Refugee Reflections
Bahaa Dabbagh
The Aireys Inlet Rural Australians for Refugees in association with the Australian Catholic University ran a pilot project for refugee writers in April this year. The aim was to pair four refugee writers with local Surf Coast writers in a weekend retreat so the writers could experience the landscape of their new home, discuss the art of writing with their Australian peers and write, write, write. Bahaa Dabbagh reflects on the outcome of the retreat.
The refugee journey is filled with a constant feeling of being hassled. That feeling doesn’t start with the journey and it certainly doesn’t end with it. When life sentenced me to run away, it didn’t really tell me where I would land or what I was really running from.
All refugees are trying to escape something: war, famine, persecution, climate or injustice. The journey does not end when we arrive at the other side feeling “safe” from the event that is our motive to flee. The refugee experience, no matter how varied it is, dictates that we have to go through a stage of being stuck in survival mode. That mode feels like playing a game with everyone but their difficulty setting is lower than mine, or at least it seems like that.
Survival mode is usually most present when we try to
experience the world while the people around us don’t really notice the things that we notice. We refugees usually navigate the world with misleading beliefs that we have created about ourselves, other people, and sometimes the whole world.
Examples? Sure! You might go to the airport lookout to see planes landing and taking off because it’s fun. But when I go to the airport, I need to locate the planes overhead so I’m sure that they are not coming for me. Then for me too it’s fun.
You might go to the beach and enjoy the feeling of water on your body, but my refugee friend promised her father that she would never touch that water after his experience on the boat.
You might be afraid of the dark and you prefer the lights on while you sleep. I do too, but I’m not afraid of the dark. I’m afraid of feeling powerless when there’s a power outage.
While many examples are nuanced, some of them are devastating. Like realising that the scholarship you were granted because of your outstanding academic excellence, is still not enough to get you to university. Someone in
Continued on page 4
Bahaa (left) with the other refugee writers at the retreat
Working Towards a Kind and Connected Community
Michael Varney, Vice President Anglesea Community House Committee
Anglesea Community House’s vision is for a connected, inclusive and caring community in Anglesea, Aireys Inlet and surrounds. I imagine these are words that many in our community would also aspire to. At the House we seek to bring this to reality by facilitating community spirit, fostering inclusiveness and positive connections and promoting lifelong learning. One of the roles of the committee of management is to ensure that the House puts these words into practice, leading by example to encourage connection, inclusion and care in our community.
Words are wonderful but they need to be matched with action and behaviour otherwise they mean little. Sadly this year we have seen in Anglesea behaviour that doesn’t match the dreams of many for our community. Most recently this behaviour was rightly called out by our elected representatives at the Surf Coast Shire Council meeting held in Anglesea. So what are we to do?
Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Confucianism each have versions of a “golden rule” to guide our behaviour. The most familiar, also in the Hebrew Bible and Koran, is summarised in Jesus’ sermon on the mount “Do to others what you would have them do to you”. Ancient words of
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wisdom to guide us or a more contemporary option offered by Dr Wayne Dwyer: “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind”, but maybe not Homer Simpson’s “treat others the way they mess with you”. Whichever you choose let us work together for a caring and inclusive community.
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government, somewhere, decided to take away your “right to study” and now you have to restart somewhere else — again.
We apply for jobs and we see everyone going through the same journey, but our difficulty setting dictates that we have no connections. Our experience doesn’t count. Our language isn’t the same. We don’t understand Australian body language. Our skills are not recognised. Even if none of these obstacles are present, we don’t get treated the same way because we might look different or there is an unconscious bias against us.
When we go through experiences like that, we might be constructing destructive beliefs around ourselves that we’re not as qualified or we are not as smart or just less skilled. This usually leads to us holding ourselves to higher standards because we need to prove to the world that we’re worth the shot they’re taking on us.
When challenges like these are present in our mind, opportunities that are designed for refugees like the writer’s retreat we had the pleasure to join last April, are a truly valuable chance to reflect, express, and validate.
We refugees shared a sense of confusion about how skilled we were. I remember the first conversation we had in the living room was about how everyone was treating us like we
were writers. To us, we have to be extraordinary writers before we are considered writers. Just like we have to be extraordinary at any skill before we are considered to have that skill.
The retreat gave us a lot of time and opportunities to be inspired, to be thoughtful and to experience the peaceful beauty of Aireys Inlet. It gave us an opportunity to be surrounded by generous renowned writers and artists that were so giving that it was almost overwhelming to be on the receiving end. I personally had many conversations where I felt the kind smile, the thoughtful touch, and the insightful words of wisdom while showing nature’s love to me and spreading our love for each other and nature. Each of these acts is an experience on its own and combining them was nothing less than being showered with love and acceptance.
But the retreat’s most valuable gift was the encouragement to have the courage to share ourselves with the world. The courage to see that we are accepted the way we are when it comes to art and storytelling. That courage was most beautifully demonstrated when just weeks after the retreat we attended the storytelling event of The Moth and the surprise that, while we all hesitated to throw our names in the hat, we all ended up on stage telling a story about “Guts” and how we had it!
Aireys Residents Have Their Say on Gravel Roads
Mary Bremner
It seems that everyone who owns a residence in Aireys Inlet has an opinion about the town’s roads, or to be more precise, the appropriate surface for those roads. There’s no topic more likely to promote cross-fire over social media, than whether the streets should remain predominantly surfaced with gravel, or should be paved with bitumen.
One such debate erupted this year when resident Diane Till noticed, on her walk to the beach, that sections of the town’s gravel roads had been covered with a topping of crushed grey rock. “I’m concerned the shire is swapping our glorious golden Gherang toppings … I’m not liking it. I LOVE OUR GOLDEN ROADS. I adore how the moonlight shines on it and I feel connected to the cliffs and shore. This town surely doesn’t want asphalt coloured streets?” Diane broadcast on the town’s community Facebook page.
Residents launched in with strong opinions on the aesthetics of the different toppings, their experiences of the made and unmade roads and the comparative costs.
Townsfolk who live on the gravel roads commonly complain that they turn to potholes in winter and corrugations in summer. Residents are also unhappy with the dust, including health concerns for some. One contributor exclaimed that the roads become “slippery, slimy slicks as soon as we have more than 10mls of rain.”
In the other camp, supporters of the gravel roads argue that they are part of the Aireys Inlet neighbourhood character. AIDA (Aireys Inlet & District Association) Vice-President, Charlotte Allen, says surveys of residents have consistently revealed that a significant percentage of the populace place a high value on the town’s undeveloped and natural vibe. They believe that the
unmade roads and the absence of concrete kerbs and drains contribute towards the town’s relaxed ambience.
AIDA President, Ian Laging believes that the gravel roads, with their natural roadside drainage, serve an important environmental benefit. The deep swale drains are designed to be vegetated, slowing the passage of water and allowing it to seep into the ground. Less storm water drains into the estuary, reducing pollution of the waterways and minimising the risk of flooding.
For some, cost is the issue. Where residents have petitioned for their roads to be sealed, the property owners contributed financially under the Surf Coast Shire’s Special Charge Scheme. However, not all residents are willing, or in a position, to pay for their roads to be sealed. “Be careful what you wish for,” warned former Fairhaven resident, Liz Wood, who paid $10,000 for her share of Yandanah Road to be sealed, some years ago.
There are also residents who would gladly pay for the convenience of a bitumen road, arguing that the contributions take into account the proportion of benefit to the user and are usually not excessive.
Another argument levelled against the gravel roads is the perceived high cost of maintenance. Locals see teams of workers, trucks and graders appearing at intervals to repair the road surfaces and wonder what this must be costing rate payers. Resident Tony Turnbull doesn’t pull any punches, calling it “fiscal irresponsibility.” He adds that, “to continue to fix something that’s broken, makes no sense to me.”
Shire Officer, Damian Waight’s response to this commonly-held belief may surprise readers. “There are many situations, such as roads with low traffic, where gravel roads are cheaper to maintain over a longer time frame. While unsealed roads do require grading, drainage works and periodic re-sheeting, this is often cheaper than the cost of sealing a road and then maintaining it,” said Damian.
In calculating the economics, many factors are taken into account, including frequency of use and the gradient of the road. “When traffic volume increases, there eventually comes a point where sealing the road makes sense,” added Damian.
It appears that rate payers will not necessarily be saved money if Aireys Inlet’s streets are sealed, so the question of finding a hardier road-building material seemed worth exploring. The Shire has for many years used a composition of sand, clay and pebbles from a quarry at Gherang that blends with the orange and yellow colours of the coastal environment. To the average punter, this soft, crumbly-looking gravel doesn’t appear to be a very robust material.
It turns out that there’s more to gravel than meets the eye. Damian Waight defends the Gherang gravel – it is tested at the pit and deemed road-worthy. The key quality is the percentage of clay fines – the material that binds the gravel together and makes it compact and durable under traffic. It’s all down to age, according to Damian. “With weather and traffic, the fines gradually decline, so over several years it’s harder to grade the material and compact it down to a solid surface.”
It was the search for a more durable road surface that led to the experiment with the grey crushed rock and the consequent upswell of concern from Aireys Inlet residents. Damian Waight said, “Council is aware of the need to find a balance between function and aesthetic, and we understand many people like the colour of the Gherang gravel roads. When crushed rock is added to the gravel it makes a harder surface and the orange does come through to the surface after a period of settling in.”
Earlier this year, the Surf Coast Shire Council embarked on a review of its policies on the maintenance and
renewal of its unsealed roads network. They received over 800 written responses to a survey of community opinion, while 244 people attended drop-in sessions. The Council has now published the report from that review.
