Mornington Peninsula Magazine November 2022

Photo: Willow Creative

Art for all

Danny Lacy moved to the Mornington Peninsula with his young family in 2016 to take up the role of senior curator at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, bringing with him 20 years of curatorial experience across a wide range of Australian artist-run and contemporary art spaces. In 2019 he took over as gallery director at MPRG, and after navigating the pandemic he’s delighted to be bringing some exciting art projects and programs to Peninsula residents and visitors. Nikki Fisher caught up with him.

How did you get started working in the arts?

I was always pretty creative, and pretty sporty. I did a degree in graphic design but even from early on didn’t want to work in that industry, though I feel quite blessed I did that degree, as the visual skills I gained have been important in my work. I jumped across to art history after graphic design and had some good mentors at Monash University. I did an internship at Gertrude Contemporary in the ‘90s and felt like that was where I belonged. Working with artists was a world that I didn’t really know but felt quite comfortable and quite natural. I’ve been doing it ever since.

Front Beach, Back Beach is an ambitious public art project taking place at 15 sites involving 15 artists across the Peninsula this month. Can you tell us about your involvement?

FBBB was co-conceived by MPRG and Deakin University’s Public Art Commission and made possible by generous support from the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand Fund, an Australian Government initiative. A few years ago I spoke to David Cross and Cameron Bishop who, with myself, are artistic directors of FBBB, about creating a public art project to activate space. Thanks to the grant we’ve been able to dream big. The project has a four-month lifespan – one month out on the public sites and then three months back at the gallery. The exciting part of the project is the depth and research each artist has put into each site. It’s quite an amplification of ideas across the different sites.

MPRG will be the exclusive Victorian venue for the Archibald Prize tour in 2023. What does that mean for the gallery?

We hosted the Archibalds in 2013 and 2014 so we have an idea of what to expect. It’s estimated 50,000 people will come to MPRG over the seven-week period (September 15-November 5). The whole precinct will be transformed with cafes on site and additional parking. There will be timed entry so people can book. There’ll be a whole range of public programs: artist talks, workshops, and probably a dinner. It will have a big flow-on effect for the local economy.

In addition to presenting major exhibitions, what else would you like readers to know about MPRG?

Supporting local artists to have a platform for their work is really important. And also highlighting the collection; we have almost 2000 works. We’ve produced two collection books; we’re trying to create resources to make the collection more accessible. The broad range of programs we offer, from Young At Art For Under 5s, to Art and Dementia, to workshops and artist talks, I think that’s a great thing that a public gallery can offer. Many different demographics in the community can come in and feel welcome. And we’re free now, which adds to accessibility.

FBBB opens on November 4 and runs until November 27.

See www.mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au and www.fbbb.com.au for details.

mornington

Take a leaf out of Liz’s book

Mornington resident Liz Hicklin might be in her ninth decade but she isn’t short of energy or conversation.

Spend a couple of hours with her and you’ll marvel at the pace and fullness of her life.

During our time together, her phone pings with text messages regarding various projects, from a documentary she’s featuring in to her upcoming book launch. Our conversation flows from writing and editing to travel and family to the Harry Styles-inspired cardigan she’s

recently finished knitting.

October saw Liz travel solo to the US to visit her brother and sister. Liz says with her signature wit: “When you’re my age, they move you through customs quickly.”

Born in Manchester, Liz was in her 20s when she came to Australia in 1956 via the US, where she was working as a nurse. “I was sick of the cowboys in America so on impulse I came to Australia on a cargo ship.” In Australia Liz met her husband and they had three children. “I’ve never set goals in life; things have just happened. I

had to invent a living at one time. I’d made a few dolls, so I opened a doll shop and ran that successfully for 11 years.”

Liz recently finished writing her memoir Kiss & Cry. Most of the writing was done during lockdown. An original member of Peninsula Writer’s Club, Liz credits the club for keeping her going and giving her purpose. Kiss & Cry is Liz’s eighth book; she also writes poems and short stories. Not surprisingly, Liz wasn’t short of material for her memoir. Read about her love affair with Poet Laureate Ted Hughes

before his marriage to Sylvia Plath, what it was like waitressing in Melbourne’s Olympic Village in 1956, and finding a way to live with grief after the tragic loss of her two daughters, Leeza and Jane, to separate mental health issues.

Liz has embraced opportunities and overcome adversity to live a life worth writing about.

Kiss & Cry will be launched at Morven Manor, 77 Tanti Ave, Mornington on Sunday, November 27, at 2pm.

NIKKI FISHER

Speed camera review delivers a fine result for motorists

Victoria Police has decided to withdraw some of the controversial speeding fines issued in Frankston after an investigation by the Road Safety Camera Commissioner and a flood of complaints. The decision will apply to infringement notices issued between April 15 and June 16 for driving up to 60km/h at the intersection of Nepean Highway and Davey St. In a report released last month, the Commissioner found some motorists were not aware that the speed limit southbound through the intersection had been reduced to 40km/h. The investigation into the cameras was triggered by numerous inquiries and complaints in June from motorists who said they were unaware of the recent speed limit change because of what they described as inadequate signs and communication. Frankston

resident Maria Davoren began a Facebook group that gained more than 4200 members in just two weeks, encouraging affected motorists to request a review of their fines and sending submissions to Fines Victoria, Victoria Police, and the Commissioner on their behalf.

After two site inspections and initial inquiries with the Department of Justice and Community Safety and Victoria Police, the Commissioner wrote to the Police Minister in July saying he would investigate the complaints. He found there were two concurrent speed limit reduction projects that were led and implemented by two different departments and agencies.

“Reducing the speed limit from 60km/h to 40km/h on a major arterial road is a complicated process, not assisted by having two overlapping projects and inadequate communication between key stakeholders and with the public,” he wrote in his report. “The investigation found that the fixed digital road safety cameras were operating

as intended and accurately, capturing motorists driving above the new speed limit of 40km/h. However, due to exceptional circumstances borne through the complexities of the systems and processes involved with the speed limit reduction, some motorists were not aware that the legal speed limit southbound through the intersection of Davey St had been reduced to 40km/h.”

Customers whose fines have been withdrawn will be notified by mail. Those who paid their fine in part or in full before the infringement notices were withdrawn will receive a refund. To check the status of your fine, go to https://online.fines.vic.gov.au/Your-Fines/YourFines-Login; for information on the status of your driver’s licence, contact VicRoads at https://www.vicroads.vic. gov.au/licences/demerit-points-and-offences/checkdriver-history; the Commissioner’s report is available to read at https://cameracommissioner.vic.gov.au/ publications/nepean-highway-investigation

58-63

Top Centre: You can win Gintonica’s Advent Gin Calendar and

visit page 104. Top right: Olieve & Olie have

for Christmas

on page 95

Bottom centre: Richard Cornish interviews Iron River an

pages 100-101. Bottom right: Oz Design Furniture’s Mowen

is a showstopper with its

See pages 8 & 109.

‘Accidental’ penny sells for a mint

Some of our younger readers might not have heard the old saying ‘Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves’, but it certainly rang true last month when a 1930 Australian penny sold for $60,000 at Lloyds Auctions.

Described by Lloyds as “extremely rare and highly collectable”, the penny was the lowest mintage pre-decimal Australian coin in existence, in good condition and featuring a partial diamond and six pearls on King George V’s crown. “This penny has not only broken a record at Lloyds Auctions, but we believe it has broken an Australian auction record

based on its grade,” said Lloyds Auctions’ chief operations officer Lee Hames. “Our previous record for a 1930s penny was $30,000, which we auctioned last year, and in 12 months the price has now doubled at auction.”

In a statement, Lloyds said the penny was a product of the Great Depression. With Australia’s economy shrinking in 1929 and leading to a lower demand for currency, no pennies were ordered to be minted by the government. However, due to the ‘accidental’ minting of the 1930 penny, there ended up being 3000 produced, but only about 1500 ended up in circulation. With many of these coins being damaged and discarded over the years, it is unknown exactly how many are in

collectors’ hands today.

“A once by-product of economic depression is now a symbol of prosperity, the ultimate cherry on top for any coin collector,” Mr Hames said. “We have been seeing an influx of collectables come into Lloyds Auctions with people wanting to sell their old or valued treasures to make some extra cash, and we encourage people to bring in their collectables to be valued.”

Perhaps now might be a good time to ask Nana and Grandad whether they’ve got any old coins lying around that you’d be only too happy to take off their hands. In for a penny, in for a pound after all.

Join the women who are building Victoria

When Carley Attard walked into Nuform Steel Fabrications with her resume, she didn’t know what welding was and had never held a power tool. Hired on the spot, she soon found herself working as a labourer, and then as an apprentice, studying the Certificate III in Engineering –Fabrication Trade (MEM30319) at Chisholm.

Carley impressed her employers with her persistence to learn her trade. “They don’t just throw you on to a job and say ‘weld’; you have to prove you can do it,” she said. “Often there’s no time in the day to practise because we are so busy, so I’d come in early and practise welding.”

Carley excelled on the job and at trade school and won the Master Builders Victoria State Apprentice of the Year award. She has since completed her apprenticeship and is working as a foreman.

Nuform has been featured in the Victorian Government’s Building Futures Women in Construction campaign She

Built It, which aims to highlight the success of women in construction and encourage more women and girls to pursue a career in the building industry. Women still comprise fewer than three per cent of building and

construction trades workers in Victoria.

With two women on the team already, Nuform owner Greg Cole said he would like to hire more. “There are stereotypes about who is supposed to do what job,” he said. “We don’t believe in those stereotypes. We just want people with a good attitude and a passion for the work.”

Chisholm offers a range of courses across building trades, engineering, automotive, electrical and more. If you’re not sure where to start, a pre-apprenticeship can give you a taste of a trade or industry while developing basic skills. To get started and find a trade career that’s right for you, visit www.chisholm.edu.au/womenintrade

CHISHOLM INSTITUTE

A: Frankston, Dandenong, Berwick, Cranbourne, Rosebud and Wonthaggi campuses

T: 1300 244 746

W: www.chisholm.edu.au

FB: ChisholmInstitute

INSTA: chisholm_institute

Sam Groth standing up for Nepean

Liberal candidate for Nepean Sam Groth understands commitment and service better than most, having represented Australia as a professional tennis player at both the Olympic Games and in Davis Cup. After retiring from tennis in 2018, Sam built a renowned media career that has seen him work extensively across sport, travel, news and current affairs.

Sam is now seeking to bring the fresh focus, dedication and communication skills he built in his professional career to Spring St at this year’s Victorian state election. Sam and his wife Britt have chosen the Mornington Peninsula to raise their twin boys Mason and Parker, with the vision and commitment to address the issues impacting residents of Nepean. The district of Nepean (and its predecessor electorates) has historically been a strong Liberal seat, never being held by Labor for

more than one term.

If elected on November 26, Sam and the Victorian Liberals have committed to a massive $340 million two-stage redevelopment of Rosebud Hospital, including an expanded emergency department, 120 new beds, new operating theatres, maternity services, and further imaging and dialysis services.

The Victorian Liberals will also invest $7.8 million to build the Dromana College/Southern Peninsula Sport and Wellbeing Hub, a state-of-the-art, sixcourt mixed-use facility with supporting amenities and the capacity to seat up to 2000 students, staff and community members at Dromana College.

The Victorian Liberals have further committed $3.5 million to a long-term solution for Flinders Pier, a $10 million dollar comprehensive erosion plan for Port Phillip, and $175 million to build the desperately needed Jetty Rd overpass.

Authorised by C. McQuestin, Liberal Party, Level 12/257 Collins St, Melbourne, 3000

a C-Class of

Personalise your Mercedes-Benz experience with the unique features of the C-Class Edition C from MercedesBenz Mornington. From its distinctive AVANTGARDE styling and metallic paint to the diamond-pattern trim and comfort seats, the C-Class Edition C is as individual as you are. And until December 31, you can enjoy exceptional savings with the C-Class Edition C when you purchase in store or online at Mercedes-Benz Mornington. Find terms at www.mbmornington.com.au Highlights of the C-Class Edition C include: • AVANTGARDE exterior and interior

• Silver grey diamond-pattern trim with highgloss black centre console

•

•

•

•

•

own

multi-function sports steering wheel

• 18-inch multi-spoke bi-colour alloy wheels

paint (excluding MANUFAKTUR)

beige ARTICO upholstery

Book your test drive at Mercedes-Benz Mornington today. Contact our New Car Sales Manager Richard Sullivan on 5973 9600 or visit the showroom located at 29-31 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Mornington.

MERCEDES-BENZ MORNINGTON

A: 29-31 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Mornington

T: 5973 9600

W: www.mbmornington.com.au

FB: Mercedes-Benz Mornington

INSTA: mbmornington

Bloody good effort by fundraising walkers

Thousands of Mornington Peninsula residents stepped out on October 16 to take part in the Bloody Long Walk, a 35km walk to raise money for the Mito Foundation as it searches for a cure for mitochondrial disease – a debilitating, potentially fatal genetic disorder that robs the body’s cells of the energy they need to function properly.

The walk kicked off at Point Nepean National Park and followed the postcard-worthy views to Sorrento before looping through to finish at Martha Cove Marina. Participants walked for more than seven hours, clocking up nearly 47,000 steps and raising nearly $370,000, with one team bringing in more than $40,000 alone.

Peninsula resident David Valastro completed the course in three hours and 28 minutes. Also taking part were Victorian parents Leigh and Laura Caulfield, who have completed every Bloody Long Walk in Victoria, including virtually during COVID restrictions. “Before our son Tyler was unexpectedly diagnosed with mitochondrial disease in 2020, Laura and I had never heard of the disease,” Leigh said. “This year was our fifth walk, and we were extremely lucky to have great family, friends, teachers and colleagues throwing their support behind us. It’s hard to put into words how much the Mito Foundation means to us. The work they do in raising awareness, supporting families, and most importantly searching for a cure is just amazing.”

Living The Green team members Leigh and Laura Caulfield, foreground, have completed every Bloody Long Walk in Victoria.

Mito Foundation CEO Sean Murray said the event is part of a nationwide initiative supporting families affected by the disease. “We were very excited to bring the Bloody Long Walk to the Mornington Peninsula for the second time,” Sean said. “The truth is every week in Australia one child will be born who will develop a life-threatening form of mito – that’s 50 Aussie kids a year. Sadly, most children diagnosed with a serious form of mito die in the first five years of their life, yet most people have no idea the disease even exists. All money raised will help us deliver support services for patients and families facing this debilitating disease, while providing hope

Peninsula walker David Valastro completed the 35km course in 3 hours and 28 minutes.

for the future by funding promising research projects.”

This year, walkers had an extra spring in their step after the Mitochondrial Donation Law Reform (Maeve’s Law) Bill 2021 passed through the Senate in March. The legislation will allow Australian families with certain forms of mito to access mitochondrial donation, an IVF technique, to have healthy children of their own. An estimated one in 200 people, or 120,000 Australians, may carry the genetic change that puts them at risk of developing mito or passing it on to their children.

Short film festival returns to Rosebud

After two long COVID years, the Lexus of Brighton Peninsula Film Festival is back at its original home, the Village Green in Rosebud.

$5000 for the winning filmmaker, $2500 for second and $1250 for third. There is also $500 up for grabs for the winner of the Woodleigh School Emerging Filmmaker Award, which is open to any Australian student aged 18 and under.

General admission is $10 a head, with limited-release VIP tickets available for $150 a person and including drinks and food. Ticket-holders must be aged 18 or older to enter the VIP marquee.

