Rowing into its Second Century
Penny Edmanson
Few, if any other places in the world can claim a record like ours. Since January 1st 1911, crowds have gathered on the banks of the Anglesea River to witness the running of the New Year’s Day Rowing Regatta. Even more remarkable than its longevity, is the fact that the original four boats are still used.
The Gladstone, Anglesea, Torquay and Aireys were built for the Anglesea Recreation and Sports Club by Jas Edwards and Sons, boat builders of Princes Bridge, Melbourne. Constructed according to the rowing technology of the early 1900s, they are two four-oared and two pair-oared wooden clinker boats, with fixed seats and no riggers. They are built of New Zealand kauri with blue gum ribs and jarrah gunwales.
These same boats continue to row strong today, due in no small part to thorough renovations completed by members of the club over recent years. Being of such significance, they are registered with the National Maritime Museum and, thanks to the efforts of current secretary Peter Doyle, have been promoted at various festivals in Geelong and Melbourne.
From 1887 and prior to beach-going, the river, then known as Swampy Creek, became increasingly popular with residents and travellers alike for boating, fishing and picnicking.
In late 1910 a challenge to a sporting competition was issued by the “Lads of Anglesea” to the “Boys from Aireys Inlet”. The lightheartedness of the challenge is seen in the original missive:
We, the undersigned, being the crème de la crème of the residents of the township of Anglesea River ... challenge the like residents—if there be any ... to do battle. ... Competitors are asked not to take girls or drink in the boat as the race must be finished by dark to enable married men to look after their wives.”
Aireys Inlet was quick to respond and so the first engagement was held on 27 December 1910. The day was so successful that within five days the Anglesea Recreation and Sports Club was formed (ironically with no boat house and only private boats), and the first
Continued on page 4
Photo courtesy of Andy Berry
The Community House and Auspice Groups
Keith Perkin, Treasurer, Anglesea Community House
In the Spring edition of NewsAngle Michael Varney (Vice President, Anglesea Community House) wrote about the Community House vision for a connected, inclusive and caring community.
While many are aware that the Community House provides the community with services such as childcare, discussion and special interest groups, meeting facilities, photocopying and other general support to members of the community, you may not be aware that the Community House also provides support to a range of Auspice groups.
The Auspice group program is another example of how the Community House aims to achieve a vision for a connected, inclusive and caring community.
There are seven longer term auspice groups which receive support from the Community House. These are Anglesea and District Men’s Shed, Anglesea Community Garden, Anglesea Community Network, Anglesea Rock Choir, Anglesea Movie Club, Repair Café, and Rubbish Ranger groups in Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and Torquay. In addition, while not an auspice group, the Community House also provides assistance and support to Foodlink in its mission to provide food security to those in the community who require it.
Auspice groups are unincorporated but operate under a signed agreement with Anglesea Community House enabling them to be hosted under Community House insurance cover and receive services such as banking, bill paying and grant submission. Auspicing enables new community groups to get up and running and frees groups from administrative burden which is not usually part of the group’s intended purpose.
Auspice groups receive regular financial reports from the Community House, and they provide reports back
Editorial
If you have feedback or comments about articles, or would like to make a suggestion, please contact the editor at newsangle@anglesea.org.au or leave news items/notices for the editor at the Anglesea Community House.
Distribution NewsAngle is offered free to the community. You can read a digital version online at anglesea.org.au/newsangle.
detailing levels of membership, activities and significant achievements.
It is clear from these reports that Auspice groups meet an important “ground roots” need within our community enabling wide participation and strengthening a connected, inclusive and caring community.
Hard copies are distributed to P.O. boxes in Aireys Inlet and can be found at local cafes/ shops in Anglesea and Aireys Inle
Deadlines for next Edition:
Issue 161 Autumn 2025
Casual ad bookings 13 Feb 2025
Articles/contributions 13 Feb 2025
Distribution 25 Mar 2025
If you would like to book an annual or casual advertisement, please email Julie at advertising@anglesea.org.au.
Anglesea Community House
5 McMillan Street, Anglesea PO Box 43, Anglesea, VIC, 3230
Ph: 5263 2116
Hours: 9am–2.30pm, Monday–Friday Email admin@anglesea.org.au
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The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Community House.
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Annual Regatta took place. Little did the inaugural committee realise that, surviving two World Wars and a pandemic, the Regatta would continue for a hundred years and beyond.
The Regatta became the premier event on the Anglesea social calendar. House parties and dances were held, the bridge and boatsheds along the river were alive with bunting, and crowds resplendent in the finery of the day lined the banks. To this day, the philosophy behind that first challenge holds firm: to ensure participants and spectators have a great deal of fun.
As always, the day is dependent on a dedicated committee and band of volunteers. Many of those keeping the traditions alive are descendants of the original movers and shakers. The current President, Elly Stewart, following in the footsteps of her grandfather David Hume, has been involved in one way or another since she was 14. Another, Jane Horne says, “Most of us still do what our parents and grandparents started over 100 years ago.”
Entertainment is provided by the colourful commentary of the announcer. Legendary amongst those who have filled the role is Jane Horne’s father Garth Manton. Loved by the crowd and rowers alike, he was renowned for such witticisms as “flying up the course like a Siberian trotting duck,” and “the white boat looks like a centipede with a broken leg.”
Although the course is short – 400 metres from opposite the Information Centre to the AR&SC Boat Shed – there is much to entertain the onlookers. Many a mishap can be observed: oars broken, boats colliding, ending up in the reeds or occasionally capsizing.
No rowing experience is required. In fact, a lack of it is possibly an advantage as many a professional rower has come to grief. The crew of Thundering Anglebirds (1957) comprising three Olympic medallists and a King’s Cup oarsman entered the race full of confidence. However the fixed seats and confined rowing style unsettled them, as did the crowd’s good humoured calls of “Get off the course you #%$ professionals”.
In The Little Lovelies (1975) we see four 13-year-old girls who had barely sat in a boat, receiving a few tips the day before and then progressing through the heats to win the Ladies’ Fours. Jane Horne recalls that two important facts were in their favour: the reigning champs were all pregnant that year and, being youngsters, the ‘lovelies’ had only indulged in cordial on New Year’s Eve unlike most other competitors on the day.
Judy Laird who has attended nearly every regatta since 1957 says that although it was perhaps a bigger event then, it is still essentially the same today. The race for the men’s Grand Challenge Cup is still the highlight. Her husband John who
first rowed as a school boy in 1952, progressed to win the Grand Challenge in 1954. In hindsight the crew may have been more imaginative with their name, as Blue and Red went on to win another four times.
And thus the traditions continue into 2025. All Anglesea residents and visitors are invited to be part of this historic event. For spectators it is an afternoon of entertainment and an opportunity to visit the boat shed with its treasure trove of beautifully preserved memorabilia: boats, oars, starting pistols, honour boards and photographs.
For rowers, the hardest part is possibly choosing a team name as imaginative as those that have gone before: Gruesome Foursome, Sip and Nibble, The Dirty Oars, Torquay Tarts.
Entry is open to all, with solo entries being slotted into a crew on the day. There are events for everyone. Even a 200+ category where the combined ages of the crew is the criteria.
Registrations for the Regatta start at 10am on January 1 and knock out rowing races begin at noon.
The $25 entry fee ($15 for under 15/18 rowers) includes annual membership of the Anglesea Recreation and Sports Club and the iconic t-shirt.
Entries open the week before via the website https:// www.anglesearegatta.com.au/ and on the day.
Photo courtesy of Andy Berry
A World Premiere Comes to Aireys Inlet
Helen Thomas
The Surf Coast Chamber Players and the Aireys Inlet Rural Australians for Refugees (AIRAR) recently combined talent, politics and purpose when the two groups partnered to host the world premiere of Western Australian composer, Lachlan Skipworth’s musical composition Sealight to raise money for refugees.
This group of like-minded musicians from the Surf Coast and Geelong enjoy getting together to play chamber music. Originally performing regular soirees in the home of Fairhaven residents, Wendy and Rod Brooks, the audiences have grown in number and they needed to seek out larger venues. They were thrilled to once again partner with AIRAR to raise money for refugees through the development of this concert program and in doing so bring their music to a larger audience. Two sold out concerts, performed on Sunday September 29, saw many locals support this worthy cause.
The program consisted of three contrasting pieces of music, one modern, one classical and one contemporary. The opening and closing pieces resonated with a distinctly Japanese sound, beautifully explored through the addition of the koto, a Japanese instrument played by renowned koto player Brandon Lee. This fascinating 13 stringed Japanese instrument is a traditional half-tube zither that stands on the floor on a
horizontal metal frame. The musician sits on the floor behind the instrument and plucks the strings (see photo).
The first piece Haru no Umi (The Sea in Spring) composed for shakuhachi and koto by Miyagi Michio (1929) was played by Brandon Lee (Koto) and Cindy Abbey (Flute). It evoked images of the composer’s childhood at the seaside in Japan. A very well-known piece there, it is commonly played during the New Year season. The variation in this concert saw the shakuhachi (Japanese wooden flute) replaced with the silver flute, which was played delightfully by Fairhaven local Cindy Abbey. Through work and study Cindy has a longstanding connection to Japan.
