The one thing you can predict in life is that the journey will be unpredictable. Colin Hyett’s love of art, colour and pizzazz has, quite literally, led him down the garden path in life.
8. Tarot Today
Most people might think tarot cards are all about fortune telling by people in bohemian clothes or pointy hats, but Hastings teacher and writer Tan Lee thinks that that couldn’t be further from the truth. Tan writes about the tarot in her blog The Tarot Teaclub
12. Navigating Darkness
When a friend, who was buying LSD from the notorious Silk Road site on the dark web, showed lawyer turned journalist Eileen Ormsby how to download a dark web browser, she started investigating. Since, she has written several true crime books and also writes for the number one true crime podcast in the world.
Writers: Andrea Louise Thomas, Muriel Cooper, Annette Sanfilippo, Cameron McCullough
Photography: Yanni, Gary Sissons
Creative:
Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne
Publisher: Melissa McCullough melissa@mpnews.com.au
Advertising: Andy Jukes, 0431 950 685, andy@mpnews.com.au
Annette Sanfilippo, 0414 465 344, annette@mpnews.com.au
Phone: (03) 5974 9000
Registered address: 1/15 Wallis Drive, Hastings VIC. 3915
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Peninsula Essence is produced monthly. 30,000 copies bulk dropped at an extensive network of outlets across the peninsula.
18. Down the Garden Path
The one thing you can predict in life is that the journey will be unpredictable. Colin Hyett’s love of art, colour and pizzazz has, quite literally, led him down the garden path in life.
22. It’s in the Bag
In a Langwarrin South semi-rural oasis, career hairdresser Judith Abbott keeps her hands busy making beautifully crocheted handbags out of soft, chunky, cotton-braided cord.
30. Eventful April
April is a month filled with celebration, reflection and commemoration. Grab your woolly knits, inspiring accessories, and hot cross buns to be ready for the event-full month ahead.
36. Conscious Eating
With a career spanning over 25 years, Fiona Hammond has donned many food-related hats and has also authored her own cookbook featuring recipes that celebrate the abundance of fresh seasonal produce across all of the seasons on the peninsula.
44. Say Cheese
Bittern artisan cheesemakers Melinda and Shane Voss are in love – with cheese. Self-proclaimed foodies, they always made their own cheeses and have been running The Truffet Emporium since October 2024.
77. Three Soldier Sons
Balnarring residents James and Euphemia Cavanagh knew the pain and anguish of waiting for news from The Front. They had three sons that enlisted and went off to fight in World War One. And to this day, an award given to a pupil from a school in the area each year on Anzac Day, is named in honour of one of the sons.
At $95,500 driveaway,* it’s well worth a look.
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Discover the GLC 200 4MATIC SUV at Mercedes-Benz Mornington today.
APRIL 5–27
AUSTRALIAN SAND SCULPTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Over 7 days – Australian Sand Sculptors will compete for the titles of Australian Champion and Doubles Champions – carving their favourite Storytime Villains and exploring the complex relationship that exists between the villain and hero. Open daily from 10am - 5pm sandstormevents.com
APRIL 19
EMU PLAINS MARKET
Celebrate the Easter long weekend at one of the peninsula's favourite creative playgrounds! Dive headfirst into the beating heart of creativity and immerse yourself in a world where small creative businesses are sparking a revolution right under the stringybark trees!
9am - 2pm emuplainsmarket.com.au
APRIL 9
WEDNESDAY
HALF DAY WALKS
Suitable for anyone with medium fitness (able to walk at least 12km at a medium pace). Enjoy a variety of walking terrain from bush to beach and some street walking. The walk includes a cafe stop for morning tea where possible.
8.30am - 12.30pm mornpen.vic.gov.au
APRIL 19
SPORTSBET
MORNINGTON CUP DAY
With premium racing, familyfriendly fun, and elevated experiences, the Sportsbet Mornington Cup will be an unmissable day of excitement, entertainment, and Easter cheer. Gates open approximately 1 hour before Race 1. mrc.racing.com
APRIL 10 FRANKSTON WRITERS’ SALON
Frankston Writers’ Salon meets monthly and writes to a particular theme in short form poetry and microfiction. The aim is for this group to represent the best of Frankston’s literary talent adding to our vibrant arts scene.
5.30pm - 6.30pm library.frankston.vic.gov
APRIL 27
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW
Bringing together the brightest stars from the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Frankston Arts Centre is delivering top-tier humour straight to Frankston! Featuring a dynamic line-up of comedy legends and fresh faces, this year’s Roadshow promises nation-wide happiness.
7.30pm - 9.30pm artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au
By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni
Most people might think tarot cards are all about fortune telling by people in bohemian clothes or pointy hats, but Hastings teacher and writer Tan Lee thinks that that couldn’t be further from the truth. Tan writes about the tarot in her blog The Tarot Teaclub.
It’s believed the word tarot came from the Italian word 'tarocchi', which comes from 'trionfi', meaning triumph or victory. So, how did the tarot come to be used for fortune telling?
Tan explains: “The Bible was used for fortune telling, too. It was very common. Even today, some Christians will hold a problem in their head and open a page. So, I think there was a tradition of using wisdom texts to fortune tell, and the fortune telling aspects of tarot cards came from that. Then, the Gypsies, or the Roma people as we should call them, went into Europe. No one wanted them, and that was the easiest way for them to earn money. But I also suspect that a lot of the understanding of the cards had been lost anyway in the intermittent years.”
The cards in the Major Arcana, which means ‘big secret’, are, for me, life lessons
“The cards in the Major Arcana, which means ‘big secret’, are, for me, life lessons. Knowing the order of those cards and how they interact with each other provides lessons, which I've found really useful. In Life Lessons Tarot, the cards are numbered from zero to twenty-one, and you can further break them down: from zero to seven - childhood, eight to fourteen - adulthood, and fifteen to twenty-one is maturity.”
How old the tarot is varies. Tan says, “They’ve traced the tarot back to the fourteenth century. Tarot and playing cards originated around the same time, which I find really interesting. The thinking generally is that tarot came from playing cards, but in my experience, the simpler things tend to come from the more profound things. So, my gut feeling is that tarot came first, and became known for being used by Gypsies for fortune telling. Gypsies was a slang term for people who came out of the Middle East at that time, and those people originated in northern India. They were in the Middle East for a couple of hundred years, and then their descendants were pushed out into Europe.
There are a lot of similarities between tarot and the tantra tradition, which I’ve noticed that no one has really picked up on. Tantra is all about finding the best way to live, and tarot can be a tool to help you find the best way to live.”
Tan’s interest in the tarot was completely accidental. “I was more interested in astrology, and I went to a place to get some charts done, and I saw on the notice board there was a link to a ‘Live the Tarot’ course, and on the spur of the moment, for no particular reason, I decided to do it. Often, they’re the best decisions,” Tan says, chuckling. “I did this amazing course where you learn about the tarot for half the year, and then you live the cards for half the year. I’d take a card, look at the experiences I’d had that week and see how they might relate to that card.”
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The thing about fortune telling is you can feel locked into particular futures
“I use the Ryder-Waite deck although I call it the Smith Waite deck since Pamela Colman Smith drew the images. She was a woman and wasn't acknowledged. Smith and Waite were in an organisation called the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. There were a number of these organisations in the eighteen hundreds, which were the repository for ancient wisdom that had been hidden below the surface in Europe because of the iron grip of the church. The Freemasons are similar. I use these cards because, for me, I feel they’ve been reinvested with the meaning that they originally had. There is a reason for these cards. They contain a beneficial philosophy.”
Tan says you can use any deck, and the thing about tarot is it’s important to do it for yourself, not for others to fortune tell. Tan has done this in the past, but not now.
“The thing about fortune telling is you can feel locked into particular futures. I don’t want to be locked into a future. That’s why, over the years, I've let go of that kind of thing.
“You develop a relationship with the cards and get to know what they mean for you. Ultimately, you’re building up the meanings for yourself. I don’t believe in third parties. It’s a really good lateral thinking tool. I look at the lesson in the cards and think about how I can apply those lessons in my daily life.”
Modern Tarot - to use it in this way, as a selfdiscovery tool - is like a book that was hidden. As Tan explains, “That’s why they were called the Minor Arcana (little secret) and the Major Arcana (big secret); the knowledge around them was hidden away.”
The cards often don’t have a literal meaning. For example, Death is symbolic of new beginnings, not that you're going to die, and The Fool is symbolic of taking a leap into the unknown. Tan says, “Take the hanged man. There are periods in life when we just have to wait for something to shift, and I think knowing that can ease people's impatience and frustration.”
And why The Tarot Teaclub?
“When you’re reading Tarot Cards, you’re contemplating things, and it’s always good to have a cup of tea in your hand when you’re contemplating. It's also that thing about it being communal. You might get together and read them with others over a cup of tea. That’s what I wanted that space to be; about people coming together and sharing their understanding about tarot.”
thetarotteaclub.com
By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni
Whena friend, who was buying LSD from the notorious Silk Road site on the dark web, showed peninsula-based lawyer turned journalist Eileen Ormsby how to download the dark web browser, she started investigating.
“It was mind-blowing. It looked just like eBay, Amazon or any e-commerce site except you were browsing through pictures of drugs – marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, steroids for the gym junkies – they had reviews of the sellers on the quality of the product, how well they were packaged in order to get to you and not be detected, and they also had this robust community with forums where people were talking. That’s what got me excited and interested.”
“The community was a lot less toxic than some of our regular online communities like Facebook groups. People who were there to buy drugs were also there for philosophical reasons. Everybody there was against the war on drugs – everybody thought there should be a better, safer way for consenting adults to buy their drugs of choice, and this was that place. I believed it was a safer way.”
“I don’t do as much as I used to. Most of it is not difficult. It’s just talking to people a bit outside the norm. I did go to a lot of trials of people who were caught breaking the law and that was harrowing enough. I would come home from those and be shaken up, and my partner would say, ‘Stop going! Don’t do it.’ But the other parts of it were not a problem.
It was mindblowing. It looked just like eBay, Amazon or any e-commerce site
I did have a long-term association with the owner of the dark web’s most prolific murder-for-hire site. An ethical hacker got me in through the back door. They weren’t carrying out any murders; they were scamming wouldbe murderers out of a lot of money. We had all this information on them, but we could not get law enforcement to listen to us. The Australian Federal Police said, ‘Go and tell Scamwatch.’ The FBI fobbed us off. We couldn’t get anyone to listen until I started writing articles about it, and then the owner of the site started writing to me, saying, ‘You don’t know who I am, but I know who you are. I can send my hit men after you and kill you.’ Then he said, ‘I’m doing the right thing; I’m scamming these would-be murderers out of their money.’”
He has never been caught.
In 2013, they found the owner, Ross Ulbricht, and arrested him. As soon as Silk Road went down, a hundred others popped up in its place. It looked like a very attractive proposition for organised crime out there to start their own sites, and they did not have the same philosophy as The Silk Road, which only sold drugs and wouldn’t sell anything the purpose of which was to harm or defraud another person.
By now, Eileen was very much involved in the forums and had started writing her first book, Silk Road. Ross Ulbricht was caught a month before Eileen’s manuscript was due. “It had to turn into a rise and fall story instead,” Eileen chuckles. “When he was arrested, some of the stories that came out later on made us realise that it wasn't quite the lovely situation that we all thought it was. There was a lot of violence going on in the background, organised crime; there were much bigger deals - it wasn't just people buying their pills for the weekend. It wasn’t quite what was presented to us. That was disappointing.”
How did it affect Eileen, writing about this dark world?
Has Eileen ever felt in real danger?
“Not really. There has been some law enforcement snooping around in my computer rather than the bad guys. I was always very upfront with who I was and what I was doing so the people on the drug sites could choose to talk to me or not. I wasn’t tricking anybody.”
What is the dark web – really?
“It’s the colloquial name we give to a group of websites that can only be accessed through a special browser.
