IN CONVERSATION TOMMY COCKRAM PAGES 10-11
MAKE A SPLASH FIND YOUR PERFECT POOL PAGE 14
MY GARAGE ANTHONY WASON PAGES 18-19
HOME MAKEOVER SUMMER’S HOTTEST COLOUR TENDS PAGES 20-21
COVER STORY AT HOME WITH
KATE SUMMER
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Armstrong Green by RCA Villages extends our best wishes to our community of retirees as the year draws to a close.
May you all enjoy a happy, healthy and peaceful Festive Season and New Year.
Stage 4 is selling fast! Display suite open seven days 10am–4pm
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Situated on the doorstep of the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, and with a range of designs to choose from, don’t miss this opportunity to secure your retirement lifestyle in our active and friendly community. Visit us on the Surf Coast during summer to explore your retirement future.
722–742 Barwon Heads Road, Armstrong Creek
FREECALL
1800 777 898 armstronggreen.com.au
For more information about our range of retirement communities visit: rcavillages.com.au
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SUMMER 2021
Content SUMMER 2021
7 Latest trends
9 Lifestyle Gong for Mount Duneed clubhouse
14 Cool down Pool guide
15 Outdoor entertaining Refresh your deck
10-11 In Conversation
Meet Barwon Heads’ own TikTok star Tommy Cockram
16
20-21
Summer gardening Trend alert: Vertical gardens
Give your home a summer makeover
18-19
23
My Garage
Get social
Geelong Coast Home & Lifestyle magazine is a Star News Group/Geelong Independent publication. NEWS EDITOR: Laura Michell WRITERS: Ash Bolt, Justin Flynn PHOTOGRAPHY: Lousia Jones, Ivan Kemp, Rob Carew ADVERTISING: Sales Executive: Rob Saunders robert.saunders@starweekly.com.au www.homeandlifestyle.geelongindy.com.au facebook.com/gcmaggeelongcoast/ @gcmaggeelongcoast ISSN: 2200-6605 ABN: 55 006 653 336 ACN: 06 653 336
SUMMER 2021
Geelong Coast Home & Lifestyle Magazine is printed on environmentally friendly paper. Printed using vegetable based inks on FSC ® certified paper under ISO14001. Environmental Management System framework. FSC ® Chain of Custody certification ensures traceability and verification of paper from well managed forests throughout the manufacturing process to the end user.
GEELONG COAST HOME & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Unit 1, 47 Pakinton Street, Geelong West 3218 (03) 5249 6700 All material appearing in Geelong Coast Home & Lifestyle magazine is subject to copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. Geelong Coast Home & Lifestyle magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at the time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or editor.
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COVER STORY
AT HOME WITH
Kate
Kate McLaren’s 1900s weatherboard home in South Geelong might be a little wonky, but it is full of colour and character. She speaks to ASH BOLT about how her family has made the house their own and her journey with boutique, Quirk Collective.
■ Kate McLaren Picture: Ivan Kemp
“Busy” is how Kate McLaren likes to described her South Geelong home. Or “wonky”. And that’s the way she prefers it. “It’s very busy and wonky and I love it,” she said. “Our builder loves to do things in plumb lines and when he was doing the floor, I remember him saying to me, ‘it’s bloody crooked!’ “Yeah, I know, that’s the way we like it. I didn’t want to live somewhere clinical.”
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Busy also sums up a lot about Kate. As if teaching English and literature to VCE students at St Joseph’s College wasn’t enough, she also owns and runs a successful boutique selling homewares, fashion, art and design. The store, Quirk Collective, in Pakington Street, started as a family project for Kate. “I grew up in Geelong, but we [Kate and husband Campbell] were living in Melbourne where I was teaching,” she said. “I was also a wellbeing co-ordinator [at
the school] and I found that very emotionally tolling, so as a release I started sewing lessons. “It was kind of funny because I had no creative skill at all, and then I started making handbags. And I was selling them at markets on a Saturday and a Sunday. “I got a real buzz out of it. “We moved back to Geelong probably 10 years ago now and at the end of that first year back home, we thought we’d take a little bit of a punt and that’s where Quirk started.
SUMMER 2021
COVER STORY | AT HOME WITH KATE
■ Kate McLaren with her son Archie.
“It started as myself and my stepmum [Roza Marciniak], who is a photographer. “It was really a creative space to begin with. The focus was on little makers and designers and Roza had an art gallery in the back. It worked really well. “But then she got to a point where her business was really about the printing side of things and she needed a new space, so we went out on our own. “I really like the customer service side of it and I always worked in homewares stores when I was younger, so it just felt right. “I found though that once we opened, there was no time to make anything, but luckily it was just as fun to buy things from other people.” Now 10 years into her Quirk journey, Kate never expected it to grow the way it has. “I thought that I’d be able to maybe squeeze through my first three years of rent, and then it would be over,” she said. “And that was OK. We were OK with that.