The next piece was the Piano Quintet in A Major, D667 “The Trout Quintet” by Franz Schubert (1819). In introducing this popular but challenging piano quintet, Wendy Brooks treated the audience to a lively explanation of the five movements of the quintet including the role of the various instruments in expressing the composer’s intentions. Additionally, she provided the audience with biographical details of Schubert along with historical and cultural context and its influence on the composer and the composition.
Wendy explained that Schubert composed the quintet when he was 22 years old, however it was not published until 1829, a year after his death.
Brandon Lee on the koto
Pianist Berta Brozgul led the Chamber Players through this exquisite quintet. A soloist, chamber musician and accompanist she played with dramatic intensity and a high level of technical expertise. She has performed throughout Australia with many notable orchestras. Each of the movements profiled and celebrated the five instruments at various times. The interplay between instruments as well as the dramatic intensity of the piano and the deeply resonant sound and rhythmic contribution of the double bass throughout, created a most thrilling and intense musical experience for the audience.
The final piece Sealight was composed for the Surf Coast Chamber Players by Lachlan Skipworth in 2024. The piece was played by Wendy Oakes (Violin 1), Melissa Tan (Violin 2), Wendy Brooks (Viola), Laura Moore (Cello), Nic Synot (Double Bass), Cindy Abbey (Flute), Brandon Lee (Koto).
Commissioned by Wendy and Rod Brooks, Sealight enabled this vibrant chamber music group to explore, with the composer, a mutual interest in Japanese culture with the idea of reflecting the scenery and moodiness of the Surf Coast.
It was wonderful to have the composer Lachlan Skipworth present. He discussed his composition, saying
“… the flute part draws on my own experience playing the shakuhachi (bamboo flute), creating a link between the koto and the fine string instruments … a sense of pastoral expansiveness pervades the work, set against stormier moments and conveying the restless energy of the sea.”
This partnership between the Surf Coast Chamber Players and AIRAR gave the Surf Coast community a unique experience through these two memorable concerts. All proceeds were donated to AIRAR to enable ongoing monthly support for a small number of Afghan families trapped in Afghanistan since Taliban rule. Regular payments from AIRAR are used to purchase basic food and to contribute to the cost of visa applications. For example, an advocate to the Afghanistan Human Rights Commission and her journalist husband, together with parents and sister were assisted to seek and find a new life in Germany. A family living in rural Afghanistan have set up a clothing store that enables financial independence and a third family has managed to get to Pakistan and is being assessed for refugee status in Germany.
If you are interested in supporting AIRAR and for further information email: aireysinletrar@gmail.com
Community Bank Anglesea: 1000 Likes on Facebook
Kelly Turner
Community Bank Surf Coast has proudly reached an exciting milestone: 1,000 likes on Facebook! Our Facebook page is more than just a business page, it’s a place to share upcoming community events, a place to reflect on the positive impact we have on our community, a place to share the happenings in the branches and a way to communicate with our community and customers. Every like, follow, and comment strengthens our connection with locals, helping us showcase the various ways banking with us allows us to
invest back into the community. With every customer who chooses to bank locally, we’re able to support community groups, clubs, and organisations, ensuring that together, we all thrive. So please like us on Facebook at Community Bank Surf Coast.
The lucky 1,000th person to like the page was Jordan Bews. Being our 1000th ‘liker’ meant that Jordan was the winner of 1,000 millimetres of chocolate from the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, a sweet reward to celebrate this special moment. We thank everyone that already follows us on Facebook as your likes and shares really mean the world to us as a local business.
A regular feature of our Facebook Page has been our free footy tipping competition, run in partnership with the Surf Coast Times. This year, Jay Carrol took out the prize for top tipper. As a former Anglesea Football Club player, Jay chose to nominate the club as the recipient of the $5,000 community group prize provided by the Community Bank and took home a little prize for himself provided by Surf Coast Times. The donation has been well received by the club and will be put to good use benefiting both the members and the community.
Next year, be sure to keep an eye out for our Surf Coast Community Bank Footy Tipping Contest, which promises to be bigger and better than ever. It’s just one more way we’re working to give back to the people and places that make our region great!
Anglesea Performing Arts: A Personal Reflection
Lina Libroaperto
It’s hard to believe that it has already been over 12 months since Anglesea Performing Arts (APA) made its international debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the locally penned Shadows of Angels. Written by Fleur Murphy, the play depicts the gritty underbelly of 1920s life, with a focus on the struggles of four women; two of whom are based on real people: Lillian Armfield, the first policewoman in Australia, and Eugenia Falleni, a convicted murderer. Across 2021, 2022 and 2023 APA performed Angels as well as The Bleeding Tree, another brilliant Australian play written by Angus Cerini. Angels had a season on our home turf in Anglesea, Lorne and Geelong and then finally in Edinburgh in August 2023. The Edinburgh experience was coloured with a broad brush of experiences including consistently positive reviews, exposure to some amazing performances by groups from across the world, enlightening engagement and networking with fellow wonderful creatives and for me personally, a rollercoaster of travel highs and lows.
The week before we left I was a very sick little duck. I had a non-specific “gastro” that was diagnosed as food poisoning. When my symptoms didn’t abate, friends suggested it was my “nerves” about the Edinburgh adventure! In the end it was a severe reaction to ArmaForce - a reputable supplement I was taking to boost my immune system! Not only did it not have the desired effect, but I was a ghastly, weakened, leaner version of myself! Exhausted I arrived in Edinburgh only to learn that our luggage was lost! Luckily my boy scout husband, Bruce, had the foresight to ensure my costume, props and the 500 bookmarks that were part of our publicity and spruiking efforts were packed into our carry-on luggage “just in case.” So all was fine for the performances, however we didn’t have any of our own clothes! That first ten days in Scotland was a blur of
shopping for clothes, (something I detest!), frustrating phone calls to Qatar airlines, (never again will I fly with them), futile visits to the airport, performing Shadows of Angels, and standing on the Mad Mile handing out bookmarks and hustling up audiences for our performances! At least my gaunt and desolate appearance was bang on for my character, the Old Femme!
The highs? For all the angst, performing as part of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival was an amazing highlight. The buzz of the crowds, the intimate performing space and captivated audiences, the shared adventure and camaraderie of our APA team is something I will hold as a wonderful memory forever. How many “amateur” actors can say they performedto great reviews no less- with a bunch of their besties at the original international Fringe? It was fulfilling to have our modest ensemble receive recognition for the quality of the production, the powerful writing, the direction, the original music, the lighting and of course the performances. It is something that the APA team is very proud of.
Historically Anglesea Performing Arts has been punching above its weight for more than two decades. From the turning point in 2004, when we dodged the threat of collapse due to a mass exodus of people who had been part of a long history of The Anglesea Performers (as they were known), APA in its current iteration has gone from strength to strength. Barbara Morrissey, Valda Connelly and myself were the last few standing after the play Disasterama - The All American Musical in 2003. Having moved to the coast in 1999, Disasterama was my first involvement with the theatre group. With real disaster looming and the likelihood we might fold, a call was put out in the local paper for anyone interested to attend our AGM. To our great
Publicity shot of the cast in Edinburgh
fortune Iris WalshHowling emerged along with Nikki Watson and so began a new era of performances with a different team at the helm.
Our first play in 2004 was Mrs Thally F by legendary Australian playwright John Romeril and the first of many directed by Walsh-Howling. Romeril actually came to see the play and I still recall his acknowledgement of the amazing evolution of his play in our hands. I was star-struck as I had been a huge fan of Romeril’s since my uni days in the early 80s. I had directed and performed in several plays at HM Prison Pentridge in Melbourne, one being his classic, The Floating World
After Mrs Thally F, APA produced a string of successful plays under the direction of Iris Walsh-Howling and a visit to our website will give you a snapshot of the range of our past performances. It has been a glorious journey, but not always an easy one. Heartache has at times accompanied us, and a true testament to the love and care we have for each other at APA is that we weather these times, support each other and journey alongside those of us who have had to face unfathomable tragedy. About two years ago our dearly loved Iris had a stroke and more recently one of her
beautiful sons passed away. With her husband Bob alongside her, Iris continues with her recovery as they endure Morgan’s death in the loving cocoon of their extended family. Iris is very much APA’s spiritual and cultural leader. APA would not be where it is today without her amazing skills, passion, vision and creative energy.
A year ago, our beloved Nikki Watson’s world was shattered when her son Levi took his life. I had known Levi since he was a baby, not well, but well enough to know he was a deeply sensitive, creative, joyous and beautiful human who has left so many friends and family bereft. Nikki, her husband Tim, and her other two sons are not only navigating the cruellest grief, but through it they have used their generosity of heart to actively advocate for greater understanding of issues around mental wellbeing. They are involved in various community groups across Victoria and they support events raising awareness and funds.
It is therefore understandable that during 2024 we at APA have taken a short hiatus from our creative work. Our members have each been carried by the ebb and flow of family and work demands as well as other creative journeys. Several of our members have been keeping the wheels of their creativity lubricated with A/Lone, a beautiful movement and spoken piece. (See the Project Connect Ensemble website for details) and activities such as directing plays in Geelong, working at Back to Back theatre and Platform Arts.
There was some excitement recently as the Anglesea grapevine rumoured an overseas tour for our ensemble. Yes, APA has been in discussions about the possibility of touring internationally in the future, but for now, there is nothing more to report!
