Peninsula Essence April 2021

APRIL 2021

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PENINSULA Living & visiting on the Mornington Peninsula

Walk The Line • Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good • All The Soccer Ladies The Art Of Letting Go • Fine Line Designs • Sharing And Caring • It's All Greek To Limani Local Spirit • Top Of The Crops • Three Brothers Go To War And Only One Returns

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contents

Leading 10. Walk The Line

They’re all heel-toeing as the Peninsula Line Dancers, a social dance class for all abilities, accompanied by great company, fun-loving banter, and endless encouragement by founder Robert Neal.

thanks

Mum!

16. Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good

If you’re looking for a reason to justify a visit to the hair salon for a pampering, look no further. There’s a way to help protect our precious environment while getting a fresh cut-and-colour.

24. All The Soccer Ladies

46

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

42 50

Mornington Cup Day Photos

Arts 28. The Art Of Letting Go

After two decades sand sculpting, Meg Murray has evolved alongside her pieces.

She continues to grow technically, but also spiritually and emotionally, as she continues along life’s pathway of impermanence.

34. Fine Line Designs

Hastings artist Mike Harbar creates drawings and paintings that are so realistic you can practically feel the movement in the subject.

Health & Wellness

22

The time has come for mums to get more involved in sports, and Mount Martha Soccer Club is leading the way with their ‘Go Soccer Mums’ program.

Eat & Drink

44

Peninsula Film Festival Photos Proudly published by

59. Sharing And Caring

Mattia Di Febbo was attracted to the kitchen to cook with his mother and grandmother, learning traditional, generational Italian dishes. Now he has brought his craft to his own restaurant, Assaggini, in Mornington.

62. It's All Greek To Limani

After running her seaside art gallery in Portsea for the past two years, Allison Ermogenis said the “natural progression” was to open a food and wine venue next door, with her partner Steve as co-owner and venue manager.

66. Local Spirit Writers: Andrea Louise Thomas, Joe Novella, Cameron McCullough, Andrea Rowe, Peter McCullough Photography: Yanni, Gary Sissons Creative: Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne Publisher: Melissa McCullough Advertising: Brooke Hughes, 0409 219 282 or brooke@mpnews.com.au

All material is copyright, and may not be reproduced without the express permission of Mornington Peninsula News Group, or the original copyright holder in the case of contributions. Copyright of contributed material rests with the contributor.

Disclaimer: The authors and publisher do not assume any liability to any party for any loss, damage or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. This publication is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians.

The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

Peninsula Essence is produced monthly.

30,000 copies (mix of home delivery and bulk dropped at an extensive network of outlets across the peninsula).

Focus On 80. Focus On Portsea

Historical facts, great coffee places and what to do in one of Victoria's most affluent peninsula locations.

Real Estate 82. Clifftop Living

84. Three Brothers Go To War And Only One Returns

Some families had the misfortune to suffer bad news more than once: the Somers family of Mornington was one of those.

Cover Image by Yanni Autumn Leaves

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Fruits From the Ridge now brings Aussie-grown fresh fruit and vegetables, handpicked, packed, and delivered with care. It sources produce locally on the Peninsula and from across Victoria’s reputed growing regions.

History

facebook/peninsulaessence instagram@peninsulaessence

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70. Top Of The Crops

A cliff top landmark property, Braeside offers direct access to beautiful Mills Beach and has unrivalled views of Melbourne's city skyline and surrounding bays.

Phone: (03) 5974 9000 Registered address: 63 Watt Road, Mornington 3931 www.peninsulaessence.com.au

PEFC Certified This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. www.pefc.org

Tar Barrel’s award-winning craft beer producers Matt Bebe and Andrew Gow have turned their hands to distilling with the release of their first spirit , Gunnamatta Gin.

"Through Autumn's golden gown we used to kick our way..." -Wayne, Osbourne, Vigrass The Seawinds National Park in autumn has a special place in the heart of the visitor to this part of the Mornington Peninsula.

April 2021

Every Month 8. Peninsula Styles 61. Recipe 68. Must Try Dishes 78. Crossword

WEEKEND AWAY AT MORNINGTON

Peninsula Short Stays is a bespoke collection of the Mornington Peninsula’s Finest Boutique Holiday Accommodation.

Conveniently located only one hour from Melbourne CBD, Peninsula Short Stays comprises of luxuriously contemporary and private townhouses situated in the beautiful coastal town of Dromana Village. We are the perfect accommodation for couples, families, weddings, corporate retreats, group bookings and short and extended holidays.

Our first property at 16 James St boasts four spectacular townhouses, located only a 15-minute walk away from Dromana Village and the amazing beaches. Sleeping up to nine guests per townhouse, each include secure off-site parking, fully equipped kitchens, and an outdoor garden.

All our newly built, architect-designed properties offer comfort, luxury and style.

Our goal is to entice tourists and locals to explore the beautiful surrounds of the Mornington Peninsula.

With properties opening soon at Williams St and Francis St, we’ll have plenty of options so you can easily experience the best beaches, wineries, restaurants, and famed local attractions.

Our proximity to Portsea, Sorrento, Blairgowrie, Mount Martha, and Red Hill ensures you easy access to the very best the region has to offer.

Here at Peninsula Short Stays, we are dedicated to making all your holiday dreams come true. Whether it’s a short escape from the city with friends or bonding time with the family, our bespoke holiday accommodations are the finest around town.

Experience it for yourself!

Book two nights and get the third night FREE using code ESSENCE on; peninsulashortstays.com.au

Direct message us for more information: E: hello@peninsulashortstays.com.au

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Peninsula Peninsula Short Short Stays Stays is ais a bespoke bespoke collection collection of some of some of of thethe Mornington Mornington Peninsula’s Peninsula’s Finest Finest Boutique Boutique Holiday Holiday Accommodation.

Accommodation.

Conveniently Conveniently located located only only oneone hour hour from from Melbourne Melbourne CBD, CBD, Peninsula Peninsula Short Short Stays Stays comprises comprises luxuriously luxuriously contemporary, contemporary, separate separate andand private private townhouses townhouses situated situated in the in the beautiful beautiful coastal coastal town town of Dromana of Dromana Village.

Village.

Sleeping Sleeping up up to ten to ten guests guests perper townhouse, townhouse, each each include include secure secure off-site off-site parking, parking, fully-equipped fully-equipped kitchens kitchens andand outdoor outdoor gardens gardens offer offer thethe perfect perfect holiday holiday escape. escape.

ForFor information information andand bookings bookings visitvisit

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OZ DESIGN FURNITURE - MORNINGTON Soft touch textiles, clean lines, rattan textures and subtle tones trend this winter. The cooler season calls for family to gather around the fireplace, and friends to wine and dine near the kitchen. It’s being comfortable inside and not having to rug up outside. It is a home that feels like there is no place like it, filled with décor that you love. It’s injecting colour, layered within rugs, wall art and cushions that reflect a more relaxed season and the kind of person that you are. It’s statement timber dining pieces and buffets that allow you to entertain with ease and sofas that provide a seat for all to sink in to. Winter is… wandering into OZ Design Furniture’s boundless collections and creating a home that you fall in love with more and more every day!

Showroom D4, Peninsula Home, 1128 – 1132 Nepean Hwy, Mornington. P 8560 1137 ozdesignfurniture.com.au

JUTE & CO. Offering texture and style for your home, Jute and Co plant covers are effortlessly dressing up your greenery.

Available at Emu Plains Market and etsy.com/au/shop/JuteandCo

Peninsula

Styles PRODUCTS FROM THE PENINSULA WE'RE SURE YOU WILL LOVE

MARISOL DESIGNS

KOLLAB Kollab’s new 2021 collection features colourful, fun and unique prints for our range of lunch boxes, shopper totes, beach bags, cooler bags and the very popular mini and picnic mats, all designed to make everything you do, just a little bit easier! kollab.com.au

The Luna dress is a beautiful silhouette of linen wrapped down to a dancing ruffled hem. Elastic cuffed sleeve with a slight shoulder gather and the most flattering thin bias around the neck to finish.

Designed and handcrafted in Safety Beach, it's available at Emu Plains and Little Beauty Market marisoldesigns.com.au

MORNINGTON MERCEDES

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January April 2021 2020

The all new S-Class cares for what matters.

The all new S-Class sets a new benchmark for luxury and innovation. Enhanced with refined aesthetics, a state-of-the-art digital cockpit and our most advanced safety systems, everything in the all new S-Class is designed to take care of what’s most important: you and those around you. Experience the all new S-Class today at Mercedes-Benz Mornington.

29-31 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Mornington LMCT 443. P: 5923 0011 mbmornington.com.au @mbmornington

OZ D E S I G N F U R N I T U R E M O R N I N G TO N A U S T R A L I A N O W N E D & O P E R AT E D

WALK THE line

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April 2021

By Andrea Rowe Photos Yanni

R

obert Neal reckons the dance floor in the 100-year-old Moorooduc Red Brick Hall is as perfect as it gets.

The Peninsula Line Dancer’s founder has seen his fair share of dance floors and says: “They don’t make them like this anymore, the old-fashioned wooden dance floor that just feels so good under your knees and feet”. Several times a week this historic wooden dance floor welcomes the pivots, steps and heel digs of beginner to experienced line dancers from across the Mornington Peninsula.

They’re heel-toeing as the Peninsula Line Dancers, a social dance class for all abilities, accompanied by great company, fun-loving banter, and endless encouragement by Robert.

Peninsula Line Dancers started with local stalwarts June Hulcombe and Barb Willshire stepping back from 20 years of running full classes with Montana Line Dancers. As an active social dancer in the group, Robert quickly step-kicked into teaching and transformed the club through expanded classes and social events.

A storeman by day at the Sommerville Egg Farm, Robert moves effortlessly between his day job to his dance passion. But while he’s became an accidental dance teacher, he brings an impressive pedigree. Growing up in the Latrobe Valley, Robert was born with dancing shoes on his feet. His started out as a nine-year-old in ballroom dancing, and made it all the way through to the Junior Australian championships before declining a chance to represent Australia in the UK. It was a sideways shuffle into line dancing 28 years ago that firmly swept him off his feet towards teaching steps, and sharing the tunes, line dancing language and good old-fashioned fun with others. You can tell instantly from their Facebook Page posts with silly jokes, social invites, and messages of care, that the group has a relaxed and welcoming vibe, with six-years-olds and upwards enjoying the atmosphere.

“Line dancing has such a community vibe,” beams Robert.

“Everyone looks out for each other, has fun and stays active. No matter what age we are, we’re enjoying the socialising as much as the dancing. We’ve become firm friends and family.”

Robert is joined by partner, Gavin McPherson who manages bookings, COVID marshalling and student information, as well as keeping up with his endless banter during dance steps which has class attendees in stitches. In their slipstream, a hall of energetic dancers of all abilities shuffle and stomp, their laughter and calling accompanying catchy dance tracks and greeting you as you step into the hall.

“So many people think line dancing is all old ladies, hats, boots, and buckles, but it's not at all. There's so much diversity in line dancing - we can go from country to jazz to a waltz - that's why it's so stimulating. People come through the doors as beginners looking for something new.”

Robert assigns newcomers to the front row to help them follow along more easily, while regulars help them to settle in too. Since COVID lockdown line dancing has proved a perfect antidote for safe exercise, as well as being good company. continued next page...

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“They’re searching to keep fit and keep safe. There's no bodily contact with line dancing; it's good for their health and really great for heart and brains too.”

Peninsula Line Dancers have welcomed people living with health challenges who are seeking ways to stay active and engaged.

Research reports that line dancing improves cardiovascular and brain function. In 2003 the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/ National Institute of Aging reported that line dancing with memorised sequences reduced the risk of dementia in participants by 76%.

“Line dancing is a form of steps and combinations; you train your mind to learn new dances and put forms and lines together.”

“I teach a couple of older ladies with MS and Parkinsons. They’re doing so well, and they’re so grateful for this experience. They tell me how dancing is keeping them moving. I'm just so proud to see them here.”

“Everyone is so pleased to get together and dance again. We're not restricted with touching, so we enjoy movement while feeling safe. We pick each other up in hard times; there's a true sense of community and we are all encouraging each other.”

Speaking of support, Robert is somewhat of a line dancing legend, visiting other Victorian clubs and travelling across Australia for line dancing events.

He is a past choreography judge at Tamworth Music Festival line dancing competitions, Australian Line Dancing Championships, and Melbourne’s The Big One. But he’s more interested in telling you about how wonderful everyone else is in the line dancing world.

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April 2021

Now they are back in action heel-twisting together, Robert familiarises himself with weekly dances from the Line Dancing Association and assigns them to each of his 12 classes to match abilities, sharing set sheets on the Facebook page and regular updates in preparation.

Line dancing is a form of steps and combinations - you train your mind to learn new dances and put forms and lines together

Peninsula Line Dancers is big on building bonds and social connections, while encouraging self-confidence through mastering dance steps.

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“We have had workshops involving Crystal Boot award winners Darren Mitchell and Stephen Patterson. Up to 150 people come to the region at a time, they’re staying and spending money here too.

I love that line dancing really embraces the community spirit and it has done so since the late 1970's across Australia.”

They also host regular social dances while raising funds for charities such as the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday appeal and Moorooduc Community Hall Committee.

And, while Robert loves the Moorooduc dance floor, he’s hosting additional lessons at Cranbourne’s Masonic Hall and new classes for beginners in Tyabb. The community spirit of Peninsula Line Dancers continues to fall into step.

