Georgia Irwin is re-inventing vegan home baking with one delicious dessert after another, combining peninsula produce and childhood memories to create her recipe for success.
Writers:
Andrea Louise Thomas, Muriel Cooper, Annette Sanfilippo
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Disclaimer: The authors and publisher do not assume any liability to any party for any loss, damage or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. This publication is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
Peninsula Essence is produced monthly. 30,000 copies bulk dropped at an extensive network of outlets across the peninsula.
8. Pawninsula Pups
The ‘puppy menu’ is the newest addition to the peninsula dining scene, catering for the cuter kind of cafe goers and combining two pillars of peninsula culture; family and food.
14. Humble Beginnings
Fred Harrison could hardly have envisaged that when he accepted a job as a trolley boy at Ritchies in Frankston in 1975, he would one day be the CEO.
Leading Arts
18. Limitless
Artist Merran Berry is a firecracker of creativity with seemingly endless imagination. On her semi-rural Pearcedale property sits an enormous potato shed that she converted it into a rustic art gallery furnished with gems from the hard rubbish. It’s brimming with an eclectic mix of original art from paintings and sculpture to photography and mixed media collage.
22. Short Story Master
Red Hill writer Jodie Kewley is a masterful teller of tales. She writes with exquisite intimacy in a perfectly measured pace that keeps the reader engaged from the first word to the last. Jodie won the Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor’s Short Story Writing Awards both this year and last year.
Peninsula In Style
28. Something Old... Something New
In preparation for the warmer months ahead, style editor Annette Sanfilippo discusses culling closets to make way for the new and leaving some traditional pieces of our wardrobe just as they are for future generations.
Eat & Drink
32. The Kindness Echoes
Georgia Irwin is re-inventing vegan home baking with one delicious dessert after another, combining peninsula produce and childhood memories to create her recipe for success.
35. Recipe – Strawberry Teacake
36. Mushroom Magic
Tania and Terry Brennan’s journey with McCrae Gourmet Mushrooms is a testament to the unexpected paths life can take. Originally, they were researching how to grow chillis for a small business venture. However, their path took a turn when they stumbled upon the world of mushroom cultivation.
History
67. Remembering a Young Balnarring Sportsman
In 1939 a 16-year-old from Balnarring was selected to represent the peninsula side at the annual Country Week Cricket tournament in Melbourne; the youngest ever selected. His name was Lewin Cubitt. Little did he know what life would have in store for him, and that a tragic and untimely death awaited.
Every
Proudly published by Cover image by Gary Sissons
What's on? NOVEMBER 2024
NOVEMBER 3
PENINSULA CUP DAY AT MORNINGTON RACECOURSE
Get ready for a day of racing, fashion, entertainment, and family fun at the Mornington Racecourse's Peninsula Cup! So, dress to impress and take part in the Mornington Peninsula's social event of the season. From 12pm. 320 Racecourse Road Mornington mrc.racing.com
NOVEMBER 23
MAKERS MARKET AT MCCLELLAND
From the creators of Emu Plains and Little Beauty Markets comes a brand new event featuring the iconic grounds of the McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery. It’s the perfect venue to explore if you are on the hunt for unique handmade treasures or simply want to immerse yourself in a world of creative wonder. 9am - 2pm. 390 McClelland Drive Langwarrin mcclellandmarket.com.au
From the editor’s desk …
NOVEMBER 7
OAKS DAY AT HOTEL SORRENTO
Slip into your finest attire, own the field and join us for a fun-filled day at Hotel Sorrento. Enjoy a welcoming cocktail, a shared menu crafted by our culinary team, lively entertainment, a fundraiser raffle, and more.
5-15 Hotham Road Sorrento hotelsorrento.com.au
NOVEMBER 29
DARYL BRAITHWAITE AT THE FAC
An iconic Australian singer/ songwriter and ARIA Hall Of Fame Inductee. As the front man and vocalist for 1970’s band Sherbet, Braithwaite rode a wave of local and international success. See him performing all the hits you love, and that's the way it's gonna be little darling.
Frankston Arts Centre 27-37 Davey Street Frankston artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au
NOVEMBER 17
HIGH TEA ON THE HIGH SEAS
Searoad Ferries invites all on a journey of spoiling ones self. So share a high tea on the high seas with the mums, the daughters, the sisters, the besties or even the hubbies and be a little bit naughty with a whole lot of nice.
Think of VineHop as a craft drinks tour on a festival scale!
Set across seven stunning Mornington Peninsula venues, VineHop showcases 30+ local craft beverage producers all offering tastings. Add to that live music, DJs, food trucks and various transport options (which make getting around easy!) and you’ve got an epic day out vinehopfestival.com.au
THE PASSIONATE TEAM BEHIND THE SCENES
It has been ten years since the first edition of Peninsula Essence rolled off the press. Initially a quarterly publication, in 2016 the magazine had a brief, (very brief), stint as a bi-monthly publication before settling into what it was always meant to be – a monthly that boasts engaging articles coupled with eye-catching photography.
But how did Peninsula Essence come about?
After eight years of printing the only independently owned, community newspapers, a fire sparked in the bellies of the team at
The desire to cultivate something individual, something with depth and grace, something with beauty and confidence, and mostly, something that celebrates the people and places that our region has to offer in a meaningful way was missing. And so, in October in 2014 the Peninsula Essence was
PE gained traction being noticed by advertisers and readers as something special. Also, during that time, the glossy magazine stretched its legs finding out exactly what the people wanted to see within the pages and adapting to just that. It was
It blossomed.
As our unique local, lifestyle and tourist magazine flourished, so, too, did my family. With my children now at school full time and having already been overseeing quarterly magazine Peninsula Kids since 2012, I added role of publisher and editor of PE to my resume in September 2019. There was a fair amount of adjusting, adding this new thing to care for, but dote on it I did. I looked at every separate component of the magazine that together makes the whole and made sure all needs were being met.
Collaborating with the incredibly dedicated design, editorial and sales teams, subtle changes were made in the background. A more diverse range of content was implemented. A font here, a catchy article title there (if only something rhymed with peninsula!); allowing me to gently put my stamp throughout the pages without sacrificing the already established integrity and appeal of the magazine.
Since 2019 my aim has been and continues to be one thing: to keep our core values by producing notable content, and always striving to publish the highest quality magazine. The team and I are always listening and watching out for new information and trends in the market. Do you know of a great story that deserves to be shared? Have a feature idea that should be explored? Or are you a business that should be highlighted? Drop me a line and contribute to the very essence of the peninsula. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Warm regards from our wonderful corner of the world, Melissa McCullough melissa@mpnews.com.au
PAWNINSULA pups
By Phoebe Billing Photos Yanni & supplied
If there is one thing our peninsula is known for it's our incredible food and wine scene; that's why more cafes have expanded their menus so nobody misses out! The ‘puppy menu’ is the newest addition to the peninsula dining scene, catering for the cuter kind of cafe goers and combining two pillars of peninsula culture; family and food.
dog friendly cafes provide socialising with both humans and dogs
As of last year, around 1.4million Victorians owned a pet with the majority of owners being young families or individuals under the age of 55, according to the Victorian Pet Census. Respondents who owned a dog listed lifestyle and flexibility to be a main factor in choosing a dog as a pet, due to their unmatched ability to be included in our everyday life. With this, dogs are being included increasingly more in our leisure, from the likes of puppy school to puppy yoga. You name it, there is a puppy version. So why not mix puppies with cafes?
Miss Drew’s Bakery and Dog Cafe, is the first dog-only cafe on the Mornington Peninsula. Catering for all dogs, big and small, Miss Drew’s sets the tone for how expansive and impressive pet menus can be.
Owner Kim says, “dogs are an important part of many families' lives, so being able to include them in visits to a cafe just seems like a norm these days”.
“On the peninsula, where people enjoy a relaxed and community-focused lifestyle, dog friendly cafes provide socialising with both humans and dogs”.
But what goes into creating a menu we know dogs will enjoy? Besides ensuring that the treats are delicious, transparency behind the ingredients within pet menu items is of utmost importance at Miss Drew’s.
“Not all treats are created equal,” says Kim.
“Unfortunately, the pet treat and dog food industry often lacks transparency regarding ingredients and their sources.”
Kim ensures all ingredients used in creating Miss Drew’s dog treats are “human-grade” and Australian sourced, certifying that all menu items are of the highest quality.
“Just like children, dogs can have allergies, so fur-parents want to know what they are feeding their dogs,” Kim says. If you are looking for a special way to treat your fur friend, then “Singleprotein or few ingredient treats are best for everyday use, while special treats like birthday cakes and iced cookies are ideal for occasions like birthdays or special-treat days.”
You can find Miss Drew’s Bakery and Cafe in Tyabb, located behind the Tyabb Packing House Antiques complex.
As well as Miss Drew’s, other local cafes are following suit by welcoming our canine companions into the cafe.
Here are a list of just a few dog-friendly cafes across the peninsula that host puppy menus:
MISS DREW’S BAKERY AND DOG CAFE
14 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Tyabb
Mornington Peninsula’s first dog-only café. Bring your fur baby along to Miss Drew's, a delightful, retro-inspired establishment. Let them enjoy a delicious selection of seasonal treats, pup-cakes, peanut butter bites and more. They can even send your pup home with a doggy bag full of goodies.
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MERCETTA
115 Main Street, Mornington
Located in the heart of Mornington’s Main Street, Mercetta is a hot spot for social gatherings, a quick coffee catch-up, or boozy breakfast to spice up your week. Their large outdoor courtyard provides the perfect brunch set-up for you and your pup to enjoy. The pet menu includes the choice of a delicious puppacino, puppy pop, or a puppy paw cookie for the biscuit loving pup.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA CHOCOLATERIE & ICE CREAMERY
45 Cook Street, Flinders
If you ever find yourself looking for a day out with the pup, why not head further down the coast to Flinders? Finally, tick visiting the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery off your bucket list, and off your pup’s too because they have added the latest innovation to the puppuccino to their menu: the Carob Puppuccino. Made with dairy-free milk, carbon pastilles, and finished off with a peanut butter ball and dog biscuit, this hot chocolatesque dog treat is certainly for only the most special of occasions.
