36 gippsland lifestyle spring 2018

Spring ISSUE #36

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Mercure Warragul Hotel 23 Mason Street, Warragul, Vic 3820 For further information or enquiries T (03) 5618 3500 E reservations@mercurewarragul.com.au

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editorial spring #36

index our content AMBERLY – KINGBUILT A LIFE SPENT BENEATH THE SURFACE – WGCMA PROPOSED GRANITE QUARRY ROCKS COMMUNITY BASS COAST CYCLE CHALLENGE & FAMILY FESTIVAL LIVE THE LIFE YOU IMAGINED – CHRISTIE NELSON DROUIN IS TREE-MENDOUS WELL BEING IS THE NEW MEDICINE – ERIN MILLER MT TAYLOR MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK GET YOUR BIKE OUT OF WINTER HIBERNATION GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL TRAIL CRAWFORD MARINE AT THE MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW BOATING WITH CRAWFORD MARINE GIPPSLAND LAKES DOCTOR FOOTBALL DAN EDDY THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT AT COAL CREEK SOUTHERN BUSINESS WOMEN’S NETWORK 20 YEARS INSTALLING POOLS FOR SUMMER LEISURE FLYING COLOURS TRAVEL CELEBRATES 30 YEARS THE KORUMBURRA DENTIST – GARY WILKIE A LIFE IN PICTURES GERARD BRUNING KEEPING BELIEF - IAN GIBSON IMAGE DIRECT HALL OF FAME – JO HALL RECYCLING A DREAM – TERRY WATCHORN MIRBOO NORTH A STRONG SELF-RELIANT COMMUNITY RUSTIC RAH – ROZ CLIFTON CANINE CORNER TRAINING YOUR GUN DOG RETRIEVER PART 4 NINETY “MILLIE” BEACH THE WOOD WIDE WEB - JOHN TURNER SPRING MARKET SPRING EVENTS YOUR SPRING STARS – KERRY GALEA WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR COPY OF THE MAGAZINE

6-8 10-11 14-17 18-19 22-23 24-25 26 28-29 30 32-33 35 36-37 68-69 70-71 72-74 75 76 78-79 80-82 84-87 90-91 92-95 96-97 100-101 102-104 105 106-107 108-110 111 126 127 128 129

Spring in Gippsland!

Welcome to Spring, a bit like an extension to winter, it has been generally mild and it is sometimes hard to believe that in the space of one hours drive, central Gippsland and beyond have been suffering from drought like conditions but back in South Gippsland we have been inundated with rain.

Spring is a great time to start getting outdoors again and we are promoting a healthy lifestyle here with the upcoming Bass Coast Cycle Challenge held in Inverloch, along with the Mt Taylor Mountain Bike ride and healthy lifestyle with Christie Nelson, Erin Miller, Gary Jackson and some rail trails to get yourself into.

We have a new festival starting this year at Lardner Park in November called Harvest Fest, book yourself in to attend this new and exciting festival.

We are right behind the promotion of Parma for a Farmer and have listed the venues that have provided this wonderful support for our drought-stricken farmers, it is amazing what country people can do in times of crisis.

Mark Knight, the Herald Sun leading cartoonist has kindly provided us with a fantastic front cover depicting a picnic at Mt Cannibal with the native animals. The story behind the cover is inside and the residents of North Bunyip have joined to fight off the attempts of a quarry being utilised in a sensitive natural bush area.

This edition brings the conclusion to our 9th year of producing Gippsland Lifestyle, we now move into the 10th year and I can promise there are many more great editions along the way, keep supporting us as we will always support you!

Doug Pell lifestyle / coast / country

Writers

gippsland FOOD + WINE + ACCOMMODATION & CULTURE INDEX

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our advertisers BASS COAST CYCLE CHALLENGE COAL CREEK COMMUNITY PARK & MUSEUM CONQUEST POOLS EDNEYS LEONGATHA LMCT 1500 EVANS BP PETROLEUM FLYING COLOURS TRAVEL -SALE GARY WILKIE DENTIST GROWMASTER TRARALGON THE JINDI CAF KINGBUILT LEONGATHA HEALTH NUTRITION & HEALTHFOODS RIVIERA CYCLES BAIRNSDALE STOBIES MENSWEAR STONY CREEK GO KARTS WEST GIPPSLAND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTH WONTHAGGI MEDICAL GROUP

21 12 83 3 98 77 53 89 88 9 27 31 99 20 13 34

our spring front cover ‘The Picnic Party’

Kindly supplied by Mark Knight Native Animals picnic at Mt Cannibal See Mark Knight’s cartoons daily in the Herald Sun Newspapers www.facebook.com/Mark.Knight.Ink

+ our regular features

Contributors Photographers Advertising Proofing Editor Creative Printers

Chris West, Wendy Morriss, Ruth Williams, Matt Dunn, Trevor Stow & Doug Pell Ali Fullard, Erin Miller, Kerry Galea, John Turner MAAPM, Jim Radford, Gary Jackson, Trevor Brown, Frank Butera, Christie Nelson, Ruth Rogan & Paul Henderson Wendy Morriss, Ruth Williams, Matt Dunn, Doug Pell & media101 Doug Pell James Pell media101 Southern Colour (VIC) Pty Ltd | www.southerncolour.com.au

spring GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE/COAST/COUNTRY A: PO Box 862, Wonthaggi 3995 P: 0404 301 333 E: thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au W: we’re updating - new website coming soon! facebook.com/lifestylegippsland instagram | g_the_lifestyle

Astrology, Positive Lifestyle Tips, Canine Corner , Millie’s Adventures

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This amazing property and business is currently for sale.

For further details contact Aminah Hart from Andersen Property Specialists on 0415 256 578.

This Spring is the last for Kingbuilt's stunning acreage display, Amberly Manor.

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We love seeing the light move through this display home across all seasons of the year, and Springtime is particularly beautiful. Harry Sheehan, Kingbuilt’s senior designer who worked closely with owner Phil King on the design of this house, takes us through some of the key elements which have made it so popular.

“One of the most important features of this home is light,” explains Harry, “and its particularly lovely in Spring. We incorporated a high raked ceiling to the living area with highlight windows to maximise natural light and give the living area a really large, open feel to it. We hear a lot of feedback about how light and airy the living space and kitchen is."

"We also included oversized sliding doors from the living area out to the alfresco. Sliding doors were important as we wanted to avoid the vertical framed bars of bifold doors, maximise the light coming in and the views to the rear of the home, as well as to give the house more of an architectural feel. In Spring, you can slide them all the way open and bring the outdoors right into the home."

Allowing more light to flow into the home is the large shopfront entry door and the remote controlled Velux skylights in the kitchen and WIR. The skylights are remote controlled, and ideal for bringing in more light and providing natural ventilation.

As well as light, the house features several natural materials. “One of the most striking characteristics of this home is the inclusion of reclaimed timber posts,” says Harry. "They’re made of red ironbark from an old bridge in northern NSW and have all the original features such as bolt holes and hand carved fish scales."

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AMBERLY MANOR There’s blackout timber in the bathroom vanities, natural stone vanity basins, limestone feature walls, spotted gum cladding, and wormy chestnut timber floors. Each of these give a really warm, earthy look and feel which works with all the light and openness of the home, especially at this time of year.

It’s hard not to picture yourself out on the deck, enjoying the views and a glass of wine as the days become longer and warmer.

Come and see Amberly Manor for yourself this Spring.

1 Amberly Drive, Drouin, between 12noon and 4pm, Friday - Tuesday, or contact Kingbuilt’s design consultants on 1300 546 428 | sales@kingbuilt.com.au www.kingbuilt.com.au

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Potbelly seahorse (courtesy FOBR)

Fleshy Doriopsilla (courtesy FOBR)

a life spent beneath John Ariens (left) with Alan Wilkins.

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Gloomy octopus (courtesy FOBR)

Giant spider crab (courtesy FOBR)

Conspicuous polycera (courtesy FOBR)

the surface For John Ariens being sent to retrieve an expensive fishing rod opened a watery world and ignited a passion that has seen him diving for more than 50 years.

“It was the day (former Prime Minister) Harold Holt went missing,” said John.

“I was nearly the second person to drown that day.”

He was fishing in a boat with his father-in-law who dropped a rod in the water and sent John to get it.

“I put on the mask and dove down trying to get the rod. In the meantime, the boat kept drifting.

By the time I got the rod the boat was a fair distance away,” John laughs.

That glimpse of life under the surface was enough to get him hooked. Since then he’s been diving regularly and Beware Reef and the Gippsland Lakes are among his favourite locations.

Together with Alan Wilkins and Don Love, John is a keen member of the Friends of Beware Reef.

He describes Beware Reef, the home of their passion for diving, as a unique part of Victoria’s coastline.

“It’s right on the corner of Australia where two currents meet, and the water temperature is actually warmer there.”

The Friends of Beware Reef are well recognised for the work they’ve done to raise the profile of the reef and catalogue the many amazing species found there.

This level of commitment played a big part in them successfully securing a community grant to map marine life found within the Gippsland Lakes.

Over a 12-month period, the team have taken photographs across the Gippsland Lakes, to monitor the presence and movement of marine animals and plants. These photos will then be made available online.

Dr Peter Veenker, Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee Co-Chair, said through the grant the Friends were playing an important role in helping us understand the type of marine life in the Gippsland Lakes.

“This is a fantastic project,” said Dr Veenker.

“Through their photographs we’re all able to see the under-water world of the Gippsland Lakes.

“It also highlights the importance of being vigilant and how members of the community have an important role to play in keeping the Gippsland Lakes at their best.”

Dr Veenker is referring to the disturbing discovery of a Northern Pacific Seastar, a voracious predator, in the Gippsland Lakes.

Alan Wilkins recalls finding the star and the sinking feeling in his stomach.

“I knew what it was, and I knew it was bad.

Northern Pacific Seastars reproduce so quickly, and I was worried there would be more.”

Alan’s discovery sparked a swift reaction with government agencies working on an immediate response. It also led to state government funding being allocated to a specific Northern Pacific Seastar project.

According to Alan, the motivation for the current project was to give members of the public access to see what lives in the Gippsland Lakes, without having to dive down and see it themselves.

“This project is showing people what we see” said Alan. “If I told you there were groper in the Lakes, you might not believe me, but I can show you photos.

Members of the Friends hope that by sharing what they see, others might be inspired to take better care of the environment around them.

“Everything we do in the catchment, impacts on the Gippsland Lakes,” continued Alan. “Whether you’re skiing in the high country, using fertilizer on your farm or boating on the Lakes – it effects the whole eco system.”

“Unfortunately, we’ve found a lot of rubbish in the Lakes during our dives.”

For Alan his current interest is in nudibranchs, a group of soft bodied molluscs, noted for their often extraordinary colours and different forms.

“They are dependent on other forms of life within the marine environment for food, shelter and a place to lay their eggs.

“This relationship shows the interconnected nature of the Gippsland Lakes and surrounding environment.

“The Gippsland Lakes is a dynamic system. What was healthy 100 years ago is different to what healthy looks like today.”

For John, the message is simple. “Don’t rubbish the place,” he says. “We’ve all got a role to play in keeping the Gippsland Lakes healthy. Be conscious about what you’re doing and think about the impact your having.”

Alan has similar advice. “We need to preserve what we’ve got. We’re doing this project because we want to see the Gippsland Lakes healthy now and into the future and we can all make a difference.”

This community grant was funded by the Victorian State Government for the health of the Gippsland Lakes.

“When we walk around, you can see the birds and wildlife on the land, but not many people get to see what’s beneath the surface of the Gippsland Lakes.”

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PROPOSED GRANITE QUARRY ROCKS COMMUNITY

MARK KNIGHTS’ HERO MASCOT FOR THE STOP BUNYIP NORTH QUARRY CAMPAIGN, MT CANNIBAL ROO

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MARK KNIGHT’S CARTOON, THE PICNIC PARTY. SIGNED AND DATED LIMITED-EDITION PRINTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. FUNDS RAISED WILL GO TOWARDS THE STOP BUNYIP NORTH QUARRY CAMPAIGN

The Mount Cannibal and District Preservation Group Inc. was formed in 2006 and has been tirelessly heading the Stop the Bunyip North Quarry campaign for almost 12 years.

BEC, DAVID, MARK AND MILAN WALK THE SAME TRACK AT MT CANNIBAL AS DEPICTED IN MARK KNIGHT’S PICNIC PARTY CARTOON

The proposed 320-hectare super-quarry is comparable in area to Melbourne CBD and is right in the midst of a sensitive biodiverse green wedge. It is also 340 metres from the beautiful Mt Cannibal and has 70 houses within a 1.5Km radius of the site.

I spoke with local residents and Mt Cannibal and District Preservation Group members, Bec Skilton, David Bywater, Milan Velimirovic and Mark Knight, who between them own 220 acres dedicated to a mixture of horses, cattle, hay and bushland corridor for wildlife.

The organisation behind the quarry proposal is Hanson, a German owned company specialising in supplying heavy building materials such as sand, gravel and stone to the construction industry. At the Bunyip North site, they are planning to move two million tonnes of granite per year over the next 100 years, with 520 trucks entering and exiting the quarry each day. That’s equivalent to the movement of one truck every 83 seconds on local roads.

Subsequently, there is grave concern of traffic congestion by resident’s who use the roads as well as the danger this proposes of a high volume of vehicles turning right across the highway intersection towards Melbourne.

The reasons for the rejection of the quarry by residents are many and varied including: blasts scaring livestock and horses; small rocks and silica dust settling in and contaminating water sources; air pollution from dust and silica; light pollution from operations at night which will particularly affect the local powerful owl population; noise pollution from blasts, crushers, and heavy haul machinery; and the loss of habitat for local wildlife.

The proposal involves demolishing three existing hills and then digging underground 140+ metres.

David states “when hills are taken out, surface water and run off into dams is affected. However, once you go below the surface, you start draining the ground water which surrounding properties are also dependent on”.

The group acknowledge the need to accommodate development and industry and that the area is of great interest for extractive minerals but argue there are more suitable sites companies can tap into which are not so ecologically sensitive. In 2015, the Minister for Planning ordered an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) from Hanson but this has not been completed. An EES outlines any potential environmental effects of the proposed project and how the company plans to manage these. In addition to the EES, residents have also not seen any detailed plans from Hanson for vegetative rehabilitation of the site or its likely use after quarrying is completed.

David questions the integrity of the process to date and believes that “the lack of information provided to the community by the proponent, the extended time it has taken Hanson to comply with producing the EES now stretching out to more than four years, and the absence of community representation, means the process is broken and the rule book is twisted in favour of the proponent”. However, the community remain confident that a thorough EES will highlight how environmentally devastating the proposed quarry is for the area and the permit will not be granted.

The group are also concerned about the preservation of Mt Cannibal, which was granted State Significance in 2016, and is a major tourist attraction for visitors who hike a circuit around the mountain. It also carries important Indigenous significance, has an abundance of native orchids, and a multitude of native animals such as goannas, echidnas, wombats, koalas, powerful owls, platypus, and black cockatoos as well as the endangered dwarf galaxias fish in nearby dams.

The bush margins from Mt Cannibal and surrounding areas act as native wildlife corridors and the group are concerned these bio links will be broken and result in certain loss of biodiversity as well as access to water sources. The area is also the entry point to the Bunyip State Forrest, and has many wineries, B&Bs and orchards in the vicinity.

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THE MOUNT CANNIBAL AND DISTRICT PRESERVATION GROUP INC.

MEMBERS OF THE MT CANNIBAL AND DISTRICT PRESERVATION GROUP AT THE FOOT OF THE BEAUTIFUL MT CANNIBAL RESERVE

MARK KNIGHT’S MASCOT FOR THE QUARRY CAMPAIGN, POWERFUL OWL

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BEC SKILTON WITH ONE OF HER HORSES, SPHINX. THE BOUNDARY OF LAND APPROPRIATED BY HANSON IS 20 METRES FROM WHERE SHE IS STANDING

ONE OF MARK KNIGHT’S HERO CHARACTERS, MT CANNIBAL ROO GIRL

DAVID, MILAN, BEC AND MARK AT THE MT CANNIBAL INFORMATION BOARD

Research undertaken shows the local community and surrounding districts are unanimously against the quarry. But despite this result, residents are furious and frustrated that the corporate giant is adamant in its intention to progress with the quarry. David says, “the community feel completely disregarded and Hanson are not listening to our feedback. We feel like collateral damage”.

years’ time”. Bec also explains the necessity for “people to be aware of what companies can potentially get away with. We’ve lived with this process for 12 years. It could happen to anyone.

Dust and pollution don’t care about roads and boundaries”. David adds that ordinary citizens of the group feel “completely disempowered against a multinational corporation which has millions of dollars to pour into a legal dispute”.

The group are outraged at the certain ecological consequences of the quarry. Milan, who lives just 15 metres from the proposed site, says residents purchased properties with the knowledge they are custodians of the environment, “it’s hard for people to visualise the magnitude of this project.

It’s socially, financially and environmentally heart-breaking.” Bec reiterates this sentiment stating Hanson appear dismissive of concerns of resident’s trying to preserve their community for future generations, “we want people to experience the area as we do, in 30 to 40

Although the campaign has received generous donations, more funds are needed to continue the fight. Local resident and cartoonist for the Herald Sun, Mark Knight, has drawn ‘hero characters’ as mascots for the campaign and donated a picnic party cartoon to help raise funds. Mark explains he is acutely aware of the abundance of Australian wildlife and wanted to promote the biodiversity and pay homage to the area. “Australian native animals are excellent subjects to characterise as they’re such an eclectic bunch. The native birds such as the powerful owl and cockies are

particularly expressive. I thought a picnic is a very Aussie thing to, so there’s Wombat with a slab of root beer and Roo in his roo t-shirt carrying his esky and walking with his wife and children.”

The original cartoon will be auctioned off at an event at Jinks Creek Winery on September 1st.

In addition, there will be 250 limited-edition prints hand signed and dated by Mark, printed on green stock from sustainable plantation, available for purchase through the group’s website.

For more information on news and events, to sign the petition or make a donation, visit their website at www.stopthebunyipnorthquarry.com or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/StopTheBunyipNorthQuarry Words and Photographs by Ruth Williams

MILAN VELIMIROVIC’S VAN ILLUSTRATES COMMUNITY SENTIMENT TOWARDS THE PROPOSED QUARRY

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‘For us locals, this is a very important event’ SCHOOLS AND PARENTS AROUND SOUTH GIPPSLAND AND BASS COAST ARE THROWING THEIR SUPPORT BEHIND THE REGION’S PREMIER NOT-FOR-PROFIT CYCLING EVENT - THE BASS COAST CYCLE CHALLENGE AND FAMILY FESTIVAL - WHICH BENEFITS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND ULTIMATELY SAVES LIVES.

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The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge and Family Festival (Saturday 10th November 2018) attracts hundreds of participants from all over the region and wider Victoria, but locally we see significant benefits from the event with proceeds funding in-school courses which arm the next generation with life-saving road safety knowledge.

“We commit all proceeds to the education of young drivers, passengers and cyclists, making our roads a safer place for all. For us locals, this is a very important event.” said Event Director Gavin Slavin.

“Support for the BCCCFF over the past seven years has enabled us to fund over 2000 students from eight local secondary schools in Wonthaggi, Phillip Island, Korumburra, Leongatha, Foster and Mirboo North who have undertaken intensive road safety education courses.”

The RYDA program run by Road Safety Education Limited and VicRoads L2P program are several key road safety initiatives in Victoria that have contributed to a reduction in the number of young people killed in road crashes over the past decade. Both programs are practical and powerful and aim to change the way young people think about being on the road.

“Road safety is an issue that touches us all and we encourage all locals – no matter what your cycling ability, to register for the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge and Family Festival, in order to keep these programs accessible to our local youth as they approach that crucial time in their lives where they start to drive independently or are travelling as passengers of novice drivers. The more entries we receive, the more students we can involve in these programs and the safer our roads can be.”

The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge & Family Festival will be held on Saturday 10th November 2018. With a range of riding distances, there is something for everyone – from weekend warriors to the recreational rider: 121km, 85km, 53km, 40km, 14km Family and 7km kids loop, plus festival activities including a fun run, skate and BMX comps, billy cart races, face painting and more.

“We have the more experienced riders who enter and want the challenges which the 121km ride will bring, with its 14 climbs including the 250metre Mt Misery.” Said Slavin.

“While at the other end of the rider spectrum we have recreational riders who have set themselves a personal goal to complete the 53km or 40km rides, which have less climbs but are equally as spectacular riding along the coastline and through the countryside.”

For more information or to enter the event check out: www.basscoastcyclechallenge.com

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Stony Creek Go-Karts is now well and truly one of the highlights of South Gippsland.

■ Hire Karts ■ BYO Kart Membership (Day/Yearly Rate) ■ Corporate Days ■ Group Bookings ■ Birthday Parties & Functions ■ Driver Education ■ Phoenix Kart Agents ■ Kart Sales & Spares ■ Café

Please check website for dates and times.

PH : 5664 7272

EM: info@stonycreekgokarts.com.au For more information visit stonycreekgokarts.com.au Please Note: When Stony Creek Racing Club is holding a race meeting the venue will be closed. During the winter period the venue is closed mid week unless prior booking is made.

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OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10am

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Live the life you imagined It’s amazing when you start something new or are working towards goals, how you know you’re excited about where it will lead you, but you’re a little unsure about how it’s going to happen, what the end result will be, who you will meet, or what’s going to happen on your journey along the way.

combined family of six children and I therefore need all the help I can get to gain the most from every day. Those who know me well will attest to the fact that I like to keep busy, as active as possible and always challenge myself to live life to the full.

This was how I felt when I started my health and wellness businesses twelve months ago. However, for me there was some sort of unexplainable internal belief in what I was beginning and a want to help others thrown in that gave me the drive to follow my passions and turn something I love into something that never feels like hard work. I now enjoy the fact that I have a huge vision for the future, work/life balance and can offer people solutions, quality products, mentoring, education, safer and healthier options as well as a life changing opportunity in more ways than one.

Throughout my journey so far, I have heard lots of stories of life-changing experiences that have given people a new perspective on life, health and relationships. I am personally grateful that I have had varied experiences in my world, some tough at the time, that have shaped my outlook and I can only look forward now, not backwards in my world. I believe there is something to be learned from every experience, job, error and interaction we have, be they positive or negative experiences.

I am Christie Anne Nelson and I am using my name in its’ entirety because I am proud of my family, it honours my late Grandmother’s middle name and my initials have lead to being a big part of my philosophy and one of my business names.

My initials spell CAN and I have a B positive blood type so I'm sure that it's built in and part of my drive to enjoy life and be as happy and healthy as I can be. I am a working Mum, early childhood educator, and dual business owner with a

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It took a physical hurdle to slow me down for a long time and I am extremely lucky to be active again after some major spinal surgery gave me a second chance at finding fitness, mental and emotional health again. I’m also extremely lucky/ crazy to have such a big beautiful family after two households became one (and yes… I am Carol Brady, I know you’re thinking it), so I believe everyone can have a second chance in life in different ways.

I have always made a choice throughout my life to tell myself, YOU CAN, not YOU CAN'T and my parents were forever encouraging of my ventures throughout my life. In present years it meant I aimed to kept fit and well in the time leading up to my operation, which meant I could recover faster and get back to being an active Mum again and able to kick a football with my kids or even tie my shoelaces without agony.

I am forever grateful for that life-changing moment and will never take health for granted again. I enjoy hiking, cycling, swimming and a work-out because they’re great for my mind, body and morale and because… I CAN! I am a big believer in exercise as a healthy therapy and feeling great, starting from the inside-out.

Following this experience, I was introduced to a health and wellness business opportunity that has subsequently allowed me to be the best version of myself, offered me the most amazing personal growth and development, time flexibility, extra income, lifestyle choices, opportunities for travel, wonderful new friendships and the tools to offer healthy living education and support, including cleaner eating and healthier choices for my family (shopping lists and meal plans provided too, handy for busy people).

Christie Nelson

and reach for your goals.

I have huge goals for the future and can help other like-minded people into the same opportunity for themselves and would like to share in this big vision.

I can also assist those who are simply looking for award winning botanically based, Vegan certified, dairy and gluten free health and wellness products which are manufactured to the highest of European standards, meaning without all of the hidden nasties yet to be banned in Australia. The whole family is catered for and includes a range of nearly 500 items such as nutrition, sports range, make-up, skin care, baby care, personal care items, to name a few.

Through my own experience with an embarrassing gym episode and my new found love for hiking (ie: walking and talking) I became attuned to the needs of many of my peers. It was discussed on a walk one day, the need for good quality active wear at an affordable price locally, particularly for those Mums who prioritise their family’s needs over brand name purchases. Therefore, I listened to feedback and You Can Active Wear was established in conjunction with my health and wellness business in order to help others make some positive changes to their daily lives in a holistic way in the same way as I did.

I am passionate about the ethics of both businesses and how they can provide solutions for people that they may have been looking for but didn’t know where to start. My businesses have grown to a point where I am now mentoring and inspiring others towards their goals, whether that is to be safer consumers, achieve better gut health, have more energy and achieve weight loss goals, to own leggings that are squat proof at the gym (get someone your trust to squat check your current old faves before going public ....trust me) or become a business owner only working five to ten hours a week in pockets of time and achieve financial and personal growth, buy back time freedom and some lifestyle with your family.

I’d love everyone to allow themselves a little time to start thinking YOU CAN not YOU CAN'T to make little changes every day to improve your lifestyle, find and follow your passion and live the life you imagined. Don't think 'what if it doesn't work out' but WHAT IF IT DOES? www.youcanlifestyle.com.au Images by Little White Desert photography & Christie Nelson.

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JUDY FARMER, CHRIS HEALY, PAT TURNER AND PETER WARE STAND IN FRONT OF THE SETTLEMENT GIANT, WHICH BOASTS AN IMPRESSIVE GIRTH OF 12.5 METRES.

DROUIN

IS TREE-MENDOUS! The township of Drouin boasts an assortment of marvellous trees with streets and roads displaying a beautiful variety of both remnant and planted native and exotic species. What’s equally compelling is the community group who comprise volunteers dedicated to caring for their natural environment. The Friends of Drouin’s Trees group is made up of passionate people with a profound collective knowledge of local tree species and an impressive ability to identify the accompanying local fauna and birdlife that make their homes in these trees.

The group meet regularly and hold monthly working bees where they undertake activities that include weeding such as ridding areas of tobacco plant and blackberries, restoring sensitive natural areas, education programs and planting or transplanting. The group are presently concentrating on three sites around Drouin. One of which, Froggy Hollow in Civic Park, requires the transfer of several tree ferns to be newly situated underneath the canopies of nearby trees. The current positions of the tree ferns have left them too exposed to the sun and many have subsequently burnt and died.

The group will use the dead tree ferns either for mulch and/or to encourage habitat for local fauna and birds.

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Drouin’s avenues of Corymbia Ficifolia are particularly stunning when in full bloom and have an annual festival dedicated to celebrating their brilliance. Other splendid trees include elms, oaks, planes and cypresses. However, the more well-known trees include the ‘Giants’ located within the residential boundary of Drouin. The group defines a Giant as any tree with a girth over four meters. Impressively, 120 giants have been identified in the area, 22 of which have girths in excess of six metres.

These trees not only demonstrate an impressive height, girth and age but they also possess an incredible historical and habitat value that cannot be replaced. Some of the more popular giants include the Grandfather Tree – a Eucalyptus obliqua or Messmate, the Bill Kraft Giant (named after an important historical Drouin identity and estimated to be just shy of 250 years old) and the Settlement Giant – both Eucalyptus cypellocarpa or Mountain Grey Gums; with the latter sporting an impressive 12.5 metre girth!

Other important activities the group conducts include the meticulous gathering of data via written records, visual record collections captured by camera and GPS location tracking.

Types of data recorded include identification and descriptions of tree species and their specific

DEDICATED MEMBERS OF THE ‘FRIENDS OF DROUIN’S TREES’ GROUP, DEMONSTRATE A DEEP LOVE AND APPRECIATION FOR THE ARRAY OF MAJESTIC GIANTS THAT DOT THE URBAN LANDSCAPE. geographical locations. Information on the Settlement Giant has been listed on the National Register of Big Trees. The group volunteers explain it took them six months to walk the streets of Drouin and thoroughly compile the information. It has taken a further two years to enter the mapping data on to the GIS system at Council, which has been done in conjunction with the Baw Baw Shire’s Environment Officer.

The Friends of Drouin’s Trees has documented several popular tree walks for visitors and locals to take part in. Twelve of these walks have been detailed in a tourism booklet containing thorough and accurate notes, photographs and maps which showcase the range of beautiful trees within the Drouin township. The booklet, which is also available online, is the culmination of much hard work by individuals within the group, who also sourced funding for the printing of the booklet from Baw Baw Shire and the Drouin and District Community Bank. As a result, the booklet was offered free of charge. However, the booklet, which has now had multiple print runs to keep up with popular demand, will be offered via gold coin donation.

