Peninsula Essence December 2022

PENINSULA

Living & visiting on the Mornington Peninsula

HRISTMAS 2022

Gift Ideas Ideas

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Writers: Andrea Louise Thomas, Joe Novella

Photography: Yanni, Gary Sissons

Creative: Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne

Publisher: Melissa McCullough

Advertising: Andy Jukes, 0431 950 685, andy@mpnews.com.au Phone: (03) 5974 9000

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

FB: @peninsulaessence Insta: @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).

Cover photos may be purchased via yannicreative.com.au/peninsula-essence-covers

The Bay of Islands is part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park and looks out onto Bass Strait. It lies to the east of Diamond Bay and is accessible via the Diamond Bay car park on Diamond Bay Road in Sorrento.

10. Regeneration

Lily Grace Phillips died in a tragic 4WD accident. Through the incredibly hard work and dedication of her Mums, they opened up Lil’s Yolky Dokey Egg Farm in their daughters memory. This is particularly impressive considering neither Jacqui nor Gab had any experience in farming.

14. Commentary Gold

Miles and Archie Shepherd are twin brothers from Balnarring who have taken social media by storm going viral with videos of themselves lip-synching the commentary of well-known sports commentators like Brian Taylor, James Brayshaw and Bruce McAvaney.

Leading Arts

22. Drawing Stories

From her garden-aspect home studio nestled in the Mount Eliza woodlands illustrator/designer/teacher Karen Erasmus has created thousands of sketches, watercolour paintings and digital artworks.

30. Music Mover

Heidi Luckhurst has played alongside some of the biggest names in Australian music, from intimate gigs to music festivals. Playing music with a mix of folk and rock with a dash of country, her shoot-from-the-hip lyrics are relatable, emotive and often humourous.

34. A Legacy Created

THE Crittenden family celebrated 40 years of wine making on the Mornington Peninsula in October. Absent from the celebration was Margaret Crittenden. Wife of Garry. Mother to Rollo and Zoe. Matriarch of the family, whose influence and hard work were instrumental in making Crittenden Estate what it is today.

Focus On

54.

Eat & Drink History

Focus on Rosebud

Historical facts, café recommendations and what to do in one of Victoria's most popular peninsula holiday destinations.

58. The Moorooduc Quarry - A Mountain Of Stone

For 40 years the Moorooduc Quarry was the main source of stone for the roads of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings. The ridge on the northern edge of the Moorooduc Plains held a hard, high quality stone that was first exploited in the late 1880s by David Munro & Co who found it to be perfect ballast under the new railway lines he was building to Stony Point and Mornington.

Every Month

Proudly published by

Cover image by Yanni

OZ DESIGN FURNITURE

The Dixon Console brings a touch of Scandi into your home with its reclaimed teak finishes and black metal legs offering a sophisticated look. With ample storage space, you can also display vases, baskets, artwork or decorative books. The perfect piece for your hallway or living area. Showroom D4, HomeCo. Peninsula 1128 – 1132 Nepean Hwy, Mornington 8560 1137 ozdesignfurniture.com.au

LUDUCO LIVING

Introducing the beautiful Cassis sofa range from himolla Germany. Sumptuously comfortable with adjustable armrest, headrest, and extra seat depth plus motorised footrests, the Cassis is available in a variety of sofa sizes and modulars. Sofa prices start from $6599 with a choice of over 250 leather colours and 500 super easy care fabrics. Exclusive to Luduco Living. Unit B1/1128 - 1132 Nepean Hwy, Mornington 5973 4899 luducoliving.com.au

PENINSULA Styles

PRODUCTS FROM THE PENINSULA WE'RE SURE YOU WILL LOVE

BAYSIDE SHOES

Comfortable and stylish, the iconic Birkenstock Arizona sandal can be individually adjusted to the wearer’s feet using two sturdy metal buckles –guaranteeing a good fit and firm support. The white leather grain will complement any summer outfit. 103 Railway Parade, Seaford 9785 1887 baysideshoewarehouse.com.au

OZ DESIGN FURNITURE

ANTIQUE BY DESIGN

Beautiful and unique items such as this, await you at Antique By Design.

Tyabb Packing House

14 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Tyabb 0460 875 041

What's on?Upcoming Peninsula Events

3 DECEMBER DINO IN SAND

AT BONEO PARK

This summer Boneo Discovery Park will be transformed by 2,500 tons of sand, sculpted into fourmeter-high Australian Dinosaurs, flanked by hand-crafted life-size robotic replicas. Also enjoy a host of activities including exploring the hedge mazes, jumping castle, bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall, and so much more!

www.boneodiscoverypark.com.au

15 DECEMBER MESSIAH

AT THE FAC

The MSO returns to Frankston Arts Centre for the first time in three years, this time with the mighty MSO Chorus! Messiah is one of Handel's most famous works and offers many precious music moments in its exquisite Choral writing, including its exultant and inspirational Hallelujah chorus. www.artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au

3 DECEMBER

RED HILL MARKET

Dedicated commitment to quality brings together over 250 talented stallholders who regularly demonstrate enormous pride in their work by producing original creations of the highest quality. It's a proven feast for the mind, body and soul, a fascinating eclectic mix of textures, materials and colours that make up the vast range of individually designed products. Parking $5. Please no dogs. www.craftmarkets.com.au

1 - 31 DECEMBER RED HILL TRUFFLE HUNT

Join Red Hill Truffles and their talented hunting dogs to gather some of the truffles they find and learn more about the fascinating history of these coveted fungi and how they came to be farmed in Australia. Tasting treats at the end of the hunt, including wood-fired pizza with truffle shavings, will leave you in no doubt about the reason truffle-lovers count the days between seasons. $195pp. www.mpexperience.com.au

* Check with venue for any restrictions.

10 DECEMBER FOOD YARD NIGHT MARKET

Food Yard Night Market features six main meal trucks with food from around the world to tempt your tastebuds, plus dessert stalls and beverage options. Every market has a vegan/gluten Free Option. Entry is free with onsite parking, seating, tables, and cover available. It is a great night out for family and friends.

www.unrivalledevents.com.au/ food-yard

1 JANUARY 2023 MORNINGTON NEW YEAR’S RACE DAY

Ring in the New Year in style, trackside at Mornington. Lay your picnic blanket down on the rolling green hills with family or friends, bring the kids along for the first Clip Clop Club race day of the year with kids activities and rides, or wine and dine. The atmosphere will be buzzing thanks to a DJ pumping the tunes, and many bars and food trucks to sample some of the goods.

www.mrc.racing.com

This contemporary home provides the perfect environment for a growing family. The sleek exterior was achieved by combining acrylic render, metal standing seam and hardwood timber shiplap wall claddings wrapped around large raked and butt-joined windows - allowing natural light to flow through the entire home. The interior exemplifies the modern

vibe offering a refined style with subtle hints of luxury including large voids, raked ceilings, feature timber staircase, brick surround fireplace, polished concrete floors, reeded glass, shower skylight and large floorto-ceiling windows opening the living out to the deck and pool.

