Peninsula Essence June 2023

PENINSULA

Writers: Andrea Louise Thomas, Joe Novella, Muriel Cooper

Photography:

Yanni, Gary Sissons

Creative: Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne

Publisher: Melissa McCullough

Advertising: Andy Jukes, 0431 950 685, andy@mpnews.com.au

Phone: (03) 5974 9000

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

FB: @peninsulaessence

Insta: @peninsulaessence

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

Disclaimer: The authors and publisher do not assume any liability to any party for any loss, damage or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. This publication is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Peninsula Essence is produced monthly. 30,000 copies (mix of home delivery and bulk dropped at an extensive network of outlets across the peninsula).

10. Pearly Pegs

Entrepreneur Kagan Williams and cosmetic scientist Ayla Shepherd collaborated to develop Peg Paste, a unique toothpaste created from Flux Lab in Hastings.

20. Come on Eileen

Rosebud resident Eileen Cikamatana is one of Australia's best chances of winning a medal at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024 and there is a good chance the colour will be gold, but the weightlifter's path to representing her country has not been a typical one.

26. A Pier Too Far

A 180-metre section of the Flinders Pier was planned to be demolished. Concerns about the pier’s historical value and the future of sea life inhabitants there made locals take action to prevent this from proceeding.

Leading Arts

30. Sea Glass Inspiration

Peninsula author Rebecca Fraser has always been an enthusiastic beachcomber. During lockdowns she collected sea glass on her walks and the idea began forming for a middle-grade children’s novel. It became her physical and emotional salvation.

34. Close Knit

A story of the friendship between two women from different generations, countries and backgrounds who were brought together by wool. Jenny Gill and Clare Crosbie met in a Richmond wool shop, and from that point their business CC Knits was born.

Focus On

44. Focus on Flinders

Historical facts, café recommendations and what to do in one of the most popular peninsula destinations.

History

51. The Mayor of Somers

Ron Stone kept the general store, ran the post office and was the local real estate agent. He also helped set up the progress association, tennis club, foreshore committee, school, kindergarten and the caravan park. He was a member of the fire brigade, and a Justice of the Peace. There was little that went on within the Somers community that Ron did not know about. Was it any wonder he was known unofficially as “The Mayor of Somers.”

Every Month

DIAMOND COCO

Diamond Coco are not just about diamonds, they do gemstones too. These 14K Yellow Lab-Grown Emerald Beaded Bezel-Set Hoop Earrings are available in a range of gemstone colours, in 14K yellow, white or rose gold, or platinum.

Suite 6, 38A Main Street, Mornington 1300 230 430 diamondcoco.com.au

OZ DESIGN FURNITURE

Chic and timeless, the Hurley Designer Chair boasts refined lines and a perfectly cushioned body. With its luxurious soft black leather paired with a slim tube steel frame, this bold accent chair will introduce a sense of understated sophistication in your space.  Showroom D4, Peninsula Home 1128 – 1132 Nepean Hwy, Mornington  8560 1137  ozdesignfurniture.com.au

PENINSULA Styles

LUDUCO LIVING

Introducing the London swivel chair from himolla. This stylish, eclectic, and wonderfully comfortable design will suit any interior. Available in over 250 leather colours and more than 400 fabric options, it is the ideal occasional chair. Exclusive to Luduco Living. Unit B1/1128 - 1132 Nepean Hwy, Mornington 5973 4899 luducoliving.com.au

PRODUCTS FROM THE PENINSULA WE'RE SURE YOU WILL LOVE

FORTY WINKS MORNINGTON

Enjoy sleep without compromise by personalising your side of the bed with MySide™. MySide combines state-of-the-art materials with scientific findings from our bedMATCH diagnostic system to deliver ideal postural support and pressure relief for a great night's sleep.

Peninsula Home Centre, Shop 3A, 1128/1132 Nepean Hwy, Mornington fortywinks.com.au

What's on?

JUNE 1 - 30

TASTE SORRENTO

After a seven-year hiatus, Taste Sorrento has been re-imagined into a month-long festival. A winter food and beverage event celebrating and promoting all that Sorrento has to offer in gourmet food, quality produce, wine, bespoke spirits, craft beers, and cider, all showcased in Sorrento. tastesorrento.com.au

JUNE 9-11

CINDERELLA COMMUNITY PANTOMIME

The Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes - the magical, fun filled Cinderella is coming to Mount Eliza. Whether you are 6 or 96 you are guaranteed to have a ball! trybooking.com/events

JUNE 3

LADIES’ DAY CHARITY LUNCHEON

Bring your sisters, mums, girlfriends, co-workers, nanas, and cousins and support the Endo Help Foundation in raising awareness and supporting women, their partners and their families living with endometriosis. The event will be held at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve. Tickets include bubbles on arrival, a 3-course lunch, Ocean Eight wine, table prizes and more. trybooking.com/events

JUNE 9 - 12

MORNINGTON WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Street Corners, bars and restaurants will come alive again over the King’s birthday long weekend with the sights and sounds of Mornington Winter Music Festival. The festival brings with it a host of talent and will showcase an exciting program mixing traditional and modern Jazz, blues, soul and other genres. morningtonmusicfestival.com.au

JUNE 7

MINDSET MATTERS

To be held at the Mornington Racecourse, The Mindset Matters fundraising event will be a jampacked day filled with mindfulness tips and tricks as well as some amazing speakers that will bring you lots of experiences as well as tools to take home with you to implement in your business, community and personal life!

mornpen.vic.gov.au/EventsActivities/Mindset-MattersFundraising-event

JUNE 18

SEAFORD

FARMER’S MARKET

Organised by the Rotary Club of Frankston the market offers a diverse and seasonal range of fresh Victorian produce, including value-added products from the original producers. Operates on the third Sunday of each month from 8am to 1pm.

rotaryfrankston.org.au/seafordfarmers-market-about

PEARLY pegs

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons & Supplied

Entrepreneur Kagan Williams and cosmetic scientist

Ayla Shepherd collaborated to create a unique toothpaste – Peg Paste. Kagan wanted to make a product that was not only great at cleaning teeth, but also at restoring and strengthening them too. They have come up with just the right formula.

Peg Paste contains hydroxyapatite as an alternative to fluoride. It’s a mineral present in bones and teeth that re-mineralises tooth enamel helping prevent decay and gum disease as well as restoring microcracks that cause tooth sensitivity. “NASA used it to help their astronauts repair and restore enamel loss from being exposed to sub-zero gravity environments,” Kagan says.

continued next page ...

Photo: Jordan Price

This toothpaste also contains prebiotics - microorganisms that feed other microorganisms called probiotics - the good bacteria living in the mouth and gut. The prebiotics within Peg Paste feed and promote the reproduction of probiotics already present in the mouth, as well as the gut and digestive system. It’s the perfect marriage.

It took Kagan and Ayla three years to get the formula just right. The flavour, performance, fragrance and texture had to be perfect and the product needed to be safe for both children and adults. Kagan wanted a toothpaste that left that smooth clean feeling people get after having their teeth professionally cleaned. Using sustainablysourced ingredients from Australian suppliers and manufacturers to support the economy was also a priority.

Ethical sustainability is important to Kagan. It was part of her initial motivation to create Peg Paste. She could not go one more day fiddling around with a crusty toothpaste

tube she couldn’t get all the product out of; a tube destined for landfill where it would take hundreds of years to break down. Peg comes in a 100% recyclable airless pump that can go into household recycling. Because of its clever design, no product is lost.

The Peg journey began in lockdown when Kagan was pregnant with her first child. Naturally, her focus was on health and using low toxicity natural products. Fluoridated toothpaste was a concern. Not finding any high-performance, natural alternatives on the market, Kagan decided to begin the development process of her own fluoride-free formulation. The name Peg was inspired by a family expression from childhood, “Wash your toothy pegs (teeth).”

Kagan and Ayla grew up on the southern end of the Mornington Peninsula. They met through mutual acquaintances years ago. Kagan knew Ayla was working in the cosmetic science space and that she was also very interested in ethical sustainability. Kagan went to Ayla’s research and design lab, Flux Lab, taking a brief of everything she wanted in her toothpaste. The process of trial and error began.

Making toothpaste is not something Kagan ever thought she’d be doing, but even as a child, she knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur.

continued page 14...

I wanted to create a natural toothpaste that was enjoyable to use, practical and performed well

Kagan Williams (left) and Ayla Shepherd.

