December 2016 by Peninsula Essence

DECEMBER 2016

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PENINSULA EA

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Living & visiting on the Mornington Peninsula

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M ONTHLY U B LIS H E

Dawn Of The Dread • Barefoot Cinema • The Eagle Soars High • Vinyls Started it All • Sleeping With Peter Alexander • Style File • Mornington Peninsula Weddings • A Story Of Food, Wine And Family • Must Try Dishes • How The Other Half Live

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contents 7. Events 8. Peninsula Styles 11. Nothing Bland about Barry Writers: Melissa Walsh, Kristy Martin, Peter McCullough, Cameron McCullough Creative Director: Maria Mirabella Photography: Yanni, Gary Sissons, Jarryd Bravo Publisher: Cameron McCullough Advertising: Brooke Hughes, 0409 219 282 or brooke@mpnews.com.au General enquiries: essence@mpnews.com.au Registered address: 2/1 Tyabb Road, Mornington 3931 Phone: 5973 6424 www.peninsulaessence.com.au /peninsulaessence

The celebrity chef, entrepreneur and world traveller with the flamboyant and friendly nature continues to push the culinary boundaries even after 40 odd years in the business.

16. Dawn of the Dread

Dreadlocks are making a comeback and Rosebud’s Rachelle Holland is at the forefront of the trend with her business ‘Jungle Bangs’.

22.

Barefoot Cinema

The idea behind Barefoot Cinema is that it represents the laid back and friendly atmosphere that beach towns are famous for.

26. Shining a Light on Conservation

The sanctuary’s renowned lantern-lit tours bring a whole new dimension to this award-winning eco-tourism facility in Pearcedale.

38. The Eagle Soars High

With the Arthurs Seat Eagle opening in December, the ten-year journey has come to fruition for CEO Hans Brugman, and he could not be more proud of the reinvented chairlift.

44. Commemorating 100 Years

It was October 16, 1916 that No. 4 Squadron was established as a unit of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at Point Cook. To celebrate the centenary, Flight Lieutenant Col Burrows from RAAF No 4 Sqn flew to Tyabb for a photo shoot with some of the aircraft types they operated over the past 100 years.

50. Living Life beyond the Vapour Trail

Brett Pierce’s new book, Beyond the Vapour Trail, regales a journey through countless countries by the local aid worker who has spent 20 years at the sharp –end of development aid in some of the most needy places on earth.

62. Vinyls Started it All

Getting the lowdown on the life of Andy Phillips, hailed as one of the most exciting guitarists presently on the Melbourne music scene.

@peninsulaessence

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).

68. Sleeping with Peter Alexander

Sleepwear king Peter Alexander was never really into fashion, originally wanting to be a vet or get into catering. But as fate would have it, the founder of the multi-million dollar Peter Alexander Sleepwear brand, found his way into ladies pj’s and has never looked back.

71. Style File

Summer Fashion pages

80. Mornington Peninsula Weddings

The peninsula showcased as the ideal wedding destination

86. Gordon gets to the Essence of Peninsula People

It was a Kodak instamatic camera given to eight year old Daryl Gordon that ignited a passion for photography lasting more than four decades. Now the Mornington Peninsula photographer gets to the essence of people.

93. A story of Food, Wine and Family

The term ‘friends and neighbours’ developed as a theme for Merricks General Wine store; a story of food, wine and family.

98. Lynsey head a Winning Team

With a passion for all things culinary, head chef at Merchant and Maker, Lynsay, loves every moment of her job at this beachside café.

Cover Photo: Fishermans Beach Mornington Photo: Jarryd Bravo

Proudly published by

PEFC Certified

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

99. Must Try Dishes 107. Crossword 108. Focus on McCrae 112. How the Other Half Live

Checking out how the other half lives will only set you back around $12,500 per week for the ultimate in luxury. December 2016

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Clean your hands as nature intended

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Clean as nature intended probioticsolutions.com.au

Peninsula events

December

CIRCUS EXTRAVAGANZA NEW YEARS EVE

MORNINGTON RAILWAY SANTA SPECIALS

Saturday 31 Dec, 7pm – 1am This year RACV Cape Schanck Resort is hosting a New Year's Eve circus extravaganza. RACV Cape Schanck Resort Trent Jones Drive, Cape Schanck. Phone 5950 8006. www.racv.com.au

First three Sundays Sunday 4, 11 & 24 Santa Special Heritage steam train trips from Moorooduc to Mornington. Departs Moorooduc: 11.00am, 12.15pm, 1.45pm, 3.00pm Mornington Railway 460 Moorooduc Highway, Moorooduc. 1300 767 274 www.morningtonrailway.org.au

FRESH PASTA MAKING COOKING EXPERIENCE AT GREEN OLIVE AT RED HILL

MORNINGTON SUMMER TWILIGHT CRAFT MARKET

BAREFOOT CINEMA Dec 27-30 2016, Jan 2-6 2017, Jan 26-28 2017 (Australia day weekend) A spectacular new outdoor cinema set in Point Nepean National park in Portsea, one of the most exclusive and picturesque locations in all of Australia. Defence Road Point Nepean National Park, Portsea. Phone 0424086955 www.barefootcinema.com

BIRDS: FLIGHT PATHS IN AUSTRALIAN ART Friday 2 Dec, to Feb 12, 2017. This ground-breaking exhibition considers how Australian artists have incorporated birds in their work to explore and tell stories of our environment, history and identity, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington. Phone 5975 4395 www.mpng.mornpen.vic.gov.au

Saturday 17, 4pm to 9pm Mornington is one of the Peninsula's most appealing coastal towns and its famous Racecourse Market has been a monthly highlight since 1994. Mornington Racecourse, Racecourse Road, Mornington Phone 59763266 www.craftmarkets.com.au

Saturday 3, 9am till 1pm Our cooking course on the Mornington Peninsula covers everything pasta. 1180 Mornington Flinders Road, Main Ridge. Phone 5989 2992. www.greenolive.com.au

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Modern stylish & comfortable footwear awaits you at Bayside Shoes.The massive store offers footwear for any occasion.

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Full range of bunks in stock. Immediate delivery. Rosebud Homemakers 1387 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud, Ph 5986 8898

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December 2016

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Your local stores: Mornington 901 Nepean Hwy | Sorrento 131 Ocean Beach Rd

We have moved!

Victorian store locations: Fitzroy | Malvern | Geelong | Mentone

Our Cheltenham store has relocated down the road!

or shop online at www.swimweargalore.com.au One coupon per person. Cannot be used with any other offer or gift card purchase. Valid until 31-03-17.

6-10 Nepean Hwy, Mentone

Nothing Bland

ABOUT BARRY

"FAILURE TO ME IS A LACK OF TRYING. PEOPLE CAN BE NEGATIVE BUT YOU CAN’T LISTEN TO THE DOUBTING THOMAS'” HE SAID. "IT’S ABOUT HAVING VISION AND ABOUT BELIEVING IN YOURSELF.”

By Melissa Walsh Photos: Yanni

ou would never guess that Barry Iddles grew up on a dairy farm where daily life consisted of feeding the calves and chooks, and attending the Lockington Farming School. The celebrity chef, entrepreneur and world traveler with the flamboyant and friendly nature continues to push the culinary boundaries even after 40 odd years in the business. No matter where he travels in the world, he still calls the peninsula home. Melissa Walsh speaks to Barry at the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, the home base of his business Sorrento Catering which runs the salubrious sailing club, 333 in Melbourne, the Tarnuk Room at Australian Gardens in Cranbourne and Elk Restaurant in the Falls Creek alpine village.

“It all came about on Australia Day, which is when I tend to make most of my decisions. With January being the month of madness, I decided to take a day and a half off and headed over to Queenscliff on the ferry, went down the Great Ocean Road, and got a helicopter over the Twelve Apostles. When I saw the harbour I thought I might take it on. It had lying dormant for a few years,” said Barry. “We opened in October this year.” Even though he is constantly busy, Barry still likes to get hands on and cook when he can. “Just the other day we had a table for 30 booked but 45 turned up, so I jumped in and gave the boys a hand on the fryer,” he says with a laugh, explaining it’s a careful balance between being a free spirit and being incredibly organized.

“My mum was an amazing cook and I used to watch her in the kitchen a lot. In fact I just bought back one of her old dishes, passionfruit powder puffs (individual sponges that you fill with whipped cream and icing sugar and leave for six hours). I’ve dragged a lot of her recipes out over the years, like her chutney which we call Nana Bev’s Kick Ass chutney, even though her name was Phyllis,” said Iddles, laughing. “Mind you she always cooked steaks well done. At 18 I went to the Golden Fleece Roadhouse in Goulburn and tasted my first rare steak. I said to myself ‘oh my God, steak isn’t that bad’.”

For Barry, travelling has been an important part of understanding cuisine and he tends to take off to exotic locations numerous times throughout the year.

While Barry was drawn to cooking, his twin brother Ron was totally into police shows, watching Division Four regularly.

Barry says his favourite food is anything innovative and exciting, whether it is food from a street cart of a Michelin restaurant.

“My twin brother went on to become the top of homicide, and has only recently retired permanently from the force. For two country kids our lives went in different directions but have taken off in massive ways,” said Barry.

“I went to a degustation dinner in Denmark at $300 per head but two of the dishes didn’t work. They did stupid things like putting an olive tapenade with squid and it’s just too strong. They did this incredible reinvention of steak tartare, adding semi dried tomatoes and croutons into the mix. It was just an incredible take on that old 70s dish I learnt doing my apprenticeship,” said Barry, who dines everywhere from Vancouver to London, Asia and Europe. “I teach cooking at restaurants in Singapore twice a year.”

With a history of successful restaurants, multiple awards and flourishing catering business, Iddles should be proud of his achievements. “I love being a free spirit, and tend to make things happen quickly,” he said, referring to his recent acquisition, 360Q in Queenscliff.

“One day I took a group over to Vietnam and we ate seven times, from sampling street food to discover how you can give it a modern twist, to the most high end hatted restaurants. It is all about understanding food style, presentation, flavours, good and bad service. One of our apprentices Byron had never been out of Rosebud and now is a fully qualified chef who travels overseas four times a year looking at food.”

This dynamic go-getter is very different from the kid who grew continued next page...

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up in a small country town, and admits it was years later that he began to flourish.

four job offers. You cannot say I can’t afford to go to an interview and there is no excuse for not looking presentable,” he said.

“I was a shy child and my dad was a bombastic creature who ruled with an iron fist. But I was always innovative and, at 14, invented the ‘calfateria’” says Barry with a laugh. “I had to feed the calves all the time and so, being at a farming school, got the welder out and made a device that would feed 20 at a time. Then I decided to make an automatic chook feeder.”

Apart from his entrepreneurial and gastronomic success, the vibrant chef is also the ambassador for Fare Share, a Melbourne based charity aimed at rescuing surplus food from supermarkets, farmers and other businesses to be redistributed as cooked meals.

While Barry says life as a kid had its challenges, he insists you must not let the past rule your life. “At 18, I was close to a nervous breakdown but found you cannot dwell on the past. Two amazing books helped me – "Who moved My Cheese" and "The Present" by Spencer Johnson. Moving to Melbourne and focusing on my apprenticeship and putting my energy into food was amazing. In 1975 I won Apprentice of the Year, and Chef of the Year in 1985, knocking off Mietta's and top Melbourne restaurants.” Barry says part of his success is due to questioning everything. “I couldn’t understand why you have potatoes with everything, so I changed it. You have to push the boundaries and always be ready with a backup plan,” he explains. “Like when you don’t have a dessert to plate, you go out and buy a seedless watermelon, dice it up, put raspberry vodka, pimms and syrup over it, add basil, and make a raspberry sorbet. Or take 400 grams of frozen raspberries, two egg whites, a tablespoon of sugar and put it in the thermomix, and then in the freezer till you serve it. It’s stunning.” Always searching for the next opportunity, it was after selling Artistic that Barry decided to start Sorrento Catering. “I wasn’t allowed to open within 25 kilometres of where my original business had been and had come back from a world trip to buy a house down here. The house settled in 10 days and was fully furnished in 20. When I came back down here there was a little set of shops empty so I decided to start my business again. I was doing private catering out of my restaurant as I have always found its about being productive with the area you have. Failure to me is a lack of trying. People can be negative but you can’t listen to the doubting Thomas’s,” he said. It’s about having vision and about believing in yourself.” Barry says he discovered his passion when he left the country, and has always thought outside the square. “I wanted to prove that you didn’t need to have money to be presentable and put your best foot forward. So I decided to buy an interview outfit from the local op shops. I bought white happy shoes for a dollar, a white shirt and green corduroy suit. Dressed for under $10, I went to four job interviews in Melbourne and got

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December 2016

Barry opened Skinny Duck which raised $130,986.95 supporting FareShare on its first night earlier this year, creating 260,000 meals for Melbourne’s underprivileged. “It raised $84,000 then next night and we will do it again in February or March next year. If I got every restaurant to get a dollar off every customer that’s enough to feed one and a half people so that’s my next thing. No one’s ever done it, and that’s the quickest and easiest way to knock it out,” said the practical Barry. “When I travel overseas and see beggars, I don’t give money, but always carry a bag of fruit for them.”

NEW CONTAINERS ARRIVING REGULARLY KIBU HAS THE PENINSULA COVERED WITH UMBRELLAS From small beach umbrellas to our giant cafe 5x5m umbrella Most of our umbrella’s come with spare parts.