FB: Peninsula-Line-Dancers Bookings, Robert: 0439901229 Classes are held at Moorooduc Hall: Cnr Bentons & Derril Rd, Moorooduc Classes: Monday 7.00pm - 10.00pm Easy Intermediate Intermediate Thursday 6:30pm - 7:30pm: Beginners 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Easy Intermediate - Intermediate Classes held at Masonic Hall 24 Childers St, Cranbourne: Tuesday 9.30am - 10.30am: Beginners 10.30am - 12.30am: Easy Intermediate to Intermediate Thursday 10.00am - 12.00pm: Mixed Easy to Intermediate Research link: blogs.biomedcentral.com/ bmcseriesblog/2016/04/04/keep-dancing-turns-good-brain

LOCAL IS AS LOCAL DOES. Through its Support Local campaign, the Mornington Peninsula Shire is showcasing the many faces of our diverse business community.

Whether it is shopping in new ways locally, engaging local tradespeople or exploring our own backyard with fresh eyes – our support can make a difference.

By capturing the real people behind our hard-working community, the campaign urges everyone – community members, organisations, and businesses – to consider how we think, spend, and recommend local.

Discover more about the businesses on our Peninsula at mpbusiness.com.au/supportlocal

The series of photos showcases the resilience of our region. We see smiling local business owners – masked or unmasked – working hard to welcome people back.

Local business has a key part to play in supporting the local supply chain, building local networks, and being involved in the local community. Representing local excellence, they too are thinking local, spending local and recommending local in their own businesses as our community works together toward recovery.

The Shire applauds businesses backing local by employing people who live on the Peninsula. It congratulates efforts to source produce grown and purchased from other small local businesses to help strengthen the local economy. It commends the local collaborations seen between businesses innovating in their products and services for customers.

Caleb Podhaczky, Prodigal Coffee Roasters.

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LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD,

do good!

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continued next page...

April 2021

By Olivia Condous Photos Gary Sissons

I

f you’re looking for a reason to justify a visit to the hair salon for a pampering, look no further. There’s a way to help protect our precious environment while getting a fresh cut-and-colour, so you can look good and feel great about it too.

Sustainable Salons arrived on the hair and beauty scene in 2015 and started a monumental waste-management movement that had a big impact on the way Australia’s grooming industry operates.

Their innovative work to reuse and recycle has made huge strides in helping to make our haircuts eco-friendlier.

In 2010, the organisation’s co-founders Paul Frasca and Ewelina Soroko took a trip around the country to visit 160 hair salons and uncover what was happening to their waste. Shockingly, they found that every year Australian salons were generating one million kilograms of landfill in aluminium foil that could have been completely recycled.

This discovery began the journey that set Australian hair salons on the path to zero waste.

Now, owners of hair salons, barber shops, beauty salons, dermal clinics and pet-grooming services can become members of the organisation that helps businesses recycle cut-off hair, chemicals and waste water, disposable hygiene products, plastics, salon metals and more.

Every single hair cut at a sustainable salon contributes good back into the community and environment. The hair collected off the salon floor is made into “hair booms”, which are designed to soak up oil spills on land and at sea, and cut-off ponytails are donated to create medical wigs for those with alopecia or leukemia.

Currently, there are 1000 member salons across Australia and New Zealand, with 25 of those in the Mornington Peninsula area.

One of those is Amicus Hair & Beauty, located on Main St in Mornington. Salon director Donna Sutherland said the salon had been a member of Sustainable Salons since the service became available in Melbourne, around four years ago. She said becoming a member had a big impact on the way she and her team used the salon for the better.

“We recycle 95% of our waste now; we’re passionate about sustainability,” Donna said.

She said the Sustainable Salons made it “very simple” to begin recycling their waste and were “very encouraging”. continued next page...

Expect to pay around half the price FOR AN APPOINTMENT CALL

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“Before we became a Sustainable Salon, we were getting two standard size bins picked up weekly,” Donna said. “Now we get one bin picked up monthly and it’s only half full”.

It’s important for all of us to do our part; we no longer have rubbish as everything is reused and made into something new

The impact of Donna and her team’s efforts has produced monumental results, as Amicus Hair & Beauty has recycled 93 kilograms of hair, 311 kilograms in plastics and 451 kilograms in metals since beginning their sustainable journey.

This recycling initiative benefits the broader community, as the proceeds from the recycled materials sold by Sustainable Salons are donated to OzHarvest to provide meals for those in need. So far, the money raised Australia-wide has donated 143,000 meals to feed the homeless.

“It makes our team and our customers feel even better about walking through our salon’s doors,” Donna said, “all salons should be on board with it,” she said.

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The amount of Sustainable Salon members is certainly increasing; Mr Fox Hair, Beauty & Retail in Mt Martha is another business that has joined the growing sustainability movement.

Leah Rice, who owns the salon with her mother Debbie, said she made the decision to become a member as she was concerned with the amount of waste generated by her salon that ended up in landfill or down the drain.

“It’s important for all of us to do our part; we no longer have 'rubbish' as everything is reused and made into something new,” Leah said.

“It didn’t take long to adjust to the different bin system; Sustainable Salons have made it super easy,” she said. “The company is amazing,” Leah said. continued next page...

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“They give back to families in need and give jobs to people with disabilities which is really important to me.”

The Mr Fox owner said her clients have also “loved” the sustainable changes, with some finding her salon through the Sustainable Salon directory as they were looking for a consumerconscious business.

Leah urged other salon owners to make the sustainable switch: “Do it, you won’t regret it,” she said.

It seems as though more and more of us needing a haircut are looking to be eco-friendly, as Sustainable Salons annual figures showed 54,132 customers visit their members' salons every week.

Customers wanting to find a Sustainable Salon in their area simply visit the website sustainablesalons.org and use the salon directory to search for their postcode or suburb.

For business owners and customers alike, there is one undeniable benefit of getting involved with Sustainable Salons and it’s the organisation’s mantra: ‘Look good, feel good, do good!”

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Call in and feel the comfort Rockport offers.

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April 2021

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YEAR 7

Do you have a child in Grade 5?

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Enrolments close Friday 14 May 2021.

2023

If you would like them to attend Padua College, please visit the College website for details on how to enrol online.

For further information, contact the Registrar on 5978 2701 or email enrolments@padua.vic.edu.au

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ALL THE SOCCER ladies

By Joe Novella Photos Yanni

G

Go Soccer Mums program, which is designed to get more mums playing sport.

Women’s sport has exploded over the last decade with surging numbers in traditionally male-dominated sports like footy, soccer and cricket. And we’re currently seeing the same trends in seniors sport with lots of opportunities for people over the age of 50. But one part of the population that still remains under-represented on our sporting fields is mums. And that’s why Mount Martha Soccer Club, in conjunction with Football Victoria, is rolling out the

For most people, when they think of sport they think of super-fit, talented athletes whose sole objective is to win. But that’s definitely not the case with the Go Soccer Mums program according to Cheree who gives a summary of the program, “We have about 15 ladies that are part of the program. They range from 35 to 60 plus. We train on a Monday night from 7 till 8 at Civic Reserve,

one are the days when mums took a back seat, making sure the household worked like a well-oiled machine while hubby played a round of golf. No longer do mums drop and run, depositing the kids at various sporting locations before rushing off to take care of the shopping, or the washing, or the countless other tasks that mums do to make sure their loved ones have opportunities to participate in sport. The time has now come for mums to get involved and Mount Martha Soccer Club is leading the way with their ‘Go Soccer Mums’ program.

Cheree Lane, Operations Manager at Mount Martha Soccer Club, is the driving force behind the program. “Our first group of soccer mums started quite a few years ago with a spring/summer informal kick about. But in 2019 we received some funding and with it we kick-started a formal 'Soccer Mums' program over the second half of the soccer season. We even entered a comp at Chelsea for the first time in 2020 and the ladies all had a great time.

We have entered again this year, but our main aim is to have fun, enjoy a laugh and get some exercise.”

continued next page...

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April 2021

Happy Mother’s Day

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The best part about the Go Soccer Mums program is having a laugh at ourselves Mornington, our home ground. Any level of fitness is fine; there is no judgement. It’s all about getting together and joining in to the best of your ability.”

For a lot of people, turning up at a club to join in is a daunting experience, so I wondered how the ladies, many of whom had not played organised sport before, dealt with that. “My concern was that I may not enjoy it, I'm not very fit and thought it may be too hard, but the other mums are like me with all different skill and fitness levels,” said Anita Mandic. Jaime Seletto had similar concerns: “I'm not very fit and I was scared that it would be intimidating. I'm so glad I gave it a try because the Go Soccer Mum's crew is so welcoming and so much fun. Also, I’ve never played soccer before. I didn't even know the rules when I started.

I had never seen a game!”

The team is managed by Shelley Christie and coached by Melissa Maizels, who plays soccer at the highest level for the Melbourne Victory W-League team. You would think having such a well credentialed coach would add pressure on the mums to perform, but that’s not the case. “The best part about the Go Soccer Mums program is having a laugh at ourselves,” said Anita. “Sharing giggles when things don’t quite go as expected.”

Having fun and social interaction certainly come through as great benefits of the Go Soccer Mums program but they’re not the only ones according to the ladies involved. Other common themes include a sense of camaraderie, slow and steady improvement of skills and fitness levels and, most of all, getting some ‘me time’ in a very busy world.

So how do these busy mums get time to participate? “The hardest part about Go Soccer Mums is coordinating myself, my life and

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my responsibilities in order to get me there. But Go Soccer Mums has made me realise that I need to be a priority. I need a little time just for me, and so I'm making sure that I get here every week,” said Jaime. ‘Me time’ is also important to Nesreen Mussa, another participant in the program. “Having time for myself to look after my health physically and mentally is why Go Soccer Mums is so important to me.”

It’s clear that the ladies taking part in Go Soccer Mums have gained many benefits from the program. This is especially so for Cassie Stevens: “The best part of participating is how I feel after each session. I leave invigorated and have a smile on my face.” Even the significant others in these ladies’ lives are on board.

“My husband and kids have encouraged my participation in Go Soccer Mums,” Cassie continues. “My whole family plays competitive team sport and now so does Mum!” The Go Soccer Mums program isn’t going to break the bank either at approximately $5 per session. “Go Soccer Mums is the cheapest form of exercise that I've ever participated in,” according to Jaime. “It makes it easy to prioritise my health without sacrificing anything else that my family participates in.”

Finally, I asked the ladies if they would recommend the Go Soccer Mums program to other mums on the Peninsula and the response was a resounding “Yes!”

For more information on the Go Soccer Mums program at Mount Martha Soccer Club, please contact Cheree Lane at operations@mountmarthasoccerclub.com.au

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0400 629 616 or mowitall.net.au Nathan is extremely pleasant and professional to deal with and I would highly recommend Mow It All’s services.

Richard, Mt Martha April 2021

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THE ART OF letting go

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Beauty is but a vain and doubtful good; A shining gloss that vadeth suddenly; A flower that dies when first it 'gins to bud; A brittle glass that's broken presently; A doubtful good, a gloss, a glass, a flower, Lost, vaded, broken, dead within an hour.

William Shakespeare

By Cameron McCullough Photos Yanni & Supplied

R

osebud resident Meg Murray developed her love of art from an early age. Primarily a painter, she dabbled in sculpting and in the year 2000 stumbled across an exhibition of sand sculpting.

“It really fascinated me,” said Meg. “I looked at these people creating these wonderful works of art and wanted to give it a go”.

While her previous experiences sculpting was solitary and noncompetitive experience, sand sculpting proved to be the exact opposite.

“The sand sculpting competitions introduced a competitive edge, but also the freedom to do what I wanted and express myself truly through my sculpting,” said Meg. “And coupled with that was a vibrant community of sand sculptors that bought with them camaraderie”.

Meg had discovered her passion and her path was set.

It was five days before Christmas in 2008. Meg’s phone rang. Her son Jello had been riding his motorcycle to a barbeque. There had been an accident.

“Driving to the scene, I was filled with dread. I just felt this horrible feeling,” said Meg. “When I arrived at the scene, I noticed there was no ambulance.

“There was just the body of my son. I lay with him on the road until the coroner came. I could not leave him there alone”.

So, five days before Christmas, with presents for him under the tree, Meg instead began planning a funeral for her beloved Jello.

Her funny, loving, and beautiful boy was gone.

“It was the most torturous time of my life”.

Where to from here?

Meg needed to grieve, but also found herself being pulled back towards her sand sculpting.

“I threw myself back into it.

I needed the work, but I also needed the people. Over time, I realised the sand itself was part of my healing process,” said Meg. Meg found that sand sculpting was a lesson itself in letting go.

“We are so obsessed with material things in life”, said Meg. “People would come and take great interest in the creation of my sculptures. They would watch day after day the process of forming ten tons of sand into a wonderful work of art.

“But in the end, when all was said and done, after the competition, the sculpture would be knocked over.

“People would say ‘how can you accept that all your hard work is destroyed?’ to which I would reply ‘I know what it is like to make something beautiful only to lose it’”.

The sand has been Meg’s greatest teacher. It has taught her about her strength of character. It has taught her how to heal. It has taught her how to let go.

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Sand sculpting taught Meg that it is not the destination that counts, but the journey that is filled with the richness of life.

Meg is widely recognised as one of Australia’s foremost sand sculptors.

Pandemics aside, she is often jetting around the world either competing in competitions or constructing sand sculptures for displays.

