Newsangle issue136

PUBLICATION OF THE ANGLESEA COMMUNITY HOUSE

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018

Anglesea’s Tania Orlov participated in a six-day endurance horse race — the Gobi Desert Cup — in Mongolia earlier this year.

Riding High in Mongolia’s Gobi Cup By Jenna Crawford

Last year, Anglesea local Tania Orlov and her friend Ruth, from Freshwater Creek, embarked on an endurance horse ride that trailed the Howqua River in Victoria.

Highlights

Tania had bequeathed a horse to the owner of ‘True Blue Horse Rides’ at Merrijig and was invited to partake in the two-day ride, covering long distances and camping in swags overnight. This was the setting for the film The Man from Snowy River.

and, earlier this year, they participated in the Gobi Desert Cup in Mongolia.

Farewell Julie Dyer

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The Recycle Shop

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This is an endurance horse race over six days, during which participants race on pure-bred Mongolian horses that stand at about 14 hands high and have enormous capacity to endure the harsh sandy conditions at their pace.

Travel: Cuba

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Adieu Helen Tutt

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Meet Alex & Kate Rogers

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Mark Huglin profile

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Great Summer Reads

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The experience whet the appetites of Tania and Ruth for a greater adventure Community Houses are for Everyone

Alex Leknius Retires

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Eumeralla Scout Camp

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Continued on page 5 > 1

FREE BAG VOUCHER This voucher entitles the bearer to one free reusable shopping bag. (Pick up from Bendigo Bank—Anglesea or Lorne—while stocks last.) Supplied by Plastic Wise Winchelsea and proudly funded by Anglesea & Winchelsea Community Bank branches.

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News from the House

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.

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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 distributed via Australia Post home delivery in Anglesea and PO Boxes in Aireys Inlet, as well as various shops/cafes in both towns.

By Sam Gault, President, Anglesea Community House Committee of Management

THE BURDEN My craft is words, but not creative words. Contract-y-legal type words. The words not many people want to read, and definitely don’t want to hear. I know this. It’s a burden. Thank goodness for the NewsA ngle writers! They are brilliant! Witty, funny, humble, warm and authentic. So, at this time of the year, the “thanking” time of year, I want to focus now on only one very special group of people; the regular, core group of NewsAngle volunteer writers. I mean you: Liz Clark (who feels privileged to be allowed into people’s lives); Jenna Crawford (who remains deeply interested in the achievements of our local youth); Terrence Hoffmann (who’s wit and wry humour never fail to bring a smile); Mary Bremner (who paints such envyproducing pictures of exotic travels with her words); Gary Robinson (who writes from the heart of a community-spirited, sports mad, local bloke); Jan Morris (who is the keeper of shared stories and historical truths); Kaye Traynor (who manages to both educate and delight with her twitcher talents in art and words);

Melva Stott (who charms us with her quirky, light-hearted take on the world); Chris ‘Dos’ (who helps unravel the mysteries of the ‘looking up machine’); and, Margaret Russell (who shines a light on the groups who give depth to our community). Hats off to you I say! Thank you! But it can be a burden for these folk as well. Apparently, even for creative beings, it can be difficult to write on demand. We need to share the load. So, if anyone out there wants to have a crack, please contact us at newsangle@anglesea.org.au You could always just start writing … holidays are good for that. Lastly, in signing off this final column for the year (phew), I want to wish the local community and the friends of the House all the very best for the holiday season. Take care of one and other, and I look forward to seeing you on ‘the other side’ (in February).

NewsAngle is available online at www.anglesea.org.au

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

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Riding High in Mongolia’s Gobi Cup > continued from page 1

Prior to embarking on the six-day trail, participants undergo two days of gruelling training.

The group with which Tania became a member consisted of 18 people from New Zealand, France, Canada, Denmark and the United States. They rode about 80 kilometres per day at the individual horse’s speed. The horses were randomly given veterinary checks, making sure their heart rates were no more than 64 beats per minute and they were fit enough to continue. These checks occurred after they had completed 40 kilometres. If the heart rate was over 64 beats per minute, the rider and horse were eliminated for that day. Vets came from all over the world to experience this unique working opportunity. A normal day for participants started with them rising from their tents for breakfast at 6am. The horse riding started at 7am, before breaking at 11am or noon for lunch. These morning sessions covered approximately 40 kilometres. The veterinary checks were done during break time. The next 40 kilometres were completed during the afternoon. It was the end of the summer and temperatures were about 30 degrees. The course was both sandy and rocky. All riders had to follow a route that was defined by pink tape.

Camping on the Mongolian plains during the Gobi Desert Cup.

expect. Saddles are created and honed from wood. Stirrups and bridles are made from cloth and leather. A lot of riders in Mongolia are forced to ride bareback because their horses have suffered from girth galls. Tania enjoyed every moment of her 10 days in the desert and would recommend it to any horse rider seeking an adventure. She came fourth overall in the race, despite getting lost for one day. Her efforts helped raise much needed funds for Barwon Health, The Cancer Council and the Lotus Children's Centre (a Mongolian orphanage). Well done Tania and Ruth.

Tania tells a wonderful story, with humour and excitement, about the day she and Ruth lost sight of the pink tape and became lost.

They had no idea where they were or what to do. Adding to this dilemma, Ruth also took a tumble from her horse. They came across some goats and horses drinking from a watering hole and tried to make conversation with a Mongolian man, but that was pointless.

His gestures gave them the wrong impression. He put his finger and thumb together to make a circle and held it up to his eye. He then put his hands together under his chin in a praying motion and then pointed to Tania's head. Could this mean, "I cannot see a way out so we had better pray and use our brains�? How could they have misinterpreted such gestures and not understood his request to look at the films on Tania's head cam? The horses involved in the Gobi Desert Cup have been through extraordinary breaking-in routines to prepare them for their tasks. They are taken from their herds at about two years old and chased into a round yard, where they are lassoed, tied and have their ears twisted.

They have riders jumping off and on their backs and are sent bucking into the desert. They are ridden until there is a realisation and acceptance from the horse as to what is expected of it. The riders on the trail have a fresh horse every day. The riding equipment is quite different from what one would NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Alex Leknius is Retiring from the Community House but not from Life By Robyn Lucas, Community Engagement Facilitator, Surf Coast Shire

I met Alex in 2010 when I arrived in Anglesea and it is with mixed emotions that I pay tribute to the contribution she has made to our communities as she sets off into her retirement. On the one hand, I am happy and excited about Alex’s next chapter. On the other, I am sad, and just a bit melancholic at the prospect of losing a colleague and a friend. I will certainly miss our regular interaction and time together.

for grants, liaising with all the auspice groups and doing all this in 24 hours a week!

Alex started her role at the Anglesea Community House as the Educational Programmer in 2008, then moved into the Coordinator position at the end of January 2010.

Her dedication and librarian mind meant that no stone was left unturned.

She had previously worked at Deakin University for 20 years and was the Manager of the Burwood Campus Library. Alex is a great multi-tasker, and has the extraordinary ability to be ‘present’ whilst juggling community visitors, fixing the computers, organising the kitchen renovation, managing the committee of management, applying

Most of you would know that whilst they were the hours in her Position Description, they were not the hours she spent on the job.

Whenever I called about a grant application, or a course, child care or booking a room, Alex knew everything that was happening at any given moment and was highly organised. My first role at the Surf Coast Shire included being the liaison for all our Community Houses. I loved this role and I got to see first-hand how the houses operated behind the scenes. They are busy hives of activity and quiet achievers given the amount of work they do.

Alex was always so amazing to anyone who walked in the door, embracing new ideas, offering advice, and nothing was ever too much trouble.

If you haven’t had the privilege of working with or knowing Alex, then here are a few things you need to know. Alex is a humble person and I know her eyes will be rolling when she reads this article ... but it is my job to let you know just how amazing and inspirational she has been to all of us. Alex has strong values and a deep sense of social justice. She can empathise with people’s personal situations and those community issues that concern us all. Alex has integrity and does what she says she will do – even if it’s an issue she may not fully support – but if that's what the community wanted, she would make it happen and it is evident in her love of community service. Highly competent, her tasks are all done on time, follow ups always completed and she is very approachable for assistance, for example, undertaking grant applications for other groups. Alex is a good listener and a great articulate communicator. She makes it look easy and makes you feel comfortable no matter who you are – the CEO or the cleaner – she can relate to everyone. Alex is also the ultimate diplomat, highly intelligent but never patronising. I asked Alex today about some of her own highlights. Of course I can see them from a distance so it was good to

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compare our notes and share them with the community.

Much was achieved over a decade but these were her personal standouts:  Obtaining funding for a Community Needs Analysis for the House, which set the strategic direction for marketing, and connection of the House to the community. This included the new logo and branding of the House.  Setting up a Business Training project.

 Member of the Barwon Network of Neighbourhood Houses. President for two years.  ‘Christmas-by-the-Sea’ events in 2015-16, which brought Christmas decorations to Anglesea, while working with many local groups to make it happen.  ‘Eat Local’ and ‘Garden-to-Table’ events showcasing local produce and wines at dinners and again partnering with a local group to help with the event.

The ‘Garden-to-Table’ event (top) and ‘Christmas-by-the-Sea’ (bottom) were among the highlights for Alex Leknius during her time as Coordinator of the Community House.

 New residents’ meetings to help them connect with their new community. Alex and husband Terrence are heading on their next adventure, where I know they will be busy setting up a new home. Alex loves gardening, so that will take some time to establish. Alex might be retiring from the Community House but she will not be retiring from life and in the words of Winston Churchill:

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Alex you gave us all a lot, so thank you for all your work, thank you for supporting the community the way you have and thank you for being such a great colleague and friend. NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Scouting Around at Eumeralla By Liz Clark

If a visitor asked you where to find ‘Eumeralla’, you might look blankly at the inquirer and scratch your head. Yet it is certain that most readers would have passed this place hundreds of times, many with barely a glance in its direction. Even if you acknowledged it with a glance, you would merely see a stone entrance arch and a long, very dusty, or very muddy path heading up the hill toward the east, off the Great Ocean Road. Eumeralla is what many of us would know as the Scout Camp, and if you manage to tackle the long road you will find beautiful bushland, good camping facilities and a long history of Scouting in Geelong. The Scouting Association of Australia has had a long-term lease on the 120hectare natural bush site along the southern coastline of Victoria for many

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years, and is delighted to have recently had the lease extended for another 21 years. The camp itself is situated high on the cliffs with some spectacular views over the ocean and the Anglesea township, and visitors are fascinated by the background accompaniment of the never-ending roar of the sea.