Recently, the group hosted an Artist in Residence, Jo Caminiti, who also happens to have a background in environmental science.

Jo’s mission was to paint ‘Ten Giants in Ten days’ where she beautifully captured the grandeur of the goliaths on canvas. Her well attended exhibition was held at the Old Drouin Butter Factory.

It’s not surprising to learn that this year, the Friends of Drouin’s Trees were recipients of the Baw Baw Shire Australia Day award - Community Contribution: Environmental Achievement, with the leader of the group, Judy Farmer, taking out the Citizen of the Year award. Judy’s passion and commitment to Drouin’s trees is reflected in her comment to me, “We could tell you all about these trees. They’re like our children,” she affectionately stated.

Group member, Peter Ware, is known for his expertise in accurately identifying the local bird life through sight and sound. He leads the engagement in a bird sound segment on local radio station 3BBR and along with others, is dedicated to educating local community groups including information on tree registration and local bird life as well as the making and installation of nest boxes. Preserving trees to provide habitat is also an important mission of the group, who often engage the Council and local tree workers regarding tree rescue rather than removal and advocate for dead trees to be left to provide natural habitat for animals and birds. Peter stated over the course of one week, he identified five different bird species nesting at once in the Settlement Giant, “It’s like a bird hotel” explained Judy.

In addition to providing homes for possums and kookaburras (to name a few), trees offer valuable amenity to our communities by supplying shade and an aesthetic outlook. However, the physiological and psychological benefits of trees have also been documented for centuries. Not only do they produce oxygen, filter air pollution and prevent soil erosion but some studies show that being in the presence of trees lowers heart rate and blood pressure and reduces stress. The Japanese name the relaxing practice of being in the presence of trees as ‘forest bathing’.

The restorative practice promotes wellbeing, recharges the soul, and refreshes energy and vitality. After being in their presence, I too am convinced that these gentle giants generate calmness in their therapeutic landscapes.

THIS SITE AT FROGGY HOLLOW, REQUIRES THE RELOCATION OF REMAINING LIVING TREE FERNS.

THE DROUIN TREE WALKS BOOKLET HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY COMPILED

BY VOLUNTEERS.

DEAD TREES IN CIVIC PARK, DROUIN, WHICH HAVE PURPOSELY NOT BEEN REMOVED IN ORDER TO PROVIDE NATURAL HABITAT FOR LOCAL BIRDS AND FAUNA.

For more information, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/DrouinsTrees or their blog http://drouinstrees.blogspot.com.au Words and various photographs

by Ruth Williams.

FRIENDS OF DROUIN’S TREES MEMBERS, JUDY FARMER, JOAN MCCOLL AND PETER WARE LINK HANDS AROUND THE GRANDFATHER TREE IN CIVIC PARK, DROUIN TO SHOW ITS SCALE.

THIS MALE GOLDEN WHISTLER IS RENOWNED FOR HIS STRONG, MELODIC VOICE. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PETER WARE.

THE MUSK LORIKEET WILL TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES FOLLOWING FLOWERING OR FRUITING TREES. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PETER WARE.

ONE OF THE SMALLEST AUSTRALIAN BIRDS, THIS SPOTTED PARDALOTE, GATHERS MATERIALS TO BUILD A NEST. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PETER WARE.

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well BEING is the new medicine

By Erin Miller

Several years ago, I had hit rock bottom, I found myself depressed, heavily medicated and spending days at a time in bed. My marriage, friendships and career were suffering and I had abandoned all my dreams. I was lacking life direction, purpose and meaning.

This I believe was the result of many years neglecting my own health and wellbeing; where I had made a conscious decision that it was far easier to focus less on myself putting everyone else’s needs before my own. Yet deep down I had a knowing that there had to be a better way to live my life. So, I began to seek out alternative ways to overcome my depression, regain direction and reconnect with ME and my goals, dreams and desires.

One way I did this was through a 12month 1:1 life coaching program (where I was a client), which to say the least changed my life! Think of it as detoxing from the inside out on all levelsmind, body and soul! So often, we limit healthy living or our wellbeing goals to things external to us. We focus our attention on trying to change or improve all the things that we have no control over thinking that this is the pathway to happiness.

Imagine, all of what you could see, hear, feel and achieve if you were to focus on your health and wellbeing from the inside out; if you were able to alleviate stress, depression, anxiety and create a life of peace, love and harmony.

Human nature would suggest that we seem to have an innate ability to nurture and care. We feed, nourish, protect, support, encourage, develop, promote, educate, build up and bring up others. We love and care for our partners, family, friends, co-workers, students, clients, and customers, yet so often neglect to recognise & give ourselves the time and care that we really need.

As Eleanor Brown quotes “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

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We’re probably all familiar with the safety procedures when flying in an aeroplane, if the oxygen masks are released from the overhead stalls, you need to fit your own mask before assisting others -I believe our overall health and wellbeing is like this, if you’re drained & depleted you’re no good to anyone.

ERIN MILLER

Learning how to take care of your own needs, has so many benefits for not only yourself but those around you. When we feel fulfilled & satisfied in one area of life this then has a ripple effect.

SO, LET’S LOOK AT A FEW WAYS YOU COULD DO THIS;

Erin Miller is a personal life coach, motivational speaker, published author and proud mama to 3 very active little boys.

GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF “PERMISSION Permission to put yourself as a priority, minus the guilt! You spend so much of your time, energy, thoughts, and life doing this for others, now it’s your turn!

Her previous career roles have been quiet diverse and she has a background in hospitality/ travel, disability/mental health and business management.

MASTER YOUR MINDSET Why? Because YOUR MIND RUNS THE SHOW. You may not realise this, but everything you do (or don’t do) to make progress or changes in any life area is a choice, a decision and your brain is in on it. Being able to change your mindset means being able to change your LIFE. Otherwise, it’s like being a passenger in a runaway vehicle -Scary Stuff!!

RELAX THE EXPECTATIONS We put so much emphasis these days on all the things we need to be, have to do and should of, could of, would of, that often life and all its beauty is passing us by. Remember to hit the pause button and to give yourself some consideration daily. A quiet moment to reflect gratitude. Appreciation for the way in which nature can nourish you or five minutes to listen to music that fills your soul.

Keeping ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally fit so we are able to care for ourselves, and others, in our lives has nothing to do with being selfish, but everything to do with self-responsibility. I truly believe that vital self-care and wellbeing is the new medicine.

Erin is formally trained in a variety of modalities including NLP, Life Coaching, Mindfulness & Meditation, and has had the privileged to work with clients all around Australia and also runs empowerment workshops, retreats and group events.

Do you have a question or a topic you would like Erin to write about?

Send me an email at erin@erinmiller.com.au Erin Miller is a Holistic Life Coach, NLP Practitioner, Healer and Writer. Her aim is to live life with a sense of excitement, anticipation and energy!

Her passion and purpose is to help and guide others to also find their true calling and zest for life!

For further information please call 0418 328 441 or visit my website www.erinmiller.com.au

Leongatha Health Nutrition + Whole Foods

Leongatha Health Nutrition + Whole Foods Best Price Organics and Local Fruit and Vegetables Organic Teas and Coffee Freshly Ground Peanut Butter Organic Sourdough and Gluten Free Bread Organic and Preservative free Wines Large Nutritional Range Bulk Dispense Wholefoods Conscious Cleaning and Personal Care Products Organic and Natural Cosmetics

Glenn + Suzi Bath 21 McCartin Street, Leongatha 3953 Phone (03) 5662 2290 | Email leongathahealth@hotmail.com | Web leongathahealthfoods.com

more tracks more challenges @ MT TAYLOR Mountain Bike Park Mt Taylor Mountain Bike Park, north of Bairnsdale is now home to 30km of tracks following recent State Government funded additions and upgrades.

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Tambo District Manager and mountain bike enthusiast, Brad Fisher said local staff have built a five-kilometre-long ‘ascending’ track which provides a challenging ride from the bottom to the top.

“We have also built new picnic facilities, installed track infrastructure and added other important elements to the site,” Mr Fisher said.

“Specialist contractors, Dirt Art, have sculpted a new three and a half kilometre ‘Flow Track’ from the top to bottom and extended the Southern Cross cross-country track by five kilometres.

“The new Flow Track is rated ‘very difficult’ at Black Diamond and should provide a challenge for advanced riders.

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“Most of the difficult sections can be by-passed on ‘B’ lines or ridden slowly if desired. The tracks were built to provide fun and challenges with lots of jumps, gaps and bermed corners. This work has ensured the tracks are more sustainable while providing variety and options for mountain bike riders.”

Riviera Cycles owner, Gary Jackson said: "I’ve checked out these tracks and they’re really great to ride and an awesome facility for the wider cycling community."

"The Mt Taylor MTB park now has something for all mountain bikers, from less experienced, to experts looking for a challenge."

For walkers and trail runners, a five-kilometre return track has been built to ensure keen hill climbers have a dedicated facility. The track starts 50 metres up from the trailhead and is rated as ‘difficult’, with local walkers naming it the ‘Elevator’ walking track.

A new shelter, information sign, dedicated camping area, beginners ‘skill track’ and advanced jump line are also planned for the site.

“Mt Taylor is becoming well known as a Mountain Bike destination with many cyclists regularly riding the tracks,” Mr Fisher said.

“National, state and local events have been held at Mt Taylor over the past five years and it's anticipated the new facilities will attract more large-scale events.”

Gippsland MTB Club will be holding a MTB festival weekend event on 16th & 17th June. For more details go to gippslandMTB.com.au.

Camping is permitted at the site and there is a public toilet and camping areas with BBQs and picnic tables.

Mt Taylor Mountain Bike Park is located 16km north of Bairnsdale on the Bullumwaal Rd.

MT TAYLOR

MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK thelifestyle spring 2018

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get your bicycle out of Winter hibernation

By Gary Jackson, Riviera Cycles

WITH THE RETURN OF WARMER SPRING WEATHER, YOU MAY BE KEEN TO GET OUTDOORS AND BACK ON THE BIKE. MOST OF US MAY NOT HAVE LOOKED AT THE BIKE FOR 2 MONTHS OR MORE AND PROBABLY PUT IT AWAY IN THE SHED WITHOUT GIVING A THOUGHT TO MAINTENANCE. HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO GET YOU GOING AGAIN ON A BIKE THAT RUNS WELL AND FEELS GOOD.

TYRES

The most easily noticeable maintenance item, as you wheel the bike out of its hiding place, is tyres. Tyres and tubes are not completely air tight, they will lose air at a rate of roughly 20psi per month, so for a typical Hybrid or Mountain Bike that usually runs 40 to 50psi, the tyres will feel very soft, if not dead flat, at the end of Winter.

You’ll want to pump them back up to their regular pressure and then inspect the tyres for cracking and wear, replacing them if necessary.

CLEANING

At the beginning of the worsening weather, you may have got caught out in the rain, or ridden through some mud on your last few rides. If you are like most of us, it was probably put into hibernation with grime still caked on there.

Washing your bike is a great step towards further maintenance because you feel better about riding a clean bike and it is much easier to work on.

Even if you intend on taking the bike into your local bike store for a service, your bike mechanic will appreciate working on a clean bike. Alternatively most bike shops offer a bike wash as an addon service and will do a thorough job. A warning though, never use a pressure washer on a bike, seals on bicycle bearings were never designed to withstand forced water.

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thelifestyle spring 2018

CHAIN/SPROCKETS

Your bike’s drive train will run smoother, quieter and shift gears better if it is cleaned of all the old lube and dirt and re-lubed. There are many products you can use to degrease your chain including the likes of kerosene and Shellite, however bike shops typically stock much more environmentally friendly degreasers that are designed not to damage the plastics, carbon fibre and paintwork of your bike. Use a stiff brush and give those drive train components a thorough scrub. Once it’s clean and rinsed off, re-lube with a good quality bicycle lube. I prefer the “Dry” type lubes as they hold less dirt and keep your chain cleaner for longer.

BRAKES

Bikes usually come with brakes that either clamp their pads onto the wheel rim, or onto a brake disc. It’s important to visually inspect the pads for wear and have new pads installed if they are getting low. The pads on rim brakes typically have a line marked on them that indicates the maximum wear mark. If your pads have worn close to this mark definitely replace them, your safety depends on it!

Disc brake pads are hidden in the caliper and can be difficult to inspect. Use a torch to help you see into the caliper.

Disc brake pads need replacing when they are down to about 2mm of material left. If in doubt get your local bike shop to have a look at them.

Test ride your bike. If you suspect that your bike is not shifting gears or braking well, or you hear odd creaking, squeaking , or clunking noises, I suggest you take it in to your local bike shop and have it serviced. The mechanics will be able to inspect the bike and suggest any parts that may need replacing. You’ll get your bike back ready to ride through the fine Gippsland Spring weather.

Gary Jackson | Riviera Cycles

23

OVER

Years of

Riviera Cycles

Bairnsdale

Gary and Lisa Jackson love cycling. They love the freedom of pedaling a quiet country road, the exhilaration of descending an off-road trail, the sense of achievement felt from conquering a big climb, and since 1995, they have been sharing that love of cycling with the people of East Gippsland.

SALES

WE HAVE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE BRANDS AVAILABLE.

EXPERT REPAIRS

WE TAKE PRIDE IN AND GUARANTEE THE QUALITY OF OUR REPAIRS.

DEMONSTRATION BIKES

WE HAVE A SMALL FLEET OF THE LATEST BIKES TO SHOWCASE NEW MODELS FROM OUR MAJOR SUPPLIERS.

ACCESSORIES & COMPONENTS

WE STOCK THE MOST CURRENT CYCLING ACCESSORIES AND COMPONENTS.

Come and see our exciting 2018 range at RIVIERA CYCLES BAIRNSDALE

Opening hours Monday - Friday: 9am to 5.30pm Saturday: 9am to 1pm Sunday: Closed

193 Main Street, Bairnsdale, 3875 Phone: 03 5152 1886 www.rivieracycles.com.au thelifestyle spring 2018

31

GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL TRAIL LEONGATHA TO PORT WELSHPOOL

Discover on your journey the history, communities and beautiful scenery while you walk or cycle the Great Southern Rail Trail and appreciate your excursion through spectacular South Gippsland country. Whether you decide to complete the full journey or experience a shorter leisurely one, you will enjoy what the region has to offer.

Spreading approximately 72 kilometres from Leongatha to Port Welshpool, the trail traverses lush farmland, historic bridges, native vegetation and water views across Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory. Be sure to stop and explore the towns and villages marked along the trail.

It comprises seven distinctive sections:

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LEONGATHA TO KOONWARRA DISTANCE 7.8KM Beginning your journey you can see the historic railway station at Horticultural Park with a gentle descent from Leongatha to Koonwarra, past farmland, lowland forest and wetlands. Sight the occasional birdlife before arriving in the picturesque village of Koonwarra, known for its fresh food, sustainable living and fine seasonal produce and the regular Memorial Park farmers market is held on the first Saturday of the month.

KOONWARRA TO MEENIYAN DISTANCE 8.2KM The history of the trail and the original railway comes to life as you cross the original 1880s trestle bridges, which span the Black Spur creek surrounded by lush fern gullies. The trail meanders close to the main street of Meeniyan, a busy country town. Make a detour into the main street and explore the gallery, shops, hotel and café/restaurants.

MEENIYAN TO FISH CREEK DISTANCE 18.3KM The trail diverts south from this point to avoid the steep Foster Hills. You'll pass green pastures, towering gum trees and flowing creeks. You will pass the village of Stony Creek and espy the Stony Creek Racecourse and zooming Go-Kart Track. The trail's gradient rises gently as you leave the park at Buffalo (with its playground and picnic facilities) onward towards Fish Creek, an artistic town with many galleries and studios, cafes and the renowned hotel with the large mullet on the roof and accommodation, if the need arises to stay and savour all this town has on offer.

LEONGATHA TO PORT WELSHPOOL

FISH CREEK TO FOSTER DISTANCE 12.4KM Follow the trail through a valley and up an elevation of 140 metres along the west side of the Hoddle Range for spectacular views of Corner Inlet and the distant peaks of Wilson’s Promontory National Park. Watch for the kangaroos, wallabies and birdlife that thrive in the dense forest along the side of the trail, before detouring into Foster (about 1km from the trail), a small regional town that caters well for visitors with a range of shops and eateries. Learn about the town’s interesting history in the local museum and explore Stockyard Creek at Pearl Park.

FOSTER TO TOORA DISTANCE 10.2KM This leisurely section is perfect for young families to explore, and the ever-changing landscape – from dairy farms and gum tree glades to rivers, rolling hills and wind turbines.

TOORA TO WELSHPOOL DISTANCE 10.2KM Welshpool is nestled inland at the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges and just a short distance from the rugged south-east coastline and boasts views all the way to the Cornet Inlet. This flat section of the trail travels through uneven bushland and past lush dairy farms.

SUITABILITY Suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

The rail trail surface is compact gravel with an even grade with the occasional gentle rise.

Dogs are permitted on the Rail Trail but must be on a lead at all times.

References: www.gsrt.com.au & visitvictoria.com

WELSHPOOL TO PORT WELSHPOOL DISTANCE 5KM This short, flat section brings you to the end of the Great Southern Rail Trail. You'll wind through the streets of Welshpool before continuing along to the coast and soaking up the last views of Corner Inlet, as well as Snake Island and the northern section of Wilson’s Promontory National Park.

Your trail adventure has come to an end and allow yourself to soak up the sea air and relax at the coastal fishing village of Port Welshpool and take in the truly breathtaking coastal scenery.

thelifestyle spring 2018

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WONTHAGGI MEDICAL GROUP

Accredited Providers of High Quality Medical Services to the Bass Coast Community

YOUR LOCAL GENERAL PRACTICE FOR • Medical Services for the whole family • Obstetrics - Pregnancy Management/Birth • Palliative Care • Aged Care • Vascular Health Assessments • General Health Assessments • Healthy Kids Check

• Immunisation • Diabetes Management, Education and Risk Assessment • Asthma Management & Education • GP Management Plans • Chronic Disease Management - Team Care Arrangements • Skin Checks and Lesion Removal • Travel Health Advice

OPENING HOURS 42 Murray Street, Wonthaggi

8.30am - 6.00pm Mon - Fri 9.00am - 12.00pm Sat

25 A'Beckett Street, Inverloch

9.00am - 5.00pm Mon - Fri

Consulting Suites, Wonthaggi Hospital 2/1524 Bass Highway, Grantville

9.00am - 8.00pm Mon - Fri 9.00am - 4.30pm Mon - Fri early closing 1.00pm Wednesday

Holiday Season

MOO’S is closed on CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY Then OPEN 7 Days a Week until the end of January

Tel: 5672 1333 For Appointments and After Hours www.wonthaggimedical.com.au

TERRY RAYMOND EXHIBITS THE NEW 2018 SEA MASTER RANGE

CRAWFORD MARINE AT THE MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW MELBOURNE EXHIBITION CENTRE | 2018

Crawford Marine established in 1964 and owned since 1980

by Terry Raymond, dealer principle. His 42 years in the Marine industry in Victoria includes 25 years exhibiting at Melbourne Boat Show.

Crawford Marine is an authorised dealer for Stacer Aluminium boats, Dunbier boat trailers and now introducing Campion Boats from Canada.

ALAN MORRIS, CAMPION BOATS AUSTRALIA AT THE MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW

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35

THE BOAT WE TOOK TO METUNG WAS ONE OF THE NEW RANGE OF STACER MODELS FOR 2018 FEATURING THE NEW REVOLUTION HULL.

The hull combines a concave bottom sheet design and STACER EVO Advance pressing and a raised chine which results in a high-performance hull that glides over the water, delivering a softer ride in rough conditions. The stability at rest and underway is balanced and most enjoyable.

The 519 is the largest model of the Sea Master runabouts and this one had the optional transom door that provides great boarding access either from the trailer and on the water for swimmers and water skiers.

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thelifestyle spring 2018

The 3/4 rear lounge is folding and removable and adds comfortable seating for the crew. The space provided by the wide beam is noticeable and great for the large family crew. The STACER drive on trailer made retrieving a breeze.

The 90 hp Mercury EFI 4 stroke engine provided a smooth quiet experience and returned an economical average of 2.3 kilometres per litre with plenty of reserve power. Priced from $39,990 with a Mercury 75 hp, the 519 as tested came in at $42,500 drive away, ‘ready to go’.

And as you can see from the photos, the boat handled the Gippsland Lakes with aplomb.

One of the best things about going out with Terry Raymond from Crawford Marine is that I get to experience what is best about Gippsland’s beautiful waterways and this day was no exception, glass like conditions, warm sunny day, hardly a breeze and then a bite to eat at the popular Metung Hotel right on the water’s edge, yes Terry, another great day with Crawford Marine!!

CAMPION BOATS ARE BACK IN AUSTRALIA. ARRIVING IN DECEMBER

BOATING SINCE 1964

71-77 Chickerell Street, Morwell 3840 P: 5134 6522 E: info@crawfordmarine.com.au www.crawfordmarine.com.au

MEMBER

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lifestyle | coast | country

food + wine + accommodation Focusing on our extraordinary winemakers, our abundant and wonderfully diverse stays and of course our amazing food providers, producing fare from lush Gippsland farms or creating delectable dishes for the table.

index BASS RIVER GIPPSLAND – GLEN FORBES BLUE HILLS RISE – CRANBOURNE EAST BRANDY CREEK ESTATE – DROUIN SOUTH BRANDY CREEK ESTATE DIVINE RESTAURANT- DROUIN SOUTH BRENT SINCLAIR CATERING/FEAST ON US BURRA BREWING CO. – KORUMBURRA CAMPANIA OF MEENIYAN THE CAPTAINS LOUNGE – INVERLOCH DUCK INN – WILLOW GROVE FISH CREEK HOTEL FOSTER SEAFOODS HARVEST FEST 2018 – LARDNER PARK HARMAN WINES – WATTLE BANK HEALING LEAVES – MIRBOO NORTH LEONGATHA RSL LITTLE RED DUCK – NOOJEE MERCURE HOTEL WARRAGUL MOOS AT MEENIYAN MORWELL BOWLS CLUB MOUNTAIN VIEW LEONGATHA PARMA FOR A FARMER – NEERIM SOUTH HOTEL NOOJEE HOTEL PARMA FOR A FARMER – NOOJEE HOTEL PHILLIP ISLAND RSL PINOS TRATTORIA – COWES ROSEDALE BUTCHERS SOUVANNY COFFEE & CHOCOLATE SOUVANNY’S THAI RESTAURANT

64-65 130-131 54-57 132 42 46-47 5 39 49 43 52 44-45 67 59 58 48 2 60 59 61 66 51 50 63 62 53 62 40-41

gippsland culture index ALI’S ART BRIAGOLONG ART GALLERY CURTIS JEWELLERY – THE LOST ART OF SCULPTING CURTIS JEWELLERY FOTINI DESIGNS GRAEME MYRTEZA – THORPDALE ARTIST KATE WAANDERS – TRARALGON ARTIST LAURIE COLLINS RED TREE GALLERY TERRY EARLE – BANKING ON ART THE WEDGE – PAUL GRABOWSKY & VINCE JONES THE WEDGE – SINATRA AT THE SANDS BY TOM BURLINSON THE WEDGE – SONGS AND TALES OF ANGRY OLD MEN WITHOUT PIER GALLERY – CHELTENHAM WONTHAGGI NEWSAGENCY Gippsland lifestyle / coast /country A: PO Box 862, Wonthaggi 3995 P: 0404 301 333 E: thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au W: we’re updating - new website coming soon! facebook.com/lifestylegippsland instagram | g_the_lifestyle

THE CAPTAINS LOUNGE | INVERLOCH

112-113 122 114-115 125 115 120 121 125 116-119 122 115 124 123 122

A FA N SELE TASTIC C THE W TION O F ON HOS DERFUL P IT AL GIPP SLAN ITY TO O D HAS FFER

D I N N E R T H U R S D AY - S A T U R D AY BOOK NOW ON

L e ve l 1 o f Th e I nv y Es p y H ot e l 1 A ’B e c ke t t S tre e t , I nv e r loc h 3 9 9 6 f u n c t i on s@i nv ye s py.c o m .a u w w w. i nv ye s py.c o m .a u

| S U N D AY B R U N C H

5674 1432

SOUVANNY'S

Thai

RESTAURANT

BY WENDY MORRISS

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thelifestyle spring 2018

Souvanny cooking

Gillian who is employed to help

Souvanny and her son George

Souvanny Thai restaurant is a hidden gem in the heart of Wonthaggi. It’s a popular place for lovers of freshly roasted, perfectly brewed coffee and delectable hand-crafted chocolates but her traditional Thai food outdoes everything else.

Souvanny’s exceptional Thai culinary skills are part of her heritage and culture. The skills are handed down through the family for generations and she has cooked with her mother and extended family members since she was 10 years old.

Souvanny is also an expert coffee roaster and an exceptionally skilled chocolatier. She and her husband Graeme and their two young children, George and Amelie, previously lived in New Guinea where she acquired the necessary expertise and connections.

“We have more Thai food lovers than coffee lovers,“ Souvanny said. “It’s very popular especially the Pad Thai.”

Her mother is from Udon Thani, in Thailand and Souvanny was born in Laos but she said the food, culture and traditions are the same because the two countries were once ruled as one.

She said contrary to popular belief, not all Thai food is extremely spicy. “A lot of people think it is and some ask for more spice. I have my stand out spices but the dishes are a combination of vegetables, herbs, ginger, garlic, meat or seafood and spices, so it’s all those sensual flavours.

To really enjoy Thai food, you should be able to taste every ingredient not just the spices.”

The traditional Thai food Souvanny cooks is very nutritional. All the curries are made from scratch; all the food is cooked fresh and cooked very quickly to be eaten straight away as reheating some Thai dishes changes the flavours such as stir-fry mixed vegetable & cashew nuts.

The dine in or take away menu has many wonderful dishes to choose from that includes a variety of curries, house-made Thai fish cakes, Laab Neau (spicy beef salad) or Laab Gai (with chicken), Tom Yum Goong (spicy prawn soup), Pad Sa Aew (stir fry noodles with dark soy, egg, chicken and vegies), Kao Pad (fried rice with chicken, egg and vegies), the very popular Pad Thai (stir fry with rice noodles) and more, with vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options available.

“Cooking in Thailand and Laos is a culture,” she said. “People have gatherings with family and friends, parties on the weekend or special occasions and everyone cooks – a bit like a barbeque, but we have different dishes. We have things like Pad Thai, green curry, red curry and stir fry meats with cashews.”

She said that many people have small roadside shops selling traditional food. “They are very popular especially at night time. We went to the night markets where there are thousands of small shops selling different dishes. Some sell specialty dishes like Som Tum (green paw paw spicy salad), while another shop would sell just noodle soup and another shop, something different again.”

Souvanny, who once worked in the corporate world, said she didn’t think she would one day have her own shop and be cooking her family’s traditional food but she had always wanted to do something that used her tertiary business and administration skills and creativity.

She purchases solid chocolate and cocoa through a wholesaler in Belgium that also sources high quality product from different parts of the world. She then blends the chocolate, cocoa and her own fillings on the premises and the result is smooth tasting, unique treats with delicious centres.

The couple import their coffee through a wholesaler that sources the finest quality produce from Papua New Guinea, Uganda and Brazil. The imported beans are then freshly roasted on their South Gippsland Ryanston property and sold wholesale, retail and used in the restaurant.

She said the coffee has to be roasted slowly. “If you roast it for too long it burns. If you roast it too high or too fast it kills the oxygen in the beans and then it doesn’t have the same shelf life or taste.”

Souvanny thoroughly enjoys creating something nice that people enjoy eating. She is industrious and relentlessly busy, but she is never too busy to offer every patron that comes into her restaurant a warm, genuine friendly welcome.

Photography by Wendy Morriss

She cooks all the food because there isn’t anyone locally available with her background and skills to help but she does employ Gillian to help her prep.

'

Thai red curry

Pad Thai

thelifestyle spring 2018

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TRUCKING AROUND GIPPSLAND TO ALL YOUR EVENTS, WE CAN CATER ANY LOCATION. We are fully self-contained and can take care of everything including attendants.

BOOK US FOR LARGE SCALE FESTIVALS - EVENTS - CORPORATE FUNCTIONS.

We also offer catering for many other occasions including birthdays, weddings and engagements.

You can find us at Markets around Gippsland and we can prepare our menu to suit your event.

Contact us today on 0447 728 547 or brent@brentsinclaircatering.com.au

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When looking for a superior culinary experience from an intimate gathering to a lavish banquet choose Brent Sinclair Catering.

Relax and have the Brent Sinclair Catering team handle all the details and tailor any menu to perfectly suit your event.

Call Brent Sinclair on 0447 728 547 146 McCartin Street, Leongatha, Vic 3953 E: brent@brentsinclaircatering.com.au www.brentsinclaircatering.com.au

The iconic Fish Creek Hotel (1939) is a magnificently imposing Art Deco building located in the heart of Fish Creek.

Seven comfortable upstairs bedrooms and nine motel units provide accommodation.

