Celebrate local wine at the rescheduled Winter Wine Weekend on Saturday, July

Congratulations to our Minimbah Campus Athletics Team on taking home yet another division win at the Bayside inter-schools competition. ‘We ought never to do for young people what they, with a struggle, could be expected to be doing for themselves’ – Michael Norman, Woodleigh Principal 1974-1980 Woodleigh's founding Principal made this statement when he was working to establish Woodleigh's philosophy and direction. It was a statement that spoke both of what the school was trying to achieve and how it would best educate its students. However, without a proper understanding of context, it is a statement that can be easily misunderstood or misconstrued. As teachers and as a school, our role is to challenge students, to make them ‘comfortably uncomfortable’ with their learning, and, therefore, to develop as young citizens of the world. As teachers and mentors, our role is to support them – to coach, advise and encourage their curiosity. The teaching that sits behind Michael's quote is not unique to Woodleigh; it is at the heart of effective and authentic learning. Learning is a process that we all move through as we try to make meaning from experiences, events, or observations presented as part of the learning process. It requires time to think about your experience, grapple with any new or altered concepts, transfer current ideas and thinking into a new context, and eventually develop understanding. At Woodleigh, we aim to be a school of questions, not answers and a school that looks for every opportunity to develop transformative learning opportunities, anywhere, anytime. As adults leading young minds, we need to be careful to hold back and try not to rescue our kids whenever they experience challenge and struggle. Our job is to mentor, coach and help them to find their way through learning and life. DAVID BAKER – Principal WOODLEIGH SCHOOL A: 485 Golf Links Rd, Langwarrin South T: 5971 6100 W: www.woodleigh.vic.edu.au FB: woodleighschoo1 INSTA: woodleighschool

Lower your glass for Dry July

You might think going without a glass of alcohol for a whole month is tough, but it’s nothing compared with what people with cancer are dealing with. With that in mind, The Royal Melbourne Hospital invites you to sign up for Dry July to raise money so the hospital can continue to provide the best possible care for cancer patients.

And don’t worry if you think you might struggle to hold out for the whole month – you can try 14 days, 21 days or any duration you choose, because no matter how long you decide to go dry for, you’ll still be raising money to help people affected by cancer, not to mention you'll discover the amazing health benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle. This year’s Dry July Ambassadors are Gembrook residents Kelly and Rory O’Sullivan. Kelly, who last year was diagnosed with head and neck cancer, has put together a group of fundraisers called Kelly’s Cancer Warriors – see https://www.dryjuly.com/ users/kelly-osullivan – and says: “I owe my life to the amazing staff at RMH. Going dry for July is the very least I can do in order to raise much-needed funds and awareness for this terrible illness.” Each year, Dry July raises more than $100,000 for the hospital's cancer services. So put down that glass and take up the challenge at www.dryjuly.com/rmh

Pyjama Angels are a dream come true

National Pyjama Day isn’t just about being comfy and warm while at work or school. Its focus is to raise awareness of and money for The Pyjama Foundation’s Love of Learning program, which is offered to children in foster care – Australia’s lowest performing educational group. This year it falls on Friday, July 23. However, you’re more than welcome to host your day anytime from July to September. It’s free to register for Pyjama Day, and you’ll receive a free host kit including posters, balloons, bunting, stickers and so much more. All you’re asked to do in exchange is to raise money because every cent counts.

