NewsAngle Issue 149 Autumn 2022

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Issue 149 Autumn 2022

Publication of the Anglesea Community House

Summer 2021–22 – it’s a wrap!

The Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club (ASLSC) and Life Saving Victoria (LSV) were pleased to once again deliver daily patrols throughout the summer period on the main Anglesea beach and at Point Roadknight. On weekdays, paid LSV lifeguards patrolled the beaches with the ASLSC’s volunteer lifesavers providing patrols on the weekends.

community members and visitors who come to the Anglesea beaches.

Over the 2021–22 summer period, the volunteer lifesavers proactively performed 2148 preventative actions, many of which averted a rescue situation. Over the same period the volunteers rescued one person too.

Lifesaving is at the very core of why the Club exists, and ASLSC strives to ensure the safety of thousands of

How can you get involved? The club has a range of entry points for new members and the most popular over summer was Shoulder Nippers (pictured above). For more information about the club and many of our local community groups go to Community Corner, which starts on page 30.

Community Houses are for Everyone

In December and January, over 44,000 visitors came to main beach.

While the weekday patrols wrapped up at the end of February, there will continue to be wonderful volunteer lifesavers on the beach over the weekends, through until ANZAC Day.

NewsAngle is a free quarterly magazine published by the Anglesea Community House for the communities of Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven and Moggs Creek.

Its purpose is to strengthen connections across our community by writing about the diverse people, businesses and activities that make us who we are.

NewsAngle aims to inform, entertain and educate readers, and to provide a voice for local groups and individuals to share information about events, activities and achievements.

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NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

Hello! ... from the House

By Tony Revell, President, Anglesea Community House (ACH)

The importance of community The challenges of the past two years have highlighted the importance of community in all our lives. Actively belonging to a community boosts physical health, mental wellbeing and helps foster resilience as communities come together and adapt to challenges such as those presented to us by this pandemic. Community provides the vital social connections and engagement.

The role of Anglesea Community House (ACH) and its auspiced groups has perhaps never been more important than through the long periods of COVID isolation. ACH staff, volunteers, and associated groups responded to community needs during this time by adapting the delivery of many of their programs to enable people to remain socially connected.

Now with COVID restrictions eased, and the restoration of some normality to our lives, I encourage you to consider the benefits of involvement with our community.

The House presents many opportunities to be actively involved in a diverse range of activities that enhance personal wellbeing and our community.

Following a career in the business world, I view this volunteer role as ACH President as one of supporting the work of the House and its Committee of Management in our core business of creating and maintaining an inclusive, connected and caring community. My community involvement, in addition to this role, includes the Anglesea CFA, the Anglesea Community Rock Choir and a local cycling club.

Editorial If you have feedback or comments about articles, or would like to make a suggestion, please contact the editor at newsangle@anglesea.org.au or leave news items/notices for the editor at the Anglesea Community House.

You can consider the many programs and activities run by the House or the various associated groups, or volunteer in roles that support the operation of the House. Visit us at anglesea.org.au or call in to the McMillan Street Community Precinct to explore what our community has to offer and how you may get involved in your own way.

Check out our Facebook and Instagram for information on all upcoming events and programs. You won’t regret it!

Help us celebrate the 150th edition of NewsAngle!

You are invited to share your stories or anecdotes about NewsAngle from over the years.

Please get in touch before the 13 May to share your story by emailing newsangle@anglesea.org.au or give us a call on 5263 2116.

In this NewsAngle Anglesea housing issues Storm shuts aged care home Stunning memorial opens Threat to grass trees Local profile: Deb Elliot Community yarning sessions Anglesea River update Local profile: Andrew Jones IGA 40th birthday In the House History spot Community corner Arts scene

Hard copies are distributed to PO boxes in Aireys Inlet and can be found at local cafes/ shops in Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.

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Anglesea Community House 5 McMillan Street, Anglesea PO Box 43, Anglesea, VIC, 3230 Tel: 5263 2116 Hours: 9am–2.30pm, Monday–Friday Email admin@anglesea.org.au

Distribution

Deadlines for next edition Issue 150 Winter 2022 Casual ad bookings 20 May 2022 Articles/contributions 27 May 2022 Distribution 22 June 2022

NewsAngle is offered free to the community.

You can read a digital version online at anglesea.org.au.

If you would like to book an annual or casual advertisement, please email Julie at advertising@anglesea.org.au.

The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Community House.

Disclaimer

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FEATURE

Anglesea housing options and affordability remain a challenge

By Penny Edmanson

Anglesea’s housing availability has changed with many holiday house owners electing for a permanent sea change and rental owners cashing in on the advantages of the short-term rental.

Readers of this publication are mostly in the happy position of enjoying all that Anglesea offers: a place of beauty, rest and rejuvenation where the bush meets the sea.

median of $390. Local real estate agents confirm that demand for rental properties is very high with little change to the total number of houses available for long-term rental. Median house prices have also risen substantially.

For decades Anglesea has offered a relaxed lifestyle, a close-knit community, and the availability of housing both through ownership and rental. Since the early 1880s, when some land was subdivided and the first guest and boarding houses were built to cater for new holidaymakers, Anglesea has grown to become one of Victoria’s premier holiday destinations as well as building a permanent population.

How do we keep Anglesea a place where the elderly can stay, the next generation can remain, workers can live and we continue to thrive as a healthy, vibrant and diverse community?

Older single women are among the most impacted by housing affordability nationally and locally. Many in this demographic are being forced to leave Anglesea, a town they love and have built connections with often over many years (see Case Studies C and D).

There has always been some tightening of accommodation options over summer when historically the population swells to over 10,000.

But increasingly, residents are being Increasingly, residents forced out of long-term rentals (see are being forced out of Case study A), prospective workers long-term rentals, are failing to find accommodation and potential young buyers are being prospective workers are priced out of the market. failing to find

Identifying this as a growing crisis, the Surf Coast Shire Council recently created a new position of Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, currently held

by Alicia Hooper. The Strategic Initiatives role and the Affordable Accommodation Action Plan aim to A widening gap is being seen between accommodation and support the roll out of the state the affluent and the middle class with potential young buyers government’s Big Housing Build even dual income families unable to are being priced out of minimum spend allocation of $20 remain in the town (see Case Study million for social and affordable the market.

B). This impacts on the demographics housing in the Surf Coast Shire and of our town and has a roll-on effect, not only on to address the Key Worker Accommodation Crisis, businesses, but also on longstanding facilities such as the declared by Council in May 2021. As Alicia says, ‘Like Surf Club. many municipalities across Victoria and Australia, rental President of the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, David report and property price data highlight the crisis which is Marsh says, ‘The Club is by no means isolated from the increasingly impacting moderate income households’. housing challenges facing the local community. Even the Alicia acknowledges that building relationships with Club’s main purpose – lifesaving through beach patrols – communities is essential to ‘ensure place-based needs and is not immune. strengths inform the development of social and affordable ‘The reality is that over the last few years it has become housing’. To this end, Council is working with Lorne more challenging to get the volunteer surf lifesaver Business and Tourism Association and Anglesea’s very numbers needed to maintain patrols, simply because there own ‘Housing Challenge 3230’ working group. is no access to accommodation at an affordable price at the right time.’

Housing Challenge 3230 formed as a consequence of growing concern about the impact of rising house Managing Director of the Great Ocean Road Resort, affordability on the Anglesea community and seeks to Damien Cerantonio endorses this view, saying that the raise awareness and work toward solutions. The group staff shortages are a problem year-round because of the lack of availability of affordable rental. An informal aims to meet regularly and has engaged with the newly survey showed that 70+% of employers and employees in appointed Surf Coast Shire’s Strategic Initiatives Anglesea commute from out of town, with many Coordinator, Business and Tourism Anglesea (BATA) and interested in living here, but unable to afford the current local politicians, and is seeking to learn from others in our rents. region experiencing the same challenges. The group welcomes all participation and can be emailed at At the time of writing, the median weekly rent for Anglesea was $600, significantly higher than the Victorian housingchallenge3230@gmail.com.

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FEATURE CASE STUDY A ‘Ron’ and his family made the sea change in 2002. After working hard in a local business for nearly 15 years, changes in his circumstances found Ron both homeless and unemployed. With family still in the area, Ron was keen to make Anglesea his home.

He was happy for any form of housing while he rebuilt his life.

Two short-term rentals came to an end when the bulldozers arrived, then a share house sold in less than a week. The 30-day contract meant Ron had little time to find alternative accommodation. Ron had no alternative but to find a caravan and take up an offer of a space in a driveway. Short term turned into five months. A glimmer of hope with a seemingly long-term arrangement was dashed when the property was sold. Ron was now looking at rental of $620 per week, unaffordable for a retiree such as himself. Again, at the age of 65, Ron was looking for someone to share with. The future is uncertain for Ron. For now, he has a housemate to share the rent but he constantly asks himself, ‘where will I go when I can no longer afford to live here?’

estate agents have told them that many owners are opting to Airbnb their houses for $250+ per night over the holidays and leaving their houses vacant over winter. With the median house price in Anglesea sitting at $1.5 million, Jill and her partner (like most of her childhood friends) are being forced to look to Geelong, Torquay and Winchelsea to become homeowners.

CASE STUDY C Having spent 22 years in various locations on the Great Ocean Road, ‘Ruth’s’ dream was to settle in Anglesea, once retired. PreCOVID, she and a friend were successful in securing a rental property. Ruth embraced community life, becoming actively involved in many local groups as well as enjoying the beauty of her surrounds. After 18 months the house was sold and Ruth and her friend found it impossible to find anything in their price range.

Desperately wanting to keep the dream alive, they opted to go with the only place on offer – a four-

bedroom house with a nine-month lease and an astronomical rent.

Unfortunately, this proved too difficult for Ruth’s friend who returned to Melbourne. Ruth could not find anywhere to rent on her own and is currently living in a one-bedroom unit in East Geelong.

