Summer 2015-16 Gippsland the Lifestyle

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CAROLS AT THE CREEK - FRIDAY 18 DECEMBER

SOUTH GIPPSLAND CONCERT BAND SING ALONG WITH ALL YOUR FAVOURITES LIVE MUSIC AT ROTUNDA TAKE YOUR PHOTO WITH SANTA LED CANDLES FOR SALE BBQ BY THE CAFÉ 7.30PM - 9.00PM

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Saturday 16 January 2016, 10.00am - 4.30pm All Age Event PLUS FOR THE FIRST TIME 7.30pm -11.00pm KOSTUME BALL 18+ $10.00 Covers entry and participation for all day events $5.00 Viewing games and for parents non participating $20 Kostume Ball and drink token $25 Special Edition Ticket includes Day Activities & Kostume Ball + drink token Visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/coalcreekgeekfest TICKETS ONSITE NOW FOR THE GEEKFEST

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Every Weekend - $6.50 per person Train leaves every half hour from 11:00am Please call 5655 1811 to make sure the train is running for your visit.

Ghost Tour 1st Saturday of the month Craft Market 2nd Saturday of the month Magic Lantern Show Last Sunday of the month

Coal Creek offers a unique learning environment for your school. There are many education packages to choose from to make planning your excursion simpler. Call Coal Creek today for more information.

editorial Writers: Chris West, Lyn Skillern, Geoff Watt, Tegan Dawson, Wendy Morriss, Stuart Hay, Rebecca Twite and Olivia Skillern Contributors: Jan Bull, Ali Fullard, Chrissy Malm, Erin Miller, Laurie Collins, Craig Goodman, John Turner MAAPM, Jim Radford, Ian Beer, Trevor Stow, Stuart Hay, Glenn Curtis and Janyce O’Keeffe.

Cartoonist: Steve White Photographers: Wildwood Photography, Lauren Murphy Photography, Wendy Morriss, Rebecca Twite and Douglas Pell Advertising: Douglas Pell Editor: Maree Bradshaw Creative: Alex Smirnakos Front Cover + Photo: Our 25th Edition Spectacular

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Summer

is finally here, and thoughts go to long days in the sun by the beach, and enjoying Gippsland’s wonderful countryside, short and long trips, Gippsland has it all.

Phillip Island is a major part of our magazine and there is a wonderful feature on the history of Phillip Island, together with a photo feature of the recent Shearwater Festival.

Our milestone 25th Edition has arrived. When we started this magazine back in the summer of 2009 we did not envisage we would get this far, but we have, and the journey continues with thanks to our advertisers and contributors.

We have over 40 free features once again in this edition. We have travelled and talked to people in all parts of Gippsland and we will continue to go on our journey discovering these wonderful places and people; and we look forward to the next 25 editions.

Once again our talented writers have compiled a collection of true ‘local’ Gippsland stories.

We travelled to far-flung East Gippsland, to the outpost of Goongerah, where a small community are showing that you can live a sustainable lifestyle without all the trappings of a modern town; and then we had a chat with the loveable larrikin Councillor Ben Buckley who hails from Benambra and is certainly a colourful character.

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All at Gippsland the Lifestyle

We caught up with Laurie Collins, who is a regular columnist with our magazine who now showcases a beautiful gallery, Red Tree Gallery in Jindivick; and we go ghost hunting with Tegan Dawson through the townships of Yallourn North and Traralgon.

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On behalf of myself and my partner Maree, our talented designer and our writers and photographers and a special mention to Geoff Watt, who has returned to our magazine after a sabbatical; we would like to wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year in 2016!

Phillip Island Nature Parks Competition Winds of Change – Mick Green Captain’s Lounge @ Inverloch The Esplanade Bass Coast Cycle Challenge & Family Fun Day 2015 Home Grown Heroes – Jjaras Farm Gate Victoria & Gippsland’s Special Island The place to be this Summer – Churchill Island Snapshots of Cowes Phillip Island A crazy little kitchen that delivers on flavour – madcowes Delivers an Exceptional Day Out New Phillip Island Area Tour Co. Shearwater Festival Street Parade 2015 Highlights Art & Design – Kelly & Gemelli Wildlife Coast Cruises Phillip Island Purple Hens can lay golden eggs Eclectic Recycled Furniture by Kyme Farley Frankie’s Café Review Edneys Darryl McGannon Brandy Creek Restaurant, Vineyard & Day Spa Tegan Dawson … Ghost Whisperer On with the Show – Warragul Agriculture Show Laura-Jayne Gorse - 3mFM Personality The Blessing of the Bikes 2015 Highlights A Wine Success – Allister Ashmead From Meeniyan to Cambodia – Marty Thomas No longer East Gippsland’s Best Kept Secret-Mallacoota Keeping our Community Safe Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance Enticed by Chocolate – The Story of Chocodence Metung’s Mediterranean Flavour by the Lakes Boating with Crawford Marine – Hazelwood Pondage Weddings in Mount Baw Baw Reg’s Home is a Castle - Reg Fazzani A Day in the Life of a Career Firefighter - Traralgon CFA Out on a Wing – Veteran aviation ace Ben Buckley Reflections of Goongerah One of East Gippsland’s Hidden Wilderness Treasures Green Ambitions Adventure Racing - Australian Adventure Festival 2015 The Red Tree Gallery – Laurie Collins Journey to Artistic Expression – Werner & Ursula Theinert Catching up with South Africa on 104.7FM Gloria – One of Many

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Editorial – Features Index – Advertisers Stand Up Paddle Boarding – The Art of S U P Curtis Australia - Great Customer Service can take your business around the world The Press Cellars Wine Review Nautica Restaurant – Recipe by Chef Shane Coles Off the Hook – Cobungra River Gardening Tips – Grow Master Traralgon Wonthaggi Medical Group - Christmas & New Year A time of joy and happiness with a dark side Online Branding: the assets you need Ali’s Art Page Summer Events Guide Summer Market Guide Summer in West Gippsland with Laurie Collins Gippsland Grooves – Ian Bevington Canine Corner Steve White Cartoon Zest for Life – Spring Clean your Life Summer Crossword Puzzle Chrissy’s Positive Summer Horoscope Outlets – Where you can get a copy of the Magazine The Book Nook – Foster’s Little Bookshop

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index advertisers our advertisers Page 67 Page 75 Page 123 Page 3 Page 143 Page 93 Page 162 & 163 Page 52 Page 143 Page 19 Page 69 Page 4 Page 97 Page 64 Page 55 Page 53 Page 7 Page 59 Page 30 Page 21 Page 106 Page 47 Page 64 Page 126 Page 95 Page 125 Page 139 Page 12 Page 37 Page 89 Page 122 Page 2 Page 58 Page 100 Page 107 Page 71

3mFM AHERNS FRUIT MARKET & FINE FOODS ALAN WILSON INSURANCE BROKERS ALEX SCOTT & STAFF REAL ESTATE ALI FULLARD ART STUDIO ARTIZAN KITCHEN BLUE HILLS RISE BRANDY CREEK RESTAURANT, VINEYARD & DAY SPA BRIAGOLONG B & B CORNER COTTAGE CAR MEGA MART PAKENHAM CAPE TAVERN COAL CREEK COMMUNITY PARK & MUSEUM CRAWFORD MARINE CURTIS AUSTRALIA CUSTODIA DINNER PLAIN – MT HOTHAM RESORT EDNEYS LEONGATHA EVANS PETROLEUM EXCEPTIONAL PHILLIP ISLAND AREA TOURS FISH CREEK HOTEL FOSTER SEAFOODS FRANKIE’S CAFÉ GIPPSLAND OPERA GREEN HEART ORGANICS GRINTERS TRANSPORT SERVICES GROW MASTER TRARALGON IMAGE DIRECT INVERLOCH ESPLANADE HOTEL KELLY & GEMELLI ART & DESIGN KINGS COVE CLUB METUNG LANDGIPPS – HERITAGE BAY LANGFORD JONES HOMES LARDNER PARK EVENTS LAURIE COLLINS SCULPTURE GARDEN LEONGATHA RSL LEWIS STONE REAL ESTATE Mirboo North

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LIQUID FIT MAD COWES CAFÉ & FOODSTORE MERCURE HOTELS WARRAGUL MOO’S AT MEENIYAN MOUNT BAW BAW NAUTICA RESTAURANT & BAR METUNG NOOJEE HOTEL PAINT PLACE GROUP OF STORES PARNASSUS FUNCTION CENTRE & STEAKHOUSE PHILLIP ISLAND NATURE PARKS PHILLIP ISLAND RSL PROM COUNTRY CHEESE PURPLE HEN VINEYARD & WINERY RIVIERA CYCLES BAIRNSDALE ROSEMONT FARMSTAY RUSSELL NORTHE MLA SHIMMER MARQUEES STOCKDALE & LEGGO MORWELL STONY CREEK GO-KARTS THEORY OF WILLOW THE RIVERSLEIGH BOUTIQUE HOTEL THE STATION GALLERY YARRAGON TRARALGON BOWLS CLUB TRARALGON TOYOTA WARRAGUL CONSULTING GROUP WARRAGUL HARNESS RACING WATERFRONT RETREAT AT WATTLE POINT WIGHTS HYUNDAI WIGHTS NISSAN WILDLIFE COAST CRUISES WILDWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY WONTHAGGI MEDICAL GROUP WONTHAGGI NEWSAGENCY & LOTTO YARRAGON VINTAGE MARKET YARRAM CLUB HOTEL ZEST HOLISTIC COACHING

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WINDS of CHANGE Chris West

Windsurfing fanatic Mick Green does not hesitate in describing Inverloch as an iconic location for the popular recreational pursuit.

he was Melbourne-based for his work and home life until three years ago.

“I spent my early years in the beachside suburb of Aspendale. My grandfather was a commodore at the local motor yacht club there, so I grew up on boats. I spent nearly every weekend either on or under the water. It’s always been a thing that I need to live near the ocean,” he comments.

“I’ve been fortunate to have windsurfed all around the world, in places like Fiji, Hawaii and New Caledonia, but there is nothing like Inverloch.

If this was anywhere in Europe, it would be regarded as a windsurfing Mecca,” he declares.

Mick’s opinion is based on a mix of influential factors.

“Firstly, we have uninterrupted winds here. In some conditions, we get wind coming all the way from Antarctica without touching land until it comes straight through the heads at the mouth of the inlet and hits our beach,” he says.

“We also have the combination of these fantastic, dynamic sand banks which create perfectly smooth, flat water. The only way to describe it when you find that water with big winds is like rollerskating on marble. There’s no friction whatsoever.

“Then for windsurfing learners, Inverloch has a beautiful spot at the Angling Club where beginners can just step off and walk back.”

Mick was one of a group of six dedicated windsurfers who possessed the necessary drive and commitment to take it upon themselves to establish an organised club for their sport at Inverloch.

“Windsurfing in Inverloch actually has a history going back around thirty to thirty five years.

Some of the earliest windsurfing in Victoria, if not Australia, was done here. It’s always had that connection, but in terms of formalising a club it’s only been in the past six years,” he explains.

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“It all began with a chat we had on a sand bank out in the middle of Anderson Inlet one day in 2009 and progressed from there. It was probably a case of having some willing people get together in the right place at the right time.”

By 2011, the Inverloch Windsurfing Club had become a fully fledged incorporated body, with Mick having been involved on the Committee since its inception, including a year as President from 2014. He remains on the Committee in a new role responsible for media and special projects.

Today, the Inverloch Windsurfing Club’s membership numbers have grown to approximately 220, of which about 100 are financial members and the remaining 120 are social members. Despite its size, the club does not yet have permanent facilities to use as a home base.

“We’re a big club now and at a point where we do need our own facilities. It’s something we are continuing to work towards with Council,” Mick says.

Although Mick is now passionately entrenched in the Inverloch community on a permanent basis,

Mick went on to move around various suburbs of Melbourne before committing to the life-altering seachange to Inverloch in 2012. “At the time it felt like a spur of the moment thing, but in reality the idea was probably simmering away for a few years,” he suggests.

Mick’s first introduction to Inverloch came as a young boy of about three or four when he starting coming down with his family for weekends and holidays.

“My parents, older sister and I would come down for fishing trips and sometimes we’d camp in an old canvas tent at the caravan park. It was nothing glamorous I can assure you.

“After we stopped coming here for those family holidays, it took until I was about eighteen or nineteen to rediscover Inverloch. That was around the time that I took up windsurfing and this became the spot that I would come to at every opportunity.”

In his professional life, Mick had steered himself along a course down the media pathway. It was a progression that led to him establishing his own business in Melbourne - Drift Media a specialist production company doing media strategy and management in Government and also documentary, television commercial and corporate work.

Prior to that he was managing a television production studio for the Department of Education, which was shut down as a result of budgetary cutbacks. Earlier in his career, Mick spent six years working for Victoria Police in its Video Unit, a role which included filming training scenarios and crime scenes.

“I learnt from some fantastic operators there and gained a lot of experience in working under pressure, because when you’re filming situations like that, you have to get everything exactly right first time,” he says.

These were skills that have continued to service Mick well in his freelance work with Drift Media.

At the time he made the decision to relocate to Inverloch, career considerations were just one of a number of factors for him and wife Shaz to weigh up.

“I had been running the production company for about six years. At that point, the business was based at the Docklands in Melbourne and just didn’t feel right in terms of space and location,” he recalls.

“Shaz and I had just completed the renovation of an old house on the beach at Edithvale, and we were toying with the idea of staying there or doing something different. We also considered Warrnambool, but came down here for a weekend and our attitude was that we’re never going to know unless we try it.”

In making the move to Inverloch, Mick has altered the structure of his business, which is now home based and rather than employing staff as he did previously he instead engages contractors to assist in his projects as required.

With Shaz having opted to continue to work for a power company in Melbourne, the couple keep an apartment in the city which she is able to utilise.

“Shaz spends most of her time midweek up there and weekends here in Inverloch. For her, that’s a perfect mix. It removes her from her work and she needs that gap,” Mick explains.

Although Drift Media has retained a few of its Melbourne clients, Mick has been able to attract a new stream of clients close to home in Gippsland, primarily from the Government sector.

“Since moving down here, the connection with clients and the type of work is a lot more personal and relevant than just in a commercial sense. I have found myself moving away from corporate work more towards the production of community-based media projects which have a little bit more to them,” he says.

One of those personally rewarding ventures is the Trax project, an ongoing initiative which has involved documenting in film the development of a skatepark in Inverloch from day one.

“I’ve been working with the kids providing content for this local Council project and it’s satisfying to feel like you’re part of something good,” Mick comments.

The only frustration for Mick in his work since relocating to Inverloch has been the lack of access to high speed internet.

“It’s problematic. At times, what should be a very simple process becomes a very difficult process.

The types of speeds I need are probably different to the average user, but I really can’t understand why it’s that hard to rectify.”

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Despite that setback, Mick says he is still able to achieve as high a standard of work from his home in Inverloch as he was able to achieve from large commercial premises in Melbourne.

“I’d say better in many ways, especially the way that editing technology has advanced in recent years,” he states.

Mick has also found another source of great inspiration since making his seachange.

“I’m now dedicating some time to teaching digital media and digital literacy to kids at Inverloch Primary School down here and Mitcham Primary School in Melbourne. We work on community projects to get the kids switched on to technology.

They are just so engaged and some of the results have really been phenomenal,” he says.

“I am trying to arm the kids with twenty first century skills that they are going to need beyond their education. They are going to have the ability to broadcast themselves and understand what that means and the potential it opens up for them.”

Mick says that moving to Inverloch has opened his eyes to a new world and broadened his social network.

“I lived in several suburbs of Melbourne without gaining any sort of community connection. In the four years that I lived in Albert Park, I didn’t even know my neighbour. Down here in Inverloch, that’s unheard of. You couldn’t do it.”

Mick is far from the only member of the Inverloch Windsurfing Club that has left Melbourne behind for a new life in Melbourne.

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“We have a number of guys who share that same connection and are just as glad as I am to have made the change,” he says.

In citing a few examples, Mick only has to look to four of his Committee colleagues - newly elected President, Dan Poynton, Club Secretary, Roy Worner and Treasurer, Rob Kenyon.

Dan and his partner (now wife) Erin moved to Inverloch from Mordialloc in Melbourne at the start of 2011 after he experienced what he jokingly describes as “a mid life crisis at 28.”

“I was probably the first member of the Windsurfing Club to make the sea change,” he suggests.

An experienced sports administrator, Dan’s unrest was caused by a personality clash with his boss at the time and disagreement over the direction of the business.

“That was catalyst for the change and although Erin needed a little convincing to make a fresh start down here, the move was a no brainer for me,” Dan insists.

“I have no regrets at all. Down here you work to live rather than the other way around.”

Dan finds being out on the water windsurfing incredibly refreshing and invigorating.

“Going out early in the morning sets your day up really well and it doesn’t seem to matter what happens after that.”

After making the move, Dan found a management position with GippSport and Erin has recently started a new business administration role at

Leongatha Hospital after giving birth to the couple’s first daughter Grace in May. Dan and Erin are living in a house his parents built in Inverloch about 12 years ago and are in the process of purchasing the property from them.

“My family has a long association with this area.

We’ve been coming down here since the early 1990s for holidays and just kept coming back,” he says.

Dan has noticed a strong community feel within the Windsurfing Club and the town since his arrival in Inverloch.

“After becoming involved on the Committee when we moved down here, the network and bond between us just gets stronger.”

Roy Worner’s seachange story with his wife Natasa and teenage sons Joshua and Joel almost started as a tree change about four and a half years ago.

“We were living in Hillside in Melbourne’s west and were initially looking out towards Gisborne,” he remembers.

At the same time, Roy was developing a keen interest in windsurfing, albeit as a novice at the sport.

“I had been introduced to it by a friend. I had heard about Inverloch, so thought we’d try it here.

My wife and I came down here one day and it was bucketing down with rain but we sat down on Pensioners Point to eat fish and chips and absolutely fell in love with the place. It just has that feel about it.”

Rob's also involving himself in volunteer and community work in the local area. He's on the committee of the Inverloch Community House, and is looking for other opportunities to contribute, particularly in conservation and maintenance of this beautiful environment.

There are others at the Inverloch Windsurfing Club who could tell similar stories of making a successful seachange and becoming part of a welcoming social network within the local community.

Always keen to attract new participants, the Windsurfing Club organises a regular calendar of events and competitions throughout the year which is published on their website at HYPERLINK "http://www.inverlochwindsurf.com. au" www.inverlochwindsurf.com.au. The program includes special events aimed at beginners.

Community Try Out Days are held for people who’d like to have a go, the next being on 8th January.

Like Mick Green, Roy also grew up around boats.

His grandfather is an ocean yacht master in the English seaside town of Weston Super Mare, where Roy was born.

By late 2012 he was ready to relocate his family from Melbourne to Inverloch and was once again living by the sea, as he had done in his childhood in England. Roy says that the support of the local community and the Inverloch Windsurfing Club has been a great asset in helping his family to establish themselves in their new home town.

“My boys have now also become involved with the windsurfing and have really come a long way with it. After six weeks down here, my youngest boy Joel said moving here was the best thing we’ve ever done so for Natasa and I that really validated our decision.”

Roy was able to maintain his work as an insurance broker from his new regional base without having to make any change to his employment.

“I travel to see clients, but am able to manage the balance successfully, Natasa picked up work quickly as an integration aide for special needs children in Leongatha which is exactly the type of work she was doing in Melbourne,” he says.

In his spare time, Roy also likes to contribute further to the community through an involvement with teaching martial arts and CFA assistance.

“Overall, it’s a lot more relaxed lifestyle here which shouldn’t be underestimated. You see people down here visiting from Melbourne and they’re still in such a hurry,” he remarks.

Roy describes the windsurfing fraternity as a close knit community, wherever you travel.

“Windsurfers will go out of their way to help each other out,” he comments.

“In terms of our own Club, I think there’s something very special about what it has done in particular because our success has not been emulated anywhere else. What we’ve been able to achieve and the programs we have been able to run for the community has been made possible because of the passion of the people who are part of it.”

Rob Kenyon has effectively retired since moving to Inverloch with his wife Etsuko in late 2013.

In recent years, the club has also been actively involved in hosting events arranged specifically for people with disabilities which have been very successful in helping some of the participants out onto the water for the first time.

“I prefer to say that we’re on an indefinite Sabbatical,” he laughs.

Rob left behind his previous work in Corporate IT in Melbourne in search of a more relaxing lifestyle.

“For many years we had been thinking to ourselves that we didn’t want to live in the city forever and would at some stage want to escape all the congestion and noise,” he says.

Rob kept a lookout for the right destination, particularly a place that suited his interests of cycling, photography and anything to do with the water. He had already taken up windsurfing in Port Phillip Bay, where he found the conditions too challenging for a beginner.

“I started coming down to Inverloch on the recommendation of a neighbour in Melbourne and really liked it here. It didn’t take long for me to realise that the town had pretty much got everything we wanted.”

Rob says the decision to purchase a house in Inverloch and make the move down has been nothing but positive.

“It’s fantastic. I have absolutely not one regret,” he vows.

“I am doing more photography now, and Etsuko has found some work as a fitness instructor in Wonthaggi and Phillip Island. She’s also happily developing other interests with the extra time she has, especially in writing, in cooking, and in growing our own food. We both love the ocean.

In summer, we’re going snorkelling and body boarding and at that time of the year I go out windsurfing virtually every other day, depending on the wind.”

Mick Green says that technology has advanced the equipment considerably from the era when he learnt to windsurf.

“Nowadays the equipment is lighter, faster, more stable and not as restrictive,” he notes.

It is common for windsurfers at Inverloch to reach speeds of 30 knots, which equates to around 5560 kilometres per hour.

According to Mick, anyone contemplating taking up windsurfing will need to be ready to challenge themselves.

“You can’t do it unless you’re driven. If it was easy then everyone would be doing it, but it’s not that simple. Some people assume windsurfing is a strength sport, but it’s really a finesse sport. You can get up and windsurf in your first half an hour learning it, then you spend the rest of your life trying to finesse it.

Cycling on the Bass Coast and South Gippsland was another great drawcard for Rob.

“Every time that you think you’ve got it mastered, mother nature gives you a slap. But you need to have those wipeouts and those big moments because that kind of defines it and feeds the passion.

“It’s magnificent cycling country around here and the roads are extremely good. Outside of the holiday period, it’s so quiet and relaxing. There’s no stress at all,” he states.

“The buzz you get moving along under wind on your own power, there’s nothing like it. Once that happens and you get hooked, it’ll take over you,” he promises.

Photographs kindly supplied

by Rob Kenyon and Mick Green

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Rebecca Twite

Very few - if any – interesting stories begin with the inclusion of an ironing board, but that is precisely the humble beginnings of Jjaras Farmgate and Cafe.

Owners Joseph and Susannah Aiello first started expanding Joseph's father’s 4-acre block of grazing land which had been in the family for some twenty years after Joseph's father Albert and mother Josette retired to Inverloch from Melbourne.

What began as a small, but rapidly expanding garden seven years ago, the success of an honesty box system out the front of the property to sell their excess harvest was the seed for the idea to bring the garden out even further on the land and to begin selling a wider variety of their own organic fruit and vegetables to meet demand.

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“We started coming up here to Inverloch helping my dad grow a few veggies and we started to grow a few too many, so we just put them out the front driveway and it was all disappearing, and we had people coming up asking if we had any more because they couldn't find any out the front.

So we started to grow a little bit more and then because we started to grow more, we needed to display it a bit more, so we put a sign out saying 'come out in the garage' on Saturday mornings; and so we had an ironing board in there on Saturday morning with a few veggies on it and then more and more people started coming in and it just started from there.”

With a lot of self training and the addition of Certificate III in Horticulture and tireless dedication, Jjaras Farmgate was alive and thriving, then with the addition of the cafe 5 years ago in the converted garage, they – much like their amazing

garden – have grown from strength to strength every day, with no need for the rapidly outgrown ironing board display.

Walking through the garden you continue to be wowed by the sheer expanse of it, paired with the knowledge that this was, not too far in the past, a blank canvas – the scale of the obvious amount of love and passion is evident. Joseph's father played a large role in his love of gardening and inherited a down-to-earth and strongly organic stance, which was passed down through their culturally rich background, and has played a large part in their core values of providing the freshest, flavour filled, certified organic produce.

The garden has been plotted in such a way to provide maximum efficiency for the restricted amount of space, from their vineyard to their many plots of vegetables, berry patch to the orchard area which last season saw 100kgs of cherries from only two cherry trees alone. The heritage pears and apples as well as many of the other fruit tree varieties were specially sourced from Tasmania, to the many other varieties of stone fruits which have now become mature enough that they will also provide a large harvest for the coming season over summer.

There is no doubt that this unassuming asset to Inverloch and the surrounding towns is creating some of the finest organic produce anywhere in

Gippsland. With the coastal benefit of low or no frosts, all natural fertilisers and tireless dedication and passion by the Aiello family, it's clear to see why this hugely impressive garden and kitchen are going from strength to strength.

With the benefit of 75 raised garden beds – all built by hand by Joseph himself – they are able to grow vegetables that would typically not last the season due to varying temperatures. With so much focus on wastage today, it's an added bonus to know that all scraps, leaf litter and even weeds, are composted and used as an organic fertiliser for the next harvest. Whenever there is an abundance of a particular fruit or vegetable, the ladies in the kitchen simply create a new dish to showcase it and in turn, once again minimising wastage.

Whilst the Aiellos may have physically run out of room to expand their garden any further, that hasn't stopped them from expanding in other ways, such as making their own jams, chutneys, preserves, as well as cakes and biscuits. You can also purchase home made takeaways such as soups, lasagne and pies. Somewhere in between all of this, they still find time to maintain their six beehives, which provide the obvious benefits of producing honey for their menu as well as being available for purchase from the cafe, but also do a fantastic job of pollinating their entire garden.

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Of course, if you prefer your fruit to be more of the fermented liquid variety, you're in luck! Jjaras also produce their own organic wines and currently make and sell their own pinot noir, chardonnay and shiraz varieties, which are all kept in their impressive, purpose built cellar.

The down-to-earth and fresh is best attitude of Joseph and his family is also abundantly clear to anyone who visits their cafe, where you are greeted by his wonderful staff who clearly also share the passion for fantastic quality and service.

In a world where people are striving to get back to nature in so many aspects, it's wonderful to see this come to life in a living, breathing, and passion filled, family environment.

For those of us that don't have the skill, means, or even the space to create this for ourselves, it's a credit to the Aiello family that their joy in life is providing it for people who so clearly know a good thing when they see one. Very rarely could you inquire about more of a particular item and have the offer of it being freshly picked then and there on the spot, but so is the benefit and charm

of a place like Jjaras, and also what keeps their regulars coming back for more.

Jjaras Farmgate and Cafe is located at 69-77 Cashin Street Inverloch and is open Thursday to Saturday 8am – 3pm Photographs by Rebecca Twite

P ROM C OUNTRY C HEESE Farmhouse Cheesery Handcrafted in South Gippsland OPEN: 10.00AM – 5.00PM WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS Sample award winning sheep, cow & goat cheese amongst the Moyarra Valley’s lush rolling hills A unique opportunity to experience the paddock to plate process Enjoy hearty lunches accompanied by local wine, beer & produce Visit the cellar door for tasting platters & informed cheese purchases

P ROM C OUNTRY C HEESE The Age Good Food Guide Top 30 Food Producers

Burke & Bronwyn Brandon 275 Andersons Inlet Road, Moyarra, VIC 3951 Ph: 03 5657 3338 visit promcountrycheese.com.au | www.facebook.com/PromCountryCheese Food and Wine Production

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

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

The Fish Creek Hotel ArtSpaces: a new exhibition space in the Art hub of Fish Creek featuring local artists is commencing here at the hotel with the official launch at 3.00pm on 6th December 2015.

The Bistro features fabulous food with an extensive menu of fresh local and seasonal produce that highlights the best Gippsland has to offer. Bottles of sparkling along with reds and whites from wineries across Gippsland being a specialty. Bookings are advisable.

B I S T R O O P E N 7 DAYS B R E A K FA S T Sat - Sun: 7.30am - 9.30am Holiday Season: 7 days a week LUNCH Mon – Fri: Midday – 2pm Sat – Sun: Midday – 2.30pm DINNER Sun – Thur: 5.45pm – 8.30pm Fri – Sat: 5.45pm – 8.30pm BAR OPEN

THE

FISH CREEK HOTEL

1 Old Waratah Rd, FISH CREEK, Vic 3959

Mon – Fri: 11.30am till late Sat – Sun: 11am till late

(03) 5683 2404 www.fishcreekhotel.com.au

VINEYARD & WINERY

We grow, make and bottle our wines on Phillip Island Cellar door with stunning bay, vineyard and farm views Music and other events - see our website for details

96 McFees Road Rhyll Phillip Island Hours 11am - 5:30pm 7 Days a week in Summer & School holidays Other times: 5 days a week (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday)

Best Pinot Noir, Best Shiraz & Best Wine of Show 2015 RACV Gippsland Wine Show

Ph: 5956 9244 www.purplehenwines.com.au thelifestyle summer 2015-16

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Phillip Island's rugged south coast

VICTORIA & GIPPSLAND’S

SPECIAL ISLAND Lyn Skillern

Phillip Island is well known in Victoria and internationally as a place to see little penguins, view seals and koalas, watch the motorcycle grand prix and have a coastal holiday. There is however much more to this southern Victorian island with a very unique history.

This special island, located in the south of Western Port, is 26 kms long and 9 kms wide. Being country of the Yallok Bulluk clan of the Bunurong/ Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation, it was used for about 20,000 years before the white exploration of the area began. Their idyllic lifestyle was interrupted by sealers who came into the area in the early nineteenth century. They were a rough lot who introduced disease, took women away to the Bass Strait islands, and generally caused distress amongst the population.

In 1798 George Bass discovered and named Western Port. James Grant commanded The Lady Nelson and surveyed the bay in 1801. He discovered and named Churchill Island and had his men clear a piece of land and plant a crop of wheat. He also gave Phillip Island a name.

Snapper Island. The Frenchman Nicholas Baudin led an expedition in 1802 that was dedicated to researching the Australian coast. The captain of Le Naturaliste, one of Baudin’s ships sent a small boat into Western Port and the men spent eight days circumnavigating the large northern island in the bay. They named this “Isle Les Francais”.

Dumont d’Urville was commander of L’ Astrolabe

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on another French scientific expedition in 1826.

He arrived in Western Port in November and carried out research into the flora and fauna.

The McHaffie brothers, the first white settlers, occupied Phillip Island under a licence from the Admiralty in 1842 and farmed it as a sheep run.

In the 1860s the island was surveyed into farms and four townships. Two of these, Cowes and Ventnor, were named after towns on the Isle of Wight in England and the others were named Rhyll and Newhaven. The land was sold in Mornington and Melbourne by ballot during 1868 and 1869. The early settlers struggled and many in those early years failed. Two wealthy families bought the land, which was later split up in the twentieth century.

around Western Port and Phillip and French Islands. Jetties were built at Cowes in 1870 and Rhyll in 1877. In 1876 the first permanent ferry service connected San Remo and Phillip Island with Hastings, and from there to Melbourne by coach. The railway went through to Stony Point in 1889 allowing people to travel by train from Melbourne and then ferry on to the island. The construction of a bridge between San Remo and Newhaven was to be a long time coming. The Phillip Island community started a movement to have a bridge built in 1927. In 1928 a new two car capacity punt towed by a motorboat began a ferry service linking the two towns. A six-car punt began the following year and this ran until the first bridge was eventually opened in 1940.

This bridge enabled the island to rapidly develop.

From the early days visitors were attracted to the island. Hotels and guesthouses began to provide accommodation for these tourists with the trade booming from the 1920s to the 1950s.

For any island to develop there needs to be transport connections. Trading vessels started coming to the area for wattle bark in 1834 and trade grew as settlers arrived to take up runs

Subdividing land for holiday homes started in the 1890s but most housing estates were established from the 1950s. The Summerland estate was eventually bought back by the government for wildlife conservation. Other estates developed and many Melbournians in particular purchased land and built homes. Many permanent residents now live on these estates and in Phillip Island’s main towns. The permanent population is currently about 10,000 dwelling, to about 80,000

View overlooking Nobbies Centre

during the holiday periods and motor racing circuit events.

Little penguins are what the island is most famous for. Tourism in general began soon after the opening up of the island in 1868-69. An advertisement for the Isle of Wight Hotel at Cowes in 1874 states: “Boats, buggies, horses, &c, always on hire for fishing and shooting parties”.

Horse-drawn drags took visitors on excursions, especially to the Nobbies. Going to watch the penguins and the shearwaters at night became popular from the 1920s, and the Penguin Parade was established as an organised tourist attraction in 1955. At first visitors sat on the sand and watched the penguins come ashore. Later ropes kept the tourists away from the birds. Today the

Penguin Parade and its Visitor Centre are a world famous facility hosting thousands of visitors per year. Other nature based tourist destinations include the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, the Nobbies Centre and Cape Woolamai.

Another fascinating aspect of Phillip Island history was the growing of chicory. Chicory farming was introduced on the Island in 1869 and was a major seasonal crop for most Phillip Island farmers from around 1880 until the industry died out on the island in the 1980s. The plant’s roots were roasted and used primarily as a coffee additive or substitute. Chicory kilns were built and became a unique part of the Phillip Island landscape.

A special characteristic of Phillip Island’s history is its relationship with motor sport. In 1928 the first Australian Grand Prix for cars, advertised as a 100-mile race, was held on the island’s roads.

This event continued until 1935. Motorcycle racing was also held on the roads from 1928 to 1940. In the 1950s the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club purchased the current racing circuit site. Two public subscriptions raised the funds needed to build a racing track and motor racing was conducted on that circuit until the surface deteriorated and the track was closed. Len Lukey purchased the circuit in the 1960s and resurfaced the track.

This led to a golden era of motor racing on the island. By the late 1970s the track had again had its day. Major work was carried out in preparation for the Motor Cycle Grand Prix, which was first run on the island in 1989. Apart from a few years when the race went to New South Wales, the island has hosted the Australian Motor Cycle Grand Prix each year. Now vast numbers of motorcycle enthusiasts travel to Phillip Island from all over Australia. They come through Gippsland from New South Wales and from Melbourne sometimes blocking the highways as they pass through towns on their way. The circuit also hosts the Superbikes, V8 Supercars, Shannon’s historic races and various other events.

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Seal Rocks

Hollywood Hotel Cowes

Koala Conservation

Phillip Island with its unique character and history has so much to offer the visitor. The local Historical Society, located in Cowes, has a fine museum. This is open from 10-12 Thursday and Saturday mornings throughout the year. During the school holidays it opens Sunday afternoons from 2-4.30 pm.

Nobbies Centre

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SPECIAL ISLAND

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 options plus Childrens’ menu & Playroom Seniors’ menu and huge array of military memorabilia on display inside & outside of the venue

OPENING HOURS MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM TO 1AM* SUNDAY 10AM TO MIDNIGHT

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

(*EXCEPT FOR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS – OPEN FROM NOON 26TH DECEMBER 2015 TO 26TH JANUARY 2016)

Phone: 03 5952 1004 BH

Enquiries: functions@pirsl.com.au

Visit www.phillipislandrsl.com.au

CHURCHILL caters for visitors from around the world with its heritage buildings, array of animals and daily farm activities. A working farm needs a manager and Churchill Island can proudly lay claim to a live-in farm manager straight out of folklore. Enter Trevor Heywood, larger than life in his well-worn akubra and driza-bone, a man of the land who delights visitors from near and far.

I shared a cuppa with Trevor and gained a little insight into the man who had a music festival named after him. Yes indeed, Trevor – the Festival, back in 2013.

RP: How did you come to live on Churchill Island?