Photo: Jordan Price Photo: Supplied

She thought like an innovator; always asking why and wondering how things could be improved. Kagan was inspired and motivated by her Dad’s inventive mind and his ability to detect products and services that didn’t yet exist in the marketplace; then try to make them.

Initially, Kagan wanted to be a journalist. She started a Professional Writing and Editing course, but left that to pursue a job opportunity working for a Melbourne-based event management and public relations agency where she worked writing press releases.

She transitioned to an events company that managed entertainment for large sporting events. Kagan then changed industries working in residential construction management. Then COVID hit, providing Kagan with the perfect opportunity to reevaluate her priorities, tap into her innovative spirit and start her own business.

As a child, Ayla thought she’d like to be a TV presenter on the Great Outdoors, but problems with her facial skin steered her away from that. She was frustrated that doctors could only

offer cortisone creams as a solution. She toyed with the idea of becoming a dermatologist, but that would take nearly ten years. She just wanted to get to work.

So, she headed off to Monash University to get a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science specialising in Formulation. “The person who makes the treatments and creams is the most important person in the healing pathway,” Ayla says. She now turns clients’ ideas into healthy, natural, shelf-ready products, including Kagan’s.

“I wanted to create a natural toothpaste that was enjoyable to use, practical and performed well. I also wanted the flavour to be pleasing and the packaging to be modern and attractive,” Kagan says. She and Ayla have certainly met the brief.

pegpaste.com.au

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

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

MORNINGTON PENINSULA’S FIRST SMALL BUSINESS FESTIVAL IS COMING IN AUGUST

The inaugural Mornington Peninsula Small Business Festival has been developed to offer a blend of inspiration and practical help to local small businesses.

There will be plenty of opportunities for professional development, networking, knowledge sharing and, importantly, it is also an occasion to inspire new, innovative ways of thinking.

This new initiative by the Mornington Peninsula Shire will include a full month of activities around the theme of Connect. Grow. Achieve.

The program will cover a mix of curated events, engaging presentations and practical workshops delivered by local business groups and agencies such as Business Victoria, Small Business Mentoring Service, FMP Jobs and Skills Working Group and Chisholm.

Businesses are encouraged to ‘pick and mix’ from the program to suit their business needs. Highlights of the program include:

 A thought-provoking future focussed breakfast launch at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery

 The Mornington Peninsula Community and Careers Expo with 40 exhibitors, bringing together businesses looking for staff and job seekers.

 Our Building Better Business Networks event, sharing success stories and insights of local businesspeople

 An industry forum at Chisholm’s Rosebud Campus to explore ‘Reimagining your Workforce’

Other events will cover a wide range of topics, from innovation, marketing and business planning to financial management, grant-writing, artificial intelligence and many others. With a mix of no-cost, low-cost and value for money events, there will be something for everyone.

For more information visit the website.

W:

Elements – “to be a part of”

Winter is the season for keeping warm and you can do just that with us at the Eatery. A new menu of wholesome dishes are now available, proving to be a winner already Start your day with our Coconut Cous Cous Porridge, or try some Scandi Sardines if you are little more adventurous Friends will have food envy as you choose between the Rustic Winter Veg Bowl or Mushroom Medley for a substantial yet healthy lunch choice.

Daily soup specials are also available along with plenty take-away options in the cabinet

Don’t forget our ‘Tea for Two’ offering every Tuesday; 2 small coffees or teas with 2 scones, jams & creams for only $15. Until we run out of course!

Be sure to join us on Instagram @ elementseatery

"Great little cafe inside Yawa Good quality, fast, and easy coffee before or after your time at Yawa Good Cafe meals for those wanting a little more Friendly staff and usually plenty of seating in a bright, well-lit setting filled with natural light Recommended " Google review - Sam

100 Besgrove Street Rosebud VIC 3939

e: eat@elementseatery com au / w: elementseatery com au 03 5982 6020

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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

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

DIRECT TO PUBLIC MEANS YOU SAVE!

Wine Lovers Warehouse is the direct to public arm of our wholesale business specialising in restaurant, hotel, and function wines for over 17 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 2023 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.

COME ON Eileen

By Joe Novella Photos Yanni

Rosebud resident Eileen Cikamatana is one of Australia's best chances of winning a medal at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024 and there is a good chance the colour will be gold. However the weightlifter's path to representing her country has not been a typical one.

Eileen was born in Levuka on the island of Ovalau, in Fiji. "Growing up, I was a real tom-boy. I used to climb mango trees. Actually, I broke my arm one time because I fell out of the tree. We lived very close to the ocean and so I would run down there and play all the time. I was my dad’s shadow, wanting to go everywhere that he went in the truck. I wanted to be with him when he would work outside. My mum always said I was the third son because I simply couldn’t keep still and wanted to wear shorts and tee shirts like my brothers instead of pretty dresses."

Eileen is one of five, having two brothers and two sisters. Her schoolteacher in Fiji suggested she try out weightlifting back in 2014 when she was 15 years old. "I asked my mother, and she immediately said 'NO!' horrified that her daughter wanted to do weightlifting. So I went to my father, and he said 'Yes'. My dad is my biggest fan actually, followed by Mum, now that she accepts that weightlifting is also a sport for females, and she has seen what I have been able to achieve."

Those early days of training in Fiji were tough but Eileen liked how weightlifting made her feel strong and that inspired her to keep going. She trained at the 'Jungle Gym' on the island of Ovalau and had to climb 364 steps up a steep mountain to get to it. But the hard work paid off and under the guidance of her

first coach, Joe Vueti, Eileen's natural talent blossomed. It was soon apparent to Joe that he had a star pupil on his hands, and he recommended to the Oceania Weightlifting Federation that Eileen be invited to attend a talent identification camp to be held in New Caledonia.

"During this camp I was convinced that weightlifting was my sport," Eileen said. "After the camp I decided that I would train every single day, before school and after school – except for Sunday. I went to church on Sundays."

Eileen's progression through the ranks was swift, competing in her first international weightlifting competition at the Oceania Championships in 2014, in what Eileen describes as a 'surreal' experience. She won her first gold medal in 2015 at the Commonwealth Youth Games and in the same year left her childhood home in Fiji to take up an offer to train at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute in Noumea, New Caledonia where she was surrounded by elite weightlifters, all Olympic representatives for their respective countries. Another added benefit to being at the Institute was the presence of highly credentialed coach and administrator, Paul Coffa MBE who kept a watchful eye on her progress. The experience of training with the best of the best, spurred her on to be the best she could be.

"I trained really hard and did distance education in order to keep up with my schooling," Eileen said. "This enabled me to train twice a day." The training paid off with Eileen winning gold medals in a string of regional championships. She was named Fiji's Sportswoman of the Year in 2017 and Eileen's potential

Growing up, I was a real tom-boy. I used to climb mango trees

was fully realised with her winning the gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast in the 90kg class; she was the first Fijian female athlete to win Commonwealth gold.

Following her gold medal performance on the Gold Coast, Eileen was poised to become a Fijian national hero and with Tokyo Olympic gold in her sights, she had the world at her feet. But sadly, as often happens in sport, politics got in the way and Eileen was given choices to make that she felt were not in her best interests; ones that led her to seriously consider giving up the sport of weightlifting. "It is something I don’t like speaking about, as it was a very stressful time. It is the past and that is where it belongs."

With support from her family, Eileen was encouraged to continue chasing her dreams of Olympic success, even if that meant it would not be as a Fijian athlete. She chose to emmigrate to Australia in 2021 and follow her coach, Paul Coffa, a person she felt she could trust and had her best interests at heart. He had relocated the Oceania Weightlifting Institute from Noumea to Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula.

"After all the politics, at 22, I was old enough to make my own decisions and so I chose to emmigrate to Australia," Eileen said. "Here you are respected if you are a high-performance athlete; your sacrifices to be the best are acknowledged. I could not have done it without Paul and his wife Lily.

continued page 24 ...

The Hub is the heart of Village Glen, already home to the village shop and hair salon, and the now newly completed facilities offer residents so much more. It’s designed to be a place where residents and their guests can gather to relax, converse and rest in a beautifully appointed and furnished communal precinct.

Caravan Storage

9-Hole Golf Course

Croquet Lawn and Bowling Green

I could write a book on how much they have helped me settle here on the Mornington Peninsula. Although that's not too hard because the peninsula has it all: good people, great environment, amazing food, the shops, the ocean, the sand, fresh air, open spaces. What's not to like about living here?"

