Susana Corcoba took her passion for food and cooking in a different direction. Instead of opening a restaurant, she founded From Basque with Love offering delicious, all natural, easy to prepare cook at home meal kits featuring dishes from all over the world.
Old School Aviator • Watts’ Cooking • Vintage Soul
Of Resilience • It’s A Wrap • The Girl From The Cavalier Café
8. Old School Aviator
Having spent most of his life flying commercial aircraft for airlines, Nick Caudwell clambers up into the cockpit of a vintage American F4U Corsair Naval fighter plane like a teenager; loving flying vintage planes at the Peninsula Aero Club in Tyabb, where he instructs pilots in all aspects of flying, including aerobatics.
14. Watts’ Cooking
Rob and Liam Watts missed out by a whisker on getting into the finals of My Kitchen Rules, which would have made their Mum, Terri, very proud. Muriel Cooper chats to the brothers about their time on MKR and what they’re up to now.
Arts
18. Vintage Soul
Frankston based musician CJ Commerford says he knew he was going to have a career in music when he was fifteen. CJ got his Supertones band together in 2021 during lockdown and they have just released their second album, Naturally You.
22. Essence of Resilience
Langwarrin writer Kerrie Worsfield is a model of resilience and positive thinking. Though Multiple Sclerosis has taken away the use of her arms and legs and she needs 24-hour care, her spirit is indomitable. Gaining control over her mind has been the key to getting through the many challenges of losing control of her body.
Peninsula In Style
30. It’s a Wrap
Writers:
Andrea Louise Thomas, Muriel Cooper, Annette Sanfilippo
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 bulk dropped at an extensive network of outlets across the peninsula.
As we countdown the days to the silly season, with our endless to do lists, party dates and event preparations, many of us become fixated on what we are going to put under the Christmas tree for our friends and loved ones. Peninsula businesses are stocked up with some amazing products to excite you, so shop local and fill those Christmas stockings.
Eat & Drink
37. Kitting Up Fine Cuisine
Susana Corcoba took her passion for food and cooking in a different direction. Instead of opening a restaurant, she founded From Basque with Love offering delicious, all natural, easy to prepare cook at home meal kits featuring dishes from all over the world.
When a woman's body is discovered on the side of a road in Mount Eliza in 1927 an intensive investigation is carried out by the police which takes them down a winding road of clues and suspects.
Every Month
Proudly published by Cover image by Yanni
What's on? DECEMBER 2024
DEC
1
SPEAK & SHARE FUN RUN
The annual Speak & Share Fun Run is back for 2024 and we'd love for you to join us on the 1st of December as we come together as a community to run along the beautiful bay trail on the Mornington Peninsula.
5km I 10km I 21.1km speakandshare.com
DEC
14
CHRISTMAS MINI WREATH WORKSHOP
Learn to make a festive mini wreath using dried and fresh botanicals and flowers, to display in your home over the holidays. You will be guided through the process of decorating a wreath base using sustainable techniques and easily found materials. Suitable for all skill levels, with all materials provided. Free, bookings essential. 10:30am-12:20pm eventbrite.com.au
DEC 6 CHRISTMAS RACE DAY
Sit back, enjoy the atmosphere, cheer home the stars of the turf and celebrate the festive season at Mornington racecourse. Christmas Race Day also signals the start of Mornington Summer of Racing, a feature program of race days across December and January. Entry is FREE for all racegoers.
mrc.racing.com
DEC 15
CRUDEN FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET
Stalls filled by wood artisans, candles, soaps, condiments, arts/crafts, food trucks, coffee & donuts. Partnering with Lifestyle Markets Australia Inc the $10 entrance fee includes access to wander the inner gardens. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate on the day! Entrance amended to McClelland Drive. 10am-4pm.
crudenfarm.com.au
GOOD TIDINGS WE BRING
As the year draws to a close and we embrace the festive season, I want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks for your continued support of our magazine. It has been a joy to bring you stories, insights, and local news that celebrate the vibrant community we share here on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
This Christmas, may you find time to relax, recharge, and cherish the moments with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful beachside sunset or gathering around a table with friends and family, we hope this season brings joy, warmth, and a renewed sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures in life.
DEC 6
SORRENTO CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Festivities kick off at 5:30 PM with our Christmas Market, then from 7:00 PM talented local choirs, musicians, and community performers lead us in carols. Santa Claus will make a grand arrival, and a celebrity host will keep spirits high, ending the night with a fireworks display that lights up the sky at 9:00 PM. sorrento.org.au
DEC 19
A VERY BIG BAND CHRISTMAS
Swing into the festive season with this enchanting holiday extravaganza! Starring the dynamic trio of Nina Ferro, Fem Belling, and Belinda Parsons, along with special guest Ross Irwin - this show promises an unforgettable musical journey that will provide the perfect backdrop for a night out with family and friends.
artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au
Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to serving you in the coming year with even more stories that reflect the spirit and beauty of our peninsula.
The team at Peninsula Essence and MPNG wishes you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
melissa@mpnews.com.au
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OLD SCHOOL aviator
By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni & Supplied
Aerobatics and flight instructor Nick Caudwell clambers up into the cockpit of a vintage American F4U Corsair Naval fighter plane (pictured) like a teenager. In fact, Nick is retired, having spent most of his life flying commercial aircraft for airlines like Ansett and Cathay Pacific. Retirement freed him to build a Sopwith Snipe biplane –from scratch – using the original blueprints. Nick continues his love of flying vintage planes at the Peninsula Aero Club in Tyabb, where he instructs pilots in all aspects of flying, including aerobatics.
The Corsair was designed for aircraft carriers, hence the foldup wings. Another vintage aeroplane at Tyabb, the Winjeel CA-25, an advanced pilot training aircraft, was designed in Australia and made at Fishermen’s Bend,
Nick’s interest in planes and flying began in the 1950s when his dad took him to an airshow at Abbingdon Airbase in the UK.
“For two pounds, we got a ride in a Dragon Rapide. I grew up on a farm, and we flew right over it. Our farm was right in the path of the runway and these things would come right over the roof of the house. As kids, we thought that was amazing until one day, one of them crashed right in the middle of our village.”
Nick didn’t know immediately that he would be a pilot. Much later, in Devon, while he was working at the Axminster carpet factory, he learned to fly for the fun of it.
“I got sucked in straight away. I thought ‘This is more fun than designing carpets.’ Somebody said, ‘I suppose you’ll do this professionally now.’ It never occurred to me that I could do it. One of my mentors when I first learned to fly was a lady pilot, Jackie Moggridge, the first woman to parachute in South Africa. She came to the UK and was involved in the Women’s Air Auxiliary during the war, ferrying aeroplanes.
Nick came to Australia and did the commercial training at Moorabbin, and then did the instructor training.
He was a pilot in New Guinea, flying in things like mackerel and rice, then flying coffee out. Nick flew DC3s with Air New Guinea.
“Ansett was hiring, so I got offered a job with them and flew all around Australia for about fifteen years. Then, I joined Cathay Pacific out of Hong Kong as a 747 Captain. Now I’m back full circle and flying light aircraft. All that time, however, I was interested in old aeroplanes.
We’ve got a little formation team here, and we call ourselves ‘The Frozen Five’ because we’re always freezing cold whenever we go anywhere
“We’ve got a little formation team here, and we call ourselves ‘The Frozen Five’ because we’re always freezing cold whenever we go anywhere. You couldn’t get a more diverse bunch of people, but we’ve all got the same passion. We’ve got a plumber who’s twenty-four, a truck driver, another retired airline guy, me, and the ex-deputy leader of the Liberal Party.
Nick also teaches formation flying, which is harder than it looks.
“I bought a Nanchang CJ6A, which is a Chinese trainer with a radial engine and is enormous fun. It was the first Chinese aeroplane and is beautifully built. There’s a couple of them still operating out of Moorabbin doing joy flights.”
“I learned aerobatics in the '60s in the UK on Chipmunks. When I was with Ansett I used to come down here and hire the Tiger Moth and do some fun flying. I absolutely love it. It’s proper flying – open cockpit, seat of the pants type flying. It’s completely different to press-button flying following a pink line on a screen. I absolutely love it. I still do plenty of Tiger flying.
“People find it hard to start with. When flying without an aeroplane alongside, you don’t realise just how much the aeroplanes actually move. If you just touch it (the control), you move upwards or downwards. They learn to compensate for that. It’s a much finer, more subtle way of flying.”
What’s it like to fly a plane of which there are very few left in the world?
“I feel enormously privileged that I get to do it, and I have to keep pinching myself so that people keep asking me to do it. How lucky am I? I certainly couldn’t afford to own it myself.”
continued page 12 ...
Top: The F4U Corsair fighter plane showing its unique folding wings
Bottom: Example of a chinese made Nanchang CJ6A
Above: Nick and one of the many vintage planes at Tyabb aerodrome
Nick’s introduction to aerobatics at nineteen was very different from the kind of training he gives pilots today.
“These days, you spend ages going through each manoeuvre to make sure they’re really competent, but I was taught by a chap who was a Word War Two pilot. There was no great big long endorsement; he just went up and showed me all his manoeuvres, and then I had a go! One of them I completely stuffed up and he just let me stuff it up.”
Nick laughs, “It was no problem for him after what he’s endured during the war. It was a vertical manoeuvre, and I didn’t kick it early enough. We fell backwards and –whack! I didn’t do that again.”
During aerobatics, despite his rocky start, Nick has never felt close to crashing.
So, what will happen to our vintage planes when all the parts wear out? Nick says several things might happen.
“Generally, the aerialists who are operating these planes are getting older, the planes are getting older, the parts are getting harder to get, the skills of fixing and overhauling the engines are getting thinner on the ground. If you've got a Tiger Moth engine, the best person to take it to is Borg Sorenson – Borg is ninetysix! And he still flies his Tiger Moth. He still swings the propeller himself! He’s incredible.
“In the UK, there’s quite an industry around making parts for the Spitfire. Up at Wangaratta, we’ve got a company that specialises in the P-40 (the Kittyhawk), so there are people doing it. There are younger people coming through as well.”
Nick says it takes money, passion, time, and effort to keep the vintage planes flying. He hopes to continue flying them for as long as he can.
“There’s nothing like these old planes as far as I’m concerned. I just love them.”
...you knew your neighbours and nearly everyone in the street. Kids played French cricket out front and there was a milk bar on the corner.
Meet Geri who’s just turned 80. She’s been at the Village for 5 years.
“I’ve always loved sports and living here keeps me young”.
Village Glen Retirement Living – a safe community with facilities second to none and a team of friendly, dedicated staff. For more information on your next move, give us a call on 03 5986 4455 or visit our website.
335 – 351 Eastbourne Road, Capel Sound, Victoria 3940
www.villageglen.com.au
Geri 1962
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WATTS' cooking
By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni
Rob and Liam Watts missed out by a whisker on getting into the finals of My Kitchen Rules, which would have made their mum, Terri, very proud.
Rob says, “Our mum is a really great cook, so growing up, we didn’t have a choice. Whatever she did, it flowed out onto us. We still call her every day for tips and tricks. Our mum was an awesome teacher. I’m in love with cooking. Rob and I are the cooks in our households and I think it’s a great skill to have and to bring into your home. It’s also so social, and I think that’s another reason why we love cooking and the barbeque. We can go outside with the kids, crank the coals up and cook some really nice meals whilst hanging out with the family and enjoying a few vinos.”
Rob and Liam live around the corner from Martha’s Table in Safety Beach, where they cooked a special dinner of their MKR recipes. Diners enjoyed Safety Beach Cajun Mussels sustainably resourced right out the front of where they live, and steak with beetroot and watermelon salad.
“We’re trying to show off our great local produce,” Liam says. “Rob here’s the meat guy. Then, for dessert, we finished off with our famous mango and gin pannacotta.”
competing, we’re also best friends, and I think that’s why we really worked on the show and in the kitchen. We know what each other is doing, and we just get it done.”
Liam chimes in: “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, so when we work in the kitchen it’s seamless, especially when we were in kitchen headquarters; that was probably the easiest time for us but stressful for everyone else. Our time management and how we worked in our kitchen was very easy. We knew what we were doing. We were perfect teammates.
