January 2017

JANUARY 2017

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PENINSULA EA

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Living & visiting on the Mornington Peninsula

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M ONTHLY U B LIS H E

Living Culture • Stars Set To Shine At Peninsula Short Film Fest • We Bought A Brewery • Get In The Spirit • Perfection By Design • Beautiful Beleura House • Pretty Parcel • Oasis Pop-Up • C’est Magnifique • Mr Morce • Puzzle Corner • Focus On Rosebud

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contents 7. Events 8. Peninsula Styles 10. Living Culture

Lionel Lauch is a gundijitmara kirrae wurrung-budjalung man who freely shares his abundant knowledge and passion about Aboriginal cultural history.

17. Safety Zone when Needed Writers: Melissa Walsh, Kristy Martin, Peter McCullough, Cameron McCullough Creative Director: Maria Mirabella Photography: Yanni, Gary Sissons, Jarryd Bravo Publisher: Cameron McCullough Advertising: Brooke Hughes, 0409 219 282 or brooke@mpnews.com.au General enquiries: essence@mpnews.com.au Registered address: 2/1 Tyabb Road, Mornington 3931 Phone: 5973 6424 www.peninsulaessence.com.au Follow us on Instagram

@peninsulaessence

The Salvation Army have always been doers, getting in where the help is needed, and now the Mornington Main Street Salvos have a new project thanks to Pastor Sean Mapleback.

20. Stars Set to Shine at Peninsula Short Film Fest

A star studded line up will head to Rosebud between February 3-5 for the ever popular Peninsula Short Film Fest.

22. Enough Food for Everybody

Every Thursday at the crack of dawn, volunteers from across the peninsula gather in a shed at the back of Our Lady of Fatima Church Rosebud with one thing on their mind, to help those less fortunate.

27. Saving the Submarine

32. We Bought a Brewery

When Dan Dainton tasted his father’s beer at two years of age, he could never have predicted that one day he and dad, Kevin, would own a brewery. But here they both are in Carrum Downs running their very own Dainton Family Brewery, and loving every moment

36. Get in the Spirit

A love of history and fascination with the paranormal has turned out to be a marvelous combination for two Crib Point women who came up with the idea for hugely successful Westernport Historical Ghost Tours 12 months ago.

42. Perfection by Design

Sorrento Furniture hand manufacture custom made furniture that is beautiful, functional and, most importantly, designed to the client’s exact requirements.

/peninsulaessence /peninsulaessence

46. Paying it Forward with Music

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

Disclaimer: The authors and publisher do not assume any liability to any party for any loss, damage or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause.

This publication is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

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

Every Friday night as you wander past the Frankston library courtyard in Playne Street, the sweet sound of live music fills the air; a gentle reminder of the healing power behind these soulful notes.

48. Beautiful Beleura House 53. Pretty Parcel

Designing and making clothes from her home on the Mornington Peninsula, Shannon McAlpine talks about life as a fashion designer with her brand, Pretty Parcel.

68. Spark Youth Dance

The quiet murmuring of an audience, the excited whispers of the littlest dancers skipping to their places, the dim of the lights and the sound of a curtain being raised. There is no experience quite like that of a theatre and especially that of opening night.

72. Oasis Pop-Up

The store in Murrumbeena is famous for everything from their shawarmas, falafel and meat plates right through to a huge selection of pastries. Now they have popped up in Mornington with big things to come.

78. C'est Magnifique

Butter, wine, cream, chocolate, baguettes, garlic, you name it. The French love it and finally we have a magnificent French restaurant on our own shores, with the opening of Bistro La Provence last year.

81. Mr Morce

Sorrento has a new dining destination for you to drop in, relax and unwind. Mr Morce is located at the iconic restaurant location, 182 Ocean Beach Road, now completely renovated creating a bright, breezy, and just a little cheeky, eatery and bar for Sorrento visitors and locals alike.

Cover Photo: Australia Day (Rye) Photo: Yanni

Proudly published by

82. Beleura – A Mornington Treasure PEFC Certified

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

Beleura House is a jewel with a rich history.

91. Crossword 92. Focus on Rosebud January 2017

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Peninsula events

January

SILVER’S CIRCUS ROSEBUD

ALFA ROMEO PORTSEA POLO

AUSTRALIA DAY BBQ

Jan 2 – 15 Silvers circus presents a lineup of stunning international artists, Las Vegas style illusions and captivating production techniques.

Village Green, Pt. Nepean Road, Rosebud.

Phone 0413 880 044 www.silverscircus.com.au

January 14, 11am – 6pm Hosted at the Point Nepean Quarantine Station, the Alfa Romeo Portsea Polo will feature three thrilling matches showcasing some of the world's best players from Australia, New Zealand and Argentina.

Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Portsea. www.portseapolo.com.au

Thursday 26 January, 12:30 PM -5:00 PM In 2017, Lindenderry will be hosting an Australia Day BBQ. In honour of the Australia Day spirit, their Executive Chef, Paul Witherington has created a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch.

142 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill. www.lindenderry.com.au

JUNIOR RANGER ARTIST

TWO BAYS TRAIL RUN

January 3, 9.30am-11.30am Join the ranger to take an artist's viewpoint of the bush.

For children 6-12 years. Meeting point address provided upon booking.

Phone Frankston Visitor Information Centre on 1300 322 842.

January 15, 7am Run 28km across the Mornington Peninsula from Dromana to Cape Schanck. (Or Cape Schanck-Dromana-Cape Schanck for the Ultra-Runners.)

Phone 0420 380 955. www.twobaystrailrun.com

FARM DINNERS AT TERMINUS' Saturday January 28 at 7pm.

Fresh from the kitchen garden at Flinders Hotel, as well as sourcing from the delicious Flinders Mussels, their chefs will create a five-course meal featuring mussels, figs and garden herbs.

Cnr. Cook & Wood Streets, Flinders.

Phone 5989 0201. www.flindershotel.com.au

OZ DESIGN FURNITURE MORNINGTON PH: 8560 1137, Showroom D4, Peninsula Home, 1128-1132 Nepean Hwy

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January 2017

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PRODUCTS FROM OUR ADVERTISERS WE ARE SURE YOU WILL LOVE

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BAYSIDE SHOES New Alegria Range Check out the new range of Alegria footwear at Bayside Shoes, including shoes, sandals and runners.

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DIAMOND COCO This stunning baguette accented engagement ring is set with a 1.25ct F VS1 Diamond. At around half the price of retail you really do get more bang for your buck

Jason Coleman returns with an international cast to the peninsula with his new show The Rhythm Of Life.

Suite 6 Upper Level 38A Main Street, Mornington Ph: 1300 230 730 www.diamondcoco.com.au

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Hot tickets

Book tickets online www.stickytickets.com.au

January 2017

CULTURE

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January 2017

By Meredith Langmaid

L

ionel Lauch is a gundijitmara kirrae wurrung-budjalung man who freely shares his abundant knowledge and passion about Aboriginal cultural history. Our gain is precious insights into one of world's oldest cultures, reflected in Aboriginal art that is at least 30,000 years old and so significant in the lives of Aboriginal people, who are believed to have arrived in Australia as early as 60,000 years ago.

Lionel educates us with stories of his heritage and childhood traditions during guided walks 'on country', transporting us into a world of didgeridoo healings, meditations and smoking ceremonies.

We talked as we walked along the magnificent cliff tops of Bushrangers Bay in the spectacular Mornington Peninsula, amazed by sea views and tantalized by glimpses of native birds and animals.

On a beautiful morning that followed rain, we sensed the freshened perfumes of Australian native plants, and learned how the Aboriginal people created their own scents from the natural environment. The sun's rays hit the water and droplets on the tufts of wild grass reflected a soft translucent light. We were carefully watched by wildlife; kangaroos and wallabies seemed not alarmed by our presence, just inquisitive.

We watched as crystal, shimmering water crashed onto the volcanic rocks and into rock pools. Like them, we became immersed in Lionel's stories about the ancient traditions and indigenous forest secrets.

We were shown an abundance of the native plants that Lionel knows so well: the purple-berried raspberry, the prickly currant full of antioxidants and vitamin C, pepper gums, the pigface flower, the salt bush and matt rush, all enjoyed by Lionel's tribe as 'bush tucker' rich in beneficial nutrients. Australian chefs may have been exploring native bush foods for several decades, but indigenous Australians have long been aware of their many wonderful and health-giving flavours.

We learned too about stone tools that were used to make instruments, clubs and shields from black wood wattle. And the very landscape came to life.

We were uplifted by Lionel's didgeridoo healing ceremony with its low frequency sounds and soulful vibration. Grateful for his cultural endowment and gentle nature, and inspired by his teaching about the plants and animals, we left feeling relaxed, enriched, nurtured and rejuvenated. It was an experience not to be forgotten. continued next page...

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"Lionel Lauch Living Culture" is working in collaboration with Boneo Wetlands on this years lantern display.

The project will feature lantern artworks by Lionel and Carla Lauch who have chosen to depict Bunjil and Waa who are Dreamtime/creation deity's and ancestral beings who are central to Kulin nation dreaming. The Mornington Peninsula is located on the lands of the Boon Wurrung/Bunurong people which forms part of the larger Kulin nation.

The project is funded by an Indigenous arts grant from the Melbourne City Council and has been shortlisted to be included in the installations to be exhibited within the 2017 White Night event.

The lanterns will be on display from Boxing Day through to Easter and you can find more information by visiting www.boneomaze.com.au

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January 2017

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SAFETY ZONE WHEN NEEDED

By Melissa Walsh Photos: Yanni

T

he Salvation Army have always been doers, getting in where the help is needed, and now the Mornington Main Street Salvos have a new project thanks to Pastor Sean Mapleback.

“I had this idea of setting up a safety zone in Main Street Mornington on a Saturday night when people get out of night clubs and pubs,” said Pastor Mapleback, who was then in his second year as the church pastor. “I could see that we had a food van which wasn’t getting much use so we approached the police and shire and were able to trial the van early 2016. It went amazing and this December we tried it again to a great response.”

So now the Safety Zone will be set up near the clock tower on the corner of Barkly and Main street every Saturday night so party goers can grab free water and a chupa chup and just have a place to sit and be safe for as long as they like.

“We have also had amazing support from the franchise owner of the Mornington Maccas, Tony Kitto, who not only donated the water bottles, but suggested we have phone chargers for the people as well,” said Pastor Mapleback. “The first week back we gave out 150 bottles of water and 150 chupa chups for a sugar hit and that was a quiet night so we know it’s going to be well received.”

The Salvos Safety Zone is set up from 11pm till 3am each Saturday night from the second Saturday in December until the end of February and, like all Salvos events, Pastor Mapleback assures there is no agenda there.

“We just want to be there as a support for people if they need us. Somewhere safe for them to go, get rehydrated and charge their phone if they need to call their parents or a taxi,” he said.

And with over 1000 people going through Cruise Nightclub continued next page...

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“WE JUST WANT TO BE THERE AS A SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IF THEY NEED US"

alone each Saturday night, the project is one that can definitely help keep our kids safe.

“We set up in that location because people are either coming out of the Grand or the Bay and walk to the kebab shop or the night rider so they come past us,” said Pastor Mapleback.

“Out of the eleven Saturday nights we are doing this summer, we are trialling three nights with a four man roving team who will go up and down Main Street and down some side streets.”

Pastor Mapleback has been at the Mornington Salvos for three years. His first appointment as a pastor, the 27-yearold grew up in the church and developed a strong passion for working with people and making a difference.

“This is the first initiative I have done, and I look forward to seeing how we can assist more people in our community,” he said.

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January 2017

STARS SET TO SHINE AT Peninsula Short Film Fest

A

star studded line up will head to Rosebud between February 3 - 5 for the ever popular Peninsula Short Film Fest.

Among the celebrities will be Jessica Marais (The Wrong Girl, Love Child), Sigrid Thornton (Seachange, Wentworth), Firrass Dirani (House Husbands), Lachy Hulme (Offspring), Nicole da Silva (Wentworth), Shane Jacobson (The Dressmaker, Kenny) and director Wayne Blair (Redfern Now, The Sapphires).

The event kicks off with the Official Opening Night on Friday February 3 at Rosebud Cinemas. Tickets are $30 each and include drinks, finger food and a movie. Rub shoulders with the stars for the launch of PSFF and support the Oz Indie Showcase.

A great opportunity for filmmakers to network!

Saturday is the big show! Thousands will gather on the Village Green in Rosebud to watch up to 20 shortlisted films. They will be judged live on the night by the panel of celebrity judges.

Entertainment begins at 4pm with films screening from 7pm.

Grab some friends and head down. Entry is free! No BYO. Food and drink available at event.

This year, short listed films are competing for a prize pool worth more than $30K including a first prize of $5K cash,

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January 2017

second prize $2.5K cash, third prize $1250 and the Woodleigh School Emerging Filmmaker Award $500 cash.

On Sunday there will be an Australian documentary with an exclusive Q&A with Director, Producer, Writer or Star @ Rosebud Cinema ($25 per person) followed by a speed networking event. 2pm – 4pm "The Festival offers an amazing opportunity for filmmakers to have their film seen by the most influential film practitioners in the business," said Festival Director, Steve Bastoni.

