Gippsland the Lifestyle Winter 2014

the lifestyle. Our pride, Our place™ winter issue 19 BEAT THE BUDGET BLUES Great Discount Offers Inside

ISSN 1838-8124

| $4.95 |

NO BUSINESS LIKE SNOW BUSINESS

MORWELL REVISITED Open all hours

Mt Baw Baw and Dinner Plain

wEDDING SPECIAL

Celebrating Weddings Gippsland Style

MORE DEALS INSIDE

+ REGULAR FEATURES Horoscope | Book Reviews | Canine Corner | Puzzle | Cartoon

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170 fully self-contained 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments Modern ‘hotel style’ Resort Rooms 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments are equipped with BBQ’s and have large terraces or balconies Indoor heated pool, outdoor pool, gym, spa & sauna Illuminated tennis and basketball courts Games room with table tennis, air hockey and children’s pool table Bouncy jumping pillows Complimentary WiFi

• Open 7 days • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner • 180 degree views overlooking Westernport Bay • Extensive Wine List • Complimentary WiFi

Resort: 03 5671 9300 / Fax: 03 5671 9301 Address: 17 Potters Hill Road, (PO Box 94), San Remo Vic 3925 E: info@silverwaterresort.com.au W: www.silverwaterresort.com.au

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thelifestyle winter 2014

editorial Front Cover: The Riversleigh Boutique

Accommodation & Function Centre

Photo supplied by The Riversleigh Journalists: Ann Pulbrook, Alexandra McManus,

Amber Rhodes Cherry Prior ‑and Lyn Skillern Wedding Feature Writer: Ann Pulbrook Photographers: Amber Rhodes and James Pell Editor: Maree Bradshaw Creative: Alex Smirnakos

Welcome to the 19th Edition of Gippsland The Lifestyle

Winter is finally here!

In this edition we have the usual array of various features and we are happy to introduce two new feature writers - Amber Rhodes and Cherry Prior to our magazine.

There are many highlights in this edition and we have showcased the township of Morwell, which was devastated by the coal mine fires earlier in the year and the recovery and resilience of the local community is evident.

We bring a touch of Hollywood with Drouin’s very own Craig Fison, fresh from his latest set design on a movie being made in Melbourne called “The Moon and the Sun”, starring Pierce Brosnan. Craig’s expertise with design can be seen at The French Pear Café in Drouin.

With winter, one thinks of snow. Mt Baw Baw and Dinner Plain are highlighted.

Both mountain ranges are in close proximity of major towns in Gippsland and certainly worth a visit or a holiday to enjoy the breathtaking mountain ranges.

The Warragul Pacing Cup was held in April, and we have presented a feature on the Cup and the people behind the scenes that make this a great day on the Warragul Harness Racing calendar.

There is plenty to like about Gippsland The Lifestyle, many varied features, great photography and we offer a special thankyou to all of our clients, new and old.

index

Maree and Doug Pell Our Pride Our Place

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contents

Page 14 - 16 Belgravia Leisure Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort – Snow Business Page 22 - 23 Colmac Homes – A Personalised Home Created by a Family Business Page 26 - 27 Ann Waller – A Power Woman – Running a Passionate Real Estate Page 31 All-Beethoven Duo Recital – Musicians Hit the High Notes in Warragul Page 32 - 33 The Old Drouin Butter Factory and The Red Fox Café Page 34 - 36 Craig Fison Designs – Set Director and Designer Page 42 - 44 Building a Legacy – Bert Dennis – Dennis Family Homes Page 48 - 50 Gippsland Power Football Club – Young Talent to AFL Ranks Page 52 - 53 Avenues of Honour – “Lest We Forget” Page 54 - 55 Space Flooring & Interiors Incorporating Jill McClen Interior Design Page 87 Meeniyan Traders Visit Morwell Page 88 - 89 Morwell Feature Story – Back in Business Page 90 Latrobe Regional Gallery Exhibitions Page 91 Traralgon Bowls Club Picture Gallery – Australia v New Zealand Page 92 - 93 Dan Clancey – Modern Day Story-Teller Page 96 - 97 Traralgon Cancer Council – Help Fight Cancer Page 98 - 99 Sale Greyhound Club Feature Story Page 100 2014 Mirboo North Arty Gras Picture Feature Page 100 2014 Regional Victoria Living Expo Picture Feature Page 104 - 105 Gippsland Racing Training Centre Page 106 – 108 The Warragul Pacing Cup 2014 Page 112 – 113 Darren Coggan On the Peace Train – The Cat Stevens Story

wedding special Page 61

Page 62 to 83

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Wedding Introduction and Index Gippsland Wedding Features

regular features

Page 5 Editorial/Features Page 6 Index of Advertisers Page 94 Winter in West Gippsland with Laurie Collins Page 101 Calendar of Winter Events Page 102 The RedBook Shop Book Review Page 109 Winter Markets Page 111 Wonthaggi Medical Centre – 2014 Budget Announcements Page 115 Foster’s Little Book Shop – The Book Nook Review Page 116 Chrissy’s Winter Horoscope Page 118 Ali Fullard’s Art Page Page 119 Canine Corner Page 120 Cartoon by Steve White Page 120 Winter Puzzle Page 121 Where Do You Get It? - Our Major Outlets

thelifestyle winter 2014

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index advertisers Our Advertisers

Page 25 Aherns Fruit Market & Fine Foods Page 21 Ali’s Art Studio Page 45 Auto Nation Direct Page 17 Belgravia Leisure – Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort Page 65 Bellevue on the Lakes Page 64 Blossoms & Branches FLORIST Page 122 - 123 Blue Hills Rise Page 21 Briagolong Cottage B&B Page 41 The Caledonian Hotel Page 82 - 83 Cakes by Karen Page 4 Coal Creek Community Park & Museum Page 9 Colmac Homes Page 95 Darcy’s Café & Wine Bar Page 38 - 39 dcsi We do Internet.

Page 40 Dinner Plain Page 75 Decorations by Annelise Page 58 Drouin Signs & Digital Printing Page 87 Eat…Live… Fresh Café & Provedore Page 7 Edney’s Leongatha Page 21 & 60 Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre Page 20 Evans Petroleum Page 31 The Fat Seagull Page 57 The Feminine Touch Page 24 Foster Seafoods Page 37 French Pear Café Page 8 Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee Page 29 The Greenhouse Garden Centre & Café Page 46 - 47 GrowMaster Traralgon Page 114 Inline 4 Café Page 78 - 79 Italian Australian Sporting Club Page 60 Kasama Décor Page 91 Latrobe Regional Gallery Page 91 Latrobe City Page 18 Laurie Collins Sculpture Page 51 Leongatha RSL Page 117 Le House of Yum Page 69 Lisa Jayne Bridal Wear Page 124 Massaro Motors Page 70 Maureena Tilley Celebrant Page 86 Mezza Luna Café Page 73 Montfort Manor Page 85 Moos at Meeniyan Page 68 MY Leongatha Beauty Care Page 19 95 on Seymour Page 86 Oaktree Boutique Page 59 Paint Place Group of Stores Page 30 Peter Ryan MLA Page 103 The Red Book Shop & Coffee Cog Page 28 & 64 Red Chocolate Tree Page 33 The Red Fox Café Page 62 - 63 The Riversleigh Page 18 R U fit Page 60 The Scarf Wall Page 71 Shimmer Marquees Page 2 Silverwater Resort Page 56 Space Flooring and Interiors Page 84 Stony Creek Go-Karts Page 18 The 3 Cheeky Monkeys Page 86 Thrifty Eyewear Page 72 2 Di 4 Catering Page 81 Toms Cap Vineyard Page 12 - 13 Traralgon Bowls Club Page 10 - 11 & 64 Treehouse Living Page 3 Valley Prestige BMW Page 75 Warragul Harness Racing Club – Danny’s The Venue Page 110 Wonthaggi Medical Group Page 64 & 121 Wonthaggi Newsagency

Page 61 to 83

Photo by Amber Rhodes

SALES & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Please contact: Doug Pell Phone: 0404 301 333 Email: thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au Or check out our website at www.thelifestylemagazine.com.au Like Us On Facebook at: Gippsland The Lifestyle Magazine 6

thelifestyle winter 2014

is printed by bluestar PRINT 3 Nursery Avenue, Clayton Business Park, Clayton, Vic 3168 Australia Telephone: (03) 8514 6000 Fax: (03) 8514 6199 www.bluestargroup.com.au

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Exciting future for treehouse living Well-known Gippsland Fashion professional, Sally Vanstan has taken on a new and exciting venture – Treehouse Living.

Sally is looking forward to teaming her extensive experience in local fashion retail with her love for interior design and décor at the Traralgon based homeware store.

“Design and homewares have always been a passion for me.

Over the past two years Judith has created a beautiful store filled with unique and beautiful pieces. I look forward to continuing this creativity into the future,” said Sally.

Treehouse Living is a unique lifestyle store specialising in stylish homewares and gifts. The product range includes fun pieces that enable customers to express their individuality with bright new additions to their home.

The collection is carefully sourced from local designers and international suppliers.

Additional services include in-house interior design, a bridal registry and an online store. www.treehouseliving.com.au www.facebook.com/TreehouseAU

Ask us about our Interior Design Service We can help you with: f Design and colour advice f Furniture and room layout f Concept design boards f Furniture sourcing f Homewares /accessories f Children’s room & nursery décor & design f Plans / prospective drawings

“Design Packages available” treehouse living 14 Breed St Traralgon VIC 3844 P: (03) 5176 2809 E: info@treehouseliving.com.au 10

thelifestyle winter 2014

treehouse living Homewares & Design

Always something new to discover

14 Breed St Traralgon VIC 3844 P: (03) 5176 2809 www.treehouseliving.com.au www.facebook.com/TreehouseAU thelifestyle autumn 2014

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Traralgon Bowls Club

Our bistro is open 7 days a week lunch and dinner. Ensure to book to avoid disappointment.

Traralgon Bowls Club... More than just a bowls club!

Join as a member from as little as $2 per year.

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 12

thelifestyle winter summer 2014 2013-14

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 just 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.

visit www.traralgonbowls.com.au

thelifestyle thelifestyle summer winter 2013-14 2014

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SNOwBUSINESS

Visitors can anticipate an enhanced experience at Mt Baw Baw this winter following the recent appointment of external company Belgravia Leisure to manage the resort for the next twelve months.

“Although our initial contract with Mt Baw Baw is only a short-term arrangement at this stage, we certainly have an awareness of the need to approach our work with the long-term vision in mind,” McIntosh comments.

The announcement was made by the Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort Management Board in April following a public tender process.

“We appreciate that the resort has to be financially sustainable in order to reduce the burden on the taxpayer. We will therefore be seeking to identify ways to increase revenue and operate more efficiently.”

Despite the handicap of a poor snow season in 2013, Belgravia Leisure was able to demonstrate some immediate improvements to services and operations at Lake Mountain and will be looking to apply the same principles in its work with Mt Baw Baw.

Belgravia Leisure has a proven track record of success as a private management operator and possesses the credentials to meet the challenges of fashioning Mt Baw Baw into a more vibrant centre.

“At Lake Mountain we have quickly developed very positive stakeholder relationships with the resort and Marysville businesses to allay any fears that we are motivated by commercial selfinterest,” McIntosh explains.

Belgravia Leisure brings a wealth of management experience to Mt Baw Baw and will be seeking to utilise its extensive operating network within its planning for the year ahead.

“Mount Baw Baw is a wonderful tourist destination with fantastic natural assets and year round activities. It has so much to offer already, yet we certainly believe there is great potential for us to create an even better experience for everyone who visits the resort,” says Belgravia Leisure General Manager of Operations, Anthony McIntosh.

“We currently manage over eighty diverse operations and each year have in excess of thirty million visits to the facilities our company manages across Australia. We look forward to applying this knowledge and experience to Mount Baw Baw to enhance and expand the guest services and experiences available on the mountain,” he adds.

Another of the company’s key aims will be to reduce the resort’s reliance on State Government funding. Belgravia Leisure will work closely with the Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort Management Board in developing a plan to secure investment in the resort to ensure its long-term sustainability.

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thelifestyle winter 2014

Resort in Abu Dhabi. The company already has experience in the snowfield sector, having managed Lake Mountain for the past 18 months.

“We created a Winter Wonderland and introduced a snow making festival amongst a range of new events and activities designed to give people more reasons to come and stay at the resort. Everyone benefits from more people visiting.”

Having to hit the ground running at Mt Baw Baw following its recent appointment, Belgravia Lesiure is presently finalising its plans for the upcoming winter and summer ahead.

The company operates across a range of business areas which include sports stadiums, aquatic centres, health clubs, tourist attractions, hospitality venues, golf courses and tennis centres.

Its clients are located throughout Australia, whilst overseas Belgravia Leisure also manages the prestigious Al Forsan International Sports

“We will be utilising our connections to help boost visitation and introducing initiatives to enhance the guest experience in both the white season and the green season,” Mcintosh states.

“Throughout our operation, we deal with over three hundred schools, forty two Local Governments and wide range of disability programs within our facilities. This reach offers

mountBawBaw AT A GLANCE Mt Baw Baw is located 120 km east of Melbourne and 50 km north of the Latrobe Valley.

Given the nature of the terrain and the lift network, the Mt Baw Baw snowfields are ideal for the snowboarder, downhill and cross country skier during winter.

With over 35 hectares of groomed runs, seven ski lifts, two snow play areas, 10kms of groomed x-country ski trails and unlimited terrain amongst the snowgums to explore, you will be hard pressed to find a better outdoor venue so close to Melbourne.

Mt Baw Baw is a family friendly alpine resort, offering dog sled tours during winter, group snowsports lessons and affordable family accommodation packages.

huge potential for attracting new visitors to the mountain.

“It is also our intention to utilise our expertise to add value to the visitor experience, so that it is not as dependent on the availability of snow.”

According to McIntosh, many of the changes that Belgravia Leisure plans to introduce at Mt Baw Baw will be subtle improvements.

“We will be looking to make things easier and better for visitors from the moment they arrive, including access to information and assistance.

A number of enhancements are also being planned for the Mt Baw Baw website to make everything as easy as possible,” he says.

“Mt Baw Baw already has an active events calendar throughout the year. We plan to add value to the existing program with a view to making the events self-sustaining.”

The official winter season commences on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June and continues until the end of September.

As Mcintosh observes, Mt Baw Baw has many desirable attributes which make it a fantastic destination for people of all ages at any time of the year.

“Mt Baw Baw is only two and a half hours from Melbourne and just an hour from the heart of Gippsland, so it is really accessible for everyone,” he notes.

During the warmer months, Mt Baw Baw comes alive with spectacular wildflowers. The resort’s walking trails link to a wider network of trails within the Baw Baw National Park and also the Great Alpine Walking Trail. The resort is also home to a national standard downhill mountain bike trail which is open most weekends during summer.

The Village Restaurant is open 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day) offering delicious meals using locally sourced produce and spectacular views across West Gippsland.

The Village Restaurant also takes group bookings for conferences, special occasions and weddings. Ph: 03 5165 1123.

The village, with its friendly atmosphere and modern facilities caters for the day tripper and long term visitor. With accommodation, ski hire, food outlets, retail, medical and information centres all within easy walking distance of the car parks, the village is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area.

thelifestyle winter 2014

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Handy hints for visitors to Mt Baw Baw

“The resort is primarily geared for first-time or inexperienced skiers. It is a beautiful setting and one of the only local mountains that offers treelined skiing.”

McIntosh also urges readers not to underestimate Mt Baw Baw’s summer drawcards.

“Activity in the green season months centres around mountain bike riding and bush walking.

Mt Baw Baw has twenty seven kilometres of downhill and cross country bike riding roads. If any bike rider wants to challenge themselves, the hill from the gate to the top of the mountain is actually the steepest in the southern hemisphere and second steepest in the world,” he remarks.

Visitors to Mt Baw Baw in the summer months can also enjoy access to the resort’s open air spa

and gymnasium. The summer events program is highlighted by an annual kids’ festival.

“It really is an all year natural environment,” McIntosh emphasises.

Whether you are contemplating a casual day trip or considering a longer stay in accommodation on the mountain this winter, Mcintosh has a key fundamental message to all prospective visitors.

“People are asking whether they should book, in case there is no snow. My answer is always the same. There’ll be plenty to do at Mt Baw Baw irrespective of weather conditions and you’ll have a great time,” he assures.

Photos supplied by Belgravia Leisure

PAY RESORT ENTRY ONLINE BEFORE LEAVING HOME All vehicles stopping in the Resort must have a valid Resort Entry Permit. Avoid the queues and pay online before leaving home.

BOOK A LESSON If it’s your first time to the snow, or you want to improve your snow skills, http:// mountbawbaw.com.au/snow/snowsports-school group or private lessons are available to build your snow confidence.

WATERPROOF YOUR CLOTHING It’s a good idea to spray your boots and snow gear with waterproof spray a few days before heading up the mountain.

FILL UP ON THE WAY Make sure you have enough fuel in the tank before beginning your ascent, as there is no petrol station on the mountain.

ANTI-FREEZE Don’t forget to add anti-freeze if you use diesel fuel in your car.

MONITOR THE WEATHER Check the http://mountbawbaw.com.au/ conditions/mountain-report/ Mountain Conditions Page on the Mt Baw Baw website before you leave home. Be prepared for all weather conditions and ensure you have warm, waterproof clothing and footwear.

STOCK UP BEFORE YOU ARRIVE Only basic supplies are available on mountain from our General Store, including long life milk, snacks and limited toiletries.

DON’T TRUST YOUR GPS Some GPS systems don’t work in the region. Rely on directional maps and road signage.

ORGANISE CHAINS Tyre chains MUST be carried during the declared snow season regardless of snow conditions. Chains are available for hire on your way up the mountain. Please note, ladder chains are prohibited at Mt Baw Baw.

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thelifestyle winter 2014

Great Range of European toys with a difference

Open 7 Days a Week

Our toys need only imagination no batteries 3/97 Princes Highway, Yarragon

5634 2861

Visit our new website: www.the3cheekymonkeys.com.au

www.facebook.com/The3CheekyMonkeys

Like us on facebook

R U Fit is a vibrant, unique, enthusiastic, motivational Boxing and Fitness Studio where they make fitness fun; and with their highly qualified staff, they tailor fitness programs to suit people of all ages and fitness levels.

HOURS Mon to Thu: 6am to 7pm Fri: 6am to 5pm Sat: 7am to 9.30pm 14 Wood Street BAIRNSDALE, Vic 3875 Ph: (03) 5152 5009 www.rufit.com.au 18

thelifestyle winter 2014

Julie is the proprietor at 95 on Seymour; she purchased the boutique 2 years ago. Prior to this venture, Julie had The Feminine Touch Boutique for 13 years.

She, along with her staff, enjoy outfitting customers. They enjoy making buying or browsing a pleasant experience.

The store is constantly changing, with a wide variety of labels Mela Purdie, Andiamo, Jump, Vigorella to name a few.

Unique jewellery and accessories are available.

Monday to Thursday: 9.00am - 5.30pm Friday: 9.00am - 6.00pm Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm

Seymour St, Traralgon VIC 3844 (03) 5174 0550

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

Castrol Distribution Centre For Gippsland

Foster 94 Main Street, Foster Vic 3960 Tel/Fax: 5682 2008 Email: foster@evanspetroleum.com.au

Inverloch 25 Williams Street, Inverloch Vic 3996 Tel/Fax: 5674 1442 Email: inverloch@evanspetroleum.com.au

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

Leongatha

In February 2013 Evans Petroleum was appointed the BP fuels and lubricants distributor and authorized distributor of Castrol lubricants for Gippsland. With the central depot in Shakespeare Street Traralgon, which compliments the existing depots in Leongatha and Sale, the commitment was given by BP Australia to fully support the evolvement of Evans Petroleum as its key distributor to the Gippsland region.

This move involves the sales of BP fuels and lubricants to the region and the distribution of the Castrol products to their captive customers as well as the Evans’ local customers, and was indeed a major change for the Evans’ family and staff.

With a team of four looking after the day-to-day stock, movements headed by local sporting identity Tim Roscoe, the team are committed to providing the best of customer service to the Gippsland region in sales of fuels and lubricants to all ranges of business, from farming to quarrying and transport. There is no amount too small or too large that can’t be catered for by the Traralgon team, with the depot open from 8-00 am until 5-00 pm Monday to Friday.

A key attribute to the Traralgon depot is the ability to access fuel from the unmanned facility out front 24 hours a day. Evans Petroleum customers are able to purchase fuels on their account using the BP Distributor Card and the general public can access using a large range of credit cards. Diesel and Unleaded products are available at the site and enquiries regarding accounts etc can be made through the depot office or by visiting the Evans website on www.evanspetroleum.com.au.

Tanker driver Kevin Siddle, lube truck driver Sean Ward and depot attendant Kevin Taylor have vast experience in the oil industry and understand what their customer expectations are and certainly do their utmost to achieve a high standard of service for their customers. This is a trademark of the Evans Petroleum team which is something they are proud to recognize.

The full range of BP and Castrol lubricants as well as products such as Ad Blue can be purchased at the depot and a range of dispensing equipment such as nozzles and filters is also available to assist the farming trade.

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

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

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

Sale 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 Tanker Driver - Kevin Siddle Evans Petroleum look forward to assisting customers with their petroleum needs and welcome prospective clients to give us a call or call in and ask us about our offers.

Manager Tim Roscoe with Depot Attendant Kevin Taylor

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

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

Traralgon Depot 23-29 Shakespeare Street, Traralgon

Tel: 5174 1138 Email: Tim@evanspetroleum.com.au Manager: Tim Roscoe

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thelifestyle winter 2014

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

Prints | Drawings | Watercolours | Mixed Media | Digital images | Original cards “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

PRESENTER PRESENTS BELL SHAKESPEARE’S

2013–2014 TOUR

Melbourne Ballet Company

BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE D I R E CTO R D A M I E N RYA N

PROUDLY PRESENTS

MBC On Air While the highest levels of classical and contemporary ballet is embraced and explored - This program has been carefully constructed in dedication and in celebration of the human experience… This highly acclaimed selection of work allows the audience to escape into a world of emotion, beauty and passion.

John Leslie Theatre, Sale Sunday August 3 at 8.00pm

Box Office: 5143 3200 www.ebbwec.com.au

“lyrical, generous, and optimistic” THE AGE

“a program of thoroughly enjoyable contemporary ballet.”

DANCE AUSTRALIA

“energetic, evolving and constantly unfolding” DANCE INFORMA

John Leslie Theatre, Sale Friday August 8 at 8.00pm Bookings Box Office: 5143 3200 www.ebbwec.com.au

A personalised home created by a family business

By Ally McManus

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thelifestyle winter 2014

Owners: Bradley Coleman and Jason McMillan

The business offers a wide range of facilities for customers, helping them achieve their dream home from a simple idea in their head. Colmac Homes’ in-house draftsman then draws up each house plan, only charging $350 for custom designed houses, (free for any of Colmac home designs), before getting started on building the client’s dream home. Alan says Colmac Homes offers clients a simple set up, easy accessibility and great quality building and materials. “We cater for all clients, whether it’s a 10 square house to an 80 square house,” he says. The company chooses materials that are true to their high quality name, to match a customer’s idea on paper with a building in reality.

Colmac Homes have reached such success from their strong workmanship. “We use local trades, who have all been a part of the Colmac family for a long time,” Alan adds. The company is proud of their family ties and attempts to disperse this into each and every home they create.

For a new family home whether big or small, go no further than Colmac Homes. The family run business will turn 10-years-old in August and is where your dreams on paper are put into in a new home. Colmac Homes began as a joint venture between cousins Jason McMillan and Bradley Coleman, who went to trade school together with their grandfather. They realised early on that this is the sort of company they’d like to run and their business continues to keep its family ties in their hometown of Sale.

With 50 local subcontractors and 12 staff members, the Gippsland team provides qualitybuilding services to locals. In 2012 they were also in the Regional Master Builder Association Awards for the South East Region, winning Best Display Home in the $200,000 - $300,000 category.

Even though their busiest time of the year is often in Spring coming up to Christmas, March this year was their busiest month ever in sales.

They build properties all the way from Trafalgar to Lake Tyers, so their work is also scattered all around the region.

Colmac Homes provide about 50 floor plans for customers to choose from, but primarily advertise custom home build-ups, as they are the majority of work for the business. They also offer lifestyle and platinum ranges to cater for all their clientele. “Clients can come in and decide before signing a piece of paper exactly what they’re getting, they can see the selections they have - their vanities, baths, toilets, carpets,” says Alan, Colmac Homes’ Business Development Manager.

“It’s a family business that we take a lot of pride in the workmanship that we do,” he says, adding that they value being as accommodating as possible to their clients.

Colmac Homes will be launching their new range of homes in Spring after their 10 year anniversary.

The business is also planning to open a new set of display homes in Traralgon later this year, on top of their current display home in Shannon Waters, Bairnsdale. Their motto is ‘our family business building your family home’, and this philosophy is indicative of the company’s success as all-rounded regional builders.

thelifestyle winter 2014

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Foster Seafoods For all the best in fresh seafood, there is none better than Foster Seafoods

This shop has everything for the seafood lover. Apart from the fantastic produce on offer, you will get the very best in service from the owners Alice and Lachie Duncan and their shop staff. The freshest and best fish caught locally within Corner Inlet and Bass Strait. With catches of Inlet fish arriving daily at the shop, you can be assured that the quality is second to none and as always first class service.