■ Kate’s home is full of colour.
SUMMER 2021
Pictures: Ivan Kemp
“I was siphoning a little bit off my salary as a teacher, and had a little tiny budget. In hindsight, it’s amazing how little I had. “And I spent it all within three months. “I approached a lot of designers and small makers from the markets that I’d been attending, and that’s how it started. “When I look back at photos, it sticks out to me just how sparse the space was. I think we probably only had 13 makers in there. “We started really small, and then we grew from there. “I think that’s been a plus that we never overcapitalised. Never borrowed from banks or done anything too risky. I was always nervous that the next season would be a negative one, but that hasn’t happened yet. Thankfully I think people in Geelong are looking for the sort of stuff that we’ve got. “We’re lucky at the moment, because we’ve been around for 10 years, we’ve got lots of people who approach us.
“Sometimes it’s not the right fit. Sometimes it’s maybe a little bit too mass-produced or a little bit too handmade. “But we often have here really special creative people who chance upon us. “Instagram has been great too in that once you’re following an aesthetic that you like, you tend to sort of look at what they’re posting and go on that on that rabbit hole journey. “Geelong’s really lucky. We have so many talented creators out here. There’s jewellers like Ernest and Joe who have been around for years and so many beautiful artists. “I haven’t done the maths, but I think about 10 per cent of what we have got in the store is made in Geelong.” Kate said the biggest change over the 10 years had been the realisation Quirk was “a gift destination now”. “That’s been in the forefront. Like, have we got something for seven-year-old girls? And is there enough here that’s interesting for blokes?
>>>
■ Kate and Campbell have completed a few renovations over the years.
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COVER STORY | AT HOME WITH KATE
■ The family has made the home their own.
Pictures: Ivan Kemp
■ Campbell is passionate about collecting art.
“We find that men are the hardest fit because you want quality, but there’s not a lot of people who make things that are special for them. “I think very much about having something for everyone now. We’d probably have about 150, maybe 200, different brands and makers.” Owning a homewares store meant Kate was certain to have an interesting house, and there’s touches of Quirk around her home. One of her favourite pieces is a bedhead that was originally shelving in a Quirk pop-up store in Newtown. “In 2019, my hairdresser who was my firstever boss when I was 15 had a little space at the back and she asked me if I was interested,” she said. “So we went there just to try out the Newtown market. And it was beautiful, it was cute. “It was a really little space, and access was hard. And then with COVID, you couldn’t really have small spaces anymore. “But in the Newtown store we had this cute display that we’d got from a shop in Daylesford. “When we closed the store Cam said, ‘let’s turn it into a bedhead’. I was a bit resistant, but I really love it now.”
■ Artwork is a prominent feature of the house.
Art is the other big feature of Kate’s home. “It’s funny, the art is all my husband,” she said. “We joke that he’s got a little bit of an obsession with collecting art. “He’s gone through lots of phases, but he got into street art and was buying all these prints that I was really cross about. But he ended up buying a Rone print, and then we had that big Rone exhibition. “It was like, ‘ok, your habit’s not that bad!’ “[The home] is a shared effort between Cam and I.
■ The kitchen is one area the family improved.
■ Kate’s beloved bedhead.
“We’re all about colour really, and anything that’s interesting and a bit different. So we collect a lot of ceramics.
its own touch on the home.
“When we moved in it was just a matter of adjusting it to suit us.
“It’s like bowerbird stuff, anything that I think is attractive, we just add. We’re not good at throwing things away.” The couple bought their early 1900s weatherboard home in 2012 and have since made it a family home with son Archie, now six. Kate said she had loved seeing the family put
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GEELON G C OA ST HOME&LIFESTYLE
“When we were looking to buy, we were tossing up between this house and one in Newtown that was already all done,” she said. “In hindsight, I’m so glad we didn’t go for the other one because it was too perfect. “This house had nice bones. We’re both quite romantic at heart in terms of a house with character.
“We’ve done a few little renovations. It was quite closed in with a tiny little kitchen and a quirky little diner when we moved, so we replaced the kitchen and moved a few things around. And then we put a little study upstairs. “Now when you walk in it actually feels like a home.” ●
SUMMER 2021
Considering giving your home a makeover for summer? Why not give one of these top trends a go?
■ Velvet furnishings are on trend.
