39 gippsland the lifestyle winter 2019

Winter ISSUE #39

$7.95

Wedding Special GIPPSLAND BUSHFIRES

Special Report

FOOD, WINE ACCOMMODATION Features inside

NATHAN LAY On a high note

+ Regular Features Horoscope Positive Lifestyle Tips Millie’s Adventures Canine Corner ISSN 1838-8124

m insiodre e

Treat yourselves to a night at the award winning Mercure Warragul

WARRAGUL

WARRAGUL

Choose from our range of luxurious Privilege King and Privilege Spa Suites.

Breakfast, lunch & dinner options available at the adjoining Restaurant Newmason ‘eat-drink-relax’.

Contact us to arrange a special wedding package for you and your guests.

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

mercurewarragul.com.au

WARRAGUL

NISSAN | HYUNDAI | DEMO & USED VEHICLES | SERVICE | PARTS | FINANCE 1-5 ROUGHEAD STREET, LEONGATHA, VIC, 3953

P (03) 5662 2327 F (03) 5662 2642 E edney@dcsi.net.au

LMCT 1500

www.edneysleongatha.com.au

editorial winter #39

index

Winter in Gippsland!

our content

Welcome to winter in Gippsland and another informative edition with some great features and a return to our much-loved Weddings Section.

AARON CHILCOTT – RIDING THE SOUND WAVES – HIT FM ANIMALS – A MOST UNNATURAL FRIENDSHIP CHRISTIE NELSON – WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP MOVING? CHRISTINE BOUCHER – CHRONIC DISEASE AT WORK CRAWFORD MARINE – BOATING SINCE 1964 EDNEY’S LEONGATHA – MORE THAN JUST A SERVICE TEAM ERIN MILLER – ‘SORRY’ ONE OF THE MOST OVERUSED WORDS GIPPSLAND ART GALLERY – WHAT’S ON IN WINTER GREENHAM GIPPSLAND – JUNIORS GET A TASTE OF AFL KEEPING OUR LAKES ALIVE – GIPPSLAND LAKES KINGBUILT – ENERGY EFFICIENT HOUSING MOUNTAIN MILLIE – BEN CRUACHAN NATHAN LAY BARITONE OPINION – BAD LAW IS IN NOBODY’S INTEREST RED TREE GALLERY IN JINDIVICK EXHIBITION THE WEDGE | SALE – A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN TOURING WITH JOHN – TRESTLE BRIDGES WARRAGUL WINTERFEST WGCMA – VOICE. TREATY. TRUTH. WHERE YOU CAN GET A COPY OF GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE WINTER CANINE CORNER WINTER EVENTS WINTER HOROSCOPE WONTHAGGI STREET FESTIVAL

Living in Gippsland in a region such as ours, we are always going to be affected by the weather, whether it is the drought conditions that have affected the central parts of Gippsland and of course the terrible bush fires that played havoc on the lives of those who live in Tonimbuk, North Garfield, Yinnar South and through East Gippsland. Many houses were lost in Tonimbuk, North Garfield and Yinnar South, but the resilience of the people is quite amazing.

People’s way of life were affected, none so more than North Garfield resident Alan Odart who basically lost everything. His once beautiful property has been destroyed but with all that tragedy, I found Alan to be resourceful and planning on re-building his home as soon as possible; what an amazing person! This major feature, the biggest we have undertaken was beautifully constructed by our writer Lia Spencer, who handled this feature with great sensitivity and understanding.

Our Wedding Section has returned, and our editor Maree Bradshaw has put her skills to the test and has come up with a brilliant and colourful addition to the magazine.

Great reading and tips for those about to take the next big step in their lives.

We welcome John Munns to the team of writers and photographers. John is in East Gippsland and he brings a wealth of knowledge to our magazine and we look forward to many more contributions. But on a sad note we are saying goodbye to one of our journalists, Wendy Morriss. Wendy has been with us for many years and has provided various brilliant features and photos and is integral to the success we have had in West Gippsland. Wendy is retiring to pursue her own adventures and will be missed; but Wendy is always welcome to come back.

Doug Pell

Writers Contributors Photographers Advertising Editor Creative Printers

Chris West, Wendy Morriss, Lia Spencer, Anita Butterworth, John Turner MAAPM, Ken Roberts and John Munns Erin Miller, Kerry Galea, Frank Butera, Stuart Hay, Christie Nelson, Christine Boucher Wendy Morriss, Lia Spencer, John Munns, Ken Roberts and Doug Pell Doug Pell Maree Bradshaw media101 Southern Colour (VIC) Pty Ltd | www.southerncolour.com.au

our winter front cover

Nathan Lay – Baritone – see his story on pages 108-110 Photograph by Andrew Raszevski www.andrewraszevski.com

GIPPSLAND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE/COAST/COUNTRY A: PO Box 862, Wonthaggi 3995 P: 0404 301 333 E: thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au W: www.gippslandlifestyle.com facebook.com/lifestylegippsland instagram | g_the_lifestyle

our advertisers ABSTRACTLY WILL – WILLIAM HOLT ART | VENUS BAY ALEX SCOTT & STAFF REAL ESTATE – BACK COVER COAL CREEK COMMUNITY PARK & MUSEUM CONQUEST POOLS CRAWFORD MARINE EDNEY’S LEONGATHA EVANS PETROLEUM - SALE 24 HOUR DEPOT GIPPSLAND ART GALLERY | SALE GROWMASTER TRARALGON HARRIET SHING MP – ALP KINGBUILT HOMES LAURIE COLLINS SCULPTURE GARDEN & RED TREE GALLERY NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS MUSEUM OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA | COWES SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO HIT PRESENTS GIVE ME 5 FOR KIDS SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO WARRAGUL SOUTH GIPPSLAND HOMES STONY CREEK GO-KARTS THE LOCAL BUSINESS NETWORK – GRAHAM FITTON THE WEDGE | SALE – L’AMORE THE FOUR DIVAS THE WEDGE | SALE – SUN RISING WGCMA – VOICE. TREAT. TRUTH. NAIDOC WEEK WONTHAGGI MEDICAL GROUP WONTHAGGI NEWSAGENCY & LOTTO

7 5 75 84 124-126 111 115 119 127 169

WEDDINGS INDEX + ADVERTISERS + CONTENT

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BUSHFIRES SPECIAL COMMUNITY REPORT

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FOOD + WINE + ACCOMMODATION ADVERTISERS + CONTENT

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ASTROLOGY, POSITIVE LIFESTYLE TIPS, CANINE CORNER , MILLIE’S ADVENTURES & SO MUCH MORE thelifestyle winter 2019

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WINTER

INSULATION

With winter coming on fast, our design team decided to throw around a few hints for designing the perfect home to keep the family snug all winter.

Insulation choices are critical to the comfort and efficiency of your home for years to come. Because all our designs are tailored to the client’s needs, there are many options. This is one thing that’s almost impossible to change in an existing home!

FIRES If we said “Cosy house in winter” we’ll take a bet the first image in your mind is a nice burning wood fire! It’s the very image of snugness when it’s cold outside. Since all our Kingbuilt homes are custom designed, the fireplace can be placed in the optimum location.

There’s nothing like a real wood-burning (or ‘Solid fuel’) fire, for the ultimate in winter comfort and authenticity. However, you have to chop the wood, stoke the fire and clean up the mess. Still, if you live on a farm, or have teenagers and a 4x4, you may not mind! If you have timber on your property it may even be cheaper than gas or electricity.

One of the most popular solutions is a gas log fireplace, which will eliminate the work and mess of a solid fuel fire. Some gas fires are designed just to be beautiful, others can be extremely effective and efficient heaters for a large portion of your house. Just flick the switch and enjoy the glow! While still requiring care, they can also be safer than a wood fire if you have children or pets.

If the purchase or installation cost rule out both these options, there are also some attractive electric fireplaces available, but are generally not as realistic.

High efficiency insulation is more common and affordable than ever. The main elements are wall insulation, ceiling insulation, roof sisalation, window glazing and subfloor insulation (in houses on stumps), and Kingbuilt can optimise the different elements to get the highest rating for the most reasonable cost.

Upgrading to a higher performance material can be cheaper than you might expect. “When I built my 25 square home a few years back, I upgraded the wall and ceiling batts to the next size, then used 55mm foil-backed blanket instead of plain roof sisalation,” one of our design team, Ollie, told us. “I also upgraded to double glazing. I kept the footprint of my house fairly simple and square to minimise the wall area to floor area ratio.

Even though I had a lot of window area, my house was rated at 8 stars energy efficiency – and it only cost a few thousand dollars compared to the bare bones requirements.”

Upgraded insulation is wasted if not properly installed, though. That’s why it’s important to use a real locally owned builder with good quality controls and local trades.

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GLAZING Upgraded glazing offers a dramatic efficiency boost without having to change any other building elements. You can get high efficiency single glazing, such as ‘Low-E’ or low emissivity glass, but we still love double glazing because of its sheer effectiveness. Plus, double glazing is far better for blocking out sound, which can be important if you live near a main road.

Kingbuilt recently upgraded our design tools so we can select double glazing for just the windows that will make the most difference to your rating and energy bill - great for getting the most bang for your buck. This is only possible with bespoke design.

“There’s still a place for Low-E glass, though,” said Ollie, “If I built again, I’d use it in my stacking patio doors, because they’re very heavy when double glazed.”

DRAFTS All the good appliances and materials are no good if there’s a whistling draft of cold air where you need it least. Many of us grew up in older homes with cold spots everywhere, and thankfully a well built new house with all the latest materials and standards can eliminate these.

Kingbuilt homes are constructed by high quality trades to ensure all those leaky gaps are filled and sealed, and finished off with quality Raven door seals and strips all round.

“I never really knew how different a well built house could be,” said Ollie, “Until Kingbuilt built my house in 2013. My house holds its temperature sometimes for days, without even having to turn on the heating or cooling.

It’s not just cheaper to run, it’s also far more comfortable for everyone. My wife and kids are snug and safe and I have no regrets on the extra care designing and building my house well, and the extra few pennies to do a great job of it.”

Contact Kingbuilt on 1300 546 428 today to see what we could build for you! Alternatively, drop into one of our display homes in Traralgon or Warragul.

1300 546 428 | sales@kingbuilt.com.au www.kingbuilt.com.au

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OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA C A T H O L I C

P R I M A R Y

S C H O O L

New school opens its doors and arms to students. Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic School only opened last year but is already proving to be a popular choice with parents and students.

by Lia Spencer In January last year, Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School (OLSS) opened its doors to students in Cowes.

The school operated out of portable classrooms until June, when works on the beautiful brandnew building on Cowes-Rhyll Road were completed. The brand-new building includes four classrooms, a playground and a gorgeous garden area.

Since the move, the number of students has nearly tripled from 17 to 46, and Principal Catherine Blackford expects the population will continue to increase.

“We anticipate that we could eventually get to 180 students once all the building stages are complete,” she said. “We also hope to secure funding to complete the next stages of works at the school this year.”

Gabby reading

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If the school secures a capital grant, stage two will include four additional classrooms and a discovery centre/library. Stage three will include a hall and a gym and stage four would feature an Early Learning Centre.

OLSCC provides the Victorian and Religious Education curriculums and also has a huge emphasis on building mental toughness, resilience, self-confidence and emotional control.

Students also participate in Movement and Mindfulness classes as part of the curriculum, which aims to improve resilience by helping them to be reflective and calm, building self-belief and confidence.

Ms Blackford said that students and parents are benefiting greatly from learning in a close-knit school community.

“Students and staff like the closeness we have as a school and the parents like the individualised learning provided for the children. Because we are so small, we can hone in on each child’s needs and work with them from there,” she said.

Principal Catherine Blackford with students Memphis (Year 6) and Darcee (Year 5)

Year 2 student Brylie is all smiles on the playground

Dom and Livinia

Arianna, Lachie, Patrick and Brylie Year 3 students Patrick and Scarlett in the garden

Gabby (Year 4), Dom (Year 2) and Livinia (Year 1) read

“Our specialist classes are French, Digital Technology, Art, Sport & PE, Drama, Music, and Science. We chose science because we live on a beautiful island and we want to encourage students to learn about looking after our environment. It also fits in with the Catholic philosophy that we are the stewards of the Earth and it is our responsibility to take care of it."

“Even though we are a small school the students don't miss out on anything, they still participate in excursions, camps, surfing, swimming, attend athletic events and celebrate special occasions.”

Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School is committed to our faith community, fostering an environment where all teachers and students meet their potential. We are also committed to targeted, explicit teaching to ensure a progression of learning for all students.

OLSS also prides itself on not only providing a quality education, but also holistic education, where each child is nurtured in the tradition of a Catholic community that is prayerful, accepting and loving.

We promote a sense of independence and self-motivation, encouraging children to take responsibility for their own learning where the person of Jesus and His teachings are central.

Prep student Arianna

OLSS is welcoming and open to all who seek a Catholic education, regardless of what denomination, if any, the student is.

Ms Blackford said anyone wanting more information can contact the school directly.

“Every day is open day,” Ms Blackford said.

“Parents can ring at any time and make an appointment for a meeting or a tour.”

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

6 Cowes-Rhyll Road, Cowes 3922 P: (03) 5951 1700 Principal Catherine Blackford W: olsscowes.catholic.edu.au

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Words come to mind: “Can’t help falling in love with you? Take my hand, take my whole life too”, lyrics sung by Elvis.

Each wedding has its own individual special magic, something we celebrate here in the wedding pages of this issue. We highlight four weddings, all different and all spectacular. We hope that these weddings bring you inspiration for that most memorable day of your life.

The advertisers have contributed with their expertise in assisting to make your wedding experience easier and special. “Trust in your wedding vendors they are the best when it comes to recommending other industry creative, after all they see and experience their talent regularly.” – Phillip Island Weddings 'The giving and receiving of rings' is a powerfully emotive and significant moment, with continuous gold bands representing your never ending love, and Glenn Curtis, world renowned Master Jeweller from Curtis Australia Bairnsdale can create your design preference.

Adding her own brand of magic to the shoot, Lauren Murphy professional photographer has captured the romance, style and fun, featured in three of our real life weddings.

Planning your honeymoon should be a very exciting part of your wedding plans, and Flying Colours Travel have offered to help make it a perfect honeymoon choice to suit your dream holiday.

And congratulations are in order to one of the special couples, Ben and Bree, who announced that they are expecting a baby boy in August!

Here’s to celebrating the magic of your own romantic story!

Weddings SPECIAL content

BRANDY CREEK ESTATE – DREAM WEDDINGS COCKTAIL TIP CURTIS AUSTRALIA: CELEBRATING A SPECIAL MOMENT FLYING COLOURS TRAVEL – HONEYMOON PLANNING GIPPSLAND REAL WEDDINGS BEN & BREE CHRIS & SERENA JAKE & JESS SAM & MADELEINE INSPIRATIONAL COLOUR BOARDS PHILLIP ISLAND WEDDINGS DIRECTORY STATIONERY POINTS WEDDING PLANNING COUNTDOWN

advertisers

BIG TWIG FLORIST | WONTHAGGI BRANDY CREEK RESTAURANT, VINEYARD & DAY SPA | DROUIN EAST BRENT SINCLAIR CATERING | FEAST ON US CITRUS & VINE | PHILLIP ISLAND | VENUE CURTIS AUSTRALIA | BAIRNSDALE | JEWELLERY FLYING COLOURS TRAVEL | SALE MAKEUP BY JESSIKA - JESSICA EVANS MAKE-UP ARTIST LAUREN MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY LISA-ANNE PRENDERGAST CELEBRANT MAFFRA MOTOR INN | ACCOMMODATION MERCURE WARRAGUL | ACCOMMODATION MORWELL BOWLING CLUB | VENUE OVER THE TOP EVENTS | MARQUEES | HIRE | STYLING RACV RESORT INVERLOCH | VENUE | ACCOMMODATION SHIMMER MARQUEES | LEONGATHA SOUTH | VENUE | HIRE SILVERWATER RESORT | PHILIP ISLAND | VENUE | ACCOMMODATION STOBIES MENSLAND | MAFFRA TAMBERRAH COTTAGES | TAMBO UPPER | VENUE | ACCOMMODATION THE SHEARING SHED | PHILLIP ISLAND | VENUE WONTHAGGI NEWSPOWER | STATIONERY

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contributors

Lauren Murphy Photography Hasinara Studios Morgan Fisher Photography Chrisp Pictures | Christina Stoertebecker Lens to Life Photography Glenn Curtis – Curtis Australia Bairnsdale Jacqui Ingram – Flying Colours Travel Sale Lia Spencer, Writer Jessica Evans – Makeup by Jessika Abbie Patton – The Shearing Shed Phillip Island And the Four Wedding Couples – Thank you!

WE CREATE YOU CELEBRATE

15 The Concourse, Cowes 3922 ph | 03 5952 1791 em | info@overthetopevents.com.au

Making your wedding planning easy when looking for venues and suppliers within the Phillip Island region The perfect location year round with stunning natural scenery and beaches

Local Supplier

Our members help support local industries and develop the Phillip Island Wedding region

Directory Listings

We provide you with everything you need for planning your wedding

em: hello@phillipislandweddings.com.au facebook.com/PhillipIslandWeddings instagram.com/phillipislandweddings www.phillipislandweddings.com.au

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instagram.com/theshearingshed facebook.com/TheShearingShedPhillipIsland

www.overthetopevents.com.au

Phillip island Locations

ph: 03 5952 3928 em: info@theshearingshed.com.au location: Phillip Island wb: www.theshearingshed.com.au

Located just 80 mins from Melbourne on the rolling hills of San Remo, the gateway to Phillip Island, Silverwater Resort is a picturesque location for a coastal wedding.

Its unique surroundings along with breathtaking views over Westernport Bay create the perfect environment for your special day. With 21 acres of landscaped grounds, Silverwater Resort can hold the ceremony and comfortably accommodate weddings for up to 400 people.

For further information call us on (03) 5671 9300 or sales@silverwaterresort.com.au www.silverwaterresort.com.au

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PLANNING

Planning your Honeymoon should be a very exciting part of your Wedding Plans.

At Flying Colours we want to help you make that perfect Honeymoon choice to suit your dream holiday.

After the leadup to your Wedding there is nothing better than looking forward to your dream vacation together.

maldives

Registry Cards Flying Colours Travel offers a ‘Bridal Registry’ which has become very popular as an alternative to the traditional gift wedding registry.

Flying Colours Travel has dedicated staff with many years of experience providing a variety of holiday options for the adventurous, the romantic, the inquisitive and the lazy as well. Options are endless and include Cruises, The Mediterranean, South West Pacific and getaways throughout Australia, Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

With so much on offer the World has something for everybody, be rest assured Flying Colours Travel will find the perfect destination for you.

thailand

Something Special Some more exotic locations are in the MALDIVES or MAURITIUS; both destinations offer a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets.

All-inclusive packages including meals, entertainment and beverages take the guesswork out of your all-important Budget.

Other Popular Honeymoon Destinations THAILAND, BALI, FIJI & VIETNAM

bali

Contact us to help make your perfect Honeymoon package become a reality. visit www.flyingcolourstravel.com.au

83 Cunninghame Street, Sale 3850 Tel. 03 5144 3199 Fax. 03 5144 1816 Email. flyingcolours@netspace.net.au www.flyingcolourstravel.com.au

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F LY I N G C O L O U R S T R AV E L 83 Cunninghame Street, Sale 3850 Phone: 03 5144 3199 Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm | Sat 10.00am to 12.00pm www.flyingcolourstravel.com.au

Shimmer Marquees & Events serving Leongatha & Surrounding Areas Events | Weddings | Corporate Functions Shimmer Marquees & Events offers a rural rustic garden setting with a touch of natural bush and gardens for a personal, secluded, private marquee wedding or event.

Pick a spot in the garden for a ceremony for something personal with close family and friends or hundreds.

Let the guests wander the gardens while being served drinks and food, while the bride and groom have their photos taken. Then continue into the marquee for the reception with your personal choice of styling.

Photographs by Morgan Fisher Photography

We can also organise the hire of: Dance Floors, Tables & Chairs, Linen, Crockery & Glassware, Rustic Arch, Wine Barrels, Bar, Atmospheric Lighting and more...

If you are planning a wedding or event, we will love to hear from you!

Contact Michael Hulls ph | 0427 623 453 em | hire@shimmermarquees.com.au

shimmermarquees.com.au

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

WEDDNG TIPS

PUNCH IS THE NEW SIGNATURE COCKTAIL AT WEDDINGS Punch! It’s easy to serve, festive and cost effective – and you can make it a day or two in advance. Stirring up cocktails with fresh juices, splashes of colour with seasonal flavours.

Take it up a notch with a perfect Citrus Mint Sangria – a refreshing combination of lemons, limes, fresh mint and dry white wine.

Or, to cater for those that prefer non-alcoholic drinks – Lemon Iced Tea Cocktail – combine lemon flavoured iced tea, lemon juice and lemonade or soda water. Served in a glass punch bowl with a ladle.

Tip: use a large block of ice, which won’t melt as quickly as the smaller cubes and won’t dilute the punch.

Garnish: with mint leaves and slices of lemons and limes.

Located in Maffra’s town centre on beautiful, tree-lined Johnson Street

We pride ourselves on offering delicious & satisfying breakfasts using local produce A peaceful, comfortable, relaxing environment close to sporting club, cafes, vehicle museum, golf club and walking trail.

184 Johnson St, Maffra 3860 | P: +61 3 5147 2111 E: admin@mafframotorinn.com.au For Bookings & more information visit www.mafframotorinn.com.au

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TAMBERRAH COTTAGES Tamberrah Cottages is the ideal venue to celebrate your special day with accommodation for bridal parties and lovely surrounds for photography and your guests.

UNIQUE WEDDING VENUE Tamberrah is now able to offer a holistic wedding package from accommodation, restaurant, indoor/outdoor settings, photography locations, car parking and everything the newlyweds would hope for, to ensure that this most important day runs smoothly and effortlessly, for them and their guests.

With a wonderful rural flavour the setting is certain to make your day a memorable one.

For Bookings and further enquiries 631 Stephenson Road, Tambo Upper,Vic 3885 ph 03 5156 4663 / email tamberrah@bigpond.com / web tamberrah.com.au

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY This iconic East Gippsland lifestyle property is for genuine sale Situated on parklike acres, a modern 50 sq residence has many features to suit all. Consisting of five bedrooms, with formal dining and multiple living spaces, family room, ample storage, double garage and a great workshop for the handyman. Well-designed kitchen with all modern appliances compliments the residence.

In addition to the residence, six extremely well appointed cottages can provide an additional revenue stream to the new owners. Featuring undercover BBQ area, large lake featuring stonewalls and windmill.

Unique opportunity to create many additional lifestyles.

Your inspection will not disappoint.

Call today to arrange your inspection.

Wendy Beadle 0467 032 010

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.

Ladies! Send the boys in. You won't be disappointed!

QUALITY

COMPETITIVE PRICES

SERVICE

CONVENIENCE

Slim & regular fit suits from a great range of brands.

Guaranteed (Excellent rates when two or more suit packages are acquired for the same wedding party).

People are prepared to travel to find an outlet that meets their needs when it comes to weddings and other formal occasions.

Everything is under the one roof – suits, a massive range of shirting, ties, accessories, footwear etc.

accomplish everything in the one place and save Time & Money For any enquiries, no matter how big or small, contact the team.

60 Johnson Street Maffra, VIC 3860 Ph (03) 51472333

Mon- Fri: 9am-5.30pm | Sat: 9am-12noon

Find us on Facebook & Instagram

weddings

inspirational colour boards

FEMININE aqua deep pink gold

PASSION rose flowers cream white silver blue hues of grey

SUNSHINE yellow daffodil yellow hue violet viloet hue white

PEACH ROMANCE white peach peachy hue lime teal

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You can find inspiration in the things that you love. Colours don’t always have to set the main theme for your wedding day.

From florals or sparkles to the countryside or beach, any colour combination can play into your complete vision.

When you choose your exciting colour scheme, try to dress the rest of your reception venue in neutrals. White tablecloths work, or choose to have no tablecloths and let the natural wood show through, and with say, a table runner.

Let lights and flowers be the palette together with white material backdrops.

Begin by selecting a couple of primary colours that inspire you.

SWEET SOIREE bone teal lavender soft pink silver

VINTAGE tea silver white rose brass burnt orange

COMBO LIGHT & DARK pale coral champagne ivory navy blue

DREAMS lily white turquoise light green

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Serena& Chris 17th march 2018

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Serena& Chris

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Serena& Chris

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Serena & Chris 17th March 2018

E LEGA NC E IS A LWAYS A N D FOREVER

PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren Murphy Photography www.laurenmurphyphotography.com.au VIDEOGRAPHER James Anderson | Turbo 360 CEREMONY VENUE St Mary’s Church | Bairnsdale STATIONERY Nicole Wood instagam @naknic CELEBRANT Father Michael Willemsen

WEDDING DRESS Designed by Serena, Made by Vicky Lunn | Vassi Bridal Couture SPECIAL ACCESSORIES Brooch Bouquet made by Nic’s Button Buds Tiara made by Stephanie Browne SHOES Aliexpress GROOM’S SUIT & SHOES Briggins SPECIAL ACCESSORIES Dogtag designed by Serena, Created by Adam | Aqua Jewellers

GROOMSMEN’S SUITS BY Bell and Barnett

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES BY made by Vicky Lunn | Vassi Bridal Couture

TRANSPORT Gippsland Wedding Cars HAIR & MAKE-UP Hair by Lucy, Makeup by Bec | Style n File

FLOWERS Shelly Clarke | Melbourne Bridal Rose RINGS Aqua Jewellers

RECEPTION Kilmany Park www.kilmanypark.com.au

CATERING Duart Homestead | Maffra

CAKE Cake and Macarons | Sweets For Tilly

ENTERTAINMENT DJ Robbie WEDDING DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER Alex from Marshere Dance Studios | pakenham WEDDING DANCE AERIAL HOOP CHOREOGRAPHER Liana Howe from Polelicious | Dandenong

SHARING MOMENTS How you felt on the day?