TH: I’ve been on the land all my life. I’d been managing a farm up in Queensland when I came back down to help my dad on the farm near Sale when this job came up. Having been a ‘jack of all trades’ for so many years, and with my experience in the tourism industry as well, I got the job, and the rest as they say, is history.

RP: What’s the best thing about living and working on Churchill Island?

Travelling across the bridge, you could be forgiven for thinking you are travelling back to a time when life was a little simpler. The Cape Barren geese greet you, honking and showing off their bright green beaks as you wind your way up through the paddocks. The Highland cattle lift their heads from their green pastures, idly acknowledging your presence, and the windmill blades turn slowly in the breeze. Welcome to Churchill Island.

Churchill Island has a long history dating back some 20,000 years when the Boonwurrung/Bunurong Aboriginal people visited during summer months to feast on shellfish, short-tailed shearwaters and marsupials. The arrival of Europeans in the early 1800s has seen the island take on many forms as a vegetable garden, a farm, a home and a summer retreat for the well-heeled to what it is now: a working heritage farm, a research station, a special events venue and just a great spot to grab a bite and enjoy the views.

As a popular tourist attraction operated by Phillip Island Nature Parks, Churchill Island Heritage Farm

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TH: I love talking to people. I love hearing their stories and telling them some of my own – in case you hadn’t noticed, I don’t mind a chat. I really enjoy helping people to learn and understand the connection between what happens on a farm and what happens in their lives, especially if they are from a big city. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that one of the best parts is when everyone else has gone home, and it’s just me, my dogs and the farm animals on this beautiful island. How lucky am I?

TH: Come earlier and stay longer. There is so much to do here, and it’s just such a great place to bring the family and kids in a really safe environment.

Bring a picnic lunch or grab a bite from the new menu in the café, but make sure you give yourself at least a few good hours to get the most out of this place.

RP: What are the biggest challenges in managing a heritage listed farm?

TH: As with so many of life’s important decisions, we were sitting around in the pub when this choice was made. Someone suggested my name for a bit of a laugh, and it just kind of stuck.

TH: I’ve always been a bit of a recycler, just like so many people on the land. You learn to fix up and repair or repurpose pretty much anything and everything to get the job done. We’ve got some pretty strict conditions here on what we can and can’t do to the old buildings to repair and maintain them, so that’s a challenge, but we want to make sure the place is as authentic as it can possibly be.

RP: If you could give visitors just one piece of advice, what would it be?

RP: How did you come to have a music festival named after you?

Trevor is now getting ready for another busy summer on the island, jam-packed with exciting events and festivals. The season kicks off with the Summer Vibes series, every Friday evening during December and January. Kick back, take in the glorious views and relax to the sounds of live music as you enjoy your favourite gourmet selections.

ISLAND Experience the best of Phillip Island’s local produce and tantalise your taste buds on the finest local wines, cheese, beer, meats and more from 6.00pm each Friday.

The Sunday Session on the Labour Day Long Weekend is an exciting and trendy destination for all ages, specialising in good quality locally sourced food and beverages. Children will be entertained with an array of activities run all day by Nature Parks Education Rangers, old time games, face painting, treasure hunts, painting and more. While the kids are busy being creative, relax, unwind and enjoy the view, while listening to some great live tunes.

The 8th annual Easter Fun Festival will be bigger and better than ever with the return of ‘Inside the Brick’ and their millions of LEGO bricks.

Feast your eyes on an amazing LEGO exhibition and participate in the hour long LEGO building sessions, but be sure to book as almost all of these building sessions sold out last year.

The place to be this summer

With all of this activity, you might wonder what else could possibly be going on. Churchill Island’s most notable recent activity has been as a research station, which has seen a trial release of Eastern Barred Bandicoots in an attempt to save this species from extinction. Considered extinct in the wild on the mainland since 1991, this small marsupial has been surviving behind predatorproof fences designed to keep them safe from foxes and feral cats. Thanks to Phillip Island Nature Parks’ efforts over the past 10 years to ensure Churchill Island is fox and feral-cat free, it is considered to be ideal habitat for Eastern Barred Bandicoots.

In conjunction with Zoos Victoria, the initial trial consisted of 16 bandicoots, released in August of this year. Subsequently another 4 bandicoots were released in October and so far, the signs are all good. According to Dr Duncan Sutherland, Senior Researcher with Nature Parks, “The population is going extremely well, transitioning successfully to island life. They are exploring the island, putting on weight, and breeding happily”.

Dr Sutherland and his colleague Anthony Rendall, Research Technical Officer, conducted initial radio tracking of the bandicoots, along with ongoing spotlight counting, regular trapping and remote cameras to monitor their health and obtain data on breeding behaviour. Churchill Island is proving to be an important first step in establishing if future island releases could help to conserve the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.

Churchill Island truly packs a lot of activity into its 57 hectares, and is surely worth a visit this summer (or any time of year for that matter).

For more information on any of the special events, the bandicoot release, farm activities or ticket purchase, go to www.penguins.org.au or call on 5951 2830.

Photographs supplied by Phillip Island Nature Parks Story by Roland Pick – Phillip Island Nature Parks

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ÂŻ Snapshots Of ÂŻ

COWES PHILLIP ISLAND

With its brilliant beaches and superb diverse restaurants, recognised for its outstanding cafes and its wonderful attractions.

Walk along the foreshore with its golden sands and the bay beach lapping gently nearby to the Jetty Cafe or head up the main street with its abundance of shopping and huge variety of restaurants.

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For over 14 years now we've been creating delicious food and drink whilst listening to some cheeky conversations. Madcowes cafe & foodstore situated on the Esplanade in Cowes, Phillip Island is a fully licensed cafe. It's where great food and drink meet beautiful coastal views and friendships are strengthened through conversation and laughs.

We're open for breakfast and lunch daily so next time you're in town, why not drop in to MadCowes Cafe & Foodstore

MADCOWES CAFE & FOODSTORE 3/4 17 The Esplanade, Cowes, VIC, 3922 T:(03) 5952 2560 E: mad.cowes@bigpond.com Hours: Monday to Sunday from 6.30am to 3.00pm

madcowes

cafe & foodstore A crazy little kitchen that delivers on flavour.

With over 50 years of experience in their kitchen, they know a thing or two about creating an amazing dish. Their chefs have the freedom to create week after week. You can find these creations on their specials board. Fresh food is their mission. Priorities at Madcowes Cafe & Foodstore is ensuring the produce is as fresh as it gets.

Every week they visit the Queen Victoria Market and many primary producers to source the freshest possible produce available. It’s a long drive from Phillip Island and the day starts long before the sun comes up, but if you are as passionate about food as they are, then it’s well worth the journey.

Recently, I spent a delightful morning with a friend at Madcowes Cafe & Foodstore and was suitably impressed with our light lunch. The cafe was very busy, which is always a good indication of their popularity. What I particularly noticed was the warm greeting and attentive service.

Our coffees were delivered in minutes, along with our food, and the young gentleman was very pleasant and helpful.

No wonder patrons keep coming back to Madcowes Cafe & Foodstore, the food is fresh, the coffees taste great and the service is the best!

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Phillip Island Area Tours You are not the average traveller. We are not the average tour company.

PERSONALISED & SCHEDULED TOURS PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH LOCAL GUIDE SMALL GROUPS ONLY WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

REGIONAL TASTES - beer, wine, food & more ART & ARTISANS - meet local artists in their galleries NATURE & WILDLIFE - up-close and interactive WILSON'S PROMONTORY - walks, beaches, wildlife & more DESTINATION PHILLIP ISLAND - see the best of Phillip Island PENGUIN PARADE - transport service most days Visit our website for full details & tours www.exceptionalphillipisland.com.au em: tour@exceptionalphillipisland.com.au ph: 0459 494 666

NEW PHILLIP ISLAND A R E A T O U R C O M PA N Y

Delivers an Exceptional day out A new boutique tour company serving Phillip Island and surrounds is helping guests discover the region’s hidden gems the local way.

Guests are treated as friends and we take them off the beaten track so they can see our region the way we do. It is a truly local experience. An exceptional experience.”

Exceptional Phillip Island Area Tours fills a niche in the Victorian tourism market by taking guests behind the scenes so they can experience the region’s best from a local perspective.

Guests – a maximum of 11 per tour including a wheelchair passenger – are collected from an agreed meeting point in the Phillip Island area and transported in a comfortable, spacious Mercedes minibus.

Owned and operated by San Remo based wife and husband Kirsty and David Mawer, Exceptional Phillip Island Area Tours introduces guests to fascinating locals and out-of-the-way places, two of the things its proprietors love about their region.

They can choose from several regular tours, such as ‘Regional Tastes’, where guests experience the best wine, beer, liquor and purveyors of gourmet foods that Phillip Island and surrounds have to offer; ‘Art and Artisans’, where guests meet a photographer, goldsmith, potter, glassmaker, steel sculptor and chef as they “experience the art and meet the artisan” in this creativity themed tour of award winning craftsmen; ‘Destination Phillip Island’ ensures guests experience the best Phillip Island has to offer by combining a scenic drive and gentle walking with up-close animal encounters and delicious food and beverages for the total destination experience; or ‘Destination Anywhere’ – the tour where you pick and mix the attractions and we package them into a great day out for you and your friends.

“We all know the best travel experiences come with local knowledge so we set out to create a business combining strong local knowledge, informative guides and tailored itineraries to deliver truly original local tours,” Kirsty said.

“We specialise in unique experiences for the ‘thinking’ traveller. Our tours are diverse, entertaining, informative and personal. They are designed to engage and offer insight to our guests, while showcasing some of our region’s best kept secrets.”

Small group tours allow guests to experience interesting destinations firsthand. They may learn about raising alpacas from one of Australia’s pioneering alpaca farmers, or watch a master goldsmith at work and learn to tell the difference between well-made, Australian-made jewellery while having your own bling cleaned; or ‘play with clay’ while learning the ins and outs of making hand-crafted gold-trimmed pottery from an esteemed potter; catch a trout for lunch and let the chefs prepare it along with a divine tasting plate for you to eat that incorporates delicious indigenous ‘bush-tucker’ – the freshest fish and chips you will get anywhere and best washed down with a boutique beer from our local brewery. Guests can also learn about the brewing process while enjoying a special tasting plate that is accompanied with some local harvested delicacies.

Every tour introduces guests to fascinating locals who speak about their work, their passions and the landscape they love – the stunning, rugged coast, sweeping golden beaches and rolling green hills of Victoria’s Bass Coast, South West Gippsland and Phillip Island. All tours include tasty local bites and drinks.

“Our customers are not the average traveller and we’re not the average tour company,” Kirsty said. “Our philosophy is to have a conversation, not provide commentary.

This is the perfect tour to show friends and guests around the area while you relax and enjoy the kudos of arranging a stunning day/ half-day out. You may like to go further afield and explore the region, take a group to a show in Melbourne, or take a day trip to Wilson’s Prom via Fish Creek for a beautiful experience of nature at its best.

Tell us where you would like to explore, let us take you there. Limited only by your imagination this day out is always full of delightful surprises.

“There is so much to do and see in the Phillip Island and wider Bass Coast and Gippsland area that guests will want to stay more than one night to experience even a tiny slice of what we have to offer, and you no longer need a car to get around to the best places on and near the Island,” said Kirsty.

Exceptional Phillip Island Area Tours has teamed up with some of the best, and in some cases both unique and hidden attractions in the Phillip Island area to provide an exceptional experience for visitors and locals alike.

For further information about this new local tour company, please visit www.exceptionalphillipIsland.com.au call Kirsty Mawer on 0459 494 666 or email: tour@exceptionalphillipisland.com.au

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SHEARWATER FESTIVAL The Shearwater Festival an annual creative, cultural and environmental event, which was established in 2012. It brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members together to celebrate the return of the short-tailed shearwaters from their 15,000 kilometre migration. The shearwaters are celebrated as symbols of local and global interconnectedness.

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STREET PARADE 2015

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THE ART OF

SUP

S TA N D U P PA D D L E B O A R D I N G JANYCE O’KEEFFE

Ever wondered how it would feel to walk on water?

Only with a subconscious mind, at peace with the world, drifting freely towards the sun, the horizon and beyond. A gentle ripple trailing behind while all your cares and thoughts are left at the shoreline. Being present and enjoying it for what it is. One gentle stroke after another, as if without effort moving in time to the beat of a relaxed heart.

It all sounds a little too good to be true, right?

If this is an experience you have not tried yet, then read on, and you may even add Stand Up Paddle to your bucket list!

Sometimes our fears hold us back from new experience, yet sometimes so anxious about them we could burst. That was me four years ago; I could not wait to try this unique sport they call ‘SUP – stand up paddle boarding‘. After a lifetime of competing in water sports, this was definitely something I just knew I had to try. I couldn’t get my hands on a board quick enough.

Knowing my own passion to be near water, to be totally immersed in it, watching it, feeling it and even the smell of water, memories come pouring back to surfing, holidays and competition, including the pool.

The power of water and the ocean can be unexplainable to some folk, an enjoyable, rewarding, frightening and emotional experience, often all rolled into one. I had

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little fear on this particular occasion, just pure anticipation of where this new sport could actually take me.

Historically, stand up paddling has been around for thousands of years. South Americans used this technique to propel themselves out to sea in dug out canoes for spear fishing, using a long bamboo shaft. It was in the early 1950’s in Waikiki Hawaii, thrill seeking locals were hooked on surfing, but not all had the skills required.

The ingenious thought of grabbing a paddle from a canoe to master the shore break and get a better glimpse of these ‘beach boy surfers’ riding the waves – The Duke, and Bobby Ah Choy, would take these paddlers out quite often. They would then surf the shore break back in. During the 60’s the ‘gidget ‘ era was born, and it was not until the early 2000’s, stand up paddling appeared again. Buffalo’s

Big Board contest in 2003 at Makaha Beach saw a whopping 49 entrants in the stand up paddle division; the boom had begun.

Nowadays, we catch a glimpse often late afternoon, windless, balmy evenings. Couples paddling together along canals, waterways, bay shallows and even shore breaks at local surf spots.

Gippsland is a hidden jewel to any stand up paddler. From the long familiar breaks at Foots, Cat and Kitty Miller Bays at Phillip Island for those seeking the thrill ride, to the pristine shallows at San Remo and the open waters at Cape Paterson for the relaxed and beginner, the still water channels of Paynesville, for the more adventurous seeking the adventure, waterways right up to Lakes Entrance and beyond.

One can just enjoy the experience of paddling without effort, or turning up the heat by simply challenging downwinders, sprints, distance paddles and racing; trying Yoga on a board as an alterative.

This sport is now taking Australia by storm.

It is quickly becoming not only the coolest way to get about on water, but also the most effective.

Stand up paddle works all muscle groups, is low impact and is advised for many suffering from lower back or mobility concerns. Paddle boarding gives an overall great core workout, building strength to many muscle groups, while engaging cardiovascular fitness levels.

This is becoming the next fitness revolution.

There are few sports which can be commended for working so many muscle groups at one time without even noticing.

Throughout Victoria and Australia regular events are held at different locations, always offering diverse challenges, kids’ events, sprints, and distance events; including the Great Melbourne Paddle held annually in Melbourne.

Clinics are held regularly and board suppliers are easily located throughout Victoria. But make sure you look for a supplier with a large range of boards and paddles and who will not only advise of a board to suit your ability and requirements. Look for the right instructor with knowledge and experience, including insurance that can accommodate you.

Fortunately this new addiction has lead me to many restful, relaxing long paddles, after and before my working day, teaching and assisting new paddlers along the way, to holding workshops, fitness clinics, including recently, competitions.

Contact supwarehouse.com.au for supply and Liquid Fit facebook for Bass Coast instruction.

Photographs and words by Janyce O’Keeffe Main image of Cape Woolamai beach

by Sarah Oliver – metzcreative.com.au

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PERSONAL & GROUP TRAINING Motivational, fun and sports specific training, IN and OUT of the water.

My aim is to provide functional fun training to enhance fitness levels, gain strength, and lose centimeters by toning and conditioning.

Regular fitness checks, nutritional advice, support and motivation is all included.

Also offer FITNESS WATER SPORTS RETREATS.

PERSONAL & GROUP TRAINING

STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING MOTIVATIONAL AND GOAL SETTING NUTRITIONAL ADVICE AND MEAL PLANNING STAND UP PADDLE INSTRUCTION AND GROUP/INDIVIDUAL LESSONS SWIMMING CORRECTION & TECHNIQUE

PERSONAL TRAINING WEIGHTS & STRENGTH TRAINING BOXING AND BOOT CAMPS CONDITIONING FOR DISTANCE SPORTS FUN RUNS OPEN WATER SWIMMING

Call Janyce to find out how she can help you

0425 256 405

www.facebook.com/liquidfit

Kelly & Gemelli Art & Design

When we think of art galleries we tend to think of quiet, introspective places with stark white walls. Not with Kelly & Gemelli – Art & Design. Here you will find a gallery of vibrant unique art works and innovative designs.

Located at San Remo, adjacent to Phillip Island, it comprises 2 galleries showing a range of artworks by various artists as well as a café serving quality Genovese coffee. Adriano Gemelli and his partner, Lynne Kelly purchased the building with the aim of using it for a gallery space with its 180 degree view of Westernport Bay, an ideal perspective.

The starkness of the grey exterior is a sharp contrast to the vibrant interior, with the interior design elements designed and produced by Adriano.

These design elements include: café tables, signage, bars and mirror mosaic with the consideration of producing a gallery with excellent UV free lighting, climate control and ambience where future events could be exhibited to a museum standard for the exhibition artist, the viewer and the café clientele.

The gallery offers a program of exhibitions of various artists focusing on contemporary art and design practice and is currently inviting proposals from artists for exhibitions during 2016.

Adriano, a professional artist/sculptor himself often includes his own signature reflective hologram art works in the gallery, which ‘come alive’ with their dynamic colours and provoking compositions.

The next exhibition at Kelly & Gemelli will be ‘‘Flat Sculptures’ which will run from 9th January to 28th February 2016.

‘Flat Sculptures’ invites the viewer to experience the ambiguity of a Series of works exploring line, form and colour to give the illusion of dimensionality and where arbitrary geometry excites the viewer’s eyes and creates a visual puzzle of aesthetic value. The works are painted with acrylic with gold, silver and reflective hologram on free-form contoured substrates.

Exhibition Opening

Please join us on Saturday 9th January from 4pm to 6pm for drinks and light refreshments at the opening of ‘Flat Sculptures’ – All welcome.

Kelly & Gemelli – Art & Design 57 Phillip Island Road, San Remo www.kellyandgemelli.com | www.adriangemelli.com.au

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WILDLIFE COAST CRUISES

Phillip Island Come on an incredible adventure with Wildlife Coast Cruises and visit one of the most beautiful, natural and remote areas in the world!

Wilson’s Promontory National Park is located approximately 160 kilometres southeast of Melbourne. The 50,500-hectare park is known for its beautiful rainforests, unspoiled beaches, and abundant wildlife.

Known affectionately as ‘The Prom’, Wilson’s Promontory is made up of many different islands, with coastal features including expansive mudflats, sandy beaches and sheltered coves, interrupted by prominent headlands, plunging granite cliffs and coastal dunes.

Wilson’s Promontory is home to a wide range of wildlife species. Over 30 species of native mammals have been recorded in the park, including populations of potoroos, gliders, echidnas and possums as well as the more familiar kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and wombats.

A number of species of whales have been sighted in the waters off The Prom’s coastline. Southern right whales nowadays show slow but steady recovery from the commercial hunting days and have returned to the area, along with humpback whales that pass through on their migration.

Dolphins, seals, sea lions, and penguins can be seen more regularly.

There are also numerous species of bird, large numbers of emus, migratory wading birds, and predatory birds. The offshore islands provide

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roosting and breeding sites for sea birds, including an enormous numbers of short-tailed shearwaters.

The views of the wildlife and landscapes from the boat are amazing. The cruise will explore some of the most interesting areas of Wilson’s promontory, including: Kanowna Island Seal Colony, home to around 2,000 Australian fur seals and 80 New Zealand fur seals.

Skull Rock (Cleft Island) - an incredible rock formation resembling a skull. The rock is 113 metres high, and waters surrounding the area are 30 metres deep.

Refuge Cove – a stunning, sheltered and secluded beach. The tour has a stop over here and passengers can be taken ashore with a small boat for a walk and swim.

CAPE WOOLAMAI CRUISE Great Value! Only $15 for children and $25 for adults.

1 hour scenic cruise from San Remo Tea & coffee with cake Local commentary & stories Witness the sheer granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai Regular dolphin, seal and seabird sightings Cruise under the bridge to Phillip Island Wildlife coast cruises have lots of other cruises on offer. Book in advance, as cruises are weather and number dependent.

The Lighthouse - from its point on the peninsula, it commands almost 360° views of Bass Strait.

The Wilson's Promontory lighthouse is the southernmost lighthouse on mainland Australia.

The Glennie Islands, nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary.

An experience of a lifetime, visiting untouched islands and rugged coastlines that are not accessible by land, viewing amazing rock formations, spectacular marine and wildlife areas that most people wouldn’t dream exist. Full day of catered, luxury cruising with breathtaking scenery of Wilson’s Prom as you have never seen it before!

Bookings required.

Photographs courtesy of Wildlife Coast Cruises

WILSON’S PROMONTORY CRUISE

CAPTAIN’S LUNCH CRUISE

SEAL WATCHING CRUISE

Morning and afternoon tea Buffet lunch, freshly prepared on board Explore Refuge Cove on a walk or swim the clear bay Cruise around the Prom lighthouse and the southernmost point of Australia’s mainland Cruise up and under Skull Rock Visit Kanowna Island seal colony Regular sea bird and dolphin sightings Free coach pick-up from Cowes, San Remo, Inverloch, Toora and Foster

3 hour scenic cruise from Rhyll Tea & coffee with cake Fresh fish & chips lunch Local commentary & stories Witness the sheer granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai Regular dolphin, seal and seabird sightings Cruise under the bridge to Phillip Island

Come aboard this spectacular two hour coastal wildlife cruise, and experience an up-close encounter with thousands of seals at Australia’s largest fur seal colony! Seal Rocks is situated 2kms off the rugged south west coast of Phillip Island.

Jump on board the Kasey Lee Catamaran with Wildlife Coast Cruises and explore the most spectacular scenery on Phillip Island, as you cruise around magnificent Cape Woolamai!

Situated on the eastern side of Phillip Island, Cape Woolamai features some of the Island’s most impressive landscapes, best viewed from the sea!

Be in awe of Cape Woolamai’s 110 metre high ancient pink granite cliffs as they tower above you. Marvel at the breathtaking caves, including the secret pirate cave and be amazed by the beautiful aquamarine water, which has to be seen to be believed. The captain and crew will look out for the fascinating marine wildlife that inhabits this area, including seals, dolphins, sea birds and eagles.

Wildlife Coast Cruises offer two cruises around Cape Woolamai, you can choose from a 1 hour scenic cruise from San Remo, around the Cape and back again in time to see the daily Pelican Feeding. Or the 3 hour Captain’s Lunch Cruise from Rhyll, where you will cruise through Westernport Bay and under the Historic San Remo Bridge. This trip includes a short stop over at San Remo to see the pelicans, before getting back on the boat, where you will enjoy a fresh local fish and chip lunch on your way back to Rhyll.

Cape Woolamai is a truly magical place and this cruise is an unforgettable experience.

These cruises are ideal for families, and have also been very popular with groups.

The boat drifts within meters of the seals, enabling you to witness them in their natural environment first hand. It is impossible not to be captivated by these naturally playful and inquisitive animals, as they regularly approach the boat for a closer look at you! Along the way you’ll be enthralled by the beautiful coastline and learn all about the history of Phillip Island’s western shoreline.

From November to December, mature female seals give birth to a single pup. Within 2 weeks after giving birth, females of breeding age will mate again. A large breeding male may attract up to 9 females to become his ‘harem’.

TWILIGHT CRUISE Twilight Cruises run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Join Wildlife Coast Cruises on a leisurely evening Twilight Cruise through the sheltered waters of Westernport Bay, aboard their 19 meter vessel, the ‘Kasey Lee’.

Enjoying a drink from the licensed bar in a relaxed atmosphere and watching the towns light up around the bay as the sun sets, this is a perfect way to end your day on beautiful Phillip Island.

Why not combine the Twilight Cruise with dinner at a foreshore restaurant – enquire for package deals!

What a great way to enjoy your afternoon, with a two hour return cruise from Cowes Pier, taking in the West Coast of Phillip Island, before viewing thousands of Seals in their natural habitat. This is a fantastic cruise for all ages.

Seal Watching Cruises are currently scheduled 2pm daily.

Seal Watching Cruise 2 Hour scenic coastal cruise An average of 5000+ seals sighted up close Complimentary afternoon or morning tea Variety of seabirds & regular dolphin sightings Educational commentary Historical sights Children activities Warm undercover viewing

Twilight Bay Cruise 90 minutes twilight & sunset cruise Visit the submarine HMAS ‘Otama’ Regular dolphin and seal sightings Light hot and cold appetisers Licensed bar on-board Captain’s commentary Children’s activities

This year groups can receive discounts of up to 40% off.

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PURPLE HENS

can lay golden eggs Phillip Island is a tourist mecca for Gippslanders, Melbournians and International tourists.

There are 22 acres under vine at the Purple Hen Vineyard and 7 or so acres at the Silverwaters Vineyard at San Remo. Rick grows Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Riesling and Pinot Gris.

The place abounds with penguins, petrol and Parks de Caravan. As such, the Island is set up to attract the holidaymaker looking for some obvious fun. Billboards pepper the main drag as retailers and eateries tout their wares. A simple green street sign to Purple Hen winery can be easily missed in the profusion. The dirt road separating advancing acacias is a welcome relief from the often congested tarmac that delivers you to the turn off. A bucolic cruise between fertile fields and perfectly ancient barns sweeps into the manicured rows, and leaves you in the car park of one of the Island’s most deserving attractions.

All these varieties do well in the extreme maritime climate. When I arrived the breeze was constant but not stiff. Good for moving on the flies, but not a threat to vine health. The wind is the only aspect of Phillip Island’s climate, which can be damaging to a vine’s health. Excessive wind can damage young leaves and interfere with pollination and fruit set. The upside is less disease pressure, as the vineyard is seldom wet or humid for long.

The other features of a maritime climate are mild temperatures and excellent clear sunlight hours; ideal for ripening fruit.

To be awarded most successful exhibitor in four out of the last six years of the Gippsland Wine Show then that says something about consistency and quality, which may not be cool or sexy but speaks very much of dedication and focus. Rick Lacey and his partner Maira Vitols spent over a year searching for the right piece of dirt to plant their business.

Information gleaned from industry courses combined with local knowledge lead them to the red loam of Phillip Island, which is underwritten by a bankable water source of heavy clay.

With a degree in Agricultural economics and a family history in South Australian almond orchards, Rick’s attitude is commercial and

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Stuart Hay

professional. A vineyard walk with Rick is an interesting discussion of optimal shoots on a lateral vine arm and the many theories of vine row spacing. This is a man who has a firm opinion on how best to run his business and has done the research to back up his passionate views.

The ripening of the fruit is all consuming for Rick and his team. Winemakers and vineyard managers all get their hands dirty and play a role in the vineyard cosseting the vines and being vigilant for signs of disease. In a small set up like Purple Hen the capacity to play a part in all stages of production lowers the barriers between winemakers and grape growers. They are all immersed in the process of turning great fruit into great wine. Rick sees this as being a big advantage small wineries have over their larger commercial brethren who have multiple levels of staff who may only be involved in a stage of production for a day or two.

Rick has always been involved in the winemaking.

He has received guidance and expertise from two winemakers who have contributed significantly to Purple Hen’s success. Marcus Satchel who worked at Purple Hen for five years and Philipa Farr who is his current winemaker.

Both have an affinity with Pinot Noir so it is no surprise that Purple Hen’s pinot has received a glass cabinet full of accolades.

Bucking the current trend, which claims all flavour comes from the vineyard, the team at Purple Hen is happy to claim their winemaking experimentation and evolution is bringing improvements to their fruit. A true canopy to consumption ethos.

Case in point: Gippsland Shiraz is a troubled child. Loads of potential but yet to become comfortable in its skin. The flavour and styles are all over the place but Rick shows a steady hand with the excellent fruit he grows.

The Purple Hen Vineyard Shiraz is puree currants and plum, baking spice and deep grilled meat notes. The Silverwaters Vineyard Shiraz is firmly tannic with dark fruits and a soy like quality. They vinify separately to keep an eye on the individual vineyards even though the wines are always blended due to the small quantities. The extra work of the separate ferments aid the winemakers in continuing to build the mental picture that is their vineyard and their fruit characteristics.

Details are so important to someone who is trying to present a true product of their unique property.

They have created an excellent and consistent cool climate Shiraz.

No one would mention wineries in a vox pop of Phillip Island’s attractions but this one is a must to visit. Take the time to drink some wine and ask the person behind the tasting bench what makes the one you enjoyed so special.

Rick Lacey and Maira Vitols are sitting on a Golden Egg. Photographs by Wildwood Photography

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THEORY OF WILLOW Kyme Farley is an artist that takes a piece of nature and renews it into another form of beauty - one to enhance a space within a home. Life brought Kyme to settle on Phillip Island where he can partake in his two great passions - surfing and bespoke furniture making - and he has now established himself as a quality purveyor of bespoke furniture. Everything from the design, the woods used and the space they are to be placed in, is individual and unique. There is a story behind Kyme's journey and I had the great pleasure to meet this surfer and craftsman one fine afternoon at his workshop.

visualise, through his passion for communication and drawing. Kyme gets the client to engage, so as to have an understanding of the vision which he says is paramount to client satisfaction - that and the pure workmanship of the end product, whether a table or cabinet.

The level of input differs between clients - some will have vague ideas of what they want and look to Kyme to bring it into reality, while others will have a more precise vision. All are bespoke pieces and are made to take pride of place for generations - real works of art from real natural timbers. It’s a marriage of natural beauty, fine workmanship and practicality. In discussions with his clients Kyme says that he "tries to plant a seed" to awaken something within, to get them involved. Getting them involved in the process sees more of an attachment to the piece, which adds to its ongoing longevity.

Kyme Farley has been artistic and creative all his life, having parents who themselves had multiple creative energies. His mother influenced his abilities in painting and drawing but both parents had the ability to visualise and create. Kyme's father was a metal worker and also endowed with much creative energy, although his greatest influence was perhaps on the affinity Kyme now has with the sea. Growing up in Lake Tyers, the sea has a significant resonance in Kyme and living on Phillip Island would seem a natural place for this artisan to settle. But it is the Island's country feel and the integrity of the people that also attracted him.

Kyme's dad was a surfer and taught him to surf at a very young age and many years were spent on the waves together. Unfortunately Kyme saw his dad, two of his grandparents and five of his mates pass away within the space of roughly four years. This left him with the attitude of "might as well do what you love doing rather than chasing money". Kyme has a "bunch of boards" of his dad's in the house and one would think that the sea must be in Kyme's blood given the fact that his granddad told him he was a "tenth generation

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Kyme will meet with the client to discuss what type of wood is best and he will take into account the space where the piece will sit and its immediate environment, the desired functionality and even the character of the client.

"Get it right from the outset and make a piece that is timeless" is his motto. timber worker". His granddad even built his own yacht and sailed around the world in it.

There is another aspect that runs through his heritage too, and that is carpentry and working with timber. In previous generations some of his ancestors fused them together in boat building.

Kyme's passion is to make one-off pieces to satisfy his artistic side. But he also leads others, who may not be endowed with the same gift to

Whether it is the beauty and texture of American White Ash or the colour variations of Australian Iron Bark, Kyme loves timber and creating something with substance - "it’s about adding to the space, not just filling it".

The idea of using discarded or second hand timber and renewing it into something lasting is also important for Kyme, who showed me a salvaged

piece from an old mill in East Gippsland - a 700 year old Round-leaf Box - that will be made into a coffee table. "Australia has a lot of amazing and beautiful hardwoods, each different depending on the humidity of their growing environment."

Kyme takes the time to ensure timber leaves him containing less than 10% humidity to minimise any movement once placed in his client's space.

Seeing the transformation of the space for which it was created and the reaction on his client's face is one of Kyme's true pleasures when delivering the finished piece.

Kyme salvages a lot of timber himself but there are "lots of good timber merchants around. I know a lot of builders who will say, ‘we are doing a reno, we're pulling this out’, and I'll get in my van and go and get it". Kyme, who loves riding his motor bike around Gippsland, also finds that a good way to source reusable timber - "cruising around, you sometimes see a big shed with a bunch of timber in it, so you go knock on the door and have a cup of tea with them and then drive back with the van two weeks later and buy some of it. You'd be surprised at the amount and quality

of timber there is around, sitting in people's sheds and under their houses. Because of my web site, people are starting to call me all the time now".

It seems after many years of quality furniture making, word of mouth has spread and clients are now coming to him with some supplying their own aged timber.

Kyme seems at peace with what he does and the value he adds to people's intimate spaces within their homes. His work reflects his talent and passion, and living where he does he gets to enjoy his other passion of surfing most days. He still makes and paints his own surfboards and no doubt in that quiet space when a surfer is waiting for the swell, the spirit of his dad and his mates still lives on.

Photographs by Lauren Murphy Photography

FURNITURE MAKER

KYME FARLEY

ph: 0449 818 545 em: sales@theoryofwillow.com.au www.theoryofwillow.com.au

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FRANKIE’S CAFÉ

review

Recent drives through various Gippsland towns and villages have made me notice a growing trend that I am more than happy to see: an increase in cafes serving quality coffee and food. Warragul is no exception, and this was where I was invited to review Frankie’s Café, a relatively young kid on the block with an already strong following in the township.

what the lunch menu could serve up. There’s no shortage of lunch options either, and after some deliberation (and a peek of what others were ordering), I decided on the H-bomb Beef Burger. Again, what a meal! The burger included a house-made beef patty, bacon, avocado, an egg, rocket, beetroot and tomato, all encased within a shiny, melt in your mouth brioche bun.

I had been told by numerous friends that I was in for a treat; and I wasn’t disappointed. The food, coffee and service were outstanding, and I couldn’t get enough of the décor. The first thing you notice is the big wooden door as you enter. Whilst it was only 8:30am when I arrived, the place was already buzzing, a good sign in my books. The café has an industrial feel with dark steel and wood features, softened by the cushioned seating I was lucky to try out.

If that wasn’t enough, a nice serving of thick steak fries accompanied the already delectable meal ahead of me. Again, the combination of flavours was fantastic. The freshness of the rocket, beetroot and tomato complemented the bacon and well seasoned beef patty, reminding me that with quality ingredients and a knowledgeable chef, good things happen.

I mixed it up this time with my drink choice and ordered their Mango Tango smoothie, a refreshing choice on a warm day. Overall it was another fantastic experience.

As is my morning routine, a coffee was needed first, and the strong latte really hit the spot. After looking at the numerous breakfast options, and a quick chat with head chef Andrea, I decided to go for something I’d never had before: the corn and black-bean fritters. In hindsight it was an excellent choice. The fritters came out with a healthy serving of smashed avocado, steaming hot wilted spinach, two eggs, housemade tomato relish and a touch of parsley to top it all off. What a combo. Andrea’s extensive experience in the industry shines through with

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this meal. The fritters were full of flavour and different textures, perfectly complemented by the poached eggs, avocado, spinach and relish. I washed it down with a freshly squeezed orange juice and left the store a very satisfied man.

Just like the regular customers I saw on both my Frankie’s experiences, I too will be looking forward to my next coffee or meal at Frankie’s.

If you’re in the Warragul area and looking for a good coffee, a fresh breakfast to kick-start your day or a lunch to rave about, Frankie’s Café is for you.