Not surprisingly, a high proportion of the respondents were from Aireys Inlet, keen to provide Council with some feedback on the town’s gravel road network.
On the question of whether they would prefer sealed or unsealed roads, 54% of postcode 3231 residents who answered the relevant question and who live on unsealed roads, preferred them to remain that way. 19% preferred their roads to be sealed. The remainder of the 304 people who answered the question were either unsure, or do not live on a gravel road. This data aligns with the surveys conducted by AIDA.
Based on that response, it seems likely that the status quo will prevail in Aireys Inlet. “There is a strong preference in the Aireys Inlet community to retain the nature (colour and rustic appeal) provided by Gherang gravels,” the report states.
However, Shire residents have sent a strong message that Council needs to lift its game when it comes to gravel road maintenance and the report addresses this.
The age of the gravel roads is a significant factor in the longevity of their surfaces and the report recommends more regular re-sheeting. Other recommendations look at the regularity of grading, the employment of dust suppressants and more efficient use of equipment and deployment of workers.
The Council’s review also advises the development of a formula to determine when a gravel road might be a candidate for sealing. This would accommodate factors such as traffic movement, the gradient of the road and the moisture content of the soil. There’s a convincing argument for the economic benefits of sealing steep roads prone to erosion after rain, such as the bottom ends of Aireys Street and Boundary Road.
As always, available funds are a limiting factor, but the Council has undertaken to start implementing no-cost improvements, while projects of higher cost will be submitted for consideration in the 2025-2026 budget.
The report speaks favourably of the use of a mixture of Gherang gravel and crushed rock as having “a superior structure and durability in wet weather.” It might not reflect the moonlight, but perhaps this option finds the balance between a natural look and a road that lasts.
Note: At the time of writing, the recommendations arising from the report were still to be approved by Council.
Community Bank Anglesea: Scam Education Sessions
Kelly Turner
In today’s digital age, almost everyone owns a mobile phone, iPad, or computer, making us all potential targets for scammers. Community Bank Anglesea aims to build a strong connection with their community, making it known that everyone is at times vulnerable to scams and there’s no need to ever feel embarrassed. Their goal is to ensure that the community knows they can come to their branches immediately for advice and support, whilst also providing education to protect each other.
At the Community Bank Anglesea, to combat the growing threat of scams, the team is escalating the importance of education about scam awareness and safe online banking. To facilitate this the Bank is partnering up with community organisations to offer free local educational sessions suitable for all ages.
By attending our free education sessions, you can learn more about these threats and how to protect yourself. The team at Anglesea Community Bank is ready to help and assist you. Together, we can build a safer community. To book or enquire about an upcoming session or to look at organising one, please contact Kelly Turner our Community Engagement advisor on 0459 997 102 or email Kelly.Turner@bendigoadelaide.com.au
Important Scam Awareness Reminders:
• Never provide your 6-digit e-banking security code to anyone, even if they claim to work for your bank and have personal information about you.
• Never provide a caller with remote access to your computer, no matter how much they try and worry you. Hang up immediately.
• We will never ask you for your e-banking PIN, ebanking password, or 6-digit e-banking security code.
• We will never ask you to log in to e-banking via a link sent in an SMS or email.
• If in doubt, please hang up and then call your local branch on the number found via a trusted source. Never ring the number that called you or use any alternatives numbers they provide as those numbers always go back to the scammers.
Scams often start with a phone call, email, SMS or social media contact. Learning how to identify common scams and what you can do to protect yourself is crucial. Scams cost Australian consumers, businesses, and the economy hundreds of millions of dollars each year, causing serious personal and emotional harm to victims and their families.
Impersonation Scams:
Scammers impersonate people or businesses you trust to steal your money or personal information. They often contact you with a sense of urgency, hoping to catch you off guard. They may pose as:
• Businesses: like banks, ATO, Telstra, or Amazon.
• Friends or family: using technology to make their emails, texts, or calls appear to come from someone you know.
PayID Scams:
Scammers use fake or compromised social media profiles to pressure victims into buying items using PayID. They often post classified ads for items like pets, cars, and bikes, with detailed information, enticing photos, and attractive prices. The scammer may send a fake email appearing to be from PayID or PayPal as ‘evidence’ of the payment, further pressuring the seller into ‘reimbursing’ them.
What to Look Out For:
• Sellers claiming the payment was never received and asking you to send funds to get your details.
• Sellers claiming the transaction couldn’t be completed because you don’t have a PayID ‘business account’.
• Sellers asking you to make additional payments to expand the limit, promising that this amount, plus the initial purchase amount, will be credited back to you.
How to Protect Yourself:
• You will never need to send money first to receive a payment via PayID.
• You will never need to take any additional action before receiving money into a bank account.
• You will never receive communication from PayID via email, text, or messenger.
• There is no such thing as a PayID business account, account upgrade, or unblock option.
Dan and Libby from the Anglesea Branch
The Hidden Social Issues on the Surf Coast: Elder Financial Abuse
Geraldine Ditchburn
Ensuring our children are financially secure – whatever their age – is a common desire for parents. We try to help out as best we can. But for many, ‘helping out’ by giving money, being a guarantor for loans or providing in other ways may be the source of unanticipated distress for parents of adult children.
According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies (2016), between 2% and 14% of all seniors experience some kind of abuse, and financial abuse is the most common form.
According to the not-for-profit group, National Seniors, the real number of victims of financial abuse may be far higher because many people feel they cannot speak up and so many cases go unreported. In 2000, there were 244 reported calls to the Elder Abuse hotline regarding money. In 2016, that figure had increased eight-fold to more than 1,700.
Recent data shows that elder financial abuse is likely to get worse as our population ages.
Barbara’s Story
Barbara (not her real name) is a 70-year-old widow and mother of two sons, aged 48 and 46. She owns her own townhouse in Melbourne and currently has a half share with her older son in a beach house. Together her properties are valued at about $3 million. She also has about $500 000 in superannuation.
Her older son divorced about 12 years ago and he has two primary school aged children. When the divorce came through, her son was ‘homeless’ and so he temporarily moved in with his mother. He ended up staying at Barbara’s house for over 8 years and she looked after the children during the school holidays and after school when it was their turn to stay with their father. During this time her older son did not contribute to bills, food or board, even though he gained over $1.5 million in his divorce settlement. He did odd jobs around the house to help Barbara out.
Because her son had an MBA, Barbara thought it would be wise to hand over financial decision making to him.
He was given access to her bank and superannuation accounts, so she wouldn’t have to worry about money. When it came time for her son to move out into his own house, he needed help with the deposit. Her son accessed Barbara’s superannuation. As his repayment, their shared ownership of the beach house was changed by her son. Barbara’s original one third ownership was increased to half ownership. That way, no money needed to change hands. Neither Barbara nor her younger son was made aware of this arrangement.
While Barbara knows that many things work in her son’s favour financially, she has enjoyed having him stay with her and to get to know her grandchildren. The money will eventually go to him anyway. Besides, he is her son and he needed her.
What is Elder Financial Abuse?
According to National Seniors Australia, “financial abuse happens when someone takes or misuses your money, assets or property without you agreeing”. They also add that financial abuse is “manipulating [your] finances for [someone else’s] benefit”.
This diminished control over their finances can also cause anxiety, apprehension and confusion about the status of formerly trusting relationships for the older person.
In Barbara’s case, there are two obvious examples of elder abuse. Her son used her money “without her knowledge” (accessing her superannuation to pay for a deposit on his house) and by “not contributing to household expenses”. Her son took advantage of Barbara’s lack of interest in managing her financial affairs and altering her financial share of the beach house. Her son was manipulating Barbara’s finances “for his own benefit”.
In a nutshell, financial abuse occurs when a person who is trusted:
• Uses the older person’s money without their consent or knowledge
• Signs legal documents on behalf of an older person
• Threatens or punishes an older person if they don’t give the perpetrator money
• Makes the older person think that they can’t manage their own money
• Sells or disposes the older person’s property without permission
• Shops for an older person and not returning any change
• Fails to repay loans
• Doesn’t contribute to household expenses
• Misuses financial powers under anEnduring Power of Attorney
• Takes advantage of the sharing of resources within families
• Takes money or property
• Forces or forges an older person’s signature.
Adapted from National Seniors & State Trustees
National Seniors Chief Advocate, Ian Henschke, has said that around 85% of financial abuse of seniors is committed by family members, with children accounting for nearly 50% of cases of abuse. Other perpetrators of financial abuse may be neighbours, care givers, spouses or grandchildren.
Watch Out For the Red Flags
Angela Rogers, a lawyer with Baré Legal, agrees that elder financial abuse is on the rise. The accumulated wealth of the current generation of older people and the fact that people are living longer can foster “inheritance impatience” in families.
She advises to look out for the red flags of potential financial abuse, such as evidence of someone forging an older person’s signature or small items disappearing or changes in banking habits.
She suggests that older people adopt habits and strategies to minimise risk.
In particular, she advises that people:
• Appoint an appropriate Power of Attorney that can include a trusted family member and an independent person such as an accountant. Having two people in that role can minimise risk.
• Check all bank and credit card statements
• Ensure that wills are properly prepared and updated to reduce the potential for challenge
• Begin conversations with family members about your will and your wishes, including living arrangements
Where to get help
Seniors Rights Victoria 1300 368 821
Baré Legal 5442 2100
Centrelink information about assets (including gifting) www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/assets
Centrelink fact sheet on granny flats www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/grannyflat-right-or-interest
Rex Bills - An Everyday Hero
Liz Clark
When NewsAngle writers approach a person they would like to feature in the next issue the recipient of this attention will often say, “Why me? I’m not special, I haven’t done much, I’m not important.” But beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, and a keen observer sees things that an everyday acquaintance might overlook or take for granted.
