Community Corner

New Committee for Anglesea Ar t House

NEWS AND UPDATES FROM YOUR CORNER OF THE WORLD

The Anglesea Art House AGM was finally held in February, with the reelection of President Jennifer O’Sullivan.

With 24 members attending and special guest, Councillor Mike Bodsworth, it was an enjoyable afternoon . The new committee is looking forward to getting on with their job that encompasses 200+ members. The Art House offers tutored classes in watercolour, oil/acrylic, drawing and pottery, as well as group sessions for printmaking, glass fusing, mosaic, textiles, pottery and painting. We now have an online booking system at www.angleseaarthouse.com.au for classes and membership. The Art House is open each Saturday from 10am – 2pm to support members. Locals and visitors can take a look in the gallery, which has art, craft and cards for sale. Pop in and say hello, and check out your talented local artists and their work.

Plans are currently underway for the Annual Art Show, with a view to holding it over the long weekend in June. This is something for all members to focus on. As with so many things, it was disappointing not to have had the Show in 2020.

The community connectedness is something that the Art House is very proud of and we welcome new members.

Further enquiries info@angleseaarthouse.com.au

The new committee at Anglesea Art House.

AHOY THERE!

By Robyn Lucas, Surf Coast Shire

As keen cabin crew, we wanted to give you a brief update on the status of the playground project at Coogoorah Park.

Firstly, thank you to all community members for providing such passionate and informative suggestions for the playground space and equipment. So many treasured memories associated with the space and good times in the park. Imaginative play is an element we would like to maintain.

Outside of the survey, we have collected views from the Facebook posts, the six listening posts in the park, and direct submissions from both children and adults. It was great to hear from so many age groups and there was a lot of common themes.

Taking on all the collective views, the following themes are being considered for the space:  Nautical theme  A flying fox  Educational interpretative signage about the Aboriginal history of the location and the history of the

Inverlochy shipwreck  Natural materials as much as possible  Accessible areas and accessible equipment Council officers are considering the information provided and the best way forward for the Asset Renewal Project at Coogoorah Park Playground, and we will keep you all informed of the next steps.

The Aireys Community Speaks ... with an Eye to the Future

By Charlotte Allen, Aireys Inlet District Assoication (AIDA)

The Aireys Inlet and District Association’s 2020 Community Survey publication, analyses the sentiments expressed by the 398 survey respondents and their wish to help craft a future for the area between Urquhart Bluff and Eastern View that will put community and the integrity of place at its heart.

Some of the principal threads in community opinion that emerged, related to how the people in our area of the coast see the environment … “an untouched, serene ‘coastal village’, highly valued for its environmental assets”. We see ourselves as a cohesive community, comprised of strong, knowledgeable local organisations and businesses, and connected, passionate, caring residents, where support for each other is daily in evidence. Another thread in the respondents’ views was the concern for our ability to truly influence that future, given the wider regulatory, economic and political forces at work. The concerns centred on the effects of climate change already being seen and felt locally, the ‘wrong sort of tourism’ i.e. not reflective of our unique offering, not of a sustainable level and poorly managed, and inappropriate planning and development – inconsistent with the character of our place. Our coastal communities are known as places with a strong local knowledge base across many disciplines. Not surprisingly then, there was strong sentiment around futurethinking with particular emphasis on self-reliance, shared learnings and an effective voice to the Surf Coast Shire Council and to the new Authority (GORCAPA). This year’s publication was designed to make the survey data and comments easily understandable, widely accessible and transparent. With this in mind, the data from the 23 questions, 398 respondents and over 2,600 considered comments were translated into six key overarching themes – Character, Tourism, Development, Key Assets, Community and Future. The 2020 Community Survey results publication is now available at https://aireys-inlet.org/wp-content/uploads/ AIDA_Survey_Results.pdf. The results can also be accessed via a QR Code on the 2020 Survey Poster, which will be on the AIDA Noticeboard at the Aireys top shops, and at local businesses in the village. Further information via the AIDA website at www.aireys-inlet.org and Facebook @AIDAaireysinlet.

