The closure of Sorrento’s Athenaeum cinema on April 25 was a blow to the community, but now comes the fight to preserve the 1894 heritagelisted building.
The last film shown was Hotel Sorrento, Richard Franklin’s 1995 drama based on Hannie Rayson’s 1990 play about three sisters reuniting in a sleepy town after 10 years. The movie was shot in Sorrento and Melbourne. Teary patrons blamed the movie; others blamed the closure.
Public submissions to Heritage Victoria closed recently and it will now make recommendations to the Heritage Council of Victoria. HV is a business unit in the State Government’s Department of Transport and Planning and administers the Heritage Act.
The Heritage Council of Victoria advises the planning minister on protection and conservation of cultural heritage and decides which places and objects go on the Victorian Heritage Register. It frequently liaises with Heritage Victoria, but the government says “protocols have been developed to ensure independence is maintained for the Heritage Council’s decision-making”.
The Heritage Council may not agree with HV’s recommendations and this could spark a hearing. Any decision might take many months, perhaps next year.
New owner DeGroup is asking the government to let it demolish part of the heritage building and build shops. Colin DeLutis’s DeGroup reportedly paid $11 million in 2022 for the Athenaeum.
In 2017 the cinema was sold for $5 million by its long-time owner, Village Roadshow founder and majority owner the Kirby family. Village Roadshow was founded by the late Roc Kirby, who turned a small family-run cinema business on the Peninsula into an entertainment giant, taking it public in 1989. His sons Robert and John ran the company for many years, but Village was bought by a private equity firm in 2020 after the pandemic wrecked the cinema business. Village owned and operated Movie World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Sea World and a chain of Victorian cinemas.
The Athenaeum had been running at a loss for many years. Most major cinema companies were contacted before the decision to close was made, it was reported. Some residents want the proposal rejected and the building to become a community or arts centre. A library is one idea. Others are pleased it will be restored with the facade and some heritage features retained. A Sorrento residents’ online page has been
running hot with complaints and debate.
Nepean Conservation Group president Ursula de Jong said the Athenaeum is on the Victorian Heritage Register. “The Athenaeum and Continental Hotel are the only Sorrento places on the register,” she said. “Heritage Victoria has received hundreds of submissions, including from the shire council, opposing the application for partial demolition and changing use of the building from cinema to retail.”
Sorrento stalwart Marilyn Cunnington said it was a great loss to the town. “The cinema has hosted fundraisers for charities and service clubs such as Red Cross, Rotary and Probus for many years.”
The multi-purpose Athenaeum was built of rough-hewn Sorrento limestone with brick dressings to a design by Melbourne architect J. F. Gibbins for Isaac Bensilum, a shire councillor, hotelier and entrepreneur. It had an auditorium, foyer, ‘retiring rooms’, a deep stage with dressing and storerooms underneath, and two shops with residences above. Silent films were shown in the 1920s and ‘talking pictures’ from 1932, when Moderne alterations were made and new equipment installed. The interior has both original and Moderne detailing.
Extensive renovations in the mid-1990s included repainting, new fittings including Moderne lights, a wide screen in front of the early proscenium, and the addition of two new cinemas in an adjoining building.
MIKE HAST
With a captivating blend of alternative pop-rock and poignant lyrics that strike straight to the heart, Melbourne/Mornington Peninsula singer-songwriter Mathilde Anne’s music offers a powerful sense of understanding and representation. She spoke to Sarah Halfpenny.
When I was about five I took up piano lessons. I originally wanted to learn violin, but it's an expensive musical instrument so my parents made me focus on piano first. Once I’d done two years of piano training, they let me switch over to violin. I trained for about eight years and I did some AMEB examinations, but when I was in my late teens I quit violin and started writing music on my guitar. What inspired you to pursue a career as a singer?
I started writing a lot of poetry during my late teens as a way to cope with the experiences that I was having, especially being on the spectrum, and feeling really isolated. So I started writing a lot of poetry and translating that into songs. And I went to Cheryl Beattie at The Music Industry School of Music for some singing lessons and she said “Oh my god! Darling, I'm getting you in the industry!” She introduced me to Max and Nay and they signed me to their label, Sandhill Records.
The most recent is Crime Scene Cadillac. And before that there was I've Had Enough, and then I have a new one which I'm so excited about called Way Up There. Dancing In the Living Room was funded by the Mornington Peninsula Shire for their 321 project and the song was then performed at Drift in 2022. I wrote it with Cheryl, Max and Nay, and we used it in the Listen Up competition, which is a really beautiful competition for music for mental health, and that ended up getting us to the finals in Sydney, which was so amazing. Crime Scene Cadillac really focuses on that idea of not wanting to get better. It’s a lot easier, I think, to sit in a place of feeling very down and uncomfortable and sad because at least you know what that feeling is like, and to get better you have to actually confront what has been making you feel depressed. And I feel like that can be a very nerve-racking experience.
Are there any particular artists or musicians who've influenced you?
My dad was a musician and he makes documentaries about music, and my mum was a dancer, so I've grown up with a lot of music. Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding are massive inspirations for me, just the way that they're able to have so much power and emotion in the way they sing. Etta Jones as well – there's so much power and despair as well in a song that just hits you in the chest immediately.
Have you got a full-length album coming out?
Yeah, I have an album coming out. I can’t say when it's coming out; I’m not allowed to give away too much detail. I was really lucky to get grants from Creative Victoria and Frankston City Council. I got a disability grant for mental health and being on the spectrum, so I wanted to use that album to pay homage to the experiences that I and a lot of my friends have gone through, whether it's having mental health issues or being on the spectrum or being on the ADHD spectrum. So the name of the album is Normal, and it's about the idea of how any time I tell somebody that I have a bit of a different brain and that I’m on the autism spectrum, the first thing they say to me is: “Oh my god, but you seem so normal!” They don’t mean it from a hurtful place but it’s reaffirming that idea that you have to be normal to be seen and to fit in.
Mathilde’s latest single, Way Up There, was scheduled to be released late last month and will be available on all music streaming platforms. Visit sandhillrecords.com for details and live tickets.
Photo: Daniel NathansIn summer, beachgoers see little birds feeding in the shallows of Port Phillip and Western Port, but perhaps few know some are extraordinary frequent flyers – to Siberia and back every year, a 27,000km round trip. Thirty-seven species of migratory shorebird spend summer in Australia. The smallest is the rednecked stint (Calidris ruficollis) or little sandpiper.
Red weighs 30g – half the weight of a tennis ball – and is 13-16cm with a wingspan of 29-33cm, or a bit smaller than a budgerigar. Western Port Biosphere project officer Stephen Brent charted a year in the life of one bird. Here’s an edited version of Red’s Travel Diary from Peninsula Birdlife’s March newsletter.
March 4, 2022: Summer ends. My seasons are defined by my birthplace: the frozen tundra of Siberia. I spend my ‘winter’ on the shores of the Peninsula – your summer. But now the days are getting shorter and soon it’ll be time to leave.
March 7: Ooohh, I’m so itchy. I want to preen, as my moult has started. Goodbye grey feathers, hello red breeding plumage.
March 21: Mud, glorious mud (flats). I have a big appetite but I have a high metabolism, and once migration starts, the demands put on my body will soar. There is no better place to gain weight than the Peninsula’s mudflats – please keep them safe.
April 25: Now I’m in my red plumage and today we leave for Western Australia. Birds in grey are youngsters or adults who will stay here all year.
May 2: Western Port to Broome, WA, in five days. The winds were favourable, an easterly and then a southerly as we flew at 3660m. Gee, there’s thousands here. I better start foraging.
May 16: We’re off again and there’s a full moon and a gentle breeze – time to leave Australia.
May 24, Bako-Buntal Bay mudflats, Sarawak: It’s always good to cross the equator, but it was a tough journey.
June 21, Watzuwei Nature Reserve lagoon, Taipei City, Taiwan: We’ve moved north, but not far and fast enough.
July 8, Kronotsky, Kamchatka, Russia: We’re close now, I can see snow. We took our time leaving Taiwan and then dodged strong weather. We didn’t stop in the Yellow Sea, always a favoured spot. We powered on through, sleeping on the wing.
July 13, Kamchatka: I’d like you to meet Carmine. I charmed her with my little aerial display and wing posture. She likes the pad of damp moss I’ve chosen for our nest.
July 25: We’re incubating! Carmine has laid four beautiful eggs and we’re sharing duties in our camouflaged nest. Hopefully no raptor or fox will spot us.
August 25: We lost one chick. Four tiny, downy fluff-balls popped out but one disappeared, perhaps blown away by a gust of wind. It is sad but not surprising. Our hatchlings are so tiny, so fragile; it’s a miracle any of us make it. I’m keeping my beady eye on the others.
September 5: Now, after the snow melt, there are millions of flies, beetles, moths, grubs and gnats. It’s why we breed up here. Just open your
beak and something will fly in, and the chicks feed themselves.
September 15: Our chicks are big now and their ‘hiding’ feathers are being replaced by flight feathers. As for me, it’s time to leave, as it’s getting chilly.
September 20, Komandorskiye (Commander) Islands, Russia: Last year we were slammed by a storm and it’s happened again. We headed off but had to land and wait ‘til the wind died down.
October 9, Pagbilao Bay, Philippines: We left Commander and flew straight to Pudong mudflats near Shanghai; stayed for two low tides only, just eating, eating, then flew to the Philippines.
November 9, Roebuck Bay, WA: The weather’s been wet and stormy so it’s good to land and find some food.
December 12, Point Leo, Mornington Peninsula: The west was good, and with full bellies we crossed the Red Centre, parts of which were very green, and landed at Western Port. It’s great to be Down Under again.
Readers can find out more about these and other extraordinary migratory birds, including how to report sightings of birds with leg tags and flags, through Victorian Wader Study Group at vwsg.org.au, and Australian Wader Study Group at awsg.org.au
No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.
SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGHLeft: Red in his summer Down Under grey feathers at Point Leo. Photo: Mark Lethlean; above: red-necked stint eggs are usually laid on the ground in a nest of grass and leaves. Photo: Sergey Golubev; red-necked stint chicks are camouflaged among tundra grasses and shrubs. Photo: Laura McKinnon
In the late 1960s, the world of surfboard shaping witnessed the emergence of a legendary trio on the Mornington Peninsula: Geoff Coker, and brothers Mick and Keith Parkinson. The three young men embarked on a remarkable journey to create Parkinson Surfboards and created a lasting impact on the surfing world.
Though now in his early 70s, Geoff can still recall the early days when he first crossed paths with the Parkinson brothers. While he had known of Mick and Keith through school and sports, it was in 1969, on the sandy shores of Sorrento back beach, that their friendship truly took root.
"We were just three mates surfing at Sorrento back beach; that's where I met the Parkinson brothers,” Geoff said. “I knew of them right through the mid‘60s because they went to Sorrento State School and Rosebud High and I saw them playing footy, but we properly met and became mates at the beach."
Their shared passion for surfing and a common bond forged through their fathers' fishing backgrounds laid the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking collaboration. "Their father was a professional fisherman and my dad fished too, so we had a lot in common. They lived out in Blairgowrie and they were a couple of years younger than me. Basically, we learnt to surf together."
As surfers, the trio initially owned custom boards
crafted by other manufacturers. However, driven by curiosity and a desire for customisation, they decided to reshape an old 9' 6" board together. "We stripped all the fibreglass off it out in their father's net shed and reshaped it, and we thought we were fibreglassing it. But when we finished, it hadn’t come out anything like the shop board. But it still worked; it still rode all right. We were pretty happy, and then a few mates said: 'Oh, I've got an old surfboard, can you cut that down?' So we did that.”
Encouraged by their initial success, Geoff, Mick and Keith decided to acquire proper materials and elevate their creations to commercial standards. By the middle of 1970 they were in full production at the back of the brothers' father's fish shop in Blairgowrie, which they transformed into a workshop for shaping, glassing, finishing, sanding and polishing the boards. The fish shop still stands.
The venture gradually gained momentum, with an increasing number of surfers seeking their bespoke boards. "We holidayed in Noosa Heads each winter. There was nothing going on down on the Peninsula in winter because surfing wasn't what it is today; only the diehards surfed back then. So when we started (manufacturing) we went to Noosa and met some good friends there and ended up sending boards to the Laguna Bay surf shop, which was in Hastings St. We had a good outlet there, and we were also selling boards through Melbourne Sports Depot. It wasn't really a commercial arrangement, like 'I’m the boss, you’re the worker’. We were just three mates absolutely loving what we did. It was fantastic times creating
colourful things that went in the water."
Geoff's journey in shaping surfboards came to a pause in 1976 when he got married, while Keith followed his interest in restoring and making timber boats. Mick, however, continued making surfboards in a shed near McFarlan Ave in Blairgowrie until about 1983, producing exceptional boards that upheld the legacy of Parkinson Surfboards. Mick died in 2019, and his ashes were scattered in a paddle-out at Sorrento back beach. These days, Geoff's passion for the craft remains alive. "Now that I'm retired, I'm restoring boards, especially Parkinson boards. The boards go right through the era, from our very first ones to our last ones. I've made a couple of other boards as well – not commercially, but just for fun, so it's come full circle.”
While Geoff's surfing days have been put on hold due to injuries, his enthusiasm for returning to the waves remains palpable. "I had two new knees five years ago. Now that I've got a new hip coming up in a month, the surgeon said it wasn't my knees stopping me from getting up; it was more than likely my hips. So I’ll probably be able to surf again. I'd love to because I've got a couple of mates who are my age who still surf, and I'm damn envious."
With their camaraderie, shared passion, and innovative spirit, Geoff and the Parkinson brothers left an indelible mark on the world of surfboard shaping. Parkinson Surfboards is a reminder that the pursuit of passions alongside true friends can lead to achievements that stand the test of time.
