Otway life summer16 17

connecting communities across the ranges summer 2016-17 issue 13

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INSIDE

Featuring Glenaire • Environment • Events • Arts & Books • Around the Houses

Images: Visions of Victoria & Chi Medicinal Farm

Otway living and visiting Winchelsea Y es HW Princ

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Cap

Birregurra

Colac

Geelong Melbourne

Bambra Deans Marsh

Anglesea

Barongarook Aireys Inlet

Barwon Downs Ro

Forrest

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Wye River

Beech Forest Princetown

Kennett River

Lavers Hill Skenes Creek Glenaire Hordern Vale

Cape Otway

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

Apollo Bay

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Welcome to the bigger, better Otway Life.

Our heartfelt thanks to all our supporters - you know who you are... may you enjoy lazy summer days to lounge and soak up stories of the hidden treasures awaiting you at Glenaire and throughout the Otways.

A feast for all the senses.

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A word from us Well here we are at our lucky 13th issue. Callooh Callay – we chortled in our joy! We made it thus far thanks to the interest, encouragement and support of our readers and community in the Otways. Due to the success of our Pozible Crowd Funding campaign, and offering online editions for a small fee, we can now continue to print copies of the magazine, cover all costs and keep the cover price down to $5 – the price of a good cup of coffee in some areas. Postage costs have risen again however so subscribers pay a little more for the privilege of home delivery. We will continue to post articles on our blog on a weekly basis which are free. But the main thing is we are happy to be able to share the stories and images of this special part of the world with residents and visitors.

Our main aim is to promote the positive aspects of life in the Otways and feature a particular area in each issue where we can focus on some unique details and perhaps even roads less travelled. We also love to promote businesses with an emphasis on accommodation and food, particularly those that run on environmentally sustainable practices.

While the permanent population of the Otway Ranges may be small, creativity abounds and there is

The Team Publisher, editor & co-founder: Nettie Hulme Art Director & co-founder: Gillian Brew Advertising enquiries: Nettie Hulme E otwaylifemagazine@gmail.com F www.facebook.com/otwaylifemagazine B otwaylifemagazine.wordpress.com T twitter.com/otwaylifemag View Online issuu.com/otwaylife.magazine Cover: Glenaire Image by Chi Medicinal Farm Next issue (Autumn) deadline 1 February 2016 Otway Life Magazine acknowledges the Aboriginal traditional owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in Otway Life Magazine are those of its individual authors.

Printed by: Adcell Group on 100% recycled stock

Summer 2016

no shortage of visual artists, musicians and writers to profile. Our magazine is the perfect vehicle to share community news and events across the ranges and we are always open to article ideas so please feel free to drop us a line with yours. Thank you to all who took out a pledge for a subscription or donation. We wouldn’t be here without you. So please enjoy this Summer Issue, with its focus on the wonderful Aire Valley, as we enter our fourth year of production in the Year of the Fire Rooster.

Regular contributors: Ami Hillege, Suzanne Frydman, Neal Drinnan, Stephen Brookes, Guest Contributors this issue: Rachel Ramsey, Jack Pascoe, Jenny Rippon All unattributed articles have been written by Nettie Hulme except for Singing Up Mangowak! A Language For Our Future which was submitted by Gregory Day.

Contents

Talk to us ����������������������������������� 4 Operator, information ������������������������ 5 Community Profile ��������������������������6-7 History Note �������������������������������8-9 Discovery of Dinosaur Cove ���������������� 10-11 Otway e bikes ��������������������������� 12-14 Health & Wellbeing �������������������������� 15 Singing Up Mangowak! ������������������� 16-18 Bendigo Bank ������������������������������ 19 Fire & Environment ������������������������20-21 ARTS 40th Apollo Bay Arts Show ������������22-23 The Anatomy of Fine Art Photography ���24-25 Art Attack ���������������������������� 27 Otway Creative Network ����������������� 28 Glenaire Cottages ������������������������ 30-31 Otway Sleepovers ������������������������ 32-35 Saint Aire Farm �������������������������� 36-37 Chi Medicinal Farm ����������������������� 38-39 Sustainable Table ������������������������ 40-42 The Good Life ������������������������������ 43 Otway Book Review ������������������������� 44 Around the Houses ���������������������� 45-46 Events ������������������������������������ 47

4 Talk to us A selection of correspondence from our readers – feel free to drop us a line anytime about anything I was reading the article ‘Family Land’ by Lisa Jarvis and noted the name Ruth Challis.

My family has the family name ‘Challis’ in its history and I had recently sorted a pile of ‘stuff’ of my Mum’s. She had the attached document. She can’t remember who gave it to her. By coincidence, Ruth Challis is mentioned. You are welcome to pass this onto Lisa on the ‘off-chance’ it adds to her knowledge of her family tree.

Kind regards,

In response to Local Artist Profile: Louise Brown Louise mentioned you have begun this wonderful venture. I’m so pleased you have done a piece on her. I call Louise the Otway Angel, she does soooooo much for our community to bring everyone together. She’s always giving giving giving. She is my neighbour and boy am I happy about that! I hope your venture continues to grow as it has already done so, it is truly exciting for us all. Thank you, Cheers.

Robyn Ritchie ____________________________

Anthea Youd-Holmes

Responses to The Early Days of European Settlement in Bambra/ Boonah by Stephen Brooks & Merrill O’Donnell

It has been such a pleasure supporting Otway Life Magazine.

A wonderful magazine that celebrates the vibrant communities of Apollo Bay and surrounds.

Apollo Bay & District Community Bank Branch

Great reminder of how life long ago was, and that there are stories behind names we only see on sign posts as we rush to and from the coast.

____________________________

Otway Sustainable Table – Pasta Musta Otway Style By Neal Drinnan Made my own pasta and tried this recipe, simple but delicious. Enjoyed reading the article , nice to know businesses are still bourne out of passion and a strong belief in ability and product, glad it's a successful enterprise.

Louise Hulme ____________________________ One for the Otways – fundraiser for after the fires restoration Thank you for the great support.

It's been a long year on the road to recovery & the hard work will continue for many years to come.

This unique area & the people who call this home deserve all the help we can give.

Thank you OTWAYLIFEMAGAZINE. Dean Kruger

Tony Smith ____________________________ Thanks for the little story on the Bambra and Boonah villages. I have been for visits to see where Dad grew up. He eventually relocated to Western Australia.

Elizabeth Darcey

You can talk to us via email at otwaylifemagazine@gmail.com and post: c/o Post Office Forrest 3236 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otwaylifemagazine Twitter: https://twitter.com/otwaylifemag Our Blog where you can comment on individual articles: https://otwaylifemagazine.wordpress.com/ ...and keep the kids entertained with an extensive range of games and toys instore.

we have all your outdoor, leisure and camping needs covered 76 Murray St Colac Phone: 5231 2347 Email: colac@blueskyoutdoor.com.au

OL5

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

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Operator, information... give me the world on the line

by Nettie Hulme In this current age of instant connectivity, when it is estimated forty percent of us on this planet have access to the internet and seventy-five percent have a phone, it is almost impossible to imagine the excitement involved in the laying of the last of the submarine telephone cable finally connecting all of Australia to the rest of the world. In 1936 the final piece was laid between Apollo Bay in south west Victoria, via King Island as a half-way point, to Stanley on north-west Tasmania. At 161 nautical miles in length it was, at the time, the longest telephone cable in the world and cost 200,000 pounds.

Across the treacherous Bass Strait, steel wires were needed as armor to protect the cable from the notorious toredo sea-worm which had developed an appetite for the insulation that covered ordinary cable. It was the first telephone cable insulated with paragutta which is a mixture of protein free rubber and resin free balata, combined with a plasticiser.

But it is a wild coast and at Apollo Bay the surf prevented the 5,000 ton cable-steamer, the Faraday’s whale-boat from reaching the beach, so they fired a rocket-line from the shore. In the age of steamer ships and limited electric lights the workers relied on moonlight and bonfires on the shores of the mainland and islands.

During one night the final splicing was executed midway between King Island and Stanley and was celebrated in the tradition of cable-ships with the sea burial of an effigy of a sailor, named after the toughest man on board. A sea shanty was sung and a few solemn words spoken as the effigy was lashed to the cable. The rope holding the cable was then severed with an axe and the ‘sailor’ and cable sank to the bottom of the sea. All of Australia was now connected to the the world.

A limited edition set of two postage stamps commemorate the occasion and depict Amphitrite, wife of Neptune, holding the ribbon of communication between cable landings.

The Apollo Bay Old Cable Museum is run by the local historical society and is housed in the cable station building that was constructed in 1936.

The museum is chock full of telephonic artifacts and is located at 6250 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay VIC 3233 - just opposite Pirate's Cove.

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Glenaire

A place to travel through time Glenaire is the western side of the beautiful Aire River valley near where it joins the Ford and Calder Rivers to form a fertile estuary before emptying itself into the mighty Southern Ocean.

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

Community Profile The Great Ocean Road skirts the Aire Valley and the gazetted locality of Glenaire sits in a pocket just beyond a huge bend. At this point the pounding, wild ocean is only 400 meters away… next stop south is the Antarctic.

As there is no actual township it is difficult to gauge population but if you take in Laver’s Hill, according to 2011 census, we are looking at about 200 people in the Aire Valley, so there is likely to be more cows and sheep than humans (would need to fact check that…).

This is a unique part of the Otways, one that is rich in history, both ancient and modern, a place that has sustained life literally for millions of years.

If these hills and valleys could speak, what tales they would tell and this area is a prime example of why Australia is known as the oldest continent on Planet Earth (which really could be called Planet Ocean as we are 71% covered by salt water… but that’s another story.

The story of Glenaire starts at around 110 million years ago when dinosaurs were roaming this part of the world, and when Australia was still part of Antartica, with long, dark polar nights.

Dinosaur Cove is located a little further west than Castle Cove, but is now inaccessible. This is where fossils were found that proved that these ancient creatures did in fact once live in the southern hemisphere – a most important discovery (see article in this issue).

Fast forward the geological time clock to 30 50,000 years ago when the Gadubanud (KatabanutKing Parrot) people occupied the rainforest plateau and rugged coastline all along the Aire Valley and into Cape Otway.

There is evidence along the Aire River estuary of many middens and fragments include turban shells, abalone, periwinkle, elephant fish, chiton, beaked mussel and limpets. It is known that seals, cape barren geese, eels and ducks were also eaten, along with New Zealand spinach, tubers and berries. What a rich and healthy life it must have been feasting on the region’s abundant game and seafood. The Gadubanud also made bark canoes for use in the rivers, lakes, estuaries and along the coast.

Now let’s move the clock to just less than two hundred years ago…

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During the 1830s the Gadubanud successfully avoided interactions with European settlers. Early squatters thought the Otways were uninhabited and the thick forest was impenetrable to European explorers. Superintendent Charles La Trobe made three expeditions to try and reach Cape Otway, and on his third attempt in March 1846 came upon seven Gaduband men and women in the Aire valley.

Later in 1846 George D. Smythe was contracted to survey the Otways. One of his surveying party, Conroy, was murdered by a party of Gadubanud, although there are no details on whether they may have been provoked in some way. Smythe returned to Melbourne to organise a retaliatory expedition which took place in August 1846. The party, which included several Wada Wurrung people, came across seven Gadubanud at the mouth of the Aire River and attacked and killed them in what became known as the Blanket Bay massacre. Today the Gunditjmara people are the traditional custodians of Gadubanud lands, although there are Aboriginal people in the area today who trace their ancestry to the Gudabanud.

A report on the massacre was published in the Argus on 1 September 1846 according to Ian D. Clark, pp119-123, Scars on the Landscape.

A Register of Massacre sites in Western Victoria 18031859, Aboriginal Studies Press, 1995.

The fertile alluvial soil of the valley offered productive farming lands for the early European settlers beginning in the 1830s, few of which remain today.

More recently, the area has seen the development of holiday accommodation and a tasty variety of eateries catering to the growing number of visitors driving along the Great Ocean Road. For the more intrepid travelers, Glenaire also provides the perfect rest stop along the Great Ocean Walk.

The challenge now, for both residents, farmers and visitors, is how to maintain the fragile balance between agricultural needs, tourism and conservation so that the Aire Valley can continue to flourish and provide clean water in a future time that will come to value water more than oil.

