the Bourkes 18 months ago. A ballroom might not feature on many floor plans today, but with their large family, the Bourkes host Christmas lunch (last year they had 48 people) and have held several family functions including their daughter’s wedding. “And, I come into the ballroom with my morning cuppa now and again, when the sun is shining in, and just enjoy it,” Helen smiles. For all the implied grandeur, it is clear this is a family home – family portraits adorn the walls, just beyond the stained glass windows of the ballroom there is a well-used basketball ring and Helen tells tales of family cricket games by the lake, where you can only catch the ball if you dive into the water. While the Bourkes bring in professionals for the big jobs, Helen says she enjoys the challenge of doing the work herself. But it can take a lot of time and effort.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

She and her sister started painting the ceiling in one of the bedrooms, using two different coloured trims on the elaborate decorations and cornices. “It took us 10 hours to do one half of the ceiling! And that was just one coat!”

“You feel a sense of responsibility,” Paul adds. “It’s one of the oldest places in the district. Everything we do, we are either reusing or making the most of what is already here, and we match all our work to the features and styles of the period.”

Far from being daunted, Helen has taken the ongoing project in her stride. “I had never done anything like this before,” she says.

The three-car garage at the western end of the house is built from red bricks that previously paved the back yard. It complements the original building and features heritage cobelling and plinth brickwork.

“Now, it’s a passion. You can’t do a job in five minutes. Everything we do takes months of planning, consideration and research. Making sure it will work for us, but also honour the history of the building.”

When the Bourkes widened the veranda on the southern side of the house by double, they replicated the style of the veranda at the front of the house. And during the kitchen/living room renovation, the moulded ceiling decorations around the light fittings were made to match the other rooms in the house.

Wherever you go at “Powerscourt”, there are stories – those that belong to the Bourkes, and those that belong to its history. In a fantastically lit sunroom yet to receive the Bourkes’ touch, Helen shows how the building tells its story. “You can see from the patterns in the bricks that there used to be a window here, there was a chimney there, when this was an outside courtyard. And look,” she says as she points to a square cut out in the wooden floor.

“This wooden lid hides a concrete lid that covers a well. There used to be a windmill right here where we are standing!” “This will be one of my favourite rooms one day, but I’m still working out how to make the most of it.” When asked for her favourite features of the property, Helen doesn’t hesitate: “The wow factor, when you come in the kitchen door,” she says.

“Your eyes are drawn from the room to the view over the decking and the ornamental lake. That, and the dynamic cornices and ceiling decorations.” “When we came to “Powerscourt, we knew we could improve on what was here,” Paul says. “And it’s a big home, our kids can get married here, there’s room for the family to grow and for the grandkids. We just thought this was something special we could do for our family.”

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

DEMON BOUND

SARAH JOLLY A RISING STAR By Olivia Skillern

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Since the announcement that 2017 would see the first ever AFL Women’s competition, excitement has been building. Australian rules football playing women throughout the country have been preparing themselves for the opportunity to play in the country’s top competition. And Gippsland was not going to miss out. Gippsland has been producing top AFL men’s players for many years and for the inaugural women’s competition Gippsland watched with hope that someone would join the likes of Robert Murphy, Jarryd Roughead and Scott Pendlebury. Despite the local women’s team, Gippsland Galaxy, playing in Division 3 of the Victorian Women’s Football League (VWFL), Sale’s Sarah Jolly, 23, was fortunate enough to gain the attention of the Melbourne Football Club, taken at pick 145 of the inaugural women’s draft. It was the final pick of the day. Born in Yarragon and growing up in Sale, Sarah is a born and bred Gippslander, who still lives and works in the region. Like many local girls she played netball and tennis growing up but other than a kick in the backyard with her brother, or

at school, Australian rules football was not really on offer. Other than a few games of under 10s in primary school it was not until 2015 that Sarah pulled on the boots and played Aussie rules as part of the Gippsland Galaxy side. “I started playing because I knew the coach personally and she just put a post up on Facebook that she was going to put together a local team from Gippsland. So I thought I’d give it a go because it didn’t clash with netball or anything like that because it was on Sunday.” The choice to play was indeed a good one. Sarah’s first two years playing are a constant highlight reel. She was lucky enough to play in Gippsland Galaxy’s VWFL Division 3 back to back premierships in 2015 and 2016. As part of this winning team, she was runner-up league best and fairest in 2015 topping that in 2016 by winning the award. As well as the 2016 best and fairest Sarah was also the top goal scorer for the competition. In addition to playing exceptionally well in her competition Sarah was selected for the Victorian Women’s AFL Academy.

“Also in the 2016 Grand Final I was named best on ground. I had a pretty good season this year,” she said. All of these attributes led to the idea that maybe, just maybe, Sarah may be chosen to play in the AFL Women’s competition. Having played in a lower division competition, and knowing how many women had nominated in Victoria alone, Sarah was not overly confident in being picked. Nonetheless, she nominated for the draft in the hopes of pulling on an AFL jumper. Sarah’s draft day was very different to many of the other hopefuls. She had heard other girls were nervous, but by not letting herself believe she would be drafted meant that Sarah was relaxed. “I actually only watched the draft because I was at home sick for the week, otherwise I would have just gone to work and sort of followed it online. But because I was at home I got to watch it all. It was a really long process.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

“It was down to the last pick and I sort of was over it at this point because it had taken a couple of hours to get through it all, but when they called my name for Melbourne in the very last pick I sort of didn’t believe it for a second.” Sarah was watching with her Dad and as her name was called they looked at each other and started screaming and hugging. Despite this, it still did not really sink in until she started receiving text messages and phone calls. Then she knew it was not all a dream. “It was very exciting, especially because Melbourne took extra time and then they came back and requested another lot of extra time so it must have been a big decision for them but I wasn’t really thinking ‘this is going to be me, this is going to be me’, I just wasn’t thinking that at all.” Sarah has finally met with her new team mates and describes the experience as being “unreal”. As soon as they met in the lounge area of AAMI Park, where Melbourne FC train, the team were congratulating each other and introducing themselves. Sarah feels that they already have a good bond and that it’s a good start for the team. Sarah would have been happy to be playing at any of the four Melbourne teams, being drafted to the Melbourne FC is a huge honour.

“I was stoked to be drafted to Melbourne because they started it all. They were the pioneers of women’s footy so going to a club that was already established with women’s footy is probably going to be the most amazing thing to do.” Now all that is left to do are preparations and playing. It is not surprising that the thing that Sarah is most looking forward to is getting out there and playing. “I’m just excited to play. I haven’t had much experience at the top level of footy but with the team that we’ve got at Melbourne, and the coaching, and the strengthening and conditioning staff, they’ll get us into shape over the preseason and we’ll be ready to go. “The opportunity to play in an AFL jumper is what I’m most excited about.” The AFL Women’s competition makes its debut in February 2017. We look forward to watching Sarah take to the field for the Melbourne Football Club and will be keeping our eye on the red and the blue. Football Photographs courtesy of Rob Giese Photography Portrait image courtesy of Sarah Jolly

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

SARAH JOLLY

Monday - Friday Saturday

9.00am-5.30pm 9.00am-2.00pm

214 Main Street, Bairnsdale 3875 P: 03 5152 6761 www.shoeaffair.com.au Like Us on Facebook

MORWELL BOWLING CLUB

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

Winner of CCV 'Best Bowling Club'

Finalist of CCV 'Club of the Year'

52 Hazelwood Road Morwell 3840 Ph: 03 5134 3449 Em: functions@morwellbowls.com.au www.morwellbowls.com.au thelifestyle summer 2016/17

MORWELL BOWLING CLUB’S augmented facilities By Wendy Morriss

The bowling clubs new roof, new synthetic surface and new bowls lounge between the greens

The construction of a new outdoor roof above one of Morwell Bowling Club’s two greens, the recently completed bowls lounge between them and the installation of high-quality synthetic grass greens has added to the club’s many wonderful amenities. It’s all enjoyed by bowlers and members who can now play and observe the game in all weather conditions.

covering one of them with the roof at the same time. After some research, they found an architectural engineer of light weight structures based at Maroochydore and were soon well on their way through the process of coordinating the construction of a roof over their number one green. It was completed in February 2015 and has allowed 100 per cent play since.

Jess Feather, the club’s general manager said: “The roof is impressive.” He said on many occasions previously when they had events, tournaments or groups coming in to participate in bowls, they were rained out at least 50 per cent of the time, so the roof was installed to maximise the usage of the greens.

“It’s been an absolute revelation for our club in terms of participation in bowls,” Jess said. “Members can play rain hail or shine. Initially it was looked at purely from a wet weather perspective but it also stops the sun’s heat bearing down on players as well. The ambient temperature is still the same but there’s shade.” One of the reasons the club chose the structure they now have, is because it allows eight to 10 percent light transparency through the

The club had already discussed moving from grass to synthetic greens and opted to consider

Jess Feather, general manager of Morwell Bowling Club

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

membrane so they can bowl under the roof in natural light. A structure with solid roofing would mean bowling 99 per cent of the time with the lights on. The synthetic grass was put down on green number one after the roof was erected to avoid any damage to it during the construction. “It had to be synthetic grass because natural grass won’t grow under the roof,” he said, “but we also had a lot of problems with natural grass, which was often adversely affected by the climate conditions we have in the Latrobe Valley. “There are a few types of grasses used for greens that grow in different climates and we tried them all at one time or another but we would still have one green out of action because of poor playing surface. We used Tifdwarf and

The players and members are happy with the new facilities

Santa Ana, which are a hardier type of couch grass that would allow play during the winter seasons but they just weren’t growing as efficiently as we’d hoped. “Putting in the synthetic grass was something I suggested about three years earlier but the player’s reaction then was absolutely not, no way, which I can appreciate because grass is the best playing surface for bowls when the surface is good.” He said eventually the players agreed to putting synthetic grass down on number two green, which was completed in September 2013. Then within six months they requested that number one green have synthetic grass as well. “As with all technology, the artificial surfaces have improved significantly since they first came out,

which is why more clubs are using them and the players are happy.” Part of the master plan for the club has provisions for a second roof over number two green however, there are some people who prefer to play externally in the elements particularly when it’s cooler and there’s a bit of sunshine. “It makes sense to have one of each,” he said. “Although if we have to fill both greens and it’s raining, then we do have to come up with a wet weather timetable and put all the events through under the roof.”

The building now has a kitchenette, barbeque, toilets and televisions.” It’s a great building that a lot of other clubs don’t have,” Jess said. “Part of the plan eight to 10 years ago, was to build up the commercial part of the club and we’ve been able to do that. The reward is being able to invest in the bowling section of the club, which is what we are here to do. It’s all worked exactly as we planned and now our bowlers and members can enjoy the best bowling facilities in the region and we are pretty proud of that.” Photographs by Wendy Morriss

The bowls lounge, which was completed in August this year, was built on 11 metres of unused space between the two greens to provide a better viewing area to both greens comfortably with internal heating and cooling.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

BP Service Stations Fish Creek

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

Foster

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

Inverloch

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

Johnsonville

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

Korumburra

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

Leongatha

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

Muddy Creek

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

Newmerella

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

Ridgway

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

Sale

344 Raglan Street, Sale Vic 3850 Tel: 5143 1030 Fax: 5143 2686 Email: sale@evanspetroleum.com.au Jason (Consul Operator) with Vince Lethbridge (Manager)

Traralgon

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

Westside

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

Wonthaggi

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

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

moo’s at meeniyan

Restaurant & Café

Savour the flavours at Moo’s at Meeniyan Restaurant & Café, which has a relaxed, fun ambiance and something for all occasions – South Gippsland’s top food, wine and service.

Holiday Season

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

Hours of Trading

Thursday to Monday 8.30am - 4.30pm | Dinner Friday & Saturday Nights from 6.00pm 89 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan Vic 3956 Phone: (03) 5664 0010 | Email: eat@moosatmeeniyan.com.au visit www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au

WHERE TO BUY A BIKE THIS CHRISTMAS By Gary Jackson

A Bicycle is an amazing gift to receive for Christmas. Waking early and running down the hall to the tree to find a shiny new bike is a memory that lasts a lifetime. For a child a bike represents freedom, adventure and a sense of pride as they master the skills of riding. For the parent, it’s time away from electronics, outdoor family time, fresh air and exercise.

Choosing where to buy a bike can seem daunting, with many purchasing options available, so I’ve broken them down to make it easier.

ONLINE STORES/EBAY On the plus side, a lot of internet online store options are cheap, and making the purchase from home is convenient, however the bikes might look shiny and well-equipped in the pictures, but these bikes are often poorly manufactured, use cheap components and are heavy and unpleasant to ride. Factor in the cost of freighting to you, the uncertainty of it arriving on time or being the right size, and the need to assemble it yourself (or pay extra to have a bicycle mechanic assemble it safely) and it just doesn’t make sense to purchase online.

DEPARTMENT OR TOY STORE Again a cheap option, but these bikes are also poorly built, are very heavy and take the joy out of riding. Like the online options, these bikes are unreliable and last only 3 to 6 months. Repairs are often uneconomical, adding to our throwaway society.

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

They do, at least, have the advantage over online buying that you can physically see an unboxed example in the store (I hesitate to use the term “assembled”) and take the bike home the same day, no waiting for it to arrive. You will be taking a bike home in a box, unless you pay extra to have it assembled, and let’s be honest with ourselves, are you confident enough with your bicycle mechanic skills to safely assemble the bike for your child?

BICYCLE STORE There is no denying the fact that your local Bricksand-Mortar bicycle store is the more expensive option. Often an equivalent sized bike will cost more than twice as much as department store or online bikes and at first glance you might be questioning why this is, after all, isn’t a bike, just a bike? The difference begins the moment you step through the door. The staff at any of the bike stores in Gippsland are usually riders themselves, they know what works and what doesn’t. They’re not there to push you into purchasing a bike above your needs, but they will guide you through finding the bike that will give you the best value and size it correctly.

The bikes themselves are far superior in quality to the cheaper options, safe, lightweight, fun to ride and in the case of children’s bikes, often last through several kids. They are sold fully assembled by an experienced bicycle mechanic, come with long warranties and usually with a minimum of one free service. The peace of mind, knowing that you’ve purchased a quality bike, sized correctly, assembled with care, plus walk-in after sales back-up is priceless and represents the best value for your money in both the short and long term. Of course I am biased towards bike shops, having owned one for 21 years and worked in retail bicycle stores for 28 years. All that time has shown me the differences between cheap and quality bikes, especially evident in the bikes that come through our workshop. We often see quality bikes more than ten years old that only need a quick tune-up, and 6 month old cheap bikes that are write-offs, not worth repairing. The old adage of buy right, buy once definitely applies to bicycles. By purchasing a quality bike you are doing the best you can for your child’s safety and enjoyment of riding, creating those happy childhood memories.

OVER

Years of

Riviera Cycles

Bairnsdale

Gary and Lisa Jackson love cycling. They love the freedom of pedaling a quiet country road, the exhilaration of descending an off-road trail, the sense of achievement felt from conquering a big climb, and since 1995, they have been sharing that love of cycling with the people of East Gippsland. SALES

WE HAVE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE BRANDS AVAILABLE.

EXPERT REPAIRS

WE TAKE PRIDE IN AND GUARANTEE THE QUALITY OF OUR REPAIRS.

DEMONSTRATION BIKES

WE HAVE A SMALL FLEET OF THE LATEST BIKES TO SHOWCASE NEW MODELS FROM OUR MAJOR SUPPLIERS.

ACCESSORIES & COMPONENTS

WE STOCK THE MOST CURRENT CYCLING ACCESSORIES AND COMPONENTS.

Come and see our exciting 2017 range at RIVIERA CYCLES BAIRNSDALE

Opening hours Monday - Friday: 9am to 5.30pm Saturday: 9am to 1pm Sunday: Closed

193 Main Street, Bairnsdale, 3875 Phone: 03 5152 1886 www.rivieracycles.com.au

Celebrate Wonderful Moments with Beautiful Jewellery

Curtis Australia

By Trevor Brown

sight unseen – why should a diamond ring be any different? A good jeweller will happily answer all your questions about diamonds, gems and jewellery and they love sharing their knowledge – so take advantage. We hear from lots of people that diamonds are probably held in by glue – nothing could be further from the truth! Diamonds are held in a variety of ways, from engraving tiny 'grains' to secure the gem, to making claws where small prongs hold the diamond, rub over settings where the entire gem is surrounded by gold and even channel settings where gems are held in lines by the edges.

Jewellery is a wonderful way to express feelings, remember those special moments and keep loved ones close to your heart. Look back thousands of years and you'll see jewellery from simple beads to the fabulous glittering diamond pieces we see today, every one of those jewels has it's own story to tell. Most of us buy jewellery for special occasions, or even 'just because' - but what do you look for when choosing something so important? Really, it's as simple as asking questions and looking at jewellery with an inquisitive eye. Check to see if the piece is well made, nicely finished and has a pleasing design. Rings should ideally be solid, not hollowed out underneath the band, and if you're thinking of something significant like an engagement ring or a specially made piece, visit jewellers both locally and in Melbourne to see what's on offer.

These different techniques have a very real effect on the finished design and often more than one way of setting diamonds is seen on the same ring, you might have a claw set centre diamond and diamond channels to the shoulders. To set diamonds properly takes a jeweller years to learn, and hundreds of hours of practice before you start to create good settings. It's a craft where patience and a keen eye are essential attributes. When you're looking at diamonds, you'll come across terms like 'carat'. This is a measure of weight and has a fascinating history – imagine traders in Egypt weighing gems on a beam balance using a carob seed as a measure. Centuries ago the carob seed was used as a universal weight, but now a carat is 200 milligrams. In diamonds, a whole carat contains 100 points, so a half carat diamond is 50 points and a quarter carat is 25 points.

Bigger is not always better though, so look at colour and clarity too when deciding on a diamond. You might have heard of the four 'C's – the fourth being 'cut'. A diamond has to be well cut to properly reflect the scintillating light we all love so much. A good jeweller can certainly help you choose the perfect diamond for you, and will be very happy to answer all your questions. Jewellery has the ability to bring immense joy, over time it becomes even more precious, holding memories of special times and special people close to our hearts. Your local jeweller understands this perfectly, and will help you celebrate your special moments with truly beautiful jewellery.

CURTIS TARONGA CENTENARY PEN Curtis have just created and donated a 'one of a kind' very special pen to help raise funds for the Taronga Conservation Society to protect five of Australia's most threatened animals. Read more about this fascinating pen in the next issue.

You might even see the perfect ring ready to wear straight away, but take the time to look around. You'll also get a guarantee from a good jeweller – be sure to ask questions, make comparisons and learn about the differences between quality and price – it will pay dividends! At Curtis, people often ask us about buying jewellery, especially diamond jewellery online. We always say that you need to see and touch jewellery before you buy – nothing beats seeing two diamonds side by side. Some rings we see that have been bought online are poorly made – we often can't repair them as they may be too thin in places and badly set – upsetting for everyone. Pictures online can be enhanced, flaws may not be visible and there's a lot of technical information that can be confusing. You wouldn't buy a car

Glenn Curtis has been a jeweller for over 40 years. A Fellow and past Secretary of the Gold & Silversmiths Guild of Australia, Glenn has owned and run jewellery stores in East Gippsland since the 1990's, along with his wife Heather. About 14 years ago they formed Curtis Australia, now a recognised luxury brand creating fine jewellery and hand crafted writing instruments sold around the world. Their work in this area has won several international awards including a coveted 'Best of the Best' Award from the world's most read luxury magazine, the Robb Report, where they were up against such rivals as Cartier.

A complete restoration gives this beautiful diamond ring a new lease of life

Glenn was also invited as the only overseas based expert to judge the inaugural Rio Tinto Diamonds

Global Jewellery Design Competition held in New York, something he modestly describes as reflective of the high standards of Australian jewellers in the international landscape. An important part of the work at Curtis Australia involves the local community, for who Glenn likes nothing more than creating custom made diamond jewellery and remodelling much loved pieces. Curtis Australia is based in a large purpose built jewellery studio in Bairnsdale, and also has an office in Melbourne's CBD, a convenient location to meet with clients from around the world. You can see more of their stunning work at www.curtisaustralia.com 03 5152 1089

KEEPING THE GIPPSLAND LAKES

HEALTHY FOR LIFE In Gippsland, we love our lakes - their seemingly endless waters, the diverse wildlife and plants that rely on them, the landscapes that surround them. And not only are they beautiful, but the Lakes have local and international significance.

Listed as a Ramsar site since 1982 for their environmental value, the Lakes provide a vital feeding ground for migratory birds from as far away as Siberia and the Arctic Circle. They are home to around 400 indigenous plant species and 300 native wildlife species. Many of these are listed as threatened, including the dwarf kerrawang, metallic sun orchid, swamp everlasting, spotted-tailed quoll and the Burrunan Dolphin, which was only identified as a separate species in 2011, and which has only two known resident populations in the world – in the Gippsland Lakes and Port Phillip Bay. In order to maintain its ecological significance, the Lakes system is managed cooperatively by government departments, catchment management authorities and at the grassroots level, a network of Care Groups. The state government recently confirmed $10m in funding over the next four years for projects that will make a real environmental difference to the health of the Lakes. And while the project specifics are still being worked through, it’s likely that funding will be spent on maintaining and restoring habitats for the creatures that call the Lakes home, protecting fauna, managing nutrients and sediments and managing water regimes. Funded by the State Government, the not for profit Care Groups have an important role to play in the health of the Gippsland Lakes. The network is made up of Landcare, Trust for Nature,

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

and Warm Temperate rainforest communities overlap; and a project managed by Trust for Nature saw the threatened Purple Diuris orchid propagated and planted out, achieving a huge increase in the number of plants from 80 to 800. The Gippsland Lakes also enable critical industries that support the communities surrounding them and supply vital products and services to the broader population. Australia’s largest navigable network of inland waterways, the Lakes are home to Australia’s largest commercial fishing fleet. Greening Australia Gippsland, Fishcare, BirdLife East Gippsland and Gippsland Plains and East Gippsland Rainforest Conservation Management Networks. Together, the groups have worked on a number of wide-ranging projects, from education programs in schools and the broader community to active restoration and protection of significant sites. “The Care Group network has collaborated brilliantly to achieve great conservation wins, make significant ecological discoveries and both educate and involve the community in the ongoing welfare of the area,” Angus Hume, co-chair of the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee, says. Surveys conducted by BirdLife East Gippsland discovered previously unknown populations of birds, including Latham’s Snipe (Japanese migratory), Sharp-tailed Sand-piper (Russian migratory) and Black Shouldered Kite, along with more than 10 nationally listed Growling Grass Frogs. Restoration of riparian zones led to the discovery of a site of ecological significance where Littoral

Fishing is just one of the many recreational attractions that bring tourists from across Australia and the world to the Gippsland Lakes, providing vital income streams for local businesses and bringing in money from outside the region. Agricultural businesses in the Gippsland catchment are significant contributors to the regional and state economies, producing a wide range of foods including dairy, beef, lamb, grains and vegetables. Industry and catchment management authorities work together to optimise economic gains and the ongoing health and sustainability of the Lakes region. The Mitchell River Stabilisation Project is an example of this type of collaboration. Focused on issues along the banks of the Mitchell River, the project has worked on steep banks vulnerable to erosion, weed invasion and stock access. Alan and Tony Chila, a father and son farming team with about two kilometres of Mitchell River frontage on their property, worked with the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA) to restore steep areas of the

The iconic Burrunan Dolphins having some fun at the Gippsland Lakes – Photograph courtesy of Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation

Fringing wetlands of the Gippsland Lakes play an important role in filtering water entering the Lakes and providing vital habitat for many small creatures (photo from Martin Potts)

bank that were being cut out by the river and in a critical condition following recent flood events. The EGCMA installed rock beaching in the affected areas to stabilise the banks, prevent the encroachment of the river onto the Chila’s land and avoid increased levels of sediment flowing into the Gippsland Lakes, which impacts on the flora, fauna and overall health of the Lakes system. “The bank is much safer now and it is a better situation with benefits all around for everyone – not just us but the River and the Gippsland Lakes,” Alan Chila said. So next time you are enjoying the rich diversity that is the Gippsland Lakes, consider the work that goes on behind the scenes, by government departments and authorities, community groups, staff and volunteers to maintain the health, beauty and significance of this incredible region. References and photographs courtesy of WGCMA

McLennan’s Strait Migratory birds, such as these Godwits, make an epic journey from as far away as Siberia to the Gippsland Lakes (photo from Faye Beford)

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

East Gippsland's Ultimate

Wedding Venue

BOUTIQUE

ACCOMMODATION

FUNCTION

The Riversleigh is the perfect location for your Gippsland wedding. Combining a unique location with picturesque gardens, stylish period elegance, modern facilities, boutique accommodation, beauty clinic and on-site catering. The Riversleigh simply has it all. For information on wedding packages please visit our website www.riversleigh.com.au/weddings or call Rachel to make an appointment on 03 5152 6966

1 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale, 3875 PH: 03 5152 6966 E: info@riversleigh.com.au W: www.riversleigh.com.au

VENUE

The Riversleigh is now serving a gourmet homemade delicious tasty lunch menu with coffee and treats by our super chef Felicity O’Byrne. And with this fine weather, it’s time to enjoy it in our courtyard. Also serving an exciting range of tapas - all scrumptious - with local Lightfoot & Sons wine. Tapas & Wine Bar every Friday 5 - 8pm.

LUNCH MONDAY-FRIDAY | TAPAS FRIDAY 5-8PM | BAR - OPEN 7 DAYS

PH: 03 5152 6966

1 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale, 3875 E: info@riversleigh.com.au W: www.riversleigh.com.au

This Lightfoot’s

a Heavyweight contender By Stuart Hay

Photograph by Lightfoot & Sons

Lets start with a strong statement. Lightfoot and Sons is the most visually spectacular winery with no cellar door that I have ever seen. (They are working on it.) I thought I would begin with hyperbole, as it will keep cropping up in this article. Such was the impression the place and people left on me. There was an infectious excitement running through the team and the property cant help but leave you inspired. Indeed my mind was racing with my own schemes for how I could interact further with this amazing place.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Let me set the scene. A bluff rising 70m up from the Mitchell River has a plateau carpeted with vines. The sides of the bluff are stacked layers of limestone, soil and alluvial rocks. Cruising Wedgetails eyeball you as they soar on the bluffs updraft. You look across productive flood plains to the outskirts of Bairnsdale. It is a commanding view and one that leaves you feeling like you are holding the high ground. Vines or no vines it’s a special part of Victoria.

In the mid 90’s grape prices were good and cool climate fruit was much sought after. The Lightfoots had just purchased the property and were looking for ways to make it pay. They went into a partnership to grow grapes for treasury wines and left their business partners to run the vineyard. A couple of disastrous vintages and less than ideal viticultural practices lead to a dissolution of the partnership and the contract growing exercise morphed into Lightfoot and Sons.

Happily the property has been given over to the convivial pursuit of viticulture and as always the tale has a few kinks in it.

It’s the ‘And Sons’ part that is running the show. Dad was doing a deft turn on the bottling line when I arrived but it is Tom and Rob who are the

face of the business. Tom runs the 78 hectares under vine with a goal of minimal chemicals and using natural predators to control vine pests. Tom spent time in Oregon developing respect for the American obsession with viticultural perfection. The trip also awakened a latent desire to make great Pinot Noir. Segue to Alastair Butt. Alastair is the winemaker at Lightfoot and Sons and he has Tom under his wing. Alastair has made wine at Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley and Seville Estate in the Yarra Valley. He is a master of flavoursome Chardonnay and brings cool climate sensibilities to the red wines. The man at the coalface is Rob Lightfoot who steers the families’ brand as well as their Volkswagen Caddy in the daily battle of selling wine to retailers, restaurants and the general public. Rob blends a laid back country familiarity with an intense dedication to the business. A good team who all share a common belief in the exciting potential of their work and they revel in having the fruit resources to continue to grow the business. The size of their vineyard area means they can sell less fruit and bottle more wine as the market demand for their wines increases. This is a happy state of affairs not common to most small family owned wineries and they are running with this advantage. Rob informed me that in 2015 they made 6000 cases and in 2016 they will make 11000 cases. That’s good growth in anyone’s language.