CASE STUDY D ‘Joan’, a lady in the latter half of her life, separated from her partner who moved out of their long-term rental property. Joan had spent most of her life raising children and did not have savings or a career to fall back on when she needed to pay the rent and bills on her own. With a medical condition and little support from her adult children, Joan only just managed to pay the weekly rent of $420 and was thankful for the COVID rent freeze that held off any increase.

However, when this ended and a large rent increase was proposed, together with another increase in a year’s time, Joan had to leave. Joan did find somewhere affordable in a bayside suburb in Melbourne. * Case study names have been changed.

CASE STUDY B ‘Jill’ and her husband’s dream was always to buy in their home town of Anglesea. However, the property boom is making affordable rental very difficult to find. Jill and her husband, both professionals on full-time wages, are currently living in a twobedroom apartment, as it is the only place they can afford while trying to save for a house deposit.

They consider themselves fortunate, however, their rent goes up every year and they suffer the anxiety of not knowing whether their lease will be renewed. Real

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Anglesea Football Netball Club Anglesea Football Netball Club women’s team is looking forward to another great year of football following their first year playing as a team in 2021 and making it to the semi-final. One of the biggest highlights of the year was playing in the inaugural Surfcoast IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia)

Cup in May last year against Torquay. It was a thrilling game that ended in a draw (teams are pictured here with Mayor Libby Stapleton and Cr Mike Bodsworth).

Anglesea is looking forward to challenging for the Cup again this year. Keep an eye out for a date and time and come down and support Anglesea playing for a cause.

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FEATURE LOCAL PROFILE

Storm closes aged care facility

by Liz Clark Over the years, the locals have called the aged care facility in Anglesea many different names – the Nursing Home, the Hostel, Anglesea Aged Care, Blue Cross, Japara, and now Cordelia Grove. Massive storms in January caused widespread flooding and damage.

As many residents know, a wild storm swept through Anglesea on Friday 28 January, following a night of continual thunder, lightning and heavy rain. Many older members of the community are saying this was the worst storm they have ever seen in the area.

Torrents of water swept down nearby streets and into the driveway at Cordelia Grove Residential Aged Care, advancing rapidly into the building and causing extreme flooding in the facility. Extensive floor and carpeted areas, which had been renovated late last year, were totally under water. All residents were safely evacuated with the assistance of staff and volunteers from the community, SES, local police and emergency services. It was fortunate that Calvary Health Care, the current health provider, has a number of facilities within the Torquay and Geelong area and was able to provide a safe transition for the residents.

Staff were proud of the way they managed to move almost 60 residents safely and efficiently throughout the emergency. Speaking to residents, I have heard much praise for the calmness, professionalism and versatility they witnessed on what was quite a frightening afternoon for them.

The residents of Cordelia Grove did not deserve another disaster in their lives. However, despite the uncertainties and difficulties being forced on them, there has been a sense of positivity and thankfulness.

The ongoing clean up at Cordelia Grove means residents should return to their familiar rooms and belongings before too long.

A community builds a dream In 1994 the Anglesea Lions Club initiated a feasibility study into the establishment of a hostel/respite amenity in Anglesea for the aged and persons with disabilities, as part of the ongoing services of the Lions Village, and in light of the growing number of ageing residents in town.

There was overwhelming local support for such a project.

The original name proposed by the local Wathaurong people was ‘Altjera’, meaning where the old people lived’.

The first priority was to find suitable land. The require‐ ment for a large enough area to cope with the facility, car parking space, accessible services and proximity to town amenities left few options. The Health Department chose the current site in Weir Street as the only one suitable. In 1996, purchase of the land was enabled through the Surf Coast Shire with a short-term loan of $20,000 from the Commonwealth Bank, Life Governorships and Life Memberships and donations from the local Lions/ Lionesses clubs and the general public.

Funding the building of the hostel was a huge challenge.

A plan to open an opportunity shop in Anglesea to fund the new amenity was facilitated by Brian and Betty Butterworth who made suitable premises available in the shopping centre to get started. Under the skilful leadership of Betty Butterworth, local volunteers including members of the Lions and Lionesses clubs began collecting and selling goods to make this dream a reality.

Work commenced on site in 1998. Approval was received from the Department of Human Services for construction of a 32-bed hostel for Supported Residential Services Care in October 1998. The complex was to be leased to a registered organisation approved by the Department. While this gave the Lions Village the right to build the facility, it did not provide any capital funding or in-bed subsidy from either State or Commonwealth governments.

As with any project, there were those who loved the idea and those who opposed it, but vision and determination drove the project and allowed for its eventual completion after many stressful months and continual frustrations.

The opportunity shop and warehouse were extremely successful. Volunteers worked for seven years to raise $585,300 (Op Shop) and $57,4000 (warehouse). This money covered the purchase of the land and the costs for all the development and works on the hostel site, with some remaining for further expenses at the nursing home.

Opening day for the facility was 12 November 2005.

On 12 April 2006 on behalf of the Lions Village Anglesea, Betty Butterworth presented Blue Cross Management with a hefty cheque, sufficient to buy a 12seater bus, furnish the main lounge area and to purchase a piano. It is a source of great pride that the untiring work and dedication of so many willing volunteers produced this wonderful aged care facility in our town.

Photo: Jamie Emerson, Torquay SES

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FEATURE

Stunning memorial opens at last

by Adrian Hunter A beautiful stone wall commemorating the past and present service men and women of Anglesea and District was officially opened in Anglesea’s Cameron Park on Sunday 27 February.

Over 600 attended the opening ceremony, which included raising the flags, the Australian and New Zealand national anthems, a guest speaker Michael Ronaldson who is a former Federal Senator and a local resident, and the laying of wreaths by the RSL and Surf Coast Shire.

Refreshments were held in the bowling club after the ceremony.

Anglesea and district was one of few locations in Australia to not have a war memorial that listed names of locals who had served their country – the district takes in Bellbrae, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Moggs Creek and Eastern View on the Great Ocean Road.

Local residents who served their country World War I

109

World War II

252

Post-1945

34

Malaya, Borneo, Indonesian Confrontation

3

Vietnam

17

National Service

9

Iraq

1

ADF

1

Peacekeepers

1

The challenge to create a worthy monument started with a meeting of the RSL and Anglesea Historical Society where a committee was formed with representatives from the RSL, Historical Society and Lions Club.

Celebrating and understanding the lives of those who served will continue with the ‘Know our Names’ Exhibition as outlined below.

Generous financial contributions by the community and the hard work of the Anglesea and District War Memorial Committee raised the target of $70,000.

The committee are still accepting donations to maintain the memorial and these can be deposited in the Bendigo Community Bank AWM account.

The stone wall is the focal point of the war memorial and includes a handcrafted corten steel Australian Defence Forces (ADF) Emblem, front lighting and up lit flag poles.

Three plaques listing the names of almost 400 Anglesea and district men and women who served from World War I through to present times have been installed on the wall. Planting of a commemorative garden and a stone seat beside the wall has completed the space.

Anglesea & District War Memorial Committee

‘KNOW OUR NAMES’ Exhibition The people on our plaques Stories, photos, memorabilia, places, events

Anglesea memorial Hall Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May 10am-4pm daily

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FEATURE

A serious threat to our iconic native grass trees

By Mary Bremner

The impact of the pathogen Phytophthora on our heathland and forest ecosystems is very real says Aireys Inlet resident and ecologist, Dr Mark Garkaklis.

We might call them grass trees, kangaroo tails, yaccas or by their scientific name Xanthorrhoea australis.

Our grandparents may have referred to them as black boys. First inhabitants in other places named them bukkup, baggup, balgaor kawee. The local Wadawurrung people used the word djuwutj for the plant’s resin used in spear making and for patching up water containers.

With their skirts of long, wiry, bluegreen foliage and dramatic flowering spikes, these plants are a highlight of our native bushland. They flower prolifically following a bushfire, providing a perch for the native birds that feast on their nectar. Notoriously difficult to establish in our gardens and very slow growing, they are thought to live up to 450 years in the wild.

Dr Mark Garkaklis inspecting dieback infected grasstrees near the Great Ocean Road.

However, it is horrifying to find out that these iconic plants are under a very real threat of disappearing from our local heathlands. ‘Our grass trees are fighting what seems to be a losing battle, says Dr Mark Garkaklis.

Phytophthora plant killer ‘The enemy is the pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi, commonly, but incorrectly, known as cinnamon fungus.

It is actually more closely related to algae than fungi.

Phytophthora draws its name from Greek words meaning “plant killer”. It is recognised as one of the 100 worst biosecurity threats on the planet.’

Mark was first involved in research into Phytophthora dieback in his home state of Western Australia. For his PhD, Mark studied the way ecosystems behave and what happens when you lose small elements from a system – how the ecosystem either stays resilient or transitions into something new. At the time, there was a lot of concern about the dieback of the jarrah forests, caused by Phytophthora.

This destructive pathogen doesn’t only kill grass trees, but can also attack Victoria’s floral emblem, Epacrus impressa (pink heath), as well as Banksia marginata (silver banksia) and members of the Isopogon family. It can get into your garden, with roses and avocadoes also susceptible to its advances.

It is the impact of the pathogen on our heathland and forest ecosystems that currently exercises Mark’s mind.

Since 2000, Mark has been involved in relevant research 10

with colleagues across Australia and New Zealand.

Mark also teams up with his wife, Dr Barbara Wilson, to trap and study populations of endangered native mammals in the Otways region. Very few animals, and certainly no endangered mammals are found in areas impacted by Phytophthora dieback. By contrast, where there are healthy grass trees, there is a diversity of animal fauna. The impact of the destruction of their habitat is clear and very worrying for these passionate ecologists.

An understanding of how the pathogen spreads is essential to its control. It seems most likely the disease – a water mould – was carried to Australia on the cuttings and plants brought in by the first European settlers, but it was not recognised as a threat until the 1970s. It is spread largely by our network of roads and tracks, formed with contaminated gravel. Vehicles and bikes that move along the roads can also spread the pathogen.

Where will you see the damage?

