Peninsula Essence August 2020

AUGUST 2020

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PENINSULA Living & visiting on the Mornington Peninsula

Wholehearted Masterchef • Heritage Farm Family • Tree To Sea Backyard Hens And Hemp • Exquisite Detail • MPRG 'FIFTY' • Pickle Perfection Empowered To Succeed • Morven A Feeling • Found Dead

Luxury and style in Mornington Whether it is a custom made sofa or lounge, or expert reupholstery, we craft our pieces with love and care.

Together we will create furniture that you will love for a lifetime.

RNIN (03) 5975 0344 | info@sorrentofurniture.com.au

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Wholehearted Masterchef

Wholesome chef Dann Venn talks about philosophies for families and how she has navigated the lock down from her kitchen, but isolating in her Mornington Peninsula home to safeguard her family during a pandemic is a whole new experience.

12. Heritage Farm Family

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Rach Koch and Matt Taylor share the joys of living at Heritage Farm with their young toddler, creating one of the few organic farms and growing some of the finest produce in the region.

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Arts 18. Tree To Sea Innovation and idea sharing have been key ingredients for three friends in designing what they now consider to be ideal surfboards. In addition to being naturally beautiful, the boards they craft are light, durable and eco friendly.

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21. Backyard Hens And Hemp

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There are a variety of different options that can be used for chicken bedding and nesting. Common ones are straw and hay but these bring problems of their own. Find out how hemp is a more sustainable alternative.

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Market Place Feature

Father's Day Gift Guide Proudly published by

Writers: Andrea Louise Thomas, Erica Louise, Andrea Rowe, Ilma Hackett, Melissa McCullough Photography: Yanni, Gary Sissons Creative: Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne Publisher: Melissa McCullough Advertising: Brooke Hughes, 0409 219 282 or email brooke@mpnews.com.au Phone: (03) 5974 9000 Registered address: 63 Watt Road, Mornington 3931 www.peninsulaessence.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).

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26. MPRG "FIFTY' Images that celebrate the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery’s 50th anniversary with 'FIFTY'. A large-scale exhibition that highlights the development and growth of this significant collection.

Eat & Drink 28. Pickle Perfection Dillicious is a small family business based on the Mornington Peninsula.

Husband and wife co-owners James and Liz Barbour are committed to their goal of creating Dillicious food that makes people smile.

34. Empowered To Succeed Chief’s Son distillery are known for their big, bold creamy malts, and have a strong following of true whisky aficionados. Owners and distillers Stuart and Naomi McIntosh are about to launch their most ambitious single malt whisky yet– The Tanist.

Real Estate 44. Morven A Feeling

History 46. Found Dead Cover Image by Yanni

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Living so near to the beach, fine artist Gabrielle Young has always been captivated by marine life. Seahorses and sea dragons in beautiful patterns bob in the deepest blues in her meticulously drawn pen and ink artworks.

A sensational bay view and a premier Mornington address on Beleura Hill.

This home was built by Croft Wootton and showcases quality inclusions at every turn.

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

22. Exquisite Detail

Cold mornings during the winter months on the Mornington Peninsula often have a wondrous effect on the local flora. Tiny water droplets can sit for many hours during the day on plants and flowers, creating beautiful art for those who wish to get close to nature..

August 2020

Fisherman Peter Orsini who was buried on 27 July 1868 was No 7 in the Tyabb Cemetery Register, he was only 24 years of age. The entry has his name as Peter Osine but this has a line through it and the surname Orsini written.

Plus 6. Peninsula Styles 43. Crossword

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Now is a great opportunity to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with living at Village Glen, with a select range of premium apartments and villas available at up to 25% off their normal price.

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LUDUCO LIVING Himolla Seine Recliner Chair.

5 size options including lift and rise, and heart balance. Prices from $4999.

Exclusive to Luduco Living Peninsula Home Centre Mornington 1128-1132 Nepean Hwy P 5973 4899 luducoliving.com.com.au

KOA BY KAITLIN Koa is a ceramics brand based on the Mornington Peninsula by industrial designer Kaitlin Liddell. Handcrafted from the earth, Kaitlin's ceramics are designed to bring a sense of slow living into your home while leaving a positive impact on the environment around you.

Shop 47 Kareela Rd, Frankston koabykaitlin.com.au

Peninsula

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

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DENOR HOMEWARES Always willing to have a chat about your kitchen & dining needs with personalised service, generous loyalty program, seniors discounts & free gift wrapping. Open 7 Days a week.

Shop 3 / 26 McLaren Pl. Mornington P 5976 8868 denorhomewares.com.au

Destination … home! Welcome to the simple life. The weeks feel longer, the days are slower and you sense more time in your day. You are more relaxed then you’ve ever been. Your home is a reflection of living simply, but in style. The simple life encourages investment in timber pieces that are rustic in design and are easy to style. It features neutral colours that provide a sense of calm and hero furniture pieces that are perfect mix of comfort and style. The finer details that bring this lifestyle to life lie within the texture of rugs, decorator books, cushion patterns and stems of trending florals such as cotton.

You live knowing that the simple things in life are the most enriching and you don’t need a lot to feel content.

Adventure awaits .. transform your space to reflect the person you truly are.

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

FOX & THREAD

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Inspired by our own natural effortless surrounds of Mt Martha, we create & curate contemporary, functional and thoughtful leather goods.

Each piece handcrafted here in Mt Martha.

August 2020

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Domestic & Commercial • Businesses • Households • Schools • Retail Outlets • Gyms • Hospitality • Offices • Factories August 2020

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For me cooking has always been about recreating food memories and I’ve loved helping share that with others

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August 2020

WHOLEHEARTED

masterchef

By Andrea Rowe Photos Yanni & Supplied

W

e caught up with the wholesome chef Dani Venn to talk MasterChef Mystery Boxes, healthy eating philosophies for families and how she has navigated the lockdown from her kitchen.

Dani Venn is no stranger to plating up immunity-winning dishes that get the nation talking.

Immunity pins are familiar to her (Dani was the first MasterChef Australian contestant to win two), but isolating in her Mornington Peninsula home to safeguard her family during a pandemic is a whole new experience. continued next page...

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The isolation hasn’t stopped Dani from embracing nourishing ingredients and whipping up wholesome comfort food for her family.

She has also been sharing those recipes online with fellow foodies.

“Sri Lankan food really heroes the produce. You get mind-blowing meals that are vibrant, unique and so fragrant in flavour - full of foundation spices, and aromatic ingredients.”

A 2011 MasterChef Finalist, Dani returned for MasterChef All Stars in 2012, and again in the Back to Win MasterChef 12th season.

Mornington Peninsula-based Dani says MasterChef has been life changing.

Many of these ingredients find their way into Dani’s signature dishes like her Season 12 opening winning dish, Pineapple Mud Crab Curry.

“It’s allowed me to explore so many opportunities, to be creative, and to celebrate my own style of cooking and the aromatic flavours I love.”