The actual name ‘Eumeralla’ is an aboriginal word meaning ‘along the water’ or ‘valley of plenty’. The first Eumeralla camp was the inspiration of Harold Hurst, District

Commissioner of Scouting for the Geelong Region. In 1923, a scouts’ campsite was established in scrubby land close to the Anglesea River and it was used by the enthusiastic Scouting community for years for a wide range of activities. By 1946, it had become unsuitable for their use as the growing township encroached on the property – it was fortuitously destroyed in a bushfire that year. Harold Hurst, along with many young Scouts, began to carve out the new Eumeralla from 1000 acres of crown land situated along the coast.

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‘Boss’ Hurst had great plans for the site – the first permanent Scout Camp in Australia – and saw it as a national park of Scouting, dreaming that one day it would host a world jamboree. Scouting was becoming more and more important in Australia at that time, both as an educational opportunity and a wonderful recreational experience. A public subscription in 1948 raised 5000 pounds to be spent on work throughout the camp, so more buildings were erected, facilities were improved and a growing number of Scouts received the opportunity to enjoy many Scouting activities. For 50 years, Boss Hurst was seen as the father of Scouting in Geelong, as well as being mentor to thousands of boys. His influence on their lives was lasting and he was highly regarded by young and old alike.

The memorial gate marks the entrance to ‘Eumeralla’.

In the early 1920s, he gathered a dedicated group around him and inspired them to assist him in his life’s work for the young people of the region. He was well known for his active work in areas of amateur athletics, boxing, rowing and football, giving his life to encouraging boys and young men to achieve everything they could.

Views of the ocean from the beautiful outdoor ‘Eumeralla’ chapel in Anglesea.

pay great tribute to this foresighted and hardworking man. At the camp, you will find a number of memorials to Harold Hurst including his former home, now used by the current Scout Commissioner and the Eumeralla Scout Camp management, the Memorial Light built in 1976 to honour the Boss, and the Evelyn Memorial gate at the entrance, named for Harold’s brother. As you enter the camp, you pass under the gate, which has a history of its own. The original gateway constructed of ironbark was replaced in 1957 after a realignment of the road. Damaged by bush fire in 1983, the arch was replaced by the Lions Club of Anglesea, and was later lifted (in 1999) to allow for bus access to the camp. It is the gateway to many years of adventure in Anglesea. There is also a memorial wall to deceased Scouting members, and a beautifully serene chapel overlooking the stunning views of the ocean – a great place for quiet contemplation.

An ongoing process of improvement has seen major upgrades carried out to provide a more reliable town water supply to all buildings and most camping sites. Bush showers and toilets have also been improved, halls and kitchens are more up-to-date, and some of the buildings are in the process of being reroofed.

The camp boasts two large facilities with full commercial kitchens and sleeping accommodation for up to 54 people, as well as four other smaller fully-equipped buildings. With such a large site, there is also plenty of room for bush camping and a wealth of local flora and fauna to enjoy. Visitors can be fortunate to glimpse echidnas, skinks, kangaroos, owls, snakes, and a wide variety of other animals and birds. And the bush itself remains in its natural state, providing plenty of interest.

Everyone involved in the local Scouts movement knows who ‘Boss’ is.

Eumeralla is staffed by volunteer rangers, with two families living in houses on the property.

The area surrounding the camp is crossed by many formal and informal bike trails. The camp management group is hoping to work with local biking groups into the future to establish a track around the perimeter of the camp, ensuring safety for their campers and visitors.

At the camp, there are some amazing books and photographic journals that are treasured as historical records of Scouting in Geelong and Anglesea, and

It is available to Scouting groups and their families, and is used by many school and other groups for various activities.

(Special thanks to Grant Bews and his daughter Emily, and to Bryce Hutton for sharing the history of this amazing place with our readers).

At Eumeralla, the history of his life is celebrated in the various buildings, roads and paths named for him.

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What a Legacy! Farewell Julie Dyer By Liz Clark

There is a quote often used to encourage young students to build self esteem and to become fully who they are meant to be. It’s from Dr Seuss: Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind. It takes time to absorb this and then to wonder how you might apply its lessons to your own life.

she is not an artist herself, but she allows that she ‘dabbles’ in textiles, particularly embroidery.

It is a statement that describes Julie Dyer, Surfcoast Shire’s Arts Development Officer who retired in November this year, after 23 years in the role.

It was a different world when Julie was appointed in 1995, and the community was unsure what to do with an Arts Officer, expecting that the local Council was much more about roads, rubbish, rates, playgrounds and parks.

Julie has brought her own unique style and character into a vast array of artistic and creative activities both within the Shire and further afield. She was really a pioneer, having to pave the way in what was created as a fairly new position in local government.

What did art have to do with local government? Julie began to show us.

Prior to her employment, her background had been in local theatre with her parents, primary teaching and some voluntary Arts Council work.

She admits she is ‘good at bossing people and wrangling artists’. She began to make contact with both better known artists and smaller groups in the area to see what the Shire could offer them, what their expectations might be, and where she was most needed.

She had participated in various art events and exhibitions, declaring that

Her aims included working with a wide range of people and making their hopes

and expectations mesh together. After consultation with various people, she began to write an Arts Strategy for the Shire and to organise workshops, starting small but hoping to lead to bigger things. Streetscape works were being undertaken within the Shire and her input and connections were invaluable in beginning to structure the fine sculptures, park areas and art installations that mark our towns today: the Mosaic Walk in Anglesea, sundial in Torquay, the Bells Beach mural, graffiti wall in Torquay, Deans Marsh hall stage curtain, and various works in the Surf World museum, just to name a few. Each of our communities will be able to continue to enjoy these wonderful projects on an ongoing basis – thanks to Julie. Some money was becoming available for grants for the arts, and over the years she has been instrumental in supporting many groups to apply for assistance, whether it be for theatre troupes, dancers, singers, drummers, public art projects, festivals, playground developments or street scapes. She was keen to create versatile spaces, to give local residents and visitors a sense of place and to include art that was tangible – meaning that a person would want to touch it, as at the Shark Park in Anglesea. Her vision was broad, her outlook positive, and her energy and drive have meant that so many projects were completed with style and creativity. Julie was always keen to bring art to the whole community, so it is not always in the most public places or the biggest

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Julie’s role took her to local Community Houses, markets and fairs, historical and film societies, schools, festivals and exhibitions. She was well known for her colourful hair styles and a dynamic and vocal presence at many events. With her fingers in so many pies and such a broad umbrella of artistic pursuits to nurture, Julie’s life has been full and rewarding. There are also particular ongoing projects and developments that Julie will leave for us to enjoy – the Arts Trail, the Art calendar, Anglesea Artspace, art works in the Shire offices, various festivals and events – a richness that adds so much to the cultural life of the Surf Coast. Retiring from her role, she is expecting to travel, cook, pursue textile interests and relax for at least a year, perhaps take a few classes and enjoy some ‘me’ time.

Julie Dyer created a unique arts culture for the Surf Coast Shire.

exhibitions that we find her touch, but also in unexpected places ... in the small studios and gardens of unknown artists, or in the communities where younger people are returning to their roots and building their own arts groups – taking her vision into the future.

It’s a shame to tell her that Henry Moore, British artist and sculptor, says that ‘there is not retirement for an artist, it’s your way of living, so there’s no end to it’. So, sorry Julie, it is not all over yet! We owe a great deal to her vision, her sense of inclusion and adventure, her versatility and creativity and her unique style that have brought such diversity to the arts culture across the Surf Coast.

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The Recycle Shop – an Engine for Community Building By Terrence Hoffmann

The Recycle Shop, under the management of the Anglesea Community House, has been an outstanding success. Since its inception in April 2014, almost $90,000 has been distributed to local community groups, from the sales of recycled goods at the shop. This money from sales is paid to community groups who volunteer to work at the shop.

The brainchild of Jim Tutt, the ‘Tip Shop’ as it is affectionately known, has become a major influence in the growth and development of community groups. Jim began by wondering whether it might be possible to sell many of the second-hand items that were taken to the tip intended for landfill. For example, items such as used timber, bicycles that could be repaired, or furniture that could be re-painted or newly upholstered. In setting up the Recycle Shop, Jim sought help from his mates at the Anglesea Men’s Shed. From day one, they have been the labour force that underpins the work that needs to be done to make the shop function. Much of the lifting, sorting, tidying up and shifting materials is done by volunteers from the Men’s Shed. The Recycle Shop is open all year on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. It’s staffed by volunteers from community groups, all of whom are listed on the next page. Shoppers are welcome to browse or even to leave an order for something that might come in. If you are yet to try it, then get started!

So where does the money go? Anglesea Rock Choir Coor dinator Tony Revell tells me that the choir has spent money earned from the Tip Shop 12

on hiring two choir teachers to run workshops for them. One was an acapella teacher who got them to sing four-part harmonies without musical accompaniment. Normally the choir sings with its own rock band of guitars, mandolin, electric piano and drums. Choir members were challenged to learn new skills. The money has also paid for microphones and stands, and membership of the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club where they hold catered musical social functions, Gretel Lamont, Coordinator of Community Garden 3231 in Air eys Inlet, loves the Tip Shop. The money raised has paid for the refurbishment of the pathways through the garden, purchased equipment such as a lawn mower, hand tools and secateurs and subsidised social events, making them affordable for all. The fees to become a member have not increased much since the garden commenced more than nine years ago.

Tony Smales from the Anglesea Bike Park Committee thinks the Recycle Shop is fantastic.

Not only does it recycle materials that would otherwise become landfill, it earns his group money to spend on repairing and maintaining the bike park. Buying a compactor, hiring a bobcat operator to repair paths that weather and users damage, and even paying for a sausage sizzle to encourage families to come out for a family ride day are now what they do.