SARAH HALFPENNY
Frankston City Council says the city’s emergence as “the capital of the southeast” has been accelerated after councillors last month voted to request State Government approval for its FMAC Structure Plan. In a statement, the council said the plan “will enhance Frankston City as a major Victorian business and lifestyle hub while also providing investors and businesses (with) certainty when choosing to invest in Frankston”.
Key elements of the plan set out in the statement include:
• A pedestrian-friendly city centre environment with the opportunity for more outdoor activities, cycling and walking, and reduced through-traffic;
• An “iconic” Nepean Blvd, with extended outdoor space for dining, retail, and events in the city centre, connecting to a world-class visitor lookout at Olivers Hill and greater connection to Kananook Creek in the north; and,
• A “thriving” Kananook Creek Blvd between Beach and Wells streets with streetscape upgrades, increased connection to the city centre, and greater accessibility to the creek, linking to McCombs Reserve to create “a promenade of activation, outdoor dining and events”.
“The plan provides a framework that will guide the ongoing revitalisation of the Frankston city centre over the next 20 years,” Mayor Nathan Conroy said. “It provides critical clear direction on land uses, building design, housing and accommodation, and provides more employment opportunities through new
development and redevelopment. It also means more vibrant public spaces, a more pedestrian-focused city centre and more people living, working and playing in our city centre.”
Cr Conroy said the council had liaised extensively with the community on the plan through online surveys, workshops, pop-ups, walking tours, and interviews, and met community groups and business networks including the city’s tertiary education providers, health care providers, and major retailers. “The result is a holistic framework that will guide Frankston City’s transformation and help to create a Frankston which families and businesses will be proud to call home, and that visitors and investors will want be a part of.”
Kananook Creek is expected to thrive as part of Frankston City Council’s FMAC Structure Plan.
At Cornish College we believe education goes hand in hand with exploration. Beginning with our 3 Year Old Early Learning program and continuing through to Year 12, our students are encouraged to identify problems and seek out solutions, cultivating their creativity as well as their entrepreneurial spirit.
Book a school tour
cornishcollege.vic.edu.au/school-tours
For more information
T: 9781 9000
E: admissions@cornishcollege.vic.edu.au
4 Battle for Atheneum just beginning
The fight to preserve the 1894 heritage-listed building
6 Music offers a powerful sense of understanding
Sarah Halfpenny interviews Mathilde Anne
35-37
The
40-45
Finance and Taxation
It’s that time of the year again, special section with details of Small Business Festival and Business Excellence awards
the wonders of ‘the other side’ of Nepean Highway from hipsters
to
Top centre: It’s time for truffle hunting, see Red Hill Truffles page 68. Top right: Red Stint and chicks in Siberia before they migrate to the Mornington Peninsula, see story page 7, image Lucas DeCicco.
Bottom centre: Derinya Arts and Crafts Exhibition returns, see page 49. Bottom right: Oz Design Mornington see pages 25, 72 & 80.
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Chisholm offers a wide range of short courses across hospitality and cookery, hair, beauty and make-up, early childhood education, trades, business and IT, allied health and nursing, and art and design – and some of them are free!
Whether you want to explore your creative passion, obtain an industry licence or ticket, dip your toes into a new career, undertake professional development, ease your way back into study, pursue a hobby or just get out in your community and meet like-minded people, you’ll find a short course at Chisholm. You’ll be taught by industry experts and will learn the latest techniques being used by industry, with access to modern facilities, professional training and support. You’ll also have the security of knowing you’re studying
with a government-owned TAFE institute.
We have just launched a range of new, fun interactive short courses to enjoy through the winter months in art
therapy, jewellery making, drawing, ceramics, interior design and decoration, painting, fundamentals of Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom Classic.
Free and subsidised short courses are available to help you enter the construction industry, such as traffic management and obtaining a white card. If you’re looking to upskill or reskill in your current industry, we also have short courses in the areas of building and construction, engineering welding, electrical, automotive, plumbing and work safety.
To see the full list of courses available and to learn more about free skill sets, visit www.chisholm. edu.au/shortcourses
CHISHOLM INSTITUTE
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Rolling celebrations are planned to mark the centenary of Frankston High School next year. The school opened in a red brick building in Quality St behind the station before moving to its present location in Foot St in 1958. The senior campus opposite started in 1971.
The museum has been reopened after its closure during the pandemic and the public can visit from 3-4.30pm on the first Tuesday of the month or by contacting the school. The next open days are August 1 and September 5.
Anyone who would like to be involved in the centennial planning group or who has any information about the school's history to share or memorabilia to donate is asked to email Sue Robinson at srobinson@fhs.vic.edu.au
Mornington Peninsula Shire’s elections in November 2020, during pandemic lockdowns, produced historic results. Voters elected eight new councillors with just three returned for another term – very unusual. Six of 11 councillors were women. A seventh woman was elected soon after when one of the men resigned after just four months and this made more history – a majority of women. In the first of an occasional series, we talk to one of the shire’s women councillors.
Debra Mar is Mornington Peninsula Shire’s deputy mayor this year. The daughter of a Goulburn Valley dairy farmer, Debra has led an adventurous life. She lived and worked in Melbourne from the age of 18 and then worked in London, backpacking solo around Europe during holidays. Back in Melbourne, she worked for a computer company and then moved to Hong Kong with “my first husband, a Hong Kong Chinese national”. She worked for a stockbroker selling shares on the Hong Kong stock exchange. The marriage ended and Debra returned to Melbourne at 29 where she studied a Bachelor of Arts in Asian culture, language, history and philosophy at La Trobe. She worked for British Airways in management with lots of travel overseas and married again “to a Polishborn Australian. We eloped to Canada to wed”.
At 40 she returned to study a Bachelor of Arts in fashion and textiles, and started her own fashion business, designing and manufacturing her own line of clothing. In 2011, Deb moved to the Peninsula and became a freelance writer and later volunteer with community radio RPP FM, producing and presenting a breakfast program and then a current affairs show, all the time writing. She quickly picked up the contours of the region by interviewing “politicians, shire councillors, business people, community leaders and stalwarts”. Standing for council was a natural progression, and she was elected in late 2020. Debra is a fiercely independent councillor with a strong belief in empowering women, and protecting and enhancing the natural environment and animals.
“To better support women, we as a society need to change structures and alter the basic framework of assumptions, principles and methods from which members of the community operate,” she said. “You can come from humble beginnings but still learn persistence, determination, curiosity and not tolerating mediocrity.
“For the environment, I’m advocating for something relatively new to mainstream society: the Rights of Nature. It’s not new to the wider environment movement. The guiding philosophy is humanity is just one member of Earth’s wider community, alongside plants, animals and living environments like mountains and rivers. We must encourage people to live a balanced, moderately paced and low-fuss life. We need less pressure on resources, ensuring sufficient trees, wildlife and open spaces to nourish and keep us healthy and happy. Maintaining the balance of nature and ecosystems starts with us.
“It can start with basics such as farmers coexisting with wildlife and treating the land with respect. And we as a society need to help pay for this change. Balance changes – what is agreed now will move again in 10, 20, 50 years. It depends on whom you talk to. What I see as balance between open spaces, tree canopy and housing will be different to, say, a developer.”
Debra said how humans treat animals “got me into the animal rights movement”. She’s written about the push on the Peninsula to rehabilitate wildlife and koala habitat, is the council’s delegate and chair for its liaison committee for Western Port Biosphere Reserve, and is a director on the Biosphere’s board.
A last word from Debra? “She took the leap and built her wings on the way down.”
MIKE HASTNAIDOC Week runs from July 2-9 with the theme For Our Elders, and the contribution of Indigenous Elders to our community is being highlighted on the Mornington Peninsula during the week and beyond with a range of events for all ages.
Mornington Library is holding a mini-art exhibition of Indigenous art curated from the civic collection from July 3-31. It’s free. On July 4 at 11am, the library will host a special Storytime to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Recommended for ages 3-8, it’s also free but bookings are essential.
On July 6 at 11am, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery will host an art workshop with Sammy Trist. Working with natural Indigenous materials, ochre and gum leaves, Sammy will help you explore your own connection to nature and show you how to create your own meaningful token of Country. The workshop costs $15.
Also at MPRG from now until September 3 is Layers of Blak. Described as powerful storytelling “bringing beauty to an ugly and brutal history” through exquisite contemporary jewellery, it’s an exhibition by 11 Victorian First Nations artists and designers who have “wrestled with colonial history to present their stories, layered with meaning – of healing, resilience, collaboration and empowerment”. Layers of Blak is presented by Koori Heritage Trust and admission is free.
On July 9 you can take part in a guided walk of The Briars wildlife sanctuary and Yidaki-led meditation with Living Culture Ltd. The cost is $46.50 for adults
and $36.50 for concessions/children, and bookings are essential.
Frankston is also holding a range of events and activities to honour the role that Elders have played and continue to play in the community. A stunning public art installation called Spirit Dreaming is on display until August 26 at the Glass Cube outside the Frankston Arts Centre in Davey St; Ceberio Johnson, an Indigenous blind photographer, exhibits works from July 6; and Yimba Yumba are joining Frankston City Libraries with a fun interactive program creating a space of curiosity, wonder and understanding of Aboriginal culture.
The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency’s Koorie Kids Playgroup meets at Montague Park Playgroup Hall in Bentley Place every Wednesday from 10.30am-1pm and caters exclusively to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. For more details, call Barb on 9108 3580.
Meanwhile, the Nairm Marr Djambana Southern Metro annual NAIDOC dinner dance/awards night will be held at Mornington Racecourse on Saturday, July 1.
Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation has begun its 2023 tree-planting season with the aim of planting 25,000 trees between now and October. “We have received amazing support from local authorities, property owners providing land for tree-planting, and the wider community,” president Dirk Jansen said. MPKC’s tree-planting projects raise awareness of wildlife and work to establish vegetation corridors to link fragmented areas of indigenous vegetation and increase the tree canopy across the Peninsula, mainly on private property.
Mr Jansen also invited more volunteers to join MPKC’s tree-planting days. “Many hands make light work, and it is very satisfying to be a part of a group of keen volunteers and plant 500 trees in just two or three hours,” he said. “It is a lovely way to start the weekend and is such a feel-good activity for many people.”
For the full planting schedule and registration options, go to https://bit.ly/3MBHpaG
In the realm of literature, few achievements rival the creation of a trilogy that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Mornington Peninsula author Marion Hughes began during her years as an English teacher at Padua College, where she specialised in teaching disengaged students and those with disabilities. It was within the confines of her classroom that she witnessed a surprising phenomenon: when introduced to traditional class novels, the boys in her class would recoil, their interest immediately waning.
Determined to ignite a passion for reading, Marion embarked on a quest to create something that would captivate her students. She delved into their interests, discovering a
fascination with the mysterious and the enigmatic –UFOs, disappearing ships and the like. Collaborating with a team of teachers from the school, Marion took charge of the writing while her colleagues conducted thorough research. The result was a series of stories, grammar books and enthralling narratives meticulously crafted to captivate their young minds. However, as Marion immersed herself in the creation of these intriguing stories, a realisation stirred within her: she had a desire to delve into the realm of high-action, fast-paced novels brimming with unexpected twists and turns. Inspired by her deep love for writing, she embarked on a journey to pen her first novel. Seeking a unique setting to captivate her readers wasn’t hard. Marion drew inspiration from her lifelong connection to the Peninsula. Though the names may be changed, the essence of the place breathes life into her narratives. Initially conceiving her story as a standalone novel, Marion's membership of the Sorrento writers group presented her with an opportunity for growth. Encouraged by her fellow writers, she transformed her tale into a trilogy, meticulously crafting the first book over several years, then a year-long process for the next two instalments. The first two novels, Watch Your Back and I’m Back, have already been released to acclaim, while the eagerly awaited final instalment, The Girl in the Background, will be in bookshops and online in October.
As a writer, Marion's ability to blend the threads of her personal experiences and adventures into her stories sets her apart. Travel has been a driving force in her life, leading her to explore far-flung corners of the world. From volunteering in Africa alongside majestic lions and elephants to immersing herself in the vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro and Thailand, Marion has soaked in the sights, sounds and scents of diverse cultures. These cherished memories, fused with her unwavering love for animals, adventure
and fitness, form the tapestry that embellishes her novels. Through her writing, Marion takes readers on a globetrotting adventure, transcending the boundaries and restrictions of a single location.
Her novels, while deeply rooted in the psychological thriller genre, venture beyond the mere solving of cases. Marion's true passion lies in exploring the depths of her characters' minds – unveiling their deviousness, secrets, and hidden motivations. With a firm grasp of the intricate psychology behind their actions, she skilfully imbues her stories with suspense and mystery. Ideas flow incessantly through her mind, even when her computer is not at hand, and she adorns her living space with colourful sticky notes as ideas pop into her head. Her writing process combines structure with spontaneity as she delves into the motivations of her characters.
With an unquenchable thirst for storytelling, Marion ensures her readers are always left wanting more. With the third instalment of her trilogy on the horizon, she is poised to cement her status as an author of great talent. As she embarks on a series of library talks across Victoria to engage with readers, Marion's dedication to her craft promises to spark the imaginations of those fortunate enough to cross her path and crack open the spines of her thrilling books.
You can follow Marion on Facebook and Instagram at @marionhughesbooks and visit her website at http:// marionhughesbooks.weebly.com
SARAH HALFPENNY
On Friday, June 2, the highly anticipated launch of the I Am Enough documentary took place at McClelland Gallery, gathering a vibrant crowd of 150 supporters and friends. Spearheaded by Jodie Belyea, the founder of the Women's Spirit Project, this event marked a significant milestone.
The documentary, expertly filmed by Thomas Barnes from Colossal Films, showcased the powerful stories of four incredible women: Jan Baker, Adele Paterson, Mel F, and Kim Taylor. Their experiences shed light on the
profound impact of trauma on their lives. Supported with commentary from Juanita Sanger, Dr Jasmine Charles, and Women’s Health in the South East CEO Kit McMahon, the documentary underscored the crucial role of the WSP in aiding women on their journey of healing and recovery.
