Geelong Coast Home and Lifestyle - Spring 2023

SET IN STONE

NATURAL STONE IDEAS

PAGES 7 & 10

GREEN SHOOTS

GARDEN TIPS AND TRICKS

PAGES 18-20

SPRING IS HERE FOR A....

FRESH LOOK

an expert

Mick Stanley has lived on the Bellarine Peninsula for more than 30 years. Owner of a young family-operated business, MJS Built, Mick talks to Justin Flynn about three homes that picked up recent awards.

Mick Stanley knows a thing or two about new homes.

Owner of MJS Built in Ocean Grove, he has ridden out the COVID downturn and come out the other end as a three-time Master Builders Victoria Western Regional Building Awards winner.

MJS Built won Best Custom Home in the $500,000 to $600,000 category for an East Geelong home, the $600,000 to $800,000 prize for a Connewarre residence and the $800,000 to $1 million award for a Jan Juc build.

“They were all around the COVID times, so as you probably would have heard, all builders suffered,” he says.

“There was a hell of a lot of grief with the logistics and the material supply chain shortages with materials.

“We kind of had to take everything with an open mind and just have consistent and clear communication with all the clients.

“They were really understanding. They were like ‘let’s get through this together’.

“We’re pretty fortunate that none of the three projects suffered greatly with delays.”

Mick says that they could only have 25 percent of his workforce on site at any given time.

“They were the biggest challenges that sort of blanketed the three projects,” he says.

The Richardson Street, East Geelong project won the $500,000 to $600,000

category and involved the removal of an existing single-storey 1950s weatherboard house and the creation of a new family home that is environmentally friendly, highly functional and visually appealing. The architects were Drent Design.

The result is a cleverly planned single storey family home with strong visual connections to outdoor areas, spaces for entertaining and expressive use of timber construction.

“I love natural products, I love timber,” Mick says.

“You’ll see elements of timber across all three projects. Richardson Street has beautiful natural timber as an external cladding.”

■ Cashmore Drive, Connewarre.

Pictures: Nic Stephens

Clients Mick and Charlene were rapt with their new home.

“I thought Charlene was quite brave to stick to her beliefs and she was quite clear in what she wanted. It was almost like a modern take on a 70s retro vibe.

“We loved building the expansive amount of glass with a rake sealing to the northern aspect of the allotment. So this is from a sustainability perspective, it ticked all the boxes.”

The Cashmore Drive, Connewarre build won the $600,000 to $800,000 award and was designed by Kube Design. It was designed to have a mid-century influence with an earthy feel and defined levels across the block with consideration to the high profile of the block position. A slimmer profile to frame the house was important, with framing style features to integrate indoors with the outdoors.

“Loved it,” Mick says.

“I had a hand in that design with (clients) Cliff and Trace. I think we picked the only block with a slope or fall in the whole of 13th Beach. It’s dead flat in there and whilst the slope wasn’t significant, what it did, it allowed us to get a split level high in multiple splits.

“There were all different sections so that had its own degree of difficulty.

Continuedpage6

■ Back yard, Richardson Street, East Geelong.

■ Living area, Cashmore Drive, Connewarre.

■ The expansive outdoor entertaining area at Cashmore Drive, Connewarre. Pictures: Nic Stephens

New home advice from an expert

Frompage5

They wanted to have the home, sort of mould into the landscape, so to speak, and not be sticking up out of the ground.

“They wanted to conceal it and grow landscaping around it. So that gave us a heap of opportunity to get this unique split-level home. Four bedrooms, home office, which was the big thing at the time. Everyone was working from home so that became almost the number one brief - a home office or capabilities to shut a portion off.

“Another key part of that brief was to get a private internal courtyard, which was a sensational round sort of sunken fire pit surrounded by this spiralling timber batten fence. And so that alfresco middle section or portion of the build was just beautiful.

“Cliff and Trace don’t have children and they love to entertain. They’re beautiful people. It looks awesome.”

The Prestwick Avenue, Jan Juc abode won the $800,000 to $1 million award and was designed by Kube Design.

The project was a knock down rebuild and the allotment has a great north facing backyard. It maximises the natural sunlight’s exposure on the dwelling. Therefore it was evident very early that a double story would be required to minimise the footprint and maximise space for the terraced rear northern yard.