Alex Biewer said that the Senior Citizens Club enjoys the oppor tunity to work at the Recycle Shop because it is the only income they obtain other than membership fees.

The money subsidises all of their yearly activities, including the monthly shopping bus into Geelong, the Christmas and birthday parties and all the day trips for lunch and visits to other towns. Ian Bruce, from the Anglesea Bowls Club, is stockpiling the money earned at the shop to replace one of the synthetic grass greens. The Recycle Shop is an important fundraiser, and volunteers find the work is fun. Local people with a disability are participants with All Aboard Disability Support Service. Kate Mar shall tells me they work the shop on Thursdays and love the welcoming staff at the tip. The members thoroughly enjoy working there and meeting the community members who come to shop for bargains. The money raised pays for materials for projects they do. Winsome Coutts uses the funds to pay for the day-to-day running of the Anglesea Community Garden. Manure, hay, seeds and seedlings keep the food supply coming. The money is a great way to get an income without resorting to sausage sizzles and other, more difficult to organise, activities. Foodlink Coor dinator Mar garet Renkin uses the money raised to buy food to distribute to those who need it in our community. School children are

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given a basic breakfast and fruit if they missed out on breakfast. Foodlink receives donations from many sources, but the funds from the Recycle Shop pay for extra meat vouchers for families experiencing hardship. The Anglesea & District Historical Society not only r eceives money fr om working there but also uncovers museum items. It is with great enthusiasm that the members work there each term. They often find furniture and, more importantly, old household items to add to the museum collection.

Since the Recycle Shop started, they have acquired an 1800’s onion harvester, an old fern hook, a washing board, a wool carder and many other small items. As well, there is the money they earn for volunteering at the shop. Alcoa was always generous to the Society and so it was very timely that the money from the Recycle Shop replaced grants once received from Alcoa.

Anglesea Men’s Shed has been involved with the Recycle Shop fr om its inception. Money raised goes toward buying equipment and replenishing supplies such as bolts, nails, glue and paint so the members can continue to support community projects.

What an amazing community we live in to have all of these activities occurring and being funded by volunteer labour devoted to recycling. The reach of assistance touches many people and is a strong force that builds our community. Thanks Jim Tutt, you are a legend. The following groups all volunteer at and receive funding from the Anglesea Recycle Shop. If you are interested in finding out more about any of these groups or would like to join one, contact details are: Aireys Inlet Primary School Parents Group – Jo Lawson Ph – 0409 172 544 All Aboard Disability Service – Kate Marshall Ph – 0409 974 137 Anglesea Bike Park Committee – Tony Smales Ph – 0409 225 733 Anglesea Bowling Club – Ian Bruce Ph – 0414 903 048

Anglesea Community Rock Choir – Tony Revell Ph - 0409 349 077 Anglesea Community Garden – Winsome Coutts Ph - 0413 946 343 Anglesea Historical Society – Jan Morris Ph – 0448 526 311 Anglesea Men’s Shed – Jeff Wilson Ph – 0474 748 792 Anglesea Motor Yacht Club – Gregg Davies Ph – 0419 117 898

Community Garden 3231 – Gretel Lamont – communitygarden3231@gmail.org.au Foodlink – Margaret Renkin Ph – 03 5263 1049 Senior Citizens Club – Alex Biewer Ph – 03 5263 1943 Surfcoast Wildlife Shelters Group – Cheryl Vanderkaay Ph – 0422 216 792 Winchelsea Men’s Shed – Ray Atkins Ph – 0407 839 139

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Cuba: Lessons from a Land Far Away By June Laurie

We arrived in Cuba, travel weary from heatwaves in New York, Orlando and Cancun. Somewhere along the way, we’d lost our guidebook and so were immediately reliant on the kindness of strangers. It was lucky that our hosts, Eric and Elvis, thrust a copy of Lonely Planet - Cuba into our hands, on arrival.

together’, and accounts for the incredible kindness, and toughness, that so many people exhibit.

Theirs was a great place to start: O’Reilly St, in old Havana, with daily breakfasts of tropical fruits, eggs and sensational Cuban coffee. Not only did these two wonderful souls book our Homestays further afield but they also found us taxis, printers and laundry services, when needed.

In the extreme heat of the day, as well as during late afternoon downpours, people stood resolutely on the roadside waiting for a taxi to stop and pick them up. There was no animosity when one careered past, just a resigned patience that eventually they’d get where they wanted to go.

On every street in all cities across this extraordinary island are reminders of the three revolutionaries, Che, Camillo and Fidel, and the story is almost too amazing to be believed. Essentially a couple of idealistic uni students, with few resources overthrew a corrupt regime, and Cuba still celebrates this enormous achievement. While this era is only a tiny part of its history, it is deeply embedded in the national psyche of ‘we’re all in this

Cuba was indeed a land of contradictions. On the one hand, there were often shortages of imported goods and frequently long queues formed outside the grocers. On one day it was because large containers of yoghurt could be bought, despite this being unavailable for the weeks before. In contrast to these shortages, I’ve never eaten food so fresh. Local produce that’s grown nearby, makes its way into restaurants and cafes. There is a sweetness to locally-sourced vegetables, meat and seafood, that is blunted by the cold-store food ethos of Western cities. Despite being the coolest time of the day, the mornings in Cuba began slowly. We’d be awake early watching it all slowly come to life; masses of workers hosed down streets, ridding them of rubbish and animal faeces. Street vendors set up their trolleys, with a languid tired air. Bicycle taxis ferried produce down narrow laneways. Homestay hosts were out buying up fresh fruit for their guests. The low car ownership in Cuba, meant that even in a city like Havana (2.1 million), traffic was minimal.

However, it was important to have your wits about you as many of the taxis and mopeds drove in a frenzy of horntooting, scaring pedestrians out of their path.

Reminders of Cuban revolutionary figure ‘Che’ adorn the streets. 14

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It was equally terrifying being a passenger in one, convinced that a person outside of the cab was about to be killed. In Havana, there were magnificent buildings of yesteryear, some decaying, others being restored, and many with doors wide open and glorious again. Tourism was pumping despite the constant, intense heat. With so many of us traipsing through the sites, it was hard to slip into the neighbourhood as an invisible spectator.

I’m still digesting my voyage through this unique country, but my overwhelming impression of Cubans is of their incredible resilience despite ongoing challenges. Perhaps it’s the abundant rum? Mojitos were cheaper than imported soft drinks, but alas they were not for me. Neither were the much-touted cigars, although seeing the process of drying, shaping and perfectly constructing a cigar by hand was an art form I wouldn’t have missed. Surprisingly, Cubans didn’t appear to puff this pungent smoke over everyone, unlike the flashy tourists. We were told that, locally, cigars were used on special occasions, not as an everyday treat. It is hard to comprehend that the most educated in Cuba can be so badly paid, but then with subsidised housing, taxis, free health services and education, it may be that such high taxes are justified.

Aireys Inlet local June Laurie experienced a different way of life on her recent trip to Cuba.

For a poor country, people have remarkable smiles, all thanks to government-provided dental services, and a certain sense that profit and resources are shared equally.

In such a linguistic no-man’s land it was difficult to read the expectations and social mores. And the relentless heat kept us looking for a cool escape between the hours of midday and four.

Of course, the administration of such services means that, for some things, patience is required. Government departments, right down to bus station staff can appear to be autocratic and officious in the face of such demand. After all, rules are rules.

It took a while to realise the extent to which Cubans came to life at night, and it was then that we got to experience the magic of their music, which spilled out of an assortment of venues.

Whilst tourists struggle with this (to no avail), the locals appear resigned, or look for innovative ways around the regulations. Though it was sobering to realise that travel outside of Cuba remains difficult for many Cubans, due to low wages and government restrictions. Cuba was a hard place to travel around but, in our case, it was compounded by our lack of Spanish.

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On a rooftop bar, we got to see the most incredible brass band where young men not only wowed us with their trumpeting expertise but with their synchronised dance moves, as well. It was musical genius. Atop this roof, we were privy to the relaxed yet cool demeanour that Cubans exhibit on a day-to-day basis. Warm, passionate and yet unruffled. Lessons to be learned from a land far away.

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Adieu Helen Tutt By Liz Clark

Helen Tutt was a warrior – a woman who not only fought for all she believed to be right, but backed up every challenge and cause she took on with well-based background knowledge and at times daunting precision. When faced with sickness recently, she used the same courage and determination to battle numerous new diagnoses and bravely accepted treatments still in the testing stage, in order to make the most of her life.

Club – an enjoyable activity for them all for more than 40 years. When the Tutts moved permanently in 2004, from Melbourne into Pickworth Drive, Anglesea, Helen focussed her interests on the area’s environmental protection, which she saw as being at risk in various ways.

Our community was deeply saddened when she lost her battle and passed away in July this year. Such was the range of influence she had in many areas, that three separate memorial services were held for her to remember the varied ways she had affected and inspired so many people throughout her life. Helen’s parents built a holiday house at Anglesea in the 50s, where they enjoyed Anglesea’s family-friendly environment for many years, and Helen grew to love both the sea and the local bush and heathlands. Helen studied science with a specific interest in geology, taught science at Melbourne Girls’ Grammar school, and then changed careers to work at Hamersley Iron and other mining exploration companies as an information officer. Always open to change, Helen then

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Farewell to Helen Tutt— a great contributor to local community life.

studied librarianship and was appointed librarian at the CSIRO Division of Mineral Chemistry. She met and married her husband Jim during this time, and continued to work at the CSIRO until the birth of their son Tim. Later, she returned to the workforce, working in the information areas with professional bodies in the mining and energy sectors. The family soon became active members of the Anglesea Motor Yacht

The experience she had gained over her working years gave her a great background. She was well respected for her knowledge, and worked with Anglesea Coast Action Group, Anglesea River Working Group, Alcoa Community Consultation Network, Anglesea Heath Committee and the Anglesea Memorial Hall Users Group. At meetings throughout the area, Helen’s was the voice of passion and reason. She was never afraid to say what she thought, and based all her arguments on intense study and great working knowledge of the problems involved. Always one to put forward questions on behalf of the community, she compelled those in positions of authority to provide not only answers but a definite course of action.