Mornington Peninsula Magazine is once again proud to be a sponsor of this iconic event.

Photo: Yanni

The festival will run from February 3-5, with the short films screening at the Village Green on Saturday, February 4. Entries are open for films up to 12 minutes in length, with

Festival organisers are promising “an unprecedented list of celebrities” at Saturday night’s screenings, along with “a huge musical act guaranteed to delight the audience with classic and familiar tunes”, as well as food trucks.

Go to www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au now to buy your tickets and for film entry details.

mornington PENINSULA

Mordialloc Life Saving Club has been crowned Life Saving Victoria’s senior pool lifesaving overall champions thanks to a strong performance in the pool by their best rescue-ready athletes, scoring 279.5 points overall.

The club was one of 13 from across the state that took part in the championships at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on September 5, with Mornington Life Saving Club and Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club also competing. The athletes took part in disciplines including obstacle races, manikin carries and tows, line throw, and super lifesaver, showcasing the skills used by lifeguards to keep Victorians safe in and around the pool.

The following weekend, athletes aged seven to 10 from Chelsea Longbeach SLSC and Point Leo SLSC were among those who gathered for the junior pool lifesaving championships at Geelong Grammar, competing in swim races, tube tows, manikin carries, line throws and obstacle races, proving that in just a few short years they will be prepared to join their senior counterparts as pool lifeguards.

LSV aquatic sport manager Simon Butterly said pool lifesaving was a great

star at state champs

opportunity for beach lifesavers and pool lifeguards alike to maintain their rescue-ready skills during winter. “It was great to see such a strong turnout, which shows that even though winter might be considered ‘off-season’, our lifesavers are determined to stay rescue-ready, race-fit and engaged with aquatic sport,” Mr Butterly said.

“The senior athletes diving into the competition were the very same ones you see in the iconic red and yellow uniform during summer, which is another example of the dedication our lifesavers have to our movement, keeping people safe in, on and around Victorian waterways. Our junior athletes are not only the future of our sport, but also of our lifesaving service, when they qualify for their surf rescue certificate and begin patrolling as volunteers at age 13.”

Mornington Peninsula results, senior pool lifesaving championships: under-14 men’s 100m manikin carry with fins, Massimo Lancia, Mornington LSC, 1; under-14 men’s 50m manikin carry, Massimo Lancia, Mornington LSC, 1; under-13 men’s 50m manikin carry, Oscar Skehan, Point Leo SLSC, 1; under-12 men’s 50m manikin carry, Sebastien Lancia, Mornington LSC, 2; under-12 women’s 50m manikin carry,

Milla Clark, Point Leo SLSC, 2; under-12 women’s 50m manikin tow, Milla Clark, Point Leo SLSC, 1; under-14 men’s 200m obstacle, Massimo Lancia, Mornington LSC, 2; under-12 women’s 100m obstacle, Milla Clark, Point Leo SLSC, 3; under-12 women’s 10m line throw, Milla Clark, Point Leo SLSC, 1; Milla Skehan, Point Leo SLSC, 2; under-14 men’s 12.5m line throw, Oscar Skehan, Point Leo SLSC, 2; under-12/13 mixed 4x50m medley relay, Composite Team A – Angus Liddell (Mentone), Neve Turton (Mentone), Oscar Skehan (Point Leo), Milla Clark (Point Leo) 2; under-12/13 mixed 4x50m obstacle relay, Composite Team A 1.

Junior pool lifesaving championships: under-11 girls’ obstacle race, Milla Skehan, Point Leo SLSC, 2; under-10 boys’ obstacle race, Leon Kolvenbach, Chelsea Longbeach SLSC, 2; under-8 girls’ line throw, Layla Kolvenbach, Chelsea Longbeach SLSC, 1; under-10 boys’ manikin carry, Leon Kolvenbach, Chelsea Longbeach SLSC, 2; under-11 girls’ tube tow, Milla Skehan, Point Leo SLSC, 2; under-10 boys’ tube tow, Leon Kolvenbach, Chelsea Longbeach SLSC, 1; under-11 girls’ manikin carry, Milla Skehan, Point Leo SLSC, 3; under-10 boys’ manikin carry, Leon Kolvenbach, Chelsea Longbeach SLSC, 2.

Oscar Skehan, from Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club, takes part in the championships.

Chris Crewther: Committed to Community

Chris Crewther is committed to providing hope to locals. That’s why he’s advocating for community health, well-being, education, and investment.

Chris believes in enabling everyone to pursue their dreams, regardless of background, socio-economic status, or postcode.

That’s Chris’s story. Starting as a paperboy aged 11, he followed his parents who started in the Army at Mount Martha and in farming, working hard to create opportunity. We all want the best for our kids, grandkids and loved ones.

Chris has been ingrained in our community for years, genuinely listening, consulting, engaging, and advocating. This has resulted in the Mornington athletics track, Mount Martha Soccer fields, Mount Eliza schools’ carpark, Peninsula Home Hospice building, Mornington netball courts/lights, Beleura JFC scoreboard/

lights, Empire Mall upgrade, Balcombe Fountain restoration, Historical Society military display, HomeGround café, Rose Gardens shed, National Centre for Healthy Ageing, hospital MRI and pediatrics, and more.

Chris and the Liberals have now committed funding for Mount Eliza Secondary College’s Senior Students’ Centre and redevelopment masterplan, Mount Martha North, Hawker and Shire Hall beach erosion solutions, Mornington Soccer Club’s pavilion, the Frankston and Mornington Basketball, Gymnastics,

and Mornington Secondary College stadiums, Mount Eliza Bowling Club’s upgrade, Beleura and Peninsula Grange retirement villages, St Macartan’s PS and Holiday Village bus routes extensions, Emil Madsen Reserve’s redevelopment, saving and rehabilitating SE Water’s old reservoir as a public wetlands, Mount Martha Soccer and Mornington athletics’ pavilion fit-out, Mount Martha shopping strip’s revitalisation, Mornington Main Street Festival, Rosebud Hospital’s redevelopment, and building FranktonBaxter metro rail.

From November 12, go to ChrisCrewther. com.au/HowToVote or scan here.

CHRIS CREWTHER

A: 197 Main St, Mornington (manned by volunteers 10-11.30am weekdays)

T: 0480 383 143

E: chris.crewther@vic.liberal.org.au

W: www.chriscrewther.com.au

FB: Chris Crewther - Liberal for Mornington

INSTA: chriscrewthermp

Bring your rug back to life with a Samarkand detox

We love rug cleaning. We see them in all shapes and sizes, and all states of wear and condition. Rug cleaning is our specialty. At our rug-cleaning Mornington service, our job is to nurse them back to life by cleaning rugs with expert care and allowing their fibres to breathe freely once more. It’s a real joy seeing a once matted and grimy rug freshly restored to its former glory. We like to think of this as our rug detox. How do we wash?

Step 1: Colour testing – This is critical to ensure the rug does not bleed.

Step 2: Application of solution – All our cleaning agents are water-based, biodegradable and almost PH neutral. This means your beautiful, treasured rugs are being washed as gently as possible to avoid fibre damage.

Step 3: Traditional scrub and rotary – After your rug has been treated, our men scrub off the solution and wash through the deepest of stains. This is done on a mesh deck to ensure every knot is washed thoroughly.

Final step: Drying – Now the rug is completely washed, we let our world-class drying room do its magic. We finally dry the rug using natural sunlight to ensure the rug is dry and free of odours. Then we contact you to let you know you’re able to pick up your treasured rug from our Mornington showroom.

We are open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am4.30pm and Sunday from 10.30am-2.30pm.

SAMARKAND GALLERY

A: 23 Progress St, Mornington

T: 0416 785 217

W: www.samarugs.com.au

FB: Samarugs INSTA: Samarugs_Mornington

Celebrate Christmas with the Bel Canto Choir

The Bel Canto Choir, with artistic director/ conductor Margaret Brown, would love you to join them for the third and final concert for 2022. The choir will present a celebration of beautiful Christmas choral music interwoven with seasonal poems and prose.

You will also have the opportunity to share in the

www.thebelcantochoirmteliza.com.au

Photo: Alan Mathews

presents

“Christmas Readings and Carols ” - Conductor Margaret Brown Sunday 4th December 2022, 2.30pm

The Village Uniting Church - 93 Canadian Bay Rd, Mount Eliza

Admission: $25 Adult/$20 Concession (Seniors, Students)

Primary School Students no charge

Tickets www.trybooking.com/CDKAE

Everything we love about the peninsula, fresh every month

singing of traditional Christmas carols enhanced with harmonies and descants sung by the choir. All proceeds from this concert will be donated to The Meeting Room, Mornington Community Support Centre. This organisation is committed to ensuring that no one should go hungry because they cannot afford to buy food.

Christmas Readings and Carols is on Sunday, December 4, at 2.30pm at The Village Uniting Church, 93 Canadian

Bay Rd, Mount Eliza. Tickets: $25 adults, $20 concession (seniors and students), primary school students no charge. Book at https://www.trybooking.com/CDKAE. Some tickets will also be available at the door on the day.

THE BEL CANTO CHOIR

A: Mount Eliza

T: 0408 355 589

W: www.thebelcantochoirmteliza.com.au

mornington PENINSULA

Royal visitor generates much excitement in Melbourne

The Games of the XVI Olympiad in Melbourne, the first Games to be held in the southern hemisphere, was a time of great excitement. One of the highlights was the official opening of the Games by HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. Although he arrived in Melbourne by air, his home while here was aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

At that time, before the building of the Charles Grimes Bridge, ships could come up the Yarra to berth close to the Spencer Street Bridge, and a crowd of several hundred people watched the Royal Yacht as she came to her mooring at No. 1 North Wharf on the morning of November 29, 1956. After the closing of the Games and the departure of the Duke – again by air – Britannia left her berth bound for Lyttleton, NZ.

Britannia was a very beautiful ship with graceful lines and was enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth II on many occasions as a comfortable home away from home. She was to be the last of a long line of more than 80 Royal Yachts since 1660. When being designed, provision was made for her to be converted into a hospital ship in wartime and, in the event of a nuclear war, to be a place of refuge for the Queen and Duke. It was intended that Britannia would remain at sea off the northwest coast of Scotland.

Built in Scotland, she was launched by the Queen in April 1953 and commissioned the following January. On her maiden voyage in April 1954 she carried Prince Charles and Princess Anne, both small children at the time, to meet their parents in Malta at the end of the first Commonwealth tour made by the Royal couple.

During her 40 years of service, Britannia made nearly 700 visits to foreign countries and made 272 official visits to ports in the UK, steaming 2,014,278km. In 1994 the British Government announced the yacht would be retired because of the expenses involved in maintaining and operating her. She is now permanently moored in Leith, Scotland, where she is a very popular tourist attraction.

MAURIE HUTCHINSON

President, Peninsula Ship Society

T: 9787 5780

E: mauriehutch@gmail.com

The Peninsula Ship Society meets at Hastings Yacht Club at 10am on the fourth Tuesday of each month except November and December. Visitors are welcome.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was built in Scotland and was launched on April 16, 1953. She has a length of 126m.

You don’t have to be

creative’ to be creative

Since the 1970s, Woodleigh has enjoyed a reputation as ‘the arty school’ for ‘arty kids’. No one would deny that the creative pool at Woodleigh is deep. But what might come as a surprise to some is that creativity thrives across the board, in all areas of learning. You see, you don’t need to be ‘a creative’ to be creative (Drory Ben-Menachem). It’s human nature to take what’s around you, collaborate and improvise your way to a better way of being.

Creativity is simply innovation by another name. In technology, maths and science subjects, it’s applied design, or invention. Here, creativity looks like facing old problems with new solutions; thinking critically; asking questions; coming up with hypotheses and being prepared to fail over and over until you finally land success.

This kind of learning is extended beyond the classroom, as students are given regular opportunities to showcase or demonstrate their learning. All students are given opportunities to be involved in the production of the school’s vibrant and engaging calendar of exhibitions, performances, festivals and events. This is learning made real.

A jewel in the Woodleigh calendar is the twilight Arty Market in early December. Students are given a chance to develop their own micro business, from product design and branding to running an in-person stall and making sales. The Arty Market is a quintessentially Woodleigh occasion. It is a celebration of handmade or designed products, artworks, jewellery, food, and homewares designed and/ or made by students and members of our diverse and talented community. Served up with delicious food, drink, and coffee offerings from Mornington Peninsula-based food producers and a killer soundtrack from students and staff on the Woodleigh stage, it’s an event not to be missed.

is at our Senior Campus on Friday, December 2, from 4-8pm. All welcome.

Dove and Lyre

Fossils Crystals Jewellery Antiquities Taxidermied Butterflies and Bugs Christmas is just around the corner

We at Dove and Lyre appreciate the expense and offer the layby facility, helping to spread your purchase. We are flexible with the repayment terms due to the large differences in our product prices.

Dove and Lyre in Main St, Mornington, is a shop we believe is sure to impress – a fasci-nating eclectic mix of unique and wonderful objects that have been collected over many years. To name but a few of the most amazing items for sale is a 120 million-year-old baby dinosaur, Psittacosaurus sinensis, a small herbivore from China; a very unusual three-chambered amethyst cave from Brazil; and antiquities more than 5000 years old.

We have a vast range of gemstones, from the common rose quartz to the obscure petroleum quartz from Pakistan, ranging in price from $4 to more than $10,000.

Our extensive range of fossils includes trilobites from Morocco and the US, ammonites from many places in the world, a woolly mammoth lower jaw with teeth, and megalodon shark teeth

with a great white tooth to show size comparison.

We have a range of meteorites including a piece from Namibia called Gibeon, which on impact created Libyan glass (yellow tektite) 600 million years ago. We also have moldavite, the result of a meteorite impact in Germany about 14 million years ago.

We have for sale antiquities from around the world from the everpopular Rome and Viking eras, and others dating back several thousand years.

Jewellery from antique to Art Deco and the latest handmade sterling silver jewellery, earrings and fashion jewellery.

Dove and Lyre have a superb collection of butterflies, moths, bats, spiders and other beasties framed and in glass domes.

Make sure

and

put

DoveandLyreis

Quartz

Pale Blue Celestite

Fossils

Dove

Amethyst Cave

Committed to be your voice in Parliament

Hi, I'm Dr Kate Lardner, your independent candidate for Mornington. I’m a lifelong resident, practising doctor, community advocate and mother of two right here in the Mornington district.

Together, we’ve been able to build a vibrant community full of talented people. But right now our political representation is failing us.

I believe that everyone in our district deserves to have their voices heard. My campaign is built on community consultation, and that’s exactly how I plan to represent you. I'm committed to being your voice in the Victorian Parliament, and I will continue to engage with you to act on your behalf.

As a community we can re-engage our neighbours in politics as it should

be done – with integrity, trust and

community input. As your state MP I’ll work towards:

• Improving the quality of our healthcare systems, including access to aged care and mental health care;

• Integrity in politics by strengthening our state anti-corruption commission and regaining public trust in politics;

• Climate action that benefits everyday members of our community; and,

• Supporting small business by giving them a voice in our parliament, as well as reducing the cost of living.

I look forward to hearing what matters to you.

KATE LARDNER

A: Suite 5, 176 Main St, Mornington

T: 0455 780 230

W: www.katelardner.com.au

FB: DrKateLardner

Authorised by Kate Lardner, 5/176 Main St, Mornington, VIC 3931. Published by Morn Pen Mag Pty Ltd, 14/1140 Nepean Hwy, Mornington, VIC 3931.