How did their families feel about them going on MKR?
As much a we love competing, we’re also best friends, and I think that’s why we really worked on the show and in the kitchen
When asked what Liam’s favourite protein is, he laughs. “Steak, but my favourite protein is when Rob’s cooking it.” Rob chuckles. “I trained him well.”
Rob and Liam are the best of mates, as are their partners Renee and Charlie (respectively). They’re looking forward to seeing their children grow up together as cousins. Rob and Renee have Coco(three) and Billy (eleven months), and Liam and Charlie have four-year-old Jesse and three-year-old Ruby. Coco and Ruby go to the same preschool. Do they ever argue?
Rob says, “Liam and I are super competitive brothers and super close in age with only 22 months between us; everything’s been a competition for us our whole lives growing up. So I think it’s formed an amazing bond between us. As much as we love
“When the idea to go on MKR first came up, our family fully supported us because they could see how much cooking we’ve done, and they said, ‘Yeah, boys, go for it.’ There was a lot of time involved in the show that we didn’t know, but they said, ‘Go boys, get out there and get it done for us. Make the peninsula proud. Being local, it’s what we’re about.”
Rob has a commercial concrete company, and Liam, who’s been in hospitality most of his life, owns the Deadwood Dromana bar and café. His experience making cocktails meant they could do the pannacotta in double quick time, giving them an edge over their competitors for that round.
Liam says, “I’ve always wanted to do something down here on the peninsula where we were born and bred. After spending a few years overseas and living in the city, two years ago, we opened Deadwood Dromana, and it’s been a great success.”
It was named Best Regional Bar in Australia a couple of months ago.
“I can’t open a bar because I spend all my money in Liam’s,” Rob jokes.
MKR became quite heated towards the end of Rob and Liam’s time, with some aggressive competitiveness and a bit of rancour. How did the boys cope with that?
continued next page...
Rob says: “Obviously, it is a competition. There are a hundred thousand dollars on the line, so tempers can flare, and people can get a bit heated. But at the end of the day, we are all friends off camera. You stick to your values, and that’s what we did.”
Liam continues, “We always scored fairly through the whole show. We always did exactly what we wanted to do. We wanted to compete, and we wanted to cook against the best."
Rob says with a laugh, “Shame we left so early.”
“Missing out on the semi-finals and grand final was really tough,” Liam says, “because we really do think we cooked amazing food. The money wasn’t it; we just wanted the title MKR. We’re so proud. I’m super proud of my brother. I love working with him. It was the best experience of my lifetime to
hang out with my best mate, my brother. We got to travel the country, and we got to cook some amazing food,”
Rob says being away from the children was the hardest thing. “When we decided we couldn’t do the show without their support, we were going to win! If you’re going to be away for three months then bring it home! That was the hardest thing to come back to, but they’re so proud.
Would they do it all over again?
“With a different teammate, I’d do it over again,” Liam jokes, "A hundred percent. We made some of the best friends. It was a unique experience, and some of the competitors on the show were amazing. We’ll be friends for life. We talk every day."
“I’d do it all over again,” says Rob. “A hundred percent.”
We got to travel the country, and we got to cook some amazing food
MORNINGTON TWILIGHT WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER
MORNINGTON RACE DAY FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER
MORNINGTON NEW YEARS DAY WEDNESDAY 01 JANUARY
MORNINGTON RACE DAY SUNDAY 05 JANUARY
MORNINGTON RACE DAY SUNDAY 19 JANUARY Enjoy Summer Racing at it's finest on the Peninsula.
VINTAGE soul
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons & Supplied
“
Iknew I was going to have a career in music when I was fifteen. It was very clear,” says Frankston-based musician CJ Commerford. Growing up in Red Hill South was idyllic for the young musician. “It was a really formative place to grow up; both calming and grounding. I remember my Mum saying it was healthy to be bored. Her saying that pushed me to focus on creativity rather than looking outward for entertainment,” he says.
CJ started playing guitar when he was ten. His father’s passion for 70s music, which was often playing in the house, had a big influence on his musical development. CJ’s six-piece band CJ Commerford and the Supertones is a soul/blues/rock fusion with a distinctively 70s vintage vibe. Going to their gigs is a bit like stepping back in time.
CJ is the songwriter for his band. He comes to his songs in various ways both musically and lyrically. Sometimes he writes just the lyrics. Sometimes he hears the music and writes the notes to form a vocal from that. Sometimes he makes a voice memo to recall the feeling of the song.
He has many favourite bands, but his current favourite is the Tedeschi Trucks Band for their soulful sound and blues vibe. He thinks they have the greatest husband/wife guitar and vocal team in the business. CJ feels their ability to emote through voice and guitar is transcendent. He also loves how Al Green sings about love; how each song feels like a line from a romance novel. CJ’s favourite song is Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’.
Music is an emotional expression. Soul music comforts me and gives me what I need
Everything in CJ’s life centred on music. After starting out at Red Hill Consolidated School, moving on to Padua College then to his final years of tertiary education studying music at JMC Academy in Melbourne, he came full circle to teach guitar at Red Hill Consolidated School for a while. He still teaches privately.
Being MC at the legendary Balnarring Muso Nights for a time connected him to a vast network of other Peninsula musicians. When things really started taking off with the band, he had to step away from other commitments to concentrate all his energy on writing and performing.
Old school soul resonates most. “I base everything I do on how it feels. I lean into that more as I get older. Music is an emotional expression. Soul music comforts me and gives me what I need. I never feel the need to look past it. It’s empowering because it builds strength out of pain. I also like the way it amalgamates black and white music,” he says.
Beyond his father’s musical influence, CJ loves '70s music because he finds it authentic. He believes it was the last great era before electronic music came in and took over in the '80s. To CJ, music lost a bit of its soul in the new age of synthesizers. It was such a different sound.
continued next page...
Playing live music in the streaming era is interesting for CJ because he was playing live before it started. He says it’s a bit harder to get people to gigs now. “The streaming battle is not just about competing against other music, but all of other genres – podcasts, movies and TV. There is just so much out there vying for attention. If people still had to buy albums, it would mean more. The entitlement to music in the streaming era is disheartening,” he says.
On the other hand, he feels streaming is critical to success in the music industry because it’s how most people consume music. It’s important to be accessible on all major platforms. Of course, there are other things that help a band succeed, such as merchandise, CDs/vinyl and playing live.
CJ got his Supertones band together in 2021 during lockdown. He started out with a blank slate: no genre or image in mind. They developed an original sound, look and style. Now they are a tight unit and everyone gets along.
Have your say on our Peninsula Trails project!
Join the Journey to Connect our Peninsula Trails!
Imagine world-class trails connecting the stunning landscapes of the Mornington Peninsula. We’re on a mission to complete 11 missing sections to create 170km of shared trails, making it easier than ever to explore the beauty of the Peninsula.
We’ve developed route options to complete the sections in a draft Masterplan and we want your feedback!
Mornington to Moorooduc Baxter to Sommerville
Merricks to Balnarring
Balnarring to Bittern
Red Hill to Arthurs Seat
Arthurs Seat to Point Nepean Road
Anthony’s Nose
Whitecliffs
Blairgowrie Yacht Club
Hughes Road
Mount Martha to Safety Beach
MOOROODUC
As an added bonus, CJ’s wife Lennie Farchione plays guitar and sings backup vocals. Her brother, Sebastian plays saxophone/ keyboard. Other members are Dave Flynn on trumpet/saxophone/ percussion, Andy Gardiner on bass guitar and Ben Redlich on drums.
CJ and the Supertones have just released their second album, Naturally You. It’s a lighter more soulful counterpoint to their first album, Sugar which was darker and more blues-based.
CJ’s main concern now is getting this new album into people’s ears, playing live and laying down some vinyl before moving on to a new set of songs.
Upcoming shows can be found on their website.
cjsupertones.com
ESSENCE OF resilience
MS is part of my life, not all of it. It doesn’t define me
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons & Supplied
Langwarrin writer Kerrie Worsfield is a model of resilience and positive thinking. Though Multiple Sclerosis has taken away the use of her arms and legs and she needs 24-hour care, her spirit is indomitable. Gaining control over her mind has been the key to getting through the many challenges of losing control of her body.
“MS is part of my life, not all of it. It doesn’t define me. I can do anything using adaptive technology. It doesn’t stop me from doing what I want. In fact, it’s actually given me better problem-solving skills. I has taught me to think outside of the box,” she says.
When things became really hard and she was battling depression, art and writing were her salvation. Kerrie started painting with her teeth and, later, with the use of an adapted chin cup. The images and colours brought to mind words and she started to write poetry to complement the artwork.
With the help of her carers who wrote down the words she dictated, her first book of poetry and reflective thinking, Little Book With Heart, was published by Morpheus Publishing in September. The joy and empowerment she felt was palpable. At her book launch, she was positively glowing with pride.
It took years to achieve this sunny disposition. When she was diagnosed at 22, it came as an incredible shock. Kerrie didn’t know anything about MS. She’d only ever heard of it in reference to the MS Readathon. So she set out to learn everything she could. She thought knowledge would empower her but it was overwhelming and led to depression.
At the time of diagnosis, Kerrie was happily engaged to be married. She had completed her first year of a degree in Computing with a minor in accounting at Monash University. She deferred those studies to take up full-time work at the ANZ bank. It wasn’t until her vision became blurry (which glasses did not help) that she thought something was awry.
It wasn’t her first inkling though. She consulted with a GP when she was 20 to inquire about an unusual sensation that felt like a tight band around her stomach. Her concern was brushed off. She later learned that this ‘MS hug’ was a classic early onset sign. If that had been picked up right away, treatment to slow the progress of the disease could have been started then.
When the blurry vision symptom arose, she found a new GP who referred her to a neurologist. With brain MRIs and a specialist on board, Kerrie started to get some answers, but it took a second neurologist to really get the ball rolling with treatments.
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When the full weight of the diagnosis hit her, combined with treatment she felt was ineffectual, Kerrie fell into a deep depression. Then her husband left. It felt like she’d hit rock bottom. She really had to lean in to her resilience to find ways to move forward and adapt to all of the changes in her body. It took years.
Poetry resonates with me because I have always loved song lyrics
Things really turned around in 2016 when one of Kerrie’s support workers found her Year 12 English folder filled with poetry. She thought Kerrie’s writing was good and encouraged her to pursue it. This was a game changer.
Kerrie realised she wanted to be a writer. With support, she got going. At first, Kerrie made poetry calendars for her family.
“Poetry resonates with me because I have always loved song lyrics,” she says. She loves the cadence, rhythm and rhyme of poetry. Sheepishly, she admits she prefers writing short form pieces because she has a short attention span.
In 2023, Justine Martin at Morpheus Publishing gave a webinar on MS for World MS Day. Kerrie made a connection with her.
Then Justine started an MS writing group and invited Kerrie to contribute a chapter to Whispers of Resilience, an anthology of stories about living with MS. Kerrie loved getting her work published. This set the wheels in motion for her own book.
This year Kerrie joined the Frankston Writers’ Salon. It’s a welcoming, inclusive writing group for writers at all levels. They meet monthly at Frankston Library to write short form poetry and micro-fiction which they share with the group at the end of the session. “I have found my people through writing,” she says.
“When I was first struggling with my diagnosis, my sister asked me to tell her five things I was grateful for. I did. Now gratitude is a regular practice. It helps when I get depressed,” she says. A great support team, positive mindset and a passion for writing has changed Kerrie’s perspective.
Peninsula Essence photographer and filmmaker Yanni Dellaportas has just won the Best Short Documentary film award at the 2024 Benalla Short Film Festival for his film Beautiful Storm. It comes nearly six months after he also picked up the award for Excellence in Cinematography at the Warburton Film Festival back in June of this year.
Beautiful Storm is a short film beautifully created to accompany an original music score also composed by Yanni. All the audio, video and still images were captured in and around the Mornington Peninsula and the coastline of Victoria, Australia on the lands of the Boon Wurrung / Bunurong people.
