NewsAngle 137

PUBLICATION OF THE ANGLESEA COMMUNITY HOUSE

ISSUE 137 AUTUMN 2019

Geo and Jan Francis at the ‘moongate’ entry into their property and studio.

From Humble Beginnings ...

By Liz Clark

What a treat it was to spend time in the company of Jan and Geo Francis as they proudly discussed their life and work, the joys and challenges, the ups and downs of life as artists.

They are both extremely generous with their time and expertise. As well as allowing me to stick my nose into their studios, sheds and garden to see just a little of how they combine life and art, they delight in all they do and humbly accept accolades from around the world for their wonderful achievements.

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In the early ‘70s, Geo worked for Alcoa in Geelong and Jan was an at-home mum with the first of her four children, Cinnamon. Life was simple and relatively uncomplicated. A friend suggested Jan should go to a pottery class with her, so she did.

Highlights Neighbourhoodies!

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Profile: ‘Jimpy’ Shears

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Bioblitz on Surf Coast

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Profile: Rev Suzie Castle

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Anglesea Twins in Nepal

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Amble to Addis ‘Pink Walk’ 16 Let the Fun Be‘gin’

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Community Corner

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Continued on page 4 > 1

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NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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

“…in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” (1789 B. Franklin) Change is a constant and, as usual, there is heaps going on at the Anglesea Community House!

This term, we welcomed Melissa Brooks to our team. Newly minted Coordinator Children’s Services and mum of four kids of her own, Mel was well known to us during her training placements and through the popular Bells & Beats music program.

Mel is settling in beautifully and has a great vision for delivering quality child care in collaboration with the parents and wider community.

If you wish to book an annual or casual advertisement, please request an Order Form via email advertising@anglesea.org.au

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.

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.

The Operations Coordinator role has a focus on the effective running of the House itself – finances, HR, policies and procedures, grant application and acquittals. The Program Coordinator position is focussed on the community building activities, auspice groups, marketing, events, courses, networking.

Our three coordinators will form the backbone of our future offerings to support our community.

Unfortunately, the role of Adult Education Programmer, as a standalone role, is not supported in the new structure. After almost 10 years, Ann Wingad will be leaving us at the end of this term. We will miss her gentle, skilled patience and capability around the place and we are truly sorry to see her go. Please join us in giving Ann all the warmest wishes for her future and be sure to say good bye.

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We have also finalised the restructure of the Community House. As you may know, our long serving coordinator, Alex, retired last year. Having reviewed our operations from bottom up, we have decided that we need not one coordinator but two!

Mel Brooks is the new Children’s Services Coordinator at the Community House.

Thanks Ann for everything you have done for us all.

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

Deadlines Issue:

138

Casual ad bookings:

13 May

Articles/Contributions:

13 May

Subject to availability of space Distribution:

27 June

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

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From Humble Beginnings: Jan and Geo Francis > continued from page 1

She came home and announced to Geo that she loved pottery – they should make lots and lots of pots and sell them. So they did.

and suggested she should expand her horizons and begin to paint. So she did, painting some chickens that had caught her eye.

Geo built her a pottery wheel and later a kiln, and thus began a cottage industry that was to keep them both gainfully employed for 15 years or so.

She approached Betty Cooper’s Hobson’s Choice Gallery to see if they would be interested in displaying the painting for sale. The following Monday she received a phone call: ‘Well I’ve sold that picture, have you got any more?’.

It was the start too of their love affair with the arts and a life of creativity and adventure, including pottery, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery-making, painting, carving, illustrating, designing and metalwork. You name it, they have probably tried it. If they didn’t know how to do something, they just gave it a go and watched what happened.

What happened has taken them from simple beginnings to respect, honour and recognition in arts communities all around the world.

With a philosophy that demands that they take up every opportunity they meet, ‘if a door opens, go through’ – Geo gave Jan a canvas and some paints

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During the 80s, pottery seemed to be going out of fashion and wasn’t selling quite so readily, so Jan wondered if painting could become a commercial enterprise and actually pay the bills.

Now a mother of four, she found she had a natural talent for oil painting and, as her creativity bloomed, she painted more and gained confidence in her work.

Geo stepped in as framemaker and the business began to grow. Both she and Geo approached nearby cafes to see if they would like to display her paintings for sale, and before they knew it their

name was being spread widely in the Geelong area.

Jan and Geo joined the Geelong Arts Society. Jan began to enter art competitions and display her art at various local and regional exhibitions until one day it was suggested that it was about time she had her own exhibition. So she did.

Local art lovers queued up to purchase the paintings at the exhibition titled ‘Over the Moon and all that Jazz’, featuring fantasies, fairies and musicians. She painted more and more, especially nudes, people, musicians and jazz, learning by trial and error what worked for her.

Geo became serious about photography and began to sell his works as well. He also developed an interest in sculpture, and launched himself into a new world working with stone, metal and wood, welding, cutting, grinding, shaping, using old ‘found’ bits from farms and sheds to make intriguingly different figures and landmark statues.

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He says he uses something large – like a stone or part of a tree – and works to find what is inside it, to feel and see what it can offer him in a different form. He refines it down into something new and beautiful. He also uses something small, like a rod of steel, to build up a shape and form. A fertile imagination is very helpful.

In 2002, Geo was instrumental in the formation of the Geelong Sculptors group, working to raise awareness of sculpture as an art form and he is delighted that there is a growing appreciation of this style of art, especially within larger cities, in parks and gardens, new housing estates and public places. Examples of his work can be seen in Torquay, along the Surf Coast, Geelong, Barwon Heads and in various wineries and private collections.

Not only do artists travel, fame does too, and Jan and Geo have developed a growing network of those who admire their works.

An innate curiosity had them looking further afield to see what opportunities there were for spreading their joy. They entered competitions overseas, and won more awards. An Italian art colleague asked them, ‘Do you want me to look for a gallery for a solo exhibition in Italy?’. Well, of course they did.

As well as travelling broadly in Italy, they have been given invitations to South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, New York and Denmark, to display their artworks to great acclaim. This has allowed them to meet wonderful people, share culture and ideas and experience hospitality and exotic places.

Another door opened as they began to plan for a cultural exchange between Geelong and Turin, whereby 21 artists from the area would be selected and invited to Turin to experience the art scene and enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences, and artists from Turin would come here.

For a couple who had no formal arts training, they have paved an amazing path to success in various fields.

To enter the property from the carpark, a visitor needs to walk through the moongate (pictured on front page) – a circular opening in the garden wall, a traditional architectural element in many Eastern gardens.

Both Jan and Geo received Honorary Arts degrees from the Accademia Delle Belle Arti Di Cuneo in Italy in 2005, honouring their years of hard work and dedication to the arts both here and in Italy.

The size of the gateway allows a visitor to bow slightly before they enter, and then walk through freely into the garden.

Unbounding energy has had Jan and Geo hosting dozens of people here over time, as well as attending similar events throughout Italy.

In cooperation with Diversitat and the City of Geelong, they have managed and directed exchanges, made lots of new contacts, and entertained strangers who, after two weeks in their company, have become lifelong friends.

In recognition of them as ambassadors for a decade of biennial cultural exchange between Victoria and Piemonte, an Honorary Citizenship of Piemonte, Italy was awarded to them in 2005. A ‘Lifetime Achievement in Arts Award’ - the Medaglia Maurizina for both Jan and Geo topped off a wonderful year for them in 2017, as they also celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Interesting sculptures adorn the gardens of Jan and Geo Francis at Moongate Studios.

With a strong belief in teamwork, a philosophy of making the most of the situations life presents and an extraordinary openness to try new things, a world beyond their wildest imaginations has been opened up for them.

Moongate Studios in Elkington Road is Jan and Geo’s ongoing project. They purchased a large, bushland property near Anglesea and began to make the mud bricks to build their house more than 30 years ago.

Initially they built a small cottage, mainly to see if it worked or not, then over the next 28 years (on and off)

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they laboured to complete their beautiful home.

It is a work of art itself, lined with family memories, found treasures, colour and joy, completely reflecting this couple’s diversity and love of life, celebrating their journey into the creative life.

Here they have also built Moongate Gallery, a private exhibition space for their works, for exhibitions and open studio days.

Jan and Geo believe that this invites a person to leave behind whatever they have come from and enter into something new, interesting and exciting. Surrounding gardens, amazing art and sculpture are yet another tribute to their creativity and hard work.

Moongate Studios is open by private appointment or on special occasions during the year.

Look for their ads for the Surf Coast Arts Trail and the Anglesea Arts Studio group on selected weekends. I recommend a visit to Moongate so that you too can enjoy meeting this amazing couple and seeing some of their beautiful artworks.

Call 0414 876 383 for an appointment.

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Neighbourhoodies!

By Bron Ives

Q: What’s red, white and black, the size of a toothbrush and lives at the beach?

A: A hooded plover!

Right now, at carefully chosen beaches between Point Impossible and Moggs Creek there are hooded plover parents trying really hard to raise their chicks – sadly these rare little birds are having a few problems.

We only have 550 hooded plovers left in Victoria and their numbers are declining because nest failures are high and too few young are being added to the population.

Hoodies face an almost overwhelming number of threats — some we can influence, others we can’t.

