Gippsland the Lifestyle Spring 2014 by gippsland life

the lifestyle. Our pride, Our place™ spring issue 20 HAUNTING GIPPSLAND

Ghost tour of Walhalla

| $5.50 |

RAIL REVIVAL

Bring back the trains!

TOMBOLO LODGE Serenity in Yanakie

FARMING FEATURE Life on the land

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LOTS MORE INSIDE

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170 fully self-contained 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments Modern ‘hotel style’ Resort Rooms 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments are equipped with BBQ’s and have large terraces or balconies Indoor heated pool, outdoor pool, gym, spa & sauna Illuminated tennis and basketball courts Games room with table tennis, air hockey and children’s pool table Bouncy jumping pillows Complimentary WiFi

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editorial

Welcome to the 20th edition of Gippsland The Lifestyle and Spring has arrived in Gippsland.

Front Cover: Dorothy - A Rescued Lamb Photo kindly supplied by Edgar’s Mission www.edgarsmission.org.au Journalists: Chris West, Lyn Skillern, Alexandra McManus, Amber Rhodes & Cherry Prior Hannah Keily (Work Experience Student) Farming Feature Writer: Amber Rhodes Photographers: Amber Rhodes, James Pell & Hannah Keily Editor: Maree Bradshaw Creative: Alex Smirnakos

There is an air of optimism and freshness that comes with changes of seasons, and our magazine continues to celebrate the great things that are happening in Gippsland. Tombolo Lodge is a place of serenity, set in the beautiful surrounds of Yanakie, near the Prom. Another fascinating place to visit is Coal Creek in Korumburra celebrating 40 years. And for those that are into the haunts, we take you on a tour of Walhalla’s Ghost Tour night. Our special feature in this edition is our Farming Section. We have several engaging stories about some of Gippsland’s farms and growers and Amber Rhodes’ words and photography showcase these highlights. Along with our usual features, we must mention our cartoonist Steve White, he continues to bring us some great cartoons and adds to the variety of the magazine. We would like to thank all involved in producing this magazine, it is a team effort and the passion of the features, words, photos are for all to witness. Have a great Spring!

Maree and Doug Pell Our Pride Our Place

index 25

contents Page 16 – 17 Page 25 – 27 Page 32 – 35 Page 38 – 39 Page 48 – 50 Page 52 Page 54 Page 56 Page 58 – 59 Page 62 – 63 Page 66 – 68 Page 69 – 71 Page 72 – 74 Page 76 – 77 Page 78 – 80 Page 81 – 83 Page 84 Page 86 – 87 Page 90 – 92 Page 104 – 105 Page 108 – 109 Page 110 – 111

Chris Banson – Multiple Business Owner Worldwide Fin J. Ross – A Writer with Pedigree Rail Revival On Track – Line to Leongatha Silverwater Resort’s Executive Chef, Dan Child Haunting Gippsland – Walhalla Ghost Tour Colin Matthews – Worlds Collide Gardivalia – Glorious Gippsland Gardens Edgar’s Mission – Sanctuary for Rescued Farmed Animals The Serendipity of Tombolo Lodge Gippsland Mushrooms Longwarry Food Park – From Farm to Fridge Lindsay Rhodes – Shear Hard Work Clifden Alpacas & Belted Galloways Glorious Googies – Happy Hens Amber Creek Farm & Sawmill Value Added Beef at Grassvale Farms Bass Coast Cycle Challenge 2014 A Little Bit of France in Drouin – French Pear Café Coal Creek – Preserving South Gippsland’s History dcsi Warragul – Local Internet Service Provider Foster Town by Hannah Keily Trick or Treat – Halloween in Rosedale

farming special Page 60 – 83

108

110

Gippsland Farming Features

regular features Page 5 Page 6 Page 11 Page 15 Page 31 Page 41 Page 112 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121

Editorial/Features Index of Advertisers Decorating Dilemmas – Treehouse Living Gardening Tips with Craig, Grow Master Traralgon Cartoon by Steve White Wonthaggi Medical Group – A Day in the Life of a Rural Doctor Spring Markets Spring in West Gippsland with Laurie Collins Calendar of Spring Events Chrissy’s Spring Horoscope Foster’s Little Book Shop – The Book Nook Review Canine Corner Ali Fullard’s Art Page Where Do You Get It? - Our Major Outlets Spring Puzzle

thelifestyle spring 2014

index advertisers

our advertisers Page 96 Page 107 Page 23 Page 85 Page 13 Page 122 - 123 Page 23 Page 46 Page 4 Page 9 Page 55 Page 44 Page 57 Page 88 - 89 Page 22 Page 7 Page 43 Page 23 & 45 Page 64 Page 106 Page 54 Page 8 Page 54 Page 61 Page 60 Page 95 Page 53 Page 14 Page 83 Page 29 Page 44 Page 42 & 103 Page 93 Page 55 Page 102 Page 51 Page 124 Page 18 Page 101 Page 45 Page 113 Page 60 Page 24 Page 47 Page 55 Page 99 Page 31 Page 2 Page 12 Page 28 Page 121 Page 31 Page 94 Page 19 Page 37 Page 97 Page 20 - 21 Page 100 Page 10 Page 3 & 30 Page 75 Page 65 Page 98 Page 36 Page 40 Page 65 Page 55 & 120 Page 83

5 Knots - Shavings Point Metung Aherns Fruit Market & Fine Foods Ali’s Art Studio Bass Coast Cycle Challenge Bellevue on the Lakes Blue Hills Rise Briagolong Cottage B&B Bulls Cruisers Coal Creek Community Park & Museum Colmac Homes CreativeEdge Media Crikey Technology Dalkeith Heights dcsi We do Internet. Drouin Signs & Digital Printing Edney’s Leongatha – Nissan Qashqai The Esplanade Resort & Spa Lakes Entrance Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre Evans Petroleum Foster Seafoods Gardivalia Festival of Gardens West Gippsland Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee Gippsland Limo Service Gippsland Mushrooms Grassy Spur South Gippsland The Grange Café Deli The Greenhouse Garden Centre & Café GrowMaster Traralgon Happy Camper Gourmet Inline 4 Café Inverloch Indoor Golf Italian Australian Sporting Club Kasama Décor Laurie Collins Sculpture Leongatha RSL The Lindenow Pub Massaro Motors - Volkswagen McMillans of Metung Moos at Meeniyan Oaktree Boutique Paint Place Group of Stores Peter Ryan MLA Red Chocolate Tree The Riversleigh R U fit Sale Greyhound Racing Victoria The Scarf Wall Silverwater Resort Space Flooring and Interiors Stony Creek Go-Karts The 3 Cheeky Monkeys Thrifty Eyewear Toms Cap Vineyard Traralgon Automotive Group – Traralgon Toyota Traralgon Automotive Group – Wights Hyundai Traralgon Automotive Group – Wights Nissan Traralgon Bowls Club Trease Builders Treehouse Living Homewares & Design Valley Prestige BMW Warragul Harness Racing Club – Danny’s The Venue Warragul Newsagency & Officesmart Warragul Plaza Café Wildlife Coast Cruises Wonthaggi Medical Group Wonthaggi Motorcycles & Power Equipment Wonthaggi Newsagency Wuk Wuk Beef

Count Strzelecki Steam Train at Coal Creek, Korumburra

SALES & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Please contact: Doug Pell Phone: 0404 301 333 Email: thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au Or check out our website at www.thelifestylemagazine.com.au Like Us On Facebook at: Gippsland The Lifestyle Magazine 6

thelifestyle spring 2014

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thelifestyle spring 2014

thelifestyle autumn 2014

decorating dilemmas Do you have an uninspiring room with boring walls and floors, dodgy lighting, or just too much stuff going on all at once? I gathered together 3 decorating headaches and their solutions.

How do I…..

Creative use of copper in product and interior design sets exciting and gorgeous trends in home decorating. The range of uses span from furniture, accessories, wall tiles, lighting fixtures, sinks, ceilings and kitchen benches. If you are looking for something fun and new that will look great for a long time, don’t be afraid to accent your home with copper. Q. I love hanging pendants. How do I get the pendant height right? Jenny Little, Via Email

Q. How do I decorate with copper accessories without making my look to oldfashioned? Sara Crosby, via Email A. Copper is making itself well known in the design world. This colour is sexy, bold and it can be teamed with others colours creating a masculine or feminine feel. It’s a hue that’s on the rise as seen in many of the building renovation programs on television such as “The Block”.

Copper has a warm quality and can be finished in many different tones, it goes well with nearly any interior design. The key thing to remember when incorporating copper into your home is that it will be all about the finish and style and how it will best compliment your design interior.

A. Firstly you must consider the size of the space the pendant will feature in, include the width and height of the area as well. An undersized pendant will look insignificant, while an oversized fixture will make the room look cluttered and restrict lines of vision. Remember, the perfect pendant should match the space, not overshadow it. Pendants over tables are hugely popular as seen on many of the home renovations shows they add a lovely, warm addition to the table setting when chosen correctly. They should be hung approximately 1.7m from the floor, which allows people sitting at the table to easily talk to each other without the light becoming intrusive and hitting people in the head. It can also be hung slightly higher or lower depending on personal choice, fixture size and your ceiling height. One of the most striking lighting trends at the moment is clustering. Choose an odd number of pendants – three is a great starting point – and group them together at different height. Choose either a family of pendants in different shapes,

or the same pendant. This technique not only works well over a table, but can also be used to create a nook in the corner of a room, or cascade down a stairwell to create a striking effect and fabulous talking point. Please remember height plays a very important role. Hang them all at the same height and distance and your space will feel clean and crisp. Hang them at different heights and at random distances you will project an unexpected and exciting feel to the room. Q. I am looking for something special for my living room corner. I wondered if a “statement” chair might be what I’m seeking. My colour scheme is neutral with some red themes. Do you think this is a good idea? Adele N, Via Text

A. A statement chair is a wonderful way for ensuring people say “wow” rather than “whoa” when they enter your living area. This can be a vehicle for injecting a bold splash of colour like red in a neutral room, with the colour echoed in a cushion or throw. Choose a comfortable wellstructured chair that is taller than the other seating in the room. Depending on what style you are after, a statement chair can be a little diverse to create a point of difference to the room. Happy Decorating! Tam x

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thelifestyle summer 2013-14

At Grow Master Traralgon inspiration awaits you.

Wander through the layers of our beautiful Garden Centre, each step leading you into another chapter of ideas for your home, garden and lifestyle. For advice, range and quality we are your destination. For an experience and a garden encounter that will enchant you, we are your destination. For solutions, inspiration and motivation, we are your destination.

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

GARDENING with Q. Should I be pruning any plants that flowered in Winter? A.

Yes, Winter flowering ornamentals can be pruned once flowering has finished. This is important to maintain good shape and promote plenty of new growth, which will ensure an abundance of flowers next year. After pruning, it is important to fertilise generously as flowering or fruiting of any plant takes a lot of energy. Feed with a complete organic-based fertiliser with trace elements, such as Grow Master All Purpose Plant Food.

As a rule most ornamentals respond well to pruning and feeding after flowering, at whatever time they flower during the year.

CraigGoodman

Q. What are the most popular hedges to grow? A. For low hedges – English Box and Dutch Box – are favourites. They don’t require a lot of pruning and have vibrant green foliage.

Q. What do you recommend for fertilising roses? A. Roses should have been pruned in Winter and should now be showing signs of bud development and growth. As roses are prolific flowering plants, regular feeding from Spring to early Autumn will ensure great performance by your roses. The more vigorous and healthy your roses are, the less pest and disease problems you will have.

Roses enjoy regular feeding of granular organic based fertilisers, high in potash, every 2 months through their growing period. After flower flushes have finished, prune back hard and enjoy the repeat flowering. A Liquid Feed of Organic Garden is what I have found to be the best to help boost your plants along, as an extra top up.

Camellias also make a great hedge and flower during Autumn to Spring depending on the variety.

There is a large range available for hedges of all sizes and flowering requirements – so pop in and ask our qualified staff, who will be happy to show you.

Hope this information is helpful.

Evergreen Magnolias such as Little Gem and Teddy Bear provide large lush foliage with green and the reverse is a copper colour. They have fragrant large cream flowers. A great fast-to-establish hedge is Backyard Bliss; bushy from the ground foliage, with lush growth up to around 3 metres, and is ideal for fence lines and around pools for privacy.

Q. Where is the best place to plant hydrangeas? A.

The best place to plant hydrangeas is on the east or south side where they have protection from late morning and hot afternoon sun. This will ensure you enjoy prolonged flowering on healthy plants. Hydrangeas are best cut back hard in late Winter and fed every 3 months through late Winter, Spring and Summer.

Q. When is the best time to plant annuals and bulbs? A.

As we move through Spring, it is an ideal time to plant annuals. This provides great colour around your home and outdoor living areas, as we approach Christmas and Summer. Annuals can also be planted in pots and hanging baskets.

Bulbs such as dahlias, lilies and gladys can be planted in early Spring, providing great Summer flowering for enjoyment in the garden or as cut flowers.

Craig

Scan the QR Code to find out some of the great deals we have at Grow Master Traralgon

thelifestyle spring 2014

From a Hotel Manager in Lakes Entrance to

Multiple Business O w n e r Nationwide Chris Banson has always had big plans to expand his family business, which originated with a hotel in Lakes Entrance. As time went on, the 36-year-old not only took on more properties in Gippsland, but also within Australia as a whole. With an incredible 17 nationwide, it baffles me how this man also has a wife and two young kids. “The last few years have gotten very busy,” Chris tells me through a laugh.

By Ally McManus

Chris and his wife, Esther, opened The Esplanade in Lakes Entrance in 2005. They worked and lived on site until 2009, managing 130 rooms. They then took on the management of Bellevue on the Lakes, another hotel in Lakes Entrance with 62 rooms, but wanted to expand even more. They also didn’t limit themselves to Gippsland in this regard. The Esplanade and Bellevue on the Lakes have been run together for the last five years, which Chris agrees has been quite a challenge. “But also the bigger you get, the easier it gets in lots of ways,” he then adds. With Chris’ background in accounting and financial planning and Esthers’ in real estate - its no surprise they’ve reached such success while they’re still so young. Chris got into the hotel industry from his parents, who have been in Gippsland for the last 30 years. “My parents were in caravan parks, and then they moved to hotels,” Chris says. He was brought to Bairnsdale at only fiveyears-old, after his parents bought a caravan park there. Chris tells me that the family ties in his businesses are what he prides himself the most on. Esther’s family are even involved in some properties too. To add to Chris and Esther’s collection of properties in Gippsland, they also have two in Metung. They are small boutique luxurious properties, called 5 Knots that has eight rooms, and McMillans of Metung, which has 20 rooms. Chris’ sister actually built 5 Knots about six years ago.

thelifestyle spring 2014

The Bellevue On The Lakes

The Esplanade Resort

I ask Chris about the popularity differences between both the Lakes accommodation and Metung. “They have different markets. Metung is more of a boutique market, which is very big on boating and kayaking, and Lakes is more of a family market. But both of them are seasonal, and they both trade really well in school holidays.” Chris also acknowledges the negatives of seasonal business, admitting it’s quieter in winter, but that goes without saying for plenty of other local business. Despite how different Lakes and Metung are, they offer complementary experiences for the variety of Gippsland clientele. “Metung is all about the leisure, and in Lakes we do a lot of corporate conferences and weddings.” Chris tells me they also have a lot of wedding receptions at Bellevue. I ask Chris why do they have the most properties in Gippsland, and he tells me, “because it’s just naturally a nice place to go to. And if we had the weather that the northern part of Australia has

– then it would be the best place in Australia. On a good day it’s fabulous, it’s just unfortunate we don’t get it all the time.” Chris loves the distinctiveness of Gippsland, and has found that “the more unique the location is, the more it’s worked for us” as a business. Chris’ other sister has a property with them down in Geelong, called Vue Apartments that opened about 18 months ago. Some other Victorian properties are located in Phillip Island, Port Fairy and Mount Hotham, with interstate ones going as north as Broome and Kakadu. Broome is actually where the entrepreneur loves going the most. Up until their eldest child started school, Chris and Esther loved going up north for two to three months at a time. Despite the success they’ve found in remote locations, Chris admits one of the most difficult parts of the job also resides in these areas, and that’s finding good staff. In small and regional locations, this process has proved difficult for them. “That’s definitely the hardest,” Chris adds.

In total, they have about 1,000 rooms within their 17 properties around Australia. And I ask whether they’re done expanding yet. Chris admits Esther would probably prefer to slow down a bit, but Chris finds that the more properties they have, the more they can grow. “The bigger the better,” he adds. For the future, his eyes are set on a property in Melbourne. “If I could have my choice, I’d go with Southbank, which is right in the middle of it all,” Chris says. I ask Chris what he loves most about his career, and he tells me “no day is the same.” It’s also no surprise that he’s in this industry doing what he’s doing, given his background and family ties. “I always knew I was going to do this.” With a career spanning over eleven years in this industry – he sure is doing well for himself. Photos supplied by Chris Banson

thelifestyle spring 2014

Toyota KLUGER

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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 $2 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 20

thelifestyle spring 2014

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 just 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.

visit www.traralgonbowls.com.au

thelifestyle spring 2014

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

Briagolong Corner Cottage

Modern spacious B&B has all the comforts, ideally located in the township and close to the many nearby attractions. Bookings essential. 63 Forbes Street, Briagolong Vic 3860 Tel: 5145 5426 Mobile: 0417 737 709 Contact: Sally & Steve White

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thelifestyle spring 2014

Red Chocolate Tree is the fusion of a dream and a desire to create individual handmade chocolates and select patisserie items.

A selection of handmade Chocolates, Macarons, Eclairs and French Patisserie items are available every day. Serving 'Sacred Grounds' Fairtrade Organic Coffee and Tea Blossoms Teas.

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A Writer

withPedigree By Chris West

Fin J Ross According to Irish legend, a cat’s eyes are windows enabling us to see into another world.

she and Steve have done in their 25 years of marriage.

Few people could relate as readily to those words as Eagle Point writer and business owner Fin J Ross, whose own feline fixation has been the recurring inspiration behind recent changes that have dramatically altered her life.

“We cringe at the thought of going back to Melbourne nowadays. There are so many things we like about being here. There’s the ambience of the area, with the lakes and the high country,” she says.

While it is said that cats have nine lives, Fin can claim to have had two of her own. Leaving behind a stale existence in Melbourne, she has flourished personally and professionally since relocating to East Gippsland nearly eight years ago.

“Although I’m invariably frenetically busy, life moves at a slower pace here and people are friendlier. I think I like it here so much because I have an identity here that I never had in Melbourne.

The new beginning Fin and her husband Steve made for themselves in Eagle Point has transformed their world. They established and jointly operate growing cattery business Katz Wizkerz Cat Resort and Fin has revived her dormant journalistic talents to become a published author. Fin is a Gippslander by birth. After spending much of her childhood and periods of her adolescent years growing up in Traralgon, she had become attuned to city life in Melbourne in adulthood and forgotten many of the charms of country living. She describes the lifestyle change they are enjoying in Eagle Point as the best thing

“Our social life has grown exponentially since coming to East Gippsland and we are doing something here every week. So many of our cattery customers have become good friends. Other things like joining the Bairnsdale and Paynesville tennis clubs and teaching creative writing have further widened our social circle. Back in Melbourne, we didn’t even know our neighbours.” “Once Steve and I had decided to make the move to East Gippsland, we revisited the notion of starting our own boarding cattery, which we’d previously contemplated doing on the Mornington Peninsula. We looked at some disused dog kennels for sale north of Bairnsdale

but they weren’t up to par, so we basically decided, on the spur of the moment, to build our own state-of-the-art cattery,” Fin recalls. They began to research about how and where they would be able to obtain a council permit. Although Fin’s heart was initially set on the township of Nicholson, a real estate agent was urging them for some time to view a property available on Paynesville Road at Eagle Point. Finally, one weekend they relented and Fin says she and Steve instantly knew their search was over within seconds of their arrival. “We got up the driveway looked at each other and both said this is it. We didn’t even look inside the house.” The location of the property is ideally located just ten kilometres from Bairnsdale and six from Paynesville, which ensures they attract considerable business from both towns. Its positioning on the main road ensures it is highly visible and accessible to passing traffic travelling in either direction. Another attraction was that the house has an adjoining granny flat, which was ideal for accommodating Fin’s mother Liz who made the move with them from Melbourne.

thelifestyle spring 2014

Fin's cattery - Katz Wizkerz Cat Resort

Fin and Steve purchased the property in January 2007 but did not get Katz Wizkerz Cat Resort up and running until October 2008. All the facilities required to establish the cattery had to be constructed from scratch. In the back garden behind the home they have created a cattery which can accommodate fifty cats. Their permit allows for a second stage to be built if they wish to do so in the future. The business has grown each year and is busiest during both the Christmas period and at Easter when the cattery is invariably full with lodging pets. Cats can board from a day to a year. “Our customers are mostly people going on holidays of course, but we often accommodate cats for people who are sick, or those who have visitors staying with them who don’t like cats and renters who aren’t allowed to have cats,” Fin explains. She and Steve keep six cats of their own in their home as pets, along with a solitary golden retriever, Selby, who acts as the welcoming committee. “The cats are our children. We intended only having three, but it just escalated somehow. Two of our cats originally lodged here at Katz Wizkerz but were abandoned by their owners,” Fin says.

“By 28, I was editor of six suburban newspapers in Melbourne,” she says.

compile a true crime anthology entitled Killer in the Family.