“This is a great chance to rub shoulders and network with industry professionals. Filmmakers receive feedback from the best in the business. Our judging panel has included Screen Australia Board Member and Australian director Rob Connolly, John Molloy (Mushroom Pictures), Andrew Mason (Hopscotch) and we’re very lucky to have renowned Australian director Fred Schepisi as PSFF Patron."

Save the date - Peninsula Short Film Fest: February 3-5 2017.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the ticketed events go to www.peninsulashortfilmfest.com.au

ENOUGH FOOD FOR

Everybody!

By Melissa Walsh Photos: Yanni

Every Thursday at the crack of dawn, volunteers from across the peninsula gather in a shed at the back of Our Lady of Fatima Church Rosebud with one thing on their mind: to help those less fortunate.

their luck was in as they had been chosen to receive a Christmas pudding from the council staff. The people were thrilled and fortunately few questions were asked.”

Now in its 25th year of operation, Southern Peninsula Food for All has packed and distributed 48,052 weekly food parcels, and Peninsula Essence Magazine spoke to Diane Falconer, about the philanthropic work of this wonderful organisation.

As the years went on, a staff collection was made and letters were sent to various organisations requesting donations, enabling the purchase of food for the hampers. Toys were donated separately and now the humble “pudding club” had taken on a life of its own.

F

By 1992, 200 hampers each containing 19 items were given to families and senior citizens together with toys to the children of the families. A total of $5,303.03 was collected from generous donations.

“

ood for All began officially on the southern peninsula in 1991 as the result of a series of poverty forums held in the former Shire of Flinders. However the original idea took hold 20 years before that in 1971 when six female staff in the rates office decided instead of giving presents to each other for Christmas, they would buy and donate Christmas puddings to struggling families. It would become known as the 'pudding club',” said Diane, who was one of the original six.

“The local butcher was cajoled into providing names and addresses of those who were experiencing difficulty in paying for their purchases on the strict understanding that the source of the information was not disclosed. Consequently staff members took great delight in knocking on people's doors and telling them that

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“When I retired from council the following year, I became involved in Food for All which had been operating for a couple of years, packing food parcels at the All Saints Hall,” said Diane.

From small beginnings, the program has supported thousands of people across the peninsula, and is supported by eleven different denominations and community organisations. In 2016 the momentum has kept growing with the building of a purpose built facility to store and pack the food parcels. continued next page...

“As the result of an increasing demand for emergency food aid we were looking for new premises and, in 2016 we built what amounts to a large double garage in the Fatima grounds, which is our new distribution centre,” said Diane. “By June that year, we had packed a record 3845 food parcels for the year, 510 hampers and toys for 564 children. One hundred and ten hampers were donated to Westernport to help families on that side of the peninsula.”

Food for All operates by food being collected through local churches and community organisations, and also from bins marked “Food for All” in local supermarkets. Local schools also support Food for All by once a year arranging “Kick-in-a-Can” days. Food is purchased from three local supermarkets most especially when items are on “special” and an additional discount is granted by each supermarket. These purchases together with donated items enable balanced food parcels to be provided.

An average of 60 food parcels are packed by around 20 eager volunteers every Thursday morning and most parcels contain a packet of cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, long life milk, tea, biscuits, tinned fruit, soup, tinned meals, tinned vegetables, jam, rice cream, rice, etc. Fresh vegetables such as cauliflowers, carrots and broccoli are distributed with the parcels, and apples are given fortnightly. The food parcels are distributed by members of the local conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and are given to struggling families and individuals within the community.

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Sat Jan 7th and Sat Jan 21st from 3pm to 8pm.

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January 2017

Bring the whole family for amazing live music, incredible food, beer & wine, fun for the kids and of course the best collection of market stallholders in Melbourne!

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January 2017

SAVING THE SUBMARINE

By Melissa Walsh Photos: Yanni

I

t’s not every day you get to take a trip out to a 2,000 tonne submarine with a chequered and colourful history that’s anchored just off shore in Western Port Bay. But that was the case when we ventured down to the Victorian Maritime Centre and met its passionate volunteers in Crib Point.

The HMAS Otama is the last Oberon Class submarine built for the Australian Navy. It has been sitting and rusting in Western Port Bay for fourteen years, and most people don’t know about it.

You could drive down to Crib Point every day and not realise you were driving past this majestic treasure. That’s why volunteers like Max Bryant, Wayne Gibbs, David Hoare, Former Chief Petty Officer Barry McDaniel and Dennis Gist continue to spend much of their spare time at the museum, working on what they fondly call “the 100 year project”.

“We brought the sub over from Western Australia in 2002, on a 13 day voyage across treacherous waters,” said Max, a peninsula stalwart who has been involved with Cerberus, started the Victorian Maritime Museum in the old Mitre 10 building in Hastings, and built the Hastings Marina to name a few of his accomplishments. “After starting a project to keep the Hastings pool going years ago, it made me aware that if we needed help, the community had to change things.

So I decided to come up with a project that would generate funds for the community. After doing lots of research I found the subs were a major attraction for tourism which I felt we needed down here.”

For Max, fate was at hand as he also had a submariner living next door to guide him along the way.

“Ken Mills was my old mate and showed me that subs were the way to go. I was aware that the navy were disposing of their aging Oberon class subs so we went and checked out a couple. HMAS Otama was still operational when we went across to have a look but we learnt she was scheduled to be used as a target for the United States Navy, and that wasn’t on.

She was significant as the last Oberon sub built and the last one to be decommissioned in the world.” continued next page...

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The men decided that this important sub could not be treated that way, so went to work to get her over to Western Port.

“That was around 2000. Two navy sailors had died on that sub when they were lost overboard. Everybody agreed that it was not a good idea for Otama to be used as target practice, so with some political push the project didn’t go ahead. When they decided they would dispose of her, our only option was to make the journey across, and in April 2002 she came through the heads,” said Max of the sub that was towed for 13 days by a sea going salvage tug, surviving a force nine gale storm.

The project the men put forward to win Otama is the same today as it was 14 years ago, and they keep pushing on, determined to see it to fruition.

“The sub is out there but people can’t go out there to see it, so it needs to be brought ashore. The only way we can maintain the sub is to get it out of the water, so we have spent so much of our time on trying to locate a suitable site, and in 2013 we were given consent to use the site outside of the marina wall on the south east corner. We have directed all our energies into designing the construction for the project on that site. It’s progressing well but the major issue is funding. We need to get the funds to move it out of the water and have all the designs to build a wonderful, educational centre in Hastings,” said the team, still as devoted to the cause as when it all began over a decade ago.

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January 2017

“IT IS THE NAVAL HERITAGE THAT WE WANT TO BE REMEMBERED, A TESTAMENT TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO SERVED”

For each man, the project has a special place in his heart.

“The major issue is to have something for future generations, to leave a legacy behind, which is why we talk about it as the 100 year project. It will still be here making money for the Western Port community when we are all dead and gone,” said Max. For David Hoare, who has been on hand since 1999, helping to set up the Maritime Centre, the former submariner also served on HMAS Otama.

“It was the last boat I served on back in 1981, and I never thought I’d buy it,” he said with a laugh. “However it’s not because it was my boat that I want it saved. It’s to show people our naval history and keep the maritime past alive.”

Denis agrees: “It is the naval heritage that we want to be remembered, a testament to all the people who served.”

For these passionate volunteers, the project has inspired them for many reasons, which is why they have kept plodding along.

“The initial concept also involved teaching kids our maritime history. We do this through the museum here but how wonderful it would be to have the submarine to show them through, as well as our other ship, Wyuna,” said Max. Wyuna was donated to the Western Port Oberon Association continued next page...

January January 2017 2017

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in 2013, and was said to be Australia's "Britannia", having been built on the Clyde in 1953 to a classic 20th century design. After 26 years with the Port Phillip Sea Pilots, Wyuna operated as a training ship for the Australian Maritime College in Launceston until 2004. She was then sold for possible use for accommodation in the Pilbara and later sold again for possible conversion to a luxury yacht. After neither venture progressed, Wyuna was generously donated to the Western Port Oberon Association.

“The Wyuna, along with the Otama, are a part of the long term project to inspire tourism and promote education of our treasured navy and maritime history. With the Wyuna the plan is to bring her back here from Tasmania and have a place where kids can get away from technology and stay on board to truly see what maritime life was like,” said Max. “For our country, we are so much a part of maritime history and living so close to the water, we should all learn more about a past that has played such a huge role in our lives.”

The Victorian Maritime Centre is at 220 The Esplanade, Crib Point. Phone 0476 109 223. www.maritimecentre.com.au

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Australia Day on the Peninsula Thursday 26 January Dromana Foreshore

Mount Eliza Village Green

7.30am – 1pm

9am – 1.30pm

Free Community BBQ

Free Community BBQ

Live & Local Entertainment

Live & Local Entertainment

Free Family Entertainment

Official Proceedings

Official Proceedings Community Youth Awards

Hastings Foreshore 9am – 2pm

Rosebud Village Green 8.30am – 1.30pm Live & Local Entertainment 10km Fun Run

Vintage Car & Caravan Show

(commences at Safety Beach Sailing Club)

Emu Plains Market on the Foreshore

5.3km Fun Run/Walk

Free BBQ Breakfast

(commences at Dromana Info Centre)

Official Proceedings

Free Community Breakfast

Mornington

Rye Foreshore

3pm – 9.30pm

12.30am – 9.30pm

Live & Local Entertainment

Free Community BBQ

Street Parade

Live & Local Entertainment

Official Proceedings

Brian Cadd & The Bootleg Family

Mornington CFA Torch Light Procession

Fireworks Display (subject to weather conditions)

Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks Fireworks Display (subject to weather conditions)

For more information about events mornpen.vic.gov.au/australiaday 1300 850 600

Sorrento-Portsea RSL 11am – 6pm Official Proceedings Free BBQ Live & Local Entertainment

Sorrento Bowls Club 10am – 5pm Official Proceedings Free BBQ Live & Local Entertainment

WE BOUGHT A BREWERY

By Melissa Walsh

W

hen Dan Dainton tasted his father’s beer at two years of age, he could never have predicted that one day he and dad, Kevin, would own a brewery. But here they both are in Carrum Downs running their very own Dainton Family Brewery, and loving every moment. You couldn’t get two more laid back guys than Dan and Kevin but don’t let their relaxed vibe fool you. They are two smart cookies, having officially opened the brewery in July last year, and already getting rave reviews from customers.

While Kevin always loved a beer, until now his background was in computers, recently retiring from a 30 year career in the industry.

Dan, on the other hand, had developed a knack for beer making when his mum gave him a home brew kit when he was in his 20s.

“I never got what I wanted for Christmas until then, and started brewing my own beer in the shed, and just never stopped,” said 34 year old Dan. “I had already done a science degree at uni so decided to go back to study the trade. By this stage my home brewing gig had gone a bit crazy. I had five fridges set up and was totally obsessed.”

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In a serendipitous moment, Dan’s life changed one day when an old mate called in out of the blue.

“He was working for James Squires at that stage and organised an interview for me after he tasted my brew. I started there as a brewer in 2011 and then moved to Holgate’s in Woodend after a house move to Sunbury,” said Dan, whose career seemed to be leading him down the path of owning his own brewery one day.

“It was a dream to own a brewery but I knew I had a lot of work to do along the way. I continued to make my own beer and eventually started selling it to pubs and clubs once I left my job at Woodend,” said Dan, who then had to find a place to make the beer and eventually people to buy it.

“I had a bit of confidence in my beer by then. It had already won an Australian award for the best pilsner which I had made at home, and won a silver medal for brew number two and three which kept building my confidence in the product.”

After finding a building in Derrimut to make his beer, the real hard slog began with Dan finding himself spending hours on end creating his next brew.

“I spent 17 straight hours on the bottling run for my first batch, and made 3000 litres,” he said of the beer aptly called Red Eye Rye. Within a couple of months, he had found people to buy it and he was off and running.

Dan’s second release called The Good Son was named after his own son, one of many that have taken on a family theme. Bastard Brother and Insane IPA continued the tradition.

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When the time came to find their own building, the father and son team were fully committed to the project.

“After many long discussions over an ale or two, Dan and I decided to go into business together. I could see that his beer was top quality and he knew what he was doing by now,” said Kevin, who drives down a few times a week from Shepparton where he and his partner still live.

“We did lots of beer drinking research, visited breweries all over Australia to make sure we got it right,” said Kevin with a laugh.

“It was tough work.”

Eventually, the pair decided to start their brewery on the Mornington Peninsula.

“We had seen a lot of places but this one in Carrum Downs stood out and the demographic was perfect,” Dan said.

So two years ago, they bought a big shed on a huge block on the main drag and set to work, renovating, extending, purchasing the best equipment and eventually seeking staff to help them run their dream.

Dan’s advertisement for a sales representative called for an “intergalactic fun and beer legend” which pretty much sums up the quirky nature of the brewer, who works his backside off so deserves a few off-tap moments. “When we opened in July it had been a full on six months. We were basically here all the time but it’s going great guns. We now have an amazing head brewer, Matt “The Inch” Inchley, who lives and breathes beer. I’d put money on the fact he’s perfected my original beers without any doubt.”

Now the Dainton Family Brewery has the capacity to make 1.5 million litres per year , has a 60 seat tasting room, and a newly constructed alfresco area perfect for summer.

