Newsangle issue 131

PUBLICATION OF THE ANGLESEA COMMUNITY HOUSE

ISSUE 131 SPRING 2017

At the finish line! Students and teachers from Lorne P-12 College who recently hiked the Kokoda Trail. From left: (back row) Emily Ross, Amy Lane, Liam Mccauley, Tony Speed, Simon Scholtes, Max Caon, Tilo De Bon, Jarred Shaw, Oscar Caulfield, Laura Babare; (front row) Aidan Lewis, Patrick Coleman, Noah Lingam, Phoebe Lingam and Alex Umbers.

Surf Coast Kids Complete Kokoda By Jenna Crawford

Amazing! Humbling! Rewarding! Challenging! Unique! These are the words Ryan Doyle, a Year 9 student from Torquay's Surf Coast Secondary College, and Noah Lingam, a Year 11 student from Lorne P-12 College, used to describe their recent hike of the Kokoda Trail. Ryan was one of 11 students who went to Kokoda from Surf Coast Secondary College. He had the desire to walk the track because his mother had done it previously and he wanted to, literally, walk in her footsteps. He had viewed Community Houses are for Everyone

videos his mother had taken whilst she endured the hike. The total cost incurred by Ryan was $4800. He undertook fundraising activities in an attempt to raise the

Highlights The Hope Song

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Farewell Dr Tim Denton

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Repair CafĂŠ Surf Coast

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Growing Older

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Josie Caruana profile

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May the Uke be With You 22 Community Corner

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Continued on page 4 > 1

Published By Anglesea Community House Inc. 9.15am - 2.30pm Monday - Friday (During school terms) 5 McMillan Street, Anglesea PO Box 43, Anglesea, VIC, 3230 Tel: 5263 2116 Fax: 5263 1077 Email: newsangle@anglesea.org.au

Feedback/Comments To be addressed to the NewsAngle Editorial Committee, c/o Anglesea Community House or by email.

Advertisers If you wish to book an annual or casual advertisement, please request an Order Form by email.

Contributors/Writers Please leave news items, order forms or notices at the Community House, or send by post or email and the Editor will get in touch with you.

Distribution NewsAngle is free of charge. Copies are available from Anglesea IGA Supermarket, Maid's Pantry, Information Centre, Aireys Inlet General Store and Post Office and various other locations. NewsAngle available online at: anglesea.org.au/news/newsangle

Deadlines Issue: Casual ad bookings: Articles/Contributions:

132 30 Oct 8 Nov

Subject to availability of space Distribution:

14 Dec

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

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News from the House By Alex Leknius, Anglesea Community House Coordinator

Role of Neighbourhood and Community Houses

The recent storm around the flying of the rainbow flag at the Surf Coast Shire offices and the subsequent articles in the Geelong Advertiser and The Echo, has put the work of Community and Neighbourhood Houses in the spotlight. Community Houses are funded by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Resources to deliver the Neighbourhood House Coordination program and play a vital role in building vibrant Victorian communities. We are places of inclusion and provide valuable social, recreational, educational and training opportunities to support our local communities. We connect people by providing a wide range of activities and services to meet the identified needs within our local communities. Anglesea Community House is funded for 20 hours per week to deliver the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program (NHCP).

The NHCP funding is provided to: support the provision of community

development programs and activities that lead to community strengthening; support diversity and promote community participation and inclusion; facilitate community development and capacity building in support of individuals and groups within communities; support lifelong learning opportunities for people to improve their access to training and employment pathways; undertake community development processes to address locally identified priorities and needs through community consultation;

inclusive and welcoming organisation and work within the principles of the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program. A key element of these principles is support for equality, embracing diversity and ensuring that all members of our community feel welcome and are included. We support, refer, advocate and, when required, engage in social action on matters of equality and inclusion.

facilitate and evaluate responses to identified needs and priorities.

Come and visit us and find out more about what we do. Everyone is always welcome!

Like all of the Community Houses in the Surf Coast Shire, we are an

Best Wishes, Alex Leknius

Stay safe in the water this summer Do you know how to identify a rip and how to survive if you are caught in one? What about how to treat bites and stings which can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in some people? Come along to our ‘Beach Safety, Survival & Basic CPR* Workshop’ at the Anglesea Community House on Saturday, 2 December, and learn how to keep your family safe this summer.

Topics covered will include water safety, survival skills, dangers on our local beaches, rips, different types of rescues and what to do in case of envenomation from jelly fish, stingrays, snakes, etc. You will also learn basic CPR* skills, such as the primary survey patient assessment (DRSABCD), the recovery/lateral position, defibrillation awareness, managing choking, anaphylaxis, asthma and handing over to emergency services. Ideal for parents, grandparents and children (minimum age is 10) and anyone interested in staying safe around water. Make this summer your safest summer!

Saturday, 2 December from 1.00 – 4.00 pm. Cost is $49. See the course guide inside this issue of NewsAngle for more details and booking information. *CPR component not accredited

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Surf Coast Kids Complete Kokoda > Continued from page 1

money and he is most appreciative of all those who helped make his trip a reality. Noah was one of 12 students from Lorne P-12 College to venture to Kokoda. He knew quite a bit about the history of the Kokoda Trail as he had completed a history report on the subject in his studies. He said that talking to others who have hiked the Kokoda Trail gave him an insight into what to expect. Noah had to participate in a leadership interview to qualify for inclusion.

Lorne P-12 College students were fortunate enough to access funds for the venture by receiving the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This funding covered flights, guide expenses, food and the cost of jobs completed by local villagers. A lot of learning took place for both students when they were on site. The Kokoda campaign began 75 years ago. It was marked by extraordinary bravery in terrible conditions, facing a formidable enemy. Both the Australians and the Japanese endured mountainous, swampy conditions. The Kokoda Trail is a single-file

Hikers entering the village of Nauro on the Kokoda Trail.

pedestrian thoroughfare that runs 96km overland, with 60km running in a straight line through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.

Malaria prevention was paramount. Water was accessed from the watercourses en route, which always had to be purified before consumption.

The track was the location of the 1942 battle between Japanese and allied forces in what was then the Australian territory of Papua. The track runs from Owens Corner in Central Province, 50km east of Port Moresby, across rugged and isolated terrain, which is only passable on foot, to the village of Kokoda.

On an average day, the hiking would finish at about 3pm. Hikers slept in huts along the route that were constructed from wood and leaves.

It reaches a height of 2,190 metres as it passes around the peak of Mt Bellamy. It is considered to be a hard walk in terms of difficulty, with heat and humidity adding to the degree of difficulty. It takes approximately 10 days for the average trekker to complete the course on steep and slippery paths.

It was difficult to believe the feats of the "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels", the name given by Australian soldiers to a group of Papua New Guinean people who, during World War II, assisted and escorted injured Australian troops down the Kokoda Trail to safety and who also ferried in supplies.

The average day for Noah and Ryan would begin at 5am, when they would get up and get their gear ready for the day's hiking. Breakfast was at about 6.30am, before embarking on the slippery, swampy uphills and downhills, usually in single file.

Ryan Doyle with a young villager after completing the Kokoda Trail. 4

Sometimes they crossed wobbly bridges made of tree logs and rope. The humidity was almost unbearable and the air was alive with mosquitoes.

Some of the villagers spoke little English, but they were always happy to welcome strangers into their part of the world.

Both Noah and Ryan didn't find the walking as difficult as they had imagined. The first day was a marathon effort, hiking 20km from 6.30am until 5pm. They had both done a lot of preparation, with hiking and stair climbing leading up to their adventures. The importance of wearing polyester clothing, which dried quickly if it became wet from the rain or perspiration, became apparent. Good hiking boots were also essential.

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Students Reach New Heights on the Kokoda Trail By Jarred Shaw, Year 11 Student at Lorne P-12 College This year, Lorne P-12 College was lucky enough to receive a grant to take 12 students and 3 staff across to hike the incredible 100km long Kokoda Trail.

Camp for the night.

The experience of hiking the Kokoda Trail has made both Ryan and Noah more appreciative of their own lives. A visit to the war cemetery in Bomana came as a rude reminder of the atrocities of war: 3824 bodies, many of whom were aged only 16 or 17 years, are buried there. Many of the bodies had been buried along the track and relocated to Bomana. It is estimated that there are still 2000 bodies missing. As a way of thanking the villagers for all their help, Ryan and Noah gave gifts of pencils, books, balls and fidget spinners to porters and the village kids.

After training and improving our fitness, I felt I knew what was to come, the tough terrain of the trail and the mental and physical battle I was going to have to put up with ‌ although, it is hard to prepare for the heat after coming out of winter. Landing in Port Moresby, the first difference was the temperature, a solid 30 degrees.

We had around 25 porters who guided us along the trip, as we walked for 10 hours a day, up and down steep hills.

Nothing could have prepared me for the incredible scenery that the Kokoda track had to offer, it was by far one of my highlights for the trip.

Both students had to give presentations at their respective schools and I have every confidence that their enthusiasm and humility will encourage others to trek Kokoda. Photos taken and supplied by Aidan Lewis, a Year 11 student from Lorne P-12 College.

Anglesea teen Jarrod Shaw joined a group of students from Lorne P-12 College to hike the Kokoda Track.

Memorial at Brigade Hill.

Each morning was a 5am start, which was hard at first but once we got going it became easy. My favourite thing about the trip itself was the feeling of achievement that you get at the end after walking under the arch. Also, at one of the villages, we went and played soccer with the porters and the local kids ‌ they were definitely way better than we were. Unlike some groups that we saw along the track, we all carried our own packs, weighing roughly around 18kg. It was pretty tough at times, but nothing compared to the diggers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. If I had the chance to go back and do it again, I definitely would, and I couldn't recommend the track highly enough.