Contact Beachstone Homes today to see how they can assist you with your dream home.

regeneration

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni & Supplied

Lily Grace Phillips was an adventurous, vibrant visionary. She had big ideas and big dreams. When she was four she told her mother, Jacqui Lanarus, “I want to be a makeup artist to the stars!” She did become a beautician, but her stars were heavenward. Lily died in February 2018 at the age of twenty in a tragic 4WD accident.

Lil, as she was affectionately known, loved being with family and had lots of friends. Instead of a funeral, a celebration of her life was held. Over 700 people turned up. Lil was an interesting mix. She was as happy on the couch with her Mums, Jacqui and wife, Gabrielle Banay as she was outdoors in nature. She liked glamour, but didn’t mind getting dirty camping and going on 4WD expeditions.

She had been planning for years to travel around Australia in a 'Troopy' with her dog. One of Lil’s big dreams was to own a bush block with pasture-raised hens and sell their eggs while operating

Through the incredibly hard work and dedication of her Mums, the first phase of that dream has come true in Lil’s Yolky Dokey Egg Farm. This is particularly impressive considering neither Jacqui nor Gab had any experience in farming. Both were working in the city at the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation in Food Education.

Jacqui and Gab embraced farming, initially working thirteen hours a day seven days a week. Working so hard and having such a steep learning curve proved a much-needed distraction from loss and grief. They didn’t have time to think about much else. They were laser focused on achieving Lil’s dream.

Shortly after losing Lil, they leased a 50-acre property in Somerville and got to work learning the pasture-raised egg business. This method is the optimal way of farming eggs because it provides the best living conditions for the chickens and results in the best tasting eggs. Yet this sort of farming is a rarity.

“Our girls live in chicken caravans on pasture. Those doors are never closed. There are perches inside and nesting boxes where they lay their eggs, but they are free to roam and forage 24/7.

Our six Mareema dogs guard them from foxes. They are living the dream, those ladies,” Gab says.

Last year Beth and Andrew Phillips, the eco entrepreneurs behind Uncommon Folk, invited Yolky Dokey to be the first farmers to join their regenerative farming collective offering lease on their land in Main Ridge plus the shedding that now makes up Yolky Dokey’s office space, storage and grading rooms.

Regenerative farming is the ideal model for farming because it gives back to the land. It reverses climate change by rebuilding soil’s organic matter and restoring depleted soil biodiversity resulting in carbon drawdown and improved water cycle.

Jacqui and Gab move their ten chicken caravans to a new position every week. The chicken manure fertilizes the soil creating lush pasture land. This eco-friendly practice is regenerative farming in action. The spectacular Main Ridge property they’re on is 220 acres of verdant rolling hills and pastures. It’s also part of Landcare Victoria.

Uncommon Folk leases their property to farmers who have something to give back to the land. This kind of symbiotic model could be the future of farming. A lot of Mornington Peninsula land is sitting there doing nothing. This model can nourish the land, provide security for the absentee owners and create a selfsustaining Peninsula food bowl.

Now that phase of Lil’s dream has been fulfilled (the beauty salon is still in the works) Gab and Jacqui would like to focus on mentoring new farmers to run their own chicken caravans

following the Yolky Dokey model. This would enable Lil’s Yolky Dokey eggs to increase supply across the Mornington Peninsula and support a flourishing local food system.

Five years on, Yolky Dokey is a thriving business with 4000 chickens and a small staff, which means Jacqui and Gab can have a day off. Yolky Dokey provides eggs to dozens of Peninsula shops and restaurants. They can barely keep up with demand. “People often say these are the best eggs they’ve ever tasted. That makes the hard work worthwhile,” Jacqui says.

Find Lil’s Yolky Dokey Eggs stockists on their website or come to the farm gate on Saturday between 10am-2pm to see farming in action: - chickens casually strutting their stuff or madly running up to meet and greet. Beth and Andrew’s vision of best practice regenerative farming is taking shape and Lil is part of it.

yolkydokey.com.au uncommonfolk.com.au

Uncommon Folk will be hosting tours of their property and giving visitors the opportunity to find out more about their social enterprise and farming collective. Visit their website to register for one of these monthly tours.

Regenerative farming is the ideal model for farming because it gives back to the land

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

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

COMMENTARY gold

By Joe Novella Photos Yanni

When you think of famous sports people of the Greater Frankston and Mornington Peninsula regions, names like John Coleman, Dermott Brereton and Debbie Flintoff-King spring to mind, but most people have probably never heard of Miles and Archie Shepherd –aka Shepmates. However that may all be about to change, especially if the Shepherd boys continue on their trajectory of making sports commentary gold, in which case they may end up outshining them all.

Miles and Archie Shepherd are twin brothers from Balnarring who have taken social media by storm, going viral with videos of themselves lip-synching the commentary of well-known commentators like Brian Taylor, James Brayshaw and Bruce McAvaney just to name a few.

Shepmates' lip-synching videos cover iconic moments in sport like Tiger Woods winning the US Open or David Zaharakis' winning Anzac Day goal. The videos of the Shepherd boys doing their commentary have found a huge audience, played millions of times by people all over the world, shooting the Balnarring locals into internet superstardom and garnering the boys a cult following. The videos have also come to the attention of organisations like the AFL and Channel 7, who recently invited the twins to participate in the 2022 Brownlow Medal presentation by interviewing players such as Patrick Cripps, Lachie Neale and the Daicos brothers.

The twins rise to fame was founded in their love for sport. Growing up on the Peninsula they tried a variety of sports including soccer, cricket, athletics, tennis and golf but their true love was AFL, the whole Shepherd family being mad Richmond Tigers supporters, they even had Jack Reiwoldt star in one of their

videos. Currently, both Archie and Miles play for the Crib Point Football and Netball Club.

"Yep we both still play at Cribby," said Archie. "We love it down there, great club, great culture, full of the young friends/families we’ve grown up with and the club is the definition 'community' stacked with selfless volunteers working together for a community goal. We have been there for 5 years, started as underage u/19s

So how did the Shepherd twins go from playing sport to commentating on it? "Shepmates originally started in COVID," Miles explained. "Myself and Archie were working full time at Bowen’s Timber in the Sales Room and every night we would tune into KIIS FM's 'Australia’s Easiest Quiz' and we filmed ourselves answering the questions, and in the space of a few months we gained 10k followers. "Then on day one of the 21-22 Ashes Series, I couldn’t watch the game so I was listening intently to the radio and Mitch Starc bowled Rory Burns first ball of the Ashes series! I couldn’t believe it, the Triple M call from James Brayshaw was awesome and I don’t know what came over me but I got home, grabbed our little bro’s PS4 headset and pressed record of me lip syncing and reacting to the commentary. I didn’t think much of it, obviously I thought it was funny, but overnight it blew up. I looked at my phone in the morning and the video had skyrocketed, Archie and I knew we had found a good thing for the summer, we made a video most days and they kept getting bigger and bigger. Now we do all sports lip-synching videos and still crack ourselves up doing it."