Lioness Club of Anglesea Stays Strong

The Lioness Club of Anglesea was chartered by the Lions Club of Anglesea in 1979, initiating 42 years of service to the local and wider community.

Two members from those beginnings, Betty Butterworth and Doreen Leeman are still active in the club today.

The club has 18 active members and a number of Friends who join in our activities and fundraising for various local charities and groups.

In December 2020, the District Governor Delwyn Seebeck, presented members with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Multiple District Lioness Committee (see photo).

With the advent of COVID, many of our social and fundraising activities have been cancelled or postponed.

We are hopeful that 2021 will see us visible and supporting the community again. We have been able to meet as a Club, thanks to the generosity of the RSL allowing us to meet in their rooms.

Members of the Lioness Club have many and varied skills that they bring to the planning of events, social activities and fundraising. Members enjoy their involvement in the activities and can respond to unexpected situations as they arise.

Planning events such as the Pink Ribbon Lunch, Irish Bush Dance, Car Boot Sale and film days are a cooperative activity, and supporting the Lions Club at Camp Quality and the Australia Day Breakfast are events we look forward to every year.

In June 2021, the present Lioness members will become full members of the Lions Club of Anglesea as per the directive of Lions International.

The present Lioness members will remain as a committee within the Lions Club and be known as the ‘Lionettes’ committee, meeting as usual on the second Monday of the month at 2pm.

We will be active in the Lions Club service to the community, and continue fundraising activities to support our local groups, as in the past. We are very proud of our years of service and welcome service minded people to join us. We thank the Surf Coast Council for recognising us as “Local Legends” at the Australia Day celebrations for 2021 and look forward to a healthy, safe and brighter 2021. Enquiries about the Lioness Club of Anglesea can be made to: Carmen Koster, President 0418 535 580

Betsy Newman, Secretary 0412 769 144

L-R: Betty Butterworth, District Governor Delwyn Seebeck and Doreen Leeman with certificates presented to all the Lioness members at our December meeting. Anglesea Friends Of Red Cross (FORC)

Please be aware that our popular FORC fundraising events are currently on hold due to COVID restrictions for public meetings.

I have a great list of guest speakers who are keen to entertain you with their interesting adventures and achievements.

Looking forward to seeing you again for informal conversation, finger food and wine at the charming Melaleuca Gallery, when restrictions allow.

If you’d like more information about FORC and local Red Cross fundraising events, please contact Christine Walker, Anglesea FORC Convenor on mobile 0408 444 199 or email walkercchristine@gmail.com

COMMUNITY CORNER Eagles Nest Exhibitions

Check out some of the wonderful exhibitions scheduled at Eagles Nest Gallery in Aireys Inlet in coming months:

April 3 – May 30

Main Gallery – FROM MY BRUSH –oil paintings by Pat McKenzie Feature Gallery – HIDDEN WONDERS – oil paintings by Alison McIntosh (see T he Garden below) Mini Gallery – DISTORTED SAND –glass art by Jan Verouden and Monica Provan Foyer Gallery – THINGS OF STEEL, STONE + WOOD – furniture + sculpture by Darren Matthews

Exhibitions June – July

Paintings by Veronica McDonald and Dee Mathison, Mark Noel, Pamela Reid and sculpture by Brendan Merriman.

The Garden by Alison McIntosh

Anglesea Perfor mers Retur n to the Stage

Anglesea Performing Arts (APA) returns to the stage at Anglesea Memorial Hall this month, with its latest production Shadow of A ngels. With all shows cancelled last year due to COVID, this highly-regarded production group is excited to bring live theatre back to local audiences.

Shadow of Angels is written by Fleur Murphy, directed by Iris WalsheHowling, and stars APA actors Stacey Carmichael, Lina Libroaperto, Joanna Lusty and Fred Preston. Original music composed by Kirstin Honey. The story is described as “a gritty piece about four Australian femme fatales”. According to Theatre People, “… the writing crackles with dark wit and beauty”. Given APA’s reputation for presenting thought-provoking, contemporary theatre, this is one performance not to be missed.