"Excited, nervous and more than anything, happy."

Serena "Very excited, and in disbelief that the day had finally arrived."

Chris

Your vows from the ceremony – if you would like to share part of it?

"To have and to hold always and forever, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer in sickness and in health, until death do us part."

Why you chose the venue?

“Serena used to have family vacations in Lakes Entrance and would always visit St Mary's Church.”

The best part of your wedding day was...

"When we were sitting at the bridal table and we could see everyone enjoying themselves."

Would you like to add that your beautiful dogs, which looked splendid in their tux, also attended your special day?

“We were so incredibly happy to have Bec from K9 STYLE PET MINDING look after our fur babies.

She brought them up for our wedding day and we couldn't have been more grateful! We had our ‘Flower Dog’ Chihuahua ‘Topaz’, our Finnish Lapphund ‘Diesel’ and ‘Aztec’ our youngest Chihuahua.”

What do you love about each other or what brought you together?

"We have the same goals and values and we're constantly supporting each other along our life journey.

“We first met at my cousin Julian's 21st (Chris' best friend).

I was 17 and Chris was 22. We met again for Julian's younger brother Stefan's 21st three years later. We then started dating when Chris opened up about waiting three years to ask me out, and we got engaged on my 21st birthday. Before that, I really wanted to fly a plane and Chris kept telling me it wasn't good weather for it; little did I know, he'd organised a flight for me and when I landed he was waiting in a suit ready to propose! We got married six years after we first met.”

Your overall experience with suppliers and venues?

"They were truly remarkable, passionate and genuinely caring people, they put hours of work into making our day exactly as I had imagined!

We couldn't have been more grateful and more blessed by them all."

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wedding

Stationery You will want beautiful, inspiring, and affordable stationery for the big day, which you can customise completely on your own to fit any theme or look you want.

The requisites are: save the dates, invitations, thank you cards, enclosure cards, response cards, perhaps directions to venues, gift envelopes and place cards.

The wedding invitation is the very first taste of what is to come for your guests. It’s instantly exciting to receive!

One

Two

Three

Four

Decide on an overall theme

Customise

Focus on the text details

Proofread & order extras

Decide on the feeling you want to convey and select one that fits your wedding’s look. Is your wedding modern, classic, laid-back or possibly vintage?

Add a touch of charm by changing up the colour of the foil, add a co-ordinating envelope lining for a little something extra, adapt the colours to perfectly fit with your wedding colour scheme and just make it your own.

Include the most essential information that guests will need to know about the wedding. It would be very helpful if you have all this written out before attempting the design. Guests will appreciate all the applicable information in one spot.

The final step will be to proofread each part of the invitation package.

Also, it would be a good idea to have another set of eyes reviewing the proofs, as it is easy to miss an error.

Order a few extra cards, this is always an asset, as well.

Available at

WONTHAGGI NEWSPOWER & LOTTO

Wedding supplies and stationery for all occasions 31 Murray Street, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256 34

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Monday to Friday 7.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 7.30am to 1.00pm | Sunday Closed

No occasion calls for Beautiful Blooms quite like a Wedding.

Whether you're after a unique bridal bouquet, flowers for the ceremony or arrangements for the reception, Big Twig Florist can arrange everything for you.

(03) 5672 2565 Shop B, 140 Graham Street Wonthaggi 3995 www.bigtwigflorist.com Member of Interflora

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WE CREATE YOU CELEBRATE WE SEE THE SHEARING SHED AS AN EXTENSION OF OUR HOME, OUR FAMILY. OUR COUNTRY CHARM AND HOSPITALITY IS AT THE HEART OF ALL WE DO AND WE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME YOU ALONG WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. There are so many beautiful features at The Shearing Shed, the wooden floors, the wine barrels, the bar, the fireplace, the staircase, the mixture of seating and different spaces inside the venue.

Situated on 20 acres on the outskirts of Cowes, the Shed was originally built in the 1950's.

This beautiful property has been home to four generations and initially 2500 sheep were farmed here.

Set up to accommodate your wedding from start to finish no matter the time of year (or what mother nature throws your way) we are proud to offer:

THE BILLABONG

A stunning space cleverly designed to offer a secret garden in the middle of the island.

THE BARN

A building that has seen so many uses. It is amazing what you can create when you get your hands on an old hay shed.

THE SHEARING SHED

Lovingly renovated to enhance its original character. There is family history in every piece of timber that creates a warm, rustic ambience. Its well thought out interiors provide a blank canvas for you to create your dream event.

Weddings are an incredible time to showcase to your family who you are as a couple and your venue creates an underlining theme for an unforgettable event that will be talked about for years to come.

Our outstanding service and experienced staff are here to create a flawless event, so that you can sit back and relax with your loved ones.

Our team of chefs are here to tempt you with their culinary delights of modern Australian cuisine and present you with local and seasonal produce. Our unique location offers guests a private venue, easily accessible by taxi or private vehicle – only a few kilometres from Cowes.

The Shearing Shed has four generations of stories to tell. We love that we can continue to add to these stories by inviting you to enjoy The Shearing Shed as well. *Please note that inspections of the property are by appointment only. Please call or email in advance to make arrangements.

Phone: Email: Location: Web: Instagram: Facebook:

03 5952 3928 info@theshearingshed.com.au Phillip Island theshearingshed.com.au instagram.com/theshearingshed facebook.com/TheShearingShedPhillipIsland

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CELEBRATING HAND

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SPECIAL MOMENTS

CRAFTED JEWELLERY

BY PAUL HENDERSON

ALTHOUGH IT'S COLD OUTSIDE, WHEN THOUGHTS TURN TO LOVE SUDDENLY IT BECOMES WONDERFULLY WARM! SPRING WON'T BE TOO FAR AWAY, AND IT'S AROUND THIS WINTRY TIME OF YEAR THAT PEOPLE OFTEN PLAN TO GET ENGAGED, MARRIED OR CELEBRATE AN ANNIVERSARY. THESE TRULY SPECIAL MOMENTS ARE EVEN MORE MEMORABLE WITH A BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF HAND CRAFTED JEWELLERY AT THE CENTRE OF YOUR CELEBRATIONS. Jewellery holds tremendous personal significance, especially for engagement and wedding rings – enduring symbols of commitment and love. Anniversaries are remembered often with eternity rings and many people choose this simple and elegant style of gem set ring to mark the birth of a precious child. 'The giving and receiving of rings' is a powerfully emotive and significant moment, with continuous gold bands representing your never ending love. Even the finger wedding rings are worn on was believed to contain a special vein linked directly to the heart.

No one makes rings quite like Bairnsdale based jewellers Curtis Australia, with world renowned experience in engagement, wedding, anniversary and 'just because' rings. Master Jeweller Glenn Curtis and his talented team have helped hundreds of couples celebrate their uniquely important milestones, from choosing their diamonds to designing and hand crafting beautiful rings. The Curtis team use skills that have been perfected not only through their work in traditional jewellery, but also their pioneering work in luxury pens and watches, treasured the world over.

Glenn says “the key is to listen to what people want – even people who don't know what they are looking for are inspired by the collections we have on display and the pictures we can show of previous custom made pieces” says Glenn, who enjoys meeting clients in the relaxed surroundings of the Curtis showroom, where he freely offers advice and design ideas inspired by over 40 years as a jeweller.

Styles of engagement rings vary tremendously – from solitaires (single gem rings) to more elaborate styles including the modern 'Halo' ring, a design with a centre gem surrounded by smaller ones to form a ring full of sparkling light. Curtis's diamond experts will help you choose your special gem and your ring can be created to encircle and embrace it. Choosing your ring is an important decision to have an expert help you with, as you'll have your ring for a long time to come.

Designs for wedding rings can be as simple as a contoured plain band to a more elaborate design with two or more colours of gold. Wedding bands can even be shaped to fit around engagement rings to create a distinctive look. Men are becoming more aware and bold with their choices in wedding bands and the craftsmen at Curtis have made some complex and distinctive designs, you can even choose to have your wedding ring modelled with a scene from where you proposed, making a lasting reminder in solid gold.

The experienced, international award winning jewellers at Curtis Australia take great pride in every ring they make, for centuries Master Jewellers have used Hallmarks to identify their creations.

The Curtis Hallmark is the Koala. The Kangaroo is the mark of a member of the Gold & Silversmiths Guild of Australia. Hallmarks are added to your jewellery when they are completely satisfied the highest standards are met. The pieces they make for Royalty and the pieces they make for you all carry the same hallmarks and ensure you have a genuine Curtis.

The simple joy of making people happy inspires the team at Curtis to enjoy every moment of their work.

You can see more at 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.

Ph | 03 5152 1089

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Have your Dream Wedding at a dream location Brandy Creek Estate Located in the beautiful farming area of West Gippsland. Our restaurant overlooks our olive grove and vineyard and then onto an amazing view of the Baw Baw ranges.

For enquiries contact: 5625 4498 570 Buln Buln Road, Drouin East Vic 3818 brandycreekestate.com.au

Photographs by Hasinara Studios

Wedding MAKE UP ARTIST

Jessica Evans

I have been a makeup artist for over 9 years, specialising in wedding and glamour makeup, and what I’m most thankful for is being a part of someone’s special day and all the wonderful places I see on my travels.

One of the best investments you can get on your wedding day is spending the money on a professional makeup artist.

All you have left is your photos and you want to look back looking the best version of yourself.

PRO TIP To always make sure you have a wedding trial. This will ensure your morning will run smoothly knowing exactly what look you’re getting.

PRO TIP To make sure your makeup is flawless ensure you have a Skincare routine. This is most important and ask your makeup artist what’s best for you.

“Always trust in your makeup artist what look they think will be best suited for you."

Jessica Evans Facebook and Instagram Makeupbyjessika

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Ben& Bree 8th september 2018

Photographs by Lauren Murphy Photography

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Ben& Bree

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Ben& Bree

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Ben & Bree 8th September 2018

B E N G RA B AU & B RE E ( N EE WOOD R OFFE) GRA BAU

PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren Murphy Photography www.laurenmurphyphotography.com.au VENUE OF CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Toorongo River Chalets | Noojee www.riverchalets.com.au CELEBRANT Andrew McCrorey | Warragul www.acmcv.org.au/celebrants/andrew-mc-crorey

RINGS Hoskings | Morwell www.hoskings.com.au

STATIONERY Designed ourselves, Printed by Chris Humphrey Office National www.chrishumphrey.com.au

WEDDING DRESS Leah S Designs | Hallam www.leahsdesigns.com.au

SUITS Ferrari Formal Wear | Narre Warren www.ferrariformal.com.au

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Ebay bargains! www.ebay.com.au

HAIR + MAKE-UP Colour ME Ash | Glengarry www.facebook.com/colourmeash and AllEyes Makeup Artist | Yallourn North www.facebook.com/alleyesmakeupartist

FLOWERS Lilly Pilly Flower Boutique | Moe www.lillypillyflorist.com.au

CATERING Going Gourmet | Clayton South www.goinggourmet.com.au

CAKE Creative Cakes by Suzanne | Bayles www.facebook.com/creativecakesbysuzanne

ENTERTAINMENT Google Play Music ;) play.google.com/music

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The wedding theme was a rustic, enchanting forest feel with orange and peach colours.

“Ben and I met many wonderful, kind, caring and creative people while planning our big day and that made it all the more special.”

WE ASKED...

How the couple felt on the day?

“Ben - very nervous all day, right up until I saw Bree standing at the bottom of the hill walking up towards me. All the pressure lifted and the excitement built!”

What you love about each other and what brought you together?

“We love that we are always silly and playful and we balance this with love and respect. Bree and I had always been able to talk about anything, joke around and be serious at the same time.”

Why you chose the venue?

“Bree - My dream was to be married in a gazebo and outdoors, Toorongo River Chalet has a magical atmosphere.”

The best part of our wedding day was….

Ben - "Seeing Bree walk down the aisle.

Bree - The quiet moments during the wedding where Ben and I got to share just us in the moment.”

Snippets

Bree's vows - "I promise to continue to surprise you at every opportunity and to play and be silly with you as much as I can until we grow old.

And even then…."

Ben's vows - "I'll be your rock, your shoulder, your ear, your comfort... and your scratching post. As your husband, I promise to always respect you, honour you and listen to you - even when you think I'm not."

Even more good news

“We're also excited to announce we have a little boy on the way, coming August 2019.”

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Marriage Celebrant C R E AT I N G H E A RT F E LT & SOULFUL CEREMONIES F O R P H I L L I P I S L A N D, BASS COAST & SURROUNDS

Lisa-Anne is dedicated to delivering extraordinary ceremonies with impeccable service and creative passion; she will listen to your dreams, desires, and story and guide you in creating the best day of your life. Lisa-Anne believes the planning process should be as fabulous a memory as the celebration day itself.

ph | 0417 298 394 em | hello@lisaanne.com.au

lisaanne.celebrant

www.lisaanne.com.au

Credit for Photos: Lens to Life Photography

lisaanne_celebrant

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TIE THE KNOT AT THE PERFECT PLACE

CITRUS & VINE IS THE PERFECT VENUE TO SAY, ‘I DO.’

BY LIA SPENCER

Getting married is one of the most exciting events of your life. It’s a day many people dream about for years.

Janet and Sarah keep the lines of communication open and are happy to have face-to-face meetings or discussions over the phone and email to ensure every detail is correct and the entire day runs smoothly.

The dress. The flowers. The location.

So, it’s not a surprise that planning a wedding can also be very stressful.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Look no further than Citrus and Vine. Situated in beautiful Cowes, Citrus and Vine’s picturesque property, stunning venue and impeccable food and drinks makes it the perfect place to say your “I-do’s”.

Owned by mother and daughter team Janet Tongue and Sarah Pedersen, the two will help make the wedding of your dreams a stress-free reality. The duo will work closely with the bride and groom to tailor-make a package suitable to any size or budget and can also provide recommendations for other wedding professionals such as a celebrant, photographer or cake-maker.

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“We work with every couple to create something that is perfect for them. We don’t have a set menu or package.

It’s not a one-size fits all,” Sarah said. “We are very happy to accommodate anything that they want – whether it be a budget wedding, dietary requirements or accommodation.

Woodbyne Resort is on-site, and though it isn’t owned by us, we would work with them to accommodate guests. It really is a one-stop-shop.”

Sarah said what sets Citrus and Vine apart from other venues is location, inclusions and size. The venue can cater for large or small weddings.

“We can have 150 people standing for a canape function or up to 80 people for a sit-down meal,” she said.

Lovebirds can also choose to have their ceremony outside in the garden or inside the newly-renovated venue. Guests can sip on cocktails or snack on tapas in Citrus and Vine’s lounge area before spilling into the larger room for the reception, where there is more than enough room for a DJ, band and – of course – dancing.

Young energetic guests have access to a large indoor playground area that is suitable for babies to 12- year-olds. The playground can also be hidden by a curtain for those couples having a child-free wedding.

Besides weddings, Citrus and Vine can host a range of functions including birthdays, anniversaries, business lunches, corporate events, religious celebrations and more. There is live music every Friday and Saturday evening. Special events are held throughout the year. Bookings are recommended.

To learn more, visit Citrus & Vine at 2185 Phillip Island Road, Cowes or give them a call on 5909 0906

Once the party is over and newlyweds get a good night sleep, they can return to the restaurant for breakfast or afternoon snack as the restaurant is open four days a week for meals and drinks.

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Jess & Jake Smith

15th february 2019

real weddings

“ We chose to have our ceremony and reception at Jess's mother's property in Mirboo North, as the setting was picture perfect. �

Photography by Chrisp Pictures

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Jess & Jake Smith

“ It was a classy but casual modern wedding with lots of local people helping.The occasion was very relaxed with an enjoyable atmosphere. ”

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“ We wanted to include our beautiful fur babies Ty and little Buddy in our joyous event, and they looked handsome in their tuxedos. �

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Jess & Jake Smith 15th February 2019 PHOTOGRAPHY Chrisp Pictures | Christina Stoertebecker chrisppictures.com.au

MAKEUP All Eyes Makeup Artist Yallourn North | Teena Snowdon @alleysmakeupartist

BRIDAL GOWN White Runway whiterunway.com.au

FLOWERS Flowers by Jenny Morrison | Thorpdale @flowersbyjennymorrison

SUITS BY Ed Harry Menswear | Traralgon

CEREMONY + RECEPTION Bride’s mother’s property | Mirboo North

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Pure Elegance | Moe pureelegancebridal.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT Grant Riordan local guitarist and singer

CELEBRANT Wendy Rutjens | Leongatha South RINGS Hoskings Jewellers | Mid Valley HAIR Comadre Hair. Traralgon | Danielle Fava @comadrehair

CATERING Feast On Us (Food Truck) | Brent Sinclair Catering brentsinclaircatering.com.au Grazing Table - DIY Flowers by Jenny Morrison with the help from Maria Germano | Mirboo North DÉCOR DIY with the help from Stacey & Jess of Boo Events Flowers by Jenny Morrison Chairs & tables from Bluebird Vintage Hire | Traralgon

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“ Our guests said the food was a highlight. �

Jess & Jake Smith

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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

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

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& Madeleine

Sam

23rd february 2019

Photographs by Lauren Murphy Photography

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Sam & Madeleine

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Sam & Madeleine 23rd February 2019

S A M F O RBES A N D MA D EL EIN E HIN D ER

PHOTOGRAPHY Lauren Murphy Photography www.laurenmurphyphotography.com.au “Lauren was an absolute legend! When we first met her, we knew we wanted her to photograph our day. Everyone who met her, loved her, it was like having a good mate take our photos.”

CEREMONY VENUE Sanctuary@Waratah www.sanctuaryatwaratah.com.au “Huge thanks to owner Trish Shee for the spectacular location and gardens, plus counting the bridal party in to a perfectly timed walk down the aisle!”

CELEBRANT Iris Bloomer Civil Celebrant RINGS Jeremy Fleming Jewellers | Sale STATIONERY Greenvelope.com - save the trees!

“We loved this because it allowed us to make changes as we went.”

WEDDING DRESS BY

FLOWERS Jen's Flowers | Sale RECEPTION Sandy Point Community Centre CATERING Salads | Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar Pork | Amber Creek Farm, Fish Creek Lamb (gifted from friends) | Lilly Pilly Farm, Bairnsdale Bread from Oak and Swan Sourdough, Mardan Oysters + prawns | Foster Seafood Meats smoked + roasted | Steve Strange, Wonthaggi Salmon Gravlax | Nim McIntyre, Carlton CAKE Assorted by friends - a huge mention to Annette Cross from Sale who turned 2.5kg of Lindt chocolate into delicious rocky road!

Also to Kiri Harris for her Melbourne Show placing fudge!!

ENTERTAINMENT Killer playlist of our favourite songs made on Google Play THE THEME OF THE WEDDING “We wanted it to feel like a big family BBQ (full of family you actually like).... We wanted everyone to have a weekend away and enjoy beautiful Sandy Point and Gippsland.

SUITS BY Hugo Boss

“We chose to have a morning ceremony and a lunch reception and we are so glad we did! After the long lunch we wanted friends and family who had travelled long distances (interstate and international) to enjoy the afternoon experiencing Gippsland and Sandy Point. We had a refreshing swim in the evening, whilst others visited the Prom.”

HAIR Hair By Jessie.J | Mirboo North

“Coffee Cart on Sunday - perfect to catch up and chat with everyone before they head off.”

“My mum’s 30 year old dress - altered by local legend Rita from Rosedale!

She even put in pockets on request!”

“Jessie was fantastic - super chill and easy on the morning.”

MAKE-UP AllEyes Makeup Artist | Yallourn North “Teena was wonderful - travelling down the night before for an early start. She was relaxed and both Jessie and Teena made the morning enjoyable and stress free!”

We asked Sam and Maddy why they chose this venue?

“We wanted to be by the beach and Sandy Point is so so beautiful and not too far from Sale with great surf. The Hall was perfect and the volunteers who run it were supportive from the start, so we thought this was definitely the place. We were originally attracted to the hilarious ad that they had put in one of the magazine's which reads 'Sandy Point Community Centre - parties, weddings or anything’.”

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Planning COUNTDOWN

THIS PLANNING PROCESS WILL HOPEFULLY HELP TO KEEP YOU SANE & ORGANISED.

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ENGAGED TO NINE MONTHS BEFORE

SIX MONTHS BEFORE

❥ Choose your wedding party ie

❥ Order bridesmaids’ dresses ❥ Order or book 4 months before the

❥ ❥

❥

❥

❥ ❥

bridesmaids, groomsmen etc and your MC Discuss the type of wedding you want, including budget Create a Vision and Colour Board to help you decide what you want for your wedding day Compile a draft guest list (this will help decide the size of the venue & cost estimate) Set the date and time for the wedding Ensure that there is not too long a gap between ceremony and reception Look at honeymoon options Try on dresses

Select and book Venues for ceremony and reception Wedding Co-ordinator Celebrant | Church and arrange wedding licence Caterer - if not provided by venue Photographer/Videographer Photo Booth Florist for bouquets, boutonnières, wedding cake and table centrepieces Entertainment Transport

Start thinking about your dress, as you may need to book a dressmaker

groom’s and groomsmen’s suits ❥ Aid your mother and mother-in-law with

their outfits ❥ If required, book in for marriage

preparation course ❥ Book accommodation for your

wedding night ❥ Organise accommodation for out

of town guests ❥ Discuss and make your honeymoon

reservations ❥ Renew passports if necessary ❥ Choose and purchase your wedding rings

FOUR MONTHS BEFORE ❥ Book hairdresser and make-up artist ❥ Order wedding Favours for guests ❥ Discuss menu options and wine selection

with caterer/venue ❥ Organise entertainment for children

at the reception ❥ Speak with the celebrant or minister

❥ ❥ ❥ ❥

NINE MONTHS BEFORE ❥ Order your wedding dress, making sure

❥

and check regarding the marriage licence; and decide on order of service, responsibilities, readings, etc.

Set a rehearsal date Let people know if they are doing a reading/speech Purchase wedding gifts for each other and the wedding party Purchase cake knife and etched wedding glasses as a special keepsake Organise time off work for your honeymoon

you factor in alterations (if needed) ❥ Select your accessories: veil, jewellery,

shoes, etc. ❥ Select the attire for the rest of the wedding party

Select the attire for the rest of the wedding party Groom Bridesmaids Groomsmen Flower girls Page boys

Select stationery Invitations

Thank you cards/notes Place name cards Menus (if not supplied by caterer) RSVP cards Seating plan Envelopes Cake bags/boxes ❥ Send out save-the-date cards

TWO MONTHS BEFORE ❥ Post Invitations ❥ Write your vows ❥ Have your hair and make-up trials

(taking your veil etc.) ❥ Organise dancing lessons for the

first dance ❥ Make manicure and tan treatment

appointments ❥ Organise hen’s and buck’s nights with

the wedding party ❥ Check with bridesmaids regarding Bridal

Shower that everything is on track

Make a record of all the RSVPs Confirm that you are on track with Flowers with florist – are they right with the colours and dresses Menu for food and drink - with the caterer The cake decorator and delivery Accommodation for yourselves and the guests

or a swanky email ❥ Contact rental companies to hire

equipment, marquees, tables etc. (check with caterer as they may do this) ❥ Organise gift registry | wishing well ❥ Decide on and order your wedding cake

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Planning COUNTDOWN

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ONE MONTH BEFORE

ONE WEEK BEFORE

Confirm and finalise final guest numbers Make a seating plan Have your dress fittings Organise bridal party’s final fittings Confirm groom’s and groomsmen’s outfits are ready ❥ Write vows & wedding speech ❥ Confirm honeymoon accommodation and flight bookings, if necessary

❥ Pick up your wedding dress and hang it

❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥

TWO WEEKS BEFORE

in a safe place ❥ Have the wedding rehearsal ❥ Give the bridal party their gifts ❥ Pick up hire items, including groom’s ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥

Final check - the plan for the day Who has the rings?

Who is taking the gifts home after the wedding?

Who is dry-cleaning wedding dress the next day?

Who is returning suits?

Have you paid the caterers, entertainers etc ahead of time or do you need to take money?

Make sure that everyone in the bridal party are aware of their roles

Confirm with the following that all is booked and advise them of final numbers Venue Hiring company for marquee | equipment Caterer Celebrant/Minister Photographer/Videographer Photo Booth Florist Cake maker Entertainment | Music Car hire company Hairdresser Makeup artist Favours Hire company for clothing

and groomsmen’s attire Confirm honeymoon arrangements Pack for honeymoon Have your engagement ring cleaned Get manicure and tan treatments

THE DAY BEFORE ❥ Give wedding rings to the best man

to hold during the ceremony ❥ Pack a touch-up makeup kit for the

wedding day ❥ Have all that is required for the next day

readily accessible ❥ Relax and spend some quality time

❥ Make a list of everything that needs to be ❥

❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥

taken to the ceremony and reception Have your final dress fitting including all accessories and take your head bridesmaid with you for any help you may require Ensure the bridesmaids have their dresses, footwear and accessories Have your final haircut and colour before the wedding Make certain the groom has his hair cut Finalise seating plan for reception Write place cards 2 weeks before Have hen’s and buck’s nights

on your own ❥ Present each other with gifts and express

your love to each other

ON THE DAY ❥ Have a good breakfast with family ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥

and friends Allow plenty of time to get ready Get hair and make-up done Get dressed Swap engagement ring to your right hand

Relax and give into the moment and simply ENJOY.

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Family owned and run. Victoria's largest fibreglass swimming pool manufacturer.

Huge range of shapes and sizes. All with 25 years structural guarantee.

Servicing Greater Gippsland, the Valley and Bass Coast.