The twins rise to fame has been nothing short of spectacular with Shepmates in high demand in media circles including radio outlets like FOX, K-Rock, KIIS and SEN and TV coverage on the Today show with Karl Stefanovic and Channel 7's Commonwealth Games coverage. Perhaps the pinnacle of their media work has been at this year's Brownlow Medal where they were asked to interview players as they arrived.

"It was our first real Q&A media gig for the AFL, so we wanted to nail it. We were confident going in, we had a good concept, a good suit, and a good attitude, it’s hard to go wrong. Plus, we’re comfortable talking to anyone, let alone footy players, we deal with them locally however some of the stars like Nat Fyfe got the heart racing, ripper bloke. It was probably one of the greatest nights of our lives, the players loved it, we were buzzing, got lucky at the casino then ended up sneaking into the after party! We had A-List players coming up to us at the party - it was bizarre."

You would forgive the Shepherd boys for losing themselves in all the fame and attention but they're pretty determined to stay true to who they are. "I think we both still have to take a step back when people say we’re famous because we still don’t believe it. We’ve dealt with a lot of people now who are 'famous' but we treat everybody the same, so we see these 'famous' people as just normal people, which is how we see ourselves.

I think we both still have to take a step back when people say we’re famous because we still don’t believe it

"It’s hard to see what you look like to other people. Sometimes you don’t know the magnitude of the numbers on social media; it’s hard to register how many eyeballs have seen our faces and videos. And we only realise that when we do media or if we head out in the city and people are asking for photos and signatures and all that, it’s kinda crazy. A lot of the time we’re at home, in the comfort of our local town and everything feels normal and then we step outside for a bit and remember we’re kinda well known now."

Whilst the twins are determined not to let all the fame and attention go to their heads, they definitely acknowledge their life has changed in a dramatic way. "Completely changed our lives and trajectory, it’s given us a new found passion for creativity, social media, film, marketing, working with other talent, podcasting… just to name a few. It’s opened our eyes to a new world and unlocked the passion we’ve both had for a long time - making videos and being entertaining.

"It makes us want to do good, and be good influencers, nothing makes us happier than when kids come up to us wanting photos, we can have influence over them in a positive way. Social media can be a dark place, especially for kids, and if we’re spreading laughs and a good message in whatever we do, that’s our main goal."

When Miles and Archie aren't making videos, they like to get out and about on the Peninsula at favourite hangouts including Phase 2 Café Balnarring, Gunnamatta Beach, Bushrangers Bay and the Red Hill Trail. But spare time isn't something the twins have a lot of with a very busy schedule including balancing their Shepmates comedy skits with University studies. And they have huge plans for the future including podcasts, a potential comedy

show and acting gigs. And the twins have just launched a range of merchandise.

"Yeah, it's exciting! Big range of t-shirts, couple jumpers, hats, stubby holders, beanies, etc. We designed our own TipRat Milne Hoodie which is available following the success of our Tip Rat video from last year. There's something for everyone that supports us and we really do appreciate the love and support from everyone."

To find out more about Shepmates, or view some of their commentary gold, head to their TikTok page tiktok.com/@shepmates

Social media can be a dark place, especially for kids, and if we’re spreading laughs and a good message in whatever we do, that’s our main goal

DECEMBER - JANUARY

DISCOVER LOCAL EXPERIENCES YOU WILL LOVE

As summer arrives, what better season to appreciate your own backyard? The longer days are perfect for getting out and about, so why not support local business and share local experiences with visiting friends and family.

There is plenty of fun in the outdoors to be had, from bush walking to paddle boarding, from farm animals to flower gardens.

The Peninsula is home to a diverse range of makers and creators, galleries and artist studios waiting for you to discover local art and craft. Support our local musicians by attending a gig and reconnecting with the live music scene.

Enjoy a meal at one of our many characterful restaurants or cafes. Sample a new brew on tap or savour a sip of one of our best wines.

With seasonal produce on the menu you can feed the family - and support local farmers, farm gates, green grocers and butchers - by sourcing local, fresh, in-season essentials.

Take the challenge to explore and support local. Spending local and recommending local businesses is the way that we can all pitch in to keep our local economy moving.

Find ways you can support local business by going to;

mpbusiness.com.au/supportlocal

DRAWING stories

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni

From her garden-aspect home studio nestled in the Mount Eliza woodlands, illustrator/designer/teacher Karen Erasmus has created thousands of sketches, watercolour paintings and digital artworks. She has illustrated twenty children’s books. Karen also produces artist prints, greeting cards, tea towels, and sewing kits to sell at local markets, a welcome counterpoint to the solitary life of an artist.

Karen was born in Devon, England. She comes from an artistic family. Her grandfather loved to paint. Her mother, a nurse, enjoyed sewing and writing. Her father trained as an opera singer.

For practical reasons he decided to go into the police force instead, but he always maintained involvement in amateur theatre. His police career meant a lot of moving around for the family.

continued page 24...

All that relocating was hard. Unlike her sisters, Karen was not an academic. A hearing impairment made classroom learning problematic. Whenever things were difficult, she always turned to art for consolation. “Drawing was a way of escaping,” Karen says.

Once they finally settled in one place, when she was eleven, life was idyllic. Their last move was to Okehampton in Devon – a picturesque place to inspire a budding artist. Karen’s favourite children’s picture book is Michael Rosen’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, because it reminds her of childhood in Devon.

Young children can read the book through pictures

Moving a lot made Karen adaptable and piqued her interest in travel. When she was 18, she went to live in The Netherlands and Israel. She later volunteered teaching English in Eritrea, East Africa for a year. Travelling on to Australia, she met an African man from Zambia in Perth who later became her husband. They moved to London, then Zambia before settling on the Mornington Peninsula.

When her children were young, Karen was working in portraiture. Then she decided to return to school. She had already completed a Bachelor’s Degree at Cardiff University (Wales) in Education/Art and Design, but wanted to focus specifically on illustration. In 2006, she went to Chisholm Frankston to get her Diploma in Illustration.

During those years of study, Karen started submitting drawings to children’s book publishers. In 2011, the year after she graduated, Hachette Children’s Books (Australia) offered her a book contract which then extended to five books over two years.

Karen loves illustrating children’s books because of the endless diversity of characters and the opportunity to work across a number of mediums. She also loves that picture books introduce children to art. “Young children can read the book through pictures. It’s a critical pre-reading skill, but it also creates an appreciation of art,” she says.

continued page 26...

Picture book illustration is a time-consuming process. A standard 32-page picture book takes three to six months to illustrate depending on the medium, the level of detail and the pressure of the deadline. Getting everything 'in sync' is the secret to success. “The words and pictures need to complement each other. If the words are right and the pictures are right, it’s a beautiful package,” she says.

