Peninsula Essence December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

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PENINSULA Living & Visiting on the Mornington Peninsula

FISH OUT OF WATER

Qualified marine biologist, Sheree Marris, plays her part in making our local marine habitats healthy and sustainable and spends her time on land educating others about the marine environments she cares so deeply about.

Adrenaline Kick • Of International Significance • Fostering Love From The Heart • Channelling A Dynasty • Police Strike Leads To Shooting Of Frankston Officers

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contents 45 6

Leading 10. Adrenaline Kick For over six years, Adrenaline Pro Wrestling has cultivated a community of fans and performers dedicated to bringing the sport of wrestling to life.

16. Fish Out of Water Qualified marine biologist, Sheree Marris, plays her part in making our local marine habitats healthy and sustainable and spends her time on land educating others about the marine environments she cares so deeply about.

THE

22. Of International Significance Mel Barker, CEO of Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation in Hastings, wants people to be aware of the significance of the UNESCO listed biosphere reserve in our own backyard.

28. Fostering Love ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA & SURROUNDS

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For his work with fostering children and his volunteering to cook for Rosebud’s homeless and provide meals to those in need, Jack Van Der Zwart was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2023 by the Mornington Shire Council.

Arts 32. From the Heart Proudly published by

Writers: Andrea Louise Thomas, Joe Novella, Muriel Cooper Photography: Yanni, Gary Sissons Creative: Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne Publisher: Melissa McCullough Advertising: Andy Jukes, 0431 950 685, andy@mpnews.com.au Phone: (03) 5974 9000

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

Disclaimer: The authors and publisher do not assume any liability to any party for any loss, damage or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. This publication is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians.

The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

Peninsula Essence is produced monthly.

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

Registered address: 63 Watt Road, Mornington Vic. 3931 W: peninsulaessence.com.au FB: @peninsulaessence Insta:@peninsulaessence

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38. Channelling a Dynasty Television producer and broadcaster Bob Phillips describes his new novel ‘The Taylors – an Australian Dynasty’ as “saucy” – and he’s right.

It’s a laugh-out-loud at times, raunchy romp.

Recipe 45. Christmas Glazed Ham

History 82. Police Strike Leads to Shooting of Frankston Officers The famous 1923 Victorian police strike began when a squad of constables at Russell Street police headquarters refused to go on duty. Looting, rioting and the death of two police officers in Frankston, by the hand of one of their own, would be narrowly averted.

Every Month

PEFC Certified This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. www.pefc.org

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Tania de Jong AM of Flinders ventures embrace the intersection of arts and science, and they are changing people’s lives, but as impressive as her extensive personal accomplishments are, what makes her stand out is not what she’s done, but who she is.

ISSUE 92 Cover image by Yanni

December 2023

6. Peninsula Styles 8. What's On 48. The Lowdown 76. Focus On Rosebud 78. Crossword

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The Arizona is one of the most popular Birkenstock models, featuring an iconic design with a two-strap upper that can be individually adjusted to the wearer’s feet, complemented with the signature comfort of the Birkenstock footbed. The Gold Birko-Flor Regular style will add a touch of flair to any casual festive outfit.

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KIBU IMPORTS Get your outdoor dining space Christmas ready with a range of stunning live-edge, solid teak outdoor dining tables to choose from at Kibu Imports.

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RED HILL CANDLE CO. The Three Wise Blends gift pack from Red Hill Candle Co will make your holidays even more magical. Featuring Festive Joy, Spiced Pinot Noir and Peninsula Pine fragrances, the Christmas candle range comes in sleek matte black glassware with a touch of gold. The gold steel lid and foiling add an extra touch of elegance to your festive deco.

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December 2023

Flares.

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What's on?

DECEMBER 5 TOMBSTONE GOLF CHALLENGE

Experience the Dunes at its best and toughest: The Dunes Titleist Tombstone Challenge will run for the 23rd year in 2023. Points will be awarded as normal for the order of merit. At 6459 metres from the black tees, the classic links layout is a test for every level of golfer.

DECEMBER 2023 DECEMBER 8 CHRISTMAS WITH LUCY DURACK

Australia’s favourite leading lady, Lucy Durack brings her glitter filled Christmas show to the Frankston Arts Centre for two very special performances to close another fantastic year of Daytime Music + Theatre. thefac.com.au

thedunes.com.au

DECEMBER 15 FRIDAY SUNSET TWILIGHT MARKET

The Waterfront will come alive with curated stallholders, street food, entertainment, bars and more. Indulge in a variety of cuisines, sample some local boutique beers, spirits and wines, and purchase something special that is handmade from a local artisan. facebook.com/ sunsettwilightmarket

DECEMBER 17 MORNINGTON'S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Mornington's Christmas Festival will be filled with festive activities and entertainment for the whole family! With Main Street closed for the day, attendees can expect a lively atmosphere and a wide array of entertainment options. mainstreetmornington.com.au

DECEMBER 22 FRESH XMAS WREATH AND WINE + CHOCOLATE PAIRING

Want to bring a hint of DIY to your Christmas decor this year?

Learn how to make your own DIY floral Christmas wreath using fresh flowers in this relaxing Mornington Peninsula workshop. redhillestate.com.au

DECEMBER 28 MORNINGTON RACE DAY

Enjoy entertainment on and off the track. With live entertainment with a DJ pumping the tunes, and many bars and food trucks to sample. This is a great day to rollout out the picnic blanket, enjoy the Mornington Peninsula sunshine and catch up with friends and family on the front lawns. mrc.racing.com

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December 2023

1300 50 55 60

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ADRENALINE kick

By Benjamin Golotta Photos Garry Sissons

W

hen it comes to live entertainment, there are few higher-octane events than a match night at 5/37 Brunel Road in Seaford.

Dimly lit attendees sit in awe or stand, and shout as vibrantly clothed wrestlers attempt to destroy their nemeses through impressive feats of acrobatic combat.

For over six years, Adrenaline Pro Wrestling has cultivated a community of fans and performers, dedicated to bringing the sport to life. Jarryd Parr, co-founder of the wrestling company, is one such performer and says, “It is one of the most euphoric feelings that I've never been able to replace.”

“When it’s your time to go out, the moment you walk through that curtain a transition happens within yourself, within your psyche, in a sense. It is just a feeling when you've got 200 plus people screaming at you, cheering for you, encouraging you.”

Jarryd says that even after getting home in the wee hours of the morning after a show, he’s still buzzing and struggles to wind down to sleep, in a good way, of course. “You wake up the next morning feeling like you've been hit by a bus. You're stiff and sore, you're in a fair bit of pain from the actual match, but also mentally you're exhausted.”

Like many of the other wrestlers, Jarryd has been a lifelong fan of the genre. “When I was probably 12 or 13-years-old, I went around for a sleepover at a schoolmate’s house, and he's like, ‘hey, do you wanna watch this thing?’ And he put on this video, and it was a wrestling show that I think his auntie had managed to record off Foxtel, and I was hooked. There were guys jumping off these ladders and just the way they would move in the ring; it was just insane.” continued page 12..

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When it’s your time to go out, the moment you walk through that curtain a transition happens within yourself, within your psyche...

December 2023

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...We just watched it on TV and had a rough idea on how everything was done

“We were sixteen with one of those trampolines with the net around it. We took the net off and cut all the support posts off and then attached ropes to it to use as the ring. I think it was hard rubbish day and my brother and I walked out in the street and got a couple of mattresses to slide underneath the trampoline, so the trampoline didn't give us that bounce.”

After that, the brothers begged their mum for a backyard wrestling ring. Their mum realised that this just wasn't a fad, and she the boys were allowed to grow their love for the sport. “We built a ring in the backyard and got a few mates to come around.”

“I don't recommend this because we had no training whatsoever. We just watched it on TV and had a rough idea on how everything was done.”

Years later, after a few drinks, Jarryd and friend Beau Miller made a promise; they decided they would commit to bringing their dream to life. But rather than brushing off such a promise come sobriety like many an optimistic reveler, Beau and Jarryd pulled through.

“It actually started in the backyard, believe it or not. We didn't have a lot of money when we started.” “We found a ring and we put it in the backyard of his place.” From Beau’s backyard they gained some traction and moved the performances to a factory.”

The factory allowed our home-grown organisation to get bigger, and the team would go on to lease another factory.

As they expanded, so did the fan base. “We were learning on the go, really, as well. There's no real rulebook on how to do it.”

To the uninitiated, Adrenaline Pro Wrestling’s competitive and hyper aggressive aesthetic may seem intimidating. It’s not for everyone, but Jarryd suggests not to write it off until you’ve seen it in person.

“Just as there are different flavours of ice cream that other people will enjoy, if professional wrestling is not for you, then it's not for you. I guess my thing is that you only live once, really, so you should give everything a crack. Come see it in person before you make that decision.”

“It is family-friendly; it is safe. I met one of our fans while she was pregnant, and now that baby still comes to the shows and is one of our biggest fans. It's the coolest thing ever, and Eddie loves it. At the end of day, it is entertainment.”

“I think everyone has got that same motive, that same goal, that same drive. And it is simply just to entertain people that come down and watch and to just encourage each other.” continued page 14...

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“We are all different shapes and sizes. We all have different athletic capabilities. We all have the same love of professional wrestling. And I think the goal for all of us is the same; to captivate people and just let them be a part of something.”

“If we can expose more people to local wrestling and make that crowd bigger and make more people feel involved that's definitely a win.

“It's almost like a, a weird little family. People come and you start getting used to the fans and their kids when they come along. Sometimes you feel like you're a real live action superhero and, in a sense, a role model as well.”

Some of Adrenaline’s goals are to start traveling to other places with their wrestlers, building the crowd along the way and exposing more people to live entertainment and professional wrestling. If they keep up what they’re doing already they’re sure to be a knockout.

Although it has come a long way since the night it was first conceived, Jarryd hopes that this is just the start of what’s to come for Adrenaline Pro Wrestling. “If you're not progressing, you're not growing.”

FB: @APWMelbourne

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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.

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MINDS THE SCHOOL

FOR

ADVENTUROUS

At Woodleigh, we challenge young people to be adventurous with their learning – to take risks and go beyond their comfort zone. Led by expert teachers, our progressive upper primary curriculum provides the perfect launch pad for a successful transition to the secondary years of schooling.

To learn more about Woodleigh School, scan the QR code below, or email our Enrolments Team – enrol@woodleigh.vic.edu.au PHOTO: Minimbah Year 6 Bali Study Tour

Book your place at one of our regular Information Sessions or Campus Tours www.woodleigh.school/enrol December 2023

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FISH OUT OF water

By Joe Novella Photos Yanni & Supplied

S

heree Marris is a force of nature who, by her own admission, ‘“should’ve been born with gills, a sparkly green mermaid-esque tail and a breath-hold to rival a whale.”