“In 2019, I flew to Portugal and Berlin to work on projects,” said Meg.

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“I am due to go to Florida and still have the ticket but will have to wait until travel is normalised.”

Just like any work, it can sound glamourous, but it can be tough.

“You have to stack up jobs to keep the work coming,” said Meg. “And it is very physical, often working in the heat and without shade for many hours at a time.”

Of course, often you are performing under the gaze of the public, adding to the pressure.

“It can almost be like theatre,” said Meg. “So much work goes into the design and preparation. You then have a limited amount of time to create your piece with all the components running through your mind, making sure the sand is neither too wet of too dry.”

After two decades sand sculpting, Meg feels she continues to evolve alongside her pieces. She continues to grow technically, but also spiritually and emotionally, as she continues along life’s pathway of impermanence.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL? ‘That’s my kind of art.’

‘I wish I could paint like that.’

‘I wonder where that road goes?’

‘That view looks familiar.’

‘That green swag is my favourite colour.’

‘It feels so peaceful.’

MORNINGTON PENINSULA REGIONAL GALLERY

FREE ENTRY Open Tuesday–Sunday 11am–4pm

Henry Rielly Mt Martha - From Dromana (1875) oil on canvas Purchased, 2014

EXHIBITIONS / ARTIST TALKS / WORKSHOPS / KIDS PROGRAMS / ONLINE ACTIVITIES AND MORE – Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington, Victoria mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au April 2021

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LOVE YOUR WALLS CONTEMPORARY ART BY ACCLAIMED AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS

W

hat makes a house a home is the artwork and expression you adorn it with.

Art is a wonderful way to achieve this self-expression and a sensation of homely calm. With the right pieces you can find happiness, fascination, and curiosity each time you pass your walls and mantlepieces!

With the year of 2020 behind us, there has not been a better time than now, to find and adopt new creations into your abode.

Nissarana Galleries’ acclaimed Australian Artists have been tirelessly working to bring new contemporary art into the world. These fresh, vivacious, and exciting pieces of genius are now ready and waiting to be embraced into the homes and hearts of new owners.

With paintings full of life and energy, ceramics full of quirk and charm, jewelery that compliments and accentuates, and statues that enchant and allure, Nissarana Galleries has something for everyone.

To love your walls and your home with artwork that speaks more than words is the ideal way to express yourself and re-center yourself simultaneously. Whether you’re returning home from a day’s work or a terrific adventure, the home is where we go to rest and recharge, as well as entertain and nurture those we love. With art that connects you to your inner self and brings beauty to those who gaze upon it, you can create and maintain a haven that feels comfortable, joyful, and homely to yourself and guests.

Priding themselves on working with people to find the perfect piece, the people of Nissarana Galleries are thrilled to bring you their ‘Love Your Walls’ Collection. See works from highly acclaimed artists such as Colin Passmore, Zoe Ellenberg, Yeats Gruin, Maggi Turner, Zetta Kanta, Philipe De Kraan, Graham Jones, Svein Koningen and many more when you visit Nissarana Galleries.

Visit the Gallery in store or view the catalogue online.

Mary Raphael – Yellow Ochre Hues

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NISSARANA GALLERIES 211 Main Street, Mornington P: 03 5976 8877 A.H: 0474 496 222 E: info@nissaranagalleries.com.au W: nissaranagalleries.com.au

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SE R 3 VI NO YE C AR E F S* EE

Two Bedroom Villa Offer Purchase a qualifying 2 bedroom villa and pay no service fee for 3 years!

VILLAGE GLEN… 41 YEARS OF SERVICE TO RESIDENTS

Retirement is a time to really enjoy life. At Village Glen, we have a selection of premium, self-contained 2 bedroom villas, available in a range of layouts to suit all types of lifestyle.

We’ll even waive the service fee for the first 3 years to give you one less thing to worry about when you purchase a qualifying 2 bedroom villa and settle prior to the 31st December 2021.

TO SECURE YOUR NEW LIFESTYLE, CALL VILLAGE GLEN TODAY ON

03 5986 4455

335 EASTBOURNE ROAD, CAPEL SOUND VIC 3940 W W W .V I L L A G E G L E N . C O M . A U *Terms & conditions apply. Visit website for more.

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FINE LINE designs

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By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni & Supplied

H

astings artist Mike Harbar creates drawings and paintings that are so realistic you can practically feel the movement in the subject. His work is worldrenowned. He specialises in cars and motorcycles, boats and planes, but he’s a versatile artist. He can draw anything from portraits of people and animals, to landscapes and seascapes, to patent drawings and architectural illustrations.

From the time he could hold a pencil, Mike was sketching.

His favourite subject and first love was cars and it remains so to this day. Mike was born in the UK in Essex, but grew up in West London. His school was under the flight path of Heathrow Airport and he remembers seeing all manner of planes overhead, including the Concorde. This piqued his interest in planes.

In high school Mike did his A levels in art. He went on to Epsom Art and Design College in Surrey for his foundation year where he studied a breadth of art subjects and created a folio for his university application. He then went to Leister Polytechnic where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial and Product Design.

“At high school I was taught to draw from the outside in. If we were doing a portrait, we started with the outline of the face, but at university, I was taught to draw from the inside out. We’d start with the eyes and draw out from there. It’s a much more accurate approach,” he says.

At Leister Polytechnic he did lots of concept sketches and renderings. He spent a great deal of time thinking of form and function in three dimensions. It was a brilliant underpinning for a later career as a technical illustrator and artist.

Drawing led to many interesting pathways such as his first job as a graphic designer for Marathon Oil in London where, amongst other things, he worked with geologists drawing oil maps of the Middle East and with engineers on oil rigs in the North Sea to create scale drawings for the industry. Later in his career, he helped design and illustrate components for fibre optic systems.

Every job was unique and exacting.

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In his career as an industrial designer and freelance Illustrator, Mike had the opportunity to draw a wide variety of subjects, but his heart was always with cars because, as he sees it, cars cover the whole gamut of design: aesthetics, materials, aerodynamics, ergonomics and interiors. It’s an engaging subject from all angles.

While he had exhibited his work, it wasn’t art galleries that opened the door for Mike’s artwork; it was car shows. He started out at a classic car show at the historic Brooklands track in England. It led to a number of commissions. Today, Mike works predominantly on commissions, not just from Australia, but from Europe and America as well and his work is in high demand.

You have to make it realistic, but bring out the personality and soul of the subject, even if that subject is a car

There is no denying the accuracy and realism of Mike’s artwork, but it’s not just the technical aspects that make his work remarkable, it’s the way he brings a subject to life. “The drawing has to be accurate, it has to be interesting, you need light and dark, you have to observe the reflections and show shape. You have to make it realistic, but bring out the personality and soul of the subject,” he says, even if that subject is a car.

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While he uses photographs for reference, he’s not a copyist.

He respects the copyright of photographers. He often adds details that a reflection in a photograph might miss. He also combines elements to make an interesting composition.

Over the years, Mike has had many unusual commissions, but one of the most gratifying was designing a series of stamps for Australia Post. The subject was pre-World War II vintage motorcycles that were constructed or conceived in Australia. Seeing his work condensed to such a small scale and attached to envelopes was very satisfying. Mike also enjoyed creating an artwork for TV show, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.

Bringing subjects to life and bringing the viewer into the life of the subject is what Mike’s work is all about. While he specialises in vehicles, he doesn’t focus solely on them. He can draw anything and with pinpoint accuracy. Have a really close look to find his tiny trademark: a church spire which is a nod to his English heritage and his Christian faith. classiclinesartist.com

This is what we call care and security.

Village Glen, the Mornington Peninsula’s leading provider of retirement living, is a place where you can always feel safe and secure. Surround yourself with a community of friends and neighbours, as well as a team of staff, including qualified nurses who are on call 24 hours a day.

Village Glen offers 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom villas, 1 bedroom apartments plus the new 2 bedroom Lakeside Apartments with secure undercover parking. There is a size and a budget to suit everyone – plus various contract types.

335 Eastbourne Road, Capel Sound VIC 3940 03 5986 4455 WWW.VILLAGEGLEN.COM.AU

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ARTISTS HOLDING GROUND TO SAVE ARTHURS SEAT APRIL 23 – MAY 14

D

uring a recent bushwalk on Arthurs Seat, artist Hannah Lewis felt a rising tide of despair.

The picturesque bushland she was looking across is currently slated by a charitable trust, the Ross Trust and the company it owns, Hillview Quarries, for the biggest quarry the Mornington Peninsula has ever seen. Under their plan, up to 94 acres of bushland - equivalent to 21 MCGs - will be blasted for a new granite quarry. The land is habitat for koalas and 27 other endangered or threatened native species.

“By sharing what is there, the kangaroo and wallaby grasses, maidenhair fern, beautiful plants such as the threatened spider orchid, I’m hoping that it will increase awareness of what stands to be lost,” she says.

Gebhardt says, “The funds from HOLDING GROUND will be critical in the fight to save this precious area from destruction.

This exhibition presents people with a unique opportunity to take powerful action by making a donation or acquiring an artwork by a leading contemporary artist.”

“It’s hard not to be overwhelmed by anger and a sense of hopelessness,” Lewis says. Instead she’s turned to art.

HOLDING GROUND is proudly bought to you by Silver Leaf Art Box, Merricks General Wine Store and Montalto.

The work of more than 70 renowned contemporary artists comes together in HOLDING GROUND, an online art exhibition to raise funds and awareness for the Save Arthurs Seat campaign to stop the quarry. The exhibition will run from April 23 to May 14.

ONLINE EXHIBITION: silverleaf-artbox.com.au APRIL 23 – MAY 14 Viewing of artworks can be arranged by appointment

HOLDING GROUND curator Penelope Gebhardt from Silver Leaf Art Box reached out to the local and broader art community.

She says that many of the artists she approached have a personal link to the area and their generosity and passion has been inspiring.

ENQUIRIES: E: info@silverleaf-artbox.com.au P: 0422 132 525

“It’s very exciting to bring art to the centre of the fight to Save Arthurs Seat – the participation of the incredible artists and the support of our partners and sponsors is creating a beautiful swell of momentum and we hope it continues to grow.”

Recently returned to Australia from The Hague, artist Belinda Fox’s major work What goes around II is featured in the exhibition.

This work was a finalist in the 2021 Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery’s National Works on Paper Prize. Here, Fox uses the digital print medium to explore concepts of balance in an unstable virtual world where desire and reality are untethered.

Award winning printmaker David Frazer will be exhibiting a remarkable 8-plate etching titled The tangled wood (composition I) which draws the viewer’s attention to the idiosyncratic character of trees. It took the artist 6 intensive months to create this etching, which is based on the landscape at Mount Alexander, Victoria.

Created especially for the HOLDING GROUND exhibition, Lewis’s Wonga Cape linocut depicts a cape decorated with the plants that grow on the site of the proposed quarry.

David Frazer, 'The tangled wood (composition I), 2018, etching, 80 x 120 cm, edition 40

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Artist Hannah Lewis (left) and Curator Penelope Gebhardt (right) at Silver Leaf Art Box. PHOTO: Elizabeth Clancy Photography

Hannah Lewis, 'Wonga cape' 2021, hand-coloured linocut, 15 x 28 cm, edition 6

Belinda Fox, 'What goes around II', 2019, digital pigment print on paper, 150 x 194 cm, edition 8

LUMINOUS LANDSCAPES AND AUTUMN HUES AT EVERYWHEN

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solo exhibition of landscapes, bush flowers and plants by talented younger generation Central Australian artist Selina Teece Pwerle features at Everywhen over Easter while new works are arriving from around Australia for the Autumn Salon exhibition that follows.

"Selina's glowing works are hugely appreciated by visitors to the gallery," says Everywhen's co director, Susan McCulloch. "Her work is amazing for its variety and finesse."

"It's fantastic to see these exuberant fresh and really great quality works after what has been a pretty challenging 12 months."

A: 39 Cook St, Flinders. T: 5989 0496 E: info@mccullochandmcculloch.com.au W: mccullochandmcculloch.com.au Open Fridays -Tuesdays, 11am-4pm Wed & Thurs by appointment

Rich palettes, materials from nature and the soft hues of Autumn feature in the wide-ranging Autumn Salon exhibition of Aboriginal art from 9 regions that opens on April 9.

A number of Australia's leading Aboriginal artists from the Central Desert, Arnhem Land, the Kimberley FNQ and south eastern Australia are represented along with a range of highly talented midcareer and rising star artists.

"Due to COVID, all of the 45 Aboriginal-owned art centres we represent were closed for most of last year," says Susan." Some artists were able to make a very small amount of art at home, or on an individual basis in their community studios, but art production virtually stopped for most of 2020 as artists took proactive steps to keep their communities safe."

Langkaliki Lewis, My Country

Emily Pwerle, Awelye Antwengerrp (Women's Ceremonies)

"Since they've been able to come back to their studios from midJanuary, artists have been overjoyed to start making art again."

SELINA TEECE PWERLE Antarrengeny – My Country

To April 6

Doris Bush Nungarrayi, Bush Mangarri Tjuta.