And what will 2025 bring?
APA has regrouped and is gearing up for a major production in 2025. The project is The Women of Troy, and it will take its inspiration from Euripides' play of the same name.
APA Ensemble would like to hear from actors, designers, musicians and backstage people who are keen to be involved. We will start work on the project in January, with performances taking place in April/ May of 2025. Keep an eye on the Anglesea Life FaceBook page and the new-improved APA website at the start of 2025 for more details.
Bruce and Lina on the publicity trail in Edinburgh
Platypus Toy Library Celebrates 40 Years
Bee Merrington
The Platypus Toy Library recently marked a significant milestone: its 40th birthday. The celebration was not only a joyous event but also a testament to the resilience and unity of the local community.
The Toy Library was born out of hope following the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires, which ravaged the region in 1983. Recognising the need for community support, a committee was formed to create a resource that would bring joy and connection to families in Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Bellbrae, and Lorne.
The library’s name was inspired by its very first donation: a wooden platypus puzzle symbolising the library’s beginnings and its enduring charm.
Four decades later, the 40th birthday celebration reflected the same spirit of community that founded the library. Held on a sunny afternoon, the party was a vibrant affair, complete with colorful decorations, an array of toys for play, and delicious food. Attendees included past, present, and future members, as well as
special guests like Erin Krusic-Golub, who supports toy libraries across Victoria. Gay from Surf Coast CWA wowed everyone with an adorable platypus-shaped cake, and the Anglesea and District Men’s Shed gifted a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
The celebration heralded a fresh start for the library, as a new wave of committee members joined to revitalise its operations. As a volunteer-driven initiative, the Platypus Toy Library continues to offer a wide selection of toys for children of all ages and abilities. Conveniently located next to the Anglesea Kindergarten, Children’s Hub, and the Memorial Hall, it remains a vital part of the community, fostering connection and joy.
This milestone underscores the enduring importance of the Platypus Toy Library—a place where community spirit thrives, one toy at a time.
To join, or for more information, please contact us at: platypustoylibrary3230@gmail.com, or alternatively sign up at https://forms.gle/ wAR7cCrYNTG6NpH5A
Scan the QR Code for the membership sign up page!
Greenscene Tree Services
Penny Edmanson
Anglesea residents, Ian and Rebecca Gilbert, were in the midst of raising their young family when the business Ian had been working for was put on the market. Greenscene Tree Services had been operating in Geelong since 1996. With a sound business model and solid client base, Ian and Rebecca saw an opportunity. It was a big financial commitment at a time when their family was rapidly expanding. Their first child Charlie was born in 2007, with Henry and Molly following in quick succession. However one huge plus was the opportunity it would provide for flexibility around when and where they worked.
So, in 2009, Ian and Rebecca took the plunge. Starting off working pretty much solo with just one casual assisting, Ian’s business now services most of the Surf Coast and its hinterland. Ian employs two full timers and one casual.
A qualified arborist with over 20 years’ experience, Ian and his team are specialists; clearly understanding the growing habits of trees, the risks of pruning too hard and the skills of pruning in confined areas. They are sympathetic to owners’ wishes, realising the time and
effort needed for creating a garden. However they are honest in their recommendations. As Ian says, “You will never hear us say, ‘don’t worry it will grow back’”.
Ian is much more than an arborist. Passionate about the Surf Coast, he is frustrated by people’s indifference to invasive weeds. He identifies sweet pittosporum as the plant he loves the least, having watched it make inroads into the bush on both sides of the Great Ocean Road to Lorne and beyond. The first thing he does at any property is identify weeds, offering to remove them and encouraging people to think of alternatives.
Greenscene can also advise on ways to help trees stay healthy, soil conditions and maintaining and enhancing views in accordance with the Australian standard for pruning. He prides himself that, “Properties look good when we leave because we do our best to prune effectively and subtly, whilst maintaining tree health.” The steady requests for repeat business and referrals are testament to this.
These days, with three teenagers, Ian and Rebecca are super busy: juggling full time jobs, house renovations and sporting commitments. Ian credits Rebecca with holding it all together. Working as Practice Manager at Ocean Road Allied Health and holding the position of Junior Coordinator for the Anglesea Football and Netball Club, she still finds time to be heavily involved in their business. Spare time is rare for this energetic couple. On occasion Ian still enjoys surfing or fishing, and Rebecca relaxes a little when she’s watching the kids’ sport.
Greenscene provides tree removal and pruning services in an efficient, cost effective and friendly manner.
For a free inspection of your property and a no obligation quote contact Ian on 0439 329 772.
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
Dusk by Robbie Arnott
Floyd Renshaw and his fierce twin sister Iris, scorn the company of all others. They are savagely loyal to each other, due in part to the murky reputation left to them by their murderous convict parents. But now they are cold, hungry and destitute, when they hear that a tempting bounty has been placed on the head of a legendary South American puma ‘Dusk,’ who’s mauled hunters and the local squattocracy in the mountains.
Robbie Arnott vividly paints the highlands as both hauntingly brutal and serenely beautiful. It is a common theme in Arnott’s novels that humans can both feel like interlopers or connected to the land with the “freeing, lung-emptying openness”.
The twins themselves are almost like wild creatures, especially Iris, are almost completely in harmony with the eerie strangeness of the land. Little do they realise that they will not be the same people who entered it when they leave. A sense of menace emanates both from the eerie landscape and the towns people and peat cutters they encounter, as the twins wind their way through the mountain passes as they shadow Dusk. As their trust and loyalty are tested, they learn that familial bonds and unfettered freedom mean everything.
Arguably Dusk is Arnott’s strongest novel yet, which is saying a great deal, as all his work is magnificent, Dusk is glorious, a work of great beauty and power.
Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books
The Ledge by Christian White
Bestselling Australian author of The Nowhere Child, The Wife and the Widow and Wild Place, Christian White has produced another must read with The Ledge
When decomposed human remains are found in the forests surrounding a regional Victorian town, it sends shockwaves through the local community and ignites panic in a group of disconnected childhood mates. The friends find themselves back in their hometown protecting long buried secrets, they are forced to confront their past and decide who they can really trust. As well as being a thriller, The Ledge covers themes of friendship and loyalty, and the foundational relationships that shape our lives from childhood into adulthood.
The pacing and structure of The Ledge kept me on the edge of my seat and made this book impossible to put down. With echoes of Stephen King and a distinctly Australian setting, White masterfully delivers an incredible novel with a twist that left me speechless and exasperated that I had been so easily hoodwinked. An outrageously good book I would highly recommend.
Review by Jess @ Great Escape Books
Juice by Tim Winton
Set in the scarily foreseeable future, this dystopian novel by Tim Winton is unlike his other books, but is (perhaps surprisingly) filled with hope and so very salient. Our unnamed narrator is on the run, with a child in tow, when he meets the ‘Bowman’. Through an almost Banjo Patterson-like campfire storytelling, we learn what has happened to the world, and the plot to save it from greed and obliteration. Parallels have been drawn between Juice and Cormac McCarthy’s The Road and classic Australian film, Mad Max, however, Winton’s novel is much more a call to action. “They told themselves that … all would be well while they hid and did nothing. These were years of shame and folly. They were so close to liberty, but unable to come out into the open to take it up.”
Filled with the visceral descriptions of landscape we love from Winton, this novel covers everything from climate change, to knowledge and power, wealth, refugees, race, artificial intelligence and what it means to be human. With nods to Alexis Wright’s Miles Franklin winning Praiseworthy and more optimistic than Paul Lynch’s 2023 Booker winner, Prophet Song, this will appeal to fans of Winton’s previous works and those who enjoyed Richard Powers’ Bewilderment, or Charlotte McConaghy’s Migrations. Review by Katina @ Great Escape Books
Turtle Moon by Hannah Gold
Another beautiful novel from Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear and The Lost Whale accompanied again by the incredible illustrations of Levi Pinfold.
Silver Trevelon is an adventurous and curious child who loves climbing trees. When Silver’s dad accepts a job to paint turtles at a rescue centre, Silver and her family find themselves off to live in the jungle of Costa Rica. Life in the jungle is hot, daunting, but full of adventure and wildlife. Silver befriends the equally free spirited, Rafi and the brown-throated, three toed sloth, Speedy.
Silver joins Rafi in his mission to protect the turtles and the defenceless eggs they lay on the beaches, with only one in 1000 hatchlings surviving to adulthood. When rare and precious Leatherback turtle eggs are stolen from the hatchery, it’s up to Silver and Rafi to face the heart of the jungle and rescue the eggs before it’s too late.
Hannah Gold is a master of weaving adventure, friendship, family and environmentalism joyously into her novels. Turtle Moon also explores the challenges and emotions of infertility through the difficulties faced by Silver’s parents and the impact it’s had on their family. A beautiful and hopeful adventure, and especially relevant with all sea turtle species now endangered or vulnerable to extinction. Perfect for readers 8+, a truly wonderful story.
Review by Jess @Great Escape Books
Miyuki Katsu
Penny Edmanson
Miyuki Katsu grew up with a love of gardening and a deep appreciation of nature. Miyuki was born in Toki, a city in the Gifu prefecture of central Honshu, Japan’s main island. From a very early age she and her brother assisted their grandparents on their vegetable farm, growing a variety of seasonal vegetables year-round.