Luckily we have eight breeding pairs on the Surf Coast that we can help.

Chicks generally have a 25 percent chance of surviving, but when people help by fencing off their nests, putting out chick shelters, and keeping their dogs on leads around the birds, their survival goes up by 400 percent!

Hooded plovers are small – and not to be confused with the larger and more common ‘Lapwings’ often found on verges and golf courses.

Hoodies choose unusual nesting places,

‘SZ’ at Fairhaven – a great success story for the hoodies. (Photo - Graham Lee) usually sandy beaches or dunes where they build a little ‘scrape’ in the sand and lay their eggs.

parent was recently seen dive-bombing a white-faced heron that was being too curious.

They are caring and attentive parents and bravely do all they can to protect their chicks – they lunge like darts at seagulls, they lead magpies away with pretend ‘broken wing displays’ and one

This year’s breeding season on the Surf Coast has seen some highs – and some lows. One great success was ‘HP’ and ‘XS’ with their chick ‘SZ’, who was found rolling down a sand dune at Aireys Inlet, only days old. The letters refer to their leg flags.

Signs were put up to let people know what was happening and temporary fencing erected to keep people and dogs at a safe distance.

Together, the hoody parents and local community members protected SZ for five weeks until it could fly and better protect itself. SZ can still be seen at Fairhaven in the company of other hoodies.

One major dilemma is that our summer holidays coincide with the hooded plover breeding season – and there’s not much we can do about that.

However, to help the chicks reach fledging stage, local volunteers spend time on the beach talking with sunbathers, dog walkers, swimmers, surfers, hang gliders, tourists and anyone really – answering questions and encouraging people to enjoy the birds while giving them plenty of space to feed and rest undisturbed.

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Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC), a State Government body, is trialling a temporary exclusion zone that prevents dogs from the area near the birds for their fledging period of about five weeks.

Already one chick has disappeared but one remains and its parents and the locals are watching it hopefully.

If you live on the Surf Coast, the chances are you love the beach, and in summer we head there in droves, we’ve done it all our lives – its in our DNA. It’s also in the DNA of the hoodies, and they’ve lived there forever. Volunteers and beachgoers who care about these wonderful little birds do a great job but more needs to be done.

Hooded plovers are protected. Damaging their nests, or allowing dogs or people to chase or harass them (or other birds) is a crime that attracts penalties.

Almost everyone is interested and eager to help by walking at the water’s edge and by keeping dogs temporarily leashed.

This is not always the case, and tragically a 19-day-old chick was chased by dogs and killed at Point Roadknight over the summer holidays. Disturbingly, this may also be the case at other nests.

In January, a chick hatched at Red Rocks, Point Addis, and locals from Birdlife Australia’s Friends of the Hooded Plover Surf Coast drew up a roster and watched the small family every weekend, including the busy Australia Day long weekend.

Local and state authorities need adequate resources and your support so they can play a more proactive role.

If you would like to volunteer an hour or so of your time each week during the breeding season, please contact www.birdlife.org.au/projects/beach-nesting-birds/forvolunteers to find out mor e. The hoodies would love your help.

Thank you for giving the birds some space and for leashing your dog near the birds – this will help them to defy the odds and survive.

Due to the location and popularity of the birds, they soon earned themselves the nickname ’Roxie and the Red Rocks Rockstars’, but at 33 days old and just two days short of being able to fly, Roxie was found dead.

A necropsy is being carried out to better understand the cause.

Point Addis is a National Park and dogs must be on leads at all times. Parks Victoria has been patrolling and issuing fines if dogs are not leashed.

The results of a nest at Moggs Creek have been mixed. Three chicks died over the first few weeks, two vanished (lots of fox prints were found on the beach near the birds) and the third chick was taken by a magpie.

The same parents nested again and two eggs hatched at the Moggs nesting site. Hoping to help the chicks survive, the

One-day-old Hooded Plover chick and parent, Moggs Creek (Photo - Margaret Lacey) NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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LOCAL PROFILE: JOHN ‘JIMPY’ SHEARS

Jimpy’s Corner

By Penny Edmandson

Those more observant among our beachgoers may have noticed a fading sign on the timber cross-bar of the dune fencing along the Anglesea Main Beach. ‘Jimpy’s Corner’ is so named for one of our local living legends. The sign may be worse for wear but the man himself is certainly not. the team in which he was number two seat remained unbeaten.

I meet Jimpy at the Anglesea Aged Care Home where he has recently taken up residence. Presenting as a good 20 years younger than his age, he is immaculately dressed with panama hat at hand, and looks more ready for a day at the races than a chat with me for NewsAngle.

After Jimpy stopped rowing, the Mercantile Rowing Club honoured him by naming a racing pair after him. An honour well deserved by someone with the rare achievement of having rowed championships in all three categories: Lightweight, Junior and Senior. The ‘John Shears’ has won several races on the Yarra River and is in store at the Mercantile Boat Shed.

Jimpy is a born raconteur, with an amazing recall of dates and details – no mean feat when some 60 years have passed since the events we are talking about.

Born John Shears in 1926, the nickname ‘Jimpy’ is a joke that backfired. The original Jimpy was a character from a comic strip run in the Argus newspaper during the 40s and 50s. John thought it would be a lark to attach the name to a friend but instead ended up with it himself!

John ‘Jimpy’ Shears, at 92 years of age, has a wealth of stories to tell. A book in the making, here is but a snapshot.

Jimpy, one of six children, grew up in Melbourne and attended Scotch College. Together with his two older brothers, he took over the reins of the family business ‘Edward Shears and Company’, providing essential items for pastry cooks.

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Jimpy, aged 92, has been part of the local landscape since the 1950s.

Jimpy and his older brother, Herbert, excelled as rowers. For Jimpy, a highlight was being stroke for the Mercantile team when it won for the first time in 11 years against the favoured Corio team. Jimpy credits this win, in part, to Mercantile’s superior stamina. The race was two and a half miles along the Lower Yarra from Maribyrnong to Spencer Street, twice the distance of today’s races.

Jimpy was part of 11 Senior Eight crews during the 1951-52 season, either as stroke or number two seat. In 1952,

The brothers’ first taste of Anglesea was during the Christmas break of 1950. One of their rowing mates, ‘The Ox’, suggested a trip to camp on a block owned by family friends.

When Ox arrived to collect them in his father’s Chevy 1946 – an adventure in itself as this was one of the first new cars from America – they had an unexpected extra passenger.

Jimpy’s younger brother, Bill, determined not to miss out, appeared on the doorstep with a blanket under his arm. When it was suggested that there wouldn’t be room in the tent, he determinedly said he’d sleep in the car!! They relented and thus the three brothers began a long association with Anglesea.

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In fact, he joined six months before the Club was opened. David Baker, the first President of the Surf Club recruited Jimpy and his brothers to join for the princely sum of 90 pounds all up. Although Jimpy would say his golfing skills were not quite as outstanding as his skills on water, his stamina once again assisted and he continued to play until the age of 92, enjoying a regular four once a week.

Jimpy excelled at rowing, and is pictured here as ‘stroke’ for the Mercantile Rowing Club.

It was one of those summers where the weather was sublime – day after day of glorious sunshine, and their first attempt on surf skis had them converted. Jimpy took to it naturally.

After rowing in fours, eights and sculls, this simply seemed an easy extension.

From that first Christmas of 1950, the boys would be down from Melbourne at every opportunity.

An early member of the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, which was formed at the end of 1952, Jimpy remembers well the first Club House: a disused tin shed next to the bathing boxes, which then graced the dunes of Main Beach.

length of membership at 66 years, he is the oldest living member.

In 1953, tiring of the camping life, Jimpy and Herbert bought a block of land in Noble Street for 80 pounds and proceeded to erect a shack. This served as base for their surfing exploits until the 1980s, when Jimpy purchased a house on the corner of Second Ave and Melba Parade to which he retired after the business was sold in the early 80s.

Not many people today could claim to be founding members of clubs formed in the early 50s. Jimpy claims that honour twice, also being the longest serving member of the Anglesea Golf Club, which was opened in 1953.

Throughout our conversation, Jimpy reiterates the view that he has been lucky in life. Lucky to have had the opportunities in rowing and surfing, lucky to survive a monster wave on a surf ski – having lost his paddle he clung on like a limpet and miraculously found himself landing on the beach, lucky to sell his first house six months before it burnt down in the 1983 fires and to have his second house survive, and lucky not to experience hospital until he was 92.

I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to hear Jimpy’s stories and to reflect on a life lived so obviously according to the ‘glass half-full’ premise.

Jimpy’s happiness over the years is evident in his face, which belies his years; a face clear of wrinkles with only laughter lines and a twinkle in the eye.

After shoveling out all the sand and giving it a roof, the Club House was ready for action.

With some considerable ingenuity, and lack of regulations, they were able to set up a cold shower. The water was accessed from Debonair Guest House and run by a hose under the Great Ocean Road and over the dunes.

Jimpy was a stalwart of the club from the outset, serving five years on the committee in the 50s and competing successfully in ski races. He, with his brother, Herb, won the Doubles Ski in the Anglesea Carnival and he was just beaten on Single Ski in the Victorian Championship of about 1957.