Show times are:

8, 9, 10 April @ 7.30pm 15, 16, 17 April @ 7.30pm Saturday matinees both weeks: 2.30pm Tickets are on sale now via TryBooking, and can be booked directly through APA’s website www.angleseaperformers.org.au/ productions

Historic Site Receives a Facelift

In July 2020, the Anglesea Men’s Shed was asked to quote on repairs to the Loveridge Lookout ‘Inverlochy’ mosaic. After inspection, the mosaic was deemed ‘beyond repair’ and a new life ring was recommended.

Apart from the mosaic centrepiece and the mosaic lettering, nothing from the old ring was useable. Our plan was to construct a new life ring from marine ply that would be formed to a lifebuoy shape.

On removing the old ring, the mosaic centrepiece split into two parts. Fortunately, it was found that it would fit back together quite closely, but needed new backing board for structural integrity.

Extra cement sheeting was glued to the original backing and later screwed to the newly shaped life ring.

Sue Ross, from the Anglesea community, was recruited to help with the mosaic repairs. The crack through the large mosaic was re-grouted and the tiles were scraped and polished to remove 11 years of sea salt and dirt accumulated on their surface.

Alastair Duke did an amazing job in shaping the five sheets of marine ply, which were glued and screwed together to form a new life ring.

Haydn Rickey and Simon Clark applied multiple coats of a marine water proofing sealant, followed by three coats of an exterior gloss paint.

The mosaic lettering was removed from the old ring, then glued, regrouted, cleaned and polished. The newly restored central mosaic was positioned inside the ring and screwed into place. Silicon sealant finished the waterproofing of the whole art piece.

On 4February 2021, the renewed Inverlochy mosaic was reinstalled with stainless bolts, received a final paint

The Inverlochy mosaic at Loveridge Lookout has been restored to its former glory by members of Anglesea Men’s Shed. touch up and trimmed with heavy rope to complete the nautical look.

A great restoration by a team of talented and dedicated people from the Anglesea Men’s Shed and local community. The heritage-listed Loveridge Lookout and the Inverlochy mosaic is now a proud part of the amazing view across the water.

It’s worth a look!

Surf Coast Shire Council News

By Mike Bodsworth, Anglesea Ward Councillor

While we love our late-Winter and Spring wildflowers around Anglesea, when it comes to calm, sunny days and mellowness, Autumn really takes some beating! I’m writing this on a cracking day with warm sun, a light breeze and magpies caroling outside my window. What a place to live!

The Council has had some big issues to consider recently, including the appointment of a new CEO, budgets for 2021-22, and funding applications for major projects like the proposed aquatic and arts centres in Torquay, and a new netball pavilion in Anglesea.

We’ve also been immersed in our strategic planning project People Place Future.

People Place Future is all about the future of our Shire… what’s most important to us? What dilemmas do we face and what can we do about them? What do we want for future generations, for locals and visitors, traditional owners, the natural environment and our unique coastal and hinterland landscapes?

We’ll be developing a 10-year Community Vision and four-year Council Plan, as well as an Asset Plan and Health and Wellbeing Plan.

The survey phase of the project has closed. The next phase is a community panel, like a citizens’ jury, to consider a range of key issues and dilemmas. The panel was chosen at random by an external facilitator to reflect the diversity of our communities.

We’d like to thank the many people who’ve participated so far – and urge others to get involved.

Visit www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Aboutus/Your-Say/People-Place-Future to find out more about the project and community panel, register for project updates or access the discussion paper.

You can also phone our (recently reopened) front desk on 5261 0600.

Keep an eye out for our draft budgets too, on track for late April, to have your say.

Speaking of dilemmas, what about the balance between our district’s lovely bushy character and the need to minimise risks to lives and properties in a wildfire?

The difficulty of that balance is right in front of us now with very confronting changes resulting from mechanical fuel reduction around town and along the roads. Council is a participant in the project, managed by DELWP.

In closing, I’d like to thank the various groups and individuals I’ve met and worked with over the past few months as a new councillor – you’re awesome.

I’d also like to acknowledge the great work done by my fellow councillors as we’ve found our feet – and the superb backup we get from Council staff.