Dani says a stand out MasterChef experience was cooking for His Holiness, the Dalai Lama in 2011.

“That was amazing. I’d followed his teachings for years, so cooking a Sri Lankan Vegetarian curry for him and winning the challenge was one of the best moments of my life.”

Dani had felt similar cuisine connections volunteering in Vietnam years earlier on a high school gap-year programme. “South Eastern flavours are as generous as the people who welcome you.”

Lockdown hasn’t been ideal, but it’s been nice to find pleasures in the simple things

“For me, cooking has always been about recreating food memories and I’ve loved helping share that with others.”

Fast forward to her Mornington Peninsula kitchen in 2020 lockdown, and bubbly Dani has an apron full of thoughtful observations.

With Sri Lankan flavours making an appearance in many of her dishes, Dani is equally tickled to have been declared an honorary Sri Lankan: “That’s such an incredible honour; Sri Lankans are such wonderful people.”

“Like many of us, my concept of time has changed, the urgency to fit everything in has slowed, and it’s been a time of growth and change for me. Lockdown hasn’t been ideal, but it’s been nice to find pleasures in the simple things.”

With just a camera and a backpack, Dani first travelled to Sri Lanka to share the incredible stories of women’s losses after the Boxing Day tsunami.

While many of us spent isolation glued to MasterChef to watch Dani’s immunity winning curries, she’s been focused on whipping up nourishing meals at home for five-year-old Harlow and two-yearold Oscar. With a focus on family wellbeing, her Instagram account shows she just as nifty with the leftovers as the fresh produce, and she shares the fun of wholesome cooking with her kids.

“Resilience and hope kept them going, and food was a wonderful connection. Sri Lanka was life changing for me: meeting incredible people, and learning to recreate amazing curries.”

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August 2020

“I enjoy wholefoods and what they represent. When I became a parent, I looked for healthier ingredients and experimented to make them work for family-friendly dishes. Wholefoods became my passion.”

Melrose Health. And while her Wholehearted Wellness Retreats are on hold for now, she has been equally generous in sharing her recipes through social media.

“Going into MasterChef Mystery Box challenges this time around, I was using ingredients I hadn’t used in a long time – like white flour and sugar. I had to retrain my brain a little, but that has equipped me to be a versatile cook in times of scarcity. I’ve placed value on different ingredients again, and experimenting with using them in moderation.”

While Dani’s culinary journey has taken her into new territories, moving her family to the Mornington Peninsula from the Yarra Valley in 2018 has been equally fulfilling.

Dani says her own home-kitchen Mystery Box must-haves are fresh curry leaves, coconut and pineapple.

Dani’s advice to other isolating families right now? “This is the perfect time to get in your kitchen, try something new, and just go back to basics. Even in these challenging times, everyone is so open to sharing and suggesting recipes.”

Dani says her mum, Jenny, influenced her appreciation of food.

“When I was five, she went to cooking classes with the wonderful chef Elizabeth Chong.”

“I loved the exotic ingredients mum brought home, tasting salted black beans and oyster sauce, or watching mum pull out the portable gas cooker and lighting the wok. I fell in love with the theatre of it all.”

Known to many as ‘The Wholehearted Cook’, Dani shares her food philosophies through partnerships with Coles and

“It was all about being close to the ocean. I love that in 20 minutes I’m driving up quiet country roads to Red Hill, or walking the Mornington to Mt Martha foreshore with gorgeous views.”

Dani has also enjoyed making Peninsula connections, acknowledging that “finding community is about putting yourself out there and being open to experiences.”

She is continuing to make our own home cooking lives easier, recently releasing a series of family-friendly Dani Venn Sri Lankan style sauces in partnership with Coles Supermarkets “They capture the flavours of my favourite cuisine and make family dinners easier to pull together. I’ve adapted my cooking during times of scarcity, but when it comes down to it, we’re all cooking nourishing food from a place of love.”

Follow Dani Venn at www.danivenn.com.au Instagram: www.instagram.com/danivenn Photo: Julie Haines

GLASS HALF FULL? TOP UP YOUR SALES BY ADVERTISING IN

Book into the next issue Call Brooke on 0409 219 282 brooke@mpnews.com.au August 2020

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HERITAGE FARM family

By Erica Louise Photos Gary Sissons

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ach Koch and Matt Taylor share the joys of living at Heritage Farm with their young toddler, a paddock full

of sheep, flocks of chickens, ducks and a handful of rescued alpacas. Organic farming may not be a typical career choice for many young couples, but Rach and Matt have been hard at work since 2017 after purchasing their 20-acre farm property in Moorooduc.

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They are proud of all they have achieved at Heritage Farm given. when they started, the farm’s soil quality fell within the bottom 9% of the country. Now they have created one of the few organic farms in the region and grow fine produce.

For Rach, the seeds for her career were sown as a child when she first read Enid Blyton’s book The Children of Cherry Tree Farm. It wasn’t until she was studying Arts and Science at university that she opened her first book on permaculture.

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“I was so fascinated I stayed up reading until 2am.

There and then I decided I wanted to become a farmer as farming touches on all the things I am passionate about – health, nutrition, social equality, the environment and climate change,” said Rach.

Farming is easy to romanticise about, but so much harder to do

Matt was also keen on the idea, but they took a staged approach to launching their own farm. While living on a property in Frankston, they started with a small veggie patch, kept chickens and ducks, and planted fruit trees. Here they met an older couple with a farm in Moorooduc who could no longer maintain their land. They offered Rach and Matt the use of their acreage so they could try farming for a year. To build upon her knowledge and practical skills, Rach simultaneously interned at a local biodynamic farm for six months.“Farming is easy to romanticise about, but so much harder to do,” she said. “We needed to make sure this was something we both really wanted.”

The year passed and the couple were convinced and eager to begin their own organic farm journey. They began their search for a suitable property, although most farms would prove to be too expensive.

“We really wanted to be on the Peninsula. We both grew up here, our parents still live here, and we had planned on having children in the foreseeable future,” said Rach. “We gave ourselves a three-year timeline. If we hadn’t found anything within that time-frame, we would start looking at Gippsland and delay having a family.”

With only month to go before the deadline, they found suitable, albeit rundown, acreage in Moorooduc. Dead soil, overgrazed land, broken fences and a lack of biological life were all items on the growing list of things to fix.

“Although there was much work to do, we figured they were things we could fix with some time and effort. Besides, we couldn’t afford to buy anywhere else.”

The couple have done a tremendous job in restoring substandard soil back into fertile land. Heritage Farm now supplies the local community with 70 boxes of organic veggie boxes, and chicken and duck eggs, as well as supplying eggs to regional vineyards. continued next page...

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August 2020

ADVENTURE AWAITS SPRING 2020

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The business has also expanded and Heritage Farm now employs eight part-time team members.

However, with farming the work never stops and there are always external factors impacting on life on the land.

“The awful bushfire season’s smoke haze saw us working outside and wearing facemasks while we looked after our animals. It was a huge health risk but we had no other choice.”