The money will help provide learning skills to more than 1000 children; buy educational resources; provide one-on-one mentoring programs to assist foster kids with reading, writing, and building their confidence; and help provide stable and positive relationships. With more than 48,000 children in foster care across the country, the money raised from National Pyjama Day will go directly towards the training and recruitment of the Pyjama Angels as well as purchasing educational resources to support them. One of the Mornington Peninsula’s dedicated Pyjama Angels is Maureen, who has provided unwavering support to 11-year-old Camilla – so much so that Camilla has had the confidence to write her own children’s book. The pair met in 2019, and even though the lockdown in 2020 stood in the way, they kept in touch virtually. Camilla’s carer told The Pyjama Foundation that she’d seen a little girl who could get very distracted in a classroom environment completely blossom with Maureen’s help. The carer said Maureen had made learning fun for Camilla and helped her confidence soar. It was during one of Maureen’s visits that Camilla proudly shared with her a special project she’d been working on: a book. The idea for The Day That Max Left had come to Camilla in the middle of the night, and she hadn’t just written part of the book but the whole thing. This was an impressive feat for a young girl who had previously been hesitant to work on her English, literacy and spelling. Maureen was so proud of Camilla and all she’d achieved that she encouraged Camilla and her foster mum to get the book published. “I thought Camilla would get a boost from it and be proud of herself,” said Maureen. “I feel she is more confident.” Sometimes we all need a little bit of encouragement to take the next step. Having someone who believes in your ability and guides you towards success is invaluable. “Maureen helped with the editing and finding someone to do the illustrations,” said Camilla. “And I kept you going,” added Maureen. Camilla was thrilled to see her book with illustrations. “It was exciting, and way better than I imagined.” So pop on your favourite PJs, register for National Pyjama Day at nationalpyjamaday.com and encourage your friends and colleagues to get involved. You can also donate via donation.giveeasy.org/ the-pyjama-foundation

KATE SEARS

2 local jobs

Working with a fabulous, committed local team. Starting July

Journalist - Feature Writer

We are seeking an experienced local journalist/writer to work on Mornington Peninsula Magazine, on lifestyle, environmental, indigenous, tourism and fun articles across our 3 titles. This position would be approx 50-70 hours per month. Perfect for working parent.

Social Media Co-Ordinator and Content Manager

Smart, switched on person with social media expertise to work from our Mornington office on our social media, Mail Chimp and website. This will begin as a part-time role, approx 15 hours per week, but could become full-time for the right person.

Send your resume today to lisa@mpmag.com.au

Please do not call, we will go through the applications and conduct interviews in July

Peninsula lifesavers praised for ‘stepping up’ during a challenging summer

The Mornington Peninsula’s stunning beaches might be a million miles away from our thoughts at the moment, but it won’t be too long before we’re once again heading seaward for a refreshing summer swim. And when we do, the many dedicated lifesavers who patrol our beaches will be ready to help keep us safe.

Life Saving Victoria recently thanked its more than 37,000 volunteers for their huge efforts during the 202021 season at its Valuing Volunteers evening at URBNSURF Melbourne. Coinciding with National Volunteer Week, the evening provided the opportunity to recognise LSV’s most outstanding volunteers in areas including Special Contributions to Lifesaving, Long Service Awards, 100+ Patrol Hours and State Services. Awards presented to Mornington Peninsula lifesavers were:

Special Contribution Award, Membership and Leadership

Development: Laura Cantwell (Portsea Surf Life Saving Club, Brighton Life Saving Club and Ocean Grove SLSC); Erin Doupe (Sorrento SLSC).

Special Contribution Award,

Lifesaving Services: Peter McDonell (Sorrento SLSC); Hamish McKendrick (Portsea SLSC); Tamara Brawn (Point Leo SLSC).

Special Contribution Award,

Volunteer Training: Craig Dullard (Mount Martha LSC).