The film is loosely based on the coffee table book of the same name that Yanni published in 2020 and which features 35 years of storm chasing photography taken in and around the coastline of Victoria, Australia. However the film didn’t start that way. Yanni created the film to go with a piece of music he wrote and recorded under his pseudonym 'Bluzoid'.
The composition came from a volunteer commission he was given to create music for a dance-based short film. The makers didn’t go with this piece in the end, but that didn’t stop him from fleshing out the original piano score into something more orchestral.
Yanni is grateful to his musician friends Natalie Parker (tin whistle, flute and trumpet) and Sally Carter (violin) for their contribution in recording some of the melodies.
The music sat on the shelf for a few years as it had no connection to anything and Yanni didn’t know how to release it. Eventually he decided to create a film to go with it, incorporating his thirty five years of storm photography and ten years of moving footage.
Everything seemed to come together. “It was all so serendipitous: the music, the film, everything worked. I could finally tell a story combining my love for weather related imagery and music.”
“And it’s not your traditional narrative film with actors, characters or dialogue, but more like an instrumental music video in the style of one of my favourite movies: the 1982 American non-narrative documentary film Koyaanisqatsi. However Beautiful Storm does follow the three act story format.”
After its initial premier screening at Rosebud Cinema back in late 2023, Beautiful Storm is still being seen at film festivals all around the world.
W: yannicreative.com.au
Christopher Vine
Christopher Vine
Curate Art & Design
Curate Art & Design
Manyung Gallery
Manyung Gallery
Matt Hill Projects
Matt Hill Projects
Monica Art Gallery
Monica Art Gallery
Galleries Mornington PeninsulaVictoria & Gallery Australia
Nura Gallery
Mornington PeninsulaVictoria & Gallery Australia
Nura Gallery
Sorrento Contemporary
Sorrento Contemporary
Sorrento
Sorrento Galleries
IT'S A wrap
By Annette Sanfilippo Photos Supplied
Aswe countdown the days to the silly season, with our endless to do lists, party dates and event preparations, many of us become fixated on what we are going to put under the Christmas tree for our friends and loved ones.
For some, this is wrapped up quickly, sometimes months prior but for others it can be an endless search stretching right up to retail close of business December 24th!
It has become way too easy these days to opt for simpler solutions, one being the gift card! No thinking required. We seem to question our choices and come up with excuses like “Oh they are fussy”, “You get yourself something nice” or “I never know what you like”.
I remember the days when whatever was handed to you was received with anticipation and excitement and unwrapping it was part of the joy. Whatever was inside was what it was and it was usually something the giver had put copious amounts of time and thought into. We would be impolite if we didn’t like it.
It’s gifting season…something from me to you, so let’s get back to the heart of why we do it and start putting a little more thought into what we wrap up in a big, bright bow!
Peninsula businesses are stocked up with some amazing products to excite you, so shop local and fill those Christmas stockings.
A safe a joyous season to all, Annette
From champagne to an exotic liquor, receiving a good drop as a gift symbolises celebration and sharing, and sparks joy with the receiver.
5 BOTTLES
GOLDEN RINGS
Jewellery makes a timeless and meaningful gift, offering a personal touch. Avedis can design something exquisite or personalise that special piece creating a priceless and enduring memento for any occasion.
4 COFFEES BREWING
The D&G exclusive Moka Pot is perfect for the coffee aficionado and ultimate fashionista. La Casa Nostra Deli, Rosebuds original deli for over 25 years is foody heaven and a gifting paradise.
A small token of baked goods is a gesture to lift anyone’s spirits and appreciated by those who love to share good company.
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10
Create a hassle-free flavourful meal to share with loved ones, creating lasting memories without the stress during the busy festive season.
Perfume makes a thoughtful and personal gift offering a signature scent that can add a touch of elegance to any occasion.
3 BAKERS PIPING
SCENTS A SMELLING LUXURY CARS
Unlocking a luxury car tied up in a giant bow is worth celebrating. This is one gift you deserve to
7
The gift of giving a little pampering is the ultimate way to show how much you care. Tis the season to shine and good grooming and great skin will enhance both our inner and outer glow.
2
FACES SHINING CLASSIC BOOKS
Find a thoughtful and thought provoking, personalised book at Dear Reader Books. With every genre to peruse they are preloved to re-love and it’s a feel good gift that keeps giving. 11
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Choosing apparel for someone is not for the faint-hearted, but it says so much to the recipient if you get it right. Sonsie Boutique has some fabulous labels ready to surprise, delight and elevate someone’s sense of style.
Gifting a game for Christmas brings joy, laughter, and memories made with loved ones.
GAMES A PLAYING WOMEN DRESSING
FRIENDS A FEASTING AND ONE BOUQUET OF FLOWERS FOR ME!
1 Happy Christmas Shopping!
The Peninsula Lifestyle Retirement Village is a friendly new concept in retirement living, boasting high quality bespoke residential villas set inside a secure, gated community. Peninsula Lifestyle retirement villas deliver a unique quality of life and first-rate owner benefits. It’s the smart choice.
Discover a boutique, family-friendly, comfortplus lifestyle village – with just 46 Villas that’s what Peninsula Lifestyle Retirement Village in Baxter offers.
Each Villa offers retirement luxury living with Caesarstone benchtops, air conditioning, built -in-robes, double glazed windows, high ceilings and European appliances.
Share stories with other residents over a cuppa in the community centre or get creative with those who share similar interests.
Whether it be a craft morning, a game of indoor bowls, darts, billiards or simply enjoying a movie or sports event on our big screen.
Tone up in the gym, while away hours in the potting shed and raised vegetable gardens or simply relax with a book from the library.
Discover Independent Living with a sense of community complete with security for peace of mind.
SUPERBLY CRAFTED RETIREMENT LIVING
Inspired by some of Australia’s most celebrated, heritage-listed retirement properties, Peninsula Lifestyle Retirement Village is designed to be both beautiful and practical. With gardens and walking paths arranged around the beautifully appointed clubhouse, its pedestrian-friendly village layout connects residents to friends and neighbours, and to the village’s social hub. You’ll revel in the benefits of smartly designed one- and two-bedroom villas in a keyless swipe-to-enter gated community set among stunningly landscaped gardens.
The Peninsula Lifestyle Retirement Village delivers retirement living at its best. There’s something for everyone.
Susana Corcoba took her passion for food and cooking in a different direction. Instead of opening a restaurant, she founded From Basque with Love offering delicious, all natural, easy to prepare cook at home meal kits.
Being a working Mum gave Susana perspective on the importance of creating tasty, healthy meals that don’t take hours to prepare. So, she has created meal kits that taste like they’ve been cooking for hours, but actually produce maximum flavour in minimal prep time. All the hard work has already been done.
Susana hails from Bilbao in the Basque region of Spain where cooking is an integral part of that ancient culture. Basque cuisine is totally unique in the world. Inspired by her mother’s incredible intuitive cooking, Susana developed a keen palate and a taste for fine food.
As a girl, she went to open-air markets with her mother to select fresh local ingredients to craft into classic Basque dishes like, marmitako, a rustic tuna and potato soup or paella with saffron rice and fresh local seafood. Now she wants to pass her love of flavour on to the Australian public.
“The food landscape has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. Australians are more interested in flavour. People love the fact that From Basque with Love meal kits are quick and easy, but it’s the flavour they really love,” she says.
While the business name might suggest all her recipes come from Spain, her twelve meal kits actually feature dishes from all around the world: Morocco, Thailand, India and Europe. The kits make tasty rice, dahl and couscous as well as scrumptious rice puddings for dessert.
continued next page...
The food landscape has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. Australians are more interested in flavour
Preparing each meal kit is as simple as adding water or stock with protein or vegetables to the package of all-natural, highquality raw grains, fruits, nuts, herbs, and plentiful spices. The Casablanca couscous has 25 different spices in it! All kits are lovingly handcrafted in small batches.
Making meal kits was not something Susana ever envisaged for her future. She had a successful career in business and fashion which came with the added perk of international travel. That gave her the opportunity to experience exotic cultures and sample global cuisine.
After living in Bali for twelve years running her own jewellery, accessory and clothing business, Susana met a Melbourne man named Julian whom she later married. They had two daughters in Bali before moving the family to Australia.
In Melbourne, Susana discovered a gastronomic paradise set in an interesting, vibrant multi-cultural city she quickly and whole-heartedly adopted as her own. Sparked by her love of food and wanting to embark on a new career in her new country, she founded From Basque with Love in 2015.
When Susana first started in the food business she was making homemade infused olive oils and gourmet salts to sell at local markets. Then she added her Casablanca couscous to the repertoire. Its incredible popularity sparked the idea of making meal kits.
What began as a side hustle at weekend markets with ingredients Susana stored in their one car garage at home, grew into their first factory just a couple of years later. Julian joined the team in 2017 just before the new factory opened. He has expanded their sales and customer base. Now Susana and Julian supply nearly 500 Australian stockists and are looking to expand into the US market.
Susana is proud to offer her products in ‘minimal, transparent, honest packaging’. No fancy boxes that will end up in the rubbish; just easy to see ingredients in generous quantities that produce meals positively bursting with flavour. Customers say the kits taste like homemade meals cooked from scratch. Susana is very excited that even chefs are talking about her products.
Having customers write to report that they prepare From Basque with Love meals kits for special occasions like birthdays and Christmas makes Susana’s heart sing.
Some folks even take her meal kits on camping excursions so they can enjoy gourmet flavours around the campfire in the wild under the stars.
From Basque with Love meal kits are available at all local fine food stores as well as online.
frombasquewithlove.com
INGREDIENTS:
For the Couscous:
1 packet From Basque with Love Moroccan couscous
2 tbsp butter
For the Salmon:
1.2 – 1.5 kg salmon side (skin on, bones removed)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
1/2 cup roasted pistachios, chopped
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped
Seeds from 1/2 pomegranate
Orange slices, cut into quarters
3 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Dill Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
3 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Zest of 1 orange
Salt & pepper, to taste
For Serving:
Lettuce leaves
Roasted carrots (optional)
recipe
FESTIVE BAKED SALMON WITH MOROCCAN APRICOT & PISTACHIO COUSCOUS
METHOD:
1. Prepare the Couscous: Cook the couscous according to the instructions on the packet. While the couscous is resting, arrange lettuce leaves on a large serving dish. Once the couscous is ready, place it on top of the lettuce leaves and set aside.
2. Make the Dill Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, fresh dill, olive oil, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
3. Prepare the Topping:
In a bowl, combine the roasted pistachios, spring onions, parsley, pomegranate seeds, orange slices, fresh orange juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside at room temperature until ready to use.
4. Cook the Salmon: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the salmon on a lined baking tray, laying it diagonally. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
In a saucepan, melt the butter and honey over medium-high heat. Once the butter starts to foam, reduce the
heat to medium and let it foam for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and pour the glaze directly over the salmon. Cover the salmon with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the foil, switch the oven to grill on high, and place the salmon on the middle shelf. Grill for 5-7 minutes, basting the salmon with the glaze every few minutes, until the edges are caramelised and golden. Check that the salmon is cooked through.
5. Rest the Salmon:
Once done, remove the salmon from the oven and place it on top of the couscous to allow the juices to soak in. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes, up to 1 hour.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Generously scatter the pistachio topping over the salmon. Serve the salmon along with the couscous, a dollop of dill sauce on the side, and garnish with orange slices. For an extra festive touch, add caramelised roasted carrots alongside. Enjoy this festive dish with loved ones and make your Christmas table unforgettable.
Rosebud, try Direct to boot today
We’ll pick, pack and pop your groceries in your boot, same day for free*. No need to leave your car.
Shop now at woolworths.com.au or download the Woolworths App.
*Min. spend $50 (excludes bag fees). Order cutoffs apply. Subject to availability. Pick up time may be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. Visit woolworths.com.au for full T&Cs.
