Peninsula Essence August 2023

PENINSULA

Living & Visiting on the Mornington Peninsula

SKATER BOY

Former competitive snowboarder Craig ‘Mitch’ Mitchell, pictured here with daughter Indy, now spends his days teaching kids how to fall in love with skateboarding at local skate parks.

Writers:

Andrea Louise Thomas, Joe Novella, Muriel Cooper

Photography:

Yanni, Gary Sissons

Creative: Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne

Publisher: Melissa McCullough

Advertising: Andy Jukes, 0431 950 685, andy@mpnews.com.au

Phone: (03) 5974 9000

Registered address: 63 Watt Road, Mornington 3931 W: peninsulaessence.com.au

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All material is copyright, and may not be reproduced without the express permission of Mornington Peninsula News Group, or the original copyright holder in the case of contributions. Copyright of contributed material rests with the contributor.

Disclaimer: The authors and publisher do not assume any liability to any party for any loss, damage or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. This publication is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

Peninsula Essence is produced monthly. 30,000 copies (mix of home delivery and bulk dropped at an extensive network of outlets across the peninsula).

10. Skater Boy

Former competitive snowboarder Craig ‘Mitch’ Mitchell now spends his days teaching kids how to fall in love with skateboarding at local skate parks.

16. Vinyl Revival

From The Aztecs to cutting master recordings for vinyl records on his Aztec record label, Gil Matthews has been on both sides of the music-making process.

20. No Stone Unturned

The ancient artform of lapidary is going strong thanks to the Frankston and Peninsula Lapidary Club and they have a gem show at the end of the month to prove it.

Leading Arts

24. Drawn to Art

Sketch artist Chanelle Woolridge chooses iconic architectural places she loves and explores with her family for her scenic, minimal line drawings with a pop of colour.

28. Simple Beauty

Mount Martha stoneware and porcelain clay potter Sandi Faulkner is an alchemist who stays inspired by trying new things and the ‘what ifs’ of ceramics.

Focus On

44. Focus on Mornington

Historical facts, café recommendations and what to do in this popular area of the peninsula.

History

51. Heronswood’s Enchanted Garden

It was the fairy palace with an enchanted garden. So thought young Margaret Sutherland when visiting ‘Heronswood’, her uncle’s country home in Dromana, back in the 1890’s. Today the property still retains something of that magical quality.

Every Month

38. The Lowdown 48. Crossword

KUSTOM TIMBER

Add a touch of natural beauty to your space with Calypso. Featuring a pristine, natural appearance enhanced by warm pink undertones, Calypso effortlessly lends depth and character to your floors in a subtle, unassuming way. This versatility empowers you to set free your inner stylist and embrace any design style that resonates with your soul, creating a space that is truly and uniquely yours.

1/4 Torca Terrace, Mornington kustomtimber.com.au

Instagram: @kustomtimber

BABY GOODS WAREHOUSE

Step back in time with this super-cool, retro 80's stripe reversible jacket. Featuring 2 styles in 1, turn this jacket inside out to reveal an all-over stripe pattern on one side and fluffy sherpa on the reverse. Unisex design, sustainably produced and made from safe azo-free dyes.

Shop 107, Mornington Village Shopping Centre, Mornington 5977 0966 babygoodswarehouse.com.au

MAIN STREET EYECARE

With their transparent fronts, the ultralight full-rim models of the Infinity View collection from Silhouette Eyewear look as light and airy as they feel. Available in a range of styles and colours.

7/68 Barkly Street, Mornington 5975 3235

PENINSULA Styles

PRODUCTS FROM THE PENINSULA WE'RE SURE YOU WILL LOVE

AVEDIS JEWELLERY

From the Tissot family of dive watches comes the Seastar 2000 Professional highperformance watch. Water-resistant to 600 metres, helium valve, ISO 6425 certification, automatic calibre with long-lasting power reserve, and ceramic bezel; this is a timepiece aimed at enthusiasts of nautical style.

Shop S105 Karingal Hub Shopping Centre, 330 Cranbourne Rd, Frankston 9789 2388

avedisjewellery.com

What's on?

AUG 4

PUBLIC STARGAZING NIGHT

Come to an astronomy evening with the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society. Hear the really big questions, ask your own, hold a meteorite, and see the night sky through our telescopes.

www.trybooking.com

AUG 15

THE BIG BIKE FILM NIGHT 2023

Showcasing a carefully crafted and curated collection of bike films that has everything a cycle-centric audience could want - action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration; the evening is unashamedly and utterly designed and devised for the two-wheel devotee!

www.trybooking.com

AUG 4

TANGO ON THE BAY

Tango lovers we are super excited to announce we have a NEW Milonga on the Mornington Peninsula! Our beautiful venue is nestled in the of Mount Martha’s township. Join us for a lovely evening of social dancing with DJ Andres. Entrance $25pp

For bookings & enquiries please contact Meg:

M: 0419 826 061

AUG 14

HUMAN NATURE 'PEOPLE GET READY'

See them stripped back, hear the stories behind the music, how they have become internationally renowned vocalists and so much more. This is an up close and personal night with four of the entertainment industry's most popular and beloved singers. www.thefac.com.au

AUG 12

WALK MP

SPRAY POINT, BLAIRGOWRIE

Portsea Surf Life Saving Club, Back Beach Rd, Portsea

If you love to walk and explore, then this walk is definitely for you! Beautiful views across Bass Strait passing along the Coppins Track. This is a windy track with uneven ground and in some places it can be quite sandy.

www.allevents.in/blairgowrie

AUG 20

I WORE IT ONCE FASHION MARKET

Sift through the racks and find a bargain at this curated, high quality pre-loved fashion market held regularly at the Peninsula Community Theatre.

www.iworeitonce.com.au

SKATER boy

By Joe Novella Photos Gary Sissons

Find yourself near Balnarring Skate Park during any day of the week and it's highly likely you're going to bump into Craig 'Mitch' Mitchell and a bunch of kids (a.k.a Groms) who are hanging on his every move. But Mitch isn't there just to put on a show. No, he's there to teach those kids how to skate; even more than that, to fall in love with the sport of skateboarding.

Mitch developed his love of skateboarding at a young age. "My mum bought me my first skateboard when I was eight-yearsold and that skateboard went everywhere with me," he said. But skateboarding wasn't the only board sport Mitch developed a passion for. "When I was a teenager, my dad took me to the snow and I saw a snowboard. That was like a lightning strike for me. I went home and sold everything I had and washed cars and mowed lawns and bought a snowboard. My next challenge was getting to use it.

"Snowboarding is expensive; getting to the snow, lift tickets and so on. My family wasn't super wealthy, so the only way I could snowboard regularly was to get really good at it and get sponsored and companies would pay for me to go snowboarding. Accordingly, I trained every day with trampolines, jogging, gymnastics, martial arts and anything I believed would give me an advantage in competitions. I eventually became good enough that I was sponsored by some of the biggest companies in the industry and was able to travel around the world with their help and support." continued next page...

Mitch no longer competes in snowboarding competitions and devotes his time to both skateboarding as an event organiser and coach, and his most important job as a father to three kids. All of Mitch's kids share his passion for skating, particularly his 10-year-old daughter, Indy, who is now good enough to be a 'sponsored' skateboarder with her skate gear and clothing being supplied by local peninsula business, Trigger Brothers.

Mitch's move from purely a competitor into skateboard coaching was a natural progression. "After moving to the peninsula from Mansfield," Mitch said, "I started taking my kids to the local skate parks and while I was coaching my own children, I found that I was basically coaching every other kid at the skate park as well, and that's when I decided that coaching was my calling."

Nowadays, Mitch's passion has turned into a fully-fledged skateboarding coaching business named Progression Skate Sessions which caters for all abilities from beginners to advanced skaters. "When I first started my skate coaching business we had five kids in our first session and all were boys. The next week it doubled, so I opened up a Facebook page and then the business gathered

momentum really quickly. Before I knew it, I was coaching full time at Balnarring Skate Park, Mt Eliza Skate Park and Hastings Skate Park.

"For the first six months it was just boys, but I noticed a lot of young girls watching the boys and really looking like they wanted to join in, but not feeling like they could approach me. So, I started approaching their parents and before long I had girls in our group skate sessions as well. Other girls would see us at the skate park and they would join in and now I coach more girls than boys! I am even running a mums and girls only skate session during school hours when the skate parks are quiet."

Mitch's business has really taken off with almost 2,000 followers on the Progression Skate Session's Facebook page, and approximately 500 kids that he coaches, sometimes reaching up to 150 children a week. But it's not all about numbers and dollars for Mitch.

"I coach a lot of these kids without charging," he said,

I have watched these children excel in their physical and emotional capabilities

"as what I do has never been about money. I consider many of the kids I coach and their families as my friends. Some of the children have now been coached by me for five years and I have watched them grow up."

Mitch also coaches kids with special needs, from those on the

Dr Peter Scott and Associates are specialist orthodontists offering orthodontic care for children, teens and adults alike in both the Mornington Peninsula and inner Melbourne.

continued next page...