COFFEE TRADERS
3 Blake Street, Mornington
Just off Mornington Main St sits the Coffee Traders. Known for their exquisite coffee, this cafe caters for even the highest of coffee critics. It serves five senses coffee, alongside the usual puppy menu staples: the puppuccino and biscuits!
TWO BOYS ONE BEAGLE AND A COFFEE SHOP
59 Kareela Road, Frankston
Two Boys and One Beagle in the quaint Kareela Rd shopping strip hosts an adorable array of puppy treats. Choose out of the all time fave puppuccino or from a selection of ‘Holy Trinity Treats’. Once you've finished your pup cup, head over next door to Herberts Corner Store to browse their range of pet items or grab your own treats for the road.
CAFE MISE EN PLACE
Shop 2a/85 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza
Nestled in the Mt Eliza shopping village is the French dining gem, Cafe Mise en Place. Their outdoor seating looking over Mt Eliza Way keeps the dogs entertained with lots of street action to take in. Cafe Mise en Place offers a locally-made selection of doggy treats and biscuits for your pup to nibble while you enjoy a fresh croissant.
PANDA BLAIRGOWRIE
2871 Point Nepean Road, Blairgowrie
Panda has an extensive outdoor area in the front perfect for corralling the many dogs and their people that visit for lunch or dinner.
Ran by dog lovers, Panda is named after the owner's Old English Sheepdog. Panda and his lookalike brother Bentley are regulars at the cafe and enjoy mingling with patrons and their pooches.
Their food philosophy comes from respect for the Earth, sourcing what they can locally. With a commitment to sustainability, preserving, pickling and picking from their own herb garden are just some of the ways that they work to create minimal waste.
LUXURY HOME ELEVATORS,
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Concerned about rising energy costs? Tesla Elevators plug into a standard socket, making them a savvy investment for homeowners eager to boost mobility without breaking the bank on running costs.
More and more homeowners are installing lifts to future-proof their spaces. Opting for a Tesla elevator means sidestepping the stress and expense of moving or major renovations, providing comfort and accessibility in the home they cherish for years to come.
Renowned for outstanding customer service and expert installation, Tesla Elevators boasts a strong reputation in the industry. Their skilled team treats both homeowners and their properties with the utmost respect, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience.
Recognising that every home is unique, Tesla Elevators offers personalised consultations to assess each property. This approach allows them to recommend the best solution, including wheelchairaccessible options, ensuring a perfect fit for a variety of mobility needs.
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Choosing Tesla Elevators isn’t just a practical decision; it’s an investment in independence and quality of life. Their lifts provide safe, effortless access to every corner of your home, minimising the need for assistance.
With Tesla Elevators, homeowners can enjoy the ideal blend of functionality and style, making living spaces more accessible than ever.
WendyGrant2024
...you knew your neighbours and nearly everyone in the street. Kids played French cricket out front and there was a milk bar on the corner.
Meet Wendy Grant. Wendy represented Australia in gymnastics at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Wendy has now lived at Village Glen for 11 years.
“Village Glen is a real Community. You really do know all your neighboursjust like it was in the 50’s and 60’s.”
Village Glen Retirement Living – a safe community with facilities second to none and a team of friendly, dedicated staff. For more information on your next move, give us a call on 03 5986 4455 or visit our website.
335 – 351 Eastbourne Road, Capel Sound, Victoria 3940
www.villageglen.com.au
Wendy Grant 1956
HUMBLE beginnings
By Muriel Cooper Photos Gary Sissons
Fred Harrison has a lot in common with the founder of Ritchies Stores, Thomas Ritchie. Thomas couldn’t have foreseen, when he dragged himself out of the surf from a shipwreck off Corsair’s Rock at the entrance to Port Philip Bay in 1842, that one day in Frankston he would found the first supermarket in Victoria.
Likewise, Fred Harrison could hardly have envisaged that when he accepted a job as a trolley boy at Ritchies in Frankston in 1975, he would one day be the CEO.
Until then, Fred had been selling fruit and vegetables that he grew in his family's Mount Eliza garden. “I was supplying fruit and vegetables from age fourteen to sixteen every second or third Friday. Apple cucumbers, passionfruit, silver beet, radishes – I’d grow anything and everything at home. Dad was generous; he drove me down to the Thompson Street store where the Bounty Shop is these days. I’d knock on the big back door of the greengrocer, and he’d come out with his big leather apron and his big long knife, and he used to buy everything I could bring him. It wasn't much – maybe about ten passionfruit or ten apple cucumbers – I wasn't bringing
down a truckload, but I used to collect pocket money; twenty bucks a week and, in 1970, twenty bucks was a big deal.”
Fred used his pocket money to fund his passion for tennis. ‘It was how I funded my tennis clothes, rackets and balls.
“I was in there one day dropping the produce off when Barry Cameron, who was the owner of Ritchies at the time, said, ‘You look like an industrious young lad; how about you come and work for us?’
So I started as a casual after school, and then when the holidays came, I’d work full-time through December and January and earn quite a bit of pocket money.”
Fred, a proud Frankston High School boy, then started studies at Monash University, but that didn’t stop him from working for Ritchies. “I’d have November, December, January, and February working those four months full-time. Back then, a lot of the managers would go on holidays, so I’d step up and fill in for them, and that’s how I got all the knowledge and experience.”
Back then, a lot of the managers would go on holidays, so I’d step up and fill in for them
Fred wasn't dominating at university. Fred laughs, "I was doing economics/politics and I didn’t pass. I bombed out, but I enjoyed it; it was good fun.” Fred was able to play tennis and became interested in the student union and protesting.
“Our proudest moment was in 1976, locking Malcolm Fraser, the Prime Minister of the day, into the Rotunda for wanting to abolish free university and bring back fees. So we were rebels with a cause. It was about 4 o’clock in the afternoon, so all the news stations were there broadcasting live to the six o’clock news. We were all chanting with our placards, and the police couldn’t get in because we were all packed in like sardines. Malcolm Fraser agreed with the head of the movement to negotiate, so we all packed up and went home.”
Fred applied for a position as an assistant manager and got the job. Then came the decision: go back to university or take up the position.
“I took up the assistant manager role and worked in the Thompson Street store for eighteen months. Then, a vacancy turned up at our Bayside store – our number one store – and I was lucky enough to get that appointment. I was the Bayside store manager for two years, then supervised across the stores. I became general manager in 1987 and then CEO in 1994 when Barry Cameron died.”
Fred still works with Mal and James Cameron, keeping the family tradition alive.
Could Fred still succeed today by selling his fruit and vegetables? Is there still a future for that kind of start in life?
“I don’t see it, but there’s a lot of smaller start-ups which young people are driving. I think people now want to jump into digital IT setups; it’s not the old, you know, ‘I’m a baker’ or ‘I’m a butcher.’ We’re really, really struggling to get bakers, butchers,
continued page 16...
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people who want to grow the fruit and veg and deliver it into the stores. People have drifted away from the trades and have gone the techno route. It’s a new era, but they’re still making a contribution to our overall community.”
Fred still sees a robust future for independent supermarkets, although that’s shrinking. “Back in the '70s, independents were over 50 percent of the market. Today, we’re probably around 14 percent. But there is a space for independents – they’re very resilient, I think that was proven through Covid. That was our brightest moment because we were flexible and able to track stock down from smaller relationships that we had with different suppliers. We were very agile and able to hold up much better than the chains, and I think that brought us a bit more respect –among ourselves as well. That gave us a good ‘pep in the step’ and we reinvigorated.”
If you’ve ever wondered what a CEO actually does, Fred laughs and says he's asked himself that question.
“The CEO tends to be a jack of all trades and master of none.
Top left, the Bayside store where Fred first became a manager. Above left, Fred CEO in 1994
LIMITLESS
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons
Artist Merran Berry is a firecracker of creativity with seemingly endless imagination. On her pretty semirural Pearcedale property sits an enormous potato shed. She has converted it into a rustic art gallery furnished with gems from the hard rubbish. It’s brimming with an eclectic mix of original art from paintings and sculpture to photography and mixed media collage.
The Potato Shed Gallery opens to reveal an equine sculpture built from a wild variety of found objects. It embodies Merran’s two loves - art and horses. As a girl she was so keen to ride that she designed a horse made from chicken wire and concrete slurry with skateboard wheels underneath. She planned to ride it into town. The engineering proved to be too complex then, but now it’s complete and takes pride of place in her studio.
Merran comes from a matriarchal line of artists. Her mother is an artist as was her grandmother. In fact, it was her mum who encouraged Merran to enter a painting in the same professional art exhibition that she was entering; there, at eleven, Merran sold her first artwork. She was hooked on the idea of becoming a career artist.
From the time that she could hold a pencil, Merran was drawing. She wasn’t allowed to watch TV as a child, but she could use any of her Mum’s art supplies. As a result, she was always making something: little figures from polymer modelling material, hand-built clay objects, leather craft, drawings, sculpture and paintings. Her favourite subject was horses, of course.
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Merran’s talent was so evident in high school, that the art teachers gave her full rein of the art supply room. She could create anything she wanted. “I was always experimenting. I believe the subject defines the method. I can’t wait to get my hands on any new medium. Right now, I’m loving old picture frames and figuring out what I can put in them,” she says.
Everything is a series of lines and shapes, light and dark, but there are infinite ways to arrange them
Instead of going to art school, Merran learned in a completely different way: through inquiry. Her first job was as a picture framer. “When an artist came in with a piece I liked, I’d ask if I could come to their studio to see how they made it. They would invite me 90% of the time because they were so pleased that I liked their work. I met a lot of artists and asked lots of questions,” she says. It was an excellent informal grounding in methods.
Life drawing classes were considered essential. One of her mentors, Carol Boothman OAM told Merran, “Life drawing is the gymnasium for the artist.” So, it was considered a nonnegotiable. Merran credits another mentor, Connie Walker OAM for giving her the ongoing gift of encouragement. The OAM in her title stood for ‘Our Amazing Mate’ in the eyes of Merran and other artists who Connie Walker mentored.
When working as office manager at Malvern Arts Society, Merran organised the art classes, again; she came into contact with many artists, art students and new opportunities to learn. She was also President of the Waverley Arts Society for many years and she met her most influential mentors there.