You can find evidence of this for yourself in the Anglesea Heath. Typically, the pathogen is carried very quickly downhill by water flowing from the road via a spoon drain. It infects the roots of plants in the path of the water – the roots and the vascular tissue that take water up to the plant degrade and it starts yellowing from the tips – it looks like it’s dying from drought. Eventually the plant succumbs. Once infection has taken hold, the pathogen can also progress laterally by root-to-root contact.

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FEATURE As grass trees die off, plants that are resistant to the dieback, such as sedges, repopulate the territory. To the untrained eye it might look like attractive native vegetation, unaware that 20 years earlier this might have been a grass tree grove.

Mark is deeply concerned about the situation in the Eastern Otway Ranges where the disease has been let run and is now starting to take its toll.

He cites, as an example, the area from Mt Ingoldsby Road to Gilbert Street, back around the Alcoa pit, along the Alcoa Boundary Track and up the Pipeline Track to Forest Road – all completely impacted by Phytophthora. Mark believes this has happened since the 1983 Ash Wednesday inferno – the fire-fighting activities and the subsequent regeneration work exacerbated the spread of the disease.

protected in this way. However, as our recent experience with COVID has taught us, quarantining is not always practical or foolproof.

If we want to be able to enjoy our beautiful bushlands now and into the future, Mark says we need to be mindful.

‘Never let your guard down,’ says Mark. ‘We need to be careful where we walk and be sure our boots and bike tyres are completely clean of mud, which may contain the

pathogen. Where footbaths and brushes are provided we should use them. ‘If you’ve got a dirty mountain bike and you decide to make a new track through the bush, you’ll spread the disease,’ warns Mark.

Fond of a military analogy when it comes to the battle being waged against Phytophthora, Mark says we all need to be ‘frosty’ – that is, stay sharp, aware and in focus. This doesn’t seem much to ask to help preserve our beautiful grass trees.

A glimmer of hope As bad as all this seems, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of the chemical phosphite. It has been used for 20 years in Western Australia and found to be completely effective in protecting endangered plants, without any detrimental side effects. The chemical doesn’t kill the pathogen, but works by turning on the plant’s defence mechanisms. This prevents the pathogen from getting into the plant’s root systems and it is able to resist infection.

Mark is excited at the prospect of this crucially important work. ‘We can’t afford just to write off all of our heathlands in Australia over the next 50 years,’ he said. In some areas in Western Australia, plants have regenerated in previously infected sites after treatment with phosphite.

This has inspired Mark to start trials in the Anglesea Heath, working in conjunction with Deakin University, to see if they can successfully reestablish species sensitive to Phytophthora.

We must also do our bit In the meantime, we can do our bit to avoid inadvertently contributing to the spread of the disease. Mark says quarantining pristine environments is the gold standard and swathes of Western Australian forest were NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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LOCAL PROFILE

Deb Elliot

By Jenna Crawford

Deb Elliot’s commitment to volunteer work and providing opportunities for others to create and learn ranges from sewing to photography, to the annual Roo Run and mural painting.

Deb Elliot moved from Melbourne to Anglesea about seven years ago.

During her 42-year career she worked in many different places throughout Australia in many different industries.

She studied Information Technology at university and this put her in a good position to work in project management and take on leadership roles. One of her greatest feats was working on the construction of the new Parliament House in Canberra.

Deb thought the best way to get to know people was to volunteer to do various things for the Anglesea community. Before too long her organisational skills and leadership accomplishments saw her take on many different roles with different groups. Her mother had always been a volunteer so she followed in her footsteps.

Deb’s first volunteer role was being a scorer for Blind Cricket.

Snappers Photography Club Deb started the Snappers Photography Club 12 months ago. It has 12 regular members who meet at the Community House on the first and third Tuesday of the month. The first meeting is a ‘show and tell’, where photographers show the others what they have photographed. The second session provides an opportunity for participants to share their skills and knowledge. They also venture out on a regular basis to photograph Anglesea and its surrounding natural beauty.

A neighbour of mine showed me some of Deb’s photographs accessed through Facebook and they were stunningly beautiful. There has been a recent photograph expo at Anglesea’s Art Space devoted to the natural environment. Three hundred and twenty-five people visited during seven days and nine photographs were sold.

made for patients to take home after their experience at the hospital. The group also make possum and kangaroo pouches to hand onto animal rescuer, Jason Cichocki.

The largest volunteer project Deb has led was Helping Our Hospital Heroes Australia (HOHHA) that commenced during the first weeks of COVID and was initiated by the Rotary Club of Sunbury. Many individuals made 17,000 scrub hats for hospitals all around Australia.

Deb worked closely with other groups in Queensland and Western Australia. Three groups contributed 40,000 caps.

HOHHA is still active and recently sent out a request for three hundred scrub hats for Monash Dandenong.

Deb was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the Rotary Club of Sunbury for her leadership of the project. It is most unusual for a non-Rotarian to receive this award.

Stabb’s mural Deb has filled many roles in the Anglesea community, but is probably best known for her mural on the side of Stabb’s butcher shop. This was a result of the Surf Coast Shire’s Creative Coalition project, which encouraged local businesses and artists to work together. Deb, being a photographer and artist, worked cooperatively with Katrina Stabb. The mural depicts an early morning sunrise. It was painted over a six-week period taking approximately 45 hours. It is 6.5 metres by 2.5 metres and brightens up a dull brick wall for the visual enjoyment of residents and visitors. A lot of the work was done using a sponge application rather than a paintbrush. The paint used was Dulux Weathershield, which was purchased through the $1000 grant. It also has an anti-graffiti coating.

Deb is also the new event coordinator for the Roo Run, which is a four- or eight- kilometre run held on the 27 December every year. Last year it had 550 participants and operates under the auspices of the Anglesea Motor

‘Sewing with a purpose’ On the third Monday of the month from 1–3pm anyone can participate in a community group known as ‘Sewing with a purpose’. The group was established to provide opportunities for those interested in sewing, knitting and crocheting to meet and create. Its aim is to provide articles for charities, such as the Royal Children’s Hospital Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. The bags are 12

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Yacht Club. Deb regularly provides information to NewsAngle about local art exhibitions and other news.

photographs at the Anglesea Art Space and the Eagles Nest in Aireys Inlet.

In addition to the fantastic things Deb has contributed to the Anglesea community through volunteering and offering her expertise, she has also had personal exhibitions of her oil paintings, botanical printings and

If you have some artistic skill and want to express it or help others, Deb can be contacted at debokimbo@gmail.com. Deb is also a marriage and funeral celebrant in the little spare time she can find.

Deb's passions and skills include photography, painting and volunteering at local events, such as the Roo Run.

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FEATURE Community yarning sessions – building respectful relationships

By Wendy Clark

The Anglesea Community House Yarning Sessions came about through the Surf Coast Shire’s Casuarina Community Leadership Course and the Anglesea Community House’s desire to implement a community program that would showcase our local Indigenous history.

One of the most impactful components of the Shire’s community leadership course was its cultural awareness component, which led us to find ways to bring that learning and experience to our community.

Our goal was to create yarning sessions on Wadawurrung Country that are accessible to all in our community, across all ages and via different formats. All our yarning sessions aim to create a safe place to experience, listen and discuss our Indigenous history and culture.

So, what is yarning? Simply, it’s about building respectful relationships. The use of a yarning circle (or dialogue circle) is an important process within Aboriginal culture and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Norm Stanley conducted a smoking ceremony and played the didgeridoo as part of a Music and Storytelling Yarning Session at one of our Farmers Markets in March.

Our first yarning session in October 2021 was a Welcome to Country Ceremony at the first Anglesea Twilight Farmers Market. Nikki McKenzie, a proud Aboriginal woman with Wadawurrung Country heritage and Norm Stanley, a proud Aboriginal man with heritage connected to the Kurnai and Wotjabaluk people of Victoria, conducted the ceremony. It was the first Welcome to Country Norm had performed in person for a group of people in almost two years because of COVID – it was truly powerful and full of emotion.

Norm not only shared with us this beautiful ceremony, but explained what he was doing and why. Norm also invited our community to participate in this ancient Aboriginal custom, giving us a chance to cleanse and ward off bad spirits and open pathways for a brighter future.

Anglesea resident and mother of three young children, Michelle Roney said: ‘The Welcome to Country in our community was so powerful. I am grateful that my family had this experience with connecting to Country’.

We have also successfully held two amazing Walk on Country sessions starting at Point Roadknight hosted by Corrina Eccles. Corrina is a proud Wadawurrung woman who lives on the Surf Coast and has a lifelong connection to Wadawurrung Country.

At each Walk on Country, Corrina has conducted a smoking ceremony on the beach. She walked and talked to the group about the Wadawurrung history in Anglesea giving us an insight into native plants, food and ochre as well as talking to us about the history of some of the extraordinary midden sites. A Walk on Country with Corrina makes you stop and be present, look around, 14

think and appreciate our country – it certainly connects you to Country.

Michelle Roney said the Walk On Country was so special.

‘I felt honoured to hear a Wadawurrung lady share her knowledge. The stories she shared were enthralling, I just wanted to hear more.’

We will be offering more walks on Country – the first is scheduled for Tuesday 19 April – bookings through the House.

Over the last few months, we finished our final few yarning sessions with a Music and Storytelling Yarning Session facilitated by Norm Stanley at the second last Anglesea Twilight Farmers Market in March. Norm played the didgeridoo and shared insights about Aboriginal artefacts and other special stories with our community.

We also have our Discomforting Truth Yarning Session to be held at the Anglesea Community House in early April.

We aim to bring a group together to participate in a discussion that will be open, honest and possibly confronting, but also something we will all take valuable lessons from. Norm Stanley will join our group. We look forward to continuing our journey to learn more about traditional owners, their history and First Nations cultural perspectives.

Please contact Marcelle at the Anglesea Community House on 5263 2116 if you have any questions or please visit anglesea.org.au for more information on the future yarning sessions and other community activities.