The WSP is dedicated to inspiring, empowering and supporting women in their pursuit to transform their lives by providing free and accessible fitness, health and well-being activities specifically tailored for women who are recovering from trauma and seeking to reclaim their lives with the support of other women.
“Thank you to all our friends and supporters for attending the night and donating their time, money and goods to keep supporting women in our community,” Jodie said. “A heartfelt thanks to Julian Pocock and George Giuliani from the Common Goodness Foundation and Shannon Smit from SMART Business Solutions for funding the documentary, helping us host the night, and delivering these vital initiatives in the Frankston, Kingston and Mornington Peninsula communities.”
Jodie also acknowledged the ongoing advocacy efforts of Dunkley federal Labor MP Peta Murphy, who she said had been instrumental in advancing the cause of the WSP. The support from local government – namely Mayor Nathan Conroy of Frankston City Council, Mayor Sadi Haad from Kingston Council, and councillors Claire Harvey, Sue Baker, Sarah Race, Despi O'Connor, Antonelli Celli, and Deputy Mayor Chris Hill – was deemed invaluable in furthering the organisation's
mission.
A special shout-out was given to Angela Limanis, the talented auctioneer from Ray White, who alongside Cr Conroy played a pivotal role in the successful and fun-filled auction, raising an astounding $39,000. The exceptional work of the MCs and WSP directors Dr Catherine Baird and Kathy Heffernan kept the event on track and ensured a memorable evening for all in attendance.
For those who missed the first showing of the documentary, a second screening will be held on July 22 in Frankston at a much lower admission cost to ensure access to the event, particularly for disadvantaged women. The screening will be held in combination with a soul-nurturing women’s circle called I Am Enough and the launch of two new programs: the Women’s Spirit Circles, and Catch Up & Connect walks, which are a great opportunity to get out of the house despite the weather and connect with a like-minded group in a non-competitive, empowering environment. The first walk will be on July 30 from 9.3011.30am at Frankston Reservoir.
Details and bookings are available via Facebook and Instagram @TheWomensSpiritProject
The next Spirit of Transformation program will be delivered on the Peninsula from August to November. Visit https://womensspiritproject.org/spirit-oftransformation-2023/ for more information and to submit an application.
SARAH HALFPENNY
Australian TV production legend
Bob Phillips has published an updated edition of his showbiz and TV memoir, Like No Other Business. First published in 2005 with the subtitle 50 years of Oz TV, Bob has updated the book, justifying the new subtitle: 60 years of Oz TV.
Peninsula residents have had a ringside seat to the Bob Phillips story since he and his actor wife Judy Banks, who had a long career in showbiz on stage and TV, moved to Moorooduc 40 years ago. They set up the media museum TV World at Moorooduc Coolstores in 1988, where Judy also ran her school of television, and they presented a showbiz radio show, Sugar and Spice, on Radio Port Phillip. Sugar and Spice aired on RPP FM for more than 25 years. It was a rollicking and hilarious extension of their TV days with a procession of luminaries coming on the program.
Bob grew up in Melbourne’s northern suburbs and became obsessed with “showbiz” after seeing his first film at a children’s party in a public hall. His “running away with the circus” moment was getting a job as a spool boy for Hoyts cinemas, where he was later a projectionist. He joined Channel 9’s film department in 1959, three years after TV started, triggered by the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
At Nine he aspired to be a TV cameraman, but then set his sights on becoming a floor manager. His first big job was on Graham Kennedy’s In Melbourne Tonight (195769). “I was the man down on the set with the producer in his booth yelling into my headset,” he said with a grin. He became that booth man when he was appointed producer of IMT. Bob produced many of Nine’s stars: Kennedy, Bert Newton, Don Lane, Ernie Sigley, Steve Vizard and Daryl Somers; he was also Somers’ manager for a time.
Bob said the book is not an autobiography, serious history or expose, but “a portrait of the Australian entertainment industry from the 1950s to present”. It’s how modern media started. Making the pages are Channel 9’s then-owners Frank Packer and his son Kerry as well as Johnny O’Keefe, Brian Henderson, John Farnham, Johnny Young, The Seekers, Peter Faiman and
Mike Walsh. There’s Happy Hammond, Princess Panda, Joff Ellen, Philip Brady, Bruce Mansfield, Tommy Hanlon Jnr, Molly Meldrum and more – a complete list would fill this page alone.
Bob moved to Channel 0 – later Channel 10 – in the late 1960s where he met Judy. They were in the team making the successful morning show Fredd Bear’s Breakfast-A-Go-Go, parts of which later inspired Hey Hey It’s Saturday (1971-99), which Bob produced in the 1990s.
In the early 1970s, Bob started a talent agency and began making pop music video clips, the first being for Ron Tudor’s Fable Records – Show Me the Way with Brian Cadd and Don Mudie. By 1972 Bob was back at Nine, producing The Graham Kennedy Show (1972-75) and his successors, Sigley and Lane.
Nowadays he’s in demand on the ABC and 3AW whenever another TV celebrity shuffles off the mortal coil. Still sharp and fit at 82, he has a good memory. “There’s not many of us left from the old days,” he said. “Mike McColl-Jones is my closest friend and we catch up quite often.” McColl-Jones, 85, is regarded as one of the best comedy writers from the golden age of Australian TV.
Bob’s book is a wonderful read for Boomers and anyone interested in the past 70 years of Oz TV. It is available online from Booktopia.com or Exlibris.com
MIKE HAST
More than 80 buildings and places across the Peninsula have been identified as warranting heritage protection. Ranging from historical homes and architecture award-winning modern houses to churches, halls, reserves and memorials, the properties have been recommended for inclusion in the Mornington Peninsula planning scheme’s heritage overlay to help secure their protection against development.
Mornington Peninsula Shire recently commissioned what it described as “one of the largest reviews of heritage places in the Western Port and hinterland region in nearly 25 years” by RBA Architects & Conservation Consultants. “The review identifies places recommended for heritage protection and specifies what, how and why a place is significant and the specific planning controls that should be applied to protect it,” the shire said. “The heritage overlay ensures heritage places on the Peninsula are conserved and enhanced and that new development does not adversely impact the significance of heritage places.”
Among the properties recommended for inclusion are Bittern Community Hall, the Crib Point War and Tingira Memorial, St
Mary’s Catholic Church in Hastings, Moorooduc Quarry Fauna and Flora Reserve at Mount Eliza, Red Hill Show pavilion, Hotel Somerville, and a 158-year-old oak tree in Mornington. The shire said it had contacted all affected property owners to inform them of the consultants’ recommendations and seek their feedback. It’s also hosting several in-person community sessions from July 10-23 where owners can find out what the recommendations might mean for their land. For details of the sessions and to view the reports, visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/ heritagereview
The Peninsula’s newest Landcare group is for young people aged 18-35. It was formed by Amy Henson, who works in environmental land management, with the support of Mornington Peninsula’s Landcare facilitator Chantal Morton and Melbourne Water.
Known as Mornington Peninsula Intrepid Landcare, members have formed a roving squad to assist the region’s 12 Landcare groups. Intrepid Landcare groups have been forming around Australia since 2015. They are tailored to suit young people and provide leadership training and help them become involved in Landcare as well as natural resource management, sustainability and climate action.
Amy said the Peninsula had a good network of Landcare and friends groups, but there was a “lack of young people volunteering for the environment”. Since Intrepid started in 2021, it’s hosted educational, weeding and “capacity building events across the Peninsula aimed at engaging and inspiring young people”.
“One successful event was a walk and talk at Arthurs Seat (Aboriginal name: Wonga) with members of Sheepwash Creek Landcare, learning about geology and flora of the area, and identifying sallow wattle and other pest plants,” she said. “Lunch at a nearby cafe in Dromana was a highlight. The social side of Intrepid is important.”
Mark Fancett, of the Sheepwash Creek group, said the Intrepid crew “enjoyed ‘walking and weeding’ through Arthurs Seat State Park It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm to improve our local environment. As
many of our Landcare groups consist of older residents, it is important to involve younger members of the community to ensure the ongoing success of Landcare”.
In summer there was a walk and talk at Point Nepean National Park (Mon Mon) with plant specialist Gidja Walker.
“This year we secured Melbourne Water funding to host a Nature Connection Camp in early April to showcase the Peninsula’s biodiversity, highlight positive environmental work being done and continue to grow Intrepid,” Amy said. “We had a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony on Western Port’s Jacks Beach, talks by Dolphin Research Institute and Western Port Biosphere members, a boat trip, a cultural bush tucker walk with Lionel Lauch, and visited Uncommon Folk regenerative farm. There was tree planting, campfire chats, and spotlighting for native animals.”
A grant will fund a Next Generation course to teach 10 people plant identification, bushland regeneration and fauna monitoring. “The sessions will be held on biolink properties and be very valuable due to the lack of conservation management courses at TAFEs.
“Another event we’ve run in the past two years with Casey Lee of Parks Victoria and Friends of Coolart is Coolart Conversations, where environmental specialists present research at Coolart Wetlands and Homestead.”
Amy lived in Europe with her family before moving to Australia at 11. Her love of nature was inspired by hiking holidays in Europe and travelling overseas in her 20s. “Seeing significant environmental degradation and threats from climate change led to forming the Intrepid group.”
Amy attended Frankston High and studied environmental science at Deakin. Her first job was as a firefighter with Parks Victoria during the Black Summer fires of 2019-20. She’s worked as a ranger at Coolart and in the Northern Territory, and with Frankston Council.
“Lack of affordable housing, the insecurity of renting and trying to meet the cost of living makes it harder for young people to foster a strong connection to and ownership of reserves and parks. We encourage the next generation of environmental champions by offering a range of events and activities that don’t require a huge commitment and are focused on learning and connection to improve biodiversity.”
MP Intrepid Landcare is on Instagram and Facebook @MPILandcare, or email mpilandcare@ gmail.com
The Frankston Business Collective CEO Lunch on June 8 at Hotel Lona was a new initiative to bring together their Board, premier members and strategic partners to thank them for their support and to network with other business leaders and importantly hear from business leaders in the Frankston area.
Photos supplied
Spend a day in picturesque Mount Eliza Village. With its charming tree-lined streets, this small-town haven offers a vibrant community filled with independent retail stores, beloved cafes, restaurants, and artisan food purveyors. Awarded complementary health providers and beauty therapists of all specialties make it a hidden gem for some well-needed rejuvenation through the colder months. Whether you are seeking a unique shopping or dining experience, wellness, or the skills of boutique professional services, Mount Eliza has it all.
Follow us on Facebook @MtElizaVillage and Instagram @mteliza_village for what’s happening in the best- kept secret on the Mornington Peninsula.
Butterken Bakery: Organic artisan bakery dedicated to handcrafting sourdough bread. German flare with authentic pretzels, rye breads and cake. Seating, coffee and sandwiches are also available.
New trading hours: Tue-Fri: 8-4 Sat-Sun: 8-2
Shop 2/54 Mount Eliza Way, P: 7042 1010, IG: butterken_bakery FB: @Butterkenbakery
Sonsie Boutique: A stylish curation of high-quality clothing and accessories designed in Australia and New Zealand for the modern woman.
5/54 Mount Eliza Way, P:5909 0995 sonsieboutique.com.au
TJ Sparks Real Estate: Unlocking your dream home with expertise, passion, and a personal touch.
68 Mount Eliza Way, P: 9787 4411, tjsparks.com.au
Anabella Hair Studio: Priding themselves on their education, passion and knowledge of haircutting, colouring and styling.
Shop 4/87 Mount Eliza Way, P: 9708 8288
IG: @anabellahairstudio
Smokers Butcher: Savour the finest cuts and flavours at Smokers artisan butcher shop. Serving all your Christmas favs this July.
52 Mount Eliza Way, P: 5910 4773
IG: @smokersbutchery
The Sandbar Café: Indulge in the perfect blend of flavours with Sandbar’s café and catering services. Bespoke celebration cakes made to order.
104 Mount Eliza Way, P: 9787 2521
FB: @sandbarcafemounteliza
IG: @sandbarcafemounteliza
Peninsula Endermologie: Wellness and cellulite solutions. Book your consultation online.
120 Humphries Road, P: 0434 946 209 peninsulaendermologie.com
IG: @peninsula.endermologie
Eliza Legal: Compassionate and dedicated family and conveyancing lawyers providing personalised guidance and solutions for your legal needs.
21-23 Ranelagh Drive, P: 9776 3260 elizalegal.com.au
Canadian Bay Hotel: Enjoy a classic Sunday roast for lunch and dinner. Open 7 days with live music Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Function room available.
35 Ranelagh Dr, P. 9775 2331
IG @canadianbayhotel FB@canadianbayhotel
Michelle White Weddings : Michelle is a warm and joyful celebrant dedicated to celebrating life and love in all its glorious forms.
P: 0402 408 694, michellewhiteweddings.com.au
IG: @michellewhiteweddings
Peninsula Paediatric Psychology: Neuro-affirming clinic with a strengths and needs approach to supporting children, families and schools.
187 Mount Eliza Way, P: 9119 4433 3ppsychologies.com
The paddle steamer James Watt was about 46m long and rigged as a threemasted schooner. She would have looked very similar to this illustration.
Our earliest settlers must have been amazed to see a steam-powered vessel less than two years after their arrival at Port Phillip. The ship was the paddle steamer James Watt, which was built by Humble and Hunry at Liverpool in 1824. Bought in 1836 by a Sydney company, she arrived on February 18, 1837, becoming the second steamer to reach NSW from Great Britain. The first was the paddle steamer Sophia Jane, which arrived in Sydney in May 1831. Both of these vessels made their way to Australia under sail because they could not carry enough coal for such a long passage.