Frankston’s finest honoured and celebrated at Impact Volunteer Awards

Frankston City’s tireless and dedicated volunteers have been celebrated at the Impact Volunteer Awards 2022.

Beverley Valentine, from Meals on Wheels, and Marcus Grinblat, from Coast Guard Frankston, were announced as joint winners of the Service to the Community Award. The Leadership Award was presented to Andrea McCall, from Frankston University of the Third Age (U3A); Community Support Frankston won the Teamwork Award; the Initiative Award was presented to Jack Wheeler, from Peninsula Transport Assist; Madison Horp and Brianna Neill, from Frankston North Community Centre, were joint winners of the Youth Award; and the Outstanding Volunteer Organisation ($1000) Award went to Peninsula Transport Assist.

“Our volunteers are the absolute best of Frankston City, constantly and selflessly serving their community,” said Mayor Nathan Conroy. “The inspirational people recognised in the Impact Volunteer Awards 2022 are dedicated to supporting others in need over a long period of time.”

Council CEO Phil Cantillon said: “We rely on the work of our volunteers to keep the city running. On behalf of an incredibly grateful council and community, thank you to each and every volunteer who is making a positive impact in Frankston City.”

For more information about volunteering in Frankston City, go to https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Council/Careers-andVolunteering/Impact-Volunteering

Yawa wins national award for excellence

national accolade on October 18 came after the centre won the regional award in June.

Mornington Peninsula Shire’s nomination covered Yawa’s construction period and its first six months of operation. At the time of nomination, 223,651 people had already walked through Yawa’s doors and more than 4100 people had become members, with Peninsula residents filling 95 per cent of the 196 ongoing jobs.

“We are really proud of the partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and the success of Yawa,” said Belgravia Leisure CEO Nick Cox. “The local team has provided a range of innovative programs to meet local needs, and the response from the community has exceeded our expectations. Over the next 12 months and beyond we are excited to continue providing a high level of service to further engage the local community.”

Mayor Anthony Marsh said Yawa featured 916 solar panels, saving 400 tonnes of greenhouse gas a year, while 100,000 litres of rainwater was captured to top up the pools.

For more information, follow Yawa Aquatic Centre on Facebook @Yawa Aquatic Centre and Instagram @ yawaac, or visit www.yawa.com.au

mornington

Yawa Aquatic Centre has been named Community Facility of the Year at the 2022 Parks & Leisure Australia National Awards of Excellence. The

Mayor Nathan Conroy, left, congratulates Frankston City’s award-winning volunteers.

It’s all about keeping up the momentum

I stood to be the Member for Nepean in 2018 because I have always lived on the Mornington Peninsula and felt like our politicians had taken our area for granted.

Since being elected, we’ve rebuilt Rosebud Primary, with Dromana Primary and Rosebud Secondary under construction now. We have the new express bus to Frankston and the 788 bus goes every half an hour. Sporting clubs on the Peninsula are finally starting to get the attention they deserve and our green wedge remains a personal passion of mine.

But there’s so much more to do. Now at this election we have the choice: do we continue to get things done on the southern Peninsula with a Member of Parliament who has lived and breathed this community their whole life, or

do we simply go back to the previous situation where nothing happens on the Mornington Peninsula?

For me, this election is about keeping up the momentum. When I was elected, I was in the fairly unique circumstance of having made no election promises, and as a result it gave me this clean slate to just start getting things done on the Peninsula. And finally things are getting done. Our schools, our buses, our health services, our roads, all remain opportunities to keep getting things done. People on the Peninsula have now seen that election promises mean very little. It’s about who is the person to get things done.

CHRIS BRAYNE MP

State Member for Nepean W: https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/ members/chris-brayne/ FB: BrayneForNepean

CHRIS BRAYNE MP

LABOR MEMBER FOR NEPEAN

BrayneForNepean

Ford,

PROBUS

Left: Members of Probus Club of Mt Eliza Central had a great day out at Cruden Farm recently, exploring the grounds and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Below: Providing information on what Probus does and what it stands for was the aim of a Probus Club of Mt Eliza Central information and promotional stand at the Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market recently. Members had a wonderful time handing out brochures and chatting to people.

mornington PENINSULA

Experience a higher standard of linen hire

Higher Linen Co. understands just how important quality linen is when it comes to your guests having a positive and memorable holiday experience.

Established in 2021 on the Mornington Peninsula, Higher Linen Co. is committed to making holiday accommodation rental seamless and more streamlined for the home owner, property manager, cleaners and guests by supplying higher quality linen hire, towels, tea-towels and our signature striped pool and beach towels.

Higher Linen Co. stands out due to the exceptional quality of the linen and range of items. Not only is our beautiful range of crisp white bed linen 100 per cent cotton, we also ensure that each linen package includes a fitted bottom sheet. This improves the guest’s experience and

makes it so much easier on changeover days. Our linen also features helpful details, such as different coloured stitching to identify bed size, no fastenings on the doona covers – trust us, this is no problem – and hand openings at the top corners of the doona covers to help get the doona in correctly.

Our bedroom packages include all items needed for each room, which is a gamechanger especially for cleaners! No more trying to work out which linen is required for each room.

Get in touch with us now to discuss your linen and towel hire requirements. Contact alex@higherlinenco.com.au or visit www.higherlinenco.com.au

HIGHER LINEN CO.

A: Mornington

T: 0417 558 250

W: www.higherlinenco.com.au

FB: higherlinenco

INSTA: higherlinenco

Demand from guests for holiday apartments is booming! Is yours keeping up?

If you own a holiday apartment, especially in the northern half of the Peninsula stretching all the way to the heart of Melbourne itself, there’s a chance your property may be underperforming under its current management. Maybe you’re taking care of it yourself on top of your day-to-day life or letting an agent take care of it for you; do you really feel its getting the best attention it deserves and making the most from bookings that it can?

Holiday Rentals Australia is seeing a huge boom in booking interest from prospective guests for their properties which includes houses and apartments. Apartments however are seeing the highest number of enquiries and all the company’s recently launched properties, managed on behalf of their owners, are flourishing. Their latest apartment launch, using the company’s signature thorough approach to photos and listing content, saw 5 quality bookings received in the first 48 HOURS of the listing going live. Their latest house launch received a long, high value booking within just 36 HOURS.

If you think your property could be doing better, call Stephen on 0435 768 514. It might be time you shook things up with your management to make sure you don’t miss out on the unprecedented boom of domestic travel we’re expecting this summer.

Call Stephen today on 0435 768 514 for a friendly no-obligation chat and appraisal of your property.

www.HolidayRentalsAustralia.com.au

and wellness destination...

Last month, Frankston City Mayor Nathan Conroy and councillors Claire Harvey, Brad Hill and Liam Hughes joined the celebrations at Frankston Croquet Club for the club’s 75th birthday. “The club started on someone’s private lawn in 1947 after the war,” says club member Penny Abrahams. “We think 75 years is important because we’re one of

the oldest croquet clubs in Victoria and one of the oldest first sporting clubs in Frankston.”

The game of hitting balls through hoops takes more skill than one might think at first glance. And while croquet has an image of being for senior citizens, Penny encourages people of all ages to pick up a mallet and learn the game, describing it as “chess for people who like standing up”. If you’re in it to win, it’s a game of tactics and strategy.

Today the club is on the corner of Spring and Nolan streets, not far from

Frankston station. “We’ve maintained a strong membership base throughout our 75 years, including through COVID lockdown,” Penny says. “We also host state interclub pennant competitions, have visitor competitions, and encourage local people to use our facilities.”

New players and members of all ages are welcome. For more information, contact secretary Fay O’Toole on 0407 342 562.

NIKKI FISHER

Frankston City Mayor Nathan Conroy toasts Frankston Croquet Club’s 75th birthday celebration.

Play and stay all year round

Consistently ranked top 50 in Australia by both Golf Australia and Golf Digest, Portsea is a true

championship 18-hole course. Set among rolling sand dunes, coastal vegetation and with spectacular

views across Port Phillip, the fastdraining fairways allow perfect playing conditions all year round.

Firm and bouncy with rugged craggy bunkers, it is as much fun as it is both challenging and charming. It is renowned for very tricky – and spectacular – short par 4s.

Less than 90 minutes from Melbourne, it is the Mornington Peninsula’s ‘must play’ golfing destination, and the 24-room ‘boutique’ Mercure Hotel is also the place to stay. The rooms have private balconies with views over the course and bay, ensuite, large LCD television and modern hotel conveniences, including a wonderful breakfast while you enjoy a stunning vista across the bay.

The Pro-shop can provide hire clubs, buggies and carts along with the best range of the very latest and very ‘cool’ golf attire, shoes and equipment.

So whether it’s a romantic getaway, golf escape or a corporate event, the Portsea Golf Club can assist with all your needs. And mark your diary: the famous Portsea Pro-Am returns on January 3-4 next year. Check out Portseagolf.com.au

PORTSEA GOLF CLUB

A: 46 London Bridge Rd, Portsea T: 5981 6100

W: www.portseagolf.com.au

PENINSULA

THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA’S MOST ICONIC DESTINATION FOR STAY AND PLAY

Get a frontrow seat for the total lunar eclipse

The constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius are slowly leaving our night skies to be replaced by Orion and its nebulae, and the bright star Sirius. Looking towards the celestial pole you can find the constellations Reticulum, the Net; Hydrus, the Little Water Snake; Tucana, the Toucan; and Octans, the Octant, while the Southern Cross (Crux) grazes the southern horizon before rising again in summer.

Conjunctions are when two astronomical objects appear close to each other in the sky, and this month there are several between the moon and various planets, including November 2 with Saturn, November 5 with Jupiter, November 12 with Mars, and again with Saturn on November 29.

The Leonid meteor shower is active each November, and this year the Leonids will peak late on the night November 17 until early next morning. The shower is called Leonids because its radiant, or the point in the sky from which the meteors seem to emerge, lies in the constellation Leo. The Leonids occur when the Earth passes through the debris left by Comet Tempel-Tuttle, which takes about 33 years to orbit the sun.

On November 8 we will witness the only total lunar eclipse of the year. The moon will start passing into the Earth’s shadow from 7pm when it is still below the horizon as seen from Melbourne. The partial eclipse begins at 8.09pm, and the moon will be fully within the Earth’s shadow from 9.16pm until 10.41pm. The eclipse ends at 12.49am on November 9 when the moon leaves Earth’s shadow again. For a great viewing opportunity, visit the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society at the Mount Martha Observatory, where the evening will start with a short presentation about why eclipses happen and when we can expect the next ones. Then head outside to observe the event through our

telescopes and get tips on what to look for or how to take photos of the eclipse. Bookings are required and can be completed on our website.

For further information about the MPAS, such as public stargazing nights, event bookings and membership, please visit the society’s Facebook page, or website at www.mpas.asn.au

NERIDA LANGCAKE, Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society

Pictured: The Henize 70 Super Bubble is about 170,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Seabream, within the Large Magellanic Cloud. About 300 light-years in diameter, it is a luminous super bubble of interstellar gas blown by wind from hot, massive stars and supernova explosions, its interior filled with tenuous hot and expanding gas.

Photo: MPAS member Steven Mohr

mornington PENINSULA

property report card makes good reading

Introducing Mr and Mrs Hughes

Jade Dixon, the daughter of our designer Sinead, married her sweetheart Jon Hughes on Saturday, October 8. Their families and close friends celebrated the occasion at a beautiful service and ceremony at Okie Dokie in Braeside, with Jade and Jon’s two young boys – Elijah, who is almost 3, and five-monthold Arlo – nearly stealing the show. Jade and Jon would like to thank all their guests who shared this special day with them.

to age positively

Almost half of Mornington Peninsula residents are aged over 50, according to the 2021 Census, and that proportion is only going to increase. So Mornington Peninsula Shire is inviting you to share your thoughts about what kind of community you want to live and age in.

The Shire is holding the Positive Ageing Community Summit on Thursday, November 24, from 10am-1pm at the Peninsula Community Theatre, to be followed by a shared community lunch. “We want to know how our Positive Ageing Strategy is travelling,” the Shire

said in a statement. “Are we on track?

there any new emerging issues?

is working well and what needs more attention? To help you provide your feedback, we have guest speakers – including the Commissioner for Senior Victorians, Gerard Mansour – workshop facilitators, and a chance to mingle over lunch with other local community members to have your say.”

If you want to take this opportunity to directly inform the Shire’s Positive Ageing Strategy, book your free tickets at mornpen.vic.gov.au/ageingsummit, then head along to the summit and have your say. For more information, phone 5950 1765.

a mid-size SUV?

Volvo’s XC60 mid-size SUV combines superior design and technology, comfort, and cutting-edge safety features that Volvo has long been known for delivering on all fronts. This dynamic and versatile SUV will be sure to impress with its sophisticated design, advanced technology, and notable road-handling capabilities.

Volvo Cars Brighton is proud to be featuring the XC60 this month. The team invites you to visit their thoughtfully designed showroom –complete with in-house barista – and spend time talking through Volvo’s world-leading innovations.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 is sleek, sophisticated, and spacious. With seating for five it’s a perfect family car, and when the family isn’t on board the rear seats fold down, creating space and adding to its versatility.

Google Maps is fully integrated,

there’s hands-free voice control with Google Assistant, real-time traffic info and automatic rerouting. The XC60’s best in class navigation means you can relax and enjoy the drive.

When it comes to fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, Volvo’s XC60 is a mild hybrid, which means the vehicle saves fuel and reduces tailpipe emissions by recovering energy from the brakes and storing it in a 48V battery.

If you like the sound of all the Volvo XC60 has to offer and want to learn more, visit the team at Volvo Cars Brighton. You’ll receive excellent service from the initial meeting to the test drive through to the purchase and beyond in after-purchase service. Call in today and experience the XC60 for yourself.

Opening hours are 8.30am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday. The service centre is at 55 Keys Rd, Moorabbin.

VOLVO CARS BRIGHTON

A: 227-229 Nepean Highway,

T: 9998

W:

Help shape the future management of our coastlines

Earlier this year we asked you what the future looks like for the Flinders, Mount Eliza and Portsea coastlines. We received responses from more than 570 community members and key stakeholders. Thanks to your feedback we have developed the draft Coastal and Marine Management Plans (CMMP) for Flinders, Mount Eliza and Portsea and invite you to take a look at them.

Our Flinders CMMP will create an accessible and safe Flinders coastal and marine environment where diverse ecosystems are protected and enhanced, the region’s heritage is celebrated, and ongoing opportunities for relaxation, learning and enjoyment are provided for all.

Our Mount Eliza CMMP will create a healthy, natural and pristine coastline connecting communities with the environment and history, and is prepared for the future.

Our Portsea CMMP will create a healthy and valued Portsea coastal and marine environment celebrating an iconic past and looks to a resilient future by providing a coastal experience for all. You can have your say online at mornpen. vic.gov.au/coastalplans as well as in person at the following locations:

Flinders Pier on November 18 from 11am2pm; Newtown Reserve in Portsea on November 25 from 11am-2pm; and, Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market on November 27 from 9am-1pm.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE

A: 2 Queen St, Mornington

A: 90 Besgrove St, Rosebud

A: 21 Marine Pde, Hastings

A: 1085 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Somerville

T: 5950 1000

W: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Home

Help shape the future management of our coastlines

In February, we asked what the future looks like for the Flinders, Mt Eliza and Portsea coastlines. Thanks to your feedback, we’ve developed the draft Coastal and Marine Management Plans for these townships and invite you to look at them. To view the survey and see the list of in person and online drop-in sessions visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/coastalplans

mornington PENINSULA

It’s that time of year where time speeds up and suddenly it’s Christmas Day. We can breathe a sigh of relief that we’ve made it through 2022 without any lockdowns and that family and friends can travel freely over this Christmas season, making it extra-special.