The transition to becoming an Aussie was complete in 2022 when Eileen competed for her adopted country at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, winning gold in the 87kg division. "The gold medal was my way of showing my enormous gratitude for everything that Australia has done for me: for treating me with enormous respect, something I value greatly, for opening the doors and allowing me to flourish and excel, for continuing to support my quest to be the best. The only way that I can repay this is to win for Australia. I am very proud of wearing the Australian uniform. And I could not hold back my tears when the Australian national anthem was played as I stood on the victory dais. It was very emotional for me."

Eileen now has her sights set on a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024. She is in a good place with all the support she needs. "I stay in regular contact with my family back in Fiji, which is important. But I have everything I want and need right here.

I live in Rosebud, train in Dromana, and my coach Paul and my mentor Lilly live in Rye. There is no country quite like Australia with its diversity and multicultural population. And yes, I am very proud to be an Australian."

We are proud of you too, Eileen.

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Paul Coffa and Eileen Cikamatana.

A PIER TOO far

By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni

When Charles Reis discovered that Parks Victoria was planning to demolish the first 180 metres of the Flinders Pier, he thought it didn’t make sense because, as he says, "It wasn’t being demolished to make way for something. It was being demolished because no one wanted to pay for its maintenance."

It catalysed him to act and call on members of the Flinders Community Association to form a new committee to save the pier, with Charles elected as Chair.

He says, "We held a public meeting, and we had about 300 people there, which was quite surprising. What I noticed was that this wasn’t the usual crowd. These were people we hadn’t seen before: young people who were clearly concerned, environmentalists, divers, people who holiday here who we’ve never seen before. Suddenly, I thought, “We’re onto something here.” This was resonating with many more people than I’d appreciated."

Concerns expressed by the crowd were about the pier’s historical value and the future of the Weedy Seadragon. Suggestions included online fundraising, getting Sir David Attenborough, who had sent a film crew to the pier to film the Weedy Seadragon, involved and running a petition on change.org.

continued page 28 ...

Charles was excited by the level of involvement. "This was the wisdom of crowds at its very best, providing information like rivers of gold. These tremendously creative ideas were about what we needed to do."

The online petition through change.org achieved 43,000 signatures.

"I just couldn’t stop being surprised. I think that people right across the peninsula were becoming very concerned that we were losing too many of our piers. I think our pier was one pier too far."

At the very beginning of the campaign, after he wrote to Sir David, Charles was on holiday in the Gulf of Carpentaria when, in the middle of the Strzelecki Track, he had a sudden realisation.

"I needed a strategy of how I thought this campaign should be run. I didn’t think that chaining ourselves to the pier or waving placards on the steps of parliament house was going to do it for us; I felt this needed to be a well-fought campaign that had longevity to it. So we needed to play the long game."

How did Charles feel when he realised the pier had been saved?

"Initially, I was surprised, I have to say, because I had expected that we would need to run the campaign up and through the state election that was due to occur. I was astonished. I felt elated. I discovered the outcome when reading the budget papers on budget night 2022 and I was at volume three of the budget papers, just trawling through, and I found it! My wife will still remember me shouting from the other room, You’re not going to believe what I’ve found!"

"I found that little nugget of gold, and that evening I emailed our local member of parliament who wasn’t aware of this being in the budget. He was able to confirm it with me the following day. It was a wonderful euphoric feeling about what we, as a committee, could achieve. There were twelve of us, and I reached out to them immediately to tell them what I’d found."

Charles has since given advice to other groups, including the community of Warneet, who want to save their pier.

I think that people right across the peninsula were becoming very concerned that we were losing too many of our piers

The Department of Home Affairs is so impressed that they’re making a film about the Save Flinders Pier Campaign as an ideal example of democracy in action.

Charles’ contribution won him an Australia Day Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Award as the 2023 Local Champion.

"I was a bit taken aback,’ he said, "because there are lots of people who do fabulous things in our community and I’m sure they are far more deserving, but I did feel a sense of accomplishment. It meant a great deal to me."

"I’ve never seen myself as an activist. I’m semi-retired. I used to work in the mining industry in an executive role, where I spent the majority of my career."

Asked how he reconciles his work in the mining industry with being an environmental activist, Charles says, "I have to say that I never saw a contradiction because my observations and experience in the mining industry is that miners now have become more environmentally responsible and understand more than at any time in their history the impact that they’re having on the environment and what they need to do to mitigate that impact."

"The other thing is that you couldn’t get anything more removed from mining than a pier which is a very passive asset that’s enjoyed by absolutely everybody. It connects the land with the water, and if you don’t have a boat, it’s one of the few ways you can get up to four hundred metres out into the ocean and appreciate the wonder of the marine ecology that lives below the surface."

After the usual planning and reports, an announcement about beginning work on the pier is expected in mid-2023. Charles says part of his role is managing people’s expectations of when the work will begin.

Charles thinks the final hurdle is that Parks Victoria needs to find wharf carpenters. "Wharf carpentry is highly specialised," he says. "Being able to ensure they have the right people to undertake that work is a crucial issue."

The grand opening will be sometime in 2024.

flindersvillage.com.au/save-flinders-pier

SEA GLASS inspiration

By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni

Peninsula children’s author Rebecca Fraser has always been an enthusiastic beachcomber. During lockdowns she was lucky to have the beach in her allowed 5-kilometre radius. Rebecca says, "Beachcombing, a pastime I’d always enjoyed for its meandering freedom, became my physical and emotional salvation."

As she collected sea glass, the idea began forming for a middlegrade children’s novel. (Middle-grade children’s books are written for ages seven to eleven.) "I could hear the characters talking to me as I walked along the beach," she said.

Rebecca knew she was a writer from a very young age. "I was born fascinated with words. I was a voracious reader from a very young age and started writing fiction early; probably when I was about seven or eight. I tinkered with stories, composed endless poetry, and whenever it was a family member’s birthday, indubitably, a poem from me would accompany their gift."

In the mid-2000s, when her life was more settled, Rebecca began taking her writing more seriously. "I honed my craft, researching markets, networking with other writers, learning

industry standards, expectations, and pitfalls, and submitting, submitting, submitting." In 2015 Rebecca completed a Master of Arts in Creative Writing.

"While I certainly don’t believe you need formal qualifications to be a writer, the degree was a personal goal of mine, and professionally I felt the qualification would add credence to my creative writing workshops, StoryCraft."

For those wanting to pursue writing as a career – apart from formal qualifications – Rebecca advises joining organisations like Writers Victoria and local writing groups like Peninsula Writers’ Club.

The most challenging thing about writing for Rebecca is work/life balance.

"As often as I can, I schedule a block of consecutive days to escape to a writing retreat, usually with a group of writing friends, and never too far from home. I find removing myself completely from my home environment and focusing purely on the writing really maximises my momentum and productivity." Rebecca wrote much of her current work in progress at a writing retreat at Police Point Cottages sponsored by the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

continued next page...

I could hear the characters talking to me as I walked along the beach

Asked what she finds most enjoyable about writing, Rebecca says, "It’s always a joy to receive feedback from a reader who has really connected with a story and has taken the time to tell you. It’s also incredibly fulfilling to watch people you’ve mentored grow and thrive and tread their own path to publication."

Rebecca writes for all ages and in all genres, including speculative fiction, sci-fi and horror, but in all of them, she says, "I love to tackle stories that explore the human condition. They allow readers to explore their place in the world and ask, what if?”

Rebecca gravitated towards middle-grade writing when her son (now 14) was born. She wanted him to read the kind of stories she loved reading as a child and wrote ‘Curtis Creed And The Lore of The Ocean’ as part of her Masters'.

"I also believe that, when writing for children, we do have a responsibility to create books that allow kids to see themselves represented no matter their family structure, their ability, ethnicity, spirituality, gender, or sexuality. In my opinion, there’s never been a better time for healthy and inclusive approaches to literature."

In 'Sea Glass', young Cailin discovers a treasure not only in the sea glass but also in a cherished relationship with her grandfather, and Rebecca explores the connections between children and their grandparents in the book. Not having grandparents close by when she was growing up made Rebecca appreciate the visits she had with them even more.

Sea glass not only inspired Rebecca’s book but is collected worldwide and used to make beautiful jewellery. There’s a mystique around where the glass originated. It’s formed from at least twenty years of being tumbled and worn by ocean waves and sand and can be over a hundred years old. The salinity of the water causes the frosted appearance and can’t be reproduced by mechanical tumbling. Rare colours are orange, red or black. Red and other brightly coloured glass can come from car lights, old lampshades, and stained glass windows.