Just three years later, at the age of 31, Fin’s journalistic flame had become extinguished and she left the Leader group.

“As she was busy at the time, Lindy asked the publishers if she could co-opt somebody to write it with her, so that’s where I came in,” Fin says.

“The job carried a lot of responsibility at a fairly young age and burnt me out. I swore to God I’d never write anything again,” she recalls.

The book’s subject matter involved researching and writing brief factual post-trial accounts of several Australian crime cases involving people who had killed other members of their family. Published in 2008, it has been reprinted several times and has now been followed by a sequel Murder in the Family - which came out in May this year.

Maintaining her writing exile for over a decade, Fin didn’t put pen to paper again until her 40s, when she got the idea for a novel which is loosely based on her experiences as a cadet journalist. She started the book about eight years ago and despite now being fully completed and given the title Eddy, the work remains unpublished. Although Eddy may not have made it into print as yet, other projects Fin has taken on in recent years have turned her into a published author. Right at the time when she and Steve were moving down to Eagle Point, Fin’s sister Lindy Cameron, who is an established writer and owner of a publishing business Clan Destine Press, rang her to ask if she would be interested in co-writing a book. Lindy had been contacted by publishers The Five Mile Press with a brief to

The new book follows the same successful formula as its predecessor, but includes the addition of two New Zealand cases amongst the fifteen featured crimes. “Murder in the Family has nearly sold out its first print run already,” Fin reveals. After making the move to Eagle Point, Fin also got a job working three days a week at the Bairnsdale Advertiser while the cattery was in its establishment phase.

In addition to operating the cattery, Fin and Steve have diversified the business through the introduction of sideline interests. They are building cat havens, under the business name The Burmeze Triangle, which are enclosures mainly produced for local customers but which can also be flat-packed for delivery to other regions. They are also breeding Bengals and British Shorthairs; a pursuit they aim to expand. But the most significant new chapter in Fin’s professional life since relocating to East Gippsland has been a rekindling of her writing interest. She has rediscovered her love of the written word and been swept along on a journey that has taken her to unexpected new horizons. Fin has a solid writing pedigree spanning back to her youth. She first worked as a cadet reporter with the Traralgon Journal as a 17-year-old straight out of school, then spent 10 years with the Leader Community Newspapers group in Melbourne.

Bijou and Reini are two of Fin's Bengal breeding queens

thelifestyle spring 2014

“Working at the paper was a good thing because I got to know so many people and make lots of new contacts,” she comments. Not long after leaving the paper, Fin learned from a friend that a writing group she participated in at Paynesville needed to find a new tutor. Having accepted the challenge, Fin has now been teaching creative writing one morning a week, for nearly four years at Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre. “I have ten to twelve students, most of whom are mature age women,” she says. Teaching the classes and co-writing the crime anthologies all helped to give Fin the confidence to progress into fiction writing. It is often recommended to base what you write on the subject you know best, and in Fin’s case, she drew on her experiences as a cat devotee for her first solo fiction novel titled A.K.A. Fudgepuddle. “One night I was locking up the cattery and saying goodnight to the cats when I paused to wonder what they get up to when I’m not here. That became the basic premise for the book,” she says. The novel follows the humour-filled adventures in a fictitious cattery over a short period of a few days and becomes a journey of discovery for the central feline character. “Another of the important premises of the book is that all cats have several names - the name their owner gives them, their own name for themselves, a nickname and if they’re a pedigree they will have a pedigree name,” Fin explains. “The main character is called Megsy by her owners, whereas she calls herself Juno and owner of the cattery gives her the nickname Fudgepuddle, hence the book’s title.” Fin admits that many of the characters in the book are based on cats that have stayed at Katz Wizkerz, including Fudgepuddle. She describes the book’s genre as fantasy fiction. “Although the name sounds like a children’s book, it is actually written for an adult audience. You could read it to your kids, but a lot of it would go over their heads,” Fin suggests. In a similar vein to J.K Rowling with the Harry Potter novels, Fin’s imagination has created a whole new vocabulary of words that cats use for her book. In the pages of A.K.A. Fudgepuddle, cats refer to themselves as “feelis” and converse in “feelispeak”.

had never done a book cover before, but I’m so impressed at what she produced for Fudgepuddle.” Interested readers can find A.K.A. Fudgepuddle in the major bookshops and Fin expects its distribution to extend to stores Australia wide. The book can also be purchased from the Clan Destine Press website and will be available soon as an e-book.

It is always a balancing act for Fin to juggle her writing between business commitments. “Sometimes the writing has to wait. I could go three months and not have the chance to write one word, or I might have a burst in quieter times where I can sit down and do some solid writing. The cattery work is concentrated to the morning and evening, so when time allows I can dedicate myself to writing.”

“I haven’t written it as an Australian book. The references are generic and the setting could be anywhere. Publishing it as an e-book will open up potential overseas customers and it is suitable to be read by anyone anywhere in the world.”

Whenever Fin is in writing mode she is invariably surrounded by her cats.

Fin has two Fudgepuddle sequels in her head and hopes it will develop into a series of books in the future.

Photos courtesy of Greg Carter and Toonalook Imaging

“They’re my muses and always give me plenty of food for thought,” she purrs.

In the meantime, however, she is presently working on a new novel called Wildwood Hall, loosely described as a mystery with a complex plot surrounding a country hall and town.

The book has been published by Clan Destine Press and was launched at a private function in Bairnsdale in May this year.

Fin is also contemplating another of the crime case books on her own, as Lindy struggles to find sufficient time to devote to the task.

“You don’t have to be a cat lover to enjoy the book,” Fin insists. “I’ve had really good feedback and people say they love the humour.”

“Murders involving family members is not a pleasant subject matter, but I find it fascinating to research,” she states.

As soon as Fin started working on the novel, she found that the words flowed and the plot unfolded smoothly. “It didn’t take long to write, but took longer to get to print,” she laughs.

Fin may have had the distinction of having two books published almost simultaneously this year - Murder in the Family and A.K.A. Fudgepuddle - but the achievement does not necessarily translate to great riches. Royalties amount to a trickle rather than a torrent of financial reward.

“We also had to find an illustrator. Fortunately, Lindy discovered a very talented young woman named Ashlea Bechaz at a convention. Ashlea

“Unless you’re a best-selling author, you don’t really make a lot of money out of writing,” Fin says.

thelifestyle spring 2014

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

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Shelley

By Steve White

thelifestyle spring 2014

Calls for the revival of rail services in parts of South and West Gippsland are gathering steam. Concerned residents are currently campaigning separately in pursuit of support for transport plans for the restoration of services on both the Leongatha and Wonthaggi lines. At the forefront of mobilising support for action is the South & West Gippsland Transport Group, a collection of like-minded locals who are united in their resolve to bring the dormant line to Leongatha back into use as part of a strategic plan for the region. The group was formed as a result of a community meeting held in Lang Lang in April 2011 and ever since has worked diligently to identify local transport solutions for the benefit of the general public and industry. Chaired by South Gippsland Shire Councillor, Andrew McEwen, the group has championed the development of an integrated transport plan for South West Gippsland, a blueprint that involves both rail and bus services. The plan devised by the group proposes to: (i) loop the existing Cranbourne railway line through to Koo Wee Rup and across to Pakenham; (ii) extend the rail line from Koo Wee Rup to Leongatha and onto Barry Beach; (iii) provide bus services that can feed people into towns from various stations on the line.

thelifestyle spring 2014

The strategy includes re-routing Melbourne buses from South Gippsland through the busrail interchange in Pakenham and increasing the frequency of services. “Our plan has been supported by South Gippsland Shire and now by the Gippsland Local Government Network at its most recent meeting,” Cr McEwen reveals. With projections estimating Melbourne’s population to reach eight million by 2050 with planned growth of at least 500,000 people in the south east region, Cr McEwen anticipates that the Monash Freeway will become gridlocked for most of the day in the future. “We need a proper plan to identify what are the real options for accessing Melbourne and ensuring that the local road system is of the standard required. Ultimately public transport and rail freight is the only answer,” he suggests. “There are already 500,000 trucks a year going down the South Gippsland Highway, which is increasingly being recognised as one of the worst major roads in Australia. Under such heavy traffic use, its condition will only continue to deteriorate.” Cr McEwen says the South & West Gippsland Transport Group continues to gain traction in its campaign and all victories it is able to achieve in pursuit of its overall goals are important.

“We worked with the Nyora and Loch communities to get all the buses to town to come through the town. With the assistance of our local Member the Hon. Peter Ryan this was recently agreed to by the Minister. This was very important for people dependent on public transport,” he notes. “Getting the rail back requires a good strategy and strong supporters with persistence. We welcome people to become involved through our website. Our aim is to get a commitment for the return of the rail in the next four years, with the starting point being the integrated transport plan. That will give us the ammunition.” Ahead of the upcoming State election, the group has immediate priorities in its sights. “Given the election is in November our focus is on getting a commitment to fund the integrated transport plan,” Cr McEwen states. “Governments and treasuries normally require evidence before they will commit funds. We need to understand the financial commitments to restore the highway network and the importance of rail in the equation. “Getting a commitment to the rail is a medium term proposition, but given the importance of milk product exports, we believe ultimately getting the rail line back to Leongatha is essential for South Gippsland and the State.

The other priority is to continue to improve public transport within South West Gippsland and between it and Melbourne and the Latrobe Valley.” Cr McEwen says the group’s plan has generally met with a positive response from Gippslanders when given the opportunity to discuss the relevant issues.

to rail projects for Ararat and Bairnsdale and we missed out.” According to Semken, the Kennett Government pin-pointed under use and excessive upkeep costs in justifying its decision to signal the demise of services on the South Gippsland line. It is an argument that he refutes. “Those were poor, lame excuses,” he insists.

“Overall, we have had a very favourable reaction. We have attracted a significant number of followers through our website and social media on Facebook. There is some cynicism, particularly because of broken promises about returning the rail, but this has been a minority response,” he advises. “There is a groundswell of demand for improving the highway and we believe that the rail is part of the solution. The more that people think about the implications of nearly doubling Melbourne in the next forty years the more sense it makes to them.” Like Cr McEwen, another foundation member of the South & West Gippsland Transport Group is Mirboo North and Leongatha resident Max Semken, a former ALP candidate for South Gippsland. Having lived all his life in Leongatha, Mirboo North and surrounding areas, Semken has an intimate understanding and knowledge of local transport issues. “Our group is about keeping politicians honest in regard to their promises,” he says. “It is now 21 years since we lost our rail services to South Gippsland. They had been closed previously for many years, but were re-opened by the State Government when John Cain was Premier. However, the Kennett Government then took the trains away again before Steve Bracks promised to bring them back by late 2004, but the money instead went

Photos by Darren Hodges

Semken is confident that the group will achieve its aims within its targeted timeframes, as population growth in the region reaches levels that will be impossible for the Government to ignore. “As you can see, areas with rail grow. With rail there is growth. In the Latrobe Valley where rail operates, there is growth. “Another factor to take into consideration is the possibility of a third Melbourne airport between Lang Lang and Koo Wee Rup. I believe it is likely within 20 years, but if population growth here is quicker than anticipated, then the airport may happen sooner.” In lobbying for support of the integrated transport plan, Semken points to a number of simple but compelling statistics which highlight what a difference can be made to traffic congestion. “One train can take 525 cars off the road. One bus can take around 30 to 35 cars off the road per trip,” he comments. According to Semken, the voluntary-operated South Gippsland Tourist Railway has an important role to play in his group’s plan. The Tourist Railway continues to run rail-motors and diesel hauled trains on the tracks that were closed to mainstream use, preserving the condition and heritage of the historic line and

P17 at Leongatha on 20.5.1993 which was the day Steamrail sent twofoundation K class steam locomotives South Gippsland Shire Councillor, Andrew McEwen and another member of the for Mirboo several North shuttleresident, trips from Korumburra. South & West Gippsland Transportthere Group, Max Semken

thelifestyle spring 2014

P19 at Leongatha 24.10.1987. Parked on No. 2 road as the line beyond here was still in use at the time.

providing nostalgic journeys from Korumburra to Leongatha and Nyora. The proposed reinstatement of the line under the South & West Gippsland Transport Group’s integrated plan would complement rather than harm the very positive work being done by the Tourist Railway volunteers. “To do it right, we must also have involvement from the South Gippsland Tourist Railway. It is vitally important that they stay on the line. They have kept the line up and will be using it as well,” Semken explains. “They can also develop into a high quality business in their own right and use their vehicles to bring day-trippers into the area.” Whilst the South & West Gippsland Transport Group has a close association with the Tourist Railway, it is not directly involved with the efforts being undertaken to revive trains to Wonthaggi. “I expect the campaigners there will also be successful with their endeavours and that

will happen in time as the area gets bigger,” Semken predicts. “Everyone will benefit from anything that increases public transport to parts of Gippsland that it is not reaching at present.” In the years ahead, all of Gippsland will need rail access to Melbourne and the ports, making rail a key investment in the region’s future. “Rail is the main economic driver in the region, yet some people don’t fully understand what public transport can do in bringing people to live, work and shop in our towns,” Semken observes. “Our group is trying to change that through communication. Talking to people is how you get things moving,” he says. Ultimately though, it is money that talks most, and a project of this magnitude would incur a substantial financial outlay to deliver. “Where the cost of returning rail services in 2004 was 26 million dollars in total, now it’s going to cost a lot more. But it was promised to us, so we expect it,” Semken states.

South & West Gippsland Transport Group Goals Development of all aspects of connectivity within South & West Gippsland and between Gippsland and Melbourne. Cost effective transport solutions for industry, community and business. An integrated approach to public transport, freight, road and rail links. Resilience of the mobility system in times of increasing costs of oil, and population growth along the South East corridor of Melbourne. Maintaining equitable accessibility to Melbourne. Optimising transport investments in South & West Gippsland. Facilitating regional development, new investment and development of local businesses in South & West Gippsland by providing efficient rail and public transport investments. “To do everything right, you won’t get out of it for under a billion dollars. As huge as that sum is, you can put it into some perspective if you consider that with the money that is going to be spent on the East-West tunnel in Melbourne, you could fund our project ten times over,” he adds. “It pains to think it could have been done for 26 million dollars in 2004 had they acted then. Time really is of the essence. Every year the Government pushes the project out, the cost figure rises significantly. The longer they wait, the higher the cost is for us all.” Photos courtesy of Darren Hodges, other photos by Douglas Pell

thelifestyle spring 2014

Key proposed projects A rail loop between Cranbourne and Pakenham. The connection of this loop to the Port of Hastings line. Re-opening of the South Gippsland line to Leongatha. The eventual connection of the South Gippsland line through Yarram to Rosedale making a greater loop between the Latrobe Valley, Port of Hastings and the new bulk port of Port Anthony at Barry Beach. Improved commuter links to the Pakenham train line through a massively improved local feeder bus system.

Max Semken with Cr. Andrew McEwen

Photos by Darren Hodges

The last V/Line train passing under the South Gippsland Hwy at Loch (Allsop Creek).

Photos by Darren Hodges

thelifestyle spring 2014

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Bringing Style, Knowledge & Culinary Skills By Ally McManus

to Silverwater Resort Dan Child, Executive Chef for Watermark Restaurant at Silverwater Resort in San Remo, bases his cooking around education, experience and fresh local food. The 29-year-old relocated to South Gippsland three months ago from Perth and after doing a bit of travelling, he found Silverwater. It’s here that he cooks and teaches, while learning more about food every day. I meet Dan at Silverwater where we chat in the dining room with 180-degree views overlooking the sea. It’s an incredibly beautiful spot for a resort, with a great open kitchen to take in the surroundings. At Silverwater, Dan and his team whip up modern Australian cuisine with a personal, funky touch. His training to become a chef was in classic French, which is still what inspires him, but his definitive style is evident in every dish he creates. The direction at Silverwater is very technical and simplistic, with a focus on using local produce. “During my career I’ve worked with a lot of international chefs,” Dan says, acknowledging there’s so much to learn from different cultures. “Everyone is able to play off each other and create. And that’s my main focus with being a chef – trying to educate my team and set them goals to try and get the chefs to push themselves to learn more.”

thelifestyle spring 2014

Dan loves discovering new foods to cook with. “We try to use ingredients that most people haven’t had before.” He also tells me about their kitchen motto, which is ‘education rather than expectation’. “We want people to come in and feel educated when they leave, rather than come in and already know what they’re going to get and expect. I’d rather give them something a little bit different.”

Dan tells me his definitive style is funky. “I like to use natural produce and I like to keep food a little bit raw, I think food should be not overcomplicated.” I get a bit of eclecticism from him as we chat, “I’ll build the plate based on how it’s going, for me it tells a story,” he adds. In terms of local produce, Dan explains “it’s all about the season availability. I like to keep within what I call ‘low food miles’, so within a 150km of the establishment.” To top it off, the team of chefs also just planted their own garden at the resort to use fresh flowers and herbs in the kitchen. The restaurant has received great customer feedback over the last three months since Dan started working at Silverwater, the best reviews it’s ever had for both front and back of house. Their spot on TripAdvisor has jumped an incredible 200 spots and their customer base in the resort as a whole is at 94 per cent. “It’s

basically been all positive feedback,” Dan says, adding that they do accept constructive criticism at the same time. “It’s the only way to move forward in your career. You’re cooking for the customer so why not give the customer what they want.” Watermark Restaurant has just launched their new spring menu, which Dan has lots of enthusiasm about. It’s inspired a lot from a close relationship with Dan’s suppliers to find out what’s in abundance, along with plenty of customer feedback. “Being an open kitchen, we like to communicate with our customers. So every night we (the chefs) try to come out and have a chat to the tables; we’re trying to get the chefs more involved with all the customers.” “As a whole, we’re very much focused on customer service, and with bringing out a new menu, it’s all about educating the staff.” Before they release their new menu, Dan sits his crew down for a tasting of the entire menu and gives them a ‘cheat sheet’ about the food that will go out to the public. “It gives the front of house a run-down of exactly what the ingredients are.” This way the chefs can give an educated insight into a dish if anyone dining has a question. “The customers are also learning something as they go.”

You’ve got to be educated in the food, and that’s what I’m all about with my chefs, trying to bring the knowledge of the team up as much as possible. You can only improve,” Dan says. He also likes to take his chefs on trips to local suppliers and markets, to teach them about food from its origin.

Dan’s favourite food to cook is venison, or in other words, deer. His eclectic nature comes out when I find that he loves to cook the meat with the last thing you’d expect – chocolate. “I like to mix between white and dark chocolate with the venison, so for example a white chocolate crumble with it or a carrot and white chocolate puree with the venison,” he says. “It’s just something a little bit different, but obviously it tastes delicious.” Dan knows a thing or two about using all his produce economically. “It’s a matter of knowing your product and using it to its best capability.

I find out the chefs also have a ritual on a customer’s birthday. “For every birthday that comes here, I get all the chefs to come out and sing happy birthday. Just to try and breach that gap between front of house and back of house.” Dan believes strongly in customer interaction. “It’s very important for the chefs to try and communicate with their meals. I like that openness between the customer and the chef.” Dan then shares a special story he recently experienced at the restaurant. An elderly woman from the local nursing home celebrated her 95th birthday at Silverwater. “She actually couldn’t sleep the night before, she was so excited,” Dan tells me. “So we did up a nice birthday plate and

we all went and sung happy birthday. She was so overwhelmed she started crying. It was really amazing,” Dan says. “Just going that extra mile, it never hurts.” About ten minutes later into our interview, Dan looks outside on the restaurant patio and tells me that the elderly woman who had her birthday last week is back, sitting at the exact same table with her group of friends. Dan has a knowledgeable perspective on how to reach success in a restaurant. “The most important part is the front of house, it’s not actually just the food. You need to make the customers feel at home and welcome when they come into the restaurant. You’ve got to treat it as your house – you welcome guests into your house and treat them as guests, make them feel at home.” This sense of welcoming is what’s brought the inundation of new customers and returning regulars to Silverwater Resort, to experience Dan’s eclectic and funky take on modern Australian cuisine. By Ally McManus

thelifestyle spring 2014

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thelifestyle spring 2014

WONTHAGGI MEDICAL Group A day in the life of a rural doctor

By John Turner B Soc. Welf., Master Intl & Community Development, MAAPM (Article Courtesy of Wonthaggi Medical Group, 42 Murray Street, Wonthaggi)

So what is a typical day like for the rural doctor? 8.00am Doctor arrives at the local hospital to see patients who have been admitted under their care. Leave at 9.10am to get to clinic, already running 15mins behind.

First and foremost General Medical Practitioners in a rural setting require a wide range of skills. Unlike their city counterparts, rural GPs generally have additional training in one or more procedural skills such as emergency medicine, advanced life support, paediatric life support, anaesthetics, general surgery and obstetrics. In the Bass Coast and South Gippsland Shires with many residents in aged care facilities, our doctors also have to be skilled in geriatric and palliative care. In metro areas the GPs generally refer these matters to specialists or hospital doctors. What this means is that the rural doctor is pulled in many different directions as part of their commitment to serve the community. In a busy practice such as ours, doctors are rostered so that there are doctors available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide essential hospital services. Even though there are emergency doctors employed by the Health Service in Wonthaggi, the hospital remains reliant on GPs from Wonthaggi Medical Group to provide essential medical services. In a typical month a single procedural doctor will be on-call after hours for as much as 140 hrs on average and depending on doctor availability it can reach over 200 hours in a single month on top of their normal work hours.

9.15am

Arrive at clinic and provide an hour’s training to two GP-registrars, over- booked morning session, 12 patients to attend to including 2 pre-operative assessments and an ante-natal visit. One patient needs admission, call hospital to arrange. Unable to take morning break.