1300 WeDoPools | 0448 777 043 | ben@conquestpools.com.au | www.conquestpools.com.au

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RIDING THE SOUND WAVES

BY ANITA BUTTERWORTH

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THE ROLLING STONES SAID IT BEST – YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT, BUT IF YOU TRY, SOMETIMES YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED. FOR AARON CHILCOTT, HIS ALMOST TWO-DECADE CAREER IN RADIO HAS RIDDEN THE WAVE OF THOSE PROPHETIC WORDS, RISING TO THE HEADY HEIGHTS OF HIS DREAM GIG IN MELBOURNE ONLY TO FIND ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN’T GOLD.

From Hastings to Parkes, from Western Australia to regional Victoria, Aaron’s is a cautionary tale of aiming for the stars, but being content to end up on solid ground.

And somehow it bounced its way up to Queensland and I got a phone call from the program director at C FM in Toowoomba saying, ‘are you interested in coming to work for us?’”

Before becoming Hit FM Gippsland morning announcer and program manager in Warragul, Aaron’s career took so many twists and turns that it could be mistaken for a roadmap of Australia.

Growing up in Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, Aaron found a passion for radio early on, despite his family having no connection to the airwaves. “I was the first to pursue radio,” Aaron explains. “My younger sister Stacey was more into saving the world, and has gone on to do some great work overseas.”

It was a tough situation – Aaron was desperate to head back down south, but he bit the bullet and went to Queensland with his then-girlfriend for the next year. But after ending things with his partner, the desperation to come back to Victoria reached fever pitch.

“I got into it when I was at school, community radio level, volunteering. At a station called RPP FM, I did work experience there in year 10 and they said to me if you ever want to get your own show, there’s this training course you can do, an eight-week training course and I thought that would be amazing. So I did the course and from as young as year 11 I had my own show on a Sunday night.”

Aptly named ‘Aaron Live at Five’, his fledging radio show would steer Aaron through the novice years of his eventual career. He admits it was just a hobby, and he never dreamed he would make a living out of radio. But the airwaves got under his skin and he continued his show through year 12 and into TAFE, where he studied radio before moving onto a university course where he honed his craft. Aaron only bid farewell to his high school radio show once he nabbed a gig on commercial radio.

“It was a very hard course to get into, it was like applying for a job. I got in and I was really stoked and that course, because it’s so intense, sort of guarantees everyone a job that wants a job through what they put you through.” As part of the course Aaron secured work placement at Eagle FM in Goulburn, and thus began his love affair with regional radio. By the end of the course in 2004, Aaron scored a job at Rok FM in Parkes, New South Wales, where he set down roots, before the itch to get back to his home state got the better of him.

“At that stage I was trying to get back to Victoria because I was a little bit homesick; I wanted to be closer to family. So I was sending demos, just trying to spread the word that I wanted a job back in Victoria, sent it off to a bunch of places.

“At that stage I sent out a whole lot of demos again and I’d applied for a job in Swan Hill and I got a call from the person who’s now the CEO of that particular network saying we don’t want to send you to Swan Hill, we want to send you to our biggest station in the network and that was TRFM in Traralgon. So I ended up leaving Queensland, came down and ended up working in Traralgon.

For me, Traralgon was even closer to home so I was really excited."

Finally back in Victoria, Aaron settled in to his 10am to 2pm shift at TRFM, but was also filling in for an older demographic on the AM stations.

“TR was my primary focus but I was getting to this stuff on the side that was really fun. That sort of got me interested in a job that I saw going in Geelong. And by this stage it was 2008, so I went for this job, a floater position, jumping between the two stations there – K-ROCK and BayFM. Week to week I literally jumped between the two stations and that was so much fun. One week it could be BayFM breakfast the following week K-ROCK 10 to 2. That was a lot of fun and when I wasn’t on air I was producing the commercials.”

Some of Aaron’s fondest memories were forged in Geelong – a town passionate about its footy, and music.

“I remember interviewing Ian Moss from Cold Chisel, I was just the fill-in guy in Geelong but the fact that I got to do that I was bloody stoked.

He ended up doing a live rendition of Telephone Booth and it was just me and my boss in the studio with him and it was just epic, really, really amazing.

“I also remember the grand final in 2009. I was working in production and I had to listen to the game quite closely and have a recording device in front of me to grab all of the highlights of the grand final.

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I basically knew that if Geelong were going to lose that game this entire thing I’d been working on, which already included the voiceover saying congratulations to Geelong, I knew full well this entire day of work would go down the toilet if Geelong lost. I’ve never been a more passionate Geelong supporter than I was that day, and that’s coming from a Melbourne supporter! So I packaged this thing together, the game got a little hairy towards the end and then right at the end when Geelong won, they pressed play on this montage of highlights from the first bounce through to the final siren that went to air within five minutes of the game wrapping up. I’ve literally got goose bumps talking about it.”

As incredible as Geelong was, Aaron once again felt the tug of his career dream.

“At that stage I wanted to further my career and get to a bigger market but because I wasn’t on air all the time, I thought this isn’t going too well, I’ve got to get myself back on air on a regular basis so I’ve got the flying hours again. I ended up having to take a bit of an interesting step and applied for a bunch of jobs and the first one that got back to me was Western Australia.”

Aaron had just started a relationship, so the pair took the plunge and moved to the west together.

“I did the breakfast show over there on the station for the younger demographic and I was music director for the older demographic station. And sometimes on air there as well. In that time we came back to the east coast to get married, then we were back in WA for another 10 months.”

Despite an already colourful eight-year career in commercial radio, Aaron had higher ambitions.

And the fear of missing out on what he’d always wanted was niggling away at him.

“My dream was to work for a station in Melbourne, because by this stage so many of my friends were reaching capital city level and I started to really doubt myself. It was a beautiful place to live and I worked with a great team, but for my own confidence it was an awful time."

“Every time I stuffed up on air I was beating myself up saying that’s why I’m not getting anywhere.

We wanted to start having kids, but if we had kids in WA it would be harder to move, but I had to stay in the game to get noticed.”

But Aaron felt that working on the opposite side of the country to where he wanted to be would lower his chances of being noticed. And then fate played a welcome card in 2012.

“Finally, my dream gig came up, at Mix 101.1 in Melbourne, which was a station that I’d listened to when I was growing up. I finally got this opportunity to move back across, in the exact role that I wanted too. So I became 9am to 2pm on air at Mix in Melbourne and I was also assistant music director.”

It was everything Aaron ever wanted, and coincided with his wife becoming pregnant with their first child. But the reality of an incredibly demanding radio role soon opened up some cracks in his dream.

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"I worked very, very long hours. Six days a week.

Sometimes eleven hours a day. We were a really busy, small team. It wasn’t a great time. It should’ve been my dream job.“ Aaron resigned himself to the fact that sometimes when dreams become reality; the shine can wear off pretty quickly. After increasing concerns with a lack of work-life balance, and a little one on the way, he decided it was in his family's best interest to find another job.

“It was a scary time but I took a leap of faith, I had to leave. At this stage having a pregnant wife as well it was one of the scariest things I’ve ever had to do. Fortunately though I managed to pick up some casual work straight away in Ballarat at a station there and worked with a bunch of friends who I’d known for years in the industry and a short time after that the job came up where I’m at now.”

Aaron started at Hit FM Gippsland on air 9am to 1pm then 1pm to 4pm and now steers the ship on air from 9am to 12pm. Setting down roots in Gippsland again gave Aaron the career stability he’d been craving, albeit after the craziest year of his life – getting married, moving states, changing jobs twice and preparing to welcome his first child. “We found a place to live and three weeks later our daughter was born.”

Since starting at Southern Cross Austereo things haven’t slowed down for Aaron. Two years after his daughter was born, he welcomed a son, who’s now three-years-old. In April last year Aaron and his wife decided to separate, so after a whirlwind few years, he says the past few months have been a time of reflection. “I’m really content here, I’m on air in my hometown. I can be heard in Hastings from here. And when I left I thought that wouldn't happen again and when you’re heard in your hometown, that’s as much as I really want.”

As program manager Aaron, now 34, also plays role in helping up-and-coming announcers find their feet, before giving them wings to expand their own careers, drawing on his own vast experience.

“People on the radio work really hard to get into the right position. Announcers at our station are often keen to move on to bigger markets eventually; and with a company the size of ours, they can hopefully utilise industry contacts to reach their dream jobs. I love staying here and helping them along so they can be on their way."

Aaron says he’s finally found what he’s been searching for his entire career.

“I’ve lived interstate, made lots of friends, and despite the ups and downs, have no regrets."

Photographs kindly supplied by Southern Cross Austereo

AT G R O W M A S T E R T R A R A L G O N I N S P I R AT I O N A W A I T S Y O U

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COME TO GROW MASTER FOR ALL SHOPPING, GIFTWARE, HOME WARES, LADIES FASHION AND GARDEN SUPPLIES OR CHOOSE A GIFT CARDÂ

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Hours | Monday to Sunday 9.00am - 5.00pm 62 Argyle St, Traralgon Vic 3844 Ph: (03) 5174 2861 Em: growmastertraralgon@yahoo.com.au www.growmastertraralgon.com.au

BOATING SINCE 1964

Authorised dealer for Stacer Aluminium boats, Dunbier boat trailers and the latest addition to their stable, the superb Campion Fibreglass boats from Canada.

Crawford Marine, Morwell was established in 1964 and owned by Terry Raymond, dealer principal since 1980.

His 42 years in the Marine industry in Victoria includes exhibiting for twenty-five years at the Melbourne Boat Show.

Crawford Marine is an authorised dealer for Stacer Aluminium boats, Dunbier boat trailers and the latest addition to their stable is the superb Campion Fibreglass boats from Canada.

With a 45-year heritage of fibreglass boat building, Campion prides itself on a great range of top performing, quality boats to suit all boating needs. Crawford Marine is proud to represent Campion in Australia.

Carryring a comprehensive range of outboard spares and boating accessories, their service division has a reputation for quality service by award winning Service Technicians.

Crawford Marine also specialises in Mercury Outboards and Mercruiser Sterndrives.

"Our stable of new boating brands is complemented by a large stock of used boats and outboard motors."

On the 13 March 2019 Crawford Marine officially launched the new Campion model boats in their showroom, and several equally enthusiastic people were at the launch, along with part of the new stock of Campion boats.

Alan Morris from Campion Boats with guest David Wakefield

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A great range of top performing, quality boats to suit all boating needs.

THE MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW A regular and long time Melbourne Boat Show exhibitor and winner of the 2017 Best Display, Terry expects to have five Campion models at the next RACV Marine 2019 Melbourne Boat Show held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 13-16 June 2019, (Site B16).

Featured at the upcoming Melbourne Boat Show will be the Campion Explorer 632, 622, 542 and 492 series along with the Allante 505 Bowrider.

Terry Raymond, Dealer principal since 1980

CAMPION BOATS ARE BACK IN AUSTRALIA

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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MORE THAN JUST A SERVICE TEAM Edney's Leongatha

BY ANITA BUTTERWORTH

Left- Kate Norton - Service advisor, Nick McRae - Service manager, Ian Marshman - Business owner, Adam Henwood - Technician, Stuart Murphy - Apprentice technician, Kerry Buckley - Technician Darren Betts - Foreman, David Williams - Detailer, Kai Churchill - Technician, Brad Tennyenhuis - Apprentice technician, Stuart Mansfield – Technician

EDNEY’S LEONGATHA IS AN INSTITUTION IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND, TAKING PRIDE OF PLACE IN LEONGATHA FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY. AND AT THE BEATING HEART OF THE NISSAN AND HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IS THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, WHICH BOASTS MORE THAN 70 COMBINED YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. Service Manager Nick McRae steers the highly skilled team, which includes apprentices and members with more than three decades of experience.

“The staff are probably the main thing. There’s quite a few people that have been here for many, many years. Ian Marshman did his apprenticeship here and he’s been here for 33 years. And Darren Betts has been here for 18 years, Stuart Mansfield has been here 11 years and I’ve been here for 12 years.”

Nick himself started in the industry as an apprentice, and has worked his way up through the servicing departments at Leongatha’s former Holden dealership, before coming across to Edney's.

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“Our staff retainment is very good, and that helps us with being a good service team and working together.”

The team includes owner Ian Marshman, Service Manager Nick McRae, Foreman Darren Betts, Technicians Kerry Buckley, Stuart Mansfield, Adam Henwood and Kai Churchill, apprentices Stuart Murphy and Brad Tennyenhuis, Parts Manager Marshall Burke and Service Advisor Kate Norton. The team has strong ties to the local community, through sporting affiliations and volunteering with organisations like the CFA. Nick says the team is embedded in the community and the south Gippsland lifestyle.

Kate Norton- Service advisor & Nick McRae - Service manager

Kerry Buckley in the service department

The Service Centre at Edney's in Leongatha

“WE DON’T TRY AND BECOME THE CITY FOLK IN THE DEALERSHIP WORLD,” HE EXPLAINS. “WE STILL HAVE THE COHESION WITH THE CUSTOMERS AND I THINK THAT ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS IS HAVING THAT BOND WITH THE CUSTOMERS. " "You say g’day and have a bit of a chat when they’re dropping their car off and you build that relationship and that tends to go a long way I think.”

The friendly service, along with a personal touch is what keeps customers coming back year after year, and generation after generation.

“Our knowledge within the brands we offer is second-to-none.

In conjunction with Hyundai when you get a service you get roadside assist attached to it. Everyone is essentially factory trained, we’re forever going back to do training and learning more and more about how the latest technology works.”

It’s what keeps generations of families returning to Edney's Leongatha.

“Our retention rate is quite good, when you compare our retention rate with the figures in the automotive trade, then ours is very good. And I think that probably comes down to having that bond with the customers and a strong reputation.”

The kettle is always on at Edneys for customers waiting for their car to be serviced, and the team also offers a drop off service. But beyond the one-on-one service, is the incredible experience of the service team.

“Some customers have been coming here for 50 years, they’ve grown up and their parents brought their cars to us and it’s just gone down the line. Yes, we get parents and their kids and even grandchildren bringing their cars to us.”

A: P: E: W:

1-5 Roughead Street, Leongatha 3953 03 5662 2327 edney@dcsi.net.au edneysleongatha.com.au

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

EVENT DAY – RETRO KARTING AUSTRALIA F100

■ 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

EVANS PETROLEUM

and it’s customers

SALE | 24 HOUR DEPOT

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 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

DEPOT MANAGER ROB LAWS WITH PAM PAUL SALE

Over the past six years of ownership of the Sale depot and service station in Raglan Street, Evans Petroleum and their team of workers have enjoyed the strong growth of both wholesale and retail customers that regularly have frequented the outlet five and a half days per week. Nestled in the heart of the industrial area of Sale the depot has become a favourite for business owners and tradies who fuel or purchase from the vast range of products stocked in the salesroom.

In recent times to meet demand and increase the service capabilities that the Evans’ customers are seeking, a 24 hour card reader has been installed to allow customers to fuel at a time that suits. This allows customers with their Evans Petroleum Distributor BP Card as well as normal BP card clients and the general public using credit and debit cards, to access quality BP fuel when they need it.

The major visible change is the removal of the outer fencing to allow easy access for all vehicles where they can purchase, Diesel, Unleaded and Premium Unleaded Petrol as well as Ad Blue even when the shop is shut! The hours of shop trading remain the same at 6.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday and 7.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays where customers can access fuels and lubricants, and purchase a tasty treat from the salesroom to ward off their hunger.

New service station manager Angelita Whykes and her staff look forward to welcoming you to the site and in conjunction with Depot Manager Rob Laws, offer the very best of service and reliability that has been the motto of the Evans team for nearly fifty years.

For more information please contact the Sale Depot staff on 5143 1030 or Rob on 0488 622 099

344 Raglan Street, Sale, Vic 3850 Tel: 5143 1030 Fax: 5143 2686 Email: sale@evanspetroleum.com.au

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

“By the tank or tanker full Evans deliver”

EVANS PETROLEUM HEAD OFFICE 22 Hughes Street, Leongatha Vic 3953 Tel: 5662 2217 Web: www.evanspetroleum.com.au

Working together at McLoughlins Beach

NAIDOC Week held every year in July, recognises the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, as well as promoting Indigenous issues in the wider community. This year’s theme ‘Let’s work together for a shared future’ is particularly timely in Gippsland given the recent signing and re-signing for memoranda of understandings between Traditional Owner groups and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA).

WGCMA Chair, Peter Jennings OAM, said the partnerships demonstrated a commitment and mutual respect between WGCMA and the Traditional Owner groups.

“In April this year we signed our third Memorandum of Understanding with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), representing more than a decade of working together."

“We are really proud of the partnership we have with GLaWAC and our organisation is committed to promoting and protecting cultural heritage sites in the region."

“We will continue to work together on projects in the Gunaikurnai native title area in the areas of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and natural resource management,” said Mr Jennings.

GLaWAC Chair, Brian Stevens reiterated the importance of increased understanding of cultural heritage.

“It is vital our partners understand our Gunaikurnai people, our history, and our journey of healing and self-determination,” he said.

“WGCMA has shown a commitment for many years to us and for that we are thankful.”

The ongoing partnership between the two organisations has transformed the way the WGCMA protects and manages the natural environment.

“As part of our partnership with GLaWAC, we developed a staff cultural heritage awareness training program, to help us work together more effectively,” said WGCMA’s CEO, Martin Fuller.

“All our Board members and over ninety per cent of WGCMA staff have taken part in Cultural Heritage training.”

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Mr Fuller said formal working arrangements were also in place.

“We work closely with GLaWAC works crews on projects such as our Saltmarsh Protection Program in Corner Inlet and fox baiting on Dream Island.

“Over the past three years, there has been more than 3,500 hours of work on country by Traditional Owners for projects under our National Landcare Program.”

He said the partnership was an essential part of the CMA’s delivery of key objectives, such as the Regional Waterway Strategy and the Regional Catchment Strategy.

Bronson Ritchie, GLaWAC’s Natural Resource Management Crew Leader said the crews enjoyed the work on Corner Inlet.

“It’s good to see this country,” said Bronson. “We probably wouldn’t otherwise see it if we weren’t working here.”

During May this year, WGCMA signed its very first Memorandum of Understanding with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC), formally cementing a long-held partnership.

BLCAC Chair, Aunty Dyan Summers said the partnership was beneficial for both parties.

“By coming together to support each other, we are both stronger.”

The partnership goals include pursuing opportunities for BLCAC to create jobs in land and water management, educating the general public on the importance of Bunurong Cultural Heritage, and sharing knowledge and resources.

“This MoU allows us to put formal structures in place to identify, rehabilitate, preserve and map Bunurong Cultural Heritage sites within our catchment,” continued Mr Fuller.

“In recent years, our staff have attended successful training days with members of BLCAC and as part of this MoU, we’ve committed to an ongoing Cultural Competency program.”

LET’S WORK LET’S WORKFOR TOGETHER TOGETHER FOR A SHARED FUTURE A SHARED FUTURE

Celebrating Close the Gap day with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.

WGCMA staff at Cultural Heritage training with GLaWAC.

For BLCAC CEO, Dan Turnbull, the formal partnership represents a chance for BLCAC to share knowledge and create new opportunities.

Three organisations working together at the Powlett River.

“Together, we will build the capacity for our organisation to work on Country and in the waters of our RAP area,” he said.

“We will also work together to develop a Country plan, which will inform all the policy and program work within our RAP boundaries.”

The two organisations have agreed to meet twice a year and to re-sign the MoU at regular intervals.

A stunning painting by Bunurong artist, John Winch, celebrates the partnership.

Ngai Wea-Kon Culture represents the Tarwin and Powlett rivers coming down from the mountains, with Bundjil the wedge-tailed eagle watching over them, and depicts people coming together to talk and work on country.

WGCMA’s Indigenous Partnerships Program is delivered as part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

WGCMA’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officer, Mandy Leggett, said NAIDOC Week was a timely reminder each year that we need to do more to listen to the voices of Indigenous people.

“At WGCMA we believe it’s important to be allies all year round, but especially during NAIDOC Week, on Close the Gap Day and Reconciliation Week,” explained Mandy. “It’s important that Indigenous voices are heard, and that non-Indigenous voices and organisations are out there supporting them.

“Gippsland has a rich Indigenous history. While we can’t correct the wrongs of the past, we’ve all got a role to play in creating a better future.”

For more about NAIDOC Week visit www.naidoc.org.au For more about GLaWAC visit www.gunaikurnai.org For more about BLCAC visit www.bunuronglc.org NAIDOC Week runs from 7 to 14 July 2019

GLaWAC crew working On Country in Corner Inlet.

Graphics | Artwork: Awaken by Charmaine Mumbulla

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SPECIAL COMMUNITY REPORT

GIPPSLAND BUSHFIRES

CFA | NO LIVES LOST AS FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BUSHFIRES HOMES LOST IN LATR OBE VALLEY FER OCIOUS FIRE BURNS A TONIMBUK GEM PARADISE LOST PREPPED AND AT THE READY HOME SWEET HOME MT CANNIBAL FEELS THE WRATH ANIMALS GET A SECOND CHANCE RESIDENTS GIVE BACK BLAZEAID REBUILDS RESIDENTS FIND RELIEF

BY LIA SPENCER

SPECIAL REPORT

ON THE FIRST WEEKEND IN MARCH, SEVERAL FIRES RAGED ACROSS THE STATE. THEY WERE FEROCIOUS, FAST AND UNPRECEDENTED. BUT BRAVE CFA CREWS WERE READY FOR A FIGHT.

Hundreds of firefighters fought raging blazes across the region in March to save properties, animals and, most importantly, the lives of Victorian residents.

The CFA firefighters were on the frontline of the fires which were started by six different lightning strikes in the Bunyip State Forest on Friday, 1 March.

There were 29 homes lost. Other fires burned across the state, including the Yinnar South Budgeree bushfire where two homes were lost.

CFA received the first report of fire just after 4pm on Friday, 1 March in the Bunyip State Park, about 6km South East of Gembrook. The fire spread very quickly in a south-westerly direction and grew to 417 hectares before the end of the day.

The brigades that responded to the first call reported a very large column of smoke and multiple fires and aircraft were quickly dispatched to support ground crews.

By midnight on Sunday, the fire had grown to an unprecedented 11,981 hectares. More than 525 firefighters and 162 firefighting vehicles fought the rapidly growing infernos.

CFA’s Assistant Chief Officer for South East Victoria Trevor Owen said the ferocious fires were unprecedented, but fortunately, fire crews were ready.

“There are five districts in the South East Region, and there were major fires across each one of those. I have never seen anything like it - where the fires were of that scale, burning simultaneously,” he said.

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“We knew that there had been underlying dryness in South East Victoria for the good part of a couple years. Overlying that, we had weeks and months of storm activity which we don’t have any control over. We knew that because of the weather and the dryness that it was going to be a challenging summer, but we didn’t know how wide spread it would be.

Luckily, we had planned for the worse and I am glad we did, because we were well prepared. It proved successful in how we moved our resources, how we worked with our agency partners such as Forest Fire Management Victoria, how we managed bulldozers and aircrafts and how firefighters were agile to move from one area to another so easily.”

ACO Owen said that even though 29 homes were lost, the CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria crews did an outstanding job in some very challenging circumstances.

“Nothing we do is easy, and we always face challenges when combatting major emergencies. The safety of our crews is always our number one priority and we make no apologies for this. Each firefighter needs to go home to their families in the state they left,” he said. “(The firefighters) were away from employers, family and friends and the self-sacrifice they had to endure, not only that weekend but over the entire summer, was huge.”

Those heroic efforts continued once the fires were controlled.

CFA

NO LIVES LOST AS FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BUSHFIRES

“NOTHING WE DO IS EASY, AND WE ALWAYS FACE CHALLENGES WHEN COMBATTING MAJOR EMERGENCIES."

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SPECIAL REPORT

CFA

NO LIVES LOST AS FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BUSHFIRES

“THIS FIRE WAS ON A HUGE SCALE AND UNPRECEDENTED. THE PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS MINIMAL, BUT MY HEART GOES OUT TO EVERYONE WHO LOST THEIR HOMES."

“People tend to focus on the efforts of the CFA while the fire is active and running, but they don’t stop when the fire is controlled, it’s days, weeks and months of work,” he said.

“They have to go into these areas and see assets, critical infrastructure and personal belongings were lost so we can report it. We also have the task of going in to the areas and making sure everyone is accounted for.

“We had prepared ourselves during and after the (Bunyip State Park bushfire) that people could have died as there were people missing, but as days went by, we were able to account for everyone. We were surprised, but very, very thankful.

“This fire was on a huge scale and unprecedented. The property damage was minimal, but my heart goes out to everyone who lost their homes. The outcome could have been much more serious. Fortunately, we didn’t lose any lives.”

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While many residents in the area were prepared for a bushfire, ACO Owen issued a warning to not get complacent in the future.

“One of the learnings that we should take from the summer is that people need to prepare. It’s their responsibility to prepare their property - not an agency or a government responsibility,” he said. “And they can’t expect that we will be able to have a fire truck protect their home. Some firefighters are displaced and can’t get to every house. People need to be more selfprepared.”

For more information on how to protect your home, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au Photographs by CFA AFSM Keith Pakenham

“ONE OF THE LEARNINGS THAT WE SHOULD TAKE FROM THE SUMMER IS THAT PEOPLE NEED TO PREPARE."

Homes Lost In Latrobe Valley Two homes were lost in the Yinnar South Budgeree bushfire on the first weekend of March, but thankfully, no lives were lost.

Good-hearted people opened their doors to help those affected, animalloving organisations took in injured wildlife, and groups and individuals put up their hands to volunteer in any way they could.

Following the fires, Latrobe City Council implemented a community recovery program out of the Yinnar & District Memorial Hall to help those affected.

Council officers attended the hall to discuss questions regarding waste disposal, water tanks, re-vegetation and road access.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Mikaela Power said it was heartbreaking to see her neighbours devastated by the fires, but praised the emergency personnel, individuals and groups who helped during and after the tragic event.