From Christmas tree decorations to gifts for all tastes and budgets to wonderful food and wine, we’re so fortunate to have many incredible retailers and producers where we live to help us bring plenty of festive cheer to Christmas. By shopping locally you’re supporting small businesses that are often family-owned.

To make life easier, Mornington Peninsula Magazine has put together an inspiring Christmas feature to help you prepare for the festive season. Put the kettle on and settle in with a cuppa, have a pen and notebook handy and start planning a Christmas to remember.

peninsula,

mornington PENINSULA

Dedicated holiday care for your pet

If you’re planning to travel over Christmas but are concerned about pet welfare, we have the solution for you: Holistic Pet and House Sitting Service is here to put your mind at ease. We specialise in giving individual care – be it for old age, recuperation from surgery, or anxiety – and we’ll get to know your pet and collaborate with you on their specific care plan.

Our experienced and Pet First Aid-certified carers maintain your pet’s routine to keep them feeling happy, secure and loved, and we provide you with regular updates and photographs of them so you can enjoy your holiday, knowing your pet is relaxed in their home environment.

Our other services include:

Dog walking

Doggie day care

Cat feed play and stay

Lorraine

mornington

NEW CHAMBER

ELECTED

Mornington Chamber of Commerce held its AGM on Monday, October 10, at Mornington Yacht Club with delicious canapes supplied by The Rocks. We can now introduce the new committee of business owners who volunteer their time and skills to the chamber and Mornington township. They are president David Wilton, Bite Local; vice-president Dean McHugh, Gods Kitchen; and committee members Teresa Westgarth, BJS Insurance; Keila Kilbane, Yummo Ice Cream; Matthew Coyle, Melbourne Travel Project; Veronica D’Silva, Counting Wealth; Kate Horton, Farrells Bookshop; and Yvens de Camargo, Casa de Playa. To contact the new committee, email info@morningtonchamber.com.au

mornington PENINSULA Magazine

Businesses praised for their excellence at inaugural awards

Prof

To

and celebrating local business

The inaugural Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards have delivered excellence in spades. They were established to recognise excellence, and they certainly delivered that.

Mornington

Two hundred Peninsula business people and their supporters came together on a perfect October evening at Mornington Racing Club for the gala presentation event. There was a buzz around the room as businesses took the opportunity to share the night with their colleagues and connect with other like-minded business people.

Over the course of the evening, the nine category winners were announced by engaging MC Tracy Bartram, with their awards presented by Mayor Anthony Marsh, who said: “These awards are about showcasing the best of the best. Tonight you’ll hear about the finalists and winners that have impressed the judges with their business excellence, innovation and sustainability.”

The Small Business Mentoring Service was contracted to ensure the entry selection and judging process was impartial and transparent. First, the entries were assessed for eligibility, and applicants were shortlisted in their respective categories, with two to four businesses in each category chosen for their excellence, innovation and sustainability. Then all of the shortlisted businesses were visited on site by the mentors so they could gain a deeper insight into the business. The judges then came together at a moderated meeting and determined the winners of each category.

Finally, the Business of the Year Award was chosen from among the nine category winners.

Events such as these don’t happen without the support of our generous sponsors, who provided prizes and support. They were:

Mornington Peninsula Shire

Mornington Peninsula News Group

Mornington

3MP

Smart

Mornington

Magazine

mornington

AGRICULTURE AND

Winner

Two Bays Brewing Co: A

Australia’s first dedicated

taproom has a national focus, and you can find it

state from Queensland to Tasmania to Western Australia.

Finalists

Hawkes Farm

Mock Red Hill

Peninsula Fresh Seafood

every

CREATIVE INDUSTRY Winner

HEALTH AND COMMUNITY

Winner

feed.

Finalists

Cellar and Pantry

Indigo Threads

Little Woodworkers: A small family business that makes quality wooden toys

self-assembly

for preschool and primary school children. It holds in-person

where the children not only have fun but learn

in a unique and memorable way.

Finalists

& Gallery Australia

Gordon Studio Glassblowers PIER Marketing

Atticus Regional Medicentre: An allied health service at Hastings offering general practitioner and specialist doctor services, with a strong focus on the patient’s holistic health. It has expanded its medical services to residential aged care centres, home care services and telehealth at a national level

Finalists

Crib Point Early Learning Centre Victorian Hearing Company

HOSPITALITY

Winner

Red Gum BBQ: An Aussie-smoked, US-style barbecue restaurant that focuses on slow-cooked, authentic Southern American barbecue cuisine with a distinctly Australian difference. The meats are organic, ethically sourced and traditionally smoked for 12-16 hours using red gum in the giant Texas offset steel pits.

Finalists

Commonfolk Coffee Company 100 Mile Foodie

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Winner

The Prof Consulting Group: A boutique food and grocery consultancy business that works locally and internationally with retailers, brand owners, food and agriculture, and investors. It helps clients access new markets, create innovation and improve their industry growth.

Finalists

Angela Allen-Mads Collective Group

Exclusive Property Management RETAIL Winner

Talking Hens: A small retail business that sells backyard free-range laying hens, poultry products and high-grade chicken

START UP

Mornington Peninsula Business mpbusiness.com.au/businessawards

Winner

The Peel Thing: The Peel Thing dehydrates locally sourced fruit and petals for cakes and cocktails. Each fruit is hand-sliced and only the best quality fruit is chosen, creating a premium product. It has recently diversified to using the offcuts of the dehydrated products to prepare bath salts.

Finalists

Etch Sparkling Island Pasta

TOURISM Winner

Moonraker Dolphin Swims: A longestablished, multi-award-winning marine tourism business operating from Sorrento Pier. It offers guests the opportunity to see and swim with the resident dolphins, seals and marine life of Port Phillip.

Finalists

Bass and Flinders Distillery Carmel at Sorrento

TRADES AND SERVICES

Winner

Dunton Group Electrical Services: Dunton Group installs high-quality solar panels from recognised worldwide leaders in the solar industry and provides electrical services with a focus on renewable energy sources to better the environment.

Finalist

Prize Plumbing

2022 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner

Red Gum BBQ

Looking for backyard hens but unsure where to start?

Talking Hens is a family business that specialises in backyard hens. We only supply friendly, egg laying hens with quality products to keep them happy and healthy.

Our hens make fantastic family pets! They love company and like nothing more than to spend time with their owners. We hear many entertaining stories from our customers such as their hens going on school runs, on swings with the kids and sneaking through cat flaps to surprise them.

There’s nothing like the friendship and entertainment that comes from our laying hensa pleasure to be shared!

The winners of the 2022 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards.

Outstanding contemporary accommodation awaits you in the heart of Sorrento Village at Carmel at Sorrento.

Join Carmel at Sorrento for your next staycation, hosting 6 fully appointed, 3-bedroom apartments or the exclusive 3-bedroom penthouse which is the ultimate in luxury accommodation.

Enjoy complimentary WiFi, Netflix and Foxtel with an on-site, secure basement car parking and elevator access to your apartment and the reception area. Penthouse guests enjoy complete privacy with restricted accessentry whilst enjoying a premium view over Sorrento.

Guests are welcomed with incredible offerings of premium extras and experiences to enhance their stay. The expert guest services team can create a bespoke package to enjoy the Mornington Peninsula or guests can pre-arrange any of our

suggested upgrades such as a fridge supplies kit, chocolate decadence experience, gourmet grazing box or relaxation pamper package.

Carmel at Sorrento features two separate function spaces with open plan layout providing flexibility for intimate conferences, meetings, functions and our specialty of micro-weddings and elopements. Each space can accommodate up to 50 delegates. Corporate and leisure groups can enjoy the exclusivity of securing tenure of the entire complex to accommodate their delegates and guests for ultimate privacy.

Do you need to work while on your staycation? Working remotely at Carmel at Sorrento away from your office environment is almost guaranteed to have you wanting to extend your time with us. Warm luxury is the feeling you get as soon as

you enter your apartment door. Each apartment is individually styled, and a great care is taken to ensure every guest enjoys the ultimate experience. Our guests feel like they are staying at home while away from home and at the same time enjoy our 5 star luxury appointments.

• Gold Winner for 5 star accommodation at the 2021 Victorian Tourism Awards

• Finalist for 5 star accommodation at the 2021 Australian

• Highly commended as 5 star

at the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards

•

star accredited business with

Tourism Australia

mornington

PENINSULA

the business

Some of the winners pictured with councillors at Mock Red Hill.

mornington PENINSULA

Peninsula food businesses taste success

Foxeys Hangout in Red Hill has taken out the Restaurant category at the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 2022 Best Bites Food Awards. Tootgarook’s The Kitchen picked up silver, while Unica Cucina E Caffe in Capel Sound and Moorooduc’s Stumpy Gully won joint bronze.

The Café category was won by Mornington’s Commonfolk Coffee Company, with Blue Mini in Rosebud winning silver and Two to Tango in Somerville taking bronze. The other business category awardwinners were:

Retail: Be Fit Food, Mornington, gold; Ritchies Mt Eliza, Mount Eliza, silver; La Casa Nostra Deli, Rosebud, bronze. Health and Education: Crib Point Early Learning Centre, Crib Point, gold; Hastings Childcare and Community Kinder, Hastings, and Tyabb Village Children’s Centre, Tyabb, joint silver.

Takeaway Outlets: Spudalicious, Hastings, gold; The Hive Loukoumades, Rye, silver.

Farmgate: Mock Red Hill, Red Hill, gold. Other businesses were recognised for their work across various areas of excellence:

Waste and Recycling: Via Battisti, Mount Martha. Energy and Water Efficiency: Paradigm Hill, Merricks. Access and Inclusion: It’sa Burger, Rosebud. Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Blue Mini, Rosebud. Smoke-Free and Alcohol: The Hidden Kitchen, Tootgarook.

Best Bites is a Mornington Peninsula Shire and Peninsula Health program recognising the most outstanding food businesses in the areas of food safety, healthy eating, sustainability, reduction of tobacco/alcohol, and access and inclusion. Finalists in each category were judged by an independent panel.

All winners and nominated businesses will be featured in the Best Bites Food Guide for 2022-23, which will be published later this year. The online guide lists food businesses that scored more than 95 per cent in their food safety assessment and provided excellence across one or more of the Best Bites categories.

View the full list of category winners, finalists and highly commendeds at mornpen.vic.gov.au/bestbites; all Best Bites food businesses can be viewed at https://bit. ly/3Elpdjb

arts events leisure

Seaside ambience

This driftwood shark wall hanging by Mount Martha artist Miffy Pittaway will most definitely evoke memories of those sun-kissed days spent on the beach.

It’s one of two limited-edition pieces on display at Mark and Cherie Poulter’s delightful Veraison Restaurant at 1889 Point Nepean Rd, Tootgarook, and will create a wonderful seaside ambience in your home and have you looking forward to summer again.

shake off those winter blues and pop into Veraison Restaurant today to put yourself in a better state of mind with a beach-inspired artwork from She Shell Art.

SHE

M: 0400 178 635

E: miffypittaway@live.com.au

W: www.sheshellartbymiffy.com

W: sheshellartbymiffy.godaddysites.com

FB: Miffyshells

INSTA: sheshellartbymiffy

Make your mark as a future arts leader

Creative women with disability or who are deaf have been invited to apply for the arts leadership program Front and Centre. The program is designed for women working in the arts, creative and cultural sectors to help them move into leadership positions such as artistic directors, board members, and senior positions in programming and management.

Described as a career coaching and professional development program, Front and Centre aims to address the lack of representation for women with disability in arts leadership roles by providing training, advocacy and valuable networking opportunities. Now in its third year, the 10-month program will offer career coaching and professional development opportunities for up to 12 selected participants. It will be led by accredited specialist arts and creative leadership coach Judith Bowtell, who takes a holistic, sensitive and dynamic

ExquisiteHandmadeart

ByMiffyPittawayofSheShellArt

approach that is particularly suited for generating cultural change and developing leadership skills.

Accessible Arts CEO Liz Martin said: “This program seeks to overcome the severe under-representation of women and non-binary people with disability in leadership roles in creative industries by fast-tracking the development of the strategic networks that are essential to creating careers and leaders. Helping more women and nonbinary people with disability to become arts leaders will also help accelerate efforts to make arts, culture and events more accessible for artists, arts workers and audiences with disability.”

Applications are open until November 28. First Nations women, women from culturally linguistic backgrounds, older women and women in regional areas are especially encouraged to apply at https://aarts.net.au/news/frontand-centre-2023/

mornington

Young artists in the making

When Katie O’Connor noticed the blank exterior wall of her neighbourhood pizza shop, she had an idea. Katie works for The Salvation Army Frankston in youth participation and decided the blank wall would be perfect for an arts project to engage young people.

“I asked the owner of Footsie’s pizza where I buy pizza if he’d be willing to donate his wall for an arts project,” Katie said. “The owner said yes, so I applied for a grant to support the project and it was successful.”

Katie then engaged artist Melanie Caple to lead the project. Over the past decade, Melanie has developed her practice creating large-scale murals. She was selected as a mural artist for Frankston’s Big Picture Festival in 2021 and 2022.

Next, Katie put a call out to find young people to be involved. Fifteen prospective artists aged between 12 and 20 put up their hands to take part. Melanie then led a four-hour design workshop with them. “I gave the

participants an introduction to mural painting and then we talked about the concept,” Melanie said. “I gave them some parameters and then teased out their ideas. It was an opportunity to think about art on a different scale from working on a piece of paper or an iPad.”

After consulting the young artists, Melanie then had the task of coming up with a design that incorporated the ideas they’d talked about and was achievable for a group with no mural-painting experience. Painting day finally arrived. The pressure was on because rain was forecast to cut their planned painting days from three to two. “Everyone rose to the challenge,” Melanie said. “We managed to get all the painting done before the rain came because people were so passionate and stayed longer to get it finished.”

While the mural was being painted, a passer-by remarked: “I’m in awe of this beautiful project. It’s a breath of fresh air and adds such a lift to this shopping strip. Well done to the talented artists.”

NIKKI FISHER

Opening hours:

Festival returns to aid search for multiple myeloma cure

Mornington Peninsula’s premier fun run and festival is on again, motivated by a passion to find a cure for the terminal blood cancer multiple myeloma. Now entering its seventh year, the MY Mount Eliza Run & Fun Festival has raised more than $320,000, with all money now going to the Snowdome Foundation. This event is now looking to fund its second cutting-edge clinical trial into multiple myeloma and related disorders, with the first now fully funded and well under way.

Current statistics suggest that, on average, patients who access clinical trials live longer. This alone motivates festival organisers to raise money for blood cancer research so more people can access trials.