Merran likes to seek out new materials and push them as far as they can go. “Some artworks are best defined by drawing or painting. Some might call for another medium,” she says. Merran describes her work as ‘imaginative impressionism’. Her goal as an artist is to comment on the human experience.
Moving to the Mornington Peninsula has been a dream come true. “The Peninsula has brought a groundedness because it’s what I have always wanted. It was my life dream to have a horse and space to paint. I have both here,” she says. If she ever gets stuck in a rut, she rearranges her studio for inspiration.
Talking to other artists, seeing what they are working on and how they are creating is also inspiring for Merran. She joined the Peninsula Studio Trail (PST) last year and has enjoyed the camaraderie of the group and sharing her studio with the public on PST Open Studio Days.
Now she provides and receives inspiration from teaching in the Potato Shed Gallery. She likes to see what students come in with and then teaches them different ways to look at things. “Everything is a series of lines and shapes, light and dark, but there are infinite ways to arrange them. That’s the art of it,” she says.
Merran’s studio is open by appointment and on PST Open Studio Days. She teaches the first Saturday of the month from 11am to 4pm.
merranberryartist.art peninsulastudiotrailinc.org
SHORT STORY master
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni
Red Hill writer Jodie Kewley is a masterful teller of tales. She writes with exquisite intimacy in a perfectly measured pace that keeps the reader engaged from the first word to the last. Jodie won the Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor’s Short Story Writing Awards both this year and last year.
The first time that she entered a short story competition was for Family Circle magazine 35 years ago; she won $3000, a new computer, an allexpenses paid trip to Sydney and a chance to meet literary legend, Kate Grenville. It’s a fair call to say Jodie is a natural.
and is still a painter with great imagination. He’d regale young Jodie with original bedtime stories. Her mother was a lawyer and editor of law reviews, but she too had a knack for storytelling. Jodie’s grandmother was a poet. Growing up immersed in a world of words and ideas was the perfect grounding for a writer.
I love the precision of the short story
While the reading is effortless, the writing is not. That’s where the craft comes in. Like a great magic trick, the audience is awed, but has no idea how it happened. That’s what Jodie’s stories are like. Even more remarkable, she has never had any formal training in writing and was never given any life-changing advice from a great writer. She just writes.
Jodie comes from a family of storytellers. Her father was a lawyer
As a child, Jodie was surrounded by books. An avid reader, she enjoyed stories about pioneering people. Little House on the Prairie was one of her favourite series. She also liked Enid Blyton. Now she gravitates towards literary fiction preferring what she describes as ‘intense literature’ that requires effort on the reader’s part. She is always keen to get her hands on the latest Booker Prize winner.
Jodie has published three books: (non-fiction), Fathers in 1993, Earth Rising, (middle-grade fiction) in 1997 and Welcome to Paradise, (young adult fiction) in 1999. She currently has three novels on the go, but often gets pulled into another short story. She’s been writing them for decades, winning numerous awards. “I love the precision of the short story,” she says.
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Jodie managed all this while doing other work. She did a brief stint as a newspaper journalist early on and she has worked as a cook, gardener, gallery manager and social worker. For the past 30 years she and her husband have been running their business, Red Hill Muesli. Jodie works part-time in order to have time to write.
Jodie goes about her writing in different ways depending on the project. Working on a novel, she plots it out getting all the ideas down before she begins. When working on a short story, she’s much more spontaneous, diving right in. She writes a short story slowly and deliberately getting every detail just right.
Milk, the story that won the Mayor’s Short Story Writing Award this year, came to her as a surprise. She’s not sure where the idea came from. It’s not based on life experience though you wouldn’t know that from reading it. She wrote the story at Police Point during her Artist-in-Residence placement, which was part of the Mayor’s prize.
I’m a very private person so I’m not going to reveal myself through my writing,” she says.
Setting is very important. How the characters relate to place says a lot about them, she feels. Her stories are often in semirural settings. She gets more joy writing about landscapes and seascapes than urban locations. Seasons and weather are important because she really likes to set a scene.
The two-and-a-half-acre property in Red Hill she shares with her husband, dog and beloved chooks is a source of inspiration both for its incredible natural beauty and for the quiet it provides. Jodie feels a deep connection to the Mornington Peninsula. It often seeps into her writing.
I feel for my characters, but I’m never them
She took her time working on it over the course of three days. Making sure the voice of a story is authentic is crucial. Interestingly, Milk was written in second person perspective - a departure for Jodie. It just came out that way.
Her characters are not based on anyone she knows. She finds that too restrictive. They are nuanced enough to be real, but not actually real people. She doesn’t base her characters on aspects of herself either. “I feel for my characters, but I’m never them.
Five hundred words a day is her writing target. Mostly she achieves it, when life doesn’t get in the way, but she can go way beyond when a great story presents itself. If captivated, she’ll spend three weeks crafting a short story before she feels truly satisfied with it.
For a writer with no formal training, who received no writing advice, her mastery of the craft is amazing. Her advice to new writers is read thoughtfully and write whether the mood strikes or not.
NB: For any publishers lurking out there, Jodie has a collection of award-winning short stories just itching to be published.
SOMETHING OLD...
By Annette Sanfilippo Photos supplied
I’mloving the longer warmer days; getting out more, catching up with friends and planning the next few weeks ahead with anticipation. The diary is filling up with parties, events and outings that will require some serious fashion attention. It’s a hard time of year as our weather teases us from one day on the beach to packing the umbrella the next. Our wardrobes look like a complex menu offering light weight t-shirts, woollen knits and every texture of fabric in readiness for our temperate Melbourne weather.
Most of us at some stage will get the urge to pull everything out of the closet and try to get it all looking fresh and ready for our hot summer days not too far away. I did say try, and in my case organising guru Marie Kondo’s mantra of “if it doesn’t bring you joy say goodbye” doesn’t quite work and I end up repeating myself with ‘It brings me joy, it brings me joy’ and it all goes back in. I’m not opposed to parting with pieces but I shop with love and get very attached to my clothes.
excites the senses and saves the planet but also saves you a dollar or two in the process. It’s a great pastime and as the old saying goes, ‘out with the old and in with the new’. It makes way for new energy…and a fabulous new wardrobe.
It’s quite a profound idiom, literally meaning to move forward or to give up old ideas and theories to evolve to new changes and ideas. I’m not opposed to change but I am noticing a very strong shift away from certain traditions in many of our common practices when it comes to dressing. This seems to be a choice and not so much a necessity and as a result it’s shifting our culture around it. I have been asking myself why is this happening and do we stand to lose from it? Upholding traditions doesn’t mean we can’t move forward. They evolve adapt and change a little within our culture but we need to hold on to a few for the sake of future generations and to ensure they learn about their origins and heritage.
These days, market shopping is becoming the new norm if you want to find something to align with your unique sense of style
In saying that, I did recently delve into my collection, took a deep breathe and created a rack full of beauties to sell at a wonderful indoor market for others to love. These days, market shopping is becoming the new norm if you want to find something to align with your unique sense of style. So many fashion houses today tend to pander to the mainstream trends leaving you with underwhelming designs that you don’t want to settle on. Foraging through racks of preloved treasures not only
I’m talking mainly about wedding etiquette and glamour dressing, whether it’s for a formal event, racing season or the corporate function. There are so many things to get excited about when you dress for these occasions and we need to uphold our standards and lift our game. We don’t want to get too sloppy in our attire as it’s a bit too easy these days to pop on a tracksuit, some crocs and head out the door.
Going to the track for the Melbourne Cup has always been a day to plan for and one of the most anticipated moments is
...something new
usually popping on your hat which transforms your mood in readiness for a grand day of fun. We are seeing less and less attention to the polished outfits we have become accustomed to adoring and, sadly, hats are getting left out of picture altogether. Is it laziness? Dressing takes effort and we all know the you get out of it what you put in.
a bride is a masterpiece of wearable art, finessed beautifully by her creative team
The bride-to-be is so streamlined now that I have watched veils disappear, hair accessories and jewellery minimalised, and grandma’s heirlooms left in the jewellery box. Garters are a little forgotten and what ever happened to the sweet keepsake wedding charms with warm messages of love that dangled proudly off a bride’s arm? Are we not bothering to pass these traditions on to the next generation? Let’s hope not, as we all love the excitement of seeing the beautiful transformation of our loved ones when in bridal attire. Paying attention to detail is the key to a well finished bride and there is no excuse with all the choice we have today not to look and feel fabulous. I appreciate the desire to look unique but if we keep taking items off, we may end up looking as if we are just in a satin nightgown.
We have a flourishing wedding industry on the peninsula but a bridal boutique is not something you see on every street. This is a specialised arena and after searching for someone in the know I came across LookBook Bride in Mt Martha. Not short for choice, this is a bride’s haven that will send your oxytocin levels to new heights. Deanne will host you in her luxury surrounds while you discuss, peruse and design your bespoke dress. Hand beaded details, luxurious fabrics and imported laces are there to tempt you and bring your dream dress to life. With over forty stunning gowns in the collection, you can also hire your couture for the day with an option to subtly tweak the design to suit your desire. Now that’s a service you don’t see very often. As someone heading down the aisle myself in the near future, I’m excited to explore my options. As I have said before, “a bride is a masterpiece of wearable art, finessed beautifully by her creative team”
Whether you are into sustainable style or you thrive on the next new thing hot off the runway, the one message to hold onto is to stay true to you. Wear clothes with confidence, add your touch of flair and let’s try not to dilute our identity and all look the same. Enjoy the sunny days exploring street shopping, markets and everything else our wonderful peninsula has to offer.
Oh, and don’t forget your hat!
Fashionably yours, Annette
Specialising in antique jewellery, as well as newlymade jewellery by Melbourne’s finests jewellers
lets talk! If you have something you’d like to share, let’s talk! Contact our style editor: annette@mpnews.com.au or 0414 465 344
The Peninsula in Style column will feature local businesses to discover, styling tips and trends, stories, products and people
THE KINDNESS echoes
By Phoebe Billing Photos Gary
Sissons
Georgia Irwin is re-inventing vegan home baking with one delicious dessert after another, combining peninsula produce and childhood memories to create her recipe for success.