Karen plans out her book illustrations by creating vignettes (a series of drawings). She then thinks about the reader’s perspective and begins to storyboard the book in her sketchbook.

When she creates the final artwork, it may be in watercolour, acrylic or digital drawing depending on what best suits the book. Other artists’ work offer inspiration. Karen loves English illustrator, Emily Gravett, whose quirky animals are full of character. She also admires Australian illustrator, Freya Blackwood, who frames things in an interesting way and creatives emotive characters. Karen says readers could probably see Blackwood’s influence in her own illustrations.

With ten years of experience illustrating, Karen now has the luxury of choice. When publishers send her manuscripts, she’ll choose the project if she likes the writing. Lots of different kinds of commissions come along. She’s currently working on a book for the National Library. It’s about a female aviator and set in the 1930s.

Coming full circle, Karen now teaches illustration two days a week at Chisolm Frankston. The other days are dedicated to illustrating books and creating products for markets. She loves living on the Mornington Peninsula because, as she says, “It’s a therapeutic place to live. It allows you the space to be creative and has an inclusive, supportive community of artists.” What could be better than that?

Photo: Alistair Johns.

FOLLOWING IN HER

At 25, young Kimberley artist Atlanta Mercy Umbulgurri is a rising star artist of the renowned Kimberley ochre painting of the Warmun community.

Significantly, Atlanta is the granddaughter of Warmun's most senior artist, the ninety-plus year-old Mabel Juli Wiringgoon whose Garn’giny Ngarranggarni (Star and Moon Dreaming) paintings have become her signature pieces. In the collections of numerous public galleries and private collections, her Moon and Star paintings have become amongst the most identifiable and revered mages in contemporary Aboriginal art.

In 2021 Mrs Juli decided that, as her granddaughter Atlanta was showing both great dedication to her culture and exceptional promise as an artist, she would pass the rights to her young protégé, to paint both the Moon and Star dreaming stories and that of another important story called Old Woman Singing out for her Dog with her own interpretation.

Since 2021 Atlanta has worked alongside Mrs Juli as well on her own - interpreting these ancient stories with a new and fresh vision - a reminder of the continuity offered by art to maintain, celebrate and honour ancient stories. Having exhibited Atlanta's works to great acclaim in an exhibition with her grandmother and aunt in 2021, Everywhen Artspace is now presenting Atlanta Mercy Umbulgurri's first solo exhibition - Gungi to Gungi

(Old Days/New Days); the living art of Mabel Juli's Dreamings. Atlanta Mercy Umbulgurri's exhibition runs from December 8 to 20.

EVERYWHEN ARTSPACE

A: 39 Cook St, Flinders T: 03 5989 0496

E: info@everywhenart.com.au W: everywhenart.com.au H: Friday-Tuesday 11-4

Atlanta Mercy Umbulgurri

Warmun.

Old Woman Singing out for her Dog, ochres on canvas, 90 x 90 cm.

at

MUSIC mover

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni

Soulful

Somerville singer/songwriter Heidi Luckhurst, aka Hazel, is a consummate musician and a captivating storyteller. Her shoot-from-the-hip lyrics are relatable, emotive and often humourous. Her music is a mix of folk and rock with a dash of country.

Heidi has played everything from intimate gigs like Sunday Sessions at the Frankston Library to the big time at Tamworth Music Festival. She has played alongside some of the biggest names in the Australian music industry, such as, Tash Sultana and Tones and I.

While building her own music career, Heidi has also helped many other musicians with theirs. She is passionate about supporting the local music scene. As Former President of the Mornington Peninsula Music Network (2016-2021), amongst other things, she led a team of volunteers putting on local music events.

During the pandemic Heidi helped create online streaming music gigs and raised tens of thousands of dollars to help Peninsula musicians when their professional lives were upended by the pandemic. It helped musos stay financially afloat, but also provided much needed moral support.

With her band, Hazel and the Thief, Heidi recorded a song she wrote called The Year 2020 (Spotify) which touches on the experience of being a creative during the pandemic. While it’s musically upbeat and has a wry sense of humour, it’s also a sobering time capsule.

Heidi has worked across many aspects of the music industry: facilitating songwriting and music business workshops, teaching guitar, keyboard and voice, writing grants and booking bands. In 2015, Heidi decided to go to university to add to her already considerable skill set. She went to Collarts in Melbourne completing a Bachelor of Music and Performance (specialising in songwriting).

Currently, Heidi works at The Pig and Whistle in Main Ridge in marketing and graphic design, as well as booking touring acts and coordinating events. She developed their website and social media and also worked with venue owner James McPherson to help design The Shed Theatre for music events.

In addition to her day job and music gigs, Heidi volunteers her time as one of a small number of expert advisors on the Mornington Peninsula Shire Arts and Culture Advisory Panel.

She and the other advisors work with council to create opportunities for creatives that provide meaningful experiences for audiences. ACAP aims to shape vision, promote and elevate arts on the Peninsula.

The best gigs for me are when I’m in a quiet space and I can tell stories

Heidi has always been passionate about the arts. She was a creative child who loved painting, drawing and writing poetry. Growing up in Cape Schanck provided plenty of inspiration. Her Mum was a sign writer. Her Dad was heavily involved in the technical side of the music scene. He was also a musician. Heidi had lots of early exposure to music.

At twelve, Heidi started playing guitar and writing music. She went to Rosebud Secondary College, a school that supported her creativity. She performed (often as the lead) in many of their musical productions, despite suffering from severe anxiety. When she started in the local music scene, there weren’t many young women in the industry so her talent was recognised early on and she was nurtured and supported.

Her musical style was influenced by her upbringing which included two very different genres: jazz and Australian country (with a bit of Celtic music thrown in). “Vocally, my skill comes from the jazz side of things. My songwriting and storytelling come from the country side of things – from bush ballads,” she says. Kasey Chambers and Slim Dusty were her musical inspirations.

Over the years Heidi has collaborated with a lot of different musicians. She enjoys playing with her band for that big sound, but for her there is something very special about standing solo –just her and her guitar. “The best gigs for me are when I’m in a quiet space and I can tell stories,” she says.

Creating new music is one of Heidi’s favourite things. She is getting ready to release a new song with her band called, She’s Got Power. It will be available on Spotify. Heidi loves connecting to people. She’d like to do a remote and rural tour playing small town halls and seeing the country. “I don’t care if I’m playing for three or a hundred as long as I’m reaching people,” she says.

Soundcloud/Spotify: hazel and the thief FB/Insta: @gdayhazel hazelandthethief.com

Picture: Garry

A LEGACY created

By Cameron McCullough Photos Yanni, Gary Sissons & Supplied

THECrittenden family celebrated 40 years of wine making on the Mornington Peninsula in October. It was a time for the family to celebrate the success of their renowned brand, and to reflect on those that made it happen.

Absent from the celebration was Margaret Crittenden. Wife of Garry. Mother to Rollo and Zoe. Matriarch of the family, whose influence and hard work were instrumental in making Crittenden Estate what it is today.