I spent some time in the Barrel hall with Alastair looking at wines from Barrel and was impressed by the individuality of the samples he showed me. The Pinot Noirs were showing a spectrum of flavours from light cherry, strawberry to earthy and spicy. The Shiraz was particularly varied. One section of the vineyard being white pepper, rhubarb and ash while another looked like slate and prune and Asian spice. All delicious and you could tell Alastair was excited by the vineyard’s potential. The accolades and medals are coming thick and fast for the winery and they are not sitting back looking to hold their position. These blokes are all revved up to become a regional hero for the Gippsland wine region and do their bit to build Gippsland’s reputation on the world stage. It’s impossible not to share their optimism and excitement. With the potential of their business fizzing in their veins Lightfoot and Sons are well placed to leave a solid impression on the winemaking landscape. Lightfoot & Sons 717 Wy Yung-Calulu Rd, Bairnsdale VIC 3875 Phone: (03) 5156 8205 www.lightfootwines.com Photographs by Stuart Hay Writer: Stuart Hay of The Press Cellars Warragul www.theprescellars.com.au

The other beauty of having so much vineyard is the luxury to isolate small parcels of fruit from special blocks and present them as single sites within the vineyard without affecting the quality of the estate wines.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

JAN LONG Wharf at Eden (Oil)

It is a glorious spring morning and the sun shimmers on the water at the small lakeside hamlet of Eagle Point. This beautiful location is home to celebrated artist Jan Long. Jan clearly shows her passion when she begins to talk about her artworks and the environment in which she lives. Her early life was spent in Mildura and Ballarat. She acknowledges the interest and praise, of her early artistic attempts, by her father, which inspired her to continue to practice. Jan says “ I have always loved to draw…at seven years of age I won First Prize for my flower drawing for the local Floral Festival and I felt so proud.” The practise of submitting artworks and receiving prizes has remained a habit, bringing Jan worldwide recognition for her drawing and painting skills. Over 780 major prizes both in

thelifestyle summer 2016-17 2016/17

Australia and worldwide have been awarded for her mostly realistic style of artwork completed in a variety of media. At least 80 art shows are entered into every year. At the beginning of Secondary College in Ballarat, Jan’s talent was recognised by the Ballarat School Of Mines Art Department and she was given the chance to attend classes under the guidance and inspiration of Geoff Mainwaring, Head of the department who was Official War Artist in the Pacific. She attended these classes for seven years, drawing in the traditional manner. At school, with the support of the art teacher, Laurie Sedgewick, Jan continued drawing on any paper and illustrating for the school magazines, posters and more. During these years Jan’s education gave her the opportunities to explore portraiture, life drawing, plein-air, drawing from Masters in the Ballarat Gallery, design, cartooning,

illustrating, Ticket Writing and pottery. She went on to train as a teacher at Ballarat Teachers’ College and found “that my art was a great extra skill for the classroom. The blackboard and chalk was a wonderful medium to engage the students and give exciting effects”. While teaching she continued art and art studies and gained experience in an amazing number of artistic areas. “Over the following years I went on to do book illustrating, cartoons for magazines, hand colouring photographs, illustrating brochures, sandwich boards, theatre stage back drops, house pen drawings for real estate, graph designs for tapestries, wall hanging designs, enamelled jewellery, photographic restoration, screen printing, wall murals and more.” In 1987 Jan left the Education Department with the sole aim “to create paintings”. With all her previous experience, Jan continued building and

ARTIST White Beauty (Watercolour)

Zebras (Watercolour) Jan Long holding a Watercolour painting titled ‘Cattle Coming Home’

By Ali Fullard

practising her skills by attending workshops, tutorials, demonstrations and galleries. Meeting Australian Landscape painter, Greg Turner “…was a turning point. Greg suggested that my path should be more professional. His advice was amazing and I am still hearing his words today. He kept commenting about my drawing and said, ‘Why don’t you paint like you draw? Don’t avoid the detail you enjoy, just because you are painting. You’ll get the balance right!’” So began Jan’s professional approach and realistic style, which continues today. She has explored a more contemporary approach and style but enjoys the challenge of the naturalistic style, which compliments her exquisite drawing skills. Jan’s love of drawing is displayed in every piece of her artwork, which all demonstrate an acute, precise and accurate observation of her subject. On her many travels, around Australia, Fiji, Italy, Greece, Lord Howe Island, Jan has filled numerous sketchbooks, chronicling the activities of people, buildings, animals and landscapes. Mostly completed using graphite, these exquisite drawings showcase Jan’s keen sense of detail, observation of the human condition and delicate drawing skills. The walls of her gallery and studio display an array of subjects and use of mediums. She works using quality materials, watercolour paints, water based oil, inks, pastels, charcoal and pencils on a variety of surfaces, 100% cotton/linen papers, boards and canvases. Jan often combines mediums such as graphite and watercolour. Combining two mediums allows Jan to very subtly create a visual emphasis to the artwork, which leads the viewer’s eye to the central theme or detail of the subject. Composing the subject and images within “frames” or different arrangements such as a collection of images, enhances the visual impact on the viewer. Many artworks are about “creating a story.” She states,

“I visualise the artwork in my head before I begin to work. I try to ‘see’ the finished painting before I start.”

The contrast between dark and light areas is a technique used to maximum effect in Jan’s works. Horses, often feature in Jan’s artwork, and her drawings and paintings reveal her intimate knowledge of her subject matter. All works show in time consuming, minute detail, the workings of the machine, rigging, horse, man and also the relationship, which exists between man and beast. Such is the accuracy of her work that cattle used as subject matter have actually been identified as “belonging to so and so”! Jan will usually have several pieces of artwork in different mediums on the go at any one time. She says “this allows me to renew my enthusiasm during any day, as well as having time to look and think through the processes”.

Iguana (Dry Pigment)

Jan also works on commissions, and is known for her portraits of people and pets, all painstakingly and accurately depicted. Jan usually works using a magnifying glass and light to get the accuracy she strives for in the texture or surface of the subject. Most of her subject matter arises from what she sees in her daily life around her Eagle Point home and holiday home in Eden. Her garden with its plantings of exotic and tropical plants and visiting bird and animal life, is a never-ending source of inspiration. Jan’s life is literally filled with art. Her husband is very supportive in carrying out the daily life activities, which leaves Jan time to concentrate on her work.

My Garden (Watercolour and Graphite)

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Jan has since taught VCE Art and Studio Art, units for the Diploma of Art for Community Education in Bairnsdale and now has her own Art Education Complex also in Bairnsdale, where over one hundred students can enjoy learning the art skills they “always wanted”. All are encouraged to work hard, practice their creativity, enter shows, have exhibitions, do commissions and teach art. Each class has an emphasis and theme. Wednesday’s groups are devoted to student’s own projects and choices. In Thursday’s groups, the emphasis is on the study of Art Elements and putting the “Wow” factor into an artwork and traditional drawing.

If this is not enough, Jan is working on the daunting task of a series of 80 artworks to be exhibited at the Bairnsdale Golf Club in April 2017. She appears unfazed by this task and clearly enjoys the whole challenge and process. Jan’s attitude and generosity in sharing her passion and skills, honours those who also encouraged and inspired her to continue exploring different mediums to improve her own drawing skills. She also exemplifies the saying that “practice makes perfect” and hard work and discipline are truly rewarded.

Jan’s exhibition at Bairnsdale Golf Club opens April, Friday 21st and is open all weekend 22nd and 23rd. There will be a raffle, refreshments, demonstrations and artworks for sale. Jan Long can be contacted on 0439 468 654 or jan@janlong.com.au Words and photographs by Ali Fullard Photographs of Artworks courtesy of Jan Long

Cutting the Grass (Charcoal on Linen)

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

BAIRNSDALE GOLF CLUB INC Proudly Presents

Jan Long Solo Art Exhibition 21st, 22nd & 23rd APRIL 2017 Official Opening Friday 21st April

Jan demonstrates her Art Painting techniques daily 80 ARTWORKS ON DISPLAY AND FOR SALE

OPENING NIGHT FRIDAY 21st April $25.00 per person which includes fingerfood and complimentary drink

OPENING NIGHT TICKETS Contact Stephanie Allchin (03) 5156 0013

BAIRNSDALE GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY 22nd & SUNDAY 23rd April $3.00 per person Refreshments & Nibbles available

1090 Paynesville Road, Eagle Point 3878

by Geoff Watt

Pixies. We've all heard about them. I myself am married to a lady that has grown up reading stories about the Fairy Folk - Fairies, Pixies, and Goblins. It may interest you to know that before the 20th century, fairy folk were taken seriously in Cornwall and Devon (U.K.), where the tradition seems to have begun. I have even seen a serious documentary on Fairy Folklore. The documentary includes many interviews with the elderly who distinctly recall their grandparents' real life stories of the little folk in forests and dells. They declare that the conversations were serious and there are many locations throughout the region that are named after past incidents of Fairy and Pixie appearances. The documentary asks the question: Was there some substance to theses stories? Unlike Fairies, Pixies do not have wings and generally are a little mischievous. They are also said to be fond of dancing and gathering outdoors in huge numbers to dance. So it was quite exciting when I learned that Gippsland has it's own resident Pixie who wanders around the occasional market and organises a Pixie Picnic twice a year. And thus with great anticipation I headed off to a Fairy Dell down Paynesville way. My six-year-old daughter Grace was full of wonderment and said as I was going, "Daddy, I think her dress might be quite dirty because of all the fairy bread she eats!"

100

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Her name is Pixie Violet - and I meet her dressed in pinks and purples with flowers in her hair and of course lots of glitter. She has kind eyes and a beautiful â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mischievousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; smile and I meet her the day after the Pixie Picnic in early October, when about four hundred people (both little and big) came to dance, play games and generally frolic with other Fairies, Pixies and Elves.

walk home from school and arrive with a bunch of flowers - she would be picking them all the way home in the forest. She's always looked at the beauty of the forest and of nature all around her....and she is definitely the oddball of the family!" There we go - did you notice that word 'mischief' again? I really do think we have found a real Pixie here!

But how does a Pixie come to be here in Gippsland? Nikki (her real name) was born in a bayside suburb of Melbourne and always loved fairies as many little girls do: "I've always loved fairies. I remember going into fairy shops as a kid and I've always dressed up."

It's no wonder that Nikki became a florist after finishing school. She completed a Florist Apprenticeship and has worked in many florist shops across Melbourne - "South Yarra, Sandringham, Black Rock, Chelsea". She had always loved the beauty of flowers and the creativity of producing beautiful arrangements but it also played an integral part in developing her skills and opening up a pathway to what she is doing now. "If I hadn't have been a florist I wouldn't have the skills I need to create the things I make now."

When Pixie was a teenager, her family lived in Marysville, so she had no shortage of imaginative spaces to walk. The temperate rain forest and moss-covered stones would have been the perfect environment to see the little creature within come alive! "Our house backed onto the Stevenson River so I would often spend my days just wandering the bush. I always imagined when walking in the forest that fairies would live there. I could always imagine fairies playing in the garden, making homes in little nooks under the trees." Nana Pixie (Nikki's mum) happens to be with us and elaborates on Pixie Violet's childhood: "Watching her grow up as a little girl, she always stood out in the family as the happiest one, always full of laughter and mischief. She had a love of nature through flowers and I think that's how it probably all started. She would

Nikki finally moved to Gippsland seven years ago due to her husband's work in outdoor education. Nikki got a job as a florist but it proved difficult getting meaningful hours. This gave Nikki the desire to "start my own business as a florist to share my passion of creating". Nikki started doing local markets to promote herself as a florist called 'Ultra Violet Flowers' for weddings, corporate events, etc. "I would also take my children (Nikki has two girls, sorry, smaller Pixies aged four and eight) to markets with $5 to spend and wouldn't find anything nice to buy - something that had a magical feel

about it - that a child would treasure. So then I decided to make affordable things for children to buy - Pixie Dust, Magic Wands, Hair Clips and Hair Flowers. The little things I made for children became very popular and as I made more and more to keep up with demand, the space I needed increased." Nana Pixie helps out with her recollections: "The Hair Flowers really took off in a big way and that was the turning point." Pixie Violet realised there was a niche market where she could still be passionate about her flowers but could do it for children. And then Nikki's passion quickly grew from the delighted looks on the faces of the children. The Ultra Violet Flowers market had started in September 2014 doing two markets a month - Bairnsdale and Paynesville. But then in December 2014, another pivotal moment occurred - Nikki went to a friend's birthday party for her 4 year old daughter: "She did a fairy theme party and asked the parents to dress up as well and I was the only parent to dress up as a fairy." Nikki immediately saw what could be done better. She had always done her daughters' birthday parties full of passion and in full costume! She started asking some of the local parents and realised that there was a great need for it. Things were growing quickly and as she was making more and more fairy gifts it quickly became obvious more room was needed and the Pixie Palace was the next evolution. "The

caravan came from wanting more room to carry all my stuff to markets - to save the loading and unloading which took so long. But if I was going to spend so much money on something I felt it had to have a dual purpose. I also had the desire to have a story attached to all the market stuff I sold. And then the idea came in January last year when I found an old caravan for sale nine months of refurbishment later it had been converted into the Pixie Palace! I just jumped straight in and thought â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Why not? Give it a goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

"I've always loved fairies and things but I never thought I could make a career out of it!" "I became a Pixie because, having the caravan, I thought it would be too hard getting in and out with Fairy Wings! But the caravan's turned out to be the best career move I've ever made. I still get to create all the beautiful things that I make and get to dress up every day and play with kids." Nikki does face painting and sells flower bands, wands, fairy dust, fairy houses and doors, terrariums and fairy garden kits. "The garden kit comes in a purple bag and you get a fairy, moss, a mushroom, crystals, a glitter rock, a butterfly - its just a starter kit to make your own fairy garden and you can add things as you go. Its fun to create fairy gardens, it really is. To make little stepping stones, to put in little pools they can splash in." Nana Pixie adds: "I think the wonderful thing is the imagination

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

101

and creativity introduced into children's minds. Yesterday at the picnic and their faces coming up to you well it's hard to describe, they are so passionate about the fantasy of the whole thing and believing. Which is lovely because it won't last for very long." And how was the Pixie Picnic yesterday? "It really makes it all worthwhile - the volume of people that came shows just how much this means to them." Nana Pixie: "With the Pixie Picnic it encourages the families to come and have a picnic which is something that many families just don't do anymore and it may be the child's very first experience sitting on the ground on a blanket with their mum and dad. There were wonderful activities and unusual characters dancing around them because everyone's in costume. Even showing little children how to make a wish - it's so special. And it teaches the parents how to do these magical things, how to be a kid and have fun again. For their children to see their parents dressed up and having fun - its pretty special. The parent's were so excited themselves!" The Pixie Picnic is held twice a year at the changing of the clocks. You can see the Pixie Palace at the Paynesville and Bairnsdale markets - just follow the fairy dust trail on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month! Visit her website www.thepixiepalace. com.au or The Pixie Palace Facebook Page for more details of upcoming events and all Pixie Violetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handmade merchandise is also available online. And the late news just in! Pixie has just won the 2016 East Gippsland Business Award for Best Child and Family Friendly business! Well done Pixie Violet. Photographs by Wildwood Photography and Pixie Violet

102

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Re m ark able Hol id ay Re tre at Fe at u r e s o f t h e Re s o rt 19 Self-contained lodges ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms, each with its own secluded privacy (including disabled friendly lodges) with either bush or water views On the shore of Lake Victoria Gippsland Lakes - East Gippsland with a private jetty Perfect for Holidays, Special Occasions, Celebrations Child Friendly Indoor Heated Pool, Spa & Tennis Court Complimentary canoes, kayaks, bicycles & DVD’s Interact with the residential wildlife Conference centre packages with accommodation Function Centre for Business, Events & Weddings Seating up to 100 people

“4.5 Star Self Contained Accommodation, with Waterfront and Bush Views Wedding and Conference Centre on the Gippsland Lakes in Eastern Victoria”

200 Wattle Point Road Forge Creek 3875

Phone: 03 5157 7517

Email: info@wattlepointholiday.com.au

Web: www.waterfrontretreat.com.au

WATERFRONT RETREAT AT WATTLE POINT CONFERENCE CENTRE

Our conference centre is available for a variety of functions. Weddings to family celebrations/ reunions, training sessions to scrapbooking/ craft groups and staff Christmas parties to yoga retreats, we have even had a funeral service and subsequent family gathering for the weekend. Your options are limitless; we can provide the perfect setting for your group whether it is only 8 people or 60, for one day or 4 days. At the end of the event you will not only want to book your next function you will want to come back and bring the family and friends for a relaxing holiday.

lodges are a wonderful place to unwind and recap the work of the day.

All of our retreat amenities are available for your use, indoor solar heated pool, outdoor mineral spa, bikes, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, tennis courts and large selection of DVD’s. Even a stroll around the grounds should be part of the business of the day as our resident wildlife including birds and kangaroos can make a pleasant distraction. Our fully self-contained

Even if you are not looking at holding your event for awhile contact our staff to discuss package options. We take bookings up to 2 years in advance, so book early to avoid disappointment.

The fully stocked commercial kitchen is available for you to self-cater or our staff can provide all your catering for you. Breakfast can be a group gathering or supplied in the lodges for a quiet breakfast. Many of our groups make their function an annual or biannual event and many participants bring family and friends back for a holiday.

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

103

THE TRARALGON RAILWAY RESERVOIR CONSERVATION RESERVE By Wendy Morriss

An old reservoir on almost bare crown land, where for many years suburban children played, has been transformed into a peaceful place of natural beauty and serenity enjoyed by visitors of all ages in the city of Traralgon. The 35-hectare reserve affectionately known as ‘The RES’, is now home to numerous species of indigenous flora, fauna, aquatic and bird life. Animals seen in the reserve include koala, kangaroo, wallaby, possums and tortoise. A bird hide on the edge of the reserve’s reservoir, allows visitors to observe a variety of water birds including black swans, cormorants, egrets, Eurasian coots, dusky moorhens and various species of native ducks. Around three kilometres of well-appointed walking tracks lead visitors through the reserve’s woodlands featuring a variety of magnificent eucalypts, grassland abundant in kangaroo grass and wildflowers during spring/summer and wetlands over bridges and boardwalks with picnic amenities provided along the way. Gary Deane president of the ‘Friends of the RES’

committee of management said after almost 26 years of hard work, they now have a beautiful bushland reserve that is enjoyed by an average of around 1200 – 1500 visitors a week. Gary was born and raised in Traralgon and played on the reserve as a child.

“It was an open paddock with water and a few trees then and it was a play area for just about all the kids in Traralgon. Most people knew it as Kick Horse Canyon, Dead Horse Canyon or the Chasm.” He said in the 1990s, his father Bert Deane, who became a founding member of The RES Friends Group, could see the area was under the threat of housing development and wanted to protect it, so

Young visitors enjoying the reserve on bikes

Bird hide

104

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

he organised a petition and took it to council. The council accepted the proposal and have supported the project practically and financially ever since. To avoid the ongoing high cost of developing and maintaining a botanical park, it was decided the area would be developed as urban natural bushland to encourage environmentally low impact recreation for the Latrobe City community. “Steve Kurec who was then council liaison officer helped us put together the friends group and both he and his successor Simon Clark have supported us whole heartedly for many years. The reserve has also had enormous support from our corporate sponsor International Power GDF-Suez.” The reserve land was once part of Hobson’s run. It became crown land in 1880 and the Victorian Railways built the reservoir to supply their steam

Purple swamp hen

The information shelter

Footbridge over wet gully

Dusky moorhens

Eurasian coot

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

105

THE TRARALGON RAILWAY RESERVOIR CONSERVATION RESERVE Aerial view of the reserve supplied by Friends of the RES committee of management

train engines. “A pipeline with valves on the dam wall siphoned the water over the dam and down to the south side of the railway station into large elevated tanks. Steam locomotives from Sale filled up with water to raise steam and went to Melbourne.” During the early 1920s, The Fish and Game Society requested permission from the railways to stock the reservoir with trout and held fishing competitions and from 1923 to 1939, the area was used as a golf course. Later it became part of Hobsons Park Hospital grounds until it was eventually passed to the Traralgon City Council. “At one stage, the land was also leased out to farmers but it was never cropped or improved and still had native grasses,” Gary said. “The plants we’ve put in are all indigenous to the area but we’ve left a few exotic species that were planted many years ago because people remember them.

One of many picnic tables provided throughout the reserve

The overflow of water from the reserve which is part of the West Gippsland Catchment runs over the weir, through the canyon and into the Traralgon Creek. “The paths in the reserve were put in from day one. The next major task was the construction of Deane’s Bridge near the front of the canyon that was named after my parents. Others were the southern bridge over a wet gully and the board walk over a swampy area built in 1996.”

“The reserve also links with bicycle paths and we have a bicycle rack so visitors can lock up their bike and go for a walk. We’ve built a new pathway to the southern area and we are putting in a new bridge with assistance from ‘Lend a Hand’, a work training program for people who are unemployed.” Gary said people love the reserve. “Most visitors seem to appreciate and respect it and it’s well looked after.” See their Facebook page for more information. Photographs by Wendy Morriss

In 2005, a new wetland area was established in the north-east corner of the reserve and in 2006, the committee won an international award sponsored by International Power and Loy Yang B Power Station. It provided funds to carry out an ecological assessment, create a series of educational panels with the history and conservation of the reserve and the construction of an information shelter where the panels are displayed.

Gary Deane president of the ‘Friends of the RES’ committee of management on Deane’s Bridge

Dusky moorhen and chick

The canyon

106

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

s w e i v e ook R

read the rest myself. For me, that was a huge challenge. But I did it. Thereafter, Mark and I have loved sharing everything we read. We've become quite eclectic readers. There was always something new to discover and share. Now 20 years on, we find ourselves sharing ideas and books with members of our local community, something we find hugely rewarding. Today, thank you to the kind efforts of Doug and the team at Gippsland the Lifestyle, we have the opportunity to share some great ideas and stories with you.

If someone had of asked me 20 years ago if I would like to help run a book shop I would have smiled politely and said "I don't think I'd be very good at it". Although there were a few books that I had enjoyed reading, I was not really a reader. It was my husband Mark who really introduced me to the love of reading. He read "The Hobbit" and then started reading "The Lord of the Rings" to me. After getting halfway through the bind-up of all three books (1069 pages), he told me that if I wanted to know what happened next I'd have to

French Rhapsody by Antoine Laurain The first book we read by French author Antoine Laurain was "The President's Hat". Set in France in the 1980's it is the story of a hat as it passes from the possession of one character to another. Daniel is the first character to come into contact with the hat after the French President at a restaurant left it behind. After effectively stealing the hat, Daniel feels that his life is moving in better directions. Daniel is understandably upset when he accidentally leaves the hat behind on a train and is concerned that his good luck will run out

if he doesn't get the hat back. Each of the characters that come into contact with the hat is changed in some way and there is a fabulous little surprise at the end. Antoine Laurain's second book translated into English was "The Red Notebook". In this story a bookseller tries to find the owner of a handbag, his only clues come from a red notebook found in the handbag. His third book, due out this summer, is called "French Rhapsody". It will be much anticipated given how much we enjoyed the last two books.

Escape to Pagan by Brian Devereux An incredible true story of one family's struggle of survival against overwhelming odds in World War Two in Hong Kong and Burma. Jack Devereux (the authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father) is shot through the head and lying unconscious. He awakens momentarily just as a Japanese officer is about to behead him, and manages to kill his wouldbe executioner. His head now swarming with maggots he survives capture because the Japanese are both impressed and fascinated by his wounds. Alive, but

seriously injured, he then goes on to experience and escape the sinking of the Lisbon Maru, the sharks of the South China Sea, the mines of Nagasaki and the atom bomb. Meanwhile Jack's wife (Kate), mother (Harriet) and their young son (the author) have their own story of survival as they flee their home and forage in the jungles passing themselves off as native Burmese. Their destination is the deserted and mystic city of Pagan.

Australian Beekeeping Manuel by Robert Owen Robert Owen's passion for bees and beekeeping has, over the years, seen his hobby become a profession allowing him to educate and supply beekeepers all over Australia. After seeing the need for a comprehensive but easy-to-follow manual for beekeepers from all levels of experience, Robert spent quite a few years researching and preparing to write this brilliant, highly illustrated

book. This book is very thorough. It covers a brief history of beekeeping, some bee biology, information on equipment, where to obtain bees, hive management and disease, preparing honey, growing bee friendly gardens, information on keeping native Australian bees and much more. As beekeeping becomes increasingly important and popular this is just the book we need.

Riyria Revelations Series by Michael J. Sullivan After having over 100 rejections for previous stories he had written, Michael tried to give up writing. But after 8 years found he couldn't resist the itch to write again. He promised himself that he would write just for himself, his friends and family; particularly his 13 year old daughter who had dyslexia. These stories turned out to be the "Riyria Revelations". Impressed by his work, Michael's wife decided to try getting them published. After a lot of drama and some self publishing, his stories

Reader's Emporium 121 Franklin St Traralgon Victoria 3844 Ph 03 5176 4620 ~ www.readersemporium.com.au

were eventually picked up and sales took off. There are three books in this fantasy series, "Theft of Swords", "Rise of Empire" and "Heir of Novron". Michael describes them as "fun adventures about loyalty and friendship", and although they are aimed at an adult audience they are also suitable for teens to read. Michael is working on releasing a new series called "Legends of the First Empire".

"Ideas Worth Sharing" thelifestyle summer 2016/17

107

Margaretaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four best-selling novels

MARGARETA

is the voice of the bush A beautiful property in Gippslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high country with a magnificent view over Lake Glenmaggie and its weir is home for our own extremely popular and wonderfully endearing novelist Margareta Osborn. By Wendy Morriss

108

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

MARGARETA OSBORN When she has the time, she enjoys reading novels by other Australian authors

The talented number one best-selling Australian author is and always will be a country girl with a strong sense of family, community and a passion for rural life, which she paints so beautifully and authentically through the pages of her books. Margareta’s thoroughly engaging novels are Bella’s Run, Hopes Road, Mountain Ash and Rose River published by Random House Australia in print and eBook formats. She is now writing her fifth novel and seventh book titled Lake Hill, which will be released on the first of May, 2017. Her other two books are eBook novella’s, which she said are short novels of around 35,000 words. One titled A Bush Christmas was published by Random House. The other titled The Cowboy was created as part of a novella series with three other Australian authors and published by Tule Publishing Group in America. She said eBooks started to become popular shortly after Bella’s Run was published, which was her first Australian number one best seller. She was then asked by her publisher if she had anything in the cupboard that could be published in a digital format and if not could she write something, which is when she wrote A Bush Christmas. It was released internationally and became Australia’s number one best-selling eBook.

“After it was published, I received emails and messages on posts and Facebook from my beautiful readers wanting the rest of the story. I talked to my publisher and she was happy to publish a full length book from it so it became the first third of my next novel Rose River and it was released in the top five.” Margareta has also just sold both Rose River and Lake Hill as audio books. “It’s so exciting,” she said.