Rebecca is lucky enough to have found a piece of black sea glass formed from the earliest bottles to land in the bays – probably from rum-running pirates! Another of Rebecca’s favourite pieces is a beach glass lavender-coloured stopper, probably from a perfume bottle, that she found by a river in Tasmania; not sea glass but beach glass. Rebecca says the kind of sea glass you’re likely to find varies on where in the world you are looking for it and depends on currents, channels and the type of shipping that has passed through over the years. Pieces of pottery called sea shards are also prized. Rubbish tips are good places to look, too, as rubbish removed from beaches often contains sea glass.

When asked to choose between workshops, editing and writing, Rebecca says, "While it’s rewarding to share my skills and knowledge with aspiring authors of every age and ability, and fulfilling to polish the words of others through the editing

I love to tackle stories that explore the human condition

process, and while I love the varied and interesting work of copywriting, I just wouldn’t feel myself if I wasn’t telling my own stories. I’d definitely have to pick the author’s hat above all the others I wear!"

‘Sea Glass’ was launched recently at Antipodes in Sorrento and is available from Peninsula bookstores and online. For more information about Rebecca’s books and workshops, visit her website. rebeccafraser.com

CLOSE knit

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni

This is a story of the friendship between two women from different generations, countries and backgrounds who were brought together by wool. Heavily pregnant, Jenny Gill wandered (though she would say waddled) into a Richmond wool shop to buy some yarn and needles. She wanted to knit a blanket for her baby. Jenny met Clare Crosbie across the counter. Clare encouraged Jenny to sit down then kindly and patiently went over the finer points of knitting. They have been great friends ever since. Now they are business partners too. Their brand CC Knits launched last year. They make wonderful woollen beanies.

Clare was born and raised in Melbourne. She learned to knit from the nuns at her primary school. Clare was always crafty. She went to RMIT graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design. This led to a 23-year career in the fashion industry that took her all over the world. Clare spent many long hours waiting at airports. Fortunately, she had knitting to help her pass the time.

Jenny comes from the South Island of New Zealand. She grew up on a sheep and cattle station in the remote high country. Her studies were in science. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Geology. She also has a Master’s Degree in Rock

Avalanches. This niche subject had her working for a time on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic.

Jenny then moved to London to work as project manager for Network Rail and Crossrail. She met her husband there. After five years abroad, they moved to Australia.

After having children Jenny decided to be a stay-at-home mum. In 2017, that chance meeting with Clare changed Jenny’s world. It gave her something to do away from parenting. She joined a Thursday night knitting group to expand her social circle. “It’s a lovely way of being with other people and doing what you love,” she says. She found comfort, support and camaraderie.

“Knitting has many benefits. It’s calming and good for nervous disorders because it’s a kind of mindfulness. You have to be present to knit. It also gets people off their phones and engaging with others in a knitting group,” Clare says. "It’s a craft that can be done almost anywhere with very few materials. Anyone can learn to knit with a bit of patience and perseverance. Even better, knitters produce something they can wear."

Both Jenny and Clare feel it’s important to 'make'. They find a satisfaction in creating. Jenny uses a loom while Clare knits with needles. Knitting is particularly enjoyable because of the sensory element working with such a soft, tactile material.

Potential knitters be warned: “Knitting is addictive. Clare became my dealer,” Jenny says with a laugh. "Knitting is so accessible. Anyone can do it."

Both Clare and Jenny teach knitting. Jenny works with children at her local primary school. Clare teaches from her purpose-built studio in Somers. “Teaching knitting is very rewarding. You meet lots of different kinds of people. I’m happy to pass on my knowledge. Talking while knitting is very important – having that connection with others is fabulous,” Clare says.

Quality is key to Clare and Jenny’s product. “We use 100% quality Australian wool. It’s very soft,” Clare says. CC Knits beanies are very comfortable and made to last. Their footy beanies are favourites. “At every market, the first sale of the day is a footy beanie. Almost always it’s a Melbourne Demons one,” Clare says. They make beanies for supporters of every club.

Mostly, Jenny and Clare sell their beanies at markets. Clare says, “Markets are a wonderful place to sell. You never know how the day will go; every market is different. We like dealing with people and getting paid for the worth of our work.

Also, there’s great camaraderie at the markets. Other stallholders appreciate your craft,” Clare says. Their beanies can also be purchased on Etsy.

As for their friendship, each gets something different from the other. “The experience and wisdom I get from Clare is fantastic. Her advice is wonderful. She’s so grounded. We balance each other. Fundamentally, we have the same morals,” Jenny says.

“We get on well. In addition to making beanies, Jenny also does the social media side of the business. Her knowledge of IT is brilliant. She keeps me young,” Clare says. Knitting has built a beautiful and lasting bond of friendship.

Instagram: cc_knits_design

Etsy: CCKnitsDesign

Knitting has many benefits. It’s calming and good for nervous disorders because it’s a kind of mindfulness

Claire Crosbie (left) and Jenny Gill with a variety of their hand knitted woollen beanies.

LYRICAL PAINTINGS AND WEAVINGS FROM THE ARAFURA WETLANDS

Four hundred and fifty kilometres east of Darwin, the Arafura Wetlands is a near pristine 700-1300 square kilometre freshwater floodplain. Hugely rich in hundreds of plant species, water life, birds, marsupials and other wildlife, the traditional owners of the Wetlands are the Yolngu whose nearest community, Ramingining, borders its edge. Ramingining and the Arafura Wetlands were most recently made famous by the film, Ten Canoes; and it was from Ramingining that the Aboriginal Memorial ceremonial poles in the National Gallery of Australia, originated.

Art from Ramingining has attracted international acclaim since the 1930s in detailed bark paintings by artists such as David Malangi, George Milpurrurru and others.

Its community art centre Bula'bula now supports the work of 150 artist members who work in fibre art, painting and print making. In the early 1990s, the artists introduced painting on canvas, choosing to restrict their colour palette to that of the country in greys, greens, browns, yellows, black and white.

Showing for the first time on the Mornington Peninsula, 10 Ramingining have produced lyrically detailed new paintings of plants, fish, bird, and other wildlife. Striking too are extraordinary fine fibre bags and mats, meticulously woven from pandanus and coloured with natural dyes.

Gurrwiliny Yolngu (People of the Arafura Wetlands) runs June 9 to 27

In partnership with Bula'bula Arts

Everywhen Artspace

A: 39 Cook Street, Flinders, Vic 3929

T: + 61 3 5989 0496

Open Friday-Tuesday | 11am-4pm

View online

W: everywhenart.com.au

Left: Dorothy Djampalili, Fresh Water Story, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 61 x 97 cm.

Right: Jenny Malibirr, Woven Mat, 2023, pandanus and natural dyes 127 x 127cm.

VERA MÖLLER - SEA.LIQUID. SENSATION.FLUX.SPACE

Living in Flinders for nearly a decade, Vera Möller has produced work in response to the marine life of Western Port Bay, Port Phillip Bay and the Bass Strait Coast. These bodies of water form part of the Great Southern Reef, an extraordinarily bio-diverse marine environment of enormous proportions.

This new exhibition at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery brings together new small and large scale works. It includes an array of diverse materials ranging from drawings and watercolours to collages, objects, and paintings. It also features a selection of works from Möller’s studio collection.

Vera Möller is a cross-disciplinary visual artist living on the lands of the Boon Wurrung / Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation in Australia. Her artwork engages in ecological issues arising from living in the Anthropocene and considers the persistence of life forms, species mutation, terrain and marine habitat. Drawing on the biological, visual, and spatial phenomena found in natural environments Möller’s practice acts as a form of speculative biological hybridity.

She utilises close observation, new scientific research, and somatic material exploration, to devise multi-layered immersive installations that invite reflection on the impact of humankind on ecosystems.

She says, “I am captivated by the idea of some slippage between those life forms that actually exist in our natural environments and entirely fictitious organisms.”

Often working in response to a specific site, in the last two decades Möller’s creative projects have ranged from: an investigation into the undergrowth of the Kings Wood in Kent, UK; a botanical exploration of the sub-alpine heath lands of Skullbone Plains, Tasmania; wetlands in Goulburn Valley, Victoria; the Great Barrier Reef in the Northern climates of Australia; cold water marine environments of the Victorian coast; as well as the vast underwater environment of the Great Southern Reef.