April 9 -May 11 AUTUMN SALON New works from 9 regions

Open Friday-Tuesday | 11-4 | Wed & Thurs by appt. | 39 Cook Street, Flinders 3929 T: 03 5989 0496 | mccullochandmcculloch.com.au

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MPRG WELCOMES TWO EXHIBITIONS EXPLORING AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE AND LANDSCAPE 6 MARCH – 23 MAY

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he Overwintering Project: Westernport, is a long-term environmental art project that unites artists around Australia to raise awareness for our most endangered group of birds, migratory shorebirds, and their habitat, coming to Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, 6 March – 23 May. The Overwintering Project: Westernport focuses on Westernport as an internationally significant migratory shorebird habitat.

The exhibition features 16 artists who have produced new work in a variety of media inspired by the local Westernport environment.

These will be shown in conjunction with the Overwintering Project Print Portfolio, a growing collection of 300+ original prints made by artists from Australia and New Zealand in response to the unique nature of their local migratory shorebird habitat.

Exhibition curator Kate Gorringe-Smith’s work is print-based; Eastern Curlew, Westernport Icon is a homage to the complex Westernport environment and to the Eastern Curlew, our most endangered migratory shorebird, that makes its home here.

Featured artists include: Alexis Beckett, Andrej Kocis, Beverley Meldrum, Byron Scullin Heather Hesterman, Cathryn Vasseleu, Dominic White, Hank Tyler, Helen Kocis Edwards, Jan Parker, Kate Gorringe-Smith, Khue Nguyen, Lindy Yeates, Liz Walker,

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Magda Miranda, Rea Dennis, Simeon Lisovski and the artists of the Overwintering Project Print Portfolio.

Kate said: “I began to use migratory shorebirds in my work for my first solo show in 2010, in particular the Bar-tailed Godwit.

These birds travel annually from Australia, where they avoid the harsh northern winter, to Siberia, where they breed. Ever restless, they never settle – neither destination is their true home. These tiny birds can fly for eight days straight without stopping to rest or eat; they can navigate an entire ocean without any landmarks; they can fly in their lifetime further than from the earth to the moon, and they link the 23 countries of the East Asian Australasian Flyway with their journeys. Since my first shorebird and migration inspired solo exhibition in 2010, I have continued to work with migratory shorebirds as my major theme, they fascinate me and I find them endlessly beautiful.”

The intention of the exhibition is to engage people with a local environment they may already know and love, sparking recognition and wonder for this unique place that we share with such amazing creatures. The Overwintering Project: Westernport also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, is part of the 2021 Art+Climate=Change Festival, and is dedicated to the memory of Dr Clive Minton OAM, father

of Australian shorebird research. The Overwintering Project: Westernport is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, by the VWSG, BirdLife Australia and the UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Reserve.

Lauren Guymer - Among The Trees Also showing at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is Among The Trees, a collection of new watercolour paintings inspired by Lauren Guymer’s encounters in the Australian landscape. Formed by her deep appreciation and connection to nature, these works are a visual representation of her experiences and the places she visits. Located just beyond her backyard on the Mornington Peninsula, the majority of these paintings depict the surrounding bushland, from trails winding through the native scrub to woodland along the coast.

Spending endless hours observing and traversing among the trees, she intuitively explores the beauty, freedom, and refuge that nature provides. Using immense layers of detail, colour, and light, Guymer builds her peaceful places from memory.

Embracing the fluidity and immediacy of watercolour, she paints large gestural movements across the paper before meticulously placing each mark into the landscape one brushstroke at a time.

Lauren Guymer is an Australian visual artist who primarily creates landscape drawings and paintings on paper. From the native bushland to places further afield, she is inspired by the natural world that surrounds her. Her process includes travelling, observing, and collecting inspiration from places, resulting in works that respond to her experiences and connection to the land.

The native bushland and coastal scenery near her home has been a large influence in her work and is revisited often.

Currently, Lauren lives and works in Melbourne. Her work has been selected for awards and prize shows including the 2020 and 2019 SBS Landscape prize, 2019 Lloyd Rees Memorial Youth Art Award, the 2018 Collins Place Summer Salon Prize, and the ‘Best in show – other Medium’ prize at Art Red Hill in 2017.

Alongside these achievements, she has held two solo exhibitions at Outré Gallery and Off The Kerb Gallery in Melbourne, and has participated in multiple artist residencies in Australia and abroad.

Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington Tuesday–Sunday, 11am–4pm More information: 5950 1580 or mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

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thanks

! m u M

G I F T I D E A S T H I S M OT H E R ' S D AY

A Stillwater at Crittenden voucher is the perfect way to spoil Mum this Mother's Day. Available to purchase online stillwateratcrittenden.com.au

Celebrate the special women in your life with a gift voucher delivered straight to your inbox. Vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase. redhillestate.com.au/shop These stunning 9ct white and yellow gold bezel set London blue topaz and diamond earrings, are available at Minzenmay Jewellers.

The perfect Mother's Day gift for the one you love.

152 Main St, Mornington.

P 5975 2439 minzenmay.com.au

An evening with Samuel Johnson from Love Your Sister as he launches his new book "Dear Mum", a series of letters from celebrities and notables to their Mums. Help us to raise funds to support personalized treatment for ALL cancer patients.

Sam will share his ongoing vision for Love Your Sister, there will be a fashion parade, drinks available for purchase and nibblies supplied.

Bring your mum & friends. Scan the code for more info Fri, April 30, 2021 | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM Commonfolk Coffee Company 16 Progress Street, Mornington

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Treat Mum to a delicious three course lunch at Hickinbotham Winery this Mother's Day or gift a voucher so she can enjoy her favourite Hickinbotham wines at home or long lunch at a later date. Lunch bookings essential. hickinbotham.biz Share the gift of good food and hospitality this Mother's day with a gift voucher from Assaggini.

1C Albert St, Mornington Ph. 5973 5791 assaggini.com.au

Find the perfect gift at Albert & Daphne.

An interest store of curious goods in the heart of Main Street, Mornington albertanddaphne.com.au

A Talking Hens gift voucher is the gift idea for those who love their friendly, feathered friends.

Buy online or visit our farm on any Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday between 10am - 4pm.

3590 Frankston-Flinders Rd Merricks.

P. 0406 691 231 talkinghens.com.au Crittenden Pinocchio NV Prosecco Fresh apple blossoms, nashi pear & lemon zest aromas with a creamy palate and long-lasting bubbles. The perfect pairing for Mother's Day lunch.

Visit Crittenden Estate located at 25 Harrisons Road, Dromana crittendenwines.com.au

Comedy Festival Road show presents the hottest acts direct from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for a very special show that is sure to tickle everyone’s funny bone. Enjoy one jam packed night of the biggest and best belly laughs you’ll have all year. thefac.com.au

Little Spritz is a unique and refreshing gift idea for Mum. With three flavours to choose from, there is one for every occasion.

20 Brasser Ave, Dromana OPEN Friday-Sunday 11am-5pm littlespritz.com.au Every mum deserves to be pampered on Mother’s Day. A weekend away at Peninsula Short Stays is the perfect way to spoil her.

May 7-9, 2021 bookings will receive a 10% discount and a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival.

Use code: MOTHERSDAY at checkout peninsulashortstays.com.au

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than ks Mu m!

Red Hill Estate’s Matched Food and Wine Experience is the perfect Mother’s Day gift, with six iconic Mornington Peninsula wines perfectly paired with six delectable bites from Max’s Restaurant.

Gift vouchers are delivered straight to your inbox and valid for 3 years from the date of purchase. www.redhillestate.com.au/shop

P. 5989 2838 53 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South www.redhillestate.com.au cellardoor@redhillestate.com.au

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Support local, support handmade, support innovation, support love, support small business... support your local market!

EMU PLAINS MARKET : MAR 20 | 9-2 EMU PLAINS RESERVE, BALNARRING www.emuplainsmarket.com.au LITTLE BEAUTY MARKET : MAR 27 | 9-2 CRN HIGH & YOUNG ST, FRANKSTON www.littlebeautymarket.com.au Love supporting small businesses?

Why not check out our interest store of curious goods!

ALBERT & DAPHNE

103 MAIN STREET, MORNINGTON | WWW.ALBERTANDDAPHNE.COM.AU

than ks Mu m!

SPOIL YOUR MUM WITH A SENSATIONAL MOTHERS DAY LUNCH WITH THE FAMILY. A delicious three course lunch with amazing choices for each course.

All mums served a glass of our amazing Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay on arrival - What is better than bubbles?!

Entertainment by MAMA’S MOUNTAIN JUG BAND, perfect for all ages.

Bookings will be essential as space is limited so call us on 5981 0355 or visit www.hickinbotham.biz and click on‘book now’

Ph 5981 0355 | 194 Nepean Hwy, Dromana | www.hickinbotham.biz April 2021

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Health & Wellness Feature

BRIGHT CITY LIGHTS ARE CALLING A Melbourne retirement that puts you in pole position There’s something about Melbourne. Victoria’s vibrant heart pulses with an energy that dazzles. Her cobbled laneways, hidden bars, arty enclaves, foodie hotspots, artisan markets and sporting venues offer a dazzling array of things to do, see and experience. For active, social retirees, making the move to Melbourne opens up a world of opportunities to get amongst it all.

When you think about a location that is connected to all that the city offers, you can’t go past South Melbourne. Home to the fabulous fresh food market, great cafes and restaurants, shopping and more, it’s just 10 minutes to the CBD by car and only a few minutes on the tram on nearby St Kilda road. Here, in this city location, is where you’ll find The Grace Albert Park Lake, a world-class retirement community by Australian Unity.

Rob Macpherson, National Sales Director, The Grace Albert Park Lake, says he’s receiving lots of interest from peninsula retirees who have had their eye on The Grace for a while.

“We’re finding that The Grace is making sense to people who want to consolidate their city base, where Melbourne is on their doorstep. With kids and grandkids in the city still, that Mornington Peninsula Freeway drive every couple of weeks is looking less and less appealing,” says Macpherson. “We’re seeing people who are very keen to have a smaller city home with all the bells and whistles and keep their Portsea or Sorrento residence for long weekends and holidays”.

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, with interior design in collaboration with Mim Design, The Grace is 18-storeys of premium retirement living across the road from Albert Park Lake. Comprising expansive one, two and three-bedroom apartments, stunning shared spaces and a wellbeing centre, The Grace is akin to living in a luxury city resort.

“The Grace has an impressive rooftop terrace complete with kitchen, barbecue and bar area, and the views are breathtaking”, says Macpherson. “They sweep from the Melbourne skyline, across Port Phillip Bay and over Albert Park Lake. Indoors, there’s an

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opulent pool, spa, steam room and gym. On the same floor, there’s the residents’ piano lounge, private dining room and cinema. There are several community spaces – including a herb garden, philosopher’s den, artists’ studio and fabulous lounge space. The basement is a cool hangout zone and games room for big and little kids, with table tennis, video game machines and street art on the walls”.

Every luxury apartment at The Grace offers the ultimate in secure and private city living. You live amongst a community of people who are of a similar age and stage of life; who keep an eye out for each other. With key-pass entry and undercover basement parking, plus a concierge on the front desk every day, you can safely lock-up and leave whenever it’s time to head back to the peninsula.

“At The Grace, there’s new friends, old friends, fun, caring and professional staff. It’s like one big family you never knew you needed,” says Macpherson. “The residents at The Grace will tell you it’s the best move they’ve ever made. I love hearing this”.

Could the bright lights of the city be calling you?

Think of the endless possibilities a Melbourne retirement could bring. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.

For more information, call Martine on 0477 775 786 or visit thegracealbertparklake.com.au

Where a city retirement feels like coming home World-class retirement living

The Grace Albert Park Lake is spectacularly located for you to live a connected, inner-city retirement. South Melbourne is moments away, as are South Yarra cafés, restaurants and shopping.

Be at The Arts Centre in minutes, while the CBD is only a stop or two further. Come home to the city, to The Grace.

Luxury apartments are now selling from $660,000. Call 0477 775 786 or visit thegracealbertparklake.com.au

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© Australian Unity March 2021

April 2021

PENINSULA

Health & Wellness Feature

PIPPA’S PASSION FOR HELPING YOU THRIVE Pippa Hanson understands what it’s like to be a busy mum in today’s world. After all, The Sports Injury Clinic (TSIC) CEO is the leader of a large team of expert health professionals, a mother of teenagers and — more recently — a podcast host.

And while she’s quick to admit that she doesn’t always get the work-life balance exactly right, Pippa is deeply committed to the question of how we can live healthier, more fulfilled lives. She is a strong believer that we should look at wellness from a complete perspective and consider the impact of stress on our everyday health.

Pippa founded TSIC in 2004 as a way of providing the community with access to a village of health experts.

Today, the Frankston clinic is home to dozens of practitioners all working to help people become the best versions of themselves. Pippa’s philosophy is that focusing on our own physical and mental wellbeing allows us to show up as the parents, friends, family and team members we want to be.

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It might be called “The Sports Injury Clinic”, but the business is designed to help anyone struggling with their health and injuries.

As an extension of Pippa’s passion for making wellbeing accessible, she also launched a weekly podcast earlier this year that offers free insights from experts. “Keeping Up With Life” is a treasure trove of practical health and lifestyle tips — from specific physical ailments and debunking training myths to the effect of stress hormones on the body. Tune in each week on your favourite podcast channel to find out more.

And for a health assessment that takes into account who you are as an individual (rather than a one-sizefits-all approach), contact TSIC today. Pippa and the team are there to help you shift from “surviving” to “thriving”.