“Our hearts broke as we watched the devastating effects of the bushfires unfold throughout the Bunyip State Park, the Walhalla region and across wider Gippsland,” she said. “Our thoughts are with all those affected – from our neighbours in Cardinia to those further east in Gippsland. We think of our own local communities on the eastern side of the Bunyip State Park Fire, and Walhalla, Maiden Town, Erica and Rawson. Tragically, some people have lost homes, outbuildings, businesses/equipment, pets, and livestock.

On behalf of Baw Baw Shire Council, I thank the amazing personnel from all emergency and support services for their tireless around-the-clock efforts to keep our communities safe. Amid the tragedy, we are grateful there has been no loss of human life.”

Ms Power encouraged people to visit and support the small towns affected by the fire.

“Many of the small towns rely on visitors as part of their local economy and will welcome you over the coming weekends.”

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Ferocious Fire Burns a Tonimbuk Gem

FATHER OF TWO FORCED TO START OVER AFTER BUSHFIRES

Chris Mathisen was on his way home from work on Friday 1 March when he got a text telling him that there were fires in the Bunyip State Forest.

“I was emotional,” he said. “You think you’re on top of it, that you’re ready to handle the bad news, but hearing the confirmation was a big blow.”

His two children, 12-year-old Lily and 9-year-old Luke, were to stay at his house in Topp Road, Tonimbuk that weekend. The fire looked large yet distant, but due to Lily’s apprehensiveness, Chris decided they would pack up a few essentials and stay the weekend at his ex-wife’s house in Bunyip until the fires cleared. Unfortunately, he was never able to return home.

Suddenly homeless, Chris also had to deal with the fact that his work contract was coming to an end and he had to go job hunting.

“We grabbed a mixture of things. I grabbed a few t-shirts and shorts, some of the children’s artwork and the computer which had most of my photos on it,” Chris said. “Lily grabbed some clothes, photos and the PlayStation. She was panicky but in perseverance mode."

Chris had been renting the cottage on the 60 acre property for two years.

The landowners lived on the land in Tonimbuk House, one of the oldest buildings in the area. He kept in contact with them until they were forced to evacuate. Then it was a waiting game.

“Initially, I thought the fires would be put out and we would be back home after a couple of days, but on Saturday I realised that the loss of everything was a probability. On Sunday, I knew it was bad but friends of friends in the CFA showed me a photo of the landlord’s property still standing. I thought there was a chance my place could have been saved through helicopters and water bombings,” Chris said. “There was a feeling of uncertainty. A planning phase kicked in before we even knew if the house was gone. I knew that if it was, I would have to go back to zero. To start over again.”

The landowners were allowed back on the property on Monday and called Chris while he was at work to tell him that the cottage was gone.

Chris had prepared himself for the worse during the weekend, but said the news still hit him hard.

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“IT WAS A VERY CHALLENGING TIME FOR ME. I WAS LIVING OUT OF MY CAR AND SLEEPING ON SPARE BEDS IN RELATIVES’ HOUSES. I HAD TO FIND A NEW JOB BUT DIDN’T HAVE ANY CLOTHES FOR INTERVIEWS. I HAD TO FIND TIME TO SHOP FOR A SUIT AND TIE AND SHOES WHILE ALSO DEALING WITH A WHIRLWIND OF EMOTIONS,” HE SAID. “IT WAS PRETTY FULL ON.” Fortunately, Chris landed himself a new job, found a new rental and was able to find the strength to move on from the ordeal.

“Everyone was trying to be supportive and the best they could be for me, but when you’re displaced and dealing with all the questions as to why it happened and what happens next, you just need your own comfort zone,” he said. “Once I had my own space, I was able to regroup and reset.”

Chris said the bushfires have taught him a lot about his family and community.

“It confirmed to me what I already knew about my daughter - she’s a trooper and an old soul. Her strength through this all had been amazing.

My sister Carla was also amazing during all of this. She got the word out to all of her friends and contacts straight away and was able to source clothing and furniture for me,” Chris said. “The community’s willingness to help was also great and the CFA were incredible. The choppers saved so many houses. And the Bayles CFA have followed up with me and assigned a caseworker who has organised bedding, clothing and donations. I really can’t thank the CFA enough.”

Paradise Lost ALAN ODART’S PEACEFUL PROPERTY DEVASTATED BY FIRE For more than 40 years, Alan Odart would wander around his secluded Garfield North property and feed and speak to the wildlife that had become like pets to him.

Kookaburras and Parrots would land on his shoulders and accompany him on his ventures.

Alan Odart and friend Violet Are

In the morning, he would eat breakfast inside his kitchen that overlooked a lake and watch the ducks have a paddle.

“It was a beautiful place to be,” he said. “It was nice and peaceful.”

But in March, Alan’s precious sanctuary was destroyed by the raging Bunyip State Park bushfires.

Alan was at his partner’s house in Hoppers Crossing on Friday, 1 March, when he received a call from his worried daughter who heard about the fires on the news.

Alan planned to drive back to his Garfield North home on Saturday morning to grab some belongings and assess the situation, but the police had already blocked off Garfield North road. Alan was able to find an alternative route, but firefighters told him he had to be quick, as the fire was moving quickly and fiercely towards his home.

Alan Odart's burnt house side view from garage

“I grabbed some money, my medication and two of my cats,” he said. “I didn’t have time to grab three of my cats who stayed in the cattery at the back of my house.

The firefighters said I had to leave, or I’d be trapped as (the blaze) was moving at a tremendous speed and blowing up fast and ferocious.

Alan went back to Hoppers Crossing and kept track of the fire through the VicEmergency app. On Saturday afternoon, he received a horrific call from the neighbour to tell him his home was gone.

“I WAS DEVASTATED,” HE SAID. “I TRIED TO THINK THE BEST - THAT THE HOUSE WOULD BE SAVED - SO WHEN I HEARD IT WAS GONE, IT HURT.” Alan lost everything in the fire - his clothing, possessions, trailers, quad bikes, lawnmowers and his pride and joy - a Lincoln Continental. But perhaps the hardest loss was his three cats and the photos of his late wife.

Alan Odart's burnt house

While the items that can be replaced will be covered by insurance, Alan was in the midst of renovations and hadn’t yet updated his policy.

“I spent about $70,000 in renovations over the past year. I had two rooms left to do,” he said.

Alan has moved into a rental in Pakenham and said he has been well catered to since the disaster. “Organisations like Windermere, Op Shops, Vinnies - they are bending over backwards to help,” Alan said. “They are terrific.”

Alan also praised the fire brigade for their efforts during the fire, organisations like BlazeAid who have helped in the recovery process and the love and support from his family.

“My nine-year-old granddaughter Taylor has written a letter to the council advocating for a Fun Run fundraiser to help the victims,” he said with pride.

Alan's driveway towards the house in the path of the fire

The letter written by Taylor states: “Firstly, sadly my Grandad’s house burnt down in the Bunyip State Park Bushfire. Secondly, other people lost their properties and animals in the fire. Thirdly, I enjoy running and lastly, I will be raising money that will help the people that lost their houses and household items they lost in the Bunyip State Park Bushfire.”

Alan thanked everyone for their well-wishes, donations and community spirit. He plans to rebuild a home on his Garfield North property in the near future.

Photographs by Doug Pell

Remains of Alan Odart's vintage cars in the garage

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Prepped And At The Ready MARK AND SOPHY KNIGHT’S TONIMBUK HOME IS STILL STANDING THANKS TO A WELL-ORGANISED BUSHFIRE PLAN Mark Knight standing approx 30 feet from the rear entrance of the house taken 6 weeks after

The winding roads to Mark and Sophy Knight’s Tonimbuk home are lined with darkened gum trees and burnt fields. It’s an eerie reminder of the raging bushfire that tore through the area on the first weekend of March, forcing residents to flee for safety.

Blades of grass have peaked their way through black dirt and green leaves on the surviving branches of seared trees have turned a rustic orange. The Autumn colours have an ironic, fiery glow.

The bushfire came within a stone’s throw of the Knight’s beautiful home of 25 years. Horse boxes, fencing and some of the hedges and garden around the yard were destroyed, but Mark, a renowned cartoonist, said he was relieved that his house and shed where he worked from was untouched.

Most importantly, he was thankful that his family was safe.

Mark and Sophy were at home with their son Elliott, 19, and daughter Daisy, 15, when they learned that lightning had started multiple fires in the Bunyip State Fire. Mark was well-prepared for a bushfire, having sought advice from the local CFA when he and Sophy moved into their house in 1995.

“We knew right away that things could be bad, so Sophy made arrangements to get our two horses moved on Friday and then they had to be moved again on Saturday,” Mark said. “Elliott and I went around raking up leaves and getting the hay out of the stables. We whipper-snipped areas we thought were problematic and reduced fuel loads around the house. We then set up our gear.

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We had sprinklers on the roofs, we checked the pumps, we checked our watering tanks and put a pump in the pool with a large fireman’s hose on it.

We also put a big water tank on the back of the ute and got it ready to go.”

Daisy spent Friday evening at a friend’s house and Sophy joined her early Saturday. When the couple’s oldest son Jack encouraged Mark to leave later that day, he and Elliott reluctantly followed suit.

“Elliott and I were here and watching the fire come in from our west, but then we got reports it was also coming over the ridge to our north western border. We were getting lots of calls and texts from friends and family telling us to get out. It was a big fire, this one,” Mark said.

“Jack’s a pilot and was in Melbourne for the weekend to be in the air show.

When he came out with friends and said we should leave, I had to flick a switch in my mind. I had to be very definite.”

Mark, Jack and Elliott loaded up the horse float with some of their possessions, put their sprinklers on and left.

“It was the weirdest thing I ever encountered,” Mark recalled. “It was like leaving a sinking ship or retreating from a war. I felt terrible. I felt defeated.”

The family met neighbours at a local Bunyip café where they watched the events unfold on the news. They sat with their friend Andrew as he watched his business Jinks Creek Winery, which was only two kilometres from the Knight’s house, burst into flames.

“Andrew and I went to the pub and commiserated over a quiet drink, but then we had to leave the pub as everyone in Bunyip was getting evacuated,” Mark said.

“When we got back, things were burning - the hay shed, fencing, gardens but the house was still standing. I gave the boys some direction. Jack drove the ute; Elliott was on the hose. They were fantastic.”

The Knight’s went to their holiday house in Phillip Island to rest but returned on Sunday morning. When their neighbour informed them that the fire had gone through the area, but their house was still standing, Mark and his sons made the decision to continue the fight.

Sophy and Mark said the experience has brought the boys, as well as the wider community, closer together.

“I told the boys I wasn’t going to take them back to the house. I said I could lose my assets in Tonimbuk, but my children are my greatest assets and I couldn’t lose them,” Mark said. “But Jack, who is a bit of an alpha male, said he wanted to go. It was his home. It’s where he grew up. And Elliott said he wanted to follow us.”

The trio drove through an abandoned road block as trees burned around them.

“Since that weekend, we’ve had a lot of working bees,” Mark said. “A lot of friends have come to our aid with machinery and many of the women have brought us food.”

“We are tired,” Sophy added. “And while the community might not be able to physically help each other because we are all busy working on our own properties, we are emotionally helping each other. We need that support.

We need to be able to talk, because we know what everyone is going through. We have such a great community.”

Photographs by Doug Pell

“We were cautious. We drove slowly and levered falling trees out of the way with big crow bars. We knew where it was dangerous,” Mark said.

Mark Knight standing on the road near his house, close to his neighbour

Home Sweet Home Mark and Sophy Knight’s neighbour Julie Caddy said that even after the fires, she loves Tonimbuk and wouldn’t live anywhere else.

Julie had a fire fighting trailer with 900 litres of water and an electric start pump which all worked well and had been tested. She managed to save her house, but lost fences, gardens, a new shed and its contents and a container filled with camping gear and other valuable possessions. “(The recovery process) is a very costly and lengthy exercise, even with insurance. Insurance doesn’t cover everything as they don’t pay for the entire garden, where I invested years of work, and they don’t pay for tree works unless one falls on the house,” she said. “It also costs a lot of time and effort to deal with insurance claims, having animals agisted and rebuilding and cleaning up the mess left. But I love where I live - the neighbours, the community, and the bush. I wouldn’t live away from it, so I guess that’s the risk of living in the area.”

Cartoon drawn by Mark Knight, Herald Sun

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Mt Cannibal

THE POPULAR RESERVE WILL UNDERGO EXTENSIVE

The entrance to Mt Cannibal taken 6 weeks after bushfire, the clean up is still in progress An iconic walking track with scenic views was in the immediate path of the Bunyip State Bushfires in March.

Fire swept through Mt Cannibal, a popular flora and fauna reserve on Garfield North Road, burning trees, foliage, stairs and signage.

Friends of Mt Cannibal Inc, which began 25 years ago and is made up of about 40 members, will be helping to control any weeds that regrow while Cardinia Shire Council will be repairing the stairs, toilet block and making the reserve safe.

Sue Harris, Secretary of the Friends of Mt Cannibal Inc, said a lot of work needed to be done in the coming months to restore the track.

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“The public area, including the walking track, needs to be made safe.

Dangerous trees will need to be removed, wooden steps will need to be put back in, the bollards around the car park need to be replaced and the toilet block will need to become operational again,” she said.

“OUR GROUP HELPS CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL, WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF THE RESERVE. WE ARE A SOUNDING BOARD FOR THE COUNCIL, AND WE HELP WHERE WE CAN ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL SIDE OF THINGS, LIKE WEED CONTROL, NATURE NOTES, INFORMATION BOARDS AND PROVIDING SEATS AROUND THE TRACK.”

Feels the Wrath REPAIRS BEFORE IT WILL REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Mt Cannibal taken 6 weeks after bushfire Ms Harris said it was important to restore the track for the surrounding communities and interested tourists.

“MT CANNIBAL IS A FANTASTIC WALK WITH TWO EXCELLENT VIEWING PLATFORMS AND BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS. THERE’S WONDERFUL VEGETATIONS INCLUDING A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF ORCHIDS, AND THERE’S A SENSE OF PEACE AND TRANQUILLITY WHEN YOU’RE THERE,” SHE SAID.

“It’s been many, many years since Mt Cannibal burnt so a lot of the vegetation has become very old,” Ms Harris said. “Species diversity drops off with age, so we are expecting to see many species come back to the area in the next three to four years that we haven’t seen in a while.”

Cardinia Shire Council’s Natural Reserve Supervisor Lisa Kuriata said it was important that people stay away from the reserve until the works are completed.

“It’s a lovely refuge for people who want to get away from the growth corridor, and it’s a great alternative for people who enjoy exercising but don’t want to go to a gym. And it’s free!”

“As a result of the bushfires, substantial works need to be done to restore the track at Mt Cannibal Reserve. In order to protect people’s safety and give the habitat time to regenerate, the reserve cannot re-open until these works are completed. We expect the reserve to re-open towards the end of this year,” Ms Kuriata said.

While some of the wildlife that used to frequent the area were injured or left the area during the bushfires, Ms Harris said they will return as the area experiences regrowth. Additionally, the rejuvenation of Mt Cannibal could bring along some welcomed environmental changes.

“We understand that people are very keen to enjoy the reserve again, however it is not currently safe to enter. We ask that the public keep away from the reserve until works are completed.”

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Animals Get a Second Chance INJURED WILDLIFE SAVED BY SHELTER Animals injured by the wrath of fire have been getting a helping hand by the generous volunteers at Warriors 4 Wildlife.

The Emerald-based animal shelter is run solely by volunteers and headed by owners/director Carla Penn and Natalie Thomson. They began the charity in 2015 after recognising a need for a rescue shelter in the area and there was no greater need for such an organisation after the Bunyip State Forest fire.

“We started getting calls soon after the fires occurred, but we couldn’t go out to any properties until it was deemed safe enough for us to do so,” Carla said. “Since then we have been out every couple of days and we will continue to monitor the area for the next several months.”

Carla said Warriors 4 Wildlife asked the community for food and items to help feed and treat the animals and they were overwhelmed by the response of people willing to donate.

“We were amazed with what we received. We didn’t expect that much,” she said about the generosity. “Within the first 12 hours, we had over 50 volunteers sign up and 180 tonnes of food and medical supplies. Our factory was full. Seven rooms upstairs and a huge room downstairs.”

Volunteers then loaded their cars and horse floats with the donations and visited affected properties to feed and help injured animals including dogs, cats, cows, horses, birds, kangaroos, wombats and more.

“Some of the injuries we saw were very confronting. Some animals were burnt, others had infections from their burns, they were either dehydrated or starving,” Carla said.

“We take a vet with us to do the initial treatment, and then take the animals to a rescue centre where we care for them until they are healthy enough to be released back into the wild.”

Warriors 4 Wildlife try to treat all the injured and needy animals, but some scared wildlife have been too quick to catch. Carla urged anyone who sees any injured animals on their property to avoid trying to catch them and instead call Warriors 4 Wildlife for help.

Whilst they have received many donations, Warriors 4 Wildlife will continue to need more items including hay for cows, kangaroo pallets, self-adhesive bandages, Betadine, wraps and money for fuel and medical bills.

Anyone wanting more information, or to donate, can call Warriors 4 Wildlife on 0401 811 937 or visit www.warriors4wildlife.org www.facebook.com/warriors4wildlifeinc

Photographs kindly supplied by Warriors 4 Wildlife

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Residents Give Back

FIRESTORM DESTROYS PROPERTY, BUT CAN’T BREAK COMMUNITY SPIRIT Bushfire Volunteers Tania and Robyn put up their hands to help feed hungry firefighters

The overwhelming generosity shown by Gippsland communities has been second to none since fires wreaked havoc in early March.

Business owners, sporting teams, community groups and kind-hearted citizens dropped everything and banned together to help their grieving neighbours during, and after, the Bunyip State Forest fires.

Nar Nar Goon residents Tania Taylor and Robyn Coombs have both been part of their local Cricket and Footy Club for several years and said for most people, lending a helping hand was a no-brainer.

Like other members of the sporting community, they leapt into action immediately after the Cricket Club made a public plea for volunteers to help feed the fire-fighters who had set up at the staging point at the Nar Nar Goon Recreation Reserve.

“I THINK AS A COMMUNITY, WE RALLY TOGETHER IN A TIME OF NEED,” TANIA SAID. “TIMES LIKE THIS BRING OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE.”

“WE WERE RUNNING ON ADRENALINE,” TANIA SAID. “WE JUST KEPT GOING,” ROBYN SAID. “IN THE END, WE WERE EXHAUSTED, BUT IT FELT GOOD TO KNOW WE HELPED.” Other people wanting to help during and after the fires did so in various ways.

Local cafes offered up free coffee to CFA and residents in need while also providing a safe haven for those affected. Water, food, clothing and other items were dropped at fire brigades and relief centres. Kind neighbours opened their doors to provide temporary shelter for those who had to evacuate their homes and everything. Others spent countless hours helping to clean up damaged yards, feed those in need or organise events to raise much-needed funds for the recovery process.

Some of the fundraisers include, but are not limited to, a Mt Cannibal Community and District Family Fun Day Gumbuya World, a Bunyip State Park Fire Relief Op Shop Fashion Parade, Bunyip Community Picnic, Bottom Pub Bunyip Bushfire Appeal, Lakeside Residents Group and Casey Cardinia Foundation joint barbecue fundraiser, and much more.

“It’s what we do,” Robyn added. “We get out and help. I know that I couldn’t stay at home. I felt I had to be there. I was also doing it for my dad, he was a big part of the club and volunteered with them. He passed away last year. I know that he would have been there to help if he could have.”

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Graeme Moore said the support of the community has been incredible. “The volunteers have just been incredible, and on behalf of the Cardinia Shire community, I sincerely thank them for their hard work and community spirit,” he said.

Initially there was about ten people who showed up at the recreation reserve to help, but after the Cricket Club’s social media post was shared several times, more volunteers showed up, so much so that some had to be turned away.

“I would also like to thank the many residents of Cardinia Shire who have made offers of help, or donated to one of the bushfire relief funds.

Donations to the Casey Cardinia Foundation’s bushfire appeal can still be made at http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/BunyipFireRelief

On Saturday, 2 March, volunteers helped Rapid Relief Team members to feed about 500 firefighters Saturday and 1500 firefighters on Sunday evening.

The way everyone in Cardinia Shire and its surrounds have pulled together during this time has been incredible. Please know that your kindness makes a difference. This event, while devastating, has truly brought out the best in people. It makes me proud to be part of this community.“

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BlazeAid Rebuilds

BlazeAid has been instrumental in helping farmers get back on their feet by repairing fences destroyed by the bushfires. In the weeks following the disaster, reporter Lia Spencer discussed the selfless efforts with BlazeAid volunteers Deb McNamara, Junelle Wilson, Liz Jacobsen, Davina Jeenstra, Therese Baker, John and Sue Anderson and BlazeAid Assistant Coordinator Jaynee Lale.

WHEN word began to spread about how many people were affected by the Bunyip State Forest fires, it didn’t take long for local residents to ban together and show their support.

And the generosity continued when BlazeAid set up in Bunyip and began work on March 12.

Created by Queensland resident Kevin Butler ten years ago, BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. BlazeAid volunteers work alongside affected families to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed and also work to help rebuild the local communities.

organisations, school students, Lions Clubs, Sporting Groups, and many others. Junelle Wilson and Therese Baker then coordinated catering.

Other groups, such as Cordelia’s Potted Operas, also entertained volunteers after a hard-working day.

Deb said that both the farmers and the volunteers benefit from BlazeAid. “It’s rewarding to see the thankful facial expressions of a farmer,” Deb said, “but it’s also great to see the people from the local community who donate their time or food because they just want to help.”

Camp Coordinator John Anderson encouraged people to become volunteers.

Within 48 hours of setting up in Bunyip, more than 80 affected residents from Tynong North to Tonimbuk registered up for help, with that number doubling in the weeks after.

“Anyone can be a volunteer. Anyone,” he said. “We talk to our volunteers about what they will do and see, but they are all pretty sensible. They have a lot of empathy for the people they are working for.”

“WE WERE BOMBARDED WITH THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE REGISTERING FOR HELP,” VOLUNTEER DEB MCNAMARA SAID. “THERE IS OVER 700KM OF FENCING NEEDED FROM TYNONG NORTH TO TONIMBUK.”

Volunteers can spend one or two days with BlazeAid or stay for longer if they wish. They do not need to have fencing experience, just a willingness to participate and learn on the job. Not all fencing involves heavy work, as many fences need to be cleared of debris before they can be erected and rebuilt.

Fortunately, more than 300 people also signed up as volunteers. Many volunteers are from the local communities, whilst others follow BlazeAid around Australia helping those in need while meeting new people, visiting new places, supporting local businesses and helping the local economy.

Volunteers range from age 12 to 85. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Volunteers are also encouraged to ensure their Tetanus injection is up to date and have Ambulance Cover.

BlazeAid Assistance Coordinator Jaynee Lale said because of the donations and volunteers, BlazeAid was able to hit the ground running.

Anyone wanting to help, but can’t volunteer or donate food, can donate money. John said that within a month of setting up, more than $40,000 was donated.

“We average about 60 volunteers a day, whether they are on the fenceline or in the kitchen,” Jaynee said. “The community involvement has been phenomenal.”

Whether it was through manual labour, cooking, baking, donating food or contributing funds, people have been pitching in to help any way they can.

Bunyip and District Community Coordinator Davina Jeenstra rounded up many community groups to volunteer including local books clubs, religious

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“We acknowledge that the food that is donated is very generous and it drops our costs a lot,” he said, “but we still need funds to run the camp. It costs $3000 a week just for things like additional food, fuel, gloves, safety equipment and other items that arise.”

Photographs kindly supplied by Cardinia Shire Council

BlazeAid | Junelle, Therese, Davina, Sue, John, Jaynee, Deb and Liz joined BlazeAid to help fire-affected farmers

To learn about how to become a volunteer or to donate funds, please visit www.blazeaid.com.au

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Residents Find Relief COUNCILS SET UP CENTRES TO HELP THOSE FORCED OUT OF THEIR HOMES Relief centres were set up during and after the bushfires to help hundreds of affected residents seek shelter or advice.

About 750 people attended three emergency relief centres, which were set up by Cardinia Shire Council at Pakenham and Koo Wee Rup. Baw Baw Shire Council opened an emergency relief centre in Drouin.

On Tuesday 5 March, Cardinia Shire Council opened a bushfire recovery centre at Bunyip Recreation Reserve. The bushfire recovery centre later moved to Tonimbuk Hall on Monday 25 March.

Cardinia Shire Council’s Municipal Response Manager David Lane said the council was partnering with a number of community groups to run the recovery centre. “The centre is a place for the fire-affected community to meet and connect and get recovery information and support. It is currently staffed by two council officers on weekdays from 10am to 3pm, with local volunteers keeping the doors open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm,” Mr Lane said. “The centre will stay open as long as it is needed by residents.”

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Graeme Moore encouraged anyone needing support or information to attend the recovery centre.

“THE LONG PROCESS OF REBUILDING PROPERTIES AND LIVELIHOODS ARE NOW UNDERWAY. IF YOU HAVE BEEN IN ANY WAY AFFECTED BY THE FIRES, PLEASE DROP INTO THE BUSHFIRE RECOVERY CENTRE AT TONIMBUK HALL,” MR MOORE SAID. “Council is running the recovery centre in partnership with a number of community groups. It’s a great central point to find support and information, or just grab a cuppa and have a chat – either with someone you know, or with one of the centre’s many friendly volunteers.

Mr Moore said the council was now working with local residents to help establish a community recovery committee that will lead the way with the ongoing recovery.

“Let’s keep working together to make sure everyone affected by these bushfires gets the practical and emotional support they need to get back on their feet,” he said. “While their lives will never be the same, hopefully they will emerge from this time knowing that their local community was right behind them.”