Margaret, known as Marg, passed away two years ago. Her loss has been felt deeply.

Garry and Marg Crittenden started the winery in the early 1980s, after horticulturalist Garry decided to combine his love of growing things with his penchant for good wine.

Buying a parcel of land in Dromana, at the foot of Arthurs Seat, the Crittendens embarked on their grape growing venture with gusto.

With the help of friends, they planted five acres of grapes in the second weekend of September 1982 and, in doing so, doubled the quantity of vines in the fledgling peninsula wine growing industry to ten acres.

During those years of constant activity, Marg would cook huge meals for all and sundry. Family, friends, or workers, nobody went hungry when Marg was around.

Daughter Zoe, who now helps to run the estate with her brother Rollo, said her parents were quick to see the potential of their venture.

But it was the determination of Marg who, in the summer of 1988 (while Garry was overseas at a trade fair), set up a trestle table,

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armed herself with a notepad and pen, and by doing so established the first “cellar-door” on the peninsula.

Keen to build on the tourism aspects of the winery experience, in 1992 the first cellar door and restaurant was open for business. “Mum was a beautiful cook who dreamed of having a restaurant,” said Zoe.

“Everything was made from scratch; she was just amazing at what she did, and it was very successful.”

While the couple originally planted cabernet, pinot noir and chardonnay, their commitment to making great wines saw them soon branch out, introducing new grape varietals such as barbera, nebbiolo, dolcetto and sangiovese to Victoria and Australia, and eventually expanding to include 11 acres.

Garry, who was the first winemaker in Australia to commercialise Italian wine varieties, also a pioneered sustainable farming and regenerative practices, abandoning all synthetic chemicals and using only biological farming methods to restore and maintain the health of the soil.

As the venture grew, Marg took to design. Firstly, designing the family home that now houses the Wine Centre, then the restaurant

and cellar door that operates as Stillwater Restaurant, and the on site accommodation that has become the award-winning Lakeside Villas.

Over the 40 years, the brand has grown to be synonymous with quality, diversity and sustainability. Crittenden Estate has completed 37 consecutive vintages. Their wines are now sold in most Australian states and exported to the United Kingdom.

The journey has been preserved by another of Marg’s contributions. A 27-year ‘labour of love’ comprising clippings and cuttings documenting not just Crittenden Estate, but the continued page 38...

Part of the Peninsula

entire Mornington Peninsula wine industry from its embryonic state to the powerhouse it is today.

After her death, the family had the collection assembled and published as what the family call “The Big Red Book”. Only six copies were produced, with three copies donated to local libraries.

Garry has stepped back from day-to-day operations and knows Crittenden Estate is in safe hands under Rollo and Zoe’s stewardship.

“I’m sure my children, and then their children will run Crittenden Estate,” said Garry.

“Our family are very dedicated to the cause!”

Rollo is continuing the tradition of innovation in both the winery and vineyard. He is also in his third consecutive term as president of the local industry body Mornington Peninsula Wine. Zoe runs the marketing, and Rollo’s wife, Linda, manages Lakeside Villas.

As this milestone passes, it is timely to ponder the meaning of legacy. How is it created? And how does it endure?

A legacy is not created by a solitary single act, but rather hundreds of small acts. Marg’s setting up of a trestle table in the summer of 1988. Her giant pots of food, feeding countless family, friends, and workers. Her design work on the building that now grace the estate. And of course, her diligent archives that has become a seminal history of Mornington Peninsula wine. These are just a few examples of the hundreds of acts that have established Crittenden Estate’s legacy.

So, on this anniversary, arm yourself with a glass of Crittenden’s finest. And make a toast to Marg. For without her, this would not have happened.

COME AND RIDE ON THE ASE EAGLE

There’s always something on at the Arthurs Seat Eagle where it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

This year’s family friendly Eagle Christmas Festival runs from December 1st until December 24th and provides a unique setting for visitors to enjoy the festive season, with activities, events, and visits from Santa.

Board one of our new Christmas Gondolas, festively decked in Red or Green, and soar to the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula, enjoying breathtaking views over the glorious Arthurs Seat State Park.

Daily you will have a chance to find a golden ticket to open the Eagle Advent Calendar and win the daily prize!

At the Summit, the Eagle Kids Corner will be hosting festive craft activities and activities during the week, while the Eagle café’s festive sweets and treats will get even the grouchiest grinch into the spirit of the season!

Santa will be visiting the Base Station photo booth every Sunday in the lead up to Christmas, offering a unique spin on the traditional Santa photo.

The premier event of the Christmas Festival is the magical Twilight Christmas, held at the Eagle on 20th December. This community event, filled with musical performances, entertainers, activities

and delicious food, will support MSFIN, a local community charity supporting families in need.

The Eagle will be offering heavily discounted $50 Family Tickets during the Twilight Christmas event, with all profits from the Twilight Event being donated to the charity. The Eagle has always been a community minded business and supporting the work of this wonderful charity is something that they are very proud to be able to do.

The Eagle will be closed on Christmas Day, before reopening for a jam-packed Summer Festival from December 26th until January 26th.

For more details visit aseagle.com.au

To donate to MSFIN visit msfin.org.au

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

Wolf Blass Adelaide Hills High Altitude Chardonnay Our Price $12 RRP $25

T’Gallant Encore Sparkling Rosè Our Price $8 RRP $11

Yalumba Eden Valley 2018 Viognier Our Price $10 RRP $27

Hidden Ridge 2020 Heathcote Shiraz Our Price $10 RRP $25

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We opened up the warehouse three days every week to the public, selling our wines and suppliers at trade prices and no retail mark ups. It is our commitment to remain open servicing the needs of our Wine Lover community into 2023 and beyond. Come along and say hello, grab a bottle or a case, and bring in this publication for a free bottle of bubbles with any purchase. BRING ALONG THIS AD FOR A BOTTLE OF BUBBLY One per customer until end of December 2022

BACKYARD HENS KEY TO INCREASING SELF-SUSTAINABILITY

Many people either own backyard hens or know of someone who does. The growing popularity has largely been due to families wanting to become more self-sustainable. So why is keeping backyard hens so good for your family?

Well, hens make for fantastic pets! Our breed of hens are Hyline Browns which are extremely friendly and placid. They love company and like nothing more than to spend time interacting with their owners. We hear lots of entertaining stories from our customers such as their hens going on school runs, on swings with the kids and happily jumping up onto their laps.

Good egg-laying breeds like our Hy-Line’s also quickly pay for themselves by providing your family with highly nutritious and delicious eggs throughout the year. Their eggs are high in protein and minerals but low in calories. You also have peace of mind knowing exactly how your hens are treated and what food they have eaten.

Of course, you can’t get more “local” food than what you get from your own backyard! When combined with a vegetable garden, your family becomes far more self-sufficient and able to live more sustainably. Your hens and vegetables could keep your whole household well fed over the long-term.