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FEATURE

Let’s fix the river

By Dick O’Hanlon and Keith Shipton

The Wadawurrung name for the Anglesea River is Kuarka Dorla – ‘place to catch mullet’.

Friends of the Anglesea River (FOAR) is a local community action group focused on the river’s current state and its sustainable future.

The Anglesea estuary is in a poor state – permanently very acidic (pH 4–5) since August 2019, with pH 7 considered neutral. The Salt and Marshy creeks that feed the estuary have consistently measured even more strongly acidic since permanent monitoring was installed in 2016.

ground right through until about 12 years ago when sporadic fish kills became more frequent. If the river previously survived extended dry periods, why did it go permanently bad after the relatively smaller millennium drought?

To add to the knowledge we have on fixing the river, data was collected and several theories presented to Professor of Earth Sciences at Melbourne University, Ralf Haese. In his opinion, the acidity problem and reduced flows in the river could not be attributed to changes in rainfall, but ultimately to the huge reduction in local water table levels in the lower swamp areas of Salt and Marshy creeks. This is known as the ‘Cone of Depression’.

This acidity together with the associated high metals concentration means the estuary is effectively devoid of fish life and has safe exposure time limits for human swimmers.

Other consequences of acidity are increased mosquitoes because fish aren’t around to eat the larvae, and disturbed caroling patterns and habitats for frogs around the estuary.

The large and persistent algal blooms of late last year remain unexplained.

Whose responsibility?

‘Goopburger’ – algal blooms are another indication of the poor health of the Anglesea River.

A few governmental bodies share responsibility for the Anglesea River: ▪ Surf Coast Shire Council ▪ Corangamite Catchment Management Authority ▪ Southern Rural Water ▪ Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning ▪ Environment Protection Authority Victoria ▪ Barwon Water.

These government bodies routinely meet with other interested users of the river in the Anglesea River Working Group chaired by the Surf Coast Shire Council. This structure has resulted in some positive things for the river: for example, the installation of measuring equipment and data collection; the use of an old ALCOA pond for water storage; and a myriad of studies and reports.

FOAR believes this arrangement doesn’t address the ongoing degradation of the river and its creeping acidification.

An examination of rainfall data for this catchment from the Wensleydale weather station indicates that there were

To promote this new viewpoint, FOAR was formed after a public meeting in December last year and has since attracted more than 300 members.

FOAR has contacted Southern Rural Water (SWA), which is charged with approving licences for extraction of water. SWA is assembling a committee of experts to examine the evidence and review the single computer hydrogeological model of the affected area.

ALCOA and Barwon Water have separately contracted experts to develop a single computer model, which will be used to examine effects on the environment.

Long-term damage FOAR and Professor Haese have been invited to submit a detailed technical document outlining the theory of longterm damage to the catchment caused by extraction of groundwater. The review of water extraction licences from Upper and Lower Eastern View Aquifers will now directly consider the effect on the Anglesea River Catchment. This will affect Barwon Water, which is extracting water from the Lower Eastern View (LEV) Aquifer as part of a drinking water security plan, and ALCOA, which may continue to extract water from the Upper Eastern View (UEV) Aquifer to help fill the mine pit. continued on page 24

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LOCAL PROFILE

Andrew Jones

By Liz Clark

Andrew Jones is one of those fortunate people who has made a permanent move to Anglesea because he has such fond memories of the idyllic life he spent here as a child. He is one of our local passionate, hard-working volunteers.

Andrew’s early memories of Anglesea centre around his father’s purchase of land in Parker Street in 1954, when a colleague, Dr Kent Hughes decided he had too much land and offered a block for sale to the Jones family. The family’s first holiday there was spent in a van and a tent, with a two-bedroom shack being erected in 1956.

On Boxing Day each year, the family of five children (which later grew to seven) were packed into their old Citroen – three rows of seats, no seatbelts, Mum and Dad and one child in the front, children in the second row, animals and luggage in the third row. From the moment they arrived till the last hour before they left, the children were at the beach or the river, surfing on blow-up surfboards, fishing off the rocks and the beach, making their own rods with bamboo sticks

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and twine, working out ways to attach their Christmas present reels to their new rods. They learned how to read the waves and keep safe, with Mum sitting on the beach keeping track of the children by counting heads.

Although it was no holiday for Andrew’s mother who still had to cook and wash and clean with minimal facilities, it was his father’s release from a very busy life as a doctor. However not completely – there were four doctors in surrounding houses in Parker Street, and each was available for medical needs as required during the holidays as there were no doctors in Anglesea.

When it was their dad’s turn ‘on duty’, he used the loungeroom for any consultations.

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Andrew and his wife Rosemarie and their family holidayed in the house for many years with other family members. Eventually he arranged to buy the property from his mother. On weekends they began to find themselves leaving Anglesea later and later on a Sunday night to return to work in Melbourne. They eventually decided to pull the old house down in 2006 and build a more modern house, using it as their home and office.

Work life Andrew studied science at university, specialising in industrial research. He moved to Sydney, met and married Rosemarie and moved into a sales and marketing role selling printing inks. For his postgraduate degree he studied polymer technology and he was sent overseas for a two-year assignment in Singapore.

On his return to Australia he was Andrew believes employed by ACI and worked as assistant luck, a good work ethic, doing the right product manager. His work covered thing, and giving fibreglass everyone respect are manufacturing, the key ingredients reinforced fibres, and other aspects of the to his success. composite industry.

He became general manager seven years later. His next role was with the Smorgon family as general manager of steel distribution.

Andrew believes luck, a good work ethic, doing the right thing, and giving everyone respect are the key ingredients to his success. But in time, Andrew realised he’d had enough of corporate life, politics and travel and decided to open a business consultancy with two others. His work is mainly in Geelong, Ballarat and Melbourne developing strategies for future business. A large amount of his consultancy is via video conferencing.

Passion for volunteering In addition to his business life, Andrew has a passion for volunteering. In 2001, he began an involvement with the

Rotary Club of Southbank, facilitating tutoring courses about business in local schools.

In 2009 he joined Rotary Club of Belmont, becoming President and driving their social inclusion program (through Headspace Geelong). He is heavily involved in fundraising for this program – to date, $560,000 has been raised through business lunches, involvement with Geelong Football Club, support from Bendigo Bank and local businesses.

In 2009 he also joined the Board of the Barwon Health Foundation. This Foundation’s task is to raise money that is used to support Geelong Hospital and the McKellar Centre, and the Andrew Love Cancer Ward upgrade.

Currently, the focus is on the Kids’ Rehabilitation Centre at McKellar, which is due for completion very soon.

Andrew was invited to become a director of Corangamite Financial Services Ltd, which besides operating Anglesea and District Community Bank has a strong focus on investing in the needs of local community groups, sharing with them up to 50% of profits after tax. He sees the recent purchase of the new bank offices in Anglesea as a statement of support for this community. More recently, as director of the Community Investment Committee, he has been proud to be involved in its support of the One Act Play Festival and upgrades to Anglesea Memorial Hall.

If that was not enough to fill his days, Andrew also is a Board member of the APCO Foundation, which is an offshoot of the APCO fuel chain. It donates money to enable changes in the community in the areas of health, poverty, education and disaster relief. Money is raised through the Geelong Heritage Wine Walk, a race day at Geelong Racing Club and by sale of branded products in their service centres. The Foundation supports Cottage by the Sea, Cops N Kids, Wombat’s Wish as well as various individuals in need.

It seems that Andrew won’t have time to retire in the near future. Let’s hope he finds time to swim and fish and walk in what is indeed a very busy but fulfilling life.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Forty years of dedicated service

By Liz Clark Peter and Janice Calvert and their family celebrated a ruby anniversary in March – not 40 years of marriage, but 40 years of ownership of the Anglesea supermarket and 40 years of hard work and dedicated service to our community.

Along with their children Stuart, Ryan and David they have watched with pride, sometimes with anxiety, how their business has grown – from a tiny shop with a bottle department tucked into one corner and a deli, fruit and vegetable section tucked into another – to a modern, well-planned supermarket offering an enormous range of products to meet the needs of locals and visitors.

In the early days, trading was 9–5 Monday to Friday, 9–12 noon Saturday with no Sunday trading. How things change! There are definitely no Sundays off for the family anymore. Hours are extended as soon as summer arrives, then cut back into the winter months as required.

The Calvert name is synonymous with Anglesea, from employing locals, stocking local lines, to volunteering and sponsorship.

Since 1982 the shop has grown and expanded with two extra shops being added to the original premises. In 1996 a new shopping centre was built in the centre of town and the supermarket moved into much larger premises.

Increasing growth in population numbers and tourism meant the shop was still not adequate to meet demand, so in 1997 a smaller adjoining shop became the bottle shop and in 2000 another adjoining shop was used to enlarge the supermarket space.

In 2005 more renovations were completed and 2010 major renovations and extensions were undertaken to provide a very large storage area as well. This is the shop you see today.

The Calvert boys began helping out in the store as soon as they were old enough, helping to weigh fruit and vegetables, assisting customers, and doing other odd jobs. They continued to do part-time work there for many years until starting their own professions, and still are on call if required.

Ryan was the first son to come back into the business permanently in 2004, with David following in 2007. Today father Peter and son Ryan oversee all business activities, together with the backup of David who works in all departments.

Grandson Theodore now also works part time in the supermarket.

Young people in the town (and children/grandchildren of locals) owe much to Peter’s willingness to give them a go when they were old enough to work in the store. Peter is willing to believe in the best in people, and likes to see youngsters taking their first steps on the employment ladder. In addition, he has been extremely generous and thoughtful in offering work to people in town who have been unable to find employment nearby. There are always a few spare hours for those who are willing to work well and hard.

The Calverts are well known for an amazing generosity of spirit which has them deeply involved in sporting activities in the area, supporting all the local clubs – practically, financially and as members, committee members and/or spectators. They are always willing to make contributions to community groups in need, showing an amazing willingness to offer sponsorships and donations when called on, all in addition to the Community Chest program run by IGA and community benefit programs that also run through the store.