Once you download that browser to your computer, if you have the URL for a dark website, you can use it. If you were to put that into your normal browser, it would come up as ‘Page not found – this site does not exist.’ As soon as you put it into your dark web browser it will show you that hidden website.
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The technology behind a dark web browser means that nobody can find out who is behind that website, and that website doesn’t know who has visited it. It protects both sides.
The reason it was invented was to protect military secrets
The reason it was invented was to protect military secrets. It still can be used for whistleblowers. I know the Guardian used to have a dark website; the CIA has one. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) use it.”
So, there is a useful side to the dark web, but Eileen says there are other things bought and sold that truly have a dark side.
“The biggest issue is your personal information, which is most likely on the dark web. If your username and password have ever been given to a company that’s been compromised, then they are on the dark web. That’s why you don’t reuse them. You’re more likely to fall victim to identity theft and financial theft. Then, there are child predator sites. The dark web has provided a safe space for these people to get together to swap their materials
and has given them a community in the same way the drug side had a community, which is heinous.”
So, if you’re tempted to try out the dark web, how do you stay safe?
“The biggest thing is that anyone who jumps on there is bound to get scammed. It’s not likely someone is going to get into your computer and hack you. You’re more likely to get that through your emails.”
Eileen has written several true crime books, including Silk Road, which will be updated and reissued soon, especially with Ross Ulbricht being pardoned by Donald Trump, and The Darkest Web. She writes for The Casefile True Crime podcast, the number one true crime podcast in the world.
eileenormsby.com
MPRG - OUR GALLERY
Saturday 29 March - Sunday 25 May
James Tylor: Turrangka...in the Shadows is a major solo exhibition exploring, through photography and cultural objects, colonisation’s impact on Indigenous cultures.
New Wave 25 showcases local VCE and VCE VET student works.
MPRG has a new series of Monday workshops for adults, including sculpture, photography and landscape painting, a Young at Art program for pre-schoolers, and affordable school holiday workshops for young people.
Nuno’s Southern Hospitality is serving up great coffee and food (Thu–Sun).
Caption: James Tylor, (Deleted scenes) From an untouched landscape #14, 2013
mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Saturday 8 March - Sunday 8 June
HERstory: Women of the Mornington Peninsula is a public art initiative designed to celebrate the contributions of women in shaping the cultural, social, and historical identity of the Mornington Peninsula.
Join us for a powerful talk series in collaboration with HERstory.
Next talk: Saturday 12 April.
Jean Rotherham - Historian and President of Dromana and District Historical Society, The Monster Petition: Voices for Change in 1891.
Mornington Library
Visit the website for details about the free events.
artsandculture@mornpen.vic.gov.au
HERITAGE GARDEN PARTY
Saturday 26 April: 12pm - 4pm
Discover a garden party of yesteryear. Across the charming gardens of the Briars homestead, enjoy an afternoon of live music, tours, lawn games and vintage tennis at its best.
One of the Mornington Peninsula’s much loved historical treasures, step back in time and discover what garden parties would have been like for the Balcombe family.
Take in live music while you picnic on the lawns. Enjoy activities for little kids and big kids alike, have a game on the heritage tennis lawn, or a guided tour of the homestead outbuildings.
Part of the Australian Heritage Festival.
nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/
Entries open on Monday 14 April
Celebrating its fifth year, the Awards aim to encourage and support local emerging writers of all abilities and celebrate our diverse creative talent. The Awards are open to Mornington Peninsula residents aged eight and up. So, if you’re a budding writer or want to get your creative juices flowing, we invite you to enter.
Submissions will be judged by the notable writers and authors Barry Reynolds, Else Fitzgerald, and Monica Dux for 18+ years submissions, SamEllen Bound for 13-17 years and Coral Vass for 8-12 years.
Partnering with Westernport Writes Literary Festival for our Shortlist Committee.
mornpen.vic.gov.au/
Tuesday 6 May: 2pm - 4pm
Make Music Matter presents: Cultural Awareness Training for the Music Industry.
Led by Jillian West, a proud Bunurong and Palawa woman, and her niece Alexandra Prouse, the session will support participants to engage respectfully and meaningfully with First Nations communities, artists, and audiences.
This free worksop is an opportunity for music professionals to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
Places limited.
mornpen.vic.gov.au/ac-culturalawareness
We’re seeking local creative mentors from the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding areas to guide young creatives aged 18-25.
Commitment: 8 hours a week for 3 months and mentors will be paid.
Join us in this exciting project in partnership with VicHealth to drive employment and mentoring opportunities for local artists.
Complete the Expression of Interest form on our website.
Interested in participating in this program as a mentee? Applications are open.
artsandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au
By Cameron McCullough Photos Gary Sissons & Supplied
The one thing you can predict in life is that the journey will be unpredictable. Colin Hyett’s love of art, colour and pizzazz has, quite literally, led him down the garden path in life. “I grew up on my grandmother’s farm in Tucks Road, Shoreham,” said Colin. “It was a wonderful place and probably where I first fell in love with gardening.”
Colin’s passion, though, was art. He studied fine art at Monash and yearned to establish himself in the art world. “While studying, I got involved in another type of art! I became a pastry chef; something I did for 12 years,” said Colin. “I was fortunate to have been able to work under the great Hermann Schneider at Arthur’s Restaurant, all the while continuing to study; continuing to paint and sculpt.”
Colin’s life journey had more twists in store, and the next twist came after he renovated his home in Frankston South. “Friends would ask me ‘Who did the landscaping?’”, said Colin. “I would say ‘I did’ and would get impressed looks back.” Before long a friend asked him if he would do their landscaping, and then another, and Colin says, “It simply gathered momentum from there.”
Colin now runs a landscaping and design company, Colin Hyett Design, specialising in succulent-based garden design. “It is another form of art. Another form of creativity. The yard is the canvas, and the plants are the colours.” Colin Hyett Design has now completed over 580 gardens, ranging from the smallest courtyard to extensive grounds. “It is wonderful to be able to craft architectural foliage,” said Colin. “I love blending the succulents with indigenous plants and creating corridors of natural foliage to move through.”
After 22 years of landscaping, Colin feels they are more than just paid jobs. Instead, they are relationships, friendships and collaborations; some of which have lasted for two decades. “I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by a huge community of wonderful creatives,” said Colin. “From the sculptural pieces in my landscaping by the wonderful Robert Delves, the architectural lighting by Leisa Wharington, through to the amazing jewellery that I wear by Heart of Bone, the creativity is everywhere.”
Colour and substance are important to Colin, in both his work and in his everyday life. “I love pizzazz. I love bright and flamboyant. I love the wow factor lifestyle,” said Colin.
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I love pizzazz. I love bright and flamboyant. I love the wow factor lifestyle
The energy is real, inspired by the Hollywood Hills, with nothing left behind. “It manifests in every aspect of my life,” said Colin. “From the jewellery to the bright coloured clothing, it shows through in everything. I love entertaining. I love cooking. If it is going to happen, it is going to happen with a ‘wow’ factor”.
Colin operates an 11-acre wholesale nursery in Balnarring for his landscape business and for the past year, has been operating a retail outlet in Moorooduc’s Studio & Co. “It is a wonderful space, and I am thrilled to be there,” said Colin. “I get to work at the store with my daughter, and we are surrounded by such a fantastic vibe.”
Moorooduc’s hidden treasure, Studio & Co was developed in the old antique store on the corner of Mornington-Tyabb Road and Derril Road. “It is a wonderful place for people to meet, with a great café space, but the artistic energy is just fantastic,” said Colin. Working collaboratively with other outlets at Studio & Co has led Colin back to his first passion; painting, with an exhibition at Kelli Lundberg’s exhibition space. “The exhibition
is over, but if you’d like to see more of my art, head to her gallery space, as she has items in her stockroom.”
The artwork won’t surprise you. It is typical Colin Hyett. Colourful and larger than life paintings that delve into “capturing the essence of the natural world while reflecting on humanity’s place within it”. Colin’s paintings represent an experimental approach to materials. Using a mix of oil paints, enamels, and water-based paints, he allows the chemistry of these mediums to dictate moments of unpredictability. The way paint flows, bonds, and repels creates textures and patterns that echo natural processes. Each canvas becomes a living, reactive environment, where Colin’s intuitive gestures mirror the diversity that are at the core of his raison d'être (reason for being).
“I’m an artist, a landscape designer, and a cactus farmer,” said Colin. “It doesn’t get much more diverse than that.”
IG: @ colin_hyett_design_
At Woodleigh, we challenge young people to be adventurous with their learning – to take risks, go beyond their comfort zone and break new ground.
We practice what we preach, too. The new Futures Studio, home to our Year 10 students, is a living building that has been described as the most sustainable in the world.
Three campuses, Early Childhood to Year 12
Minimbah Campus • Penbank Campus • Senior Campus
Scan here to learn more or book a tour
IT'S IN THE bag
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons
In a Langwarrin South semi-rural oasis of mature gum trees, flowering native bushes and swaying sunburnt grasses where bell birds ting and horses whinny, sits a mid- 20th century clinker brick house. Inside, an unassuming career hairdresser keeps her hands busy making beautifully crocheted handbags out of soft, chunky, cotton-braided cord.
Judith Abbott has always enjoyed working with her hands. Growing up in Glen Waverly, she was fortunate to have a clever, crafty stay-at-home Mum who taught her how to knit and sew. They enjoyed making things together. Judith recalls knitting her first jumper in Year 5 and she felt mighty proud. In her twenties, when she couldn’t find anything she really liked at the shops, she’d make her own dresses.
While Judith has always loved working as a big-city hairdresser where she meets a broad spectrum of people and has regulars who have come to her for 35 years, she wanted to apply her creativity in a different direction. The cogs started turning when she saw a work colleague’s handmade, crocheted handbag. Judith thought it was fabulous.
“Making something useful that’s unique, practical and also environmentally friendly is me,” she says. So, she got to work on her new idea. After intensive research on crocheted handbags, she started her own trial-and-error process, experimenting with different kinds of cotton cord. An online tutorial gave Judith the idea of which style of bag she wanted to make.
Then, she started calculating the maths to work out size, shape and volume. Her bags come in lots of different colours and shapes and she can custom-make the bag, depending on what a customer wants. She started out with a practical palette of solid colours so the bags could match with any outfit. Creamy linen, olive green, navy blue, earthy brown, black and a sandy shade of beige have all proven very popular.
Outside of practicality, variety is a big part of a handbag’s appeal. “Different bags are fun for different occasions, outfits or uses,” she says. Judith’s bags come in four sizes from the mini which can hold a phone, wallet, keys and other small sundries, to a large which is great for the beach or a day in the city. Both middle-sized bags are perfect for carrying a trade-sized paperback or hardcover book amongst other things. Book clubs will love them.
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Dr Peter Scott and Associates are specialist orthodontists offering orthodontic care for children, teens and adults alike in both the Mornington Peninsula and inner Melbourne.
Dr Peter Scott is also a consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Creating Beautiful Smiles on the Peninsula for over 30 years
Expertise In Child And Adult Orthodontics
Early Assessment Of Dental Development And Facial Growth
Ideal Age Of Initial Assessment 7-9 Years
Early Intervention Where Appropriate For Best Outcome
No Referral Necessary
Interest free payment plans available
One of the things that make these hand-held bags unique is that they can also be carried as a cross-body bag with a jazzy embroidered internally attachable/detachable plain or patterned strap to match the bag’s colour. These flexible bags are also deceptively roomy; a sort of Mary Poppins effect where it would seem no more could go in or come out, but it does.
Making something useful that’s unique, practical and also environmentally friendly is me
The most important factor in designing her product was the cord. She didn’t want any plastic polymer components. She wanted pure locally-sourced cotton cord sturdy enough to sit flat and also keep its shape. She found the perfect maker of ethically sourced braided cotton cord in Melbourne. Judith likes the earthiness of the chunky cord and it’s very durable. It suits her product perfectly. With 7-9mm crochet hooks, she creates the weave she wants.