“Wes and Julie wanted to keep the dwelling as close to the street frontage as possible to maximise the northern rear yard and let all that beautiful northern light filter into the home,” Mick says.

“It’s almost like a modern urban take. Something you’d sort of see in the city, but in a beautiful tree lined avenue in Jan Juc.

“Really bold and strong kind of design and we softened it with a lot of timber inside and some light grey tiles. Beautiful kitchen, some really nice detailing throughout that one and we were thrilled with that.”

Mick has some advice for first-time builders.

“Research where they want to head down the architect path versus heading with the builder,” he says.

“There’s pros and cons for both, but it’s not for everyone. Don’t be afraid to call a builder to the initial stages just to come see a block or whilst they’re approaching designers. They might have some really

good advice in the local area.

“Sometimes what we’re seeing at the moment is a lot of people will research their architect and their designer as well as a builder. No one really researches their engineer.

“The first time builders, not only engaging an architect or a draftsperson, but at the early stages get the advice of a builder or potential builders that they might be exploring because there might be some wisdom there or some advice that can be passed on to the design team for a cost efficient build.”

Mick says constant communication with

clients is essential.

“We communicate weekly and they constantly hear from me directly, not my project manager,” he says.

“So I’ve got a WhatsApp group and I might put five or 10 photos of a site visit so they’re seeing it. You’ve got people who are working and we might miss each other via phone, but they’re seeing the progress of that week with 15 photos plus videos.

“So the video might be, heads of a concrete boom, we’ve got our concrete pool and they’re seeing that unfold on a video. So that was sort of bought through the build at every stage.” ●

■ Prestwick Avenue, Jan Juc

■ Richardson Street, East Geelong.

A solid investment

Natural stone slabs are a popular choice in interior design for their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. These slabs can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the look and feel of your home, and are available in a wide range of textures, colors, and patterns that can be tailored to your individual style preferences.

One of the most common uses of natural stone slabs in interior design is for countertops, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Stone slabs such as granite, marble, and quartz are prized for their durability, heat resistance, and ease of maintenance, making them a practical and stylish choice for these high-traffic areas.

In addition to countertops, natural stone

slabs can also be used to create feature walls, fireplace surrounds, and flooring. The natural texture and unique patterns of these slabs can add visual interest and depth to a space, creating a sense of warmth and elegance that is difficult to replicate with other materials. Another benefit of natural stone slabs is their versatility in terms of design styles. Whether you prefer a contemporary, minimalist look or a more traditional, ornate aesthetic, there is a natural stone slab that can complement your design vision. For example, polished marble or granite slabs can create a sleek and sophisticated look, while rough-cut slate or sandstone can add a rustic and earthy

feel to a space.

When incorporating natural stone slabs into your interior design, it is important to consider the overall color palette and design elements of the room. Stone slabs can serve as a focal point in a space, so it is important to choose a slab that complements, rather than competes with, other design elements in the room.

Overall, natural stone slabs are a versatile and elegant choice for interior design that can add both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality to your home. Whether used as countertops, feature walls, or flooring, these slabs can elevate the look and feel of any space with their natural beauty and durability. ●

■ Marble creates interest in this largely white kitchen.

■ Natural stone is durable and easy to clean.

■ Use dark granite to create a moody, sophisticated feel. ■ Stone looks great juxtaposed with timber. ■ Floor to ceiling natural stone creates a feel of high end luxury in this bathroom.

Stripes, modern and minimalist

Stripes are a timeless and versatile pattern that can add both visual interest and depth to interior design. Whether used in bold or subtle ways, stripes can create a sense of movement and energy in a space, making them a popular choice for a variety of design styles.

One of the most common uses of stripes in interior design is for wallpaper or wall paint. Striped walls can create a sense of height in a room, making them a popular choice for smaller spaces such as bathrooms or hallways. Striped wallpaper or paint can also be used to create a feature wall, drawing the eye and adding a sense of drama to a space.

Stripes can also be used in textiles such

as curtains, rugs, and upholstery. Striped curtains can add a pop of color and pattern to a room, while striped rugs can create a sense of movement and texture on the floor. Striped upholstery can be used to add visual interest and depth to furniture such as chairs, sofas, and ottomans.