Pictures: Shutterstock
VELVET FURNISHINGS Think couches, bedheads and accessories. Velvet is a great way to add a touch of luxurious texture to your home. Watch out for pieces in shades of green and pink – two of Dulux’s top colours for 2022.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SPACES Desks under stairs, study nooks and home offices tucked away in cupboards are all gaining in popularity. The lockdowns of the past two years have led many people to realise the value of the home office. According to Burbank’s head of research and design, Damjan Jeremic, said the home office “is making a comeback”. He says a “study nook space” incorporated into a kitchen or family living area, which could cater as a work area or a spot for home-schooling, is a popular option with families.
■ Indoor plants are a great way to add greenery to your home.
INDOOR PLANTS
■ Multi-functional spaces are growing in popularity.
SUMMER 2021
Indoor plants are a greater way to add some greenery to your home and are still so hot right now. But sure to do your research before buying to ensure you are getting the right plant for your space based on the amount of sunlight your room gets each day. Popular choices include Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, Snake Plant, Monstera and Sweetheart Plant.
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SUMMER 2021
GC HOMES | LIFESTYLES
■ Lifestyle Mount Duneed is 75 percent sold out - and selling fast.
Pictures: Supplied
Win for Lifestyle clubhouse The world-class Lifestyle Mount Duneed Clubhouse has won gold in the 2021 Architectural Design Commercial and Residential category of the Australian Good Design Awards.
In a recent survey of Lifestyle Mount Duneed homeowners, the community spirit and the gorgeous facilities wrapped into the clubhouse were the top-rated responses for what they love about it.
Brenda describes the luxury as well as the warmth of the clubhouse.
The Australian Good Design Awards showcases the very best in design and innovation to a global audience. The awards are one of the longest-running international design awards, promoting excellence in design and innovation since 1958.
Across Victoria, the Lifestyle Communities developments are designed to foster a sense of belonging while “wowing” homeowners with top-notch, high quality homes.
“It’s very homely because of the way it’s been designed.”
It’s a big gong for Lifestyle Communities. Each of the 20 communities across Victoria are designed by baby boomers for baby boomers and Lifestyle Communities has spent 20 years honing that to a fine art. The gently circular Lifestyle Mount Duneed Clubhouse was designed in partnership with best-in-class partners DKO Architecture, replacing a previous clubhouse that was smaller and barely used. The new, next generation design has a communal focus, and takes inspiration from local Aboriginal artwork of people gathered around a watering hole. The Lifestyle Clubhouse facilities are considered revolutionary for the industry – from the comfortable social spaces encouraging a sense of community, through to the multiple wow-factor amenities that work for all ages. Getting an industry tick like this is a big deal, but it’s the opinion of the homeowners that makes the biggest difference.
The amenities at Lifestyle Mount Duneed are no different. They allow homeowners to live life their way, making the most of its location and the low maintenance lifestyle along with the incredible clubhouse, with its community kitchen, cinema, indoor pool, gym, business centre, bowling green and pickleball court. Lifestyle Mount Duneed homeowner, Brenda Nankervis sums it up nicely, listing a huge range of activities available – craft, darts, morning teas and exercise classes to name a few - and simply saying, “and the clubhouse facilitates all of it for us”. “It’s beautifully done, beautifully decorated with lots of wood and lovely areas to sit,” she said. “I don’t use all of the clubhouse because there’s not enough hours in a day! “But the thing I really, really like about it – and it happens to me every day – is that you‘ll go over for 15 minutes to have a cup of tea, and that can turn into a two and a half hour visit as you meet people. You’re never, never lonely there.”
■ The amenities at the Clubhouse include a cinema, indoor pool, gym, business centre, bowling green and pickleball court. SUMMER 2021
“It’s resort-y - but not in a commercial way. It’s very useable and you feel very comfortable when you walk in, very at home,” she said.
A secure and vibrant neighbourhood of like-minded working, semi-retired and retired homeowners, Lifestyle Mount Duneed is perfectly positioned between the coast and the city. With Geelong so close and the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula a hop, skip and a jump away, you’re never far from anywhere. It’s the perfect place to discover picturesque walking tracks, rolling countryside and local wineries just down the road. And if you need to access shops or medical facilities - there’s plenty to choose from within a comfortable distance. It’s reassuring to know that downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading. Lifestyle Communities gives you both luxury and practicality. You can get your activity on in the gym or pool or enjoy making friends in the Clubhouse’s social atmosphere. Lifestyle Mount Duneed is 75 per cent sold out - and selling fast! There is still a wide range of new homes available which are ready to move into starting from $475,000*. Drop by for a tour of the award-winning Clubhouse, or simply pop in for a visit at 123 Boundary Road, Mount Duneed – open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday, 10am to 4pm. ●
■ The Lifestyle Mount Duneed Clubhouse was designed with best-in-class partners DKO Architecture. GEELONG COAST HOME&LIFESTYLE
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IN CONVERSATION ■ Tommy Cockram has almost five million followers. Pictures: Ivan Kemp
Tommy Cockram Barwon Heads teenager Tommy Cockram has amassed nearly five million followers on TikTok in just over a year. The 15-year-old speaks with JUSTIN FLYNN about his new-found fame. What do you post about that makes you so interesting? Mystery, horror and creepy videos in general. How creepy or gory? Not visually, but the themes are.