One of the many steep mountain climbs. NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Hope for Us All in ‘The Hope Song’ By Mary Bremner

They are ourselves, our family members, our neighbours, our friends, our colleagues – people suffering from mental illness. This notion is at the heart of the innovative new play, The Hope Song, to be staged in Anglesea, launching Mental Health Week on the Surf Coast in October. Award-winning Surf Coast writer, Janet Brown, was commissioned to write the play to feature in the ‘Arts of the Mind Festival’ – a series of community arts events that will take place during Mental Health week. It was my pleasure to chat with Iris Walshe-Howling, who is co-directing the play with Janine McKenzie for the Anglesea Performing Arts group. Iris’s vast experience in directing and performing has roots in the heady days of Melbourne’s alternative theatre scene in such famous venues as the La Mama Theatre and the Pram Factory. Surf Coast audiences have been treated to Iris’s experimental and innovative approach to theatre through her involvement in the Anglesea Performing Arts group over the past 13 years. The Hope Song is a piece of verbatim theatre – the script is

The cast of ‘The Hope Song’, to be presented by Anglesea Performing Arts in October.

totally made up of the words of actual people. Janet Brown interviewed folk on the Surf Coast with mental health issues and came away with over 10 hours of recorded information. She reported being humbled by people’s generosity in trusting her with their stories. From this she created a script that features seven different characters, each telling their lived experiences.

Mental health is an issue close to Iris’s heart and when Janet approached her to direct the play, she didn’t hesitate. Iris has never done verbatim theatre before, but is relishing the challenge posed by the ethical questions and the responsibility involved, when you are dealing with real people’s lives.

“Verbatim theatre has the power to move the audience as profoundly as any work of fiction. It’s so immediate,” declared Iris. “We are striving to find the balance between the work as a documentary and as a theatrical piece,” Iris said. “This is a complex task for both the director and the actors.” Iris describes her direction style as organic – while she starts with a vision, she likes her actors to contribute their ideas during the rehearsal period. With this play, Iris is very conscious of making sure the audience understands that the actors are representing real people, and they have a duty to get that right. The play gives some really intimate details about people who can be isolated from society, and working out how to walk in their shoes has engendered a lot of discussion with the cast and directors. As the play’s title suggests, the common thread that ties the individual stories together is the notion of hope. “Without hope, you’ve got nowhere to go,” Iris said, and the play shows how people have found ways to lead fulfilling lives. Iris believes the play also strongly conveys the idea that “they are us and we are them”. Not everyone experiences mental illness, but we all have family and friends who do, 6

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Iris Walshe-Howling, co-director of The Hope Song

and the possibility of having to deal with it is there for us all.

Iris hopes the play will make people think about what it would be like to be in that position and perhaps recognise something in themselves, or the people around them. Iris told me, “It’s through hearing people’s real stories that you make a point of connection with them.” Even though the stories are told as monologues, Iris is hoping the experience will be more like a dialogue, with the audience engaging as much as possible with the people being presented.

Janine McKenzie, co-director of The Hope Song

Arts – “We know how each other works.” As is often the case, some exciting new talent has also been invited to join the cast. The producers of The Hope Song hope the audience will come away with a better understanding of mental health challenges, thus reducing the stigma and improving compassion about these issues. But despite it being such a serious topic, it also promises to be a very entertaining show.

Janet Brown, award-winning writer of The Hope Song

There are seven performances planned over two weeks, with the premier on Sunday, 8th October at 3pm at the Anglesea Memorial Hall. Other performances will be on Thursday 12th, Friday 13th, Saturday 14th, Thursday 19th and Friday 20th October, all at 7.30pm, with a matinee on Saturday 14th at 2.30pm.

ANGAIR WILDFLOWER & ART WEEKEND

During her interviews, the writer asked each person to name a favourite song – this often proved to be an effective way of communicating something that they weren’t able to express in words. These songs will be incorporated into the production, with members of choirs in Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Moriac all approached to perform.

The Surf Coast’s premier showcase of its natural riches.

Even though the rehearsals were only in their early days when I spoke to Iris, she was clearly getting a lot of pleasure from the project.

10 am – 4 pm

She speaks highly of the experienced team of actors at Anglesea Performing NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

23 & 24 September 2017

Anglesea Memorial Hall McMillan Street, Anglesea

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Farewell to Dr Tim Denton By Mark Smith

A conversation with Dr Tim Denton is likely to range over a multitude of issues and ideas, from health care to the entrenched disadvantages of generational poverty, to the impact of technology on professional practice. The discussion shoots off on tangents that sometimes only he can follow – the names of people he has worked with or who have influenced his practice of medicine – before returning to some central theme. It can be hard to keep up at times but his energy and enthusiasm for learning and new ideas is contagious. Tim is departing Anglesea in September after 16 years, though, as befits his passion for life, he has no intention of retiring – taking up an administrative position at Kardinia Health, establishing a consultancy in chronic disease management and, he says, ‘hopefully finding more time for gardening and writing’. As with many in Anglesea, Tim has been our family doctor for decades. He has seen our kids grow up, leave town and forge their own lives, much as his own children have. During that time he has not only tended to our illnesses and injuries but actively reshaped and improved the services available at Surf Coast Medical Centre Anglesea.

From the time he accepted the position at Anglesea in 2002, Tim worked at helping to stabilise the system that had seen a high turnover of doctors – the figure he mentions is 27 doctors in 27 years. “The first step was to rethink the model of GPs essentially working as individuals under the same roof and establishing a coordinated team under a Practice Manager,” he says. He also understood the importance of 8

Dr Tim Denton will be leaving the medical centre in Anglesea after 16 years of service.

attracting high quality GPs who were willing to live in the community – as well as involving the practice in the training of GPs. It is through this process that Anglesea has been able to help train doctors who have come back to the practice to work. When I asked Tim to reflect on the changes he has seen in medicine during his career, he rolled his eyes and threw his hands up, as if to say, where do I start? When he began his career he entered what he calls “the GP as a cottage industry” – self-managed practices where the GP covered everything from minor surgery to obstetrics. “And,” he adds, “at that stage, medicine was overwhelmingly male – approximately 65 per cent of GPs. Now, 55 per cent are female and 45 per cent male. “Now, practices have adapted to allow more part-time work,” he says. “And there is a much greater focus on multidisciplined medicine, where doctors,

nurses and allied health professionals work together to provide more comprehensive patient services.” The technological revolution of the past 20 years has also impacted enormously, with the establishment of electronic medical records and linking with specialist services.

Tim now sees the patient as an essential part of this integrated approach to health care. Tim’s first year as a GP was spent in central Australia, an experience that was to influence his practice for the rest of his career. He has a passion for, and understanding of, health care provision in indigenous communities – a concern that saw him move to Manangrida in NT in 1998. With his wife Renee (also a doctor) and young children, Darcy, Gabre and Alex, they stayed for two and a half years, helping to establish a general practice, enhancing the primary health care team

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of six indigenous health workers and four nurses. “Before then,” he recalls, “doctors had flown in from Darwin weekly. Renee and I realised there was no substitute for having a primary health care team on the ground that could provide consistency of care.” During their time at Manangrida they saw the rates of heart disease and strokes drop dramatically. They diagnosed cases of TB – a disease all but eliminated in white Australia – and were instrumental in getting an X-ray machine to the remote community, allowing on-the-ground diagnosis without the need for the patient to be flown to Darwin. Having worked in remote communities and run his own practice in North Geelong, Tim came to Anglesea in 2002.

“In many ways,” he says, “it was an ideal place to work. The physicality of the lifestyle on the coast meant patients were proactive about their own health.” A sunny day in any season around Anglesea bears this out – people walking their dogs, swimming, surfing, bike riding, paddling on the river – the coastal environment lends itself to an active lifestyle.

As Tim points out, this establishes a culture of awareness and engagement about people’s health and wellbeing that defines the community. “Also,” he adds, “it creates a community that is receptive to change, provided an inclusive approach is taken.” As many who know Tim would attest, he has a wide range of interests.

He has been active in environmental, climate and social justice issues for years. He was one of the first on the Surf Coast to buy an electric car and his veggie garden is edging towards sustainability. He is an inveterate traveller – a passion that has been passed on to his children. He is keen to learn the language of the local Wathaurong and to find time to write the indigenous history of the Geelong area. Tim will be missed in Anglesea for many reasons - his energy and enthusiasm for his work, his sometimes manic approach to new theories and ideas, his knowledge of modern health care and his commitment to improving the provision of services for everyone in the community.

On behalf of the community, we thank him for all he has given us and wish him well in his new endeavours.

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Repair Café: One Fix at a Time By Mary Bremner

Once upon a time, everyone used to mend their worn clothes and repair damaged objects. Family budgets were often tight and items were re-used and re-purposed. The skills of darning socks and fine stitching to create ‘invisible mends’ were passed down from mothers to daughters, and occasionally to sons.

Fairhaven locals and keen environmentalists, Jo Murray and Sue Guinness, were inspired to start a Repair Café on the Surf Coast after reading about how well the idea had worked overseas and visiting similar operations in Castlemaine and Yarraville.

Every garage and shed had a collection of timber oddments, lumps of scrap metal, pieces of pipe and assorted nuts and bolts that ‘might come in handy one day’. And they often did – used to repair broken furniture, make up parts to keep a motor going or recycle something for another purpose. This writer was once the proud owner of a wheelbarrow whose tray had been fashioned out of a refrigerator door. Many of these skills are all but lost to us.