Jimpy continues as a member of the Surf Life Saving Club today. With NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Bioblitz on the Surf Coast By ‘Possum’ Pete Crowcroft – Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, Environmental Education Program Coordinator

To celebrate ‘Biodiversity Month’ during September last year, community members of the Surf Coast region were asked to get outside and go on a ‘bioblitz’.

That is, to take photos of any biodiversity they found and then upload it to the online database iNaturalist.

It was a success and resulted in 564 separate observations of over 250 different species, with several pictures showing organisms yet to be conclusively identified.

There were some extremely interesting finds, with a rarely seen Pouched Lamprey (Geotria australis) found dead and photographed in the Erskine River

by Year 10 students James Gray and Bailley O’Conner from Lorne P-12 College.

An incredible sighting of a hunting Maori Octopus (Macroctopus maorum) occurred when the community came together for an evening rockpool bioblitz and BBQ at Point Roadknight.

An observation of an unusual butterfly from Marg Macdonald caused quite a stir when it was identified as an endangered Silky Hairstreak (Pseudalmenus chlorinda).

The unusual ‘Silky Hairstreak’ butterfly was sighted during last year’s local ‘bioblitz’.

No records for this species previously existed in this region according to the ‘Atlas of Living Australia’.

It was no surprise however, that Superb Fairy-wrens and Eastern Grey Kangaroos were the most commonly observed animals. King Parrots,

Kookaburras and the Waxlip Orchid were also regularly observed.

Over the course of September, the orchids were a treat to find and photograph. From 54 observations, 18 different orchid species were found flowering, including rare and endemic species (those found nowhere else in the world but Anglesea).

Being the start of spring in a wildflower hotspot made for exciting observations of botanical diversity.

Over 120 different plant species were photographed and identified to a ‘research grade’, meaning the observation then gets shared to the Atlas of Living Australia and can be used as an open source data point for researchers worldwide. Citizen science in practice.

It really brought home what an amazing place this is, with so much life surrounding us. Each a unique species 10

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Observations during the ‘bioblitz’ on the Surf Coast included a lamprey (top left), Maori Octopus (bottom left), a Pobblebonk frog (top right) and the ultimate combo … a frog in the mouth of a Tawny Frogmouth!

with a story of its own. In many ways, it felt like we had only scratched the surface. We did need to take a dive, because almost the whole underwater world remained unobserved!

Personally, my most exciting observation came when I was looking for frogs at Coogoorah Park.

The place was an amazing chorus of Pobblebonks and Brown Tree frogs. On my way home, a Tawny Frogmouth posed beautifully, before taking off and snatching something off the road.

Tracking it down, I got to see the ultimate combo; a frog in a frogmouth’s mouth.

Thanks to those people who put in a great effort to make this project worthwhile: special mentions to Simon Scholtes for getting his students out observing biodiversity, and to Patrick Flanagan who got some interesting birds onto the species list.

It now stands as a valuable resource for teachers and anyone with an interest to access and admire the incredible biodiversity of the Surf Coast region.

Please visit the website and take a look at the results of the project, they are open for all to see. www.inaturalist.org/projects/surfcoast-september-bioblitz If you would like to get involved, please contact Pete – peter.c@gorcc.com.au NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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LOCAL PROFILE: MINISTER SUZIE CASTLE

A new Rev for the Surf Coast

By Mary Bremner

Twenty-five years ago, young Suzie Castle set off from the family farm in her white, topless jeep with a pink strip emblazoned down the side, in search of adventure in Queensland.

Fast forward to the present and the Reverend Suzie Castle is sitting in my kitchen, telling me about experiencing God’s call to ministry with the Uniting Church Surf Coast Linked Congregations.

Suzie grew up in Pomborneit, in the Stoney Rises between Colac and Camperdown. On leaving school she trained as a nurse and worked with people with disabilities.

Her first job in Queensland was in a Uniting Church aged-care facility – an experience that led to a passion for the rights of the elderly.

“The greatest thing was listening to the stories about their lives – stories of courage, resilience and humility,” said Suzie.

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Suzie was lured away from nursing when she heard about the better pay and hours on offer, digging pits for Telstra. She toiled, putting in Foxtel cabling throughout the Gold Coast and south of Brisbane. She learned to operate heavy machinery, jack hammers and drills and picked up a range of skills she rates as invaluable.

With some money saved up, Suzie tossed a pack on her back and spent some time exploring the United Kingdom.

She returned to Queensland and worked in a number of different jobs.

God’s call to ministry came in the middle of studying for the police force – in her words, “most inconvenient timing”.

Suzie tried to run away from it and came to Victoria for three months. “But it turns out God lives in Victoria as well,” Suzie said.

She returned to Queensland and spent 18 months discerning the call to ministry with “the most amazing mentors testing and challenging me”.

The Church affirmed her call and Suzie went on to do four years study in theology. Her last placement was a three-year stint with St Marks Uniting Church, Mount Gravatt.

The high regard that her former parishioners have for Suzie was evident when some of them flew down from Queensland for her induction service, held last November at Trinity Church in Anglesea.

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Victoria — she describes it as “one of my greatest tools of ministry.” Suzie can’t wait to have groups of people around her table, eating together, firing off questions and sharing stories.

In Brisbane, Suzie ran a number of youth groups and young adult ministries. She held dinner parties and outdoor movie nights floating in her in-ground pool. The group would later question and discuss where God could be found in the movie and how this applied to their lives.

Thoughts of a beach ministry have also come to mind.

“To sit on the beach at five o’clock at night, when people are leaving work and create a space for them to sit, talk, tell stories. I think that would be a beautiful ministry,” said Suzie.

Rev. Suzie Castle is the new minister with the local Uniting Church.

Suzie beams when she talks about her love for the Surf Coast and the great joy of being able to once again hang out with her family. But there are some changes to get used to.

Previously she had just one flock to care for - now Suzie ministers to four congregations (Torquay, Bellbrae, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet).

Suzie is currently living in Torquay and has bought a block of land in the appropriately-named Sanctuary Estate in Armstrong Creek. Plans to build her own home in – wait for it – Spirit Parade, are well underway.

A conversation with Suzie will most likely reveal her passion for social justice. She continues her work to bring change to human trafficking, indigenous poverty, domestic violence, social isolation and the plight of refugees across the world.

The footnote on her emails, discouraging the recipient from unnecessary printing, speaks to Suzie’s concern for our environment.

Suzie is aware that there is always ‘push back’ when controversial subjects are raised. To that she says, “My faithfulness lies with God, not with popular opinion. I don’t sit to the right or the left, I try to sit in the truth.”

Amen to that.

A profile of Suzie would not be complete without mentioning Stanley, her seven-year-old, four-legged bundle of canine joy. Suzie named him after her favourite theologian, Stanley Hauerwas (Hauerwas is cited as one of the world’s most influential thinkers, and known for his work related to ethics and political theology).

“He agrees with everything I think,” says Suzie, smiling cheekily.

Hitting the ground running, Suzie started her new position just before the busy Christmas season. Since then she has set about the huge task of visiting every one of her congregation members.

Suzie has a real heart for people and is getting energetically involved in existing church outreach activities – the Op Shop at Bellbrae, the fete held at Anglesea, Pancake Day at Aireys Inlet and the pre-schoolers’ program ‘Coffee and Kids’ at Torquay to name a few.

Suzie acknowledges that many people in the community see the church as irrelevant.

“I’d love the opportunity to explain to people on the Surf Coast what the church is. Jesus calls us into this community and it doesn’t matter who we are and what issues we come with because we’re all called to love one another. We are called to uphold the dignity of whoever walks through our door.”

Suzie also has many ideas for reaching out to other age groups. She has brought her 10-seater table with her to NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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Namaste, Namaste

By Jenna Crawford

‘Namaste’ is a general greeting in Nepalese, to which 30 students and six supervisors became accustomed when they visited Nepal in late 2018.

Two of those in this group were Surf Coast Secondary College year 10 students, twins and Anglesea residents, Madison and Ryan Doyle.

They went to an information session at the school with their mother and were convinced it was something they wanted to experience.

The expedition took three weeks, leaving Melbourne and flying to Katmandu, where they stayed and were welcomed, before embarking on rather treacherous, narrow and mountainous roads to more remote parts of the country.

The group was divided into two, with Madison in one group and Ryan in the other. Madison's group endured a five-day hike in mountainous terrain, with the highest peak reaching 3600 metres.

They camped in tents that were pitched by porters and in the evenings enjoyed a three-course meal, comprised of soup, a main course of rice and vegetables, followed by something sweet.

Whilst on the hike, each group was divided into even smaller groups of three or four, who had to take turns in making decisions that would affect everyone.

In addition to the five days of hiking, the group completed a community project to assist in improving the existing school building.

They completed many manual tasks, such as the removal of

Anglesea teens Ryan and Madison Doyle visited Nepal with school.

rubble and digging the area so it could be paved to make a more substantial base to prevent sand movement and flooding.

Whilst working at the school, the students had opportunities to interact with their Nepalese counterparts, who ranged from pre-school age to about 17 years. It gave the Nepalese students a fantastic opportunity to practise the English they are taught in school and to improve their communication skills.