Dr Peter Scott is also a consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Creating

The reason Mitch's business has taken off so quickly is due to the many benefits of skateboarding - physical, mental and social. As Mitch explains, "Some of the benefits that come from my coaching include fitness, balance and especially balance in motion. Kids also develop persistence as sometimes you may have to repeat a trick or a technique 100 times until you get it right.

"Other benefits include the social aspect of group skate sessions and the skate park community. I have watched so many friendships develop between the children and even between the families of the children. Also, not every kid wants to play a team sport and normally those children can be a little shy; skateboarding is the perfect sport for some of those children not interested in team sports."

Mitch is now focusing his attention on starting a series of competitive skateboarding events on the peninsula to be known as 'The Mornington Peninsula Skate Park Series'. The event will include six comps, one to be held every second month starting in January next year. "The skateboarding community on the peninsula deserves great events," said Mitch. "These events will give our local skating community a reason to keep skating and keep progressing."

FB: Progression Skate Sessions Insta: @progression_skate_sessions

At Woodleigh, we challenge young people to be adventurous with their learning – to take risks, to go beyond their comfort zone and break new ground. When young people have choice to pick their own path, their school journey is more challenging and more rewarding. This is how they learn to thrive.

To learn more about Woodleigh School, scan the QR code below, or email our Enrolments Team –enrol@woodleigh.vic.edu.au

HOMESTEAD

VINYL revival

By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni & Supplied

Gil Matthews has drummed his way through multiple bands including Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs and Mondo Rock. He’s also a recording engineer and record producer and has a unique piece of recording equipment in his Mt Martha studio, a Neumann record cutting lathe. He uses it to cut master recordings for vinyl records on his Aztec record label.

Gil attributes the resurgence of interest in vinyl recordings to parents and grandparents dying and leaving record collections and record players. "Plus," Gil says, "there’s something glamorous about buying a twelve-inch record that has a great photograph, with liner notes you can actually read."

He says it’s also because technology has nowhere else to go. "Cassettes came along, then CDs, then downloading and then streaming, but I can’t see what else there is unless someone invents something other than digital technology – and I don’t think they have, or even know how to."

He says vinyl is the longest-running source of recording material that still can be used that hasn’t deteriorated. A lot of the early CDs suffer from heat and condensation in the air. They’re falling apart, and you can’t play them.

But what is it about the sound of vinyl? Gil says, "Vinyl is analogue, and CD is digital, and they’re two main sources of how music gets to your ears."

"At the end of the day, humans hear analogue; we don’t hear digital. When a bird chirps down the road, it’s analogue. So the whole process of CDs and digital technology is a bit alien to us, being analogue human beings.”

Gil’s Neumann cutting lathe is one of only two in Australia. Record-cutting lathes were an extraordinarily expensive piece of equipment, and most of them ended up in the tip because everyone thought vinyl was dead. One was sent to New Zealand and ended up in a river. The lathe cuts the master disc, which is the first step.

He explains the process, "I cut the master, and the master is taken to another factory where it’s put in an electrolysis bath similar to putting chrome on a bumper bar. They make a metal record out of that, then put that metal record into a machine. Then they take a big lump of vinyl like a cow pat and put on lots of pressure, heat and cold water, and out pops a record."

Recently Gil did a vinyl album for the group Stars, featuring bass player Roger McLaughlin from the Little River Band.

"They wanted to put out a vinyl record, and all they had was a digital file, so I had to try and make it sound as smooth as possible... beautiful smooth top end, no crunch, and I’m quite proud of the result. It’s my hobby, so I can spend time on it. If you’re good enough as a mastering engineer, you can make a digital recording sound like vinyl."

Gil also releases CDs, with one by the late Renee Geyer coming

out soon. Much as he loves vinyl, Gil says, "Putting vinyl through the post is problematic. CDs are much easier, plus you have eighty minutes of recording on a CD as well as bonus tracks versus fortyfive minutes for vinyl."

Reminiscing about his days with Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, Gil says, "I joined that band and partied for twenty or thirty years."

"Billy used to have an incredibly large amplifier set up, and I remember being at the Dandenong Town Hall, and one of the speakers caught fire. His leather jacket was on the speaker box – it caught fire as well. That’s a classic."

"The most memorable situation was when the Kirov Ballet decided they wanted to go to a Western recording studio when the band was doing overdubs, so in came two KGB guys, the head ballerina and five other ballerinas. At the end of the night, the two KGB guys were drunk and stoned on the floor in the recording booth, and we were pirouetting across the stage with the head of the Kirov Ballet. I wish I’d had a film crew! It was incredible."

Gil only ever wanted to be a drummer.

"My mother wanted me to be an undertaker because they apparently make a lot of money. I said,'I faint at the sight of blood. How’s that going to work?' I don’t know anything else. Music’s been my whole life since I was five years old. I grew up playing jazz as a kid, so a lot of that influenced how I played. Then I joined the Aztecs, and my whole style changed. It was more like bashing the hell out of the kits to be heard over all the amplifiers."

At the end of the day, humans hear analogue; we don’t hear digital

Gil has lived on the peninsula since 1971.

"One of my friends ran Woodwards Butchers in Frankston, and I thought 'This is a lovely part of the world to live.' It’s all about the vibe. Especially in the summer; it’s got that atmosphere that you’re in a holiday-type zone. A lot of my friends live down here. It’s got a nice, relaxed feel about it."

Gil is still playing with the Marty Rose band and Normie Rowe and loves it because, as he says, "I’m playing a lot more tastefully than I used to. I’m playing a lot more dynamics, not hitting as hard, and playing a lot of music that I really love. I love that seventies music. To me, that’s the best music that ever was."

aztecrecords.com.au

Gil with Billy Thorpe and Lobby Loyde

Gil "Rathead" Mathews behind his original drumkit

Commemorative Sunbury 1973 red vinyl record set featuring BillyThorpe and the Aztecs

NO STONE unturned

By Cameron McCullough Photos Gary Sissons & supplied

Justafter 6pm on 17 November 2021, the alert was raised. A fire had broken out in the vicinity of McClelland Drive in Langwarrin. A large plume of smoke could be seen in the distance as volunteer firefighters rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control. Nobody was hurt in the fire, but the clubrooms of the Frankston and Peninsula Lapidary Club had been destroyed. Burned to the ground. Everything lost.

Lapidary is the art of cutting or polishing stones, gems and fossils, and is one of mankind’s most ancient and revered artforms. Lustrous, brilliant, subtle or colourful precious and semi-precious stones have obsessed people since the dawn of time with the earliest known lapidary work likely occurring during the Stone Age.

Egyptians are credited with developing the cutting and jewellery fashioning methods for lapis lazuli, turquoise, and amethyst.

Interested in this ancient artform of processing earth’s raw materials and making them shine, the Frankston and Peninsula Lapidary Club was established in 1966. The club began with a meeting of enthusiasts gathered at the Mechanics Hall in Frankston. From there they held monthly meetings with talks and demonstrations on lapidary, as well as working with stone and jewellery making.

The club grew and small clubrooms were soon established. Over the ensuing years the club continued to grow and needed a more substantial home. This was to come in the form of a permanent home on the grounds of McClelland Gallery, which was officially opened by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch on 28 February 1982.

The club continued to grow and an extension was added in 1998, again opened by Dame Elisabeth. Over the ensuing years the club, through hard work and fundraising, accumulated the expensive equipment required. It’s membership blossomed to over a hundred, and a collection of minerals and art was proudly on display in the clubrooms.

Then the fire destroyed everything.

But the club wasn’t just about a building, as necessary as that was. It wasn’t just about the equipment, as expensive as it was. It wasn’t just about the finished product, as beautiful as it was. It was something else.

At its core, the club was about people. A sense of community. It was over half a century of field trips to search for gems and fossils. There were the newsletters and competitions. There were all the meetings and demonstrations. There was shared knowledge and a willingness to help. There were friendships and lifelong bonds.

Only 17 months after losing everything, on 30 April this year, the club moved into shiny new clubrooms with the help of Frankston City Council.

“We feel this is a wonderful new chapter for our club and are very grateful for the support of Frankston City Council and the many others that helped us get into new clubrooms,” said the club’s president, Jo Kedstrom.

“We are looking forward to a bright future and would encourage anyone with an interest in lapidary to get involved.”

The process starts with gathering samples to work with. A “miners right” is required in Victoria to fossick. If you don’t want to search independently, you can go on field trips with the club. You can also buy stones at their club rooms, or at their annual gem show.

Experienced volunteer teachers are available at the club, happy to teach their craft because they enjoy sharing their knowledge and giving back to the community.

“You can process the stones and specimens in a variety of ways and enjoying seeing them through their progression from raw materials into beautiful, finished products,” said Jo.

continued next page...