OPEN 7 DAYS INDOOR/OUTDOOR FURNITURE ■ HOMEWARES ■ GIFTWARE ■ TABLES ■ CHAIRS ■ LOUNGES ■ BAR TABLES AND STOOLS ■ SUN LOUNGES ■ MARKET UMBRELLAS ■ CUSHIONS, LAMPS, ARTWORKS AND MUCH, MUCH MORE ■ MASSIVE RANGE OF RATTAN ■

COLCHESTER ROAD FACTORY 2

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By Kristy Martin Photos: Jarryd Bravo

Dreadlocks are making a comeback and Rosebud’s Rachelle Holland is at the forefront of the trend with her business ‘Jungle Bangs’. Kristy Martin chats to this crafty mum of five who is making a living through the art of dreadlock styling.

achelle Holland is a ‘professional dreadloctician’, which is probably an occupation not many of us have heard

of. In her purpose-built home salon, she spends countless hours with a crochet hook in hand, expertly fashioning her clients’ hair into dreadlocks.

She does dreadlocks for people with long or short hair, using human hair, wool or synthetic extensions. She does temporary, or braid-in, dreads for those who don’t want the full commitment and maintenance for those whose locks have grown out or require neatening. She sometimes adds colourful wraps, charms and beads for clients who want a pop of colour or some jewellery to complement their locks. People travel from all over Victoria to see Rachelle. Her clients are a mixture of men and women, aged between 14 and 60, and sometimes they are in the chair for an entire day. She welcomes them into her home, strangers at first, chatting to them for hours and getting to know their story, listening to music and watching movies with them while she works. By the time they leave, which could be up to eight hours later, they have forged a special bond with their hairstylist. Rachelle says that gone are the days when dreadlocks were made by teasing or backcombing hair and using sticky wax or harsh chemicals. Jungle Bangs uses the all-natural crochet hook method, meaning cleaner dreadlocks and minimal loss of length. While dreadlocks remain a somewhat alternative hairstyle, they tend not to have the same stigma they once had of being dirty or unkempt. That being said, there are still people who fail to take care of them properly. “If you don’t take care of them, they will look feral and if you don’t wash them, of course they will smell,” says Rachelle. It is a myth that dreadlocks don’t need washing, but they certainly aren’t hard to take care of, says the entrepreneurial mum. “You need clean, oil-free hair for your dreadlocks to lock up really well. “And you can do different styles with dreads to make them look neater and classier, especially if you leave some fringe out.” Dreadlocks do not appeal to everyone and people get them for various reasons. continued next page...

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“IF YOU DON’T TAKE CARE OF THEM, THEY WILL LOOK FERAL AND IF YOU DON’T WASH THEM, OF COURSE THEY WILL SMELL,” “(With) most people, I’ll ask how long they have wanted them and they’ll say "years". “I’ve got a lady who is coming in next week who has really long hair and she’s getting a full head of dreads, plus extensions, and it’s her 60th birthday a few weeks later. “It can be quite empowering for people.” A self-taught ‘loctician’, Rachelle is surprised when parents are willing to pay for their teenage children to get dreadlocks, which can cost upwards of $500 for a full head. However, she recalls always having unique cuts and outrageous hair colours herself while growing up on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It was her way of expressing herself. “I was always pushing the boundaries at school with my hair colour and stuff. “It started in about grade five or six. “I was always colouring friends’ hair and it was so much fun… (but) the hairdressing industry never really appealed to me. “When I met my husband, I’d never been around anyone with dreadlocks and I’d never even thought about it, and he had this full head of dreads. “He looked like Jack Sparrow,” she laughs. It was he who suggested she try out dreadlocks for the first time. “For my first set of dreads, I went to a salon somewhere in Eumundi. “Back then they did the perming solution and lots of backcombing and chemicals and stuff like that. “I loved them, but then - because I get really bored - I impulsively cut them off one day. “But after having them and not having them, I preferred having them.” She later came across a dreadlocked barista who offered to redo her dreadlocks using hair extensions. But the woman ended up only completing half and so Rachelle had no option but to learn how to finish the dreadlocks herself. “I did a tonne of research, practicing on hair extensions I had from my wedding and eventually got my whole head done with a full head of extensions.

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“I did it myself over a few nights and they actually turned out really good.” She wondered whether there was a market for dreadlocking and, once she found out no local salons offered it as a service, she put up a post on a Sunshine Coast community Facebook page and suddenly she had her first few clients. “I didn’t actually think about where it (the business) could go. “By that stage, I had kids and I just saw it as a bit of extra cash.” In 2013, the family was forced to relocate to Victoria after Rachelle’s husband, Mark, was made redundant and secured a new job down here. They moved into his parent’s beach house in Rosebud and Rachelle decided it was time to invest in her dreadlock business and make it a viable source of income. For a while she had a stall at Rye’s indoor market, Flock of Seagulls, but it was only when she joined an international dreadlock group on Facebook that she was introduced to wool and synthetic dreadlock extensions and from there new business potential emerged. Three years later, Jungle Bangs is going strong with a steady stream of regular clients, a new-look salon and a range of natural and organic dreadlock shampoos on sale. New customers are always being found thanks to the reach of social media and Gumtree ads. Rachelle has also just given birth to her fifth baby. (She has four boys, including twins, and a newborn baby girl.) Being a busy mum, it suits her to have a flexible home business. She can work as much or as little as she wants and she can take the time she needs to expand Jungle Bangs as new opportunities arise. “It’s great that I can choose when to work, but I do want to keep growing the business. “I’ll never settle, thinking ‘this is it and this is the best I’ll ever be’. I just want to improve it all the time.” To check out Rachelle’s work, find Jungle Bangs on Facebook or Instagram.

Summer of Racing

B A R E F O O T

CINEMA COMES TO PORTSEA By Melissa Walsh

hen Sorrento lad, Julian Grant and his girlfriend Yuliana first saw a barefoot cinema in London it planted a seed. The young lawyer, Julian, who had grown up on the peninsula with his brother Daniel, knew the perfect place for such an event. That was seven years ago and his dream is finally being realised this year with the opening of Barefoot Cinema at Point Nepean.

“We have always discussed the concept and thought about ways in which it might work. However, it wasn’t until this year that things started falling into place. Yuliana and Daniel had some time freed up so they could concentrate on the business. It was at that time the location also became available,” said Julian.

Cinema, given the natural amphitheatre, the charming historic building and the incredible views across Port Phillip Bay,” said Julian, who grew up in Sorrento with his brother, both attending peninsula schools. “The idea behind Barefoot Cinema is that it represents the laid back and friendly atmosphere that beach towns are famous for. That’s the vibe that we’re aiming for because we want to make sure that everybody feels relaxed and comfortable and ready to have great time. Fun times, beaches, sunsets, music, good food, cold drinks, great movies and friends and family – that’s what we’re all about.”

With Julian’s background as a lawyer, he was able to secure the venue and sort out the permits and licenses. Yuliana looked after the marketing, and Daniel was ideally suited to take care of the day to day operation of the business.

The Barefoot Cinema events will have a VIP area with super comfortable reclining chairs, general admission area with some seating, and a great area for those bringing their own gear like picnic rugs, low back chairs and bean bags.

Now a construction lawyer in Melbourne, Julian along with event manager, Daniel, eventually made the idea come to fruition.

“We chose Point Nepean as the location because it is absolutely stunning. Having been to a few music festivals there, we always thought it would be a great spot for the event, but were completely blown away when we were first taken to the Commanding Officer’s House, which is where the event is going to take place. The venue almost looks as though it was specifically designed for Barefoot

The cinema will run for 12 nights starting December 27-30, Jan 2-6, and Jan 26-28, at Point Nepean National Park, Point Nepean Road, Portsea. www.barefootcinema.com.au continued next page...

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Open 7 days from 7am 1008 Mornington/Flinders Rd, Red Hill Phone: 5989 2680

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December 2016

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December 2016

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Shining a

light

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December 2016

By Kristy Martin Photos: Jarryd Bravo

never thought I’d be standing inside an animal enclosure at night listening to owls barking like dogs, Tasmanian devils squealing like pigs and an emu with a chest heave that mimics a bass drum. I didn’t expect to be hand-feeding kangaroos, wallabies and squirrel gliders in absolute darkness with only a lantern to light up the scene. Taking part in one of Moonlit Sanctuary’s night tours is a unique and thrilling adventure. Both fun and educational, it is for those seeking intimate encounters with Australian native animals without the crowds and in a completely different atmosphere to strolling through the park during the day. The sanctuary’s renowned lantern-lit tours bring a whole new dimension to this award-winning eco tourism facility in Pearcedale, and are a great way to observe a variety of rarely seen nocturnal creatures when they come out to play at night. “All Australian mammals are night animals,” explains Moonlit Sanctuary’s owner and director, Michael Johnson. “Even kangaroos and koalas, which people see normally in wildlife parks are much more active and much more intimate at night, so we like to take people through at night.” You’ll see owls in action and gliders swooping around, while quolls, pademelons and bettongs forage for food. Not only will you get up close with koalas, dingoes and Tassie devils under the cover of darkness, but the thrill of being in the park on this exclusive tour after its gates have closed just adds to your excitement. Our guided night tour begins with an introduction to Pugsly, the two metre long python who enjoys making people squirm by squeezing the back of their necks. We are then handed our inflatable solar lanterns before setting off to see which of the sanctuary’s 60 different animal species will come out to say hello. Joining us on the tour are a pair of families from Canberra with four young children and a group of British tourists, each individual equally excited regardless of age or nationality. As we trudge around in the mud, listening to the chatter of the different birds and marsupials, our friendly and knowledgeable guide, Sally, informs us about the breeding habits of spot-tailed quolls, that southern bettongs are extinct on mainland Australia and where Tasmanian devils get their name from. continued next page...

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Much more than a petting zoo, Moonlit Sanctuary focuses on educating the public about Australia’s native animals and is also involved in a number of successful conservation programs. “About 40 per cent of all our animals are endangered in one way or another,” says Michael Johnson. “At the end of the day, unless you are doing something for the conservation of them in the wild, you’re not actually doing much more than having them on display.” This is why the sanctuary is involved in a number of breeding programs that aim to protect critically endangered species like bush stone curlews and orange-bellied parrots. With less than seventy left in the wild, orange-bellied parrots are on the critically endangered list, meaning there is a 90 per cent chance they will become extinct within the next five years.

“ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF ALL OUR ANIMALS ARE ENDANGERED IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER”

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December 2016

Moonlit Sanctuary’s captive breeding program is one of only a handful in Australia that are vital for the survival of this rare green bird with its distinctive orange belly patch. Moonlit Sanctuary, which is animal welfare accredited, has twice received the Victorian Tourism Award for Ecotourism and also won the Sustainable Cities Protection of the Environment Award for its Tasmanian devils. It has come a long way from its humble beginnings back in 2001,

when the sanctuary first opened offering solely moonlit tours and struggled to attract a few thousand visitors in its early years. Fifteen years on, the park is now open daily and a whopping 100,000 visitors are expected to pass through its gates this year. Guests can not only learn about endangered and threatened species through daytime visits or by participating in one of the moonlit tours, but they can also get up close and personal in one of five exclusive animal encounters offered daily. You can play with the dingoes in their enclosure or take them for a 30-minute walk on a leash. You can hold a python or a barn owl, or cuddle a koala, which is by far the most popular wildlife experience. (It is immensely popular with international tourists and sanctuary staff can manage anywhere up to 100 of these encounters on any given day.) Michael says once you get to spend time with the animals, you come to notice that they have different personalities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Certainly the more intelligent ones do, the dingoes and the parrots definitely have individual personalities.â&#x20AC;? Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest in wildlife developed as a child and he recalls continued next page...

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a fascination with books by British naturalist and zookeeper Gerald Durrell, particularly on the subject of endangered species. This passion continued well into adulthood, but it wasn’t until 1998 that he decided it was time to dedicate himself to conservation work. He then found the 10-acre site at Pearcedale and began to build Moonlit Sanctuary. He imagined a place where people could experience firsthand the rare and unusual animals that roam the Australian bush, especially the many species that no longer live locally. Each animal within the park has been hand-picked to fulfil his lifelong desire to help halt the rapid extinction of animal species in Australia. In 2012, Moonlit Sanctuary opened the world’s first walk-in glider enclosure as part of its lantern-lit tours and it truly is a marvel to have tiny feathertail gliders, which are smaller than mice, darting around you in the dark. Yellow-bellied gliders, which can glide up to 150 metres, swoop overhead in this purpose-built 20 metre aviary and you can even get up close with tawny frogmouths, a species of bird known for its expert camouflaging skills. Moonlit Sanctuary’s night tours are a fun and unique outing for families, friends or couples that combine adventure, education and conservation. So, do yourself a favour and take a walk on the wild side. www.moonlitsanctuary.com.au

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December 2016

OPEN 7 DAYS

(03) 5982 1455

1455 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud (Sister Café to Blue Mini Café)

Brindle’s

FLAG COMES HOME By Cameron McCullough

Union Jack that flew in Dromana during World War I will be the centrepiece of a display in the town on Sunday, December 4. The flag is one of many hundreds, which were made in 1901 to be hung in triumphal arches in Melbourne to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. The couple who would later become King George V and Queen Mary sailed to Australia to open the first Commonwealth Parliament in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne. Although these flags were designed to survive only for the duration of the royal visit, this particular one, though tattered and torn, has many more years to look forward to, if the Dromana and District Historical Society (DDHS) has its way. Acclaimed American artist Melbourne Brindle who did all his schooling in Dromana flew the flag daily during the war. Weeks before war was declared, Melbourne Brindle’s father Arthur Brindle, himself an artist, left Dromana to work on the Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco and, if the venture proved successful, the family was to join him. He sold Sunnyside the family farm to finance the trip and wife Grace and her seven children moved to rented quarters in Pier Street. At the outbreak of the war all domestic international travel was cancelled and the family lived in three rented homes until the war ended.