Specialising in Local Fish

35 Main Street, Foster, Vic 3960 Tel/Fax: (03) 5682 2815 Contact: Alice and Lachie Duncan

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 spring 2012

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Retirement-Aged running a passionate real estate business At the ripe age of 64, independent real estate business owner Ann Waller only laments one thing in her life - that she didn’t get into this profession earlier. She moved to Gippsland with her husband in 2000 and worked in a few different trades for four years. After this stint she became adamant she wanted to run her own real estate business here in Paynesville; and after acquiring her Real Estate Licence from Swinburne University in Melbourne, she hasn’t looked back since. “I thought if I didn’t do it then, then I never would,” Ann tells me.

I meet the bubbly woman at her Paynesville office and it sure is an inviting place from the outside. The business is very appealing with bright colours and the beach cottage-style reminds me of a coastal café, which I learn later on is possibly on her career agenda anyway. The relaxed feel to the place is what Ann wanted to achieve. “I wanted to be different,” she says, while adding she’s received excellent feedback from Melbourne and locally about her office, “they walk in and feel very comfortable here”.

I find out early on that Ann absolutely adores her career. “I love it…I believe in any job you’ve got to be passionate about it otherwise you may as well not do the job”. She also works seven

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Power Woman

days a week, but “it doesn’t feel like it,” she says.

This might be from her laid back personality that shines through as I chat to her. “I just love what I do, I guess that’s half the battle”.

Ann finds the best parts of her job are the interaction with people and matching them to a perfect property. “I think if I give my best effort to my customers, then we’ll get a great result.”

Her philosophy is about adding a personal touch to each sale and she tells me her new slogan is “sold, happily pleased and mooooved on!” Ann definitely loves to be busy. Along with running her business, she has a Property Of The Day program with local community radio REG FM that runs at 8:30am each weekday.

I find out about a sentimental moment in Ann’s real estate career from something on a shelf in her office. As she hands the framed object to me, I realise it’s her first thank you letter from certain homebuyers. I can tell by the look on her face that she’s very proud of this letter and she has displayed it in her office ever since receiving it. Ann then adds she’s re-selling the house of her first letter writers, reiterating the strong relationships she makes with her clients. She also takes photos with her customers whenever there’s a sale and stores them as keepsakes.

By Ally McManus

Ann loves the area she works in, where she believes the opportunities are endless, calling her town “Paynesville paradise”. She also admits however it’s a very seasonal town that is that little bit further from Melbourne than places like the La Trobe Valley. Nonetheless, she adds that the town is full and busy around summer, the Easter weekend and Melbourne Cup weekend.

I ask Ann about her favourite area to sell real estate where I learn about her love for Raymond Island. It is actually where she was going to live at one point with her husband, then adds she has resold that cottage they were going to buy numerous times. “I’m very passionate about the island and we have been successful with sales there.”

She also loves another local town called Eagle Point, and calls it ‘the lady in waiting’ because she feels it’s still waiting to be discovered.

We get onto the topic of the current developments in Paynesville, which Ann expresses some concerns about. Around the entry into the town there are lots of houses in the process of being built close to each other, and Ann attributes this

to “developer’s greed”. She believes that this cramped style of homes isn’t what Paynesville is all about, but adds that she isn’t against development in the town completely. “I think healthy development’s great, but you can also have developer’s greed”.

When I ask about her favourite sale, Ann thinks about this question for a while. A smile then comes to her face as she tells me about her first sale in Wellington Street, which was quite special to her. She also has another property that resonates with her, she tells me about this home. It is a property that she recently sold in Swan Cove, on the back of Raymond Island.

It was quite special to her, given her avid love for the Island and her trust in the buyers. “I was thrilled,” she tells me, adding that the owners have “the passion for the property like the people that built it, who had been there for forty years”.

She doesn’t stop smiling as she tells me about this property. “That’s what I call a special sale, where that was a good match. The vendors were so passionate about the house”.

We then chat about something quite different to real estate, yet it links in perfectly. Ann’s sevenyear-old Labrador called Bonnie is not only part of her family, but is also a strong part of the business. “She’s really the mascot for the office,” Ann tells me, and when I meet the Lab, I know exactly what she means. Bonnie is very popular with Ann’s clientele and friends, “everyone knows her in Paynesville.” She even wanders around the town receiving lots of love (and edible goods) from the locals. Along with her wandering, she keeps Ann company every day at work, developing her own individual rapport with clients.

We talk about Ann's future plans for the business, as she feels she’s running out of time to keep advancing at this age. I would have loved to get into real estate when I was young, and I would be retired now…but in our day, you didn’t think of real estate,” She is saying this as she remembers real estate wasn’t a female-orientated profession when she was younger. She even remembers though how she loved looking over the real estate pages from newspapers in her younger days; the passion was already ingrained in her from then.

Despite being retirement aged in the prime of her career, Ann still has future plans for business – to develop a real estate café. She believes that if she hired a good enough barista, then she could give customers not only great business from a property perspective, but also a great cup of coffee or tea at the same time. From the style of her business I can see how this idea would suit her perfectly; Ann sure has ambition and drive as an independent businesswoman.

“Once I lose the passion I guess I’ll go,” she tells me. “As long as I can maintain a passion for what I love and what I do, I can’t see myself retiring.”

She has worked throughout her entire life, even while raising her three children. This hardworking part of Ann, what defines her personality and ethic, definitely won’t leave without a fight.

Photos by Ally McManus

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Red Chocolate Tree is the fusion of a dream and a desire to create individual handmade chocolates and select patisserie items.

A selection of handmade Chocolates, Macarons, Eclairs and French Patisserie items are available every day. Serving 'Sacred Grounds' Fairtrade Organic Coffee and Tea Blossoms Teas.

All products are made on the premises using premium quality products.

Special orders can be catered for - birthdays, engagements, weddings, a thank you or simply - just for you!

Mon - Fri: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

Ph: (03) 5144 1445 28

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HOURS: Sat: 9.30am - 4:30pm

Sun: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Shop 3, 64 Cunninghame Street, Sale, 3850 Em: info@redchocolatetree.com.au Web: www.redchocolatetree.com.au

The Greenhouse — Garden Centre & Café

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Hearty Brunch / Lunch Menu Freshly Roasted Allpress Coffee 30 Types of T2 Tea Plants for Sale Cosy and Relaxed Setting Comfortable Cushioned Seating

The Greenhouse Garden Centre & Café 25 Main Street, Foster Vic 3960 Tel: 5682 1930 Open 7 days per week 9.00am to 4.00pm

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All Beethoven Duo Recital

Garfield & Drouin Musicians Hit the High Notes in Warragul Words by Kayren Browne

In an exclusive occasion for West Gippsland music lovers, Garfield cellist Joan Evans and Drouin pianist Brian Chapman joined forces for the first time and presented a most captivating program in the superb acoustic ambience at Wesley of Warragul - their All-Beethoven DuoRecital.

The first half of the program opened with a beautifully tuneful early work, the highly expressive and virtuosic Sonata in G minor, Op.5 No.2, complemented by the emotionally charged Sonata in C major, Op.102 No.1 from his late period.

It was a chilly, first day of winter, but the audience was treated to the warmth and high energy of two of Australia’s highly respected classical musicians.

After interval, the second part of the recital commenced with another early work, the charming set of Seven Variations on ‘Bei Mannern, Welch Leibe fuhlen’ from Mozarts’s ‘Magic Flute’.

The program featured works drawn from all three of Beethoven’s well recognised distinctive styles and scored especially for piano and cello.

The concert concluded with the uplifting Sonata in A major, Op.69 from the composer’s heroically inspired middle period. It was a

finale which left the audience spellbound by the incredible performance energy and technique of cellist Joan and pianist Brian.

Arts and entertainment continue to grow and become important components of Gippsland’s lifestyle and are major attractions to people who are considering moving out of the city to a “tree change”. It is with great anticipation we hope to see and hear more of our talented local duo – Brian and Joan - in the seasons to come!

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the Old The Old Butter Factory in Drouin has seen a lot of changes over the years. Built in 1889 it has gone from producing skim milk, butter and cheese, to supplying milk to the Melbourne market, then becoming a grain mill, to finally housing The Red Fox Cafe.

Drouin

most unlikely surfaces with her quirky designs.

As well as murals on the walls, she has also painted chairs, doors and even parts of the bathrooms. Often, while busy in the kitchen, she will hear patrons calling out to friends to come check out the paintings in the loo, which always brings a smile to her face.

of months. The collection will entail forty pieces of work and will range between digital media, abstract pieces and more whimsical art. The next exhibition will be called 'Time' and artists are welcome to submit anything to do with this subject.

Wendy Olsen, who runs the art gallery, restaurant, wine bar and cafe, is a strong, determined woman. The idea for the business was shared with her partner, something they poured a lot of time, energy and passion into.

After her honeymoon her husband was tragically diagnosed with cancer, and during his illness he made a series of lists of things he wanted to achieve, which Wendy decided to follow after he passed away. Despite the difficulties of losing her husband Wendy decided to forge ahead with their shared dream and open the business.

Renovations began in November of 2012, with the business finally opening its doors twelve months later. The owners of the property, Margaret and Ken O'Donnell, went on to offer the upstairs area to lease, as well as downstairs, and this formed the gallery section of her business.

Months were spent sourcing furniture for the restaurant and bar. All the chairs and tables are timber, as she was conscience of using natural materials, and the bar is made out of an old boat. Wendy has put a lot of herself into the renovations and it is easy to see why customers feel right at home.

Walking in, a mixture of different art work and giftware greets you as you make your way through the gallery. The mezzanine section at the back of the space is taken up by Sleak Art Supplies, a separate business owned by Sandra Kenny, and hidden away, like a doorway to a secret world, are the stairs leading down to The Red Fox Cafe.

“It is just a unique place, it's very quirky. We get a lot of people who come in here, bring a book and just sit down for hours,� said Wendy.

There is a whimsical quality to the bar and restaurant/cafe, where you could be mistaken in to thinking that you had just fallen down the rabbit hole in 'Alice in Wonderland'. With a background in art, Wendy has decorated the

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In the gallery the majority of the artwork is supplied by artists from the Gippsland area, which is something that Wendy likes to encourage. She aims to hold twelve exhibitions a year, with the next opening on the 23rd of May and running for a month.

The exhibition, entitled '40', will display the work of four local Drouin artists, including herself, who have all turned 40 in the last couple

In the future Wendy would love to see the theatre within the Old Butter Factory up and running where she would eventually like to have Blues and Jazz afternoons. She would also like to have more bands playing, with Fridays and Sundays set aside for live music.

Wendy's daughter, Cristelle, 19, works full time in the bar and cafe, and her son James, 14, works occasionally as the odd jobs man.

Together the family work hard to ensure the success of the business.

Butter factory

Words and Photographs

by Amber Rhodes

Business hours are Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 to 6pm, whilst on Fridays they are open until 11pm. They are also available for special functions, private bookings, parties and weddings.

The Red Fox Cafe

Hours Wednesday to Sunday 10.00am to 6.00pm Friday 10.00am to 11.00pm

Special Functions, Private Bookings, Parties & Weddings by appointment.

The Old Drouin Butter Factory

1 Main South Rd, Drouin ph: 0466 441 855

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FISON DESIGNS



By Cherry Prior

Craig Fison photographed by Scott Membry

Craig Fison was told, while still at school, to forget about art, that he would never do any good at it. He was instead advised to find an apprenticeship in the industrial heartland south of Perth where he grew up.

Hollywood film. Everything on Moulin Rouge was in the studios, everything was built, so all of the sets were going all the time. Wherever you’d go there’d be people in dancing costumes or rehearsing, and music playing. It was just dreamy.”

He ignored the advice.

As is the way with mothers, Craig’s mum saw as clearly as her young son that his future lay in creating. “My mum was talking about it only yesterday,” Craig says. “When I was about eight or nine I asked her if I could draw on the walls and she let me and I did big murals all over the walls.”

His first job was creating props for Myer store windows, and from those humble beginnings was born a career in set design, creation and props that has taken him across the globe working on some of the most famous movie productions of our times.

A Drouin resident, Craig cites working on Star Wars, Mission Impossible II, Cleopatra and Moulin Rouge among his achievements, but as long as he is working creatively, it seems, he is happy. “I just love creating and I love being physical. I love physically making things, painting and using my mind to solve problems.

On films I like the team environment, I like to work on a collaborative project,” he says.

Moulin Rouge, released more than a decade ago, was special not only for audiences, as Craig explains: “Moulin Rouge was particularly magical because it was music, costumes, set in the 1800s and it was Paris - so romantic and just lavish. It was like working on an old

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At age 49, however, the tide is turning. While he is currently working on a “dream job” – props for a film set in the 1700s called The Moon and the Sun, which features Pierce Brosnan and is being shot in Melbourne’s Docklands - now more than ever he finds that films have to be intensely alluring in a creative sense if they are to draw him away from projects closer to home.

In Drouin, for example, he has been given free reign to redesign the interior of the French Pear café and, as word spreads, he has been offered several other commissions both locally and further afield. It is a new direction that he finds gratifying, and it is one that makes use of his diverse skills, which include carpentry, painting, upholstery, sculpture, furniture design and more.

And, after three decades as a nomad, there’s also a desire to immerse himself in the community that has very quickly become his home. “I am wanting to put energy into Drouin itself. There’s an amazing collection of people in Drouin that I have become friends with and there’s this groundswell of people that want Drouin and Warragul to be places that draw people.

“The people that I have met they want to make the towns workable towns, so that there’s beautiful things in the town that make

Craig and Garbage Truck Stop on the set of 'Mary and Max' a stopmotion film

FOLLY photographed by Helen Timbury

New York 'Mary and Max'

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Craig on the set of 'Mary and Max'

people want to stop and enjoy and chat, so I have kind of put it into the French Pear at the moment. It (the redesign) is half way through, but my intention there and my belief is that the reason people travel is to immerse themselves in beautiful cultures and beautiful places, and so it should be where you live as well.

“Not only your own home but your own town should be incredible and beautiful and loved - and that creates employment, that creates happiness. So it’s more of a holistic view of what you can do in your community to make things better.”

While he is aiming not to ruffle any feathers with his enthusiasm, he is hoping that his energy will inspire others. “The radical knitting everywhere is lovely and fun but I think it needs to ramp up.

So I have got an idea for big totems through the town.” He’s also keen to see more focus

Craig awarded Most Outstanding Set Design with Amy Moss awarded Most Outstanding Director for 'Wild Dogs' (Off the Leash Theatre)

on Drouin and Warragul’s historic buildings.

“Warragul’s got a whole strip … and they’re stunning buildings and if they were all done up beautifully it would just be a magic entrance to the town.

“I want to inspire people, not ruffle feathers.

There’s nothing better than getting people excited about themselves, where they live and being happy, and it’s easy, it’s not a hard job to be positive.”

Some of Craig's artwork at the French Pear Café

Craig's mother in the French Pear Café

CRAIG FISON

Art Director on 'Mary and Max'

All photos of 'Mary and Max' taken

by Suzy Wood

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Further information about Craig’s work can be found on his website www.craigfison.com.au & www.offtheleashtheatre.com.au/#!about2/c1d64

The French Pear CafĂŠ offers top quality service, coffee and freshly made food. Come in and see us and tempt your tastebuds.

Hours Monday to Friday 7.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 8.30am to 2.00pm

85 Princes Way, Drouin Vic 3818 Tel: 5625 4383 Like Us On Facebook

our history 1991 inception

Drouin Computer Services (DCS) opens its doors in Drouin, offering computer systems for sale and associated IT support services to local homes and businesses.

1995 dial-up Your local ISP, since 1995

DCSI is a local Internet Service Provider based in Warragul, Victoria, offering broadband Internet, phone, and webhosting solutions Australia-wide.

We offer a broad range of services and plans to suit homes and businesses, with competitive pricing and a friendly local support team.

We move to Victoria Street, Warragul, and begin offering the first local dial-up internet service – no more long distance call charges. Two Apple Mac servers run the whole show, and our backhaul to the wider internet is provided by a 64Kbps ISDN line, which eventually moved to 128 and finally 256Kbps.

1997 webhosting

We begin providing webhosting services for business and residential customers, powered by Linux-based Cobalt RaQ servers.

1998 broadband

We upgrade our backhaul to a one-way satellite connection, with the satellite link providing the downstream bandwidth, and an ISDN line handling the upstream.

2000 division

As demand for internet services grows, DCS splits its business, with the computer sales and support becoming Leading Edge Computers, and the internet services becoming Drouin Computer Services and Internet – DCSI.

2002 wireless

DCSI starts building its fixed wireless network, beginning with two 802.11b access points in Warragul, and expanding to cover Drouin and Tynong shortly afterward.

2003 adsl

DCSI begins providing ADSL services in Victoria, through wholesale partner Wholesale Communications Group (today known as M2 Wholesale). This year also saw us acquire the internet business of SYM-PAC Solutions Pty Ltd, merging their dial-up customer base with our own.

2004 relocation

DCSI moves to its current location at 64 Queen St, Warragul. The Trango M2400S wireless system is rolled out at towers across Gippsland, offering ADSL-grade performance wirelessly at distances of up to 40KM.

2008 dslams

We complete the arduous process of installing our own DSLAMs at the Warragul phone exchange, allowing us to provide extremely competitive ADSL2+ in Warragul.

2009 3g

DCSI adds 3G mobile broadband to its product lineup, leveraging the Optus network for coverage.

2010 phone & wimax

DCSI begins providing landline phone services to homes and businesses throughout Australia, and begins installing WiMAX and AirMax wireless access points throughout its Gippsland network, offering speeds of up to 12Mbps download.

2011 drouin adsl

We complete our DSLAM build in Drouin, expanding our on-net ADSL service to cover the town and surrounds.

2013 voip

We start to offer voice over IP (VoIP) to residential and business users, bringing super-cheap phone calls to the masses. We now have a 1Gbps fibre link to Melbourne, this is 16,000 times greater than the 64Kbps we started with in 1995.

today 38

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DCSI now offers NBN and fibre connections as well as continuing to offer high-performance, competitively priced broadband, webhosting and phone solutions with outstanding local support

WE DO INTERNET HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPETITIVE PRICES BROADBAND INTERNET PHONE WEB HOSTING WIRELESS PHONE SOLUTIONS DIRECT LOCAL SUPPORT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS NO CONTRACTS

Hours: Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm Address: 64 Queen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Phone: 1300 66 55 75 Fax: 1300 55 65 95 Email: support@dcsi.net.au Web: www.dcsi.net.au Follow us on facebook

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New Management The Caledonian hotel is being managed by Hamish Nelson assisted by his father Frank. Hamish has had many years’ experience in the hospitality industry. He has had experience in bread and pastry making, cheffing, bar management and hotel management. He has spent the last 11 years in the North East Region of Victoria, mainly at Dinner Plain, Mt Hotham and the Bright Region.

Our aim is to provide a safe environment for young and old, a Family Friendly atmosphere, an environment that you would feel at home in and enjoyable meals and fun at the bar.

New Chefs Shane Dight recently had 4 years’ experience at Moos at Meeniyan as Head Chef and amongst his other accomplishments, was Sous Chef at the Winter Olympics 2002 at Salt Lake City, America. Shane is ably assisted by Matt Matthews as Sous Chef.

What’s on at the Caledonian Hotel Tuesday Parma and Pot Night - $16.50 Thursday Steak Night - $20.00 Friday Live Entertainment Chase the Ace FREE Ticket with every Meal purchased Saturday Live Band Sunday All day $9 Pizzas + Normal Menu

As part of our new look for a friendly atmosphere TAB Facilities will be altered to Electronic Betting. Lounges will be brought in to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for both male and female. As part of these changes it will create an area around the bar where separate work and social functions can be held. A sports bar has been recreated incorporating: Tab and Sky Channel’s Fox Sport for the sporting enthusiasts + Social Pool

- OPEN I N G H OU R S Monday to Saturday Sunday LUNCH Monday to Sunday

10.00am to Late 11.00am to Late 12.00pm – 2.30pm

DINNER Sunday to Thursday Friday to Saturday

5.30pm – 8.30pm 5.30pm – 9.00pm

The Caledonian Hotel 153-155 Graham Street, Wonthaggi 3995 Phone: (03) 5672 1002

Building a Legacy Bert Dennis

There could hardly have been a more appropriate person to be invited to address the annual luncheon of the South Gippsland Group of Melbourne Legacy earlier this year than esteemed property industry statesman Bert Dennis.

Not only was Bert born in Gippsland, but he has also maintained a long association with Legacy, an organisation which provided vital support and assistance to his widowed mother during his impoverished childhood.

For Bert, the chance to return to the Gippsland region and at the same time honour his ongoing debt of gratitude to Legacy was an opportunity he did not hesitate to accept. Accompanied by his wife Dawn and youngest daughter

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Natalie, Bert travelled from Melbourne to attend the luncheon at the Leongatha RSL on 23rd February.

“We came down the day before and stayed overnight at the RACV Inverloch Resort to make it a weekend visit,“ Bert says.

“The Legacy luncheon in Leongatha was a very enjoyable event and I was delighted to be involved as the guest speaker. Legacy is a cause that remains close to my heart and is run by a group of very dedicated, hard working people.”

Bert Dennis OAM is one of the most respected figures in the Australian land and housing industry. As the Founding Chairman of

award-winning residential development and home building business the Dennis Family Corporation, his is a voice of experience and authority.

At 79, Bert’s views are still regularly sought on a range of topical industry related issues including housing affordability, development trends and population growth.

Bert’s success has been reward for years of perseverance, foresight and diligence, with a sprinkling of good luck along the way. His remarkable life story is a rags-to-riches tale which began in Gippsland with his birth in Sale on 12 April 1935 and on both sides of his family his roots are strongly entrenched in the region.

Bert’s mother Coy was born in 1907 and by the time she was about nine her family was living north of Maffra in Valencia Creek. They later moved to Myrtlebank, near Sale.

In September 1926 Coy married returned serviceman Stan Peters, who she met at the Fernbank Hall local dance. Stan had lived and worked in the Gippsland area since he was a teenager. He had been taken in by Ada and Thomas Dennis, a Fernbank couple with nine children of their own.

Stan had joined the AIF, survived the war and returned to Gippsland in 1918. He took up land at Myrtlebank under the government’s Soldier Settlement Scheme. Upon their marriage, Coy and Stan grew maize on the 48 acre property at first, before later concentrating on dairy.

Between April 1927 and October 1932, Coy and Stan celebrated the birth of three children – Evelyn Ivy Peters, Allan Stanley Peters and Irene Lorraine (Rene) Peters, before tragedy intervened soon after.

In January 1933, Stan was amongst a group of men who went fishing at Letts Beach. He became unwell on the trip, collapsed and died of heart failure.

Following the tragedy, Coy continued to manage the farm with the help of friends. One of Stan’s mates – George Walker Dennis – came to the property to lend a hand. Born in Stratford in 1891, George was one of the nine children of the Dennis family that had taken Stan Peters into their home in Fernbank during his youth.

Like Stan had done, George had also fought in Europe in the First World War. Coy and George married in Sale in February, 1934 and Bert was their first child. Born in Sale on 12 April 1935, he was named Albert George Dennis and known within his family as “Alby”.

By this time, Coy and George had sold the dairy farm and after renting a small ten acre farm they made a new home for their family at 46 McArthur Street in Sale.

Unfortunately, the war had deeply scarred George and his psychological problems became increasingly evident, as did his alcohol dependence. George would come and go, often leaving Coy in desperate financial straits.

Further complicating the situation, Coy and George had another child - Elaine Dawn Dennis – to be known as Dawn – born on 23 February 1937.

With George on a long period of absence from the family home, Coy was now raising five children - three from her first marriage to Stan Peters and the younger two resulting from her union with George – without any financial support or external assistance.

When Coy next heard from George he was in Korumburra. He persuaded Coy to pack up everything and move there with the five children.

Living for around a year in Korumburra, they spent time at two different properties. Four of the children – including Bert – contracted scarlet fever while they were living in Korumburra and the family was quarantined for six weeks. Bert spent three weeks in bed.

In 1938, Coy brought Ivy, Dawn and Bert to Melbourne to live with her mother and father in

The Dennis family. Bert Dennis (centre) and wife Dawn (far right) with children (from left) Adele, Marshall, Natalie and Grant

Richmond. Coy’s two remaining children – Allan and Rene – stayed temporarily with different relatives in Gippsland before later reuniting with her and their siblings in Melbourne.

Much to his credit, Bert has come through his disadvantaged childhood to make an outstanding success of his life, both personally and in business.

Realising she could no longer rely on George for support, Coy took on several jobs to make ends meet.

Bert completed his education and attained a Diploma in Civil Engineering. In 1955 he met Dawn Hicks and they were married in 1958.

Tragedy again struck on 16 December 1938 when the deeply troubled George Dennis committed suicide in a room at the Junction Hotel in Collingwood. Bert was just three at the time of his father’s death.

Two years later, Bert joined Oscar Flight, a retired city engineer, in a civil engineering consultancy partnership. Bert’s first foray into property development involved the progressive purchase, renovation and eventual sale of twelves houses in Melbourne.