Long-time employees at IGA Neville Hotchin and Kim Taylor with Peter Calvert.

Photo: Deb Elliot 18

The Calvert name is synonymous with Anglesea, from employing locals, stocking local lines, to volunteering and

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sponsorship. In the eyes of the Anglesea and district community, Peter is a local hero with a family of champions.

The last couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everyone. Our community would like to acknowledge the ongoing hard work of the Calvert family in making sure we had the things we needed despite the many difficulties involved in supply, management, personnel issues, new rules and regulations.

This community owes a huge vote of thanks to the Calvert family for keeping us going when times have been tough, for supporting young people and many others who have been struggling to find employment. Their contribution to sporting clubs and community groups both in money and dedicated service is amazing. The provision of a state-ofthe-art supermarket that provides the best of produce and a reliable service is so greatly appreciated.

From humble beginnings has grown a business that serves its community so well.

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In the house

by Marcelle Renkin

ACH Twilight Farmers Markets 2021–22 Our last Twilight Farmers Market for the season was held in mid-March. Thanks to all those who have come out to support this event over the season since November last year. A special thank you to market manager Mic Stapleton who has worked very hard over the last six months to ensure that we are able to bring you a successful community market.

We look forward to continuing to bring you the opportunity to shop, grab dinner, catch up with friends new and old, enjoy the tunes from some great local musicians and participate in activities in a family friendly environment when we launch season three in late 2022.

Calling all young people! Become a NewsAngle reporter!

We are looking for some young roving reporters to write an article for our next upcoming issue of NewsAngle. We are celebrating our 150th edition and we would love you to write about what you love about Anglesea or Aireys, your favourite place to visit, the most exciting thing to do in your town, someone interesting you might like to interview or whatever else you think would be a great way to showcase or celebrate your home town.

You can find more information on our website about how you can submit an article in our Young Writers Competition or get in touch via email: marcelle@anglesea.org.au.

Reconciliation journey As part of ACH’s commitment to Reconciliation we are offering the chance to explore First Nations perspectives through our Yarning Sessions Program. In April you can participate in our Discomforting Truths or Walk on Country Sessions to learn more from Traditional Owners about the world’s oldest continuous culture.

Yarning Session

on Wadawurrung Country

Walk on Country with Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles

Photos by Ferne Millen

Tuesday 19 April 2022

Upcoming events and activities We have some great activities that you can get involved in coming up at the Community House. Our Sewing with a Purpose Group has been a great success and will continue to meet once a month, all welcome to join. We have some great creative and mindful craft workshops with kids and a new course in term two for primary school aged children called Creative Kids.

Check out the programs/activities guide to find out more about regular meet-up groups and how you can get involved.

If there is something you would like to see happening in our local communities get in touch for a chat and a cuppa.

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Walk time: Start 12noon till 2pm Meeting place: Point Roadknight Beach (near Boat Ramp - on the sand) Booking is essental - spaces are limited

Booking online at www.anglesea.org.au Call Marcelle at ACH on 5263 2116 Or simply scan the bar code Brought to you by:

In partnership with:

Wurri-Ki Culture

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The Check Up

by Dr Skye Hueneke, Anglesea Medical

Preconception health is so important for every couple trying to make a baby. A check-up with your GP beforehand is a great idea.

Having a baby is not for everyone, but most Australians want to have at least one baby at some stage. Families these days are varied and colourful, but for each baby that is born an egg and a sperm has to get together and develop in a womb. Let’s look at ways to make your sperm and egg the healthiest possible and give them the best chance of getting together to make a baby.

For both men and women, it’s important to have a healthy diet low in processed foods and high in colourful vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Together with regular exercise such as brisk walking for 30 minutes every day you can help maintain a healthy body weight, which can increase your chance of a pregnancy and healthy baby.

Healthy lifestyle changes

Making a baby by having sex is all about timing! A woman has one chance a month of getting pregnant – this time in the menstrual cycle is called the ‘fertile window’. The ‘fertile window’ is when the egg is released from the ovary and the five days beforehand. Having sex in the three days leading up to and including ovulation gives you the best chance of getting pregnant. Knowing when you ovulate is key and it depends on the length of your menstrual cycle.

Making healthy lifestyle changes can increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby. It is recommended that when you are trying to conceive, both men and women should stop smoking, reduce caffeine, drink minimal alcohol, reduce your exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and not use recreational drugs. For women, taking folic acid (400mcg) and iodine (150mcg) reduces the risk of certain birth defects and, for men, there is some evidence that zinc and selenium supplements improve sperm quality.

The ‘fertile window’

Ovulation happens about 14 days before the first day of your period.

Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of your period, so if you have a 28-day cycle then day 14 is your ovulation day.

The best times to have sex to make a baby are days 12, 13 and 14. Luckily there are plenty of ovulation tracker apps out there now to help work out your ‘fertile window’ depending on the average length of your cycle.

Planning for baby making Unfortunately age is a big factor in egg and sperm health. If possible, plan to have kids before your late 30s.

Of course this is not always the way life turns out, so it is a good idea to talk to your GP about your options earlier rather than later if you are over 35 years old. On average, one in six couples will experience fertility problems. For women under 35 years, you should talk to your doctor if you have been trying without success for a year. For women over 35 years old, we recommend trying for six months before seeking help. But if you are concerned about your general health or have other medical conditions then it is better to talk to you GP before trying for a baby. For more great information and resources, check out yourfertility.org.au.

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Banking on our community

By Rob Cameron Bendigo Community Bank®

Actively supporting locals The Anglesea and District Community Bank has been active again supporting local groups with funding needs.

The 2021 Roo Run was held on the 27 December after a break of nearly two years and was lucky to get off the ground due to uncertainty about public events.

‘Thankfully a team from the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club led by new event director Deb Elliott and with the backing of the Anglesea Community Bank and other community partners made the event a reality,’ club member Mick Collins said.

‘The Roo Run has become one of the “not to be missed” events of the summer and the opportunity to get it back up and running was achieved with a great deal of community support. Given the current climate of uncertainty, the logistics, compliance and insurance costs of such an event have grown exponentially. Without the assistance of partners like the Anglesea Community Bank the event would have had to be cancelled.’

The event benefits not only the yacht club, but also partners with the Anglesea Primary School, Anglesea Lions Club, Anglesea Men’s Shed and Surf Coast Trail Runners who all share in the proceeds. As such, it is truly an all encompassing community event that brings an incredible energy and spirit to the coast for locals and visitors to enjoy together. It is hoped that it will continue to go from strength to strength in the coming years.

The Rubbish Rangers have been tidying the coastline for many years, as their band of volunteers collect roadside rubbish on Saturday mornings with a coffee reward at the end. The band of hard working local folk are committed to keeping our pretty seaside locations looking pristine and the Anglesea and District Community Bank was able to provide some funding for new hi-vis tops and pick-up sticks to ensure their work can continue safely.

The recent opening of the Anglesea RSL War Memorial in Cameron Park was also a major focus of the Community Bank with $10,000 put toward the project. It was a highly successful day, with the site now an important part of the town’s history and another reason for visitors to stop and take in the surrounds.

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Great Reads Brought to you by Nicole and the team @ Great Escape Books

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult I’ve read almost all of her books and learned from every one. This book stands elevated above the rest for its relevance today and for the unique, hard-hitting reality of the global pandemic that is changing the world forever. Picoult’s meticulous research into real people and the medical frontline workers outlines the heartbreak and horror that is COVID, often lost to the political white noise surrounding it.

The story is told through the eyes of Finn, a surgeon thrown into frontline triage and Diana, an art specialist, now unemployed and forced to take her Galapagos Island holiday alone, or is she? There’s a fabulous twist mid-story that will leave you speechless. Everyone should read this – COVID is real and any doubts will evaporate. A riveting story of how everyone is affected personally.

Review by Sue@Great Escape Books

Wandi by Favel Parrett Wandi is the luminously captivating true story of Wandi, a lost and injured alpine dingo pup. Wandi was just five weeks old when he made international headlines after being snatched by an enormous eagle and dropped into a backyard in Victoria’s High Country.

Author Favel Parrett perfectly captures the voice of young Wandi as he moves through confusion and fear at losing his family and right through his incredible adventure to love and safety.

Wandi is an uplifting and inspiring story for any age, but perfect for readers 8–12 years.

(Favel Parrett works as a volunteer at the Dingo Discovery Centre.)

Review by Nicole@Great Escape Books

Love Stories by Trent Dalton Trent Dalton is a multi-award winning journalist, author of the splendid Boy Swallows Universe and All the Shimmering Skies and all-round great bloke (yes, I have met him over a wine). He set up his old Olivetti typewriter on a busy Brisbane city street corner and over two months asked complete strangers to tell him a love story.

‘By some miracle, over 100 strangers stopped and told me love stories from the bottom of their pandemic-wearied hearts … You wouldn’t believe the stories people tell you when you take the time to listen,’ he has said.

Love stories is uplifting and heartbreaking, funny and whimsical and, at times, brings a tear. Above all, it’s a very humane account of love in all its forms. It would make a terrific gift for yourself or someone close to your heart, especially if they need a lift in these difficult times.

Review by Nicole@Great Escape Books

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich The novel centres around the story of the rough and tumble Tookie, who has run foul of the law and been sentenced to a prison term of 60 years. Tookie knows she can’t survive this term and so escapes into the world of books reading every book in the prison library ‘with murderous attention’.

This inadvertently earns her an early pardon for good behaviour.

Upon release she is gruff and hard after her time inside, declaring herself an ‘ugly woman’. With few life skills, she applies for a position in a bookshop, finding like-minded souls among the staff and patrons, including a resident ghost. From here, this highly unusual yet totally compelling novel with its wide range of vibrant characters meets head on with the fallout of the George Floyd riots, ‘Our country crept along beneath a pall of sorrow … there was a continual hum of panic’.

Totally compelling, a fabulous read.