Fire completely destroys the clubrooms in 2021 Official opening in 1982 by Dame Elizabeth Murdoch

“You can cut, shape, and polish a cabochon (a gem that has been polished but not facetted). The finished products can be set into pendants, rings, earrings, or any other thing of your own creation.”

“You can learn to facet crystals such as sapphire, garnet and smoky quartz. You can learn to silversmith, wire wrapping and chain maille to create your own jewellery.”

Lapidary is a multi-facetted experience. It is about being out in nature and the hunt for that perfect specimen. It is about visualising a finished product. It is about patience and a willingness to learn. It is about making something beautiful.

The natural environment is filled with colours and textures that lend themselves to lapidary. From amethyst, rose quartz, opals, volcanic stones, petrified wood, and a variety of marble which sometimes has little fossils in it.

“Nature presents so much to us in so many shapes, sizes and colours,” said Jo.

“Lapidary is a fun and rewarding way to deal with the riches that nature has to offer, creating beauty from it, all the while socialising with a great group of people from all ages and backgrounds.”

The Frankston and Peninsula Lapidary Club has a gem show on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August at the Peninsula Community Theatre in Wilsons Road, Mornington.

The club meets a few times a week for classes and independent work once you finish your course. Please visit their website for more information.

frankstonlapidaryclub.com

Lapidary is a fun and rewarding way to deal with the riches that nature has to offer

2023 GEM SHOW

AUGUST 26 & 27

SATURDAY - 9AM - 5PM

SUNDAY - 9AM - 4PM

UG 26th & 27th, 2023

PENINSULA COMMUNITY

Saturday - 9am to 5pm

NEPEAN HWY & WILSON RD, MORNINGTON

Sunday - 9am to 4pm

LOTS OF TRADERS SELLING:

Admission: Adults - $7.00

GEMS  PRECIOUS STONES  FOSSILS MINERALS  JEWELLERY  CRYSTALS

Children U/ 12 - free with paying adult

 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT DISPLAYS plus RAFFLES & PRIZES

OTS OF TRADERS SELLING -

GEMS - PRECIOUS STONESOSSILS – MINERALS -

FOOD & REFRESHMENTS

FREE PARKING

EWELLERY – CRYSTALS -

TOOLS & EQUIPMENTS

DISPLAYS

ADULTS $7

RAFFLES PRIZES

CHILDREN U/12 FREE*

OOD & REFRESHMENTS

*with paying adult

REE PARKING

Contact: Maria Jackson - 0427 196 103

CONTACT

Maria Jackson - 0427 196 105

Josefin Kedström - 0420 364 980

Josefin Kedström - 0420 364 980

E: frankpengem@gmail.com

E: frankstongem@gmail.com

W: frankstonlapidaryclub.com

W: http://www.frankstonlapidaryclub.com/

THEATER CNR.

Arts

DRAWN TO art

By Andrea Louise Thomas

Bittern artist Chanelle Wooldridge has had an interesting pathway to her art. Though she enjoyed drawing as a child and often got in trouble for doodling in class, she didn’t become an artist until after her career as a teacher in the Middle East.

Chanelle grew up in the arty enclave of Woodend, but her parents moved the family to Sunbury so that she and her sister would be closer to school. Chanelle also played competition basketball. Being nearer to the city gave her the opportunity to play juniors for the Melbourne Tigers. Basketball wasn’t her professional goal though. She wanted to teach.

Going to secondary school at Lowther Hall in Essendon, Chanelle excelled in many of her school subjects, but art, physical

education and music really resonated for her. Lowther Hall had a great theatre arts program so she had fun learning stagecraft too. Those interests proved very useful later.

In Year 7, Chanelle painted a self-portrait. It was an excellent likeness with great technique. This was the first time it occurred to her that she could be a professional artist. Her grandfather was a civil engineer with a penchant for painting. As a child, Chanelle was fascinated and inspired by his art studio. Her greatgrandfather was a professional artist who had his own gallery. Art is in her blood.

When it was time to go to university, Chanelle chose crossinstitutional study. She went to Deakin University for Physical Education and Monash University for Music, earning a Bachelor of Physical Education with a major in Music awarded by Monash.

After university, Chanelle took some time in the sun working at Hamilton Island for six months. Lovely as it was, she didn’t want her brain to go to mush. She hopped onto a website called teachanywhere.com and applied for a job teaching in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A school called her that night to ask if she

Working in an Arabic school teaching Emirati children was a real culture shock, but she loved it. The locals totally embraced her and she gained an authentic insight into life in the UAE. Chanelle taught at that school for three years before moving across to Raffles International School where she worked for the following three years. Her next three years were spent teaching at Kings School. Raffles and Kings are prestigious British International Schools. continued next page...

In Dubai, Chanelle taught physical education and music with a dash of theatre arts. It was fun and interesting and gave her a chance to express her creativity and share it with the kids. Then Chanelle met a charming British gentleman named Jack. Fated lovebirds, they married in the quaint English village of Wilton before moving to Australia.

After settling down on the Mornington Peninsula with Jack and having children, Chanelle started to sketch family portraits (with their Basset Hound, Bernard) on an iPad Jack gifted her during lockdown. Once travel was allowed again, she started to visit her favourite spots on the peninsula to sketch them.

Chanelle took a few of her Peninsula Series drawings to the wonderful family run gift shop, Ideas by the Bay, in Mornington. The owner, Fiona, loved them. This brought a lot of attention to her work. Then she started exhibiting and selling her work at local craft markets.

She chooses her locations based on places she loves, but also asks people at the markets what places they love and feel are iconic in their local area. Chanelle is attracted to architectural forms and prefers to work in black and white.

Drawing in black and white strips the form down. Paring back the image gives the subject its essence. “I like minimalism with a ‘pop’ of colour,” she says. She picks out whatever strikes her as the most noteworthy aspect of that place and colours only that part. It creates a striking effect.

“Every place I draw is a memory for me,” she says. Her customers feel the same way. “I want to make work that gives people memories that are triggered by place,” she says.

Scene hunting is her artwork planning. She photographs a place and translates it into a line drawing on her iPad. She focuses on locations that resonate with her, such as Echuca where she spent childhood family holidays, the Mornington Peninsula where she lives and all the places she explores with her husband, children, and of course, Bernard the basset hound.

chanellewooldridgeart.com

I want to make work that gives people memories that are triggered by place

recipe

SMOKED LAMB SHOULDER WITH PUMPKIN HUMMUS SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS:

2.25 kg boneless lamb shoulder

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup Traeger Ultimate Dry Rub or dry rub of choice

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup apple juice

mint leaves, to serve crusty bread, to serve

Pumpkin hummus

1 x 420 g tin chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 butternut pumpkin, roasted until soft

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon chilli powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons tahini

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 garlic cloves

freshly ground black pepper

METHOD:

Preheat your Traeger on Super Smoke or your own smoker to 120°C, using fruit wood, such as apple or cherry.

Coat both sides of the lamb with the olive oil and dry rub. Place the lamb on the smoker and insert a meat probe. Close the lid and smoke the lamb for 3 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C.

Tear a sheet of baking paper and foil large enough to wrap the lamb. Place the baking paper on top of the foil and position the lamb in the middle. Scrunch up the edges, then pour the apple cider vinegar and apple juice over the lamb and wrap it tightly in the baking paper and foil.

Return the lamb to the Traeger/smoker and reinsert the meat probe. Continue to smoke until the internal temperature of the lamb reaches 95°C – you will know the meat is ready as the probe will meet no resistance when pushed in and out of the lamb – like going through room-temperature butter.

Remove the lamb from the Traeger/smoker and rest, covered, for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, to make the pumpkin hummus, place the ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth and creamy, adding a dash of water if the hummus is very thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper and transfer to a serving dish.

Pull the lamb using two forks, then arrange the meat on top of the hummus. Garnish with mint leaves and serve with loads of crusty bread.

Recipe: Sarah Glover, Traeger Grills Australia Ambassador and Author of WILD: Adventure Cookbook.

www.traeger.com

SIMPLE beauty

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni

Martha stoneware and porcelain clay potter, Sandi Faulkner is an alchemist. While her designs featuring birds, flowers and scenes from nature are simple, her technique and glazes are highly sophisticated. She has spent decades perfecting each element of her craft. Now the chemistry of the glaze is most alluring to her. “I am fascinated with the flame and glazes and trying new things. The 'what if'? keeps me inspired,” she says.

Mount

Due to viral meningitis, Sandi became profoundly deaf at the age of three. She spent a lot of time at the bottom of the garden on her family farm (a property that is now Dromana Estate winery) making mud pies. She loved the tactility of the earth in her hands. Clay has a similar feel. “Being in complete silence, working with clay is more therapeutic than paint,” she says.

Sandi loves the way it swirls in her hands on the potter’s wheel and builds into something new. She sees it as a kind of magic.

continued page 30...

When Sandi was thirteen, she entered an American cartooning competition and won. They wanted her to go to America to work as an apprentice cartoonist. Her parents didn’t even know she had entered. Of course, due to her age, they wouldn’t let her go. Still, this was a lynchpin moment. She says, “It was my ‘I can do this’ moment that gave me the confidence to become an artist.”