Ten years ago, being vegan often meant completely cutting delicious home-style sweet treats from your diet. No more cheesecake, cookies, or ice cream. Fast-forward to today, where Georgia Irwin’s home-bakery is providing those oh-so delicious sweet goodies for the Peninsula’s vegan foodies.
Georgia Irwin, otherwise known as @ TheKindnessEchoes to her combined 200 plus thousand Instagram and TikTok followers, is reinventing classic desserts to suit the vegan diet whilst also maintaining the true essence of the dish. Because being vegan doesn't mean you have to cut out sugar.
“I knew my passion was around creating foods that I'd had at an Australian country bakery growing up,” Says Georgia. “So that was my goal; I knew I wanted to make food that connected with my childhood.”
From vegan cheesecakes to vegan yoyos, Georgia is creating a vegan alternative for almost all nostalgic bakery goods everyone enjoyed as a kid, and she is mostly doing so with peninsula sourced produce. “I always try really hard to use local or organic ingredients,” says Georgia.
I knew my passion was around creating foods that I'd had at an Australian country bakery growing up
“Lemon tarts, cinnamon buns, doughnuts. That nostalgic bakery style food. Those are the kind of things people don't want to give up if they go vegan,” Georgia says.
After growing up in Gippsland, Georgia made the move to the Mornington Peninsula five years ago, sourcing inspiration for her recipes from the peninsula’s local produce and combining that with her childhood memories, growing up in country Victoria.
“The Mornington Peninsula is such a big food bowl. The local produce is incredible. Basically, everything that I need, I can access here. From olive oil to fruit and veg, it's all just around the corner.”
When creating recipes for her cookbook, The Vegan Homebaker, which debuted last year, Georgia was solely using locally sourced produce. Whether that was from a farm gate or her neighbours fruit tree, it was all grown right here on the Peninsula.
The Vegan Homebaker launched with great success and is available for purchase in most bookstores and online. Georgia describes the time spent writing the cookbook as an amazing and incredible experience, but reflects on the stress and pressure of releasing a book for the first time.
continued page 34 ...
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“I knew I had a really big responsibility in putting these recipes out. I knew that I was vegan and I really wanted this book to be special for people that were vegan,” says Georgia.
There is no way I could have achieved what I wanted to achieve without social media
After two years writing the cookbook full time, it was released in September 2023. Looking back on those years, Georgia says the anxiety and pressure she placed on herself was overwhelming, but she didn’t let that get in the way of her goal: to create a cookbook that would become a staple in all vegan households with recipes that “matched up” with the original recipes she had grown up with.
“I didn't want it to be a book where people just had an okay option. I wanted it to match up with original food or the original recipes that I'd grown up with”
Since the release of The Vegan Homebaker, Georgia has reopened her home-bakery and reappeared in local Peninsula markets like the Shoreham market, and Melbourne city markets such as The Big Vegan Market. “My favorite market that I always attend, if I can, is the Shoreham market. It’s a really beautiful market to go to,” Georgia says. As well as this, her home-bakery is open for orders which customers can access through Georgia’s Instagram page.
Social media, Georgia says, has allowed for her personality to shine through her baking. By placing herself in front of a camera for huge audiences to connect with enables her brand to remain personal and flexible, “It's been such an amazing platform for me. There is no way I could have achieved what I wanted to achieve without social media.”
Looking ahead to the new year, Georgia has plans to open a new website for customers to access her recipes online, “I love my home bakery and I want to continue that, but I also love the idea of people cooking vegan at home,” says Georgia. “I know that I can access more people when I can give away a recipe online.”
For now, you can find Georgia’s vegan creations, market dates, and recipes via her Instagram and TikTok.
IG: @thekindnessechoes
recipe
STRAWBERRY TEACAKE
INGREDIENTS:
310 g (2 cups) plain flour
10 g (1 tbsp) baking powder
220 g (1 cup) caster sugar
400 ml coconut cream
125 ml (1/2 cup) neutral oil
45 ml (approx. 1 lemon) lemon juice
2-3 g (1 tsp) lemon zest
5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
160 g or 8–10 strawberries
40 g (2 tbsp) icing sugar
Optional: jam & whipped vegan cream
METHOD:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°. Line a 20-23 cm tart tin or cake tin with baking paper or grease lightly with oil.
2. Place the flour, baking powder, and sugar into a bowl and whisk to remove any lumps.
3. Add the coconut cream, oil, lemon juice and zest and vanilla into the bowl with the dry ingredients and whisk until evenly combined.
4. Pour the cake batter into the lined tart or cake tin and spread the mixture evenly on top.
5. Wash the strawberries, cut the tops off and slice in half through the top of the strawberry. Push the strawberries into the cake batter. I like to keep mine slightly visible on top of the cake batter. The strawberries can be face up or down.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes. The size of the cake tin will determine how quickly the cake will bake. The cake is ready when a skewer or knife comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely and then dust with icing sugar.
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
Serving suggestion:
The strawberry teacake can be served with a dollop of jam and vegan whipped cream for a victoria sponge cake alternative.
MUSHROOM magic
By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni
There’s more than one kind of magic you get from mushrooms. The hallucinogenic kind has been in the news lately for both the hazards and the therapeutic effects (psilocybin is being used for the treatment of depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). But Tania Brennan is more interested in the health benefits of mushrooms and their unique and marvellous taste.
Tania and her husband Terry's journey with McCrae Gourmet Mushrooms is a testament to the unexpected paths life can take. Originally, they were researching how to grow chillis for a small business venture. However, their path took a turn when they stumbled upon the world of mushroom cultivation.
“We thought, ‘This is amazing – let’s do the mushrooms!’ We decided to start with 'Oyster' mushrooms since that seemed the easiest one to try at first. Then we went on to 'Shitake' and 'Lions Mane'. We’ve had a go at 'Turkey’s Tail', but we don’t have the space for those at the moment. They fan out like a real turkey tail, and they don’t have gills; they look like a sponge and have amazing medicinal properties. They help people having cancer treatment to be able to absorb their medications. We’ll grow them soon.”
It has a crab-meat texture. To make it more meat-like, it’s popular to weigh it down in a pan with a heavy pot and cook it that way.
Mushrooms contain considerable amounts of selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6. Selenium can help prevent cell damage in our bodies, vitamin D helps with cell growth, and vitamin B6 helps form red blood cells. All these nutrients help maintain a healthy gut and immune system. Tania says that you must cook them, though. Raw mushrooms don’t have the same nutritional properties.
They help people having cancer treatment to be able to absorb their medications
'Lions Mane' is another medicinal mushroom which has been used in traditional remedies for millennia to help brain health. It’s thought they may help fight dementia, help with nerve damage and prevent diabetes. Tania loves 'Lions Mane' sliced into steaks and sautéed with a little turmeric and sweet paprika.
Since the mushrooms are grown vertically, it’s an ideal home enterprise for their existing space. However, Tania says they may have to look for larger premises soon because of the popularity of their product. Even if they were able to supply to supermarkets, Tania confirms their mushrooms would still have that exceptional taste, “Otherwise,” she says,” we wouldn’t do it.”
At first Tania and Terry thought that they would grow for chefs on the peninsula, but they found that their retail business was growing. They are at markets every weekend and sell at the farm gate on Thursdays or by appointment.
“I love cooking and food,” says Tania, “so to be able to play with them is fantastic. The flavours are so different (from ordinary supermarket mushrooms). They’re earthy and they have a nuttier taste. They’re so much more complex, and their texture is different. Some can be quite meaty. Some, like the yellow mushrooms, are very delicate but still hold their own in a curry.
continued next page ...
When they first started, Tania and Terry discovered that it was necessary to be extremely clean around them. If you breathe on the substrate while inoculating it with the spores, you can contaminate it. Terry wears a mask and uses alcohol spray to make sure that anything being touched is disinfected. It was also necessary to get a flow hood, which is a special filter and fans that create negative pressure, pushing all the air out and only letting
What happens when they're growing in the wild?
“They’re obviously not as precious.” Tania laughs. “Mushrooms are good for gut health and the immune system. In the wild, they only grow on decaying wood and leaf litter. We rehydrate chips of wood and then mix them with soy hulls in a unique concoction. However, mushrooms are very important
for the environment, as they help to get rid of undergrowth and fallen trees.
“We even found out fungi are helping to clean the oceans, and they’re even making leather out of them.”
If you cook them so they’re golden and a little bit crispy on the edges, the kids are more likely to like them
If you’re keen to try growing them yourself, Tania will supply you with a growing kit. “We have a couple of ten-year-old kids who live around the corner who are just obsessed with growing mushrooms. They’re so good at growing them that we actually get them to test our grow kits. It’s a fun project for kids to do because it's quick and it keeps their attention.
“The best condition for growing is a temperature of around 16 to 18 degrees, so a good spot is on your kitchen bench or in your bathroom. In summer, probably your laundry because laundries
seem to be cooler in summer. You just need to cut open the hole, spray it with water, and in two weeks, you have mushrooms. You can get two to three flushes from them.”
What about those kids that don’t like mushrooms? Tania says, “If you cook them so they’re golden and a little bit crispy on the edges, the kids are more likely to like them. It’s a texture thing.”
Mushrooms really are magical.
To find a market near you head to their website.
mccraemushrooms.com.au
r from our barn door. Come and visit our Free Range hens roaming in their paddocks! CHOOK POO BY THE BAG FARM FRESH FREE RANGE EGGS AT WHOLESALE PRICES!
BARN DOOR SALES MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8AM - 4.30PM AND8AM-12.30PMSATURDAYS
COME AND SEE THE ROAMINGCHICKENS FREE IN THE PADDOCK!
Tired of stale tasting supermarket eggs? Our farm is family owned and managed. We have been producing quality eggs for over 40 years, supplying the public, cafes, restaurants and other businesses on the peninsula
PRICING
E Guigal Côtes du Rhône French Rosé HASTINGS RETAIL STORE WINE TASTINGS, BOTTLE AND CASE SALES
LOCATION: 2080 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Hastings
HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm
PHONE: 9596 4278
Luke Heathcote Shiraz 2021
DROMANA WAREHOUSE STORE BOTTLE AND CASE SALES ONLY
LOCATION: Unit 5, 3 Trewhitt Court, Dromana Industrial Estate
HOURS: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am until 5pm
PHONE: 9596 4878
Wine Lovers Warehouse is the direct to public arm of our wholesale business specialising in restaurant, hotel, and function wines for over 18 years.