Review by Nicole@Great Escape Books

NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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continued from page 15

Let’s fix the river (cont.)

FOAR expects that from this examination and modelling, a credible cause of the increased acidity in the estuary will be identified. This research will be useful for developing a rehabilitation plan for the river and estuary and whether or not further extraction licences are issued.

If Professor Haese’s theory is correct, any continued extraction from existing wells in the UEV Aquifer will retard the recovery of the underground aquifers and prevent the return of fish life to the estuary. If the aquifers recover, the long-term future of the estuary is good.

Unfortunately, we do not know just how long it will take for the system to recover.

There are many interim actions that we believe could help the situation during the long period of natural recovery: ▪ direct treatment of estuary water ▪ limestone neutralisation of Salt and Marshy creeks ▪ partial diversion of water from Salt and/or Marshy creeks ▪ harvesting of high pH seawater during spring tides ▪ dredging of river mouth ▪ removal of rock wall remnants ▪ rehabilitation of damaged tracks in the upper catchment ▪ recovery and use of stormwater currently running directly to the ocean ▪ use of groundwater taken from areas which do not affect the catchment e.g. LEV ▪ use of pumped seawater ▪ use of mine pit water to help aquifer recovery ▪ use of recycled water to support estuary, aquifer or mine pit ▪ appointment of a ‘River keeper’ who initiates actions and investigations as required.

Most of these options have been considered in the past when the problem was only occasional fish kills. The situation is now far worse and immediate action is required.

The Friends of the Anglesea River (FOAR) want a river and estuary rehabilitation plan to reduce the Anglesea River acidity and guarantee safe water for swimming and estuarine life.

An informal get together and information session has been booked for 2–4pm Saturday 30 April at the Anglesea Hotel. All are welcome and email Dick O’Hanlon on mrohanlon@bigpond.com for further information. Guest speaker is Prof.

Ralf Haese, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne.

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Golf Links Rd, Anglesea | 03 5263 1582 | www.angleseagolfclub.com.au

Kangaroo Tours

Mini Golf

Every day of the School Open 7 days a week Holidays from 11.30am-2pm Children $10

Children (under 12) $5 Adults $12.50 Family of 4 $30

Adults $15 Family of 4 $35

19th Hole Bistro Driving Range Open 11am for coffee 40 Ball Bucket $7 Lunch 12pm—3pm 80 Ball Bucket $12 Dinner 5.30pm—Late *Check the What’s On page of our website for weekly meal deals and special dinner events*

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HISTORY SPOT Advertisement

Alcoa Anglesea Update Autumn 2022 We are pleased to provide our regular update about the rehabilitation of the mine and power station site, as we continue to progress key activities to deliver a safe, stable and sustainable landform.

The year has started off positively and productively onsite, with work focusing on the groundwater pumping test and the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the mine’s rehabilitation.

Alcoa groundwater pumping test As regular readers of our updates will know, an approved long-term strategy to fill the mine void with water remains a key enabler for both the Anglesea Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Plan and the Eden Project Anglesea concept.

In May 2021 we commenced a groundwater pumping test to further investigate the use of groundwater to support the mine void water filling strategy.

The test outcomes will determine if a sustainable extraction rate can be established and inform decisions about the potential use of groundwater in the longer term.

The test is being undertaken by expert hydrogeologists, with oversight by a coregulator technical working group comprising representatives from Southern Rural Water, Department of Land Water and Planning, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, EPA Victoria, Earth Resources Regulation; and Barwon Water.

Test results will be independently peerreviewed.

The test is being undertaken in two sixmonth stages. Stage one was successfully completed on 8 December 2021.

The test has run in accordance with the licence, and we are pleased with the progress to date.

The pumping is currently paused as specialist consultants collate, analyse and validate the data collected during stage one to determine if there is a sustainable pumping rate.

Analysis of the data so far has not identified any adverse impact on groundwater dependent ecosystems including the Anglesea River.

Stage two will commence when the required analysis and regulatory assessments have been completed.

Importantly, the aquifers and bores continue to be closely monitored and information shared with community and regulators via regular updates emailed to our community database and published on our website: www.alcoa.com.au/anglesea.

Mine rehabilitation monitoring and maintenance The monitoring and maintenance program in the mine continues for the earthworks and revegetation areas including stability monitoring, erosion repairs and extensive weed management.

The heavy rainfall in late January impacted the mine site with some minor erosion damage to surface water drains and the lower slopes. Repairs are underway.

Woody weed removal activities continue in and around the mine site with treatment of a significant area of Sallow Wattle and Boneseed recently completed between the west wall and Bald Hills Roads.

Eden Project Anglesea The next critical step for the progression of the Eden Project Anglesea concept is resolution of the long term mine water filling strategy.

Once resolved, the Eden Project team can proceed with next steps including more detailed design work and traffic and infrastructure planning, together with further community engagement.

From David Harland, CEO Eden Project International: Many of us have been eagerly waiting for the results of the pump test in the former mine at Anglesea… none more so than the team at Eden. While we await the final results, the early signs are looking positive. In the meantime, we value our continued engagement with the local community, Alcoa and Invest Victoria to assist in progressing the Eden Project in Anglesea during 2022.

Stay informed, ask questions We are committed to sharing updates about our activities and engaging with the community to understand your interest areas, feedback, questions or concerns.

While our hopes for a February Community Consultation Network (CCN) meeting were dashed with the reality of the ongoing pandemic, we still hold some hope that we will re-connect in a face to face capacity this year.

As always, we welcome your contact about our activities. To contact the Anglesea team or sign up to our regular Community Updates, please email angleseaps@alcoa.com.au or visit www.alcoa.com.au/anglesea for further information.

Best wishes, Warren Sharp Site Asset Manager, Alcoa Anglesea

Alcoa Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands where we operate, the Wadawurrung People, and pay respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

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HISTORY SPOT

Aireys Inlet bark hut

By Jan Morris, Anglesea and District Historical Society It was 1851 and one of the most terrible fires Victoria has ever known.

A quarter of Victoria, including Aireys Inlet was burned. Thomas Carter was devastated. He had recently finished building himself a wooden house, sheds and post and rail fences on the property known as Anglohawk, which later became known as Angahook. Carter had bought the squatting rights in 1846 from Lieutenant James Moore Cole Eyrie, the original 1842 selector. This squatting run was 7,000 acres and had a 10-mile sea frontage. Thomas Carter had taken great pride in making essential improvements to the property, but the 1851 Black Thursday fires had destroyed everything, including his vision for himself as a landholder. He put the property up for sale at a ‘fire sale price’.

Thomas Pearse was a butcher in Moorabool Street, Geelong. He had been looking for somewhere to graze cattle and breed horses. There was money in breeding horses for the government. Taking his young apprentice Robert McConachy as his partner, Thomas was able to finance the purchase. The apprentice partner was financed by his father Thomas McConachy.

Pearse had a wife and five young children. He couldn’t just move to Angahook where there was no house, no neighbours and no roads. Robert McConachy was single though and he could go to Angahook and build himself a hut from local materials, thus fulfilling the conditions of the squatting lease that someone must live on the property.

Using local iron bark poles, the two bark huts he built were clad with sheets of local stringy bark.

The hut he lived in was used as a family home for many years. The original bark chimney was replaced by a brick chimney as the open fireplace was used for cooking. The family left Aireys Inlet in 1872 but continued to come and stay in the bark hut for summer holidays for many years.

The hut stood for 131 years until destroyed by the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires.

The bark hut was designated No. 269 in the Register of Historic Buildings under the Historic Buildings Act 1974.

The National Trust and the Barrabool Shire Council restored the hut in 1979 by renewing many of the timber supports and placing new bark cladding over the remaining original bark. The area around the hut was fenced and the hut furnished with items appropriate to the era. The hut was regularly opened for inspection and became a tourist attraction until it was destroyed in the fires of February 1983.

Some McConachy and Pearse descendants decided to rebuild the hut. Using local materials and old-fashioned tools they meticulously followed the plans held by the National Trust and reconstructed the hut. The Shire paid expenses from insurance money and the descendants used their local knowledge and skills to rebuild the hut that had once been home to their grandparents. Both Pearse and McConachy families were represented, as in 1861 Robert McConachy had married Sarah Pearse, daughter of Thomas Pearse. Robert and Sarah had 15 children – the first three were born while they were still living in the bark hut.

The rebuilt bark hut stands today at 10 Inlet Court, Aireys Inlet and is surrounded by grass and picnic tables and a children’s playground. Inside the hut there is a lot of information about Angahook and the surrounding area – it is certainly worth a visit.

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Twitchers’ Corner Written and illustrated by Kaye Traynor

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Other names: Coot, Australian Coot Wing 174–190mm Bill 27–30mm Wt 480–650gms The Eurasian Coot is a widespread and common waterbird found in aquatic habitats – usually freshwater and brackish lakes, swamps, temporary inland waters and sometimes sheltered coastal inlets. Coots feed both in the water and on land, gathering and pecking at various kinds of vegetation, leaves, shoots and stems of plants – mainly vegetable matter, but occasionally insects and water snails. In the water they peck at plants or dive and bring up weeds, which they sort before eating. They can dive to depths of up to seven metres and remain underwater for up to 13 seconds.

They can often be found in the company of swamp hens, moorhens, ducks etc. and are easily identified by their blueblack plumage and white forehead, shield and bill. Legs are blue-grey; toes have flattened lobes, which assist with swimming and diving; eyes are red.

Mating displays on open water involve pursuit and calling, striking the water with their wings, mutual feather-nibbling and greeting postures, which may strengthen the pair bond.

During this time they can be aggressive to other species and sometime kill ducklings and young grebes.

Breeding can occur at any time of the year when conditions are suitable – most commonly August to February. A nest is constructed from swamp vegetation, sticks, grass and lignum on the bottom in shallow water or on a low island, stump or log. Six to 15 eggs are laid. Eggs are sandy-grey to bright clay-coloured, thickly and uniformly covered with grey-violet speckles and spots; oval with pronounced blunt and pointed ends, 52 x 35mm. The downy chicks have an orange-red head and black-flecked down on the rest of the body.