Coy harboured fears that the government’s Children’s Welfare Department might intervene and take her children away from her. In 1942 she acted upon those fears, moving north with her children and new partner Cyril Pritchard. For several years, Bert’s family lived an itinerant life, moving regularly and often in makeshift living conditions including a tent on the banks of the Murray River at Piangil.

By the time Bert was 13, he had lived in 15 different houses and by the time he finished schooling at 21, he had attended 19 different schools. He did not obtain his first pair of underpants until the age of 13.

At about this time, the outlook for Bert’s family began to brighten when they were awarded a commission house in West Ivanhoe and Coy was recognised as a War Widow and started to receive a pension. As a result, Legacy came into their lives and provided considerable support to Coy and the children.

In 1965, Bert and Dawn purchased the company outright and gradually began to create a family business that would evolve into one of the leading players in the residential development and home building sectors in Australia.

Today, through its various entities, the Dennis Family Corporation has an active presence in housing construction, residential development, retail and commercial development and retirement living. The company’s well known and highly regarded housing brand Dennis Family Homes builds approximately 1,000 homes throughout Melbourne, regional Victoria and southern New South Wales each year.

The Dennis Family Corporation also has a proud history of creating master planned residential communities in Victoria and south east Queensland, several of which have won prestigious industry awards.

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The Hartley is one of two featured designs at the Dennis Family Homes display centre at the Waterford Rise estate in Warragul

Bert continues to hold the position of Chairman of the company he founded and has been joined in the business by all four of his adult children. In recent years, several of his eleven grandchildren have also become involved in the business on a part-time or casual basis.

“When I first entered the industry in the 1970s, most development in Melbourne’s south east was occurring around the Glen Waverley area.

It then focussed around Endeavour Hills and Dandenong North in the 1970s before places like Cranbourne and Berwick became more popular,” Bert recalls.

Amongst numerous honours, Bert was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in January 2005 for his service to the land and housing industries, to the community through contributing to debate on urban planning and for his support of charitable organisations.

“With increasing population, we have now seen growth extend out beyond these areas to places such as Drouin and further east to Warragul as people with home buying aspirations understandably seek more affordable housing. As this assessment of the outlook and trend is unlikely to alter in the foreseeable future, it is therefore inevitable that the perceived line of separation between what was considered outer south east suburban Melbourne and rural Gippsland will become increasingly blurred,” he states.

Much of the Dennis family’s development and home building has occurred along the growth corridors in Melbourne’s outer suburban areas. Bert has seen the spread of urban development in south east Melbourne extend beyond Cranbourne, Berwick and Pakenham and now heading inexorably into areas within the western boundaries of Gippsland.

Recognising the growing demand, Dennis Family Homes last year opened its first ever Bert Dennis checks on the progress of a building job with Dennis Family Homes Metro South Construction Manager, Brendon O'Donnell

display homes in Gippsland at the Waterford Rise estate in Warragul.

“We regarded Warragul as the logical choice for our first display centre location in Gippsland and were attracted to the Waterford Rise estate by its size, positioning and excellent presentation,” Bert explains.

Dennis Family Homes constructed two of its most popular designs – the Lakewood and award-winning Hartley – at the Warragul display centre. Both are spacious fourbedroom homes which have been extremely popular with visitors since opening their doors.

“Now that we have established a display presence in Gippsland, we will certainly continue to assess further opportunities which may arise in the region,” Bert comments.

Dennis Family Homes is also demonstrating a willingness to support the local area. The company is engaging local tradespeople to build its homes in the region and is already involved as a sponsor of the Warragul Football and Netball Club and the annual Warragul Gift event.

“The whole State of Victoria is progressing and we see Gippsland as a region with a very bright future,” Bert concludes.

The Lakewood display at Warragul.

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thelifestyle autumn 2014

GARDENING with CraigGoodman Q. What are the best plants to add some colour to my garden in Winter?

As a general rule evergreen plants can be moved most successfully from April to September inclusive.

A. WINTER COLOUR Colour your garden this winter with vibrant primulas, pansies, violas, ornamental kale and poppies to name a few. Enjoy these long flowering colourful plants through winter and early spring.

Best results occur when transplanting prior to hot summer and dry periods.

Q. Do you recommend planting citrus and fruit trees in winter?

A. An ideal time to plant deciduous fruit trees is in winter while they are bare-rooted.

Any fruit tree including citrus trees which are established in pots can in fact be planted 12 months of the year.

Q. When is the best time to sow a lawn?

A. Many lawns after summer often need some repair work. Feeding with lawn feeds, adding dolomite lime once a year and in some cases re-sowing in areas to thicken the grass up, or establish a new lawn.

The best time to do this is autumn and spring. You can also do this in winter but seed germination and fertiliser uptake by your lawn can take several weeks before you see a result.

Summer can also be a reasonable time to sow a new lawn as long as you are able to water morning and night for a few weeks.

Q. When should I prune my roses?

A. Rose pruning is best done through the months of June and July, while the roses are dormant.

Even if there are lingering flowers and some leaves holding on your rose bushes, it’s time to prune.

Be harsh when pruning roses removing all old wood to encourage strong new growth to provide the frame work for your plant. These new strong growths will provide abundant flowers throughout late spring, summer and autumn. Remove growths that are crossing through the centre of the plant leaving you with a vase shape.

While the plants are dormant in July it is beneficial to spray with pest oil and a copper based fungicide to help clean up any over wintering pests and diseases.

Feed generously in August and watch them flourish.

Q. When is the best time to move plants?

Hope this information is helpful.

Craig

A. The best time to move plants that are deciduous (dormant in winter with no foliage), is during the months of June and July.

Carefully cut around the root zone which should be moist to allow ease of transplanting. Ensure the new position has good soil, drainage and is broken up nice and loose. This will allow the new roots to establish quicker, providing higher success rates for transplanting.

Water weekly with plant starter which is a plant hormone; this allows for rapid root growth limiting transplant shock.

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thelifestyle winter 2014

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FOOTBALL’S Photography by Kate Mitchell

Since entering the TAC Cup competition in 1993, the Gippsland Power Football Club has been a prolific source of young talent to AFL ranks.

Over the course of those past two decades, the Club has had nearly 80 players from Under 18 level drafted into the AFL system, many of whom have progressed to become stars of the game.

Introduced in 1992 to supersede the previous VFL Under 19 competition, the TAC Cup showcases the best players of their age from across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

For its inaugural season, the TAC Cup competition comprised six clubs, predominantly from metropolitan Melbourne. Gippsland Power joined an expanded competition in its second year, supporting the main Under 18 team with two additional sides at Under 16 and Under 15 level. Currently, the TAC Cup is contested by twelve sides.

Whilst competing teams vie for premiership success, the ultimate objective for any TAC Cup club is to have players drafted to the AFL. Helping to identify and guide Gippsland Power’s players towards their AFL dream is the club’s Talent Manager, Peter Francis. He offers a wealth of experience, having played 159 games for Carlton, Fitzroy, Richmond and Essendon between 1979 and 1988, highlighted by the 1979 premiership with Carlton in his debut season.

Upon his retirement, Francis coached Box Hill in the VFL for two seasons before spending four years as an assistant coach with St. Kilda. He arrived at the Gippsland Power as coach in 1995, a position he held until the completion of the 2000 season, and has remained at the club ever since in an administrative capacity.

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Although employed by AFL Victoria, Francis is very much the public face and driving force of Gippsland Power throughout the local region.

Both he and his wife Robyn have been bestowed with Life Membership in recognition of their respective contribution to the club’s operation.

Their son James is also integrally involved at the club as an assistant coach of the TAC Cup team, making the Gippsland Power a real family passion.

Francis has seen the progression of talent year after year from close hand. He is able to nominate a short-list of standout performers amongst an array of gifted players to represent the club and then make their mark at the highest level.

“No doubt Brendon Goddard was a super player for us. He was taken in the draft as a seventeenyear-old in 2002. At the National Carnival that year his performances to be All Australian and the way he played was just outstanding. I think he’s gone on to show that talent as an AFL player with firstly St. Kilda and now Essendon,” Francis states.

“Leigh Brown was another outstanding player who was also taken in the draft as a seventeenyear-old. It’s fantastic that he’s now come the full circle and is back here with us this season as head coach.

“There’s also been Jarryd Roughead, Dale Thomas and Scott Pendlebury amongst many others. The list just goes on. They have developed into wonderful players and their talent was obvious as boys playing with us, hence their high selection positions in the draft,” he adds.

Not every Gippsland Power player drafted has been able to make an impact at AFL level. In such a cut-throat competition it is inevitable that many aspiring players will never break into the senior team at their club.

“We are proud of all our boys that have come through and gone onto AFL footy,” Francis says.

“But we are just as proud of the boys playing VFL footy and the ones who have gone back to the various Gippsland leagues after they’ve left the AFL system and are making a big difference to their local clubs.”

Francis is optimistic about the future AFL prospects of several of the current squad.

“Jordan Cunico is a Traralgon boy who is a really good player. He has been a standout right through the early part of this season,” he comments.

“There are others including Josh Dunkley, Tate Marsh, Bohdi Walker and Lukas Webb. We have a few bottom age boys there, but amongst our players who are eligible for the draft this year we think we’ve got four or five with really good chances of being selected.”

According to Francis, all areas of Gippsland have contributed to the club’s talent supply over the years.

“It’s really cyclic where our players come from.

When I first arrived here there were a lot of boys from West Gippsland who got drafted, then all of a sudden we had a real spate of boys from South Gippsland. For the past few years and at the moment it’s been very much East Gippsland, with Sale and the Bairnsdale area particularly prominent,” he observes.

With a catchment area spanning from Officer to Mallacoota, coordinating the operations of a club which brings together players from all corners of Gippsland provides considerable logistical challenges.

POWER SUPPLY

Despite turning over players and having to find new recruits every year, Gippsland Power has been a remarkably consistent performer in the TAC Cup ranks.

The Under 18 team has reached three Grand Finals, winning the premiership in a stellar 2005 season with a squad which subsequently produced no fewer than eleven AFL players.

“Our first two decades as a club has been a really good journey and we have not missed the finals since 2003,” Francis comments.

“For a regional side that is a fantastic effort. To make the finals ten years in a row in an elite competition is a great credit to the coaching staff, players, parents and everyone involved really.”

The current 2014 season has seen some notable changes around the club, including the addition of a Youth Girls team.

“Our Youth Girls competed at their Carnival in Melbourne in April and lost the Grand Final to Geelong by just a point. It was a fantastic effort in their first year and we were really impressed by how well they played,” Francis says.

“There has been a massive push from the AFL to have girls involved and I’m sure one day there’ll be a TAC Cup Girls team.”

Lincoln Robinson

“We have 39 players on our list and they are all on loan to us. The boys still belong to their home clubs,” Francis explains.

“The players from our squad who miss out at selection go back and play with their clubs.

The TAC Cup also has four byes, or development weekends as they are known, when all our boys return to play with their home clubs.”

In order to assemble its players for training, the club runs buses from Pakenham, Phillip Island and Bairnsdale. Pre-season training prior to Christmas involves up to 150 prospective players and is decentralised into six different locations for easier management. After Christmas, the squad is trimmed to 60 and training is scheduled two nights a week at the club’s home base at Morwell Recreation Reserve until the season begins, after which training is reduced to one night a week.

On match days, the onus is on the parents of the players to provide transport unless the fixture requires an overnight stay. In those instances, the club deploys its buses.

“I have to say we have a great group of parents who support the boys really well,” Francis remarks.

Gippsland Power runs a highly professional operation which has been engineered to condition and prepare its players for an AFL future.

“We’re like a mini AFL club in many ways,” Francis suggests.

The club receives funding from the AFL but aims to raise about $120,000 over and above that each year to cover all its expenses and the salaries of its coaching staff. The majority of the additional money is sourced through the generous support of the club’s corporate sponsors, headed by Loy Yang B (International Power), Bendigo Bank and Colin Watson Holden.

The Under 18 boys also have a new head coach for 2014, with former player Leigh Brown recruited to replace Nick Stevens who has returned to South Australia to coach Glenelg after two seasons at Gippsland.

Josh Dunkley

Sponsorship revenue enabled the club’s stateof-the-art Centre of Excellence to be built at Morwell Recreation Reserve. The facility is the hub of the club’s training and match day operations and was recently expanded to also house its administration offices.

“Our Centre of Excellence is recognised as the best facility in Australia outside of an AFL club,” Francis says proudly.

“No other TAC Cup club has anything like it.”

Francis has the benefit of eyes and ears scouting throughout Gippsland on the lookout for the best available young talent.

“I have thirteen recruiting officers in Gippsland pushing the talent into us from every league in the region,” he reveals.

With the extent of the club’s recruiting reach, it is rare that any exceptional players slip through the cracks. But in the few instances where they have, Francis has soon been alerted to them.

Originally from Heyfield, Brown retired from AFL football at the end of the 2011 season after 246 games with Fremantle, North Melbourne and Collingwood.

“Leigh was a highly decorated player with us at Gippsland Power and went on to enjoy a fine career in the AFL and become a premiership

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Jordan Cunico

GIPPSLAND POWER DRAFTEES TO AFL CLUBS 1993: Craig Biddiscombe (Richmond), Travis Miller (Fitzroy) Ben Robbins (Brisbane/North Melbourne) Mark Stevens (North Melbourne/Adelaide) 1994: Trent Churchill (Western Bulldogs), Tim Elliott (St. Kilda), Anthony Lubjic (Fremantle), Robert McMahon (Fitzroy) 1995: Mark Bradley (Melbourne) 1996: Brent Knowles (St. Kilda), Matthew Watson (Essendon) 1997: Hayden Burgiel (Hawthorn), Callum Chambers (West Coast), Brent Cowell (St. Kilda), Greg Tivendale (Richmond) 1998: Damien Adkins (Collingwood), Adrian Cox (Hawthorn), David Wocjinski (Geelong) 1999: Joseph Allen (Carlton), Leigh Brown (Fremantle/North Melbourne/Collingwood), Roy Makepeace (North Melbourne), Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs), Danny O’Brien# (Geelong), Shannon O’Brien (Collingwood), Don Webb# (Port Adelaide) 2000: Luke Ablett (Sydney), Shane Birss (Western Bulldogs) Dylan McLaren (Brisbane/Carlton) Leigh Sheehan# (Collingwood) 2001: Jason Gram (Brisbane/St. Kilda) Jacob Schuback (Adelaide) 2002: Sean Dempster (St. Kilda), Matthew Ferguson (St. Kilda), Nick Greenwood# (Western Bulldogs), Brendon Goddard (St. Kilda/Essendon) Jason Winderlich (Essendon) 2003: Ryan Murphy (Fremantle) 2004: Andrew McQualter (St. Kilda), Sam Pleming# (Carlton), Dean Polo (Richmond/St. Kilda), Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn) 2005: Xavier Ellis (Hawthorn), Jay Neagle (Essendon) Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Dale Thomas (Collingwood/ Carlton), Trent West (Geelong/Brisbane) 2006: Craig Flint# (Carlton), Tyson Goldsack (Collingwood), Lachlan Hansen (North Melbourne) Ben Ross (North Melbourne/Hawthorn) 2007: Robert Eddy# (St. Kilda), Ben Hughes# (North Melbourne), Brent Macaffer (Collingwood), Dan McKenna (Geelong) 2008: Jarryd Blair# (Collingwood), Brent Connolly# (Fremantle), Tristan Francis# (Collingwood), Campbell Heath (Sydney) Nick Heyne (St. Kilda) 2009: John Butcher (Port Adelaide), Mitchell Golby# (Brisbane) Koby Stevens (West Coast Eagles/Western Bulldogs) Nathan Vardy (Geelong), Jack Weston# (Geelong) 2010: Dyson Heppell (Essendon), Jed Lamb (Sydney)

player with Collingwood in 2010. It’s a real coup for us to have secured his services,” Francis says.

“The players have responded very favourably to him and he has a really good way with them. He is only just out of the game, having played until 2011 and then spent two years as an assistant coach at Melbourne.”

On the field, it has been a frustrating beginning to the 2014 season for Gippsland Power’s TAC Cup team. A slow start to the year has been accentuated by a number of narrow losses.

Francis is confident of reversing the early misfortunes in the remainder of season and is not losing sight of the big picture.

Dean MacDonald (Richmond), Michael Ross (Essendon) 2011: Danny Butcher* (Port Adelaide) Sam Docherty (Brisbane), Clay Smith (Western Bulldogs) Jordan Staley* (St. Kilda), Josh Tynan (Melboune) 2012: Nick Graham (Carlton), Will Hams (Essendon) Tim Membrey (Sydney) 2013: Jack Leslie (Gold Coast Suns) # Elevated onto list

* Rookie draft selection

GIPPSLAND POWER ALL-STAR TEAM 1993 - PRESENT BACKS: Troy Makepeace, Sean Dempster, Tyson Goldsack HALF BACKS: Robert Murphy, Leigh Brown, Dyson Heppell CENTRES: David Wojcinski, Brendon Goddard, Dale Thomas HALF FORWARDS: Greg Tivendale, Mark Stevens, Jason Winderlich FORWARDS: Andrew McQualter, Jarryd Roughead, John Butcher RUCK: Nathan Vardy RUCK ROVER: Scott Pendlebury ROVER: Jarryd Blair INTERCHANGE: Lachlan Hansen, Dylan McLaren Stephen Hazelman, Luke Ablett, Jason Gram, Xavier Ellis Brent Macaffer

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“The fires here in the area earlier this year put us behind in our preparation. We didn’t get much training over a three week period,” he notes.

“In other years we have started slowly and recovered. I have no doubt we can do it again. But even if we were to finish on the bottom of the ladder but had four players drafted, we’d call ourselves winners. That’s the bottom line.”

Assistant Coach Jack Weston with the defenders

2009 Licensed Sub-Branch of the Year

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Leongatha Avenue of Honour

Beaufort Park Bairnsdale

AVENUES “Lest We Forget…..” - an avenue of honour goes a long way to remind us of those who have given their lives so that we and others can live a better life.

OF HONOUR

By Lyn Skillern

The families and friends of the boys who fought in World War I wanted to have something physical to remember their service. Those boys who did not come home were so far away and those who did return were changed forever. Very few of the 60,000 fallen would ever be visited by their mothers, fathers, wives, children and siblings. It would be some sixty years before family members in any number would start to go and see the last resting place of Bill or Alf or Jack.

Throughout Australia many communities, big and small, decided to plant avenues of honour.

Avenues of honour are a uniquely Australian phenomenon. Australians, and in particular Victorians, were very enthusiastic about the idea of planting them. The Eurack Avenue of Honour is the earliest known avenue in Victoria with planting commencing in May 1916.

The most common format was to have a row of trees with one tree being planted for each man from the community who fought in World War I. Some however had a row of trees with the reason for the number being lost in the depth of time.

In the situation where there was a tree per man, nameplates were often made giving the soldier’s name and battalion. The largest such avenue is at Ballarat and it extends for miles. It seems appropriate therefore that with the centenary of World War I coming up, communities are making plans to restore, replace, or acknowledge their avenues of honour.

The Leongatha community decided to plant an avenue along Yarragon Road and Wild Dog Valley Road near the butter factory in June 1918. One tree was planted for each local man who enlisted and served in World War I. The European elms and oaks were supplied by the Mossvale Nursery,

which was located at the site of the beautiful Mossvale Park. This avenue was the first of a series of World War I avenues established in other communities in the region.

Over time some of the trees have died or been removed but the avenue is ‘still going strong’ as the soldiers at the front used to say about those who were still alive or uninjured. Each tree once had a metal marker but these were removed by the Shire of Woorayl in the 1960s. The markers were left in the council yard in a box and some went missing. Those remaining are now located at the Leongatha RSL. There are plans to have a wall erected in the Leongatha Recreation Reserve with the names of those soldiers who had a tree planted in their honour shown on this wall. Research has discovered that some service personnel were missed; so new names will be added.

Pathway of Remembrance Sign Bairnsdale

Pathway of Remembrance Bairnsdale

Ruby Oswald Bright Photos by Lakes Entrance Historical Society

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Tambo Upper Avenue of Honour

Lakes Entrance Nurse

Lakes Entrance Family

Lakes Entrance Simpson

Photos by Lakes Entrance Historical Society - Nurse, Family & Simpson

Kongwak Avenue of Honour

Avenue of Honour Sale

The small community of Koorooman East had a row of trees planted on each side of the road near the hall. This avenue had one tree for each local soldier. A wooden honour board containing the soldiers’ names was made by Arthur Hogan and placed in the hall. This avenue was recently restored and a new brass plaque made and placed on a rock with the soldiers’ names clearly shown.

In Wooreen their avenue was planted along the road in front of the school by the school’s children.

This has also been restored and a marker placed in front of the old school building.

Ruby has a lovely silky oak remembering Oswald Bright and in Strzelecki there is an archway of cypress pines. Many people would have passed under the tree arch and not known why it was planted.

One of the most interesting avenues in Gippsland was planted on the foreshore at Lakes Entrance in 1923. This row of Monterey Cypress trees was planted to commemorate the 26 local men who lost their lives during World War I. These became very old and the odd one had been removed.

In 1997 the East Gippsland Shire needed to remove the dangerous trees. It was decided to have local chainsaw artist John Brady transform six of the trunks into memorial sculptures. One trunk depicts a sea captain to commemorate the area’s historical past, remembering those ships and lives lost at Lakes Entrance. This memorial was so popular that the local businesses sponsored the carving of the 5 other trunks to commemorate World War I. The carvings show a soldier, a wounded soldier with a donkey, Simpson helping two wounded soldiers, a World War I nurse and a family waiting at home for Dad to return. The last two being subjects rarely used in memorials. The names of those local men who gave their lives are listed on a bronze plaque on a limestone boulder together with the sponsor details. The Avenue of Honour and the World War I Memorial Statues were rededicated on 1 May 1999 by Peter McGauran, Federal Member for Gippsland and Minister for the Arts and the Centenary of Federation.

honour service, and it still does. It has also become a tourism attraction which will continue to attract thousands of visitors for many years to come. If you are travelling through Lakes Entrance, a visit to this unique memorial would be well worth your while.

Some avenues are in very poor condition, others need replacing completely and some simply need to be acknowledged for what they are. It is hoped that communities will seek to restore or replace the trees and remember those who went off to war a hundred years ago. A good example of what can be done is in Tambo Upper where an avenue of six flowering gums had been planted in the 1920s to remember their six men lost in the war. The trees had gone and one of the plaques lost. The school teachers and students, with the help of the RSL, planted six flowering gums and each tree was given a new plaque. Heritage can be restored if we have the respect for and pride in those who have given so much for us – and we have the determination to do so.

The service of men and women from the area is being better recognized because of these carvings. This ‘Avenue of Honour’ was meant to Avenue of Honour Bairnsdale

Some of Gippsland's Avenues of Honour are located at: Bairnsdale Buchan South Buln Buln Cowes Glengarry Kongwak Koorooman East Lakes Entrance Leongatha Maffra

Orbost Ruby Strzelecki Tambo Upper Toora Traralgon Wonthaggi Wooreen Yarragon-Trafalgar

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space Flooring & Interiors

Incorporating “Jill McClen Interior Design” financial investment so it’s extremely important to help my clients make the best decisions possible. It’s stimulating, challenging and I get to meet lots of delightful people. Why wouldn’t I love my job!”

Nowadays, with Interior Decoration and Design not only widely presented in Display Homes and countless magazines but also the subject of a wide number of television reality shows, many people are enthusiastic about decorating their space.

So, whether building a new home or renovating, visit Jill McClen for decorating and design advice. Many people find the building or renovating process quite daunting and don’t have any experience in this area. It makes sense to call to see a fully qualified, very experienced decorator who will spend time with you in her store surrounded by an extensive range of great samples of products, where you can make all your selections.

Jill has on hand large paint swatches, many ranges of cupboard and benchtop samples, Colorbond window and roofing samples, swatches for blinds, glass splashback samples and so on, to put with all the other integral components of a decorating scheme that are in her store also. In no time at all you can have your entire scheme laid out before you in her studio. It’s that easy!

Jill McClen has always been passionate about decorating homes. It began in her teens when she repainted her bedroom often, and sometimes the furniture as well, to achieve the desired effect!

Jill followed her lifelong passion, studying Interior Design and establishing her own business, “Jill McClen Interior Design”. Jill owns and operates Space Flooring & Interiors in Warragul but works on projects, domestic and commercial, all over Gippsland and Melbourne.

“It’s tremendously effective operating a design business out of a store that displays timber, tiles, bamboo, cork flooring, carpets, vinyls, laminates and rugs. I am surrounded by an extensive range of products to show customers. Space Flooring & Interiors also sells window furnishings such as Roller and Roman blinds, Thermolaminated shutters and

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thelifestyle winter 2014

timber look venetian blinds. It’s such a fabulous “one stop shop” to be able to select all the major components of a decorating scheme,” says Jill about her boutique store. She also can fully furnish and style your home for you, using her extensive list of suppliers with a broad range of styles from modern to contemporary to provincial to classic. Advice on kitchen and bathroom design including tile layouts is also available.