The old proverb says, 'time waits for no man' (or woman) and neither do babies. Rural doctors have to be prepared at a moment’s notice to attend patients in hospital who need urgent attention or to deliver a child or perform a caesarean operation or provide critical airway management for an emergency patient or support a surgeon undertaking an urgent procedure such as an appendectomy (removal of appendix). Never mind that it may mean leaving a waiting room full of patients and coming back to them later. Admitting a patient to hospital can be required at any time and that means undertaking an assessment to ensure the person can be treated satisfactorily in the local hospital, or contacting a Metro hospital to find a bed and arrange a transfer, all of which is time consuming. Once a person is admitted, the admitting Doctor is expected to visit the patient on a daily basis before 9.00am before going to work at the clinic. If the patient requires closer monitoring they may also need to visit during lunchtime or in the evening.

12.35pm Still running behind time, lunchtime check on patient admitted this morning. 1.30pm Theatre session begins as anaesthetist for the visiting orthopaedic surgeon. Hip replacement and other surgery. 5.15pm Finish Theatre session. 6.30pm

ED Doctor calls, young person requiring admission. Review patient, complete admission paperwork, order scans and blood tests.

7.30pm Return home – on-call for the evening. 8.00pm Call from ED called re emergency, possible admission - patient not suitable for admission. 10.55pm Call from surgical ward re condition of in-patient, advice provided to nurse. 2.20am Call from hospital ward nurse re orthopaedic patient in post-operative care and pain management. 4.20am Second call from hospital ward nurse re orthopaedic patient in post-operative care. 6.20am Telephone call re management of post operative patient - need to review patient. 6.45am

Arrive at hospital to review post- operative patient amend medications/ pain relief. Remain at hospital to see patients before returning home briefly to shower, have breakfast and take short break before resuming consulting at clinic at 10am. Earlier appointments for patients rescheduled.

Nowadays rural doctors are also expected to be heavily involved in the medical training of students, hospital interns and GP-registrars undergoing GP training for the Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). This may also take time out of their day. All doctors have to undergo continuing medical education, but for rural procedural doctors, there is the added burden of maintaining their specialist skills. This means dedicating several weeks a year to professional development, attendance at weekend forums, evening forums and regular meetings with other doctors to discuss clinical matters, the latest research and other matters of importance to the practice doctors as a whole. Being on-call 24/7 has its rewards, but they are not financial; making themselves available for oncall barely attracts an hourly payment that is the equivalent of the cost of two cups of coffee. The implications for a doctor’s social and family life are self-evident. So why do they do it? It is certainly a question that I am sure occurs to their family and friends. From my personal observations they do it because rural doctors really do care; they care about individuals and they care about their community. I also believe they do it because they want to be able to sit back at the end of the week and reflect that they have made a difference. As a business manager of a busy practice who frequently despairs at the disruptions and difficulties that are inherent in rural medicine, I am nevertheless glad that there are doctors in my neighborhood dedicated enough to take on this role. There are many rural communities that are not so lucky. John Turner MAAPM, B. Social Welfare, Master International & Community Development Business Manager Wonthaggi Medical Group

thelifestyle spring 2014

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www.bullcruisers.com.au 54 Slip Rd Paynesville VIC 3880 Ph: 03 5156 1200 Em: admin@bullscruisers.com.au

Backformer to it'sglory

Personalised, attentive service and a sense of tranquil relaxation are among the hallmarks of a stay at The Riversleigh where you’ll enjoy the warmth of a country hotel combined with the luxury you expect from contemporary boutique accommodation. Located in the heart of Bairnsdale’s central business district on a quiet street over-looking the Mitchell River, The

Riversleigh features elegant period fittings with tastefully-appointed modern rooms, providing a unique accommodation experience to our guests. With 20 rooms designed to meet every one of our guests’ individual needs, you will enjoy beautifullydesigned rooms, each with ensuite some including spa baths. Relax in

the picturesque courtyard set against the magnificent backdrop of one of the oldest and most unique residences in beautiful East Gippsland. Built in 1886, this East Gippsland icon is now under new ownership and management and this grand example of Victorian architecture has recently undergone a complete renovation.

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

Set in the heart of Destination Gippsland, Bairnsdale is the gateway to glorious East Gippsland, within easy drive of the high country, mountain resorts, rainforest drives, the Gippsland Lakes, Ninety Mile Beach and river, lake and ocean fishing activities.

WALHALLA By Cherry Prior

It is 7.30pm on a Saturday night and 37 of us are gathered in what, at this time of year, we imagine is one of Victoria’s coldest, darkest, dankest places. We’re rugged up to suit the climate, wearing coats, beanies, scarves, boots. We carry lanterns that emit a gentle light and chatter amongst ourselves, breath from our laughter thickening the air along with the fog. Despite the chill and the threat of leeches, Walhalla in winter holds special appeal – there’s history and charm to be had at every turn in this once-thriving Gippsland gold-mining town.

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Founded in the mid 1800s, Walhalla at its peak was home to 4500 residents. These days there are just 16 permanents, but the visitors flood in – thousands every year - to get their fill of a bygone era. Tonight though, for our group of believers as well as the good humoured non-believers, we are here to make the acquaintance of ghosts. The souls yet departed, said to outnumber the tourist town’s living citizenry in their dozens, are pleasant, optimistic spirits, according to “ghost host” Rae-Anne Vincent.

Rae-Anne is a volunteer tour leader with the Walhalla Heritage and Development League, an organisation charged with the protection and promotion of Walhalla’s considerable heritage. Rae-Anne, whose great-grandmother was an early Walhalla resident, has been hosting ghost tours since 2007 and has built up a significant enough vault of ghost experiences – both her own and many conveyed by visitors – to pique anyone’s supernatural appetite. There’s the whinnying, galloping horses; the singing gold miners; the children who may tug

at your trousers or hold your hand; the nurse who hangs out at the former hospital; the lady with the long auburn hair. You may feel a touch to the face, a tap on the shoulder, the sense of a change in energy. Rae-Anne, who also conducts mine tours at the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, talks constantly to the unliving, for there’s joy in connecting with Walhalla’s past. She thrives on experiences shared and her enthusiasm is palpable: she’s as keen to hear your experiences as tell you her own. “As a volunteer

in the Walhalla Post Office, I started learning to listen to the customers when they were talking because they’re like walking history books … that’s where you accumulate your knowledge, and then you write down notes. I’ve made the three little ghosts books – just little incidents of what I’ve encountered and stories others have told me. Rather than let them get lost I record them. “I want to pass on the magic. I want people to enjoy what I am enjoying. My grandchildren think I’m just crazy, crazy Nan that works

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WALHALLA

underground. But we are all here for a reason, I don’t know what. I love Walhalla, especially having a family connection. I feel that I have been called back to here and I just want to share it.” The tours take place every Saturday night or by special request. They follow a path that takes in the former hospital, the old gold mine entrance, the Masonic Lodge and other heritage buildings, among other attractions. When we visit, Sarah Altiparmak and her husband Emre, both 26 and from the Melbourne suburb of Boronia, are here with a group of friends. Sarah admits that a ghost tour holds much more appeal than a Saturday night clubbing session, something you might not expect from a group of 20-somethings. “We prefer to do something like this. There’s more history, there’s more to learn, there’s more to see,” Sarah said. Normally she avoids spiritual encounters, but tonight Sarah, who is particularly sensitive to the supernatural, has been roped in by her friends. Emre, a skeptic, is also along for the experience and has no particular expectations. “I am not a believer,” Emre says. “I always make fun of Sarah. I always find a logical explanation.” But by the end of the night both are convinced that they’ve felt, if not seen, spirits. “When we started walking and I held back a bit I actually felt something … It was like something was holding me back,” Emre said. Sarah concurs: “There’s a lot here.” Walhalla’s Vinter Ljusfest, August 1 to 31, follows the Swedish tradition of celebrating winter and includes ghost tours, Saturday night train tours and daily light shows from 6.30pm to 9.00pm. For further information and events check out www.visitwalhalla.com Photos by James Pell

thelifestyle spring 2014

Lindenow Pub Relax and have a drink in the beer garden overlooking the magical view of the alpine region and farm plains of Lindenow.

Take-Away Wood Fired Pizzas Available Seven Nights a Week Live Music on Saturdays Visit “The Dark’s Whiskey Bar”

Enjoy some local live music and a great meal with ingredients sourced from the finest quality farms in the region.

Opening Hours

Monday 12:00pm - 8:00pm Tuesday – Thursday 11:00am – 10:00pm Friday – Saturday 11:00am – 11:00pm Sunday 12:00pm - 8:00pm NB Public Holidays Extended Hours

Meals Available

Tuesday – Saturday 12.00 – 2.00pm & 6.00 – 8.00pm Sunday 1.00pm – 7.00pm

The Lindenow Pub

Est.1908

167 Main Rd, Lindenow, Victoria Ph: 03 5157 1210 www.lindenowpub.com

COLIN MATTHEWS Colin Matthews with a little help from his friends performed live at the Wonthaggi Club on Sunday August 24, 2014. Colin was performing songs from his debut album titled Worlds Collide, which featured his top ten JJJ hit “Got No Trouble In My Mind”.

Andy Stewart, Martin Allen, Sally Woods, Colin Matthews & EJ

After viewing this performance from Colin I have no doubt whatsoever that he is now living the dream. The music was superb and Colin’s vocals simply float with the music; and he certainly looked at home and in control. Colin has plied his trade from working at many venues, small and large and the fruits of his labour were for all and sundry to see. He has come a long way and will continue to go a long way, as to whether he reaches that pinnacle, we will see, but in the meantime, we can simply enjoy the music...... Words and photographs by Douglas Pell

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The Greenhouse — Garden Centre & Café

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Hearty Brunch / Lunch Menu Freshly Roasted Allpress Coffee 30 Types of T2 Tea Plants for Sale Cosy and Relaxed Setting Comfortable Cushioned Seating Live Music on Saturdays

The Greenhouse Garden Centre & Café 25 Main Street, Foster Vic 3960 Tel: 5682 1930 Open 7 days per week 9.00am to 4.00pm

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Glorious Gippsland Gardens Gardivalia encompasses open gardens, garden tours, sustainable food and community gardens, workshops and demonstrations, Baw Baw Garden & Home Expo, art exhibitions, sculpture displays, Senior Citizens Walk, Le Tour de Jardin cycle event, food & wine event, Art Market, Farmers' Market and several cultural events.

Open Gardens Saturday 18 Oct and Sunday 19 Oct Saturday 25 Oct and Sunday 26 Oct Contact Cathy John: 5623 1592 cathy@gardivalia.com.au Maree Wallace: 5627 6368 mareewallace@bigpond.com www.gardivalia.com.au

PRESTIGE, ELEGANCE & STYLE We provide the classic Chrysler 300c Custom Stretch Limousine. We offer a number of customised packages to suit your individual needs. ±

Weddings ± School Formals/Debs Hen's/Buck's Nights and Parties ± Corporate and Transfers ± Special Events ± Wine Tours ± Melbourne Events

Tel: 044 800 2000 54

thelifestyle spring 2014

info@gippslandlimos.com.au

www.gippslandlimos.com.au

R U Fit is a vibrant, unique, enthusiastic, motivational Boxing and Fitness Studio where they make fitness fun; and with their highly qualified staff, they tailor fitness programs to suit people of all ages and fitness levels.

HOURS Mon to Thu: 6am to 7pm Fri: 6am to 5pm Sat: 7am to 9.30pm 14 Wood Street BAIRNSDALE, Vic 3875 Ph: (03) 5152 5009 www.rufit.com.au

Wonthaggi Newsagency

Monday to Friday: 6am to 5.30pm Saturday: 6.30am to 4.00pm Sunday: Closed

Wonthaggi Newsagency 31 Murray Street Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256 thelifestyle spring 2014

Edgar’s Mission

Edgar’s Mission is a not-for-profit sanctuary for rescued farmed animals that seeks to create a humane and just world for humans and non-humans. Edgar’s Mission is set on 153 peaceable acres in Lancefield in the Macedon Ranges. HOW YOU CAN HELP Donations Become a Best Buddy Campaigns and Issues Volunteer at Edgar’s Mission

Blossom and Snuffles

Pam,Mr Have-a-chat,Elsa,Gloria,ET

"If we could live happy and healthy lives without harming others... why wouldn't we?”

Dorothy

Popcorn

E: info@edgarsmission.org.au W: www.edgarsmission.org.au

Rory and Mr Have-a-chat

thelifestyle spring 2014

Pam and Edgar Alan Pig

The Serendipity of

By Ally McManus

Tombolo Lodge

Some people absolutely love the city, along with the hustle and bustle that comes with it. Others like the suburbs, where it’s not too busy but there’s still enough going on. Then there’s those who adore small towns that come with their peace and serenity – which is where Tom Pritchard fits into the story.

New Zealand, to working in recruitment and then, to creating his B&B here in Yanakie. “It was just one of those things where I kind of stumbled into it,” Tom tells me through a laugh.

He doesn’t offer the luxury you’ll find at a 5-star hotel in Melbourne. Tom believes he’s providing the classic experience of a relaxing, low-key getaway in a small town. “I’m trying to be appropriate and complementary to the area that I’m in,” he tells me.

Tom, born and bred in rural United Kingdom, did the corporate city life for a while. He worked here and there, visited a few places, but wanted somewhere he truly felt at home. This is what brought him to Yanakie in South Gippsland, just minutes from the Wilsons Promontory National Park. Small town Yanakie only has a population of a few hundred, that I find out as I chat with Tom at his home, which is also the residence of his business. Here he runs a B&B from a separated part of his house called Tombolo Lodge, which can fit anywhere from two to eight people. Fully equipped with a kitchen, two bathrooms, laundry, two living areas and three separate bedrooms, the lodge is also children friendly. “We’ve tried to put everything we can into the place, so it’s got everything that people might need.” The name Tombolo translates to a collection of land surrounded by water, which he feels suits the location of his business in South Gippsland perfectly. I learn that most things in Tom’s life seemed to occur by accident. These range from running a hostel in

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believe that more people don’t recommend coming down to the Prom…it’s the most spectacular place in Australia, possibly even anywhere I’ve ever been.”

Tom has the perfect idea in his head of what he wants to achieve from the lodge. “The idea is to escape the stress of the city and reduce the pace, as the country is pretty relaxed…take that step back, slow down a little bit and perhaps think about the things that you’d normally take for granted.” He also didn’t find it too difficult to leave his office job in the city, in exchange for the relaxed lifestyle down here in Gippsland. He loves the clean air, the simplicity of small towns and the space. “I guess if you want to do something, then the only thing holding you back is yourself. I wanted to decide what’s important to me,” he adds. Despite the serendipity in his entrepreneurial endeavor, Tom is incredibly passionate about the Prom, and that’s essentially why he chose this place to settle down in and open a business. He first visited the area in the early 90’s, and believes this part of Gippsland is quite underrated. “I just couldn’t

Tombolo Lodge has six chickens, all named after different areas of the Prom. I learn his chicks are incredibly friendly, as I give Norman a pat, (named after Norman Beach). He also grows plenty of fresh produce in his garden. Tom strongly believes in providing local and organic fruit, vegetables and herbs to guests, which tie in with his beliefs of living off the land as much as possible. “I’m trying to tread gently on the world…to have a little bit more appreciation.” He also has solar panels, an effective compost system and uses rainwater from his tank for everything. “It can make people think and consider what they’re doing in their lives a little bit more,” he adds.

Tom gives his customers the option to stick to themselves and relax in the serenity, or for him to show them around the Prom. He doesn’t push one way or the other on his guests; he just plants the seed and lets them choose what they’d like to get out of the experience. Of course, Tom hopes to be the catalyst for people to explore and find new things, but understands not everyone will visit the lodge to do so. I find out he sure is quite the tour guide too, offering up visits to the sand dunes, waterfalls, local dairy farms, overnight hikes, the vineyard down the road, along with plenty of bush and beach walks.

Tom finds happiness from helping his guests decide what to do during their stay. He quite popularly offers friendly advice on the best spots to see the sunrise on the beach, or the best place to grab lunch in the area. He enjoys “helping somebody out and giving them a recommendation on something…it’s nice to know you’ve improved somebody’s stay.”

To see everything, and to completely relax and unwind, Tom recommends a stay at Tombolo Lodge for at least a long weekend and from anything up to a week. I find out that there’s plenty to see in the area and it’s also a great spot to do nothing. The focus of Tombolo Lodge isn’t solely to make profits. “It’s not an exercise where I’m going – ‘where can I make more money?’ If I can provide something for people and do something that I enjoy, then that’s great.” Tom’s focus is on bringing a select amount of people down to South Gippsland to relax, unwind and potentially explore.

health and fitness, combined with all the services provided at Tombolo Lodge and the visiting spots around the Prom. He also has plans to build a spa inside a poolroom, to have beautiful views of the landscape without leaving the lodge itself. “I just want people to be able to come and enjoy, and to share some of the things that I enjoy, and maybe some can go away with a slightly better appreciation of where things come from, and that there’s a gentler way that they can exist. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t matter - but if it happens, then great.” Tombolo Lodge in South Gippsland, created by a man wishing to escape the city, provides two kinds of experiences. The option to relax, unwind and rejuvenate in the serenity of a small town. Secondly, it acts as a gateway into Wilsons Prom, where there’s an endless amount of beaches, waterfalls, sand dunes and bushwalks to explore. Either way, whatever choice each guest prefers – Tom wants to provide a means of escapism for anyone passing through the small town of Yanakie. Photos by Steph Thornborrow from Pint Size Productions

In the long term, Tom is hoping to collaborate with the Yanakie Hall to have weekends designed for

He launched Tombolo Lodge on Airbnb in May and has been overwhelmed with the inundation of business since then. He was planning on launching the B&B in Spring, but more guests came to him earlier than expected. Tom has acknowledged that the start up success of his lodge has been from friends bringing up their friends, and so on, “but of course the proof of the pudding is when someone who’s not your friend, who is going to be blatantly honest and not politically correct, says they enjoyed their stay, and that we thought of everything. I guess that reward of everything is some of the comments you get from people that stay.”

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RETAIL OUTLETS FOR GRASSY SPUR EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

"Multi-award winning" Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Vaughan's Cafe Deli Inverloch Gaffneys Warragul Moos @ Meeniyan Meeniyan Paddlewheel Koonwarra Bread and Pickles Deli Meeniyan Koonwarra Store Koonwarra Paddlewheel Prahran Market Houghtons Fine Foods Mornington Olio & Pane Hawthorn Gippsland Food and Wine Yarragon

Or email Helen for postal delivery

Tel 0413 158 442 Email grassyspur@gmail.com Web www.grassyspurolives.com.au

thelifestyle spring 2014

Don't be in the dark about the power of mushrooms Gippsland Mushrooms is a locally owned and family-run business, that grows and cultivates Swiss Browns, Portobellos, Button and Flat mushrooms, under controlled conditions. Gippsland Mushrooms also sells the compost, which was used to grow the mushroom, and this also gives the customer the opportunity to grow their own. We are members of the Australian Mushroom Growers Association and also have Certified Accreditation to attend farmers markets in our regional area. We deliver to local businesses along the Bass Coast. Find us each week at various Farmers Markets.

28 Station Street, Dalyston, 3992

Chris Puyol and Anne Marie Chibber Ph: 0409 433 057 or 0408 509 530 gippslandmushrooms@hotmail.com

Find us on Facebook

Gippsland Mushrooms Words and Photographs by Amber Rhodes

Chris Puyol is a man who is passionate about his mushrooms, his business and his dreams for the future. As he proudly shows off his sheds of Buttons, Swiss Browns and Field Mushrooms it is hard not to share his enthusiasm.

Chris, and his partner Anne Marie, are relatively new to growing mushrooms, having only started eighteen months ago, however their operation has been about eight years in the making. It was through an advertisement in the paper that the couple saw the infrastructure for growing mushrooms for sale, and taking a huge risk, they decided to take the plunge. They took twelve months to collect it, each week going and dismantling another section, then bringing it back to eventually build their own set up. During this period they stayed with the grower, an older man who was more than willing to pass on his knowledge, and in essence the couple completed an important apprenticeship. Today it is evident that the success of Gippsland Mushrooms has come from these years of hard

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work, dedication and careful planning. It was Chris' initial research that lead him to discover that there was no one growing mushrooms in Gippsland, all the way from Dandenong to Bairnsdale. This gap in the market was part of the inspiration behind the enterprise, but also the desire to make a living from their smaller acreage in Dalyston, just north of Wonthaggi. “Everyone was saying you can't make a living out of a couple of acres, but you only need a shed to grow mushrooms,” said Chris. “Determination got us there. And the thing is if it is raining, hot or hailing you can still work, growing mushrooms.”

It is, of course, not as simple as it sounds as mushrooms require the perfect conditions to grow properly. Their environment must be precisely controlled and careful practices must be put into place to ensure that they remain free from disease. It is important to keep draughts out, so you must enter and exit the rooms as quickly as possible, and a strict code of hygiene is put into place with everything being carefully disinfected on a constant basis.