The trend for ‘fast fashion’ means many clothes are cheaply made and only designed to be worn a few times before being thrown away into landfill. According to the recent ABC program War on Waste, Australians throw out 6000 kilograms of clothes every 10 minutes.

They discussed the proposal with the Surf Coast Shire, registered with the Netherlands-based Repair Café International and put an appeal on Facebook for volunteers. We buy goods that are designed not to last and deliberately made so that they can’t be pulled apart and repaired. We have all faced the dilemma of a broken down item of household equipment that would cost as much to repair as to replace. The Repair Café movement is part of a backlash against this throw-away society. Martine Postma organised the first gathering in Amsterdam in 2009 and there are now over 1300 volunteer-run centres worldwide.

Jo says it wasn’t long before many talented locals stepped up, offering their skills, knowledge and equipment to save items destined for the tip. The inaugural Repair Café Surf Coast took place in July in the Aireys Inlet Community Hall, and Jo and Sue couldn’t have been more pleased with the success of the event. Twenty volunteers set up around the hall, offering knife sharpening, clothes mending, beading and minor electrical repairs. Thirty-three delighted people were helped and a total of 47 items were successfully repaired. Of the few items that couldn’t be repaired, advice was offered on avenues of professional assistance to try. A visitor from Geelong went away happy to find out that she just needed a new fuse for her lamp and with the know-how to fix it. An Anglesea local predicted another 10 year’s wear from her re-stitched Doc Martens. The sewing machines whirred away, mending numerous items of clothing.

The new Repair Café Surf Coast will help people to mend and re-use household items. 10

Other items given a new lease of life included electrical equipment, garden

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sustainable living at a local level. If our things are used for longer, this reduces the volume of raw materials and energy needed to make new products. It cuts the carbon emissions that result from both manufacturing and recycling. By reducing the amount of waste going to landfill, we are cutting back on greenhouse gas emissions and the leaching of toxins into the soil, waterways and ground water. As a bonus, it saves us money. The Repair Café Surf Coast welcomes more volunteers willing to offer their skills – particularly in electrical repairs and woodwork. Volunteers aim to fix a range of items.

tools, a bike, items of jewellery, pieces of furniture and a teddy bear. Twenty-two knives were sharpened to perfection (I know, because some of them were mine.) Repairers also rejuvenated a couple of pairs of Ugg boots, although the owners needed to be reminded that this is not your traditional ‘drop off and pick up later when it’s ready’ kind of place. The idea is to pass on the skills, so participation in the repair process is encouraged. Volunteers from ‘Plastic-Bag-Free Torquay’ sewed Boomerang Bags and demonstrated how to make them. These bags are made from recycled fabrics and are a fun and sustainable alternative to plastic bags.

Successful repairs are celebrated with a ‘FIXED’ sign and a photo!

More information can be found on the Repair Café Surf Coast Facebook Page, with the event to be held on the first Sunday of every month from 10am2pm. “It’s about community building, networking and using skills … and it is opening people’s eyes to the possibility of having things repaired rather than just throwing things out and replacing them,” Jo says.

Their motto - Fighting the throwaway culture and building community, one fix at a time!

Fairhaven locals Jo Murray and Sue Guinness were inspired to start a Repair Café in Aireys Inlet to encourage people on the Surf Coast to fix more of their broken household items.

And it is a café – tea and coffee are also available.

The volunteers all provide their service free of charge, but donations are encouraged as an expression of appreciation. The proceeds go to covering the hire of the hall, insurance and other small expenses. The August event was just as popular this time a number of children brought their bikes in and learnt the skills of doing their own maintenance. For Jo and Sue, starting the Repair Café Surf Coast is all about promoting NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Anglesea’s Own ‘War on Waste’ By Gary Robinson

In the early 1970s, when we owned a small take-away shop at the Four Kings, one of my more pleasant jobs was to take the rubbish to the local tip. While that may seem a little peculiar, it was with some sense of anticipation that I drove out to the site, never sure who I would meet there, what I might find, and embracing stories shared with others of their special finds.

A little-used fridge that didn’t suit another’s needs was quickly lifted onto an empty trailer and the lucky recipient left with more value than when they had entered the site. In those romantic days, both dropping and retrieval of ‘rubbish’ was free and I certainly kept the family warm for many winters on firewood retrieved from the site.

On balance, option two proved most viable and has been adopted. The Shire will continue to investigate waste reduction strategies including diversion of a selected range of materials; introduction of a collection service for foods, organics and garden organics; and introduction of further pricing incentives.

Anglesea Resale Shed

With increases in broader needs, the site became the Surf Coast Shire’s official landfill site in 1974, to which a Transfer Station – to collect and separate recyclable materials – was added in 1995 and, more recently in 2013, the Resale Shed – to capture and sell reusable items that would have otherwise ended up as landfill. Recyclable materials are a major part of the business conducted at the landfill station. In its past year of operations, the Transfer Station sent 2409 tonnes of rubbish to landfill and recycled 924 tonnes. Of the recyclables, 60 to 70 per cent is cardboard and paper. This material is sent to storage and further recycling in Melbourne, however the recent Coolaroo fire has thrown this procedure into some question. Recycling our waste, in preference to dumping to landfill, is presently equivalent to 850 to 1500 cubic metres of landfill saved or 200 to 350 tonnes of carbon dioxide per month.

Continuous Upgrades towards Best Practise The Anglesea Transfer Station recently underwent an update program to increase resource recovery activities. The overall upgrade budget was $1.9 million. Stage 1 saw the construction of a 30m retaining wall and three concrete bin bays. Stage 2, which was completed in 2015, included the demolition of outdated bays and the construction of new bays with associated improvements to traffic flows. This increase in the number of bays has ensured improved resource recovery. Recently, the Shire voted to keep the landfill open until at least 2024/25. In its considerations, the Shire assessed four options for going forward: 1. To largely leave practices as they currently are, with due allowances for the impact of expected population increases;

2. Extension of the landfill, with waste reduction, diversion, and efficiency measures; 3. Early closure in 2017-18, with all landfill transported to an alternative site; or 4. Early closure but including measures to reduce amount of waste needed for transport to alternative landfills. 12

Co-located with the Transfer Station, the Anglesea Resale Shed is managed by the Anglesea Community House and aims to:  Capture and sell reusable items that would otherwise end up in landfill;  Educate and strengthen the concept of sustainability within the community;  Complement the second-hand sales shops currently operating in Anglesea;  Provide an ongoing income source for local charities and community groups. The shed is staffed by volunteers from local community groups. After administration costs, the remaining proceeds from shed sales over a three-month period are distributed equally to these groups. The Community House would like to thank the Geelong Community Foundation for their support of the resale shed. They funded the employment of a local long-term unemployed person, in a part-time 12 month contract position, to assist with increasing the diversion of waste from landfill. The project has been a great success for the environment, the employee and volunteer groups, with increased recycling and sales occurring. The old saying that there is ‘brass in muck’ rings as true today as it ever has. The recycling of our ‘waste’ is a laudable aim, which our citizens and Shire Council are undertaking together with admirable enthusiasm and responsibility.

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Propagating Shed Grows in Town By Liz Clark

If you head into the community precinct in Anglesea you are often on a mission — a doctor's appointment, visit to the Seniors' club, maybe voting, to see a performance or a show, or you may have something to discuss at the Community House. How many look up behind the Memorial Hall and notice that there is a new building there? How many ask what is that? Who does it belong to? What is it for? For many years ANGAIR had used Bill McKellar's property at Point Addis for the propagation of local plants. When his family decided it was time to move elsewhere, ANGAIR took their seed propagation activities to Paraparap but that is quite a long way away, so they asked the Shire to look at providing land within the community precinct, close to their current rooms that would provide a suitable environment for them to grow local plants and protect indigenous endangered species.

After many discussions with the Shire and local residents, the new shed was erected behind the Memorial Hall, providing perfect conditions for ANGAIR to begin again to propagate seeds and care for the local flora. On one of the coldest mornings this year, Bill McKellar warmly welcomed me to their new premises and showed me around the many tables where brave new fronds and stalks were emerging through the cold soil.

Plants are propagated from seeds patiently gathered from local heathlands, grasslands and bushlands. Members also take cuttings from established plants in the area. ANGAIR aims to grow indigenous plants and to broaden the spectrum of species they collect. They also care for rare plants that are found on bushwalks during the year. As someone who has collected seeds without much hope of

ANGAIR volunteers propagate seeds at their new shed behind the Memorial Hall in Anglesea.

growing mature plants, I was in awe of the enormous range of 'babies' I could see in the seed beds and the patience and dedication it takes to collect, plant and wait for maturation of some rare and extraordinary plants. Tuesdays and Thursdays see volunteers braving the cold to care for the new plants, washing and sterilizing planting tubes, taking notes, soaking seeds and testing soil, as well as enjoying comradeship and knowledge over a cup of tea or coffee.

The ANGAIR precinct has currently been planted with a wide range of local plants, and there is a plan afoot for planting around the Community House carpark to beautify the area. If you would like to see what grows well in the region, head to the ANGAIR office or the propagating shed and see what suits this environment. You will be inspired by what you see. Members of the community are warmly invited to go along, find out what is involved, learn a bit, share knowledge and make a difference to our local flora by caring for our endangered species and for the familiar indigenous plants that make this area so unique.