NewsAngle writers often discuss the sense of privilege they have when they are invited to take a close look at another person’s life, are able to hear the stories, the truths, the difficulties, the joys and sorrows. The greatest highlight of my time at NewsAngle has been discovering the who behind each person, why what they have done makes a difference, why there is something special in the ordinary and why being important even to one other person is something notable, worthy of celebrating.
So, let’s celebrate Rex Bills, an Anglesea resident, a gentleman in his early 90s, a significant contributor to community life here and further afield in days gone by.
Rex was born in Lakes Entrance in 1934, fourth son of Danish mother, Margret, and Australian father W. Richard Bills. His dad was a leading patrol man for the Country
Roads Board in the area. The family owned and ran a guest house at Lake Tyers maintaining the guest house and providing all the necessary services for visitors. They also ran tourist boats through the waterways of Lakes Entrance for their guests.
Rex’s education took him from Cann River Primary School to Bairnsdale High School and Geelong Teachers’ College. One teacher, a Mr McIntyre influenced him greatly, particularly in the way he cared for his students, treating them with great respect and dignity. Rex was inspired to take on a teaching career and to model himself on this quiet, gentle man.
After graduating Rex began a series of teaching assignments around Gippsland, teaching at one-teacher schools, boarding with local families during the week and returning home to his family and friends for weekends. This hands-on, full time involvement with schools and students was a great start for him as a teacher and he enjoyed the varied experiences in country schools.
Rex was conscripted into the National Service in the Australian Army (Artillery), training in Geelong, Jan Juc and Warrnambool. He quite enjoyed his time in the
Army, driving trucks, camping in the bush, working through basic training activities and hands-on practice with 50 pounders (guns). He delights in telling the story of how some recruits didn’t know how to wash even a handkerchief when they arrived at training, having been “spoiled” by their mothers. He and a friend set up a laundry service to make a bit of money, washing their clothes, charging a extra for ironing.
He married his wife Liz, and raised his family of five in Glen Waverley, continuing as a teacher in various schools in Melbourne. Rex progressed through the ranks and became a school principal, a role he filled for many years prior to his retirement. It was a job he relished with all its possibilities of forming and guiding young people.
As the family grew, they particularly enjoyed holidays camping in the country. They became involved in the Scouting movement at every level and attended Scouting jamborees. They were also able to enjoy holidays in Anglesea as Liz’s mother owned a house in Melba Parade and they moved here permanently when Rex retired.
The involvement in the Scouting movement became just as much an interest and commitment for Rex as it was for his children. Over time he was a Group Leader, District Leader and finally Area Commissioner in the Scouts, bringing his expertise to Anglesea when the local Scout group was whittled down to only two members. With encouragement and hard work he supported the remaining parents to rebuild the group back to workable numbers, offering once again the opportunities for young people to build friendships, enjoy experiences and skills for life. Rex is vocal in his praise for the Scouting movement, calling it the best youth organisation there is. His own children achieved high rankings in various branches in the Scouts.
Rex became the proud recipient of one of Scouting’s highest award – the Silver Wattle, given to adult members for outstanding service to Scouts Australia in an active leadership role for ten to twelve years. A lot of hard work and dedication earned him this award.
Community involvement was very much to the fore in Rex’s life and when he was approached to take on the role as Treasurer at Anglesea Community House he decided he could afford to offer some of his newly found “spare”(retirement) time to the task. As he always did in anything he took on, Rex gave 100% time and effort to every task he was involved in at the House, finally becoming President for a number of years and filling the ongoing and constant demands of maintenance around the building with expertise and good humour. He was particularly keen to advance the child care facility in Anglesea and his involvement with the local Masonic Lodge led to generous donations from that organisation for the provision of toys for the children in care. Rex was awarded a Life Membership of the Community House in thanks for his commitment and effort, his involvement and support for the community being greatly appreciated by many locals.
Rex is now retired here, living on his own since his wife Liz died. He leads a fairly quiet life, but particularly enjoys reading through his many records of past activities and involvements in schools and various communities.
There is plenty to celebrate here in the life of Rex Bills - a man with a simple story, but plenty to be proud of, plenty to respect, plenty to look back on with satisfaction in a life well lived. Well done Rex.
Rex Bills
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Penny Edmanson
Bringing live music to Anglesea since 2017, The Sound Doctor is a group of Surf Coast music lovers passionate about introducing established artists and local talent to the community. Initiated by Dr. David Corbet, its name is not only a nod to David’s profession but also an acknowledgement of the technical work required to produce high quality sound.
David Corbet, much respected local GP, loves all things music. With a background in performing arts, he especially enjoys the benefits of live productions and the unique connection created between performer and audience. Many hours had been spent travelling the highway to Melbourne for gigs and David was looking for an alternative closer to home. Little did he realize that his solution would not only reduce his fuel bill but improve the medical wellbeing of his community.
Studies have shown that live music has a huge impact on physical and mental health: reducing stress by releasing ‘happy’ hormones like oxytocin and dopamine, improving brain function and longevity and providing essential social connection.
David has always loved the iconic Anglesea Memorial Hall. He remembers coming on holidays from Ballarat and heading to the hall to see a movie after a day on the beach. Moving to the Surf Coast, he saw it as an underutilised space, perfect for live music events.
On a whim, David sent a tweet to New York musician Joan Wasser, on the very remote chance that she might come and play a show in Anglesea when she next toured Australia. He was quite amazed when she said yes. This was the impetus David needed.
David approached a couple of like-minded friends who happened to also be experienced in running events and marketing performances. A fortunate skill set, as David readily admits he was totally naïve about costs, time ... and just about everything about making a great event. As he says, “I just wanted to put on a show.”
These three are the backbone of The Sound Doctor, volunteering countless hours to keep the shows happening.
The first Sound Doctor event was in May 2017 featuring a remarkable Irish singer, Lisa Hannigan. Committed from the start to bringing local and emerging artists in to support established and international artists, the team had local teenager Stella Caon opening the evening. This led to two nights with Melbourne singer/actress Clare Bowditch supported by Yolngu artist Yirrmal.
The shows are all run by volunteers. Part of the initial team’s role is to upskill them in various tasks to help create the events. The pool of volunteers has grown over the years and is integral to the production of four or five weekends of remarkable music a year.
The unique feeling of the venue really sets these shows apart from other gigs. Walk up the steps into the old hall and into an intimate setting reminiscent of a salon concert. With dim lighting, clusters of bar tables and stools, stage at the ready and bar out the back, one is surrounded by friends and strangers united in a common acknowledgement that there is nothing better than listening to and watching music live.
New Zealand’s Marlon Williams remarked on the intimate atmosphere and how close he was to the audience when he played in June. “You are all so close and Saturday nighty,” he said. On his first Australian solo tour in ten years, he admitted he was a little jaded after three performances to packed crowds at The Melbourne Recital Centre. He thanked the audience for bringing the revitalising energy that gave him a big lift. He responded by coming down off the stage into the crowd and providing three encores.
At a time when many festivals go bust and music venues close, The Sound Doctor goes from strength to strength. Loved by the locals for being ‘just down the road’, it also draws audiences from as far afield as Adelaide, Hobart, Perth, Cairns and Melbourne.
David says there is a definite cohort of regulars who come even if they’ve never heard of the artist. The trust that has built up among the regulars is due to the team’s diligence in sourcing high quality performances that generally wouldn’t make it to a small coastal town like Anglesea.
From humble beginnings The Sound Doctor has built up year by year, bringing incredible artists such as Archie Roach, Emma Donovan, Ty Segall, Marlon Williams, Mia Dyson, Julia Jacklin, Cash Savage and the Last Drinks, Didirri, RVG and of course they finally did get Joan As Police Woman in 2019.
Sound Doctor has a few more shows coming up in 2024 with Dan Sultan doing two nights at the end of September, and A. Savage (front man for Parquet Courts) and legendary Troy Cassar-Daley in November.
Such is The Sound Doctor’s popularity, averaging more than 2000 audience members a year, that shows (going on sale to the mailing list first) often sell out before any social media campaigning starts.
For information or to join the mailing list, go to the Sound Doctor website www.thesounddoctor.info
Remember, it is medically proven:
A LIVE MUSIC HABIT IS GOOD FOR YOU!
Marlon Williams at a Sound Doctor event
Crash of a B-25D Mitchell Bomber
Carollyn Williams, Torquay Historical Society
On the morning of 11th December 1944 a newly refurbished Mitchell bomber flew from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base at Laverton to the Torquay bombing range out at sea off Point Addis for operational testing; there were five crew members on board. During the exercise the plane caught fire, lost height and dropped into the ocean. It was seen to crash by the Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) observation posts at both Anglesea and Torquay. Newspaper and RAAF reports also indicate a camper Mr Pearson at Torquay saw the crash and alerted the VAOC at Torquay.
The observers, Joyce Graham at Anglesea and Betty White at Torquay notified VAOC Control in Geelong from where a search was coordinated. Joyce Graham immediately sought assistance from local fisherman Sid Morrow who promptly launched his boat and together with Joyce went out in rough seas to search for the crashed plane. Their search was unsuccessful. Marion Borrett continued to man the VAOC observation point at Anglesea and communicate with control.
The VAOC Control in Geelong had notified the Queenscliff lighthouse that sent a lifeboat. However the search was hampered by the rough seas, squally winds and poor visibility. The lifeboat crew saw no sign of the
plane but did locate an oil slick. RAAF planes were dispatched.