With the Great Southern Rail Trail and art galleries on its doorstep, award winning wineries nearby and only 25 minutes from the gates of Wilson’s Promontory, it is ideally located as your accommodation base.

Enjoy a plate of fresh handmade Gippsland pasta.

Craft Beers on Tap The Bar has TAB facilities and also provides Foxtel on a giant 100” plus HD screen to show all sports live. ◊◊◊◊◊ The Fish Creek Hotel ArtSpaces - a new exhibition space in the Art Hub of Fish Creek featuring local artists. ◊◊◊◊◊

BISTRO O P E N 7 DAYS

LUNCH Mon – Fri: Midday – 2pm Sat – Sun: Midday – 2.30pm

THE

DINNER Sun – Thur: 5.45pm – 8pm Fri – Sat: 5.45pm – 8.30pm

FISH CREEK HOTEL

1 Old Waratah Rd, FISH CREEK, Vic 3959 (03) 5683 2404 www.fishcreekhotel.com.au

BAR OPEN Mon – Sun: 11.00am till late

HARVEST FEST 2018

the Start of Something Very Special

DEMAND for a major lifestyle and small farming event in eastern Victoria has brought together two major players in the field days industry.

Lardner Park and Seymour Alternative Farming Expo have joined forces to introduce Harvest Fest.

It will be run across three days – November 9-11 – with the focus on being an interactive and informative farming and lifestyle event; an all new event for Gippsland.

With a catchment area extending from Melbourne’s eastern sprawl to the Yarra Valley and to Bairnsdale and beyond, Harvest Fest will be pitched at more than two million people in its launch season.

The organisers expect to draw crowds in excess of 20,000 with the event built on the pillars of Grow, Make, Eat and Live.

Events Manager Susie Filleti said Harvest Fest had signed over 120 exhibitors with more expected to sign up prior to the event.

Susie said Harvest Fest will cater for everyone – from those with genuine rural interests to curious city folk wanting to get closer to their country

origins – or get some dirt under their fingernails in their city backyards.

Susie said Harvest Fest would be brought to life through hands-on experiences, exciting retail opportunities, entertainment and educational activities and was targeting small farmers, backyard and urban gardeners, home enterprises and foodies.

“It will provide an exciting and diverse program with live demonstrations, how-to sessions and tactile experiences with interactive content,” Susie said.

“Participants will be able to equip themselves and learn to operate a small farming enterprise, run their own backyard beehives, make their own cheese or set up their garden,” she said.

“They will also be able to take part in many other experiences such as drone demonstrations, the latest sustainable practices and the best food and produce from the Gippsland region.

Lardner Park Chief Executive Nicola Pero said her team was also looking towards the new event,

Book tickets online to save 16% www.harvestfest.com.au

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which she described as a perfect complement for Farm World.

She said Farm World was widely regarded as one of Victoria’s premier regional agricultural events, attracting more than 55,000 visitors and more than 800 exhibitors across four days.

“The event offers a strong focus on the latest in technology, equipment and information and provides an ideal opportunity to get up close and chat with the experts,” Nicola said.

“Lardner Park stages 125 events a year, it is an incredibly flexible and diverse complex spread across 121ha,” she said.

“The location for Harvest Fest is ideal, Lardner Park has Harvest Fest off to a flying start already,” she said.

“It will talk directly to farmers, producers and processors, boutique to mainstream and right down to craft interests.

“The idea of Harvest Fest has been bubbling along between Lardner Park and Seymour Expo for more than a year and we are looking forward to November.”

One of four craft beers on offer, a cold Golden Ale

A sample of the malt grain to be crushed for the brew

The idea of starting a brewery was born on a lad’s golf weekend away where

Head brewer and General Manager, Phill Dempster, checks the brew in his stainless-steel tanks

Bar Manager, Narelle Jones, pours a beer at the bar of Burra Brewing Co

Attendees enjoyed the atmosphere at the official opening of the Burra Brewing Co

The initial conception of opening a microbrewery together, began in June of 2015 on a boy’s golf weekend in Healesville. It took a further 12 months before things really started to kick off, but within three years, their dream has come to fruition; the result is Burra Brewing Co.

stainless-steel brewing tanks, which can be viewed through large windows, while ordering your beer from the bar. Phill explains that in the design of the premises he wanted people who were walking through the front gates, to be able to see three things, (i) the stainless-steel tanks, (ii) the beer taps and (iii) the warming glow from the woodfired oven – all of which have been achieved.

a beer that is well received by the average Aussie drinker” he says. When asked if he thought different nationalities preferred different brews, he agreed stating “An Aussie beer drinker typically will enjoy something different to a Belgian beer drinker, for example. But anyone can develop their palate for beer, and for different types of beer also”.

The owners are three couples, Phill and Ange Dempster, Narelle and Luke Jones, and Anthony Dempster and Kim Nicholas. With the exception of Luke, who is originally from Eltham, the owners all grew up in Korumburra and have incorporated many aspects of Korumburra’s heritage and people into their business. For example, their logo includes a lone Conifer tree in the design, which depicts the iconic landmark of One Tree Hill.

When the group first purchased the space, it was occupied by an abandoned warehouse.

The transformation of the building, which was time captured on their Facebook page, has been nothing short of amazing. In a little under 12 months, there now stands a beautifully designed building with a striking modern industrial style. Its polished concrete floors compliment the huge

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Although Phill, who is Head Brewer and General Manager, has completed a Master Brewer course, he admits he has been brewing his own beer since he was 17 years old. It would be another year before he could taste the fruits of his labour from that first batch, but he acknowledges since then he has always received great feedback about his homebrews. He now has a nano brewery at home where he likes to experiment with various flavours and styles.

Phill reports the business’ slogan is ‘Your craft beer’, meaning the brewery caters to flavours that would appeal to both craft and non-craft beer drinkers. “It’s for everyone. Our aim is to provide

Phill starts with base malts and then adds specialty malts for flavour. For example, he might begin with a pale or traditional malt and build up by adding darker grains to bring coffee notes or adding chrystal malt to achieve toffee notes to a beer. Phill reports that hops have flowers and grow on a bine, which is the name of the climbing stem of the hop plant. The flower has glands inside that are full of oils which impart their flavour and aroma to the beer.

Phill states “there is so much diversity in malts, hops, time and temperatures, which potentially results in many, many varieties of beer”.

A sample beer paddle containing the four brews on offer; Golden Ale, Summer Ale, Pale Ale and Dark Ale

Danny O’Brien MP, and owners Luke Jones, Ange Dempster, Phill Dempster, Anthony Dempster, Kim Nicholas and Narelle Jones, lift their glasses in celebration of the official opening of Burra Brewing Co

Phill checks for consistency, clarity, flavour and aroma

the “golf was average, the beer was good,and the bullshit was exceptional”.

Kate Provan, Maisie Provan and Andrew Provan.

Bar staff, Davin Nicholas, offers service with a smile

State MP Danny O’Brien successfully pours a beer at the official opening of Burra Brewing Co

Phill has an impressive 1,500 litre system and says brew days involve a seven-hour procedure, with the fermentation process taking between one to two weeks. Phill reports that a good brew essentially comes down to “high quality raw ingredients, the perfect temperatures, and time”.

Burra Brewing Co. currently offers four of their own brews; the Golden Ale, Summer Ale, Pale Ale and a Dark Ale with more in the offering in future.

You can order a beer sample paddle for tastings as well as a wide range of delicious woodfired pizzas and eat them inside on a rainy day or in the sunshine in the outdoor beer garden.

Coldstream, whose owners, Rohan Peters and Michael Bassett, also grew up in Korumburra.

In his speech, Mr O’Brien acknowledged and praised the enterprise for currently employing over 20 people and utilising many local businesses and tradespeople during the building process.

For example, local tradesman, Ray O’Flaherty was employed to construct the premises while son, Daniel O’Flaherty, is employed as bar staff.

Mr O’Brien also stated the microbrewery will be a great tourist attraction, bringing many sightseers to the area and making Korumburra a stopping destination as people continue down the tourist corridor towards Wilson’s Promontory.

Bar Manager, Narelle, who has an extensive background in hospitality and functions, explains they have gone to great lengths to support other local businesses by accessing services and stocking produce that has been supplied and manufactured nearby. For example, they use BEANd coffee sourced from a local roaster in Wonthaggi and San Remo; Jersey milk from Jindivick; Howler lager from Lang Lang; house wines from Gippsland Wines in Loch; and Coldstream Cider and Long Stream Pilsner from

Narelle, who is strictly a beer drinker, admits she enlisted the help of six trusted wine-loving friends, who she took along to tastings. She compiled the data based on their favourites and now stocks the consensus preferred wines. Phill, also a beer drinker, says he often consults Luke and older brother, Anthony, for their opinions on tastings as he says, “they’re the head connoisseurs”.

Whereas Anthony and Luke prefer a dark ale, Phill is a fan of the pale ales such an Indian pale ale, which he explains has more hops.

Burra Brewing Co. also offers up their space for functions. Recently, in conjunction with the South Gippsland Small Business Festival, they co-hosted an event featuring a presentation

by Gus Balbontin, former Executive Director and CTO of Lonely Planet, with 55 guests in attendance.

For more information on Burra Brewing Co. visit www.burrabrewingco.com.au Words and photographs by Ruth Williams.

Burra Brewing Co. was officially opened by State MP Danny O’Brien, on Saturday 11th August.

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Gaggsy’s skullet mullet

A few tears as the mullet comes off

Brad ‘Gaggsy’ Gallagher

Who would have thought while running ‘Parmas for Farmers’ to raise money, that cutting a man’s skullet mullet would draw a crowd of almost 300 people and raise $3,377 in one night for drought stricken farmers.

“We put up a post on Facebook to publicise the event,” Simon said, “and it went viral, reaching almost 40,000 people.” Talented Meg Doherty was brought in on the night to provide entertainment for the crowd and the party atmosphere was enjoyed by everyone.

which was evident when he shed a tear or two after it was cut off. The money he raised will be donated to ‘Gippsland Farmer Relief’.

When Simon Duck, proprietor of The Noojee Hotel and Willow Grove Duck Inn suggested to one of his regular Noojee patrons, Brad ‘Gaggsy’ Gallagher that he should cut off his mullet, Gaggsy surprised him saying he would for a good cause.

They both then agreed that helping farmers in need was a worthy one.

Brad, who is from Warragul, said, “Farmers are the backbone of Australia and they are struggling more than anyone else so I thought what a great cause.” He said he’d been growing his mullet for around three years and it was his pride and joy,

The Noojee Hotel and Willow Grove Duck Inn pledged to donate $2 from every parma sold during the month of August to farmers in need.

The Noojee Hotel raised $2000, which will be donated to ‘Buy a Bale’ while Willow Grove Duck Inn raised $1000 for ‘Need for Feed’.

The two venues with the help of ‘Gaggsy’ raised a total of almost $6,400 for drought affected farmers.

As for Brad, he is now re-growing his skullet mullet ready to cut off for another good cause.

Noojee Hotel and Willow Grove Duck Inn proprietors Rosie and Simon Duck

THANK YOU TO THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORTED THE EVENT:

MACALISTER HOTEL - MAFFRA | FISH CREEK HOTEL - FISH CREEK | INVY ESPY - INVERLOCH | INLET HOTEL - INVERLOCH | ROSEDALE BUTCHERS - ROSEDALE

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Specialising in Local Fish

Order Your Seafood For your Party or Event

For all

the best in fresh

Seafood

For all the best in fresh seafood, there is none better than Foster Seafoods This shop has everything for the seafood lover.

Alice and Lachie Duncan have added new lines to their business along with the freshest and best fish caught locally within Corner Inlet and Bass Strait.

On offer are freshly cooked Prawns, Moreton Bay Bugs, Crayfish, freshly opened Oysters, Mussels and a large variety of Local Fish – whole or filleted; along with our beautiful sauces.

Just give us a call or drop in. You are always welcome!

And you can be assured that the quality and service is still the best!

Crumbing: Sardine and Garfish fillets Smoking: Hot Smoked Atlantic Salmon, Chilli Mussels & Smoked Sardines all in Olive Oil Pickling: Local Scallops, Oysters with Tartare and Seafood Sauce, Home Made Chilli Sauce on the Mussels

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35 Main Street, Foster, Vic 3960 Tel/Fax: (03) 5682 2815 Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm, Saturday 8:30am - 12:00pm Contact: Alice and Lachie Duncan

thelifestyle spring 2018 2015

ROSEDALE BUTCHERS Local Family Owned Country Butcher

Three generations of Vaux Family owned and operated business since 1977.

In 1986 their first smokehouse was purchased and then later in 1992 a second larger smokehouse was obtained and are still used today, which allows them to produce the quality products that Rosedale Butchers have become known for.

Ray and Janet Vaux took over the business in May 1977 with their son Neville starting his apprenticeship with them and eventually he and his wife Debbie took over the business in July 1995. In turn, in 2012 their son Matthew after completing his apprenticeship in 2012 took on the job of smallgoods making and created the line of Matty’s Gourmet Sausages.

Call now for all Meat and Smallgoods Needs 32 Prince Street, Rosedale 3847 Ph 5199 2210 Like us on Facebook www.rosedalebutchers.com.au

THE KORUMBURRA DENTIST

The Korumburra Family Dental Surgery is located upstairs in a historical building in Korumburra and blends today’s dentistry with a cost effective professional environment.

Dr Gary Wilkie BDSc (Melb) has been servicing the Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities for over 30 years, as a local family owned and operated dental practice which was established in 1945.

We bulk bill eligible child dental scheme and Veteran Affairs patients.

Dr Gary Wilkie B.D.Sc. (Melb) L.D.S. F.R.A.C.D.S. F.A.I.C.D. Member of Australian Dental Association

Call now 5655 1026 1 Radovick Street, Korumburra 3950

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thelifestyle spring 2018

53

BRANDY CREEK ESTATE THIS WINERY OFFERS IT ALL - STUNNING PANORAMIC VIEWS, SPECIALTY WINES, A RANGE OF DELICIOUS CUISINE AND A DIVINE DAY SPA.

THE STRIKING MODERN BUILDING NESTLES INTO THE LUSH GREEN LANDSCAPE

What strikes you first upon entering this property, is the view. The stunning scenery takes in the expansive vineyard, the olive grove, lush green paddocks, rolling hills and ends with the splendor of Mt Baw Baw in the distance.

The building is a striking modern style with black metal and timber exterior, while inside it demonstrates a tastefully Spanish inspired décor. The large indoor space offers cordoned areas including classic brown leather chesterfield lounges surrounding a wood fire, sky-blue arm chairs overlooking the vineyard, and the Divine Restaurant which is set against a wall of windows to maximize the picture-postcard views.

Operational Manager, Darshana (Dash) Prasad, along with his wife, Nayomi Cooray, who oversees administration and functions, have been at Brandy Creek Estate since 2013. Dash, has an extensive 15 years’ experience in hospitality and as a qualified sommelier, including as a supervisor at the Langham Hotel in Melbourne, but now lives with his wife in Drouin.

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The estate occupies 15 acres, with five and half acres dedicated to wine. Their signature wines include the Sparkling Pinot Gris, created using the traditional French method using a base wine, bottle fermenting and disgorging after being racked for five years. The Pinot Gris and Tempranillo are made entirely from their own grapes, while the other wine varieties include ingredients also sourced from local vineyards.

In the Divine Restaurant, the tapas lunch menu offers a range of cuisine including many Spanish and Latin American styles. Tapas eating consists of smaller portions of Spanish cuisine, which combine to make a full meal. These are ideal for sharing and create an opportunity to taste several dishes in a sitting.

We ordered four tapas dishes, the first of which was the barramundi. The batter was extremely light and crispy while the white fish was mild, moist and succulent. Serviced with lemon and aioli sauce, this was a crunchy delight. We also feasted on empanados, a popular Spanish

pastry, full of cheese and seasonal vegetables.

The pastry was light and flaky, and the dish was pleasantly presented with a side of golf sauce, which is a Spanish fusion of mayonnaise and a tomato-based sauce, including spices such as oregano and cumin.

I ordered the staple of potato bravas, a classic Spanish dish of cubed potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli. This crowd pleaser offered up a crunchy skin with fluffy white potato inside and is a sure winner for all. Lastly, we also complimented our lunch with the roasted beetroot and feta salad. Made with red onion, rocket leaves, walnuts and house dressing, this delicious salad was a fusion of flavours. The sweetness of the beetroot, the pepper of the rocket and the crunch from the walnuts was particularly pleasing.

For dessert, we indulged in Churros (Spanish donuts), a popular desert consisting of a long crispy finger.

OPERATIONAL MANAGER, DASH, AND HIS WIFE, NAYOMI WHO RUNS ADMINISTRATION AND FUNCTIONS, IN FRONT OF THE TASTING BAR

THE BEAUTIFUL RUSTIC SIGN THAT GREETS YOU AT THE ENTRY TO THE PROPERTY ENJOY COFFEE AND CAKE OR A CRISP CHARDONNAY WHILE TAKING IN THE MAGNIFICENT VIEW

THE CELLAR DOOR OFFERS A VARIETY OF GORGEOUS WINES FOR SALE

THE STUNNING PANORAMIC VIEW THAT ENDS WITH THE SPLENDOUR OF MT BAW BAW

BRANDY CREEK ESTATE Plated warm, encrusted in cinnamon sugar and served with liquid chocolate sauce for drizzling or dipping; a perfect indulgent warm delight. Lastly, we shared the raspberry cheesecake. I am an avid cheesecake fan, but I was really knocked over with this one. The crumbly biscuit base complimented the creamy filling, but the zest of the fresh raspberries and drizzle of raspberry coulis was a taste sensation.

To accompany our meal, we started with their delightful signature Sparkling Pinot Gris. The cool climate grapes result in a crisp style with stone fruit flavours of nectarine and beurre bosc pears, to give it a fresh, clean taste. We also tasted the

THIS DELICIOUSLY CREAMY CHEESECAKE WAS OFFSET WITH SWEET FRESH RASPBERRIES AND RASPBERRY COULIS

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Sauvignon Blanc which has a blossom aroma, with a lovely fresh and fruity palate. It is light with notes of white peach and nectarine and was a perfect match with our barramundi.

For three very satiated adults who consumed a meal of mains, desert and wine, it averaged around $42 per person. Quite reasonable considering the fine caliber of food, wine and view.

All staff were exceptionally friendly, courteous and accommodating.

In all, a variety of quality experiences can be had at Brandy Creek Estate, including an array of pampering treatments in the Day Spa, wine

tasting and lunch in the elegant Divine Restaurant; weddings and birthdays in the tasteful function rooms; coffee and cake in comfortable arm chairs; cocktails on the outdoor decking; or a casual beer in the bar lounge. There is truly something for everyone.

For more information, visit their website www. brandycreekestate.com.au or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ BrandyCreekEstate/ Words and Photographs by Ruth Williams

TAPAS LUNCH CONSISTING OF BARRAMUNDI, BEETROOT AND FETA SALAD, EMPANADOS AND POTATO BRAVAS ACCOMPANIED BY A BOTTLE OF SPARKLING PINOT GRIS

ONE OF THE COSY AREAS INSIDE THE ESTATE THE INFORMAL LOUNGE BAR IS ANOTHER DEDICATED AREA THAT ENCAPSULATES A MORE CASUAL FEEL

BRANDY CREEK’S SAUVIGNON BLANC, A LOVELY VIBRANT WINE WITH A FRUITY PALATE ONE OF THE BRANDY CREEK WINERY SIGNATURE DROPS, THE DELIGHTFUL SPARKLING PINOT GRIS

LEONGATHA RSL •

BISTRO OPEN 7 DAYS

New Members Welcome. Reciprocal rights with RSL'S in Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania

Members Happy Hour

Members Discounts On meals and drinks 2 Function Rooms available Members Draw $800-$1000 to be won

Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere Gluten Free, Kids Menu all available Reservations required for most nights of the week

Seniors Meals

Monday to Friday Now Available Fantastic Members Nights every Thursday and Friday

NORMAL TRADING HOURS

CONTACTS

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

OFFICE: RECEPTION: BISTRO:

11.30AM - 10PM 10AM - 10PM 10AM - 11PM 10AM - 11PM 10AM - MIDNIGHT 10AM - MIDNIGHT 10AM - MIDNIGHT

5662 2012 5662 2747 5662 4487

www.leongatha-rsl.com.au Find us on Facebook

BOOK YOUR FUNCTION TODAY AT LEONGATHA RSL

Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Any Special Occasion Catered for Business Breakfasts Seminars

CALL RICKY TO ORGANISE A QUOTE! Corner of Smith Street & Michael Place, Leongatha

CORNER OF SMITH STREET & MICHAEL PLACE, LEONGATHA

L-R Jude, Riahna, Lucinda & Judy

A range of Dietary needs catered for | Gluten Free | Vegan | Fresh Organic food | WHOLE FOODS, COOKED ON SITE Cold pressed juices | Water Kefir | Organic Coffee | We support Local | Sustainability Projects

Open: 6 days per week, closed Tuesday.

71A Ridgway, Mirboo North 3871 Like Us on Facebook + Instagram

MORWELL BOWLING CLUB

The Morwell Bowling Club is the ultimate in function dining!

We delight in meeting your every requirement, through personalised professional service, attention to detail and friendly staff.

The Morwell Bowling Club provides wedding packages or we can tailor to suit your needs.

Morwell Bowling Club caters for group bookings, and is great for children.

OPEN SEVEN DAYS - SERVING LUNCH, DINNER, COFFEE & DRINKS RESERVATIONS OR WALK-INS ARE WELCOME Visit www.morwellbowls.com.au for news and upcoming events.

NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOME Winner of Peoples Choice Award 2014 for Excellence in customer service

Winner of CCV 'Best Bowling Club'

Finalist of CCV 'Club of the Year'

52 Hazelwood Road Morwell 3840 Ph: 03 5134 3449 Em: functions@morwellbowls.com.au www.morwellbowls.com.au thelifestyle spring 2018

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moo’s at meeniyan Restaurant & Café

TRY OUR NEW DELICIOUS TAPAS MENU SOUTH GIPPSLAND’S TOP FOOD, WINE AND SERVICE

Savour the flavours at Moo’s at Meeniyan Restaurant & Café, which has a relaxed, fun ambiance.

Hours of Trading

Thursday to Monday 8.30am - 4.30pm | Dinner Friday & Saturday Nights from 6.00pm

moo’s at meeniyan | 89 whitelaw street, meeniyan vic 3956 Phone: (03) 5664 0010 | Email: eat@moosatmeeniyan.com.au visit www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au

OPEN FOR INSPECTION from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and weekends by appointment

We invite you to be a part of our family, our passion and our love for all things Italian.

Come and enjoy the best Italian dining in town.

Lunch from 12pm Dinner from 5pm Pizza served all day

29-31 Thompson Ave, Cowes PHILLIP ISLAND VIC 3922 T. (03) 5952 2808 E. info@pinostrattoria.com.au www.pinostrattoria.com.au

SERVING THE WORLD'S FINEST COFFEE & CHOCOLATE

DELICIOUS, TASTY THAI & LAO FOOD

Hours Tues - Sat 9:00am to 3:00pm | Thur, Fri, Sat 5.00pm - 9.00pm Dinner [BYO] 60 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi, 3995 Ph: 0488 200 522 Like us on Facebook | Instagram 62

thelifestyle spring 2018

PHILLIP ISLAND RSL – A VENUE FOR ALL OF LIFE’S OCCASIONS BIRTHDAYS/CHRISTENINGS | ANNIVERSARIES | WEDDINGS | CONFERENCES/MEETINGS | WAKES

Lone Pine Bistro located at the gateway to Cowes + New eating venue The Terrace Family friendly and Fully accessible Vegetarian, gluten free, children’s and senior’s options Kids playroom, monthly Funday Sunday and free Playful Puggles playgroup Wednesday mornings Function rooms ideal for weddings, reunions, seminars, wakes, parties

OPENING HOURS MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM TO 1AM SUNDAY 10AM TO MIDNIGHT NEW EATING VENUE • THE TERRACE

Phone: 03 5952 1004 BH

Enquiries: functions@pirsl.com.au

LONE PINE BISTRO PHILLIP ISLAND RSL LUNCH: NOON TO 2PM DINNER: 5.30PM TO 8.30PM

Visit www.phillipislandrsl.com.au

WHAT EXACTLY DOES In our modern world we’ve become obsessed with single varietal wines, where each type of grape is kept separate from the others in the vineyard and the winery — planted on its own, picked on its own, fermented on its own, bottled on its own. Gippsland tends to specialise in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and as result we see many single vineyard sites bottled each in their own varietal.

However, “field blend” is a lovely old-fashioned approach to wine that’s making a comeback in Australian vineyards.

Once upon a time, many vineyards were planted with a mix of grapes — red and white — that would be harvested and fermented together; hence the term “field blend”. Now, a growing number of winemakers are once again playing with this concept.

You have the basics down of what makes a field blend: more than one grape variety planted together in the same vineyard. Field blends happen all over the world, though they're now rare. In the past, before vineyard managers fretted about varietals or clones, they just planted different grapes in their vineyard as an inexpensive (yet limiting) way to blend wines. All the grapes are harvested at the same time and fermented together—a true field blend doesn't separate by varietals at harvest; the "blend" is whatever Nature gives that vintage.

Modern winemakers generally prefer to plant and pick each variety separately, knowing that they don't always ripen evenly. Sometimes a winemaker will ferment multiple grapes together (a practice called co-fermentation), which invokes the spirit of field blends. But most winemakers blend different lots of wine together after the fermentation is finished to better control the process.

In Australia since grapes grow across multiple regions and States, there has developed the practice of mixing wines from multiple regions.

A task known as blending that occurs after the wine has fermented. Wine makers often blend wines from different vineyards or from the different parcels in same vineyard, to produce a more complete wine.

Field-blended vineyards are interplanted with multiple grape varieties—sometimes all red or all white, and sometimes both red and white— without apparent rhyme or reason. This means that a cabernet vine might be sandwiched between pinot noir on one side and syrah on the other; it could even be that one variety is grafted onto another variety’s rootstock. The whole field is then picked at once (deciding on the perfect day to harvest grape varieties that ripen at different intervals is a testament to the winemaker’s skill and artistry), and all of the grapes are fermented in the same pot, so to speak.

The melding of flavors from the different grapes starts at the very beginning of the winemaking process — on the day the grapes are picked.

Wine makers may select two or three varietals

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FIELD BLEND MEAN?

By Frank Butera

to produce the field blend wine or as some are experimenting 10 – 12 varietals mixing white and red grapes together. The skilled wine maker will sample fruit and to be blended during prior to arrange a picking date. The idea will be to find the balance and harmony in the juice samples.

At Bass River, we had been considering a field blend wine for a number of years. Our grapes are grown in blocks based on varietal, so there is no intra-planting of vines. During the 2018 vintage, we deiced to produce a field blend wine. It was decided to blend the white varietals grown at Bass River, which include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. We also produced single varietal wines from each of the crops.

For clarity the Pinot Gris grapes for the single varietal wine were picked approximately four (4) weeks prior to Riesling grapes at Bass River. To produce a true field blend the grapes reserved for the field blend wine remained on the vine until all the field blend components matured as required.

The plan was to use the acid component from the Riesling grapes to balance the field blend in order to eliminate additives.

On the day dedicated to collect the grapes for the field blend wine, all components of the blend were picked on the same day. The grapes were chilled, and all the fruit was destemmed in the same vat together. The fruit was pressed and fermentation occurred in cool controlled conditions. The wine produced was an aromatic white wine that links each component to the palate and aromatics.

The 2018 Bass River Field Blend is an example of a wine from fruit grown in harmony with the vintage and wine produced to enhance each of varietals.

Frank Butera is the wine maker at Bass River winery. frank@bassriverwinery.com

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On the 8th and 9th of August, Neerim South Hotel held a Launch Party for the rapidly growing Parma for a Farmer initiative. Neerim South Hotel pledged to donate $5 from every parma sold and 50 cents from every pot of Iron Jack beer sold over the two nights to drought relief organisations including ‘Buy a Bale’.

The hotel was overwhelmed with the number of businesses that quickly jumped on board offering them donations to raffle off as prizes at the event. Flowers, fruit, veggies, meat trays, drill kits, travel vouchers, accommodation, cleaning, hair products and many more items were donated.

Two major prizes were generously donated and raffled off on the Thursday night. A V8 Supercar ride at Sandown Racetrack was donated by Erebus Motorsports and a 13-tonne tandem truck load of crushed rock from A1 Asphalt.

Valley Runners Duo and Dale Gannon, both regular music acts at the hotel donated their time to play on both nights, helping to create a fun atmosphere for the event. Mad Dog Images were seen snapping shots of the artists and the event. $3,000 was raised through the sale of raffle tickets, with Deb Bloye, the Hotel Owner working the floor on both evenings to get everyone involved.

The kitchen staff were hard at it in the kitchen pumping out various types of Parmas from their range of Special Parmas. Mexican, Aussie, Reggie Veggie, Carbonara, Mash & Peas, Sicillian, BBQ, Meat Axe, Tropicana, and the Original.