P: (03) 9783 9990 W: tsic.com.au Socials: @tsic

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Health & Wellness Feature

PETER SCOTT ORTHODONTIST Conveniently located in both the centre of Melbourne and in Frankston on the Mornington Peninsula, Dr Peter Scott and his experienced and friendly staff offer orthodontic excellence for patients of all ages in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

We use the latest computer technology, so that you receive the best care available and communication with your dentist and other specialists is instantaneous.

Dr Scott provides all the latest advances in orthodontics including clear braces, Invisalign and self-ligating appliances. So please feel free to contact our Frankston or City Practice anytime with your questions or to schedule a consultation appointment.

Or alternatively you are always welcome to tour our rooms and ask any questions of our helpful staff, as we believe that a perfect smile requires a specialist approach!

Featuring the latest technology brackets including: • Self-ligating and Damon type brackets, both clear and metal

Dr Peter A. Scott is a specialist orthodontist offering orthodontic care for children, teens and adults alike in both the Mornington Peninsula and inner Melbourne areas. He is also a consultant orthodontist at the Royal Childrens Hospital.

Specialist Orthodontist Creating Beautiful Smiles On The Peninsula For 30 Years Expertise In Child And Adult Orthodontics Early Assessment Of Dental Development And Facial Growth Ideal Age Of Initial Assessment 7-9 Years

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A: 13 Beach St, Frankston VIC 3199 P: 9783 4511 W: drpeterscottorthodontist.com.au

Early Intervention Where Appropriate For Best Outcome No Referral Necessary

13 Beach St Frankston

Ph: 9783 4511

www.drpeterscottorthodontist.com.au www.facebook.com/drpeterscottorthodontist

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Luxury residences in the centre of Martha Bay. Choose from a range of designs, all with superior finishes and a generous balcony, and relish your independence in your low maintenance home with the Clubhouse at your finger tips.

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Visit our sales office and display villas to view the plans and finishes. Our sales specialists would be delighted to answer all your questions.

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For more information about our range of retirement communities visit: rcavillages.com.au

Health & Wellness Feature

Eyewear As Individual As You Are

A PASSION FOR EYEWARE ON MAIN STREET Main Street Eyecare has a passion for eyewear and eyecare. With the latest design in Australian and European frames they truly live up to their statement "eyewear as individual as you are".

A family run business since 2001, Main Street Eyecare are dedicated to giving the best possible care to their customers, with highly trained staff Kay Tyrie, Louise Hankinson and Leonidas Vlatiakis at the helm.

Regular eye tests are important not only to maintain the best level of vision, but also the health of your eyes. Another Important factor in eye health is the danger of UV exposure, making choosing the correct sun protection invaluable. It is recommended to have two yearly check ups or more regularly if there is a family history of eye disease.

Book your appointment with Main Street Eyecare on P: 5975 3235 or visit 57 Main Street Mornington.

Call in Monday to Saturday to enjoy Kay’s renowned expertise and personal service and view the latest fashion and styles in eyewear.

Stocking Paul Taylor Eyeware

MainStreet Eyecare 57 Main Street, Mornington

Ph: 5975 3235

FUN, SAFE, INDOOR SPORT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Table tennis is a Commonwealth Games and Olympic sport. Doesn’t matter if you are social, beginner, or competitive player, MPTTA has you covered.

will develop your child’s passion for table tennis, with all the benefits of an active lifestyle.building friendships & having fun.

To register go to spinneroos.com.au

• The Whole family can play on the same night.

• Spinneroos and GIRLS ONLY Spinneroos for primary school aged children with emphasis on FUN, FRIENDSHIPS and SKILLS development.

FITT (Females in Table Tennis) encouraging females of any age and ability.

FRIDAY NIGHT IS JUNIORS NIGHT Fun activities, games, coaching, competition.

• FRIDAY NIGHT is JUNIORS NIGHT with games, coaching and lightning competition.

• GET FITT (Females in Table Tennis) open to any female of any age and ability. Includes 3 x FREE lessons - all equipment supplied.

• Coaching to improve your game.

• Adult and family evening competitions.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION

Mornington Sports Complex 350 Dunns Rd Mornington M: 0498 003 788 E: mptta88@gmail.com W: mptta.org.au

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Health & Wellness Seniors Loving Life! Feature

TRAVELLING EXTRA Traveling the extra mileTHE to give youMILE a perfect smile!

TO GIVE YOU A PERFECT SMILE!

THE idea behind DenturePoint is simple: to create a private boutique denture clinic where new smiles are designed exactly the way you want them and without any unnecessary stress. idea behind DenturePoint is simple: to create a ThisThe is to suit the lifestyle of our beautiful Mornington Peninsula: stress free and as private boutique denture clinic where new smiles are relaxing as possible.

Maggie Murch practices in Mornington and designed the way you want them and without works very close withexactly Dr Albery and Dr Finti.

She any also sees patients at Dr Bhawna’s clinic in This is to suit the lifestyle of unnecessary stress.

Lyndhurst.

‘I our am verybeautiful passionate about what I do and Mornington Peninsula: stress free and my love for creating smiles started when I was 16 years I am still asas excited about my as old. relaxing possible. job today as when I first started, and I always ensure I keep up with all the newest technology Murch practices and Maggie methods. I recently travelled to Japan to in Mornington and works learn more about suction of lower dentures. very close with Dr Albery and Dr Finti. She also sees It was extremely educational, and I had a greatpatients pleasure to meet Dr Abe the creator of clinic in Lyndhurst. at Dr Bhawna's mandibular suction – and his team.’

Maggie had been originally trained as a dental ‘I specialise in making dentures and that doesn’t technician in a world renowned Eastman Dental Hospital in London. She then accomplished a involve any pain but most of my patients tell me how Higher Diploma at the University of Cardiff in Wales. She got employed by Goulburn nervous they are Valley Hospital in Shepparton andto laterstep into a dental clinic. worked at prestigious dental clinic in Glen Iris together Dr Dickinson, Dr Pearson anddistraction techniques have Mywith hypnotherapy and Dr Homewood. She also carries a Master’s Degree of Dental Technology in Prosthetics not disappointed me, as yet. I completed a Diploma from the Griffith University in Gold Coast. With course ofexperience Clinical Hypnosis and Psychotherapy a almost 30 years of she is able to Dental Prosthetist, Maggie Murch. Photoas supplied offer a superior denture care and with an extra hobby project and would never think it could be so hobby project and would never think it could Hypnotherapy Diploma she can put the most be so useful in my job. The techniques work anxious patients at ease. my dentures job. The techniques work particularly well particularly well with people who clench and ‘I useful specialise inin making and that grind their teeth’. doesn’t involve any pain but most of my with people who clench and grind their teeth’.

Maggie also offers 24/7 emergency denture patients tell me how nervous they are to step repairs most of which are done within two into a dental clinic. My hypnotherapy and hours’ time. denture repairs distraction techniques have not disappointed Maggie also offers 24/7 emergency “This is the beauty of being a dental me, as yet. I completed a Diploma course of most of which are done within twoandhours’ time. in one.’ says technician a dental prosthetist Clinical Hypnosis and Psychotherapy as a

“This is the beauty of being a dental technician and a dental prosthetist in one.’ says Maggie – ‘ I can see a patient in the clinic with a broken denture and fix it in the lab the very same day’.

‘At DenturePoint, I offer longer appointments which gives me a better insight into my patients' denture related needs and expectations. I like to think they get a real VIP treatment when they come to see me.'

And for all of those who are unable to see her in the clinic in Mornington she offers a mobile service.

For appointments call Maggie on 0400 919 513 or visit: denturepoint.com.au

Maggie – ‘ I can see a patient in the clinic with a broken denture and fix it in the lab the very same day’.

‘At DenturePoint, I offer longer appointments which gives me a better insight into my patients’ denture related needs and expectations.

I like to think they get a real VIP treatment when they come to see me.’

All types of dentures including And for all of those who are unable to see her flexible in the clinic in Mornington she offers a mobile

service.

‘My job gives me a great sense of satisfaction and I am always ready to travel an extra mile to create a perfect smile!” - says Maggie To make an appointment call Maggie on 0400919513 or visit www.denturepoint.com.au for further information.

denturepoint@gmail.com E:E:denturepoint@gmail.com W:W: www.denturepoint.com.au denturepoint.com.au 24/7 EMERGENCY EMERGENCY 24/7 DENTURE REPAIRS: DENTURE REPAIRS: 0400 513 0400919 919 513 24/7 Emergency Dentures 2 hour - Same Day Denture Repairs Relines

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FindFind me on - Denture Support Group meFacebook on Facebook - Denture Support Group Australia & Worldwide Australia & Worldwide

2-20 Bruce Street Mornington Phone:Street 0400Mornington 919 513 | www.denturepoint.com.au 2-20| Bruce Phone: 0400 919 513 | www.denturepoint.com.au April 2021

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SHARING & caring

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons

M

attia Di Febbo, head chef and owner of Mornington restaurant Assaggini, comes from a spectacular region of Italy called Abruzzo (east of Rome) that runs from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. Luckily for him, this made for a bounty of culinary choices at mealtimes; everything one could hope for was fresh and available in season.

From the earliest age, Mattia was attracted to the kitchen to cook with his mother and grandmother, learning traditional, generational Italian dishes. He grew up tasting, testing, making and cooking. There was never any doubt that he would be a chef.

He already had a perfect foundation.

At 14 he started a five-year course in cooking and hospitality, learning all aspects of working in restaurants. From 16, he specialised in becoming a chef. Throughout his schooling Mattia had opportunities to work in many kitchens, not just in Italy, but in other European countries too. He learned a wide variety of cuisines and cooking methods.

continued next page...

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When his education was complete, Mattia decided to make a bold change. He wanted to experience something completely different and had always wanted to travel to a land far away. At 19 he decided to leave Italy and travel to the other side of the world to start a new life in Australia.

The kitchen is open so people can see we are enjoying what we are doing

For the first six months after his arrival he worked at the Versace Hotel on the Gold Coast, but then he moved to the Mornington Peninsula to take up a position as sous chef at The Epicurean in Red Hill. He spent four years there before making the change to become head chef at Assaggini. Except for a brief foray to try something different, he’s been there ever since.

The day COVID restrictions shut down restaurants across Victoria; Mattia signed the papers to buy Assaggini. It might have seemed a crazy gamble, but he was confident. Throughout lockdowns, he was cooking up a storm and sending his love of cooking out to people’s homes. His wait staff delivered the meals to make sure they got there in good condition and in a timely fashion.

Mattia characterises his cooking as traditional Italian with a modern Australian twist. He capitalises on the richness of the Mornington Peninsula region for ingredients such as eggs, fresh produce and local seafood. He also adds Australian native ingredients to his dishes and desserts to create new flavours. His chocolate tart is infused with wattleseed, for instance.

Mattia's signature dish is his tortelloni with cacio e pepe, parsley, burnt butter and walnut, but he also makes the same potato gnocchi he used to make with his grandmother featuring oxtail ragout, mushroom and comté. The menu is filled with creative combinations reinventing classic dishes and designing new ones.

Choices change with the seasons.

Mattia puts a great deal of thought into having an all-inclusive menu. Sixty percent of the menu items are gluten free. Those with fructose allergies are catered for. There is also a full plant-based menu. He consciously pairs regular dishes with vegan options even in the desserts. It took 15 ingredients to create a vegan brownie that tastes like a traditional brownie!

“The focus is on sharing and caring. I really like cooking and creating an experience for diners. The kitchen is open so people can see we are enjoying what we are doing,” Mattia says. While the kitchen is a high stakes environment, he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love the adrenaline rush with the pressure of working in the kitchen. It’s a kick!” he says.

It takes a lot of lead-time to create new dishes. It might take four to six months but, as he says, “I am loving what we do, getting up and cooking and trying something new.” Right from the get-go, he and his team were trying something new because they opened a restaurant without any diners. They had to work out an online ordering system, but they were busy from day one.

It was strange starting with an empty restaurant, but now with restrictions lifted, the place is hopping and consistently booked.

Mattia has a very loyal and dedicated team. Together they have created a real dining experience. Assaggini also has a well stocked wine bar that features an extensive range of Italian wine, but they have wines from Australia and around the world too.

Mattia is delighted that he chose the Mornington Peninsula as his new home. When he’s not singing the praises of local producers, he’s talking up his love of bushwalks and beach breezes, wildlife and fresh air. Clearly he’s landed in the right place. Come and taste what he’s made of it.

1C Albert St, Mornington VIC 3931 P: 5973 5791 assaggini.com.au

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recipe TORTELLONI Pasta Dough 1kg Tipo 00 Flour 8 Free range eggs - Room Temperature 100gr Baby Spinach - Puréed

Filling Ricotta 700g Parmesan 200g Pecorino 200g Black Pepper 10g

Step 1 Beat flour, eggs, spinach purée and a sprinkle of salt together in a bowl.

Step 2 Turn dough out onto a work surface and knead for 10 minutes. Let dough rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Divide dough into 8 balls and use a pasta machine to roll and cut dough into 10cm circles.

Step 3 Mix ricotta, finley grated parmesan and finely grated pecorino in a bowl, season with black pepper.

Step 4 Fill pasta circles and fold into Tortelloni Step 5 Place into boiling water for 8 minutes or until they float.

Finish in a burnt butter sauce, a healthy dose of black pepper, shaved parmesan and walnuts.