Later in the week I was lucky enough to be in Warragul again, and this time I wanted to see

Words: Mitch Simpson Images: Wildwood Photography

CAFÉ-ESPRESSO BAR

FRANKIE’S CAFÉ ESPRESSO BAR IN WARRAGUL IS A GREAT PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS FOR COFFEE OR IF YOU ARE FEELING HUNGRY CHOOSE FROM OUR EXTENSIVE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENU. LOOK FOR OUR OTHER GREAT LOCATIONS IN BERWICK, CARRUM DOWNS + PAKENHAM

BERWICK

CARRUM DOWNS

WARRAGUL

PAKENHAM

Shop K01, Eden Rise Village, 95 O’Shea Road, Berwick, Vic 3806

Shop 4/335 Ballarto Road, Carrum Downs, Vic 3201

28 Victoria St, Warragul, Vic 3820

Shop 5 Lakeside Village East, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham, Vic 3810

Ph: (03) 8794 7128

Ph: (03) 9773 5774

Ph: (03) 5623 1196

Ph: (03) 5940 5914

Opening Hours Monday to Friday: 6:30am - 5:00pm Saturday: 7:00am - 3:00pm Sunday: 8:00am - 3:00pm

Opening Hours Monday to Friday: 6:30am - 5:00pm Saturday: 7:00am - 3:00pm Sunday: 8:00am - 3:00pm

Opening Hours Monday to Friday: 6:00am – 5:00pm Saturday & Sunday: 6:30am – 3:00pm

Opening Hours Monday to Friday: 6:30am - 5:00pm Saturday: 7:00am - 3:00pm Sunday: 8:00am - 3:00pm

www.frankiescafe.com.au Facebook | Instagram | Google+ | Twitter

EDNEYS

DARRYL McGANNON

Geoff Watt

Darryl is South Gippsland born and bred his father was a dairy farmer originally from Leongatha, who then moved to Leongatha South and later onto Koonwarra. Darryl's move into the car industry was an obvious career move for someone "who always loved cars" but getting to the bottom of where Darryl's love of cars comes from is a little more difficult: "I just loved cars - I was never mechanical, never a rev head, never attracted to the older cars."

When a business has been open in the same town continuously for nearly 100 years, it tells you something of the quality of its core operations and the integrity of the people behind it. Having a good product is one thing, but if you don't build and maintain relationships with your clients, the doors will close.

There is such a business in Gippsland - Edneys Leongatha - which has been around so long it's VACC Membership Number is 3! Edneys coowner Darryl McGannon has been intimately involved in the business for 30 years and the business recently won a Service Award for Excellence from Nissan Australia - confirmation indeed that it is still in good hands, maintaining the integrity and quality it has always been known for.

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I tried to ascertain where the passion may have been nurtured; for example did his parents, being dairy farmers, have an influence - perhaps he saw his dad working on tractors, etc - Darryl responds with a laugh, "I have absolutely no interest in farming unfortunately, I don't know where the initial spark came from - I've just always had an interest in it although I am not mechanical in any way. Even going back to my childhood and my drawing and art work, a lot of it was cars".

Darryl started work over 30 years ago at Edneys.

"It was the week before school went back and Edneys were advertising for a job in Spare Parts.

I had actually done work experience in Parts at Hogan Ford (a previous Leongatha dealership) and my parents thought it would be good experience for me to sit for an interview but when I had finished they asked, "When can you start?"

So I had to go home and discuss with my parents whether to go back to school or start the job.

But I had the passion for it and the opportunity was there." Darryl stayed for eight years and then

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moved to Melbourne. Melbourne was the perfect change, not only for the sport and culture that it provided, but also for job opportunities. Darryl spent 12 years working at other dealerships in Melbourne and saw first hand how large dealers managed workflows.

This all culminated in Darryl being Parts Manager at Blackburn Nissan, which was a huge dealership and gave Darryl great experience in dealing with large turnovers of stock and customer relations "If you have a passion for what you do then you learn incredibly fast". In 1999 Darryl moved back to Leongatha and bought out a partner at Edneys who was looking to retire due to ill health.

Although Darryl loved Melbourne, he is passionate about Leongatha. He elaborates: "I love the fact that we are in such a good area with a stable economy, beautiful beaches, all the sporting facilities, a good education precinct and yet we are close to Melbourne with a very good road that can get you into the city in under two hours. I was born and bred in this area and I am passionate about Leongatha as a town." Darryl

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and his wife Sharon had wanted their family to grow up in the country, so returning to Edneys was the perfect fit. He and his wife Sharon now have three teenage boys: Harrison, Mason and Mitchell.

Darryl's passion for cars is still as strong as ever: "I love the technology that goes into cars, so every new model that comes out I want to know what they have improved. I have always been passionate about Nissan because it is such a great product and Hyundai products are sensational as well. I find cars these days are so reliable and it is still exciting for me when a new model comes out and you get to drive it, see the new features and show them to your customers.

This industry doesn't sit still for five minutes; the cars are always changing and evolving and in my time I have absolutely enjoyed watching this evolution."

A major component of dealerships servicing these days is keeping up with technology "because the new cars are so sophisticated and computerised�. Edneys service technicians are

regularly updating their skills by attending industry training. This enables Edneys to stand behind the motto 'Fix it right the first time'. "We book cars in at specific times and have the service technician ready for the car at the designated time, so we are not holding the client up." There are eight technicians in the Servicing Department under the watchful eye of Service Manager Nick McRae. There is a great synergy in the team, reflected in the fact that the team has been together for a long time - get the right people in, work as a focused team, look after the staff and efficiency follows. Having a relationship with the client is paramount to Darryl - from sale right through to servicing of the cars down the track. He regularly sees clients returning to him. "You do the right thing by your client and they will do the right thing by you."

Getting the Service Award for Excellence is a credit to Darryl and his team and it truly reflects their expertise, hard work and the care they take to make their customers' experience first class. All sales and services are linked to

Nissan Australia's database, which then sends customers independent surveys. The survey covers all aspects of sales and service for every dealer in Australia.

Spending time with Darryl and seeing his passion for what he does firsthand, I would expect that it certainly wouldn’t be Edneys’ last award. Darryl firmly believes in contributing in a tangible way to the area and people he is so passionate about.

He is President of the Leongatha Junior Football Club and has also been involved in the local Chamber of Commerce for many years.

Darryl and his business partner Ian Marshman are both people who know how important it is to support the local community and provide great customer service. They are thankful for their dedicated staff who have helped them achieve their current Nissan Dealer Excellence award.

Photographs by Wildwood Photography

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Brandy creek R E S TA U R A N T, V I N E YA R D & D AY S PA Geoff Watt Occasionally in regional areas one comes across something that is world class and we should be thankful to the people behind the vision who made it happen - it can transform a region by not only enhancing the lives of those in the area and providing opportunities but it also provides a destination point for those in the city to adventure into our part of the world. Many in Gippsland know of Brandy Creek Estate, it being a fine winemaker.

But it is truly much more.

I recently visited Brandy Creek Estates and met the person who oversees its operations, Manager Darshana Prasad. Dash has made a career in hospitality, originally in the admin side but many years ago when he came to Australia from Sri Lanka things changed - "I was more into Finance and Marketing in the hospitality industry but found in Australia you have to learn broader skills and started to work in the front service area and loved it - meeting different people, serving different characters."

"Then there are the weddings and seeing different cultures and their celebrations, which is wonderful.� Dash clearly loves people and he manages an incredible estate of world class wine and food and as Dash explains, such experience

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has changed him: "I was a teetotaller before I came to Australia but my love of the industry and thirst for knowledge about wine has automatically made me love wines - I love to open a good wine and share it's taste and it's story." Dash has studied to become a Sommelier and has a wealth of knowledge to share for those who come to Brandy Creek's cellar door or restaurant - the various types and characteristics of wines, matching wines with particular meals and also the various wine making regions of Australia.

This makes for a wonderful experience for patrons.

"After many years in the industry I thought that I needed to seriously study wine to have knowledge to create awareness about Australian wines and help people to appreciate our wines."

Dash visits other winemaking regions whenever he gets the chance and talks to the wine makers to get greater exposure and knowledge - "I will tell them our story and they will tell us theirs".

He accepts this will be a lifetime journey and continues as a hobby to "buy one book a month about wine to learn more".

The cellar door includes a beautiful restaurant overlooking the vineyards to the Baw Baw Hills which can accommodate large groups of people yet has a certain ambience that also lends itself to intimate dinners for couples. Chef Erwin James creates an extensive international menu including Spanish Paella feasts and Brazilian Churrasco - flame grilling anything from Mediterranean Barramundi and Herb Marinated Lamb. And of course there is an extensive wine list available - Brandy Creek Wines are in themselves a showcase.

There is something else truly unique on the estate - a magnificent Day Spa complex opened recently in September. Its Manager Natasha Davis has had 21 years experience as a Beauty and Massage Therapist, having managed large Ella Bache Salons on the Gold Coast and in Melbourne. In 2009, Natasha was awarded 'Australian Beauty Therapist of the Year'.

The Day Spa sits high on the property with generous windows bathing most rooms in natural light and extensive views over the vineyards to the hills - whilst your body is renewed, the view can only enhance the mind's journey to a similar state of tranquillity. This truly is a most remarkable complex to have as our own, here in Gippsland - it is world class. A place to come for total body indulgence - from full body exfoliations, an array of massages, facials, hydrating scalp treatments and even foot treatments, the Day Spa will have you feeling relaxed, refreshed and invigorated.

It is clear Natasha has a passion for what she does - it comes through in speaking with her. I asked Natasha how she came to be in the industry:

"I have always wanted to do this since I was 8 years old - to look after and nurture people."

It seems Natasha, who is Gippsland born and bred, had an Aunt who ran a Beauty Salon in Leongatha many years ago and visiting her at the Salon made a lasting impression - "I never wanted to do anything else after that". This nurturing side has obviously driven Natasha to excellence within the industry, hence her success for many years in Melbourne and interstate.

Estate Day Spa. Natasha explains her team's simple motto: "We want people to have a beautiful journey of relaxation" - men included because they "need to stop and relax too". Natasha loves to see the journey of transformation of guests from when they arrive to when they leave - "when they come out they are just in bliss".

We in Gippsland are truly blessed to have Brandy Creek Estate in our midst and further fortunate for the care of the people who manage and operate it.

Brandy Creek Estate 570 Buln Buln Road, Drouin East Ph: 03 5625 4498 www.brandycreekwines.com.au Photographs by Wildwood Photography

Natasha's other passion for family brought her home to Gippsland and she has found a perfect match for her passion and skills at Brandy Creek

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WIGHTS

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WIGHTS HYUNDAI

Lot 1 Princes Highway, Traralgon (03) 51 757777 www.traralgonautomotivegroup.com.au LMCT 11191

WARRAGUL CONSULTING GROUP

Custodia is one of the oldest and most established bookkeeping firms in Warragul.

Now in our 18th year we are renowned for providing a professional and cost effect bookkeeping solution.

Accredited Partners for Reckon, Professional Partners in Xero, QuickBooks and MYOB, Custodia is the perfect place for everything in Bookkeeping and Training.

For a comprehensive list of our upcoming trainings, please check our facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Custodia

SUPPORTING YOUR BUSINESS

155 Queen Street WARRAGUL VIC 3820

P: 03 5622 1226 M: 0412 340 911 E: pauline@custodia.com.au Web: www.custodia.com.au

NEWEST AND MOST PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SUITES IN WARRAGUL. Affordable consulting rooms charged at a sessional rate with full reception.

Our staff can also answer calls in your business name, and take appointments, plus more, for a low additional cost.

We also have rooms that are suitable for:

* Annual General Meetings * Business Meetings * Conducting training * Day-to-day desk space

* Off-site planning / strategy days * Seminars or forums Ph: 03 5624-3808 155 Queen Street Warragul VIC 3820

Walhalla. "I'm interested in ghost stories from the way people experience them to the stories they inspire." She said.

"Ghost tours are another way to keep the memories of people alive, especially the ordinary people who lived ordinary lives.� She said.

"A family member I spoke to said that maybe the ghosts are those who remain, and have been forgotten. That maybe we need to acknowledge to bring them peace." Tegan said.

It was 6:30 pm on the last Sunday in August 2015, we were gathered under the street lights at Lions Park. A magnificent super moon was rising through the clouds, adding to the atmosphere for the Yallourn North Ghost Tour by Haunted Hills Tours. Tegan Dawson our 'Ghost Whisperer', a title she chose because it conjured up a Jennifer Love Hewitt vibe, not because she has the gift.

Yallourn North is very atmospheric, even without a super moon. There are large cypress trees at our first stop where the East Camp used to dwell; she uses this to introduce us to the town that no longer exists, Yallourn.

Tegan has a personal connection to Yallourn even though she was born after it was no longer accessible to the public, her parents bought a three bedroom weatherboard house from Yallourn and had it moved to Leongatha. The house wasn't haunted but the description of the house being from a 'town that doesn't exist any more' certainly haunted her.

The first story ends with a male spirit who could be Sir John Monash himself, who put his heart and soul into the town, it would make sense his spirit stayed long after he was dead.

The tour moves on, and the stories come closer to Yallourn North, which has a rich history and

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paranormal presence. "The Old Brown Coal Mine Museum is a treasure trove of information, with lovely volunteers and so many artefacts and stories. It's well worth a visit."

Ghosts are something she grew increasingly fascinated by as she attended many ghost tours over the years, at the Werribee Mansion, all the ghost tours in Beechworth, Williamstown, and

Through researching and interviewing people about their experiences, there is a wide range of beliefs about ghosts. The beliefs range from why they to what they do. It is a delicate balance when writing a tour for people of beliefs or non-beliefs to enjoy the tour. The idea behind Haunted Hills Tours is tourism; Tegan says she wants the locals to be able to enjoy the tours just as much as tourists. "When people ask me why ghost tours? I want to say why not, it's something I enjoy, and I want my work to be enjoyable."

At 30 years old her past work history included

places in Yallourn North, on Second Street, that Tegan calls the "road to nowhere" because there is asphalt road in the middle of the grass. In previous photos, you can see an orb next to her.

Tegan says she didn't feel anything but puts this down to focusing on giving the tour.

Walking with ...Ghosts

working in community services something she did as means to contribute meaningfully to the community. Although, she discovered through going back to University there are many ways to contribute. Haunted Hills Tours was born out of a labour of love, encompassing Tegan's passion for research, people (dead and living) and Gippsland.

The story of the Haunted Hills fascinated her, although she can't remember where she first heard the story; it had been with her for a while.

"Many people say there are caves under the haunted hills. I haven't found them myself, and I've visited the Haunted Hills. I've also met a few people who live or lived on them. They all heard the rumbling to this day." On the tour, this is the final story she tells, ending it with a Shakespeare quote she makes the case for Herne the Hunter to be the spirit haunting the hills.

Ghost stories fascinate many people for many reasons. "It's always a good time when there are believers on the tour, I learn so much from talking to them, and I hear about more experiences."

Tegan says she doesn't try to convert sceptics if they want to hear the stories and enjoy them as fiction, that's fine. There are a few active

Recently I have attended the Haunted Hills Tours of Yallourn North and Traralgon and they were both fascinating. The owner Tegan Dawson came up with this great idea of sharing her love of the spiritual world with a dash of the mysterious and most of all a wonderful history of perhaps these towns’ darker moments.

Through researching Yallourn North and interviewing people, she was constantly being told stories about Traralgon. "It seemed everyone had a ghost story about Traralgon." she commented. Tegan's plan always was to expand, and this was the fates coming together.

The very first Traralgon Ghost Tour was on the 30th of September.

We aren't delving into too much sinister stuff here, in fact I learnt more about Yallourn North and Traralgon from these tours than in any tourism brochures, but both towns have a history, good and bad, and to learn more I highly recommend that you join Tegan on her ghost tours and you never know you might just get an unexpected visitor joining you...

Doug Pell

"Traralgon is a bigger and busier town than Yallourn North, organising the Traralgon tour has used a lot of creativity to structure a tour catering for a group of thirty. Also to avoid traffic finding quiet areas that give the best atmosphere for telling stories while being able to see some of the locations that are haunted."

For more information go to www.hauntedhillstours.com or call 0473 945 639

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BP Service Stations Fish Creek

2 Falls Road Fish Creek Vic 3959 Tel/Fax: 5683 2521 Email: fishcreek@evanspetroleum.com.au

Foster

BUSINESS AS USUAL AT BP JOHNSONVILLE

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 Tel: 5156 4233 Fax: 5156 4233 Email: johnsonville@evanspetroleum.com.au

Korumburra

2-8 Commercial Street, Korumburra Vic 3950 Tel/Fax: 5655 1668 Email: korumburra@evanspetroleum.com.au

Evans Petroleum Gippsland, the new owners of BP Johnsonville, will continue to offer outstanding customer service. It is business as usual with our service and tyre centre.

Our Service Manager Stuart has worked onsite providing quality mechanical service for more than 4 years and we welcome him to the Evans Petroleum team. We also welcome Ken, new to the team at Evans Petroleum and BP Johnsonville, however having more than 30 years in mechanical experience will undoubtedly add to our service offer.

Leongatha

95 Bair Street, Leongartha Vic 3953 Tel/Fax: 5662 2440 Email: leongatha@evanspetroleum.com.au

Muddy Creek

Site Manager Kevin Klerck also brings many years of service centre/service station experience with him to BP Johnsonville. All three are qualified mechanics whom have been in the industry for many, many years so are confident they can assist with all your mechanical needs, no matter how big or small.

26 Foster Road, Toora Vic 3962 Tel/Fax: 5686 2324 Email: toora@evanspetroleum.com.au

Ridgway

Kevin also leads our friendly team of console operators, Emily, Karen, Veronica and Duncan, whom will continue to offer great driveway service to our valued customers.

BP Johnsonville has new increased trading hours 6am to 8pm seven days a week and we are currently increasing our retail offer to include a wider range of products and services to better serve our customers.

106 Ridgway, Mirboo North Vic 3871 Tel/Fax: 5668 2377 Email: mirboo@evanspetroleum.com.au

Sale Emma Cumming with Customer Glenn Mason

So come in and say Hi next time you are in Johnsonville!

344 Raglan Street, Sale Vic 3850 Tel: 5143 1030 Email: robert@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

Console Operator Emma Cumming, Site Manager Kevin Klerck and Console Operator Duncan Carpenter

103-105 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 3988 Fax: 5672 5229 Email: wonthaggi@evanspetroleum.com.au

JOHNSONVILLE 1760 Princes Highway, Johnsonville, Vic 3902 Tel: 5156 4233 Fax: 5156 4233 Email: johnsonville@evanspetroleum.com.au Manager: Kevin Klerck

Service Manager Stuart Thomson

Yarram

325 Commercial Street, Yarram Vic 3971 Tel: 5182 6019 Fax: 5182 6458 Email: yarram@evanspetroleum.com.au

Evans Petroleum Head Office 22 Hughes Street, Leongatha Vic 3953 Tel: 5662 2217 Web: www.evanspetroleum.com.au

Chris West

For the local residents of Warragul, the first Friday and Saturday in March each year is showtime. It’s a time on the calendar when the town prepares to welcome an influx of visitors from near and far to enjoy the colourful festivities of the Warragul Show.

“We have ideas for some new events and activities, but don’t have the manpower to do them at present,” she explains.

Maria has been active on the Committee for the past 15 years, whilst Tonnie has been dedicating time to the Show for close to a decade. Both ladies were asked to become involved, Tonnie agreeing to a request from a friend and Maria being persuaded by a stranger, who was a long time Show volunteer, whom she met on the train returning from the Royal Melbourne Show.

The event presently attracts an attendance of 4,000 - 5,000 people over the two days and provides a fun-filled celebration of agricultural life and animal husbandry. It is designed to appeal to the whole family, with something guaranteed to be of interest to everyone from kids of all ages up to adults.

The Warragul & West Gippsland Agricultural Society is a not-for-profit organisation, meaning that everything is put back into the running of the Show each year. Although the event in Warragul is well established, it should never be taken for granted. The Show can only go on with the continued assistance of sponsors and the band of volunteers who make everything possible, along with the support of locals attending the event.

Planning and preparations for the 2016 Warragul Show on 4-5 March are gathering pace. The event may be still a number of months away, but the Committee Members of the Warragul & West Gippsland Agricultural Society have much organising to manage with limited resources at their disposal.

In a small office at the Showgrounds site at Logan Park, Secretary Tonnie Schipper and Treasurer Maria Rosato are kept busy with a multitude of tasks including placing orders, contacting suppliers, tradespeople, performers and vendors, coordinating volunteer staffing and pursuing potential sponsors.

Tonnie and Maria’s workload will only increase in the lead up to the event. Their voluntary

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contribution becomes a full-time commitment in the office for the final month before the Show.

“We have a dedicated team of volunteers on our Committee, but we would love to have some new blood to help with the organisation of the Show and to assist at the event on the day,” Tonnie says.

“If people don’t support the Show, we won’t be here forever,” Maria states.

The Warragul event is one of approximately 100 agricultural shows staged throughout Victoria each year and has a long history in the township spanning 130 years. The first Warragul Show was held on Friday, 20th March 1885 on a piece of land between Connor and Bowen Streets.

sessions. Attendees can expect to see a menagerie of animals, from many breeds of horses and cattle, to dogs, goats and poultry.

Categories in the exhibition section include farm and garden produce, flowers, cakes, photography and a variety of arts and crafts. Away from the competitions and displays, the Carnival amusement rides and roving performers ensure a lively atmosphere from the commencement on Friday evening to the finish of the event on Saturday.

Historical records indicate that the event was attended by 1700 to 1800 people and generated 45 pounds in gate receipts.

In keeping with the now familiar schedule, the 2016 Warragul Show will open the gates at Logan Park to patrons at 5pm on Friday, 4 March for the evening session. Although the program has yet to be finalised, attendees on Friday evening can expect to enjoy a number of ever-popular attractions including sporting horse events, working draught horses, dog high jumping, the Gippsland Junior Beef Classic and wood chopping conducted by the South & Central Axeman’s Association.

Seeking a larger and more suitable location, the Show Society made application to the land authorities for a portion of the recreational reserve utilised by the local cricket club. With the consent of all parties, the Show Society took over the 14 acre site that it is now known as Logan Park and held the 1886 Warragul Show at the new base.

Nine years later the Show Society purchased the Showground site from the Land Board and in 1896 the Warragul & West Gippsland Agricultural Society was established.

the event, continuing the tradition started by the original Sunday Gang.

During the early years the Warragul Show was held at various times on the calendar but in 1900 it was decided that the show would be held in March, usually on a weekday, before changing to a Saturday placement in 1941.

Through its long history, the Warragul Show has only been cancelled on three occasions - firstly in 1894 to allow for an amalgamation with the Buln Buln Agricultural Society and then consecutively in 1942 and 1943 due to World War II.

In that same year, a gentleman named Bill McConville assembled a group of volunteers who became known as the Sunday Gang. More than 70 years later, there is still a crew of volunteers who turn up unprompted to carry out jobs during the week prior to the show and on the day after

In 1964 the current exhibition building was built at the Showground complex, which became known as Logan Park in 1973.

Each year the Warragul Show offers a diverse schedule of events and exhibits over both

An impressive fireworks display will bring the night program to a close with a bang at 9pm.

Highlights of the busy Saturday program, which commences at 9am, include numerous livestock events and the continuation of the sideshow Carnival.

People wishing to enter any competitions must do so in advance using an official entry form, which can be obtained by contacting the Show Office on 5623 1005 or alternatively online at www.warragulshow.org.au in the lead-up to the event. Closing dates for entries will vary according to the particular competition. A small entry fee is generally required and although most events offer

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a modest level of prize money in their categories, it is fair to say that the vast majority of participants are entering for pride and the spirit of competition rather than the financial reward.

According to Maria, the people who attend the Warragul Show and participate in the events are a mix of local residents and visitors from other parts of Gippsland and further afield. Amongst these are some who are Show regulars who follow the rural circuit from one event to the next.

“We have people in the horse events coming from the Dandenongs and the other side of Melbourne. They are often doing the rounds of the country shows in order to qualify for the Melbourne Show,” Maria explains.

One of the great attractions of the Warragul Show for families is that the event is well organised, with a strong emphasis on the effective management and control of security to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.

Maria says the primary aim of the Show is to entertain the community.

“We want people to be entertained and hopefully learn something along the way, particularly the kids who are seeing many of the animals and other attractions for the first time in their lives. For them, a visit to the Show can be a day of discovery and adventure.”

Photographs courtesy of Emily Gorst and the Warragul & West Gippsland Agricultural Society

2016 WARRAGUL SHOW Schedule of events FRIDAY, 4 MARCH GATES OPEN: 5PM

SATURDAY, 5 MARCH GATES OPEN: 9AM

Program (subject to confirmation)

Program (subject to confirmation)

✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶

WOODCHOP HORSE EVENTS SPORTING HORSE EVENTS WORKING HORSES PERFORMING DOGS CATTLE EVENTS DOG HIGH JUMP STILT WALKER AND BALLOON ARTIST SIDE SHOW CARNIVAL CLOWNS FOOD STALLS FIREWORKS (9PM)

✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶

HORSE EVENTS CLIMBING WALL HOWLING HUSKIES CLOWNS MUNICIPAL & SALVATION ARMY BAND AUSTRALIA FAIR CONCERT ORGAN CARNIVAL FOOD STALLS CATTLE EVENTS WILDLIFE ANIMAL DISPLAY GOATS UTES POULTRY BUDGERIGARS

Admission

Adults: $10.00 Children 12 & under: $5 Pensioners: $8 Family Ticket: $25 (2 adults & 2 family members under 12 and vehicle)

Public Parking: $2 Exhibitors ticket: $18 (2 adults & 2 children 12 & under & vehicle for both days.

Must be purchased in advance.)

For Enquiries Phone (03) 5618 3500 Email: reservations@mercurewarragul.com.au 23 Mason Street, WARRAGUL, Vic 3820 62

thelifestyle summer 2015-16

LET'S GO TROTTING LOGAN PARK, WARRAGUL

WARRAGUL HARNESS RACING UPCOMING RACE MEETINGS Wednesday, 23 December 2015 Christmas Break-up Parties Tuesday, 19 January 2016 Easter Sunday, 27 March 2016 WARRAGUL CUP Monday, 18 April 2016 Ken Miller Memorial Heats Warragul Harness Racing Club received the '2015 Club of the Year' award for clubs hosting 16 annual race meetings or less.

The award was presented at the Harness Racing Victoria ‘Gordon Rothacker Medal’ Awards Night on 8 November 2015 at Tabcorp Park, Melton.

Logan Park, Howitt St, Warragul ph: (03) 5622 2008 em:warragul@hrv.org.au

See us on

WONTHAGGI NEWSAGENCY

31 Murray Street, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256 Monday to Friday 6.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 6.30am to 2.30pm | Sunday Closed 64

thelifestyle summer 2015-16

Great Customer Service

can take your business around the world

by Glenn Curtis

the quality and detail of our work, which for us was personally very rewarding. Jack had been told about our exceptional customer service, and when he saw our pens and jewellery first hand, he was so impressed he commissioned a special pen for his wife Barbara for Christmas.

It wasn't long before the conversation turned from duck shooting and American football to 'perhaps we should form a business relationship together' - to create a series of limited edition Jack Nicklaus and Curtis Pens to celebrate some of his major golfing achievements. Those pens, which Jack was personally involved in creating with Curtis are now available to golf fans the world over.

How looking after a client caused a chain of events culminating in a business relationship with legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus.

You may be aware of Curtis Australia, and of the beautiful pens and jewellery created here in Gippsland, and coveted by people around the world. This story has its origins in China, where a USA businessman was presented with a Curtis pen on the completion of a special real estate project.

Upon his return to the USA he decided to contact us with a simple request about swapping a nib on his sterling silver Curtis made pen. So impressed was the customer with the speed and quality of response that a conversation began with Heather Curtis, who is our main customer liaison for export sales. When he found out we had a limited edition pen on the famous golfer, Bobby Jones, he said his 'very best friend would sure to like to see it'.

He said he would organise a lunch with him as a thank you for our customer service.

At that point he revealed that his close friend was none other than Jack Nicklaus.

By this stage, when Heather relayed the conversation to me, ever the realist, I said 'I'll believe it when the invite comes through'.

After suggesting a couple of dates to work in with our next trip to the USA I left it at that, thinking nothing more would come of it. You should have seen my reaction when an email from Jack Nicklaus' secretary came through with a time and date for us to meet for lunch at the Bear's Club in Florida.

Needless to say I had to rearrange our flights to ensure we made it part of our trip. Several business associates asked us what our plans were for the meeting, and what we planned to get out of it.

My reply disappointed them. I said I was happy to get to know Jack and to enjoy the lunch, and see how we got along. On the day of the meeting we started to appreciate just how big a celebrity and how influential Jack really is. The Bear's Club is located inside one of those exclusive gated communities we all read about.

You may be aware Jack has won the most majors of any golfer, 18 in total, an unmatched record that includes six Masters, including many US Opens, PGA Championships and British Opens.

He's even won the Australian Open six times.

Jack is legendary for his sportsmanship as well, typified by a historic moment at the Ryder Cup where he graciously conceded a putt to Tony Jacklin to tie his match, and the Cup itself for the first time in its history. Remembering watching Jack play golf and being interviewed, our lunch together only confirmed my long held view of him as a true gentleman on and off the golf course.

I have always been of the opinion you should look after your clients just as you would like to be looked after. Sometimes we make mistakes, and may not live up to these expectations, but occasionally you'll get reminded of just where great customer service can lead. My advice?

Offer great customer service to everyone, all the time. We might never have met and formed a rewarding relationship with Jack Nicklaus without doing just that.

The entire dining area was closed off for an official function - our lunch date with Jack. The food was excellent, and we got along like we had known each other for years. Jack is a great conversationalist who likes to listen to his guests and was interested in our business and what we created. He knew who our competitors are and our brand positioning, and greatly admired

Glenn Curtis has been a jeweller for over 40 years. A Fellow and past Secretary of the Gold & Silversmiths Guild of Australia, Glenn has owned and run jewellery stores in East Gippsland since the 1990's, along with his wife Heather.

About 14 years ago they formed Curtis Australia, now a recognised luxury brand creating fine jewellery and hand crafted writing instruments sold around the world.

Their work in this area has won several international awards including a coveted 'Best of the Best' Award from the world's most read luxury magazine, the Robb Report, where they were up against such rivals as Cartier.

Glenn was also invited as the only overseas based expert to judge the inaugural Rio Tinto Diamonds

Global Jewellery Design Competition held in New York, something he modestly describes as reflective of the high standards of Australian jewellers in the international landscape.

An important part of the work at Curtis Australia involves the local community, for who Glenn likes nothing more than creating custom made diamond jewellery and remodelling much loved pieces. Curtis Australia is based in a large purpose built jewellery studio in Bairnsdale, and also has an office in Melbourne's CBD, a convenient location to meet with clients from around the world.

You can see more of their stunning work at www.curtisaustralia.com 03 5152 1089

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LAURA - JAYNE GORSE

3mFM Personality

Laura-Jayne Gorse has joined 3mFM as the Co-Breakfast personality alongside Jarrod Churchill.

I sat down with LJ, as she is affectionately known, at Inverloch's Beaches and Cream Café and discovered there is a great deal more to this young woman than her infectious smile and distinctive Lancashire accent.

LJ and her partner came to Australia on a working-holiday visa back in January last year. It was supposed to be a year-long adventure, but as time passed, the pair soon came to realise that Australia was a place they could call home.

In order to extend their visa, LJ and her partner went in search of agricultural work, and headed to the rural plains of Phillip Island. Their approach was simple: if they saw a cow in a field, they knocked on the nearest front door and asked for work.

One thing led to another and they found themselves working on a dairy farm for 12 months, milking cows morning and night, and rearing new born calves - an experience LJ says ‘was both wonderful and exhausting’.

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Milking isn’t the only job LJ did in the last 18 months, she also MC’d the ‘Good Life’ tour in 2014 and 2015. Good Life is the largest underage festival in the world and LJ worked with international acts like Avicci, and Macklemore.

The crowds in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth peaked at 20,000 at each gig. “It was an insanely fun thing to do,” smiles the presenter.

Earlier this year LJ and her partner decided it was the right time to leave the dairy farm and pursue their chosen careers.

Before coming to Australia, LJ was a radio personality in the UK; a job she says “runs through her veins”. In June she approached 3mFM’s Station Manager, Wendy Williams, about future possibilities.

Three months of preparation later, the new 3mFM breakfast show, "Wake Up!" with LJ and Jarrod has officially arrived!

The show has been running since the beginning of November and has already attracted brand new listeners to the local station. There is more chat, more interaction, new music, and lots of laughter!

This young lady says she works on radio for one reason, and one reason alone, “…to make people smile, that’s all I aim for”.

LJ feels very much like a local on Phillip Island and has immersed herself in the community; she plays soccer for the local team, she has a second job at Wildlife Cruises, and along with her partner she looks after people’s pets and houses all over the Island while they go on holiday.

She is hoping to stay in Australia for the foreseeable future and has set the wheels in motion for that to happen; LJ has officially fallen in love with Phillip Island and the people of the Bass Coast.

Laura-Jayne's philosophy is simple: “Work hard, never give up on your dreams, and live your life with honesty, love and respect”.

This Lancashire Lass has made her impression on 3mFM and Phillip Island and I get the feeling that it is a win-win situation for everyone involved!

‘Wake Up!’ with LJ and Jarrod airs Monday to Friday from 6.00am to 9.00am on 3mFM.

88.1 CENTRAL, SOUTH GIPPSLAND 89.1 PHILLIP ISLAND, BASS COAST 89.5 FOSTER, YARRAM, TIDAL RIVER

ALL SOUTH GIPPSLAND AND THE BASS COAST

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and streaming on www.3mfm.com.au Join in our success! As a listener you're welcome phone: 5674 1900

email: radio@3mfm.com.au find us on Facebook

web: www.3mfm.com.au

Shimmer Marquees Leongatha & Surrounding Areas | Events | Weddings | Corporate Functions As a locally owned and operated business, we offer a clear span white marquee with closed or clear walls. The marquee is a 12 x 24m which can be broken down into multiples of 3 x 12m sections.

Also available for hire are tables, chairs, linen, bar, dance floor, lighting, lolly tables and more.

We can help organise all your hire needs!

UPCOMING 2016 Our Farm Venue for the marquee site will be available for hire; that means you can have both your ceremony and reception here with a beautiful rural landscape as your backdrop.

Contact Michael Hulls Mobile 0427 623 453 Email shimmermarquees@hotmail.com Like us on Facebook

The Cape Tavern is a 70 seat Bistro and Bar located in the heart of Cape Paterson, just a short drive from both Wonthaggi and Inverloch.

The Cape Tavern includes a bottleshop, which specialises in wine from some of Gippsland’s local wineries. We also hold regular Wine Dinners, which are very popular, featuring local and interstate wineries.

Our Bar has a great selection of boutique beers and cider on tap.

Our Menu has a good selection of pub style food with changing specials daily, providing customers with a varied choice of dishes.

Regular events include Music on a Saturday night and a Sunday afternoon using local bands and musicians from further afield, check the Facebook page for latest news and events.

SUMMER HOURS FOR THE BISTRO Bar Open 11am onwards | Bistro Open Lunch 12noon to 2pm | Dinner 6pm to 8pm (Closed Christmas and Boxing Days)

Market Place Surf Beach Rd CAPE PATERSON, VIC 3995 Ph: (03) 5674 8122 w w w.th e c a p e ta ver n .c om visit our facebook page

Wine Review

by Stuart Hay | The Press Cellars

Glenmaggie Maffra Victoria Chardonnay 2010

Old school is cool!

Personally I love some grilled nuts and white peach arranged in a lovely toasted wood basket.

This wine has a generous palate, which is picking up some roasted Cashew complexity with age.

Jinks Creek Tonimbuk Victoria Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Intense citrus characters without the tutti frutti notes of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

The Gippsland style is on show here with lovely fresh cut hay savour and a pleasing crisp acid profile that doesn’t drag it’s finger nails down a blackboard.