Image: Chi Medicinal Farm

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Riding to Cape Otway

Letter from Bob Bell to wife Daisy Swayn - submitted by their daughter Robyn Currie (nee Bell) Ballarat Hotel, Apollo Bay, October 9th 1933 Oh my darling, I know you are anxious to hear about my trip to Cape Otway on Saturday. Before we made a start I was hoping that you would arrive in Apollo Bay and accompany us on the trip as I am sure you would have enjoyed it as I did.

As you know, we had to do the trip on horseback, three of us started off with our haversacks up ready for trails up hills, down into valleys. The three were Miss Freda Hayward, Jack Funston and myself we left Apollo Bay at 2.45 p.m. the day was nice and warm although it was rather cloudy overhead.

We rode along the metal road towards Hordern Vale for about 5 miles and then took to the bush past where a sawmill had been years ago but everything was deserted. After we left the old mill site we started on a rather long, steep grade down into a valley, through which the Clare river flowed, about the bridge of which there was a lot of mud into which the horses went knee deep and the ascent for 100 feet or so was very steep and muddy but the horses took it in great style although it was a long climb for them...

At last after 3 1/2 hours riding we reached our destination, the Cape Otway Lighthouse. The lighthouse is on the most prominent point. About 200 yards behind the lighthouse are the homes of two of the keepers Messrs Young and Rickson, 100 yards to the east is the home of the head keeper Mr De La Cour, and about ¼ of a mile still further east is the home of Mr Ford another keeper, and also the school. Only keepers with families the larger the better are sent to the Otway lighthouse as they have a full time school teacher there.

Our host for the night was Mr Young, the school teacher is also stopping there. Tea was just ready when we arrived and it was a good meal too, after we had satisfied the inner man, we changed from our riding

clothes into others more suitable for dancing. Before going to the dance, Mr & Mrs Young, the school teacher, Mr Whittle, Freda, Jack and myself sat talking and listening to the gramophone until 9.30 p.m. then we went to the dance which was held on the verandah of Mr Ford’s house. There was about 20 persons there but only 3 ladies, but soon after the others began to arrive, some from Johanna River, (two chaps came from Johanna River in a gig and at one spot it tipped completely over throwing them out) some from Glen Aire and others from Hordern Vale. It seem strange (to me at any rate) to see girls arriving at a dance in riding breeches and bringing their dresses with them... ...We danced until 4.15 a.m. towards the last we had several old dances, seldom seen now. We got to bed at 5 a.m. Jack and I sleeping in a single bed, the school teacher had the other single bed. When we awoke in the morning, there was a ridge between Jock and myself, evidently we didn’t move much during our short sleeping hours.

About 10.30 a.m. we had breakfast, porridge, bacon and eggs. After which I borrowed a camera and Mr Young took us for a walk explaining and telling us various things. The light house was built in 1846 by convicts. We went down to the beach a fairly steep incline it was too, Mr Young, Mr Whittle and myself climbed into a very pretty cave, all colors were in it, the stalagtites were multicoloured also, we couldn’t stay there long on account of the rising tide, there was also another big cave under the light house, but we didn’t go to the end of it.... ...As soon as the horses got on the metal they were anxious to be off and they had their heads most of the way. We arrived back in Apollo Bay at 6.15 p.m. having done the trip in 3 hours.

My dear, now you know what a trip I had to Cape Otway, my first, I wonder if I will have another.

I hope you enjoy reading this story of your rough rider.

JAMES NORTHFIELD AND THE ART OF SELLING AUSTRALIA A beautifully presented book covering various aspects of Victorian artist James Northfield’s artwork, featuring approx 100 illustrated images including:

TRAVEL POSTERS COMMERCIAL POSTERS WWI & WW2 POSTERS BILLBOARDS FINE ART

TO R O DER

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

Written by Michelle Hetherington and produced by the National Library of Australia.

Great Value at only $30.

Postage free within Australia.

Email: Isaac@jamesnorthfield.org.au or call Brenda 0407 829 592

History Note 9 Northfield acquired skill and understanding of the practical side of colour reproduction whilst serving his apprenticeship with H.Thacker, Printers of Geelong and F.W.Niven, Printers in Melbourne, as a lithographic artist.

During his lifetime, Northfield covered many areas of art including semicommercial newspaper work before taking up Commercial Art work professionally. He ran his own studio for 25 years in Melbourne, with his sound draughtsmanship, excellent composition, remarkable atmosphere of light and colour capturing the quality of the Australian Landscape.

Billboard posters which were the ‘bread and butter’ of all commercial artists were also the main advertising medium in the early 1900s and the posters positioned alongside railway tracks and other prominent spots throughout Victoria featured many of this artist’s posters.

The late 1920s saw Northfield teaching at the Art Training Institute of Victoria (ATI). He became the Institute’s Director of Studies at the Hotham Street in the 1950s. Melbourne premises and was held in high esteem by fellow artists and the public alike.

During WW1 and WW2 he was instrumental in producing many propaganda, enlistment and public support posters as well as a series of Bristol Beaufighter planes in battle.

JAMES NORTHFIELD 1887-1973 Australian commercial, fine art and poster artist 1910 –1970s.

Born Isaac James Northfield on Christmas Day 1887, the artist spent his first few years on the family property at Barunah Plains (near Geelong), in Victoria. School years were spent in Geelong attending Geelong West State School, then the Gordon Institute of Technology where his interest in Art developed.

The first push to advertise Australia overseas in 1930 saw James’ travel posters used extensively in various countries through the agencies of the Australian National Travel Association (ANTA). Colour, light and atmosphere were trademarks of Northfield and he created many popular posters covering Australian holiday destinations.

When more modern methods of advertising were introduced, Northfield turned to fine art in the 1950s producing oil paintings, water colours, scraper board, gouache and other mediums.

James Northfield remains one of the most celebrated of all Commercial Artists from the 1930s in the history of Australian Commercial Art.

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The Discovery of Dinosaur Cove This is a first hand account of the discovery of dinosaur fossils in a cove near Glenaire by Dr Thomas. H Rich Some time in 1903, the geologist William Hamilton Ferguson was mapping the rocky coastal outcrops that occur a few kilometres west of Inverloch near a prominent feature called Eagles Nest. There his sharp eyes spotted what became the first fossil specimen to be correctly identified as a dinosaur, not only in Victoria but Australia as a whole.

Seventy-five years later, another geologist, Rob Glenie, and two dynamic young volunteers at the National Museum of Victoria returned to the site where Ferguson had indicated on his exquisite geological map of the area that the fossil was discovered. Almost as soon as they reached the shore platform, one of them, John Long, now Curator of Vertebrate Palaeontology at the Western Australian Museum, found a bone embedded in a pebble. That discovery encouraged his cousin, Tim Flannery, now Director of the South Australian Museum, to return time and again over the next six months to the shore platforms between Inverloch and San Remo to search for more fossils.

As a result of Tim’s efforts, about thirty fossil bones were discovered. Most were fragments that could not be identified but three were tantalising in the extreme. They not only showed that fossil bones could be found on the shore platform but also that extremely interesting ones were to be collected if enough effort was made. The three included the limb bone of an herbivorous hypsilophodontid dinosaur, an ankle bone of a large carnivorous dinosaur and what much later was determined to be the jaw of an amphibian group, then thought to have become extinct more than 80 million years ago.

This was certainly an encouraging start in rocks where Edmund Gill had said only six years previously that no more dinosaurs were likely to be found because the potential outcrops were readily accessible and had been visited by competent geologists for more than a century. Furthermore, 110 million years ago when dinosaurs were living there, Victoria was located in polar latitudes so that the specimen found by Ferguson was probably a fluke, perhaps a rare straggler that had somehow managed to reach high polar latitudes.

After Tim had surveyed all the exposures between Inverloch and San Remo, I looked at the geological map of Victoria and realised that similar rocks occurred also as coastal outcrops on the southern flank of the Otways. In 1979 we, with a number of Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

colleagues, began systematically prospecting those outcrops. In a single day near the end of the first season four sites were found between Blanket Bay and Cape Otway. None yielded a great quantity of bone, although eventually from one of them would come the holotype of Atlascopcosaurus loadsi, one of the first two dinosaurs to be named from Victoria.

In 1980, prospecting the coastal outcrops continued with the area west of Cape Otway being inspected.

Entering an unnamed cove on 13 December 1980, Tim Flannery and Mike Archer, now Director of the Australian Museum, were walking along the base of a cliff while I was about 15 metres away working parallel to them near the water’s edge. They were talking to one another and, just after the thought went through my mind that they could not possibly find anything because they were so engrossed in their conversation, a whoop went up and they were down on their hands and knees. Although seeming hopelessly distracted, one of them had spotted a fragment of bone in a way that, with almost a sixth sense, excellent fossil finders can. Eventually about a dozen fragments of bone were found over a distance of about four metres. They occurred in what was obviously an ancient stream channel deposit in which fossil bones had accumulated much as gravel will in such a situation. That night, needing a name for this then unnamed cove, I scribbled in my notes ‘Dinosaur Cove’, not thinking then that it would ever have any particular significance.

Several new species have been discovered in Dinosaur Cove, including: Leaellynasaura amicagraphica was discovered in 1989 and is named after Riche’s daughter Leaellyn.

Leaellynasaura was small, up to 90 cm long reptile with comparatively large eyes – most likely accustomed to life during the polar night.

Timimus hermani has been desribed after two upper leg bones in 1993. This dinosaur is named after Riches’ son Tim. This reptile lived 106 million years ago and, according to hypothesis of Anusuya Chinsamy, possibly hibernated during the colder winter months.

Atlascopcosaurus loadsi, Rich & Vickers-Rich, 1989 – named after Atlas Copco Company – provider of equipment which was essential in finding the fossils. This quick reptile was 2 – 3 m long, weighing approximately 125 kg, lived during the early Cretaceous.

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Dr Thomas H. Rich, Curator of Vertebrate Palaeontology, has been with the Museum since 1974. Together with his wife and colleague, Patricia Vickers-Rich, his principal research work concentrated on the Early Cretaceous polar dinosaur fauna of Victoria. In 2000 Pat and he received an award from National Geographic Society in recognition of ‘excellence in research and field exploration’. Their research and methods over a quarter of a century are outlined in their book Dinosaurs of Darkness published by Indiana University Press (2000) and Allen and Unwin (2001) which received the Eureka Science Book Prize for 2001.

Picture caption: Atlascopcosaurus loadsi, model in Jura Park, Poland Wikimedia Commons, Bardrock, public domain Sourced under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence from Museum Victoria

The Polar Dinosaur Exhibition at Cape Otway Lightstation was featured in the first issue of Otway Life Magazine January 2014 pp. 6 https://issuu.com/otwaylifemagazine/docs/otwaylife1

Otway Life Magazine spoke to Greg Denney about his recollection of the dinosaur dig near his family farm: OLM: Dinosaurs figure large in many children’s imagination, how did the knowledge of them once being so close to your home affect you?

Greg: I was a young adult when the discoveries were made at dinosaur Cove so this question isn’t really relevant. Tom and Pat’s children were of course very involved and taken along to all the digs. The story goes that their daughter Lleaellyn was asking for her own dinosaur for Christmas and ended up having one named after her! The very first polar dinosaur was called Lleaellynasaura! note “saura” not “saurus” Female versus male conjugation of the word.

Only two dinosaurs in the world have the feminine ending. The other is a Maiasaura which is a dinosaur that has always been found with its eggs. It literally translates as “good mother lizard”. Not Australian but an interesting fact.

OLM: How were you involved in the excavation?

Greg: My Dad was more directly involved than I was.

They camped on our land and Tom Rich would arrive, often at meal times, with a problem to be fixed. Dad and I did what we could, fixing machinery or solving other logistical issues. I helped out once when Tom was taken ill and by helping Pat with closing down the camp for the year. So, just “as needed”.

OLM: In what ways has this unique experience shaped you as an adult?

Greg: I probably have more interest in the local dinosaur history in later life as the full impact of the significance of the finds have been revealed. Running the exhibition “Wildlife of Gondwana”, which covered the big picture of how the world has evolved, with fauna and flora, was certainly an eye opener. It has been a real honour to work with Tom and Pat and their team and we are proud to have been a part of it.

Dad and I have always had a keen interest in natural history and to be involved in this just extended it into the field of palaeontology!

OLM: Anything else you would like to share?