COVID-19 restrictions threw a huge shovel in the works too, and the couple have rejigged their business plan multiple times over to adapt to the ever-changing landscape.

Parenthood presents a completely different set of challenges to farming life.

There is also the ongoing juggle of finding the right balance between work and family life, as the couple welcomed the youngest member of their team shortly after taking over the farm: their baby boy Kingsley.

“Parenthood presents a completely different set of challenges to farming life. On the one hand we are lucky, as so many parents we know are racing home to their families at 6pm to see their kid(s) before they’re put to bed. We don’t have that problem. Our challenge is when we are out in the paddock and Kingsley wants our attention, and in winter it is too cold for him to be outside. But it is a beautiful way to grow up and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Rach and Matt encourage you to explore Heritage Farm by booking onto a “Feed the Animals Farm Tour.” Here you will learn about the couple’s organic farming practices and get to hand feed the animals including Chance, Chase, Dino and Eureka, the alpacas. It is also possible to book a farm stay experience at Heritage Farm, with family friendly accommodation sleeping up to seven people.

Follow Rach and Matt’s Heritage Farming journey in Moorooduc by visiting www.heritagefarm.com.au.

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August 2020

MARK

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E Your guide to the peninsula market place, offering unique homewares, fashion and accessories, jewellery, art and fresh local produce just to name a few!

Verdant Dwellings EXCELLENCE IN INDOOR PLANTS

Locally hand-poured soy candles, room sprays and diffusers that make the perfect gift or addition to your home.

Head online to design your very own custom fragrance or choose from 20 of our popular blends.

SPECIAL OFFER Receive 10% off online orders, simply enter PENESSENCE10 at the checkout (offer ends 31/10/2020).

Ph: 0487 253 111 www.redhillcandleco.com.au

Verdant Dwellings, located in the Dromana Industrial Estate, is a dedicated indoor plant growing warehouse and retail space. With over 200sq meters dedicated to sales of over 200 varieties, you are sure to find what you're after. Family owned and operated by a 20 year industry horticulturalist, expect quality plants and advice.

Open to the public every Friday from 10am to 2pm and Saturday from 9am to 12pm or online 24/7. Shipping available Australia wide excluding WA and the NT.

Locally Handmade * Earrings *Candles *Melts *Necklaces *Diffusers SPOIL YOURSELF OR GIVE AS A GIFT Purchase online @ www.caslieandco.com.au

For more information visit www.verdantdwellings.com.au Call 0404 046 462

continuing to support you and your business Home deliveries of fresh nuts, seeds, dried fruits, coconut products, home made humpercrunch muesli, chocolates and more.

Head to our website to place your order www.peninsulanutco. com.au M 0402 097 545 info@peninsulanutco. com.au

DISCOVER THE EXCITING NEW LITTLE SPRITZ! Visit our Little Spritz Tasting Bar and enjoy a taste of summer all year round* All products are available for takeaway or online sales.

Open Thursday to Sunday 11am-5pm or by appointment.

For more information on this unique Peninsula destination or to book a private tasting or event, contact Natalie:

P: E: FB: W: A:

Contact Brrooke Hughes P: 0409 219 282 brooke@mpnews.com.au looking after your advertising needs during these uncertain times with unique advertising features to suit your budget

0439 368 181 hello@littlespritz.com.au littlespritz INSTA: @littlespritz littlespritz.com.au 20 Brasser Ave, Dromana

*Subject to COVID regulations, please check our website for up to date information.

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Arts

TREE TO sea

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni

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hree friends, Rob Ivers, Gary Miller and Darren Minchin are united by their passion for surfing, their love of timber surfboards and the craftsmanship that goes into making them.

They teach wooden surfboard making workshops in their purpose-built indoor/outdoor workspace in Mount Eliza.

Innovation and idea sharing have been key ingredients in designing what they now consider to be ideal surfboards. In addition to being naturally beautiful, the boards they craft are light, durable and eco friendly. Many years of trial, error and critical thinking have gone into the process.

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It all began ten years ago when Rob met American, Rich Blundell, pioneer of the wooden surfboard making workshop and founder of Tree to Sea in the USA. Shortly after that, Rob met Gary through a mutual friend. The two of them talked about bringing the workshop idea to Australia.

So they invited Blundell and it was with him that they taught their first workshop. It was hugely successful. Their subsequent workshops filled fast. When Blundell returned to America, Rob and Gary made an agreement with him to use the name Tree to Sea.

The team crafted surfboards using Blundell’s original template of the hollow wooden board with fibreglass coating. Their boards became further refined when Rob and Gary invited carpenter Darren to join their team. His expertise as a carpenter took their workshops to another level.

They continued to refine and innovate their boards. What they really wanted was to create a more environmentally friendly product. That meant not using fibreglass. They spent years researching, developing and testing an altogether new method of construction. In 2017, they made a breakthrough resulting in what they call the ECO board. continued next page...

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Because of their strength, ECO boards are hard to 'ding'.

Our boards are long lasting

Their ECO boards are made using a sandwich design. Inside is a pre-shaped recycled polystyrene blank and outside is lightweight plantation timber. Each board is one of a kind as each piece of timber has it’s own unique grain pattern.

This is what the team at Tree to Sea love most the natural beauty of the wood.

“When surfboards were first made, they were all timber. We liked the legacy of the timber boards from California and Hawaii. We wanted to stay true to the surfboard's origins - surfers making their own boards,” Rob says.

Timber from the Paulownia tree makes their boards light, durable and beautiful, but better yet, the timber is sustainable and sourced in Australia. The Paulownia is also known as the Phoenix tree because when it is felled, another will grow in its place in an endless cycle of renewal.

There is virtually no waste in the manufacture of Tree to Sea surfboards. Their foam blanks (cores) are made in Melbourne.

Off cuts are recycled to make new blanks.

Every aspect of their surfboard making takes sustainability into account.

Tree to Sea surfboards are strong and renewable. “Because of their strength, ECO boards are hard to 'ding'. Our boards are long lasting. If a board is 'dinged', it can be easily repaired,” Gary says. The boards are finished with Australian made marine varnish and don’t deteriorate. The strength is in the timber and the construction method.

As enduring as the boards themselves are the friendships made and bonds built at their workshops.

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People of all ages and backgrounds come to make surfboards with Rob, Gary and Darren.

Something about making together creates a real sense of camaraderie and community that has proven to be enduring.

Making is therapeutic. Crafting something by hand is absorbing, deeply satisfying and can be said to have healing benefits. The team have worked with participants with a range of disabilities and with disengaged youth to learn skills, find healing and satisfaction in making. Now they are in discussions with returned soldiers from the Australian Defence Forces struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

It’s a pleasure to surf on a handmade board, but even better to have made it yourself.

Because the boards are made from scratch, they can be made in almost any size, shape or length customised to suit each person’s needs. Makers can even adorn their boards with original artwork before varnishing them.