Just a few minutes in her company is enough to witness the passion and energy she has for the incredible diversity of life under the waves. “As long as I can remember,” she said, “I’ve been drawn to the ocean which is natural because I was born a pisces, grew up on the peninsula and my surname translates as ‘sea’. I’m really fortunate to still live on the peninsula where I can easily access some of the most beautiful and spectacular marine environments in the world.”

It’s evident the sea is like a second home to Sheree; she is a qualified marine biologist, and, as such, spends quite a bit of her time in the water, studying, observing, collecting data and experiencing marine life up close, playing her part in making our local marine habitats healthy and sustainable ecosystems. “We really do have some of the most beautiful and diverse marine habitats right on our doorstep,” she said. “Seagrass meadows, sponge gardens, rocky reefs, sandy plains. Front and back beaches that are so different in terms of their marine life. A crab migration to rival that of the Serengeti wildebeest, seapony clouds at our piers, dolphins, whales and seals with eyes so big and round it seems they are staring right into your soul.”

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But it’s on land where Sheree hopes to make the greatest impact by devoting her time to educating others about the marine environments she cares so deeply about. And not just for the benefit of the millions of creatures that call the water their home, but also for those of us who live above sea level.

“Our health,” she said, “is intrinsically connected to the health of our marine environments. These environments provide food and regulate the weather but if people don’t understand or value these facts then they won’t care. That’s my mission. That’s what fills my cup. To talk to people of all ages about the magnificence of our seas and oceans and connect humans to them in a way that makes them care. To take complex scientific data and communicate it in a way that will resonate with everyday people, informing them and hopefully inspiring them to look after our bays and beaches.”

Sheree’s list of achievements is impressive. She has been awarded Young Australian of the Year and the Australian Centenary Medal for outstanding contribution to conservation and the environment; she has served on several government boards and committees and is currently the director of several marine conservation organisations; she was also the recipient of a scholarship for the Centre for Sustainable Leadership.

Sheree has gained a reputation as an expert in her field and is regularly called on for commentary and opinion by media

Our health is intrinsically connected to the health of our marine environments

outlets to talk about everything from Port Phillip Bay’s crab migration to coral bleaching; how males of the seahorse species get pregnant and give birth to their young; how female octopuses will sometimes strangle and eat their lovers after courtship. “I love to see my audience's eyes boggle when I relay facts that may seem astonishing to the average person, but I do it to spark a conversation and generate interest.”

Indeed, bringing marine science to the people is Sheree’s passion, either through the media, as an educator in schools, or via other projects like documentaries and her books, of which she has authored five. One book, ‘Australia’s threatened and endangered animals’ won The Environment Award for Children’s Literature. Her full-colour, table-top book ‘Melbourne Down Under’, containing stunning photographs of Port Phillip Bay’s underwater life, has become a bestseller.

Sheree is set to release another book this December - ‘Octopuses - Underwater Wonders’-and this one is very close to her heart as it is all about her favourite marine creature. “I can understand why some people think they’re aliens because they’re definitely alienlike,” she said. “They can change colour, are jet-powered, have three hearts, a beak, and pump blue blood; they are absolutely fantastic, and I love them.” continued next page...

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The inspiration for the book came from a chance meeting with a stranded octopus during one of Sheree’s beach rambling walks. “I noticed a flicker of movement in a piece of plumbing pipe and to my amazement there was a mother octopus inside the pipe trying to protect her eggs. The problem was the pipe was above the high tide mark, so there was no way the mother and her eggs were going to get back into the safety of the water.

Sheree captured the event on her phone and posted it on social media, not thinking too much more about it until she awoke the next day to see that thousands of people had viewed the video.

A few weeks later, while walking along the beach near McCrae, Sheree spotted a piece of pipe washed up on some sea grass that looked exactly like the one she had seen the octopus in previously, and it turned out that it was exactly the same one.

This time Sheree took it upon herself to take the pipe containing the mother, who Sheree now called Casey, and eggs further out into the bay and anchor them so they would not be subject to bad weather. And each day Sheree would go out and check on Casey, capturing it all on social media where thousands of views had turned into millions,-25 million and counting to be exact,from people all around the world whose hearts were captured by the struggle of this eight-legged mum and the empathy and dedication of Sheree. continued page 20...

Photo credit: Zoe Strapp

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“Then something amazing happened; the octopus started to try and roll the pipe back into the water and I was astonished and touched at how desperate this mum was to try and protect her babies. So I helped her back into the water and tried to secure the pipe to something more permanent sto ensure it didn’t get washed up on shore again.”

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I love to get my gills wet,... That is my form of meditation...

Casey’s eggs hatched but sadly she died shortly after which is the lot of an octopus mum.

“I couldn’t believe how many people were invested in Casey’s journey,” Sheree said. “I guess, like me, they were in awe of this mum who would do anything to see her babies born safely. I think Casey really touched the hearts of so many people. Especially me.”

The response to Casey’s journey also signalled to Sheree just how much people cared about the environment. “There is so much bad news out there on global warming and its effects on our marine environments and we need to hear it but not be paralyzed by it.

That’s why I prefer to concentrate on the positives. I firmly believe we have the collective power to shape the world we want to live in, and we can do it with small things like picking up rubbish before it ends up in the bay, reporting illegal fishing, demanding our food

Photo credit: Zoe Strapp

Photo credit: Bluering Oceanwide Images

Photo credit: Justin Gilligan

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outlets use recyclable cups, and stop using plastic bags just to name a few. So many people are doing great things already like the Beach Patrol groups.”

With so much happening in Sheree’s world books, docos, talks, media… It’s hard to know how she finds the time to relax and reset. “I love to get my gills wet,” she said. “That is my form of meditation. It’s all I need. A heavy dose of vitamin sea does wonders. Everyone should try it.”

You can find more information about Sheree and her upcoming book ‘Octopuses - Underwater Marvels’

octopusesbook.com

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OF INTERNATIONAL significance

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni

M

el Barker, CEO of Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation in Hastings, wants people to be aware of the significance of the UNESCO listed biosphere reserve in our own backyard. “Awareness and connecting people to nature are at the forefront of what we do,” she says.

Simple things can be done by everyday people to protect the biosphere...

A biosphere reserve is an area declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as having achieved a notable balance between environment and sustainable human development. While there are 748 significant biosphere reserve sites across 134 countries under the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, only five are in Australia, and just this one in Victoria.

What makes ours so special is that there are species here that exist nowhere else in the world.

Western Port Biosphere comprises 214,048 hectares across five local government areas including the entire Mornington Peninsula and French Island. It combines a mix of landscapes: 69% terrestrial and 31% marine.

Amongst other things, it’s a flyway for tens of thousands of migratory shorebird populations, some of which come from as far away as Siberia. Every summer 20,000 shorebirds come to feed in Western Port before making their 6000-mile journey back home where they lay their eggs and mind their hatchlings before returning to Western Port. continued next page ...

continued next page ...

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There are amazing stories in the biosphere. Some parent birds fly that 6000 miles to set up homes here. Then their tiny baby birds follow weeks later even though they have never flown before. They just seem to know the way. It’s one of the many miracles of nature in our own backyard.

There are blue carbon ecosystems within Western Port mangroves, saltmarsh and seagrass meadows that lock carbon into the mud. This makes blue carbon a key component of naturebased solutions to climate change. Mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrass ecosystems capture carbon at 30-50 times the equivalent areas of forests. Mangroves also protect countless fish species and protect land from storm surges. They are more efficient than man-made structures.

A unique bryozoan reef-like structure is out in Western Port Bay, built from the seabed up to 1.5 metres by creatures called zooids; it’s unique in its skeletal construction method. It protects fish from predators and is an Elephant Fish nursery. There may be still be further undiscovered species, but strong tides and sediment make it hard for divers to explore. continued page 26...

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homegrown f lavours Meet the new generation of brewers, cider makers and distillers up close and where they practice their craft.

Follow our ‘Beer Cider + Spirits Trail’ and Explore More of the homegrown flavours of the Mornington Peninsula.

Scan the QR code to download your free trail today.

visitmp.org/BCStrail December 2023

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Parks Victoria, Bass Coast Landcare Network and French Island community groups are working together to eradicate introduced species from French Island. Environmentalists see the island as a Noah’s Ark of biodiversity.

In Westen Port Biosphere are 1570 native flora species, of which 104 are threatened and 1270 native fauna species, of which 222 are threatened. That includes 85 types of mammals and 360 species of birds, not to mention the reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

Simple things can be done by everyday people to protect the biosphere, such as planting indigenous species to protect ecosystems, saving land for wildlife by partnering with Landcare, and creating corridors for animals to travel.

Observe the diverse beauty all around and tread lightly so as not to damage fragile ecosystems.

Partnerships are the key. On-ground projects and strategic advocacy lead to the best outcomes. Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation partners with schools, community groups, industrial organisations, OzFish, Landcare, councils and nature parks.

Having an organisation of global status like UNESCO recognise this biosphere provides significance as well as local pride.

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“Climate change is upon us. If we work with other organisations we can do what we need to do to mitigate that in a much shorter time frame. We are bringing together disparate groups for a common good that impacts every one of us,” Mel remarks.

Australia is already nearly 1.5 degrees hotter than it was in 1910...

Western Port Biosphere’s education in schools’ programs teach young people about koala awareness, climate action, sustainable development, environmental protection and restoration so today’s students can be environmental stewards of the future.

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Benchmarks have to be met to maintain that status. When talking to stakeholders, whether business or government, that status carries weight.

It’s imperative to deal with existing challenges - land clearing, urban development, the draining of native swamps over the past 200 years, climate change, storm surges and bushfires. “Australia is already nearly 1.5 degrees hotter than it was in 1910. We need to be adapting to that new climate right now to tackle carbon emissions and biodiversity loss,” she says. “If we all work together, it’s possible.”

Donations to Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation are helpful as it’s a not-for-profit charity. Their mission to educate and raise awareness about this unique biosphere means that when there is a call to action, people will know why it’s so important.

Get on board.

biosphere.org.au @westernport_biosphere

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FOSTERING love

By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni

R

osebud couple Jack Van Der Zwart and his wife Arina had no qualms about becoming foster parents – even about their first foster child having special needs. At two months of age, the baby had only ever known hospital, only being picked up for feeding or treatment. Did Jack have any trepidation about fostering a special needs baby?

“None. None at all.”

the-way place near a forest. My grandfather was the director of a boys’ home. He had a big market garden out the back where he grew lots of vegies. He’d put them on the back of his bicycle and take them to the boys. When he came home at night, he’d sit in his big leather chair with a gigantic storybook and tell us stories while he was smoking his big pipe, with my brother and me sitting on the armrests. I can smell the pipe and still see it all happening in front of me. I think my nurturing and caring came from that.”