“Audio books have become a big thing these days. People who don’t have time to sit down and read books are now listening to them. I’m just so pleased that Rose River and Lake Hill have both been picked up.” As well as being an author, Margareta is also a fifth-generation farmer, a wife and a mother of three children. She grew up on a dairy farm in Gippsland in a place called Tinamba where her family settled 153 years ago and where she first became interested in writing. “It was during the early 80s when I was about 12 years old,” she said. “Our farm was going through a drought and my job was to take a grey Fergie tractor with a little Furphy tank on the back and water all the farm trees. It was an extremely boring job for a

12 year old so I went down to the homestead at the other end of the farm where my grandmother lived and in the old book case there, I found a series of books called The Billabong Books by Mary Grant Bruce. She was an author who had lived in the same area and I loved these books, I just loved them because she made the Australian landscape come alive to me. As a kid I used to ride my horse every weekend all over the countryside with some of my cousins and I was effectively riding over the country she had written about in her books. Her stories were all set in the same area, which was just incredible to a 12 year old farm girl who loved reading. It was then that I thought I just want to be able to do this one day. I want to write a book. “Later when I was 21 and travelling through Sydney in a ute, as you do, with swags in the back, I heard about a Romance Writers of Australia Conference and Australian author Di Morrissey was speaking. She had just released a book called Heart of The Dreaming, which was almost a modern take on Mary Grant Bruce’s books. I talked to Di who was a real inspiration and she encouraged me to write my book but it was a long time afterwards before I did.” After the breakup of her first marriage and the death of her mother, Margareta left Gippsland with her seven-year-old son and went to Queensland

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

109

Margareta at work writing her next novel

Entrance to the property is through a long driveway

for a year to work on a cattle station. “Wanting to write a book was consistently in the back of my mind but I knew I had to be authentic and to do that I needed to live a farming life that was different to the one I had in Gippsland.” Not long after returning to Gippsland, she remarried and had two more children. By the time their youngest child was ready for kindergarten, Margareta had completed a Diploma in Natural Resource Management and worked in the field, which she said involved a considerable amount of writing. Then in 2008, she started writing her first novel. “After writing half the book I decided I needed to learn more to be able to craft it into a really good novel. I’m very much a person that does things 150 per cent.” She attended Writer’s Victoria, Wheeler’s Hill Centre in Melbourne for two years where she not only learnt the craft of writing but also about the business and the publishing industry. “During that time I wrote Bella’s Run,” she said. “After being rejected by a publisher, I set about pulling it apart and putting it back together again and then honing it to within an inch of its life. I got

myself an agent who put it out to three publishers and on the last day of the course, I was able to tell the tutor that I had a publishing contract with Random House Australia. It was my birthday and I was in the supermarket shopping when my agent called with the news. It was so amazing. I was so excited and I let out a little scream.”

Much of the research Margareta does for her books is hands on and often during family trips. For the novel Hopes Road, she interviewed boundary riders on the dog fence in North Western New South Wales, then a station owner above Alice Springs and a wild dog trapper in Gippsland.

She said her novels are character driven and the setting is important. She has always lived and worked on farms, which is why her books are based in rural places. “In the stories, we start somewhere else and come home to Gippsland and mostly in the high country because that’s what I love and it’s where my roots are. We have everything in Gippsland and I just love to tell people about it in story form.”

In her novel Mountain Ash, there is a large bushfire, which she said was based on the Aberfeldy-Donnelly’s Creek bushfire in 2013 that she fought herself as a volunteer fight fighter. She also used some insight she gained from people who were burned out in Seaton that generously shared their terrifying experience.

The characters she uses in her stories come completely from her imagination and she said they tend to take over the storyline while she’s typing. “I start with what I think is going to happen and then I have no idea what’s going to happen next. I get very involved in the story and I go on the emotional journey as well.”

“I have spent my life battling floods in Tinamba as well and that’s in my books so the stories are drawn from real experiences. “Last year my husband and I took two of our children to the Pilbara for the mustering season to help a friend who has a 200,000-hectare cattle station. My husband was truck driver, station

MARGARETA OSBORN

Margareta is a country girl with a passion for rural life

110

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

View of the farm from the front of the home

Margareta’s father’s Jersey cross heifers on the farm

hand and bore runner, I was station hand and cook and the two children helped everywhere. It was something we both wanted to do and it was also research for my next novel.” She said the actual writing process is hard work and it has to fit in around her other commitments but she loves looking at the finished book. “I look at it and think my goodness I actually created this story and it’s a wonder to me really. “An extraordinary amount of time goes into promoting the books. I’m a shy person essentially that’s used to wandering around the farm with my dog but I know for the books to be successful that’s what I need to do. I feel incredibly lucky to have wonderful book sellers who are supportive especially in Gippsland. My publisher and I have developed an incredible trust, she is superb to work with, my husband is wonderfully supportive and my agent is amazing.” The enormous success Margareta has had is something she never expected when she first started writing. “It’s a nice feeling when people enjoy something you have created. I feel so honoured and grateful when people take time out of their busy lives to read my books. It’s so lovely of them.” Photographs by Wendy Morriss

View of the weir from the property boundary at the back of the home

Margareta at work on the farm with her kelpie and other small dog

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

111

Country-style Restaurant

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

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

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

Tel: 5628 5227

Little Flea Store Neerim South

Regular Opening Hours Tuesday-Friday: 9.00am-4.00pm Saturday: 9.00am-2.00pm

December Trading Hours Saturday - Wednesday: 9.00am-5.00pm Thursday - Friday: 9.00am-7.00pm find us on facebook

Home Gift Garden

2/125 Main Road, Neerim South 3831 email: Littlflea@live.com.au / phone: 0409 530 368

see & follow us on instagram

ALTERNATIVE HEALING Online Booking Claim Health Insurance healersshack.com mysticgypsyshop.com Remedial massage by Brad bookings essential Holistic Meditation sessions also available A range of various alternative therapists Hours Monday to Friday: 10.00am to 8.00pm Weekends by appointment only

3 Williams Square, Warragul, Vic 3820 Remedial Therapist Brad Osler | 0408 352 577 Em: healers.shack@live.com.au

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

113

west gippsland

SUMMER in

with

LAURIE COLLINS

Well its summer and its getting warm and hot and warm and hot etc etc… Global warming … it is supposed to be the hottest year etc. but there are still other things to do than just lie under the air conditioner or simply go to the beach. Let’s see, here are some that come to mind.

clears out so that fairies take over Civic Park in Warragul 4:00pm and 7:00pm - Outdoors in Civic Park, Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company. www.wgac.com.au

Rokeby Market is also on and the following Saturday (16th) is of course Warragul Arts Market (and farmers market and also Drouin Farmers Market).

Sunday 18th is Pakenham Community Market. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au

DECEMBER

Xmas and New Year’s days are both Sundays in this holiday break and I imagine there will be lots of places catering for lunch and dinner on those days…. Book now at your favourite venue.

The Red Tree Gallery Jindivick during January has the wonderful Robyn Rinehart with a mixture of paintings of machinery, pastels and digital art. There is the Frankston Waterfront Festival at pier promenade from Saturday 14th and 15th and as the sand sculptures are down there too, that should be a fun thing to get involved in. www.frankston.vic.gov.au

At the Red Tree Gallery Jindivick for all December, local artist Ros Godman is having an exhibition of large panels featuring groups, flocks, mobs and other multiple words of different animals and birds. www.lauriecollins.com.au For more art, Sale Gallery has some “Weird Ceramics” and “The Dark Passenger” by Jordan Wood with collage, sculpture and installations. It did start in November but it is going most of this month. www.wellington.vic.gov.au

Boxing day (26th) usually sees people dress up for the Drouin Picnic Races and this is a great way to enjoy a local fun event. www.countryracing.com.au Beyond the Valley festival at Lardner park is back again from 28th December to the 1st January with all the hiccups of last year sorted out. 60 acts or so going over four days, book early as about 16000 people are going! www.lardnerpark.com.au

Saturday 3rd is Jindi Market (8am to 1pm) and also Baw Baw Arts Alliance presents Trafalgar Arts Market at Trafalgar railway station (due for some good weather this month).

Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th is the Longwarry Heritage Truck & Vehicle Display including Steam and Stationary Engines/Swap Meet/ Markets and in Latrobe there is a Street Machine Show. (Brmm Brmm…) Drouin has its fantastic Ficifolia Festival over the 4th to the 12th with a street parade at 5pm on the Saturday 11th. This also includes the Ficifolia Art Show at the footy clubrooms. www.ficifoliafestival.org.au

As well as a Town Garage Sale at Tynong and a potted Opera at Glenfyne Gardens. Even though its set in the gardens I don’t think it involves pot plants. www.cordeliaspottedoperas.com.au

Saturday 10th is of course Rokeby Market and Sunday 11th is Koo Wee Rup Market as well at the West Gippsland Chorale at Wesley of Warragul or Swordcraft and Archers’ Grand Prix in Latrobe. www.latrobe.vic.gov.au From the 16th to the 23rd Sand Sculpting Australia in Frankston is having a Xmas festival (sanda claus?) followed up by “Lands of Imagination” from Boxing Day. Saturday 17th is the Drouin Farmers Market and in a different town, Warragul Farmers Market (and the arts market also), but the market

114

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

On Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th at Neerim Rec Reserve (not Neerim South) is the 100th Annual Neerim District Show and if you haven’t been to a country show before, this is a delight. www.neerimdistrictcountryshow.com

FEBRUARY

Sunday 4th is Longwarry Market and this is the last for three months as it does not occur in January or February. Also on the Sunday is Renaissance Warragul Xmas Pageant from 2.15pm. www.wesleyofwarragul.org.au

For more singing keep an eye and ear out for all the Carols by Candlelight over these weeks.

Of course Australia Day is on the Thursday 26th and of course there will be lots of picnics, concerts and events associated with this.

Other New Year’s Eve (Saturday) activities include the Downtowner in Warragul and a community event in the park at Sale for all the family. www.warragulclub.com.au

JANUARY On Saturday 7th the Lyrebird Arts Council presents the Summer of Soul again at Mossvale Park (on the road between Mirboo Nth and Korumburra) and this is a great venue and wonderful concert featuring Lake Street Dive, Felix Riebl (from the Cat Empire) and Mali singer Vieux Farka Toure as well as others. www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

Saturday 4th also has the Mt Eliza Music Festival 12pm start at the Mt Eliza village and this has so many acts spread over so many venues you will need jet powered rollerskates to see them all! www.mtelizamusicfestival.com Saturday 18th sees Rock in the Park happen again at Lardner Park. From 2pm to 8pm (no rocks there… just nice green stuff) and Sunday 19th sees the Moe Racing Club put on Horses and Horsepower. For the horsily inclined (is that even a word?) the Red Tree Gallery Jindivick has a show of horse paintings and drawings all February by Roni Schell. Rosedale Speedway on Saturday 25th is having a Sports Sedan State Title Race. They also have other events in December and January if you are interested (I won't mention noise). www.rosedalespeedway.com.au

That’s the events I can find at present but there is even more around than this… and of course a swim in Blue Rock Lake is a must and I’m sure a Barbie will be on the cards somewhere. Have a great summer and find some art somewhere. Good on ya

Blue Rock Lake

See ya next issue. Good on ya.

Laurie Sculpture Garden & Red Tree Gallery

www.lauriecollins.com.au

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

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

DECEMBER In December, Ros Godman is having her first show at the Red Tree Gallery. The aim for the exhibition is to show the wonder of nature through multiple panels depicting wildlife in action in mobs, as seen in nature not as individuals. Pelicans by Ros Godman

JANUARY This show is followed in January by the multi-talented Robyn Rinehart. Robyn also paints nature especially animals and her exhibition will involve paintings, pastels and digital art and featuring some fascinating paintings of machinery.

FEBRUARY February also sees animals portrayed again with Roni Schell showing her depictions of horses and riding. Paintings, drawings and other media will be on show as Roni captures the movement and grace of these lovely animals.

420 Main Jindivick Road, Jindivick VIC 3818 Phone 5628 5224 Email lcollins@dcsi.net.au thelifestyle summer 2016/17

115

The Sect of the Four Winds approached the Hidden Valley along a narrow mountain track where they encountered the Children of the Raven on the slopes of the mountain they call Ung’adesh. The Sect immediately declared the Ravens heretics to be purged, while the Ravens saw the benefit of relieving the newcomers of their valuables.

a social environment where you can meet likeminded people.”

It sounds like an excerpt from a fantasy novel or the setting for the latest blockbuster from HBO, but Live Action Role Play (LARP) scenarios such as this are played out by enthusiasts in Gippsland every fortnight, with each encounter adding to the narrative of the Hidden Valley saga.

“The people who run this have been really helpful; explaining the rules, helping us learn what to do and have been really inclusive. It’s easy to join, there are no requirements and it’s easy to pick up, even if you haven’t done anything like it before.”

Thanks principally to the efforts of Traralgon couple Anthony and Darah Bennett the small, informal local LARP training group has grown over the past few months to be a fully-fledged Gippsland subsidiary of Swordcraft, with forty to fifty participants at each event and interest increasing all the time. Swordcraft has been running in Melbourne since 2012 and regularly attracts over four hundred participants to its Friday night games, and the LARP phenomenon has thousands of adherents throughout Europe and North America.

So, what's it all about? Swordcraft describes itself as a “Medieval Live Action Battle Game and LARP where players fight with reinforced, realistic looking foam rubber weapons and padded arrows.” Players wear medieval fantasy costume gaining inspiration from history, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Warhammer, World of Warcraft and even Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

116

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Mak had started the previous week: “I know someone who has done Swordcraft before, saw the practice session in Traralgon and joined in.” It’s as easy as that.

Anthony and Darah were first attracted to the LARP weapons displayed at a convention in Melbourne about three years ago. “I love medieval history, lore and sword fighting,” says Anthony. “We were handed a flyer which basically said ‘if you like these weapons, you can use them at Swordcraft’,” explains Darah. “Hubby checked it out and I quickly followed suit; just turned up on the day, completed the required training and joined a warband.” Many have come to the sport through online roleplay gaming (RPG) and like the idea of putting on a costume they have researched and probably made themselves and ‘doing it for real’. “This is an attraction,” says Mak of Traralgon “it’s a fun, play-like activity with a physical fitness aspect and a lot of costume and role-play, but it’s also

Indeed, new players don't need anything to start; Gippsland Swordcraft has a quantity of weapons to lend and basic training is provided before each event. In addition, advanced training and practice sessions are held regularly and each warband has costume basics, shields, etc. to equip participants who wish to ‘run’ with them. Patrick of Tanjil South is one of the more experienced participants. He has been playing for over twelve months and began when he saw coverage of a Swordcraft event in the local press. “I thought ‘that looks like fun’, went into the city to do my first night of ‘newbie’ training, and away we went. I still go to Melbourne as often as I can but the warband I belong to; Dragon Corps, now has a branch out here” (in Gippsland). Patrick’s character goes by the name Padraig Gahain. “I’ve cheated a bit,” he explains “it’s the Gaelic version of my real name.” Everyone I spoke to mentioned the social and inclusive nature of their Swordcraft experiences. Patrick admits he’s not normally a ‘people person’. “A lot of the people who come to Swordcraft aren’t social creatures, so when you get a bunch who don’t like to socialise all together, and they feel

By Martyn Kemp comfortable, something awesome happens; they actually socialise, and you can do random Monty Python quotes and everybody gets it! There is a sense of belonging; everybody wants to belong to something and if you get to hit people with swords, it’s even better!” But, of course that’s not all you can do: “A lot of people don’t come along to hit people with swords; some come to heal people who have been hit with swords,” Patrick continues, “you can be almost anything you want; a warrior, a battle mage or a healer mage, an archer – there are never enough archers” and there are Non-Player Character (NPC) roles too, by which you can support your warband without actually fighting. Then there’s ‘the dark elf under the mountain’, Wraith Darkwood, also known as Janette, one of the Gippsland Swordcraft board members. Her day began with a trip to the local Police Station to

advise them a host of characters were about to set upon each other with foam weapons in a local park – just in case anyone got the wrong impression and reported an incident. The Constable behind the desk, coming off a double shift, wondered if she was seeing things as an elf, complete with pointed ears, casually strolled into the station! Janette’s been playing for over a year; “friends, exercise and craft skills” are some of the benefits gained, “meeting up with like-minded people and all doing something you enjoy that’s different from the norm, it’s a great way to get out in the fresh air.” Emily from Callignee is another relatively new player although she has been playing since the inception of Gippsland Swordcraft. She comes from a theatrical background with an interest in sword fighting and belongs to the Berg Krieger, or ‘mountain warriors’, clad in blue and black: “My main job is to protect our Bard,” one of the NPC

roles, “it’s really good having family and friends joining in, it’s a lot of exercise, but being with friends is the most enjoyable part.” There are undoubted health and fitness benefits to this activity with the game providing the incentive for players to get out and exercise; something many would not otherwise do. An online character accumulates Experience Points (XP) and levels up, automatically acquiring new skills and greater physical attributes. At Swordcraft, however, if you want to get better you have to improve your fitness, strength and weapon skills yourself. This is normally achieved through practice and playing, but it has been known for some keener players to start going to the gym! A certain level of stamina is necessary to participate for the entirety of the average three hour game event, especially if wearing armour,

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

117

but this should not discourage anyone as the activity is not constant; you are able to go at your own pace, there are frequent breaks between games for field marker placement, explanations and tactical discussions as well as the necessary down-time when ‘dead’. The game may constitute a substantial workout for the average player, but everyone has so much fun, nobody seems to notice . . . until later maybe. I spoke to Richard from Sale after the first game which he described as “pretty engaging”. As a new player, or ‘newbie’ as they are affectionately known, Richard underwent 20-30 minutes of training: “We learned the basic moves, ran through the rules and made sure we were striking safely, then I joined a warband.” Richard now plays as Gerrard Lapidus in Les Chevaliers Sans Chevaux, or ‘knights without horses’, a medieval-themed warband in yellow and black heraldry. Players receive between a minimum of three and a maximum of fifteen ‘hit points’ calculated from the amount and type of armour worn; three hit points being completely unarmoured and fifteen being almost encased in steel plate armour. Under Swordcraft rules single-handed weapons such as the ubiquitous standard sword cause three points of damage with a hit to the torso and one point with hits to the limbs. Strikes to the head, hands, feet and groin are illegal and do not score; protection of these areas is still recommended however, as accidents do occur. Strikes by weapons reduce ‘hit points’ until, at zero, a player is encouraged to role-play a theatrical ‘death’ or at least go down on one knee as a ‘casualty’. But even then all may not be lost; a player may have full health restored by a healer character who can perform a thirty-second ritual thereby allowing the player to continue. The game is governed by strict rules enforced by a marshal to ensure safety of participants; all weapons, equipment and armour is checked before being allowed onto the field and players are taught how to calibrate their strikes so as to make a hit obvious to the target without causing pain. As Michael from Bairnsdale says “it’s as close as we can get to reality without doing serious injury”. Michael plays as Hadvar with the Children of the Raven, a Viking warband with a Native American twist, along with warband leader and board member ‘Anfernee’, or Rowgar Corpsemaker, also from Bairnsdale.

118

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

“I was invited to Melbourne Swordcraft and, as a fan of the fantasy genre, thought I would give it a try, and I haven’t looked back since.” ‘Anfernee’ has invested in a suit of 1.2mm plate mail armour. “As a fan of heavy armour,” he explains “it can be a little costly, but with proper care it (the armour) can last quite a while, and nothing makes you feel as invincible as being clad in steel. Also, fighting in 23kg of armour for two to three hours is a great way to keep fit and active.” Hans, from Gormandale, who fought with Crowe’s Cutthroats on this occasion, agrees it can be quite expensive if you want the good-looking armour and authentic kit. “I spent a few hundred dollars on a stainless steel micro ring-mesh chainmail shirt, but it is very durable and quite lightweight, being a third of the weight of traditional chainmail, very flexible and looks quite good.” Hans also purchased his own weapons spending nearly $200 each for topquality, stylish swords of elven appearance. Patrick warns against being too hasty to buy a sword. “Just keep renting one until you decide what to buy and don’t buy on impulse. I made the mistake of buying a ‘cheapy’ at first.” But if you’re willing to spend $100 - $150 on a decent sword that will pass the safety standards and stand up to the rigours of regular combat, it will give much better value for money. As Janette points out: “it’s just like any hobby, you can spend a lot of money, but you love doing it anyway.” “It’s a small price to pay,” adds ‘Anfernee’ “for the amount of intense fun you get to have at Swordcraft.” On the other hand, a realistic, serviceable kit can be assembled reasonably cheaply. There are often second-hand pieces of equipment and costume on the market and op-shops are a constant source of costume basics. Even some every-day clothing can be quite easily restyled or augmented to give a medieval appearance, and many players have developed their sewing and other skills at frequent group craft days. Gippsland Swordcraft is hopeful of a continued increase in numbers with the possibility of hosting weekend quest events in the future. “It’s fantastic how fast it has grown,” says Anthony “and it shows that it’s something people want and are willing to get behind.” Darah says, “having the game in Gippsland means more people can be involved in the hobby. We

hope to evolve the game locally to match the city.” ‘Anfernee’ has been impressed by the enthusiasm shown by people coming into the local group. “Seeing the new people starting their first LARP at Gippsland Swordcraft takes it back to the grassroots level where new ideas and concepts can spring up. I am very excited to see the local community grow and can’t wait for all the creative possibilities.” Janette is proud of what has been achieved in such a short time. “We’ve all worked hard to get where we are and will continue to do so. It’s for the community, the participants, their families and friends; it’s a wonderful thing. What I’d like to see is for our local chapter to go up to Melbourne Swordcraft and give some of the big warbands there a run for their money!” Gippsland Swordcraft; the Live Action Role Play and Medieval Fantasy Battle Game, hold events each fortnight at Agnes Brereton Reserve in Traralgon and regularly attend local community events such as the Moe Apex / Lions Bonfire, Wellington Shire Parks Week, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and Geekfest at Coal Creek, Korumburra. Details can be found through the group’s facebook page, or enquire by email to: gippslandlarp@hotmail.com Back on the slopes of Ung’adesh, the Sect were eventually able to force a way through and enter the Hidden Valley. However, this achievement was at considerable cost to themselves, and to the mountain itself, which was all but destroyed. The Ravens have sworn to exact terrible revenge and Wraith Darkwood, ‘the elf who is no longer under the mountain’, has not been seen since . . . Photographs by Wendy Morriss

WINE DOWN BAR COFFEE

&CORNER

Drive thru or sit in for coffee, toastie and orange juice.

Mon-Tues 5.00am-5.00pm Wed-Fri 5.00am-8.00pm Sat-Sun 6.00am-3.00pm

TAPAS BAR, TAPAS IS COMPLIMENTARY WITH EACH DRINK, OUTDOOR AREA WITH BIG SCREEN TV FUNCTIONS, BUSINESS PRESENTATIONS, BIRTHDAYS, ANY EXCUSE FOR A PARTY!

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday ~ Open until 8.00pm

CNR OF PRINCES HWY AND CHURCH ST, TRARALGON 3844 PHONE: (03) 5176 4970

SURVIVING THE END OF YEAR SILLIES As we approach the end of another year, with Christmas decorations already in the shops and the weather finally getting warmer, we encourage you to take time out to think about how to best protect your mental health is what is sometimes called “the silly season”. We sat down with Andre Stewart, an accredited mental health social worker from The Travelling Shrink, to ask his opinions and advice.

TRY TO FIND AND APPRECIATE MOMENTS OF SOLITUDE This time of year can be crazy. Work deadlines, next-year-planning meetings, parties, school concerts, family gatherings, shops being open 24 hours a day, sports break-up parties, trying to plan for school holidays … agh! Some people flourish in these situations and some people get “peopled out” – it is all just too much. If this is you, try to find and appreciate a few moments of solitude a week. At work, instead of chatting in the office tea room after lunch, go for a walk by yourself. At home, let the kids play outside (safely, of course!) or watch a movie while you sit in a different room with a coffee / tea / wine for 10 minutes. Spend 15 minutes by yourself after the kids go to bed, before you start the evening run-around to make sure everything is washed / ironed / packed for tomorrow. This is called “mindfulness” – deliberately stopping to be aware of the situation around you and reflecting upon your feelings and emotions.

DON’T TAKE ANYTHING TOO PERSONALLY Everyone approaches Christmas and the end of the year differently. For some, it is a painful reminder of loved ones no longer here. For others, they’re lining up to buy mince pies and tinsel from the supermarket in September. The bottom line is that, unless you really know the person, it’s impossible to know what emotions and stressors the end of year brings for them, and how they will react to it. Also, some people don’t celebrate Christmas at all, often for religious or cultural reasons, and that’s okay too. So if your colleague refuses to participate in the office Kris Kringle or if your girlfriend has finished her Christmas present shopping by the end of October, try to be sensitive as to the reasons why. Allow them the space to do their thing and support their choices, even if you don’t understand them.

LET YOUR HAIR DOWN AT THE OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY, BUT DON’T PARTY TOO HARD Office Christmas parties can be great for spending time with your work friends in a non-work setting, but if you plan on keeping your job beyond the New Year remember that, technically, you’re still considered to be “at work” during office events. You might be dancing, but you’re still “at work”. Free food and alcohol might sound like a great opportunity to indulge in as much as you can, but nobody wants to get so drunk that they end up dancing on the bar in front of their boss. All the old rules apply – eat first, know your limits and remember the company you’re in.

120

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERINDULGE, PLAN AHEAD AND KNOW YOUR LIMITS Indulgence means “satisfaction” or “fulfilment”. Too often we think only of food or alcohol when we think of over-indulging, but the ability to say “I’ve had enough” also pertains to how much money we spend and how many activities or parties we agree to attend. If you’re a parent, remember that your children’s levels of satisfaction or fulfilment will likely be less than yours. Some events or activities at this time of year are important, even if they’re not “fun”. It is possible to do both the “fun” and the “important” activities, although it will require some forward planning and an accurate assessment of everyone’s limits. Would it be possible to go alone to a family gathering rather than dragging screaming, overtired children coming down from a sugar-high to see great-aunt Doris? If you have double-booked yourself, could you attend both events for a shorter period? If not, don’t worry. Everyone’s been there and your host will understand. Nobody can do everything and at this time of year it’s important to focus enjoying what Christmas and the end of the year means to you.

DON’T OVER-INFLATE EXPECTATIONS Have you ever seen a little kid more excited with the wrapping paper or the box than the present inside? Despite all the commercial pressure to spend money, the magazines showing Christmas trees lit in splendour and glorious feasts being created on every cooking show on TV, Christmas is actually a really great opportunity to pare it back to what really matters to you. So often, the pressure to have the perfect tree / present / dinner / everything actually detracts from the joy of the experience. If the little kids are having a great time running around outside, the teenagers are trying not to laugh at Grandpa as he tells them about a

time when the word “wireless” meant a radio, and the adults are chatting and snacking on cheese and dips, nobody will notice that lunch is 20 minutes later than you had planned or that your gingerbread house is missing a window and looks different to the picture in Donna Hay’s magazine. What they will remember is that everyone had a wonderful time laughing and enjoying everyone’s company (even if it was at poor Grandpa’s expense!).

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF This is probably the most important thing to remember – not only at the end of the year, but always. Christmas is a great time to be busy. The weather is nicer (hopefully!), people have time off work and there is an expectation that gatherings (and frivolities) will occur. The expectation to join the festivities can be consuming. However, Christmas is also a great time of year to take stock and focus on what it is that makes you happy. If you don’t want to go to Christmas drinks with the distant relatives you see once a year or if the thought of putting a Christmas tree in your living room makes you shudder, don’t do it. Don’t be rude, but if you have a choice to do something you also have the right to exercise that choice and decide against it. Part of being an adult is taking steps to actively protect your health, both physical and mental. Looking after yourself flows nicely into looking after the people you love. There’s a generosity that grows in our communities at Christmastime. People undertake ‘random acts of kindness’. There are children busting with excitement, people singing on street corners and, generally, there’s an atmosphere of joy and anticipation. My advice and my wish for you this Christmas season: that you and your loved ones can enjoy what Christmas brings you, and that you move forward into 2017 with happiness and hope. If you’re feeling uncertain about the impending holiday season or if you want to talk to Andre about a mental health matter for you or a loved one, his contact details are on his website www.thetravellingshrink.com

FEELING SAD, STRESSED OR WORRIED ALL THE TIME? SUFFERING FROM NIGHTMARES OR PANIC ATTACKS?