Jill has been successfully working in Interior Design for over 20 years and has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience. She has completed many domestic and corporate projects, both large and small, and has maintained her passion for her work.

“I do love assisting people choose colours, finishes, products and furniture for their homes.

These choices involve both an emotional and

“Every clients’ needs are different. Effective communication is so important. I listen to the described brief for the project, then ask many pertinent questions until I am satisfied I can begin the selection process effectively for the client. My projects range from a renovation of a rental investment property to a beautiful long term “dream” home to a speculative home that will be sold immediately. It is vital to provide, within the client’s budget, the appropriate look with products that will perform well,” says Jill.

“I am a resource and a guide in leading people to a wonderful end result with their decorating.

I often request when an appointment is made that my client bring in any fabrics, colours, illustrations or objects that they have to work around or love and wish to incorporate in their schemes. This is often an effective base to work from,” says Jill of the process.

Jill is very happy to visit clients in their homes and believes this is so important in establishing an effective overview of the home with its existing condition and products. She can bring samples of relevant products to view in the

home. A home visit is more personal and more effective when selecting colours and products.

It gives the client confidence and reassurance to see the recommended selection and hear the rationale behind it.

Jill is supported by a very experienced team at Space Flooring & Interiors. They all have tremendous experience and are happy to share their knowledge and expertise where any flooring or window treatments are required.

A decorating project can last from one day to over a year. It all depends on the scope and the schedule of the work.

Visit Jill McClen Interior Design at Space Flooring & Interiors 41 Smith Street, Warragul for qualified, experienced advice with your interior or exterior decorating needs.

“I have often project-managed jobs and have a team of reliable, competent tradesmen who assist me in completing the work.

This works well for clients who are “time-poor” or wish to absent themselves whilst the work is carried out.”

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Offering great displays and service, expert advice and competitive prices, SPACE FLOORING & INTERIORS is an inspiring store for home builders and renovators.

Jill McClen is a fully qualified experienced Interior Designer who will happily assist clients with all their product, finishes and colour selections for the entire home.

Make choosing your floor coverings and interiors a simple and enjoyable experience.

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Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm | Saturday 9am - 12pm 41A Smith St Warragul (Formerly Carpet Country Warragul) Ph: 5622 3933 | Fax 5622 3944 | Email: info@warragulspaceflooring.com.au

LINGERIE & SWIMWEAR BOUTIQUE

Carla Monteleone purchased The Feminine Touch Boutique in 2012 and has loved the journey ever since. Stocking a variety of different brands such as Berlei, Triumph, Seafolly swimwear, Pleasure State, Elle Macpherson and now introducing Lorna Jane Active wear, The Feminine Touch Boutique is bound to satisfy your needs.

Come in and visit Carla and the team as they would love to make your experience easy and one to remember!

99 Seymour Street Traralgon

03 5176 1755

Trading Hours Mon-Thurs 9.00am - 5.30pm Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 1.00pm

paint place

group of stores

the paint specialists

Cowes

Wonthaggi

215 Settlement Road, Cowes Vic 3922 Tel: 5952 2522 Email: cowes@paintplace.com.au Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm

Saturday 8.00am to 1.00pm

Sunday 9.00am to 1.00pm Manager: David Fusinato

5-7 Korumburra Road, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 5522 Email: wonthaggi@paintplace.com.au Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm

Saturday 8.30am to 1.00pm

Sunday 10.00am to 12.00pm Manager: Rob Geyer

Traralgon

Leongatha

81 Argyle Street, Traralgon Vic 3844 Tel: 5176 1221 Email: traralgon@paintplace.com.au Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm

Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm

Sunday Closed Manager: Kevin Vivian

52 Bair Street, Leongatha Vic 3953 Tel: 5662 2941 Email: leongatha@paintplace.com.au Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm

Saturday 9.00am to 12.00pm

Sunday Closed Manager: Luke Watson

Kasama Décor

Unique Gifts & Home Décor

Monday to Friday: 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday - Sunday: 10.00am to 2.00pm Winter Times or by appointment (The store is closed every Tuesday.) See you soon, Sue Clementson

Kasama Décor Unique Gifts & Home Décor 3/31 The Esplanade Paynesville Vic 3880 Phone: 03 5156 1209

The Scarf Wall Brett Lee Scarves

The Scarf Wall 15 The Esplanade, Paynesville Vic 3880

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thelifestyle winter 2014

Tel: 0428 177 736 Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am to 4.30pm

There is nothing like a Gippsland wedding!

With spectacular venues and scenic locations, we also boast products of the highest quality.

From gourmet food, to fashion, floristry and photography, a Gippsland wedding is a special occasion.

Who wouldn’t want to get married here?

With these features and many more, Gippsland the Lifestyle has decided to showcase the possibilities of our region with this wedding-view in mind. Our special advertisers and contributors have offered some practical and inspirational advice, with creative ideas to help you plan and enjoy a beautiful, stress-free day - a day that will be a memorable foundation you will have for the rest of your life.

Congratulations if you are getting married, have fun in preparation, and Gippsland the Lifestyle wishes you an incredible and exhilarating day!

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The Riversleigh Blossoms & Branches Florist Red Chocolate Tree Wonthaggi Newsagency Treehouse Living Bellevue on the Lakes Wedding Centrepieces What to Wear MY Beauty Care Leongatha Lisa Jayne Bridal Wear by Amber Rhodes Photography Marriage Love by any other Name Maureena Tilley Celebrant Shimmer Marquees Wedding Anniversaries 2 Di 4 Catering & Food Consultants Montfort Manor Tamberrah Cottages Danny's The Venue Decorations by Annalise Alison Kilday and Mark Loorham Italian Australian Sporting Club Function Centre Vows in the Vines at Toms Cap Vineyard Retreat Cakes by Karen

Boutique Accommodation and Function Centre Wedding Bouquets and Boutonnieres Chocolate Patisserie – Handmade Chocolates For your favours & wedding stationery needs Bridal Registry Your Premiere Reception Venue & Accommodation Memorable Centrepieces to Make Guest Etiquette Preparing for your Perfect Day Bridal Wear and Photography Certificates and Documents Making Moments Memorable Will organise your Hire Needs at your Favourite Setting Celebrate with Symbolic Treasures Amongst Di's specialties are Wedding Functions Celebrate your Special Day in Luxury at a Grand Manor Start Married Life in this Romantic Setting The Ideal Venue. Extensive Facility with Picturesque Views Affordable Decorations for Hire Our Story Celebrate in Style and Elegance Accommodation and Wedding Services Creates a Stunning Wedding Cake and more...

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Backformer to it'sglory

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 to our guests.

With 20 rooms designed to meet every one of our guests’ individual needs, you will enjoy beautifullydesigned 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.

The perfect venue for your wedding 62

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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.

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.

Their attentive staff will assist you every step of the way, from selecting the perfect location for your photos, to adding the personal touches to your menu; they work with the bride and groom to ensure that every detail is attended to.

Please contact The Riversleigh to arrange a personal viewing of our unique wedding venue.

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

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blossoms & branches

FLORIST shop 3/2-4 Williams Street Inverloch Vic 3996 Tel: (03) 5674 3600 Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm

treehouse living Homewares & Design

Br ida

le b a l l Registry avai

14 Breed St Traralgon VIC 3844 P: (03) 5176 2809 www.treehouseliving.com.au

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Shop 3, 64 Cunninghame Street Sale, Victoria 3850 p. 03 5144 1445 e. info@redchocolatetree.com.au redchocolatetree.com.au

Wonthaggi Newsagency

Monday to Friday: 6am to 5.30pm Saturday: 6.30am to 4.00pm Sunday: Closed

Wonthaggi Newsagency 31 Murray Street Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256

DIY Centrepieces Let your personality shine through on your wedding day. Although you may not be able to spend lengthy amounts of time with every guest on your list, you can still provide everyone with a warm welcome and show them your appreciation for attending, by placing a personally inspired, uniquely created ensemble (a centrepiece) on each guest table.

To help you create this unique atmosphere and save money on wedding expenditure, the following DIY centrepieces may help inspire the look and atmosphere of your reception, with simple ensembles that are also a lot of fun to make. Guests will remember your wedding as an unique occasion, resplendent with your style and personality.

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Photographed at The Riversleigh

A Memorable Welcome at Every Table

MEMORABLE CENTREPIECES TO MAKE FLOWERS Simple Flower Arrangements

A bunch of flowers in the centre of the table cannot go wrong. A classic, simple choice, they also provide a great range from which individuality can be derived. From cottage garden sprigs to more elaborate arrangements, flowers are a source of freshness and beauty, an enhancement to any table, helping you to celebrate on the day.

Vintage-Themed Flower Arrangements

Vintage-themed flower arrangements are excellent for outdoor wedding receptions.

Classy vintage arrangements add charm and elegance to a friendly atmosphere and a refined celebration.

Flower and Candle Centrepieces

Achieve simplicity and elegance using flowers, a candle and a tall glass. Place the candle inside the glass and on its outside, attach the flowers with string. Use a saucer of water beneath the glass to keep the flowers hydrated. Watch how pretty this dazzling effect looks when lighting each of your guests’ tables throughout the celebrations.

Tissue-Box Flower Centrepieces

Reuse empty tissue boxes and recreate them into stylish flower boxes, a chic alternative to vases for wedding centrepieces. Wrap the tissue boxes smoothly with newspaper and

Photographed at Toms Cap

paint them your chosen colour. Tie ribbon and a bow around them and arrange flowers in the opening. This is very easy to do and definitely budget friendly.

water to keep them fresh. Add leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, celery stalks and some flowers for a fresh, elegant and stunning touch.

Flip-Top Water bottle Centrepieces

Delicious Dessert Centrepieces

Flip-top glass bottles can be arranged pleasingly on tables, while also displaying numbers to help guests identify which table they are to sit at. Numbers can be painted, stencilled, cut creatively from coloured art paper, or elegantly denoted using tags placed on these eyecatching bottles.

Rustic Log Centrepieces

Make use of old tree trunks found lying around your own backyard. Cut these into small pieces and hollow out their centres. Place flower arrangements in the hollows, and float teacandles in them also if you wish. Bewitching, these memorable rustic logs, will enchant your guests.

EDIBLES Fruit and Flower Centrepieces

A fruit and flower centrepiece adds a freshness and natural beauty to your celebrations.

Tantalising and lavish looking, fruit is easy to obtain from a grocer while flowers to enhance these can be easily sourced and ordered. Place the arrangements in pleasing-looking jars or vases, ensuring water keeps the arrangements hydrated throughout the celebrations.

Colour Co-ordinated Fruit and Vegetable Centrepieces

Using your dessert as a centrepiece is very easy to do. It is also a great idea during festive seasons, such as Christmas. Add red and green poinsettia flowers to the presentation of you DIY dessert centrepiece, and you have the perfect arrangement, for a memorable celebration.

CREATIVE STYLE Pinwheel Centrepieces

Childhood relics such as pinwheels make charming centrepieces. Memorabilia is a winner when a group consists of several generations.

Children are amused by the play value of the wheel, while older generations may be surprised to see appreciation for the gadgetry of their own youth, which still charms and amuses, irrespective of such a technologicallysavvy age.

Rubber Band Centrepieces

Much more stylish than they sound, coloured rubber bands make a funky centrepiece when slipped over glass. Something as simple as strategically placing five or so bands around a jar’s centre is surprisingly, very effective to look at! Space bands apart, perhaps diagonally cross a few over each other for a pattern, mix, match, it’s not hard. This incredibly simple and affordable centrepiece has a clean elegance.

Just add water and flowers for a mesmerising arrangement that simply exudes a refreshing, understated class.

Whichever centrepiece you chose, Do-ItYourself wedding centrepieces reuse objects and revive them creatively. An elegant, vibrant or unique DIY centrepiece won’t hurt your budget, and they are a personal way of being with your guests, even though these special people may not be seated with you. Make your centrepiece memorable, and your energy will fill the room and reflect your personality to everyone who walks through the door of your reception venue.

Colour-co-ordinate a fresh and dazzling arrangement by slicing lemons, lime and oranges, then placing them in a crystal jar with

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What

toWear?

Understanding Dress Codes

 Gentlemen - Tails with a long black jacket, vest, bow tie and formal black shoes, even white gloves may make an appearance for a sophisticated turn around the dance floor.

sand and ocean spray. Choose an ensemble that is tasteful and dressy, impressive yet comfortable to wear throughout a beach ceremony.

 Ladies - Glitter in full length gowns, classic hairstyles such as chignons and best jewellery to create a stylish and sophisticated look.

 Gentlemen - No tie required! A linen shirt and summer-weight suit (or linen pants and khakis if you prefer), along with sandals create a comfortable and stylish outfit.

BLACK TIE Less stately than white tie, attire is still formal and elegant, but not quite as rigid. Black tie also indicates that the event will be held in the evening.

 Ladies - Again more individual in style, a summery, formal dress is the perfect option, perhaps with a shawl if the weather turns cooler. Flat, sandal-like shoes are a good choice for walking along the beach, but perhaps bring heels for the reception and dancing later. Pretty accessories such as handbags and a few flower adornments highlight a ‘summer-beauty’ theme. Makeup ranges from natural to more glamorous and elegant sophistication.

Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual The time of day that the wedding is planned for, determines the code of dress guests are to wear. A function held in the evening will require darker clothing which are more formal, while a daytime event allows for many more fabric varieties and colours.  Gentlemen - A suit and tie (colour, fabric and style depending on the season and hour of the wedding).

In Gippsland, we are very lucky to have a vast region from which to choose rich and picturesque wedding locations. An array of settings and backdrops inspire the imagination, from beachsides to snowcapped mountains, windswept paddocks to family homesteads, wineries, function centres, ballrooms, bush lodges, lighthouses, theatre restaurants, historic sites, memorable gardens and even islands make up this eclectic treasure trove that is Gippsland. A stunning vision, it also poses an interesting dilemma for Gippsland’s lucky wedding guests, - what to wear when invited to one of our many scenic locations?

To plan an outfit that compliments celebration, the spirit of the day, along with the unique environment in which the wedding is set, an understanding of your invitation’s stated dress code is fully required.

 Gentlemen - A tuxedo with a black tie.

Patent leather shoes are desirable and even a cummerbund may be worn if one chooses.  Ladies - Chic cocktail or evening dress, gown length is determined by the bride (and bridal party should be able to inform guests of this length).

Formal, Black Tie Optional Less formal than a black tie event, a tuxedo is not required but may still be worn.  Gentlemen - A formal dark suit (or tuxedo) and tie is deemed elegant enough to suit this exclusive occasion.

DRESS CODES EXPLAINED

 Ladies - A long or cocktail length dress, allowing for more individual flair than the high-octane, opulent dressing of the more stately, dramatic codes.

Styles can be personalised through individualised jewellery, make-up choices and glamorous hair.

WHITE TIE Elegant and formal, think tuxedo and dramatic glamour fit for a ballroom occasion.

Beach Formal Dress with mindful elegance and style that is appropriate for the dazzle of the sun, breeze,

Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday & Saturday:

By Appointment Available Late Night

By Appointment

53 Long Street, Leongatha Vic 3953 Tel: 5662 4442 68

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 Ladies - An elegant cocktail dress offers individuality, with embellishment opportunities to suit the hour and season of the wedding.

CASUAL Your personality can shine through with a respectful, neat style that would not be out of place in a business environment. ‘Casual’ retains taste, which is comfortably attainable, while still allowing for individual expression.

Daywear such as jeans, shorts, singlet tops, tracksuits and sneakers are not appropriate casual wedding clothing.  Gentlemen - Neat khaki or dress pants, with a stylish top, such as a polo or button-down, collared shirt, with long or short sleeves. A jacket or tie is not required, but may be worn.

Loafers are appropriate footwear for casual dress.  Ladies - A feminine, smart skirt or tailored pants, a pretty top or a summery dress with natural, everyday looking make-up and hairstyles, worn with low heels or heeled sandals, enhance the casual wedding style.

Reflexology Massage Facials Waxing Manicures Pedicures Gel Nails Tinting/Perming Makeup Electrolysis IPL Microdermabrasion Tuscan Tanning

Lisa Jayne Bridal

& Evening Wear

Bridal Mother of the Bride/ Groom Debutante Bridesmaids Formal Wear Flower Girl/Page Boy Communion

Lisa JAYNE (Manager) 11 Hamp Lane, Drouin Vic 3818 03 5625 5936 lisajaynebridal@live.com www.lisajaynebridal-eveningwear.com.au

Photography by Amber Rhodes Hair and Make-up: Caz Buckley Model: Kiera Miller

Marriage Love by Any Other Name In Australia, married couples can acquire the use of their partners’ surnames easily and without need for a legal name change.

An acquired or “assumed” name is an option for both men and women, and partners may also retain the use of the name they legally held prior to their wedding. Being entitled to hold an assumed surname, plus another legal name, offers advantages such as retaining a professional reputation under a birth name, while also establishing a personal identity under an acquired name in married life.

Another option for newly married couples is to create a double-barrelled or hyphenated name composed from elements of both partners’ names (but both partners do not have to use it).

Check online or phone the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Victoria to clarify further naming options and relevant information (see contact details below).

It should also be noted, a pre-wedding name (such as a maiden name) can be changed a number of years after marriage. It can also be reverted to it at any time, regardless of marital status.

Legal Names

To obtain an official name change can be arranged by applying for a Marriage Certificate through BDM or by applying for a legal name change. If you do not apply for either of these options, and only sign a Commemorative Marriage Certificate during your wedding celebrations, yet use your partner’s surname, you are “assuming” their name.

A Commemorative Marriage Certificate is a paper document, signed and handed to a couple by their Marriage Officiate once they are legally deemed to be “married”. The beautifully presented document recognises their status as a married couple, but is not sufficient in many Government agencies and other venues to use as proof of name identity. This is due to the paper not having features to electronically store information for extensive identification, which the BDM Marriage Certificate and change of name documents contain, to verify relevant details.

E-Fraud

With the rise of identity theft in the 21st century, certificates containing electronically stored information, allows real-time verification of

Making Moments Memorable

Marriage: you have found your love.

Adoption: your family is enriched.

Naming: publically name your little one Commitment: for same sex partners Re commitment: to your spouse Other: I can help

As a Civil Celebrant I can assist you in marking your occasion indelibly. Don’t hesitate to contact me.

Email: maureena@maureenatilley.com.au Web: maureenatilley.com.au Mobile: 0400 520 384 thelifestyle winter 2014

The features of these e-certificates allows extensive information to be stored, such as family history details, which is a security that Commemorative Marriage Certificates created on paper lack, as they only contain the names and signatures of a married couple, as their cross-checking capacity.

Commemorative Marriage Certificates Main Points Summary

MAUREENA TILLEY CELEBRANT

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documents to be used, protecting potential victims against their identity information being stolen.

A Commemorative Marriage Certificate recognises a couple’s status as married and each partner may assume the other’s surname (a husband may use his wife’s and a wife may take her husband’s, or they may combine surnames to develop their own version), but a Commemorative Marriage Certificate will not protect sufficiently against e-fraud.

An Electronically encoded Marriage Certificate from BDM or change of name document, legally changes names and is required by a number of Government agencies for sufficient proof of name identity in the 21st century.

For more information phone 1300 369 367 or visit www.bdm.vic.gov.au for further information.

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!

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

Celebrate

YourWedding Anniversary

It’s a Gem of a Day Marriage is full of riches and produces its own rewards. Every year, this sanctified union recognises its momentous achievements by celebrating a wedding anniversary. Traditionally, each annual milestone is represented by an unique theme, such as a ruby celebration for forty years of marriage or flowers for the fourth. It is a custom that helps couples signify their shared accomplishments, in this binding institution.

Over the years, as lifestyles have evolved, a modern list of wedding themes has created an alternative to the traditional. Some of these choices appear more in synch with today’s contemporary preoccupations, such as time-management (for first year celebrators, whose traditional theme is paper, while clocks are the modern equivalent). Romantics may honour tradition or select from the updated list according to their preference.

Also, with increased wealth in society and greater access to goods such as gems, it is worth noting the celebration themes for a 10th year anniversary, which lists tin or aluminium as a traditional gift, while diamond jewellery dazzles as the (recommended) other option (be aware which list it is you are to follow).

On a 60th wedding anniversary, both tradition and modern themes celebrate with gold casting a glow over the illustrious event. Modern couples have the added option of diamonds sparkling alluringly over the celebration of their vows, which were solemnly sworn to, so many (invaluable) years ago.

All wedding anniversaries are special, whether they are cotton, leather, emerald or silk themed. They highlight the milestones of a shared life, and sentimentally are recognised, as the symbols listed in the table.

Celebrate with Symbolic Treasures Every Year Anniversaries Traditional First Paper Second Cotton Third Leather Fourth Fruit or flowers Fifth Wood Sixth Sugar or iron Seventh Wood or copper Eighth Bronze or pottery Ninth Pottery and willow Tenth Tin or aluminium Twelfth Silk or fine linen Fifteenth Crystal Twentieth China Twenty-fifth Silver Thirtieth Pearls Thirty-fifth Coral Fortieth Rubies Forty-fifth Sapphires Fiftieth Gold Fifty-fifth Emerald Sixtieth Diamond One-hundredth 10-carat diamond

Modern Clocks China Crystal Appliances Silverware Wood, lollies or amethyst Desk sets Linens or lace Leather Diamond jewellery Pearls or jade Glass, watches or ruby Platinum or emerald Sterling silver Diamond Jade Ruby or garnet Sapphires Gold Emerald or turquoise Gold or diamonds

2Di4Catering Specialising in wedding functions ±breakfasts ±high teas ±birthday parties ±corporate functions

±

Contact: Di Schelling Mobile: 0402 305 843 Home: 5662 3180 Email: schellingfam1@bigpond.com Like us on Facebook 72

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Montfort MANOR

Winner Hosted Accommodation 2013, 2012 & 2010 RACV VICTORIAN TOURISM AWARDS Finalist Hosted Accommodation 2013, 2012 & 2010 QANTAS AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS Finalist Hosted Accommodation 2011 RACV VICTORIAN TOURISM AWARDS

AUSTRALIA #1 of 113 Gippsland B&B and Inns

Celebrate your special day in luxury at a grand manor Montfort Manor offers you an unforgettable wedding night location in a grand manor style - set in beautifully landscaped gardens. Majestic entrance and stairway, quality antique furnishings, magnificent pool side setting, spacious decadent rooms, fresh flowers, champagne, chocolates, gourmet breakfast and personal touches that will please and delight you. Wedding night packages available.

Montfort MANOR

Office opening hours: 10am-3pm Hosts:

Owners live on site, available 24 hours

David and Melinda Wilson

35 Hoven Drive, Traralgon, 3844 Tel: +61 35174 8211 Fax: +61 35174 4453 Mob: 0428 748 211 E-mail montfort@vic.australis.com.au Web: www.montfortmanor.com.au

TAMBERRAH

COTTAGES

What better place to begin married life than nestled in the heart of East Gippsland?

Tamberrah Cottages’ stonework gates, trout filled lakes, waterlilies and charming watermill setting, provide an unique location from which to explore the riches of Gippsland’s surrounds, while offering a romantic venue like no other in which to exchange vows, in the privacy of an intimate and stunning setting.

Located in the greenery of scenic hills, near golden lakes and rolling blue oceans, Tamberrah Cottages offers newlyweds relaxation and comfort as they explore one of Australia’s most renowned regions. Local bushland, wineries, award-winning foods, water activities and seasonal sun or snow are just some of the nearby attractions enticing couples to plan their wedding and stay in the luxurious accommodation of one of Australia’s most spectacular venues.

Unrivalled in beauty, Tamberrah Cottages has created a cultural heritage all of its own, with its iconic licensed Windmill Restaurant (famous

for its gourmet pizzas and devonshire teas) a recognisable symbol in the Tambo Upper, Bumberrah region (the townships from which the property derives its name).

An array of unusual and vintage items enrich the stunning gardens of this picturesque location, with photoshoot opportunities that could not be matched at any other wedding venue. From arches and a trestle bridge over the lily-filled lake, where pink, blue, mauve and lemon-coloured flowers glimmer across the rippling waters surrounding Tamberrah’s secluded, private island (the centrepiece of the grounds), an elusive romantic quality typifies the uniqueness of the location.

Equally as enigmatic on the main-ground side of the bridge, Jeanne and Robbie Fraser also provide ceremony options on the garden grounds; beside the scenic pond; under arches or with any of the highlights of their featured item collectables. Whether a civil or religious ceremony, large or small, held indoor or out, Tamberrah Cottages ensures enraptured memories of your special day will never be forgotten.

With state of the art facilities, an intimate service for 15 people is just as impressive as a larger

By Ann Pulbrook

gathering, allowing up to approximately 125 guests to attend a service comfortably on Tamberrahs' grounds.

The exquisite self-contained cottages boast magnificent views overlooking the grounds and nearby surrounds. Jeanne and Robbie welcome guests with luxurious chocolates and wine on arrival, and provide a breakfast basket for a private stay to be enjoyed in style.

Excellent barbecue facilities and entertaining areas are also available in the gardens, along with use of the generously spaced veranda.

For more information about Tamberrah Cottages' unique wedding, restaurant and accommodation options, please phone Jeanne and Robbie on (03) 5156 4663.

I started my business "Decorations by Annelise" to pursue my passion of art and all things crafty and to offer affordable options for people getting married or planning functions.