While she spent a lot of her free time at secondary school in the art room at Toorak College, it wasn’t until she went to Prahran College of the Arts to study Art and Design that her creativity really blossomed, having access to a broad scope of art classes and all the necessary equipment. Ceramics was only a small section of the college, but everything she needed was there.

In her second year Sandi met Austrian master potter, Franz Kukowetz when he was in Melbourne for five years setting up

years. After that, she travelled to London to work as a production potter at Chelsea Pottery. She taught wheelthrowing and ran the after-hours pottery club .

Sandi’s original attraction to ceramics came from her love of colourful French and Italian Majolica ware, but when she studied with Australian master potter, Paul Davis, Head of Ceramics at Monash University, she was introduced to something new and much more subdued.

“I studied Japanese hagiyaki pottery with Paul when he returned from Japan after a seven-year fellowship. He introduced me to Japanese techniques and glazes. Through Chisholm, I studied with him at his Japanese teahouse studio in Red Hill,” she says.

Davis suggested Sandi study with Zen master and Sumi-e painter André Sollier next to learn Zen and Mingei philosophy and Sumi-e (Japanese ink painting). She says, “He was the greatest artistic influence of my life. I developed a deep appreciation of Mingei. It embraces simplicity, utility and timeless beauty.”

It was my 'I can do this' moment

“Mingei and Zen philosophy have informed the aesthetic in both my Sumi-e painting and ceramic practice,” she says. She studied with Sollier for 10 years. In fact, Sandi was his last student. Now she teaches Sumi-e in her sunny purpose-built garden studio with a Zen vibe.

Sandi likes to make things that are beautiful, but also useful. She makes cups, plates, bowls, bird baths, ceramic boxes and vases as well as purely decorative items. Each piece is hand crafted and individual. Her large bird baths have been in continuous production for 40 years!

While she works with porcelain and stoneware, Sandi prefers the latter as it's easier to work with. “Porcelain is like a mistress – very demanding! Stoneware lets me work more with glazes. I can push it further,” she says.

Living on the Mornington Peninsula is a great inspiration. She loves the ever-changing sky and sea blues of the coastal environment. Her glazes are made using local ash from coastal vegetation - hinterland rainforest, grapevines and wood from apple trees – each burned separately to maintain the purity of the ash. Sandi uses reduction firing in a gas kiln at 1300 degrees.

Local migrating birds, particularly birds of the Mount Martha estuary inspire Sandi. She likes the little scrub wren best. “Birds are like music in the air. I visualise them as music. I can still remember their calls from before I was deaf,” she says. She likes her work to rejoice in stillness and the all the beautiful unsung moments nature affords.

Insta: @sandipots sandifaulkner.com

GLITZ, GLAMOUR AND PURE TALENT

Catherine Alcorn is a firecracker. She embodies everything it means to be an entertainer in the very best sense of the term. Singing, acting, comedy, dancing, producing – she does it allbrilliantly. On Friday, October 6, the audience at Frankston Arts Centre will see her many talents shine performing her flagship show, The Divine Miss Bette, a tribute to her entertainment idol, Bette Midler. The show is so good that when an Australian producer in Tasmania wanted to hire Midler and her schedule did not permit it, she asked her Los Angeles production company to contact Catherine instead. That’s an endorsement!

Serendipity came into play when she was developing The Divine Miss Bette. One of her professional contacts told her that Steve Ostrow lived around the corner. Ostrow was the former owner of New York City’s infamous Continental Baths, where Midler was discovered and developed her Divine Ms M persona. Catherine rang him to ask about vocal lessons. He talked about working with Midler and said, “Come around and I’ll tell you all about it.” His Midler stories gave Catherine priceless insights.

As to her Divine Miss Bette show, Catherine says, “Expect a debaucherously wild, joyous night with great music, incredible musicians and amazing dancers. It’s a total spectacle – a total smutty spectacle!” Most people come to this show because they are fans of Midler, but often leave as fans of Catherine too. Performing is a gift she gives with love, generosity, pleasure and pride. She brings an incredible work ethic and preternatural exuberance to every single performance. “I don’t leave that stage until I have left everything out there,” she says.

From childhood, Catherine knew she’d be a performer. “It was never a choice. I came out singing. It was always what I was going to do,” she says. Her mother, a schoolteacher, played piano and taught choir. Catherine started learning piano at seven and sang throughout her school life. For her HSC subject, she chose the voice as her instrument.

Catherine went to Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, NSW for her Bachelor of Arts in Acting for the Stage and Screen. All the ‘creatives’ on campus from set and costume designers to actors, writers and directors collaborated on productions, a cross-pollination that proved invaluable. She made contacts and friendships, had her first opportunities to perform and gained practical experience interacting with local media.

Catherine joined up with friend and university roommate, singer/comedian, Jade Kerr to form vocal duo Double Platinum performing music in Wagga Wagga pubs and clubs for four years. This brought them into contact with influential people, including producers Don Hillam and Peter Cox who helped create The Divine Miss Bette specifically for Catherine. She first performed it at Wagga Wagga Country Club in 2009. She’s been touring this comedic cabaret in Australia and abroad ever since.

She loves cabaret because there is no ‘fourth wall’ (the performer acknowledges the audience and interacts with them).

“I love the intimacy and closeness with the audience. I can sit on someone’s lap if I want. I can turn the show on a dime because there is room for improvisation. It’s thrilling. Together we embark on an evening that could turn into anything with anyone.” The Divine Miss Bette is fun and funny. Catherine makes cabaret a safe space where people can drop their worries at the door and leave feeling enlightened and lighter. And as for her bawdy bent? “To say the unsayable is exciting to me.” Audiences love it. The beauty of this show is that every performance is different because the audience owns it too. That’s a true theatrical experience.

Book your tickets to see The Divine Miss Bette at Frankston Arts Centre on Friday 6 October.

P: 03 9784 1060

W: thefac.com.au

Catherine Alcorn performing in her show 'The Divine Miss Bette'. Photos: Lynn Lane

BIG PICTURE THINKING

Tickets are available now for the popular Archibald Prize 2023, which will grace the walls of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery from 15 September until 5 November.

Featuring 57 portraits – including this year’s winning work, Julia Gutman’s portrait of performer Montaigne Head in the sky, feet on the ground – the exhibition is a capture of cultural identities from all walks of life who reflect the stories of our time.

A highlight of this year’s touring exhibition is Melbourne-based artist Natasha Bieniek’s tiny self-portrait, measuring just 8 x 6cm. The oil on wood painting is inspired by the Australian artist Nora Heysen (1911-2003) who was the first woman and youngest person at the age of 28 to win the Archibald Prize in 1938 for her portrait of Madame Elink Schuurman.

As the daughter of celebrated landscape painter Hans Heysen, Nora Heysen sought to define her own identity as an artist in this self-portrait, which was a challenging exercise for a female artist in the 1930s.

As the first woman to win the renowned Archibald Prize, Nora’s work and life was exciting news for the media, the artist even had her favourite recipes published in The Australian Women’s Weekly in 1939 in a special profile piece. Her win was not without controversy with artist Max Meldrum making a public stance stating: ‘If I were a woman, I would certainly prefer raising a healthy family to a career in art’.

Bieniek’s self-portrait is a tribute to Nora Heysen and a conversation starter about the challenges female artists face today, noting the small number of women artists who have won the prize in the last century.

This year’s Archibald Prize celebrates women winners of the annual event, which has been awarded to just eleven women in over 100 years. Female artists have featured prominently in the prize since 1921, representing one third of all Archibald artists, but very few have earned the top spot.

Renowned for her miniature paintings, Bieniek’s work is meticulous and demanding close inspection from the viewer. As a nine-time Archibald finalist - Bieniek’s portrait of Wendy Whiteley was highly commended in 2016, her works have toured the country and have been shown at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.

Art lovers and miniature painting enthusiasts can experience Bieniek’s striking matchbox sized self portrait at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery which is the only Victorian venue on the Archibald Prize 2023 tour.

This exclusive Victorian exhibition will bring tens of thousands of visitors to the iconic Mornington Peninsula destination to enjoy the works on display and the immersive program of events and art experiences.

The Gallery encourages ticket buyers to explore their curated program of events to compliment the art experience. Gallerygoers can embrace the artist within with a series of workshops or hear from artists about their creative practice through tours and talks.

For the forthcoming September school holidays, families can enjoy a range of activities to inspire and create. The Gallery will become the creative hotspot of the region this spring with hospitality icons and culinary guests creating a scene and serving up fresh coffee, seasonal tucker and locally sourced wine and beer.

Throughout the course of the exhibition, the celebrations will go into the night every Friday with late night openings. On site bar HABITAT will feature live music from local artists and a stunning menu of drinks from Mornington Peninsula favourites TWOBAYS Brewery, Jetty Road, JimmyRum, Bass & Flinders Distillery, Rhino Tiger Bear Winery and Rahona Winery. Whet your appetite with food pop-ups featuring glorious cheese boards and snacks.

