NewsAngle 154 Winter 2023

HAVE PADDLE, WILL TRAVEL: Crossing Bass Strait the hard way

Penny Edmanson

A trip to Tasmania for most of us entails a quick flight or a comfortable ride on The Spirit. Not so for four of our local adventurers who decided to make the 313-kilometre crossing unassisted. A monumental task when you consider the repetition of paddling from sunrise to sunset with no opportunity to change position, relieve numb muscles or allay seasickness.

With nothing but sea kayaks between them and the depths of Bass Strait, they took to the water at Wilsons Promontory on February 15th. Navigating an uneventful shore break, they were on the way.

They had no support vessel. Everything they would require for the 10–12-day voyage had to be contained in their kayaks: food, water, tents, sleeping gear, cooking equipment, repair gear, safety and medical aids. Anyone who has struggled to squeeze camping gear into their car would appreciate the art of packing it all into a 200-litre space.

Leaving Tidal River at Wilsons Prom, they paddled an average of 50 kilometres a day, island hopping their way to Little Musselroe Bay on the north-east tip of Tasmania. The success and incident free nature of the trip was down to the rigorous preparation and training that preceded the trip. The idea was floated six months earlier by local

paddling guru Chris Porter. Quick to take up the challenge were Steve Bews (Outdoor Ed instructor, Vice President of Anglesea Football/Netball Club and avid sea kayaker) and fellow Anglesea resident Ross Peasnell (Anglesea Senior Women’s Assistant Coach and Anglesea SLSC stalwart). They were joined by relative youngsters Tom Cazalet and Angus McCluskey-Mathews from Jan Juc, both Latrobe Outdoor Ed grads.

Goals for personal training were set. They committed to paddle 100 km a week either in the ocean or on machines indoors, aiming to build up to 20 kilometres in three hours. Several group sessions were included. A 60 kilometre/nine hour round trip from Queenscliff via St Leonards, Rosebud, Portsea and Sorrento prepared them for their longest haul day, and a training paddle at the start of December from Tidal River round the Lighthouse to Waterloo Bay mimicked day one of the trip. Awareness of the hazards of the journey meant they needed to be skilled at navigation, maintaining a pace, reading and understanding the tides and weather whilst also being able to re-enter their boats should a roll up be unsuccessful. Although bound by the one goal – to make it over the Strait, the motivation was slightly different for each. Bewsy, as the oldest of the team and an adventurer for most of his life, relished the Continued on page 4

Steve Bews, Ross Peasnell, Tom Cazalet and Angus McCluskey-Mathews on their epic journey across Bass Strait.

Hello! … from the House

Nerida Milsom, Committee of Management member, Anglesea Community House

According to Neighbourhood House Victoria Network, the first community houses were established in 1973 growing “from the grass roots out of local community need, particularly the isolation of women in the community, with a vision to bring people together and enhance the opportunities of people and communities. Another initial emphasis was to provide a nurturing environment that supported individualised learning”.

In the 1980’s, when I was at home caring for three small children, I benefited from the self-help/community development movement begun a decade earlier. I joined the playgroup, the toy library, the kinder and school committees. I was a group leader and counsellor in the Nursing Mother’s Association of Australia. I felt empowered by my community involvement, that I had a network of like minded friends, and that I was contributing. Then my career and family life took precedence over my community involvement for the next 40 years.

Now that my children have grown up and now that my paid working life is winding down, I am rediscovering what I loved about those early years. Since moving to Aireys Inlet in 2020 I’ve joined many groups - the early morning “Dodgy Dunkers” swimmers, the golf club, a book club, AIRAR (the refugee support group), the Aireys Inlet Rubbish Rangers, exercise classes and a singing group. It takes my breath away just writing that list! And when a friend pointed out that the Anglesea Community House was looking for committee members, I jumped at the opportunity to join an organisation of people whose values I share. Once again, I feel empowered by my community involvement, that I have a network of like minded friends, and that I am contributing.

On the Surf Coast we are spoiled for choice for ways to spend our time. Aside from the beauty of where we live, there are many opportunities for things to do, and the Anglesea Community House is a wonderful starting point for people wanting to get involved in the community. Not only does the ACH conduct lots of interesting courses, it also auspices a swag of community groups.

Editorial

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There’s a beautiful quote from Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar: “I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree… From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned.… One fig a … happy home and children, another was a famous poet and another fig a brilliant professor …. and beyond… these figs were many more figs I couldn't quite make out. I saw myself sitting in … this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet."

I for one am not going to let those figs wrinkle, go black and plop to the ground. I encourage you to think of the fig tree as you read this edition of NewsAngle.

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 is located on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people. We acknowledge them as Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their elders, past, present and future.

opportunity to be at one with nature. Tom had enjoyed many paddles under the guidance of Chris Porter and wanted to test his skills on a longer journey. His mate Gus was a novice paddler, so it took some courage to tackle a journey of this magnitude. Rosco was a special case. Having been part of an attempt in 2016 that had to be abandoned halfway across due to unfavourable winds, he was determined to make it unassisted. The other three were planning to fly a very, very small triangular sail when they could, providing a slight degree of relief from the endless strokes taken each day.

Preparation, packing and maintenance checks were overseen by Chris Porter. An inspiration in his own right, Chris is one of only three small teams who have successfully completed the 2–3-week paddle around South Georgia Island deep in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. Actual dates for departure and progress had to be left flexible, being dependent on optimum weather conditions. Even on a good day, “winds and tides mean everything…if you stuff it up, you end up going backwards”.

Meticulous preparation could not prevent a minor mishap on Day One. Rounding South Point from Tidal River on the way to camp at Home Cove, the front storage area of Bewsy’s boat took on water, making it very heavy and challenging to paddle. In spite of pumping out, the ‘dry’ bags containing clothes and tent were immersed for too long to prevent absorption. Steve had no option but to decorate camp with what was to become the ‘Chinese laundry’, as he discovered leaks in the stern hatch as well. Weather and wind were in their favour as they paddled out of Home Cove. In the distance was a faint pink glow of the soon to rise sun and, to its right, the silhouette of Hogan Island – their destination. They were astonished. As Steve tells me, “It’s not often the conditions allow you to see this tiny granite island, but today was one for the ages”. Bearings set, they headed off for an eight-hour paddle which included crossing the shipping lane and skirting the enormous container ships.

Unlike a car drive, there are no pit stops, so everything is done on the boat. The boys would raft up on the hour on Rosco’s call for meal breaks and a chat. As far as other necessities – I’ll leave that to your imagination!

Routine established, they rose at around 4.15 am to depart with the rising sun for another 50km paddle to Erith Island. An opportunity was spotted for a bit of a shortened leg by going through “The Swashway” between Erith and Dover islands. With an increased wind of 25-30

knots, sails were raised, and tired arms relaxed as they shot toward the passage at 10+ kph. Unfortunately, their elation was short-lived. They discovered the tide had dropped more quickly than expected, and the last 80 metres had to be done on foot, traversing basketball sized granite boulders. No mean feat considering each kayak (weighing 120+ kilograms) had to be carried over the unstable and slippery rocks.

A two night lay-up prepared the boys for their longest and toughest day: 70 kilometres to Roydon Island off the North West tip of Flinders Island. Nature saw fit to send them off in style with an amazing display of bioluminescence sparkling the water as it dripped from the paddles and lit up the bow wave in iridescent blue. The show continued with flying fish as the sun rose. Ten and a half hours later, they arrived tired but elated on Roydon, having battled some turbulent conditions over the final two hours, which saw their speed reduced to 3 or 4 kph. With still 100+ kilometres to go, there were three more island hops: White Mark (Flinders), Cape Barren and Clark Island - with nature providing dolphins, penguins, and magpie geese - before the final leg: the crossing of Banks Strait. Here they enjoyed up to 14+km speeds and were relaxed enough to slow the paddling and savour the achievement. On finally entering the estuary of Little Mussleroe River, relaxation was total. Steve describes the moment: “I quipped to the boys, there’s no rush, as I easily sank two Coopers IPAs whilst under sail and lying back on the rear deck using both legs as rudders.’’

American writer and seafarer Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than the things that you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor…Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Well done, Steve, Ross, Tom and Gus, for doing just that. Note: for some great live footage, check out Bewsy’s video. Link can be found on Anglesea Life FB page.

Leisure Networks Program at the Resale Shed

Jenna Crawford

Leisure Networks long running disability support program provides skills based activites to community members. Jenna Crawford spent some time at the Resale Shed learning about the participants, their supervisors and the learning opportunities the program offers.

In order to create this article I had the pleasure of talking to a group of young men and their supervisors as they volunteered at the recycle shed at the Anglesea Landfill. The supervisors come from different walks of life, but have one thing in common and that is to teach and support the Leisure Networks participants. They all stated that they found their roles very rewarding as they offered one to one support at all different levels. They help the volunteers in numerous ways enabling them to take their responsibilities seriously, whether that be handling money, writing receipts, negotiating prices, interacting with a broad range of customers, selecting items that can be placed in the recycle shed for sale and those that are unsaleable or simply keeping the place clean by sweeping and dusting so it always looks inviting and presentable.

All of the above skills learned create pathways for future employment.

In addition to the resale shed which they staff Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am until 2 pm, the supervisors also help with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)funding requirements. All of the participants have some type of disability and are in receipt of NDIS funding.

Leisure Networks is a disability support program that has been operating for thirty years. It enables clients with a disability to undertake a range of activities within their community. These include fun, recreation, leisure-based activities, skill development programs or travel programs across Victoria and interstate.

The mission of Leisure Networks is to connect people with their community and create a world that fosters inclusion, where people belong.

Active leisure is divided into three categories:-

1. Social leisure: socialising with family and friends.

2. Cognitive leisure

3. Physical leisure.

The experiences at the recycle shed foster and develop all three of these categories.

Since 2013 Leisure Networks has helped people make the most of the NDIS plan. They also engage an independent living team to support their clients to live independently in their own homes and the team works with each person individually because no two situations are the same.

Prior to writing this article I did not know that Leisure Networks existed, let alone the great work they are doing. The work could not be completed without the help of Mark, John, Bron and Charlie who supervise the workers such as Tyler, Brad, Scott and many others who are willing to complete the tasks asked of them,with smiles on their faces.

This program is great and I know the Anglesea Community House is most grateful for the efforts put in by all concerned.

The Anglesea Resale Shed is a project of the Anglesea Community House (ACH) in partnership with the Surf Coast Shire and local Community Groups, successfully diverting re-useable materials from Landfill. Sale Profits are used to support local community groups that volunteer to work at the Resale Shed.

Open to the public on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and third Sunday of each month: 10am -2pm

Anglesea Performing Arts

Lina Libroaperto

Anglesea Performing Arts to take Shadows of Angels to Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August via the Surf Coast!