(Ewart) Melbourne Brindle found this flag in a box under one of those homes. “I’ve always loved flags,” he wrote, “this one in particular so, during the war I flew it day after day. “It soon began to fray and tear, not being hemmed and sewn at the edges of each colour change as is the proper Union Jack. “I knew that I had to make some repairs so I found old pieces of bunting, cut out what was needed to try to match the original design. The repairing went on so long as I flew the flag until finally a great long rip appeared, more repairing than I could handle.” The small safety pin is still where Brindle placed it a century ago. After the armistice, the Brindle family left Dromana to join Arthur in San Francisco. Fourteen-yearold Melbourne made sure the flag and other WWI memorabilia went with him. In 2012 Melbourne Brindle’s nephew Roger Brindle who lives in Sausalito, CA discovered Mel Brindle’s painting of the Brindle Brother’s Special a pseudo Rolls Royce his father and Mel Brindle made in the 1930s from parts of other cars. Along with the painting, Roger acquired several boxes of his uncle’s personal papers and memorabilia much of which was collected as a child growing up in Dromana. Many of these items were included in the parcel Roger sent to the DDHS last month and will be on display along with the Diggers hats he used in some of his paintings. Roger and his wife continued next page...

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December 2016

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Margaret who are currently holidaying in Australia will be guests at the function.

foregrounds of several of the Silver Ghost paintings and many of these are in the DDHS collection.

Melbourne Brindle’s American art career took off when he was in his 30s. He rose to prominence producing ads for Packard, Cadillac, Chrysler, General Motors and many others.

The DDHS acquired Melbourne Brindle’s Dromana State School drawing books in 2011 when the school was celebrating its 150th year.

During World War 2 he produced War Bond ads and he produced US postage stamps as well, some of which will be on display.

At the same time three of Brindle’s Dromana paintings were discovered in America and they are now in Dromana. The excellent Diggers Hat on Landing painting is hanging in the Dromana RSL (Peninsula Club) the Weerona painting bought by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is hanging at Dromana Primary School and Graham Pittock bought the Ozone painting privately during his first term as mayor. All three are expected to be featured on December 4. Admission is free and the event will run from 10am until 4pm.

He produced front covers for such magazines as Saturday Evening Post His drawings introduced the Thunderbird in 1955 and the Buick Riviera in 1963. After advertisements started featuring photographs rather than drawings in the 1960s, Brindle set about producing paintings of pre WWI Rolls Royce Silver Ghosts and in 1971 his giant book Twenty Silver Ghosts was published. Roger Brindle has donated a copy of the book to the DDHS and it will be on display. A copy of the smaller sized 1978 reprint will be raffled on the day. Brindle used much of the recently acquired memorabilia in the

Melbourne Brindle competed in many car rallies in America. The 'duster' he is wearing here will be displayed at the Brindle exhibition on December 4.

It is fitting that the display will be held in the Sandy Christie Room at the old shire offices across the road from where young Ewart Melbourne Brindle saw his first Rolls Royce, a blue one in 1912.

Brindle produced many magazine covers including Saturday Evening Post.

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Photos

Peninsula

It was an evening to remember at Merricks General Wine Store on 10 November, when famed landscape designer Paul Bangay dropped by. Drinks and canapĂŠs flowed in celebration of his new book "Country Gardens". Filled with spectacular photography of his to-die-for gardens, each of which features Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive simplicity and elegance, he writes passionately of his deeply personal relationship with each property and its owners. Books available for purchase from www.paulbangay.com

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December 2016

THE EAGLE SOARS HIGH By Melissa Walsh

ith the Arthurs Seat Eagle opening in December, the ten-year journey has come to fruition for CEO Hans Brugman, and he could not be more proud of the reinvented chairlift. Since 2006 Hans has worked extensively to modernise and re-establish the iconic tourist attraction, with a focus on safety, accessibility for all and minimal impact on the environment. “I grew up holidaying on the Mornington Peninsula every year in Sorrento and Blairgowrie. Now I holiday down here with my kids and have fond memories as a child riding the Arthurs Seat Chairlift, losing lots of pairs of thongs along the way,” said Hans, who decided to get involved ten years ago when the lift was having troubles. “As an aircraft engineer and along with engineer, Ron McCallum, I felt we had something to offer and didn’t want to see such an icon just disappear.” A decade later, all the hard work has paid off and the Eagle is soaring high above the trees with a 360-degree outlook from the You Yangs to the Dandenongs and across the bay. “The name Eagle was perfect as it represents something strong, yet soft, with a great visual experience. When we researched and found there were local eagles in the area, we realized it was the continued next page...

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December 2016

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perfect name, as our sky lift gives a birds eye view of the peninsula,” said Hans. “It has been such a privilege to reinstate the icon and secure it for the future of locals and travellers alike.” One of the top priorities for the sky lift team has been that it must be accessible to every person. “We wanted everyone to be able to ride it. I have a mother-in-law who was a polio victim at 21 and my own mother in a wheelchair, so decided it must be as accessible to all as possible. It has taken a lot of hard work but it has finally come to fruition and is everything we wanted,” said Hans. The Arthurs Seat Eagle starts at the same location as the old chairlift at the bottom of Arthurs Seat Road, and glides through the forest canopy getting to the summit with a 360-degree view across the bay and to the mountains. “This is the state’s only gondola ride, and it will be a tourism crown jewel, not just for the peninsula, but for Victoria as a whole,” said Hans. The brand-new Arthurs Seat Eagle is a fun experience that has focused on accessibility, with the stations, gondolas and platforms designed to allow people with a wide range of abilities the opportunity to enjoy the attraction. With the highest tower standing over 19 metres, this high-flying Eagle is set to soar over Arthurs Seat State Park, taking in a bird’s-eye view of the bay and the peninsula, across to the city and further afield. A $20 million investment using world's-best-practice Austrian and Swiss technology, the Eagle is a global-class tourist attraction, which has brought over 70 new jobs to the area. Hans has had the opportunity to ride on the Eagle and says the experience was amazing.

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“I took my partner and a few of the shareholders and the best part was the wonderful expressions on their faces as they could see all this hard work culminating in the Eagle experience,” said Hans, who sees himself as a custodian and is honored to have the opportunity to be part of this history making project. “I walk down the street and the locals talk to me saying they are so happy it is back. It was a much loved chairlift and I hope we succeed in reproducing that feeling.”

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COMMEMORATING 100 YEARS By Melissa Walsh

t was October 16, 1916 that No. 4 Squadron was established as a unit of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at Point Cook. To celebrate the centenary, Flight Lieutenant Col Burrows from RAAF No 4 Sqn flew to Tyabb for a photo shoot with some of the aircraft types they have flown over the past 100 years.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no other place worldwide where such a unique collection of airworthy ex-military aircraft No 4 Sqn operated could have been assembled from the on-field hangars,â&#x20AC;? said Burrows, confirming the highly acclaimed international reputation of Tyabb Airport. The currently operational RAAF Pilatus PC9 was displayed with an Australian built CA-18 Mustang fighter, and CA-16 Wirraway trainer, an American P40F Curtis Warhawk (one of only two Rolls

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Royce powered airworthy examples worldwide) and a replica WWI 1918 Sopwith Snipe. Steve Haynes and Vaughan Dixon were the re-enactors in WWII uniform, whilst Tyabb flight instructor Jason Page was wearing the WWI flying kit. No 4 Squadron embarked was fully mobilised by January 10, 1917, and the unit embarked for England to complete its training seven days later. The squadron deployed to France in December 1917. From the outset, No 4 Squadron aircraft regularly engaged the Red Baron's elite 'Flying Circus' and, in spite of their lack of experience, quickly gained the ascendancy over the German squadron. During its brief war service, No 4 Squadron destroyed some 128 enemy aircraft and spawned a total of eleven aces. The continued next page...

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squadron's highest scoring airman was Captain Cobby who, in addition to shooting down 29 aircraft, also destroyed 13 observation balloons. World War II saw No 4 Squadron Wirraways deployed to Port Moresby in support of Australian troops fighting in the New Guinea jungles. With their slow and vulnerable aircraft, losses from anti-aircraft fire were high; however, this never deterred the Wirraway crews from completing their assigned tasks. This aggressive spirit was exemplified by Pilot Officer Archer and his crewman, Sergeant Coulston, who, while on a reconnaissance mission, found themselves above a Japanese Zero fighter. Despite operating a vastly inferior aircraft, Pilot Officer Archer dived to the attack and shot down the enemy aircraft.

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In June 1943, No 4 Squadron received its first Boomerang fighters and continued to support Allied troops during the Cape Gloucester landings before moving to Morotai. No 4 Squadron ended the war in Borneo and returned to Australia in November 1945, where it was renamed No 3 Squadron - thus closing the chapter on a very distinguished and proud unit. In July 2009, No 4 Squadron was reformed, combining the resources and responsibilities from the Forward Air Control Development Unit (FACDU) and the Air Combat Group Special Tactics Project. No 4 Squadron now operates the PC-9/A aircraft in the FAC training role, and also provides training for ground based personnel as Joint Terminal Air Controllers (JTAC).

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Living Life

BEYOND THE VAPOUR TRAIL

By Cameron McCullough

ot many people can claim to have had a gun pointed at their head. Even fewer can get through the ordeal without so much of a blink of an eye. Brett Pierce can lay claim to both. Sure, it wasn’t so much a Dirty Harry moment "Did he fire six shots or only five… you've gotta ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk?”. No. It wasn’t quite like that. As a gunman pointed his weapon at Brett Pierce one steamy evening in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the Mornington Peninsula resident just continued eating. Others scurried for their lives, and hid from view, but Brett, unable to recognise the potential moment of his death, never cowered. This is the tale which starts Brett Pierce’s new book, Beyond the Vapour Trai; a journey through countless countries by the local aid worker who has spent 20 years at the sharp –end of development aid in some of the most needy places on earth. Oh, and he also makes harps. But more about that later. Brett Pierce’s career began during the 1990’s when there was a significant shift in aid work. Child sponsorship was being developed, and it was an approach to helping the disadvantage that would revolutionalize aid.

“This was not giving to some pot of funds and spreading it around” explains Brett. “This was very specific. And very powerful.” It also came with it’s own challenges. It required people like Brett to head to the far reaches of the world to assess needs, and the viability of programs such as child sponsorship. It took Brett to places like Uganda, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Guatemala and Azerbaijan. He experienced human suffering first-hand, but also the intense goodness that is in most people. “There is something about travelling to these places that makes one feel alive” said Brett. He goes on to explain the extreme highs and lows that these places experience, and how they affect the everyday life of their people. continued next page...

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“In a place like Uganda, the hardships are genuinely hard, and the joys are genuinely joyous.

“Betty is a major part of this book. A lot of it is her story,” said Brett.

“When they laugh, they laugh from the belly. They love to celebrate. It is something about how they approach life”.

“She is a young woman who has been through incredible hardships, yet still understates her story”

Uganda has been a country that has resonated deeply with Brett; a place where he has faced the advancing Lords’s Resistance Army as it swept southwards. It was place where he met Betty Alajo, his own sponsor child; a 12 year old girl who was the sole carer for her mother who was ravaged by HIV.

“Her mother was also the most generous person I have ever met”. Beyond the Vapour Trail recounts the time when Brett first met Betty. She was a bright young girl who had begun to lose hope over the desperate nature of her situation.

Betty & her mother Clere

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Brett drove with a colleague north from where they were based in Soroti, Uganda. Heading north was heading towards Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army as it advanced to the south. “It was life a scene from Apocolypse Now. Everybody was heading ‘down-river’ away from the advancing army, and we were heading ‘up-river’ towards it”. “Once we arrived at Betty’s house, we met her mother and saw the extent of their difficulties. “Looking after her dying mother, Betty had ceased to see a future for herself. And her mother’s illness meant they had no real source of income.

Azerbaijan

“They lived in a concrete block home, about two by three metres. Inside was a hessian bag stuffed with straw. Outside ran around most of their worldly possessions: two chickens. “I sat with Betty’s mother, Clere, and explained that I wanted to sponsor Betty. She listened with a beautiful and dignified manner, and then responded in her own way. She insisted I take a gift. One of her chickens. “One of her two chickens.” Brett recounts, in an email home to his wife, how he drove away from Clere and Betty, much affected by his experience, and with a bewildered chicken in the boot.

Mongolia

continued next page...

Peru

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Above: In South Sudan one man was trying to sell an indescribable long, crooked shape, a dried blood-black mess with a furry toe on the end. It was a leg from something. I couldn’t begin to guess what animal it was. It had clearly been dead for many days. I think he realised offering it to us was little more than blind optimism.

“I imagined trying to explain it on my arrival back in Australia; the live chicken I had in my hand luggage. I then thought better of it and gave it to someone whose need was far greater than mine.” Beyond the Vapour Trail often switches to emails home to his wife Kathie; often whimsical takes on his experiences. “There is no doubt that Kathie carried a lot of the burden of my job. I think she did it because she saw the inherent value in what I did. But I know it must have been incredibly difficult for her.” The book includes his stark and honest discussion about depression, and his personal battles with the disease. “Although I had a counselling background, I struggled for years for the insights to help myself. “I used all my skills and got nowhere. It took a therapist to give me the insights I needed.” Free from the all-evasive effects of depression, he decided to write his experiences for others to enjoy. “When you work in overseas aid, you have experiences that deeply and profoundly affect you,” said Brett. “But they are not barbeque conversations. So I found that I put them on the back-burner and left them semi-processed”. It was only about four years ago when it was suggested that he put pen to paper. “My grandfather lived in McCrae. He had written a story of his life, and it had never been published. So I thought ‘I’m going to get it published in his memory”. The publisher said “You should write about your travels”, and that is when the light switched on.