Ball games and card games provided valuable interactions and sometimes they had to resort to communication with imaginative sign language. A great and amusing experience for all involved.

Ryan experienced a longer hike over nine days in total. He had previously walked the Kokoda track so had had the invaluable experience with mountainous, difficult terrain.

His group's community project was also at a school, where they moved an enormous amount of dirt to level the ground and also painted the entire school. They did not have as much to do with the students as Madison's group.

In addition to hiking and working, both Madison and Ryan had opportunities to enjoy the rich, cultural life of Nepal.

Ryan Doyle’s trek through Nepal.

They were welcomed into Hindu and Buddhist temples. They went to a national park to view the native wildlife. In fact, Madison's viewing of a rhinoceros nearly turned into a disaster when it decided to chase the group.

They loved looking at snow-capped mountains whilst drinking hot tea at the local tea house.

The cost of this adventure was about $7000, without spending money. Both Ryan and Madison worked and saved to pay for at least half the sum.

Madison worked at a polo farm at Freshwater Creek, exercising, saddling, washing and feeding horses, while Ryan worked at every available opportunity at Stabb's Butchers in Anglesea, washing implements and utensils.

No doubt, their financial contributions made these experiences all the more meaningful for them.

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GROW Ad to come

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Amble to Addis Pink Walk 2019

By Penny Edmandson

The seventh annual A mble to Addis Pink Walk for the Jane McGrath Foundation took place earlier this year. Young and old, male and female (and a couple of well-behaved dogs) gathered at the Anglesea boat ramp for the 13km round trip to Point Addis and back.

To coincide with low tide, this year it was a twilight stroll. Leaving from the boat ramp at 4.30pm, we walked up and over the cliffs, following the Surf Coast Walk, then down along the beach to Point Addis, where we gathered to celebrate the lives of those touched by cancer – some walking with us and some no longer able to.

We enjoyed the fruit boxes donated by Peter ‘Sticks’ Calvert, observed the ritual of touching the rock, and began the homeward journey over Red Rock and along the beach, under the shadow of the spectacular cliffs back to Anglesea.

What began eight years ago as a casual walk with a few friends has developed, through word of mouth, into a gathering of friends and strangers who have been touched by cancer in some way.

In 2012, Jane Horne and a few friends decided to walk from Anglesea Surf Club to Point Addis. As one of the group had been diagnosed with breast cancer, everyone was asked to wear pink and to support the Jane McGrath Foundation.

Trina Porter (left) with Jane Horne, organiser of the ‘Amble to Addis Pink Walk’.

During that year, Jane Horne herself was diagnosed with cancer so, for her the cause suddenly became personal.

Sadly, several others in the group have been diagnosed or died from a variety of cancers and are acknowledged along the way.

Jane tries to coincide the walk with the Sydney Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day – and now many can be seen in

various hues of pink, strolling along the sand, pointing out the beautiful scenery, meeting new friends and welcoming old.

Not only is it a way to commemorate those who have walked and are no longer with us, those still managing their cancer and those in remission, but it is a wonderful way to share this special part of Anglesea with newcomers.

Many local women joined this year’s ‘Amble to Addis Pink Walk’ to help raise money for the Jane McGrath Foundation.

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Visitors and locals alike are awestruck by the scenery. After a short stretch of sand walking along the front beach, we take the path behind the caravan park, joining the formed track of the Surf Coast Walk for some short, steep hills and rugged steps to the cliff tops.

We stop occasionally to take in the sublime ochre coloured cliffs, sparkling blue ocean and dappled scrubland; looking back over the Anglesea township, Aireys Lighthouse and beyond.

The return journey shows us those amazing cliffs from a different perspective. We are made to feel diminutive by their sheer size and humbled by their agelessness.

All walkers are made to feel welcome and are well looked after by Jane and her team. Clear directions are given, walkers set their own pace, and a leader and a tail-ender ensure that noone is left behind. A car is available at

Walkers wearing various shades of pink on the ‘Amble to Addis Pink Walk 2019’.

Point Addis for those choosing to make it a one-way trip.

Donations are made to the Jane McGrath Foundation, with approximately $1000 being raised each year. The McGrath Foundation uses donations to fund existing McGrath Breast Care Nurses, supporting people with breast cancer and their families across Australia, and plans for more nurses in the future. This is a highly valuable and relatively recent addition to breast cancer care.

As Jane Horne said, ‘Having a breast care nurse was wonderful for me and my family, as she was an incredible support for all of us throughout my illness’.

How fortunate we all were to be able to help our own physical and mental health whilst raising money and awareness for breast cancer.

Walking the last few kilometres along the beach toward the setting sun would be an experience hard to beat anywhere in the world.

Sundays 9am to 1pm 21 APRIL 5 MAY 9 JUNE Aireys Inlet Community Hall 6 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet aireysinletmarket@bigpond.com ‘Like’ us on Facebook / Instagram for latest news.

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Let the Fun Be‘gin’

By Robyn Lucas

Locals and visitors have embraced our newest attraction in Aireys Inlet ... enjoying a gin in the garden!

Great Ocean Road Gin Tasting Room & Gin Garden is now open and a great addition to the top shops in Aireys Inlet.

Her focus was to use local ingredients and botanicals to create a gin that was reflective of this coastline. The first gin, a modern dry gin based on a London Dry Style is affectionately called Guvvos, after the local beach where her daughter loves to surf.

The new venture is owned and created by local Anglesea resident, Ann Houlihan.

The latest gin, Split Point, is a Navy Strength gin named after the famous landmark, Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet – and recently won the trophy for ‘Best Navy Strength Gin’ at the Australian Gin Awards 2019.

The region has always held a special place in the maker’s heart, since her parents first built a family home at Moggs Creek, not far from the famous Great Ocean Road sign, some 47 years ago.

Ann spent all her childhood weekends and school holidays here – exploring the coast, searching in the rock pools, walking the dog along the beach and discovering native heath and wild flowers in the bush.

Twelve months ago, Ann and her family decided to make a permanent sea change so the kids could grow up on the coast and she could develop her own business making premium craft gin.

Great Ocean Road Gin has opened in Aireys Inlet, with a tasting room and fabulous gin garden.

Excited by the thriving food scene in the region, Ann was keen to be part of the growing food community here on the Surf Coast. She set about making a gin that was unique in its flavour profile, to create a sense of place in the bottle.

Spilt Point gin is a nod to seafarers past and present who have navigated this beautiful and rugged coastline. At 57% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), Split Point packs a punch with intense flavour, citrus, juniper and local coastal botanicals, salt bush, hop wattle, local honey – Surf Coast honey from Torquay and kelp!

The Great Ocean Road Gins are complex with 24 botanicals: nine of these come from the Great Ocean Road and surrounding region.

Local lemons and lime are sourced as well, when in season. Both gins have the same botanical base but present very differently.

Comments from visitors over summer demonstrate how Great Ocean Road Gin has been welcomed as a refreshing addition to the coast:

‘A great spot for a refreshing G&T or gin cocktail in a beautiful garden setting. What a great addition to the Great Ocean Road food and drink tourism trails. You can even get a little cheese platter or a drink of local beer or wine if gin is not your thing.’

‘Great little spot on the Great Ocean Road. Super quality, locally sourced and made gin and gin drinks. On top of outstanding local wines, cheeses and snacks, this is the place to be! ‘ 18

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Ann has been collaborating and learning the craft of distilling at the Craft & Co, a maker’s incubation hub in Collingwood.

Every month, Ann packs her car with her local botanicals and heads to Melbourne to make her gin. Each process is done by hand with love and care and distilled in small batches. Ann plans in the near future to have her own still on the coast.

Interested in having a taste?

Drop in to the Tasting Room to find out more. It’s worth the trip and on our doorstep.

Ann Houlihan has started Great Ocean Road Gin in Aireys inlet, using local botanicals to create a gin reflective of the Surf Coast.

‘Refreshing flavours of the Great Ocean Road Gin in very lovely surroundings. I look forward to the next visit to partake of another gin.’

Here’s a recipe for you to try one of GORG cocktails at home.

Moggs Mule (named in memory of the house at Moggs Creek) 45ml Great Ocean Road Guvvos Gin 25ml lime juice 2 dashes of bitters 100ml – 125ml Capi Ginger Beer 5 mint leaves Add ice to a long glass, add gin, lime juice, mint, top with Ginger Beer & bitters, stir and serve with a slice of lime.

Cheers for now!

Hugo, the amazing bar tender, will mix you a fabulous gin cocktail or a G&T. Grab a tasting plate with some top notch Geelong artisan cheeses and enjoy the taste.

Great Ocean Road Gin Bar is located at 32 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet.

Opening hours: Wed, Thurs & Sunday: 12.30 to 6pm Friday & Saturday: 12.30 to 8.30pm

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IN THE HOUSE WITH ...

Cathy Phelan and Janet Brown: Term 2 Tutors

By Ann Wingad

A sneak preview of a couple of course highlights coming up in Term 2 at the Anglesea Community House ...

LIFE WRITING with Janet Brown “Life Writing is an exciting and interesting opportunity for people to explore. Although it is based on real people and real life events, the creative choices are vast,” said Janet.

“This personal type of expression suits many different writing styles. I really enjoy introducing people to discovering themselves through Life Writing.”