“In me, where it stems from is that my parents migrated in 1968 from Holland when I was twelve and a half. Before then, every holiday I had was with my grandparents. They lived in an out-of-

Just near Jack’s grandparents’ house, where Jack used to play, there was a huge farmhouse he could never get to. Years later, he learned that his wife Arina spent all her holidays in that house.

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“I didn’t meet her until we were here in Australia.

That is fate.”

From 1980 until 2018, when, for health reasons, Jack and Arina decided not to foster any more children, they fostered a total of twentytwo children.

...It’s something you do from your heart, and you don’t treat them any differently from your own

For his work with foster children and his volunteering to cook for Rosebud’s homeless and provide meals to those in need, Jack was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2023 by the Mornington Shire Council.

Jack says the idea of fostering children came from a TV ad.

“Both my wife and I are from big families – I’m from a family of ten, she of nine – and we always wanted a big family. We had healthy children of our own and wanted another one, and at the time, they were advertising for foster homes for children who were in homes but wanted to be part of a family, either fostered or adopted. I was watching the ad one day, and I was heartbroken. It really got to me.

We started talking, and I said, ‘Why don’t we foster.’ We had a really good think about it and said, ‘Let’s give it a try.’”

At the time, St Joseph’s Home for Children had group homes housing children where a person or couple would be employed to act as parents. They would live life as usual, carrying on their existing jobs and acting as a family for their foster children as well as their own children. Jack and Arina decided this was for them.

After Jack and Arina’s first foster child came a 12-year-old girl, then two more girls, making a total of four foster children plus their own four children, who treated them as brothers and sisters.

“Nobody was treated any differently,” Jack says. “They were all one and the same. They all had their chores, and we worked as a family. It was really, really good. Even now, those first four still see my children. They have all grown up with children of their own.

They visit each other regularly and call themselves brother and sister.

They’re very, very close.”

What did Jack and Arina learn along the way that they would pass on to others thinking of fostering?

“Don’t do it as a job. It’s not a job. It’s something you do from your heart, and you don’t treat them any differently from your own.” continued next page...

Awarded Citizen of the Year in 2023 December 2023

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You can’t do anything about the past, but you can do everything about the future – the future’s all yours

Although he’s not religious, Jack volunteers at the Connect Christian Church in Browns Road Boneo, cooking meals for the homeless and needy. Cooking comes easily to Jack, who worked for many years on the peninsula as a chef, starting at the Portsea Hotel as a dishwasher and working his way up to managing an all-day breakfast and juice bar next door. Jack also worked at the Peninsula Hot Springs, The Rosebud Country Club, Rosebud Hotel and The Gourmet Galley in Rosebud.

“One of the successes we had with our foster kids was cooking meals, sitting at the table and spending time with them, asking ‘How was your day today? What did you learn? ‘Today, our own grandchildren say, ‘Can you ask us questions about the world?’ and we’ll ask, ‘What was the capital of this or that? Tell me the answer to this sum or spell that.’ It’s not just sitting down and eating. They stay and play Monopoly or Scrabble. It goes on and on, and it becomes a big laughter thing. It’s togetherness – it’s what a home is supposed to be all about rather than on the idiot box or on their phone.”

What does Jack miss about fostering?

“The love, laughter, the feeling you get from it.”

Not all his foster children keep in touch.

Some are interstate or overseas. “They have a life of their own, and you have to respect that,” Jack says. “It’s their business now. They’ve done their growing up with us, and they’ve now got their own lives, and they move on. We do hear from a lot of them at Christmas time or special occasions like birthdays, and we get phone calls. Some come and visit. They ask for their favourite meal. I see them when I go to the Rosebud shopping centre because we had local kids, and Arina and I get big hugs and kisses.”

Their first foster child still calls them daily. He visits Jack and Arina every Wednesday and has coffee and lunch. “If I was fit and healthy,” says Jack, “I’d have this house full of kids again.”

Jack’s motto is, “You can’t do anything about the past, but you can do everything about the future – the future’s all yours.”

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rinnai.com.au

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Arts

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November 2023 December 2023

FROM THE heart

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni & Supplied

T

Singing has many real-world benefits. It improves language ania de Jong (AM) of Flinders is a world-class and learning, stimulates happy hormone, oxytocin, and gets soprano who has performed in over 40 countries neurotransmitters firing helping to build new neural pathways as a soloist and with her ensemble, Pot-Pourri. She can in the brain. Choral singing amplifies these effects and raises sing in eleven languages. Tania is also a motivational collective consciousness: - a divine experience in the truest sense speaker, businesswoman, philanthropist and social of the word. “Connecting voices is a wonder drug. Not only do entrepreneur who has developed six businesses and four we breathe together, but our hearts start to beat together,” she says. charities, making her one of Australia’s Under her Creativity Australia banner is her With most successful female entrepreneurs. ...In choir,

Her ventures embrace the intersection of arts and science and they are changing people’s lives. As impressive as her extensive personal accomplishments are, what makes her stand out is not what she’s done, but who she is.

they find their voice, share their voice and connect with other voices...

One Voice Choir program. What started out as one choir on a Tuesday night in Melbourne’s Sofitel Hotel has blossomed into 30 choirs Australia-wide connecting people aged 9-90 from every kind of background. One of her favourite things about One Voice is ‘The Wishlist’. At the end of each session, choir members can wish for something and other members fulfil that wish if they can.

“Everything I do is from the heart. I want to help people find their own voice. I see the beauty in every person. I want to use my talents to help others unlock their potential so they can shine.

Despite what I see in the world, I’m an optimist. I believe in people. I’ve connected a lot of people. It’s changed their lives and, through that, it’s changed mine. I am very grateful,” she says, with genuine humility.

“I meet a lot of people who come from dysfunctional backgrounds or are alone in the world. Choir is their light and weekly haven. Singing can be like a religion for people who have lost a sense of meaning and belonging.

In choir, they find their voice, share their voice and connect with other voices. It’s so healing,” she says.

In her TEDx talk, “How Singing Together Changes the Brain” Tania talks about the neuroscience of singing with others. It taps into the creative right side of the brain. With the constant onslaught of ‘information’ keeping the logical, practical left side of the brain in overdrive 85% of the time, being able switch over to the right side is more important than ever.

Voice and transformation are at the heart of everything Tania does. Her vocal group Pot- Pourri have been lifting audiences up since 1987 in public, private and corporate settings all across the world. Their repertoire includes opera, musical theatre, cabaret and comedy with the occasional dash of magic, acrobatics, dance or didgeridoo! Hence the name, Pot-Pourri: – a little bit of everything! continued next page ...

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While performing in schools, Tania found that public schools were not getting equal access to the arts. So, she set up her first charity The Song Room – an all access music program for underprivileged kids because evidence shows music education makes for brighter, more learning ready students. That program is now celebrating 15 years. Tania was awarded the Order of Australia medal (AM) in 2008 for her work with The Song Room and as a performer.

As a child, Tania imagined being an archaeologist, psychologist or doctor, but there was always a performer and entrepreneur brewing. She would perform magic shows for her parents, charging them five cents. Later, she sold tumbled rocks, shells and handmade jewellery at a stall in front of their Glen Iris home.

Tania earned a Law degree with Honours at the University of Melbourne as a backstop in case singing didn’t work out. She then auditioned and was accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts Opera Studio Program. She coached tennis during the day and went to Opera School at night. Tania has never shied away from hard work or a challenge.

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Tania and Peter consulted with experts around the world. Used as a supervised adjunct to talk therapy, they knew, through all of their research, that this therapy could alleviate immense suffering.

There’s no greater gift than the gift of giving

Following in the footsteps of her tennis champion Mother, Eva Duldig, Tania won a college tennis scholarship to America for a year, but by then singing was her true love. However, she used that knowledge to start her own tennis coaching business at 18. She began her first singing business in her early 20s.

Photo: Andrew Doodson

Her biggest challenge came when she and her husband, philanthropist, Peter Hunt (AM) founded their charity, Mind Medicine Australia, in 2018 to make psychedelic-assisted therapy available to mental illness patients in Australia, particularly for patients who didn’t respond to other therapies.

They applied to the Therapeutic Goods Administration to have psilocybin and MDMA reclassified for therapy. After a long hard battle, in February this year Australia became the first country in the world to reclassify psilocybin and MDMA as controlled medicine. “These transformational therapies will improve the lives of millions of people,” she says.

While Tania has achieved an enormous amount in her lifetime, - her drive, ambition and success are largely reinvested into helping others. As she says, “There’s no greater gift than the gift of giving.” And that’s who she is.

taniadejong.com.au

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Mornington Boat Hire

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visitmp.org/events

Mornington Racecourse

Markets, masterclasses, festivals, music, and much much more for you to explore.

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December 2023

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CHANNELLING A dynasty

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

By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni

T

elevision producer and broadcaster Bob Phillips describes his new novel ‘The Taylors – an Australian Dynasty’ as “saucy” – and he’s right. It’s laugh-out-loud at times, a raunchy romp. But despite their questionable morals and behaviour, the Taylors stick together as a family.

The matriarch, Bettina, in particular, is an exemplary, loyal, and empathetic mother. The guys don’t come out as well, and some might say that men wouldn't get away with that kind of behaviour today (sexual assault and sexism), but they often do because they can.

When writing ‘The Taylors’, Bob sometimes felt like he was channelling someone else. He says, “I went through a couple of extraordinary times. I’m not disciplined. I don’t set the clock at 6 a.m. and write. I tend to write more when I feel it, and there were a couple of days when I was typing away when I thought, ‘I’m not writing this.’ The words and the scenarios – something was driving it, and it wasn’t me.” This must be a welcome experience for authors, particularly if they’re channelling a bestseller. continued next page ...

...I’m not writing this.

The words and the scenarios – something was driving it, and it wasn’t me...

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

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...I’d always been keen on production, so I became a floor ‘The Taylors’ almost didn’t get published.

Bob’s next love was the movies, working in manager, and “The UK editor accused me of being a racist theatres like Hoyts and The Circle in Essendon then assistant until I assured her that the word ‘wog’ (a as the spool boy, winding the films, and then word supermodel Trish uses in the book to producer on the as a projectionist. describe her husband, Tony) can be a term of “It was just as television was starting to affect endearment in Australia. She said, ‘You are Graham Kennedy cinemas, and they went from people who went writing to a market; you’re never going to win show... every week with house-full signs to battling to a Pulitzer Prize,’ and I’m happy with that.