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“YOU SEE, I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT LIFE WAS 1% THE JOURNEY AND 99% THE DESTINATION. BUILDING THE HARPS BEGAN TO CHANGE MY IDEA OF THE JOURNEY. NOW I THINK THAT LIFE IS 99% THE JOURNEY AND 1% THE DESTINATION.”

“It was a cathartic experience,” said Brett. “Once that seed was planted, stories began to emerge.” Brett still works in development aid with World Vision. It keeps him travelling up to fifty percent of the time. When home, Brett enjoys spending time with his family (he has four children and seven grand children), brews ‘fine ales’ and dabbles in his penchant for building harps. “It is an interesting story. I didn’t know anything about woodwork. Or harps for that matter,” said Brett. “I drew up plans on the kitchen floor, and enlisted the help of a woodworking friend to build my first harp. “The first day, all we did was tidy the shed and clean tools. I was thinking to myself ‘let’s stop wasting time and get onto building the harp!’ “But I was learning from someone who had developed their skills from a time when life was about the process and not just the destination.” It was a life lesson that Brett took to heart. “You see, I always thought that life was 1% the journey and 99% the destination. Building the harps began to change my idea of the journey. Now I think that life is 99% the journey and 1% the destination.” There can be no doubting that in Brett’s case. He has journeyed further than most of us would in ten lifetimes. And he has written a wonderful and warm book about it. Make sure you read it; you will love it. Beyond the Vapour Trail is $29.99, and is available at all good book stores.

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RIGHT ON TARGET

By Kristy Martin Photos: Jarryd Bravo

More and more people, including women and children, are taking up clay target shooting. Kristy Martin visits the local clay target club to find out what it’s all about.

isiting local wineries? Yes. Going club-hopping in Melbourne? Yes.

High tea at the Windsor? Yes. But clay target shooting? Probably not the type of activity you would associate with a hen’s party. However, hen’s parties are so popular at Mornington Clay Target Club, they have helped, in part, to pay for the brand new $220,000 clubhouse at the Craigie Road shooting range. That’s a heck of a lot of hen’s parties, buck’s parties, corporate events and work break-ups the club has hosted over the years. According to president Bryce McCall, Mornington Clay Target Club works hard to give beginners a shot (pun intended) and this is why it is a great place for social and team-building events. People enjoy heading out to the range and learning how to shoot with their colleagues or friends. “When we do hen’s parties, it’s just hilarious, as you can imagine, because they’ve never shot before, but they have a ball,” Bryce says. “We do quite a few of them and that’s one of the main reasons we’ve been able to get our new building.” Another reason is the $70,000 grant the club received from the state government. The Mornington Clay Target Club (MCTC) lies on an expansive rural property owned by South East Water and the club has recently renewed its lease for a further 11 years. “It’s a beautiful piece of land we’ve got here; it’s like a park,” says Bryce, who is affectionately known around the club as ‘Cranky’. “We’ve been here for years, but until recently we were running out of an old, rundown little building that you couldn’t even fit 10 people in.” Unlike other sports, clay target shooting does not require any degree of fitness and appeals to people of varying ages and backgrounds. Shooters use 12 gauge shotguns and non-toxic steel shot cartridges to hit clay targets that fire from a traphouse when the shooter yells ‘pull’. Trap shooting is what they do in the Olympics and there has been a renewed interest in the sport following Catherine Skinner’s continued next page...

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“THE BIGGEST THING THAT IS KEEPING THE CLUB SUCCESSFUL IS THE BEGINNERS AREA”

gold medal win for Australia at this year’s Rio games. Children as young as 12 years old can learn to shoot at the MCTC, in what Bryce describes as a safe and controlled environment. People under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and beginners can only shoot on three separate occasions before they must become a club member and obtain their gun licence. “The biggest thing that is keeping the club successful is the beginners area,” says Bryce. “A lot of clubs don’t do this. “People can come and shoot on the beginners’ hill and this is where they get addicted and want to go out and get their gun licence.” It may sound odd that young children or novices can step up and shoot with no prior gun handling experience or knowledge, but Bryce says the club is very strict on operating within Australian law, that every shooter is given a safety briefing and beginners are never left unsupervised. “Our instructors are all highly experienced shooters and will take you through safe handling practices, stance and correct gun mount in a safe and controlled environment.” Given the controversial nature of firearms regulation in the USA, it might be surprising to learn that clay target shooting in

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Australia is actually regarded as an incredibly safe sport. According to the NSW Shooting Association, there has never been a claim under the NSW Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme for any injury in the sport of target shooting since the scheme was established in 1978. And in the NSW Sports Shooting Injuries Report of August 2000, the authors found that “competitive sports shooting is a remarkably safe sport compared to sports generally and that competition sports shooting is significantly safer than the general use of firearms.” Shooting ranges, like the one at Craigie Road, have been properly scrutinised and licensed and operate within strict safety regulations. Shooters are not allowed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (definitely no drinking on the hen’s or buck’s parties) or have prior criminal convictions for violence or firearms offences. Friday nights are the open practice nights, which is when new shooters are invited to head along and try the sport. Of the 260 members at MCTC, only a small percentage are females and while it is certainly a male-dominated arena, you can still find a handful of female shooters at the range on any given Friday. There are also family members who shoot side-by-side and use the sport as a bonding activity. continued next page...

December 2016

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“It’s a friendly sort of place and people are more than welcome to bring their kids,” says Bryce.

firearm, but it made her feel more confident watching 16-yearold Rebecca Coaker shoot.

“We’ve got a few husbands and wives who’ll come down with their kids every week.”

“To see a schoolgirl up there makes me feel better,” Darina said.

Surprisingly, you can even find school students in uniform, such as 16-year-olds Josh Quigley and Rebecca Coaker, stepping up to take aim.

Rebecca described her first shooting experience as fun, but says she was initially worried about the gun’s recoil.

Or young professionals like dental surgeon Dr Tiv Nirmalann and dental hygienist Darina Nirmalann, who recently went along as first time shooters.

Out of about 25 rounds, Rebecca managed to hit one of her targets, drawing cheers from spectators.

The couple said they were told about the club by a patient at their Balnarring dental practice. “I’ve never shot anything in my life, so it’s going to be interesting,” Darina said prior to her first attempt with the shotgun. Both Tiv and Darina admitted guns made them feel uneasy. “In the right hands, a gun is a tool. “In the wrong hands, it’s a weapon,” he said. When asked what made her have the sudden urge to go and shoot something, Darina joked, “Trump winning.”

“If she can do it, so can I.”

“I was a bit scared of breaking my face,” she laughed.

“I wasn’t expecting to hit any, so I’m happy.” Her companions Josh and Marcus Quigley hit seven and eight targets respectively, beating their father’s score of three and giving them household bragging rights. Bot the Quigley brothers and Rebecca said they enjoyed the adrenaline rush of the sport and would return for another round. If you’d like to give clay target shooting a try, head to Mornington Clay Target Club from 4pm on Fridays. Bookings are not required. www.morningtonclaytarget.com

She admits she was “a bit scared” by the prospect of using a

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VINYLS STARTED IT ALL By Melissa Walsh

ndy Phillips & The Cadillac Walk is a talented, hardworking, professional three piece blues, rock and rock n roll band that has been blowing away audiences since their inception in late 2013. The band blends religiously cool classic retro rock hits, high energy Texas blues with some good old fashioned rock n roll to boot, plus a good dose of original tunes. Melissa Walsh gets the lowdown on the life of Phillips, hailed as one of the most exciting guitarists presently on the Melbourne music scene. How did you get interested in the music scene? Was it always in your blood? It really began when I was listening to my dad’s records: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and others which led me to wonder who were the original artists, so I discovered Albert King, BB King and other original blues greats. I then explored further modern blues artists and found other performers and bands I loved on my own such Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Cream, Mike Bloomfield, Rory Gallagher and Paul Butterfield Band.

What was it about music that you have loved since being a kid? Music was an escape for me, without which I am not sure I could have survived my childhood and teens. I relied it on so completely to enable me to enter my own world away from everything around me that I didn’t like or understand at the time. I have since matured and made sense of a lot of things and in a much happier place now but the music is always a huge aspect of my life, and has always been somewhat of a saviour for me. I can’t imagine doing anything else and am lucky enough now to be a full time professional musician. Have you always lived on the peninsula? No, I am originally from New Zealand, but moved to Sydney and then London in my early twenties as I have dual passports. After London I came back home to NZ for a short time to regroup and scraped together just enough money for a one way ticket to Australia in 2003. Finally I settled in Bittern on the Mornington Peninsula. Three years later, I met my partner Heidi and moved to Frankston South which is geographically really good with continued next page...

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freeways I can get everywhere for gigs with minimal fuss. I moved here for the Melbourne music scene and it has been fantastic, there are so many opportunities to play and so many musicians to collaborate with. What do you like to do when you’re not playing music or touring? I love my two rescue dogs Eva and Zoe and post pictures of them on my Facebook page when I get a chance. I also like to paint and draw cartoons; I have had an idea for a cartoon strip which will be uploaded soon to social media. I work out and enjoy boxing, and like to go for a run. I really like gardening and have a vegetable patch and a crazy kind of garden that is a bit wild. Every week I like to plant flowers, from cuttings I have made or seeds from previous season. I drink coffee and don’t drink alcohol or smoke anymore. I used to but haven’t now for a few years and feel a lot better for it. I love busking and busk nearly every chance I get. I mentor young guitarists and teach guitar one morning a week at a local primary school. I still take singing and guitar lessons myself as I like to keep improving. I am a bit old school preferring analogue equipment mostly over digital, I don’t watch TV ever, and have someone helping me out on social media as it’s not really my thing. I like really simple things really and I very rarely buy new things, nearly everything I own is second hand or recycled. I build a lot of my own guitars, speakers and other equipment too.

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Listening to dad’s records had a massive influence on me, and I am so grateful that he was into cool music. It was what grabbed my attention and got me keen wondering how they made that music. I was 13 when I picked up a guitar and haven’t put it down since. I particularly love dangerous guitarists, where you just don’t know what might happen next, which is why I think I lean toward blues based rock. I like the wildness and unpredictability of it. I am not a note for note player myself, so when I do cover other artists songs I create a lot of my own stuff in there, I never play a song the same way twice which is why a lot of people tell me they like our show because it’s always a bit different each time. Although I have had many early influences I feel now my playing has come into its own because I play like myself, I don’t try to copy anyone else too closely, I admire and look up to many artists and of course they have influenced me but I want to sound like myself when I play. Where are the most exotic venues you have performed at? Is there any performance that stands out after such a great career? The furthest venue would be the Austin Blues Society jam stage on Sixth St in Austin Texas. One of the most memorable was that I also got to play on a guitar previously owned by Stevie Ray Vaughan on that trip at Maggie Mae’s, an iconic music venue in Austin, also on Sixth. That was a very special opportunity. It was Halloween so there was a lot of atmosphere in Austin at the time and the perfect haven and destination for a musician. I actually didn’t really ever want to come home, but it was that trip that inspired me to start my own band when I got back to Australia, and Andy Phillips & The Cadillac Walk was born in 2013. What other career highlights have you had?

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Definitely career highlights have also included the Bendigo Blues Festival, MBAS (Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society) Feature Artist, Elwood Blues Club Feature Artist, Sleepy Hollow Blues Club Headline Artist, Peninsula Blues Club Feature Artist, West Oz Blues Festival, Frankston Waterfront Festival, Mordialloc Food and Wine Festival, Western Port Music Festival, Rotorua Blues Festival NZ, Bay Of Islands Blues Festival NZ, Eltham Jazz & Blues Festival, the highly acclaimed Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute Show, Leaps and Bounds Festival, and the St Kilda Festival. What do you think is part of the reason for your incredible success? I think part of the reason is our ability to engage the audience and draw them in. It’s because we genuinely love what we do. We make sure the show is varied and interesting so that you get a fresh experience each time. www.andyphillipsandthecadillacwalk.com

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BEST-KEPT SECRETS For your Christmas Gift shopping this year, stray from the well-worn track down the Mornington Peninsula’s coast and take yourself in one of the region’s best-kept secrets, the village of Mount Eliza. Grand homes, pristine beaches and tree-filled parks have earned it the moniker of ‘Toorak by the Sea’. Sure, many that live or visit the

area enjoy the luxury of a European lifestyle, but Mount Eliza is special because behind the splendor you are met with the reality of a vibrant shopping village that still manages to maintain its sense of community. The recent influx of young families, exiting from city suburbs, has firmly cemented the village as a lifestyle destination, packed with surprises. The heart of this area is its most diverse and bustling retail hub, which remains one of a

dying breed of shopping precincts because it is a cluster of independent and unique boutique businesses. Whether you need gifts for males, females or kids, you will find options here. It’s the eclectic mix of unique goods and specialty services that make Mount Eliza a destination of its own.

continued next page...