Greg: We will help in any way we can to get a permanent home for the exhibition, that would tell the story of these finds to generations. It’s a local story. One of volunteers and a ‘can do’ attitude. It’s a story of a tough little dinosaur that lived in the harshest climate ever known for dinosaurs. It’s one that should be proudly presented by the people of the Otways.

And hopefully one day soon, it will be.

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An Electric Ride

Nathan Swain shares his vision for his innovative tourism enterprise and the future How did you end up in this part of the Otways?

I first rolled into Beech Forest from the east of the township on a fully loaded mountain bike, hired from a newly opened mountain bike, hiking and adventure business operating from Aireys Inlet.

After riding through quite possibly the windiest and most definitely one of the most beautiful roads I had then and have still now ever ridden a bike on, the Turton's Pass, at the time an unsealed bush track, after pushing the bike and 35kgs of camping gear up yet another one of those long and gentle, (by appearance only) Otways rolling hills, there I was in Beech Forest, I had never heard of the place and yet instinctively and instantly it felt like home.

Eighteen years old and enjoying my first ever paid holidays from my job as a bicycle mechanic at the local toy store in Geelong West, I was a dedicated BMXer and lived and breathed all and only things “bicycle”. Only a week earlier I had been introduced to a fellow bike lover who had recently opened his mountain bike and adventure business and what was then just a passing comment “yeah I’d love to get down there and check it out” quickly became reality and there I was, kitted out with a 26” Mountain Bike, a tent, sleeping bag and a map of the Otway Ranges along with a suggested, but not exactly followed, four-day route that saw me travel the Otway ridgeline from Benwerrin to Beech Forest and then down to Apollo Bay and back to Aireys Inlet along the Great Ocean Road and from those four days, on through the rest of my life, I was to be pronounced in love with our region.

This trip, though slightly modified each time became an annual solo event for me offering a chance to really just forget about absolutely everything else and just be in the moment, in the Otways. I was home and I knew where I wanted to spend the rest of my life.

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

What was the inspiration behind the creation of Otway e bikes?

The fantastic Old Beechy Rail Trail passes right by our families’ property in Beech Forest and being a very keen bike rider I watched eagerly as the Old Beechy was reborn from a narrow gauge railway line which operated from 1902 to 1962, to become a purpose built bike riding and bushwalking trail. Stretching 45 km in length from Colac to Beech Forest, it is an enjoyable journey taking in natural rainforest, farmland and timber plantations, and one which I completed many times over a period of years.

In March 2015, the section through which we now operate our one-hour guided e-bike tours on from Beech Forest to Ferguson was officially opened. By this time our family owned four electric assisted bicycles and we thoroughly enjoyed taking visiting family and friends on bike rides that they would have not usually participated in, if it wasn’t for the ease and comfort of riding an electric assisted bicycle.

As an experienced bike rider, bushwalker, educator and tour guide, I know all too well, that the biggest barrier for the connection of people to the natural environment is, of course, access. The combination of the Old Beechy Rail Trail, a passionate, local and knowledgeable tour guide, coupled with e-bikes seemed to be somewhat obvious. Low in impact, high in fun and loaded with opportunities to connect to country, I don’t believe there is any a better way to be introduced to our region than on a guided e-bike tour and Otway e bikes genuinely want to share this experience with our regions visitors.

What surprises have you encountered along the way setting up your innovative business?

All of the surprises that we have come across whilst setting up and operating Otway e bikes have been very positive, mostly concerning the phenomenal

Otway e bikes 13

and sometimes overwhelming amount of support which we receive from our local residents, the business community, tourism groups and local shire and even state government.

So far we have successfully carried out 3 significant revegetation projects on the Old Beechy Rail Trail (with many more to come) with participation from a total of over 70 volunteering community members and school students, along with physical and financial support from Landcare, Planet Ark, Colac Otway Shire, the Friends of the Old Beechy Rail Trail (a not for profit group) Otway SES unit, Lavers Hill and Gellibrand Community house, and the opportunity to participate and support many community run fundraising events such as “Pete Johno’s Beechy to Gellibrand Good Friday bike ride" and the St Mary's Colleges’ Garden and Lifestyle expo, Gellibrand’s Blues and Blueberry Festival and the Golden Gumboot event on the Old Beechy. It’s surprising how amazing it makes us feel to be able to support such awesome events and receive such invaluable support from our wonderful community.

What are your personal favourite routes through the Otways?

I consider the Old Beechy Rail Trail as the best all round trail in the Otways, for its safe passage, ease of access, its seemingly endless diversity and also the way in which the Old Beechy was made a reality by active community members, local private landholders, logging companies, Colac Otway Shire,

historians, bike riders, bushwalkers and nature lovers, all working collectively. The Old Beechy Rail Trail was always going to have a positive energy feel to it.

Also rating as a favourite ride is the Wait-a-While road from Wyelangta to Johanna, visiting the beautiful Aire River Crossing along the way. It’s on this road that some of the region’s largest (easily accessible) trees, the mighty Mountain Ash, stand gracefully and gigantically.

Some of these giants are estimated to be over 300 years old and have girths of over 10 meters, though the crowns of most of these trees have been violently dislodged in storm events over the last few hundred years, many still however reach dizzying heights of over 70 meters.

It should be said that the Mountain Ash - Eucalyptus Regnans (Regnans loosely translates in Latin to royal or ruling), is the world’s tallest tree species to have ever lived and currently holding the title of The World’s Tallest Flowering Tree “Centurion” Located in southern Tasmania and in 2014 was measured at 99.6 meters tall) the Mountain Ash certainly is our region's, and for that matter, our country Australia’s champion flora.

What are your hopes for the future personal, local and global?

We have great plans for Otway e bikes into the future; we are very excited to enter the limited mobility market, with hopes to purchase new equipment to cater for guests of varying abilities.

We have our hearts set on an American made 3 wheeled e-bike that has the capability of securing a wheelchair bound guest and their chair between its two front wheels in a set up similar to a rickshaw, and other side by side, 3 and 4 wheeled e-bike

14 Otway e bikes configurations to suit families with members of varying ages and abilities.

On a further scale, locally we aim to improve our visitors’ experience of our region, increasing the duration of their stay and creating awareness and establishing connection to country, we also wish to encourage our local residents to holiday locally and explore their own backyard, supporting our local businesses which ultimately support our community and our children. Tourism was recently recognised as Colac Otway shire's largest and fastest growing industry, overtaking and outshining agriculture and timber. Eco-tourism, especially in the small business sector, is in my opinion the best way forward for our region; our special environment is our greatest asset.

I enjoy my position on a number of local tourism advisory and steering committees and through these networks I wish to encourage and expand the support to small, local eco-tourism businesses that can offer genuine positive experiences and connections on a more intimate and personal level

than the big commercial operators can service.

I hope to assist our region to become well known for its small and genuine eco-tourism operators and create a culture that not only raises the respect of country by its visitors, also increases the appreciation from our community of its valued visitors. Globally, I believe our world would be a much better place if we all went out and wrapped our arms around a giant Mountain Ash. Nathan Swain, Otway e bikes Otway e bikes is a genuine family run, eco-tourism operator supporting local community and the environment. Passionate about offering their guests a connection to country and raising awareness and respect for our region, they encourage locals to bring along their visiting family and friends as a fantastic and fun way to be introduced to the Otways. Visitors gain an enhanced holiday experience with a heightened respect and understanding for our amazing region and maybe just stay a little longer!

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E nath@otwayebikes.com.au W www.otwayebikes.com.au Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

Health & Wellbeing 15

Gratitude for Invisible Gardens Practising gratitude can be more or less innate to one’s temperament, or it can also be a learnt skill, just like a muscle that strengthens and gets to know itself better through movement. It’s easy enough to feel grateful when things go our way, but practising gratitude can be more testing when things do not go to plan.

Being in my garden, and learning from friends how to nurture it, has provided amble training ground.

Friendships and gardens can be unpredictable – some things grow beautifully where first placed, while other plants or relationships wither, hibernate, disappear, or pop up where not invited.

However our endeavours turn out in life, we usually start with hope and end with something learnt and this is certainly the case when gardeners make cuttings from plants. Whether it is a cutting from the softwood, hardwood or leaf sections of a plant, it is a gift of potential. No promises. You can expect from it, but you’re going to have to accept what it chooses to offer in the end.

Many gardening books are inspiring but also daunting. Rarely do our own gardens or realities live up to the large, glossy images contained in how-toguides. The most magnificent thing about people preparing cuttings for me is not how they look in the garden now. Most have not survived. But the

intentions and actions of others in wishing for such growth remain present.

Many of the cuttings or plants have not survived because the conditions weren’t right for them.

Although I can’t instagram them now, each offering of a cutting existed and mattered despite there being no guarantees. I recall the vision and generosity of those who delivered them to me as I stay with gratitude. We can find gratitude in a range of the everyday, ordinary, extraordinary, and more difficult parts of our lives if we choose to remember or look for long enough.

When we practise gratitude often the wonderful and known blessings can first come into focus. As we stay present more aspects, surprises, new knowledge and new ways of looking at things can expand our hearts.

Often it includes letting go of coulda-shoulda-beens and having a good look around, at both the visible and less visible. Gardens, like friendships, can take time to establish and while not all of them evolve in ways we first thought, we can always be grateful for their lessons.

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16

Artwork by Eliza Feely Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

Singing Up Mangowak!

17

A Language For Our Future

In 2015 the children of the Aireys Inlet Primary The learning of some language and the singing of the song is also an important way of connecting the School began to get interested in Waddawurrung, past through the present to the future. It is a gesture the local language of their home place. Each week of respect and admiration, and also through winter for the last great fun. Learning Waddawurrung two years they have been words helps the children to understand learning their ‘WWW’, or that with the help and blessing of ‘Waddawurrung Word of the elders, the wondrous cultural and the Week’, with Gregory linguistic tapestry of Australia can Day, a local Aireys person flourish and evolve in the 21st century. with a deep interest in the ongoing Waddawurrung Two of the students at Aireys history, language and culture. who particularly love learning Waddawurrung agreed to answer With the go-ahead from a couple of questions from Otway the Waddawurrung elders Life. Otis Talman is in Year 6 and Gregory and the kids wrote loves technology and football. Libby The Mangowak Song, which Heaton is in Year 4. Libby’s family have is now sung on a regular been connected to Aireys Inlet for basis at the school. The song many generations. combines Waddawurrung Image by artist Nathan Patterson words and English and is like What was the inspiration for the song? the school’s very own welcome Otis – To help us learn all the indigenous words at to country. It’s a great way to connect the children the school. Music is a brilliant way to express your and their families to the ancient culture of the inlet love of the language, and it also makes it easier to of Mangowak, which only became known as Aireys remember the words.

Inlet when Europeans who took up a pastoral lease Why do you think it is important that children learn decided to name the place after themselves.

By learning the original names for the place, the local animals and plants, and for our human feelings and greetings, the kids at Aireys School develop a deeper sense of how best to notice and look after the world where they live. For instance, the sound of a lot of Waddawurrung words actually come from the things they describe. In English we call this ‘onomatopeia’ (a word with Greek origins), but it essentially means that the kids are tuning in to the sound and character of the place where they live. A good example is the Waddawurrung word for magpie – ‘parrwang’. The only reason we use the term ‘magpie’ is because the bird reminded the first European settlers of a black and white European bird which bore a fairly scanty resemblance to it. ‘Parrwang’ however actually sounds like the mellifluous call the bird itself makes. When a whole classroom of kids start saying parrwang parrwang together they begin to sound like the place where they live. There are many other examples of this.

an Aboriginal language?

Libby - Because it’s the language of the people who used to live here. And it’s good to learn the language of other people who you might make friends with.

Otis - Because it’s the traditional language of the landscape where we live. So we learn some detail and history about our area. Learning the language inspires you to investigate the history of how the Waddawurrung lived, how they lived differently from us and what we share in common. And it’s fun to learn a language, any language, but particularly the one from where you are growing up.

Do you think other schools could do this?

Libby - Yes, but it might be difficult because it’s not on Google Translator.

Otis - Yes! For sure! All you need is someone in the community who is learning the language, has the approval of the local elders, and the enthusiasm and time to help the kids get on board. >

18 Singing up Mangowak

What is your favourite Waddawurrung word?