When incorporating stripes into your interior design, it is important to consider the scale and proportion of the pattern. Large, bold stripes may overwhelm a small space, while thin, subtle stripes may be lost in a larger room. It is also important to consider the overall color palette and design elements of the room, and to choose stripes that complement, rather than

clash with, other patterns and colors in the space.

Stripes can be used to create a variety of design styles, from traditional and preppy to modern and minimalist. For example, a navy and white striped rug can create a nautical, coastal feel, while black and white vertical stripes can create a sleek, contemporary look.

Overall, stripes are a versatile and timeless pattern that can add both visual interest and depth to interior design. Whether used in bold or subtle ways, stripes can create a sense of movement and energy in a space, making them a popular choice for a variety of design styles. ●

■ Black and white stripes always make a statement.

■ A common use of stripes in interior design is on wall paper. ■ Add subtle stripes to a child’s bedroom via a quilt cover or toy storage cylinder.

■ A muted striped wallpaper works effectively in a child’s bedroom.

■ Decor can be tailored to the individual’s personal style and the type of crafts they enjoy.

Get crafty in a room of one’s own

In recent years, the trend of creating dedicated craft rooms for adults has become increasingly popular. These rooms provide a dedicated space for hobbies such as sewing, painting, and other crafts that require space and organisation. They offer a peaceful retreat for adults to indulge in their creativity and pursue their passions.

Adult craft rooms are often designed with storage and organisation in mind. Shelves, cabinets, and drawers are commonly used to store materials such as fabrics, paints, and papers. Craft tables are often designed to provide ample work space, with built-in storage and organization for supplies. Walls

can be outfitted with pegboards, corkboards, or other organizational systems to keep tools and supplies within easy reach.

Lighting is also an important consideration in adult craft rooms. Natural light is ideal for crafting, but it’s not always available. Task lighting, such as a table lamp or undercabinet lighting, can help provide adequate illumination for detailed work.

In addition to being functional spaces, adult craft rooms can also be stylish and inspiring. The decor can be tailored to the individual’s personal style and the type of crafts they enjoy. For example, a craft room designed for sewing might feature vintage-

inspired decor, while a painting studio might incorporate bold, colorful artwork.

Having a dedicated craft room can offer many benefits for adults. It provides a space to escape the stresses of daily life and engage in a hobby that brings joy and fulfillment. It also allows for the exploration of new skills and the development of existing ones.

Overall, the trend of adult craft rooms in homes reflects a growing interest in pursuing creative hobbies and the desire for a dedicated space to do so. Whether it’s a small corner of a room or a separate space altogether, a craft room can offer a sanctuary for adults to indulge in their creativity and pursue their passions. ●

■ Craft rooms can be quiet places to relax and get creative.

The stone experts

Sandman Stone is the company to trust for your next stone project, whether it’s a new kitchen, bathroom, fireplace, BBQ, TV unit or furniture upgrade.

As a Geelong-based and family-owned business, Gary and Robyn are a dynamic husband and wife duo who employ a team of 21 Geelong locals who are well-equipped, knowledgeable and skilled to handle any project.

Sandman Stone has close to 20 years’ experience in servicing the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast community.

Since its establishment in 2004, they have strived to deliver the highest standards in workmanship and win the loyalty of customers and trades through their superior product range and customer service.

No matter the size of the job, from a small vanity to a full house lot of stone benchtops, they are the go-to business for reconstituted stone, granite, marble and porcelain projects.

The team’s quick, friendly service and turnaround times, from quoting to site measuring and installation, make them stand out.

They aim to send out quotes within a 24-to48-hour period and, when jobs are ready for an ‘onsite measure’, they will be completed by their expert professionals within two days and installations are finalised within a week and a half to two weeks.

Sandman Stone are very inclusive and offer many options, considerations, and pricing structures to accommodate different budgets and projects.

They also have a helpful website with links to their various stone suppliers for colour selection, which enables you to send them your drawings, dimensions or plans for a quote or to discuss your project.

For any ideas or trends, check out their Instagram page, too, as they welcome the opportunity to get to know you and work

together to achieve your ideal result.

Their showroom has a wide array of stone samples for you to come, view and select for your project with no appointments required.

With their team of colour consultants who can assist you with your choices and ideas, they are sure to be able to guide you with your project. They are here to give you the confidence to make an outstanding decision for your next build, renovation or project, no matter how big or small.