Special Contribution Award,

Aquatic Sports: Iris Cassell (Point Leo SLSC); Kaya Cook (Mount Martha LSC). 100+ Patrol Hours Gold: Toby Dobell (Gunnamatta SLSC, LSV Comms, Point Lonsdale SLSC, LSV rescue water craft service). 100+ Patrol Hours Silver: Rhys Cole (Point Leo SLSC, Mount Martha LSC, Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and LSV rescue water craft service); Emile Stigter (Portsea SLSC); Thomas Twentyman (Rosebud and McCrae LSC and Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter); Simon Wilston (Portsea SLSC, Brighton LSC and LSV Comms). 100+ Patrol Hours Bronze: Dean Bavage (Dromana Bay SLSC); Alexandra Croft (Portsea SLSC); Andrew ‘Henry’ Kiss (Portsea SLSC); Peter McDonell (Dromana Bay SLSC, Sorrento SLSC and Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter); Niklas Rathmayr (Portsea SLSC and LSV rescue water craft service); Emma Vander Pal (Dromana Bay SLSC); Edward Warner (Point Leo SLSC). “We are incredibly proud of our volunteers for stepping up to the challenges of season 2020-21, including continuing patrols as an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said LSV president Paul James. “This season has shown how integral every volunteer role is in holding our lifesaving clubs together and continuing our water safety education and drowning prevention work. Without volunteers, our organisation simply could not exist, and I thank every one of you for your efforts.”

PICTURED: Toby Dobell, from Gunnamatta SLSC, Point Lonsdale SLSC, LSV rescue water craft service and LSV Comms, receives his Meritorious Award for Commendation of Bravery by Life Saving Victoria’s director of lifesaving operations, Kane Treloar. Tony also received a 100+ Patrol Hours – Gold certificate for 207.67 hours; Iris Cassell, from Point Leo SLSC, is presented with her Special Contribution Award for Aquatic Sports from Life Saving Victoria’s director of aquatic sports, Rachael Rylance; Erin Doupe, from Sorrento SLSC, with her Special Contribution Award for Membership and Leadership Development; Portsea SLSC member Chris Perrott received his Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter ‘wings’ as a new member of the helicopter crew, and fellow member Andrew ‘Henry’ Kiss was presented with a 100+ Patrol Hours Bronze certificate for completing 116.27 patrol hours.

HOLIDAY Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula

PREMIUM POSITION BACK FLAP

For the curious, contemporary visitor Winter

For the curious, contemporary visitor Summer 2021

Rock Sugar hits hard with an important message

Rock Sugar was released digitally in the US in June under the title Bullied. Written and directed by Angela How, the 80-minute film follows 12-year-old Charlotte, who commits the unthinkable when she stands up to Brenda the bully. Despite Charlotte’s best efforts to defend herself, she continues to be tormented by Brenda, until one late night in a park when Charlotte fights back hard and knocks Brenda to the ground. Brenda hits her head and stops moving, and Charlotte throws herself into crisis mode.

Rock Sugar is a drama/psychological thriller about children and a cautionary tale to the bully. This piece of work advocates anti-bullying and the empowerment of young girls. Three up-and-coming Mornington Peninsula actors appear in the film: Lulu Fitz, who plays Brenda, and Olivia Sprague and Mackenzie McLaren in support roles. Rock Sugar also features a mainly female cast – including predominantly Asian Australians in the main roles, which is rare in Australia films. Angela says it was important for her to make an entertaining film with a diverse cast. While it was made on a shoestring budget with largely unknown actors, the addition of new Australian talent has added a sense of freshness and brilliance to the film. Its aesthetic is also budget-specific; however, it offers a realistic and raw setting through its art direction. “We have all been touched by bullying, either as a perpetrator, victim or witness,” Angela says. “I was bullied as a child, so I know how the experience cuts deep and is felt into adulthood. It is a problem that thrives and perpetuates itself at all levels of our social fabric. It is also not going away any time soon. According to the National Centre Against Bullying, one in four students are bullied in schools across Australia. Those odds are way too high. It is my hope that Rock Sugar will help bring the problem of childhood bullying to the forefront and help with combating the issue.” Angela is an alumna of the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television (MFA Directing) and has had her films screened at the Stockholm International Film Festival, Torino Film Festival, Short Shorts Asia and at the United Nations. She grew up both in Singapore and Australia and has worked and lived in many places, including Los Angeles, where she spent many years acquiring valuable experience working on a variety of film productions and in post-production. Rock Sugar is her debut film, with twists and turns to keep audiences of all ages on the edge of their seats, while also resonating with children and adults. The film investigates and portrays the gravity of bullying in a provocative way and will ignite key conversations and discourse about the issue of bullying. Considering the level of bullying across the world – especially with the growth of social media in recent years – Rock Sugar is timely. “I look forward to sharing Rock Sugar with audiences everywhere, to giving voice to the bullied and to contributing to ending childhood bullying.”

