History spot Community corner 34–40

Middens at Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

By Jan Morris, Anglesea and District Historical Society

Memories of our grandparents telling us about the ‘olden days’ are rich for many of us. And so it was with the Wadawurrung people, the first people who lived in the Anglesea district. The old people told their stories to the younger generations and each generation passed them on. Unfortunately, with the impact of colonialism on the Wadawurrung people, few of the older generation were left to pass on the stories and many were lost. We still have much to learn about the history of the Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung people, of how they lived and exactly where they went. We do have one perspective we can draw from, being William Buckley’s written account of the 32 years he spent with the Wadawurrung people who cared for him and made him one of their tribe. We have the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation in Geelong, and our own specific areas where we can see remains of middens. We also have the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Conservation Manual (ACHCM) developed by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee in 2012. It covers the Crown Land Reserves between Torquay and Lorne. I have drawn from this excellent publication to share some of their findings. A search of the Aboriginal Heritage Register indicates that in this region, shell middens are the most common type of heritage places. They indicate the past Aboriginal exploration of shellfish from nearby rock platforms and the use of other coastal and estuarine resources. Mostly, the shell middens consist of the remains of shellfish from the rock platforms. Stone artefacts occur in the form of flakes, cores and tools. The Anglesea Historical Society did have a collection of tools and artefacts. In 1995, these were given to their rightful owners, the Wadawurrung Aboriginal Cooperative, now known as the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. The ACHCM investigation focused on location of known Aboriginal cultural heritage places. It involved the collection of shell and charcoal samples from midden sites. The Wadawurrung Aboriginal Cooperative representatives assisted in the areas east of Painkalac Creek at Aireys Inlet. Four shell and six Charcoal Radiocarbon Ages were collected from middens along the coastline from Point Impossible to Aireys Inlet. The collections from Point Roadknight represents an initial, more intensive and repeated occupation followed by an extended abandonment of approximately 1200 years, until more recent use again. There is potential for deeper or older midden layers to be present at Point Roadknight, indicating they are some of the oldest middens along this coast. Middens at Aireys Inlet showed similar usage over the long periods. Dating of material from the middens indicate periods of regular use followed by long periods of abandonment. Earlier middens may have possibly been destroyed by significant sea level changes over the years. When the Anglesea and District Historical Society first started collecting museum items, they were given some aboriginal artefacts. The committee consulted the Wadawurrung Cooperative for advice. As a result, the items given to the Historical Society were happily returned to their rightful owners and are now in the care of the Wadawurrung Cooperative.

Traditional owner Corrina Eccles conducts a smoking ceremony at a midden site in Anglesea.

Aboriginal artefacts given to the Wadawurrung Cooperative by Anglesea & District Historical Society, December 1995

Quantity of stone artefacts (flints, cones, blades scrapers etc.– cutting tools from diverse areas. These consisted of 18 bones of various sizes, stone axes, grinding stones and engraved stone artefacts. Quantity of wooden artefacts: 3 throwing sticks 1 coolamum 1 shield 1 bull roarer 1 woomera 1 mulla mulla 1 killing stick 1 digging stick 1 message stick 3 boomerangs (plus 1 broken boomerang) The above items were given to Mr Alen Browning as custodian of Aboriginal Artefacts for the Wadawurrung Aboriginal Cooperative. Signed: Valerie Amery Alen Browning President A&DHS Cultural officer Wadawurrung Aboriginal

Live theatre back in Anglesea!