Photographs kindly supplied by Cardinia Shire Council

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“Let’s keep working together to make sure everyone affected by these bushfires gets the practical and emotional support they need to get back on their feet, while their lives will never be the same, hopefully they will emerge from this time knowing that their local community was right behind them.�

Mayor Councillor Graeme Moore

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THE OPENING OF

‘WIDE LAND, BIG SKY OUTBACK PHOTOGRAPHY’

EXHIBITION BY MEMBERS OF THE WARRAGUL CAMERA CLUB AT THE RED TREE GALLERY IN JINDIVICK Photography by Wendy Morriss

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Host and Red Tree Gallery owners - Marian and Laurie Collins

Exhibitors Bruce Langdon and Linda Zwierlein

WCC member Bruce Langdon opens the exhibition

Exhibitors Ruth Burleigh and Marshall Cock

Renowned local artists attending - Phil Henshall and Graeme Myrteza

Warragul Camera Club exhibitors | Ruth Burleigh, Bruce Langdon, Marshal Cook & Linda Zwierlein

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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.

WINTER EXHIBITIONS 2019 JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

TERESA KALLO A self-taught painter with paintings of a mystical and abstract nature.

LYNNE BICKHOFF Spectacular landscapes in a modern style.

BRUCE LANGDON Photographs of a deeply personal and meaningful nature.

Bruce Langdon Missing Time Exhibition

For more info visit www.redtreegallery.com.au

-

Thanks Laurie Good on ya

420 Main Jindivick Road, Jindivick VIC 3818 P: 5628 5224 | E: info@lauriecollins.com.au

www.lauriecollins.com.au

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Nathan Lay

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From Gippsland to centre stage

By Anita Butterworth As a boy growing up in Gippsland, Nathan Lay never dreamt his voice would carry him to operatic heights, gracing some of Australia’s most prestigious stages. He was far too shy and too conscious that boys from his corner of the country didn’t really sing. But as is usually the case with incredible talent, it never stays hidden for long.

The son of two teachers, Nathan spent his early childhood in Morwell, before moving with his family to Churchill. His earliest memories of music were from his mum, who taught guitar during his childhood.

“It was a way of making some income while she was home looking after the kids. She has played guitar since she was a teenager and has taught it for years. Anyway, I picked up the guitar one day when I was very young, and was soon strumming along to something on the TV that I was watching. I think that’s when my parents reached the conclusion that I was musical. From then onwards, Mum gave me guitar lessons.”

The middle child with two sisters who had a love for dance, Nathan’s interest in the arts intensified after starting high school.

“When I started high school, I began playing the trumpet and I reached a relatively high level, but I eventually gave it up in Year 11 to pursue my singing more seriously. There just weren’t enough hours in the day to be working on my singing and trumpet at the same time.”

While Nathan’s passion for singing was a slow burn, it’s something that was always simmering under the surface.

“I always knew I could sing. It was actually about confidence more than anything. I expressed my musicality in other ways because I was too shy or too embarrassed of my voice to sing in front of others.

"I didn’t have mates who were good male singers - it just wasn’t a thing in my life. I wasn’t exposed to it enough, and it felt like I would be putting myself out there in a way that I wasn’t comfortable with. It wasn’t until I was about 16 that I thought, “I don’t care”. Funnily enough, it wasn’t a big deal anyway, I was making a mountain out of a molehill.”

It was Nathan’s older sister who finally managed to put the shy teenager on centre stage.

“I was enjoying writing my own songs and playing the guitar when I was in my mid-teens, but I kept it to myself. During this time my sister kept nagging me to do a local musical. She knew I could sing, and so did the rest of my family, even though I thought it was a secret. Eventually my older sister managed to talk me into auditioning for a musical in Moe with Class Act Productions. This show was directed by the late David Pickburn, who was highly respected in local theatre circles.

I was given the main role of Tevye in their junior production of Fiddler on the Roof. That was a bit of a moment where I realised, “Hold on a minute, maybe I am pretty good at this.”

Nabbing the role as the protagonist in his first production at just 16 was enough to light a fire in Nathan’s belly.

“That was the point where I finally came out of my shell and sang in public. Once I did that first junior production of Fiddler on the Roof, I caught the theatre bug and found that I really enjoyed it. It just became easier after that. The next year I played Riff in West Side Story with the Latrobe Theatre Company and loved that too. It was a big step forward for me, as it wasn’t a junior production this time. I still have very fond memories of it, and I know I learnt a lot.”

One of Nathan’s early mentors was the show’s director Laurie Fildes.

“He was very helpful to me in West Side Story and gave me some great direction and coaching.

I really enjoyed working with him.”

“In that same year, I competed in the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod and met my first singing teacher, Peter Mander, who was the adjudicator.

He told me I had a nice voice and after chatting to him, he offered to teach me. He was Melbournebased, so it meant my parents had to take me to Melbourne every week for lessons. When I was in Year 12, I studied VCE Music, majoring in singing. I had to prepare a lot of repertoire for the examinations, so these singing lessons were very important. As a result of my vocal examination, I was invited to perform in Top Class, something only the highest scoring students in the state achieve.”

Nathan was the lone Music student at his high school, his teacher ferrying him to exams at neighbouring schools.

A diligent and talented student, Nathan finished year 12 in 2005, scoring full scholarships to attend the former Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music. This led him to a new world the world of opera.

“I didn’t start singing to become an opera singer, as I enjoyed other styles of music. In fact, I knew nothing about opera before I started my singing training. It was my studies that led me on a classical pathway, and in time, I learnt to love it.”

However, while in the throes of his degree, Nathan and his fellow students were told the Conservatorium would be closing its doors.

“It was meant to be a four-year degree but I actually managed to do it in three. A few of us were given the option to do two years in one, so I did the third and fourth year of my degree in one year, which was pretty intense.”

“In 2009 I took a year off because I didn’t quite know what I was going to do. I came back to Gippsland and taught guitar for a full year. It was useful because I made some money to build up my bank account.”

“After that year of working in Gippsland I moved back to Melbourne again and with the help of a scholarship, started my course at The Opera Studio Melbourne. It was like professional development for opera singers. We attended masterclasses, put on shows including fully staged operas, and built up our repertoire.”

After the two-year course, Nathan’s hard work finally began to pay off.

“I finished at The Opera Studio at the end of 2011. In 2012, I had a busy year with roles in a few operas. The first company I worked with was Melbourne Opera Company. The key was putting myself out there and getting to know people in the industry. Undertaking courses such as the one at The Opera Studio helped with that.”

Nathan, now 31, says that while getting a foot in the opera industry door helps, knowledge is the key.

“People will often say it’s who you know, but that’s not all there is to it. You need to be dedicated and work hard at mastering your craft.”

Nathan’s exceptional talent and work ethic have seen him land a vast array of roles and guest appearances.

He’s performed with Opera Australia, Melbourne Opera, Sydney Chamber Opera, the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and extensively with Victorian Opera including completing their Developing Artist Program/Master of Music (Opera Performance) in conjunction with The University of Melbourne.

His accolades include winning the National Liederfest, Australian Music Events’ Opera Scholar of the Year, the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Aria, and placing third in the Herald Sun Aria.

Nathan also won the 2016 Australian International Opera Award. This gave him the opportunity to study with highly-acclaimed international tenor Dennis O’Neill CBE at the Wales International Academy of Voice, whilst undertaking a Master of Arts in Advanced Vocal Studies.

His performance highlights are a running sheet of prized roles, including appearing as ‘Tarquinius’ in the Sydney Chamber Opera’s production of Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia in 2017, and again in 2018 in Hobart as part of the Dark Mofo festival.

A hectic climax to his studies left Nathan with a desire to regroup, and head back to Gippsland.

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Back in 2013, Nathan performed the role of Bunyip Bluegum in Victorian Opera’s world premiere of The Magic Pudding - The Opera. He and the rest of the cast received a Green Room Award for Best Opera Ensemble, and in 2018 he reprised his role in a re-run of this award-winning show. He then worked with Opera Australia touring Victorian schools with its production of By the Light of the Moon (The Owl and the Pussycat).

Bookending an auspicious year, Nathan joined popular Australian classical crossover group The Ten Tenors in late 2018 to tour the USA.

“The reason that I have to live in Melbourne is because there’s next to no work for an opera singer in Gippsland. There might be the odd gig here and there, but fulltime work isn’t available.

It is always nice to sing at home in Gippsland because it doesn’t happen very often.”

In an already stellar career, Nathan finds it understandably difficult to pinpoint a career highlight but choosing a venue that holds a special place in his heart is slightly easier.

“Something amazing about opera singers is that we don’t use microphones. We sing unamplified and that’s half the reason we go through so much training. We have to work our voices to a superhuman level of strength and vocal dexterity."

“The first time I performed in Hamer Hall on my own, just myself and an orchestra behind me, was a big moment. At the end of 2012, the late Richard Gill, founding artistic director of Victorian Opera, invited me to sing at his Gala. There were moments where I had the opportunity to sing solo, and having a full orchestra behind me was something special.”

Nathan will be returning to Gippsland in June 2019 for Winter Journey, a unique project combining an art exhibition with a recital. He will be accompanied on piano by Brian Chapman, who is also from the Gippsland region.

“It’s going to be nice to actually perform in Gippsland because the classical music scene rarely goes out to rural areas.”

And what about that young boy in Gippsland all those years ago, hesitant to reveal his gifted voice? Nathan says if only he could tell his teenage self that opera singing would take him to super human heights.

“We’re basically vocal athletes on a level that’s quite hard for most people to comprehend. We’re like Olympians of the voice because we have to train to a point where we can do what almost shouldn’t really be possible. When we’re singing in a space that has 2500 seats with a full orchestra of 100 players behind us, and you can still hear us without a microphone, there’s something quite extreme and magical about that!”

Photographs by Andrew Raszevski www.andrewraszevski.com

Nathan Lay on a high note

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WHAT’S ON

GIPPSLAND ART GALLERY JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2019

Wellington Centre | 70 Foster Street SALE VIC 3850 Open Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm, Sat-Sun and Public Holidays 10.00am - 4.00pm T (03) 5142 3500 E galleryenquiries@wellington.vic.gov.au W www.gippslandartgallery.com

THE ART OF ANNEMIEKE MEIN

JANUARY 26 TO JULY 21 AND JULY 27 TO JANUARY 19 A permanent, evolving showcase of works from Australia’s favourite textile wildlife artist.

Annemieke MEIN Eastern Water Dragon 1979 High relief textile, appliqué and machine embroidery 115 x 132cm (framed) Private collection

Margret BOOTH Glacial Landform 2017 Clayworks white sculptural fine clay, dry barium copper glaze. 51 x 47 x 20cm. Courtesy the artist

Angela THOMAS Cave Light (Den of Nargun series) 2019 Mixed media on linen.

61 x 45cm Courtesy the artist

INSIGHT – MARGRET BOOTH & ANGELA THOMAS MAY 11 TO JULY 7

Popular local duo Margret Booth and Angela Thomas - both active proponents of Gippsland’s progressive art scene - team up for Insight, an inspiring exhibition of ceramics and mixed media (painting and collage). While Angela’s works explore emotional responses to the landscape, Margret creates flowing abstract forms in ceramic, which look at the way light is reflected and absorbed. Together the two form a dynamic partnership that every visitor is sure to find fascinating.

GOOD VIBRATIONS – ALLAN FOX MAY 18 TO JULY 28

Fifty-two years after his first exhibition of hard-edge geometric abstraction in Sale—the first of its kind anywhere in the region - Allan Fox returns to Gippsland Art Gallery.

Fox’s art is a blaze of energy and precision, wrought through razor-sharp planes of colour that jostle within a tight picture frame. Good Vibrations is an exhibition of visual pop and fizz; of spring-loaded pressure and release charged with an electric potency.

While the echoes of 1960s abstraction linger on, Fox’s abstraction is a mature and sophisticated evolution of one of art’s greatest revolutions.

Allan FOX Untitled 2016 Gouache on paper 55.7 x 53cm. Courtesy the artist

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THE LADIES OF THE PLEIADES HEATHER SHIMMEN JUNE 1 TO JULY 14

Heather Shimmen is a self-confessed hoarder of images, objects, ideas, and memories. Her densely formed linocut prints, featuring layered images, prints, fabrics and felts, draw on the rich history of local anecdotes and ancient mythology.

Informing Shimmen’s portrayal of women, these tales are translated into a series of portraits that evoke the past and hint at a possible future. The Ladies of the Pleiades calls forth the grandiose imagery of an opulent past, specifically through three main mythologies - ‘The Lady of the Swamp’, ‘The Seven Sisters of the Pleiades’, and Shimmen’s own creation ‘Matilda Waltzing’.

Heather SHIMMEN Falconer 2013 Linocut print and ink on paper 99.7 x 70.4cm Collection Gippsland Art Gallery Purchased, 2015 Courtesy the artist and Australian Galleries, Melbourne and Sydney

STORIES FROM THE COLLECTION OPEN FROM JUNE 1

Stories from the Collection delves into the deep, multi-layered history of the Gippsland Art Gallery’s permanent collection in a new, ever-evolving journey through the ages.

Spanning the colonial to the contemporary, this expansive and illuminating exhibition presents a vivid account of the influence of place on the cultural imagination.

Jan Hendrik SCHELTEMA Early Morning Start, Gippsland c.1895 Oil on canvas 61.2 x 102cm Collection Gippsland Art Gallery Purchased with the assistance of the John Leslie Foundation, 2018

SPACE – 50 YEARS SINCE MAN FIRST STEPPED ON THE MOON JULY 20 TO SEPTEMBER 8

Space celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first-time man stepped on the moon.

Opening on the anniversary date, 20 July, this exhibition examines humankind’s longstanding fascination with space and space travel. This major exhibition explores the romance of space through visual culture produced during and after the moon landing. These works span the furthest reaches of the human imagination to the reality of space travel. Original photographs from NASA of the moon landing take pride of place, together with works from contemporary artists who respond to the romance and unknown of space. With works from over fifteen artists; together with astronaut’s photographs and space hardware, this engaging and timely exhibition will make you feel part of the global celebration of man’s explorations in space. Each piece will help build a comprehensive understanding of our cultural fixation with space through art. Gippsland Art Gallery is pleased to present this exhibition, bringing art and science together in a celebration of the fascination humans have always shared of the stars, planets and the night sky.

NASA, Washington, D.C., Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., walks on the surface of the moon, 1969, type C photograph, 50.0 x 40.0 cm (image and sheet).

National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased, 1980 (PH223-1980).

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Abstract landscape

Outback Series

ABSTRACTLY WILL WILLIAM HOLT William Holt has a Master of Fine Art in Painting from Monash University and has a broad range of experience in Painting, Sculpture, Installation Art and Photography. Over the last 15 years William has had major solo exhibitions and many group shows in Melbourne and Sydney.

“Experience the distinctive style of acrylic painting that hovers between the energetic abstract plane and the visual tension of the natural world.”

Collectors

“I’ve always believed in the authentic aura of a painting.

Art is more than an image… it is a presence!

It has to have a physical side.

That “body’ of the art work is a large part of its interaction with the viewer!

I try to leave an immediacy in the process and maintain my initial inspiration for all to see!”

For William the process and act of painting is a spontaneous and all consuming instinct where sheer joy of art in the moment is sought in order to reach a “decisive” conclusion when composition and content combine.

www.williamholtart.com Commissions

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TOURING WITH JOHN JOHN WITH

STEP BACK IN TIME TO A WORLD OF TREES, TIMBER & TRESTLE BRIDGES, TESTAMENTS TO OUR PAST PIONEERING SKILLS. We find ourselves in Nowa Nowa, a small town nestling amoung tall grey box and ironbark trees and adjacent to one of the upper arms of Lake Tyers namely Boggy Creek. Nowa Nowa and surrounds including Toorloo Arm has a population of about 200 and is a pleasant meandering and mostly tree-lined drive of 23km (about a 15-20 minutes) east of Lakes Entrance along the Princes Highway. An interesting mix of nature, art, local culture, tourism and a single remaining timber mill, Nowa Nowa is a popular spot for a break along the Sydney to Melbourne Coastal route.

With its general store, the ever present pub, and a café known as “Mingling Waters” your refreshment needs are well catered for. Alternatively, take a picnic and drive down the dirt track adjacent to the caravan park and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Boggy Creek, an arm of Lake Tyers, take your fishing gear and cast a line, photograph the scenery and local wildlife or just sit back and relax. There is an interesting track alongside the creek with occasional seating and some locally produced sculptures to the east of the small boat ramp area, which leads to the oval and pony club. Take care, as when the lake is at its highest, this track can be covered in water.

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Why is this little gem called Nowa Nowa? There is no clear definitive answer, all of the following being cited in various references. Arguably an Aboriginal word for black cockatoo, after Mt Nowa Nowa, (2 Kms NNE with its old wooden fire tower), may derive from an Aboriginal expression describing a hill of black stones, or a rising sun. Alternatively, Nowa Nowa, is an Aboriginal word meaning the meeting of the waters, an obvious reference to the confluence of Ironstone, Boggy and Stony Creeks nearby.

Nowa Nowa then has a deal of history of its own, its Post Office opened in March 1893, the Railway Station in April 1916 after completion of the line from Bairnsdale via Bruthen. It derived its income mainly from farming and the timber industry, the advent of the rail line being a major factor in the siting of a number of timber mills in the locale, having relied until then on slower water born transport using coastal ports and inlets, often unreliable and sometimes dangerous. A critical factor in the extension of the rail line from Bairnsdale was the need to traverse the Mitchell, Nicholson, Tambo and Snowy Rivers by way of some large trestle bridges, and minor creeks on its way to Orbost.

Canoeing on Boggy Creek

The Victorian Railways Standing Committee after some delay due to cost, finally recommended the construction of the railway line from Bairnsdale to Bruthen then on to Orbost at an estimated cost of ÂŁ391,360.00, construction commenced in 1912 and it was opened to the public on 10th April, 1916. One of the most expensive projects undertaken by Victoria Railways at the time it was managed by the respected engineer, Maurice E Kernot.

During construction many of the original plans and bridge designs had to be modified due to the actual terrain encountered with many gradients, steep valleys and resultant washaways after rain. It was estimated that 1,529,110 cubic metres of earthwork was carried out by hand with transportation by horse or bullock drawn vehicles.

Nicholson Rail Bridge

The Stony Creek Trestle Bridge is about 4.5kms west of Nowa Nowa towards Lakes Entrance, just off the Princes Highway within the Colquhoun State Forest is perhaps the most significant of all the bridges built along the old line which rises from almost sea level to about 120m over its length.

This spectacular trestle bridge was built in 1916 from locally sourced red iron bark and grey box timber and measures 276m long and 19m high with spans of 9.09m, and is listed on the Register of Historic Sites. The bridge is generally accepted to be the largest standing wooden trestle bridge of its type in Australia and possibly the Southern Hemisphere.

The turnoff from the Princes Highway is not easy to spot although it is signposted. The road into the forest is unmade, windy and a little bumpy, but fine for a two wheel drive except perhaps after excessive heavy rain.

The extension of the existing line from Melbourne by 97Km to Orbost, and the construction of this and other bridges, provided not only local jobs but a boost to the regional economy. Following World War 1, timber was in huge demand, and the area surrounding Orbost was, and still is, rich in quality hardwood such as grey box and red ironbark, the production of timber is still maintained although on a smaller scale to this day. All the timber materials in its construction were felled and gathered from local forests and still is a fine example and testament to the early engineering skills of Australian pioneers.

Mingling Waters Cafe

The line continued in regular use, providing both goods and passenger transport for over 60 years until it sustained bushfire damage in 1980.

In 1964, seven years after diesel engines replaced steam locomotives on the line, the Stony Creek Trestle Bridge was the scene of a dramatic derailment. Eleven timber filled trucks left the tracks and fell from the bridge, three of them at the time of the accident and the remaining eight as crews cleaned up. In a stroke of good fortune the engine and guard's van remained on the tracks and all on board were safe. Although the railway closed in 1987 the last train to travel over the Stony Creek Trestle Bridge was on 21st August 1988.

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Wairewa Road Trestle Bridge

TOURING WITH JOHN Today unfortunately, this bridge itself is not well maintained and cannot be traversed being barricaded for safety reasons, the view across from the eastern side is none the less impressive and gives a sense of height and space. The site and surrounds of Stony Creek Bridge are part of the East Gippsland Rail Trail, a 96km cycling, walking and horse riding route running from Bairnsdale to Orbost along the route of the railway line.

It is recognised that the engineering heritage and legacy of Stony Creek Trestle Bridge, indeed the railway itself is significant, having a number of other impressive and interesting structures along its route. The remaining structures of the railway will be protected and preserved being part of the East Gippsland Rail Trail. These include the Nicholson River Bridge just upstream of the township, the smaller but none the less impressive trestle bridge at Wairewa Road Nowa Nowa, and the low level but lengthy trestle across the Snowy River flood plain on the western approaches to Orbost.

The Stony Creek Rail Bridge is historically and architecturally significant, recognised by National Trust as a representative and essentially intact example of a timber trestle bridge along the Melbourne to Orbost line and is historically significant as a notable example of timber trestle bridge construction, demonstrating a distinctive construction method that utilised the native bush timbers. Classified: 25/04/1974 (Adapted from Heritage Victoria statement 25/10/2011)

The East Gippsland Rail Trail now extends up and down the steep sides of Stony Creek and visitors can walk close to the existing framework and marvel at the methods by which this outstanding structure was built.

On the western vehicular approach a viewing area and small parking bay have been provided from which an overview of the structure can be seen.

A small car park is provided close to the eastern end of the bridge and steps lead up to the level of the old tracks. Information boards at the site provide the visitor with some interesting history.

To continue along our woody way, and to make a round trip more interesting than never ending tarmac, there is a well-made although dirt trail, from Stony Creek Bridge back to Lakes Entrance or Bruthen via the Colquhoun Forest Discovery Drive, this is signed with site markers and some interpretive signage and passes close to Costicks Weir, the historic granite quarry, and fuel reduction burning sites, with examples of silvicultural practices.

Enjoy this leisurely drive through the forest watching out for the occasional wallaby or goanna and seeing the many shapes and sizes of ant hills around old trees. The route ends with re-entry on to the Princes Highway at Forestech about 7kms west of Lakes Entrance, however at the intersection of Scrivener’s Track there is an option to re-enter Lakes Entrance via Colquhoun Road, then turning right at the intersection with and Ostlers Road down into the town.

Words + Photographs by John Munns Sources: Heritage Victoria: Geocaching Australia. Railtrails Australia, Inc. Visit Victoria.com. Pinterest. Names and their Origin. John George Sexton 1907.

View from East side Steps

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View across the top

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JUNIORS GET A TASTE OF AFL

JJ, LIBBA AND DUNKS ANSWER DURING THE Q&A SESSION

THE BULLDOGS’ TEAM ALL AGREED THAT ROAMING COOPER HAS GOT WHAT IT TAKES FOR A CAREER IN SPORTS JOURNALISM!

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GETTING IN THE ACTION AT THE WHITTEN OVAL CLINIC

It’s often said that local sporting clubs and community organisations are the heart and soul of regional communities and it is no different at Moe Lions FC and the Hill End Grove Rovers. Both have proud histories in the region and have been responsible for steering thousands of young people through the junior ranks and into their senior teams.

DUNKS AND LIBBA OVERSEEING THE JUNIORS’ SKILLS

When it comes to the dream of playing at the elite AFL level, players at regional clubs are led by their local coaching staff and hope to catch the eye of a recruiter one day. Before that, just understanding the importance of a good attitude and commitment to teamwork creates the foundation for not only good players, but good community minded people.

Earlier in May, twenty juniors from Hill End and Moe FC had the opportunity to attend an exclusive clinic at the home of the AFL Western Bulldogs, Whitten Oval in Footscray. The trip was facilitated

by Greenham Gippsland, long-time supporters of the Doggies and operators of the reinvigorated Moe Meatworks.

Greenham have always been significant supporters of local football, netball and cricket clubs across the regions they service. The company recognizes the importance of these partnerships in supporting communities at that same time as providing employment to regional areas and growing rural economies.

Mark Walsh of Moe FC was keen to acknowledge Greenham, “the work they have put into the Moe abattoir business to become the largest employer of local people is admirable, but to also sponsor local sporting clubs and provide opportunities for kids is amazing.”

The excitement was palpable as the boys and their coaches toured the facilities, received a history lesson including seeing the 2016 premiership cup and learnt about the many moving parts of an AFL club. Following that was the most exciting part of the afternoon when Bulldogs star players, Jason Johannisen, Tom Liberatore and ex-Yarram local Josh Dunkley held a training session for the juniors.

The boys trained with gusto, calling out, presenting for marks and going in hard for competitive ground balls.

During training, Moe Lions junior and Bulldogs tragic, Cooper Walsh did his own version of Friday Night Footy’s Roaming Brian – becoming ‘Roaming Cooper’ and asking the players about their junior backgrounds and how they made it to the top level. Watch this space for a video later in the year.

The final drill was to kick a ball into a bin for the opportunity to be a mascot for the Bulldogs on a game day later in the year. Congratulations to Harry Gallagher who won this fantastic prize. Following was a Q&A session with the players where further insight was gained into what it takes to play AFL and the attitude and commitment required to be consistent. Finally, the kids were treated to some delicious steak sandwiches before heading back home happy and pumped for their collective experience.

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GROUP SHOT WITH THE CLUBS AND THE BULLDOGS STARS

JUNIORS GET A TASTE OF AFL The Whitten oval clinics are not offered frequently and the Bulldogs personnel were very impressed by the juniors. “The kids from the Moe Lions and Hill End Grove Rovers were absolutely wonderful. They were a polite, appreciative and respectful group of boys and a testament to the coaches and community that surround these teams."

"We see a lot of kids come through the door and this group was definitely one of the best.”

Mark Walsh from Moe FC echoed the sentiment saying, “The afternoon provided an amazing experience for all and one the kids will never forget.

Thank you again to Greenham who made this experience possible.”

GREENHAM In October 2017, Greenham Gippsland P/L was incorporated with the purchase of the former Moe Meatworks site. Closed since 2015, the export accredited plant now processes an ever-increasing number of cattle and employs more than 150 staff, the majority being Latrobe Valley locals.