Otis - My favourite Waddawurrung words are ‘parrwang/barrawarn’, which means ‘magpie’, ‘goim’ which means kangaroo, and Tjuraltja, which was the name of the local clan who lived from Kuarka Dorla (Anglesea) to Mangowak (Aireys Inlet).

Libby – my favourite word is ‘tonton’, which means ‘brain’.

Gregory Day adds - These of course are Waddawurrung words. The people of the area west and southwest of Aireys Inlet, and north west through the Otways and the volcanic plain, will have different words, a different language, because they live in different country. The Painkalac Creek here at Mangowak is the southwestern border not only of the Waddawurrung tribe but of the whole Kulin Nation, which includes Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula (including Sorrento, where William Buckley

escaped from!) and all the way back up to Ballarat. So the Otways have at least three different languages spoken in and around the forest: Gadabanud, Gulidjan, and Waddawurrung. Having the children learn something of the native languages of the place where they are growing up is an effective and lighthearted way of tuning them in to both the local and wider history of their country. I certainly wish I had been taught it when I was growing up. Captain Cook, John Batman and his landgrabber mates just didn’t cut it with me.

Gregory Day is a novelist, poet and musician based in Victoria, Australia.

The Flash Road is available from itunes. https://itunes.apple.com/ us/artist/gregory-day/ id166348016

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Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

Bendigo Bank supporting communities 19

Fear of a plastic planet

by Jenny Rippon

By 2050 it is estimated that the plastic in our oceans will outweigh the fish that live in them.

Take a moment to let that sink in.

More plastic - than fish!

In a world where shameful human environmental impact is publicised on a daily basis (generally under the news section ‘Business As Usual’), this little morsel seems to have slipped through the net.

But our addiction to this disposable demon is coming back to bite us. With eight million tonnes of plastic dumped in our oceans each year, it is now part of the food chain - a chain that links directly to our dinner plates.

The problem is that plastic doesn’t decompose. It merely breaks downs into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics. An estimated 50 trillion of them contaminate our oceans.

Marine life ingests this plastic. We ingest marine life.

And here you were, thinking you’d take ten minutes out of your busy day to sit down with a nice cup of tea and read an inspiring article about life in the Otways.

Sorry about that.

Now we’ve reached our depths of despair, let’s focus on the point of light that shines dimly above us. The light with just enough photons to give us hope, and guide us to a solution.

There are a group of Australians leading the world in marine debris research and education.

One of these dedicated leaders is Anthony Hill from Plastic Pollution Solutions, who visits communities around Australia to raise awareness of the issue, and inspire and empower people to address it.

A self-confessed plastic pollution “nerd”, Anthony recently spoke to students at the Apollo Bay Primary

School thanks to funding from the Apollo Bay Community Bank® Branch.

“My specialty is awareness and education around the impacts of plastic pollution on our environment.

I’ve forged alliances with many scientists and other organisations, including The 5 Gyres Institute, from whom I collate the information for my events to ensure that it’s all very up-to-date and accurate.”

Armed with this information, Anthony’s sense of urgency to spread the word is well-placed.

“Since 2011, the problem has worsened dramatically and the negative health impacts upon our flora, fauna and ultimately humans is coming more and more to light.”

But Anthony’s work is making a difference. It is at a local level where action on the issue is taking place. “…it is becoming increasingly apparent that more and more communities, especially small communities, are seeking to ban the (plastic) bag at a local level, to reduce their disposable plastic and to eliminate their plastic pollution in general.”

One last sobering thought - every plastic ever made is still out there.

So let’s be responsible for the choices we make.

Refuse single-use products like drink bottles, plastic bags, and coffee cups. Support programs like the locally-produced Boomerang Bags (also funded by the Apollo Bay Community Bank® Branch). And join a local clean up group.

Don’t live in fear of a plastic planet - do something

20 Environment

2016 - 2017 Bushfire Outlook The 2016 - 2017 Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for southern Australia forecasts an above normal bushfire risk for the eastern Otway Ranges, Brisbane Ranges, Wombat Forest and dry forest areas bordering Victoria’s box iron bark belt.

Key factors for bushfire risk in the eastern Otway ranges this summer include heavy autumn, winter and spring rains, predicted late spring drying and increased grass growth.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Barwon South West region, Andrew Morrow said the Otway district included more than 120 permanent FFMVic staff who were accredited to fill roles for bushfire response. This is in addition to 33 new Project Fire Fighters (PFFs) including staff based at Gellibrand, Forrest, Anglesea and Lorne.

“This summer will also see the return of Large Type 1 helicopter to Colac to achieve the capability necessary to support operations within the district and across the region and State,” Mr Morrow said.

Be Bushfire Ready It is important for Otway residents to be well prepared and Bushfire Ready as the fire season approaches. Residents are encouraged to make plans early and seek information on how to stay safe this summer. For advice on what you need to think about, contact your local council, visit www.cfa.vic. gov.au and emergency.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to get involved in the range of fire preparedness activities available in the Otways in the coming months. Contact your local council and CFA brigade to find out about events in your area.

Forest Fire Management Victoria is the on-ground name for DELWP (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning), Parks Victoria and VicForests field based staff who predominantly deliver fire operations, planned burning, fire preparedness and response.

One of many well attended community meetings at Wye River.

Wye River recovery update Following the 2015 Christmas Day bushfire Wye River and Separation Creek residents and landowners have made significant progress to resettle and reconnect their community by working collaboratively on a range of initiatives.

Coming into a new bushfire season the community is working closely with Colac Otway Shire and other agencies to increase its awareness of landscape risks that are specific to the area, such as bushfire and landslide. As a result of the collaborative partnerships built over the year, a range of new initiatives have been introduced including a free plant giveaway, a Vegetation Restoration Committee focusing on township weed reduction works and Colac Otway Shire’s Landscaping Your Coastal Garden For Bushfire booklet.

Additionally, the shire’s bushfire preparedness will begin over a month earlier than last year, giving residents more time to prepare their properties before this fire season.

Throughout the year FFMVic has finalised agreements to conduct rehabilitation works on all 23 private properties used for emergency access during the firefight, and final works are due to be completed pending suitable weather.

Meanwhile, landslide management including emergency stabilisation works are ongoing.

Emergency Management Victoria is continuing to reinstall retaining walls rated as high and very high risk across the townships, using non-combustible steel girders with concrete panels.

FFMVic and its agency partners would like to thank the residents of Wye River, Separation Creek and the wider Otways community for their continued support and engagement in regards to all-hazards emergency management, particularly as we move into another potentially high-risk bushfire season.

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

21

Restoring Cape Otway’s Woodland Jack Pascoe – Conservation Ecology Centre Early European visitors to Cape Otway described the area as resembling ‘cups and saucers’ due to a system of ridges and valleys formed by windblown dunes. The Cape was maintained as an open woodland by regimental use of fire by the local Gadabanud, or King Parrot, people. The diversity of plant life in these woodlands was exceptionally high including an abundance of native herbs and orchids which thrive in sandy soils.

However, recent changes to stewardship and land management have seen the area become increasingly choked by shrubs which have spread from adjacent coastal ecosystems. If the process continued woodland plants like the endangered leafy-greenhood orchid faced local extinction. The cessation of controlled fire also broke the cycle of germination for many plants including the region’s trees. This has led to a lack of seedlings to replace ageing and senescent Manna Gums and Messmate Stringeybarks.

CEC and CFA Fire program. Pic Ian Morrison

The structure and diversity of Cape Otway’s woodlands is also vital for conserving the area’s fauna. Endangered species which are persisting on the Cape despite threats such as predation by cats and foxes include the long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) , broad-toothed rat (Mastacomys fuscus) and powerful owl(Ninox strenua). These species rely on diverse habitats and therefore maintaining our woodlands will be critical to their persistence in the region.

Jack Pascoe joined the Conservation Ecology Centre in 2012 to manage the ever growing Conservation Programs. Jack grew up at Cape Otway before leaving to study Science at Deakin University and going on to complete his PhD with the University of Western Sydney where he studied the ecology of predators in the Blue Mountains. His key fields of expertise are conservation and wildlife biology and previous research topics have included wild dog ecology, lace monitor home Threatened Leafy Greenhood range, the distribution of large forest owls and Re-introducing planned fire into Orchid. Pic David Simmonds the interactions of exotic predators with native the Cape Otway landscape has carnivores like the Tiger Quoll. Immediately allowed the CEC and the Country prior to joining the CEC, Jack worked with one of our Fire Authority, our project partners, to stall the project partners, the Southern Otway Landcare Network, invasion of coastal shrubs. Enabling us to maintain primarily focusing on mitigating the impacts of pest the area’s floral diversity and pave the way for plants and animals throughout the Otways. recolonization of species back into the woodlands.

We are beginning to seeing profuse flowering Jack is Chair of the Otway Community Conservation in once common species like Creamy Candles, Network, is President of the Hordern Vale Glenaire small mosquito orchids and Stork’sbills, and fire Landcare Group, Vice President of Southern Otway dependant species like Golden Tip, Austral indigo, Landcare Network and a member of the Expert and Running Postman are once again germinating.

Panel advising The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

Planned burning has also allowed the perfect medium for the planting of local tree species to The Conservation Ecology Centre is a nationally initiate the recovery of the lost canopy. These trees registered non-profit ecological research, conservation are grown from local seed which is stored in the and wildlife rehabilitation centre, dedicated to seedbank of our partners at the Southern Otway protecting and understanding Australian ecosystems.

Landcare Network, and are carefully planted to See the many ways you can be involved in recreate the woodland areas which have been conservation of the Otways: http://www. damaged or lost. conservationecologycentre.org/get-involved/ Threatened Long-nosed potoroo. Pic Doug Gimesy

22

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

Arts 23 As we head into the 40th year of the Apollo Bay Art Show, it is a wonderful time to get together, reflect and celebrate this achievement. There have been hundreds of volunteers over the years who work hard behind the scenes to bring this show to the Apollo Bay community every summer. This year we are expanding to include two venues. The Senior Citizens Centre & Arts Inc. Gallery will host our exhibition and we have opened up the genres to encourage more artists in our region to enter. All profits made by the Art Show are re-distributed within the Apollo Bay community in support of the ‘arts’. The current committee is excited about the ‘Boxing Day Opening Night’ – @ Senior Citizens Centre 6-8pm, Monday 26th December, to share stories, be entertained by local musicians and be amazed by the artistic talents of local artists. Hope to see you there!

Words by Nattie Murray, Apollo Bay Art Show Administrator In 1976, Jean Berry and Bob Davis with his wife, the late Nan Davis, organised the first Apollo Bay Painting and Pottery Exhibition as a fund raising event for the Apollo Bay Historical Society. For the next few years Jean, Bob and Nan organised and ran the show, which raised many thousands of dollars for the Historical Society. Together they contributed so much to the development of the society and the establishment of the Apollo Bay Museum.

Bob Davis

Nan Davis

Jean Berry

Each year they were pleased to welcome back many of the best local and regional artists until the exhibits filled the available space. Each year they successfully sold a significant proportion of the work displayed.

The exhibition they founded, now known as the Apollo Bay Art Show, continues to enjoy the strong support of local and regional artists and the buying public.

Words by Ted Stuckey, Apollo Bay Historical Society member

In 2010 the Apollo Bay Historical Society announced that their annual summer Art Show was folding as they could no longer meet the demand of running the Art Show and the Apollo Bay Cable Museum.

Apollo Bay Arts Inc responded to the surprise announcement by putting out a call to our members seeking interest in running the show. Arts Inc had a long association with the art show, volunteering help with the hanging and sitting. As an arts group we didn’t want to see the town lose this avenue for creativity. A small dedicated team came forward to take on the task of running the 34th Art Show under the Arts Inc banner with a list of supporters who would help during the ten day show.

The Art Show was firmly established and highly regarded among artists and visitors so there was no need to change its format. All the ground work had been done for us. We were handed an exceptional booklet detailing how to run the show that we fondly referred to as the Art Show Bible and we are especially grateful that the support didn’t end once we had taken over. Members of the Historical Society have given ongoing support, volunteering their time during the event and finding space at their museum for storing the large display panels and equipment.

Coming in to the Art Show’s 40th year is a great milestone and our part in keeping the tradition alive gives us cause for celebration. Keeping the ten day format from Boxing Day into the New Year plus a low commission on sales (20%) are key features that bring artists and visitors back each summer.