KATE SEARS

Drink in the many sights around the Teapot

In July, if you look towards the constellations Sagittarius and Scorpius on a clear night, then you are looking in the direction of the very heart of our galaxy. Sagittarius, the Archer, is nestled within a mesmerisingly detailed part of the Milky Way. You can find it by first locating the Teapot asterism, which forms the constellation’s hub, close to a notably bright swathe of the Milky Way. A scan of Sagittarius with binoculars or small telescope will reveal many rich star clusters and bright nebulae.

The Teapot asterism is made up of eight stars. Its stubby spout is marked by the stars Gamma, Epsilon, Lambda and Delta Sagittarii, while Phi, Sigma, Zeta, and Tau make its handle. Scattered around the Teapot are some interesting binocular and small telescope targets, including the bright Lagoon Nebula M8, the magnitude 4.6 open cluster M25, and the globular cluster M22. A small telescope shows many of M22’s brightest stars. It is the third-brightest globular cluster in the sky and can be seen with just the naked eye in particularly dark and clear skies. M8, the Lagoon Nebula, located above the spout of the Teapot, is a glowing cloud of gas and a stunning sight through binoculars. It appears as a misty patch with the star cluster NGC 6530 nestled within it. Looking north, the wonderful globular cluster M5 is high in the sky at this time. It is roughly 25,000 light-years away from Earth, towards the constellation Serpens Caput. A small telescope brings many of its outer stars into focus. A short hop east over Ophiuchus into Serpens Cauda and you will find the open cluster M16 surrounded by the much fainter Eagle Nebula. And if you look at the moon on July 24 you will see Saturn close by, then the following night Jupiter will be near the moon. For further information about the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society, such as public stargazing nights, event bookings and membership, please visit the society’s Facebook page, or website at www.mpas.asn.au NERIDA LANGCAKE, Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society

The Eagle Nebula, M16, is 7000 light-years from Earth and spans 70 by 55 light-years. It is home to several famous cosmic structures, including the stunning Pillars of Creation, which stretch roughly 4 to 5 light-years, and Stellar Spire, approximately 9.5 light-years or 90 trillion kilometres high. Photo by MPAS member Nik Axaris

Peninsula Ninjas take on Mt Midoriyama again

Not only has the 2021 season of Australian Ninja Warrior on Channel 9 brought a killer new course to Australian television screens, it’s also showcasing five Mornington Peninsula resident Ninjas who are tackling the course. More than 200 eager athletes trained to tackle the world’s most difficult obstacle source. Locals shining bright on our screens this year include Charlie Robbins, Troy Cullen, Ashlin Herbert, Zak Stolz and Sarah Blackmore. We spoke to the latter two Ninjas about their experience this year and what’s next on their agendas.

Sarah is a returning ninja aged 24. Working as a gymnastics coach for children with special needs, she made an impressive debut last year and hopes to be even stronger for her second run of the course this year. Last year Sarah was one of only eight women to make it to the semi-finals and came so close to making it further through the course than her boyfriend and fellow Ninja, Ashlin Herbert. After being diagnosed with ADHD this year, she is inspired to advocate Ninja Warrior sports as an effective outlet for the treatment. In preparation for this year, Sarah has been training with the Mornington Peninsula boys. “This year’s courses seemed insane,” she says. “I was excited to give it a try but obviously didn’t get to try all the obstacles. Hopefully they feature some of these obstacles next year too. In between season four and five I had a full ankle reconstruction, so I didn’t get to do as much training as I had hoped. Ashlin and I are currently in Hotham working and spending a bit of time up here snowboarding and working. Door frames and slippery ice is the most we can do with our training now.” At 22, Zak is also a returning Ninja and last year was one of the three ninjas who climbed the summit of Mt Midoriyama yet was beaten in time by Ben Polson. Fans first met Zak in Season 3, where he made it to the grand final, so he’s seen as Ninja Warrior royalty and he’s hoping he’ll once again make it up Mt Midoriyama to this time be crowned Australia’s Ninja Warrior. When not training, Zak spends his time as a timberyard worker, gymnastics coach and student. Next on the agenda is to complete his degree, ride out the pandemic and travel before beginning to plan the rest of his life – all while training harder than ever.