Greenham has a strong focus on supporting beef and dairy producers in Gippsland with a reliable local operator to process their stock. The operation processes a combination of cows, bulls and premium MSA (Meat Standards Australia graded) cattle and is the home of the burgeoning Bass Strait Beef brand. www.bassstraitbeef.com.au

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“HOW GOOD IS THIS CLINIC? YES LOVING IT..!”

THE JUNIORS GETTING SOME HISTORY OF THE CLUB

GETTING IN THE ACTION AT THE WHITTEN OVAL CLINIC

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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

A DESIRE TO MAKE A GENUINE DIFFERENCE TO LOCAL BUSINESSES WHILST ALSO GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY IS WHAT MOTIVATES BUSINESS COACH AND ADVISOR, GRAHAM FITTON. WORDS: CHRIS WEST

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Graham happily interrupted an unfulfilling early retirement last year to establish himself as the Local Director and Business Advisor for the Local Business Network in the Bass Coast and South Gippsland region.

In creating this platform, Graham has become part of the Trusted Advisor Network, a collection of approximately 50 business advisors operating across Australia and New Zealand. He has made a fast start to the venture, quickly assisting a growing list of clients who are benefitting from his extensive business experience accumulated over more than three decades.

During his earlier career, Graham has previously owned a small business, led major business units and held leadership roles in significant corporate transformation programs. He possesses several professional qualifications in the business realm which add to the diversity and strength of his CV. When Graham decided to leave Melbourne and make a permanent move to his beach house in Inverloch in September 2017, he had no real idea what turn his life was going to take.

“I had been doing contract work as an independent consultant in the corporate transformation space for close to a decade and by then had tired of that. When I came to Inverloch and started what I guess was a retirement of sorts, I didn’t know what I was going to do next,” he says.

“After about six months I became so bored. After all, you can only go fishing so many times. I knew I needed to find something to keep the brain ticking over.”

Looking to apply his acumen and experience to help make a difference to businesses close to his new home base, Graham made the decision to sign up with the Trusted Advisor Network, which owns the Local Business Network brand.

“I’ve basically licensed their back end system, which includes their presentations and materials, and married that with my accumulated knowledge and experience,” he explains.

Importantly, a business doesn’t need to be struggling to benefit from Graham’s expertise.

“Some of my clients do have a specific problem we are addressing, but some of the businesses are already strong when they come to me to help them get even stronger,” he says.

“The nature and size of the business is irrelevant. I can provide the ways and means to assist all my clients.”

Graham offers a choice between group programs to intensive one-to-one programs. The one-to-one programs come with an added touch that helps to support the local community.

“I have a community donation program, where my one-to-one clients nominate a community group of their choice which I then donate money to,” Graham reveals.

So far this year he has donated three thousand dollars through this community-minded initiative.

“I have a genuine interest in achieving the best outcome for my clients while also doing something to help the community at the same time,” he states.

In working with his clients, Graham sets about identifying their specific needs and determining the best steps forward.

“The first session is about orientation. I need to find out what they want to get out of it. We cover off setting business goals and also tick off lifestyle, bucket list and retirement goals. Their business needs to be profitable enough to fund their future plans. It is therefore my aim to create the freedom for my clients to live their life away from their business,” he says.

Graham began offering his services in June last year with the hope of creating a manageable part-time business.

“The second session examines the current capabilities of their business. I use software to produce figures which are by no means comprehensive, but give an idea about what the size of the prize may be. The next step is about how to reach the goals that we’ve set.”

“My objective wasn’t to create a full-time job for myself, but it has been so successful that I am struggling to contain it. I only wanted a three day a week job, but had reached that level within six months,” he states.

Graham emphasises the importance of clients being committed to the program and for them to understand that achieving the optimum results can take time.

“I’m really enjoying working with clients to help them build and improve their businesses. It has me mentally engaged and got the juices flowing again.

The only dilemma for me now is working out how much further I want to take it.”

Graham’s initial clients have been mostly based in Inverloch, along with several others located in Wonthaggi, Leongatha and Phillip Island. The range of industries they operate in is wide and varied, from accounting and insurance to engineering, retail and tourism to name just a few.

“My mantra starting out was to be community based. I want to work locally, preferably staying in the area between Phillip Island and Yarram,” he says.

The work with the Local Business Network has reinvigorated Graham and he has immersed himself in a number of additional roles within the community. He is Vice President of Wonthaggi Business & Tourism Association, a Director of Inverloch & District Financial Enterprises Limited (Inverloch & District Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank) and a member of Inverloch Rotary Club.

“They’ve got to be ready to do the work,” he insists.

“Programs will typically run for twelve to eighteen months, so it’s a leap of faith for both the client and me in taking each other on.”

In building the working relationship with his clients, Graham seeks to identify business improvements in three major areas: margins, promotion and people.

“I develop programs within each of those areas and work on a Return On Investment ratio with the clients,” he says.

Graham places significant emphasis on delivering value and expects all his clients to get at least a 3:1 ROI from his services.

“If not successful, I give them a bottom line guarantee that if we get to the end of the twelve months and they’ve done all the things I asked them to do and still haven’t covered off my fees, I’ll work with them for free until that’s achieved,” he promises.

According to Graham, he often sees examples where people mistakenly believe they haven’t got time or can’t afford his services.

Graham’s arrival has awakened Bass Coast and South Gippsland business owners to the discovery that there is now someone with his skills offering advisory services in the local area.

“A lot of what I’m doing with clients is working on personal productivity,” he says.

As a business coach, Graham says his role actually goes far wider.

“I can help them free up time to do it, so that no longer becomes a deterrent.

As for the cost factor, with the risk free guarantee that I offer there’s really no reason left not to make a start.”

“In reality I’m a consultant, mentor and coach,” he states.

“I work with my clients to identify how I can best assist them. Much of it is about helping them to self-realise and I am there to facilitate and guide the process as we work on improving their business.”

Anyone wishing to connect with Graham can contact him on 0422 840 221 or email grahamfitton@tlbn.net.au for further details.

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GRAHAM FITTON

Donation to Phillip Island CFA with Deb Wightman from Elders Insurance Leongatha

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS “We’ve found our experience with Graham beneficial because it makes us re-examine things with a fresh set of eyes. His services provide a more practical, considered and critical look at your business practices and identifying the way forward.”

Geoff Moed, Managing Director, A Maze ‘N Things, Phillip Island

“I’ve been working with Graham for just under a year. He has been integral in me expanding my business and being clearer in direction. I work on my own, so it’s great for me to have somebody I can bounce ideas off in a really honest, transparent forum. Graham’s input has given me the confidence to go from strength to strength in what I do.”

Kristy Norton, Owner, BeSeen Communications, Inverloch

“We have been working with Graham since late last year and he has come to feel like an extension of our own team. We find Graham personable and easy to deal with. His insight and experience is assisting us to build on our business and we have found his services extremely beneficial.”

Debra Wightman, Director, Elders Insurance Leongatha

“In the short time I have been working with Graham we have made significant inroads in achieving my business goals. These include operating a full project management system, documenting internal procedures and streamlining administration tasks. Graham works to a structured program but has immense industry and practical experience to guide you through the process.”

Paul Deery, Director, Deery Consulting Structural Engineers, Inverloch

THE Local BUSINESS NETWORK Bass Coast & South Gippsland Local Director Graham Fitton

0422 840 221

grahamfitton@tlbn.net.au

www.grahamfitton.com.au

tlbnbasscoastsouthgippsland

@grahamfittoncoach

Donating to Family Resources Centre at Bass Coast Health with Leisa and Nicole Griffiths from Mookah

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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

CHRONIC DISEASE AT WORK HOW IS CHRONIC DISEASE IMPACTING OUR WORKFORCE?

SO WHAT PUTS YOU AT RISK AND HOW IS THIS IMPACTING THE WORKFORCE?

The term chronic disease applies to a group of diseases that tend to be long-lasting and have persistent effects. Chronic diseases have a range of potential impacts on a person's individual circumstances, including quality of life, social, professional and financial.

There are several RISK factors that contribute to chronic disease. Some are considered to be non-modifiable. We can’t change or do anything about them.

Chronic Diseases such as type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers are becoming more prevalent in Australia’s culture. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare stated that “more than 11 million (50%) of Australians reported having at least 1 of 8 chronic diseases in 2014-2015.”

This number is growing.

Age Sex Family History Cultural background

THEN THERE ARE THE RISK FACTORS THAT ARE MODIFIABLE THAT WE HAVE CONTROL OVER AND CAN CHANGE. THESE INCLUDE: Weight Waist circumference Blood pressure Cholesterol levels Diet Exercise Stress Smoking Alcohol

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WHY CREATE A HEALTHY WORKPLACE? Promoting and supporting health in the workplace makes good business sense. By creating a healthy workplace environment you can: Increase productivity Increase workplace morale and engagement Lower insurance premiums and workers compensation claims Improve workforce retention Demonstrate your commitment to the health and wellbeing of your employees

WHAT CAN YOU DO? My recommendation is to have a healthcare professional come into your workplace. Diagnose who is at RISK through assessment and data collection of your team. Determining blood pressure, cholesterol levels, glucose levels and an AUSDRISK score of chronic disease. Then medicate the team through a systemised approach that is tailored to the needs of your employees and the health of your business.

HOW CAN I MAKE THIS HAPPEN? Book a free Healthy Lifestyle Session for your organisation. Healthy lifestyle sessions are a free service offered by the Life! Program and organised at a time and location that best suit your staff. Sessions run for approximately 30 - 45 minutes and are delivered by a trained health professional and cover topics such as: What is diabetes, heart disease and stroke?

Healthy eating and weight control; Physical activity; Reducing stress in daily life; and An introduction to Life! — A free healthy lifestyle program.

CONTACT CHRISTINE FOR A FREE HEALTHY LIFE! SESSION IN YOUR WORKPLACE TODAY.

THERE ARE MORE RISK FACTORS THAT WE CAN MODIFY AND CHANGE THAN RISK FACTORS WE CAN’T! If over half of the population is suffering from chronic disease then this will be effecting our workforce. We have a duty of care as employers to manage our staff through education, support and motivation to help reduce their risk of chronic disease and help employees lead a disease free and healthy life.

The benefits of having healthy staff are commonsensical. Think about it if just 1 staff member has developed a chronic disease let’s say Type 2 Diabetes. How will this be impacting their work performance? Days taken off due to sickness? Their ability to make important decisions because they feel tired or stressed due to the disease? Their productivity and efficiency on the job carrying the weight of this disease?

So now imagine if half of your staff were affected by a chronic disease?

How will this impact upon the rest of the staff? How will this affect your business? How will this be reflected in the profit margins? It’s going to have a significant impact, right? This issue needs to be addressed and managed before it has a significantly negative and detrimental impact upon the health of your employee as well as the health of your business.

CHRISTINE BOUCHER of Natural Health Balance is a corporate health and performance coach transforming organisations to work productively and cohesively as a team. Improving the health of staff and the wellbeing of business through performance management, health coaching and team building to improve productivity, performance and profitability.

Christine is dedicated and passionate about Health & Wellness.

Holding a Bachelor of Nursing Degree, specialising in Intensive Care Nursing. With over 20 years’ experience working in the healthcare industry. www.naturalhealthbalance.com.au

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what drives you to keep moving?

BY CHRISTIE NELSON

WHILST IT MAY SOUND A BIT CLICHÉ, BUT WITH THE NATURE OF OUR EVER CHANGING POLITICAL WORLD, ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND THE GROWING NEED TO ENDEAVOUR TO SEARCH FOR A CURE FOR CANCER (AMONGST OTHER THINGS), IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT MOST OF US RECOGNISE THAT LIFE CAN BE TOO SHORT NOT TO LIVE IT TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL. I have been fortunate enough to have been exposed to travel opportunities by my parents and step-parents whilst growing up and was always encouraged to not ever be afraid of trying new things. They believed that every experience can lead to an opportunity to learn and grow. I have always admired my parents’ sense of adventure and hope to literally follow in their footsteps one day as I progress through the years and also pass this passion on to my children. They constantly inspire me to stay fit and strong, both mentally and physically, and I aspire to do this so that I can be an ‘adventure Granny’ one day and hope you can find some motivation in their story too.

In recent years, there has been a big shift towards more ‘active travel’ by the baby boomer generation, whom may have travelled in the years B.C. (before children), but can now look to more adventures due to the world being much more accessible than it was in the seventies and the bonus of more time and financial freedom later in life. Geoff and Debi Nelson (without mentioning any ages) are of this generation and I’d love to share the highlights of their adventures from the last five years or so as well as our shared philosophy; “It’s not about what you can’t do, but what you can” and a belief that if you’re in good health, your age shouldn’t define you.

Geoff and Debi Nakasendo

Geoff and Debi have trekked many kilometres on foot upon their travels and choose their destinations based on their love for history, a thirst for knowledge, books, documentaries and wildlife programs.

Geoff and Christie, Waterloo Bay, Wilsons Prom

IT’S NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN’T DO, BUT WHAT YOU CAN AND A BELIEF THAT IF YOU’RE IN GOOD HEALTH, YOUR AGE SHOULDN’T DEFINE YOU.

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Nakasendo Trail, Japan

Morteratsch Glacier Switzerland

Internationally, they have walked Hadrian’s Wall (the border between Scotland and England), the volcanic rim of Christchurch to Akaroa, New Zealand, Tuscany, The Cotswolds, The Nakasendo Trail Japan, 138 kilometres in six days of the Camino Trail Spain and they are about to begin their moderate training for a return to the UK to walk along the South West Coast Path from Tintagel Castle to St Ives.

I have been lucky enough to share my love for hiking with my parents and have joined them on some of their local walks whilst in training.

We have so many beautiful places in Gippsland I encourage you to go and explore, including: the George Bass Coastal Walk, Wilson’s Promontory, several rail trails plus a hidden treasure, a walk up Cook’s Hill starting from the Botanic Gardens in the Korumburra Caravan Park.

Geoff stressed that their hikes “only require moderate but consistent” training leading up to a trip in order to develop a good ‘pacing walk’, which is sustainable for most abilities and when you think about it, “it’s only 13 kilometres until lunch“ some days on a trek.

Geoff and Debi have also met many people on their travels of differing abilities who are walking to achieve a personal goal or are representing a cause. Whilst walking can be a social experience, the Camino attracts both groups and solo adventurers.

When asked if there was one destination in particular that was a highlight for them, it posed a difficult question to answer because there’s something different to be appreciated or discovered along the way at each location and each has their own merits. They described the Camino as a highlight due to the sense of achievement obtained, however Nakasendo was outstanding due to the lush scenery and village

atmosphere and they both agree that some of the most stunning outlooks are in our own back yard.

I now challenge you to have a think about what you’d like to put on your bucket list from now on and what legacy you’d like to leave behind for the next generation. I’ve ticked a couple of items off my list in recent years after recovering from major spinal surgery and completed the overnight Lighthouse hike at Wilson’s Promontory a couple of times last year and was fortunate enough to walk the Great Wall of China this year with my eldest son, both adventures I highly recommend to others. You’ve just got to take that first step and then who knows? First Cook’s Hill, then Mount Everest!

Happy Trails.

Photos supplied by Christie Nelson

Christie and son Hayden at the Great Wall of China.

Photo credit Joe Sheppard

Camino Trail with Korumburra locals, Dave and Viv Enbom

Christie is a dual health and wellness business owner, business builder, social networker, educator and busy Mum who can offer solutions and products to those looking for a postive change.

For further information, please email youcanactivewear@gmail.com or go to www.youcanlifestyle.com.au | www.christienelson.arbonne.com youcanactivewearandlifestyle youcanactivewear christienelson0827

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sorry is

one of the most overused words in our vocabulary

By Erin Miller

Heartfelt apologies can go a long way in dissolving hostility, encouraging forgiveness, and mending damaged relationships.

Yet in everyday life, how many times have you uttered the words, “I’m sorry” when you haven’t actually offended someone or done anything wrong?

It seems as though “sorry” has become one of the most overused words around today, used like a reflex or politeness strategy rather than a meaningful apology.

We all do it from time to time and certainly may be familiar with some of these examples:

“Sorry, I have a question.”

“Sorry, I’m boring you aren’t I?” or “Sorry, would you mind if I get past?”

Apologising for being hurt by someone else’s offense, apologising for being over-sensitive, apologising when someone else bumps into you, and even apologising for apologising!

But are we actually aware of how over-apologising may impact our lives and those around us?

The word “sorry” is defined as an apology, an admission for when something wrong has been done or said. An apology is about taking responsibility and making a commitment to do differently next time. If you aren’t responsible or would do the same again, then it’s not the time to say sorry.

When we use a word for other than it’s true meaning, over time its effectiveness and overuse becomes meaningless and could be sending out the wrong message.

If you think about it, using the word “sorry” in any of the above examples, suggests that you’re apologising for speaking up, expressing an opinion and for taking up space – but is this justified? You’re allowed to speak up, to express your opinions and to take up space in the world as much as the next person and you can still be kind, courteous and respectful to others in the process, without unnecessarily apologising!

So, how can you kick over-apologising to the kerb and still be a thoughtful, considerate and caring human being?

Three Don’t cry wolf As we’ve explored earlier, the overuse or misuse of a word can deem it meaningless when we need it most. Saying sorry too much can demise the act of a sincere apology when needed.

Four Actions speak louder than words Respond with actions not words. Find an appropriate solution to a challenge through resolution which allows you to move forward.

One Replace the word “sorry”

Five Get support

There are many ways that you can attract a person’s attention before making a request – from a wave, friendly smile or “excuse me”.

If you find yourself racked with guilt and shame even when you’ve done nothing wrong, you may need to take a different approach and find ways to express what you truly mean. Professional support through coaching may be helpful for addressing underlying self-worth issues or a history of trauma.

Express your gratitude with a simple “thank you for listening to me” rather than “sorry, I’m boring you” this allows both people to feel happy, appreciated and heard.

Acknowledge another’s expectations with appreciation rather than apology. “Thanks for your patience”, “thanks for waiting for me”, “thanks for your call”.

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

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

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We are all perfectly imperfect beings, therefore you do not have to apologise for being you, for having a bad day or for things outside of your control.

Flip the script and shift your perspective from a negative to a positive approach – here’s how:

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

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Two Embrace your imperfections

Remember, there are still plenty of times in life when a sincere and heartfelt apology is what’s most needed, but let’s be mindful of falling into the trap of chronic over-apologising for being you.

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

Poppy

Duke

Primrose

Millie

Aussie

r e n cor Ollie

Tanssi

Candy

Harry Potter

Tilka ‘keeks’

our best friends Do you want to place a photo of your dog in Canine Corner ?

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Mountain Millie Photos & Words by Ken Roberts

I’m sure it’s a trick how time passes, seemingly slowly but then you look up and suddenly it has whizzed past and so many changes have happened!

I have unconsciously looked at a mountain that looms prominently in my landscape all my life. It has always sat silently in the background of my vision but is now more prominent as the view outside my bedroom window.

It is called Ben Cruachan, named by Scottish explorer Malcolm MacFarlane in 1847 after a mountain in Argyll, Scotland. It rises 836 metres and is located about 25 km northwest of Maffra.

The most striking thing in my memory about Ben Cruachan was always ‘the gap’. As I grew up you could always look up and see a large gap, like a missing tooth, dead centre in the middle of the top of the mountain. I can remember as a young boy accompanying my dad and uncle as they went up there for some reason and I suddenly found myself ‘standing’ in the gap. It must have been quite significant to me as the memory holds strong.

I learnt later that the gap was cut to make a helipad for fire fighting. As time passed by I forgot about it and then at some stage looked up and the gap was gone! In the 50 years or more fire fighting techniques had changed and the helipad was no longer needed and so had been allowed to regenerate.

Now you can’t really even discern a bump where the gap had been. Ben Cruachan is now so prominent in my daily life and I see it all the time. I remember the gap but I now appreciate more the beauty of the mountain and the surrounding wilderness.

My friends Chris and Trev are avid members of the Ben Cruachan Walking Club, which still has the gap in their official logo. When they said they were going on a drive up there to check out access after the recent fires Millie and I eagerly accepted their invitation to join them.

Though it’s accessible by road it is a little more ‘adventurous’ than I would feel comfortable driving and so it was the perfect opportunity to go along for the ride and make a return after half a century.

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On the way I mentioned that, even though it is so close to home, it is maybe 30 years since I had visited another local site, ‘The Channel’, up the back of Newry. I had been there in my twenties and remember visiting and swimming in this glorious place but had never returned. They graciously took a detour and we made our way there. I recalled that it was just a quick drive up a local road and you were there, but my memory failed me. We drove up and down and around a rough winding and badly marked road to finally get to the carpark and campsite. I’m sure the steep and lengthy walk down to the river wasn’t there in my youth!

My memory of the place though remained strong as we arrived at the gorge of sandstone cliffs overlooking the channel with the softly meandering Avon River below. When in flood the then mighty Avon River rips through this channel as a raging torrent. On this moody day with Millie at my side I could recall the blazing sun of that summer’s day decades ago as my cousin and I swam in the cool, clear pools below. My friends had been here before as there are networks of walking tracks through the region that link up to other scenic spots such as Huggetts Crossing, Green Hill and Dermody’s Camp. It is a bush walker’s paradise for all different levels of ability and easily accessible.

After our diversion we headed off again towards Ben Cruachan. Next stop was Pearson’s Point, a drivable but steep viewpoint over the lush Macalister irrigation district. The escarpment gives grand sweeping views across the vast plain below with a wonderful vista of Lake Glenmaggie. The nooks and crannies in the rocky outcrops reminded me of Hanging Rock.

There was so much to see and it’s the perfect vantage point to try to pick out local landmarks. Next visit I must bring binoculars!

Off we drove on our quest. We didn’t see another car or person, though the area is popular it’s a little off the beaten track. It’s fortunate to still find some places that are not overrun with people. We stopped for a cloudy view of the back of Ben Cruachan, a totally different aspect to what I usually see.

Next stop was Mount Hedrick, a lovely walk through bush tracks to more rocky outcrops and another marvellous panorama.

The Avon Wilderness really is an understated wonder of Gippsland that is not always appreciated as much as some other higher profile areas. It’s a hidden gem. Millie was totally comfortable in her mountain climbing and viewing, she was a natural! She loves a ramble through the bush.

As we drove deeper and higher into the region we began to see the effects of the recent bushfires. The intensity of the fires was evident with scorched earth and charred trees.

We finally arrived at the start of the climb to the top of Ben Cruachan. It was a steeper drive with sharp ditches at times made for rain run off. It was slow and steady going until we were stopped by a section of the track that was all soft clay and a bog waiting to happen. We left the car and walked the last kilometre or so to the top. Surrounded by the blackened bush and the smell of the burnt landscape it was easy to imagine the fury of the fire that had roared through the bush.

Though sad to see the destruction caused it was heartening to see so many signs of recovery and the beginning of regrowth.

As we finally walked up the last incline to the car park at the very top it was amazing to see that the post and rail fences and log picnic seats there had remarkably survived unburnt!

Climbing up the rock pile to the very top I was a little disappointed that the tree canopy wouldn’t allow me a view down below so that I could try to see my house, impossible as that would be. I was quite amazed that I was actually at the top. I wondered how few people ever had the opportunity to get there. It was a really wonderful and achievable goal.

As always the return trip seemed to just fly by and it felt like no time at all that I was back home. I stood in my backyard staring up at Ben Cruachan in disbelief. It was hard to fathom that I had been right to the top and was now looking up at it from below. Millie, as usual, was a wonderful travelling companion. No complaints and always eager to explore and be a part of yet another adventure in our fantastic Gippsland home. Where to next Millsy?

Millie

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animals

A MOST UNNATURAL FRIENDSHIP ‘Pepper’ the cat and ‘Cotton’ the rabbit enjoying a quiet moment together on the couch.

By John Turner B.Social Welfare, Master International & Community Development, GAICD

Cats may be cuddly and endearing but they also are the best hunters of any species big or small. In Australia they prey upon our small indigenous mammals, rats, mice, birds, rabbits, snakes and indeed anything that is relatively small and available.

It is estimated that every day cats kill more than a million birds adding up to a massive 377 million birds a year! Of these about 61 million are killed by domestic cats and some 316 million by feral cats. The domestic cat is very powerful for its size and when it pounces it is like releasing a pent-up spring - very fast indeed. Suffice to say your average dear little moggy is without doubt a very formidable hunter as many a dead mouse will bear testimony to.

This brings me to a rather unusual occurrence. Recently my grandchildren acquired a lop-eared rabbit that they named Cotton; it is small, fluffy and rather endearing and makes appreciative noises whenever it is stroked.

The fact that the grandchildren bought a rabbit is of no surprise as this is a family which has a variety of pets, namely a dog, a cat, guinea pigs and all sorts of chickens; the addition of a rabbit to the menagerie was only to be expected.

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What was totally unexpected is the relationship that has developed between their cat ‘Pepper’ and the rabbit ‘Cotton’. In short, they have become the best of pals with Cotton following Pepper all around the house from the moment she arrived.

They are constant companions. It appears she is completely oblivious to the fact that cats usually regard rabbits as a rather tasty morsel.

Pepper, after being somewhat bemused by Cotton’s complete disregard for her own safety and wellbeing, has clearly decided that she is both too cute and too courageous to be served up as a meal.

I hope it stays that way otherwise the grandchildren will be upset.

(By the way, if you have a cat best keep it indoors to protect the birds, particularly if you live in an urban or rural environment or are close to any parkland.)

John Turner B.Social Welfare, Master International & Community Development, GAICD

opinion

BAD LAW IS IN NOBODY’S INTEREST

There is a growing trend throughout the Gippsland Coast and other Victorian coastal areas for local councils to enact by-laws that severely restrict dogs’ presence on our beaches or ban them altogether.

In recent times this has occurred in the Bass Coast township of Inverloch.

There was such a furore at the time that the council were forced to make some modifications to the restrictions they sought to impose.

Inverloch’s beaches are a significant community asset and are a major drawcard not only for holiday makers but also for those people making the lifestyle shift. Many of these people come to Inverloch for the very reason that they are able to bring their dogs with them and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach. This is not only pleasant and therapeutic in a psychological sense but it is also highly beneficial exercise especially for older members of our community such as myself.