Janet has worked as a ghost writer and editor for other people to write and record their life stories.

For the third year in a row, Anglesea Community House is offering a sixweek Life Writing course with writer Janet Brown.

This course has been so popular that we have asked Janet if she’d be interested in teaching it again and we are very pleased to be able to offer it.

“What a privilege it has been. Whether it has been about one important aspect of their lives, or their full life stories; whether the people have been famous or not at all – no work of fiction could be more interesting than real life. And I am convinced, no life is ‘ordinary’.

“It is fun and may be challenging. It can be insightful and even cathartic to reflect on our lives in a sustained meaningful way. Some people may not be convinced they can actually write their story – that’s okay, I will show

them how to use their phones or iPads to record their own audio or videos of their lives. Deciding what to include and how to shape the project is most important.

“We know that some people embrace this course because of their own interest in Family History. They want to keep an interesting record of their life and times.

Others might have one particular experience or adventure they want to explore. Another aspect, or form of writing, is for people who have no interest in sharing their writing – it is entirely private, just for themselves.

This is called ‘therapeutic writing’, and is a strategy that can help people make sense of difficult and challenging life experiences in a very private, personal way. The subliminal power of storying our life can be significant.”

By the completion of the course participants will have the tools and confidence to continue under their own steam. This six-week course is suitable for adults of all ages and all writing levels. It starts on Thursday, 16 May, from 9.30 am – 12.30 pm.

PHOTO EDITING AND ORGANISING ON YOUR COMPUTER with Cathy Phelan Having spent a number of years working in education and, in particular, teaching Photography, Cathy branched out into freelance commercial photography about 20 years ago, initially doing children and families portrait work, and then moving into advertising.

Photography allows you to capture many special moments of your life including family, friends, and travel, and knowing how to edit and improve your photos helps you to get the best results.

Features such as cropping, lightening/ darkening, enhancing colour or

recolouring, resizing, reshaping, adding borders and captions, are all useful skills to know and are surprisingly simple to apply.

Some other important aspects of managing your photos on your computer are transferring photos from your camera, and having an efficient filing system so you can easily find and access your photos at any time.

Cathy will be presenting a new course in Term 2, covering all of the above.

Saturday afternoons from 1.30 to 4.00pm, starting on 25 May for 4 weeks.

Be creative and organised at the same time!

Cost $135 or $75 concession. Contact the Anglesea Community House to enquire about these courses. T: 5263 2116 or email courses@anglesea.org.au 20

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

The Fragments

by Toni Jordan (Australian Fiction)

This delicious literary mystery is interspersed with Toni Jordan’s trademark warmth and humour. Set over two time periods, modern day Brisbane and pre-war New York, we follow the lives and loves of two women, the bright and bubbly Caddie and mysterious, damaged Rachel. Both women have fallen under the spell of an enigmatic author Inga Karlson, who dies at the height of her fame, in mysterious circumstances, on the eve of publishing her second novel. Fifty years later, the world is still mourning her untimely death when Caddie stumbles upon clues to this literary mystery. At the heart of the novel is also a commentary of class, race and family dysfunction. I loved this great warm-hearted novel in which twists and turns maintain their pace right up until the last page.

Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books

47 Degrees

by Justin D’Ath (Australian Fiction, middle school)

It is not going to be an ordinary day. 12-year -old Zeelie is already feeling uneasy when her father goes over his fire plan. As the temperature climbs to a scorching 47 degrees, Zeelie needs to draw on her own instincts, courage and skills to deal with what’s ahead. There are so many questions bouncing around in Zeelie’s mind. How will she protect her pets? What should she take with her? How will she contact her Mum and brother when they have forgotten to take their phone with them? As Zeelie’s world turns from carefree and colourful, to one where everything looks bare, scorched, and grey, she digs deep to find persistence and resilience and subsequently begins to see with clarity the things that are most important in her life. 47 Degrees is a pacey novel with a strong character.

Based on true facts from Justin D’Ath’s experiences during Black Saturday, this believable and heartfelt story is a great platform to launch discussions within families about their fire plans and the importance of working together.

Review by Wendy @ Great Escape Books

The Winter Soldier

by Daniel Mason (American Fiction)

Finally a book to enjoy after A ll The Light We Cannot See, with glowing praise from Anthony Doerr, calling it part mystery, part war story and part romance. Opening in Vienna 1914, Lucius, feeling confident after years at college, enlists in a Medical Hospital at the Eastern Front. He finds he is woefully out of his depth and, to his embarrassment, relies on the practical, hardworking (and diplomatic ) nurse Sister Margarete. Snap life and death decisions in the freezing winters take their toll with little relief. There is, incredibly, love and some redemption in this hellish situation. A chance decision over a wounded soldier is the catalyst for the next series of events and an unexpected finish I never saw coming. Beautifully written, with real and vivid characters reminding us of the unpredictability of our decisions and the emotions evoked by them. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel.

Review by Sue @Great Escape Books.

The Arsonist

by Chloe Hooper (Australian Non-Fiction)

This is a calm yet searingly powerful book about fire in Australia and its effects on landscape and community. Hooper’s focus is the deliberately-lit Churchill fire in Gippsland’s Latrobe Valley on Black Saturday 2009. She says, “Arson is a difficult crime to prove and it’s the granular detail that convicts or acquits most people.” She has given us that granular detail with lyric intensity and a journalistic eye. And she’s chosen a clever structure, examining from several points of view the fascinating forensics of the fire itself, as well as the psychology of the man who lit it, Brendan Sokaluk. Working with records of fire investigators, detectives and lawyers, and interviewing people on whom the tragedy had the most immediate impact, she circles both the event and the perpetrator, drawing us inwards to the point of origin – and the verdict. A brilliant achievement and an important book – not to be missed.

Review by Andrea @ Great Escape Books

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TWITCHERS’ CORNER Written and illustrated by Kaye Traynor

Willie Wagtail

Rhipidura leucophrys The Willie Wagtail is an endearing, small, black and white bird (size 19-22 cm). It can be found almost anywhere throughout Australia, except the dense rainforests and the arid, treeless plains. It is vagrant to Bass Strait Islands and Tasmania, while also found in New Guinea and other northern islands.

In appearance, it has glossy black upperparts, throat and chest, with a small, white eyebrow and a fine white line from the lower mandible. The remainder is white except the undertail, which is black. The eyes, bill and legs are black.

They are active and busy little birds . They flit about restlessly foraging in the tree branches, or perform acrobatic flights to catch insects in the air. They will also run lightly along the ground in search of spiders and worms.

Usually found singly or in pairs, they are sometimes seen perching on the backs of farm animals. While resting, they will typically sway their body and tail from side to side.

The nest is a dainty, compact cup shape (about 70mm across and 40mm deep) made from fine vegetation, lined with hair, feathers and plant-down and bound together with spiderwebs.

The nest usually sits on a horizontal branch, often close to the ground or near water. They will also use man-made structures such as verandahs or garden sheds.

Both the male and female build the nest, sometimes in the same tree as the Australian Magpie lark Grallina cyanoleuca.

Willie Wagtails can be aggressive and will rigorously defend their nest from other birds intruding on their territory. They have a sharp, metallic rattling call used in alarm or anger.

However, there is also the sweet, musical song, often heard at night.

Breeding season is from June to February. Three or four eggs, which are cream-brown to pale yellow, with spots of brown-grey or blue-black at the larger end. Incubation takes about 13 days.

Ref. The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia: Graham Pizzey & Frank Knight Garden Birds: Clifford B. Frith – Consultant Editors: Cyril Walker & Tim Parmenter

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HISTORY SPOT

The Mysterious Anna Mackay

By Lindsay Braden, Anglesea & District Historical Society

Why, in 1883, would a lady aged 65 bother to open a boarding house at a remote seaside hamlet some 25 miles from Geelong, called of all things‘Swampy Creek’? notes that the Rev. A. Stewart reported that he had visited Anglesea River and conducted a service in the home of Miss Mackay, and that things were proceeding satisfactorily towards the erection of a church.

Boarding house built 1883

In those days, 'Swampy Creek' (now Anglesea) could only be reached after a bumpy journey along some very rough two-wheel bush tracks. This gave very little inducement for anyone to go out there and earn a living. Yet a very determined Annathaize Marja Mackay did exactly that.

Anna appeared on the scene, amongst the second wave of settlers, after word went around Geelong regarding this new found haven for fishing and hunting.

She was amongst a handful of adventurous pioneers to open accommodation houses to cater for the needs (fishing) of sporting visitors.

This gave alternate upmarket accommodation to those who originally camped in tents on the mosquitoinfested banks of the Anglesea River.

She acquired from James Munro lot 2 (3+ acres with house of 9 rooms) fronting the then main road into town, and also lot 6 (16 acres) on the opposite side of this thoroughfare, now known as Camp Road, and soon established a boarding-house business.

In 1885, Anna did a generous thing.

She subdivided her vacant 16-acre lot 6, and donated four acres at the eastern end to the Presbyterian Church. The intriguing thing about this was why she gave four acres when half an acre would have been more than enough?

A historical record dated 1/6/1886

Miss Mackay and Miss Ormond collected funds for the building that was finally opened in the area between today's Allen, MacDougall and Wray Streets on January 2, 1887.