We have only made minor changes in response to technology and the environment. It’s progress without altering the charm.

Each year we look forward to seeing what our new and returning artists bring on receiving day. It’s one of my favourite days as you can be guaranteed that there will be something to suit everyone’s taste in art at the Apollo Bay Art Show. So if you haven’t been before then make sure you come along this year to see the impressive range of original artworks on display.

Words by Jo Forrest, Apollo Bay Art Show Committee Member

24

The Anatomy of a Fine Art Photograph

By Tim Lucas

Its easy right, you drive to the spot – take a quick snap, then head home, put the paper in and press print. Done!

Err, no. The chasm between a ‘happy snap’, which is a valid form of photography allows that moment in time to live on (maybe on social media), and a Fine Art Print is vast.

Recently I was asked by a parent of a 15 year old just starting out in outdoor photography for some advice for the budding photographer. The answer, put the camera away, walk/sit/ stand/climb and take in the scene. Then think about the scene and what it is that you are trying to take home from it…

‘Learning to see’ Perhaps the hardest thing for any photographer to learn. What it is that you are looking at, can you find something in the scene that you have never seen before, because if you are there then its likely hundreds of others have been as well. During my recent exhibition, ‘Intimately Remote : Exploring Small Parts of a Big World’, people often commented along the lines of ‘…I love the small details that Tim has observed… and ‘Love your ability to display a unique world out there that most of us don't see…’ The ability to be able to visualise a scene, in a way that offers a truly unique aspect, is something that comes naturally to some but must be learnt by others. It’s a skill that improves with experience and only actively searching within the natural environment can hone this skill.

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

25

‘You must have a good camera…’

Yes of course it’s the camera that does all the work!

I remember once being asked this question whilst eating out, and being tempted to answer along the lines of ‘…great meal, you must have a good oven…’

The camera, like the oven, is just a tool after all. To make the meal needs quality ingredients, skilled preparation and care. To capture a useable base image is no different, only this time the ingredients are what's in front of the lens and the skill is using the camera/lens/filters/settings to get that initial capture.

‘Are your images Photoshopped?’

This is a common question but an important one – shooting in RAW format means an image needs to be processed. How come yours and mine look so different even though we took the same photo? Think of it like this: Focus on an object on the table, close both eyes and then open the left one. Close the left and open the right – the object seems to be in a different place. Open both eyes and you can get a sense of depth. Well a camera has only one eye! So yes, all images need to be edited to bring out the sense of depth within the natural scene. Other edits might be to remove unwanted objects, adjust the colours to better reflect the scene. Or, perhaps to totally change the scene to produce a more desirable Fine Art Print. How much is too much?

From my perspective editing is to bring out my vision, and if done well it should be the unseen element that answers the original question ‘…how come yours and mine look so different…’

Take these two for example, the left being ‘as shot’, the right after the ‘editing’ process:

I notice on your prints that you use lots of different paper, why?

Media choice is very important to me. In the Digital Nature Print Studio we have about 18 types of print media. These range from cheap poster stock to handmade Japanese media and now aluminum substrates. The canvas ranges from Matt to Metallic, once again at price points to match the client requirements.

To me the image chooses the media, not the other way around. When taking an image I will almost always have my desired print media in mind. It may be a matt or super glossy, flat or textured.

Whatever the choice the combination of well composed and edited image, printed on the ‘right media’ will produce a vastly different result when compared to shooting a jpg file and printing on cheap inkjet paper.

Where can I see you work?

Until the end of January a selection of image from the local environment are on show at the Red Rock Regional Theatre and Gallery, and works are constantly being added to my website and facebook pages.

Do you print for anyone else?

Of course! At Digital Nature we can transform your favourite photo into a Fine Art Print to make the perfect personalised gift. Contact Tim for more information: www.timlucasphotography.com.au www.digitalnature.com.au tim@digitalnature.com.au facebook.com/timlucasphotographyau facebook.com/digitalnatureau

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Art Attack on the Milanesia Track The art adventures of Brian Wolsley Magically, Great Ocean Walkers may encounter a "Tolkienesque" straw bale house near Milanesia offering free ice-cold water to thirsty hikers and exquisitely handcrafted walking sticks for sale. This rare moment of enchantment is not an illusion, but the cliff-top kingdom of Brian Worsley, builder, gardener, artist and eternal child.

Brian and his partner moved to the region almost two decades ago and built their home overlooking the sea and ranges in all their ruggedness. Both he and partner Joan Reed were head gardeners at Melbourne’s historic Rippon Lea for many years and it seems imaginary kingdoms are what he creates best and loves most. His love of both form and fun are evidenced by the differing exhibitions he’s produced over the past five years. His first exhibition at COPACC, entitled Mother Nature’s Coastal Formation, recalled the raw colours and textures of our elementravaged coast while his most recent show this year, Optical Illusions; Colour and Fun, was a riot of just that! Some of it paying homage to the Beatles’ song Yellow Submarine while other works quietly saluting modernist masters such as M. C. Escher, Piet Mondrian and Wassilly Kandinsky. But let’s not get too serious!

Arts 27

The techniques Worsley uses may be quite mature but the child-like wonder that accompanied his vast cardboard installation SS Environment had all the Colac kids squealing with delight. Launched by Senator Richard Di Natale, this ship-maze took up the whole civic centre and was constructed entirely from waste- cardboard with tunnels and fully detailed art deco state rooms for children to discover. His Bubble show brought similar magic to COPACC and a walk around his garden and studio reveal an inner child and creative soul capable of transforming the ordinary into extraordinary.

Brian Worsley creative endeavours included building papier mache floats for the Moomba Parade. Now, with the Ship Wreck Coast stretching to the horizon from his lounge window one can’t help but think the only limits to his journey are the limits of the imagination.

By Neil Drinnan

UNIQUE LOCAL ARTWORK - GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

OPEN: 10am - 4pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday Most Public Holidays & By Appointment

14 Main Rd, Gellibrand River E: info@gellibrandrivergallery.com.au T: 03 5235 8410 www.gellibrandrivergallery.com.au

28 Arts

Makeup Artist: Kelly Wilson

Otway

Creative Network Makeup Artist: Gill Bowen-Johnston

Who are we?

Help wanted

Otway Creative Network is a new Facebook community group for photographers, models, makeup artists, fashion designers and alike to collaborate and network for the expansion of portfolios, professional work and making friends.

The Otway Creative Network is a hub for posting advertisements e.g. photographers looking for a model or a makeup artists looking for fashion designers. We also welcome questions from people interested in the industry and impressions of previous work.

Why did we start this group?

Our goals

The Otways are an amazing resource of people with remarkable talents. Connecting these individuals will benefit the local community and demonstrate the fantastic diversity in the area. It can be difficult living in the country and working towards this type of industry and we would love for people with these interests to join and grow our creative community, who can work together and share knowledge.

We are a passionate group and encourage people of all ages, living in the Otways and surrounding districts to not feel isolated if they want to pursue unique careers such as modelling, fashion design or body painting.

We would love the group to be a learning centre for young talent to practise their skills, before making the endeavour to larger projects in cities such as Melbourne. It could even be the hobby that people come home to on the weekend.

It is also an opportunity to learn of other industries such as film and TV which regional living may not offer. So, if this sounds like you or someone you know who may be interested, come and have a look, ask some questions and lets make something extraordinary!

Gill Bowen-Johnston

Sweeter Than Honey Photography #iamotways by Rachel Ramsey Sweeter Than Honey Photography is a contemporary storytelling style photography venture based in Apollo Bay. Specialising in weddings, family and business promotional photography every shoot aims to tell a story filled with raw emotion and candid moments.

All photographs are inspired by the unique community and stunning locations of Apollo Bay, the Otway’s and surrounding regions.

When I first stumbled upon ‘The Bay’ whilst travelling back in the summer of 2010 I was instantly struck by the sheer beauty of the area, unmatchable by anywhere else I had ever experienced. The stark contrast of the rich green hills resting so close to the ocean was breath taking and I still remember vividly the first time that I stood on the beach and was captivated by that unmistakable view. In the evenings after work I would often walk alone at the harbour and drink in the sights and sounds of the late summer nights. From fishermen finishing their daily tasks to families chatting over ice cream, the Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

enchanting atmosphere of twilight here was as magical as it was contagious.

During my first years in Apollo Bay I was inspired to rediscover creativity in many ways. However, it was not until after a series of events which led me to return to the UK and study photography at university that I realised my true talents lay in photographing people.

Whilst the initial idea for this business was originally sparked elsewhere it always made sense that I would return to the town that had captured my heart to launch the venture properly.

Sweeter Than Honey is unique locally in that it focuses on the spirit of people and community whilst the magnificent locations of the Great Ocean Road and Otways add interest and a further level of aesthetic quality.

Visit www.sweeterthanhoneyphotography.org for more information on wedding, family and promotional business packages.

29

Six great shows on sale now!

Featuring: Normie Rowe James Blundell Karen Knowles

Designer coutour by Enas Clark

And we celebrate: The Beatles Cilla Black Frank Sinatra

Proudly sponsored

by Arundell, Murray & Ryan.

Free morning tea served at 10am before each show

VBW011

95-97 Gellibrand Street, Colac Telephone: 5232 2077 www.copacc.com.au

30

Coming home

Neil in Jack Irish

A Heartbreak Away

“There can be no denying it, this is a most beautiful place to come home to”, says Neil. And when you have a career in the dramatic arts, a spectacular dramatic landscape is just the tonic. And to have a small boutique hospitality business as well makes it a perfect blend. Neil Melville trained as an actor, writer and musician while his wife Bo trained as a costume designer at the highly regarded West Australian Academy of Performing Arts. They met while touring with The Melbourne Theatre Company and came to Glenaire to build a new home and manage their delightful little boutique hospitality venture together. “There is plenty of space for us and the guests”, says Bo. “We have over 100 acres of beautiful forest with walking trails and fabulous ocean views.” And being a devoted dog lover Bo assures us that ‘Glenaire Cottages’ are very pet friendly. “I can’t go anywhere without my little Dusty (her miniatuare black schnauzer) so I know how important it is to be comfortable knowing that your dog is most welcome.”

and “Underbelly” while still finding time to perform on stage in The Production Company’s “West Side Story” at the State Theatre last year.

“It is a great privilege to be able to share this with our guests and pass on our knowledge of the area.

And Neil still gets time to do his acting. He is currently working with Claudia Karvan and Toby Schmitz in the new ABC drama “Newton’s Law “and has recently appeared in “Rake”, “Jack Irish”, “Utopia”, “The Hollowmen”, “Howzat: Kerry Packer’s War”, “Killing Time”,

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

“It is a great privilege to be able to share this with our guests and pass on our knowledge of the area. It’s not for everybody, but we have developed a likeminded set of regulars and many referred guests. We are here if needed but discreetly inconspicuous if not.”

Neil has had a long association with Glenaire with his mother having married a local farmer 50 years ago.

“It was a culture shock to a 13 year old city kid. I didn’t really take to it at first but I had a wonderful stepfather who introduced me to the ways of the bush.

He liked to challenge my ‘city ways’ and taught me things I would never have known and for which I am eternally grateful. It took a while but I came back to it when my mother and I developed the idea of building cottages. She got the ball rolling. Being a city girl she could see the attraction. There was only camping back in those days and she copped a lot of criticism. She bought forested land that no self respecting farmer could understand: ‘What are you gunna do? Run a snake to the acre?’ ‘Noone’ll come here!’ But with an outsider's eye she could see the certain attraction of the Otways and proceeded to build the first log cabin.

Glenaire cottages 31

West Side Story

No sooner done than the surfers arrived with the heralding of Johanna Beach as the location for the World Surfing Championships and names like Nat Young, Wayne Lynch, and American surfer Rolf Aurness brought the world’s attention to our little secret.”

Rake

No village has ever been established at Glenaire so the visitors keep coming back for the natural beauty and energizing power of the landscape. For Neil and Bo it is business and pleasure combined and a wonderful antidote to their city commitments.

Stylishly appointed • pet friendly cottages • spectacular views • spacious & private • romantic spa • open fire • private forest trails • unique coast • forest setting on 40 hectares Glenaire Cottages are privately owned and managed by Bo & Neil Melville

3440 Great Ocean Road, Glenaire, Victoria 3238 Phone (03) 5237 9237 www.glenairecottages.com

32

Advertorial

Otway Sleepovers

Whether you’ve spent the day in the Otways beach combing, touring through the lush hinterland, visiting family and friends, or joining in a special celebration…you will need to rest your weary head at the end of the day.