Thus it was a logical progression, after completing school, to head to the Gifu International Academy of Horticulture where she majored in landscaping. On graduation, Miyuki secured a job with Bloom and Broom, a garden landscaping company based in Nagakute City, Aichi prefecture.
By 2019, Miyuki felt she would like to see a bit of the world and began the process of applying for a working holiday visa. Alas, COVID meant that she would be unable to travel for another two years. Finally lockdowns eased and, in April 2022, she was able to take up a farm option provided for her through a working holiday agency in Tokyo.
Miyuki loved her work with the Fruit Salad Tree Company in Port Macquarie but knew her heart was in landscaping and besides, a working holiday visa only allowed six months with any one employer.
Miyuki diligently researched and wrote away to seven landscaping companies offering employment opportunities. Top of her list was Ocean Road Landscaping.
Meanwhile in Anglesea, Peter and Simone Shaw were running a thriving business, employing a team of 30 to design, build and maintain beautiful and sustainable gardens in a coastal landscape. For Peter and the team, creating gardens is not just a job, but a personal creative
outlet. Serendipitously there was a young Japanese woman with similar views.
Peter and Simone receive regular requests for work experience and career opportunities, but something about Miyuki’s stood out. The business was starting to explore the idea of sponsored workers to expand its skill base and tap into new resources. There were some things to consider; issues such as language, housing and homesickness would have to be faced. However, the positives far outweighed the negatives and, fortunately for Miyuki and for the Anglesea community, they took up the challenge. And so, in July 2022, Peter collected Miyuki from Avalon Airport for the start of the next chapter of her Australian adventure.
As Peter says, “From the start Miyuki was like a breath of fresh air. She is a hard worker, but more importantly she is a natural gardener, understanding and gentle with the plants.”
Not only is Miyuki contributing to this town as a gardener, but she has thrown herself into community life: reaching out through social media, joining Snappers, and assisting a small group of locals who have a particular interest in Japanese language and culture.
Miyuki loves learning about our native plants, joining ANGAIR for their guided walks and taking photos for their Wildflower Weekend. True to her name (meaning beautiful fortune/ beautiful happiness), her ready smile and positive outlook make her friends everywhere.
Miyuki herself says that she has found people unfailingly welcoming, caring, and generous. The inevitable homesickness has been eased by making good friends and visits from her parents and fiancé.
Miyuki is very settled in Anglesea. Having started off in the Anglesea Backpackers, she is now happy in a share house. She enjoys hanging out with her housemate Heidi or visiting friends, but is equally content in her own company: bushwalking, bike riding and taking photos. She likes now to be referred to as Yuki and says her ‘new’ name reflects her new-found confidence and happiness.
“I am so lucky to have found this place,” Yuki tells me. Peter quickly responds, “We are equally honoured to have her.”
In Yuki he has found another for whom gardening is an extension of creativity. Such is his confidence in her that he and Simone have assisted her to transition onto a twoyear working (sponsored) visa with the view to something more permanent. Let’s hope this is the case.
100 Years at Anglesea - Davidson Family
Jan Morris
Three large pine plantations once grew around Anglesea. Remnants of these pine plantations, started 100 years ago, can still be seen today. Laborers were needed to plant, care for and weed the trees. Once they had workers, they needed accommodation. A nursery to propagate the trees was established where the Anglesea Primary School is now situated. A hostel was built nearby and houses were built mainly near Old Geelong Road (now Camp Road). Jobs were advertised and men arrived to work. They were soon followed by their wives and families. This led to a need for town facilities including a school. One of the arrivals in 1924 was Robert Davidson, who was followed by his wife. Robert was the grandfather of well-known Anglesea identity Barry Davidson. The following comprises excerpts from an account of early life in Anglesea as experienced by Robert who, in 1924, joined the Forests Commission (later the Department of Conservation Forests and Lands).
“After leaving Scotland, I arrived at Anglesea in December 1924. My wife Martha and two sons, Eric and Robert arrived in September 1925 on the ship Borda, a P&O liner which went round Cape Town. They got off at Fremantle, as the stewards were on strike, and I arranged for them to come by train, transcontinental railway, to Adelaide and then on to Melbourne, where I met them and then train to Geelong. We stayed at The Gables, Geelong West overnight and then caught Drayton’s Bus Service for Anglesea next day. We got into Ivanhoe on the road to The Farm [later Alcoa] on Camp Road [corner of Wray Street, then not a street]. The Forest Department bought the house Ivanhoe from Mr Levine, a florist in Geelong.
A third son, Cyril Jack Davidson was born on 30th July 1926. The house had no electricity at first. There was no water laid on [but tank water], no bathroom. The washing of clothes was also done in this. Kerosene tins were used for boiling clothes, hung on hooks suspended from an iron rod held by two forked sticks stuck in the ground. A few bricks and stones were the fireplace and this was outside. The clothesline was galvanised wire hung from tree to tree and the clothes prop was a straight messmate stick forked at one end. The kitchen was unlined, with a colonial oven with the fire underneath and also on top. We had a kerosene
primus for frying. Grilling was done outside in the fireplace. We had 20 fowls and a cow from Dick Purneli, Moriac - a purebred Jersey, but with no written pedigree. We rented, for 2/- [shillings, now 20 cents] per year, 2 acres across the road belonging to Mrs Hastie’s Estate.
There was a shed where I kept the cow feed and another one, I used for a cow bail. There was an underground concrete well for water for the cow. We separated the milk by using a One Cow Demo Separator and had milk, cream and butter, which we stamped with a thistle brand. ... I grew vegetables on rented land fenced from the cow. Potatoes, beetroot, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cauliflowers, cabbages, and kale [seed from Aberdeen]. I sold spare vegetables to others ... In the twenty-three years from arriving in Anglesea there have been no bushfires that came through the town.”
The pine plantations were abandoned, but the Davidson family is still in Anglesea. Barry Davidson organised a Davidson reunion in November this year, where the family celebrated 100 years since arriving in Anglesea. He displayed the family tree and the family history.
The Davidson Family c.1933
January, February and March 2025
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
Twilight Markets
We’re excited to announce that the Anglesea Twilight Markets are back up and running for the season! Our first market in December was a huge success, even with the threat of a major storm on the day. We’ll be operating every Friday during January, offering a variety of local goods, fresh produce, crafts, and entertainment by great local musicians. Come support your local vendors, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and find unique treasures each week.
Tai Chi
Phil Robbins continues to run Tai Chi at the Anglesea Bowling Club every Thursday morning at 9.30am. Everyone is welcome and the gold coin donation goes to support our Foodlink food relief service. Over the past 12 months the need for food relief in Anglesea has tripled with rising food and housing prices. Foodlink is more important than ever, and this year Phil’s fundraising efforts have had a huge impact. Through a sponsored beard, head and even eyebrow shave he has raised over $3,000, which includes generous support from the Anglesea Bowling club.
ReDress: A Surf Coast Initiative
Helen Thomas
Aireys Inlet resident Michele Meehan is a gifted knitter and crafter with many different strings to her sewing and crafting bows. Earlier this year Michele realised that she hadn’t bought any new clothes for seven years! She has always loved op shops, learnt sewing as a young person, and over many years was able to combine these skills and interests to both dress and accessorise. She adjusted clothes that didn’t fit, remodelled items and refashioned op shop wears and found that this approach to clothing still provided her with plenty of choice and a fashionable wardrobe too!
Fashion Reimagined
Michele attended a local screening of the documentary film Fashion Reimagined and was inspired to act. The film focuses on Amy Powney a fashion designer, and the CEO of fashion house Mother of Pearl, who was concerned about the devastating environmental impact of the fashion industry. When she won the coveted Vogue award for the Best Young Designer of the Year, which comes with a big cash prize, Amy decided to use the money to create a sustainable collection from field to finished garment and transform her entire approach to the business of fashion. The film charts her three-year journey, which culminated in the presentation of a sustainable collection shown at London Fashion Week.
The Cost of Fashion
“If the fashion industry was a country, it would be ranked third for greenhouse gas emissions after the US and China.”
Michele posted on local Facebook pages to gauge interest in the issue. Citing key information and statistics on the costs of fashion to the environment and the community, both locally and globally, Michele gathered a small group of locals to explore possible initiatives related to minimising the impact of fashion. It was then that ReDress was born, aptly named by her sister Celia and with a logo designed by local artist and jeweller Bin Dixon-Ward of Painkalac Plastics. ReDress was launched in September, at the Anglesea Community House, with the screening of the inspirational documentary Fashion Reimagined. About 20 locals gathered to discuss the
documentary and what possible further actions might result from it. Michele prepared a handout with a range of sobering statistics as a starting point for discussion and to encourage attendees to reflect on their own fashion journeys. ‘The Cost of Fashion’ document outlines key information and statistics about the fashion industry both in Australia and globally:
• Three out of five garments go to landfill within a year of purchase
• A typical garment travels to at least five countries before reaching the customer
• 35% of ocean microplastics come from synthetic clothes shedding in washing machines
• 62% of all clothing is made from synthetic fibres.