COVID-19 put a big handbrake on our wholesale business and so we made a decision to transform and stay alive, supported by our friends and the local community, which we will be forever grateful.
We opened the warehouse every week to the public, selling our wines and suppliers at trade prices and no retail mark ups. It is our commitment to remain open servicing the needs of our Wine Lover community into 2024 and beyond. Come along and say hello, grab a bottle or a case. Try before you buy at the Hastings store guarantees you will be satisfied with your choices.
Blass
proudly presents
proudly presents
THE KILBURN CINEMA
THE KILBURN CINEMA
JOIN US FOR A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS
JOIN US FOR A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS
On Friday Dec 6th Danckert Real Estate will be holding our sixth annual community event for Mt Martha residents and locals.
On Friday Dec 6th Danckert Real Estate will be holding our sixth annual community event for Mt Martha residents and locals.
Set in the grounds of Mt Martha Community House, join us for an outdoor cinema screening of 'HOME ALONE' - a much loved, iconic 1990 family Christmas comedy. Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) finds himself alone when he is accidentally left behind by his family who are en route to France for a holiday trip. While his parents realize their mistake and scramble to get back to the United States, mayhem ensues as Kevin comes of age defending his home.
Set in the grounds of Mt Martha Community House, join us for an outdoor cinema screening of 'HOME ALONE' - a much loved, iconic 1990 family Christmas comedy. Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) finds himself alone when he is accidentally left behind by his family who are en route to France for a holiday trip. While his parents realize their mistake and scramble to get back to the United States, mayhem ensues as Kevin comes of age defending his home.
The event is open to the public and we invite families and friends to enjoy this classic family movie under the stars across the road from the Bay. Food and beverage vans will be on site throughout the night (BYO). Plus there will be live music to enjoy before the show from 6pm. See you there!
The event is open to the public and we invite families and friends to enjoy this classic family movie under the stars across the road from the Bay. Food and beverage vans will be on site throughout the night (BYO). Plus there will be live music to enjoy before the show from 6pm. See you there!
For more information
For more information please contact Sam Danckert on 0432 444 040. sam@danckert.com.au
please contact Sam Danckert on 0432 444 040. sam@danckert.com.au
MORNINGTON PENINSULA REGIONAL GALLERY APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR
Mornington Peninsula Shire is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dunja Rmandić as the new Director of Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery. Dunja Rmandić is a curator, writer and an arts leader.
With over fifteen years' experience of working in the arts and cultural sector in not-for-profit, public, commercial and artistrun galleries, as well as living and working in metropolitan and regional areas, she joined MPRG as Curator Exhibitions in 2023. She has worked at the Art Gallery of Western Australia for seven years as the Associate Curator Projects, Associate Curator 21 Century Art and Acting Curator International Art, working across a variety of projects from commissions, exhibitions, collections and multi-arts performances. A curator, writer and fierce contemporary creative cultures advocate, she has focused on helping bring exciting ideas expressed through art to a wider public in a more accessible way.
Prior to AGWA, she was Curator of Collections at Devonport Regional Gallery, Tasmania (2013–2015). In Melbourne and Sydney, she worked in a number of commercial and public
galleries since graduating with Masters in Art Curatorship in 2007. She was on the board of Kings ARI for over three years and curated projects as an independent curator. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for Spaced, is a peer reviewer for Creative Australia and completed the 2002–2023 Creative Australia Arts Leaders program.
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) is the largest public gallery in the South East region of Melbourne. Their seasonal exhibition program combines a mix of self-generated curatorial projects, local artist focus projects, collection-based and touring exhibitions. Their biennial National Works on Paper prize is one of the most prestigious awards and exhibitions in the country. The Gallery hosts events, workshops, school holiday programs and more. Entry to exhibitions is free. Visit their website to find out more.
W: mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au
SELLING PENINSULA PROPERTIES SINCE
Founded in 1946 by William (Bill) Prentice, Prentice Real Estate Pty Ltd. is well recognised as the longest serving independent, Family owned and operated agency on the Mornington Peninsula.
Having gained a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of local Real Estate over this 75 plus year period, handed down through three generations, we know that we can offer our clients the best in expertise and advise with their property transactions.
We have two high exposure offices at Rye and Sorrento, both of which are managed by fully-licensed second and third generation members of the Prentice family.
Michael Prentice, Officer in Effective Control, is based at the Rye branch and heads up a team of passionate, caring, locally based individuals whose collective years of experience in the area is without peer.
Our philosophy is simple: We are committed to excellence in the services we offer, and upholding an industry-wide reputation for integrity and professionalism that has, for three generations, been a trademark of this company.
Should you wish to have an obligation free chat about your next property move, we would welcome your call.
“A conscious effort is made at all times to provide the correct advice and uphold our industry-wide reputation for integrity and professionalism.”
MICHAEL PRENTICE
W: prenticerealestate.com.au
Since 1946 A NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH REAL ESTATE ON THE SOUTHERN PENINSULA FOR OVER 75 YEARS TWO HIGH EXPOSURE OFFICES LOCATED AT RYE AND SORRENTO
On a bright winter’s day, the artists of Ernabella (Pukatja) community are lighting the campfire on which to cook 'roo tails to welcome the visitors from the south.
The Peninsula's Everywhen Art directors Susan McCulloch and Emily McCulloch Childs have arrived to select works for their upcoming exhibition. The busy art centre is buzzing, as curious grandchildren of the artists scamper around the ceramics and painting studios. Given clay to experiment with, the children quiet. This is Ernabella Arts, the jewel facility in the community of Pukatja some three hours south of Uluru in the Pitjantjatjara lands.
Established in 1948 as an art and craft room, Ernabella is Australia's longest running Aboriginal art centre - its artists having practised many styles and mediums. Today the centre is famed for its varied, high-quality paintings and unique ceramics. At least three generations of artists have learned from their elders in this room, passing on their stories in art with an ever-evolving individuality.
Senior artist Carlene Thompson - matriarch of a family of five award winning and well-known ceramicists, jewellers and painters - is incising a ceramic with her famous quirky 'kalaya tjukurpa' (emu dreaming) design; nearby another elder, Atipalku Intjalki confidently lays down the designs representing her father's country as leading educator Katrina Tjitayi's canvas resonates more with each layer of brilliant colour. These and the work of 10 other Ernabella artists
feature in Everywhen's exhibition Minyma Ku Tjukurpa (Women's Lore) which runs November 16- December 8.
Opening event with the artists Nov 16, starting at 2 pm. (RSVP: info@everywhenart.com.au)
A: 642 Tucks Road, Shoreham I Open Friday-Sunday, 11-4
P: 5931 0318
W: everywhenart.com.au
Painter and ceramicist Carlene Thompson at Ernabella
HAVE YOUR POOL READY FOR SUMMER!
Keep your swimming pool and spa ready for your family’s enjoyment. Don’t leave it till the last minute to turn on your solar system only to discover you have a sprinkler system on your roof rather than a solar collector. Take advantage of the sun’s rays and carry on swimming through autumn by investing in an Aspire pool solar heating system. Solar collector is the most cost effective and sustainable way to heat any pool or spa. Whether you have existing forms of pool heating such as gas or heat pump the Aspire pool solar panels can be paired with these systems and considerably reduce your energy bills even further. The award-winning rigid pool solar panel can be custom installed to maximise the roof space available. Located at our modern manufacturing facility on the Mornington Peninsula the Aspire pool solar panel is the only 100% Australian made single piece injection over moulded rigid solar panel on the market. Built from high impact, high UV polypropylene resin, these panels are tough enough to resist cockatoo attack and hail damage.
HOW IT WORKS.
A rigid pool solar panel works in conjunction with a low energy water pump and a solar controller. The controller monitors the panel temperature on the roof and the pool water temperature. When the panels heat up from the free rays of the sun the controller activates the pump and circulates the hot water from the roof and back into the pool. It’s that simple.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT.
With soaring electricity prices and the phasing out of gas supply to new homes there has never been a better time to invest into a more affordable and sustainable way to heating your swimming pool.
HEAT YOUR SWIMMING POOL USING THE FREE RAYS FROM THE SUN.
• Saves money by using the free natural rays of the sun.
• Most cost-effective and sustainable way to heat any pool or spa.
• Can be paired with existing gas or heat pump heating systems.
• Will reduce your energy bills considerably when used as a primary source of heating.
• Resistant to cockatoo attack and hail damage.
• 100% Australian made for Australia’s harsh climate.
• Custom build sizes to maximise roof space.
• Patented one piece injection over moulded polypropylene construction.
• Pool industry recognised and certified.
• After 20 plus years of useful life the solar panels can be 100% recycled.
CONTACT ASPIRE TODAY FOR YOUR FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE.
ASPIRE POOL SOLAR PANELS
ASPIRE POOL SOLAR PANELS.
Voted by SPASA , National GOLD winner for the most ustainable Product of the Year 2023.
Voted by SPASA, national GOLD winner for most sustainable product of the year 2023
GSTRUCT GROUP TAKE OUT TV AWARD FOR TOP BUILD
Peninsula-based custom construction company Gstruct Group have clinched the overall winner award in the television show “Australia’s Best House”.
The show, that has been running on Nine Life and is hosted by Megan Gale, combed the country for best builds in a variety of categories.
There were over 100 homes in the competition, with the show reaching out to Gstruct Group for their Flinders build, “Cottonwood”.
The home won the category “Going big in the country”. There were 24 categories, meaning there were 24 entrants in the final that resulted in Gstruct Group’s win.
The stunning home is made up of three individual buildings with striking timber facade complemented by Western Australia limestone. It was completed by Gstruct Group in collaboration with Abe McCarthy Architects, Neville Smith from Forest Products supplying the Tasmanian oak, Alice Villella from AV-ID Design completing the interior designing and Barber Landscape Design completing the landscaping.