Judith also loves that she can make her bags while sitting down. She spends a lot of her work time standing. She also has two active dogs she walks every day so having a chance to sit quietly and croquet is quite relaxing. That said, her hands are
so attuned to her craft that she can talk or watch TV without dropping a stitch.
The name for Judith’s new business, JuJu and Thyme, comes from the nickname her little nieces call her, ‘JuJu’. Thyme has a double meaning. It stands both for the homonym, time, because it takes a lot of time to make the bags. It’s also a nod to her love of spending time in nature because thyme has a fresh, floral scent that smells like a day in the garden.
Scoring a regular market stall at Emu Plains in Balnarring or Little Beauty in Frankston is no easy feat, but Judith was accepted at both right away. She finds the market community and support from other stallholders amazing. The immediate feedback from customers has been invaluable. “I find the benefits are endless when you do something you love that you can share with others,” she says.
For 35 years, “A Cleaner Peninsula” has supported homeowners from Mornington to Portsea with a professional, high-quality service allowing those owners to enjoy their homes by reducing the workload that many experience.
Imagine having your own personal concierge, truly a “one stop shop” for domestic and commercial properties, with a host of services available for you:
A Cleaner Peninsula will provide you with a free on-site consultation and quote for all the cleaning work you need done. All
staff are fully trained, police checked and insured, and all tradies are vetted, licensed and insured.
Whether it’s a last-minute clean before guests arrive or a fallen tree across the driveway, A Cleaner Peninsula has got you covered.
This April immerse yourself in the world of Current / Teho Ropeyarn the third exhibition in a series that showcases the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in Australia's cultural landscape at McClelland.
Ropeyarn’s prints, brought to life with energetic design and colour, demonstrate an intimate understanding of the natural world. They convey a knowledge of specific land and waters, in Ropeyarn’s words ‘from the inside out.’ Further, he says ‘the stories embedded in these prints are not just about place—they are about family, belonging, and continuity.’ The exhibition runs until 15 June.
Celebrate Easter Saturday on 19 April at McClelland with family and friends over a beautiful lunch in Harry’s. The food and beverage offering has been crafted to celebrate the wonderful produce of the region. You can select from a considered range of local wines and beers to enjoy before or after your walk through the park. Talk to the team to book your table.
On April 27, as part of the Music at McClelland program, didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton and powerhouse violinist Véronique Serret blend traditional songlines and modern
storytelling in a collaboration featuring the lyric poetry of William’s mother Aunty Delmae Barton - a message of peace and love carried by the eagle spirit.
Barton and Serret welcome you to experience their unique, meditative soundworld- Serret’s violins and Barton’s prodigious didgeridoo and guitar come together with powerful, soaring vocals and ethereal loops and electronic effects, in a distinctive evocation of our uniquely Australian landscape. The power of connection to place. Tickets for adults are $40.
McClelland is a unique art gallery and sculpture park. As a notfor-profit organisation, McClelland relies largely on the support of visitors to help conserve and build the collection, curate inspiring exhibitions and public programs, and care for the beautiful sculpture park and bushland setting for all to enjoy.
See you at McClelland this April.
A: 390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin P: 9789 1671
W: mcclelland.org.au
8 March — 15 June 2025
Current/Teho Ropeyarn (installation view)
8 March to 15 June 2025 at McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery
Photograph: Christian Capurro
where art, music and nature come together
Heartland 27 April 2:30—4pm
Genevieve Lacey + Marshall McGuire 20 July 2:30—4pm
Tango Jam 2 19 October 2:30—4pm
Heartland - William Barton and Véronique Serret
Polyphonic Voices 18 May 2:30—4pm
Melbourne Chamber Orchestra 17 August 2:30—4pm
Penny Quartet 16 November 2:30—4pm
Melba Opera Trust 15 June 2:30—4pm
Unholy Rackett 21 September 2:30—4pm
Book now
+61 3 9789 1671
info@mcclelland.org.au mcclelland.org.au
Located in the McCulloch family’s historic home gallery Whistlewood, Everywhen Art specialises in exhibitions and changing displays of largely First Nations art from 40 + Indigenous-owned art centres.
Established in 2009 by art writers, curators, publishers and gallerists Susan McCulloch OAM and Emily McCulloch Childs, Everywhen is known for representing the work of high-level, established artists and for discovering exciting new talents.
“With 5 main display areas, we can show a wide range of styles and media by contemporary (and some older) First Nations artists,” says co director Susan McCulloch. “We also hold events and talks and combine the work of well-known non-Indigenous artists with First Nations artists in exhibitions on particular themes.
Showing art in a domestic setting, she says, also enables people to get a sense of the way pieces will look in their homes.
Everywhen Art is open weekly, Friday-Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm
A: Whistlewood, 642 Tucks Road, Shoreham P: 03 5931 0318 W: everywhenart.com.au
Get ready to laugh until your cheeks hurt—Australia’s most beloved comedy tour is back, and it’s bigger than ever! The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is hitting the road for its 27th year, delivering an electrifying lineup of comedy heavyweights and rising stars to audiences across the country.
This year’s tour promises an unmissable mix of sharp wit, fresh perspectives, and outright hilarity. The Frankston audience will be treated to performances from some of the festival’s finest, including the quick-witted Bron Lewis, the effortlessly hilarious Alex Ward, the razor-sharp Con Coutis, the uniquely charming Takashi Wakasugi, and the irrepressibly funny Janty Blair. Each comedian brings their own style to the stage, ensuring a night packed with variety, surprises, and belly laughs.
With past tours hailed as “a seamless and ultra-hilarious evening!” (Scenestr) and “wiping tears away and wheezing from the sheer joy.” (Australian Stage), this year’s Roadshow is set to be another unmissable comedy event. Whether you’re a devoted comedy fan
Saturday 5 April, 7.30pm
In a two-act performance, the Best of the Bee Gees opens with the Greatest Hits followed by a high-energy Saturday Night Fever second act and songs which defined the disco era.
Sunday 6 April, 2pm
Join renowned Australian tenor Mark Vincent, as he takes to the stage to perform live all his greatest hits since winning Australia’s Got Talent at just 15 years old. Plus hear songs from his brandnew album Life is Beautiful.
Monday 14 April, 7.30pm
With the vintage charm of the “Cotton Club”, five artists of the famous Nairobi Sarukazi School link jumps, pyramids and unbelievable acrobatics in scenes paying tribute to John Landis’ Blues Brothers. Families will love the electrifying atmosphere and musical score!
or just in need of a mood boost, this is your chance to experience the magic of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival without leaving town.
Expect the unexpected, embrace the absurd, and prepare for an evening of pure comedic joy. Tickets are available at thefac.com.au or by calling 03 9784 1060.
15-17 April, various times
Madagascar: The Musical captures the essence of the beloved Dreamworks animated film, bringing the characters you know and love to the stage with a fresh and exhilarating twist.
Thursday 24 April, 8pm
Experience the timeless hits of R.E.M, live! Touring for the first time in Australia, don’t miss Stipe - the must-see tribute band who truly capture the essence of one of the defining bands of our times.
Friday 2 May, 8pm
Run To Paradise is part story, part song that chronicles some of the wildest, most risqué, outrageous, and downright hilarious stories of Australian Rock. All, as these Oz pub-rock icons recall it.
By Annette Sanfilippo Photos Yanni
Canwe pack any more dates into April? Wow! It’s a month filled with celebration, reflection and commemoration. I’ve already started eating hot cross buns and stocking up on chocolate easter eggs.
As our sunny, warm days start to wind down, our wardrobes ramp up with longer sleeves, woolly knits and we are all too quick to pull out the boots! It’s always been a very confusing time of year to plan an event outfit as the days swing from warm one day to windy and cool the next and we have to become masters of the backup plan.
Don’t be anyone’s fool from April 1st….be organised. As the season change settles in so has the availability of the latest fashion in all of our beautiful boutiques on the Mornington Peninsula. Pretty florals, graphics and textured fabrics like lace and tweed take centre stage this autumn and luxurious silks and chiffons and full-bodied satins feature prominently in our elevated designer dresses. Dressing will be a
highlight over the next few weeks with Easter and also one of our major dress-up days, the Mornington Cup.
Accessories are going to be key to bringing these looks into line. Handbags, pretty shoes, jewellery and good grooming will create that unique look and it might be a to-do list that will keep you busily shopping for
Easter is different for everyone. It can be celebrated at home or you may enjoy a gathering at one of our fabulous restaurants or venues. Comfort will be high on the list with all the gourmet treats and maybe a feature elastic waist will be a benefit. As I style every day working in fashion retail, I find one of the prerequisites to investing in a new piece is its versatility. Being able to reinvent a new addition to the wardrobe ticks so many boxes and allows you to utilise accessories you already have, wear it to a few other occasions and be a little sustainable to aid slow fashion.
How fabulous would it be if you could just pop on a hat and also be race ready!
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Accessories are going to be key to bringing these looks into line
Whatever you want to call it, a hat, headwear, millinery is a piece of apparel that takes your outfit to the next level. I have been a milliner for over 25 years and get very excited when I design bespoke pieces that not only transform the look but change the emotion around wearing the entire outfit. With many happy clients, lots of race days behind me and plenty of lovely accolades, I always wait in anticipation to see how someone’s race-wear look evolves. Dressing up a sunhat or embellishing a beautiful bridal piece, thinking of your style from top to toe, is so necessary for a polished finish. As the saying goes “a little effort goes a long way”. I’m hoping that we can all take a little more time to think about accessorising and bringing our finery together so we can dress to impress and wear our clothing with confidence, pride and joy.
A great example of that pride will be seen as our Anzac Day parade passes us by on the 25th of April. Uniforms, medals and one of the most respected hats, dressed with a badge and sometimes a plume of emu feathers, is the Australian slouch hat. The mere idea of wearing one of those makes me emotional.
So, pop on your Easter bonnet and for whatever you get to participate in this month, try to visit some of our great businesses like, Sonsie Boutique in Mt Eliza or Katra Collections with their beautiful wares for yourself or to gift someone special. You may even like to hire or buy a beautiful piece of millinery from myself for the races or a special upcoming event, I'm here to help. Enjoy the fashionable few weeks ahead but bear in mind that, just when you think you're sorted
and ready to put your feet up, Mother’s Day is fast approaching and you may have to do it all again!
Happy shopping.
BESPOKE HEADWEAR & ACCESSORIES RACEWEAR - BRIDAL - SPECIAL OCCASIONS
5/54 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza 5909 0995 sonsieboutique.com.au
Cook St, Flinders 5989 0040 mpchoc.com.au
51 Cook St, Flinders 0401 031 923 jmpjewellery.com.au
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni
FionaHammond knows food. In her career, spanning over 25 years, she has worked as a recipe developer and tester, a food stylist and food photographer. She was a food columnist for The Age’s Sunday Life magazine, and she contributed articles to Gourmet Traveller magazine for ten years. Fiona collaborated with Maggie Beer on her cookbooks, Verjuice and Maggie’s Christmas, as a recipe tester.
Fiona has developed and tested recipes and styled food for over 40 cookbooks with some of Australia’s biggest publishers. In 2020 she authored her own beautifully presented cookbook, Gather, with long-time collaborator and food photographer, Adrian Lander. It features recipes that celebrate the abundance of fresh seasonal produce across all of the seasons on the Mornington Peninsula.
At her peninsula home that passion for fresh seasonal produce is immediately evident. An enormous fig tree bursts with ripe fruit as do the neighbouring passion fruit vines, quince, and apple trees. Her self-wicking beds host silver beet, spinach, zucchini, chicory, basil, and heirloom tomatoes. Vines of pumpkin trail generously along the beds. The garden is brimming with fruits, vegetables, flowering trees, and shrubs, growing and giving season after season.