Anglesea Performing Arts (APA) is bringing a return season of Shadows of Angels by Fleur Murphy to local audiences this July at Lorne’s Community Connect before heading off to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, launching the play onto the international scene. This gritty, visceral and beautifully poetic play was first performed by APA in 2021.

Wicked women, seductive sinners, vicious vixens – thanks to Hollywood, the Femme Fatale is typically depicted as a glamorous, gun-toting, red-lipped, curvaceous blonde. Shadows of Angels, … exposes the real and gritty lives of women in crime. Four very different women, with cleverly interwoven stories, challenge our ideas of gender, sexuality, poverty and crime. Set within the city slums of Melbourne, Australia in 1929, the play explores the desperate lives and dangerous minds of the female criminal in this gripping piece of contemporary theatre.

Fleur Murphy - SHADOWS OF ANGELS 1

APA is honoured to bring the stories of these women to life again. There will be some changes to the cast line up as well as a reimagining of the piece under the masterful direction of Iris WalsheHowling and Janine

McKenzie. The characters are brought to life by four talented and highly experienced actors: Julie Fryman, Lina Libroaperto, Nikki Watson and Stacey Carmichael.With an original and haunting score performed live by Kirstin Honey this piece is sure to have you captivated.

Australian playwright Fleur Murphy’s powerful uncompromising script holds storytelling close to its heart, offering us an opportunity to work towards an aurally rich, visually striking production. The challenge for the actors has been the emphasis on the exploration of the power of language as the text’s inherent rhythm provides the piece with an internal rhyme through heightened poetic language.

Iris Walshe-Howling (Director)

After a successful and critically acclaimed season of The Bleeding Tree in Anglesea in late 2022, followed by a Geelong season earlier this year, the APA ensemble is already deep in rehearsals for Shadows of Angels. Performing at an international festival will be a first for our much loved local theatre group and all involved are looking forward to the local performances in Lorne on 22 July prior to the August season at the Greenside Olive studio theatre in the heart of Edinburgh.

Going to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a bucket list item for any actor… it’s an absolute must do! However to be going with an incredible group of female actors and creatives to tell an Australian story about women… that’s a dream come true!

Stacey Carmichael (Actor, APA)

To launch such an undertaking requires time and financial commitment. To help with the costs of this international tour, APA have established a fundraising effort through the Australian Cultural Fund. Donations can be made until the end of July and are fully tax deductable. So if you’ve got a “fiver”, and if you’re inclined to support the group here is the link: https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/ a2E9q000000GWMOEA4/shadows-of-angelsedinburgh-fringe

With only two local performances at Lorne’s Community Connect, you’ll want to book your tickets as soon as possible! Avoid missing out and book now at https://www. trybooking.com/CIMTE

Cancellation of the Anglesea One Act Play Festival

Anglesea Performing Arts is most disappointed to announce that the annual Anglesea One Act Play Festival (AOAPF) has been cancelled for 2023. “Unfortunately due to factors outside of our control we won’t be running the Festival this year. It seems to be a phenomena effecting community theatre groups across the whole state with several other festivals in Victoria also cancelled this year.” lamented Lina Libroaperto, a long term performer with APA.

“Whilst our little theatre group has the great fortune of solid community support as well as generous sponsorship from the Anglesea Community Bank, this is not the case for all grass roots theatre groups. Hopefully the Anglesea OAPF will be back in 2024,” said Lina.

1. https://www.fleurmurphy.com/shadows-of-angels.html

Images: Sandy Gray

Iris Walshe-Howling

Iris Walshe-Howling has been artistic director with APA since2003. As a multi award winning director/actor she has introduced challenging, cutting-edge theatre, forming an ensemble which has become known for pushing the envelope in theatre on the Surf Coast and Greater Geelong. She has been active in the Melbourne Independent theatre scene since the late sixties when she was an ensemble member of the groundbreaking La Mama Company which morphed into The Pram Factory. Walshe-Howling has maintained a connection with La Mama, including taking an APA production of Janet Brown’s The Hope Song to La Mama’s Courthouse Theatre in 2018. In 1981, WalsheHowling was a founding ensemble member of The Contemporary Performance Centre, which was established in a disused church in Hawthorn, Melbourne for the purpose of promoting experimentation, research and innovative, creative work in the theatre arts. For eight years prior to moving to the Surf Coast she acted with Crow’s Bar Cabaret company performing in various iconic venues around Melbourne including Theatre Works.

Iris Walshe-Howling has performed with renowned Australian Theatre Company Back to Back and performed White Rabbit Red Rabbit through The Malthouse for the Lorne Performing Arts Festival. In 2019 she was awarded best director/best production by adjudicators

Hannie Rayson and Michael Cathcart for Jules Allen’s first play Slipped Through the Cracks

Shadows of Angels will be on at Community Connect (2 Otway Street, Lorne) on 22 July before the company takes the show to Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2023.

Avoid missing out and book your tickets now at https:// www.trybooking.com/CIMTE .

APA is an independent theatre company committed to challenging the concept of what theatre is, by nurturing, making and producing work that is high quality, contemporary, collaborative, innovative, risk-taking and edgy. Keep an eye on upcoming shows here: https://www. angleseaperformingarts.com/

Trivia Night!! Help get your Anglesea Performing Arts crew to Edinburgh!

APA has enlisted the services of Quiz Master, John Cahill, to run a Trivia Night fundraiser. The venue is Clonard College and the date is Saturday 29 July from 6 -10pm. Tickets are $20 per person. A preloved fashion stall will be run on the night, with all proceeds going towards APA's Edinburgh Festival costs.

Everyone is welcome to join the fun. Get a table of 8-10 people together or turn up and make some new friends!

Book through TryBooking

https://www.trybooking.com/CJMJA

Defibs in Anglesea

John Glen, Anglesea Lions Club

Organisations working together to care for our communities make health outcomes a priority by providing essential equipment and training to locals.

Five years ago, the Bendigo Community Bank, in conjunction with the Anglesea Lions Club, facilitated purchasing and installing five publicly accessible AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in the communities of Anglesea and Aireys Inlet. Since then, we have increased the number available to 15 whilst upgrading and replacing expired batteries and pads on the existing AEDs. With additional funding from Ambulance Victoria, we have been able to replace the batteries in the units located at Community House and Anglesea Arthouse.

In response to the number of cardiac-related callouts experienced by Ambulance Victoria in the area over the last few months, we have been running, in partnership with Matthew Van Der Ploeg (Ambulance Victoria) and Mike Martin (Anglesea Life Saving Club), CPR and Defib training courses at the ASLSC premises.

Bendigo Community Bank continues to be a valuable partner with Kelly Turner organising the installation of three new Defibs for the Aireys Inlet Community with training courses in progress at Aireys Hall.

DeFibs Available At All Times

• Anglesea Motor Yacht Club - Pt Roadknight

• Anglesea Surf Lifesaving Club - Main Beach

• Anglesea RSL - Murray Street

• Go Ride a Wave/Four Kings

• Community House - Rear McMillan Street

• Angelsea Golf Club - Golf Links Road

• Ocean Road Allied Health and Movement Clinic - Main Shopping Centre

• Anglesea Pizza/Bendigo Bank - Main Shopping Centre

• Anglesea Football Club Rooms - Ellimata Road

• Anglesea Art House - Cameron Road

• Anglesea Caravan Park - Cameron Road

DeFibs Available At Specified Times

• Anglesea Resort Pool - Great Ocean Road8.00 am to 8.00 pm

• Anglesea Medical Centre - McMillan StreetMonday to Friday - 8.30 am to 5.00 pm

• Anglesea Mens Shed - Cameron RoadTuesdays and Thursdays - 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

• Angelsea Bowling Club - Cameron RoadOnly available when open

Top : Julie Martin outside Angelsea Community House.

Middle: CPR and Defib training courses at the ASLC

Bottom: Defibs outside Strapper Surf in Aireys Inlet (left) and Go Ride a Wave/Four Kings in Anglesea

years to understand the subtleties and nuances of life in a small town. Lucy and Henry appreciate the patience and kindness that the community has shown to them while they have been settling in and learning the ropes! Lucy expressed her gratitude for support and assistance she has received from previous licensees Lisa Simmons and Sue Rowe.

The past six months have been both challenging and demanding. It is one thing to master the many administrative tasks and responsibilities involved in running the post office, however there is much more to running a business. Lucy says, ‘It is hard for us to read the faces of the people’. She goes on to explain that it will take some time before she and Henry learn to recognise local community members, to remember names, family connections and who is related to who!

When asked how the local community could support them in their transition into their new roles, Lucy said, ‘It is really important that people address their mail and parcels correctly and that the return addresses are clear and legible.’ She also explained that the transitory nature of holiday and tourist towns like Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven and Moggs Creek can make it very difficult to keep up to date records and to monitor changes of address and associated mail delivery issues. If the community keeps the post office informed of changes to mailing arrangements especially over summer and during school holiday periods, it enables Lucy and Henry to be efficient and effective. This can ensure smooth postal service and is greatly appreciated in return.

Welcome Lucy and Henry. We are so pleased that you have joined the 3231 community and we look forward to the opportunity to continue to get to know you.

Aireys Inlet Post Office

Helen Thomas

Meet Lucy & Henry

Lucy and Henry moved to Aireys Inlet in 2022 to run the Aireys Inlet Post Office. They have taken over from Lisa and Wayne Simmons who, for the past several years, we have known and trusted as the Post Office licensees.

All the way from China to Ballarat to Aireys Inlet

Lucy and Henry were born in China and arrived in Australia in 2006. Leaving behind parents, siblings, nieces and nephews in Beijing and in South West China, their decision to migrate to Australia was well researched and a huge commitment.

They made significant sacrifices to migrate and did so to give their daughter, Casey, broader educational opportunities. Casey was six years old when the family arrived in Australia and was able to become bilingual at an early age. Now 26, she is completing her Juris Doctor law degree at the University of Melbourne.

In order to leave China, Lucy and Henry were required to resign from their jobs within the Chinese Government. Lucy was a biochemical engineer who worked on water quality and water treatment issues and Henry was a nuclear scientist and engineer working in the field of nuclear applications. When they applied to come to Australia, they were required to spend six years out of their respective professions before being given approval to migrate to either Australia, Britain or Canada. Having met this strict criterion, the process of achieving their long-held goal began with their move to Australia. They came as skilled migrants and were required to settle in regional or rural Australia.

Lucy and Henry were aware that many Chinese people had come to country Victoria during the gold rush era, so they researched the regional towns of Ballarat and Bendigo and finally settled on Ballarat as their town of choice.

On arrival in Australia, Lucy and Henry lived in motel accommodation while they waited for support from the Australian Government. During this time, they were excluded from rental accommodation because they had no bank account. Eventually through their persistence and tenacity they managed with the support of the Department of Immigration to open a bank account, deposit their life savings, apply for permanent rental accommodation and look for employment.