Fire Lines

By Tony Revell, Anglesea CFA Community Engagement

Why not become an Anglesea Operational CFA Volunteer?

The Anglesea Fire Brigade is currently seeking new members who are interested in a challenge, with the reward of helping the community. We are a volunteer organisation that relies on Anglesea people who want to create a safer community, protect people, property and our environment. Without volunteers your Brigade wouldn’t exist. 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 Anglesea community. Volunteers can make a difference in more ways than one and may become involved in a variety of activities.

Operationally we responded to 100 incidents within our region last year. This included fires, motor vehicle accidents and support to other emergency services. We have also contributed significantly to the firefighting efforts across Victoria. In addition to the operational responses, we are also active in fire prevention, community education, brigade administration and fundraising. It is not necessary to have experience to join our 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?

Contact us at: tony.revell@members.cfa.vic.gov.au Volunteering information is also available from CFA at: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer-careers

By Sergeant John Digby, Station Commander, Anglesea Police Station

Well, after being at Anglesea Police Station for the last two years, I can say that it is a fabulous area in which to work. I have found it very rewarding in providing a high level of police service to the community.

Anglesea Police have been supplemented with First Constable Bengt Carlson over the summer period. Bengt, who is normally stationed at Corio, has been a welcome asset to us at Anglesea and he is enjoying the sea change. Otherwise there has been no change to our staff.

Our telephone system has been automated in line with other Victoria Police Stations. If you call the station phone number, it gives an option of reporting non-urgent crime via the Police Assistance Line or

First Constable Bengt Carlson, participating in the Woorrangalook Victorian Koori Surfing Titles at Urquhart Bluff on 6-7 Feb 21. selecting the option to speak to a member of Anglesea Police.

If we are not on duty, you can leave a message, which we can reply to when next working.

A reminder to all, if you require police attendance then dial 000. There is a 24/7 police response on the Surf Coast. This is also for reports of noise complaints and suspicious behaviour. It is no good us getting a message the next day, as we need to know when it is happening.

Remember to lock your vehicles and do not leave valuables in them. There have been reports of thefts where the thieves target unlocked vehicles.

By Melva Stott

COVID Side-Effect

News has been a bit hard to come by as isolation has closed down the local grapevine. Bookworms Still Exist

My grandson stayed on in Anglesea after my 80th birthday party. He looked through my bookshelves and was reading Charles Dickens ‘Old Curiosity Shop’ - he liked the oldfashioned language in the dialogues. He's borrowed a book on the history of London because he's never read a book with 1300 pages! Celestial Sights

Despite the clouds, I'd managed to see the Star of Bethlehem as Saturn and Jupiter appeared to merge. This hadn't happened for about 800 years and my son asked me if I remembered seeing the last one. Cheeky beggar! Nostalgia

Is there anyone else like me who still misses Betty Butterworth's drapery shop? You could find anything in there, from a new dress to a safety pin. If anyone is looking for a new business opportunity in town, it would be great to have a drapery store again. Anglesea, Our Home Town

Anglesea's a place that is unique, Way back in the old days it was Swampy Creek; It's our Home Town -- so we will never roam far, (We're not so crazy!) Though the city life is not so slow, Leave us in this little town that we love so; We're happy night and day, Anglesea makes us that way. Home Town -- you're a patchwork to invite us -- river, beach and hills delight us -- We'll stay right here, because there's no town to compare with you. Home Town -- where we wake up glad each morning, for kookaburras laugh at dawning; We'll stay right here, because there's no town to compare with you. You've laid hist'ry at our door -- coaches, shipwrecks on our shore. Your street names evermore, remind us of our pioneers who've gone before. Home Town -- no-one's ever tried to hurry since the days of Mrs Murray; We'll stay right here, because there's no town to compare with you. All your people are your core, Resident and visitor; Old times we'll not ignore; Regatta's on the river as in days of yore. Home Town -- nothing much has changed (well, maybe) Since Jack Russell was a baby. We'll stay right here, because there's no town to compare with you! Keep smiling! Melva Stott

Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays at the YMCA