“Cooking is my expression of love – sharing food, knowing where and how the fresh produce is grown and gathered and creating uncomplicated recipes using seasonal produce is my drum beat. It nurtures my being,” she says.
Her cooking ingredients come from her garden, or from Torello Farm in Dromana where they stock peninsula grown, grazed and gathered food through all seasons. Fiona provides Torello with tantalising recipes and photographs for their website and Instagram feed.
Growing up on a farm in regional Victoria, it’s not surprising that Fiona values cooking with fresh seasonal ingredients. From an early age, she and her sister were responsible for animal husbandry, driving the tractor and gathering ingredients for meals. Fiona learned to cook ‘by osmosis’ standing side by side with her mother and grandmother. The family lived a genuine paddock to plate lifestyle.
Fiona feels fortunate to have grown up as a free-range child on a farm in the 1970s, an era when dinner parties were big. She was frequently tasked with designing the menu for the family dinner parties. She learned many skills critical to her future career from raising animals, collecting eggs, chopping wood and fishing for eels with her father to negotiating cooking on a combustion stove.
After high school, Fiona applied to RMIT intending to study Food Technology. She pivoted to photography instead. After completing a Bachelor of Photography in Applied Sciences, Fiona went backpacking for three years. She used London as her base. She worked, saved and travelled on repeat, tasting her way through Europe, Scandinavia, Morocco, Egypt and Israel. Returning to Australia, Fiona knew she wanted to work with food, but didn’t want to be a chef. Instead, she worked for a major Melbourne catering company in management for a while but longed to be in the kitchen. So, Fiona worked at The French Kitchen cooking school in Armadale where she honed her cooking techniques. She worked there as an assistant for two years, but she really wanted to be a food stylist.
With this goal in mind, Fiona created a portfolio of food photos and contacted Gourmet Traveller. When they asked if she could write recipes, she gave a resounding, ‘Yes.’
Working to a given brief, she would create a recipe, visualise it, and work with their photographer to bring it to life on the page.
“I’m a visualiser. I think colour, texture and shapes when I’m creating a recipe,” she says. This is clear when you see her food photography. One thing is very clear; Fiona is passionate about conscious eating. “I eat simply, but provenance is really important to me. From an early age I developed a respect for where food comes from. Seasonal food tastes better. It’s cheaper and more nutritious,” she says.
I’m a visualiser. I think colour, texture and shapes when I’m creating a recipe
“I’m a home cook. I find cooking meditative. It doesn’t matter what mood I’m in. It’s a joy,” she says. Curiosity and experimentation have driven Fiona whether it was wandering around local food markets overseas or tasting her way across the peninsula; she feels it’s important to give new things a try.
For the past three years, Fiona has been working as a truffle hunter at Red Hill Truffles. The dogs locate the precious fungi.
Then, Fiona digs down to check their size and smell, careful not to disturb their delicate root network if they are not ready for use. Now, she wants home cooks to join the hunt.
“I want to de-mystify the truffle. I’d like home cooks to know how they can make a delicious inexpensive dish with truffles,” she says. This winter Fiona will be partnering with Jenny Mc Auley, owner of Red Hill Truffles.
Jenny will take participants on the hunt with her dog Maddie to teach them all about the winter Périgord black truffles. Then Fiona will teach an ‘Introduction to Cooking with Truffles’ class on site. Bookings have just opened: www.redhilltruffles.com.
IG: @fionahammondfood torellofarm.com.au IG:@torellofarm
HASTINGS RETAIL STORE
WINE TASTINGS, BOTTLE AND CASE SALES
LOCATION: 2080 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Hastings
HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm
PHONE: 9596 4278
DROMANA WAREHOUSE STORE
BOTTLE AND CASE SALES ONLY
LOCATION: Unit 5, 3 Trewhitt Court, Dromana Industrial Estate
HOURS: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am until 5pm
PHONE: 9596 4878
With a massive oversupply in Australian wine right now, mainly due to export sales to China ceasing abruptly, we have managed to secure large volumes of premium wine from famous wineries in South Australia.
Selling at less than half the normal retail price are highly regarded brands from the Coonawarra, McLaren Vale, Barossa and Clare Valley.
Unfortunately, we cannot advertise these brands as it was part of the condition of sale to us, but you won’t be disappointed! Not so good for the Australian wine industry, I know, but great for you and us, and we are helping the wineries too!
By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni
Bittern artisan cheesemakers Melinda and Shane Voss are in love – with cheese.
“We just love cheese,” Shane says.
Melinda explains, “It started in 2021. I was in corporate project work that dried up because of COVID-19 and, as foodies, we’d always made our own cheeses. I started my training in 2020. We got into the hard cheeses and started a nano-sized operation at our home in Rowville. We loved it so much and it started to grow, so we moved down to the peninsula, built a new commercial kitchen, were licensed again in October, and we’ve been up and running since then.”
“We still wanted to be artisan,” Shane says, “but it had to be enough to supply who we wanted to supply – like all the wineries – and we wanted to make great cows' milk cheese.”
Melinda wanted to call it ‘The Tuffet Emporium’ (tuffet as in curds and whey), but 'oops,' she spelt it incorrectly on the ASIC forms. When the documents turned up, “I’d made up a word,” she says. In honour of the new word, 'truffet', they do make a truffle cheese, and the list of other cheeses they make is long and delicious; Asiago, Butterkäse, Creamy Jax, French Coulommiers – are you getting hungry yet? – Greek-style fetta, Haloumi style with mint, and on it goes. They even make a cheese just for themselves, which they’re ageing ‘to see what happens’.
Melinda’s favourite is Creamy Jax, which started out as a Monterey Jax; an American-style cheese. She says, “Because of the milk that we use and the cultures that are put into it, it has a really creamy, bouncy texture that goes well with everything.” Shane loves the Asiago pepper from the Parmesan family. He calls it a ‘salt and pepper cheese’ because the pepper has no heat.
Melinda and Shane are passionate about artisan cheese (as opposed to commercial cheese). It’s handmade, seeing the curds and whey all through the process, even stirring the cheese by hand, though their vat has an automatic stirrer used only at the beginning to heat the milk. Then, it’s all stirred manually, which explains their big muscles. It’s a physically strenuous job – 200 litres of milk or over 25 kilos. It’s then lifted out (sometimes mixed with other ingredients), put into hoops, and matured.
The compensation, in the end, is getting to eat it. “There’s never a shortage of cheese,” Shane laughs. “It’s one of the joys of life to walk out to the cool room and say, ‘That will do today.’ Whenever we go to a family event, we’re always asked to bring the cheese platter.”
They’re also passionate about local produce. They source their milk from sustainable Gippsland Jersey cows. Shane says, “We want to be as sustainable as we can. We went to meet the people that run the business. They’re very heavy into mental health. They pay the farmers well. It’s not cheap by any stretch. I think it was voted the best milk in Victoria. If you want A class 100 percent best cheese – it starts with the milk. So we went and found the best milk.”
continued page 44 ...
Geri 1962
Geri2024
...you knew your neighbours and nearly everyone in the street. Kids played French cricket out front and there was a milk bar on the corner.
Meet Geri who’s just turned 80. She’s been at the Village for 5 years.
“I’ve always loved sports and living here keeps me young”.
Village Glen Retirement Living – a safe community with facilities second to none and a team of friendly, dedicated staff. For more information on your next move, give us a call on 03 5986 4455 or visit our website.
335 – 351 Eastbourne Road, Capel Sound, Victoria 3940 www.villageglen.com.au
Melinda and Shane do special events such as weddings. They even make a unique wheel of cheese for the occasion with four kinds of cheese hosting ingredients like garlic, chilli and gin; separate when made but fused together. “It’s just us, so we can do whatever we like,” says Shane. “We’re doing whiskey cheese, using Chief’s Son single malt whisky from Somerville.
Because of the milk that we use and the cultures that are put into it, it has a really creamy, bouncy texture that goes well with everything
We want to collaborate with other businesses because the peninsula is a special place.”
They’ve made red wine cheese, beer cheese and gin cheese with gin botanicals all commissioned by local producers. Melinda and Shane love selling at markets on the peninsula and have made many connections and a loyal following of customers.
continued
BARN DOOR SALES MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8AM - 4.30PM AND8AM-12.30SATURDAYS PM
r from our barn door. Come and visit our Free Range hens roaming in their paddocks!
FARM FRESH FREE RANGE EGGS AT WHOLESALE PRICES!
CHOOK POO BY THE BAG
COME AND SEE THE CHICKENSROAMING FREE IN THE PADDOCK!
They note that when customers come to their market stall, the first question they ask is, ‘Where are you based?’
Melinda advises the best way to keep cheese is to seal it, preferably in glass, Tupperware, or beeswax paper, keep it in the fridge, and take it out of the fridge 45 minutes before you eat it at room temperature. She advises following the use-by date for soft cheese. Hard cheese will keep longer. If you’re not sure, grate what’s left of the cheese and use it for cooking and don’t forget to use the rind for Bolognese sauce and soups, especially Parmesan.
Cheese, like wine, is a living food and will keep maturing in your fridge. Shane remarks that, “like wine, cheese has subtle flavours, best appreciated when the cheese is warm and without crackers.”
Melinda and Shane’s excitement and enthusiasm are catching, but what do they see in their future? Shane says, “This is as big as we want to get. We don’t want to be in Coles and Woolworths. We would actively say no. We just don’t want to. It’s not our journey. We want to be artisan. True to what we do. Our cheese is for platters and joy.”
thetruffetemporium.com.au
06 APRIL | 10AM - 4PM | FREE
Navy Technical Training Displays
Navy Small Boats & Seamanship Displays
Navy New Recruit School Displays
Navy Band Concerts & Displays
ADF Careers Presentations & Information
Survival at Sea Training Centre Demonstrations
Ship Damage Control Demonstrations
Navy, Army & Airforce Interactive Displays
ADF Cadets Information & Displays
Vintage War Plane Flyovers
Military Aircraft Displays
Australian Maritime College Display
Defence Force School of Signals Displays
Kids Bounce Castles, Face Painting & much, much more to see!
For Tickets go to eventbrite.com.au and search for HMAS Cerberus Open Day OR scan QR code for full event information & registration
Enquiries: cerberus.openday@defence.gov.au
The Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board (MPRT) is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Sphere Accountants - Business & Tax Advisors, a locally based accounting and advisory firm with a strong history of supporting businesses across the region. This collaboration is designed to provide MPRT’s tourism industry partners with the latest information from experts in financial and business advisory services, ensuring their long-term success and sustainability.
The Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board has long championed the power of collaboration, building a strong network of strategic partnerships that drive or complement the region’s visitor economy. By working closely with industry leaders, local businesses, and expert advisors, the Board has fostered a dynamic tourism ecosystem that supports growth, innovation, and exceptional visitor experiences. These partnerships not only strengthen the region’s position as a premier destination but also create valuable opportunities for businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving tourism landscape.
The MPRT is dedicated to promoting and strengthening the local tourism industry, and recognises the value of connecting its partners with trusted professionals who can offer knowledgeable resources to help them in their tourism operations. Sphere Accountants - Business & Tax Advisors, with over 50 years of collective experience on the Mornington Peninsula, is well positioned to offer strategic and tailored financial information that meet the needs of tourism operators, small to micro tourism businesses, cellar doors, farmgates, boutique accommodations to large-scale attractions.
“MPRT is committed to fostering a thriving tourism sector, and we believe that providing our partners with access to high-quality business support is essential to their success,” said Roger Lancia, Chair of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board. “Our partnership with Sphere, ensures that local tourism businesses have ongoing access to the latest expert financial information, tax strategies and information to support business growth. We are excited to see the positive impact this collaboration will have on the region.”