Describing his beer as “approachable”, don’t be fooled. The quirky range packs a mighty punch from the original Red Eye Rise to Samurye Lager, Grand Pappy’s Whip and the new Blood Orange Berliner Weisse, one of Matt’s specialities.

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“We also have a New Zealand All Black IPA, a NZ hopped black rye India pale ale,” said Dan. Dainton Family Brewery and Tap House is at 560 Frankston Dandenong Road, Carrum Downs.

Phone 9775 0334. www.daintonbrewing.com.au

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G LFING on the peninsula Centenary Park Centenary Park Public Golf Course manager D&S Golf was recently awarded the inaugural On Course Golf National Franchise of the Year.

It was presented to D&S Golf at the On Course National Conference on the Gold Coast last week.

All On Course franchise golf businesses across Australia were evaluated against a stringent criterion of business excellence including branding, store presentation, marketing and training. In a highly competitive field, D&S Golf came out a clear winner.

D&S Golf Director and PGA Professional Steve Montgomerie, and business partner and PGA Professional Warren Young, were delighted to win the award. “Being adjudged as the National Franchise of the Year is testament to our efforts to present all users at Centenary Park with an enjoyable golfing experience,” Mr Montgomerie said.

“We constantly strive to present the store in its optimum condition and provide golfers with a broad range of golf merchandise at competitive prices.”

Mr Young added: “To be the winners of this award is recognition of a huge team effort. All staff contribute to the successful operation of the venue, and aim to set the bar high.

“Our state of the art indoor teaching and club fitting facility has strengthened our position as the No. 1 golf education centre on the Mornington Peninsula.”

D & S Golf have been the contract managers at Centenary Park for the past 22 years and have been instrumental in the course becoming one of Victoria’s best council owned public golf courses.

On Course Golf is Australia’s largest group of PGA Golf Professionals with 212 stores nationally. Through their aggregated buying they are able to negotiate better deals with a broad array of suppliers for their members and this, in turn, is passed onto the golfing consumer.

D&S Golf has been a member of the On Course group for nearly 25 years.

For further information please contact Steve Montgomerie or Warren Young at the Centenary Park Public Golf Course on 9789 1480.

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your local experts

Moonah Links It’s a rare thing to drive through the gates of an iconic Australian Open venue and see such inviting signage. But the fact is, Moonah Links is one of the most accessible golf facilities to have hosted our national championship – twice. But not just for tourists. Moonah Links has opened its doors to the students of nearby Boneo Primary School, providing weekly clinics for the kids in a concerted effort to grow the game. After designing the Open Course at Moonah Links, Peter Thomson said, “Visitors will get a whiff of what top championship play is really like." Indeed, the first golf course designed specifically to stage the Australian Open is one of the few places where one can walk in the shoes of the pros. This championship layout of 6,783 metres (back tees) will test every facet of your game, from deceptive tee shots, to greens with treacherous runoffs and embankments. The first hole is an embodiment of Thomson’s mantra; a short par 4 that tempts the golfer to take on the corner to set up a short approach to a green perched high among the Moonah trees. When the pin is cut at the front, approach shots not inch-perfect will roll 40m back down the fairway. Highlights include the par-4 third hole, which requires a long drive to reach a shelf 130m from the green – to avoid a completely blind approach shot.

The closing holes on the Open Course make for a grandstand finish, with thepenultimate par-3 17th and the 582m, par-5 18th acting as a final exam on your scorecard.

Moonah Links is a truly memorable test of golf, allowing visitors to experience the skills required of tour players while offering numerous tee options for shorter, easier versions of the layout.

Evin Priest. Deputy Editor. Australian Golf Digest.

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GET IN THE SPIRIT

By Melissa Walsh

A

love of history and fascination with the paranormal has turned out to be a marvelous combination for two Crib Point women who came up with the idea for hugely successful WesternPort Historical Ghost Tours 12 months ago.

Celeste De Vis and Charmian Dainton simply love history and, after moving down to the area several years ago, were intrigued when they looked into the rich history of their township.

“We have genuine passion to share the local history of this beautiful little village with locals and the wider community,” said Celeste. “Crib Point is a jewel on the Western Port Bay.” For Charmian, who has always lived on the Peninsula, moving down to Crib Point seven years ago reignited her curiosity for researching history.

“When I moved here, I could see it was very rich in history with a lot of old buildings and interesting stories. As Celeste and I have been friends for 20 years, we both started researching the old township of Crib Point, spending six months going through newspaper articles on Trove and contacting the historical society,” said Charmian, who shares her friend’s love for the paranormal.

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“We discovered that murders took place in the 1980s and the bodies were hidden in the beach reserve for over two years before they were discovered. One of the bodies was a young girl whose name was Michelle Marshall. During the walking tour, all the participants have an EMF (electromagnetic frequency) reader which picks up on electronic and spiritual interference. Our medium Petrina Banks walks with us and makes contact with the spirit. She passes messages on to individual people, both from the spirits in our area and also their own friend or relative who has decided to come through,” said Celeste.

Charmian has a particular interest in events around HMAS Cerberus as it has a checkered history.

“At one point I talk about the arrest and charge of serial killer, Derek Percy, who was arrested in 1969 on the grounds of Cerberus where he worked on the watch tower. Percy was linked to the deaths of nine children, including the 1977 disappearance of Linda Stillwell. He was convicted of the abduction, torture and murder of 12-year-old Yvonne Tuohy, who was snatched from a continued next page...

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“WE HAVE GENUINE PASSION TO SHARE THE LOCAL HISTORY OF THIS BEAUTIFUL LITTLE VILLAGE WITH LOCALS AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY”

Charmian has investigated the history of the line and tells of a tragic story of the little girl who fell under the train many years ago, but no one is sure if this is the same young spirit.

“We then walk on to the original front gates of Cerberus which history tells us were taken from a police station down at Sandy Point and erected in 1912. We then deliver quite a bit of information about the base, when it was built, how long it took and where the workers came from. And of course the sensational story of the murderer, Derek Percy, who was arrested at the watchtower only hours after he committed his final murder, “said Charmian.

Armed with lanterns and EMF, participants have the chance to step back in time with this informative and fun tour. Medium Petrina helps connect to the spirits while Charmian and Celeste set the backdrop with some fascinating historical facts about the township.

“We have a rich understanding of the history of our town and a great love of the paranormal, so decided to undertake workshops.

We went to many ghost investigations through the paranormal society, to understand how to use the paranormal equipment.

Each participant has an EMF reader and they are distributed just before we get to a hot sport in one of the oldest parts of the village.

We’ve had a 99.9 per cent rate where the reader goes off, which means the electromagnetic frequency has picked up a spirit trying to make contact, “said Charmian. beach at our WesternPort Bay in July 1969. He was found to be criminally insane and jailed indefinitely.”

Westernport Ghost Tours begins at the Arthur Peterson Reserve, opposite the Crib Point Post Office. There is a sense of excitement and anticipation amongst the perspective ghost hunters, as they all chat nervously about what they are about to see. Host Charmian and psychic medium Petrina give a brief description of the early settlers and where the group is going as many start taking photos on their phones.

“Many people capture orbs and energy shapes on their phones from quite early on in the tour, as we continue onto the railway line which has a lot of history. It has been there since the late 1800s and we often have a young lady that pops up quite often.

People feel her tapping them a lot and we are not sure exactly how she fits in here but Arthur Peterson Reserve used to be the community meeting place for carnivals and social activities,” explained Celeste.

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The tour concludes at the Olde School House, where guests share a supper, get to debrief and even see a mini ghost investigation in the hall.

“The walk takes about an hour and a half depending on how much information we give out, and it is perfect that we end at the historical school house which turns 100 this year. In the old school house an old school teacher called Nellie has communicated with Petrina about her working role there. She came across to Petrina as a woman born before her time, and highly independent. We also had a sick child who attached herself to a participant and the EMF reader continually beeped during the entire walk. It turned out it was a child who went to that school and was very sick. At the old school house we share supper, and everybody gets to share their photos and experiences.”

For information on WesternPort Historical Ghost Tours, phone 0417 551 158 or 0419 249 727.

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PERFECTION BY DESIGN

By Cameron McCullough

D

o you remember the good old days? When your lounge suite was made by hand, and with care, and not mass produced, sure to fall apart, or have the material wear and tear before your eyes? Where did it all go wrong? How did we get so far away from 'quality’?

The Walsh’s connection to furniture production goes back four generations when Gerard’s father and grandfather had a furniture shop in Ballarat.

Lucky for us, all is not lost. There are still people out there (let’s call them ‘craftsmen’) who work with their hands, and create things that are beautiful.

“My father got out of the game after returning from the Second World War, but when I showed an interest in design, he encouraged me.”

Sorrento Furniture is one such business. Located in Mornington, they hand manufacture custom-made furniture that is beautiful, functional and, most importantly, designed to the client’s exact requirements.

Gerard got an apprenticeship as an upholsterer, and never looked back.

“We call it the ‘Goldilocks’ experience”, said Cynthia Walsh who, with husband Gerard, runs Sorrento Furniture.

“The clients are part of the process from the start to finish. They

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can come and sit on the furniture we are making for them and say ‘too soft’ or ‘too hard’, and we tailor the piece to their exact requirements.”

“I’ve spent 43 years in upholstery and furniture manufacturing,” said Gerard.

“Most of the work we did was commercial until we decided to continued next page...

January 2017

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purchase Sorrento Furniture about six years ago,” said Gerard.

“It was basically getting back to where we started”.

From their new base in Mornington, they began to build a clientele for residential work.

“We still do quite a bit of commercial work, probably about a quarter, but residential work is what we focus on mostly at Sorrento Furniture,” said Gerard.

The process is quite different from other methods of furniture purchasing.

“It starts with an idea. A client or interior designer comes to us with an idea, and we start by drawing it out. We liaise with them and come up with the design,” said Gerard.

“Basically, we can build most of what people can imagine!”

The furniture framing is then designed and produced.

“We use plantation Victorian ash, which is a hardwood. It is the best you can get,” said Gerard, who decries the use in the industry of inferior framing these days, such as MDF or chipboard.

“We have always had a focus on the best quality that money can buy. It doesn’t matter that you can’t see the internal frame. It still has to be the best.”

Sorrento Furniture pride themselves on being the best in the business, from concept to completion.

“We source as much of the products we can locally,” said Gerard.

“And we are also very environmentally conscious. Our foams are CFC free, and we use a water-based glue for all our products.”

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January 2017

Sorrento Furniture also source the best fabrics that Australia, and the world, can offer.

“We stock Warwick Fabrics, Elliott Clark, Ink, and Spindle and many others to make your piece totally unique”.

Cynthia and Gerard employ a team of craftsmen and women including upholsterers, machinists and cutters. While Gerard runs the workshop, Cynthia is usually busy in the showroom.

“I love my photoshoots, as anybody who follows us on Instagram will notice,” said Cynthia.

Sorrento Furniture have a complete photographic studio upstairs for the sometimes challenging task of photographing furniture.

“It is a huge job. Although there is a steady flow of pictures onto Instagram during the year, I gather most of the pictures during about five photoshoots we have each year.”

Cynthia and Gerard both know the importance of a public profile for their brand. As well as working with interior designers, they value word of mouth, and referrals from previous customers.

“It is amazing to see the faces of our clients. It starts as an idea and a drawing, and about four to six weeks later, the piece of completed furniture is sitting in their house,“ said Gerard.

“That is the reward for all our hard work… a happy client”.

Sorrento Furniture is located at 10 Bennetts Rd, Mornington.

Phone (03) 5975 0344. www.sorrentofurniture.com.au Instagram: Sorrentofurniture

January January 2017 2017

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PAYING IT FORWARD WITH MUSIC

By Melissa Walsh Photos: Yanni

E

very Friday night as you wander past the Frankston library courtyard in Playne Street, the sweet sound of live music fills the air; a gentle reminder of the healing power behind these soulful notes.

While you might think these singers and musicians have rocked the stage before, most are not professionals and join the Friday night jam session purely because they love what they do.

Yvens De Carmargo is the driving force behind this not-for-profit Fresh Start Sounds, which began after he decided to change careers in 2013.

“I needed to get out of the rat race working in I.T., commuting from the peninsula to the CBD every day. I had always had an interest in hospitality, so thought starting a café down here would be good,” said the father of six,

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January 2017

who began Fresh Start Organic Café with his wife, Silvia. “We called it Fresh Start because it was our fresh start. And now we have another café at the Frankston Library called Charlwood’s Café.”

For Brazilian born Yvens, starting the cafes became a life-changing experience which has enabled him to give something back to the local community.

“Fresh Start Sounds began when I heard a homeless guy, Old Tom, playing music in the streets. I had the café in White Street and a couple of chefs from Philip Island came up to me and asked if I had heard the guy busking behind McDonalds. It took three weeks before Old Tom would come over to my café. He would stand across the street and just look at me. Then one day he came over and I asked him to play for me. He said he couldn’t as he had to sell his instruments so we went around every pawn shop and found them and bought them back for him,” said Yvens. “When he opened the case and looked at the guitar he teared up because he couldn’t believe it was his old guitar that he had owned for many years. He played us 'Jesus Loves Me' because he is very religious. Now he is back in New Zealand with his children, has a job and has just inherited a magnificent beach in Tahiti.”