After a passage of nearly four months, the James Watt had her paddles refitted and was prepared for the service to Hobart and the settlement at Port Phillip. Fitting out took until the end of April and she sailed for Hobart on May 4. The passage was rather slow, as she did not arrive until the night of May 18. After unloading and taking on cargo, she was back in Sydney on May 29. Her first round trip of 25 days showed that, although luxuriously appointed and wellengined, she was not ideal for the service. Being slow and requiring large amounts
of coal meant she was not an economical vessel on longer routes.
On her second southern voyage, which began on June 18, the James Watt arrived at Launceston on June 26 after a stop at Twofold Bay for coal. She then crossed Bass Strait and arrived at Melbourne on July 4 to become the first steam-powered vessel to arrive here. The passengers presented the captain, John Taggart, with a gift and a letter of thanks for his “great kindness and attention received since our departure from Sydney and Launceston”.
The James Watt made several voyages to Newcastle and the Clarence River and another five visits to Port Phillip before she was seriously damaged in a storm on November 3, 1837, while on passage to Launceston and Port Phillip. After being repaired she made no further voyages to the southern colonies, being used in the coastal trade from Wollongong in the south to Moreton Bay in the north. She was broken up in 1847.
MAURIE HUTCHINSON
President, Peninsula Ship Society
T: 9787 5780
E: mauriehutch@gmail.com
The Peninsula Ship Society meets at Hastings Yacht Club at 10am on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except November and December). Visitors are welcome.
Winter Harvest: Charlie
Harvest exhibition at Butterfly Red Hill kicked off with a successful opening night on Friday, June 16, and wrapped up with a well-attended family day on Sunday, June 18. The exhibition was opened by Peninsula artist Michael Leeworthy and supported by Frogs Pond Vineyard, Paringa Estate Winery, Burnley Brewing and Three Bays Mineral Water. The family day included a Smoking Ceremony with the Bunurong Land Council, live performances by Loz Morris and Simon Ranik, vinyl grooves from Shane Healy, and activities for the kids. Find out more at charlieryan.com.au
Looking north in July, the wonderful globular cluster M5 is high in the sky. 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. Sitting high in the southern skies, Scorpius is easy to spot this month. Nearby is the constellation Sagittarius, which is famous for the ‘Teapot’ asterism formed by some of its brightest stars. When you look towards Sagittarius and Scorpius, you are peering towards the centre of the Milky Way galaxy. This whole region is full of rich and beautiful star fields that are great to explore using binoculars.
At this time of the year the constellation Sagittarius offers some exceptional deep-sky objects. The globular cluster M22 is visible to the naked eye if you have good observing conditions. The Lagoon
Nebula, or M8, lying above the spout of the Teapot, is a glowing cloud of gas. Other famous deep-sky objects in Sagittarius are visible through a telescope, including the Trifid Nebula, or M20. Beside Sagittarius, Scorpius contains the bright open clusters M6 and M7, which remain high in the sky this month. To the north in the constellation Serpens Cauda, the Tail of the Serpent, lies the open cluster M16 in the much fainter Eagle Nebula.
Venus and Mars will make a close approach, passing within just over 3 degrees of each other on July 1. They will be too widely separated to fit within the field of view of a telescope, but will be visible to the naked eye or through a pair of binoculars. Then on July 12 there will be a close approach of the moon and Jupiter, passing within just over 1 degree of each other.
July 5 will see Venus at its highest altitude in the evening sky, and July 10 at its greatest brightness.
The peak of three meteor showers – the Piscis Austrinids, Alpha Capricornids, and Southern Delta Aquariids – will occur on July 29 and 30.
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
Fresh Pastries and cakes made daily by a dedicated team
July 14 is a national holiday in France, a day of celebration. The date commemorates Bastille Day, the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789 that saw an uprising where people stormed the Bastille prison, protesting at oppression and calling for liberty, equality and fraternity for all French citizens. In France the day is formally known as Fête Nationale Française, which translates as ‘French National Celebration’, or informally as Quatorze Juillet, which translates as ‘July 14’.
One of the focal events in France on this day is a military parade along Paris’s Champs-Elysées. The parade was first held on July 14, 1880, and is the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe. In the evening the sky erupts with fireworks, and revellers around the country dance the night away.
Of course, no celebration would be complete without fabulous French food and wine. Mornington Peninsula Magazine says pop into Chocolat of Mornington for some delicious treats baked in the French style. Or head down to Le Capucin at the beach shops in Portsea and while away the day with everything French. Both Chocolat and Le Capucin make it easy to find something deliciously French to enjoy. Bon appétit!
Bienvenue and relax inside or on our terrasse and partake in a little sustenance, you can take some picnic items and stroll just a few steps to the beach and iconic Portsea Pier. Or perhaps pick up something from our selection of Meals For You At Home. Á bientot.
Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, the end of the financial year is here and it’s time to talk tax. It might not be the world’s most appealing topic, but personal and professional financial matters can be made easier with the help of experts. You wouldn’t try to build your own house if you weren’t a qualified builder, so unless you’re a finance expert, why try to work out all your tax on your own?
And while talking tax doesn’t sound like much fun, the start of the new financial year is a great time to review what worked financially for you and what didn’t over the past 12 months. Mindset experts will tell you attitude is everything, even when it comes to balancing the books. Take a look through Mornington Peninsula Magazine’s special feature and seek out expert assistance close to home.
Retirement is an exciting prospect for most people. We spend years looking forward to it. But it can also be a little daunting, especially if you are not financially focused. This is where Deborah and Autumn Financial come in. Deborah has more than 20 years’ experience guiding pre-retirees and retirees through their financial futures.
“I'm focused on helping people prepare for retirement and making the most of their lifestyle,” Deborah said. “Our retirement advice and services are designed to help our clients achieve their lifestyle goals and manage their finances. We specialise in preretirement wealth accumulation and saving strategies, including their transition to retirement strategies and post-retirement incomes and investment preservation.”
Deborah's business is centred on building lasting client relationships in a relaxed and warm environment. “You won't find boardrooms in my office,” she said. “I'm empathetic, and I enjoy getting to know my clients.”
For more information or to book an appointment with Deborah, head to her website.
AUTUMN FINANCIAL
A: Unit 3, 27 Virginia St, Mornington
T: 8899 6200
W: www.autumnfinancial.com.au
FB: autumnfinancial/
•
Not all accountants are created equal. In these times of constant uncertainty, you need a financial team on your side that understands how to navigate the changes ensuring your finances are managed effectively to better benefit you and your business. You need a team that is constantly upskilled in their compliance and technical training to ensure the accounting service you receive is 100 per cent current with the ever-changing tax rules.
With more than 15 years in operation looking after the finances of Mornington Peninsula’s business owners and
individuals, our team are in it for the long haul. Each of the people at SMART Business Solutions are here because we are genuine in our mission to do better –better for ourselves and better for you. We develop long-term partnerships with our clients to educate, inspire and increase their financial position, so they have the choice as to how they spend their time in the business, with family, and when they want to retire.
We understand that changing accountants is kind of a big deal. That's why we offer a complimentary, no-stringsattached 30-minute Discovery Meeting. Now is the time to make the switch to SMART Business Solutions, Mornington Peninsula’s most awarded accounting firm.
SMART BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Level 1/328 Main St, Mornington
W: www.smartbusinesssolutions.com.au
We understand that changing accountants is kind of a big deal.
We also understand there is more that can and should be done to help you reach your business and personal goals. life.
With a complimentary, no-strings-attached 30-minute Discovery Meeting, now is the time to get a second opinion.
Cornish College's visionary Strategy Story – Toward 2030 has been recognised with an Excellence Award at the prestigious Australian Education Awards 2023. The college is one of eight schools nationally to be recognised for having the best strategic plan, with the winner to be announced on August 11.
The Cornish College Strategy Story – Toward 2030 is the work of a community committed to making a difference, a community of changemakers with a strong belief that education for this generation of young people can and must be better than ever before. The award is a great testament to all those in the Cornish College community who contributed to the development of the Strategy Story, and the college is very proud of this fantastic achievement.
In addition to this award, primary teacher and academic care team leader Darren Thresher has been selected as
a recipient of the prestigious Teaching Innovation Fellowship, which is awarded by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership to teachers who have demonstrated excellence in their field. It aims to empower and support outstanding teachers in becoming catalysts for change within their respective schools and the broader education system.
Each fellowship provides recipients with essential resources, including funding, professional learning opportunities, and mentoring, enabling them to design and implement a 12-month innovation project at their schools.
Darren’s project will concentrate on enhancing mathematical problemsolving skills and developing mathematical vocabulary among students in Years 5 and 6. The college looks forward to seeing the development of his project over the coming year.
CORNISH COLLEGE
A: 65 Riverend Rd, Bangholme
T: 9781 9000
W: www.cornishcollege.vic.edu.au
There’s something going on in Mornington. There is a hip vibe if you get off the beaten track and discover some of the new haunts that add to the fun of shopping and eating out. In Mornington, just over the Nepean Highway away from the hustle and bustle of Main St, you’ll find the hidden treasures of the Mornington industrial area to explore. These include awesome new businesses as well as many that have called this ‘side’ home for decades.
A discerning, creative crowd is evident in these back streets. Interest from business and retail outlets looking to set up shop in the area has grown considerably since the dreaded pandemic, and now there’s an eclectic mix of offerings drawing curious people to the location. You’ll discover everything from adult dance studios to perfect fit footwear. Check out one of our favourites, Locked In Escape Rooms, offering fun for all. Don’t forget this is also the home of locksmith services, car repairers and timber for all purposes. You can even find a place to make your fireside dream a reality at Ignite Fireside Studio. Need new window coverings? Shades of Australia has you covered.
Build your brand with Oraco, our own local agency of creatives and communicators. Mornington Peninsula Magazine has dedicated this feature to some of the businesses making the Mornington industrial area the magnet that it is for those who are looking for something a little different. You won’t find fast fashion, massproduced furniture or fast food here. Think artisan, original, crafted with intent, and you’re on the right track.
Active Feet Mornington puts your comfort and health first. We're dedicated to helping you find the perfect fit for all occasions. Discover the perfect shoe to support your every step at Active Feet Mornington. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalised attention and finding the right shoe for your unique needs. Utilising the latest technology, such as video gait analysis, we ensure that you receive the best possible shoes,
whether you’re looking for walking shoes or training for a marathon.
We understand that every client is different, and our team takes the time to listen to your concerns to find a shoe that provides both support and comfort. Don’t settle for ill-fitting shoes that leave you feeling uncomfortable.
Active Feet Mornington offers a wide range of shoes including walking, casual, running, hiking, and trail shoes. With podiatrists onsite everyday, we offer the complete solution from foot-care to footwear. Visit us today and let us help you put your best foot forward.
Coastal BM Workshop is Mornington’s local BMW specialist for all mechanical services and repairs since 1988
• Only Shell oils used, recommended by BMW manufacturer • Fully equipped workshop • Using the latest diagnostic equipment
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Mornington-Tyabb Road, Mornington (opposite steeples) 5976 3633 | www.coastalbmw.com.au |
Emma Shanahan is a born and bred Peninsula girl with a passion for all things design, making and creating. As a toddler she was constantly scribbling on her parents’ walls; when she ran out of walls she turned to fashion, deciding that drawing and painting on clothing would provide endless options. Emma loved arts and textiles at school and studied a Bachelor of Arts in Textile Design at RMIT before completing her Master’s in Education, majoring in Visual Arts.
Emma has been with Pole and Aerial Divas Mornington for more than 12 years, including the past eight as an instructor. In 2016, she created the brand Ambr. Designs – her Nan suggesting she incorporate the colour of her hair but with a twist on the spelling. Ambr. began as large patterned round towels that Emma would sell at markets, and from a small business in her parents’ bungalow it quickly morphed into an activewear label specialising in pole wear. All items are designed by Emma, and all are sustainably made and suitable for the gym, dance studio, beach and everyday grind. Emma creates and paints all the patterns by hand before they are digitised and placed on each garment. Being in the fitness and pole industry has given Emma the knowledge to create garments with the perfect fit, shape and style for all dancers. Ambr. celebrates women of all ages, shapes and sizes and releases up to four times a year.
In 2022 Emma branched out to make Ambr. full time as well as continuing to teach pole dancing. What started as an interest has grown into a beautiful
business that sells locally, nationally and internationally. “It still blows my mind that my little market biz that I was running out of my parents’ bungalow is what it is today, and I am beyond blessed,” she said.
AMBR. DESIGNS
A: 6/4 Torca Tce, Mornington
T: 0408 508 581
W: www.ambrdesigns.com
FB: ambrdesigns
INSTA: ambr.designs
Winter on the Mornington Peninsula is a wonderful time to go exploring. The fresh air and impressive scenery create the perfect backdrop for an exceptional experience. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, there are plenty of things to do. From truffle hunting with Red Hill Truffles to sampling local delights at one of the many Peninsula markets, there’s no shortage of attractions to entice you outside.
If winter for you is more about comfort, good food and warmth, why not cosy up with a hearty meal in front of the open fire at Hickinbotham of Dromana, check out the new Allis Wine Bar at Ten Minutes by Tractor, enjoy a meal at Bistro 62 at Rosebud Country Club, or meet some friends down at Jetty Road Brewery and try a limitedrelease dark winter brew.
Other cosy winter haunts include Canadian Bay Hotel, Dromana Estate and the newly reopened T’Gallant.
Immerse your senses in the magic and wonder of winter on the Mornington Peninsula.
We are a unique vineyard with rustic charm, stunning views overlooking Martha Cove and Dromana, not to mention an open fire and hearty food.
We have a new mid-week excuse for a lunch date with mates.
*Order a dish from our smaller plates menu & receive one complimentary.
The lunch date offer applies to dishes from the smaller plate menu, which has over ten not-so-small plates to choose from; the meatballs and housemade croquettes are a must, along with lamb skewers.