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The ANGAIR group – Anglesea, Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Flora and Fauna – was the chief beneficiary of Helen’s dynamism. Actively involved from 2005, Helen helped raise wide awareness of the special environmental values of the local area. She was instrumental in forming co-operative working relationships with many local agencies and the Shire. Elected to the ANGAIR committee in 2007, she was Vice President in 2008 and 2009, then President from 2012 to 2014. Helen convened the annual wildflower weekend for more than eight years, and was both innovative and energetic in building and planning this annual event. At ANGAIR, Helen is highly regarded particularly for her encouragement of weed management processes, environmental education, and the Society’s work with both local students and visitors. Her hard work in every area was acknowledged with an honorary life membership in 2017. The previous year, Helen and Jim were acknowledged as the Shire’s A ustralia Day Citizens of the Y ear. One would have thought her passion and motivation to achieve the best outcomes in all these areas would have left her little time for home and family. This was not so.

Helen and Jim have a beautiful garden, with a wide range of native plants. Birds flock to enjoy this little bit of paradise. Helen chose a wonderful variety of plants, and was never one to mind getting her hands dirty. In her heart, she had a certain fondness for various flowers she remembered from her childhood, but as a woman who was always true to her word, native planting was what she practised and encouraged others to do as well. Her greatest love was for her family – her husband Jim, and Tim and Kate, Claudia and Elsa. In a very private and quiet way, she would look forward to either having them visit or going to see them. Her pride in her little girls was that of a very loving grandmother. She longed to give them a wide-ranging experience of books and literature, of the bush and gardens, of loving life and enjoying each day. They were her pride and joy. Helen had an adventurous spirit and delighted in taking the granddaughters to explore nature’s wonders. Regretfully, her plan for them to swim with the whale sharks at Ningaloo, WA, was not possible. Farewell Helen. This community is diminished by your passing, but so blessed by your time with us. NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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LOCAL PROFILE: ALEX AND KATE ROGERS

Fresh Bread and Gelato Prove a Great Mix By Mary Bremner

If there are two shops that all great beach holiday towns should have, it’s a bakery and an ice-cream shop. Alex and Kate Rogers have both of these covered with their new businesses: A ireys Bakery and Gelato, located at the top shops in Aireys Inlet, and Panzon Gelato in Anglesea, also selling bakery goods. Alex and Kate are proprietors of the eight-year-old Sourdough Kitchen in Seddon and this is the source of the crusty loaves and buttery pastries that are transported to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet in the wee hours of every morning. Some goodies, such as the addictive pork and fennel sausage rolls, are baked fresh on the premises. So far, their customers’ biggest concern is deciding what to choose – ciabatta, olive, rye and pumpkin breads, loaves flavoured with onion and sage, or potato, garlic and dill – the choice varies from day-to-day. Tradies popping in for a pie and a Big M now have to decide between a steak and cheese pie, Moroccan lamb, leek and chicken or lentil and sweet potato. If you have guests coming for afternoon

tea, you will find cakes of the lemon ricotta, carrot, and flourless orange varieties, along with other choices.

start of his working life, when he was apprenticed to renowned chef and baker Greg Brown.

For that special weekend breakfast, there are several varieties of croissant, including a pain au chocolat that transported me instantly to New Caledonia. They believe they are the only bakery in Melbourne producing sourdough croissants.

Alex would get the earliest public transport available and be first at the restaurant to make the bread. He was also responsible for the gelati.

The gelati are made onsite in Anglesea with equipment brought down from Seddon. (Gelati is made from whole milk and has a lower fat content than ice-cream.) The flavours vary according to the seasonal fruit available. Who are the dynamos taking on these businesses, you might ask. For Alex, these ventures represent a return to the

Alex went on to run ‘twohat’ restaurants, including Stokehouse, Madame Jo Jos and Blakes, followed by a stint working overseas. Inspired by his connection with troubled young people who had been given work in the kitchen at Blake’s restaurant in Melbourne, and a selfconfessed ‘tear-away’ at school, Alex returned to Australia and started a degree in youth work at RMIT. This led to an exchange program in Mexico, and it was here that he met Kate, also on exchange from her course in Spanish and Literature at Victoria University. Alex convinced Kate to join him in a return-to-work as a chef. Her prior experience was confined to casual hospitality work as a university student, but they made a successful team, with Kate working as second chef to Alex on luxury yachts in exotic locations. All food had to be made from scratch, including the breads and ice-cream and Kate discovered a love of baking. Time moved on, two children arrived, Alex worked night shifts, completed a Grad Dip in primary teaching and toiled for a time with a builder. But none of these occupations gave him the same pride at the end of the day that he experienced with baking.

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This love affair was cemented during a stint working at Natural Tucker – Melbourne’s oldest sourdough bakery. The opportunity came for the couple to start their own business and Sourdough Kitchen in Seddon was born. The timing was perfect, getting established just as Melbourne’s young, upwardly mobile, latte drinkers were moving in and gentrifying this western suburb. From their start with two staff, the business grew to employ 37 people. As word got out, there were lines out the door, with people waiting over an hour to be served on some Sundays.

Victims of their own success, Alex and Kate worked long hours and yearned for that elusive work-life balance. Pregnancy with their third child halted plans for a trip around Australia and the family decided on a sea-change instead – they took out a rental in Aireys Inlet where they had always enjoyed holidaying. “I’ve lived overseas and worked on private yachts all over the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and so has Kate,” said Alex, “but the coastline here is not like anywhere else and we love it just as much in winter. “The colours of the sky and ocean are just phenomenal,” he enthused. With their children, Dylan (10) and Ethan (9) enrolled in local schools, Kate looking after toddler Vivian (2) at home, and Alex working for a builder, the family was settling into coastal living when they saw the ‘For Sale’ sign on the bakery at Aireys Inlet. Always a business with untapped potential, the locals said, “Go for it!” so they did. Shortly afterwards, the opportunity presented itself to buy the complementary business in Anglesea. “We were lucky to pick up two capable local people with good prior experience,” said Alex. He’s talking about the friendly faces of Lani Isherwood and Micha Golaz who

Kate and Alex Rogers have launched new bakery/gelato shops in Aireys Inlet and Anglesea.

you may have seen behind the counter in both shops. The couple have a strong ethic of employing young, local staff and put time and effort into training them. They see this as mutually beneficial – promoting loyalty in their staff and providing the possibility of future opportunities for the young people. Alex and Kate acknowledge that their prices are slightly higher than traditional bakeries, but this is due to their policy of using only the best ingredients. All flour is 100 percent organic certified and is sourced from Wholegrain Milling in Gunnedah, NSW. They use Mount Zero Pink Lake salt, from near Dimboola, and Saint David’s cultured butter, made from the milk of small herds of Gippsland dairy cows. Schulz’s organic milk from Timboon is churned into the delicious gelati. The fruit used is often sourced from the farmers’ markets where the Rogers sell their bakery goods. The couple have a strong ethic of becoming part of their community – this played out recently with donations to the Aireys Inlet School Fair. They are also making school lunch orders available on Fridays at Aireys Inlet – a very popular move with local parents.

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With three young children and three businesses, this couple certainly has their work cut out for them. Kate spends a lot of her time in Melbourne, while Alex’s role is to fill the gaps wherever he is needed. What keeps them going? “It might sound weird but we’re not profit driven,” said Alex.

“It’s about creating a business that’s viable and is supported by the community.” The long-term plan is to live here permanently but at the moment they have not been able to find a permanent rental property. (Pop into the bakery or the gelateri if you know of somewhere!) Kate and Alex said the response to their new businesses has been amazing. They have been warned about the frantic time ahead over the holiday period but they have been putting in the ground work to be ready for it. “I’m still flabbergasted with how excited people get about bread,” said Alex. To that, I say, if you haven’t tried the pumpkin bread with a slice of cheddar cheese, give yourself a treat. 19

HISTORY SPOT By Jan Morris, Anglesea & District Historical Society

Anglesea’s Restored Bathing Box Bathing boxes were very popular before families had cars to transport all their belongings to the beach. If a family had a bathing box, they could store their beach umbrella, canvas wind break, towels, bathers, and many other items needed for a day at the beach. It also gave the family and friends somewhere private to change. In March last year, NewsA ngle reported that the last remaining bathing box was being removed from behind the Art House and placed behind History House. The Historical Society was grateful that the Surf Coast Shire facilitated this move.

The inside display was designed by a small group who collected old photos and received a grant from the Surf Coast Shire to purchase a hanging mechanism on which to display them. They searched the old rate books to discover who once owned bathing boxes and put an informative display together, telling the story of how the Anglesea beach was once used.

It was over 50 years ago, in 1963, that then Barrabool Shire declared all bathing boxes were to be removed from the sand dunes.

A display cupboard and bench showed off many items, including a handknitted man’s bathing costume from the 1920s.

This particular bathing box was moved by the Scouts. It became a collection shed for newspapers and aluminum cans. When the Art House took over the old Scout Hall in 1998, they used the bathing box for storage.

This was donated to the Society and is displayed at the side of the bathing box. A wooden timeline at the end of the driveway, tells the story of the many uses of the bathing box over the years.

As soon as the bathing box was in place behind History House, members of the Historical Society went to work, clearing the area and replacing the weather boards. The window needed to be rebuilt and the door and floor repaired. The roof was renewed with a grant from Seaside Seconds and the bathing box lined with old lining boards from a member’s farm shed. The outside painting was paid for from money raised at sausage sizzles and working at the Recycle Shop. Many members worked on restoring the box, while others researched the history of the beach area and raised funds. We were very grateful to local trades people who worked on the bathing box at discounted prices. 20

An addition to the bathing box is an old sled, once used to haul salvage from the wrecked sailing ship, the Inverlochy. The bathing box at the Art House in 2016.

This restored bathing box is another link in the preservation of the history of Anglesea. On Sunday, 14 October, the restored bathing box was officially opened by Mr Ian McMillan. Ian is a descendant of the McMillan family, who once owned a bathing box along the main Anglesea beach. Our restored bathing box is now open for inspection whenever the Historical Society is open.