Controversy was aroused during August 1900 when the Rev. Burns, on behalf of Anna Mackay, applied to the Board of Health and also the Shire of Barrabool, to have her remains, on her decease, interred in the ground adjoining the first 'Trinity' Presbyterian Church.

Nearby neighbours, George Green, Sharpe Brearley and eight other residents, protested against either burials or the formation of a cemetery in the township of Anglesea.

In retrospect, it would appear that Anna donated this extra large site to the Church with the idea of a future adjoining cemetery in mind.

Anna Mackay’s headstone at Bellbrae Cemetery.

on the corner of today's Camp Road and McRorie Street.

The Presbyterian (now Uniting) Church was moved to the present site near the bridge in 1917. With the realignment of the road, it is now in Murch Crescent. This old church structure was demolished and replaced in 1994 with the current modern church building.

It would appear that Anna Mackay was the last member of her family line.

She was also the prime mover to establish the first Presbyterian Church in Anglesea.

I wonder how many people have visited her grave at Bellbrae to acknowledge her useful work for Anglesea.

Anna Mackay died in 1901, aged 83, and was buried at the Bellbrae Cemetery. Inscription on her headstone reads ‘she has done what she could’, which was a popular saying of that time.

After Anna's death her property was left to her next door neighbour and friend Agnes Murray.

The 1908 bushfire destroyed the first Presbyterian Church high on the hill.

It was rebuilt on a smaller site situated

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Destroyed in the 1908 bushfire 23

Community Corner NEWS AND UPDATES FROM YOUR CORNER OF THE WORLD

ANGAIR TURNS 50 Saturday, 27 April, marks the 50th anniversary of the first meeting of ANGAIR, which is arguably the oldest community-run general conservation organisation in Victoria.

ANGAIR– the first 50 years, by long-time ANGAIR member Ros Gibson, will be launched at the society’s annual dinner that evening.

Fire Lines

By Tony Revell Anglesea CFA

Have You Considered Becoming a CFA Volunteer?

On Easter Saturday, walkers will retrace the steps of those who took part in the first of ANGAIR’s monthly ‘Get To Know Your Tracks’ program in April 1996.

The Anglesea and Aireys Inlet Fire Brigades are currently seeking new members who are interested in a challenge, with the reward of helping the community.

Other confirmed events include a ‘Then and Now’ photographic exhibition as part of the annual Wildflower & Art Weekend, and an open garden weekend in October, highlighting the use of indigenous plants.

We are volunteer organisations that rely on local people who want to create a safer community, protect people, property and our environment. Without volunteers, your brigade wouldn’t exist.

Everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations.

Details of all events will be on the ANGAIR website www.angair.org.au

Edith Lawn, ANGAIR’s founder

Our members are a diverse group of men and women of all ages and come with varied backgrounds, interests and skills. The common thread throughout is that we all seek to make a difference and contribute to the local community.

Volunteers can make a difference in more ways than one and may become involved in a variety of activities.

Operationally, we responded to more than 100 incidents within our region last year. This included fires, motor vehicle accidents and support to other emergency services. In addition to the operational responses, we are also active in fire prevention, community education, brigade administration and fundraising. We also run a Junior Brigade program.

ANGAIR has undertaken significant conservation projects in its 50 years of operation, including this regeneration study after the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires.

Sportsperson Night Anglesea Lions Club and Anglesea Community Bank are organising a Sportsperson Night to raise money for new shelters and seating at the Anglesea Netball Club.

Any shortfall amount after the Sportsperson Night will be donated by Anglesea Lions and Anglesea Community Bank.

The event will be held on Monday, 29 April, at the Anglesea Hotel. Compere will be Ian Cover, with Patrick Dangerfield and Tegan Philip also confirmed as speakers.

Tables of 10 with 2-course meal $60p/p. Ring Adrian Hunter 0417 591 113.

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It is not necessary to have experience to join a brigade. We will provide you with the skills needed for operational roles. CFA volunteers receive nationally recognised and accredited training courses that can be beneficial in both personal and employment environments.

Interested in finding out more?

An Information Session will be held at the Anglesea Fire Station on Thursday, 2 May, at 7pm. You will have the opportunity to meet other volunteers, ask questions and tour the station.

Volunteering information is also available from CFA at www.cfa.vic.gov.au

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Anglesea to Host Sustainable Living Day

Anglesea is set to come alive with its first ‘Green Living Festival’ on Saturday 13 April, the week before Easter.

From 10am to 4pm, the whole area of the Anglesea Community Precinct – around the Community House and beyond – will be alive with the sounds, sights and smells of an amazing Green Living Festival ... a mini celebration of Sustainable Living.

More and more, we are reminded of the need to use less, consume less, waste less, buy less, pollute less– and yet to enjoy living more!

The Community House and the Surf Coast Shire Council are sponsoring a day of fun, activity, food, classes, displays, stalls … the list goes on … hosted by the Anglesea Community Garden, to help us all achieve some of these aims.

There will be a pop-up market showcasing sustainable products and food. There will be so many ideas on show that visitors will be inspired to take action.

To list a few – mini master classes on subjects from composting to cooking, useful insects to worm farms, chickens and edible weeds.

There will be a bike valet and servicing tent, a tiny house display, an open garden, a ‘raid your wardrobe’ clothes swap, including stalls where you can speed date an author or stylist, children’s activities, electric vehicle display, competitions and art installations.

All for a gold coin entry!

To ensure your place, it is important to book for SOME of the talks and classes, which are all free.

Booking is available through Eventbrite – connect through the Anglesea Community Garden Facebook page or website www.greenlivingfestival.com.au NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone

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COMMUNITY CORNER

Anglesea Streetscape Art Installations A Crazy Kookaburra, Weedy Sea Dragon and Cool Kangaroo now sit comfortably above the hustle and bustle of the Anglesea main shopping precinct, eliciting a host of wonderful comments.

They are the first three artworks to be installed, at the west end of the carpark, as part of a major streetscape project initiated by Business and Tourism Anglesea (BATA).

Christmas lights, using the 10 existing flag poles in the shopping precinct carpark.

As published in NewsA ngle last year, BATA needed to replace damaged Christmas lights on the flag poles lining the main shopping strip of Anglesea.

This striking and creative installation is unique to Anglesea and has been inspired by imagery drawn from the local flora and fauna, which make Anglesea a magical place to live, as well as a popular tourist destination.

Local artists and small business owners Cinnamon and Rowan Stephens of Studio 66, were commissioned to design and to create a permanent art installation for the Anglesea community that incorporated new

The installation of solar bud lights around each of the artwork’s outline will double as a seasonal decoration when the lights are switched on from the start of December until the end of January.

The Weedy Seadragon art installation on Anglesea flag poles with the new banner.

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These lights will remain largely unnoticed during the rest of the year due to the height of the installation.

People are proud of the subjects depicted and of the fact that a local Anglesea artist has been chosen to do the job.

This initial installation has been a brilliant process for artists, Cinnamon and Rowan Stephens. It has given them the extra confidence in the sizing of the sculptures, the methods of attaching them to the poles and the amount of solar lights required. “The extra bonus has been the feedback

From illustrations (above) to finished product (right) ...the Hooded Plovers are next in a series of street art installations created to enhance the carpark of Anglesea main shops.

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from the locals and visitors to our town,” said Cinnamon.

“I was initially nervous about what people would think, but I am now feeling more and more confident as the project continues.”

The artists are now busily creating the final seven artworks to be installed in July.

A very large dragonfly and King Parrot are now in storage at their Anglesea studio, with a special Plover artwork just completed.

This project has been sponsored by Surf Coast Shire Council, Anglesea Community Bank, Anglesea Lions, Seaside Seconds and Anglesea IGA. All the wonderful sponsors will be thanked and appreciated on plaques to be installed on the poles.

BATA is looking for one or two more sponsors before the project launch in the middle of 2019.

Stay tuned for the next installation!

SURFCOAST UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE

This term saw the introduction of a new U3A course at the Anglesea Community House called ‘Awesome Artists of the Surf Coast’, run over a five-week period and featuring six of our most amazing artists.

Each artist spoke of their journey into their world of art, explaining their various techniques and materials and displayed a variety of their work. The talent within this area is quite ‘awesome’!

The lecture was given by Professor Christian Jakob on the topic of climate change, which proved to be of great interest to the large group who attended that event.

U3A has gradually begun to expand its offerings into the Anglesea/Aireys Inlet area.

Further information about courses for 2019 is at www.u3asurfcoast.org.au or you could visit our office, which is situated in the Torquay Senior Citizens building and is open on Fridays from 10am-12noon during school terms.

Last year we held a very interesting ‘Occasional Lecture Series’ and one of our most popular sessions was held at Anglesea.

Be Still!

By Michael Varney, Pastor Anglesea Baptist Church

This was the invitation to the community of Anglesea as we moved from the busy-ness of the summer season to a new year of sport and school seemingly without stopping.

On a sunny, summer morning, set among the activity of the Anglesea Bowling Club, we stopped to be still.