By Lina Libroaperto Anglesea Performing Arts (APA) has not been deterred by the challenges the arts industry has faced over the last three years … bringing theatre back to the Surf Coast with a full schedule of events for 2022! After a successful one-act play double bill Love, Loss and What I Bore in June this year, APA hosted the 30th Annual Anglesea One-Act Play Festival in mid-August. Proudly supported by Anglesea Bendigo Bank, this event attracted over 150 theatre-goers and 12 companies from across Victoria. The festival offered a great experience for all – locals and visitors were treated to a wide range of theatrical works –from traditional short plays through to original scripts being debuted at the festival. The festival was adjudicated by the esteemed Xan Colman. But the excitement did not stop there! As the host company, Anglesea entered a new work at the festival, Don’t Say (Bubba), written by award-winning playwright Fleur Murphy. This wonderful dramatic comedy is about a woman who feels her ‘biological clock is ticking away’ and who decides to go solo in bringing her baby into the world. The play brought home seven awards including Best Production, Best Original Play Script, Best Director and Best Lead Actor. The group are now off to perform two plays at the Foster One-Act Play Festival and try their luck in the friendly competition there. We’ll keep you posted! You think it would be time for this talented group of thespians to take a well deserved break but no! They are very proud to announce their next offering in November 2022: The Bleeding Tree. This theatrical masterpiece written by Angus Cerini is a murder ballad set against a deceptively deadly Aussie backdrop, with three fierce females fighting back. Directed by award-winning and much-loved director Iris WalsheHowling, this moving and evocative play will delight you all. To keep up to date on all our latest news go to our website: angleseaperformingarts.com or find us on social media.

Anglesea performers – from left to right: Kirstin Honey, Lina Libroaperto, Stacey Carmichael, Nikki Watson (at back), Janine McKenzie, Sarah Crowe and Kip Cowland

Three recipients of Men’s Shed apprenticeship grants

By Liz Clark

Early this year the Anglesea and District Men’s Shed initiated a grant scheme to assist young local apprentices in their first or second year at work. It’s hoped the grants will offer support and encouragement to successful applicants and assist them to purchase necessary tools, equipment or other requirements for their trade and promote hands on skills in all trades. Recipients were required to apply in writing and provide a letter of support from their employer. To date, three apprentices have each received a $500 grant – more money is

available to support the scheme if other locals would like to

apply. There is an ad currently being aired on TV for the Smith Family asking for money to support school children unable to afford basic school supplies. It ends with a little boy looking ahead to his unpromising future and saying. ‘I just needed to someone to believe in me’. This is exactly what the Men’s Shed apprenticeship grant offers applicants – support, encouragement and back up. Seventeen-year-old Cody Friel (below) is currently employed at Surf Coast Kitchens and Joinery undertaking a cabinet-making apprenticeship. He is very pleased that his mother is a Facebook user, as she not only saw his job advertised and encouraged him to apply for it, but she also read about the Men’s Shed grant scheme. Cody had been fairly unsure what he wanted to do when he completed school – maybe something to do with ‘electricals’ or building. He was pretty happy to take on this job, and is really enjoying learning new skills. He attends the Gordon TAFE one full week every two months for more formal training. He is very grateful for the $500 grant from the Men’s Shed. He said it has enabled him to buy new drills and bits and other tools which he uses every day at work. Tom Eskrigge (below) was offered his electrical apprenticeship after completing work experience with Jack Flynn at the end of his Year 10 and 11 pre-apprenticeship course. Very keen to start working, he began the four-year apprenticeship in late 2021. He works on the job from 7.15 to 3.30 each day except for Tuesdays, when he attends the Gordon TAFE for regular class work. Tom really enjoys his time there, particularly as almost everything he is learning concerns safety issues at work.

The grant he received from the Men’s Shed was used towards the cost of a drill set. He finds it has offered him a level of independence as he no longer has to borrow anyone else’s tools. Tom is most appreciative of the support he has received moving into his career – both from his boss and fellow workers, and from the Men’s Shed. He is a keen footballer, cricketer and is now trying his hand at golf. Noah Goodchild (below) had done some part-time work at Burnside Camp – washing dishes and doing odd jobs – when he was offered an apprenticeship there in commercial cookery. He had always liked to cook and was keen to try new skills and begin his working life. As well as everyday experience of cooking meals for large school camp groups, he attends school at the Gordon each Monday where he undertakes handson cooking classes, as well as online learning in subjects as varied as health and safety, maintenance of the kitchen, food handling and menus.