ReDress
This loosely based coalition of interested people and groups across the Surf Coast is passionate about sustainability in the fashion industry. The focus includes upcycling, mending, sewing, knitting and needlework, repairing, skill sharing, workshops, clothes swapping, and other areas of interest in apparel driven by the group. The response from locals to the ReDress initiative has been overwhelming and it is clear that the Surf Coast is a lively and creative community full of ideas for how to take this initiative in a range of directions.
ReDress is informed by the following principles: Think Global. Act Local. Act Personal.
A Facebook page has been designed which enables the ReDress initiative to act as a hub/clearing house for activities, events, groups, information gathering and sharing. Michele was overwhelmed with the response to her post related to the cost of fashion and the subsequent ReDress Facebook page, with 680 likes and a Facebook badge, is an indicator of its popularity. She found an online community rich with knitters and crafters, stitchers and darners, designers and creatives and many other likeminded people looking for ways to minimise the impact of fashion in their daily lives.
Tapping into her passion for Japan, Michele realised there might also be people within the community who are interested in visible mending, including Sashiko and Boro (Japanese stitching and sewing techniques using recycled and scrap materials for repurposing and reusing) and visible darning and patching. Michele then used the ReDress page to advertise a workshop, run by Julie Dyer on her recent travels in Japan where she explored Japanese textiles and handcrafts including techniques such as Boro and Sashiko.
A wide range of interest groups from Torquay through to Lorne and small towns in the Otway region including Deans Marsh, Winchelsea and Bellbrae now actively use the ReDress facebook site to advertise and inform local communities of their work and to connect people to already established local groups, events and activities.
The Repair Cafe in Aireys Inlet, as well as running a range of workshops, saves kilos of household items, including clothing, from ending up in landfill by repairing these items. It also acts as a collection site for Upparel.
Upparel
This textiles recovery and textile waste recycling business operating in Melbourne, with its motto of ReUse RePurpose ReCycle, encourages and enables people to recycle and dispose of unwanted textiles, including
clothing, shoes, manchester and linen in an ethical and environmentally friendly way, for a small cost.
800,000,000 kilograms are thrown away every year
On average, Australians purchase 27kg of new textiles and discard around 23kg into landfill annually. This means 6,000kg of textile waste is being disposed of in Australia every 10 minutes. Australia is one of the highest clothing consumers in the world (Allan & Allan, 2002).
The fashion industry is estimated to be responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Every 1kg of textiles diverted from landfill prevents 3-4kg of greenhouse gases from polluting the atmosphere. Upparel makes it easy and takes the hassle out of determining whether to reuse, upcycle or recycle your textiles.
Michele’s musings about the cost and impact of fashion have resulted in direct action. The following list of Facebook sites including local groups, individuals and organisations is provided for your information.
Resources/Links/Information
1. A link to the documentary Fashion Reimagined https://www.pbs.org/video/fashion-reimaginedcx3afu/ on Apple TV+
2. ReDress Facebook site has heaps of valuable tips, info, contacts, events, activities, groups
3. New York Fashion Act thefashionact.org has good fact sheets.
4. The Cost of Fashion fact sheet (available from Michele Meehan) Places for Action
Art Space Anglesea and the Anglesea Art House Op Shops: Torquay, Bellbrae, Lorne, Anglesea, Winchelsea
Surf Coast Shire (including Circular Economy Group).
Julie Dyer talks fabric repurposing at Torquay workshop
Holly Hurst: A Paralympic Achievement
Lina Libroaperto
Our very own Holly Hurst returned recently from the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games as Team Manager of Australia’s wheelchair tennis team. While the team didn’t finish on the podium, the trip was a wonderful experience and the culmination of years of preparation. Two team members, Ben Weekes and Anderson Parker, were wild card entries who gave the Brazilian doubles team a run for their money, taking the match to a third set tiebreak. While the match was ultimately a Brazilian win, the Australian duo gave the crowd at Roland-Garros a thrilling display of tennis. “I feel incredibly grateful to support the Australian athletes at the Games and to witness the incredible sporting achievements and physical prowess of the Paralympians from all around the world,” Holly said.
Holly grew up in New Westminster, British Columbia in Canada with her parents and two older sisters, Kathryn and Tricia. The girls’ childhood years were full of sports including basketball, field hockey, soccer and water polo. Many weekends were spent at Highland Games, where they participated in competitive highland dancing. Later Holly played in a pipe band as a snare drummer and Kathryn as a bass drummer. This took them to the World
Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow Scotland every other summer during their teenage years, bringing home two world titles in the junior category. Not only was she amazing on the snare drum, but Holly also played for Canada’s Youth National water polo team as a teenager where her first international match was against Australia. Perhaps a foreshadowing of what was to come!
In 2004 Holly began studying at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario where she undertook a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education and a Bachelor of Arts. In her third year at Queen’s, Holly’s professor began a spinal rehabilitation exercise program at the local hospital. Holly volunteered with the program for two years, supporting individuals living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) to undertake exercise programs. After graduating she worked at ParaSport Ontario where she organised the 2008 ParaSport Summer Games and realised that adaptive sport was the area she wanted to work in. “It lit me up!” Holly declared. “I knew this was the field I wanted to work in.” Following her stint at ParaSport Holly completed a Masters of Sports Psychology at McGill University, with a focus on disability sport.
After completing her Masters, Holly spent seven years at British Columbia Wheelchair Sports Association, (BCWSA) a not-for-profit organisation in Vancouver. She worked with spinal unit patients supporting individuals with uptake and engagement in various wheelchair sports. Holly developed new wheelchair sports programs across the province, conducted research, and was also involved in hosting international wheelchair basketball, rugby and tennis events including the 2010 International Wheelchair Rugby Championships.
In 2015 Holly was one of the mission staff for the Canadian Paralympic Team for the ParaPan American Games held in Toronto, Canada. Functioning also as a
Top Row: Holly Hurst (L), Keagan McCrohon (R) Bottom Row: Anderson Parker (L), Ben Weekes (R)
preparation and qualification games for the Rio Paralympics, Holly and her crew supported the athletes to prepare for the games, organised flights and transport, and ran all ops in the Athletes Village. It was such a buzz for her and while she had her sights firmly on the adventure of the 2016 Rio Games, a sliding doors moment saw her heading for the land of Oz.
Let’s take a little step backwards and note that towards the end of her seven year stint at BCWSA, Holly decided to act on a long standing desire to work overseas; she was ready for a new adventure! She got a job offer in the land of the long white cloud and was readying to head to New Zealand, when a conversation with a colleague encouraged her to look into roles in Australia where the Commonwealth Games were to be hosted. Holly found the wheelchair tennis tournaments role at Tennis Australia (TA) and it had her name written all over it! So, while it was tough making the big sacrifice to give up the Rio Games, in 2016 Holly buckled up and moved to Australia.
Holly’s role at TA saw her developing wheelchair tennis tournaments and events, as well as growing the development of a new sport: blind and low vision tennis in Australia. Her role has involved supporting player recruitment, club and program development, and developing performance pathway programs for both blind and low vision and wheelchair tennis players across the country. She is heavily involved in supporting the next generation of wheelchair tennis players and runs national junior wheelchair camps throughout the year. Holly also organises logistics for the Australian
junior players competing on overseas tours, at the World Team Cup, and the various Grand Slams. The role took Holly to Israel in 2019, where the Australian junior wheelchair tennis team won their first Junior World Team Cup title for Australia, and she will be leading the Australian wheelchair tennis teams competing at next year’s World Team Cup in Turkey.
Most recently, in November, Holly helped run the National Wheelchair Tennis Championships at Melbourne Park. Almost 40 athletes from around Australia competed, including some home grown champs from the Geelong, Surfcoast and Bellarine regions. A local duo, Arlo and Hamish won the Junior Doubles title. Holly has been supporting these junior players from the Geelong region for seven years and is excited with the achievements of their recent success. It is one of the deepest rewards of her role - watching the juniors grow, develop and succeed.
Even though Holly’s work regularly takes her interstate and overseas for sports focused adventures, her favourite place is the beautiful landscape of the Surf Coast that she now calls home. Since settling here in Australia and as an avid bush walker, Holly has taken on and enjoyed many hikes. Amongst them, the Three Capes Track in Tasmania and a four day solo trek along the Great Ocean Road Walk from Aire River to the Twelve Apostles. She had, at the time, travelled regularly to the Surf and Shipwreck Coast; drawn to its stunning coastline and beautiful hinterland and it is where she met Glen. Both Holly and Glen love the outdoors and spent many weekends adventuring down the coast. In fact Glen, has a long family connection to Anglesea.
Well known to many locals, Glen’s grandparents, Ruth and Jack Hurst, started building their beach house in Anglesea back in the 1950s and it became their full-time residence for many decades. They were long-time volunteers at ANGAIR and loved the beautiful bush of the Surf Coast.
In 2021 little Jack was born and Holly and Glen moved to Aireys Inlet where they are excited to settle and adventure with Jack now and for years to come. He was named after his late great-grandfather, Jack Hurst, and Jack has been lucky to spend so much beautiful time with his greatgrandmother Ruth who is 96 years old. There are now four generations of Hursts currently living in Anglesea and Aireys Inlet!