The Archibald Prize 2023 is on display at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington from 15 September to 5 November 2023.

Timed entry, flexible entry and open late tickets available now. To book your spot to experience Australia’s most prestigious art prize visit mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

The Archibald Prize 2023 is Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art award to be shown exclusively in Victoria at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery. An Art Gallery of New South Wales Touring Exhibition.

P: 03 9784 1060

W: mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

Natasha Bieniek with oil on wood self-portrait, measuring just 8 x 6cm

15 September –5 November 2023

15 September –5 November 2023

Clown jewels (detail) © the artist Clown jewels (detail) © the artist Packing Room Prize 2023 winner, Andrea Huelin Clown jewels (detail) © the artist

Packing Room Prize 2023 winner, Andrea Huelin Clown jewels (detail) © the artist

Packing Room Prize 2023 winner, Andrea Huelin Clown jewels (detail) © the artist

Hidden Ridge Clare Valley Shiraz 2021

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Receive a FREE bottle of Franca’s Vineyard Shiraz or Cabernet with any dozen or more purchased during the month of August, on the presentation of this ad.

HASTINGS RETAIL STORE

WINE TASTINGS, BOTTLE AND CASE SALES

LOCATION: 2080 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Hastings

HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm

PHONE: 9596 4278

DROMANA WAREHOUSE STORE

BOTTLE AND CASE SALES ONLY

LOCATION: Unit 5, 3 Trewhitt Court, Dromana Industrial Estate

HOURS: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am until 5pm

PHONE: 9596 4878

DIRECT TO PUBLIC MEANS YOU SAVE!

Wine Lovers Warehouse is the direct to public arm of our wholesale business specialising in restaurant, hotel, and function wines for over 17 years.

COVID-19 put a big handbrake on our wholesale business and so we made a decision to transform and stay alive, supported by our friends and the local community, which we will be forever grateful.

We opened the warehouse every week to the public, selling our wines and suppliers at trade prices and no retail mark ups. It is our commitment to remain open servicing the needs of our Wine Lover community into 2023 and beyond. Come along and say hello, grab a bottle or a case. Try before you buy at the Hastings store guarantees you will be satisfied with your choices.

CELEBRATE YOUR TEAMS’ ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2023 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

With nominations now open until the 14th of August, local businesses are encouraged to get involved in the Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards by showcasing their expertise and accomplishments in one of nine industry categories.

The Awards present an opportunity to reflect on where your business is today and where it’s heading, recognise and reward your teams’ successes thus far, raise your business profile and set yourself apart from the competition. Regardless of the outcome, entering a business award can be a highly valuable learning opportunity and a chance to boost team morale and connect with like-minded businesspeople.

The 2022 winners in the Creative category shared that winning felt like confirmation of their dedication and perseverance:

“Winning the recent Business Excellence Award felt like an official stamp of validation for what we worked so hard for over the last 8 years. It was a huge boost and helped us get to know and connect with like-minded business owners living right here on the peninsula.” Kerstin Begley, Founder of Little Woodworkers.

Any business located within the Mornington Peninsula Shire municipality is eligible to enter, whatever their business size.

Finalists and winners will be announced at the gala ceremony and dinner on November 15th at RACV Cape Schanck.

The 2023 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards are supported by MP News Group, MP Magazine, 3MP and Chisholm Institute.

To find out more and submit a nomination visit the website:

W: mpbusiness.com.au/businessawards

Local family business, Little Woodworkers, took home an award in the Creative category in 2022.

SMALL BUSINESSES SUPPORTED TO CONNECT, GROW AND ACHIEVE WITH MONTH-LONG FESTIVAL

Mornington Peninsula’s first ever Small Business Festival is here, with an exciting calendar of events. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make new business connections, learn new skills and take home valuable insights.

Be sure to catch these hero events:

• A Workforce Building Forum for local employers who are familiar with the challenges surrounding staff shortage issues and are looking for solutions to build a resilient workforce. Learn about what kind of support is available to you, hear insights and success stories from like-minded businesses and share your own experiences.

• Various practical marketing workshops, with sessions on how to leverage tools such as the ever-trending Chat GPT and online design platform Canva, build skills in smartphone photography and videography, and master social media platforms such as TikTok and LinkedIn.

• An Innovation Strategy Workshop, led by award-winning Mo Works. For businesses who want to undergo a transformative growth and rise to the next level by unlocking innovation in your business model. Businesses who wish to participate must submit an Expression of Interest before August 12 so get in quick before

places are filled. Attendees will leave equipped with real life case studies, actionable strategies and a comprehensive workshop kit with resources and templates.

See the full program on the website below to book your events.

The Small Business Festival is a Mornington Peninsula Shire initiative and is supported by MP Magazine and MP News Group.

W: mpbusiness.com.au/smallbusinessfestival

The Small Business Festival is an initiative delivered by the Mornington Peninsula Shire to support local small businesses, such as Nordie Café in Red Hill

SILVERCHAIN PRIVATE CARE EMPOWERING CAREGIVERS TO PROVIDE BEST CARE FOR THEIR LOVED ONES

Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, especially when the unexpected happens. Sandra and her husband George, who live on a farm near Melbourne, faced this challenge when Sandra was diagnosed with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Despite George's health problems, he cared for Sandra until she was admitted to the hospital earlier this year. The hospital staff suggested reaching out to Silverchain Private Care for support.

Dorothy Fuller, Director of Silverchain Private Care, says caring for a loved one with dementia takes a lot of energy and dedication.

"Our care team steps in, so you can take time out and enjoy the things you like doing because we know that to give someone your best care, you need to be at your best," Dorothy said.

As part of Silverchain Group, which has been the leading provider of in-home health and aged care services in Australia for nearly 130 years, Silverchain Private Care offers tailored care for people that find the current care system challenging, often involving long wait times and are not always able to access the services they need where they live.

Dorothy adds, "Private care services often suit people who would like a higher level of support than government subsidised home care can offer, who are already on the wait-list for government

subsidised support but can't wait any longer or would prefer an alternative to residential aged care."

With the support of Silverchain Private Care, Sandra is exercising regularly, being taken out for coffee and walks in the garden. Household chores are being taken care of, allowing George to focus on his health.

W: silverchainprivate.org.au

Tailored in-home care without the wait

Tailored in-home care without the wait

Self fund your choice of health and aged care services at home.

Self fund your choice of health and aged care services at home.

If you’re looking for extra help at home, an alternative to residential aged care, post hospital support or daily nursing care, Silverchain Private Care can help.

If you’re looking for extra help at home, an alternative to residential aged care, post hospital support or daily nursing care, Silverchain Private Care can help.

Our clinically qualified care management team can design a tailored care plan, to provide you with the support you need when you need it, and to give you advice you can trust.

Our clinically qualified care management team can design a tailored care plan, to provide you with the support you need when you need it, and to give you advice you can trust.

As a leading provider of in-home health and aged care services, we’re here to support you and your family, so together we can continue to take care of your health, home and wellbeing.

As a leading provider of in-home health and aged care services, we’re here to support you and your family, so together we can continue to take care of your health, home and wellbeing.

Contact us today on 1300 771 872

Contact us today on 1300 771 872

Or visit our website silverchainprivate.org.au

Or visit our website silverchainprivate.org.au

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HENS HAPPY IN WINTER

Are you looking for sustainable, fun and friendly backyard pets?

Talking Hens has been holding their three-part winter series of presentations on keeping your backyard hens safe and healthy over winter. Each presentation takes place at the Talking Hens farm in Merricks.

Owning hens not only brings fresh eggs, but hens make surprisingly good pets. The most common feedback that staff at Talking Hens receive is how families are surprised at how much they love their new pets.

As the seasons change each year, they bring with them different challenges for backyard chicken keepers. In their three-part winter series, Talking Hens explain the key issues to overcome in winter and how to enable your backyard flock to thrive in spite of them.

On Sunday 18 June, Talking Hens held part one“How to successfully keep backyard chickens.” Jason talked about different breeds, how to choose the right breed for you, what is required for the hens and the benefits of keeping backyard hens.

On Sunday 16 July, Talking Hens held part two“Best practices with Backyard Chicken Coops”. The topics discussed included how to keep hens safe from predators; how to create a warm, dry and comfortable chicken coop and run for them; reducing cold drafts; improving ventilation and an assessment of the pros and cons of different bedding and nesting options. They also looked at imported coops and compared them to the locally made ones

where

Talking Hens will hold their final winter series presentation on Sunday 20 August at 2pm. The presentation will cover “Maintaining a happy and healthy flock over time!” You’ll learn what to do when hens are showing signs of poor health, common viruses that may affect your hens and the signs to watch out for. You’ll also learn simple steps to keeping your flock in good condition over winter.