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Growing Older - Different Things to Different People By Liz Clark

I've been discussing life and other matters with a wide range of friends and acquaintances, and I am by turns entranced, amused, fearful and in wonder at different people’s perspectives. My three-year-old granddaughter is in the highest state of excitement because now she has turned three she is 'going up' to the big kids' room at daycare new teachers, new surroundings, new friends. It surely means that she is a big girl now. Joel, aged seven, told me that he is now old and tall enough to no longer need a car seat - he's been waiting for this for quite awhile, but in actual fact admits that he really can't see too well out the window of the car. Disappointment. However, he did lose two teeth last week, and won't look like a baby any longer. Ten-year-old Caitlin's letter arrived advising me she is now old enough and clever enough to have been given her pen licence. She writes neatly, spells well,

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” Mark Twain constructs sentences properly, and is planning to write her first cook book. Year 9 student Josh unfortunately had a school meeting on the evening of his 15th birthday, as he needed to make choices as to which subjects he would take next year. He felt pressured and a bit dejected that already his life as a kid was moving on and he needed to think about a future that still seemed a long way away. Jaimee, at 19, has just returned from her first overseas trip, full of the joy of travel and adventure, totally focussed on working hard and earning enough money to go again as soon as possible. She is struggling with trying to fit university life, family life, social life

and working life into only 24 hours each day. Perhaps she doesn't need to sleep! In his mid 30s, life seems equally demanding for Dave, a stay-at-home dad, who is in charge of all the day-today activities of his three young children. He has had to learn to cook and do tuckshop duty at the school, misses life with companionship of adult people, but realises that his wife has the better job, the better prospects, and at this time, that's the best option for their family.

He discussed fears of being left behind and losing his skills and job options, and indicated that although each day is okay, long term he is uncertain and anxious about where he might be in five or so years. At 42, Suzanne is working in a parttime job that she really dislikes. However, it allows her freedom for school drop-off and pick-up, flexibility with school holidays, and enough time to ferry her family to all their sporting and after-school activities, as well as weekend demands of sporting commitments. She feels like a full-time slave, chauffeur, cook and cleaner, with a bit

“Age is only important if you are a wine or a cheese.” Anonymous 14

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of mothering thrown in for good measure. She's tired. Fifty-year-old Fay has moved on from a permanent job, has more time to herself now that her children are less dependent, and is looking forward excitedly to finding her niche in life doing the things she wants to do, being creative, trying new things. Seeing her parents ageing and unwell reminds her that she needs to be fitter, more active, more healthy. She'd like to take up hiking, camping, be more energetic. Life ahead looks exciting and interesting for her. A group of 60-year-olds discussed the problems of life for them at this stage when to retire, where to, could they leave Melbourne, how would their kids cope, would they have enough money, how difficult it is finding accommodation for ill and ageing parents, what's next?

“I have reached an age when, if someone tells me to wear socks, I don't have to.” Albert Einstein involved in quite a few local organisations, volunteers for everything, is always asked to help because he is capable, willing and generous with his time. He has had a few health scares recently, and is trying to balance staying well, keeping fit and the necessity of bowing gracefully to being able to do a bit less. Life is probably not all he expected it to be at this stage. Good, but tinged with a few worries. A trip to visit old friends at the Lions Village (Sirovilla) in Anglesea led to opportunities to discuss growing older with a few residents there, ranging from the mid 70s to the wonderful 100year-old Evelyn.

They were, however, all in satisfying employment, enjoying the freedom of being at home without kids, eating what and when they liked, listening to what they wanted to, taking holidays, spending more time with close friends. Prospects looked rosy.

In Anglesea, John at 70 has moved into what he thought was to be a comfortable retirement, but what seems to have become busier than actually working full time. Still missing Melbourne, he feels he needs to go there often to stay in touch with family and friends. He has had to do a lot of work to refurbish his old holiday home and bring it up to a state where he can relax and enjoy this beautiful place. Because he is a 'doer', he is now

They heaped praise on local medical services, the many aids offered to keep them at home and happy, the supportive and friendly people who give them help and encouragement each day. These men and women had so many things to talk about, lots to laugh at, some regrets, some fears, a few questions, plenty of suggestions for one another, words of encouragement and support and a warm sense of friendship. Above all, the message seemed to be to get up and going each day, do your best, get out and about as much as you can, stay healthy, eat well and enjoy family and friends. Some of their comments, which were immensely varied, are captured below ... It's okay to think getting old will be good - once you get there, it isn't quite so good. I love every day, and even when things are hard, I remember those who have no homes or aren't well, and encourage myself to remember how well off I really am. I keep busy - visiting, knitting, socialising - it makes me happy.

I love it when the home help comes - I have someone to chat with - a new friend. Local resident Evelyn Brooks recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

I also spoke to a housebound lady in Anglesea who is losing her eye sight. The group discussed a wide range of issues and problems related to ageing, particularly in regard to health, transport, use of modern technology and mobility.

Faith makes all the difference - I have no fears, believing gets me through anything.

I've lost interest in food, health, the news. Days are hard. I have made a concession to old age - I use the clothes dryer and clothes horse now. It's important to walk, keep mobile. I don't want to be 90.

“By the time you're 80 years old you've learned everything. You only have to remember it.” George Burns NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

The worst part is losing old friends. The worst part was losing my licence. Continued on page 16 > 15

GROWING OLDER - DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE > Continued from page 15

It's important to be interesting and fun when you are young, as when you get old and find you are talking to yourself, at least you won't be engaging with someone dull and boring.

“We grow neither better or worse as we get old, but more like ourselves.” May L. Becker Governor General, and from Julia Gillard. What else did she need really? Well, a lady born and bred in Scotland needed a piper, and so she had one. And she was able to do a 'wee' Highland fling with the support of her granddaughter.

I no longer feel guilty doing nothing. Now I live here, I feel better than ever friends and companionship - I feel happy.

Word for word, she recited a poem she had learned as a young 'gel' which she had delivered at an important welcoming ceremony at her primary school long ago. And she sang Skye Boat Song vigorously, conducting all her friends as they joined her celebration.

I've lost my independence. My purpose each day is to maintain my equilibrium - not merely physically, but to be balanced in whatever I can do. I try to be graceful about getting old it's too hard some days. I hear the nursing home is good here, but I don't want to live there. ——————————————————

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY EVELYN This article started out as an interview with Evelyn Brooks, who turned 100 in July. She was unable to complete our visits and chats, but we did manage to discuss her birthday itself.

Scottish-born Eveyln had a piper to help celebrate her 100th birthday recently.

She was so excited about her big birthday. 100 years old! She quietly hoped for ‘the letter’ from the Queen, which duly arrived amid a lot of excitement. She also received good wishes from the

Evelyn was overwhelmed with the number of family, relatives, friends and well wishers who joined her on the day or sent her cards and congratulations. She proudly pointed out her dining room table covered with 97 cards, backed with the big life-sized cut out of 'her' Robert Murphy - yes, Evelyn is an avid Bulldogs supporter. She was very excited to hear that a group of her friends had collected over 200 gifts for the Geelong Mums group for many years, Evelyn has knitted jumpers and socks and has dressed dozens of dolls to donate to this charity. She proudly names each new toy she prepares, and she knits love and joy into each garment she makes - a wonderful benefactress for Geelong Mums. Friends speak highly of her ability to manage on her own for so long, of the way she has kept constantly busy, cooking, making gifts for anyone who is in need, welcoming visitors with open arms and a warm cuppa and biscuit. She is an energetic and warmly loved resident at the Village, and all her guests were delighted to celebrate such an important birthday with her.

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Josie Caruana — Anglesea’s Fundraiser Extraordinaire By Terrence Hoffmann

After the death of her son Michael to brain cancer, Josie Caruana started raising money for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre at Geelong Hospital. She has raised over $13,000 to date, which the hospital has used to purchase two specialty beds, as well as some other much needed items. In recognition of her efforts, Josie was recently presented with the ‘Community Citizenship Award for over 65s’ from the Surf Coast Shire. She received the award for her tireless work in raising money for the hospital.

However, she has been slowed down recently, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer herself. She has had treatment and the cancer has retreated. Cancer treatment is physically and emotionally draining but Josie has endured this and simply got on with things.

Josie and her husband Tom first came to Anglesea through Tom’s passion for fishing. Every weekend he would make the journey from North Sunshine to Anglesea to catch fish or donate bait, sinkers and hooks to the ocean, as do most regular anglers.

Josie Caruana

They loved the town and decided to buy a holiday house in 1984. Soon after, one of Josie’s work mates asked her about buying her and Tom’s North Sunshine house.

Michael was diagnosed with a brain tumor just before Christmas in 1998, and endured 10 years of surgery and treatment before passing away on the 22 April 2008 at the age of 36.

Tom and Josie decided that they should grab this opportunity and try out a different lifestyle for their young family.

Soon after, Josie rolled up her sleeves and got on with raising money to help cancer patients.

At the very least it would stop their children complaining about having to return from the beach house to Melbourne every Sunday. So they moved their base to Anglesea, where they have remained since.

Daughter Bernadette went to the local primary school, while son Michael went to the Gordon Tech where he learned skills as a carpenter to become a builder. Meanwhile, Josie and Tom set up their own home maintenance business. They cleaned and maintained holiday houses in the local area. Both of them became regulars at St Christopher’s Catholic Church as they settled into the Anglesea community.

Her first garage sale was on the Queen’s Birthday weekend in 2008. The wonderful community of Anglesea, family and friends rallied behind her to donate items to make her first fundraiser a huge success. As well, Michael’s dog was in pup and whelped seven gorgeous puppies just before the sale. Josie sold them all. It was a great start, but there was much more to come. Josie now runs two or three fundraiser events a year, which is how she has managed to put so much money together to donate to the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

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As well as the garage sales, Josie branched out to help collect women’s bras for the ‘Citizens Who Care’ charity. She visited op-shops between Apollo Bay and Geelong, filling 10 garbage bags. The bras were sent to Pacific Island countries. Josie’s husband Tom, as well as their family and close friends, have been a great help with setting up and assisting her with the garage sales. Sally, her sister, accompanies her to the markets and is also a great support. Josie’s next big fundraiser is a garage sale at her home on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October, located at number 60, Fifth Avenue in Anglesea. Get along and help Josie to raise money for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre at the Geelong Hospital. As you look for a bargain, you might just find something special, something about helping others in need and the love that drives these efforts to raise funds.