“Personally, I found this year's course to be hands down the most difficult of the lot,” he says. “Not only were the obstacles new and very difficult to emulate in training but the standard of competitors is ever-increasing at the same rate, so it's almost a wombo-combo of increased pressure. My training process probably looked identical to the other ‘Peninjas’ – a nickname for the Ninjas from the Peninsula. We do our best to enjoy every moment of it and keep it as light and fun as possible. I'm a firm believer of the statement ‘If you love your job, you'll never work a day in your life’. This is exactly the same.” The season’s not-to-be-missed final is on Tuesday, July 6 – and for the first time ever it will be Ninja versus Ninja in a record-breakers’ special airing on Wednesday, July 7. It’s been a year since Mt Midoriyama was conquered, and this year the brutal monster is seeking revenge. The course includes 26 obstacles that have never been seen before and will no doubt push the Ninjas to new levels of punishing endurance. With a course that delights and excites fans so much so that it’s become a global phenomenon, and for the first time the Ninjas have been able to pick their own path. Support our Peninjas by tuning in and make sure to keep your eyes peeled to see who wins the title of Australian Ninja Warrior 2021. KATE SEARS

The keystone of the bridge

For most of the early decades of settlement, the people of Melbourne were dependant on the uncertain arrival of sailing vessels for communication with the UK. Often weeks, even months, passed between one mail delivery and the next.

The P&O steamer Chusan, which was launched at Newcastle-on-Tyne, UK, in November 1851.

The letting of two contracts during 1852 to deliver the mail using steamships brought hopes for a regular service. The two shipping companies concerned were each to provide a two-monthly service, covering alternate months, to provide a monthly service to the Australian colonies. One was a service around the Cape of Good Hope; the other via the Mediterranean, overland to the Red Sea, Singapore and finally to Australia. The Suez Canal was not opened until November 1869. The latter contract was with the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O). In preparation for its service, P&O sent its new barquerigged auxiliary steamer the Chusan to Australia, departing from Southampton on May 15, 1852. Launched in November of the previous year, the ironhulled vessel was 58m long. Driven by a single screw, it could achieve 9.5 knots (17.6km/h) under steam power. The new steamer arrived in Melbourne on the night of Thursday, July 29, having spent most of the voyage under sail. An Argus newspaper article the following Saturday read in part: “As the precursor of a long line of similar arrivals, she has placed the key-stone to that bridge by which we may consider that we are now united to the Mother-country.” The Chusan left Melbourne on Sunday morning, August 1, and arrived at Sydney on August 3 to complete the first mail service to Australia by steamship. The Chusan, together with another P&O ship, continued to provide a regular mail service to Australia by way of Singapore until April of 1854. The other company, which had been awarded the mail contract via the Cape of Good Hope, had problems with its ships and the contract was withdrawn in April 1853. Fortunately for the colonists in Australia, the 1850s was the time of the great sailing clippers which delivered the mail in times which could not be matched by the steamers of the era. BY MAURIE HUTCHINSON President, Peninsula Ship Society T: 9787 5780 E: mauriehutch@gmail.com The Peninsula Ship Society meets at Hastings Yacht Club on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 10am. Visitors are always welcome.

MiCare is excited to announce the completion of Stage 2 of the Avondrust Lodge redevelopment and extension. Located just next door to the Carrum Downs shopping centre and minutes from the freeway, it is a thriving community for all.