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With cutting edge fashion sourced from around the world, you can find Spanish and Italian footwear only otherwise found in Brunswick, plus European, New Zealand and Australian female clothing. Extensive selections of homewares and soft furnishings sit alongside a dedicated contemporary art gallery, plus plenty of options for kids wear, needlecrafts, fine wines, fresh foods and deli produce. For the person who loves to entertain, have you thought about a gift from the Maille mustard bar, with its thirty plus blends of mustards and dressings valued up to $500? Located within Ritchie’s supermarket, it is the only one of two in Melbourne. Be warned when it comes to pampering, there’s nowhere quite like it to meet your

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personal and gift needs. Choose a gift voucher from the many specialty beauty, health clinics and salons. Even the men aren’t excluded as they can enjoy their own brand of facial hair care in several ‘on trend’, barber shops. The joy of this business community is that the staff, generally the business owners, are genuinely friendly and knowledgeable about their business and keen to offer the customer a retail ‘experience’. Hear the story behind a product, where it was sourced or how it was made, they will share with you the passion for the services they provide. For the locals, popping into the Village in the mornings sees the emerging, demographic of ‘thirty somethings’ that now call Mt Eliza

home, create a coffee rush hour after school drop offs. This caffeine demand has driven a multitude of trendy cafes to open in recent years, spoiling the locals with choices of blends. Similarly the options for leisurely breakfasts, long lunches and evening eating continues to expand in style and cuisine. Treat a loved one to an appetizing meal, ranging from modern Australian, French, Italian, Vietnamese, Indian, Japanese, Middle Eastern or pub food. In Mt Eliza it’s all about Shop, Taste and Indulge. Enjoy our world! www.mteliza-village.com.au For further information on specific products call 0403 889 559

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Fashion By Melissa Walsh

leepwear king Peter Alexander was never really into fashion, originally wanting to be a vet or get into catering. But, as fate would have it, the founder of the multi-million dollar Peter Alexander Sleepwear brand, found his way into ladies pj’s and has never looked back.

“I was never really into fashion and certainly didn’t dream I would be in this industry as none of my family was even in it. I wanted to be a vet but my grades didn’t allow it,” said Peter, who had struggled with a learning disability throughout his schooling years. “That was in the '80s and they didn’t have the understanding of kids that they do now.” Peter’s says his saving grace in those early school years was his supportive parents. “I was in remedial classes at school but mum and dad always believed in me. They always knew I was smart but I just didn’t fit into the school system. It’s because of them I developed the confidence I have,” said Peter. “It’s tough when you are failing at school and wondering what you are going to do in life.”

five years. We basically did everything ourselves and worked extremely hard. The house was a disaster, full of pjs, patterns and fabric but it paid off as we had no overheads so were able to keep our costs down,” said Peter, who started the business with a $3000 loan from his beloved dad. “Dad had asked me when he passed on to let mum help as it would give her something to do. But as it turned out, she was fantastic and worked so hard to get it up and running. Sadly dad passed during the first year of starting the business.” Six years later, Peter Alexander had its own office and three employees. “Now we have over a thouand employees and I am the creative director.” Never being afraid of hard work, Peter set out with a suitcase full of samples and showed them to boutiques in Chapel Street. “I got orders very quickly and then re-orders. There was nothing like it in the market. It all happened so quickly and I continued next page...

In a serendipitous turn of events, Peter found himself working at Sportsgirl where he discovered a passion for retail and marketing he didn’t know he had. “I was around 20 when I got a part time job at Sportsgirl. They wanted male shop assistants and I loved it. I loved the energy, the marketing and really enjoyed my three years there. It was through a chance job there that it led to my wonderful career,” said Peter. “Now 30 years later we have 100 stores, and close to $200 million a year turnover." Peter laughs when he talks about the humble beginnings of the sleepwear empire. “I didn’t know how to sew or draw but could clearly see there was a gap in the marketplace for women’s sleepwear. As far as I could see the only thing for women was either virginal or femme fatale. There was nothing in between,” said Peter, who found out about the industry by working there. “It was then I decided to get out on my own and thought pj’s were the easiest in terms of shape and fit.” For a man who didn’t know how to sew or draw, the first important step was to find a pattern maker. “You have to remember this was in the 80s and so I flicked through the yellow pages until I found someone who would work for me.” Peter took a pair of men’s pyjamas and tweaked them. He looked up wholesale fabric suppliers and bought sample rolls, and he and his mum went about making pyjamas from their dining room table in suburban Melbourne. “I worked from my mother’s dining room table for the first

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didn’t know what I was doing from a business sense. However, within a year we were in David Jones and Myer,” he said. Selling the brand to the Just Group in 2001 meant Peter could go back to what he loves doing – being creative. “It also meant I could give my mum a great big large sum in her hand to pay her back for everything she has done,” said Peter, admitting coming to the decision to sell was not an easy one. “My business was growing way beyond what I felt comfortable with and I spent all my time being a businessman rather than creating. Selling to the Just Group has been a great relationship. It was like passing over my baby though but I knew I had to for it to grow. I felt like I was holding my business back and decided I needed someone with experience to help. It’s been a fabulous relationship for the past sixteen years.” Fifty-two year old Peter has always managed to stay young at heart, with an excitement for life and inspiration from everything around him. Reminiscing about his incredible experiences, Peter admits one massive standout is being the first commercial brand shoot on Sesame Street in 2015. “Going to Sesame Street in New York and meeting all the Muppets to do an amazing catalogue and video there has been one of the highlights of my career,” said Peter, who decided to jump on a flight to New York and make it happen two years ago. “I was really wowed when I was there, particularly sitting on Sesame Street being interviewed by cookie monster.” Being granted access to the Sesame Street set to photograph his collection of sleepwear is just another example of this selfmade businessman’s determination, and yet he has managed to retain his sense of humility and fun. “I think it’s very important to keep a child-like attitude and my whole thing is about making customers happy and smile. I like to bring out their inner child with fun happy memories,” said Peter who has worked with plenty of celebrities. “A lot come into the store and buy things including Brittney Spears, Kylie and Danni Minogue, Princess Mary of Denmark, and Nicole Richie. There’s not a celebrity that comes to Australia without

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visiting Peter Alexander but that’s not the massive thing for me. I just like to see people happy and having fun. My inspiration comes from what makes me happy which is why I don’t tend to follow fashion trends much.” Another of Peter’s passions is his beloved pets. “To this day I adore animals. They give us so much fulfilment in life and when I started making money from the business I decided to give something back so got into animal charities and have used dogs as a large part of the branding,” said Peter, who used his beloved dachshund Penny as the logo many years ago. “When Penny passed away I decided I would try to pay her back by helping other dogs and animals.” Peter is an RSPCA ambassador and donates proceedings to animal charities on a regular basis. “Mum said when I was a kid I didn’t play with trucks or even dolls but always played with my stuffed animals and had a love of them early on.” So when Peter is in need of some down time, you can usually find him sitting under a tree in a park somewhere with his two canine companions, Butch and Betty, just watching the world go by. “I have also spent a fair share of time on the peninsula particularly in Rye, where some great friends live. I decided to start the Sorrento store in March this year when I realised there was a great deal of fabulous designer brand stores in the seaside town,” he said. Peter says the response to the Sorrento Peter Alexander store has been fantastic. “I have ventured down to Sorrento a couple of times especially to get one of their famous vanilla slices. I thought because a lot of designer brands were there it would be a great place to set up another of our stores,” he said. “With our Sorrento manager Hannah I am very happy with the progress, especially as it’s only been there for 10 months.” Peter Alexander is at 85-99 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento. Open every day from 10am till 5pm. Phone 5984 0640. www.peteralexander.com.au

Style File SUMMER FASHION ON THE PENINSULA

With summer upon us, now is the time to shake off the winter woollies and get into the peninsulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredible warm weather fashion. From stunning beachwear with fringing, pastels and multicolour patterns, to sophisticated maxi dresses and designer shorts, the beachside town has something for everyone.

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Isabel De Pedro Print Bustle Skirt Dress Black $619 December 2016

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IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE FOR YOURSELF THIS SUMMER JUST DO THIS! IT’S SO WORTH IT. Inoar Keratin Semi Straightening System: Amazing results, incredible condition, beautiful YOU. Gift vouchers are available. Enquire in the salon, or online.

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$2Just for You!

Mention this advert at Peter Alexander Sorrento when you spend $100 or more before December 24 2016, to receive a $20 gift voucher for your next purchase at the store.

Peter Alexander Sorrento 85-99 Ocean Beach Road

Mornington Peninsula Weddings Destination: Sorrento!

Experience Moonah Links 120 guests with all lodges and accommodation rooms having magnificent views over the rolling dunes. With plenty of relaxing options close at hand, you can create a special day - or days - to remember! The perfect escape with family and friends. Enjoy a round of golf on one of the Championship courses. Indulge your senses with a spa treatment or take a trip across the course to The Peninsula Hot Springs. The Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a showcase of the finest produce and wine that the Peninsula has to offer. From location, accommodation, food and wine packages, whatever your event, the experienced resort staff are on hand to help plan and deliver your perfect stay. Let Moonah Links help you create the experience of a lifetime.

The Peppers Moonah Links Resort has become synonymous with a sense of refined indulgence, attention to detail and excellent personal service. Less than an hour and a half from Melbourne, the Moonah Links Resort is becoming a highly sought after unique wedding destination. Away from the flurry of the City you are surrounded by 4.5 star facilitates and the opulence of the Mornington Peninsula. It is the perfect location for a wedding, function or special occasion… If you are dreaming of an outdoor wedding, the manicured Ceremony Lawn has far reaching views and some of the most stunning sunsets on the Peninsula. For receptions, conferences and special celebrations, the Resort’s three executive lodges offer accommodation rooms and function spaces for up to

Koonya Apartments Sorrento is nestled in the hillside across the road from the stunning Sorrento foreshore, a popular location for wedding ceremonies. A short walk or car ride will find you at the other most popular wedding venues Sorrento has to offer. Therefore, Koonya is the perfect location for your wedding accommodation. The stunning complex of limestone buildings offers 2 and 3 bedroom fully self-contained apartments with spacious living areas for pre-wedding preparation - makeup artists and hairdressers will have plenty of room to prepare everyone for the big day. Private courtyards make for perfect photo opportunities among the manicured garden beds or sandstone buildings. The apartments are also a perfect home-away-from-home

for family and friends attending your wedding from interstate or overseas. Often wedding parties extend their stay, arriving a few days prior to the wedding to settle in and enjoy an in-house massage or head up to one of the luxurious day spas. Nearby golf courses are a popular option for a game or two! Koonya also caters for hens or bucks celebrations in the months leading up to your big day. In dealing direct with the owners, they ensure service is uncompromised and you’ll be well taken care of. Everybody loves a Sorrento wedding! Koonya Apartments Sorrento 3356-3374 Point Nepean Rd, Sorrento 0412 025 108

Celebrate at the moonah links resort

The Peppers Moonah Links brand has become synonymous PERFECT FOR YOUR WEDDING AND with a sense of refined indulgence, attention to detail and excellent personal service. Stunning landscapes, modern HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATION. brand has become The synonymous Peppers Moonah with a sense Links&of brand refined has indulgence, become synonymous attention accommodation, conference social facilities, coupled with towith a sense of refined indulgence, attention to The Peppers Moonah Links brand has become synonymous with a sense ofmodern refined indulgence, attention tostunning These apartments are in the most sought al service. Stunning detail landscapes, and excellent modern personal accommodation, service. Stunning conference landscapes, & social accommodation, conference & social ‘Paddock to Plate’ dining - Providing you with a true detail excellent personal Stunning landscapes, accommodation, conference & after social position in Sorrento, literally a minute to the ock to Plate'and dining facilities, - Providing coupled youservice. with with aPeninsula 'Paddock true Mornington toexperience. Plate' Peninsula diningmodern - Providing experience. you with a true Mornington Peninsula experience. Mornington facilities, coupled with 'Paddock to Plate' dining - Providing you with a true Mornington Peninsula experience. waters edge of one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most beautiful beaches, Sorrento Park and the From a small intimate affair to a 300 guest cocktail timate affair to a 300 guest cocktail Fromgathering a small intimate this destination affair to aresort 300 guest cocktail gathering this destination resort most popular wedding venues in Sorrento. From a small affair to a 300will guest cocktail this destination resort gathering thisintimate destination resort more than gathering meet

will more than meet your needs for your special willday. more than meet your needs for your special day. morefor than meet your needs yourwill needs your special day. for your special day.

Photo Credit: Leo Farrell Photography

Experience Peppers Moonah Links Resort ence Peppers Moonah Links Resort P: (03) 5988 2000 or 3) 5988 2000 or E: events@moonahlinks.com.au ents@moonahlinks.com.au W: www.peppers.com.au/moonah ww.peppers.com.au/moonah

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Photo Credit: Leo Farrell Photography Photo Credit: Leo Farrell Photography

3356-3374 Pt. Nepean Rd Sorrento 3949 M 0412 025 108 E info@koonyasorrento.com.au www.koonyasorrento.com.au

BROOKLANDS BROOKLANDS

Weddings with Elegance Brooklands of Mornington is where the most memorable weddings are made. Whether you are dreaming of a small intimate dinner, a cocktail party, or a large scale event, Brooklands' team will customise your event to suit your style and budget. With a dedicated wedding coordinator, every detail will be taken care of.