What’s the worst way?
it and see what I can find on there.
Meat grinder. I stopped doing it because I didn’t really like making them. There is one where a girl died because she was glued to the toilet seat. That one got a few views.
Sometimes it takes me hours and hours but usually I can end up coming up with a good idea, but sometimes I don’t. Sometimes it takes me days. I try to post twice a day, but sometimes when I don’t think of ideas I just can’t post for a few days.
What’s the most popular video you have posted?
OK, let’s move on. The topics of your videos are dark and mysterious, but how do you keep coming up with different ideas?
I posted a video called ‘Worst Ways People Have Died’. It’s had 40 million views.
What I’ll do is, when I think of an idea, I’ll Google or YouTube and start researching about
10 GEELON G C OA ST HOME&LIFESTYLE
My favourite videos to make are ‘Terrifying things found by YouTubers’ and ‘Kids board games as horror movies’.
SUMMER 2021
IN CONVERSATION | TOMMY COCKRAM
I like doing videos called ‘Things are bigger than they seem’. You started out doing trampoline videos and soon worked out that other stuff was more interesting? About a year ago my first TikToks were my flipping videos but after that I changed it to what I’m doing now. I was doing all different sorts of videos and once I did an interesting video, I did really well so I just kept on doing them and doing them and now that’s what I do. And you have nearly five million followers? Within the first week I was gaining hundreds of thousands of followers so it was pretty quick and it kept going after that. I ended up with a million followers within a month. People must like my content I guess. Do you have a following outside Australia? The most is from the USA, around 25 per cent of my followers are from there. Did you ever expect it would become this big? I didn’t expect it at all. I didn’t think I was going to get over a couple of thousand. I hope by the end of next year I could get 10 million, that would be absolutely awesome.
■ Tommy Cockram starting out making flipping videos. annoying. Sometimes it’s not even about the post, it’s random things and then I send an appeal and they get put back up. Usually it’s just an accident.
It’s more about how many views and likes you get on your post rather than followers.
You didn’t show your face in your videos at first?
Having a million followers, you’re going to hope to get a couple of hundred thousand views.
I didn’t really show my face at all on my videos, but once we companies started messaging me about doing promotions and that sort of stuff, I started using my face a bit more and that’s all I do now.
Even if you only have 1000 followers and you’re getting 1000 views that’s still really good. It’s more about ratio. I’m gaining about 20,000 followers a day. People will post my TikToks on YouTube and I saw one that’s got five million views and it’s just my TikTok. Do you enjoy the attention? Yeah, it’s awesome. But I try not to think about it too much. It hurts my brain. It’s more a bit of fun. Do you have a signature look or move? What I’ll do at the start of all my videos is go out into the backyard or for a walk and do my signature finger pointing to the sky to highlight the text in my videos.
Sorry, did you say ‘companies messaging you about promotions’? A few US companies have reached out. It’s a bit difficult though. It’s more of a niche market. It’s hard to advertise something that’s happy on a horror genre page. I did a promotion for Future Me. I won’t go into money or how much, but got paid a bit. I’m not really fussed either way with that. I just do it because I enjoy it. Do you get recognised in public? I did a few times in my hometown, just a couple of people in Barwon Heads.
Have you attracted any criticism for your content?
What sort of responses do you get from your fans?
No, but I’ve had a few videos taken down. Sometimes TikTok will take them down, it’s
When I make a video usually they will comment that they want a part two, so they want more
parts to the video. Why do you think you’re so popular? The content I make, people find it really interesting. Once you start watching my videos, you kind of want to keep watching more. Have you had any weird messages or requests from fans? People asking me about myself or wanting to buy my page for like $30. And they’re being serious as well. Somebody wanted to pay me $50 to teach them how to do a backflip. But mostly they just ask for more posts. What does your family think of all this? I’m the fourth of six kids. They think it’s really cool. My sister (18) loves them and my little brother, who is nine, loves watching them and my teachers will sometimes watch them as well. What do you like to do away from the camera? I broke my arm but next year I’m playing footy at Barwon Heads. Hobbies are g-tramping, which is like flipping on trampolines in your backyard and I like to go skiing and bushwalking and camping. Where do we find you on TikTok? @tsezy ●
■ Tommy Cockram SUMMER 2021
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GC HOMES | GARDENS
■ In-ground pools are a classic choice.