Coots are capable of sustained flight, rising slowly from the water pattering their feet along the surface before taking to the air, flying with neck and legs outstretched. They will often fly at night, presumably to avoid falcons and other birds of prey.

References: Menkhorst P, Rogers D, Clarke R, Davies J, Marsack P, Franklin K 2019 The Australian Bird Guide, CSIRO Publishing.

Morcombe M, 1986 The Great Australian Birdfinder, AbeBooks.com.

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MATT PENNELL | Clinical Psychologist www.flumepsychology.com.au 87-89 Great Ocean Road Anglesea

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Surf Coast Shire Council

By Mike Bodsworth, Anglesea Ward When people ask me, ‘how are you finding it on Council?’, I always mention the variety.

Variety brings a lovely spiciness to life as a councillor.

that unique destinations need to be looked after, and that we need to look at both the cost and benefit sides of tourism development and activity.

I’m excited to be learning more about these concepts and to help Council and local communities collaborate on

Circular Economy initiatives, building on great work done by previous councillors.

If you’d like to contact me, you can email me at mbodsworth@surfcoast.vic.gov.au or phone 0427 337 558.

I feel privileged to be involved in such a wide range of issues and grateful for the varied capabilities brought by fellow councillors. One opportunity I’ve been excited to take up is a Circular Economy course, run by the United Nations.

Circular Economy (CE) is a bit hard to define … it’s the opposite of the linear economy of ‘take, use, throw away’. CE recognises that resources are limited and we need to get maximum value out of the things we use and make, that waste must be used productively and products must be designed and built for longevity and ease of repair, repurposing or recycling.

There are heaps of local examples.

Anglesea’s ‘tip shop’ diverts items from landfill, provides bargains for thrifty shoppers and supports local community groups. Repair Cafe Surf Coast gives items a longer life, reduces consumption and waste and saves owners money. Plus op shops, sale and swap sites, community gardens, street libraries, toy libraries – and of course our Council was an early adopter of kerbside Food Organics / Garden Organics (FOGO) collection.

The Repair Cafe team has proposed a Library of Things, so we can borrow items we might otherwise buy and hardly use (the average cordless drill gets 13 minutes of use in its lifetime!)

There’s also Barwon Water’s Regional Organics Network (RON) proposal: recycling water, reducing carbon emissions and converting organic waste to energy and highvalue agricultural products. Find out more on the Barwon Water website.

CE is relevant to our visitor economy too. The ‘circular’ view recognises NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Community Corner News and updates from your corner of the world

Bargain hunters’ alert

Home library service

By Jules Rolfe, Aireys Inlet Rural Australians for Refugees (AIRAR)

The Geelong Regional Libraries’ Home Library Service provides members of the community who are unable to access the library due to ill health or mobility challenges with free library materials delivered monthly by volunteers.

Do you love going to garage sales, op shops, sales?

Here’s your chance to find that hidden treasure at the AIRAR car boot sale on Sunday 24 April, from 9.30 to 1pm at the Aireys Inlet community hall carpark.

‘AIRAR’s car boot sale is a way of involving all the local community, by either helping them declutter, or by offering something they’ve always wanted as a real bargain,’ says Megan Stoyles, who is helping to organise the event.

‘My own boot stash will have LP records and cassettes, clothes, bedding, crockery, cutlery and other kitchenware, paintings and lots more – that’s if I can fit it all in!’

‘But it’s not just my household paraphernalia: my son, who’s a well-known skateboarder, is giving me skateboards, helmets and kneepads to sell as well.’

Community members who may be eligible to receive this service and people who may be interested in becoming a Home Library Service Volunteer are asked to please visit www.grlc.vic.gov.au, or contact the Community Outreach Coordinator hls@grlc.vic.gov.au or speak to the staff at any of our libraries.

Volunteers receive training and support to select library materials from any of the libraries, including the mobile library, which stops at Anglesea, Aireys Inlet and Lorne and other locations.

For avid book readers, there will also be a book stall organised by AIRAR – including fiction, nonfiction, romance, thrillers, history, children’s books and many other categories, all sorted and priced to sell.

Profits from selling the car spaces and the book stall will go towards supporting refugee causes including a scholarship program for refugee students in Geelong, English language classes in North Geelong and the provision of emergency relief.

I N T E G R I T Y C L I M AT E E Q U I T Y

Megan Stoyles get ready for the car boot sale.

Authorised by A. Dyson, 102 Lava Street, Warrnambool

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Community Corner

Have you considered becoming an Anglesea operational CFA volunteer?

From Tony Revell, Community Engagement The Anglesea Fire Brigade is currently seeking new members who are interested in a challenge, with the reward of helping the community. A volunteer organisation, it relies on Anglesea people who want to create a safer community, protect people, property and our environment.

Without volunteers, the brigade wouldn’t exist.

be beneficial in both personal and employment environments.

Interested in finding out more? An information session will be held at the Anglesea Fire Station on Thursday

5 May at 7pm. You will have the opportunity to meet other volunteers, ask questions and tour the station.

Volunteering information is also available at www.cfa.vic.gov.au.

Members are a diverse group of men and women of all ages with varied backgrounds, interests and skills. The common thread throughout is that all seek to make a difference and contribute to the Anglesea community.

Volunteers may become involved in a variety of activities. Operationally the Anglesea Fire Brigade responded to around 100 incidents within the region last year, including fires, motor vehicle accidents and support to other emergency services. The Brigade also contributed significantly to the firefighting efforts in other parts of Victoria and interstate. In addition to the operational responses, the brigade is also active in fire prevention, community education, brigade administration and fundraising.

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Anglesea

LEBRATI

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It is not necessary to have experience to join the brigade. CFA volunteers receive nationally recognised and accredited training courses that can

40 Years Est 1982

+Liquor

SUPERMARKET PRODUCE MEAT Local CFA volunteer Sarah Butler participating in training exercises.

DELICATESSEN LIQUOR HOME DELIVERY

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Community Corner

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Gilbert invites any Wannon resident to contact him on: 0432 594 975 gilbert.wilson@vic.alp.org.au WannonLaborParty wilsonforwannon.com.au

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Community Corner

Enhancing health and wellbeing Lesley Sinfield moved to Torquay in November 2021 but had been visiting the coast for increasing periods of time since her parents retired there 55 years ago. Her mother did tai chi with the Senior Citizens Club and that sparked Lesley’s interest. For the last 10 years she has been learning tai chi and leading classes in Qigong at U3A Nunawading, often with over 100 students spread over three classes.

Lesley says that her students’ feedback supported the view that Qigong helps physical and mental health, increasing strength, flexibility and mobility.

‘For seniors, Qigong has the added benefit of being adaptable for differing levels of fitness and doesn’t involve learning an ordered sequence of movements as tai chi does.

Therefore, it can easily be practised at home, which is particularly important these days when group gatherings are sometimes restricted,’ says Lesley.

‘In these challenging times who would want to pass up the

opportunity for the integration of gentle physical movement, mental concentration and regulated breathing to help build and direct the flow of Qi (life form) around the body to enhance health and wellbeing?’ she added.

Lesley’s new class in Qigong is one of 36 classes or activities offered by U3A Surf Coast when classes got underway in February. Some favourite classes have continued, but there are also new classes in Italian, food, First Nations and two occasional lectures, as well as the very popular organ recital with Tom Healey.

Despite two very challenging years, U3A has been able to continue many courses on Zoom, and hopes that 2022 will offer more varieties and choices for retired or semi-retired people.

Enquiries: info@u3asurfcoast.org.au or 0435 374 139 or go to www.u3asurfcoast.org.au.

Benefits of Qigong are improved breathing and blood flow to organs and a decrease in stress levels.

International Women’s Day A Paralympian, pro fighter, apprentice electrician and a pair of environmental pioneers spread the message on International Women’s Day (IWD) on how the Surf Coast community can help #BreakTheBias – the theme for this year’s IWD. Surf Coast Shire Council has created a short film highlighting the journey of five local women – a Paralympic swimmer and intuitive healer Elle Steele, Muay Thai coach and pro fighter Lani Williams,

apprentice electrician Nelia Niveen, long-time Anglesea Community Garden convenor Winsome Coutts, and fellow environmental activist, Surf Coast Youth 4 Climate member Harper Bolton.

The short film is available on Council’s website surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IWD and social media channels.

‘By sharing their stories, these five women are supporting the goal of a gender equal world,’ Surf Coast Shire Mayor Libby Stapleton said.

‘This year’s theme #BreakTheBias asks us to call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping whenever we see it. The theme aligns with one of our Council health and wellbeing goals – to promote gender equity. We hope this video is going to spark important conversations and create change.’

The Mayor said she was honoured to lead a Council that includes five women, complemented by the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Robyn Seymour.

Community Garden convenor Winsome Coutts

‘It’s important that females in leadership roles are visible to young girls and women. We know we’ve come a long way when it comes to gender parity, but at the same time, there’s still a lot of work to be done to remove some of the hurdles females face on the path to become a leader.’

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Community Corner

Trail running finale in Anglesea The Series Finale of the 2021 Trail Running Series was delivered in magnificent style in early February, with blue summer skies, magical trails and cheerful celebrations in Anglesea.

After a six-month delay due to COVID related challenges, 1,000 competitors immersed themselves in the bush and beach trails of Anglesea over the 22km, 15km, 8km and 4km courses on offer.

Torquay event management company Rapid Ascent were thrilled with the Anglesea race.

‘To see the size of the competitors smiles as they crossed the finish line throughout the series cements why we do

The challenge began on Anglesea main beach.

what we do,’ said Sam Maffett, General Manager of Rapid Ascent.

Starting on Anglesea main beach, each course explored the extensive network of hinterland trails that shadow the coastline to provide varied and incredibly scenic trail running for all.

The addition of the friendly 4km provided a new challenge with 70 junior runners involved.