“The response from peninsula artists has been incredible. No matter what the weather we always have a great turnout of performers and we do a Saturday concert at the end of every month. We are even putting together a Fresh Start Sounds band, and have released CD compilations featuring the work of local musical artists,” said Yvens who believes people can be healed through music. “It’s amazing when you come together for a good cause how people help you. The library and arts centre has been magnificent as has the council in helping us get this together for the community.”

Yvens was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Frankston councillor Sandra Mayer, recognising his efforts to bring music and joy to many people.

Fresh Start Sounds is every Friday at Frankston library forecourt in Playne Street, outside Charlwood’s Café from 6.30 till 9.30pm.

Meeting Tom two and a half years ago was the catalyst for Fresh Start Sounds. And since then, hundreds of musicians and artists have graced the Friday night stage with the hope of playing music and possibly changing their lives.

“It was the defining moment when I realised we need to provide instruments for people to play and a venue for them to share their talents and passion for music when they may not have enough money for such things. Now we have a circa 1880 piano with real ivory keys, guitars, drums, bass, violins and just need to get ourselves a mixing desk,” said Yvens.

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AUTUMN January 2017 2016

January Autumn2017 2016

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“The colour of springtime is in the flowers.

The colour of winter is in the imagination.”

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January 2017

Pictures: Yanni. See page 82 for a full history of Beleura House

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PRETTY PARCEL E ssence

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January 2017

Fashion

By Melissa Walsh

Designing and making clothes from her home on the Mornington Peninsula, Shannon McAlpine talks about life as a fashion designer with her brand, Pretty Parcel.

When did you first become interested in fashion and fashion design?

During high school I really enjoyed textiles and fashion design and knew I wanted to pursue further study and one day create my own fashion label.

How did you get into fashion design?

I started the business in 2010 when I was 24. I had always loved fashion and studied a diploma of textiles, clothing and footwear after high school. From there I just got involved in creating my own brand.

Was your mother or other family members into fashion?

When did you really start noticing fashion?

Fashion and design definitely ran in the family back with my great grandmother who was a dressmaker, and my mother who made many of her own clothes and for lots of us in the family. She has been a huge inspiration to me and when the pressure is on she is a wonderful assistant for my business.

During various overseas trips I have been interested in different cultures and their fashion, especially Harajuku in Japan and their amazing quirky outfits.

When did you realise you had a flair for designing and making clothing?

I had an amazing textiles teacher in high school who inspired me to follow dress making as a career. During my studies at Box Hill Institute, I loved the creativity and design of costume making and made many costumes for dress-up parties.

After winning a couple of awards, I realised I could possibly turn this passion of design and dress making into a career.

What was the first item you made for yourself or somebody else? Do you still have it?

The first item I ever made was pyjamas in high school and yes I actually do still have them and they are still going strong.

When did you move your business to the Mornington Peninsula?

I have always loved the peninsula and used to come down here for holidays. It was about three years ago that my partner and I moved here because we wanted a sea change.

It’s fantastic to live so close to the water and be able to work from my home studio.

Your clothes are so bright and bubbly. Where do you get your inspiration?

I am always looking for inspiration but have always been inspired by the vintage style of the 1950s and 60 designs. I don’t have a particular designer I aspire to. I like fashion from around the world, but particularly Japanese fashion and culture.

I guess that influence comes out in the kitsch and vibrant prints. continued next page...

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What is your process when it comes to creating your clothing?

I make it up in my mind and then put it down on paper in the form of a design and pattern. I make all my own patterns and clothes from start to finish. I have always made clothes for my friends and myself, and started doing craft markets in Melbourne where I met a lot of people. I have sold through a few stores but never sold mainly online for the past two years. It gives me a lot more freedom to be creative and do custom orders.

What is a day like for you working as a fashion designer?

Long hours! Running your own business means you never really switch off so from early morning to late at night my mind is always running with creative ideas. What I love most about what I do is that every day is different. As I am the designer, pattern maker, cutter, sewer, advertiser and administrator I will never get bored.

What do you like about what you do?

I can run my business from the comfort of my own home, stay in my pyjamas as long as I like, I can be as creative as I wish and there are no limits. I love my customers and the support from other small businesses and have met so many amazing like-minded people through social media and at design markets.

TUZZI DAVID POND SABATINI LS COLLECTION JOSEPH RIBKOFF DRAMA ANNETTE GORTZ BLUE BLANC ROUGE CAP FERRAT DENNY ROSE ISABEL DE PEDRO BRAX ELISA CAVALETTI GAUDI CREA CONCEPT TALBOT RUNHOF MARELLA CARTISE FABER

What is the difference between your designs and others on the peninsula?

I loved the relaxed fun beachy feel of the peninsula. I am always on the hunt for new and different quirky/ novelty fabrics to make pretty parcel pieces stand out in the crowd. As my designs are slightly influenced by the 1950s and '60s fashion, my clothing has a certain vintage feel with a modern twist.

Why did you decide to sell only online now?

Online sales allows me to run my business on a more personal, made-to-order basis and to create limited edition pieces which aren’t mass produced. It also means I can get my pieces to my customers a lot quicker and inform them about new releases as soon as they are available. I also like to offer custom orders so that my customers can slightly alter my designs to make them as unique as they are. Having an online store also means I can have customers from all around the world.

How do you succeed in such a difficult industry?

Determination, passion and dedication. It helps when you are doing something you have always loved, and I always knew I wanted to do it.

I have been extremely lucky to meet people through social media and markets who have been really helpful.

How do you describe your brand Pretty Parcel?

It is a quality and timeless design of vintage clothing with a contemporary twist which offers individual, special, and lovinglymade clothing and accessories. Each season I have a whole new exciting range of one-off and limited edition pieces. Locally sourced and handpicked materials are used to create something unique that you can be confident in wearing. Pretty parcel encompasses femininity, playfulness, cute and whimsical clothing.

Pretty Parcel can be ordered online at www.prettyparcel.com.au

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Mornington Peninsula Weddings

Silk Hair Design Step in and enjoy the Silk Experience with a welcoming Aveda tea followed by a head and shoulder massage to relax you into your visit. Being an Aveda salon family and Kevin Murphy Session Salon specialists, our dedicated professional team will ensure they deliver the look you desire, from our beautiful naturally-derived Aveda and Davines colouring, Gadiva Fan Tip Hair Extensions, Cezzaine Smoothing systems to precision design style cutting with finishing touches of a bouncy blow-wave.

Enjoy the full bridal experience at our Hair Beauty Spa or we come to you, with services pampering you from head to toe.

Book now for your complimentary bridal consult.

“We have a saying at Silk that says ‘Every Guest Every Time’ and we make sure you feel happy, satisfied with your look and completely gorgeous,” said owner Silk Hair Design, Leanne Barnes.

Silk offers a wide range of retail homecare, including Aveda, Kevin Murphy, Eleven ,GHD ,Jane Iredale, Dermalogica, American Crew , and Tuscan Tan. “Our beauty treatments are not to be missed with Aveda and Dermalogica facials, massages, spray tanning and waxing for the body, manicure or pedicure in our Bali Hut ,Youthful Ageing Injectables and now our new addition the Sunlighten New Technology Infra Sauna with before and after treatments to optimise the best results for wellbeing,” said Leanne.

Bridal has become a speciality at Silk with absolute care to detail working with the bride to create the perfect look she desires.

“We do everything from planning to prepping months before with beauty and spa treatments to right up to the Wedding Day hair creation and Jane Iredale makeup,” said Leanne. “We love looking after the bride as it’s such a happy, joyous time in their lives. No wedding is too big or too small for us .We can cater in our salon or if preferred go to the bride with our call out service.”

And at Silk, they do not forget the groom who deserves pampering too in the dedicated area, the Men’s Den. “Book in the grooms" party for their style cuts and wet shaves with our professional barber trained stylists ,men’s mani, waxing ,massage or facial,” said Leanne. “”So come and visit us as we would love to look after you.”

You can check out Silk Hair Design on their virtual tour on Google, Silk Website or Facebook. Silk Hair Design is at 1 Bay Road, Mount Martha.

Phone 5974 1832.

Professional skilled barbering with a pampered twist! It’s not just a haircut at the Men’s Den, we provide a range of services that will have the groom looking sharp for their special day.

Head and shoulder massage on arrival.

Beer & nuts after 4.00pm.

The new age sauna.

The latest in infrared technology helps with detoxification, relaxation, pain relief, weight loss, improved circulation and skin purification.

1 Bay Road Mt Martha | Phone: 5974 1832 www.silkhairbeautyspa.com.au

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BROOKLANDS BROOKLANDS

MP Weddings The Mornington Peninsula remains a community of warm and friendly people, where the stresses of city life can be left behind.

As one bride said…”organising our wedding on the Mornington Peninsula from interstate really means you invest a lot of faith in someone to do their job and everyone we dealt with from Mornington Peninsula Weddings Inc exceeded our expectations!

They were all professional, reliable and easy-going. Nothing was too much to ask”.

Mornington Peninsula Inc. is a non-for-profit organisation of local wedding and event suppliers who together promote the Mornington Peninsula as a premier wedding destination. The organisation's members are a close team of professionals all working together on achieving the same outcome a dream wedding for each unique bride. Our success comes from our members who all have a wealth of knowledge about the wedding industry and are reliable, professional and passionate about Mornington Peninsula Weddings.

The Mornington Peninsula is the ultimate wedding destination in Victoria. Whether you wish to say your vows on a stunning cliff top overlooking crystal-clear waters, or if you prefer an intimate country estate, MPW members can assist. And the best part of it all?

Access to the Mornington Peninsula from Melbourne is less than an hour's drive.

From the highest quality venues right down to the headpiece you wear in your hair (and everything in between of course) you’ll find everything you need in the MPW directory – 100% local wedding suppliers.

So for you and your bridal party’s wedding attire, accommodation, hair and makeup, photographers, celebrants to suit every couples personality, catering, flowers, live music or dj….nothing is left to chance. We even have wedding planners, so you can just kick back and let it all be organised for you from the very beginning!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and more recently Pinterest for all your wedding inspiration. For more information find us at www.peninsulaweddings.com.au

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WORLD-CLASS MUSIC, INTIMATE PERFORMANCES, UNIQUE PENINSULA PLACES.

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ickets are now on sale for the 10th Peninsula Summer Music Festival – a showcase of Australian and international artists in 20 exquisite events across 14 glorious summer days on the Mornington Peninsula.

Enjoy exhilarating musical performances as wineries, churches, lush lawns and intimate spaces come alive for all ages.

Under the artistic direction of Julia Fredersdorff, the diverse program ranges from the historically rich baroque music of 17th century England, France and Italy, fiery gypsy melodies, intimate piano recitals and contemporary jazz, to the intoxicating rhythms of South Africa and the transcendental beauty of a beloved pastoral opera.

“This year we present a cornucopia of musical offerings, from the (unjustly) little-known Scottish Songs of Beethoven to the renegade stylings of the Australian Guitar Trio, via joyous South African jive, the pinnacle of Romantic piano repertoire, and a swinging homage to the heyday of swing, stride and boogie.”

Expect to pay around half the price

“We welcome back some familiar faces, such as Sally-Anne Russell, Acacia Quartet and David Greco, and invite you to discover the rising talents of Kevin Suherman and Ensemble 642.”

FOR AN APPOINTMENT CALL

Dates: Sunday 1 January – Saturday 14 January 2017.

Venues: 10 diverse venues across the Mornington Peninsula.

Tickets: separately ticketed events ranging from $15 - $140 and available online only. To view the Festival Program and to purchase tickets for all events please visit www.peninsulafestival.com.au. All tickets are sold via the online box office, for further support with your ticketing requirements please email boxoffice@peninsulafestival. com.au or call 0456 392 689.

1300 230 730 SUITE 6 UPPER LEVEL 38A MAIN STREET, MORNINGTON w w w. d i a m o n d c o c o . c o m . a u January 2017

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The Arts

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baylinen.com.au January 2017

128 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento t: 03 5984 1762 m: 0438 537 757 e: marlenemiller3@bigpond.com Specialising in antique jewellery, as well as newly-made jewellery by Melbourne’s top Jewellers

By Melissa Walsh

A

fter the outrageously successful season of Jason Coleman’s Razzle Dazzle last summer in Rye, Jason proudly presents The Rhythm of Life, performed exclusively at the ‘Cabaret Cathedral’ in Rosebud.

Jason and his crew will treat the coastal community to an extravagant, lavish and unforgettable experience - the age-old art form of cabaret set in a contemporary, captivating and modernised venue.

Located at Coleman Park on the ever-popular foreshore, the ‘Cabaret Cathedral’ is a state-of-the-art urban theatre space, built exclusively for another Jason Coleman premiere event.

Created entirely from repurposed shipping containers, the theatre is a world-first; a custom-engineered, four-storey venue with the capacity to accommodate 280 people.

Designed by Jason and his team of talented artisans, the concept was derived from his desire to move away from 'traditional' theatres and provide a unique, fully transportable space that can bring the magic of live performance to the people.

The carefully chosen name ‘Cabaret Cathedral’ came from Jason’s combined love of cabaret, art and contrast.

Having successfully built ‘Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance’, the largest dance enterprise in the world, Jason can now add ‘Cabaret Cathedral’ to his impressive list of accomplishments and world firsts.