Serve by the jug!

Delicious and will go for another 5 years in the cellar if you can wait.

rrp $32.00

rrp $24.00

The Press Cellars 1/80 Smith Street Warragul, VIC 3820 Phone: 03 5623 3880 www.thepresscellars.com.au

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FOR SALE $439,000

17 Baromi Road, Mirboo North See more on this home by viewing the online video presentation at www.realestate.com.au Property ID: Property No. 120977890

There is a fulfilling, new lifestyle waiting for you in the rolling, green hills of Prom Country.

The township of Mirboo North is in the stunning, prosperous dairying and agricultural lands of South West Gippsland. It is blessed with abundant rainfall, scenic beauty, strong community values and a vibrant spirit.

The healthy, natural environment lends itself to many and diverse outdoor pursuits. Discover all this for yourself. Surely there are days when you wish for a more meaningful existence.

Then do as many have in the past.......COME FOR A DRIVE.......

AND STAY FOREVER!

■ Beautifully restored, renovated and tastefully extended Edwardian style home, within walking distance to town and excellent cafes, parks, trails, art spaces, sporting & recreational facilities ■ Original front rooms have high ceilings, wide skirting boards, architraves, sash windows & recently painted using Porter’s Paints ■ 2 distinctive living areas – 1 with a quirky, boxed bay window overlooking the mature front garden ■ Double doors leading out onto a huge, elevated, covered veranda, providing a very large entertaining space & which overlooks the productive rear garden with fruit trees, raised vegetable garden, shabby chic Chook Hilton and a lovely rose & herb feature ■ Modern kitchen with a walk-in pantry, dishwasher & meals area ■ Dining area with bright informal space for relaxing/viewing television ■ Reverse cycle heating and cooling as well as an attractive wood burner ■ Bathroom with bath, shower toilet and vanity unit ■ Also a shower room located off the wellappointed laundry ■ 4 bedrooms with large wardrobes and 2 have fireplaces with mantlepieces ■ Attic storage space via a pull down ladder ■ Double glazed windows and LED lights in the extension ■ 4.5 Kw solar system along with a solar heat extractor in the ceiling ■ 3 Car Spaces

Contact David Tree

Mobile: 0457 407 900 david@lewisstone.com.au

A refreshing and honest approach to selling

6B Ramsey Boulevard, Inverloch 3996 (03) 5671 1212 www.lewisstone.com.au

3rd Stone Collision

Leading Senior Constable Allan Piening and Rev John McMahon

2015 MIRBOO NORTH

Organised by Inline 4 Café – Sabine and Marcel – with numbers doubling from the previous year, another excellent turnout.

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Rev John McMahon with Sabine & Marcel and crowd

Fr. Bob Maguire with supporter

Willy Golightly

Those that are gone but not forgotten

Photographs by Wildwood Photography

The Dirty Souls

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

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

Please check website for dates and times.

PH : 5664 7272

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

OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10am

WHOLESALE SUPPLIERS THROUGHOUT SOUTH GIPPSLAND

Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am – 12.30pm 29 Toora Road, Foster Vic 3960 Phone 03 5682 2095 | Fax 03 5682 1329 | Email contact@aherns.com.au Web www.aherns.com.au like us on

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thelifestyle winter 2014

75

A Wine

success

F r o m G i p p s l a n d t o t h e B a r o s s a Va l l e y

Words by Doug Pell

I caught up with Allister Ashmead, the Co-Managing Director of the world-renowned winery Elderton Wines, at a recent function held at a Hotel in Inverloch.

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Cameron and Allister Ashmead autumn command vineyard

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“If you buy the house, I will give you the surrounding 72 acres of old vines for nothing!”

This was the proposal offered to Lorraine and Neil Ashmead in 1979.

The rambling old homestead looked ideal for a growing family and the Ashmeads worked tirelessly to salvage and restore this extraordinary gem of a vineyard, which was planted with mostly shiraz and cabernet sauvignon grapes.

In 1982 Elderton began producing wines from the Estate.

Neil, a natural-born salesman, went on the road, taking Elderton wines to retailers throughout Australia. His favourite mode of transport was a jet-like, Brock-modified HSV Commodore.

Then, in 1997, Neil died tragically; he is buried at Nuriootpa next to their son Wesley, who succumbed in his teens to leukaemia. Lorraine was then placed in the role of chief executive.

Allister is responsible for the dual roles of marketing and production. He returned to the family business in 2000, after experiencing vintages abroad and working in the wholesale wine trade.

Allister has followed in his father’s footsteps of being inducted into the Barons of the Barossa on 7 November 2009; an appreciation of hard work and service for the region. Allister has played a major role in the past and will lead into the future with his intake in promoting Barossa to the world. He was on the Barossa Winemakers’ Committee for eight years and in that time chaired the Committee for three years. He was also one of fifteen chosen from the Australian wine industry in the Winemaker’s Federation of Australia ‘Future Leaders’ program in 2006.

So what is the connection to Gippsland? A very big connection indeed! Allister's parents were born in the Latrobe Valley; his father Neil was born in the now extinct township of Yallourn.

Neil started his working life as an engineer with the Morwell Shire. In fact, Neil's father Phil helped build many of the power stations that exist today in the Latrobe Valley. Allister's mother Lorraine was born in Moe and belongs to the Rice family that had ownership of the local abattoir.

Working and owning a winery in the famous Barossa Valley in South Australia years later was probably not envisioned at the time, but Neil's work did take him overseas and when you look at his working journey it did not surprise in the end. Usually when someone runs a winery they have experience. Neil and Lorraine had very little apart from home brewing wine in their bathroom in Saudi Arabia where Neil was working for Caterpillar Machinery, but they had determination to succeed and I saw that determination in Allister during our chat. I also saw a warmth and a sense of humour and consequently it is no surprise that the Elderton winery is one of Barossa Valley's success stories.

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The strength comes in a large part from the family matriarch, Lorraine Ashmead, a woman of tremendous depth of character.

In 1975, the descendants of the 1894 Samuel Elderton Tolley vineyard near Nuriootpa decided to place the vineyard on the market. Due to the very tough times that the Barossa was enduring, there was no interest in the property from local growers or wineries and it remained on the market becoming more derelict by the year.

Allister and Rebecca were married in the Command Cellars at Elderton in November of 2004. Rebecca has been at Elderton since 1999 and has worked many roles within the company during this time. Originally from the Barossa, Rebecca completed a Diploma in Wine Marketing at Roseworthy College and then did stints at two mega wineries, Orlando and Penfolds. And along with their three gorgeous daughters, the future looks very bright for the family.

Allister's brother Cameron is also a CoManaging Director of Elderton Wines and is responsible for managing Elderton’s business.

After 11 years working in far flung markets such as London, Munich and Sydney, he returned to the family fold in 2003. As is true of the entire Ashmead family, Cameron is passionate about food and wine.

Cameron married Julie Campbell in 2007.

Julie is a fifth generation Campbell, who is in line one day to take over Campbells Wines in Rutherglen, Victoria (which was established in 1870) with her sisters and cousins.

And now many years after the Elderton winery was established, it has grown with the purchase of other exceptional vineyards namely, Craneford and Greenock. Also, with the help of a passionate team including winemaker, Richard Langford, they continue to impress with their wines.

Gippslanders are among those that will benefit in the Ashmead family’s success of winemaking – we can enjoy the fruits of their labours. www.eldertonwines.com.au Images courtesy of Elderton Wines

What is considered the hallmark of a successful wine is the "Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy" and in 1993 Elderton Wines was the winner for their 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy is the most prestigious and sought after wine award in Australia.

The trophy is a memorial to Jimmy Watson (died 1962) who established the iconic Jimmy Watson's Wine Bar in Lygon Street, Carlton, a suburb of Melbourne.

The trophy is awarded annually at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show to the producer of the best one or two-year-old, dry, red wine.

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from Meeniyam

to Cambodia

MOOS AT MEENIYAN MAKING A DIFFERENCE go yet so the Moo’s ODA Wishing Tree was a wonderful idea to raise more funds.

They will buy sneakers for the students to start school and workbooks et cetera for them also; it’s a very expensive time of year for ODA, and is very grateful for all the help. Education is so important in Cambodia now.

Tom Tom Akun (Thank You Big Big) to Marty Thomas of Moos at Meeniyan and some of his amazing friends who supported Marty Moo’s Wishing Tree and Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) Art Shows, raising over $10,000 to help support education and living for needy Siem Reap District children.

Marty gave up his only annual holiday time, August this year, to volunteer with the students, and spent each day at ODA where the kids live and learn. Marty explained, “When they get home from local Khmer school which starts at 7am they have lunch then spend 2 hours with me in English class. Then we head out to the village schools of which ODA have 7 and teach 2 hours while ODA kids stay back for their 5pm English class.”

“It is a pretty full day for all concerned. The kids are all so gracious and lap up all that is on offer. I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity”, said Marty.

Funds will be spent on healthy food, Leng Touch, the Founder of ODA, says many growing boys eat 6-7 times a day now! Two bags of rice used to last two weeks, now they are eaten in only one week! The food bill each month is $1550 plus rice at $200. ODA will buy ten breeding hens and build a poultry enclosure and shelter.

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Sewing machines will be purchased and Mountain Girls taught tailoring so they can earn money and be able to help their families, but also continue their education. Around 12 years of age most children need to be working to help their families survive and many children never attend school at all. Farmers simply don’t have the money to buy a uniform so ODA conduct a Yearly Uniform Fund, which last year supported 659 student uniform sets. They will stream some of Marty Moo’s money into that fund also.

The price of a uniform saves girls lives, if they can stay on at school, they marry later and less chance of dying in immature childbirth! Life has harsh realities in Cambodia.

ODA is very appreciative of kind supporters like Marty for hosting Art Sales to assist them in their goal of being self-supporting through the children’s art sales. ODA have a way to

ODA has 8 Free English schools serving over 650 students, one near Siem Reap’s wonderful Angkor Temples, where 33 students live in for support and education, and the remainder in outlying poor subsistence farming villages some 40 kilometres out of Siem Reap.

English language is critical for students to gain employment in and around the booming tourist industry when they are older. ODA also offers computer classes at three, and kindergarten at five schools.

Marty Moo has been volunteering at the ODA home base in the daytime and at a school in Tbang Lech Village at night, where there are 70 students and 17 kindergarten students. The kids love his fun nature and don’t ever want him to go home!

Many more general living and education expenses can now be found thanks to all Marty Moo and friend’s kind hearts. ODA are sincerely thankful.

Words from Leng Touch, Founder/Director and all the children under the ODA Umbrellas www.odaopportunitiescambodia.org

moo’s at meeniyan

Restaurant & Café

Savour the flavours at Moo’s at Meeniyan Restaurant & Café, which has a relaxed, fun ambiance and something for all occasions – South Gippsland’s top food, wine and service.

Hours of Trading

Thursday to Monday 8.30am - 4.30pm | Dinner Friday & Saturday Nights from 6.00pm Holiday Season: MOO’S is closed on CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY Then OPEN 7 Days a Week until the end of January 89 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan Vic 3956 Phone: (03) 5664 0010 | Email: eat@moosatmeeniyan.com.au visit www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au

MALLACOOTA The town of Mallacoota is situated inside the mouth of Mallacoota Inlet, 538 km east of Melbourne, and is reached by a scenic turn-off road from Genoa on the Princes Highway. The inlet consists of Top Lake connected by a narrow channel to the larger Bottom Lake. Croajingolong National Park surrounds the inlet.

Mallacoota is thought to be an Aboriginal word for ‘meeting’ or ‘coming back’ and after my third visit in twelve months I keep coming back, and why wouldn't you, the lakes, ocean, countryside and the people are welcoming.

The history of the township is fascinating, I learnt from one of the locals ‘Pommy Parker’, who was involved in the abalone industry in the area about an amazing history, some of it I can tell and some, well, I might leave that to the confines of the local

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pub. Mark, the Manager of the local FoodWorks store, along with Pommy and myself ventured out into the lakes on Mark's boat and I was able to see first hand some of this beautiful landscape, and learn a few things as well.

Mallacoota was originally established on the other side of the lake, and there was a hotel called the Lake View Hotel, which commenced business on the eastern shore of Bottom Lake, back in the 1880's. Over the years many well-known people patronised the hotel despite its extreme isolation.

There were few tracks and access was mainly by boat, although one local was well known for taking his horse to the pub, the clever horse was able to walk through the shallows and swim through the deep part of the lake with rider on board, but sadly one late evening after leaving the pub, the horse was able to make its way

back to shore, but the rider fell off and eventually drowned. The horse's version of events might have been different of course, but we will really never know the true story.

The other reason for Mallacoota being on the other side was that it was close to Lake Barracuda, which was a freshwater lake and the plan was to use this water for the town, but access was always going to be a problem, so soon in the early 1900's the town was established where it is today.

Gold was also discovered around Bottom Lake in 1894 and some 50 claims were pegged in the area. The Spotted Dog was the largest mine, working for several years. In the 1890's, Gipsy Point on the Genoa River, which flows into Top Lake, became a trading centre for the area.

No longer East Gippsland's Best Kept Secret!

About 1909, a journalist and poet E.J. Brady established a camp at Mallacoota, and was visited by authors over the years and inspired a number of literary works. Henry Lawson, an alcoholic, stayed there to "dry out".

minded, there is a bowls club, sports complex, health centre, golf course and airport.

Former Sydney Swans Premiership player and currently listed at St Kilda, Sean Dempster, hails from Mallacoota.

During the 1920s a new hotel and several guesthouses were established and a road was cut to the township and gradually a few stores commenced business. An aerodrome was built west of the town in the early 1940s and air force personnel were stationed there throughout WWII. A Royal Australian Air Force bunker in Betka Road is now a museum.

Grazing beef cattle is the main agricultural business, along with fishing, and particularly since the mid 1960s abalone and oysters have been harvested in the area. The Co-op was

Whale sightings targeted for migrating and residential species such as the Burrunan Dolphins, Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales are accessible on many locations along the coast in their migration seasons.

established in 1967 for processing of shellfish for overseas markets.

Tourism is the main industry with guesthouses, hotel, motels, flats and camping parks, in fact in summer the camping park holds up to 10,000 campers comfortably.

So without any hesitation, I can highly recommend Mallacoota is worth a visit and a stopover and the FoodWorks Store Manager did just that, visited and then stayed for the next 33 years; and why wouldn't you!

Mallacoota has a small shopping centre with two supermarkets, a general store and takeaway food shops, bank, laundromat, newsagency, bakery, boat hire etc.

It is a mecca for boating, but there are some lovely walks in and around the town and the new broadwalk that winds around the lakes is a must do for walkers and cyclists. For the sporting

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KEEPING OUR SURF LIFE SAVING Driving down the winding roads along the East Gippsland coast the seaside township of Lakes Entrance emerges ahead. Located at the eastern end of the Ninety Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes enter the sea, Lakes Entrance is a popular place for people to visit and use the many attractions the lakes and sea have to offer.

Many come to visit the pristine beach and enjoy the vast white sand and enticing waves.

Lifesaving first came to Lakes Entrance in 1931 when the Lakes Entrance Life Saving Club was formed. This original club was affiliated with the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia from 1935.

The club patrolled areas of Cunninghame Arm and the Ninety Mile Beach with its 25 members.

Unfortunately the club was unable to continue functioning and closed down during World War Two.

Located at the eastern end of the Esplanade crossing over Cunninghame Arm is the Footbridge allowing access to the beautiful Ninety Mile Beach. As you cross the footbridge, Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance appears ahead. Here on Main Beach the surf lifesaving club members patrol throughout the summer months keeping locals and visitors alike safe while they enjoy all that the beach provides. The club is a great public safety service but also brings so much more to the town.

In 1956 lifesaving returned to Lakes Entrance when the current club was founded and affiliated with Surf Life Saving Australia. The Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club, now Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance, was founded with help from Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club. Necessary funds came from the previous lifesaving club, the Penguins Association and the Shire of Tambo.

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Although the club had been patrolling the beach since 1956, it was on Good Friday in 1958 that

the club gained real prominence when members undertook a mass rescue of swimmers caught in a rip current. Unlike the equipment we see today, the task to bring in the 15 swimmers being swept out to sea was undertaken using two lifesaving reels alongside several skis. No doubt this rescue showed the need and importance of the club and allowed the club to grow and prosper.

Since those early days the club has continued to grow into the thriving club it is today. In 1981 the first women joined in the Bronze Medallion squad allowing the club to grow, attracting more people of both sexes to become involved.

Today Surf Lifesaving Lakes Entrance is a family club with around 400 members including lifesavers, nippers and parents. Members patrol Main Beach Lakes Entrance on weekends throughout summer with a professional lifeguard service at the beach and Eastern Beach

COMMUNITY SAFE LAKES ENTRANCE

Olivia Skillern

throughout January as well. It is a hub of activity throughout the summer where everyone has a great time in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Not only is it a great way to spend summer at the beach and provide a lifesaving service but the club is also a training provider for the local area offering a number of courses.

Families are an integral part of the club and the club has run a prosperous Nippers program since 1984 allowing families to become involved in the club. The program is for children aged seven to 14 and is held on Sundays between November and March.

The practical lifesaving program provides children with surf education and training in a safe and friendly environment. Although the program includes competition, the club sees the Nippers program more as a way to develop a child’s potential, build their confidence and have fun all

while learning vital life skills. The Nipper’s program also encourages parents to join in and be a part of the club.

Although the club has been functioning for almost 60 years, recently there have been a number of significant events in the club’s history. Some of these were the hosting of several Victorian State titles, first in 1966 then more recently with the Junior State titles in 2008, and Junior and Senior State titles in 2010 and 2011. These events are rarely held in the Gippsland region with most being held along Victoria’s Surf and western Coast. In 2010 and 2011 the club made history by holding the first and only combined Victorian Junior and Senior State titles over the one weekend.

The combined events were extremely successful and promoted Lakes Entrance to the greater Victorian lifesaving community. Although the events highlighted Victoria’s best lifesaving

athletes, they also included opening ceremonies with a blessing of the land from the traditional land owners of the area, the Gunaikurnai, and a ceremony held with sports awards presented to the season’s most outstanding performers. These events were a wonderful way to promote all that Lakes Entrance and East Gippsland have to offer.

These major events were of great significance and pride for the club. However there has also seen success in a number of areas in the lifesaving movement. The club and members have won numerous state awards such as Victorian Lifesaver of the Year, Club of the Year and other awards on several occasions. In 2009 Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance won the Australian Club of the Year at Surf Life Saving Australia’s Awards of Excellence. This is an amazing achievement for the club and allowed them to gain prominence in the lifesaving world. It is something club members continue to be proud of today.

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In order to continue to provide the vital lifesaving service for the town, Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance relies on generous donations and grants. There is a hope within the club however that they will be able to become self-sufficient. This would allow them to ensure the club can continue to provide important services to the Lakes Entrance community and the people who visit the town. A foundation has been set up with the goal of raising $1,000,000. This would mean that the club would be able to run using the interest from the fund and be able to continue to prosper.

The club is, of course, always looking for more members. Visitors are welcome to come down and say hello.

For further information on the club or to join please visit www.lakesentrancesurflifesaving.org.au Photographs kindly supplied by Trevor Dix Photography and training photos by Steven Thirlwall, Chief Instructor

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Hours Wednesday to Saturday: Breakfast & Lunch 8.00am to 2.30pm | Dinner: 5.30pm to Late Sunday: Breakfast & Lunch 8.00am to 3.00pm 50 Metung Road, Metung, Vic 3904 Phone: (03) 5156 2345 Follow us on Facebook

recipe

STICKY DATE PUDDINGS with WARM CARAMEL SAUCE Chef Shane Coles | Nautica Restaurant and Bar Metung

INGREDIENTS 3 Eggs 1 1/2 cup Plain Flour 1 1/2 cup SR Flour

1 cup sugar 300 grams Butter 2 tsp Bicarb Soda

1 tsp Vanilla Extract 1 pkt Dates (600grm) 300ml water

METHOD Preheat oven to 170 degrees.

Place water, dates and bicarb in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Set aside to cool.

Cream butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time whilst continuously beating.

Add vanilla extract. Add sifted flours & date mixture to butter, egg & sugar mix and gently fold together.

Bake in individual ramekins or oven safe cups for 30 minutes at 170 degrees.

Serve warm with caramel sauce, whipped cream and/or ice cream.

Hours | Wednesday to Saturday: Breakfast & Lunch 8.00am to 2.30pm | Dinner: 5.30pm to Late Sunday: Breakfast & Lunch 8.00am to 3.00pm 50 Metung Road, Metung, Vic 3904 Phone: (03) 5156 2345

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“4.5 Star Self Contained Accommodation, with Waterfront and Bush Views Wedding and Conference Centre on the Gippsland Lakes in Eastern Victoria” Rem arka ble Holiday Re tre at Fe at u r e s o f t h e Re s o rt 19 Self-contained lodges ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms, each with its own secluded privacy (including disabled friendly lodges) with either bush or water views On the shore of Lake Victoria Gippsland Lakes - East Gippsland with a private jetty Perfect for Holidays, Special Occasions, Celebrations, Child Friendly Indoor Heated Pool and Spa Tennis Court Complimentary canoes, kayaks, bicycles and video’s Interact with the residential wildlife Conference centre packages with accommodation Function Centre for Business, Events and Weddings – seating up to 100 people Make your next conference, corporate event or meeting, not only memorable, but also effective. Move away from the distractions of the city and embrace a fresh frame of mind. Feel like the sole occupants on the acreage of the retreat, where you can involve and excite the whole group, with team building and recreational activities you can only get when you step out of the CBD.

200 Wattle Point Road Forge Creek 3875

Phone: 03 5157 7517

Email: info@wattlepointholiday.com.au

Web: www.waterfrontretreat.com.au

ROSEMONT FARMSTAY Soak up the beautiful views and tranquillity at Rosemont Farmstay Situated at Jack River only 15 minutes south-west of Yarram, off the South Gippsland Highway.

Smoke-free facility suitable for couples or families, it has three double bedrooms (linen provided), bathroom (separate toilets), two living areas, warm and comfortable with reverse cycle air conditioning and electric wall heater, dining room and a fully equipped kitchen.

You can simply relax or visit various places of interest nearby: Yarram, Tarra Bulga National Park, Ninety Mile Beach, Port Albert, Agnes Falls and Wilsons Promontory.

FOR BOOKINGS and PRICES CONTACT

Doug and Helen 03 5184 1392

Email: dunkineely3971@gmail.com

A Day on the Range Sunday 14th February 2016 11:30am - 5:30pm Family Day at Kings Cove Club driving range.

Free entry to all members of the public.

Live Music from The Joe Cool Band & The Uncles!

Pop Up Lightfoot & Sons Bar, Outdoor Cafe, Jumping Castles & Face painting.

BYO picninc rugs, chairs, food. Strictly NO BYO ALCOHOL WHAT TO BRING: Deck Chairs or picnic rug, jacket, hat and sunscreen, comfy shoes (there are uneven surfaces).Cash only sales at catering outlets.

PERMITTED: Sealed bottled-water, food and eskies.

NOT PERMITTED: Strictly BYO alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks (only exception is sealed bottled-water). This is a licensed event.

No Umbrellas (even if it's raining), tables, glass, metal cutlery, tents or sunshades are NOT allowed.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: All bags are subject to a safety and security search upon entry.

Any prohibited items will be confiscated. All patrons must adhere to local licensing laws.

Management reserves the right to refuse admission.

FOOD: Patrons may bring their own food and there will be a variety of food for sale.

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Enticed by

In some shape or form, we all love chocolate.

It has been around for nearly 4000 years, but was unknown in Europe until 500 years ago.

Thankfully the Spanish, who discovered it for the Western world, didn't keep it to themselves!

Chocolate has now become ubiquitous in the west, but unfortunately some forms are a long way from what was originally revered in times past. So it is refreshing to see a real artisan here in Gippsland who stands true to the European hand rolling tradition, which holds quality as the main priority, rather than mass production and long shelf life. It seems only fitting that my journey to interview Jill Cross, the fine chocolate maker in the style of which I speak, takes me to a small seaside hamlet that has a growing reputation as a 'foodies' haven here in Gippsland.

Jill grew up on a beef and sheep farm in Delamere on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. From an early age on the farm, Jill was in the kitchen with her mum, who was a typical farm mum -

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hocolate

a talented cook who baked her own bread and cakes and who always used the best ingredients.

She taught Jill to make peanut truffles at a very early age and Jill's love of experimenting with different flavour combinations began there. Jill carried this passion throughout her teenage years. Even when she went into nursing as an adult Jill would spend her spare time making her own chocolates to take to dinner parties and give as presents to family and friends.

Fortunately for us, Jill married husband Geoff who came from a family in Sale which loved boating on the Gippsland Lakes. Jill eventually quit her nursing and the couple moved to Metung in 1995 to be close to their timber boats, which were their weekend passion.

About two years later Jill took along some of her handmade chocolates to a dinner party where "a couple of girls that were opening a cafe/deli in Metung asked if I would be interested in supplying the chocolates"; and so Chocodence was born.

With Metung being a good 'foodie' town, word of mouth quickly spread. People from the industry would taste the chocolates and enquire as to where they came from, so it wasn't long before Chocodence was supplying other cafes and restaurants.

Jill tells of one amusing situation from this period: "The owners of Europa Cake Shop in Acland Street, St. Kilda were in Metung for the weekend and they tasted my chocolates and then asked the cafe owner to have me contact them. Well, on the very same weekend that they were here in Metung we happened to be down in Acland Street. And I had picked out Europa Cake Shop as my favourite in St. Kilda. Then when we returned to Metung the local cafe owner asked, "Are you interested in sending your chocolates to Melbourne because there were people from Acland Street who loved your chocolates." They were the owners of Europa!

So I was sitting in their St. Kilda shop having coffee and cake while they were sitting in Metung eating my chocolate!"

This is how Jill got her opportunity to supply a high profile business in Melbourne, which opened up further growth opportunities. This interest and demand encouraged Jill to expand her range and to grow her brand. At the time she had three different flavours - now she has thirty different truffles alone. So what had been a lifetime passion finally became a fully-fledged business. That was eighteen years ago.

Jill supplies from Metung to Melbourne, but also in Stanley in Tasmania. Her integrity sees her supplying no more than one business per town.

There is a limit to how big she can grow because everything is handmade. Taking two long days to make a batch of approx. 400 truffles, Jill will never be able to mass-produce, but that suits her commitment to quality. When Jill saw how people responded to (and enjoyed) the care taken in her handmade chocolate making, it inspired her to take it to another level.

This meant years of experimenting with different styles and flavours, with the bonus being that "at least you get to eat your mistakes!"

A lot of Jill's dried fruit does however come from where she grew up in South Australia (e.g. sundried figs) only because it is a better climate for sun drying. This means no sulphurs or preservatives are used. Sourced through the farmers markets, anytime Jill goes back home she visits the farms and picks up the figs, apricots, etc to bring back. It would be cheaper and quicker to not worry about such things but that is not what is driving Jill. She will never compromise on quality.

Jill only works with Swiss Couverture Chocolate, what fine European Chocolate makers have always used, rather than the cheaper, compound chocolate. "The Felchlin Chocolate I use is actually from the oldest chocolate factory in Switzerland and one of the smallest. They made a decision to stay small and concentrate on quality rather than mass production.

They source their cocoa directly from the growers and have previously won awards for the best chocolate in the world. It is still family owned."

When Jill learned about Couverture Chocolate some years back it opened up another world to her. "The more I read and learned about it, the more creative I became."

It really did ignite a fire in Jill's creativity and confirmed in her mind that this is what she is truly called to do. Jill has even toured the Felchlin Chocolate factory in Switzerland on invitation, spending some time with their Chocolatiers and Pastry Chefs.

The Story of Chocodence Geoff Watt

Flavour combinations and fusions were developed over the years by experimenting on family and friends (lucky things!). The fusions, whilst driven by Jill's creative energy, are possible due to the fine produce of Gippsland. Jill was involved in one of the very first regional farmers markets in Koonwarra Victoria, which exposed her to the incredible diversity of quality produce that could be incorporated into her chocolate.

The benefits of the farmers markets worked both ways, in that Jill would always take samples of new ranges and get immediate feedback.

Chocodence's newest range of truffles uses Miranda Dale Jersey Pure Cream from Lakes Entrance - one taste and this writer could have sworn he was in the English countryside enjoying Devonshire Clotted Cream. Seriously, these truffles are to die for!

Couverture Chocolate is wheat free and the majority of Chocodence's range is also Gluten Free.

Chocodence has gift boxes for any occasion, from weddings, to anniversaries, birthdays to corporate events.

Em: chocodence@sctelco.net.au Ph: 5156-2111 Photographs by Wildwood Photography

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METUNG'S MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOUR BY THE LAKES Australian twist, is what makes Artizan Kitchen stand out, along with a huge variety of choices including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.

Stephanie was frustrated when they dined at other places where they didn’t have any vegetarian options and wanted to offer these choices to their customers.

Google’s definition of artizan – “food and drink made in a traditional or non-mechanised way using high quality ingredients” describes Artizan Kitchen in Metung, accurately. This wonderful and colourful restaurant has taken pride of place in the friendly Gippsland Lakes town of Metung, and it clearly has Stephanie and Dave's imprints.

and attained a position at East Gippsland Specialist School. Recently, this past October, she has retired from this position to concentrate on the running of the restaurant.

Dave is a qualified plumber and still works a couple of days a week in the trade and the remainder of the days at the restaurant, along with two of their three children, Zoe 11, Alex 21, and Nick 24. Alex works in the restaurant in the evenings making the pizzas. Zoe occasionally helps out in the front of house and is capable on the register and taking orders, whereas Nick decided to stay in Melbourne and visits when he can.

Stephanie and Dave Raybould have lived in the area for five years, previously living at Riddells Creek in a renovated miner's cottage, and for holidays their preferred destination at the time was Phillip Island, but one day after deciding to go somewhere different and glancing through a tourism guide, they came across Metung; and after three visits they were hooked. Land was purchased, and Stephanie, a qualified primary school teacher, set about seeking employment

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Stephanie has always been passionate and a little obsessed about food and loves cooking, whereas Dave's strength is in socialising and cracking jokes, putting smiles on the diners' faces, so it was a perfect match.

Artizan Kitchen is a warm and friendly place, which reflects the owners and their staff perfectly.

Mediterranean inspired dishes: some home style using traditional recipes and some with an

It takes a lot of effort from both of them to run the restaurant as best they can. They work very long hours and as they are a family business they do most of the work themselves. Stephanie does most of the cooking and Alex cooks the pizzas of the evening, with casual staff helping with other duties on the weekends.

A lot of research was put into the art of creating the perfect pizza. The bases are made with a special technique, still using the traditional style toppings, plus many gourmet style pizzas and along with their crusty bases; this is a favourite with customers.

Fully Licensed | Catering Available for Functions | Restaurant Available for Private Functions

Mediterranean Style Food, Pizza, Pasta, Fish & Chips, Burgers, Souvlakis, Salads All our pasta sauces and pizza bases are house made, as well as our delicious cakes and desserts, using local produce; supporting local producers and providing local produce to our customers.

3/57 Metung Road, Metung 3904 Ph: 5156 2080

Artizan Kitchen is just not about the food, but about the atmosphere and ambience too.

Besides having a wonderful view of the water, when dining inside, your eyes will be wandering around gazing intently on the number of artefacts that adorn the restaurant. Dave and Stephanie both have a love of collecting clocks, vintage, antique and unusual things, olde world objects etc. Stephanie also created the mosaics and the artwork that is displayed. Being artistic certainly helps and Dave comes in handy as he puts the ideas into practise.

OPENING HOURS Breakfast: Wed to Sun from 8:30am - 3.00pm Lunch: Wed to Sun from 12.00pm - 3.00pm Dinner: Wednesday to Sunday from 5.30pm Closed Monday and Tuesday

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Stephanie still manages to find the time to organise catering and recently catered for a wedding where they made, supplied and set up individual desserts on one of the local boat cruises, apparently and not surprisingly, the guests were very happy with the food. And in turn, Stephanie and Dave are very committed to supporting local suppliers and producers when possible, thereby offering fresh, local cuisine.

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Back to it's former Glory

Personalised, attentive service and a sense of tranquil relaxation are among the hallmarks of a stay at The Riversleigh where you’ll enjoy the warmth of a country hotel combined with the luxury you expect from contemporary boutique accommodation.

Located in the heart of Bairnsdale’s central business district on a quiet street over-looking the Mitchell River, The Riversleigh features elegant period fittings with tastefully-appointed modern rooms, providing a unique accommodation experience.

With 20 rooms designed to meet every one of our guests’ individual needs, you will enjoy beautifully-designed rooms, each with ensuite some including spa baths. Relax in the picturesque courtyard set against the magnificent backdrop of one of the oldest and most unique residences in beautiful East Gippsland.

Built in 1886, this East Gippsland icon is now under new ownership and management and this grand example of Victorian architecture has recently undergone a complete renovation.

1 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale, 3875 PH: 03 5152 6966 E: info@riversleigh.com.au W: www.riversleigh.com.au

The Riversleigh is the perfect location for your Gippsland wedding. Combining a unique location with picturesque gardens, stylish period elegance, modern facilities and on-site catering. The Riversleigh simply has it all.

Set in the heart of Destination Gippsland, Bairnsdale is the gateway to glorious East Gippsland, within easy drive of the high country, mountain resorts, rainforest drives, the Gippsland Lakes, Ninety Mile Beach and river, lake and ocean fishing activities.

301 Creamery Road, Yinnar

$699,000 – Vendor Negotiable

Uncompromising Design – 5 Acres • 7 years old • 4 bedrooms plus office • 27sq living • Architect design • Designer kitchen with granite benches • 2 bathrooms • 2 large living zones • North facing • Entertainment deck • Stunning rural views •10 minutes from major townships and University • 26x48ft shed TOO MANY FEATURES TO LIST, DEFINITELY HAS THE WOW FACTOR.

deb.zwierlein@stockdaleleggo.com.au 0423 083 151 / 5133 9122 Stockdale & Leggo Latrobe Valley Pty Ltd 214 Commercial Road, Morwell

Grinter Transport offers a general freight service and an overnight service from Melbourne to as far as East Gippsland.

We have vehicles ranging from Ute's and Vans, 6 to 12 tonne Taut-liners with tailgates through to 22 pallet Taut-liners and Drop Decks and Trailers that can cart heavy machinery.

Locally based third generation family owned business.

Depots in Bairnsdale, Omeo and Melbourne.

Have freight contract across Victoria that can pick-up or deliver to or from East Gippsland.

Towns we go to DAILY are: Bairnsdale, Omeo, Orbost, Marlo, Paynesville, Bruthen, Lake Entrance, Buchan and Melbourne.

TWICE WEEKLY: Mallacoota and Cann River

• PAYNESVILLE • LAKES ENTRANCE • • ORBOST • CANN RIVER • • MALLACOOTA • OMEO • • BAIRNSDALE • SALE • • MORWELL • MELBOURNE •

Contact Details Craig Grinter 0148 516 857 Fax (03) 5152 3329 Email bhaul@bigpond.net.au thelifestyle summer 2015-16

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BOATING

WITH CRAWFORD MARINE

Lake Hazelwood also known as Hazelwood Pondage is a man-made lake which was created as a cooling pond for the Hazelwood Power Station. This form of use keeps the water quite temperate all year round. Due to this the lake has become a popular destination for swimming and boating. On the shores of the

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lake there is park land, a pony club, caravan parks, boat launching areas and camp sites.

The carbon counters cannot deny that it is also the only large scale, public, outdoor warm water recreational venue in Victoria. The water in the pondage is kept at a very pleasant 22 degrees

Celsius all year round by circulating through the power station to cool the plant. That means you can even swim here in mid-winter.