WHOLESALE PRICING
WHOLESALE WINES DIRECT TO PUBLIC AT
$22 Running With Bulls South Australian Tempranillo 2021 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
PHONE: 9596 4878 Granite Rose Estate King Valley Prosecco NV
Whitebox Heathcote 2021 Shiraz Viognier
Evolution Shiraz Rosé 2020
DROMANA WAREHOUSE STORE BOTTLE AND CASE SALES ONLY
LOCATION: Unit 5, 3 Trewhitt Court, Dromana Industrial Estate
HOURS: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am until 5pm
Wine Lovers Warehouse is the direct to public arm of our wholesale business specialising in restaurant, hotel, and function wines for over 18 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 2024 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.
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT ARTHURS SEAT EAGLE
This December, Arthurs Seat Eagle invites you to soar into the festive season with breathtaking views, joyful activities, and unforgettable family moments. Glide above the stunning Arthurs Seat State Park in a state-of-the-art gondola and immerse yourself in the spirit of the holidays.
From December 1 to 24, the excitement takes flight with the Eagle's Giant Advent Calendar. Every day, one lucky guest who rides will uncover a golden ticket hidden in their gondola, open that day’s advent calendar window, and win an amazing prize from a local business!
Sundays are even more festive with Santa Sundays—pass your Christmas wish list to Santa as he roves around the summit and base stations, spreading holiday cheer. Enjoy live music on the deck and watch the kids revel in the magic of the season.
At the summit, little ones can dive into holiday fun at our Kids Corner Christmas craft sessions, while grown-ups indulge in festive treats from the Eagle Cafe.
The highlight of the holiday season is the Twilight Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 19, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. This magical twilight evening features live performances by local
talents, including the Mornington Peninsula Youth and Citizens Brass Band and Dwan-a-Dance. Guests can enjoy drinks from the licensed cafe or seasonal delights as they watch the concert.
With specially discounted $50 family tickets available for the event, all profits from the Twilight Christmas Concert will go directly to Southern Peninsula Community Support, helping brighten the holidays for local families in need.
Join us for this heartwarming event and make a difference this Christmas! For details, visit aseagle.com.au.
W: aseeagle.com.au
THE JOYS OF RAISING BABY CHICKS
There's something utterly magical about fluffy chicks peeping away in their brooder. These adorable balls of fluff aren't just a delight to experience, they're the start of a rewarding journey that'll have you cooing over fresh eggs in no time. If you've been pondering whether to raise chicks, prepare for a treat – we're here to guide you through this adventure!
You don't need to be a chicken whisperer to get started. Talking Hens offers baby Hy-Line Brown chicks every few months, along with an array of purebred chicks. But before bringing your new feathered friends home, it's crucial to understand the ins and outs of chick-rearing. We can assist you with getting started with raising your chicks.
One of the most rewarding aspects of raising chicks is the chance to bond with them. Spend time chatting to them softly and handling them gently each day. It's not just fun – it helps them get used to human interaction and allows you to keep an eye on their health.
While raising chicks does require some effort, the rewards are enormous. As one happy Talking Hens customer shared,
"Raising chicks was one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences for our kids. Even now the chooks are all grown, the kids still ask about getting more."
So why wait? Take the first step towards this rewarding experience today. Before you know it, you'll have a flock of happy, healthy chickens bringing joy and fresh eggs to your household. It's time to spread your wings and embrace the wonderful world of chick-rearing! To be among the first to learn of new breeds, ages and availability, sign up for our Thursday newsletter on the Talking Hens website.
A: 3590 Frankston Flinders Road, Merricks Open 7-days, 10am to 4pm P: 0406 691 231 E: talk@talkinghens.com.au
Talking Hens is a business that enjoys backyard hens. We specialise in friendly, egg laying hens with quality products to keep them happy and healthy. There’s nothing like the friendship and entertainment that you receive from our laying hens - a pleasure to be shared!
SELLING PENINSULA PROPERTIES SINCE
Founded in 1946 by William (Bill) Prentice, Prentice Real Estate Pty Ltd. is well recognised as the longest serving independent, Family owned and operated agency on the Mornington Peninsula.
Having gained a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of local Real Estate over this 75 plus year period, handed down through three generations, we know that we can offer our clients the best in expertise and advise with their property transactions.
We have two high exposure offices at Rye and Sorrento, both of which are managed by fully-licensed second and third generation members of the Prentice family.
Michael Prentice, Officer in Effective Control, is based at the Rye branch and heads up a team of passionate, caring, locally based individuals whose collective years of experience in the area is without peer.
Our philosophy is simple: We are committed to excellence in the services we offer, and upholding an industry-wide reputation for integrity and professionalism that has, for three generations, been a trademark of this company.
Should you wish to have an obligation free chat about your next property move, we would welcome your call.
“A
conscious effort is made at all times to provide the correct advice and uphold our industry-wide reputation for integrity and professionalism.”
MICHAEL PRENTICE
W: prenticerealestate.com.au
Since 1946 A NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH REAL ESTATE ON THE SOUTHERN PENINSULA FOR OVER 75 YEARS TWO HIGH EXPOSURE OFFICES LOCATED AT RYE AND SORRENTO
JMP Jewellery is more than just a brand; it’s a celebration of artistry, individuality, and craftsmanship. Founded on the principles of creativity and self-expression, JMP Jewellery has carved a niche on the Mornington Peninsula, appealing to those who seek timeless pieces that tell a story.
The Vision Behind JMP Jewellery
JMP Jewellery aims to break the mould of traditional jewellery design. While many brands focus on fleeting trends, JMP Jewellery prioritises timelessness, ensuring that each piece remains relevant regardless of changing fashions. This commitment to timeless design not only enhances the wearability of each item but also fosters a deeper emotional connection between the wearer and their jewellery.
Craftsmanship
and Materials
One of the standout features of JMP Jewellery is their in-house jewellers. There’s always one on site any day of the week! Kym and Ange have backgrounds in jewellery making and design and have an unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Bronwyn completes the team with years of expertise in gemstone sourcing and grading. Each piece is meticulously designed and crafted, often incorporating traditional techniques blended with modern innovation. The artisans behind JMP Jewellery are skilled in various methods, from handcrafting to stone setting, ensuring that every item meets the highest standards of quality.
Moreover, JMP Jewellery prioritises sustainability and ethical sourcing. The brand recognises the importance of responsible practises in the jewellery industry, choosing to work with suppliers who share their values. This means using ethically sourced gemstones and recycled metals, which not only minimises environmental impact but also promotes a more humane approach to jewellery production.
Collections That Tell a Story
JMP Jewellery’s collections are thoughtfully curated, each telling a unique story. Whether it’s an elegant necklace that captures the essence of nature or a bold ring that symbolises strength, every piece is designed to resonate with the wearer’s personal journey. The collections often draw inspiration from various sources, including art, architecture, and cultural heritage, which adds depth and meaning to the designs.
A Commitment to Community
Beyond creating beautiful jewellery, JMP Jewellery is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community. The brand often engages in philanthropic initiatives, supporting local artisans and contributing to charitable causes. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, JMP not only enhances its brand ethos but also empowers individuals and communities..
Customer-Centric Approach
JMP Jewellery places a strong emphasis on customer experience. The brand understands that purchasing jewellery is often an emotional journey, whether it’s for a special occasion, a gift, or a personal treat. To enhance this experience, JMP Jewellery offers free personalised services, including bespoke jewellery consultations, allowing customers to collaborate on pieces that reflect their unique visions.
Their online platform is designed to be user-friendly, providing a seamless shopping experience. From detailed product descriptions to high-quality images, customers can explore the collections with ease, making informed decisions about their purchases.
Conclusion
JMP Jewellery is a brand that embodies the intersection of art, ethics, and personal expression. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and community engagement, JMP Jewellery stands out in a crowded marketplace. Each piece of jewellery is not just an accessory; it’s a reflection of the wearer’s story, making JMP a brand that resonates with those who value both beauty and purpose. Through its ongoing journey, JMP Jewellery continues to inspire individuals to express their unique identities while making conscious choices
A: 51 Cook Street, Flinders
E: info@jmpjewellery.com.au
P: 0401 031 923
W: jmpjewellery.com.au
ON SITE JEWELLERS OFFERING
custom makes engagement rings
all jewellery repairs
jewellery remodelling
ready made fine jewels
watch batteries and repairs
permanent jewellery
jewellery appraisals
pearl threading
ring resizing classes
ANCESTRAL NARRATIVES AND A MULTIVERSE OF IDEAS AND ART TECHNIQUES
Brian Robinson, a leading artist from the Torres Strait, blends exquisite traditional and contemporary iconography and materiality in his inspiring bold and humorous large-scale prints and sculptures at McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery this December.
Born in 1973 on Waiben, Robinson’s upbringing shaped a unique perspective reflecting his deep connection to the land and ocean of his early years. Known for humour and creativity, Robinson's practice is further informed by his curatorial experiences, which focus on how art interacts with audiences in gallery spaces.
Robinson’s works create intricate dialogues through vivid imagery, exploring universal themes while celebrating Zenadth Kes culture. Each piece is a richly detailed ecosystem, combining elements like ancestral narratives, contemporary symbols, and historical references—from 18th-century explorers to pop culture icons.
For McClelland's second presentation of the Current series of exhibitions, Robinson features five ambitious lino-cuts, and vinyl prints alongside new sculptures, showcasing the evolution of Zenadth Kes's spatial practices. His art invites audiences to question established narratives and gain a deeper appreciation for Indigenous knowledge systems.
Lisa Byrne, McClelland’s Artistic and Executive Director, says "the Current exhibition series was established to provide a space for the amplification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultural practice through art. The series aims to present the respective voices and diverse perspectives from across Australia's First People's culture to audiences nationally. Through projects like Current, McClelland aims to create meaningful opportunities for Australia's First Nations artists, reflecting our commitment to continued cultural dialogue."
Current: Brian Robinson runs 7 December 2024 - 23 February 2025.
Keep your swimming pool and spa ready for your family’s enjoyment. Don’t leave it till the last minute to turn on your solar system only to discover you have a sprinkler system on your roof rather than a solar collector. Take advantage of the sun’s rays and carry on swimming through autumn by investing in an Aspire pool solar heating system. Solar collector is the most cost effective and sustainable way to heat any pool or spa. Whether you have existing forms of pool heating such as gas or heat pump the Aspire pool solar panels can be paired with these systems and considerably reduce your energy bills even further. The award-winning rigid pool solar panel can be custom installed to maximise the roof space available. Located at our modern manufacturing facility on the Mornington Peninsula the Aspire pool solar panel is the only 100% Australian made single piece injection over moulded rigid solar panel on the market. Built from high impact, high UV polypropylene resin, these panels are tough enough to resist cockatoo attack and hail damage.
HOW IT WORKS.
A rigid pool solar panel works in conjunction with a low energy water pump and a solar controller. The controller monitors the panel temperature on the roof and the pool water temperature. When the panels heat up from the free rays of the sun the controller activates the pump and circulates the hot water from the roof and back into the pool. It’s that simple.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT.
With soaring electricity prices and the phasing out of gas supply to new homes there has never been a better time to invest into a more affordable and sustainable way to heating your swimming pool.
HEAT YOUR SWIMMING POOL USING THE FREE RAYS FROM THE SUN.
• Saves money by using the free natural rays of the sun.
• Most cost-effective and sustainable way to heat any pool or spa.
• Can be paired with existing gas or heat pump heating systems.
• Will reduce your energy bills considerably when used as a primary source of heating.
• Resistant to cockatoo attack and hail damage.
• 100% Australian made for Australia’s harsh climate.
• Custom build sizes to maximise roof space.
• Patented one piece injection over moulded polypropylene construction.
• Pool industry recognised and certified.
• After 20 plus years of useful life the solar panels can be 100% recycled.
CONTACT ASPIRE TODAY FOR YOUR FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE.
ASPIRE POOL SOLAR PANELS
ASPIRE POOL SOLAR PANELS.
Voted by SPASA , National GOLD winner for the most ustainable Product of the Year 2023.
Voted by SPASA, national GOLD winner for most sustainable product of the year 2023
RETURN IT
In the coastal town of Mount Martha, nestled on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, the local Rotary Club embarked on an inspiring journey in late 2023. With a vision to uplift their community, they harnessed the power of the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme, aiming to raise funds to support local programs that truly make a difference.