Noah works long hours but enjoys every day at his job. On the day of this interview he had already baked chocolate chip cookies, was filling breadrolls for lunch and was planning spaghetti bolognese for dinner. He was very efficient and organised. The $500 grant from the Men’s Shed was a real bonus for Noah and he has used it to purchase his toolkit and some good kitchen shoes. He is so grateful to his Mum for finding out all the details of the grant and encouraging him to apply. These three young men are full of enthusiasm for their work and eager to learn more every day. They are aware of the benefits of being able to work locally and all of them showed a keenness to work hard and complete their apprenticeships.

Anglesea Tennis Club news

By Wendy Stainton A big welcome to our new coach Jackson Varney who comes with great credentials, a passion for tennis and visions for our club’s development. A big thank you and farewell to our coach of 30 years, Peter Hubacek who is now retired and looking forward to travelling and taking it easy.

Cardio tennis

Cardio tennis has been well received at our club – it’s a mix of cardio workout and modified fun tennis drills and open to players of all ages and abilities. You don’t even have to be good at tennis to get involved! Our coach will mix up the activities to include coaching and match play, catering for all skill levels. So while it’s great for beginners, more experienced tennis players will also have a great time while keeping fit. Sessions run for 60 minutes, cost $20, Tuesdays 7–8 pm and enquiries to Jackson Varney on 0491 681 305.

Midweek ladies

We are looking for midweek ladies for next season. Enquires phone Val Love on 0490 134 350.

Jackson Varney (new coach) Nicole, Katrina, Miranda Millen and Peter Hubacek (old coach)

Anglesea and District Historical Society

October dinner meeting

Speaker: Dr Fred Cahir Topic: Wadawurrung and early settlers 6 pm, Saturday, 8 October 2022 Function room, Anglesea Hotel Bookings essential: Jan – 0448 526 311 or Susan – 0438 070 560 Cost: $50. Members and visitors welcome

By Jenna Crawford

The Anglesea Cricket Club has positively embraced the development of a women’s cricket team since 2021. The team consists of ladies and girls from the ages of 13 to 50 and they play on Sundays in the Barwon Women’s Cricket Association (BWCA), which is made up of teams from across Geelong and beyond. It is a 20-over competition starting at 1 pm. Nine players are required to field a team in C grade, where Anglesea sits at the moment. They would like to take a team of 11 players into grades A or B. The C grade team finished on top of the ladder, but unfortunately did not win the competition premiership that may have seen them promoted to an upper level of the game. Jarrod Taylor is the official coach, ably assisted by willing volunteers from the Anglesea men’s teams. Some of the ladies have never played cricket before and the teaching of skills can be challenging. The aim is to teach the basics and build on already acquired skills. On Thursday training nights the players engage in skill development sessions, where they concentrate on fielding practice, different forms of bowling and batting in the nets. Training sessions have started. After training, the players and coaches have dinner at the club together and the team is selected and announced for the upcoming Sunday match. This is very much a social occasion and all family members are welcome. On match day every one of the nine players has a go at batting and bowling. Captain Janet Lister can choose to conclude batting and bowling stints at her discretion to enable all players to have an equal opportunity to put their learned skills into action. The rules are the same as the men’s game with the exception of the bowling – ‘no balls’ and ‘wides’ are not permitted in this format of the game. The BWCA season begins in mid-October and the Anglesea Women’s Cricket Club would welcome any new players. If you feel you have a contribution to make or would like to ‘give it a go’ you can contact Janet Lister on 0438 335 964 or Facebook Anglesea Cricket Club for further information. There are no up-front costs for individuals as bats and balls are provided. Morgan’s Grill and Hummingbird Bats have offered sponsorship to enable the women’s cricket team to be created and compete. An outstanding aspect of the game and the Anglesea Cricket Club is the all-embracing inclusion of all family members, whether that be at training and playing, watching and supporting or enjoying Thursday night dinners. Just come along and join in the funloving atmosphere.