Next year’s festival will be held at the Mount Eliza Regional Park on March 19, with 12km, 8km and 4km run events as well as the popular 4km All Paws Walk. In addition, participants who cannot get to Mount Eliza on the day can take part in a virtual capacity. If you want to support the festival, contact Geoff for a sponsorship prospectus at geoffnyssen@mymounteliza.org.au or phone 0423 838 374. To read more on the clinical trial being paid for by this amazing event, visit https://www.snowdome.org.au/science/ opening-up-clinical-trials-for-myeloma-patients/

mornington

Groove on with Smacka & H-B and Domino Conspiracy

The Smacka & H-B duo is the songwriting team of local blues and roots band Domino Conspiracy Trio. Smacka & H-B are generally seen around town performing together as an acoustic/electric duo, occasionally joined by friend and musician Lachlan Cameron on electric bass. Domino Conspiracy has now been joined by Shane Phillipson on blues harp, who has added another dimension to their sound. Smacka & H-B chat to MAXON from MP Music Network.

For those who don't know you, describe the Smacka and H-B sound in five words.

Relaxed bluesy grooves and shuffles. How did you two meet and begin playing music together?

In 2019 Smacka was co-opted to fill the vacant guitar spot in the band that became Domino Conspiracy. It played as a four-piece prior to the COVID-19 pandemic issues where two members departed. The COVID lockdown prompted me (H-B) to commence writing lyrics and melodic ideas. I’d send the files to Smacka who added chords and basic arrangements, sending back charts and demo tracks. Resuming face-to-face collaboration, we currently work on the songs in the studio. Lachlan Cameron was recruited as bass player in late 2021 to complete the Domino Conspiracy Trio. We now tend to seek and attract gigs in smaller venues and those wanting a more laid-back presentation.

In your opinion, what is the most important thing when it comes to songwriting and collaborating with other artists?

The most important thing for us is to step back and imagine the song and the story it tells from the perspective of a listener hearing it for the first time, and to gauge the response and emotional impact on that listener.

What was the soundtrack of your childhood, the first one that comes to mind for each of you?

Smacka: The earliest soundtrack was

my parents’ jazz, swing and classical collection all on 78rpm records. The lightbulb moment was hearing the Beatles and experiencing their songwriting development in real time.

H-B: For me it was my father’s 78rpm classical records and also musicals, Gilbert & Sullivan operettas and jazz on vinyl. But in my early teens it was the Beatles and the whole British invasion of rock ‘n’ roll and blues.

What's on the horizon for Smacka and H-B in what's left of 2022?

The original songwriting collaboration of Smacka & H-B includes over 80 songs in the blues and roots genres that are in various stages of development. Our songbook theme is ‘love, life and money’.

We plan continued work on arrangement, pre-production and recording of our original material with a view to being able to carry off an entire gig either as the Domino Conspiracy Trio or Smacka and H-B with original songs. Domino Conspiracy has now been joined by Shane Phillipson on blues harp, who has added another dimension to our sound.

Stay up to date with Smacka & H-B and Domino Conspiracy on Facebook @ dominoconspiracyband. Have a listen at reverbnation.com/dominoconspiracy

Smacka and H-B are committed to encouraging live music on the Mornington Peninsula and both are committee members of the MP Music Network. For further information about musicians, events or to get involved in the Mornington Peninsula Music Network, visit the MPMN Instagram page @mpmusicnetwork or website www. mpmusic.com.au

Short film festival makes long-awaited return

The Stellar Short Film Festival is an unmissable and unique annual event bringing award-winning Australian short films to Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.

Returning for its fourth year on the evening of Saturday, March 4, 2023, it will once again be held in the spectacular grounds of McClelland Gallery + Sculpture Park in Langwarrin, where guests will enjoy a combination of art, entertainment and great food and beverages you won’t find anywhere else.

One of the keys to the success of Stellar lies in its ability to captivate the audience with a carefully curated selection of first-rate films – they’re the best

of the best from some of Australia’s most talented filmmakers. The 12 short films will inspire, delight and educate, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster they’ll talk about for months.

General admission and VIP tickets go on sale on December 1 from www.stellarshortfilmfestival.com. au, so give the gift of an exceptional experience this Christmas.

STELLAR SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

A: McClelland Gallery + Sculpture Park, 390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin

W: www.stellarshortfilmfestival.com.au

FB: stellarshortfilmfestival

INSTA: stellarshortfilmfestival

Roger Lemke to ‘sing in’ Christmas at FAC

One of Australia’s most successful operatic and concert performers, Peninsula-based Roger Lemke, will star in the iconic Daytime Music Christmas concert at Frankston Arts Centre.

With a career spanning more than 35 years, Roger has performed in opera, music theatre and film, singing with such companies as the Victorian State Opera and Opera Australia as well as in the highly acclaimed Baz Luhrmann production of La Bohème.

Audiences will be delighted by this year’s Christmas concert, a favourite on the Daytime Music + Theatre calendar. Joining Roger on stage will be the award-winning music theatre singer and actor Michelle Fitzmaurice, along with one of Australia’s favourite tenors, Roy Best.

Compered by Chris McKenna and backed on the grand piano by William Schmidt, performers will sing all the classic carols, including Away In A Manger, Silent Night, Once In Royal David’s City, and O Come All Ye Faithful, along with contemporary Christmas songs.

Experience the Daytime Music + Theatre concert of The Spirit of Christmas at Frankston Arts Centre on Friday, December 9, at 10.30am and 1.30pm. Tickets are available online at thefac.com.au or by calling the box office on 9784 1060.

FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE

A: 27-37 Davey St, Frankston T: 9784 1060

W: www.thefac.com.au

FB: FrankstonArtsCentre

INSTA: the_fac

mornington PENINSULA

By Willow Creative

Art reveals the Peninsula in new ways

This month at 15 sites across the Mornington Peninsula, hidden histories and unexamined stories will be revealed by 18 Peninsula and national artists as part of the Front Beach Back Beach exhibition.

Presented by Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and Deakin University’s Public Art Commission, FBBB is part road trip, part curatorial experiment and part exploration of how contemporary art in public spaces can offer new and unique understandings of people, locale and time. In creating their work, the artists have engaged with the community in multiple ways, including through their research, co-production, participation and performance.

Flinders-based artist Vera Möller, top left, has created a captivating work titled Submarine Gardens at Flinders Pier. Through her artwork, Vera draws attention to the threatened habitat of the weedy seadragon and the intricate and colourful underwater world of sea sponges and sea grasses that exists beneath the pier. “I usually work on site-specific installations, usually indoors, so I haven’t done something like this before,” she says. “The curatorial team were really important to help me to see how I could activate the entire site.”

Vera commissioned underwater photographer Myra Kelly and her dive partner Paolo Bottari to take photographs of the world beneath the pier. The photographs are incorporated into an explanatory banner accompanying the artwork. “The idea of my project is to make this invisible, very rich part of the pier visible to an audience that would normally not see it. The purpose of what I do is to encourage other people to be interested in this region, the incredible complexity and beauty of those spaces they might not know about. One of the great joys for me is to connect with others who have a great love for this region and want to help protect it and have a new generation of kids learn about it so they too can experience it.”

Eleven kilometres away, just above Shoreham Beach, you’ll discover On This Shore, a sculptural work by Hobart-based artist Lucy Bleach, top centre. There are several elements to Lucy’s artwork that reflect her exploration of notions about public versus private land, native and introduced plant species, and erosion processes and formations. Erosion may be ecological or in the form of buildings such as the rammed earth chicory kilns, above right, that remain from when there was a chicory industry on the Peninsula decades ago.

“Getting to know the geographies of the Peninsula, finding something to respond to which was the chicory industry, and looking at the things in a slow state of flux all felt really interesting to me,” Lucy says.

There are different elements to Lucy’s artwork, including rammed earth, chicory and ice. The elements have different timescales and may be in a process of collapse or disintegration or transition of form throughout the exhibition. “As a complete outsider and new to the Peninsula because of this project, it’s been great to meet with a range of people who are ecologists and people from the foreshore committee and the owners of the property next door to the site. Everyone was willing and open to engage in the project.”

Artist talks will be held on Saturday, November 5, from 5-6pm with Lucy Bleach and curator David Cross at The Pines at Shoreham, and on Sunday, November 6, from 11-11.45am at Flinders Pier with Vera Möller, Myra Kelly and Paola Bottari. Register for free tickets by searching the artists’ names at www.eventbrite.com.au

FBBB runs from November 4-27. Find the complete program at www.fbbb.com.au

arts events

FROM NOVEMBER 3 UNTIL FEBRUARY 2023

Farm Mini Sessions

every Thursday and Friday from 4pm, 20-minute session, 15 high-quality edited photos and online private gallery; Rain, Hayne & Shine Farmyard, 490 Stumpy Gully Rd, Balnarring; sessions $150, book online www.sarahjanephotos.co/farm-mini-sessions

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13

Vinehop Festival Sunday sesh music and craft drinks experience, 20+ craft beverage bars, music acts include The Bamboos, Ash Grunwald, Sun Salute, Sunday Lemonade and DJ Sophie Joy, kid-friendly, www.vinehopfestival.com

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26

Mt Eliza Farmers’ Market

great place to pick up freshest local food and produce, fourth Sunday of month, Mount Eliza Village Green, 9am-1pm, www.mtelizafarmersmarket.com.au

UNTIL FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11

Imaginings works on paper

featuring five awardwinning New Zealand artists in this inaugural joint NZ exhibition; Manyung Gallery Mount Eliza, 54 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza; phone 9787 2953 to arrange a preview or exhibition catalogue, www.manyunggallery.com.a.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19

Emu Plains Market

great time to gather gifts and Christmas food ideas, Emu Plains Reserve, Balnarring Racecourse, Balnarring, 9am-2pm www.emuplainsmarket.com.au

SATURDAY DECEMBER 3

Balnarring Picnic Racing Club Inc

welcome to spring at Balnarring Racing Club, 58 Coolart Rd, Balnarring, gates open 10am, tickets $15, book now at www.balnarringraces.com

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4 –SUNDAY NOVEMBER 27

Front Beach Back Beach an ambitious public art project presented by Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and Deakin University’s Public Art Commission, through film, sculpture, sound, performance and illustration; see website for all events across the Peninsula, www.fbbb.com.au

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19

Food Yard Night Market

up to 12 different street food and drink trucks from around the world, free entry with onsite parking, great night out for family and friends; 63A Yuilles Rd, Mornington, 5-8pm, www.unrivalledevents.com.au/food-yard

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4

Food Yard Sunday Foodies Market

showcasing amazing diversity of local and gourmet food and drink producers; 40 quality stalls including fresh produce, pantry items, and beverage stalls plus kids’ lawn games and more; 63A Yuilles Rd, Mornington, 9am-1pm, www.unrivalledevents.com.au/food-yard-foodies-market

mornington PENINSULA

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12

Vinehop Festival

winery tour on a festival scale, eight Mornington Peninsula venues, bus available between venues, 30+ beverage brands, www.vinehopfestival.com

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12

Backbone unmissable circus and physical theatre performance, Frankston Arts Centre, 7-8.10pm, see website for ticket prices, www.thefac.com.au

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19 & SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20

BYS Women’s Sportsboat Regatta inviting all competitors to the inaugural Women’s Sportsboat Regatta, Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, 2900 Pt Nepean Rd, Blairgowrie, www.bys.asn.ay/2022-womens-sportsboat-regatta

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26

Woodstock Relived ’22 relive one of the world’s most iconic music festivals featuring food trucks, art installations, hippie market stalls, craft beer, wine & cocktail bars, Morris Moor, 1 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin, www.woodstockrelived.com.au

www.mpmag.com.au

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13

Southern Peninsula Choir presents Fauré Requiem and a Farewell

Rosebud Uniting Church, 6 Murray-Anderson Rd Rosebud, 2pm, tickets $20/$15/$10, book online

www.trybooking.com/CCJTQ or contact John 0438 041 154

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26

Little Beauty Market get a start on your Christmas lists, support local this festive season, Beauty Park, High St, Frankston, 5-10pm, www.littlebeautymarket.com.au

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4

Christmas Readings and Carols presented by The Bel Canto Choir, The Village Uniting Church, 93 Canadian Bay Rd, Mount Eliza, 2.30pm, tickets $25 adult or $20 concession, tickets www.trybooking.com/CDKAE

FRIDAY DECEMBER 9

The Spirit of Christmas enjoy classic Christmas carols along with some contemporary Christmas songs, Frankston Arts Centre, 10.30am & 1.30pm, tickets $20-$22, www.thefac.com.au

Upload your event as a free listing or ‘featured’ event which will also appear in Mornington Peninsula Magazine

Use the QR Code to view our What’s on pages and upload listings. For a featured listing call 9708 8222

Over 400 what’s on listings online.

Reading, writing and numeracy are the foundations for participating in society in a meaningful way. Access to quality education can mean the difference between getting ahead in life and not achieving your potential.

And since COVID and the experience of online learning, it’s clear that education can take many different forms and it’s about finding what works best for your family.

We’re fortunate on the Mornington Peninsula to have a wide range of educational offerings, from public to independently operated. There are mainstream curriculums and alternative options. Every child is different, so it makes sense that different settings suit different children and young people.

On the following pages, Mornington Peninsula Magazine would like to share with our readers some of the excellent education and training institutions on the Peninsula and in Greater Frankston.

Leading the way in early childhood education

Tyabb Village Children’s Centre has grown from the adage ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. Since owners Lavinia and Richard Panelli opened the doors seven years ago to their progressive long day care centre and kinder, demand has grown significantly for places.

In a bid to meet the demand, the Panellis have come up with an exciting solution. “We’ve bought a piece of land within walking distance from the centre and we have plans to build a kinder farm,” Lavinia says. “We will offer a three-year-old and four-year-old kinder program at the farm and deliver an Environmental Kinship curriculum. Environmental Kinship shows children how to give to Country and Country to give back to them, so there’s a cycle of giving and receiving always replenishing the land. Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association at Hastings, in partnership with Lionel Lauch from Living Culture, will propagate plants for the kinder farm. We want to have the right kinds of indigenous plants growing to heal the

land on the farm.”

In 2020, Tyabb Village Children’s Centre adopted the Possum Skin Pedagogy as its learning framework. Written by Yorta Yorta woman Dr Sue Atkinson, the framework supports early childhood educators in Victoria to embed First Peoples’ perspectives into their programs. “The Possum Skin Pedagogy has been super-successful for us,” Lavinia says. “We teach children on the basis of respect for themselves, respect for others and respect for their country. We teach them to connect to themselves, know themselves, connect to their friends and make a connection to Country.”

The children are taken on outings most days to explore the surrounding area. “If we want future generations to have respect for their communities and continue to build healthy, strong families within beautiful, connected communities, they have to understand what a community is. So our programs are as much outside our four walls as they are within them.”

NIKKI FISHER

mornington

See what Seaford House can offer your child

Seaford House Sanctuary of Early Learning welcomes you to tour our luxurious homesteadstyle early learning centre. The spacious environments are filled with natural light and high ceilings. Seaford House has been established for one year and is the sister centre of Frankston and Mount Eliza House, which has been offering highquality learning and care for many years.

At Seaford House our philosophy is made up of a child-led program incorporating interests, strengths and cultures, and learning through play. We cater to each child’s individual needs, as we understand that no child is alike and so no learning should be exactly alike. Our program includes weekly art sessions in the on-site studio, mindfulness sessions at the very close Seaford

Beach, bush kinder and zoo excursions, to name a few. The possibilities are limitless with our on-site minibus and the imagination of the children.

We offer an extensive funded kindergarten program for three and four-year-old children with teachers who possess a wealth of experience and knowledge. Throughout the kindergarten program the children work towards being prepared for their school journey through emotional regulation, social skills, developing a strong sense of agency, and becoming confident learners. Being. Belonging. Becoming.