She has exhibited widely both internationally and in Australia. Möller’s work is held in private collections in Australia, China, Japan, UK, USA and Germany, along with the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne; Australian National Museum, Canberra; Monash University Collection, Melbourne; Latrobe University Collection, Melbourne; Victoria University, Melbourne.

In association with the exhibition, MPRG will be organising a studio visit and workshop at Möller’s studio in Moorabbin and an artist talk. Check out their website for more information about the exhibition and associated events.

The exhibition runs 3 June - 3 September 2023.

W: mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

Photos: ©willowcreative

I am captivated by the idea of some slippage between those life forms that actually exist in our natural environments and entirely fictitious organisms.”

– Vera Möller

TASTE SORRENTO FOOD AND BEVERAGE FESTIVAL 1-30 JUNE

Taste Sorrento is back after a seven year hiatus! The reimagined culinary gem is set to grace the idyllic coastal Village of Sorrento. From 1 to 30 June, come and enjoy the exciting experiences offered across local restaurants and cafes, that promise to elevate the region’s food and beverage scene.

The opening of the month long Taste Sorrento festival will be celebrated with a Gala Dinner night of nights at The Continental on Thursday 1 June. Experience all the best The Continental has to offer, with a 3 course gourmet meal, matched with superb Rahona Valley wines from the Mornington Peninsula. Hear about each course straight from The Age Good Food Guide's Young Chef of the Year, Nicholas Deligiannis, from Audrey's Restaurant, and explore the wines through the eyes of the MC and Doctor of all things wine, Dr Amie Brûlée. The Taste Sorrento Gala Dinner is an event not to be missed so go to tastesorrento.com.au/gala-night to purchase your tickets!

To officially close the month long Taste Sorrento festival, Hotel Sorrento will host the Finale Dinner at Shihuishi. Nestled within the limestone walls of the original Hotel Sorrento ballroom, where past and present collide, the Taste Sorrento Shihuishi Finale Dinner will be a sophisticated menu, spearheaded by Head Chef Junlin Yi. Guests will encounter the playful, familiar, yet faraway flavours of Cantonese cuisine, and will also be joined by Hotel Sorrento’s celebrity Chef George Calombaris. Bookings can be made at hotelsorrento.com.au/shi-hui-shi/.

Taste Sorrento is poised to become a haven for food enthusiasts and family fun experiences. From dining experiences to master classes, sip and viewings in our galleries, and samplings and tastings in a variety of our retail stores, this festival will have something for everyone. There are also sushi art trains, adult sip and painting classes, cocktail making experiences, and fish filleting classes by the master himself, Nicholas from Audrey’s Restaurant, The Continental.

For those wanting to have a taste of everything, Sorrento Village will be alive every Wednesday in June with Taste $5 Bite Wednesday! Roam the street between the participating cafés and restaurants and enjoy their $5 Bite offering.

Looking to occupy the kids and kids-at-heart over the school holidays? A Pop-Up Indoor Cinema Children’s Film Night will be held on Friday 23 June, with a guest appearance by Remy, the Little Chef Rat, and some great giveaways to enjoy. Young creatives will love the apron decorating workshops being held for the kids over the school holidays, finishing with a grand finale parade of aprons on Sunday 25 June with lots of fantastic prizes to be won.

All throughout the month of June, be on the lookout for Remy, as he pops up at Taste Sorrento events. Take a photo with Remy and post with the tag #wheresremysorrento for a chance to win prizes.

With all these fun activities on offer, why not stay over and take up one of the fantastic deals on offer, staying in Sorrento’s finest accommodation.

Sorrento is approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD and is easily accessible by vehicle. The Sorrento to Queenscliff car and passenger ferry also makes for a relaxing way to cross the bay without having to deal with city traffic.

While in town, call in to the Sorrento Beachside Visitor Information Centre, and see the lovely staff and volunteers who can help enrich your experience while visiting the Mornington Peninsula.

Whether you're a food lover, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and festive event to enjoy with family and friends, Taste Sorrento is the perfect destination for you. So much more than a food and beverage festival. Taste Sorrento 2023 has something for everyone.

Taste Sorrento is brought to you by the Sorrento Chamber of Commerce and is kindly supported by many local businesses and organisations, including 3MP, &djprojects, Infinity Box, and Functioning Together.

Visit the website for a comprehensive program guide, including all event details.

Photo: Sorrento Chamber of Commerce image by CJH Creative

COCONUT COUS COUS PORRIDGE

INGREDIENTS

1 Pear

1 Apple

1 can ETCH Sparkling – Bush Apple & Kakadu Plum

1 Peach

1 tsp Raw Sugar

1 tsp Vegetable Oil

60 g Freekah

60 g Pearl Barley

60 g Pearl Cous Cous

4 tbs Caster Sugar

8 Strawberries

1/2 tsp Chai Spice

250 ml Coconut Milk

80 g Assorted Dried Fruits

PREPARE THE POACHED FRUITS

Slice the cheeks off the pear and apple. Cut into chunky slices. Bring 3/4 can of ETCH to the boil, then reduce heat until only simmering.

Add the fruit and poach for 6 minutes, or until soft.

PREPARE THE CARAMELISED PEACH

Destone peach and cut in half. Align on a lined baking tray. Sprinkle with raw sugar and a drizzle of oil, roasting in the oven for 15-20min at 180°.

PREPARE THE GRAINS

Boil each type of grain separately, as they will each take different amounts of time to cook.

*Refer to the packaging of each grain for preparation instructions.

PREPARE THE STRAWBERRY COMPOTE

Slice 4 strawberries for garnish. Take 4 remaining strawberries and place in saucepan with the caster sugar and remaining ETCH sparkling. Slowly bring to the boil and then blitz.

ASSEMBLE

Place the grains, coconut milk, chai spice and dried fruits in pan, bring slowly to the boil. Portion into serving bowls.

Microwave poached fruit and caramelised peach for 1 minute. Layer with sliced strawberries, then poached fruits, then caramelised pear.

Pour strawberry compote over top to finish. Serve immediately while still warm.

Enjoy.

Photo: On Jackson St (Insta @on_jackstonstreet)

Photo ©willowcreative

Talking about Backyard Hens on the Mornington Peninsula

Talking Hens is a small, family business situated in the heart of Merricks on the Mornington Peninsula. The business is run by Jason Nethercott and Giuliana Postregna and specialises in the sale of entertaining, friendly and placid laying hens along with all of the products needed to keep them happy and healthy.

The journey began back in 2012 when the family started a freerange egg farm in Keysborough on Melbourne's outskirts. As their business grew, they began selling eggs at farmers markets as well as to local customers. Over time, they started selling greater numbers of their hens and bags of their chicken feed mix created by Giuliana’s father, an egg farmer of 40+ years. Eventually, they focused exclusively on the needs of families wanting to own backyard chickens.

By moving away from selling free range eggs, they found that they could spend more time with customers and indulge in their passion for teaching and education. Giuliana and Jason were able to provide talks, videos, workshops and informative handouts for customers to help transfer their experience and knowledge.

The Hy-Line Brown laying hens have been one of the most popular breeds sold to customers due to their suitability in suburban backyards. Not-only are they child-friendly and placid but they integrate very well with the family pets and lay eggs regularly.

From tales of cheeky hens stealing dog food to surprise kitchen visits through cat flaps, customers never tire of sharing their amusing stories with us about their feathered friends.

Talking Hens is increasingly focused on increasing sustainability in all of their business practices and products. This has been reflected in their use of fully compostable chicken feed bags (an Industry first), which can be returned to the business for a $1 credit and recycling. They have also developed a range of chicken coops made from recycled wood and hempcrete which is a highly sustainable building material.

Winter series presentations on backyard hens

Part 1 - How to Successfully Keep Backyard Chickens - for those new to chickens. Sunday 18 June 2023 at 2pm.

Part 2 - Best Practices with Backyard Chicken Coops

Sunday 16 July 2023 at 2pm.

Part 3 - Maintaining a Healthy and Happy Backyard Flock over Time!

Sunday 20 Aug 2023 at 2pm.

Visit the website to purchase tickets.

W: TalkingHens.com.au

Looking for backyard hens but unsure where to start?

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

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

on Flinders

Flinders is a beautiful and historic coastal village located at the point where Western Port meets Bass Strait. It is located 73km and just over an hour’s drive south from Melbourne.