Meanwhile in Torquay Betty White sought assistance from local fishermen Allan Smith and Will Thompson who set out in the rough seas to try to locate the crash site. A search plane had located the oil slick and crew members in a dinghy. The plane circled the site and that allowed Allan and Will to find two men in a dinghy some nine miles out to sea. They brought the men ashore at Torquay to a waiting ambulance where they were transferred to the Geelong Hospital suffering from shock, lacerations and burns. The men were Flight Lieutenant Albert Claire from Queensland, wireless operator and air gunner, and Leading Aircraftman Dennis Roberts from South Australia, armourer. Roberts was badly burnt and spent some time in hospital receiving treatment. Claire was not seriously injured.
A further sea and air search was made during the afternoon for the missing men without success. These men were Flight Lieutenant Robert Wines from New South Wales (NSW), captain of the aircraft; Flight Lieutenant Frederick McGrill also from NSW, 2nd pilot; and Leading Aircraftman Ronald Cavanagh from Tasmania, armourer. The men were listed missing and believed dead.
ADVANCE NOTICE: Commemorative Day 8 December 2024
To commemorate this event 80 years later, the combined Anglesea and Torquay Historical Societies and the Returned & Services League (RSL) will combine for a day of remembrance on 8 December 2024. Most of the relatives of both the RAAF servicemen and the search and rescue personnel have been contacted and invited to the memorial services at Point Addis and Loveridge Lookout. The public will be invited to come to the display and remembrance afternoon at History House, Anglesea at 2pm.
William McDougall & Joyce Graham at the Lookout
B25 Mitchell Bomber
Introducing Ange CollinsInterim Community Development Coordinator
Following the departure of highly valued Kaylene Reeves from ACH to pursue academic opportunities, ACH appointed Ange Collins to fill the vacancy temporarily. The Committee believe that she has the skills and experience we require at this time and had no hesitation in bringing her on board. In addition to the community deveolpment work, Ange is undertaking a project to build contemporary systems and processes at ACH to increase our efficiency and effectiveness – an increasingly important task given our scarce resources. Ange’s bubbly, bright personality combined with her skills makes her a welcome addition to the team. She’s in the House on Tuesdays and Fridays – call in to say “Hi!”
Community Precinct Redevelopment
Beth Davidson
At the Council meeting on Tuesday 23 July, Surf Coast Shire Council adopted the Anglesea Community and Health Hub concept plan, which shows where all health and community facilities will be positioned on the site. Anglesea Community House (ACH) welcomes the opportunity to plan for enhanced delivery of much needed community services in a fit for purpose, modern facility proposed as part of the redevelopment.
Message from Ange: As the interim Community Development Coordinator, I’m thrilled to be part of the Anglesea Community House. As a fellow resident of Anglesea, a parent to two young children, and a Deakin student studying Public Health and Health Promotion, I genuinely understand the importance of community health and wellbeing and am deeply ardent about fostering it.
I firmly believe that a resilient, connected community is the foundation of individual and collective wellbeing. I am dedicated to creating opportunities for meaningful connections through events, programs, and initiatives that bring people together, strengthen our social fabric and create an inclusive and equitable community. I look forward to our paths crossing and the opportunity to learn from you all.
Fire Safe Anglesea
As the first step in our Fire Resilience Series, Anglesea Community House is partnering with Anglesea CFA to offer a very personalised service locally. Skilled and experienced brigade members are offering their time to come and do personal visits to property in order to assess your risks and what can easily be done to increase your family’s safety before the summer season.
Currently all fire risk measures are indicating a significant summer ahead, eg the Otways and south west Victoria are drier than they have ever been at this time of year and the soil moistures are very low. This means that it is even more important for us to do what we can on our own properties to complement the work done by agencies around the town boundary. We love our natural
ACH is the only childcare provider in Anglesea and recognises that the lack of long day care and after kinder care is a significant barrier for young families in this town. The proposed purpose-built facility will enable this service expansion and provides strong links with the existing kinder so that the two providers can work together in delivery. Note: the current building cannot be retrofitted to meet the stringent childcare requirements. Additionally, the proposed community hub ensures that ACH can continue its current provision of activities for Senior Citizens and general members as well as having room to grow. The plan enables space for both formal and informal activities and meetings, provides much needed storage space, and integrates with the Memorial Hall in ways that maximises use of both existing and new facilities. The building will provide enhanced sustainability features, including access to natural light, solar power, proper insulation, water capture etc - while developing an under utilised section of the precinct.
ACH is excited about the opportunities to bring the precinct and its aged facilities into the 21st century and looks forward to working with the community and SCS to bring this vision forward. There’s a long way to go and this is just the first step!
environment and want to learn how to live safely in it. Informed vegetation management is what’s important!
In recognition of this, Anglesea Community House is working with the CFA, Surf Coast Shire, and Forest Fire Management to enable local conversations and actions. The property visits are offered on Saturday October 5th , 12th and 19th and will take approximately 20 minutes. A trusted and experienced CFA member will attend your property and walk with you looking at the risks and offer advice on simple and immediate things you can do to increase your safety.
Bookings are essential, call 5263 2116 or scan this QR code.
October, November and December 2024
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.
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 10minute 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 : $70; First aid inc CPR : $175 (inc. GST)
Contact Kel at: 0458 701 482.
Anglesea Community House Entrance4,5McMillanStreet,Anglesea (POBox43,AngleseaVIC3230)
Unlessotherwiseindicated,allcoursescanbe bookedviaAngleseaCommunityHouseandareheld attheCommunityHouse.
Callusformoredetailson52632116oremail info@anglesea.org.au
Keep up to date withupcomingeventsandcourses viaourwebsite:www.anglesea.org.au Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma
Dr Skye Hueneke
I am writing this article in August but it already feels like Spring has sprung. The sun is out and it feels like pollen season will be upon us soon. Now is the time to prepare for the hay fever season and potential for thunderstorms that can trigger asthma. This is especially important for those who have asthma or hay fever with asthma symptoms.
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is when a large number of people develop asthma at the same time triggered by grass pollens and a certain type of thunderstorm. High grass pollen levels can cause the thunderstorm wind gusts to carry large amounts of pollen, these tiny particles can be breathed deep into the lungs triggering asthma. You may remember the world’s largest epidemic thunderstorm asthma event which happened in Melbourne in 2016.
Since then we have become more aware of the risks of hay fever and asthma combined with high pollen counts and thunderstorms. Luckily these events are rare but they can happen. In our part of Australia they occur during the grass pollen season from October through December. The risk of developing suddenly worsening symptoms during a thunderstorm asthma event are greatest for those with hay fever and asthma symptoms, poorly controlled asthma and undiagnosed asthma. Undiagnosed
asthma symptoms can include wheezing, breathlessness, feeling of tightness in the chest and/or a persistent cough. One in four people with hay fever will also have symptoms of asthma.
If you have a diagnosis of asthma, have symptoms of asthma or hay fever with asthma symptoms you should have a review with your GP to determine your risk of thunderstorm asthma. We can optimise your asthma and hay fever management and prepare an asthma action plan with you.
Stay informed about the risk of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event by checking the forecast at the Vic Emergency App – www.emergency.vic.gov.au
If a thunderstorm asthma event is forecast then it is best to avoid being outside during the thunderstorm. The wind gusts before the storm can be particularly bad. Going inside, closing doors and windows and putting the air conditioner on to recirculate can reduce your exposure to pollen. If someone develop symptoms of asthma during a thunderstorm then you should commence Asthma first aid: sit the person up, stay calm, give four puffs of blue/grey puffer, wait four minutes, if getting worse or no better then call 000 and continue to give four puffs every four minutes until the ambulance arrives. www.nationalasthma.org.au
Greta Turns Plastic Fantastic
Helen Thomas
A shared passion for creative design, sustainability and business has sparked an intergenerational relationship and business that turns unwanted plastic waste into bespoke jewellery and gifts.
Meet Greta Atwell. Greta is 14 years old and lives in Anglesea with her mum Donna, father Kish and brother Ryan. Greta along with her friend and mentor Bin DixonWard is doing more than her fair share to ensure that microplastics don’t find their way into the waterways along the Surf Coast.
Several years ago Greta attended a workshop run by Bin where microplastics collected at the inlet and around town, were mixed with resin and used to make fridge magnets. Greta’s interest in this creative pursuit grew and she began assisting Bin at the Aireys Inlet Market stall in November 2023, along with the stall at the Aireys Inlet Primary School Fair and other local markets.
Painkalac Plastics was born and a philanthropic arm of this small business was established. Proceeds were donated both to the Aireys Inlet Primary School and to the Aireys Inlet Rural Australians for Refugees (AIRAR). The product range has since expanded to include key rings, coasters and delicate beautiful earrings of many varieties. Brooches and necklaces are also part of the range. These innovative, interesting and colourful jewellery items reduce plastic waste and Greta is certainly
committed to this as an important outcome of the Painkalac Plastics venture.
The step by step process begins with choosing colours, starting with plastic bottle tops which are placed on a silicon baking sheet and laid inside a sandwich press. When melted and cooled flat under a heavy weight, the sheets are then cut to create the designs. Bin, a trained goldsmith, has developed this process where she applies her jewellery skills to plastics to achieve these results. The technique can be very time consuming, a $20 set of six coasters, for example, may take two people all morning to make by the time all the steps in this complex process are executed.
The multi-skilled Greta uses her talents and creative flare to work on the jewellery display boards as well as helping to develop the marketing strategy and monitoring the finances.