Introducing Your Surf Coast Shire Council
Surf Coast Shire Mayor Mike Bodsworth, Councillor Otway Range Ward
It’s a pleasure and honour to contribute my first NewsAngle column as Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor! We have a brand new, nine person Council with myself as Mayor and Councillor Libby Stapleton as Deputy Mayor.
Councillor Leon Walker joins myself and Libby representing Otway Range Ward, while councillors Paul Barker, Rebecca Bourke and Liz Pattison represent Torquay Ward and councillors Tony Phelps, Adrian Schonfelder and Joel Grist represent Winchelsea Ward. You can learn more about us all, and find our contact details, on the Council website.
Importantly, all councillors are bound to consider the whole municipality, not just their wards. That’s one of many ‘councillors must’ directives from the Local Government Act and the 2024 Model Code of conduct.
Councillors must prioritise “best outcomes for the municipal community, including future generations”, they must promote economic, social and environmental sustainability, “including mitigation and planning for climate change risks”, and they must be “responsive to the diversity of interests and needs of the municipal community”.
I’d urge anyone to look the two documents up, to understand councillors’ responsibilities.
One of our earliest tasks is to begin work on a new Council Plan. It’s a plan prepared in collaboration with local communities to reflect local priorities and needs and provide the strategic direction for what we’ll deliver during our four-year Council term.
Over the next six months there’ll be multiple opportunities to engage, with Phase 1 – an online survey – now open. You can scan the QR code (published with this column), visit yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/ OurFocusOurFuture, or phone 5261 0600.
The Council Plan and associated plans like the Health and Wellbeing Plan and Asset Management Plan are critical documents that rely on diverse and energetic community input.
Another critical local need that’s met through community and agency collaboration is bushfire
preparedness. The fire risk period is NOW – it’s time to reduce fuel loads around your house, prepare your fire plans and let Council know of any concerns you have about fire risks and unmanaged fuels in your neighbourhoods. For helpful advice, search ‘fire ready’ on the Council website or get the CFA Fire Ready Kit via cfa.vic.gov.au.
Finally, I’d like to wish locals and visitors a happy and safe Christmas and holiday period. It’s such a special time of year here and I wish you all the best.
Scan this QR Code to Participate in the Council Plan online survey
What would happen to your family if something unexpected happened to you?
It is hard to articulate the importance and value of a wellprepared Will and to ensure you engage in well-managed estate planning. Our team firmly believes this is imperative for everyone and it aligns with our values of trying to prevent or minimise disputes and family unrest by preparing in advance.
Too often we hear prospective clients say, “getting a lawyer to prepare my Will is expensive” or “I can do it online at a cheaper cost”. Whilst they may be valid comments, it is incredibly important to invest in your Will prior to your passing in order to minimise any conflict between family members from arising later.
A poorly drafted Will, or one that is not drafted in a legally compliant way, can result in the wishes you leave behind being easily challenged and ultimately your final voice not being heard.
Having an estate planning discussion or ensuring your Will is drafted correctly is particularly relevant for the following life changes:
• Change to marital status
• Change to family assets (purchase of property, shares or other assets)
• Approaching retirement
• Business ownership
• Parent/Guardian of minor children
• Having children/grandchildren that need special assistance
• Blended families.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but if you fall into any of these categories, you should consider a legally drafted Will. It’s not a topic any of us like to think about and it can be confronting to discuss personal circumstances, but there is no way for any of us to avoid our passing and therefore we strongly encourage you to plan for it.
Most people don’t think twice about investing in sound financial advice when it comes to property or asset acquisition and borrowing capacity, so why work hard to achieve your assets, without ensuring you invest in protecting them for those you leave behind?
Whether it is our firm, or another lawyer, we encourage you to discuss your needs to ensure that your assets are protected after your passing and your loved ones are taken care of with the main goal being to minimise any chance of dispute. Connect with a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable having meaningful conversations about family relationships and dynamics. It can be crucial for your accountant and lawyer to work closely together. If you have an accountant or financial advisor ensure your lawyer is aware of who they are.
We pride ourselves on strong relationships with our clients and we genuinely care about ensuring you are adequately prepared. There is no cost to pick up the phone and have a chat with our team about what we may be able to help you with! We deliver our services via a flexible model, which means we can attend to you by appointment, at your preferred location such as home or hospital, or you can make an appointment to see our team at our Geelong office or at the business hub in Torquay.
Planning for death is the smart way to live!
Ph: 5213 1300 info@barelegal.com.au
Public Fertility Care
Samantha Longworth, Practice Manager - Anglesea Medical
Statistics from the Australian Institute of Family Studies, show that the proportion of women giving birth as the result of assisted reproductive technologies has increased from 2% in 2001 to 5% in 2022. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) refers to medical procedures used to address infertility, the most common of which is IVF but also includes intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and cryopreservation of embryos.
Figure 13: Women giving birth through ART as a percentage of all women giving birth, Australia, 2001–20
Source: https://aifs.gov.au/research/facts-and-figures/birthsaustralia-2023
IVF can be costly, creating a significant barrier for many individuals. Public fertility care is available through Barwon Health as a satellite site for the Royal Women’s Hospital. This service is fully funded, meaning there are no out-of-pocket expenses, and it is available to eligible Victorians. This includes people who have been trying to conceive naturally without success, those exploring fertility preservation due to medical treatments as well as single individuals and members of the LGBTIQA+ community who may require donor services.
To meet the current eligibility criteria individuals must:
• Reside in Victoria
• Hold a valid Medicare card
• Obtain a GP or Specialist referral, including all necessary investigation and test results
• Be aged 42 years (inclusive) or younger and using their own eggs, or under 51 years and using donor eggs from someone who was 42 or younger
• If the patient is part of a heterosexual couple, and is aged < 35 years, they need to have been trying to conceive for more than a year.
• If the patient is part of a heterosexual couple, and is aged between 35 to 42 years: they need to have been trying to conceive for at least 6 months. They also need to be using an egg (their own or from a donor) aged ≤ 42 years at time of collection.
You can speak with your GP or specialist about Public Fertility Care, and if you are a suitable candidate, you may be required to complete some tests and investigations beforehand to send along with your referral.
Please note that there is a limit on the number of funded IVF or ICSI treatment cycles available to each individual, currently capped at two.
If you are interested in exploring these options further, we encourage you to speak with your GP and visit: https://www.thewomens.org.au/patients-visitors/ clinics-and-services/fertility-genetics/public-fertilityservices
Twitchers’ Corner
Written and illustrated by Kaye Traynor
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris
Other name: Australian black-shoulderedKite Wing: 274-318mm Bill: 17-22mm
Weight: 200-350g Femaleisslightlylargerand heavier.
Description: Whitehead, neckandunderparts,grey wings,saddleandcentral tailfeathers;large,black shoulderpatch.Blackeye patchandrearbrow,in combinationwithlargeredeyes.Billblackwith green-yellowcere,yellowlegsandfeet.Female almostidentical,slightlydarkerontheback.
Juveniles: Darkeronupperparts;crown,nape andbackofneckbuff-brownwithsomewhite andbrownstreaks;wingfeathersmottledwhite andpalebrown.Blackareasmall,brokenwith whiteandbrown.Browneyes.Adultplumage acquiredinfirstyear.
Similar species: Letter-wingedKitewhichinflight hasblackrightalongunderwingfrombodyto wrist.
Distribution: Moderatelycommonthroughout mainlandAustralia.RareinTasmania.
Habitat: Opencountry,naturalgrasslands, sparselywoodedplainsandfarmlands,especially pasturesandothergrassyareas
OftenourviewofaBlack-shoulderedKiteiswhile itishovering,expertlywithtailloweredand spread,wingsbeatingslowly,andthenplunging downontoitsprey.Theirpreyisvariedand includesmammals,birds,reptilesandinsectssuch asgrasshoppers.Itisalsoseeninpairsoralone perchedonfenceposts,powerpoles,orlow trees.Itglidesforshortdistanceswithwingsheld straightandinawidev-shape.Itdoesn’tflyvery highandhasafairlyrapidwingbeat.
NestingseasonoccursApriltoSeptember. Sometimestheywillbreedtwiceduringaseason inareasinthesouth-east.Anestismadewith sticksandlinedwithleaves,20-25mabove groundinathick-foliagedtree.
Threeorfoureggsarelaid.White,oval,blotched withbrown.
Community Effort Brings Happy Ending
Sergeant John Digby, Station Commander, Anglesea Police Station
I would like to express my thanks to various organisations and the community members who assisted in the search for a missing 11 year old boy on Septmber, 2024. Happily, the child was found safe and well in Aireys Inlet by a community member from Fairhaven. Thank you to Torquay SES, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet CFA - all volunteers who stepped in to assist with the search. These volunteers are always there when needed. They turn out regardless of the time or weather conditions. They do a remarkable job and show a tremendous community spirit in giving their time.
Thank you to Parks VIC, DEECA and Forest Fire Management and Ambulance Victoria. These organisation are invaluable and bring local knowledge and specialist skills. We call on them often during searches in the Otways.
The number of people offering to help was amazing. As a result of this strong community response we received a number of sightings. This information was invaluable to show where the child was at a particular point of time.
Again thank you to the community.
References: The Great Australian Birdfinder Michael Morcombe, The Australian Bird Guide. Peter Menkhorst, Danny Rogers, Rohan Clarke, Jeff Davies, Peter Marsack, Kim Franklin.