Flinders is an appealing holiday destination due to its scenic coastal location amongst rolling green hills and the fact that commercial development seems to have forgotten this town, instead preserving the area's natural beauty.

At the most recent 2021 census, Flinders had a population of 1,130.

Located at the foreshore end of Cook Street and along The Esplanade, a pleasant park offers views down on the Flinders Pier and boat ramp, has a monument to George Bass and Matthew Flinders and has panoramic views over West Head, across the mouth of Western Port to Seal Rocks and The Nobbies on Phillip Island and up the coast to Somers.

The town was named by George Bass after his friend, the explorer and British naval officer Matthew Flinders. Settlement commenced in 1854 and many pioneers and settlers are buried at the Flinders cemetery. Flinders Post Office opened on 7 March 1863 as the population grew.

Fishing and providing timber for the railways were important early industries. Fishermen settled in cottages on the beach near the jetty, where the catch was kept alive in floating coops before being sent to market.

Coffee Safari

A number of historical buildings exist within the town, complemented by several antique shops, restaurants and cafes, chocolate maker, a village store and the 125 year-old Flinders Hotel.

In recent times, Flinders has become a hub for the arts with numerous galleries along the main street.

The weedy sea-dragon, whose habitat is beneath the Flinders Pier, attracts snorkelers from around the world to view this unique marine creature. This area is also popular for sailing, fishing, and other watersports.

The Flinders Golf Course is situated above the cliffs and ocean beaches to the south, overlooking the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary and bordering the Mornington Peninsula National Park. To the west of Flinders, just off Boneo Road, is The Blowhole which includes walking tracks along the rocky coastline and over huge bluestone boulders.

Around 12 kilometres west of Flinders is the small community of Cape Schanck, known for its golf courses and the historic lighthouse situated at the rocky southernmost tip of the peninsula.

Median house price in Flinders in 2023 is $3,600,00 and the median rent is $805 PW.

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

Jules Gourmet Express

4/33 COOK ST

Locally sourced coffee and produce from the Mornington Peninsula for you to enjoy. Option to take away or dine in. Selection of convenient, freshly made take-home meals also available.

Village Cafe & Wine Bar

49 COOK ST

This family-owned and run business prides itself on its house-roasted coffee, great meals (eat in or takeaway), famous house made cakes and extensive wine list. Sit by the toasty fire in the winter or enjoy the sun filled courtyard on warmer days.

Georgie Bass Cafe

30 COOK ST

This Flinders institution serves up Commonfolk’s Progress St blend along with gourmet baguettes, wraps, and salads. Come and join us for breakfast or lunch in our beautiful garden setting.

What to do

Located close to the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, Flinders is an appealing holiday destination due to its scenic coastal location and nearby rolling green hills. Enjoy leisurely strolls on the beach or pier, a hit of golf overooking the ocean, The Blowhole, food and wine galore at restaurants, cafes and nearby vineyards, and browsing local stores and art galleries.

Photos Yanni

At Flinders all our dental professionals are highly skilled and put our patients needs first. Focussing on prevention and minimal intervention, Flinders may just be the move you need to make.

$199 (adults) and $85 (children) new patient deal! New patients can take advantage of getting a check up, a preventative clean and x-rays (if required). Just mention this deal when booking your first appointment! We accept all health funds, and offer gap free check ups for children with dental extras or Medicare CDBS

vegetable

DOWN ACROSS

1. Bound securely

6. Rubbish pile

11. Israeli farm

15. Lift with effort

16. Capital of South Holland, The ...

17. Midwestern US state

18. Paparazzi tool, ... lens

21. Tanned hide

22. Avoid detection (3,3)

23. Arch of foot

24. Listed (of boat)

28. Geek

30. Healthy

32. Bewails

35. Sloop

37. Printed copy of data (4-3)

38. Anaesthetic gas

40. Baby pacifiers

43. Lilos (3,4)

45. Glisten

47. Tells stories

48. Unaware

52. Triumphant cry

53. Jazzman, Louis ...

56. Sloping (typeface)

58. Long, unisex dress

60. More gluttonous

61. Pursuit

62. Doodle

64. Canadian whiskey

65. Drilling platform

67. Chinese system of aesthetics (4,4)

104. Hat rim

106. Australian wild dog

110. Cobs or pens

113. Strikebreaker

115. Instrumental composition

116. Greeting

117. Supporter

118. Grape variety, pinot ...

119. Constructs

122. Edge along

125. Chanted 126. Drugs (racehorse) 127. Unpunctual 129. Yearbook 130. Carps 131. Attempts

132. Clumsy louts

133. False belief

134. State of balance (4,4)

137. Gourd fruit

138. Defunct

142. Extrasensory perception (1,1,1)

143. Actress, ... Basinger

145. Involuntary movements

146. Multiplication chart 149. Sicilians & Sardinians 151. Writer, ... Hemingway 152. Floating free

Gazelles 156. Multitude 157. Resign (5,4) 159. Charcoal grains 161. Jaunty

Murkier

Beg 171. Winter Palace monarchs 172. ..., sage, rosemary & thyme

176. Momentary lack of good taste 177. Ring-throwing game

180. Japanese-style wrestling 181. Prestigious English school 183. Decorative tuft 187. Evangelist, Billy ... 188. Maintain pace (4,2) 190. Glove material

1. Upper leg

2. Unjustifiable

3. Tint

4. Spicy lentil stew

5. British anthem, God ... King (4,3)

6. Attacked (3,2)

7. Schedule

8. Santa's laugh (2,2,2)

9. Communication device

10. Shake

11. Seaweed

12. Congratulatory cheer

13. Cinema attendant

14. Noughts

19. Pitcher

20. Slant

25. Ostrich cousin

26. Dud car

27. Fabric colorant

29. Horse control strap

31. Glow

32. Medical imaging technique (1,1,1)

33. Brown pigment

34. Non-verbal yes

36. Having ambitions

39. Reserves

40. Dance, pas de ...

41. Hammy

42. Ringleader

44. ... on the dotted line

46. Apiece

47. Jabbers

49. Kurdistan native

50. Overly fat

51. Maidenhood

53. Replied 54. Disapproved of (topic)

55. Exclusively

57. Polar covering

59. Satellite spying, ... reconnaissance

63. Boss

66. Breathed out

67. Presumed (the worst)

68. Sounds

70. Modifies

71. Wobble (on brink)

73. Becomes liable for

74. Lasso loops

76. Converting into stage play

80. Privileged class

82. Trifles (with)

85. Allows to

88. Area for repairing ships (3,4)

89. Discolours (of paper)

90. Properties

91. Defied

94. Permissible

97. Red hair rinse

104. Bonkers

105. Dispirited

106. Indulge half-heartedly (in)

107. Nominate

108. Gladden

109. Haitian witchcraft

111. Cain's victim

112. Embarrassing predicament

113. Magic saying, open ...!

114. Powerful person (3,4)

120. Gauges

121. Eyrie (5'1,4)

123. Poor sleepers

124. Legal actions

127. Lives dangerously, ... fate

128. Pulled with a jerk

135. Imperative

136. Wastrels (2-6)

139. Fluid losses

140. Bronze medal position

141. Cram (for exam)

144. The A of AD

147. Cash points (1,1,2)

148. Experiment rooms

150. Balmy

153. Nautical speed unit

155. Come to rest (3,2)

158. Is brave enough

160. Dutch cheese

162. Help (criminal)

164. One, numero ...

165. Estimated landing time (1,1,1)

166. Absenteeism

167. Riot

169. Amount after tax

170. Pub drink

172. Refuelling machine, petrol ...

173. Androids

174. Leaseholder

175. Pair of oxen

177. Country walks

178. Bygone (days)

179. Lagoons

180. Lightly fry

182. Audacity

184. Presentation

185. Space (film) (3-2)

186. Hang illegally

187. Wildebeests

189. Hunter's quarry

See page 58 for solution

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THE MAYOR OF SOMERS

By Ilma Hackett

Aproblem? “Go and see Ron Stone. He will know what to do!” This was the advice given to residents of Somers during the middle decades of the 20th century and nine times out of ten Ron had the answer. Ron Stone kept the general store. He also ran the post office and was the local real estate agent. He had helped set up the progress association, tennis club, foreshore committee, school, kindergarten and the caravan park. He was a member of the fire brigade, and also a Justice of the Peace. There was little that went on within the Somers community that Ron did not know about. Was it any wonder he was known unofficially as “The Mayor of Somers”?