“The book became saucier as it went along. It’s loosely based on a family that I knew many years ago that I used to tell Judy (Bob’s late wife Judy Banks) about and she used to say, ’You should make a television series out of that; you know, a Bold and Beautiful kind of thing.’ I initially wrote it as a sequence of scenes for a television show.”

get an audience. Cinemas were becoming service stations. They even took every second globe out from the sign at the front to save electricity. I was offered a job in the film department at Channel 9, which I thought was terrific, but when I got there, the film department could have been a hundred miles away from where the action was.

Bob draws on his extensive CV for the book, including working for a carnival and running a large talent agency. “Even now, when I go past a big top, I think of these people and the life they live.

To walk into the park at night with the lights on, the smell of hamburgers, the diesel generators – there is a magic about it. They are extraordinary, family-oriented characters. It is a wonderful look at life.”

“One night, Graham Kennedy walked up to the film department to have film edited. He looked at me and said, ‘Bob, this isn’t really show business.’ I’d always been keen on production, so I became a floor manager, and then assistant producer on the Graham Kennedy show. In Melbourne Tonight was nerve-wracking. Graham was throwing up almost every night with nerves, people were having nervous breakdowns, and marriages were breaking up.”

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Bob eventually became an executive producer and worked with Graham, Bert Newton, Daryl Somers, Don Lane, Mike Walsh and Steve Vizard. Although many of the shows were chaotic, Bob always provided a sea of calm, which is his nature even today. Although he says, “Twenty years after In Melbourne Tonight, I’d wake up in the night, floor managing it. I think it was a sort of PTSD.”

television, there’s ‘Utopia’. Basically, I’m hooked on news. SBS does a terrific news service.

Bob and Judy chose Moorooduc not only as a place to live but also to run Australia’s first television and media museum, continued next page ...

Bob wishes he’d started writing earlier. So why did he start writing? “I got sacked from the Don Lane Show after a reshuffle,” Bob says. “The general manager of Channel 9 said, ‘We’re going to pay you to do whatever you want to do – go and sit on an island for three months.’ So, Judy and I went to Noosa. I got out a pad and started to write about the early days and years, later, I was so grateful for what I’d done.” Bob’s book ‘Like No Other Business – 60 Years of Oz TV’ was based on those notes.

What does Bob think is good about television today?

“Everyone knocks television, and the number of free-to-air viewers is decreasing dramatically, but I think there are good things. There are a lot of good things on the ABC. I’ve never seen a bad ‘Australian Story’. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is good variety

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December 2023

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‘TV World’. “I’ve always had a connection to the Peninsula,” Bob says. “My brother had a couple of farms in Rye – there are now golf courses - and I was always down here in the school holidays milking cows, which I never want to do again in my life.’ He chuckles. Bob spent many years broadcasting on the community station Radio Port Phillips with Judy.

The Moorooduc property is quiet and secluded with two horses.

One is a former racehorse, the other a brumby, which Bob describes as “Very affectionate but totally badly behaved. He gives the girl horse hell. They’re characters.” There are also two sheep, ducks, and two cats.

Bob says he misses Judy very much and feels her presence. “It’s not an unpleasant thing, and I can feel that she’s pleased with some of the things I do but not when I get up the ladder.” He has no plans to move from the peninsula. “I wouldn’t move. I’ll stay here until they drag me away.”

Bob’s current read is ‘Sympathy for the Drummer: Why Charlie Watts Matters’, by Mike Edison, and he’s planning the sequel to ‘The Taylors’.

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EATERY KIOSK EATERY | EVENTS EVENTS | KIOSK

Image: @WillowCreative

your everyday local

This summer, experience the Local’s Choice at Elements Eatery, Mornington Peninsula’s coastal destination cafe. Whether you’re seeking a cozy indoor dining experience, a relaxed poolside bite, or a seat in the courtyard garden with the dog, sample our summer menu filled with local produce, or enjoy a cup of Boneo Road Roasters Coffee, we’ve got it all.

Looking for the perfect gift? Check out our gift vouchers and share the Mornington Peninsula love. Purchase in store or on-line.

BOOK NOW for our annual CommuniTEA High Tea, where your group can gather and celebrate Christmas. Available 7 days throughout November and December, bookings are essential.

Join us for great times and fresh, local flavors at Elements Eatery.

Come and see why Elements Eatery is the perfect year-round café for everyone. Open 7 days.

100 Besgrove Street Rosebud VIC 3939 eat@elementseatery.com.au / elementseaterycom.au 03 5982 6020 Mornington Peninsula

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Full Page Glazed Ham Recipe_red.pdf 1 11/8/2023 6:38:11 PM

NOTHING SAYS

recipe

LIKE A PERFECT GLAZED HAM

Whatever you are preparing to feed the family and friends at Christmas, a perfectly prepared glazed ham, perhaps as the centrepiece on the table, has to be on the list. Here is the key to success this Christmas.

Recipe tips courtesy Gourmet Meats, Mount Eliza.

METHOD CHRISTMAS GLAZED HAM of Brian Rollason , Brian’s

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CM

MY

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 Remove any packaging, then use a knife to nick the skin Nothing says merry Christmas like a perfect glazed ham. (rind) at the edge so you can carefully put your fingers Whatever you are preparing to feed the family and friends at between theone rindwith and the fatrind so you can pull the skin back It all begins with the best cut, a shank end ham on the bone.

Buy the intact.

Christmas, a perfectly prepared glazed ham, perhaps as the to remove it in one go.

Cut diamond shape crosses evenly centrepiece on the table, has to be on the list. Here is the key Remove any packaging, then use a knife to nick the skin across (rind)the at fat, theapproximately edge so you canor carefully put 2.5cm 1 inch apart. toyour success this Christmas.

It all begins best fingers between the rindwith andthe the fatcut, so you can pull the skin back to remove it in one go. a shank end ham on the bone. Buy one with the rind intact.

Now to glaze your ham. We reccomend using our  Cut diamond shape crosses evenly across the fat. About 2.5cm or 1 inch apart.

Beerenberg strawberry or raspberry jam.

INGREDIENTS Spread this across the scored area using a pastry brush • Ham Brian’s Gourmet Now from to glaze your ham.Meats, Mount Eliza. or the back of a spoon.

We love using ourper Beerenberg strawberry or raspberry jam.

Allow 200-300 grams person (or more for leftovers!)

Spread this across the scored area using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon.

• Jam for glaze Place cloves in the middle of your diamond crosses.  Place inoven an oven 100 degrees warm Place in an on 100on degrees and warmand through.

• Then Clovesplace cloves in the middle of your diamond crosses. through. 





• Ham. Allow 200-300 grams per person (or more for leftovers!)

Ingredient Recipe tips courtesy of Brian Rollason - briansgourmetmeats.com.au • Jam for glaze list • Cloves December 2023 PENINSULA ssence | 45

E

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ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA & SURROUNDS

Peninsula Photos Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards gala ceremony

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Photos Yanni December 2023

CELEBRATING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE Over 250 local businesspeople and their supporters came together on Wednesday 15 November for the Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards gala ceremony, held at RACV Cape Schanck Resort. The room buzzed with anticipation, excitement, and support for the local business community.

RETAIL - Winner: Artisan’s Alley START UP - Winner: The Cambium Highly Commended: The Green Bowl. Finalist: Super Hosts TOURISM - Winner: Moonraker Dolphin Swims Finalists: Polperro Dolphin Swims and Charter Service, Wild Adventures Melbourne

Judges from the independent Small Business Mentoring Service assessed 36 shortlisted businesses against excellence, sustainability, and innovation criteria to determine finalists, high commendations, and winners in each category. Now the results are in!

TRADE, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION Winner: Buchanan Mobile Crane Hire Highly Commended: Cobbler, Keys & More. Finalist: Indigo Pools

AGRICULTURE AND MANUFACTURING Winner: Lil’s Yolky Dokey Pasture Raised Eggs Highly Commended: Pearson Foods

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - Winner: Elements Eatery The gala celebrated innovation, sustainability, and excellence in our community. This year's participating businesses showcased qualities that actively contribute to the region's development through their dedication and passion. For more info visit the website.

CREATIVE INDUSTRY - Winner: Little Woodworkers Highly Commended: Locked In Escape Rooms, Peninsula Beer Garden HEALTH AND COMMUNITY - Winner: Your Move Health Highly Commended: Base Podiatry, Operation Soul Surf, Prestige Inhome Care HOSPITALITY - Winner: Elements Eatery Finalists: A Good Little Thing, Commonfolk Coffee Company PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - Winner: Sarah’s Domestic Bliss Cleaning Highly Commended: Mornington Peninsula Funerals, Smart Business Solutions Finalists: Illumin8, Oraco Agency, PIER Marketing, The Little Brick Studio, Warlimont & Nutt

Congratulations to our winners!

AGRICULTURE AND MANUFACTURING Lil’s Yolky Dokey Pasture Raised Eggs CREATIVE INDUSTRY Little Woodworkers HEALTH AND COMMUNITY Your Move Health

W: mpbusiness.com.au/businessawards

MORNINGTON PENINSULA BUSINESS AWARDS

HOSPITALITY Elements Eatery

TOURISM Moonraker Dolphin Swims

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Sarah’s Domestic Bliss Cleaning

TRADE, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION Buchanan Mobile Crane Hire

RETAIL Artisan’s Alley START-UP The Cambium

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Elements Eatery

2023

mpbusiness.com.au/businessawards

December 2023

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THE

ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA & SURROUNDS

Peninsula Photos Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards gala ceremony

2023 Winners

delicious flavours Wine Food Farmgate reveals the Mornington Peninsula’s most delicious secrets.

Explore More of the handpicked, hand caught and handmade flavours of the Mornington Peninsula.

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December 2023

FURNITURE & MORE! Fabulous range of new, used & ex-display home furniture & homewares

Photos Yanni

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culture Ignite the flame of inspiration as you explore the Mornington Peninsula’s Arts + Heritage Trail.

With eclectic galleries and celebrated outdoor sculpture parks, become immersed within this vibrant identity of our creative region.

Scan the QR code to download your free trail today.

visitmp.org/artsheritagetrail December 2023

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HAVE YOUR POOL READY FOR SUMMER With EL Nino on its way to Australia, now is the time to get 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 our warm weather and extend your swimming season 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 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. Build 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.

DON’T LEAVE IT TOO LATE, CONTACT ASPIRE TODAY FOR YOUR FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE.

CALL NOW: (03) 5979 1043 Factory 6/1879 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Hastings aspirepoolsolar.com info@aspirepoolsolar.com

ASPIRE POOL SOLAR PANELS ASPIRE POOL SOLAR PANELS. Voted by SPASA,

Voted by SPASA, National GOLD winner for the most national GOLD winner

Sustainablefor Product of the Year 2023. most sustainable product of the year 2023

THE

ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA & SURROUNDS

PENINSULA SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL 1 – 8 JAN 2024 Artistic Directors Ben Opie (Oboe) and Melissa Doecke (Flute) are delighted to present the much-loved annual Peninsula Summer Music Festival 2024.