Jason Coleman’s ‘The Rhythm of Life’ is the epitome of worldclass cabaret. Stylish, surprising and sophisticated, it stars Jason and an incredible international cast in a lavish collection of cabaret, circus, dancing and singing.

Having opened on December 10, 2016, the show will run until January 28, 2017 at Cabaret Cathedral, located at 1380 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud.

Meanwhile, Jason’s ‘The Humanimals’ is an epic all-human animal experience for the whole family to enjoy. Running matinee shows from December 29, 2016 to January 29, 2017.

Tickets will be available at www.stickytickets.com.au For more information visit www.cabaretcathedral.com Or connect with us via social media; Instagram @cabaret_ cathedral Facebook @cabaretcathedral

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January, $12-$25

visit mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

Civic Reserve, Dunns Road Mornington VIC 3931 Open Tues–Sun 10am–5pm Phone: 03 5975 4395

Petrina Hicks, Shenae & Jade 2005 (detail), light jet print, edition of 8, Courtesy of the artist and THIS IS NO FANTASY + dianne tanzer gallery, Melbourne and Michael Reid, Sydney

January 2017

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LIFE ON PATROL

SIMON MADDOCK E ssence

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January 2017

By Cameron McCullough

I

t has been a long journey to photography for Simon Maddock.

To say the 38-year-old has done a bit of everything in his life would be no understatement.

After a maths and computing degree, he worked in software engineering for eight years. Then came sub-station testing. Then fitting and turning for eighteen months. Afterwards a stint in customer service beckoned.

It was a family portrait session with local photographer Amber Gardener from Naturalight Photography that inspired the Langwarrin man who grew up in Pearcedale.

“I really wanted to give photography a go. Although at the time it was just for fun,” said Simon.

“I rushed out and got a camera, and started watching YouTube videos on how to achieve different effects”.

Simon continued his customer service job for the next six months while he built his camera skills on the side.

“A few friends had asked if I could do their portraits, but that was it.”

It was a four week trip to the outback that finally flicked a switch for Simon, a switch that hasn’t been turned off.

“I realised that the concrete walls of life were getting to me. In the outback, with the serenity and scenery, I thought to myself ‘This would be living the dream’”.

Simon’s decision to “take the plunge” got off to a slow start. Three or four months in, he’d only had about three jobs. Six months in, he’d only done a couple of weddings.

“I realised that this game was very ‘word of mouth’. It takes time to establish a reputation. It wasn’t just a matter of establishing, and watching the work flow in,” said Simon.

It was a realisation that led him down the path of establishing multiple facets of his young business.

“Real estate and commercial photography has become my ‘business’. That’s what pays the day-to-day bills,” “Landscape photography is my passion. There is no doubt about it. And portraits and weddings are my aspiration.”

Simon has started taking on commercial work, having recently done photoshoots for Hotel Sorrento, Tikka Turban, Urban Fitness Clubs, and Vicinity Centre. But it is when the alarm goes off early in the morning, and he heads off for some landscape photography that his soul really lights up.

continued next page...

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“I JUST LOVE LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY”

“Bascially, I work it around family life,” said the father of fiveyear-old Erin and three-year-old Liam.

“The whole point was to get a better work/life balance that I had working a nine-to-five job”.

It means that there are perfect family days out… but the cameras come.

“Of course, there are more camping trips too,” said Simon.

“Sometimes it is with the whole family, but also sometimes I’ll head out with my daughter, and she’ll sleep in the swag with me up somewhere like Mount Hotham or Dargo.”

Five-year-old Erin has also shown a penchant for photography.

“We gave her an old ‘point-and-shoot’ and she has taken some great shots,” said Simon.

“I’m really proud that I’m raising this little kid that loves doing this stuff.”

While Simon eventually wants to travel further afield with his photography, a young family means that overseas travel will be

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January 2017

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something that will come “in good time”; probably when the kids are old enough.

For the moment, he is following his passion of landscape photography in Australia.

“I just love landscape photography,” said Simon.

“I love the fact that it has a point of focus, but also that you have the ability to capture an entire scene.

“I also love the community aspect of landscape photography.

I follow the work of a number of other photographers such as local Mark Gray and Thomas Heaton who is based in the United Kingdom.

“These people inspire me, and help me aspire to greater things.”.

Check out Simon Maddock’s photography on Facebook and Instagram at OnPatrol Photography and OnPatrol Landscapes. Or you can give him a call on 0435 300 408. www.onpatrolphotography.com.au

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January 2017

Surprising, stylish and sophisticated entertainment

WORLD CLASS CABARET

BRAND NEW SHOW! “Surprising, stylish & sophisticated entertainment” Janet Hine

“Jason Coleman is a master craftsman of all things showbiz”

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Surprise your loved ones with the most sophisticated XMAS present ever!

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Canape food Champagne on arrival Rhythm of Life Show PLUS Extra shows throughout the night!

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Photography by Belinda Strodder

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE IN STYLE!

Spark

YOUTH DANCE COMPANY E ssence

68 | PENINSULA

January 2017

T

he quiet murmuring of an audience, the excited whispers of the littlest dancers skipping to their places, the dim of the lights and the sound of a curtain being raised. There is no experience quite like that of a theatre, and especially that of opening night.

There was a shared feeling of passion and ambition behind the curtain as the young dancers of Spark Youth Dance Company prepared to debut on opening night of The Nutcracker. Artistic Director Alex Dellaportas stood in the wings watching proudly as her dancers took their first steps as a company on the Frankston Arts Centre stage. She recalls this as being the single-most terrifying, yet exhilarating, moment of her life: “I just couldn’t believe that what I had once only dreamed about was now dancing on the stage in front of me.”

You only had to walk through the backstage corridors of Frankston Arts Centre before the show to realise that this group of passionate young artists had, after months of rehearsals, become a family.

From the children who were running around taking selfies and getting each other’s signatures on programmes, to the children helping each other with costumes and makeup – you would never guess that these children were from different dance schools.

It took nearly a full year of planning and creating to get The Nutcracker on stage. Beginning a company from scratch is no easy task and it has required the immense love and support of many people to get off the ground. There were 27 young dancers all aged between 6 and 18 who successfully auditioned to be part of Spark’s inaugural season and all have emerged with a renewed sense of love for the world of dance and art - each taking home experiences that will stay with them forever. One young dancer, Addis Grande, says that the experience helped him to grow as a dancer and reignite his passion for dance - “Spark was the best experience of my life”.

Spark’s Nutcracker was an original take on the themes of the traditional story, setting their version during WW1, their story following a young girl named Clara who receives a letter from her father – a soldier at The Front. After an explosion near her home, Clara is catapulted into a dream where her father’s letter continued next page...

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comes to life and she is shown what the war is truly like behind the propaganda. The young dancers spent a good part of rehearsals discussing the war and learning about its history to prepare for their roles.

The dancers were also lucky enough to perform alongside Daniel Gaudiello, a former Principal Artist of The Australian Ballet who gave his time to mentor the students and play the lead role of the Nutcracker/Father. This was an incredible experience for all who worked on the production.

The production received glowing reports from members of the community who were astounded by the level of professionalism in the young artists. The show was directed by young people both during the creative process and backstage at the performances.

This is an incredible achievement in all aspects of choreography, stage management, costume, lighting, graphic design and set design and the company is excited to provide even more youth leadership opportunities in 2017.

It is hard to find any other profession that demands the same strange blend of emotions as a life in the arts does. The creative process of any artist requires one to push through mountains of self-doubt and forces one to analyse the world and themselves,

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January 2017

all whilst trying to create something tangible and heartfelt. Art teaches us to connect to our humanity and requires us to share all that we are with the world – making us question and challenge ourselves internally along the way. The feeling after a show is another experience altogether – a mixed feeling of pride and sadness as the thing you have worked so hard for has come to an end. A life in the arts gives someone a special insight into the world and into how people connect and live. This was the vision that inspired Alex to want to create a platform that would allow her to share creative experiences like these with other passionate young people like herself.

Spark Youth Dance Company exists to give young people a voice in the world of dance and it is exciting to see what the company will create in 2017. Make sure you follow Spark Youth Dance Company on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with their journey and to hear more about auditions and opportunities for 2017.

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OASIS POP-UP

A SIGN OF SOMETHING SPECIAL E ssence

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January 2017

Eat & Drink

By Cameron McCullough

I

t is hard to imagine the leap of faith required to leave your family and friends, and travel to the other side of the world in search of a better life. Imagine not being able to speak a word of English, and starting from scratch in a foreign land.

This was the experience of Syrian-Lebanese migrant George Makool who arrived in Melbourne in 1971. It was a single-minded belief that life would be better here that spurned him on as he rode his pushbike to his factory job each day. He worked tirelessly to raise the money needed to bring his family here.

His wife and children arrived in 1974. Reunited at last, they continued to build, with George buying a milk bar.

It was his son, Eddie Makool, who went into the bakery trade, buying a small and run down bakery in Murrumbeena in 1998.

It was called Oasis Bakery.

Over the years, the bakery flourished. They ended up taking over neighbouring shops and in 2010 completely renovated to create an enterprise that included a Middle Eastern bakery, café and grocery store.

The store in Murrumbeena is famous for everything from their shawarmas, falafel and meat plates right through to a huge selection of pastries. Not to mention coffee, grocery lines, and mouth-watering breakfast and café menus.

Hugely popular, the Makool family have now spread their wings with a “pop-up” shop in Mornington, and the promise of huge things to come.

“We’d been looking for a new site for some time," said Mornington Oasis Pop-Up manager, Jessica Makool.

“My cousin went along to the auction for a vacant block of land on Nepean Highway, and bought it. It was as simple as that… we think it was meant to be!”

Jessica was working as a supervisor at her uncle and aunt’s Murrumbeena store when her cousin tapped her on the shoulder.

“He asked me if I’d like to manage the new store,” said Jessica.

“After that, nothing was said for a while until I received a text message from him saying ‘have you hired staff yet?’. I quickly got organised and in two weeks had all my staff hired.”

The Makool family aren’t ones to sit around and ponder. Rather there is a ‘get in and get it done’ attitude.

continued next page...

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“Once we decided to do the pop-up café, it was all hands on deck,” said Jessica.

“We literally repurposed the existing shed. Uncle Eddie made the counter. We then commissioned a shipping container that was built into a fully-functioning commercial kitchen.”

The food served at the pop-up is the same as the food in the renowned Murrumbeena store.

Jessica puts the success of the store down to commitment and passion.

“We have a great family and I believe the warmth we show each other shows through to the service we offer our customers and in the quality and consistency of the food we provide.”

Presentation is crucial to Oasis. The food is not only delicious but beautifully presented.

“We run a smaller menu here while we operate as a pop-up, but apart from that, there is no difference at all”.

“I believe that food must be beautiful; like a piece of art,” said Jessica. The social media savvy 26-year-old runs the pop-up’s Instagram page, and is quickly building a loyal following.

The Makool family have built a successful and innovative business on the foundations of exception food and peerless service.

“You eat with your eyes first, so when the food looks beautiful, people know they are going to taste something very special.”

“People probably think that the owners of a company like this one would never be seen, but that is far from the truth,” said Jessica.

And the visual presentation of the food is just the beginning. At Mornington’s Oasis pop-up there is something for everyone.

“They are at the bakery every day, making sure things are running smoothly”.

There are a number of options for the sweet tooth, including blueberry buttermilk hotcakes (blueberry buttermilk hotcakes

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January 2017

“I BELIEVE THAT FOOD MUST BE BEAUTIFUL; LIKE A PIECE OF ART”

with caramelised banana, berry labneh, rose meringue and maple syrup), or the delightful waffles (baked waffles with, passionfruit curd, Turkish delight semifreddo, pomegranate gel, grape molasses and a choc rose duqqa).

The savoury dishes have close ties to the family’s Lebanese roots, with Lebanese Breakfast (traditional scrambled eggs with soujouk, ful medames, olives, grilled halloumi, tomatoes, cucumber, chilli labneh balls & pita), and a crowd favourite Teta’s Lamb & Eggs (grandma’s recipe of seared lamb with scrambled eggs and maras chilli on sourdough with green pea-shoot salad).

The Nepean Highway site is huge, and Oasis Bakery has plans to match.

“We are going to build something spectacular”, said Jessica. “The plans are at council at the moment, and the building will have a continued next page...

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function room and a bar upstairs, a restaurant and café downstairs, plenty of light and space with outdoor gardens, and even a petting zoo for the kids!”

They are hoping to make a start in the new year.

“It will be amazing. It will be much bigger than our Murrumbeena store, and will showcase our proven products in a venue with a modern look and feel,” said Jessica.

Now open for five months, Oasis Bakery’s Pop-Up in Mornington is quickly building a loyal client base with their improvised store.

Don’t let the outside fool you. Oasis Pop-up is refined and sublime.

It is a foodies paradise, and if you haven’t eaten there yet, well…. you’ve really never eaten.

Oasis Pop-Up is located at 988 Nepean Highway, Mornington.