*Lunch date offer is valid for July and August 2023
Wednesday & Thursday, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
*Complimentary dish of equal or lesser value
*One offer per person/couple | *There are vegetarian options
194 Nepean Hwy, Dromana | P. 5981 0355 | www.hickinbotham.biz
Sometimes it can be tricky finding the perfect gift for someone, especially when it seems they have everything. So why not go for something totally unique: a one-off marine-inspired artwork from She Shell Art
By Miffy.This driftwood tree of life wall artwork is part of Mount Martha artist Miffy Pittaway’s personal collection and took her more than two months to meticulously and methodically handcraft. The intricate design has been decorated with 40-year-old seashells collected from Victorian beaches and includes fishing lures that Miffy found washed ashore. None of the shells she uses come from live, critically endangered, threatened or exotic species.
You can find out more about this evocative piece on the She Shell Art website; if you would like to see it up
PENINSULA MUSIC SOCIETY HAS PLEASURE IN PRESENTING
AMIR FARID
Piano Recital Saturday 6 August 2023 at 2:30pm
Free parking. Seats are not reserved. Book online at https://pmsmusic.asn.au
close and personal before you buy, give Miffy a call on 0400 178 635 or send her an email and she’ll be only too happy to arrange a private viewing.
So whether you’re looking for a special gift for a special person or wanting to bring the seaside into your home to create a coastal vibe, check out Miffy’s stunning creations at She Shell Art.
SHE SHELL ART BY MIFFY
M: 0400 178 635
E: miffypittaway@live.com.au
W: sheshellartbymiffy.godaddysites.com
FB: facebook.com/Miffyshells
INSTA: sheshellartbymiffy
Peninsula Music Society invites you to enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon concert with pianist Amir Farid on August 6 at 2.30pm at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Mornington.
Amir is a New York-based IranianAustralian solo pianist, associate artist and chamber musician. He has performed concerti with the major Australian orchestras and his numerous recordings are heard frequently on radio stations throughout Australia and internationally.
Amir has also performed many times for the Peninsula Music Society both as a soloist and as pianist with the Benaud Trio, and his passionate and sensitive style is always entrancing.
This concert will feature works by Schubert, Kerry and Schumann. Tickets: adult $55, senior/pensioner $50, under-30s $25, school students free. For further information and bookings, go to https://pmsmusic. asn.au
PENINSULA MUSIC SOCIETY
T: 0409 955 878
W: https://pmsmusic.asn.au
FB: PeninsulaMusicSociety
Derinya Arts and Craft Exhibition – or DACE, as it's lovingly known – is back for 2023 after a three-year gap. Hosted by Derinya Primary School, this influential art show celebrates its 45th year from July 14-16.
The event is managed by a dedicated volunteer committee of school families and staff and is a major fundraiser for the school. With a fresh new logo, new parents on the committee and a new principal at the school, DACE is poised and ready for the future.
Opening night on Friday, July 14, will give you the opportunity to have first dibs on the artwork, and tickets can be bought from the exhibition website for $50. With more than 3000 tickets expected to be sold, make sure you secure yours to see some of the best local artists and crafters around.
“It’s incredibly exciting to bring DACE back this year in what will be my and many other families' first experience of the art show,” said principal Nadine Pye. “The children and our committee of families are working hard to make the event bigger and better than ever. We've selected the best artists and artisans to showcase their work for sale. We hope our community will support us this July.”
DACE would not be possible without its sponsors, and the school is very fortunate to have Impact Realty Group as the Foundation Sponsors this year. For a full list of all 14 sponsors and more information about DACE, go to derinyaartexhibition.com
DERINYA PRIMARY SCHOOL
A: Overport Rd, Frankston South T: 9787 3633
W: www.derinyaartexhibition.com
14
FRIDAY JULY 28
SATURDAY JULY 29
Felix Riebl in concert: 5.30-7.30pm, Beleura House & Garden, Mornington; pre-show drinks and canapes; The Cat Empire co-founder performs songs from his latest album with guitarist Kathleen Halloran; bookings essential; admission $60/concession $55; https://bit.ly/46dGsyF
FRIDAY JULY 14
Soul Night Market: 5-9pm, Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Rd, Mornington; festive, foodie and makers market;
https://bit.ly/3pmHOpW
The Affinity Quartet: 5.30-7.30pm, Beleura House & Garden, Mornington; pre-show drinks and canapes; The Affinity Quartet bring an extraordinary accomplishment to a program of Mozart and Mendelssohn; bookings essential; admission $55/concession $50; https://bit.ly/3XoOFM4
Melbourne Street Food Awards Heat 2: 5-8pm, Food Yard Mornington, 1000A Nepean Highway, Mornington; finding and celebrating Melbourne’s best multicultural street food trucks and stands; Melbourne foodies decide who will go through to the grand final and be crowned Melbourne’s best; https://bit. ly/41W693o
WEDNESDAY JULY 19
The 5ifth (5th) Market: 10am-2pm, Chelsea Bicentennial Park, Scotch Pde, Chelsea; 120+ makers & food stalls set around beautiful walking track, https://bit.ly/42XnadI
FRIDAY JULY 14 - SUNDAY JULY 16
Derinya Art + Craft Exhibition: Derinya Primary School, 119 Overport Rd, Frankston South; gala night July 14, art show Saturday 15 & Sunday 16; influential art show returns after three-year gap to celebrate its 45th year; secure your ticket to see some of the best professional artists and crafters around; https://bit.ly/3PxBt61
Peninsula Business Networking Fundraiser: 6-8pm, Escape Brewing, 2/12 Suffolk St, Capel Sound; Supporting three local charities: Orwil Street Community House for mental health consultations; Southern Peninsula Community Support for personal care items; and Saltbush Balnarring Beach to buy heaters for its cottages. Tickets $60; To book go to www. peninsulabusinessnetwork.org.au or phone Merrin on 0409 821 685.
FRIDAY AUGUST 4
Soul Night Market: 5-9pm, Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Rd, Mornington; festive, foodie and makers market
https://bit.ly/3pmHOpW
Peninsula-based artist Ceberio (Ceb) Johnson was thrilled to win first place in the 2022 Open Exhibition at Frankston Arts Centre for his joyous photographic self-portrait titled Ceb and Early, in which he embraces his equally happy rescue dog, Early. The artwork was recognised for the joy and spontaneity of its subjects and captured Ceb’s remarkable fortitude and optimism.
As a blind photographer, Ceb asks his audience to be his eyes: “I take the photo of my moments, then they see the moment for me.”
Ceb presents a photographic exhibition titled Your Eyes. My Heart at Frankston Arts Centre, featuring images taken during a recent trip back to his birthplace in the Northern Territory.
“Last time I was there I could see everyone and everything. I know what everything looks like so I know what I’m taking pictures of, but not exactly. It was hard making sure the camera is straight and not wonky. I
hope people feel like they are in red sand with me seeing what I can feel. You feel it out there, like you can feel the ocean here.”
To explore the works in Your Eyes. My
We all know how special the Mornington Peninsula is. Freeman Family Law have been assisting clients on the Peninsula with family law matters for over two decades and have been part of the community. We know local issues and concerns.
Our small team is well-equipped to handle every case with care and expertise to achieve the best possible outcome. We pride ourselves on providing practical, objective, and realistic advice at all times. We deliver city expertise with the local touch. Our team is highly sought-after. See the reviews from our grateful clients on our website.
Family law matters are often delicate and emotionally charged, and navigating the legal system without proper guidance can be overwhelming. While many family lawyers operate on the Mornington Peninsula, few are accredited family law specialists. We are.
At Freeman Family Law, we have been assisting clients with divorce or separation, complex financial and property issues, as well as advice on parenting and wills and estates since 1992. Book an appointment with an accredited family law specialist online or at one of our offices in Mornington or Dromana.
Take care of your family while we take care of your rights.
GRAEME FREEMAN – principal, Freeman Family Law
FREEMAN FAMILY LAW
A: G7/786 Esplanade, Mornington & Shop 7/217 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana
T: 5947 4836
W: www.freemanfamilylaw.com.au
FB: FreemanFamilyLaw
INSTA: FreemanFamilyLaw
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Entering the Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards is an excellent opportunity to share your business’s accomplishments in business excellence, innovation and sustainability and receive recognition for your hard work. Any business located within the Mornington Peninsula Shire municipality is eligible to enter, whatever their business size. Entries close August 14. Here is what the 2022 winners of the Creative and Agriculture and Manufacturing categories shared when asked what bringing home an award meant to them:
“Winning the recent Business Excellence Award in the Creative Industry category felt like an official stamp of validation for what we worked so hard for over the last eight years. It was a
huge boost and helped us get to know and connect with like-minded business owners living right here on the Peninsula.” Kerstin Begley, founder of Little Woodworkers
“The process for entering the awards allowed me to reflect on what our business has achieved over the last 12 months or so, but also our journey since we started four years ago. It’s a great way to realise all the great things that have happened since we opened and makes all the hard work worthwhile. But then to be told you are the winner – that is an amazing feeling!” Richard Jeffares, CEO and founder of Two Bays Brewing Co
To find out more, access frequently asked questions and submit a nomination, visit mpbusiness.com.au/businessawards
The 2023 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards are supported by MP News Group, Mornington Peninsula Magazine, 3MP and Chisholm Institute.
The Mornington Peninsula’s first Small Business Festival will offer a month-long program of opportunities for professional development, networking and knowledgesharing to inspire new, innovative ways of thinking.
Local businesses are invited to ‘pick and mix’ from the program of curated events covering a wide range of topics, from social media marketing and business planning to grant-writing, workforce building and financial management, among many others. In addition to inspiring presentations and practical workshops, there will be several networking events for individuals to make new business connections and engage with and learn from like-minded people.
Some of the highlights not to be missed are:
The official launch, hosted at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery: Enjoy breakfast, followed by an inspiring presentation from keynote speaker Mark McCrindle. Mark is an award-winning
social researcher, influential thought-leader, TEDx speaker and best-selling author. He frequently consults and presents on topics such as emerging trends and future forecasts, motivating and leading teams in changing times, and engaging with the ever-changing consumer, among others. Various marketing workshops: Learn from Rivexe Digital about how to leverage AI marketing tools in small business marketing to save time and reduce costs. Or get an introduction from Munroe Digital into using videos for social media, including reels and stories, to ensure you are staying on top of marketing trends.
A two-day Business Accelerator workshop: For new businesses, or those who want to take their business to the next level. Participants will gain an understanding of the critical components of business planning and will develop a draft business plan as a blueprint for future success.
A Workforce Building Forum held at Chisholm’s Rosebud Campus: Join other tourism, hospitality, agriculture and horticulture businesses to hear about workforce solutions, funding and grant support available to build your workforce and employee pathways specific to your industry. Attendees will come away with valuable information and solutions to bridge the talent gap in their business.
Events are delivered by local business groups, Mornington Peninsula Shire teams and agencies such as Business Victoria, Small Business Mentoring Service, FMP Jobs and Skills Working Group and Chisholm. The program includes a mix of no-cost, low-cost and value-for-money events so everyone can get involved, inspired and upskilled.
See the full program and book your events at mpbusiness.com.au/smallbusinessfestival
With qualifications in building and law – B.Build (RMIT) and LL.B (Hons University of London) – Kelvin Oldridge’s advice is complemented by his building experience and his understanding of the needs of clients from the building and construction industry.
Kelvin is a key part of Melbourne’s projects and dispute resolution fraternity, a member of the Building Dispute Practitioners Society, and judges the Master Builders Association’s annual Excellence in Construction Awards.
Kelvin regularly provides a legal and advisory service to construction and project management businesses, property developers and contractors, including drafting and amending contracts, standard forms of construction and development contracts in Australia and including the Australia Standards suite of contracts. He also provides commercial advice and support to clients in arbitration, litigation and the defence of insurance claims.
KO CONSTRUCTION LAW
T: 9598 6444
W: www.kolaw.com.au
Peninsula Business Networking is the longest-running business networking group on the Peninsula, having been in operation since 2006. Most of its members are micro or small-business owners or staff, and each month it runs an event – usually a networking gathering or workshop – to help connect business people on the Peninsula.
On Wednesday, July 19, it is holding its annual fundraiser at Escape Brewing in Rosebud from 6pm, and everyone’s welcome. Described as a ‘funraising’ event with a real community feel, it will include catering by Rosebud Secondary College.
When deciding where the money raised should go, PBN looked for organisations that were helping the community with food, clothing, mental health support and so on at a grassroots level. It settled on three charities with money earmarked for specific purposes: Orwil Street Community House for mental health consultations; Southern Peninsula Community Support for personal care items; and Saltbush Balnarring Beach to buy heaters for its cottages.
To book your place at the fundraiser, go to peninsulabusinessnetwork.org.au or phone Merrin on 0409 821 685.
When it comes to selecting the perfect diamond, two remarkable choices stand out: lab-grown, and mined. Both options possess their own unique allure and benefits, offering consumers an array of choices to suit their preferences.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology. They possess the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds but are more affordable, require significantly fewer natural resources and do not contribute to destructive mining practices.
On the other hand, mined diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle over millions of years, making them rare and highly sought-after. Mined diamonds carry a sense of historical significance and can be perceived as a symbol of enduring love and commitment.
The choice between lab-grown and mined diamonds ultimately comes down to personal preferences and values. If you prioritise affordability, sustainability, and ethical considerations, lab-grown diamonds offer an enticing option. Alternatively, if you value the prestige, rarity, and timeless appeal of natural diamonds, mined diamonds may be the perfect fit.
The key is to understand your priorities, whether it be budget, environmental impact, or emotional significance. Whatever your choice, Diamond Coco is committed to helping you find the perfect diamond that reflects your unique style and values.
DIAMOND COCO
A: Suite 6, 38A Main St, Mornington
T: 1300 230 430
W: www.diamondcoco.com.au
FB: diamondcoco.com.au
INSTA: diamond.coco.australia
Rosebud-based Clothes4U is a non-profit registered charity transforming the lives of people in need on the Peninsula and its surrounds. Since 2013 this dedicated group of 45 volunteers have provided free clothing, shoes and accessories to enhance the confidence and self-esteem of women and men who need it most.