Using the practices of modern psychology and the traditions of ancient faith, we stilled our body and soul to allow the words ‘be still and know’ speak to us. Simply ‘being still’ allowed each person to focus, and the

encouragement was provided to focus on celebrating what we can be thankful for, spelling out our what our dreams or goals are and then to name our regrets or what might be holding us back with the opportunity to then hand them over.

Being still is a discipline that is rapidly disappearing in our 24/7 culture, so did it work?

‘Meaningful, helpful, encouraging, profound’ described the response, which encourages us to continue being creative in finding ways to ‘be still’.

Left to right: BATA’s Raylene Fordham, Surf Coast Shire driver Shane, artists Rowan and Cinnamon Stephens and Tilly from the Anglesea Community Bank, gathered to celebrate the first street art installation of the Weedy Sea Dragon.

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COMMUNITY CORNER

Herbs for the Community

By Gretel Lamont, Coordinator Community Garden 3231

Do you need some fresh parsley, thyme or oregano for your dinner tonight? Or perhaps you would like to try something different like tarragon, Thai basil or aniseed.

Community Garden 3231 in Fraser Drive, Aireys Inlet, has installed two herb beds outside the garden fence so that the local community can access fresh herbs.

The raised beds were funded through a grant from the Anglesea & District Community Bank, a bequest and Community Garden 3231 members.

Wicking beds were installed as they use much less water.

Many of the materials are recycled and most of the soil is compost generated in the garden from green waste from local restaurants.

The plants are young, so take care when picking and leave plenty for others to try. While you are there, have a look around the beautiful, productive garden. You can learn about wicking beds and pick up a brochure or visit our website aireyscommunitygarden.weebly.com New members are always welcome.

Art in the Garden Art in the Garden has become an annual event at Community Garden 3231 in Aireys Inlet, and this year’s Art in the Garden was the best yet, with a fine day, the fruit trees laden with fruit, the tomatoes and corn ready to pick, and plenty of visitors to enjoy art blending with garden.

Held on the long weekend in January, local artists display and sell their work along the paths throughout the garden. Many community garden members pitched in to help with the set up (and down), cooking, showing visitors around the garden and working with the children.

Hundreds of visitors marvelled at the beautiful garden, enjoyed and purchased the art on display, ate all the sausages and veggie burgers, and listened to the music.

Young children produced works of art and everyone was smiling.

There were international tourists as well as locals discovering the community garden for the first time. There was a lot of interest in the wicking beds and people loved the concept of herbs for the community.

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Platypus Toy Library still serving up smiles 36 years on …

Keeping the positive in the future of Positive Ageing Surf Coast Shire Council has been working on its Positive Ageing Reform Project for two years to prepare itself for upcoming Commonwealth Government changes to the aged care and disability service sector.

Local children have been enjoying the Platypus Toy Library for many years.

On 16 of February 1983, Anglesea and surrounding areas were devastated by the Ash Wednesday bush fires.

Kindergarten teacher, Miss Beryl Edmonds, who played babysitter for the children after the fires while their parents salvaged what they could from the burnt ruins, said the fires had been traumatic for the children.

“For the first few weeks after the fires, the children did nothing but play fire engines and fires”, she said.

The families of at least eight children lost their houses and many more had toys and play equipment destroyed. As a consequence, community members gathered together and the idea of a toy library was born.

On 2 April 1984, the launch of the Platypus Toy Library took place at the Anglesea Kindergarten, and doors opened for borrowing on Monday, 9 April. It was staffed by volunteer parents and kindergarten teachers.

The changes will mean Councils will no longer automatically be the local service provider, as the government moves to a model that provides increased consumer choice.

What we heard After hearing feedback from clients, residents and families about the possible future scenarios, Surf Coast Shire Council has adopted guiding principles to help it deliver its Positive Ageing Reform Project.

Council also set up a Positive Ageing Advisory Committee to provide community and sector feedback on its reform project. The committee has met three times so far – in November and December 2018 and January 2019.

The Positive Ageing Advisory Committee will collect and consider evidence, ideas and community input about how Council can best create an Age-Friendly Surf Coast, where older people are valued, supported and

empowered to live well, including but not limited to these topics: Social inclusion, social and civic participation; Built environment, transport and housing; Community support and health services.

People who have questions about the project can contact Nicole Langtip on 5261 0600 or visit www.surfcoastshirecouncil.vic.gov.au

A small kindergarten at Nyah West in the Vic Mallee donated the first toy, a wooden puzzle – you guessed it, a platypus! Membership records show at that point the library had 67 children from the local communities who now called the toy library their own.

Today, many local families happily continue this Anglesea childhood tradition. The library has hundreds of items, including dress ups, puzzles, games, toys for younger and older children.

It is open three days per fortnight and anyone is welcome to join. It could be a family with young children or a grandparent who has grandchildren to stay. It costs $20 for the year, and most members volunteer a few times a year on the roster to help staff the toy library.

We’d love to hear from any early members of the toy library … a morning tea and a look at the toy library today could be the way we celebrate our 36th birthday!

Please contact Janet 0408147217

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COMMUNITY CORNER

Lioness Club Nominated for Award The Lioness Club of Anglesea is very proud to have been nominated in the Surf Coast Shire Australia Day Awards for ‘Community Event of the Year’.

The event nominated was a very successful Pink Ribbon Luncheon, that had a Breast Care Nurse from the Andrew Love Centre as guest speaker.

She provided valuable education and updates in early detection of breast cancer to the guests.

The luncheon was a sell-out and raised funds enabling donations to the McGrath Breast Care Nurses and to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

While the nomination for Community Event of the Year did not result in winning the award, the Lioness Club was thrilled to have been recognised for its continuous charitable work.

The Lioness Club is a proud and hardworking community group in Anglesea that supports a wide variety of local and wider-based charities, while having a happy time working

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Members of the Anglesea Lionness Club, who were proud to be nominated in this year’s Surf Coast Shire Australia Day Awards for ‘Community Event of the Year’.

together and under the sponsorship of the Lions Club of Anglesea. The Lioness Club will celebrate 40 years of service in Anglesea, this April. Anyone interested

in joining or becoming a friend of the Lioness Club of Anglesea, please contact June Taylor, Lioness Club President, on mobile 044 884 4276.

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Local Footy Season Set to Kick Off

By Gary Robinson

As summer fades and Melbourne sides fight out the cricket final of the Big Bash league, folks at the Angelsea Football Club have been busy preparing for the fast approaching 2019 season.

From under 9s to seasoned senior players, intensity and plain old hard work are elevating. Support staff are similarly working hard and focussing on the demands and associated enjoyment of a new season.

New senior coach of Anglesea and local newsagent, Paul Nigro, is looking forward to fresh excitement and new challenges in the year ahead.

Paul has overseen a very solid pre-season training as the players prepare for a highly competitive year and strive to improve on last year’s solid performance.

Paul is adamant that everyone associated with the club clearly expects Anglesea to be playing finals.

“We have some exciting recruits who have joined us during the off-season, including Zane Vail, Joel Donaldson, Tom Steven, Kyle Hay and, lastly, Tom Clarke, who joins our senior ranks having been with our U19s last year.”

A coach with broad experience, Paul has coached extensively over the past 16 years, having spent time as senior coach at Bulleen-Templestowe in the VAFA, Northcote Park and Mitcham in the Eastern Football League.

“We then moved to the coast and I coached Belmont in the GDFL, St Albans in the GFL, and now Anglesea in the Bellarine,” said Paul.

“Whilst success is paramount to all coaches and players , I never lose sight of the club as a whole, which includes many volunteers and teams from under 9 upwards.

“It is vitally important we work together as a whole club to make it a place we all want to go to and be part of.”

Paul’s philosophy is about “player welfare and strong communication between all coaches and players, and to ensure we all have the same common goal. This only comes through hard but smart work and commitment from all”.

Round 1 kicks off April 6 against Portarlington at Anglesea’s home ground and, in Round 2, the club travels to Modewarre, before the big Easter clash finds the club back home against Drysdale for Round 3.

Don’t forget Thursday night meals will kick off on the Thursday before the first round of the season!

JUNIOR SEASON KICKS OFF 27/28 APRIL The junior sections of the Anglesea Football Club have another busy football season approaching and parents should be aware of the different start times, with further information available on the club website (see below).

Boys and Girls Auskick Starts Term 2 – Sundays 10am-11.30am

U9, 11 Boys Friday Night/ Saturday Morning Games

U13,15 and 17 Boys Sunday Games For more information, contact info@angleseafnc.com.au or Paula Fowler on 0407 031 178.

Register online at www.angleseafnc.com.au/footballmemberships 2019 junior membership includes a training singlet sponsored by the Uniting Church.

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COMMUNITY CORNER

Surfcoast Shire News

By Ward Councillor Margot Smith

for short submissions to be made on agenda items.

It has been a long hot summer and we continue to have many challenges.

The Anglesea River has dropped significantly over the last few months and thankfully we have had some additional flows more recently.

However it does beg the question: what is the long term health of the river? It is incredibly important to our township.

Further discussions and plans are required.

At our Council meeting in February, the majority of Councillors supported proposed changes to our Local Laws being put to the community for their views. It is an important step in the democratic process and unfortunately discussion from some sectors was to stop this consultation process before it even started.

The changes seek to improve the process we have with Council, with new forms, allowing priority at meetings to be given to public questions on agenda items, and to allow

Currently only questions are permitted.