Open Wednesday – Sunday, 7am – 3pm. Call (03) 9570 1122. www.oasisbakery.com.au/pages/pop-up-kitchen Instagram: oasispopup

Architect-designed modular homes

Visit us online: prebuilt.com.au Visit our display suite: 33 Garden Street, Kilsyth Victoria Custom designed house, Rose Bay NSW

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Book an appointment: 03 9761 5544

Photos

Peninsula

A launch evening was held on Saturday 26 November for “The Traders”, a new initiative by Merricks General Wine Store. Running between 25 November and 12 January, “The Traders” features giftware for the home, summer essentials for the wardrobe, art, fine food, hampers and more. Traders featured include Balflower Florist, Capricorn Fine Arts, Jump Jewellery, MGWS Gift Hampers, Mrs Tutton, Oneseason Australia, RB Sellars, Red Hill Candle Co., Unearthed Garden and We Are Dougal.

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C'EST MAGNIFIQUE

By Melissa Walsh Photo: Yanni

B

utter, wine, cream, chocolate, baguettes, garlic, you name it. The French love it and finally we have a magnificent French restaurant on our own shores, with the opening of Bistro La Provence last year.

Owner and executive chef, Laurent Jouin, is the epitome of everything French, with his dark swarthy looks and charming French accent. And boy can he cook!

Born in Normandy, then spending 10 years each in Paris and Provence, the French chef has over 30 years of cooking experience to speak of. Since the early ‘90s Laurent has worked in 2-star and 1-star Michelin restaurants including Jacques Cagna Paris, Beauvilliers Paris, La Pinède Saint Tropez and Maison Prunier Paris. He has also worked as a General Manager/ Executive Chef for Lenôtre in Qatar.

He owned his own restaurant in Provence for four years, lived in California where he worked as a corporate chef, and then moved to Australia in 2012 where he eventually fell in love with the Bittern countryside, where Bistro La Provence was inspired.

Growing up the son of a pastry chef in Normandy, Laurent always wanted to be a chef and still enjoys every moment of his culinary career.

“I just love to cook and have been lucky that this passion for food has taken me all over the world,”” says Laurent, who has always had a desire for the provincial lifestyle. “This area is very much like the countryside of France.”

Laurent worked in his father’s patisserie as a child and by the time he was just eight years of age, knew a culinary career was his destiny.

The French trained chef is passionate about creating an entire experience for his guests, which is why Bistro La Provence is

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surrounded by over an acre of magnificent French inspired gardens with wisteria covered pergolas, and lavender as far as the eye can see.

Walking into the French eatery is like walking into Laurent’s own home, with special artefacts and photographs all around, and the staff, including his partner Tyson, could not be more welcoming.

“Eating out should be a wonderful experience, and we want to make sure our customers feel like our guests,” said Laurent, who is just as passionate about the food he serves up.

“I use all fresh, seasonal produce and many herbs from my own garden. French cooking is about simplicity. You never use too many flavours in the one dish.”

In typical French fashion, Laurent does admit that his favourite ingredients are butter and cream, and enjoys creating his famous chocolate desserts.

From Escargots à la Bourguignonne, to Joue de boeuf “façon Bourguignon”, steak tartare and crème brulee, the menu at Bistro La Provence is exquisite, with a wine and liqueur list to rival any French restaurant.

“The most important thing to me is that my customers have a wonderful overall experience that they want to share with their friends and family, which is why I have been spending as much time in the garden as the kitchen. It all must be beautiful,” said Laurent.

Bistro La Provence is at 2680 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Bittern.

Phone 5983 0396. www.bistrolaprovence.com.au

must try

Dishes

Gravy Train parmesan & chive French Commonfolk Coffee 16 Progress Street, Mornington Phone 5902 2786 www.commonfolkcoffee.com.au

Harvest salad with fresh & pickled vegetables, crème fraiche, spiced honey drizzle and toasted seeds

Tangy citrus tart with meringue kisses

The Boathouse

366 Nepean Highway, Frankston Phone 9770 5330 www.theboathouserestaurant.com.au

366 Nepean Highway, Frankston Phone 9770 5330 www.theboathouserestaurant.com.au

Merchants Pancakes with lemon curd

Thai Spiced Fish Burger with fresh slaw

Merchant & Maker

Merchant & Maker

675 Point Nepean Road, McCrae Phone 5986 3385 www.merchantmaker.com.au

675 Point Nepean Road, McCrae Phone 5986 3385 www.merchantmaker.com.au

The Boathouse

Eskimo Pie Blue Mini Eatery Emporium Events 2 Colchester Road (cnr Boneo Road), Rosebud Phone 5981 2520 www.bluemini.com.au

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Recipe CRĂˆME BRULEE AU CHOCOLAT INGREDIENTS ½ litre whipping cream 70grams sugar 100grams egg yolks 125grams chocolate 50grams raw sugar

METHOD 1. Boil whipping cream 2. Mix in egg yolks and sugar 3. Pour cream onto egg yolks and sugar mixture 4. Pour mixture onto chocolate 5. Use a blender to mix the ingredients 6. Strain into a colander.

7. Keep mixture for 24 hours in fridge.

8. Put into a mould and cook in 95 degree oven for around 30-40 minutes.

9. Let it cool down until cold.

10. Place a thin layer of raw sugar on the top, and burn with a torch.

Et Voila!

Bistro La Provence is at 2680 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Bittern Phone 5983 0396 www.bistrolaprovence.com.au

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MR MORCE

By Melissa Walsh

S

orrento has a new dining destination for you to drop in, relax and unwind. Mr Morce is located at the iconic restaurant location, 182 Ocean Beach Road, now completely renovated and creating a bright, breezy, and just a little cheeky, eatery and bar for Sorrento visitors and locals alike.

Sourcing local wines and produce, Mr Morce will be open most days throughout summer.

Originally the "Smokehouse" was in the location, and it’s very popular clientele will still be able to enjoy the relaxed and vibrant atmosphere at the brand new Mr Morce restaurant.

Still with an emphasis on family, Mr Morce is great for full time locals as well as weekender locals. The food offering will be simple with bright, modern cuisine, including seafood pizzas and something for everyone.

Enjoy a drink at the wine bar, made of sandstone, or sit by the fire place during the winter.

Enjoy dining inside or out, with a fabulous alfresco courtyard as well as dining at the front. Mr Morce seats 80 to 100 comfortably.

Named after a Sorrento identity, George Morce, who was a stonemason in the late 1800s, the restaurant reflects the wonderful, character of the man.

Known to all in town as a loveable rogue, George Morce was a cheeky character who loved a drink and ended up several times in the police house he built. George actually built many wellknown landmarks in Sorrento including the Koonya Hotel and St John’s Church, and Mr Morce, the restaurant, pays homage to the local personality, whose descendants still live on the peninsula today.

Mr Morce is at 182 Ocean Beach Road, Phone: 59841838 Sorrento. www.mrmorce.com.au

NOW OPEN Sorrento haS a new dining deStination for you to drop in, relax and unwind.

ViSit uS at 182 ocean Beach road, Sorrento (old SmokehouSe). for BookingS call 03 5984 1838 www.mrmorce.com.au

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History

Beleura - A Mornington Treasure

By Peter McCullough

B

eleura, built in 1863 by James Butchart in a prominent position on land purchased at Schnapper Point (now Mornington) was described after his death in 1869 as the finest mansion in the colony. Subsequently owned by a succession of rich, powerful and successful families, it was purchased in 1916 by George Tallis and was the summer retreat for his family for many decades. In 1950 it became the home of Jack Morton Tallis by family agreement, and his life thereafter was dedicated to the preservation of Beleura.

John Tallis, as he preferred to be known, died in 1996 and bequeathed Beleura and its considerable contents to the people of Victoria, requesting that it become a house museum. In November, 2004, his dream was realized and Beleura and its gardens are now open to the public in the way he wished.

Pre-Beleura

Although a number of accounts record that the land on which Beleura was built was the property of the Hunter brothers, a map of the time shows that the Yan-ti-Cran grant of 1840 was recorded in the name of “Mr. Hunter.” Another record lists the owner as “A.M.Hunter.”

Alexander Maclean Hunter was one of those larger-than-life characters who featured in our early history. He was born in 1821, one of six sons, and migrated from Scotland to Port Phillip at the age of eighteen. Apart

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from his interest on the peninsula, Alexander Hunter became one of the pioneers of Gippsland after a successful expedition with his brother James from the Monaro south through the mountains to the sea in 1844. At the end of that year he took out a licence for Tarwin Meadows station at Anderson's Inlet which he held until 1851.He then served as a major in the mounted police and in 1853 he became their studmaster. Like all of his family Alexander Hunter was a fine horseman, and very interested in horse breeding and horse racing. For some years he was honorary secretary of the Melbourne Turf Club, only resigning when he left for South Africa in 1864. There he grew sugar cane successfully for six years and then returned to Victoria where he took up Balla Balla station near Cranbourne in 1872. He died at sea in 1892 on the Tongariro while returning from a visit to Scotland. He was survived by his widow Eliza (Bostock) who he married in Hobart Town in 1850 and by whom he had three sons and two daughters.

James Butchart - The Builder of Beleura In one of a series of articles - "Buildings with a Past” - published by The Age in 1963, John Hetherington wrote: “James Butchart wore the air of one destined for worldly success when he was hardly beyond boyhood. He was a short man but the lift of the head, the set of the mouth, the vigilance of his eyes, and the adroitness of his broad, strong-fingered hands were things that marked him out as one who would prosper in the Australian colonies. Within an hour or two of

Above: The Yan-Ti-Cran grant to A. M. Hunter, 1840.

Above right: Alexander Maclean Hunter.

Right: James Butchart, 1822 - 1869, builder of Beleura.

his landing from the 400 ton sailing ship William Nicol, on 15 February, 1842, he had seen enough of the youthful town of Melbourne to have no qualms about his future.

At the first chance he sat down and, in his brisk and masculine hand, wrote a characteristically self-confident letter to his father back on the family farm at Auchtermuchty in Fifeshire, Scotland. 'I have no fear of getting on well enough,' he wrote. 'The climate is most delightful and it only requires the exercise of the three virtues of patience, prudence and perseverance to do well.'”

James Butchart soon amassed a fortune, said at the time of his death to be one of the largest in the colony. He did this by supplying the miners on the goldfields of Ballarat, Bendigo and Castlemaine with many of the things they needed-in particular mutton. He was a partner in the first firm of stock and station agents (Kaye, Butchart and Co.) and had pastoral holdings in both Victoria and New South Wales.

When he retired in 1862, at the age of forty, he leased and subsequently bought land at Schnapper Point, part of the Yan-ti-Cran run.

To again quote John Hetherington: “Butchart seems to have been one of the first men to settle on the Peninsula with the idea, not so much of farming the land, as of living graciously in the manner of a squire.”

This aspiration, together with the ambitions of a colonial aristocracy then continued next page...

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Above: "Dandenong Ranges from Beleura" painted by Eugene Von Guerard and commissioned by James Butchart.

Left: Charles Edward Bright, owner of Beleura 1870 - 1888.

mooted during the nineteenth century, gave rise to the building of houses with pretensions of grandeur. The need to be “of a place” was strong.

Accordingly, James Butchart set about building Beleura, presumably on the site of a cottage belonging to the previous owner. The twelve-roomed Italianate villa he built reflected his considerable wealth. Constructed in Free Classical style by Italian workmen using local hand-made bricks, Beleura was built on a granite foundation with stuccoed brick walls.

The main feature of the single-storey house is the Corinthian colonnade verandah and balustrade parapet. It had a large garden and carriageway, as it still has today, and a vineyard which no longer exists. Strangely, for such a significant building, there has been a degree of uncertainty as to the identity of the architect. However recent research indicates it was Joseph Reed of the firm Reed and Barnes, the same architects who designed, amongst many other buildings, the Melbourne Town Hall, the Royal Exhibition Building, the State Library and Melbourne Trades Hall.

James Butchart had little time to enjoy Beleura which was completed in 1865. His infant son died early that year and his wife died on New Year's Day of the following year. James Butchart died, it is said, on the front steps of Beleura in 1869. Prior to his death he commissioned illustrious Austrian born colonial landscape artist Eugene von Guerard to capture the view from the front of Beleura. This painting titled “Dandenong Ranges from Beleura” was completed in 1870 and is on display in the National Gallery of Australia. A second painting, “Schnapper Point from Beleura”, was also completed but its whereabouts are unknown.

Subsequent Owners

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Charles Edward Bright acquired Beleura after the death of James Butchart. He was an enterprising and successful Melbourne business man January 2017

and the son of a well-to-do landed Bristol-based ship-owning family.

Locally, Charles Bright was the founder of Bright Brothers and Co., Steamship and General Agents.

Charles Bright married Anna Maria Georgina Manners-Sutton, the daughter of the Governor of Victoria, Sir John Manners-Sutton, and Lady Manners-Sutton, and Beleura became the official vice-regal summer retreat.

When the Brights travelled to England in 1873 with the Governor and his wife, Beleura was leased to B.T.P. And E.F.L. Backhouse who conducted Mornington Grammar School on the premises; apparently it was a short-lived venture.

In 1875 Charles Bright and his wife returned to Victoria and possibly resumed residency of Beleura.

Caleb Joshua Jenner, another successful businessman, leased Beleura in 1883 and used it as a summer retreat before purchasing the property in 1888. He was the chairman of Langlands Foundry Co. and the first chairman of the Land Mortgage Bank. He was also on the boards of the National Insurance Co. and the Commercial Bank of Australia, and was a commissioner of the State Savings Bank of Victoria. Furthermore he entered parliament as the member for Southwest Province in the Legislative Council.

During the time Beleura was owned by Caleb Jenner much-needed service areas were added to the mansion, effectively doubling it in size.