Enjoy the calmness and stillness of tai chi while gently exercising the body and the brain.
Classes held in Mt Martha and Somerville. All levels of experience and ability welcome.
For more information call 0418 566 216 or visit www.risingmoontaichi.net
Breathe.
What sets Clothes4U apart is that they not only provide clothing for interviews and workwear, they supply free clothes for all occasions, including everyday wear, work placements, special occasions, weddings, funerals, interviews, and seasonal clothes like jackets in winter.
Clothes4U volunteers give personalised assistance to provide appropriate clothing to suit the needs of every individual, so they leave the store feeling confident, happy and excited to step out in their new outfits. As well as free clothing, they provide Share The Dignity Bags and Nan's Baby Bundles along with toiletries, bedding and towels.
There are two stores, one for men and one for women, so everyone is
welcome and made to feel comfortable when they arrive for an appointment. These can be made by telephoning 0490 058 596.
Clothes4U rely on donations and volunteers. They're grateful for the support they receive from the community and other charitable organisations. They've also partnered with Thread Together, an organisation that passes on end-of-season fashions, and Recycle Australia, both of which contribute to saving clothing from landfill to help win the war on waste.
If you can help, they would be grateful for financial donations, good-quality clothing, shoes and accessories to continue their essential service. As a non-profit charity, all
contributions over $2 are tax-deductible. Financial donations can be made via their website.
Clothes4U is open Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm, and the last Saturday of the month 10am-1pm. On the last Friday of the month they hold a sale open to the community and all proceeds go back into the charity. Every item costs $5, and all proceeds return to the business.
A: Shops 5 & 6 Wannaeue Place, Rosebud T: 0409 058 596
W: clothes4urosebud.org
FB: www.clothesforyou.org
INSTA: clothes4uinc/
Shops 5 & 6/35 Wannaeue Pl, Rosebud
P: 0490 058 596
www.clothes4urosebud.org
Mornington Peninsula residents will benefit from having more specially trained nurses at The Bays Hospital in Mornington after the launch of The Bays Nursing and Midwifery Education Fund. The fund – a partnership between Mornington Rotary Club and The Bays Hospital – will support The Bays nurses to undertake specialised training, which not-for-profit hospitals and nurses can struggle to pay for. Mornington Rotary has made an initial donation of $25,000 to the fund and invites members of the community to also contribute and support their community hospital.
The Bays Hospital CEO Jade Phelan said: “We are thrilled to have had the support of Mornington Rotary Club over many years, and have worked with them over the last year to identify the most worthy project for them to support into the future. Nurse education is certainly that.” Mornington Rotary Club president Pam Hall said: “We have had a long relationship with our community hospital and are so pleased to support this initiative. The funds raised from our annual Mornington Art Show have enabled us to do this and we thank all the sponsors, artists and visitors that make it such a success.”
The Bays director of nursing Kellie Bamberry said: “We currently have a shortage of trained stomal therapy nurses on the Peninsula, and the training required for this costs around $12,000, so this will be a great boost. A stoma is a small opening in the abdomen that is used to remove body waste into a colostomy/ileostomy bag, which can be required after treatment for bowel cancer. Stomal therapy nurses provide specialist and individual care to patients living with colostomies and ileostomies. Stomal therapy nurses play a vital role in supporting patients with cancer or following cancer treatment, which is something The Bays is very passionate about.”
Ms Bamberry said The Bays’ next project was providing training for nurses to care for patients living with lymphoedema. “Access to lymphoedema specialist nurses is challenging on the Peninsula, so having this service available at The Bays would be of great benefit to Peninsula residents and hospital patients.”
The first scholarship through the fund was recently awarded to Justine Killen, a registered nurse at The Bays who is completing the post-graduate stomal therapy course.
Community members interested in donating to the fund may email fundraising@thebays.com.au or phone 5970 5329.
Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a beautiful ring. If you’re looking to create a stunning engagement or wedding ring, head to Anny’s Manufacturing Jewellers in Frankston or to their Collins St office in Melbourne.
“Jewellery is our profession and passion; it’s not just a job for us,” says owner and master craftsman Harry Ozkoch. “I’ve been making jewellery for a very long time. I always listen to what my customer wants and bring their imagination to life — my customer’s smile when they see their finished piece is always a very rewarding moment.”
For more than 30 years Anny’s has specialised in designing quality custom-made jewellery. The winner of 2019 JAA Australasian People’s Choice Award, Anny’s is a family-owned and run boutique jewellery store that prides itself on personalised service and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Anny’s invites you to come into the store and speak to their knowledgeable staff to create your dream custom-made
engagement ring. You can also view thousands of natural GIAcertified diamonds and certified lab-grown diamonds online from all over the world on Anny’s website. Each diamond has its own 360-degree video, so you can hand-pick the perfect diamond for your perfect ring. You start by choosing the shape you like, then the colour, carat, cut, price, and clarity. With the click of a button, all diamonds in Anny’s system that match your search criteria appear with their details and corresponding prices.
Anny’s also provides a remodelling service at their Frankston store. Harry can transform your favourite piece or family heirloom into a bespoke piece to treasure for generations to come.
ANNY’S MANUFACTURING JEWELLERS
A: 92 Young St, Frankston (walk-ins welcome)
A: Level 3/257 Collins St, Melbourne (Emirates House; by appointment only)
T: 1300 092 000
W: www.annys.com.au
FB: AnnyManufacturingJewellers
INSTA: annysjewellers
E:info@annys.com.au
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr Sam Verco is a dually qualified Australian Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon with his speciality being the diagnosis and surgical treatment of defects, injuries and diseases of the facial skeleton and its associated structures.
Dr Verco enjoys the areas of Wisdom Tooth Removal, Orthognathic Surgery, Dental Implants and Facial Trauma.
Dr Michael Qiu joined VOFS in March 2023. Michael is a specialist
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with degrees in both medicine and dentistry. Michael is experienced in all areas of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery including oncology, trauma, reconstructive and microvascular surgery, dental implantology and orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery. Michael continued further sub-specialty training in Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and Orthognathic Surgery.
Dr Jason Savage is a Victorian trained
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and has a special interest in Wisdom Teeth Removal, Dental Implants, Corrective Jaw Surgery, Obstruction Sleep Apnoea and Trauma to the Facial Skeleton.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr Brent Woods is a specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with practice locations in Melbourne and Ballarat.
Dr Woods is experienced in treating conditions of the head, neck, face, teeth and jaws and has a special interest in Corrective Jaw Surgery, Facial Trauma and Dentoalveolar Surgery including extraction of impacted teeth (including Wisdom Teeth) and Dental Implants.
Mount Martha resident of 34 years and precision haircutter
Bernadette Beswick has won the coveted Victorian Hairdresser of the Year title for 2022 and 2023. Along with these back-to-back wins, she's picked up 15 winner and finalist awards in the past few years.
Bernadette is an award-winning education titan whose exhilarating
classes have catapulted her to the top of Australian hairdressing education. With an enviable education pedigree spanning a decade, her own Beswick Education Services was established in 2017, delivering innovative and empowering workshops that achieve excellence in salons and beyond.
Bernadette has delivered more than 500 technical hairdressing and business workshops to more than 40,000 salon professionals. “Hairdressing is a career that is very fulfilling,” she said.
Bernadette is rightfully very proud of her accomplishments, including more than 80 features in international publications. She's also an ambassador for Original & Mineral and has a long-term collaborative relationship with four-time Colourist of the Year Stevie English. She also has a long-term friendship with Silk Hair Skin Body owner Leanne Barnes and loves that they have come full circle in life. “Before I began this incredible and unexpected journey, I met Leanne for a brief internship at Silk. I knew early on that I wanted more than a salon experience in my career, and I was passionate to explore this industry. Leanne saw it in me too, and encouraged me to go out into the world and follow my passions to discover the right path. Now, 15 years later, I am back working with her at Silk and I couldn't be happier.”
In the middle of her astounding career, Bernadette took a break from
hairdressing to start a family and returned to the industry after raising four children. She accelerated through her career on her return, which was no mean feat.
Bernadette believes that hairdressers change lives. The power of a new image, a beautiful cut and colour can make people feel like they're on top of the world. She finds a connection with the community and a place of belonging in the salon. “My passion is cutting hair and teaching clients to recreate their looks at home so they don't ever experience a bad hair day.”
Bernadette is at Silk every Thursday and every second Saturday.
SILK HAIR SKIN BODY
A: 1 Bay Rd, Mount Martha T: 9574 1832
W: www.silkhair.com.au
FB: silkhairskinbody/ INSTA: silkhairskinbody/ INSTA: be.the.exceptional.hairdresser/
This year, Maria and Donna are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Amicus & Co, and they want you to celebrate this milestone with them by introducing you to their talented emerging stylists, Teaghan and Jack. They even have a winter special of a full global colour, scattered foils, gloss/ toner, colour protect treatment and blow dry so you can get to know them better.
“We believe in giving back to the hair industry and bringing new young people through their apprenticeships with the best possible training,” Donna said.
They feel it's also important that all staff receive continuous training to ensure the best quality service for their guests. Their stylists specialise in precision
cutting and custom colour work and will create a style that you can manage and maintain at home.
Maria and Donna named their Mornington boutique hair and beauty salon Amicus because it's Latin for ‘friendship’, and that's the relationship they desired for this salon. It exudes a welcoming, friendly, fun atmosphere while caring for the environment. They're committed to sustainability and have teamed up with Sustainable Salons Australia. They also follow the Aveda way – they believe it's important to care for our world, from the products they use and how they give back to society and industry development. All hair and beauty products are environmentally friendly, and 95 per cent of their waste is recycled sustainably.
AMICUS & CO
A: 209 Main St, Mornington T: 59762740
W: www.amicus-h-b.com.au
INSTA: amicusandco
Our winter opening hours are: Tuesday and Wednesday 9am-5pm
Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday 9am-6pm closed Sunday & Monday
209 Main St, Mornington P. 5976 2740
Gloss or toner
Colour protect treatment and blow-dry $239
Normally $344 – Save over $100!
JACK TEAGHAN
Special winter offer is with our emerging stylists Jack and Teaghan
Winter is here, and it's the perfect time to brighten your life with some beautiful, vibrant eyeglasses.
Eyeglasses are an opportunity to express your unique style and personality.
Main Street Eyecare owner Kay Tyrie and her team provide personalised service and will spend time finding the perfect colour and frame shape to suit your style and personality.
Trending this winter are bold colours and statement shapes. Current styles from British brand Kirk and Kirk are exclusive to Main Street Eyecare. Made from Italian acrylic, Kirk and Kirk frames are lightweight and come in a wide
range of brilliant colours. Popular French brand Sabine Be is known for its funky shapes and standout colours. Main Street Eyecare also has an exclusive range of Roger Henley frames handmade in Adelaide.
Main Street Eyecare is your go-to when it comes to contact lenses. Whether you wear contacts daily or for a special occasion, Kay and her team will make sure they suit your eye shape and prescription. Fashion aside, regular eye checks are essential for good eye health. Make an appointment today.
MAIN STREET EYECARE
A: Shop 7/68 Barkly St, Mornington (pop-up shop)
T: 5975 3235
FB: mainstreeteyecare3931
INSTA: mainstreeteyecare
Dr Matt Bozanic joined Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic having served as a Captain, Dental Officer in the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps between 2016-2018 and as the Senior Dental Officer at HMAS Cerberus until January 2021. During his military career he commanded dental sections during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2017 and spent time aboard HMAS Choules. He has a thorough understanding of the demands military life places on families and in-depth knowledge of pre-deployment dental examinations for accompanying family members. Through Matt’s military experience he brings care and compassion to family dentistry at Mornington Peninsula Dental.
His dental interests include preventative and restorative dentistry for the whole family, focusing on educating his patients on how they can best care for their long-term oral health.
Outside of dentistry, Matt enjoys seeing live bands and making cocktails to serve up in his tiki mug collection. He also barracks for the North Melbourne Football Club in the (unlikely) hope that they will return to their former glory.
Aries: Home and family plans are the focus. A change in your private life prompts decisions. The planet Mercury in the home sector of your Solar Chart indicates a decision is imminent. Whether you are downsizing, rearranging or upsizing, the emphasis is on your private needs and home comforts.
Taurus: The word ‘mind’ is front and centre. Mindset, mindfulness, minding your own business and even the privilege of changing your mind pop up time and time again this month. The trick is to stay positive, undertake activities that encourage positive thoughts and avoid worrying. The aim is ‘peace of mind’.
Gemini: Money matters. Every now and then it pays to focus on your personal finances, to learn more about the ebb and flow of money and your own incomeearning potential. July provides you with opportunities to look at your budget and make changes if you want.
Cancer: Your intuition is heightened in July. You are able to tune in to the important matters in your life with an instinctive understanding of what works and what doesn’t. Transformative Pluto has Retrograded into Capricorn, which is your opposite Zodiac Sign. This indicates that partnership issues need to be revisited.
by Stephanie JohnsonLeo: Life is a bit of a conundrum in July. On the one hand you’re full of energy, pursuing exciting projects and adventure. On the other hand you also need quiet time to reflect and process all that is going on. The idea is to make time for both.
Virgo: Friendships are the focus. Gears shift in the social sector of your Solar Chart, meaning that your associations also shift. A change of circumstances, a new hobby, club or group see you mingling in different circles. It’s time for you to reach out and connect in ways that support.
Libra: Just when you thought that family politics had been resolved, the planets shift and you have more loose ends to tie up. The good news is that you can now make decisions that move you forward towards your true north – your purpose in life. You make decisions that change your status.
Scorpio: Your connections are fated. As you make personal changes, you make room for more rewarding relationships. You are like a snake shedding its skin. You may feel a little vulnerable at times, so protect yourself if you feel the need. However, you also need to remain open to profound personal links.
Are you looking for a new Dentist?