The restored bathing box behind History House in 2018.

We are always open on the second Sunday of the month and every Sunday during school holidays, from 2 to 4pm. Inspection at other times can also be arranged.

c.1930 bathing boxes along the main Anglesea beach.

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A ‘Q&A’ WITH ...

Anglesea Bike Park

TWITCHERS’ CORNER Written and illustrated by Kaye Traynor

By Marg Russell

There has been much discussion about the Anglesea Bike Park this year but have you been paying attention? Test your knowledge here with our quick fun facts on the bike park! Did you know that: MAGPIE-LARK

 The Anglesea Bike Path is managed by a Committee of Management with a specific interest in keeping Anglesea the hub of a thriving bike scene.  The entrance to the Bike Park is opposite the school in Camp Road.  The Bike Path extends over 1.2 hectares.  This special area is suitable for everyone, from small children to the mature rider and has become a social hub for young and old, a place where families can ‘play’ together, and it is very well patronised.  The Bike Park is always open.  A partnership between Alcoa, the community and the Surf Coast Shire was responsible for its establishment in 2006.  Initial construction costs were met by Alcoa, on land owned by Alcoa.  The Bike Park’s lease expired in June and its future is under a cloud, as plans are proposed for the land to be used for housing and tourist accommodation.  If you do not have a bicycle, bikes of all sizes can be hired from the Trailhead Bike Company in Anglesea’s main shopping strip.  Additional information can be obtained from Ari at The Trailhead Bike Company, phone 5263 3251.

ROSE CHINESE RESTAURANT Opening in a NEW LOCATION this Christmas Shop 3, 103 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea (next to the Anglesea Art Space) T: 5263 3388  Fully licensed  BYO bottle wine only, with corkage fee per bottle  Closed Tuesdays, except school & public holidays

Grallina cyanoleuca Most people are familiar with the Magpie-lark, sometimes known as Pee-wee or Mudlark. They are widespread throughout Australia, although very rarely seen in Tasmania and are also native to Timor and the southern areas of New Guinea. They can be found in woodlands, watercourses, parklands and gardens, wherever there are trees and sufficient water to make a mud nest. The Magpie-lark is neither a magpie nor a lark but was named by settlers who thought their markings were similar to a magpie and the size, body-shape and musical call resembled that of a lark. Magpie-larks can also be seen on roadsides, feeding on the ground and walking with back-and-forward head movements. Their appearance is similar to other black and white native birds with which they share their habitat. Although both black and white, the male and female have different patterns. Female: Forehead and throat white – broad black band from crown down through the eye to the black breast band. Bill white, eyes yellow, legs black. Male: Head/breast patch black, prominent white eyebrow and broad white panel down side of neck below the eye. Bill white, eyes yellow, legs black. The Magpie-lark is also referred to as a Mudlark because it constructs a bowl-shaped nest made from mud. The nest is reinforced with grass and lined with fine grass and sometimes feathers. The nest is built in the horizontal limb of a tree, often growing close to or overhanging water and interestingly, the Willy Wagtail will often nest in a lower branch of the same tree or one very close by. Breeding season runs from August to November, but sometimes throughout most of the year, particularly after rain in arid areas. Three to five eggs are laid. They vary from pure white to pinkish or reddish-white, with purplish-red spots and underlying markings of grey. Both parents care for the young. Ref. The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia – Graham Pizzey & Frank Knight

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Words from the Surf Coast Arts Trail … Writing what you See In recent years, the Surf Coast Arts Trail has expanded to include writers from our community, through an event called ‘Words from the Surf Coast Arts Trail’. It is presented by Writers Victoria and coordinated by local writer Gail Chrisfield. Writers who are inspired by art they see on the trail, are invited to submit a written piece to read at an ‘open mic’

event, which was this year held at the Bellbrae Hall. Among the collection of readings at this year’s event were two pieces from regular NewsA ngle contributors, Liz Clark and Libby Stapleton.

Liz wrote an ode to the ‘Palm Cockatoo’, a beautiful painting by Ursula Shepherd. Libby wrote a short story called The

Piazza, inspired by sculptor Sue Corbet’s bronze scultpures of the ‘Gelato Girls’ and ‘Piazza Boys’. It was an innovative way to engage with the Surf Coast Arts Trail on a new level and acknowledge that art moves each of us in different ways. Liz and Libby share their written pieces in the following pages, along with images of the artwork that inspired them.

Sue Corbet’s sculptures ‘Gelato Girls’ and ‘Piazza Boys’ were the inspiration for‘The Piazza’ story by Libby Stapleton.

‘The Piazza’ By Libby Stapleton

Pistachio gelato was still Maria’s favourite after all these years. She’d tried others … the classics like chocolate and vanilla bean, even some more adventurous flavours like castagna and tiramisu, but nothing satisfied her like the sweet, earthy flavour of pistachio. The girls were on fire today. They still called themselves ‘girls’ even though they were all in their 60s now. Sitting on a park bench eating gelato felt like something girls would do. Maria loved her Thursday afternoons at the piazza, meeting up with her friends and eating gelato. She loved the way the sun reflected off the white-wash bricks, gently bathing the space in soft, 22

warm light that made everyone feel welcome. Even old Giovanni sparked up a bit on a sunny afternoon at the piazza.

She loved the feeling of the sun gently caressing her back, warming her neck and lifting her mood. She loved the sound of laughter ringing in her ears. Sylvie always made them laugh. They all came for the company. They

came for the laughs. And of course they came for the gelato. That was a given. Maria also came for Carlo. Just for a glimpse. But nobody else knew that. The girls usually sheltered under the broad arms of the sweet chestnut tree, on their bench, telling stories and slowly licking the drips of gelato before it ran down the backs of their hands.

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The piazza boys were there today, Carlo amongst them. Maria’s heart still skipped a beat whenever she saw him, even from a distance. They still acted like youths, at least they did when they got together. Giovanni complained a bit more than he used to but his body seemed to have aged faster than the others. He was entitled to a bit of grumbling. Con was still wistful and wondering. Dreaming of a bigger life. He never did make it to the stage but today he was singing for his friends in that smooth baritone voice that made passers-by stop to listen. “Look at him, just look at him,” said Maria. “He’s been showing off since he was 12,” said Angela. They watched, not sure whether to feel admiration or scorn. “He thinks he’s still 20,” said Sylvie.

“I don’t know,” sighed Enza, “He’s still rather handsome.” They all giggled like school girls. Mario looked like he was enjoying it immensely. But it was always hard to

tell with Mario. He could just as easily have been trying to remember what his daughters had asked him to pick up from the grocers for dinner. At least he looked happy. And then there was Carlo. Sweet Carlo. He’d been walking today. He had his stick. Maria saw him glance her way but she quickly turned her gaze so he wouldn’t catch her staring.

Con gave her a cheeky wink. “Can I have a lick?” he asked. Maria held out her gelato but Con just laughed and continued to sing.

Maria’s gaze turned again to Carlo, lounging back on his seat, stick in hand, his face so content.

“Do you have to sing so loudly?” grumbled Giovanni. “My head hurts.”

‘It was a missed opportunity’, she thought. ‘But we were just kids. Perhaps a case of being in the right place, at the wrong time. Did I really even love him then?’.

“I’m serenading my girls,” replied Con.

She wasn’t sure.

“Since when were they ‘your girls’?” asked Carlo.

Sylvie’s voice cut across her thoughts. “So, what’s your favourite?”

“Oh, my back,” moaned Giovanni.

“Carlo,” the words quietly escaped Maria’s lips.

They’d been friends for life, these four, and still met at the piazza most Thursday afternoons to drink espresso and watch the world go by.

“Whaaat?” the three friends asked in unison, looking at each other questioningly.

Con had nicknamed them the ‘gelato girls’ about 10 years earlier. They weren’t really girls, said Giovanni. But Con didn’t mind. He’d known them since they were kids in school.

“Sorry … did I say that out loud?” Maria whispered. Her friends looked confused.

“How’s the gelato today girls?” Con called across the piazza.

“Oh, pistachio of course”, said Maria.

“Same as last week,” called back Maria.

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“We just wondered what your favourite flavor was,” said Sylvie. “My favourite has always been pistachio.”

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WORDS FROM THE SURF COAST ARTS TRAIL > continued from page 23

Palm Cockatoo By Liz Clark

I think 'I'll be scorned' I think 'I'm no good' I think 'what's the point?' I think 'perhaps I should'.

Creature so glorious

'Cause I'm getting older I'll run out of time If I don't try tomorrow I'll be way past my prime'.

Detail refined

I wish I could paint I once had a go The teacher took one look And said 'Oh my God, No.' So I gave up on painting Gone was my joy It's amazing to me What a few words destroy.

I lost all that impetus Just pottered around Made candles, straw flowers Lost - more than found.

Artist so gifted In this amazing display.

Image so real Powerful portrait Honour I feel.

So I went to the Arts Trail I've been there before

His eye focussed on me

And admired great talent Seen art I adore.

Told me to draw him

Would this be the day

‘Black Cockatoo’ painted by Ursula Shepherd inspired this poem by Liz Clark for the Words from Surf Coast Arts Trail.

It took breath away

When I'd contact my muse Find the answer to apathy Move out of my blues? I wasn't too sure but I marched to the fray Anglesea Art House My aim for the day. Inside I wandered Admired many things Glass waves, and printings And handmade woollen things. And then I caught sight Of an image so real That I stepped back, quite speechless Felt I should kneel.

Challenged and dared Now I was scared. 'How can she do it? I whispered quite low

To be a great artist Takes more than I know. In my eye I appreciate the talent I see In my mind I acknowledge this gift, skilled and free

In my soul I feel wonder, joy touches me In my heart I keep saying ‘no, not for me.’ How can I hope to paint something so real? How can I capture the feelings I feel? How can I make my thoughts look so clear?

The bird in the portrait Was such a grand thing Light caught each feather Touched black shiny wing.

Once again I am swamped by this feeling of fear.