One of his daughters, Florence, married Francis Joseph (Frank) Gillett whose father owned the adjoining property, Sunnyside.

Caleb Jenner died at Beleura in 1890. After her attempts to sell the property were unsuccessful, his widow, Eliza, continued to use Beleura until 1899.

Robert Smith, a pastoralist who had married Jane Priscilla Macpherson, purchased the property in 1899.Robert Smith had interests in the building industry including a leaded glass factory in New South Wales; ownership of the latter might account for the quite extensive use of leadlight glass throughout the house.

Following Robert Smith's death in 1904, ownership of Beleura passed to his widow, Jane.

In 1951 the daughter of Robert and Jane Smith, Helen Schutt, who had celebrated her coming out at Beleura in 1900, established the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust for the benefit of Victorian charitable institutions, with the name acknowledging that the Macpherson and Smith families were the prime sources of her legacy. One of the beneficiaries has been the Lord Somers Camp.

William Ernest Albert Edgwick, another grazier, acquired Beleura in 1911 and is believed to be responsible for the painting of the exterior for the first time.

In 1915 William Edgwick sold to a syndicate which subdivided Beleura and its 160 acres, renaming it “Beleura on the Sea.” An auction was held on Saturday 8 January, 1916 with a special train departing from Flinders Street. The fare: “2 shillings return, first class.”

The Tallis Years In 1916 Beleura and various parcels of its subdivided land were acquired

by George and Amelia Tallis to be once again used as a summer retreat. continued next page...

Left: Caleb Joshua Jenner, who leased Beleura from 1883, and owned it from 1888.

Below: Robert Smith, who purchased Beleura in 1899.

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George Tallis was a man of wealth who migrated to Melbourne in 1886 from Ireland as a seventeen year old. He had natural ability and huge ambition; he joined the theatre firm of JC Williamson and within a few years was the main shareholder and managing director. Eventually, by buying out his partners, he controlled the company and made it one of the biggest theatre companies in the world. His achievements were not limited to live theatre: he was instrumental in bringing talking pictures to Melbourne and was part of the fledgling Hoyts theatre chain; he was part of a syndicate which formed the Broadcasting Company of Australia and 3LO was born; in 1927 the Comedy Theatre was built satisfying a dream of George Tallis for his company to have a small and intimate theatre.

A long and happy personal and business association with Dame Nellie Melba prompted George Tallis to give generously to the building of Melba Hall at the Conservatorium of Music in Melbourne.

In 1922 George Tallis was knighted for his philanthropy and his services to the theatre; it was a well-deserved recognition of the illustrious career of a self-made man.

In 1898 George Tallis had married Amelia Young, a singer in light and comic opera, and sister of the famous Florence Young who was one of the leading lights of musical comedy at that time. Amelia gave up the theatre on her marriage, supported her husband in his burgeoning career, and devoted herself to her family and philanthropic work. Sir George and Lady Tallis had four children: George Cassius (known as “Mick”), Jeffery Andrew (“Pat”), Sunday Millicent (“Bid”) and Jack Morton (who was generally known as “John”).

The Tallises loved entertaining their theatrical friends at Beleura, especially Dame Nellie Melba who slept in the palatial guest bedroom.

It is still referred to as “The Melba Bedroom”; alongside is a specially designed bathroom suite with a wonderful Victorian bath which has four taps – two for seawater (pumped from the beach) and two for fresh water!

Above: William Ernest Albert Edgwick and his wife, owners of Beleura from 1911.

Below: Part of the advertising for the subdivision in 1916.

An enthusiasm for farming led to Sir George acquiring surrounding land at Beleura over the years , and by 1924 he held 348 acres. He briefly owned the adjoining property, Sunnyside, and retained some of the acreage when he resold it. Another farm, Annesleigh, in Moorooduc, was bought and eventually Sir George owned some 2000 acres at Mornington.

He specialized in Ayreshire cattle, and established an orchard, dairy and vegetable gardens. He also purchased a property (Braehour) at Wagga Wagga; this was conveniently located so that he could break the journey when on business trips to Sydney.

The family travelled overseas often and extensively as there was a continual search for new and marketable shows, and a need to manage the many productions and affairs of JC Williamson which were scattered around the world. In fact Sir George was playing a round of golf at Gleneagles in Scotland with his youngest son, John, when he received news of the death of Lady Tallis at Beleura in 1933.

Sir George Tallis spent his retirement years between Beleura and Braehour, interspersed with regular overseas trips. These were generally to catch up with John, who remained a bachelor, and also involved some work for “The Firm”, as JC Williamsons was known. In 1938, on what was to be his last trip to Europe, he met John in London and they crossed to the Continent. The pair were together in Germany during the Munich crisis towards the end of that year. Sir George fell ill and John always believed that their resulting early departure saved them from being trapped in Europe. Sir George returned immediately via the USA, and such was the panic to leave that some shirts he had ordered, which were not ready when promised, were finally delivered to the ship as it was leaving. As well, Sir George was obliged to share a four-berth cabin, which would not have been a pleasant experience for a man used to first class travel! Jack stayed on during the uneasy truce that followed Munich, but then made a hasty departure, via the USA, when things started to unravel.

Sir George died in August 1948 at Braehour and is buried with Lady Tallis in the Box Hill cemetery. Thus ended a period when Beleura was the centre of family life. The fortune amassed by Sir George laid the foundations which had sustained Beleura and a way of life, but which by

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the 1950's was anachronistic. The problems this aged, costly to run, and neglected house presented alarmed the family.

The estate was divided between the four children , and it appeared that the task of caring for Beleura was not attractive to any of them. However at a family meeting John agreed to take on responsibility for Beleura rather than see it sold. As Anthony Knight puts it: “(he) was a man torn between two worlds: the bohemian world of the theatre and his music-a perhaps idyllic vision of his father's life in the theatre - and a life of ease; that of a dilettante when his life could have been very different. ..After a relatively carefree life, the sudden responsibility of caring for a huge house must have weighed heavily. He spent the next few years coping with his new responsibility, including the very extensive works he initiated after his acquisition of Beleura.�

Jack Morton (John) Tallis John Tallis was born into a household of increasing affluence, at a time when, if you were rich and privileged, the world was a wonderful place.

Between 1925, when he was17, and 1940 when he hurriedly departed, John was a resident of Europe. The only break in that period was when he returned home for a short time following the death of his mother in 1933.

He later suggested that this extended time in Europe was to equip him to follow his father as a theatre impresario. Sir George, realizing that the two older boys were not that way inclined, felt that John had leanings in the right direction. The first necessity was to master several languages so he was sent to Vienna to learn German, and then to Italy, before moving to Paris to master the French language. In bohemian Paris of the late 1920's and early 1930's he mixed with musicians, artists and writers. During these years his first music work was published.

Above: Sir George Tallis, circa 1925.

Below: Amelia Hannah Young, 1874 - 1933, a singer in light and comic opera. Circa 1895. Later Lady Tallis.

Below left: Melba's bath, complete with four taps.

continued next page...

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Sir George then arranged for him to go to London where he enrolled in the Royal College of Music, staying there until 1933. After his return from Australia, John took a flat in Hampstead and immersed himself in the London theatre and music world. Back in Australia in 1940 he joined the army, serving in the intelligence section. Later he helped out on the family farm at Wagga Wagga and tried to settle down, having “some success with ballet, composition and broadcasting.” He also had some poems and music chapters published by Angry Penguins. John also wrote the Australian Music chapter for “Arts in Australia” published in 1948.

His place in Australian music history rests in his numerous scores for ballet: between 1946 and 1952 John Tallis completed five original ballet scores ranging in instrumentation from solo piano to full orchestra, and in so doing became one of the most prolific composers for dance in the immediate post-war era. In 1952 Ballet Guild danced “The Sentimental Bloke” to a score by John Tallis, a fact reflected on his tombstone in the Mornington cemetery.

John Tallis built on the Italianate influences of the original design and made a series of changes to the interior and exterior of Beleura. Melbourne artist and student of Norman Lindsay, Wesley Penberthy, produced a series of ceiling paintings in the entrance hall (1951) and drawing and dining rooms (1954).

After making some changes to Beleura, John Tallis decided to go to Italy in 1953. In Venice he bought two chandeliers for Beleura, and quite an amount of statuary, and in Florence a “delightful little statue fountain.”

After a short time in Paris, he travelled to London where he spent several months attending auctions in the mornings and the theatre at night.

Several items for Beleura were purchased at the former. John Tallis was back in Australia by the end of 1953. He never went abroad again but remained a committed armchair traveller.

Like his father before him, John Tallis collected art with a preference for Above left: John Tallis at Beleura, circa 1955.

Below left: The dining room ceiling painted by Wesley Penberthy.

Below: A scene from the garden at Beleura

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contemporary, if conservative, works. He bought contemporary paintings, Venetian glass, furniture, and he gathered a collection of autographed letters. John Tallis also collected books and formed a fine library based around his enthusiasms: art, music, architecture, gardens and Italy.

“A man born out of his time.”

The interior that we see today is still the result of the 1950's renovations.

Over the years John Tallis purchased back many of his father's things such as pictures and ornaments from his elder brother; these, plus the purchases made in Europe in 1953 form an interesting, varied and eclectic collection.

The garden contains features from three main periods including the original nineteenth century driveway layout, rear courtyards and conifer trees; the early twentieth century additions based on designs by gardening legends Edna Walling and Harold Desbrowe-Annear and including the Italian style reflective pool; and John Tallis' mid-twentieth century Italianinfluenced embellishments consisting of a formal rose garden and statuary.

The exterior received its first coat of white paint at the beginning of the twentieth century, and was then painted again and again with each layer obliterating a little more of the detailed stucco work The recent removal of many layers of white paint has returned the exterior of the house to its original appearance.

Over the decades the duty of care became something of an obsession for John Tallis. Before he died in 1996 he made arrangements to give his treasured house and garden to the people of Victoria for their pleasure and instruction, seemingly knowing that for him the last lingering rays of the Edwardian sun were setting.

Guided tours are scheduled on selected days throughout the year. On the day of the tour visitors are collected from a nearby location and transferred to Beleura in a courtesy bus. Tea/coffee and shortbread are served to guests on arrival, and a light lunch is served between the house and garden tours.

The tour takes approximately four and a half hours. The cost is $39 ($36 concession) and bookings can be arranged by ringing 5975 2027.

Reference: “Beleura Mornington - A Theatre of the Past”, Anthony Knight, 2009.

In his remarkable book on Beleura Anthony Knight sums up the world which greeted John Tallis : “(he was born) in 1911, in the final flamboyant years of a truly splendid Edwardian world. A world on which it was thought the sun would never set...He was a child of his time and was perhaps the last of the Edwardians. He grew up during the triumphant, if dying, days of the greatest Empire the world has ever seen. He was an uncompromising Edwardian and lived with the expectation that the world, which was his world, even if seen through rosecoloured glasses, would not end; that the standards and beliefs that governed his life would continue. Of course it did not, and could not; the failure of his world to uphold the standards he expected, and set, left him with a strong streak of pessimism, a sense of doom and a realization of the inevitability of things.

He became reclusive...

He was born ...into a household of increasing affluence, at a time when, if you were rich and privileged, the world was a wonderful place....However the glittering Edwardian years were drawing to a close. There were clouds gathering across Europe, but to a child these clouds did not exist and for Australians they were far away....(The children of George and Amelia Tallis)would have lived in a cocoon of securitylarge houses, servants, motor cars and luxurious overseas travel. A major part of the Tallis way of life revolved around Beleura...and the long summer holidays spent there-an ideal and privileged childhood. The Tallis children would not have known that this way of life was running its course. It was in fact already over. The Edwardian sun had set.”

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Corner

puzzle

ACROSS 1. Tastes 5. Segment 9. Make on loom 12. Effeminate 16. Dog restraint 17. Biblical tower 18. Stows away 20. Fully conversant with, ... of 22. Largest fish, ... shark 23. Egg meals 24. Puccini & Verdi works 26. Skimpy pool outfit 27. Asian waxed cloth 28. Formal endorsement 31. Seasons (dish) 32. Property 34. Term 36. Zodiac sign 37. Unsympathetic (3-8) 40. Korean martial art, ... kwon do 42. German river 43. Articulate 45. Dumping 47. Ogled, ... at 49. Total 50. Logically presented 52. Ranted 54. Paints roughly 55. S American mountains 56. ... & gutter 58. Exacts (revenge) 59. Quickly 60. Real, ... fide 61. Interrupting cough 62. Nincompoop 63. Ireland, the Emerald ...

64. Weighted 67. Protected 68. Extremities 69. Pink-eyed rabbit 72. Typist's complaint (1,1,1) 74. Dukes & ...

78. Numero uno 79. Wow! 80. Margarine container 81. Heavy horned animal 82. Lugs 85. Spacious 87. UAE state, Abu ...

88. House top 90. Earth scientist 91. Falls (behind) 92. Draught cattle

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93. Relative amounts 94. Vietnam's capital 95. All-male (party) 96. Slightly open 97. Story 100. Stuck-up person 102. Quoted 103. Timidly 104. Ventured 106. Asinine 108. Chinese lunch, yum ...