While the changes also give priority to the agenda items, other public questions or submissions are still allowed.

Other changes refer to Notices of Motion, where it is proposed to have three Councillors sign, rather than just one, and allow for the CEO to include a written report at the same meeting where the motion is considered.

Clearly some motions would not require a report, but in some cases further information can lead to better outcomes.

The exhibition period is expected to start in mid-April and I would encourage community members to review the documents and make submissions.

Community budget discussions will be underway very soon. As always the Council is challenged with much work to be done and finite funds. Make sure you put a submission in if you have a project or idea that you think should be considered by Council.

EstuaryWatch Keeps Eye on the Anglesea River EstuaryWatch is a successful citizen science program that supports volunteers in monitoring the health of their estuary.

We volunteers are passionate about our local environment and enjoy meeting to collect valuable data on the condition of the Anglesea River.

We usually meet on the third Wednesday morning of each month and we'd love to have you join our team.

EstuaryWatch was established by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority in 2006, in response to a groundswell of community interest and a lack of long term data on the condition of Victoria’s estuaries.

Today, there are 18 estuaries monitored by EstuaryWatch groups in Victoria.

These groups are supported by EstuaryWatch Coordinators at Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Corangamite CMA, Melbourne Water and West Gippsland CMA. In each of the regions, where EstuaryWatch is active, observations, photos and water quality data inform the CMA of algal bloom, fish death and storm surge, and are incorporated into estuary management plans, research projects and the decision support tool for artificial estuary openings in Victoria, the Estuary Entrance Management Support System (EEMSS).

If you’d like to try us out or just find out more, please email deirdre.murphy@ccma.vic.gov.au

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SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN WITH ‘KAOS’ Once again, Anglesea businesses and a dedicated team of local community volunteers, have come together with Scouts and the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee to host the fifth Kids Adventure Outdoors Anglesea (KAOS) event these school holidays.

Returning to our beautiful seaside town of Anglesea, KAOS is aimed at getting more kids, more active in the outdoors, more often!

If you are keen to be a volunteer at the event, please call the event coordinator on 0497 806 400.

If your family is keen, please go to the BOOK NOW page on the website www.kidsadventureoutdoors.org.au/ anglesea/book-now/ where you can select from an array of packages. You can camp out or simply stay at home and choose a packed day of activities.

The organising committee welcomes all locals to bring along the kids or grandkids to the Main Event HUB, which is opposite the Anglesea Bowling club.

This FREE activity site hosts a range of fun things to play, create and interact

Business and Tourism Anglesea (BATA) would like to thank our event partners and sponsors – Camp Wilkin, the YMCA, Anglesea Family Caravan Park, the Surf Coast Shire, GORCC, SCOUTS — Camp Eumeralla, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism and the Anglesea Community Bank.

TICKETS

with. Aimed at kids from 3 to 8yrs, it is an open play space … delivering loads of fun.

The event is held on the middle weekend of the school holidays, 13 & 14 APRIL, and is a great way to boost the fun meter.

Parents go for FREE Children: $100 single child, full day Sat Children: $55 single child, half day Sun Children: $115 single child, full day Sat plus camp out Children: $65 single child, half day plus camp out Children: Weekend Pass, no camp out $155 Children: Weekend Pass with camp out $170 Adults: free with no camp out Adults: with camp out $30

Local artist, Cinnamon Stephens, has been appointed the inaugural Art Space coordinator for the Surf Coast Shire.

The space has now been secured for three years, and is already fully booked for 2019.

All booking enquires - please fill out the online form on the Surf Coast Shire website at www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au Here is what you can expect this term: Art House Printmakers — Overwintering Project 8 – 28 April Autumn Nude— group show 30 April –14 May Envisage — solo installation by Prudence Coburn 16 May – 2 June Women of the Hinterland— paintings 4 –17June Embodying the Creative Feminine 18 – 30 June

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Tech Angle

By Chris Dos

THE ONE ABOUT FORTNITE Legend has it that at the height of its popularity, the classic arcade game Space Invaders caused a shortage of 100 yen coins in Japan.

While I’m sure this is a myth, it IS true that all over the world there were efforts made to either ban or restrict the game due to its ‘addictive properties’, harmful physical effects (‘Space Invaders Wrist’ anyone?) and its supposed contribution to the general delinquency of our youth.

Given history’s fondness for repeating, we find ourselves in the era of Fortnite.

Addictive, corrupting and a waste of time and money. Or just a bit of fun?

Fortnite has a few different play modes but the most popular is the ‘Battle Royale’, an online multiplayer game where you play individually or in a small team with up to 100 players competing at the start of the game.

The blend of adventure, construction and combat against real people and co-operating with your friends is very attractive. The cartoonish nature of the graphics adds a degree of levity and appeals to younger players.

It fits with our desire to be highly engaged (players can talk to each other during gameplay) yet still physically isolated in our own little cave.

Not to mention the dance moves (!) and skins available for purchase. Play as anything from a horror headed lizard monster to, ahem, a banana with legs - your skin ripens during the game!

Given all these great features, it’s no surprise that kids won’t willingly stop playing.

The game developers have used everything known about human behaviour to press our buttons, and by doing so, keep us pressing theirs.

You start with no weapons or resources and play in an ever -shrinking world until just one person or squad remains.

As an evil overlord it is my responsibility to spoil the fun. It’s fairly easy to control the time and money spent on this and show what place it occupies in our priorities.

There are many reasons why this game is so widely popular.

Failing that, like a politician ‘dab’- ing, nothing makes the latest craze more uncool than watching Dad try to do it.

NO-MAINTENANCE

DECKING

No Rot No Oiling Slip-resistant

to Australian Standards Concealed

fixings Comparable in price to Merbu

Made from recycled timber fibre and HDPE

Phone: 0417 591 113 Email: huntersales@netspace.net.au www.timberlast.com.au

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Banking on our Community

By Rob Cameron Anglesea & District Bendigo Community Bank ®

The Razor Ride A group of cyclists travelled through our region in February on a fundraising mission for GriefLine, a community and family services provider to assist people dealing with any form of grief that life sadly serves up. For more information you can access GriefLine on www.griefline.org.au or call for assistance on 1300 845 745.

The Bendigo Bank was proud sponsor of the ride, which travelled under the banner of the Razor Ride, so named after AFL field umpire ‘Razor’ Ray Chamberlain. The Chamberlain family has a charity foundation and their desire to help in this area prompted the 850km ride from Ballarat to Melbourne, via the Great Ocean Road.

The team also included the highly acclaimed international cyclist Phil Anderson who now resides in the region.

Anderson was photographed outside the Bendigo Community Bank in Anglesea with part of the team and Branch Manager Jeremy Morris.

Feeding into the Community Former Bendigo Bank Managing Director Rob Hunt used to often say that “the banks should feed into the prosperity of the community – not off it”.

It is these words that continue to provide the framework for the Bendigo Bank philosophy and will be vital to the organisation’s success in the changing financial landscape.

Recent assessments of the financial industry highlighted the strong community connection of the Bendigo Bank setting it aside from other institutions.

The Bendigo Community Bank model now boasts 315 branches nationally and has returned in excess of $205million to communities right across the country to schools, sporting clubs, service clubs, fire brigades and charity groups.

The local community branches at Anglesea, Winchelsea and Lorne have generated over $2million in community support over the 15 years of operation, with over $800,000 into the Anglesea area.

Drop into the branch at Anglesea and make yourself known to the team who will be more than happy to discuss all your banking needs.

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Write Angles

By Melva Stott

Australians All On Australia Day, I thought I was supposed to be the only person in costume, but this year I was upstaged

by Jim Tutt in his traditional dinki-di clobber.

If there'd been a prize in the offing, it would have gone to Jim. My uniform might look out of place on Australia Day, but in the early days of settlement, that was what all the fashionable ladies were wearing in the 1880s.

Town crier's uniforms must be relevant to their towns, and mine is a replica of Mrs Agnes Murray's attire. She was Anglesea's first post mistress, and ran a boarding house between Camp Road and the river.

Whittington. Nearly 50 years ago, when my children were small, we had an albino sheep in Belmont! It used to keep the grass down (so that I could find the kids) on our large block.

Now I have a team of kangaroos (and a helpful neighbour) to keep my naturestrip neat and tidy.

The Last Leg Now I seem to have 'done a hammy'. All I know about hamstrings is that footballers damage them. I don't know how old ladies do it, but apparently we do - there's now four of us in trouble . . . and three of us are retired school teachers.

My daughter said it might have been caused from 'bending over to pick up the duster to throw at some brat' . . . and I must admit we were all teaching in the blackboard and chalk era!

She wore black and white, but my skirt and vest are blue and yellow for the sea and sand, while the jacket, in the Surf Coast colour, represents the forest and farmlands.

Meanwhile, I have to avoid bending over, so I'm using a claw -hand stick to pick things up from the floor. So the cat's bowl is going up and down on the end of the claw-hand. Now the cat thinks I've gone bonkers. (Yes, I know he could be right!)

Animal Tales

Anyway, keep smiling! (I have to.)

A local newspaper shared a photo of an albino magpie in

Melva Stott

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