If you’re interested in learning more about keeping your hens happy and healthy over winter, visit the website:

W: talkinghens.com.au/pages/events

A

New Paradigm

In Dental And Wellness Comes To The Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula has long been a hub of innovation and creativity, with its beautiful coastal landscapes and thriving beachside communities. Today, we are proud to announce the arrival of a groundbreaking dental practice that is set to revolutionize the way we, as a community, approach oral healthcare.

The dental practice, Smile N Co, is owned and operated by Dr Toni Surace, a past Padua College student and internationally recognised dentist who grew up on the Mornington Peninsula and is passionate about dental health.

Dr Surace, has been a dentist for 28 years and has been recognized by her peers as the Australian Dental Professional of the year in 2015 along with being inducted into the Pierre Fauchard Academy, a highly coveted professional organization for dentists who make a significant contribution to dentistry. Smile N Co is certainly in great hands under her guidance.

The dental practice she has created along with Dental and Dermal Therapist, Aimee Mills, is not just focused on dental services; it goes beyond the conventional boundaries to incorporate a comprehensive range of health, wellness and skin services. This amalgamation of dental care and overall well-being is a concept that has the potential to transform the lives of individuals and communities on the Peninsula.

A holistic approach to dental care:

Traditionally, dental practices have primarily concentrated on oral health, neglecting the broader picture of wellness. However, Smile N Co recognises the intricate connection between oral health and full body

wellness. By adopting a holistic approach, they to address the dental concerns of patients while simultaneously promoting their overall health. Comprehensive services for optimal well-being:

At their state-of-the-art facility, the team at Smile N Co are excited to offer an extensive array of services that go beyond traditional dentistry. Alongside routine dental treatments, their team of highly skilled professionals will also provide additional health and wellness services. They also have a focus on our body's largest organ - the skin. Every new patient experience commences with a very thorough comprehensive exam where they learn about you as a person, your lifestyle and your prior experiences and then create a tailored treatment regime, specifically for you. The team includes nutritional counseling, stress management techniques, sleep apnea therapy, and much more. By incorporating these elements, Smile N Co empowers patients to achieve not just healthy smiles, but also enhanced overall well-being.

Promoting preventive dentistry:

Prevention is the cornerstone of the practice philosophy. Smile N Co firmly believe that by focusing on preventive dentistry, they can help you maintain optimal oral health and prevent the development of costly and painful dental conditions in the future. The team works closely with individuals, educating them about the importance of

proper oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and healthy lifestyle choices. They have incorporated the latest technology and diagnostic tools that will help determine the cause of inflammation and dental problems and are able to treat the issue before problems occur! By emphasizing prevention, Smile N Co strives to save patients from unnecessary discomfort, expenses, and potential health complications.

A tranquil environment for healing:

Beyond the comprehensive services, Smile N Co have carefully designed their facility to provide a serene and tranquil environment. The team understands that many individuals experience anxiety and stress when visiting the dentist. Therefore, they have created a soothing ambiance, incorporating elements like calming music played from noise cancelling headphones, comfortable seating, and warm lighting to promote relaxation and peace of mind. Their aim is to transform the dental experience into one that promotes healing and rejuvenation.

Community engagement and education:

Smile N Co are committed to serving not only as a dental practice but also as an active participant in the Mornington Peninsula community. They believe in the power of education and the importance of sharing knowledge to enhance overall well-being. Through community engagement programs, informative social media posts and blogs on their website, they seek to educate and empower individuals to take control of their oral health and overall wellness. By fostering a sense of community, they hope to create a support network that promotes lasting health transformations.

As the Mornington Peninsula embraces this innovative concept of dentistry fused with health and wellness, Smile N Co invite you to join them on this exciting journey. Dr Surace proclaims, 'together, let us redefine dental care, recognizing its potential to positively impact not just our smiles, but our entire well-being. We are confident that our holistic approach, comprehensive services, and commitment to community engagement will revolutionize oral healthcare on the Peninsula, transforming lives one smile at a time.'

1/10 Main St, Mornington VIC 3931 • (03) 5975 9994 www.smilenco.com.au • FB: smilenco.mornington • IG: smilenco_

Mornington is a seaside town on the Mornington Peninsula, with an area of 13.5 km², and located 57 km south-east of Melbourne's central business district.

• Mornington's original post office, built in 1863 at the corner of Main Street and The Esplanade, now operates as a museum displaying old telecommunications equipment and items relating to local history. It is the home of the Mornington and District Historical Society. On the other side of Main Street is the old court house (built in 1860) and the former police station lock-up (1862).

• An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale struck the town on 2 September 1932 associated with the nearby Selwyn Fault. No injuries or major damage was reported.

• The Mornington Pier was built in 1857, and continues to be extended and improved.

• Considered to be one of the worst boating accidents in Victoria's history, the Mornington Football Club disaster occurred on the night of May 21st 1892 near Pelican Point just north of Mornington. Fifteen members of the Mornington football team set out earlier that day on the "Process", owned and skippered by Charles Hooper, to play a match at Mordialloc. The remainder of the team travelled by train.

• Mornington has a number of beaches, some of which are located at the base of rocky cliffs which dominate part of the coastline in this area. Along the eastern side of Schnapper Point is the sheltered Mothers Beach and Scout Beach, while Shire Hall Beach and Mills Beach are located further east along the coast. Around a kilometre south of Schnapper Point is Fishermans Beach which ends at the scenic rocky outcrop of Linley Point where there are boat ramps and scenic viewing spots along the coast.

• Mornington has a long history dating back to 1802 when explorer Matthew Flinders landed at Schnapper Point. These days, Schnapper Point provides a boat-launching ramp, jetty, yacht club, restaurant and scenic walks providing scenic views along the coast.

• Mornington Central Shopping Centre is built on the site of the former Mornington railway station.

• Every Wednesday, Mornington's Main Street comes alive with the street market. The Main Street Market has been running for over 40 years and is Victoria’s longest running street market.

• Fossil beach is a significant fossil site with evidence of Australia’s sea life from 10 to 15 million years ago. The fossils were discovered in 1854 in the limestone cliffs. Most of the fossils have now been removed. Access is via the track from the cliff path near Bentons Road (near the picnic area).

• The Mornington Rose Gardens has over 4000 roses planted in 86 beds and is surrounded by a border of native Australian trees and shrubs. The concept for the Mornington Rose Gardens was the brainchild of a local businessman, the late Don Gordon who was inspired by the rose garden in Benalla that was situated next to the art gallery.

• The median house price in Mornington is $1,112,000.

• Population is 25,759 (2021 Census).

Coffee Safari

Freshly brewed coffee is a must-have for weekends. Here are a few places to check out when you're in this beautiful part of the world.

Coffee Traders

3 BLAKE STREET

With outdoor seating available, and extended trading hours for you to enjoy their delicious coffee.

Store Fifteen

15 MAIN STREET

Home to boutique coffee, cold pressed juice and raw superfood their rustic industrial surrounds provide a warm environment in which to refuel your body the natural way.

The Winey Cow

39A MAIN STREET

Indoor or alfresco dining out front amongst the Main Street atmosphere. Casual vibe combined with quality food and beverages.

2 Left Sisters

98 WATT ROAD

A hidden gem tucked away in the industrial area of Mornington serving amazing chai lattes and housemade treats inside by the fire or via drive through!

What to do

Whether it’s wandering down the main street with its cosmopolitan vibe, alfresco cafes lining the paved streets and vast bay views, or losing yourself in the many art galleries and boutique book shops, Mornington is a colourful hub of arts and entertainment.

Beaches, wineries, shopping, arts and antiques are all at your fingertips in a township that dates back to 1856.

The Mornington Racecourse has a history of over 100 years on the current site and continues to host the annual Mornington Cup race days.

Photos Yanni

Corner Puzzle

96. Courted

DOWN ACROSS

1. Acted jointly

6. Surfboard fall

10. Repudiated

15. Business arrangement

18. Most solemn 19. Heroism

20. Bistro 22. Embroil 23. Land measure

24. Egg parts, yolks & ...

25. Aries zodiac symbol

26. Neither these nor ...

28. Actress, ... Witherspoon

30. Musical, ... Wizard Of Oz

31. Civilian garb 32. Aggravates 33. No trouble

34. Up-at-dawn person, early ...

35. Voice type 37. Curry bread

39. 5th century invader of Europe

40. Effortlessness

42. Former Soviet region (1,1,1,1)

45. Unblocks

Mongolian desert

Defrost

Negative

Lament

97. Encroach (upon)

98. State within Rome, Vatican ... 100. Put up with 101. Frail 104. Club golfer 105. Required 107. Florida resort

108. Exaggerated military march (5,4)

112. Insurrectionist

113. Ribbon award 115. Refashion 117. Sound booster 118. Outpouring (5,4) 120. LA, ... Angeles

121. Left-winger

123. Arab ruler's realm

125. Pint-sized 126. Ketchup (6,5)

127. U-boat

129. Old school, ... mater

130. Cloth remnant

131. Inexperienced (recruit)

133. Advertising-light gas

134. Bark

136. World

137. Duck & weave

140. Laundry tools

141. UK defence force (1,1,1)

142. Distinguish

146. Halted ship, ... to

147. Is not (3'1)

148. Lampoons (5,2)

152. Cricket match

154. Indolent

155. Groove in track

156. Frosts

157. Coagulates

159. Necklace

160. Source

162. 60s frizzy hairstyle

164. Public square

165. Satisfied sigh

167. Feisty

169. Private place, ... sanctum

171. Non-government aid group (1,1,1)

173. Halve

174. Meal portion

175. Certifies (accounts)

177. Mountains

178. Barber's trim

179. Practical (training) (5-2)

180. Too

181. Sensitivity

182. Actively opposes

183. Rock worker

5.