Aireys Red Cross

Victoria Welsh Choir Concert Sunday 30 October 2022 at 2.30 pm at Aireys Inlet Community Hall. For further details please contact Christine Walker, Chair, Aireys Inlet/Anglesea Branch of Red Cross mobile:0408 444 199 or on email: walkercchristine@gmail.com.

By Sally Harrison Geelong Juggernauts Dragon Boat Club participated in BoB (Battle on the Barwon) a dragon boat festival held on the beautiful Barwon River in July. Teams from Melbourne, Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula came together to compete in Dragon Boat Victoria’s first regatta for the 2022–23 season. Anglesea residents Sally Harrison and Ros participated in this regatta. Sally has been dragon boating for a couple of years and had the opportunity to paddle in a number of fun events, including Lunar New Year’s festivals at Docklands, Canberra Regatta and recently the Gippy Galavant and Pink Up in Paynesville. Next year Sally will be travelling to New Zealand to participate with other breast cancer survivors in the International Dragon Boat Festival on Lake Karapiro. Dragons Abreast Geelong – Juggernauts is a club for breast cancer survivors and supporters of all ages and abilities. Members come from Anglesea, Bellbrae, Geelong and surrounds and more are welcome to give it a go – all equipment is supplied. For more information see the Facebook page Dragons Abreast Geelong- Juggernauts..

Members of the group get ready for a paddle, including Ros top left, and Sally, bottom right

By Tony Revell, Anglesea CFA community safety

With warmer weather approaching, Anglesea CFA is preparing for the coming fire season. Pre-summer activities include equipment testing and upgrades, as well as reviewing and practising firefighting procedures. Now is the right time to start your own preparations. While we are doing all we can to make our town as safe as possible, we also encourage residents to take the time to reduce the risk to their property. There are three main reasons houses burn down during fires – embers, heat and flame. Many of the trees around Anglesea have bark that is prone to extensive spotting in the event of a fire, so even if the fire front is some distance from the town, significant ember attack is possible. There are several things you can do to lessen the impact of ember attack, reduce the risk of fire getting inside your house and reduce flame and heat near your house. Be prepared by: ▪ keeping grass cut to less than 10 cm ▪ keeping woodpiles away from house ▪ removing flammable items from decks and verandas, such as boxes, furniture and doormats ▪ storing flammable liquids away from house ▪ keeping gutters clear of leaf litter ▪ removing grass, leaves, twigs and loose bark from around your property ▪ cutting back overhanging branches near buildings ▪ removing or cutting back large shrubs next to or under windows ▪ pruning lower branches of shrubs to separate from surface fuels underneath. More information on preparing your property is available at: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare.

New fire danger rating system

Fire danger ratings (see below) provide information so people in affected areas can take action to protect themselves and others. The new system for the approaching fire season has four levels (instead of six). Actions that people should take are associated with each level, so you’ll know what to do to protect your life, family and property. You’ll start seeing the new fire danger ratings online and in our community from September.

New Anglesea CFA ultra-light tanker

Our fire response capability has been enhanced with the addition of a new ultra-light tanker. The ULT’s primary role for bush fires is to perform first attack on spot-sized fires, particularly in difficult to access locations. It is also designed to perform support for wildfire operations, mopping up and patrolling duties. Built on a Toyota land cruiser 70 series cab chassis, the ultra-light tanker is well equipped, has increased water carrying capacity and provides us with enhanced fire suppression capability. The total cost of this fully equipped vehicle is around $135,000 with $21,000 contributed by the Anglesea Brigade from community raised funds.