The warm waters have made the pondage popular for a range of events including the World Masters Games, the Australian Open Water Swimming Championships and the Latrobe City Sauna Sail and of course boating.

Latrobe Valley Yacht Club uses the pondage for regular regattas and their clubhouse is located at the pondage. There are two boat ramps for regular use by motor boats; and jet skis, kayaks are also popular.

Thanks to Terry Raymond, proprietor of Crawford Marine in Morwell for taking Gippsland the Lifestyle out on what is essentially Gippsland's very own hot tub!

Call in and inspect our range of new and pre-owned boats

BOATING SINCE 1964

71-77 Chickerell Street, Morwell 3840 P: 5134 6522 E: info@crawfordmarine F: 5134 6455 www.crawfordmarine.com.au

MEMBER

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940 Clarkes Road, Hazelwood North

$575,000 – Vendor Negotiable

Outstanding Family Residence • 6.4 Acres • Approx. 30+ squares of living • 4 bedrooms with built in robes • Large family bathroom • Full ensuite with spa • 3 separate living zones • North facing entertainment area with spa tub • Double brick garage • Triple carport • Double steel garage • 2 triple bay machinery sheds • 10 minutes from major townships and University OUTSTANDING PRIVATE LOCATION, A MUST INSPECT

deb.zwierlein@stockdaleleggo.com.au 0423 083 151 / 5133 9122 Stockdale & Leggo Latrobe Valley Pty Ltd 214 Commercial Road, Morwell Advertisement

As your representative in State Parliament, I invite you to contact me if I can be of assistance with any State Government matter.

My team and I can provide you with advice and assistance on a variety of State Government matters including: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Funding programs and grants Support for community initiatives and projects Raising matters in Parliament Making representations to Ministers Congratulatory messages

Russell Northe Member for Morwell Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs Shadow Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation Post: Ph: Fax: Email: Web:

66 George Street, Morwell, VIC 3840 03 5133 9088 03 5133 9388 russell.northe@parliament.vic.gov.au www.russellnorthe.com.au

Authorised by Russell Northe, 66 George Street, Morwell, VIC 3840

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Funded from the Parliament’s Electorate Office and Communications budget

Parnassus Function Centre & Steakhouse Now under new management Parnassus is widely recognised as one of the district’s finest properties. Situated on Camp Hill in Drouin East, just over 1 hour east of Melbourne, the property commands arguably the finest views in Gippsland, stretching as far as the eye can see and beyond.

We have an impressive 100-seat restaurant suitable for any fine occasion. Five queen sized accommodation rooms with ensuites.

North facing gently undulating lush green acres, a pocket of gum trees, olive grove and a stunning 5 acre mature vineyard of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.

Perfect for any wedding or function.

Give us a call today to take a tour of our beautiful estate.

CONTACT TRACY OR RHYS MORGAN-MORRIS

(03) 5626 8522

Let us take care of your family this Christmas and book for lunch at parnassus!

We will be serving up a delicious traditional and seafood buffet with all of the trimmings.

Lunch starting from 12:00 adults $99 Kids $10 [Under 10 FREE] Bookings are essential! contact Tracy or Rhys today 03 5626 8522

180 Lardners Track, DROUIN EAST, 3818

Find Us on Facebook

STEAK HOUSE GRAND OPENING FRIDAY ~ BOOK NOW ~ 4th of December 5PM WALK INS WELCOME For bookings 03 5626 8522

Wedding Images are courtesy of Sarah Harris, Satin Edge Photography 5623 5100

Antiques Collectible Vintage Retro Industrial Shabby Fashion Trading Hours 10am-5pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 0438 730 383 | 03 5634 2228 100

thelifestyle summer 2015-16

at Mount Baw Baw High above the cloud line, on a clear day the view stretches all the way to the Bass Strait.

From the cosy Village Restaurant deck to the exhilarating outdoor setting up on the mountain’s summit at 1564m above sea level, there’s something to suit everyone. Couples can say ‘I Do’ in front of the snowgum covered slopes and then join their guests in celebration, as the sun sets over the Alps.

Every bride and groom dreams of having an unforgettable wedding, and Mount Baw Baw might just be the perfect place for it. The atmosphere and panoramic views provide a stunning backdrop for happy memories that will last a lifetime.

Mount Baw Baw has always been a popular spot for adventure-seekers but there is more to it than just a haven for adrenaline junkies – it’s also the perfect setting for a different sort of adrenaline rush for couples who are taking the plunge to say ‘I Do’.

Situated at the Southern boundary of the Victorian Alps, Mount Baw Baw offers an enchanting alpine setting and unique locations for couples to exchange their vows surrounded by the magnificent environment of the Latrobe Valley.

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With seating for up to 70 of the bride and groom’s closest friends and family, the Village Restaurant is great for the reception after the ceremony. It comes fully equipped with multimedia and audio visual equipment as well as plenty of room for dancing and entertaining. The reception can be held both indoors and outdoors so guests can enjoy the wine bar or take in stunning alpine views from the alfresco deck and outdoor dining area.

Whether it is a formal sit-down dinner, a cocktail reception, or anything in between, the Mount Baw Baw Functions Team can provide a seasonal menu inspired by fresh local Gippsland produce uniquely tailored to the style of the wedding.

Delicious food from the Village Restaurant is complemented by an extensive wine list, designed to showcase the region’s finest drops.

Mt Baw Baw’s affordable on-mountain accommodation makes it an attractive option for inviting wedding guests to turn their visit into a weekend getaway, whatever their budget.

The mountain has a range of on-mountain accommodation available to suit all types of budgets, including self-contained apartments and lodges.

“The view up here is majestic and the cosy alpine environment creates a delightful setting for intimate and fun photos with family and friends,” says Alex Flint, Mount Baw Baw Resort Manager.

“With fresh alpine air, mountain views, delicious food, and exceptional service provided by our Functions Team, your wedding at Mount Baw Baw will be an unforgettable one for you and your guests,” he continued. “Guests that extend their stay can explore the mountain on our many walking tracks or hire bikes to see even more of the beautiful alpine environment.”

Visit mountbawbaw.com.au or contact guestservices@mountbawbaw.com.au for more information on weddings at Mount Baw Baw.

COBUNGRA

RIVER

It is now early summer and trout anglers are looking for a spot to fish. When assessing a river to fish at this time of the year we need to look for a river that still has reasonable water flow, and for a river that is not too hot for the trout. It is well known that trout do not like water over about 20 degrees and they often go “off the bite�. Once that water gets over 24 degrees, it can be fatal to trout. Having said that, I have observed fish still feeding at 24 degrees but it is certainly not their preferred temperature.

We are also looking for a river that can provide a good supply of food for the trout. At this time of the year, possibly the best source of food is grasshoppers. Most years grasshoppers can be readily found in farmland that borders the rivers and also in tussocky banks.

A river that fits the above criteria is the Cobungra River, north of Omeo. The Cobungra River rises in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range just below the ski slopes of Mt Hotham and Mt Loch. It flows in an easterly direction until it empties into the Mitta River at Blue Duck. Being at a relatively high altitude, the waters tend to flow clear and cool for most of the year. It is also shaded for much of its journey by a mixture of willow and native vegetation, which assists in keeping the hot summer sun off the water and temperatures under control.

Throughout its 55 km journey it flows through a mixture of native bush and cleared farmland. It is the farmland that interests me as a fisherman

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as this is where the best fishing can be found.

The improved pastures provide a home for grasshoppers, beetles and other terrestrials.

Where there is food there are trout.

Let us have a look at the Cobungra and start in the Blue Duck area where it flows into the Mitta River. At this point it is rough, rugged country.

If you are a little crazy and own a 4-wheel drive vehicle you may want to torture yourself and fish the river between its mouth and Blue Duck. To access the mouth you will need to travel along the Omeo Highway in a southerly direction until you see a rough 4-wheel drive track that

descends down to the Mitta River. The track is about 3 or 4 kms south of the Duck and difficult to see.

Once you have found the track, take it to the river. You will then need to walk or fish up the Mitta River for some distance until you reach the Cobungra. This can only be done in summer when the Mitta River is low and can be crossed.

You will make many crosses and you will bush bash the edge of the river in other places. Once you reach the Cobungra River, knock yourself out - it is even harder to access and fish than the Mitta in this area. It is overgrown, fast

Historic Omeo Highway bridge, which stands on the former ford known as Jack's Crossing, named after the overseer at nearby Mount Wills station who drowned whilst leading a team of packhorses across the flooded river in 1856.

flowing, rocky and the rocks are slippery. I have fished this area a couple of times; is it worth it?

NO WAY! My advice is to forget it. The fishing is not that good, the access is hard and it is bloody dangerous! Anyhow, it’s up to you. If you are silly enough to do it, remember that the only way out is the way you came in.

road leads past the Falls and ends at a turning circle. From there you need to walk down the hill to the river near its junction with the Victoria River. This is the site of an old hydroelectric station that was described in one of my previous articles. It is a fair walk back up the hill when you finish.

For those a little saner, access is far better in the Blue Duck area. The river upstream and downstream for a short distance is quite accessible from the Omeo Highway. There is a 4-wheel drive track that runs upstream from the Duck that follows the river for a few kilometres. Much of the water is difficult to fish as the tea tree and bush is very thick along the riverbank. The river is slow moving in this area.

It sometimes holds big fish but you will work for them.

From this point you can fish up or downstream.

Both sections are quite accessible although you will see the odd blackberry and will need to bash through the odd patch of scrub. It is possible to walk or fish downstream as far as Innisfail Station.

The river roughly follows the Great Alpine Road for many kilometres upstream of this area,

however it is a long walk to reach it and it is often through private property where you may not be welcome. The fishing can be good in here but, unfortunately, over the years most gates have been locked and very little fishing is done here. This is the area where the TV show “A River Somewhere” filmed some years ago.

It is still often spoken about. The boys had the advantage of a guide into private property.

There are many camping areas within a short distance of this river and plenty of formal accommodation is available at Omeo and Blue Duck.

Photographs supplied by Trevor Stow

Further upstream the river can be accessed from the Great Alpine Road, west of Omeo. Dry Gully Road runs off the Great Alpine Road and leads you into the Cobungra River at Alan Smith’s property, Innisfail Station. To fish this area, you will need permission from Alan. This area is like an oasis in the desert. As you approach the river from the top of the hill you will see Innisfail Station below you. This is basically the middle section of the river, which features good gravel and sandy bottoms. The river meanders through the farmland beneath a mixture of willows and gums. Banks are generally clear and access is excellent. It is an area that usually offers trout a smorgasbord of hoppers in the summer and early autumn months.

As we move further upstream we can again access the river on the Victoria Falls Road, although it does take a little more effort. This

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Specialising in Local Fish

Order Your Seafood

Christmas & New Year Now!

For all

the best in fresh

Seafood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

thelifestyle spring 2015

2009 Licensed Sub-Branch of the Year

Corner of Smith Street & Michael Place Leongatha

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Theme is “DRESS IN RED” Free Entry - From 8pm Supper provided Call Staff for Bookings

New Members Welcome Reciprocal rights with RSLs in Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania Members Discounts on meals and drinks 2 Function Rooms available Fantastic Members nights every Thursday and Friday Members Draw $800-$1000 to be won Members Happy Hour Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ½ Serve Meals, Gluten Free, Kids Menu all available Reservations required for most nights of the week Seniors Meals Monday to Friday now available CONTACTS OFFICE: 5662 2012 RECEPTION: 5662 2747 BISTRO: 5662 4487 ww w.l eong ath ars l.co m. au Find us on Facebook

NORMAL TRADING HOURS

BOOK YOUR FUNCTION TODAY SUN 12 NOON - 10PM MON 10AM - 10PM WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAYS BOOK YOUR FUNCTION TODAY TUE 10AM - 11PMANY SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES, WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, ANY SPECIAL WED 10AM - 11PM FOR BUSINESS OCCASION CATERED OCCASION CATERED FOR BUSINESS BREAKFASTS SEMINARS THU 10AM - MIDNIGHT BREAKFASTS FRI 10AM - MIDNIGHT SEMINARS CALL RICKY TO ORGANISE A QUOTE! SAT 10AM - MIDNIGHT

CALL RICKY TO ORGANISE A QUOTE!

OUR TRADING HOURS OVER THE CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR PERIOD CHRISTMAS DAY 11AM – 4PM BOXING DAY CLOSED SUNDAY 27TH 12 NOON – 8PM MONDAY 28TH 12 NOON – 8PM NEW YEAR’S EVE 10AM – 1AM (NO ENTRY AFTER 10PM) NEW YEARS DAY CLOSED SATURDAY 2ND 12 NOON – MIDNIGHT

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Reg's home is a castle

Travelling the Hyland Highway towards Yarram from Traralgon is a lovely drive, and typical of Gippsland, until a castle appears at Powers Hill. The castle grows as the car draws nearer; wrought iron gates complete with a crest are open. Reg Fazzani is outside finishing his coffee as I arrive, he calls himself an eccentric. He's a dreamer who follows through, maybe that’s eccentric. Mirabilia Castle is his third. Reg chose the name Mirabilia because it means, “reflections of things from the past”. The story he tells around the house is fascinating, but the story of the man behind the building captured my attention.

a level where he could sit with his friends and see his success. All his dreams have come true including the biggest dream, to build and live in a castle.

Fazzani is an Italian name, even though Reg was born in England, his Italian heritage was brought to attention during the second world war; and it caused him strife. Teachers treated him differently, as did his peers, this adversely affected his time at school and he left when he was fourteen years old.

Reg's life started just before World War II, leaving London with his family to live in Epping where they'd be safer. He remembers first seeing a banana, a little bigger than a thumb and green, for the first time at ten years old. It was a number of years later he discovered what the tropical curiosity actually looked like. He had his first taste of lollies when he was thirteen years old.

During the war there wasn't even biscuits, cake or icecream. Reg's dreams helped him through his childhood and adolescence.

At twenty-three years old with his wife and five month old son, he planned a move to Australia hoping there was less focus on his Italian heritage. The tailors drummed up business by telling people setting out for a new life in a new country; they needed to dress their best. Reg bought an Italian tailored suit. After a month on the boat he discovered Australia had as many issues with his Italian heritage as had Britain. The bullying made Reg stronger. "Nobody can tell you that they're better than you because they're not, we're all equal," Reg said.

The main dreams that Reg remembers include, at five years old he told his mother he'd buy her a dress with red roses on it. When he bought her the dress many years later his mother reminded him what he'd told her. He wanted, like I'm sure a lot of young men want, a red racing car. After he completed three years in the Royal Air Force, at nineteen years old, he bought one and toured Europe. He loved that car, with its bonnet that opened forward. He still has a picture of it. He watched Frank Sinatra and was inspired to buy a restaurant and manage it just like Frank.

In Cockatoo, he had a restaurant that sat 130 people, including a place for the minstrels and

The Fazzani name has a rich history and has a motto, 'Facta non Verba', Latin for 'actions, not words'. This is how he made his dreams a reality, especially his biggest dream to build and live in a castle. Anyone can build a castle, they just need two hands,” said Reg. He has lots of words of inspiration for others who want to live in a castle or has any other big dreams. Another piece of advice is in the words he won't use. Reg says he has two words he doesn't use ‘can't’, because he'll try anything and the other being ‘work’ he'd prefer ‘achieved’. Reg doesn't call himself a builder either, he says, "I'm an artist, I see what I want and I create it.”

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Tegan Dawson

Speaking of work, Reg has a colourful and full resume. He mass-produced a chair he created and patented, to managing a pop group starring Barry Greenwood who won Bandstand. Reg was employed for most of his early time in Australia as a welder, he took on night shift so he could spend his days, that would total up to 11 years, to build Fazzani Castle at Cockatoo, this is where the restaurant mentioned early was located.

Reg's life story reads like the Gippsland landscape he loves, with many peaks, and some incredibly low valleys. One of the lowest times for Reg was the Ash Wednesday fires. Having just moved his family into Fazzani castle that year, he decided to stay with his two eldest sons to defend the house. He remembers the ash raining down as the fire came like an evil creature with hands reaching. The fire as though sentient, barrelled down the hill, pushed up through to the other side of the valley and flipped back on itself consuming his home. It was the lowest period in Reg's life; he lost his house, his marriage, and his dreams. He wanted to die. His plans were changed when he met a man on the road, at a ridiculous time in the morning, who took care of him for the month; Reg doesn't remember.

Reg recovered and rebuilt the castle at Cockatoo.

He was invited to see the Queen at Parliament House as a result of the Ash Wednesday fire, and the invitation is framed hanging in the front lounge at Mirabilia Castle. When Reg sold Fazzani Castle, he travelled for a bit. He spent some time in Castlemaine where he mentored some young couples to build their own unique houses. Then he returned to Gippsland, and built another castle on a ridge at Trafalgar. A valley in his life followed this, but not as bad as the Ash Wednesday low.

Reg bought the property at Willung South in 2004; the land was undesired and considered too much effort to clean up. He lived in a shed throughout two winters using ice-cold water to shower in, whilst building his castle. He finally finished it and he then looked to furnish his castle. Reg has used a lot of things that people had considered trash, but you'd never know it looking at the regal, yet homely castle.

One of the pieces of furniture inspires one of Reg's most animated stories on his tour – it is a dressing table. When he first saw it, the dressing table was covered in chicken poop, and the auctioneer kept trying to give it away for free. Reg asked for it and the auctioneer gave it to him. He cleaned it up, and put it in the first bedroom. It is the piece of furniture he gets the most comments on because it's so unique, and now highly desired. Reg loves nature, he also has a nursery at his castle, and he grows plants and maintains his gardens. Five years ago he bought a Wollemi Pine (which had been thought to be extinct for many years). It grew well behind a Waratah Bush outside the kitchen window, at the top of the hill where he lives. Due to experiencing the coldest winter in forty years, it has just died.

Reg is planning to build his fourth castle that would be the smallest one yet, but he loves his neighbours and the community he has surrounded himself with, and he wants to keep maintaining the property as long as he can.

Mirabilia Castle is Reg's home. He opens it up to the public for viewings; the cost is $5.00, which is donated to cancer research. You can call Reg on (03) 5194 2243 to organise a visit.

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Capturing the Precious Ones

Family Lifestyle, Maternity & Newborn

wildwoodphotography.com.au

Join us at our country Club Hotel and enjoy all that is available: • Public Bar • Glasshouse Bistro • Palms Courtyard • Function Rooms • Accommodation • • Courtesy Bus • The Cellar Door Tapas Bar • Music and Entertainment • TAB and Bottle Shop • • Secure overnight bike parking (for both motor and push bikes) •

Weekly Glasshouse Bistro Specials Monday is Pasta night Tuesday is Steak night Wednesday is Parmalicious Parma night Thursday is Ribs & Bibs Courtesy bus available on Fridays & Saturdays 5:30-11pm other times by arrangement

Peter, Jessica and our great team welcome you to the historic and magnificent venue that is the Yarram Club Hotel. We aim to create a warm, friendly, relaxing and enjoyable environment, capitalising on personal service, with consistent offerings appealing to both locals and visitors to the area.

For bookings and enquiries Yarram Club Hotel 287 Commercial Road, Yarram, Vic, 3971 Phone: 03 5182 5027 Email: contact@yarramclubhotel.com.au yarramclubhotel.com.au Visit us on Facebook for upcoming specials, live music dates and events

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Phone: 5174 2156 Email: reception@traralgonbowls.com.au Cnr of Gwalia St & Liddiard Rd Traralgon Vic 3844 For more information about the Traralgon Bowls Club visit www.traralgonbowls.com.au

MORE THAN JUST A BOWLS CLUB The Traralgon Bowls Club’s fresh new mouth-watering menu is the perfect solution for any occasion. Whether it is just a night out without cooking, or a Birthday or anniversary celebration you can be assured our talented chefs will create meals to remember. The Traralgon Bowls Club has worked extremely hard on establishing a facility that can accommodate a whole range of members, guest and visitors.

Our catering department operates 7 days a week for both lunch and dinner service, with a selection of great value meals there is sure to be something for everybody.

Having completed one of the most comprehensive kitchen refurbishments in the Valley, Traralgon Bowls Club can now provide an extensive range of meals.

To avoid disappointment at not getting a seat, we strongly encourage all customers to ring in advance and book their table.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CAREER

firefighter Tegan Dawson

No two days are the same, no fire is the same, no two career firefighters are the same. The A-team at Traralgon CFA graced Gippsland the Lifestyle Magazine, with time to help us understand a day in the life of a CFA career firefighter. The A-team usually known as Platoon A is led by Aaron Worcester, with Andrew Braemer, Jarrod Allan, Kent Ashworth, Greg Fisher and Sam Nelson. The ten hour day shift starts at 8 am, and the night shift relieves at 6 pm for fourteen hours – that is unless something goes terribly wrong. Peter Lockwood, the Officer in Charge, was with the team; they call him “Locky”. While there is a strict command structure and Peter outranks Aaron when he is there, each and every career firefighter can lead or instruct when their skills are the most desired for the task they're doing.

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The CFA values the ability to adapt; the different workstations on the guided tour around the Station and hearing the range of tasks required to be performed, firefighters have to be adaptive.

The Station House is a far cry from many workplaces where no one knows how to use the photocopier; these firefighters have to complete a plethora of paperwork, planning to keep Traralgon and surrounding areas safe. The station was immaculate, including the gym, that didn't have an odour. The kitchen sparkling clean had I have known I wouldn't have bought my coffee. The tasks undertaken to keep the station in tip-top shape are called duties, and there was no sniggering or whining discussing it. Their favourite cook has recently left the platoon, much to Jarrod Allan's disappointment as he missed out on a fantastic

pork belly. Maintenance is all in the Station House including the hoses, the breathing apparatuses and even the gardens. Hose maintenance has a room with vices and a metal saw for repairing the nozzles.

Greg Fisher says when they're in the Station there is always a level of uncertainty - when the next call out will come. The Station gets 650-800 calls per year, and all of them require some form of response. From the time their pagers go off and the doors automatically open, they have to change into their safety gear and have the truck out within 90 seconds – including if in the middle of the night. The team value their volunteers who help with fighting fires to cleaning and re-packing the truck – because if the alarm goes again, they have

A-team of Traralgon CFA L to R Kent Ashworth, Greg Fisher, Andrew Braemer, Aaron Worcester, Jarrod Allan, Sam Nelson & Peter Lockwood

to be out in that required short time period. The career firefighters are aware of their volunteers’ time, health and safety.

Peter Lockwood informed when he was previously at Traralgon in 2000, there was only one paid staff member on duty at any one time. In those days, 000 fire calls were routed to the nearest Fire Station. He would have to call in the ‘vollies’ and wait for them to arrive before he could go, as the phones needed manning at all times.

Camaraderie is something the team enjoys about their work with the CFA, knowing they can rely on each other, that if they have an issue they can sit down and talk it out, instead of using an elevated work platform, the Bronto, as a really terrible hiding place. While it can take them 42 metres

above their colleague, it has an open microphone and safety regulations require that at least two people operate it. The CFA isn't the place for hot tempers, and each firefighter needs to be able to deal with crisis to maintain the CFA's value of being a modern and progressive emergency services organisation.

If a call out doesn't occur within the first two minutes of being in the building the morning will start with a brief, about what they can expect that day based on a variety of factors, the weather is a key informer of their day. This briefing will have set each of the platoon members tasks, to check equipment, get out the most likely required equipment. This helps the platoon mentally prepare for the day. That said Sam Nelson said this was his dream job, and he never has trouble

getting up for work. The briefing also includes making a list of training that is required to complete that day. Greg Fisher started as a career firefighter in 2002, is looking forward to further training and quizzed by fellow team members, for his upcoming assessment for promotion for Station Officer. The CFA isn't only a place for climbing a ladder there are a lot of niche skills to learn. Four of the seven around the table had been formal instructors for various things.

Jarrod Allan recently returned from an 18 week secondment training new inductees to career firefighting. 30 out of 1500 applicants make it through – it's highly competitive. People move interstate for this job, and those who apply may have to move to their new posting. Again, four out of seven around the table had to move for their

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job at the Traralgon CFA. In fact, Peter Lockwood joined the junior firefighters when he was 11 years old. He decided, from a very early age, he wanted to the take it to the next level and become a career fire fighter. He realised the CFA wasn't hiring during the early 90’s. So, he moved to Queensland, awaiting the opportunity to apply there but CFA six months later announced they were recruiting. He then successfully applied for a position in Victoria, he's been a career firefighter for over 21 years.

For many, volunteering is a pathway to being a career firefighter. Due to the sheer numbers of volunteers and people who apply, this is not always the case. Kent Ashworth recently completed the training that Jarrod Allan was part of running. Kent said he received no special favours even though he'd been a volunteer with the CFA for ages. All applicants are chosen on their merit. He said the process has six stages where they assess everything from fitness to aptitude.

Firefighters must reach 9.6 on the beep test. The firefighters were raving about a colleague who passed 16. Kent's prior experience was the last thing considered in his application, and during training he informed that instructors picked up on bad habits procured over years of volunteering. He was very lucky to be one of the three who didn't have to move for his posting, although he travels nearly an hour to get to work.

Peter Lockwood is on the recruitment panel and said a key focus is finding the right person with the right attitude, as we can train a firefighter for the skills required but it’s a lot harder to train a wrong attitude.

The community is everything to these firefighters; they love training and community education programs including teaching Fire Safe Kids about stop, drop and roll.

There is a great range of diversity in the previous employment of these firefighters, and each of these past life jobs has been useful to their work at the CFA. Jarrod was a groundskeeper before joining the CFA. Aaron Worcester and Andrew Braemer were previously in defense positions.

They still are, in a way, working at the CFA helping prepare plans to defend the local communities from fire. Kent Ashworth worked as a medic and with a teleco. Sam Nelson worked with DELWP previously. Greg Fisher worked in IT. This diversity is valued, the other skills the team value are builders for quick tips on structural safety for the team and mechanics. The CFA has mechanics on hand who work from the Moe depot, however, they love having a mechanic as part of the team especially for any training that requires explaining how mechanical appliances work.

The CFA and DELWP have a great relationship while DELWP is responsible for most large scale bush burn offs and public land. The CFA is responsible for private land and structures. Sam moved from DELWP to the CFA so he could get experience putting out structural fires.

since 1888 starting out at a local mechanics before moving to various locations across Traralgon. All the platoon members share this sense of history and pride. There are trophies and pictures of past crew in the conference/training room at the back of the building. While it's a job much loved, there are tough days that leave scars.

Black Saturday is the worst natural disaster to hit Victoria, and most of this platoon was active in fighting it. Peter was in charge of the Churchill fire and operated from a control centre in Traralgon, making split decisions that would be scrutinised for nine months and require an appearance at the Royal Commission. Aaron was at Calignee, behind the fire lines. He said, "nine times out of ten you can influence the fire and make a difference, this was the one time all we could do was try to keep people safe." Greg was at Traralgon South where the fire front kept advancing and creating spot fires, they tried to steer it around the township.

Peter said another time, and believes it is true for most firefighters, that when faced with a situation they can relate, has the potential to leave a scar.

Although usually because they deal with death all the time, training and great support of their team mates, enables them to get on with the job and to respond appropriately. Even helping calm people on the scene with rational and soothing responses, with referrals to agencies for further help.

History and tradition is important for the members of the Traralgon Fire Brigade. They opened the Princes Highway Traralgon Station exactly 40 years after their Breed Street Station opened, on the 31st of May 2009. Traralgon has had a fire brigade

While these firefighters are more than capable, there are always ways to support your local CFA, through financial contributions.

They always need volunteers and if you saw yourself as a career firefighter with what it takes - apply by visiting CFA’s website www.cfa.vic.gov.au Follow the CFA's advice, don't start fires on days of total fire ban, make sure you get permits and use all pertinent advice.

Stay safe this summer.

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thelifestyle spring 2014

Out on a Wing Veteran aviation ace Ben Buckley is still flying high.

Chris West

and Kit built aircraft Jabiru 3300

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“We’d hop out of Ben’s plane and land in front of the pub door then go in for a beer,” Bob recalls.

“Ben’s been a great friend to me. He provided me guidance and assistance with my flying and I learned heaps from him. He’s a funny bloke who’s also well travelled and fairly worldly. We can talk about virtually anything.”

Bob recognised that Ben’s life story, including his many stoushes with the aviation authorities, deserved to be documented in print.

Colourful East Gippsland identity Ben Buckley is different things to different people. To the townsfolk of Benambra and surrounding areas he’s a much-loved figure, admired for his exploits in the air as an agricultural pilot and on terra firma for his dedicated contribution as a local councillor.

In the eyes of aviation authorities, however, Ben has been viewed as a rule-breaking menace and constant thorn in their side over many years.

You hear Ben described variously as a daredevil flying ace, likeable larrikin, living legend or simply just a crazy old codger. Some see him as a mischievous maverick, while to others who have called upon his help, the experienced bush pilot has often been a godsend. People close to Ben simply consider him a top mate. There are probably elements of truth in all those things.

But no matter on which side of the fence you sit, it is impossible to deny that Ben has enjoyed a remarkable life and made a positive impact on many people.

“When I approached Ben about writing a book, he agreed but made me promise not to gild the lily and make him out to be some sort of super hero. He doesn’t really like talking about himself very much,” Bob comments.

Born at Hastings Hospital on 31 May 1936, Ben was christened Pearse Edward Buckley. He became known as Ben from a young age and has answered to that name ever since.

Ben was the third of seven children in his family.

His parents Jock and Molly were deeply religious and had previously spent time working as missionaries in the Northern Territory. By the time of Ben’s birth they had returned to Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula where they were operating a dairy farm at Bittern.

One day when Ben was 11 he was struggling to lead the cows in across a muddy yard on the farm when a RAAF Wirraway flew low overhead.

hitch-hiked firstly to Alice Springs, then on to a job at a gold mine at Tennant Creek. His next stop was Darwin, before crossing into Queensland where he hitch-hiked initially to Mount Isa. He then caught a train to Townsville before taking his first aeroplane ride to Cairns.

In 1955 at the age of 19, Ben headed south to Sydney where he worked on a construction site.

Later that year he paid 25 pounds to sail across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. Arriving in Auckland, Ben went to Rotorua for work as a surveyor’s assistant and played rugby for a local team. He then gained work shooting wallabies and culling deer in the South Island.

With money saved, Ben returned to the North Island and enrolled in the Commercial Aviation School at Wanganui, undertaking a two-month course that included classroom work and flying tuition.

“It was the only school that ever interested me,” he says.

Ben’s first flying lesson was on 9 March 1958 in a DH 82 Tiger Moth. Just over six months later he gained his commercial pilot licence. Soon afterwards, he started work as a top dressing pilot, or crop duster as they are otherwise known. By mid 1959 Ben had qualified as a flying instructor.

In May 1960, Ben returned to Australia by ship and made his way home. He commenced work for Sale-based company Farmair as an agricultural pilot flying a Tiger Moth. Slowly working his way up the Tambo Valley spreading superphosphate, he eventually arrived in Benambra. Ben didn’t know it then, but the small town 28 kilometres north-east of Omeo would soon become his future home base.

“The pilots spotted me and circled around and we waved at each other,” Ben remembers.

It’s a sign that you’re more than a mere mortal when Australia Post puts your face on a stamp, as they did with Ben in 1999. But when it comes to listing all his achievements and recounting the many tales of his flying deeds, there is insufficient space in a magazine feature to do his story full justice. The majority of Ben’s life has already been documented in detail in Buckley’s Chance, a book written by his long-time friend Bob Stevens that was published in 1998. So popular was the book, it quickly sold out two print runs but is expected to become available on the internet in eBook format before this upcoming Christmas.

That simple encounter proved to be a defining moment in his life, as the fascinated youngster decided right there and then that one day he too would fly.

The pair first met more than 25 years ago when Bob was part of a skydiving group in the alpine high country which engaged Ben as their pilot.

He left school at 15 and found manual work at Mount Buller and later at Eildon Weir. At 17 he grew restless and spent the next few years working interstate in a number of locations. He

“I figured it would be a lot better up there than stuck in the mud,” he says.

Ben drew pictures of planes as a boy, but it would be several years before he could pursue his dream. Although he was a confident child and a natural story teller blessed with the gift of the gab, Ben proved to be a worse than average student.

Benambra and the high country region was a source of a regular supply of work for Ben. He found that his services were in keen demand around the area. In partnership with local grazier Noel Braid, he formed Alpine Aviation in late 1960 and the business venture proved most successful.

But there was turbulence ahead for the intrepid young airman. A bit of skylarking in Ben’s plane with his brother Robin on Boxing Day in 1960 landed the pair in trouble and led to a court appearance for flying at a low height over Flinders Highway and the town of Hastings.

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Rebuilding Kit built aircraft Jabiru 3300

once alleged to have flown whilst incapacitated with a broken leg caused by a parachuting accident.

“We were just wishing our younger brother Hugh a Happy New Year,” Ben laughs.

It would be the first of Ben’s many encounters with law makers and aviation authorities that would follow in the years ahead. His list of alleged misdemeanors grew ever longer over the course of his flying career. Amongst the many memorable allegations to be levelled at Ben are flying under the Snowy River Bridge in Orbost in 1975 and making a prohibited landing and hasty take off on the helipad next to Esso’s oil and gas plant at Longford in 1970. He was arrested by the Federal Police over the Orbost Bridge incident but subsequently released without charge.

Ben was accused many times of operating an unauthorised landing area on a grass tract of land on Lake Omeo Parade near his home and was

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In the course of his battles with bureaucracy, Ben always bristled and bucked if he believed he was being denied natural justice. Whenever in the crossfire, his usual defence was to deny any wrongdoing, a strategy that regularly paid dividends. Often he escaped penalty due to lack of evidence or some sort of technicality or administrative oversight, much to the frustration of the aviation officialdom. Sometimes, however, the authorities were successful in making their charges stick.

“My licence was revoked or suspended about twelve times and cancelled for life once,” Ben says.

The life ban, which eventually stood for three years, stemmed from his appearance on the Willesee television program in 1987. The show’s producers persuaded Ben to recreate one of his famous pranks where he dumped superphosphate from the air on the local Benambra footballers during training. The whole scene was staged for

the cameras and the players were paid by the network for their part in the act. Despite it being a stunt, and the fact that harmless plasterer’s lime was substituted for superphosphate, the aviation authorities remained unimpressed by Ben’s high jinks and threw the book at him.

Despite his questionable disciplinary record, Ben remains adamant that he has never been reckless in the air or compromised anyone’s safety.

“Your life is the most precious thing you’ve got,” he states.

Ben has spent many thousands of hours in light aircraft, often in perilous conditions, and is fortunate to have twice survived serious crashes.

The first accident was in 1961 when the thick cloud and heavy icing caused his plane to slam into the side of Mount Baw Baw. “I finished up with a mouthful of gum leaves and snow. It was a long walk home,” he laughs.

In truth, Ben of course did not walk all the way home, but he did trudge 10 kilometres to find help after extricating himself from the wreckage.

Redcourt Drop Zone. L-R Chief Parachute Instructor Steve Smedley, daughter Janelle Buckley and Ben.

a few examples of where Ben’s assistance either in the air or on the ground in crisis situations has been nothing short of vital.

Over many years, Ben has also helped the community by fighting fires from the air. In 1967, he and fellow pilot Bob Lansbury made history in Australia by being the first to drop fire retardant to contain a blaze at Mitta Mitta.

Breaking new ground is something to which Ben has now become accustomed. At the age of 63 he became the first person to fly a two-stroke ultralight aircraft from Australia to New Zealand, an incredible feat that required him to endure fuel fumes and a lack of oxygen through a journey lasting over 11 hours from Mallacoota to Haast on the South Island.

His other crash occurred in England in 1977 during a two-year period overseas where he worked in the UK and in Africa in Sudan. Attempting to take off on a crop spraying assignment, Ben struggled to get the plane airborne and clipped a perimeter fence. His aircraft hit a steel bin, had a wing torn off, cartwheeled and came to rest upside down before bursting into flames. Suffering burns to his hands and arms, along with the effects of exposure to toxic fumes, Ben spent a week in Cambridge Hospital.