Not everyone has the time or inclination to make a surfboard. At Tree to Sea the team can also custom-make boards for any type of surfer from beginner to expert. Having lived and surfed on the Mornington Peninsula all their lives, Rob, Gary and Darren know how to make the perfect surfboard.

To book a weekend workshop or order a surfboard, visit: www.treetosea.com.au

BACKYARD HENS & hemp Hemp increasing in popularity

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here are a variety of different options that can be used for chicken bedding and nesting. Common ones are straw and hay but these bring problems as they are poor absorbers of moisture so need frequent cleaning and replacement. Hay goes mouldy when wet which isn’t good for anyone let alone the hens!

More recently, industrial hemp fibre has come onto the market and brought with it some significant advantages over traditional bedding materials. Why is this?

in the coop can go into the compost or put directly onto your vegetable garden after allowing enough time for it to break down the hen droppings.

Hemp is an exceptional absorber of moisture so can efficiently dry-out chook droppings and allow them to break-down into compost very rapidly. It also has antibacterial properties so that any bacteria on your hen’s dirty feet, feathers or droppings has less of a chance to grow on and contaminate freshly laid eggs. Hemp is also a wonderful insulator for nesting boxes and bedding areas to keep them warm and cosy.

At Talking Hens we sell a range of different volumes of hemp ranging from small to our large 140L bales. We can advise you on exactly how much you might need for your coop and how best to use it. When hemp is used in the dry areas of your coop, it will last for well-over a year and be a great addition to the health and cleanliness of your backyard chicken environment.

There are different types of hemp which can be used for health and medicinal purposes. Some are used by people for ailments while industrial hemp has no nutritional use but is excellent for use in bedding materials for your hens. Hemp that has been used

Talking Hens: 3590 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks VIC Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10am - 4pm T: 0406 691 231 W: talkinghens.com.au

Looking forbackyard backyard henshens Looking for but unsure where to start? but unsure where to start?

Talking Hens is a family business that loves backyard chickens! We like them so much that we

Talking Hens isspecialise a family business loves backyard chickens! in supplying onlythat the friendliest, besthens along best quality products to We like themlaying so much thatwith wethespecialise in supplying only the keep them happy and healthy. friendliest, best-laying hens along with the best quality products There’s nothing like the friendship, entertainment to keep them happy and nutrition that you receiveand fromhealthy. our laying hens - a pleasure to be shared!

There’s nothing like the friendship, entertainment and nutrition Visit our Website learn more and that you receive from our layingtohens - a pleasure to be shared! download our FREE, Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Chickens at:

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Or visitdownload our farm on anyour Friday, and FREE, Beginner’s Saturday, Sunday or Monday between 10amto - 4pm.

Guide Backyard Chickens at: 3590 Frankston-Flinders Rd Merricks.

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Orwww.facebook.com/TalkingHens visit our farm on any Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday Mention this ad between 10am - 4pm. and get 10% off your first purchase.

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For enquiries 0406 691 231

www.facebook.com/TalkingHens August 2020

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EXQUISITE detail

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Andrea Louise Thomas & Supplied

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atterns intrigue fine artist Gabrielle Young. “All of my art series are about patterns,” she says. Growing up and living on the Mornington Peninsula has been an endless source of inspiration and source material. “ The flora and fauna, raw back beaches, serene bay beaches, country roads and leafy lanes - I love figuring out the patterns in all of them,” she says.

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Living so near to the beach, Gabrielle has always been captivated by marine life. Seahorses and sea dragons bob in the deepest blues in her meticulously drawn pen and ink artworks. “I love to walk on the beach discovering shells and sea creatures. They all have beautiful patterns,” she says.

continued next page...

Expect to pay around half the price FOR AN APPOINTMENT CALL

1300 230 430 SUITE 6 UPPER LEVEL 38A MAIN STREET, MORNINGTON w w w. d i a m o n d c o c o . c o m . a u August 2020

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It was almost inevitable that Gabrielle would become an artist because her mother was a high school art teacher and potter who not only encouraged her daughter to express herself creatively, but also taught her methods and mediums to explore. Every birthday and Christmas brought new kinds of art supplies to try out.

Her father was a physics lecturer. He brought a love of science into the mix. In fact, Gabrielle did not pursue a degree in art, but received her degree in Applied Science. She works as a speech pathologist. You can see the science in Gabrielle’s exquisite depictions of flora and fauna.

Though she chose a career in speech pathology, Gabrielle was always working on her art, taking classes or courses. “I decided to build a secondary career in art when my children were little.

A friend of mine and I decided to join the local art society. That was when I started exhibiting. It was a recreation that became a career,” she says.

Drawing has always been her first and foremost passion. She has worked in pastels and watercolour, but her current work in inks is the most exciting to her. She says, “I wanted something wilder and bolder so I chose ink over watercolour.”

“People can recognise my work by ink. I love that ink is precarious and unpredictable. You get a different effect depending on air temperature, water mix and drying time. You can put layer upon layer of ink. I might have between five to fifteen layers of background ink,” she says.

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To get different effects, she plays with the drying time between layers. On an inking day, she’ll start early and be on her feet all day. There is a lot of problem solving involved in getting the effect she wants. Half the time she doesn’t get what she expects, but she embraces that. It becomes a puzzle to solve. She can come back to work on it later.

Inking days are precarious. By contrast, filling in the details is the predictable part. “These are calm, relaxing, mindful days. I am a planner by nature, but even an experimental day requires planning,” she says.

Intricacy is a characteristic in all of her artworks and influences the subjects she chooses. She loves dragonflies, for instance, not just because they are peaceful and relaxing creatures, but they have beautiful shape and intricate wing patterns. She likes to add her own quirky patterns into their wings.

In her pocket-watches and locks series, the patterns are more cerebral and symbolic. They are about communication, connection, emotion, sensory experience and time in all its facets.

The stories in them are more personal for her, though she always finds viewers’ interpretations of them interesting.

Vintage and antique items interest her because, much like her own work, there is so much detail in the craftsmanship. Her clocks series was actually inspired by her great grandfather’s pocket watch.

As a child, Gabrielle loved children’s books with picture mysteries. Her artwork, The Key, is a tribute to them. The clue is in the title of the piece; the viewer has to find the patterns, the inconsistency and connect the dots.

Gabrielle works both from photographs and imagination. She often blends the two. She conceptualises the piece in her mind, often spending weeks thinking about it before putting it on paper.

Coronavirus lockdown led to her latest landscape series. Because she was limited in where she could travel, she concentrated on what she saw driving to and from work along the Peninsula back roads. Her focus became local flora.

Gabrielle feels she has the perfect balance in life with secure, rewarding, science-based work as a speech pathologist juxtaposed with the relaxing, creative mindfulness of art. You can see the serenity in her work. www.gabrielleyoungartist.com

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1970 - 2020 FIFTY is a celebration of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery’s 50th anniversary with a large-scale exhibition that highlights the development and growth of this significant collection.

