Cakes on the menu for cancer fight Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au MOUNT Eliza resident Joanne Gunnersen believes Christmas is a time for giving, not receiving, and has seen her bountiful taste treats raise more than $162,000 for the Cancer Council of Victoria over the past 12 years. The founder of Christmas Cakes for Cancer, Ms Gunnersen has worked diligently to develop Joanne’s Handmade Christmas Cakes from baking 200 cakes at her home when she started in 2008 to a high of 10,500 in 2017. The money goes to fight bladder, pancreatic and kidney and other “insidious and hidden” cancers which, she says, tend to be under funded. This year, because of dampened demand caused by COVID-19, the number of gift wrapped cakes is more likely to be much lower. “If I do 2000 I will be over the moon,” she said. A trial of shortbreads will add to the tally. That’s still a monumental task for one woman, but help from volunteers, friends, friends of friends, and sports and community groups who come to her home to wrap, load and deliver the taste treats has made Ms Gunnersen’s task a little easier but no less rewarding. While busily cooking the cakes at home in the early days, Ms Gunnersen tripped and fell over, breaking her leg and arm. Frustrated at not being able to stir her big copper pot with its 10 kilograms of cake mix and brandy, she realised she needed to get someone else to do the cooking.
Joanne Gunnersen at home in her kitchen. Picture: Yanni
Enter Gen U in 2010 – which used to be called Karingal – but which is now a Geelong based disability organisation. Professional chefs supervise the cooking process that gives jobs to those with mental and physical disabilities.
“I couldn’t get over what they accomplish there,” she said. “They are very clever and to see the joy on their faces is wonderful.” Employees at Gen-U call Ms Gunnersen the “Cake Lady” as they bake and wrap and send the cakes off to
Dear Fellow Locals
Court bid on rules
volunteers in Ms Gunnersen’s converted workroom, who finishes them off with the traditional red bow. Always with a “couple of cakes in the oven” when she’s at home, Ms Gunnersen said her grandmother gave her the recipe for a traditional boiled Christmas cake when she was a child. They contain only the best quality ingredients and are packed full of fruit, but these days include a “bit more butter and brandy”. She sources ribbons, cellophane, sticky tape, printing and brochures from peninsula suppliers. There is no doubting the cakes’ popularity as all her corporate customers make repeat orders and this year came her first overseas order, from Los Angeles. A wealthy English couple takes back 40 cakes each year after spending six months in Australia. The cakes range from a stocking filler (200 gram), at $10, Star (300g) $15, Log (800g) $25 and round (2kg) $60. There is a minimum order of 20 stocking filler cakes. The dates and locations for cake collections – usually the first few days in December – will not be known until the government releases new restrictions and dates. “We are planning many scenarios and the front runners at the moment are having various contactless collection points,” Ms Gunnersen said. “Those locations will be published on the website and Instagram as soon as we know them.” Details: email jogunnersen@ gmail.com
NOT one to do things by halves, Sorrento restaurateur Julian Gerner is leading what’s been described as a “novel” and “bold” High Court bid to force a relaxation of Victoria’s tough COVID-19 lockdown rules. The proprietor of Morgan’s bar and restaurant and former owner of The Continental hotel will argue that the five-kilometre rule and essential worker permits are a disproportionate response in the fight against the virus. Mr Gerner will contend that the restrictions go against citizens’ implied rights of freedom of movement within the states to take part in personal, family, recreational and commercial activities – in short, to go about their normal business. The action is seen as a pre-emptive strike by businesses – notably the Unlock Hospitality group – against a possible extension of the tough stage four restrictions which have devastated economic activities – particularly in the hospitality industry. Sources said the High Court was preparing to hear the case late last week, while Premier Daniel Andrews was scheduled to speak on any possible relaxation or extension of the measures, Sunday 19 October. Mr Gerner, who would not comment on the action as it was before the court, hired prominent silks Bret Walker, SC, and Michael Wyles, QC, to mount his case. Monash University constitutional law expert Luke Beck has described the legal challenge as “novel” and “bold” but not without merit. “There are examples of bold arguments being successful before,” he was reported as saying. Stephen Taylor
Authorised by Anthony Marsh, PO Box 3121 Mornington VIC 3931
I’ve had the privilege of calling Mount Martha home for most of my life, where I now live with my wife and two young children. I genuinely believe that we live in the best place on earth, and I couldn’t think of a better place to raise my young family. I have been an active volunteer in local clubs and associations for many years, and giving back to my local community is incredibly satisfying and rewarding. Not only do I get to bring my broad skills and experiences to the table, but I also get to meet some great people. I have decided to run for council as I want to build on my community involvement and bring about significant and positive change in our community, on a much bigger scale. a Our community needs a new breed of leaders, those not influenced by party politics or self-interest, but willing to engage often, challenge the status quo, and to take decisive action. As an ex-Air Force Officer turned entrepreneur, I will bring to the role of councillor a unique combination of my fighting spirit, entrepreneurial drive, strong commercial experience and community mindset. I’ll work with and for you, and together we can create an even better peninsula. I’m fiercely independent, will act with unwavering integrity, and always in your interest. I have provided a recommended voting order (How to Vote) based on my own assessment of each candidate’s experience, character, and prior contribution across our great community. Please ensure you number every box and post your completed ballot in the provided envelope by 6pm this Friday (23 Oct). Make your vote count!
Anthony Marsh
HOW TO VOTE
Authorised by Anthony Marsh, PO Box 3121 Mornington VIC 3931
*Previous roles
Mornington News
20 October 2020
PAGE 9