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$1,400 was raised through the sale of the Parmas over these two nights!

For the remainder of August, the Neerim South Hotel donated $2 from every Parma sold.

Neerim South Hotel wishes to thank everyone that was involved in the event including staff, and those people who donated money and purchased raffle tickets.

AND TO THE MANY BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORTED THE EVENT: A1 ASPHALT ANEVE HAIR DALE GANNAN NEERIM DISTRICT COMMUNITY BANK BJ BEARINGS BLERICK TREE FARM BOMBSHELL HAIR STUDIO DROUIN TIMBER AND HARDWARE EREBUS MOTORSPORTS GIPPSLAND FRESH IPPSLAND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IGA NEERIM SOUTH

JINDI PIG KERRIE WARREN KIM FAWCETT LION NATHAN MAD DOG IMAGES, MONACELLARS NEERIM SOUTH HARDWARE NEERIM LEGAL RIDGE ROAD BLOOMS ICHOLSON RIVER HOLIDAY PARK STEWY DAVIS VALLEY RUNNERS DUO WARRAGUL MACHINERY

HARMAN WINES

S O U T H G I P P S L A N D • Delicious Wines • Wood Fired Pizzas • Live Music • Amazing Views • Family friendly •Functions • Local Produce OPEN 11AM-5PM WEEKENDS | WOOD FIRED PIZZAS EVERY SUNDAY REGULAR LIVE MUSIC Check website for more information and for our live music dates

612 Korumburra-Inverloch Road, Wattle Bank (C441) | Ph: (03) 5611 3857

www.harmanwines.com.au

DOCTOR FOOTBALL

BY MATT DUNN

DAN EDDY WILL SOON BECOME A DOCTOR OF FOOTBALL.

That’s not to say he will treat injured player or diagnose season ending ACLs. Rather, the footy academic is completing a PHD on Carlton great Alex Jesaulenko at Federation University. For those who know Dan, the news would come as no great surprise.

With the launch of his latest work The Norm Smith Medallists, the Leongatha-based football scribe and future ‘Dr Eddy’ is building on a career that has gone from strength to strength. His newest work is largely told from players’ perspectives, as they talk about the events of Grand Final day and the feelings attached to winning the coveted best on ground medal.

“There wasn’t a bad bloke,” Dan said of the many footballing greats he spoke to.

And they gave generously, helping to create a masterwork of modern football writing.

“Gary Ayres spoke to me for two and a half hours, telling me about his family history. He came from Warragul, and his dad died in a farming accident when Gary was about 20. He was playing for Hawthorn but not really getting a regular game,” Dan said.

“He actually got an offer to play in Tassie and he thought, well I’m not really cutting it here at Hawthorn and I’m struggling with Dad’s death.

He went and saw (coach) Allan Jeans and said, ‘I think I’m going to pack it in, this is just not for me.’

“Jeansy said, ‘That’s the worst decision you’ll ever make, laddie. I suggest you think about it, because I want to put you in the back pocket and I want you to make the position your own.’

Gary said, ‘How long have I got to think about it?’

Jeansy said, ‘Till tomorrow.’”

Ayres avoided making the worst decision of his life, instead staying at Hawthorn. Eventually he would win two Norm Smith medals as part of a gold and brown team that became synonymous withbrutal success. For Allan ‘Yabby’ Jeans, who was new to the club when he had the fateful discussion with Ayres, the accolades would flow as he marched the Hawks through an era that bagged the club three premiership cups.

“Gary became an absolute champion of the game, but it almost didn’t happen. A lot of those guys shared those sorts of stories with me. Most guys told me something I didn’t know,” Dan said.

For publisher Geoff Slattery, himself a football tragic, the appeal of Dan’s work is obvious.

“Dan gets straight to the truth. He has a rare capacity to engage with an array of personalities, and to draw frank appraisals of their experiences,” he said.

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“What he’s been able to do is gather the careers, thoughts and experiences of those players leading up their achievement on Grand Final day.

And then to get inside their heads on the day – how they played, how they felt about it, whether they thought they were a chance – in a really frank and honest way.

“I think it adds enormously to the words on footy. Dan has an enormous work ethic, and is a stickler for detail. Add to that a deep love of footy, its characters and events. And, he’s a proud product of Leongatha, as he keeps reminding me.”

Dan said that while winning a Norm Smith Medal as part of a premiership team produced obvious joy, it was a far different experience for those four recipients whose teams had lost.

“Maurice Rioli is no longer around, and Gary Ablett Senior is impossible to interview, but I did get to speak to Chris Judd and Nathan Buckley.

They had a different take again. It wasn’t a joyous memory for them, because they lost the game,” he said.

“I think it means more to them than it did back then, but at the time Bucks walked off the stage and took his medal off straight away. Juddy was a bit the same. There’s pride in the fact he played well, but it’s not a memory he likes to reflect on.

“It was interesting to get their take.”

St Kilda’s Lenny Hayes is another who has mixed feelings about the medal, Dan said, having won it in the Saints’ 2010 drawn Grand Final with Collingwood.

“He had that numb feeling as well, since they didn’t lose on the day, but lost the next week,” he said.

Dan lists “competiveness” as a common trait of all the Norm Smith Medallists he spoke to. It’s something he can easily relate to. He has now written five books himself – among them Larrikins & Legends—the untold story of Carlton’s greatest era and King Richard: The Story of Dick Reynolds, Essendon Legend - and co-written 10 others. A book on Cyril Rioli is in the pipeline.

“I think I’ve got my own inner competiveness and internal drive to be the best I can be at what I’m doing.

And it’s not a case of the amount of books I can get out, but wanting to do the stories I think are really significant or just haven’t been told,” he said.

“With the Carlton Larrikins & Legends book that all came about because I was interviewing David Parkin for something else and we got talking about those Carlton teams he coached from the early 80s.

“He said, ‘They’re the forgotten champions. No one talks about them.’ I’m an Essendon fan, so I grew up hating Carlton. But, being a lover of history I went home and crunched a few numbers and realised that team was, statistically, as good as Hawthorn, Geelong, Brisbane – all those great teams.”

He reels of the “iconic names” of Jezza (Alex Jesaulenko, the Carlton great who is the subject of his doctorate), the high-flying Peter Bosustow, Bruce Doull, Wayne Harmes and a host of others.

“Carlton fans have, thankfully, loved it. I’m interested in doing more of those sorts of books, where I interview a lot of guys. It’s interesting what you can discover about what makes a team tick,” he said.

He said while the responsibility of writing a story about a football great like Dick Reynolds could be nerve wracking at time, the Carlton larrikins of the 80s presented their own unique challenges.

“Those blokes tended to tell a few tall stories,” he said.

Tall stories aside, there is a hell of a lot of work that goes into a book. For King Richard, Dan interviewed 200 people, mostly in person. In addition, he spent more than 100 hours at the State Library poring over anything that might give him an insight into the footballing great.

“I travelled all over Australia for that, but I just did it because I loved it,” he said.

As far as his PHD on Alex Jesaulenko goes, Dan said he is hopeful the media shy former superstar may yet allow him to use his story as the basis of a biography. In any event, Dan hopes to graduate next year.

“Alex allowed me to do the thesis, and the family have been involved. It’s been fascinating delving into his migrant past. It’s movie type stuff, really. It needs to be told,” he said.

For students of the game it would be a mustread. As someone famously once said, a beauty.

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THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT

AT COAL CR EEK

By Doug Pell

An exceptionally cold night and we were all invited to attend the famous Coal Creek Ghost Tours and of course the special investigation into the Paranormal by my good friends at the Australian Paranormal Society.

This is not a night for the sceptics, this is a night for the true believers and of course anyone interested in the opportunity to see if there is paranormal activity, and Coal Creek in Korumburra lived up to its promises once again.

Preceding the main event, the guests that paid their money were the first taken for a tour of the park and some of its historic buildings by the more than able tour guides who have a vast knowledge of the park and its ghostly inhabitants.

A most welcome chance to have a hot cup of tea or coffee was heartily received by our hardy guests, as it was extremely cold on the night; heavy down pours of rain with a chilly wind made even the bravest person seek a break from the cold. After a chat with APS leader Bill Tabone, a very knowledgeable chap in his field and ably assisted by Glenn McPhee, we were ready to begin our quest.

So, for the next few hours and into the early hours of Sunday morning, the Australian Paranormal Society took us all to the various parts of the park that are regarded as potential haunts.

Now Hollywood has for many years filmed many ghost stories, but these investigations are not fake and if you are a believer like me, then Saturday night was a successful outing. With modern equipment at hand, Bill and Glenn were able to inform and include all participants of the group to take part in the many activities that were set up in various buildings and the train.

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Whether you believe in the paranormal or not is up to you, but from the evidence gained, there is something out there.

There will always be sceptics no matter what, but there are also people with a clear mind and an eager attitude to seek and see. One thing I do recommend strongly is that if you are interested in the paranormal, that you join a group that know what they are doing, don’t do it alone.

The Australian Paranormal Society have a long history, they are very knowledgeable and most of all they are kind and friendly people. I have personally known Bill Tabone for a few years now and he is a gentle and kind family man and he goes out of his way to offer his knowledge and assistance to any of the tours that are organised.

I also highly recommend Coal Creek in Korumburra; do the ghost tours and immerse yourself in everything this great historical park in South Gippsland has to offer, and never fails to deliver. Many events are held here, including the upcoming Halloween in October and Geek Fest every January but for now ring the park and make sure you are on the next ghost tour or else!

For more ingoprmation visit coalcreekcommunityparkandmuseum.com/ghost-tours/

AUSTRALIAN PARANORMAL SOCIETY LEADER BILL TABONE AND GLENN MCPHEE

DO THE GHOST TOURS AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN EVERYTHING THIS GREAT HISTORICAL PARK IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND HAS TO OFFER

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southern business

celebrates 20 years The Southern Business Women’s Network celebrated their 20 Year Anniversary recently with pizazz and class at the RACV Inverloch Resort, where 180 guests were treated to an inspiring presentation by bestselling author, entrepreneur and global presenter Andrew Griffiths.

BY WENDY MORRISS

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women’s network Andrew, who was a member of Richard Branson’s Dream Team, shared his story from humble beginnings as an orphan and ward of the state to becoming a hugely successful businessman, with many insights on how to achieve professional and commercial success.

The group’s president Dana Hughes, during her speech, said she estimated that over the 20 years, the SBWN had created 8000 opportunities for people to connect and make friends, to create business opportunities and to grow themselves and their businesses. She said the women came from diverse backgrounds, from different times in their careers, different stages of occupational development and from different industries. She acknowledged and thanked the committees and the hundreds of speakers who over the 20 years had freely and generously come to their meetings to share their wisdom and experience.

“It’s because of those people that many of the businesses in South Gippsland run by women in the SBWN have flourished.”

PRESIDENT DANA HUGHES LIZ RITCHIE & MARG DENBROK

The hugely successful event was sponsored by Jim Pickersgill & Associates Leongatha, Telstra, ANZ Bank South Gippsland and Gippsland Lifestyle Magazine. Dana said the financial support from the sponsors and their commitment and faith in the SBWN had enabled them to hold such an event.

Megan Vuillermin, a former president and the committee member behind coordinating the occasion, said men were also welcomed.

“Although it’s about celebrating the women who have built the network, it’s lovely that men recognise those achievements and want to celebrate them as well.”

Megan joined the SBWN after starting a new business as an executive coach, mentor and trainer six years ago.

She said the group was established initially from a discussion about the need for networking and support by a small group of women around a kitchen table who had started their own businesses, and it was led by Meryl Cousins from Leongatha. They received a small amount of funding from the South Gippsland Shire to run an advertisement in The Sentinel Times and held their first meeting at the McCartin Hotel in Leongatha.

“They started as The South Gippsland Business Women’s Network and then about twelve years later, changed the name to incorporate Bass Coast, under then President Renae Carmody who served three terms. The group has since been supported by both the South Gippsland and Bass Coast Shires.”

Gillian Mertens, who is very actively involved in the group, attended the very first meeting after seeing the advertisement in the newspaper and said it was at lunchtime on a cold, wet, windy day in July.

Her business at the time was and still is ‘Island Mowing’ on Phillip Island. “At the time there were many tradies in business on the island. Often the men went out to work while their wives ran the businesses but they weren’t recognised for playing the vital role they had. Very few women also weren’t attending other business group meetings because many were at home taking care of children and that’s how it all started,” she said.

“Originally we held bi-monthly meetings that alternated from lunch to dinner in hotels or local restaurants to support other small businesses.

We had speakers from within our own network and generally about 20 to 30 women attended.”

She said later all the meetings were held in the evening because many women were too busy with their businesses, work or children to come during the day and they held them at venues from

KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANDREW GRIFFITHS

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Leongatha and Phillip Island to Wonthaggi and Inverloch to accommodate new members.

Gillian, who over the years has served as secretary, treasurer and president, said things really grew and changed in 2011 with the arrival of the internet and Facebook. The group ran a full day marketing workshop to raise money for their own website, which was designed and built in 2014 by Libby Thompson, who was president and SBWN member Kahren Richardson whose business is KahrenR Design.

“The word then spread and we went from a paid membership of 20 to 160 with 500 on a data base of email subscribers and around 2000 Facebook followers.”

"..to cultivate an environment where women are able to network with confidence and equality, to be enriched through learning, to prosper through connection with women from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions and to give back to the broader community."

The SBWN still has monthly dinner meetings with guest speakers, or speakers from within the network and they hold a few workshops a year. The relevant topics include things like superannuation, finances, marketing, communication, building confidence, public speaking and self-worth to help not just women in business but all women with their professional and personal development. Any money raised by the group through memberships and events is put back into the community.

The current committee consists of President, Dana Hughes who has her own consulting business. Vice President Chelsea Taylor is an expense management specialist, consultant and coach with experience in the payments industry. Minutes Secretary, Terry Guilford is a retired psychologist, who has a new business as a personal trainer for our ageing community.

Treasurer, Julie Moloney is Personal Assistant to the director of Wonthaggi Hospital.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: LYNDA SAINSBURY, TERRY GUILFORD, SHELLY BEILHARZ, JULIE MOLONEY, MARGARET ORNSBY, DANA HUGHES, CHELSEA TAYLOR, GILLIAN MERTENS, AND DEANNE STALEY

Membership Secretary, Lynda Sainsbury is a self-employed finance/mortgage broker. Digital Media Officer, Margaret Ornsby helps people in business with their online presence through her business ‘More Customers More Sales’.

Publicity Officer, Gillian Mertens who ran the ‘Island Mowing’ business with her husband until he retired six years ago, has operated it solely since alongside her new business Gippsland Rhubarb. Events Coordinator, Deanne Staley has her own business which is ‘De-Sign and Window Furnishings’. Committee member, Shelly Beilharz is a chartered accountant and her business is ‘Flourishing Figures’.

Megan said the SBWN is about networking for personal and professional development for women through connections, collaboration and learning really valuable business skills. “Women and men network very differently so being in a women’s group certainly allows women to relax a bit more and to maybe talk a little bit more.”

Gillian, who was given a life membership last year, said she feels very honoured that she is still part of the SBWN. Photography by Wendy Morriss

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DEANNE, DANA AND MEGAN

INSTALLING POOLS FOR SUMMER LEISURE

By Wendy Morriss

Three industrious South Gippslanders, Megan and Steve Vuillermin and Ben Dormans, have created an exciting new business partnership to install popular, affordable, high-quality Conquest fibreglass swimming pools throughout Gippsland, Bass Coast and the Latrobe Valley.

Their combined skills, their passion for serving their local Gippsland community and the resolute confidence they have in their supplier, a family owned business with almost 50 years’ experience in the industry, is guaranteed to ensure the success of their venture.

“We are very excited and enthusiastic,” Megan said.

“We formed the business ‘Greater Gippsland Pools’ trading as ‘Conquest Pools Gippsland’ six months ago and we are looking forward to providing our community with an exceptional service.”

Steve and Megan have worked as master builders in the area for around 30 years, which is fortunate as their skills and a builder’s registration is required to install pools.

Ben, who has had many years of experience with pool installation and building patios, both locally and in Melbourne, brings with him a wealth of expertise and knowledge.

“It’s such a nice natural addition to what we do,” Megan said. Ben is the man on the ground; Steve oversees the local teams carrying out the installations, while Megan takes care of administration and marketing.

STEVE VUILLERMIN AND BEN DORMANS

The initial opportunity to install Conquest Pools is one that was offered to the partners

by Megan’s brother-in-law Nigel Cox who is based on the Mornington Peninsula. “Nigel has installed swimming pools for many years and he was covering the peninsula, Gippsland and south east Melbourne but he became too busy so he separated the three areas. He now just services the Mornington Peninsula, someone else services south east Melbourne and we service all of Gippsland.

“At the time, we weren’t looking for opportunities,” she said. “We’ve had opportunities come up before but nothing has come up that is as aligned to our building business as this one.”

She said Nigel was originally a landscape gardener and paver and it all came from there somewhere. “He loves the product, they’re very price competitive, there’s no fuss and he loved the fact they are a family-owned business and have been around for a long time and know what they’re doing. They are also innovative and constantly improving their product to make sure it’s the best.”

Conquest pools is not only an Australian company, it’s a Victorian company based in Shepparton, which makes the pools more affordable than others brought from interstate.

It’s the largest supplier of fibreglass pools in Victoria where all the pools are built on flawless moulds to laser precision and they all have a 25-year structural guarantee.

They come in many amazing colours, shapes and sizes with add-ons including waterfalls. They are installed with all the plumbing in the shell and an automatic cleaning system that cleans the entire pool, even while people swim, which eliminates the clutter of vacuums and hoses.

Megan said the fibreglass pools can be installed from start to finish in as little as three days. “They are all installed with a temporary fence, which is legally required and we outsource any landscaping or permanent fencing our clients want, or we offer them recommendations.”

She said spring is a great time to organise getting a pool; the weather is warmer and everything can be nicely settled and operational for summer, although the pools are installed all year round.

“Despite the fact we have the best beaches in the world; swimming pools are popular, particularly for kids learning how to swim and for families spending time together.

They’re more affordable than they have ever been before and I think that’s nice for people who want to stay at home and enjoy their summers.”

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COME AND JOIN US TO CELEBRATE 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS

In September 1988 Flying Colours Travel commenced trading, originally owned by Vonnie Lay & Jan Lester.

Vonnie was the sole owner for many years and set a new standard in the Travel Industry, and the business is now owned and operated by Jacqui Ingram.

Over the years we have continued to supply our clients with professional and friendly service which has helped Flying Colours Travel grow to the Business it is today.

Our Expo is the biggest Travel Expo East of Melbourne so why not come along and “Experience our Experience”.

We have over 30 operators attending covering everything in domestic and international travel, from cruise ships to trains, planes and bikes, we will have something for everyone at this year’s Expo.

Exclusive Travel deals and Early Bird specials will be available on the day.

Come along and join in the celebrations!!!

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THE KORUMBURRA DENTIST

Gary Wilkie, known as the Korumburra dentist, has had a successful, professional career spanning almost four decades with the help and support of his wife Jenny, while engaging in local community groups and projects and developing other intriguing interests.

By Wendy Morriss He grew up on the outskirts of Melbourne and then country Victoria before attending Melbourne University for five years to attain a degree in dentistry. “Prior to that I was living in Corryong where the dentist only came once every six weeks for two or three days,” he said. “I could see the limitations on dentistry in country areas and the inconvenience in the local community. I thought at the time dentistry was a nice profession and I studied with the aim of becoming a country dentist.” Gary then went on to do a Fellowship Examination in Specialist Dental Practice at The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

After completing his degree, he drove to a few country places where there were job openings and one was Korumburra. He said he loved the area, the scenery and the people and applied for the job working for Rod Delbridge in the present surgery.

Jenny, who is a qualified dental nurse, also worked in the surgery. She trained at the Royal Dental Hospital in Melbourne. “It was a twoyear, full-time course then and we had to know everything about dentistry, right down to knowing the types of cavities to anticipate the dentist’s needs,” she said. Jenny then worked for dentists in Richmond and Caulfield before coming to Korumburra to work with Gary.

The couple, who have been married for 37 years, met in the dental hospital and have two adult children. Gary was a student at the time and said Jenny has worked more years in dentistry than he has.

While Jenny took care of their children, Gary became involved in the community. For some time during the 80s, he was chairman of the Korumburra Development Committee.

“When I started here in 1980, I found the practice was unusually well-known for the extraction of the longest human tooth in the world. It was a 41 mm upper left canine taken out by Rod in 1966 from a 32-year-old woman, and the tooth is still in the surgery. The usual length of a canine tooth is about 25 – 26 millimetres.”

He then became a member of the Korumburra Water Board. “Not long after joining, we were given the Poowong, Loch and Nyora system and the quality of the water was ordinary,” he said.

“Raw water was being pumped out of a dam and into people’s houses so we built a water filtration plant.

The present location in Radovick Street has been a dental surgery since 1945 and the concrete flight of 34 stairs that patients need to climb, has never deterred them.

I was chairman during the years we opened the plant and then in 95, the State government amalgamated the smaller boards into larger ones and we became the South Gippsland Water Authority covering Nyora to Yarram. Llew Vale OAM was our chairman. At the time Wonthaggi and Inverloch didn’t have a water treatment plant so we went through the same process again so we could control the quality of the water. My position on the board was no longer an honorary one; it was a paid government appointment for a period of three years, and then another three years until 2001.”

“Ian McHutchison, Jack Stuart and Doug Lucas started a partnership here then and they employed Alan Brown as an apprentice dental technician the following year,” Gary said. “They had the partnership until 1960 and then Doug and Ian went to Ringwood. Jack stayed, then Harold Down joined the partnership and it was Stuart and Down for four years.

Jack Stuart then went to Ringwood to join his mates and in 1964 Rod Delbridge arrived and it was Delbridge and Down until Harold left in 1970.

Rod continued operating the surgery on his own and employed me in 1980. The following year he left to milk cows and I purchased the business.”

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After serving on the water board, Gary became a member of the Newhaven College Board, a school his children attended. The following year, he was made Chairman of the Newhaven College Board of Directors, an honorary position he held until 2008. “We put together strategic plans and master plans to move the school from Newhaven to its current site just outside Cowes for year 7 to year 12 students.”

In 1990, Gary and Jenny purchased the Cowes dental surgery. “It was established by McHutchison, Lucas and Stuart in 1960,” Gary said. “They each bought a holiday house in Cowes and took turns to work in the surgery on Fridays. When they retired they sold the practice to Wonthaggi dentist Harry Bergstrom who also worked in the surgery on Fridays. Sadly in 1990, he was killed in a motor cycle accident, so we took over the surgery and worked there Tuesdays and Fridays.”

“Phillip Island was a quiet place then but it got very busy,” Jenny said. “People came from Melbourne and expected to see a dentist straight away. We had our normal patient load and then we had tourists. I had to put our kitchen chairs out on the verandah so we could pop them in between other patients just to get them out of their pain.”

Gary said thousands of holiday makers would land there on New Year’s Eve and Boxing Day and bring their tooth aches with them. “We managed to get people out of their pain but sometimes we were there until 10 pm, so we sold the practice in 2010.”

Apart from dentistry and community engagement, the interests Gary has enjoyed and perfected over the years include photography, creating splendid leadlight windows and making exceptional marmalade. He said he likes to do things well whether it’s making someone’s denture, doing a root canal filling or taking photographs. “I like perfection.” When he couldn’t find the perfect marmalade, he grew the citrus fruits and made his own. The couple now have grandchildren and enjoy babysitting duties.

Photography by Wendy Morriss

Gary Wilkie

Gary and Jenny, his wife and dental nurse

Dental nurse Janine Lowe

Jenny and Gary at their Korumburra home

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a life in pictures GERARD BRUNING

By Matt Dunn Gerard Bruning’s life in photography has been one that has burst from darkroom-produced black-and-white to instant colour digital.

Not that he’s experienced a dramatic and transformative Dorothy-in-The-Wizard-of-Oz Technicolor moment. For the 72-year-old, the evolution of the technology, and his own relationship to it, has been one of long exposure.

Gerard clearly remembers those days of “intrigue” when, as a 16-year-old, he and fellow camera enthusiast David Tattersall were seduced by the magic of images that would only reveal themselves after being soaked in chemicals in near darkness.

The pair used a dark room at the Leongatha Star and “naturally, fed the paper”. Forays into taking school photographs followed, before Gerard moved into wedding photography at the age of 17 or 18.

“Unfortunately, I’ve had a few hiccups, healthwise. I got to the stage when I was doing one wedding a fortnight. But I had to give it away. I’ve only got one eye that works and it was interfering with my good eye. Instead of one a fortnight I began doing about half a dozen a year,” he said.

Photo by Matt Dunn

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“I’ve got over the health issues. Ten years ago I was thinking of changing direction. A person said to me, ‘Oh, Gerry, you’re so good at what you do, don’t lose it. There’s not many people who find out what they’re good at in this life. Go until you know it’s time.’ So I continued, and I’m still here.”

While he was always regarded locally as a brilliant portrait photographer, the owner of Four Corners Framing became even better known for his sports photography. It was a move that almost happened by accident, with Gerard moving from kitchen volunteer at his beloved Stony Creek Football Netball Club to a boundary line snapper in the year 2000.

“I’d always done a bit of photography for the club, but when digital came in it was a time when I wasn’t well and I was helping the ladies in the kitchen,” he explained.

“I’d sold all my old equipment and gone digital. I took some action photos and handed a memory stick over to the Leongatha Star office. The next edition there were nine bloody photos in the paper from netball and football.

“I did it for a month. Then I thought, oh well, I’ve got some images left over, I’ll send them to the Foster Mirror. They ended up using them. I sent them to the Sentinel Times. They ended up using them. Some weeks there’d be 19 or 20 images in the papers.”

It was a boon for the papers, Gerard, the club and the game. Former Stony Creek president John Schelling can’t say enough good things about Gerard’s contributions. He is equally complimentary of Gerard’s wife, Barb. Like Gerard, Barb – a long time netballer and tireless volunteer - has been honoured with a life membership of the club.

“Way back in 1986, Gerard and Barb Bruning were amongst a large number of local people to put their hands up to ensure the survival of the Stony Creek Football Netball Club and they continue to do so today,” John said.

“Gerard has ensured the club’s exposure has been maximised over the many years, with his fantastic photography of each week’s football and netball action – something he has shared with all the local press and the wider community, starting a trend that is now followed by many other clubs in the region.

“This activity has promoted the SCFNC in prominent places.”

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GERARD BRUNING He said it had ensured the club’s sporting endeavours “remain for all to enjoy.”

Gerard said the thing that “moves” him is “the start of the season, when everybody’s raring to go”.

“You walk into the ground and there’s that buzz,” he said.

But he professed to being worried about the club’s future, given tumult in the Alberton Football League.

He is passionate about the importance of his club, pointing out that there are countless competitors across every age group and ability at Stony Creek.

“Lose a club like that, and suddenly you’ve got the question of where are the kids going to go and what are they going to do? You lose a football and netball club and you lose all the events that happen there in a year – from balls, to wood chops, to rodeos. You name it,” he said.

“I’m not involved in the politics of it. There’s nothing as inevitable as change, but I watch

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my grandson at Auskick at the Leongatha Rec Reserve on Fridays, and the number of kids!

That’s only one Auskick.

Gerard’s camera captures “12 frames per second” when he’s taking sports photos.

Passing by, Barb quips, “And he still misses it!”

“Where are they going to go? What’s the sense of having bloody Auskick if a league like Alberton goes? They’ve got to look at the bigger picture.”

“Occasionally you’ll miss it. The ball’s not there,” Gerard concedes, with a laugh.

Gerard said the only game he had seen to the very end in the past 18 years – where he wasn’t racing off to check the names of players in photos or downloading pictures for the press – was the 2009 Grand Final.

Besides football and netball, Gerard indulges a passion for fine motor cars through his membership of the South Gippsland Automobile Club, where he has been a member for the past 37 years.

It was an historical event for Stony Creek, with a win over big town rival Wonthaggi Power. With the ructions over the Power’s dominance in the league, the victory was even covered by the Melbourne media.

Not surprisingly, he is the publicity officer and official photographer. Like the footy and netball club, he has given the classic car enthusiasts his all, working from early until late at swap meets and myriad other events. Not to mention taking countless photographs and offering up potential stories for the newspapers.

Gerard said he loved watching the game through his camera lens.

“I’m seeing more than other people. I’m seeing it up close. Sometimes I’ll yell to the umpire, ‘That’s bull…t, open your eyes, I’ve got it on film.’ The people behind me will stand there laughing,” he said.

“Everybody has a skill; everybody has something to offer. As far as clubs go, everybody gives a little and it all works,” he said.

Photos courtesy of Gerard Bruning

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Keeping belief IAN GIBSON’S INCLUSION ON THE AUSTRALIAN OVER 70'S CRICKET TOUR OF ENGLAND IS PROOF THAT IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO ACHIEVE A DREAM. Words: Chris West

IAN GIBSON IN HIS BAGGY GREEN AUSTRALIAN CAP

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There are few sports where you can be selected to represent Australia for the first time at seventy years of age. Cricket is one of those, thanks to the growing popularity of veterans’ competitions at both domestic and international level.