Founded in 1969 by Alan McCulloch, the Mornington Peninsula Arts Centre, as it was then known, acquired its first artwork in 1970. Over the past 50 years the Collection has grown to include over 1800 objects, including paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures.

Visit mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au to find out more about exhibitions, online events and creative activities and for the most up to date information on the measures the gallery is implementing to keep visitors and staff safe.

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Eat & Drink

PICKLE perfection

By Melissa McCullough Photos Supplied

D

illicious is a small family business based on the Mornington Peninsula. Two lovers of food, an Aussie and an American, the co-owners are a husband and wife team committed to their goal of creating Dillicious food that makes people smile. continued next page...

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HELL SHIP: THE JOURNEY OF THE TICONDEROGA

Saturday 22 August 6pm Live streamed from our theatre to you at home via Facebook & YouTube.

Writer and performer Michael Veitch takes us on his great-great grandfather’s journey - one where love wins and families are born. This one-man play tells one of our great local maritime stories.

Tickets priced at whatever you can afford!

More info at thefac.com.au

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Pickles that are healthy, crunchy and tasty. We believe we've nailed all three

Liza Barbour is a recently converted picklelover and oversees Dillicious' administration, marketing, communications and gets to meet pickle-lovers in person from behind their stall at weekend markets. Liza is an Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitian, a lecturer in Public Health Nutrition at Monash University and is currently working towards her PhD researching how public policy can improve food sustainability and health.

Liza's nutrition career is extensive, having worked as a community dietitian in remote Western Australia, the Kingdom of Tonga, inner city Melbourne and as the National Nutrition Programs Manager at SecondBite. She is more than passionate about ensuring Dillicious celebrates the farmers and suppliers who produce their ingredients to make products that are both healthy and environmentally sustainable.

James Barbour is the American, the pickle lover, pickle maker and pickle salesman. Over the past 10 years, James has worked in numerous sales roles, primarily selling fresh produce. He supported the growth of Spade & Barrow (an innovative fresh produce wholesaler) as its first employee, and this was followed by his role as head of sales

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for Scicluna's (Melbourne's premier fruit and vegetable wholesaler), and most recently he worked in a national sales role with Coles.

A couple of years ago the pair began making pickles at home and gifting them to friends, who all agreed they were the best pickles they had ever tasted. The business was initially launched as a sidehustle, and in November 2018 James and Liza sold their first jar of pickles at the Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market with their two small children in tow.

James recalls, “Our pickle recipes were made by trial and error, experimenting with different flavours with the aim to make a pickle that was healthy, crunchy and tasty.” Dillicious believes they have nailed all three. Their pickles are a vinegar-based pickle (as opposed to a lacto-fermented pickle). And while sugar is added to most other pickle recipes to soften the acidity of the vinegar, Dillicious' brine is made using local Victorian apple cider vinegar.

“We believe the natural sweetness of apple cider vinegar makes the addition of sugar unnecessary which allows our pickles to get the healthy tick of approval,” says Liza. The crunchiness is achieved through a combination of processes. Firstly, the team uses an old farm technique and soaks the cucumbers in a salty, ice water bath

We've been quickly growing a loyal following that tell us our pickles are the best they've ever had

before pickling. This draws out some of the excess moisture (cucumbers are 96% water) and allows the cucumbers to absorb more brine, more quickly. Secondly, apple cider vinegar has tannins that help strengthen the pectin in cucumbers, which only amplifies the crunch factor (awesome). James and Liza agree: “Taste is subjective, but we love them, and we've been quickly growing a loyal following that tell us our pickles are the best they have ever had. Who are we to disagree?!”

Fast forward one year and Liza and James have gone from 100kg of pickles a month to producing three tonnes per week now with a supporting team. The couple is working with Australia's largest supplier of cheese and specialty foods, Gourmet Providores (Calendar Cheese, Simon Johnson, Australia on a Plate, and Black Pearl Epicure) to distribute their pickles to retailers and food service customers nationally. James quit his job at Coles to focus full-time on producing and selling pickles, managing the growth of their business, while Liza fills her weekends with farmers' markets to keep a direct connection to their customers.

James feels grateful for all of the support they have received and says, “As a small start-up we've got a lot going on, but we're really

proud of the products we make and the business we are building. We've had a lot of help from friends and family and I'm sure we will get a lot more. The best part of growing our business is the input from our customers.”

Liza and James are excited to share their Dillicious pickles with Australia and are thrilled to be building a family business together that feeds off their diverse experiences and expertise. Liza and James are incredibly proud that their goal of making people smile is working out.

The team is launching an exciting new fresh retail product that will be a much more affordable option to make their pickles more accessible. The new format is a 410g tub available in crinkle-cut chips and spears in two flavours, Classic Dill and Spicy Dill.

Dillicious makes American-style dill pickles, with premium Australian ingredients. Americans eat a lot of pickles... more than 1 billion kilograms each year in fact! Why are they not as popular here in Australia? James and Liza believe it is just a matter of time.

For further information visit www.dillicious.com.au or check out Instagram @dillicious_au

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Fathers's Day Gift Guide The Weber 57cm Original Kettle Premium GBS Charcoal Grill WAS $499 NOW $399 WITH BONUS 20KG CHARCOAL is available while stock last at Foxy’s Appliances Peninsula Home Mornington P 5976 7343 foxysappliances.com.au

Looking for a unique gift idea? Give a koala-ty gift with Moonlit Sanctuary gift vouchers.

Easy to purchase online. Located in Pearcedale at the start of the Mornington Peninsula, Moonlit Sanctuary lets you get up close to your favourite Aussie animals. *Subject to COVID restrictions.

Find out more at moonlitsanctuary.com.au

Available at Minzenmay Jewellers the Bulova Curv watches are the only of their kind in the world. Built from the inside out, CURV is engineered to perfection.

152 Main St, Mornington P 5975 2439 minzenmay.com.au

Grab Dad a 6-pack of award winning Hix Beers including Pilsener, Pale ale, Brown ale and Irish stout, all from the comfort of your home. Shop online hickinbotham.biz

SURPRISE YOUR DAD WITH A DAD’S DAY CELEBRATION PACK! Father’s Day is fast approaching and it is going to be a different kind of celebration like everything seems to be this year!

Our Mother’s Day pack was a roaring success and this one for dad’s will be no exception.

A three course meal for two, plus some special treats just for ‘Dad’ will be the order of the day!

Total pack will be $140 (additional adult 3 courses for an extra $40 each and kids can order off our regular kids menu.)

Once again, this will be a pre-booked extravaganza, for either lunch 12 noon till 3pm, or dinner 5 till 8pm.

We will have pick up or delivery options available at the time of booking.

Once again this will be a limited edition pack so you will need to get in early!

Call Hickinbotham of Dromana on 5981 0355 * Subject to COVID restrictions. Please check websites and socials for updated information.

Cheers to all and stay safe!!!