Given that the restrictions have now been in place for some time, it is perhaps a good time to revisit the original decision in terms of its implementation and impact. The main arguments put forward for those that supported the restrictions were a) dogs were a nuisance on the beach; b) dogs posed a physical threat to other users on the beach; and c) dogs fouled the beach with dog poo posing a health risk; and finally that dogs posed a threat to wildlife in environmentally sensitive areas.

At the time little to no evidence was provided to support these arguments, I attended a number of public forums and I and others asked for evidentiary information but none was ever provided. These forums were essentially ‘fact free’ zones full of emotion and unsubstantiated comment.

The implementation of the restrictions has been characterised by poor and often confusing signage that is largely ignored. In fact at any time of the day or period in the year you will find dog owners with their dogs in areas where they are not supposed to be or off leash in areas where dogs are required to be on leash. A law that is mostly ignored, poorly administered and poorly explained is bad law and brings the legal authority into disrepute.

Personally I and I suspect most other dog owners have absolutely no concerns about keeping a dog on a leash on the beach except for very specific areas deemed suitable for off leash activity. I and most dog owners that I know, fully accept that it is their responsibility to pick up their dog’s poo and to dispose of it responsibly. What I do not accept is, under these conditions where dogs are leashed and where owners do the right thing, that the dogs pose any ongoing environmental threat to the beaches or are a nuisance to the people using them. Take a look on any clear day at the number of people walking their dogs from or near the Inverloch jetty to Screw Creek to see just how many people in Inverloch feel the same way. Ill-disposed of plastic bottles cigarette butts and other litter pose a much greater threat to our beaches than dogs.

What any decent council should be doing is ‘nudging’ people to do the right thing by providing facilities such as dog poo bag dispensers and poo disposal bins in accessible areas. Improving the signage and making evidence based decisions. After all they do collect a considerable sum in dog licence fees.

At present Inverloch hosts a large number of ‘law breakers’ who are generally decent and reasonable people.

What do you the reader think?

John Turner B.Social Welfare, Master International & Community Development, GAICD

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Tommy Norton entering Cunninhame Arm

KEEPING OUR HOW IS IT ACHIEVED

The Gippsland Lakes is home to Victoria’s largest commercial fishing fleet, servicing commercial offshore exploration vessels and popular recreational boating location, contributing over $200m annually to the region. The progress of the new dredge has been fascinating, some thought it would never happen; others certain that finally, after many temporary fixes, the iconic Entrance, the only link from Gippsland Lakes to Bass Strait, would finally have a purpose built dredge. But why is it called ‘Tommy Norton’?

We should travel back to the mid-19th century, sail and steam still powered vessels plying the coastal fringes, rivers and lakes, the major means of transportation both cargo and personnel. There was then a navigable channel between the lakes and the ocean, the paddle steamer PS ‘Thomas Norton’ was one of the pilot tugs used to tow and navigate sail and steam vessels through this treacherous stretch of water.

Built in 1859, the PS ‘Tommy Norton’, as she was affectionately known, was brought to the Gippsland Lakes by the newly formed ‘Gippsland Lakes Navigation Company’ in 1864. After some thirteen years of work in these treacherous waters and towing endless vessels though the ever changing passage, on 26th October 1877, just 2 years before the Artificial Entrance was completed, between 6:00 and 7:00 pm, the PS ‘Tommy Norton’ was wrecked on the western spit of the entrance location. The paddle steamer was ruthlessly pounded by relentless waves, but held on to ensure no lives were lost:

Excerpt Gippsland Times (Vic) ‘The Wreck of the Tommy Norton’ published 2nd November 1877 “And now the latest proof (Ed: of the need for the new entrance) is the complete wreck of the steamer Thomas Norton, the most useful vessel the Gippsland Steam Navigation Company possessed for the navigation of the lakes between Sale and Bairnsdale while the Entrance was closed, and as a pilot boat while the channel was open. She has now gone to pieces at the Entrance, and her remains whatever may be left of her, belong to some insurance society”.

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So there you are, a fitting name for the new dredge which will once more be, to quote the Gippsland Times of 1877

“the most useful vessel possessed for the navigation of the lakes between Sale and Bairnsdale”.

Since the turn of the century many options have been used to maintain the vital navigable channel of the Entrance, for commercial and private craft.

At times it has become almost unnavigable due to silting, so continued dredging is required. Comparisons of former dredges with the new Tommy Norton may be of interest to ‘old seas dogs’ and us ‘landlubbers’.

DREDGES AT LAKES ENTRANCE NAME

PERIOD OF USE

TYPE

Wombat Pioneer Priestmna W.H. Edgar Paynesville Sandpiper Mathew Flinders April Hamer Melbourne Kalimna Pelican Tommy Norton

1879 - 1928 1906 - uncertain Pre 1908 - 1963 1922 - 1936 1936 - 1963 1963 - 2005 Circa 1970 1979 - 2011 2006 - 2007 2007- Present 2008 - 2016 Oct 2017 - current

Bucket Suction Grab Side Suction Suction Cutter Suction Trailing Suction Hopper Side Casting Cutter Section Dredge Cutter Section Dredge Trailing Suction Hopper Trailing Suction Hopper

Tommy Norton is the latest in a long line of vessels undertaking dredging works in the area. We all recall the April Hamer, she worked at Lakes Entrance and without her intervention sand would have closed access to Bass Strait.

Despite this the entrance was slowly being blocked by sand being washed into its mouth by tide and current flow from the lakes system often made worse by winds. It was highly dangerous, indeed treacherous to navigate especially at low tide and impacted the fishing fleet using Lakes Entrance as home port. The waters in the vicinity of the entrance were blamed for many nautical mishaps.

April Hamer at Work | 1998

LAKES ALIVE

AND BY WHOM? COMPARISON OF DREDGES

Built Builder Build Location Tonnage Length OA Width Depth Draft Loaded No. Engines Engine Types

APRIL HAMER

PELICAN TOMMY NORTON originally Stevin 5702

1976 Carrington Slipways Newcastle 510 39.37m 11m 3.64m 1.76m Two Caterpillar

1979 Scheepswerf Stapel Spaarndam 1058 62.62m 11.21m 4.27m 3.71m Two Smit-Boines

2017 Damien Yichang China 1097 gross 60.4m 12m 4m 3.15m Two Caterpillar C18 Acert

D379TA

3DNL 150/600

2 x 1300mm fixed pitch props in nozzles Bow Thruster Caterpilalr C12 254KW

1504KW 7.1 965 cu m 13.2m - ext 20m

1148KW 9.6 Knots 750 cu m 15m

Total Power 1722KW Speed Loaded Hopper Volume 0 Derdging Depth

by John Munns Perhaps not with the most pleasing lines, nevertheless part of the town for 34 years, now part of history being replaced in 2008, (although stored in North Arm until 2011). April Hamer, (after Premier Hamer's wife), was of interest to many mariners and seafarers for the role she played for so long keeping the entrance open as best she could. April Hamer, was not able to keep pace with the sand in the entrance effectively, was old, in need of re-fit/repair and being a side casting dredge only able to move sand a comparatively short distance.

Enter the Pelican, a contracted Hopper Dredge, as its name suggests able to suck up sand and place it out at sea away from the entrance east or west dependent on the conditions. Pelican was often seen in the main channel and in the entrance approaches removing sand maintaining a navigable channel. Lacking some power compared to the April Hamer, Pelican was limited from time to time due to prevailing weather, and contracted annually (approx 6 weeks) after an initial extended period to clear the silted entrance.

The Pelican was distinctive when moored at Bullock Island with her split hull clearly visible at the bow, when working the Narrows towards Kalimna Jetty she made an impressive sight especially at dusk. After working the entrance for eight years, was aging not too gracefully, and in need of replacement, reliability, cost and effectiveness being cited. After much negotiating and political pressure monies were made available for a vessel to be built capable of successfully maintaining the waters of the Gippsland Lakes, and more especially the Entrance.

Specifications of April Hamer and Pelican are comparable with those of the Tommy Norton, which was designed with the shortcomings of both previous dredges in mind and specifically for this region’s conditions.

Capable of dredging to depths of 15 meters, the dredge has been built with self-emptying capabilities with bottom doors for dumping and the choice of either a bow connection or rainbow expulsion for beach reclamation work.

The Kalimna, remiss not to mention, a purpose built smaller cutter dredge commissioned by Gippsland Ports to manage the sand transfer system in Reeve Channel and The Narrows since 2007.

Kalimna Dredge in Reeves Channel

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The Pelican and pelicans

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Entrance silting up | 2006

April Hamer bow with Discharge Pipe

Able to connect to the sand movement system of pipes which distributes sand out to sea on either side of the entrance dependent of tidal drift. If too far from the pumping station she is often seen with a booster pumping station. The Kalimna and its booster pump unit was specifically built for the Gippsland Lakes and is able to dredge in locations not accessible to larger vessels, also able to remove the sand by way of the sand transfer system.

Tommy Norton was funded by the Victorian Government is owned and operated by Gippsland Ports on behalf of the State to perform maintenance dredging at Lakes Entrance. Specifically configured for the task at hand to maintain navigable ocean access, and ensuring a safer more reliable entry to the Gippsland Lakes, effectively increasing maritime traffic and economic benefit to the region.

Dredging activities are under stringent environmental controls, ensuring the important environmental values of the Gippsland Lakes are protected. To achieve this Tommy Norton has been modified increasing propulsion power to manage the strong currents encountered.

Damen Shipyards Group is a leading builder of hopper dredgers, its vessels found all over the world. A Netherlands based company with shipyards in China, Tommy Norton is the first Damen dredger built for Australia and sailing on her own keel to final destination.

The Tommy Norton is a great asset to the region and will I am sure, successfully be on station for many years. When you are next enjoying the Gippsland Lakes, just spare a thought for the crews of all the dredges that have kept our iconic lakes system alive all these years. “For those in peril on the sea�

Sources: Dredging Point.org / Dredging Today.com / Damen.com Gippsland Ports.vic.gov.au / POI Australia, Ship Spotting.com / Gippsland Ports Info Sheet: www.marinebusiness.com.au/news. : Ships Nostalgia: Image Tommy Norton in Shipyards and Launch courtesy of Damen.com Photography by John Munns

To minimise disruption to the local ecosystem, an anti-turbidity valve is fitted on the overflow reducing air bubbles and visible plumage in the water.

Additional features include an indication package measuring soil density, allowing the suction pipe to be angled precisely and accurately. Dredging is more efficient using a navigational dredging aid, NavGuard, indicating the area and quantity of substrate dredged. To increase payload capacity when dredging sand with high specific density, Damen has reduced the freeboard and applied a dredge mark.

Building commenced June 28, 2016, construction progressed steadily on schedule, the keel laid in September 2016 and she was launched in April 2017. After successful sea trials off Shanghai, she sailed on 14th July, with seven Damen crew lead by Captain Martin van Krieken, approximately 5,000 nautical miles over approximately 30 days to Australia, calling in Guam for bunkering and to load fresh supplies.

PS -Tommy Norton on Bar 21 Mar 1877

Tommy Norton in water

Fishing boat passes Pelican

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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 WINERY – WHEN DO YOU ADD THE CHERRIES TO THE WINE BASS STRAIT – PURE SOUTHERN BEEF BLUE HILLS RISE – CRANBOURNE EAST CAPTIAN’S LOUNGE RESTAURANT – INVERLOCH CITRUS & VINE RESTAURANT – PHILLIP ISLAND JINDI CAF – JINDIVICK LEONGATHA RSL LITTLE RED DUCK CAFÉ & GENERAL STORE | NOOJEE HOTEL MOO’S AT MEENIYAN MOUNTAIN VIEW LEONGATHA PHILLIP ISLAND RSL - COWES ROSEDALE BUTCHERS ROYAL HOTEL DROUIN SPORTING LEGENDS OF SALE THE CAPE TAVERN – CAPE PATERSON THE CHEQUE – THE CAPE TAVERN THE STORE – PHILLIP ISLAND VILLAGE FEAST JINDIVICK

Gippsland lifestyle / coast /country A: PO Box 862, Wonthaggi 3995 P: 0404 301 333 E: thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au W: www.gippslandlifestyle.com facebook.com/lifestylegippsland instagram | g_the_lifestyle

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

Bar The Royal Hotel Drouin still offers fantastic country service and the atmosphere of a truly great local pub… 120 years and counting!

Public Bar Bottle Shop

11am - Late 11am - Late

(Tuesday - Sunday) (Monday - Sunday)

Dining Our new menu is jam packed with awesome dishes from your favourite pub classics to Springa’s hand picked specials. Book a table for lunch or dinner, or pop in for a cold beer and some tasty bar snacks!

Lunch Dinner Dinner

12:00pm - 2pm 5:30pm - 8pm 5:30pm - 8:30pm

(Monday - Sunday) (Sunday - Thursday) (Friday - Saturday)

From the exciting new menu to the freshly renovated function rooms and accommodation, the Royal Hotel Drouin is through and through a brilliant meeting place for food, drinks and a great time.

Got a function coming up? You can’t beat the Royal Hotel Drouin, give us a call today!

Functions Parties, seminars, receptions, birthdays, weddings, conferences, wakes… you need it, we’ll provide it! Our function rooms are ideal for any kind of occasion, small or large.

Give us a call today and let’s start planning your next function!

Accommodation Planning a function with guests travelling from afar? Our newly renovated rooms are just what you need! Put up your guests for the night, or have a room to retire to once the festivities have ended!

MIDWEEK FROM $70-$140 PN

The Royal Hotel Drouin 2/4 Main S Road, Drouin VIC 3818 | Phone (03) 5625 1620

theroyalhoteldrouin.com.au

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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

Maida Anderson, Mark Kestigian and Pauline Mason from the Baw Baw Shire

THE

Jordon Ziero with Jersey dairy cow from Gippsland Jersey Milk

Village Feast JINDIVICK

The Village Feast.

A one-day event in Jindivick showcasing the incredible produce and people of Gippsland, as part of Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.

A percentage of all ticket sales went towards Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.

Photography by Wendy Morriss

Oz Fresh Herbs and Produce, Warragul

Blackhearts and Sparrows wine purveyors

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Maria Antonie from St Fiacres Farm, Neerim South

Little Bumble Food Wraps

Andy McCarthy from Gippsland Solar and Steve Ronalds

Sallie Jones and Matt Moran in Jindivick

Shannon Martinez is the Village Feast Greengrocer

Craig Johnson, owner of Loch Distillery and Seb Costello, owner of Bad Frankie

Assistant with Michelle Cann from String and Salt, Warragul

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Young boy holding a lamb in the animal nursery

Superstar chef Matt Moran with Susan Goodwin owner of the Jindi Caf and Restaurant

THE

Village Feast JINDIVICK

Baw Baw Shire councillors Michael Leaney and Peter Kostos

Renowned specialty butcher Troy Wheeler from Meatsmith, Melbourne is the Jindivick Butcher

Gippsland’s Sallie Jones and Steve Ronalds outside the milk bar with their own Gippsland product

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Well-known chef Trevor Perkins from Hogget Kitchen

Tessa Benn owner of River Mint Print, hand screen printed and sewn in Gippsland

Karl and Janice Duckworth from Sunnyhurst Garlic, Buln Buln

Country-style Restaurant

EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTIFUL ROLLING GREEN HILLS OF JINDIVICK AND VIEWS OF MOUNT BAW BAW FROM THE FAMILY AND PET FRIENDLY OUTDOOR DINING AREA

• TAKEAWAY • RESTAURANT MEALS • BYO • HOMEMADE DESSERTS • GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS • FRIENDLY SERVICE • BOOKING ONLINE • MENUS ONLINE • LOYALTY CARDS Sunday Roast with all the home style roast essentials. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment

OPENING HOURS: 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Thurs 8.00am to 5.00pm • Fri - Sat 8.00 am to 8.30pm • Sun 8.00 am to 4.00pm 1055 Jacksons Track, Jindivick, Vic 3818 www.jindivick.com.au

Tel: 5628 5227

Like us on Facebook

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WHILE IN NOOJEE COME AND VISIT THE NOOJEE HOTEL PH 5628 9514

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 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 PHILLIP ISLAND RSL MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM TO 1AM SUNDAY 10AM TO MIDNIGHT

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

WHEN DO YOU ADD

That is often a question experienced at our cellar door in South Gippsland. The short and long answer is: NO! Wine flavours and aromas are natural. So how does wine replicate aromas as diverse and interesting as cherry, vanilla, chocolate, butter, mushrooms, lime, honey and raspberries?

It’s the magic and mystery of fermentation. When the yeast starts consuming the grape sugars, converting sugars into alcohol, thousands of chemical compounds produce reactions and in unique combinations that resonate to produce structure and is aromatic to other foods or objects or aromas that we have identified and labeled over a lifetime.

You sniff a glass and smell citrus. You sniff again and you smell cut-grass.

So on one level, when a reviewer is picking up a hint of berry, they might actually be identifying a berry compound. There are hundreds of these compounds, called esters. Differences in grapes, in fermentation yeasts, in barrel choices and in many other winemaking decisions can all affect the way these flavours and aromas present themselves. Most times the wine maker steers the fermentation process to focus on specific aromas in the finished wine. The fermentation processes which may include refrigeration, aerating the must, extended skin contact, stalk contact, carbonic fermentation, unique fermentation vessels, temperature of fermentation, native v’s commercial yeast, and many, many more alternatives all assist in directing the end result in the desired direction for the wine maker.

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THE CHERRIES TO WINE?

By Frank Butera

There is no right or wrong answer in smelling a specific aroma in wine; the same can be said for tasting the wine. This reflects the fact that the Australian Wine Judging system often has 3 – 5 judges per wine tasting panel and it is the combined score of the panel that rates the wine.

There are over 250 different identifiable aromatics that may be identified in wine, some include the following: Fresh Fruits: Apple, Apricot, Banana, Cherry, Currants, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cranberry, Citrus, Fig, Grapefruit, Melon, Orange Peel, Peach, Pear, Plums, Raspberry, Strawberry; Flowers: Asparagus, Lavender, Leather, Rose, Tarragon, Tobacco, Velvet, Violet, Peppermint, Mint, Flower, Herbaceous, Mushroom; Others: Earthy, Butter, Cigar box, Cedar, Gamey, Honey, Meat, Mineral, Musk, Pencil Shavings, Stone, Smoky, Toast.

Detailed next are a few flavours that may be detected in Gippsland wines.

Blackberries are soft, black-coloured fruit, commonly found during summer months. They can be eaten fresh, cooked in puddings or made into jam. As a wine reference, blackberry belongs in the black fruit category, alongside similarly sweet and tart soft fruits, such as blackcurrants, blueberries and black plums and based on their appearance, blackberries are closely related to raspberries. Although raspberries are considered more tart in taste and less firm in texture.

Cherries have a distinctive fruit character. When it comes to wine tasting notes, it maybe useful to distinguish between different cherry forms and flavours. There are both sweet and sour cherries. Red cherries are seen as part of the red fruit flavour profile, and black cherries are included in the black fruit category. In both of these, cherries might be seen as not so sweet or tart as the berries, yet more concentrated than fleshy plums, for example. Young Pinot Noir wines can show a range of cherry flavours from red to black.

Sometimes tasting notes might specify ‘black plum’ or ‘dark plum’, denoting richer and sweeter flavours.

Cloves are the dried flower buds of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia, commonly used as an aromatic cooking ingredient. Cloves are not added during regular winemaking practices, but the impression of them might be created during oak-ageing. Clove notes can come from an aroma compound called eugenol, which is found in both oak and cloves.

Eucalyptus normally associated with Australian wines, eucalypt, mint, and camphor aromas can be found in other wines too, including Argentinian Cabernet Franc. This is due to the compound 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol. Studies have shown that vineyards with a closer proximity to eucalyptus trees have a higher incidence of the chemical in the wine, and a stronger note of eucalypt. Eucalpytol is transmitted through the air onto grape skins, which are then fermented into wine, giving the distinct character.

Vanilla is one of the most frequent tasting notes applied to wines, and it belongs to the sweet spice category. It can be found in red or white wines, usually as an aroma instead of a taste. Vanilla notes are usually generated during the ageing process of wine in oak barrels, typically and younger barrels rather than older. In this sense it is identified as a tertiary aroma, as it is produced by wine ageing.

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

Citrus is defined by high acidity and fresh fruit flavour; characteristics that can be found in many white wines. Although wine may not reach the acidity level of, say, lemonade, it can have a strong acidic structure that recalls sharpness of fresh lemon, lime or grapefruit on the nose and palate. It may also be found alongside comments such as ‘mineral’ or ‘steely’, because certain high acidity wines can feel almost hard-edged in the mouth.

Accompanying notes of more sour fruits, like green apples or pears. In wine, citrus is categorised as a primary aroma, because it relates to the flavour of the grapes themselves as opposed to winemaking or ageing processes.

Plum is often hard to define as single position because it can appear to span stone fruit, red fruit and black fruit categories, depending on the variety and its level of freshness and ripeness. It is commonly associated with fuller red wines particularly in their younger years.

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THE CAPE TAVERN MARKET PLACE & SURF BEACH RD CAPE PATERSON 3995 PH: 5623 2211 WB: THECAPETAVERN.COM

THE LOOK

The building sits across the road from the foreshore. Shaped like a Pippies shell and sculpted from sandstone blocks the curved front is all glass with a flat roof to let it sit unassumingly in its coastal holiday house surrounds. It is essentially a one room building with a short section of the bar partitioned to create a bottle shop area which is the prized domain of the owner. Outdoor dining is available across the front of the building behind a low wall.

THE FEEL

THE TASTE

The menu is good but the specials menu holds all the real interest.

It shows the chef has a creative flair and knows the sophistication of his clientele. I selected from both regular and special menus.

HOMEMADE DUCK SPRING ROLLS Crunchy, juicy and packed with delicate duck flesh an impressive lack of wonton wrapping highlights the delicacy of the package. Nice sweet spice and lemongrass makes for a punchy little package.

Bistro to the max baby! One wall is glass and one wall is bar and servery with the jigsaw of table configurations in between. It’s a serious food and beverage focus. Not the place I would go for a booze up but that comes from knowing your market and giving them what they want. It’s a holiday town, people want to come out for an easy meal with the kids and go back to the beach house to relax and socialise.

FRENCH CHICKEN AND LEEK PIE WITH MARRA CHEDDAR Creamy chicken rests in the pie dish entwined with a powerfully flavoured cheddar. The flaky lid has great elasticity and chew. Hearty and decadent, a killer winter dish which leaves the fluffy white chips and tangy salad as a refreshing compliment

THE CREW

VANILLA PANNA COTTA Exceptionally dense yet wobbly panna that has a marvellous vanilla flavour that is perfectly simple in its cream and vanilla bean purity. Ice cream on the side is like having the joker as Batman’s sidekick. A ripper dessert.

Michael Turton and his wife Sue own the tavern and the bar was worked the evening I went by his son Daniel. The kitchen is headed up by Brent Davis. Michael has long been involved in liquor and hospitality in the Wonthaggi and Dalyston area and is well qualified to lead this professional team. He is the reason the wine list is so good and reasonably priced. It has something for everyone with a great local bias and the markups are very fair.

THE SERVICE

Staff are smiling and efficient; the meals came to the table quickly and it was a well oiled machine. Speed is assisted by customers ordering at the servery and going to the bar to get their own drinks.

THE PRICE

Duck Spring Rolls $17.50. Chicken Pie $28.00. Panna Cotta $13.00.

1 pot of Little Creatures Pale Ale $5.70. 1 glass of Watershed Rose $8.00. Total $72.20

THE WASH

A Restaurant that sticks to its guns. Showcasing Gippsland produce with no compromise. Rush down to enjoy a true Gippy experience. P.S. I hear the breakfast is a blinder!

Get In there.

Review by Stuart Hay

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LOCATED IN THE HEART OF CAPE PATERSON NEW OUTDOOR LICENSED DINING AREA BISTRO – A GOOD VARIETY OF DISHES WITH SPECIALS CHANGING DAILY BAR – A GREAT SELECTION OF BOUTIQUE BEERS AND CIDER BOTTLESHOP SPECIALISING IN LOCAL WINES REGULAR EVENTS INCLUDES MUSIC USING LOCAL MUSICIANS CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR LATEST NEWS & EVENTS

Market Place Surf Beach Rd CAPE PATERSON, VIC 3995 Ph: (03) 5674 8122 w w w.th ec a p eta ver n .c om visit our facebook page

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LEONGATHA RSL •

BISTRO OPEN 7 DAYS

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

Members Discounts

Seniors Meals

Members Happy Hour

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

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

NORMAL TRADING HOURS

LEONGATHA RSL CONTACTS

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

OFFICE: RECEPTION: BISTRO:

12AM - 10PM 10AM - 10PM 10AM - 10PM 10AM - 11PM 10AM - 11PM 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

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FROM BABYCINOS TO WINE AT CITRUS & VINE A NEW PHILLIP ISLAND RESTAURANT CATERS FOR ALL, FROM YOUNG TO OLD

BY LIA SPENCER

A NEW family-friendly restaurant on Phillip Island is proving to be a huge hit with residents and visiting tourists.

Citrus and Vine is the brainchild of mother and daughter duo, Janet Tongue and Sarah Pedersen.

After spending several years holidaying on Phillip Island, the two hatched a plan to start their own restaurant. This year, their vision came true.

“Mum had a café in Bayswater ten years ago that I used to manage while I studied to be a teacher,” Sarah said. “Mum and dad eventually sold the café, and when my husband (former Melbourne Demons player Cameron Pedersen) retired, we decided to move to Cowes and jump in at the deep end.

“We love it here. We love the space and the community feel that Cowes has. We wanted our kids to grow up on this beautiful, little island.”

Sarah said that while Cowes was a great place to raise a family, there weren’t many cafes or restaurants with indoor play areas for children.