The idea was simple yet impactful: encourage the community to recycle their cans and bottles, using the proceeds to give back. By September 2024, their initiative had gained remarkable traction, in just ten months Rotary Mount Martha managed to raise over $25,000!
At the heart of this initiative is their Over-The-Counter refund point, where community members could drop off their recyclable containers and designate their refunds as donations. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Local businesses and community organisations, eager to contribute, began donating their containers, further amplifying the fundraising efforts.
As the months rolled on, Rotary Mount Martha initiative became a shining example of how collective action could lead to meaningful change. One of the key beneficiaries of this initiative was the Mornington Community Support Centre’s, ‘Ranch Motel Project’. This essential program provided short-term accommodation for the homeless and individuals in crisis—an invaluable resource on the Peninsula where such services are limited. The Ranch Motel stood as a beacon of hope, relying entirely on donations and community support. Thanks to the funds raised through CDS Vic, the Rotary Club of Mount Martha was able to enhance the services offered by the Ranch, ensuring that those in need could find solace and support during their most challenging times.
But the efforts did not stop there. The Rotary club’s “bin chickens,” a playful term for their dedicated team of volunteers, took on the task of sorting through various community and small business recycling points to maximize their impact. With keen eyes and a passion for sustainability, they sorted through discarded items into valuable resources, converting potential landfill into more recyclable containers. Their work added a unique layer to the fundraising, highlighting how a commitment to environmental responsibility could align perfectly with community service.
Through their innovative approach to fundraising, Rotary Mount Martha not only championed environmental sustainability but also created a ripple effect of kindness throughout the community. The story of their success spread far and wide, inspiring other groups to adopt similar initiatives.
GSTRUCT GROUP TAKE OUT TV AWARD FOR TOP BUILD
Peninsula-based custom construction company Gstruct Group have clinched the overall winner award in the television show “Australia’s Best House”.
The show, that has been running on Nine Life and is hosted by Megan Gale, combed the country for best builds in a variety of categories.
There were over 100 homes in the competition, with the show reaching out to Gstruct Group for their Flinders build, “Cottonwood”.
The home won the category “Going big in the country”. There were 24 categories, meaning there were 24 entrants in the final that resulted in Gstruct Group’s win.
The stunning home is made up of three individual buildings with striking timber facade complemented by Western Australia limestone. It was completed by Gstruct Group in collaboration with Abe McCarthy Architects, Neville Smith from Forest Products supplying the Tasmanian oak, Alice Villella from AV-ID Design completing the interior designing and Barber Landscape Design completing the landscaping.
“It is a fantastic build and design, nestled into the surrounding landscape,” said Gstruct Group owner Glenn Longstaff.
“We were very lucky the clients wanted a home with natural products throughout with silvertop ash on the facade and Tasmanian oak inside. But not only that, it is a family home, so it had to be fit and functional for day-to-day us, which we achieved.
“The finished home is both complex and subtle, allowing me to work with beautiful natural timber.
“It is very rewarding when you stand at the end, and you look back at what you’ve built. We always want to make sure that everyone enjoys the journey. It is just as much a journey for the client as it is for the builder.
“And now to have that recognised on a national stage in ‘Australia’s Best House’ is a real joy.”
Longstaff has had over 30 years’ experience in the building industry, and previously was at VCON for 15 years working on a portfolio of architectural projects including the award-winning Jackalope Hotel in Merricks North.
Gstruct Group was established in 2013 with the desire to become the Mornington Peninsula’s high-end custom build specialists.
“For over ten years, we have been privileged to partner with many homeowners, architects and designers to create high-end custom builds of exceptional quality on the Mornington Peninsula,” said Longstaff.
“We have built an enviable reputation for our honest, professional, reliable and detail-oriented approach.”
“We are over the moon to have received such esteemed recognition as ‘Australia’s best house’ and believe it is a fitting tribute to our philosophy of honest and open communication, outstanding service and quality craftsmanship.”
W: gstruct.com.au
Glenn Longstaff’s (pictured) Gstruct Group has been awarded “Australia’s Best House” for their Flinders build “Cottonwood”. Photos: Shannon McGrath
GET THAT HOLIDAY HOME FEELING EVERYDAY
You may have noticed some uniquely elegant homes as you drive along Nepean Highway passing Bentons Road in Mt Martha. These eye-catching houses are display homes created by Highview Homes, a name synonymous with quality and tradition.
Highview Homes' signature weatherboard or brick homes seamlessly blend the architectural details of the past with the practicality of modern living. The Hampton, Federation, Seachange, and Victoriana designs each capture the essence of style while integrating contemporary layouts and functionality, perfectly suited for today's discerning homeowners.
What distinguishes Highview Homes is their dedication to customisation, ensuring every homeowner's unique vision is brought to life. Whether it's modifying facades or tailoring floor plans to suit specific needs and block sizes, the team at Highview Homes will ensure each client's dream home is realised down to the last detail.
Highview Homes has stayed true to its original vision of homes built with superior craftsmanship delivered with excellent customer service. High quality craftsmanship runs in the Highview family. The original tradesman, Bob Sheppard, began his working life on the family market garden in Bentleigh before venturing into the building industry in the early 1950’s, as a plasterer working with fibrous plaster. His son, Rex began as an apprentice plumber with a family friend in the mid 50’s then becoming a builder in his own right.
The family tradition continues with Russell, who now owns and manages Highview Homes. Russell oversees every project personally, and with his keen eye for detail, helps projects stay on schedule and within budget, minimising any unforeseen complications and ensuring a smooth experience for homeowners.
Explore the craftsmanship and expertise of Highview Homes at their display homes in Mt Martha, where you can experience firsthand the thoughtful design and timeless appeal that defines a Highview Home.
From the initial consultation to the final stages of construction, Highview Homes is dedicated to providing a personalised, customer-focused service, ensuring that every step of the homebuilding process is smooth and efficient. With Highview Homes you can enjoy a home that blends the very best of tradition with modern comfort.
Highview Homes (Vic) CDB-U 70372 11am-4pm Wed, 11am-4pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun
A: 58 Bentons Road, Mt Martha
P: 5973 5973
FB: @HVHbuilder
IG: @highview.homes
W: highviewhomes.com.au
Why not visit our Hampton Display Centre at the corner of Nepean Highway and Bentons Road, Mt Martha.
Opening hours, 11am to 4pm Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
CURIOSITY AND WONDER LEAD TO A NATURAL DESIRE TO LEARN
Dromana Beach Sanctuary of Early Learning is the newest in a set of established Early learning services on the peninsula. Situated directly across from the beach on Point Nepean Road this coastal styled centre portrays the same philosophy and values of the sister centres; Mt Eliza House , Frankston Beach and Seaford House.
This state of the art centre is opening January 2025 and has spaces available. Dromana Beach is committed to provide a vibrant and flexible environment that supports learning and responds to the interests and abilities of each child.
The program includes sustainability principles, and a health and wellbeing focus. A strong belief that children are connected to the wider community and environment. A balance of indoor and outdoor experiences is provided within the services natural landscape and through the Beach and Bush Kinder program.
The play based program provides opportunities for children to grow, discover, create and imagine. Children are acknowledged as capable, competent and co-contributors who actively participate in their own learning.
The inclusive program recognises the individual learning styles of all children, and value families for their unique contributions to the centre community.
The intention is to support children to be kind, respectful and confident contributors to their community and the world. The experienced and knowledgeable
Educators are committed to provide a warm, nurturing environment that recognises childhood as a very special and important time.
W: dromanabeach.com.au
CHRISTMAS WITH BRIANS GOURMET MEATS
Brian’s Gourmet Meats in Mt Eliza has your Christmas food needs covered for the entire family!
For those diagnosed with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, it can be challenging to find more than just basic options for a delicious gluten-free meal that everyone will enjoy.
Endorsed by Coeliac Australia, this family-owned business offers an impressive selection of 100% gluten-free products, from their famous chicken schnitzels and Kievs to marinated items, sauces, and even frozen jam rolls-all completely gluten-free.
With decades of experience and a focus on locally sourced, highquality meats expertly prepared by qualified butchers, owners Brian and Angela Rollason are thrilled to provide home delivery and click-and-collect services for their customers.
Feel free to drop in anytime from Monday to Saturday to discuss your festive food needs.
Check out the Christmas menu available now in-store and online!
Life was researched and curated by the Old Treasury Building in partnership with Public Record Office Victoria.
We live surrounded by objects, but have you thought about how important these things are in your life? Do you have a few favourite things you absolutely can’t live without? ‘Belongings: Objects and Family Life’ is a free exhibition at the Old Treasury Building, Melbourne. Discover the history of everyday items, how the family have shaped them, and how they’ve shaped the family!
On October 9 at 11am, join us for a free online talk ‘Princess for a day: the wedding dress in Victoria, 1840-2024’. Where did the many ‘traditions’ of the wedding day come from, and did the bride always wear white? Join Margaret Anderson as she looks at the history of weddings and the wedding dress in Victoria, with some surprising results!
Bookings essential, go to website for details.
OF SUNSHINE
Pam Tierney is a ray of sunshine. Her home is always filled with friends and the aroma of freshly-baked biscuits and cake that she shares with a cuppa and a smile.
“I’m a happy person. Life is too short to be grouchy,” Pam says.
Her garden, with its kaleidoscope of colourful flowers, reflects her vibrant personality. “I’m absolutely passionate about gardening,” the 74-year-old explains. “I downsized to this unit 17 years ago with my late husband, John. Believe it or not, we had 150 roses in our previous garden! ”
Her happy place, like so many on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, is sitting on her patio and breathing in the scent and beauty of nature. Reading mystery novels is her other favourite pastime “I’m a bit of a book worm,” Pam admits.
“Family and love are everything,” says Pam. She and John have two sons and were married for 49 years.
Pam loves her home and can’t imagine living anywhere else. When she experienced medical issues, she contacted Uniting AgeWell and was able to secure a government-funded home care package.
The grandmother receives help around the house and has used her package to buy a number of aides to enable her to live independently and safely at home.
“The staff at Uniting AgeWell are all wonderful,” says Pam. “I chat to them about everything and always look forward to seeing them.”
Uniting AgeWell provides a continuum of care on the Peninsula, from the Andrew Kerr Care AgeWell Centre which offers social support, including dementia-specific programs; home care services and residential care at Andrew Kerr Care Community. Chat to our friendly staff on 1300 783 435.
Help at home
Get assistance with personal and clinical care, household chores, assistive technology and transport
Community support and wellbeing
Remain connected with social groups, outings and carer services.
Independent living
Maintain an independent lifestyle in one of our vibrant retirement living communities
Residential care
Specialist 24/7 care and support and respite stays are welcome. Andrew Kerr Care Community in Mornington offers generous, stylish spaces, well appointed bedrooms and a vibrant lifestyle program. Call the Uniting AgeWell team today to find out how we can support you to live well with choice, independence and peace of mind as you age.
A HIDDEN TREASURE
Frankston Auction Mart is your destination for furnishing your home and finding that one-of-a-kind piece. While they don’t host auctions, they provide a direct-to-public service with prices that will surprise you. Instead of flat packs, they showcase a fantastic selection of ex-display furniture and décor sourced from Melbourne's premier display homes-pieces that will truly elevate your space. They also offer local delivery for just $40.
Frankston Auction Mart is constantly replenishing their inventory, ensuring that each visit reveals something new for customers, who can take their purchases home the same day. With four furniture and décor factories all under one roof, visiting is an exciting and enjoyable experience.
FURNITURE & MORE!
Fabulous range of new, used & ex-display home furniture & homewares
DARWIN, THE TOP END KAKADU & KATHERINE
Saturday 31 May – Sunday 8 June 2025
Welcome to our 10-day tour of Darwin, Kakadu and Katherine.
Come and experience a winter escape to the Top End, beautiful weather, clear blue skies, balmy nights and warm days.This winter escape really showcases Darwin and the outback experience of Kakadu, Katherine, enjoying multiple night stays.