“Across the hot springs, wine estates and church gardens of the gorgeous Mornington Peninsula, we’ve programmed diverse and delightful performances that will showcase an eclectic line up of musical genres featuring new and established Australian artists alongside international musical guests from the Netherlands, Sweden and the USA.” The New Year kicks off in earnest with the traditional Hair of the Dog in the gardens of St John’s Flinders, with evocative Tango Noir ensemble creating the atmosphere of a 1930s French salon for an afternoon of lush European tango and waltz.

The much-loved Opera Gala returns in 2024, with stars Lee Abrahmsen (soprano) and Adrian Tamburini (bass-baritone) joined by the Festival Orchestra for aria favourites by Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi and more.

Other highlights include the 2024 Festival Artist harpist Emily Granger at Main Ridge Estate, violinist Brigid Coleridge (USA) and renowned pianist Kristian Chong at Moorooduc Estate, and at Port Philip Estate Neal Peres da Costa (fortepiano) and Anna Fraser (soprano) reimagine Franz Schubert’s famous song cycle Schwanengesang (Swan Song).

Peninsula Hot Springs events include Zenith (Amsterdam), Northern Resonance (Sweden), and a First Nations/classical collaboration between Burrundi Theatre and Inventi. Jazz at Montalto with James Morrison brings PSMF24 to a rousing climax.

PSMF also present free events for families, residents in aged care and partnerships with local indigenous community centres.

Phone or visit website for full festival program and ticket sales.

P: 0435 495 493 W: peninsulafestival.com.au

PENINSULA SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL 1 - 8 JANUARY 2024

www.peninsulafestival.com.au

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DESIGNER DISCUSSIONS - CHOOSING THE RIGHT ARCHITECTURAL STYLE FOR YOUR CUSTOM HOME Dreaming of your forever home and designing it to suit your life is a thrilling moment, and for most people, a dream come true. It offers the chance to design your home exactly the way you want, but as exciting as the design process is, it can also be a challenge.

Choosing the different design elements of your custom home takes time and careful consideration, and the final design must be something you are totally in love with.

This is perhaps most true when it comes to the home’s architectural style. This is the very first thing a person sees when visiting your home and although we are told never to judge a book by its cover, it always is.

The façade and style of your home sets the tone for everything else that’s inside, and unlike interiors, it is not something that can be easily altered. This makes choosing an architectural style for your home one of the most important decisions you will make in the course of creating your custom home.

Everyone has a preferred architectural style, even if you are not sure what it is or what to call it. If you’re not sure what your attracted to or aren’t sure what styles are out there, don’t be forced into pigeonholing yourself or your style.

Instead, take some time for contemplation or reflection and discover your preference by making lists and collect elements you like either by reviewing design magazines, visiting real estate websites or just useful apps like Pinterest.

Here’s a few things our expert team at Graham Jones Design suggest you should consider when choosing the style for your custom home.

Consider Your Site When first considering a direction or a style to adopt for your home, first consider whether this is appropriate for your site. For example, if your site is beautifully treed, natural acreage, then perhaps a Coastal or Mediterranean style isn’t the best of choices.

Work with your site to best showcase all it has to offer and not compete or contrast.

Create a Mood Board of Elements You Love Even the expert team at Graham Jones Design seek inspiration from past and previous works, either there own projects or others, and then break down what elements of a style may suit the client, their home and it’s site. Using Magazines, Pinterest, Houzz or just Google for imagery is a considerable time saver when collecting elements you prefer for your façade or style.

Look for Common Elements, Forms and Details Once you have your inspiration imagery, we encourage you to challenge yourself to breakdown what aspects and elements of each image that draw you to it. It could be the gabled roof of a modern farmhouse mimicking the agricultural building form, or a sleek transparent balcony form of a coastal style reaching out towards the water. Whatever the element or form it should reflect not only your like or want, but also your life’s needs.

Consider Cost Too many projects in today’s economic climate are struggling to find their way to the construction phase because the architectural style of their custom home has too many costly elements, materials or details. A good architect or designer can reinterpret these elements and create a design that reflects not only your own preference and personality but will also be a timeless statement that doesn’t break the budget.

Get an Expert Opinion Whatever your project’s size or budget, a professional designer should be able to piece all the components together to create a successful project. One that not only reflects your personality but meets all the other considerations like site and cost without compromising quality.

The skilled team at Graham Jones Design live for design, and live to curate timeless custom designed homes, and are waiting to assist you with your project and bring it to reality.

Give us a call today on 0477 394 864 to discuss your project further.

Don’t Just Pick A Trendy Style Trends come and go and not all of them will be remembered fondly. Instead contemplate what about your preferred style would remain timeless, for a timeless style/design is what will see your home endure the many trends of years to come. For example the likes of Modernist architecture sees many contemporary elements being replicated in today’s custom home design, from the flat minimalist roof with highlight windows, to the vast use of glass in many of its façade elements.

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P: 0477 394 864 W: grahamjonesdesign.com.au

LUXURY BUILDING DESIGN + INTERIORS LLU SS I GI G N N+ +I NI T OI R UXXUURRYY BBUUI LI LDDI N I NGGDDEE NETREIR OSR S

G R A H A M J O N E S D E S I G N . C OPENINSULA M.A U | 57 ssence E G SS I GI G NN . C. C OO MM . A. U GRRA AHHAAM MJJOONNEESSDDEE AU December 2023

ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA & SURROUNDS

CHRISTMAS FUN FOR EVERYONE AT ARTHURS SEAT EAGLE Get into the festive spirit with family friendly fun at the Eagle, and support a wonderful local charity.

Christmas Fun runs from 1 - 24 December and provides a unique setting for visitors to enjoy festive activities, events, and visits from Santa.

The premier event will be a magical Twilight Christmas Concert, held at the Eagle on the evening of 20th December. This community event, filled with musical performances, entertainers, activities and delicious food, will support MSFIN, a local community charity supporting families in need.

The Eagle will offer heavily discounted Gondola Family Tickets, at just $50, during the Twilight Christmas event. All profits from the evening will be donated to the charity MSFIN. Board one of the Christmas gondolas, festively decked in red, green or gold. Soar to the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula, enjoying breathtaking views over the glorious Arthurs Seat State Park.

At the Summit, the Eagle Kids Corner will be hosting festive crafting sessions and activities, while the Eagle café’s festive treats will get even the grouchiest grinch into the spirit of the season! Santa will be visiting the Base Station photo booth every Sunday in the lead up to Christmas, offering a unique spin on the traditional Santa photo.

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Every day of Advent you’ll also have a chance to find a golden ticket in your gondola to open the Eagle Advent Calendar, and win a daily prize to enjoy a wonderful regional experience, or a locally sourced gift!

Christmas Fun at the Eagle runs the whole season long with sack-loads of christmassy cheer for the whole family! The Eagle will be closed on Christmas Day, before reopening for a jam-packed Summer Fun event from December 26th until January 29th.

For more details visit: aseagle.com.au Donate to MSFIN visit: msfin.org.au

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December 2023

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ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA & SURROUNDS

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH FOR MY RETIREMENT? After 15 years as an adviser, I can tell you that planning for retirement is different for everyone. We all have a different set of objectives and resources available for both financial and life investments, and varied tolerance for risk when investing.

As retirement gets closer it becomes overwhelming. You need to look at all the options on hand and develop a plan of attack that works for you. Being realistic and thinking about outliving a nest egg and going into aged care must be part of the plan. We move from pre-retirement where we want to maximize our balance, to retirement where we want to maintain our capital for income and legacy.

Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Being flexible is mandatory in this day and age.

What do the researchers say?

Cashflow According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia’s Retirement Standard, to have a ‘comfortable’ retirement, single people will need $45,962 pa and couples 64,771 a year based on you being a home owner.

If we look at the age pension a single person receives $25,678 and a couple 38,708.80pa plus supplements.

Lump Sum The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia’s Retirement Standard says to have a ‘comfortable’ retirement, single people will need $545,000 in retirement savings, and couples will need $640,000 based on you being a homeowner.

If I had a dollar for every time a client had asked me how much money I need in retirement, I would be retired!!! It all depends on the level of comfort (aka expenses) you are used to. I am fortunate to work from all four of our offices and I can tell you there is a definite difference in level of comfort. It costs me more to buy my lunch in the Mornington office than it does in the East Brunswick office.

The Retirement Budget & Cashflow This is your current budget, which considers all your present-day income and expenses. While you should have some idea as to what you will need to save per month based on your retirement goals, you also need to make sure that you have that money to save. It is a good idea to put retirement savings as a line item in your budget, just like food and shelter costs, so that you can set aside those funds every month.

First, we need to look at what our expenses are likely to be.

By this time all debt and capital (renos, cars etc) have been taken care of so, it is now about living and enjoying life.

A: Level 2/326 Main St, Mornington W: apartnerinplanning.com.au

HAVE YOU BEEN PUTTING OFF RETIREMENT PLANNING? WE DON'T BITE

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ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA & SURROUNDS

FOR EVERY SKIN & BEAUTY NEED Located at the top end of High Street in Hastings, a beautiful, private boutique salon awaits.

Lillian Mac Skin & Beauty has a mission to provide remarkable treatments and ensure a memorable service to every one of their valued clients.

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Patient, accommodating staff provide impeccable, knowledgeable services to meet every need and their extensive range of beauty treatments cater to every whim.

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As soon as you walk through the door a quiet and beautiful space encourages you to wind down and take a moment for yourself. The luxurious treatment rooms cradle your mind and spirit taking you to a place of total tranquillity. We dare you to try not to fall asleep during one of your sessions!

SELECTED AREAS T & C s A P P LY

The team at Lillian Mac Skin & Beauty look forward to pampering you.

For your convenience, the treatment menu can be viewed via the appointment booking portal found on Facebook, but do not hesitate to call with any questions or concerns. Walk-ins are also most welcome.

A: 1/101 High Street, Hastings P: 5979 1511 FB: LillianMacDaySpa INSTA: @lillianmacskinandbeauty

Shop 1, 101 High Street, Hastings.

P: 5979 1511

To subscribe phone Mornington Peninsula News Group on 03 5974 9000 or complete the details below.

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ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA & SURROUNDS

THE

GLUTEN FREE BUTCHER COMES TO MT ELIZA For people diagnosed with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, finding more than just the basics for a tasty, gluten free meal that the whole family will love has been a challenge. Thanks to newly opened Brian’s Gourmet Meats in Mt Eliza this is no longer the case.