At Flinders all our dental professionals are highly skilled and put our patients needs first.
Focussing on prevention and minimal intervention, Flinders may just be the move you need to make.
$199 (adults) and $85 (children) new patient deal!
New patients can take advantage of getting a check up, a preventative clean and x-rays (if required). Just mention this deal when booking your first appointment! We accept all health funds, and offer gap free check ups for children with dental extras or Medicare CDBS.
All new patients welcome! Please call us on 5989 1129
Sagittarius: You are motivated to make changes connected to your career, marital status or position in the family hierarchy. You are well aware of the cycle of life, which prompts you to alter how you invest your time, energy and money. As a result, you make decisions linked to joint resources and taxes.
Capricorn: Dwarf planet Pluto is back in your Zodiac Sign! Just when you thought you had done as much self-development as you could, there’s more. The 7th House of your Solar Chart is highlighted, meaning your primary relationship is again under scrutiny. This could be a marriage union or business contract.
Aquarius: Health is highlighted in July. Health is important because it determines how much freedom and opportunity you have. If you are not healthy, you cannot work, contribute to society, or enjoy life to the fullest. And let’s face it, freedom and contribution are two vital factors for any Aquarius person.
Pisces: As a Pisces, you are a great empath. And this month the planets encourage you to boost a current creative outlet, or to find a new one. You need an avenue to express your sensitive feelings. And July is your month to spark your creative juices and get going.
Racing Hearts is seeking expressions of interest from skilled horse people to volunteer with our clients and horses at our Balnarring Farm.
Essential skills required include
• Feeding
• Catching
• Leading
• Grooming
• Tacking Up
Volunteers should enjoy supporting people achieve their goals and have knowledge of or an interest in mental health and wellbeing. In return we offer
• A full volunteer induction (Sat 22nd July, 1-3pm)
• Gift bag
• Rewards program
Successful applicants must be over 18, have reliable transport and a Working with Childrens Check. For
Aussie men facing a new health crisis
According to Healthy Male, 43 per cent of Australian men experience loneliness, which poses a significant threat to their health and longevity. Loneliness and social isolation have been found to have a similar effect to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and to be as bad for your health as high blood pressure and obesity. Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of premature death by almost 30 per cent.
There is a common myth that men don’t care about their health. But of course they do. What can you do to help the men in your life? First, understand that men do things differently to women: they tend to visit the doctor less often, have shorter consultations, and see their GP later when they are feeling unwell. Healthy Male provides many resources on how partners and family members can help the men they know, including understanding factors that influence how men interact with health care professionals and how to approach sensitive issues. It also provides information about different health issues, treatment options, and how to help make talking with each other and health care providers easier. Go to www. healthymale.org.au
SEXUAL HEALTH OPTIONS
W: www.sexualhealthoptions.com.au
When winter hits, the low temperatures and humidity levels result in dry air that draws moisture away from the skin, which is why cold weather is incredibly tough on our skin. When we factor in unforgiving winter wind and dry indoor heat as well, it can make the skin suffer even more.
One of Olieve & Olie’s favourites is their Coffee Scrub, which is the perfect solution for your winter skincare routine. A luxurious, smooth and creamy scrub made with freshly ground coffee beans and coconut milk, it’s infused with Australian-grown olive oil and bursting with antioxidants and vitamin E to energise your skin while helping to remove dead skin and dirt. Coffee is also well known for helping with premature ageing, increasing hydration and collagen within the skin surface, while it also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can improve circulation. It also targets acne scarring, contains anti-cellulite agents, helps varicose veins and reduces puffiness around your eyes. Basically, a coffee scrub works in a similar way to a cup of coffee – it awakens your body – so choose from either a Chai or Latte today.
Visit their factory shopfront from 9am-4pm on weekdays or Saturdays 10am-2pm; it’s closed on public holidays and Sundays. You can shop online or find your nearest stockist at olieveandolie.com.au
Our fabulous Mornington Peninsula is only one hour out of Melbourne but a world away from city life. This year, Red Hill Truffles is excited to add a range of truffle hunting and dining options in conjunction with leading restaurants and accommodation venues to make the most of getaways to our winter wonderland.
From truffle-hunting events for families just in time for school holidays to casual brunches and fine dining packages, we hope to cater for all truffle-lovers or those simply curious about the underground treasure. Each hunting adventure offers an introduction to truffles, their history and cultivation in Australia.
Red Hill Truffles owner and truffle aficionado Jenny McAuley adds her personal experience by explaining how her family farm was transformed into a truffiere, and the need for infinite patience over many years due to the uncertainty of success when it comes to growing and harvesting the treasured fungi.
The amazing truffle-hunting dogs have their own entertaining stories. Red Hill Truffles Facebook followers may be familiar with Thomas, who has deemed himself an Emeritus Chief Truffle Hunter after his retirement from regular hunts.
Guests can create their own truffle stories amid the oak and hazelnut trees; from kneeling, noses to the ground, to breathing in the aroma and uncovering a truffle, to holding the gnarly find and searching for words to describe the powerful scent. Some of the restaurants include freshly harvested truffle as part of the package menu.
Our house menu includes wood-fired pizza with truffle, winter white soup served with a generous shaving of truffle, truffled cheeses, crusty breads, and truffle custard cream stirred through pillowy marshmallow meringue.
Visit www.redhilltruffles.com to book hunting and dining packages, along with hunt discounts at participating hotels. Come for the truffles and stay awhile in our world.
RED HILL TRUFFLES
A: 235 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill
T: 0417 190 193
W: www.redhilltruffles.com
FB: redhilltruffles
INSTA: redhilltruffles
EVERY DAY
Dromana Indoor Market: 80+ indoor stalls & hairdresser; 110 Nepean Highway (down from Aldi); 10am-5pm
Market 3196: 300+ indoor stalls & café, something for everyone; 279 Wells Rd, Chelsea Heights; 10am-5pm
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Main St, Mornington: between Cromwell & Albert streets; 9am-3pm
SATURDAY JULY 1
Red Hill Community Market: Red Hill Recreation Reserve; 8am-2pm
SUNDAY JULY 2
Boneo Lions Club Sunday Market: Rosebud foreshore opposite Fourth Ave; first Sunday of month, 7am-1pm
SATURDAY JULY 8
Crib Point Community Market: indoor & outdoor stalls, Cribby Koala treasure hunt for kids; Crib Point Community House, 7 Park Rd; second Saturday of month, 9am-1pm
Rosebud Community School: 120+ stalls, handmade and new items, produce and plants, second Saturday of month, Nepean Hwy, the old carnival site on Rosebud Foreshore (opp 7-Eleven), 8am-1pm,
SUNDAY JULY 9
Mornington Racecourse Craft Market: 300+ stalls, animal farm & face painting for kids; Racecourse Rd, 9am-2pm
FRIDAY JULY 14
Soul Night Market: a festive, foodie and makers market, Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Road, Mornington, 5-9pm,
SATURDAY JULY 15
Boneo Community Market: third Saturday of the month, cnr Boneo and Limestone roads, 8am- noon
SATURDAY JULY 22
Dromana Community Market: family-friendly experience, fresh seasonal produce & locally crafted products; Dromana Community Park, Point Nepean Rd; 8am-1.30pm
SUNDAY JULY 23
Mt Eliza Farmers’: Mount Eliza Village Green; fourth Sunday of month, 9am-1pm
FRIDAY JULY 28
Melbourne Street Food Awards Heat 2: see who will reach grand final and be crowned Melbourne’s best; Food Yard Mornington, 1000A Nepean Highway; 5-8pm
SATURDAY JULY 28
The 5ifth (5th) Market: Over 120+ makers & food stalls set around a beautiful walking track; Chelsea Bicentennial Park, Scotch Parade, Chelsea; 10am-2pm
FRIDAY AUGUST 4
Soul Night Market: a festive, foodie and makers market, Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Road, Mornington, 5-9pm
Christmas in July market
for a full list of all markets scan QR code or go to our website www.morningtonpeninsulamagazine. com.au/whats-on
The third Mornington Peninsula Food Forum invited farmers, producers, business owners and chefs to join the biennial event on June 6 at RACV Cape Schanck Resort. When speakers on the day referred to the assembled group as “heroes”, it dawned that the event did indeed bear the hallmarks of a superhero convention.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Steve Holland – what superhero story doesn’t feature an appearance by the mayor? – opened proceedings, reinforcing the value of the Mornington Peninsula Produce logo – the letters ‘MPP’ in white against a black background. The stamp identifies the provenance of produce as grown, bred or raised entirely on the Mornington Peninsula. You won’t find it beamed into the night sky; keep an eye out for this logo on shelves.
Alice Zaslasvky – seen on MasterChef, now an award-winning author and broadcaster – greeted the audience as though they were already friends, which, in truth, some may have been. Alice lives on the Peninsula and is passionate about supporting locally grown. The ‘Vegelante’, as she is otherwise known, recommended the assembly’s mission should be to surprise customers with the diversity of food available in their
community, and delight by empowering them to cook something different. She challenged the crowd: “How can we support our community to become cooks?”
Torres Strait Islander Nornie Bero, founder and head chef of Melbourne restaurants Mabu Mabu and Big Esso, suggested customers should “see what they can get and what they can do with it”. Her own approach one of openness and curiosity, Nornie encourages consumers to engage in dialogue with farmers and providers to learn as much as they can about the produce and its potential at its source. These interactions inform her own menu planning, often kicked into gear by the excitement of discovering new flavours. If at-home cooks are seeking inspiration, a great
place to start is to visit restaurants showcasing Peninsula food and drink in their offerings.
At Dromana’s Torello Farm, Sophie O’Neil and her team thrive on customer connections. The Torello team serves as an excellent model for supporting their community to become cooks, offering workshops and providing recipe suggestions.
Jakob Wolki, owner of Albury’s regenerative Wolki Farm, asked: “You know your child’s teacher. You know your doctor. Do you know your farmer?” He makes a fair point. Are we satisfied to place trust in the sustenance of food we serve our families without knowledge of its source?
A strong proponent for seeking provenance and of the largely untapped versatility of Australian native foods, author, journalist and farmer Sam Vincent observed: “This country is full of food.” While an abundance of fresh produce exists, its value exists only in how – and if – it is used.
In Australia, one-third of all food produced goes to waste, and one in five people don’t have enough food to eat. The issue isn’t one that only affects other communities. In the first half of 2023, OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, delivered more than 120,000 meals to families in need on the Peninsula. Supported by the shire, OzHarvest also runs a program educating adults about healthy eating
and affordable cooking. Revealing the diversity of produce available and empowering the community to become cooks and to try something different, this year’s Mornington Peninsula Food Forum unveiled the local heroes dedicated to this mission. Let them guide the way.
DANIELLE DAVEY
The 23rd International Cool Climate Wine Show at Rosebud Country Club from July 19-22 is an opportunity for winemakers to be rewarded for their diversity and for wine-lovers to experience a range of elegant cool-climate wines where restrained fruit is seen at its best.
The independently judged show, which was established on the Mornington Peninsula, attracts hundreds of wines across 39 varieties from Australia, New Zealand and the world. New trophies this year include Sparkling Red, Top Rosé in Show, Best Low or No-Alcohol Wine of Show, and Most Successful Exhibitor in Show. The judging panel features highly credentialled judges with experience both in Australia and internationally. It will be led by chair of judges Fran Austin (pictured), a previous judge and panel chair. She will be joined by returning judges and some fresh faces, including Vanessa Green and Toby Stephens.
With her passion for champagne and cool-climate wines stretching back to her winemaking studies at Adelaide University, Fran moved to Tasmania in 2001
as winemaker at Bay of Fires Winery. With many years experience in Burgundy, Oregon, Yarra Valley and the Adelaide Hills wine regions, Fran fulfilled a long-held dream in 2011 to create exceptional, single-site, coolclimate wines, joining husband Shane Holloway in their Delamere Vineyard.
Vanessa is the beverage director at Crimson Wine & Red Spice Road and CEO of Cliftons Event Solutions as well as a highly accredited wine show judge with vast international experience. Vanessa judges, attends and presents at international wine shows, events, trade shows and industry forums.
Toby is a Perth-born winemaker who completed a winemaking degree at Adelaide University, won a Vin de Champagne Award, then entered OrlandoWyndham’s Mudgee and Barossa graduate program. In a wine-buying capacity, Toby has travelled and tasted extensively throughout Champagne, Burgundy, Alsace, the Rhone, Loire and Languedoc.
As well as showcasing cool-climate wines from around the world, the show will include educational events, presentations and wine experience classes from experts. The Tasting Festival at 2pm on Saturday, July 22, will feature hundreds of wines for the public to taste.
For tickets and further details, go to www.internationalc oolclimatewineshow.com/upcoming-events
INTERNATIONAL COOL CLIMATE WINE SHOW
A: Rosebud Country Club, 207 Boneo Rd, Boneo
T: 0477 002 235
W: www.internationalcoolclimatewineshow.com
FB: coolclimatewineshow
INSTA: coolclimatewineshow
Mornington Peninsula's beloved T'Gallant Vineyard has reopened its doors after a yearlong hiatus and an impressive six-month refurbishment. This cherished destination, inspired by Italy and deeply rooted in the region, invites both new and loyal guests to immerse themselves in its rich history and culinary delights.
The recent refurbishment, led by Melbourne-based interior design agency Bergman & Co, has transformed the venue, infusing each space with a Tuscan Rustica charm. The design concept focused on repurposing and reusing materials, resulting in a warm and
inviting ambience that celebrates the community and invites everyone from travelling couples, family outings and solo wine enthusiasts to take delight in the reimagined icon.
Whether you want to enjoy an afternoon with a pizza and pinot or catch up with friends and enjoy the view, T’Gallant Vineyard – now under new local ownership and management – is the standout choice on the Peninsula that offers something for everyone all year round.