So, after purchasing a café and completing some extensive renovations with the help of her dad Simon, Citrus and Vine opened its doors in February and caters to everyone, young and old.

The restaurant is split into two rooms, separated by a gorgeous sliding barn door handcrafted by

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Simon. One area has a huge indoor playground suitable for all ages, the other area caters to diners without children. It features a gorgeous lounge where guests can enjoy a cuppa and cake or sip on something a bit stronger. Head waiter and cocktail extraordinaire, Filipe, makes an impressive list of drinks in Paddy’s Bar, which was named after Sarah’s grandfather.

“We wanted to cater to everyone. We cater for babies onwards, and even include baby mash on the menu. The kids’ zone is divided into three areas – a gated baby area, a big play area and a sitting area where kids can watch a movie or draw,” Sarah said.

“The other room caters to retirees or people who don’t have kids and want to enjoy another space without the noise. We also wanted people who sat in the lounge area to feel like they were relaxing in their own living room.”

Parents can enjoy a coffee or meal while their children attend Storytime, a weekly event conducted by Sarah every Thursday at 10am during winter.

Citrus and Vine are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have live music every Saturday night and have other special events during the year including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, AFL Grand Final and Melbourne Cup.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY will take place from 18 to 21 July featuring a three-course meal or regular menu.

Citrus and Vine can also host a range of functions including weddings, business lunches, corporate events, religious celebrations, birthday parties & more.

The restaurant is open

WINTER TRADING HOURS Mon|Tues|Wed - CLOSED private functions only Thursday from 10am until 9pm Friday from 10am until 10pm Saturday from 10am until 11pm LIVE MUSIC and Sundays from 10am until 5pm BREAKFAST: 10am until 11.30am Bookings are recommended.

To learn more, visit Citrus and Vine at 2185 Phillip Island Road, Cowes or give them a call on 5909 0906.

Opening Hours Monday-Friday 8am-5pm | Saturday and Sunday 8am-3pm Phone 03 5956 8437 | Address 511 Ventnor Rd, Ventnor | Web www.thestorephillipisland.com.au Photographs kindly supplied by Georgia Butterfield

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 thelifestyle winter 2019

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COURTESY BUS Wednesday and Friday nights

MEMBERS’ DRAWS Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays

VENUE OPENING TIMES Monday-Thursday 9am -12am | Friday-Saturday 9am- 1am | Sunday 10am-11pm

RAFFLES Friday nights 30 great prizes Wednesday nights

FUNCTION ROOMS TAB | Café | Bistro & our Kids Club

LEGENDS THYME ON YORK | BISTRO HOURS Monday-Sunday Lunch 12pm-2pm | Dinner 5:30pm- 8:30pm

233-235 YORK ST, SALE, VIC, 3850 | PHONE: (03) 5143 2345

www.sportinglegends.com.au

moo’s at meeniyan restaurant & café

SOUTH GIPPSLAND’S TOP FOOD, WINE & SERVICE BREKKIE | LUNCH | DINNER | TAPAS, COFFEE & CAKE moo’s at meeniyan | 89 whitelaw street, meeniyan vic 3956 Phone: (03) 5664 0010 | Email: eat@moosatmeeniyan.com.au | visit www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au

Fantastic Live Music Carnival & Amusement Rides Delicious Food Stalls Roving Performances Art & Craft

VOLUNTEERS AT THE STREET FESTIVAL BACK: ANDREW WEST & JAIMIE PUGH FRONT: ADELE DONOHUE & MADDY PERRY - MAXIMA EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

BUSKER, JESS GEYER

FLAMIN’ SKEWERS

U C FOOD 2 G0 COOKED CALAMARI, PRAWNS & SEAFOOD

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at re !!!

G ay D DEELICIOUS DISHES

TERRY EARL SECRETARY OF WONTHAGGI BUSINESS & TOURISM ASSOCIATION

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LOCAL VOLUNTEER FARMERS GATHER WOOD AND BUILD THE BON FIRE STRUCTURE BEFORE IT IS IGNITED.

WARRAGUL WINTERFEST The Warragul Winterfest and Lantern Parade was the brain child of Donna Hallam, who was involved in a similar annual event in Warburton, where she lived 16 years ago. Having experienced great success and community excitement around the Warburton festival, she decided to bring the idea much closer to home. The first Warragul event debuted in 2015 and enthusiasm and anticipation has been growing each year, with an average of 1,500 attendees.

Donna, who has a background in community development, is the event coordinator of the Warragul Winterfest and Lantern Parade, but also coordinates Growing Together Baw Baw as well as a collection of community gardens around the shire. So, it made sense that the event would be held in the green parkland in front of Eastern Park Community Garden, “it’s a great space which has a lovely feel” she remarks.

Activities frequently offered at the Winterfest include the bonfire, story time, craft making, a bingo game, face painting, lantern parade, animal

2018 QUEEN WINTER, THE CHARMING TEIGAN BLISS

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farm, drumming workshops, garden activities, fire twirlers, local musicians and a range of food vans offering delicious fare. Donna explains, “we don’t think there are enough inexpensive family friendly events around, so we really wanted to offer a variety of activities free of charge”.

Donna particularly loves the community building activity of making the paper lanterns which begins in the six-week lead up to the Winterfest and Lantern Parade. Many Primary Schools, Kindergartens, Play Groups, and Scouts and Guides groups around the area participate in making lanterns and then bring them along on the night. Volunteers also conduct lantern making sessions at local libraries, the Warragul Community House and at the local farmer’s market.

Donna estimates the volunteers help make “well over 1000 lanterns per year”. The triangle paper lantern, based on a prototype trialled in Warburton, is the standard lantern made with children.

However, she states the group plan to run an advanced lantern making session, where people

FROM THE DROUIN LIBRARY, STORY TIME VIRTUOSO, MICHELLE LEWRY, WITH HER DAUGHTER, NINA

thelifestyle winter 2019

can create three dimensional shapes such as stars, moons and wings.

The bon fire proves a particular highlight on the night. “There’s something comforting about an old-fashioned community gathering around a bon fire” says Donna. She explains there is a real art to building the bon fire as local farmers spend a year gathering and drying the right type and shape of wood and then take around three and half hours to construct it on the night. “It has to be built a certain way for safety reasons, but it also looks great” Donna notes.

The group initially received a Baw Baw Shire grant in the first year of a few thousand dollars. But the event is gradually being more recognised and has started receiving donations and sponsorship from local businesses. Donna states that “a lot of creative artists are continually asked to do things for free. But we want to pay them as it is a matter of respect; even the younger kids who perform get paid”.

QUEEN WINTER AND HER FAITHFUL FAIRIES, ALANA HUNT AND KALEY WARD, LOOK GORGEOUS IN THEIR ENCHANTING COSTUMES

THE SILHOUETTES OF EVENT GOERS FRAME THE BON FIRE.

FAIRY LIGHTS, CANDLES, MUSIC, BONFIRES, LANTERNS AND FIRE TWIRLERS – A MAGICAL WAY TO CELEBRATE WINTER SOLSTICE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.

A BOBBING MOON LANTERN LOVINGLY CRAFTED BY A LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBER.

& LANTERN PARADE It has taken the group a couple of years to build up infrastructure for the event. For example, the band stage originally consisted of a lone piece of carpet on the ground, but now musicians are able to perform on a properly constructed stage. The group has also purchased a marquee with money donated by Rotary, the first aid stand was paid for

by Bendigo Bank, SEG Real Estate sponsored the animal farm and they’ve also received denotations (money and other items) from Office Choice and a local carpet shop.

Donna reports that when she first floated the idea of the Winterfest and Lantern Parade, she was overwhelmed by the encouragement and enthusiasm received from the public. She was particularly impressed by the calibre of volunteers who dedicated their time to the cause. During the first two years, many of the volunteers paid for items out of their own pockets, such as the craft materials for making lanterns.

“But this year we broke even; no-one was out-ofpocket” Donna proudly states, adding “Warragul

and surrounds is blessed with a lot of artistic and creative people and we have been fortunate to have many of them helping out with this event”.

Donna remarks that many locals she has met, have moved into the area rather than having originally grown up here, and are often looking for a sense of connection. She believes events such as the Winterfest and Lantern Parade fosters this and helps to build a community that everyone’s proud of. “A lot of people assume these events are the result of a top down approach, but it’s actually a grass roots movement led by neighbours” she emphasises. The group is very friendly, welcoming and respectful and as a result, their volunteer base is continually growing.

“Everyone works really hard and to praise efforts, we have a pot luck dinner a couple of weeks after the event to celebrate our volunteers” she states.

Many of the voluntary roles are offered up to anyone, however, the group particularly enjoy fostering the efforts of young people within the

SOME OF THE LOCAL MUSICIANS WHO ENTERTAINED THE CROWD LAST YEAR, BELLA HALLAM, JAY BIRCHALL AND GRAEME HANKS

BY RUTH WILLIAMS

community. For example, last year’s Queen Winter and the Fairies were from the local youth theatre and “we had two young local guys who were responsible for setting up the stage and running the music and PA system, who have since established a business setting up PA systems at gigs. We love encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit in young people”.

As the coordinator of Eastern Park Community Garden, Donna works outside and is intrinsically connected to nature. She particularly enjoys seeing the delight in children when they experience seasonal transformation and being in touch with the environment. Donna emphasises that “the idea of being outside in the dark at night is exhilarating and magical for kids. Even if the lanterns that kids make don’t look perfect in the light of day, maybe they’re a bit wonky with small rips and tears, but I guarantee you all lanterns look beautiful when lit up at night”.

All words and photographs by Ruth Williams.

LOCAL YOUNG MUSICIANS WHO PLAYED AT THE WINTERFEST, THE VERY TALENTED EVENT BELLA HALLAM, ANDEE LONG, LOGAN LONG AND SAMI COORDINATOR OF THE WARRAGUL COULTER. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAY BIRCHALL WINTERFEST AND LANTERN PARADE, DONNA HALLAM

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a ROOM of ONE’S OWN

by Virginia Woolf

A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN

BY VIRIGINIA WOOLF A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf is a gently challenging, provocative and intelligent reflection on a subject no one on this planet can avoid.

Sentient Theatre’s production breathes new life into the history of women and literature in this stage intellect, infusing “Aadaptation Room ofofOne’s Ownemotion is a mixwith of the artistry of our new generation of Virginia Woolf’s 1929 essay. Adapted argument technique. theatre makers with thewith wisenarrative and timeless work of a past genius A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN BY VIRGINIA WOOLFand IS directed by Peta Hanrahan, A combinedThis luminous, accessible Room of One’s Own Virginia Woolf […]byI was immersed by this play; every aspect was ofofthe highest quality.” production captures the beauty A GENTLY CHALLENGING, PROVOCATIVE AND features four performers – Anthea Woolf’s prose andTAGG the complexity of Lisa Romeo, Davis, Anna Kennedy, Jackson her ideas [and] gives her potent INTELLIGENT REFLECTION ON A SUBJECT NO ONE Trickett and Marissa O’Reilly – as words vivid voice.” aspects of Virginia Woolf’s mind in ON THIS PLANET CAN AVOID. Cameron Woodhead, The Age conversation with herself and the Adapted & Directed by Peta Hanrahan audience.

“A Room One’s Own is a mixJackson of Performed by Anthea Davis,ofMarissa O’Reilly, Trickett Sentient Theatre’s production breathes new life into the history of women the artistry of our new generation of & Anna Kennedy and literature in this stage adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s 1929 essay.

The work explores gender disparity theatre makers combined with the fromby an historical perspective, Set & Costume Design

by Dagmara Gieysztor wise and timeless work of a past Adapted and directed by Peta Hanrahan, A Room of One’s Own delivering the main themes and ideas genius […] Iby was immersed by this Sound Design David Thomson Virginia Woolf features four performers – Anthea Davis, Anna Kennedy, from the essay to present-day play; every aspect was of the highest Lighting Jackson Trickett and Marissa O’Reilly – as aspects of Virginia Woolf’s audiences, while keeping Woolf's quality.”Design by Paul Lim Image Credit: Henry Choo mind in conversation with herself and the audience. language intact and charming humour Lisa Romeo, TAGG alive.

Adapted & Directed by Peta Hanrahan Date: Friday August 23 at 8pm The work explores gender disparity from an historical perspective, “I say this without reservation: this is Performed by Anthea Davis, Marissa the most important work of my life, Location: delivering the main themes and ideas from the essay to present-day O’Reilly, The Wedge, Sale bringing the voice of Virginia Woolf Jackson & Anna Kennedy MoreTrickett Information: audiences, while keeping Woolf’s language intact and charming back to a contemporary audience. Her Set & Costume Design by Dagmara visit www.thewedge.com.au humour alive. logic and depth of insight changed Gieysztor everything for me when I was a young Sound Design by David Thomson and now I see around me, again, Lighting Design by Paul Lim “I say this without reservation: this is the most important work of artist my life, the urgent need for her words and Image Credit: Frith Kennedy bringing the voice of Virginia Woolf back to a contemporary audience.

Her for a new generation.” 100 Foster Street, Sale VIC 3850 philosophy Hanrahan, Director. logic and depth of insight changed everything for me when I was Peta a young

artist and now I see around me, again, the urgent need for her words and A Room of One’s Own by Virginia philosophy for a new generation.”

Woolf had a sold-out premiere season Peta Hanrahan, Director. at La Mama Courthouse in 2016.

Today, with gender equality campaigns such as Me Too, Time’s Up and NOW A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf had a sold-out premiere season at Australia, this accessible production La Mama Courthouse in 2016. Today, with gender equality campaigns such shines a light on our history with astounding as Me Too, Time’s Up and NOW Australia, this accessible production shines relevance to contemporary society.

a light on our history with astounding relevance to contemporary society.

“A Room of One’s Own [is] witty,

“A Room of One’s Own [is] witty, supple, and conducted in a spirit of and supple, conducted restless inquiry, anchoring emotion with intellect, infusing argument with in a spirit of restless inquiry, anchoring narrative technique. This luminous, accessible production captures the beauty of Woolf’s prose and the complexity of her ideas [and] givesher potent words vivid voice.”

Cameron Woodhead, The Age

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thelifestyle winter 2019

(03) 5143 3200

Date: Friday August 23 at 8pm

www.thewedge.com.au Location: The Wedge, Sale

More Information: Check out the box.office@wellington.vic.gov.au website www.thewedge.com.au

@ebbwec for more information

Your Events Guide to Winter JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

LEGO CLUB AT SALE LIBRARY Date Wednesday June 5 Time 4.00pm -5.00pm Place Sale Library 70 Foster Street Sale Contact 5142 3575

ISLAND WHALE FESTIVAL Date Friday July 5 – Sunday July 7 Time 10.00am – 5.00pm Place Cowes Cultural Centre Contact 5952 2729

HERITAGE CRAFT DAY AND BEARD COMPETITION Date Sunday August 4 Time 10.00am – 4.00pm Place Coal Creek Community Park and Museum 12 Silkstone Road, Korumburra Contact 5655 1811

FEAST ON EAST@METUNG 2019 Date Sunday June 9 Time 11.00am – 5.00pm Place Metung Village Green Cnr Metung Road and Kurnai Avenue Tickets Pay at event

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW Date Saturday July 6 Time 7.30pm – 9.30pm Place The Forge Theatre and Arts Hub 80 McKean Street Bairnsdale Contact www.trybooking.com

KORUMBURRA SOUTHERN LIGHTS COMMUNITY FESTIVAL Date Sunday June 9 Time 3.00pm – 9.00pm Plac Korumburra Showgrounds Contact Noelene Cosson and Shirley Arestia 0438 551 207 LOCH VILLAGE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL Date Sunday June 9 Time 10.00am – 3.00pm Place Loch Village Contact Jane or Mark 0413 454 997

VISIT GEEKFEST 19 Date Sunday July 7 Time 10.00am – 4.30pm Place Coal Creek Community Park and Museum 12 Silkstone Road, Korumburra Contact 5655 1811

DINNER PLAIN SLED DOG CHALLENGE Date Saturday August 10 Time From 9.00am Place Dinner Plain Alpine Village Big Muster Drive, Dinner Plain Contact 0412 327 997 TULLICOUTTY AND ST PHILLACK CROSS COUNTRY RACE Date Sunday August 11 Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm Place Mt Baw Baw 32 Currawong Road Contact 5165 1136 PSYCHIC AND WELLBEING EXPO Date Sunday August 25 Time 10.00am – 5.00pm Place Lardner Park Contac 5626 1373

THE FIRST GIPPSLAND PRIDE GALA Date Saturday June 15 Time 6.30pm – 11.30pm Place Lardner Park, Warragul Contact events.ticketbooth.com.au WARRAGUL WINTERFEST AND LANTERN PARADE Date Saturday June 22 Time 4.30pm – 8.30pm Place Cambridge Drive, Warragul Contact www.warragulwinterfest.org.au YOGA DAY CENTRAL GIPPSLAND 2019 Date Sunday June 30 Time From 9.00am Place Heyfield Memorial Hall 34 MacFarlane Street Contact Robyn Cox-Livingstone 0448 695 678

SNOWFEST GIPPSLAND Date Friday July 26 Time 5.00pm – 8.00pm Place Warragul CBD, Palmerston Street Contact www.snowfest.org.au

LEONGATHA DAFFODIL AND FLORIST SHOW Date Friday August 30 to Sunday September 1 Time Friday 1.30pm – 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm Sunday 9.00am – 4.00pm Place Bair St Leongatha and Leongatha Memorial Hall Contact Sue Thompson 5668 6334

JAPAN WEEKEND AND SNOW FIGHTING Date Saturday July 27 to Sunday July 28 Time 12.00am – 5.00pm Place Mt Baw Baw Contact 5165 1136

www.thewedge.com.au

L’AMOUR SAT AUG 24 The Four Divas

SUN RISING BAND FRI AUG 30 The Songs that made Memphis thelifestyle winter 2019

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WINTER JUNE | JULY | AUGUST 2019 SUN SIGN ASTROLOGY forecast with KERRY GALEA ARIES !

LIBRA '

21 March – 19 April

23 Sep – 22 Oct

You will soon have the ability to speak your opinions so eloquently that you can influence outcomes… as long as you think before you speak. Discuss, talk and negotiate family dynamics, which may also mean that it’s time to do renovations on the physical home. Creativity will increase along with a playful energy leading to new experiences. Hasty actions can lead to overspending. Later in the season there will be extra duties and responsibilities. Along with work responsibilities, it includes taking care of others and also taking care of your own health.

You are responsible for “you”.

This is a time of learning and discovery. It can also mean a time of exploration… so I hope a holiday is on offer! Authority figures create tension which puts your work/home life out of balance. Work will be busy, be it paid or not, with more demanding and extra unwanted duties. The situation will continually change.

Soon you will have the help of Venus in your working life, and opportunities keep coming, but emotions can rise. Keep your focus and let go of what is not working.

Later in the season, stop trying to control all the details.

SCORPIO (

TAURUS "

23 Oct – 21 Nov

20 April – 20 May Expressing your opinion will meet with challenges. You are being asked to look at the big picture and to let go of old ideas and beliefs. Ask yourself why you are reacting… or over-reacting! Look inwards; as your feelings can be coming from unrecognised issues of insecurity from your distant past. Soon it’s time for a fresh approach so look forward, not backwards. This is also a perfect season to re-invent yourself, to be creative, to indulge in some exciting hobbies or activities, to let your hair down, and not be so hard on yourself. What’s coming needs your attention.

Letting go and learning are the keywords for this month. You can reduce, recycle, remove, and release yourself from inner and outer garbage. Its only by letting go that there is room for something new to grow. Your ideas and beliefs will be challenged so have your facts before taking a side. Mid-season, you want to achieve recognition for what you do… but you are still learning. You are also driven to challenge those in authority, but make sure you have the right information!

Late-season, you find that you need to take some time out or have a rest.

SAGITTARIUS ) 22 Nov – 21 Dec

GEMINI #

21 May – 20 June What do “you” want to do? Think about your own journey on this ride we call life.

It will help that you will be noticed and people will help… if you ask. This does not mean that money concerns will go away... they don’t! Face squarely up to them and aim on resolution. Treat yourself as worthy and patterns of self-esteem will improve. Be open, accepting… but double-check all new information. Later in the season it’s time to concentrate on the home front and there are opportunities to improve connections with family members, and also to improve your physical home.

Loved ones and old and new friends, will lead you to new experiences. They will inspire and shine a light. Money, or the lack of it, needs attention and you need to know where your money is going. It’s important to build self-respect and approve of yourself! You have something to both learn for yourself and to teach others… but you may be in such a hurry that you forget to be diplomatic and end up being challenging. Take time out with loved ones and talk about what matters.

Late-season, take a well-deserved break or learn something new.

CAPRICORN * 22 Dec – 19 Jan

CANCER $ 21 June – 22 July

Information and ideas flourish, which helps you to know what to do when the time arrives. While you are able to take a risk, others prefer to follow the rules.

Share your knowledge and they will begin to understand. Better yet, show them how to find the information they need. Soon it’s a perfect time to begin your own ideas and projects! If you don’t know what you want; the universe will be making something happen, so decide quickly for yourself. If you still don’t know… then at least you know what you “don’t want”. Then aim for the opposite of that!

Duty prevails, and this includes taking care of your physical body. People have news and some of it can lead to strained relationships. They want action, you want to hold fast. They are propelled to go forward while you see success in being patient. The ensuing confusion can result in inaction. By mid-season, it’s you that will be reacting in unexpected ways and your emotions will be heightened. People want to help and it can lead to making good friends of mere acquaintances, or even to finding love. Late season, get good advice and start thinking of time away, a holiday, or an inspiring experience.

AQUARIUS + 20 Jan – 18 Feb

LEO %

23 July – 22 Aug It’s time to see the big picture and to knuckle down to work. You have duties and responsibilities. This is a time of dealing with what is in front of you. Luckily you also have an increase in creative energy which means a spark of inspiration and enjoyment amidst the work. But you will not like being told or pressured to do what somebody else wants. Double check all information that you receive. Later in the season it’s time to make adjustments to existing plans and begin new ones.

You can let go of what was not working and start to build on what does.

This is a great time to start something new. Be creative, trust yourself and let inspiration guide you. While you want to get things done… working harder will not get you the outcomes you want. Working with ingenuity and inventiveness will. Soon partnerships need to be re-negotiated. You have partnerships at work, at leisure, within families, with lovers, and of course with marriage. Any contract needs to be overhauled… and this includes those with loved ones.

Do you understand your own, as well as their, value systems and ethics?

Are you on the same path?

PISCES ,

VIRGO &

19 Feb – 20 March

23 Aug – 22 Sep Your role, and working life, starts off by being in the spotlight. Step forward and know that you will have help, and you will make a difference. Even a small word of encouragement will help others. Then by mid-season you are being behind the scenes and quietly doing your thing without anybody noticing what you do.

Allow yourself to reflect and think of the future. What long term ideas are you developing? By later in the season take a pivotal position to help score a win, not only for yourself, but for those you care about.

Your home is important and you want to create a place of peace and solace.

And you need one in this busy time! You are facing traffic lights that are green and red at the same time and this means that blockages and opportunities are happening simultaneously. Soon a creative spurt leads to a new idea. But work and duty soon take over and the mundane details of life need attention.

This responsibility soon means that you become more concerned with other people than with yourself. Accept their energy, offerings and ideas.

KERRY GALEA ASTROLOGY PALMISTRY AND ANCIENT MOON GARDENING Email: kerry@kerrygalea.com.au | Web: www.kerrygalea.com.au

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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 Bunyip IGA 2-6 Main Street 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 FoodWorks 37 Main Street Garfield Licensed Post Office 77 Main Street Glengarry General Store Main Street Golden Beach Blue Water Fish & Chips Grantville Newsagency & Post Office Shop 2, 1503 Bass Hwy Heyfield IGA 18-22 George Street Inverloch FoodWorks 10-12 Reilly Street Inverloch Newsagency 10 A'Beckett Street The Jindi Caf 1055 Jacksons Track Korumburra Michael's Supa IGA 1 South Railway Cres 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 Sport Food Works 48-52 Lake Street Loch Victoria Street Gallery 34 Victoria Street Maffra FoodWorks 87A Powerscourt Street Maffra newsXpress 144 Johnson Street Metung Village Store 62 Metung Road Mirboo North Newsagency 52 Ridgway Moe Nextra Lotto Shop 2, 1-3 Moore Street 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 Newry General Store 44 Main Street Omeo Post Office 155 Day Avenue Pakenham Newsagency 99-101 Main Street Paynesville Newsagency 65a The Esplanade Poowong IGA 17-19 Main Street Rhyll General Store 41 Lock Road Rosedale Butchers 32 Prince Street Sale Newsagency 308-310 Raymond Street San Remo IGA 135 Main Parade 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 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.

This magazine is distributed throughout Victoria. All photographs in this publication are copyright to Gippsland the Lifestyle, and if any are used in other publications or used in a commercial sense, you are liable to prosecution. Permission to use any photos in the publication must be obtained by contacting South Gippsland Publishing Pty Ltd via email to: thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au Disclaimer: South Gippsland Publishing Pty Ltd 2019 has the discretion to add or remove words or photos that are deemed unsuitable for the magazine. South Gippsland Publishing Pty Ltd is not responsible or liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, nor use of information contained within these pages, offering no warranties, either expressed or implied with respect to any material contained within the pages. Material in this magazine cannot be published or reproduced without South Gippsland Publishing Pty Ltd's written consent. Failure to heed to this could result in prosecution. The opinions and views expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

WONTHAGGI NEWSPOWER & LOTTO

Monday to Friday 7.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 7.30am to 1.00pm | Sunday Closed 31 Murray Street, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256

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Where the lifestyle continues

blue Hills Rise

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.

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START THE RETIREMENT YOU HAVE WORKED TOWARD....

CALL THE TEAM AT BLUE HILLS RISE TODAY (03) 5991 5000

fa n ta s t ic On s i t e fa c i l i t i e s 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?’

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.

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

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.

www.bluehillsrise.com.au