Finally they settled into their rental property and were able to secure employment: Lucy as a Chinese Tourist Guide at Sovereign Hill and Henry on the Help Desk at IBM. Henry’s work as an automation engineer also saw him work for Apple and during the recent Covid lockdowns he was able to work in Singapore to support his family.

In 2010 Henry and Lucy leased and eventually bought a hotel in Ballarat which they ran for ten years. It was in this role that they learned all about tap beer, something not available in China at that time. In 2020 they sold the pub and Lucy went to work at the Creswick Woollen Mills

while Henry became the General Manager of the Ballarat Gold Mining Company.

For six years while her daughter attended Ballarat North Primary School, Lucy volunteered as a classroom parent helper. She also volunteered for the Red Cross, helping new migrants settle in and access the support they required to establish new lives in Ballarat. This was something close to Lucy’s heart, enabling her to share from her own experiences of migrating to Australia. Volunteering was a great way for Lucy to improve her English language skills and also inspired her to pursue a new career. In 2021 Lucy undertook an Education Support Worker course at Federation University Ballarat, and in 2022 she worked as a teacher’s aide at Lal Lal and Mount Clear Primary Schools.

Clearly Lucy and Henry are highly skilled and flexible workers dedicated to making a life for themselves in their new home of Australia.

Sea Change!

After 17 years in Ballarat, and with their daughter moving to Melbourne to study, Lucy and Henry were ready for a ‘sea change’. When Lucy found the Aireys Inlet Post Office business for sale on the internet she began to investigate.

Lucy and Henry thought that this was something that they would like to do and subsequently both undertook the training course mandated by the Australian Government. In mid-2022 they arrived in Aireys Inlet to begin their new lives as licensees of the Aireys Inlet Post Office.

Local residents know the post office is an important hub of community activity, information sharing and news. On many a Monday morning it is the place to be for updates on all manner of important and not so important information. Just don’t be in a hurry!!

Local knowledge is often taken for granted by many of us with longstanding connections to the area. It can take

Understanding Differences to Make a Difference

Geraldine Ditchburn

Ian Dawes is a world traveller with a unique perspective. The humanitarian aid worker talks with Geraldine Ditchburn about his work and understanding of how peoples’ contexts shape our differences.

Afghanistan, Sudan, Iraq, Gaza, Pakistan … These are just some of the places in which local Anglesea resident Ian Dawes has lived and worked during his extensive career as a humanitarian aid worker. It’s probably fair to say that few of these countries would make it on many people’s travel bucket list, so what motivates Ian to continue to work in such fragile contexts?

Ian has a strong philosophical commitment to the importance of human rights. Working as a humanitarian aid worker for various NGOs has enabled him to give this commitment a practical expression. With funding from international and national government and philanthropic sources, a large part of his work has also involved ensuring that donors are aware of the ways in which their funding is being used and managed.

Ian has overseen the implementation of a wide range of different projects that aim to improve basic living standards for vulnerable groups. In Pakistan, for example, he worked with volunteers on agricultural initiatives that were designed to provide a sustainable food supply for local people. In Gaza, his focus was on ensuring that the Palestinian residents had improved access to food supplies and fresh water. In Afghanistan under the Taliban, Ian was responsible for overseeing projects related to girls’ education and the provision of basic health care in some remote villages. He has also been engaged in projects that aim to protect displaced communities in Sudan and South Sudan and to improve food security for vulnerable groups.

Apart from his overriding commitment to human rights and the opportunity that his work has provided to respond to humanitarian needs, Ian also loves to travel.

‘I’ve always loved travelling and I guess my work has enabled me to fulfil

my interest in seeing different places and trying to understand different cultures. Importantly, the opportunity to work with local staff has given me insights that enable me to understand the world a bit differently’. He continues, ‘The world is not all ‘white bread.’ He goes on to explain. ‘It’s easy to assume that our own view of how the world should operate is the only one and the right one. When living in different contexts, I have found that there is often no one view that represents how everyone sees the world. For example, not all Palestinians necessarily regard the way to peaceful co-existence in the same ways. So, it’s really important not to lump all national groups as thinking a certain way or labelling them all as having the one perspective. What I’ve found is that there are infinite differences in perspectives between people from the same cultural group’.

When asked about the personal physical and emotional risks involved in working in conflict and natural disaster areas, Ian shrugs his shoulders and says, ‘Yes, I know the risks but I’m well trained and I love what I do. Besides, I can’t let what might happen influence my decision to work in a place, no matter what the media and others say.’ An interesting take on the challenges of going to work every day.

A Quiet Achiever

Mary Bremner

For local Rod Tucker, a childhood interest grew into a world renowned career. Mary Bremner discovers her unassuming friend has quietly led an extraordinary life at home and abroad. I first met Rod Tucker at the Aireys Inlet Community Garden 3231, where he loves getting his hands dirty in the vegie plot he shares with wife, Gretel, toiling away at working bees and chatting over a glass of red wine at social functions. It wasn’t until I got to know Rod better that I came to the realisation that my unassuming friend is actually a personage of international renown for his contributions to science and technology and a highly sought-after expert in the field of optical fibre communications.

As a child growing up in North Balwyn in the 1950s, Rod developed an interest in gadgets. It was the era when Melbournites were upgrading their old wooden cabinet wirelesses to more modern radios and Rod advertised for old sets in the local paper. His parents’ garage was soon full of these old wirelesses and Rod spent his time pulling them to bits and making new radios. He became an enthusiastic ham-radio operator and his career path became obvious. Rod went on to study electrical engineering at Melbourne University. A PhD in microwave-engineering followed where he worked on the development of transmission for what later became wifithe technology employed in mobile phones.

One night over pizzas in the Community Garden, members were admiring the starry sky, when Rod happened to mention that a satellite he helped build would be visible later in the evening. Pressed for more information, Rod explained that on arriving at Melbourne University he joined the Astronautical Society where a group of students had a project underway to build a satellite. At the time, permission could be granted to groups of ham-radio operators to construct satellites and have them attached to rockets that were going into space. Rod’s task was to build the four metre-long antennae and he came up with an ingenious solution. He purchased a number of Stanley retractable metal measuring tapes and wrapped them around the satellite. The plan was that when the satellite launched into space, they would uncurl. Named Australis Oscar 5 or AO-5 for short, the students’ satellite was the first to be built in Australia, although its launch was delayed until 1970, because it required final approval from US President Richard Nixon. (This delay gave the Australian government time to get in ahead of the amateurs to produce the nation’s first satellite to be launched.) There was room on a US air force rocket and AO-5 was shipped over to a military base in California from where it was hurled into space.

At the time, solar cells were prohibitively expensive, and the batteries that powered A0-5’s transmissions only lasted a couple of months. Rod still meets with his old uni buddies and they feel somewhat embarrassed that their satellite is now a piece of space junk – it’s on a high orbit and will last about another 1,000 years. It passes over the Surf Coast once or twice every day.

Following university, Rod spent a number of years working and carrying out research overseas, firstly at the

University of California and the University of Berkeley, then went on to a research laboratory in England, followed by a return to America. Here Rod was employed in research at Bell Laboratories – the company has its origins with inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell. Rod and Gretel had been married in England. Soon after the move to New York, they decided to purchase a 20 acre farm in New Jersey, where Gretel had found a job and Rod would be closer to the lab. Rod explained it was possible then to make such a purchase on an engineer’s salary. Rod and Gretel went “back to earth”, raising goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, geese and guinea fowl. They slaughtered their own poultry, while the sheep and goats were butchered at a nearby abattoir. Despite the winter snows, they established a large vegetable garden and grew wonderful tomatoes in summer. Rod adored this lifestyle which he describes as “halcyon days”.

Bell Labs is one of the most famous research facilities in the world and Rod found his work there professionally rewarding, but the arrival of the young couple’s first child got them thinking about where they wanted to raise their family. The answer was back in Australia. Rod returned

Camera Trapping in Great Otways National Park

Australis Oscar 5

to Melbourne University, this time as head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, a position he held for 25 years. Rod had been hired to revitalise the department and set about establishing what he describes as a “mini Bell Labs”. Rod’s team worked closely with research scientists at Telstra and many of his students went on to top positions in major companies and universities around the world.

Rod was regularly invited to international conferences to share his knowledge and research in his specialty area of photonics and optical communications. In 1997 he was awarded the Australia prize – the country’s top gong for achievements in science. The award was presented by the Prime Minister, John Howard, and Rod was seated next to the PM at the dinner at Parliament House. This award was specifically for Rod’s breakthrough in the development of semi-conductor lasers. He had figured out a way of beaming a light down an optical fibre by turning the laser on and off billions of times per second. This leap forward in telecommunications is now being taken for granted by us every time we sit at our home computer and summons up the internet or turn on our smart TVs to binge on Netflix.

Of all that he has done, the achievement of which Rod is most proud, is his contribution to the establishment of Australia’s National Broadband Network. In 2009 when the Rudd Labor government decided to build the NBN, Rod was invited to be part of the committee of technical and financial experts formed to evaluate the proposals submitted and make a recommendation to the government. Rod was the technical expert in optical fibre communications – his research topic for the past 30 years. There was a great deal of debate about the best way of delivering the NBN but when the committee wrote its recommendation to the government, based on Rod’s strong advice, it was to be fibre right through to the premises. Some months later, to Rod’s great surprise, this became government policy and the enormous project got underway.

However, a change of government brought a fresh view on the best option and Malcolm Turnbull, then Minister for Communications, announced that the NBN would now be delivered to neighbourhood nodes and then by the existing copper lines to our homes, arguing that this was a cheaper alternative. This became a hot topic across the nation and Rod was in demand for interviews in the media. Rod argued vehemently against what he saw as an inferior and short-sighted alternative to the way our

communications network was to be delivered. Such was the ire of Malcolm Turnbull at Rod’s stand on the subject that he introduced Rod at an international conference as a person who was “innumerate and untrustworthy”. Rod loves to tell this story and, with our communications network now gradually being transitioned to fibre to the home, feels his position has been vindicated. (Anglesea and Aireys Inlet are listed to be among the first areas to have this upgrade installed, providing the customer applies for a 100 Megabit per second plan.)

Not long after the family’s return to Melbourne, Rod and Gretel were keen to get out of the “big smoke” for a weekend’s break and arrived late one Friday night at The Glen Farm Cottages at Aireys Inlet. They woke in the morning to the beautiful view of the green hills and bush with kangaroos everywhere. They explored the inlet and the town and in Rod’s words, “We just fell in love with the place.” For a few years they holidayed regularly at The Glen and then bought a block of land and built a holiday house. This only served to deepen their attachment with the town and as soon as they both retired they moved to live there permanently.