Sandman Stone’s showroom is at 7 Hepner Place, North Geelong and is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm; no appointments are necessary, and Saturdays from 9am to 12pm by appointment only.

Visit www.sandmanstone.com.au or call 5278 4000 for any information or helpful advice or check out the business’s Instagram page @ sandmanstonegeelong for your next stone project inspiration. ●

■ Gary heads the team at Sandman Stone.

Picture: Ivan Kemp

Embrace life, do what you love

Picture this - you find yourself stranded in a sea of wrapping paper and ribbon, keeping an ear out for the gingerbread in the oven and running through your mounting to-do list in your head. You’ve heard each Christmas carol about a billion times each, and you still haven’t oiled the deck, fixed that hole in the wall or raked the garden.

We’re all familiar with what a whirlwind the lead-up to Christmas is, and no, you’re not dreaming, it’s nearly time to do it all again!

It isn’t just the stress of all the planning, shopping, catering and present-buying, it’s that nagging feeling that surely it’s impossible for time to pass so quickly. Well, we say no more! No more crazy Christmas chaos! No more panic at the passing of time!

When your days are spent doing things you love, you’ll never look back and wonder where the time’s gone. And when you’re living

in a sparkling, brand new home, you can wave goodbye to the stress of gardening and home maintenance and say hello to no council rates and a lower cost of living. Now that’s a Christmas present that won’t be re-gifted!

At Lifestyle Communities, life is what the team does. Lifestyle Communities is about opening up new opportunities, experiences and connections for the people who live in its communities. Why wait when a lowmaintenance home and a low-stress life could be yours today?

Give yourself an early Christmas present –a life of opportunity, of peace, and of knowing that the best thin gs in life come to those who reach out and grab them!

Call to speak with one of the amazing team - 1300 50 55 60. ●

Sit up and take note

Incorporating daybeds, settees, and window seats in living spaces can enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the room. Here are some tips on how to incorporate these seating options.

Daybeds

1. Multi-purpose seating: daybeds can serve as both seating and sleeping areas. Place a daybed against a wall or in a corner, and accessorise it with decorative pillows and throws to create a cozy seating nook.

2. Statement piece: choose a stylish daybed that complements your living room’s decor. Opt for a design with a beautiful frame or unique upholstery to make it a focal point in the room.

3. Storage solutions: select a daybed with built-in storage drawers or shelves underneath. This allows you to maximize the functionality of the space by providing additional storage for blankets, pillows, or other items.

Settees:

1. Accent seating: settees are typically smaller than sofas, making them perfect for adding additional seating without overwhelming the room. Place a settee against a wall, near a window, or in a cozy corner to create a comfortable seating area.

2. Mix and match: pair a settee with other seating options like armchairs or a sofa to create a diverse and visually interesting seating arrangement. choose fabrics and patterns that complement each other to tie the look together.

3. Style and upholstery: consider the style and upholstery of the settee to ensure it blends harmoniously with your living room’s decor. Whether you prefer a classic, modern, or eclectic look, select a settee that fits your desired aesthetic.

Window seats:

1. Utilise window alcoves: if your living room has a window alcove or bay window, transform it into a charming window seat.

Install a bench or cushioned seating that fits the space, and add decorative pillows for comfort and style.

2. Storage under seating: maximise the functionality of the window seat by incorporating storage underneath. Install drawers, cabinets, or open shelves to keep books, blankets, or other items organised and easily accessible.

3. Enhance with curtains or drapes: frame the window seat with curtains or drapes to create a cosy and intimate space. This adds an element of privacy while also adding a touch of elegance to the seating area.

Remember to consider the scale and proportion of the furniture in relation to the room size. It’s important to maintain a balance and ensure that the seating options don’t overcrowd the space. Additionally, select fabrics, colours, and patterns that complement the overall theme and colour scheme of your living room. ●

■ A window seat can be the perfect place to curl up with a book. ■ A settee is typically smaller than a sofa.

■ Day beds also offer functional seating when not in use.

Pull up a seat at the bar

Contemporary home bars have become increasingly popular in recent years, as homeowners seek to create stylish and functional spaces for entertaining and relaxing within the comfort of their own homes. These modern home bars combine sleek design with practicality, resulting in spaces that are both visually appealing and highly functional.