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Phoebe Mitchell – Surf Coast’s Young Citizen of the Year By Terrence Hoffman

Bellbrae has produced a world-record holder in Phoebe Mitchell. Her achievements have recently won her the Young Citizen of the Year award from the Surf Coast Shire. Phoebe has Down Syndrome and is a swimmer who rises in the dark at 5.20am through the winter, gets driven to Leisurelink in Waurn Ponds, then trains with the Geelong Swimming Club National Squad under head coach John Beckworth for an hour and a half. During summer, she rises at 5.05am and trains at the Kardinia Pool from 5.45 to 7.30am. Breakfast is always a necessary follow up at the pool after training. On top of this is the gymnasium training several days a week at Fernwood, Waurn Ponds, including a personal training session. Phoebe began swimming lessons when she very young and, at about 12, she joined the Geelong Swimming Club and soon began entering competitions.

She has had a good deal of success, having broken a Down Syndrome world record 50 times and currently holds 15 world records. Phoebe competes for Geelong Swimming Club at Victorian State and Country Championships, as well as at local and Melbourne-based competitions. She is a member of the Australian Down Syndrome Swimming Team and has represented Australia at the World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Portugal, Taiwan, Italy twice, Mexico and will compete next year in Canada. These are wonderful experiences for young people to have, especially when 18

Local teen Phoebe Mitchell, from Bellbrae, has represented Australia at the World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Portugal, Taiwan, Italy and Mexico. Canada is next.

they are earned through an enormous amount of effort and dedication.

Phoebe was the female world champion in Taiwan, Mexico and Italy. She would love to represent Australia in the Paralympics. Unfortunately, athletes with Down Syndrome are classified together with those athletes who only have an intellectual disability. Athletes with Down Syndrome also

have a level of physical disability too, therefore in any competition they are outclassed and will not qualify. Due to this inequity, the World Down Syndrome Swimming Organisation was commenced in 2002 and athletes with Down Syndrome can fairly compete against each other at an international level. It is hoped that one day, Swimming Australia and the Paralympic movement will reward athletes with Down Syndrome a category where

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Phoebe currently holds 15 world records for swimming.

they can be represented in the Paralympics. Down Syndrome is the most common form of intellectual disability and should rightly have this opportunity. Phoebe has worked at the YMCA Camp in Anglesea for the past seven years. She works in a team of cleaners three days a week. She tells me that she loves her job and the friends she has made through work.

She thinks that swimming has taught her some things that have helped her in her job, as well as creating success in the pool. “I am very organised,” she said. “Swimming has taught me to stick to routines and organise myself for the next thing. When I come home from swimming, I need to get things washed and dried and ready for tomorrow.

“I also work hard and never give up. I do my best and don’t get sad or angry if I lose.” It’s hardly surprising she has had success with that attitude. Being so organised, Phoebe enjoys her own space at home where she watches movies or listens to her favourite music. She attends Encompass Community Services in Geelong two days a week and enjoys activities such as dance, independent living skills, social groups and cooking. Phoebe's weeks are very full on! She has been training hard for the Victorian Country Championships in Wangaratta, and will compete in the 2017 Down Syndrome Swimming Australia National Championships on 23rd and 24th September at the Geelong Grammar Pool in Corio. If you would like to attend these events and even cheer Phoebe on, you could drop in from 9.30-5pm on Saturday or 9.30-1pm on Sunday. NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Sundar Ghara: Beautiful Home By Liz Clark

If you are walking towards the Anglesea supermarket, you will be bound to either see the wonderful array of clothing on racks outside Sundar Ghara, hear the bells tinkling in the breeze, notice an amazing selection of hats or hear Lisa Worrell's happy laughter floating out the doorway of the shop. If you are really lucky, you might experience all of these things together. Lisa and her husband Greg opened Sundar Ghara (meaning beautiful home in Hindi) about two years ago, fulfilling a long held dream of owning their own business. They share a passion for providing an eclectic range of Asian and Indian goods for local people and tourists for their own homes, as gifts, or maybe just to spoil themselves a little.

The shop itself is a little like Aladdin's cave crammed with exotic treasures, scents, music and colours. So many things in the shop have you thinking about amazing foreign lands, other lifestyles, reasons not to be in Anglesea on a cold, blustery day. For many years, there has been what some people called the 'hippy' shop or the 'Bali' shop on this site. Lisa and Greg had been looking for a change in their careers, especially as Greg was finding that years of hard work as a carpenter were taking their toll on his physical health. Lisa has worked in retail previously, and although saying it taught her never to do so again, she knew if she wanted to travel, she felt compelled to share her enthusiasm for beautiful and unique Asian crafts with others. When the previous owner retired, they moved in quickly, and began to seek out a range of items that they thought would be of interest locally. Lisa had known Greg since he was 18, and they had always been best of friends. She travelled broadly through Asia, India and Syria, and always brought home case-loads of beautiful, precious and intriguing things. 20

Greg and Lisa outside their shop ‘Sundar Ghara’ in Anglesea.

She has a very funny story to tell when she brought a hookah pipe home from Syria, and the customs authorities had to remove her socks and undies and scarves and whatever else she had inside the pipe to prove it was not a rifle. Greg was inspired and moved by Lisa's love of craftsmanship, art, history and different cultures. Together they had lots of ideas about how to stock the shop, but it was quite a challenge to decide exactly what to buy.

Their main objective was to support small communities and the world's poorest artisans through the Fairtrade philosophy. They have found suppliers who interact with villagers and co-ops in many countries. They provide a variety of items, some tied in with local art and crafts, some clothing specifically made to their designs, antique furniture crafted by artisans, authentic Japanese dolls and

china. The range is wide and varied. When they first opened the shop, an intriguing assortment of Japanese furniture lured people inside. They hope to provide more of this for purchase over the coming months, as they respect the craftsmanship, the culture and the historical background of some of the pieces they have for sale. This is quite special for Anglesea, and provides discerning buyers an interesting choice of unique home furniture with the added bonus of their historic and cultural attributes. How good is it to look at an ancient piece of art/furniture and contemplate the maker or designer, the culture from which it comes, what has happened to it since it was first created, what it means for you to purchase it? Sundar Ghara is a bit of adventure in Anglesea. It is not a hippy shop. It is a warm, exciting adventure into other cultures, crafts and supporting people who have less than we have, and it is always a welcoming and happy place to go. Make sure you enjoy the adventures it offers.

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May the Uke Be With You! By Michael Collins

The ukulele is having a great resurgence in popularity. Many individuals, groups and clubs are happily singing and playing this little instrument, having fun with songs they have not sung for years. When people think ‘ukulele’ it is usually that little guitar shaped thing seen in a toy shop with a brightly coloured body sporting palm trees or covered in bright fish. Wrong! The ukulele has a long musical history and was introduced to the world by the Portuguese explorers sailing the world. The Hawaiians loved it, thus the association with the ukulele and Hawaii. Modern day artists including George Harrison and Paul McCartney have also enjoyed playing it. The instrument’s current popularity is especially evident amongst the ranks of ‘senior’ aficionados and it’s not unusual to wander through camping sites, caravan parks, and community groups to hear the dulcet tones of combined singing and ukulele playing floating through the air. As Professor Sumner Miller (for those who remember ) might ask, “Why is it so?”

The ‘Sea Princess Ukulele Band’ evolved naturally on a recent Pacific cruise .

There are a number of reasons for this resurgence, including the variety of the instrument (soprano to baritone), the range of songs that can be played, portability - you often see people carrying a small ukulele in a backpack in airports, the number of strings, but its most potent addiction is the joy

people get when they can play an instrument and sing along with it. Singing and music in general contribute to some of the most important aspects of general good mental health. The Australian Unity Wellbeing Index states,

“People who dance with

others, attend gigs, play an instrument and sing are HAPPIER than those who don’t.” On a recent 90-day cruise, I happily toted my backpack ukulele to take with me. While boarding, I noticed a few others with their ‘ukes’, so I knew there’d be others interested in getting together to play and sing as there would be plenty of time to practise. With six players at various levels of capability, a little informal group was formed finding common ground with songs that suited all tastes. Believe it or not, from Sydney to Samoa, only about a week into the cruise, that group of six quickly expanded to 26! Yep, people bought ukuleles in both Fiji and Samoa and so began their ukulele journey. 22

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Now, some bought ukes that were not suitable, some paid a lot more than they needed, but in the end everyone happily had something to play.