Dog Tales and Tails: Summer Dangers
Doug Elsum
Summer means that the Surf Coast’s population of both humans and dogs will be at its height. It is a great time to enjoy our beautiful area with our best mates but there are a number of factors that can impact both the behaviour and health of our dogs.
Summer is the high season for fleas, so make sure you are up to date with prescribed treatments. Another danger is the sun! The three main danger areas are the nose, the tips of their ears, and the hairless areas around their hind legs. The SPF 50+ sunscreen that we use is fine for your dog, but never use zinc cream, lead oxide is a no no and dogs will lick it. Below are other
Water is extremely important. If your dog knocks over its water whilst you are away, it only needs to be 25 degrees for dehydration to kick in. Dig a hole to fit their water container exactly, and sink it about ¾ of the way into the ground. The risk of knocking it over has been eliminated and the earth acts as a natural esky. A frozen water bottle in the container will keep the water cool, dogs will stress when they cannot obtain heat relief.
In the heat, just like us, dogs tend to eat less. If you keep the same level of food, especially with less exercise, you may find your dog starts “storing” it for later, i.e. burying it. Dogs also know that the further they dig down, the cooler the soil is and will often dig themselves a cool resting place. This area of your garden will start looking like a pit. A sandpit, kept damp, in the shade is a great Christmas present for your dog. Even with the windows left slightly down a car’s interior can reach 50 degrees in only six minutes. Don’t take your dog on any excursion that could see your return
delayed. When travelling plan plenty of stops along the way and carry water and a bowl that is easily accessible. If your dog doesn’t settle in your car and is clearly uncomfortable, but doesn’t vomit the solution could be simple. Dogs don’t necessarily get motion sickness, but are affected by the build up of static electricity in the vehicle. This churns the tummy and can be rectified by the installation of an anti-static strip to your vehicle. There are now a multitude of clip-in leads that go into your seat belt anchor to protect your dog in the event of an accident. We all need to buckle up folks.
Sadly, many dogs drown in backyard pools. Dogs treat pools the same way that they treat lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Their point of entry will also be their point of exit, unless shown otherwise. If your dog ends up in the pool when unsupervised it will attempt to exit at the same point. Their bodyweight (now drenched) has increased and they simply cannot escape. Exhaustion will see them eventually give up. They can be trained by getting into the pool with them tethered to a piece of rope and showing them where the steps are. At our previous home, where we had a pool, our dogs learned this quickly and on a hot day they’d dive in, cool off, and head to the steps!
It’s the festive season and chocolate treats are all around us. Chocolate is a definite no no, your vet will tell you that large doses can be fatal so keep chocolate well out of your dog’s reach. Slices of watermelon are a good summer treat for dogs.
On the beaches that are still accessible to dogs over the summer, two things are usually missing, fresh drinking water and shade. Take some sort of shade shelter for your dog. You can have your beach umbrella and your dog can have your winter umbrella. Please observe beach restrictions, our council have a great map for this, and don’t forget your poo bags.
Enjoy your summer fun with your mates.
Australia Day Fundraiser at Anglesea RSL
Celebrate Australia Day at the Anglesea RSL! There will be drinks, food and lots of live entertainment! EFTPOS will be available. January 26 2025 12.30pm-4.30pm 30 Murray Street, Anglesea
Doug and Ted
Happy Birthday Repair Cafe!
Bin Dixon-Ward and Kate MacNeill
In October the International Repair Café movement celebrated its 15th anniversary in The Hague. We were lucky enough to be in The Netherlands at the time and as volunteers at the Surf Coast Repair Café we decided to join the party. It was a mega Repair Café held over two floors of the Amare, a striking cultural centre located in the heart of the city. On arrival we saw a bank of 10 sewing machines, all in operation!
We quickly realised that repairers from cities and towns all over The Netherlands had gathered in The Hague, and that people had brought their broken household items from far and wide, all to be part of the celebrations. The venue was adorned with hundreds of flags from Repair Cafés all over the world. After some hunting we found ours from the Surf Coast Repair Café together with many from other repair cafés in Australia.
We shared many heartwarming stories with the Repair Café representatives. A feature of the Repair Café movement is the deep level of community involvement, and intergenerational engagement. Repair Cafés create a wonderful social outlet as conversation flows easily alongside the repair work. There’s often an interesting story behind the broken item, and conversation flows easily while engaged in a shared task.
And it’s not just what happens at the repair sessions that makes a difference. Some of the Repair Café members collect items from landfill and disassemble them to create
a stock of parts for future repairs. Some Repair Cafés offer sessions just for young people to bring their bikes, scooters, games and toys along and to learn how to repair these themselves.
Advocacy is an important part of the Repair Café movement, as members have successfully lobbied for Right to Repair legislation in a number of countries. This will hopefully mean a longer life for many household appliances and electronic equipment.
Walking around the Repair Café at the Hague it was wonderful to be part of such a large and generous movement of people trying to reduce the size of landfill sites, impart repair skills and build awareness around a circular economy.
We could have stayed all afternoon talking to new friends who were impressed that we had come from Australia. And of course, there were cakes – beautifully iced with the Repair Café logo!
Surf Coast Repair Café flag at the 15th annversary celebrations
Aireys Inlet Primary School Update
Principal’s Farewell
It is with much trepidation that I will be retiring at the end of the school year after 38 years in the Education Department. It has been a wonderful journey and I have absolutely loved my eight years at Aireys Inlet Primary School.
I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve over this time, including facility upgrades and continued academic excellence over the years. I have been privileged to work alongside an amazingly talented school community of staff, students and parents. I am also grateful to the wider Aireys community who have supported myself and the school on various projects over the years.
I plan to travel and spend time with my three grandbabies in retirement. Aireys Inlet Primary School and the entire Aireys community will always hold a special place in my heart.
Jennifer Abel - Principal (2017-2024)
Halloween at Aireys Inlet Primary School.
On Thursday 31st October, the Aireys Inlet Primary School community dressed in their spookiest best costumes. It was wonderful to see students and younger siblings take part in our Halloween parade.
Aireys Fair Fun
On Saturday 2nd of November the crowds flocked to our school fair. The organising committee made sure we all had an amazing time purchasing items from the stalls, learning from our local Ambulance Victoria and CFA teams, getting up close to baby animals and reptiles, eating delicious homemade foods and enjoying the many rides including the Dodgem Cars, Cha Cha, flying swings and giant slide.
We had so many community volunteers step up to help us set up and assist on stalls. We thank you all.
The fair is the school’s largest money raiser for the year. Proceeds from the day will go towards specialised curriculum programs and key resources for the school.
Our Anglesea Primary Grade 6 Graduates
The latest cohort of graduates have bid farewll to Anglesea Primary School, but before they left for good we asked them about their time at Anglesea Primary and their hopes for High School life. Thank you to Principal Murray Surkitt for arranging for the children to answer these questions.
Fleur: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is all of the bush that we have in the school yard, and it is a really nice school community. I’m excited to go to High School with some of my friends and make new friends.
Lenni: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is the teachers, students and my friends. They are all so kind to me and it makes it a great place to be. Next year I am excited to meet new people and see what it is like to be at a different school as I have been here since Prep.
Kiahna: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is that I have heaps of friends, everyone is so kind, it really is such a great school. Next year I am excited to go to school with all the Anglesea Primary School girls as well
as meeting new people and making new friends.
Frances: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is to come to such a happy school where everyone knows everyone, and I have a great group of friends. Next year I am looking forward to going to high school with Milla and creating new friendships and memories.
Jewel: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is that it is a small school where everyone knows each other and is really kind and inclusive. Next year I am excited to make new friends and have a whole new experience in life.
Evan: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is GPAC and the Melbourne Camp experiences. Next year I am
excited to be in a big school again and all of the subject choice that will be available to me.
Marcus: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is that it’s a small school where everyone knows each other and are really kind to one another. Next year I’m excited for a variety of classes and to meet a new group of people.
Lilly P: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is that it is a kind, small community, and I know everyone. Next year I am excited to see what High School is all about.
Teddy: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is the great teachers, school resources and the amazing school yard. Next year I am excited to meet new people and learn new things.
Luca L: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is the nice people and having Mr. A as my teacher! I’m looking forward to High School and meeting new friends.
Dillan: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is playing with my friends in games like Hunter and Soccer. I’ve enjoyed having the best prep buddy in the whole, entire world. I look forward to meeting new people next year.
Sage: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is that everyone knows each other and the fun community. I’ve loved running lots of sports activities as a House Captain and the opportunity to run ‘Uno Club’. Next year I’m looking forward to the Sports Academy, as I have been accepted into netball and rock climbing.
Milla: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is the inclusive community and the learning opportunities I’ve had, like SSA sports, BioCATS/ BioLAB, camps, GPAC and the many incursions/excursions. I’ve enjoyed being School Captain and the responsibilities that came with it. I look forward to embracing new opportunities, meeting new people and creating special memories.
Alfie: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is the teachers and the leadership opportunities I have been given. I had the privilege of collaborating with my fellow Student Voice leaders to change the House names. I’m proud to leave this legacy. I’m looking forward to new learning opportunities and new friends.