The mushrooms grow in a special layer of casings, which is made up of peat moss, similar to the matter you would find on a rainforest floor. This sits on a thicker layer of mushroom compost, which is composed of chicken manure, straw and Gypsum. Together these layers are prepared into blocks, which sit on the shelves within the sheds. After eighteen days you will get your first crop of mushrooms. Normally you can grow five crops of mushrooms off each block, but they like to only grow two or three as this reduces the risk of disease. The blocks are then changed and they sell the

casings to the public for use on their gardens. Nothing is wasted. Mushrooms have very high water content, so there has to be just the right amount of water. The air within the sheds has to be carefully controlled too, having an exact level of humidity. For the first five days this humidity level has to be very high, then gradually you introduce fresh air. This must be done slowly otherwise the stalks of the mushrooms can become too thin. The mushrooms must also be picked at eighteen days or else they get too large and squashed together, resulting in them becoming misshapen. Currently they have a total of three sheds where they produce 400 kilos of mushrooms a week, but they are just about to expand, having purchased a bigger property near Wonthaggi. Here they intend on building six sheds, with the plan to be up and running by December. Eventually they would also like to have the property open to tourists. They sell their mushrooms at local markets, including Inverloch, Coal Creek in Korumburra, Warragul and Traralgon, as well as going further

afield to Mornington and Mulgrave. In the beginning the couple started doing markets together but as the demand grew they needed to split, as they were wanted at more markets. They also began to sell to local businesses. “Grow local, keep it fresh, keep it simple,” said Anne Marie, who points out the importance of having loyal customers. “We are learning. It's a slow process but we want to keep it simple. We have our customer base and we have their trust.” “The mushrooms really sell themselves,” adds Chris, who is quite right in being confident with the quality of his product. Sampling a few mushrooms cooked by Anne Marie, that have been stuffed with pesto and goats cheese, it is easy to agree.

Gippsland Mushrooms Chris Puyol and Anne Marie Chibber Ph: 0409 433 057 or 0408 509 530 gippslandmushrooms@hotmail.com

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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

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 Evans Petroleum has been distributing quality fuels and lubricants to the Gippsland area for more than 40 years. Firstly, as an Esso agent followed by the Mobil brand, and in the past two years have been appointed BP Australia’s Gippsland distributor. This brings the sales of all BP fuels under the one banner for the Gippsland area, as well as the distribution of BP and Castrol lubricants. The secret to the success of the Evans Petroleum company is essentially, being local, offering first class service and selling a quality product that people can trust. Their on-farm and commercial delivery schedules allow their customers to trust that the fuel and lubricants are delivered in a timely fashion so they can keep their machinery working when they need it. With depots in Leongatha, Traralgon and Sale and delivery trucks at each location allows for the very best of service, which is an expectation of customers running a business that requires fuel and oil. Coupled with this, Evans offer eleven retail sites in the region where customers can access their company account to purchase their fuels or simply feed their hungry stomachs from the shops.

Evans also offers full tanker loads of fuel to larger commercial and service station accounts, through their tanker division. This service has seen the company being able to cater for all customer requirements hence the “By the tank or tanker full, Evans delivers” slogan that has been used in advertising over the past many years. Effectively, whether you are filling your car at their service station or needing a bulk load of fuel, Evans can service your needs. The ability to sell the Castrol brand of lubricants backed up with the BP agricultural range sets Evans Petroleum apart from their competitors, for the range of products and the quality performance that goes with these lubricants. Having a world wide accepted product to sell brings the surety of having the right application for all requirements, which is important for both the Evans team as well as its customers. If you need to contact the team or research more about the Evans Petroleum offer please visit the website at www.evanspetroleum.com.au

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

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

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

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

Yarram 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

Look for us at the following events South Gippsland Dairy Expo - Korumburra Showgrounds Sept 24-25 Small Farm & Lifestyle Expo - Phillip Island Circuit Nov 22-23 Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 1.00pm 48-52 Inverloch Road, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 3500 Web: wonthaggimotorcycles.com.au Follow us on Facebook

WARRAGUL

NEWSAGENCY & OFFICESMART

Magazines Newspapers Stationery Books Hallmark Cards Gift Wrapping Paper Information Centre Postcards Souvenirs

± Largest range of Magazines from Morwell to Pakenham ± Newspapers ± Great range of Stationery (cheapest in town!!) ± Now restocking the famous Darrell Lea Chocolates ± Great selection of Books from – kids, young adult, fiction, autobiography, lonely planet travel guides, health and family and many more ± Hallmark Cards and Gift Wrapping Paper (loyalty program) ± Information Centre that has maps and more to keep travellers on track!!! ± Great variety of Local and Melbourne Postcards along with other Souvenirs

Monday to Wednesday & Friday: 5am to 6pm Thursday: 5am to 5.30pm Saturday: 5am to 1.30pm • Sunday: 6am to 12pm

WARRAGUL NEWSAGENCY & OFFICESMART 43 Victoria Street, Warragul, VIC 3820 Ph: (03) 5623 1737

thelifestyle spring 2014

From farm to fridge By Chris West

When Rakesh Aggarwal left Bonlac Foods in 1999, he never dreamed that within two years he would own the company’s milk powder production plant at Longwarry. “I could not have imagined the way things turned out,” he admits. Before his remarkable rise from employee to employer, Rakesh was a Project Engineer at Bonlac, spending time at several of the company’s sites throughout Victoria.

successful family business with his wife Sunita and son Saurabh, overcoming a number of obstacles and setbacks along the way.

“We have had to be innovative in the business to get the factory to where it is today,” Rakesh says. “The basic plant hasn’t changed. It has been the upgrades we have made around the plant that have allowed us to achieve our growth.”

Rakesh left the company to start his own contract engineering business under the banner of the Saurin Enterprises Pty Ltd. His life then took an unexpected turn when the opportunity to acquire the abandoned Longwarry plant became available through public tender.

Renaming the site Longwarry Food Park to reestablish the plant’s heritage and link to the local community, he considered sub-dividing the property and possibly just supplying services including steam, gas and water treatment to the various food manufacturing businesses that would be established on site. “That idea didn’t take off and I also considered selling to an international buyer in India but couldn’t find a purchaser. Eventually, I settled on having a go at re-starting the factory, but by the time we became operational it had taken four years,” Rakesh says.

“The reason that Bonlac closed the Longwarry factory down was that it had become unviable,” he explains. “The plant was too small and at an output of 2.3 tonnes per hour it was only processing 80 million litres of milk per year. However, I saw potential in the factory and thought it could be revived.

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“I had to go to practically every bank, financial institution and broker in the country,” he reflects.

After obtaining finance, Rakesh still faced many further challenges in deciding how best to utilise his acquisition.

With a long history spanning almost 100 years, the factory has been an established part of the local community and it was important for it not to be lost forever following its closure. Rakesh was confident that he could do something with the property and discussed the opportunity with his family.

While Bonlac is now defunct, Rakesh has gone from strength to strength in building a

Rakesh’s first problem was obtaining sufficient finance to purchase the property.

“Eventually we found one bank - Suncorp Metway - that was willing to help us buy the factory and we remain with them as a customer today. They have continued to support our business through the good and the hard times.”

“I did a little work at the Longwarry factory during my time at Bonlac, but not much,” he recalls.

“After taking control in 2001, we have since upgraded the plant to 6 tonnes per hour and also expanded into new lines like fresh milk, long-life UHT milk and cream cheese and can now process 250 million litres of milk per year in this factory. So, it is now three times more productive than when we bought it.”

“There was no history of business ownership in my family at all, so it was a new experience for me which presented a number of challenges,” he notes.

There would be more testing times as his fledgling business tried to gather early momentum. The company has been recognised for its innovation and excellence, having won several prestigious industry and business awards for environmental performance, energy management and sustainability. Having emigrated to Australia from India on his own in 1992, Rakesh had no previous experience in owning and operating a major business when he acquired the Longwarry plant.

“We had barely started when the Global Financial Crisis hit and we had to absorb losses at that time.” Then in February 2012, an accidental fire in the factory during a night shift created a further setback. “Just like the GFC, the fire also knocked the business around quite badly, but we managed to survive all those challenges,” Rakesh observes.

Longwarry Food Park In developing and progressing Longwarry Food Park, Rakesh has steered the business through a number of distinct phases. “We had our lengthy establishment phase, which was followed by our growth phase where we increased the production capacity. Then from around 2010 to 2013 he had what we called our expansion phase, where we added new products into our range,” he notes. During this period, the company diversified into fresh bottled milk (branded as Gippy Milk), Gippy UHT Milk and Gippy Cheese, adding three different production lines into the operation. Rakesh says the popular Gippy brand identity, including the smiling cow logo, was created inhouse.

“The Gippy name references the Gippsland area quite well. It is also a catchy name which is easy to recognise and say,” he comments. “We did a little bit of market research and confirmed that the word Gippy does not have any negative meaning in the overseas markets that it reaches.” Since being introduced in 2011, the Gippy products have established their presence and profile in both local and international markets. Domestically, Gippy is available in supermarkets all across Gippsland and is also distributed to South Australia and the Northern Territory. The Gippy brand is associated with farm fresh products. “We pride ourself in bringing Gippy milk from the farm to local supermarkets within 24 hours,” he says. Exporting is now the focus of concentration for the company, with its products currently reaching approximately 30 countries in Asia, the Middle East and South America.

“Our business is currently close to 85 per cent export and 15 per cent domestic. Global demand is so high, it makes sense for us to be concentrating our efforts on the export market,” Rakesh states.

staff members. During the annual peak period, which typically spans from late August to the end of the year, the factory operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At off-peak times, it runs 24 hours five days a week.

“We export milk powder, cream cheese and Gippy UHT Milk. Some countries only take our milk powder, others only order UHT milk and some want all three of our export products.

Rakesh is proud of the positive economic impact on the Gippsland community provided by his business.

“China is our biggest export market. The demand there seems to be insatiable and is growing every year. Gippy UHT Milk is particularly popular in China and also both Vietnam and The Philippines,” he adds. Rakesh had to establish his local and overseas networks from scratch.

“Our footprint in the region is quite widespread. We currently have close to 100 Gippsland dairy farmers supplying milk to us and those numbers continue to increase all the time. “As well as employing people from Gippsland at the Longwarry plant, we also provide business to many local suppliers including electricians, welders, plumbers, fitters and construction workers.”

“We had to do it all on our own from a zero base. A lot of work was involved in attending exhibitions and trade missions, visiting customers and utilising internet marketing.”

Rakesh wants to recruit more Gippsland farmers and says his company offers some important financial incentives over his competitors.

Depending on the time of year, Longwarry Food Park provides employment for 50 to 70

“We pay a better price than most of the other dairy companies do. Also, we are introducing

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a new scheme for this year where we will be paying farmers an extra cent per litre for their Spring milk. “This is a unique scheme we are launching for the benefit of farmers at the best time of year to reward them for their loyalty. We are calling it our Spring Bonus. Farmers can use the additional money towards buying feed and other requirements for the rest of the season.” Recent media speculation has suggested that Longwarry Food Park is a potential takeover target for overseas interests. Rakesh concedes that his business has attracted foreign eyes, but whilst not ruling out the possibility in the future he insists that selling up is not presently on his radar. “Interest in the dairy sector from international buyers and domestic buyers is quite high. We get enquiries at least once a week, which is a good thing. I’m happy that people show interest in our business in that sense,” he states. “We are not looking for significant investment at present. Fortunately, we have the capacity to grow our business from internal cash flows. That’s where we are today, very much focused on expansion.” Rakesh is looking to the future with confidence. “We are constantly growing the business. Our growth rate has been 15 to 20 per cent each year and I expect the positive trend for strong growth levels to continue,” he says. Currently, Rakesh has further expansion plans for the Longwarry site to enable the business to keep up with the growth of the Chinese market and he is also looking at expanding Gippy’s cream cheese line. “I can quite easily see our business doubling in the next three years,” he suggests. Rakesh remains grateful to everyone who has supported him in making his family-owned business the success it has become. “I must thank in particular the farmers in the Gippsland region,” he comments. “To support someone who was totally new and had no history and be willing to provide milk on 45 days credit terms, is a risk for anyone to take. For them to have shown such faith in me is very satisfying.” Photos supplied by Longwarry Food Park

thelifestyle spring 2014

Shear Hard Work

Words and Photographs by Amber Rhodes

Lindsay Rhodes

thelifestyle spring 2014

Looking into shed from yards, Billy waiting with broom

For those who are unfamiliar it is the noise that hits you when you first walk in the shearing shed, the clatter of the overhead shearing plant, the buzz of the hand pieces and the cries of "sheepo" as a shearer drags his last sheep from the catching pen. That, and the smell of lanolin. Transport yourself back several decades and you would notice little difference. Shearers still watching the clock, counting the minutes until smoko or lunch, and the friendly rivalry as they try to shear just that one more than the fellow on the stand next to him. Amongst the noise and activity there is also the perfect silence. As a run comes to an end hand pieces are put down, the plant is switched off, and only the clatter of hooves from the sheep waiting in the pen, and the noises of the weary shearers catching their breath before the next run, can be heard. For Lindsay Rhodes and his crew this piece of Australian tradition is a part of everyday life. Where others may complain about their hard day at the office or having to 'face the daily grind', spare a thought for shearers everywhere

as they spend day after day slogging it out, dragging out heavy sheep over and over, and in between doing what looks like a complicated dance, as they blast away the wool. It is back breaking work but, as well as being challenging, can leave a satisfied feeling at the end of the day. Having grown up on a farm Lindsay was introduced to shearing from an early age and began doing the odd job for hobby farmers at the start of 2008, at the same time working as a Senior Station hand on a property in Bunyip. With his father having showed him the basics, and watching the shearers at work, he decided that shearing full time was a way that, if he worked hard enough, he could earn enough to eventually buy his own farm. He joined a shearing team and learnt on the job, in the first six months almost reaching the sought over milestone of shearing 200 sheep in a day. Today Lindsay is self-employed, working with a few different shearers on various jobs, shearing mainly in the areas around Traralgon

and Glengarry. He also will travel further east for work and to South Gippsland, and later in the year will do about six weeks in the Riverina in New South Wales. It's a job that not many want to take on simply because it is hard work, and as a result shearers can be relatively difficult to find. Starting at 7.30am they work strictly to the clock, the day consisting of four runs, the first three being two hours and the final an hour and a half. “There are a handful of younger shearers,” said Lindsay, who turns 28 in July, “But not a lot get into it. There is a shortage, and there are older shearers, but it's a younger man's game really.” Like any industry he finds working for himself has it's advantages and disadvantages. “When you are working for somebody you just show up and shear, there's no other issues. Your primary concern is getting the wool off. When you are working for yourself you have to be a lot more amicable,” said Lindsay.

Wool bins

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Shearing hand piece

The old shed

As well as dealing with property owners he needs to organise shed hands, a wool classer and other shearers, which is not always easy. It can also mean irregular pay cheques. The gear is also expensive and to start with you probably need about $2000 worth of gear, although Lindsay points out that you then have the ability to earn $100,000 a year if you are prepared to work. He uses two hand pieces and would go through about 100 cutters a year. Having two hand pieces may sound extravagant, but by not having to stop midrun to change cutters he saves himself two minutes a run, which equals a whole sheep. It doesn't sound like much but it adds up over the course of the week and every dollar counts. He estimates that personally he would spend around $3000 a year on replacing gear. But for those who are prepared to work hard it can be a lucrative job with the award rate being approximately $2.75 per sheep. A small amount, but when doing numbers that tally 280

a day, which is currently Lindsay's record, it can quickly add up. Payment is also double for rams and one and a quarter for stud sheep. Despite the hard work and long days there are good things about the job. Lindsay enjoys the challenge and that you can be competitive. Setting a target or racing against other shearers helps spur them along, as well as knowing that the harder you work the more you will earn. He often works alongside his older brother Brad, and this is added incentive to shift the pace. There is also the opportunity to enter shearing competitions and Lindsay is setting his sights at the upcoming Thorpdale Potato Festival, which is making a return after 12 years, in March next year. The shed hands are also kept busy all day, either picking up wool, tossing fleeces, skirting them or are found on the end of a broom. The wool classer is another vital component of the shed whose job is to grade each fleece, something that is fairly complex and surprisingly scientific.

For Lindsay shearing is really a means to an end, who already owns a flock of over 200 sheep, and just needs a farm to put them on. When asked how long he thinks he will need to shear he seems fairly resigned to the fact that he won't be giving it up any time soon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope only for another 5 years, but I expect another 15. By working for myself I'm earning good money, a couple of grand a week.â&#x20AC;? However, watching the shearers at work you can see that their inspiration is not entirely their pay cheque. There is pride in their work and satisfaction in knowing they genuinely earned that beer at the end of the day.

For Shearing and Crutching Contact: Lindsay Rhodes Ph: 0439 357 663

Toni Scully

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Clifden Alpacas & Belted Galloways Words and Photographs by Amber Rhodes

Clifden Farm is perched just above a sea of fog as I make my way up into the hills behind Yarragon to visit Lindy and Bill Smith, as well as their herds of black alpacas and Belted Galloways. It is quite fitting really, considering that the fleece from an alpaca is often called the 'Fibre of the Gods'.

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The property, that overlooks the township of Yarragon and the extended valley, right across to the distant Mount Baw Baw, was purchased in 2007, and was originally part of an old dairy farm. Moving down from Melbourne, there were only external fences and a dam when they arrived. Having lived in England four years due to work, Lindy as a speech therapist and Bill as a lawyer, they decided they were ready to come back to Australia and try something different. Bill stayed on in England, working for a little longer, meanwhile Lindy was keen to start their new project. She wanted to farm something that she could look after herself without too much trouble, which lead her to taking on alpacas. They are easy to look after due to their size, husbandry and general management. “They do have a personality,” said Lindy affectionately. “They are probably the most rewarding of livestock, they are very curious. The cattle will come for the food, whereas the alpacas will actually come to see what I'm doing. They might not like what I'm doing but they'll come and have a look!” The alpacas were purchased first, then later the cattle. The Belted Galloways were also chosen for their gentle temperament, as well as the fact that they calve easily. There are mostly stud cattle, which are sold on to other breeders, but the aim is to eventually build numbers and use the steers for commercial purposes. At present the couple have 33 Belties and 20 alpacas, although they have recently acquired an additional 70 acres behind Clifden where they run 50 head of commercial cattle, and where they are thinking of building a Bed & Breakfast. In the past there were more alpacas but Lindy is set on keeping the numbers down to around 20 as she doesn't want to have any ageing or non-productive animals on the property. Her market is other breeders, those who want them as pets and she also sells them as herd guards. The alpacas are all black Huacayas (pronounced wuh'ki'ya), with a crimpy fleece, and are fully grown at 18 months. Originating from South

America, they are used primarily for their fleece, although they can also be used for their meat, a subject that divides many alpaca breeders. There is a small meat industry in Australia, and Lindy has tried it herself, but it is not something that it is readily available, generally only supplied to top end restaurants. Unlike other animals alpacas can birth at any time, meaning they do not come into season or have a regular cycle. The females only ovulate when presented with a male, but even then she may choose not to mate with him. “A lot of the reason for spitting is that if a male is presented to a female and she is already pregnant, or if she doesn't want to mate with him, she spits at him,” said Lindy. “It's very clever. The female has all the power,” she adds with a smile. The babies are called cria and there is no official term for the time they give birth, unlike other animals like sheep who are 'lambing'. Some people do talk about alpacas 'un-packing' but to Lindy they just give birth.

Walking to the paddock Lindy is greeted enthusiastically by her alpacas, where she is able to hand feed them grain. Knowing all their names, she distinguished between them all, including Archie, the star of her popular children's books. First written in 2010 'Archie's Haircut' was a story initially written to help teach the general public about alpacas. After doing the rounds of the publishers she decided to self-publish, which can be costly, but the 500 print run successfully sold out. As a follow up she wrote 'Archie's Big Win', a story following his journey to a show where he learns a valuable lesson about what it is to really be a winner, a story my children have been listening to with delight at bedtime. As well as appearing regularly at the Yarragon Craft Market with their Alpaca products and Archie merchandise, Lindy and Bill have recently opened a store in Yarragon called Gumboots, a regional produce shop and cafe. The concept was born through wanting to promote small farmers and local produce. The cafe uses all local products, and is in the capable hands

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of Bridget Cooper, their daughter-in-law, with Lindy working there as well. Customers can also purchase things like milk, meat and eggs. Bill describes the store as being able to â&#x20AC;&#x153;tell a storyâ&#x20AC;?, where customers will know where the products have come from and that the meat is supplied by farmers who cared for their animals. Eventually they would like to have monthly producers' dinners, where they feature a supplier's product, so customers can go along and talk to the farmer about it.

Gumboots is open Friday to Monday from 10am to 6pm. Clifden Alpacas and Belted Galloways Lindy and Bill Smith 0408 827 896 Yarragon enquiries@clifden.com.au www.clifden.com.au

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RACING RETURNS MONDAY AFTERNOON DECEMBER 1, 2014 LOGAN PARK, WARRAGUL

WARRAGUL Harness Racing

DANNY'S THE VENUE the ideal venue

Book NOW for your Corporate Christmas Party or End of Season Function Danny's The Venue Logan Park, Howitt St, Warragul www.dannysthevenue.com.au | warragul@hrv.org.au Contact Narelle 0412 232 520

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Happy Hens Words and Photographs by Amber Rhodes

There is something comforting about having chooks pecking about the yard, scratching around for grubs and preening their glossy feathers in the sun. A visit to Emma Brown's property in the hills of Korumburra will find you greeted by an overwhelming sense of calm and content. A thousand happy Isa Brown chooks are happily going about their business, free to roam in the paddocks on Emma's 150 acre farm, and presently producing five hundred eggs a day.

organising childcare, decided that it just wasn't for her. Walking around her property you can easily see why it would be difficult to leave. Doing her research she first looked into other livestock, like pigs and goats, but finally settled on chooks. “I love chooks, I've always had them. I kind of just expanded the backyard idea but onto a bigger scale,” said Emma.