One notable aspect of contemporary home bars is their emphasis on minimalism and clean lines. They often feature simple, streamlined designs with a focus on geometric shapes and a monochromatic color palette. This minimalist approach creates an uncluttered and sophisticated atmosphere, allowing the bar to blend seamlessly with the rest of the home’s interior design.

Another key feature of contemporary home bars is the integration of technology.

Many modern bars are equipped with stateof-the-art appliances, such as built-in wine coolers, under-counter refrigerators, and even automated cocktail dispensers. These technological advancements not only enhance the functionality of the bar but also add a touch of luxury and convenience.

Contemporary home bars also prioritise the use of high-quality materials. Sleek countertops made from materials like quartz or marble are often featured, along with custom cabinetry in rich wood finishes or glossy lacquer. These materials not only contribute to the bar’s aesthetic appeal but also ensure durability and longevity.

In terms of functionality, contemporary home bars are designed to accommodate the needs of both the host and guests. They typically include ample storage space for

glassware, spirits, and mixers, as well as dedicated areas for bartending tools and accessories. Some bars even incorporate seating options such as bar stools or lounge areas, providing a comfortable and inviting space for guests to relax and socialize.

Overall, contemporary home bars have evolved to become stylish and functional spaces that elevate the home entertainment experience. Whether used for intimate gatherings or larger parties, these bars combine sleek design, advanced technology, and practical features to create a sophisticated and enjoyable space for homeowners and their guests. ●

■ Modern bars often incorporate technology like televsions and wine coolers.

■ This home bar has a colourful contemporary feel.

Spring has sprung in the garden

Spring is a delightful time to work in the garden and enjoy the blooming season. Here are some activities you can engage in during spring in your garden.

1. Plant flowers and vegetables: Spring is the ideal time to sow seeds or plant seedlings of various flowers and vegetables. Consider planting marigolds, pansies, petunias, snapdragons, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and lettuce. Ensure you choose plants that thrive in Melbourne’s climate.

2. Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds, loosening it with a garden fork or tiller, and incorporating organic matter such as compost or wellrotted manure. This improves soil structure and nutrient content.

3. Prune and trim: Spring is a good time to prune certain plants. Trim dead or damaged branches, shape shrubs, and prune summerflowering plants to encourage new growth. However, be cautious and research specific plants’ pruning requirements before cutting.

4. Fertilise: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertiliser to give your plants a boost. This will provide essential nutrients as they enter their active growing phase. Follow the instructions on the fertiliser package for application rates.

5. Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Ensure you leave a gap between the mulch and the plant stems to prevent moisture-related issues.

6. Watering: As the weather warms up, increase watering frequency to keep the soil evenly moist. Water deeply, allowing the water to reach the roots. Morning or late afternoon is the best time to water, as it allows foliage to dry before evening.

7. Pest and weed control: Monitor your garden for pests like aphids, snails, and slugs. If necessary, employ organic pest control methods or use appropriate insecticides. Regularly inspect and remove weeds, as they compete with your plants for resources.

8. Start a compost pile: Set up a compost bin or pile to recycle garden and kitchen waste. Composting is a sustainable way to generate nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden. Turn the compost regularly to facilitate decomposition.

9. Create a wildlife-friendly garden: Spring is an excellent time to attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your garden. Plant nectar-rich flowers, set up bird feeders or birdbaths, and provide shelter for beneficial insects by incorporating native plants.

10. Plan for summer: Use spring as an opportunity to plan and prepare for the upcoming summer season. Consider what plants and vegetables you want to grow, research their requirements, and start any necessary preparations.

Remember to adapt these activities to your specific garden and the plants you have chosen. Enjoy the process of nurturing your garden and watching it flourish throughout the spring season in Melbourne! ●

■ Red lillies bloom in a spring garden.

■ Daffodils rear their sunny heads in spring.

■ Tulips make an eye-catching display in spring.

Welcome in wildlife

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden involves choosing native plants that provide food, shelter, and habitat for local wildlife.

Here are some suggestions for plants to consider:

1. Native Trees

Eucalyptus: Various species of eucalyptus trees provide food and habitat for birds, koalas, and insects.

Acacia: Wattle trees attract nectar-feeding birds and provide shelter for small animals.

Banksia: Banksia plants offer nectarrich flowers that attract birds and support pollinators.