And you are spoilt for options from camping, glamping & self-contained holiday homes through to luxury B & B’s. You can sleep under the stars of the Milky Way, by a camp fire or snuggle into a cosy cabin. Whatever your desire or budget, Otway Sleepovers are the stuff of dreams.

So come...lose your clock...and find the time...

OTWAY FIELDS GROW  EAT  REST

Stay a few nights in our beautiful cabin overlooking the Otways, explore the hinterland, the Great Ocean Road (GOR) and relax in your peaceful, quiet, romantic self contained cabin style accommodation for two. Included is a breakfast basket each morning featuring fresh farm free range eggs, a loaf of freshly baked bread and a selection of farm preserves. Local bacon is also provided. Depending on the season, you’ll find a few extras in your basket such as freshly picked berries or fruit.

Your cabin comprises of a comfortable queen size bed, beautiful ensuite with full shower and a seating area with couch, table and chairs and a small kitchenette. There is an abundance of birdlife around the area and photography enthusiasts will love the photo opportunities.

If you are enjoying a meal at Brae Restaurant, or Bespoke Harvest, we can provide transport to and from the restaurant, please check on booking.

85 Meadowell Rd, Gerangamete VIC 3249

OTWAY FIELDS GROW  EAT  REST

YOUR ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

www.otwayfields.com Tel 0418 757 028 Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

Otway Sleepovers 33

Pennyroyal is an oasis of rural tranquility a short scenic drive from Lorne and the Great Ocean Road.

Pennyroyal Farm shelters below the ridge looking out over the valley to the State Forest and offers a variety of private, self contained cottages to suit a range of needs and budgets. The cottages are cute, cozy and unique, some boast soaring timber ceilings whilst the others have a country homestead feel.

Outside, relax on the sundecks or enjoy the privacy of large yards with extensive native gardens and an abundance of bird life. There are farm animals in the surrounding paddocks that include our resident goats and cattle.

Inside, enjoy the ambience of radiant heat from wood-burning fires with ample firewood supplied.

There are also reverse cycle air conditioners and ceiling fans in each cottage.

For enquiries you can phone (03) 5236 3249, email bookings@pennyroyalfarmcottages.com.au. or go to our website for more information.

King Parrot Cottages & Event Centre provides accommodation near the Great Ocean Road and Lorne in the Otway Ranges, nestled on the northfacing hillside of the spectacular Pennyroyal Valley.

Consisting five cottages, Lodge, Hall and campground, King Parrot is a popular destination for romantic getaways, family holidays or large family celebrations. The architecturally designed accommodation is fully self-contained, ranging in size from single to four bedrooms, accommodating between two and fourteen people. Each offers comfort, character and privacy in a rustic bush land setting.

Our campground, surrounded by beautiful forest, provides the option of getting back to nature. There are eight camping sites, including three cabin-tents, on the rainforest valley floor. There is a wide range of activities at your finger-tips; the saltwater swimming pool, games room with table tennis, fuse ball, air hockey plus mini golf to name a few. Most pets are welcome by prior arrangement only.

Relax & Explo Relax & Explore

Atstay KinginParrot you can stay in a luxury co At King Parrot you can a luxury cottage rainforest walks, swim in the pool or just t or camp beside our pristine creek.

Explore the rainforest walks, swimOur in the pool or just totally cottages, lodge and hall are nestled on relax and enjoy the birds and animals. the spectacular Pennyroyal Valley.

Relax & Explo

Ideal romantic family gather Our cottages, lodge and hallforare nestledgetaways, on a valley hillside north facing overlooking the spectacular Yours hosts are Robyn & Tony Hampton Pennyroyal Valley. Phone (03) 5236 3372

At King Parrot you can stay in a luxury co

195 Dunse Track, Pennyroyal, 3235 rainforest walks, swim in the pool or just t Ideal for romantic getaways, family gatherings, Email contact@kingparrot.com.au | conferences, retreats and weddings.

Our cottages, lodge and hall are nestled on

spectacular Pennyroyal Valley.

Yoursthe hosts are RobynIdeal & Tony Hampton for romantic getaways, family gather Phone (03) 5236 3372 Yours hosts are Robyn & Tony Hampton 195 Dunse Track, Pennyroyal 3235 Phone (03) 5236 3372 Email contact@kingparrot.com.au 195 Dunse Track, Pennyroyal, 3235 www.kingparrot.com.au

www.pennyroyalfarmcottages.com.au

Email contact@kingparrot.com.au

|

34

Advertorial

Otway Sleepovers

Whether you’ve spent the day in the Otways beach combing, touring through the lush hinterland, visiting family and friends, or joining in a special celebration…you will need to rest your weary head at the end of the day.

And you are spoilt for options from camping, glamping & self-contained holiday homes through to luxury B & B’s. You can sleep under the stars of the Milky Way, by a camp fire or snuggle into a cosy cabin. Whatever your desire or budget, Otway Sleepovers are the stuff of dreams.

So come...lose your clock...and find the time...

Otway Escapes For couples seeking romance, OTWAY ESCAPES offers 4 uniquely designed properties.

OTWAYS NUMBER 105: Architecturally designed “Pole House” with mezzanine on 4ha with 180 degree views of The Otways.

OTWAY VALLEY VIEWS: Artistically “retro” renovated 1940’s Farmers Cottage on 40ha.

OTWAY ESCAPES LOVE SHACK: Apartment accommodation with 360 degree rural and Otway views.

LOVE IS IN THE AIRSTREAM: Glamping in style!

A 1966 renovated Airstream Caravan including outdoor Star gazing Bath with spectacular rural and bush views.

Re-awaken your senses with the romance of wood fires, spa’s, saunas, artwork and Japanese plunge baths. Experience and embrace beautiful gardens and outdoor sculptures with an abundance of birdlife and animals. Indulge with packages prepared with local produce. Enjoy spectacular views over rolling hills and the Otways, all within close proximity of the Great Ocean Road, Lorne and Birregurra.

Return transfers available to local restaurants.

t: 0411 721 163 e: info@otwayescapes.com.au w: www.otwayescapes.com.au

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

Otway Sleepovers 35 Camping options in the Aire Valley This small campground is located in a shady spot on the Aire River and is a great place for kayaking. The best place to launch your kayak is near the bridge.

The camping area is located off the Great Ocean Road, across the Aire River from the Aire River West campground. Advanced bookings and payment are required year round.

Non-flush toilets, a picnic shelter, shared picnic tables and a boat landing are available. parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/great-otwaynational-park/things-to-do/camping/aire-river-east I N T H E H E A R T O F T H E O T WAY S

E AT | D R I N K | S TAY

At Forrest Guesthouse you can stop and relax.

Enjoy the abundant nature and waterfall walks close by or if you like to move at a faster pace, ride the renowned mountain bike trails that wind through the Otways.

Onsite restaurant Bespoke Harvest uses fresh produce from our garden & surrounding farms that capture the taste & flavour of the Otways. Featuring 80% local ingredients for lunch & dinner.

Friday & Saturday dinner is a set menu where you relax and enjoy the local harvest. Our menu is continually changing as the produce provides.

| 1 6 G R A N T S T R E E T F O R R E S T 3 2 3 6 | T H E O T WAY R A N G E S V I C T O R I A | B O O K I N G S & E N Q U I R I E S T 0 3 5 2 3 6 6 4 4 6

5892_FGH_OtwayLife_180x63mm.indd 1

W F O R R E S TAC C O M M O DAT I O N.C O M . AU |

26/11/2015 3:53 pm

Cosy log fires Pillowtop beds Electric blankets Dogs welcome inside Home made treats Free range eggs Huge fenced yards Off leash areas Wild birds Bushwalks from your door

holidays for humans and hounds

03 5288 7399 0419 114 786 stay@countrywidecottages.com.au www.countrywidecottages.com.au

36

Roots & Culture Ros Denney • Saint Aire Farm

Some people return to their roots in the Otways and bring a new way of living and working on the land. Such was the case with Ros Denney and here is her story as told to Otway Life Magazine.

What brought you to this part of the world?

I spent the first 15 years of my life at Glenaire on the family farm, before leaving for higher education and the pursuit of dreams in a wider world. I completed a BA in fashion and then pursued a career in fashion couture. I loved the bespoke creation, the design and the interaction with my lovely clients.

My husband Ercole and l were returning to Glenaire often as weekenders, however a chance opportunity arose at the end of 2011 when we sold our Melbourne home. We decided to spend the summer holidays at Glenaire, and needless to say, it has been an endless summer!

How was the idea for Saint Aire Farm conceived?

Over the 2011/12 summer, Ercole and l began tending to a property which was to be part of successional plans in our family between my sister and myself. We worked very hard pulling out fences which had fallen into disrepair, installing water troughs for the then, agisted cattle. Gradually the lure of the land beckoned, a total farm plan was installed, we purchased our own livestock, laying the foundations for a beef enterprise. Other adjoining land has since been purchased and there is much work to be done!

So from couture to cattle l went. I have always been interested in niche agriculture, and like to have control over all stages of production to the Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

end consumer as l did in couture. It is fabulous to get direct feedback from customers regarding our beef and frankly, I couldn’t imagine doing business any other way. Happy, healthy animals result in wonderful meat quality and I believe in ethical food consumption. Saint Aire was born out of a desire to offer locally produced quality beef to people who want to know the provenance of their food.

What are the challenges of such a big change in lifestyle for you?

Obviously l love the new lifestyle change and the benefits of being in a more local community, however moving from a world class city such as Melbourne, so rich with cultural diversity can be a little challenging at times. I do miss food shopping at the South Melbourne Market and being able to pop out to restaurants and cultural events. However, over the past few years l have found myself going back to Melbourne less and less, and feel quite blessed to have great rural opportunities in front of me.

Do you have a favourite place in the Otways?

Our farm is situated on an elevated tract of land between the Aire Valley flats and Bass Strait. The Ford and Aire Rivers meander through the valley until they reach the estuary. The Aire estuary is a special place – originally a rich food source for indigenous inhabitants for millennia, it's now known to many people for camping and fishing. For us, it’s a lovely local place to visit.

Saint Aire Farm 37

Images: David Simmonds Photography

What are your hopes for the future - for yourself and the region?

We are beginning to see a diverse range of boutique producers on the Otway coast and hinterland. It is a testament to both the climate and soils and the entrepreneurial skills of the people who live and work here, and l look forward to this ‘harvest trail’ expanding in our region.

I am a member of Otway Coast Regenerative Farmers.

We are all niche agricultural producers who have a commitment to improving the health of our animals and landscape and I enjoy the support and learning which this group provides.

At the moment Saint Aire is a ‘seasonal’ producer, and as we begin to build up our herd numbers l look forward to consistently supplying premium beef, processed on average at two years and dry aged for two and a half weeks. We believe this is the optimal time to process for flavor and texture. The Bazadais genetics in our beef herd help ensure a delicate softness to our meat.

The French Bazadais breed originate from Bazas, a little town south of Bordeaux. We have a small amount of full-blood stud stock and would like to see these genetics used with other herds in the region.

They are easy doing bovines, exceptional feed convertors, and have a lot to offer the beef industry.

Where can people buy your product?

We offer 8 and 12 kilo mixed box beef sales, and encourage people to get in touch directly regarding processing dates. We also sell through Tastes of the Region in Apollo Bay, with individual portions also sold at the Apollo Bay Foreshore market and soon the Gellibrand Market.

Of course, people should come and visit our farm if they are interested in our Bazadais bulls!

38

Welcome to CHI Medicinal FARM Kiosk & Farm

CHI •medicinal farm•

We arrived in Glenaire looking for an opportunity to create another adventure in our lives. We came here on a holiday to “Find Our Chi”, and simply fell in love with the Old Bend Cafe and the surrounding area. Looking down from Castle Cove we sensed something magical... we found exactly what we were looking for.

Our inspiration behind Chi was to create a botanical oasis, a place where our beliefs and skills intertwined, a place where people could come to connect to the calming energy of nature whilst experiencing the potential healing powers of medicinal herbs, hence the name Chi. [CHI: (chi/ ki/ qi) noun: “natural energy”, “life force”, “energy flow”] Chi Medicinal Farm is unique. Beneath the rolling hills of the Otways on the fertile plains of the Great Ocean Road, our vision is to create a kiosk/cafe, gallery, and

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

medicinal farm where people are introduced to the holistic qualities of nature in every sense, through sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.