From Brighton to Balnarring

Ronald William Stone was born in Brighton in 1897, the fourth of nine children born to Ernest and Annie Stone. Their eldest son died in infancy. Ern had a shoe shop in the city but in 1908 he exchanged the boot and shoe trade for that of a general store keeper when he bought the ‘Junction Store’ in rural Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula. The couple’s last child, Vernon was born in Balnarring. The store, on 140 acres of land, had a house attached to it and the family settled into their new home. Ron was then ten years old and the ride to Balnarring by horse and cart remained etched in his memory. He transferred to the Balnarring State School along with his older sister, Muriel and younger brother, Russell. Russell’s twin died the year the family came to Balnarring. When Ron was fifteen he went to Rupanyup in the Wimmera to live with

an uncle and learn the grocery business. The outbreak of the first World War took away his older brother, Ernest, who enlisted and left for Europe. 1914 also brought the death of Russell at the age of fifteen. Ron returned from the country to help his parents in the Balnarring Store. Two of his younger brothers, Bill and Cliff were still at school and Vern was a four-year-old.

continued next page...

Top: Ron Stone's hardware store at Balnarring, circa 1920

Below Right: Ron (left) and friend on the banks of the Merricks Creek, circa 1912

The war and his homecoming

Several months after his eighteenth birthday in 1916, Ron joined the infantry. His battalion, the 39th, was sent to France. There, near Armentières, Ron was wounded whilst on guard duty. He was shot when the gun of one of his companions accidentally discharged. Ron was admitted to hospital. On recovery, he re-joined his unit only to again be hospitalised after collapsing in the trench suffering from “strain of general service”. He was repatriated to Australia. ‘The Age’ reported he had been invalided suffering from shell shock.

After he returned to Balnarring the local community gave Ron a “Welcome Home” on 3 August 31917. It took the form of a social evening with entertainments that included Mr Stacey singing “Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag” and Mr Buckley Senior, with persuasion, dancing an Irish jig at the conclusion of his item. Ron was presented with a framed Letter of Address and an inscribed gold medallion as a token of the community’s gratitude. His parents helped him readjust to civilian life and he opened a hardware and grain store on land a few doors up from the general store. The new store stocked all manner of goods – poultry food, seeds, gardening tools, kitchen utensils, ammunition, farming requisites, chaff, wheat, oats, and maize. A prominent advertisement in the local paper announced its opening, stating the owner was a returned serviceman and a prominent footballer.

Ron was an athletic young man, five foot ten in height and a good all-rounder at sport. He loved the outdoors; swam, fished, went boating, shooting and rabbiting, and played a number of team games, notably football, cricket and tennis. As captain of the Balnarring football team his “fast and pacy” play saw him

consistently named best on the ground. Ron trained briefly with Essendon but the distance to Windy Hill was too far for him to keep attending regular practice as he wanted to stay on the Peninsula.

A New Start

In 1921 Ron and Gertrude Berryman were married in the small Methodist church in Merricks. Gertie was one of the daughters of Louis and Annie Berryman, then owners of ‘Warrawee’. The Berrymans came to Balnarring just a few years before the Stone family and he and Gertie had been at school together. Ron built the house ‘Truronda’ on land beside his store and here they welcomed the first of their children, daughter Dorothy, in 1922. She was followed by three sons, Ray in 1924, Bob, 1925 and Frank in 1926.

Around this time the railway line was being extended from Bittern, through Balnarring to Red Hill, and Ron and his brotherin-law secured the contract to supply food for both the railway workers and their horses.

In the middle years of the 1920's subdivision was taking place along Balnarring’s coastal fringe. Tulum was already a popular beach where Ron’s parents had opened a beach store and where, tragically, Ron’s younger brother, Cliff, died in a shooting accident in 1925. That year Ron became the agent for Knight and Harwood. He took people interested in buying a seaside block to inspect the subdivision, Palm Beach, in what was called East Balnarring. It was a beautiful area of clifftop allotments overlooking the bay, with wide beaches and a creek at the base of the cliffs. East Balnarring was hemmed in by large farms and the naval base on nearby Hann’s Inlet. It was away from major roads and so promised a peaceful place for a holiday or permanent retreat. Blocks sold well. Ron loved

Left: Letter of address, 1917

Above: Inscribed medallion

Right: Wedding of Ron Stone and Gertrude Berryman, 1921 Right bottom: Ron with the three oldest children, circa 1927

the area so much that in 1926 he purchased land on the corner of Camp Hill Road and the Boulevard where he built a store/ café / real estate office and a house with views across Western Port Bay. Photographs he took were turned into postcards promoting the area and he sent several of these to David Mairs, previous owner of the sub-divided farmland, writing: “Á beach that . . . promis[es] to be one of the most popular seaside resorts around Western Port. I have bought a block opposite this spot and intend putting up a commodious café à la beachie”.

His family moved to Balnarring East in 1927. At first Ron left someone in charge of the hardware store in Balnarring but it didn’t do well and it was sold. His new general store stocked basic items plus sweets, drinks and ice creams. On November 1, 1927 Ron opened a post office.

East Balnarring at the time had no power, no water and the roads were unmade tracks. In 1927 Ron initiated a meeting of residents with the aim of forming a progress association. At their first meeting, at the store, the group drew up a list of things they wanted done to improve the growing community. Turning cart tracks into proper roads was a priority.

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Somers is born

One early change was to give the new community its own identity by choosing a name. Several names were suggested and the choice narrowed down to two: ‘Nareena’ an Aboriginal word meaning “peace and quiet” or ‘Somers’ in honour of Victoria’s Governor General. (Lord Somers had recently established a boys’ camp on land donated from the ‘Coolart’ estate.) The lot owners voted and Somers was chosen.

The coastal foreshore was managed by the Balnarring Beach Foreshore Committee, a group formed as early as 1914 to control use of the foreshore and prevent the destruction of the foreshore’s vegetation. The new progress association formed its own foreshore committee to oversee local matters. As much of the inland area had been grazing land Ron encouraged residents to plant trees and shrubs. He also had tourism in mind and tried to make the beach more accessible and attractive. As he had written on one of

Below: The Somers store, circa 1950

his postcards, he cut tracks through the growth on the cliffs to the beach below or to the bridges built to span the creek.

Ron’s older children were now of school age and were enrolled at the Balnarring school. During the week they stayed with their grandparents at Warrawee, returning at the weekend. Ron turned his attention to getting a school for the growing community. He wrote to the Education Department, requesting a local school. The number of all the children of Somers residents was submitted notwithstanding that several of them were four years of age or younger and two went to a private school in Melbourne. A school materialized. The Department negotiated to hire the newly-built hall of the Legacy Camp for a school room with Mr J. Charlton as the head teacher. Palm Beach School No. 4458 (later to be Somers State School) opened in January 1930 with just eight pupils, three of whom were Stones. Legacy retained use of the building out of school hours and during vacation time. It was not a satisfactory arrangement but it continued until a new school was built in 1957.

Stone’s Boulevard Store & Café

Ron’s businesses did well. Gertie had started up the Boulevard Café in one half of their building. She supplied light refreshments as well as complete meals. The cafe was popular. Gertie hired a Balnarring lass to help in the house and café. She lived with the family during the week and went home at weekends. Other local girls were employed to help in the store and the post office when Ron organized for a telephone exchange in Somers rather than through Bittern. Ron was largely responsible for electricity coming to Somers and Gertie cut the ribbon as the first switch was flicked on in 1934. During the lean years of the 1930s many people paid at the store “on tick”, adding to their account to be paid at the end of the month. The Stones did not press for payment from those who were struggling and, in some instances, overlooked what was owing. It was business based on trust and kindness. Ron kept a tin of broken biscuits on the counter to hand out to children. He had a soft spot where children were concerned although some were at first intimidated by his loud and somewhat gruff voice. When teacher, Mr Francis, took his charges to the beach for swimming each Friday afternoon during the warm months, they stopped at the store for ice creams on the way back. The teacher and the storekeeper alternated in paying for them.