On arrival, you’ll be greeted by a barrelfilled outdoor seating area. The Cellar Door, adorned with a new copper-clad bar top and olive-green accents, invites guests to explore T'Gallant Vineyard’s rich history while enjoying the full range of T’Gallant wines through a guided tasting.
Cantina Felice is a relaxed and warmly lit space with wall-to-wall banquette seating, perfect for enjoying the Italianinspired menu or hosting private dining events. Outside is Spuntino Bar, the heart of the vineyard, featuring a beautiful terracotta tile benchtop and a woodfired pizza oven that takes centre stage.
The sun-soaked La Barraca dining space offers sweeping vineyard views and showcases new design elements, including a polished concrete floor, corrugated iron walls and what was previously a large hidden artwork.
The refreshed menu is a culinary journey through Italy at an affordable price. Try the famous rectangle wood-fired pizzas; small plates such as arancini, burrata, and bresaola carpaccio; and a selection of mains including prawn linguine, roast pumpkin risotto and warm chicken
salad. Indulge in a dessert, with a choice of the housemade tiramisu, panna cotta, Italian doughnuts, and gelato. Glutenfree options and kid-friendly dishes are also available.
Whether it's long lunches with friends and family, birthday celebrations, or community events, T'Gallant Vineyard welcomes all with open arms. A dedicated set menu caters for groups larger than eight.
Visit T'Gallant Vineyard and rediscover the charm, flavours, and warm hospitality that have made it a beloved destination for residents and visitors of all ages.
T’GALLANT VINEYARD
A: 1385 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Main Ridge
T: 5989 6188
W: www.tgallantvineyard.com.au INSTA: tgallantwines
To quote US politician Donald Rumsfeld:
“There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. These are things we don’t know we don’t know.”
This is incredibly apt for the current real estate market. We only truly know what is happening right now. We can’t even guess at what we don’t know. Who could have predicted COVID and the impact it had on real estate?
A recent article by realestate.com.au noted that national home prices have now increased for five consecutive months. In many cases, the suburbs that led the price falls are also leading the recovery, with the Sydney market a case in point. In Melbourne, all but northwest Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula have recorded a quarterly increase in house prices.
What’s happening?
The surge in overseas migration, a tight rental market, record low unemployment, and some wages growth combined with fewer houses for sale have offset downward pressure from interest rate rises elsewhere. Even so, the outlook for prices remains uncertain with two further rate increases predicted, land tax increases in Victoria, and a possible groundswell of houses coming on the market in spring when the fixed loan mortgage cliff is predicted to start impacting. Some pundits claim the market has already bottomed out and is on the way up again. Others are predicting grim months ahead.
Selling in the coming months while fewer houses are on the market may therefore be a better decision than waiting until spring. Only you know what will suit you personally, but there is definite merit in selling now.
COASTAL AGENTS
A: 50 Ranelagh Drive, Mount Eliza
M: Liz, 0417 559 992
M: Meg, 0400 190 242 W: www.coastalagents.com.au
At Essential Home Services, we’ll help you see the difference — cleanly. As an established cleaning company with more than 13 years’ experience, we understand you’re looking for more than just a ‘regular’ cleaner; you’re looking for a service company you can trust, a company that values integrity, professionalism, and commitment to service.
We will work from top to bottom, covering all the critical points you should expect on every good clean. Our routine systems are carried out methodically so you can have a guaranteed, predictable outcome every time we clean your home. And if for any reason you are dissatisfied, we back our workmanship with a ‘touch-up guarantee’. This means we will return to correct the service.
That said, excellent customer service is built into our culture, and we work hard to impress. Whether you stay home or go shopping while you wait for the cleaners to finish, you will have peace of mind knowing that our team members will guarantee your home is safe and secure.
Our friendly and professional staff are provided with uniforms, regulated tools, and proper equipment to ensure the best results. They are also monitored throughout the day, and our company vehicles are GPS-tracked and monitored by our systems to ensure accountability.
ESSENTIAL HOME SERVICES
A: Carrum Downs
T: 1300 910 971
W: www.essentialhomeservices.com.au
E: enquiries@essentialhomeservices.com.au
Serviced apartments within a retirement village are ideally suited to older people who would like to live independently with some help to make life easier. They are typically located within the village community centre where there is always someone to talk to and a relaxed community atmosphere to enjoy.
There are many benefits of serviced apartment living at Long Island Retirement Village in Seaford and they include: Extra support – benefit from visiting health professionals and allied health services. There are activities to suit every lifestyle and ability.
Chef-prepared daily meals – every meal is freshly prepared and full of flavour. Enjoy the social side of eating in the dining room or, if you prefer, you can have your meal delivered to your room. Social activities – join in as much or as little as you like. There are morning teas, music and other entertainment, art, craft and hobby groups, board games, movies, seasonal events, swimming, shopping, and day trips in the village bus. Safety and security – emergency call buttons are in every unit. Nursing staff at
the village provide additional peace of mind.
Be freed up from cleaning and laundry – your assisted living apartment will be cleaned for you every week. Laundering of bed linen and towels will be done for you too.
Affordable living – Centennial Living’s Long Island Village has serviced apartments with an entry price less than you might expect, ranging from $150,000 to $210,000. When you move in, you pay a monthly service fee. Contact us to find out more about the costs.
For more information, go to www. centennialliving.com.au and fill out the Contact Us form.
CENTENNIAL LIVING
T: 1300 098 000
W: www.centennialliving.com.au
Automation has been made easy with Australia’s largest range of indoor and outdoor window coverings at dollar curtains + blinds. Save time and control your window coverings via remote control or utilise your smart devices to operate your window coverings remotely or automatically in response to the time of day, the activities within your home, or even changes in the weather via their exclusive dc+b control app on your smart device.
The dollar curtains + blinds automation range features cutting-edge rechargeable battery technology, or their market-leading hard-wired motors with no need to recharge, across both indoor and outdoor window coverings. dollar curtains and blinds’ Automate® batterypowered motors are the perfect solution for
existing households wishing to upgrade to the convenience of motorised window coverings without having to add in wiring. This solution allows you to charge the motor batteries easily by simply plugging the charging cord into them once every six months for window coverings that are operated twice a day.
Their market-leading roller blind rechargeable motors include built-in lithium-ion batteries and do not require wired power or space for external battery packs.
DC+B
A: Shop C4, Peninsula Home, 1128-1132 Nepean Highway, Mornington
T: 5975 3655
E: mornington@dollarcurtains.com.au
A: Store 15, Kingston Central Plaza, 288 Centre Dandenong Rd, Moorabbin Airport
T: 9566 8200
E: moorabbin@dollarcurtains.com.au
FB: dollarcurtainsandblinds
INSTA: dollarcurtainsandblinds
There’s no better time to update your mattress than during winter. After all, a comfortable bed is the best place to be on a cold and rainy day, and resting up is important if you’re struck down by a cold or the flu.
Makin Mattresses has been Australia’s largest independent mattress manufacturer for more than 45 years, and the experts at Makin Mattresses have the knowledge and experience to help you find the right mattress for your needs. With 10 stores Australia-wide and six manufacturing sites, Makin Mattresses has an impressive range to choose from. Whether you’re shopping for a cot mattress, a super king-size mattress or anything in between, Makin Mattresses will have just the right mattress.
Makin Mattresses is the only bedding manufacturer in Australia to have a micro coil machine that maximises
mattress airflow to reduce heat and increase hygiene. This feature is essential not only for your body temperature but also the health of your mattress because sweat causes foam to degrade and flatten over time, so imagine how your current mattress is faring.
And if you’re thinking of leaving winter behind and heading north to chase the sunshine in your
caravan, camper trailer, motorhome or boat, there’s a lightweight range and a custom-made range so you can travel and sleep well even on a road trip.
MAKIN MATTRESSES
A: 189 Bay Rd, Sandringham
T: 9533 1113
W: www.makinmattresses.com.au
FB: MakinmattressesAu
Choose the peninsula’s longest running, largest circulation glossy
While winter has been casting its chilly spell, our citrus trees have been busily ripening our favourite coolseason crops. The mandarins, oranges, tangelos and grapefruit have almost finished building up their sweetness and are ripe for the picking.
Winter may tempt us to hibernate, but not your citrus trees – although they do like to be kept a little cosy by mulching around their base with organic matter. This insulates the roots, prevents weed growth, and retains essential moisture, keeping your citrus toasty and more able to face these chilly mornings.
During winter, rainfall tends to wane, so it's important to water your citrus regularly. Aim for deep watering to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In the sandy soils of the southern Peninsula, a drip irrigation system can be programmed to water at least every few days to maintain consistent moisture. Being shallow rooted, citrus can be affected by fluctuating soil moisture and may start to deteriorate if they dry out. Mulch and irrigation!
P: 9708 8222
As we’re coming into the period of frosts, it’s worth keeping an eye on your young citrus trees. Frost can send shivers down anyone's spine – including citrus trees. Any soft new leaves can be scorched by extreme temperatures, but you can help shield them on frosty nights by covering your trees with a sheet or some other light material. It is important to remove the covers during the day to let your trees enjoy some muchneeded sunshine.
Winter offers the perfect opportunity to give your citrus trees a good prune. Once you have finished harvesting your juicy fruits, you can begin by removing any dead or crossing branches, allowing for better air circulation and light penetration. It is important that all pruning cuts on citrus are made just above a node, the small bump where leaves protrude, as this is where all the healing activity occurs. If citrus are cut between the nodes they will die-back down the stem and you will begin to lose precious branches.
Citrus trees have an insatiable appetite for nutrients, especially during the colder months, as they have used a lot of energy producing their treats. Pull the mulch aside temporarily and give them a feed with some wellcured compost and apply a slow-release citrus-specific fertiliser. This will provide a gentle and continuous
supply of nutrients, ensuring your trees stay healthy, happy and vibrant.
If you have ever wondered whether your citrus trees are in the best spot, or you’re contemplating adding a few trees to your garden, the winter sun’s arc will help you make the decision. Citrus trees require a spot where they can soak up as much sunlight as possible, especially during the cooler months. If you can find somewhere that allows at least half a day of sun, that would be ideal. This will prevent them from staying cold and damp and keep them photosynthesising at an adequate rate. Too shady and their fruit production will wane, growth will be impaired and numerous ailments will have more of a chance to thrive.
Remember, when life gives you lemons – or oranges, grapefruits, or mandarins – make sure your trees are well-taken care of and they'll reward you with a harvest that will make your tastebuds tango with joy!
HAPPY GARDENING!
Drew Cooper, Edible Gardenswww.ediblegardens.com.au
The living room is the heart of the home. A space where your family gathers around the TV at the end of each day, and where you entertain guests on the weekend. Therefore, your living room should be shown some love and attention when it comes to styling.
The most important element of a living room is your sofa. Take time choosing the perfect design for your lifestyle. Some considerations would be the overall size of your space, the upholstery and colour. Once you have your sofa, you can then decide on a coffee table to complete the main look.
Accompany your sofa with an armchair that brings a new element to the room. Not only does it maximise your seating, it also introduces a different silhouette to the space. You can never go wrong with a soft boucle armchair that has a curved design and tons of visual texture, like the Munich swivel chair shown here.
Now is the fun part – decorating! When it comes to gathering inspiration, Pinterest and Instagram are go-to platforms where you can find every style from coastal to modern farmhouse and ultra-contemporary. This will help you choose colours, finishes and textures for your decor. Once you have a clear vision in your mind, shop everything from cushions, lamps, statement artwork, vases and more to help put the finishing touches on your space.
Make your house feel like a home and discover furniture and homewares collections that will live with you through every moment. OZ Design. For Life.
OZ DESIGN FURNITURE MORNINGTON
A: Showroom D4, Peninsula Home, 1128-1132 Nepean Highway, Mornington T: 8560 1137
W: www.ozdesignfurniture.com.au
FB: OZDesignFurniture
INSTA: ozdesignfurniture
conditions.
Full-day backyard blitz packages can be booked for large and small scale cleanups before any landscape installation or property sale. Removal of trees, large branches, hedge trimming, mulch and landscaping are all part of the work that can be undertaken.
This month, Greg and the team will be quoting and booking all services before spring, so get in early for the garden you’ve always wanted to enjoy in summer. They tailor all of their services across the Mornington Peninsula, from large acreage mowing of residential and commercial properties to vacant new build sites, rural paddocks and sporting association club areas. With a fleet of the latest Walker ride-ons, they can provide their premium cut services in wet or dry
Crown offer the best starting point to transform gardens and lawns with tailored and ongoing services, and they’ll work closely with you to discuss and provide the most economical means to attain your desired garden.
Contact Greg to change the way you live and love your garden this summer.
CROWN LAWN & GARDEN SERVICES
M: 0417 415 417
E: info@crownlawnandgarden.com.au
W: www.crownlawnandgarden.com.au
FB: Crown Lawn & Garden Services
Winter’s not always the most enjoyable time to spend outside, which means our gardens can quickly get away from us. That’s why you should give Crown Lawn & Garden Services a call.
When most of us think of scarecrows, it’s probably the raggedy assemblage of sticks, straw and rags plonked with outstretched arms in the middle of a cornfield to keep hungry birds away. But Mount Martha Primary School has given the humble scarecrow an important new task: raising awareness of the environment.
As part of Gold for Green Day on May 25, the school chose Welcome to Winter as its theme and focused on the environment and sustainability. Students and staff came dressed in green for the day
and have been planting, recycling and reusing materials as part of the school’s sustainability program around its grounds. All classes wrote pledges to the environment and were able to be involved in a variety of other activities, such as planting trees, creating clay mini-beasts, making recycled cardboard cubbies, building glass terrariums, and maintaining and repairing the sensory garden.
Each class also designed and made a scarecrow using recycled materials from home after Year 2 teacher and sustainability leader Jenny Spiridis was inspired by the Victorian Schools Garden Program’s Sustainable Scarecrow Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle display at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show earlier this year. The scarecrows are all displayed in the front garden of the school, and students and families have been happily wandering the paths enjoying the youngsters’ clever creations.