By Betsy Newman Before our winter recess, we distributed over $4000 of our funds raised by our activities to local junior sporting clubs, the primary school, the Lions Flood Disaster Appeal and other organisations. Our next major fund raising event will be the Pink Ribbon Lunch raising money for the Breast Cancer Foundation, McGrath Foundation and Breast Cancer Network. The lunch will be held on Wednesday 12 October at the Anglesea Bowling Club. This will be a ticket-only event with tickets at $30 and available from Lionettes members. A glass of bubbles, a light lunch, the wonderful Anglesea small cakes, prizes and raffles will all be part of an exciting afternoon. The Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton will be guest speaker. Join us wearing some pink and support these wonderful charities. The Lions District Governor will visit our clubs in September. Our changeover of office-bearers has been completed and plans are underway for our future activities including Christmas Carols on 21 December and the Riverside Market on 8 January 2023. We welcome enquiries about our organisation and the secretary can be contacted by email; anglesealionessclub@gmail.com or by mobile 0412 769 144.

Lions

Anglesea Lions are organising Christmas Carols by Candlelight to be held on the Anglesea Village Green on Wednesday 21 December from 6.45 pm.

Building positivity, mindfulness and confidence

By Julia Clarke The Care Cards project at Aireys Inlet Primary School was devised for the students to help improve mental health impacted by the pandemic. The project has been supported by a COVID Recovery Grant from the Surf Coast Shire. With Victoria experiencing ongoing lockdown due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, students at all schools disconnected from their peers and their community. Students at Aireys Inlet Primary School designed and received a set of affirmation cards and learned how to use them as a tool to improve emotional wellbeing now and into the future. This project included creative, mindful and wellbeing activities. The students learned about affirmations (positive self-talk) and how we can use them to manage our day-to-day feelings and experiences. Although students worked individually on their designs, their designs came together as one deck. Each student received a deck of the cards which they can keep at home or in their school bag to help them navigate the highs and lows of their days. To help meet the school’s and the community’s sustainability and environmental goals, we opted to use recycled card and to not use plastic to individually wrap the decks. I coordinated the project with support from members of the schools’ parents and friends committee and staff, in particular art teacher Karren Stoneham. I am a parent, member of the school Parents and Friends group, artist, and director of local business www.artandhealing.com.au. Thank you to the Surf Coast Shire and their COVID Recovery Assistance Program Grant that helped make this project possible.

Repair Cafe special events coming up

2 October

Visible mending

TO BE CONFIRMED (depending on volunteer availability) Times: Session 1: 10.15 to 11.45 am; Session 2: 12.15 to 1.45 pm (if required) Number: 6 per session; closing date 23 September Cost: $10 Learn the modern mending technique of visible mending where the mend becomes a feature of your garment. This may include patching, embroidery, boro stitching, sashiko and or darning depending on the effect desired. Bring a garment with a small area to be repaired. Feature fabrics and threads will be supplied.

6 November and 4 December

Beeswax wraps

Times: Session 1: 10.15 to 11.45 am; Session 2: 12.15 to 1.45 pm (if required) Number: 6 per session; closing dates 28 October and 25 November Cost: $10 Bring: an apron to protect your clothing and patience as some items of equipment need sharing! All materials will be provided.

Venue for all is the Community Hall, McMillan St. For bookings and details email repaircafesurfcoast@gmail.com By Janet Arney Platypus toy library is a 100% volunteer organisation run by its members for its members. The toy library has been fortunate and thankful to recently receive funding from the Anglesea Lions Club and Surf Coast Council. The library has a large range of toys including construction items, games, puzzles, dress ups, beach items, outdoor and indoor sports equipment, baby’s first toys and musical instruments. The diverse range of toys are available to borrow and can aid children in education and development. The toy library first opened its doors for borrowing in February 1985, as a response to devastating bush fires two years earlier. The first toy donated to the library was a wooden puzzle of a platypus, from a small kindergarten at Nyah West in Victoria. This is where the library got its name. Donations of toys are gratefully accepted and new members are very welcome at the library. Please contact us: platypustoylibray3230@gmail.com, or phone 5289 7025.

Photos by Janet Arney