Emma grew up living on the farm next door, and as a child used to walk around on the property and loved it, so when the opportunity came up to buy it she was delighted. Initially, they only wanted to buy a 10 acre place, but that, including a house, was going to cost more than the 150 acres. Emma and her husband Aaron purchased the property in 2010 and set about building a new house, in the meantime living in the old farmhouse.

She first had a good look around at other operations, receiving really positive feedback about the demand for real pasture raised eggs. She explained that the challenge lay in finding the markets to sell her eggs, but before she could find the markets she had to have the eggs to sell. It was a real 'chicken before the egg' conundrum! The other issue was that most markets won't take more than two suppliers, so getting her product out there wasn't easy. The other challenge is marketing the product.

'Glorious Googies' came about as a desire to make the farm sustainable, and at the same time putting back into the land. Emma, a trained nurse, had decided to go back to work after her two children were born, but after one day, what with the prospects of shift work and

But her persistence has paid off and since September of last year Emma now frequents the Farmers Markets at Coal Creek, Warragul, Inverloch and also the Substation Market in Newport on the other side of the West Gate Bridge. She also sells her eggs directly to quite

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a few different cafes, restaurants and stores including the Mini Kitchen in Rye, The Shot Cafe in Wonthaggi, The Red Fox Cafe in Drouin and Stella's Pantry in Warragul. The Farmers Markets are hard work but for Emma it is one of the highlights of her week. “I love the interaction with people, that's my day off and the chance to talk to people, and to see what other people have thought of to sell.” Her chooks live in style in specially converted caravans that she finds second hand, which get shifted regularly around the paddocks. Putting in nesting boxes and places they can roost, Emma also removes the floor so that the droppings can fall through and fertilise the paddocks. The chooks eat a mixture of grass and bugs that they find during their daily forage, and they also receive a mix of wheat, barley and corn. There is no colouring in their feed, so as a result the yolks of her eggs are all different colours, depending on what that particular chook has eaten that day. Emma has big plans for the future, which includes turning an old dairy on the property into a work shop, office and store front, where she plans on selling her eggs and 'chicken

Glorious G

gies

related' things directly to the public. Out the back where the pit used to be will house her cool room. She also has plans to plant out about 75 acres with trees, which makes up the gullies on the property. “I'm not stuck on stock numbers per acre,” said Emma, “I'm more about land sustainability, it's my key thing, as well as trying to look after the land and pasture. Chooks are mini bulldozers, they will destroy everything so it's really important to move them and look after the ground to stop soil erosion. We feed into a reservoir so we need to be careful of what is going into the creeks. The less soil damage that occurs the better.”

She is also just on the cusp of needing to employ someone and feels that whoever that is they will “have to have a gentle heart. You can't rush with chooks,” said Emma, “They make you slow down.”

Glorious Googies Emma Brown 458 Warragul Road Korumburra Ph: 5658 1576 Mob: 0439 899 987 www.gloriousgoogies.com.au

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Amber Creek

Farm & Sawmill Words and Photographs by Amber Rhodes

It is a beautiful Autumn day, with the late afternoon sun spreading a warm glow across the rolling hills of Amber Creek Farm and Sawmill in Fish Creek, South Gippsland. Dotted across the paddocks are possibly the most contented pigs you could ever come across, lovingly bred and raised by Daniel Bright and his partner Amelia Wishart. Amber Creek Farm are becoming well known to many satisfied customers as producers of quality Gippsland grown and pasture raised pork. They are also making big leaps forward with the timber they supply from their on-site sawmill. The 165 acre property was purchased in 2006, and while both Daniel and Amelia still have other jobs, in the last 12 months they have become more focused and have a much firmer idea about where they are going with both sides of the businesses. First stop on the tour of the farm was the weaning pen, housing the piglets who had

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been taken off the mothers at around 6 to 8 weeks of age. They are happy to greet us, and almost look like they are wagging their tails as they wriggle over with curiosity. As they can get pneumonia easily, they are well sheltered, with a heavy layer of sawdust covering the ground, a by-product of the timber mill. Both Large Whites and Wessex Saddlebacks are raised on the property, breeds that are different in the way they grow out, the products they are used for and also their behaviour. The pigs are free to roam and eat grass, with a diet supplemented with grain. Some will eat such weeds like Broadleaf plantain, eating the entire plant, roots and all, and others will dig up the soil to get to the Cock Chaffer beetles. Once a paddock has been eaten down their pigs will be moved to fresh pasture, then Daniel likes to put in a crop where they have been. At the moment the cropping is at its experimental stage, but they are learning which crops work better than others.

Pasture Raised Pork The Saddlebacks, with their eye catching black and white markings, are classed as a heritage breed, and are natural foragers, putting on weight easily. They can't be run with the Whites as they put on more fat due to their different metabolism, therefore they are better for products such as salami.

The Whites will go to market at around 6 to 9 months of age, with the Saddlebacks being held back a little longer. They butcher the pigs according to orders, with no less than 6 being done in any month. There are busier times of the year, with Christmas naturally being one of them. As well as taking orders direct from the public, Amelia and Daniel can be found once a month at the Foster Market on the third Saturday, then on the fourth Saturday of the month at Traralgon Farmers Market. Nothing goes to waste at Amber Creek Farm, with a tonne of vegetables that have passed their used by date brought in from a wholesaler, then whatever the pigs don't eat is used as fertiliser. They do not use any chemicals on the property at all and keep things as environmentally friendly as possible, sourcing their grain from Victoria, and keeping everything as local as they can. Daniel, a diesel mechanic by trade, bought the portable sawmill around the same time they purchased the property, initially so he could complete a few jobs for himself, which included the buildings around the farm. This led to friends asking him to do some work for them and he found that he really liked it. He then began selling a bit of timber and bartering with farmers, swapping logs for labour. Eventually they decided to have

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Amber Creek Farm & Sawmill

a stall at the Foster Craft Market, having great success at their first market with an order for a couple of thousand dollars worth of timber. This was followed shortly after by an order for an entire house frame. In the first few years Daniel was just doing the on-site milling and selling a bit of timber here and there, but now, in the last two years, he is getting orders from owner builders and other independent builders who go on to construct the type of home where the timber frame is the show piece and not hidden away under layers of plaster. “To build a house like that is not a cheap way to build a house, nor a quick way,” says Daniel, “But it's what these customers want and it's the niche I'm wanting to fill.” There is great enjoyment for Daniel when it comes to constructing the frames, with a lot of time, preparation and work invested into the project. As well as the milling, an engineer is called in to figure out the quantities, the sizes, what spans the timber can cover and what types of joins are going to best support the weight. Daniel, who has now done his grading ticket, works in conjunction with Wade Bashaw, a Canadian builder, who runs his own separate business. They are keen to work together, as builder and timber framer, and to establish themselves as two businesses that work side by side.

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For orders or enquiries into Amber Creek Farm's pork or timber products contact: Daniel Bright 0428 446 967 Amelia Wishart 0407 988 274 amber.creek.farm@hotmail.com www.ambercreekfarmandsawmill.com.au

Value added Beef

at Grassvale FarmS Words and Photographs by Amber Rhodes

Treasure is a surname that has long been a part of East Gippsland and its history, a name that many know, or indeed are linked to in some way or another. Peter Treasure, and his wife Rachel, have moved back to live and work the family Murray Grey beef cattle farm, ensuring the legacy continues on into the next generation. Like many family farms that are passed down changes have taken place, changes that have been necessary for their survival. With cattle prices having altered little over the decades, despite rising costs, for many it is no longer an option to just send cattle off to market, particularly those who run on a smaller scale. Many operations have found themselves coming up with new methods of increasing their profits, Grassvale Farms being no exception. For Peter and Rachel this has meant taking their business in two different directions; through their Happy Camper Gourmet products, and the fresh beef they produce under their Wuk Wuk Beef label. The initial idea for their Happy Camper Gourmet meals, which are a full meal in a bag, was something they stumbled across by chance. Originally Peter was working as a photographer in Townsville with the Air Force. He then went on to run his own photography and graphic

design business with Rachel, who is a fully qualified graphic designer. After ten years they decided a change was on the cards and picked up a contract to travel around Australia in a caravan, selling them as they went. Being on the road so much, and discovering how inconvenient it was to store and prepare meals, the idea for an alternative began to evolve. They finished travelling in 2009 and came back to work the farm with Peter's parents, Ken and Lyn. Their neighbour, who was a driver for the factory that now makes their product, showed them a sample pack of a ready-made meal for the food service industry. With the camping in mind, they realised they could do something similar, and Happy Camper Gourmet was born. There are three meals made with their own beef, including the Tomato and Basil Meatballs, the Cattleman's Beef Stew with Vegies and the Drover's Beef 'n' Bean. Other meals they supply include lamb dishes, such as the Red Wine and Rosemary Lamb Shank, and the Aussie Lamb Drums in Nanna's Gravy. There is also a Chunky Chicken Casserole. The lamb and chicken is all sourced from Victoria. Other lines include damper mixes where you simply have to add water. The meals themselves are easily prepared, you simply boil them in the bag, or

you can microwave them. They are not freezedried or frozen but instead pressure-cooked, a sterile process, which ensures they remain fresh and have a shelf life of up to eighteen months. When starting out they took a year and a half to test the market, attending about forty caravan and camping shows, doing tastings and spreading the word. Here they discovered their idea was going to work, and now they supply three hundred kilos of meat a week, with Peter driving it down to Melbourne to the factory where it is processed. It is the off cuts that are used, which is actually nice and lean, therefore very little of their beasts are wasted. It has been so successful they now supply nearly one hundred retailers around Australia, as well as locally, and they can also be purchased via their website. The other side of their business is their Wuk Wuk Beef, which is their prime cuts of fresh meat that is sold to higher end restaurants in Melbourne, as well as ten local restaurants. Every week three or four head of cattle are sent to Gordyn's, the abattoir in Sale, and then the carcasses are brought back to the farm where they are hung in their own cool room. They are aged between fourteen to sixty days using

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Value added Beef

at Grassvale FarmS

different methods, and then move through to their fully qualified butcher, Cameron Paterson, who they have recently employed full time. Through running both aspects of the business there is very little wasted, and as Peter points out, they are value adding. We are taking a beast that you would get $2 a kilo live weight in the exchange, or about $3.50 or $3.60 carcass weight, and at this stage getting many more dollars for the same beast. It’s about value adding all the time,” said Peter. By going straight to the food services, and not trying to chase the markets they can't compete with, they are creating their own niche. By working in conjunction with other processing companies they are developing other products and doing what they can on farm to reduce costs. By controlling more of these elements they are getting a better return for their farm. Through not relying on the single income that a lot of farmers receive when they send a beast off to market, their income doesn't just stop at the farm gate.

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Over their 450 acres they run 200 breeders, with well over 400 head currently on the ground. With 160 of those acres under irrigation they are running as high as 40 DSE on the flats, which Peter adds modestly, “is pretty good. The water makes the difference.” Their pastures are of excellent quality, with a mixture of perennials, annuals, rye grasses, clover, plantain, chicory, Lucerne and Kikuyu.

They are quietly confident that Happy Camper Gourmet is the biggest Australian made outdoor brand, as they looked at what was lacking in the market place and aim to supply what is missing. As well as receiving awards for their outdoor products, their Wuk Wuk Beef has also been given its share of accolades, recently being awarded a Gold Medal through the Royal Melbourne Fine Foods Awards. The couple are really proud of their set up. With what used to be an old grain store, dairy and pig sty, now housing their fully fledged processing facility, which is heading for expansion in a

couple of months, they also have plans to produce other products such as small goods. In all, they have discovered that working collaboratively with other businesses is what has led to their success. As they can't compete on a volume scale, nor on price, they have to compete on quality. “We've got the story and we've got the systems in place to make it a really good quality product,” sums up Peter proudly. “It's good that Mum and Dad are here to see it all.”

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Bass Coast Cycle Challenge 2014

The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is a not-forprofit charity cycling event, in support of RYDA Road Safety Education. 2014 is the fourth year for the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge that takes place in Inverloch on Saturday November 15th. Whether you are a returning rider or new to the Challenge, the magic of spring cycling through Bass Coast and South Gippsland is always a special experience. The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge offers quality rider support with well-placed drink and food stations, mechanical support and plenty of entertainment around the start finish line.

The following schools are booked to attend later in 2014: Bass Coast Specialist School Korumburra Secondary College Leongatha Secondary College Mary Mackillop College - Leongatha Mirboo North Secondary College Newhaven College South Gippsland Secondary College Wonthaggi Secondary College

The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge starts and finishes in the beautiful coastal township of Inverloch. Locally, there is an excellent range of activities on offer to cater for everyone including families, with plenty of accommodation and dining options. A range of course distances are being offered to cater for different rider ability. Ride options include the showpiece 121km challenge and 85km challenge. Both of the longer rides include the infamous Mt Misery hill climb and wind their ways through the scenic and challenging Bass Hills. Other ride options include the spectacular 53km and family friendly 40km courses. All courses return via the stunning coast road between Cape Paterson and Inverloch. Bass Coast Cycle Challenge supports RYDA Road Safety Education (RSE), which is a notfor-profit organisation committed to reducing trauma on our roads. RSE’s award-winning road safety education program for senior high school students, called RYDA is developed for young people in years 9 to 12 and forms the platform for new road safety education programs. RYDA is a series of practical and powerful workshops that aim to change the way young people think about road safety. As part of an interactive one-day experience, students

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experience braking at different speeds, devise travel strategies that will work for them in the real world and get tips from road safety experts on how to protect themselves, their friends and family. Through support from Bass Coast Cycle Challenge, three RYDA programs were conducted in 2013 with 250 students attending from 7 schools. In 2014 the program has increased to accommodate almost 500 students in November at venues at Phillip Island and Leongatha.

"With many of our students affected by road trauma, it was such an important day in the broader context of their 'life education'. The range of road safety themes covered for young drivers was impressive and the workshops were informative. It provided an important message at a key time in a young person's life. It quite possibly might save a life!" (Principal, Wonthaggi Secondary College, Victoria)

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a little bit of

Francein Drouin By Ally McManus

There are plenty of people out there with the dream to run a café, but often it doesn’t excel past that vision. But for Drouin couple Bec and Andrew Dumergue - they turned their idea into a reality as proprietors of the French Pear Café. Bec and Andrew decided two years ago that they would take over the French Pear Café in Drouin and finally make their dreams come true. I walk into the gorgeous café to lots of warmth, colour, beautiful French music and the successful business owners themselves. While they both have backgrounds is hospitality, Bec’s lengthy career in the industry has helped their café tremendously. She has also greatly influenced the interiors; given her avid love for the French style. And of course the food in the café is also where she shines. Andrew on the other hand runs more of the business side of the café. Andrew comes over to Bec and I with three delicious looking coffees, sitting down in a heap - telling us it’s the first time he’s sat down since 7am this morning. And it’s after 4pm. This couple certainly know what hard work is. The look of the café is indicative of the couple’s style. “I’ve always liked French Provençal,” Bec tells me. So when they took over the café, they didn’t want to change the name. “I always thought it was a beautiful name, and there’s so much we can do with that,” she adds. They took the opportunity to embrace the French style even more, with beautiful art on the walls, rustic furniture and classic Parisian colour schemes. Even though Bec and Andrew haven’t been to France before, customers who have, also assume that they have, given the impeccable classic style of the cafe. “Bec has done an amazing job, she really wanted to put her own stamp on everything,” Andrew adds. Not only is the coffee at the French Pear Café delicious, their food is equally as tasty. Bec’s mum, Margaret, bakes her signature muffins every second morning, which are one of the most popular dishes for customers. The café’s only supplied food are a few different pies and cakes and Bec does the rest of the cooking, given her adoration for fresh homemade food.

thelifestyle spring 2014

Long term, they’d like to be in a position to also bake everything themselves. “I’d like just a few more homemade things, because people like that,” Bec adds. They also do a bit of catering for functions, businesses and schools, “that’s another avenue that we’re really going to ramp up on over the next six months,” Andrew says. “We want to give people the city experience but in a country café,” Andrew tells me, which I understand is great coffee, a nice range of food and impeccable service in a small town. “Giving more variety I think is what we’ve done,” Bec adds. Upon taking over the café, they wanted to give more options for their customers and in an aesthetically pleasing way, and they chose to keep whatever was working formerly, the same. “We think that’s what has brought people in,” Bec then adds – and I can certainly see why. They also knew that while making the café distinctively theirs, they also want people to feel a sense of belonging there too. “Cafés are a real finicky business…we want people to feel like it’s their coffee shop, and that was really important to both of us when we took over,” Andrew says. “And that’s what cafés are all about,” Bec adds. Design wise, the café certainly didn’t look the way it did when they took over, despite keeping the same name. They’ve done a complete transformation with the help of their now close friend, Craig Fison. Craig was initially just a

customer at the café and approached Bec one morning and said, “I want to fix your walls,” Bec explains through a laugh. And after instantly saying yes to Craig, “I didn’t think twice about it,” Bec adds, he did an excellent job.

Not only did he create the mural on their feature wall, but he also made all the table tops and seating. “We talk about what direction we’re going in and he just does his interpretation of that,” Bec says. “He’s a big part of our business, he’s become family now,” Andrew adds.

have the service to go with it, then you won’t get people through the door,” he adds.

us that we’re trying to do, you don’t want to waste that opportunity,” Andrew says.

And Bec doesn’t know any different, nor does she expect anything else from her experiences in the industry. “That’s being in hospitality, you’ve got to have that rapport with everybody. You greet everyone as if you know them, in cafés that’s by default. It’s about making people feel welcome when they walk through the door.” Bec says. Her favourite part of the job is working with and meeting new people everyday.

They also encourage their staff to be as involved with customers as they are. “We want them to have a conversation with people, go and have a chat, don’t just stand behind the counter and take their orders – get out there, because it’s your café as well,” Andrew says. “I mean we’re our own little family as well,” Bec adds.

Andrew also adds that it’s incredibly exciting to always find new people in the café and not just relying on people you know for business. “Once upon a time you relied on your regulars to come in every day, now it’s new faces all the time, which is good,” Andrew tells me. He even adds that their regulars aren’t only from Drouin; they’re also from Warragul too. The couple are also incredibly friendly with all their customers, making the effort to kindly say goodbye to every single person during our interview. “Both of us spent the first three to four months on the floor, just serving and talking to people, letting them get to know us. Service is the most important thing for us,” he tells me. “You can have awesome food, but if you don’t

“We’ve constantly got new people moving into town that are coming in here for the first time, and it’s so important to make that first impression when people walk in. If they walk in and walk out without having an experience, they’ll try elsewhere, but if you can get them on that first time, you’ll win them over. That’s a big thing for

The French Pear Café will turn two at the beginning of October, which marks a special milestone for Bec and Andrew. They also have more design plans that are in the midst of preparation with Craig, which will start to take effect in the next few months. They’d like their café to have a bit more tourism and destination focus long term. But at the same time, the couple are incredibly happy with their success; they’re as busy as they’ve ever been. “Yeah, we are very happy, it’s just something that we’ve always wanted to do, and it’s still a work in progress.” Andrew says with a smile to his wife, as Bec adds, “you get what you want from working hard.” At the end of the day, Bec and Andrew love the people, the service, and offering up their café to anyone walking by.

thelifestyle spring 2014

our history 1991 inception

Drouin Computer Services (DCS) opens its doors in Drouin, offering computer systems for sale and associated IT support services to local homes and businesses.

1995 dial-up Your local ISP, since 1995

DCSI is a local Internet Service Provider based in Warragul, Victoria, offering broadband Internet, phone, and webhosting solutions Australia-wide. We offer a broad range of services and plans to suit homes and businesses, with competitive pricing and a friendly local support team.

We move to Victoria Street, Warragul, and begin offering the first local dial-up internet service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no more long distance call charges. Two Apple Mac servers run the whole show, and our backhaul to the wider internet is provided by a 64Kbps ISDN line, which eventually moved to 128 and finally 256Kbps.

1997 webhosting

We begin providing webhosting services for business and residential customers, powered by Linux-based Cobalt RaQ servers.

1998 broadband

We upgrade our backhaul to a one-way satellite connection, with the satellite link providing the downstream bandwidth, and an ISDN line handling the upstream.

2000 division

As demand for internet services grows, DCS splits its business, with the computer sales and support becoming Leading Edge Computers, and the internet services becoming Drouin Computer Services and Internet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DCSI.

2002 wireless

DCSI starts building its fixed wireless network, beginning with two 802.11b access points in Warragul, and expanding to cover Drouin and Tynong shortly afterward.

2003 adsl

DCSI begins providing ADSL services in Victoria, through wholesale partner Wholesale Communications Group (today known as M2 Wholesale). This year also saw us acquire the internet business of SYM-PAC Solutions Pty Ltd, merging their dial-up customer base with our own.

2004 relocation

DCSI moves to its current location at 64 Queen St, Warragul. The Trango M2400S wireless system is rolled out at towers across Gippsland, offering ADSL-grade performance wirelessly at distances of up to 40KM.

2008 dslams

We complete the arduous process of installing our own DSLAMs at the Warragul phone exchange, allowing us to provide extremely competitive ADSL2+ in Warragul.

2009 3g

DCSI adds 3G mobile broadband to its product lineup, leveraging the Optus network for coverage.

2010 phone & wimax

DCSI begins providing landline phone services to homes and businesses throughout Australia, and begins installing WiMAX and AirMax wireless access points throughout its Gippsland network, offering speeds of up to 12Mbps download.