The Anglesea Race makes up one of five races in the Series. Each race featured a short course race that varied in length between 5km and 7km, a medium course between 10km and 15km, and a long course between 15km and 22km at its longest in Anglesea.

Matt Horner was one of the many who completed the course.

Angair plant sales return Angair’s popular indigenous plant sales will return to the Anglesea Riverbank Market on Easter Sunday 17 April from 9am to 4pm.

After two years on ‘COVID leave’, the Angair propagators are eager to introduce visitors to a big variety of indigenous native plants – from several eucalypt species, to shrubby correa and velvet daisy bushes, to grasses and smaller species such as the charming everlasting daisies and blue pincushions.

The propagators can also give advice on where to plant certain species, how they will look when full grown and how to care for them.

You can find the Angair tables beside the road about halfway along the riverbank.

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Angair members Debra White and John Houlihan Photo: Sally White

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Community Corner

Lionettes – notes for February 2022 The Lionettes are very happy to have been involved in the Lions Club of Anglesea activities during the past three months. Camp Quality in December is always an amazing group to be involved with.

January saw the Riverside Market being held again where a BBQ stall sold sausages, onions, egg and bacon rolls and fruit sticks, all of which were very popular.

Australia Day was a wonderful community occasion and we are so proud of our Life Member Betty Butterworth. Betty was recognised for her community work over so many years for so many local organisations by being awarded the Order of Australia.

Congratulations Betty.

Our catering skills were on show in February with the Lions Charity Bowls Day, Ron Leeman Trophy afternoon tea of sandwiches and Esties sponges followed by the Anglesea War Memorial Wall Official Opening afternoon tea held at the Bowling Club. We are very pleased to be involved in these important community events.

An application has been put in to the Surf Coast Shire for us to hold a Car Boot Sale on Easter Saturday, 16 April on the Village Green, next to the Bowling Club. Information will be available at a later date.

The Lionettes welcome any enquiries about their group and activities on email anglesealionessclub@gmail.com or contact the Secretary on 0412 769 144.

Adam Saw (M Sports Physio) Mazz Cole (M Manips Physio)

Lions Club of Anglesea Despite COVID, Anglesea Lions can report a successful few months of activity after a rather quiet year/s.

In its ninth year, Camp Quality occurred in the first weekend in December last year. This is a camp for families who have children with cancer and is a much anticipated opportunity for some respite for parents and children. The Lions Club provided logistic support and food and thank community members and businesses that donated funds and goods.

The annual Christmas raffle raised sufficient funds for six bursaries to support students from Aireys Inlet and Anglesea primary schools. These bursaries support selected students as they transition into secondary school and were presented at the end-of-year school assemblies.

Lions cakes were distributed to about 70 residents just in time for Christmas. In early January the Riverbank Market returned. On 26 January, an Australia Day breakfast with an Indigenous speaker, Australia Day Ambassador and a bush band were successful and well attended.

After a long pause, the Friday night pub raffle recommenced last December and funds raised have been donated to the Anglesea Toy Library, for maintenance of a number of defibrillators in Anglesea, to the Lions Australia Eye Health, Anglesea Historical Society and Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club. These funds were addressing specific requests from these organisations. In early March, Lions assisted residents of Sirovilla Retirement Village in Highton with a hard rubbish collection – the first for some years.

Elise Saw (B Physio) David Rundle (B Physio)

5263 1211

angleseaphysiotherapy.com.au 3 Diggers Parade, Anglesea 3230 NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

While many from outside the Anglesea community support these activities, the Lions Club of Anglesea acknowledges the support and contributions from local residents and businesses.

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Community ARTS SCENE Corner

Outdoor learning in the community Outdoor learning is a focus at Anglesea Primary School with the school setting a target of at least 20 per cent of all lessons to be held outside. Teachers and students have been making use of the school grounds, such as the imaginative play space and the vegetable garden to provide outdoor learning opportunities which the children are enjoying.

Twilight Farmers Market The Anglesea Community House has organised another very successful season of the Twilight Farmers Market.

Outdoor learning in the community occurs via the Outdoor Adventure Program for students in Grade 3, 4, 5 and 6 held on Fridays in Term 1 for six weeks.

The Grade 3 program ‘Explore and Discover Anglesea’, involves the children collaborating with staff from the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee to learn about native flora and fauna at school, at Coogoorah Park and at Point Roadknight.

The Grade 4 program ‘Bike Education’ is initially held on the school grounds, then on the last day the children participate in the Tour de Anglesea (a bike ride about the town to learn about road safety) with helpers from Camp Wilkin. The Grade 5 program ‘Teamwork/Initiative Skills’ is held at the Anglesea YMCA Camp, with the children completing a range of challenges such as giant swing, canoeing, radio rogaine, vertical challenge and crate climb. The Grade 6 program ‘Surfing’ is held at Main Beach with staff from Go Ride a Wave.

The school’s active and enthusiastic Parents Club will hold fundraisers this year to provide additional resources for outdoor learning opportunities and make the most of the wonderful opportunities the Anglesea environment provides.

Year 6 students from Anglesea Primary School enjoying their outdoor ed experience.

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Community ARTS SCENE Corner

Arts scene Compiled by Deborah Elliot This page highlights our vibrant Anglesea Arts Scene. Please go to each organisation’s website to confirm the details of the events listed.

Anglesea Indoor Market

Anglesea Art House

Please see Facebook for details of all workshops.

23 Cameron Road Anglesea www.angleseaarthouse.com.au

The Art House has members attending a variety of sessions every week. For more information on classes and the Anglesea Art House please see the website.

Anglesea Art Space Shop 2, 103 Great Ocean Road Anglesea surfcoastartspace.com.au

Please see the Anglesea Art Space website for all upcoming exhibitions.

Anglesea Community House 5 McMillan St Anglesea anglesea.org.au

Mixed Media Fridays (for those who haven’t done the previous class) Dates: 29 April, 13 May, 27 May and 10 June. Cost is $340 and includes room hire and some materials.

Mixed Media Tuesdays (for those who completed Term 1 class) Dates: 19 April 19, 3 May, 17 May and 7 June. Cost is $340 and includes room hire and some materials.

143c Great Ocean Road Anglesea www.facebook.com/ Angleseaindoormarket/

Anglesea Snappers Photography Club Convenor Deb Elliott – 0439 686 585

The Snappers meet at 7.30pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Anglesea Community House, 5 McMillan Street Anglesea. All welcome.

Eagles Nest Art Gallery 48 Great Ocean Road Aireys Inlet

The gallery is open 10am–5pm four days a week, Friday to Monday and for more information see the website www.eaglesnestgallery.com.au

Patsy Bush

Life’s Drawing – assorted life and still life artworks by Pamela Reid Surf Coast Impressions – coastal sea and landscapes by Vivi Palegeorge Eagles Nest Gallery has constantly changing artworks in the shared areas of the gallery with local artists paintings, sculptures, glass art, ceramics, jewellery and more!

Phone 0400 436 308

April/May exhibitions Exhibition opening Saturday 2 April from 1pm–4pm The Bright Side – large abstract paintings by Donna Pollock Imagined Interiors – contemporary printmaking and sculpture by Patsy Bush (meet the artist event Saturday 16 April)

Donna Pollock

Contact the Anglesea Community House for booking details.

These concertina books were made by the whole mixed media class.

Vivi Palegeorge

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Write Angles

By Melva Stott Lions Australia Day celebrations Local speaker Mike Brady sang with a guitar for most of his address – his theme was Up There Australia in unity. One example of this was that William Buckley would have had no hope of survival if the local Aborigines hadn’t taken him in for 32 years, until he was discovered by Batman’s party on the Bellarine.

Another is the AFL where we all show our team colours in rivalry, but are all united by our national game. Ideally, our differences can be dealt with in harmony if we have a common goal and consideration for each other’s circumstances.

Local legend OAM Our local legend, Betty Butterworth was awarded an OAM for her tireless work and enthusiasm for serving our community in a multitude of areas ever since her arrival in the 1940s. She thoroughly deserves this honour for her loyalty and vision in helping to make Anglesea the best little town on the coast.

Natural wonders Living in Anglesea is like living in an aviary. Every year I hear young kookaburras learning to laugh; and last spring for the first time, I heard a young magpie trying to carol.

The yellowtail black cockatoos are a pleasure to watch in

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flight – they are so graceful and sedate – quite unlike their white cousins, the sulphur-crested cockatoos who flap along in a flurry and shriek raucously. However the latter do sometimes give us warnings of climatic happenings – if they are going berserk and fleeing in a panic, something has set them off – maybe a bad storm is on the way. In January, I saw 10 young black cockatoos flying together. It made me realise that the young birds are never seen flying with the adults. In Noble Street we have the flowering gums, which are part of Anglesea’s Avenue of Honour and this year they have attracted hundreds of brightly coloured, noisy little birds. These are rainbow bee-eaters.

Newspaper deliveries News Corp has proved that bigger isn’t always better. It has bitten off more than it can chew with its new newspaper delivery scheme; thus proving that if it ain’t broke, don’t mend it. This involves early-morning newspaper deliveries being taken away from local newsagents and all deliveries being made from Melbourne with a loss of local jobs and community spirit.

In our area, it appears the truck driver resigned after driving for eight hours trying to locate unknown streets in unknown towns on day one. Then our local newsagency came to the rescue distributing the papers out of loyalty to its customers.

Newspapers became a primary contact source for many readers during the COVID lockdowns and restrictions.

We so appreciated the reliable delivery service from local workers who thoughtfully delivered to the doorstep at many homes.

Keep smiling!

Melva

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ANGLESEA RESALE SHED

Reuse, Recycle, Reduce

OPEN Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday ...and some Sundays Check the Anglesea Communiy House website for details

A volunteer run, community led initiative of the Anglesea Community House in collaboration with the Surf Coast Shire, Anglesea Resale Shed provides an inclusive space for community members to volunteer while saving 1000s of tonnes of non-organic waste from landfill.

All funds raised go back in to supporting local community groups NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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