SEAFORD HOUSE SANCTUARY OF EARLY LEARNING

A: 6-10 Govan St, Seaford T: 8796 3000 W: www.seafordhouse.com.au FB: seafordhouse

National recognition for Haileybury at education awards

Haileybury has won the nation’s prestigious Primary School of the Year – Non-government Award for a fourth time at the 2022 Australian Education Awards.

Haileybury Primary School was acknowledged by award organisers at The Educator for the strength and breadth of its bespoke programs that encourage and support children during their earliest years of education.

“Primary school years are the start of a young person’s educational journey,” said Haileybury’s vice-principal of community engagement and advancement, Scott Doran.

Haileybury’s enduring success at the awards is due to several initiatives, including its tried and tested explicit teaching model that sees teachers break down complex skills and strategies into clear, manageable and sequenced steps.

“Haileybury’s primary program has been built on strong programs that support student learning, resilience and help children discover their sense of curiosity and

individuality,” Mr Doran said. “Our explicit teaching model has been integral to the growth and success of our students and has been shared widely.

“Strong partnerships with families are also fundamental to the success of our primary program. When you put all these elements together, you create a place where children want to be, a place where they want to learn and explore, and you create an environment for success now and into the future.

“Haileybury is very proud to be recognised once again as Australia’s Primary School of the Year – Non-government. It is well-deserved recognition for our brilliant teachers, for our hardworking and curious-minded students and for the families in our community who support our work every day.”

HAILEYBURY

A: 138 High St, Berwick

A: 120 South Rd, Brighton East

A: 855 Springvale Rd, Keysborough

T: 8547 0309

W: www.haileybury.com.au/

FB: haileyburyschool

INSTA: haileyburyschool

mornington PENINSULA

Funding win for Flinders Preschool

Flinders Preschool president Emily Redward shared her excitement last month at the announcement that the preschool had been successful in securing a $170,000 State Government Building Blocks grant.

“The preschool was established in 1961, and for the kinder program to be vibrant and flourishing, a community-led kinder all these years later is amazing,” Emily said. “And for us as a committee who have been able to renew an environment for our children that really reflects our ethos and mission for play-based learning, and children being involved in nature, is exciting. We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to be able to build this new facility and renew our garden space.”

The kinder committee has worked closely with a company called Urban Discovery that specialises in designing and building multisensory outdoor play spaces for kinders and schools. The spaces connect children with nature and provide opportunities for self-directed play that promotes socialising, physical development, and well-being.

The new outdoor play space will include a mud kitchen and bush hut that encourages socialisation and collaboration. There will be therapeutic elements such as rest places, reflexology paths and running water. The new landscaping will provide opportunities to explore and navigate risk. And the ecosystem restoration offers opportunities for environmental teachings, including Indigenous influences that connect land, people, history and culture.

“It will be a staged process over up to 12 months,” Emily said. “The children will still be using aspects of the garden and we’ll integrate the progress into their learning, which is exciting.”

The preschool has adopted the free kinder program and will offer free kinder for three and four-yearolds. There are spaces available in the 2023 threeyear-old program on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.30am-2.30pm. Phone Flinders Preschool on 5989 0622 or visit www.flinderspreschool.org.au

NIKKI FISHER

mornington PENINSULA

Max and Arlo cook in the general store while Ace

and Maggie, Tom, Lulu, Alfie and Tessa

Babysitting service helping families flourish

Flourish Babysitting is a babysitting and nannying booking service helping families find babysitters. We offer a safe, secure and reliable service connecting families with educators throughout the Mornington Peninsula and Greater Melbourne. Our mission is to support, nurture and care for the next generation of children. We believe that each child has a purpose and is in this world to make a difference and become a world-changer.

Flourish Babysitting believes that each child – from the youngest of age all the way through to adulthood and

beyond – are called to flourish in everything that they do. In all that we do at Flourish Babysitting, our aim is to see each child grow, learn, and become an independent, responsible individual. Not only do we support children in a nurturing and loving environment, but we want to see families flourish. Yes, that means you; Mum, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa, whoever you are, we are here to provide care for you and your family.

FLOURISH BABYSITTING

T: 0432 419 259

W: www.flourishbabysitting.com.au

FB: Flourish Babysitting

INSTA: flourish.babysitting

is here!

Located across The Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne’s South East

Qualified/experienced educators,

with lots of experience.

Holidays, weeknights, weekends we are here to help.

Contact Flourish Babysitting

Hope and purpose

Choosing a schooling environment for a young person is one of the biggest decisions that a family can make. At Flinders Christian Community College, we strive to partner with families in providing a transformational journey that equips young people for a successful and fulfilling life. As a community, we are dedicated to bringing hope and purpose through a values-based culture centred on the Christian faith and an excellent education program.

Flinders Christian Community College is an independent, co-educational, interdenominational Christian School for students in Kinder to Year 12, with beautiful campuses located in Carrum Downs, Mount Martha and Tyabb. We have an open and inclusive enrolment policy, which means we do accept students from a Christian faith and a non-Christian faith background.

Being an open enrolment school, we invite families of all backgrounds to enjoy the opportunities our community has to offer and benefit from the support of our expert staff, excellent facilities, engaging curriculum and exceptional pastoral care program. The important role that genuine community plays in the values-based development of a young person cannot be understated, as it fosters positive growth and fruitful relationships.

Flinders Christian Community College strives to educate the whole person so that they not only succeed academically, but as people who are empowered to make a positive difference in the world. For more information, visit www.flinders.vic.edu.au or email us on enrolments@flinders.vic.edu.au

FLINDERS CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

A: Carrum Downs, Tyabb, Mount Martha

T: 5973 2000

W: www.flinders.vic.edu.au

FB: flinderschristiancommunitycollege

mornington

health

health, beauty, fashion

PARC makes a splash at industry awards

Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre in Frankston has cemented its reputation as the Peninsula’s premier aquatic and recreation facility, winning Facility of the Year at the Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Awards. These awards recognise

outstanding commitment to the aquatics and recreation sector and celebrate PARC’s leading health club, aquatic spaces, and importantly their friendly and supportive team.

Why was PARC awarded Facility of the Year? It’s about what

happens inside the facility – the incredible team and sense of community. The team at PARC have made it their mission to improve lives by inspiring activity and connection. Whatever your health and well-being goals, PARC has something for everyone. Whether you are returning from injury, you want to be a great role model for your children or you just want to work on being a better self, PARC is your place to be happy, active and connected.

To see for yourself why PARC won the state’s best facility, visit PARC in Frankston or check out their website at www.parcfrankston.com.au for more information.

PENINSULA AQUATIC RECREATION CENTRE

A: 16N Cranbourne Rd, Frankston

T: 9781 8448

W: parcfrankston.com.au

FB: parcfrankston

INSTA: parcfrankston

Family-friendly dental care for all ages

Flinders Dental offers family-friendly, relaxed dental treatment to all areas of the community, young and old. The philosophy of our clinic is to offer honest, direct advice regarding the oral health and well-being of each patient.

Doctors Ron Rogers and Julia Gellatly, along with oral health therapist and practice owner Michelle Bursa, have 75 years of combined dental experience, each sharing a passion for all aspects of dental treatment.

Flinders Dental treats every patient as an individual, tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s unique requirements based on thorough examination and consultation. Where necessary, the practitioners at Flinders Dental also work closely with a wellestablished team of local specialists to offer optimum treatment options to patients.

Living locally for decades, our staff members are heavily involved in local community, school and sporting clubs and enjoy the benefits of living among the community they have the benefit of treating.

FLINDERS DENTAL

A: 3/33 Cook St, Flinders

T: 5989 1129

W: www.flindersdentalclinic.com.au

INSTA: flinders_dental

Flinders Dental can take care of all your general dental needs.

At Flinders, all our dental professionals are highly skilled and put our patient’s needs first. Focusing on preventative care and minimal intervention, Flinders Dental may just be the move you need to make.

unsure about the dentist? We have clinicians who have over 5 years of experience making dental visits a positive and safe environment for children

grow

trust and look

their dental visit.

Lisa Philips is marking a milestone 20 years in business with Color Your Blues in Rosebud. Asked for the secret to her success, Lisa says: “Having good honest relationships with our customers. I am very grateful for the friendships that have evolved and how supportive and loyal they have been both personally and professionally, particularly during the past two years.

“Our focus has always been about helping women feel better about themselves by the time they leave our boutique,” she adds. “Even if they don't make a purchase, we are here to support each other as a

community.”

To honour Lisa’s milestone, many of her customers packed out Blue Mini Café (pictured here) to see dozens of fabulous new-season garments paraded. It was a true celebration of friendships and joy, toasting the beginning of a new and vibrant season. The parade showcased the colourful and exciting ranges in store at Color Your Blues for this summer, including Loobies Story, Madly Sweetly, Humidity, Verge, Two T’s, Lou Lou, Louenhide and many more. The event raised money for the McGrath Foundation.

Color Your Blues is an established part

of the Point Nepean Rd landscape. Lisa puts a lot of effort into product selection to create a unique collection of fashion, accessories, shoes and handbags. Lisa says treating customers with respect and understanding their individual needs are what make her business a success. Lisa is also a big supporter of local fundraising initiatives. Her all-female confident and experienced team completes this personto-person business success story.

COLOR YOUR BLUES

A: 1021 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud

T: 5981 1656

W: coloryourblues.com

FB: COLORYOURBLUES

1021 Pt Nepean Rd, Rosebud (next to The Flight Centre) 5981 1656

health

It’s never too late to get your smile straight

Dr Peter Scott and Dr Peter Tran are specialist orthodontists who are only too happy to answer any questions you might have when it comes to your teeth.

Why choose a specialist?

An orthodontist is specifically trained and is the most qualified to diagnose, prevent and treat issues to do with the alignment of the teeth and jaws and ensure you, or your child, ends up with a smile you love and a bite and jaw that function properly.

When is the best time to see a specialist orthodontist?

Dr Scott and Dr Tran recommend between the ages of seven and nine, because some children benefit greatly from early intervention. Wearing certain appliances may reduce a child’s time in braces later and may also make treatment more effective.

Am I too old to fix my teeth?

Many adults are now choosing to improve their smiles later in life. There is a range of aesthetic options available here to suit your lifestyle, including clear braces and aligners (Invisalign and Spark).

DR PETER SCOTT & ASSOCIATES

A: 13 Beach St, Frankston

T: 9783 4511

W: www.drpeterscottorthodontist.com.au

FB: drpeterscottorthodontist

Cosmetic Injectables, Mornington Peninsula

Would you like to feel and look fresher?

At Simply Aesthetics I work with you to highlight your natural beauty, and believe that subtle treatments = beautiful, natural looking results. Achieve excellent results with someone you trust- I am a highly skilled cosmetic injector, with a 20-year nursing career.

NEW location at Peninsula Beauty Shed, 1889 Nepean Hwy Tootgarook Book in for a full face of consultation and we can make a plan that suits you best!

Contact/bookings: Mobile 0418489895

Email: info@simplyaestheticsjj.com

Booking link: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/zeh3wdqhjl53uk/ LBHB27HXVX2RH/services

mornington PENINSULA

Tai Chi Classes

Enjoy the calmness and stillness of tai chi while gently exercising the body and the

Classes held in Mt Martha, Tyabb, Somerville and Mornington.

All levels of experience and ability

For more

0418 566

Transforming lives for 14 years

Effective Hypnotherapy has been established for 14 years, and founder Eileen continues to

to support people wanting to transform

lives.

Whether your issues involve weight loss, sugar, nail biting, alcohol, smoking, sleep or anxiety, or you’re in need of counselling or mindset coaching, Eileen’s programs are supportive and tailored to suit everyone. They’ll help you to feel confident and empowered so you can finally let go of what’s holding you back.

Eileen and her UK business coach, world-renowned hypnotherapist Sheila Granger, have now made it accessible for anyone who wants this dream career to study a full diploma under Eileen and gain full support of an incredible career and community.

more information, please contact Eileen on scotteileen3@gmail.com

EFFECTIVE HYPNOTHERAPY

M: 0401 558 297

W: www.effectivehypnotherapy.com.au

FB: Effective Hypnotherapy

Stay calm and balanced with tai chi

This year tai chi and qigong have been recognised within the fitness industry as a legitimate and effective form of exercise. Sifu Jenny Harrison is the state’s Exercise Instructor of the Year, awarded for her work with Rising Moon Tai Chi classes.

Tai chi and qigong develop muscle strength, co-ordination and balance, improve cognitive function, flexibility and blood pressure, and increase energy levels. These healing artforms also allow us to respond calmly in difficult situations.

“In tai chi we talk about ‘grounding’, remaining centred and maintaining balance,” Jenny says. “These aren’t just physical skills, but mental and emotional ones too. Whenever we feel angry, frustrated, anxious, jealous or tense, we lose grounding and our energy (chi) levels are depleted. When practising tai chi, our movements are controlled

and measured. We give ourselves time to process and to prepare for the next movement. Similarly, in everyday life, if we’re stressed or in an uncomfortable situation we can practise responding in a controlled and measured way, taking a breath before we speak and taking a figurative step back (yield) before we respond. These responses become

automatic. They become our ‘fabric’.”

RISING MOON TAI CHI

T: 0418 566 216

W: www.risingmoontaichi.net

FB: risingmoontaichi

INSTA: risingmoontaichi

LEARNING CHANNEL: watch. risingmoontaichi.net

mornington

health beauty fashion

November STARS

by Stephanie Johnson

Aries: Your social life is quiet because your home life is action-packed. You could say that you are socialising with family, but it’s more likely that you are dealing with home renovations or demands from those closest to you. November events also trigger a deeper dive into your savings.

Taurus: The marriage sector of your Solar Chart is lit up like a beacon. It’s time to date, mate and relate, whether you are single or in a committed relationship. The idea is that you make time for your beloved, or to attract someone who can become a beloved partner.

Gemini: November highlights your daily life, the habits that form part of your routine. A habit is defined as a way of behaving that is repeated so often it no longer involves conscious thought, such as brushing your teeth every day. This month highlights your need to reassess your habits

Cancer: This month you need to Google ‘Fun activities for children’. Then you need to go out and have some fun, either with or without children. The idea is to get your creative juices flowing through playful activities. It doesn’t really matter what activity you choose. You just need to get going.

Leo: This month sees you become the centre of attention in your family. An event or a person is calling on you to focus on your private life. Perhaps a special occasion within your family is requiring your time and energy. If so, then it’s time to celebrate.

Virgo: Watch your words this month. Think twice before you open your mouth, and keep a draft of any controversial email and re-read it before sending. The communications sector of your Solar Chart is lit up and you need to keep your connections positive. Neighbours and siblings can provide positive feedback.

Libra: As a Libra you love to indulge in retail therapy. This month you need to examine your spending habits. You are happiest when your income exceeds your expenditure. And self-worth is the key. It’s time to take part in activities and surround yourself with people who boost your self-worth.

Scorpio: The planets and a Lunar Eclipse on November 8 are urging Scorpios to do some soul searching. This is your month to have an honest talk with yourself. You may need some introspective moments in order to undertake this task. The Lunar Eclipse likely triggers a realisation that propels self-honesty.

Sagittarius: You may be looking for a quiet month. If so, you welcome the opportunity to slow down and commune with nature and take part in creative hobbies. Your home can become your haven. On the other hand, something or someone may be prompting you to retreat under the covers.