2011 drouin adsl

We complete our DSLAM build in Drouin, expanding our on-net ADSL service to cover the town and surrounds.

2013 voip

We start to offer voice over IP (VoIP) to residential and business users, bringing super-cheap phone calls to the masses. We now have a 1Gbps fibre link to Melbourne, this is 16,000 times greater than the 64Kbps we started with in 1995.

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DCSI now offers NBN and fibre connections as well as continuing to offer high-performance, competitively priced broadband, webhosting and phone solutions with outstanding local support

WE DO INTERNET HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPETITIVE PRICES BROADBAND INTERNET PHONE WEB HOSTING WIRELESS PHONE SOLUTIONS DIRECT LOCAL SUPPORT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS NO CONTRACTS

Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm Address: 64 Queen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Phone: 1300 66 55 75 Fax: 1300 55 65 95 Email: support@dcsi.net.au Web: www.dcsi.net.au Follow us on facebook

thelifestyle spring 2014

Coal Creek Preserving South

By Lyn Skillern

Gippsland's History

It is said that a community needs to acknowledge its past in order to have a culture in the present. In South Gippsland we have a magnificent heritage park that helps us do just that. Many organisations in Gippsland work to preserve our past and promote the stories of our past to the Gippslanders of the present and those from elsewhere who are interested in our past. One such organisation is Coal Creek Community Park and Museum in Korumburra. The people of Gippsland and South Gippsland in particular are very fortunate to have this park. Forty years ago some forward thinking community members conceived the idea of constructing a park where historic buildings could be brought in and saved. They were not to be dumped but to be used to set up an historic township. This park was designed to tell the story of an early

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South Gippsland community. The Korumburra Jaycee and Apex Clubs first came up with the idea of a community project. The Korumburra Historical Society became involved and the decision was made that this project be an historic village sited where Coal Creek is today, a site that was then wasteland. The Korumburra Shire Council adopted the project and the State Government provided $70,000 in the form of a grant in 1973. Work began on the park in 1972 and Coal Creek Historical Park was opened to the public in March 1974. The first building to go onto the site was the original Korumburra Court House from Bridge Street. The village was laid out by the Shireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engineering department and furnished with original material by the Historical Society. Those of us who live in present day South Gippsland owe our pioneers so much. They

were the dairy farmers, miners and service providers who allowed our communities to develop and thrive. We need to learn about them and the lives they led; we owe them this. The community must value this park as we value war memorials and other heritage buildings. One can go to Coal Creek and see just how things used to be. Where else can we see all the different methods used by pioneers to make fences or what homes were like in the early twentieth century and a coal mine all in the one place? The buildings in the park are typical of those that were so important in pioneer times. The former Jeetho School shows the children of today what a schoolroom was like 100 years ago. The Mechanicsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Institute, once the Kardella Public Hall, is typical of the halls that provided a space for entertainment and education for those early communities. The Boston carriage

factory shows the importance of horse drawn transport. The General Store is full of food products once so well known, and O. Gilpins Store has the clothing worn by our ancestors. Education is a main function of the park. The programs are designed to cover several areas of the national curriculum and ensure students gain the most from their visit. No fewer than 7000 students took part in the education program in the 2013-14 financial year. Children are able to go to school in 1901 and learn to write with pen and ink in a style very unfamiliar to them. They can learn about life in the pioneering days of the 1880s, see how to use axes and cross cut saws, go into a coal mine, experience bush cooking and much more. The young ambassadors project provides a link between young people and the custodians of our cultural heritage. By interviewing senior members of the community at Coal Creek itself, local school students are able to feel like they are actually back in time. This enables them to use modern technology and create a digital record of the memories and knowledge that would otherwise be lost.

Coal Creek Park however, is more than a place to learn about history. Seventeen events are held during the year including the monthly farmers' markets, the writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; festival, Halloween celebrations, ghost tours, teddy bearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picnics and more. The Leongatha Medieval Society holds archery and combat tournaments at the park, and the local menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shed call the park home. The Gallery has been the venue for many significant exhibitions of historic note, including the Anne Frank display last year. In August this year a noted exhibition of prisoner art and poetry entitled Liberation will be presented. The park is used as a meeting place for organisations such as the South Gippsland Historical Network and many groups and businesses book the facility for corporate functions. The venue is also used for weddings and other family celebrations.

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Recently, Coal Creek Community Park and Museum was granted conditional accreditation under the Museums Accreditation Project. This is a very significant award and it has taken years of work by the park’s staff and volunteers to achieve this. The museum was highly commended for three key features:

 its commitment towards aboriginal

reconciliation and the memorandum of understanding it has developed with the Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation;

 for the nurturing and engaging

way it interacts with local community stakeholders, giving them a sense of ownership over the site while helping to save valuable museum resources; and

 the Education Officer’s coordination

of the Museum’s education program and the direct linkage of the program to the National Curriculum.

Rowena Ashley, Coordinator, with the Accreditation Certificate

The information centre, located in the entrance foyer, is staffed by friendly helpful people with a sound knowledge of the South Gippsland Region, and the shop sells books and produce from South Gippsland. Do yourself and your family a favour. Travel to Korumburra and visit Coal Creek. It is open from Thursday to Monday from 10 am until 4.30 pm and 7 days a week during the Victorian school holidays except for Christmas Day. There are places to have a picnic and many things to do and see. Importantly, entry is free. The website www.coalcreekvillage.com.au gives up-to-date information about the functions and activities held throughout the year.

Coal Creek

thelifestyle spring 2014

Kasama Décor Three and a half years ago Sue and Alan Clementson moved from the Mornington Peninsula to set up shop in the seaside town of Paynesville and in this edition we celebrate the third birthday of Kasama Décor. Kasama Décor has a special spiritual meaning. It means the meeting place, so it is very fitting for our shop to be called that. My husband Alan worked many hours behind the scene to make sure that I had a very colourful and inviting shop for my customers. Alan chose the name Kasama Décor, and we both thought it had a good ring to it. The dream of having my own business became a reality. Sue has an experienced background in furniture sales, gift lines, home décor and customer service. Old-fashioned service is very important to all of our customers, and we like to make them feel at home in our shop. We like to offer a unique relaxing shopping experience. Retail therapy is a key to de-stressing.

We stock an assortment of items such as ± Occasional Furniture Pieces ± Fashion Items ± Jewellery Pieces ± Colourful Scarfs ± Bags & Leather Wallets ± Soft Furnishings ± Warm & cosy colourful Throw Rugs ± Beautifully styled Reversible Quilts All at very affordable prices. For that hard-to-get gift, we will do our utmost to source the gift! We also offer ± Lay by service ± Gift vouchers

“I wish to thank all my loyal customers for their support over the last three years in this business.” Sue Clementson

Kasama Décor

Unique Gifts & Home Décor

Kasama Décor Unique Gifts & Home Décor 3/31 The Esplanade Paynesville Vic 3880

Phone: 03 5156 1209

Monday to Friday: 10.00am to 5.00pm | Saturday - Sunday: 10.00am to 2.00pm Spring Times or by appointment (The store is closed every Tuesday.) See you soon, Sue Clementson

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t o m s •c a p v i n e ya r d

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r e s ta u r a n t

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a c c o m m o d at i o n

Toms Cap is a small boutique vineyard situated in Central Gippsland and surrounded by the forests of the Strezlecki Ranges, the ninety-mile beach at Woodside and the natural flora and fauna of Tarra Bulga national park. The property consists of 100 acres of rolling green paddocks with six acres of vines and forty acres of planted gums and pines. Recently awarded 2013 Winner of Best B&B / Self Contained / Farm Stay Shire of Wellington Peoples Choice Awards

Toms Cap provides a beautiful setting for your garden wedding and wonderful vineyard style reception in the function centre.

• Accommodation • Special Dinner and Accommodation Packages • Wine Tastings • Health spa & gym • Great Outdoor Activities • Small Group Luncheons • Exquisite Dinner Menu • Garden Weddings and Reception in Function Centre

toms•cap Vineyard & Accommodation: 7 Days Restaurant: Lunches Friday to Sundays and all Public Holidays - open at 11am Functions; Seminars & Group Dinners: 7 Days, times to suit

Ann & Graham Morris 322 Lays Road, Willung South Gippsland 3847 Tel: 03 5194 2215 Email: info@tomscap.com.au www.tomscap.com.au

Since its inception over fifteen years ago, The Grange Café and Deli has become an intrinsic part of Warragul's cafe scene, providing a wonderful dining and coffee experience. Now with a larger range of gourmet products on offer and an exciting new menu, that experience is set to get even better! Since taking over in November 2008 Adrian and Jacinta Milkins have enjoyed sharing their passion for good quality food and excellent coffee. As head chef, Adrian ensures only the finest dishes make it onto his menu, using local products wherever possible and fresh seasonal produce sourced from the best available.

As well as the exciting new changes to the menu Adrian and Jacinta have extended their range of local gourmet products including jams, chillies, olive oil, cheeses and local wines, which are all used to create beautifully wooden boxed hampers available for Christmas.

All our coffee beans are locally roasted and we serve a range of T2 teas as well as being fully licensed.

As well as the hampers, Leadoux free-range turkeys from Bairnsdale and Garfield Smokehouse hams are available at Christmas, but proving popular, it is recommended to order early. The Grange Café and Deli welcomes you to enjoy one of Warragul's finest café experiences. For details and to book a table, contact The Grange Café and Deli on 56236698.

15 Palmerston Street, Warragul VIC 3820 P (03) 5623 6698 E thegrange@dcsi.net.au HOURS MONDAY – FRIDAY: 7.00am – 5.00pm Breakfast & Lunch SATURDAY: 8.00am – 2.00pm www.gippslandhampers.com.au

All New Nissan PATHFINDER Ti 4X4 “The Ultimate 7 – Seat SUV for the Modern Family”

FEATURES • VQ35 V6 3.5l Petrol engine • Next generation Xtronic CVT • 20” Alloy Wheels • Premium Bose Audio system • Heated and cooled front seats • Satellite Navigation • 8” colour LCD front display • Duel 7” rear screen DVD entertainment system with infra • Red headphones and remote control • Around View Monitor • Leather Accented seats • Tri zone climate control

All New Nissan X-TRAIL Ti

“Seriously Stylish & Seriously Family Proof

FEATURES • 2.5L Petrol engine with Next Generation Xtronic CVT with manual mode • Nissan Connect smartphone connectivity • Leather accented seats / Satellite Navigation • Around View Monitor / Sensor activated tailgate / LED Headlights • Nissan Intelligent key with power tailgate function. • Divide-N-Hide Flexible cargo system • Cruise control / Power tilt and slide sunroof

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Lot 1 Princes Highway, Traralgon (03) 51 757777 www.traralgonautomotivegroup.com.au LMCT 11191 thelifestyle spring 2014

Warragul Plaza Café opened in March 2011 and trades 6 days per week. It serves an eclectic mix of foods, from breakfast through to lunch, along with cakes, sweets and delicious coffees and hot and cold drinks. Breakfast on offer can be as simple as bacon and egg toasties to delicious Eggs Florentine or Benedict or specials such as Breakfast Bagels and Vegetarian Heaven. Freshly made daily, lunch choices consist of wraps and Turkish pidés to home-made chicken schnitzels, frittatas, lasagnes and more.

Over the past 12 months, the Plaza café has expanded its variety of foods by offering weekly specials with a mix of cultures from Greek to Moroccan and Asian. We believe offering our customers a change is vital to our growth, but we also believe that our customers like to have a consistent menu available to them. In order to keep its customers interested, the Plaza Café recently undertook an exciting revamp of its premises. We are a small café seating up to 25 who also offer a fast and convenient take away service and corporate catering.

Trading hours are Monday – Friday 8am to 4pm Saturday 8am – 3pm Shop 18 / 6 Victoria Street, Warragul 3820 Tel: 03 5623 1262

Sale Sale & District Greyhound Racing Club Twilight Racing every Sunday with Free Entry

Come grab a coffee in our Timeout Café.

Bistro open 7 Days for Lunch and Dinner

Come check out our newly renovated Function Room

We have all your functions covered contact Melanie for more information Open 7 Days | Monday – Saturday 9am – Late | Sunday 10am – 11pm

Sale

Ph. (03) 51442-148 Showground’s Sale – Maffra Road, Sale, VIC 3850 visit us at www.salegreyhoundclub.com.au

Lohr

Multi Award Winning Builders of Custom & Architectural Designed Homes "Our emphasis is on collaborating with specialist Architects & Engineers to design & build innovative, unique homes. Our clients have positive memories of their building experience which exceed all of their expectations through our core values of integrity, reliability, respect for each desired outcome, the ability & skill to achieve the attention to detail required." Gil Trease

Illawong Munbilla

Freycinet

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

Moo’s At Meeniyan Restaurant and Café

89 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan Vic 3956 Phone: (03) 5664 0010 | Email: eat@moosatmeeniyan.com.au visit www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au HOURS OF TRADING Thursday to Monday 8.30AM-4.30PM DINNER: FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS FROM 6PM

2009 Licensed Sub-Branch of the Year

Corner of Smith Street & Michael Place Leongatha

New Members Welcome Reciprocal rights with RSLs in Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania Members discounts on meals and drinks 2 Function Rooms available Fantastic Members nights every Thursday and Friday 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 Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays now available Light Lunch options Thursdays & Fridays

CONTACTS

Office: 5662 2012 Reception: 5662 2747 Bistro: 5662 4487

Book YOUR FUNCTION TODAY Weddings, Birthdays Anniversaries, Any special occasion catered for Business Breakfasts Seminars

CALL RICKY TO ORGANISE A QUOTE!

TRADING HOURS Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

12 noon - 10pm 10am - 10pm 10am - 11pm 10am - 11pm 10am - Midnight 10am - Midnight 10am - Midnight

dcsi

Warragul

Local Internet Provider with Limitless Opportunities By Ally McManus

DCSI is a local Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Warragul that offers services in broadband Internet, phone and webhosting. Local owner Mark McKibbin runs his business with his wife, Sue. They have been with DCSI since its inception in 1995 and now have over 8,000 customers.

on the Internet out here without dialing long distance,” which I learn was very expensive back then. “On top of that, the Internet also cost about $6 or $7 an hour,” Mark adds. To sum it up, you’d pay about $10 for one hour of Internet use, which has changed dramatically over time.

DCSI initially started with only dial up 19 years ago, which I find out, is still used by 600 of their customers. Mark started the company for that exact reason. “Because you couldn’t get

Wireless started in about 2001 and Mark wanted to make this service available to his customers. He wanted to change how accessible the Internet was in regional places,

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as “if you were out of town, you didn’t have any decent Internet, you just had dial up. So we thought that we could do something there.” I find out that DCSI actually started out as a computer shop, which is where the acronym initially came from - Drouin Computer Services Internet. And the only reason they ever turned into an Internet provider was because Mark wanted to install the Internet into his business in a cost-effective way.

Mark did the math and found that if they got 100 of their computer customers on the Internet, they could get it for free. “That was our rationale,” he tells me. “I thought it would be a good service for our computer customers, I didn’t actually consider the Internet as a real business in itself, because it was just too new and too novel. But within 3-4 years the Internet had become a viable business,” Mark tells me through a laugh. He also adds that the computer shop eventually sold but they kept the same name for the Internet business. The majority of DCSI’s customers range from Pakenham to Inverloch and Traralgon, and they have nine Internet towers to provide their services from. The company allows high speed Internet and networks through ADSL, wireless and the National Broadband Network (NBN). Only certain parts of the NBN are available as it’s only in its trial stages. At the moment the NBN is only available for DCSI customers in South Gippsland, Traralgon and Churchill. But when fully released nationwide in 2020, the NBN will universally allow the business to gather more customers. DCSI will no longer be a regional player, as the NBN allows small Internet providers to be involved. “The good thing about the NBN is we will be able to supply the Internet everywhere…the NBN is providing us with lots of opportunities, it’s really good,” Mark tells me. A unique aspect of DCSI is that its helpdesk is based directly from their office in Warragul, and

I can even see calls taking place throughout my interview with Mark. “The nice thing is that if you have a fault and you ring back, either you’ll get the same person or you’ll get someone on the next desk who did it last time, so you can go through it again. You’re not calling from a cast of thousands, or have a language barrier either.” Mark tells me there are always at least ten people in the office at one time, (including in-house techs), to respond to needs from customers, the helpdesk or office and general Internet maintenance. I also find out their helpdesk is as busy as it’s ever been because of the constant growth in technology. “It’s no longer just one computer and one connection, now there’s five or six things connected to the Internet at home.” DCSI doesn’t have any limitations with the location of customers through their capacity with fiber optic cables. They’re able to provide services anywhere in Australia, already with people in Queensland, Northern Territory, Sydney and Melbourne. “Geography really doesn’t matter,” he tells me, adding that their interstate customers are often Gippsland locals that have moved away but stayed loyal to their Internet provider.

office surrounding us. “The fact that you can talk to someone who’s local and friendly and if something really goes wrong, you can ring back and get the same person again and get it sorted.” Mark makes sure there’s a direct relationship between DCSI and their customers, to constantly offer any type of support. This is something big Internet providers don’t have the capacity to physically always do. Mark likes to make sure there’s just as much of a physical presence as there is an online presence with the business. He’s also finding plenty of new customers from Warragul’s new estate, Waterford Rise, which is bringing in 1,200 new homes all up. “For every new house built, it’s another customer.” DCSI is turning 20 next year and Mark tells me there will be a big celebration for the small Internet provider, as “in the end, I’ve had a lot of success out of this business.” He tells me moving to South Gippsland 25 years ago was the best thing he ever did, and there’s no way he’ll live anywhere else. I find out that DCSI’s slogan, We Do Internet, has been around for as long as Mark can remember. And from the sound of things, it won’t be going anywhere any time soon.

Customer wise, Mark tells me the business is modestly growing. “Our point of difference is the fact that we’re local. You can get Internet from anywhere - it’s all the same but these guys are the difference,” Mark tells me while pointing to his team of staff in the

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Foster Seafoods

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. 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

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

Specialising in Local Fish

35 Main Street, Foster, Vic 3960 Tel/Fax: (03) 5682 2815 Contact: Alice and Lachie Duncan 106

thelifestyle winter 2014

WHOLESALE SUPPLIERS THROUGHOUT SOUTH GIPPSLAND

Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am – 12.30pm 29 Toora Road, Foster Vic 3960 Phone 03 5682 2095 | Fax 03 5682 1329 | Email contact@aherns.com.au Web www.aherns.com.au like us on

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Foster Museum The Foster Museum is located at the top end of Foster's Main Street in the old Post Office Building. Its original location was initially in the heart of Main Street, the site currently occupied by the IGA Supermarket and in 1974 it was relocated to its current location. The existing site was purchased for $10 and it cost $2000 to relocate this historic building. Local business woman and fifth generation local, Meg Gleeson’s parents had the initiative to open a museum in the town. They collected many of the artifacts you see today. It is filled with an attaché of interesting articles and displays that would have any historian enthusiast salivating. One of Foster Museum's honorary accomplishments is its accreditation, the first museum in Victoria outside of Melbourne to do so. This year it celebrates its 40th anniversary. The rich Foster and surrounding area's history, is treasured within this building. In particular, the handmade miniature display of Foster township of the 1940's and 1950's, as well as the many mine models on display. Artifacts and exhibition rooms holding exceptional displays, not only of Foster's mining history, but other pieces of historic information. I had my mum with me and she was taken back to her childhood by the 1950's display currently on show. The museum's main building (the old post office) houses much of the memorabilia. Outside you wander around and feel you have stepped back in time (if you haven’t already) and take in the old Agnes State School and the old bark hut that depicts the miner’s accommodation. Meg told me this version of the hut was the luxury version. A small cottage, the police Lock Up and Lasseter’s boat are plenty to keep visitors interested and searching for more. The museum is run by a committee of volunteers who do an amazing job maintaining and displaying these brilliant exhibits for visitors to enjoy. If you intend to visit the museum, a small donation helps maintain this rare and important piece of history.

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FOSTER

Words and Photographs by Hannah Keily

Foot Bridge

Foster Museum

Statue at Pearl Park

Inside Foster Museum

Arts and Crafts Arts and crafts play a large role in Foster's relaxing culture. An amount of talented artists and crafters put on wonderful exhibitions in Foster's Stockyard Gallery. Holding a richness of different crafts and art such as knitted goods, handmade wooden bits and pieces, paintings, jewelry and other creativities. Arts and crafts are scattered throughout the town on signs, shop-fronts, in parks and in the streets. Foster is home to some of the most talented, genuine artists and crafters and appeals to many tourists, attracting many people to move down from the city or other towns for its spectacular arty, relaxed and vibrant cultural community.

Stockyard Creek view

History Foster was originally named Stockyard Creek because it was built along the creek that runs along the main street. Illegal loggers used to build their huts along the banks of Stockyard Creek, clearing the land of the trees because they were to be used as boat palings. Four of the illegal loggers were the first to discover the gold and immediately a mining boom began in Foster. The largest of the mines was Victory Mine, most successful of all with the highest profits made and longest running. Located on Kaffir Hill, Victory Mine ran from 1887 to 1908 and produced 26,000 ounces of gold. Foster’s first settler was John Amey, who used to transport people into Foster by boat, which can be viewed in the Foster Museum. Foster was only accessible via Stockyard Creek, due to the large swamp area and immensely thick, dense eucalyptus forest surrounding the valley Foster lays in. John Amey would transport people into Foster using his boat, who would then have to walk kilometers through waist high mud into the town centre where the mines, logging houses and the pub were located.