ANDRE STEWART THE TRAVELLING SHRINK COUNSELLING AND SOCIAL WORK SERVICE CAN HELP YOU

“dont worry be happy”

Counselling for individuals, adolescents, children, families and couples Specialist therapy for fire fighters, policemen, ambulance, return servicemen, asylum seekers and security guards.

MEDICARE REBATE AVAILABLE Phone: 0414 151 810

PO Box 1331, Warragul 3820 andre@thetravellingshrink.com

www.thetravellingshrink.com Advertisement

As your representative in State Parliament, I invite you to contact me if I can be of assistance with any State Government matter. My team and I can provide you with advice and assistance on a variety of State Government matters including: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Funding programs and grants Support for community initiatives and projects Raising matters in Parliament Making representations to Ministers Congratulatory messages

Russell Northe Member for Morwell Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs Shadow Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation Post: Ph: Fax: Email: Web:

66 George Street, Morwell, VIC 3840 03 5133 9088 03 5133 9388 russell.northe@parliament.vic.gov.au www.russellnorthe.com.au

Authorised by Russell Northe, 66 George Street, Morwell, VIC 3840

Funded from the Parliament’s Electorate Office and Communications budget

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

121

TRARALGON BOWLS CLUB

Our bistro is open 7 days a week lunch and dinner. Ensure to book to avoid disappointment. TRARALGON BOWLS CLUB... MORE THAN JUST A BOWLS CLUB! Join as a member from as little as $5 per year.

Phone: 5174 2156 Email: reception@traralgonbowls.com.au Cnr of Gwalia St & Liddiard Rd Traralgon Vic 3844 For more information about the Traralgon Bowls Club visit www.traralgonbowls.com.au

MORE THAN JUST A BOWLS CLUB The Traralgon Bowls Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fresh new mouth-watering menu is the perfect solution for any occasion. Whether it is just a night out without cooking, or a Birthday or anniversary celebration you can be assured our talented chefs will create meals to remember. The Traralgon Bowls Club has worked extremely hard on establishing a facility that can accommodate a whole range of members, guest and visitors. Our catering department operates 7 days a week for both lunch and dinner service, with a selection of great value meals there is sure to be something for everybody. Having completed one of the most comprehensive kitchen refurbishments in the Valley, Traralgon Bowls Club can now provide an extensive range of meals. To avoid disappointment at not getting a seat, we strongly encourage all customers to ring in advance and book their table. WINNER Regional Club Bistro of the year

FINALIST Bowls Club of the year

visit www.traralgonbowls.com.au

GARDENING with CraigGoodman Q. When watering trees and plants in summer should I be adding nutrients? A. Fertilising plants is best done in spring and then followed up in early autumn. Summer can be a hard time for many plants and building the plant health before hard time ensures your garden looks as good as possible through the heat. Watering in prolonged dry periods is advised. You should repeat a feeding program in early autumn, as feeding in winter is not effective. There are certain plants such as citrus gardenias and Mediterranean plants, which enjoy a summer feed. Q Which plants should be sheltered from extreme summer sun? A. There are many plants, which do best in partial shade or dappled light. Some include hydrangeas, gardenias, japonica camellias, fuschias, ferns, clivias, azaleas, impatiens, cyclamen and a whole range of ground covers. Call into your local garden centre and ask to see all the other fantastic plant options for the shade areas in your garden.

Q. In your opinion what is the best hedge plants to grow for quick results? A. Hedging plants come in all form and sizes. There are plants for windbreak hedges, lower screening plants for privacy from the neighbours to low hedges used to replace the front fence or provide a border. Tall windbreak trees include some conifer varieties, evergreen natives and good old-fashioned photinias. There are also some large growing lilly pilly varieties. Medium screen plants include conifers, evergreen magnolias, pittosporums, sasanqua camellias, portuguese laurel, osmanthus and a selection of native. Another fantastic addition to the medium screen or hedge is a plant called backyard bliss. This very dense foliage plant provides height to around three metres or so but only to about 1.5 metres wide. The new growth changes colour and growth is moderate to fast. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a low or dwarf hedge dutch box this is excellent. There is of coarse many different forms of box plants to choose from. Dwarf forms of camellia are easily maintained providing abundant flowers in autumn and winter. Daphne eternal fragrance is a newer form of daphne, which grows in full sun flowering with fragrance several times through the year. hope this is helpful.

Craig Q. When is the best time to water the garden in summer? A Watering in the early morning or evening is the best time avoiding the heat of the day. Your plants have time to draw up the water in the least stressful part of the day. You minimise evaporation by watering at these times. Mulching also reduces water evaporation as well as providing cooler root zones and better weed control.

124

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

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

W E A R E Y O U R D E S T I N AT I O N For advice, range and quality. For an experience and a garden encounter that will enchant you. For solutions, inspiration and motivation. Wander through the layers of our beautiful Garden Centre, each step leading you into another chapter of ideas for your home, garden and lifestyle.

Hours | Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm Saturday to Sunday 9.00am - 5.00pm 62 Argyle St, Traralgon Vic 3844 Ph: (03) 5174 2861 Em: growmastertraralgon@yahoo.com.au www.growmaster.com.au/traralgon 125

thelifestyle spring 2014

THE NOOJEE HOTEL 411 MT BAW BAW TOURIST RD NOOJEE 3833 (03)5628 9514 THE THEORY

A local pub with high standards of service and food.

THE LOOK

A large rustic Bistro/Main Bar leads to a large deck that hangs in the air overlooking an expansive lawned play area bordered by the Latrobe River. Magic!

THE FEEL

The Bistro is full and a band is setting up for a midday session. Large groups are catching up on the long bench tables. The space is bright and open and both staff and patrons are having a good time.

THE CREW

Publican Simon Duck has assembled a professional team consisting of Venue Manager Troy, Adam behind the jump and Head Chef Brad in the kitchen. The floor staff and kitchen crew all work hard to keep the welcoming vibe.

THE SERVICE

Classic Pub style. Order at the bar. Take your number and cutlery back to your table. Not typical was the young waitress bringing us the cutlery we had forgotten and then presenting the 3 children with activity bags and crayons. Nothing less than exemplary.

126

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

THE TASTE

House special Pork ribs were sweet, spicy and smoky and happily consisted of more meat than bone. Both the adult and kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pizzas were thin crusted and well weighted with quality Cheese and Ham. The Sticky Date Pudding is delicious and light enough to actually finish! All together a cut above.

THE PRICE

Lunch for 5: 4 craft beers, 1 jug of lemonade, 1 Pork Spare Ribs, 1 Large Pizza, 1 Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pizza, 2 Nuggets and chips, 1 Sticky Date Pudding. $129.20

THE WASH

With so much to do in Noojee a casual lunch can easily turn into a lazy afternoon in this welcoming venue. Review by Stuart Hay

The Healers Shack

by Geoff Watt

"Dad used to do a little bit of work at footy clubs - he was doing massage and rub downs for footy players so we used to have a few footy players come around after footy training." That was the only real connection to natural healing therapies that Brad Osler had growing up around Warragul. And it certainly wasn't an area he was thinking about in the latter years of schooling as he says, "I had planned to be an accountant. I actually didn't mind working with numbers but then when I thought about the bureaucracy and paperwork, well I just couldn't be bothered with all that. So I decided to try a massage course." He doesn't

128

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

believe the idea resonated with him because of his experience with his dad, but he can't really put a finger on why he decided to do the course. Brad studied for six months with Mick and Julie Murphy in Drouin and at the end of it his tutors said, "You better continue with it or we'll hunt you down" (laughs). I guess he must have been a natural who had found his calling. Brad found that he loved being able to help people with their injuries and also enjoyed learning about the therapeutic benefits of massage.

So he went on to study for a further two years at Richmond at the Kangan Batman Institute and found "learning about the human body and how it all functions" fascinating. "While I was studying in Melbourne I worked at heaps of football clubs including Essendon doing massage on training nights and I also did game day massage for Bendigo (Essendon's VFL affiliated club)." All up he was in Melbourne for about three years, but the pull to come home to Gippsland was there and he eventually thought he'd come back to Warragul and try establishing his own mobile massage business.

"I established a good list of clients - from footy clubs to private people in their homes - and called the business 'Midas Touch Healing'. I got an old safety work wear van from my uncle - bright yellow with stripes up the side. I took off the safety work wear stickers but left the colour and the stripes, so it made the business stand out quite well. You couldn't miss it!" Brad's clients were mainly in Gippsland, but some even as far away as Frankston availed of his services. "A bit of business came via word of mouth because I also did festivals in Melbourne and even as far away as Geelong." Around the same time Brad started getting work through a local Warragul gym and started planning to invest in a lease and set up in a shop location. And that is where we see Brad today, in Williams Square where he has been for the past five years. (As a funny little aside, when at High School Brad had originally planned to work in the Accounting Firm that was then in the actual shop that is now the Healers Shack!) The business was known as 'Healers Shack' right from the start, but it was very different to what we see today. Initially it was only Brad, however he soon realised he didn't need all three of the consulting rooms and decided to get other practitioners in to fill them. Brad didn't want to have control over them as a kind of alternative medical clinic but wanted to provide a safe environment for others to practice their therapies. "I wanted to make it easier for other therapists to come along and find a place to practice without being stressed about contracts, etc. So I started renting the spare rooms out to other therapists - as sole traders so they are still their own boss. There are eight of us here now,â&#x20AC;? with therapies including Tukky Traditional Thai Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, Kinesiology, Hehnemann Healing, Country Spirit Yoga, a Health and Wellbeing Counsellor and a Life Coach. Brad's own massage business has grown incredibly over the past few years. I ask Brad to explain a little of what he does, "Most of what I do is trigger point therapy. I'm a remedial therapist so I always search for what the actual cause of the problem is. It usually comes down to what a person is doing most of the time either at work or home with the kids - the repetition - that is the underlying cause of most problems. So it's trying to figure that out and then getting the client to change the way

they do something through either their technique or posture. Fix the actual issue with the muscles and giving them an exercise plan to remedy it."

And how have people embraced such a business in Warragul? "Great. People come in and say 'what's this doing in Warragul? You should be in Byron Bay!' I've started branching out into different products like arthritis creams, tissue salts, oils and things like that because there is a real demand for them." It seems people are increasingly looking beyond mainstream western medicine for answers to ongoing ailments. "A lot of people will go to the doctor for aches, pains or migraines and even infections in their body. I've found a lot of issues like these can be fixed with working on certain muscles.

are constantly overloaded on adrenalin. It's nice to switch off and let all those thoughts go and just concentrate on your body." In the last twenty years science has made incredible advances in researching the ability of the human body to heal or repair itself, given the right nutritional state. But what has also been confirmed is how the emotional state also affects our health. "Most issues are physical issues with regard to posture. But it is all tied into emotion too as if the body is expressing outwardly what you are feeling on the inside. Emotions play a major role in the muscles and the actual organs of the body. An emotion that you carry will force you to hold a certain posture and the muscles will eventually adjust to those positions and become tight. But its more than that too because it also has a real effect on a chemical level. If you are in a certain emotional state that isn't good for you or is negative, then your body is going to continually produce stress hormones. And that makes it very difficult for your body to heal itself." "The hardest thing is people not being able to make the necessary changes to improve their ongoing well-being and health. We are all, to a certain extent, set in our ways and may have been doing the same physical thing or having the same mental processes for many, many years."

Any inflammation of the head (for example sinus, hay fever, vertigo, ear infections, asthma) as well as migraines can be treated through working on muscles in the neck. When there is inflammation in the body it means there is tension coming from certain muscles. Tension in the muscles or the trigger point - where the blood goes into the muscles - means there is a blockage, which then causes a backup of blood that causes issues. And when you do have inflammation in the body, that is the time you tend to get infection because the pores of the tissues open up and then bacteria can set in." The Healers Shack also has meditation classes two nights a week for those so inclined. Brad finds when he does the meditation classes it helps with slowing down his adrenalin and the mental rush of running a business. "I am a big advocate for meditation. We are all in a constant state of go, go, go, which isn't good for our bodies or health. We

Healers Shack 3 William Square, Warragul, 3820. Mob: 0408 352 577 healers.shack@live.com.au Photographs by Wildwood Photography

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

129

THE VALLEY by Geoff Watt

Gippsland is home to the now famous Beyond The Valley Music Festival, which ticks the boxes on all of the above. It is a seriously good Music Festival with close to sixty local and international artists performing on three stages at the beautiful Lardner Park for five days - between 28th December, 2016 to 1st of January, 2017. The festival's quickly gained renown is not only due to the quality and diversity of the performers, it is a seriously well set up and catered for Music Festival in the most perfect location. Lardner Park becomes a sizeable 'town' for five days with three stages of music, a festival site littered with art installations, it's own village market, gourmet food and bars and even morning yoga classes! Camping on site includes luxury Bell Tents, Tipis, even a 'Hammock Park'. There are communal hubs spread out across the site for extra shade, sunscreen, drinking water, showers, phone recharging and full medical facilities. It certainly is not what us older folk had come to experience at Music Festivals last century! Such successful events just don't happen. Yes it starts with a great idea but then a hell of a lot of work has to go into it. There will be many

130

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

'roadblocks' and setbacks along the way. However with determined perseverance, a great idea can become a reality for us all to enjoy. The team behind Beyond The Valley are doing an incredible job - Nicholas Greco, Michael Christidis, Filippo Palermo, Tom Caw and Christian Serrao. I was lucky enough to be able to talk to Nick Greco about his journey to creating and running such a great Music Festival here in Gippsland: GW If I may Nick, I would like to start from the beginning and look at your journey to where you are today. Were you a Melbourne boy growing up? NG Melbourne born and bred. GW Growing up was music always important to you? NG I feel music is important to everyone, whether they realise it or not. So many happy memories are attached to music. Some of the greatest times growing up through school was when we would put on school concerts and spend months planning and preparing.

GW Were you musical or just a good organiser? NG I learned piano all through primary school but at secondary school I was more switched on to the business/accounting side of things and I was a good organiser. I really enjoyed being involved in the process. I always loved story writing and the creative process as well - starting with an idea, fleshing out the detail and making something of it. It was a bit of a rush. GW Your line-up is very eclectic. Who were your favourite bands/artists? NG Jeez itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to put my finger on one! Growing up, my tastes were constantly changing, from hip hop to pop to death metal to indie to dance. GW Did you go to festivals yourself? Was that the genesis of knowing how they could be done better? NG The first festival that I ever went to was Pyramid Rock over New Years in Phillip Island when I turned 18 and I had an amazing time. It was storming and our tent flew away but spending the weekend with your friends and seeing an amazing

How does a music festival become one of the best and most anticipated music festivals in Australia within only its third year of operation? Well it takes a lot of getting things right. First and foremost you have to have a great list of artists to get people wanting to come along. You've got to have a great location: easy to get to from Melbourne, idyllic location, with a natural terrain that allows everyone a good view of the stage. And then when the crowd arrives you have to work hard to ensure that everything runs with precision and that you cater for both their needs and their comfort.

5 directors Second from left - Michael Christidis, Middle - Filippo Palermo, Nicholas Greco, Tom Caw, Third from right - Christian Serrao

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

131

NICHOLAS GRECO

array of locals and internationals can’t be beat. I’ve been to so many other festivals in the eight years since then, but I don’t think that when I was going to them, that I had the thought they could be better - it was more a thought of me wanting to get involved in that industry and energy, and bringing a new concept to life. GW What were the plans, career wise? Did you ever really think you would be doing this? NG This was never on the radar! I actually completed my Bachelor in Accounting/Finance and was in the midst of an internship when I got the itch to have a crack at the music industry. GW I'm interested to know more about the itch. What happened? How does one go from doing an internship to organising a music festival? NG I had finished my degree and went to Pyramid Rock Festival which I just loved. At the festival I met and got to know a young American rap band called Yo Majesty. They were new to the game and were struggling a bit with all the logistical/management side of things and I really wanted to help them out. We exchanged details to keep in touch and a couple of weeks later I fronted up to my nine to five internship and straight away knew that it wasn't what I wanted to do anymore. I had a real passion to be involved in the music industry.

132

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

GW How difficult was it to get the first Beyond the Valley in 2014 up and running? You must have had many struggles and hit many roadblocks, getting your vision of what a festival should be like up and running? NG Very! As we weren’t seasoned festival promoters everyone was a bit weary at the start so it was difficult trying to secure talent and contractors, but things started to come together pretty quickly and we had a lot of support from the industry. GW It's great to hear that you had support from the industry. Who helped you and how? NG Other festival owners were great with advice and contacts. The Big Day Out had just been cancelled and people in the industry thought it was really important to get more music festivals off the ground. They felt that Music Festivals were very important in maintaining the health of the local music industry. Venue owners and contractors were also great with offering good advice to us. GW I love the name 'Beyond The Valley' - what is the idea behind the name? NG It was the idea of the festival taking you beyond your every day life into a new setting and to provide you with new experiences.

GW The first Beyond The Valley was at Phillip Island but then the next year you moved to Lardner Park. Can you tell us a bit about that? NG Phillip Island was always a short-term plan for Beyond The Valley. After year one we went on the hunt to find a home for BTV and Lardner Park was just the ideal location for a camping festival. Literally the second we were on site my partners and I looked at each other and said this is it! GW I must say the attention to detail for the event seems incredible. It really shows an element of care from you guys as promoters. Medical tents located throughout the festival and a market stall village but even things like phone charging stations and 'free water' will be provided. How do you manage to cover so many bases - it must be an incredible logistical challenge and achievement? NG We have the most amazing and dedicated team, and each area is headed up by one of our super talented staff. We also pay huge attention to feedback from patrons. After last year’s Beyond The Valley we actually spent the following week calling a cross section of our customers and finding ways we can improve their experience for this year. We have worked hard this year to ensure that we have improved on everything we can.

GW $1 from every ticket sold goes toward AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience). That is a really nice touch - to give something back. Is this a cause dear to your heart? NG We think it’s really important to keep the event community focused – AIME has a goal of seeing 10,000 indigenous kids through school by 2018 and that’s something we wanted to support and something we feel our patrons will want to support. GW The Bell Tents and Tipis are a great idea. Have they been popular in previous years? NG They’ve sold out every year! Last year we actually had the largest 'glamping' area in the southern hemisphere. Our glamping element has become so large we actually have to have a hotel licence on site. GW It must look incredible at dusk, with the crowd, the three stages, the market stalls, the lake and the tents. NG I personally think it’s more stunning at dawn, when there is a mist across the site and complete silence! Waking up a little bit earlier and taking that all in each morning is definitely a beautiful sight.

GW You are expecting over 15,000 people, so for 3 days you will be the equal second biggest 'town' in all of the 41,000 square kilometers that is Gippsland! (Only Traralgon will be bigger.) And you're the mayor - how does that feel?

GW Any personal favorites that you are looking forward to seeing? NG Definitely Chance The Rapper – a BTV coup!

NG Oh wow I didn’t even realize that! There’s a huge responsibility and we don’t take it lightly.

GW And finally, are there any uncovered gems you have found that are about to be unleashed to an unsuspecting public?

GW You have an incredible and diverse line-up of both local and international acts.

NG Lastlings are one not to miss – they’re actually now managed by one of the BTV partners.

NG I think we’re just shy of 60 acts on our main lineup – a BTV record! Our stages are split up into the main-stage, dance pavilion and central park. It’s a mix of genres across all three stages. We try and time it so that people should be able to catch a bit of everything.

GW Thanks Nick. So Lardner Park will become a tent and tipi town for a wonderful five days of music and colour. If you happen to have a ticket to this event you will not be disappointed.

GW How do you access such a line-up? I guess once you have a festival that is so popular it is a bit easier. Do they approach you now? NG It’s a bit of both. I speak regularly with all the booking agents and there’s a lot of meetings constantly happening to keep up to date with what their artists are doing. We generally work about a year in advance too so there’s a lot of forward thinking. If Beyond The Valley fits in with an artist's touring plans they will quite often get in touch with us and try and get onto the line-up.

Beyond The Valley 28 Dec 2016 to 1 Jan 2017 Lardner Park, Warragul www.beyondthevalley.com.au Photographs courtesy of Beyond the Valley

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

133

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.

recipe

Singapore Style Noodles Chef Brent Sinclair Ingredients

Method

300gm chicken mince 1 fresh chilli, chopped finely 2cm fresh ginger, grated 3 garlic cloves, grated 250gm dried rice noodles, soaked 2 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoon curry powder 1 egg ½ red capsicum, deseeded, thinly sliced ½ green capsicum, deseeded, thinly sliced 6 spring onions, thinly sliced 1 carrot, peeled, thinly sliced ¼ cup oyster sauce Fresh coriander, to serve Fried shallots, to serve

1. Mix chicken mince, chilli, ginger, and garlic in bowl. 2. Heat wok on stove, add oil and heat till just about smoking. Add chicken mixture and fry till brown and broken up. 3. Add curry powder and fry till fragment, add egg and fry. Then add capsicums, spring onion, carrot and fry till tender. 4. Add noodles and oyster sauce, fry till heated through. 5. Remove from heat and place is serving bowl, garnish with fresh coriander and fried shallots. Enjoy

Brent Sinclair

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

134

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

• All Day Breakfast Menu • Daily Specials Menu • Great Coffees & Tea • Cakes & Slices • Caters for Parties • Live Music Once a Month with Tapas • Fully Licensed • Variety of Giftware • Pop Up Shop close by

The Tiny Teapot Café

135 -137 Commercial Street Korumburra, Vic 3950 ph 5655 2605

136

Like us on Facebook

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

The Tiny Teapot CafĂŠ 135 -137 Commercial Street Korumburra, Vic 3950 ph 5655 2605

Variety of Giftware Pop Up Shop close by Like us on Facebook

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

137

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE A STEP ON THE JOURNEY TOWARDS SUPER INTELLIGENT MACHINES By John Turner B.Social Welfare, Master International & Community Development, MAICD, MAAPM In March 2016 when grandmaster and eighteen times world ‘Go’ champion Lee Sedol conceded defeat in the final game of a five game series, there was no opponent to shake his hand. He had just been beaten 4-1 in a thrilling series against Google’s artificially intelligent computer “AlphaGo”.

For readers who have never heard of the ancient Chinese strategy board game ‘Go’, it is a game that involves two players one with black stones the other with white, which are placed on a board marked out as a grid. The aim of the game is simple enough, to capture as much territory as possible but its deceptively simple rules belie a game of infinite complexity. To illustrate just how complex, it is estimated that the number of possible moves in a game of ‘Go’ exceed the number of atoms in the visible universe! Therefore unlike chess it is impossible to pre-determine a ‘winning strategy’ and requires, at least among humans, a very significant amount of ‘intuition’.

Chess playing computers have been around for a long time, and what makes AlphaGo different is its ability to self-learn. The structure of a human brain involves billions of neurons linked together in complex neural pathways. At the heart of AlphaGo’s astonishing performance are deep neural networks of computer hardware and software that mimic this complex web of neurons in the human brain. With these neural networks, some rudimentary programming about the rules of ‘Go’ and an amazing capacity to analyse enormous amounts of data, AlphaGo has been able to improve its ‘Go’ playing ability. It has done this by playing human opponents and also by playing against itself countless times during which time it has learned from moves it has generated on its own; moves that no human has ever made. The implications of this self-learning artificial intelligence (AI) are profound. It is estimated by some experts in the field of AI that up to

138

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

70% of present jobs will in the very near future be undertaken by AI machines. Technology is advancing at break neck speed and the rate of change is increasing exponentially; every decade heralds change at an ever increasing rate. Yet most of us still think in straight lines, we look back at what has occurred in say the last ten years or so and assume change at the same linear pace. We fail to realise the changing pace of change itself. In bygone centuries new technologies have caused massive upheaval in the workforce while at the same time creating more jobs and more industries. This has been the outcome since the advent of the industrial revolution in the 18th century and continued throughout the 19th and 20th centuries prompting many to believe that this will be the trend going forward. Yet, could this pattern of development be about to change? Self-learning and autonomous technologies will spawn machines that not only become ‘smarter’ over time but will also make logic-based decisions on the basis of newfound knowledge and in the absence of human intervention. Such technology not only threatens manual jobs that can easily be automated but also jobs that require learning and decision making which have hitherto been seen as distinctly human qualities. Knowledge based jobs such as those of lawyers, bankers, doctors, librarians, educators and analysts of all types are under threat. Indeed there are already ‘Expert’ systems operating in health and other fields as adjuncts to aid the professionals in those fields. Surprisingly they are frequently outperforming the professionals themselves. For example in health there are AI based expert systems that are proving to be more consistent and more effective in diagnosing health conditions and making correct decisions about treatment than the health professionals who provided the data and logic for their programming in the first place. AlphaGo’s machine learning capability is underpinned by technologies that are already driving services from Google and other internet giants’ applications such as facial recognition, voice recognition such as Siri and much more; for example most stock market trades are done by computerised systems making autonomous decisions. Yet the capability of these systems will pale in comparison to future systems. There are technological advances in computing which, in a few decades, promise to deliver a level of computing power that is millions of times greater than the largest supercomputers of today. I refer to the potential of Quantum computers, which are some decades away for practical use and also DNA based computing which may be somewhat closer to hand. If this potential is realised then we will truly be on the threshold of super intelligent machines. Artificial Intelligence is a rather broad concept but Tim Urban a renowned author in this field of science categorises it in this way:

Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) - AI that specialises in one area. Examples of this are say the application of robotics in a Car Factory or AI that is able to beat the world chess champion in chess but nothing else. This is where we are at now. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) - refers to a computer that can perform any intellectual task that a human can. Such AI would have a general mental capability, be able to learn quickly from experience and have the ability to reason, plan and solve problems of an abstract nature. Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) - described by Oxford Philosopher Nick Bostrom as “an intellect that is much smarter than the best human brains in practically every field, including scientific creativity, general wisdom and social skills“. With the advent of sophisticated AI such as AlphaGo we seem to be on the way to achieving Artificial General Intelligence and when it eventuates it will change everything. The road to Artificial Super Intelligence is a long road but one many leading philosophers and specialists in AI regard as inevitable. If Artificial Super Intelligence is ever achieved, then its impact on all fields of endeavour will fundamentally change the way we work and live. It could either propel the human species into oblivion or take us to unimaginable heights of human development, but that is a discussion for a future article. References: Bonsor, K & Stickland, J (2016) “How Quantum Computers work” http://computer.howstuffworks.com/quantumcomputer.htm Urban,Tim (2015) “The AI Revolution: The Road to Superintellligence” http://waitbutwhy.com/2015/01/artificial-intelligencerevolution-1.html Open Philanthropy Project (2015) “Potential risks from Advanced Artificial Intelligence” http://www.openphilanthropy.org Open Clinical (2016) “Clinical Decision Support Systems” http://www.openclinical.org/dss.html Moyer, C (2016) “How Google’s AlphaGo beat a go world champion” in The Atlantic http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/ archive/2016/03/the-invisible-opponent/475611/ National Geographic (2016) “Photo Gallery: Brain” http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/ photos/brain/#/human-brain_1001

WONTHAGGI MEDICAL GROUP

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

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

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

OPENING HOURS 42 Murray Street, Wonthaggi

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

25 A'Beckett Street, Inverloch

9.00am - 5.00pm Mon - Fri

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

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

Holiday Season

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

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

search engine marketing Why Do I have to Pay to Get Found on Google? One question clients invariably ask when they approach Image Direct about building a new website is, “How do we get found on Google?” This question is closely followed by “Why do I have to pay to get found on Google?”

Surely People Scroll Down Further? Yep, about 20-30% depending on which source you look at. What this all means is that unless you have a Google AdWords account and are actively advertising you are not going to even be in view of 70-80% of your potential customers. Yikes!

The answer to the latter question is easy enough (given that we're a Google Partner agency specialising in search engine marketing via AdWords) – there's only so much space available freely 'above the fold' that natural search (aka: SEO) loses out to paid positioning. The former, though, requires a bit more in-depth explanation.