I've said quite a few times ‘I will have a go.’ And to be quite honest I've been rather slow.

The detail was graphic The colour so true The bird was alive to me Palm cockatoo.

I think I should stick to the things that I know

'Tomorrow ' I've said 'Next week I will try' And the days go, the months go The sweet bye and bye.

A quick dash of red On its throat caught my eye Marvellous parrot Born just to fly.

I'll do something else

I've been on a downturn Unsure and quite lost ‘Cause I'm frightened and wounded Those words took their cost.

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Though the artist says I should give it a go

No painting for me, unless it's a wall No open response to creativity's call.

Find what makes me, me Perhaps write a poem Or just plant a tree.

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LOCAL PROFILE: BARNEY LANGHAM, SURF COAST TREE SERVICES

Lop, Chop or Chip (off the old block) By Jenna Crawford

Barney Langham was born in Wensleydale and lived there in a log cabin until he was eight years old. His parents, Tracey and Bob, then moved to Anglesea and established ‘Surf Coast Tree Lopping’, which has been operating throughout the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong regions for the past 20 years. The best thing about primary school for Barney was making friends, many of whom still remain. From Anglesea Primary School, Barney went on to Lorne P-12 College. He is the first to admit that he did not really embrace schooling and left at the end of Year 10. No electives were on offer then and he really wasn't too sure of what he wanted to do post-school. He found work at the Anglesea Hotel and started a chef's TAFE apprenticeship at The Gordon. He completed his time at the Aqua Restaurant at the Cumberland Resort in Lorne. Whilst working as a chef, Barney learned a lot about people, employment, work relationships and the dynamics and importance of job security. He hated working on Saturdays and Sundays, missing out on all the fun his mates were having at weekends. Once he had completed his Certificate 3 as a Chef, he decided to ‘walk away’ from it. He spent the next year floating around doing various jobs. He worked for Mountain Bike Tours in Apollo Bay and then tree planting in the Otways. The latter job was hard work, being exposed to steep, hilly terrain, carrying 80 seedlings around his waist in wintery conditions. Payment was based on the number of seedlings you planted so there was no slacking. After a while, Barney and a friend moved to the Gold Coast where he obtained two jobs. Firstly, he worked laying turf for 12 months, then found a job doing night deliveries for a Gold Coast bakery. He started work at 10pm and finished the next day

Barney Langham, Surf Coast Tree Services

at 9am. This almost made Barney nocturnal and able to function on limited sleep.

fully licensed, insured and accredited, although tree lopping and felling is still a non-regulated industry.

Barney admits that his life was lacking direction and he decided to accept his father's offer to join him in the business ‘Surf Coast Tree Lopping’. He completed a three-year traineeship in arboriculture at South-West TAFE in Warrnambool.

Natural disasters have given Surf Coast Tree Services experiences they may never have had. After the Wye River fires, Barney was employed as a project manager, managing 46 workers in the clean up operation.

It has been about 10 years since Barney has been running the business, now known as Surf Coast Tree Services, with his mother in the office some of the time. He likes the hands-on experience and brings a lot of knowledge and expertise to clients seeking his advice. The tasks vary from pruning, mulching, stump grinding, tree removal, tree reports and assessments and netting of the cliffs along our Great Ocean Road. There are 16 employees at Surf Coast Tree Services: of these, five are qualified arborists, two are qualified machine operators and four are rope access workers. Barney is very conscious of the risks involved in such a business and is happy to welcome inspections from Work Safe personnel. The business is

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He and his team have been employed cleaning up after the storms in Newcastle, the cyclone at Airlie Beach and the cyclone in Darwin. Barney has initiated these work opportunities by contacting local councils, parks, insurance companies, DWELP and other tree companies. In addition to the services offered by Surf Coast Tree Services, Barney has started a firewood supply business to keep us all warm during the colder months. He has a stockpile of bush gum from trees that have been removed, and he also buys sugar gum, red gum and yellow box to supply to clients. During the warmer months, he supplies several pizza places. If you want a cost-efficient and safe removal or pruning of trees on your property, don't hesitate to contact Barney at Surf Coast Tree Services for a free quote, mobile 0488 018 444. 25

AROUND THE SCHOOLS

Robots Take Over at Aireys Inlet Primary Aireys Inlet Primary School is leaping into the future with the addition of some very loveable new robots. The school recently received a grant to purchase resources, including robotics and electronic circuitry kits, for its new Science and Technologies Centre. The generous grant was awarded through the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal (FRRR) ‘REAPing Rewards’ program, in partnership with Third Link Investors. The grant application was supported by staff, parents, Julie Fagan (aka The Robot Lady) and Cr Libby Coker of the Surf Coast Shire. The school was also granted funding by the local branch of the Bendigo Bank to get the project started with two new laptops. A report by the Education Council identified a significant gap in the learning of digital technologies between rural and metropolitan school children, as children in rural areas often have difficulty accessing programs and resources. With the help of the FRRR and the supporters of the school, Aireys Inlet Primary is able to bring the world of digital technologies and electronics to them.

With a renewed focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) within the Victorian curriculum, the ability for the school to provide well resourced, researchbased STEM programs in a small rural school is vitally important.

Grade 6 student Finn explores the new robotics program at Aireys Inlet Primary School.

The inclusion of technology resources into the school’s diverse program continues to ensure a rich learning environment.

Principal Jen Abel is thrilled by recent NAPLAN results, which saw the grade 3 and 5 students considerably outperforming similar schools and state benchmarks across almost all areas.

Student academic growth across the school was extremely high, with 100 percent of year 5 students in the top two bands for reading. “That is unheard of,” said Jen Abel, “considering the state benchmark is 40 percent. We are very fortunate to have an experienced and dedicated staff who put student learning and growth at the heart of everything we do.” The school continues to promote individual learning and achievement across the curriculum, with excellence in literacy and numeracy, science, critical and creative thinking and the arts. “We can now offer a new emphasis on digital technologies to prepare our students for their future,” Jen added.

Grade 3 students Jude and Zara discover robotics at Aireys Inlet Primary School. 26

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Banking on our Community By Rob Cameron Anglesea & District Bendigo Community Bank ®

BENDIGO COMMUNITY BANK® CELEBRATES 15 YEARS IN OUR REGION The Bendigo Community Bank® recently celebrated its 15th birthday in our region, celebrating the milestone at the AGM for Corangamite Financial Services (CFS), held in November at the Winchelsea Hub. After the closure of the last major bank in Winchelsea 16 years ago, $600,000 of local capital was raised to create a Bendigo Community Bank® Branch in Winchelsea. This quickly became a successful and profitable branch, and with further capital raised in Anglesea, the Anglesea Branch was opened in October 2005. In December 2017, with support from the Lorne Community and Bendigo Bank, CFS opened a Community Bank® Branch in Lorne. Attending the AGM was the former Managing Director of Bendigo Bank and founder of the Community Bank® model 20 years ago, Mr Rob Hunt. Rob spoke of the reasoning behind the model and that it was created in an effort to provide financial services to small regional towns after the major banks decided to close.

There are now 321 branches across Australia, which have provided more than $205million back into various regions and towns through community investments. Senior Manager Jeremy Morris and Chairman John Knuckey presented reports on the current financial year along with highlights from the past 15 years, which included:  $158,000 provided to over 60 local groups by way of grants and community investments in 2017/2018, bringing the total contributions to in excess of $2million since the Community Bank® began. Can you believe that?!  Repaid the faith of shareholder investments with consistent strong dividend returns for the past 13 years. Chairman John Knuckey complimented Jeremy Morris on his 15 years of service to CFS, showing great leadership, passion and approachability, to build one of the most successful Community Bank® branches in Australia. 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

Uniting Church Fete and Summer Book Sale Mystery parcels, handmade cards, a collection of vintage clothes 1950 to 1990 (average size 12) and shoes will be on offer. Devonshire teas will again be a highlight of the morning, and a ‘Trash and Treasure’ area will also be a feature.

Summer Book Sale The Summer Book Sale will commence on Monday 7 January (10am – 12 noon daily), remaining open until 1.30pm on the day of the fete.

The wonderful annual fete presented by the Anglesea Uniting Church, is scheduled for Saturday, 12 January 2019, at the Uniting Church in Murch Crescent, Anglesea. Go along to enjoy breakfast from 8.15am and stay on to explore and buy from an extensive array of plants, a large assortment of jams and preserves, cakes and slices, as well as a fascinating collection on the handcraft stall.

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It carries a vast assortment of novels and other books at giveaway prices. Proceeds from these events support local groups like Starfish Nippers, Junior Football and charities further afield. Do go along and enjoy the very friendly atmosphere, as well as purchasing many bargains. The book sale is also held at the church in Murch Crescent, Anglesea. Note: If it’s a ‘Code Red Day’, the event will be cancelled.

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ANGAIR LIBRARY EMBRACES NEW DIGITAL OPPORTUNITIES The ANGAIR Library is located in a dedicated room at the ANGAIR Natural History Centre in the Community Precinct, McMillan Street, Anglesea. It was originally established to house the personal library of Mary D White, who made an invaluable contribution to ANGAIR. She used her outstanding knowledge of natural history to introduce thousands of school children and adults to the biodiversity treasure of the Anglesea Heathlands. With careful management and investment, library holdings have continued to grow over the past 20 years and now encompass an excellent collection of books, periodicals and other publications, as well as CDs and videos on a variety of natural history and environmental topics, with a focus on local and south-western Victorian areas. ANGAIR established a formal library loans policy in 2000 and, since then, the Resource Centre has been open on Mondays from 11am to 1pm for members, Surf Coast Shire residents, students, field naturalists and others to visit and borrow items. Cataloguing of the collection has evolved over time with dedicated input by many ANGAIR members. In 2013, library software Collectorz was installed on a dedicated computer in the Resource Centre. A simplified book catalogue of more than 1000 titles is also available for browsing online from the ANGAIR website at www.angair.org.au/library/library-holdings. Mandy Mitchell-Taverner was appointed honorary librarian in 1999. She has been instrumental in the establishment, development and maintenance of this valuable ANGAIR resource.

In recognition of her huge input, Mandy was made a life member of ANGAIR.