Hannah Keily My name is Hannah, I’m 16 and currently attending year 10 at Mary MacKillop College. Recently I did work experience at Gippsland the Lifestyle Magazine and my task was to take photos of Foster. I love photography, film and graphic design so this was the perfect job for my work experience. I am also interested in journalism and I plan to take that as a career path once I finish school. I live in Inverloch and in my spare time I enjoy going to the beach, fishing and playing netball. I have had many wonderful opportunities come my way, like playing cricket in Japan against other East Asia Pacific countries. My dream is to travel the world and take photos and make films, documentaries on cultures and journeys that I go on. My family support me in everything I do which is wonderful as I am quite ambitious when it comes to interests! Without taking all these opportunities I wouldn’t be having as much fun as I am today, and getting to know the world as it comes. Thank you Doug for helping me and letting me do work experience with you!

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TRICK ORTREAT HALLOWEEN IN ROSEDALE by Cherry Pryor

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How do you trick or treat? It was a question Californian David Kupisiewicz had never really thought about, having as a child imbibed the culture of Halloween just as we here in Victoria grow up on AFL. In the north Gippsland town of Rosedale, however, it was a question he felt the need to explain when, some eight years ago, he decided with Aussie wife Andrea to adopt Rosedale as his home. At the time, the traditions of Halloween – a festival whose roots lay in the honouring of saints and the souls yet to reach heaven – were unfamiliar and misunderstood. It is no coincidence that, in the years since they arrived, Halloween has become a community festival of significant import to Rosedale residents. David, author of Becoming Johnny Nova and whose current occupation is converting left-hand drive vehicles to right, explains that, while Christmas is more a familyoriented occasion, Halloween is community based. Central to the Rosedale festivities is the creation of a Haunted House of Horrors, complete with zombies, dismembered bodies and lost souls, which David creates, drawing on years of experience building unique stage sets for rock bands. The first year David set up the Haunted House of Horrors in his back shed. It was meant to be a bit of fun for David and Andrea’s children and their friends: “And then the next year the kids said ‘wow that’s so great’ and they wanted to do it again, so I wrote up a little flyer explaining to the town – because no one knew what Halloween was or how to trick or treat or anything like that - I said ‘I am having a haunted house and anyone’s welcome to come by and this is how you trick or treat’.”

With greater understanding of the traditions and customs, Rosedale has since embraced Halloween: “The first year there was maybe only a dozen trick or treat houses and last year there was 30 or 40 of them or more … I think a lot of people had the impression that it’s just kids going around begging for candy and it’s far from that. Trick or treating’s a very small part of it now. I mean the kids would be terrified if you took away the trick or treating part ’cause they love that, but it’s more about having a barbecue and having a party and watching a scary movie and the kids all pick out their costume weeks ahead of time and put things together, and it’s a lot of fun. Halloween is about being out with other people.” Last year, more than 1000 people came to view the Haunted House of Horrors over two nights, with visitors trawling down the Kupisiewiczs’ driveway and up the street. A fair and stalls were set up in the park across the road from their house and a dozen volunteers helped out. David – who every year dresses as Beetlejuice as the Haunted House of Horrors host - says that, while some were left a little shaky at the experience, for most the effect was joyfully macabre.

This year, the event is expected to attract even more thrill seekers. Phoebe Moncur, a member of the Rosedale Chamber of Commerce and founder of the What’s On In Gippsland Facebook site, which has more than 12,000 followers, says some 2000 people can be expected to take part in Rosedale’s Halloween festivities. The Haunted House of Horrors will move to the Prince Street Reserve, where visitors are expected to take in the Haunted House, have fun at the community fair – featuring a whole host of children’s activities - and join an Australian Record attempt for the most people dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. “There’s no record set in Australia,” Ms Moncur said. “So whatever we do will be setting a record.” Dancers – who range from serious to wishful – will travel from throughout Victoria to join in. The local op shops are keeping the stocks of zombie outfits aside while facepainters and hairstylists have been booked to ensure those participating look the part. The dance-off takes place at 7.30pm on 31 October, with the whole event kicking off from 5pm. Photos supplied by David Kupisiewicz

“Last year I built a prosthetic that lies over a girl, and it’s like an old magician’s trick where she sits on a table that looks flat, and then we got some pig guts and cow guts from the butcher. So we had a heart and kidneys and things like that … and lit it in red. It was our zombie autopsy. “And we had a guy buried in the lawn, we buried his legs, and he had a prosthetic where he was chopped off in front … and his legs were strewn to the side to make him look like he had been cut in half.”

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your market guide

SPRING markets BAIRNSDALE FARMERS’ MARKET

JINDIVICK COUNTRY MARKET

REH CORK CLUB CRAFT MARKET

1st Saturday of every month – 8am-12noon Location Bairnsdale Secondary College Oval, McKean Street Rain or Hail - Farmers' Market is under cover Contact: John 5156 9342 or Ian 5152 3698

1st Saturday of month – 9am-1pm Location 1070 Jackson’s Track, Jindivick Contact Jindivick Harvest Kitchen 5628 5227

BERWICK AKOONAH PARK MARKET

2nd Saturday of month until May – 7am Location Kay Street Gardens, Traralgon Contact Chris Van Der Meer 0487 342 675 Proceeds go to Good Friday Appeal in aid of The Royal Children’s Hospital

1st Saturday of month - Starts 9am Location Johnsonville Hall, Princes Highway Contact Perry 5156 4162

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

CALLIGNEE COMMUNITY MARKET 3rd Sunday of month – 8am-1pm October to May Location Callignee Hall Reserve Contact Lex 5147 3808

CHURCHILL ISLAND FARMERS’ MARKET 4th Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Visitors’ Centre on Churchill Island off Phillip Island Contact Peter Arnold 5664 0096

COAL CREEK COMMUNITY PARK & MUSEUM FARMERS’ MARKET 2nd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Location Coal Creek Community Park and Museum Car Park, Silkstone Rd, Korumburra Contact 0459 629 000 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 60+ stalls of homemade craft, clothing and produce Raising money for the local community

JOHNSONVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET

JUMBUNNA BUSH MARKET 1st Sunday of the month – 9am-1pm Location Public Hall, Cruickshanks Road Contact Mrs. Smith 5657 3241 or Mrs. Wylie 5657 3253

KONGWAK MARKET Every Sunday – 10am-3pm Location Korumburra Road, Kongwak Contact Jane 0417 142 478

KOONWARRA FARMERS' MARKET 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

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

LARDNER PARK CRAFT MARKET

ROKEBY COMMUNITY MARKET 2nd Saturday of month – 8am-1pm Location Main Road, Rokeby 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 Malcolm Forsythe 0427 456 477

SALE CHARITY VARIETY MARKET 3rd Sunday of month - 7am-1pm Location 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

Sunday, 21 September and 23 November– 9am-2pm Location Lardner Park, Burnt-Store Road, Drouin (Mel X912U8) Contact 5626 1373

STRATFORD VARIETY & FARMERS MARKET

LATROBE COUNTRY MARKET

TARWIN LOWER MARKET

Every Sunday - 8.30am-1.30pm Location Latrobe Road, Morwell (near Holmes Road) Contact Debra 0412 042 069

Public Holidays Mondays - 3 November - 7.30am-2pm Location Tarwin Lower Memorial Hall, Riverside Drive Contact John 5663 7505

LOCH PUBLIC HALL WINTER MARKET

TARWIN LOWER LOCAL SEASONAL MARKET

2nd Sunday of the month June to Sept – 9am-1pm Location Loch Public Hall Smith Street Contact Jennie Kennedy 5659 4305

Sunday – 28 September, 19 October, 16 November Location Tarwin Lower Primary School, School Road Contact 0410 466 260

LOCH VILLAGE SUMMER MARKET

TOORA COMMUNITY MARKET

Starts October to April– 2nd Sunday of month – 9am-1pm Location Loch Railway Siding Contact Noel Gregg 5627 5576

2nd Saturday of month - 7.30-1pm Location Former Bonlac Store, Jetty Road, Toora Contact 5686 2690

LONGWARRY FIRE BRIGADE MARKET

TRARALGON FARMERS’ MARKET

1st Sunday of the month - 8am-1pm Location Longwarry Fire Station, Bennett St Contact Janine 5629 9636 or 0419 158 946

4th Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Kay Street Gardens Contact 0409 232 715 Traralgon Lions Club

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12pm Location Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, Main Street, Foster Contact 03 5680 8509

LUCKNOW MARKET

WARRAGUL ARTS MARKET

4th Sunday of the month - 8am-1pm Location Howitt Park, Princes Highway, East Bairnsdale Contact 0432 602 007

GRANTVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET

MAFFRA VARIETY & FARMERS’ MARKET

3rd Saturday of month - 10am-2pm October to March Location Civic Park Warragul Contact Jessie McLennan 5626 7045

COWES MARKET ON CHAPEL 4th Saturday of month – 8.30am-2pm Location Uniting Church, Chapel St, Cowes Contact Faye 5952 5905 or Graham 5952 5213 Local produce, clothing, knitwear, books, bric-a-brac, plants Showcasing a wide range of quality handmade products

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 FARMERS’ MARKET

4th Sunday of month - 8am-2pm Location Grantville Recreation Reserve Contact John Hulley 5678 8438

HEYFIELD COMMUNITY MARKET 1st Saturday of month – 8am-1pm Location John Graves Memorial Park, Temple Street Contact 5148 3408 or 5148 2394

HILL END MARKET 21 September and 16 November – 8am-1pm Former Hill End School Contact Chris 5635 2256

INVERLOCH COMMUNITY CENTRE ROTARY CLUB MARKET Saturday, 1 November - 9am-3pm and Sunday , 2 November – 9am-2pm Location Community Centre, A’Beckett Street Contact 5663 5256

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 Location The Glade, Opposite Inlet Hotel, Inverloch Contact Peter Arnold 5664 0096

4th Sunday of month - 9am-1pm Location Apex Park, Princes Highway, Stratford Contact 0408 057 772

1st Sunday of month - 9am-1pm Location Main St/Johnson St, Maffra Contact 5144 1108 or 0408 057 772

WARRAGUL FARMERS MARKET

METUNG FARMERS’ MARKET

WONTHAGGI ROTARY MARKET

2nd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Location Village Green in Metung Contact Damien Waters 0458 431 844

2nd Sunday of month - 8am-1pm Location Apex Park, Murray St, Wonthaggi Contact Max Williams 5672 5204

MIRBOO NORTH COUNTRY MARKET

YARRAGON COMMUNITY CRAFT & PRODUCE MARKET

Last Saturday of month + 13 December – 8.30am-1pm Location Baromi Park, 49 Ridgway Contact Liz Morris 5668 1956

OLD GIPPSTOWN HERITAGE PARK MARKET 3rd Saturday of month – 9am-2pm Location Lloyd Street, Moe Contact 5127 3082

PAYNESVILLE LIONS CLUB MARKET

3rd Saturday of month – 8.30am-1pm Location Civic Park, Warragul

4th Saturday of month – 9am-2pm (Except December is held on 21 December) 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 Rinda 5182 5679

2nd Sunday of month - 8.30am-1.30pm Location Gilsenan Reserve Contact Lions Club 0400 327 526

PAYNESVILLE FARMERS MARKET 3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12pm Location Paynesville Football/Cricket Oval 59 Main Road Contact Scott 0409 524 399

If you require your event to be promoted please email Gippsland the Lifestyle

thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au

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paint place

group of stores

the paint specialists

Cowes

Wonthaggi

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

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 to 12.00pm Manager: Rob Geyer

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

west gippsland SPRING in with

LAURIE COLLINS Spring… well it seems to be trying to get here as I write this… blossoms, daffodils, and wattle all suggest that it is nearly here. Certainly with the coming of spring the expectation is that we will have some lovely weather to get out and about… and where better to get out and about than Gippsland.

Regional Gallery open all of September to the 19th of October. www.wellington.vic.gov.au/ Enjoying-Wellington/Gippsland-Art-Gallery Now obviously most of the markets keep on going all year so I won’t mention them in relation to October or November.

Let’s look at some of the markets and fairs that you can peruse.

September is when most of the markets reawaken although there were a few that braved the winter weather. Jindivick Market is the first Saturday, (6th) and Longwarry Market is the first Sunday (7th) (which is Father’s Day) and I think Koowee Community Market as well.

The next weekend is the Antiques and Collectables Fair at Warragul Regional College Hall (13th) .. just in case you haven’t got enough old stuff. I think Rokeby market starts again then (2nd Saturday of the month). If you haven’t been (and I have talked to some Warragulites who have not ventured out of their city bounds) then you are in for a treat with plants, food and all sorts of handmade, hand grown and lovely stuff (and even some recycled metal items!). On the following weekend are both the Drouin and Warragul Farmers Markets (Saturday 20th) (3rd Saturday of the month) and although the Warragul one often has an arts market attached to it this aspect does not start until October. If you aren’t marketed out then the Lardner Park has Craft Markets Australia on the next day (21st) www.craftmarkets.com.au as is the Pakenham Community Market. If you are looking for something a bit more noisy and active during September there is a weekend of Thumpercross at Lardner Park on the 13th and 14th put on by Dandenong Motorcycle Club. www.dmcc.com.au On the 28th September at Lardner Park there is a Psychic Expo (although you probably already knew that!). If you would like a bit more culture during September I could mention Dave Hughes at the Cardinia Cultural Centre; The Australian Bee Gees Show at the West Gippsland Arts Centre www.wgac.com.au; and for a bit of wild gypsy type carry on, book into Gypsy Creek Winery www.gypsycreekwines.com.au on the third Friday evening of the month for a lovely meal and wine and Karavana Flamenca playing gypsy and Cuban music. For a bit of uncanny art try Michelle Watson’s exhibition at Sale

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October

is where the activities really pick up…I mean its Walktober for one thing! (I remember when it was Rocktober, but hey I guess you have to move with the times!) In Warragul for the keen and spritely on the 5th is the Geoff Watt Fun Run and Half Marathon www.geoffwattrun.com.au and this raises money as well as giving you a workout. If older good looking cars are more your scene at Lardner Park on the same day is the Last of the Chrome Bumpers Show. www.lardnerpark.com.au On the 7th as part of the seniors festival (yep that as well) is a guided walk at Glen Nayook. www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Things_To_Do/ Events On the 11th and 12th at Lardner Park is the Baw Baw Shire Garden expo www.drouinlions. org.au/gardenexpo and if gardening isn’t your calling then go to Cardinia Cultural Centre (Pakenham) where Stitch is on. This is anything to do with fabrics, patchwork, embroidery etc etc www.cardinia.vic.gov.au or go down the valley to Traralgon for the Great Outdoor Expo at the racecourse. Cardinia and Baw Baw are both having a Big Blokes BBQ (on different dates) to raise money for prostate cancer so see which one is appropriate for you. Something you won’t have heard of is the opening of the new Trafalgar Holden Museum which opens 18-19 October 2014 in the old dairy factory in Waterloo Road, Trafalgar. This museum tells the complete story of the Holden brand. Opening weekend will feature special guests, unique displays and a fabulous collection of Australian designed

and manufactured automobiles situated at 69 Waterloo Road. Probably the highlight of October is the Gardivalia Festival… open gardens, art shows, demonstrations etc and this is over two weekends 18th and 19th and the 25th and 26th. It has a very comprehensive list of activities and open gardens in the program booklet which can be downloaded. www.gardivalia.com.au This also ties in with the Neerim South Neerim Bower Arts Festival on the 26th. Neerim South won a grant for $350,000 and they have now built a sculpture at the start of the town (well it is being built as I write). A wetlands project, community workshops and an arts festival involving … well we will wait and see.. certainly sculpture, through parts of the town, an art show, a battle of the bands and I am sure there will be more. www.neerimbower.com.au/ NeerimBowerArtsFestival What about Halloween at Coal Creek Korumburra on Fri 31st Oct from 5.30pm to 8.00pm. www.coalcreekvillage.com.au For all of October and to the 20th November, the Gippsland Gallery Sale has the John Leslie art prize finalists (landscape painting).

November starts with a bit of a bang with Moe Apex/Lions Community Carnival and Fireworks Display on the 1 Nov. 5.00pm to10.30pm at Moe Apex Park, Waterloo Road. A bit further down the valley Tyers has their art show on 7th to 9th of November and this is in the hall next to the Primary School and always is of exceptional quality, always interesting work there. On November at Lardner Park on the 15th and 16th is the VicRally Championships. Now surely that means something to someone but other than noting it on the website and suggesting it is to do with cars … I can’t offer any further information. The 29th to 30th November is another antiques fair but this time at Kernot Hall Morwell. There’s lots of other things on, and of course, you can always ignore the lot and just go for a picnic in one of our superb localities, Jindivick, at the cricket ground, Noojee, by the river, Erica, among the rocks or just wherever takes your fancy. Good on ya ... Laurie Collins

your events guide

mu muss t s e e mus t g o t do

SPRING events

SEPTEMBER COAL CREEK GHOST TOURS

Date: Sat 13 September Time: 8.30pm – 10.30pm Location: Coal Creek Community Park & Museum Korumburra Contact: 5655 1811 www.coalcreekvillage.com.au

3rd WARRAGUL REGIONAL COLLEGE ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES FAIR Date: Time: Location: Contact:

Sat 13 September 9.30am – 3pm Warragul Regional College Hall, 55 Burke St Ken Spragg on 5622 0120 or kaspragg@dcsi.net.au

TOORA MENS SOCIAL BOCCE

Date: Sun 14 September (Every Sunday) Time: 10am-12pm Location: The Tennis Club, Cunningham St Contact: 5686 2257

24th ANNUAL WEST GIPPSLAND DANCE FESTIVAL

Date: Fri 19 to Sun 28 September Location: West Gippsland Arts Centre, Civic Pl, Warragul Contact: www.westgippslanddancefestival.org.au

LOCH VILLAGE SPRING ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES FAIR

Date: Sat 20 and Sun 21 September Time: 10am – 4pm Location: Loch Public Hall, 11 Smith St Contact: sales@carringtons.com.au

TOPS OFF FOR CANCER, GIPPSLAND VEHICLE COLLECTION

Donation to the Cancer Council Date: Sun 21 September Time: 10am - 2pm Location: Maffra Motor Museum Contact: Peter Quennell on 0412 387 102

TROSP WALKS @ THE PROM – BIG DRIFT SAND DUNES Date: Location: Contact:

Sun 21 September Stockyard Campsite Car Park near WilsonsPromontory Park Entrance Dana Hughes on 0427 808 540

COAL CREEK PIRATES DAY

Date: Sun 28 September Time: 10am Location: Coal Creek Community Park & Museum Korumburra, 12 Silkstone Road Contact: 5655 1811 www.coalcreekvillage.com.au

OCTOBER COAL CREEK LITERARY FESTIVAL

The Magic of Words Date: Sat 4 October Time: 9.15am – 5.30pm Location: Coal Creek Community Park & Museum Korumburra, 12 Silkstone Road Contact: 5655 1811 www.coalcreekvillage.com.au

LAKE GLENMAGGIE & DISTRICT CATCH A CARP FISHING FESTIVAL Date: Time: Location: Contact:

Sat 4 October 8am - 9pm Registration 8am - 12pm Glenmaggie & District Boat Club Carol King on 5148 0212

THE NEWLANDS ARM GARAGE SALE TREASURE HUNT

40 Garage Sales! Plus Trash ‘n Treasure Market! Maps available for the Garage Sales Date: Sun 5 October Time: 8am - 3pm Location: Newlands Arm Community Hall, 25 Meridian Way Contact: Nikki Renshaw on 0424 982 883 www.narra.org.au

GARDIVALIA – FESTIVAL OF GARDENS

Various events and activities throughout October Date: Sun 5 to Sun 26 October Location: West Gippsland Contact: 5623 1592 www.gardivalia.com.au

SALE SHOW

Sale Annual Agricultural Show and Friday Night Carnival Date: Fri 31 October to Sun 2 Nov Location: Sale Showgrounds Contact: Lynne Rapson on 5144 2603 www.saleshow.com

JANET ILES CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

Celebrate the centenary of the famous fishing vessel Date: Sat 11 October Location: Port Welshpool Maritime Museum Contact: Rocko on 0428 366 467

COAL CREEK GHOST TOURS

Date: Sat 11 October Time: 8.30pm – 10.30pm Location: Coal Creek Community Park & Museum Korumburra Contact: 5655 1811 www.coalcreekvillage.com.au

2014 AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX Date: Fri 17 October Time: 9am Location: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes Contact: 9258 7133 www.motogp.com.au

PROM COUNTRY ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW

Date: Fri 17 to Sun 19 October Time: Fri 1-5pm; Sat 10am-7.30pm; Sun 10am-3pm Location: Memorial Hall, Michael Place, Leongatha Contact: www.leongatharotary.or.au

GALLERY EVENT (SALE) – THE BIG DRAW 2014

Wellington Shire Council presents this Children’s Week event Story time and drawing at 10am Date: Sat 18 October Time: 10am - 2pm Location: Gippsland Art Gallery, 68-70 Foster St, Sale Contact: 5142 3372

FAMILY FUN RUN AT COAL CREEK Date: Time: Location: Contact:

Sun 19 October 10am – 4.30pm Coal Creek Community Park & Museum Korumburra, 12 Silkstone Road 5655 1811 www.coalcreekvillage.com.au

LONGFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL COUNTRY FAIR AND AUCTION

Date: Sun 19 October Time: 10am - 3pm Location: Longford Primary School Contact: Fiona Robinson on 0404 493 739 fiona-craig@hotmail.com

TROSP WALKS @ THE PROM TIDAL OVERLOOK Date: Time: Location: Contact:

Sun 19 October 9.30am Meet at the Cenotaph Tidal River, Ring Road (the main road) Dana Hughes on 0427 808 540

MORNING MELODIES WITH ISSI DYE Date: Time: Location: Contact:

Thurs 23 October 10am Showtime: 10.30am Inverloch Community Hub 16 A’Beckett St, Inverloch 1300 762 433

POOWONG PICKERS FESTIVAL

Date: Sat 25 October Time: 9am - 2pm Location: 12 Ranceby Road, Poowong Contact: Tammy Logan on 0409 400 156 or tammylogan@bigpond.com

NOVEMBER ROCKING THE BOAT Date: Time: Location: Contact:

Sat 1 November 10am – 4pm Port Welsphool Ferry Terminal Rocko on 0428 366 467

BUSKERS FESTIVAL

Date: Sat 1 November Time: 11am - 4pm Location: Coal Creek Community Park & Museum Korumburra, 12 Silkstone Road Contact: www.buskersfest.com or www.coalcreekvillage.com.au

KIDZ MINI MUDDA

Date: Sat 1 November Time: 9.30am Location: Wonthaggi Primary School Grounds Contact: Pat Moutafis on 0422 602 997 www.wonthaggips.vic.edu.au

WONTHAGGI RELAY FOR LIFE

Date: Sat 8 November Time: 4pm Location: State Coal Mine Wonthaggi Contact: Allison Gamble on 0408 135 274

COAL CREEK GHOST TOURS

Date: Sat 8 November Time: 8.30am – 10.30pm Location: Coal Creek Community Park & Museum Korumburra Contact: 5655 1811 www.coalcreekvillage.com.au

BASS COAST CYCLE CHALLENGE

The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is a charity event supporting the RYDA road safety program. Date: Sat 15 November Time: 8am Location: Cnr. Reilly & A’Beckett Sts, Inverloch Contact: Gavin Slavin info@basscoastcyclechallenge.com

TROSP WALKS @ THE PROM MT BISHOP TRACK Date: Time: Location: Contact:

Sun 16 November 9.30am at Lilly Pilly Gully Car Park Meeniyan-Promontory Rd, Tidal River Dana Hughes on 0427 808 540

PHILLIP ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL

Date: Fri 21 November Time: 7pm Location: Cowes Contact: Jill Boyce on 0417 416 300 www.phillipislandjazzfest.org.au

GIPPSLAND ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES FAIR Date: Time: Location: Contact:

Sat 29 and Sun 30 November Sat 9.30am - 5pm; Sun 9.30am - 2pm Kernot Hall, Princess Drive, Morwell Chris on 0407 342 868

HALLOWEEN AT COAL CREEK Date: Time: Location: Contact: au

Fri 31 October 5.30pm – 10.30pm Coal Creek Community Park & Museum Korumburra, 12 Silkstone Road 5655 1811 www.coalcreekvillage.com.