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

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TreAnd gift vouchers and wine packs are the perfect way to treat Dad. Available at TreAnd at Baxter Valley Estate 165 Baxter-Tooradin Rd, Baxter P 0404 837 160 treand.com.au

A Crittenden's Estate gift voucher makes an ideal present for the wine lover in your life and can be redeemed for online purchases or at the Crittenden Wine Centre. Available online or visit Crittenden Estate 25 Harrisons Road, Dromana P 5987 3800 crittendenwines.com.au The Strapper Australian Lager is a unique South East Australian lager style, brewed with heirloom Australian barley and hop varieties for soft bitterness and fresh fruity flavour. standrewsbeachbrewery.com.au

This Father's Day, gift a Chief's Son Single Malt Whisky and the opportunity to connect.

The Tanist Gift Pack: $175 700ml 43% alc/vol Visit their online shop for gift-giving ideas and to view our full range of whiskies or visit the distillery. chiefsson.com.au

YO U R

DA

D

L OV E T H E S L L E WI !

With more time being spent at home, make sure Dad does it in supreme comfort with the Stressless Consul Recliner. Available at Sorrento Furniture in Mornington.

10 Bennetts Rd, Mornington P 5975 0344 sorrentofurniture.com.au August 2020

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EMPOWERED TO succeed

F

amily owned and operated Chief ’s Son Distillery has been producing award winning, handmade Australian single malt whisky from their small batch distillery here on the Mornington Peninsula for close to 10 years.

Known for their big, bold creamy malts, Chief ’s Son has a strong following of true whisky aficionados. And now owners and distillers Stuart and Naomi McIntosh are about to launch their most ambitious single malt whisky yet – The Tanist.

“We wanted to create an accessible whisky that appeals to a wider audience, not just loyal enthusiasts of our brand. A whisky that’s not merely a drink you enjoy, but is part of your lifestyle, part of the family, part of your communication – a true spirit of connection,” says Stuart, “So we went about softening our flagship whisky, the 900 Standard, to produce a whisky that has an easy drinking start with a long, rich finish.”

So what’s behind the name? ‘Chief ’s Son’ is derived from Stuart and Naomi’s surname, McIntosh, which translates Mhic an Tóisich – Son of the Chief – in Scottish Gaelic. Under the ancient Gaelic system of tanistry, the tanist, elected by peers, was the heir apparent to the chief and second in command of the family. The purpose behind the tanist was to ensure succession and strength and stability in the family, they were empowered to succeed.

This whisky is the perfect introduction to the Chief ’s Son range of fine single malts. Once you’ve tasted The Tanist, you’ll be hooked and you’ll want to try more of their handmade, award winning whiskies.

The tanist is the heir apparent

The result is an extraordinarily smooth, sweet, yet rich whisky forged by a long marriage of spirit in ‘double wood’, essentially using two types of oak barrels to mature the spirit. The early smooth honey, sweet vanilla and citrus character is derived from the harder American oak, whilst the bold rich flavours of stone fruits, dark toffees and old sherry come from the lush French oak casks. The rich, oily malts create a honey-like mouthfeel and a beautifully long finish.

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It takes time and patience to produce good whisky and whilst the distillery was established in 2013, Chief ’s Son whiskies have only been available for purchase for just over a year. Stuart and Naomi craft their whisky from speciality malts and handmade barrels to give the whiskies a distinctive flavour, which has been recognised by winning six international awards since going to market, including the 2020 World Whiskies Awards Best Australian Single Malt Single Cask – No Age Statement.

Chief’s Son Distillery has enjoyed a stellar 16 months, with industry influencers tipping big things for this family owned, small batch distillery. The launch of The Tanist, a consistent, accessible, quality whisky, will surely disrupt the market, reshaping the perception of Australian single malt whisky. This is where Australian whisky’s heading – and Chief ’s Son Distillery is leading the charge.

The spirit of

CONNECTION

AUSTRALIAN SINGLE MALT WHISKY

HANDMADE

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

CONNECTION

Chief’s Son Distillery is a vibrant, family owned and operated, small batch, single malt whisky distillery located on the Mornington Peninsula.

The Tanist is our latest release; complex, with hints of honey, vanilla, toffee, sweet smoke and citrus.

Available from the distillery door, website and selected retailers. RRP $115.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR FULL RANGE OF WHISKIES AND FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS

DISTILLERY AND TASTINGS Mon-Fri: 10am to 4pm | Sat & Sun: 11am to 4pm 25/50 Guelph Street Somerville | 03 9013 0859

chiefsson.com.au @chiefssondistillery CSD15978

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on

Mornington

Mornington is a seaside town on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia, with an area of 13.5 km², and located 57 km south-east of Melbourne's central business district.

• Mornington's original post office, built in 1863 at the corner of Main Street and The Esplanade, now operates as a museum displaying old telecommunications equipment and items relating to local history.

It is the home of the Mornington and District Historical Society. On the other side of Main Street is the old court house (built in 1860) and the former police station lock-up (1862).

• An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale struck the town on 2 September 1932 associated with the nearby Selwyn Fault.

No injuries or major damage was reported.

•

Mornington has a long history dating

back to 1802 when explorer Matthew Flinders landed at Schnapper Point. These days, Schnapper Point provides a boat-launching ramp, jetty, yacht club, restaurant and scenic walks providing scenic views along the coast.

•

Mornington Central Shopping Centre is

built on the site of the former Mornington railway station.

•

Every Wednesday, Mornington Main

Street comes alive with the Street Market.

Wednesday market is currently operating as

• The Mornington Pier was built in 1857, and continues to be extended and improved.

a small produce only market during Covid

• Considered to be one of the worst boating accidents in Victoria's history, the Mornington Football Club disaster occurred on the night of May 21st 1892 near Pelican Point just north of Mornington. Fifteen members of the Mornington football team set out earlier that day on the "Process", owned and skippered by Charles Hooper, to play a match at Mordialloc. The remainder of the team travelled by train.

•

• Mornington has a number of beaches, some of which are located at the base of rocky cliffs which dominate part of the coastline in this area. Along the eastern side of Schnapper Point is the sheltered Mothers Beach and Scout Beach, while Shire Hall Beach and Mills Beach are located further east along the coast. Around a kilometre south of Schnapper Point is Fishermans Beach which ends at the scenic rocky outcrop of Linley Point where there are boat ramps and scenic viewing spots along the coast.

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restrictions.

Fossil beach is a significant fossil site with

evidence of Australia’s sea life from 10 to 15 million years ago. The fossils were discovered in 1854 in the limestone cliffs. Most of the fossils have now been removed. Access is via the track from the cliff path near Bentons Road (near the picnic area).

•

The Mornington Rose Gardens has

over 4000 roses planted in 86 beds and is surrounded by a border of native Australian trees and shrubs. The concept for the Mornington Rose Gardens was the brainchild of a local businessman, the late Don Gordon who was inspired by the rose garden in Benalla that was situated next to the art gallery.

•

The median house price in Mornington is

$946,291.

•

Population is 23,989 (2016 Census).

Coffee Safari

Freshly brewed coffee is a must-have for weekends.