“It is a fantastic build and design, nestled into the surrounding landscape,” said Gstruct Group owner Glenn Longstaff.
“We were very lucky the clients wanted a home with natural products throughout with silvertop ash on the facade and Tasmanian oak inside. But not only that, it is a family home, so it had to be fit and functional for day-to-day us, which we achieved.
“The finished home is both complex and subtle, allowing me to work with beautiful natural timber.
“It is very rewarding when you stand at the end, and you look back at what you’ve built. We always want to make sure that everyone enjoys the journey. It is just as much a journey for the client as it is for the builder.
“And now to have that recognised on a national stage in ‘Australia’s Best House’ is a real joy.”
Longstaff has had over 30 years’ experience in the building industry, and previously was at VCON for 15 years working on a portfolio of architectural projects including the award-winning Jackalope Hotel in Merricks North.
Gstruct Group was established in 2013 with the desire to become the Mornington Peninsula’s high-end custom build specialists.
“For over ten years, we have been privileged to partner with many homeowners, architects and designers to create high-end custom builds of exceptional quality on the Mornington Peninsula,” said Longstaff.
“We have built an enviable reputation for our honest, professional, reliable and detail-oriented approach.”
“We are over the moon to have received such esteemed recognition as ‘Australia’s best house’ and believe it is a fitting tribute to our philosophy of honest and open communication, outstanding service and quality craftsmanship.”
W: gstruct.com.au
Glenn Longstaff’s (pictured) Gstruct Group has been awarded “Australia’s Best House” for their Flinders build “Cottonwood”. Photos: Shannon McGrath
GET THAT HOLIDAY HOME FEELING EVERYDAY
You may have noticed some uniquely elegant homes as you drive along Nepean Highway passing Bentons Road in Mt Martha. These eye-catching houses are display homes created by Highview Homes, a name synonymous with quality and tradition.
Highview Homes' signature weatherboard or brick homes seamlessly blend the architectural details of the past with the practicality of modern living. The Hampton, Federation, Seachange, and Victoriana designs each capture the essence of style while integrating contemporary layouts and functionality, perfectly suited for today's discerning homeowners.
What distinguishes Highview Homes is their dedication to customisation, ensuring every homeowner's unique vision is brought to life. Whether it's modifying facades or tailoring floor plans to suit specific needs and block sizes, the team at Highview Homes will ensure each client's dream home is realised down to the last detail.
Highview Homes has stayed true to its original vision of homes built with superior craftsmanship delivered with excellent customer service. High quality craftsmanship runs in the Highview family. The original tradesman, Bob Sheppard, began his working life on the family market garden in Bentleigh before venturing into the building industry in the early 1950’s, as a plasterer working with fibrous plaster. His son, Rex began as an apprentice plumber with a family friend in the mid 50’s then becoming a builder in his own right.
The family tradition continues with Russell, who now owns and manages Highview Homes. Russell oversees every project personally, and with his keen eye for detail, helps projects stay on schedule and within budget, minimising any unforeseen complications and ensuring a smooth experience for homeowners.
Explore the craftsmanship and expertise of Highview Homes at their display homes in Mt Martha, where you can experience firsthand the thoughtful design and timeless appeal that defines a Highview Home.
From the initial consultation to the final stages of construction, Highview Homes is dedicated to providing a personalised, customer-focused service, ensuring that every step of the homebuilding process is smooth and efficient. With Highview Homes you can enjoy a home that blends the very best of tradition with modern comfort.
Highview Homes (Vic) CDB-U 70372 11am-4pm Wed, 11am-4pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun
A: 58 Bentons Road, Mt Martha
P: 5973 5973
FB: @HVHbuilder
IG: @highview.homes
W: highviewhomes.com.au
Why not visit our Hampton Display Centre at the corner of Nepean Highway and Bentons Road, Mt Martha.
Opening hours, 11am to 4pm Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
CURIOSITY AND WONDER LEAD TO A NATURAL DESIRE TO LEARN
Frankston Beach Sanctuary of Early Learning is the newest in a set of established Early learning services on the peninsula.
Situated along Kananook Creek this coastal styled centre portrays the same philosophy and values of the sister centres; Mount Eliza, Frankston and Seaford House.
This state of the art centre is opening early-mid 2024 and has spaces available.
Frankston Beach is committed to provide a vibrant and flexible environment that supports learning and responds to the interests and abilities of each child.
The program includes sustainability principles, and a health and wellbeing focus. A strong belief that children are connected to the wider community and environment.
A balance of indoor and outdoor experiences is provided within the services natural landscape and through the Beach and Bush Kinder program.
The play based program provides opportunities for children to grow, discover, create and imagine. Children are acknowledged as capable, competent and co-contributors who actively participate in their own learning.
The inclusive program recognises the individual learning styles of all children, and value families for their unique contributions to the centre community.
The intention is to support children to be kind, respectful and confident contributors to their community and the world.
The experienced and knowledgeable Educators are committed to provide a warm, nurturing environment that recognises childhood as a very special and important time.
W: frankstonbeach.com
Belongings
Objects and Family Life
| Sunday-Friday 10am-4pm 9651 2233 | 20 Spring Street, Melbourne | info@otb.org.au Image: Australian Women’s Weekly, 12 January 1946. Reproduced courtesy National Library of Australia. Exhibition on display until 2025. Belongings: Objects and Family Life was researched and curated by the Old Treasury Building in partnership with Public Record Office Victoria.
OBJECTS AND FAMILY LIFE
We live surrounded by objects, but have you thought about how important these things are in your life? Do you have a few favourite things you absolutely can’t live without? ‘Belongings: Objects and Family Life’ is a free exhibition at the Old Treasury Building, Melbourne. Discover the history of everyday items, how the family have shaped them, and how they’ve shaped the family!
On October 9 at 11am, join us for a free online talk ‘Princess for a day: the wedding dress in Victoria, 1840-2024’. Where did the many ‘traditions’ of the wedding day come from, and did the bride always wear white? Join Margaret Anderson as she looks at the history of weddings and the wedding dress in Victoria, with some surprising results! Bookings essential, go to website for details.
OWNING BACKYARD HENS ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Imagine waking up to the cheerful clucking of hens as they greet the day in preparation for laying your family some delicious, fresh eggs. If this scene resonates with you, then Talking Hens, a family-run business nestled in the heart of Merricks on the Mornington Peninsula, is your go-to destination for bringing this dream to life.
Jason Nethercott and Giuliana Postregna, the owners of Talking Hens, have been dedicated to providing families with the knowledge and support needed to embark on the rewarding journey of backyard chicken ownership. Their story began back in 2012 when they started a free-range egg business from their family farm in Keysborough, where their interest in backyard hens was ignited.
As their business grew, Jason and Giuliana realised the joy they could bring to others by sharing their experience and knowledge about backyard hens. They transitioned their focus to providing families with everything necessary to welcome these feathered friends into their homes.
Talking Hens has over four decades of experience in the family, thanks to Giuliana’s father, an egg farmer for over 40 years, the foundation of Talking Hens is built on quality and expertise. Their specially formulated chicken feed mix, rich in nutrients, is a testament to their commitment to the health and well-being of hens.
Looking
Among the increasing range of different breeds available at Talking Hens, the Hy-Line Brown laying hens have emerged as a popular choice for suburban backyards. These delightful hens are renowned for their child-friendly nature, gentle demeanour and regular egg-laying capabilities.
Customers of Talking Hens often share heartwarming tales of their feathered companions, from chickens laying their eggs in dog kennels to surprise kitchen visits through cat flaps. These endearing creatures reinforce the special bond that develops between humans and their backyard hens.
Talking Hens invites you to step into their world of backyard hens and discover the joy, companionship and sustainability that these remarkable creatures bring. Whether you are a seasoned chicken owner or a curious beginner, Talking Hens provides the resources and support you need to succeed.
A: 3590 Frankston Flinders Road, Merricks
Open 7-days, 10am to 4pm
P: 0406 691 231
E: talk@talkinghens.com.au
Talking Hens is a business that enjoys backyard hens. We specialise in friendly, egg laying hens with quality products to keep them happy and healthy. There’s nothing like the friendship and entertainment that you receive from our laying hens - a pleasure to be shared!
BUILDING HOMES THAT MATCH YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR BUDGET AND YOUR VISION
Masterline Homes services the Mornington Peninsula and around Western Port Bay up to Phillip Island. Whether building your first, or fourth home, Masterline Homes has the blueprint to suit you.
Because our focus is to provide you with the home you want, we can change colour schemes to suit your personal taste. You can even design your own home for us to build. In contrast to many large builders, we will alter house plans and change the design to suit your block of land and your budget. Alternatively, you can provide us with your own plan if you prefer.
Our home design philosophies are born from our combined experience of 55 years in the housing industry, inspiration from our client’s input, paying attention to our client’s desires, and our adaptable approach to all important issues. We do our best to make the whole process a happy and exciting one.
Specialising in:
• Knockdown and Rebuild
• Dual occupancy
• Duplex
• New homes
From a dual-occupancy to a multi-unit development , Masterline Homes can handle all size projects as both the builder or developer.
All our projects can include our full homemaker pack (Turnkey), ready to move in, thus taking all the stress out for you
Masterline Homes has built many developments ranging from a single unit in a backyard, to duplex dwellings and multiunit projects, specialising in residential property design and development, offering an exclusive, yet affordable collection of homes and town-houses to suit all buyers.
Using Locally based suppliers where possible, we can maintain a quality product while ensuring employment opportunities for the future. Building with Masterline Homes is a co-operative effort between our company, our suppliers and you, our valued client.
Masterline Homes is a long-time member of the Housing Industry Association, the Master Builders Association and is registered with the Victorian Building Authority Reg # CDB-U 48889.
Benefits of choosing Masterline Homes for your next development:
• Flexibility in approach and design
• Dealing direct with the builder
• Getting the home you want
• Enormous range of colour choices
• Quality fixtures and fittings
• Designing your own home
A: 6 Milgate Drive, Mornington P: 5973 5611
E: sales@masterlinehomes.com.au
W: masterlinehomes.com.au
LAMBLE TOURS - ON THE MOVE
Lamble Tours is relocating the office and home and will be all completed by Thursday 7 November 2024 to bring me closer to family and friends.