Most of those had never played an instrument before in their lives, so had to start from scratch. A ‘beginners’ group was formed and they started to learn the fundamentals of playing. Given the opportunity and time, coupled with a focus for learning on playing and singing, people began to make quick progress. In the end the group met for about two hours each sea day, and ended up with a repertoire of some 150 songs. Our little group bonded itself into the ‘Sea Princess Ukulele Band’, nicknamed SPUG by one of the members. As we progressed further into the cruise, many realised the capabilities (or not) of their instruments, and in other ports of call, upgraded to better quality and different sized ukuleles. We ended up with a range of ukes from soprano to baritone. (One of the aspects of playing the ukulele is the infectious nature that comes from getting better - you always need another ukulele!) Also added during the course of the cruise were kazoos and music stands. Remember playing a comb with a piece of tissue paper? Well kazoos have gone a little upmarket since those days … check them out. The music stands became an issue however. The arrival of one music stand sent everyone off on another frantic shopping expedition, then we needed a bigger area in which to practise so everyone could fit WITH their new music stands! In New Zealand, we were fortunate enough to connect with a local luthier who made ‘banjoleles’. He took us to his workshop, demonstrated his product and ended up with quite a few sales. Now motivated by another new skill set, many of the group graduated from ukuleles to banjoleles, as they are played in the same way as a ukulele, but are much louder!! ‘SPUG’ played many concerts for other passengers, but more importantly every player departed the ship with a playing and singing skill that they will remember for a long time. Many have since joined other groups in their local area and are enjoying what they have achieved. With the support of the Anglesea Community House, both Ann and Alex have included ukulele classes into their courses over the last two years. There have been over 60 people who have taken the opportunity to learn the ukulele through those courses. Now a small, but motivated ukulele group meets monthly at the Community House to play and sing all sorts of songs. If you can play or want to participate, come along and join our group on the last Thursday of the month 7.00—8.30pm. There is no charge, only a gold coin donation to the Community House. NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Ella Delmenico’s ‘Year 12 Life’ By Jenna Crawford

Each year, more than 200,000 Aussie teenagers start Year 12. For some, it is the biggest year of their life – or at least they think it is at the time. Anglesea resident Ella Delmenico, who graduated from high school at the end of last year, shared with NewsA ngle some of her personal experiences of her Year 12.

What is the ATAR? Many of us believe the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) score in Year 12 is the most important thing that happens to students at school. It is the primary means used to assess and compare results of school-leaving applicants for entry to university. It ranges between 0 and 99.95 and reports on a rank relative to other students. Universities set their own scores for potential students to achieve in order to gain entry to courses. There are other pathways available for students to gain entry to their chosen courses. Some students may complete a TAFE (Technical and Further Education) at the conclusion of their secondary schooling, which will award them with credits towards university entrance.

The chosen pathway is dependent very much upon the individual student, which sometimes renders the ATAR score as insignificant. However, school results are usually published in local and national newspapers and schools themselves are often judged on their ATAR results.

Ella Delmenico is flying high after completing VCE last year.

poor communication can have a detrimental effect on student learning, she acknowledges. Ella moved from a Melbourne school during Year 11, where she had experienced cliques and different levels of acceptance amongst fellow students. When she moved to Surf Coast Secondary College, being the ‘new kid on the block’, she may have expected the same, but much to her surprise that did not happen. Her fellow students welcomed her and she experienced total acceptance, for which she was very grateful.

What Subjects?

Ella Delmenico completed Year 12 at the Surf Coast Secondary College in 2016 and stresses that teachers and fellow students are paramount to student success.

Choosing Year 12 subjects can be tricky. Late in Year 11, students have access to a subject booklet which provides them with the intricacies of each subject and the subjects they need to complete to gain access to certain courses.

Good teachers are passionate and knowledgeable about the subjects they teach, while teacher absenteeism and

Some subjects are scaled up, whilst others are scaled down. The adjustment reflects the degree of difficulty

My Year 12 in Anglesea

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experienced in obtaining a high study score. For example, learning a second language is considered difficult, resulting in a higher scaled score. English is a compulsory subject for all, whilst the others are chosen. Work experience and careers advice can be beneficial in aiding subject choice. After attendance in class, completion of course work and homework tasks, students are ready to sit their final exams. Exam lengths of time vary as do the hours in which they are to be completed. Ella says that there are some stresses on those days, regardless of preparation. Time limitation is always a stress factor. The atmosphere in the room, including room temperature, can be quite intimidating.

However, if the work has been completed and the study done, hopefully the results will be positive for all those about to complete Year 12 in 2017 and for all future Year 12 students.

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Trip of a Lifetime … Playing Cricket in Sri Lanka By Simon Umbers

Last Easter holidays I was fortunate enough to be part of a Cricket Tour to Sri Lanka. The team was made up of players under 15 years of age from the Bellarine and Geelong regions, who were selected from The Barwon Rockets and representative sides in the area. The tour was the brainchild of Travis McCombe and Wes Grigg from the Barrabool Cricket Club. Both put in huge amounts of time and energy to turn their idea into a reality. The opportunity to play the sport I love in another country was one of the best experiences of my life … plus I’d always wanted to go to the subcontinent to see the culture and country, so that was a massive bonus. One of my favourite parts of the trip was playing at some amazing grounds, like our first game that was played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. International matches are played there every year. To walk out of the race knowing players like Steve Smith and Sachin Tendulkar had done the same was an amazing feeling. It was a privilege to captain the side in the long format games, going to the toss at the start of the game on some beautiful grounds was a unique experience. We had some great competition, ending

the tour with four wins and two losses with some close games against quality opposition. Our opponents showed great sportsmanship and the games were all played in great spirit with lots of laughs and jokes between opposition players. We travelled around Sri Lanka on a big tour bus; Colombo, Kandy, Galle and Kalutara were some of the amazing locations where we played and stayed. I would like to thank the Anglesea Cricket Club as it helped put some money towards the trip, as well as being the club where I learned to play cricket. I started playing cricket in 2011 in the under 11s and now I’m in my second last year of junior cricket! Cricket is a great summer sport and, with an A-Grade Premiership in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association (BPCA), the club is going as strong as ever. I wholeheartedly recommend anyone who is interested to get involved with the club, regardless of age and ability.

WELCOME TO ANGLESEA CRICKET CLUB SEASON 2017-18 It is that time of the year again, CRICKET season! We hope you either had an enjoyable break &/or a rewarding winter season of sport. Subject to numbers, Anglesea Cricket Club is planning on fielding Under 11 sides, Under 13s, Under 15s, Under 17s and the ‘MILO in2 CRICKET’ program again for this season. Organised sport for kids and teens is often a great way to get your children to regularly participate in physical activity and social inclusion. Being part of a sports team provides many social benefits but it also means that you are much more likely to regularly commit to training and game days as your team depends on you! The club always likes to hear from interested players and their families, so if you know of someone interested in playing, please feel free to pass on a copy of this letter. The Anglesea Cricket Club is an inclusive club that supports both boys and girls in our teams. Junior games are played on Friday nights for the Under 11s and Saturday mornings for the Under 13s, 15s and 17s. Most Under 11s games are within the Surf Coast region and the 13s, 15s and 17s within the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast regions dependent on grading results.

Anglesea Cricket Club does not hold tryouts to get into a team. The philosophy of the club is all about participation, enjoyment of cricket, and we fully support the players who commit to the Anglesea Cricket Club, irrespective of ability. Contact: Mark Eskrigge Junior Cricket Co-ordinator esso_family@yahoo.com.au M: 0429 44 10 11 M: 0418 369 492

Local teen Simon Umbers was selected to play cricket in Sri Lanka. NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Community Corner NEWS AND UPDATES FROM YOUR CORNER OF THE WORLD

Table Tennis a Big Hit in Anglesea

All-Abilities Boat for Anglesea An all-abilities boat has helped steer Anglesea’s Lions Park Playground to become more accessible and inclusive. The playground was recently enhanced with a timber boat, which can be accessed by all abilities via a jetty ramp. Anglesea Ward Councillor Margot Smith was pleased to see the boat set sail in the playground.

A small group of enthusiastic but variably skilled players has brought table tennis back to Anglesea.

“The boat supports all abilities access, whether it is a youngster in a

wheelchair or a mum with a pram. “Once they reach the deck, they can have a go at being skipper with a custom steering wheel,” Councillor Smith said. The boat, which was designed and built by local artists, is the final element to be delivered as part of the Lions Park Playground Masterplan.

With a grant from the Surf Coast Shire Council, quality tables and equipment were recently purchased. If you are interested in sharpening rusty skills, or learning to play, head along Tuesday afternoons (4pm to 5pm) to join in or obtain more details. Other times are available/negotiable. Rubber-soled shoes are all you need. There is no formal commitment … just enjoy the exercise and the socialising! The venue is the Youth Room at the rear of the Anglesea Memorial Hall in McMillan Street. Entry is through the main west-facing side doors of the hall. All abilities can access the new timber boat at the Lions Park Playground in Anglesea .

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Anglesea Lions Behind project to Support Local Youth By Ward Councillor Margot Smith My natural disposition is to be upbeat and look at the bright side of life, but sometimes the news we get can make me angry and disillusioned with our society today. As I write this article we have had the riots in Charlottesville and closer to home the plight of the refugees on Manus Island. How hard is it to be more accepting of our differences as people, to acknowledge that we can learn from people with different backgrounds to ourselves, and perhaps consider that our life might be richer if we open our hearts and our doors? I am heartened by some in our community that are doing just that. The Anglesea Football community recruited some extra players this year - young lads who now live in the northern suburbs of Geelong. I did a couple of turns driving the boys and the experience has clearly given them a huge amount of enjoyment and as one of them said ‘it feels like another family’. I’m sure there are also benefits for our community in this as well. Congratulations to all of those involved.

Anglesea Lions Club has helped fund a new ‘Youth Pod’ to improve health and wellbeing services for young people on the Surf Coast. The Youth Pod – a Surf Coast Shire Youth Development Team initiative – was made possible with contributions of $8,000 from each of the Anglesea and Torquay Lions Clubs. The pod is in response to the 2016 Surf Coast Shire Council Youth Survey, which identified the health and wellbeing of young people as a key issue. The pod is a mobile container that will visit towns, and feature at Shire events, as well as supporting young people in the event of an emergency. With the Shire indicating there is a lack of any youth-specific mental health services on the Surf Coast, it is hoped that the new pod will provide a space that can be used by groups such as Headspace, Barwon Child Youth & Family and GPs.