Sphere Accountants - Business & Tax Advisors has a longstanding relationship with the Mornington Peninsula, supporting key local organisations such as the Mornington Golf Club, The National Golf Club, and The Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron. Their deep-rooted commitment to the region makes them an ideal partner for MPRT and its network of tourism operators.
“As very proud locals in the Mornington Peninsula, Sphere Accountants - Business & Tax Advisors are thrilled to partner with MPRT. The entire Peninsula has been a very important part of our respective families’ lives over the last 50+ years, and we see this partnership as an opportunity to extend our involvement with the wider tourism.” said Brett Hughes and Neil Copp of Sphere Business & Tax Advisors. “We feel this partnership is a wonderful way for us and our entire team to support MPRT and contribute to the region while assisting local businesses both within and external to the tourism industry.”
This strategic collaboration is part of MPRT’s broader commitment to strengthening the local tourism economy by connecting businesses with the resources they need to grow and succeed.
Portsea is located approximately 110 kilometres drive south of the Melbourne CBD, and is the most westerly settlement on the Mornington Peninsula.
The official population of Portsea is 787 according to the 2021 census. The size of Portsea is approximately four square kilometres.
In 1840, a freed convict by the name of James Sandle Ford took up a parcel of land which he named Portsea, after Portsea Island which is an island incorporated by Portsmouth in England.
As Melbourne grew in the late 1830s there was a growing demand for lime which was used as a mortar in building. Limestone was plentiful in the area and from 1840 a number of kilns were established.
In the early 1850s a ship entered Port Philip carrying passengers stricken with typhus. A quarantine station was established in 1852, just west of the present town of Portsea. In the 1990s, the Quarantine Station housed 400 Kosovars, refugees from the Bosnian War. The former Quarantine Station was opened to the community as part of Point Nepean National Park in December 2009
A fort with barracks was built at Point Nepean in 1882 to defend the headlands of Port Phillip Bay during a period when there was a fear of invasion. After World War II, the facilities housed the Officer Cadet School (OCS) Portsea and later the School of Army Health from 1951 to 1998. The area was opened to the public in 1988 upon the formation of the Point Nepean National Park.
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.'
Located on the narrowest section of the peninsula, the northern section faces the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay, and the southern side faces Bass Strait. The often turbulent surf beaches on the ocean side are broken up by rugged headlands and cliffs, steep dunes and the impressive London Bridge rock formation.
Median property price is $3,676,000, and weekly median advertised rent is $1100.
The Portsea Pier is the home to the spectacular weedy sea dragon, as well as many other fish species, including numerous pufferfish.
Freshly brewed coffee is a must-have and the Mornington Peninsula's coffee haunts are second to none. Check out these when you're visiting!
3770 POINT NEPEAN ROAD
Enjoy premium coffee and a fresh croissant or something from the French-inspired cafe menu. Dine inside, on the terrace, or take a short stroll and picnic on the beach.
23 OCEAN BEACH ROAD
Nestled within the Pier hotel, the location is unparalleled on the bay and worth a visit. Indoor or outdoor dining serving an array of breakfast meals and beverages. Convient QR ordering from your table.
3770 POINT NEPEAN ROAD
With sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay, The Heads and Queenscliff, the Portsea Hotel offers upmarket pub classics, along with traditional cafe food. Finish with a coffee and bask in the gorgeous setting.
145 HOTHAM ROAD
Savour excellent coffee, flaky baked goods, açai bowls and more in the inviting outdoor dining area.
Cool off at a bay beach or ride the surf at the ocean beach. After a day out in the water slow down 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 explore the fascinating labyrinth of nineteenth-century tunnels and fortifications in the Point Nepean National Park.
Photography: Yanni
Google “most famous female painter of all time,” and Frida Kahlo will be at the top of the results. An icon of the 20th century, Frida has inspired books, films, and tributes from musicians, fashion designers, and visual artists. Her face adorns candles, tote bags, and cushions, making her a pop culture phenomenon. But beyond her image lies an artist whose radical individuality and courage continue to captivate the world.
Frida’s artistic output was limited—just 150 paintings—yet exhibitions dedicated to her have drawn millions. While shows featuring her work have reached Australia, few have provided a direct connection to her personal world. That changes with Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image at Bendigo Art Gallery, a landmark exhibition featuring treasures from La Casa Azul—Frida’s lifelong home in Coyoacán, Mexico City.
Bendigo Art Gallery’s 2018 exhibition, Frida Kahlo, Her Photos, offered a glimpse into her life through personal photographs. It was a huge success, sparking an ambitious collaboration to bring even more of Frida’s world to Australia. Now, for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere, intimate belongings from La Casa Azul—clothing, jewellery, letters, and even the orthopaedic corsets she painted—will be on display, offering an unprecedented look at the woman behind the legend.
Frida was born in 1907 and grew up in La Casa Azul with her three sisters. The house, built by her father, became a sanctuary throughout her life. After surviving polio as a child and a near-fatal accident as a teenager, Frida spent long months convalescing there, developing her artistic vision. When she married celebrated muralist Diego Rivera, they preserved the home, transforming it into a tribute to Mexican culture. Its blue walls, volcanic stone structures, folk art, and lush courtyard garden became an artistic hub, welcoming luminaries like Leon Trotsky, André Breton, and Pablo Neruda.
As her health declined, Frida became increasingly housebound, painting from bed and drawing inspiration from her surroundings. When she passed away in 1954 at age 47, Diego ensured La Casa Azul would become a museum in her honor. Many of her personal items—clothes, letters, toiletries, and medical supports—were sealed away on his orders, only rediscovered in 2004. These delicate and deeply personal artefacts formed the basis of Appearances Can Be Deceiving: Frida Kahlo’s Wardrobe, an exhibition curated by Circe Henestrosa. Since then, the collection has traveled only a handful of times—to London, New York, and Paris. Now, it comes to Bendigo.
Bringing these fragile objects to Australia is no small feat. The textiles, historic photographs, and painted corsets require meticulous handling, with museum experts ensuring their preservation. This is a rare opportunity to step into Frida’s world, to see the garments she wore, the jewellery she loved, and the intimate objects that shaped her daily life.
For those who have dreamed of visiting La Casa Azul, this exhibition is the next best thing.
Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image runs from 15 March to 13 July 2025 at Bendigo Art Gallery.
A: 42 View St, Bendigo
P: 5434 6088
W: bendigoartgallery.com.au
15 March – 13 July 2025
Bendigo exclusive from Museo Frida Kahlo Bendigo International Collections
Imagine waking up to the cheerful clucking of hens, their vibrant presence adding a touch of rustic charm to your backyard, especially as Easter approaches.
If this idyllic scene resonates with you, then Talking Hens, a familyrun business nestled in the heart of Merricks on the Mornington Peninsula, is your go-to destination for making this Easter extra special by bringing the joy of backyard hens to your home.
Talking Hens is dedicated to sharing their knowledge with both new and seasoned chicken owners. They offer informative talks, workshops, and engaging videos, providing the expertise necessary to care for your hens responsibly and enjoy the bountiful rewards they bring, including fresh eggs for Easter breakfasts!
Among the various breeds available, the Hy-Line Brown laying hens have become a popular choice for suburban backyards. These delightful hens are known for their gentle nature, childfriendly demeanor, and their consistent egg-laying, making them the perfect addition to your backyard this Easter.
Customers of Talking Hens often share heartwarming stories of their feathered companions, from cheeky hens snacking on dog food to surprise kitchen visits through cat flaps. These endearing creatures help foster a special bond between humans and their backyard hens, making Easter celebrations even more memorable.
Starting your backyard chicken-owning journey is a decision that will enrich your life in so many ways. The fresh, nutritious eggs, the therapeutic effect they have, and the valuable lessons they teach children make it a rewarding experience, especially at this time of renewal and growth.
Talking Hens warmly invites you to step into their world of backyard hens and discover the joy, companionship, and sustainability these remarkable creatures bring—making this Easter season one to remember.
A: 3590 Frankston Flinders Rd, Merricks P: 0406 691 231 E: talk@talkinghens.com.au W: talkinghens.com.au
Talking Hens is a business that enjoys backyard hens. We specialise in friendly, egg laying hens with quality products to keep them happy and healthy. There’s nothing like the friendship and entertainment that you receive from our laying hens - a pleasure to be shared!
These school holidays, we’re soaring into an Easter eggtravaganza with an unforgettable adventure for the whole family! Soar above the treetops in a state-of-the-art gondola, taking in breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay while the kids search for hidden eggs beneath the gondola line in our egg-stra special Eagle Egg Hunt!
Keep the creativity flowing with Easter crafts in the Kids’ Corner every day and don’t forget to check your gondola—if you find a golden egg, you’ll win our daily Easter Giveaway, featuring prizes from wonderful local businesses!
Every Wednesday, step into our balloon dome for an immersive, playful experience, and soak up the relaxed autumn vibes on the deck every Sunday with live music from talented local performers.
On Tuesday 8th and Thursday 17th April, don’t miss Aussie Wildlife’s Native Animal Shows— a free experience (pre-bookings essential). For a deeper connection to the land, join Living Culture’s free guided Indigenous walks on Thursday 10th and Monday 14th April.
Make your Easter even more magical with our Twilight Flights on Saturday 12th and 19th April, when the Eagle soars until 7pm. And for a truly spectacular Easter weekend, join us on Easter Sunday for live music and face painting, and again on Easter Monday for live music and balloon twisting.
With excitement at every turn, this Easter at Arthurs Seat Eagle will be every bit special!
W: aseagle.com.au
JMP Jewellery is more than just a brand; it’s a celebration of artistry, individuality, and craftsmanship. Founded on the principles of creativity and self-expression, JMP Jewellery has carved a niche on the Mornington Peninsula, appealing to those who seek timeless pieces that tell a story.
The Vision Behind JMP Jewellery
JMP Jewellery aims to break the mould of traditional jewellery design. While many brands focus on fleeting trends, JMP Jewellery prioritises timelessness, ensuring that each piece remains relevant regardless of changing fashions. This commitment to timeless design not only enhances the wearability of each item but also fosters a deeper emotional connection between the wearer and their jewellery.
Craftsmanship and Materials
One of the standout features of JMP Jewellery is their in-house jewellers. There’s always one on site any day of the week! Kym and Ange have backgrounds in jewellery making and design and have an unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Bronwyn completes the team with years of expertise in gemstone sourcing and grading. Each piece is meticulously designed and crafted, often incorporating traditional techniques blended with modern innovation. The artisans behind JMP Jewellery are skilled in various methods, from handcrafting to stone setting, ensuring that every item meets the highest standards of quality.
Moreover, JMP Jewellery prioritises sustainability and ethical sourcing. The brand recognises the importance of responsible practises in the jewellery industry, choosing to work with suppliers who share their values. This means using ethically sourced gemstones and recycled metals, which not only minimises environmental impact but also promotes a more humane approach to jewellery production.
JMP Jewellery’s collections are thoughtfully curated, each telling a unique story. Whether it’s an elegant necklace that captures the essence of nature or a bold ring that symbolises strength, every piece is designed to resonate with the wearer’s personal journey. The collections often draw inspiration from various sources, including art, architecture, and cultural heritage, which adds depth and meaning to the designs.
Beyond creating beautiful jewellery, JMP Jewellery is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community. The brand often engages in philanthropic initiatives, supporting local artisans and contributing to charitable causes. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, JMP not only enhances its brand ethos but also empowers individuals and communities..
JMP Jewellery places a strong emphasis on customer experience. The brand understands that purchasing jewellery is often an emotional journey, whether it’s for a special occasion, a gift, or a personal treat. To enhance this experience, JMP Jewellery offers free personalised services, including bespoke jewellery consultations, allowing customers to collaborate on pieces that reflect their unique visions.
Their online platform is designed to be user-friendly, providing a seamless shopping experience. From detailed product descriptions to high-quality images, customers can explore the collections with ease, making informed decisions about their purchases.