Cost from: $4,960
Per person twin share/double Single supp $1,180 - (Air content to be added)
9 DAY CAIRNS TO TOWNSVILLE
Thursday 26 June – Friday 4 July 2025
Welcome to our 9-Day Tropical North Queensland and Townsville holiday
Inclusions Kuranda scenic railway- visit Port Douglas – Mossman Gorge – Daintree National Park – SPIRIT OF QUEENSLAND RAIL
Charters Towers and visit the legendary Texas Longhorns SafariTour. We explore Magnetic Island – lunch at Horseshoe Bay and so much more!
Cost: $3,980
Per person Twin share/double Single supp $850 (*Air Taxes subject to change without notice)
• Home pick up & return service metropolitan / Mornington Peninsula
Lamble Tours has relocated our office and home from Thursday 14 November 2024 to bring me closer to family and friends.
Business will be the same as we provide for you a mixture of short and extended holidays. Being closer to everyone also makes room for more day tours to enjoy.
The New Lamble Tours 2025 holiday program is almost complete with lots of destinations, new and places we are happy to go back and visit time and time again.
All our itineraries provide you with an informative program with the day to day activities that are suitable for all levels of ability.
With a Lambles Tour you will have the opportunity to make new friends, visit many places and do this with like minded people.
For piece of mind and convenience, your holiday commences from the time we pick you up at your front door.
Happy Travels in 2025!
Vickie Lamble
PERSONALISED CARE WITH A PASSION FOR EMPOWERMENT
Care Fast is a leading NDIS provider in Victoria, committed to delivering compassionate, personalised care that meets the unique needs of each participant. Operating in Frankston, the Mornington Peninsula, and across Melbourne, Care Fast has built a reputation for fostering inclusive communities where people with disabilities can thrive.
Specialising in Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), and in-home support, Care Fast’s approach is centered around each individual. Their services, from personal assistance and medication management to community participation, empower participants to live independently with the support they need at every step. Care Fast is also proud to offer new, purpose-built SDA homes in Frankston for individuals with high physical support needs, providing both accessibility and independence.
Participants are family at Care Fast and not just clients. This no-cookie-cutter approach reflects a commitment to dignity and inclusion, with custom care plans tailored to each individual’s needs and aspirations. In the Frankston and Peninsula community, Care Fast actively collaborates with advocates like Julie Fisher, a prominent voice for disability inclusion. A mother, best-selling author, and carer for her son with Down Syndrome,
Julie works to promote acceptance and inspire families across Victoria. Her advocacy aligns with Care Fast’s mission to create a world where everyone is valued and supported.
At Care Fast, participants are encouraged to live life on their own terms, achieving their goals with the support of a compassionate team.
P: 03 8907 8590
E: info@carefast.com.au
W: carefast.com.au
Empowering lives through accessible homes and personalised care
Care Fast is a leading NDIS service provider in Victoria, offering compassionate and highly tailored support services designed to meet the unique needs of each participant.
Our Services
Supported Independent Living (SIL):
Modern, purpose-built SIL facilities designed for safety, comfort, and independence.
In-Home Care Support:
Personalised care delivered in the comfort of your home.
Respite Care:
Short-term stays offering tailored support and relief for participants and their families.
Why Choose Care Fast?
Onsite 24/7 support available in all SIL homes.
Providing compassionate care across the Mornington Peninsula and Bayside areas.
Empowering you to live with confidence and dignity.
Visit Our Frankston & Dromana SIL Homes!
Scan the QR code to book a private viewing and find out more about in-home support services
PLOS MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS
PLOS Musical Productions is excited to bring to the Frankston Arts Centre stage, for a limited season, opening on New Year’s Eve, - School of Rock.
PLOS Musical Productions with a long local history of bringing Musical Theatre to the area is following up seasons of PLOS Celebration – A Tribute to Musical Theatre, Catch Me If You Can, Strictly Ballroom, The Boy From Oz and Chicago.
The production features thirteen talented young people who come from across the Peninsula playing school students from Horace Green Elementary School. They sing, dance, and act along with playing live onstage musical instruments. All inspired by Dewey Finn as he turns this class of straight-A students into a rock band.
As a member of the School of Rock audience you will witness the transformative power of Music.
We look forward to having you rocking along to the beat this January at Frankston Arts Centre.
Book your tickets through the Frankston Arts Centre website.
P: 9784 1060
W: thefac.com.au
CHARLES BLACKMAN - DECADES OF ART + LOVE
An in conversation between author Christabel Blackman and award-winning journalist Tracee Hutchison launches Everywhen's exhibition of works by Christabel’s father Charles Blackman from the Blackman Family Collections.
Based on her parents 1950s letters, Blackman's book Charles and Barbara Blackman: a decade of art and love illuminates both her parents’ early relationship and the Melbourne art scene of the 1950s - when artists like Blackman, Boyd, Nolan, Perceval and others were just starting their careers.
Many of these artists would regularly visit Melbourne Herald art critic Alan McCulloch and family at their Shoreham house
Whistlewood (now home of Everywhen Art).
Opening event Sunday December 8 | 11 am
Join Susan & Emily McCulloch for a brunch, book signing, and in conversation with Christabel Blackman + Tracee Hutchison $20.
Book at everywhenart.eventbrite.com.au
or via the gallery
Exhibition runs to December 22
W: everywhenart.com.au
NEVILLE CROWE’S LEGACY
The bequest program, “Neville Crowe’s Legacy”, offers generous supporters an opportunity to leave a Gift in their Will, ensuring their legacy will keep the roar alive for generations to come. Bequests are invested into an Endowment Fund, building a financially sustainable Club and allowing a Gift to become a legacy remaining in perpetuity.
The future of Richmond Football Club is not just about on-field success but the ability to deliver Community Outreach programs. These include Leadership and Sporting programs at the Korin Gamadji Institute, a centre for cultural strength and learning for Indigenous Youth and Richmond’s Wheelchair Football team. RFC is a champion of inclusion, diversity, and helping individuals achieve their goals.
Contact details below for more information about leaving a Gift in your Will to Richmond Football Club and the impact you can have for generations to come.
E: bequests@richmondfc.com.au
W: richmondfc.com.au/club/neville-crowe-legacy
FLINDERS
GENERAL STORE
7am-7pm, 7days a week
Gourmet produce and deli
Mornington Peninsula wines, craft beers & spirits
Take away coffee bar
Neville Crowe’s Legacy was established for supporters who wish to leave a Gift in their Will as an extension of their support. Bequests are invested into an Endowment Future Fund to keep the roar alive for generations to come.
For further information please contact Lisa Westphal bequests@richmondfc.com.au | 9426 4449 richmondfc.com.au/club/neville-crowe-legacy
As a proudly independent grocer, community is at the core of everything we do. For over 154 years, our charming store has served both locals and visitors. The Mornington Peninsula region boasts exceptional coasts and fertile soils, offering a bounty of treasures from cherries and berries to mushrooms and fine wines. Each season invites exploration.
At Flinders General Store, we take pride in providing local fruits and vegetables, groceries, and freshly brewed coffee. Our selection also includes delicious take-home meals, bread, cakes, and fresh flowers, as well as a curated range of local and imported wines.
We’re dedicated to bringing you the best our region has to offer, along with the latest local news. We love when you stop by for a chat! We’re happy to share tips on where to soak in the coastal beauty, so pack your picnic and a drink, and enjoy your adventure.
W: flindersgeneralstore.com.au
The perfect mix of adventure park and animal farm!
The perfect mix of adventure park and animal farm!
Sheepdog shows
Sheepdog shows
Sheepdog shows
Sheepdog shows
Reptile encounters
Reptile encounters
Reptile encounters
Reptile encounters
Adventure playground
Cafe Mini golf
Cafe Mini golf
All this and so much more! The perfect mix of adventure park and animal farm!
Adventure playground
Adventure playground
Wildlife park
Adventure playground
Cafe Mini golf Tractor ride
Tractor ride
Tractor ride
Cafe Mini golf Tractor ride
All this and so much more! The perfect mix of adventure park and animal farm!
Wildlife park
Wildlife park
Splash park
Wildlife park
Animal feeding Cana maze
Splash park
Splash park
Splash park
Animal feeding Cana maze
Animal feeding Cana maze
Animal feeding Cana maze
All this and so much more!
All this and so much more!
2025 PENINSULA SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
The 2025 Peninsula Summer Music Festival is coming soon! From the 4th to the 10th of January, we will bring outstanding music to the most beautiful venues on the Mornington Peninsula.
This year we have performances by esteemed soprano Jacqueline Porter with the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra, a world premiere performance by Georgina Lewis of Stuart Greenbaum’s new solo piano work, baroque specialists Latitude 37 as well as Melbourne's own Ensemble Liaison performing virtuosic favourites.
Our 2025 festival artist, Stephanie Arnold will be creating a brand new performance inspired by the Peninsula, and visiting artists, Ensemble Offspring perform gorgeous music by Australian composers based around songbirds. Star vocalist and winner of 'The Voice', Tarryn Stokes will be performing at our iconic 'Twilight Jazz at Montalto' event which is not to be missed!
PSMF is your opportunity to explore this wonderful region while being treated to music that will invigorate, delight and soothe. With venues such as Montalto, Main Ridge Estate, Moorooduc Estate and Port Phillip Estate, you can sample some of the best
wines in the world, then relax at one of our key partners: Peninsula Hot Springs. There’s something for everyone at the 2025 Peninsula Summer Music Festival.
Tickets are selling fast, visit website to secure yours today!
W: peninsulafestival.com.au
BUILDING HOMES THAT MATCH YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR BUDGET AND YOUR VISION
Masterline Homes services the Mornington Peninsula and around Western Port Bay up to Phillip Island. Whether building your first, or fourth home, Masterline Homes has the blueprint to suit you.
Because our focus is to provide you with the home you want, we can change colour schemes to suit your personal taste. You can even design your own home for us to build. In contrast to many large builders, we will alter house plans and change the design to suit your block of land and your budget. Alternatively, you can provide us with your own plan if you prefer.
Our home design philosophies are born from our combined experience of 55 years in the housing industry, inspiration from our client’s input, paying attention to our client’s desires, and our adaptable approach to all important issues. We do our best to make the whole process a happy and exciting one.
Specialising in:
• Knockdown and Rebuild
• Dual occupancy
• Duplex
• New homes
From a dual-occupancy to a multi-unit development , Masterline Homes can handle all size projects as both the builder or developer.
All our projects can include our full homemaker pack (Turnkey), ready to move in, thus taking all the stress out for you
Masterline Homes has built many developments ranging from a single unit in a backyard, to duplex dwellings and multiunit projects, specialising in residential property design and development, offering an exclusive, yet affordable collection of homes and town-houses to suit all buyers.
Using Locally based suppliers where possible, we can maintain a quality product while ensuring employment opportunities for the future. Building with Masterline Homes is a co-operative effort between our company, our suppliers and you, our valued client.
Masterline Homes is a long-time member of the Housing Industry Association, the Master Builders Association and is registered with the Victorian Building Authority Reg # CDB-U 48889.
Benefits of choosing Masterline Homes for your next development:
• Flexibility in approach and design
• Dealing direct with the builder
• Getting the home you want
• Enormous range of colour choices
• Quality fixtures and fittings
• Designing your own home
A: 6 Milgate Drive, Mornington P: 5973 5611
E: sales@masterlinehomes.com.au
W: masterlinehomes.com.au
SPECIALISING IN INDIGENOUS ARTWORKS
The newest addition to the Peninsula’s burgeoning art scene, Sorrento Contemporary exhibits a diverse selection of Indigenous artworks, ranging from emerging artists through to collectable pieces.
The gallery boasts works from all major artistic centres and communities around Australia, championing Indigenous owned art centres and independent artists alike. With a stock room of more than 1,500 works, the collection demonstrates the diversity of Indigenous Art we have here in Australia. Through art, Indigenous culture is expressed and celebrated, maintaining traditions while constantly evolving.
Owned and operated by Adam Knight, whom has been active in the industry for more than 30 years and operated multiple galleries across Australia and exhibited domestically and internationally. His relationships span generations with some of the most recognisable artistic families.