7.

9.

104. Supernatural

106. Bob Marley's braids

108. Informal parties (3-9)

109. Veteran (3,4)

110. Sweet bun

111. Recipe

114. Marine bird (3,5)

116. Comedian, Rowan ...

119. Composer, Andrew ... Webber

122. Puncture with knife

124. Am told

125. Unconventional (3-3)

128. Suits

130. Rotund

132. Inferior

135. Seed cases

138. Deposes

139. Bass players

141. Ready to harvest

143. Irritates (skin)

144. Writing partner (2-6)

145. Boxing's ... seats

149. Strong coffee

150. Glittering fabric bead

151. E African republic

153. Computer correspondence

158. Ransacks

161. Pearl-making mollusc

163. Entitlements

166. Colorado ski town

168. Notice board pins

170. Dressed to the ...

172. Covers with gold

173. Fibreglass insulation strip

176. Planted (crops)

See page 54 for solution

HERONSWOOD’S ENCHANTED GARDEN

By Ilma Hackett, Balnarring & District Historical Society

Itwas the fairy palace with an enchanted garden. So thought young Margaret Sutherland when visiting ‘Heronswood’, her uncle’s country home in Dromana, back in the 1890’s and today the property still retains something of that magical quality.

Hearn’s Dromana retreat

The main house at ‘Heronswood’ was built in 1871 as a country retreat for academic William Edward Hearn, one of the first four professors appointed to the University of Melbourne. Hearn, an Irishman, was born in 1826 and had graduated from Trinity College, Dublin. A brilliant lawyer and classicist, he was offered a position at the newly established university in Melbourne at a salary of £1,000 plus lodgings. He arrived from Ireland to take up his position in 1855 accompanied by his wife and children. Widely read and witty, he proved a popular, influential lecturer in a wide range of courses. When the Law Faculty was introduced in 1873 he was appointed dean. Hearn was a prize-winning author in his field of political economy, publishing books, lectures and pamphlets that brought world-wide recognition to the new university. As well as his work at the university, he also took a prominent role in local politics and public affairs and contributed anonymously to the ‘Argus’ and the ‘Australasian’.

Hearn bought just over 46 acres (18.6 hectares) of land at Dromana in 1864. His land was on the lower slopes of Arthurs Seat, with views of the bay and the bulk of the mountain behind it. Here he engaged Edward La Trobe Bateman to design a house for him. continued next page...

Above: A recent aerial photograph of 'Heronswood'

Below: William Hearn, the builder of 'Heronswood'

Bateman was an artist, botanical illustrator, designer of gardens and an architect with an eye for beauty. In England he was a friend of the William Howitt family and the pre-Raphaelite group. He had followed Howitt to Australia, to the gold fields, in 1852. Bateman’s interest was not so much in finding gold but in broadening his experiences. In Victoria he engaged in a number of projects and held, for a time, a position with the leading architectural firm Barnes and Reed.

The first structure built for Hearn in 1864 was a four-roomed cottage. It was a drop slab building with rough hardwood posts between which planks were inserted diagonally. The massive fireplace and chimney were of stone. The cottage had a hip gable roof of hardwood shingles, the eaves of which turned upwards in oriental style. This building became the kitchen after the stone homestead took form. This main house was built of local materials, the stone used being the unusual, green-blue granite quarried from Arthurs Seat and cut into large blocks. Doorways, windows and corners were accentuated with contrasting, sand-coloured limestone from the southern peninsula.

The house was an asymmetrical two-storey building, roofed in bluish-grey Welsh slate. One section of roof, like that of the earlier building, tilted upwards at the eaves. The exterior walls were 50 centimetres thick, the inner ones 20 centimetres and with its turrets, buttresses and tall, narrow windows that curved to a point

it was reminiscent of medieval castles. The house had seven bedrooms, a study and two main living rooms, one a dining area.

George Chapman, the builder, lived near the top of Arthur’s Seat and the small dirt track that led from his house to ‘Heronswood’ was later widened. After the building was completed, Chapman continued to work at the property as gardener.

The house was just one part of Bateman’s design. The gardens were of equal importance –house, site and garden were seen as one. The design for the garden included spacious areas of lawn and rare exotic trees. There was an orchard area where apples, pears and mulberries were grown. Pine trees lined the driveway and were planted as windbreaks.

The property became known as ‘Heronswood’, perhaps a corruption of “Hearn’s Wood” or perhaps alluding to the family motto, “The Heron Seeks the Highest.” It provided the refuge Hearn sought where “he could work in the sunny drawing room in that favourite recess of his, the bow window of his charming home”.

After Hearn’s death in April, 1888, his wife did not keep the property. The ‘Age’ newspaper carried a notice on Saturday, 3 November for the sale of ‘Heronswood’: “ . . the favourite seaside resort of the late Dr Hearn, containing about 351/2 acres laid out in shrubbery, orchard, garden and meadow on which is erected a handsome and substantial Gothic stone residence”.

Above: The cottage, built in 1864

Sutherland buys the ‘charming home’

‘Heronswood’ was bought by Alexander Sutherland, a former student of Dr. Hearn who, according to his niece, planned to retire at the early age of forty and devote his life to literature and scientific investigation. He and his family moved into the fairytale house at Dromana.

Sutherland had married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Ballantyne in 1879 and the couple had a son and three daughters. A man of medium height, Sutherland could indulge in a favourite past-time, bushwalking, at his new home. He also liked to sketch and was a lover of music. At ‘Heronswood’ he and his family kept the lower level of the house for themselves and the two upper rooms were set aside for company.

A Scot who arrived in Australia in 1866, Sutherland had held various teaching positions since his early years in Sydney when, at the age of fourteen, he became a pupil-teacher. He graduated with honours in Arts from the University of Melbourne in 1874 and in 1877 had taken over Carlton College, a successful school that brought him a good income. At his seaside home he had written the first volume of ‘Victoria and its Metropolis’ in 1888 and the following year, ‘Origins and Growth of the Moral Instinct’, a two-volume work of philosophy that was well received overseas. He then decided to retire from teaching.

However, Sutherland’s retirement coincided with the 1892-3 depression forcing him to earn an income from his writing. He published short stories, biographies and poems and wrote articles, mainly on politico-economic subjects, for the ‘Argus’ and the ‘Australasian’.

As his children reached the age for secondary schooling the family returned to Melbourne and for a period Sutherland went to London as correspondent for an Adelaide newspaper. He found the climate depressing so returned to Melbourne. In 1901 he won a seat in the first federal parliament and the same year was appointed Registrar of the University of Melbourne. He also took over as lecturer in English and English Literature which was too heavy a load. Sutherland was in Adelaide when he unexpectedly died in 1902 at the age of fifty.

Home to a High Court Judge

Lizzie Sutherland decided to sell ‘Heronswood’ and in 1906 it became the home of Henry Bournes Higgins, a friend of her husband’s from university days with whom he had once shared the Shakespeare scholarship. Both had been students of Dr. Hearn. Like Hearn, Higgins was born in Ireland and, like Sutherland, his family had come to Australia for health reasons. Also, like Sutherland, he had taught before entering the university where he shone in languages, history, logic, political economy and Shakespeare. He graduated with degrees in both Arts and Law and chose law as a career, specialising in equity. He prospered as a lawyer and his success allowed him to help his siblings through university.

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Above: Alexander Sutherland, the second owner

Below: Henry Bournes Higgins with his wife, Mary

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In 1883 he bought land in Malvern where a house, ‘Doona’, was erected and two years later he married Mary Alice Morrison, a tall, young woman whose sense of duty, it was said, was combined with a sense of humour. Their only child was a son, Mervyn.

Higgins turned to politics and was one of the ten people chosen from Victoria to help draft the new Commonwealth Constitution. He was elected, in turn, to both the state and then federal governments but he quit politics when he was called to the bench as a High Court Judge in 1903. He had a reputation for upholding his principles even when contrary to general opinion. Higgins became President of the Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration in 1906 and is arguably best known for his judgement in the Harvester Case which led to a basic wage for unskilled workers.