“That crash happened so quick, there wasn’t time to be frightened,” he insists.

There are a number of residents of East Gippsland who will be forever thankful that Ben lived to tell the tales of his fortunate escapes. He has been involved in numerous mercy flights and medical evacuations where his quick thinking and bravery has on several occasions undoubtedly resulted in lives being saved.

Ben would never boast about his deeds, but his efforts were instrumental in getting urgent medical attention to 18-month-old Jodie Gilmore after she was bitten by a black snake. The same applies to 10-year-old John Hunt, who was seriously injured in a horse riding mishap and 19-year-old Ken Connley, who was accidentally shot while spotlighting for hares. These are just

Alongside Ben’s many achievements in the air is his proud contribution to the local community as a Councillor. Having previously served the Omeo Shire from 1980 to 1994, Ben has spent the past 13 years on the East Gippsland Shire Council.

“I’m often asked if I’d like to have a go at being Mayor. My reply is that I reached my highest level of incompetence quite some time ago and I’d sooner be a happy Councillor than an unhappy Mayor,” he chuckles.

Ben is a passionate advocate for voluntary voting and has contested Federal and State elections as an independent candidate in the past. Unlike his flying, however, his efforts to get to Parliament have not taken off.

On the home front, Ben’s two marriages didn’t quite manage to last the distance, but his two sons and four daughters have combined to produce ten grandchildren for the family.

“I’m in a unique position that whenever I go to Bairnsdale I have two ex-wives in the same street,” he says.

With his 80th birthday approaching next May, Ben is contemplating some changes in his life.

He is now unable to keep his commercial pilot licence on medical grounds, but still holds his recreational licence which allows him to continue flying ultralights.

Ben recently sold his trusty Cessna 182 which he used for joy flights and private charters for more than 30 years. He now just has an ultralight which is located at Bairnsdale Airport and an old Cessna 150 which is kept on a property in the Latrobe Valley.

Although Ben may be making some adjustments in his life, he is a hard man to tie down and is far from a spent force.

“If I’m feeling OK, I wouldn’t mind staying on Council. We have an election coming up next year and I’ll put my hand up again,” he says.

Ben is also looking forward to taking to the skies in his ultralight for recreational pursuits and is always on the lookout for new challenges or his next quest. He has contemplated the thought of a transit of the South Pole to the Falkland Islands in the ultralight but is unsure whether this ambition will ever progress beyond the idea stage.

“It’s technically possible but is something that you could only really say is on my wish list at present,” he explains.

Whatever plans unfold for Ben in the future, nowhere is he more at home or at ease than in the air.

“I always felt as comfortable flying a plane as sitting in an armchair,” he states.

Anyone who suggests that only birds were meant to fly will find no agreement from Ben. “We’ve even gone as far as putting blokes out in space, haven’t we? So you’d reckon there has to be something in it,” he says.

Photographs and Cartoons courtesy of Bob Stevens

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GARDENING with CraigGoodman Q. What do you suggest to care for camellias, azaleas, daphne and rhododendrons now that flowering has finished and summer is upon us?

A. Once these plants finish flowering they put on strong growth through the spring months, particularly when rainfall combined with warmth is plentiful.

Feel free to shape your plants to suit the spot you have them growing in your garden or pot. This can be done immediately after flowering or through the growing season. Try and avoid major pruning in Summer as you don’t want new growth being burnt and most importantly, you don’t want to be removing wood that flower buds will develop on in late summer and autumn. Feeding Spring, Summer and Autumn will ensure you maximise plant health and abundant flowers.

Q. Do you suggest standing pot plants in sand or water and what is the best method to keep them cool in summer?

Q. Do we cut lawns too low in Summer and should we cut them higher?

A. To help maintain a green healthy lawn in Summer, cut your grass higher.

This will make a huge difference to the health and colour of your lawn.

Your lawn will still look smart mown higher and your frequency of mowing will not change.

For example, Fescue lawns should be mown at 35 to 40 mm high.

Q. How much water is enough for lawns and gardens?

A. Lawns require more water than gardens, as their root system is shallow. So it is important to keep topping up the first 70 to 100 mm of soil with moisture.

Garden plants have much deeper roots and therefore draw on moisture further down which doesn’t dry out at anywhere near as quickly as the surface.

A. Rather than sitting the base of pot plants in a saucer of water I would do the following: The best way to achieve great results with pot plants is regular feed every 2 to 3 months with ‘Patio Magic’. Over Summer you can use a wetting agent applied as a granule or in liquid form to the top of the pot plant. This will prevent plants from drying out as quickly as they normally would. Ensuring when you water, that you soak the entire potting mix early in the morning or evening.

In the peak of summer some pot plants may need daily watering.

Leaving plants sitting in a continuous bowl or saucer of water can in the long term kill some plants, as they are constantly drawing up moisture keeping many plants too wet.

Q. In summer, when is the best time to water the garden and should I add nutrients to the lawn and plants?

A. To prevent burning from the hot sun of your plants and lawns, where possible, water in the early morning or the cool of the evening.

Plants will respond by having a change to soak up the moisture and recover before the heat of the day. Feeding in Summer is okay but don’t overfeed, as soft new growth doesn’t stand up in the heat as well.

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When watering a garden, a good soak or deep watering will keep established plants going for a long time. Newly planted plants on the other hand with shallow root systems will need more frequent watering.

In the peak of Summer, some lawns may need watering every 2 or 3 days, depending on your soil type, wind and heat.

Gardens may only need watering well once a week.

It is important to check moisture levels in your area and water when necessary.

Watering before lawns and plants dry or burn off will ensure they look fantastic all the time.

Hope this is helpful.

Craig

At Grow Master Traralgon inspiration awaits you.

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Hours | Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm Saturday to Sunday 9.00am - 5.00pm 62 Argyle St, Traralgon Vic 3844 Ph: (03) 5174 2861 Em: growmastertraralgon@yahoo.com.au www.growmaster.com.au/traralgon

thelifestyle spring 2014

Green Heart Organics is a family run, local business that has been operating since 2008.

Our aim is to serve the community by making quality organic products easily accessible, and creating a warm and inviting space to enjoy an organic coffee.

Come by, we would love to meet you.

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Overlooking the Goongerah valley

Reflections of

GOONGERAH O N E O F E A S T G I P P S L A N D’ S H I D D E N W I L D E R N E S S T R E A S U R E S Just an hour north of Orbost up the tree-lined Bonang Road on the legendary Snowy River Country Trail, is one of East Gippsland’s hidden wilderness treasures. Nestled in a meandering valley between the Snowy River and Errinundra National Parks, Goongerah is a peaceful hamlet of around 50 people, a charming scattering of small farms and Victoria’s most isolated primary school campus. Flowing through the heart of the valley is the gentle Brodribb River with crystal clean water fed from the tall wet forests of the Errinundra Plateau.

DEREJO tree

Jill Redwood’s gate (Environmentalist)

Goongerah Hall sign

Brodribb River flats & Brown Mountain

Once a timber town in the 1970’s, Goongerah is now home to a diverse community living the good life of engendering a sustainable lifestyle whilst exploring creative muses and looking after the land. With an abundant array of native wildlife, birds and plants, spectacular forest drives, accessible bush walks and breathtaking night skies, this is a nature enthusiast’s utopia. The Goongerah campground on the Brodribb River is a tranquil, secluded base from which to explore a cornucopia of natural treasures. There are many day trips within easy reach where you can gaze down into the wilds of the Goolengook valley, explore giant tree ferns in old growth rainforest, and for the more energetic, hiking to the top of Mount Ellery for spectacular views all the way to the ocean.

Goongerah Thunderbox

Words and photographs supplied by Jamie Antonio

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Chris West

Castlemaine-based friend Madeline Hudson.

Production has commenced on a music video to accompany their song Solar Power. Importantly, they have planned for the video to be filmed at locations in and around Goongerah to help showcase the Far East Gippsland region.

“We have filmed a few early scenes for the Solar Power video and intend to include some of the places and people that make this area so unique.

Schools from the surrounding areas including Orbost and Marlo are also going to be involved in the clip,” he explains.

As Jamie observes, the internet video broadcasting channel Youtube has the power to take the Solar Power clip to audiences anywhere in the world.

“That global reach is the great beauty of the Youtube. I can imagine someone in France seeing the locations around Goongerah and wondering where the hell this is,” he says.

If you head north east from Orbost on the Bonang Highway, winding your way through forests of towering gums, after driving for around an hour you will pass through Goongerah. It’s a case of blink and you might miss it. Apart from a school, community hall and CFA depot, there is little else to note. No shops, pub, service station or any other significant infrastructure to indicate the existence of a community.

Goongerah lies on the Brodribb River in a valley between Mount Jersey and Mount Ellery, surrounded by the Errinundra National Park to the east and Snowy River National Park to the west. The area’s remarkable natural beauty is only enhanced by its sheer remoteness. Mobile phones are redundant here due to no reception.

The local population is more of a casual estimation of 40 to 50 than a precise count. It’s the sort of isolated, sleepy place that few people outside the area know about, have ever visited or could locate

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on a map. But that could all soon change, if some of the motivated local residents succeed in their efforts to boost Goongerah’s profile.

One of those is creatively minded 49-year-old Jamie Antonio, who has lived in the community for the past decade. If anyone can awaken Goongerah from its slumber without compromising its unique natural quaintness, it would be Jamie. Possessing boundless energy and enthusiasm, he is drawing on his experience as an educator and talented musician in an effort to enlighten the outside world about the magic of the place he calls home.

“This area hasn’t been promoted at all, but we have people in our community now who would like to change that. We’re all about inclusivity out here and creating a positive future all round,” he comments.

Jamie has seized upon an idea involving his band Zucchini Clan, a duo in which he performs with

Jamie has applied for a $5000 arts grant from the East Gippsland Shire Council to help fund the remainder of the production.

“So far Madeline and I have funded everything ourselves and it’s not a cheap undertaking,” he notes.

“I can promise that the East Gippsland Shire will get plenty of bang for their buck from this project if they decided to award us the grant. Solar Power is such a catchy song and we’re a band that’s going places. We appreciate the incredible beauty of this area and are committed to promoting it and preserving it. We think it’s got great potential to be more clean green like in Tasmania and places like that. That’s the way of the future.”

Like several of the locals presently living in Goongerah, Jamie first fell under the spell of the forest area through his involvement as an environmental campaigner in the mid 1990s.

Those initial experiences in the remote region left a lasting impression on him.

“The energy of the valley is amazing and can also be very romantic, so to speak. You have to spend a week here to really begin to feel it,” he insists.

By the early 2000s, Jamie knew that Goongerah was where he wanted to be. Born in Victoria’s rural west at Ararat, Jamie ventured to Melbourne on his own at the age of 21 to make his mark on the world.

“I had high hopes at the time for my music and it took me three years to get over it. It was worse than any break up with a woman!” he says ironically.

Eventually, however, Jamie and his music rekindled their love affair in Goongerah in a way he would have never anticipated. A simple bit of fun whilst doing some teaching work with local students led to the birth of Zucchini Clan and got Jamie back into performing mode.

Zucchini Clan’s debut album Wildlife was released in December 2011. Their second CD, to be titled ‘Heirloom Mix’, is currently in production and expected to be released mid 2016. Solar Power will be amongst the tracks on the upcoming new album.

Originally there was a third member of the troupe, Adam Gooderham, who subsequently left after being unable to continue to fully commit to the time demands of travelling and performing.

“I started working as a financial planner and made a lot of money in the early days, but in truth all I really wanted to be was a successful musician,” he concedes.

Believing he has found a musical niche, Jamie would love for Zucchini Clan to propel his longtime involvement on the fringes of the mainstream industry to a whole new stratosphere.

“My mum was theatrical and dad bought me a set of drums for my twelfth birthday. I later got a trumpet, which I played in the high school band, so music and performing has always been a big part of my life from an early age.”

“We’ve appeared at a number of festivals, including playing Moomba in Melbourne last year, but my dream is for Zucchini Clan to become an internationally recognised act,” he states.

Leaving financial planning behind, Jamie went on to combine primary school teaching in Melbourne with playing in a succession of various bands, which included Deep Sea Plaza and its successor Understorey. He also spent three years touring throughout Australia as the drummer for a popular tribute band Absolutely Live ~ The Doors Show, a gig that involved approximately 400 shows.

Whether that breakthrough eventuates or not, Jamie is busy making plans for his future. He lives without excesses but the economic reality is that there are still bills that have to be paid each month. So in another string to his creative bow, his fledgling Bowler Hat Boutique Publishing house will be releasing next year, two eco-friendly produced picture books he has written. ‘The Sweeper’ and ‘The Thread’ will feature sublime illustrations from Aviva Reed and local Bairnsdale artist, Rachael Pollac.

As well as performing, Jamie’s passion for music also extended into song writing. Whilst drumming in Deep Sea Plaza, he was writing the songs that eventually became Understorey’s well received debut album, Of The New Idol.

In the early 2000s, Jamie unfortunately lost both of his parents within nine months of one another, but the money he inherited enabled him to purchase a 50 acre property with a kilometre of river frontage at Goongerah.

“It started through writing songs with the kids in the classroom at the local school and has now evolved into something people of all ages are enjoying. I think the great appeal of Zucchini Clan is that it’s accessible and it’s fun,” he says.

At that time, Jamie resisted the temptation to relocate from Melbourne as a permanent move, but knowing that his acquisition at Goongerah would one day become his home.

“I took some of the early Zucchini Clan songs to my old mate David Butt in Melbourne and we recorded them at his studio in Brunswick. Another friend Simon Rashleigh, who had previously worked with record labels including Sony and Festival, helped us out with promoting our first album. He said what you’ve created here is a new genre of ‘family friendly’ music. I like to call it music for free range kids, families and fine funky folk.”

In 2005 he reached a significant crossroad in his life when David Butt, his friend and chief musical co-collaborator in Understorey, suffered a hand injury, which left him unable to play the guitar. With his bandmate incapacitated, Jamie reluctantly decided to leave his musical ambitions behind and make the shift to Goongerah.

Sarah Seahorse, and go into character for their act.

Jamie adopts his stage persona - the somewhat non-politically correct Professor EcoCentric, whilst Madeline becomes the elfin like, Miss Lilly Green.

Since moving to Goongerah, he has leased a 10acre section of his property to a couple who have established a wildlife refuge on the site. Seeking to now further maximise the potential of his substantial land holding, Jamie is currently

When performing as Zucchini Clan, Jamie and Madeline wear distinctive bespoke costumes made by their award winning designer friend,

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to provide most of the food that their own family consumes, the couple still describe their organic farm venture as a work in progress after a decade of operation.

“When you’re doing everything on your own it can be hard to gauge how far you’ve moved ahead.

No matter what progress you make, there’s always more to do. But there’s definitely lots of potential here. We’ve learnt along the way and we’re still learning all the time,” Jeannie states.

“We work long hours but can set our own pace mostly. Up here, nature dictates what you can and can’t do a lot more than most other places. It’s not unusual for the road to be closed, or the phone line to be cut off. We get storms and flooding. You have to be very resilient and often have to adapt.”

a highly developed big town you could easily find yourself not having anyone to call on and nobody’s got your back.”

The couple love the simplicity of their home environment.

“We don’t have large consumption and don’t have a lot of waste. Josh and I also really appreciate that up here we are not exposed to heavy advertising. Things like clean water and clean air are of higher value to me than a high income,” Jeannie emphasises.

Transport logistics are challenging for their business.

in the process of fully renovating his house with the view of establishing it as a boutique Airbnb destination for the eco-tourism market. Amongst the salvaged items used in the renovation project, he has utilised local bridge timbers for his ceiling beams and recycled hardwoods. He has also reused weatherboards and windows from the old Goongerah hall featuring a mural the community painted years before his arrival in the valley.

Having invested in a grid connected solar system with solar hot water, he does allow himself some indulgences.

“We have been sending things to Melbourne on and off, but one of the complications of being in a remote area is that you need to have enough goods for a bulk supply to make the cost of transport work for you,” Jeannie says.

“The closest place to find a pretty reasonable farmers market is Canberra, which is four hours away. We have ventured even further to Sydney to sell our produce, but intend to focus more on Canberra next growing season,” she adds.

Locally, Josh and Jeannie are also able to wheel and deal around the valley with other people in a kind of barter or exchange system.

“You can converse with people and they’re not actually distracted by mobile phones,” Jeannie notes.

“I still have a few mod cons like the TV and the internet which are both received around here by satellite,” he explains.

Whilst acknowledging the obvious pleasures that come with living in a tranquil, idyllic place like Goongerah, Jeannie is also mindful that it is vital for remote communities to establish their own form of identity to ensure their future viability.

“If I need supplies, I have to travel to Orbost or Bairnsdale for a big shop. You learn to become more practical and self reliant out here, but the lifestyle is second to none!”

“A lot of small towns are dying. It’s not just here, it’s all over Australia. Everything in today’s society is centralised and we have to start with localising our communities. We need to be getting exchanges going on and having hubs that represent our identity which are unique.

Another local couple fully focussed on an ecofriendly existence are Jamie’s friends Josh Willoughby and Jeannie Holker, who operate Sardine Creek Farm on a neighbouring property.

Josh and Jeannie keep a small number of animals including a handful of cows, horses, goats and chickens. They also grow seasonal produce including strawberries, rhubarb, chives, spinach, beetroot, garlic, broad beans and salad greens in an effort to generate the means to lead a selfsufficient lifestyle.

The couple moved to Goongerah approximately 10 years ago after a period in Jeannie’s former homeland Canada. As with Jamie, they knew the area through a past involvement as forest campaigners. Both their young daughters, nineyear-old Matsya and seven-year-old Dala were born since settling in Goongerah to establish Sardine Creek Farm.

In a throwback to a bygone era, Josh and Jeannie use a horse drawn plough on their farm, relying on 150-year-old implements. Although they are able

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The local residents of Goongerah embrace the traditional communication method of face-toface contact, which seems to be becoming a dying form everywhere else in today’s technologyabsorbed society.

“We want to take that further and are trying to establish a community food hub at the local hall,” Jeannie explains.

“Because we are so far away here, we need to establish our own sorts of systems. Not everybody’s growing food around here like Josh and I are, but people may be able to offer other goods or services.”

Jeannie says that it is reassuring that she and Josh know that they can count on the support of their community.

“In a small place like Goongerah, on one hand you’re quite limited but everybody knows each other so at the same time you’re quite lucky because you have those connections. If you live in

“It is important that people come to these small towns and gain an appreciation of the qualities that the local people hold, what people do, what is going on in the community and what is available.”

Jeannie says it is imperative that the Goongerah community unites to meet its own specific challenges.

“We have a number of people here who are trying to get things happening. It’s great that we have someone like Jamie who is so passionate about this area and can help us be seen and heard through his music.”

Photographs by Doug Pell

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Photographs by Wildwood Photography

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WONTHAGGI MEDICAL GROUP CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR A time of joy and happiness with a dark side John Turner MAAPM, B.Social Welfare, Master International & Community Development Business Manager, Wonthaggi Medical Group (Article Courtesy of Wonthaggi Medical Group, 42 Murray Street, Wonthaggi)

For most people Christmas is either a time for religious celebration and reflection, a time to be with family, a time for a vacation or a time for partying. It may be any or all of these things. For doctors however it is also one of their busiest times of the year. From their perspective as a health provider, it is a time of avoidable accidents, a time of excessive alcohol and drug abuse and a time of family violence and stress. Interestingly, in the Northern hemisphere it is also a peak time for newborn babies, but that is another story.

It is a well-known fact that considerably more people sustain injuries as a result of accidents during holiday periods than during normal periods.

Data from around the world shows that Christmas is one of the most dangerous times of the year for families; Australia is no exception.

Most notable is the increase in traffic accidents, many alcohol related, a fact which is well publicised every year. Less appreciated are the risks that arise from the dangerous cocktail of excitement, stress, tiredness and alcohol consumption which together create hazards in the home at Christmas and New Year. At this time of year there are more: • Accidental poisonings • Accidents and falls in the home • Choking incidents and the accidental swallowing of dangerous items e.g. small batteries • Home fires • Alcohol poisoning • Drug overdoses • Suicides • Physical assaults That this should be so is puzzling, given how easily avoided many of these things are especially with a bit of forethought and planning and especially with regard to the younger members of the family.

Basic Rules to Avoid a Trip to the Hospital A & E Department this Christmas While doctors enjoy being kept busy, seeing family reunions ruined by avoidable trauma is one of the less pleasant aspects of their work. So here are some basic rules for avoidance:

Kitchen Accidents

Kitchens are dangerous places especially for the young. Hot fat, boiling water, sharp knives and perhaps the presence of children make it one of the most dangerous places during the Christmas holiday. To avoid accidents: 1. Keep others out of the kitchen, especially children.

2. Do not drink alcohol while cooking.

3. Wipe up any spills as soon as they occur so that people do not slip.

4. Keep kitchen pots and pan handles away from the edges of the kitchen bench.

The Christmas Tree and Fairy Lights

Every year many people are hurt when fixing decorations to the tree. Including falling from chairs, electric shocks, burns and children swallowing fairy light bulbs. Incredibly, a number of people are electrocuted each year watering their Christmas tree while the lights are on. Incredible but true! I doubt they have a death wish so I am tempted to think that there may be evolutionary principles at work with these individuals.

1. Use a step ladder if necessary to attach the decorations. Climbing on chairs to attach decorations in hard to reach places is hazardous.

2. If you are buying a natural Xmas tree do not buy a tree so large that you have to cut it. You would be surprised how many people get injured lopping off a part of a Christmas tree.

3. Test lights before putting them up and don't overload electric sockets.

4. Keep fairy lights out of the reach of young children and make sure that you do not leave any loose bulbs around for the children to pick up.

5. Turn off the fairy lights at night to avoid potential fire risks.

Decorations and Candles

It is mostly children who are at risk from broken glass decorations, unsafe novelty decorations, candles and tea lights.

1. Keep glass and other breakable decorations and novelty items out of reach of small children.

2. Always place candles or tea lights inside an appropriate container and never put them on a Christmas tree.

Presents

You would not believe how many people stab themselves with scissors or knives either opening presents carelessly or trying to assemble a toy with a knife when they should have been using a screwdriver. Many end up in our waiting rooms requiring stiches. Tripping over toys and electric cables while enthusiastically trying out a new computer or other appliance is also a common occurrence, so we use a lot of plaster at Xmas too.

More serious is that children have died and others suffered serious injury from swallowing the small ‘20 cent piece sized’ batteries found in many toys and musical Christmas cards.

1. Take your time and open presents carefully.

2. Be prepared with a screwdriver or other tools.

3. Clear up packaging immediately after opening (and recycle)!

4. Before purchasing a toy or card with a battery for a small child, check to see how easily it is removed. If a child swallows a battery take the child to the emergency department immediately, any delay can be fatal.

Poisoning

Some plants associated with Christmas are toxic (e.g. mistletoe) and can cause hallucinations, stomach pains and diarrhea if eaten. Also at Christmas you may have children from other family

members or friends who do not visit often and who may access areas that are not child-protected (e.g. cupboards where cleaning materials or other toxic substances are kept).

Campylobacter infections and Salmonella food poisoning is also a greater risk at Christmas time; it is generally associated with poor food handling, undercooking the turkey, washing the turkey on a bench and then preparing other food on the same surface, and keeping the cooked Christmas turkey too long before consuming it. There are rare but very serious complications from such infections so the advice is: 1. If you do buy Christmas Plants check with the garden centre whether they are toxic and if they are, keep them away from children.

2. Make sure toxic substances are not accessible by children, if necessary fit child proof locks on cupboards and draws.

3. Ensure you have good basic hygiene practices such as thoroughly washing your hands after going to the toilet, after playing with pets and before handling food.

4. Don't wash the Turkey, it is not necessary, cook it well and do not keep it beyond 2 days after cooking.

Alcohol & Stress

Stressful situations and alcohol can be a deadly combination. Lack of sleep and the stress of a house full of guests can simply be too much for some people.

1. Try to get some 'time out' when you can relax If a situation becomes unbearable or you find yourself getting angry try to remove yourself from the immediate situation, if possible talk to a trusted third party. If you are feeling totally overwhelmed there are organisations such as 'Lifeline' and 'Beyond Blue' that can assist.

2. Alcohol reduces your awareness of risks so don't consume alcohol in situations where the risks are significant. Don’t put yourself into situations that you may regret later; statistically, there are more terminations of unwanted pregnancies in the weeks following Christmas than at other times.

A Final Word

Finally, if you do not have a safety first kit at home it is good advice to get one for minor accidents.

Make sure you are familiar with using the kit, especially how to treat burns, cuts and abrasions.

If you do not know basic CPR find out if there are family members or nearby friends who do know, it could be the difference between life and death of someone dear to you.

Christmas is a time of family reunion, celebration and for some, religious contemplation. Keep it safe and have an enjoyable time. Don't allow your Christmas to be ruined by accidents and destructive emotions that are avoidable by taking a few simple preventative steps.

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Laurie outside his Red Tree Gallery

Red Tree

the

Wendy Morriss

The small Gippsland town of Jindivick, known for its attractive, green rural landscape and beautiful gardens, is home for well-known sculptor Laurie Collins, his remarkable sculpture garden and his recently established Red Tree Gallery.

The lovely, contemporary, country gallery has recently exhibited ‘A Sketch a Day’ by the very talented Sue Coppock. For 12 months in 2014, Sue drew a sketch a day and selected 160 sketches for this amazing exhibition. The gallery also houses a constantly changing display of Laurie’s wonderful ‘Small Stories’ sculptures.

and Wellington Shire artist Helen Masin. The programme was an initiative of the Baw Baw Shire, Creative Gippsland, Jindivick Sculpture Show and Jindivick Progress Association.

“Graeme exhibited in Dargo and Helen exhibited here. We had a big opening and more than 250 people came through the gallery to view her work.”

Through the large glass doors along the front of the gallery, is a view of a verandah that overlooks rural landscape and the sculpture garden, where a walking path leads visitors through trees, flowers and Laurie’s larger sculptures.

The next exhibition to be hosted in the gallery is ‘Footprints’ a collection of fibre and photographic work by Carol and Russell Monson, which will open on Saturday, December 12.

Laurie said the gallery was a project they completed in May this year for an opening exhibition that involved an artist exchange with Baw Baw Shire landscape artist Graeme Myrteza

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In June, artist Ros Meadmore held a show at the gallery to exhibit her own work and to sell her own art collection containing works by various renowned painters. “We had a very nice opening,” Laurie said. “The walls of the Red Tree Gallery were graced not only by Ros’s lovely paintings but also with works by Picasso, Dali, Drysdale, Nolan, Pro Hart, Bartlett, Ricardo and more. It was quite stunning really. That was the first and the only one of those we’ve done.”

In June the gallery hosted a Snow Show. “Things were quiet so I did a call out for people to put pieces in that had something to do with snow and we had a very interesting response,” he said.

“Since then, space in the gallery has been rented

Laurie Collins working in his studio

Laurie discusses the new exhibition with artists Carol and Russell Monson

teaching was about being an artist and teacher but I had always focused more on the teaching.

Although I was creating my own pieces, I never saw myself as an artist. It was an interesting experience for me because it made me step out of the mental package I had of myself and become a sculptor and artist. It was also the first time I had exhibited work overseas.”

Gallery

Laurie’s sculptures are now sold from the gallery, the sculpture garden and many other galleries and exhibitions throughout Victoria. His works are created from recycled metal using a variety of techniques. One stunning piece in the gallery is a portrait made completely from old nails. He said apart from two very large commissioned public sculptures, most of his work is either quite small or large enough to pick up and it’s sold to private people.

per month by individual artists and we’ve had a good range of shows. The space is now booked up until February 2017.”

Laurie said the aim of the gallery is to showcase his smaller works and provide a venue for other artists to display a reasonable amount of work for a reasonable price. “It’s a symbiotic relationship in the sense they bring their audience who sometimes haven’t been here and I bring my audience. We’ve also had talks and workshops here, which were good. Having a space like this means we can do things we couldn’t do before.

We’ve tried to do a nice job so we have good lighting, a loo and we have plans to do more a bit further along, which will include building a storage area and putting up a data projector.

“Because Jindivick is a nice place with a café, a restaurant, David Musker’s Rare Plant Nursery and an antique shop, there’s a good audience tracking past and they come here to see the sculpture garden and the new shows.”

Laurie has worked as a sculptor for the last six years. Prior to that, he worked for 30 years as a teacher of secondary school metalwork, woodwork and art; teaching at Mortlake High School and Drouin Secondary College. “I had a good time doing creative things with kids,” he said.

While still teaching, he completed a TAFE course in the evenings to further develop his welding skills. He was also making his own creative pieces

and selling them to Melbourne craft shops. “They were places that sold interesting things rather than repetitive stuff. There were many shops like it along Brunswick Street that have since vanished a little. I sold all sorts of strange, weird and wonderful things made from recycled timber and metal. A lot of it was creative furniture or vaguely functional pieces. At the same time, I was helping students create things in metal and wood, which inspired me and I was creating things that inspired them.”

Laurie also sold pieces at the Rokeby Market for many years and still does. He said shortly before he retired, he was approached there by artist Kerrie Warren who was putting together an exhibition that would go around Victoria and then to a sister city, Jiujiang in China. She asked him to be the sculptor. The exhibition which was a celebration of the Gippsland region, featured works by artists Gary Miles, Jenny Murray-Jones, Leonie Ryan, Eileen Harrison, Kerrie Warren and Laurie. “Until then I had only thought of myself as just a creative person that made things for shops and markets. The study I had done before

“I like creating things that are nature based like birds and cows or movement pieces with characters doing things or whimsical pieces like a man being swept away by his umbrella. I love it and I have enough ideas to keep me going for the rest of my life."

“Living here with a shed that I can work in, having the sculpture garden and now the gallery means I can do whatever I want. I can work or stop and talk to visitors or relax in the garden. It’s a fantastic lifestyle.”

Photographs by Wendy Morriss

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Having a website developed for your business should be seen as just the starting point. You can optimise your site to be found easily in Google search with excellent SEO (paramount of which should be detailed, relevant content that is frequently updated). However, given the rise in mobile searching/shopping and the popularity of social media apps, creating and developing a social media presence will help strengthen your brand while reinforcing your presence on Google.

And you don't even have to be a large business to do so – by leveraging the correct assets, you can be found the way you want by who you want, and place yourself in front of your ideal customer.

FACEBOOK Despite being nominally a closed community, it's difficult to find anybody who isn't on Facebook in 2015. Creating a 'fan page' for your business will help legitimise your business in the social media sphere, and gives you an excellent platform to reach out to those willing to engage with your business. By updating your page often, and with a variety of post types, you can extend your reach to your customer base, and even beyond.

LINKEDIN Essentially 'Facebook for Business', having a presence on LinkedIn will help validate your business in the eyes of your fellow SMB owner.

LinkedIn runs on endorsements, and having yourself and your business recommended by others will build confidence in your brand.

Participating in community discussions will also give you an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise on subjects relating to your skill set.

GOOGLE PLUS

THE EASY PEASY SOCIAL MEDIA PLAN Instagram/Pinterest For pure visual impact, these two platforms offer immediacy and interactivity. Instagram is not just about selfies, and nor is Pinterest solely about how you want to decorate your house; creativity is the watchword for these channels, should you want to utilise these in promoting your brand effectively.

Even better, these integrate with Facebook & Twitter with minimal effort, giving your business multiple avenues to disseminate your brand message.

BUT I DON'T HAVE THE TIME This is THE NUMBER ONE thing I hear from people in business.

Start Simple Identify Digital Talent Draw Up a Plan Do it yourself a few times Get someone else to do it.

Monitor progress Remember: Start simple, get sophisticated.

This example is based on having a Facebook page but can be applied to your other Social Media accounts.

It is very easy to become a slave to Social Media.

If you are anything like me I am still trying to figure out why some people need to tell the World what they had for breakfast and to include a photo of the event.

1. The really important first step here is to do the 'theming exercise'. We went over this in the Winter Edition # 23 a few months back.

2. Once you have that sorted set up a filing cabinet draw with 12 folders (one for each month).

Alternatively, use a notebook or a set of digital folders on your Google Drive - whatever works for you.

3. On a separate sheet of paper write down the 12 months and next to each write what part of your business you want to 'market'. If you have been in your business for a while you will know some of the seasonal elements of your business cycle.

IDENTIFYING DIGITAL TALENT We have been in the 'Digital Age' for some time now. Most everyday team members in your business will have sufficient knowledge to carry out tasks needed to get you online and manage it once you are there.

MANAGING DIGITAL TALENT

(Google My Business)

Google Plus was intended to be a rival to Facebook, but has since moved away from being just a social media platform. It instead now ties into Google Search, Maps and Adwords as a means of being found online, via the Google My Business interface. Google My Business uses Google Plus as the foundation of having your business found online, by having your location, contact details and opening hours available at a glance within search results. Additionally, Google allows you to verify your presence on Google, ensuring that you are truly representing your business in the best possible light.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE A WEBSITE AND MONEY IS TIGHT AT THE VERY LEAST GET YOURSELF A GOOGLE MY BUSINESS LISTING – THEY'RE FREE AND 100 % GOOGLE READY!!

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1. Pick the right person. a. They must be 100% trustworthy. b. Be able to demonstrate to you that they can handle the task. ie. Sit with them and have them show you. c. Must be able to stick to a plan. d. Be able to make recommendations. e. Be trained on how to deal with negative feedback on Social Media.

2. If at all possible, have a second back up person.

3. Set up a reporting mechanism, which is done on a regular basis.

4. If you use the services of a web developer there must be an open channel of communication between your designated digital driver and the web developer. Contact your web developer and ask them what would work for them? What works for us is to have ONE POINT OF CONTACT who has consulted with the rest of the decision makers BEFORE contacting us.

5. Set Online Goals and link these to reporting expectations.

An example for a local Cafe might look like this: January February March April May June July August September October November December

Summer Drinks Valentines New Club Sandwich Easter Specials – Chocolate etc Mother's Day Winter Warmers Cheesecake and Coffee Hot Soup Special Father's Day Spring Special Local Racing Carnival Christmas

4. Preplan your frequency. By this I mean are you going to post something daily, weekly, every second week, monthly or something else?

5. At a minimum we suggest one post every two weeks to get started. One week dedicated to your list above and another leave free for other things of a 'Social' nature.

6. What do we mean by 'Social Nature'. Well pretty much anything. Here are some examples: a. One of your staff is on the local footy team who won the Grand Final. b. Sharing a secret on how to keep your Homemade Blueberry muffins fresh. c. Your apprentice wins Apprentice of the Year d. Your business wins Pie Maker of the Year.

7. It's up to you but we suggest you try to keep personal comments out of it. If someone has a baby or has broken their leg it is not going to appeal to everyone. It will certainly 'humanise' your business and if that is your aim, go for it as long as it’s relevant to your business objectives.

Now the trick is, as you go about your daily life and work day and think of something really awesome to spruik about for your next Cheesecake and Coffee special, scribble it down and file it. Or it might be an article you read in a magazine at the Doctors, which gives you inspiration.

At the start of each month or towards the end of the previous one sit down, grab a coffee and write down what you would like to 'promote' in your Facebook and other Social Media posts. It really is that easy.

The main point being, be prepared. DO NOT post something for the sake of it. Make sure it ties in with your marketing objectives and the themes in your business you want to sell and promote.

Add a photo of a Princess Fairy Party and you're ready to go.

In our training as a Google Agency we are told, if you want to sell more of something, ask for it.

For example: If your business is all about Children's Birthday parties then your website needs to have a section and/or separate page on each type of Children's Birthday Party.

If you make more profit from 'Fairy Princess Parties' and want to sell more of them then you must make sure there is a page on your website called 'Fairy Princess Parties' with words and pictures related to just that.