The family kept poultry in big sheds behind the store, some two to three hundred hens. There was also an incubator for raising chickens. Eggs were sold both locally and sent to Melbourne. When they were old enough Ron’s sons helped out by making deliveries by bicycle. Bigger orders, even though they were few, were delivered in his small green van. Once someone ordered a sack of potatoes and Ron could not remember who had made the order. He left a sack of potatoes at each place, free of charge. Son Ray, had the milk run. He collected milk from neighbouring farms for sale at the store. Daughter, Dorothy, helped serve in the café, a job the boys refused to do although they did help in the store. To attract holidaymakers to Somers, Ron obtained land across the road from the store and opened a caravan park. On-site cabins were built and a central pavilion. This eight-sided pavilion doubled as a community hall and became the centre of social life in Somers. Ron organized dances and film nights. He also organized outdoor sporting events on the beach and, in the evening, table tennis in the front room at the store. A keen tennis player, he was instrumental in having a public court built in Garden Square and a tennis club formed in 1937. All his family enjoyed tennis and, as adults, played competitively with the Somers team.

Ron’s family inherited his athletic prowess and were above average all- rounders in whatever sport they took up. His sons played cricket, tennis, golf and football. In 1946 a May edition of the Weekly Times stated, “Bob Stone, son of Ron Stone, former Balnarring footballer, is showing promise with Hastings. If he turns out as fast and brilliant as his dad, Bob will be a star.” (This prediction came true. Bob went on to be recruited by Melbourne and played several games with the senor team before the war intervened. After the war Melbourne wanted him to return but he did not want to leave the Peninsula. Instead, he starred with the Hastings team and was recently named a “Legend of the Club”.

When Frank was 15 and Bob 17, they were presented with the

Royal Humane Society Award. The youths had saved a five-year-old from drowning in a back yard well.

Ron’s father, Ern Stone, died in 1936 and, after the Junction Store at Balnarring was sold in 1941, Ron helped his mother, Annie, secure a small house next door to his home in Somers. She continued to live there until her death in 1947.

R.W. Stone and Sons - the family expands

With the advent of the Second World War in the 1940s the Stone boys joined the Forces. Ray went into the army, Bob and Frank, the navy. So did Vern Stone, Ron’s younger brother. He was killed in New Guinea. Ron and Gertrude ran many activities in aid of the war effort. An Air Force Initial Training School was opened in Somers in 1941 bringing a stream of young trainees. To provide entertainment for the servicemen, dances were held in the Pavilion. These were organized and chaperoned by Ron. Among the airmen was a young physical training instructor, Stan Byrne, who met, courted and wed Ron’s daughter, Dorothy. The couple made their home in Somers. Ray, the eldest son married and he and his wife also settled in Somers. After the war the store’s name was changed to ‘R W. Stone and Sons Post Office and Store’, with Ron forming a partnership with Ray and son-in-law Stan Byrne. It was now a family business. His other two sons, Bob and Frank, saw their future in farming. They gained experience working at nearby ‘Korbanui’, a sheep property, and both went on to become sheep farmers.

When Gertie died in 1951 Ron was bereft but he continued to be actively involved in his community. He lent his support to getting a kindergarten for Somers. His daughter-in-law, Jean Stone, Bob’s wife, had held a playgroup for tiny tots on her front lawn for a number of years. Somers had a growing population of young families and a need for a permanent pre- school centre was apparent. Ron acted as president for the group.

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Above: Ron and Gertrude Stone with their three sons (Ray, Bob and Frank), 1943

He continued to run dances on a Saturday evening in the caravan park’s pavilion. Music was supplied from his collection of Victor Silvester dance records and old-time dances were programmed on a slotted board. His taste in music was often at variance with that of the young crowd but the dances were well attended. At year’s end he arranged a New Year Eve’s party to which everyone in the community came.

In 1954 Ron re-married. His new wife was Therese Parsons and in 1957 they welcomed a daughter, Geraldine. Ron had known Somers from its earliest days and in 1962 he started to pen a history of Somers. It was a work that was never completed. His interest in matters historical was not limited just to Somers as evidenced by a scrapbook he kept of articles, cut from newspapers, about the Peninsula’s history. He enjoyed taking his young grandchildren on his knee and telling them stories about the “good old days”. He was always on hand to give advice to and share his knowledge with anyone who sought it. The nickname “Mayor of Somers” amused him. Ron died in 1967 at the age of 70, a man recognized and respected throughout the community that had been his home for forty years.

In 2006 a plaque was unveiled in the sports grounds in Camp

Left: Ron outside the Somers store, circa 1940

Below: Ron's family at the unveiling of the memorial plaque at Ron Stone Reserve, 2006

Hill Road, Somers. Fittingly the grounds had been re-named the R.W. Stone Reserve in honour of the man who helped found and who had contributed so much to Somers.

The Stone legacy

Somers Primary School remains a focal point in the community. It resisted amalgamation in 1950 when most of the district’s small schools closed and the Red Hill Consolidated School opened. In 1983 it again successfully opposed being merged with the primary school at Balnarring. Today the school has 211 pupils and a teaching staff of eleven as well as the principal and vice-principal. In addition, there are the office staff, supportive staff for pupils with special needs and visiting staff who give lessons in specialist subjects.

The general store remained “Stone’s Store” until Ray and Stan retired in 1978, bringing an end to just over 50 years of Stone ownership. Newspapers reported, “an era of Somers history has ended”. Not only for Somers; it had been eighty years since a Stone had first opened a store in the district. ‘Stone’s Store’ was sold and, like most of the small local general stores, it evolved into a coffee shop cum café. Today known as ‘Somers General’ the store provides both dine-in and takeaway food and sells artisan ware.

Above: Somers Primary School, 2023

Below: The Somers Store, 2023 continued next page...

squeezed the pedal, and steadily pulled away from Red Hill. It was their turn to dominate in the third quarter, putting on 21 points and

the first break. In response, Rosebud only managed seven points. Only a couple more goals were added for both teams in the second

The seagulls were quick out of the blocks and left Edi-Asp in their wake. At quarter time, Chelsea had slotted three goals and three minor scores, and left the Eagles with just

'Legend' status for iconic Hastings player

By Vic Jeremiah*

AT the John Coleman Coterie luncheon held on 19 March the Hastings Football/Netball Club again recognized the contribution of past players and officials with the induction of five people to the Club's Hall of Fame and the elevation of Bob Stone to the status of "Legend".

Bob Stone (pictured right), a member of a well known Somers family, was a prominent footballer from an early age, playing eight senior games for the Melbourne Football Club in 1942 as a 16 year-old. Post-war he played 165 senior games with Hastings and was a member of the 1946-'47 and '48 premiership sides. Not only did he win five best-and-fairest awards for Hastings Football Club but he also won the Mornington Peninsula Football League best-andfairest trophy on four occasions; he is the only player in MPFL history to achieve this honour. Bob Stone was included in Hastings Football Club's Team of the Century and was selected at centre-half-back in the MPFL's Team of the Century.

Essendon great John Coleman was once asked to nominate the most talented footballer who he had played with or against in country football. He had no hesitation in naming his former Hastings team-mate Bob Stone.

The

Their opportunity awaited with Rye. The Demons finished in the bottom half last year, but with a much better record than Tyabb with eight

Friday Night Bingo

“A great social occassion” EYES DOWN 7PM $6 PER BOOK - 30 GAMES

GREAT JACKPOTS!!

Acknowledgements:

Interview with the late Ray Stone from Balnarring Byways . . . vol 4, published by Balnarring & District Historical Society. Obituary of R.W. Stone

SPECIAL FLYERS GAME

WEEKLY HAMPER RAFFLE

All our Somers by Bruce Bennett and The Old General Store by Bruce Bennett

Interview with Sue Byrne.

Photographs: Stone Collection held by B.D.H.S.

8

DAYS SPRINGTIME TASMANIA TOP TO BOTTOM FLY/FLY

Sunday 24 September – Sunday 1 October 2023

Welcome to our Tassie from Top to Bottom Spring Holiday.

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Travelling from Launceston, to the North West – Wynyard – Cradle Mountain –Strahan to Hobart.

$3,050

Per person twin share/double Single supp $640.00

NORFOLK ISLAND SPRINGTIME

Saturday 28 October – Sunday 5 November 2023

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PASSPORT NOT REQUIRED

OST: $4,290

Left: Article from 'Western Port News' 12 April 2023, commemorating the induction of Bob Stone as a Legend of the Hastings Football Club www.lambletours.com.au

P/P Twin share/double Single supp $660 $200.00 deposit by 1 JUNE 2023

Bob Stone died in 2015 and his son Lewis represented the family at the presentation.

five past players/administrators who were admitted to the Hall of Fame were Wayne Lewis, Lindsay Bull, Vincent Booth, Kevin Standfield and the late Tim Mirabella who was represented at the ceremony by his son Dennis. *Vic Jeremiah is the club historian at Hastings Football Club.