Hen ownership also teaches children some important, practical lessons about life. Not only do they need to be responsible for feeding and providing water for their hens but they must collect eggs daily and keep the coop clean and safe. Excess eggs can also be sold or given away to friends and neighbours which is a great way of benefiting others in your local community.

A: 3590 Frankston Flinders Rd, Merricks

P: 0406 691 231

W: TalkingHens.com.au

Looking for backyard hens but unsure where to start?

Talking Hens is a family business that enjoys backyard hens. We specialise in friendly, egg laying hens with quality products to keep them happy and healthy.

There’s nothing like the friendship and entertainment that you receive from our laying hens - a pleasure to be shared!

Talking Hens

3590 Frankston-Flinders Rd

Merricks, Vic 3916

Opening daily: 10am to 4pm

Closed: Wednesday's

For enquiries call 0406 691 231

Email: talk@talkinghens.com.au

Visit: TalkingHens.com.au

CHIEFS SON

Customised Whisky Gift Boxes

A Chief’s Son gift box fits any 700ml bottle of the Chief’s Son Single Malt whisky range and comes with two engraved Glencairn whisky glasses. We offer a personalisation service, whereby we can etch the box, glasses, on request. 43%abv 700ml Tanist Gift Pack: $175 chiefsson.com.au

FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE

A gift voucher to the Frankston Arts Centre is valid for three years and the lucky person in your life will enjoy experiencing the thrill of live entertainment that awaits them in 2023. theFAC.com.au

MORNINTON PENINSULA HAMPERS

Make it not just a Merry Christmas this year but a meaningful one by gifting a hamper from Mornington Peninsula Hampers. Quality local produce made by proud and passionate local businesses. morningtonpeninsulahampers.com.au

ARTHURS SEAT EAGLE

Take your gift giving to new heights this Christmas! An Arthurs Seat Eagle gift card will send you soaring over the sights of Port Phillip Bay. aseagle.com.au/gift-cards

IDEAS BY THE BAY

Gifts with a differnce. An eclectic collection of Kitchenware, gifts and souvenirs. Treasures that will make you smile this Christmas! ideasbythebay.com.au

on

Rosebud

Rosebud is a seaside town on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately 75 km southeast of the Melbourne city centre. It is a large beach-side town fronting Port Phillip, located between Rye and Dromana, and has a population of 14,381. Rosebud provides safe swimming beaches along its continuous stretch of sandy bay coastline, with the focal point being Rosebud Pier which is located opposite Jetty Road and extends about 300 metres into the water.

Originally known as Banksia Point, Rosebud began life as a fishing community in the early 1850s. On 2 June 1855, the cargo vessel Rosebud, owned by one of the colony's bestknown pastoralists Edward Hobson, was washed over the large sandbars and onto the beach. The burgeoning community made off with the cargo of damask and household goods, but the wreck remained for many years as the locals slowly stripped its hull to use in the construction of houses. It became commonplace to call the area "The Rosebud" in reference to the ship, which was shortened to "Rosebud" as the last vestiges of the ship disappeared.

Initially, Rosebud was difficult to access from Melbourne and surrounding towns. The pier, built in 1888, failed to extend into water deep enough for ferries and passenger ships to dock. A road was eventually constructed between Rosebud and Anthony’s Nose at Arthurs Seat, halfway between Rosebud and Dromana, allowing for easier access.

After WWII, due to the increase in the number of people owning a car, camping at Rosebud over the Christmas-New Year holidays became a tradition for many families. The foreshore area of Rosebud is now one of the largest camping areas on the peninsula. During the summer months, the populations of Rosebud and Dromana can double in size.

Median house price is $887,500 and the price for units is $725,000.

A notable feature of Rosebud's bay foreshore is a lack of commercial development. Most of the area between the coastal route of Point Nepean Road and the beach consists of community facilities, parkland and camping areas within sections of bushland.

A striking landmark in Rosebud is the bushy mountain peak of Arthurs Seat. It rises up in the distance behind the shops along Point Nepean Road and provides a scenic backdrop when viewed on Rosebud's beaches.

Rosebud has a temperate coastal climate and is usually several degrees cooler than Melbourne. The annual maximum mean temperature is 19.1 degrees C.

In the early twentieth century, developers attempted to stimulate investment in the area by marketing Rosebud as an Englishstyle seaside resort with the creation of the Clacton-on-Sea estate (today known as the "Avenues"). Land was offered at just two pounds per block, however, uptake was impeded by Rosebud’s distance from Melbourne.

The first pub (the Rosebud Hotel) wasn't built until 1939, however, by the 1960s, Rosebud had become the largest town on the southern Peninsula, complete with a shopping centre and extensive sporting facilities.

Coffee Safari

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

The Hideout Eat Drink Play

889 POINT NEPEAN RD

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

Elements Eatery

100 BESGROVE ST

You’ll find Elements Eatery located within the state-of-the art Yawa Aquatic Centre. Enjoy a morning coffee or relaxed lunch in either the indoor or outdoor seating areas, or pick up a takehome meal after a gym or swim session. Alternatively, the Grab & Go Kiosk is more relaxed, offering families and casual swimmers healthy food options poolside or a quick coffee on the go.

Zarb & Ru

1037 POINT NEPEAN

RD

Tucked away in the main strip of Rosebud’s shops, Zarb & Ru is a holein-the-wall cafe dedicated to great

What to do

A large beach-side centre fronting Port Phillip on the Mornington Peninsula, Rosebud is located between Rye and Dromana. The town was named after the English schooner that was blown ashore in 1855 a short distance to the west of where the Rosebud Pier now stands.

Rosebud's commercial centre stretches along one side of about a two kilometre length of Point Nepean Road with the shopping precinct featuring attractive garden strips, paved areas and several wood carvings of notable local identities from the past.

Enjoy Rosebud’s safe swimming beaches along its continuous stretch of sandy bay coastline with the focal point being Rosebud Pier. Take part in the various water sports and golf activities just a short drive away, or visit the recently opened Yawa Aquatic Centre.

Home to plethora of events, Rosebud hosts the Peninsula Short Film Festival, the Rosebud Kite Festival, and of course the Rosebud Foreshore carnival.

This popular summer holiday destination is the perfect base from which to explore the countless outdoor attractions nearby.