Greta with her friend and mentor Bin Dixon-Ward
She also takes care of the photo modelling side of the business. On the marketing side Greta manages the @painkalacplastics instagram account and posts photos of the latest wares and displays of jewellery and other items being produced. She also helps Bin manage the website: www.painkalacplastics.com.au which is also a vehicle for advertising the products.
Bin and Greta have designed a business card and QR Code that will take people to their website. Some interesting marketing ideas are also blossoming as Painkalac Plastics continues to develop and grow.
Into the future the plan is to have a stall at the Aireys Inlet Markets, Friday Night Markets in Anglesea as well as continuing to run pop-up workshops for the community. Colac Murray Street Indoor Markets is another venture where Painkalac Plastics are available. In 2023 the December Aireys Inlet Xmas Market saw Painkalac Plastics raise a staggering $3000, all of which was donated to the Aireys Inlet Rural Australians For Refugees (AIRAR). This highly successful collaboration with AIRAR and the Repair Cafe has seen Painkalac Plastics go from strength to strength.
These entrepreneurial businesswomen are not only doing their bit to prevent micro plastics and other waste materials from washing into the oceans and other waterways but they are generously donating the proceeds to refugee causes. In the future Greta wants to keep working on product design taking photos and continuing to develop her business as well as her creative skills. Sharing her knowledge with others, especially young people, is very important to Greta. She has been involved in three workshops so far at both the Repair Cafe and Aireys Kids and enjoys the challenge of teaching and demonstrating new skills to young people, teenagers and some older women too.
Greta’s love of the environment, in particular her love of native animals, is a key driver for her interest in working with Painkalac Plastics. In addition to the businesss, she
spends time training and playing basketball, and developing her baking and art skills.
When asked what she enjoyed most from her involvement in the workshops run by Painkalac Plastics Greta said “helping people create different things and teaching them something new.” The sharing of knowledge and also learning from what workshop participants bring to the sessions is also a great outcome. All these learnings are documented in a journal in which charts her progress, growth and development.
Every Monday Greta meets with her mentor Bin and together they plan their respective schedules and work in Bin’s studio on the multifaceted aspects of their work together - covering finance, marketing, design, social media and technical skill development.
Look out for Greta and Bin next time you are at the Aireys Inlet Market or the Annual School Fair in November, the Anglesea Night Markets over the summer months or if you happen to be down Colac way and want to explore the Colac Murray Street Indoor Market. Not only will you be supporting their creative enterprise, you will be saving plastic from entering the environment, a win-win for all.
Greta assisting Venezuelan refugee and new Aireys resident Camila Alfonzo Contreras at the PP workshop held at the Repair Cafe in Aireys Inlet
A Sweeping Passion for Cleanliness & Community
Lina Libroaperto
Seb and Lee met in Brunswick Heads, NSW, back in 2020 when the world was recovering from the shock of the new decade. Their story in the Surf Coast began with a memorable road trip through the Great Ocean Road in April 2022. Captivated by the area’s natural beauty, they packed their life up and headed for the Surf Coast with no concrete plans beyond the desire to be a part of this beautiful coast. Starting out in a short-term rental in Jan Juc they were thrilled when an opportunity for a long lease in Anglesea opened up and the application was in before they’d even seen the house. “It felt right, and we were both excited to receive the news we had been approved!” Both open-minded and passionate about exploring, Seb and Lee found a welcoming community that quickly embraced them.
With Lee’s background in the cleaning industry, starting Sea Sweep Cleaning Services felt like a natural progression when they were looking for work. “We just fell into it,” says Lee, reflecting on their small business journey. “It’s been a huge learning curve, but organising our work and running a small business has been incredibly rewarding. It feels amazing to be able to provide for your family and grow something that can benefit not just to us but the community at large, adding our special touch to the area.”
The supportive Anglesea community has played a significant role in their success so far. A few posts in the Anglesea Life Facebook Group brought in an influx of clients, showcasing the town’s welcoming spirit. Seb and Lee were drawn to the area’s stunning landscapes, from the ocean to the heath and the rainforest up to Lorne, which perfectly complemented their love for outdoor activities. Seb, a mountain biker and runner, often finds solace in the solitude of the bush and the sea, while Lee enjoys the natural surroundings and the surf.
Working as a duo, Seb and Lee have created a cleaning business with a unique edge. Their complementary skillsSeb specialising in window cleaning and Lee in residential cleaning-allow them to efficiently tackle a variety of tasks. Their natural dedication to cleanliness and organisation extends beyond their home life into their business helping the people they work with. Seb and Lee offer a range of services, from maintaining holiday homes and rentals to post-construction cleanups and regular domestic cleaning. Their goal is to help Surf Coast residents enjoy tidy and productive spaces that inspire comfort and creativity.
Each month, Seb and Lee offer their services to a community member in need, calling for nominees on the Anglesea Life Facebook group. “We love giving back and helping out where we can,” Lee shares.
Doreen Titter was recently nominated for this generous offer after having carpal tunnel surgery. “I was happily surprised when Seb contacted me,” she said. “They did a great job. They were personable, efficient and the house was left sparkling.”
Seb and Lee’s story is one of passion and adventure. Through their cleaning business, they have not only found a way to make a living to support their family but also a way to make a small difference to the local people here on the Surf Coast.
Legal Q & A
Thank you to all who sent questions in to: info@barelegal.com.au. Whilst we cannot address all of them in this edition, we will attempt to answer as many as we can. Remember, there is no cost to give a member of our team a call, so if you have a question you really want/ need answered, you can contact us at Ph: 5213 1300.
Can I exclude someone in my Will?
Yes, you can! However, there are important considerations to keep in mind. In Victoria, only individuals to whom you hold a significant obligation can contest a will (eg. spouse, children or those financially dependent on you). Therefore, it is important to include a clause in your Will stating explicitly that you are consciously excluding the person and state any reasons in a separate letter addressed to your executor. If a claim arises, your executor can use this letter as evidence.
Who should be my Executor?
Choosing an executor for your Will is an important decision which should be made carefully. The Executor is the person responsible for gathering assets, paying debts and taxes and distributing assets in accordance with your Will. The Executor must be over 18 and they shouldn’t be too old or ill to fulfil their duties. If you do not want to choose family, you can consider a professional, such as an accountant. Alternatively, you can appoint a lawyer, but our preference is this should be a last resort.
Select someone you trust to act in your best interests. They should be honest, reliable and capable of managing your estate. They should be willing and able to carry out the duties and ideally someone who lives in the same state as you. It’s important to make sure your selected person is
happy to be your executor. It is a good idea to choose an alternate Executor if you can in the event your first choice is unable or unwilling when the time comes.
What are the tax implications of a Will?
Passing on assets through your Will may have tax implications. If property is given to beneficiaries in accordance with the Will, no capital gains tax or stamp duty will be payable by the estate or beneficiaries. However, capital gains tax may apply if the beneficiaries dispose of the property later. There is no inheritance tax in Australia, so beneficiaries generally do not have to pay tax on assets they inherit from an estate.
Can I prepare a Will online?
You can prepare a Will online using a Will Kit and whilst it can be convenient and cost-effective, there are risks of doing so and we would remind clients that the cheapest option isn’t necessarily the best! Will Kits are generally not tailored to your specific circumstances so may not be legally binding or may not adequately reflect your wishes. These services may provide guidance; however, they will not offer the same level of legal expertise and advice that a lawyer provides. A lawyer will always prepare documents to minimise the risk of a legal challenge in the future.
Be mindful that the security and confidentiality of your personal information and the contents of your Will may be at risk if you use an online service without adequate safeguards and some services do not provide solutions relevant to Victoria. Finally, a lawyer will usually store your Will in a secure place that is fireproof to ensure your executor knows where to go when the time comes. Always remember, you get what you pay for!
Moving For Mental Health
Kara Cheah & Lina Libroaperto
It was in 2015 that Kara discovered The Jungle Body- a dance fitness workout like no other. Originating in 2010 in Perth, The Jungle Body prides itself on using the hottest music, easy to follow choreography, inclusive classes and moving for mental health.
“The first class I attended was at a warehouse in Fremantle on a 40 degree day,” recalls Kara. “The playlist was amazing and I sweated in places I didn’t even know you could sweat! I was hooked. I remember having a small voice say, ‘I could run something like this on my own one day.’ I became a qualified Jungle Body instructor the following year.”
Kara moved to Aireys Inlet in January 2020 slap bang in the craziness of the shifting COVID restrictions and protocols around running classes and limits on numbers. This made it challenging for Kara to grow her business. With the support of the Anglesea Community House and a grant application to encourage outdoor group exercise, Kara was able to set up Outdoor Konga, a high intensity fitness workout, at the Anglesea Footy Oval where it continues today.
In 2021 Kara launched GET LOW as another option. GET LOW is a low intensity and low impact workout designed to ignite the mind, move the body and improve well-being. Lately, there has been much attention given to the brain-health benefits of dance fitness. Modern research shows that dance fitness vastly improves cognitive health compared to other forms of fitness (such as walking, swimming and stretching) due to factors such as following instruction, counting the beat, singing to lyrics, listening to the transition in the music and making decisions about the next move!
Not only does Kara run weekly classes, but together with Megan (The Jungle Body, Torquay) and fellow local
instructor Ellen, she has been involved in some incredible fundraising events over the last 3 years such as Boogie for Boobies, Fight Club, Glow Up and Get Down, Dirty Disco and Hips and Sips, just to name a few. You may have seen a small group of participants dancing in the rain last December at the Anglesea Lions Park to raise money for the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal. Other recipients have been Geelong Mums, the Meli Institute, the McGrath Foundation, Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute and Lifeline Australia.