The Future ANGAIR would like to maintain the library legacy while adapting to new digital opportunities and is undertaking a Digital Asset Management (DAM) project. The DAM project will establish a comprehensive searchable relational database designed to capture the extensive knowledge and experience within the organisation and its members. The database will be available on a dedicated computer in the Resource Centre for access to information for education and research alongside the traditional library collection. The DAM project has been greatly assisted by a generous grant from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust. Using the information available in the database, it is also planned to enhance existing resources and to create new ones in print and digital form. Whilst the new library will have enhanced digital capacity and be state-of-the art, ANGAIR is retaining the original name: the Mary D White Resource Centre.

Volunteer Honorary Librarian ANGAIR is now seeking volunteers with an interest in the natural environment, and some computer and/or library skills to assist with the maintenance of the Digital Asset database. Please email the ANGAIR office at admin@angair.org.au for more details.

LIONS CLUB OF ANGLESEA with Anglesea Community Bendigo Bank PRESENTS

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT An alcohol-free event for the whole family 22 DECEMBER at 7 PM ON THE ANGLESEA GREEN located next to the Anglesea Bowling Club FEATURING Guest Artists and Community Singing Santa Claus will provide a present for returned candles. Admission by donation All funds raised will go Lions Club local projects. ALL WELCOME BYO Chair and Blanket NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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ANGLESEA SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB’S NEW ‘SOCIAL PASS’ A HIT WITH LOCALS

Does socialising with friends at awardwinning eatery Captain Moonlite and gaining access to exclusive discounts, while supporting your local Surf Club, sound appealing?

 Special price on tap beer and basic beer bottle at all times.

Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club has you covered with its newly launched ‘Social Pass’.

 BYO night, $5 per bottle every Sunday during May - October.

This year, the Club has opened its doors to the broader community with its Social Pass to cater for those who would like to be a part of the Club but aren't ready to sign up for full membership, or don't require access to equipment and lifesaving activities. According to Club President Tom Cullen, the Social Pass is a great lifestyle option if you want to feel part of the Club and support it without committing to full membership. Social Pass holders have access to a range of benefits, including discounts at Captain Moonlite and invitations to exclusive events.

As part of the new initiative, the Club is providing a Local’s Discount to encourage local residents to get involved. For $80 a year, locals can gain access to the Club and fantastic year-round offers (non-locals pay $100) including Captain Moonlite discounts:  10% discount (excluding happy hour prices, special events or set menus).  Happy hour every Friday from 4 to 6pm during peak season (January April) and 5 to 7pm for non-peak. 30

 20% off dinner at 'Members & Locals' night every Thursday (May - October only).

The Club continues to play an active role in the Anglesea community, also offering local scholarships for members to gain lifesaving skills and qualifications. Like the Club’s membership fees, the Social Pass fee goes directly towards purchasing and maintaining vital lifesaving equipment, training and educating volunteers and members to ensure the safety of locals and the thousands of beach goers who visit Anglesea each year. The Club is embarking on a vital redevelopment project to update the almost 60-year-old building. The new facility will provide Anglesea with a next-generation training and operations centre to be available yearround, with community and sporting groups encouraged to use it. To go on a virtual tour through the proposed new building or make a donation visit www.angleseaslsc.org.au/ redevelopment. To find out more, please visit www.angleseaslsc.org.au/membership, email info@angleseaslsc.org.au or call 5263 1107.

The Tall Slim Gums A poem by local resident, 92-year-old Robert Berrill

I live in the Anglesea Aged Care facility, Where they care for my fading health and mobility. The facility rooms large and small are all beaut. And my private room is cosy and cute. I gaze out my window and what do I see? Two long lines of our world famous tree. Aussie gums, we call them, cos this land is where they survive. They love our sunny country, so here is where they thrive.

We must be vigilant for their future. A wonderful gift from Mother Nature. So the Tall Slim Gums Wave around in the wind and the sun. Exercise classes, carpet bowls and walks. Quiz sessions, Bingo and talks. Keep us active in body and mind. After many years of the daily grind. All this and more, as the Tall Slim Gums Wave around in the wind and the sun. The nurses, sisters and staff make up a wonderful crew. The ideal kind of people found in this type of venue. The meals are OK, But we must always say, It is hard to concede to everyone’s wishes. But at least we don’t have to cook and wash dishes. My final summary – This is the ideal place for me to be. While the Tall Slim Gums Wave around in the wind and the sun.

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This initiative means that household food scraps and other organics will be collected together in your kerbside organics bin and transformed into compost for use on farms, parks and gardens rather than going into landfill. Many Anglesea residents will have already received a small caddy container to be placed in the kitchen for food waste, including fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy, bread and bones.

By Ward Councillor Libby Coker

Did you know there are significant upgrades taking place at Anglesea’s local sporting grounds, thanks largely to the ongoing and passionate advocacy of the community?

Anglesea Cricket Club at Ellimatta Reserve is about to get two new change rooms, disabled access toilets and a storage area, with works set to be completed by Christmas. At the football ground, detailed design of a new 150-lux lighting system is complete and the project is being prepared for tender. Council is working with the club to complete the installation by next football season. This upgrade will mean safer lighting conditions for both junior and senior training and competition matches. Council is also working with the netball club on new netball shelters. Anglesea Football Netball Club also made a successful pitch to the State Government’s ‘Pick My Project’ fund, and progress on 34 new car parks near Ellimatta Reserve’s netball courts can be expected following the State Election. Congratulations must also go to Anglesea Golf Club, which was successful in its ‘Pick My Project’ submission. The club will now undertake a clubhouse refurbishment.

Thanks to everyone who has provided feedback through our survey as the pilot approaches. I would like to emphasise that your bins will still be collected on Wednesdays, with your kerbside organics bin — including food scraps — now collected weekly. Landfill, general waste bins will be collected fortnightly, alternating with your recycling collection. It is important for us to understand what our community thinks about the pilot and the new service. Please visit www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/AngleseaOrganics for information, updates and contact details.

On a different note, Christmas is fast approaching with some great community gatherings coming up, including Anglesea Carols at 7pm on 22 December, at the new location of Anglesea Green, next to the Bowls Club, and an Anglesea outdoor Christmas Eve church service at 7.30pm at Lions Park. Finally, in recent weeks I have attended a number of great community events, including the Aireys Inlet Traders Association AGM, the induction of new Surf Coast United Church Reverend Suzie Castle, and the farewell of Council’s long-serving and passionate Arts Development Officer Julie Dyer, at the Anglesea Community Garden.

These are great results that will deliver lasting benefits.

Each event highlighted the passion and support that our communities have for one another and for the place where we live. Thank you.

Another exciting project is Council’s Anglesea ‘Food Organics’ pilot, with the first collection on 12 December.

Warm Regards, Cr Libby Coker

Tech Angle By Chris Dos

Every so often I’ll be asked to take a look at a storage device that has suddenly stopped working. Nine times out of ten it’s something simple and the disk can be brought back to life, making me look good with a minimum of effort.

can be salvaged. Unfortunately most insist on payment just as they’re giving you the good news.

Not this time.

Very soon it was happy times, transferring all that precious recovered data to a new home using an app that worked well and cost absolutely nothing.

There didn’t seem to be anything wrong with the ‘bits’ that usually fail but this disk wouldn’t even show up on any computer when I plugged it in. Momentarily stumped, I called the owner hoping it was just full of movies or other replaceable distractions. Turns out it contained every photo he had ever taken and a couple of overseas family holidays. “You would have backed it up then,” I said, struggling to mount my high horse. Unfortunately this WAS the back up. Ever up for a challenge, I delved a little deeper. Turns out there are plenty of applications that promise to recover lost data and many that will scan a broken disk and report that it 32

Needing a new angle on the problem, I googled, using the magic phrase - ‘open source’.

Open source ‘freeware’ alternatives to Office, Photoshop and a whole universe of other programs are out there, available to you at no cost. People put in the time and effort to create something useful and then give it away freely.

As we all prepare to experience the joy of giving, many feel that our obsession with personal technology isolates us from each other. This present from the other side of the world reminded me how well it can connect us, to share these gifts of knowledge and solutions between people. Merry Christmas.

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LOCAL PROFILE: MARK HUGLIN

Principal by Day, Rock Star by Night By Terrence Hoffmann

Aireys Inlet Open Mic organiser Marty Maher tells me that all he needs to kick off the annual festival with a bang is Trailhead playing, a crowd and beer. It works every time. Local rock/blues band Trailhead has built quite a following over the last five or six years. Lead singer and vocalist Mark Huglin is an Anglesea resident with a most interesting and busy life. Mark started playing piano aged five. He continued with his piano education until his last year at university when he took his final piano exam. Graduating with a Bachelor of Education with a major in Music Education, he was steeped in music and its performance from primary school. While studying music education, he was required to learn to play the guitar. He immediately took to playing this new instrument to the point where it has become his main instrument of choice. Partly it’s due to the need to practise guitar pieces for his various performances but if you have heard him play, you can hear how his musical gifts have been thoroughly honed.

Mark’s connection with Anglesea began over 20 years ago when he and wife Daniela worked as primary school teachers and enjoyed the use of her parents’ holiday house over school holidays. They both took surfing lessons with Go Ride A Wave and were quickly addicted, buying their first boards and surfing at every opportunity. At the time, they were both teaching in the Macedon Ranges area. Mark was Principal at the Mt Macedon Primary School.

Local musician Mark Huglin.