Google requires being told that a website is ready to be indexed to begin with. This is the first step after a website is made live or major changes have been applied. The simple solution is to visit Google's Submit Your URL page and do exactly that – Google will crawl the site once submitted. The more-in-depth solution requires use of Google Search Console (formerly Webmaster Tools), once your on-site SEO is fleshed out to the fullest extent possible. Or you can get your friendly neighbourhood web developer to do this for you. Note: There are many good web developers in Gippsland whether you are in Bairnsdale, Leongatha or Warragul or any other part of this great Gippsland region of ours.

What Do We Mean by 'Above the Fold'? This, my friends is why you HAVE to pay to get found on Google. Consider the following image of a typical search on Google for Motels in Warragul. Otherwise known as a SERP (Search Engine Results Page).

What About SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and Natural Searches? This still counts. Not everyone in every business of every industry will be advertising for every minute of every day. But the point is there is only so much real estate on the first page of a Google Search and if you are relying on SEO alone AND your competitors have embraced Google Adwords it's time to seriously start thinking about what Google AdWords can do for you. Or you may very well miss the boat.

In the past, less-honest web developers would place as many meta keywords in the site code as they could get away with, as this was enough to get them found via a search engine. The practice, known as 'keyword stuffing', has since been deprecated as Google has stopped using it as a ranking factor. More recently, on-site SEO requires certain elements to be in place for a given website to be found in Google easily. These involve:

That's it! That is all I can see on my office computer. The line at the bottom of the image, which cuts through the top of the Map of Warragul with Warragul Motel peeking out, is called the 'Fold Line' or 'Scroll Line'. It relates to the old Newspapers such as The Age and The Australian which where large and folded in half. The newspaper sitting on your kitchen table face up would be showing you everything 'above the fold'. That part underneath, facing the table is 'below the fold'.

• meta descriptions (aka Google snippets – the What Do I do Now? While you are still twisting arms to convince your spouse, business partner, upper management that Google AdWords needs to be part of the advertising mix, get your website sorted and AdWords Ready. There are numerous boxes that require ticking off for a site to be considered in a state of readiness to be submitted to Google, and while our builds at Image Direct (and related SEO practices) enable our sites to show in a Google search within an hour of submission, that is only the start of the process.

140

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

What Else Can I Do?

• • • • •

text descriptions you typically see under links in search engine result pages); page titles and keyword theming; copywriting: developing relevant text content and formatting thereof (i.e. use of headings); use of outbound links (where appropriate); schema markup (script that asks Google to cross-reference a website and its related social media); and having contact details on each page.

We have spoken about these in articles before and they still count.

Theming a website helps determine the structure of same. The metadata (the 'Google snippet') should, in best practice, reflect both the on-page theme and convey the contact details of the client website – in effect, acting as a 'mini ad'. The page structure should mirror the themes of the website (and, by extension, the client's business themes), which is encapsulated in the metadata.

Consider the following:

This is NOT an advert. It is clever use of Meta Data and is what comes up in a typical Google Search for 'Business cards Traralgon'. You can do the same with your website.

All of this is what Google considers when a search is carried out via the search engine. You'll notice that when the search results are returned, certain elements are bolded, matching your search query. This is why it is important to have what you want to be found for made explicit in the page title, page text and meta description - at the very least. Using these on-site SEO elements will help you get found on Google, but it is by no means a guarantee of being placed on the first page. Google constantly updates its search algorithm

some 600 times a year (on average), and how those results are displayed is also continuously finessed by Google. A Google My Business sidebar, or Google Maps callout, may be displayed depending on how your query is phrased. This takes up screen 'real estate', and will affect how your website is found in Google Search. Having your website appear 'above the fold' (to borrow from newspaper jargon) on a desktop or smartphone is a minor feat in itself, especially when you take into account how AdWords uses up to 4 of those slots for paid search result placements.

search engine marketing

It may seem like a lot of proverbial balls to juggle, but having the fundamental SEO elements in place prior to developing and running an AdWords campaign reduces the potential of ads costing more than they should, or not being placed as high as they could. Having the cart before the horse – i.e. running AdWords before the SEO elements on the destination website are fleshed out to the best extent possible – could result in burning through your allotted budget far quicker than you'd like. It's not uncommon for clients to approach us and say, “We want to be number 1 in Google for (fill in blank)”. SEO will go a long way towards achieving that, but AdWords – if done right – will make that desire all the more possible.

Jim Radford Image Direct Gippsland www.imagedirect.com.au About the author: Jim's Traralgon based company is Google AdWords Certified and Google Analytics Certified and has been building websites in Gippsland for the past 7 years.

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

141

Sabine and Marcel Widmer – Inline 4 Café

AT MIRBOO NORTH HELD ON SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER The 3rd Blessing of the Bikes focusing on Motorcycle Safety and Awareness organised and hosted by Marcel and Sabine of Inline 4 Café Mirboo North, supported by the most Reverend John. Each year the numbers of riders have grown and this year there was an incredible 8000 bikers or thereabouts and all up approximately12000 people. A huge number of bike riders began from Officer BP for the ‘United 4 All Ride’ led by Aussie David ‘Davo’ Johnson, the Isle of Man Motorcycling Champion.

Pastor John Robertson from Mirboo North

This year’s event is dedicated to those who lost their lives whilst riding. Marcel from Inline 4 Cafe and guest speakers spoke of the sadness and bearing that unnecessary deaths have on family and friends. Photographs by Rachel Louise Musgrove

Senior Constable Allan Piening and Assistant Police Commissioner Doug Fryer

John Woodley Motorcycle Racing Champion

142

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Glenn Nankervis MC (President: Hartwell Motor Cycle Club)

Reverend John

BUBBLES, BUBBLES & MORE BUBBLES

GIPPSLAND SPARKLING WINE PRODUCTION Sparkling wine is wine which bubbles when poured into a glass, an important and growing category of wine particularly for Gippsland. Gippsland grows two traditional wine grapes used for sparkling wine production exceptionally well. These two types are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, combined or separate these two varietals are the foundations of sparkling wine production. Gippsland is one of only a very few wine-producing regions in Australia that enjoys a genuine cool climate, due to our southerly latitude and the strong influence of the surrounding seas on most of our grape-growing areas. This is important, because it allows grapes to ripen relatively slowly over a longer period than in warmer, more continental regions. This slower ripening, results in fruit that has more intense flavours, more acidity and better balance which combine to make wines of flavour, intensity and elegance. These essential cool climate qualities are important factors for producing sparkling wine. The bubbles form because a certain amount of carbon dioxide has been held under pressure dissolved into the wine until the cork is released, so that the wine is transformed to produce fizziness. Sparkling wine varies in many aspects to still wine: it can be any wine colour, but is usually white or slight shade of pink. Sparkling wine can vary in sweetness, although a large proportion tastes dry and may be labelled Brut. The bubbles, fizz or foam varies significantly. Some sparkling wines froth aggressively in the mouth while others bubble subtly. To the wine-maker, the most important way in which sparkling wine differs is in how the gas came to be trapped in the wine solution: traditional method, transverage, transfer, Charmat or carbonisation are sparkling wine techniques. The most famous sparkling wine of all is Champagne, wine made in northern eastern France. A significant proportion of all sparkling wine made using the same basic method as in Champagne, now called traditional method rather than Champagne. This method is the most meticulous way of making sparkling wine. The raw ingredients may vary but the basic technique remains the same. Wine grapes for sparkling wine production are picked earlier in the season than for still wine production; the main reason for this decision is to retain high acidity in the grapes.

144

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

By Frank Butera

The base wine is made by pressing the grapes to extract the juice. The pressing process produces different fractions of juice, it is the first juice from the press with the highest sugar and acidity and lowest in phenolics, this is the preferred juice for premium sparkling wine production.

time they moved them towards the inverted vertical position in special riddling racks. This was a slow and extremely labour-intensive way of moving the deposit en masse from the belly of the bottle to its neck. These days sparkling house use VBMs (very big machines) to complete the riddling process.

Once the base wine has settled and clarified the blending process commences. This usually takes place over the winter period. The final blend is made after extensive review and sampling of each of the parcels of wine. Typically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay base wines are made separately and then blended to produce a vintage (e.g. 2012) or non-vintage (e.g. NV), blend of multiple vintages. There is extreme flexibility in blending a nonvintage wine, which permits a high proportion of wines made in previous years.

Disgorgement and dosage The final stage appears simply but is an inevitably complicated process. The task is to remove the deposit now in the neck of an inverted bottle. The conventional way of achieving this is to freeze the bottle neck and deposit by plunging the necks of the inverted bottles into a tray of freezing solution. The bottles are then upended, opened and the deposit flies out as a solid pellet of ice. Bottles are then topped up with a mixture of wine and sugar syrup. The so-called dosage. Then stoppered with a proper champagne cork held on with a wire and prepared for labelling. Most dry sparkling wine is sweetened so that it contains between 5 and 12 g/l residual sugar.

In Gippsland the next process - Second fermentation normally occurs at dedicated sparkling wine production houses. The recently blended base wine then has mixture of sugar and yeast added to it before bottling in a strong bottle. The bottle is then stopped with a crown seal, so that the second fermentation will occur in bottle, creating the important fizz and bubbles. Ageing on lees Timing of the riddling process after the second fermentation is a key element in quality and style of a traditional method sparkling wine. The second most important factor affecting quality after blending the base wine. The longer a wine rests on the lees of the second fermentation in bottle, the more chance it has of picking up flavour from the dead yeast cells, a process known as yeast autolysis. During the bottle ageing process the yeast cells autolysis, releasing increasingly complex flavour compounds. The chemistry of autolysis is not fully understood, but it seems that autolysis has significant effects only after about 18 months on the lees and that the most obvious changes occur after five to ten years of lees contact, which inevitably increases production costs considerably. It may be that compulsory periods of lees compact in bottle of only a few months have less effect on quality than has been imagined. Riddling The riddling process, known as shaking in French, is one of the most cumbersome (and most publicised) parts of the traditional method, it is undertaken to remove the deposit that would otherwise make the wine cloudy. Traditionally bottles were gradually moved from the horizontal to an inverted vertical by hand, by human or riders who would shake them and the deposit every

The Gippsland region has amazing potential to be Australia’s mainland sparkling wine zone. At the 2016 Gippsland Wine Show there was nine sparkling wine entries, four wines received medals and two wines received gold medals. A quick review of the statics of the wine show suggests that the sparkling wine bracket was highly successful. The gold medal and trophy winning wines were: Bass River Winery - 2012 “1835” Bass River Sparkling Brut and Waratah Hills Vineyard - 2012 Waratah Hills Vintage Sparkling. The judge’s comments for the sparkling wine bracket suggest that “top wines showing varietal influence and complexity adding depth of interest." In my opinion, Gippsland is at the very beginning of being recognised as premium sparkling wine region. Sparkling wine is often used to celebrate events and anniversaries, the ceremony of popping a cork on a sparkling bottle represents new beginnings. There are some exceptional sparkling wines being produced in Gippsland, enjoy one with your next celebration. If you have recently enjoyed a Gippsland sparkling wine, please let me know at frank@bassriverwinery.com. Frank Butera is the wine maker at Bass River winery. E: frank@bassriverwinery.com

The iconic Fish Creek Hotel (1939) is a magnificently imposing Art Deco building located in the heart of Fish Creek. Seven comfortable upstairs bedrooms and nine motel units provide accommodation. With the Great Southern Rail Trail and art galleries on its doorstep, award winning wineries nearby and only 25 minutes from the gates of Wilson’s Promontory, it is ideally located as your accommodation base. Enjoy a plate of fresh handmade Gippsland pasta. Gnocchi – better than Nona’s! Guinness on Tap for Christmas.

◊◊◊◊◊ The Fish Creek Hotel ArtSpaces - a new exhibition space in the Art Hub of Fish Creek featuring local artists. ◊◊◊◊◊

The Bar has TAB facilities and also provides Foxtel on a giant 100” plus HD screen to show all sports live.

B I S T R O O P E N 7 DAYS LUNCH Mon – Fri: Midday – 2pm Sat – Sun: Midday – 2.30pm DINNER Sun – Thur: 5.45pm – 8.30pm Fri – Sat: 5.45pm – 8.30pm BAR OPEN Mon – Fri: 11.30am till late Sat – Sun: 11am till late

THE

FISH CREEK HOTEL

1 Old Waratah Rd, FISH CREEK, Vic 3959

(03) 5683 2404 www.fishcreekhotel.com.au

OPEN WEEKENDS & daily throughout January, 11.00am-5.00pm WOOD FIRED PIZZAS AND LIVE MUSIC on selected days (check website for more information) WINE VARIETIES INCLUDE Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Rosé & Pinot Noir

612 Korumburra - Inverloch Road, Wattle Bank 3995 (only a few minutes from Inverloch & Wonthaggi)

Phone: 0411 030 421 Cellar Door: 5611 3857 www.harmanwines.com.au thelifestyle summer 2016/17

145

A HIDDEN TREASURE WALKERVILLE BY LINDA CUTTRISS

Wilsons Promontory view

At the bottom of South Gippsland, on the western flank of Waratah Bay, across the water from Wilsons Promontory there is a special place called Walkerville. You won’t find it on a major highway, even the signposts are easy to miss. You won’t find any restaurants or supermarkets, just a kiosk that opens in the warmer months. And you will find one of the most ancient and diverse coastlines in Victoria and ruins of a fascinating history that links to the building of early Melbourne. Named in the late 1800s by William Walker, Commissioner for Customs in Melbourne and partner in the Waratah Bay Lime, Marble and Cement Company, Walkerville stretches across farmland and coastal bush and takes in the tiny hamlets of Walkerville North, Walkerville South and Prom Views Estate. Walkerville North and South are separated at high tide by a prominent cliff called The Bluff where a fault line marks the change from limestone to mudstone coast. At low tide you can walk between them along the beach and see the changing shapes and patterns in the rocks. The Bluff

At Walkerville North ancient mudstones and sandstones have been compressed, folded and tilted over 390 million years. In places, scatters of pebbles spread across the sand, in others sedimentary layers of rock curve round in jagged bands like the hide of a crocodile’s back. The Bluff is a high cliff of limestone formed from thick deposits of shellfish and corals laid down around 400 million years ago. At the end of the beach, large gnarly limestone outcrops rim the southern shore of Walkerville South and several green-capped limestone rock stacks including Bird Rock and Arch Rock sit offshore.

Around the point at low tide, walkers can see red-brown ironstones and 550 million year-old greenstones. In the distance the granite mountains of Wilson Promontory rise from the water. A century ago, the back of the beach at Walkerville South was lined with cottages, storage sheds, a blacksmith’s shop and stables that were part of a bustling lime-burning industry. Although the Town Walkerville - Photographer: A.J.Campbell (Circa 1900)

original town buildings are all gone, one of the imposing brick lime kilns has been restored and others remain overgrown and crumbling nearby. The lime kilns operated from 1878 until 1926 and at the peak of production, eighty men toiled here quarrying limestone, operating the kilns, getting the timber and bagging and loading lime for shipping to Melbourne. Around this time, lime was a much-needed building material for making mortar, cement, concrete, stucco and plaster. Lime kilns were already operating on the Mornington Peninsula and near Geelong but Melbourne was a rapidly growing city and lime was in high demand. In 1875 local farmer, William Miller saw the cliffs at Walkerville South were limestone and suggested to a firm of lime merchants that lime kilns could be built here. Before long, six brick-lined kilns, each about 12 metres deep were built against the cliffs. Limestone was quarried from the cliff-face, carted by horse-drawn drays to the top of the kiln, shovelled in between layers of timber then Walkerville South today

Museum Victoria http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/790503

146

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Limeburner’s walk

set alight. The limestone burned slowly down to powdered lime which was then removed from the bottom of the kiln, bagged and stored for transport. A 320-metre jetty was constructed from heavy timber brought in by bullock dray from the forest 13 kilometres away. Draught horses hauled trolleys laden with bagged lime along iron rails for loading onto ships. A single pile sticking out of the sand is now all that remains of the jetty. At high tide, the 800-metre Limeburners Walk provides access across the clifftops between the two beaches. The trail leads through delicate bush, across a creek and a slight detour leads to the old cemetery. There are lookouts with spectacular views to Wilsons Promontory and information boards tell the story of the limeburning industry. The other route between Walkerville North and South is a ten kilometre semi-circular drive around this section of Cape Liptrap Coastal Park. From Walkerville North the road leads up through thick forest and tall tree-ferns then runs between

Lime Kiln

farmland and heathland to the turn-off that leads past grazing sheep and coastal bush to the beach at Walkerville South.

Solitary pile standing

Walkerville is very close to the southern-most tip of mainland Australia but its location tucked inside Waratah Bay keeps it sheltered from the weather. The day I drove here across the Tarwin flats and up through the Bald Hills my car was buffeted by strong winds. When I arrived at the beach at Walkerville North, gentle waves were rolling towards the shore and a rainbow spanned the bay. The Prom Coast Seachange Festival 2017 will be held over two weekends March 25-26 and April 1-2. For more details go to www.promcoastseachangefestival.org or the Prom Coast Seachange Festival Facebook Page. Linda Cuttriss was a guest of ‘Bushman’s Clock’ during her stay at Walkerville. For information or bookings go to Bushmans Clock Cottage or Bushmans Clock House at stayz.com.au Photographs by Linda Cuttriss

Pioneer cemetery

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

147

RETURNING TO WALKERVILLE BY LINDA CUTTRISS

Rainbow at Walkerville North

Several yellow-tailed black cockatoos burst noisily out of a clump of banksia trees and lumber slowly over the neighbouring paddocks. I’m on the road to Walkerville South dreaming of childhood days playing on the beach, splashing about in the waves and exploring the rocks and caves.

Promontory. I am amazed that everything seems much the same as I remember from all those years ago. Some of the houses are new and larger but they are nestled into the hillside, barely visible among the greenery.

Joan tells me that “In 40 years I have seen Walkerville change from a sleepy township to a vibrant community of people who care strongly about the natural environment and who are prepared to look after it and make sure it’s well managed.”

Every summer my family would take a day trip to Walkerville. Although the one-hour drive from Inverloch seemed such a long way, I always loved to go there.

Later in the day I meet long-term local Joan Liley who grew up in the area, left home and came back.

The Walkerville Foreshore Committee of Management, Friends of Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, Walkerville Residents and Ratepayers Association and the local CFA brigade are made up of a mix of new and long-term residents, holiday house owners and farmers.

Glimpses of blue appear through the trees as the gravel road curves down to the beach. I pull into the car park and look across the waters of Waratah Bay to the rounded peaks of Wilsons

“Walkerville is the kind of place that draws you in,” says Joan. “Many people who holidayed here as children are returning to retire or buy holiday houses.”

Walkerville is surrounded by highly productive farmland with sheep and beef farms, an organic poultry farm and wineries. “There are two local Landcare groups and farmers are passionate about the area in which they live,” says Joan. The new ‘settlers’ have brought fresh ideas and a whole new dimension to living in this otherwise quiet, rural area. Now, there’s always something happening. On Tuesday mornings the Walkerville Walkers meet for a walk along the network of walking tracks in Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, there’s a cycling group and the Blue Water Angling Club. Every January, people come from far and wide for the delicious cakes at the Waratah Red Cross barbeque and cake stall at the Walkerville Hall. And there’s the Prom Coast Seachange Festival which happens every two years. The festival is a celebration of the area and the people who live here. It showcases the choir, the theatre group and local artists and is also a great opportunity for local schoolkids to meet artists and performers from other places. In 2017 the festival will be on the weekends of late March and early April.

148

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Mudstones and Sandstones

I stay overnight at Bushman’s Clock about four kilometres from Walkerville North on a high ridge with views to the north across the Bald Hills to Inverloch.

In the morning the sun is shining and I head to the beach for a walk. The tide is on its way out and water is rushing among the rocks as I try to make my way around the base of The Bluff, a tall protruding cliff that stands between Walkerville North and Walkerville South. A woman appears beside me and we hop over the rocks to avoid getting our feet wet. We introduce ourselves and it is soon clear that Anne is a local. When I comment on the beauty of the place Anne tells me this is the beach in Alison Lester’s muchloved children’s storybook Magic Beach. Alison was no doubt inspired by time spent here as a child staying at her family’s holiday house. Anne looks up to the bush and explains the importance of the one thousand hectares of Cape Liptrap Coastal Park that rises behind the Walkerville beaches.

“This bushland is part of what makes the coastal environment so clean. The creeks feed into Waratah Bay and create the good fishing,” she says.

Three other women approach on their morning walk and I am introduced to locals Marg, Sally and Dinah. Marg says, “It’s bloody awful down here. We hate it!” Of course she’s joking. She quotes a sign on a road nearby that declares: “You’ve found us, but don’t tell anyone. It’s a secret.”

Cam grew up nearby and after 20 years as a local bricklayer snapped up the opportunity to live and work here. “My passions are surfing, diving and fishing and with three young kids at the time it seemed a great place for them to grow up. The boys had a great life here and they still come and go.”

Dinah says, “Most people who come to Walkerville appreciate and treasure the relatively untouched natural environment with its picturesque beach and coastal park.” Sally adds, “It is great to see people coming back to Walkerville and bringing their children and grandchildren to experience what they did as children.” She tells of a recent Easter egg hunt where the children had to use a map to find the ‘treasure chest’ that was buried in one of the caves.

Sometimes it’s the people that make a place great but when I think of Walkerville I’m sure it’s the other way around. Walkerville has attracted a great bunch of people who appreciate its magic and want to keep it that way. Childhood memories can be larger than life but today Walkerville still has that special quality that found a place in my heart. The beach is still as beautiful, the water is still as clear and the bush behind and caves beyond still hold their mysteries.

Walkerville has forests, woodlands and heathlands that are home to lyrebirds, sea eagles as well as a huge variety of bush birds including crimson rosellas, golden and rufous whistlers, brown and striated thornbills and satin flycatchers. Marg says, “One day we saw seven wedge-tailed eagles at a time.” Marg and Anne coordinate an annual lyrebird count which last year involved 40 volunteers. To date the count has estimated at least 60 lyrebirds in this ‘island’ of bush at the far end of South Gippsland. Every year, hundreds of holiday-makers set up home at the Walkerville Camping Reserve, a one-kilometre stretch of bush camping sites at Walkerville North. Cam Walker (no relation to the man who gave this place its name) and his partner Abi are now in their fourth three-year contract as campground managers. Cam tells me the same families come year after year. The campground is always fully booked a year in advance for the Summer and Easter holidays.

Approaching Walkerville

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

149

OPEN 7 DAYS

LUNCH & DINNER

1 A’Beckett Street, Inver loch 3996 (03) 5674 1432 www.invyespy.com.au BEST OVERALL HOTEL - REGIONAL B E S T FA M I LY D I N I N G BEST SPORTS BAR – REGIONAL

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

B E S T P U B R E S TA U R A N T REGIONAL

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

5674 1432

BASS COAST CYCLE CHALLENGE TOOK PLACE ON SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2016 WITH 40KM, 53KM, 85KM, 121KM, KIDS 5KM RIDES

A charity cycling event supporting school based road safety education of young people through the award winning program known as RYDA, who focus on high school students, their parents and schools, which play a vital role in this essential education program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; improving road safety.

152

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

153

Neale Daniher visits Inverloch Stage 3 of Gippsland Tour

David Liebelt with Neale Daniher

Shane Watson + Russell Robertson

Iain Findlay, Kevin Walsh & Neil McKissock

Anthony Daniher

The Dodgy Boys from Leongatha

Chris Daniher + Neil McKissock

Neil McKissock & Terry Daniher

‘Without You We Won’t Find a Cure’ 1800 CUREMND www.curemnd.org.au 154

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

Shimmer Marquees Leongatha & Surrounding Areas Events | Weddings | Corporate Functions

As a locally owned and operated business, we offer a clear span white marquee with closed or clear walls. The marquee is a 12 x 24m which can be broken down into multiples of 3 x 12m sections. Also available for hire are tables, chairs, linen, bar, dance floor, lighting, lolly tables and more. We can help organise all your hire needs!

OUR FARM VENUE is also available for hire which means you can have both your ceremony and reception here with a beautiful rural landscape as your backdrop.

Contact Michael Hulls Mobile 0427 623 453 Email shimmermarquees@hotmail.com

Debra Fowles 10Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Beckett Street, Inverloch 3996 Telephone: (03) 5674 1716

Like us on Facebook

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

155

by Lyn Skillern

Where did Outtrim and Jumbunna go? Well the truth is they have not gone anywhere. They are still there but they remain as small rural communities and not the thriving mining towns they once were. Victoria has many of these communities - mining towns that declined into insignificance once the mining ceased. Lauriston near Kyneton, Grant in the Gippsland high country, and one of the most famous of all, Walhalla, are three examples of large towns set around the mining of gold that are now very small. Here in South Gippsland we have Outtrim and Jumbunna but their reason for existing was black coal. This makes them special, as very few places in Victoria owe their existence to black coal. Wonthaggi and Korumburra have, of course, survived the end of coal mining to be significant regional towns. Coal mining went hand in hand with railway construction. To move the coal to market, railway branch lines were built from Korumburra to Jumbunna and Outtrim and later Nyora to Wonthaggi. You can still see the embankments of the Outtrim line when you drive from Korumburra to Jumbunna and beyond.

156

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

The Outtrim and Jumbunna area was first settled by selectors in the mid 1880s and they were set up to be farming communities. In May 1890 black coal was discovered on Tom Horsleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property at Jumbunna, possibly by workers who were burning off a newly cleared paddock and smelled something different in the smoke. Horsley set up a syndicate, which became the Jumbunna Coal Company. The selectors were engaged in land clearing which was a difficult task because the forest was so thick and trees so tall. When coal was discovered and mining companies formed, they required timber to set up the mines and selectors and their families cut and carted large quantities of timber to Jumbunna and Outtrim using bullock wagons. Later bullock wagons were used to cart away houses and other buildings. The photographs of the two towns in the mining times show the hills devoid of trees or with a few dead trees on them. The environment was totally changed.

In 1892 Arthur Johnson found a significant outcrop of black coal near what is now Outtrim. The selector owners of the land applied for and received coal-mining leases. A syndicate was formed and the Outtrim Coal Company founded. The coal was first transported to markets by wagon and later via the railway branch line from Korumburra. Korumburra, with its own coal, was a major station on the Great Southern Railway that ran from Melbourne to Yarram. The township of Outtrim grew up around the mine, which was named after Albert Richard Outtrim MLA, the Minister for Mines in the Victorian Government. The township took on the name of the coal mining company. Facilities were gradually provided for the miners and their families. Several general stores, boarding houses, coffee palaces, butchers, bakers, a food market, blacksmiths and other businesses were set up. There were also churches, halls and various lodges.

Outtrim looking from the bridge cutting looking south

Michael Hoarey obtained a licence for the Outtrim Hotel in 1898. The hotel was destroyed by fire in February 1913, relicensed in June 1913 and the licence was not renewed in 1914. The Bridge Hotel was licensed in 1903 and by 1921 the licence ended. In 1901 the Shire records show that Outtrim had a total of 323 houses and 1700 inhabitants. The birth rate was 33 births per 1000 people and the death rate 11 deaths per 1000. Outtrim had a lamp lighter employed to look after the Aladdin kerosene lamps that had been installed in the Outtrim streets. A school was opened in 1895 and the enrolment reached 300 at the height of the mining era. These children were taught in 4 rooms. In 1903 a belfry was added and a bell used for the first time. When coal production declined and finally ceased in 1914 the population simply moved away with the majority going to Wonthaggi where mining was booming. The well laid out streets of Outtrim with shops, stores, churches, a post office, police station and railway station disappeared. The school continued on in different buildings as a rural school serving a farming community until 1993.

Jumbunna mine c1909 the boiler house is on the left hand side and the blacksmiths on the right hand side.