Photos Yanni

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94. Excused 96. Applause 98. Cardiac monitor (1,1,1) 99. Nought 100. Toronto's province 102. Version 103. Essence 104. Ask questions 105. Common people, ... polloi 106. Egg cells 107. Abuts 108. Addle 110. Self-regard 112. Embezzled 114. Slant 117. Peculiar 120. Asthma sufferer's puffer 123. Close 125. Fertiliser ingredient 127. Hormone organ 128. Unjust 131. Ornate 133. Avoided, ... away from 134. Inlaid piece 135. Connect to the internet (3,2) 136. Sanctuaries 137. Snaking dance 140. Negotiable (1,1,1) 141. Took food 142. Nigerian city 145. Anonymous (heroes) 147. Straggler (4-5) 148. Abided by (rules) 150. Squash (bug) 151. Raw minerals 152. Assistant 153. Radio knob 154. Festival 156. Roman gown 158. Samson's source of strength 160. Engraver 162. Type of sword 163. Female voices 164. Sicilian volcano 165. Tick over (of engine) 166. Knitting stitch 167. Recompensed 168. Soft drink 170. Succinct 172. Wanderings 173. Mongolian desert 174. Hammered (in) 177. Clock bird 179. Washstand jug 180. Pulls

81. Anti-tank weapon (1,1,1) 84. Fighting terrier (3,4) 85. Cuts first teeth 86. More furious 87. Floating wharf 88. Issue (CD) 90. Mechanical piano 92. Composer, Andrew ... Webber 95. Highway inn 97. Meddle, dip an ... in 101. Bushranger, ... Kelly 109. Mend (socks) 111. Jolly 113. Musical work 115. Sequence (of events) 116. From Calcutta 118. Labour 119. Mum's mum 121. Harass 122. Fibbing 124. Signing name 126. Azalea plant 129. Sound of walking 130. Attendance check (4,4) 131. Cutlet (4,4) 132. Treatment lamp light 138. Ahead 139. Instinct (3,7) 143. Letter recipients 144. Approved 146. Crotchet or minim 149. Obsolete VCR format 155. Clarify 157. Prunes & weeds 159. Routinely (2,1,4) 161. Kitbag 165. Eats 169. Blow-up mattresses (3,4) 171. Purgative, ... oil 172. Wedding speeches 175. Put by (3,2) 176. Loves foolishly, ... on 177. Obtain by begging 178. Bladders 181. Current units 184. Single combat 186. Irish group (1,1,1) 190. He, ... or it

THE MOOROODUC QUARRYA MOUNTAIN OF STONE

By Lance Hodgins

For 40 years the Moorooduc Quarry was the main source of stone for the roads of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings. It nearly didn’t survive past its second birthday.

The ridge on the northern edge of the Moorooduc Plains held a hard, high quality stone. It was first exploited in the late 1880s by David Munro & Co who found it to be perfect ballast under the new railway lines he was building to Stony Point and Mornington.

After this, the quarry lay idle - the motoring age had yet to make its mark on the landscape with its need for roads. It was not until well into the twentieth century that cars became

more common and local governments realised that they would face an ever-expanding road network to build and maintain. For most of the Peninsula, these needs were being met by several private quarries. Not so in the north, where Frankston Riding councillors saw that their requirements would soon outstrip the existing supply from the quarry in Cole’s Paddock. They eyed the old Moorooduc one, which sat on 400 acres of timbered land belonging to the Stenneken family. Money was tight, however, and when the Great War rolled around to demand different priorities, plans for a Shire quarry were put on hold.

The Good Deal

Finally, in 1919, the land became available for purchase and the Council made its move. On top of the purchase price, Council would have to borrow £6,500 (about $3 million today) to buy and instal the necessary equipment.

A public meeting was held to explain the economics of the project. A 50 feet face of high quality rock could be quarried immediately. There was a twenty-year timber supply to feed the steam engines. The newly-formed Country Roads Board would guarantee a steady market, and pay a bonus for locally crushed material. Council calculated that it could halve its road construction costs if it could provide its own stone.

By December 1920 a second-hand plant had been erected and on Friday 7 January 1921 William Calder, chairman of the Country Roads Board, performed the official opening.

The new works were impressive. The crushing plant was worked by a 90hp duplex steam engine, and the boiler was 30 feet long and weighed seven tons. The immense flywheel was a whopping 14 feet in diameter and, with its shaft, weighed another seven tons. It had been constructed by the same firm which had built both Victoria’s first locomotive engine and the government steamer Lady Loch.

The two Jacques stone-breakers could produce 180 cubic yards a day. Water from a hill-top reservoir was superheated before reaching the engine, thus ensuring extra steam pressure. The stone was then graded by size and delivered to storage bins, which emptied into trucks on a tramline which led to the railway siding lower down the hill.

Above: Frankston Shire Engineer A. K. T. Sambell

Overall, the plant was regarded as a credit to the Frankston Shire Engineer A K T Sambell, who designed and supervised its erection. Sambell was a most capable engineer. He went on to establish the Peninsula and Naval Base water supply network before moving to Phillip Island, where he ran the Westernport Shipping Company and became the local Shire’s first president.

The quarry was initially managed by a father-son combination, Frank Jolly snr and his engineer son Frank jr, who were experienced quarry operators from Glenrowan. Most of the workmen, however, were new to the job and the first few months saw some minor teething problems.

Output was fairly steady for the first two years, but questions were starting to arise inside the Shire Offices over its profitability. In 1923, when one councillor suggested they visit neighbouring quarries for advice, Cr Longmuir stated that this would not improve matters as the quarry had been put in the wrong place to begin with.

“They should put a charge of dynamite under it, blow it into the gully and start all over again,” he said.

Towards the end of 1923, increased wages were being blamed for the lack of profits and it was suggested that the quarry double the price of its product “in order to pay its way”. The Shire embarked on three months of financial soul-searching and when the plant closed down over summer for a general overhaul and repairs, some councillors were even asking if it should ever be re-opened.

The quarry cost money to stay open, it was argued. Yet, on the other hand, if it closed there would be insufficient screenings for the Shire’s tarring program and roads would slip into further disrepair and create a future expense of their own.

“A mountain of stone badly managed.”

Enter one George Nelson of Baxter – a quarryman with Broken Hill experience and no hesitation in coming forward and speaking his mind. In fact, his comments were scathingly blunt.

To him, the quarry was “a mountain of stone badly managed. It had run for four years at a loss of £16,000. The engine was worn out, the crusher jaws were getting worn out ... and so were the ratepayers who were asking when the profits are going to come.”

He claimed that the quarry should have shown a profit right from the start. The rock was excellent and there was nothing wrong with the machinery. It was simply being run poorly. He made it clear that he was prepared to undertake the working of the quarry if the present system was adjusted to meet his ideas, which he outlined in detail, and he guaranteed to make it a success.

“With better management, I can turn this white elephant into a gold mine, and the ratepayers will not be ashamed of it as they are today. In six months’ time I could be turning a profit of £10-£15 a day, and possibly double that.”

Despite his forthright comments, Nelson failed to convince the Councillors and he was passed over for the position of manager.

By April 1924 the new boss, Chester Pullen, was able to report steady production - but at a heavy cost: several workers had to be retrenched. When orders declined in the following month, he was forced to put off three more workers “of the type that would be hard to replace when business picks up again.” It was clear that something drastic needed to be done to achieve a profitable output.

Above: Members of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings Council on an outing, 1923

Nelson fired another salvo at management: “Any responsible person should not be allowed to stop there if he could not show improvements and a profit. If he can’t show from £10 to £18 per day by the end of six months then the council should remind him that the ratepayers need a fair deal, and it would be better if he looked for another job.”