After their twin boys Rhys and Ryan were born, they continued to holiday in Anglesea. As the boys grew, their love of the beach and the Anglesea lifestyle grew with them. It wasn’t long before Mark and Daniela were talking about not if, but when they could move to live in Anglesea and raise their boys there. First thing to do was get a job. Mark applied for various Trailhead lead singer Mark Huglin (centre), with fellow positions over two to three band members Clarke Veale (left) and Ari Lingham (right). years before finally landing what he wanted. When he lived in Gisborne, he sang regularly in nearby towns as a soloist He became the Principal of Surfside and also with a partner in a duo called Primary School in Ocean Grove. For Orion’s Arm. With his singing partner, the past 10 years he has commuted from he wrote enough original material to Anglesea and back each working day. record an album. Mark wrote half of the songs. The boys commenced at Anglesea Primary School in Grade 2. Now they He continues to write material for are 17 and attend St Josephs in Geelong Trailhead but this is more rock and and Surfcoast Secondary College in blues in style than the message songs Torquay. Daniela works as a Manager about social justice that he penned in for Go Ride A Wave. earlier days. He now sings with the Anglesea Community Rock Choir, After moving to Anglesea, they leading the band and sometimes taking purchased their own home. With Dani lead vocals. Then there is his solo work working in Anglesea and being the at the Rusty Anchor bar at the Anglesea main contact with the boys’ school, she Motor Yacht Club at Point Roadknight. was quickly involved in the local He has sung there over the summer community. holidays for the past two years. Mark’s work is based in Ocean Grove Trailhead formed while Mark, Clarke and, with a principal’s job requiring Veal and Ari Lingham were all long working days away from involved in junior football at Anglesea. Anglesea, it wasn’t until the boys were Clarke mentioned he was a drummer, old enough to start playing junior Ari said that he could play bass, and football that he found connections in Mark revealed he sang and played lead this community. guitar. He commenced as a parent helper with After a few jam sessions together, they the Under 10s, became the coach the joined forces and started to put together following year and continues a enough songs to play at parties and connection with the club. He will entertain an audience for a whole night. support his boys as required with the Mark loves the balance music gives Colts U18s side and has taken a role on him. A busy principal with meetings the Football Club Board next year. and management issues, a busy dad However, many local people would know Mark as a musician. Apart from Trailhead, Mark has a solo career that dates back many years.

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with his boys’ involvement in football, and then a bit of a release with some good old fashioned rock and roll – and loving it.

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Great Summer Reads Brought to you by Nicole and the team at Great Escape Books

The Lost Man

Preservation

by Jane Harper (Australian Fiction)

by Jock Serong (Australian Fiction)

Back in the outback setting of The Dry, this gripping story will have you enthralled from the start. Jane Harper captures the vast outback with its myths and legends and its complicated, often volatile, family relationships. This unforgiving land breeds its own hard people, stubbornly both embracing and alienating its own. This story is about three brothers who work a station thousands of acres wide. One brother is found dead at the landmark Stockman’s Grave. There is nothing logical about this death—is it suicide or murder? The shocking unravelling of this story takes us to bleak and unexpected truths. Is it the landscape or human nature that can produce such hard people and enable them to make unthinkable choices? The heat and dust contrast with the beautiful homestead that is the setting for this thrilling story. I loved the unpredictability of it - such a great read. Review by Sue @ Great Escape Books

Preservation opens in 1797 after three men stagger out of the bush to tell the Governor of Sydney and his right hand man, Lieutenant Joshua Grayling, the story of how their boat, the Sydney Cove, had become wrecked with few survivors. Walking hundreds of miles and surviving the bush either because of, or in spite of, the aid of the local aboriginal tribes, their tale is full of holes and contradictions. As Grayling and his wife Charlotte struggle to sort out fact from fiction, a harrowing tale of calculation and murder emerges. Jock Serong has constructed a highly believable tale of early life in the colonies: its brash new rawness and the complexities of relationship with the local tribes, weave around the true story of the wreck of the tea and rum ship, the Sydney Cove. A masterful historical novel! Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books

by Anna Burns (Irish Fiction)

Happiness (Scottish Fiction) by Aminatta Forna

I am entranced by this author and, after The Memory of Love and The Hired Man, I couldn’t wait to read Happiness. Two strangers literally collide on a bridge in London. Attila, an African psychiatrist, and Jean, an American studying urban foxes, cross paths several times throughout and open up new and different worlds neither knew existed. This is not about romance or politics or individual needs but a glowing salute to urban networks, friendships and the randomness of kindness. An uplifting tribute to the simplicity of happiness and the connection between kindness without demands and attention. A beautifully written book that filled me with joy and a cast of people to admire. Review by Sue @ Great Escape Books

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Milkman—2018 Man Booker Winner A most worthy winner of the 2018 Man Booker, Milkman, set in Belfast at the height of the troubles in the 1970s, gives us an illuminating insight into the almost fanatical tribal bonds of religion and class that bind both sides of the Irish community. Through our central character of a young Catholic teenager (one of 10 siblings) who is trying to steer herself a safe passage through the minefields of gossip and character assassination, we live and breathe the cast -iron rule-book, which dictates who can be your friend, who you can marry and even where you can live. And Lord protect you if you break one of these strict rules, as banishment is the least of your problems. Woven throughout, there is a great degree of humour that lightens the tensely violent atmosphere of the Milkman. A standout Man Booker winner, I adored everything about this heart-rending novel. Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books

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Unbreakable Threads

Wedderburn

The Morrison Government has just pledged to have all children released from offshore detention centres by Christmas. It is in this climate that we read Emma Adams' poignant book. Emma Adams on an ordinary day, swapped her shift as a psychiatrist with a colleague. That swap meant working with refugees in a Darwin detention center. For Abdul, there is no such thing as an ordinary day. Abdul at just fifteen years of age, fled wartorn Afghanistan on a rickety refugee boat, alone. Emma and Abdul's lives collide in what one might call fate, or the universe at work. Emma walked away physically, back to her life as a Mum and a professional while leaving a piece of her heart with this boy she just met. Unbreakable Threads takes us on Emma's fight to open her home and heart to one refugee boy. A boy who like all of us needs love and affection. The fight to have children who have suffered immeasurable trauma to not suffer re-trauma at the hands of Australia's bureaucrats. This book is equal parts challenging and heartwarming, staying with you long after you've finished it. A true story of strength, bravery and compassion. Review by Lydia @ Great Escape Books

Cuskelly offers an intelligent and sensitive exposition of a triple murder that took place on a rural property in Wedderburn, Victoria, in October 2014. Probing character, history, motivation, gossip in a small country town, she considers the pressures and hidden forces that might lie behind a triple murder of “normal” people. A murder committed by their next-door neighbour, whom people spoke well of and considered a friend. And she raises disturbing questions about our innate capacity for violence. Cuskelly presents her material with all the power of a true storyteller, using brief vignettes for emphasis, and calm understated commentary. She gathers their stories with meticulous attention to detail and nuance, and then skilfully crafts her own interpretation of these events. But she doesn’t allow us to forget that this story is real. And she shows us how horror rises from the shadows of the ordinary, more than it ever could from a spotlight on the bloody results. Still, there are bloody results … I’m not generally a fan of the true crime genre but I was completely caught up in this book, horrified and fascinated, right to the last page. Review by Andrea @ Great Escape Books

by Emma Adams (Australian Non-Fiction)

Inside the Tiger

by Maryrose Cuskelly (Australian Non-Fiction)

Pages and Co

by Hayley Lawrence (Australian Fiction—YA)

by Anna James (English Fiction—Ages 8-12 years)

Bel is in year 11 at a prestigious girls boarding school in Sydney and as part of an assignment, she decides to write to a Death Row prisoner in Thailand. When the prisoner, Micah, who is Australian and only 1 year older than Bel, writes back to her, she is drawn into his world through his letters and she finds herself opening up to him and falling for this boy with his ragged hair, shackles, his loyal prison mates and a terrible past. Bel then risks everything, including her relationships with her two closest and loyal friends and travels to Thailand to meet Micah. Inside The Tiger is a brave, confronting and compelling book dealing with determination, personal sacrifice and an insight into the Thai prison system and the controversy surrounding the death penalty rarely seen in YA. Highly recommended. Review by Jenny @ Great Escape Books

Pages and Co is a magical novel that just shines with happiness. Tilly is being brought up by her lovable but slightly odd grandparents in a wonderful old English bookshop. It’s school holidays and Tilly finds comfort in her favorite books. She longs for a ‘real’ friend that understands her when then one day she finds Anne of Green Gables and Alice in Wonderland sitting beside her, keen on adventure. Tilly, to her amazement, discovers she is a “book wanderer”. Not only can she wander into any story, but also her bookish friends can join her in the real world. Together they help Tilly find friendship and unravel the mystery at the centre of this book of what happened to her beloved mother. A beautiful novel Pages and Co just shines with its warm wisdom and gentle humour. Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books

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Write Angles By Melva Stott

We shall remember them

No room in the inn

There are people in town who's names we may not know but they improve our quality of life and we appreciate them.

The Anglesea Motel is about to morph into something else. That's all right with me. After 16 years as the handmaid of the Lord, I'm no longer doing the Live Nativity on the riverbank, so I no longer need the 'No Vacancy' sign on The Inn. I have the photos of Mary standing beneath the old sign.

Over the past 18 months, I have often waited for the papers to be delivered, then I could lose myself in them for awhile. I'm not the only one. I see the house lights on in the early hours. The postman stops for a chat and to check if I'm okay. I've heard he keeps an eye on riders out on their scooters, so that they can roam safely and independently in his area. And the driver of the garbage truck alighted to advise me when I first had to deal with the rubbish. He still gives me a friendly greeting if he sees me in the streets. These people enrich our community, and may God bless them everyone.

Everything old is new again The Historical Society has restored an original Anglesea bathing box. Many townspeople lent a hand with their special skills and talents. The box now has new walls, floor and roof. In fact it sounds very much like an axe my father was fond of saying he once owned. He said it had belonged to Captain Cook, and it had only had five new heads and six new handles.

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Remembering Christmases past Life in the stable greatly pleased Mary, as it consisted of much sitting around and talking to visitors, and a complete lack of housework! There were P-plate boys waving stubbies from car windows and yelling, "You're doin' a good job!" And lo! There came three men riding nigh unto the stable. The names of their trusty steeds were Du Cati, Harley Davidson and Suzuki. These riders did come from the east – from a faroff village known as Ocean Grove. They had been following the Great Ocean Road all the way to Lorne, when they didst stoppeth off and spaketh their greetings unto us.

Too much to say The main problem I have with writing this column is what to leave out. I always have too much. Ah, well, no-one can say this a boring town!

Happy Christmas! Keep smiling! Melva Stott

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