2. Shrubs and Bushes

Callistemon (Bottlebrush): Known for their vibrant flowers, bottlebrush shrubs attract nectar-feeding birds and insects.

Grevillea: Grevillea species provide nectar for birds and attract honeyeaters.

Melaleuca: Paperbark plants, such as Melaleuca species, offer nesting sites for birds and attract insects.

3. Groundcovers and Grasses

Lomandra: Native grasses like Lomandra are hardy, provide shelter for small animals, and are ideal for low-maintenance areas.

Dianella: Dianella species, also known as flax lilies, attract birds and offer berries as a food source.

4. Flowering Plants

Kangaroo Paw: An iconic Australian plant, Kangaroo Paw produces unique flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds.

Correa: Correa species, or native fuchsia, provide nectar for birds and flowering habitat for small animals.

Swan Plant: As a host plant for butterflies, the Swan Plant supports the life cycle of Monarch butterflies.

5. Climbers and Vines

Hardenbergia: Native wisteria, or Hardenbergia, produces beautiful flowers that attract birds, bees, and butterflies.

Pandorea: Pandorea species, or wonga wonga vine, provide shelter and nesting sites for birds

and attract pollinators.

6. Water Plants

Waterlilies: Waterlilies offer shelter for aquatic animals and attract frogs, insects, and water birds.

Juncus: Native rushes, such as Juncus species, grow in wetland areas and provide habitat for

frogs and insects.

Remember to select a variety of plants that bloom throughout the year to provide a consistent food source for wildlife. Additionally, incorporate features like birdbaths, nesting boxes, and rock piles to enhance the habitat and attract a diverse range of wildlife to your garden. ●

■ Correa species, or native fuchsia, provide nectar for birds and flowering habitat for small animals.

■ Kangaroo Paw produces unique flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds.

■ Bottlebrush shrubs attract nectar-feeding birds and insects.

■ Waterlilies offer shelter for aquatic animals and attract frogs, insects, and water birds.

Dive into an outdoor shower

Outdoor showers are feature most gardens should try to incorporate – especially if you live near the beach or have a pool, according to creative director and co-founder of Landart, Matt Leacy.

“From a practical point of view outdoor showers are ideal for rinsing off after a swim in the pool, as well as for washing salt and sand off before heading indoors after being at the beach. Even if you’re just rinsing your feet and legs it really helps to keep sand out of your house,“ said Matt.

“They’re also great for rinsing off surfboards and dogs! And moving away from the practical benefits, who doesn’t love to shower in the outdoors? It’s often the best thing about rooms or villas at a tropical resort to have a beautifully designed outdoor shower – and there’s no reason why this can’t be replicated in

your own backyard.“

Matt’s key tips for creating an outdoor shower are:

• Location – Location and privacy is everything if you’d like to use your shower for day-to-day showering and not just rinsing off when you have your swimmers on. Rendered, timber or stone walls can provide privacy – and attaching your shower as an extension to your house if you’re wanting to use it for actual shower is the best way to create a private area. If you can access via your existing bathroom or a bedroom is ideal.

• Materials – You need to ensure you choose tapware and finishes that are rated for outdoor use. Indoor tapware won’t stand the constant exposure to the elements. Finishes

like bronze, copper and brass are great choices. Copper in particular has been very popular in outdoor showers we’ve created and it ages beautifully in the weather giving the tapware a lovely patina.

• Drainage and plumbing – Particularly if you’re going to use soaps and shampoos in your shower you need to ensure that your shower is connected to the sewer. If you would like to access to a warm shower rather than just something with cold water that’s more suited to rinsing off in the summer sun or cooling off after a jog you’ll need it to connect to your water heater.

• Other features – You might also want to consider bench seating or built in shelves for towels to dry off and other bathroom items. Any storage solutions will need to be watertight and suitable for outdoor use. ●

Get lost in a good book

There’s nothing like a good book to escape to a new world or live out a fantasy. Here’s just a few new releases from Allen & Unwin in October to help you while away the hours.

Green Dot

by Madeleine Gray

A witty, profound and painfully relatable debut novel exploring solitude, desire, and the allure of chasing something that promises nothing.

Stone Yard Devotional

by Charlotte Wood

A deeply moving novel about forgiveness, grief, and what it means to be ‘good’, from the award-winning author of TheNaturalWayof Things and The Weekend

The Seven

by Chris Hammer

The Seven is a compelling thriller filled with intrigue, emotional depth and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems.