JMP Jewellery is a brand that embodies the intersection of art, ethics, and personal expression. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and community engagement, JMP Jewellery stands out in a crowded marketplace. Each piece of jewellery is not just an accessory; it’s a reflection of the wearer’s story, making JMP a brand that resonates with those who value both beauty and purpose. Through its ongoing journey, JMP Jewellery continues to inspire individuals to express their unique identities while making conscious choices
A: 51 Cook Street, Flinders
E: info@jmpjewellery.com.au
P: 0401 031 923
W: jmpjewellery.com.au
custom makes
engagement rings
all jewellery repairs
jewellery remodelling
ready made fine jewels
watch batteries and repairs
permanent jewellery
jewellery appraisals
pearl threading
ring resizing classes
“The living is easy, I feel like I’m on holiday each day with access to the best Melbourne has to offer. It has been one brilliant decision to move into Como Terraces .”
A sentiment shared by Maude, who recently moved into the masterfully crafted residential development by Cbus Property and Sterling Global, located between the suburbs of South Yarra and Toorak.
Designed by the esteemed Carr Design team and built by Hacer Group, Como Terraces sits into the hill on Alexandra Avenue, where cityscape views offer a gentle reminder of urban life while nestled amongst the tranquillity of the natural surroundings of the Yarra River.
The complex of eight buildings blends with its natural surroundings to offer a sophisticated yet serene living experience, a stone's throw from Melbourne’s CBD and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Como Terraces, comprising 39 residences, represents a bold vision of architectural excellence, inspired by Australian modernism. The development showcases an innovative approach to design with a constant relationship between architecture, interiors and landscape, featuring a warm natural material palette – rammed earth, travertine stone, timber floors and sandblasted concrete.
Two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences range from groundfloor terraces to penthouses with stunning city and Yarra River views. The residences are connected by a central outdoor staircase reminiscent of Rome’s Spanish Steps, sitting amongst over 4000 square metres of extensive landscaping inspired by its prestigious location, creating a seamless connection between luxury living and the surrounding environment.
The design philosophy behind Como Terraces emphasises an understated elegance with the communal areas embodying this restraint, allowing the beauty of materials to be emphasised. With generous layouts, each single-floor residence provides a unique sanctuary and expansive interiors with features such as walk-in wardrobes or secondary living, leading into private terraces or gardens.
“Como Terraces is a project that blends seamlessly with its location and stands out for its uniqueness,” says Cbus Property CEO, Adrian Pozzo.
“The design also ensures panoramic views, bringing the outdoors in and optimising natural light across every level.”
A focus on natural materials and durable construction methods reflects the project’s commitment to timeless design. The integration of architecture and landscape speaks to the unique relationship between the building and the natural environment, creating a balanced and tranquil lifestyle within.
Luxurious
and lounge spaces, further exemplify this distinct design, striking a balance between monumental and intimate.
Como Terraces offers the services and opulence of a hotel, with a dedicated concierge and dining room with chefs’ kitchen to host events. The secure design means that the property can be locked and left with the knowledge that your home is looked after. The concierge will be able to manage any deliveries or maintenance, and gardeners will take care of the landscaping year-round.
The layout of the eight terraces lends itself to a feeling of privacy, while communal gardens and indoor spaces bring residents together. Neighbours will become friends through conversations in the reflective gardens and expansive lobby.
Located in a prime pocket of Melbourne, residents of Como Terraces can enjoy the best of both worlds: an exclusive retreat that feels far removed from the city, yet is within easy reach of Melbourne's premier parks, gardens, and amenities.
A small collection of completed residences at Como Terraces is available now. Enquire by calling 1300 998 505 or register via comoterraces.com.au.
W: comoterraces.com.au
Your private sanctuary.
Elevated living in South Yarra’s Como Hill. With an unparalleled blend of modern luxury and spacious design overlooking the Yarra River, Como Terraces offers a rare opportunity to become part of an exclusive community and lifestyle.
139 Alexandra Avenue, South Yarra.
Newly completed 2- 3- & 4 bedroom single level residences from $2,440,000.
Inspect by private appointment 1300 998 505 | sales@comoterraces.com
Keep your swimming pool and spa ready for your family’s enjoyment. Don’t leave it till the last minute to turn on your solar system only to discover you have a sprinkler system on your roof rather than a solar collector. Take advantage of the sun’s rays and carry on swimming through autumn by investing in an Aspire pool solar heating system. Solar collector is the most cost effective and sustainable way to heat any pool or spa. Whether you have existing forms of pool heating such as gas or heat pump the Aspire pool solar panels can be paired with these systems and considerably reduce your energy bills even further. The award-winning rigid pool solar panel can be custom installed to maximise the roof space available. Located at our modern manufacturing facility on the Mornington Peninsula the Aspire pool solar panel is the only 100% Australian made single piece injection over moulded rigid solar panel on the market. Built from high impact, high UV polypropylene resin, these panels are tough enough to resist cockatoo attack and hail damage.
A rigid pool solar panel works in conjunction with a low energy water pump and a solar controller. The controller monitors the panel temperature on the roof and the pool water temperature. When the panels heat up from the free rays of the sun the controller activates the pump and circulates the hot water from the roof and back into the pool. It’s that simple.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT.
With soaring electricity prices and the phasing out of gas supply to new homes there has never been a better time to invest into a more affordable and sustainable way to heating your swimming pool.
HEAT YOUR SWIMMING POOL USING THE FREE RAYS FROM THE SUN.
• Saves money by using the free natural rays of the sun.
• Most cost-effective and sustainable way to heat any pool or spa.
• Can be paired with existing gas or heat pump heating systems.
• Will reduce your energy bills considerably when used as a primary source of heating.
• Resistant to cockatoo attack and hail damage.
• 100% Australian made for Australia’s harsh climate.
• Custom build sizes to maximise roof space.
• Patented one piece injection over moulded polypropylene construction.
• Pool industry recognised and certified.
• After 20 plus years of useful life the solar panels can be 100% recycled.
CONTACT ASPIRE TODAY FOR YOUR FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE.
CALL NOW: (03) 5979 1043
ASPIRE POOL SOLAR PANELS.
Voted by SPASA , National GOLD winner for the most ustainable Product of the Year 2023.
Voted by SPASA, national GOLD winner for most sustainable product of the year 2023
At Coyote Cabins, we leverage over 25 years of construction experience to provide high-quality, tailored housing solutions. As a family-run business, we've transitioned from building luxury residential homes to focusing on a more pressing need: affordable and customized granny flats for senior Australians.
Each Coyote Cabin is thoughtfully designed and customised to suit the specific needs of each client. We take care of all the details, to make a truly stress free experience.
To cater to individual needs and preferences, we offer a variety of add-ons such as decks, pergolas, extra windows and doors, additional power points, and external lighting. Whether you’re looking to keep your loved ones close or provide them with a private, cozy and functional space, Coyote Cabins delivers a solution that feels like home.
For more information, call Marc or send an email to Kellie.
Cost: $3,850
Per person twin share/double. Single supp $590
Please pay $200 deposit before Friday 11 July 7 DAY SPRINGTIME IN THE FLINDERS RANGES Tuesday 14 - Monday 20 October 2025
This tour offers breathtaking landscapes, from the ancient mountain ranges to the unique geological formations of Arkaroola. A perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. Cost: $2,930
Per person twin share/double. Single supp $570 Please pay $200 deposit before Friday 25 July 2025 6 DAY PORT LINCOLN EYRE PENISULA SA FLY/FLY Friday 31 October - Wednesday 5 November 2025
Port Lincoln is the seafood Capital of Australia, located on one of the world’s largest protected natural harbours. Enjoy 5 Nights staying at the Port Lincoln Hotel, whilst touring the scenic Eyre Peninsula.
Lamble Tours is a family-owned travel business. For over 30 years we have provided extensive touring experiences and happy memories for individuals and groups.
Our itineraries provide a comprehensive guide to daily activities tailored to accommodate all levels of mobility.
There are no hidden extra costs.
Please phone or email to request a detailed itinerary.
Confirmation of your booking necessitates a deposit of $200.00 accompanied by a completed booking form.
We advise prompt action to avoid disappointment.
Enjoy a stress-free holiday from the outset with our door-todoor pick up and return service (Metropolitan and Mornington Peninsula)
I look forward to our future travels.
Kind regards Vickie Lamble
Specialising in small group tours for the discerning traveller, O'Shannessy’s has created a reputation for providing journeys that blend the ease of a relaxed pace with the luxury of highend coach travel.
Keeping group sizes limited, ensures that each guest receives the attention and care they deserve, making each journey feel tailormade. Dedicated tour directors accompany every group and these experienced professionals are not only experts in their field, they make the experience even more enriching and combined with the relaxed pace of the tours, passengers can fully enjoy their travels without the stress of managing the details themselves.
O'Shannessy’s understands the luxury is in the details. That’s why every tour is conducted in state-of-the-art, fully-equipped coaches. Whether you’re travelling domestically or internationally, O'Shannessy’s delivers a level of comfort and service that allows you to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.
Travelling should be a worry free experience, that’s why O'Shannessy’s offers a one-stop shop for all of your travel needs. From travel insurance to their chauffeured pick-up and return service within their extensive zone, every detail is taken care of.
CENTRAL COAST EXPLORER
DEPARTS 9 MAY 2025 | 6 DAYS | $4,245
THE Q TRAIN WINTERTIME
DEPARTS 30 MAY 2025 | 4 DAYS | $2,720
BRISBANE AND SURROUNDS
DEPARTS 27 JUNE | 7 DAYS | $4,495.00
CALOUNDRA COASTAL ESCAPE
DEPARTS 11 JULY 2025 | 7 DAYS | $3,995
WHITSUNDAY EXPERIENCE
DEPARTS 24 JULY 2025 | 7 DAYS | $6,095
BROOME BOUND
DEPARTS 25 JULY 2025 | 7 DAYS | $6,095
CAPRICORN COAST AND GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND
DEPARTS 1 AUGUST 2025 | 7 DAYS | $4,945
DARWIN TROPICAL ESCAPE
DEPARTS 2 AUGUST 2025 | 7 DAYS | $5,895
O'Shannessy’s also values the loyalty of its clientele, which is why they offer exclusive loyalty discounts. Returning guests are not only treated like family but are rewarded for their continued trust and patronage.
The O'Shannessy family continuing the legacy
Whether you’re dreaming of a domestic escape or a grand international adventure, O'Shannessy’s Quality Tours provides a seamless and worry-free travel experience. With every tour designed to ensure you travel in comfort and style.
If you're looking for an unforgettable journey, look no further than O'Shannessy’s Quality Tours—where comfort, luxury, and care come together to make your travel dreams a reality.
P: 1800 354 352 W: oshannessys.com.au
KERNEWEK LOWENDER CORNISH FESTIVAL
DEPARTS 14 MAY 2025 | 7 DAYS | $3,875
CHRISTMAS IN JULY MURRAY PRINCESS
DEPARTS 17 JULY 2025 | 11 DAYS | $7,145
MURRAY PRINCESS HOT AUGUST NIGHTS
DEPARTS 20 AUGUST 2025 | 7 DAYS | $4,995
CANBERRA FLORIADE TOUR 1 DEPARTS 14 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 6 DAYS | $3,275
TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS
DEPARTS 16 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 7 DAYS | $4,395
CANBERRA FLORIADE TOUR 2
DEPARTS 23 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 6 DAYS | $3,275
GRIFFITH FESTIVAL OF GARDENS
DEPARTS 18 OCTOBER 2025 | 5 DAYS | $2,845
NORFOLK ISLAND THANKSGIVING DAY
DEPARTS 21 NOVEMBER 2025 | 9 DAYS | $5,995
YORK AND EYRE PENINSULAS
DEPARTS 16 MAY 2025 | 10 DAYS | $5,195
O’REILLY’S RAINFOREST RETREAT DEPARTS 8 JUNE 2025 | 8 DAYS | $5,245
CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
Melbourne to Darwin
DEPARTS 16 JUNE 2025 | 17 DAYS | $10,795
Alice Springs to Darwin
DEPARTS 22 JUNE 2025 | 11 DAYS | $7,995
TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
DEPARTS 1 JULY 2025 | 9 DAYS | $6,445 THE TOP END
ESSENCE OF THE KIMBERLEY Darwin to Broome
| $10,995
Imagine a place where luxury living meets the warmth of home – a place designed to provide you with comfort, care, and community in your golden years. At Mt Eliza Gardens Aged Care, this vision becomes your reality.