Rod is an unpretentious person, who nowadays prefers to use his vast technical expertise in such down-to-earth projects as the installation of solar panels for the Aireys Inlet Community Garden, setting up wildlife camera traps with the Friends of the Eastern Otways or mending people’s coffee machines at the Surf Coast Repair Café. Little do his customers know that they are being served by someone who is an Emeritus Professor at Melbourne University, belongs to the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and the US National Academy of Engineering.

The latter was Rod’s most recent accolade and he is one of the very few international candidates to be selected to this august body. Membership of these academies is for life and Rod continues to work behind the scenes, mentoring younger scientists and developing the policy that drives improvements to Australia’s performance in the digital economy.

Rod’s love of the great outdoors dates back to his days at Melbourne University where he was president of the Mountaineering Club. Rod and Gretel love overseas travel, which usually incorporates trekking in a scenic location. Feeling fulfilled in his retirement, Rod is now a contented grandfather of two, who lists as his greatest pleasure in life, walking in the bush around Aireys Inlet.

Rod with his dog at Lake Elizabeth, Otways

Rod with PhD student at graduation in Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne

In

the house

Julie Martin

Are you looking to try something new, join a regular meet-up group or learn some new skills? Check out the many clubs, groups and weekly activities in the What’s On at ACH section of NewsAngle.

NHVic conference 2023

At the end of May I was fortunate to attend the NHVic (Neighbourhood Houses Victoria) conference in San Remo for 3 jam packed days of activity. Bec from Childcare was able to join me and together we explored and connect with people from houses all over Victoria. The theme was ‘Connect, Reflect and Renew’ and along with 300 delegates we attended lectures, workshops and social events. Networking is so important in community houses and it is great to come away renewed with different ideas that we can implement in our own houses. One of the highlights was a keynote speech from Costa Georgiadis. You may wonder what Gardening Australia would have to do with community houses. Costa reminded us how planting seeds can grow and spread, just like the work we do in community houses we start with an idea and watch it grow and spread within the community. A good example of this is our Sewing for a Purpose group. It started with one woman having an idea to start a sewing group, then the idea to make for specific needs in the area and now there is a dedicated group of avid sewers who have made phenomenal amounts of items donated to various groups.

Power Saving Bonus 4

If you have not applied for the power saving bonus since 24th March 2023 you are now eligible for another $250. The current PSB round is open until the 31st August. We are an outreach service for the PSB so if you are having trouble doing it yourself please come to the community house and we can do it for you.

Green Hub

We are always adding items that we take for recycling, please check the list below and drop them off to the Community House between 9am and 2.30pm Monday –Friday.

• Small bottle top lids – no larger than a 50c coin, colours separated, inserts removed and cleaned.

• Large lids from various jars- separated from small

• Batteries

• Used electric toothbrushes and chargers

• Used toothbrushes

• Empty toothpaste tubes

• Cosmetics & skincare tubes and containers

• Disposable razors

• Contact lenses and cases

• Reading glasses

• Plastic bread tags

• Writing implements

• Dishwashing liquid bottles

• Clip-on car air freshener and packaging

• Clip-on household air freshener and packaging

• Air freshener aerosol cans

• Nespresso pods

• Printer cartridges

L-R Kyla (Gellibrand House), Wendy (Winchelsea House), Julie (Anglesea), Renee (Forrest House) and Bec (Anglesea)

Rob Cameron Community Development Manager

The Anglesea and District Bendigo Community Bank has been very busy so far this year, rewarding community groups in the lead up to the 20th birthday celebrations in November. The volunteer board of the bank decided early in the year to highlight the occasion by distributing a $200,000 windfall back to the people who helped create the success our Community Bank now enjoys. The “Wishlist” program was shared right through the catchment area of the Community Bank and many local community groups have shared in that generosity, including the Anglesea Community House, Anglesea Primary School, Anglesea Art House, Anglesea RSL, Anglesea/Aireys Inlet Basketball Team, and more.

On top of the “Wishlist” contributions that make a world of difference to many community groups, the Anglesea and District Community Bank has also recently announced a grant of $50,000 to the Anglesea Football Netball Club, toward the construction of a new electronic scoreboard.

The club has grown rapidly in a short space of time, with extra junior football and netball teams and the introduction of women’s football to complement the club programs.

To keep up with the modern fast moving needs of grassroots sport, the club feels the addition of the new digital scoreboard will enhance its football connection through its membership and the Bellarine Football League, but also give the club’s sponsors a greater kick

back through the advertising function the scoreboard will provide on match day and other scheduled club activities. With such a large financial stimulus injected into the club for this one project, it allows the entire club to benefit as the savings are spread across all sections.

Despite being one of the smaller clubs by population in the BFL, Anglesea continues to fight well above its weight, competing strongly in both football and netball competitions, but more importantly providing a wonderful community hub to bring people together and give youngsters an important social development platform.

The Check-up

What exactly is Heart Failure?

Alice Gaynor

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It is caused by a number of things, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, and valvular heart disease. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, and chest pain. Treatment includes medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.

In Australia, an estimated 110,000 people live with heart failure and it is the leading cause of hospitalisation for people aged 65 and over. [1] It is also costly, with $3.1 billion dollars in healthcare costs attributed to heart failure

[2] Heart failure is more common in men than women and in people with a family history of heart disease.

Anglesea Medical is currently undertaking a Heart Failure project with support from the Public Health Network. Optimal, guideline-directed heart failure management has been shown to improve survival and decrease heart failure hospitalisation, and General Practice is integral to this management.[3] Throughout this project at Anglesea Medical, we’re aiming to optimise treatment for our patients with heart failure through data analysis, optimisation of treatment and education for patients as well as our staff. Our goals in this project are to improve patient quality of life, prevent hospital admissions and ultimately reduce overall mortality rates.

Here are some things you can do to help prevent heart failure:

• Eat a healthy diet

• Exercise regularly

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Quit smoking

• Control your blood pressure

• Control your cholesterol

• Manage your diabetes

• Speak to your GP to assess risk factors and provide guidance on preventative measures

If you have any concerns about your heart health, please make an appointment to speak to your friendly General Practitioner at Anglesea Medical.

[1] https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bundles/forprofessionals/key-statistics-heart-failure

[2] Chen L et al. Snapshot of heart failure in Australia. Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research. 2017.

[3] Atherton J et al. Heart Lung Circ 2018; 27: 1123–1208.

Community Spirit

Long time local Paula Fowler loves working with people. Her genuine love of Anglesea and its community shines in everything she does.

Licensed real estate agent Paula Fowler has spent decades honing her approach to customer service. The result is a holistic and enjoyable experience for property buyers and sellers, built on a foundation of attention to detail, unsurpassed real estate knowledge and a deep understanding of the local area.

Having been a part of the Anglesea community for over 40 years, Paula loves helping people move on to the next chapter in their lives. She does it with a glow of positivity, sparked by a genuine care for her clients and a strong passion for what she does.

Her empathetic approach is backed up by a considerable set of sales and marketing skills, in turn underpinned by an impeccable work ethic. She’s an expert communicator, always keeping her clients in the loop with the sales process and ensuring their real estate experiences are seamless and stress-free.

Paula has an unquenchable community spirit, with a strong affinity to the beautiful coastal landscapes and the outdoor lifestyle on offer here. She is heavily involved with the Anglesea Football and Netball Club, having taken on

various roles there over the years. She loves supporting the local teams, especially when her boys are playing.

If you’re looking for someone who is as committed to building enduring, solid relationships as they are to achieving exceptional real estate results, get in touch with Paula today. She’d love to help you out on your real estate journey, or even just have a chat about the local area and why it’s such an amazing place to live.

What’s happening at ACH

July, August, September 2023

Anglesea Community House

Entrance 4, 5 McMillan Street, Anglesea (PO Box 43, Anglesea VIC 3230)

Unless otherwise indicated, all courses can be booked via Anglesea Community House and are held at the Community House.

Call us for more details on 52632116 or email info@anglesea.org.au

Keep up to date with upcoming events and courses via our website: www.anglesea.org.au Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

@angleseacommunityhouse

Health and Wellbeing

Life in Balance Fitness Pilates Classes

With Lina Libroaperto

The Pilates method is a safe and effective approach to building your functional fitness. The low impact exercises help strengthen the body with an emphasis on the abdominal and back muscles. Improvements in strength, balance, flexibility, posture and overall wellbeing can be achieved through Pilates. These classes cater for beginners through to those experienced with the Pilates methodology.

When Wednesdays 9.30–10.30am

Cost $15 per session

Active Adults

This class is open to all adults over 55. We use hand weights, bands and gym equipment to build strength, flexibility and balance.

When Mondays 9–10 am &10-11am

Cost $10 per session

Personal training also available. Bookings essential

For more information about these classes and bookings, call Lina on 0403 797 973.

Meditation and Mindfulness

With Divine Horizons

Meditation and mindfulness can be a valuable tool for helping us cope with day-to-day challenges such as stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, anger management and much more. Please bring your own blankets, cushions/pillows and mats to these sessions.

When Thursday 7-7.45pm Friday 9.30 - 10.15 am

Cost $20 per session

Private sessions available for meditation and crystal sound bowls. Book with Bindy on 0416 067 612 or email divinehorizons13@gmail.com

NicFIT

with personal trainer Nicky Friel

Cardio Blast Combo

This class is a combo of Tabata, powerbar, body combat, muscle conditioning and abdominal exercises.

When Saturdays @ 8.30 am at Anglesea Hall

Powerbar Classes

The ultimate fat burning workout, focusing on all the major muscle groups using barbells and dumbbells all set to motivational music that will leave you wanting to come back for more!

When Mondays @ 9 am Wednesdays @ 6.30 pm at Anglesea Hall

Cost All classes are $16 or $150 for 10 sessions. Sessions are suitable for any level of fitness. Bookings required for all classes. BYO mat.

For further information about each class call Nicky on 0403 779 084. Personal training available at reasonable rates.

Accredited training

Blended CPR (HLTAID009) and Provide First Aid (HLTAID011)

With Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), every minute counts. People who collapse with SCA only have a short 10-minute window of survival. With every passing minute, the chance of survival reduces by 10%.

When Contact Kel for current dates or for group bookings 9–10 am (CPR only), 9 am–12 pm (First Aid) Where Online/face-to-face combination

Cost CPR only – $60; First aid – $150 (inc. GST) Contact Kel at: 0458 701 482.

Interest groups & meet-ups @ACH

The following groups meet at the Anglesea Community House and are always open to new members. If you are looking to get involved in an activity, get in touch so we can help link you in.

Talking Points

With Trevor Chappell from ABC Radio Come and discuss current events with friends, new and old! Trevor hosts Overnights on ABC 774, and joins the group every fortnight to facilitate a discussion around current events. Bring along any clippings or articles you would like to discuss. All welcome!