Capricorn: It’s time to offer safe advice to friends and colleagues about how to tighten the money belt in preparation for 2023. After all, you have been born for this role and have been experiencing your own lessons for many years now. It’s also time to shore up your own financial foundations.

Aquarius: Women and work are your themes for November. A woman in a position of authority is imposing her will positively or negatively on your life direction. This could also be a mother-figure within your family. Female politics is rife this month. You need to remain true to yourself.

Pisces: You dream of escaping this month. If you are lucky then you can flee to distant shores for a brief sojourn. Otherwise, walking in nature, swimming in the ocean, attending artistic or sporting events, reading fantasy novels, tuning into spiritual activities and listening to music can provide the solace that you crave.

an experienced Astrologer and regular contributor to

mornington PENINSULA

Become the person you wish to be

I am Debra Pedretti, a certified, experienced Clinical Hypnotherapist also specialising in holistic psychotherapy, wellness and personal success coaching. Recently recognised by the International Hypnosis Association, I enjoy assisting those who wish to take steps towards positive change, healing and empowerment.

I understand it is difficult to ask for help, irrespective of your age or experiences. This is why I will always greet you with a welcoming smile and offer you a safe and comfortable oasis to discuss your goals and journey toward personal growth. Hypnosis places you in a relaxed state that allows you to pursue improved outcomes, so I look forward to working together to review past practices and to assist you to evolve into the person you wish to be.

My degree in Social Welfare, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, my time as a lecturer of Health and Social Care in Cambridge, UK and my many years working within health and advocacy settings have enabled me to comfortably reassure and work with people from all walks of life.

I look forward to meeting you.

DEBRA PEDRETTI CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST

A: The Private Sea Wellness Centre, 3 Satu Way, Mornington T: 0400 926 261

Debra Pedretti

Certified and experienced Clinical Hypnotherapist.

Specialising in holistic psychotherapy, wellness and personal success coaching.

Recognised member of the International Hypnosis Association. Assisting those who wish to take a step toward positive change, healing and empowerment.

Debra can be found at the Private Sea Wellness Centre in Mornington 3 Satu Way, Mornington | P. 0400 926 261

MARKETS

We

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Main St, Mornington: 9am3pm between Cromwell and Albert streets

EVERY THURSDAY

High St, Hastings: 9am1pm, 40+ stalls, everything homemade, home-grown & crafted

Plaza Palooza: 9am-4pm, Langwarrin Plaza, Langwarrin

EVERY SUNDAY

Bittern: 8am-1pm, 70+ stalls, Frankston-Flinders Rd, Bittern

station

Frankston: 8am-1pm, Sherlock & Hay carpark, Young St, Frankston

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5

Red Hill Community Market: 8am-1pm, Red Hill Recreation Reserve

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6

Boneo Lions Club Sunday Market: First Sunday of every month, 7am-1pm. Rosebud foreshore opposite Fourth Ave, something for everything

publication, however, late changes can occur.

to publishing@mpmag.com.au by the 15th of each month.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12

Crib Point Community Market: second Saturday of month, 9am1pm, Crib Point Community House, 7 Park Rd, Crib Point

Rosebud Community School: second Saturday of month, Nepean Hwy, the old carnival site on Rosebud Foreshore (opp 7-Eleven), 8am-1pm, 120+ stalls, handmade and new items, produce and plants

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13

Mornington Racecourse Craft Market: Racecourse Rd, 9am2pm; 300+ stalls with animal farm & face-painting for the kids

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19

Boneo Community Market: third Saturday of the month, 8am-noon; cnr Boneo and Limestone roads

Christmas fair: High Street Uniting Church, 16-18 High St, Frankston, 9am-12noon, unique handmade crafts, coffee cart, homemade cakes and jam stall, books, trash and treasure, entertainment and much more.

Emu Plains Market: Emu Plains Reserve, Balnarring Racecourse, Balnarring, 9am-2pm www. emuplainsmarket.com.au

Food Yard Night Market: Featuring up to 12 different street food and drink trucks from around the world, free entry with onsite parking, a great night out for family and friends. 63A Yuilles Rd, Mornington, 5-8pm, www. unrivalledevents.com.au/food-yard Pearcedale Market: third Saturday of month, 8am-noon, 710 Baxter-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale Point Nepean Portsea Market: Portsea Quarantine Station, Point Nepean National Park, 9am-2pm

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20

Shoreham Market: third Sunday of the month, hand grown, made and gathered and music, corner of Byrnes and Cliff Rd

Sunset Twilight Market Series: Frankston Waterfront, Pier Promenade, Frankston, 3-8pm, www.tpp.events

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26

Dromana Community Market: fourth Saturday of month, Dromana Community Park, Point Nepean Rd, Dromana; 8.30am1.30pm; family-friendly experience with fresh and seasonal produce and locally crafted products

Little Beauty Market: Beauty Park, High St, Frankston, 5-10pm, www. littlebeautymarket.com.au

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 27

Mount Martha Briars Market: 450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha, 9am-2pm

Mt Eliza Farmers’: fourth Sunday of month, Mount Eliza Village Green, 9am-1pm

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2

Woodleigh’s makers market: artwork, jewellery, handcrafts, gifts, homewares, food, Woodleigh School, 4-8pm

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4

Food Yard Sunday Foodies Market: Showcasing the amazing diversity of local and gourmet food and drink producers. Featuring 40 quality stalls, including fresh produce, pantry items, and beverage stalls plus kids’ lawn games & more. 63A Yuilles Rd, Mornington, 9am-1pm, www. unrivalledevents.com.au/foodyard-foodies-market

Olie’s gift ideas for Christmas

Christmas Candle

The Christmas scents that you fell in love with last year are back in Olieve & Olie’s luxe handmade candles. Their range of fragrances will invigorate the senses for your festive season, with Pine Needle & Eucalyptus, Plum & Juniper Berry, and Orange and Cedar Leaf.

Christmas Diffuser

Those same festive scents are also in their range of Christmas diffusers, which will delicately release aromas for up to four months. These were very popular stocking fillers last year. Their Christmas range is available until Christmas, unless sold out beforehand.

Wash & Cream Twin Set

Gifting just got easier with this already-packaged thoughtful and useful gift. Choose from the Artist Wash & Cream Twin Set with packaging that’s adorned with local artist Lizzie Alsop’s talented design, or their stylish black and gold detailed box in the signature Wash & Cream Twin Set. Various scents are available.

Lip Balm

This product is referred to as a “little pot of liquid gold” by their customers thanks to the nourishing blend of organic butters, waxes and oils. With vitamin E and vanilla oil, this lip balm will soothe, protect, and assist in healing dry and damaged lips. Fall in love with the Vanilla or Mint.

Coffee Scrub

Olieve & Olie’s energising Coffee Scrub in Chai or Latte will awaken the skin and soul with its smooth and creamy texture. Here, the granules remove dirt and dead skin from your body, which in turn allows your skin to absorb moisture and nutrients more efficiently. This makes a luscious yet useful gift for everyone.

Handmade Soap Bar

Made with Australian-grown olive oil, bursting with antioxidants and rich in vitamin E, Olieve & Olie’s creamy handmade soap is indulgent and perfect for everyday use. Pure and natural, it’s a superb cleanser because it conditions without drying, even for sensitive and problem skin.

Henry Wilson Dve, Rosebud

Willow

mornington PENINSULA

Exquisite steaks and so much more

Mention the name ‘Squires Loft’ and you immediately think ‘stunning steaks’. This Main St institution has forged an enviable reputation as the steak specialists, and it’s little wonder. With top-notch produce primarily sourced from the lush pastures of Gippsland and northern NSW, Squires Loft has created a Chairman’s Menu that is a firm favourite among steak-lovers on the Peninsula and much farther afield. It features a super-premium selection of steaks and burgers, including Wagyu eye fillet and scotch fillet, Black Angus rib-eye fillet and porterhouse, taken to new heights of deliciousness courtesy of the famous Squires Loft baste. All steaks are paired with a sumptuous sauce and served with chips or a baked potato.

If you’re a steak connoisseur, you’ll be in heaven at Squires Loft. But there’s so much more to Siller and Deborah Bello’s opulent restaurant; mouthwatering pork and beef ribs, beautiful seafood, chicken, lamb, and vegetarian options are on offer too, alongside amazing salads and desserts that are simply to die for. There’s also an excellent children’s menu with lots of options to keep tiny tummies happy, and a soft drink and ice-cream is

included with their meals.

The wine selection rightly celebrates the Mornington Peninsula region and Yarra Valley, complemented by varieties sourced from the US, Argentina, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Middle East. The cocktail list was developed by an expert mixologist, and the experienced bar staff craft each cocktail using the finest ingredients.

And while the range of superb dishes and the enticing drinks menu will delight the most discerning diner, that’s only one aspect of the Squires Loft experience. Elegant soft furnishings, linen napkins, leather-bound menus, and a central floor-to-ceiling glass wine cellar combine to create a plush dining room that would be right at home in any of the world’s top restaurants.

Squires Loft Mornington has truly established itself as a premium dining destination.

SQUIRES LOFT MORNINGTON

A: 104 Main St, Mornington

T: 5976 8482

W: www.squiresloftmornington.com.au

FB: squiresloftmorningtonpeninsula

INSTA: squiresloftmornington

Photos: Isabella Rose Photographer

Leela’s cooking up success

Kylie Kwong, Karen Martini, Neil Perry, and every other famous Australian chef you can think of all have one thing in common: they all started out at the bottom of the kitchen ranks.

Leela Subramaniam is a demi chef at Flinders Hotel and, after completing the third year of her apprenticeship in July this year, is showing every bit of ambition and talent needed to move up the ranks to being a household name in years to come.

COVID derailed Leela’s time in the kitchen with lockdowns meaning she couldn’t work. Leela emerged from that challenging time inspired to enter as many cooking competitions as possible. “I was keen to go in the comps to challenge myself as a chef,” she says. “You have to really think on your feet and push yourself to come up with new ideas based on certain criteria. It was really good to put myself out there having never done a comp before and learn from that.”

The results are something Leela can be proud of. Over the past three months Leela was named the Victorian winner of the Aus TAFE Culinary Trophy in the Third-Year Apprentice category, took out third place in the World Food Championship, second place in the World Skills Cookery competition, and received bronze medals in the National Apprenticeship Challenge, and the Victorian regional Nestle Golden Chef Hat Awards. “I want to say a special thanks to my head chefs Stephanie Price and Fred Keene, who have put a lot of effort into my development.”

In the future Leela wants to go to Europe to work at Michelin star restaurants. The talented young chef particularly enjoys French and modern Australian cooking. “I really like using native Australian ingredients. Not many restaurants have them on their menus but it’s starting to become more popular, which is good. I’m also studying a Bachelor of Business. One day I’d love to have a 20-seater fine-dining restaurant but I think I need a little more experience.” Watch this space.

NIKKI FISHER

An end to single-use takeaway coffee cups

Takeaway coffee-lovers, here’s a new way to drink eco-responsibly. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has partnered with Green Caffeen, a swap and go reusable cup program, to reduce coffee drinkers’ reliance on single-use takeaway cups. The program was launched last month at Miller’s Bread Kitchen in Dromana that saw 20 cafes across the Peninsula offer free coffee in Green Caffeen cups to kick things off.

“The situation with single-use takeaway coffee cups is highly problematic,” says the shire’s zero waste officer, Jess Cooper. “Every cup goes to landfill. They can’t be recycled. The takeaway coffee cup always has a plastic lining. Sometimes that’s a bio-plastic, which means it’s a plastic product that could be made from a natural resource such as sugar cane or corn starch, so it doesn’t leave microplastics. However, when the cups become litter they act like plastic.”

So how does Green Caffeen work?

Peninsula businesses wanting to take part register their interest online. After an induction, the business is provided with Green Caffeen cups ready for customers who have downloaded the Green Caffeen app to use.

The app requires users to tap ‘grab, swap, or drop’ their Green Caffeen cup, then buy their drink at participating cafes listed in the app and scan the Green Caffeen code.

You can then return your empty cup to the same cafe or any other participating café. Grab a fresh cup the next time you order your coffee and as long as the cup is returned within 30 days, it’s completely free to use. Just pay for the coffee. If, however, you don’t return the cup within 30 days, you’ll be ‘fined’ $12 – the cost of the cup. This is to ensure the cups stay in circulation.

To find cafes taking part in Green Caffeen or to register if you’re an interested business, go to greencaffeen.com.au

Mornington Peninsula Shire zero waste officer Jess Cooper, Cr Lisa Dixon, Cr Debra Mar, Birte Moliere from Waste Wise Peninsula, Martin Brooks from Green Caffeen, Amy Westnedge from Beach Patrol, and Sarah Hollingworth from Green Caffeen salute the launch of Green Caffeen at Miller’s Bread Kitchen in Dromana.

mornington PENINSULA

Words and images by Richard Cornish

Iron River, the all-American diner

Rachel. “So if a customer asks for French blue (bloody), that’s what they get,” adds Dwayne. “Same if they want it well done. We want them to be happy.”

Sometimes you feel that these two have out-Americaned the Americans. Their buffalo wings are deep-fried and served with a sauce made with red capsicum, red onions, honey, butter and some unmentioned spices. It is a masterpiece in sweet, sour, umami, salt, and lingering rich flavour. It is identifiably American but uniquely Iron River. “If you want to make your food taste good,” remarks Dwayne, “use good ingredients, traditional methods, and creativity when required.”

juice barbecue sauce with a fair dash of Tabasco sauce for good measure. Add to this the loaded potato tots (gems) and the Motza Mashie Balls – deep-fried balls of mashed potato filled with bacon and cheese. You have a reasonable excuse to head to Iron River to eat like a Yankee one lunch or dinner soon.

Iron River is open Monday to Friday 4pmlate, and Saturday and Sunday noon-late.

RICHARD CORNISH

IRON RIVER

A: 435 Nepean Highway, Frankston W: www.ironriver.com.au

It’s the American grill that the Americans go to. The word has got out among the visiting American business people and US ex-pat community that Iron River in Frankston does some of the most authentic dishes outside the 50 states. “There’s this guy who flies in from Boston who says we do Philly cheesesteaks better than they do in Philadelphia,” says co-owner Dwayne Heagney. He’s a Frankston lad born and bred with a love of traditional American grill and barbecue cuisines. His partner in business and life is Rachel Bennett. She started working at the café next door and now owns both with Dwayne. A Philly cheesesteak at Iron River is a sliced grilled scotch fillet in a roll with onions piled high and slathered in cheese sauce.

Iron River sits inside the Quest Hotel on Nepean Highway. It is a moodily lit room with steel chairs at hardwood tables. Ceramic steer skulls line one wall. A bar on one wall serves Coors on tap and American beers in the bottle, like Pabst

Blue Ribbon and Blue Moon Belgian-style beer from Colorado. The open kitchen sits at the back of the dining room, at its heart a powerful chargrill on which the steaks are cooked. “We are country people,” says Rachel. “We like steak, and we like hearty serves.” Dwayne adds: “And we have the best steak.” They source their beef from Great Southern and other suppliers. They have a variety of marblescored steaks to match customers’ predilection for flavour and juiciness. They are one of the few places around to run Master Kobe marble scores 8 Wagyu.

“When it comes to steak, we are about simplicity,” says Dwayne. “It’s pepper and salt for seasoning, perhaps butter. But nothing that will get in the way of the flavour of the grilled steak.”

To prove a point, he grills a Wagyu rump.