At one time the mines had 395 skips pulled by 50 ponies. When the mines closed the skips were just rolled into the tunnels and left. This was not however to be the end.

From the 1920s until the 1950s a number of small groups managed to obtain modest amounts of coal from the Outtrim area. This coal was used locally at butter factories, for domestic use and transported to industrial users in Melbourne, including the Colonial Sugar Refinery. During World War II all coal had to go to the railways. From 1893 as the mines were established and miners moved into the area, businesses started to establish in Jumbunna. By the end of the nineteenth century there were 5 blacksmiths, 5 boarding houses, 4 coffee palaces and even a cordial soft drink manufacturer and restaurant. This was in addition to bakers, butchers, grocers, drapers, bootmakers, carriers, hairdressers, a post office, a wine cafĂŠ and more.

The commercial area of Outtrim 1898

An example of someone who moved from Melbourne to Jumbunna was widow, Mrs. Carver Paul, who had spent most of her life in Walhalla. She set up a coffee palace and boarding house during the 1890s and later married a miner, Robert Kurrle who gained the first licence for the Jumbunna Hotel in1895. Several licensees had the hotel until the licence was surrendered in 1969. A State School, first called Moyarra, began near Jumbunna in 1889 and was probably moved to the larger settlement of Jumbunna in 1894 where enrolment rapidly grew to 50 or 60. The first classes were held in the public hall but eventually a two-roomed school was built in 1900. William Eccles was appointed to the school in 1895 and he remained until 1911. His son John Eccles was born in 1903. He went on to be a Rhodes Scholar in 1925 and was awarded a Nobel Prize for physiology and medicine in 1963. By 1908, attendance had risen to 180 and an infant room was added. William Eccles had consistently requested that the Education Department provide him with a residence, as he had to live in Korumburra. Kurrles Jumbunna Hotel established in 1893. Moultonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s draper shop is on left hand side. The gas street lights have steps up the poles to allow them to be lit.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

157

OUTTRIM AND

JUMBUNNA Eventually the Department bought a residence in 1920 but by then the Eccles family had moved on. Ray Durkin recalled that during the 1950s the school had 8 classes. As the coal seams began to be worked out the school population gradually fell to 20 in 1969 and eventually closed in 1988 when the enrolment dropped to only 5. After the coal mining ceased where did the houses and other buildings go? The decline of a mining community leads to an excess of houses and they have to go somewhere.

The township of Jumbunna from the north

Early Jumbunna with trees and a butcher shop 1893

Many Outtrim houses were moved around the local district especially to Wonthaggi. There is even a row of them in McCartin Street Leongatha. Owners discovered roof cavities full of coal dust when they were renovating. In the days of coal fired steam engines and gas works, black coal was so important. Industrial development relied on this black gold long before the Latrobe Valley brown coal fired power stations were even thought of. It is important to remember the mining towns and the miners who served Victoria so well.

The Jumbunna coal siding

Station Street Outtrim looking south east

References used for this article Sykes Barry Lines, Mines, People and Places 2012 Sykes Barry Change here for Outtrim 1997 White Joseph The History of the Shire of Korumburra 1987 Photographs courtesy of Ray Durkin and Korumburra & District Historical Society Miners ready to descend the Jumbunna (Siberia) mine. A pit pony and coal wheeler ar in the background

158

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Outtrim Station looking east. The school is on the top of the hill in the centre of the picture.

YOUR LOCAL PUB BY THE BAY The Cape Tavern is a 70 seat Bistro and Bar located in the heart of Cape Paterson, just a short drive from both Wonthaggi and Inverloch. The Cape Tavern includes a bottleshop, which specialises in wine from some of Gippslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local wineries. We also hold regular Wine Dinners, which are very popular, featuring local and interstate wineries.

Our Bar has a great selection of boutique beers and cider on tap. Our Menu has a good selection of pub style food with changing specials daily, providing customers with a varied choice of dishes. Regular events include Music on a Saturday night and a Sunday afternoon using local bands and musicians from further afield, check the Facebook page for latest news and events.

SUMMER HOURS FOR THE BISTRO Bar Open 11am onwards | Bistro Open Lunch 12noon to 2pm | Dinner 6pm to 8pm (Closed Christmas and Boxing Days)

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

LOOK TO THE SKIES The clear skies above Phillip Island come alive in September as we herald the return of the shorttailed shearwater to the island’s southern coasts, following one of the longest known annual migrations across the globe. Short-tailed shearwaters record amazing distances as they travel around the world. After spending the northern summer in the oceans around the Aleutian Islands near Alaska, they complete an amazing flight of over 16,000km to locate their partners here and lay a single egg in their burrow. Up to one million short-tailed shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris) have been recorded nesting at Cape Woolamai from late September through until early May. By day they are out at sea feeding on fish, squid and krill. At sunset you can watch the shearwaters’ spectacular return as they circle the skies and settle down to their burrows. The short-tailed shearwater has many other names and is often referred to as a mutton bird or a moon bird, as well as Biyadin, the local Indigenous word. Story has it that the term mutton bird was coined by an early European sailor who described a flock flying past his ship as ‘there are as many birds in the sky as sheep (mutton) in a paddock’.

160

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Short-tailed shearwaters and their eggs were intensely harvested here in the past, reducing the local population. The total population in Australia has declined from an estimated 130 million in the early 1800s to the current estimate of 23 million. Today they are protected on Phillip Island. Each year in April after their southern summer comes to an end, the adult birds depart for their Alaskan feeding grounds first, leaving the young birds to fend for themselves and follow a week or two later. While shearwaters are expert aerialists once in the sky with their one metre wingspan, the young birds can have difficulty taking off in the first instance, and are attracted to sources of light, so they often stray onto the roads making them vulnerable to passing traffic. For the last few years, rangers and volunteers from Phillip Island Nature Parks have coordinated the Shearwater Rescue Program to monitor the roadways throughout the night and assist young birds beginning the migration to the northern hemisphere. Fledglings that stray onto roads are relocated to safe areas of the colony to migrate successfully.

Visitors to Phillip Island have long made the trek along the beach and up to the clifftop pathways at Cape Woolamai just before sunset to view the spectacle of the shearwaters returning to their burrows after a day of fishing. Phillip Island Nature Parks now offers a new and exciting way to watch this incredible natural occurrence. The Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Wild Oceans EcoBoat will commence a 1 hour Shearwater Sunset Tour on 26 November, offering guests the opportunity to see the shearwaters as they fly around and over the top of the boat, bound for their clifftop rookeries, all set against the backdrop of a Cape Woolamai sunset. This tour will depart from the San Remo jetty and run every Saturday evening until early April, at a cost of only $65 per adult. In addition to watching the shearwaters return home at sunset, this 1 hour tour also provides stunning views of the Cape and the spectacular rock formation known as The Pinnacles as you make your way to the evening’s best viewing spot. For the landlubbers among us, the Nature Parks’ eco-accredited rangers offer a 2 hour tour every Tuesday and Saturday, watching the sun set from

a clifftop vantage point as you wait for the birds to arrive. Bookings are essential for this tour and a minimum of 2 people are required for the tour to operate. The EcoBoat is also commencing another exciting daytime tour for those with a bit more time on their hands. The new Island Discovery Tour is a great way to spend 3 hours embarking on a journey of discovery and exploration. The EcoBoat’s experienced Skipper will plot the tour’s course subject to daily conditions, but some possible highlights of the journey include Seal Rocks, the

Nobbies blowhole, Pyramid Rock, views of the GP track from the water, the Pinnacles, Cat Bay and many more. The Island Discovery Tour includes a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by the chefs at the Churchill Island Café to be enjoyed at a surprise location, perhaps on one of the island’s many amazing beaches, or even on one of the stunning, secluded beaches on French Island. This tour will operate on weekends from 26 November to early April, and at only $130 per adult, this exciting 3 hour boat tour is bound to be a hit with locals and visitors alike.

All EcoBoat tours include commentary from one of Phillip Island Nature Parks’ expert Education and Interpretation rangers who offer valuable information, and know these shores as well as anyone. www.penguins.org.au

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

161

Tim on ‘Rusty’ one of his Mongolian horses at ‘blue lake’ near the 3000m Kharkhiraa pass in Western Mongolia, the beginning of the Altai Mountains.

West Gippsland-born adventurer Tim Cope is always seeking challenges and inspiration. Having conquered many of his ambitions while achieving amazing feats in remote, faraway locations over nearly two decades, he is now channeling a new quest for fulfilment through his writing. By Chris West

162

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

From an early age, Tim Cope felt at ease in the great outdoors.

to the UK and Europe where he spent a year of adventure including periods of hitch hiking and bike riding.

“Growing up on a hobby farm in Drouin South, I felt like I was very much immersed in the natural environment of Gippsland,” he says.

“That trip set my fire alight for travelling,” he says.

“Every summer our family had a routine of spending time staying down at Sandy Point and we would visit Wilson’s Promontory.”

Upon returning home, Tim studied for one semester but didn’t really enjoy it. His escape route to a new way of life and a world of new possibilities arrived in the way of a scholarship to study as a wilderness guide in Finland.

Tim’s late father was a lecturer in outdoor education at Monash University’s former Gippsland Campus at Churchill. His father’s passion for nature undoubtedly influenced the lifestyle their family enjoyed.

“That’s where I got introduced to the Arctic and both the Finnish and Russian cultures,” Tim explains.

“I was constantly outdoors, whether it be cross country skiing up at Baw Baw, bushwalking in East Gippsland or in the water surfing or kayaking somewhere,” Tim comments. According to Tim, his upbringing was one of the main sources of inspiration for his life of adventure. “Without doubt, growing up in Gippsland had a huge effect on me,” he states. “I felt very curious about the natural environment and wanted to know what was beyond the horizon. I think that it definitely did lay the seeds of curiosity and adventure for me. “Then when I was sixteen, I was lucky to go with a group of fellow students from St. Paul’s in Warragul on a trip to Nepal.” The impact that journey had on Tim was immediate. “What struck me there wasn’t just the landscape, it was much more so the people and the culture. It was a very different experience for me. The combination of the culture of the people, the adventure and the landscape kind of encapsulates the ingredients that have been the basis of all my travels since,” he says. After leaving high school, Tim was accepted for a place to study for an Arts/Law degree in Canberra, but decided to defer for a year. He instead went

“I started learning the Russian language, then headed to Russia and that’s where my big trips started.” The major trips that Tim has embarked upon through many parts of Russia, Mongolia and Central Asia have covered many thousands of kilometres and utilised numerous modes of transport including bicycle, row boat skis, horse and camel. They have been truly epic, lifechanging journeys. First was a 10,000 kilometre bicycle ride across Russia and Mongolia to the Chinese capital Beijing which commenced in late 1999 and took he and the accompanying Chris Hatherly fourteen months to complete. Tim then returned in June 2001 with a plan to row approximately 4,200 kilometres on the Yenisey River from Lake Baikal in Siberia to the Arctic Ocean. This was successfully accomplished in company with three other fellow adventurers, but not before negotiating several hazards in the water including ice breakers, dangerous rapids and boat leaks. If that was not enough, Tim then spent more than three years on an incredible horse back trip from Mongolia to Hungary between 2004 and 2007. This remarkable journey followed the nomad trail, a path famously laid down by Genghis Khan and the Mongols in the 13th century.

Tim documented this journey on film and subsequently wrote the book On the Trail of Genghis Khan from his experiences on that inspiring 10,000 kilometre journey. Both the book and film documentary have received awards and prizes in various different countries around the globe. “I’ve been going back to Mongolia ever since that journey. This was the ninth year in a row that I’ve been back running treks in the west of the country,” Tim says. Of all the trips he has run in Western Mongolia, the ones that have meant the most to Tim were the two school groups from Caulfield Grammar that he escorted in 2011 and 2013. “It was like I’d come the full circle,” he suggests. “Those opportunities to take fifteen and sixteen year olds and give them the same kind of experience that I’d had in Nepal with St. Paul’s when I was the same age really struck a chord with me.” Tim’s past adventures in remote areas have often placed him in positions of considerable peril and personal risk. “At first I naively assumed that everyone would be nice to me and inherently understand the ideals that I had set out with. It was therefore something of a rude awakening when my horses were stolen on the fifth day of the journey in central Mongolia,” he recalls.

“Over the years I’ve met so many good people, but also have had plenty of encounters with not so good people as well. It’s all part and parcel of life out there. It’s a very unscripted, uncensored environment and really you’re on your own.” On his travels, Tim has always had to be prepared for anything and has often been forced to put his trust in the hands of strangers.

Tim films a herd of 500 camels as they head down to cross the remote Emba river. Photo: Cara Poulton

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

163

Tim heads west into the ‘Betpak Dala” (Starving steppe) in late December. This is one of the remote and challenging parts of Tim’s journey

“One of the astonishing things I found was the way in which ordinary people would just take me in and look after me when I needed it,” he says.

Whenever he returns from a trip away, Tim visits those closest to him including his mother who still lives in Drouin South.

By way of example, when stricken with frostbite in Russia as a 20-year-old, a kindly babushka took Tim in and cared for him while he recovered.

“Without doubt, the best part about coming home from my travels is catching up with family and friends,” he states.

There have been numerous other times when the human spirit ingrained in different cultures has touched Tim’s life for the better.

After each trip, Tim also has been motivated to speak about his experiences and regularly visits schools, community groups and other organisations to deliver presentations about his personal discoveries and insights.

One of those occasions was when his dog Tigon was given to him as a pup by a herder named Aset in Eastern Kazakhstan twelve years ago. Tigon was in poor health but was handed to Tim by his owner to provide companionship, warmth and protection from wolves on his journey to Hungary on the Genghis Khan expedition. Tim thought it unlikely that Tigon would survive, but he proved very resilient against all odds. By way of a remarkable coincidence, Tim later discovered that his family’s dog at home in Australia had died the very same day that he was gifted Tigon by the herder. “The name Tigon is Kazakh for hawk. He is still with me and accompanies me everywhere I go,” Tim says.

164

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

During his journeys, the region that has fascinated Tim the most and which he has a special affinity for is Western Mongolia.

“It’s a place of incredible contrasts and beauty, with ice-capped mountains, forests, lakes and rivers,” he says. “It hasn’t been pervaded by the modern mechanical world and the nomadic people there still live a very ancient way of life.” Tim didn’t have any means of communication in remote areas on his earliest travels.

“I was so focused and so busy concentrating on what I was doing, I didn’t really have the need to know what was happening in the outside world. Later on my big trips, I did carry a satellite phone,” he explains. “Times are changing though. It’s not uncommon to now arrive in a nomad community or a small village in the back blocks of Kazakhstan and find people coming out and taking photos of you on a smart phone. In a way I like that reverse interest. Normally when I arrive in a place I am the one taking photos and documenting the encounter, but now it has turned around and they are taking photos of me as well. It’s a nice reciprocation.” As a result of his endeavours, Tim has been the recipient of many awards and accolades. In 2002 he was presented with the Young Australian Adventurer of the Year Award for 2001 and he was added the Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year Award in 2006. Other notable accolades include being named National Geographic Adventure Honoree in 2007/2008. Tim was recently presented with a special award by the Mongolian Government, which he describes as a fantastic privilege.

Early morning, Tim leads the horses through the dry interior of the Crimea on his way to mainland Ukraine.

Kazakh Camel Herder

Tim with Tigon and horses

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

165

Dashnyam, Tim’s guide & friend leads the way through the Kharkhiraa mountains, with a camel to carry equipment

“I was in Mongolia in October to talk at a conference in Ulaanbaatar and I was given the Nairamdal Award, which is alternatively known as the Friendship or Peace Award. It’s the highest honour from Government that a foreign citizen can receive in their country. It was on decree from the President and was awarded basically in recognition of my work to promote Mongolian culture, primarily nomad culture.” Tim has every reason to be satisfied with all his accomplishments, but it is not a physical feat of endurance from any of his journeys that he regards as his finest achievement. “For me, I think what I am most proud of is writing the book On the Trail of Genghis Khan.” he states. “That work took four years and was a huge task to bring together not only a travelogue of my journey but also a comprehensive look at nomadic societies. In my eyes, that feat was head and shoulders above any of the adventures I have done, to be honest.” Tim recognises that his many achievements as an intrepid adventurer would not have been possible without a slice of help and generosity from others along the way. Sponsors have been crucial to his past expeditions through the provision of funding, equipment and other much needed services. “Having that support has been vital at times and is always very much appreciated,” he says.

Tim sitting with a Kazakh woman in the village of Kopmula. He often gave his satellite phone to locals so that they could call distant loved ones in cities. Photo: Cordell Scaife

166

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Looking ahead, Tim is excited by his plans for the immediate future. “I have just recently got a contract to write a couple of new books,” he announces. “I’m doing a children’s picture story book about my dog Tigon and I’m also writing a novel based on my journeys. These two projects are really exciting for me, but mean that I haven’t really got time for any more expeditions at the moment. Having said that, I am hoping to run a three-week exploratory trip to Western Mongolia in February to track down snow leopards and take photographs and document their lives.” Whenever involved with guiding groups on journeys, Tim is aligned with international operator World Expeditions. People interested in participating in a trip with Tim in the future can obtain details through his website www.timcopejourneys.com at any time. The amount of time that Tim spends away from home alters as his priorities change. For the past five years, he has been based in North East Victoria near Mt. Beauty. “I decided to move up to be in the mountains to write On the Trail of Genghis Khan,” he explains.

That is going to change again with the two new books I am about to concentrate my time on writing.” At the age of 37, Tim has already done so much but still has some remaining unfulfilled long-term objectives. “I have a few ideas ticking away in my head. I’d like to go to Mongolia and live as a nomad for twelve months so that I could gain the perspective to document the life of a nomad family from within,” he reveals. “I’d also like to travel from India to Europe on the trail of the gypsies and another ambition is to travel from Australia to Siberia on the migratory path that the sandpipers take annually.” Tim says that he has more on his wish list than he can fit into one lifetime and he has no timeframe in mind for achieving his remaining future targets. “At the moment I’ve got my hands tied with my commitments to the upcoming books,” he notes. For the time being at least, Tim Cope will be leaving his adventures on hold while another journey of discovery unfolds through his writing. Photographs courtesy of Tim Cope

“When I was writing my book I was spending about ten months a year at home. Since the book came out, on average I have been spending three months at home and nine months away travelling.

A family migrating to Autumn camp in Western Mongolia

Tigon & Tim sharing a moment together in Western Kasakhstan

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas eve on the Starving steppe & the temperate drops to below 35 degrees Celsius Spring on the Starving steppe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 nomad children stand near their trusty camel

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

167

FAMILY FRIENDLY LONE PINE BISTRO VALUE FOR MONEY MEET THE CHEFS BEHIND THE MULTI AWARD WINNING PHILLIP ISLAND RSL’S LONE PINE BISTRO, LOCATED AT THE GATEWAY TO COWES ON BEAUTIFUL PHILLIP ISLAND.

LEFT TO RIGHT: (MUKESH, JOSEPH, NEIL, SURDEEP AND DAMAN) Head chef, Neil Douglas was excited to announce some news to his team, “we will be using local San Remo gummy shark and whiting in our daily specials, working with the San Remo Fish Co op”. This new feature will complement the current aim of the menu to utilise Gippsland produce wherever possible. Their signature dish is Gippsland eye fillet cooked just medium and served with a fresh salad and beer battered chips. Curries are also a popular choice for many diners, prepared authentically thanks to chef Mukesh .... And if you are a lover of traditional corned beef, then you will love the Phillip Island grown Gippsland Natural corned beef with mustard sauce. The Lone Pine Bistro offers many gluten free options, seniors menu and kids menu. This family friendly bistro has a great kid’s play room where they can crawl, draw or play on the Daytona, allowing parents and guardians a chance to enjoy some time together.

168

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

The venue’s other features include baby change area, the Sports Bar, TAB and a fascinating array of military memorabilia located within and outside the venue. Being a Club, it provides a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment for all ages to enjoy friendly RSL hospitality. You don’t have to be an ex or current Service person or a member to take advantage of what’s on offer at this modern venue. Mind you, it’s worthwhile joining as there are many benefits available for young and old. Member benefits include generous discounts on food and beverages, exclusive Member competitions, free membership to the Joey’s Kids Club for your children/grandchildren, loyalty points for on line shopping, food or beverages and so much more.

MEMBERSHIP CAN NOW BE PURCHASED FOR THREE YEARS Social membership 3 years $75 annual $30 Service/affiliate 3 years $60 annual $25

Application forms are available from www.phillipislandrsl.com/memberships or within the venue. If you are planning to visit over the Christmas and summer holiday period, make sure you book in advance – book on line is the easier option – go to the home page and click on the red Book a Table tab, otherwise call 5952 1004 Option 1. There’s plenty of off street parking and no steps or stairs, so it’s very accessible for all ages and abilities. We look forward to seeing you over the holiday period. For Further Media Information Contact : Maxine Sando, Marketing & Communications Manager Phone: 03 5952 1004 Email: msando@pirsl.com.au

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

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

OPENING HOURS MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM TO 1AM* SUNDAY 10AM TO MIDNIGHT (*EXCEPT FOR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS – OPEN FROM NOON 26TH DECEMBER 2015 TO 26TH JANUARY 2016)

Phone: 03 5952 1004 BH

Enquiries: functions@pirsl.com.au

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

Visit www.phillipislandrsl.com.au

A SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT IS THE BEST WAY TO APPRECIATE THE NATURAL WONDERS OF PHILLIP ISLAND.

By Chris West

Cape Woolamai Beach

Some of the Phillip Island Helicopters pilot crew

Experienced helicopter pilot Ian Batton combined with prominent commercial aviation business owner Gary Morrison established a scenic helicopter flight operation out of Tooradin Airport during 2005. After just a few months, an opportunity arose to relocate to a new base on Phillip Island, a move which gave the fledgling business its wings.

“New people move here and some will come and fly with us, but we’ve probably worn out the novelty factor with the locals and they now probably only account for about five per cent of our business,” Ian notes. “Now it is the bus tour companies that are key to our business and provide the main opportunity for potential future growth.”

“Gary raised the idea of taking out a lease on the disused airport at Phillip Island, which had been closed for about six months,” Ian recalls. “While we were based at Tooradin, all we could really fly over and show the customers were mangroves and mud flats. I realised straight away that the business would have much better prospects on Phillip Island and it was an opportunity too good to miss.” Ian arrived on Phillip Island by helicopter with Gary Morrison and Steve Peppard to prepare for business, landing in long grass at the abandoned airport site on 16 December 2005. “The building was full of cobwebs, spiders, rats and mice. The smell was terrible,” Ian remembers. Despite the considerable work that needed to be done, it did not take long at all for Phillip Island Helicopters to get off the ground. “Within just twenty five minutes, we had our first customer,” Ian says. “A bloke driving by noticed our helicopter, pulled his car in and asked us if we could take him on a flight.” Despite that immediate booking, business was never likely to be quite that easy. There was still much to be done to make Phillip Island Helicopters a success and the progression was

Ian’s previous flying experience had given him a knowledge and understanding of the tourism market and how the bus companies could be integral to the success of his business. only gradual despite commencing during the peak Summer period. “To enable us to get started we cleaned up, mowed lawns and painted fences around the site,” Ian recollects. “Gary left the helicopter that we flew here in for us to use for the business. Under the partnership we put in place together, he controlled the staff and the aircraft, while I obtained and took ownership of the air operating certificate. Gary and I are still partners together today after more than ten years of operation,” he adds. According to Ian, the establishment of the business at the disused airport sparked the curiosity of local residents on Phillip Island. “It felt like about seventy five percent of our customers in the early days were locals,” Ian says. “We were relying on passing traffic and a very basic website to attract business to us.” Over the years, many locals have taken a flight and brought other family members and friends along to also experience the thrill.

“I had already been flying for ten years when we came here, including three and a half years at Ayers Rock,” he says. “At the time, Ayers Rock and the Gold Coast were the two biggest tourism destinations in Australia that understood the process of getting bookings from the overseas market, which then was predominantly Japan.” Ian admits that it has been more difficult to attract the full support of the bus tour companies than he expected. “We have had to work really hard to get the tour operators on board. It has been tougher to crack their reluctance than I anticipated. But we have persisted and are only now probably starting to reap the benefits from the relationships we have been building with them,” he comments. Another factor that has impacted on the progress of the business over the past decade has been the wealth of competition on Phillip Island for a share of the tourism dollar. “For example, if you go to somewhere like the Twleve Apostles, there’s nothing else to do there.

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

171

San Remo Bridge

So, in a way, you kind of have to take a helicopter ride,” Ian suggests. “But here on Phillip Island, there’s so many things for people to see and do. We’re competing against lots of other attractions.” Phillip Island Helicopters currently offers customers a range of affordably priced scenic flight and heli adventure options of varying time lengths. The company’s pilots vary their flying height during the trip to ensure passengers maximise their enjoyment and gain the best possible experience.

“As we come around the cape, you can take a photo of the whole island. You can see the entire thing,” Ian says. The business operates seven days a week all year round, with the first flight taking off at 10am. A minimum of two people (or payment for two in the case of solo travellers) is required for any flight. Afternoons are typically the busiest times for bookings. “It is recommended that customers make a booking in advance, particularly in the Summer holiday season, but at certain times of the year it is possible to just drive in here, walk in the door and be up in the air within ten minutes,” Ian reveals.

172

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Improvements to the company’s website, including the establishment of an online booking system and the ability to purchase gift vouchers have been popular with customers and make the process easier than ever. In order to accomodate the current workload created by drive-by customers and the regular flow of bus tour groups, Phillip Island Helicopters has grown to a team of eight staff members to manage the requirements in the air and on the ground. Such is the efficiency of their operation, the team recently managed to successfully process a tour group of 38 people with flights in just 46 minutes. At present, the company operates a fleet of three helicopters, which are each able to accumulate 2,200 flying hours before they require the significant financial outlay of a major mechanical rebuild. The largest of their three machines can carry up to four passengers along with the pilot. Operations Manager, Dave Dodson, who joined the company in July last year following the departure of Steve Peppard, emphasises that everyone at Phillip Island Helicopters is mindful that there are some customers who are anxious about flying. “We are very good with people who are nervous. We talk to them about what to expect,” Dave explains.

“We don’t want a joyflight experience or scenic flight experience to be something that’s stressful for them. All our pilots are very good with making people feel comfortable and relaxed.” Dave draws attention to a visitors’ book in the office reception area referred to as the “chicken book”, which provides an opportunity for nervous customers to record their thoughts in writing after taking their flight. “The chicken book is full of comments from people saying they loved the experience and questioning why they had been so worried about it beforehand,” he says. At all times, safety considerations are absolutely paramount with the team at Phillip Island Helicopters. If the wind speed exceeds about 35 knots, Ian says they will not fly but it is rare for that to happen. “Rain and low cloud are our worst enemy here, more so than wind,” he states. “Our experience helps to tell us what conditions are worth going out in. Visibility is important not only for safety but to ensure customers can fully enjoy taking in all the sights.” While a short scenic flight is sure to be a memorable experience for anyone, the heli adventures offered by Phillip Island Helicopters

Cape Woolamai

such as the trip to Bass Valley Estate winery or the Grand Prix Hot Laps provide something extra.

situations, but there are ways that we can help,” Dave says.

There is a lot of wildlife around us and we do our best to look after our environment.”

“They are fantastic for couples and groups. You can have an experience to really talk about and remember,” Ian says.

“We have the capability to be a key aid to emergency services for offshore incidents between here and Tasmania. As we go about our business, we are always on the look out for sharks in the water, or swimmers and surfers in any kind of distress. "Our site here at the airport can also be utilised as a refuelling station for the emergency services aircraft,” he adds.

With over twenty years of helicopter flying under his belt, Ian Batton understands the industry in which he operates and what makes a successful business.