Sorrento Contemporary has opened to deliver Indigenous art to the Mornington Peninsula. Introducing visitors and locals to new and established artists as well as offering a selection of highly collectable Australian art.
W: sorrentocontemporary.com.au
6 AND 12 MONTH SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Select the subscription period then each month, Peninsula Essence magazine will be mailed to you in a sealed plastic bag.
• No more mud in your gutters
• No more vermin or birds in your roof
• Protect your most valued investment -your home, your building
• Gutters stay clean - no more cleaning
• Save money and cleaning time
• 28 year guarantee
Until 31/12/24
on Rosebud
Rosebud is a seaside town on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately 75 km southeast of the Melbourne city centre. It is a large beach-side town fronting Port Phillip, located between Rye and Dromana, and has a population of 14,381. Rosebud provides safe swimming beaches along its continuous stretch of sandy bay coastline, with the focal point being Rosebud Pier which extends about 300 metres into the water.
Originally known as Banksia Point, Rosebud began life as a fishing community in the early 1850s. On 2 June 1855, the cargo vessel Rosebud, owned by one of the colony's bestknown pastoralists Edward Hobson, was washed over the large sandbars and onto the beach. The burgeoning community made off with the cargo of damask and household goods, but the wreck remained for many years as the locals slowly stripped its hull to use in the construction of houses. It became commonplace to call the area "The Rosebud" in reference to the ship, which was shortened to "Rosebud" as the last vestiges of the ship disappeared.
Initially, Rosebud was difficult to access from Melbourne and surrounding towns. The pier, built in 1888, failed to extend into water deep enough for ferries and passenger ships to dock. A road was eventually constructed between Rosebud and Anthony’s Nose at Arthurs Seat, halfway between Rosebud and Dromana, allowing for easier access.
After WWII, due to the increase in the number of people owning a car, camping at Rosebud over the Christmas-New Year holidays became a tradition for many families. The foreshore area of Rosebud is now one of the largest camping areas on the peninsula. During the summer months, the populations of Rosebud and Dromana can double in size.
A notable feature of Rosebud's bay foreshore is a lack of commercial development. Most of the area between the coastal route of Point Nepean Road and the beach consists of community facilities, parkland and camping areas within sections of bushland.
A striking landmark in Rosebud is the bushy mountain peak of Arthurs Seat featuring 'Arthurs seat eagle'. It rises up in the distance behind the shops along Point Nepean Road and provides a scenic backdrop when viewed on Rosebud's beaches.
Rosebud has a temperate coastal climate and is usually several degrees cooler than Melbourne. The annual maximum mean temperature is 19.1 degrees C.
The first pub (the Rosebud Hotel) wasn't built until 1939, however, by the 1960s, Rosebud had become the largest town on the southern Peninsula, complete with a shopping centre and extensive sporting facilities.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, together with the state and federal governments, built YAWA which opened to the public in 2021. A $37 million facility featuring state of the art indoor 50m pool, a learn to swim pool, hydrotherapy, gym, sauna and steam room. Also home to award winning cafe, Elements eatery.
Cafe 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.
Hobson Rosebud
1489 POINT NEPEAN RD
Family run business with a modern contemporary look, offering a vast breakfast and lunch menu along with exceptional coffee. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
D'Alia's Bakery Cafe
1049 POINT NEPEAN RD
Great place to catch up with friends over breakfast or lunch or just enjoy a coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. Offering a wide variety of mouth watering pastries and breads for you to enjoy, freshly baked daily.
Wildflower Cafe
665 POINT NEPEAN RD
Just before you get into Rosebud you'll find this atmospheric cafe in a great location of neighbouring McCrae. Super friendly staff, fast service, offering amazing coffee, freshly prepared food, delicious smoothies and cakes.
NYC Bagels Rosebud
1245 POINT NEPEAN RD
Enjoy a barrista brewed coffee in a place that specialises only in Authentic boiled New York Style bagels, with delicious fillings in both savoury and sweet choices. Seating inside and out or you go over to the beach very nearby and enjoy a bagel picnic!
What to do
A large beach-side centre fronting Port Phillip on the Mornington Peninsula, Rosebud is located between Rye and Dromana. The town was named after the English schooner that was blown ashore in 1855 a short distance to the west of where the Rosebud Pier now stands.
Rosebud's commercial centre stretches along one side of about a two kilometre length of Point Nepean Road with the shopping precinct featuring attractive garden strips, paved areas and several wood carvings of notable local identities from the past.
Enjoy Rosebud’s safe swimming beaches along its continuous stretch of sandy bay coastline with the focal point being Rosebud Pier. Take part in the various water sports and golf activities just a short drive away, or visit the recently opened Yawa Aquatic Centre. Home to plethora of events, Rosebud hosts the Peninsula Short Film Festival, the Rosebud Kite Festival. This popular summer holiday destination is the perfect base from which to explore the countless outdoor attractions nearby.
Photos Yanni
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6. Resuming (investigation)
11. Parchment rolls
15. From Baghdad
16. Depiction
17. Parody
18. London's ... Square
21. US honeymoon falls
22. Chewy confectionery
23. Customer
24. Delayed
28. Hindu robe
30. Horse feed
32. Skirt around
35. Fermenting agent
37. Inner layers
38. Immature insects
40. Junior
43. Baaed
45. Cease! (nautical)
47. Model
48. Removed covering
52. Computer modifying key
53. Bishop's church
56. Lubricant container
58. Wage recipient
60. Agreeing
61. Reads superficially
62. Enlivens
64. Boxing legend, Muhammad ...
65. Spanish coast, Costa del ...
67. Still
69. Supermarket lane
72. Tennis umpire's assistants
75. Angler's lure
77. Taverns
78. Consequently
79. Hearing organs
81. Kenyan capital
83. Slushy hail
84. Grounded (appliance)
86. Snow monster
87. Sacred likenesses
90. Earliest
92. Catnap
93. Charge with crime
95. Little Bighorn state
96. Fireplace ledge
98. Calculations
99. Rare pleasure
100. Green (of stone)
101. Title document
102. Bedouin
103. Opposed to
104. Rope-making fibre
106. Less in number
110. African republic
113. Powered by battery or mains (1,1/1,1)
115. Skewer
116. Permits
117. Relaxed (2,4)
118. Couch potato
119. Miss
122. Seaweed and rice snack
125. Clean break
126. Not anywhere
127. Killer (disease)
129. Iron-deficient
130. Bereavement
131. Unfilled space
132. Truck's unloaded weight
133. Kit
134. Smallest interval in music
137. Restraining cord
138. Committee president
142. Drunkard
143. Negotiable (1,1,1)
145. Stalk vegetable
146. Anaesthetic
149. Shipping routes (3,5)
151. Duration devices
152. Far away
154. Thin blood vessel
156. Atmosphere
157. Desensitising
159. Scoff
161. Inlaid (3,2)
163. Frog stage
168. Enthusiastically
171. PC disk (1,1-3)
172. Rename
176. Crockery
177. Carried
180. ... & gentleman
181. Spoken exam
183. Schedule
187. Taunts
188. Shirk responsibility (3,3)
190. Scramble up
191. More frugal
192. Sloping type
193. Of sound system
194. Tax-evasion scheme
195. Provisional
196. Raucousness
197. Vitamin C source, ... syrup
1. Outspoken
2. Metallic ringing
3. Copy outline of
4. Slimming regime
5. Whiskered aquatic animal
6. Ceremonies
7. Large-headed sea bird
8. ANC hero, ... Mandela
9. Lasses
10. Odious
11. Telegraphed
12. ..., willing & able
13. Alpaca relative
14. Graze crusts
19. Unfeigned
20. Behaves
25. Fuss
26. Doomed person
27. Cloth colorant
29. Shreds
31. Ancient
32. LA suburb, ... Air
33. Tartan fabric
34. Litigate
36. Exploding
39. Forgoes
40. Thine
41. Appraisal
42. Tubular pasta dish
44. Valley
46. Army vehicle
47. Single article
49. Candle string
50. Turn aside
51. Categorical
53. Crevices
54. Obliterate
55. Queensland's Great Barrier
57. Indians & Koreans
59. Contend
63. Fetuses
66. Give false advice to
67. Blemishes
68. Dexterous
70. Sicily or Corsica
71. Latitude
73. Shipboard rebellion
74. Had (to)
76. Inklings
80. Youth
82. Dog-inflicted wound
85. Cash points (1,1,2)
88. Canadian province
89. Smudged
90. Plumpness
91. Jogs one's memory
94. Sadistic
97. Valuable possession
104. Bumped in crowd
105. Mould in relief
106. Measurement of depth
107. Abrade
108. Procession
109. Takes (company) public
111. Acquire
112. Reclaim
113. Allocate
114. Pranced
120. Speed
121. Nest egg
123. Financially unviable
124. Hassled
127. Purifying strainer
128. Pakistani city
135. Do well (at)
136. Socially cut off
139. Rekindle
140. Informed
141. Stumble
144. Jeans pioneer, ... Strauss
147. Russian emperor
148. Goes astray
150. Shoo!
153. Grotesque
155. Data entered 158. Nephew & ...
160. Ogled
162. For all eternity, ... after 164. Muslim leader, ... Khan 165. Liquid crystal display (1,1,1)
166. In direction of 167. Burial garments
169. Top credit rating (1,1,1)
170. Glass stopper
172. Allergy symptom
173. Song words
174. The ... Tea Party
175. Tie
177. Desert plants
178. Bake (meat)
179. Glowing coal
180. Reveal secret (3,2)
182. Feudal masters
184. Incites
185. Whinny
186. Greek fable writer
187. Streetcar
189. Terrace
Balnarring
EMU PLAINS MARKET
Emu Plains Reserve, Balnarring
More than just a market the EPM is a monthly celebration of art, food, design and community
Explore & support 200+ incredible small businesses each month!
emuplainsmarket.com.au
SATURDAY DECEMBER 21, 9AM - 2PM
Crib Point
COMMUNITY MARKET
7 Park Rd, Crib Point Stalls inside, outside Treasure Hunt Santa visit at 11am market@cpch.org.au
SATURDAY DECEMBER 14, 9AM - 1PM
Local
Mornington
MAIN STREET MARKET
Main Street, Mornington
Hand made, hand baked and home grown products for you to peruse and purchase.
Victoria’s longest running street market
EVERY WEDNESDAY 9AM - 3PM (ExceptChristmasday)
Frankston
LITTLE BEAUTY MARKET
Beauty Park, Frankston
Filled to the brim with awesomeness Little Beauty features 100+ of Melbourne’s very best creatives, foodies and musos.
Showcasing the local flavour of Dromana, offering fresh and seasonal produce, as well as locally crafted products. Funds raised by the Market go to supporting local community Projects. dromanamarket.org.au
SATURDAY DECEMBER 28, 8AM - 1.30PM
The Girl From The Cavalier Café
By Lance Hodgins
It was a sunny January morning in 1927.
Fourteen-year-old Thomas Moseley was a keen bicycle rider and he left his parents’ orchard in Mount Eliza to ride the three miles into Frankston where he would meet up with his great mate, Leo Claxton, for lunch.
It was an easier ride now that the new deviation in Point Nepean Road bypassed the treacherous Devil’s Elbow – a hook-shaped corner and narrow bridge where the road crossed the Kackeraboite Creek. The Mount Eliza store was now a quarter mile behind him and he had just passed Glenormiston, the newly-built home of the Prime Minister, S M Bruce, when he stopped for a brief rest. And then he saw it... only a few feet away was a woman’s leg sticking out of the bracken on the side of the road.
Thomas immediately raced home to tell his parents of his discovery but, under their questioning, he wavered in his certainty
as to what he had seen. They advised him to ride back and make sure. He rode back into Frankston instead and got his mate and the two boys returned to the scene. But the body had gone!
In the meantime, Henry McNamara, a 20-year-old driver for Crean’s Bakery in Frankston was delivering bread along the new deviation. He had just delivered a loaf and had one foot on the cart as he urged his horse up the hill. A motor bus came in the opposite direction and he pulled over to the side of the road to let it pass, watching that his wheel did not go into the drain.