109. Pallid 110. Order of the British Empire (1,1,1) 112. Assortments 116. Retch 118. Demented 120. Adult leveret 121. Exceptional 123. Re-enter (data) 125. Mideast port 126. Student's composition 127. Royal standard 128. Brazilian jazz style, bossa...

129. Pinkish-violet 130. Haemorrhage 131. Murder (2,2) 132. Garret 134. Wind instrument 136. Wooden peg 139. Illuminates (6,2) 141. Elf 142. Hurled 144. Leftover 146. Prohibited 147. Skewered meat 148. ... or nay 149. Water between Australia & Africa (6,5) 151. Income 152. Perceives 155. Poet, Dylan ...

158. Clasp 159. Unacceptable 162. Sewage pipe trap (1-4) 164. Intercepted, ... off 165. Sensual 166. Ladies' partners 170. Belonging to them 171. Gush 172. Anger or love 173. Physicist, ... Newton 174. Flinch 175. Subtracts 176. Embankments 177. Retains 178. Politician January 2017

DOWN 1. Residential district 2. Judderings 3. Unforeseen (8-3) 4. Mistrust 5. Behave affectedly (4-3) 6. Reflected radar beam 7. Alternatively, or ...

8. Bread shops 9. Which?

10. Screens on TV 11. Test 12. Unlacing 13. Mushy sentimentality 14. Three-colours ice cream 15. Cedes 19. Radiate 21. Rhythm 25. Visualising 26. Bravely 29. Truly!

30. Scents 33. Sportswomen 35. Proximity 36. Womaniser (4-6) 38. Fermented 39. Blots out 41. Attempting 42. Disreputable publication 44. Fighter ace, the ... Baron 46. Tossed greens 48. Scandinavian language 49. Steak cuts (1-5) 51. Sea north of Crete 53. Harmed 55. Sourness 57. Mattress ensemble 60. Overalls, ... & brace 65. Surgical cleansing agents 66. Misjudgment 70. Escorts 71. Neutrally 73. Cluelessness 75. Exhort 76. Entertaining 77. People's self-pride 78. Gaining possession of 83. Torture 84. Contrite 85. Unbending 86. Different 89. Long way 91. ... Angeles, California 92. Once in a while 96. Supplementary (3-2)

98. Old school, ... mater 99. Urn 101. Drinking spree 103. Diabolic 105. Overshadowed 107. Superficially 111. Monsters 112. Pique 113. Shoe lining 114. Grills 115. Ceylon (3,5) 117. Quarrels 119. Battery size (1,1,1) 120. Helicopter's landing places 122. Legendary gold city (2,6) 124. Little bit 132. Evocative of mood 133. Expression of rebuke 134. Limited in magnitude 135. Votes into office 137. Gossamer snare 138. Fat-reduction surgery 140. Avouched 141. Socially adept 143. Peaceful 145. Distasteful 150. Aggravating 153. Tidies up 154. Constructed 156. Recluses 157. Genetic aberrations 158. Endowed with talent 160. Regrets 161. Single entity 163. Ballroom performer 166. Slimy matter 167. Tidings 168. Humble 169. Famous, of ... Š Lovatts Puzzles

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E ssence | 91

PENINSULA

Rosebud

on

Rosebud is a seaside town on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately 75 km southeast of the Melbourne city centre. It is a large beach-side town fronting Port Phillip, located between Rye and Dromana, and has a population of 12,50. Rosebud provides safe swimming beaches along its continuous stretch of sandy bay coastline, with the focal point being Rosebud Pier which it located opposite Jetty Road and extends about 300 metres into the water.

ROSEBUD FACTS Originally known as Banksia Point, Rosebud began life as a fishing community in the early 1850s. On 2 June 1855, the cargo vessel Rosebud, owned by one of the colony's best known pastoralists Edward Hobson, was washed over the large sandbars and onto the beach. The burgeoning community made off with the cargo of damask and household goods, but the wreck remained for many years as the locals slowly stripped its hull to use in the construction of houses.

It became commonplace to call the area "The Rosebud" in reference to the ship, which was shortened to "Rosebud" as the last vestiges of the ship disappeared.

Rosebud's commercial centre stretches along one side of about a two kilometre length of Point Nepean Road, with some shops separated from this wide thoroughfare by a service road. The shopping precinct features attractive garden strips, paved areas and several wood carvings of notable local identities from the past.

A notable feature of Rosebud's bay foreshore is a lack of commercial development. Most of the area between

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the coastal route of Point Nepean Road and the beach consists of community facilities, parkland and camping areas within sections of bushland.

A striking landmark in Rosebud is the bushy mountain peak of Arthurs Seat.

It rises up in the distance behind the shops along Point Nepean Road and provides a scenic backdrop when viewed on Rosebud's beaches.

Rosebud covers an area of 1,05 square km.

The foreshore area of Rosebud is one of the largest camping areas on the peninsula. During the summer months the populations of Rosebud and Dromana can double is size. Making a very touristy feel.

Rosebud has a temperate coastal climate, and is usually several degrees cooler than Melbourne. The annual maximum mean temperature is 19 degrees C. Median house price is $430,000 and unit is $377,000.

By the 1960s, Rosebud had emerged as the largest town on the southern continued next page...

COFFEE SAFARI Fresh brewed coffee is a must have for weekends away and Rosebud coffee is second to none with great coffee haunts around the town. Here are a few to check out when head down to this beautiful end of the world.

D'ALIA'S BAKERY CAFE 1041 Point Nepean Rd D'Alias Bakery Cafe is a great place to catch up with friends over breakfast or lunch or just enjoy a coffee with a mouth-watering dessert in a relaxed atmosphere. Offering a wide variety of pastries and breads baked daily.

THE CORNER CAFE & CATERING 1455 Point Nepean Rd Great coffee in a casual seaside environment with loads of homemade deli food items to eat in or take to the beach.

Team that up with all day breakfast and a modern lunch menu selection – all bases are covered.

BLUE MINI CAFE-EATERYEMPORIUM 2 Colchester Rd One of the best places for coffee in town with a great atmosphere. Eclectic breakfasts and seasonal lunches in a large room with exposed-brick walls and retro touches.

LA CASA NOSTRA DELI 1033 Point Nepean Rd Great coffee. Strong as you like it but you can get a half shot which is about the same as regular coffee shops and still great. La Casa Nostra Deli is a world of food. We stock international groceries, quality kitchenware and local produce, as well as being official stockists of Herbie's Spices, Bodum and Bialetti coffee makers and spare parts.

WHAT TO DO? A large beach-side centre fronting Port Phillip on the Mornington Peninsula, Rosebud is located between Rye and Dromana. The town was named after the English schooner that was blown ashore in 1855, a short distance to the west of where the Rosebud Pier now stands.

Rosebud's commercial centre stretches along one side of about a two kilometre length of Point Nepean Road, with the shopping precinct featuring attractive garden strips, paved areas and several wood carvings of notable local identities from the past.

Home to plethora of events, Rosebud hosts the Peninsula Short Film Festival, the Rosebud Kite Festival, and of course the Rosebud Foreshore carnival to name a few.

This popular summer holiday destination is the perfect base from which to explore the countless outdoor attractions nearby.

Photography: Yanni

January 2017

E ssence | 93

PENINSULA

Janine Harrison,

opening doors to your new lifestyle.

Call Janine today for personalised service and professional real estate advice.

Janine offers free property reports, with an extensive knowledge and passion for the stunning Mornington Peninsula and surrounding areas

peninsula, complete with a shopping centre and extensive sporting facilities. In time it became home to an increasing number of permanent residents, including 'sea change' retirees.

Some of the famous residents (permanent and holiday) of Rosebud were Judith Durham, Arthur Boyd and William John Ferrier. Judith spent her first six summers in the weatherboard house that stood on the west side of Durham Place. It is well documented on many websites that the 1995 Australian of the Year launched his fabulous career as a painter from the age of 16 while living in Rosebud from 1936-9 with his grandfather. One of young Arthur's paintings was of the Burnhams' jetty at the end of Boneo Rd; it is reproduced in Peter Wilson's "On the Road to Rosebud" alongside photos of the jetty.

Ferrier won acclaim from all over Australia, and probably a job in the lighthouse branch, because of his heroic rescue of two of the seven crewmen of the La Bella at Warrnambool.

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Contact Janine: 0487 000 666 or 9787 0028 Janine@allensre.com.au to start your campaign!

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O R

ALL THINGS CARS, MUSIC AND FASHION

By Melissa Walsh

R

osebud rocked for three days over the last weekend in November when the town filled with the colourful sights and sounds of classic pre 50’s cars, vintage caravans, flouncy skirts and bobby socks, vintage hair styles and retro shopping. The first Foreshore Rockfest was such a success that the festival organisers feel there is no option but to make it an annual event.

In the perfect setting of Rosebud, with its long history as a great place to enjoy summer beach holidays, it’s the best place to revive the fun filled 50’s & 60’s lifestyle.

Check out details on www.foreshorerockfest.com.au or Facebook Foreshore Rockfest.

January 2017

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PENINSULA

PENINSULA BUILDERS THAT ARE MASTERS OF THEIR CRAFT

By Cameron McCullough

I

t is always great to see a local business recognised for excellence. It is justification for often years of toil, and proof that peninsula businesses are often second to none.

Capelcon is one such company, having just taken out two prestigious awards by the Master Builders Association of Victoria.

The first was for “Best Custom Home over $2mil”, and the second one for “Master Builder of the Year”.

“We are very excited that they chose to recognise us in this way”, said Capelcon owner Phil Watson.

“Not only is it recognition for our company, but it is also recognition for all the guys that we rely on who work down here”.

The awards were in recognition of a sweeping home built by Capelcon in Flinders.

“It was a huge construction job. Nearly two years from start to finish, on a worksite that stretched 50 metres by 250 metres.

“The scope of works included the construction of the main homestead with four sweeping wings radiating from a central multi-room living zone, independent master and guest suites, an outdoor entertaining pavilion, a pool house with gym and bathroom, block work retaining walls, a 40-metre-long water feature, sandstone garden screen walls and sandstone paving.

“High-quality materials, fixtures and fittings were utilised throughout, including the specialised sandstone walling, the curved metal roofing and the large oak cavity sliding doors.”

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It is a project that Phil is understandably proud of, but acknowledges it was a team effort.

“This is where the quality of local tradespeople comes into play.

We relied on lots of contractors to achieve the aims of the client and architect,” said Phil.

“At any one time there were about 30 people working on the site. Over the course of the project there would have been over 100 contractors there.”

Quite a job from a co-ordination, logistics and quality control perspective, but something that Phil took in his stride.

“It was a challenge, but ultimately very rewarding. Unlike commercial work, in residential work, your client has a lot of emotion invested in the outcome. Especially in this project that took a long time to complete.

“Also, this large scale residential work leaves quite a legacy that we are very proud to have been involved in” Phil Watson didn’t follow the usual route into the building profession.

Growing up in Rye, and attending Dromana Secondary College, he joined the army in 1985 as an apprentice carpenter to learn his trade.

“You don’t really think about it, but the trades and engineers are usually the first in and last out of conflict zones,” said Phil.

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“They go in and build field hospitals, base camps and other required infrastructure to support the incoming troops.

“Of course, being at the sharp end means that even the tradies in the army need to be trained militarily to deal with sometimes hostile environments.

“But there is no doubt, that the trade training you receive in the army is second to none”.

After nine years, Phil left the army and began work with building firm Fasham Johnson. He rose to project manager there before deciding to “go it alone” in 2000.

“We started small,” said Phil. “The first build we did was a modest home for then mayor Bill Goodrem.”

From then other work rolled in and relationships began to build.

“At the higher end of the market, much of it is about good relationships with architects,” said Phil.

“We tender for the job, and sometimes even if we are not the cheapest, we get the work, as they know us and trust us."

“Remember, it is not just the client you need to satisfy, but you are entrusted with the architect’s vision. Of course, they want to see something they are proud of as a finished product. It is their reputation on the line as well.”

Phil and wife Tracey are very invested in the Southern Peninsula. continued next page...

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They live in McCrae, have five children, and have been involved in local sport for many years.

“We are passionate about local sport”, said Phil, who played junior and senior football and cricket for Tootgarook, Rye, Dromana and Red Hill.

The 47-year-old only hung up his football boots at 36 and has been named in the Red Hill Football Club “Team of the Century” and the Dromana Football Club “Team of the Era”.

Wife Tracey, also an excellent sportsperson, has a long history in junior sports administration and netball coaching.

So what now for Victoria’s top builder?

“We’ve just finished a house in Somers. The clients are moving in this week,” said Phil.

“And we are about to start a build in Musk Creek Road in Flinders, which is a magnificent architect designed home on a beautiful property overlooking a valley to water views.

“We will be doing a few other projects over the next year, and are always on the lookout for the next big project.”

It isn’t hard to imagine that Capelcon will be in high demand over the next year or so. They have been recognised by their peers as being the best in the business, and everybody knows that there are plenty of people who want the best for what will be one of the biggest investments they make in their lives.

Offering just a taste of what a few thousand a night can get you, this has to be the epitome of holiday extravagance right on our very own peninsula doorstep.

Capelcon can be contacted on (03) 5985 7500. www.capelcon.com.au

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Bowman & Company 168 Main Street Mornington VIC 3931 Telephone 03 5975 6888 Fax 03 5975 6288 admin@bowmanandcompany.com.au bowmanandcompany.com.au