Occasionally, flights are booked by customers with very special and personal motives in mind. Over the years, Ian can recall lots of marriage proposals and several offshore ashes droppings into the sea whilst in the air. Phillip Island Helicopters may be a commercial operation, but the business is able to make a wider contribution to the community in many ways. “One aspect we are proud of is that we are one of the few companies that gives pilots a start in the helicopter industry,” Ian observes. “Our junior staff generally begin with us as their first job. We tend to get them for a couple of years, provide them with training and then most are ready to leave by then.” In its day-to-day activity, the company also liaises with emergency services to provide assistance where it is permitted. “As a scenic tourist operation, we are not allowed to intervene or get involved in emergency

While it cannot take part in air/sea rescue operations, one community-motivated area of assistance where Phillip Island Helicopters is able to get actively involved is in fighting fires. Over the years, the company has made available resources including aircraft and manpower to help tackle bushfires in Victoria and New South Wales on several occasions. Dave Dodson emphasises that the company is very conscious of the neighbouring community and the impacts it has on local residents. “The feedback we received from people is generally very positive. Noise complaints are few and far between,” he says. “We also work very closely with the national parks on the island and look after wildlife including wallabies and geese that live on our doorstep.

“Ours is a business that builds relationships on the back of trust and honesty. One thing I have learned from my years of experience and have instilled into the way we operate at Phillip Island Helicopters is never to promise what you can’t deliver,” he insists. Ian encourages all Gippslanders to enjoy the incredible opportunity of seeing Phillip Island from the vantage point of being 1,500 feet in the air at some point in their lives. “A helicopter flight is a very different kind of flying experience,” he says. “It’s something that everyone needs to do at least once.” Photos: Cape Woolamai aerial, Cape Woolamai & view over Phillip Island photos courtesy of Full Pictures San Remo San Remo Bridge photo courtesy of Phoebe Honey Destination Gippsland All other photos courtesy of Phillip Island Helicopters

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

173

View over Phillip Island

FLIGHT OPTIONS • PHILLIP ISLAND HELICOPTERS SCENIC FLIGHTS

EXPERIENCES

FLIGHT 1 CAPE WOOLAMAI $85 per person Duration: 8 minutes approx.

WINERY INDULGENCE Includes private helicopter ride to Bass Valley Estate winery, followed by exclusive lunch with the winemaker, vineyard tour and cellar door tasting. Duration: 3 hours approx. From $365 per person (min. 2 people)

FLIGHT 2 GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT $85 per person Time duration: 8 minutes approx. FLIGHT 3 GRAND PRIX, PENGUINS & SEALS $160 per person Time duration: 16 minutes approx. FLIGHT 4 COWES, SEALS, PENGUINS & GRAND PRIX $195 per person Time duration: 20 minutes approx.

Inside a helicopter Couple getting engaged

FLIGHT 5 FLY AROUND THE WHOLE ISLAND $240 per person Time duration: 25 minutes approx. FLIGHT 6 KILCUNDA, DESALINATION PLANT & RETURN $195 per person Time duration: 20 minutes approx. FLIGHT 7 PENINSULA & ISLAND $420 per person Time duration: 42 minutes approx.

174

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

GP HOT LAPS Includes helicopter flight around Cape Woolamai before landing at Phillip Island Grand Prix Track for a high speed race car thrill ride. Duration: I hour approx. From $365 per person (min. 2 people) SEA & SKY ADVENTURE Includes helicopter flight around Cape Woolamai, followed by a two-hour cruise witnessing one of Australia’s largest wild fur seal colonies situated on Seal Rocks off the coast of Phillip Island. Duration: Flight 8 minutes approx. plus cruise 2 hours approx. From $143 per adult; $117 per child (min. 2 people) Beach and view over Phillip Island FURTHER INFORMATION Phillip Island Helicopters Phone: (03) 5956 7316 Email: info@pih.com.au Web: www.pih.com.au

WONTHAGGI

Rob Geyer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Manager

Phil Roche â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Store Assistant

your paint place group of stores Wonthaggi

Cowes

5-7 Korumburra Road, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 5522 Email: wonthaggi@paintplace.com.au Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5.00pm Saturday 8.30am to 1.00pm Sunday 10.00am to12.00pm Manager: Rob Geyer

215 Settlement Road, Cowes Vic 3922 Tel: 5952 2522 Email: cowes@paintplace.com.au Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5.00pm Saturday 8.00am to 1.00pm Sunday 9.00am to 1.00pm Manager: David Fusinato

Traralgon

Leongatha

81 Argyle Street, Traralgon Vic 3844 Tel: 5176 1221 Email: traralgon@paintplace.com.au Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm Sunday Closed Manager: Kevin Vivian

52 Bair Street, Leongatha Vic 3953 Tel: 5662 2941 Email: leongatha@paintplace.com.au Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am to 12.00pm Sunday Closed Manager: Luke Watson

TRANQUIL By Angela Borelli

Mangroves at Tankerton

FRENCH ISLAND French Island is a place all on its own. Only about 60 km from Melbourne’s CBD, it is Victoria’s biggest island. Unlike it’s neighbour Phillip Island, few people know where it is beyond its position on a map. The community who live there have remained under the radar for over a hundred years.

176

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

There is no town on French Island. A few public buildings – the community hall, the cricket club, the CFA fire station and the general store/ post office - are clustered together about three kilometres from the Tankerton jetty. It is unincorporated territory; there is no council, rates, church, secondary school, police station or doctor. It is self-governed and ‘off the grid’ with none of the usual mainland services such as mains electricity, water or sewerage. There is no access other than by boat. Before a regular service was introduced in the early 1970’s, ferries would only stop at French Island every second weekday. This limited access to the community cannot be overestimated. It has influenced everything in the island’s short history. The narrow strip of water separating the island from the rest of Australia effectively acts as a fence, preserving the special culture and protecting the environment. PTV now runs the ferry service, making several trips a day from Stony Point or Cowes and is the main access for Islanders and visitors. (www. interislandferries.com.au) Getting off the ferry at Tankerton jetty you will pass through the car park, a collection of barely roadworthy ‘paddock cars’ and Parks Victoria signage. From there, the landscape is uncluttered by any disfiguring man-made structures. French Island has almost completely avoided growth and development. For decades the French Island population remained at around 60 people, a small farming kinship where six out of seven children at the primary school were related. These settler families were the pillars of the community, but the neighbourhood has changed. As farms came on the market, people from the mainland bought them. Over the past fifteen years the population has doubled, the new residents lured across the water for its wild beauty, its self sufficient autonomy and the desire to live in a small community in a spotlessly clean eco system, so close to Melbourne. But nothing that happens there now makes sense without understanding what came before. Although there had been attempts at industry and agriculture on the island since the 1840’s,

farming on inaccessible French Island was not considered very promising. It was not until the Village Settlement Scheme, established during the 1890’s economic depression that brought a wave of new people to the island. This government experiment allocated blocks of Crown Land to unemployed men in the hope that they would succeed as small yeoman farmers. This marked the beginning of the island ‘culture’ and led to the establishment of schools, the cricket club and Progress Associations. However, most found the isolation too difficult, cut their losses and left within a year. A few families stayed and their descendants are still on the island. Visitors to rural areas rarely see the working side of the landscape, but the farmers who made this society loved it and cared for it. They farmed chicory, sheep and cattle, set up their own culture from scratch and found ways to survive and prosper in a remote outpost. For generations they battled to maintain their independence, fighting against incorporation into mainland municipalities. This was a ‘do it yourself’, defiant community. When the education department tried to close the primary school, they refused to return the key and found their own teacher. When the ferry company looked like stopping runs to French Island, they formed a co-op and bought their own ferry. They built a barge out of secondhand car parts and employed a sixteen-yearold local boy to run it, with no licences. “When I turned eighteen I got my driver’s licence. They said ‘That’ll do’”, says barge driver Roy Cox, nearly fifty years later. When there were threats that French Island was going to be incorporated into a mainland council, they formed a ‘Hands off French Island’ protest group, took it to court, and won. Mainlanders had little or no interest in the place and stayed away. This all changed in the 1960’s when there were plans to industrialise French Island as the proposed location for Australia’s first nuclear power plant. Companies like BHP and the SEC came on board with exceptionally high offers for farmland, too good to refuse, and many of the bigger landholdings were sold and eventually subdivided.

The Island was going to be connected to the mainland by a bridge. But opposition to nuclear power was strong and the environmental movement was simmering. Over a hundred environmental studies were done ‘to find out what makes the area tick before it’s too late’, recommending that no industry be permitted and the island be preserved as a wildlife reserve. The nuclear power plant didn’t happen and plans for French Island steered in the opposite direction. By 1997, about seventy per cent of the island was taken over by Parks Victoria, as Australia’s biggest island National Park. For the first time there was a government officer telling locals what they could and couldn’t do on ‘their’ island. There was opposition. Islanders were no longer allowed to hunt deer or ducks in the National Park, move stock around the island to graze, drive vehicles or ride horses in the Park, or clear land without authorisation. Twenty years later, farmers and Parks live side-by-side and have found ways to make it work. French Island is the jewel in the crown for Western Port nature-lovers. As retired tour operator Lois Airs says “It’s what you don’t see that makes it so special”. You don’t see many cars or street signs. There are no power poles, streetlights, footpaths, shopping malls or factories. Houses are tucked away and hidden from the half dozen rough roads and tracks made by the first settlers. You will often have to slow down to allow a koala or echidna to cross. Endangered species like the rare Potoroo thrive here. It has one of Australia’s largest koala populations. It is the habitat for over 230 species of bird, 260 fauna species, there are 500 species of flora, including over 100 types of orchid. It is a protected Ramsar site and has the same environmental rating as Kakadu National Park. You can walk on the beach and not see another human footprint in the sand. This is Robinson Crusoe territory. While French Island was always a haven for hikers, bushwalkers, cyclists, bird watchers and campers, the newcomers have introduced new ventures that would be unrecognisable to the first settlers – upmarket accommodation, wine, honey, olive oil, music festivals and organic and biodynamic farming.

View from French Island Glamping

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

177

Droving Sheep

Chicory Kiln – one of the oldest remaining

French Island Glamping accommodation

View from Grand Design house accommodation

French Island Eco Inn accommodation

French Island was doing ‘eco-tourism’ before the name was conceived. The island has always welcomed campers who make little impact on the unblemished environment. Camping is available in the National Park on Fairhaven beach campsite. For further details, check the Parks Victoria website. While people like the idea of camping – being at-one with nature and the pristine environment, most people do not enjoy the ‘roughing it’ aspect of crawling into a sleeping bag and taking a roll of toilet paper into the bush. French Island now offers a range of accommodation choices. French Island Glamping offers ‘the glamour of luxury accommodation with the romance of camping under the stars’. Peter and Mim Simmonds have opened up their 100-acre property with spectacular views, creating a

beautiful place with five bell tents with real furniture, including queen beds with electric blankets, private and communal fire pits, fullyequipped shared kitchen, bathroom and BBQ facilities. This is five-star accommodation with the bonus of being close to the great outdoors, but with every comfort catered for. visit frenchislandglamping.com.au French Island tourism took off in the 1980’s when a regular ferry service was able to bring visitors to the island to connect with tour buses. For those who prefer a proper roof over their heads, French Island Eco Inn (formerly the Tortoise Head Guesthouse) was built in 1983, as the gateway to the island. Almost completely refurbished and managed by Phil Bock, the main cape-cod style guesthouse has a guest dining room and bar, with accommodation available in five nearby ensuite cabins.

The French Island Eco Inn sits on the headland of the narrow peninsula close to Tankerton Jetty, with the ever-changing wetlands viewable from wide verandas on both sides of the property. Perfect for group bookings, weddings, parties and romantic getaways, The Eco Inn also has a popular helicopter landing area for those wanting that extra special experience. It also offers budget accommodation in a bunk-room cabin and facilities for camping. Contact The French Island Eco Inn on (03) 5980 1234 The new kid on the block is a spectacular stone, glass and timber house on the property formerly known as ‘Belle Isles’. Growing up in Clyde, Mike Gearon would climb a tree and look across the bay and wonder about French Island. Living in London and the States, he researched buying a property online before returning to Australia

Host, Phil Bock of Eco Inn entertaining guests

Inside Glamping accommodation

Inside Grand Design house with view

French Island Cricket Clubrooms

French Island CFA Station

178

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Perseverance Primary School

French Island Barge

FRENCH ISLAND

Local resident – Koala Managers of FIGS, Leith and Tanya Hughes

with wife Debra to begin work on this high-end accommodation and home. It is an amazing achievement for a sustainable, off-the-grid house, with thermal mass in the thick walls, huge double glazed windows, an inglenook fireplace big enough to stand up in, and heating under the stone floors, the heat source coming from a circular fireplace designed by Mike. The construction of this house was filmed for Foxtel’s ‘Grand Designs’ program, and will be broadcast at the end of 2016. This magnificent guesthouse will be open for guests from early December, and has beautifully furnished rooms, spa, gymnasium, poolroom, landscaped gardens, water features, walking and running tracks and private beach. It is a picture-perfect venue for functions, weddings or a special weekend away. Every room, or course, has incredible French Island views. Contact 0422 439 424 for any enquiries French Island General Store (FIGS)

French Island Winery Tasting Room

The French Island General Store & Figs Café is the heart of the community on French Island. As well as providing the Islanders with staples – mail, groceries, newspapers and gas bottles, it operates as a Licensed Café seven days a week. New owners, the Le Serve family, provide locals and visitors with delicious lunches, cakes and takeaways, using local produce when available, serving wine from French Island Vineyards, and good coffee. www.figsfrenchisland.com.au The Store sells a range of local produce, including honey, olive oil and souvenirs. There is a warm fire inside, and a unique outdoor covered deck built from recycled jetty timber. There are plans to extend the premises - this is the only café on the island. The Store provides free courtesy bus transfers for customers arriving by ferry from Stony Point or Cowes for an Island dining experience, or for those who hire bikes or

French Island Winery

are staying the night in the Figs Accommodation. For total convenience visitors to the Island can wine, dine and stay to fully enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and hospitality the Store has to offer. For enquiries call (03) 5980 1209 or email info@figsfrenchisland.com.au French Island Vineyards is located at the historic property, Long Point, overlooking Corinella and Elizabeth Island and fronting the National Park foreshore. The Hatton family established this boutique winery in 1998. The conditions and elements of the vineyard location have created beautiful wines – Shiraz, Chardonnay and award winning Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. For information about forthcoming events and offers for their members club, please check out the website www.fiv.com.au

Olive Groves

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

179

FRENCH ISLAND

Exiled RRR Broadcaster and singer/songwriter Paul Madigan is a character in the characterless Australian music scene, having recorded and played with local legends like Ross Hannaford and Jex Saarelaht, and opening Melbourne’s first lounge-style music venue ‘Madigans’ in Brunswick in the 1980’s. ‘Madigans’ was a regular venue for Kate Ceberano, Paul Grabowsky, Colin Hay as well as ring-ins like Guy Clarke and Tiny Tim. A season of the TV program ‘Rock Arena’ was filmed there and you can see Madigan and Hannaford’s Rock Arena performance on YouTube. He bought his 200 acres overlooking Tortoise Head in 2002 partly for its natural crater-like amphitheatre where a stage has been built, its

Tankerton Jetty

beautiful wraparound coastline and accessibility to moorings for boat transport, with an idea to hold music events. A New Year’s Eve festival, ‘French Fest’, was held there in 2014/15. Future events with the excellent French Fest crowd are planned but Paul is really there to do his own thing. From Christmas to Easter he has been doing little Saturday night gigs for anywhere between three and thirty people and some great musicians have played at these little gigs. Paddock-to-Plate is central to Paul’s vision, and he makes his own cheese with cheese-guru mate Richard Thomas (who put King Island cheese on the map) and the Jersey cows, barbeques his own lambs and has grape vines and cider apple trees slowly coming into production. Alpacas

Billy the watchgoat at Eco Inn

180

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

All this food for the eyes, ears and fang might also be offered as a Seniors Sunday from Christmas, when the train and ferry are free for pensioners. For more info, call Paul on 0410 646 076 or email: paul_madigan@hotmail.com French Island is a rare, unspoilt and friendly place to visit. There is a lot to keep you occupied or you can do nothing at all but relax and take in the natural beauty; look up at the swooping sea eagles or across the bay to the mainland, a world away. With regular transport and modern telecommunications, it is now connected to the mainland more than ever before. But when the last ferry returns to Stony Point at night, it is again its own perfect, self-ruling continent.

Specialising in Local Fish

Order Your Seafood

Christmas & New Year Now!

For all

the best in fresh

Seafood

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

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

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

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

181

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

thelifestyle spring 2015

Your Market Guide to SUMMER BAIRNSDALE FARMERS’ MARKET

1st Saturday of every month – 8am-12noon Location Bairnsdale Secondary College Oval, McKean Street Contact John 5156 9342 or Ian 5152 3698

BERWICK AKOONAH PARK MARKET

Every Sunday – 8am-1.30pm Location Akoonah Park, cnr High & Cardinia Sts, Berwick Contact Gary Maker (03) 9796 1455

BRIAGOLONG MAKERS & COLLECTABLES MARKET Check Facebook Page for details Location Behind Riverstone Café Contact 0407 455 202 or their Facebook page

BRUTHEN VILLAGE MARKET

JOHNSONVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET

PAYNESVILLE FARMERS MARKET

JUMBUNNA BUSH MARKET

REH CORK CLUB CRAFT MARKET

KONGWAK MARKET

ROKEBY COMMUNITY MARKET

1st Saturday of month – 8am-12pm Location Johnsonville Hall, Princes Highway Contact Perry 5156 4162 1st Sunday of the month – 8.30am-1pm Location Public Hall, Cruickshanks Road Contact Dawn Wylie 5657 3253 Every Sunday – 10am-3pm No Market 25 December Location Korumburra Road, Kongwak Contact Jane 0417 142 478

KOONWARRA FARMERS' MARKET

3rd Saturday of month – 9am-1pm Location Mechanics Hall, Main Street Contact 0432 188 295

1st Saturday of the month – 8am-12.30pm Location Memorial Park off Koala Drive (Held in adjoining Halls on wet days) Contact Rod 0408 619 182

CALLIGNEE COMMUNITY MARKET

KOOWEE COMMUNITY MARKET

3rd Sunday of month – 8am-1pm October to May Location Callignee Hall Reserve Contact Lex 5147 3808

CHURCHILL ISLAND FARMERS’ MARKET & CRAFT MARKET 4th Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island off Phillip Island Contact Peter Arnold 5664 0096

COAL CREEK COMMUNITY PARK & MUSEUM FARMERS’ MARKET

and craft market 2nd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Location Coal Creek Community Park and Museum Car Park, Silkstone Rd, Korumburra Contact 5655 1811 FREE Entry/Ample Parking

COWES ISLAND CRAFT MARKET

2nd Saturday of month - 9am-2pm Location St Phillips Parish Hall and grounds, Thompson Ave, Cowes Contact Monica 0412 710 276 or 5678 8784

COWES MARKET ON CHAPEL (VARIETY) 4th Saturday of month – 8.30am-2pm Location Uniting Church, Chapel St, Cowes Contact Darlene 0428 603 043

DROUIN CRAFT & PRODUCE MARKET

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Location Civic Park, Civic Place, Drouin Contact John 0419 428 564 Drouin Rotary Club

FARMERS’ MARKET @ THE OLD CHEESE FACTORY

2nd Saturday of month – 8am-12.30pm Location The Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick Contact Market Manager: Geoff Rankin 0407 968 841

FOSTER PROM COUNTRY FARMERS’ MARKET 3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12pm Location Foster War Memorial Arts Centre Main Street, Foster Contact Catherine McGlead 0407 543 371

FOSTER PROMONTORY MARKET (VARIETY) Sunday: 11 December; 1 January; 29 January Location Foster Showgrounds, Station Road

GRANTVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET

4th Sunday of month - 8am-2pm Location Grantville Recreation Reserve Contact Pat 5997 6221 & check Facebook for updates

HEYFIELD COMMUNITY MARKET

1st Saturday of month – 8am-1pm Location John Greaves Memorial Park, Temple Street Contact 5148 3408 or 5148 2394

HILL END MARKET

3rd Sunday of Jan, March, Sept and Nov – 8am-1pm Location Old Hill End School Contact Chris 5635 2256

INVERLOCH COMMUNITY FARMERS' MARKET Last Sunday of the month – 8am-1pm Location The Glade, Opposite Inlet Hotel, Inverloch Contact Tennille 0448 327 637

INVERLOCH FARMERS’ MARKET

3rd Sunday of the month – 8am-1pm Twilight 1 January 2017 Location The Glade, Opposite Inlet Hotel, Inverloch Contact Peter Arnold 0439 364 760

INVERLOCH ROTARY MARKET

Saturday: 7 & 28 January 9am-3pm Location Community Centre, A’Beckett Street Contact Colin 0458 419 966

JINDIVICK COUNTRY MARKET

1st Saturday of month – 8am-12pm (except January) Location 1070 Jackson’s Track, Jindivick Contact Jindivick Harvest Kitchen 5628 5227

182

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

2nd Sunday of the month - 8am-1.30pm Location Koo Wee Rup Community Centre Cochrane Park Cnr Rossiter Rd & Sybella Ave Koo Wee Rup Contact 0418 289 847

LAKES ENTRANCE SURF CLUB FORESHORE MARKET

1st Sunday of the month – 9am-3pm Location Near the Rotunda - Foreshore, Lakes Entrance Contact Tom Morris 0407 098 805 or 5153 1916

LATROBE COUNTRY MARKET

Every Sunday - 8.30am-1.30pm Location Latrobe Road, Morwell (near Holmes Road) Contact 0449 294 453

LOCH LIONS VILLAGE MARKET

2nd Sunday of month – October to April – 8.30am-1pm Location Loch Railway Siding Contact Barry Worsburgh 0418 500 520

LONGWARRY FIRE BRIGADE MARKET

1st Sunday of the month - 8am-1pm (except Jan & Feb) Location Longwarry Fire Station, Bennett St Contact Janine 5629 9636 or 0419 158 946

LUCKNOW MARKET

4th Sunday of the month - 8.30am-1pm Location Howitt Park, Princes Highway, East Bairnsdale Contact 0432 602 007

MAFFRA VARIETY & FARMERS’ MARKET 1st Sunday of month - 9am-1pm Location Main St/Johnson St, Maffra Contact Rob 0419 869 114

MALLACOOTA ARTISANS MARKET

1st Saturday of month – 9am - 1pm (except January) Location Mallacoota Mudbrick Pavilion, Maurice Ave Contact Leah 0467 856 236

MEENIYAN MID WEEK MARKET

3rd Thursday of month – 10am-2pm Location Whitelaw Street Contact Tracey Robertson 0402 995 063

METUNG FARMERS’ MARKET

2nd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Location Village Green in Metung Contact Tracey O’Brien 0409 233 648

MIRBOO NORTH COUNTRY MARKET Last Saturday of month – 8am-2pm Location Baromi Park, 49 Ridgway Contact Bev Cook 5668 1688

NEERIM DISTRICT ALLEY MARKET

4th Sunday of month – 9am-1pm Location 147 Main Neerim Road, Neerim South Contact 0409 090 725

NOOJEE STATION MARKET

Last Sunday of the month – 8am-2pm (except December) Location Noojee Heritage Centre and train station Contact Sharon Tauru 0419 380 997

NOWA NOWA FARMERS MARKET

3rd Sunday of month – 8am-1pm Location Mingling Waters Caravan Park Contact 0409 233 648

OLD GIPPSTOWN HERITAGE PARK MARKET 3rd Saturday of month – 9am-2pm Location Lloy Street, Moe Contact 5127 3082

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12pm Location Gilsenan Reserve Contact Scott 0409 524 399

2nd Saturday of month until May – 8am-1pm Location Kay Street Gardens, Traralgon Contact Chris Van Der Meer 0487 342 675 2nd Saturday of month September to May– 8am-1pm Location Rokeby Reserve, Brandy Creek Road Contact 5626 8523

ROSEDALE COMMUNITY MARKET 2nd Sunday of month - 7.30am-1.30pm Location Prince Street Reserve Contact George Sharp 5199 2709

SALE PRODUCERS’ MARKET

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Sale Showgrounds enter from Maffra Rd Contact Cate 0404 40 128 (Craft) or Karen 0429 344 675 (Produce)

SALE CHARITY VARIETY MARKET

3rd Sunday of month - 7am-1pm Location Thomson River Canal Reserve Contact 5144 1258

SAN REMO CUPPA & CHAT MARKET

2nd Friday of month - Bric-a-brac, cakes & jams 9am-1pm 2nd Saturday of month - Sausage Sizzle 9am-12pm Location St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Marine Parade Contact Roma Caulfield 5678 5386

STRATFORD VARIETY & FARMERS MARKET 4th Sunday of month - 9am-1pm Location McMillan Street, Stratford Contact Rob 0419 869 114

TARWIN LOWER MARKET

Public Holidays Monday - January - 8.30am-2pm Location Tarwin Lower Memorial Hall, Riverside Drive Contact Anita 5663 7345

TARWIN LOWER LOCAL MARKET

2nd Saturday of month 8.30am Location Tarwin Lower Primary School, School Road Contact 0410 466 260

TOORA COMMUNITY MARKET

2nd Saturday of month - 7.30-1pm Location Former Bonlac Store, Jetty Road, Toora Contact 5686 2690

TRAFALGAR ARTS MARKET

1st Saturday of month – 9am-1pm Location Trafalgar Railway Station MS Victory Park Contact Wendy Hitchins 0407 710 180

TRARALGON FARMERS’ MARKET

4th Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Kay Street Gardens Contact 0409 232 715 Traralgon Lions Club

WARRAGUL ARTS MARKET

3rd Saturday of month – 9am-1pm October to March Location Civic Park Warragul Contact Jessie McLennan 5626 7045

WARRAGUL FARMERS MARKET 3rd Saturday of month – 8.30am-1pm Location 1 Civic Place, Warragul Contact 0425 259 177

WONTHAGGI MAKE IT BAKE IT MARKET 2nd Sunday of month, rain, hail or shine 9am-1pm Location McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi Contact Leah 0427 587 104

WONTHAGGI ROTARY MARKET

2nd Sunday of month - 8am-1pm Location Park, Murray St, Wonthaggi Contact Heather 0457 591 223

YARRAGON COMMUNITY CRAFT & PRODUCE MARKET

4th Saturday of month – 9am-1pm Location Yarragon Public Hall, Campbell St Contact Alison Butterworth 5634 2209

YARRAM VARIETY MARKET

1st Sunday of month - 8am-1pm Location Guide & Scout Hall, Yarram Contact 0419 362 083

PAKENHAM COMMUNITY MARKET

3rd Sunday of month – 8am-2pm Location Pakenham Football Club, Toomuc Reserve Contact Noel 0422 822 688

PAYNESVILLE LIONS CLUB MARKET 2nd Sunday of month - 8.30am-1pm Location Gilsenan Reserve Contact Lions Club 0400 327 526

If you require your event to be promoted please email Gippsland the Lifestyle thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au

YOUR EVENTS GUIDE SUMMER events DECEMBER 2016

JANUARY 2017

MARCH 2017

TOORA CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL AT THE TOORA POOL Date: December 20 Time: 3.00pm - 6.00pm Location: 14 Cunningham Street Toora Contact: 5686 2296

PHILLIP ISLAND NATURE PARKS COMMUNITY OPEN DAY Date: March 5 Time: 8.00am Location: Phillip Island Contact: 5951 2800

SOUNDS OF SUMMER Date: December 28 Time: Gates open at 3.00pm Location: Inverloch Rec Reserve Contact: Sounds of Summer Website

SALE MUSIC FESTIVAL PICNIC IN THE GREEN Date: March 12 Location: Sale Botanic Gardens Contact: Kerry McMillan 0407 965 313

JANUARY 2017

GEEKFEST III Date: January 14 - January 15 Location: Coal Creek Community Park & Museum Contact: 5655 1811 SOUTH GIPPSLAND YACHT CLUB REGATTA Date: January 26 Location: 22 The Esplanade Inverloch Contact: 5674 3036 or 0412 504 349

PHILLIP ISLAND MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION Train Layouts, Trains to run, Trains to buy Date: January 7 - January 8 Time: Sat 10.00am - 5.00pm Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm Location: Cowes Cultural Centre Contact: Peter 5956 9513 UNIFY 2017 HEAVY MUSIC GATHERING Date: January 13 - January 15 Location: Tarwin Lower Rec Reserve Contact: ticketing@unifygathering.com BASS COAST SUMMER AGRICULTURAL SHOW Date: January 14 Location: Wonthaggi Rec Reserve Contact: basscoastagshow@hotmail.com

If you require your event to be promoted please email Gippsland the Lifestyle thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au

KILCUNDA LOBSTER FESTIVAL Date: January 29 Time: 9.00am onwards Location: Kilcunda foreshore car park Contact: Andrea Bolch 0400 065 253

OPERA BY THE LAKES Date: March 19 Time: Car Park Opens 11.00am Gate Opens 12.00pm Location: Nyerimilang Heritage Park near Metung Contact: Andrea Ford 0409 771 526

For more events see pages 99, 114-115, 184, 192-193

FEBRUARY 2017 LATROBE VALLEY STREET MACHINE SHOW Date: Sunday February 5 Time: 10.00am Location: Old Trafford (Traralgon Showgrounds) Whittakers Road KORUMBURRA SHOW Date: February 11 - February 12 Location: Korumburra Rec Reserve Contact: 5655 2468

THE LEATHER FOREVER ENCORE TOUR SUZI QUATRO brings with her Andy Scott from The Sweet on guitar and vocals, and Don Powell from Slade on drums. Suzi will perform with an eight piece band, and in her leather jumpsuit! #leatherforever Date: Location: Contact:

Sunday February 19 Sale Botanic Gardens 5143 3200 for tickets or Ticketek

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

183

ALI'S ART

By Ali Fullard

BRIAGOLONG ART GALLERY

“TRILOGY” SATURDAY OCTOBER 1ST

saw a large crowd gather at our Gallery to hear the announcement of the winners of the Sixth Annual Gippsland Interclub Photographic Competition. Photographers belonging to East Gippsland Photographic Society, Foster Photography Club, Latrobe Valley Camera Club, Phillip Island Camera Club, Sale Camera Club and Warragul Camera Club were set the challenge of capturing an image from our beautiful region. Deb French from Sale Camera Club the host of the event this year organised the exhibition. Over 60 framed images were entered in the competition. The photographers gave us their view and interpretation of our landscape, seascape wildlife, bird life and portraits. All were impressed with the quality and high standard of the photographs. Hosting this exhibition in our town’s Gallery has been an acknowledgement of how great our little space is for supporting the Arts in this region.