ASSAGGINI 1C Albert St, Mornington I P: 5973 5791 I assaggini.com.au April 2021

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IT'S ALL GREEK TO

Limani

By Olivia Condous Photos Gary Sissons

M

any of us are yearning for international travels and exotic holidays that seem so far out of reach, but it only takes a short stroll past Portsea pier to be transported to a picturesque Greek island. A new wine bar and café with European flavour, Limani Portsea, offers all the beauty of the Mediterranean. No expensive air fares required!

Limani co-owner and Melbourne-educated artist Allison Ermogenis spent nine years living in the Greek village of Firostefani on the island of Santorini. It was there she worked as an artist and started her art gallery, Aegean Designs. When she decided to head back home, she wanted to bring a piece of Greek life back with her.

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"I wanted to bring a touch of Greece to Porstea," Allison said, “Portsea is such a beautiful place; it lends itself to a little bit of the Mediterranean,” she said.

After running her seaside art gallery in Portsea for the past two years, Allison said the “natural progression” was to open a food and wine venue next door, with her partner Steve as co-owner and venue manager while she continued to run the art gallery.

Limani Portsea opened last December and already the venue has garnered a great response from the community. The café and wine bar has a variety of offerings to enjoy, from wine tasting events showcasing local wineries to live music every Saturday night. continued next page...

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Allison Ermogenis and Stephen Kierce in the art gallery.

Limani chef Connie Fotou.

Limani staff members Alessi Ermogenis and Josie.

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Artist Jerome Whitcroft who will be having an exhibition at the gallery next door to Limani commencing 11th April 2021.

Everything is made from scratch, with allnatural ingredients and all local produce “It took on a life of its own really,” Allison said. “We’re doing a bit of everything; it’s a café, a great event space – and it’s going to get a lot bigger.”

“We want it to be an experience when you come here; we've got art, great food and great wine," Allison said. "It's a taste of travel and holiday - a touch of that feeling of being somewhere wonderful,” she said.

Even the name ‘Limani’ espouses a getaway – it’s the Greek word for pier – an essential structure for travelling from island to island across the Mediterranean Sea. The latest development in the venue is an exciting new addition to the kitchen: a new chef from Hydra in Greece will bring authentic Greek food to the Limani experience.

"She does the most exquisite Greek food I've ever tasted in my life," Allison said. “Her spanakopita is out of this world”.

Patrons can expect a relaxed Mediterranean influenced mezze menu at Limani very soon, with dishes such as prawn saganaki, grilled calamari, Greek lamb, moussaka and marinated peppers.

“Everything is made from scratch, with all-natural ingredients and all local produce,” Allison said. “We have invested a lot of time into researching the local producers,” “It’s traditional taverna style eating,” she said. “It’s a nice relaxed atmosphere, in a beautiful, quality venue”.

The vision for the venue is a place that is all about community and comfort, where one can casually stroll off the beach after a day of swimming and come in for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

“It’s going to be a destination for people to come and enjoy a meal, enjoy wine, enjoy art and have a full experience,” Allison said. “It’s becoming a real local gathering place with a village atmosphere.”

Mediterranean influenced mezze menu, designed to be shared with family and friends

“When it’s busy here, the buzz outside is amazing and the energy is fantastic.” “It’s such a great feeling, it’s a real buzz.”

“You feel a little bit like you’re on holiday on a Greek island,” she said. “Greece is a second home to me; in a sense, it always will be.”

With the cooler months looming and overseas trips still uncertain, some Mediterranean magic at Limani Portsea will certainly be a welcome holiday at home.

3762 Point Nepean Rd, Portsea limaniportsea.com.au

Mon to Wed - 8am - 4pm Thur to Sun - 8am - late

CAFE MEZZE WINE BAR LIVE MUSIC

Let us host your next event in our beautiful Greek inspired space

2/3760 Point Nepean Rd, Portsea P: 0424 545 366 limaniportsea.com.au

April 2021

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LOCAL spirit T

ar Barrel’s award-winning craft beer producers Matt Bebe and Andrew Gow have turned their hands to distilling with the release of their first spirit – Gunnamatta Gin. Since taking over the home of the original Mornington Peninsula Brewery (MPB), Tar Barrel Brewery & Distillery have been producing MPB beer under licence for the venue and distilling quality spirits. The introduction of a whiskey and gin distillery has provided the opportunity to produce further craft products.

Before settling on the recipe for Gunnamatta, 50 different botanical combinations were trialled. In keeping with Tar Barrel’s brewing heritage the gin is distilled using a grain spirit, rather than the traditional grape spirit. It is also one of the first gins on the market to use a hop as a botanical. "We completed distilling trials on ten different aromatic hops," said Matt, "before deciding to use Citra, which provides great citrus notes to the gin."

Our philosophy is being local and using local

The distillery allows Tar Barrel to offer a greater craft tasting experience and maintain the philosophy Matt and Andrew are known for.

"Our philosophy is being local and using local," says Matt Bebe, owner of Tar Barrel Brewery & Distillery. "From our own craft beers to local wine and produce, we are committed to sourcing from the Mornington Peninsula."

Gunnamatta Gin will be the first spirit released since adding a distillery to the brewery operations, with plans to release Vodka and whiskey in the future. They have been filling barrels of Australian Whiskey since December which will be ready for sale in two years - a long time, but so worth the wait!

Gunnamatta is a ‘New-World Dry’ style gin, combining eight different classic and native botanicals with a single hop.

Tar Barrel is a well-known corner in Red Hill and named by road builders storing tar barrels during road building on the Mornington Peninsula.

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Gunnamatta will be available from the venue, online, and at local outlets. Tar Barrel Brewery & Distillery will also soon offer a Distillery Experience Package where you can learn about the distillation process and the journey from grain to glass.

The Tar Barrel maintains their belief in the philosophy of being ‘local’ and using ‘local’, having both core and specialty beers on tap to enjoy alongside the famous wood-fired pizzas. Local wines and spirits ensure all are catered for.

Tar Barrel Brewery & Distillery is located at 72 Watt Road Mornington and is open Wednesday to Sunday.

For more information about booking a table or the distillery experience, visit: tarbarrel.com.au.

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Must try

Dishes

Spanakopita fine layers of golden flaky phyllo, filled with subtle spiced feta and spinach.

Limani Café Winebar 3762 Point Nepean Rd, Portsea Ph 0418 367 007 limaniportsea.com.au

Giant Springs - filled to the brim with veggie goodness.

Choose from roast pork, buttered prawn, chicken, roast duck, or veg.

Emu Plains Market Little Beauty Market

E ssence

St Andrews Brewery 160 Sandy Rd, Fingal Ph 5988 6854 standrewsbeachbrewery.com.au

Pear and prosciutto pizza served on a gluten free base with chilli jam, mozzarella and fresh rocket.

Two Bays Brewery 1/2 Trewhitt Ct, Dromana Ph 5910 0880 twobays.beer

emuplainsmarket.com.au littlebeautymarket.com.au

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Pork belly bao bun kewpie, kimchi and coriander.

April 2021

Linguine marinara classic mix of fresh fish, mussels, calamari, clams, prawns, garlic, fresh chilli & olive oil.

Counting House Bar & Grill 787 Esplanade, Mornington Ph 5975 2055 countinghousemornington.com.au

Fritto Misto is a classic coastal Italian dish with lightly crumbed calamari, king george whiting and prawns paired with a lemon mayo.

Assaggini 1C Albert St, Mornington Ph 5973 5791 assaggini.com.au

$85RRP

Gunnamatta Gin is available at Tar Barrel and Local Outlets.

72 Watt Road Mornington VIC 3931 | www.tarbarrel.com.au | Follow April 2021

/tar.barrel

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TOP OF THE crops

By Andrea Rowe Photos Yanni

T

erri and Darren Cuffe greet me behind a pile of blackberries. Crates of them. There’s no time to stop because they’ve got orders and deliveries to fill; between 200 to 400 boxes a day. Then there’s the handpicked and farmsourced vegetables and fruit to organise and deliver. Talking time is picking and packing time, and that’s how it’s been for the last 12 months.

At the end of 2019 the couple had just launched their business Fruits from the Ridge in Main Ridge They were preparing for a scaled introduction of selling berries direct to the public and still setting up their systems. Cue a global pandemic and regional lockdowns. Victoria’s restrictions brought a shift in shopping habits which fast tracked their farm-to-front door business and inspired some produce pivoting of their own.

“It went gangbusters in lockdown,” says Terri, “We were suddenly helping growers move excess stock while offering affordable farm fresh food delivered to locals in tough times.”

Fruits From the Ridge now brings Aussie-grown fresh fruit and vegetables, handpicked, packed, and delivered with care. It sources produce locally on the Peninsula and from across Victoria’s reputed growing regions. But that wasn’t how they started out.

A career change for Darren who was in plumbing supplies, and Terri as Customer Service Manager at Diggers, and a love for selfgrown strawberries saw them combine their career knowledge.

When they originally started out, their focus was pick-your-own fresh blackberries, blueberries and strawberries grown on Rocky Creek Farm’s 35 acres in Main Ridge.

But as restrictions limited visitor access, and the phones starting ringing for deliveries, Fruits from the Ridge took the farm to front doors instead.

The produce range expanded with customer’s requests and the Cuffe’s began sourcing produce from farm neighbours and further afield. It was not just any produce, but in-season vegetables and fruit from local businesses.

By October 2020 they’d set up a Cranbourne distribution centre to facilitate packing and delivering farm fresh produce direct from south-eastern growers, and the farm at Main Ridge officially became Rocky Creek Farm gate, supplying Fruits From The Ridge, and U-pick and farm gate shop produce to locals and visitors. continued next page...

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Initially we were selling produce from local farms but as lockdown grew so did customer demands

“Initially we were selling produce from local farms but as lockdown grew so did customer demands. As long as it was Australian-grown people we're really happy to see it delivered to their door.”

“It’s one business feeding another,” says Darren. “We love being able to support growers from across the region and we're delivering as far as Gippsland, Phillip Island and Melbourne as we represent small growers and larger suppliers.”

They source fresh-picked produce direct from such reputed suppliers and growers as Jones Potatoes Warragul, Delgrossos of Red Hill, Arnotts, Corrigans, OliveGrove Estate and avocados from Main Ridge. Customers place online orders through the Fresho app for favourite fruit and vegetable, mystery boxes, customised crates and berry boxes. Taking the place of ‘popping into the shops’ in social distancing times, Fruits from the Ridge have now remained firm favourites with hundreds of customers who discovered them in lockdown and continue to order on a weekly basis.

“We like to value add and when we're sending deliveries from our growers, we often pop in a handwritten note too. Our drivers know so many customers and have conversations with them as well. We love that it's all about the farm produce, but it's also the personal relationships too,” says Terri.

“We offer that personalised service with sourcing our produce and preparing stock for delivery. Whenever we select the fruit or vegetables, I always ask myself: 'Would I eat it?' We're representing our customers who are busy and want to put good quality, nutritious food into their bodies and onto the table. So, we’ve got an important job to do.”

The team personally pack each crate for customer delivery, taking care to ensure their produce is in premium condition. But don’t be surprised if your order features an occasional misshapen strawberry or a knobbly potato.

Passionate about preventing food waste, Terri and her team talk enthusiastically about 'spec sizing' and practical and fun benefits of consuming food that may not be perfectly shaped. In Australia, between 20 and 40% fruit and vegetables grown are rejected before they reach the shops because they don’t meet supermarkets’ high specifications and standards.

continued next page...

April 2021

The business wants to be a part of the solution, preventing food waste and raising awareness for better use of misshapen vegetables to support growers distribute stock which is overlooked by supermarkets.

Regular customers are really interested in what they're selecting, and where our stock is coming from

“Fruit and veggies aren't meant to be grown to a certain uniform size - we don't always come into in the same size ourselves. Our beans aren't always straight either but they taste fantastic. Even what we affectionately call our ‘ugly strawbs’ may not always have a perfect shape they still have a perfect taste”.

They share weekly recipes for nutritious meals using common sense approaches, and sell frozen berries and jams and chutneys with excess produce.

“They're sharing recipes back with us too, so it's quite the community of sharing things like Berry muffins and zucchini fritters.”

“Regular customers are really interested in what they're selecting, and where our stock is coming from - we're always sharing information about the growers we support. And we keep them posted on what’s seasonally grown and in stock.”

Terri adds that the values of their customers matter to them too and they’re constantly applying sustainable practices as they grow.

“We are the ones who answer the phone and emails. We have the conversations with customers about what their morals stances on things like single use plastic and excess waste. We don’t use Styrofoam for packaging and we introduced a crate swap where customers can hire a delivery crate for a one-off fee of $10 instead of having excess packaging. It’s been so well received.”

Such is the interest in farm fresh produce delivered to the door that collaborations with local gymnasiums, dieticians, nursing homes and retirement villages are evolving.

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With the easing of restrictions, summer berry picking fun for families is the juicy centre of their business. Rocky Creek Farm’s spotted gum lined driveway entices visitors to spot koalas and spy spotted pardalote birds as visitors pick direct from bushes, and get a taste farm life.

“There's nothing better than picking something off a bush and eating it straight away,” smiles Terri.

“The farmgate experience has really grown out of responding to what the community wants once again. This is such a beautiful place, but it’s still a working produce farm.”

“Visitors grab a picking bucket and head down to the berries.

The kids can touch, taste and experience what it is to be on a farm while they’re here. That feeling of freedom and to feel what’s food and in your hands is priceless; we want to give families this connection too.”

Terri added there are also plans to develop a small picnic area; a sensory garden for families experiencing learning challenges.