MT ELIZA

Endorsed by Coeliac Australia, the family-owned business boasts an incredible range of 100% gluten free products from their legendary chicken schnitzels and Kiev's through to marinated products, sauces, and even frozen jam rolls: all 100% gluten free.

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Bringing decades of experience focussing on locally sourced, top-quality meats expertly prepared by on-site qualified butchers, owners Brian and Angela Rollason are excited to offer both home delivery and click and collect services to their customers.

Or just drop in and discuss your needs with them anytime Monday through Saturday.

They can’t wait to meet you!

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Ph: 9787 4473

A: 112 Mt Eliza Way, Mt Eliza P: 9787 4473 W: briansgoumetmeats.com.au

Open 7am - 5pm Monday - Friday 7am - 12.30pm Saturday

www.briansgourmetmeats.com.au

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FACE PAINTING & KIDS RIDES

Adults $10 Under 16 FREE Students & Pensioners $5 Program $2

FOOD & LIQUOR BOOTHS

Rye Ath Athletic Carnival Family Fun Day Saturday 13th January 2024 - Starts 8.30am

PLUS: BOOKMAKERS BETTING ON THE MELBOURNE & INTERSTATE RACES

R.J. Rowley Reserve (Rye Football Ground)

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Proudly sponsored by

To find out more please call Emma on 0414 062 891 or email your resume to info@fel.vic.edu.au

Building bright futures, one At FiRST Early Learning we believe that all children are unique and valuable members of our society. Every child is a capable learner, active in their own early learning journey.

FiRST educators are nurturing, dedicated and experienced. We create environments for every child that promote and encourage a love of learning, sense of security, wellbeing and diversity.

step at a time

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We offer a government-approved Kindergarten based on the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework led by experienced, Bachelor Qualified teachers. Our amazing program includes bush kinder, intergenerational programs and swimming lessons at no extra cost to families.

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ANTIQUES, JEWELLERY, FURNITURE, COLLECTABLES & SO MUCH MORE AT THE TYABB PACKING HOUSE 14 MORNINGTON-TYABB RD, TYABB OPEN THURS, FRI, SAT & SUN 10AM TO 5PM The Tyabb Packing House Antiques is home to more than 20 dealers, all specialists in their fields.

Come along on the grand journey of the Tyabb Packing House, whose walls along with its tenants have many stories to tell.

tyabbpackinghouseantiques.com.au @tyabbpackinghouseantiques.com.au

Unique &Antique.

Garry Pakenham offers an eclectic blend of coins, toys, and an extensive range of collectables.

0415 322 464 14 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Tyabb

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COME & SEE US AT TYABB PACKING HOUSE P: 0414 950 450 antiqueandretrowarehouse

you’ll love shopping at this store!

• Christmas Decorations • Unique Home Decor • Manchester

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November 2023

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The Science of Selling Awesome Men’s Stuff

Visit the Best Men’s Gift Store in the Entire Universe!

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December 2023

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A DIFFE H T I W FT

CHRISTMAS 2023

DO YOU LOVE GIN? Elevate your picnics and outings this festive season with Gin’N Juice Cans, just pop open and enjoy!

It’s the ultimate sip of refreshing flavor on your adventures and its proudly made on the Mornington Peninsula.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, a day in the park, or simply soaking up the sun in your backyard, our Gin’N Juice Cans will make your moments even more delightful.

We say “Cheers” to effortless taste.

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ORIGINAL SPIRIT CO Give the gift of radiance with 60°South Glitter Gin. This enchanting collection, inspired by the Southern Lights, adds a touch of sparkle to festive celebrations.

A luminous present for the holidays. Order online originalspiritco.com

FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE A gift voucher to the Frankston Arts Centre is valid for three years and the lucky person in your life will enjoy experiencing the thrill of live entertainment that awaits them during the new year. theFAC.com.au ARTHURS SEAT EAGLE Take your gift giving to new heights this Christmas!

An Arthurs Seat Eagle gift card will send you soaring over the sights of Port Phillip Bay. aseagle.com. au/gift-cards

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Auction year kicks off on Victoria’s Southern Peninsula on Australia Day weekend.

Are you thinking of selling? If so, call now to secure a spot for the biggest auction event on the peninsula.

Two days of auction-packed action over the Australia Day long weekend will kickstart the year’s Mornington Peninsula property market, where hundreds of Victorian homeowners will experience success by selling their piece of the nation.

With a record number of properties going under the hammer, participation in this event is indispensable for both buyers and sellers.

Belle Property Rosebud | Dromana offers three in-house licensed and accredited auctioneers. The welfare of your asset could not be in better hands, as these agents and auctioneers are well-attuned locals, highly experienced and possess extensive knowledge of the market.

Seek out your Belle Property area expert to secure this once-yearly opportunity. It could be the smartest move you ever make!

Belle Property Dromana | Rosebud 03 5987 1999 dromana@belleproperty.com belleproperty.com/dromana

Scan here for a free market appraisal.

December 2023

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Focus On

on

Coffee Rosebud Safari

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(Census 2020). 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.

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

WINNER - BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2023

You’ll find Elements Eatery located within the state-of-the art Yawa Aquatic Centre. Enjoy a morning coffee or relaxed lunch in either the indoor or outdoor seating areas, or pick up a takehome meal after a gym or swim session.

Alternatively, the Grab & Go Kiosk is more relaxed, offering families and casual swimmers healthy food options poolside or a quick coffee on the go.

The Hideout Eat Drink Play 889 POINT NEPEAN RD

Rosebud has a temperate coastal climate

Zarb & Ru

along Point Nepean Road and provides a scenic backdrop when viewed on Rosebud's

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.

on-Sea estate (today known as the "Avenues").

Median house price is $780,000 and the price for units is $670,000.

shopping centre and extensive sporting

December 2023

100 BESGROVE ST

beaches.

rises up in the distance behind the shops

and is usually several degrees cooler than

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Elements Eatery

The Hideout Eat Drink Play offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, Little Rebel coffee, acai bowls, smoothie bowls, and more. They are also child-friendly with an enclosed outdoor courtyard and cubby, and dogs are welcome too!

bushy mountain peak of Arthurs Seat. It

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.

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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.

Melbourne. The annual maximum mean temperature is 19.1 degrees C. In the early twentieth century, developers attempted to stimulate investment in the area by marketing Rosebud as an English-style seaside resort with the creation of the ClactonLand was offered at just two pounds per block, however, uptake was impeded by Rosebud’s distance from Melbourne.

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 facilities.

1037 POINT NEPEAN RD Tucked away in the main strip of Rosebud’s shops, Zarb & Ru is a holein-the-wall cafe dedicated to great coffee and grilled-to-perfection jaffles.

Zarb & Ru champion local products, both on the menu and also in an array of locally made artisan ceramics and artwork on offer.

La Casa Nostra

1033 POINT NEPEAN RD La Casa Nostra Deli is a family owned business which has been open since 1999. The deli stocks international groceries, coffee, smallgoods, cheeses and essential kitchenware. If you are looking for fantastic coffee, a hard-tofind ingredient, cooking equipment, and friendly, knowledgeable service then this is the place to go.

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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Puzzle Corner ACROSS 1. Pass off (author's work) as one's own 6. Quitting (habit) 10. Price loadings 15. Prevents from speaking 18. Accumulates 19. Less abundant 20. Kills with ray gun 22. Broken-limb support 23. Medium's sessions 24. Stadiums 25. Biro 26. Lowest part of ship's hull 28. Actor, ... Murphy 30. Drinking lounge 31. Dutch cheese 32. Consumer 33. Ore seam 34. Fury 35. Dr Jekyll & Mr ...

37. Canned fish 39. ... or nay 40. Louvre section 42. Biblical first man 45. Star of Lou Grant (2,5) 48. Rove 49. London's ... Gallery 50. Liberate 53. Sugar cane liquor 54. Attracted (to) 56. Derogatory 59. Lathers 61. Genetic blueprint for life (1,1,1) 62. ..., line & sinker 63. Crooner, ... King Cole 64. Creeper, Boston ...

65. Rather this ... that 66. GP 68. Bring up (food) 69. Prosecute 70. Belittle 71. Increase 72. Outstanding (payment) 73. Lack of skill 74. Chest bone 76. Relinquish (3,4) 78. Lauded 80. Undomesticated (goat) 81. Garden fence uprights 84. Egg-like shapes 85. Per annum 87. Acquire 89. Performed in opera 92. Ravaging 94. Knitting style, Fair ...

96. Indian metropolis (3,5) 97. Wizard

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98. Bawl 100. Sworn statement 101. Wise person 104. Racial enclave 105. Needled 107. Russian villa 108. Sheltering 112. Afoot 113. Collaborates (with) (5,2) 115. Refrain (from) 117. Neither 118. Tolerant 120. Respectful address 121. Public hanging 123. Pleasure 125. Must, ... to 126. Rebirth 127. Heart-rending 129. Actress, ... Minnelli 130. UK "auntie" TV network (1,1,1) 131. Naked, in the ...

133. Inheritor 134. Confer knighthood on 136. Rubbish 137. Caustic 140. Crop up 141. Nuptial vow (1,2) 142. Ceases 146. Italy's former currency 147. Engrave 148. Wear best clothes (5,2) 152. Interfering 154. Train track 155. Infected matter 156. Fencing blade 157. Pre-Soviet emperor 159. Frill 160. Model, ... Macpherson 162. Tea And Sympathy star, Deborah ...

164. Academy Award winner, ... Keaton 165. Boxing legend, Muhammad ...

167. Trumpeting sound 169. United (2,3) 171. Material scrap 173. Reproduces 174. Pig's foot 175. Noisier 177. Experts 178. Frostiness 179. Hero-worship 180. Lone 181. Handled poorly 182. Bouquet 183. Came to pass

December 2023

DOWN 1. Small flat-faced pooches 2. Obtuse or acute formation 3. Nonprofessionals 4. Prepare for hatching 5. Match 6. Smooches 7. Mounted soldiers 8. Immunised 9. Poisoned by fumes 10. Conservative 11. Make again (2-6) 12. Tirade 13. West African republic 14. Figure (out) 16. Submit resume 17. Scorched 20. Black/white striped animals 21. Warm hooded coat 27. Ensuring 29. Reduces allergic reaction 35. Petrol/electric (vehicle) 36. Judge 38. Built-up (area) 41. Display 43. Accomplishment 44. Threat 46. Atypically 47. Famous bushranger (3,5) 51. Heartiest 52. The final conflict 55. Witch's nose growth 56. Pupil 57. Gold brick 58. Admires 60. Kiln 67. Corporal's stripe 69. Flows 72. Removes (hat) 75. Moisten (roasting meat) 77. Waterproof fabrics 79. Unclear 82. Scrutinise 83. Elderly spinster (3,4) 86. Waltz virtuoso, ... Rieu 88. Shorted out 90. Consumed 91. Country's total income (1,1,1) 92. Missing in action (1,1,1) 93. Greenwich Mean Time (1,1,1) 94. Details, ... & outs 95. Propane or butane (1,1,1) 98. Broaden 99. Calls for more 102. Picasso & Monet 103. Miscalculation

104. Assemblies 106. Yellow weeds 108. Horror story (5-7) 109. Indianapolis state 110. Reykjavik is there 111. Uninvited guests (4-8) 114. Adores 116. In any place 119. Also-ran 122. Globes 124. Soon, in the ... future 125. New York river 128. Aussie stockman 130. Lightweight timber 132. Playwright, Oscar ...