SIGHT…of the forests of trees, gentle rolling hills, blooming plants, never-ending skies and the rugged beauty of the Great Ocean Road. SOUND…of silence, freely interrupted by the staccato of animals, native bird life, the whistle of the wind, and the roaring Southern Ocean. SMELL…of the purity of fresh, clean air with the occasional waft of lemon scented myrtle, native mint, lavender and eucalyptus…truly heaven scent. TOUCH… of the fertile earth as we plant, grow and harvest an array of organic food and medicinal herbs to use in our kiosk and cafe. TASTE… of delicious, flavourful and nutrient dense food. Locally grown x crafted with love.

At Chi Medicinal Farm we strive to integrate all that nature has to offer in the most respectful way.

Chi Medicinal Farm 39

We grow and locally source the best produce available to us and then we handcraft our menus from scratch. We know this enhances the flavour and provides a healthier quality within the food that nourishes the mind, body and “CHI”.

Our vision is gradually coming to fruition, and when you visit us, you will see us growing, like a seed that has been thoughtfully selected, planted, watered and lovingly nurtured. Come join us on this journey, come and “Find YOUR Chi”.

n i Jo

Chi Medicinal Farm is located at 3225 Great Ocean Road, Glenaire, 3238. Chi Kiosk Spring hours are: Fri, Sat and Sun from 9am-5pm, featuring handcrafted Aussie pies, soups, maple glazed cinnamon buns, organic juices, barista style coffee, tea and more.

Organic berries and veggies will soon be available at the farm gate. To find out more please visit www.chimedicinalfarm.com.au or contact us on (03) 5237 9110 or email info@chifarm.com.au.

! s u

ARM

LF INA

DIC

E HIM

@C

Shane Law & Jo Eden Law

locally grown x crafted with love

CHI KIOSK open EVERY WEEKEND FOOD | COFFEE | TEA CHI MEDICINAL FARM

3225 Great Ocean Road, Glenaire

info@chifarm.com.au www.chimedicinalfarm.com.au

40

Advertorial

Sustainable Table The temperate climate and typography of the Otway Ranges provide an ideal setting for the sustainable production of food and other products for the local community. A ‘sustainable table’ is one that uses local food that has been grown using ecological and ethical practices that: Contributes to a thriving local economy and sustainable livelihoods; Protects the diversity of both plants and animals and the welfare of farmed and wild species; Avoids damaging or wasting natural resources or contributing to climate change; Provides social benefits, such as good quality food, safe and healthy products, and educational opportunities.

\'brā\ n. A hillside; a gentle slope Set on a hillside on a 30 acre organic farm, Brae is a contemporary restaurant with six luxury guest suites – a place to interact with nature and eat from the land.

An ever-changing set menu utilises produce from its own vegetable plots and fruit orchards, the surrounding land and local farmers to showcase a unique, contemporary cuisine built around an immense respect for nature and seasonality.

Brae farm, the restaurant and guest suites are all managed sustainably with regenerative farming techniques used to restore the land.

Organic principles are employed to produce seasonal vegetables, stone fruits, citrus, nuts, berries and olives for organic extra virgin oil from an established grove of more than 100 trees.

Owner/chef Dan leads a team of chefs and gardeners committed to a sustainable method of farming and booking.

4285 Cape Otway Road, Birregurra, Victoria 3242

Please support these local industries and be healthy at the same time!

Reservations & Enquiries +61 3 5236 2226 | enquire@braerestaurant.com @BraeRestaurant www.braerestaurant.com | Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

Your local mindful organic and health food store which sells a wide range of bulk foods, including flour, nuts, rice, legumes and dried fruit, you can take as much or as little as you like.

Otway Prime is one of Victoria’s early movers on the paddock-to-plate concept for beef and lamb, clearly identifying their own concerns and a growing consumer awareness around intensive farming practices.

Organic grocery items, vitamins and supplements, probiotics, baby and pregnancy goods, locally grown and produced food, gluten free products, organic and eco-friendly body care and detergents.

Our livestock are all free-ranged and grass-fed and the beautiful Otway region with its cool, pristine, high rainfall environment provides the perfect backdrop for the farm business. Long growing seasons and plentiful water allows livestock to graze peacefully in paddocks sheltered by the national park.

Promoting low food miles, sustainability, local shopping, conscious eating and a balanced lifestyle.

Stocking items such as Otway Fields preserves, Meredith Dairy cheeses and yoghurt, Love Tea and Southern Light Herbs, The Fermentary Kefir and Kimchi, Loving Earth Chocolate, Zeally Bay Sourdough Bread, Who Gives A Crap toilet paper, paper towel and tissues, just to name a few.

Pop in and see the passionate staff, and respect your body and mind by feeding it well.

72 Murray Street, Colac. Phone (03) 5232 1111

Our meats are available from many of the fabulous farmer’s markets in the greater Otway region, including South Geelong, Torquay, Airey’s Inlet and Apollo Bay. At these markets we proudly sit alongside some particularly talented local farmers and artisan producers. So take the opportunity to drop by for a visit during your summer holiday and savour not just Otway Prime’s grass-fed, dry aged beef and lamb, but also some of the region’s wonderful and unique produce. www.otwayprime.com.au

Direct from the farmer, paddock to plate, grown in Victoria’s Otway Ranges.

phone: 0428 112 212 email: udi@otwayprime.com.au www.otwayprime.com.au

42 Sustainable Table

Thinking Food I have a passion for connected sustainable food. My name is Kylie Treble and l would like to explain what that means.

Firstly it meant I began a business called The Place of Wonder, a seven acre emerging permaculture farm on the edge of Port Campbell where I conduct real ingredient cooking and sustainable edible gardening workshops. Secondly it meant that I developed and now co-ordinate a community project called the Local Meal Box. The Local Meal Box project delivers monthly boxes of as-locally-produced-as-possible ingredients collected around two recipes and delivers to subscribers based in six different towns. The aims of the project are to support producers, encourage awareness of local ingredients within consumers, encourage healthy home-cooking and support minimal or reuse waste strategies. Thirdly it means I now offer in my home fully explained vegetarian banquets by appointment. These banquets are prefaced by a garden tour to see where the ingredients for the banquet come from followed by a culinary explanation of the development of each of the eight banquet dishes. And fourthly it means that I am writing a book as a way of widely tooling others germinating a passion for sustainable food connection.

Our traditional food system is broken. Typically the daily food we eat requires more energy and resources to produce and transport than the energy that it delivers when consumed. In addition we are dependent on people we have never met to supply

and source our food and yet we fail to wave to socalled strangers. And our food travels more distance than most of us do in our entire life time; the food miles concept is not new but I am relating about the meals from only one day. Each of my activities is about learning the intricacies of our food system, where you fit now and making it your own into the future. It is about creating awareness so that you make better choices and it is about understanding that by modifying your everyday actions you have the potential to make your own food system (the correct jargon is to enact food sovereignty). If I had my wish it would be that everyone would construct their own food system. A food system that was informed with a considered approach to recognising and rewarding quality, eating what was in season, purchasing food that was as local as possible, growing and sharing what you can and then shouting from the paddocks about the food system hints that work for you.

It is not a pipe dream. There are many passionate foodies making amazing connections and together differences will be tangible. However if you are feeling a little overwhelmed (it happens to us all) I will leave you with two actions which I know you can do.

Firstly make just one small subtle food system change (never underestimate its flow on effect) and secondly wave to every so called stranger.

Southern

Otways Contact Kylie for more information Address: 2133 Port Campbell Rd, Newfield, 3268 Telephone: 0417 781343 Email: info@theplaceofwonder.com.au

Southern Otways Food Cooperative Open every 3rd Sunday of the month from 10am-1pm @ the Apollo Bay Farmers Market • Bulk buying to reduce packaging and lower the costs of purchasing high quality organic food • Member operated cooperative • No public sales due to health regulations members only food purchases • Not-for-profit • We will open once per month in conjunction with the Apollo Bay Farmer's Market • Annual household membership is $20 or $15 (concession) Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

S O

F

Southern Otways

• Don't forget to bring your own re-usable containers For information or to join, come to our stall at the next Apollo Bay Farmer's Market on the third Sunday of every month at the Apollo Bay Community Youth Club Hall New members are always welcome and you can sign up on the day.

Thankyou for supporting this not-for-profit community project!

South Otw

Books 43

The Good Life

by Ami Hillege Summer This is the time of year when the preparations of spring are finally rewarding us with the bounty we will enjoy for many months. The thrill of gathering food from our kitchen garden, a few steps from the kitchen, is one that we do not tire of.

It is late afternoon and I make a visit to the vegetable garden with a basket to gather the makings for a summer evening meal. The strawberries have been plumping up, turning from pale pink to a glossy deep red. I lift the leaves and find the hidden gems resting on the straw mulch. I pull a piece of fruit still warm from the sun gently from the stem and pop it into my mouth. The aroma of the fruit hits me. The taste is an explosion of strawberry!

We have friends coming over for dinner and we’ll serve an aperitif as we sit around the fire pit, waiting for the coals to mature to glowing orange balls, ready to receive the meat. I gather handfuls of herbs; coriander, dill, mint and parsley. These delicate greens will be eaten with a slice of freshly baked bread and a smear of local goats’ cheese. I grab a jar of marinating olives from the pantry. Last autumn I harvested a whopping 1400g, brined them and waited till they were ‘just right’. I rinsed and dried them, then added fresh garlic, rosemary, chili and olive oil to the salted fruit and put them away to mature. The only thing we need to add to our appetiser is an accompanying drink. We have a choice; apple cider bottled from the apples in our

orchard months before, or a little orange wine made with oranges from a neighbour topped off with sparkling mineral water.

Dinner will be a simple affair. The beef we will eat was raised in the paddock behind the house. Farm sausages and steak will be served with local spuds roasted in foil. A jar of rhubarb and date chutney will be popped open to dollop onto the side of a plate.

A piece of sausage smeared through the goopy preserve packs a sweet punch with a hint of spice.

Salad from the garden rounds out the main meal offering. The salad is green. It will be a few weeks yet before we pick our ripe tomatoes. The strawberries will be poached in a little Muscat syrup and a generous drizzle of cream. And that’s dessert done and dusted.

It has taken a while for us to arrive at this point of feeding ourselves from produce grown by our own hands. We’ve made many mistakes, hits and misses in the food garden. The most interesting and exciting aspect of feeding ourselves has been to eat seasonally. In a time before our journey in country began, no salad was complete without a tomato.

Now we wait and anticipate the beginning of the tomato season. We have a whole new menu to be explored when autumn arrives. But for now, we’re loving the good life that Summer is gifting us.

Follow Otway Fields on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram www.otwayfields.com

Oldest, organic berry farm in the south-west, operating since 1985.

Open for public picking from 26 Nov 2016 through Jan 2017.

Our emphasis is simple – local, fresh and all natural.

HOME OF -

Crucible Apple Cider “Real Cider”, hand made from our 28 cider apple varieties grown in our orchard.

No added preservatives.

Royal Penny Berry Gins Made with five varieties of berries picked at their peak, steeped in the finest gin from McHenry’s of Tasmania

OL5

Self contained accommodation available all year. Central to Otway regional attractions including Forrest Mountain bike trails

115 Division Road, Murroon 3243

Phone: (03) 5236 3238

www.pennyroyalraspberry.com

44 Book Review

Otway Book Review Nothing To Cry About By Joan Atherton Hooper

The single biggest local publishing success of this year is without a doubt Joan Atherton Hooper’s autobiography, Nothing to Cry About. Joan’s early life, it could be said, was torn from a gaudy 1930s true crime tabloid. Her father’s family came from the Colac area and after he was gunned down by his wife’s younger lover to whom she’d fallen pregnant, the stage was set for a grim, almost Dickensian childhood in 1940s Colac.

Joan and her four siblings were effectively orphaned by the murder and each was shunted off to various relatives around the Colac district. Joan it seemed drew the shortest straw and was left in the ‘care’ of a great uncle and his mean-spirited wife.