And Then She Fell Alicia Elliott

And Then She Fell is an unflinching and fiercely witty debut novel of Indigenous life, womanhood and mental health, heralding the arrival of an important and urgent new voice in genrebending fiction.

Home to Biloela

Priya Nadesalingam with Rebekah Holt

The dramatic inside story of the Tamil refugee family which became a cause celèbre all around Australia, and the epic fight by a small rural community to set them free.

Weatherman Goes Bush by Graham Creed

A memoir about the unexpected joys and challenges of a tree-change from a television studio to a farm, from a beloved former ABC weather presenter. ●

■ Green Dot

■ And Then She Fell

■ Stone Yard Devotional

■ Home to Biloela

■ The Seven

■ Weatherman Goes Bush

After 5 at Truffleduck

Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s latest After 5 networking event was sponsored by LBW Business and Health Advisors and saw more than 220 people filter into the Truffleduck venue in Fyansford. The August 17 event also recognised and celebrated this year’s Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEA) finalists. Photos taken by Geelong Chamber’s Silver Partner Barefoot Media Photography. ●

■ Barwon Health’s Kate Bibby, LBW Business and Wealth Advisors’ Geoff Williams, and Peace by Peace Society’s Kristine Fitzgerald. Pictures: Supplied

■ City of Greater Geelong’s Alex Boyle and Tennille Bradley with Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s Cameron Murnane.

■ Geelong Small Business Network’s Matthew Smith, GBEA and business leader finalist Jutz Arts and Resilience Method’s Justine Martin, Get More Time’s Les Watson, and Great Ocean Stays’ Christine Smith.

■ Crew Faced Makeup Artistry’s Jessica Anderson, Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s Cathy Harper, with GBEA finalist You’re Gorgeous Hair and Beauty’s Jessica Soldani and Lee-Anne Campigli.

■ Roderick Insurance’s Marnie RoderickShepherd and Keith Roderick.

■ GBEA finalist Pearls and Roses’ Karen Bourdamis and Mili Holt.

■ GBEA finalists Payne Therapies’ Emily Finlayson and A Simple Wish Events’ Vanessa Mantella.

■ Soul Led Women in Business’ Shannon Simmons and GBEA finalist Swim by Elly’s Ellie Wynhoven.

■ Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s Tennille McInnes and GBEA finalist Think Strategic’s Maxine Driscoll.

Geelong Arts Centre opening

Geelong Arts Centre’s revamp is complete and photographer Ivan Kemp went along to the community opening day on Sunday August 20 to capture some of the fun. ●

■ Marian Coppins-King and Gordon King.

■ Noah and Meg Barlow.

■ Elizabeth and Andrew Hirst with Natasha Kruger. ■ Vicki Fletcher and daughter Amira.

■ Leigh and Delta Smith with children Amaya, Elliot and Catherine.

■ Kayla White

■ Jane Lou, Vivian Zhang and Halsey Pan.

■ Andrew and Jessica Block with daughters Daisy and Penny.

OVER 55’S You’re invited...

Men’s Day at Armstrong Green

Armstrong Green is RCA Villages newest Village, conveniently located in Armstrong Creek, across the road from the Warralily Shopping Centre, and only 20 minutes from Geelong.

If you are thinking of retirement living, we would love you to join us for a morning where we will explore all things important including men’s health, wellness and shared interests. This session is designed for men, by men.

You will be hearing from various guest speakers, participate in an interactive and insightful workshop, and enjoy complimentary hospitality including a late breakfast, morning tea and lunch. The door prize will be a Bunnings Gift Card.

At the end of the session, we invite the ladies along to join us in the Clubhouse for a gourmet BBQ.

We look forward to seeing you there. Reservations essential.

DATE Thursday September 14, 2023

VENUE Armstrong Green Clubhouse

722-742 Barwon Heads Road

Geelong, Victoria

RSVP Wednesday Thursday Sept 7, 2023

Frecall 1800 777 898

*Places are limited. Event is for over 55’s.

SPECIAL DIETS

Please advise us if you require a Gluten Free, Diabetic, Allergy safe or Vegan/Vegetarian meal when you RSVP.

PLEASE NOTE

As this is a catered onsite event we will not be able to provide special requirements unless advised prior to the event.