At a disused gate leading into a paddock he saw a woman’s leg – apparently resting in the shade and reading – so he drove on. As he did, he wondered whether the woman might be suffering from sunstroke, or an illness, so he turned around and went back for a closer look. It was a body.
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Above: The Cavalier Café in Queens Walk, Melbourne
McNamara hurried to the Mount Eliza post office where he rang the police. Constable Gale attended promptly and found the body of a young woman about nine yards from the road lying on her back, partly covered with bracken.
The head was lying in a hollow in a group of five young gum saplings; the right hand lay across the breast and the left arm was outflung. The right leg, partly raised, was resting against the post of the disused gate and the left leg was slightly doubled up. The clothing was disarranged, as though the body had been dragged from the road. A black fine straw hat was pulled well down on the head.
Constable Gale had the body taken to Frankston. He at once realised that the circumstances suggested murder so Senior Detective McKerral and Detective O’Keefe of the Criminal Investigation Branch were called in. They made an exhaustive search of the locality but found nothing, and had the body removed to the city morgue.
A subsequent post mortem examination revealed that the girl had not died from septicaemia, as at first suspected, but from an internal rupture caused by criminal interference. It appeared that death had taken place on Tuesday and the hot sun on the following day had decomposed the remains - which explained why the detectives thought it had been there for several days.
Inquiries at the local garages were fruitless and a search of missing persons yielded nothing. The description they issued was as follows: twenty-five years of age, height five feet five inches, well built, inclined to be stout, auburn bobbed hair, round full face, thick
lips. The body was dressed in a cotton singlet, lace brassiere, white silk undershirt with half inch lace frill, white knee-length silk dress with a belt of the same material tied in a bow, flesh coloured silk stockings and black satin shoes. The shoes were size 5 and were branded “Bureau Bootery, York House, 294 Little Collins Street.”
On the little finger of the right hand was a heart-shaped signet ring inscribed “From L to E.” On the left arm, below the elbow was a “Nellie Stewart” bangle, bearing on the inside the jeweller’s mark “9ct, sil. lined” and initials which appear to be “G.H.” This style of gold bangle was popular in Australia at that time as a sign of romantic attachment, worn by stage star “Our Nell” who carried one from her lover for forty years.
The dead woman’s clothing and general appearance suggested that she belonged to the better class. She had been expertly manicured and her shoes were of good quality and almost new.
There were no marks of violence on the body, which was that of a well-nourished, well-cared-for young woman. There were indications that at least her stockings and shoes had been put on after she died and that death was due to medical malpractice.
The body had obviously been brought from the city by motor car and dumped on the side of the road with little attempt to hide it. With a little more effort, it could have been carried a few yards further into the bush to the banks of a creek - where it might have escaped discovery for months.
A lone sighting on the Wednesday night came from a university student. He had seen a car travelling slowly near the spot where the body was found, and then swiftly drive away.
Above: "Our Nell", Nellie Stewart. Left: The area where the body was found
“Miss Clarke is ill and she won’t be in to work today.”
The following morning a young man called at the office of detectives McKerral and O’Keefe. He told them that the published description matched that of his sister, 25-year-old Eileen Clarke.
Eileen came from Geelong where she had lived with her mother, Maud, and worked in a Moorabool Street café as a waitress. For the past three years she had been employed at the Cavalier Café in Swanston Street. She had lived first in South Yarra and for the past twelve months had taken a room at Dundas Place, Albert Park.
Miss Clarke was very popular at the Cavalier, where she had recently been put in charge of the Queen’s Walk section. Her workmates said that she was a happy girl and popular with them all. She had formed a deep attachment with a man from the country, someone she had known in Geelong, but he had not been seen recently at the café. It seemed that another had won her affections –a well-known man about town who was frequently in her company.
Eileen had been at work until 6pm on Tuesday. She left the shop with a borrowed suitcase saying that she was going to spend the night with a friend.
At midday on the Wednesday one of the waitresses at the Cavalier received a telephone message that Miss Clarke was ill and would not be coming in. She thought little more about it, but the detectives had other ideas - whoever left the message knew that Eileen was dead at that time.
The detectives visited her lodgings in Albert Park where little was known about her as she took her meals elsewhere. She had not been back to her room since she left for work on the Tuesday. The police took possession of her things which included certain items of clothing and correspondence.
A nurse with a history
Less than a week after the discovery of Eileen Clarke’s body in Mount Eliza, a man was questioned about aspects of his relationship with Miss Clarke. He admitted that he had taken her out several times but nothing could be elicited to connect him with the events which led up to her death. He was asked to wait in the office.
Later that afternoon, detectives visited a house in Charles St Abbotsford which operated as a “private hospital” and brought in a nurse to Russell Street for questioning. She denied all knowledge of the deceased. Three hours later, an employee at the hospital was brought in and they were both confronted with the man who had spent the day at the detective office.
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Shortly afterwards, 43-year-old Verose Eujenie Chamberlain was charged with having murdered Eileen Clarke on or about January 12 at Abbotsford. Chamberlain argued that she was a registered midwife with several patients who would need her, so bail was granted.
Chamberlain was well-known to police. She had been running her “hospital” in Abbotsford since the early 1920s.
In 1922 she had been found not guilty of using an instrument with wrongful intent on a young pregnant girl. She had been charged with murder twice, most recently in August last year over the death of 27-year-old Evelyn Roach. On each occasion the charge had been withdrawn.
“You dirty mongrel, Lyons!”
At the Inquest, a waitress at the Cavalier, Nellie Withers, testified that she had known Eileen for three months and that a male friend named Lyons had visited her at the cafe. At this stage the coroner called in a witness – a short, well-dressed man carrying a cream motor dust coat and wearing smoked spectacles. He had been standing in the vestibule with his dark tinted glasses and holding up the coat to his face in a manner which made him stand out among the small crowd of people there.
All eyes were on him as he entered the court. When he passed by the mother of the dead girl, she shouted at him, “You dirty mongrel, Lyons!” There were calls for silence and her husband and son managed to restrain the agitated woman from continuing her outrage.
The waitress then identified the man as a friend of Eileen’s. He would come in to buy cakes and bring fruit for Eileen, but rarely talked to her for long. During the time that Lyons was on the scene, however, she had never known Eileen to go out with another man.
The inquest then called on the man named Lyons who was sworn under the name of William Smith. He said he was a commission agent of Park St Brunswick and was the brother of Mannie Lyons, a big bookmaker in the racing world. He had known the deceased for about three months.
“On Monday January 10, I saw her on the corner of Swanston and Collins but had only a few words with her,” said Lyons. “She said she was going somewhere on the tram and showed me a business card, but I didn’t take much notice of it.”
The police prosecutor produced the card. The printing on the card read Nurse Chamberlain, Abbotsford, along with the telephone number J 2487.
When asked whose initials were on it Lyons said, “William Smith. I put them on.”
The coroner then began to address Lyons, who interrupted him to say that he had been promised he could testify under the name of William Smith. This was strongly opposed by the Coroner and the witness responded with, “My name then is not Lou Lyons - but Leslie Lyons.”
Lyons then continued his testimony. He had known Eileen since she lived in Darling Street, South Yarra, and she knew him as Leslie Lyons. He believed that she was of good character and he had not known her to go out with other men. He was in her South Yarra room only once or twice and denied having supper with her there.
Left: Lyons shields his face as he
He refused the assertion that he was in the habit of visiting her about three times a week.
Lyons did admit to having given her a ring and, at her request, had arranged for the initials “From L to E” to be engraved on it.
The witness was then read a letter, written by him on November 29:
“Dear Biddy,
Just a line to tell you that I received your letter, and was very pleased to hear that you are quite well. Which leaves me the same. I was very sorry that you did not see Lawson. But we will leave it until you come back. I think I will go out and see a man about it tomorrow. We know his business. I will be at the club tomorrow all day, so you can ring up as I will not be going to the races. Have not much news to tell you at present. Must close my letter with much love from,
Yours truly, Lou.”
Lyons denied knowing anyone called Lawson and stated that the man he was “going to see tomorrow” was a Dr Allan of Collins St. He understood that Eileen had been suffering from kidney trouble and had been seeing a Footscray doctor, and he was just offering to help.
Eileen’s mother told the inquest that Eileen had visited her in Geelong on New Year’s Day and on the next day they had gone for a drive to Belgrave. They returned to her daughter’s place in Albert Park for about 20 minutes before going on to visit a relative in West Melbourne. On finding her not at home, Eileen took the train home as she had to get ready for work the next day.
Although she considered they were “pals”, Eileen had never said anything to her about being ill. She did, however, speak of her man
Above: Nurse Chamberlain and her companions departed in the luxurious limousine which their business had brought them Left: They were shy of publicity and covered their faces. All were stylishly dressed in coloured frocks and white furs which stood out in vivid contrast to the mourning clothes of the Clarke family
friends: a beautiful Mr O’Brien - and another one called Lou Lyons.
After only an hour’s hearing, the coroner returned a finding that Eileen Clarke died from shock and haemorrhage of an internal organ following an illegal operation. There was no evidence, however, to show by whom or where the operation had been performed.
It was a sad-eyed Clarke family which left the court after the hearing.
Lyons again sought the protection of dustcoat and goggles and scurried off.
On the following day, Wednesday January 26, the charge of murder against Nurse Chamberlain was withdrawn.
Police frustrations
The Attorney General, F W Eggleston, immediately promised an amendment to the Crimes Act. Under section 62 of the Act, the offence of attempting malpractice was a felony with a maximum sentence of 15 years. But in criminal law, however, any person causing a death while committing a felony was deemed guilty of murder.
The Herald had urged that the law be changed and leading doctors and barristers lent their support. Under the existing regulations it was practically impossible to induce juries to regard such offences as murder, with the result that in the absence of an alternative charge –such as manslaughter - the accused were generally acquitted.
The inquest had been held soon after the finding of the body and there was widespread public comment that the police case had not been thoroughly prepared. The Police Commissioner (Mr T Blamey) took the unusual course of calling for a complete report of the results of the police investigation, both before and after the holding of the inquest.
The police were also frustrated by the Coroner’s verdict. An open finding was extremely rare when police already had someone in custody on a murder charge. Nonetheless, the Crown could still send that person for trial. It did appear that, in this case, the suspect was about the go free.
“She’s the bird for doing away with bodies.”
In October 1930 Nurse Chamberlain sued another midwife, nurse Ilma Walters, for slander and sought £1,000 in damages.
Chamberlain claimed that Walters had falsely and maliciously published the following words to a Miss Dorothy Moran: “I saw nurse Chamberlain drunk … the man she is living with is not her husband. She’s the bird for doing away with bodies. You were lucky not to get into her hospital. She attends to patients when she is drunk. She ought to be in gaol. She only gets girls there to get money from them.”
On another occasion, nurse Walters was alleged to have told two women not to go to Chamberlain’s hospital, stating, “She’s an awful woman. Why, only a month ago there was a body taken away from there in a car. She had something to do with the Frankston case. Her husband helps her to dispose of the bodies. That is all she keeps him for. I don’t know where she puts all the people she has there. Her home should be well overhauled by the Board of Health.”
Chamberlain won the case and was awarded £250 which would
have helped her financial situation. It had emerged during the case that she was an uncertified insolvent, with liabilities of £278 and assets of £24. She claimed that, after all, she did have a business – a legitimate midwifery.
Two years later the Health Commission refused to renew her licence for a private hospital. She had been charged with murder three times and twice on related charges. Although never found guilty, she was suspected of doing unlawful acts which the Commission would not allow under the pretence and guise of a private hospital. Chamberlain subsequently disregarded the ban and there followed fines for conducting an unregistered private hospital.
In 1927, the year of Eileen Clarke’s death, the nurse had divorced her long-time husband, Frank Chamberlain. A hasty marriage to William Murtagh lasted only six years, eventually citing him for drunkenness and cruelty. She married William Maher in 1936. Nurse Chamberlain died in Abbotsford in 1955, aged 74 years, as a Mrs Tagg.