Set against the backdrop of staunch Catholicism, Nothing to Cry About could be a bleak misery memoir but the author’s humour, wit and verve

The Nature of Survival

Her book recounts happy seasons in Lorne, colourful times with Melbourne’s dinner theatre crowd and dark truths about the Catholic church and the small mindedness of country towns. Joan Atherton Hooper, the sharp tongued, red head who grew up as ‘the daughter of that woman’ has masterfully blended her pain and experience into a compellingly told chronicle of womanhood in the twentieth century. Try putting this book down once you start it!

Bet you can’t.

Neal Drinnan

By Doug Lang

‘The Nature of Survival’ is a newly published inspiring story of personal challenges, grief and loss as well as the strength of love and the healing power of nature.

The teller of this wonderful story of a life now finding fulfilment after a long struggle is Doug Lang; a local farmer, environmentalist and now author. Doug has put heart and soul into this book and with the constant love and support of wife Cheryl, children Simon, Ryan, Billy and Christy and the legacy and inspiration of Rebecca, he has shared his experiences with honesty and spirit.

Doug tells of his motivation to write the story he had been putting together for many years. He shares his battle with depression, intrusive thoughts, alcohol addiction and the overwhelming grief of personal loss. He tells how, throughout the years, he continued to function in the community through sport, work and family life. As years went on he became increasingly attuned to the environment and thus began a passion which has carried him through

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

make it anything but! Joan who is almost eighty now has published her own story and personally taken it to all the towns she has lived and worked in, Ballarat, Castlemaine and Melbourne. Her journey has been a tough but triumphant one and she still has all the spark and mischief of the sprightly little girl in the book who couldn’t decide whether to follow in the steps of the Immaculate Holy Mother or Bette Davis at her most noir.

the most debilitating experiences and is now, along with his family, the focus of his life’s work.

Growing up on a farm at Balintore as generations of his family before him, Doug developed a keen sense of the natural world around him and has now, after many years of work and the help of Cheryl, family and friends, succeeded in the revegetation of their farm. Doug researched the native plants which grew prior to cultivation for farmland and has succeeded in re-introducing some of them while at the same time, creating a beautiful plantation in memory of their daughter Rebecca.

The motivation and courage Doug needed to finally put his life into a book came with the experience of being made redundant from his job in circumstances which deeply undermined his self-esteem and the pride he took in the recognised quality of his work and long service to the organisation. With Cheryl’s encouragement he began a journey alone into the outback to reflect and focus on his life and the book.

However, the diagnosis of Rebecca’s illness meant an immediate return home and the beginning of the most painful and profound journey yet.

Doug’s story is real and powerful, an inspiration to those who share it.

Around the Houses Summer 45 45 Spring Creek Community House 14 Price Street, Torquay VIC 3228 Ph: 03 5261 2583 Fax: 03 5261 2584 Open Mon-Fri 9-2pm Email: reception@springcreekcommunityhouse.org.au

Regular Activities MONDAY Little da Vincis: 9.30am-10am for 3-5years. Painting, drawing, cutting and pasting. Lots of fun craft activities, prepare to get messy! $3 per child.

Tuesday Bells and Beats: 9.30am-10am and 10.30-11am for 0-5 years. Songs, music, movement, dance and fun with instruments. $3 per child.

Studio 14: Acrylics painting with Jan Dick. 1pm-3pm. $20 per term plus tutor fee.

Sit and Sew: Get together for a sew and a chat. 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month 1.30pm-3.30pm. $3 per session.

Young Wolves: Free maths and literacy tutoring for grades 5&6.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4pm-6pm.

Bookings essential.

Wednesday Move, Groove and Sing! 9.30am10am for 0-5 years. Packed full of fun and energetic action, songs and activities to get your little ones singing, moving and grooving! $3 per child.

Free Tech help: Need help with your phone or laptop? Book a free 40 minute 1 on 1 appointment.

9.30am-1pm, Bookings essential.

Quirky Crafts: Bring your craft, work on projects together and take part in special workshops.

10.30am-12pm.

Alcoholics Anonymous: 8pm-9pm.

Bells and Beats

Thursday Music and Movement: 9.30-10am for 0-5 years. A creative movement program in which children sing, dance and explore fun ways of moving to music. $3 per child.

Studio 14: Watercolour painting with Pat McKenzie. 1pm-3pm. $20 per term plus tutor fee.

Young Wolves: Free maths and literacy tutoring for grades 5&6.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4pm-6pm.

Bookings essential.

Sunday Sunday Meditation Group: 10am-11am, gold coin donation.

Call Nikki on 0400 497 024 Narcotics Anonymous: 7pm-8.30pm.

Coming Up Money Basics iPads for beginners Accredited Training

Friday Yoga for Wholeness 9.15am-10.30am. $12 casual.

Justice of the Peace signing service. 10am-11am, free service no booking required.

Painting with Parkinson’s Fun, therapeutic and social art program designed to assist people living with conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, Early Onset Dementia & Acquired Brain Injury.

11am-1pm, $10 per session all materials included.

Check our Program at www.springcreekcommunityhouse.org.au for full details

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46 46 Section Around the Houses Summer Forrest House

Find us on Facebook

14 Grant Street, Forrest 3236 Phone: Beccy on 5236 6591 Email: forrest.nh@gmail.com Open Thurs10-5pm

Ciao

Christmas Activities

Community consultation

Gillian Brew has stepped down from the position of coordinator at the Forrest Neighbourhood House after nearly 7 years in the role. Beccy Foster is currently acting coordinator. The house will be open for limited hours until the position is permanently filled.

Thursday December 15: Community Christmas Lunch, turkey and ham served with cranberry sauce or Veggie Frittata both served with healthy salads, followed by pavlova or summer fruits and ice-cream. $6 for two courses. Come along, share and celebrate! (This will be the final lunch for the year, first lunch in the New Year will be 2nd Feb).

what would you like your Neighbourhood House to be?

Also after over 7 years in Forrest, Salvina Conti will no longer be running the Visual Arts course.

This long term partnership with South West TAFE has done much to develop artists in rural areas, taking student through from Cert II to Diploma level.

Office Closure Over Christmas Currently the FDNH office is open on Thursdays 10-5pm. Over the Christmas holidays we will be closing from 23rd Dec returning on 19th Jan. Stay posted for the summer activity program.

Regular activities First Monday of the month BINGO 1-3pm Light afternoon tea provided. Cost $5 for 2 books.

3rd Monday of the month Book Club 7.30 Gold Coin Wednesday Tai Chi 6.30-8pm $10/8conc Thursday Mind Games 11am-12noon. $2 Community Lunch 12.30-2pm $6 Mind Your Groove dance and movement 7-8pm $2 Last Sunday of every month Music Jam and Pizza afternoon From 3pm. Join in or just relax and enjoy the vibes. Woodfired pizza available to purchase @ $2 a slice.

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2016-17

Christmas Craft Hour for Kids Children and parents are invited to drop in on Thursday December 15 between 3.30-4.30pm to have a cuppa/hot chocolate, shortbread and make something Christmasy, ie card, decoration etc, coloured paper and some sparkly stuff will be provided. Cost $5 per person includes afternoon tea and craft materials.

The New Year is a good time to reassess aspects of our lives and make changes including at the Forrest and District Neighbourhood House. We will soon develop and distribute a questionnaire asking for your ideas and evaluation of programs and services at FDNH. This will give us much valued feedback about what services and activities you would like FDNH to offer.

ACTIVITY PROFILE Book Club: Book club is the latest addition to the FDNH activity program. Come and share your interpretations and passion for literature with others.

Meetings are monthly every 3rd Monday of the month at 7.30pm.

This month’s book is ‘The Light Between Oceans’, by M L Steadman meeting on Dec 19th, the next book is ‘The Bricks That Built the Houses’,

by Kate Tempest, meeting on Jan 16th. All welcome, cost $2.

Final End of Year Art Exhibition opening SW TAFE Diploma and Cert IV visual art students.

Events COLAC OTWAY Calendar WED 30 NOVEMBER - FRI 2 DECEMBER Great Victorian Bike Ride Great Ocean Road www.bicyclenetwork.com.au DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY Birregurra Pop Up Gallery & Village Green Birregurra Public Hall 10am - 4pm www.birreartsgroup.com SAT 3 & SUN 4 DECEMBER Forrest Festival Sat 8.30am - 6pm & Sun 9am- 3pm www.forrestfestival.com.au FRI 16 DECEMBER Colac City Band Carols by Candlelight Memorial Square, Colac 7.30pm to 10.30pm MON 26 DECEMBER – WED 4 JANUARY Apollo Bay Art Show Senior Citizen & Mechanics Institute 11am – 5pm apollobayartshow@gmail.com

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Events SUMMER 2016-17

SUN 8 JANUARY Teddy Bear Parachuting Christ Church, Birregurra 11am registrations 1pm parachuting chrisawest@westnet.com.au SAT 14 JANUARY Colac Custom Car & Bike Show Memorial Square, Colac 10am to 3.30pm THURS 26 JANUARY Colac Otway Shire Australia Day Celebrations Apollo Bay Foreshore 11.30am – 3pm www.colacotway.vic.gov.au THURS 26 JANUARY A Day in the Bay Australia Day Celebrations Apollo Bay Foreshore 3pm - 5pm

MARKETS: SAT 4 & SUN 5 FEBRUARY Colac P & A Society Heritage Festival Apollo Bay Colac Show Grounds Community Market 9am to 4pm Every Saturday www.colacshow.com.au/heritagefestival Apollo Bay Foreshore SAT 18 & SUN 19 FEBRUARY Apollo Bay Farmers’ Market Apollo Bay Seafood Third Sunday of each month and Produce Festival Apollo Bay Youth Club Apollo Bay Foreshore 11am to 9pm Birregurra Sunday Market Second Sunday of each month SAT 25 & SUN 26 FEBRUARY Birregurra Park Gellibrand River Blues and Blueberry Festival Colac Lions Club Market Otways Tourist Park and Rex Norman Park, Third Sunday of each month Gellibrand Colac Memorial Square Music Festival - Sat 12- 8pm Lavers Hill Community Market - Sun 10am - 2pm Christmas Market www.bluesandblueberryfestival.com.au First Sunday in December SAT 25 & SUN 26 FEBRUARY Lavers Hill Public Hall Otway Odyssey & Great Otway Gravel Grind Forrest Promote your event with us 7am start www.colacotway.vic.gov.au www.rapidascent.com.au

Red Rock Regional Theatre and Gallery AUTUMN THEATRE SEASON FEBRUARY – Carmen 7.30pm Saturday 25th

APRIL – Archie Roach 7.30pm Friday 28th

JUNE – Return to the Well 2pm Sunday 25th

Emotionworks Cut Opera presents Bizet's "Carmen": blood, sex, murder and intrigue in this cabaret version will get your feet dancing.

This is opera in its most essential form - using a mix of musical genres and vocal styles and featuring some great Salsa dancing. 90 mins in length and No Boring Bits!!

Archie Roach is a man of few words but when he speaks, or sings, those words lift you up, transport you and humble you. He is that rarest of beings; one that sees beyond race, religion, gender and ideology.

This will be an exciting afternoon of music from top musicians with close connections to our region performing music that has been the source of most of modern music: jazz, blues and rock. Tony Forbes and the Hip Replacements and Garry Richardson’s Gazjaz are confirmed. As well you will enjoy the music while tasting some local fine wine and foods.

MARCH – Afenginn 7.30pm Tuesday 14th

Afenginn, which means intoxication and strength in old norse, is a contemporary folk/world music band formed in Copenhagen in 2002.

The group is inquisitive, playful and imaginative and takes an anarchic approach to traditional musical structures.

MAY – Liza and Judy 7.30pm Friday 19th

An Evening with Galit Klas and Alan Kogosowski.

When we asked Galit would she come back to Cororooke her answer was: "Sure, we can do an evening of music theatre and light classical or perhaps some Judy Garland - we are working on a new show”.

This is the generosity Galit brings to her musical passion; a reflection of her life.

SPECIAL OFFER

Purchase a Season Subscription for just $130 ($165 full price).

As many of our performances have sold out in the past this is a great way to ensure you do not miss out. And you can select your seats.

Purchase a Subscription through Trybooking or go to www.redrockarts.com.au

BOOKSHOP

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T 03 5232 1072 E sales@cowlick.com.au A 86 Murray Street, Colac www.cowlick.com.au

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