DECEMBER

sees the annual exhibition of current works by members of the Briagolong Artists. The theme this year is, EYE Vs. EYE. The aim of this exhibition is for artists to display works with a particular message. It could be political statement, an opinion, and point of view of a landscape, still life, figure or portrait. The artists have been working and exhibiting together for a number of years. A variety of media will be on display. The exhibition will be on from Dec 10th to Jan 29th. The official opening will be Sunday 11th Dec at 2.00 pm.

184

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

FEBRUARY & MARCH

sees an exhibition of my own works with two other local artist friends, Judy Dorber and Fiona Reynolds. We have titled the exhibition “Trilogy”. Throughout the ages, 3 has been associated with prudence, wisdom, piety, friendship, peace, balance, stability and harmony. 3 also being the number of “Time”: Past, Present and Future - Birth, Life and Death. The three of us have a passion for our immediate environment and have been working together for the last seventeen years. This exhibition encompasses drawings, mixed media and paintings in which the three of us have individually interpreted the landscape from our own personal perspectives. We are exploring traces of human, animal and environmental conditions and how these impact the landscape, place - the imaginative and ancient and the passing of time and what remains. Judy states about her artwork, “My drawings the empty, imaginative, geological, contemplative, constantly changing, moving, in a state of change, exposed to the elements of weather. Wearing away exposing clues to the past. My image refers to the Earth’s crust and what lies beneath it in relation to time.” My own works explore the concept of what remains after a part of nature ceases to live or exist in its primary state of “living”. I have chosen the image of what is left of our magnificent Red Gum trees, which populate our region to contemplate this thought. Some of these monoliths are hundreds of years

old and have harboured whole ecosystems, both macro and micro biotic, of insects, flora, fauna and bird life over this time. They exist now, lying quietly hidden in repose or standing defiantly, vacated and empty, silently expressing their past, pain or joy. Fiona states, “My immediate surroundings have always been an inspiration for my work. Though bush, but now once occupied, there are traces of the living and the dead, be it animals or human. The glimpse of movement through the bush, the silent observation of a grazing animal, its bones and carcass. The finding of human rubbish, broken crockery, a discarded bottle, a rock wall or an exotic plant. All these things have a story to tell, vestiges of a past life and time.” An opportunity to view, how three artists see the story of our landscape. “Trilogy” - Ali Fullard, Judy Dorber and Fiona Reynolds, February 18th to March 19th 2017 Contact details Briagolong Art Gallery Ph 0351455439 Mob 0427327494 Email:briagolongartgallery@gmail.com Find us on facebook

BRIAGOLONG & SURROUNDS EVENTS Research award recipient Professor Lesley Duxbury

“I work across a range of media inspired by the natural world and dramatic landscape of the Gippsland region.” P r i n t s | D r a w i n g s | Wa t e r c o l o u r s Mixed Media | Digital images | Original cards

NATIONAL AWARD TO A LOCAL LESLEY DUXBURY Local artist Professor Lesley Duxbury, who resides in Briagolong, has recently been awarded the Australian Council of Universities Art and Design Schools Distinguished Researcher Award. As there is only one award offered nationally Lesley is to be congratulated on her efforts being recognised on a national scale. Lesley is a Professor at the RMIT University School of Art and a most talented printmaker who uses her artwork to highlight many issues. When asked how she felt about receiving the award Lesley says, "Firstly it was a great surprise….. It made me very proud to have such support and respect from my peers across Australia and to know my work in research had been recognised.” Lesley is retiring at the end of this year and the award “tops off what for me has been a fantastically rewarding career.”

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

Research in a university means: having research outputs which are peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters, having exhibitions in significant galleries that are peer reviewed, supervising PhD and MA students and demonstrating Leadership qualities. Over the last eight years Lesley has also managed to show in 40 exhibitions and has had her works extensively collected by public art galleries, from the National Gallery of Australia to University and local municipal galleries. Congratulations Lesley.

"Trilogy" artists L to R Fiona Reynolds, Ali Fullard & Judy Dorber

Overall winner | Photographer Ross Ipenberg | Eagle Point EYE Vs EYE image | Wendy Fuessel "Blue Recyclapool"

BRIAGOLONG ART GALLERY

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

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

185

Macey

Maggie

Jake + Ollie

Sam aka Dr Wags

CORNER

Sam

Missy Moo

Raven

Holly

Roxy

Charlie

Molly

Charlie Thomas

Ratatouille

Boomba

Lucy

Myra

Nyke

Molly aka Pooch

Young Lucky

Angel Zac and Angel Tess

Jazz

Peppi

Holly + Snapper

Bonsoir

Gippsland's finest

Please email Gippsland The Lifestyle thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au if you would like to place a photo of your dog in Canine Corner

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

187

SUMMER December, January, February

SUN SIGN ASTROLOGY Forecast with Kerry Galea ARIES 21 MARCH – 19 APRIL Early in the season, tensions at work herald changes which will bring the chance to escape boredom, to travel or to learn. Rumours only confuse. Loved ones strive further than you think they should…. but maybe they should? Midseason, it’s time to flap those wings and prepare for takeoff. You have support from the people that matter the most. Any paralysis is self-imposed. Later in the season you have personal radiance which can bring you benefits, attention and new opportunities. Life for loved ones may now seem to be in reverse and they will soon feel challenged, but its full steam ahead for you.

LIBRA 23 SEP – 22 OCT

TAURUS 20 APRIL – 20 MAY

Amidst confusion and indecision and challenges; is a place of enlightenment. Yes, its only when we have to let go of knowing what to do, that we find the alternative solution. Giving gratitude and saying thank-you are simple acts that lead to awesome awakenings. Let a spiritual feeling grow and seek places that help create the higher connection. By late-season, reality strikes again. A king can bemoan a lack of money and a beggar can celebrate abundance. It’s all in the perspective one takes. Something around the home, youthful, risky or simply good old fashioned fun, will be a cost; so know your limits.

It seems like everybody is lining up for the privilege of being taken under your wing but you are allowed to choose who you take care of, and who (or what) you let fly for themselves. Your energy levels drop and for your own health’s sake…. reduce some of your responsibilities, and this includes changing bad habits. Later this season is the time to decide what you would prefer to be doing in your work, paid or not. Family issues or dramas from long ago, probably those that vibrate through whole generations, are building and will soon need attention.

GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUNE Deep feelings need to be faced and it’s time to make decisions and take action which makes any issues smaller than they first appeared. Soon your energy will droop and your creativity will rise. The simple solution is to rest, but since you are feeling like a big kid at heart why not be creative and celebrate life just because you can? Later in the season you have two different options open to you and one of them is to escape. The other is to search and learn, for knowledge is power, and the one who has the knowledge; has the power! CANCER 21 JUNE – 22 JULY

You are ready to connect with family or expand your home. Loved ones are having a huge creative spike which brings awareness of greater choices and possibilities for them. For yourself, are you deciding who you are, and what you want to do? Or are you being duty-bound? Mid-season, home and family “stuff” rises to a high and you may want to escape with a sea-change sort of holiday. Later in the season there can be both good and difficult changes around your work place, and awareness of secrets; all that you know and what you don’t.

LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUG This season begins with the need to take responsibility for others, but make sure you also care for yourself. Making decisions becomes difficult and confusion is the result unless you seek help and focus on facts. Mid-season is an amazing learning time and you are open to new ideas and realisations. Use it… or it will keep you awake at nights with restlessness! Later in the season, practicalities take over, and loved ones have different needs to yours. You may feel blocked and emotions may run high, but a serious approach is now needed. Take time out to rejuvenate your batteries. VIRGO 23 AUG – 22 SEP Good times will cost, but if you consider it an investment then by all means go out and spend it, but if you are trusting in luck and spending more than you have… you soon won’t have it! Mid-season, your partner and loved ones are totally confused and are being paralyzed into inaction, then end it by being irate and tense. Running and hiding is not an option. At season’s end it is time to focus on the duties and responsibilities of life, including starting a new healthy lifestyle, or getting rid of bad habits.

Keep on practising letting go of the past and family “stuff”. Your time to be YOU has arrived. Some people still see you as who-you-used-to-be! Rejoice in the creativity and new life around you. Mid-season, the urge to take relationships to a new level, to escape with your loved one and seek adventure is strong, while assuming responsibility can feel suffocating. Late-season is a great time to share celebrations with partners. Rebuild family “stuff” with your new persona and under your new rules. Your actual home may also need to be repaired. Let a handyperson do it.

SCORPIO 23 OCT – 21 NOV

SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV – 21 DEC We all belong to tribes; be they clubs (sports or social), work networks, communities, or groups. Is yours taking too much from you? Do you still enjoy yourself? Perhaps it’s time to change or expand your tribe? Standing up for yourself will soon cause tension, but that does not mean don’t do it. Late season, a new outlook is coming, but before then, it’s time to make decisions and get serious, and that means making hard decisions, as it’s never too late to make adjustments. Be prepared that something good will involve a cost, so squirrel some money away. CAPRICORN 22 DEC – 19 JAN

The stars are offering you a new role, or work possibilities, but you are not yet comfortable with what it all means. Trust; for you are ready to grab the opportunities. At the same time, somebody is restless and may need to make changes. Decisions will not be easy to make, so expect confusion. There will be long term consequences with these choices, so deliberate at length and choose carefully. Spend time listing pros and cons and wait till the end of the season to make up your mind. Remember that arguments create problems while discussions create harmony.

AQUARIUS 20 JAN – 18 FEB Patterns of behavior are inherited and can be part of a farreaching family dynasty. Are you making choices based on the past, or the present? Venus is coming into your sign bringing a sparkling aura, heightened visibility and opportunities. Reach out, connect and ask for what you want and expect revelations. Awareness could only have come at this time; not before. What do you want to do with this knowledge? Challenges drive us to ask the right questions and Yes, you are worthy of being you, of achieving your dream, of standing firm, of going to the next level! PISCES 19 FEB – 20 MARCH

Starting something requires something else to be released. What do you need to let go of? It’s time to adjust your aim; astronauts do it all the time and so do big achievers. Get rid of debts (emotional or material) hanging over your head and refrain from making quick decisions with money. Do you know exactly how much you actually have for the future? Not only in the bank but in your own abilities. Late season, is a perfect time to start something new, to begin a plan or project or a new activity. But it’s not a good time to make rush decisions with finances.

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

inspire christmas cheer

In every encounter we either give life or we drain it; Brennan Manning there is no neutral exchange. W

ith Christmas, fast approaching for another year, it’s easy to get caught up in all the marketing, the hype, the hustle and bustle of the silly season and lose sight of what this time of the year means to us. For some, this time of year can be one of the most difficult times of the year, a reminder of isolation, loneliness and stress. Given the fact the quickest way to find happiness ourselves is to help someone else find theirs, then being intentional about inspiring Christmas Cheer sounds like a great place to start! Just think, if you were to inspire Christmas Cheer in another, making this time of year a little more wonderful for them and by doing so you could brighten one person’s day, then maybe just maybe they would be inspired to brighten one more. Plus, most of these simple ideas cost nothing and will take less than 10 minutes.

With social media being such a huge part of our lives these days, it’s hard to get away from it! Instead why not use it to your advantage? Pick 5 friends on Facebook who have inspired you or who may be going through a tough time and post something nice about them on their wall for everyone to read. It’s always nice to feel appreciated and to know that you have support from those around you.

If you’re anything like me, you may rarely go back to re-read a book. In this case, you may end up with a bookcase of interesting and inspirational reading material just sitting gathering dust! Leave an inspiring book on the seat of a train, bus or on a park bench for someone to read. Write a nice message to the next reader on the inside cover.

Give someone a hug - never underestimate the power of touch. A hug is one of the simplest gestures we can do and it’s FREE, yet the joy and contentment it can provide to both the giver and receiver is reciprocal. Family therapist Virginia Satir suggests, we need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance and 12 hugs a day for growth.

Donate to charity. There are many ways you could do this; donating clothes and goods you no longer need, toys and stuffed animals to a hospital for kids, food to a food drive or food bank, volunteer your time or donate good old cash. These small acts of kindness are bound to inspire Christmas Cheer!

As you go about you your daily lives look for opportunities to compliment people. Again, another simple gesture yet one that most of us are uncomfortable with (both giving and receiving). However, the impact it can have on someone is priceless. What most of us don’t realise is, there is a kind of magic in the art of giving and receiving compliments. If done correctly and sincerely, it can have a profound impact on someone’s day, or even life.

Ever heard the saying “the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach?” Then bake some cookies, muffins, a slice or cake and share with your co-workers at morning tea. In my experience, good food is rarely passed up and almost always very appreciated!

Sing Christmas carols - For me there is nothing better than getting into the Christmas mood than by playing my Christmas CDs and singing along at full volume! Nothing can spread the Christmas cheer better!

Smiles are contagious, FREE and you can spread them around this Christmas as much as you want! It may sound simple, but what better way to inspire Christmas cheer than to show it and say it? While on your way to work, at the grocery store, or out shopping for family and friends this Christmas, be sure to smile and wish others a "Merry Christmas". This can only inspire others to follow your lead and spread the holiday peace and happiness.

With these simple ideas, we can intentionally seek

to add life and inspire cheer to the people around us. And thus, make this Christmas season a little more wonderful. Thank you to Doug and Maree Pell and wishing all the Gippsland Lifestyle readers a magical Christmas and every success for 2017! Do you have a question or a topic you would like Erin to write about? Send me an email at erin@zestholisticcoaching.com

Erin Miller from Zest Holistic Coaching is a Holistic Life Coach, NLP Practitioner, Healer and Writer. Her aim is to live life with a sense of excitement, anticipation and energy! Her passion and purpose is to help and guide others to also find their true calling and zest for life! Contact me on 0418328441 or erin@zestholisticcoaching.com

Handwrite a letter or card. As we all know this is a dying tradition, in fact I couldn’t tell you the last time I received a personally handwritten letter in the mail. But there is something special about opening a personally addressed letter isn’t there? Aim to send at least 1 this Christmas.

Teach your kids the meaning and spirit of Christmas. As the saying goes, our children are our future. Help them grow up to be generous and thoughtful adults by taking the time to teach them the meaning of Christmas and impart the spirit of giving and goodwill. This is good practice at any time of the year, but is especially relevant during Christmas. Why not start now?

For further information please call 0418 328 441 or visit my website

www.zestholisticcoaching.com thelifestyle summer 2016/17

189

Steve White, Cartoonist

ISSUE 29 SUMMER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS

DOWN

1. Garments (5) 4. Drawing (5) 7. Possessed (3) 9. Rough (7) 10. Notices (abbr) (3) 12. Hill (Arabic) (3) 13. Effective (3) 15. Quarter (4) 17. During (4) 18. Parent (2) 19. Expire (3) 20. Basic (7) 23. Eggs (3) 24. Wreath (3) 26. Wadding (5) 27. Prompt (3) 28. Glass protections (11)

1. Plots (6) 2. Small orange berry (9) 3. To cause to cease (4) 4. Hero (4) 5. Creative (11) 6. Dispense (6) 8. Expert (3) 11. Achieve (2) 14. Male pronoun (2) 16. Simple (5) 17. Educated (4) 19. Effigy (4) 21. Taunts (5) 22. Nipper (4) 25. Greek god (4)

issue 28 SPRING puzzle Answers

GET THINKING 190

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

where you can get your copy GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE OUTLETS

EVANS PETROLEUM OUTLETS

Bairnsdale newsXpress 21 Bailey St Bairnsdale Stow's Authorised 212 Main Street Berwick Newsagency 29-31 High Street Boolarra Store & Newsagency 9 Tarwin Street Briagolong Riverstone Café 2/12 Forbes Street Bunyip IGA 2-6 Main Street Bunyip Newsagency Shop 2, 2-6 Main Street Cape Paterson The Cape Store 2-4 Market Place Churchill Newsagency Hazelwood Village Shopping Centre Cowes Newsagency 44-46 Thompson Avenue Dalyston General Store 4213 Bass Highway Drouin Newsagency 93 Princes Way Fish Creek Alison Lester 1 Falls Road Foster Newsagency 52 Main Street French Island General Store 299 Tankerton Road Garfield Licensed Post Office 77 Main Street Glengarry General Store Main Street Golden Beach Blue Water Fish & Chips Gormandale General Store 13 Main Road Heyfield IGA 18-22 George Street Inverloch FoodWorks 10-12 Reilly Street Inverloch Newsagency 10 A'Beckett Street Jindivick General Store 1055 Jacksons Track Johnsonville Black Stump Princes Highway Korumburra Michael's Supa IGA 1 South Railway Cres Lakes Entrance Lamanna's Newsagency 24 Myer Street Lakes Entrance Newspower 297 Esplanade Lang Lang IGA 32 Main Street Leongatha Michael's Supa IGA Cnr Church & Bruce Sts Loch Sport General Store 2-4 Government Road Maffra FoodWorks 87 Powerscourt Street Maffra newsXpress 144 Johnson Street Mallacoota Authorised Newsagency & Lotto 14 Allan Drive Mallacoota FoodWorks 48-50 Maurice Avenue Marlo General Store 14-16 Argyle Parade Metung Village Store 62 Metung Road Mirboo North Newsagency 52 Ridgway Moe Nextra Lotto 87 Albert Street Morwell Card Alley Shop 33 Mid Valley Shopping Centre Morwell Newsagency 174-176 Commercial Road Neerim Junction General Store Main Road Neerim South IGA147 Main Road Newborough Newsagency 30 Rutherglen Road Newhaven IGA 8/10 Forrest Drive Newry General Store 44 Main Street Noojee General Store 6 Bennett Street Omeo Post Office 155 Day Avenue Orbost FoodWorks 70-78 Nicholson Street Pakenham Newsagency 99-101 Main Street Paynesville Newsagency 65a The Esplanade Poowong Takeaway Fish & Chips 6 Ranceby Street Rosedale Newsagency 1 Prince Street Sale Lord's Authorised Newsagency 248 Raymond Street Sale Newsagency 308-310 Raymond Street San Remo IGA 135 Main Parade Stratford IGA 67 Tyers Street Swan Reach General Store 2025 Princes Highway Swifts Creek General Store Great Alpine Road Tarwin Lower IGA 45 River Drive Thorpdale Post Office 24-26 Station Street Tinamba General Store Maffra-Rosedale Road Toora FoodWorks 66 Stanley Street Tooradin News Sth Gippsland Hwy Trafalgar IGA 5 McCrorey Street Trafalgar Newsagency 97 Princes Hwy Traralgon Newsagency & Lotto 51-55 Franklin Street Traralgon Newsagency 70 Seymour Street Ventnor The Anchorage Caravan Park Ventnor Road Venus Bay General Store 139 Jupiter Blvd Walhalla Museum Walhalla Road Warragul Newsagency & Officesmart 43 Victoria Street Welshpool Supermarket 18 Main Street Willow Grove General Store 8 Main Road Wonthaggi Newsagency 31 Murray Street Yallourn North Supermarket 42-44 North Road Yanakie General Store 3640 Meeniyan-Promontory Road Yarragon Penny Worth O’ Lollies 1/101 Princes Hwy Yarram newsXpress 195-197 Commercial Road Yinnar General Store 44 Main Street

Fish Creek 2 Falls Road Foster 94 Main Street Inverloch 25 Williams Street Johnsonville 1760 Princes Highway Korumburra 2-8 Commercial Street Leongatha 7 Anderson Street Leongatha 95 Bair Street Mirboo North 106 Ridgway Newmerella 5327 Princes Highway Sale 344-350 Raglan Street Toora 26 Foster Road Wonthaggi 103-105 McKenzie Street Yarram 325 Commercial Street

Gippsland the Lifestyle Magazine is published quarterly. This magazine is distributed throughout Victoria. All photographs in this publication are copyright to Gippsland the Lifestyle, and if any are used in other publications or used in a commercial sense, you are liable to prosecution. Permission to use any photos in the publication must be obtained by contacting Headlites Pty Ltd via email to: thelifetyle@dcsi.net.au Disclaimer: Headlites Pty Ltd has the discretion to add or remove words or photos that are deemed unsuitable for the magazine. Gippsland the Lifestyle Magazine©Headlites Pty Ltd 2016. Headlites Pty Ltd is not responsible or liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, nor use of information contained within these pages, offering no warranties, either expressed or implied with respect to any material contained within the pages. Material in this magazine cannot be published or reproduced without Headlites Pty Ltd's written consent. Failure to heed to this could result in prosecution. The opinions and views expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

WONTHAGGI NEWSPOWER & LOTTO

31 Murray Street, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256 Monday to Friday 6.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 6.30am to 2.30pm | Sunday Closed

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

191

TO CELEBRATE THE BEST AUSSIE SHORTS ON AUSTRALIA DAY Take an intoxicating alpine summer, add in a dose of Australia’s best short films, a starry night sky and a picnic on the hill surrounded by whispering snow gums, and you’ll be set to experience one of the best Australia Day events to hit North East Victoria. Now in its 26th year, the renowned Flickerfest Short Film Festival is coming to Dinner Plain for the first time ever, with the alpine village the first stop on the national tour to showcase the Best of Australian Shorts for 2017.

“Flickerfest audiences can expect an amazing journey of inspiring short stories, some comedic, some incredibly touching,” says Shane Rennie, Flickerfest’s festival production and tour manager. “You might see next year’s Oscar winner! Flickerfest had five Oscar nominees, which included the winners for Best Live Action and Best Animation in our programmes last year.” From its early days as a small festival at Balmain High School in Sydney back in 1991, Flickerfest has grown to become Australia’s only short film festival to be recognised by the Academy (that is, the Oscars) and BAFTA (British Academy of

192

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

Film and Television Arts). Such accreditations see the festival attract a high calibre of entries from all around the world. “These quality shorts films will exceed expectations; this is a one-off chance to see these highly crafted and produced films before they continue on our National tour and to other film competitions around the world,” says Rennie. More than 2,400 entries from around the world flooded in for Flickerfest 2017, with the festival organisers currently working their way through the material to find the winners of a number of categories, including Best Australian Short Film and Best International. The winners will be showcased in a 10-day long event at Bondi Beach in early January, with Dinner Plain the next stop on the circuit. Dinner Plain’s marketing and events officer, Alia Parker, said the outdoor screening of the festival’s Best of Australian Short Film category in such an iconic Australian environment was a great addition to the Australia Day events calendar. “The Victorian High Country is absolutely magical in summer, with alpine wildflowers and mountain views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Bringing a free outdoor event like this to the village is a great way for people to enjoy this

stunning natural environment while relaxing with friends and family,” she says. “We want people to pull out the picnic rug, bean bags and cushions, perhaps lay out a spread of cheese and bikkies, pop a cork on a bottle of wine and sit back to enjoy a brilliant form of storytelling.” Flickerfest’s Best of Australian Shorts, judged by a panel of industry leading experts, will kick off at sundown on the ski slope in Dinner Plain Alpine Village. The night will feature two hours of film, each lasting anywhere between six to 15 minutes, with an intermission in the middle. “You will get a first look at a curated programme of high-quality, cutting edge short films from the current leading short film-makers in the industry,” Rennie says. “Flickerfest continues to be the most significant, dedicated, short film festival, competition and tour in the Australian landscape.” Flickerfest: Best of Australian Short Film Festival kicks off at 8.30pm on the ski slope at Scrubbers End, Dinner Plain on 26 January 2017. More info at visitdinnerplain.com

Flickerfest Festival | Byron Bay

Samantha Harris and Roger Corser

thelifestyle summer 2016-17

193

Blue

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

START THE RETIREMENT YOU HAVE WORKED TOWARD.... CALL THE TEAM AT B LU E H I L L S R I S E TODAY ( 0 3 ) 5 9 9 1 5 0 0 0 194

thelifestyle summer 2016/17

Hills Rise There are so many 55 plus lifestyle resorts around, all offering something different, the biggest question you need to ask is 'What am I looking for?'

Well, if you are looking for a quality home with access to some of the most amazing onsite facilities, then Blue Hills Rise is the best choice for you. This family owned and operated 55 plus resort, has a variety of home designs, all offering something just a little different to the last. You will quickly realise that the Resort Owners, Judy and Ivan Clarkson and family, are serious about the homes they build in their very popular resort in Cranbourne East. No expense has been spared; all fittings and furnishings are of an extremely high standard.

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

Call David, Rikki or Janice today to kick off the retirement you have worked towards

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

Blue Hills Rise 240 Berwick-Cranbourne Road Cranbourne East 3977

phone: 03 5991 5000

YOUR FARM INSURANCE

We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver tailored insurance solutions for our clients but more importantly that we are there in the times when our clients need us most. Insurance claims are stressful enough, but having a Broker like Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers to guide you through the process will help reduce the stress and allow you to concentrate on your business.

Australia has been ravaged by bushfire and storm events over recent years. From Dairy Farms to Beef Cattle, Crops to Sheep Farming, our Farm Insurance Policies will provide you with peace of mind. We also provide cover for Hobby Farms. Contact our office for further information and see how we're working for you.

“WORKING FOR YOU” 24 Hotham Street, Traralgon

1300 888 111

info@awib.com.au Open 5 days a week | 9.00am - 5.00pm