“We have been invited three years in a row to participate in the Art of the Minds Festival and we look forward to this year's dance party The Booty Ball on Friday 11 October; a 1980s dance playlist with an op shop prom theme dress code.”
“Also stay tuned for our first GET LOW Disco - "Sweet Sounds of the 60s”, said Kara, It’s coming at the end of November 2024.”
Follow The Jungle Body with Kara on Facebook or @thejunglebodywithkara on Instagram to purchase tickets and to be the first to find out about event details.
“See you soon on the dancefloor!”
Wonderful Reads with Great Escape Books
Specialising in fiction and non fiction books for all ages, this delightful independent bookshop has a wide range to choose from. Pop in and see the wonderful staff at Great Escape Books in Aireys Inlet
Table for Two by Amor Towles
Be prepared to be thoroughly impressed with this masterful new collection of six superbly crafted long ‘short’ stories, concluding with my favourite piece, the brilliant stylish noir novella Eve in Hollywood. From the opening page you are in the presence of a master storyteller as you journey into Russia with The Line, the story of the great poet and novelist Pushkin in the Bolshevik revolution, as Towles brings the hardships of the early days of Moscow and the country’s communist awakenings vividly to life.
From there you journey with the hapless Pushkin to the Americas, as the pieces dazzle and beguile you with tales of sophisticated literary forgers, fateful friendships and tragic infidelities. Throughout all his narratives, Amor Towles seems most interested in exploring the dark edges of choice and consequences, making for truly fascinating reading. With many of the pieces bookending into the worlds of his previous books The Rules of Civility and A Gentleman in Moscow, Table For Two is a superb treat to be savoured.
Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books
The Bell of The World by Gregory Day: Shortlisted Miles Franklin Award 2024
A glorious, evocative novel of the soaring Australian landscape. I absolutely loved my journey with Sarah Hutchinson, who at the turn of the century has never fitted into the narrow confines of an English boarding school or the rigid expectations of her frigid mother and her largely absent father. She is sent to stay with her eccentric Uncle Ferny on his farm, Ngangahook in the wilds of Aireys, which in her eyes is no punishment at all. Day weaves stunning imagery of the very essence of the earth, of trees, of old possums and of course of birds throughout this novel, portraying his great and vast love of Aireys and the Bambra surrounds.
Jack Callil in The Guardian wrote that, “The novel’s incantatory yet challenging prose makes flaneurs of its readers, leading us down innumerable warrens of evocative natural imagery and sinuous thought. It is heart-sleeving earnest … resplendent with literary allusions and encyclopaedic ecological knowledge.”
Come and read this mesmerising, utterly beautiful novel for yourself. A selection of Greg’s novels, essays and poetry are available in-store now.
Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books
Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck: Winner of the International Booker Prize 2024
Be haunted by this intense novel. Set in 1986, in East Germany, Katharina is a 19 year old student, who dreams of working in theatre when, she meets Hans, a 53 year old novelist. Despite Hans being married and 10 years older than her own father, Katharina sees the fact that their birth years add up to 100 as a sign their relationship is meant to be and they embark on an affair doomed from the start.
Erpenbeck’s mastery is her ability to immerse us in the emotion (and gaslighting) of the story. We are swept away in Hans’ ‘romance’ and, later, equally anxious of, and questioning, his reactions. Erpenbeck’s mid-scene switches in narration reveal the power imbalance of the relationship. We see the manipulation and vulnerability of Katharina and Hans as arrogant, hypocritical and, later, sadistic.
Some critics have commented that Hans’ treatment of Katharina is an analogy for the post-reunification of East and West Germany. However, it is much more than that. On a local level this novel is an eye-opening portrayal of coercive control and how difficult it is to walk away from abusive relationships.
Review by Katina @Great Escape Books
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
Blue Sisters is one of my favourite books this year, and I just love the writing of Coco Mellors. The Blue sisters are estranged and living their separate lives, but after the shock death of their beloved sister Nicky, they are forced to reunite and confront their own brokenness and the barriers that divide them.
Avery, the oldest, is a well-regarded lawyer and an overachiever who is hiding her addict past. Bonnie is a bouncer who can well and truly hold her own, but desperately broken by her defeat in a profession, is guarded. Lucky, the youngest, is a model in Paris being crushed by the demands of her wild party life. As they pack up Nicky’s apartment they battle to make sense of their own disappointments, regrets, and painful childhood and even begin to process the insurmountable loss.
This is a magnificent novel about love, loss, grief, and the power of connection and acceptance. Profound, powerful, and all too relatable. Loved it.
Review by Lydia @ Great Escape Books
COMMUNITY CORNER
Twitchers’ Corner
Written and illustrated by Kaye Traynor
White-eared Honeyeater Nesoptilotis leucotis
Wing: 78-103mm
Bill: 17-22mm
Weight:18-30g.
Amedium-sizedhoneyeater withdistinctiveplumage.A boldandinquisitivebird.
Theyoccurinthesouth westofWesternAustralia, mostoftheextremesouth ofSouthAustraliaand throughoutVictoriaandsouthernandeastern NewSouthWalesintoQueenslandtojustnorth oftheTropics.Locallycommonineucalyptforests andwoodlands.Usuallyfoundalong watercoursesbutcanoccursomedistancefrom creeksinopenwoodlandandgardens.
White-earedHoneyeatersareadeepolive-green aboveandyellow-olivebelowwithadarkgrey crownandblackfacetoupperbreastwitha sharplycontrastinglargewhiteearmarking extendingbackbeneaththeeye.
Femaleshaveaslightlylessextensiveblackbreast andimmaturebirdsaredullerwithanolive-green crown.
Thisrelativelyshort-billedhoneyeatereatsmore insectsthanflowernectar,andincludesmany beetlesinitsdiet,aswellassomenativeand cultivatedfruits.Theyalsoseekinsectsfromthe barkoftreetrunksandlimbs.Theyarenormally seenassinglebirdsorinpairs.Theycanbevery boldduringnestconstructionandhavebeen knowntoalightonhumansandsometimespets tocollecthairandclothfibres.
ThemainbreedingseasonisAugusttoJanuary, butnestinghasbeennotedduringJulytoApril. Adeepandratheruntidycup-shapednestis suspendedfromthintwigsbyitsriminasmall shruborbush,sometimesamongdebris,little higherthan2metresabovetheground.OnceI foundanestinaclumpofBrackenfern.
Twotothreeeggsarelaid.Dullflesh-buffto white,darkertowardslargerend,spottedand blotchedwithchestnut,purple-redandpurplegrey,mainlyonthelargerend.
Reference: Garden Birds – Attracting Birds to Australian and New Zealand Garden. Clifford B. Frith
A Milestone for the Rubbish Rangers of Aireys Inlet
Jacqui Lamont
It was August 2020 during Covid when a small group of volunteers gathered in Aireys Inlet on a mission to clean up the town and surrounds. What started as an idea quickly grew into a regular Saturday morning get-together that is now celebrating its fourth year. We will always be grateful for the profound contribution made by Glenys Drayton who was fundamental in getting the group started. Glenys sadly passed away recently. She was so proud of our group.
We call ourselves the 3231 Rubbish Rangers and have our own logo created by one of our volunteers Bin Dixon-
Ward. The logo is proudly displayed on our hi-vis vests. Our volunteers can be seen in our vests as we pick up rubbish within the township and many kilometres either side of Aireys Inlet.
Our first foray into rubbish ranging garnered massive loads of rubbish. It consisted of rubbish that had accumulated over many years including cans and bottles thrown into bushland that had sat there hidden from view from passing motorists, cyclists and walkers. As Rubbish Rangers we have developed a keen eye for rubbish and can find it in all manner of places. We have the added benefit of our handy pick-up sticks that help us collect bits and pieces from hard-to-reach places.
After months of collecting historical rubbish we then found more manageable hauls and most Saturdays we each easily fill a decent sized bucket. Holiday times, weekends and sunny weather bring with them more rubbish with the increase in visitors. Of course it is disappointing and disheartening to see how some people do not care about littering our beautiful coastline but rather than do nothing we decided to take action. We take enormous pride in the work we do and we know we have the support of our local community who value our commitment to keeping our town tidy. We have been very grateful for the assistance of the Aireys Inlet District Association (AIDA) and Bendigo Bank for enabling us to purchase our printed vests and pick-up sticks.
We are always keen to welcome new volunteers. We meet every Saturday morning (weather permitting) at 9 am (8.30 once Daylight Savings starts) in the Aireys Inlet Community Hall carpark. We nominate which areas need our attention then spend an hour picking up rubbish. Then it is coffee reward time and we meet at a local café where we compare our rubbish hauls and enjoy catching up. An added bonus of our volunteer work is the wonderful friendships we have made. New volunteers are warmly welcomed but be warned, Rubbish Ranging is addictive!! Please feel free to join us any Saturday you are free. All you need is a pair of gloves and a bucket.
The 3231 Rubbish Rangers inspired Anglesea and Torquay to start their own groups and it has been wonderful to see their success. To find out more about these groups keep an eye on the Anglesea Life facebook page and the Torquay Rubbish Rangers facebook page.
The Surf Coast Rubbish Rangers, including Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, are proudly auspiced by Anglesea Community House. Thank you to all our supporters out there. Words of encouragement, thanks and toots from the car horn are greatly appreciated.