135. Begins to sprout 138. Escorts 139. Rink sport (3-7) 141. Little devils 143. Mountain nests 144. Surgical cut 145. Tripling 149. Revise meaning of 150. Gone With The Wind's ... O'Hara 151. Womb 153. French saint, Joan ...

(2,3) 158. Protector, guardian ...

161. Admits (4,2) 163. Uncommon event 166. Welsh vegetables 168. Leading 170. Holed atmosphere layer 172. Take in (orphan) 173. Soothing ointment 176. Swamp grass

See page 90 for solution

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Share stories with other residents over a cuppa in the community centre or get creative with those who share similar interests.

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History

Police strike leads to shooting of Frankston officers

By Cameron McCullough

I

t was one hundred years ago, on the evening of 31 October 1923, when a squad of constables at Russell Street police headquarters refused to go on duty. The move would result in the famous 1923 Victorian police strike. Looting and rioting would break out on Melbourne’s streets, and the death of two police officers in Frankston, by the hand of one of their own, would be narrowly averted.

Out on strike The police association of the time had made repeated efforts to improve the lot of Victoria’s police. They were considered understaffed and underpaid in comparison to their colleagues in other states. There was no pension system in place, and many police officers were struggling as pre-war standards of living had not returned, five years after the end of the Great War. Things were tense among the force, but the tinder was ignited when the relatively new chief commissioner of police, Alexander Nicholson, set up a system of four “special supervisors" to secretly monitor beat cops as they went about their duties.

The police “spies", referred to as “spooks" by rank-and-file members, were a step too far for many police and on the evening of 31 October 1923, Constable William Thomas Brooks led a small group of men out on strike. The trickle became a flood and before the government knew it, a third of the police force was on strike.

Most of the strikers were constables. Many were returned servicemen. Senior officers and detectives did not participate in the strike.

After 24 hours, the Premier, Harry Lawson, demanded a return to work and promised no victimisation, although there was no promise to meet the strikers' demands. After 48 hours, the Premier again demanded a return to work but with no guarantees regarding victimisation.

Failing to get police back on the beat by the deadline, the decision was made to discharge 634 policemen; about a third of the Victorian Police Force.

Left: The first man out. Constable William Thomas Brooks led the police out on strike on 31 October 1923.

Right: Special Constables charge the crowd during riots and looting that occurred while the police were on strike.

Right Top: The Premier of Victoria, Harry Lawson.

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Riots and looting Any belief that the dismissal of such a large number of police would have no ill effect was quickly dispelled when, on Friday and Saturday nights, looting and rioting broke out across the city. The mayhem resulted in three deaths, a tram being overturned, windows smashed, and merchandise being stolen out of stores.

Premier Lawson made a plea to the Federal Government for troops to prevent and put down trouble. It was refused. Over the weekend, five thousand volunteer “special constables" were sworn in to help restore order. They were under the direction of Sir John Monash at the Melbourne Town Hall and led by AIF veterans and Citizen Military Forces (CMF) officers.

Reaction to strike The strike was widely discussed including in the pages of the local newspaper of the day, the Frankston and Somerville Standard.

The first mention was a letter to the editor on 9 November: Sir, There are several serious aspects of the situation in regard to the present police strike which are inclined to be overlooked by the public.

Having in my profession encountered numerous policemen and representatives of numerous professions and trades, I say, without fear of contradiction, that the fine work of the great majority of the members of the force compel admiration. continued next page...

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Physically, they are the finest body of men in the State, while their intelligence is generally keen and penetrating. The incidents of the strike have been terrible, but he would be an illiberal man who would suggest that the members of the force who went on strike were responsible for it.

The strikers have justifiable grievances, and the obnoxious "spooks" merit removal. The failure of the Government to soothe the discontent of the members of the force by granting reforms, has, to my mind, been responsible to an extent for the outbreak of unleashed larrikinism.

The Government, of which I am a supporter, could have used more tact in the handling of the situation, but, alas, the sagacity of a few members of the Ministry has been limited, with the inevitable consequences of a state of chaos.

Australia's a free country, and everyone, whatever calling he may follow, should be entitled to receive consideration for his claims of redress.

The Government should receive the strikers back into the force without qualms, for the majority of them have served their country well during the war and in the maintenance of peace at home.

The following Friday, an article appearing in the same newspaper under the authorship of “The Knut” was far less conciliatory: Any argument calculated to uphold the action of the ex-police in deciding upon strike measures as a means of attaining their ends cannot carry one ounce of weight in the minds of the people.

Any, and every argument so advanced, be it painted ever so flowery, must fail miserably when put to the Ministry, with a view to having these strikers reinstated.

Grievances, without a doubt, were being borne by the force, and that being so, the men and other measures which could have been adopted to rectify things, but, like so many sheep, they were led to their doom by a decoy of the worst type: the agitator.

The police force is looked upon as an intelligent and capable arm of the law, and we suppose, possessed also of much reasoning power, therefore, when trouble arises it is their bounden duty to do their utmost to reason things out; to pacify, and if possible, heal a wound, so to speak.

To place the mild term of strike to the recent acts of lawlessness, would be far too good, for at best the whole deplorable outburst was in reality, a rebellion, pure and simple, engineered by heretics.

As for the local shire, they too gave little sympathy to the strikers. A telegram regarding the strike, sent by the Lorad Mayor of Melbourne, was tabled at the monthly meeting of the shire councillors with all those present ‘heartily supporting the Government in the stand taken to suppress the police strike.

Below: Frankston in the 1920's. This day, locals were out celebrating a visit to the town by General Birdwood.

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Above: The Prince of Wales Hotel, Frankston.

Right: James Culhane circa 1911.

A Saturday night to remember It was Saturday night on the 17 November 1923. Frankston police officers Senior-Constable James Culhane and Constable James Alexander Graham were on duty and charged with keeping order in the town.

Senior-Constable Culhane was well-known in Frankston. He had been stationed in the town for a little over a year having been transferred from the St Kilda Road depot. He had joined the force in 1897, was 47-years-old, and was married with three children.

He was often mentioned in the newspapers of the day, appearing in court prosecuting various malfeasances, or attending to the policing business of the small but bustling township of Frankston. He possessed the distinction of being honoured by the Royal Humane Society for rescuing a man from the snow at Harrietville in 1910.

Constable Graham was a mounted constable at Frankston. He was a returned soldier and served abroad in the 17th Infantry Brigade. He had been serving in the police force for four and a half years and was also married.

The two police recounted that at about 11pm, they first came across Peter Gordon Hannah at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Frankston “under the influence of alcohol”.

Ex-constable Hannah had been discharged from the police force recently, as a result of going out on strike. He was 38 years of age and became a policeman in 1909.

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Above: The Bay View Hotel, Frankston.

After serving for some time as a mounted constable, he was transferred to the dismounted arm. He had been stationed at Brighton, where he was well known and often appeared in the newspapers of the day for various happenings around the area. He was married with five children.

Hannah was known to the two Frankston police officers, and was on friendly terms with them, but not on this night.

Hannah greeted the men cordially. “Good night” said Culhane, to which Hannah replied, “Good night, Jim” and they shook hands.

He then greeted Graham and asked why he wasn’t on strike. Graham replied, “It’s too late to go out now.” To which Hannah said, “It’s not too late – come out, and be a man.”

Hannah handed both officers a pamphlet and the officers left the hotel and went over to the verandah of the Pier Hotel.

Hannah came out of the Prince of Wales Hotel, and walked to a motor car, and while the driver appeared to try and persuade him into the vehicle, his efforts were unsuccessful.

When the two officers made their way to the Bay View Hotel, Hannah decided to follow them and spoke to them again about the strike.

Culhane walked out of the hotel, with Graham following. At that point, he heard a struggle.

Going back in, Senior-Constable Culhane saw Constable Graham on his back on the floor. The striking police officer, Hannah, was kneeling over him with his thumb pressed into Graham’s neck.

Culhane remonstrated with him, saying “it would do his case no good.” But Hannah was not to be talked down, replying to Culhane “You go to ––––. This is only a scab. I’m going to kill him.”

Culhane managed to get Hannah off Graham, with the striking officer then turning his rage on Culhane. Graham, now off the floor, came to Culhane’s assistance and they got Hannah back under control.

Despite both being attacked by Hannah, the two officers took

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pity on one of their own and tried once more to get him into Allan Johnston’s car and on his way home. Johnston agreed, but the agitated Hannah ended up damaging the car and the driver thought the better of it and drove away.

Culhane stated that this is where their patience ran out after Hannah had assumed a “fighting attitude".

“We arrested him and took him to the watch-house, the accused struggling all the way,” said Culhane.

Inside the police station gates Hannah said he would go quietly, and was taken to the office. Culhane opened the door and went inside, and led Hannah in, between the two officers.

Shots fired “Just as I was lighting the gas I heard a shot, saw a flash, and heard Graham fall,” said Culhane.

“I asked Graham if he was hurt, he did not answer, and then, as I was stooping over Graham, I heard another shot, and felt a stinging pain.”

Culhane had been shot in the back by Hannah, with the bullet lodging in his neck.

Culhane fell out of the office, and crawling around the side, leant against the wall. Hannah walked past Culhane and said, “Do you want another, Jim?” to which Culhane replied “No,’ I’ve had enough,” and Hannah made his escape.

Culhane’s wife rushed in with a candle to help her wounded husband. Culhane knew he needed medical help fast and began to crawl towards Dr. Maxwell’s surgery.

Graham, thinking himself seriously injured, staggered across the road to the Bay View Hotel, and seeking assistance discovered he had escaped with only a grazed collar-bone. He attributed his good fortune to the fact that the overcoat which he was wearing at the time of the incident was thickly padded on the shoulder, thereby preventing the bullet from penetrating.

A busy night for a young lad Saturday 17 November started early for Neil Nicholson. A porter at Chelsea railway station, he rose at 4.30am in order to go on duty at 6am; starting early in order that he might finish at 1pm so that he could travel to Northcote to see his mother.