You should also make sure you have separate preplanned posts on your Facebook page about 'Fairy Princess Parties'. Pick a time of the year when you want to promote them and prepare words and pictures in advance.

Once you get the hang of it you will want to increase the frequency of posts and will feel more comfortable with handing over the task to your designated digital driver.

Remember, NOTHING gets posted without you checking it first.

If you have worked out the 12 'themes' for your year and completed a few working examples you can have your team come up with suggestions and also for them to do the research. However it's worth repeating myself here: NOTHING gets posted without you checking it first.

How do you know if it's working? We'll go over that in future issues including what to measure and how.

Jim Radford

Please DO NOT jump on Facebook and post something like the following: Come on down to our place for kid's parties, children's parties, boy's parties, girl's parties, themed parties, parties parties parties.

Image Direct Gippsland www.imagedirect.com.au

Much better to use something like: Party Paradise Gippsland will make your little girl's dreams come true.

Book Your Princess Fairy Party Now 03 1234 5678

About the author: Jim's Traralgon based company is Google AdWords Certified and Google Analytics Certified and has been building websites and managing Social Media in Gippsland for the past 7 years.

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JOURNEY TO ARTISTIC

At some point in most peoples lives, the dream of making a change from their day to day routine and veering down a different path is little more than just that, a dream; but for Werner and Ursula Theinert, that dream had such a passionate drive behind it, that they followed through with that dream.

The desire for a more creative lifestyle struck back in the early '90s when the Theinerts and their young son James were living in Bahrain, where Werner worked in the energy sector and Ursula was teaching at an international school. Whilst admittedly neither Werner or Ursula had much of an artistic output in their lives to that point, other than a combined love of art, and a lifelong interest in drawing on Ursula's behalf, the urge for a more tactile and expressive outlet was one that would soon come to fruition upon their return home on the heels of the Gulf War. On their return home, Ursula enrolled in a Diploma of Visual Arts and a Certificate IV in Ceramics at the nearby TAFE, where she rediscovered and embraced this new form of expression with both hands. Ursula's new found joy was infectious with Werner soon feeding off that same energy and finding his own outlet. The husband and wife team thrived with their new shared drive and soon had their first ever exhibition together showcasing their skills as photographers which well and truly ignited their passion. Becoming regular entrants in a vast array of exhibitions for both photography and painting, they also retained a stall for 4 years running at the annual Art Melbourne festival.

Tragedy struck the Theinert family in 2009 when fire tore through their much loved home and studio in the February bushfires. Their heartbreak

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soon channelled itself into creativity and a form of therapy as they began a prolific period in their artistic expression.

The Theinerts along with a group of other artists including Kerrie Warren, Leonie Ryan and Peter Biram, would form the movement “environmental expressionism” in 2008. According to their manifesto Environmental Expressionism “utilises the arts to convey or express the conceptual content of the environment, or in particular, relevant issues concerning the environment paying particular emphasis regarding the natural world”. The group then embarked on a touring exhibition called 'Fields of View'. This movement has been very clear in both Werner and Ursula's art, with the natural landscape being a large focus in Werner's wonderful large scale photographic pieces, and the environmental influence being

evident in Ursula's paintings and can also be seen in her portrait series.

Riding their wave of success and intense creative motivation, Werner and Ursula submitted four works each to the Cunningham Dax Centre; a series of artworks by people affected by the Black Saturday bushfires. During the process of application, the Theinerts had found their new home and began their new life when they were informed at each one of their works were gladly accepted into the collection, where they took on a life of their own as part of the “From the Fire” collection at the University of Melbourne to give insight and inspiration to many.

The talented pair have achieved success in many exhibitions, especially in the coveted Archibald Prize's wayward cousin, the Victorian Salon des

EXPRESSION

Rebecca Twite

Refuses, of the 10 portraits Ursula has submitted, she has been accepted 10 times. Ursula has also been a semi-finalist in the 2013 Doug Moran portrait prize as well as a finalist in the 2012 Portia Geach Memorial Award at the S.H Ervin Gallery in Sydney. Werner has also won Best Photograph Award at the 2015 Phillip Island and San Remo Rotary Art and Photographic Show, and scoring a Highly Commended Abstract Award at the 2014 ASPI Cup Weekend Exhibition at Phillip Island.

and whip out a pencil, brush or camera and let your own creative journey begin and enrich your life in ways you didn't think were possible.

Accolades are most certainly a welcome validation of your works, but knowing that you have put in the hard yards and achieved something in life that will remain for generations to come is an even better one. Both have branched into other artistic endeavours, including Werner's talent in woodworking.

Photographs by Rebecca Twite

Werner and Ursula Theinert's Gallery at 3 Chisholm Road Wonthaggi is open by appointment by calling Ursula on 0439 699 241. You can view their works on their websites www.ursulatheinert.com.au and www.wernertheinert.com.au

Now living in their own purpose built home-cumstudio/gallery in their new home of Wonthaggi, Werner and Ursula have entrenched themselves in the thriving local arts community, with both of them heavily involved in the ArtSpace Wonthaggi, so much so that Ursula is now President. They are also included on the annual local bus tours of local art galleries and residences, as well as their own gallery being open to the public by appointment.

The Theinerts are an inspiration not only to the writer personally, but to many others who are encapsulated in day to day routine, never deviating from that path, and seeing that there is a new life out their if you want it, a new way to express yourself and live creatively, no matter how much you think cannot be taught or created. It is immensely comforting to know that if you want a change in life, all you need to do is make a choice

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ALI'S ART

BRIAGOLONG & SURROUNDS

ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE

By Ali Fullard

in a creative way. Students spend time with coordinator John Caldow and his team of volunteers, searching and photographing bugs and insects in the beautiful wetlands surrounding Sale. Through these searches, students have at times, identified new species that were previously unknown.

Enter Stencil Artist Jeremy Kasper from Sale.

Jeremy, who describes himself as “an emerging artist”, studied Visual and Fine Arts at RMIT. He has explored working with oil, digital images, aerosol painting and being involved in public art. He worked with the students to produce a series of stunning panels.

Spraying a stencil

Sale College students

expressing their findings in an artistic form, a great way to consolidate findings, awareness and discoveries of what is in the student’s ‘backyard”.

The completed panels have been placed in the children’s ward of the Gippsland Base Hospital at Sale and at the Maze between Lake Guthridge and Lake Guyatt at Sale. Feedback from the community has been positive and shows such programs can raise awareness of our environment.

The inspiration for many artists is from observations of the environment in which they live and the natural world.

In September it was great to see the world of Science meet with the world of Art when Yr 7 students from Guthridge Campus, Sale College, used their artistic talents to express the natural world of bugs and insects discovered in the BUG BLITZ program.

Bug Blitz is a uniquely Australian outdoor education program started in Gippsland in 2003. The program takes participants through the processes of researching, collecting and observing insects, bugs and other forms of biodiversity, exploring and understanding the ecosystems in which they live and developing ways to communicate this knowledge

Jeremy’s artworks can be viewed at his business “Kurb” Skate Shop Raymond Street, Sale.

He can be contacted on 0458445014 or kurb.sk8@bigpond.com After catching, identifying and photographing various bugs at the Heart Morass near Sale, the students with the guidance of Jeremy, made stencils of their favourite bug or insect, donned all the safety gear and spray painted their design onto a board to create a colourful collage of creepy crawlies.

Sale College Science Teacher Megan Welfare also has a passion for the study of nature. She sees the hands on experience of studying the insects and bugs in their natural habitat and then the students

Sale College Mural

WHAT'S ON Briagolong Gallery Artists Summer Show ‘RED’ This exhibition is based on the concept of “Red”. Artists have interpreted this in a variety of media by using the colour red in the work, literally as in red flowers, apples etc., religiously and its many symbolic representations, politically as in communism or as in a poem about something red, fire, sun, passion, anger.

The ideas are endless. Come and be surprised!

December 5th 2015 to January 24th 2016

Dinah Barton Textile Artist 'FABRIC and THREADS' The Gippsland Environment shown in variety of works using recycled fabrics and threads rather than paint and a brush.

January 30th to February 30th 2016

Fiona Reynolds | Carob tree

Dinah Barton | Untitled

Courthouse Gallery Yarram, Segue Café and Stratford Courthouse Theatre have a range of exhibitions and films over the summer.

BRIAGOLONG ART GALLERY Cnr Forbes and Avon Streets, Briagolong 3860 Open Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm or by appointment Contact 03 51 455 439 or 0427 327 494 | Email briagolongartgallery@gmail.com | Web facebook.com/briagolongartgallery Find us on Facebook

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P r i n t s | D r a w i n g s | Wa t e r c o l o u r s | M i x e d M e d i a | D i g i t a l i m a g e s | O r i g i n a l c a r d s

“I work across a range of media inspired by the natural world and dramatic landscape of the Gippsland region.�

Open: By Appointment | All Welcome 75 Landy Lane Briagolong 3860 Ph. 0427327494 | Email alifullard@bigpond.com

BRIAGOLONG CORNER COTTAGE

Modern spacious B&B has all the comforts, ideally located in the township and close to the many nearby attractions.

Bookings essential.

63 Forbes Street, Briagolong Vic 3860 Tel: 5145 5426 Mobile: 0417 737 709 Contact: Sally & Steve White

Like us on Facebook www.wix.com/briagolong3860/briagolong

Catching up with South Africa at 104.7FM Gippsland Kuier saam met Suid Afrika

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Michael Spisto who is a Lecturer in Law at the College of Law and Justice in Melbourne at Victoria University, along with his partner Dr Christine Lee, at the Haunted Hills Ghost tour at Yallourn North.

I was invited to appear on "Catching Up With South Africa".

Michael with assistance from co-presenter, Christine, runs a fortnightly radio show from 104.7FM Gippsland in the township of Morwell and I was a guest on this quite interesting show that combines English with Afrikaans, which is one of the official languages of South Africa.

I was quite taken aback by the preparation of the show, it airs on Sundays from 6.30pm to 8.00pm and I was required to be at the studio at 5.00pm for a full dress rehearsal and with the amount of info, songs, recipes, quiz, history etc that has to be prepared and finalised before we go live is understandable.

There is a lot of work that goes into running Community Radio, and many years ago I used to present shows on various stations in the eastern areas of Melbourne and the professionalism that is shown is very credible.

Back to Michael's show, I found it to be very interesting and it is great to get involved in the different cultures and get a better understanding of life in South Africa but also how much Michael appreciates the opportunity to promote his knowledge. Australia, and particularly the people of Gippsland, is better for it.

sien uit daarna om terug te kom

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Gloria

Tegan Dawson

ONE OF MANY

In 2013, the Koorie Heritage Trust in partnership with Arts Victoria awarded Gloria Whalan with the Arts Victoria Award for excellence in any media, for an acrylic painting of Blue Tongue.

Her inspiration was close to home. On a sunny day Gloria exited her Yallourn North studio at the back of her daughter's house to see the head of a reptile on the concrete. She thought it was a snake and she went back inside. She mentioned it to her daughter, who told her, it's one of three Blue Tongue lizards that live on their property.

Her daughter's family encourages the Blue Tongues by not baiting their food, the snails. This inspired Gloria to paint them, and submit them to the Heritage Awards. Gloria said, "I love it [the painting] because I painted it from the heart. I entered it [for the Heritage Award], not because I wanted to win prizes but because I wanted to share the beauty of the Blue Tongue lizard."

Gloria was one of the co-founders of Many Artists gallery and workshop, this is where she can be found Monday through to Wednesday. The

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gallery is in a converted mechanics in Morwell.

A plethora of completed works surround Gloria, along with works in progress and a few requiring restoration.

Gloria enrolled in the Morwell TAFE as soon as she discovered that mature aged students were welcome; it was a great experience, and she loved learning and stayed there for seven years.

After finishing learning all her heart desired, Gloria and Uncle Dennis Seymour co-founded Many Artists. Dennis is a local artist she met during her time at TAFE completing a Certificate IV in Art. Gloria's daughter, Vicki also completed the Certificate IV in Art, and Gloria is very grateful to her and she said wouldn't be able to do any of this without her help, as Vicki is an artist and personal carer. Gloria is wheel-chair bound, but this doesn't stop her doing what she loves.

Gloria as one of the organisers for Many Artists is involved managing projects and finding the time, which she does, to complete her art. She credited her creativity and business skills working symbiotically, due to raising six children alone,

while running and working her goat dairy farm in Lanitza, outside of Grafton, New South Wales.

Gloria's artistic process is to sit in front of a blank canvas not knowing what will happen.

"It comes to me. It's usually about land or animals." Country is very important to Gloria it inspires a lot of her art. Fifteen years before Gloria moved to the Latrobe Valley she visited her daughter, Linda Draper, who lived in Morwell. It wasn't quite Summer, but it wasn't Spring either.

Gloria thought to herself, that if she was ever able to retire, she'd come live in Morwell because she adored the trees and rivers.

Gloria uses many artistic mediums. It has led to a joke by the regular visitors to the art gallery saying "don't leave anything lying around, you don't want painted." Vicki and Gloria paint everything from kids shoes, blankets, wood or as Gloria puts it, "anything with a surface". Gloria loves using pastels because, "I love being able to use my hands and smudge it to get it just right", especially when creating sunsets and sunrises.

Gloria is not only an accomplished and versatile artist, but she also writes. She has written twelve kids books, an adult book based on the experience of Aboriginal people who lived in the missions, and the effects it had on them.

She is currently writing "Shades of Love", her biography. "It's from my birth until when I learned about my Aboriginality." Gloria was taken from her family, and not informed about her heritage.

From listening to Gloria for a little while, it's going to be well worth the read. Along with her passion for writing, she reads at the local schools to share her passion for reading with the young ones there.

Gloria said her artistic versatility was a result of "when you work with kids and teenagers, you need to be". Gloria's work at Many Artists isn't just about creating art pieces it's about helping bring healing, as well. Gloria says part of why country is so important is because

"the beauty and gentleness of where you are gives you time to think and heal".

Gloria has seen arts profound effect on others, as a way to relax, de-stress and seen people express themselves beautifully. Gloria loves teaching, and will teach anyone who is willing to learn. Gloria said she also teaches people how to draw country. "It's still the country you're living in no matter what."

Gloria was a foster carer for thirty years; some of them still contact her. An unfulfilled aspiration of Gloria's is to speak to large groups of young people, all the things she had learned through raising her own children and fostering. She is sad that she never had this opportunity, but overall she is happy with how her life turned out.

Seventeen years ago, a health condition gave her the opportunity to retire and to fulfil her desire to move to Morwell. Coincidentally the house next door to her was for sale. Gloria snapped it up.

Shortly after moving down Linda, her daughter, was diagnosed with uterine cancer. It was a bittersweet two years, but Gloria was glad she was with daughter for her last days.

is a spiritual person; she was also inspired by her Grandmother’s words, "to be strong with kindness and gentleness". "There is a softer way and whether you're a man or woman it doesn't matter." This philosophy underscores her approach to helping others, her generosity of spirit, and creativity. Contained within is her ability successfully to achieve everything she puts her hand to.

Gloria has quite a collection of art pieces with eagles on them; she said, "Some Aboriginal people call him Bunjil the Eagle, or Biamee God. The Spirit of God, because the eagle is strong and sees everything from above us.� Gloria

Many Artists is located at 14-16 Buckley Street, Morwell, 3840. Opening hours are 9:30am to 2pm, Monday - Wednesday. There is art for sale.

The Many Artists create art installations, logos and pictures for businesses. The Many Artists

also take on private work for commission. It's clear Many Artists is a labour of passion. Gloria recently brought in the Weber BBQ that was a Christmas present, and everyone is now joking saying, "When are you going to install the beds?"

Photographs by Tegan Dawson

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YOUR EVENTS GUIDE DECEMBER 2015 YALLOURN NORTH CHRISTMAS LIGHT AND HISTORY TOUR Date: December 10 Time: 9.00pm Location: Lions Park, 4 Reserve St, Yallourn North Contact: Tegan Dawson 0473 945 639 INVERLOCH COMMUNITY CAROLS Date: December 11 Time: 6.00pm Location: Inverloch Contact: John Searle 0423 709 295 YALLOURN NORTH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL - FILM NIGHT Date: December 11 Time: 6.00pm Location: Reserve Street Oval, Yallourn North Contact: Deanna 0427 237 437 TRARALGON GHOST TOUR Date: December 17 & 28 Time: 8.00pm Location: Newman Park, Traralgon Contact: Tegan Dawson 0473 945 639 YALLOURN NORTH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL - TRIVIA NIGHT Date: December 12 Time: 7.00pm Location: Monash Hall, Yallourn North Contact: Deanna 0427 237 437 ALEX SCOTT TRIATHLON SERIES INVERLOCH RACE 1 Date: December 13 Time: 9.00am Location: Inverloch Contact: Gavin Slavin 0437 935 420 COWES COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Date: December 15 Time: 5.00pm Location: Cowes Contact: Craig Semple 0438 438 175 MAFFRA CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Date: December 18 Contact: Maffra Business and Tourism Association Mobile: 0488 411 026 Email: maffrabta@gmail.com

JANUARY 2016 SAN REMO CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS Date: December 18 Time: 5.00pm Location: San Remo Contact: Michael Newton 0402 653 315

MUSIC IN THE GLADE Date: January 2 Time: 6.30pm Location: Glade Reserve, Inverloch Contact: Paul Everitt 0408 242 210

WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CAROLS Date: December 20 Time: 6.00pm Location: Wonthaggi Contact: Brendan Smith 0412 187 893

DUNE TO DUNE TRIATHLON SERIES - RACE 2 CAPE PATERSON Date: January 3 Time: 9.00am Location: Cape Paterson Contact: Gavin Slavin 0437 935 420

TOORA CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL Date: December 22 Time: 3.00pm - 6.00pm Location: Toora Contact: Toora Pool Committee and Food Works

LIGHT UP THE LAKE - GLENMAGGIE CUP Date: January 3 Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm Location: Glenmaggie & District Boat Club Contact: Darren Penington 0448 565 059

CORONET BAY NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS Date: December 31 Time: 6.00pm Location: Coronet Bay Contact: Chris Hutton 5678 0738

BASS COAST SUMMER AGRICULTURAL SHOW Date: January 9 Time: 9.00am Location: Wonthaggi Contact: Rosemary Loughnan 5672 3259

INVERLOCH NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS Date: December 31 Time: 9.30pm Location: Inverloch Contact: Janine Temme 5671 2278 NEW YEAR'S EVE FAMILY FUN EVENING & FIREWORKS Date: December 31 Time: 5.30pm Location: Alberton West Rec Reserve Contact: Kylie Barlow 0428 536 737 JANUARY 2 GROUNDSWELL 2016 The 2nd Annual Lake Tyers Beach Groundswell Festival is on again.

Featuring • Hoodoo Gurus •Ian Moss • Diesel • Electric Mary • Harry Hookey • Matt Katsis • The Break (featuring members of Midnight Oil and The Violent Femmes) Tickets on Sale through Oztix www.oztix.com.au Groundswell is a licensed event.

Admittance strictly 18+ - ID will be checked! www.groundswellfest.com.au Start at 12.00pm - Finish 12.00am Email: info@groundswellfest.com.au

JANUARY 16 GIPPSLAND GEEKFEST Coal Creek Community Park & Museum 10am – 4.30pm All Age Event Plus for the First Time 7.30pm – 11pm KOSTUME BALL 18+ Viewing Games and for parents non participating Kostume Ball Tickets Onsite – Visit Facebook www.facebook.com/coalcreekgeekfest www.coalcreekvillage.com.au Location: Coal Creek, South Gippsland Highway Korumburra Contact: 5655 1811 Email: coalcreek1@southgippsland.vic.gov.au

KILCUNDA LOBSTER FESTIVAL Date: January 24 Time: 9.00am Location: Kilcunda Car Park Contact: Andrea Bolch 0400 065 253 AUSTRALIA DAY DANCE AND 60 YEAR GRAND OPENING BALL Date: January 26 Time: 1.00pm - 5.00pm Location: Heyfield War Memorial Hall Contact: Gena Bednarski 0448 660 241

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SUMMER events FEBRUARY 2016

MARCH 2016

BOOLARRA PONY CLUB GYMKHANA 2016 Date: February 7 Time: 6.30am - 5.00pm Location: Boolarra Memorial Park, 1 Park Road Contact: Gary Mills AH 5169 6429 KORUMBURRA AGRICULTURAL SHOW Date: February 13 Location: Korumburra Showgrounds South Gippsland Highway GIPPSLAND OPERA PRESENTS VALENTINE’S CONCERT Featuring Vic Opera Singers: Nathan Lay, Kate Amos & Opera Scholars of Australia Date: February 14 Location: St Mary’s Church Bairnsdale Contact: Bookings 0409 771526 Profit goes to St Mary’s rebuilding fund RAINFOREST RHYTHMS Date: February 14 Location: Tarra Bulga National Park Visitor Centre Contact: Pam Pattison 5196 6140

MARCH 20 GIPPSLAND OPERA Proudly presents - 'Opera By the Lakes' at Nyerimilang Heritage Park Kalimna near Lakes Entrance.

MARCH 4 & 5 WARRAGUL SHOW Gates Open March 4 at 5.00pm Gates Open March 5 at 9.00am Location: Logan Park, South Road, Warragul Tel/Fax: 5623 1005 Secretary: Mrs Tonnie Schipper PO Box 116 Warragul Vic 3820 Mobile: 0400 321 847 Email: warragulshow@dcsi.net.au

PHILLIP ISLAND NATURE PARKS COMMUNITY OPEN DAY Date: March 6 Time: 10.00am Location: Phillip Island Contact: 5951 2800

BRUTHEN BLUES AND ARTS FESTIVAL Date: February 19 - 21 Contact: Email: bruthenblues@yahoo.com.au

MIRBOO NORTH ITALIAN FIESTA 2016 Date: February 21 Time: 11.00am - 5.00pm Location: Baromi Park, Mirboo North Contact: Rosie or Gina 0439 344 928 or 0429 346 525 FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Date: February 26 Time: 9.00am Location: Phillip Island Contact: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 5952 2710

Featuring guest artist David Hobson Singers from Opera Australia and Vic Opera, with East Gippsland Symphonia playing from 12.15pm - 1.30pm The official opening time is 1.30pm Car Park opens at 11.00am Gates open 12.00pm Chairs are supplied, BYO Picnic or purchase a Bower Birds boxed delicious lunch with profits going to Bairnsdale Regional Health, BYO water, sun hat, poncho and cushion for chair if desired. Come dressed and prepared for an outdoor event.

ESPY HOTEL TWILIGHT TRIATHLON SERIES RACE 3 INVERLOCH Date: February 20 Time: 3.30pm Location: Inverloch Contact: Gavin Slavin 0437 935 420 SAN REMO CHANNEL CHALLENGE Date: February 20 Time: 11.00am Location: San Remo Contact: Michael Sullivan 0409 798 867

must must see must go do

MARCH 13 SALE MUSIC FESTIVAL A free community event of live local bands.

There are also kids’ activities available.

A beautiful setting for an all day picnic on the lawn at the LEAF by the lake.

Parking on Guthridge Parade, Sale Starting at 11am - 8pm. This event has grown over the last couple of years to thousands (over 3,000) enjoying the live talent available.

No BYO alcohol, but wine can be purchased at the event along with tea and coffee.

Adults: $65 Senior: $60 Concession: $55 Children to 14 years: $20 Tickets are now one sale at Collins Booksellers and ABC Shop Bairnsdale or ring Booking Office for credit card bookings.

Contact: Andrea Ford 0409 771 526.

Tickets essential for this event Email: akford@tpg.com.au www.gippslandopera.org.au

BYO food and drinks, blankets and chairs.

Rotary and Lions Clubs will be on hand for BBQ, drinks and basic snacks.

Contact: Julian McIvor 0458 888 165

If you require your event to be promoted please email Gippsland the Lifestyle thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au

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Your Market Guide to Summer BAIRNSDALE FARMERS’ MARKET

1st Saturday of every month – 8am-12noon Location Bairnsdale Secondary College Oval, McKean Street Contact John 5156 9342 or Ian 5152 3698

BERWICK AKOONAH PARK MARKET

Every Sunday – 8am-1.30pm Location Akoonah Park, cnr High & Cardinia Sts, Berwick Contact Gary Maker (03) 9796 1455

BRIAGOLONG MAKERS MARKET 1st Sunday of December – 9am-1pm Location Behind Riverstone Café Contact 5145 5304 or 0427 206 692

CALLIGNEE COMMUNITY MARKET

3rd Sunday of month – 8am-1pm October to May Location Callignee Hall Reserve Contact Lex 5147 3808

CHURCHILL ISLAND FARMERS’ MARKET 4th Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island off Phillip Island Contact Peter Arnold 5664 0096

COAL CREEK COMMUNITY PARK & MUSEUM FARMERS’ MARKET AND CRAFT MARKET

2nd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Location Coal Creek Community Park and Museum Car Park, Silkstone Rd, Korumburra Contact 5655 1811 - FREE Entry/Ample Parking

COWES ISLAND CRAFT MARKET

2nd Saturday of month - 9am-2pm Location St Phillips Parish Hall and grounds, Thompson Ave, Cowes Contact Monica 0412 710 276 or 5678 8784

COWES MARKET ON CHAPEL

4th Saturday of month – 8.30am-2pm Location Uniting Church, Chapel St, Cowes Contact Darlene 0428 603 043

COWES NIGHT MARKET

Saturday , 5pm-9pm - 12 December, 2 & 16 January, 13 February Location The Esplanade, Cowes Contact Anne Marie 0419 560 293

DROUIN CRAFT & PRODUCE MARKET

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Location Civic Park, Civic Place, Drouin Contact John 0419 428 564 Drouin Rotary Club

FARMERS’ MARKET @ THE OLD CHEESE FACTORY

JINDIVICK COUNTRY MARKET

PAKENHAM COMMUNITY MARKET

JOHNSONVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET

PAYNESVILLE LIONS CLUB MARKET

JUMBUNNA BUSH MARKET

PAYNESVILLE FARMERS MARKET

KONGWAK MARKET

REH CORK CLUB CRAFT MARKET

KOONWARRA FARMERS' MARKET

ROKEBY COMMUNITY MARKET

1st Saturday of month except January – 9am-1pm Location 1070 Jackson’s Track, Jindivick Contact Jindivick Harvest Kitchen 5628 5227 1st Saturday of month – 8am-12pm Location Johnsonville Hall, Princes Highway Contact Perry 5156 4162 1st Sunday of the month – 8.30am-1pm Location Public Hall, Cruickshanks Road Contact Dawn Wylie 5657 3253 Every Sunday (No Market 20 December) – 10am-3pm Location Korumburra Road, Kongwak Contact Jane 0417 142 478 1st Saturday of the month – 8am-12.30pm Location Memorial Park off Koala Drive (Held in adjoining Halls on wet days) Contact www.kfm.org.au

KOOWEE COMMUNITY MARKET

1st Sunday of the month - 8am-1.30pm Location Koo Wee Rup Community Centre Cochrane Park Cnr Rossiter Rd & Sybella Ave Koo Wee Rup Contact 0418 289 847

LAKES ENTRANCE SURF CLUB FORESHORE MARKET

1st Sunday of the month – 9am-3pm Location Near the Rotunda - Foreshore, Lakes Entrance Contact Tom Morris 0407 098 805 or 5153 1916

LATROBE COUNTRY MARKET

Every Sunday - 8.30am-1.30pm Location Latrobe Road, Morwell (near Holmes Road) Contact 0449 294 453

LOCH LIONS VILLAGE MARKET

2nd Sunday of month – October to April – 9am-1pm Location Loch Railway Siding Contact Barry Worsburgh 0418 500 520

LUCKNOW MARKET

4th Sunday of the month - 8.30am-1pm Location Howitt Park, Princes Highway, East Bairnsdale Contact 0432 602 007

MAFFRA VARIETY & FARMERS’ MARKET 1st Sunday of month - 9am-1pm Location Main St/Johnson St, Maffra Contact 5144 1108 or 0408 057 772

2nd Saturday of month – 8am-12.30pm Location The Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick Contact Market Manager: Geoff Rankin 0407 968 841

MALLACOOTA ARTISANS MARKET

FOSTER PROM COUNTRY FARMERS’ MARKET

MEENIYAN MID WEEK MARKET

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12pm Location Foster War Memorial Arts Centre Main Street, Foster Contact Catherine McGlead 0407 543 371

FOSTER PROMONTORY PRODUCE & CRAFT MARKET

Sunday, 6 December and 25 January – 8am-2pm Location Foster Showgrounds, Station Road Contact Max Parnell 5682 2654

GRANTVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET

4th Sunday of month but 3rd Sunday in December - 8am-2pm Location Grantville Recreation Reserve Contact Pat 5997 6221

HEYFIELD COMMUNITY MARKET

1st Saturday of month – 8am-1pm Location John Greaves Memorial Park, Temple Street Contact 5148 3408 or 5148 2394

INVERLOCH COMMUNITY FARMERS' MARKET Last Sunday of the month – 8am-1pm Location The Glade, Opposite Inlet Hotel, Inverloch Contact Tennille 0448 327 637

INVERLOCH FARMERS’ MARKET

3rd Sunday of the month – 8am-1pm Location The Glade, Opposite Inlet Hotel, Inverloch Contact Peter Arnold 5664 0096

INVERLOCH ROTARY MARKET

Saturday, 2 & 23 January – 9am-3pm Location Community Centre, A’Beckett Street Contact Ken 5663 5256

1st Saturday of month – 8am-12pm Location Mallacoota Mudbrick Pavilion, Maurice Ave Contact Leah 0467 856 236 3rd Thursday of month – 10am-2pm Location Whitelaw Street Contact Tracey Robertson 0402 995 063

METUNG FARMERS’ MARKET

2nd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Location Village Green in Metung Contact Tracey O’Brien 0409 233 648

MIRBOO NORTH COUNTRY MARKET

Last Saturday of month + 13 December – 8.30am-1pm Location Baromi Park, 49 Ridgway Contact Bev Cook 5668 1688

MOSSVALE MARKET

Sunday, 9am-2pm – 6 December , 17 January, 14 February, 20 March Location Mossvale Park Road, Berrys Creek Contact seedfolk@outlook.com

NEERIM DISTRICT ALLEY MARKET

4th Sunday of month – 9am-1pm Location 147 Main Neerim Road, Neerim South Contact 0409 090 725

NOOJEE STATION MARKET

Last Sunday of the month – except Dec – 8am-2pm Location Noojee Heritage Centre and train station Contact Sharon Tauru 0419 380 997

NOWA NOWA FARMERS MARKET

3rd Sunday of month - 8am-1pm Location Mingling Waters Caravan Park Contact 0409 233 648

3rd Sunday of month – 8am-1pm Location Pakenham Football Club, Toomuc Reserve Contact Noel 0422 822 688 2nd Sunday of month - 8.30am-1pm Location Gilsenan Reserve Contact Lions Club 0400 327 526 3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12pm Location Gilsenan Reserve Contact Scott 0409 524 399

2nd Saturday of month until May – 8am-1pm Location Kay Street Gardens, Traralgon Contact Chris Van Der Meer 0487 342 675 2nd Saturday of month September to May– 8am-1pm Location Rokeby Reserve, Brandy Creek Road Contact 5626 8523

ROSEDALE COMMUNITY MARKET 2nd Sunday of month - 7.30am-1.30pm Location Prince Street Reserve Contact George Sharp 5199 2709

SALE PRODUCERS’ MARKET

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Sale Showgrounds enter from Maffra Rd Contact Cate 0404 40 128 (Craft) or Karen 0429 344 675 (Produce)

SALE CHARITY VARIETY MARKET

3rd Sunday of month - 7am-1pm Location Thomson River Canal Reserve Contact 5144 1258

SAN REMO CUPPA & CHAT MARKET

2nd Friday of month - Bric-a-brac, cakes & jams 9am-1pm 2nd Saturday of month - Sausage Sizzle 9am-12pm Location St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Marine Parade Contact Roma Caulfield 5678 5386

STRATFORD VARIETY & FARMERS MARKET 4th Sunday of month - 9am-1pm Location McMillan Street, Stratford Contact Rob 0419 869 114

TARWIN LOWER LOCAL MARKET

26 December, 23 January, 13 February, 26 March at 3pm Location Tarwin Lower Primary School, School Road Contact: 0410 466 260

TOORA COMMUNITY MARKET

2nd Saturday of month - 7.30-1pm Location Former Bonlac Store, Jetty Road, Toora Contact 5686 2690

TRARALGON FARMERS’ MARKET

4th Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Location Kay Street Gardens Contact 0409 232 715 Traralgon Lions Club

WARRAGUL ARTS MARKET

3rd Saturday of month – 9am-1pm October to March Location Civic Park Warragul Contact Jessie McLennan 5626 7045

WARRAGUL FARMERS MARKET 3rd Saturday of month – 8.30am-1pm Location 1 Civic Place, Warragul Contact 0425 259 177

WONTHAGGI MAKE IT BAKE IT MARKET 2nd Sunday of month, rain, hail or shine 9am-1pm Location McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi Contact 0417 370 488

WONTHAGGI ROTARY MARKET

2nd Sunday of month - 8am-1pm Location Park, Murray St, Wonthaggi Contact Max Williams 5672 5204

YARRAGON COMMUNITY CRAFT & PRODUCE MARKET

4th Saturday of month – 9am-1pm Location Yarragon Public Hall, Campbell St Contact Alison Butterworth 5634 2209

YARRAM VARIETY MARKET

1st Sunday of month - 8am-1pm Location Guide & Scout Hall, Yarram Contact 0419 362 083

OLD GIPPSTOWN HERITAGE PARK MARKET 3rd Saturday of month – 9am-2pm Location Lloyd Street, Moe Contact 5127 3082

If you require your event to be promoted please email Gippsland the Lifestyle thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au

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west gippsland

SUMMER in

with

LAURIE COLLINS Mind you the 12th is notable not only for Rokeby Market but also for the opening of the Footprints Exhibition which is Russell and Carol Monson’s response to a walk through parts of Scotland.

Photography and textiles in the one show at the Red Tree Gallery Jindivick (my gallery). www.lauriecollins.com.au If you wonder what’s on Sunday the 13th then maybe go to the Psychic Expo at Cardinia Cultural Centre where all will be revealed! www.cardinia.vic.gov.au

SUMMER….

What to do?... Well nothing really….just go to the beach or a river and chill….. still I must admit that that isn’t always an option and even being wet and warm can get tedious.

DECEMBER On the Friday night 4th is the Comedy and Music night at Lardner Park and also Drouin Lights Up where Drouin stores open late (from 3 to 9), this has a treasure hunt and lots of fun stuff (gold coin donation). www.lardnerpark.com.au Sale Gallery is open again with a Horror Show Exhibition and some very moody photographs.

It did start in November but it is going most of this month. www.wellington.vic.gov.au Saturday 5th is Jindi Market (8 to 1) and also a Christmas Arts and Craft market at the Trafalgar Station Gallery (10 to 1) as of course xmas is coming closer and closer.

Sunday 6th is Longwarry Market and this is the last for three months as it does not occur in Jan or Feb. The next Friday night 11th and Sunday the 13th afternoon, are the West Gippsland Chorale Xmas Concerts and of course there are going to be all sorts of carols by candlelight throughout this month in different towns. www.wesleyofwarragul.org.au For music of a different note Skipping Girl Vinegar play at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Saturday 12th. www.wgac.com.au

The next weekend is the Warragul Farmers Market (and the arts market also).. and in a different town.. the Drouin Farmers Market… and obviously both of those will be ideal for those last minute xmas gifts.

Christmas and New Year’s days are both Fridays in this holiday break and I imagine there will be lots of places catering for lunch and dinner on those days…. Book now at your favourite venue.