Owned and operated by the Australian Aged Care Group Pty Ltd (AACG), Mt Eliza Gardens offers a state-of-the-art residence with premium, hotel-style accommodation. Meticulously designed for those who appreciate high-end living, this home lets you continue enjoying life’s luxuries without compromise.
Every detail has been thoughtfully created to ensure you feel supported, valued, and at home. The architecturally designed, multi-level residence offers all levels of care, including a dedicated Memory Support Unit. With ageing-in-place programs, you’ll have the peace of mind that your care can adapt to your changing needs over time.
Your care plan is personalised, created by a team of experienced registered nurses and professional carers who focus on maintaining your independence, dignity, and overall wellbeing. You’ll feel supported every step of the way by a team that truly understands your needs.
As you explore Mt Eliza Gardens, you’ll discover a lifestyle that’s as luxurious as it is welcoming. Picture yourself relaxing in one of the beautifully designed lounge areas, enjoying a film in the gold-class cinema, or indulging in a treatment at the on-site hair and beauty salon. The landscaped courtyards and rooftop putting green offer peaceful spots to unwind or connect with others. For special occasions, the private dining room is perfect for sharing moments with family and friends.
When you step into your spacious suite, complete with elegant interiors and modern amenities, you’ll immediately feel the care and attention to detail that make this place so special. At Mt Eliza Gardens, true luxury isn’t just about the surroundings – it’s about the exceptional care and sense of belonging that come with it.
With a rich legacy built on two generations of the Matthies family’s experience in aged care, AACG has been delivering highquality care since the 1960s. Their family-owned approach creates a strong sense of community across their homes in Kew, Cowes, and Mount Eliza.
Whether you’re seeking a temporary respite stay or a permanent residence, Mt Eliza Gardens offers a lifestyle designed just for you. You’re warmly invited to tour the residence and experience its elegance and comfort firsthand. From spacious single rooms to premium suites with kitchenettes, every option reflects thoughtful design and attention to detail. Here, luxury and care come together to create an experience that not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations.
Contact us for more information.
P: (03) 8001 8000
E: reception@mtelizagardens.com.au
Welcome to Mt Eliza Gardens Aged Care, where luxury meets affordability in the heart of your community. Discover a premium, hotel-style residence designed with meticulous attention to detail. Mt Eliza Gardens offers spacious suites, elegant interiors, and modern amenities, ensuring the highest quality of living.
Our registered nurses and professional care team customise services to meet your unique needs and preferences, promoting independence, dignity, and wellbeing. We work closely with you and your family to create personalised care plans, ensuring you’re supported every step of the way.
Whether you choose a single room or a premium suite with a kitchenette, you’ll enjoy generous space and exquisite amenities. Experience the perfect blend of comfort, style, and top-tier care.
Discover why Mt Eliza Gardens Aged Care is the perfect place for you or your loved one. Experience unparalleled living and services designed for your comfort and care. Call 8001 8000 or email info@mtelizagardens.com.au
Dromana Beach Sanctuary of Early Learning is the newest in a set of established early learning services on the Peninsula. Situated directly across from the beach, this coastal-style centre portrays the same philosophy and values as its sister centres Mount Eliza House, Frankston Beach and Seaford House. This state-of-the-art centre opened at the start of 2025 and has spaces available.
Dromana Beach is committed to providing a vibrant and flexible environment that supports learning and responds to the interests and abilities of each child. The program includes sustainability principles and a health and wellbeing focus, with a strong belief that children are connected to the wider community and environment. A balance of indoor and outdoor experiences is provided within the service's natural landscape and through the Beach and Bush Kinder program, as well as the highly sought-after Nippers program delivered by Victorian Surf Lifesaving.
Buddy the golden retriever is a valued member of the team and visits all of the services regularly, bringing joy and laughter to all of the children.
The play-based program provides opportunities for children to grow, discover, create and imagine. Children are acknowledged as capable, competent and co-contributors who actively participate in their own learning.
The inclusive program recognises the individual learning styles of all children, and it values families for their unique contributions to the centre community. The intention is to support children to be kind, respectful and confident contributors to their community and the world.
The experienced and knowledgeable educators are committed to providing a warm, nurturing environment that recognises childhood as a very special and important time.
A: 299-301 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana
P: 59818299
E: info@dromanabeach.com.au
W: dromanabeach.com.au
Early intervention is crucial for supporting autistic children and their families, especially during the first five years when brain development is rapid. Timely access to diagnosis and intervention services significantly impacts outcomes and family wellbeing.
Abacus Learning Centre, a leading provider of early intervention services for autistic children in Victoria since 2008, now offers Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) services, complementing their existing programs. The waitlist is open for new enquiries.
Abacus provides personalised, evidence-based early intervention programs tailored to each child's strengths and needs. Their comprehensive approach covers speech, language, social skills, adaptive living, and play skills through engaging, play-based learning. They offer centre, community, and home-based support, making learning flexible and enjoyable.
The dedicated clinical team of over 60 staff implements lifechanging programs aimed at enhancing, reducing, maintaining, and generalising target behaviours. Families often describe their first meeting with Abacus as "a warm hug and a light at the end of a tunnel."
Parents frequently express joy as they witness their children's progress, seeing improvements in communication, behaviour,
socialisation, and independence. Abacus creates a positive, supportive environment where autistic children can thrive and reach their full potential.
As a registered NDIS provider, Abacus focuses on best-practice therapy to improve long-term outcomes for autistic children, benefiting the child, their family, and the community. For more information, visit our website.
W: abacuslearning.org.au
Aileen Calley is still whipping up batches of her famous scones for friends and family and enjoying watching sport on the television as she counts down the weeks until her 100th birthday.
The Frankston South resident is a one-eyed Cats supporter. Over the years she’s had two budgies named after Geelong players.
The first was Gary Ablett, the second was Tom Harley who had a vocabulary an AFL coach would be proud of. He had a few choice phrases including “come on Geelong” and “kick the damn thing.”
“I’m sure the players would have loved to have met the birds, but it never happened,” laughs Aileen.
Her other great sporting love is cricket. She wrote a poem about the first test in the 1946 Ashes mentioning the famous Keith Miller. He was bowled over by the poem and signed it – and it’s now framed and on her wall.
Aileen and late husband, Les, were married for 59 wonderful years, mostly spent on their Stanhope dairy farm where they raised their six children. They later moved to Shepparton and Frankston South.
Aileen is happy to still be living at home with some support thanks to her government-funded home care package through Uniting AgeWell.
“I wouldn’t be here in my home talking to you about my 100th birthday party on the 19th of June if it wasn’t for Uniting AgeWell,” the great-grandmother says. “They are absolutely marvellous.”
Find out more about Uniting AgeWell’s home care services at www.unitingagewell.org or phone 1300 783 435.
W: unitingagewell.org
Help at home
Get assistance with personal and clinical care, household chores, assistive technology and transport
Community support and wellbeing
Remain connected with social groups, outings and carer services
Independent living
Maintain an independent lifestyle in one of our vibrant retirement living communities
Specialist 24/7 care and support and respite stays are welcome. Andrew Kerr Care Community in Mornington offers generous, stylish spaces, well appointed bedrooms and a vibrant lifestyle program Call the Uniting AgeWell team today to find out how we can support you to live well with choice, independence and peace of mind as you age
FRANKSTON
BEAUTY PARK, FRANKSTON
Sat 26 APRIL, 9am to 2pm
Filled to the brim with awesomeness
Little Beauty features 100+ of Melbourne’s very best creatives, foodies and musos. Free entry. Dogs welcome!
littlebeautymarket.com.au
COMMUNITY MARKET
7 PARK RD, CRIB POINT
Sat 12 APRIL, 9am to 1pm
Stalls inside and out including footy quilts, vegies, plants, sausage sizzle, hot jam donuts, coffee van and more. Fun for the kids with the Cribby Koala treasure hunt.
EMU PLAINS MARKET
EMU PLAINS RESERVE, BALNARRING
Sat 19 APRIL, 9am to 2pm
More than just a market the EPM is a monthly celebration of art, food, design and community. Explore & support 200+ incredible small businesses each month!
emuplainsmarket.com.au
ADVERTISE YOUR MARKET WITH US!
LIST YOUR MARKET IN OUR DIRECTORY IN THE NEXT EDITION: CALL ANDY TO BOOK: 0431 950 685
Hockey season is just around the corner, and the Mornington Peninsula Hockey Club is celebrating 30 years of hockey this season! It’s the perfect time for school-age kids to get involved and be part of the excitement.
Junior training has already started at the Peninsula Hockey Centre, with sessions for Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s boys and girls on Tuesdays, and Under 8s and Under 10s on Wednesdays. Experienced coaches create a fun and supportive environment where kids can develop their skills, make new friends and experience the thrill of team sport.
With the growing success of the HockeyOne league, hockey’s profile is rising across Australia. It’s a great way for kids to stay active, improve coordination and teamwork, and build confidence on and off the field.
The season kicks off on Friday, 2nd May. To learn more, visit mphc.org.au or call (03) 8774 4784.
W: mphc.org.au
102. Experiment rooms
103. Fork spike
104. Wedding promises
1. Loudly
6. Itemised reminder note (5,4)
11. Sweet bun
15. 44th US President, Barack
16. Employment
17. Monday or Wednesday
18. Recovering speedily
21. Disrepair
22. Equal (2,1,3)
23. Surpassed
24. Walk affectedly
28. Ceramic paving square
30. Supplements, ... out
32. Maintained pace (4,2)
35. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2)