I sell, make and hire out affordable party decorations.

I've had over ten years in retail, customer service and visual merchandising, so I know everyone is unique, but they always want their event to be perfect. I can help create the perfect event, no matter how big or small, from kids’ parties to corporate functions, or even the wedding of your dreams.

I have decorations for hire, for those who want to DIY custom-made decorations ranging from small place cards to lemonade stands, roof drapery and giant LOVE letters.

And lastly, I offer my services as an event decorator.

I am easy-going and affordable, and will work with my customers diligently, to give them the event of their dreams.

I offer free consultations on any event.

Any questions/suggestions, please email or call me decorationsbyannelise@hotmail.com or 0402 596 549

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Real Stories

“Our Story”

 Alison Kilday & Mark Loorham

22 March, 2014

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It was a beautiful Autumn’s day on March 22, 2014 when Gippsland’s Alison Kilday married fiancé Mark Loorham on the grounds of Bram Leigh, in Croydon (situated midway between the bride and groom’s family homes). The day was relaxed and celebrated with panache as guests mingled and took in the scenery.

Arriving in a two tone 1951 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn, Alison was nervous but calmed down immediately when she saw her future husband waiting patiently for her. Her parents Brian and Barbara Kilday both walked her down the aisle, following her best friends since school, bridesmaids Lisa Habel and Niree Zammit, along with her junior bridesmaid, 10 year old Molly Loorham. Molly’s father, Paul Loorham, Mark’s older brother was bestman along with their cousin Jamie Stilsby.

Witnessed by 109 family and friends, the ceremony was touchingly personalised by friend and celebrant Alison McCallum, “She really captured our story” said Alison. The entertaining service inspired listeners with analogies drawn between the parallels of marriage and owning a dog and playing football (which are well known passions of the happy couple). Concluding the ceremony with Stevie Wonder’s classic Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours), husband and wife happily made their way through the grounds of Bram Leigh to commence their wedding photoshoot.

Framed by arches, and whimsical fairylights draped across botanical greenery, the enchanting scene was reflected in the shimmering waters of a Bram Leigh pond.

An artistic graffiti wall also provided a striking

backdrop for the bridal party, who then joined guests in the venue’s Grand Ballroom. Mr and Mrs Loorham were announced, and danced for the first time as an officially married couple to Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love.

Everyone was encouraged to join in and also help the happy couple celebrate by posting remarks, leave handwritten messages or snap themselves in a photobooth to create a guestbook and video memories of fun, special moments, with diverse, thoughtful, loving and amusing recordings made throughout the night.

“It’s hard to capture how fun, awesome and great the day was!” Alison said, who was accused of rigging the bouquet throw, which landed in the hands of Bec, her brother Patrick’s girlfriend.

new)’, bought from a Traralgon bridal boutique, was a patch of her grandmother Peggy’s own wedding gown (fulfilling the ‘something old’ requirement of the marriage ritual). She also wore her grandmother Ida’s sapphire ring as ‘something blue’, and borrowed an Oroton bag from bridesmaid Niree to fulfil the adornment custom.

“One of our guest’s cousins played in the band at the reception and they were fantastic,” said Alison “It was such a relaxed day, so fun and personal. It really was a ceremony and celebration that reflected us and our story”.

Photos by Megan Aldridge Photography

Mark was also challenged throughout the tossing of the garter when he unwittingly unveiled a red, white and blue Western Bulldogs garment around his new wife’s leg. “Mark barracks for the Sydney Swans” said Alison, but obviously, the couple have already learned the art of compromise and humour in these early stages of their story together.

Red, yellow, pink, white and orange roses lovingly grown in each of the bride and groom’s mothers’ gardens adorned the delicious threetiered wedding cake made by Joanne Stilsby, and matched Alison’s beautiful bouquet.

Alison also honoured the age-old tradition of wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue on her special day. Sewn into the hem of her gorgeous Maggie Sottero ‘Adorae’ dress (‘something

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‘Vows in the Vines’ at T o m s C a p V i n e ya r d R e t r e at

There is no better way to prepare for marriage than an early reservation for your wedding at Toms Cap Vineyard Retreat. Holding an extensive waiting list, the popular venue takes bookings a year in advance for its range of catered indoor and outdoor locations.

The Vines Chapel set in the vineyard is a perfect venue for an indoor ceremony and can cater for weddings throughout the year, whatever the season. The adjacent “Woody’s” Restaurant provides the reception location, its space offering extensions into the beautiful outdoors, with patio, lawn and garden grounds available.

Outside, a special outdoor oak-tree setting is a romantic option, which many couples have taken to heart. Shaded by branches from the property’s only original botanical feature, which overhangs a winding path, the secluded spacious area boasts room for up to 100 guests.

With spectacular panoramic views overlooking the vineyard, an old-fashioned swing and serene nearby garden pond, the opportunities are ample for scenic photographic locations and backdrops.

Whether an indoor or outdoor occasion, all Toms Cap celebrations are memorable, catered for by outstanding staff, with food prepared from Gippsland’s finest ingredients, and availability of the vineyard’s own boutique wines. The modern, relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking views can also be invigorated by the facility to play live music at the premises, creating unique and versatile celebration options.

Toms Cap owners, Ann and Graham Morris, ensure every courtesy and comfort is extended to guests, and with their thoughtful care and attention to detail, are always available to support any celebration and all ceremonies held on the property. A car and driver are provided free of charge to pick up the bride and her party from the cottage on the property that they prepared in.

A lot of the bridal parties stay in the cottage the night prior to the wedding ceremony making themselves comfortable whilst getting ready. The groom and groomsmen are also catered for with space in the main home being made available where they can relax and prepare in comfort. Ann

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and Graham want everyone to feel at ease and hope that their little extras make each wedding more special.

Toms Cap has won multiple awards, commended in areas such as hospitality; as a prestigious wedding venue; a quality boutique winemaker; an accommodation provider and as a regional destination. Rightfully, the vineyard has attracted much deserved attention, being well noted also for its photogenic qualities, the vines of which (at the heart of its providence) act as a recognizable symbol of the venue, whether sprinkled in Winter rain, turning a golden Autumn hue, or hanging lushly from fertile Spring branches.

The specialness of the Central Gippsland’s hills in which Toms Cap is located, adds tranquility in which to unwind. Vineyard guests can stay to enjoy the property’s diverse and enchanting features, or explore the region’s various nearby attractions. From Ninety Mile Beach to the Strzelecki Ranges, Port Albert or Port Welshpool, every destination has its own story, and Toms Cap makes it an easy and accessible drive to such inspiring visitor locations. Stories of local history ignite the imagination, while the visual beauty of the surrounds, soothing open air and rich, fertile enticements, such as the aromatic gourmet fare, fresh from the heart of Gippsland’s

diverse food bowl, adds to the stay in a cottage at Toms Cap Vineyard Retreat.

Wedding celebrations remain a vibrant memory for guests, who come back again and again to experience the views from the mountain cap. Along with the cottages’ unbeatable accommodation, the restaurants’ fine dining, the handcrafted boutique wines and excellent coffee, the rural vista remains an unpretentious favourite for locals and tourists alike.

Toms Cap is often the venue for couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries or the birth of their children. There are a myriad of occasions that can be celebrated at Toms Cap, and any number of reasons to spend a few nights away to enjoy a cottage stay. With a new deluxe Day Spa open on the property, Toms Cap provides ample opportunity to enjoy special celebrations in luxurious surroundings at the vineyard’s popular Retreat.

To find out more about the wedding services provided at Toms Cap, or to enquire about wine or make a booking at the venue’s restaurants, cottages or Day Spa, please phone Ann and Graham on 51942215 or visit www.tomscap.com.au

t o m s •c a p v i n e ya r d

•

r e s ta u r a n t

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a cc o m m o d at i o n

• Accommodation • Special Dinner and Accommodation Packages • Wine Tastings • Health spa & gym • Great Outdoor Activities • Small Group Luncheons • Exquisite Dinner Menu • Garden Weddings and Reception in Function Centre

toms•cap Vineyard & Accommodation: 7 Days Restaurant: Lunches Friday to Sundays and all Public Holidays - open at 11am Functions; Seminars & Group Dinners: 7 Days, times to suit

Ann & Graham Morris 322 Lays Road, Willung South Gippsland 3847 Tel: 03 5194 2215 Email: info@tomscap.com.au www.tomscap.com.au

Wedding Cakes

A gorgeous wedding cake is often the centrepiece of a wedding and usually sits in a place of honour… but how does one start planning for a stunning Wedding Cake? Cakes by Karen is the answer.

Budget One of the key factors in the process of creating a Wedding Cake is the budget. “In Cake Decorating, the possibilities are endless – it really is only limited by one’s imagination… and budget” Karen tells us, “and we are very conscious of working with our Clients to create a stunning masterpiece that fits within their price range”.

Another option is for the top tier to be kept for the days following the Wedding. “At the Reception, Brides and Grooms are very busy, and many have told us they have been glad to have some cake to enjoy after the event, for themselves or to share with Family and Friends”, says Karen.

As a starting point Karen suggests thinking realistically about how much a piece of cake costs. “Many Brides and Grooms have no idea what a Wedding Cake is worth. Stop by your local café and have a look at how much they charge for a basic, mass produced piece of mud cake. It’s often around $8.00-$9.00 a serve. A Wedding Cake however, is completely custom made – from flavour and size, to colour and design detail.

Based on that, a customer shouldn’t expect to pay less than a piece of cake from a Café.”

From simple, elegant Wedding Cakes, to grandiose declarations of the Couples love for each other, Cakes by Karen is Gippsland’s Premiere Wedding Cake Company.

When setting a budget, Karen also recommends using the Wedding Cake as your Dessert. “A Wedding needs a cake and a dessert. Rather than paying for both, choose a Cake Decorator whose cakes taste amazing and use that as your dessert – venues will happily serve it for you.”

Design

Formed in 2010, in a Registered Home Based Kitchen, Cakes by Karen has built a reputation for quality and flavour. Today, they are Gippsland’s largest Cake Decorating Business, creating over 350 cakes last year in their Commercial Kitchen.

A quick Google search will demonstrate the sheer number of options available to Brides and Grooms when it comes to Design. “Many are so confused when they come to see us – they’ve seen so many cakes they love, but none are really perfect for them”, says Karen. “That’s where our service really shines – we take the time to look at the designs customers have found, find out what it is they love and then use that information to design their perfect cake.”

Wedding Cakes are the predominant part of the Business and Owner/Operator Karen King says they take pride in making the process of booking a Wedding Cake incredibly easy.

“Planning the Wedding Cake can be extremely daunting for many Brides and Grooms… there are just so many options available”, says Karen.

“We work closely with our Clients to create a cake that is perfect for their occasion, adding personal touches to make the cake extra special.”

“We offer no-obligation Design Appointments to all of our Brides and Grooms. During this one hour appointment I sit with the couple and discuss designs, colours, sizes, prices and of course flavours.” At each Design Appointment the team from Cakes by Karen provide samples of all 12 of their delicious Mud Cake flavours.

“The Grooms especially, love that part of the process…” says Karen, but she adds with a smile “making a decision on the flavour is often the hardest part!”

We asked Karen to provide some tips to make the process a little easier.

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Number and Size of Serves Cakes by Karen have two serving sizes – Dessert (2”x1”) and Coffee (1”x1”). Your choice depends on the style of event you are having. If your meal is a sit down affair and your cake is the dessert, a Dessert serve is the perfect choice. If on the other hand your function is Cocktail style, a Coffee size may be the way to go.

Another consideration should be the number of serves. Traditionally the Bride and Groom keep the top tier for their 1st Wedding Anniversary.

“There are so many options available, and so many ways we can create a cake to suit our Client’s needs”. One example is the use of faux tiers, Styrofoam dummies that are used by Cake Decorators to increase the overall size of a cake, without having to over cater. “Even the smallest of weddings can have a big beautiful cake for their special day.”

Karen recommends spending some time online researching Wedding Cakes. “Pinterest is an amazing resource to help Brides and Grooms – create a board and simply ‘Pin’ any cakes that grab your attention. It then becomes our job to use those images as inspiration to create the perfect cake.”

Flavour At Cakes by Karen they specialise in Mud Cakes, with over 12 regular flavours available and a number of Gluten Free/Dairy Free options. “Fruit cake is definitely not as popular as it has been in days gone by”, says Karen. “The process of making a Wedding Cake is lengthy, which is why we choose to only make Mud Cakes … they are guaranteed to taste amazing on the Wedding Day.”

“We are very proud of the work we do, and we have a proven track record of creating quality cakes”, says Karen. “We fell into business 4 years ago after posting a few pictures on Facebook, so it still amazes me that we are in business making such important cakes. It means a lot to us that Brides and Grooms trust us with their Wedding Cakes – we are honoured to make them and do everything we can to ensure spectacular results for their special day.

If you’d like to speak to Karen or her team, they can be found at www.cakesbykaren.com.au or by phoning 1300 787 465.

Delivery Will you have the cake delivered?

Karen suggests “YES” should be the only answer to this question. “This is one of the most important days of our Client’s lives… it is not the day to have Uncle Gav or Aunty Robyn pick up the cake. Yes it will save a few dollars, however it is a huge responsibility and one can only imagine the outcome should something go wrong.”

Cakes by Karen charge delivery at $0.50 a kilometre. “It’s a small price to pay to ensure your stunning cake arrives in perfect condition.”

Who will make it?

This is a big decision – and one that should be given much thought. How are you to know that the Cake Decorator you are talking to is right for you? Can they truly create the cake they are promising?

The Cakes by Karen team do not solely make Custom Cakes, they are also Gippsland’s largest dedicated Cake Decorating Retail Store, and love helping their Customers to create their own masterpieces.

For all of the tools and free advice you need to make a cake of your own, stop in and see the girls at 2/26 Shakespeare Street, Traralgon. thelifestyle autumn 2014

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

OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10am ■ 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. thelifestyle winter 2012

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Moo’s At Meeniyan Restaurant and Café

89 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan Vic 3956 Phone: (03) 5664 0010 | Email: eat@moosatmeeniyan.com.au visit www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au HOURS OF TRADING Thursday to Monday 8.30AM-4.30PM DINNER: FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS FROM 6PM

Fashion Jewellery Shoes and Homeware

Open Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 1pm Sunday - Closed Shop 1, Time Square, Murray Street, Wonthaggi em: oaktreeboutique24@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/oaktreeboutique

THE NEW

60 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1611 Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.00pm Saturday 8.15am to 2.30pm Sunday 10.00am to 2.00pm

A fair price, lasting quality, good looks and a warm welcome.

Kellie

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93 Seymour Street TRARALGON, Vic 3844 Open Mon - Fri: 9am – 5.30 pm Sat : 9am – 1.00pm Ph 03 5176 2666

thelifestyle winter 2014

289 Raymond Street SALE, Vic 3850 Open Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.00pm Sat: 9am - 12noon Ph 03 5144 6464

Shelley

Eat... Live... Fresh

Coffee • Cafe • Provedore

Hours

Breakfast from 8.00 am Sun - Wed: 7.00 am - 3.00 pm Thurs & Fri: 7.00 am - 4.00 pm Sat: 7.00 am – 2.00 pm

Eat... Live... Fresh

Coffee • Cafe • Provedore 20 Contingent Street, Trafalgar, Vic 3824 Ph: (03) 5633 3015

MEENIYAN TRADERS SHOPPING IN MORWELL On Wednesday 23rd April 2014, multiple business owners from Meeniyan came to shop in Morwell for the day. The gathering of multiple Meeniyan business owners to visit Morwell and spend money was the idea of Marty Thomas.

Marty is the owner and operator of Moo’s at Meeniyan, a restaurant and café located on the main street of Meeniyan. Marty is also the President of the Meeniyan Tourism & Traders Association. During the recent Hazelwood coal mine fire, Marty heard on ABC Radio about the dire situation Morwell was facing. This is where the shopping spree idea was sparked. Multiple Meeniyan business owners gathered together; travelled to Morwell and shopped for the day. The whole day was a lot of fun for all involved.

(L to R): Jo Purbrick, Kathryn Smith, Dorothy Parker, Myra Vance, David Vance, Francesco Laera, Rhia Nix, Catherine Waldron & Marty Thomas kneeling.

All of the businesses located on Whitelaw Street, the main street of Meeniyan, are very reliant on tourist dollars.

Previously, Meeniyan businesses have suffered when there have been natural disasters in the Southern Gippsland region. Any event driving tourists away from the Meeniyan region directly affects all of the local businesses.

The business owners in Meeniyan completely understand how hurtful a drop in business can be. This is why they wanted to lead by example, take the first step and give something back to Morwell. There is the possibility that Meeniyan may once again face natural disasters in the future, and would like to think towns like Morwell could assist Meeniyan when they are in need.

Kathryn Smith Manny’s Market in Morwell

Myra and David Vance Dorothy Parker & Catherine Waldron Manny’s Market in Morwell Viva Shoes, Commercial Road

Extract from Morwell Neighbourhood House

by Ashley Wincer supplied by Marty Thomas

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Morwell Back in

By Ann Pulbrook

Business and for Trade

The smoke has cleared and Morwell is ready and open for business.

With the bright days of Autumn helping clear the air after the distressing Morwell mine fire, Latrobe Valley’s central town is enthusiastic to return to its pre-disaster trading swing of things.

With an array of cultural, recreational, business and goods and services centred in this friendly and relaxed community, the vibrancy of Morwell is ready to return and show its colours.

A strong resurgence in business will help revitalise the town, which suffered economic hardship as well as health and wellbeing complaints when fire threatened the town and filled its streets with a prolonged coverage of laden smoke.

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This resilient and patient community rallied round and are part of the solution of solving their town’s unfortunate problems. The community of diverse and creative, imaginative and productive people have brushed off the dust and are now ready to display the fruits of their efforts by tempting shoppers to the town, as well as sport lovers and cultural aficionados who can enjoy its riches.

The proud residents and traders of Morwell invite you to come to town and see what it’s got. It may surprise you with its treasures and affordable prices. A great place to meet friends, this centre of the Latrobe Valley is a gateway to exciting and interesting things, including stateof-the-art resources, such as an active and well stocked Public Art Gallery, an award winning rose garden and landscaped parks and modern architecture.

Morwell provides choices with fun and safe venues for children to play in, where dogs can be walked and skateboarders can enjoy their pastime without bother. It is a vibrant community where elderly casually catch up in street cafes for coffee and shopping is a dream for fashionistas and home improvers alike.

With all this tremendous potential, Morwell is a town that is ready to take on its challenges and reinvigorate destiny, to arise from the ashes, better than ever.

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LATROBE REGIONAL GALLERY A New Lifelong Landscape Ash Keating

24 May – 20 July 2014 Gallery 5 Exhibition Celebration: Friday 13 June 6 - 8pm A New Lifelong Landscape, 2011, is an intensely personal exploration of loss and connection to place.

Different from Keating's site-specific projects that often raise awareness of environmental issues, A New Lifelong Landscape explores a more personal relationship between the artist and his environment.

Image credit: Ash Keating, A New Lifelong Landscape, 2011, in collaboration with Jonnie Leahy, video still, HD video 8 minutes 38 seconds, edition of 5 + 2AP, courtesy of the artist

Dawn to Dusk Landscapes from The Cbus Collection of Australian Art 31 May – 16 November 2014 Gallery 4 Exhibition Celebration: Friday 13 June 6 - 8pm

Representations of Australian landscape by non-indigenous artists could be described as a gradual shift from a European sense of light in colonial times, to recognition of the particularities and clarity of Australian light by artists working in the twentieth century.

Image credit: Emma Minnie Boyd, Landscape with Wattle, 1912, watercolour on paper.

The Cbus Collection of Australian Art.

Creative Power: The Art of George Baldessin 7 June – 3 August 2014 Gallery 1 & 2 Exhibition Celebration: Friday 13 June, 6 - 8pm

This exhibition includes highlights of one of Australia’s most influential and important printmakers from the 1960s and 70s. The exhibition is curated by Tess Edwards Baldessin, the artist’s widow. The selection of prints and drawings show the development of Baldessin’s various themes as well as his very individual style.

Image credit: George Baldessin, Performer’s with Bicycles, 1964, etching and aquatint, on loan from Australian Galleries.

This exhibition is supported by Visions of Australia, an Australian Government program supporting touring exhibitions by providing funding assistance for the development and touring of Australia cultural material across Australia.

Boorun’s Canoe

14 June – 13 July 2014 Community Access Gallery Exhibition Celebration: Friday 13 June 6 - 8pm Talk by Steaphan Paton: Thursday 10 July, 3.30pm Boorun’s Canoe celebrates the traditions of Victorian Aboriginal culture and promotes its continuation and strength. The exhibition tells the story of how Senior Gunai/Kurnai Elder Uncle Albert Mullett taught his grandson, Steaphan Paton, and other young men in his family, to build a bark canoe, an age old tradition that has been practised for many years by the Gunai/Kurnai people of Gippsland.

Image credit: Gunai Artist Steaphan Paton floats a traditional bark canoe in East Gippsland. Photo: Cam Cope.

The Sound of Shadows Figurative Works from the Latrobe Regional Gallery Collection

14 June – 12 October 2014 Gallery 3 Exhibition Celebration: Friday 13 June 6 - 8pm

This exhibition presents works depicting the darker side of the Latrobe Regional Gallery collection, and takes the viewer on a journey through dark rooms, furtive places and encounters with mysterious people.

Image credit: Michael Gallop, Nostalgia, 2012, silicone rubber, pigment, mohair, cardboard, paper and polyurethane resin, 30 x 45 x 25 cm.

Jean Galbraith and Friends: a Shared Passion for Nature

26 July – 21 September 2014 Gallery 5 and Print Room Exhibition Celebration and Book Launch: Saturday 26 July, 1pm – 3pm A loved resident of the Latrobe Valley, Jean Galbraith is also one of Australia’s most influential writers on gardens, nature and plants. This exhibition explores her achievements and connection with her beloved valley. It also features the work of friends who shared her passion for nature: the botanical art of Betty Conabere and a collaboration with Edna Walling that has been hidden away in Jean Galbraith’s papers until now.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE RECENT AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND LAWN BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIP HELD AT THE TRARALGON BOWLS CLUB MARCH 2014

Photos supplied by Chris Le Lievre Bowls Co-Ordinator, Traralgon Bowls Club Inc.

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Dan Clancey

by Cherry Prior

Filming a marketing video for an entertainment company

modern-day storyteller Dan Clancey is 40, a husband, a dad, a writer, a journalist, a cameraman, a producer, a consultant, a small businessman, a bubbling well of ideas and a treasure box of creativity. But ask him what he does for a living and this man who has accomplished so much struggles to find the words. “It’s funny because at dinner conversations or even family barbecues it’s really, really hard for me to explain,” Dan says.

In truth, there’s a really simple way to define Dan’s craft: he is a storyteller.

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Dan was the artistic director for the Dance with Me project, which encouraged people to get active through dancing. Here's the Traralgon Post Office flash mob.

Directing a promotional video inside an industrial factory.

The complexity creeps in when you consider the methods he uses to convey those stories as a creative producer, running his own business from a small office in Traralgon’s CBD. His is a craft in which no two projects are the same and almost anything goes.

Dan with one of the puppets from the hit stage musical 'Avenue Q'.

He works with children, adults, corporate clients, community groups, government departments, not-for-profits and professional actors and artists.

He may be helping to write a speech one day, delivering a fundraising event the next, launching a product complete with whiz-bang sound and lights show the following day then making a community video to upload to YouTube.

One of his current projects is First Time Theatre, a program for adults where all participants are equal. It is one of Dan’s own initiatives and was recently delivered in Mirboo North in conjunction with the town’s annual Arty Gras, held in May. “I’ve run it a few times now but it’s an adultbased program that is based on equality. It was always pitched at people who are over 35 or 40 who didn’t do drama at school, so they missed their calling, they always thought they’d be good at that but they can’t break into a local theatre company. They just want to have a go,” Dan says.

“It was built on the idea of a safe working environment where everyone’s in the same boat, so everyone’s equally scared but everyone’s equally rewarded from the experience. No judgement, no apologies … and everyone will allow you to make mistakes so you can learn from them.

“It is really, really rewarding … We are talking about people who are senior managers to people who are unemployed to barristers who just want to have a little creative outlet but didn’t know where to go to do it.”

His first job upon leaving school was at a regional TV station in Bendigo as a production assistant.

“I used to run cables and carry cameras and do all those sort of bits and pieces back in the day before digital. That was with Southern Cross BCV8 Bendigo, then I worked my way to floor manager in the news and shooting commercials, writing scripts and those sorts of things.”

In 1997 he was transferred to Gippsland where he met his wife Mandy, who writes some of the material, and started a family – they have two daughters Maggie, 12, and Alice 10. He moved a few times but stayed largely in the Latrobe Valley.

“Back in those days there was no WINTV here, there was no Prime TV. It was the only (TV) station so people would ring you, for example, to come down to Lake Entrance and do a three minute video about how good Bulls Cruisers are. Video was a very different medium. There was no DVD, there was no YouTube, everything was a VHS tape.” And where people went, if they needed that kind of thing, was the local TV station.