Here are a few places to check out when you're in this beautiful part of the world.*

Coffee Traders

3 BLAKE ST, MORNINGTON With outdoor seating available, and extended trading hours for you to enjoy their delicious coffee.

Wildgrain

1 BLAMEY PL, MORNINGTON Wildgrain is an authentically reimaged space, evoking all the things we know and love about eating out. Offering local, sustainable produce and products.

The Winey Cow 39A MAIN STREET, MORNINGTON

Indoor or alfresco dining out the front, amongst the the main street almosphere. Casual vibe combined with quality food & beverages

Café Thirteen 83

13/83 WATT RD, MORNINGTON A hidden gem in Mornington's industrial sector. Super friendly staff, generous breakfast and lunch menus.

Contemporary indoor/ outdoor dining and takeaway. Excellent coffee, fresh juices and mega shakes that the kids will love! *Please note: Due to uncertain times in Victoria, trading conditions are subject to change to be in line with State Government COVID-19 restrictions. It is advised to check with businesses for trading information.

What to do Whether it’s wandering down the main street with its cosmopolitan vibe, alfresco cafes lining the paved streets and vast bay views, or losing yourself in the many art galleries and boutique book shops, Mornington is a colourful hub of arts and entertainment.

Beaches, wineries, shopping, arts and antiques are all at your fingertips in a township that dates back to 1856.

The Mornington Racecourse has a history of 100 years on the current site and continues to host the annual Mornington Cup race days.

Photos Yanni

visit mainstreetmornington.com.au to view Mornington trader directory

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Mornington's Morningt

A Little Italy in Mornington.

The Manhattan specialises in traditional and modern Italian cuisine encompassing everything mediterranean from fresh seafood, pizzas, pasta to specialty entrées, SENIORS soups and SPECIAL desserts.

Brunch or Lunch Tuesday - Thursday A Little Italy in Mornington.

Open 7 days take-away 2 courses $25 includes a glass of wine,only. tea or coffee Lunch- -Please catering Bookings Essential mention this offer Manhattan specialises in traditional and (03) 5976 4867 Pre orders Only. everything modern Italian cuisine encompassing Mediterranean fromSun fresh seafood, pizzas and to Thurs Shop 2, Dinner 55 Barkly Street (corner Barrett Lane) pastas to specialty entrées, soups and desserts.

Mornington, VIC 3931 5pm -8.30pm www.manhattaninmornington.com.au Fri & Sat 5pm - 9pm Shop 2, 55 Barkly Street Mornington Ph: 5976 4867 manhattaninmornington.com.au 55 Barkly St, Mornington VIC 3931 Phone: (03) 5976 4867 www.manhattaninmornington.com.au

24/7 EMERGENCY DENTURE REPAIRS: Ph 0400 919 513

E: denturepoint@gmail.com W: www.denturepoint.com.au

Trading Hours Monday - Friday 10am-4pm

There is nothing warmer!

Possum Merino clothing and accessories in a variety of colours and sizing from XS to XXL. Quality that last for years.

7/90 Main Street Mornington (Walk through Mall)

kiwihouseonline.com.au

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FREE Initial Consultation 2 hour - Same Day Denture Repairs •AHome • Visits Relines Nightguards for Clenching and Grinding • Custom Made•Sports Mouthguards • Emergency Dentures • AHPRA Registered DVA and•VDS24/7Patients Welcome • •

All Types of Dentures: Plastic, Metal, Flexible & Implant Retained Please like DenturePoint on Facebook for more information.

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

ton's•

LO C A L

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rn R ing Rd

St

THE STEAK SPECIALISTS ‘DINE AT HOME’ MENU! Offering the same tantilizing steaks we have always been famous for, as well as an array of mains, sides and alcoholic beverages to choose from.

Dinner Thursday to Sunday *FREE DELIVERY TO MORNINGTON, MT ELIZA & MT MARTHA. *Minimum $50 order All other areas available for pick up only.

Order online or call 5976 8482 104 Main St Mornington View ‘Dine at home’ menu at squiresloftmornington.com.au

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Businesses Businesses are ar Businesses Businesses are ar Lockdown 2.0. Please support

mainstreetmornington.com.au mainstreetmornington.com. mainstreetmornington.com.au mainstreetmornington.com.

ack back and and can’t can’t wait wait to to see see you you ack back and and can’t can’t wait wait to to see see you you us so we are here for you in the future. #supportmornington #supportmornington #supportmornington #supportmornington

Connect Connect onlineonline Connect Connect online FB + IG FB@mainstreetmornington +online IG @mainstreetmornington FB + IG FB@mainstreetmornington + IG @mainstreetmornington #mainstreetmornington #mainstreetmornington #mainstreetmornington #mainstreetmornington

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24. Brutality 28. Kangaroo pouches 30. Monopolises 32. Hollywood's movie prizes 35. Roof overhangs 37. The N of UNICEF 38. Skewered meat 40. Pendants 43. Roofed deck on house 45. Family of lions 47. Precious stone 48. Desecrate 52. Period 53. Smooth peach 56. Indicator 58. Harm 60. 1000 watts 61. Wight & Man 62. Onlookers 64. Army, navy & ... force 65. Sound of disbelief 67. Mildest 69. Rumba-like dance 72. Abroad 75. Premonition 77. Tablet computer 78. Ireland (poetic) 79. Go limp 81. Decorative mattress cover 83. Pen name, ... plume (3,2) 84. Morally uplifted 86. Circulate 87. Throat lump, ... apple (4'1) 90. Digression 92. Title document 93. Concrete powder 95. Tempt 96. Hidden supplies 98. ... as a dodo 99. Considers 100. On high

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101. Xmas carol, The First ...

102. Formerly Persia 103. Online journal 104. Iron-bar frame 106. Jam pies 110. European coins 113. Pornography 115. Disgustingly 116. Gain estate 117. ... the Hun 118. Hard workers, busy ...

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194. Simple 195. Rulers 196. Serious-mindedly 197. Never growing old

August 2020

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1. Loafs 2. Grant 3. Dull pains 4. Terminates 5. Extremely excited, ... up 6. Winter Palace monarchs 7. Kindest 8. Overly keen (4,2) 9. Fizzy drinks 10. Smeared 11. Spiced tea 12. Dinners or lunches 13. Peru beast 14. Photographs bones (1-4) 19. Legume 20. Ova 25. In the past 26. Riled 27. Encountered 29. Whist or rummy, ... games 31. Story opener, ... upon a time 32. Queen's honour (1,1,1) 33. Seat 34. Birch cane 36. Hopeful 39. Guacamole fruits 40. Spewed-out magma 41. Practical philosophy 42. Loud-hailers 44. Prayer's final word 46. Congers or morays 47. Shade of green 49. Fixing pin 50. Emerged 51. Respected 53. Made more orderly 54. Rink 55. Measure of length 57. Pilot 59. Onto the beach 63. Satirised 66. Bastion 67. Nibbled 68. Moved in on 70. Assumes ownership of 71. Chaos 73. Overall impression 74. Scandinavian land 76. Suggestively 80. Roman mid-month date (4,2,5) 82. Actress, ... Blanchett 85. 20s/30s design style, Art ...