■ Kids pools are a fun option for families.
Find your perfect pool Heading into summer, the thought of having a backyard swimming pool to cool some steam and lounge away is a timely one. Thanks to ingenious creations that have resulted in backyard pools coming in all shapes, sizes and styles, it’s easy to find the perfect match for your backyard. Better yet, you can also find one that suits your price range. Before jumping into the intricacies of design detail, it pays to learn a thing or two about the different categories backyard swimming pools have. This way, you can narrow down your selection based on category, design, and price. In-ground pools In-ground pools are the classic pool at ground level. They look great and have the advantage of lasting a long time. However, with beauty comes price and inground pools can be expensive to purchase with a higher maintenance requirement along with longer installation times compared to other backyard pool options. Concrete in-ground pools are constructed on-site making them extremely durable. On the other hand, fibreglass pools are usually manufactured beforehand and will take less time to install, although they aren’t as resilient as concrete. The process of building an in-ground pool is highly complex with requirements to rip up your entire backyard to get the job done. Not only will you have to undergo backyard renovations, but the future soil conditions of your yard may also be compromised when installing an in-ground pool.
■ Pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
14 GEELON G C OA ST HOME&LIFESTYLE
To build a backyard in-ground pool, you will need to apply for council approval which can take the process (including construction time) anywhere from three to six months. Above ground pools Above ground pools, have become increasingly popular due to their versatility. Being cheaper and faster to install compared to in-ground pools, above ground pools are also quite modular, which gives you the flexibility to resize according to your needs. You will need to make sure that the site in your backyard is flat and levelled before placing an above ground pool (unless you want a real shallow end on one side and real deep end on the other).
ground and access to water. The range of sizes and shapes make portable pools fantastic for pool parties and for families with kids. Plus, they’re also easy to put away when not in use. Inflatable pools If you like the idea of using a pool once in a while, a backyard inflatable pool is your solution. You won’t have to worry about storage nor having a fixed pool in your backyard. Inflatable pools are often made from durable plastic that can last for a long time. They come with cartridge filter pumps that keep the water clean and safe from bacteria. Kids’ pools
The majority of above ground pools have been designed for easy DIY installation, making it straightforward to put into your home. As above ground pools aren’t fixtures, you can simply take them with you wherever you go.
For those who only want to buy a pool just for the young ones, getting a kids pool is your best option. Specifically made for kids, the design means shallow water that provides enough space for splashing, some paddling, and having a good time.
Most above ground pools are made from steel or resin and often have a vinyl interior. Depending on the model, you may have one that tolerates freshwater or one that does well with chlorinated saltwater. Some above ground pool packages come supplied with everything needed to set up a working pool, from pumps to filters and even ladders and decks.
Some kids pool models are even big enough to cater for the whole family to sit in. It is strongly advised that you supervise your child at all times when in or around a pool, no matter the size.
Portable pools Those with restricted space in your backyard won’t have to miss out on having a pool thanks to the portable pool. It’s versatile and suitable for most gardens, so long as you have flat
Backyard pool decisions Everyone’s needs are different, which means that the best backyard pool option for you is a personal one. Depending on your budget, space, and use of the pool, you will easily fall into one of the pool categories above, bringing you one step closer to a backyard pool decision. - realestateview.com.au ●
Pictures: Supplied
SUMMER 2021
GC HOMES | GARDENS
Spruce up that outdoor area As we approach the warmer months, you may notice that your outdoor area is looking a little worse for wear. Perhaps the deck is a bit dull or your paved entertaining area is a bit shabby now is the time to get on top of refreshing these outdoor areas. Refresh paved areas Visit your local hardware store and find a paver or concrete cleaner suitable for your pavers at home. You can use a brush and a bit of elbow grease, but for best results a pressure cleaner should be used to blast away dirt, mould, grime and other nasties. Pick the first of a few sunny days to clean your pavers and then let them dry for a day or two. You can also purchase paints or sealants for your pavers to keep their colour vibrant and clean, and extend the longevity of the outdoor area. Refilling gravel or sand in between pavers or around your entertaining area will also keep it looking polished and fresh. Stain or paint your deck If your deck and railings are looking a bit dull or shabby, you may need to recoat them with either a stain or paint. When deciding on the colour and finish, it is important to consider the products previously used on the timber. Oil-based stains will sink into the timber and fade away with time, as opposed to acrylic or water-based stains that sit on the surface and peel or flake away.