In 2000 Dan decided to trade on his own terms, starting his own business. Along the way there were stints for Monash University, ABC Radio, Gippsland Water and Latrobe City Council, among others. He coped only because the roles – largely in marketing, communications and project management - were short term and creative, rather than corporate. “I enjoyed it but I am not a suit and tie person. So I could never work in that office environment nine to five.”

At age 32 Dan returned to uni to undertake a journalism degree (he graduated six years later).

It wasn’t that he wanted a change of focus, he was just keen to continue innovating.

No matter where he has been and where he takes his craft in the future, the underlying passion is to work creatively and to convey the stories of ordinary people. “I love working with people and love being creative, but it’s also about giving people a voice,” Dan says. “After the 2009 fires, we worked with the Callignee and Traralgon South community. It was only them even though the fires were widespread across all of Victoria including the Delburn fires as well.”

The project aim was to write a play. “So we sat with them and workshopped over months what could we write, what stories do we have?

They were putting in little things about what happened and our team put all that into a story, the community members wrote the music … and together we put on a musical, self-written, performed twice, but it was fantastic and it worked. It was the most rewarding project I’ve been involved with because for these people a lot of their stories had been unheard.”

After almost 20 years in Gippsland, he feels like he’s a local – and can’t walk down to the local farmers’ market without earning the exasperation of his daughters. “It’s very hard to move from stall to stall without stopping and chatting … I really like living in a community like this. I would never leave Gippsland.”

Photos supplied by Dan Clancey

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west gippsland winter in with

LAURIE COLLINS Winter again!… Well it was a lovely Autumn and most of the days were so sunny and mild.

Now it is coming up to cold and wet times and the temptation is to stay inside and keep the fire company.

Not to dismiss that entirely, but it is worth noting, a series of events coming up that just might tempt you out of your cave!

The Yakkerboo Art Show is early in June (May 31st to June 1st) and before you ask where Yakkerboo is, it is the name for the Pakenham Art Show (as I am one of the judges, I suppose I should let you know that).

Another art show in an even more picturesque locale is the Tanjil Valley Art Show on the 6th of June… Either go to Blue Rock Lake and head up towards Noojee (or vice versa).

Fantastic scenery (even in the rain) and of course fine art to view and perhaps purchase.

The Koowee Community Market is a recent development well worth a look. It is run by the Koo Wee Rup CFA and RSL on the first Sunday of every month at Cochrane Park, Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup and aims to help raise money for community groups.

Go to www.kooweemarket.com.au.

Of course there are other markets such as Longwarry, Yarragon, Warragul Farmers Market etc and all these keep operating through the winter months. (Just an aside but Baw Baw Shire have developed a better information website and it lists all these events in a much more accessible way. Have a look, visit www.visitbawbaw.com.au/events What about some theatre! From the 27th of June to the 12th of July, Warragul Theatre Company will present for the first time in Gippsland, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s greatest musical – Phantom of the Opera. Surely this is worth leaving the TV and the fire for! Backed by a fabulous 30 piece orchestra, this should indeed be worth seeing.

There are lots of other interesting delight at the West Gippsland Arts Centre as well with plays, African circus, comedy and music.

See wgac.com.au And more music can be had at Wesley at Warragul with Bach, Beethoven and bits of the Renaissance coming to town (well not really the guys themselves but people playing their music). www.wesleyofwarragul.org. au/ I have also noticed that Gypsy Creek Winery is having a Gypsy group playing on every Sunday (sort of appropriate.. a gypsy group that is…)!

Anyway Karavana Flamenca plays to accompany a fine Sunday lunch or wine at Gypsy Creek Winery in Labertouche and that would be a great way to spend a Sunday arvo. www.gypsycreekwines.com.au I mentioned the Jindivick Sculpture Show last issue and this year a select group of works from this show goes up to Mt Baw Baw to be an exhibition up there. By this time it should have some lovely snow about so this is another excuse to visit the popular weekend spot.

Also coming up is Xmas in July, Retro day, Winter sports week and lots of snowboarding (nothing like waterboarding) competitions!

Check out their website www.mountbawbaw.com.au Another winter activity is browsing among the stalls at the Yarragon Book Fair which is on 12th-13th of July. As well as going to the fair it gives you a chance to re-enjoy the delights of Yarragon, e.g.: Town and Country Gallery, Yarragon Ale House, the wonderful meals at the Yarragon Hotel and coffee at one of the many Cafes (e.g. Sticcado).

Winter is also the time for antique fairs and Pakenham has one on Saturday, 26th of July, in the Cardinia Cultural Centre www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/calendar Warragul has one on 13th of September at the Warragul Regional College and I think Jindivick is having one too, but I don’t have any final details for that just yet.

Another place to experience in winter, is of course, Walhalla and many people still don’t know that they put on a Walhalla Vinter Ljusfest. This runs from 1st to 31st of August, and you can experience the village in an entirely different way with lights, moving images and sound every evening from 6:30pm.

2014’s theme is “China”. www.visitwalhalla.com I think that gives a few reasons to emerge from hibernation from time to time and really, even the nature places (Mt Worth, Toorongo Falls, Glen Nayook all look quite different and quite beautiful among the mist and drizzle…..just watch for the mud!)

Laurie Collins

west gippsland winter in

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Krystal Darcy Owner

GREAT FOOD, FRIENDLY SERVICE, LOCAL ATMOSPHERE

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Eating scones & drinking tea

to help fight cancer in Traralgon

By Ally McManus

Some women spend retirement travelling, others crafting and baking and instead some spend it fundraising. Sally Wilson and Kaye Jones from the Traralgon Cancer Council do a combination of these in an attempt to increase awareness about the disease locally.

Sally is the Publicity and Fundraising Officer at the Traralgon Cancer Council and works closely with Kaye, the Assistant Treasurer of their unit. They absolutely adore what they do and this shines through as I chat to them in Sally’s Traralgon home.

I’m already impressed as they supply delicious baked goods for the interview – scones with jam and cream, Easter chocolates, strawberry and cream cheese tarts and of course – a hot cup of tea. Whether it’s a Big Morning Cuppa, Girl’s Night In or a High Tea event, Sally and Kaye are doing everything they can to bring The Cancer Council’s events to Gippsland.

Kaye has been with the council for the last eight years and Sally for the last three. “It’s very rewarding,” Kaye adds. Sally’s former profession was real estate and this knowledge of locals has helped their fundraising immensely.

“Anything that anybody doesn’t want they give to us, and we turn it into dollars in one way or another,” Sally says.

I find out Kaye has a knack for produce and can turn lemons into lemon butter, green tomatoes into pickles and cumquats into marmalade.

“Nothing’s ever wasted,” she adds. To complement her baking skills, she also makes quilts while Sally knits.

“I sit here when I’ve got nothing to do and just knit,” Sally tells me. I find out she sure has a knack for it after seeing her colourful and diverse work. Sally makes everything from bags, scarves and hats to doorstoppers.

The items don’t have fixed prices either; every sale is simply a donation. “It’s a great sense of satisfaction, knowing that you’ve got time to do something for someone else that hasn’t got the time,” Sally says. All their fundraising also goes directly to cancer research in Melbourne.

The ladies have a voluntary meeting on the first Monday of every month to organise themselves, and Val Skinner, their 89-year-old Treasurer who began their group, still comes to every single meeting. “She’s absolutely amazing,” Sally adds.

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Breast Cancer Key

They’re very grateful for their fundraising team and bounce off each other for new ideas. “We’re really lucky, they’re a good bunch of girls,” Kaye says. There are 25 ladies in the group, with about five of them having experienced cancer themselves.

They hold at least one fundraising event every month, whether it’s a Bunning’s BBQ on Father’s Day, a Mother’s Day raffle, a soup and sandwich luncheon, Christmas wrapping at the plaza, a Big Morning Cuppa, trivia night, or a High Tea event.

These women are constantly finding new ways to raise money, as they believe this is a crucial aspect to their success. “I think we’re very lucky that people donate so generously,” Sally says.

They’ve also found their fundraising allows people to open up and talk about their own experiences with cancer, which Sally and Kaye find so interesting and very rewarding.

I learn about the Cancer Council’s new key merchandise, which was Sally’s idea to increase awareness about breast cancer. For $10 you receive a pink key that can be cut to unlock a cure for cancer. They are designed for those who are experiencing cancer, those who are supporting someone with cancer and for someone who have lost a loved one to cancer.

The keys are a symbol of the cause and there are even local locksmiths in Traralgon, Sale and Bairnsdale who donate the price of cutting each key to the council. “It’s just to remind you of the people who have cancer,” Sally says, while Kaye adds, “everyone that hasn’t had it, knows someone who has had it.”

Sally and Kaye have a favourite experience from all their fundraising work, which has turned into quite a tradition now. After every High Tea, they head off to Kaye’s place for pizzas and red wine. “In copious quantities!” Sally also adds as we share a laugh. They deserve it after all of their hard work as I find out they fundraised an incredible $45,000 alone last year.

We talk about cancer itself, and how it’s affected their fundraising group. “We just don’t know who it’s going to affect, and when it’s going to be,” Sally says, as the ladies name all the women in their group who have had cancer and reiterate its random affect on the population.

“But at least $45,000 of what we do, goes towards finding some other cure,” Kaye adds, reminding us of their goal with the fundraising.

At the end of our interview I am overjoyed as Sally and Kaye invite me to their High Tea event in August. I gratefully accept their offer and look forward to seeing their fundraising work in action. Their knowledge, experience and passion for the Traralgon Cancer Council are admirable and would be hard to beat in the Gippsland area. I also don’t leave Sally’s house without buying a raffle ticket, so I can safely say these ladies are devoted to their job.

Sally with knitting

Their next big fundraising event is the High Afternoon Tea in August, which they’re well into preparing for. This is held at The Premiere Function Centre and caters for nearly 400 people. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun,” Kaye tells me.

The High Tea event requires over 40 volunteer helpers to cook and prepare the venue. “We have people that say, ‘I want to come and help you’. We’ve got to the stage now with such a strong support network of people, that when they know we’re doing something like that, they say ‘we’ll be there’,” Sally tells me.

All the tables are set with balloons and handpicked Camellias and for $25 a ticket; everyone comes dressed up for the day. I flick through some photo albums the ladies have brought to the interview to see the event from 2012 and 2013, it looks absolutely spectacular.

“We all get a buzz out of the people that come and enjoy themselves,” Kaye says.

They have plenty to do at the High Tea from raffles, to lucky envelopes to even beauty samples. The event ends up not just being about fundraising for cancer, but also about bringing people together. “There are so many people from different walks of life that come,” Sally says.

Sweets

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SaleGreyhoundClub The Sale Greyhound Club has come leaps and bounds in the many years it has operated in Sale. The club is best described as “The Club that Grew”.

From humble beginnings with the first meeting being run on the 8th February 1936 at a track adjacent to the present site the club has grown to now being recognized as one of the most progressive and best appointed greyhound facilities in Australia.

A modern club which provides comfortable lounge areas overlooking the track catering for both non smokers and smokers. The relaxation areas provide Tea and Coffee facilities, Plasma TV’s, Keno and TAB services all in air conditioned comfort.

The Temlee Sports Bar overlooks the track and offers Club TAB, TAB Sportsbet, 3 EBT’s, Keno, Large Plasma TV’s, Austar for all live Sports action, Oracle Ratings and the coldest and cheapest beer in town.

TAB Girls at the Group 1 Gold 1242 Sale Cup

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Dyna Nalin wins the 2013 Sale Cup Pictured with Trainer Paul Stuart

The Timeout Café is open from early to late 7 days a week – relax with a cappuccino and a snack and enjoy our “up close and personal” view of the greyhound racing.

Plenty of Free Entertainment at the Group 1 2013 Sale Cup

The Allure@Trackside is open 7 days a week for Lunch and Dinner with constantly changing blackboard specials.

The Winning Post Function Room is the ideal location for many varied events such as Weddings, Conferences, Seminars, Birthday Parties, Trivia Nights, Work or Sporting Social Events or whatever the occasion may be.

This room can accommodate up to 200 people and be setup in many various styles depending on your requirements. With its own private bar and in-house PA system, LCD screens with laptop capability, disabled access and extensive views overlooking the track and finish line. This newly renovated space boasts all the potential for your next event – Contact Melanie our Functions Manager for further information (03) 5144 3088

We Race every Sunday Twilight Free Entry

The Vixen’s getting up close with the Greyhounds at the Girls Night Out Fundraising Event

FEATURE RACE SALE CUP Australia’s richest middle distance Group 1 race. Attracting thousands of people to the Boxing Day event.

A huge $75,000 to the winner.

Free entry – This is a Family Friendly event with plenty of entertainment for everyone.

Sale Greyhound Club Showgrounds, Sale, Maffra Road Sale VIC 3850

ph. (03) 5144-2148 em.sale@grv.org.au

It was a Sensational Summer for Kids here at the Sale Greyhound Club

www.salegreyhoundclub.com.au Find us on Facebook & Twitter

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2014 MIRBOO NORTH ARTY GRAS Highlights Photos by Jeanette White supplied by Ian Southall

Koko The Clown

2014 Regional Victoria Living Expo

Amanda Owen - Shannan Little

Craig Lyon - Shannyn Kiss - John Castle - Baw Baw Shire

Kid's Activities

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Danielle Todaro - Moyha Davies - Ken Fraser

Karly McCaskill - Stephen Kleinitz

Emilie Barkley - Roslyn Jenzen

Gippsland Water

your events guide

mu muss t s e e mus t g o t do

WINTER events

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

MULTICOLOURED JOURNEYS Date: June 15 Time: 2.00pm Location: Wonthaggi Contact: Lisa Sinka 5133 7072 Email: lisa@gmsinfo.com.au

CHRISTMAS IN JULY Date: July 1 Time: 9.00am Location: Lady Lavender’s Tea Room, Bunyip

CHARITY CELEBRITY FOOTBALL MATCH @ OMEO PETER CANNING CUP Date: August 1 Time: 6.00pm Location: Omeo Rec Reserve Young Guns at Heart....with a lot of HEART! Raising Money for our local Omeo Hospital Hotham/Dinner Plain Football Club vs Omeo @ Omeo Under lights. Former AFL stars involved.

Hot food and beverages available at the ground.

After match function at the Omeo Home Turf at Hill Top Hotel from 8.00pm

47TH TRARALGON MARATHON & RUNNING FESTIVAL Date: June 15 Time: 8.00am Location: Traralgon Tennis Centre Contact: Traralgon Harriers 2014 LATROBE CITY SISTER CITIES MUSIC EXCHANGE ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE Date: June 15 Time: 2.00pm Location: Latrobe Performing Arts Centre Contact: Latrobe City 5176 3333 TROSP WALKS @ THE PROM Date: June 15 Location: Sparkes Lookout

Meet at Darby Saddle car park

Meeniyan-Prom Road, Tidal River CONTAINERS FROM FOUND METAL Date: June 18 Location: Meeniyan Art Gallery Contact: Meg Viney 5664 2430 Email: meg.v@bigpond.com WINTER NIGHT FESTIVAL Date: June 20 Time: 4.00pm - 9.00pm Location: Commercial Road Carpark, Morwell GIPPSLAND MODEL ENGINEERING SOCIETY MINIATURE STEAM & DIESEL TRAIN RIDES Date: June 22 Location: Newman Park

(next to Victory Park)

Peterkin St, Traralgon Contact: Linda Hall 5174 0035 Email: lmh080808@bigpond.com WONTHAGGI SING FOR FUN Date: June 25 Time: 7.00pm onwards Location: Mitchell House MORWELL FESTIVAL OF DANCE Date: June 27 Location: Kernot Hall, Morwell Contact: Dennis & April Hicks 5133 9997 NYORA RACEWAY Date: June 29 Time: 9.00am onwards Location: Nyora Raceway

Grundy Ave Nyora Contact: Debbie Hickson 0429 847 888 Email: nyoraspeedway@yahoo.com.au

PROM COAST FILM SOCIETY Date: July 4 Time: 8.00pm Location: Fish Creek Hall

12 Falls Road, Fish Creek Contact: FAMDA Email: famda@dcsi.net.au MORWELL FESTIVAL OF DANCE Date: July 5 Time: 4.00pm Location: Kernot Hall, Morwell Contact: Dennis & April Hicks 5133 9997 YARRAGON BOOK FAIR Date: July 12 - 13 Time: 10.00am Location: Yarragon Public Hall

7 Campbell Street, Yarragon WARRAGUL REGIONAL COLLEGE PRESENTS SWEENEY TODD Date: July 17 - 18 Location: Civic Place, Warragul MEENIYAN ON FIRE FESTIVAL Date: July 19 Location: Meeniyan Township Contact: Susan Baker 5664 7400 Email: info@morningslight.com.au TROSP WALKS @ THE PROM Date: July 20 Time: 9.30am Location: Miller’s Landing

Five Mile Track Car Park THE BEARDS Date: July 20 Time: 7.00pm Location: The Spirit Bar and Lounge Traralgon CHRISTMAS IN JULY - MIRBOO NORTH Date: July 25 Time: 7.00pm Location: Jacican

32 Giles Street, Mirboo North Contact: Jaci 0407 577 205 Email: jaci@jacican.com.au GIPPSLAND MODEL ENGINEERING SOCIETY MINIATURE STEAM & DIESEL TRAIN RIDES Date: July 27 Time: 12.00pm Location: Newman Park

(next to Victory Park)

Peterkin Street, Traralgon Contact: Linda Hall 5174 0035 Email: lmh080808@bigpond.com

PROM COAST FILM SOCIETY Date: August 1 Location: Fish Creek Hall

12 Falls Road, Fish Creek Contact: FAMDA Email: famda@dcsi.net.au WALHALLA VINTER LJUSFEST Date: August 1 - 31 Location: Walhalla Township Contact: Michael 5165 6262 Website: Visit Walhalla FOURTEENTH ANNUAL SOUTH GIPPSLAND ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Date: August 9 - 10 Location: Foster War Memorial Arts Centre TRARALGON CANCER COUNCIL - HIGH TEA Date: August Location: The Premiere Function Centre TROSP WALKS @ THE PROM Date: August 17 Time: 9.30am Location: Whisky Beach LATROBE VALLEY 59TH ANNUAL EISTEDDFOD Date: Aug 23 - 26 Contact: www.lve.org.au GIPPSLAND MODEL ENGINEERING SOCIETY MINIATURE STEAM & DIESEL TRAIN Date: Aug 24 Time: 12.00pm Location: Newman Park

(next to Victory Park)

Peterkin Street, Traralgon Contact: Linda Hall 5174 0035 Email: lmh080808@bigpond.com YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN MUSICAL Date: Aug 29 - 30 Location: Mesley Theatre, Leongatha Contact: Tanya Chalmers 0413 299 192 Email: chalmers.tanya.v@edumail.vic. gov.au

PLANET ARK NATIONAL TREE DAY Date: July 27 Time: 10.00 - 3.00pm Location: Neerim South Wetlands

23 Railway Road, Neerim South

If you require your event to be promoted please email Gippsland the Lifestyle thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au

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I know this much is true

by Wally Lamb Wally Lamb is able to take his readers on amazing journeys in his books and I should know because I have read three of them, this may not sound like much but considering he has only published five works of fiction three is not bad. I have been enthralled by all three of the books I have read so far but I must admit that “I know this much is true” is my favourite.

The reason why I love Wally Lamb is due to his ability to get to the very essence of the characters that he creates. At first I was daunted by two things, the length of the book and the shift across time which I found frustrating because he always left me with a puzzle. However after a while I got used to it as steadily the puzzle pieces started to come together.

Wally does not let the reader down by presenting an issue and not dealing with it. Unfortunately he does not necessarily deal with it straight away. So the frustrating aspect of reading his books is that he presents the reader with a piece of information and then moves on and the reader is left to ponder just what the significance of that piece of information was. Be assured everything that he puts into his story is important, from a crazy academic translating his grandfather’s diary to the co-worker of American Indian heritage whom he has known since childhood and who keeps popping up in the story at various points. What makes it fascinating for the reader is that the characters seem so real. Some are likeable others are revolting and yet they are all there to help tell the story and fit together in a way that is unclear until just the right moment. I cannot remember how many times I exclaimed “Oh now I see”.

In the end I slowed my reading down because I did NOT want the story to come to an end. And when it did, it truly was for me as it was for the main character that “I know this much is true.”

Outlander (Crosstitch in Australia)

by Diana Gabaldon This book is the start of a series that includes history, romance, adventure, time travel and much more. Diana Gabaldon in her series about Claire and Jamie has created a couple who transcend time and space in their love for each other and their family.

In Outlander we meet Claire and her husband Frank who after the end of the Second World War are in Scotland having a honeymoon they were never able to have during the war. While on her own one day Claire finds herself in a special place where she is surrounded by stones, she falls asleep and when she awakens she finds herself in a strange place. At first she thinks she is in the middle of a reenactment of a past Scottish battle, but after a while she comes to realise that she has somehow been transported back in time to the 1700’s.

As Claire strives to get her head around what may have happened to her, she tries to fit in. She uses her nursing knowledge to try and ease their pains and keeps her knowledge of the future to herself.

While adjusting to this new world she meets Jaime a young Scottish Highland Laird. Eventually they fall in love and despite knowing the truth about Claire, and the fact that she is not of his world and that she is married in her time, they marry so that Jaime has a right to protect her.

Thus brings this epic adventure that makes its way through seven books and counting. It is an adventure worth going on. When I talk about Claire and Jamie to people who have also read this series we discuss them as if they were real people.

Diana Gabaldon has not only constructed great characters but has included so much accurate history that it is also a character in the books. While there is a certain amount of fantasy as we have to believe that time travel is possible in order to accept that this story can work, it is done so well that I had no trouble dispensing with reality to go on this journey. Join me….

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BOOK

REVIEWS

by Maria Doganieri

The Little World of Don Camillo

by Giovanni Guareschi I’m in Italy and it is just after the Second World War. The place is a small town situated in the Po Valley. The main characters, despite the title of the book, are Don Camillo a catholic priest and Peppone the Communist Party Leader of the town. After the war the northern part of Italy was influenced greatly by the Communist manifesto, the people there had gone through so much during the war and had little love for the old regime and for priests, however appearances can be deceptive. While Peppone and Don Camillo were on opposite political sides, they had fought side by side during the war and they both loved their town and its people. So while they certainly clashed deep down they held a deep love and friendship for each other.

Entering this little world I found Don Camillo a priest who speaks to Christ, not unusual you may think, the only difference is that Christ speaks to Don Camillo. So throughout the stories that Giovanni Guareschi retells about Don Camillo there is a constant dialogue between Camillo and Christ. Obviously Guareschi uses that conversation to demonstrate the struggles that Camillo goes through to come to the right decision about how to deal with his flock. He refuses to baptise a child because his parents want to name him Lenin so Christ warns him that if the child dies without baptism then he will not go to heaven, when Camillo asks why the child would die, Christ responds that nothing is known and that we do not know the hour that a person is called. So Don Camillo after his own brand of bargaining (fist fight with Peppone) finally caved and baptised the baby. The story was short, sweet and funny. As each story unfolds I learned more about the main characters and the town and its people.

The lessons contained in the little world of Don Camillo are simple and direct and are about the importance of relationships and people. Giovanni Guareschi was writing at a time when there was great conflict between Communists and Catholics in the North and his stories brought humanity to the conflict that was sometimes violent and always divisive. So for a fun read you can’t go too much further than Don Camillo.

The secret Life of Bees

by Sue Monk Kidd This is a beautiful, sad and funny story about a child who had so much to forgive and to be forgiven for. It is a story of a journey through southern America as well as through time.

Lily must get her stand in mother Rosaleen away from town because she has offended three of the most racist members of town. Lily has a stand-in mother because when she was little she watched as her mother was murdered before her eyes. This event has dominated her life even though she has not understood its full significance.

As we go with Lily and Rosaleen towards Tiburon a town full of secrets and meet the wonderful black beekeeping sisters, it soon becomes clear that this is not a simple story. It is full of love, hate and misunderstanding but most of all love.

Lily finds out the answers to all the questions that she had ever asked about her mother and then has to learn to live with them.

This is a truly inspiring story about a young woman and her daughter and how their desire for truth and love finally brought peace to both of them and a true understanding of just what a mother is.

The

REDBOOK

Shop

Bloodlines

by Richelle Mead Okay I know you have had enough of vampires and believe me so have I. We have been inundated with stories and films about teenage vampires. It all started with Anne Rice, then along came Charlene Harris and her Sookie Stackhouse series and then of course Stephanie Meyer and Twilight. Now let me introduce you to Richelle Mead. Her series Bloodlines focuses not so much on vampires but instead on a girl named Sydney who is an alchemist. She is part of this vampire world but not. She first appears in the Vampire Academy series and in Bloodlines we begin a new series based on her life and her adventures.

We meet Sydney at home with her family, she is in disgrace because she helped a member of the vampire society and somehow she has to find a way back to regaining her position in the alchemist community while also protecting her younger sister from this nomadic life.

The reason that I find myself enjoying these books is that Richelle Mead has be able to construct a realistic world with all the complexity of a real society. Of course I know that it is all make believe however it is so well done that it feels real. The main characters are all young adults and teenagers who are trying to find their way in this society that seems to be so complex and at the same time grow up and find their own identity. The story is not too different from any coming of age tale except that it is overladen with the mystery and diversity of this strange magical world of vampires and alchemists.