The pod will also provide a social outlet for young people – a place where

they can play music, create art or simply hang out and connect with other young people. Council is contributing the remaining cost of about $13,000, which includes an allocation to add solar panels and batteries. The Youth Pod will be painted by young people, while Youth Advisory Groups will come up with an official name. It is expected to be out in Surf Coast towns later in 2017. Young people who wish to be involved in the design of the space can email youthdevelopment@surfcoast.vic.gov.au

No doubt you have followed the discussion regarding the flying of the Rainbow Flag at the Shire Offices. We have had considerable debate on achieving unanimous support for the flying of the flag. I consider it an important sign of support for the LGBTI community and hope that they feel that the Surf Coast is a community that is safe and supporting. I know that many people consider that this is not Council’s business, but I disagree. I think we have a role to play in supporting our community in being more inclusive and accepting.

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Community Corner NEWS AND UPDATES FROM YOUR CORNER OF THE WORLD

A Positive Charge for the Environment Surf Coast residents who are considering going solar before summer can seek independent advice from energy expert Positive Charge.

Support the Anglesea Football Club AGM

Positive Charge, a not-for-profit energy organisation, has teamed up with Council to deliver a solar bulk-buy program as part of the joint Council-community Towards Environmental Leadership program. Part of this program is a series of renewable energy roadshow ‘Power Up’ events to provide an insight into Council’s focus on renewable energy and assist community members to access reliable and trustworthy information about getting involved at home. Frack Free Moriac lobbyer Alison Marchant was a guest speaker at ‘Anglesea Power Up’ and shared the frack free story, which she described as a “win of people power”. “It shows that communities have a voice and can drive change. Power Up is also about communities, their energy and their future,” she said. “Renewables are clearly better for the environment, while driving down energy prices. The community can support the development of community-owned power by investing in storage and bulk buying programs.” Positive Charge is making it easier and cheaper for people to install solar, using components and local installers that offer quality at a fair price. The supplier will not pressure you into a purchase if it doesn’t make financial sense for you. Contact Positive Charge for a free quote at: www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/positivecharge Phone: 9385 8555

Anglesea Football Club Inc. Annual General Meeting Sunday 8 October 2017 11am Anglesea Football Clubrooms Ellimatta Road, Anglesea Anglesea Football Club relies on volunteers to fill executive and committee positions. Currently these have been filled by a small group of members over many consecutive seasons.

At the Annual General Meeting, all executive and committee positions will become vacant, providing opportunities for an incoming group to initiate new ideas, approaches and a rejuvenation to the administration of our Club. Those interested, current members and parents of juniors in particular, are strongly urged to nominate for positions. Such rejuvenation will help guarantee the ongoing success of the Club in the short, medium and long term.

For further information please contact: President: Peter Gowans 0413 747 666 email: info@angleseafnc.com.au web: www.angleseafnc.com.au

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300 Milllion Reasons for the Bank to Celebrate

Bendigo Bank staff celebrate reaching $300million in banking business.

Community members, shareholders, current and former Bendigo Bank staff and board members gathered recently to celebrate the achievement of the Community Bank reaching $300 million in banking business. The Bendigo Community Bank operates branches in Winchelsea and Anglesea, and recently opened business offices in Lorne to support an existing Bendigo Bank Agency. The Bank also provides ATM services in Winchelsea, Anglesea, Moriac, Birregurra, Lorne and Aireys Inlet. Michael Fitzgerald, President of the Modewarre Football Netball Club, opened the evening by thanking the bank for its initial financial support to assist the redevelopment of the facility. Lorne Men’s Shed representative Garry Fenton, along with Anglesea CFA member Andy Rankin, thanked the bank for its assistance, both financially and advisory, in the success of their respective projects.

He made special mention of the fact that the local Community Banks covered a relatively large area with not a huge permanent population, making the achievement even more successful. Current Board Chairman John Knuckey recalled the initial board meetings when the aim was to reach $50 million in banking business. He thanked the former and current board members for their contribution and the previous board Chairs – Ken McDonald, John Tebbutt and Vaughan Lamb for their time, passion and leadership of the business. John praised the magnificent effort of the staff, led by Jeremy Morris. “Jeremy has been with us since we started the business,” John said.

“The challenge to ‘break even’ in those early days was big enough, but to grow the business to this stage is a great testament to his and the staff’s passion, culture and desire for successful customer outcomes.” John provided a brief outline of the community dollar investment returned via the Banks’ program, to now total in excess of $1.7 million, supporting over 60 community groups annually. He made special mention of Dianne Meesen, one of the original staff members who is retiring after 13½ years of great service to the Bank.

Community Bank Senior Manager Jeremy Morris outlined details of the target achieved so far, thanking the community and customers for their wonderful support.

Jeremy said that just making the choice to do business with the Community Bank branches allows the bank to support local community projects. Kevin Hannam, Bendigo Bank Regional Community Manager, congratulated the Community Bank on reaching the $300 million milestone. NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Police Beat By Sergeant Kevin Warburton Station Commander Anglesea Police Station

During the last school holidays, we had several incidents where alcohol, bikes and other items were stolen from caravan park sites in both local caravan parks. If anyone has information regarding these thefts, would you contact us at the police station. We have had a black Giant brand mountain bike handed in, so if you are missing a bike contact us. More recently, we have had offenders come down from Lara and Corio and enter unlocked vehicles and houses. A mobile phone was stolen and the owner tracked his phone to an address in Lara. This technology enabled police to identify three offenders and a large amount of stolen property from burglaries was recovered. Whilst this was a pleasing result for us, it highlights the need to lock our vehicles and premises. In late September, I will be commencing long-service leave for an extended period. At the completion of my longservice leave I will be retiring. After almost 30 years with Victoria Police (43 in the public service), the timing is right for me to transition into the next phase.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support over the past seven years.

It has been a privilege to serve the communities on the Surf Coast and in particular the Anglesea and Aireys Inlet community.

FireLines By Terry McKnight BCSC Anglesea Fire Brigade

As we head towards the 2017/2018 fire season, it’s timely to note that there has been a number of changes at the local fire brigade. The Anglesea captain, Andrew Rankin, has stepped down to become a career fire fighter with the Country Fire Authority. Noel Foster has taken over the captaincy role. A number of other changes have also occurred within the leadership group. Forest Fire Management has commenced recruiting for Project Fire Fighter for the coming fire season. They will also be completing a number of fuel reduction burns over the coming months. Fuel reduction burns help reduce the fire risk for Anglesea township and surrounding communities, so don’t be alarmed if you see or smell smoke.

Residents can download the EMV (Emergency Management Victoria) app and keep up-to-date with all emergency notifications. Bushfire workshops will again be held this year at the Anglesea Fire Station, along with a number of street corner meetings. These events will be advertised in the Surf Coast Times and The Echo and posters will also be displayed around town. It is important the community attend these meetings to help prepare for the upcoming fire season, and have any questions about individual fire plans answered. Prepared communities help us to carry out our duties and effectively keep the town and individuals safe. T McKnight BCSC Anglesea Fire Brigade

I have had the opportunity to work with so many motivated and committed people. These partnerships have led to some significant achievements in the emergency management space and other areas. Thank you to everyone for your support. Best wishes and stay safe. My replacement will be Sergeant Craig Stanton, who will be seconded to the Officer-in-Charge position at Anglesea whilst I’m on long service leave. Kevin Warburton Anglesea Police 5263 3468 Call 000 for urgent police assistance.

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Find us on Facebook Phone: 5263 1411

Email: anglese@bigpond.net.au

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Little Winter Concert Series A wintry Sunday afternoon: rain, wind and greyness outside. Hard to leave the warm fire at home. For three special Sundays this winter, Anglesea residents were warmed by wonderful music in the Anglican Church, as part of the Little Winter Concert Series. The concerts, held in the afternoons, were followed by a glass of wine and a chance to meet and talk with friends and the musicians. The series sold out very quickly. The Little Winter Concert series arose from the success of a recital given two years ago by classical guitarist Raziel Gutierrez Soto. The church was filled for that concert and, because many people missed out, there were questions as to whether Raziel might return. When Raziel said he would be delighted to return to play for such an appreciative small audience, it was decided to put together a series of concerts to warm our winter Sundays. The first of the series in July saw The Geelong Recorder Ensemble - six or

eight varied recorders and a percussionist - play music from the Baroque to the present.

There were some people who expressed scepticism and doubt about buying a ticket - “not the recorder! I used to play at primary school” and similar comments. The performance was a revelation to those people - the music was varied, mellow and at times sublime. The warmth continued with conversation and a glass of wine or cup of tea afterwards. And we were back to our own fires well before dark! The second concert Men of Jazz Organisation (MOJO) gave us a journey through time - jazz from its beginnings to the present. How fortunate we are to have access to

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such marvellous music within a short walk of the Anglesea shops. The final concert in September saw the return of Raziel Guitierrez Soto to a sold-out crowd. Raziel asked that the audience be limited to 50 people to maintain an intimate afternoon for the lucky ticket holders. The small group who organised this series in conjunction with John Webster, Vicar of the Surfcoast Anglican Parish, is hopeful of establishing a tradition of more such “little” concerts in winters to come. If you are interested in learning more or have any suggestions of musical groups who might contribute, please contact Linda Walter on 0439 730 445.