88. Aids 89. Hunting trips 90. Sportsperson

91. Pictorial description 94. Himalayan republic 97. Under way 104. Devoured 105. Abandonment 106. Starting (golf ), ... off 107. You've Got Mail actress, Meg ...

108. Expression 109. Footslog 111. Informers 112. Rock levels 113. Reindeer-drawn conveyance 114. Travel dockets 120. Memento 121. Involving (in dispute) 123. Slippery carnival event (6,4) 124. Trifling irritation 127. Regatta entrants 128. Walk affectedly 135. Audacity 136. Daily schedules 139. Intermittently (2,3,3) 140. Great Wall of ...

141. Couturier, ... Saint Laurent 144. Large brown seaweed 147. Object 148. Arabian prince 150. Dashed 153. Ill at ease 155. Neither here nor ...

158. Car crash 160. Russia's ... Mountains 162. AD, ... Domini 164. And so forth 165. Central Intelligence Agency (1,1,1) 166. Church ministers 167. Mighty flotillas 169. Towards stern 170. Admiration 172. Not binding 173. Noddy creator, Enid ...

174. Colloquial sayings 175. Virus or bacterium 177. Picture stand 178. Striped quadruped 179. Unite 180. Slight error 182. Gravelly (voice) 184. Sharpshooter, ... Oakley 185. Film category 186. Searches (for fingerprints) 187. Delivery vehicles 189. Sicilian volcano

See page 45 for solution August 2020

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Real Estate

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lovely Blackbutt timber floors and a small kitchenette is great for extended family and guests, with the main attraction here being the elevator that whisks you up to the first floor.

The upstairs living zone is an equally bright and spacious open plan affair with a cosy dining area and comfortable lounge both enjoying an outlook to the harbour and bay via the chic undercover terrace with glass balustrade.

The on-trend kitchen features handsome stone bench tops and splash backs and a suite of Miele appliances include an induction cook top and pyrolitic oven, there is also a dishwasher and a walkin pantry. The master bedroom with walk-in robe also includes

an Italian tiled en-suite with frameless glass shower and a twin vanity, there is a fourth bedroom with built-in robe and a powder room. Tailor made for the discerning downsizer or executive family, this tasteful and accommodating home is a fantastic new addition to the residential landscape of Mornington.

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History

continued next page...

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Above: Hastings, 23 February 1866.

Left: Peter Orsini's tombstone at the Tyabb Cemetery.

FOUND DEAD

By Shirley Davies - Hastings-Western Port Historical Society

I

t is fascinating how many stories there are at Hastings and surrounds. This is one of them that has fascinated me. I would like to call all those people with detective skills and who can stretch their thinking to read this.

In 1865 there were four trustees of the Tyabb cemetery and their graves now have markers: William Lawson Patterson, John O’Neill, Anthony Spencer and James Hall. The first known person to be buried in the cemetery was Alexander Mackay on 6 May, 1866.

The title of the article was what was written on the cover of the Inquest report of an early death which led to a burial in the Tyabb Public Cemetery at Hastings.

Peter was buried in Denomination C, the Catholic section, and was one of the first burials in this section. At that time the four main religious sections were not clearly marked and it seems likely that the grave digger may have made an error for, although Peter’s grave is in the Catholic section, he was buried by a Church of England minister.

It was of Peter Orsini who was buried on 27 July 1868. His burial was No 7 in the Tyabb Cemetery Register. The entry has his name as Peter Osine but this has a line through it and the surname Orsini written in.

He was aged 24 but there is a 3 in small print above the 4. His residence was given as Star Point (later to be renamed Hastings) and his occupation was fisherman.

The burial ceremony was by Mr. Thomson, C of E - most likely Mr Herbert Edward Thomson of St Peter’s Church of England, Mornington. The mode of travel of his body to the cemetery was by spring cart.

The inscription on the tombstone reads: ‘To the memory of Bro. PETER ORSINI Corsican…Aged 24 years…Accidentally shot…

July 18th 1868.’

Across the top of the tombstone are the letters A O F and below them it reads: ‘Court Queenscliff No. 4124.’ At the bottom is the inscription ‘ Nath Brown Geelong’, who was presumably the stonemason. continued next page...

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Above: Ancient Order of Foresters in procession down Hesse Street, Queenscliff.

Right: An Ancient Order of Foresters certificate.

The inquest papers are very fragile and were not able to be seen by a member of our Society who was researching the Orsino family.

Sebastiano Orsino had been born in Sicily in 1843 but by 1869 he had a fisherman’s hut at Hastings. He married Emily Taylor at St Peter’s Mornington in 1869. Sebastiano and his brother, Salvatore, are believed to have left Sicily after Garibaldi first went there c1859.

Our member could find no trace of Peter in her research of the family.

Due to my contact with another researcher who had earlier obtained Peter Orsini’s inquest papers, I was able to give these to the Orsino researcher, but noted down information in it. The information disclosed that there was powder residue on his hand. The witness statements of fellow fishermen who knew him testified that he was intending to go to Bittern to shoot some ducks. Therefore, gun residue would have been on his hand.

Peter was found in Bittern shot through his heart, lying on his back, with his hat over his face. I wondered whether he had been standing when he accidentally(?) fired a shot that hit his heart and how did he turn his gun around from pointing skywards to his heart area? Did he immediately fall on his back – with his hat that was found over his face? What are the chances of this? As I do not have any knowledge of guns, I suppose it could happen, but it set me thinking about this.

The verdict was accidental death.

Also, who would have had the money to pay for a tombstone?

Not his fishermen friends, and if Peter was of the same family as Sebastiano Orsino, who was just managing to earn a living fishing and setting up a home to marry, not him. And what about the “Bro” on the marker?

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The answer to this riddle lies in the markings at the top of the tombstone. The letters A O F stand for the Ancient Order of Foresters and the Court Queenscliff No. 4124 indicates that Peter was a member of that particular lodge (or ‘court’ as the Foresters termed it). The Foresters were a friendly society which, like other similar societies, could be trusted when needed in times of illness, distress or death.

Accordingly, the Queenscliff court of the A O F would have been responsible for the expenses incurred with the untimely death of Peter Orsino and his membership also explains the appellation of ‘Bro.’ It also accounts for the fact that a stonemason in distant Geelong was engaged to make the tombstone; distant from Hastings, perhaps, but quite handy to Queenscliff.

I have found no information of a brother or parents of Peter Orsini nor anything in shipping records.

SO… What sort of gun would he have used and how would he have been holding it for the shot to strike his heart?

Would his hat have fallen off and onto his face?

What would Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (author of Sherlock Holmes stories) make of this?

Rest in peace, Peter.

Found dead.

Footnote. This article first appeared in the June Newsletter of the Hastings – Western Port Historical Society. It is republished with their kind permission.

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