When this article is published, Ian Gibson will have just completed a cricket tour of England as a member of the Australian Over 70s squad.

The 33-day tour from 27th July to 28th August incorporated three One Day International fixtures against England interspersed between ten matches against county teams.

Ian plays his club cricket with the Gippsland Goannas Over 60s team and has represented Victoria many times at that age level, although had not previously achieved the ultimate distinction of gaining Australian selection. But having turned 70 in June, he became qualified to represent the country at Over 70s level and was thrilled to be selected for the tour of England as the reserve wicket-keeper to incumbent gloveman Wavell McPherson and as a batsman.

Speaking ahead of his departure, Ian described his inclusion in the Australian squad as a great honour.

“It’s very exciting. Growing up in Terang in the 1950s playing cricket with my brother Ken on a pathway in the back garden, I was like every other kid who dreams of one day playing for Australia.

My chance happens to have come now, and even if it is Over 70s cricket, it’s still a great opportunity,” he says.

Ian received his baggy green Australian cap ahead of the tour and will wear it with pride.

“I’m pretty chuffed to be able to say that I have a baggy green,” he states.

“But I have to say I’m not so taken with the design of the blazer we have to wear for the formal occasions.”

With Wavell McPherson firmly established as the first choice wicket-keeper, Ian believes that his best chance of forcing his way into Australia’s playing eleven for the One Day Internationals may be as a batsman.

“I’ll be doing my best to earn my place in the team, whether as a wicket-keeper if the opportunity arises, or as a specialist batsman,” he says.

Ian is one of eight Victorians in the 18-man Australian squad and the only Gippslander to gain selection. Fellow Victorian Tim Spear was allocated as his room-mate for the tour.

“I think the plan is for Wavell and I to share the keeping duties in the county games, but he is the man with the gloves for the ODIs at the moment.”

In what could be a source of some confusion, there are two Ian Gibsons in the Australian squad.

The other Ian Gibson is a batsman who is also from Victoria.

Ian has stayed in training during the off-season to prepare for the tour and is ready to make his international debut for Australia if the chance arises.

“Strangely enough, I also went to Monash University with him in the 1960s,” Ian reveals.

“We’re very keen to open the batting together one day, which would be a bit unusual and fun.”

“I love my cricket and am looking forward to immersing myself into a serious cricket tour. I’m not there for the sightseeing. I’m there to play cricket,” he declares.

Ian is keen on the prospect of playing on some high quality cricket grounds during the tour of England. The itinerary has matches scheduled across several English counties and over the border into Wales. The three 50-over ODIs are being hosted at Banbury Twenty Cricket Club in Oxfordshire, Horsham Cricket Club in Sussex and Sutton Cricket Club in Surrey. Horsham Cricket Club is one of the oldest cricket clubs in the world and has been playing at its present ground since 1851.

At Over 70s level, Australia and England play for the Silver Ashes. Australia is the present holder, having soundly defeated the English when they visited our shores in February this year.

“Australia gave them a fearsome beating, winning all three games easily. Although most of the Australian players from that series are available for the England tour, it’s unlikely to be as one-sided over there in their conditions on their soil. Away trips are always harder than playing at home,” Ian suggests.

The tour is organised by Veterans Cricket Australia, which provides some of the apparel but the individual players are required to self-fund the bulk of the cost of the trip.

“You had to firstly nominate for selection. Wicketkeeping is what I love the most and I had to weigh up the consideration that I wouldn’t be the first choice behind the stumps if I made the squad,” Ian explains.

“I gave it plenty of thought and when I eventually got my head around it, I reasoned that having just turned seventy might give me an age advantage and this could be my one and only opportunity to play for Australia. So I put my nomination in and it was a great thrill when I found out I had been selected.”

Cricket has been a huge part of Ian’s life since his childhood. In his prime, he reached District cricket level with Hawthorn-East Melbourne in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Ian had come to Melbourne from Terang to study at Monash University, where he successfully attained degrees in Economics and Arts.

Following the completion of his studies, he relocated to Jeeralang Junction near Churchill at the start of 1973 after landing a job at the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education (now Federation Uni) teaching Economics.

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In some of his previous trips, Ian has been accompanied by his wife Heather, but they have agreed for him to make this tour solo.

“Heather and I haven’t been to England for twenty five years. We’ve been a few times and are both keen to go back again to visit, but would rather do our own thing together sometime in the future at our own pace, perhaps when she finishes working.”

Although cricket has been a major part of Ian’s life, his contribution to the West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley region reaches way beyond the sporting field.

After moving to the area to take up his teaching post at the Gippsland Institute in 1973 he worked there for a few years before establishing the Gippsland Regional Information Service. Ian then served for nearly ten years on the board of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria.

“I then got a job in regional development for the Latrobe Regional Commission which overlapped with the commissioner role,” he remembers.

Ian found a large, picturesque and peaceful but high-maintenance property in a hillside setting at Jeeralang Junction close to his work at the Gippsland Institute and it has remained his base ever since.

After he arrived in the Latrobe Valley, Ian met his wife Heather and the couple exchanged marriage vows in 1980. Eight years later, Ian and Heather built a new house on the property at Jeeralang Junction to modernise their living conditions and better serve their long-term future needs. They raised one daughter, Alice, who now lives in Melbourne and is employed with the Department of Health and Human Services, whilst Heather presently works in Local Government for Latrobe City Council.

Soon after making the move to the Latrobe Valley in 1973, Ian set up a local cricket team at Jeeralang from scratch with the assistance of a fellow teacher at the Gippsland Institute, Paddy Morgan. The Jeeralang Cricket Club competed initially in the now defunct Mid Gippsland Cricket Association before shifting to the Traralgon Cricket Association.

“At the start we shared a ground with Yinnar Cricket Club, before moving to Hazelwood where the soccer ground is at Churchill and then went to Gaskin Park in Churchill, where we put in a turf wicket,” he recalls.

“Churchill also had a club of its own, so it was always a bit of a struggle having two teams in one town. We ended up combining with Boolarra Cricket Club many years ago and become Jeeralang-Boolarra Cricket Club.”

Ian extended his playing career with JeeralangBoolarra into his mid fifties before retiring from the game to take up umpiring.

“After I stopped playing, I umpired for several seasons in the Traralgon Cricket Association,” he says.

Ian was lured out of retirement at the age of 64 by the tantalizing prospect of playing for the Gippsland Goannas Over 60s team.

“I had been out of the game for nearly a decade, but it didn’t take long to get back into the swing of it. My eyesight is still fine for cricket, but not as good for reading,” he laughs.

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“One of the important things about veterans’ cricket is that you don’t try to play like you’re twenty five, because you can’t any more. But most people who have had a reasonable level of technique and skill don’t lose that too much. I found I could still keep wicket and bat a bit.”

Ian’s modest description of his cricketing capability sells his talent more than a little short.

He is still recognised as one of the foremost veteran players in the game.

At the Over 60s National Carnival in Canberra last November, Ian captained Victoria’s 3rd X1 to win the Division 2 premiership title.

“Victoria is the strongest state in veterans’ cricket in Australia,” he says.

“In the Over 60s championship, the Victorian first and second sides played off in the Division 1 final and the third team that I captained easily beat New Zealand in our Division 2 final.”

Ian wicket-kept at that Carnival, but batting opportunities were very limited in such a strong side. He only got to face one ball for the entire tournament, which he hit for a single off former Kiwi test bowler Ewan Chatfield.

At the top level of veterans’ cricket, Ian says the standard remains extremely competitive.

“The better players are still terrific cricketers. The top quality batsmen don’t lose their technique with age. Where you do notice the decline more is that the bowling gets slower and slower and the fielding standard drops away.”

Ian has previously been to England on a few occasions many years ago, including a couple of times as a member of social cricket tours with the Australian Tourist Cricket Club. During one visit, he stayed on to play a few games with a club called Belvoir in Nottinghamshire.

“The Vale of Belvoir is a very beautiful spot near the borders of Nottingham, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. I’d certainly like to get back there sometime,” he states.

“Then in 1993 there was a change in government in Victoria. Much to my misfortune, the Kennett Government sacked virtually every organisation I was involved with at the time - the SECV, Coal Corporation of Victoria and the Latrobe Regional Commission.”

With his career options in Gippsland decimated, Ian returned to working in Melbourne, accepting jobs firstly at Maribyrnong City Council and then Yarra Ranges Council.

“I would come back home to Jeeralang Junction at weekends, but then in 2004 Heather was diagnosed with breast cancer and we decided that the commuting was too much,” he explains.

Ian came back to help support his wife, who thankfully came through her breast cancer scare.

“Heather actually took up running and has become very good at it. In fact, she is the current Victorian Masters Over 60s 400 metre champion,” he says proudly.

Having returned home to Jeeralang Junction, Ian continued to work tirelessly in a range of roles within the West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley communities.

“I got involved with a few things including the Gippsland Community Leadership Program, along with some teaching at Fed Uni which at that time was under the Monash brand. I later gained a place on the board of West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and the Latrobe Regional Hospital board, where I am currently the Deputy Chair.”

His current workload includes his responsibilities with LRH and he is also chairing a Ministerial Advisory Committee for the Hazelwood Mine Fire Long-Term Health Study, which he describes as an interesting and challenging role. Ian is no longer serving on the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority board but has accepted a place on their Audit Committee.

He was originally due to finish his tenure on the Latrobe Regional Hospital board on 30th June this year, but has agreed to a one-year extension with the support of current Chair, Linda McCoy.

“Linda is new to the role and doing a great job. She asked me to stay on to ensure some continuity,” he says.

According to Ian, the major redevelopment project at LRH completed last year has transformed the hospital internally and externally.

IAN GIBSON

“The Stage 2A redevelopment has been fantastic.

There’s great pride in the place now and it’s created a real buzz around the entire hospital.”

Further development remains planned for LRH in the future, subject to the necessary funding.

“We have the potential to now really turn it into a terrific regional hospital,” Ian states.

But temporarily at least, Ian has had to put his external commitments on hold while his focus shifted to concentrating on the cricket tour of England.

He saw the English Over 70s team in action when they visited Australia earlier this year, so has a good idea of what to expect from his opponents.

VICTORIA V NEW ZEALAND: THE GRAND FINAL WITH IAN GIBSON ON-DRIVING EWEN CHATFIELD FOR A SINGLE

“They bat very well and their bowling is steady but not terribly penetrating,” he notes.

In the lead-up to the tour Ian was able maintain form and touch by training weekly in Bundalaguah with his clubmates from the Gippsland Goannas.

“The older we get, the more important it is to keep active in the off-season. We stay in training for a combination of fitness reasons, cricket reasons and social reasons,” he says.

Veterans cricket at any level is played in a friendly spirit, but Ian was anticipating some ribbing from his opponents in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal that rocked Australia’s national Test team in South Africa earlier this year and led to the suspension of captain Steve Smith, vice captain Dave Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft.

“My guess is that there will be a little bit of banter flying around about sandpaper,” he predicts.

Ian has mixed thoughts about the incident in South Africa that had the Australian team branded as cheats in the eyes of the cricketing world.

“On the one hand I was outraged, but on the other hand I’m glad it’s happened now because the Australian cricket side had got itself into a position where it was the least liked national sporting team in our country. At least this has brought it to the surface and may be a catalyst for changing the culture.”

IAN WITH WIFE HEATHER

Ian says there is no risk of the Over 70s team letting Australia down in such a way on their tour of England.

“We won’t be representing the country in the same sort of light, but if you think that means we won’t be competitive then you’re mistaken,” he says.

“We won’t be taking the same win at all costs approach and you don’t need to sledge your opponents or resort to the type of things our Australian side has done. It’s completely against the spirit of the game.”

VICTORIA V NSW: IAN GIBSON KEEPING (DAVID LEACH FROM KOO WEE RUP IS AT SLIP)

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50%

OF SMALL BUSINESSES IN AUSTRALIA DO NOT HAVE A WEBSITE

IT'S REALLY STAGGERING TO THINK, BUT ACCORDING TO THE TELSTRA 2018 SMALL BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE REPORT, THAT'S THE STATISTIC. HALF OF ALL SMALL BUSINESSES, RIGHT DOWN THE LINE, SMACK BANG IN THE MIDDLE, DO NOT HAVE A WEBSITE. The same report goes on to say 62% of consumers won't consider a small business if they can't fnd them online. Yikes! You can read the report here: http://bit.ly/telstrasbir2018 Ok Mr. and Mrs. Gippsland Small business owner, let me ask you a question: why don't you have a website? Well, as luck would have it, we see this every day and can ofer a few pointers to get you back on track. Worse still are the poor business owners who have a website, but it doesn't work here are a few things to help you too.

NO WEBSITE?

A Google My Business listing is the thing that gets your business name, phone number and address up on Google for people to fnd you. It's FREE and you can do it yourself, just follow the instructions here: www.google.com/intl/en_au/business

The reason it can 2-3 weeks is that Google needs to know you are THE person entitled to the listing and are the occupier of the address. Sending a postcard with a PIN is one way Google can police this. The aim is to end up with something like the following:

It's sounds corny, but start at the start. Don't sign up with the frst web developer that comes along. Depending on time and budget, we are suggesting you consider at least 3 – 5 options.

The frst 2-3 you don't have to commit to, just enquire with them so you can get your head around what's out there. Any good agency will factor this 'tyre kicking' into their overall revenue strategy, so don't apologise for the approach and you may even go back to one of these frst few anyway. In our agency we call it the 'schmooze cycle'.

STEP ONE

START SIMPLE, GET SOPHISTICATED.

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CAUTION!

To be 100% honest folks if you are dealing with a web developer, graphic designer, or so called Google specialist and they fail to mention this GMB listing it's a red fag that needs to be taken seriously. By all means get them to quote you but if they are unaware of THE most important listing a business can have on Google in Gippsland then well mmmmm, you do the math.

mud map STEP TWO

Consider a website mud map. Grab a piece of paper and write down the main areas of your business. These become the page structure of your website. Aim for 5-7 main pages and then everything else branches off that. Why 5-7?

Because that's about all you can squeeze in across the top of the computer screen for your navigation menu. It also forces you to cut your business into 'themes'.

GOOGLE LOVES a website that is organised into categories with similar pages under the one heading, and your customers will find it easier to navigate too. Imagine a retail store with men's, women's and children's wear all dumped into the one spot? This is what you want to avoid. Sadly we see websites laid out in confusing structures all the time. Cart frst, horse second folks!

Besides, with our hints and tips here you will at least get your phone number and address on Google, so don't stress. Then you can shop around for the rest of your online needs. Your business won't fall over tomorrow because you don't have a website up today.

If you have been following our articles you will have read that many times. What it means for you today is to get your Google My Business (GMB) listing sorted frst. Don't worry about the website just yet. At the very least get your GMB done.

Note that if you are starting from scratch the GMB process can take 2-3 weeks or longer.

Note the button labeled 'Website', you can add this later or even just direct it to your Facebook page for the time being if you have one.

WHAT IF MY BUSINESS IS MOBILE?

Don't stress as this is optional, and most importantly, once you have registered the Google My Business listing, you can request for the address to be 'HIDDEN' - which is perfect for the mobile business owner.

Then work out what 'FUNCTIONS' you want.

This will differ across industries. A contact form usually goes into the mix and maybe a calendar of events - the list goes on. The best thing you can do here is check out other websites you like from both within your industry and outside it. Make sure you write down the web address of each so you can hand them to the web developer and they in turn can check it out and see what you are after in terms of look and feel.

STEP THREE

FORM AND FUNCTION

Don't fall into the trap of 'look and feel' before 'form and function', though. Given there is so little screen space on a mobile device you need to lock in 'form and function' frst. We see too many people get all excited about the type of horse they want, what breed it is and how beautiful it looks to only fnd out later that they can't use the cart their business needs. Again, cart frst, horse second.

Ask for a quote. It's only after doing some homework at your end that you can ask for a quote. Imagine ringing up a builder and saying 'how much for a house?'. The builder is going to want to know how many rooms, what the budget is, whether you want a pool out the back etc.

However, the phone number with a 'click to call' function is entirely missing. This means everyone stands around scratching their heads as to why phone calls are not happening, and their telco instead gets the blame.

The important thing here is that by drawing up a rough mud map and covering all the main functions you MUST have then the designer can deliver on both.

A Google My Business listing is FREE however if you don't have time to sort it yourself we can do a lot of the heavy lifting for a very affordable $197.

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STEP FOUR

Rinse and repeat. Go back to some if you really like what they have proposed and ask more questions if you need to.

LET'S USE A GOOD EXAMPLE

A local Gippsland hairdresser wants the absolute simple, sleek, chic and stylish looking website to match their brand. The graphic designer, owner of the business and the entire team fall in love with what has been created.

GOT $197 BUT DON'T HAVE TIME?

DECISION TIME STEP FIVE

Grab a beer, cofee, or glass of white and spend some time to pick which developer is going to be the best ft for you and your business. HINT: If your business is located in Traralgon (or Bairnsdale or Leongatha) Google 'WEBSITES TRARALGON' etc and see who comes up. If they can't get their own business onto Google how are they going to help you?

For a FREE evaluation of content on your website contact our studio and we'll get you on the right track.

Ph: 1800 774 119 Em: sales@imagedirect.com.au Jim Radford Image Direct Gippsland www.imagedirect.com.au About the author. Jim's Traralgon based company is Google AdWords Certified and Google Analytics Certified & has been building websites, managing SEO & Social Media in Gippsland for the past 9 years.

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HALL OF FAME

FOR POPULAR NINE NEWS REGIONAL VICTORIA PRESENTER JO HALL, HER MILESTONE 60TH BIRTHDAY IN JUNE WAS A TIME OF BOTH CELEBRATION AND REFLECTION. WORDS: CHRIS WEST Birthdays bring families together, but when Nine News Regional Victoria presenter Jo Hall turned sixty in June there was one person missing who she desperately would have loved to have been part of the occasion.

Family means everything to Jo, so it was a devastating blow to lose her beloved father Tom O’Neill at the beginning of this year at the grand old age of 101.

“Dad was incredible; one of the most amazing men I’ve ever known. He was adored by my four children and an inspiration to all of us,” she reflects.

“He gave up smoking and drinking before I was born, but I really don’t know what his secret was to living such a long and fulfilling life. He actually bought a new car at the age of ninety-seven and renewed his driver’s licence for three years at one hundred!

“Dad would say the three most important things in life are your health, your bank balance and your mother, but not necessarily in that order.”

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Jo’s 60th birthday celebrations in June served as a reminder of her own longevity in the cut and thrust of the television news industry.

“Channel Nine kindly organised a wonderful birthday morning tea for me and in my speech I said that over the years I’ve just tried to follow the principles of working really hard, trying to be the best I can be, not buying into gossip, treating people as you want to be treated and not thinking you’re better than the next person just because of the job you have,” she says.

“If you live by those kinds of rules, you’ll be someone that people like and will want on their team. I think I’ve got a good heart and am a good person. That carries you a long way in life.”

Next year Jo will reach 40 years at the Nine network. She likens it to having one family at home and coming to another family at work.

“I’ve always regarded Nine as my other family. It’s not like a workplace in a way,” she suggests.

“I’m very close to Peter Hitchener, Tony Jones and Livinia Nixon. When you consider your colleagues among your best friends, then it definitely becomes family.”

At her 60th birthday morning tea in June, Jo was on the end of a goodnatured ribbing from Nine News Melbourne sports presenter, Tony Jones.

“It was a typical Tony Jones roasting,” she laughs.

“A few people in the room appeared a bit shocked by some of things he was saying, but you have to know Tony and the nature of the relationship we have.

He’s like a brother. We’ve grown up and older together at Nine. I love him very much and he’s one of my greatest friends, so probably only he could have got away with what he said. It was all the same old gags. He’s always teasing me about my age and what I look like without make-up. I actually told him at last year’s Christmas Party that it really is time he got some new material.”

Soon after that function, Jo took a break from her role as presenter for Nine News Regional Victoria and headed off on holiday to Europe with her 19-yearold twins Emmerson and Fynn to meet up with eldest son Rhyss, who is presently living and working in London.

“Unfortunately my middle son Tysyn couldn’t make this trip, but it was wonderful to have Rhyss link up with us. We were away for just under a month, arriving in Athens before going on to Santorini and then the lesser known Greek Island of Xanthi, where we celebrated my birthday. The trip then continued on to Rome, Dubrovnik and London. We had an amazing time and are already planning to go back next year,” Jo says.

During Jo’s absence from the Nine News Regional Victoria desk, Dougal Beatty and Andrew Lund shared the duties in covering the presenting role from Monday to Friday. Jo’s shoes are not easy ones to fill, given her standing as a presenter in the top echelon of her profession. From the establishment of Nine News Regional Victoria early last year, she has been the mainstay of the network’s new regional service in Victoria. The one-hour bulletins presented by Jo are watched by viewers in different regions across the state, from Gippsland to Western Victoria, to Central Victoria and Border North East.

The opportunity to switch from her previous role with Nine’s Melbourne metro news service to lead the Regional News team was not something Jo was expecting.

“I had started contract negotiations in middle of the year before and was thinking what to do, even considering cutting back on something. At that time my staple was doing Monday to Friday hourly updates and occasional feature stories for the Melbourne metro bulletin and also acting as a fill-in presenter,” she recalls.

“When the regional opportunity was then put to me, it couldn’t have been further from what I was actually mulling over in my own mind. But I got a sense from my Melbourne news director Hugh Nailon and management here that they were really committed to doing a good job with it. I grasped the fact that they were very big on making sure it was a quality product and would be allocating a lot of resources, energy and effort towards it.”

Jo says that management made it clear she was their preferred choice for the presenter role.

My twins were about to start their VCE and Emmerson was reluctant about the prospect of me coming home later,” she remembers.

“But it was another of my children, Tysyn, who reminded me that I’d always wanted to present a Monday to Friday bulletin solo. I had previously spent thirteen years as a weekend news presenter prior to the twins being born, but had never held that role on weekdays. Tysyn pointed out that the regional opportunity offered me the chance to step into my dream job and he was right of course.”

Nine rolled out its Regional News service across Queensland, New South Wales, Darwin and Victoria early last year. More than a year on, Jo says the regional model is functioning well and that she’s enjoying the additional responsibility and challenge of the presenter role.

“In many respects, it’s everything I imagined it would be. It’s really hard work, with a lot of presenting involved.

During the afternoon, I’m on the go recording segments before presenting the one-hour bulletin at six o’clock. Then we do four news bulletins in the evening straight after the news. Every day is different. It’s challenging and can be quite hard on the voice.”

In addition to presenting the news, on occasions Jo also still calls upon her reporting skills to prepare feature length stories for the bulletins and has to be at work earlier on those days to allow the necessary time.

Nine News Regional Victoria is produced and goes to air at the same time each evening as the Melbourne metro bulletin.

“Regional has its own separate studio here in the building at Nine. It’s a smaller but quite comfortable space,” Jo says.

“Basically, I am presenting the same bulletin as Peter Hitchener is reading for Melbourne, except we have a window to include local regional content.”

Alongside Jo in the Regional Victoria team are sports presenter, Nathan Currie and weather presenter, Alexandra Keefe, who is providing maternity leave cover for Sonia Marinelli.

Nine News Regional Victoria also has three reporters based in each of the four regional areas who work on the stories included in the window of localised content.

“The format we have in place provides a great breeding ground for young reporters in the regional areas,” Jo suggests.

She is trusted and admired by viewers for her genuineness, sincerity and warmth, but surprisingly Jo never envisaged that her early interest in journalism would lead to a career in television.

“I only wanted to be a newspaper journalist and harboured no ambition to work in television whatsoever,” she states.

“My plan was to establish myself as a famous newspaper journalist and then become an author and write fiction books.”

“They were strong on that and suggested I was perfect for it because country viewers had probably grown up with me and I would be familiar to them.”

When Jo was nineteen, she joined the Leader newspaper group working on the Waverley Gazette and contributing feature stories to Waverley Woman magazine. At the same time she was studying journalism at RMIT.

Despite management’s keenness, Jo still had reservations about accepting the position.

“I really loved everything about the job at Leader. Working there taught me the basics of journalism,” she says.

Fynn (son), Jo Hall, Tysyn (son), Peter Hitchener, Emmerson (daughter)

Peter Hitchener, Jo Hall, Livinia Nixon and Tony Jones

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JO HALL

Shortly before Jo’s 21st birthday in 1979, her dad saw a job advertisement in the paper highlighting opportunities at Channel Nine and encouraged her to apply.

“It was only at dad’s insistence that I applied,” she says.

“There were five hundred applicants for three positions and I managed to get the cadetship.”

Word of Jo’s success in landing the junior role was delivered by the News Director at Nine at the time, John Sorrell.

“John was a brilliant man, but gruff. He rang our home and asked to speak to my mum,” Jo recalls.

“His only words when mum came to the phone were: ‘Your daughter got the job’. Then he hung up!”

Jo had only been working at Channel Nine for a couple of years when she became pregnant with her first child.

“In terms of my job, I was devastated and thinking that my career was over at the age of twenty-three,” she remembers.

“But my mum Maureen said to me, women can have it all these days.”

Jo was less convinced.

“At that time, very few women had babies and went back to work and certainly not in the television business. Mum said she’d help me and true to her word she did.”

Maureen was always at the ready to assist her daughter with the responsibilities of raising first-born son Rhyss, but sadly, just six months after second son Tysyn was born her mother passed away.

“After mum died, my older sister Paulette stepped in to assist me with the children,” Jo says.

Juggling work and motherhood got even more complex when Jo’s family doubled in size in 1999 with the birth of twins Emmerson and Fynn, but it proved to be a challenge she has handled with aplomb.

Raising four happy, well-adjusted children whilst maintaining a successful career is Jo’s greatest achievement but one that she refuses to accept all the credit for. She is quick to acknowledge the vital contribution made by her family and the Nine network.

“I could not have done what I’ve done without the support of my mum, sister and extended family members who have helped me over the years. Shift work and the difficult hours in my job made it hard to use childcare,” Jo says.

“Everyone at Nine have also been amazing. A lot of the time my twins would be here with me in the newsroom on weekends. Nine always embraced my family and never once complained.”

Amongst the many friends she has made at the network, Jo could not speak more highly of Nine’s veteran Melbourne news presenter, Peter Hitchener.

“You won’t meet a nicer man. He’s a wonderful human being and so loyal. If I ever need advice or help, he’s always there for me. I celebrate forty years here at Nine next year and I’ve known him all that time,” she remarks.

“There has never been any rivalry between Pete and I. The one and only time there has been any kind of dissention between us occurred when Pete disappeared from a photoshoot he was supposed to be doing with Tony Jones and myself. Tony persuaded me to phone Pete to find out where he had gone because we wanted to get it finished up.

“When Pete answered my call, I asked him where he was and told him we were waiting for him. He was indignant in his response: ‘Darl, I’m not just sitting here twiddling my thumbs. I’ve just done a radio promo and I’ve done this and I’ve done that and so on.’ Then in mid-sentence he stopped, realising in that instant that he’d been curt with me. Pete had never spoken to me

Sonia Marinelli, Jo Hall and Nathan Currie

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like that before and was absolutely mortified. His feet mustn’t have touched the ground as he raced back to finish off the photoshoot with Tony and I. Afterwards, he sent flowers to me and I received countless apologetic emails and texts from him,” she laughs.

“Rhyss and Tysyn are focused on what they’re doing, whilst on the other hand, my twins are on a gap year. I don’t know if it’s just their generation, but they have no idea what they want to do. I’m not too concerned though because I know they’re good people and they’ll end up finding their own way,” she says.

There have been many highlights throughout Jo’s career at Nine, including in 1990 when she became the first woman to win the prestigious Thorn EMI Award for television news for her report on a kindergarten siege in Hawthorn. As the mother of a young child herself at that time and someone who had always lived locally in Hawthorn, that distressing incident at Manresa kindergarten hit very close to home for Jo and left an indelible impression on her.

When not occupied with work or family, Jo is very active in supporting various charities in the community. She is also an unabashed fan of formerly Hollywood leading lady, Audrey Hepburn.

Hawthorn is the place closest to her heart and firmly entrenched in her DNA. Strangely enough though, Jo is an avid follower of Collingwood in the AFL, but virtually everything else in her life has evolved around Hawthorn.

“I was born in a small Victorian house in Rathmines Road in Hawthorn and I’m still living literally just a two-minute walk away from that house now,” Jo observes.

“As a young girl, I would walk to Auburn Primary School and my twins ended up going there as well. Every day when I took them to school, I’d drive past the house I was born in.”

Jo once experimented with a change of environment and relocated her family to more spacious surrounds in Donvale. It was a nice location, but she soon missed the familiarity of her home patch and moved back to Hawthorn.

“As they say, you can take the girl out of Hawthorn, but you can’t take the Hawthorn out of the girl,” she laughs.