Berries are part of the couple’s history. Darren and Terri themselves met nearby during teenage summer jobs at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, and owner Mick Gallace, Main Ridge strawberry legend, is Darren’s godfather.

It continues to be the family affair with two of their three sons working alongside their seasonal staff. Behind the produce and the planning, they’re a busy bunch growing a vibrant farm to front door business.

Insta: fruitsfromtheridge FB: fruitsfromtheridge or rockycreekfarmgate W: fruitsfromtheridge.com.au

WANT TO LEARN ABOUT BACKYARD HENS?

T

he growing popularity of owning backyard hens has largely been due to families wanting to become more self-sustainable. So why is keeping backyard hens so good for your family?

Well, hens make for fantastic pets! Our breed of hens are Hy-line Browns which are extremely friendly and placid. They love company and like nothing more than to spend time interacting with their owners. We hear lots of entertaining stories from our customers such as their hens going on school runs, on swings with the kids and happily jumping up onto their laps.

Hen ownership also teaches children some important, practical lessons about life. Not only do they need to be responsible for feeding and providing water for their hens but they must collect eggs daily and keep the coop clean and safe. Excess eggs can also be sold or given away to friends and neighbours which is a great way of benefiting others in your local community.

3590 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Merricks M: 0406 691 231 FB @TalkingHens W: talkinghens.com.au

Good egg-laying breeds like our Hy-Line also quickly pay for themselves by providing your family with highly nutritious and delicious eggs throughout the year. Their eggs are high in protein and minerals but low in calories. You also have peace of mind knowing exactly how your hens are treated and what food they have eaten.

Of course, you can’t get more “local” food than what you get from your own backyard! When combined with a vegetable garden, your family becomes far more self-sufficient and able to live more sustainably. If you really had to avoid social contact, your hens and vegetables could keep your household well fed over the long-term.

Looking for backyard hens but unsure where to start?

Talking Hens is a family business that loves backyard chickens!

We like them so much that we specialise in supplying only the friendliest, best-laying hens along with the best quality products to keep them happy and healthy.

There’s nothing like the friendship, entertainment and nutrition that you receive from our laying hens - a pleasure to be shared!

Visit our Website to learn more and download our FREE, Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Chickens at:

www.TalkingHens.com.au

Open Thursday to Monday 10am till 4pm (Closed Tue & Wed).

3590 Frankston-Flinders Rd Merricks.

For enquiries 0406 691 231

www.facebook.com/TalkingHens April 2021

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WHOLESALE WINES

DIRECT TO PUBLIC

AT WHOLESALE PRICING

Wine Lovers Warehouse is the direct to public arm of our wholesale business specialising in restaurant, hotel, and function wines for over 17 years. With COVID-19 restrictions imposed on our venue customers, 2020 put a big handbrake on our wholesale business and stopped it dead.

In March we made a decision to transform and stay alive, supported by our friends and the local community, which we will

be forever grateful, we opened up the warehouse three days every week to the public, selling our wines and our suppliers at trade prices and no retail mark ups.

It is our commitment to remain open servicing the needs of our Wine Lover community into 2021 and beyond.

Come along and say hello, grab a bottle or a case. Don’t forget to bring in this publication for a free bottle of bubbles with any purchase

HOURS: Thursday, Friday, Saturday Weekly 10am until 5pm LOCATION: Unit 5, 3 Trewhitt Court, Dromana Industrial Estate, 3936

Wolf Blass Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc

Viscosi Wines Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir

Granite Rose Estate Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay

Sterling Estate Adelaide Hills Sparkling Rose

RRP $25 OUR PRICE $10

RRP $24.95 OUR PRICE $8

RRP $24.95 OUR PRICE $10

RRP $29 OUR PRICE $14

Hidden Ridge King Valley Prosecco

Rosemount Estate 1.5L Magnum Chardonnay

John Luke Heathcote Shiraz

Nillahcootie Estate Mansfield Cabernet Sauvignon

RRP $32 OUR PRICE $10

RRP $22.95 OUR PRICE $8

RRP $29 OUR PRICE $10

RRP $35 OUR PRICE $5

Call us on 9596 4278 or see our full range on our website www.winelover.com.au

Puzzle

Corner

ACROSS 1. Dream up 6. Ineffectual 11. Self-important 15. Firearm 16. Denture 17. Fashioning 18. Relieve 21. Pencil rubbers 22. Available at premises (2-4) 23. Striking tool 24. University compositions 28. Difficulty 30. Drug addict 32. Penny-pinching 35. Borders on 37. Snooze through alarm (5,2) 38. Under way (of plan) 40. Offence 43. Generators 45. In pursuit of 47. Finances 48. Overlooked 52. Irish Republican Army (1,1,1) 53. Military equipment 56. Set flush with surface 58. Less industrious 60. Nunneries 61. Small ducks 62. Express road 64. Spy group (1,1,1) 65. Toddler 67. Gradually abolish (5,3) 69. Considerable 72. Heavenly 75. Paper rounds 77. Eye part 78. Dry 79. Abate 81. Aviator, Amelia ...

83. Food professionals 84. American lizards 86. Wolf's cry 87. Utilisation 90. Leotard fabric 92. Twinge (of pain) 93. Grins 95. Funeral procession 96. Hiker 98. Buddies 99. Consume (3,2) 100. Lower leg joint 101. Hurting 102. Thunderous sound 103. Peruse quickly 104. Unit of power 106. Basil sauce for pasta

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110. Carved brooch 113. Male children 115. Trounce 116. Cold-blooded animal 117. Patriotic hymn 118. Sleazy gaze 119. Zones 122. N African nation 125. Parsley or mint 126. Retribution 127. Of shipping 129. Stricter 130. Flexible pipe 131. The one here 132. Wine vat 133. India/China continent 134. Douse 137. Apparition 138. Lauded 142. Cloth scrap 143. 2240 lbs 145. Aerosol container (5,3) 146. Wood-shaping machine 149. Rebellious youth 151. Joined forces, ... up 152. Red/yellow mix 154. Inventions 156. Confer knighthood on 157. Receding 159. Houston's state 161. Mexican dip 163. Herring relative 168. Henpecking 171. Whiff 172. Trembles 176. Secreted amount 177. Sharper 180. Double 181. Electric cord 183. Terse 187. Felt hat 188. Judges, ... up 190. US cotton state 191. Market on TV 192. Proceed (from) 193. Dopey, Doc or Bashful 194. Formed (of conclusion) 195. Water boilers 196. Bullfighters 197. Ringlets

April 2021

DOWN

1. Magazine edition 2. Yawning gulf 3. Frostily 4. Therefore 5. Compensates for 6. Achievements 7. Glacial period (3,3) 8. Out of action (4,2) 9. Throwing weapon 10. Foist (upon) (4,3) 11. Lord 12. Intended 13. Marine world 14. Coward 19. Camera glass 20. At that time 25. Actor, ... Neill 26. Of hearing 27. Sink in middle 29. Healing gel, ... vera 31. Properly positioned, in ...

32. Pig enclosure 33. Cross 34. Slimy gunk 36. 50s bohemians 39. Car distance gauge 40. Arm bone 41. Troubling 42. In truth 44. Beauty queen's ribbon 46. Travel by bike 47. Trip over 49. Respected expert 50. Beginning of era 51. Warps 53. Lounge seat 54. Liqueur, Tia ...

55. Tidy 57. Sloping (typeface) 59. Michaelmas daisies 63. Adore 66. Giveaway 67. Sacred songs 68. Sometimes, once in ... (1,5) 70. Onto terra firma 71. Hooked (fish) with pole 73. Allow 74. Hire agreements 76. Printed bulletins 80. Stargazers 82. Corrosion 85. Gape stupidly 88. View favourably 89. Choux pastries 90. Parasites 91. Risked 94. Overhanging roof edges

97. Comic actor & director, Woody ...

104. Reneges (on debt) 105. Two's company, ... a crowd (5'1) 106. Glossy shoe material, ... leather 107. Coarse tobacco 108. Spend freely, ... out 109. Mauve shrubs 111. Horse's neck hair 112. Extra people 113. Execute on the block 114. Holy day of rest 120. Redecorates 121. Took turns at 123. Cruelty 124. Sundry 127. Worry 128. Last-mentioned 135. Expect 136. Raw 139. Tehran natives 140. Antelope 141. Fencing sword 144. Cab 147. Tallies 148. Fireside shelves 150. Plays (the fool) 153. Highly excited 155. Cosmetics house, Elizabeth ...

158. Beer 160. Greenish blue 162. Land measure 164. Primate 165. And not 166. Solar timepiece 167. Marks of shame 169. So! 170. Kip 172. Rectangular courtyard 173. Claim 174. Exhilarated 175. Cuts timber 177. Flair 178. Precise 179. Internet post 180. Rough sketch 182. Accomplishments 184. Reproach 185. Russian mountains 186. Maples & poplars 187. Current crazes 189. Transmitted

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on

Portsea

Portsea is a township of Melbourne. It is located approximately 110 kilometres south of the Melbourne CBD. and the most westerly settlement on the Mornington Peninsula. The official population of Portsea is 510 according to the 2016 census.

The size of Portsea is approximately square kilometres.

• Portsea is named after Portsea Island which is an island incorporated by Portsmouth in England. Portsmouth is where the first settlers to Australia set sail from.

• The Portsea Surf Beach faces the ocean and is accessible from two main points. At the southern end of Back Beach Road is the Portsea Surf Life Saving Club and scenic views along the coast can be enjoyed from the surrounding pathways which extend down to the beach. Further west, at the end of London Bridge Road, is an access point down to the beach, scenic coastal pathways, lookouts and the rocky archway known as London Bridge.

• On 17th December 1967, Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared, presumed drowned, while swimming at Cheviot Beach which is part of the Point Nepean National Park in Portsea. Mr. Holt, aged 59, departed Canberra on Friday 15th December and flew to Melbourne in a RAAF VIP aircraft and later drove his maroon Pontiac Parisienne to Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula for a relaxing weekend at his family home.

The most likely scenario was that Holt was caught in a strong rip off Cheviot Beach and was swept out to sea and drowned. In 1969 a plaque commemorating Holt was bolted to the sea floor off Cheviot Beach after a memorial ceremony. It bears the inscription: 'In memory of Harold Holt, Prime Minister of Australia, who loved the sea and disappeared hereabouts on 17 December 1967.'

• Median property price is $2,313,000, and weekly median advertised rent is $1000.

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• In 2005, Australian Tax Office data showed the 3944 postcode to be the nation's most affluent outperforming other upper class Victorian suburbs, including the Melbourne suburbs of Toorak and Hawthorn, both known for upper-middle class and upper class dwellings ranging from $5 million to $25 million, with an average taxable income almost $10,000 higher than the Sydney suburbs of Darling Point or Point Piper • The Portsea Pier is the home to the spectacular weedy sea dragon, as well as many other fish species, including numerous pufferfish. Boating traffic is frequent, and divers should be careful to avoid main boating routes. Portsea Back Beach is a big attraction in Portsea, due to its great surfing conditions and long stretch of sand. Portsea Surf Life Saving Club patrols the popular surf beach, as patrols are always needed during the summer period given the large waves and strong tides that are often present.

• Prominent residents include trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, Kate Baillieu and Rupert Murdoch's grandson businessman David Calvert Jones. Other well-known residents are Eddie McGuire and Ron Walker.

• The main bay beach fronts Weeroona Bay and includes the Portsea Pier from which golden sandy beaches extend in both directions, lined with a mixture of characteristic English trees and native bush.

East of the pier is Point Franklin where a scenic walking track provides elevated views over Shelley Beach to the east and across the bay.

Coffee Safari

Freshly brewed coffee is a must-have for weekends away and the Mornington Peninsula's coffee haunts are secondto-none. Here are just a few to check out when you head down to this beautiful part of the world.

Baked In - Portsea 145 HOTHAM ROAD

Casual dining setting with relaxed vibe to enjoy good coffee and bakery delights.

Portsea Hotel

3746 POINT NEPEAN ROAD With sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay, The Heads and Queenscliff, the Portsea Hotel is great for meals, snacks and desserts with a sensational coffee selection.

Le Capucin

3770 POINT NEPEAN ROAD Visually appealing inisde with a selection of french inspired light meals and along with traditional cafe food.

Great location close to beach and next to park and playground

Limani

3762 POINT NEPEAN ROAD Find a cozy spot in front of the fire for a coffee, wine or Greek-inspired homemade morsel.

What to do Portsea's location at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula means you can cool off at a safe bay beach and be riding the surf at the ocean beach just minutes later. Slow down after a day out in the water with an evening with friends on the green lawns of the Portsea Pub. Learn to scuba dive amid sea dragons and rays around Portsea Pier. Glimpse the lifestyles of the rich and famous who reside in Portsea's millionaire mansions, or take the Millionaire's Walk to Sorrento along cliff tops, through landscaped gardens and past private jetties for vantage points of the imposing mansions. Explore the fascinating labyrinth of nineteenth century tunnels and fortifications in the Point Nepean National Park that were built to guard Port Phillip Heads.

Photos: Yanni

April 2021

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Real Estate

CLIFFTOP living

T

he property happily named Braeside is a sanctuary, an escape from the pressures of a busy Melbourne life but less than an hour’s drive from the CBD. The property provides an acre of clifftop living with exceptional views, from the glint of the sun on the city skyscape to clouds settling on the You Yangs to Port Philip Bay with its clear waters and marine craft wending its way to and from the Heads. Once the gates are closed there is an immediate feeling of peace and total privacy.