PAYNESVILLE ART SHOW

Date: Fri 31 October to Sun 2 Nov Location: Paynesville Community Hall, 55 The Esplanade Contact: 5156 6334 www.facebook.com/PaynesvilleArt

If you require your event to be promoted please email Gippsland the Lifestyle thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au

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Chrissy’s Positive Horoscope Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20

Secret Desire: To lead the way for others If you can practice ways of accommodating the different types of people you have to deal with you can learn to balance your patience and sensitivity with your courage and determination, you will discover your life can be magically transformed and spiritualized. You may find that you can feel frustrated with certain people that you want to help, and they may not be understanding where you are at, so the best thing you can do for yourself is to let go of the outcome, and focus being the best that you can be, allow your creative side to be exposed. Late September may bring with it many new beginnings and surprises, some expected and others unexpected. Embrace Life!

Taurus Apr 21-May 21

Secret Desire: To have a secure, happy and wealthy life/marriage

Affirmation for Taurus – I am secure and without need! When grounded Taureans are not needy people, just wanting to see others happy and take care of the planet by educating people to think about what is taken for granted in today’s world. You may find yourself on the move over the coming months, there will be a new opportunity that will be brought to your awareness and it will be a good time for you to say, “Yes”. If you find yourself feeling any uncertainty ask for guidance from your higher self, meditate on it and you will get your answers. Life for you is forever evolving, let go of any insecurities you maybe feeling, keep surrounding yourself with supportive people!

Gemini May 22 - June 21

Secret Desire: To be ahead of the crowd

Geminis can at times find decision making extremely difficult and want to check in for the answers, however when practising being mindful, you can almost foresee the future and gain more clarity as to your purpose in life, you will have much vibrancy for life and just accept what is once you can stop worrying about what others may think of you. You will bring much happiness and joy to others when in their presence. When you find yourself thinking too much it is good to go and action something that you love, go and see a great movie, go out with a good friend and have fun, you will find yourself embracing new adventures from now until Christmas, so the big message I am getting for you is to really follow your heart’s desire, talk about it, ask for the guidance, go and meet or write to people that you can learn from. Becoming aware of your own likes and dislikes is like a light bulb going off and helps you to follow your true desires. Let it happen!!

Cancer Jun 22 - July 22

Secret Desire: To feel safe (emotionally, spiritually, romantically & financially)

You are for the most part a person of feeling and sensation. Often you will ignore your own judgment and rationality, and someone else’s reasonable advice, in favour of how you feel. You don’t care if you’re wrong, either! If your intuition tells you to do something, like reaching out to give someone a helping hand, you’ll just do it! Remember to take care and nurture yourself as then you will tap into your own intuition much easier and allow yourself to be guided in keeping life simplified given your sensitive side it is easy to take things a little too personally when there is no need to. However you certainly have the ability to make others laugh and that is a special quality.

Leo July 23 - Aug 23

Secret Desire: To be a star

The Sun is your ruling planet Leo. Of course the Sun is not really a planet; it is the centre of our solar system. And, as above, so below! You shine as brightly as the Golden globe because you reflect the characteristics of the heavenly body that rules your star sign! Travelling short distances will be required for you around late September early October, you also will be participating in some fundraising events!

Virgo Aug 24 - Sept 23

Secret Desire: To love and be loved in return

Virgos are relaxed and deserve to be served as well as to serve, you are starting to understand a little more about yourself and realizing that if you want something to be a particular way that you do have choices, so it is a time to reflect a little and be grateful for what you already have in your life. If you are looking at your relationships right now, get real with yourself and where there maybe conflict look at what you can do differently right now to create more loving and harmonious relationships with your family, work colleagues and friends, keep living in the present, look inside of yourself, let yourself be guided by your own intuition, if something feels great let yourself go there. Stay truthful!

Chrissy’s Positive Horoscope

Libra Sept 24 - Oct 23

Secret Desire: To live an easy, uncomplicated life

Your affirmation for now is I am harmonious in body, mind and spirit. Life is quite hectic for many Librans at the moment and given your sensitivity in feeling other’s energy it really is a time for you to detach with Love and focus your energy on what makes you feel good. You may find that you are wanting to be outside more in the sunshine, connect with the power that the universe has by moving a little more into your heart as opposed to your mind, when discussing situations with a loved one notice what they are really telling you and perhaps ask a few questions if you are unsure as to how you can support them whilst honouring yourself at the same time. Spend time nurturing yourself more as it will bring with it a new sense of energy and assist you with a few challenging decisions you need to make, remember you do have choices and you do not have to make the decisions quickly, it is okay to look at your options then decide the best outcome.

Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22 Secret Desire: To triumph

Magnetic, elusive, sexy and determined, that’s you Scorpio. Referred by astrologers as the fixed water (ice) sign, a lot of people do not quite know how to take you as you are strong and determined to make things happen. At times you can put up a barrier to protect yourself from being hurt, when you allow yourself to take down the barrier a beautiful caring, soft, angelic person can appear, when you let that side of you come to the surface amazing connections will appear for you in supporting you with life’s challenges. Trust people when they say they love being in your presence. Keep doing the things in life daily that make you feel at your best and that is what will happen. You will have a new spring in your step very soon as things that you have been working so hard to achieve will come to fruition. Believe it!!!

Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21

Secret Desire: To make a difference in the world

Affirmation for you Sagittarius – I am generous and loving to myself as well as others! Sagittarius is undoubtedly one of the most positive of the star signs. You were born under the ninth sign, which is ruled by Jupiter. Jupiter’s traditional name was Jove, hence your jovial attitude. As always life has its challenges, someone may have left your side from this earth place and you feel the loss of that, so be honest with yourself and make sure that you are talking the truth to your loved ones rather than trying to be strong for others, it is okay to show them your vulnerable side. Know that you are thought of and loved with much respect, you have people that surround you that care very much for you and you may not always be aware of it. Let yourself be loved and allow yourself to feel happy and secure. This is a time in your life where you are really starting to grow up and realize that only you are capable of changing your destiny! Go for it!

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20

Secret Desire: to be admired by their family, friends & the world at large

Your affirmation – I am successful and content! Success is meaningful to a lot of Capricorns to the point of having high expectations of others, sometimes it is worth taking a leaf out of your own book and practising what you are perhaps preaching, if you are able to do this process you will find that any judgement you may have of others will dissipate and you can absolutely see clearly the people that you want to surround yourself with, you also have the ability to bring out the best in others by noticing the qualities they are good at, which is a fantastic quality to have, so this is a time to give yourself a pat on the back and look at everything that you have achieved over the last twelve months, it is good to remind yourself of how far you have come, most of all Enjoy the journey your are on and be your true self!

Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19

Secret Desire: To be unique and original

You share your zodiac sign with many other grand personalities. Like them you are attracted to social issues. You like to be involved in groups and organizations that make a difference in society. Even in the smallest of ways, you will try to make some difference in this world. If you look at Aquarians like Oprah Winfrey, Boris Yeltsin and entertainers like Peter Gabriel and John Travolta, they are deeply interested in changing the awareness of people to make the world a better place. Anyone would be grateful to be one of your friends!

Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20

Secret Desire: To live their dreams and turn fantasies into realities

Peaceful affirmation/mantra for Pisces right now is I offer my love to all, whilst staying grounded! You can at times feel victimised or pressured into performing tasks that you may not want to do, know that it is okay to say no in a kind way, this is sometimes helpful to a person that is just taking you for granted and by saying no they may not like it at first, however it will allow them to think of another way of creating what they are wanting to achieve. Perhaps practise bringing fun and laughter into your day, notice how you feel when more of this is happening. If you are planning a holiday make sure that your heart is really in it and you feel excited about the process. Trust in yourself!

Phone: 0414 735 165 Email:chrissy@positiveretreats.com.au and Mindfulness Meditation Classes visit www.lotuschiro.com

Website: www.positiveretreats.com.au

the

Book NOOk

ontheshelfnow

Afghanistan by Gary Ramage & Ian McPhedran Featuring the stunning images of photographer Gary Ramage, and the words of Ian McPhedran, this book is an emotional, graphic, very moving and comprehensive record of the ten years of Australia’s war in Afghanistan. It is an extraordinary visual record that recognizes and celebrates the significant contribution that Australian troops have made to the conflict in Afghanistan over the past ten years. This is more than a coffee table book.

Australian Women at War by Patsy Adam-Smith When Patsy Adam-Smith wrote “Australian Women at War” in 1984, her aim was to tap into the memories of all the ‘brave, modest, forgotten women’ while they were still alive, in order to honour them. Now, for the first time, this iconic volume is republished for an entirely new generation of readers. This magnificent work is a history of how Australian women have responded to war - from 1900, when the first nurses sailed to the Boer War, to 1945 and its aftermath. With the emphasis on the centenary of the First World War, this is a timely reminder of what is sacrificed during conflicts.

Australian Notebooks by Betty Churcher Betty Churcher revisits some of the artworks she most cherishes; a seminal Picasso, early works of the Heidelberg School, a striking portrait by Lucian Freud and invites us to look afresh at the treasures that can be found in Australian galleries. Taking in the glorious work of Australian artists such as John Olsen, Arthur Boyd and Sidney Nolan, as well as masterpieces by Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse and Giambattista Tiepolo, through her own accomplished sketches Betty draws out the particular charm and context of each piece. This is a book for all those who are interested in art and artists.

Endgame: The Calling James Frey

My choices for this issue are all nonfiction and all deserve to have you spend some time pouring over them. I find more and more customers are looking for books that tell true stories and these are a few of the best ones.

featuredchildren’s bookauthor

Quentin Blake

Quentin Blake is one of the best-known and most highly regarded illustrators of our time. Internationally celebrated for his partnership with Roald Dahl, he has also collaborated with Russell Hoban, John Yeoman and Michael Rosen. In a career spanning fifty years he has also created children’s books of his own, and illustrated adult classics by Cervantes, Cyrano de Bergerac, Voltaire and La Fontaine. In recent years, his work has appeared extensively on the walls of museums, hospitals and other public spaces. These are some of the better-known Quentin Blake children’s books.

watch for these coming soon…

Foster’s Little Bookshop

Listen to the Moon Michael Morpurgo

AThousand Pieces of You Claudia Gray

4 Station Road, Foster 3960 ph (03) 5682 2089 visit www.fosterslittlebookshop.com.au

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Baggins

Willow + Indi

Bob

Lucky

Zac

Charlie

Super Tess

Benno

Taffy

CORNER Peppi

Tippy

Please email Gippsland The Lifestyle thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au if you would like to place a photo of your dog in Canine Corner

Seb & Trinny

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thelifestyle spring 2014

Bella

Coco

ALI'S ART

EAST GIPPSLAND PORTRAIT GROUP By Ali Fullard

Eastern Victoria is an isolated region, but the area around Bairnsdale and beyond, has a thriving art scene. Over the last decade a group of artists have met to originally practise figure drawing to enhance their skills of observation. It has now evolved into a group of approximately 12 artists who meet to paint portraits in a private studio at the back of Lakes Entrance. Many artists find portraits and the human figure one of the most challenging subjects to study. Throughout history, many famous artists have continually studied portraiture. Rembrandt, Goya, Gainsborough and Picasso are just a few who have made their mark in the depiction of the human face and of telling the story behind the face. Adelaide Macpherson has been a member of this group for a period of time and explains, “The portrait group has had a meandering history, initially with life drawing sessions held at the Orbost Secondary College and the Nungurner Hall and then later moving to Forestec. Friendships

grew out of common interest and so to the circle of artists involved. Now artists come from Orbost, Nungurner, Bairnsdale, Bruthen, Lakes Entrance, Marlo and Swifts Creek. The original core people still in the group are, Lis and Jerry Williams, Colin Brimblecombe. Then others like myself have joined in - Me, Cynthia Boyle, Iris Bain, Jochen Kruse, John Griffiths, Valmai Clues, Penny Carruthers, Val Matthes and Elaine Wheildon. People come and go but this list of names is who attends at the moment. In 2006, the consensus to move toward portraiture was largely due to the difficulty in finding regular life drawing models. The change of focus has opened a renewed interest and excitement in exploring this sometimes overlooked art form. Each artist is active in finding a sitter for the monthly session. Subjects range from well known locals such as the Mayor, Dick Ellis through to family, neighbours and our art friends.

personal histories of art learning and by the nature of group involvement. Amongst our informal group there are a diverse range of skills stretching beyond drawing, painting into ceramics, sculpture and printmaking. With the closure of the Forestec Campus another change brings good things, thanks to Josie and Rick Jackobi who have welcomed us into the Bungalook Studio. Acknowledgement and thanks are due to those involved with providing past venue spaces, Orbost Secondary college, Nungurner Hall and Forestec Tafe. To our portrait sitters who have all been excellent in the art of holding still poses, thank you for your time and patience with us! We currently meet the 1st Saturday of the month at Josephine Jakobi's - Bungalook Studio, Lakes Entrance. Our group welcomes new models – Anyone interested can contact the number below. An exhibition is planned for 2016.” Adelaide Macpherson ph. 0429017460.

The portrait group has no teacher, we learn through regular practice alongside our own

WHATS ON Floral Pot - Malcolm Boyd

Naked Raku - Wen Reeve

Foothills Music Festival Saturday 4th October, Briagolong. This biannual event has workshops in dance, ukelele, tin whistle, drumming and singing. Contact Julie Bradley on 5145 5595 mob. 0428455511 Briagolong Art Gallery “Converging Elements” ceramics by local potters Malcolm Boyd, Wendy Reeve and Paul Gennings. August to 21st September. “Edge”, photographs, (environmentally based) by Leoni Jenkin combined with “Cinders”, large charcoal drawings from VCE folio by Matthew Peters, 27th September to 26th October.

Naked Raku 2 - Paul Gennings

Fish Pot - Malcolm Boyd

“Freestone Press” 1st November to 30th November. A selection of prints displaying an array of different techniques, from Gillian Kline’s Freestone Press printmaking group. “Summer Exhibition”, an exhibition by Briagolong Art Gallery artists, 6th December till Jan 2015. Briagolong Art Gallery. Cnr Forbes and Avon Sts. Briagolong 3860. Open Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm. Contact 03 5145 5439 0427327494 Email: briagolongartgallery@gmail.com Gippsland Art Gallery Sale “The Big Draw” - Saturday October 18th: 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. This is the Gallery’s annual

Red Naked Raku - Paul Gennings

Community event to involve community participation in drawing. This year’s theme is “It’s Our World”- a celebration of our environment- rural, urban, coastal landscapes. Bring the family and experience a choice of drawing activities run by local artists. I will be running one of these and would enjoy meeting some of our readers! DMG Financial Sale “Office Art” DMG Financial Sale, in conjunction with Briagolong Artists, sponsor artists by displaying a “permanent” exhibition in their work premises. A new exhibition opened in July and will be on display till 2015. DMG, Princess Highway, Sale. Open Business hours, Monday to Friday.

BRIAGOLONG ART GALLERY Cnr Forbes and Avon Streets, Briagolong 3860 Hours Saturday and Sunday 11am – 4 pm | Contact 03 51 455 439 or 0427 327 494 | Email briagolongartgallery@gmail.com

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where you can get your copy 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 Newsagency 6 Avon Street Bunyip IGA 2-6 Main Street Churchill Newsagency Hazelwood Village Shopping Centre Cowes Newsagency 44-46 Thompson Avenue Dalyston General Store 4213 Bass Highway Drouin Burrows Newsagent & Tattslotto 93 Princes Way Dumbalk Village Store 25 Farmers Road Erica General Store School Road, Henty Street Foster Newsagency 52 Main Street Glengarry General Store Main Street Golden Beach Blue Water Fish & Chips Gormandale General Store 13 Main Road Grantville BP 1514 Bass Highway 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 General Store Princes Hwy Korumburra Michael's Supa IGA 1 South Railway Cres Lakes Entrance Lamanna's Newsagency 24 Myer Street Lang Lang IGA 32 Main Street Leongatha Michael's Supa IGA Cnr Church & Bruce Sts Lindenow General Store 147 Main Road Loch Sport General Store 2-4 Government Road Maffra newsXpress 144 Johnson Street Meeniyan Moos at Meeniyan 89 Whitelaw Street Metung Village Store 62 Metung Road Moe Old Gippstown Heritage Park 211 Lloyd Street Morwell Card Alley Shop 33 Mid Valley Shopping Centre Neerim South FoodWorks 147 Main Road Omeo Post Office 155 Day Avenue Pakenham Newsagency 99-101 Main Street Paynesville Newsagency 65a The Esplanade Paynesville Kasama Decor 3/31 The Esplanade Rhyll General Store 41 Lock Road 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 Seaspray Caravan Park 1 Futcher Street Stratford IGA 67 Tyers Street Stratford Wa-De-Lock Cellar Door 76 Tyers Street Swifts Creek General Store Great Alpine Road Tarwin Lower IGA 45 River Drive Thorpdale General Store 23 Station Street Tinamba General Store Maffra-Rosedale Road Tooradin IGA 104 South Gippsland Hwy Trafalgar IGA 5 McCrorey Street

Trafalgar Newsagency 97 Princes Hwy Traralgon Newsagency & Lotto 51-55 Franklin Street Traralgon Newsagency 70 Seymour Street Venus Bay General Store 139 Jupiter Blvd Warragul Newsagency & Officesmart 43 Victoria Street Welshpool Supermarket 18 Main Street Willow Grove General Store 8 Main Road Wonthaggi Newsagency 31 Murray Street Yarragon Newsagency 107a Princes Hwy Yarram Claudioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commercial Road Yarram newsXpress 195-197 Commercial Road Yinnar General Store 44 Main Street

EVANS PETROLEUM OUTLETS Fish Creek 2 Falls Road Foster 94 Main Street Inverloch 25 Williams Street Korumburra 2-8 Commercial Street Leongatha 7 Anderson Street Leongatha 95 Bair Street Mirboo North 106 Ridgway 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 MagazineÂŠHeadlites Pty Ltd 2014. 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.

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issue 20 SPRING crossword puzzle ACROSS

DOWN

1. Alternating (10) 7. Concise (7) 8. Cleft (3) 9. Monitor (6) 10. Heretofore (4) 12. Extra (4) 13. Almost (6) 16. Spasm (3) 17. Fisherman (7) 18. Essential (10)

2. Quirky (9) 3. Evade (6) 4. Crag (4) 5. Planer (5) 6. Woe (4) 8. Mask (9) 11. Devoid (6) 12. Maxim (5) 14. Antiquity (4) 15. Separate (4)

issue 19 Winter puzzle Answers

GET THINKING thelifestyle spring 2014

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Blue

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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.

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