■ Refresh your outdoor area in time for summer and before it heats up too much! Picture: iStock
Preparation is key when re-staining or painting a deck - the surface must be clean and stripped back of any previous product or dirt to ensure a pristine, lasting finish. Scrub or pressure clean your deck, or use a timber stripper to remove past products. The type of stain you use will determine the application method, but your local hardware experts will be able to advise you on the tools and techniques required to get your desired result. -Elle Cecil ●
■ Even the simplest of refreshers can make your space seem new.
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GC HOMES | GARDENS
■ Vertical gardens are low maintenance.
Pictures: Rob Carew
■ Vertical gardens work will in small areas.
Climbing the Wall With blocks become smaller and people increasing opting for townhouse and apartment living, vertical gardens are becoming a popular alternative to traditional garden beds and pots, which can encroach on valuable living space. Vertical gardens or green walls work well in courtyards, small decks and balconies. The benefits are numerous from carbon dioxide reduction and cooling ambient temperatures to their humidifying effect and their ability to capture toxic gases from deodorants, carpet, paint, furniture and building materials. Green walls can also reduce noise, capture water run off and increase biodiversity. Neil and Kris Holmes recently installed vertical gardens in their alfresco living area and on an upstairs balcony.
■ Vertical gardens can help add greenery to you outdoor space.
The couple employed a professional horticulturalist to install five vertical gardens and are thrilled with the results.
Your vertical garden can even become a source of food, with herbs particularly suited to pots and tubs.
The gardens are equipped with their own watering systems and the only maintenance needed is the occasional prune and a good dose of fertiliser once a year.
According to choice.com.au, simple plant pots stacked in frames or wire shelving that can create a standalone green partition wall are fine for individual herbs and edible plants, as well as flowering pot plants.
Neil said the vertical gardens soften the upstairs balcony and provide a striking contrast with the Corten screens and industrial feel of the exterior of their home. The individual pots can be moved and rearranged to create different planting patterns. They are potted with a mix of cascading varieties as well as those that grow upwards and out. Once vertical gardens are established (give them at least a year to take hold properly) they become very resilient an d long living.
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There are many tub type modular products on the market that hook onto a wall or into a supporting structure. Again, these often hold individual plants and each pot will require daily watering. It is a good idea to invest in an automated irrigation system with a timer to ensure the plants never dry out. The amount of water needed depends on what you’ll be growing – if it’s an edible garden, you’ll be fertilising and watering it a lot more. ●
PLANTS THAT WORK WELL IN A VERTICAL GARDEN INCLUDE: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
bromeliads fuschia agapanthus ferns anthuriums begonia callisia fragrans chlorophytum crassula impatiens peperomia plectranthus spathiphyllum tradescantia
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MY GARAGE
■ Anthony Wason with a portable steam engine (England). This engine was owned by The Kelly family in Glenrowan, circa 1880 Picture: Ivan Kemp
New life for old treasures ANTHONY WASON’S Portarlington farm is like a miniature old-time museum. He speaks to JUSTIN FLYNN about his love of old machinery.
BY JUSTIN FLYNN
“I’m like a bowerbird, I have to have it. I’m like the graveyard for things nobody wants.”
If it’s old and dusty, chances are Anthony Wason has something like it on his 150-acre Portarlington farm.
An impressive array of vintage steam engines, cars and all sorts of hidden treasures have lovingly been picked up and transported to the farm where, one day, they will be restored.
Anthony has packed a lot into his 50 years. He is a qualified chef, served with the army as a peacekeeper in Somalia, was in the police force for 19 years, including 13 with the critical response unit, and is now working with Telstra’s NBN and dabbles as a farmer. But it’s the old machinery on his property that is his pride and joy. It’s almost like a mini old-time museum. “If it’s old and dusty, I can’t help myself,” he says.
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One of the steam engines was owned by the Kelly family from Glenrowan. “That’s an 1880s steam engine, one of the first ones probably even imported into Victoria,” Anthony says. “It was owned and run by the Kelly family and it used to sit outside the Ned Kelly Museum in Glenrowan. “Councils being councils 20 years ago told them that it was a hazard or a safety concern and they had to remove it, so it was sitting in a
paddock for God knows how long and I couldn’t help myself, just because of the history behind it, and I picked it up and brought it home. “I’ll try and restore it but it has a lot of cast iron and it’s very hard to repair cast. We might be able to do something with it at some stage, but it’s missing a lot of pieces, so it might be more a story to tell or something that sits there and looks good. Nobody wanted it.” Anthony says the precision in which vintage engines were made is one of their most fascinating aspects. “The Ned Kelly steam engine when I started doing that up, I had a fitter and turner come out to remove the tubes that ran down the centre of it and he said he couldn’t manufacture the tubes that we cut out with today’s technology with the precision that they did in the 1880s,” he says.