This is an excellent series for young woman to read, as all the main female characters are strong and intuitive young women who ask questions and who stand up for themselves and each other. There is romance, adventure, magic, good versus evil and resolution with just enough mystery so that you want to read the next book in the series.

Love in a cold climate

by Nancy Mitford Do you love all those Agatha Christie novels set in the 30’s? Well if the answer is yes then this is a book you should read. Nancy Mitford was a woman of the 30’s who together with her sisters was considered a gay young thing and an arbiter of manners. She wrote “Love in a cold climate” based on her personal experiences and it is generally thought to be a semi biographical work.

This, often very funny, novel about how the upper class lived gives an insight into a world which has virtually disappeared today.

The story is about a young girl who is the sole heir to a pompous couple who had given up the idea of ever having children. Their views of life was shaped by their position in English society, so when this wunderkind is born they proceed to bring her up in the very best of English traditions. All goes to plan in their little world until Polly, their young daughter, causes a scandal which is so outrageous that the consequences to both the parents and to the society in general are disastrous but at the same time hilarious.

Nancy has a fine wit and she brings to it to bear on this warts and all tale about the life that she was born into. I would love to have been a fly on the wall when this book came out. The outrage around town would have been palpable. Everyone not directly involved in the story would have been hanging out to know just who everyone was.

Which scandal was this referring to? Oh Darling it couldn’t be so and so could it?

Another world another time but so much fun, give it a spin.

The

REDBOOK

Shop

David Baillie (Coffee Cog’s proprietor) has a passion to produce a coffee that he is proud to share with others. He believes that a necessary component to “the perfect coffee” is ensuring that the drinker’s experience is shaped by more than what is in the cup; this includes the ethics of the coffee’s production, the barista’s personality and the ambience.

What makes for an excellent coffee?

Number one in Coffee Cog’s view is the BEAN; and that means, where they are grown, how they are grown, the ethics of growing and marketing process and crucially, the roasting and blending process to produce unique coffee flavours.

David searched extensively for a bean supplier and roaster that could consistently and reliably satisfy Coffee Cog’s requirement for excellence. After months of coffee “exploration” Five Senses, a specialty coffee roaster in Melbourne was chosen as the sole bean supplier for Coffee Cog. The next challenge was to choose a Five Senses blend that would “stand out” from the other beans available in Gippsland in terms of providing a rich, robust and complex flavour profile. Crompton Road is a blend made up from beans sourced in three unique locations in Brazil, India and Bali. Together they produce a unique buttery mouth-feel with moderate acidity and hints of cocoa and caramel.

The Crompton Road blend will remain the core bean at Coffee Cog, but very soon we will introduce other blends, and single origin beans, to enhance our customer’s coffee experience.

The Red Book Shop and Coffee Cog is extremely pleased with how this new space in Traralgon has been received. The most common reaction has been “wow” and many customers have commented on the great atmosphere that they feel when they enter the shop. We have tried to create a comfortable space where you can come and enjoy an excellent coffee or other beverage while you check out the books. People who love books stay for a coffee and those who love coffee end up picking out up a book. With the constant presence of music and places to sit, both inside and out, the invitation is there to stay a while and visit with us. Many customers have commented on the fact that it is a positive contrast to noisy cafés. Occasionally we have ukulele players who join us on a Friday afternoon to practise and entertain while on their lunch hour. They welcome voice accompaniment, sometimes even me.

As well as books and coffee I offer 10 week conversational Italian courses and a book club. I also on occasion invite authors to launch their books or give a talk. To find out if such a special event is about to happen just check us out on Facebook. My Radio Gig on ABC Gippsland every second Wednesday where I talk about books with Celine Foenander, has given me the opportunity to engage with people about my passion. This has been fun and many people have been kind enough to mention that they listen to the show when they come into the shop.

I little realised how my life would change when I embarked on this new journey at the start of this year.

I am enjoying the fact that I can now be more selective in the books I accept due to space. I am pleased that the collection is becoming more specialised and is reflecting both my taste and the needs of my customers who love reading as much as I do.

For those who have not been in yet please join us, my books are second hand. I get my stock from people who want to down-size their book collection or need to clear houses. I do not buy books I give credit that may be used in the shop. This works on a 50/50 basis 50% credit 50% cash. Sometimes I have new books from the authors; they will be sold at the RRP. Maria Doganieri

Thanks Five Senses!

THE REDBOOK SHOP & 12 Breed Street, Traralgon VIC 3844 Tel: (03) 5174 8100 Facebook: The Red Book Shop Facebook: Coffee Cog Opening hours: Mon to Fri 7 am till 5 pm | Saturday 8 am till 3 pm | Sunday 10 am till 4 pm

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Gippsland Racing Training Centre Words and Photographs by Amber Rhodes

It is a cold morning out on the track, watching Jenni Lewis and two of her students put their horses through their paces, but at 9.30 am they have already been at school for two hours.

But Jenni would not have it any other way. As the Manager of the Gippsland Racing Training Centre at Logan Park in Warragul, she is currently responsible for 18 full time students who are undergoing a hands-on course in harness racing.

The horses they use are those that were unable to make it in racing, whether it be because of injury or they just weren't fast enough. For the school these animals are perfect as they provide opportunities for the students to problem solve, as well as gain experience in working with injuries and building a horse up to its potential.

The school itself has been running since 1997, with Jenni undergoing the course as a student in 2002.

“I loved the course so much that I didn't want to leave so I set about making myself a job!” says Jenni, who started off working under the course founder, Des Hughes.

Initially Des got into harness racing through a friend. He wanted to learn more but he quickly realised that there was no way as it has always been a family orientated sport, where either your parents had to be involved, or you had to know someone in the industry. There was no place where people could go to learn how to do it. This lead Des to starting up the school and provide a training course for other people like him.

The school itself is unique, as it is the only place where students have daily hands-on experience and access to fully operational racing stables.

Every day the students drive the horses, care for their health, wash them, gear them up and handle all the facets involved in working in the industry.

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A typical day for Jenni, as well as an early start, involves working out what horse is doing what workout for the day, and who is going to gear up which horse. As the horses require different gear, depending on whether they are trotters or pacers, Jenni makes sure the students get a turn at working with all the different gear so they can gain experience. There is also lots of housekeeping, such as making sure everything is kept tidy and clean. Another important job is when it comes to driving and matching students with the right horse.

“I have to match up the style. Some people's personalities are very rushed, some people are very laid back,” said Jenni. “It's the same with horses. You've got to match the personality types otherwise the horses will get out there and

you could have an accident. The worst thing you can do is have an inexperienced person on an inexperienced horse.”

This alone is an indication of how important Jenni's job is, and as well as ensuring the safety of her students, she needs to make sure that everyone is building on their skills every week.

The mornings are made up of working with the horses, which, in addition to driving, includes dealing with any injuries, feeding, washing and general care of the animals. Once the horses are done, the students will go into the classroom where they might watch a video, or they could have a guest speaker. They have a lot of different reps come in from horse companies to speak to the students, including those that specialise in feed, gear, shoes and worming. They also go on excursions, and currently Jenni is in the process of organising a visit to a vet where she would like the students to see a horse operation or even an autopsy.

Jenni explains that not all students will go on to become drivers as there are many different levels of driving and many students will go on to become stablehands or work in other aspects

of the industry. A racing driver is the elite but there are not many positions available and not many develop the necessary skills or have the natural ability. “When you come into it you don't have to do the fast work. Some people are just not going to get there. But there is a place in the industry for everyone. There is a lot of opportunities down in the lower levels, such as jogging and combining that with stablehand duties. These are all still important jobs, as these are the people that stay behind and do all the background work and keep the stable running.�

They have students from all over, as well as mature aged students. The school is a part of McMillan TAFE and courses are offered full time, part time or through flexible delivery, including enrolments taken throughout the year. The school also offers a vet program.

Courses offered include Certificate II in Racing (Stablehand) Certificate III in Racing (Advanced Stablehand) Certificate III in Racing Services (Racing Administration) Certificate IV in Racing (Harness Race Driver) Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) Certificate IV in Racing Services (Racing Administration) Jenni is also keen to start a sponsorship program, where members of the public can sponsor a horse, either as an individual or in a group. It costs $25 a day to feed, shoe and house each horse for the duration of its training, and for their support Jenni would like sponsors to experience riding in the double sulky that they use for training purposes and be able to attend race days free of charge.

For more information in regards to the

Gippsland Racing Training Centre

or if you are interested in sponsoring a horse contact Jenni Lewis on 0403 396 661.

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THE Warragul

Pacing Cup 2014 Words & Photographs by Amber Rhodes

The Cup racing

Another display of fine horses, competent drivers, proud trainers and happy punters took place at The Linc Group Warragul Pacing Cup over the Easter long weekend.

A tradition that has taken place since 1955, it is a popular meeting that draws a good crowd, this particular weekend being no exception.

With a total prize pool topping $78,000 across the event it is little surprise that the standard of entries are exceptional. This year seeing mobile starts for the first time, the quality of the track promised some fast times and exciting racing.

The day was made up of eight races, the first starting just after midday, which made for a great family day out. For the kids there were a face painter and jumping castle, not to mention Koko the Clown, and plenty of Easter eggs. For the more young at heart, food and drinks were available all day, along with a fully licensed bar.

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The Warragul Racing Club committee enjoyed a three-course meal, along with distinguished members, as well as special guests football legends Peter 'Crackers' Keenan and Peter Daicos. Race sponsors, Craig Roylance and Tim and Dave Heenan from the Linc Group, were also in attendance.

Originally from Warragul the trio love their racing and were thrilled to be a part of this year's Cup; this year being their first as major sponsors.

The Gippsland Lifestyle Magazine Pace was held early on in the piece, with the magazine's editor and founder, Doug Pell presenting the trophy to David Chatterton, part owner of Pagans Gift. David has been in racing for the best part of 20 years and was pleased with the performance shown on the day. Having owned the horse for three years, this is now his second win, and despite a few injuries the horse has recovered well.

Life member Marj Evison, wife of Eddie Evison, was once again showing her support and commitment, along with her daughter Glenda and husband Norm Sherar. The Eddie Evison Memorial Trotters Cup was taken out by Eisenhower, with owners Peter Lane and Anita Burke receiving their trophy from a delighted Marj, along with three other generations of the Evison family. The Evisons have been a major part of the harness racing in Warragul since its inception, with Eddie and Marj both being an integral part of the Club's history. Their future with the sport looks bright, with both Glenda and Norm also being life members, and Lee Evison, Eddie's grandson, keeping up the family tradition as a trainer based in Longwarry.

Race 7 saw the running of the feature event, and at 2620 metres, was one of the longest distances covered during the day. From a mobile start, all but driver Glen Hunter got away

The Cup

Hilltop Hustler, Warragul Cup winner

cleanly, with the 6 year old gelding Astronaut galloping and losing his place within the pack.

Ballarat driver, Michael Stanley, moved out early to take the lead with Hilltop Hustler, going on to stay in position and come home strongly across the finish line in first place. He was closely followed by Loveable Larrikin, with Savesomtimetodream coming in third.

him for less than 12 months, he has given him 9 wins out of 14 starts. He was, understandably, pleased with today's outcome.

Hilltop Hustler, a 4 year old gelding, also took out a track record for the fastest pacer over the distance at a mobile start, with an impressive time of 1.59.5. For Michael, who has owned

A more light hearted side of harness racing was on display with the running of the Warragul Pony Cup. The youngsters involved ran a great race with Stacey Vassallo coming in first with

Pony race winner, Stacey Vassallo

“With the smaller tracks here it's better if you can lead early as it's always hard to get past, but if you can hold them off you've done a good job,� said Michael.

Eisenhower, winner Evison cup

The Cup winner

Race 2

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John Glover, Steward & Pagans Gift winner of Gippsland Lifestyle Race 2

Doug Pell & David Chatterton

THE Warragul

Pacing Cup 2014 her pony Boots. Stacey, who rides with Riding for the Disabled, has earned herself a spot in the Victorian team, competing later this year in the Australian Special Olympics. With Harness Racing Victoria getting behind her, it has been fantastic for her confidence and everyone is very proud of her achievements.

Overall it was a great day for all involved, with The Warragul Harness Racing Club running yet another successful Cup. Words & Photographs

by Amber Rhodes

Peter Crackers Keenan -Tracey Coates, winner of raffle – Peter Daicos

Linc Group, Dave Heenan, Tim Heenan & Craig Roylance

Race day crowd

Marj Evison & family

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your market guide BAIRNSDALE MAKERS MARKET Quarterly Indoor Craft Market Date:

Location:

Telephone:

Saturday 7th June 2014 and 6th September 2014 9am to 1pm Boucher Hall, Bairnsdale Secondary College Cnr Wallace and McKean St, Bairnsdale 0490 341 053 Gill

BAIRNSDALE FARMERS’ MARKET Date: Location:

Contact:

1st Saturday of every month – 8am-12noon Bairnsdale Secondary College Oval, McKean Street Rain or Hail - Farmers’ Market is under cover John 5156 9342 or Ian 5152 3698

PAYNESVILLE FARMERS MARKET

Date: Location: Contact:

Date: Location:

Contact:

1st Saturday of month – 8am-1pm 1070 Jackson’s Track, Jindivick Jindivick Harvest Kitchen 5628 5227

JOHNSONVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

1st Saturday of month - Starts 9am Johnsonville Hall, Princes Highway Perry 5156 4162

JUMBUNNA BUSH MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

1st Sunday of the month – 9am-1pm The Main Hall, Jumbunna Mrs. Smith 5657 3241 or Mrs. Wylie 5657 3253

KONGWAK MARKET

Date: Location: Contact:

Date: Location: Contact:

Every Sunday – 10am-3pm Korumburra Road, Kongwak Jane 0417 142 478

BRUTHEN VILLAGE MARKET

KOONWARRA FARMERS’ MARKET

Date: Location:

Contact:

4th Saturday of month – 9am-1pm Bruthen Mechanics’ Hall and Grounds, Main St, Bruthen 5157 5665

Date: Location: Contact:

CHURCHILL ISLAND FARMERS’ MARKET

Date: Location:

Contact:

Date: Location:

Contact:

4th Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Visitors’ Centre on Churchill Island off Phillip Island Peter Arnold 5664 0096

1st Saturday of the month – 8am-12.30pm Memorial Park off Koala Drive Rod 0408 619 182

KOOWEE COMMUNITY MARKET 1st Sunday of the month - 9am-1.30pm Koo Wee Rup Community Centre Cochrane Park Cnr Rossiter Rd & Sybella Ave Koo Wee Rup 0428 971 071

COAL CREEK COMMUNITY PARK & MUSEUM FARMERS’ MARKET

LAKES ENTRANCE SURF CLUB FORESHORE MARKET

Date: Location:

Contact:

Date: Location: Contact:

2nd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Coal Creek Community Park and Museum Car Park, Silkstone Rd, Korumburra 5655 1811 FREE Entry/Ample Parking

COWES ISLAND CRAFT MARKET Date: Location:

Contact:

2nd Saturday of month - 9am-2pm St Phillips Parish Hall and grounds, Thompson Ave, Cowes Monica 0412 710 276 40-45 stalls of homemade craft, clothing and produce Raising money for the local community

COWES MARKET ON CHAPEL Date: Location: Contact:

4th Saturday of month – 8.30am-2pm Uniting Church, Chapel St, Cowes Faye 5952 5905 or Graham 5952 5213 Local produce, clothing, knitwear, books, bric-a-brac, plants. Showcasing a wide range of quality handmade products

DROUIN CRAFT & PRODUCE MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Civic Park, Civic Place, Drouin John 0419 428 564

FARMERS’ MARKET @ THE OLD CHEESE FACTORY Date: 2nd Saturday of month – 8am-12.30pm Location: The Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick Contact: Market Manager: Geoff Rankin (03) 9769 4459

markets

JINDIVICK COUNTRY MARKET

BERWICK AKOONAH PARK MARKET Every Sunday – 8am-1.30pm Akoonah Park, cnr High & Cardinia Sts, Berwick Gary Maker (03) 9796 1455

WINTER

1st Sunday of the month – 9am-3pm Near the Rotunda - Foreshore, Lakes Entrance Tom Morris 0407 098 805 or 5153 1916

LARDNER PARK CRAFT MARKET Date: Location:

Contact:

Sunday, 21 September – 9am-2pm Lardner Park, Burnt-Store Road, Drouin (Mel X912U8) 5626 1373

LATROBE COUNTRY MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

Every Sunday - 8.30am-1.30pm Latrobe Road, Morwell (near Holmes Road) 0449 294 453

LOCH PUBLIC HALL WINTER MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

2nd Sunday of the month June to Sept – 9am-1pm Loch Public Hall Smith Street Jennie Kennedy 5659 4305

LONGWARRY FIRE BRIGADE MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

1st Sunday of the month - 8am-1pm Longwarry Fire Station, Bennett St 5629 9636 or 0419 158 946

LUCKNOW MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

4th Sunday of the month - 8am-1pm Howitt Park, Princes Highway, East Bairnsdale 0432 602 007

MAFFRA VARIETY & FARMERS’ MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

1st Sunday of month - 9am-1pm Main St/Johnson St, Maffra 5144 1108

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12pm Paynesville Football/Cricket Oval 59 Main Road Scott 0409 524 399

ROSEDALE COMMUNITY MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

2nd Sunday of month - 7.30am-1.30pm Prince Street Reserve George Sharp 5199 2709

SALE PRODUCERS’ MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

3rd Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Sale Showgrounds enter from Maffra Rd Malcolm Forsythe 0427 456 477

SALE VARIETY MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

3rd Sunday of month - 7am-1pm Canal Reserve 5144 1258

SALE CRAFT MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

2nd Sunday of month - 9am-1pm Cobb & Co Stables, Raymond St 5143 0370

SAN REMO CUPPA & CHAT MARKET Date: 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 Date: Location: Contact:

4th Sunday of month - 9am-1pm Apex Park, Princes Highway, Stratford 0408 057 772

TARWIN LOWER MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

Monday 9th June - 7.30am-2pm Tarwin Lower Memorial Hall, Riverside Drive John 5663 7505

TOORA COMMUNITY MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

2nd Saturday of the month – 7.30am-1pm Former Bonlac Store, Jetty Road, Toora Jeanette 5686 2690

TRARALGON FARMERS’ MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

4th Saturday of month - 8am-1pm Kay Street Gardens 0409 232 715

WARRAGUL ARTS MARKET Date:

Location: Contact:

3rd Saturday of month - 10am-2pm Next one in October Civic Park Warragul Jessie McLennan 5626 7045

WARRAGUL 3RD ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES FAIR Date: Location: Contact:

Saturday, 13 September – 9.30am-3pm Warragul Regional College, 55 Burke St 0447 374 298

WONTHAGGI ROTARY MARKET

Date: 3rd Saturday of month - 8am-12pm Location: Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, Main Street, Foster Contact: Janine Shultz 5663 2305

METUNG FARMERS’ MARKET

Date: Location: Contact:

Date: Location: Contact:

YARRAGON COMMUNITY CRAFT & PRODUCE MARKET

GRANTVILLE MARKET

MIRBOO NORTH COUNTRY MARKET

FOSTER FARMERS’ MARKET

Date: Location: Contact:

4th Sunday of month - 8am-2pm Grantville Recreation Reserve John Hulley 5678 8438

HEYFIELD COMMUNITY MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

1st Saturday of month – 8am-1pm John Graves Memorial Park Ray Hamilton 5148 6115

INVERLOCH COMMUNITY FARMERS’ MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

Last Sunday of the month – 8am-1pm The Glade, Opposite Inlet Hotel, Inverloch Tennille 0448 327 637

Date: Location: Contact:

2nd Saturday of month - 8am-12.30pm Village Green in Metung Damien Waters 0458 431 844

Last Saturday of month – 8.30am-1pm Baromi Park Liz Morris 5668 1956

OMEO REGION LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

Last Saturday of month – June to Sept – 9am-1pm Colonial Gardens, Day Avenue 5159 1388 Lyn Cohen

Date: Location: Contact:

2nd Sunday of month - 8am-1pm Apex Park, Murray St, Wonthaggi Max Williams 5672 5204

4th Saturday of month – 8.30am-1pm Yarragon Public Hall, Campbell St Gaye Kent 0427 342 430

YARRAM MARKET & BOOT SALE Date: Location: Contact:

1st Sunday of month - 8am-1pm Guide & Scout Hall, Yarram Rinda 5182 5679

PAYNESVILLE LIONS CLUB MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

2nd Sunday of month - 8.30am-1.30pm Gilsenan Reserve Lions Club 0400 327 526

INVERLOCH FARMERS’ MARKET Date: Location: Contact:

3rd Sunday of the month – 8am-1pm The Glade, Opposite Inlet Hotel, Inverloch Peter Arnold 5664 0096

If you require your event to be promoted please email Gippsland the Lifestyle thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au

thelifestyle spring thelifestyle winter2013 2014

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Wonthaggi Medical Group

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

Your Local General Practice for • Medical Services for the whole family • Obstetrics - Pregnancy Management/Birth • Palliative Care • Aged Care • Vascular Health Assessments • General Health Assessments • Healthy Kids Check • Immunisation

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

Opening Hours

42 Murray Street, Wonthaggi

8.30am - 6.00pm Mon - Fri 9.00am - 1.00pm Sat

25 A'Beckett Street, Inverloch Consulting Suites, Wonthaggi Hospital

9.00am - 5.00pm Mon - Fri 9.00am - 8.00pm Mon - Fri

2/1524 Bass Highway, Grantville

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

Tel: 5672 1333 For Appointments and After Hours www.wonthaggimedical.com.au 110

thelifestyle winter 2014

WONTHAGGI MEDICAL Group General Practice Access and GP Training After the 2014 Budget Announcements Medicare Co-Payment

GP Training

Perhaps the worst kept secret of the recent Federal Budget was the announcement of a $7 co-payment by patients who are presently bulkbilled. This is the vast majority of our patients; it will also potentially increase the gap payment for those patients who are presently privately billed.

Wonthaggi Medical Group and other practices in Gippsland have been avid supporters of various medical training schemes.

These schemes include student training, intern training, supporting overseas trained doctors and training doctors who choose to specialize as General Practitioners.

While the future of this measure remains uncertain, if implemented it will mean that medical practices will be required to demand $7.00 from the patient at the time of the consultation or suffer a very significant reduction in practice income as the government intends to reduce the Medicare rebate (the amount the practice is paid when it bulk-bills and also the amount a privately billed patient receives back from Medicare).

One of these schemes is known as the Prevocational General Practice Placement Program (PGPPP), which is run in co-operation with our hospitals and provides doctors who have just graduated from university (interns) and those who have one or two years more hospital experience with an opportunity to experience General Practice. In 2001 Wonthaggi Medical Group was one of the pioneers of this program when it was known as the Rural and Remote Area Placement Program and as a result of the success of this pioneering program the PGPPP was established.

While the co-payment is restricted to 10 patient visits a year it is not clear how this will be monitored and put into practice; the gap payment also applies to pathology and radiology services.

Practices such as Wonthaggi Medical Group who have invested and continue to invest heavily in the latest equipment and improved facilities cannot afford to absorb this reduction in the Medicare fee and must pass it on. In any event, charging the $7 fee is what the Federal government wants Medical Practices to do.

Wonthaggi Medical Group, has since 2001 provided young doctors with the opportunity to do a three month rotation from their usual home base (Southern Health) in our general practice.

More recently, Bass Coast Regional Health and Wonthaggi Medical Group cooperated to provide newly graduated young doctors (interns) with the opportunity to obtain experience and training in general practice and experience and training in a rural hospital while on rotation from their home base hospital (e.g. Peninsula Health). Other practices and local hospitals in Gippsland also participate in this very successful program.

Over the years since 2001, the positive feedback from young doctors participating in the program has been outstanding, clearly demonstrating the worth of the program.

At Wonthaggi some three interns a year are able to participate in the program and obtain invaluable GP experience and just as important, rural experience. The positive experience has provided encouragement for these doctors to become GPs and to return to a rural area once they have completed their GP training.

Unfortunately, recent budget cuts will spell the death knell of this successful training program as early as December 2014, instead some of the funding will be redirected to an alternative GP training program which while valuable, does not have the same links to the local hospitals in Gippsland and is in any case directed to doctors who have already made the choice to become GPs. Wonthaggi Medical Group and other practices in Gippsland will mourn its passing.

John Turner MAAPM, B. Social Welfare, Master International & Community Development Business Manager Wonthaggi Medical Group

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on the Peace Train

By Ann Pulbrook

The Cat Stevens Story

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Rave reviews and standing ovations have accompanied award-winning musician and actor Darren Coggan around Australia with his hit show Peace Train - The Cat Stevens Story.

Audiences have journeyed back to the late 1960s and 1970s, and travelled with the man who created some of the world’s most iconic music of the 20th century. Peace Train, which is now in its fifth season, called in to Warragul with a special Intimate and Acoustic version of the critically acclaimed show, treating lucky Gippslanders who saw it, to a one-off special regional performance at the West Gippsland Arts Centre.

listener’s very own experience and people are drawn to the elation, the pain, the irony and dreams of hope and catharsis contained in them”. It is this enduring quality, which pivots Cat as a central figure in the 20th century annals of music history.