Business will be the same as we provide for you a mixture of short and extended holidays. Being closer to everyone also makes room for more day tours to enjoy.
The new Lamble Tours 2025 holiday program is almost complete with lots of destinations, new and places we are happy to go back and visit time and time again.
All our itineraries provide you with an informative program with the day to day activities that are suitable for all levels of ability.
Tours will be advertised in the Peninsula Essence, or you can find them on the Lamble Tours website.
With a Lamble Tour you will have the opportunity to make new friends, visit many places and do this with like minded people. For piece of mind and convenience, your holiday commences from the time we pick you up at your front door.
Happy Travels
Vickie Lamble
within the breathtaking Ovens Valley, historic Beechworth, Wandiligong Valley and to the renowned Nightingale Bros Apples to purchase the best apples!! Home via Powers Lookout, Mansfield and so much more:
• Home pick up & return service metropolitan / Mornington Peninsula • Tours escorted by Vickie
•No more mud in your gutters
•No more vermin or birds in your roof
•Protect your most valued investment
-your home, your building
*Valid Until 30/11/24
•Gutters stay clean - no more cleaning
•Save money and cleaning time
•28 year guarantee
Frankston
Frankston City is a local government area in Victoria about 40 kilometres south of the Melbourne CBD. It has an area of 130 square kilometres.
on Café Safari
The first individuals who occupied the land of Frankston City were the Boon Wurrung and Bunurong Aboriginal citizens.
Despite its similar area and name, Frankston City is a different entity to the former City of Frankston which existed from 1966 until 1994 It was a continuation of the former Shire of Frankston and was abolished by then premier Jeff Kennett under local government reforms.
Frankston Memorial Park (Frankston Cemetery) is located on the corner of Cranbourne Road and Moorooduc Highway (McMahons Road), Frankston. Land was set aside for a cemetery in Frankston in 1864-65. The first recorded burial was 1878, although there were almost certainly burials prior to this date before the keeping of records.
According to the 2021 census the Frankston City population is 139,281.
The major part of the City was first incorporated in 1860 as the Mornington Roads District, which became a shire in 1871 and was renamed Shire of Frankston and Hastings in 1893, losing its western riding to form the Shire of Mornington, which has since been amalgamated into the Shire of Mornington Peninsula. On 19 October 1960, the Shire of Frankston and Hastings split in two, with the western part remaining as the Shire of Frankston, and the eastern part being incorporated as the Shire of Hastings.
Frankston City is one of six Central Activates Areas (CAA) being developed by the State Government. It has attracted significant
public funding for urban renewal, landscaping and community facilities with some exciting projects planned.
Median house price in Frankston is $735,000 for sale and $545 per week rent.
The commercial centre of Frankston incorporates the Bayside Shopping Centre and the Bayside Entertainment Centre that includes cinemas, eateries and fashion outlets. A short distance east is the Karingal Shopping Centre and Star Zone, an entertainment precinct featuring Village Cinemas, restaurants, outoor play area, gym, TAB, and free parking.
Frankston has a thriving arts and theatre scene with the popular Frankston Arts Centre and several galleries. A visit to the McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery is a great experience.
The beaches around Frankston are mainly calm and sandy, ideal for swimming, boating and other aquatic activities. To the south, the sandy beaches make way for rocky cliffs and headlands. Panoramic views can be relished across Port Phillip Bay and north along the beachside suburbs from vantage points such as Olivers Hill.
The Frankston Waterfront precinct incorporates Frankston Pier, a visitor information centre, restaurant/cafe, a scenic boardwalk that extends to the boat ramp at the base of Olivers Hill to the south and crosses the Landmark Bridge to the north and ends at the Waves On The Beach restaurant.
Here are just a few to check out when you head down to this beautiful part of the world.
eeny meeny
96 YOUNG STREET
Winning over the hearts of foodies and coffee aficionados since 2012 and sourcing quality, local ingredients wherever they can, your breakfast and brunch cravings are covered all day long either inside the cosy café, or in the glorious all-seasons courtyard out back.
Virgo Espresso
4 WELLS STREET
Jaffles for days from just cheese to bacon and brie to roast veggie and everything in between. Explore their all-day menu and extensive drinks menu dotted with staff faves and Virgo classics served by friendly staff.
Mr Frank's Café
101 WELLS STREET (up the escalator)
Serving up the magic of an authentic English breakfast experience, indulge in a feast of flavors with their chili scramble, fluffy pancakes topped with a berry storm, or refreshing berry breeze smoothie with a breathtaking view.
The values of Expanding the walls of the classroom
'About children being children'
Childcare • Kinder • Early Education
Join the Dream Team at FiRST Early Learning Centre!
“Working with FiRST has been the best career Change I have ever made.”
Claire
Are you an educator who loves inspiring young minds (and maybe even enjoys the occasional glitter explosion)? At First Early Learning Centre, we’re on the lookout for committed professionals who believe that learning should be creative, engaging, and full of joy.
We offer a supportive environment where your ideas are genuinely valued. Competitive salaries, meaningful benefits, and a culture that fosters both professional and personal growth are just the start. This is a place where you can thrive, collaborate, and have a little fun while making a big impact.
If you’re ready to bring your creativity, passion, and sense of humour to the table, come join us! We’re shaping the future, one brilliant child at a time—and we’d love to have you on our team at FiRST.
Soffia
“The team is exceptionally supportive, and our manager genuinely prioritises our well-being and professional growth. The collaborative atmosphere makes every day enjoyable, and I feel appreciated as part of such a dedicated group.”
Diah
“Being part of this team has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally in an environment that values and celebrates individual contributions.”
Delores
“Our team foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported. There’s a genuine commitment to not only providing exceptional care for the children but also prioritising the well-being and professional growth of the educators.”
What to do
Take a walk along the Frankston waterfront precinct extending from the boat ramp at the base of Olivers Hill, crossing the Landmark Bridge, and ending at Waves restaurant.
Enjoy the views across Port Phillip Bay or head down to one of the many entertainment venues for a meal and a drink then maybe catch a movie at Hoyts cinemas or a live performance at Frankston Arts Centre.
Stroll through the Frankston city streets and take in many building exteriors adorned with eye catching murals.
Photos Garry Sissons
Fabulous range of new, used & ex-display home furniture & homewares
Frankston Auction Mart, 46-52 New Street, Frankston Mon to Fri 9.30am - 4pm, Sat 10am - 3pm P: 9783 9613 No auction in sight – just buy & go!
1. Seepage
6. Juveniles
11. Complicated
15. Nuzzles
16. Panache
17. Abhorred
18. Did a moonlight flit
21. US cotton state
22. Well-fastened
23. Famed pacifist, Mahatma
24. Brutality
28. Kangaroo pouches
30. Monopolises
32. Hollywood's movie prizes
35. Roof overhangs
37. The N of UNICEF
38. Skewered meat
40. Pendants
43. Roofed deck on house
45. Family of lions
47. Precious stone
48. Desecrate
52. Period
53. Smooth peach
56. Indicator
58. Harm
60. 1000 watts
61. Wight & Man
62. Onlookers
64. Army, navy & ... force
65. Sound of disbelief
67. Mildest
69. Rumba-like dance
72. Abroad
75. Premonition
77. Tablet computer
78. Ireland (poetic)
79. Go limp
81. Decorative mattress cover
83. Pen name, ... plume (3,2)
84. Morally uplifted
86. Circulate
87. Throat lump, ... apple (4'1)
90. Digression
92. Title document
93. Concrete powder
95. Tempt
96. Hidden supplies
98. ... as a dodo
99. Considers
100. On high
101. Xmas carol, The First ...
102. Formerly Persia
103. Online journal
104. Iron-bar frame
106. Jam pies
110. European coins
113. Pornography
115. Disgustingly
116. Gain estate
117. ... the Hun
118. Hard workers, busy ...
119. Donkeys
122. Pyramids country
125. Troy actor, ... Bana
126. Tenor, ... Pavarotti
127. Enclosures
129. Of Muslim faith
130. Puts
131. Partiality
132. Donated
133. Indian butter
134. Inscription carver
137. Surrenders
138. Method
142. Thrilled cry
143. Possesses
145. Upend 146. Ringworm
149. Presumes 151. Most lazy
152. Short-sighted
154. Behind
156. CD brand (1,1,1)
157. Stole (child) 159. Each year, per ... 161. Train tracks 163. Safeguard
168. Absent-minded (look) 171. Sir ... Newton
172. Catching in the act
176. Rough
177. Inflammatory skin condition
180. Break (in proceedings) 181. Man of action
183. Earmarked
187. Able to be seen
188. Plunder
190. Soviet exile area 191. Stages
192. Renters
193. Dressed to the ...
194. Simple 195. Rulers
196. Serious-mindedly 197. Never growing old
1. Loafs
2. Grant
3. Dull pains
4. Terminates
5. Extremely excited, ... up
6. Winter Palace monarchs
7. Kindest
8. Overly keen (4,2)
9. Fizzy drinks
10. Smeared
11. Spiced tea
12. Dinners or lunches
13. Peru beast
14. Photographs bones (1-4)
19. Legume
20. Ova
25. In the past
26. Riled
27. Encountered
29. Whist or rummy, ... games
31. Story opener, ... upon a time
32. Queen's honour (1,1,1)
33. Seat
34. Birch cane
36. Hopeful
39. Guacamole fruits
40. Spewed-out magma
41. Practical philosophy
42. Loud-hailers
44. Prayer's final word
46. Congers or morays
47. Shade of green
49. Fixing pin
50. Emerged
51. Respected
53. Made more orderly
54. Rink
55. Measure of length
57. Pilot
59. Onto the beach
63. Satirised
66. Bastion
67. Nibbled
68. Moved in on
70. Assumes ownership of
71. Chaos
73. Overall impression
74. Scandinavian land
76. Suggestively
80. Roman mid-month date (4,2,5)
82. Actress, ... Blanchett
85. 20s/30s design style, Art ...
88. Aids
89. Hunting trips
90. Sportsperson
91. Pictorial description
94. Himalayan republic
97. Under way
104. Devoured
105. Abandonment
106. Starting (golf), ... off
107. You've Got Mail actress,
Meg ...