When Fridays 2–3 pm

Cost Gold coin donation

Anglesea Jammers

Do you enjoy playing a musical instrument? Would you like to join a social jam session? Bring along your instrument and a few copies of your favourite chord chart to share.

Suitable for 18+ and all abilities.

Enquiries welcome – please call Joanne: 0450 782 592

When Second Friday of the month, 11.30 am–1 pm Cost Gold coin donation

Mahjong

If you enjoy playing cards you will love the new challenge of this ancient Chinese game. Come along and learn as you play a challenging yet stimulating game!

When Thursdays 1 pm–3.30 pm Cost Gold coin donation

Wednesday Stitchery Group

This group meets for a catch up and to work on their individual pieces. The group is open to any crafters who are looking for some company and to share ideas/tips each week.

When Wednesdays from 10 am–12 pm

Cost Gold coin donation

Sewing with a Purpose

Come along for social sewing with a purpose. We will work on sewing items for community groups in need like the Royal Children’s Hospital, local libraries, animal rescue as well as making Boomerang bags to help save waste from landfill. Come along to help sew, cut material, have a chat and share a cuppa. All welcome.

When 1st and 3rd Mondayof the month 1–3 pm

Ukulele Jam Sessions

Keen on getting out the Ukulele and jamming with some friends new and old? Come along and make music with fellow musicians. Share your skills and learn from each other. .

When 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month 7-8.30pm Cost Gold coin donation

Anglesea Snappers Club

Come and join with other local photographers – both amateur and professional and share your images, your knowledge, have some fun and learn from each other.

When 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7.30 pm Cost Gold coin donation

ACH Book Club

Do you love books? Are you new to town and wanting to meet people? Call us to find out more about the Community House book club.

When 1st Wednesday of each month from 11 am Cost Gold coin donation

Country Women’s Association (CWA)

Join the friendly Surf Coast CWA group in their monthly meetings at the Community House.

When 1st Friday of each month, 11.30 am–1 pm Cost Gold coin donation

Technology Support Group

Having issues with technology? Want to become better connected? With guidance from volunteer tutors, these friendly sessions will build your skills, improve your confidence, expand your knowledge and maximise use of your digital devices. Learn more about using apps, email and accessing the internet.

When Tuesdays (during school terms), 1–3 pm. Just drop in!

Cost Gold coin donation

Bingo

All welcome to come along and join in the fun! Afternoon tea provided..

When Mondays 1.30pm-4pmth, Cost Gold coin donation

Wensleydale Railway Line 1890 - 1948

Jan Morris

Catch the train in Anglesea? Can you imagine that? Well, it was the plan in 1890 when the Wensleydale line was built. The plan was to bring the railway line from Wensleydale to Aireys Inlet and to then have a branch line to Anglesea. The plans were drawn up but the line was never built. In fact, the whole of the Wensleydale line from Moriac to Wensleydale was dismantled in 1953. When the Lighthouse was constructed at Aireys Inlet, materials were brought by train to Wensleydale and then by bullock dray through to Aireys. At this time hopes were high that the planned extensions might come into fruition, but with the decline in the use of the railway line and the reduction in the number of trains run, the proposal lapsed.

The Wensleydale Line was built in 1888 at a cost £20,826. Twenty-five cuttings were required, the deepest being 10 feet. Water courses and drains were crossed by 16 bridges and 23 culverts. The railway was 10.92 miles long, having four stations Layard, Gherang, Wormbete and Wensleydale. Separate contracts were let for the turntable at Wensleydale and the three gate-keepers cottages sited at the main road crossing near the 62-mile post, at the Anglesea crossing on the Wensleydale side of Layard, and at Wormbete. There was no provision for coal or water for the engines. The train did the run to Wensleydale and back without refuelling. No station staff were ever appointed to the stations. The guard was responsible for selling tickets to passengers and performing all other station activities. The line mainly carried passengers, coal, firewood, and gravel. The fact that it opened at the beginning of the 1890’s depression did not give it a good start. It travelled through sparsely settled areas and one must ask the question – Why was it built in the first place?

Wensleydale Turntable & Ash Pit can be seen at the Wensleydale camp entrance. The 50-foot turntable for turning the steam engine around for the return trip is easily visible. The ash pit beside the turntable was used to empty the ash from the fire box but no extra coal was taken on. The end of the line was marked by buffers at 71 miles 44 chains.

Wensleydale Station at 71 miles from Melbourne was the end of the line. It had a locked station building on a 300 feet timber-faced platform. It had two loop sidings for loading goods freight. Originally a platform for passengers, it was converted to a goods loading platform after passenger trains ceased in 1899. It was mainly used for loading firewood. The station was dismantled in 1953. Wensleydale town consisted only of a school and the railway station. A private dairy now stands on the old platform.

The Aerial Tramway was built in 1923 following the discovery in 1914 of a coal seam along the west branch of the Wormbete Creek, seven miles from Winchelsea but only 3½ miles from Wensleydale. The gradients between the mine and Wensleydale railway station were

not suitable for a branch line so an aerial tramway was constructed instead. The tram was carried on steel pylons 80 feet above the surface. A cable tension station was sited at the halfway point. 100 buckets with a halfton capacity were suspended from the rope. The apparatus was driven by a powerful steam engine sited at the western end and fired on brown coal. The mining company built two houses for their workers and also a general store where employees could buy necessities. The Otway Coal Company siding was at the 70-mile point. The mine shut down in 1932. The tramway was damaged by bush fires in 1939 so was not used by the company that took over the mine. Most of the remaining structure of the aerial tramway was dismantled in 1951. Wormbete Wattle Company Siding was at the 68-mile point. Due to congestion at the Wormbete siding, this siding was added at the end of 1890. This loop line on the west of the main line, only operated for three years. During the short time it operated it was the busiest siding on the entire line

By the early 1950s it was obvious that the Wensleydale line would never be profitable and was dismantled.

Source – Norman Horton, The Saddle Line

Steam engine 590 on the Wensleydale Line

Wonderful New Reads with Great Escape Books

Specialising in fiction and non fiction books for all ages, this delightful independent book shop has a wide range of titles and topics to choose from. Pop in and see the wonderful staff at Great Escape Books in Airey Inlet

The Albatross by Nina Wan

The author, Nina Wan, has created such an incredibly powerful, compelling, and relatable contemporary fiction inThe Albatrossthat you will find yourself deeply immersed in the life of Primrose the main character. At 36, Primrose is having a moment, she is reflecting on the life that surrounds her and can't help but wonder how she feels about this life that has chosen her, and what might have been had she wandered a different path.Stumbling, onto a lonely golf course, named'Whistles', Primrose comes to find herself amongst the solitariness that her newfound sport affords her.

Forced to investigate her life, Primrose questions her choices, looks from the outside in, to her fracturing marriage, and is confronted by a childhood love who has now taken up residence in her street.Contrast between her thoughts, and her reality, Primrose is forced to look inside herself, and to make a choice about how exactly she wants this one wild and precious life to look.

Deeply reflective, a beautiful novel about love, self, and life.

Review by Lydia @ Great Escape Books

Fire with Fire by Candice

Fox

This much-loved Australian author of Hades fame takes to Los Angeles and Santa Monica with this gripping carefully plotted thriller. With several great threads running through this novel…our rookie cop is fired on Day one for incompetence, a couple unhappy with police handling of their missing daughter and a hostage situation is formed in the forensic lab. With vital samples being destroyed every few hours until their daughter is found by hostage takers, the scramble to back-track the investigation puts all the different groups involved at odds with heart stopping danger, and more lives lost as they try to save the samples which will exonerate the worst crimes in the country. Cracking pace throughout as the rookie fights to redeem herself. Loved it, wanted it to last but bolted through this thriller, and was rewarded with a great ending.

Review by Sue @ Great Escape Books.

On the Savage Side by Tiffany

McDaniel

On the Savage Side is equal parts beautiful and harrowing in its portrayal of the Chillicothe Six murders.

Born to drug dependent parents and exposed to the desperation and devastation of addiction and poverty, sisters Arcade and Daffodil live on the savage side of life.

With women being found dead and the same fate approaching Arc, she struggles with unreliable memories of a traumatic childhood, survived through imagination and escapism.

Emotional and uniquely written, On the Savage Side features and explores addiction, oppression,divine femininity and nature personified.

A memorable read for those after exquisite writing and substance.

Review by Pheobe @ Great Escape Books

Growing Grapes Might be Fun - How we made a vineyard out of a junkyard at Cockatoo Hill by Diedre Macken

Have you ever dreamed of packing up your life and moving to the country? Over the past few years, more and more people are swapping out of the hustle and bustle of city life for the fresh air and wide spaces of the countryside.This is exactly what the author Diedre Macken does with her life, and in her memoir, she charters for us the process of it all.A fascinating, informative and humour filled story of how Diedre and her husband Roger decided to cultivate a vineyard in place of a dilapidated farmhouse and sheep paddock.

Sharing the process of learning from scratch which involves an entire mentality shift to understand the way to go about life in the countryside and the meticulous work of wine production.Painfully honest, this a fantastic read to escape the everyday - you might just find yourself being pulled to expand your own way of the life and to really place yourself inside the story.

Review by Lydia @ Great Escape Books

AlcoaAngleseaUpdate

Winter2023

MaintenanceandMonitoring

Maintenanceandmonitoringofrehabilitated areasintheminearekeypartsofourobjective toensureasafe,stableandsustainable landform.

Thisprogramincludesextensiveweed management,erosionrepairs,stability monitoringandregulargeotechnicaland vegetationexpertinspections.Weexpectthese activitiestocontinueoverthenextfiveto10 years.

Pleasingly,ourspecialisedearthmoving contractorshaverecentlycompletederosion repairsacrossthegrasslandsslopes.Inan areaaslargeandaschallengingasthis,some erosionwasexpectedwhilethegrasslands established.Repairworkswerebuiltintothe maintenanceprogramtoaddressthis. InApril,wealsore-hydroseededtherepaired grasslandsareawiththesamenativeWallaby grassseedmixoriginallyplanted.

MineWaterStrategy

Wecontinuetoexplorethepossibilityofusinggroundwateraspartoftheminewaterstrategy.

Therigorous,science-basedprocessisoverseenbyVictoriangovernmentagenciesand departments,andtodatehasinvolvedmorethanthreeyearsofworkandengagement.Whilewe areencouragedbythepositiveresultsfromthegroundwaterpumpingtest,wewillnotmakea decisionaboutapotentiallicenceamendmentapplicationfortheuseofgroundwaterlongerterm, untilthecurrenttechnicalprocessiscomplete.

PartofthisongoingworkisupdatingtheAngleseaGroundwaterModel,inconjunctionwith BarwonWater,whichisunderway.Themodelwillbeindependentlypeer-reviewedbya government-appointedTechnicalReviewPanel.Wealsothenplantoundertakeafurther groundwaterimpactandenvironmentalriskassessment,whichwillhelpinformafuturepotential decisiontoseekalicenceamendment.