Darren Coggan, a prominent Australian country music star and stage show performer, has won countless awards during his 20 year career as a professional musician, including two Golden Guitars. He remembers when he was eight years old and learning his first song on the instrument, which was Moonshadow “All kids learn guitar playing Cat Stevens songs,” he said

most prestigious venues, from the Sydney Opera House to the Arts Centres of every state’s capital. “It has been a privilege to take Peace Train around Australia” Darren said, where he has been able to reunite fans brilliantly with the live music they love, and pay homage to the gifted man the world would once more, love to hear sing.

Out in the crowds of the audience in the Athenaeum Theatre, sat a man named Steven Georgio. It was 2009, and Peace Train was in its first season, playing in Melbourne. After the performance, the man introduced himself to Darren and told him that he loved the show, and was very excited to see how accurately the portrayal of Cat Stevens had been. Darren felt incredulity when the man told him his name, which was the same as Cat Stevens when he was a child. “I’m his nephew,” explained young Steven “and I’m going to tell Yusuf all about you”.

Steven then showed Darren some family photos he carried with him, which indeed included images of Steven and his two uncles Yusuf and David Gordon (Cat Stevens' brother and Manager). Over the next few weeks, Darren remained stunned and received emails from David saying he and his brother had heard about him, and had seen clips of him performing in Peace Train on YouTube, as well as having read excellent reviews about the show. “Yusuf would really love to meet you” David wrote, and invited him over to London as the brothers’ guest.

“The experience was surreal” Darren said of the week in London, two days of which were spent with the enigmatic David and one very special day with the sublime Yusuf.

Highlighting favourites from the prolific catalogue of Cat Stevens’ much loved music, the show tells the story of a young man who found himself in the world’s spotlight, and the choices he made to take control of his destiny. The music is played in all its vibrancy and beauty, surrounding a funny, poignant and inspiring story of how Cat came to discover the talent which catapulted him to the heights of superstardom. The impact on his health, happiness, artistic fulfilment and perceived destiny were all questioned by Cat during this period of spectacular success (in which he produced some of the most cherished songs of the 20th century). “Ultimately, Peace Train is a story about choices” said star of the show Darren Coggan “Cat was a man with three distinct segments in his life. One was when he was a boy, and known as Steven, the name his parents gave him. The second was Cat, the stage name he devised when he embarked on his musical career, and the third was when he retired from the music industry and began his life in a new faith, with the name of Yusuf Islam”.

Peace Train is a story and celebration of Cat Stevens’ life and music, which keeps audiences riveted as it travels through some of the pop icon’s significant experiences and search for meaning, providing a context from which the artistic inspiration of many of his well known songs can be found. “The age group of the audience that comes to the show is very diverse” said Darren. Grandparents who owned original Cat Stevens collections and adults who were children in the hey day of Cat’s fame are joined by a younger generation, also affected by the touching lyrics and passionate play of Cat’s guitar. “His music is timeless,” Darren explains “They are songs that seem to stem from the

“They are very easy to play acoustically and have beautiful melodies.” Although influenced by a range of music, Cat Sevens was always on high rotation in his parents’ home.

Darren returned to Australia deeply inspired and has been travelling gloriously in the magnanimous spirit of the Peace Train ever since.

“I grew up in Wagga Wagga, which is half way between Melbourne and Sydney, and Mum and Dad would take us on the weekend to see the visiting acts that stopped here between their headline shows in the cities. One weekend it would be Slim Dusty, the next it would be Midnight Oil. Needless to say, my musical influences were very eclectic. I absorbed it all”. One artist who never made it to “halfway between Melbourne and Sydney”, however, was to have an interesting interceding in the life of Darren Coggan. “Audiences always particularly commented on my voice whenever I played a Cat Stevens song.

There is a similarity in our timbres, and it was mentioned so much, I thought ‘there is something really special to this’.” It also stood out to Darren that audiences still loved and missed Cat Stevens, and people often asked him what ever happened to the great singer?

“The truth was, I didn’t know. It was a mystery, but I wanted to find out.” He was only a baby in the early 1970s when Cat was at his career peak, but Darren decided to research, and what he discovered turned out to be an amazing story, one he believed should be widely told.

Inspired, he enlisted the talents of veteran stage and screenwriter, John Misto.

Together, they have created the show that has been touring the nation and invigorating audiences now for more than four years. The acclaim has been impressive, with standing ovations resounding throughout the country’s

For more information on where you can catch a ride on the Peace Train, visit www.darrencoggan.com for further details.

Photos: Courtesy of Peace Train Entertainment

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Casual and alfresco dining venue in the heart of Gippsland Mirboo North Open for breakfast and lunch serving modern Australian and European cuisine Breakfast menu available from 9.00am to 11.30am Enjoy our Lunch Menu showcasing Swiss Bangers, Daily Pasta, Risotto and Fitness Plate and more Coffee, Milk Shakes and a delightful selection of Cakes available all day Fully Licensed providing Local Wines Wide Range of Liquors, Spirits, Ciders, Beers and Traditional German Schnapps WINTER HOURS Mon – Wed: 8.00am – 4.00pm Fri: 8.00am - 4.00pm Sat – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm

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Fully Licensed Café 96 Ridgway, Mirboo North 3871 Ph: (03) 5668 2861 | Em: inline4@inline4cafe.com.au | Wb: www.inline4cafe.com.au

the

Book NOOk

ontheshelfnow

Through The Cracks by Honey Brown Adam Vander has grown tall enough and strong enough to escape his abusive and controlling father. Emerging from behind the locked door of their rambling suburban home, Adam steps into a world he’s been kept isolated from. In the days that follow, with the charismatic and streetwise Billy as his guide, Adam begins to experience all that he’s missed out on. As the bond between the boys grows, questions begin to surface. Who is Adam really? Why did his father keep him so hidden? Was it just luck that Billy found him, or an unsettling kind of fate? And how dangerous is revealing the shocking truth of Adam’s identity? Honey Brown holds you with this plot right to the last full stop.

For Today I Am A Boy by Kim Fu Peter Huang and his sisters--elegant Adele, shrewd Helen, and Bonnie the bon vivant--grow up in a house of many secrets, then escape the confines of small-town Ontario and spread from Montreal to California to Berlin. Peter’s own journey is obstructed by playground bullies, masochistic lovers, Christian ex-gays, and the ever-present shadow of his Chinese father. Sensitive, witty and stunningly assured, Kim Fu’s debut novel explores the shape of gender and culture in this unique story populated with characters who are fragile and strong all at the same time. A book worth spending time with.

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline This is the story of two very different women who build an unexpected friendship: a 91 year old woman with a hidden past as an orphan train rider and a teenage girl whose own troubled adolescence leads her to look for answers to questions no one has ever thought to ask. As a young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck or chance. Molly knows she has one last chance with a foster family and a need to do community service leads to helping an elderly woman clean out her possessions and memories. Molly discovers that she and Vivian are not as different as they seem to be. The author leads you carefully through these two lives exploring the parallels that can bind us together.

Nest Inga Simpson

I have read a couple of extraordinary books over the last couple of months, some are out now and some are in the ‘coming soon’ section. What makes a good story?

I’m sure that’s a question that will have a multitude of answers, my answer is... a good story is one that holds your interest until the end, then you want to turn to the front page and begin again.

featuredchildren’s bookauthor

Steve White

Steve is a self employed truck driver, he is married to Sally and they have two children, Evie and Jimmy, they also have a granddaughter Pearl. For the past 20 years Steve has lived in Briagolong, a town in the Australian state of Victoria, located 20 kilometres north of Maffra and some 270 kilometres east of Melbourne. At the 2006 census, Briagolong had a population of 937.

Steve doesn’t have a background in writing but his job as a truck driver leaves plenty of time to think and that’s where his books begin. Steve says he started writing verse to annoy his mates.

His first book “Dulcie the Chook” evolved from time on the road and time spent with his own chooks.

Dulcie is due for a second outing in a ‘runaway’ story. Watch for this new children’s book author.

You’ll also see some of his cartoon artwork in this magazine……go look!

watch for these coming soon…

Foster’s Little Bookshop

Lost & Found Brooke Davis

Luigi’s Freedom Ride Alan Murray

4 Station Road, Foster 3960 ph (03) 5682 2089 visit www.fosterslittlebookshop.com.au

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Chrissy’s Positive Horoscope Virgo Aug 24 - Sept 23

Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21

Virgo is a treat to meet. When a Virgo is confident within themselves they are the most successful, structured and creative of all the signs. You will find that there will be plans coming up in the very near future to travel, for some it maybe interstate and others a longer trip overseas. Now is a good time for you to action what you say, let yourself be guided with compassion as sometimes there is a tendency for you to want to fix others’ problems and it can be hard to let go of that. So a huge time for you to trust and know that they will be taken care of it is a time for you to take a step back, enjoy yourself by not allowing others’ problems affect where you are heading.

A time for really coming in tune this year with the people that you really want in your life that you can call your true friends. A new moon on August 25th in your 10th house of career and ambition is the time when you have a new job offer from another company, you may find that you will have a couple of positions to choose from. This will be very exciting and a change of direction for you, which is something you will find yourself embracing. You have such strong characteristics within you, so don’t be afraid to let them be seen, as at times you may find yourself feeling annoyed by others with difficulty in honouring your own truth, which can certainly free you up from holding resentment and some anger. Ask yourself, Is it important at this very moment and do l need to expend my energy on this. For some there will be a change of living space, either sharing with someone or finally purchasing your own abode, this will be an exciting time for most!

SecretDesire: To love and be loved in return

Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20

Secret Desire: To live their dreams and turn fantasies into realities

Pisces being the energizer this quarter, you have had a lot of focus on your finances, however being the warm-hearted person that you know you can be, there is a sense of wanting to be amongst children, nieces and nephews. With your solar being 5th house of romance, love is definitely in the air, for some a pregnancy and others planning some form of adoption, which brings with it a much warmer sense of being and knowing that this is your plot in life and you just love it. In this time nurture yourself, keep warm by sitting cozily in front of a warm fire or going to a Hot Springs and submerge yourself in warmth and feel the universal energies assisting you to relax by allowing yourself to be nurtured. Stop worrying about what might happen and bring your attention to where you are in life right NOW!

Libra Sept 24 - Oct 23

Secret Desire: To live an easy, uncomplicated life

There has been a few unsettling times for you of late, however, the second half of this year Jupiter will be in your hopes and dreams zone, so some fabulous times ahead.

Think big, move towards what you are absolutely drawn to without thinking too much about the outcome, as you can stop yourself from allowing your true desires to come in. As Librans have such fine minds it can be difficult to focus on one thing at a time.

This is why it is so important to keep smiling, focus on the positive things that you have around you right now have a sense of gratitude. You may get a pleasant surprise this quarter and will find yourself participating in a well-deserved break, so have some FUN!

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20

Secret Desire: To lead the way for others

You may find coming up that there is a cosmic feel becoming in touch with your soul mate, you have been burnt previously so learn from it, go straight to your heart, let go of what the head is telling you, when it feels right let yourself go there. It can be tough for Aries to let themselves just be loved as wanting to be a leading person can find it difficult to let go of control in certain areas of your life. Some of you may find that a career change will come about and can be something totally different to what you have been familiar with. Most Aries will find that 2014 will become quite a profitable year, and this will create expansion in a few areas of your life, so go for it with ease.

Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22 Secret Desire: To triumph

This has been a time in your life where you have really come into your own, a lot of maturity happening and noticing that you have found a greater appreciation for the way you have created your life to be, although you have a lot going on, your understanding of patience and letting go of getting things your own way, or cracking it. Be certain it will create more of what it is you want coming to you. A new found acceptance of your partner will come to fruition and you will find that by treating him or her the way that you would like to be treated those little annoyances will not become such a big issue, as you continue moving forward in all areas of life just know that your Dreams and Desires are coming, the best thing is that by enjoying your journey now the desire to rush things is not so prevalent. When in a negative place you can at times hurt others’ feelings without even giving it a second thought, so even though you may feel like you’re the only one who has got you to where you are today, just remember that there are those that love you immensely and have given there all to help you on your journey. You have amazing attributes and when in the right mindset can move mountains. Travel is on the horizon!

Taurus Apr 21 - May 21

Secret Desire: To have a secure, happy and wealthy life/marriage

Lucky for you the planet of re-birth in Capricorn all year, your 9th house of higher education will make 2014 a very enlightening year. For those of you that are single you may find that you will attract someone quite pleasurable for you to spend time with, so let yourself enjoy even if you are not wanting to get into quite the serious relationship.

Allow the fun and happy times to come in as there has been quite a lot of serious stuff happening for you so far this year so lighten up on yourself and perhaps not having such high expectations of others will find you not feeling quite so disappointed when they may not be as reliable as you would like. Keep following your true guidance and when you want to laugh let yourself dig deep from the belly and let out the roar of laughter that is absolutely contagious. Stay true!

Secret Desire: To make a difference in the world

Gemini May 22 - June 21

Secret Desire: To be ahead of the crowd

Geminis this is a time to tap into your sensual side, and allow yourself to explore, make it a little more interesting and fun for you and your partner, it may be just what is required for those already in a relationship. You are very talented and achieve just about anything that you set your mind to, when you have clarity you are an exceptional leader for others, always positive and allowing people around you to explore something new for themselves and if they have not got the confidence you are certainly happy to give them a point in the right direction to make it happen. Make sure your ego does not get in the way of your decision making, stay true to your values!

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20

Secret Desire: to be admired by their family, friends & the world at large

It is time for clearing, change is on the horizon and when you can finally let go totally of any emotional baggage that you maybe still holding onto, then pull out all of your old clothes from your wardrobe to make way for the new. You will have a sense of belonging to something higher than yourself; this will assist you in believing in your own ability knowing that there will be no question as you will find clarity in your life. A shift in your alignment is about to take place so let yourself go with it, trust the change and know that it is going to bring with it much abundance in your life with family and friends. However, if you do not embrace the change you can stay stuck and keep repeating habits that you are unaware of, which can lead to unhappiness. So become aware of your senses, know what it feels like to be excited, happy, share your new experiences with everyone you know and let them know what makes you feel Happy.

Keep yourself present.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Secret Desire: To feel safe (emotionally, spiritually, romantically & financially)

With Jupiter in your money zone for the second half of this year, you may find yourself receiving a pay rise, or looking at creating a new business venture. This can be a lucky time for a lot of Cancerians, so listen to your inner wisdom and allow yourself to be spoilt. Emotionally you can find yourself feeling a little out of balance at times, this is ok just make sure you take yourself near the water to gain clarity this will help you to connect and find some of the answers you have been searching for, it can also be beneficial to take up a new form of exercising and taking care of yourself to create boosting your energy levels. Recognize what makes you feel good and go do more of whatever that is, dancing, singing, movement of the body somehow, you may find you have a hidden talent you never realized existed!

Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19

Secret Desire: To be unique and original

This looks to be a time where some home renovations just may do the trick; you will find a flow of income will assist with this project. You are good with your hands and gain much pleasure from making things as you can really see your efforts as rewarding, which is also noticed and appreciated by others around you. You are usually happy when your loved ones are travelling ok and you can allow yourself to feel slightly to blame if everything is not working for them. What can be learnt from this is to understand that you cannot make everyone else happy all of the time, so the best thing to focus on is doing the things that make you feel happy and content and trust it will all be ok.

Leo July 23 - Aug 23

Secret Desire: To be a star

Definitely a lucky period for Leo, with Jupiter being the biggest planet in the zodiac brings new opportunities into your life, make sure you are noticing your surroundings and there is much gratitude for what is ahead. You will start to really notice your own Awesomeness, so let it out and go do what makes you feel excited when coming from the heart. Allow yourself to shine and everyone around you will too. If you can travel for work it will bring with it positive outcomes. Let yourself Embrace life by doing what brings joy!

Chrissy’s Positive Horoscope Phone: 0414 735 165

Email:chrissy@positiveretreats.com.au Website: www.positiveretreats.com.au and Mindfulness Meditation Classes visit www.lotuschiro.com

What are we?

Le House of Yum is a comfortable place filled with everything that you can indulge in; hearty home cooked food, a sofa lounge and dining seats with lots of pillows to sink into. With warm and delicious hot drinks sure to fill you with contentment, refreshing concoctions sure to give you a spurt, lots of sweet delights that will hit the happy spot and lots of TLC from all of us. It’s a happy place with lots of good friends.

We specialize in Authentic Asian Home cooking with No MSG – No Artificial Flavorings – No Preservatives. We bring to the table a few basic dishes from each part of Asia being Chinese, Malaysian, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese or Philippines. Sweet & Sour Chicken, Beef & Black Bean, Nasi Lemak, Beef Rendang, Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Thit Nuong, to name a few.

Our ingredients are predominantly organic and gluten free. We’ve just been introduced to Ontos Farm an organic certified farm in Buchan. We use prawns and fish fresh from the boats in Lakes Entrance and Karumba Gulf.

Our Coffee is boutique coffee that is roasted within the week and produces a creamy rich cup that fills your senses of smell and taste. We are also looking into sourcing unique organic beans to bring to Bairnsdale a wonderful coffee experience.

Le House of Yum is an exciting venture that brings to Bairnsdale lots of exciting food and experiences. We have built a stage so we can have a few of the local talents play a jazz tune or two for us as well. We wanted the Jazz and blues tunes and any happy tunes that can tickle our feet and get us hopping with excitement and fun.

I hope Le House of Yum will be home to many happy friends one and all.

170 Main St., Bairnsdale, Vic 3875 PH: (03) 5152-2978 / Jennifer Le 0416-025-797 Mon – Wed 9am -5pm / Thur & Sun 8am – Late Licensed Restaurant / Café

ALI'S ART

THE BRIAGOLONG ARTISTS

By Ali Fullard

L to R standing: Judy Dorber, Susan Hibberdine, Wendy Chappelow, Wendy Fuessel, Sandy Stirling, Ken Raston Seated: Benita Small

Our Gippsland region is home to many artists who spend time working with like-minded artists to share knowledge, techniques, inspire each other, arrange outings and generally just have a great time! In this edition and next, I thought I would mention some of these groups.

all her students to take their art seriously and many have gone on to exhibit their work in solo, joint and group exhibitions, both in this region and in Melbourne. Over 45 students from afar as Latrobe Valley and East Gippsland have enjoyed studying at the B.S.F.A.

For the last 15 years, the Briagolong Mechanics Institute has seen many talented artists meet and spend the day together. The original concept, was initiated by local Gippsland artist, Pat Waters.

The Briagolong Art Gallery was also an initiative of the B.S.F.A. allowing many to take the first nervous step into exhibiting their work. Pat has now retired and is concentrating on her own work and exhibitions but the artists have continued to meet under the banner of Briagolong Artists.

Those who cannot attend Thursday can still belong and exhibit. The group organises outings, camps at some of this region's beautiful locations and a “kickstart” program to motivate and inspire members. This involves a member running an instruction session for the other members. Contact for the group is mobile 0430 353 065.

In 2000, with the support of husband Mick, Pat started the “Briagolong School of Fine Art” in The Briagolong Mechanics Institute, with a “beginners” class on Tuesdays and an “advanced” class for students who had some experience and training in this field, on Thursdays. After two years of experiencing a variety of techniques, mediums and learning about the principles of colour and design, Tuesday’s students moved on to the Thursday session, which was more of a workshop situation. The students worked in a more independent manner under the guidance of Pat. In both sessions Pat demonstrated her patient, extraordinary and creative ability to teach and foster the hidden talents of her students.

Unlike many other Schools of Art, Pat allowed her students to pursue their own artistic interests, style and chosen medium. She generously, supported students working with pastel, pencil, oil paint, acrylic, gouache and numerous printmaking techniques. The sessions were also special for providing a forum for like-minded people to discuss art issues in this region and the world in general. Many thought provoking, hilarious and sometimes heated lunchtime discussions were enjoyed. Pat encouraged

Wendy Fuessel Serene Sea Acrylic

Coral Minster Reflections Oil on canvas

Water Feature

Ali Fullard - Den of Nargun Gippsland - mixed media

BRIAGOLONG ART GALLERY Cnr Forbes and Avon Streets, Briagolong 3860 Hours Saturday and Sunday 11am – 4 pm Contact 03 51 455 439 or 0427 327 494 Email briagolongartgallery@gmail.com

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thelifestyle autumn 2014

The latest exhibition by the Briagolong Artists at the Briagolong Art Gallery is titled “Water”. Each artist has interpreted what water means to them.

This exhibition will have a bit of a difference. Viewers and visitors to the exhibition may be asked to participate in some of the exhibits. Works will be in a variety of mediums and explore many ideas of water. For example, water is one of the four classical elements along with fire, earth and air, water as a symbol as found in literature, fine arts, mythology and religious studies, water as a symbol of life, purity and cleansing; water in its geographic form as rivers and creeks; water and its uses for everyday life in farming or for leisure. The list goes on. Exhibits will evolve and change during the weeks the exhibition is being shown. Come and be surprised.

Bring the kids!

Judy Dorber Pond1,2,3 linocut

Coral Minster Still Waters Run Deep- Avon River oil

Fiona Reynolds Mrs Taylor’s Teapot mixed media

Water Features

“Water Features” opens 17th May and runs till 17th August.

A celebration at the Gallery will be on Sunday 29th June 2.00pm All Welcome!

Cleo

Angel Tess

Benno

Zac

Benson

Fraiser

Mia

CORNER

Murphy

Matilda

Poppy

Will & Jazzy

Charlie

Chloe the 6th

RupertIndi& &Gretel Willow

Axe

Lucky

Arthur

Tippy

Bella

Please email Gippsland The Lifestyle thelifestyle@dcsi.net.au if you would like to place a photo of your dog in Canine Corner thelifestyle winter 2014

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By Steve White

issue 19 WINTER crossword puzzle Across

Down

1. Judicious (9) 6. Prevent (5) 7. Mindless (5) 9. Opinion (3) 10. Hysterics (7) 11. Investigate (7) 14. Achieve (3) 16. Musical drama (5) 17. Fillip (5) 18. Widespread (9)

1. Scope (5) 2. Preposterous (9) 3. Student (5) 4. Pungent bulb (5) 5. Energy (5) 8. Pretension (9) 11. Idols (5) 12. Print (5) 13. Ancillary (5) 15. Taken for granted (5)

issue 18 Autumn puzzle answers W A F E R W A G E S

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O I O I A E

R E G I O N S R O W

R

Y A R N

A

M D N E

E

C O P I E D

A B A C U S

C T E

M S

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C H I P

thelifestyle winter 2014

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where you can get your copy Bairnsdale newsXpress 21 Bailey St Bairnsdale Stow’s Authorised 212 Main Street Berwick Newsagency 29-31 High Street Boolarra Store & Newsagency 9 Tarwin Street Briagolong Newsagency 6 Avon Street Bunyip IGA 2-6 Main Street Churchill Newsagency, Hazelwood Village Shopping Centre Cowes Newsagency 44-46 Thompson Avenue Dalyston General Store 4213 Bass Highway Drouin Burrows Newsagent & Tattslotto 93 Princes Way Dumbalk Village Store 25 Farmers Road Foster Newsagency 52 Main Street Glengarry General Store Main Street Golden Beach Blue Water Fish & Chips Gormandale General Store 13 Main Road Grantville BP 1514 Bass Highway Heyfield IGA 18-22 George Street Inverloch FoodWorks 10-12 Reilly Street Inverloch Newsagency 10 A’Beckett Street Jindivick General Store 1055 Jacksons Track Johnsonville Black Stump General Store Princes Hwy Korumburra Michael’s Supa IGA 1 South Railway Cres Lakes Entrance Lamanna’s Newsagency 24 Myer Street Lang Lang IGA 32 Main Street Leongatha Michael’s Supa IGA Cnr Church & Bruce Sts Loch General Store 32 Victoria Road Loch Sport General Store 2-4 Government Road Maffra newsXpress 144 Johnson Street Meeniyan Moos at Meeniyan 89 Whitelaw Street Metung Village Store 62 Metung Road Mirboo North Nanna’s Cupboard 42 Ridgway Moe Old Gippstown Heritage Park 211 Lloyd Street Morwell Card Alley Shop 33 Mid Valley Shopping Centre Mt Baw Baw General Store Neerim South Foodworks 147 Main Road Omeo Post Office 155 Day Avenue Pakenham Newsagency 99-101 Main Street Paynesville Newsagency 65a The Esplanade Paynesville Kasama Decor 3/31 The Esplanade Rhyll General Store 41 Lock Road 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 Stratford Wa-De-Lock Cellar Door 76 Tyers Street Swifts Creek General Store Great Alpine Road Tarwin Lower IGA 45 River Drive Thorpdale General Store 23 Station Street Tinamba General Store Maffra-Rosedale Road Toora Post Office 15 Stanley Street Tooradin IGA 104 South Gippsland Hwy

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EVANS PETROLEUM OUTLETS Fish Creek 2 Falls Road Foster 94 Main Street Inverloch 25 Williams Street 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 Traralgon 23-29 Shakespeare Street 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 2014. 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 omplied 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 Monday to Friday 6am to 5.30pm Saturday 6.30am to 4.00pm Sunday Closed

Wonthaggi Newsagency 31 Murray Street Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5672 1256 thelifestyle winter 2014

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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.

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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