108. Expression
109. Footslog
111. Informers
112. Rock levels
113. Reindeer-drawn conveyance
114. Travel dockets
120. Memento
121. Involving (in dispute)
123. Slippery carnival event (6,4)
124. Trifling irritation
127. Regatta entrants
128. Walk affectedly
135. Audacity
136. Daily schedules
139. Intermittently (2,3,3)
140. Great Wall of ...
141. Couturier, ... Saint Laurent
144. Large brown seaweed
147. Object
148. Arabian prince
150. Dashed
153. Ill at ease
155. Neither here nor ...
158. Car crash
160. Russia's ... Mountains
162. AD, ... Domini
164. And so forth
165. Central Intelligence Agency (1,1,1)
166. Church ministers
167. Mighty flotillas
169. Towards stern
170. Admiration
172. Not binding
173. Noddy creator, Enid ...
174. Colloquial sayings
175. Virus or bacterium
177. Picture stand
178. Striped quadruped
179. Unite
180. Slight error
182. Gravelly (voice)
184. Sharpshooter, ... Oakley
185. Film category
186. Searches (for fingerprints)
187. Delivery vehicles
189. Sicilian volcano
Balnarring
EMU PLAINS MARKET
Emu Plains Reserve, Balnarring
More than just a market the EPM is a monthly celebration of art, food, design and community
Explore & support 200+ incredible small businesses each month!
emuplainsmarket.com.au
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16, 9AM - 2PM
Frankston
LITTLE BEAUTY MARKET
Beauty Park, Frankston
Filled to the brim with awesomeness Little Beauty features 100+ of Melbourne’s very best creatives, foodies and musos.
Showcasing the local flavour of Dromana, offering fresh and seasonal produce, as well as locally crafted products. Funds raised by the Market go to supporting local community Projects. dromanamarket.org.au
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23, 8AM - 1.30PM
Mornington
MAIN STREET MARKET
Main Street, Mornington
Hand made, hand baked and home grown products for you to peruse and purchase.
Victoria’s longest running street market
EVERY WEDNESDAY 9AM - 3PM
Remembering a Young Balnarring Sportsman
By Doug Dyall, historian for the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association
With Remembrance Day approaching, our thoughts go to our brave men and women who served our country at a time of crisis. November 11 is the day for us all to remember the fallen who gave their lives for the benefit of those who followed. The peninsula had many brave souls, and we should highlight their lives as best we can to honour their legacy.
The Cubitt Family
In 1939 a 16-year-old from Balnarring was selected to represent the Peninsula side at the annual Country Week Cricket tournament in Melbourne. His name was Lewin Cubitt. He was born on the 17 September 1922 in Mornington to Harry and Annie Cubitt (nee Lewin), who had purchased land in Balnarring
continued next page...
Above: Lewin Cubitt photographed on joining the RAAF in 1941
in 1933 known as “Westlea”. They lived on the property along Hastings Rd where Clarke St is today. The homestead was built in the early 1900’s and was part of the original Coolart Run. They ran sheep and cattle on the property and had three children. Their daughter Alice was born in 1916 followed by Annie in 1918 and Lewin in 1922.
Harry took up work at the Naval Depot and was the storekeeper for some time along with being the treasurer of the Sports Association for the Depot during the 1930’s.
A Cricket Premiership
Life in Balnarring was a happy one with an abundance of free space and a small but connected community. Lewin was developing into a fine all round sportsman keen on athletics, football and his love for cricket was evident early on as he joined the local Balnarring Cricket Club at just 13 years of age. With no junior competitions available in those days, Lewin’s only choice was to play seniors. He adapted to playing alongside the men and subsequently acquired the skillset to match.
Above: Balnarring during the 1930's, sketched by the late Jack Cavanagh, the Cubitt property circled
Below: Balnarring Primary School 1933, Lewin Cubitt circled
Lewin began playing cricket for Balnarring in 1935/36 and quickly established a name for himself amongst his senior players. He was a kid who learned quickly, possessed talent, but above all assimilated with his senior peers. Looking at the photo of the 1936/37 Premiership team (above), it is evident that he was a ‘boy amongst men’. The side started slowly, losing the first three out of five games but rattled home to make the finals, defeating Navy in the semi-final and subsequently defeating Baxter in the Grand Final. In the games Lewin played he did not make many runs nor did he get much of a chance to bowl due to the dominance of the Broughton brothers Clarrie and Frank. Nevertheless, he made the team and became a premiership player at the age of just 14.
Frankston High
School
In 1937 Lewin was doing his Intermediate Certificate at Frankston High School, winning the sports high jumping medal and being part of both the cricket and football teams.
“Of thirty-one candidates who sat internally for the Intermediate Certificate, twenty-six passed fully in six or more subjects, while one obtained a block of six subjects, which did not include the compulsory mathematics subject. The following passed in nine subjects Marion Floyd, Willian Catron, Lewin Cubitt, Peter James, Mabel Harrison. Passed in eight subjects: Sheila Nicholls, Moya Reily, Margaret Stott,
continued next page...
Above: Balnarring Cricket Club 1936/37
Right: Balnarring Cricket Club 1936/37 premiership pennant
Dorothy Laugier, Harry Dawson, Wallace Hutchinson, Lindsay Prossor, Roger Simpson, Peter Browne. Passed in seven subjects: Joyce Hutchins, Joy Kent, Yvonne Kerr, Joyce Lomax, Elizabeth Mason, Joyce Sherlock, Russell Cooper, Alan Grimshaw, Keith Petrie, Sidney Moore, William Cowling. Passed in six subjects: Jean Myers. Obtained a block of six subjects: Yetta Mc Ilroy. Passed in five subjects: Merle Suckling, Keith Allen, Frank Landman. In four subjects: Harry Proctor. In addition, nine students sat for the examination externally, results of which are not yet known. Because of the change-over 'to the approval 'system, two sets o. Intermediate Examination results are listed this year.”
– Frankston Standard.
Left: An article from the Frankston Standard
In season 1937/38, Lewin only played post-Christmas as Balnarring bowed out in the Semi Final. He was given the chance to bowl more often where he was able to pick up a few wickets. With encouragement from his teammates, it was evident that Lewin was developing into a talented cricketer.
In 1938/39 his reputation grew at Frankston High School, particularly as a bowler with strong statistics in school games. He took five or more wickets on several occasions at these events and still held his position in the Balnarring team. He again did well in the high jump at Frankston High School and was a regular in the school football team.
Country Week Selection
In 1938/39 Lewin again played at Balnarring and took wickets in the first few games, but it was his batting that showed the most improvement. Leading into the carnival Lewin had four
handy scores of 30 plus that had his name come under notice of the Country Week selectors. At only 16 he was selected as the youngest ever player to represent the Peninsula since the competition had begun in 1923.
The 1939 Country Week team was a strong one, with such names as Harold Thornell, Fred Volk, Gordon Humphrey, Ray Cairns and Frank Kerr along with many younger players in Ray Denham, Colin White, George Slocombe, Doug Thompson and Matthew Edwards. The combined team won each of the early rounds and met Echuca in the Semi Final at Princess Park but was soundly beaten.
Lewin played in two of the matches taking 2 for 11 in the first game at the Junction Oval.
Season 1939/40 started well for the young bowler as he took 6 for 22 including a hat-trick in round 1 against a strong Bittern side.
continued next page...
Above: The 1939 Country Week team taken at the Junction Oval Back Row: George Keast, William Moyes (scorer), Ray Cairns, Colin White, Ernie Allen, Hec Downing, Godon Humphrey, Frank Kerr, Charles Thornell (official)
Front Row: Herbert Noble (team manager), Doug Thompson, George Slocombe, Lewin Cubitt, Harold Thornell (captain), Fred Volk, Ray Denham, Matthew Edwards
This hat-trick included the wicket of Frank Allen, the Bittern champion. His form was outstanding for the season with over 40 wickets. Selection in the Northern Peninsula Cricket Association Colts team was a formality. In a Colts match played at Hastings on 23 December Lewin took 2 wickets and scored 16 runs with the Northern Peninsula defeating Southern Peninsula 89 runs to 59.
The team had many great names: Ray Denham (captain), Marshall Unthank (vice captain), George Slocombe, Vic Young, Don Hicks, Les Hicks, Lewin Cubitt, Allan Sage, Arthur Langholz, Bruce Bennett, Les Tolson, Charles Thornell. (12th) Emergencies: George Pollie, George Connell and M. Murray. Many of the players went on to have outstanding cricket careers and public lives.
As war was well underway in Europe, Lewin only played a few games in season 1940/41 and continued to play for the Frankston High School in 1940.
Enlistment
Lewin was a student teacher at Eastern Road Primary School in South Melbourne when he enlisted in the RAAF in June 1941.
A Tragic End
Lewin undertook pilot training and quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant. He was posted to the Number 7 Pilot Advanced Flying Unit Course in Grangemouth, Falkirk, Scotland. Sadly, he was killed in a flying accident on 8 January 1943, still short of his 21st birthday. The official RAAF record is as follows:
"At 1545 hours on 8 January 1943 Spitfire AR274 flown by Sergeant Cubitt collided in the air with Spitfire AB144 flown by Flying Officer George Evelyn Brooke-Turner (126946) (RAFVR) at Dreghorn, near Auchengate, Ayrshire, Scotland, and both pilots were killed."
Lewin Steven Cubitt, a very promising cricket career and a fine young life was lost to the tragedy of war.
Footnote
Two years ago 16 year old Flinders cricketer Sam Gove was selected to represent the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association at Country Week. This led to the inevitable question: was he the youngest cricketer to ever be selected? It was necessary to check back over 80 years of records to find that another 16-year-old, Lewin Cubitt, had been selected and that he was slightly younger than Sam.
Since his selection Sam (pictured below) has progressed and is now playing for Frankston Peninsula although his start to the forthcoming season will be delayed as he incurred an injury playing for the Red Hill Under 19’s in the final round of the football season.
Above: Members of No. 7 Pilot Advanced Flying Unit Course,Grangemouth, Falkirk, Scotland, Lewin Cubitt is circled Below right: Lewin's service record