“Class is something you can’t buy. You are either born with it and have it, or you don’t. My mum was a very classy woman and that was the same quality I saw in Audrey Hepburn. What Audrey wore then, you could still wear any of the outfits now. She had a style that’s timeless.”

In her long career at Nine, Jo has matured from a novice junior reporter to a seasoned professional with polish and poise in her presentation skills at the news desk. Those who work in the spotlight of television, particularly women, are often subject to considerable public scrutiny. Over the years, many viewers have provided feedback to Jo either by letter, email or more recently, social media.

“Even today where everything is driven by social media, I still get the occasional card or letter. I’ve had my fair share of people who have become a bit obsessive, which can be difficult at times, but most of the feedback I get is lovely. Occasionally, there might be some points of criticism,” she says.

One letter in particular springs to Jo’s mind.

Being a devoted mother, Jo faced an extremely worrying time three years ago when Tysyn was badly injured after falling off the roof of their Hawthorn home.

“Several years ago a woman wrote to me and said: ‘Jo I love watching the weekend news. It’s my favourite time of the week and I never miss it. Can you just bear in mind your lower lip line in the bottom right-hand corner?’ She had drawn a picture of a pair of lips with an arrow pointing to the lip line to indicate that the make-up department hadn’t drawn my lower lip properly!”

“We’d been out to dinner and afterwards the twins and I went home but Tysyn stayed out and we forgot to leave a key out for him,” she recalls.

Of all the things that have evolved in television news during her career, Jo says the increase in the amount of live content is the biggest change.

“It was winter and had been raining, but nevertheless when Tysyn got home later he decided to climb on the roof to try to gain entry. Unfortunately, he slipped and fell outside my bedroom window.”

“We can go anywhere in the world now at the drop of a hat,” she notes.

Jo describes the noise of her son crashing to the ground as sounding like an explosion. Tysyn was taken to hospital and Jo was fearful to the point of being terrified when initially told that he’d broken his back. Fortunately, the injuries turned out to be two cracked vertebrae and there was no impingement on his spine. Jo took a week off work to provide hand-on care in early part of Tysyn’s rehabilitation and thankfully he went on to make a full recovery from the mishap.

Like his older brother Rhyss, Tysyn is also following in Jo’s footsteps by pursuing a media-related career. Rhyss, 36, has been away for the past eight years and currently works as an editor for Independent Television Network (ITN) in London, whilst Tysyn, 27, has a social media role at Breast Cancer Network Australia in Melbourne.

With celebrations surrounding her 60th birthday having now passed, Jo is back at the news desk and as enthusiastic and committed as ever to continuing her enduring career at Channel Nine.

“This newsroom right now is the happiest work environment I’ve ever experienced,” she states.

“I’ve got a pretty good job and consider it a great privilege to anchor and present the news of the day across regional Victoria. Viewers are welcoming you into their homes and I’ve never lost sight of that.”

Images courtesy of Channel Nine.

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Recycling

Terry Watchorn

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a dream

By Matt Dunn

FOR Terry Watchorn, the end of the Leongatha Cycling Carnival was a hard blow.

It was 2007 and the Leongatha Cycling Club voted not to continue with the event. After 29 years, it was deemed that the carnival – which, at its zenith, drew riders from around Australia and around the globe – was too much of a challenge, especially in light of a string of wash-outs.

Over its reign the carnival had hosted dozens of state and national champions, along with 51 world champions.

Terry, who co-ordinated the event, wrote an impassioned letter to the club when the news was delivered, saying, DON’T LET TRACK CYCLING DIE. “But the club’s a democracy and if the club decides there’ only one person who wants to do it – that’s me – but nobody else does, you have to accept it,” he said.

“You can’t just stand up and say, I’m the bee’s knees and all that stuff.”

But, Terry believes the carnival could yet ride again – particularly since plans are now being hatched to bring the track back up to competition standard.

It’s a view backed by Leongatha Cycling Club president Lindsay Love, who said there could still be a place on the cycling calendar for a Leongatha event.

He hastens to add that work must be done on the track before discussions can be held about resurrecting the event. First up, Terry, Lindsay and their fellow peddle-pushers, need “upwards of $100,000” to see the work done.

An upgrading of the velodrome’s lights would also be on the agenda.

“If people are doing 60, 70 kilometres an hour, the track can be a bit dangerous. It’s okay for the handful of riders using it at club events,” Lindsay said.

“But you wouldn’t want 20 fellas bunched up heading in the last 200 metres.

That could be a bit nasty.”

As far as funding for the track goes, Lindsay said the club hadn’t yet decided “how to tackle it”. But funding applications are likely to be written soon.

“I guess our problem is we can’t plan anything before the track is upgraded.

That means a lot of wasted energy if we worry too much about it at the moment,” he said.

“It’s certainly possible though. The sport has changed a lot. How much success we’d have, I’ve got no idea, really. Track cycling has migrated to indoor velodromes and they’ve got a whole heap of things on now that they didn’t used to have.”

Lindsay said there was now a much busier schedule for top class riders, meaning a Leongatha Cycling Carnival would have to be carefully planned.

“They’re on a schedule to satisfy their training for those meets. They’re doing big training and they’re paid to get results at the Olympics and those sorts of events. Obviously the coaches would probably be a bit hesitant to send their elite riders off to Leongatha,” he said.

“That’s not to say there’s not a line of riders below those who wouldn’t take part. I think we’d get some sort of meet going again. There’s other events you can put your hand up to run as well. We’d have re-evaluate where things stood if we can get the track repaired.”

It may be a case of build it and they will come.

In its day, the carnival was something that went beyond mere cycling, with dancing girls, bookmakers, fireworks displays, skydivers and a host of other sideshows adding to a true carnival atmosphere. It was little wonder they packed so many people in.

“A lot of the riders were locals, but then we had riders like Kenrick Tucker, Martin Vinnicombe, Gary Neiwand, Shane Kelly, Ryan Bayley. All those blokes, I’d ring up and say, ‘We’re from a little town in Gippsland, but we’ve got a big cycling carnival, would you like to come?’ We’d fly them over and give them $500 to $600 max – which was pretty unusual,” Terry said.

“Ninety-five per cent of our prize money was cash too – not vouchers.”

Kathy Watt was another carnival favourite.

The town was behind the event, with sponsors clamouring to come on board. But in the beginning, the money mainly came from Terry and his brother, Leon, who ran the Leongatha Newsagency.

“We struggled along, until we got it up and running. Once you have a bit of success people will get on board with you,” he said.

In the end Foster’s Lager became a major sponsor. It was validation from a corporate entity that the carnival was the real deal.

The carnival’s theme song became Christopher Cross’ ‘Ride like the Wind’ (‘I’ve got to ride/Ride like the wind/To be free again...’), which was played as the last long distance race of the carnival was battled out. Terry said some were baffled by the obvious effort to entertain.

“You know, we had skydivers and people would ask, ‘What do you want to have them for, we’ve come to see the bikes?’ One bloke said, ‘You’re running a circus.’ I said, ‘That’s right. To entertain people.’ We had footballers running to get all the football people here,” he said.

“You’ve got to do all these other things.”

And he may yet do them again. For, the dream may be a recycled one, but it certainly hasn’t died.

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EVANS PETROLEUM

and it’s customers NOWA NOWA GENERAL STORE 2081 Princes Highway, Nowa Nowa VIC 3887 Phone: (03) 5155 7209

BP Service Stations FISH CREEK 2 Falls Road, Fish Creek, Vic 3959 Tel/Fax: 5683 2521 Email: fishcreek@evanspetroleum.com.au

FOSTER 94 Main Street, Foster, Vic 3960 Tel/Fax: 5682 2008 Email: foster@evanspetroleum.com.au

INVERLOCH 25 Williams Street, Inverloch, Vic 3996 Tel/Fax: 5674 1442 Email: inverloch@evanspetroleum.com.au

JOHNSONVILLE 1760 Princes Highway, Johnsonville, Vic 3902 Office/Fax: 5156 4102 Workshop: 5156 4233 Email: johnsonville@evanspetroleum.com.au

KORUMBURRA

The NOWA NOWA GENERAL STORE has been a customer of Evans Petroleum for nearly three years with deliveries coming from our Sale Depot on a weekly basis. Greg and Sandra at the store offer a friendly environment for their local customers to drop in for a coffee and a chat when buying their daily needs and also welcome the transient customers to call in for Fuel, Newspaper, Post Office, coffee, food or just to peruse the vast array of tourist type nick naks that they offer. Being on the junction of the Lakes entrance turn off/ By pass this terrific rest stop is well worth a look and you will enjoy that extra special amount of customer service that sets them apart from the rest.

LAKES ENTRANCE FISHERMANS CO-OP 20 Carpenter St, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909 Phone: (03) 5155 1112

2-8 Commercial Street, Korumburra, Vic 3950 Tel/Fax: 5655 1668 Email: korumburra@evanspetroleum.com.au

LEONGATHA 95 Bair Street, Leongartha, Vic 3953 Tel/Fax: 5662 2440 Email: leongatha@evanspetroleum.com.au

MIRBOO NORTH 106 Ridgway, Mirboo North, Vic 3871 Tel/Fax: 5668 2377 Email: mirboo@evanspetroleum.com.au

MUDDY CREEK 26 Foster Road, Toora, Vic 3962 Tel/Fax: 5686 2324 Email: toora@evanspetroleum.com.au

NEWMERELLA 5327 Princes Highway, Newmerella, Vic 3886 Tel/Fax: 5154 1601 Email: newmerella@evanspetroleum.com.au

SALE 344 Raglan Street, Sale, Vic 3850 Tel: 5143 1030 Fax: 5143 2686 Email: sale@evanspetroleum.com.au

LAKES ENTRANCE FISHERMAN’S CO-OP are a major customer of Evans Petroleum mainly servicing the fishing fleet of the area with their Fuel and Lubricants needs but their specialty is in the servicing of the local and visitor customers looking to purchase their fresh fish direct from the wholesaler. Brad Duncan and his terrific staff are waiting to offer their customers a huge array of different specialty fish from their well stocked shop at the front of the Co-Op building on Bullock Island. You wont buy fresher or better priced seafood anywhere so do yourself a favour and drop in for a look when in the area.

DARGO GENERAL STORE 111 Lind Ave, Dargo VIC 3862 Phone: (03) 5140 1219

THE DARGO GENERAL STORE has new owners with Peter, Kerry and Craig recently taking over from Bruce and Sue and this little gem in the middle of the best Biking, camping and 4 wheel drive bush setting in Victoria has enjoyed the service capabilities of Evans Petroleum’s Sale Branch providing their fuel and lubricant needs. Catering for all comers at the store the Dargo team offer fresh baked bread and takeaway food, Fuels and Lubes, meat packs, groceries, take away alcohol, coffee and a huge array of those little camping things that may have been forgotten or have broke along the trek. With wintermix fuel during the cold months and a cheery smile the Dargo General Store is not to be missed when passing through on your weekend away.

TRARALGON 23-29 Shakespeare Street, Traralgon, VIC 3844 Tel: 5174 1138 Email: Tim@evanspetroleum.com.au

WESTSIDE 7 Anderson Street, Leongatha, VIC 3953 Tel/Fax: 5662 2834 Email: westside@evanspetroleum.com.au

WONTHAGGI 103-105 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi, Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 3988 Fax: 5672 5229 Email: wonthaggi@evanspetroleum.com.au

YARRAM 325 Commercial Street, Yarram, Vic 3971 Tel: 5182 6019 Fax: 5182 6458 Email: yarram@evanspetroleum.com.au

EVANS PETROLEUM HEAD OFFICE 22 Hughes Street, Leongatha Vic 3953 Tel: 5662 2217 Web: www.evanspetroleum.com.au

STOBIE’S Mensland

STOBIES MENSLAND HAS BEEN A LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED CLOTHING RETAIL OUTLET IN MAFFRA SINCE THE 1950'S. When purchasing a suit, shirt, tie, slacks and shoes for a special occasion people are beginning to understand that they need to see, feel and try on the garments. Men’s suiting, formal footwear and accessories have been a big growth area for Stobies over the past few years. These are the main factors that are driving this. At Stobies we are 100% committed to help make the occasion as painless as possible for you.

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Mirboo North

A strong self-reliant Community

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With a history of resilience and determination over many decades, Mirboo North and surrounding areas have become known for their strong self-reliant community, creating a bright future for generations to come.

A striking example of this is the story of Mirboo North’s Bush Nursing Hospital which was set up by the community in the 1930s using locally raised funds to meet a need: there were no large hospitals in the area and locals accessed healthcare through the membership of this hospital. It was run for decades by a local committee and supported by local fundraising.

In the 1990’s many bush nursing hospitals had to close as they were no longer financially viable, due to new technology and infrastructure. In Mirboo North, the community saw the opportunity to adapt to the changed circumstances and continue to keep their older citizens well looked after by converting it into an aged care facility. To make this a reality, the community managed to fundraise $800,000 in just one year (1989).

This aged care facility continued to be run by a local committee and was supported by community fundraising.

However, with tight healthcare regulations and challenging accreditation to keep up with in the mid 2000s, the committee took the necessary but brave decision to sell the aged care facility to a private operator in 2008 for the sum of $5 million.

“To ensure that the proceeds of the sale were secured for the benefit of the district, the committee struck upon the Community Foundation model,” explained Ruth Rogan, Executive Officer of the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation. “A community foundation is a charitable trust which holds its funds for the benefit of a geographic area, rather than for a specific charitable purpose. The proceeds were set up as a perpetual fund, with only the earnings being distributed for the community’s benefit – hence it is known as the ‘future fund’.”

Since its creation in 2009, the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation has worked towards enabling a healthy, vibrant and resilient community.

In practice, this has meant over $700,000 has been granted towards community strengthening, arts and culture, health and wellbeing, youth, education and the environment.

“However, money is only one part of the equation,” Ruth notes. “The Community Foundation would not work without the people in the community. Collectively over the years, it’s the time and energy that grant recipients have put into their projects that ensures the money has an impact.”

The Mirboo North and District Community Foundation is lucky to have started with a significant ‘future fund’ of $5 million. Though perhaps it is not luck; rather it is the pro-active mindset of the community. This community which set up its own bush nursing hospital in the 1930s and then an aged care facility in the 1990s, continues to look after its own with a Community Foundation.

“Here we have many self-reliant people who are volunteering their time, sharing their ideas and are working together to ensure the whole community thrives,” concludes Ruth.

If you would like to find out more about the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation, see www.mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au or @mirboodistrictfoundation.

Photographs supplied by Piers Buxton of Buxtonography

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Rustic Rah

CHALKING UP BUSINESS A CHANCE MEETING AT A PARTY HAS INTRODUCED CRAFT-LOVING ROZ CLIFTON TO THE CREATIVE NEW WORLD OF UPCYCLING OLD FURNITURE WITH CHALK PAINT. WORDS: CHRIS WEST

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ROZ CLIFTON When Roz Clifton swapped work for retirement in July last year, she wondered what she would do next.

One of those get-togethers each year we make in Loch and the other is arranged somewhere central to us like Yarragon.”

She had spent her adult life in Melbourne after growing up in the beautiful village of Loch in South Gippsland.

Roz also recently took two of her long-time Melbourne girlfriends to Loch to show them where she grew up.

“I was born at Korumburra Hospital and we lived in Loch on a farm on Wonthaggi Road. Our family has a long history in the local area. My mum grew up in Loch, as did my grandparents. Goldies Road in Loch is named after them,” she reveals.

“I drove my friends Veronica and Eileen past the farm. We also stopped to have a look around the shops in Loch village and went to the local brewery and distillery,” she says.

Roz’s parents Terry and Nancy Dawes raised four children. She was the eldest of the siblings and loved her rural upbringing alongside her younger brother Ian and two sisters Leanne and Gayle.

“It was great living on the farm, doing what you wanted to do and just being free,” she recalls.

When Roz was fifteen, her parents sold up and moved their family to Melbourne.

“Mum and dad couldn’t imagine any of us kids taking over the farm from them. They needed a break from it and decided to sell the property to the next door neighbours. I was really sad to leave and struggled with it the most of everyone,” she says.

Although more than four decades have passed since Roz left Loch, she has maintained a connection with a group of school friends who she grew up with – Lorel Celebrine (nee Knox), Sandra Boot (nee Glover), Sharon Hately (nee Glover) and Jenny Riley (nee Yann).

“We went to Loch Primary School together and all of us except Sharon went on to Korumburra High School. We’ve been lifelong friends and never really lost touch,” Roz says.

“I’m the only one of us who went to Melbourne and the others still live in various parts of Gippsland. We catch up every six months or so.

“They thought the area was beautiful and could understand why I have such fond memories from there.”

After Roz arrived in Melbourne with her family back in the early 1970s, she did not continue in school and went straight to work in the city in an administrative role for a firm of solicitors. In the years ahead, she went on to build a long career in various clerical and retail positions. Her final job before retirement was for schoolwear retailer Bob Stewart Pty Ltd in Kew, a family-owned business established close to a century ago.

Roz decided to call time on her working career in July last year with no clear vision on what the future held for her. Fate then intervened in March this year when she came to the assistance of one of her close friends at a time of need.

“My friend Megan had broken her wrist and was unable to drive, so I offered to take her to the birthday party of one of her friends which was being held at Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley,” Roz explains.

“The wife of Megan’s friend who was celebrating his birthday said that it wasn’t right that I should just sit in the car park waiting and insisted I come in and join them. Inside I met a lady named Yolanda who shared my interest in craft. We got talking and she told me about using chalk paint to brighten up old furniture items. I’ve done lots of different kinds of craft work over the years,

including making patchwork quilts, but I didn’t know anything at all about chalk painting. Yolanda told me about the availability of workshops to learn how to do it.”

Roz’s curiosity was pricked and she did some research before attending a chalk painting workshop in Mount Evelyn soon afterwards.

“I enjoyed that introduction to chalk painting and found that it wasn’t difficult to pick up. The beauty of working with chalk paint on a furniture piece is that there is no preparation, no sanding or stripping. You can just paint right over it. With a small furniture item, you can have the whole thing completed within three to four hours,” she explains.

“I learned that there are specific techniques with chalk painting that you need to apply. It’s important to get the brush strokes right. It’s not a case of just going up and down. There’s a particular way to do it. After I finish painting an item I also add a wax seal, but you don’t use wax on things which are going to stay outside.”

Within a couple of weeks of attending the chalk painting workshop, Roz had decided to try to do something with her newly acquired knowledge and skill.

“I realised that I needed another interest in my life and thought that this could be the right opportunity,” she says.

The idea of Roz turning this new craft pursuit into a business enterprise with income earning potential had the full support of her husband Richard.

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Lorel Celebrine, Sandra Boot & Roz Clifton (Dawes)

Rustic Rah “Richard had already created a sewing studio for me out the back of our home and he has now also converted some of our garage workshop space into a painting studio for me,” she says.

Roz has called her chalk painting business Rustic Rah. As she explains, there is a story behind the name.

“Many years ago I was working as a nanny in America and looked after a little boy called Alex who couldn’t say Roz properly. He would try, but it came out as Rah,” she recalls.

“Alex’s parents then picked it up and started calling me Rah. My youngest sister Gayle came to visit me in America and she started calling me Rah as well. It then stuck with me, so when I was looking to give my chalk painting business a name, I opted for Rustic Rah to reflect the rural feel of the old furniture that I work with and the distressed look you can achieve with chalk paint.”

Roz uses a variety of methods to source the used furniture items that she revives with chalk paint.

“I find some things online on marketplace and also ask my Facebook friends if they have anything they want to give away. Some items are also passed to me from hard rubbish collections,” she says.

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When it comes to purchasing her chalk paint, Roz insists on using the renowned Annie Sloan brand.

“Annie Sloan is an English woman who developed this form of decorative paint and patented the chalk paint name back in 1990.

She is the most influential expert in this field and her products are regarded as the best. Other paints are available from suppliers, but can’t be marketed as chalk paint,” she says.

Although Roz does not expect her chalk painting business to grow into a large scale enterprise, she is excited by what she is doing and hopes that it will be successful enough to generate a regular flow of income. Already, some of the work she has produced is being stocked in retail shops in Melbourne – the first being Makers and Vintage in Blackburn and the other Staghead in Williamstown.

“I showed them photos of the kind of things I was doing and they were more than happy to sell my work,” she states.

Roz has also started offering instructional chalk painting workshops of her own, both at her home and at retail locations.

“I am willing to run a small workshop if a group is interested. These have been concentrated in Melbourne up to now, but I would be willing to travel to parts of Gippsland if a suitable opportunity was presented to me. I would also be happy to supply items to stores in Gippsland on a selling arrangement if they were interested,” she says.

Since starting her venture, Roz has been generating much of her business from the Rustic Rah Facebook page.

“I can do custom work when customers want their own item upcycled with chalk paint, or people can alternatively choose to buy work I have produced directly from me. I am regularly adding photos and news posts on the Facebook page and encourage anyone to take a look. That’s the best way of keeping up-to-date with what’s happening with Rustic Rah,” she concludes. www.facebook.com/rusticrah

r e n cor Banjo

Bontsy

Clancy

Tilka

Millie

Bunny

Tippy

Ollie Do you want to place a photo of your dog in Canine Corner ?

It's easy, just email us your pic and their name at thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au

Ralph

George

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PART FOUR

BY TREVOR STOW

TRAINING YOUR

RETRIEVING DOUBLES AS WE MOVE ON, PUP HAS NOW LOST HIS BABY TEETH AND IS MATURING. YOUNG PUPS WILL OFTEN DO TASKS WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING WHAT THEY ARE DOING. THEY WILL WORK FOR TREATS. NOW THAT PUP IS TEN MONTHS OR SO, HE WILL START UNDERSTANDING TRAINING DRILLS A LOT BETTER, AND WE CAN NOW MAKE THEM MORE COMPLEX. We can now move into ‘doubles’. Let’s say we are duck shooting and we have hit two birds. One has fallen on the water with a large splash right in front of us. The other bird was hit in the lung and drops some distance away and is still alive. What we want our retriever to do is to pick up the wounded bird first. The dead bird is going nowhere but that wounded bird needs to be retrieved and humanly dispatched straightaway. Problem is that out dog has seen the nearest bird and wants to get that bird. Well, I’m here to tell you that it is the hunter that decides which bird to pick up, and not the dog.

In order to teach the dog doubles, we need to teach pup how to handle using what is called ‘Single T’. The easiest way to learn Single-T is to Google it and follow the instructions. There are many YouTube videos online. Professional USA dog trainer Bill Hillman does it very well. Single-T teaches pup to sit facing you and then to run to his left or right at your command. This is particularly useful when you have sent your dog for a retrieve and the dog gets off line and cannot find the game. One bip on the whistle should have your dog sitting and facing you. You can then direct your dog to the left or the right, to pick up the game. That will impress your mates!

Once we have mastered Single-T we can then get our Bird Boy to stand in front of us and throw two bumpers, one to the left and one to the right, not too far away. Perhaps only twenty metres or so to start with and in nice short grass. Again, remember, we want success. We are not trying to trick or make it hard for pup; we are trying to teach him a concept. Get him to give you good separation, at least 90 degrees with the two bumpers. With pup at heel, line him up to face the most recently thrown bumper and give him the fetch command. When he has returned with that bumper, line him up with the second bumper and send him for that one. Make sure the Bird Boy has a spare bumper just in case pup needs some help.

Do not expect pup to be perfect. Expect him to make some mistakes. Help him when necessary. After a while we can start to increase the distances that the bumpers are thrown. We can also start to select which bumper that we want pup to collect first. We can start mixing up the retrieving order.

What did you say? He’s going for the wrong bumper. That is pretty common.

This is when your basic training and your Single-T training come into force.

Stop him, using a blast on your whistle. He should sit facing you. Give him a left or right command, the same as you practised in Single-T. You may have to do this several times. You may have to move closer to him when you give this command to make him obey you.

All the time you are not getting angry; but you are teaching him new skills.

Perhaps we need to leave that long rope on pup to stop him running to the wrong bumper.

INTRODUCING PUP TO THE GUN Most dogs accept the noise of a gun quite readily, however I shudder whenever I see a young pup taken to the gun club and exposed to shotguns at a young age and with no previous training. It is a recipe for disaster. The last thing that we want is to own a gun shy dog. So, like all other training, hurry slowly.

Rocky gives her dog, Tas a clear Right command.

Tas can clearly see the bumpers next to the white post.

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GUNDOG RETRIEVER There are many things that we can do to prepare pup for gunfire.

Firstly, at feed time, introduce some noise. Whilst pup has his head down and is eating his tea, drop an old pot nearby or clap your hands or bang the side of a tin shed. In other words, introduce pup to loud noises when he is distracted by food.

Later you may take pup out in your car. With pup inside and the windows wound up, you may fire a .22 rifle outside the car. If there is no reaction from pup, perhaps you can let pup out of the car and let him have a sniff around.

With pup twenty or so metres away, fire a shot into the ground. Again, if no problem, do the same at closer range. That’s plenty for today.

Next time repeat the .22 exercise but this time use a shotgun. Remember, the last thing we want to do is to scare pup by letting off a shotgun whilst he is in close proximity. If everything goes well, then you can take pup to the gun club. But do not take him too close to the shooters, let him hear the noise from a distance. If everything goes well again, you can then take him a little closer and by then you will be fairly confident the pup will not be gun shy.

Now, once you have gotten to this stage pup is probably a year or so old.

You have probably been training him for a few minutes most days and you are both enjoying the progress that you have made. Even if you stop now you will have a great hunting dog and your mates will be pretty impressed with you both. However, if you are enjoying the training, you may care to progress your dog even further, and really impress your hunting mates.

You will then raise your hand to the sky and at the same time give that dog a loud ‘back’ command.

THE ‘BACK’ COMMAND

Also, to help pup, we mark the position of the bumpers. Plastic supports used in electric fences are a popular mark as they can easily be driven into the ground, and they are light and easy to carry and store. They can be purchased from any farm supplier. Another alternative is a plastic bucket.

Most dogs pick up left and right commands pretty easily. What is a little harder is to have pup sit facing you and have him turn and run ‘back’ away from you.

This command is used when pup is hunting short for game and it is also used to send pup back to pick up unsighted game. In the field, we give pup a bip on the whistle and have him sit facing you.

The exercise that we use here to teach pup is called the baseball handling drill. This drill is an extension of the Single-T and the best way to learn it is to go back to Google and YouTube. The baseball handling drill has a set up based on a baseball field and pup is taught to go left, right and back. It is a great training drill and easily taught to pup.

Keep the distances short to start with and gradually increase them as time progresses. We want pup to see the bumpers when we put them out so this drill is ideally done on short grass. A recreational oval is perfect.

Once you have mastered this, you now have the skills to send your dog in any direction.

Jet is learning swim-by. Note that she leaves the water with the dummy still in her mouth. She will be taught not to shake until she has sat and handed over the bumper.

Images by Trevor Stow

Nice delivery Jet. See how she is looking up.

This way she will not accidentally drop the dummy.

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By Ken Roberts The Ninety Mile Beach has been a constant backdrop my entire life. Growing up, it was a regular summer ritual of my parents to pack up the van and join all of the other locals and visitors to nestle in together, cheek by jowl, at the Seaspray Foreshore Caravan Park. We loved it!

Since then I have wandered near and far for many years but it seems now I am increasingly drawn back to the deserted and uninterrupted sandy shoreline of this part of the coast. It only seems right that I should introduce my trusty sidekick, Millie the Wonder Dog to the delights of days at the beach!

It has always been such an iconic moment when approaching Seaspray as you begin the descent past the school down into the tunnel formed by the Cypress trees. That’s when you always know you have truly arrived at the beach. The sleepy town from my childhood days is ever so slowly transforming itself into something more of a casual and relaxed ‘modern’ beachside retreat.

The days of the vans crammed in along the strip of grass behind the dunes are gone, now they have relocated into a streamlined purpose built park where the annual Rodeo used to be held.

I remember the original timber lifesaver’s shed where you could pay for a bounce on the trampoline. It was replaced by an up to date big brown brick building on top of the dune.

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That structure has now been demolished and a modern two storey clubroom and restaurant sits in the same spot. Here you can enjoy a meal and view of the beach at the same time. Thankfully the seemingly endless sandy beach is still there as well as the back and front creeks. I wonder how many generations of kids began their paddling and swimming days there and then graduated over to the surf?

Looking back they seemed like never ending days of summer. They were times full of fun and laughter. We enjoyed simple pleasures like collecting empty bottles and cashing them in to buy comics or Lime Spiders.

Current day visitors can still enjoy the glorious beach, fishing, a meal at the surf club and all in the relative unspoiled isolation of the wondrous coastline.

I remember times when we would all bundle in the car and Dad would drive up Shoreline Drive towards Golden Beach. He would find an isolated pull in and would set up his rods on the beach while we would take our zippy boards and toboggan down the steep dunes. Mum would sit under the shade of the beach umbrella, knit away and then prepare afternoon tea.

I still have the old cake tin where the cut marks are imprinted from where she sliced the cake on the lid.