Importantly,whenthesestepsarecomplete,wewillruncommunityengagementactivitiesto sharetheanalysis,seekyourfeedbackandfurtherunderstandanyconcerns.

www.edenprojectanglesea.com.au

EdenProjectforAngleseaUpdate

Asthoseofyouwhohavefollowedthisprojectcloselywillknow,plansforanEdenProjectfor Angleseahavebeensubjecttosomefrustratingdelaysduetoanumberoffactors–notleastthe globalpandemic–butwefeelpositiveforthefutureandhopetobemakingprogressagainsoon.

OurAlcoafriendsareproceedingasplannedwiththeworkneededtoestablishasustainableway tofillthewaterbody.Inparalleltothis,wehavebeenlookingatwaystodeliveranEdenProject forAngleseainaphasedmanner.Thiswouldmeanworkingtodeveloptheotherelementsofthe projectbeforethewaterbodyisfilled.

Thepotentialtounshackletheproject’sprogressfromtheimportantworkonthewaterissuefeels likeashotinthearm,andprovidesanopportunityforanothersignificanttourismassetforthe regionconsistentwiththecharacterofAnglesea.

Ofcourse,noneofthiswouldbepossiblewithouttheregenerationworkbeingcarriedoutbythe Alcoateam,whohaveworkedhardtore-establishtheformermineinreadinessforitsnextstage oftransformation.TheworkisatrueembodimentoftheEdenProjectmissionandwedoffour capsfromourownformerminehereintheUK.

ProgressinAngleseasitsalongsideotherpost-pandemicstridesfornewEdenProjectsaround theworld.WeareunderconstructioninQingdaoinChina,havereceiveda£50minvestmentfrom theUKgovernmentforourprojectinMorecambeinthenorthofEnglandandareinadvanced stagesofdesignandplanninginDundeeinScotland.Wehopeyoushareourenthusiasmforthe futureofthisEdenProjectforAnglesea.

Wearehugelygratefulforthesupportwereceivefromthecommunityandwehopetoseeyouall againsoon.

BlairParking|HeadofExperienceDevelopment

LandfillClosure

Workstosafelycapandclosethepower station’sonsitelandfillhavewrappedupahead ofschedule.

Since1992,wehavesafelylandfilledasbestos usedinthepowerstation’sconstructionundera licencewithEPAVictoria.

Untilnow,andconsistentwiththislicence,the materialhasbeencoveredbyalayerofsoiland surroundedbysecureperimeterfencing.

GuidedbyEPAregulationandinspected regularlybytheEPA-appointedauditor, contractorshavefinishedconstructingthe speciallydesignedpermanentcappingsystem. Recentworkshaveincluded:

•Completionofthegeosyntheticliner; •Subsoilandtopsoilapplication; •Compostspreadingandscarifying;and •Perimeterfenceconstructionand hydroseeding.

Excitingly,germinationofthegrasshasalready beenobserved,justtwoweeksafterapplication. TheEPA-appointedauditorhascompletedthe finalcapconstructioninspectionandasbuilt reportingisunderway.

KeepInformed

Asalways,wewelcomeyourongoingfeedback andquestionstoangleseaps@alcoa.com.au

Visitwww.alcoa.com/australia/en/anglesea toreadmoreaboutouractivities,including previousupdates.

ScantheQRcodewith yourmobileoremailusat angleseaps@alcoa.com.au tosignuptoourregular e-updatesmailinglist.

Bestwishes, WarrenSharp|SiteAssetManager

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WelcometoAlcoa’sregularcommunityupdatewherewesharethe latestnewsaboutourformermineandpowerstationsiteactivities.

Re-hydroseedingofgrasslandsarea.

AlcoaAngleseaUpdate

Winter2023

WelcometoAlcoa’sregularcommunityupdatewherewesharethe latestnewsaboutourformermineandpowerstationsiteactivi

WaterStrategy

continuetoexplorethepossibilityofusinggroundwateraspartoftheminewaterstrategy.

rigorous,science-basedprocessisoverseenbyVictoriangovernmentagenciesand departments,andtodatehasinvolvedmorethanthreeyearsof encouragedbythepositiveresultsfromthegroundwaterpum decisionaboutapotentiallicenceamendmentapplicationforth thecurrenttechnicalprocessiscomplete.

thisongoingworkisupdatingtheAngleseaGroundwaterModel,inconjunctionwith BarwonWater,whichisunderway.Themodelwillbeindependentlypeer-reviewedbya government-appointedTechnicalReviewPanel.Wealsothenplantoundertakeafurther groundwaterimpactandenvironmentalriskassessment,whichwil decisiontoseekalicenceamendment.

Importantly,whenthesestepsarecomplete,wewillruncommunityengagementactivitiesto theanalysis,seekyourfeedbackandfurtherunderstanda

ProjectforAngleseaUpdate

thoseofyouwhohavefollowedthisprojectcloselywillkno Angleseahavebeensubjecttosomefrustratingdelaysduetoa pandemic–butwefeelpositiveforthefutureandhope

Alcoafriendsareproceedingasplannedwiththeworkneededtoestablishasustainableway thewaterbody.Inparalleltothis,wehavebeenlookingatwaystodeliveranEdenProject Angleseainaphasedmanner.Thiswouldmeanworkingtodeveloptheotherelementsofthe beforethewaterbodyisfilled.

potentialtounshackletheproject’sprogressfromtheimportantworkonthewaterissuefeels shotinthearm,andprovidesanopportunityforanother consistentwiththecharacterofAnglesea.

course,noneofthiswouldbepossiblewithouttheregenerat team,whohaveworkedhardtore-establishtheformermin transformation.TheworkisatrueembodimentoftheEdenProjectmissionandwedoffour fromourownformerminehereintheUK.

ProgressinAngleseasitsalongsideotherpost-pandemicstridesfornewEdenProjectsaround world.WeareunderconstructioninQingdaoinChina,havereceiveda£50minvestmentfrom governmentforourprojectinMorecambeinthenorthof ofdesignandplanninginDundeeinScotland.Wehopeyoushareourenthusiasmforthe ofthisEdenProjectforAnglesea.

arehugelygratefulforthesupportwereceivefromthecommunityandwehopetoseeyouall soon.

Parking|HeadofExperienceDevelopment

acknowledgestheTraditionalOwnersofthelandswhereweoperate,theWadawurrungPeople,andpayrespectstotheirElders,past,presentandemerging. angleseaps@alcoa.com.au

Twitchers’ Corner

Written and illustrated by Kaye Traynor

Brown Goshawk

Accipiter fascicatus

Length: 395-520mm.

Wing span:. 740-960mm.

Weight: 285-705 g

Other names: Australian Goshawk, Chicken Hawk. Similar species: Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus

Brown Goshawks are frequently observed in our area. They can be found in diverse habitats including open forests, woodlands, farms and roadside timber, especially localities near water. They are aggressive hunters and will take a wide variety of prey ranging from domestic fowls, water birds, small birds and their young, snakes, lizards, frogs, other insects and small creatures. They usually attack their victims on the ground, but will also hunt them on the wing, pursuing their prey through undergrowth, often hunting at dusk to catch unwary birds settling to roost for the nigh

Description: Male greyer than the female, with a richer coloured collar. The female is larger and heavier than the male. Underparts barred rufous and white except whitish flight feathers barred dark grey; long tail grey, barred darker. Upper parts brownish to slaty grey; eye and naked eye-ring yellow: bill blue-grey with darker tip; cere green-yellow; feet yellow.

Brown Goshawks are seen singly or in pairs and after nesting season they occasionally gather in small family parties. They soar in spirals or glide above the treetops with their broad rounded wings flat. Flight is slow with rapid wingbeats. At the start of the breeding season mated pairs become aggressive towards other birds of prey, they show their aggression by calling and displaying in the air, flying to great heights, diving and chasing one another.

In breeding season, both sexes build a nest which is a rather untidy structure composed of sticks, lined with green leaves. Sometimes they will use the old nest of a larger bird of prey. Clumps of mistletoe are often used at nest sites. 2 – 5 eggs are laid. They are pure white, occasionally sparingly spotted and blotched with pale reddish-brown and dark brown. The female does most of the incubating and brooding and is fed by the male who brings food 3 or 4 times a day to a nearby platform or roost. The female guards and feeds the young, and provides shade for the chicks during the heat of day. The female begins to leave the nest unattended at about 16 days but the chicks are fed at the nest until about 21 days, at this time the male probably helps to feed them at the nest.

Ref: Birds of Prey of Australia - a field guide by Frank T. Morris

Aireys Inlet Primary School

The little school with big results

Michelle Vernieux - School Council

Last year our school review showed our little primary school is a big hitter when it comes to educational and social outcomes. Our students excel in many curriculum areas and have a good connection to the school, the community, and their peers. The recently released annual report shows that our students do exceptionally well when measured against the state averages and other similar schools. While our students have high literacy and numeracy rates, we are also fortunate enough to have a wonderful school community focused on wellbeing and inclusion. The highly experienced staff engage with the students in conversations about their learning and assist them in becoming self sufficient learners, believing in their ability to complete tasks and reach goals. Students are encouraged to share their efforts and successes in and out of school, and their achievements are celebrated.

Recovering from Covid

Over the past year, a renewed focus has been on developing: Positive Climate for Learning, Empowering Students, Building School Pride, Setting Expectations and Promoting Inclusion. The Respectful Relationships curriculum has been embedded and again supported through the Bluearth program, which is delivered by a trained mental health and wellbeing specialist. This year we also see a greater reconnection to the school throughout the community, with many new families getting involved with School Council and the Parents and Friends group. The school fair and regular BBQ fundraisers at the local market are great examples of the parents’ contribution to the school and the wider community, and this year will be no different.

Surf Coast Shire Council

Councillor Mike Bodsworth

At present I’m one of about twenty Victorian councillors undertaking the Australian Institute for Company Directors (AICD) course. Councillor Libby Stapleton is doing it too.

The role of councillor is a lot like that of a director on a board and the course is recommended to councillors for a whole range of good reasons. Ultimately it’s about maximising the value we can bring to the Council, on behalf of the communities we represent. The course has highlighted to me (again) just how much there is to learn in making the step from candidate to councillor. I had skills, experience and values to offer as a candidate, but suffered some serious ‘imposter syndrome’ once elected. The rigour and scope of the AICD course makes it a great complement to on-the-job experienceand I’m grateful for the opportunity to do it.

It’s clear to me that motivated and engaged local people are an essential driver of good local government. They support each other and create strong ideas and social bonds. They provide a sense of direction, attuned to local conditions, for their Council to follow. That’s true everywhere, but in this municipality we are exceptionally well off for community smarts and strength.