Repair Cafe’s New Initiative
Did you know that on average, Australians buy 27kg of new textiles and discard 23kg to landfill every year! Recently, the Repair Café expanded it’s recycling to include textiles and clothing by partnering with Upparel. Upparel sorts donations into clothing good enough for Op shops, and shoes and clothing/textiles to be recycled. They have developed a process to turn textiles into Uptex, a revolutionary material used in a wide variety of applications including signage, homewares, acoustic panelling, and packaging.
We also partner with Sheridan who accept any brand of towels and bed linen for recycling.
The fast fashion industry is responsible for much of this textile waste. Several Surf Coast community groups have come together to form a loose coalition called ReDress. It is an evolving initiative but some of the ideas for action include: sewing classes, teaching repairs, clothes swaps, sharing and trialling ideas for upcycling or repurposing by adapting used garments, lending little-used “good” clothes for special occasions. There will be a Clothing Swap at the November 10 Repair Café.
Bring along recycling and broken items to the Repair Café
Surf Coast and volunteers will work their magic on: electrical and mechanical items, clothing and textiles, jewellery, garden tools and knife sharpening.
We can help recycle:
• CLEAN & DRY plastic bottle tops
• Bread tags
• Corks
• CDs and DVDs
• Disposable razors and their packaging
• Toothbrushes, tubes & associated oral products
Don’t forget the Kids Tinkering Zone where kids can tinker by dismantling various items and possibly even putting them back together again!
Next Repair Café Surf Coast Dates:
October 6 , November 10, December 1 in the Aireys Inlet Hall 10am – last repairs @ 1.30pm
Prepare Your Property for the Fire Season
Tony Revell, Anglesea CFA Community Engagement Officer
With warmer weather approaching, Anglesea CFA is preparing for the coming fire season. Pre-summer activities are commencing within our Brigade and include equipment testing and upgrades, as well as reviewing and practicing firefighting procedures. Now is the time to start your preparations.
Whilst we are doing all we can to make our town as safe as possible, we also encourage residents to take the time to reduce the risk to their property.
There are three main reasons houses burn down during fires. They are embers, heat and flame.
Many of the trees around Anglesea have bark that is prone to extensive spotting in the event of a fire, so even if the fire front is some distance from the town, significant ember attack is possible. There are several things you can do to lessen the impact of ember attack, reduce the risk of fire getting inside your house and reduce flame and heat near your house.
• Keep grass cut to less than 10cm
• Keep woodpiles away from house
• Remove flammable items from decks and verandas, such as boxes, furniture and doormats
• Store flammable liquids away from house
• Keep gutters clear of leaf litter
• Get rid of dry grass, leaves, twigs and loose bark
• Cut back overhanging branches near buildings
• Do not have large shrubs next to or under windows
• Prune lower branches of shrubs to separate from surface fuels underneath
More information on preparing your property is available at: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare
Fire Danger Rating System
Fire Danger Ratings provide information so people in affected areas can take action to protect themselves and others. The Fire Danger Rating system for the approaching fire season has four levels.
Actions to take are associated with each level, so you’ll know what to do to protect your life, family and property.
Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club Update
2023/24 was a season to celebrate at the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club. The club has returned to its rightful place at the top of the podium by taking out the Victorian Senior Surf Lifesaving State Championships earlier in 2024, after almost a decade. This was followed by terrific results at the Aussie Championships in Queensland, with the competition team taking away a number of medals.
Club Member Jeremy Dalli, represented the Club and was the only Victorian participant at the inaugural Adaptive Aussies, SLSA’s inclusive program aimed at opening up competition to individuals living with a disability. Jeremy placed 1st in the 1K Long Run event as well as a 4th place in the board, flags, sprint and wade events. Jeremy is a member of Anglesea’s Starfish Nippers program and was recently awarded Life Saving Victoria’s President’s Certificate at the 2024 Awards of Excellence.
Did you know that once a Nipper graduates, the pathways to patrolling continue? U14s can do their Surf Rescue Certificate, followed by Gap Year and finish with a Bronze Medallion course. Once the junior member has completed their Surf Rescue Certificate, they can volunteer for water safety and lifesaving duties, the very backbone of the Organisation’s mission: keeping beachgoers safe!
The “Off season” has not been quiet for the Anglesea SLSC. The club has been building a strong Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) racing team, taking on the best in the state over the winter months. Programs throughout the season such as the Silver Camp for IRB Drivers and Crew courses have significantly bolstered numbers and interest in IRBs, this has driven a larger contingent of qualified members for patrols throughout the busy months.
There are many ways to get involved – not all involve patrolling and the club is always open to new members. For more information go to https://www.angleseaslsc. org.au/, call on 5263 1107 or email at info@angleseaslsc. org.au
Surfcoast CWA: Not Just Tea and Scones!
Michele Meehan
Have you ever driven into a country town and with a sigh of relief spotted the sign for toilets? Thank the Country Women’s Association. Driven along a dark country road guiding your car by the white line at the left of the road? Thank the CWA. It’s not all about scones, or knitted tea cosies, the Country Women’s Association (CWA) is an agent of change. The CWA has been a crucial cog in many regional communities for more than 100 years, supporting rural women and looking to advance social justice. Since its inception in 1922, the CWA has provided camaraderie for women and has acted as a catalyst for change and social justice in Australia and overseas. The history of the CWA is a powerful depiction of what can be done when women band together. Unwilling to wait for bureaucracy to address the issues facing country families after World War One, volunteers took it upon themselves to improve living conditions, assist families during the Depression, build and staff healthcare facilities, help save agricultural industries and aid local war efforts. The organisation was formed at a Bush Women’s Conference during the Sydney Royal Show in April 1922. It was the culmination of work by several people including Florence Gordon, a Tamworth journalist hailing from the family behind the Gordon’s gin distillery in England. Post WW1 infant mortality and deaths in childbirth were a trigger for improving access to health care, so the CWA women opened Baby Health Centres around the country based on the Victorian model of a qualified nurse staffing them. This is now the core of early child and maternal health care delivery in Australia.
The recent Victorian Branch State Conference passed a motion to call on government to step up and address women’s safety as a key issue affecting communities across regional Australia. This includes the issues of food security and homelessness that are interrelated to violence against women. CWA’s NSW branch recently unanimously carried an urgent motion supporting measures to curb escalating rates of gendered violence, including a change to bail provisions for family violence offences. SurfCoast CWA is seeking ways to support endeavours to end family violence locally.
We are a small branch and activities are based on members’ interests. Many members are excellent cooks and enjoy the camaraderie of a big cook-up to prepare for the Aireys Inlet Market stall. We also submit an entry for the Geelong Exhibition at the Geelong CWA hall. This year’s theme was Transport and the planning created a great deal of laughter as we decided what to do. We are very proud of the result which incorporated Aireys Lighthouse with a boating theme!
We are one of many groups that volunteer at the Anglesea Resale shed. Many of our members support the Sewing for a Purpose group run by an Anglesea CWA member at Anglesea Community House. This program supports the Geelong Mums (now rebranded with the St Kilda and Eureka Mums) “Our Village”. Members also run a knitting group where we chat, knit and help beginners develop their skills.
We recently contributed to the Anam Cara Geelong, a palliative care facility’s quadruple gift campaign. Their goal of reaching this year’s $750,000 target was passed and they are now able to open 6 more bedrooms.We support Surfcoast Wildlife Rescue with fuel cards each year to enable them to respond to residents’ calls about injured wildlife (and we make joey pouches!) and seek to respond to suggestions of other charities to support.
In CWA tradition we catered for morning tea at the Anglesea Community House Newcomers Welcome event. We also ran a stall at Aireys Inlet Repair Café: a good match as we are often offered surplus fruits and glass jars to give another life. While we are not all about scones, but we decided to start with the basics, and held a scone making hands-on session in Aireys Inlet in July.
The face of the CWA is seen as elderly, white women, and this is often the reality of those who have the time, but we are always seeking to welcome new members and be relevant to younger community members. The challenge is finding meeting and activity times that will suit those with work and family responsibilities.
We meet at the Anglesea Community House on the first Friday of the month but are looking at varying this with a meeting over a meal at the Anglesea Pub or even a weekend lunch time.
All enquires are welcome email surfcoastcwa@gmail.com
Members prepping for a big cook-up
Lions/Lionettes notes
Betsy Newman
The Lionettes have had some happy and sad moments recently. Sad to farewell Lionettes Marian Shears and June Christie both of whom died in May. Marian and June were wonderful members and supporters of the Lions/ Lionettes Club of Anglesea. On the other hand we are very happy to welcome two new members in Maree Hunter and Marion Russell. Maree was sponsored by Diane Campbell and Marion by Dawn Newton.
A very successful Morning Melodies was held at the Anglesea Hotel in July with another planned in December. We look forward to entertaining several residents of Cordelia Grove at the Lions Village in September.
The Lionettes major fundraiser, the Pink Ribbon Lunch, raising funds for breast cancer charities, will be held on Wednesday 16th October at the Anglesea Bowling Club. This is a ticket only event and we look forward to another successful and happy day. Tickets are available from Lionettes members. Raffles, prizes, lunch and bubbles on entry will make for a great day out.
Camp Quality will hold their annual Family Camp in Anglesea on November 8-10. This is a special time for the families dealing with childhood cancer and we are
pleased to be able to support them by catering for their weekend meals.
December sees the annual Christmas Stocking Raffle which funds bursaries for Anglesea and Aireys Inlet Primary School children moving to secondary school in 2025. Christmas cakes and puddings will be available for purchase and Christmas Carols on the Green will be held.