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MY GARAGE | ANTHONY WASON
■ Anthony Wason with Marshall portable steam engine (circa 1910). Made in England and fully restored and operational. Pictures: Ivan Kemp
“It was all by hand. It’s pretty special.” Anthony says the engine probably should have stayed at Glenrowan, but nobody had the time or the inclination to do anything with it. “People who like this stuff are starting to get few and far between,” he says. Then, there is a 1927 Model A Ford and a 1924 Bedford truck with a steel chassis and a timber cabin. “It’s an old Sunshine Biscuit truck,” Anthony says. “It used to do the rounds up and around Colac and came from the Western District and deliver all the biscuits to people. “Restored it’s worth a quarter of a million dollars, but it’s going to cost me $150,000 to restore it back to its original beauty. “There’s bugger all of them left in the world. It was found on a farm on Colac.” A large steam machine that Anthony purchased in Echuca sits proudly restored. “That’s a fairly good engine that’s won a few best-in-shows,” he says. “It’s a working portable steam engine.” In fact, Anthony says the Bellarine Peninsula’s agricultural history is unique. “I think there’s more steam engines and traction engines and unique bits of machinery on the Bellarine than there is anywhere else in Australia,” he says. “There’s a straw bailer that’s been down here for 160 years. It used to run on a steam engine and it’s still operational. “One of my farmer mates has got it. His family settled on the Bellarine – the McDonalds
■ Timber framed Bedford truck and Chevrolet car.
SUMMER 2021
■ Anthony Wason with Chevrolet car which was owned by an 80-year old farmer who used it for rounding up sheep on his farm. 8 years ago he drove it onto the Princess of Tasmania to deliver to Anthony. – and they still have it in their possession. “They have a father’s day event when they put on a do with all the vintage machinery and also at the Bellarine Show. You see it working there. It’s the only one left in the world. I like all that old stuff. “There’s another guy just up the road from me, Graeme Brown. They’ve been down here all their lives ... and he’s got probably seven or eight steam and traction engines and old saw mills and everything’s run on steam. They’re the blokes that got me interested in it.” Anthony scours Facebook, auction sites and clearance sales for his treasure. “When I see something that’s a little bit unique, I try to get it and possibly at some stage do something with it,” he says.
■ Anthony Wason inside a 1928 Model A Ford Tourer. He restored the mechanicals on this car. “It’s just a matter of finding time and finding the right people for me. I have a tinker with them all and I’m getting there.” ●
■ Anthony Wason with a Ronaldson & Tippet rolling mill (Ballarat) early 1900s.
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LIFESTYLE | INTERIORS
■ Dulux Summer Forecast 2022 – Wonder palette. Styling: Bree Leech. Artwork left - You’ll Find Me Here by Lindi Forde- Forman Framing; Artwork bottom- Trees at the End of a Field, Mussane #2 by Samuel Condon - Studio Gallery; Artwork right- The Seeker of Treasure Retains Tranquility by Peter Summers - Studio Gallery Pictures: Mike Baker
Invite summer in inspired hues in the furniture and decor pieces provide a light summery mood,” Leech says.
As the last of the winter chill heads out the front door, it’s time to invite summer in by taking up the paintbrush and getting creative.
“The gorgeous palette of Wonder helped highlight the home’s natural features, whilst also complementing the beautiful outdoor greenery and brought the same inviting and lively atmosphere inside across each of the rooms.”
Colour is such a magical tool to transform spaces in the home, and a seasonal refresh with curated colours offers home enthusiasts the perfect inspiration, says Dulux colour and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr.
To help elevate the bedroom’s look and capture a feeling of whimsical fun, Dulux Harmonious was used for the walls, with Dulux Vivid White applied to trims and ceiling to complete the look.
The Wonder palette is one of three palettes from Dulux’s Colour Forecast 2002 and is the perfect way to add some playful and vibrant hues to your home this summer. “With a focus on celebration, regeneration and fun, the mood for summer should be light and effervescent with a layering of livelier colours to really boost your mood,” Lucena-Orr says. To give you ideas on how you can achieve a stylish summertime look, Dulux trend forecaster and stylist Bree Leech applied a selection of colours from the Wonder palette to a modestly renovated early ‘90s family home. The living room, home office nook, dining room and children’s bedroom have been given a makeover showcasing the power of colour and inspiring homeowners to add vibrancy and liveliness to their own homes.