I saw it exemplified recently in Aireys Inlet at a co-design workshop for the Fraser Drive community housing project. The workshop brought local people, including those on the project Advisory Group, together with representatives from Housing Choices Australia (Registered Housing

Surf Coast Family History Group

August is Family History month and Surf Coast Family History Group will be running an open day at History House, 5 McMillan Street on Thursday 10 August, 10.00 am till 4.00 pm. Entry: free.

Don't know where to start to explore your family history? Hit a brick wall with your research? Then come along and discuss your questions with experienced researchers. To get the most out of your visit, pleasesubmit your questions in advance: Email: surfcoastfh@gmail.com or write to P.O. Box 98, Anglesea, Vic 3230

Provider for the site) and Council, to develop design principles and work towards an agreed design concept. Over a few hours, conceptual plans were sketched out showing a cluster of accommodation buildings, space for entry, exit, gardens and shared social space, pathways to local facilities and space for existing uses like the Community Garden. A big thank-you to all participants.

I saw it also at a great collaborative session between Business Anglesea and Surf Coast Mountain Bike Club at Anglesea Pub, to discuss the Anglesea Trails Opportunity Prospectus. The Prospectus is an information and advocacy paper that shows how a formalised and wellmanaged trail network could deliver great economic, employment, lifestyle, health and other benefits – mostly across what has traditionally been the coast’s low-season. Thanks to the organisers and also to Polwarth M.P. Richard Riordan for being part of it.

Finally, I recently read the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Review 6, Summary for Policy-makers to update my understanding of key issues for local communities and our Council. The report points to severe impacts from things like wildfire, temperature extremes, drought, coastal erosion and flooding, just to mention some most relevant to the Surf Coast, but it also stresses that all actions to limit global warming count. All of us, individually and collectively, can make a difference and feel proud of the difference we’re making.

If you’d like to contact me about these or any other Council issues, phone 0427 337 558 or email mbodsworth@surfcoast.vic.gov.au

Celebrating the Winter Solstice the Aireys Way

Michelle Vernieux

Aireys Inlet’s much loved annual lantern parade celebrates the winter solstice, nature, communtiy and indigenous culture

Friday the 16th of June put on the perfect evening for the Annual Mangowak Lantern Parade. The calm and not-too-cold weather made for a pleasant night for the community to come together at Split Point in Mangowak (Aireys Inlet) to celebrate the winter solstice.

Starting at the Light House Tea Rooms with hot chocolate and music, the gathering then headed up to the base of the lighthouse. As the sun went down, Year 6 students from Aireys Inlet Primary School perform a ritual based on the pagan traditions of the northern hemisphere to call back the light on the shortest day of the year. An orator calls to the four elements of nature: the wind, the earth, fire, and water. The elements, each represented by a student, return the call. The gathering then joins in the chant and, accompanied by drumming, calls for the light to return and begin the cycle of rebirth and renewal.

The words the kids speak include Wadawurrung names and phrases that the kids learn each Monday during assembly at school. They acknowledge the power and beauty of the natural environment and country we are privileged to live on. "The words spoken acknowledge that solstice was recognised and celebrated in all cultures, including aboriginal cultures. For instance, at Wurdi Yuang in the foothills of the You Yangs …. There is a large fomation of stones that predicts the sun's travel during the solstice." says Amanda George, the organiser of the event for the past few years. "This year, we also called on the spirits of the land using a didgeridoo to summon them."

As the sun set, the lanterns were lit, and the parade began its march towards the primary school, where the wonderful parents club decorated the school with lights and provided a food stall serving delicious soups and pizza. The beautiful clear night also allowed for viewing the stars through the school's large telescope.

As the night went on, there was plenty of playing and laughter before local author Greg Day gathered everyone around the fire and entertained children and adults alike with stories and music.

The evening is a highlight of the year for many kids and a fantastic event for families with young children to get out and socialise, with many new families from Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and surrounding communities attending.

The southern hemisphere winter solstice is the moment when the south pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. This year that happened at 12.57 am on the 22nd of June and also marks the shortest day of the year.

Foodlink

Julie Martin

Foodlink provides emergency food relief for Anglesea and Aireys Inlet residents. It is run solely by volunteers and relies on donations from the community. There is no government funding for this service. Foodlink can provide short term relief for these residents by providing regular food packages.

Cost of living has increased putting pressure on many residents. This has increased the need for Foodlink within our community and has been draining their current resources. If you can donate to Foodlink you can either drop nonperishable items in the box outside the IGA in Anglesea or make a monetary donation to the following bank details:

Name: Anglesea & Aireys Inlet

Foodlink

BSB: 633000

Acc: 126289156

Sewing for a Purpose

An activity of the Anglesea Community House and in conjunction with the Surf Coast Branch of the CWA Sewing for a Purpose was established in early 2022 and started with 2 people and has grown to 10 people who cut out, sew, finish, and distribute items to groups or individuals in need.

The group meets at the Anglesea Community House on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Monday afternoon of each month from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.

Most materials used by the group are donated. The group recently received a grant from the Bendigo Community Bank for $500 which used to purchase fabric suitable for children. We currently have seven sewing machines and one overlocker for use and people can bring their own as long as they have a current ‘test and tag’ label. This can be done at the Repair Café for a cost of $2.00 per item. While we are there to sew, the group is as much about friendship and connection. Interestingly, a good number

of the girls did their nursing training at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Our oldest member is 91 years young!

Reusable Shopping Bags are currently available at the Anglesea Community House, 5 McMillan Street. We ask that you give a donation which will be used by the group to buy consumables for their sewing projects.

To help families in need, please visit Geelong Mums website https://geelongmums.org and learn about the ways you can donate.

Goods Sewn and Distributed to date

• 20 Aprons for the Surf Coast Repair Café

• 20 Aprons for the Royal Children's Hospital

• 180 Book bags for the Royal Children's Hospital

• 185 Book bags for Geelong Mums

• 20 Chef's Hats for All Aboard - Torquay

• 144 Face Washers Geelong Mums

• 110 Inner Wild Life Pouches for Surf Coast Wildlife

• 8 Outer Wild Life Pouches for Surf Coast Wildlife

• 100 Shopping Bags Feed Me Surf Coast

• 100 Shopping Bags Whole Food Shop - Torquay

• 135 Toiletry bags Geelong Mums

• 65 Shopping Bags for Anglesea Community House - for sale

TOTAL - 1087 items

Probus is Fun and Friendship in Retirement

Are you new to the Anglesea / Aireys Inlet area? Are you retired or semi-retired? Why not consider joining the Probus Club of Surf Coast Anglesea. When you retire those friendships that are developed through working life are often lost. Probus provides retirees with the opportunity to connect socially in a friendly and welcoming environment. Probus Clubs offer a range of activities, including trips and outings for members to enjoy, and provide opportunities to learn a new skill, explore new interests and create shared memories. Probus clubs are non-fundraising and purely social so you can just concentrate on enjoying retirement. The Probus Club of Surf Coast Anglesea meets on the third Monday of each month at the Anglesea Hotel, with lunch to follow if you wish. These meetings usually include a guest speaker, with a variety of interesting topics covered, and members have ample opportunity to network and develop friendships with like-minded people. A regular lunch or dinner at a local eatery celebrates birthdays for the month, and other recent outings have included movies at The Pivotonian, a trip on the Sorrento ferry, blueberry picking in Gellibrand and a mystery car tour. Longer trips were a five-day camp at Port Fairy, a few days in Bendigo for the Elvis Exhibition and a fabulous tour of Norfolk Island.

If you would be interested in hearing more about Probus or would like to attend a meeting, please call Lyn Elsbury on 0427 842 150 or visit the website www.surfcoastprobus.com

Aireys Inlet Community Garden Food Preserving Workshops

Heather McKee, Aireys Inlet Community Garden

Vegetable pickling, making tomato passata, fruit jams, bottling fruit, dehydrating fruit and making fruit paste. Local residents and community garden members participated in one or more workshops held from February to April this year, learning new techniques and sharing in preserving food that is in abundance at certain times of the year and can then be enjoyed when fruit and vegetables are out of season. The community garden, in collaboration with Grow Free 3231, offered three food preserving workshops: two based at the Community Hall, with the tomato passata workshop held amongst the attractive new outdoor bench, tables and seating at the community garden. Supported by a Community Initiative grant from the Surf Coast Shire the workshops explored ways to pickle vegetables, bottle jars of tomato passata, make jam as well as bottle pears. Several community garden members and friends of Grow Free 3231 offered their skills and experience to lead the workshops. Each of the workshops concluded with a lunch themed from the

sizes. The community garden now has the appropriate equipment to hold workshops at the garden once a planned solar powered system is achieved, but also the capacity to share equipment and bottles with garden members.

Repair Cafe 2023 Repair & Recycle

New Year, New Home. 2023 and the Repair Café has moved to the Aireys Inlet Community Hall. However, our mission to reduce items sent to landfill by repairing them remains the same. We also RECYCLE some items, and provide a range of useful repurposed goods for you to select from. Volunteers repair items for free but donations are appreciated to cover costs. There are always new and exciting things happening AND…the Café part for visitors has reopened! We have an evergrowing list of enthusiastic “fixers”, all volunteers. If you would like to consider volunteering as a “fixer” or helping with your administration skills email us at:

repaircafesurfcoast@gmail.com

We fix a huge variety of items such as electrical and mechanical items, clothing and textiles, jewellery iPads and iPhones (Apple products), toys, furniture and much more.We sharpen knives, garden tools, chainsaw & saw blades.We collect and recycle plastic lids from milk, water and soft drink bottles (but not the plastic collars) Please make sure they are clean and dry and the plastic disk removed. We

workshop. Feedback for all three workshops was very positive with suggestions for further workshops.

A Fowlers Vacola kit and a food dehydrator have been donated to the community garden along with an array of bottling jars of different

also collect and recycle plastic bread bag tags, corks, poothpaste tubes and toothbrushes, razors and CDs and DVDs.

We are also continuing with our Kids Tinkering Zone and workshops.Follow our Face Book page @repaircafesurfcoast for details of events and upcoming workshops.

Upcoming dates:

6 August and 10 September at Aireys Inlet Hall 10am2pm (last repairs accepted at 1.30)

Having Trouble Collecting Your NewsAngle?

A delivery service is available for less mobile members of the Anglesea/ Aireys Community.

Register your name at the Anglesea Community House.

Call in, phone on 03 52632116 or email info@anglesea .org.au

Lions/Lionettes Notes

Betsy Newman

The Lionettes Car Boot Sale was a wonderful financial success. The weather forecast for Easter was very concerning but Easter Saturday morning turned on the sunshine. The BBQ was well supported and $700 was raised for the Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation Biggest BBQ. Our beanies and bits profits were donated to the Junior Football Club and local family support. Thank you to everyone who supported the event in any way.