Perfect cross-hatching. I like my steak raremedium-rare, especially Wagyu. You want the fat warmed but not rendered out and dripping out on the grill. Dwayne has nailed it. Taking to it with an impressive Cavalier steak knife, the blade seems to glide effortlessly through the meat. The seasoning is perfect, but you can still taste the grill, the flames and, most importantly, the nutty sweetness of the MS8 Wagyu.

“We cook to order what our guests want, not what we think they want,” says

Another unique dish are the Texas beef short ribs, which have been slowly cooked in stock, chargrilled to serve, and slathered in a Coca-Cola and orange

Richard Cornish is a freelance food writer filing regular food news stories for newspapers and magazines across Australia, including Eat.Drink Mornington Peninsula and each month in Mornington Peninsula Magazine. www.richardcornish.com.aU

Local artists and makers had their wonderful works on display at the 43rd Mount Eliza Art & Design Show at Mount Eliza North Primary School last month –headlined by Mornington Peninsula artist Kirsten Robinson and photographer Kate Enno. This hugely popular community event is also a major fundraiser for the school. Photos: Anna Georgiou, from Mornington Peninsula Magazine

mornington PENINSULA

property home garden

Are we there yet?

There has been so much analysis, both locally and Australia-wide, about the property market since COVID-19 first started to impact us in February 2020. Australians love real estate and our media always give us a never-ending rollercoaster of good, bad and indifferent statistics and predictions. How do we navigate such confusing information? How do we understand and personalise the impact on our own investments?

Even the RBA added to the confusion, stating as recently as January 2022 that increases in interest rates wouldn’t start until late 2023. By July, interest rate rises were coming fast to combat inflation and we now know that interest rates are set for potentially more increases, the cost of living is impacting spending from within households, the excise tax on fuel has been lifted, and world politics continue to affect the Australian dollar and supply chains. Who would have thought this time last year that life would be so different 12 months later? There are unfortunately no crystal balls about the future and we only know with certainty

where we have come from and what’s happening today.

Some buyers have now factored the interest rate rises into their budgets, and the normally buoyant spring market is helping appropriately priced properties to sell. A back-to-basics approach is now required. Do you want to buy, sell or sit out this cycle? It's always a very personal decision, and no, we’re not there yet.

A few things remain certain:

The destination is different for all of us but the journey is still within your control.

Real estate prices and markets can change overnight.

Uncertainty is now part of our lives but we can still plan.

If you are thinking of selling or buying, seek advice from experienced and licensed real estate professionals to help you make an informed decision.

COASTAL AGENTS

A: 50 Ranelagh Drive, Mount Eliza

M: Liz, 0417 559 992

M: Meg, 0400 190 242

M: Sarah, 0408 543 435

W: www.coastalagents.com.au

1. Eat.Drink Mornington Peninsula 2023 out late November, the perfect gift for Christmas. Order now for yourself, friends, family, or corporate gifts www.mpmag.com.au

2. Gin-lovers, this one’s for you! In November, you could be the lucky WINNER of the famous Gintonica Advent Gin Calendar, containing 24 x 50ml bottles of the best craft gin in Australia as well as a hardcover copy of the book Australian Gin by the founder of Gintonica, David Box. This is a must-have combo sure to make the festive season one to remember.

To enter, become a member of Mornington Peninsula Magazine here then head to @MornPenMag on Facebook and Instagram to complete all of the entry steps. Check out our website late-November to see if you’re the lucky winner. If you don’t win, you can still buy it online at www.gintonica.com.au

3. The Mowen dining table is a showstopper with its ontrend concrete curves.

Oz Design Furniture, Peninsula Home, Mornington, 9560 1137, www.ozdesignfurniture.com.au

4. Handcrafted tiles create an earthy outdoor entertaining area.

Lifestiles Design Studio, 4/5 Torca Terrace, Mornington, 5976 3507, www.lifestilesdesignstudio.com.au

5. Christmas has arrived at Provincial Home Living. Discover the magical collections in store now. Provincial Home Living, Peninsula Home Mornington, 5925 9400, www.provincialhomeliving.com.au

6. In November one lucky winner will WIN a $100 Rebel Donuts voucher. To enter, become an Eat.Drink member using this QR code, then check out @EatDrinkMornPen on Facebook and Instagram.

what's hot

mornington

Gintonica

Order your shutters now and receive 10% off

Shutters from dollar curtains + blinds are an ideal choice for thermal insulation, which is a must coming into the warm summer months. Open the louvres to stream light into rooms and close to insulate for a more energy-efficient home through summer.

PVC shutters from dc+b have the added benefits of being UV, water and moistureresistant, making them ideal for all highuse areas and wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. Extremely practical, they give you excellent control of light and airflow and also peace of mind – having no cords means their shutters are child and pet-safe.

Adding shutters across your home’s front windows can also make a huge impact to your home’s façade and kerb appeal. Along with these aesthetic benefits, shutters also add sound insulation from outside road and traffic noise – a must if you’re now working from home or find yourself being woken up

early!

dollar curtains + blinds has specialised in manufacturing custom window coverings for more than 50 years. Ensure you opt for true custom-made shutters like those from dc+b, which are designed and handcrafted specifically to

fit your window dimensions for a high-quality, durable shutter that will last for many years to come.

Contact their Mornington or Moorabbin Airport teams today for your free design and measure and quote. Both stores are open Monday to Friday from 9am-5.30pm and Saturdays from 9am-5pm, so book today. If you’re building a new home, then dc+b can also provide expert advice and a free quote off your house plans. With dc+b’s shutter sale on now, order yours in November to receive 10 per cent off.

DC+B

A: Shop C4, Peninsula Home, 1128-1132 Nepean Highway, Mornington

T: 5975 3655

E: mornington@dollarcurtains.com.au

A: Store 15, Kingston Central Plaza, 288 Centre Dandenong Rd, Moorabbin Airport

T: 9566 8200

E: moorabbin@dollarcurtains.com.au

FB: dollarcurtainsandblinds

INSTA: dollarcurtainsandblinds

Design your new kitchen with ikdesigns

Getting the design that’s right for you is not about paying the most you can; it’s about getting the best value for your budget. That’s where working with Tracy Wilson, an independent interior designer specialising in kitchens, can deliver the kitchen you’ve always wanted. Some may think engaging a kitchen designer is costly, but as Tracy says: “My design services are a very small fraction of the overall cost of a new kitchen. Creating the best design gives you confidence in the investment you are about to make.”

A good design takes time and consultation. “Companies often have limited time for consultation and will not share design drawings unless the contract has been

signed,” Tracy says. “You want to get the design right and be involved in the process.

“I work with clients to create the kitchen they want, which is integrated with the house style and adjoining rooms. I create 3D concept images, visual boards, and design drawings. Clients can obtain competitive quotes or use my preferred cabinet maker and trades that I have worked with and trust.”

Tracy can’t wait to help. Just go to the ikdesigns website and book a no-obligation phone consultation to get started.

IKDESIGNS

T: 0400 203 588 W: www.ikdesigns.com.au INSTA: twilson_ikdesigns

Plan It Design It Get It Right The First Time

My Kitchen Design Service:

A tiny fraction of the cost of a renovation but the best investment you can make

It’s the heart and soul of family life - the place you start your day; the place where lifelong friendships are forged. Are you planning a kitchen renovation? Building a house? We all live and play in our own unique ways, but a well-designed kitchen is where it all starts. I will work with you every step of the way to ensure your dream kitchen becomes a reality. A qualified interior designer, I was nominated for an interior decoration award by the Design Institute of Australia. Together we will create a kitchen that matches your style and personality and will bring you enjoyment for years to come.

Tracy Wilson 0400 203 588 | tracy@ikdesigns.com.au | ikdesigns.com.au

The key to a light and airy interior

With the warmth of summer right around the corner, the need for a fresh interior is more important than ever. While we love updating our homes each season, there is something distinctive about summer décor that feels exciting and hopeful. Here are a few ways to bring your home to life.

Choose an elevated sofa with gorgeous timber plinths, like the contemporary Stratton sofa, to achieve the perfect airy minimalistic feel. Paired with the new Flynn range, its thin leg design crafted from Australian messmate timber creates a high-end look for any living room.

Summer calls for bringing a new visual dimension to your interior style, and the easiest way to do this is using fun and vibrant artwork. Like we have done here using the Sweet Passion Canvas, bright pops of colour will bring instant life to your space and keep that summer feeling all year round.

A thick woollen rug is ideal in winter, but with the temperature heating up, consider livening your living room with a no-rug look. Allow your furniture to take centre stage and show off your stunning floors for a light and airy interior. This offers a sophisticated look, not to mention also giving you an opportunity to professionally clean your rugs or shop around for a new look.

Live in style this spring and discover OZ Design Furniture's new season pieces that will transform your home into a space that feels like there is no place like it. Shop online or in store today.

OZ DESIGN FURNITURE MORNINGTON

A: Showroom D4, Peninsula Home, 1128-1132 Nepean Highway, Mornington

T: 8560 1137

W: www.ozdesignfurniture.com.au

FB: OZDesignFurniture

INSTA: ozdesignfurniture

Who doesn’t want sparkling clean tiles in their shower? The biggest enemy to this is of course mould. Areas that are always wet, where there’s high humidity and poor ventilation are perfect breeding grounds for mould. No amount of chemicals and scrubbing gets rid of mould thoroughly because once it’s present in porous grout and silicone joints it requires professional attention.

That’s where Jorg from Bayside Grout Solutions can help. Jorg offers a full shower rejuvenation, where all of the tiles and shower surfaces receive a professional clean and disinfection.

The tiles are manually polished and silicone seals reapplied to the shower screen, base line and verticals as needed. Jorg also replaces the deteriorated grout with new grout to help maintain a fresh appearance.

Call Jorg for a free no-obligation quote today and you’ll be one step closer to having those sparkling tiles.

BAYSIDE GROUT SOLUTIONS A: Somerville T: 0424 843 358

mornington PENINSULA

Glass-only bins to cut cross-contamination

Frankston City Council plans to introduce separate kerbside bins for glass next year in an effort to reduce contamination of recyclables.

Mayor Nathan Conroy said the existing system of putting glass in the same bin as other recyclables had resulted in small glass particles known as ‘glass fines’ contaminating cardboard and paper products, which then had to be sent to landfill. “A separate glass bin supports end markets by maximising the glass to be recycled into glass products – a more circular solution – in addition to reducing waste to landfill and lowering processing costs of recyclables,” Cr Conroy said.

The bins are expected be in use by the end of next year, although Cr Conroy said the exact rollout date was still to be finalised as part of the council’s waste circularity plan.

The council describes waste management as “one of the most significant services” it provides the community, but a growing population and limited landfill capacity are placing increased pressure on its waste management systems. The State Government has set a target for all Victorian councils to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030. To achieve this, Frankston is exploring some 'waste circularity' initiatives to reduce landfill, ranging from resource recovery and improved recycling to reusing and repairing household items. These will be included in its waste circularity plan.

For more details about the plan and to share your ideas and feedback, visit https:// engage.frankston.vic.gov.au/waste-circularity-plan

Don’t flip your lid over kerbside collection changes

Changes are afoot to the Mornington Peninsula’s kerbside collection program, but there’s no cause for alarm: Mornington Peninsula Shire is taking steps to avoid any confusion over which bins to put out and when.

In response to the State Government’s Recycling Victoria policy, the shire is currently transitioning to new bin lid colours, which are being standardised across the state. The blue recycling bin lids will be changed to yellow, and the dark green rubbish bin lids to red. There will be no change to the food and garden organics bins, so your green lid bin will remain for food and garden organics.

“The transition to the new bin lid colours will be gradual,” the shire said in a statement, “with damaged or new bins being issued in the new colours to begin with. This means while we transition to the new standardised bin lids, your bin lid colour may be different to your neighbour’s. These changes will not affect bin collections, how you dispose of your items, or the service in any way.”

To make the process easier, the shire has a new collection calendar you can download and stick on your fridge. Covering the Peninsula’s two collection zones, it also includes the schedule for weekly food/green waste and recycling collections over summer. To download the calendar and find out which day to put your bins out, simply enter your address in the shire’s handy ‘find my bin day’ tool at mornpen.vic.gov.au/findyourbinday

Large range of ornamental plant pots

Need an electrician? Call Huddo’s

When it comes to electrical work, there isn’t much Peter Hudson hasn’t dealt with in his 40 years as an A-grade electrician. Whether you need new power points installed, new lights and light fittings, or complete

rewiring of an old home, Peter and his apprentice Ethan work together to carry out all types of electrical work. They can wire new homes, upgrade switchboards to the latest type of safety switches, and sweep fans. They also can attend to emergency repairs, and supply and install TV brackets and TV and data power points. Huddo’s are also experts in upgrading lighting to LEDs.

If you’re a landlord, Huddo’s can carry out electrical safety and smoke alarm checks and provide you with a written report for your property.

From the initial phone call to the finishing touches on the job, you’ll receive personalised service from Peter and Ethan. When you need an electrician, Huddo’s is the one to call.

HUDDO’S ELECTRICAL SERVICES T: 0411 316 180

FB: facebook.com/KingstonES/

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA & SURROUNDING

TAKING ON ALL

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MAINTENANCE

Is your business the next plastic-free champion?

Keeping plastic out of our precious environment takes a community effort, and businesses and consumers play a vital role. Whether you’re a business owner deciding which packaging you’ll purchase in your business or a consumer buying a packaged item, we all have the power to make better choices for the planet. Red Gum BBQ in Red Hill and many other businesses around the Peninsula are doing just that with the help of the Plastic Free Mornington Peninsula program.

Red Gum BBQ has been certified as a plastic-free champion under the program delivered by national peak body Boomerang Alliance. Plastic Free Mornington Peninsula facilitator Birte Moliere confirmed the awardwinning venue had successfully eliminated all single-use plastic packaging items from its takeaway menu.  "We are thrilled to welcome Red Gum BBQ among Boomerang

Alliance's national group of plastic-free business champions,” Birte said. “A big shout out to Melissa and Martin Goffin and their extended team; their passion, tenacity and commitment to drive positive change in our community is very inspiring."

To gain plastic-free champion status, Red Gum BBQ's certification audit verified its takeaways were free of plastic straws, cutlery, water bottles, takeaway containers, cups, lids, and plastic bags. Red Gum BBQ is Australia’s only B Corp-certified, Chef Hat-awarded and multiaward-winning restaurant – an incredible example of a local business championing to be a ‘force for good’ while creating a fantastic customer experience.

"Most Peninsula businesses are aware of the negative impact that fossil fuel-based single-use plastics are having on our environment,” Birte said. “Businesses know that their patrons want litter-free beaches and parks. What's more, Australians are increasingly concerned about the

health impacts caused by toxins leaching from plastic into our food and drinks. Our member businesses are joining the Plastic Free Places program, as they are looking for advice on how to offer more sustainable takeaway options."

Several single-use plastic items – including plastic straws, cutlery and plates – will be banned under the upcoming State Government legislation coming into effect next February.

The Plastic Free Places program is funded by the Commonwealth and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and provides free advice and promotion to local businesses ready to make the switch. Since the program began on the Peninsula on October 1, 48 businesses have joined and 269,021 pieces of plastic have been eliminated.

For more information, including a list of members and information on how to join, visit wastewisepeninsula.org

COMMITTED TO A CLEAN GREEN PENINSULA

Plastic Free Mornington Peninsula facilitator Birte Moliere and Red Hill BBQ co-owner Melissa Goffin. Photos: Willow Creative