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■ Dulux Summer Forecast 2022 – Wonder palette. Styling: Bree Leech, Artwork Something New Something Different by Nick Olsen - Studio Gallery. In the living room, Leech used Dulux Wash&Wear in Equatorial Forest as the hero wall colour to add an earthy backdrop to the playful pastels in the decor. “The leafy, warm green helps ground us while the top third of the wall and ceiling, painted in Dulux Vivid White, and softer nature
“Paired with floral artwork and bedding in clashing patterns that feature colours from the palette, these hues can help personalise a child’s space, often inspiring feelings of creativity and sparking the imagination. Equally, the bluegreen colours in the palette, such as Dulux Harmonious and Dulux Edvard, can create a calm interior – great for a space to relax,” Leech says. In the dining area, the combination of Dulux Celery Green on the walls complemented with Dulux Pinkham trims showcases how experimenting with colour and veering from ‘traditional’ placements can create something strikingly unique.
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LIFESTYLE | INTERIORS
“Who says trims have to be white?!” Leech challenges. “Pinkham and Celery Green are a flawless and refreshing summer colour combination and work well in many settings.” In the home study/office nook, Dulux Sassy is used to add warmth and works beautifully as the backdrop to lilac and yellow decor also seen throughout the connecting living space. “The beauty of a colour palette is you can use this as a guide outside of just paint on the wall. Leech says adding colour from the palette across furniture and home accessories can be just as impactful and important in creating a cohesive summery, mood-boosting look. “I selected a few statement decor pieces throughout – such as some fabulous vintage items including pendants and lamps as well as a refreshed drinks trolley painted in Dulux Duramax Pax. The flower shaped tables and layers of patterned cushions like those in the living room paired with the gorgeous artworks showcased in each space add those special moments in the interior,” Leech adds.
“Don’t be afraid to incorporate flea market finds, vintage pieces and newer furniture and decor items, in addition to taking inspiration from summer blooms and English-style cottage gardens to create your own unique interior style.” For anyone looking to achieve a Wonderinspired look in their own home, Lucena-Orr suggests keeping the overall feeling light by balancing heavier saturated colour with lighter pastel hues and using patterns and florals to liven up the scheme. “Popular colour choices are likely to include Dulux Celery Green for its refreshing appeal, Dulux Harmonious for its calming and tranquil feel and Dulux Pinkham for its soft and subtle warmth,” Lucena-Orr says. “No matter how you decide to incorporate colour - be it a ceiling-to-floor wall refresh or a small pop of colour in your home decor or furnishings, the most important thing to remember is to be creative and experiment with hues, textures and patterns until you find a scheme you love.” ●
SUMMER COLOUR TIPS FROM ANDREA LUCENA-ORR •
■ Before.
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If you want to add even a small amount of colour to give your room a more ‘summery’ feel, try adding one colour in a wall nook or on the wall behind your bed. Another way to add a quick and easy pop of colour and create positive change is painting your front door – you’d be surprised at what a difference it can make to the look and feel of your home.
•
Before you start painting, it’s crucial when selecting colours for walls or soft furnishings that you consider other fixtures and fittings in your space that you can’t change easily – it might be carpet, tiles, laminate or stone, and/or curtains and blinds that you will need to ensure work with the new colour(s) chosen.
■ After. Dulux Summer Forecast 2022 – Wonder palette. Styling: Bree Leech. Artwork Correa and Lemons on Pink by Kirsty McIntyre - Forman Framing. Pictures: Mike Baker
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LET’S
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Located just walking distance to beaches, holiday parks and the shopping district, the historic Queenscliff General Store café is an icon at the gateway to Queenscliff. It’s the perfect place to catch up with family & friends for breakfast, lunch & coffee dates.
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To advertise in the next quarterly edition of LET’S Dine Out Phone 1300 666 808 12526804-SG51-21
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SUMMER 2021
SOCIAL NETWORK | JACK RABBIT VINEYARD
Summer session Photographer IVAN KEMP visited Jack Rabbit Vineyard on a gorgeous sunny Sunday.
■ Helen and Graham Stenhouse from Mount Martha.
■ Veola Flannery and Luke Kenyon from Melbourne.
■ Harry, Tom and Michael Pettit, Mal Weaver and Margot and Annie Pettit visiting from Ballarat.
■ Robyn Geldart, Jenny Scarce, Michelle Lloyd and Sharyn Sullivan celebrating Sharyn’s birthday.
■ Alana Dintinosante, Jess Hallam, Brad Hallam, Carmen Hallam, Nick Don and Steward Hallam.
■ Leanne Zanghi, Michael and Liz McMahon and Ben Zanghi.
■ Britt Rowe, Emily Hope, Chris Tancock and Liam Crowe. SUMMER 2021
■ Rina and Peter Bowden.
■ Elle Rakis, Jye Freer, Emma Rakis and Paris and Toni Hionis.
■ Megan Bond, Fiona Strauss, Kaz Wakeling, Karen Rundell and Kate Osborne.
■ Amber, Jasmine, Josh, Jordan, Viv, Lyn and John Farrington. GEELONG COAST HOME&LIFESTYLE
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