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HISTORY SPOT

Early Camp Rd: Formerly Geelong Rd By Jan Morris, President Anglesea and District Historical Society

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When Camp Road was the main route into Anglesea (formerly known as Anglesea River and before that Swampy Creek), the first house to be met when coming from Geelong was that of Henry Bubb, and later John Evans, whose farm of 100 acres was at the head of the river. This later became Alcoa Power Station. Next on the left was Emil Sichlaus ‘Norsewood’, originally on 32 acres where American turkeys were bred. This homestead was burnt by the 1919 fire. A long driveway once wound its way up to the large timber homestead. A BMX track now occupies the old orchard area. Further along were the Greens. Mr Green erected the first boatshed. Then, on the right, was Anna McKay’s boarding house.

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Further south (opposite today’s primary school) was the Store / Post Office and boarding-house of Agnes Murray. Her husband’s blacksmith forge adjoined the store to the south. All was destroyed by the 1908 fire. Opposite left was Sharpe Brearley’s retirement home on a five-acre site on rising ground. This was later used by Colonel Appleton and eventually demolished by developers. Further down was the Church of England. Opened in 1888, it was designed to accommodate 100 worshipers. It was destroyed by the 1898 fire and not replaced until 1957.

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The first Anglesea Hotel opened during 1886. It was an imposing three-storey structure of 20 rooms. This was destroyed by the 1898 fire and rebuilt to a different design soon afterwards. The second hotel still stands today, although it has been altered several times. PHOTOS SHOW:

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(1) Henry Bubb’s bark hut - now Alcoa. (2) Sichlau’s “Norsewood” - now a BMX track. (3) Anna Mackay’s boarding house—now part of the Catholic Church block. (4) Agnes Murrays Post Office opposite the school site – burnt 1908, replaced and burnt again 1919. (5) Brearleys 1889-1956 (6) Church of England destroyed by the 1898 fire, then replaced 1957. (7) First Anglesea Hotel - destroyed by 1898 fire and replaced same year.

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From the research of Lindsay Braden

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AROUND THE CLASSROOMS

Imaginative Playspace at Anglesea Primary By Fiona Saw

There was a lot of anticipation and excitement in the air when Anglesea Primary School officially opened its new Imaginative Playspace at the end of term 2. The playspace has been a major project undertaken by Anglesea Primary School's Parents Club over the past three years. The initial idea of the playspace began with the students love of building stick cubbies. We knew we needed to provide a space that encouraged and supported this play and highlighted the value the school places on outdoor play and time spent in nature. The initial design stage included consultation with all the students and many of their ideas were incorporated into the playspace. The children’s ownership of the space was further encouraged with them helping to plant the area and making a pledge at the official opening to care for and respect the space and the plants and animals that live there and anyone that plays there. Anglesea Primary School's Parents Club has worked closely with Ocean Road Landscaping from the initial

design stage through to seeing this project come to fruition.

We have also been extremely lucky to have been strongly supported by several community partners and many volunteer parents. Anglesea Men's Shed constructed an amazing buddy bench where children can go if they can't find anyone to play Anglesea Primary School children enjoy the imaginative play space. with. funds for us and we have also We have worked closely with been extremely lucky to have received ANGAIR, which donated over 1000 grants from the Anglesea and District plants for this area, and Community Bank (Buddy Bench), ANGAIR volunteers have worked Seaside Seconds (Bridge to be tirelessly alongside school children and constructed) and RACV Torquay (Jetty parents to plant the whole space. deck). The Anglesea Golf Club Ladies committee held a golf day to raise

This has not only been a school project but very much a community project.

The magic of ‘Rhyme Time’ comes to Aireys The magic of stories, actions, words and song come together at 'Rhyme Time’, a new program for children aged 0-4 years at Aireys Inlet Primary School, starting in October. Rhyme Time is a fun, interactive half hour program for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, their parents and caregivers. It facilitates adult-child interaction, pre-literacy support and communication development through simple songs and action rhymes.

“It’s never too early to start reading with your child to encourage early learning development,” she said. “The more you read, sing and talk to your child, the more they’ll discover language and become prepared for independent reading down the line. All this, while having a lot of fun!” members of Aireys Inlet and wider Surf Coast communities.

Qualified librarian Leah Sterritt will lead the program, with Aireys Inlet Primary School’s Principal Jennifer Abel assisting.

Parents and caregivers are invited to shake, rattle and roll along with familiar (and some unfamiliar) tunes as they join in nurturing a love of words and reading.

Together they will deliver stories, songs and actions in a fun and engaging way to the youngest

Jennifer Abel said she was thrilled to be opening the school doors to the community’s littlest learners.

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Rhyme Time sessions will be run in the library at Aireys Inlet Primary School on Tuesdays during school term from 9.15am to 9.45am, starting 10th October. Sessions are free.

Parents and carers are invited to stay and enjoy a cuppa afterwards. For more information: Phone 5289 7144 or email aireys.inlet.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au.

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TWITCHERS’ CORNER Written and illustrated by Kaye Traynor

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Masked Lapwings are easily recognisable birds in our area. They used to be called Spurwinged Plovers. The name refers to the yellow wing spur on the leading edge of the closed wing, which can be used as a weapon if danger threatens. Masked Lapwings occupy a variety of habitats usually near water, in natural or modified surroundings. They will readily settle in paddocks, golf courses, parks, sports fields and commonly on the verges of suburban roads, where they often also choose to nest. They return to a nest site each year. In many cases, they will lay their eggs in heavily built-up areas, in roundabouts etcetera, where they are vulnerable to a number of threats, including attack by dogs or being hit by motor vehicles. In this area, the nesting season commences following wet weather in winter and spring. Both parents cooperate in building and defending the nest. The pair mate for life and will exhibit conspicuous, noisy behaviour, which can be intimidating if you happen to be close to the nest. They have a penetrating alarm call and will fly directly at anyone in the vicinity of their nest site.

The nest is a scrape on the ground. It can be difficult to see. The female lays three or four cryptically coloured eggs. In some instances, the birds will roost, and sometimes breed, on the roof of a dwelling or outhouse. I have actually seen this happening in Anglesea. After three to four weeks, the chicks hatch, and immediately are running with the parents who lead them from the exposed nest site to the shelter of rough pasture. At this time, the chicks are particularly vulnerable. Fledging usually takes about six to seven weeks. Their diet consists mainly of earthworms, grass-dwelling insects, and insect larvae. They will also eat seeds and some vegetation. (Ref: The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia – Graham Pizzey and Frank Knight. Garden Birds – Attracting Birds to Australian and New Zealand Gardens by Clifford B. Frith Consultant editors: Cyril Walker and Tim Parmenter) NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Tech Angle By Chris Dos

THE ‘DARK WEB’ A growing number of references to the ‘Dark Web’ have placed it squarely in the public consciousness. Put very simply, the Dark Web consists of encrypted networks that you need special software to access. Users enjoy a high degree of anonymity. Sites on the Dark Web aren't indexed by search engines (Google and such), so it’s not likely that you will ever stumble onto it. The type of activity that occurs in this ‘wild west’ of the internet is quite a worry. The Dark Web acts not only as a haven for people to discuss and share in illegal activity, but as a market place where illegal goods and services are bought and sold. Viruses, botnets, hacking and fraud are some of the nicer content you will find here. Murder, kidnapping and terrorism are at the other end of the scale. Still, a lot of it is simply nerds discussing dungeons and dragons!* With its existence out in the open, much more is becoming known about the Dark Web as authorities take a great interest in the goings on there. Readers may have heard of the illegal drug market called ‘The Silk Road’, originally shut down as far back as 2013. It shows that this is not really a new thing, nor is it beyond the reach of the law. It should be said that these networks are sometimes the only way people in countries with heavy censorship can freely discuss subjects that an unfriendly government would forbid. Indeed, it is thought that something as ubiquitous as Facebook will have a Dark Web version to allow users access in many countries where the right to communicate freely is often taken away on a whim by the government. So, while anonymity will conceal criminal acts, it can also keep other people safe. There will be many more scary reports about the dangers of the Dark Web or encrypted messaging services such as WhatsApp, but using these fears to justify ordinary folk losing their right to privacy would be, in my opinion, a far greater concern. *Or whatever nerds discuss - I wouldn’t know!

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Write Angles By Melva Stott

The best little village in Aus

as I'm not very likely to be found drunk in the streets, or maligning the mayor, I should be safe.

I read an advertisement meant to lure people in to a retirement village to live amongst people of a similar age, with similar interests. It had a bowling green, a hairdresser, folk with whom to enjoy a coffee or wine; a place where widows could talk together and help each other; all in a safe environment. Well, I think Anglesea has all of that and much more … and it doesn't have a fence around it!

And I'm staying here Some people (mostly out-of-towners) have asked if I will be staying in Anglesea … I might wear funny clothes, but I'm not stupid! Of course I'm staying in Anglesea - a caring and sharing town ever since its early settlement days; offering support when bad times come. A place where you go to the shops for 15 minutes and come home one and a half hours later because there's so many people who want to talk with you.

I'll still be crying But only because I'm happy! Town criers are appointed by their councils … and it's for life - unless you misbehave. So,

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Next year, I'm going back to Devon to further promote the delights of the Surf Coast to my English colleagues, plus the people and visitors in their towns; and also to return the cup I won for Best Dressed Crier in 2014, which was sponsored by the Ilfracombe Lionesses.

A town for all seasons They say it takes a village to raise a child … living in Anglesea, I have experienced how supportive and caring a village can be at the other end of a life as well. I never felt lonely or isolated, and I came to realise that my strength comes from this community. I do sincerely and gratefully thank all of you for your continuing friendship.

Bottoms up! You know you're getting old when you receive three invitations to three friends’ birthdays … and two are turning 90 and the other has hit the century. So some good times have been spent with Betty Butterworth, Lesma Stark, Evelyn Brooks and their families celebrating long, productive, and happy lives. Cheers! Keep smiling! Melva Stott

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