And of course, accomodation is on site for the wedding party and guests. Call them to experience Brooklands' elegance. BROOKLANDS OF MORNINGTON 99 Tanti Ave, Mornington 5973 9200 www.brooklandsofmornington.com.au

Stylish Elegant Weddings Luxury resort style accommodation boasting history, sophistication and style. Phone our Wedding Co-ordinator on 5973 9200 December 2016

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Mornington Peninsula Weddings The Perfect Place for a Perfect Wedding Elegant Country Charm – right here on the Peninsula – at WhiteChapel Estate. Nestled on 4 acres of private bushland, WhiteChapel Estate is the hidden jewel of the Peninsula. Private and secluded yet only 45 minutes from Melbourne. It’s all here just for you – and only you, on your Wedding Day. Stunning photo opportunities abound, to say nothing of the authentic 1860’s Victorian goldfields, white weatherboard chapel set amongst the gum trees. A surprise around every corner! No intrusions from golfers or winery patrons…you wont be hurried! Enjoy your day in these beautiful surroundings. WhiteChapel is the Peninsula’s leading all – in – one specialized wedding venue. Choose between a delightful garden

ceremony in the pretty gazebo or in the historic chapel plus there’s an elegant country reception room perfect for up to 120 guests! WhiteChapel Estate 1565 Western Port Hwy Langwarrin 3910 Ph:- 0359 78 6278 www.whitechapel.com.au https://www.facebook.com/ WhiteChapelEstate/

Weddings with Elegance Ace-Hi is situated in what’s called the Cups Country at Cape Schanck. Cups Country is a term used to describe dunes or rolling hills, a representative of this region & making Ace-Hi an ideal setting for a function, camp or other fun activities! Ace-Hi is set on 200 acres with views of green pastures and horses grazing - it’s like a little town with Bass Strait in the background. The theme that makes up the ‘Ace-Hi Experience’ is one of ‘The Old West’. Since its opening, Ace-Hi has always portrayed a Western theme and this has helped us establish ourselves as a truly unique and exciting park. Our little town consists of a number of themed facilities including two homesteads, authentic wagons & an old red rattler train carriage. The Sheriff’s office & jail house together with the livery stable

are all located in the same area. The beautiful sandstone chapel also offers coffee, food and light refreshments. We can accommodate over 100 guests in our log cabins, which add to the charm of the property. We offer group bookings for activities including horse riding, flying fox, giant swing, archery and rock climbing – ideal for kid’s birthdays, engagement parties and team building days. You can undertake Beginner or Intermediate scenic trail rides around our property, a Bush ‘n’ Beach ride for those wanting a longer ride or a Forest ride for the more experienced rider. We also offer private lessons and discounts for group bookings. Weddings and birthdays are fast becoming very popular at Ace-Hi. It is a truly unique experience. www.ace-hi.com.au or contact 5988 6262

Nestled on 4 acres of delightful bushland and gardens, WhiteChapel Estate is the

hidden jewel of the Peninsula. Private and

secluded yet only 45 minutes from Melbourne. It’s all here just for you – and only you, on your Wedding Day.

1565 Western Port Hwy Langwarrin 3910 | Phone: 03 5978 6278 |

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www.whitechapel.com.au

Located in Cape Schanck on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, Ace-Hi Ranch is the perfect setting for your next event. Ace-Hi is set on 200 acres with views of green pastures and horses grazing. Our Shearing Shed caters for 120 people (seated) or 150 people (cocktail) and is a DIY venue which allows you to organise your own catering and alcohol. We have a number of recommended caterers who can help you. There is also onsite accommodation for over 150 guests. We offer group bookings for activities including horse riding, flying fox, giant swing, archery and rock climbing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ideal for kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthdays, engagement parties and team building days. Weddings and Birthdays are fast becoming very popular at Ace-Hi as the property allows a range of services, flexibility and beauty that allows for a truly unique experience.

Ace-Hi: 810 Boneo Rd, Cape Schanck 3939 Phone: 5988 6262 www.ace-hi.com.au

Arts

JUST THE TICKET FOR CHRISTMAS C

hristmas is just around the corner, so surprise your loved ones with a voucher from Frankston Arts Centre.

Let them choose from tickets to thought-provoking plays, magical musicals, incredible concerts, captivating contemporary dances or laugh-out-loud comedies. The 2017 season has just launched and there is entertainment for everyone with the best of the best coming to Frankston, including Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, Bells Shakespeare and Sydney Dance Company. They could also purchase unique artwork and handcrafted jewellery or attend one of the hands-on workshops run by local artists. There is just so much on offer. The gift card can be any amount you would like and is the perfect way to spoil your friends and family. No matter who you are or what you are interested in, the Frankston Arts Centre has something for everyone. So don’t wait until Christmas Eve to do all your present shopping - phone or visit the Box Office today. The Frankston Arts Centre has got your gift-giving all sorted.

FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE A: cnr Davey and Young streets, Frankston T: 9784 1060 W: thefac.com.au

CHRISTMAS GIFTS ALL SORTED! Surprise them with Theatre tickets this year. The FAC has something for the whole family in 2017 including: Dylanesque | Grigoryan Brothers | Mr Stink | Dracula | Around the World in 80 Days | Horrible Harriet | The Merchant of Venice and much, much more! Check out WhatsOnFAC.com.au or let them choose themselves with a gift card – that’s Christmas all wrapped up. WHAT’S ON

03 9784 1060

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Frankston Arts Centre is a business unit of Frankston City Council

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GORDON GETS TO THE ESSENCE OF PENINSULA PEOPLE

By Melissa Walsh

t was a Kodak instamatic camera given to eight year old Daryl Gordon that ignited a passion for photography lasting more than four decades. Now the Mornington Peninsula photographer’s love for portraiture has culminated in an exhibition of his work at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.

The exhibition entitled Peninsula People is the result of more than a decade’s work photographing people from 2003-2015, and it is the first time this selection of portraits has been displayed on the peninsula. “The series began when I was meeting and photographing people for the local newspaper. I suddenly had access to people like Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and realised what a great thing it would be to document photos of interesting peninsula people for history’s sake,” said Gordon, who works in the documentary, editorial-style

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of photography, capturing a moment in time with a person in their own setting. “Most of the time I like to photograph people in their own familiar environment. Choosing who to photograph comes from an initial gut feeling and inspiration to understand more about the person,” said Gordon. “I did have the intention of it being a project but it was fellow photographer, Yanni, who said I need to get it out there. I approached the gallery and now the project is being exhibited there. The response has been very positive.” Like a portrait painter, Gordon draws out the personality of his sitter, after spending a little time with them and getting to know their personality. The exhibition of 24 pieces includes Gus and Lou, local music legends in Balnarring, musician James Reyne with his guitar, local kindergarten teacher Karen Anderson, Dame continued next page...

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Andrea Jenkins 6th March 2013 Artist—Taken at home

Marty Williams 16th September 2009 Singer song writer —Taken at home

Karen Anderson 4th November 2014—Longstanding innovative kinder teacher at Balnarring

Elisabeth Murdoch, and journalist Mike Morris to name a few. “The exhibition means a lot to me. It's sort of a vindication of my portraiture work that I have done and what I continue to do. The works that I have selected and exhibited as a group will hopefully show the effects of the passage of time over all of us and the varied yet common links through all of us, our commonality as human beings,” said Gordon. “The common denominator throughout the whole series was to show the public a private side of the subject. Most people have a public persona and I guess I was trying to show a little more of the private persona.” For Gordon, it was important that direction for the subjects were kept to a minimum. However, there was one thing he did insist on. “It was very important that the subject made contact with the viewer so I insisted they look down the lens and into the camera. For me it’s a more powerful image that way,” said Gordon. “It continued next page...

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Dame Elisabeth Murdoch 24th May 2008 —Taken at home

Bob Kelly 1st July 2009—Local indigenous artist —Taken at home

Gus and Lou Angwin 25th November 2015—Singer song writers, stalwarts of the peninsula

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is that way I can capture the character of the person, and it’s a privilege to be in that space and get in touch with their essence.” Forever the artist, Gordon says this project is a work in process, as there will always be fascinating people to photograph. “I will continue working on it. Now I get leads from the subjects I shoot and ask them if they know anyone else who would like to have their portraits done for this project. Like the roots of a tree you never quite know where it will take you.” Daryl Gordon has been running a successful family photography business, Daryl Gordon Photography, on the peninsula for many years, doing commissions for family portraits as well as his many artistic pursuits. The remainder of images from the Peninsula People project can be viewed on the website www.darylgordonphotography.com.au Phone Daryl Gordon on 0412 131 492.

Mike Morris 2nd March 2011—Journalist/writer taker of no prisoners — RIP

Ron Roach 7th May 2014—Artist/ Head trainer Hawthorn Football Club

Justin Böehme 3rd june 2015—Felix Schoeller Professional Digital Photo Paper

Dr Graham Cato 30th October 2014—Longstanding GP at Balnarring

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Eat & Drink

A STORY OF FOOD, WINE & FAMILY By Cameron McCullough

here are fewer names more synonymous with Victoria than Myer and Baillieu.

The Myer family has a proud history as leaders in the area of business and philanthropy, all started by a penniless Russian immigrant, Sidney Myer, who grew an empire that encompassed Australia’s largest chain of department stores. The Baillieus are descendants of William Lawrence Baillieu, an Australian financier and politician. He also rose from humble beginnings to become successful in business, politics with ethics founded in philanthropy. It was back in 1972 when the son of Sidney Myer, Baillieu “Bails” Myer, planted the first vines at Elgee Park in Merricks North. Covering 322 hectares of rolling views across Port Phillip Bay to Melbourne, Elgee Park is part family home, a working farm and a personal place that reflects the passions of the Myer family. A cherished holiday home of Bails and Sarah Myer since 1958, the property was originally a sheep grazing property before Bails decided it would be a good place to plant vines. “My father was first advised by Adam Wynne on the suitability of the land to establish a vineyard,” his daughter, Samantha Baillieu, said. “It was originally thought it wasn’t possible to create wine on the continued next page...

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Charlie and Samantha Baillieu

peninsula, but he proved it was. It was just that the wine created on the soils of the peninsula would take on those characteristics,”

a favourite with day-trippers and surfers who dropped in for pies, chips, hot chocolate and milkshakes.

Bails Myer started with a humble half acre of vines, in his first planting.

“Here was an iconic building, ideally located, that would allow us to centralise the ‘cellar door’ for both Elgee Park and Baillieu Wineries.”

“Those vines are still there. They are all old and gnarly. They are quite fantastic, actually.” It was the place where Samantha ended up spending countless weekends; developing a love for the rural aspect of this life, and subtly developing an appreciation of wine.

The Myer and Baillieu families bought Merricks General Store in 2008. “This was a wonderful old building, with terrific heritage,” said Samantha.

After Samantha Myer married Charlie Baillieu, the couple purchased Bulldog Run, a 64-hectare property in Merricks North. It wasn’t long before they had planted their own vineyard, establishing ten hectares under vine.

“We began a long process of building it back to be ‘pretty’. There was lots of visible work to do, but also much work to do behind the scenes, with ancient electrical wiring, plumbing and things like that”.

“It was great to be producing our own wine just as my father has done for many years,” said Samantha.

Merricks General Wine Store was born. The iconic building was transformed from the traditional concept of a ‘general store’ to a culinary must for travellers, locals and wine enthusiasts.

With a busy family life, raising three children, and travelling back and forth from the city, setting up a cellar door and restaurant on the property wasn’t practical for the Baillieus. “When the Merricks General Store came up for sale, it just jumped out at us as a great solution,” said Samantha. The store was built in 1924 by the Joyner family, with a distinctive bullnose verandah that was fashionable in that era. In the early years the building was a post office, store and meeting place for the local rural community. Over the years it has also been

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“Here we could offer tastings, breakfast, lunch, and an art gallery, all in one location”. The bistro at Merricks General Wine Store offers a wide range of fine food, accompanied by wines from both Elgee Park, Baillieu Vineyards, and a selection from “friends and neighbours”. Chef Patrice Repellin’s menu reflects the seasons, drawing on fresh peninsula ingredients. The breakfast and lunch menus cater for all ages and appetites and vary from a kids' menu right through

to fine offerings including gnocchi parisienne with broad beans, asparagus, pine nuts, sage, nutty butter and parmesan shaving or roasted lamb loin with glazed spring vegetables, pea purée and rosemary jus. The space is very generous, and the newly covered side decking area has now opened up yet another space to dine. “I believe we are very versatile with space,” said Samantha. “We can cater for very small groups through to quite extensive functions. We also have the ability to design menus for special events”. The term “friends and neighbours” developed as a theme for Merricks General Wine Store, and a desire to engage with the area’s produce community has led to it becoming representative not of just what the Myer and Baillieu families produce, but the general region. “We began to feature other local producers,” said Samantha. “It worked so well that we decided the best thing to do was to showcase as much local produce as possible. “We now showcase the wines of about 12 other wineries, as well as local produce including cheese, smallgoods, preserves, olive oils, as well as fresh produce.” continued next page...

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Merricks House

The latest innovation for Merricks General Wine Store is picnic hampers. “We wanted to produce something that people could pick up on their way through; something of exceptional quality that they could take for a picnic.” The families had aquired the old house next door with their purchase of Merricks General Store. Merricks House was built in 1923, and offered another restoration project for the families. The finished product was much lauded with Merricks House awarded "Creative re-use of a heritage place" by Mornington Peninsula Shire and the National Trust in 2013. We wanted to build a space that is both beautiful and versatile," said Samantha. “We have been using the old house as a gallery space. Recently we've been hosting an exhibition by Sarah Faulkner of ROAR Studios. “But soon we’ll have something new arriving; something I am very excited about.” Between 25 November and 12 January the house will be transformed into an eclectic and versatile space collectively known as “The Traders”. “It will be a curated mix of local and travelled wares.”

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“The Traders features giftware for the home, summer essentials for the wardrobe, art, fine food, hampers and more. Honouring the space and the essence of Merricks House, customers will find a warm and inviting space to shop this festive season.” “Traders we’ll be featuring include Balflower Florist, Capricorn Fine Arts, Jump Jewellery, MGWS Gift Hampers, Mrs Tutton, Oneseason Australia, RB Sellars, Red Hill Candle Co, Unearthed Garden, and We Are Dougal”. It is exciting times ahead for Merricks General Wines Store. A symbiotic relationship has developed between families, producers and the public to create something both beautiful and desirable. Make sure you get along to Merricks General Wine Store and see it for yourself. Merricks General Wine Store is at 3460 Frankston Flinders Road, Merricks. Open daily from 8.30am until 5pm. Call (03) 5989 8088. www.mgwinestore.com.au

restaurant Let us take care of everything so you can enjoy your Christmas day lunch Sunday, 25 December 11:30am and 2:30pm Four course menu $95pp kids menu available

Frankstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite restaurant The Boathouse is popular among locals and visitors alike. Located on the idyllic Kananook Creek, this elegant restaurant takes you back to another time and place. Forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you relax with family and friends whilst tantalizing your taste buds with its lovely seasonal dishes. The ever-changing menu takes advantage of locally sourced produce, carefully prepared and presented along with a good selection of local wine and boutique beer. Perfect for a romantic dinner or the more the merrier as the Boathouse also caters for private functions, special events and intimate weddings. Bookings recommended.