Executive director Petra Neeleman said: “The new Avondrust Lodge is an exciting home for Elders who can enjoy a range of new amenities, such as Smart TVs in every room with Foxtel and other streaming options, a café and shop on site, single suites with private ensuites, and beautiful landscaped courtyards.” Of course, Avondrust Lodge also has all the other services you’d expect, including hairdressing, private dining and comfortable lounges. “MiCare is a registered Eden provider, which means we have been providing person-centred care for over 20 years,” Ms Neeleman said. “We strongly believe that the relationships formed between staff and Elders is central to quality care. We design our buildings for small households and understand that connections of all sorts are pivotal to people’s well-being. Our view is that we are privileged to be working in our Elders’ home.” MiCare will be taking admissions to the Avondrust Lodge extension shortly. MICARE AVONDRUST VILLAGE A: 1105 Frankston-Dandenong Rd, Carrum Downs T: 9788 9005 W: www.micare.com.au

Rise up against domestic violence

Domestic and family violence support organisation RizeUp Australia calling on Frankston and Mornington Peninsula residents to help women fleeing violent relationships.

The organisation, which creates safe homes for women and families affected and displaced by domestic and family violence, is expanding its operations to Melbourne after a surge in domestic violence incidents across Victoria. After multiple city-wide lockdowns, the State Government reported that the number of women and children seeking accommodation from a specialist agency increased by 28.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. With domestic violence-related incidents in Victoria increasing by almost 10 per cent in the past year, the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre has reported more than 100 calls a day for help. RizeUp founder and CEO Nicolle Edwards said volunteers were urgently needed to help turn houses into homes and equip them with everyday items for families who were starting over. “The rate of calls to 1800RESPECT from Victorian contacts was 51 per cent higher than the rest of Australia, which is exactly why we knew our presence here was needed,” Nicolle said. “We need Victorians to rise up and volunteer to help women and their families fleeing violent relationships.” Property stylist and RizeUp homes co-ordinator Suzanne Commerford said the organisation’s biggest challenge was logistics. “We are desperately looking for anyone who can help drive the van from our warehouse to location, packing and unloading flat-packed furniture and even carrying a mattress up some stairs,” Suzanne said. “Much of our work is done through the wonderful support of volunteers; we couldn’t do what we do without them.” RizeUp supports affected families with a range of programs that enable women and children to safely escape the traumas of domestic and family violence. Founded in 2015, it has rapidly grown across Queensland and NSW – and now Melbourne, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. To find out more about RizeUp or to volunteer, go to www.rizeup.com.au/volunteer, and follow the organisation on Instagram @ rizeupanz and on Facebook @RizeUpAustralia

Limited-release gin to capture your heart

In a world where the wine spectrum is as diverse as the rainbow, where winemaking techniques challenge palates with tasting profiles ranging from forest floors to forest fruits, Bass & Flinders is twisting the lid on a pairing with a difference by creating a gin from pinot noir.

The Dromana-based distillery’s inaugural limited-release 2021 Heartbreak Pinot Noir Gin is dedicated to those who love to sip and savour a glass of pinot noir – also known as the ‘heartbreak’ grape – but who don’t want to commit to opening a whole bottle, not finishing it, and then throwing the residual away. Specifically designed to be paired with dishes traditionally matched with pinot noir, this gin is best served alongside a hearty meal such as roast lamb or duck a l'orange. Ruby red with purple hues, its aroma is complex and perfumed with notes of sweet red fruit, spice and floral highlights. Sweet spice carried by the Bass & Flinders eau de vie grape-based spirit sweeps through the palate, opening up into brooding dark pinot noir fruits, finishing pleasantly textural and savoury with juniper, herbal and oak nuances. Think fresh, floral and fruity. Heartbreak Gin has an ABV of 38% and is presented in a 700ml bottle priced at $88. It is available at https://www. bassandflindersdistillery.com/products/heartbreak-gin-700ml or at selected Dan Murphy’s stores and online.