He did so, and, returning at night, tired out with his long day, he fell asleep on the train and was carried on to Frankston. Little did he know that the shooting had occurred and there was action aplenty with all hands searching for the escaped shooter who was feared to have fled north.

Nicholson discovered three other passengers had also missed their stops, so organised a car to return them to Carrum.

Once they reached “Chelsea House”, the young porter ran inside to grab some money to pay his fare.

The Chelsea police had been telephoned, and were on the look out for suspicious activity. No sooner did Nicholson come out than a local sleuth, who had meantime arrested the car and occupants on suspicion, told him to “step in”.

This he did, and without a word was whirled off to Frankston.

Not a word was said. Nicholson was conjuring up visions of being tried for murder, sedition and a hundred dreadful things.

They journeyed around Frankston and district until the small hours of the morning until suspicion of their involvement waned and they were told they could go home.

On the way back they were detained for a second time by search parties of police. Lights were flashed in their faces and the Frankston and Somerville Standard reported that “our hero cracked hardy, but felt a little shaky.”

After a close scrutiny one of the police recognised the lad porter from Chelsea, and as their innocence absolutely established, they proceeded on their way, finally making it home.

The newspaper reported that “since then Neil has been the hero of the hour at Chelsea. All the girls look in him as a kind of modern Sir Galahad. Lucky Neil!”

“Quite an exciting time”, he told the newspaper. “I rose in the morning at 4.30am little dreaming of the exciting day before me.

I arrived back at ‘Chelsea House’ tired, but thrilled, at 4.30am, exactly 24 hours later. I am too tired for words”. continued next page...

Below: Chelsea railway station, where Nicholson worked as a porter.

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Battle to save Culhane Meanhile at about 12.30 on the morning of 18 November, Mrs Culhane put a call out to Dr Maxwell for help telling him she believed two police officers had been shot and injured.

“In consequence of what I was told, I went to the Bay View Hotel, and saw Graham,” said Dr Maxwell.

“From what he told me I went to the police station, from thence to my surgery, where I saw Culhane staggering up the path. I assisted him in and examined him. I found he was shot, and seriously injured."

At about 4am on 18 November, Constable T. Nicholls of Mordialloc saw a car approaching Mordialloc Bridge and intercepted it.

“What is your name?” the constable asked of the occupant.

“What is that to do with you?” came the reply.

“I am a constable of police, stationed at Mordialloc, and I am looking for an ex-constable named Hannah, who is said to have shot two Frankston police,” said Nicholls.

“Are you Hannah?”

Not ready to give up yet, Hannah replied “No, my name is Brown.”

Dr Maxwell took him in a cab to a private hospital, where he further examined him, and found a wound above the left shoulder blade, bleeding freely.

Nicholls pushed the occupant by asking his profession.

Culhane was X-rayed on Monday 19 November and the bullet located. An operation was performed on Tuesday by Drs Maxwell and Le Soeuf, and the bullet extracted. It was reported that, after the operation, Culhane was “progressing very favorably”.

“No,” said Hannah, denying he had been at Frankston that night.

Two weeks later, the Frankston and Somerville Standard reported “Senior Constable Culhane's many friends will be pleased to learn that he has left the Hospital” on Tuesday 4 December, just in time to give evidence at the case against Hannah, but that it would be some time before he could resume policing duties.

While recovering, Senior-Constable Wilson, of Woomelang, was brought in to take temporary charge of Frankston police station.

Hannah captured After the shooting, word spread quickly, and search parties set out to capture the absconded Hannah.

“A labourer, out of employment,” said Hannah.

“Were you ever in the police force?” asked Nicholls.

Nicholls asked him about the mark above his eye to which Hannah replied “I was in a brawl at Chelsea.”

Nicholls' suspicions were aroused, and he took the suspect back to the police station. He telephoned Frankston, and Detective Sergeant Armstrong and Constable Ryan headed to Mordialloc station where they identified him as ex-Constable Hannah.

He was searched, and a revolver was found in his possession containing three live cartridges and two empty shells. Detective Sergeant Armstrong informed the accused, in answer to his question, that he would be charged with shooting Culhane and Graham with intent to murder.

He was taken to MeIbourne by Detective Sergeant Armstrong and remanded at the city watch house.

Below: The location of Hannah's capture. The Mordialloc Bridge pictured in the early 1900's. Picture: State Library of Victoria.

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Hannah appears in court Hannah appeared, on Tuesday 20 November, before Messrs.

Armstrong (chairman) Oates, and Brown, Justices of the Peace, on remand from the City Court, and was charged with having, on 18 November, shot with intent to murder Senior-Constable James Culhane, and Constable James Alexander Graham.

In outlining the case, Sub-Inspector Spratling detailed the happenings from the time accused was seen in the Prince of Wales Hotel, up to the time the shooting took place, and called witnesses to the stand.

“I was in uniform, and was wearing the overcoat and clothes produced, which showed bullet holes. I have known the accused for some time, and was friendly with him,” said Culhane.

Graham stated when he heard the shot, he felt a stinging pain in his shoulder.

“I fell to the floor,” said Graham.

“I got up and went onto the path and saw Culhane leaning against the wall. I then went into the street and ran to the Bay View Hotel.

While there someone opened my shirt, and a bullet fell out.”

After more testimony from the driver, Allan Johnston, and the officer that arrested Hannah, the Crown closed its case. Hannah, who pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence, and was committed to appear at the Criminal Sessions on 10 December.

"I can also remember having received a heavy blow. Despite what has happened, I think the constables will agree when I say they are my friends. I am not in the habit of drinking."

"Only the fact that I had a wife and family dependent on me made me take to drink. I had no intention of wounding the constables."

"This man's career has been hopelessly blighted," said Mr Eugene Gorman, appealing for clemency on behalf of Hannah.

Mr Gorman declared that Hannah, who had gone on strike, had been a member of the police force for 14 years, during which time he had acquitted himself well. Hannah had a wife and family.

He had been presented on three counts, and the jury had formed the opinion that he did not fire at Culhane with intent to murder or harm him in any way.

Hannah's actions had been affected, to an extraordinary degree, by drink.

Hannah was found guilty of having unlawfully wounded SeniorConstable Culhane at Frankston and was remanded for sentencing.

Hannah sentenced Before Justice Macfarlan in the Criminal Court Peter Gordon Hannah, who had been found guilty of having unlawfully wounded Senior-Constable Culhane at Frankston on November 17, was arraigned for sentence. continued next page...

The trial The Criminal Court was crowded on 14 December 1923, when Hannah, a tall and powerfully built man, was presented before Justice Macfarlan and a jury on charges of having wounded SeniorConstable Culhane, with intent to murder him, at Frankston, on November 18, and of having wounded Culhane with intent to prevent his arrest.

Eyewear As Individual As You Are

Hannah denied the charges.

In a statement from the dock, Hannah said he had been a policeman for 14 years. He had a wife and five children dependent upon him. He was one of the strikers and had been through a very difficult time. His wife, he said, had tried to scrape together sufficient money to undergo a serious operation. This worried him terribly, and he took to drink. He did not remember going to Frankston that night, nor did he remember meeting Culhane.

He remembered meeting Graham and having a scuffle.

"I think the man with whom I had the scuffle was Graham," said Hannah.

Below: The court records from Hannah's trial.

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Mr Justice Macfarlan dryly remarked that Hannah was fortunate in not being found guilty on a more serious charge; if the outcome had been different for Culhane and Graham, the outcome would have been very differrent for Hannah.

Justice Macfarlan, however, could not disregard the finding of the jury, which apparently thought that the prisoner did not shoot with intent to murder or with intent to wound.

At the same time it was impossible to shut one's eyes to the fact that it was a most serious offence.

He would take into consideration the fact that the prisoner was undoubtedly drunk at the time.

The maximum statutory sentence prescribed was three years' imprisonment, and in the circumstances it would not be right to impose a sentence of less than two years' imprisonment with hard labour. That was the sentence sentence Hannah would have to undergo.

Released early In the meantime, the police strike had been resolved with the police getting many of their demands met, and an election held.

The new Labor government, headed by George Prendergast, was considered much more sympathetic to the police officer’s cause and Hannah’s case came to the attention of the State Attorney General, William Slater.

Slater made the decision to release Hannah after just nine months of his two year sentence. He explained the release came on the recommendation of Mr Akeroyd, Inspector General of Prisons, who had reported that Hannah's conduct jn prison had been exemplary, and that he had no criminal instincts.

Slater further said that Hannah’s wife was in delicate health, and that she has five young children to support. Slater had been assured that Hannah, if released, would be given a position at £5/5/ a week. He had, therefore, been released on £100 bond to be of good behaviour.

Hannah’s release was not popular in all circles with one newspaper, The Australasian, writing an article scathing of the Prendergast government’s decision in September 1924: No sooner is it well in office than it releases a criminal who, had he been more prosperous in his criminal effort, would probably have been hanged.

Presumably be is now eligible for reinstatement in the police force when Mr. Prendergast can safely fulfil his promise to "reinstate every man who was dismissed."

What of the future?

It appears it wasn’t long before Senior-Constable Culhane transferred way from Frankston, with the Frankston and Somerville Standard reporting in March 1925 that “Mrs. Culhane, wife of Senior-Constable Culhane, erstwhile a most popular and zealous officer of Frankston, paid a visit here yesterday, and renewed several old friendships. We are pleased to state that Senior-Constable Culhane is enjoying the best of health at North Melbourne, where he is stationed.”

By 1934 Superintendent James Culhane had been appointed as officer in charge of the C.I.B., succeeding Superintendent Walsh when he retired.

It was reported that for five years, Superintendent Culhane oversaw the Midland district, with headquarters at Maryborough.

Then he was transferred to take charge of the South-Eastern district, including Gippsland, with headquarters at Malvern, where he had "remained up to the present time".

The last mention of James Culhane was in October 1945 when he was listed as a pall-bearer for the funeral of a retired police officer.

Things may not have been as smooth for Hannah. It appears he had a number of further brushes with the law.

In August 1930, when Hannah was unable to pay two outstanding electricity accounts, the Electricity Commissioner disconnected the electric light and sealed the fuse box only for it to be discovered, in September, that the lights were still on in the Hannah household.

This led to a charge of fraudulently reconnecting the supply, with a fine of £5 , in default imprisonment for one month.

Another brush with the law came in May 1931, when he pleaded not guilty to a charge of having stolen a quantity of firewood, the property of Joel Carter, from the police paddock at Dandenong.

In that case, the jury found Hannah not guilty.

Acknowledgement: The above story has been taken from various newspaper accounts of the incident.

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