When Higgins bought ‘Heronswood’ in 1906 it was with his son’s enjoyment in mind. Visitors were frequent and entertainment lavish. A ‘Log Book’ was kept in which guests signed their names. Some contributed poems. An invitation to an informal dinner began “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Be it known that a Feed will be held at 5.30

Top left: Higgins, with a young friend, working in a paddock Left: The Chinese Lion Dogs outside the cellar entrance

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p.m. on Saturday 24th February in the Year of Disgrace 1906”. The menu included “Kangerong Tail Soup”. The grounds now sported a tennis court and the family had bathing boxes on the nearby beach. Higgins was enthusiastic about the Dromana district. He made a donation to the Foreshore Trust towards putting in diving platforms and for other foreshore improvements.

‘Heronswood’ also became his retreat and he delighted in the physical activity of working about the property. He recorded, “Today I was haymaking. My man scythed the crop of oats and I gathered and raked into stooks”. He revelled in the beauty of the setting and gardens. Mary’s brother, George “Chinese” Morrison, a journalist, adventurer and political advisor to the Chinese government, sent them a pair of porcelain Chinese Lion Dogs which guarded the entrance to the cellar. In 1912 and again in 1914 bushfires came close to the house and gardens but were contained using water from the dam.

my life”. A monument, a tall Celtic cross, was erected in the cemetery at Dromana, and Higgins also donated a scholarship to the University of Melbourne in his son’s name.

Higgins was a fitness adherent perhaps because, as a child, he had been prone to illness. At Dromana he swam each morning and, in the afternoon, took a long walk from his house to Arthurs Seat and back. On 13 January, 1929 he followed his usual routine, returning home to sit on the porch with his books. He died that evening. His funeral was held at Dromana where he was buried alongside his son’s monument on the slopes of the mountain overlooking the bay. He is remembered as a great humanitarian and an outstanding judge. The ghost of Mary Higgins is said to haunt one of the back rooms of the homestead, a friendly presence watching for her son. Others say it is the ghost of her husband.

In 1930 the magnificent seaside residence was offered for sale by auction. Included were the excellent dam which supplied the property with water, the asphalt tennis court and the fact that it was six minutes from the beach. ‘Heronswood’ was offered on a walk-in walk-out basis which included household linen, tools, a spring cart, horse and cow. It was passed in at £4,500

The Higgins family was in England when the First World War broke out. Although an ardent pacifist, Higgins believed England had no option. His son enlisted. Mervyn Bournes Higgins survived Gallipoli but was killed in Egypt in 1916. Higgins, heart-broken, stated, “My grief has condemned me to hard labour for the rest of continued next page...

Below: 'Heronswood', circa 1930

A new era

House and gardens were eventually purchased in 1932 by Anne and William Farey of Deepdene, with the property in Anne’s name for taxation purposes. William Farey had a bakery in Bourke Road, Camberwell and the family intended using ‘Heronswood’ as a holiday home. A few minor alterations were made inside the house and an additional outdoor toilet was built; otherwise the property remained the same. The tennis court that Higgins had installed was brought back into use.

In 1939 the house narrowly escaped being burned down in the bushfire that raged through the area that January. At first believed to have originated on a corner of the property, the fire, fanned by 60 kilometre per hour winds, swept along the foot of the mountain until a change of wind direction turned it towards the township of Dromana. Despite the efforts of the firefighters, the fire burned to the shore line, destroying virtually everything in its path. Forty-three houses were lost and many people were left with just the clothes they were wearing. ‘Heronswood’ was lucky to escape.

The Fareys kept the old homestead for almost twenty-eight years before it again changed hands.

A time of change

John (Jack) and Ada Wilson bought the property on 5 November, 1958. Jack was a master butcher whose links with Dromana dated back to his great-grandfather who had opened a butchery

there. He had always been fascinated by the ‘Heronswood’ property. Major changes occurred during their ownership. Wilson sold off twenty of the thirty-five acres for subdivision in 1962 and further land was compulsorily acquired for the future freeway along the peninsula. The section of land known as “The Valley” was taken by the Council as a drainage easement, leaving the house on three and a half acres (1.4 hectares).

The house urgently needed an upgrade. Local tradespeople were hired to strip wallpaper, remove old varnish and to make repairs both to the building and the furniture that had come with the house. The main room housed two long sideboards and the walls were hung with four large, oriental, silk tapestries. The seats of chairs needed re-upholstering. The goal was to restore as much as possible although changes were made. The kitchen, previously housed in the small wooden cottage, “the log cabin”, was moved into the large house and the cottage became a laundry where Ada washed Jack’s work clothes. It was close to the house, accessed by steps leading to the door.

The gardens changed. The orchard area had been sold. Cypress pines lining the driveway and located near the house were cut down as they were seen as a fire risk and replaced by Queensland box. White camellias were planted. The garden’s feature stone wall was extended and the original decorative tile work re-arranged to disguise gaps left by missing tiles. The Lion Dogs still stood by the cellar door although in need of repair.

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In 1974 Wilson sold ‘Heronswood’ to Mr. T. Shugg. Along with the century-old building Shugg inherited the many artefacts belonging to previous owners which he did not want to keep. He disposed of them including the library of law books.

When the Moffat family owned the property, prior to 1983, a kidney-shaped swimming pool was sunk into the back lawn. The kitchen was again relocated and two modern fireplaces were installed in the dining and sitting rooms. These were made from old limestone blocks.

A dream becomes reality

Clive and Penny Blazey bought ‘Heronswood’ in 1983 and gradually turned it into the ‘Heronswood’ of today. They intended to use the property not only as their family home but as a focus for Diggers Seeds, their business of propagating and selling heirloom seeds. Diggers Seeds had started in a stable in Mont Albert in 1978 when Clive wanted to rescue varieties of vegetables no longer in fashion and so not stocked by nurseries.

Their attempt to establish their nursery at ‘Heronswood’ was not plain sailing. Neighbouring property owners, alarmed about a business close by, opposed the plans put before the Shire council. Concerns centred around estimated visitor numbers, parking, and inappropriate use of land in a residential area. The matter eventually went to the Minister for Planning and before an independent panel for decision. Objections were overruled.

The Blazeys set about altering the gardens to become a showcase for their unusual and old-fashioned plants. Edible plants were grown for beauty as well as consumption. Attention was paid to the overall colour and effect on landscape. Clive Blazey believed in using organic and sustainable methods of cultivation, definitely no pesticides, and the principle of working with nature rather than against it. Diggers Seeds, which began as a mail order business, evolved into the Diggers Club with ‘Heronswood’ as its base. Membership grew rapidly Australia-wide.

The Blazeys also worked on restoring the homestead building. This included undoing recent renovations. The stone fireplaces were removed to reveal the original carved wooden ones. In 1997 the whole building was re-decorated in keeping with the original Gothic Revival style. ‘Heronswood’ was given the status of a classified home and placed on the Historic Building register.

In the grounds the swimming pool became two separate ponds - a water lily pond and a reflection pool. The grounds developed into a cottage-style garden where a number of separated garden beds showcase the annuals and perennials from the nursery. Grassed or gravelled walkways lead from area to area while between the mature trees that have been part of the garden from earliest years, the waters of Port Phillip Bay can be seen. Several of the trees – a magnificent Cook Island Pine and a Moreton Bay fig - have provided shade for over a century and a half. ‘Heronswood Garden’ is one of the few Australian properties mentioned in the ‘Oxford Book of Gardens’ which celebrates the best gardens around the world.

Left and right: The gardens at 'Heronswood'

The recent story

A new structure housing a restaurant, shop and office was opened in 1996. It was designed to blend in with the existing buildings. A two-storey building, its walls were of rammed earth and the roof thatched using reeds from the Tootgarook Swamp. Two skilled thatchers from Northern Germany worked on the roof. A sprinkler system was installed in case of fire.

In 2011 Clive and Penny Blazey gifted ‘Heronswood’ to the Diggers Foundation Trust. As Clive explained, “We wanted to ensure that the things we had championed – use of heirloom seeds, sustainable gardening methods, a strong voice against genetically modified seeds and hybridized plants – would continue.”

Unhappily the sprinkler system in the roof of the restaurant/office could not save the building when wind-borne embers from a grass fire in January, 2014 landed on the thatch. The building burned to the ground.

In 2017 Heronswood Gallery opened in the original cottage. It has three areas of display. The first room is a Sculpture Room that tells the story of pollination. The second is the Heirloom Room – a replica collection of the heirloom fruits and vegetables grown by the club. The third is an audio-visual room. The restaurant re-opened as ‘Fork to Fork’ in a downstairs room of the homestead. It uses fresh produce from the gardens.

The Diggers Foundation continues to run ‘Heronswood’ as a showplace where visitors can not only admire the gardens, buy plants, seeds and gardening equipment but take away ideas and gardening knowledge. This year marks the 45th Anniversary of the Diggers Club at ‘Heronswood’.

‘Heronswood’ is located at 105 Latrobe Parade, Dromana. It is open daily from 10.00 a.m. until 5 p.m. ‘Heronswood’ is a National Trust property.

(Photographs and information from the collection held by Dromana & District Historical Society.)

Below: The fire at 'Heronswood' in 2014

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