LUNCH & DINNER Tuesday to Sunday 366 Nepean Highway Frankston Bookings: 9770 5330 www.theboathouserestaurant.com.au

LYNSEY HEADS A WINNING TEAM By Melissa Walsh Photo: Yanni

hen a café wins Best Bites Café of the Year award after less than 12 months in business, they must be doing something right. Peninsula Essence Magazine decided to go directly to the source and ask head chef at Merchant and Maker, Lynsay Heyden, what it’s like to be involved with such a thriving business. “I have been a chef for 10 years now, and came from Commonfolk Café in Mornington where I was the sous chef,” said English born Lynsay. “There is something about the peninsula and being here across the road from the beach, we are all about fresh local produce and classic, tasty ingredients.” Growing up in Lancashire, Lynsay spent her former years watching her grandmothers and mum cook traditional English fare. “I still love the traditional dishes like roast beef and pork, and poached salmon but tend to go more towards lighter, fresher flavours now which is reflecting in the cooking at Merchant & Maker,” said the 36 year old. “We tend to focus on exciting modern dishes using local and seasonal produce. It is modern Australian café style food, the kind you get in an inner city venue.” For Lynsay, becoming a chef happened slightly later in life after she had tried her hand at university studying film and television, and then worked as a book seller. “Even though I had loved cooking and helping in the kitchen as a kid, I went towards a more academic path at first but was always bound to come back to a food career,” said Lynsay from the McCrae Café that is buzzing with people on a warm Friday morning.

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“My cooking has evolved to become much lighter and fresher, with a slightly Asian influence which I learnt from Roong, the head chef at Commonfolk.” Merchant & Maker is the sister store of Commonfolk Coffee Company - a boutique specialty coffee roastery in Mornington, with a massive focus on producing amazing food which is where Lynsay comes in. With a passion for all things culinary, Lynsay loves every moment of her job in this beachside café. “I ride my mountain bike to work most mornings, get in around 6.30am, turn on ovens and the equipment and set up for service. I then make a big batch of hollandaise sauce,” she said. “I work with an amazing team – Stefan Klufer, the second chef, Brad Hancock the pastry chef who makes everything in house and retails our cakes, and also our apprentice Jyle Cockrill.” When she’s not working you can find Lynsay with her beloved golden retriever, Ernie, walking along the beach. “I also love dining out and have a few other favourite places down here that I like to go. I have no particular sort of food that I prefer. It depends on the day but I have found there’s plenty of variety down on the peninsula and the fresh ingredients and local produce are the best parts of living here.” Merchant & Maker is open 7am till 3pm every day at 675 Point Nepean Road, McCrae. Phone 5986 3385. www.merchantmaker.com.au

Dishes

must try

Sammy the Crab Commonfolk Coffee 16 Progress Street, Mornington Phone 5902 2786 www.commonfolkcoffee.com.au

Marjoram infused goats milk pannacotta with shallot jam, sweet pickled beetroot and a baked parmesan wafer The Boathouse

Spanish Tortilla Corner Cafe & Catering 1455 Pt Nepean Road, Rosebud Phone 5982 1455 www.bluemini.com.au

366 Nepean Highway, Frankston Phone 9770 5330 www.theboathouserestaurant.com.au

Glazed French doughnuts with blossom custard, smashed honeycomb, bee pollen and lemon sorbet The Boathouse 366 Nepean Highway, Frankston Phone 9770 5330 www.theboathouserestaurant.com.au

Eskimo Pie Blue Mini Eatery Emporium Events 2 Colchester Road (cnr Boneo Road), Rosebud Phone 5981 2520 www.bluemini.com.au

Stuffed wombok rolls with spiced lamb and dates on teff & pinenut tabouleh with sumac labneh The Boathouse 366 Nepean Highway, Frankston Phone 9770 5330 www.theboathouserestaurant.com.au

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Recipe MERCHANT & MAKER SPRING VEGETABLE GNOCCHI WITH CRÈME FRAICHE, PINE NUTS AND PARMESAN (Serves 4) Note: For this recipe we use a pea puree as a base for the sauce. You will need to make this first. INGREDIENTS 600g good quality gnocchi 1 quantity pea puree (see recipe below) 120g crème fraiche 250g green leafy vegetable such as rainbow chard, silver beet, spinach and beetroot tops, washed and roughly shredded

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200g green vegetables such as sliced asparagus, broad beans and peas 6-8 artichoke hearts in brine, quartered 4tbsp pine nuts, toasted ½ lemon, juiced Fresh parmesan, to serve

FOR PEA PUREE 500g frozen peas 2 French shallots, diced 2 garlic cloves, sliced 1.5tbsp butter approx. Salt

METHOD 1. Melt half the butter in the saucepan, and when it foams gently fry the shallot and garlic until soft but not coloured. Season with salt; add the frozen peas and enough water to just cover the peas. 2. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the peas are just tender. 3. Remove from the heat and drain, reserving the liquid. 4. Place the peas, shallots and garlic in the blender and add a little of the liquid. Add the remaining butter and another pinch of salt and blend until smooth and velvety. 5. The puree should be of the consistency our pouring cream – add a little more liquid to achieve the correct consistency if necessary. Check the seasoning. To cook the gnocchi 1. Bring the salted water to the boil. When boiling place the gnocchi and the sliced asparagus, peas and broad beans into the water.

2. Once the gnocchi float, they are cooked. 3. Drain immediately. 4. Meanwhile, melt some butter in a large frying pan or saucepan and sauté the leafy vegetables until soft. Season well with sea salt and add the gnocchi, blanched green vegetables and artichoke quarters to the pan. 5. Sauté for 1-2 minutes and then add the pea puree. 6. Allow this to reduce for 1-2 minutes, then add the crème fraiche and mix carefully. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and check the seasoning. 7. Serve the gnocchi into four warm bowls. Sprinkle over the toasted pine nuts and freshly shaved parmesan and serve immediately. 8. This dish is also nice with some good quality prosciutto over the top.

Merchant & Maker is at 675 Point Nepean Road, McCrae Phone 5986 3385 www.merchantmaker.com.au

GPO HOTEL MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Rebranded, Refurbished, Refined Kitchen open all day - Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Upcoming entertainment and current menus at www.thegpo.com.au 1003 POINT NEPEAN RD, ROSEBUD 5982 3200 December 2016

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History

Western Port killings lead to execution By Peter McCullough

he Supreme Court of Victoria first sat in 1841 when formal white settlement in the Port Phillip District was six years old and the local population was under 12,000. During the 175 years of its existence a total of 186 persons have been sent to the gallows. Older readers will be familiar with the last of these: Ronald Ryan was executed in 1967 following the killing of warder George Hodson in an escape from Pentridge Prison on 19 December, 1965. This led to a groundswell of opposition to capital punishment, although it was not until 1985 that the death penalty was formally abolished.

Tunnerminnerwait Tunnerminnerwait was born on Robbins Island in Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) in 1812. His name means “waterbird” and he belonged to the Parperloihener clan of the Aboriginal North West nation in Van Diemen’s Land. Tunnerminnerwait spoke English well and was 171cm tall. He was known by several other names including Peevay, Jack of Cape Grim, and later renamed Jack Napoleon Tarrapurrura by George Robinson, the Chief Protector of Aborigines. Encounters with Settlers in Van Diemen’s Land In the early 1800’s relations between the Aboriginal people inhabiting

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the island and the settlers became very hostile leading to attacks and massacres. This culminated in the Cape Grim massacre of 10 February, 1828 which was witnessed by Tunnerminnerwait and in which a lot of his own people were killed. Tunnerminnerwait first met civil servant George Augustus Robinson, Chief Protector of Aborigines, at Robbins Island in June 1830. He worked for Robinson as one of his guides on expeditions around the island from 1830 to 1835. In October, 1835 Tunnerminnerwait went with Robinson to Flinders Island to where the remaining Aboriginal population of Van Diemen’s Land, estimated at 350, was exiled. Three quarters of that number had died by 1837. Robinson spoke of Tunnerminnerwait as “an exceeding willing and industrious young man”, who was “stout and well made, of good temper, and performed his work equal to any white man.” Relocation to the Mainland Tunnerminnerwait and his wife Planobeena were among sixteen Aborigines whom George Robinson brought to Melbourne from Van Diemen’s Land in 1839 with the intention that they would help to “civilize” the Victorian “blacks” when he became Chief Protector of Aborigines at Port Phillip. Another member of this group was Maulboyheenner who came from one of the inland tribes and was sometimes known by other names: Timme, Robert Timmy Jimmy Smallboy, and Robert of Ben Lomond.

Left: Portraits painted in Van Diemen’s Land by Thomas Bock between 1831 and 1835. Right: George Augustus Robinson, Chief Protector of Aborigines.

Tunnerminnerwait went with George Robinson on a major tour of the Western District between March and August, 1841. During the tour they gathered testimonies of violence in the Western District and investigated the Convincing Ground massacre in which up to 200 members of the Gunditjmara clan were killed by whale hunters at Portland. After his return Tunnerminnerwait and four other Aborigines (Maulboyheenner and three women : Planobeena, Truganini and Pyterruner) left Melbourne.

Resistance Starting in September, 1841 this small group waged a campaign of resistance against the European settlement in the Port Phillip area. They stole two guns and some ammunition from a settlers hut at Bass River and over the next eight weeks they robbed and burned stations from Dandenong to Western Port and South Gippsland. One source even mentions the Mornington Peninsula, but this would appear unlikely. They wounded five white men and killed two. Although they set out to drive the settlers from the bush, they didn’t harm women or children and only fired at those who fired at them. Be this as it may, the reports of their feats during those eight weeks sent a shiver down the spines of the Europeans living in Melbourne and its surrounds. It took three military expeditions to successfully track and capture the group, with the help of native police. All five were captured in November, 1841 near Anderson’s Inlet, not far from Cape Patterson. continued next page...

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Trial and Judgment

Execution

The five appeared before Judge Willis on 20 December, 1841 in the Melbourne Supreme Court, charged with murder. They were defended by Redmond Barry who was the standing Defence Counsel for Aborigines. (For more information on Barry, see box on next page). Barry questioned the legal basis of British authority over Aborigines, who were not citizens, and claimed that the evidence was dubious and circumstantial. None of the five people charged was permitted to give evidence in court.

Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboykeenner were hanged for murder on 20 January, 1842 in front of 5,000 people which was about a quarter of Victoria’s white population. The gallows were erected on a small rise near what is now the corner of Bowen and Franklin Streets and the bodies were buried under where the Queen Victoria market now stands. Prior to his execution Tunnerminnerwait was reported as saying that after his death he “would join his father in Van Diemen’s Land and hunt kangaroo.”

The women were acquitted but the two men were found guilty of the murder of two sealers, Cook and “Yankee”, at Western Port on 6 October, 1841. Although the jury made a plea for clemency on account of the “peculiar circumstances”, Judge Willis ignored the request.

Not only were these the first public executions to take place in the Port Phillip District, but the six hangings which took place in 1842 remain the only judicially approved public executions in this state, giving them particular historical significance.

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Redmond Barry Today’s Perspective The Aboriginal community considers that the two men who were executed to be freedom fighters and in 2008 a committee was established so that an annual commemoration would be held at the site of the execution. In 2013 the City of Melbourne began to investigate the potential for a memorial to the two Aboriginal men. By late 2015 a contract had been awarded for the erection of a permanent public marker called “Standing by Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboykeenner.” It takes the form of brightly coloured newspaper vending boxes, a child’s swing doubling as a gallows, and an indigenous garden. Metal “newspapers” inside the six newspaper stands are inscribed with the stories of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, and of colonial and pre-colonial Aboriginal life. The memorial was unveiled in September, 2016 and cost the City of Melbourne $155,000. November, 2015 also saw the opening of an exhibition, “Executed in Franklin Street”, at the City Gallery. It included contemporary artworks, archival information, and modern day interpretations of this event. In particular it included a large recent painting imaging the execution scene by Aunty Marlene Gilson, a Warrawurrung elder. This work was commissioned and has been acquired by the City of Melbourne. *While quite a few sources refer to the men killed as “whalers”, others refer to them as “sealers.” The latter would appear more likely in Western Port.

Top left: “The first execution”, painted in 1875 by W. F. E Liardet Bottom left: Indigenous artist Aunty Marlene’s depiction of the 1842 hangings. Below: The artist’s impression of the winning design for the Melbourne monument.

Born in Ireland in 1813, Barry came to the Port Phillip District in 1839 and, after practising his profession for some years, he became Victoria’s first Solicitor-General in 1851 before being appointed a judge of the Supreme Court in the following year. Barry was noted for his service to the community, and he convinced the government to spend money on public works, particularly on education. He was instrumental in the foundation of the Royal Melbourne Hospital (1848), the University of Melbourne (1853), and the State Library of Victoria (1854). He served as the first chancellor of the university until his death, and was also president of the trustees of the State Library. Barry was judge in the Eureka Stockade treason trials in the Supreme Court in 1855. All thirteen miners were acquitted. Sir Redmond Barry (he was knighted in 1860) is possibly best remembered as the presiding judge at the final trial of Ned Kelly who was convicted of murdering three members of the Victoria Police. When he sentenced Kelly to death by hanging, Barry uttered the customary words “May God have mercy on your soul.” According to the transcripts, Kelly replied “I will go a little further than that, and say that I will see you there when I go.” On 23 November, 1880, only twelve days after Kelly’s execution, Sir Redmond Barry died from what the doctors described as “congestion of the lungs and a carbuncle in the neck.”