This drew a spirited reply from a Mr W J Hills who had worked at the quarry for almost two years under four different foremen. Hills disputed Nelson’s claim that the crusher was often lying idle waiting for a supply of stone and he explained that the muckiness of the stone was due to the wet weather. He defended the present manager, who “had 14 years’ experience in open-cut and underground mining and could in no way be called a learner.”

Nelson replied that it was the workers, and not the manager, who he had called “learners”. He maintained that the mucky stone was the result of poor quarrying and that if better quality had been produced then the stone would “sell itself” and Council would have no trouble in getting orders.

All of this was happening at a time when the Council was extremely short of cash and they were getting desperate. In an attempt to save money, even the Shire Engineer’s permanent position was axed and the “founding father” of the quarry, A K T Sambell, found himself working in the position of consultant engineer on a daily rate.

In September of 1924 the quarry shut down for maintenance and, once again, the councillors argued about its future. Orders were drying up as a result of the poor stone and private quarries were having a field day. Some councillors feared that if the quarry was closed now it would never re-open.

Quarryman Hills took this opportunity to attack Nelson for having given “cheap advice to the ratepayers”. He warned that “Nelson would cull workers to the point of no return. He was only after the £8 a week manager’s salary and would promise all sorts of good things to get it. His figures just don’t add up. It is clear why the Councillors had not employed him 12 months ago.”

The quarry remained closed whilst Council continued to discuss its future. With every week it remained closed it cost £34 – made up of £22 bank interest, £8 manager’s salary and £4 assistant’s salary. Carrum Shire were approached to lease, buy or be a partner in the quarry. After one inspection, they decided to give it a miss.

Cr McCulloch moved that the quarry reopen under electric power and pushed for a sales agent to gather fresh orders. Cr Pratt cautioned that the quarry at that moment seemed to be poorly managed. The head of the Shire quarry committee, Cr Wells, argued the quarry could return to being worked properly once 500 yards of rubbish was removed. The vote was finally carried and the quarry was reopened.

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One last roll of the dice

George Nelson had one last chance - he arranged a meeting of all interested ratepayers and councillors. On a Saturday afternoon in November 1924 a small group gathered at the quarry, but some councillors were conspicuous by their absence. Only Cr Wells and Cr White were present, along with one former councillor and eleven other gentlemen.

The visitors saw neglect all around them. The tram line was almost covered in mullock and it was accumulating rust. The line was kinked, sleepers were hanging in mid-air, and observers wondered how the trucks could stay on them. Plenty of good stone could be seen but careless stripping of the overburden had left it covered with poorer stone and hard to get at.

Nelson addressed the small assemblage: “This quarry has been worked for three years and not one improvement has been made. At the end of the first year there was a loss of £3,000 and at the end of the next year there was a further loss, and still no improvements. The quarry has shown a loss of £10 per day whereas it could be made to show a profit of £10 per day.”

Nelson’s talk was not idle criticism and he had definite plans for improvement. He would build a 300 yard line of bins so that 10-15 rail trucks could be loaded from chutes at the same time,

Below: The Moorooduc Quarry in disrepair

by gravity rather than a steam-driven winch. He would also strip the overburden using horses and scoops instead of the archaic wheelbarrows and shovels and thus follow the better seams of rock.

Nelson related that twelve months ago he had inspected the quarry with the Shire President and Engineer who both seemed satisfied that he knew his business. They told him that he could manage the quarry when he finished his current job but, within a fortnight, he learned that there had “been a re-shuffle” and he was no longer required.

“Can the councillors tell me why I was not given a chance to prove myself? Where were my improvements wrong?” he asked.

“If the councillors thought that I did not know my work, I am now convinced that they do not know theirs. They have one of the best quarries in Victoria to be worked by gravitation, but nothing there is worked by it. There were plenty of improvements to be made but they have stumbled over them for years and been left with one of the dirtiest worked quarries in Australia. And that is praising it!”

Cr Wells, as chairman of the quarry sub-committee, made a couple of conciliatory comments before offering Mr Nelson a vote of thanks for his trouble in arranging the group’s visit. And everyone went home.

continued next page...

A new start

Within six months, however, the quarry was converted to electricity and the Shire threw its support behind other improvements. A new compressor and plant were installed and in 1927 the official opening was performed, once again by William Calder, Chairman of the Country Roads Board.

The quarry went on to survive the Great Depression of the 1930s. After an initial slump, it successfully operated two shifts a day and every month over 1500 cubic yards of Moorooduc stone were being poured onto local roads.

A truck was purchased which could deliver stone to the Country Roads Board at four pence a ton per mile cheaper than any other source in the State. The truck made a profit of £1,000 in its first year and soon led to the purchase of others.

The Second World War saw the quarry hit hard by a nationwide shortage of labour but it was declared a protected industry and managed to avoid closure. In April 1945 accusations of ineptitude and inexperience led to an inspection by a gathering of journalists who were given a candid view of the operations. Their reports in the local press put the criticism to rest.

They found that the foreman, Mr Shimmen, had 30 years of quarrying experience. Mr Johnson, the leading hand, along with Charlie Upton and Jim Holley, had all been there for some time. The Shire Quarry Committee chairman, Cr Wells, was also serving as quarry manager and saved the Shire £8/10/- a week in wages. Before he was elected to council, he had been a road contractor and quarried his own metal.

The visitors found the works to be in excellent condition. The plant had been overhauled and the crusher recently repaired. A new face of stone had been opened and output had risen to 40 cubic yards a day. The plan was to remove the plant and reconstruct it closer to this new face of stone. The liability of the quarry in its early days had been £26,000 – this was now down to £4,000.

The stone itself was widely popular and used in several landmark buildings of the district.

Above left: The quarry in 1935

Above right: Back to work at the quarry

Above: The stables at Cruden Farm

Left: The Frankston Comfort Station

One example was the stable and garden walls of Dame Elizabeth Murdoch’s Cruden Farm. Another lasting memorial stands on the Nepean Highway in the middle of Frankston - the Comfort Station - built and faced in Moorooduc stone in 1941. Parts of Frankston State School used the decorative stone as did most of the houses in Gull’s Way, Mt Eliza.

Persistent flooding, however, caused the quarry to close in 1961 and twelve years later it was designated a flora and fauna reserve by Frankston Council. Today, several species of eucalyptus and acacia dominate the Reserve and there is an abundance of orchids, native grasses and wildflowers. Many species of birds breed there.

There are several walking tracks, along which the ruins of an old explosives store can be seen – one of the few remnants of this once important site.

Footnote:

This is a chapter from “Tiffs over Time”, a collection of arguments from earlier times on the Mornington Peninsula. Copies are available from the author for $20 plus postage if necessary. Contact Lance on 0427 160 892.

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Top: The old explosives store Above: An aerial view of the quarry as it is today

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