Lilli: My all-time highlights would have to be Somers Camp and changing the house names in 2024. In High School, I am looking forward to making new friends and participating
in the tech program at Grovedale Secondary College. I’ll still miss all my friends though!
Zali: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS is the friendships I’ve made and the wonderful teachers. I enjoyed all of the SSA sport days and Beach Safety and Awareness. I look forward to building stronger relationships with my friends who are going to Surf Coast Secondary College with me and making new friends.
Lexi: My favourite thing has been all the friendships I’ve made and the opportunity to do Beach Safety and Awareness. I really enjoyed Somers Camp because of all the friends and activities. Next year I’m looking forward to making new friends and all the fun classes.
Joey: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS was all the fun excursions, and I really liked going to SSA sports. Next year I look forward to participating in the Surf Academy and making new friends.
Eoin: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS was the extra-curricular activities like excursions, SSA Sports, CFA and being a School Leader. Everyone is so friendly and kind. Next year I’m looking forward to all of the sporting opportunities at Kardinia International College and making new friends.
Finn: My favourite thing about Anglesea PS was our school camps. Spending three days with some of my best friends and participating in fun activities all day was a blast. I feel privileged to have had the role of School Captain and represent the school at many events. I look forward to a new chapter at Secondary School.
What is Your Bushfire Plan this Fire Season?
Tony Revell, Anglesea CFA Community Engagement Officer
If you live near areas that have significant bush, forest, long grass, or coastal scrub, then you need to plan ahead for the fire season. Not everyone thinks clearly in an emergency. Taking steps to prepare before the fire season means you know what to do when you’re at risk of fire. A plan will help you remember what needs to be done during a crisis.
Why should I leave early?
Leaving early is the safest option to protect yourself and your family. Leaving early means leaving the area before there are any signs of a fire – not when you can see flames or smell smoke. Leaving early means avoiding panic and the risk of being trapped, making the wrong choices and putting you or your family at risk.
How to plan
Taking steps to get prepared before the fire season means you know what to do when you’re at risk of fire.
Life Saving Stats
Every year Surf Life Saving Australia compiles the National Coastal Safety Report. We thought you might be interested in the basic figures from Victoria for season 2023/24:
• Had 6,630 patrolling members
• Did 849 rescues
• Performed 455,937 preventative actions
• Delivered 1,321 first aid treatments
• Volunteered 216,098 patrol hours
• Value to community: $1.5+ billion
• Sadly the # of coastal deaths was 40, 26 due to drowning (65%)
• No. of coastal drowning deaths: 26, a 37% increase from last year (n=19), and a 38% increase from the 10-year average of (n=19).
• High drowning risk groups: 20-29 (27%) and 55-64 (31%) year olds, 85% males
• Where drownings occurred: 69% >1km from Surf Life Saving services, 65% beaches, 19% offshore
• When drowning deaths occurred: 69% occurred in Summer, 19% Autumn
Just as every family or household is unique, every fire plan will be different.
Refer to information available at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ plan-prepare to assist. Planning should include such things as:
• What are your triggers to leave in the event of fire?
• What will you take?
• Where will you go?
• How will you manage your pets?
Maintain Awareness and Stay Informed
The Vic Emergency app is the official Victorian Government app for access to community information and warnings for all types of emergencies in Victoria, including bushfire.
The ABC is the emergency broadcaster. In the event of fire in our region, stay tuned to ABC Radio 774.
• Coastal drowning deaths occurred mostly while swimming/wading (54%), followed by snorkelling (12%) and then scuba diving (8%).
Our message to you, your loved ones and neighbours, is Stay safe near and about water. Never swim alone and always swim at a patrolled location, between the flags. We can only save you, if we can see you.
We look forward to seeing you at the Club over the next few months, especially over January, when there will be lots happening. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
ARTS SCENE
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
Artist Profile: Lynda Dingley
Anglesea Art Space recently celebrated International Day of People with a Disability (December 3) with Lynda Dingley’s exhibition, Harmonious Storm.
Lynda’s First Nations heritage and diverse experiences have shaped her art in profound ways. Despite being in a wheelchair for over 15 years, Lynda has used this experience to renew her passion for art and become a full-time artist. Her paintings reveal an emotional depth and reflect both her pain and moments of joy. Lynda has received numerous awards, has advocated for disability rights and representation in the art world, given lectures on the topic, and become a role model for aspiring artists and those living with disabilities. Many thanks to Elida from Torquay Art Hub for representing Lynda.
Surf Coast Arts Inc POSTCARDS 2024-25
Exhibition: 12 Dec - 5 Jan
11am-4pm daily (closed 24-26 Dec)
Thanks to the voluntary organisation Surf Coast Arts Inc, the 3rd annual POSTCARDS Exhibition is being held again over the busy Xmas and New Year period. Visit www.surfcoastarts.com
2025 programming will be announced via www.surfcoast. vic.gov.au/angleseaartspace
ANGLESEA ART HOUSE
23 Cameron Road, Anglesea https://angleseaarthouse.com.au/
Kids Art Bash: Jan 2 - 29
The annual Anglesea Art House, Kids Art Bash begins on Thursday 2 January until Wednesday 29 January. Opening hours are from 10am to 4pm each day. Art activities include painting on canvas, ceramic painting and mosaics. Art to Go activities – making dreamcatchers, jelly fish, spiders and air-dry clay modelling and more. Prices from $3 to $25 per activity. No bookings necessary.
ANGLESEA PERFORMING ARTS
www.angleseaperformingarts.com
The APA Ensemble is excited to announce that its first production for 2025 is Women of Troy. The Project will take its inspiration from Euripedes’ play and is scheduled for April/May next year. For those interested in being involved, the project will commence in January and we invite actors, designers, musicians and those with backstage skills in costuming, props and lighting, to check out our website for details early next year.
ANGLESEA INDOOR MARKET
143c Great Ocean Road, Anglesea https://www.facebook.com/Angleseaindoormarket/
There are many workshops at the Indoor Market, Including a Silversmithing Workshop coming up on January 18. Please see their website and socials for details. To book into workshops please message Anglesea Indoor Market or call 0400 166 905
ANGLESEA SNAPPERS
The Anglesea Snappers Photography Club is a group of Surf Coast locals who are passionate about photography and the natural environment. They 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.
When: 7.30pm, 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at Where: Anglesea Community House 5 McMillan Street, Anglesea. Contact: Deb Elliott – 0439 686 585.
EAGLES NEST ART GALLERY
48 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet www.eaglesnestgallery.com.au
Housed in a stunning purpose-built building, the gallery exhibits an ongoing display of local and regional artist’s artwork, plus bi-monthly exhibitions.
7 Dec 2024 - 2 Feb 2025
MAIN GALLERY: Sara Paxton
FEATURE GALLERY: Sam Leggett
FOYER GALLERY: Jill Shalless
MINI GALLERY: Julien Boellmann
SEAHORSE READINGS
Seahorse Readings is an Anglesea open mic poetry gathering that holds the philosophy, “We all have a poem in us.” All are welcome at these fun, creative and inclusive events. Keep an eye on @seahorsereadings on instagram for details about upcoming gatherings!
Seahorse Readings at Akuna after an evening of creative poetry
Clever Creatures: There are Crows in NSW and ravens in Victoria - I don't know how they know where the state border is.
• The dogs at the kibbutz in Israel where we stayed were much more clever than we were - they could understand the Hebrew commands shouted at them by the locals.
• A little black and white dog in Ghent, Belgium brought his tennis ball to the city square fountain. His master threw the ball into the fountain pool and the little dog galloped off to retrieve it. He then dropped it at the feet of a tourist, who would throw it back into the pool to be chased, and brought to another onlooker to toss it in again. It provided good entertainment for everyone.
• Former Anglesea boy, Luke Chapman, has a dog that can say his own name - Ralph, Ralph.
Sing Along: The Geelong Cats weren’t playing in the AFL grand final this year, but our representative, Mike Brady, was there singing his famous footy song. So I say, “Up there Mike Brady, Up there and sing, Strum on that guitar, Show ‘em who’s king.”
Long Ago: In the past when I’d go to the viewing point overlooking the Anglesea Alcoa coal mine, I’d watch those huge trucks and long-necked scoops, and think they resembled huge mechanical dinosaurs lumbering over the area. Dinosaurs must have once roamed here when Australia was part of Gondwanaland - living and dying here, they and their forest habitat formed our brown coal deposits.
A Royal Visit Thought: Now that Prince Charles is King Charles, he should buy a spaniel. (Think about it.)
Christmas: By the time you receive this it will be Christmas time. For many years now Anglesea residents all knew that Santa’s other name was Cam McFarlane, and for the rest of the year he worked as a Surf Coast postie. So everyone must be on their best behaviour when they see a postman approaching - it could be Santa in civvies. But in December there are no doubts about who is riding the highly decorated motorbike!
NewsAngle History: The first issue of NewsAngle was in 1989 and it has recently reached it’s 35th anniversary. It was a bi-monthly publication for many years, which I preferred. However the quarterly editions continue to be a very popular medium for overall local communication, and sustaining a sense of community.
In Conclusion: 2025 will soon be upon us and my new year resolution is not to make any resolutions ... it’s the only one I know I won’t break.
• Pianos are hard to open because all the keys are on the inside.
Keep smiling!
Melva Stott