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Corner

puzzle

ACROSS 1. Loudly 6. Itemised reminder note (5,4) 11. Sweet bun 15. 44th US President, Barack ... 16. Employment 17. Monday or Wednesday 18. Recovering speedily 21. Disrepair 22. Equal (2,1,3) 23. Surpassed 24. Walk affectedly 28. Ceramic paving square 30. Supplements, ... out 32. Maintained pace (4,2) 35. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2) 37. Breathing hole 38. Transfer sticker 40. Catching (thief ) 43. Giving off fumes 45. Sustains 47. Playwright, ... Wilde 48. Torvill or Dean (3-6) 52. Tibetan ox 53. Demolish (5,4) 56. Gamin 58. Scrape 60. Moved to another region 61. Actress, ... Streep 62. Cuddles 64. Missing in action (1,1,1) 65. Gone by 67. Large Mediterranean island 69. Gawked 72. Moaned 75. Lacklustre 77. Sharp 78. Suitor 79. Lessen 81. Locals 83. Rebuffs 84. Fleshy ear tissue (3,4) 86. Diplomat's skill 87. Russian rulers 90. Embellish 92. Persian Gulf republic 93. Contained within this 95. Cultured 96. Formed liking for (4,2) 98. Wearing footwear 99. Imbibed 100. Make believe 101. Suddenly lose control 102. Experiment rooms

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103. Fork spike 104. Wedding promises 106. Pithy 110. Pakistan currency 113. Pipe 115. Overexert 116. Arise (from) 117. Least industrious 118. Appellation 119. Exhibitionist 122. Fairground treats 125. Bee nest 126. Yolk surrounds 127. Canvas support 129. Major ocean 130. Telegraphed 131. Excess weight 132. Body powder 133. Please reply (1,1,1,1) 134. Lift 137. Missile pits 138. Deflection (of bullet) 142. Not at home 143. Weeder 145. Italian bread 146. Predatory bird 149. Rekindle 151. Provides (for) 152. Guidance 154. Laborious preparation 156. Plastic clothing material (1,1,1) 157. Banners 159. Zones 161. Shoots dead 163. Famous ruins near Vesuvius 168. Excitedly 171. Lethal 172. Sports injury remedy (3,4) 176. Foolish 177. Dodge City is there 180. Superior 181. Egotistical 183. Belittled 187. Congenital 188. Surgery instrument 190. Chubbier 191. Helper 192. US cotton state 193. Bygone (days) 194. Banjo sound 195. Type of light bulb 196. Representative government 197. Depresses

December 2016

DOWN 1. Small amphibians 2. Brainwaves, bright ... 3. Ganges country 4. String toy (2-2) 5. Risks 6. Gold purity unit 7. Scolds 8. Linger 9. Ballet dresses 10. Coarser 11. Look after 12. River growth, blue-green ... 13. Proficient 14. Consume (3,2) 19. Ireland (poetic) 20. Xmas carol, The First ... 25. Also known as (1,1,1) 26. Vagrants 27. Craving 29. Noble title 31. Youngsters 32. Dutch airline (1,1,1) 33. Mocked, ... fun at 34. Water boiler 36. Stirred 39. Vitamin C, ... acid 40. Fixing pin 41. Conciliator 42. Filed 44. Chivalrous man 46. Song, Auld Lang ... 47. Permissible 49. Withdrawal 50. Fate 51. Vulgarity 53. Collapse (4,4) 54. Scoundrel 55. Was obliged to pay 57. Mental pictures 59. Knives 63. Rebuts 66. Rid of dirt (5,2) 67. Declared 68. Poured 70. Yearly 71. Receding 73. Hotelier, Conrad ... 74. Credits & ... 76. TV news compere 80. Rocket science 82. Europe's tallest volcano 85. Opposed to 88. Lower leg bracelets 89. Drool

90. Fan 91. Volunteered 94. Niggled 97. Stared lasciviously at 104. Deer meat 105. Gracefully slim 106. Band of minstrels 107. Lanyard 108. Sushi condiment 109. Happened, ... pass (4,2) 111. The Leaning Tower of ... 112. Impish 113. Casual garment (1-5) 114. Excuses (from tax) 120. Obsessed, having a ... mind (3-5) 121. Nerve 123. Unthinkably 124. Gourmets 127. Good Friday period 128. Flayed 135. Go away from 136. The V of VC 139. Party mime game 140. Heavy antelope 141. Minuscule amount 144. Belongings 147. Egyptian cobras 148. Scarcity 150. Pronto (1,1,1,1) 153. Glimpse 155. Hoodwinks 158. Stadium 160. Shorts 162. Ancient Peruvian 164. Egg cells 165. No ... or buts 166. Sensual dance 167. Discounted, on ... 169. So! 170. Sheltered side 172. Charged particles 173. Igloo dweller 174. Cyberspace persona 175. Oven for pottery 177. Two-masted boat 178. Swedish prize benefactor 179. Chopping 180. Trademark 182. Debonair 184. Whiskers 185. Humiliation 186. Stalemates 187. Laundry appliance 189. Price tickets ÂŠ Lovatts Puzzles

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McCrae

McCrae is a suburb 73 km south of Melbourne, nestled between Rosebud and Dromana, boasting its own ocean frontage. It has a population of 2,543, and an area of 3.7km2. The beach is secluded and quiet and offers a relaxing atmosphere from the hustle and bustle of the Melbourne CBD.

McCRAE FACTS The area was named after the McCrae family who were the first Europeans to settle the area. The homestead that they built, McCrae Homestead is a National Trust property that is open to the public. McCrae is known for the McCrae Lighthouse. No longer an operating lighthouse, it marked the turning point for shipping in the main navigational channels between Port Phillip Heads and Melbourne. In March 2011, McCrae Yacht Club hosted the Victorian Championship regattas for the A-Class Catamarans. They sailed seven races from the 12–14 March. McCrae Yacht Club is located at the south end of Port Phillip Bay on a beautiful sandy beach. The club has a commitment to sailing and sail training. Family participation is encouraged as is excellence in sailing with success at state, national & international levels. The club was formed in Dec 1961. McCrae Homestead is one of Victoria's oldest homesteads and is a physical reminder of the early pioneering life. Built in 1844 by lawyer Andrew McCrae and his artist wife Georgiana,

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the Homestead is a rare example of drop slab construction. Made using local materials such as messmate, stringybark and wattle it was sold the homestead to the National Trust in 1970 by Georgiana’s great-great-great grandson. The Homestead is one of Victoria’s oldest, original existing houses, and was built on a large lease in the Port Phillip colony, Arthur’s Seat Run, comprising 33 square miles or 20,500 acres (8,296ha). The building was designed by Georgiana McCrae who was the illegitimate daughter of the 5th Duke of Gordon, a talented artist and dedicated diarist. The McCrae family was one of the first six pioneer families to establish properties on the Mornington Peninsula. McCrae Beach is regarded as one of the most stunning on Port Phillip Bay's shore, with many uncrowded spots to take an afternoon dip or sunbathe. Because of the position of the bay along the peninsula, the waters are smooth and tranquil, so this may not be the best spot for surfing, but it sure does draw in plenty of couples and families who simply want to relax. continued next page...

COFFEE SAFARI Fresh brewed coffee is a must have for weekends away and McCrae coffee is second to none with great coffee haunts around the town. Here are a few to check out when head down to this beautiful end of the world.

BLUE BAY CAFE 665/667 Point Nepean Rd Blue Bay, Red Raspberry Cake Nestled in between the larger and busier suburbs of Dromana and Rosebud. Blue Bay Café gets top marks for its setting as it's located just opposite McCrae beach and light house. Great coffee, amazing cakes and friendly staff are the perfect combination.

MCCRAE PROVEDORE 9/739 Point Nepean Rd Positioned opposite beautiful McCrae beach with its coastal walks around the historic McCrae Homestead and Lighthouse, McCrae Provedore is the premier place for great coffee and fresh food.

MERCHANT & MAKER 675 Point Nepean Rd Specialists in modern café cuisine with a focus on seasonal and local produce. Renowned for their fresh menu and excellent coffee.

WHAT TO DO? Nestled between Rosebud and Dromana on Port Phillip Bay, McCrae boasts its own water frontage with secluded beaches that are safe and quiet, and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. McCrae is a perfect weekend getaway for anyone who loves history, charming eateries and a beautiful beach atmosphere. With fabulous fishing and viticultural options, you will always find fine dining in McCrae, whether you want a five star meal or just the most delicious fish and chips on the beach. Enjoy sailing, walks along the beach, and lounging around in one of the many accommodation options from beachfront camping to million dollar rental properties, and then check out the stunning McCrae Homestead. Of an evening, the McCrae Lighthouse glows with a wonderful light show for all to see, capping off the perfect day in paradise. Photography: Yanni

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Janine Harrison,

opening doors to your new lifestyle. Call Janine today for personalised service and professional real estate advice. Janine offers free property reports, with an extensive knowledge and passion for the stunning Mornington Peninsula and surrounding areas

Median house price for McCrae is $605,000 and unit price is $490,000. The median/average age of the people in McCrae is 52 years of age.

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Contact Janine: 0487 000 666 or 9787 0028 Janine@allensre.com.au to start your campaign!

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HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVE By Melissa Walsh

love of visiting the Mornington Peninsula and desire for a change of lifestyle saw young couple, Andrew and Alex Levy pack up their kids and inner city home and turn their life around. That was four years ago and, since then; the entrepreneurs, who once ran Stiches Clothing, have never looked back. The owners of Allocate Peninsula combined their passion for the area with a penchant for real estate and now offer luxury holiday rental accommodation to showcase our stunning shores. “When we came down here we seemed to become a lifeline for Melbourne friends, family and colleagues who either needed assistance with their holiday and rental properties on the peninsula or were searching for the perfect holiday home and needed a local who understood exactly what they wanted and needed,” said Andrew from their home office. “In just one year, we have gone from having eight luxury properties on the books to over 30 and the number is still growing.” The name Allocate is a play on the couple’s initials – AL. Locate – because Alex (fondly known as Al) and Andrew Levy will assist you in locating your perfect property. The stunning range of properties Allocate have on their books is a prime example of the luxury one can find on the Mornington Peninsula.

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To experience how the other half lives will only set you back around $12,500 per week for the ultimate in luxury. For this, you can enjoy a large holiday house with a mix of modern architecture and California bungalow for a week. Much of the $12,500 per week house is built from Mt Martha rock. There are four large bedrooms and a rumpus room that sleeps six in single beds. Outstanding views over the bay, looking directly at the city, can be seen from all rooms, the pool deck and the outdoor entertaining wing. Large manicured gardens include lawn areas for children to play, featuring an in-ground trampoline, above ground cubby house and swing set. The infinity pool surrounded by lounges is both gas and solar heated. There is a lock up garage for two cars and plenty of extra parking space, with access via a remote controlled gate. The modern kitchen includes enclosed bench tops, large walk in pantry and views of the bay and your own private swimming pool. The dining room is next to kitchen with a large square table that seats twelve people. The dining room is surrounded by ceiling to floor windows with views of outdoor areas including the pool and bay. All north facing windows have external shutter blinds to control heat and light. And of course there is a huge family room with a fireplace, plasma TV and couch wall to wall, as well as a separate theatre room with above-ground leather seating on a flat lounge. DVDs, Foxtel and normal TV can be played on the large screen with surround sound. As you would expect, all bed linen and bath towels are supplied, so you only need to bring beach towels.

Real Estate

If beachside luxury isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t to your taste, then why not try a stint in the countryside with the Red Hill farmlet at just $11,000 per week. This stunning acreage property might have country views but there is no shortage of luxury with the Red Hill House that won the Australian Timber Design Awards Best timber house in Australia 2015. The stunning architect-designed rural retreat set on 4.5 acres in the lovely Red Hill area has spectacular bay views and overlooks established vines. Only moments to vineyards, restaurants and the foreshore, the property includes a wraparound deck with infinity edged pool overlooking a North-South grass tennis court, a gas heated spa and fully equipped gym. The house has zoned living areas that are orientated to the north and open up on to expansive decks, with the main wing featuring a spacious open living and dining area with fully equipped kitchen, complete with two ovens and two dishwashers and massive island bench. The living area is also complete with an open fireplace and large LED TV, DVD and stereo with ample seating for the whole family. The dining table comfortably seats ten people. The main living area has ceiling to floor sliding doors that open up onto the expansive deck with infinity edge swimming pool barbecue. This wing also includes the master suite with a king size bed, expansive sea views, and large en suite. The other wing has three or four more bedrooms and large continued next page...

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rumpus room opening up onto further decking looking over the tennis court. A comfortable king size bedroom with shared en suite (with bath) & WIR, twin king size single beds with shared en suite & WIR, a bunk room with two king single bunks, as well as an extra play room with fold out sofa bed. There is also an extra bathroom to serve the bunk room and spare room. The spacious rumpus room has an open fire place, separate kitchenette, ping pong table, LED TV, DVD, stereo, board games and keyboard piano. Offering just a taste of what a few thousand a night can get you, this has to be the epitome of holiday extravagance right on our very own peninsula doorstep. For this and plenty more holiday choices, go to www.allocatepeninsula.com.au.

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Bowman & Company 168 Main Street Mornington VIC 3931 Telephone 03 5975 6888 Fax 03 5975 6288 admin@bowmanandcompany.com.au bowmanandcompany.com.au

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