We never wanted apple until she delicately cut one for herself and of course we then all wanted the same. On those trips we often saw busloads of people gathered around in tents on large gravelled areas. I never knew that over fifty years later the ramifications of those gatherings would still be felt. In the 1950’s Willmore and Randell, property developers, were given approval to plan a subdivision of over 11,000 blocks along the coast. They forecast that it would be like the Gold Coast. It was such a grand scheme that proposed a wondrous future.

Many people, particularly migrants, were lured in by the dream they offered. The company built miles of roads, now overgrown, and promoted the subdivision with much publicity. I often think of it when I drive into Golden Beach down the grand two lane boulevard entrance. It held so much promise for so many but unfortunately it was never to be as it was initially planned and has now become the longest property dispute in Victoria’s history. What remains are exotic named streets like Waikiki Way and Flamingo Drive and the lost dreams of many, many people. It’s a very sad ongoing story.

Some people were able to fulfil their dreams and establish houses there and it is still possible in many sections to buy a reasonable block and build a beach house. The beach remains a constant draw card and it still is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy time by the ocean. It is still a relatively undeveloped part of the coast.

When Millie and I visit we walk and roam and explore. We often visit the old wreck of the ‘Trinculo’ to see how much of it is showing, it varies dependant upon the sand and tides.

You can actually be on the beach all day at times and not see another person. Years ago I was walking along and I picked up my very first piece of ‘seaglass’. This is glass, usually from a bottle, that has been tumbled over and over on the ocean floor until it becomes smooth. It has a sandblasted texture and a softness that is difficult to explain.

When I held my very first piece in my hand I was entranced and immediately wanted to find more!

It became an obsession. It’s akin to searching for gold nuggets. These ‘worthless’ jewels of the sea are relatively rare and random and I have walked miles, head down and ignoring the beautiful scenery as my eyes scan thousands of shells to spot that one ‘odd’ fragment of seaglass.

It’s captivating and highly addictive.

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I have been known to do a little jig when I find a delicious coloured gem of seaglass. I have even ‘hooked’ others into my elusive searching and have friends who brought me back seaglass from Mexico! I use Millie as an excuse to take her for a day out so that I can search for seaglass. She loves it of course, running up and down the sand.

Sometimes Mills and I will abandon our hunting and wander down overgrown roads and find the remnants of people’s dreams. An abandoned hut, a broken slab or a garden of exotic plants now spreading unchecked through the coastal park tell their own story. There are so many lost promises and decades long tales.

We visit people whose homes reflect the relaxed way of life that this environment allows, some refined, some rustic, some modern and I am buoyed by those who have been able to find their piece of paradise in the wild coastal fringe within earshot of the ocean. They have created their own seaside havens. The ingenuity and work some people put in to carve their homes out of the scrub is impressive. It’s truly wonderful to see and experience.

When I drive home with my thoroughly exhausted sidekick I just wonder at our luck at having this paradise so near and accessible in this most wondrous of regions, Gippsland.

Words + Images by Ken Roberts

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the‘WOOD WIDE WEB’

A �5� Million year old fibre network for sharing information and resources.

By John Turner B.Social Welfare, Master International & Community Development, GAICD

One of the great experiences in life is to walk through almost pristine wilderness such as Tasmania’s Tarkine National Park and simply immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the rainforest. On a smaller scale but much closer to home is Gippsland’s Tara Bulga National Park where one can stand in awe of the massive ‘Mountain Ash’ eucalyptus with sounds of birdsong ringing in our ears and perhaps catch a glimpse or two of some of Australia’s elusive wildlife.

Yet as we walk upon the forest floor looking up in admiration of the natural beauty that surrounds us, how many of us are aware of the amazing communications network that literally lies beneath our feet?

Via this network, trees and other plants talk to each other, borrow from each other and assist one another in times of need. As we shall see, it is an amazing example of a truly cooperative community in which all members of the community benefit from the cooperation.

At the core of this network are fungi made up of tiny threads called mycelium which surround the roots of plants and travel vast distances underground connecting trees and other plants of all species. In fact, there are many kilometres of minute organic filaments under every step we take, linking the forest trees in such a way that it is easy to conceive of the vast network as a single organism.

The symbiosis between the trees and fungi is beneficial to both.

The mycelia receive carbohydrates from the trees and in return they assist the trees to take up important minerals from the soil and help to protect them from infection by providing various protective compounds. The vast underground network of mycelia is referred to as the “mycorrhizal network” and acts as a super highway enabling trees and other plants to transfer carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and other nutrients back and forth to each other. A tree may borrow nutrients from other trees of the same or different species during times of need and then reciprocate at a later date. The network also enables trees to warn each other if they are under attack from insects; when one tree becomes infected chemical signals are sent via the mycelia to nearby trees which then begin producing anti-insect chemicals to fend off the potential insect attack.

Perhaps one of the most startling discoveries was made by biologist Suzanne Simmard of Colombia University in British Colombia who demonstrated that small young trees are assisted, some might even say ‘nursed’, by other mature trees.

In a simple but elegant experiment some 25 years ago Suzanne Simmard used carbon gas with specific radio isotope tracers to track how carbon is taken up by one tree then transferred to other trees via the mycorrhizal network. She ‘fed’ the carbon gas to one tree that was covered with plastic and duct tape. The tree took the carbon up through its leaves and then later using her Geiger counter and other apparatus she traced the same carbon to other nearby trees which she had similarly covered in plastic. In this way she clearly showed that there had been transference of the carbon through the roots and mycelia.

It seems that the mycorrhizal network consisting of the masses of mycelia underground has many similarities to the Internet. It has hubs, nodes, highways and local links that connect individuals of the same and different species. What Suzanne Simmard calls ‘mother’ trees are the location for the biggest and most dense hubs and nodes of the network connecting the ‘mother’ tree to literally hundreds of other trees in the forest. Using the isotope tracer methodology she has shown that these ‘mother’ trees send their excess carbon through the network to nearby seedlings thereby increasing their survival prospects. The ‘mother’ trees will often restrict their own root growth to provide more nutrients and growth space to the saplings. It has also shown that ‘mother’ trees recognize their own kin and send them more carbon below ground. When ‘mother’ trees are injured or dying they send more carbon and other compounds into neighbouring seedlings to increase their resistance to disease and insect predators to increase their chances of survival.

Some readers will note immediately the implications all of this has for forest management. Firstly forests that are based on a single species such as pine plantations are inherently weaker than those with many different species. Different species with different growth patterns require their peak nutrition at different times and therefore borrow and lend resources between each other more optimally than if they were all from the same species. Secondly, the removal of all the mature trees from a forest removes the ‘mother’ trees and therefore reduces the likelihood of survival of the younger trees.

To summarise, a forest is much more than a simple collection of trees, it is in fact a highly complex fibre network that allows the sharing of information and resources; a “Wood Wide Web” that is every bit as complex as the modern internet. This mycorrhizal wood wide web enables trees to regularly ‘talk’ to each other and the chatter serves to strengthen the resilience of the whole community of trees.

Like all communities, forests are vulnerable in just the same way a modern internet network is vulnerable if its major hubs or nodes are disabled. The mature hub trees have natural enemies such as the insects that attack big old trees but logging poses an even greater threat to forests across the globe. Suzanne Simmard uses the analogy of an aeroplane: “You can take out one or two hub trees but there comes a tipping point because hub trees are not unlike the rivets in an airplane. You can take out one or two and the plane still flies but take out one too many or maybe the one holding on the wings and the system collapses” (Simmard, 2016).

Forests offer us an example of the power and strength of a cooperative community and perhaps show the greater importance of co-operation compared with competition in terms of building community resilience. As a society we would do well to take note of this example.

REFERENCES Simmard, Suzanne (2016)

“How trees talk to each other” a TED Talk presentation, June 2016 www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_ trees_talk_to_each_other Perry, Philip (2016)

“Plants and Trees Communicate Through an Unseen Web ” in Big Think https://bigthink.com/philip-perry/plants-andtrees-communicate-help-each-other-and-evenpoison-enemies-through-unsen-web Mcfarlane, Robert (2016)

“The Secrets of the Wood Wide Web” in The New Yorker, August 2016 https://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/thesecrets-of-the-wood-wide Gorzelak, Monika, et al (2015)

“Inter-plnt Communication through mycorrhizal networks mediates complex adaptive behaviour in plant communities” in AOB Plans open access journal for plant sciences, Special Issue: Using Ideas from Behavioural Ecology to Understand Plants, Oxford University Press, Publishes May 2015 www.aobplants.oxfordjournals.org Gage, Greg (2017)

“Electrical experiments with plants that count and communicate” a Ted Talk presentation

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ALI'S ART

By Ali Fullard

ARTIST KATE SHONE

KATE STONE

Many artists are inspired by the natural world and environment. Their art can be a voice or a forum for environmental issues they feel strongly about, and their need to raise an awareness of, or solution to the problem.

Kate Shone is such an artist. Waste from our everyday life has become a world -wide problem.

Living in close proximity to the Gippsland Lakes and ocean, Kate is aware of the impact of societies use of man- made materials and discarded waste, on our once pristine waterways. Of particular concern is the impact on our marine life. Says Kate; “My latest works are based on marine forms. The idea that when you take a breath and go underwater you glimpse the strange life of the undersea.

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Things that are either nature or man-made or maybe a bit of both. It’s about the impact we have on the marine landscape. Once where we would have recognised a sea anemone, now we are not so sure. The detritus of having so much washes into the oceans and just becomes something else. We have altered the underwater world.”

At first glance, her sculptural marine forms appear “normal”. On closer inspection they are a combination of man-made objects and marine creatures, fused together to create a new hybrid creature which does not belong to any environment.

She constructs her forms from copper. Shapes are cut using tinsnips.

BRIAGOLONG & SURROUNDS KATE RESEARCHING

“I work across a range of media inspired by the natural world and dramatic landscape of the Gippsland region.”

P r i n t s | D r a w i n g s | Wa t e r c o l o u r s Mixed Media | Digital images | Original cards

Open: By Appointment | All Welcome 75 Landy Lane Briagolong 3860 Ph. 0427327494 | Email alifullard@bigpond.com “GROUNDED” is an exhibition of new prints from Freestone Printmakers based at Briagolong. The concept of “grounded” refers to a surface a printmaker will use to create an image or to the concept of “seeing things as they are”.

Exhibition October 13th to November 18th Briagolong Gallery artists have their annual exhibition “IMAGING THE PAST” November 24th to January 27th. Artists will use a variety of techniques mediums to interpret this topic.

Gallery is open 11.00 am- 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday Cnr Forbes and Avon Sts Contact 03 51 455 439 or 0424 327 494 briagolongartgallery@gmail.com | briagolongartgallery.com facebook.com/briagolongartgallery GILLIAN KLINE The Winter’s Dawning 3 plate copper etching Unique State The shapes are annealed to white hot and then using an array of hammers and tools, Kate creates her forms which are then soldered together.

Finally, they are patinated to obtain the Verdigris colours. Kate has used humour, as in her fish form with glasses, to emphasise the impact we are having on our marine life. Kate has conjured up an alternative marine world we are creating with our lifestyle and consumeristic activities.

Exhibition September 1st to October 7th

BRIAGOLONG ART GALLERY

Cnr Forbes and Avon Streets, Briagolong 3860 Open Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm or by appointment Contact 03 51 455 439 or 0427 327 494 | Email briagolongartgallery@gmail.com | Web briagolongartgallery.com Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/briagolongartgallery

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THE LOST ART OF SCULPTING

TURNING MOLTEN WAX INTO SOLID GOLD

Glenn Curtis sculpting, surrounded by reference material

The initial forming of the wax Corroboree frog

Happily, these techniques are something that come naturally to Bairnsdale based jeweller Glenn Curtis, who over the 40 years he has been making jewellery has loved this aspect of his work, saying

“I'm really lucky, I come to work and play with wax and plasticine!”

It's even possible to create portraits of much loved pets – Curtis were recently commissioned to make a ring incorporating two striking whippets, and after visiting and photographing the pets, Glenn captured their character in relief and applied them to a solid gold ring. Often gems are added to highlight features, and these two very special animals have glittering ruby eyes.

Of course there's a bit more to it than that, with a keen eye for form very much a prerequisite.

Glenn can quickly see the key shapes of an animal or flower, translating those into three dimensions, almost as if by magic. Starting sculpting at around 12 years old, Glenn still uses the same techniques, an assortment of files to shape and cut, and adding molten wax using hot tools. Using different special waxes, some soft and some harder to retain detail better, Glenn is able to add and subtract wax quickly while modelling.

Three dimensional modelling is another Curtis skill, with the tiny gold Corroboree frog atop their Taronga Zoo Pen a perfect example. Modelled entirely by hand and set with black diamonds to mimic the rare colouring of this endangered creature, the frog grips the top of the pen, taking centre stage.

He will 'rough in' the basic shapes fairly quickly, then spend happy hours considering and refining the sculpture, always moving it around, checking the interplay of light to successfully capture the character of the miniature animal or bird. It's a patient and painstaking method of work, but the rewards are found in creating unique pieces that really hold tremendous significance to their lucky owners.

Modelling is something Glenn really enjoys, and he'll often play with a piece of wax while being the passenger on a road trip, or sitting in a hotel lobby while travelling. It's a way of coming up with new ideas for stunning jewellery, as well as having fun along the continuing creative Curtis journey.

The finished solid gold Taronga pen

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Finishing touches to the wax model

Glenn's company Curtis Australia is an international award winning jeweller that creates remarkable jewellery for clients at home and overseas. Many customers have commissioned pieces that allow Glenn to showcase his refined modelling work.

Creating pieces in gold is usually the aim, and completely realistic models may not always take full advantage of the unique reflective properties of gold. A good jewellery modeller needs to be aware of the play of light across surfaces, something that is not always obvious in the matt surfaces of the wax.

He will also simplify when needed to capture the form without being distracted by insignificant detail.

Today's jewellers employ a wide variety of skills to create remarkable pieces for their clients, and the particular techniques they choose depend very much on what they are making. One area of the jeweller's art still performed by hand is the creation of unique pieces by modelling or sculpting. It's a rare skill that very few jewellers have.

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By Paul Henderson

You can see more of Curtis Australia’s stunning work at www.curtisaustralia.com or, next time you are in Bairnsdale, why not pop into their studio at 129 Macleod Street.

03 5152 1089

Original handcrafted leather pieces, and the finest sterling silver unique jewellery.

sourced + designed + created

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BANKING ON ART THROUGH THE WIDE REACH OF HIS MELBOURNE ART GALLERY WITHOUT PIER, TERRY EARLE IS INCREASING THE EXPOSURE OF TALENTED GIPPSLAND ARTISTS. WORDS: CHRIS WEST Since leaving a 27-year career in banking behind to establish the Without Pier Art Gallery in bayside Melbourne in 1995, Terry Earle has worked tirelessly to make his business a success.

Over the ensuing 23 years, Terry and his Without Pier brand have built a well-earned reputation for quality and excellence in the domain of contemporary Australian art.

When a newcomer to the industry was seeking to create an art gallery in Paynesville from scratch back in late 2016, he approached Terry for assistance and advice. Whilst recognising certain deficiencies in the proposed business model, Terry could also see some level of opportunity. He put forward the suggestion to lend his business brand to the venture and allow the new gallery to open as a Without Pier outlet.

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“Having the association with the gallery in Paynesville was part of a strategy to take high quality art to regional areas,” Terry explains.

“It was a low-risk opportunity, but in itself was never going to be big enough,” he adds.

The Paynesville experiment proved to be shortlived and the gallery closed earlier this year after operating for twelve months. But as Terry notes, several positives also emanated from the venture which otherwise would not have materialised.

“We were introduced to new clients as a result of people finding out about the gallery, but more so we picked up three very fine Gippsland artists for the Without Pier stable – Graham Myrteza, Brendon Sims and Rhonda Gray,” he reveals.

Terry gives a glowing endorsement of the trio’s talent.

“Graham Myrteza paints mainly outback scenes, but I also currently stock some of his work from Gippsland locations including a painting of a big gum tree in his home town of Thorpdale and another featuring Narracan Creek.

“Brendon Sims is from Raymond Island and specialises in painting the Gippsland Lakes.

That’s what he does. He paints light, water and sky. I’m impressed by him, but he’s not widely known outside his local area.

“Rhonda Gray from Bairnsdale has been producing some unique figurative work including women swimming underwater.

We always look for a point of difference at Without Pier and didn’t have anyone in the gallery doing her sort of work.”

Prior to opening the gallery in Paynesville, Terry had not represented any of these three artists before.

“I had been introduced to Graham Myrteza previously, but didn’t know Brendon Sims or Rhonda Gray at all,” he says.

“Part of the strategy of Paynesville was to reach out and make connections with emerging or established artists in the Gippsland region.

Another aspect of the idea behind Paynesville was to introduce local people to the many artists we have in our stable from other parts of the country whose work they most likely wouldn’t have seen before.”

Before the Without Pier outlet opened in Paynesville, Terry already had a prior association with other Gippsland artists, most notably Victor Greenaway and later Kate Waanders.

“Victor was living in Italy when we established a connection, but now lives at Nungurner. He not only paints, but is best known as a ceramic artist of international renown,” Terry remarks.

“Kate is from Traralgon and is relatively new to painting.

She is self-taught and has been very much inspired by the Dutch masters, both old and new.”

At the age of 72, it has been a long and interesting journey for Terry to get to where he finds himself today. He was born in the South Australian town of Minnipa on the edge of the Nullabor Plain in 1946, but grew up living with his family on an aboriginal reserve at Point Pearce near Maitland on the Yorke Peninsula.

“My dad worked for the South Australian Government as farm manager on the aboriginal reserve,” he explains.

“This area has produced some outstanding AFL footballers over the years, including Gavin Wanganeen, Michael O’Loughlin and Travis Varcoe.”

Terry describes his upbringing on the aboriginal reserve as unusual but fantastic.

“Our family didn’t have any previous connection with the aboriginal community. All the white children had to go to a local school and the aboriginal children had their own school. This was the 1950s and there was no mixing. It was all segregated back then,” he notes.

Terry later went on to complete his education at boarding school in Adelaide.

“My parents couldn’t afford for me to continue on to university, so in the country when you finished school you either went to work for a stock and station agent, or an insurance company or a bank. I joined the ANZ Bank in Maitland,” he says.

“Within a couple of years I had been sent by the bank to Adelaide, then I was called up for National Service and went to Vietnam for eleven months.”

After serving the country in the Vietnam conflict, Terry returned home and rejoined the bank. He was transferred by the ANZ to Melbourne in 1970 in a data processing role.

“I then progressed into the credit card side of banking. My career at the ANZ became specialised in payment services such as Bankcard, Visa and Mastercard. That’s where I learned my skills in marketing,” he says.

In the latter part of Terry’s career at the ANZ, he became Head of Human Resources for Succession Planning before calling time on his long tenure at the bank in 1992 by taking voluntary redundancy.

“It felt like winning Tattslotto,” he recalls.

“I continued to do a bit of consultancy work in banking after the redundancy, but my dream was to open an art gallery.

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“We’re passionate about supporting Australian art and artists and also educating people about art,”

TERRY EARLE As a kid I had wanted to be an architect, so I think I had always had that creative bent. After leaving the bank, I wanted to do something for myself.”

Terry found a property in Bay Road in nearby Cheltenham with larger floor space and better exposure.

Terry had been collecting art for quite a while for his own enjoyment, but wanted to take that interest further and purchase his own commercial space to accommodate an art gallery business.

He secured premises in Bay Road, Sandringham and opened the doors at his Without Pier gallery in 1995.

“When I acquired the Cheltenham premises in 2006, I sold Sandringham in a heartbeat and made the move down the road,” he says.

“Sandringham beach did not have a pier at the time, so the name was a play on words with the expression ‘without peer’,” he says.

To help give the fledgling business some initial traction, Terry operated Without Pier for the first year in partnership with a woman who had well-established connections with numerous Australian artists. After her departure Terry continued to run the business on his own.

It then became necessary for his to establish contacts and his own relationships with the artists, but found them to be very receptive from the outset. He employed a manager, Penny Bailey, who stayed for the next decade.

In the early years of the business, Terry continued to combine consultancy work in the banking sector with running the art gallery.

“I wanted to make the gallery my primary interest.

When I started to get fully involved and look at the dynamics of the business, I knew I had to find new, larger remises in order to make it sustainable,” he states.

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The relocation paid immediate dividends. Within six months, the turnover of the business had doubled. As a result, Terry had to widen his base of artists.

“We had about thirty or forty artists when Without Pier was at Sandringham and now have one hundred and fifty at Cheltenham, including approximately thirty aboriginal artists,” he notes.

The gallery offers an eclectic range of Australian art and artefacts. Collectors can browse through a wide selection of work either in person or via Without Pier’s informative and user friendly website.

“We have pieces to suit all personal tastes, décor and price range,” Terry emphasises.

The gallery also showcases about fifteen feature exhibitions each year, changing artists every three to four weeks.

“We’re passionate about supporting Australian art and artists and also educating people about art,” Terry says.

After nearly 25 years of operation, Terry continues to be the sole owner of Without Pier and presently employs a full-time gallery manager and two parttime staff.

“I’m contemplating possibly altering the structure of the business over the next twelve to eighteen months in the face of what is a changing market,” he comments.

Most of Without Pier’s clients come from the city and nearby surrounding areas of Melbourne. The gallery’s close proximity to Royal Melbourne and Victoria Golf Clubs and major furniture retailer Domo also brings in visitors who notice the premises when passing by.

Terry’s passion for art extends way beyond the commercial reward of selling works through Without Pier. One of his great joys is hosting informal seminars and giving educational talks about art collection. The gallery also hosts a number of corporate functions, social club meetings and charity fundraising events each year.

“The setting and special ambience of the gallery make it a distinctive venue for events of this kind,” he remarks.

Externally, Terry was previously involved in running an Easter art show at Mansfield and is now the curator and operator of the annual Cool Art Show at Somers on the Mornington Peninsula in January. He estimates that about 2,500 people come through to view the exhibition across the three weeks in the summer holiday season that Without Pier concentrates its presence at Coolart Homestead.

“That sort of exposure converts into good sales and good contacts,” he says.

Although the Paynesville gallery is now gone, Terry says that the prospect of doing something again in Gippsland under the Without Pier banner remains a possibility.

“I’m willing to do pop-up exhibitions but haven’t identified a suitable opportunity in the Gippsland region as yet. The pop-up model involves setting up an exhibition for a short period of say one to three weeks in an empty retail shop with good street frontage. Ideally, it will coincide with a festival event or holiday period. I’d consider any opportunity that ticks those boxes at a time of year other than Easter.”

After decades of collecting art, Terry finally tried his hand at painting while in France last year.

“I was in a group and the instructor said my effort was quite good,” he says.

Terry’s tongue-in-cheek comment at the time was: “What’s so difficult about this?”

He brought the painting home with him even though it’s still not finished and has since put a brush to a couple more pieces of work. But despite now having dabbled in painting, Terry instantly dismisses any notion of becoming an artist himself.

“Oh, God no! They’re difficult enough to manage without being one. If I was the artist, it would only be my art on the walls, because then nobody else would be good enough,” he laughs.

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our very own gippsland culture

GRAEME MYRTEZA

Graeme Myrteza, is an Australian landscape artist living in Thorpdale in the Gippsland Hills Victoria with his wife Wendy where he has been a farmer all his life.

Full time work on the farm and family life took precedence over any art ambition. He has been to the high country horse riding and fishing many times, driven around Australia , been across the Simpson Desert (6 times), and to the Flinders Rangers a dozen times. As a result he has a real connection with the Australian landscape.

Early morning starts on the farm and working long hours gave Graeme an invaluable opportunity to experience the moods and nuances of his rural world in all its beauty.

‘I love the Australian landscape; it has truly captured my creative spirit and calls me to paint it above all other subjects. For me it is always about the light. There is nothing more beautiful than the early morning sun embracing a majestic gum or the evening sunset blanketing it’s gnarly branches. From my perspective this is nature’s art at its best which I am inspired to paint as often as I possibly can.’

Life has many twists and turns. Graeme and Wendy lost their son Brett after a long illness, and Graeme turned to the paintbrush and easel.

‘I have no idea why, therapy I suppose, but nonetheless I painted constantly for a long time, months in fact, trying to get myself back on track. Regrets? I just wish Brett could have seen just one of my paintings, but I know he is here watching and encouraging me whilst I paint. As a result, I put his initials in every painting I do.’

‘These days I have become more fascinated with trying to capture the bush; be it the sparkle of a frosty morning in the high county, a thunderstorm across a barren landscape, or the peace and silence of an outback sun set. This is my passion.

I love the land and I enjoy every moment that I am privileged to experience it and record it on canvas.’

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‘Success in my painting endeavours is as important to me as is the experience of undertaking the creative process that will hopefully result in a final work that honestly shares my observations as an artist and a farmer who simply loves to paint.’

The Australian artists’ McCubbin, Nolan and Williams have all inspired and lnfluenced the style, technique and subject of Graeme’s work.

Graeme recently participated in a group exhibition at Without Pier Gallery in Cheltenham where his work was widely acclaimed and admired.

In the words of Terry Earle, WOPG Director “Graeme’s work is powerful. As a viewer you get immersed in the power of his paintings whether they be The Devils Marbles in the Northern Territory, the light and vastness of the Flinders Ranges or the majestic gum silhouetted against a bright blue sky in Thorpdale. They are big and luscious works, textured and colourful. They are Australian!“

our very own gippsland culture

Kate Waanders

TRAVELLING TEDDY 60X75CM OIL ON PANEL I grew up and live in beautiful Gippsland; originally in Yallourn , then Yinnar and now in Traralgon.

As a child I was interested in, and learnt, a selection of different handcrafts, skills handed down from my grandmother and mother, both of whom I credit with my love of colour. From my dad I inherited my mathematical and practical talents.

My particular attention to detail was foremost when creating new works and I have done a lot of fine needle work.

Painting has long interested me but until recently I have not had the appropriate environment or the belief in my own ability.

After a couple of trips to The Netherlands in recent years I gained inspiration from old and contemporary painters in a style that appealed to me.

Finally, at the beginning of 2016, I decided to paint. Of course, it had to be oils as that is the medium of the painters who inspire me.

I have now fully embraced painting and am in the middle of a very steep learning curve.

The subject matter that appeals to me is often the more practical objects that are aged and well used and I try and capture the patina and feel of the item. All details, including rust and dents, contribute to the unique character of each object.

There is a wealth of subject matter from the retro and antique genres that inspire me; old toys, tools, kitchen utensils and decorative items.

I was honoured to win 1st prize in the “oils” category at the 2016 Tyers Arts Festival and best in show in the 2017 Rotary Tarra Festival Art Show in Yarram.

AWARD 2018 Kate Waanders was awarded a Highly Commendable for her work TRAVELLING TEDDY in the 2018 prestigious Csmberwell Rotary Art Show. She is represented by Without Pier Gallery. See photo.

TERRY EARLE, DIRECTOR Without Pier Gallery

10 POUND PUMPKIN 82X68CM OIL ON BOARD

"for an artist who has been painting only a few years Kate’s works are extraordinary. She is a talent to be encouraged and collected."

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Available at

WONTHAGGI NEWSPOWER & LOTTO

Oz Corp Australia Owned & Made

Peter Pauper Press Quality Journals Writing Paper Acid Free Archival Quality

31 Murray Street, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256 Monday to Friday 7.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 7.30am to 1.30pm | Sunday Closed

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T H E W E D G E P E R F O R M I N G A R T S C E N T R E P R E S E N T S T H E S O N G S & TA L E S O F A N G R Y O L D M E N

THE SONGS & TALES OF ANGRY OLD MEN | SATURDAY OCTOBER 27 AT 8PM CAST BIOS

THE ROCKUMENTARY SERIES

JEREMY EDWARDS | MUSIC DIRECTOR, GUITARIST, VOCALS Jeremy Edwards has produced, recorded and played on multiple albums for Australian roots, folk and blues artists, and fronted his own MusicOz award-winning original country and roots-rock act Dust Radio. Jeremy has written, toured and recorded with The Voice winner Karise Eden, written and performed with six-time Golden Guitar nominee Aleyce Simmonds, supported American blues legends Charlie Musselwhite and John Hammond Jnr, and played countless shows and major festivals across Australia. He is also the music director, guitarist and vocalist for Pearl - The Janis Joplin Story.

MATT ROSS | GUITAR, VOCALS

What happens when you join the poets, the troubadours, the singers and songwriters who gave us something to think about?

What happens when they grow a little weary, leave us or simply stay on to keep on keeping on?

Introducing a brand-new production from the writer producer of Pearl - The Janis Joplin Story.

“The Songs and Tales of Angry Old Men”.

Matt Ross started his musical career playing in the guitar scene in the late 80s/early 90s with the band Beachhead and musicians including Harry Brus from the Renee Geyer Band and Matt Dwyer from the Bondi Cigars. Matthew’s expertise in guitar playing led him to forge a career in blues, soul and country music. He continues to play with leading blues and roots artists including Alison Penny, PJ O’Brien, Liza Ohlback, Harry Brus and Mitch Anderson.