In April, the Lions Club celebrated its Charter in 1968 with an Anniversary Dinner. This year we had the pleasure of inducting four new members into the Club. Carol Daffy, Mary Lydom, Marion Kirkwood and Heather Hornibrook sponsored by Doreen Leeman, Carmen Koster, Janice Toy and Betsy Newman.

Lionettes members enjoyed a film day at the Waterlands Cinema in the woolshed at Gnarrewarre. Half the entry fee is donated to Anam Cara. Our next fund raising event will be the Pink Ribbon Lunch on 11th October.

The Lions Club held an Information Evening at the Anglesea Bowling Club for any community members who may be interested in joining our organisation. As a result of this event another four members were inducted into the Club in June. Keith Hornibrook, Bill Jennings, Mark McGrath and Kevin Taylor sponsored by David Morris, John Glen, Jim Tutt and Bob Gray. We welcome all these new members and look forward to their participation in our Club and community.

All enquiries are welcome at the following email addresses anglesealions@gmail.com or anglesealionessclub@gmail.com

Is Your Home Fire Safe?

Tony Revell, Anglesea CFA community safety

We would like to remind Anglesea residents of the risk of fires in your home.

Firefighters attend more than 3,000 house fires in Victoria each year. Many could be prevented by taking simple precautions to reduce the risk of fire.

In the Kitchen: Never leave cooking unattended, keep tea-towels and flammable items away from the stove and keep grills, fans and cooking surfaces free from grease.

In Living Areas: check gas heaters and chimneys Make sure heaters are off before going to bed or going out, always use a fire screen in front of an open fire and keep clothing, curtains or toys at least one metre away from heaters. Keep candles, incense, and oil burners away from anything flammable and matches out of children’s reach. Wood fires: Have your chimney checked. Ensure fire ashes are completely cold before removing them from the fireplace. An Anglesea house was destroyed around five years ago as a result of warm ashes being cleaned from a fireplace. We have also attended several shed and back yard fires caused by ashes.

Power and Appliance Safety: Never overload power boards and replace faulty appliances immediately. Check power leads for damage or kinks. Clean the lint filter on your clothes dryer after each load.

In Bedrooms: Don't leave electric blankets on for more than 30 minutes. Never put weight on the bed while the electric blanket is switched on. Never smoke in bed.

Smoke Alarms: Working smoke alarms save lives. It is law in Victoria to have at least one smoke alarm on each level of every home. Extra smoke alarms are recommended to ensure every sleeping zone is protected and in bedrooms where the door is closed when sleeping. Change smoke alarm batteries yearly and test regularly.

More Information? Visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Protecting People, Property and our Environment. Volunteering information is available from CFA at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa Or contact Tony Revell, Community Engagement on tony.revell@members.cfa.vic.gov.au.

Promoting Inclusion and Having Fun at Anglesea

PS.

Friday 19th May was an exciting day for the students of Anglesea PS. It began by acknowledging Walk Safely to School Day, with the children encouraged to walk to school as part of the school’s active travel program. Upon arrival, the children received a ‘Walk Safely to School’ tattoo to wear for the day. The school’s wonderful Parents Club organised a ‘lunch order day’ through the support of Anglesea business, Oaks Bakery. The parents collected and delivered the warm lunches to the children before the final and exciting part to their day.

In the afternoon, the children assembled in ‘white’ clothing before participating in a Colour Run to promote Inclusion / Idahobit Day. The Grade 6 School Values and Student Voice leaders planned and implemented the run with support from the school’s wellbeing officer. The children had a lot of fun as they ran around the course getting sprayed with coloured powder by parents and staff.

Arts Scene

Deborah Elliot

There is so much art and craft to see in Anglesea!!!

Below you will find a summary of the Art Scene in Anglesea for the next couple of months. Please go to each organisation’s website to confirm the details of the events listed below.

Featured Artists

Cinnamon and Rowan

Stephens

Cinnamon and Rowan had 80 people visit their metalwork studio/ temporary "deck gallery" and artist gardens over the first weekend in May for their OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND.

It was a wonderful opportunity for interested people, (lots of locals) and other artists to see behind the scenes at Cinnamonsart.

Rowan talked people through their latest artworks and works in progress while Cinnamon demonstrated various welding techniques in the studio.

The studio is now open by appointment, plus you can stay informed by subscribing to their newsletter at www.cinnamonsart.au or follow them on your socials

Anglesea Art House

23 Cameron Road, Anglesea

www.angleseaarthouse.com.au

The Anglesea Art House continues to run new and interesting workshops. To keep update to date with what is being offered please see their website

Anglesea Art Space

Shop 2, 103 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea

@angleseaartspace

Littoral

Anglesea Art House Printmakers

8-25 June 2023

Our local printmakers group are incredibly technically diverse and love to work to an exhibition theme to get inspiration flowing. This year they have decided on 'Littoral' -the zone is part of a sea, lake, or river that is close to the shore. In coastal ecology, the littoral zone

includes the intertidal zone extending from the high water mark, to coastal areas that are permanently submerged - known as the foreshore. This exhibition is alwaysbeautifully presentedandpopular with locals. Next Gen

Surf Coast Youth Art Exhibition

29 June - 9 July 2023

It's nosecret that we are an amazing creative region, and with more young families living in our communities, we are excited to see a new generation of artists emerging. This special exhibition is for them! Artworks from 12-24yo artists will be showcased during the winter school holidays for everyone to enjoy and to hopefully encourage our budding artists to continue creating well into the future.

Unmapping: an exhibition of personal geographies

13 - 30 July 2023

This exhibition will be something a bit different for Anglesea Art Space, a project that will hopefully inspire the invited artists to think outside their usual practice, or to build on existing ideas.

• How can we ‘map’ personal experiences of place, identity or belonging - without using traditional methods of mapping or data collection?

• How can creative map making be used as a form of visual storytelling?

• How can we trust our inner maps, listen to our bodies - tune into the here and now, what has been, or what may be possible?

• What does a space, a moment, a series of moments, a walk - mean to you?

We can't wait to see what they will bring into the space!

Arts Trail

Paul Angeloni, Robert Kain, Angeline Poole, Karen Shum

4-6 August 2023

Each year the Surf Coast Arts Trail attracts thousands of visitors to artists' open studios throughout the Shire. For those artists without a studio, selected venues are offered

Above: Cinnamon Stephens

as an alternative option when they register. These 4 artists thankfully chose the Anglesea Art Space and we are thrilled to welcome them over the weekend to show their work and and to provide demonstrations. Don't forget to grab an all important map from us to plan your weekend - and you can register at www.surfcoastartstrail.com.au

Monochrome Splash

10 - 27 August 2023

Local artists working with photography, painting, printmaking, drawing, ceramics, textiles and mixed media will explore this unique theme of black and white with a splash of colour to developa striking group exhibition.

Anglesea Indoor Market

143c Great Ocean Road, Anglesea

There are lots and lots of workshops at the Indoor Market. Please see their website and socials for details. To book into workshops please message Anglesea Indoor Market or call 0400 166 905

Anglesea Performers

The Anglesea Performers have just completed another very successful season of ‘The Bleeding Tree’ this time in Geelong. See their website for upcoming performances.

www.angleseaperformers.org.au

Anglesea Snappers

The Snappers are a group of local photographers who meet at7:30pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Anglesea Community House, 5 McMillan Street, Anglesea. The 1st Tuesday is ‘show and tell’ and the 3rd Tuesday is a learning session. The purpose of the group is to share a love of photography, share our knowledge and learn from each other. The convenor is Deb Elliott – 0439 686 585

Learning sessions for the next three months are:

June 20th - Photojournalism and street photography

July 18th - Exposure Triangle

ISO, Histogram, Light Metering

Led by Sandy Mahon

August 15th - Night Photography, Shooting in Low Light, Introduction to Astro

Led by Sandy Mahon

Eagles Nest Gallery

The next feature exhibitions open on June 3rd and run until July 30

Gallery hours (off season) Fri - Sun 10-4, Mon 11-2

BEACH FOREST - main room mixed media paintings and prints by Nick Morris

TASSIE, TIDES+ TONESfeature room multidisciplinary paintings by Anglesea's own Louise Price

COASTAL STROLL - mini room oil paintings by Ian Duncan

COLOUR HIT - foyer space contemporary oils by Sara Paxton

Coming up in August.......Big News: over the Surf Coast Arts Trail weekend Eagles Nest will be launching their Winter exhibitionsSat Aug 5th 4-7pmall welcome

The main space will be full of sculpture by the Geelong Sculptors Inc -EVERYTHING MATTERSannual exhibition Also opening will be:

SACRED GEOMETRY- biomorphic mandalas by Ernestine Brunette, Margaret Muffet botanical art and Karen Voss illustrations

Eagles Nest Art Gallery

48 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet www.eaglesnestgallery.com.au

**If you are an artist in Anglesea, Aireys Inlet and Surrounds and would like to have your work featured in the NewsAngle please contact Community House.

Write Angles

Melva Stott

On Australia Day, a question was thrown into the crowd, "Who was Trim?" I was one of those who knew, "Matthew Flinders' cat!" The first cat to circumnavigate Australia.

Trim was the ship's cat on Investigator when Flinders mapped our coastline in 1802, thus proving it to be one island continent and giving it the name Australia.

I've had a close relationship with Trim. Stan's town crier uniform was a replica of Matthew Flinders' uniform; sitting on his map case was a replica of Trim, the black and white cat.

At one World Town Crier Championship, Trim was interviewed on the radio and for a newspaper. Stan explained his rat-catching duties on Investigator, how he cheered the crew by playing with them, and his impeccable manners when dining with the officers.

He added that his Trim behaved as well as the original Trim and had refrained from chasing birds and spooking dogs during the event. Afterwards, I even let Trim write two of my weekly columns for the Surfcoast Times.

When I attended Matthew Flinders Girls' Secondary School, Looking Forward was the school motto. Matthew Flinders and Trim's legacy will take us into the future.

Changes:

Also, on Australia Day, we heard that Jim Tutt opened a recycle shop at the tip.

When I lived in Torquay, our tip was turned into a golf course!

Farewell:

In April, our community gathered to remember Leta Hall and to say goodbye to one who had given many years of dedicated service to our town. She was my loyal friendwe met when I joined the Anglesea Entertainers, and our friendship lasted for 42 years! Leta was one of a small group who met each month for lunch and reminiscing, along with Betty Butterworth, Doreen Leeman, Marie Benney, and me . . . we were named The Queens of Drama by one of my other friends.

Anglesea Entertainment:

There are a couple of power poles and lots of wires outside my house, which I don't like - but all sorts of birds like to gather on them. Recently, at sunrise, they provided me with some good entertainment as the magpies were dive-bombing the ringtail possums, making them scamper along the wires at top speed. The ringtails demonstrated some very good highwire skills.

Keep smiling!

Melva