Boxing day (26th) usually sees lots of classy looking people at the Drouin Picnic Races and this is a great way to get over xmas. www.countryracing.com.au This is also the time for the first Beyond the Valley Festival at Lardner Park going over four days and including 33 acts including The Rubens and San Cisco. www.lardnerpark.com.au Other New Year’s Eve activities include Wild Dog Winery and also the Downtowner in Warragul for a small fee in both places you can dance the night away and the New Year in. www.wilddogwinery.com www.warragulclub.com.au

JANUARY January used to be the time for music….On the 9th of January the Lyrebird Arts Council presents the Summer of Soul again at Mossvale Park (on the road between Mirboo North and Leongatha).

I have looked for info on other festivals that were on in the past (Yinnar and others and they don’t seem to be there anymore). www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au.

Rokeby Market is on Saturday 9th and the following Saturday 16th is of course Warragul Arts Market (and Farmers Market and also Drouin Farmers Market)

The Red Tree Gallery during January has an intriguing show by Cathy Smith exploring rulers, squares and plumblines.

There is the Frankston Waterfront Festival at pier promenade from 16-17th, and as the sand sculptures are down there too, that should be a fun thing to get involved in.

On Sunday 24th is the 99th Annual Neerim District Show and if you haven’t been to a country show before this is a delight. www.neerimdistrictcountryshow.com Of course Australia Day is on the 26th and of course there will be lots of picnics, concerts and events associated with this.

FEBRUARY Drouin has its fantastic Ficifolia Festival over the 6th to the 14th with a parade (and who doesn’t love a parade at 5.00pm on the 13th. This also includes the Ficifolia Art Show at the footy club rooms over the weekend of the 11th. www.ficifoliafestival.org.au Saturday 6th also has the Mt Eliza Music Festival 12.00 start at the Mt Eliza village (facebook.com/mtelizamusicalfestival) and more music at the other end of my reach is at the Tarra Bulga Visitors Centre on the 14th February with Rainforest Rhythms and music in a spectacular setting is always fantastic. www.wellington.vic.gov.au For something different entirely Rosedale Speedway on the 20th is having an American based Hotrod State Title Race. They also have other events in December and January if you are interested and really it might be a delight with lots of colour and movement! (I wont mention noise!) www.rosedalespeedway.com.au Well if you can get to even some of those events you are sure to have a fun summer. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and interact with art somewhere along the trail… look at it, make it or be it!

Good on ya.

Laurie Sculpture Garden & Red Tree Gallery

www.lauriecollins.com.au Photography by Wendy Morriss

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Ian Bevington

by Ian W. Beer

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The first time I was acquainted with the South Gippsland town of Meeniyan was through a poster announcing the Nashville born altcountry singer/songwriter, Justin Townes Earle (son of Steve Earle) was playing a gig at the Meeniyan Town Hall. My first thought was this must be a memorabilia poster or someone having some fun, but on closer scrutiny I discovered there was this little town on the South Gippsland Highway that was hosting some amazing international and Australian music acts.

Fast forward a few years when I moved down to live in South Gippsland and on route went past this mystery town called Meeniyan. I was waiting for some sign of musical identity but the only artistic signpost was a reference to an ABC series “Bed of Roses” filmed in the town.

I am now sitting in the lounge room of Ian Bevington and partner Suzanne, who not only run the world-class music venue, but had the vision to create this haven in the middle of South Gippsland which attracts not only top local acts but some of the cream of the world’s musical talent.

“Back yourself” “Trust your integrity” are words Ian often uses, along with the passion, self belief and determination and of course an absolute love of music that took Meeniyan from a sleepy hamlet to a noted destination on the musical landscape.

It had been a long journey, which started from the English seaport of Liverpool, where Ian spent his first 13 years before travelling across the world with his seafaring father, docking in Port Melbourne. His formative years were full of musical sing-alongs and exposure to some classic music mainly soul, R&B with a mix of Hank Williams and Chubby Checker. It wasn’t until landing in Melbourne in 1967 where he heard the Beach Boys blasting out the airwaves with Good Vibrations that his musical journey started in earnest.

After landing in Melbourne the family moved to Toora in South Gippsland where his father gained employment at Barry’s Beach. This is where his affinity not only for great music, but a love of the Gippsland lifestyle took root. “I used to buy vinyl records from the local supermarket in Toora, which later became part of the milk factory” and it was during this time a youthful Ian became aware of the Meeniyan Hall.

“It was on the back of the surf culture that music was staged in South Gippsland,” Ian recalls. City folk escaping Melbourne would attract bands such as Carson and Daddy Cool down to South Gippsland. It was this exposure to live music and a steady stream of newly acquired records from Toora and off the shelves of the Leongatha newsagency that fuelled Ian’s passion for music.

Post high school at Leongatha, Ian left South Gippsland and attended college in Churchill, East Gippsland, where he had his first taste of promoting bands, before heading to the luring lights of the city. Teaming up with musical partner in crime Suzanne, they would set up digs in the bourgeoning Melbourne alternative music scene frequenting iconic St Kilda landmarks such as the Seaview Ballroom and Inkerman Hotel.

Immersing themselves with bands such as The Birthday Party, Boys Next Door, The Reels and Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, they became more than just fans but friends of the many musical identities on the Melbourne music scene.

They even lived for a short time in a London squat with members of the seminal Australian alternative band The Go-Betweens.

It wasn’t until after the birth of their two girls and wanting a more peaceful environment that Ian and Suzanne moved back to the tranquillity of South Gippsland, and eventually settled in the quiet hamlet of Nerrena, just outside Leongatha.

Ian initially commuted to his day job in Melbourne before sourcing local work; however Suzanne continued to commute for a further 10 years! Music is still the life-blood of this couple.

Ian continued driving to Melbourne to watch his favourite musical acts. It was then decided that rather than spend their days chasing music down the highway, why not try to entice the music to them.

They started with a small gig at their local hall with South Gippsland band Lonesome Rex and

Melbourne outfit Texacali Rose. From humble beginnings they then started hosting live music in venues all around South Gippsland and Bass Coast, including the Meeniyan Hall. “I had always liked the sound at Meeniyan,” Ian remembers and it wasn’t long before Meeniyan was the venue of choice.

Like many Melbourne music lovers, Ian was influenced by the Prahran music venue, The Continental Café, which set the benchmark for quality musical showcases. For Ian it is always about the experience of hearing live music at its best. That is; the best PA, best acoustics, warm, hospitable and relaxed atmosphere. As a music lover he not only wanted music to be heard locally but he was uncompromising in the way music was heard. He setup Meeniyan to not only host quality musicians but to create a musical environment that was as good as anything in Melbourne or indeed the World.

Part of the Meeniyan experience is not only world-class musicians, but also world class sound. “I have my own dedicated sound technician who brings down with him a state

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when Joe’s bass player casually asked after his precious double bass.

After a few missed heartbeats Ian realised it had been forgotten and was apparently still sitting on stage at Richmond’s Corner Hotel from last night’s gig! Not only was this going to make the gig late but also the bass itself was a priceless instrument having been used on tracks by none other than Paul McCartney and K.D. Lang! Liz Stringer was the support act and Liz rose to the occasion keeping the crowd entertained whilst trusty sound man Mal drove to Melbourne to retrieve the precious cargo.

In 2006 on the back of a few successful years at Meeniyan, Ian and Suzanne staged a carnival to give something back to the community and took over the streets of Meeniyan. The musical feast was a huge success transforming the sleepy town into a musical Mecca and over 5,000 people enjoyed the experience. It also gave birth to some future food ventures and has certainly profiled Meeniyan as a destination.

I asked Ian how some of these big name overseas acts reacted when they were ushered into the Meeniyan Hall.

He recalled when Steve Earle played for the first time his reaction was less than overwhelming. In fact the first few songs were very unemotional.

This changed when members of the Gippsland group The Strzelecki Stringbusters, seated in the audience, who proceeded to vocally harmonise with Steve. Initially this freaked out the artist, as he was sure there was a ghost in the hall. At the show’s end after three hours of one of the more heartfelt performances, Steve freely mixed with his newly acquired backing band and stated in 40 years of performing, he had never experienced anything like that accompaniment from the boys in the front row.

of the art Nexo sound system worth around $35,000 for every gig.” “I also ferry acts to and from the airport, find them accommodation and even get the locals to prepare home-cooked meals for them.” At the hall, Ian ensures that the performers are relaxed and that the audience is respectful to the artist. The result has been performances that have gone on for hours and even continued in the streets and cafés, and a worldwide respect that now has Ian’s emails and phone messages jammed with acts wanting to be part of this wonderful musical experience.

Ian and Suzanne setup the Lyrebird Arts Council to administer ticket sales, and all the necessary back stage requirements and management structures. An important part of the promotion and marketing of their music events is the membership to Lyrebird, which is now sitting on a healthy 3,500 members.

Ian cites 2004 as a real turning point for Meeniyan. From the initial first gig in 1999 where Mick Thomas and The Sure Thing

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played to 140 punters through to 2004 where Gillian Welch played to a capacity crowd of 260, with luminaries from Melbourne’s music scene coming down to witness the magic. This lead to an article in the Melbourne Age on the lure of this obscure musical outpost in South Gippsland.

Since then gigs at the Meeniyan Town Hall have seen performers such as Paul Kelly, Jason Isbell, The Waifs, Patty Griffin, Martha Wainwright and Jimmy Webb and respect from high places such as the birth place of country music Nashville.

As with any emerging passion - It hasn’t been a walk in the park; there have been numerous obstacles to overcome and many great stories along the journey. Ian remembers when American musician Joe Henry was booked to play, and a Steinway piano was sourced from Melbourne. All was fine with the expensive musical instrument arriving unscathed and placed on stage. This was 5pm with the gig due to start in three hours. It was at this moment

It isn’t just gigs at Meeniyan that Ian and Suzanne present they have also initiated and been running the Mossvale Music Festival’s since 2001. Mossvale, now called Summer of Soul, happened quite by accident with a call from a New Zealand promoter looking for a Victorian promoter to host top class World Musician Ali Farka Toure. This was something that both Ian and Suzanne could not refuse, as they are both huge fans. So without even a clue how to go about the logistics they agreed. Once more Ian drew on his years in South Gippsland as a young man and remembered the Sound Shell at Mossvale Park. They were fortunate enough to break even, luring a crowd of 600 to the afternoon concert and the seed was planted for an annual festival.

Like Meeniyan, the Mossvale Park, Summer of Soul Festival now has become a significant event offering high calibre talent. Last year’s festival headlined by Paul Kelly and the Cat Empire attracted around 5,000 people.

Although the quantity at Mossvale is greater, the quality is still what is important to Ian and Suzanne. They still make sure the sound is impeccable. For the Mossvale stage they use a British Turbo analogue mixing desk that was designed by Pink Floyd’s Dave Gilmour. After trying multiple stages and employing up to 15 acts they have now decided on a maximum of 7 acts on one stage. Once more it is all about the overall experience of the event, rather than ego beating and trying to impress with size.

Sitting back reflecting over the rolling hills surrounding his home with music filtering from his turntable I ask Ian where to from here?

He mentions he manages a few acts that he is passionate about including the band Pony Face. And he still co-hosts “Sounds’’ a radio show he started over 20 years ago on local radio 3mFM on Thursday evenings between 6 and 8pm.

Ian still has a burning ambition to bring out Bob Dylan. “I got close once before, but It fell over at the last moment.” “I know that Bob always likes to play a smaller venue amongst the stadiums when he tours,” and he is confident Bob will

choose the Meeniyan Hall. Whether this will eventuate time will tell. But if anyone can entice Bob to a Victorian country town, Ian can. Like an early Bob Dylan who refused to compromise on his musical vision, Ian is from the same mould; he is relentless in both his passion and resolve. Meeniyan and South Gippsland are both the greater for this.

To join Lyrebird Arts Council and information on all events go to: http://lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

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Lily Marie fetch on the beach

Pluto - Where did they Go?

Goongerah dog living the lifestyle

CORNER

Billie tuning in at the radio station

Billie with best mate Rory

Zac and Tess - We didn't do it!

Atlas holding his own

Lucky enjoying the 'cool' grass

Peppi you handsome devil

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Clyde mmm bone

Murphy happy holidays

Cristi & Benson can we go now

Please email Gippsland The Lifestyle thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au if you would like to place a photo of your dog in Canine Corner

GIPPSLAND'S

FINEST

Steve White, Cartoonist

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The 12 days of Christmas: Zen So I have a confession to make … as the Christmas season is fast approaching and challenges will arise by the dozen in the next couple of weeks, I feel an increasing sense of dread. Yes you read correctly, I personally find Christmas an incredibly stressful time of the year... but I’m pretty sure you already know this and many may feel exactly the same way!

The expense of buying gifts, the pressure of last minute shopping, and the heightened expectations of family togetherness can all combine to undermine our best intentions.

So my challenge to you (and myself) is that if you find you’re looking forward to the end of Christmas instead of the beginning, it’s time to change gears and reclaim Christmas calm; a time of appreciation, excitement, joy, and peace. Make the decision that this is going to be your happiest Christmas ever!

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Maintain a balance between your daily responsibilities and the things you enjoy with this revised version of a Christmas classic. If you take care of yourself, you’ll be better prepared to deal with challenges if and when they arise.

On the First Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Permission for some Pampering It’s important to pay attention to your own needs and feelings. This can be hard when everything around you is about other people and their needs; friends, family, in laws. Minimise stress and negative emotions building up by: f Remembering to take some “time out” for you even if it’s just a few hours to pamper yourself, read a good book, or go for a walk. f Using relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation if feeling stressed or anxious.

f Everything in moderation - too much of anything can be a bad thing.

On the Second Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Spread Christmas Cheer f Get the warm fuzzies and do something nice for someone else. Random acts of kindness have a flow on effect. f Volunteer or donate your time to a worthy cause. f Practise mindfulness, live in the present moment and enjoy each activity for what it is instead of always thinking about what is ahead of me.

On the Third Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Combat Christmas Cooking Who wants to be stuck in the kitchen on Christmas Day preparing meals when you could be relaxing and enjoying yourself?

f If possible, do your Christmas shopping early - in the first week of December or even in November. f Shop online from the comfort of your own home and avoid the crowds.

f If you’re having meals at home, ask everyone to bring something to share. You don’t need to do it all yourself.

The late Wayne Dyer puts this into perspective when he wrote, “Far too many of us suffer from the pain of family get-togethers, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Somehow we allow the expectations and demands of our family members to be the source of so much unhappiness and stress, when what we really want is to be authentically ourselves and at peace with our relatives.

f Eat out - but remember to book early as some restaurants may be fully booked months in advance.

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Deal with Loss or Being Lonely For some, Christmas can be a time of great loss and longing for loved ones who may no longer be around and for others it can be a very lonely time as not everyone has someone to share Christmas with.

f Be a little selfish. When we are experiencing loss or loneliness it’s OK to be a little selfish and really prioritise what works for you at this fragile time. Do things that make you feel good, no matter what others think.

The conflict seems too often to be a choice between being authentic, which means no peace with certain relatives, or having peace at the price of being inauthentic. Being peaceful and authentic can define your relationship with your relatives. The key is showing them understanding and forgiveness from your heart, along with gratitude for all the life lessons they are teaching you along the way.”

On the Seventh Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Reasons for the Season

f If you believe that you’re going to struggle with grief and loneliness then it might be a good time to get some support from a professional.

This revised “Christmas To Do List” is an oldie but a goodie that I just had to share, sometimes we get so caught up in all the things we think we should be doing to prepare for the perfect Christmas that we forget to show gratitude in the here and now, no matter how small. Being thankful can really start your day in a new, more positive light.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Think More Positively

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Quality Sleep

Your decision to emphasise the positive can reclaim a time that is supposed to bring out the best in us, rather than do us in. The truth is that this time of year offers us a wonderful opportunity to rekindle the spirit of love and living life to the fullest. By committing to think and behave in more meaningful ways, you’ll find something to be grateful for and enjoy.

In the lead up to Christmas we are often burning the candle at both ends, with social commitments, work commitments and the general Christmas rush there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day! And when the big day does finally arrive, we are tired, grumpy and low on energy.

Many of us underestimate how something as simple as getting eight hours of quality sleep each night can really improve moods and help us cope with stress.

f Allow flexibility and let things flow, rather than trying to make them fit into a fixed schedule. f Relax expectations for myself and others. f Approach this magical time of year with a sense of joyful anticipation and child-like wonder.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Simplify Santa Shopping If you have a large and extended list of family and friends, present giving can become quiet costly and a source of stress when fronted with a credit card bill, which takes months to pay off. f Buy presents only for the children and set a limit on the cost of presents. f Have a Kris Kringle, where everyone draws a name out of a hat and buys a present only for that person.

Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, and thinking about what makes you sad, stressed and dreading Christmas … focus on what you love.

What makes you happy? If you focus on that, that will be your reality. Remember you have choices in this business of Christmas celebrations. The responsibility is always your own.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Is Family Harmony

f Consider keeping it simple – for example, you could always arrange for a 'buffet' lunch, where everybody brings a platter, a BBQ or even a cocktail menu?

f Keep busy. Although it is rarely a good idea to bury your feelings entirely, filling your schedule can be an effective way of bridging the Christmas break and countering feelings of loss and loneliness.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Focus on what makes you Happy

Now I don’t know about you, but I’m going to remind myself to keep it simple, stress free and have an Ama-Zen Christmas!

Erin Miller from Zest Holistic Coaching 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!

Contact me on 0418328441 or zestlifecoaching@gmail.com

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Happy Christmas Memories For some, negative Christmas memories can take over until you can no longer remember any good times. Don’t let this happen to you. Make a special effort to fill your mind with peaceful, joyful memories and remember that it is always possible to make NEW memories - ones you will cherish.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, a gift I give to thee: Join in the Christmas Festivities By acting happy and merry, you will soon feel that way too. Get into the Christmas mood; crack open the egg nog, don a Santa hat, turn up the Christmas Carols, decorate the tree, wrap presents, celebrate in some way. With enough merriment in your life, you’ll find you will be “Rocking around the Christmas Tree” in no time!

For further information please call 0418 328 441 or visit my website

www.zestholisticcoaching.com

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20th - 22nd May 2016 SHINE YOUR LIGHT WEEKEND RETREAT

You Have Gifts, Share Them. Shine Your Light Imagine if you did not have an inner critic and we were able to just live joyfully, shining your light without shame or fear of judgement. You would not hide. You would not make yourself small; you would embody LIGHT and be proud to have it spill out and over so that you can light up the world with your presence. Allow yourself to be immersed in a weekend of relaxation, rejuvenation & holistic healing. This retreat will restore your zest for life so you can leave feeling free to celebrate in your unique BIGNESS! • 2 nights’ accommodation in an exclusive house on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula with linen & towels provided.

• Delicious meals each day, morning & afternoon tea.

• Holistic Life Coaching workshops designed to have you “Shine Your Light!”

• Daily activities to align the mind, body & spirit.

• Intuitive Art Class - be guided to draw your Spirit Guides.

• Mandala Colouring, Vision Maps, Meditation & much more.

Erin Miller • Limited places available, small group size.

0418 328 441 • Register today for just $590 per person. zestlifecoaching@gmail.com • To secure your place visit my website for further information. www.zestholisticcoaching.com

ISSUE 25 SUMMERCROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS

DOWN

1.

4.

8.

9.

1.

2.

3.

5.

Steadfast (6) Hurry (4) Dull (5) Speculated (5)

Analyse (4) Perplex (5) Limit (3) Official (5)

10. Gain (4) 12. Plant (5) 14. Removing (10) 18. Blues (5) 19. Perceptive (5)

6. Monarchs (6) 7. Loafing (6) 11. Aural (6) 13. Arrival (6) 15. Sir (Spanish) (5)

20. Sod (4) 21. Sickly (6)

16. Snowy (5) 17. Imbued (4) 19. Expanse (3)

issue 24 SPRING puzzle Answers

GET THINKING 158

thelifestyle summer 2015-16

Chrissy’s Positive Horoscope Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20

Libra Sept 24 - Oct 23

If you give a little love you can get a little love of your own, it is as simple as that! Be what you want in your life. Trust, take notice of your surroundings and check in with how that makes you FEEL. This quarter is all about emotions and recognising what is happening from the inside out for you. You have a great understanding of what it takes to be a leading person. You have a wonderful knack of being able to bring out the best in others, whilst remembering the importance of nurturing yourself. Time to go out and participate in some of your favourite activities, no time like the present to get started on new ventures. This will be very UPLIFTING and REWARDING!!!

For those Librans in a relationship this is a period for you to continue to grow, it is an important time to really tap into what you are loving about your partner and be telling them, if your requiring to be heard and understood put your suggestions forward and let your mate know what you are thinking and feeling to enhance the openness and understanding in your relationship. This is also a lucky period for you even though you have been working hard you will make time for some fun in your life as you get the importance of all work and no play is not always a healthy choice. Understand yourself and your values and live by them daily, if you do, MIRACLES will occur!

Secret Desire: To lead the way for others

Secret Desire: To live an easy, uncomplicated life

Taurus Apr 21 - May 21

Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22

Life is expanding in areas for you that you would have never thought before, allow yourself to get curious and explore new ways of doing things. Some of you will be taking a tour in the near future to a place that you have never been before and perhaps you are feeling slightly apprehensive about the journey, trust that it will all work out and you will have a lot more FUN than you ever imagined. Make time to surround yourself in nature as this can be quite healing and nurturing for you. Remember what it was like to be a little child and allow yourself to be around young ones; this can also bring a lot of joy and happiness into your world. STAY FOCUSED AND REAP THE BENEFITS!

There is a lot going on in your life right now and sometimes it can be challenging to keep up with yourself, remember to take those moments to give yourself a well deserved break. Do not always believe what you hear. This can be a period in your life where you will have to dot the i’s and cross the t’s on any legal documents before signing, reminding yourself at the same time that what you might want for a loved one may not be what they want. Keep being positive as you know how well everything works in your favour when you focus on your positive vibes. Lots of exciting ventures ahead in the new year for you, some of which you know about and others that will blow your mind when they occur, as things will start to move very quickly so get ready and ENJOY THE RIDE, it is going to be Awesome so allow it in.

Secret Desire: To have a secure, happy and wealthy life/marriage

Gemini May 22 - June 21

Secret Desire: To be ahead of the crowd

Part of any Healthy relationship is knowing who you are, which assists with your own self confidence and feeling okay to make a decision without feeling confused by it.

Now is a good time to put an Action Plan into place, even if you stray away from that at times know that it is okay and it will all work out but just in ways that you wouldn’t have imagined. The sun checks into Sagittarius, your seventh house of dynamic duos.

For the next month, your focus is working the ever delicate “we versus me” balance.

Know it is ok to do LIFE DIFFERENTLY!

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Secret Desire: To feel safe (emotionally, spiritually, romantically & financially)

This is a time for you to speak up and let yourself take some credit for your great ideas, even though this maybe a little uncomfortable for you. Mercury is in your fifth house at the moment putting you on the notice board, so allow yourself some courage to say what you really feel. A great little quote l know to be true which has always helped me when l feel the need to speak up is “Say what you mean, Mean what you say and don’t say it Mean”. Most importantly have an awareness of how you FEEL when you allow yourself to think POSITIVELY.

Leo July 23 - Aug 23

Secret Desire: To be a star

Oh yes definitely committing to self care right now to strengthen your foundation, the sun is in Scorpio for the first part of this quarter which will create a feeling of nostalgia for you and remembering how things were and the positives that you can bring to your new life. I guess to explain it is like a nesting/rebirthing time for a lot of Leos.

Even though there maybe times where you will want to be doing your best to please others just recognising that this is sometimes an impossible task and it is okay to say no. Remember when you care for your own needs (not in a selfish way) you are able to travel better and make better decisions in your day to day life. Enjoy having some FUN…

Virgo Aug 24 - Sept 23

Secret Desire: To love and be loved in return

Time to get to know yourself from the inside out, perhaps to stop some of the habitual patterns that seem to happen on auto-pilot and start allowing yourself to FEEL happy with your own decision making. So to change things in your world will take some discipline from you to bring some awareness to your breath being more present in all of your daily affairs, practising this will hold you in good stead and allow you to understand how you want your day to day life to be and start to create it with ease!

Understand why you do what you do as there is a lot of new energy surrounding you that can affect you if you allow it. Let yourself be as present as possible whilst ENJOYING YOUR JOURNEY!

Secret Desire: To triumph

Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21

Secret Desire: To make a difference in the world

Deep down you know that there is definitely a higher purpose in your life and even though your not quite sure of what that is, keep moving towards what makes you Happy and Feel good, as when you do this process your confidence levels will rise and you will come to a time where you feel like you can move mountains, (not literally of course). Trust in yourself. Do not let others sway your decision making, keeping a balance between social life and work life can at times be challenging, remember to focus on the positive things that are happening in your day and know that you do not have to allow others’ negativity to effect your mood. COME FROM THE HEART!

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20

Secret Desire: to be admired by their family, friends & the world at large

Oh my goodness you can certainly feel yourself being scattered at times, however you do have that wonderful ability to stand back and see a situation for what it is whilst not getting too caught up in it, (this is a great skill of Capricornians). A good time to set some boundaries for others and be super kind to yourself, you deserve it. Take pride in what you do and have a sense of achievement for your own tasks. Remember to Celebrate things in your day and become aware of your surroundings. This can be a time to challenge yourself in moving to a higher vibration and if your nervous about change, stay focused on the present and surround yourself with SUPPORTIVE friends and family!

Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19

Secret Desire: To be unique and original

Woohooo your coming to a stage in your life when you understand that all that thinking you do is creating your future, so it is a great time to put things into action, there are shifts happening and if you look at what can go right for you and recognise the feelings that appear inside you rather than focusing on what can go wrong, let yourself have a go and if it doesn’t work out the way you imagined ask yourself what you can learn from this experience and what can l do differently to create the outcome l am wanting.

This can be relating to applying for a new job, asking for a pay rise, moving house, improving your relationship with your loved ones. STOP AND BREATH THEN SMILE!

Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20

Secret Desire: To live their dreams and turn fantasies into realities

If this is a period where you are looking at investing in property, car or boat, make sure you read the fine print and be very confident prior to signing anything and that it is feeling absolutely right for you by using your intuition. You are waiting on a long earned holiday be mindful of how you are thinking about this, are your thoughts negative or positive this can make a huge difference on what you manifest in the future, however the most important thing is to keep practising being in the moment and allow yourself to love what is happening for you NOW! Chrissy’s Positive Horoscope etc.

Chrissy’s Positive Horoscope Phone: 0414 735 165 Email:malmch@bigpond.com Website: www.positiveretreats.com.au and Mindfulness Meditation Classes visit www.lotuschiro.com

where you can get your copy Bairnsdale newsXpress 21 Bailey St Bairnsdale Stow's Authorised 212 Main Street Bemm River Bait & Tackle 20-26 Sydenham Inlet Road Berwick Newsagency 29-31 High Street Boolarra Store & Newsagency 9 Tarwin Street Briagolong Riverstone Café 2/12 Forbes Street Buchan Caves Reserve Tourist Office Bunyip IGA 2-6 Main Street Bunyip Newsagency Shop 2, 2-6 Main Street Cabbage Tree Creek Cafe 2757 Princes Highway Cape Paterson The Cape Store 2-4 Market Place Churchill Newsagency Hazelwood Village Shopping Centre Cowes Newsagency 44-46 Thompson Avenue Dalyston General Store 4213 Bass Highway Darnum General Store 456 Princes Hwy Drouin Newsagency 93 Princes Way Dumbalk Village Store 25 Farmers Road Erica General Store School Road, Henty Street Fish Creek, Alison Lester 1 Falls Road Foster Newsagency 52 Main Street Garfield Licensed Post Office 77 Main Street Glengarry General Store Main Street Golden Beach Blue Water Fish & Chips Gormandale General Store 13 Main Road Heyfield IGA 18-22 George Street Inverloch FoodWorks 10-12 Reilly Street Inverloch Newsagency 10 A'Beckett Street Jindivick General Store 1055 Jacksons Track Koo Wee Rup Newsagency 44 Station Street Korumburra Michael's Supa IGA 1 South Railway Cres Lakes Entrance Lamanna's Newsagency 24 Myer Street Lakes Entrance Newspower 297 Esplanade Lang Lang IGA 32 Main Street Leongatha Michael's Supa IGA Cnr Church & Bruce Sts Lindenow General Store 147 Main Road Loch Sport General Store 2-4 Government Road Longford Lakeview General Store 115 Seaspray Road Longwarry R & T's Bake and Brew, 9 Mackey Street Maffra newsXpress 144 Johnson Street Mallacoota Authorised Newsagency & Lotto 14 Allan Drive Mallacoota FoodWorks 48-50 Maurice Avenue Marlo General Store 14-16 Argyle Parade Meeniyan IGA 100-102 Whitelaw Street Metung Village Store 62 Metung Road Mirboo North Newsagency 52 Ridgway Morwell Card Alley Shop 33 Mid Valley Shopping Centre Morwell Newsagency 174-176 Commercial Road Neerim Junction General Store Main Road Neerim South FoodWorks 147 Main Road Newborough Newsagency 30 Rutherglen Road Newhaven IGA 8/10 Forrest Drive Newry General Store Main Street Omeo Post Office 155 Day Avenue Orbost FoodWorks 70-78 Nicholson Street Pakenham Newsagency 99-101 Main Street Paynesville Newsagency 65a The Esplanade Poowong Takeaway Fish & Chips 6 Ranceby Street Rosedale Newsagency 1 Prince Street

Sale Lord's Authorised Newsagency 248 Raymond Street Sale Newsagency 308-310 Raymond Street San Remo IGA 135 Main Parade Seaspray Caravan Park 1 Futcher Street 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 Tinamba General Store Maffra-Rosedale Road Toora FoodWorks 66 Stanley Street Tooradin IGA 104 South Gippsland Hwy Trafalgar IGA 5 McCrorey Street Trafalgar Newsagency 97 Princes Hwy Traralgon Newsagency & Lotto 51-55 Franklin Street Traralgon Newsagency 70 Seymour Street Ventnor The Anchorage Caravan Park Ventnor Road Venus Bay General Store 139 Jupiter Blvd Walhalla Museum Walhalla Road Warragul Newsagency & Officesmart 43 Victoria Street Welshpool Supermarket 18 Main Street Willow Grove General Store 8 Main Road Wonthaggi Newsagency 31 Murray Street Yallourn North Supermarket 42-44 North Road Yanakie General Store 3640 Meeniyan-Promontory Road Yarragon Newsagency 107a Princes Hwy Yarram Bargain Centre 225 Commercial Road Yarram Claudio’s Commercial Road 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 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 Headlites Pty Ltd via email to: thelifetyle@dcsi.net.au Disclaimer: Headlites Pty Ltd has the discretion to add or remove words or photos that are deemed unsuitable for the magazine. Gippsland the Lifestyle Magazine©Headlites Pty Ltd 2015. Headlites 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 Headlites 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 NEWSAGENCY & LOTTO Hours: Monday to Friday 6.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 6.30am to 2.30pm Sunday & Public Holidays Closed WONTHAGGI NEWSAGENCY & LOTTO

31 Murray Street Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256 160

thelifestyle summer 2015-16

the

BOOK NOOK on the shelf now

This issue I thought we’d look at three interesting books currently on the shelf.

Similar titles, very different content. The titles to watch for are also a little different this issue, following the unexplainable trend in adult colouring books.

The Dress by Kate Kerrigan The story interweaves the passionate and surprising stories of three women. Joy and Honor, whose destines are linked not only by a piece of timeless fashion, but by the ruthless love of one man. And Lily who is determined to find out if the legendary dress still exists, and if it does, to bring it back to glorious life.

The book has been described as a satisfying read, glamorous, gripping and moving.

featured children’s book author EDWINA MARY BARBER Edwina grew up on a sheep property near Kyneton, Victoria with both parents and three of her siblings. Edwina spent five years at boarding school, but developed her love of writing poetry in her earlier years. After school the majority of her next 14 years was spent living overseas.

The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham This is now a major motion picture starring Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth and Hugo Weaving.

In the 1950s Tilly Dunnage returns to a small Victorian town to care for her mad mother. The townspeople drove her away many years ago, and she became an expert dressmaker in Paris. Now she earns her living by making those same women exquisite frocks.

Edwina spent over ten years living in various countries, mostly out of a back-pack and her first children's poem was written in South Africa, A Lady Named O'Grady.

Poetry to Edwina was a way of making people have a good laugh.

This is without doubt the best ‘revenge’ novel I’ve ever read. You will find yourself reading gleefully, knowing exactly what she is doing and what the outcome will be………and then…….yes!

The Dressmaker of Dachau by Mary Chamberlain Set in London in the Spring of 1949, the story follows Ada an ambitious seamstress who has a career in couture in Dover Street, if only she can break free from the dreariness of her family life in Lambeth. She meets the enigmatic Stanislaus and is catapulted into the world of glamour and romance.

War is declared, Stanislaus abandons her in Paris and she finishes up in Dachau. She survives the only way she knows how: by being a dressmaker. This is a decision that will haunt her during the war and its devastating aftermath. The book is worth spending time with.

Edwina then returned home to Kyneton with her two children who were born in Mexico; Valentina and Maximillian.

Edwina illustrates her books and the colours are vibrant and the characters large and bold. You can see all 21 of her titles at www.edwinabarberbooks.com here are a couple with the main character Mangus Monkey.

watch for these… art for mindfulness Winter Wonderland

Foster’s Little Bookshop

Vintage Fabric Patterns

Landscapes

4 Station Road, Foster 3960 ph (03) 5682 2089 visit www.fosterslittlebookshop.com.au

read our blog

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Blue

Family owned and operated - Blue Hills Rise joins the multi award winner Blue Hills Residences as the best 55 plus resort lifestyle options in Cranbourne East.

Looking for the best way to spend your retirement, Blue Hills Rise offers six unit designs with modern furnishings and fittings. If you want to downsize our two bedroom Stephanie Apartments, may just be the answer. Live independently, within a secure, caring environment.

START THE RETIREMENT YOU HAVE WORKED TOWARD.... CALL THE TEAM AT B L U E H I L L S R I S E TODAY ( 0 3 ) 5 9 9 1 5 0 0 0

Hills Rise 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?'

Well, if you are looking for a quality home with access to some of the most amazing onsite facilities, then Blue Hills Rise is the best choice for you. This family owned and operated 55 plus resort, has a variety of home designs, all offering something just a little different to the last. You will quickly realise that the Resort Owners, Judy and Ivan Clarkson and 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.

fantastic Onsite facilities Swimming Pool / Spa Indoor Bowls Dance Floor Tennis Courts Alfresco CafĂŠ - Orange Leaf Gymnasium Library Restaurant Sports Bar Cinema Arts and Crafts Centre Administration Centre ATM Computer Room BOWLING GREEN

Call David, Rikki or Janice today to kick off the retirement you have worked towards

Open 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, or via appointments on the weekend.

Blue Hills Rise 240 Berwick-Cranbourne Road Cranbourne East 3977

phone: 03 5991 5000

"Here at Mercure Hotel we are proud to present a new standard of accommodation, conferencing and dining facilities to the Warragul and Surrounding areas.

We look forward to welcoming you to the new Mercure Warragul on your next visit."

Warm Regards, Dale Bainbridge ‘Managing Director’

For Enquiries Phone (03) 5618 3500 or Email: reservations@mercurewarragul.com.au 23 Mason Street, WARRAGUL, Vic 3820

“We extend a warm invitation to all business clients frequently travelling throughout Gippsland. Make Warragul one of your stops and experience a new level of service.

Contact us directly for 'Corporate Rate' details.”

Sean Pennicard ‘Hotel Manager’

“MERCURE MEETINGS” WARRAGUL’S NEWEST PLACE TO DO BUSINESS. Our facilities include a conference and boardroom fitted with “State of the Art” AV equipment.

We are dedicated to meeting our clients’ conferencing needs.

Contact us for further information. For All Enquiries Email: conference@mercurewarragul.com.au