WAYNE ‘KILLER’ KELLETT | BASS, VOCALS Wayne “Killer” Kellett started playing the bass in 1971 and has just about mastered all four strings! A longterm cohort of Kevin Bennett and bands including Emu, The Daylights, The Honeymoon and currently The Flood (Golden Guitar Winners), he is also a member of Concord Joe and has toured with Ol’55 and The Rolling Clones. Regarded as one of the country’s premier bassists, Killer brings groove and soul to all the acts he performs with on his beloved 1963 Fender Bass.

DI SOLOMON | KEYS, VOCALS Di Solomon started her musical life at a very young age, with her two sisters who could also sing and play piano and guitar. Since then she has been in many productions, shows, and dance bands – covering just about every style of music including 40s big band swing, 50s and 60s, as well as many studio sessions for TV commercials and original composers. Di is also a prolific solo cabaret performer with multiple solo piano and vocal gigs under her belt.

GEORGE BRUGMANS | DRUMS George Brugmans has been involved in the blues and roots music scene for most of his playing life. George has spent much of his time playing and recording with Jeremy Edwards and the Dust Radio Band, the Ray Beadle Band and the Toni Swain Band. He also gigs with Robert Susz, Illya Szwec, Pat Powell, Roy Payne and Stephanie Marchant. Managing a recording studio also keeps George busy, collaborating with other artists and their projects.

The music that defined moments and gave those baby boomers and the world the best music ever.

"Now sharing with other generations who can continue to discover and be enriched by a good old dose of vintage retro music from an era that will never be forgotten!"

Let’s add to that tales about each of the artists and their music with a cheeky and playful delivery.

Highlighting the music of Dylan, Cohen, Waits, Morrison, Petty, Segar, Cave, Cash, Mellencamp and so many more. This production will reunite or introduce you to artists and music that will never be forgotten!

Delivering the music and tales is a cast of contented talented and happy musicians who have had thousands of hours of experience with a variety of national and international productions under their sometimes-angry old selves!

Jeremy Edwards, Musical Director, vocals and guitar shares the stage with a fabulous supporting cast.

You will be taken on a trip that has no artificial additions and is drug free! It’s pure, organic and simply great rock and roll.

The Rockumentary Series delivers, The Songs and Tales of Angry Old Men.

TICKETS 100 Foster Street, Sale VIC 3850 (03) 5143 3200 | box.office@wellington.vic.gov.au www.thewedge.com.au @ebbwec

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Adult Members Senior Concession Group 10+ Child U12

$47.00 $39.00 $45.00 $41.00 $39.00 $17.00

RUNNING TIME Approximate 2.5 hours Including interval.

Set in Jindivick’s rolling green hills discover an acre of recycled metal sculptures and browse the gallery space hosting the work of contemporary artists and Laurie’s small stories sculptures. Call in anytime, no cost and see the studio (amongst the metal chaos!)

RED TREE GALLERY EXHIBITIONS COMING UP AT THE RED TREE GALLERY JINDIVICK OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS ARE A RANGE OF SHOWS AND ACTIVITIES.

SPRING EXHIBITIONS 2018 SEPTEMBER

DAELENE SALISBURY & WAYNE POLLARD Hers and His Exhibition of Photography, Painting and Poetry.

OCTOBER

YVETTE STUBBS Paintings Drawings and Mixed Media.

Daelene Salisbury & Wayne Pollard

NOVEMBER

KELTIE MULLIN with erotic photography and digital art.

Good on ya and all the best Laurie 420 Main Jindivick Road, Jindivick VIC 3818 P: 5628 5224 | E: info@lauriecollins.com.au

www.lauriecollins.com.au

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Your Market Guide to Spring september | october | november BAIRNSDALE FARMERS’ MARKET 1st Saturday of every month – 8am-12noon Location Bairnsdale Secondary College Oval, McKean Street Contact John 5156 9342 or Ian 5152 3698

HILL END MARKET

3rd Sunday of Sept and Nov 2018 8.30am-1pm Location Old Hill End School Contact Chris 5635 2256

BERWICK AKOONAH PARK MARKET

INVERLOCH COMMUNITY FARMERS' MARKET

BRIAGOLONG FARMERS & ARTISTS MARKET

INVERLOCH FARMERS’ MARKET

Every Sunday – 8am-1.30pm Location Akoonah Park, cnr High & Cardinia Sts, Berwick Contact Gary Maker (03) 9796 1455

‘BY LAND, OR BY HAND’ Sunday, 24 March 2018 – 9am–2pm Location Cnr Forbes & Avon Streets Contact: briagmarket@gmail.com or their Facebook page

BRUTHEN VILLAGE MARKET 3rd Saturday of month – 9am-1pm Location Mechanics Hall, Main Street Contact 0432 188 295

CALLIGNEE COMMUNITY MARKET 3rd Sunday of month - 8am-1pm - October to May Location Callignee Hall Reserve Contact Lex 5147 3808

CHURCHILL ISLAND FARMERS’ MARKET & CRAFT MARKET

4th Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island off Phillip Island Contact Peter Arnold 5664 0096

COAL CREEK COMMUNITY PARK & MUSEUM FARMERS’ MARKET AND CRAFT MARKET 2nd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Location Coal Creek Community Park and Museum Car Park, Silkstone Rd, Korumburra Contact 5655 1811 FREE Entry/Ample Parking

COWES ISLAND CRAFT MARKET

2nd Saturday of month - 9am-2pm Location St Phillips Parish Hall and grounds, Thompson Ave, Cowes Contact Monica 0412 710 276 or 5678 8784

COWES MARKET ON CHAPEL (VARIETY)

4th Saturday of month – 8.30am-2pm Location Uniting Church, Chapel St, Cowes Contact Darlene 0428 603 043

DROUIN PRODUCE & CRAFT MARKET

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Civic Park, Civic Place, Drouin Contact John 0419 428 564 Drouin Rotary Club

FARMERS’ MARKET @ THE OLD CHEESE FACTORY 2nd Saturday of month – 8am-12.30pm Location The Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick Contact Market Manager: Geoff Rankin 0407 968 841

PROM COUNTRY FARMERS’ MARKET

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12pm Location Foster War Memorial Arts Centre Main Street, Foster Contact Catherine McGlead 0407 543 371

GRANTVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET

4th Sunday of month - 8am-2pm Location Grantville Recreation Reserve (weather permitting) Contact Pat 5997 6221 & check Facebook for updates

HEYFIELD COMMUNITY MARKET 1st Saturday of month – 8am-1pm Location John Greaves Memorial Park, Temple Street Contact 5148 3408 or 5148 2394

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Last Sunday of the month – 8am-1pm Location The Glade, Opposite Inlet Hotel, Inverloch Contact Lions Club: 0417 361 436 3rd Sunday of the month – 8am-1pm Location The Glade, Opposite Inlet Hotel, Inverloch Contact See Facebook for details Lions Club

JINDIVICK COUNTRY MARKET

1st Saturday of October and November Location 1070 Jackson’s Track, Jindivick Contact Jindivick Harvest Kitchen 5628 5227

JOHNSONVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET

1st Saturday of month – 8am-12pm Location Johnsonville Hall, Princes Highway Contact Perry 5156 4162

JUMBUNNA BUSH MARKET

1st Sunday of the month – 9am-1pm Location Public Hall, Cruickshanks Road Contact Dawn Wylie 5657 3253

KONGWAK MARKET

Every Sunday – 10am-3pm (Closed 24 December) Location Korumburra Road, Kongwak Contact Jane 0417 142 478

KOONWARRA FARMERS' MARKET 1st Saturday of the month – 8.30am-12.30pm Location Memorial Park off Koala Drive (Held in adjoining Halls on wet days) Contact Rod 0408 619 182

KOOWEE COMMUNITY MARKET 2nd Sunday of the month - 9am-2.30pm Location Koo Wee Rup Community Centre Cnr Rossiter Rd & Sybella Ave Koo Wee Rup Contact Admin 9796 5744

LAKES ENTRANCE SURF CLUB FORESHORE MARKET

MAFFRA VARIETY & FARMERS’ MARKET 1st Sunday of month - 9am-1pm Location Main St/Johnson St, Maffra Contact Rob 0419 869 114

MALLACOOTA ARTISANS MARKET

MEENIYAN MID WEEK MARKET

SALE CHARITY VARIETY MARKET

METUNG FARMERS’ MARKET

SAN REMO CUPPA & CHAT MARKET

3rd Thursday of month – 10am-2pm Location Whitelaw Street Contact Tracey Robertson 0402 995 063 2nd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Location Village Green in Metung Contact Tracey O’Brien 0409 233 648

MIRBOO NORTH COUNTRY MARKET

Last Saturday of month – 8am-2pm Location Baromi Park, 49 Ridgway Contact Cheryl Belton 0490 884 265

50 MILE FARMER’S MARKET 2nd Saturday of month – 8am-1pm Location Tarwin Street, Morwell Contact 0487 380 529

NEERIM DISTRICT ALLEY MARKET

4th Sunday of month – 9am-1pm Location 147 Main Neerim Road, Neerim South Contact 0409 090 725

NEWHAVEN CRAFT MARKET

4th Sunday of month Location Safeway Carpark Contact 5662 5800

LOCH LIONS VILLAGE MARKET

2nd Sunday of month – October to April – 8.30am-1pm Location Loch Railway Siding Contact Barry Worsburgh on 0418 500 520

LONGWARRY FIRE BRIGADE MARKET

STRATFORD VARIETY & FARMERS MARKET 4th Sunday of month - 9am-1pm Location McMillan Street, Stratford Contact Rob 0419 869 114

TARWIN LOWER PRIMARY SCHOOL MARKET 2nd Sunday September to May from 3pm-7pm Location Tarwin Lower Primary School, School Road Contact 0410 466 260

NOWA NOWA FARMERS MARKET

TRAFALGAR ARTS MARKET

3rd Sunday of month – 9am-1pm Location Mingling Waters Caravan Park Contact 0409 233 648

1st Saturday of month – 9am-1pm Location Trafalgar Public Hall, Contingent Street Contact Wendy Hitchins 0407 710 180

OLD GIPPSTOWN HERITAGE PARK MARKET

50 MILE FARMER’S MARKET

3rd Saturday of month – 9am-2pm Location Lloyd Street, Moe Contact 5127 3082

3rd Sunday of month – 8am-1pm Location Pakenham Football Club, Toomuc Reserve Contact Noel 0422 822 688

2nd Sunday of month - 8.30am-1pm Location Gilsenan Reserve Contact Lions Club 0400 327 526

PAYNESVILLE FARMERS MARKET 4th Saturday of month – 8.30am-1pm Location Foreshore by playground Contact 0473 149 409

PORT ALBERT MAKE IT, BAKE IT, GROW IT

4th Sunday of month - 10am-2pm + 4 November Location Mechanics Hall, Victoria Street Contact Gayle 0437 247 242

PORT WELSHPOOL UNDERCOVER MARKET Sunday 8th July - 9am-2pm Location The Old Ferry Terminal Contact Robyn on 5686 2321

1st Sunday of the month - 8am-1pm (except Jan & Feb) Location Longwarry Fire Station, Bennett St Contact Janine 5629 9636 or 0419 158 946

REH CORK CLUB CRAFT MARKET

LUCKNOW MARKET

ROKEBY MARKET

4th Sunday of the month - 8.30am-1pm Location Howitt Park, Princes Highway, East Bairnsdale Contact 0432 602 007

2nd Friday of month Bric-a-brac, cakes & jams 9am-1pm 2nd Saturday of month - Sausage Sizzle 9am-12pm Location St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Marine Parade Contact Roma Caulfield 5678 5386

TOORA COMMUNITY MARKET

PAYNESVILLE LIONS CLUB MARKET

LEONGATHA ROTARY MARKET

3rd Sunday of month - 7am-1pm Location Thomson River Canal Reserve Contact 5144 1258

4th Saturday of month – 8am-1pm Location Newhaven Hall, Newhaven Contact 5678 8163

LATROBE COUNTRY MARKET

4th Saturday of month – 8.30am-1.00pm Location Howard Street Contact Julie 0412 515 854

SALE PRODUCERS’ MARKET

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Sale Showgrounds enter from Maffra Rd Contact Cate 0404 840 128 (Craft) or Karen 0429 344 675 (Produce)

PAKENHAM COMMUNITY MARKET

LEONGATHA FARMERS MARKET

2nd Sunday of month - 8am-1.30pm Location Prince Street Reserve Contact 0473 543 906

1st Saturday of month – 9am - 1pm (except January) Location Mallacoota Mudbrick Pavilion, Maurice Ave Contact Leah 0467 856 236

1st Sunday of the month – 9am-3pm Location Near the Rotunda - Foreshore, Lakes Entrance Contact Tom Morris 0407 098 805 or 5153 1916 Every Sunday - 8.30am-1.30pm Location Latrobe Road, Morwell (near Holmes Road) Contact 0449 294 453

ROSEDALE COMMUNITY MARKET

2nd Saturday of month September to May, 8am-1pm Location Kay Street Gardens, Traralgon Contact Chris Van Der Meer 0487 342 675

2nd Saturday of month September to May Location Rokeby Reserve, Brandy Creek Road Contact 5626 8523

2nd Saturday of month - 7.30am-1pm Location Former Bonlac Store, Jetty Road, Toora Contact 5686 2690

2nd Saturday of month – 8am-12pm Location The VRI Hall, Queens Pde, Traralgon Contact 0419 568 772

TRARALGON FARMERS’ MARKET 4th Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Kay Street Gardens Contact 0409 232 715 Traralgon Lions Club

WARRAGUL ARTS MARKET

3rd Saturday of month - October to March– 9am-1pm Location Civic Park Warragul Contact Jessie McLennan 5626 7045

WARRAGUL FARMERS MARKET 3rd Saturday of month – 8.30am-1pm Location 1 Civic Place, Warragul Contact 0425 259 177

WONTHAGGI ROTARY MARKET

2nd Sunday of month - 8am-1pm Location Apex Park, Murray St, Wonthaggi Contact Ash 0412 300 456

YARRAGON COMMUNITY CRAFT & PRODUCE MARKET 4th Saturday of month – 9am-1pm Location Yarragon Public Hall, Campbell St Contact Alison Butterworth 5634 2209

YARRAM VARIETY MARKET

1st Sunday of month - 8am-1pm Location Guide & Scout Hall, Yarram Contact 0419 362 083

Your Events Guide to Spring september | october | november BIG BOYS TOYS Date September 9 Time 10.00am Location National Vietnam Vets Museum, Newhaven Contact Sonia Hogg 5956 6400

LADBROKES SALE CUP DAY Date October 28 Location Greenwattle Racecourse, Sale Contact Janet Leemon 5144 2962

GLENMAGGIE COUNTRY ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL Date November 3 Location Glenmaggie Hall Contact Brooke Barbour 0407 370 674 47TH ANNUAL LEONGATHA ROSE SPECTACULAR Date November 9 – November 10 Time Friday 12.00pm – 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am – 4.00pm Location Leongatha Memorial Hall

SAN REMO FISHING FESTIVAL Date September 9 Time 9.00am Location San Remo Contact Craig Edmonds 0409 018 980 GARDIVALIA FESTIVAL OF GARDENS Date October 6 Time 12.00pm Location West Gippsland Contact Check Gardivalia Festival Website MOE OPTICAL CUP DAY Date October 18 Time From 11.00am Location Moe Racecourse Contact enquiries@moeracingclub.com.au OKTOBERFEST MORWELL Date October 20 Time 10.00am- 5.00pm Location Club Astoria Morwell, Maryvale Crescent Morwell

OPEN DAY MT ECCLES GARDENS

HEYFIELD FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL Date October 21 Location Heyfield Wetlands Contact Lee Clarke 0418 108 691

Date Time Location Contact

October 28 10.00am – 4.00pm Mt Eccles Manor 9 Hall Road, Mt Eccles Carrelly at 575 Canavans Road,Mt Eccles South Nola Kelly 0412 484 131

ST ANDREWS UNITING CHURCH ORBOST ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW Date October 26 – October 27 Time Friday 11.00am – 5.00pm Saturday 9.30am – 4.00pm Location St Andrews Church Orbost

HARVEST FEST 2018 Date Time Location Contact

November 9 – 11 8.30am – 4.00pm 155 Burnt Store Road, Lardner Park 1300 178 881 info@harvestfest.com.au

AUSTRALIAN PAPER 39TH TYERS ART FESTIVAL & TYERS FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL Date November 9 – November 11 Time Friday 8.00pm Sat – Sun 10.00am Location Tyers Hall & Tyers Primary School, Main Road, Tyers Contact Peter Harrison 5191 8260 THE BAIRNSDALE SHOW Date November 10 Location Bairnsdale Racecourse Contact 0447 889 902 Email bdaleagricsoc@bigpond.com PHILLIP ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL Date November 16-18 Time From 6.45pm Friday Location Cowes Contact Robin Blackman 0432 814 407 CHRISTMAS IN THE BOO Date December 7 Location Baromi Park, Mirboo North Contact www.booevents.com..au

AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX 2018

150 PHILLIP ISLAND 2018 NOVEMBER ON THE ISLAND

Date Time Location Contact

Date Time Location Contact

October 26 – October 28 9.00am Phillip Island www.motogp.com.au

November 3 9.00am Cowes Mark Lindsay 5671 1234

If you require your events or markets to be promoted please email Gippsland the Lifestyle / Coast / Country thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au

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SPRING Septemeber October November 2018 SUN SIGN ASTROLOGY forecast with KERRY GALEA ARIES 21 MARCH – 19 APRIL

LIBRA 23 SEPT – 22 OCT

TAURUS 20 APRIL – 20 MAY

SCORPIO 23 OCT – 21 NOV The young people in your life both invigorate and challenge you to try something new. So give new experiences a go! By mid-month you really need to attend to (or fix) the physical house. Or it could be family members needing some of your time and attention. Midseason you will find that not all gifts are gold. Ask yourself … will it enhance how you feel about yourself? Do you really believe in it? Information will come that helps you make a breakthrough that helps sort out, or finish, any work or tensions in your home life.

This is an intuitive time and you have found out more than expected, even some secrets. A heightened sense of duty means it time to get something fixed. Information easily comes to you. Emotions can cloud your perspective as feelings become very important. A special person will share their deep thoughts and hidden truths with you, and you will share yours in return. Trust is important for later in the season, private information easily becomes public. Then be prepared to define your beliefs, have them challenged, and then adjust them... changing beliefs is a normal part of the cycle of life.

Social times will increase. Partners and friends are flying high with big ideas. They need to look ahead and make long term plans.

Whereas you are all over the place and cannot decide which way to jump. Stop yourself from worrying about others… as they do a good enough job of that for themselves! By season end, its time to look to your own emotional needs especially as increasing demands are being made on your time and energy. Look to the past and clean up old memories, and any physical clutter around you.

GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUNE

New routines and habits which will end up improving your working life. News from family suggests a whole new approach is needed to a situation or to solve a problem. Actively seek knowledge to either confirm or challenge your own opinions. Soon your creativity increases and the stars are asking you to look at the big picture and your future goals. Be dutiful to your body, as well as your duty to others. Later in the season you want to talk to everyone! And there is lots to talk about…. as new friends, or deeper relationships, enter your life.

It’s hard to keep your focus on what you need to do at work or in any role. There are so many distractions! Watching and learning is better than uncontrolled reactions. Money is being spent too freely and loved ones are feeling emotional. Mid-season is the time to make changes that will last. You can talk to everyone with grace and ease. And it’s time to talk to partners about finances or how the household workload is shared. Then it’s time to reflect on what you have discovered, check details and take care not to make any decisions that you cannot easily change.

SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV – 21 DEC This is a perfect month to showcase what you have been doing and it is the slow but steady beginning of a new direction. Your heightened creativity is already thinking ahead. Be careful and stay budget conscious but please don’t let worry hold you back, for that is the only thing that can! Mid-season, you need to pay attention to what is happening right now... for ‘now’ changes what happens in the future. Later in the season, take action, get moving, speak and you will be heard, ask and you will be told! Grab the opportunities offered as this month is the turning point towards the next 12 years.

This is a great month to make decisions. Your creative selfexpression hits an all-time high and this is a great time to explore, to learn, or to teach, in a fun and lively manner. Other people may try to slow you down. Soon, you are in the limelight at work, be it paid or unpaid, and this involves heighted emotions. If you feel secure at home, it will spread into being confident in the outer world. Later in the season, life is busy with all your different roles between home, family, fun times… and your altered role.

CAPRICORN 22 DEC – 19 JAN You need time to rest, especially now… and it’s OK to ask for help.

Don’t tough it out… allow yourself time to rest and be refreshed. It is in these times that creativity and adaptability can flourish… and you need more of both. Mid-season, it’s time to knuckle down to work, especially on the home front. Restlessness needs release by movement, adventures or exercise. Later in the season is a busy time and if you have no aim in mind it will feel like a lot of energy spent doing nothing. Making changes or renovating around the home will cost more than you expect.

LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUG While it’s now easy to keep something quiet, it won’t last long and by later in the month, all will be revealed. You will be concerned over financial questions or issues. Spend some quality quiet and peaceful times away from tense or highly energised people. Midseason, ideas and information can be overwhelming, so control it by making lists. Part of learning is finding out how much you don’t know. Contacts increase with family members and work takes more of your emotional energy. Later in the season, your creativity and the need for fun and games begins to rise.

AQUARIUS 20 JAN – 18 FEB Grandiose and elaborate ventures will cost you money, but letting yourself shine costs nothing, and gains you plenty of recognition and success. Restlessness increases and this needs release or you will become tense. A great way to release this is to exercise or work the energy into productive avenues. Telling you not to rush will not work. Please take a moment to consider the consequences of any action and seek advice. Later in the season a fresh idea helps with changes which you can use in your working life, perhaps in collaboration on projects.

VIRGO 23 AUG – 22 SEPT You are making big decisions but confusion heightens when other people give you their viewpoint. Yes, it’s a good idea to gather information, but this is about you, and there are a lot of complex consequences to consider…. so make up your own mind and don’t be hurried! Mid-season is the time to discover your own, and your loved ones’ inner feelings and values. All forms of communication are increasing and this includes sharing your own opinions. Later in the season you lack the support to be able to follow through on some promises.

PISCES 19 FEB – 20 MARCH I bet you are yearning to go on a holiday or to escape the rat race!

So grab the chance…. and get out there and have an experience!

Loved ones are also ready to make new plans. You can also have experiences in your inner world by asking yourself some questions and seeing what thoughts pop into your head. Do you feel worthy?

Who judges whether you are worthy or not? Complex issues in a group or organisation can be easily managed. Later in the season you receive information about your working role and it means changes are coming.

CANCER 21 JUNE – 22 JULY

KERRY GALEA ASTROLOGY Palmistry and Ancient Moon Gardening Email: kerry@kerrygalea.com.au Web: www.kerrygalea.com | Web: www.ancientmoongardening.com

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thelifestyle spring 2018

where you can get your copy GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE OUTLETS Bairnsdale newsXpress 21 Bailey St Bairnsdale Main Street Newsagency 212 Main Street Berwick Newsagency 29-31 High Street Boolarra Store & Newsagency 9 Tarwin Street Briagolong Art Gallery Forbes Street Bunyip IGA 2-6 Main Street Cape Paterson The Cape Store 2-4 Market Place Churchill Newsagency Hazelwood Village Shopping Centre Cowes Newsagency 44-46 Thompson Avenue Dalyston General Store 4213 Bass Highway Dumbalk General Store 25 Farmers Road Drouin Newsagency 93 Princes Way Fish Creek Alison Lester 1 Falls Road Fish Creek General Store 25 Falls Road Foster Newsagency 52 Main Street Garfield Licensed Post Office 77 Main Street Glengarry General Store Main Street Heyfield IGA 18-22 George Street Inverloch FoodWorks 10-12 Reilly Street Inverloch Newsagency 10 A'Beckett Street The Jindi Caf 1055 Jacksons Track Johnsonville Black Stump Princes Highway Kilcunda General Store 3535 Bass Highway Korumburra Michael's Supa IGA 1 South Railway Cres Lakes Entrance Lamanna's Newsagency 24 Myer Street Lakes Entrance Newspower 297 Esplanade Lang Lang IGA 32 Main Street Leongatha Authorised Newsagency 30 Bair Street Leongatha Michael's Supa IGA Cnr Church & Bruce Sts Loch Victoria Street Gallery 34 Victoria Street Maffra FoodWorks 87A Powerscourt Street Maffra newsXpress 144 Johnson Street Meeniyan IGA 100-102 Whitelaw Street Metung Village Store 62 Metung Road Mirboo North Newsagency 52 Ridgway Moe Nextra Lotto 87 Albert Street Morwell Card Alley Shop 33 Mid Valley Shopping Centre Morwell Newsagency 174-176 Commercial Road Nar Nar Goon, Clough Fuel 1975 Princes Hwy Neerim Junction General Store Main Road Neerim South IGA147 Main Road Newborough Newsagency 30 Rutherglen Road Newhaven IGA 8/10 Forrest Drive Newry General Store 44 Main Street Noojee Post Office 1 Bennett Street Omeo Post Office 155 Day Avenue Pakenham Newsagency 99-101 Main Street Paynesville Newsagency 65a The Esplanade Poowong IGA 17-19 Main Street Rosedale Newsagency 1 Prince Street Rhyll General Store 41 Lock Road Sale Newsagency 308-310 Raymond Street San Remo IGA 135 Main Parade Stratford Authorised Newsagency 60 Tyers Road Stratford IGA 67 Tyers Street Swan Reach General Store 2025 Princes Highway Swifts Creek General Store Great Alpine Road Tarwin Lower IGA 45 River Drive Thorpdale Bakery 34 Station Street Tinamba General Store Maffra-Rosedale Road Toora FoodWorks 66 Stanley Street Trafalgar IGA 5 McCrorey Street Trafalgar Newsagency 97 Princes Hwy Traralgon Newsagency & Lotto 51-55 Franklin Street Traralgon Seymour Street News 83 Seymour Street Ventnor The Anchorage Caravan Park Ventnor Road Venus Bay General Store 139 Jupiter Blvd Warragul Newsagency & Officesmart 43 Victoria Street Welshpool Supermarket 18 Main Street Wonthaggi Newsagency 31 Murray Street Yallourn North Supermarket 42-44 North Road Yanakie General Store 3640 Meeniyan-Promontory Road Yarragon Newsagency 107A Princes Highway Yarram newsXpress 195-197 Commercial Road Yinnar General Store 44 Main Street

EVANS PETROLEUM OUTLETS Fish Creek 2 Falls Road Foster 94 Main Street Inverloch 25 Williams Street Johnsonville 1760 Princes Highway Korumburra 2-8 Commercial Street Leongatha 7 Anderson Street Leongatha 95 Bair Street Mirboo North 106 Ridgway Newmerella 5327 Princes Highway Sale 344-350 Raglan Street Toora 26 Foster Road Wonthaggi 103-105 McKenzie Street Yarram 325 Commercial Street

Gippsland the Lifestyle Magazine is published quarterly.

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thelifestyle spring 2018

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blue

Family owned and operated - Blue Hills Rise joins the multi award winner Blue Hills Residences as the best 55 plus resort lifestyle options in Cranbourne East.

Looking for the best way to spend your retirement, Blue Hills Rise offers six unit designs with modern furnishings and fittings.

If you want to downsize our two bedroom Stephanie Apartments, may just be the answer.

Live independently, within a secure, caring environment.

START THE RETIREMENT YOU HAVE WORKED TOWARD.... CALL THE TEAM AT B LU E H I L L S R I S E TODAY ( 0 3 ) 5 9 9 1 5 0 0 0

Hills Rise Where the lifestyle continues

Under 90 Units left!

fantastic Onsite facilities

There are so many 55 plus lifestyle resorts around, all offering something different, the biggest question you need to ask is ‘What am I looking for?’

Swimming Pool / Spa Indoor Bowls Dance Floor Tennis Courts Alfresco Café - Orange Leaf Gymnasium Library Restaurant Sports Bar Cinema Arts and Crafts Centre Administration Centre ATM Computer Room BOWLING GREEN VILlAGE BUS

Well, if you are looking for a quality home with access to some of the most amazing onsite facilities, then Blue Hills Rise is the best choice for you. This family owned and operated 55 plus resort, has a variety of home designs, all offering something just a little different.

You will quickly realise that the Resort Owners, the Clarkson family, are serious about the homes they build in their very popular resort in Cranbourne East. No expense has been spared; all fittings and furnishings are of an extremely high standard.

The recent addition of Shopping On Clyde Shopping Centre right next door - you have a great variety of shops within walking distance.

Remember Blue Hills Rise is only a 50 minute drive to Melbourne, and close to the Dandenong Ranges and the door step to Phillip Island and the Gippsland region.

Call David & Rikki today to kick off the retirement you have worked towards Blue Hills Rise 240 Berwick-Cranbourne Road Cranbourne East 3977

phone: 03 5991 5000

Open 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, or via appointments on the weekend.

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