At the Annual General Meeting in September the financial reports for the year were tabled and we are very proud of the financial support that has been made available to numerous organisations locally and the wider community. The defibrillators are an important asset in town and the Lions Club continues to monitor them.
Junior sporting clubs, Foodlink, breast cancer charities, school bursaries, local family support, hospitals and many Lions organisations have received donations with approximately $50,000 being allocated in the financial year 2023/2024. We look forward to the next year with Presidents Adrian Hunter and Carmen Koster.
We welcome any community member who is interested in joining the club to please contact the secretaries John Russell or Betsy Newman on anglesealions@gmail.com or anglesealionessclub@gmail.com
Anglesea and Airey’s Inlet Foodlink
During this winter of economic challenge, rising costs of everything from food to fuel to housing, cold and windy weather and oppressive worldwide tensions, Anglesea has not been exempt from the pressures these situations bring.
We currently have 16 households requiring assistance with basic food to help feed families – some with little children, and some with hungry teenagers, some who are ill, some who cannot meet the cost of rising rents.
Foodlink is a project of Anglesea Community House and is supported by about 20 active volunteers who purchase necessary food, pack and deliver clients’ requirements, and keep track of their needs. Shopping for 16 families for deliveries each fortnight requires four or five trolley loads of food at least. That’s a big job. We are indeed fortunate to have so many willing and able helpers. We also have a few people who donate money to this cause on a regular basis and others who take a turn helping out at the Resale Shed.
You are invited to assist us with the task of caring for those in our community who are finding it so difficult to cope at the moment. Outside IGA there is a wooden trolley where the public can donate basic food items,
particularly those listed on the board above the trolley. If you are in the financial position to help please consider adding an extra packet or jar of something to your shopping and place it in the trolley. Mostly we provide basic goods – UHT milk, cereal, tinned fruit and veg, tuna, pasta, soup, rice, jam, honey, peanut butter, toiletries, tissues, 2 minute noodles, tea, coffee. Think about what you would appreciate if you were struggling to feed your family.
Monetary donations can be made to:
Name: Anglesea & Aireys Inlet Foodlink
BSB: 633000
Acc: 126289156
Foodlink is grateful for all you already do – please help us to allow this important service to be made available to those in the town who need it.
From Anglesea to Uganda
Alice Gaynor, local GP receptionist and Deakin medical student, is embarking on a journey to Southern Uganda with Mission Mannya, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing healthcare to isolated communities in rural Uganda. This trip aims to bring essential medical support to those in need, and Alice is seeking the Anglesea community’s support to make it a success.
Mission Mannya was established by a group of Australian doctors with a focus on alleviating health inequity and poverty in Southern Uganda. The organisation’s annual medical outreach programs provide medical supplies and free medical assessments and health education. Tests, prescriptions and surgeries are offered free of charge. They also train local healthcare staff to ensure long-term improvements in community health.
Alice is thrilled to join this year’s outreach program. As a medical student with a passion for rural healthcare, she is
volunteering her time and energy to help those who otherwise might not receive even basic medical care.
Mission Mannya’s efforts are supported by local and Australian NGOs, including St Bernard’s Mannya Health Centre and the Cotton On Foundation. These partnerships help prioritise communities in need and ensure the outreach programs run smoothly and safely.
Alice will be working alongside local Ugandan healthcare leaders, to deliver care that is tailored to the specific needs of the community.
“Every dollar goes directly to on-the-ground costs such as medical supplies, transportation, and local staff wages,” explains Alice. “Your support provides essential care and make a significant impact on these communities.”
Here’s how your donations can make a difference:
$4 = Assessment, testing, and treatment for one patient
$7 = Wage for a local medical officer for a 12-hour shift
$50 = Dental assessment and treatment for five people
$300 = Wages for four nutritionists for ten days
$600 = Surgical and anaesthetic costs for 15 operations
To support Alice and Mission Mannya’s 2024 program, donations can be made through https://tinyurl.com/ AliceMissionMannya or by scanning the QR code below. Donations over $2 are tax deductible. https://www.missionmannya.org/
Scan this QR code to donate to Alice’s mission
Congrats AFNC!
What a great season it has been for the Anglesea Football Netball Club. Congratulations to the Senior Women’s Football Team for winning the Division 2 2024 Grand Final!
The B Grade Senior Netball Team did us proud making it to the Semi Finals.
The Senior Men’s Football Team put in a fantastic performance all season to make it to the Grand Final. As we go to print we are getting ready to cheer on the Under 18s in their Grand Final this weekend. Go SEAS!
Compiled by Deborah Elliot
Art abounds in Anglesea and surrounding towns. 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.
ANGLESEA ART SPACE
Shop 2, 103 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea @angleseaartspace www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/angleseaartspace
19 September - 6 October 2024
‘Black Matter’ Geelong Sculptors Inc
Formed in 2001, this network of talented sculptors work in an extraordinary range of methods and mediums within the Greater Geelong region. They regularly hold themed exhibitions and professional development opportunities. @geelongsculptorsinc
12 October - 27 October 2024
Surf Coast Community Arts Calendar Exhibition Competition
It’s that time of the year! This will be the 28th iteration of the Surf Coast calendar. Categories are: open 2D, open 3D, youth and child. 12 artists will be chosen by a panel of judges and the front cover will be chosen through a People’s Choice vote.
Launch and announcement of winners:
Friday 11 October, 6pm
31 October - 17 November
Leaf Curling Spider (LCS) Pattie Beerens + friends
What happens when a group of artists are asked to enter a conversation with a Leaf Curling Spider?! @pattiebeerens
21 November - 8 December
Lynda Dingley A solo exhibition celebrating International Day of People with Disability
ANGLESEA SNAPPERS
The Anglesea Snappers
Photography Club is a group of Surf Coast locals who are passionate about photography and the natural environment.
The Anglesea Snappers organise regular excursions, share their photographs for viewing at the first
meeting of the month and aim to have a dedicated speaker for the second meeting of the month.
The group meets at 7.30pm 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.
Facebook Group: Anglesea Snappers Photography Club.
ANGLESEA PERFORMING ARTS
Anglesea Performing Arts 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. See their website for upcoming productions.
www.angleseaperformingarts.com
ANGLESEA INDOOR MARKET
143c Great Ocean Road, Anglesea
There are many 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
EAGLES NEST ART GALLERY
48 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet www.eaglesnestgallery.com.au
Housed in a stunning purpose-built building, they exhibit an ongoing display of local and regional artist’s artwork, plus bi-monthly exhibitions.
3 Aug - 29 Sept 2024
MAIN GALLERY: Ches Mills Paintings
FEATURE GALLERY: Ray Wilson Paintings
FOYER GALLERY: Rohani Le Rossignol Paintings
MINI GALLERY: Jacinta Leitch Paintings & Sculpture
5 Oct - 1 Dec 2024
MAIN GALLERY: Ian Duncan
FEATURE GALLERY: Nic Everist
FOYER GALLERY: Jessica Watson Thorp
MINI GALLERY: Sally Matner
Gallery open 10am-5pm Friday to Sunday, 11am-2pm Mondays
NEW LOOK FOR SEASIDE SECONDS
Prior to Covid Seaside Seconds began a journey of consultation to develop a new look for it’s front wall to capture the “Spirit of Anglesea”. The concept has been re-energised working with local artist Minerva Lamorgese who shares our passion to give back to the community. A new design has been created which captures an iconic Anglesea image that will encourage visitors to stop and learn something more of our incredible fauna and flora. The mural will provide a great photo opportunity and a QR code next to it will educate by taking visitors to a digital image that will provide information, with the help of ANGAIR, on each plant and animal in the image. This is a gift to our community and we are looking for help with costs, please look out for our “Op shop Fashion Parade” fundraiser event on November 3rd.
WRITE ANGLES
An Aussie returns:
Play Festival:
It was Sue Rolls who initiated our very successful One Act Play Festival for Anglesea Entertainers in 1990. Sue set the standard for us, and then handed over the reins after the 1994 Festival. We had to replace her with a committee! We old Entertainers remember Sue and thank her for this valuable contribution to our community.
Julian Assange could have been sprung from captivity in the Ecuadorean embassy in London 12 years ago if my proposal had gone ahead. The plot was this: It would have been quite appropriate for that other great Australian residing in London to nip into the embassy to cheer Julian up a bit early one morning. Then a little later Julian could have zipped out in the purple wig, diamante specs, posh frock, and high heels; and hightailed it to a private jet. He’d have been gone. Simple! Later in the day our imposter, Barry Humphries, could have strolled out and mingled with the crowd. If anyone had smelled a rat, it would have been too late - Julian would already be on his way to enjoying his furtive freedom on a secluded Aussie beach; and this long saga could have been avoided.
Happy Birthday:
Early in June there was a small celebration for Betty Butterwoth’s 97th birthday. It was a lovely day for a lovely lady. Like many of her friends, I hope to be “Following in Betty’s footsteps, following my dear old pal.”(To slightly misquote an old song.)
A kanga’s tale:
Kangaroos have been breeding well this year. Some of us in Anglesea have had to dodge a big male that was a bit twitchy. So when you’re out walking, take an umbrella, and if confronted by a ‘roo, flash it open and shut towards it a few times. This scares them off because you then appear much bigger than they are.
I have a big sunshade, so that will be ideal. (It also doubles as a walking stick in disguise.)
Garden of Eden:
Did you see the episode of Antiques Roadshow that was filmed at Eden Project in Cornwall? It showed the high standard of these undertakings. It’s a place that I enjoyed visiting some years ago.
And finally:
Never assume anything because it could make an ass(of)u(&)me.
Keep smiling!
Melva
Stott