37. Breathing hole
38. Transfer sticker
40. Catching (thief)
43. Giving off fumes
45. Sustains
47. Playwright, ... Wilde
48. Torvill or Dean (3-6)
52. Tibetan ox
53. Demolish (5,4)
56. Gamin
58. Scrape
60. Moved to another region
61. Actress, ... Streep
62. Cuddles
64. Missing in action (1,1,1)
65. Gone by
67. Large Mediterranean island
69. Gawked
72. Moaned
75. Lacklustre
77. Sharp
78. Suitor
79. Lessen
81. Locals
83. Rebuffs
84. Fleshy ear tissue (3,4)
86. Diplomat's skill
87. Russian rulers
90. Embellish
92. Persian Gulf republic
93. Contained within this
95. Cultured
96. Formed liking for (4,2)
98. Wearing footwear
99. Imbibed
100. Make believe
101. Suddenly lose control
106. Pithy
110. Pakistan currency
113. Pipe
115. Overexert
116. Arise (from)
117. Least industrious
118. Appellation
119. Exhibitionist
122. Fairground treats
125. Bee nest
126. Yolk surrounds
127. Canvas support
129. Major ocean
130. Telegraphed
131. Excess weight
132. Body powder
133. Please reply (1,1,1,1)
134. Lift
137. Missile pits
138. Deflection (of bullet)
142. Not at home
143. Weeder
145. Italian bread
146. Predatory bird
149. Rekindle
151. Provides (for)
152. Guidance
154. Laborious preparation
156. Plastic clothing material (1,1,1)
157. Banners
159. Zones
161. Shoots dead
163. Famous ruins near Vesuvius
168. Excitedly
171. Lethal
172. Sports injury remedy (3,4)
176. Foolish
177. Dodge City is there
180. Superior
181. Egotistical
183. Belittled
187. Congenital
188. Surgery instrument
190. Chubbier
191. Helper
192. US cotton state
193. Bygone (days)
194. Banjo sound
195. Type of light bulb
196. Representative government
197. Depresses
1. Small amphibians
2. Brainwaves, bright ...
3. Ganges country
4. String toy (2-2)
5. Risks
6. Gold purity unit
7. Scolds
8. Linger
9. Ballet dresses
10. Coarser
11. Look after
12. River growth, blue-green ...
13. Proficient
14. Consume (3,2)
19. Ireland (poetic)
20. Xmas carol, The First ...
25. Also known as (1,1,1)
26. Vagrants
27. Craving
29. Noble title
31. Youngsters
32. Dutch airline (1,1,1)
33. Mocked, ... fun at
34. Water boiler
36. Stirred
39. Vitamin C, ... acid
40. Fixing pin
41. Conciliator
42. Filed
44. Chivalrous man
46. Song, Auld Lang ...
47. Permissible
49. Withdrawal
50. Fate
51. Vulgarity
53. Collapse (4,4)
54. Scoundrel
55. Was obliged to pay
57. Mental pictures
59. Knives
63. Rebuts
66. Rid of dirt (5,2)
67. Declared
68. Poured
70. Yearly
71. Receding
73. Hotelier, Conrad ...
74. Credits & ...
76. TV news compere
80. Rocket science
82. Europe's tallest volcano
85. Opposed to
88. Lower leg bracelets
89. Drool
90. Fan
91. Volunteered
94. Niggled
97. Stared lasciviously at
104. Deer meat
105. Gracefully slim
106. Band of minstrels
107. Lanyard
108. Sushi condiment
109. Happened, ... pass (4,2)
111. The Leaning Tower of ...
112. Impish
113. Casual garment (1-5)
114. Excuses (from tax)
120. Obsessed, having a ... mind (3-5)
121. Nerve
123. Unthinkably
124. Gourmets
127. Good Friday period
128. Flayed
135. Go away from
136. The V of VC
139. Party mime game
140. Heavy antelope
141. Minuscule amount
144. Belongings
147. Egyptian cobras
148. Scarcity
150. Pronto (1,1,1,1)
153. Glimpse
155. Hoodwinks
158. Stadium
160. Shorts
162. Ancient Peruvian
164. Egg cells
165. No ... or buts
166. Sensual dance
167. Discounted, on ...
169. So!
170. Sheltered side
172. Charged particles
173. Igloo dweller
174. Cyberspace persona
175. Oven for pottery
177. Two-masted boat
178. Swedish prize benefactor
179. Chopping
180. Trademark
182. Debonair
184. Whiskers
185. Humiliation
186. Stalemates
187. Laundry appliance
189. Price tickets
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By Ilma Hackett (Balnarring & District Historical Society).
(Information from “Three Names on an Honour Board” by
Jack Cavanagh.)
At the Anzac Day service held at Balnarring a prize is given to a pupil from each of the two schools in the district for their winning essay on what Anzac Day means to them. It is known as the John Cavanagh Award in honour of the young 22-year-old soldier from Balnarring who died in France in 1916 during World War One. John wasn’t the only son in the Cavanagh household who enlisted in the Great War. Two of the four younger sons also signed up to fight.
Enlistment and training
John Cavanagh was twenty and a half when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 20 July 1915 soon after the attempted landing at Gallipoli. The eldest son of James and Euphemia Cavanagh, he had grown up on the family farm in Balnarring. After leaving Balnarring State School he worked as a farm hand until the war in Europe interrupted and he felt dutybound to join up. On enlistment he became Private Cavanagh No. 213 in the 29th Battalion’s A Company. He went to Broadmeadows to undergo the necessary medical check-up before he transferred to
the nearby army camp where he received basic training. Although he had been placed with the Lewis gun Section, he learned how to handle many weapons such as hand grenades, rifles, bayonets and the machine guns with which his unit were issued. John learned how to dismantle, clean and reassemble the guns and how to quickly change an empty cartridge belt for a full one. Their unit also spent time on the rifle range where targets, set at different distances, were fired at using both rifles and machine guns.
The soldier reaches the Front Line
The order finally came to embark for overseas and on 10 November, 1915 John’s company left from Melbourne aboard ‘His Majesty’s Australian Transport (H.M.A.T.) Ascanius’. The ship reached Suez on 7 December where the soldiers disembarked for a further six months training in Egypt. Leave was given to all on several occasions and many headed into Cairo, some to see the pyramids, some seeking pleasure. In June of the following year the Company went to the Egyptian port of Alexandria to board the ship, ‘S.S. Tunisian’ for Marseilles in Southern France.
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From the Marseilles railway station the men were put aboard a troop train that headed for northern France. Here they were billeted not far from the Front Line in the vicinity of Armentières. From their billets they could hear the distant gunfire from the war. Days passed, then came the order to march to the Front Line. About them lay ruins. As they moved forward, they met exhausted soldiers returning from long days of fighting in the trenches. The newcomers had to adapt quickly to life in the trenches: duckboards and sandbags, barbed wire and dug-outs, the noise, the stench and carnage.
Death and burial
John was in the trenches on 24 August ,1916 when a bullet struck him in the head. Stretcher bearers carried him to a casualty clearing station where he was declared dead from a wound to the face and skull. He had been at The Front just two months.
Six days later his body was buried in Éstaires Communal Cemetery in Northern France. Private John Cavanagh’s effects were returned to Balnarring and were collected by his mother – his identity disc, unit’s colours, electric torch, silver watch chain, metal watch, letters, French book and a linen bag.
Second son - Bill
Bill had enlisted on 18 June, 1915, shortly before John signed up.
He was the second of the five boys born to James Cavanagh and his wife, Euphemia. He had left school at fourteen and was working as a farm labourer. When the call reached Australia for young men
to fight for Britain, he and John had discussed the issue with their parents. Neither boy was yet twenty-one years of age and parental consent was required to join the A.I.F. This took the form of a letter written by his father and also signed by his mother. It stated, “As my son William George wants to go to the front and serve his country. he has our consent.”
Bill was assigned to the 22nd Infantry Battalion and sent to Seymour to undertake basic training. Towards the end of August his unit sailed for England on ‘H.M.A.T. Anchesis’. Soon after arrival Bill was hospitalised firstly with measles which had been rife on the troop ship, then with jaundice. He was discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve, 1915.
Once recovered he underwent further training at an English army base. This was designed to toughen the men physically for conditions at the battle front.
Gassed and a gunshot wound
Bill’s unit arrived in France and spent time at Calais, then Boulogne, Étaples and Amiens on the Somme River in Northern France. At times they travelled by troop train; at times they marched. A couple of weeks were spent at Breilly, near Amiens, before the order came for the men to march north-east to the Front Line to take their place in trench warfare.
He was in the trenches at Pozières in Northern France when, in 1916, he was exposed to a shelling attack by the German army. One onslaught of shells contained gas. Casualties were high. Bill was
also wounded in the thigh when struck by exploding pieces of shell. After initial treatment to remove some of the pieces, Bill was sent to Étaples for a further operation to remove more shell fragments. Thrombosis occurred, requiring further surgery. Once sufficiently recovered he was sent to a hospital in England and was finally repatriated to Australia in February, 1917. Although unfit for active duty, Bill felt he could still contribute and in May, 1918 he joined the Australian Medical Corps in Melbourne. He was discharged, at his request, in December, 1918 after the armistice was signed and fighting halted.
continued next page...
Jim, the boy soldier
Jim, the third son in the family had also left school when he turned fourteen to do farm work. The two youngest Cavanagh boys, Tom and Les, were still attending school in Balnarring. When his older brothers enlisted Jim was then fifteen and eager to join them and fight for King and Country. He pleaded with his parents to let him sign up too. They refused. Frustrated, Jim contemplated running off to enlist and putting up his age but persistence paid. After his sixteenth birthday his parents were finally persuaded to give their permission. He enlisted on 13 March, 1916, filling in his age as 22 years and 6 months on the enlistment forms. Taller than either of his brothers, Jim must have looked older than his actual years as he was accepted without question and placed with the 2nd Pioneers, A.I.F. Basic training was done at Broadmeadows before he left Melbourne for England on 6 June, 1916. By September the lad was in France.
In April, 1917 Jim’s unit was in Bouzincourt in Northern France taking part in salvage work when he accidentally injured his left foot and face which put him in hospital. An enquiry into the incident was held and the result found the “soldier not to blame”. After eight days he returned to duty. His unit was sent to the trenches at the front line where one of the tasks required was to lay duckboards
Above:Jim Cavanagh when he enlisted on 13/3/1916, and (right) when he was discharged on 13/11/1918
Below: At The Front in Passchendaele (also known as The Third Battle of Ypres)
so that provisions could be brought up to the trenches. This also helped to speed up the evacuation of wounded soldiers. Mud was everywhere. and they were continually under bombardment. Jim was hospitalised in June suffering from trench fever, a disease spread by lice in the close confines of the trenches but he was able to rejoin his unit at the end of July
To live or not to live?
Shortly after his 17th birthday (5 September) Jim, officially reported to be at Ypres, was hit by shrapnel when an enemy shell exploded close by. One large piece of shrapnel almost completely severed his right leg and fractured the thigh bone. Stretcher bearers passed him by, considering he would not live through the night but when they found him still alive the next morning, he was taken to a field hospital and ultimately to the hospital in Boulogne where the doctors managed to save his leg. After almost four months at Boulogne Jim was sent to a hospital in England and, as soon as he was fit enough to travel, repatriated to Australia. The ship docked in Melbourne on 26 May, 1918 and Jim was transferred to the Caulfield Repatriation Hospital where he spent about six months before being discharged on 13 November as being medically unfit due to the wound to his leg.
Missing - AWOL
Whilst at the Caulfield hospital Jim went AWOL for several days. Later, his son Jack would write, “He was getting around quite well with the aid of a walking stick. One day he felt so well and, without caring, caught a train to Bittern and managed to get taken to Balnarring to be with his family and friends to enjoy home cooked meals and to sleep on a soft bed.” Jim was riled when he was docked three days’ pay and disappointed by what he thought was unfair treatment after all he had been though.
On discharge Jim was just one month past his 19th birthday, still younger than both his older brothers when they had enlisted.
Above: Newspaper cutting featuring Mrs Cavanagh. The Argus 15/7/1916
Below: Mr and Mrs Cavanagh with their three youngest sons (Thomas, Jim and Leslie) at the family home "Montrose" in Stanleys Road Balnarring, 1919
wait
At ‘home’ in Balnarring Phyllis Cole recalled the “hushed horror and suspense” as news filtered through about the war casualties. “I can remember the church at Balnarring because there were families here – the Cavanaghs – and they had several sons in the army.”
Mother, Euphemia Cavanagh had her photograph in the ‘Argus’ newspaper acknowledging that she had two sons on active service at The Front and a third, at present in camp. The article was clipped from the newspaper and paper’s name and the date, ‘5 July 1916’, written beneath. Just over a month later, one of those sons had given his life on the battlefield.
A short time after receiving notification of the death of their son, John, on 24 August, James and Effie Cavanagh had a letter from France from son, Jim. His letter, dated 1 September told them that he had received a letter concerning John stating that there was every hope of him getting better. The Cavanaghs were thrown into confusion. James penned a letter to the Victoria Barracks stating, “It is only natural his Mother and me would like to no [sic] the truth”. He went on to add that mistakes occurred and asked if the authorities could find further news for them. James also stated that in one local paper it had been reported John died of wounds while in another it was reported he had ‘dangerous wounds’.
Any hope was shattered when the answer came.
References:
Unpublished manuscript: ‘Three Names on an Honour Board’ by Jack Cavanagh (son of Jim Cavanagh)
World War I Official Records
Photos: Cavanagh family collection held by B.D.H.S., Victorian Museum (Caulfield) Flickr (Seymour), Media Storehouse (Pozières)