The house has unusually spacious rooms with high ceilings, excellent for entertaining The ground floor has two large balconies, one open, the other protected by a 8 meter wall of glass, both with spectacular views. There are 6 bedrooms, including a master with en suite, dressing room, study, large sitting room, breakfast servery and balcony, again all enjoying the magnificent view.

Outside there is a N/S floodlit tennis court, a pool with bathroom, changing room and steam room which is surrounded by a huge deck and has an outdoor kitchen as well as a large indoor entertaining area with wet bar and temperature controlled cellar.

The extensive native garden provides different places to sit, to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Bay in total privacy. Close to the gazebo at the bottom, beyond the safety fence , the property

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continues to the steps leading down to the Mornington Cliff Walk with its direct access to Mills Beach.

This tightly held home has only had four owners since the block was auctioned off in 1916. At one stage the house was the Danish Honorary Consulate. While modernising and improving the facilities and features of the house all of the renovations have been in keeping with the original style of the home.

- Superb entertaining capability - Grand scale rooms on the ground floor and first floor - Opulent entrance hall - 8m lounge with open fire place - 9m dining room which opens to fully enclosed sun terrace - 8m family kitchen opening to breakfast balcony and pool - large powder room - 6th guest bedroom with ensuite used for guests

29-31 Kalimna Drive, Mornington $16,500,000 - $17,500,000 Private inspections, call Alex Corradi: 0401 034 492 danckert.com.au

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History

Three brothers go to war and only one returns

By Peter McCullough

W

hen the “Great War” ended in 1918, Australia had a population of less than five million. During the previous four years about 500,000 Australians wore some type of uniform and few families were untouched by events in distant lands.

For 61,000 families, telegrams delivered the tragic news that a loved one had been lost. Some families had the misfortune to suffer bad news more than once: the Somers family of Mornington was one of those.

Dr J L Edgeworth Somers was a much-loved and highly respected doctor in Mornington in the late 19th and early 20th century. He died in 1938. Three of his sons enlisted during the First World War, but two never returned.

This story comes from records at the Australian War Memorial and the book 'Our Boys at the Front', published by the Mornington and District Historical Society.

SOMERS, Noel Travers Edgeworth Enlisted 14/12/1914; killed in action 8/8/1915.

Noel was a 21-year-old bank clerk and stated on enlistment that he had prior service, namely “Cadet Royal Navy 2 years” and “3

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years OIC Stonyhurst College”. He was in the 5th Reinforcements of the 14th Battalion, which left Melbourne on the Hororata on 17 April 1915, arriving at the Dardanelles on 9 July.

On 8 August he was reported missing at Gallipoli: was he killed or had he been captured by the Turks? It would be a year before the answer was known.

On 6 September 1915, Dr Somers wrote to the army enquiring as to “… the circumstances under which my son is posted as missing, and if you would give me your private opinion as to his chances of being alive and well though a prisoner, or to the greater likelihood of his being dead and not being discovered or identified. My boy had two chums named Friend and Greenwood (14th Battalion).

Could I possibly have their relatives’ names and addresses so as through them to make some enquiries.”

The names and addresses were supplied.

In January 1916 the youngest son, Gervase Somers, wrote to the army stating that a list of prisoners captured by the Turks had been published in The Argus, but his brother’s name was not among them; was another list likely to appear?

Although the Anzacs left Gallipoli in December 1915, the fate of Noel Somers remained unknown.

Eventually a court of enquiry conducted by 4th Infantry

Brigade AIF Headquarters sitting in Serapeum, Egypt, issued a determination on 7 July 1916.

Sometimes the official records throw up a piece of information that leaves the reader guessing.

Although Noel Somers’s body was never found, the finding was based on a document submitted by the Australian Red Cross Information Bureau in Melbourne:

Noel Somers stated in his enlistment papers that he was not married and listed his father as next of kin. When Dr Somers wrote on 6 September 1915 asking for the home addresses of Noel’s chums, Dr Somers concluded his letter: “It is Mrs Somers special wish that the news of whatever kind when it comes should be communicated direct to me and not through the medium of another person.”

“Sgt M P Connelley, 1079, 14th Btn, states that he was Sgt of the platoon of which Somers was a member and was about 100 yards off when the casualty was wounded on the 8th August. They had advanced from trenches two days before near Suvla Bay, two miles inland. Informant saw the casualty hit and could not tell how badly he was hurt but by the way he fell he considered that he was hit through the body. The coy. did not advance beyond the point where the casualty fell, or if they did advance, it was very little. They then retired and the casualty was left there with about 65 of the Btn. either wounded or killed. As far as informant knows the bodies of the dead were not collected by either side. Names of prisoners taken at that fight have been announced and the list did not include that of the casualty. Informant seemed reliable.”

By 29 September, Dr Somers had received a package containing his son’s effects: postcards, hairbrush and letters. Over the next few years he received Noel’s medals, the memorial scroll and memorial plaque.

However three days earlier (3 September 1915) the Officer Commanding of the Australian Records Section of the AIF in Alexandria received the following instruction: “In the event of any casualty to No. 2015 Private N T E Somers, 14th Battalion, will you please notify his wife, Sister Somers, Military Hospital, Grand Hotel, Helouan.”

All of his effects, medals, etc were sent to his father as next of kin.

Also, while service records of other soldiers contain a very basic will, this was missing from the file of Noel Somers. continued next page...

Top left: Anzac Beach, Gallipoli, 1915.

Right: The Red Cross report stating the circumstances of the death of Noel Travers Edgeworth Somers

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SOMERS, Gervase Louis Edgeworth Enlisted 16/5/1917; killed in action 12/10/1918.

An 18-year-old student, Ger­vase had to get permission from his parents to enlist as he was not 21.

He, too, claimed experience in the Sea Cadets (two years) and he was posted as part of the 9th Reinforcements for 60th Battalion.

It was May 1918 before he arrived in France and where he transferred to the 59th Battalion. After a spell in hospital with influenza and attending the Australian Corps School, he was selected to go to England for an infantry cadet course in October 1918.

Below: Australian troops at the Battle of Mont St. Quentin Bottom: A letter explaining death of Gervase Somers

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Sadly he was killed before departing and was buried in the Prospect Hill Cemetery, near St Quentin in France.

By May 1919 Dr Somers was signing for a package of personal effects: address book, leather cigarette case, leather card case, notebook, paper knife, silver spoon, wallet, cards, and photos.

In July a separate package arrived with a pocket book, and then came medals and the memorial scroll and plaque.

Photographs of the grave were also supplied.

SOMERS, Neville Edgeworth Enlisted 26/1/1917: discharged 25/3/1919.

A 21-year-old medical student, Neville claimed four years in the Sea Cadets as relevant experience. After training at No. 5 Australian General Hospital he embarked on 10 May 1917, reaching Suez on 20 June.

Originally allocated to the Camel Field Ambulance, he was considered surplus to requirements and transferred to the 1st Light Horse Ambulance and saw out the war in Palestine.

Like many others in that campaign, Neville did not escape the scourge of malaria. The Peninsula Post of 31 January 1919 tells of an incident he experienced earlier. It reported: “Some months ago a horse he was riding was killed by a shell which burst nearby, and although Trooper Somers narrowly escaped death, he suffered severely from shock for some time and has since been in hospital with malaria for two months.”

This incident may be the explanation for his misdemeanour on 3 February when he was fined for “offensive language to an NCO”.

Trooper Somers embarked for Australia on 26 January 1919 and was discharged on 25 March with the intention of resuming his university studies.

Did Neville Somers complete his medical studies? His service record gives no indication.

The next document on his file, after his discharge papers, was a letter written in 1945 to the Officer-in-Charge, AIF Base Records in Canberra, requesting a copy of his statement of service.

By now he was using his full name, “Neville Essex Edgeworth de Firmont Somers”. It is understandable that it was not revealed to the boys in the Camel Corps or in the Light Horse.

Neville’s letter requesting a copy of his statement of service explained politely and in some detail that while serving as an RAF officer in Singapore in 1942, he had to depart in something of a hurry. His personal papers and other effects were to follow by sea, but he never saw them again. He even enclosed a stamp in case the army was short of petty cash.

Above: The memorial board donated by Mrs Somers with the names of her two sons. Gervase Edgeworth Somers was a late addition to the board, tragically killed just before the end of the war.

Below: The Frankston Standard of 25 January 1945 published a snippet that revealed Neville Somers made it through the war after some lucky escapes.

The letter, containing all the details, was not acceptable to the army; “Trooper Somers”, as he was referred to, was required to fill out the detailed statuary declaration to which was attached a form with a number of questions. Even then there was no guarantee of a favourable response; only “... further consideration will be given to the matter”.

Although the covering page contained all the necessary detail, the army asked Neville to “... detail the circumstances under which the papers were lost”.

Probably mouthing a few of the words that got him into so much trouble in Palestine in 1918, the old trooper wrote “Act of God”.

Even the army baulked at the thought of questioning the act of the Supreme Being, and the request was acceded to. continued next page...

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The Heartbroken Somers Parents Dr James Louis Edgeworth Somers The father of the three soldiers was a larger–than–life character in Mornington and the wider peninsula community for many years.

In 'The Bush – A story of the Mornington Bush Nursing Hospital'

by Hilary Abeyaratne, we are given an insight into his contribution: “'Pioneer practitioner' was the term used by The Peninsula Post to describe Dr J L Edgworth Somers when he was, on account of his long and meritorious service in the area, given the honour of addressing the gathering at the opening of the hospital in 1937. In practice on the peninsula since 1892, one of its best known and respected citizens, Dr Somers was still amazingly fit at 75 when he died most suddenly and unexpectedly, 'a grand old gentleman and an ornament to the medical profession'.

He was loved as a doctor given to great skill in diagnosis, and also highly respected as the chairman of the local justices. In fact, the day before he died he presided over the cases listed at the local police court for the morning, did one set of his medical rounds soon after, another in the afternoon and again one that night, apparently in perfect health.

He is also remembered for the white horse on which he made his calls (although he later owned both a motorcycle and a car) and for the pack of noisy dogs that accompanied them to herald his arrival.

Dr Somers’s story before coming to Mornington is 'most remarkable and romantic'. The son of a doctor in Ireland, he was, at 19, the youngest at that time in the British Empire to obtain his BA (Cantab) before going on for his clinical studies at St Mary’s Hospital, London.

In the years between his graduation and his coming to Mornington at the age of 30, he had had a most adventurous life. He was serving as a surgeon at Fort Juby in West Africa when he was attacked and badly wounded by marauders; he was rescued by a friendly Arab tribe

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with whom he remained for the next couple of years, living as an Arab.

Later, he lived and practised in South America and Spain before coming to Australia in 1890 where he first toured Queensland on foot before coming to Victoria and Mornington.

He served the town for 45 years, never missing his daily swim at the baths, in winter or summer, until a couple of years before he died in his sleep at his home, Tarfayah, in Albert Street on 17 February 1938.

Shortly after his death the citizens of Mornington erected a cairn and sundial. It was dedicated on 16 July 1939 by Sir George Fairbairn and the inscription reads: 'This sundial is set here in memory of a beloved physician, James Louis Edgeworth Somers, who ministered to the sick of the Mornington Peninsula from 1893 to 1938'.”

Frances Mabel Edgeworth Somers Mrs Somers was the daughter of Dr Joseph P Usher of Ballarat and a cousin of Dr Somers. Apart from three boys, the family also included two girls: Florence Ruth Mary Edgeworth Somers and Monica Mary Patricia Edgeworth Somers.

Mrs Somers shared the “intense anxiety” that Dr Somers referred to in one of his letters to the AIF when they were waiting on news of Noel.

On 15 June 1917, The Peninsula Post wrote in its editorial that “The memory of Pte. Somers is kept alive in St Macartan’s Church by two beautiful silver vases, suitably inscribed, presented by Mrs Somers ...”.

In a letter to The Post in November, 1917, Mrs Somers said she was to make a presentation to the Shire of Mornington of a memorial board of the fallen of the district, as a “small personal gift”, and expressed the hope that a more enduring marble memorial would be erected after the war to which she would contribute.

On 22 December the memorial board was officially presented by

Mrs Somers before “a large assemblage of relatives and friends”.

It was described as “beautifully carved by an English artist (a brother of an Imperial Officer) ...” and bearing the names of 20 boys from the district.

It was unveiled with great ceremony by His Excellency Sir John Maddern, Lt Governor, whose stirring speech was reported in The Post on 4 January 1918: “The noblest feelings of humanity which are theirs, adorned their character and their sacrifice, and so our grief was assuaged in the pride of their heroic deeds.”

Sadly, more grief lay ahead for the Somers family with the death of Gervase toward the end of the war. His name was added to the board, which can be viewed at the Mornington RSL, beside that of his brother.

The grief of Mrs Somers was made more tangible by poems she wrote which were published in The Post after the war.

Our Boys at the Front: 1914-18 The Morn­ington Peninsula at war from the pages of the Peninsula Post is an excellent resource for anyone interested in this period of history. It includes a DVD.

Left: Dr James Louis Edgeworth Somers and Frances Mabel Edgeworth Somers.

Right: A sundial atop a cairn was erected in the memory of Dr James Somers. Today it stands largely forgotten in a small park on the corner of the Nepean Highway and Main St in Mornington.

Below: The poems that were published in the Peninsula Post.

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