Peninsula Essence March 2019

MARCH 2019

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PENINSULA Living & visiting on the Mornington Peninsula

Getting better with Age • Indomitable Woman • Plenty of Craic The Heart of Cuba • Home At Last • Anyone for Polo? • For the Love of Acting Those magnificent Men in their Flying Machines • Under The Skin • Art that is Accessible A Film of Strength and Resilience • Distil in the family • The Peninsula's Own Nellie Melba

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contents 7. Events 10. Getting better with Age

He is an industry icon, pioneer of the peninsula wine region, founding member of the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association, has mentored winemakers with his experience, wisdom and gentility, and still retains a humility that only the most talented can afford. He is of course, Nat White, the man who has had a profound influence on the wine industry.

14. Indomitable Woman

Writers: Melissa Walsh, Brodie Cowburn, Andrea Louise Thomas, Cameron McCullough, Peter McCullough, Jay McCarthy-Rivero Photography: Yanni, Gary Sissons Publisher: Cameron McCullough Advertising: Brooke Hughes, 0409 219 282 or brooke@mpnews.com.au Marg Harrison, 0414 773 153 or marg@mpnews.com.au General enquiries: essence@mpnews.com.au Registered address: 2/1 Tyabb Road, Mornington 3931 Phone: 5973 6424 www.peninsulaessence.com.au

Serendipity brought actor Danielle Burgio from Hollywood to the Mornington Peninsula as a celebrity judge at the 8th annual Peninsula Film Festival and it’s a theme that has repeated throughout her exceptionally diverse career as a dancer, actor, stuntwoman, writer, producer, director, blogger and podcaster.

20. Plenty of Craic

When you are born in Northern Ireland chances are you are going to be a tough cookie and this could not be truer of McDaid’s Irish pub owner, Caroline Leslie who has seen her fair share of challenges but still retains that famous Irish humour and drive to succeed.

24. The Heart of Cuba

It’s been close to a decade since Christina Monneron has visited the bayside suburb of Frankston, let alone dance on the waterfront. This year, the wise and worldly Afro Cuban dance teacher is thrilled to perform at the opening of the Ventana Fiesta with a traditional Santería Cuban beach ceremony to celebrate the beauty of the environment through ritualistic chanting.

26. Home At Last

It was once the army barracks at Mt Martha but the former defence building has an incarnation as the home of Fusion, a Christian youth and community organisation that provides housing, youth programs and community support for local youth.

32. Anyone for Polo?

For the third consecutive year, the who’s who of Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula attended a gathering in Flinders for a day of polo and champagne.

36. For the Love of Acting

Peninsula Essence talks to Lucia Brancatisano about life, her career on stage, commercials, and a role on the TV series Wentworth that is going into its seventh year.

/peninsulaessence /peninsulaessence

40. Those magnificent Men in their Flying Machines

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).

The CFA firefighter prepares to participate in the Moomba Birdman Rally.

42. Under The Skin

“There is no finer art with less room for error than tattooing,” says Nicholas Boyle who is the proprietor of 3931tattoo in Mornington (formerly The Collective). He would know because he as been an artist all his life.

45. Style File 54. Education and Training feature 62. Painting with Light

In an exciting start to the year, McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park continue to bring a diverse range of exhibitions to the peninsula, none the least is Solid Light: Josef Stanislaw Ostoja-Kotkowski.

64. Art that is Accessible

Miodrag Jankovic is an artist in the truest sense of the word, his paintings as bold and statuesque as the man himself. His Rye gallery which fully came to fruition 18 months ago displays his art and soul, where his paintings hang on the walls as a collage of places he’s been and experiences he has had during his lifetime.

68. A Film of Strength and Resilience

Shot in Dandenong over two days, Mornington Peninsula filmmaker, Damian McLindon proved that quality movies are not about extravagant locations or high finances by winning this year’s Peninsula Short Film Festival with his heart rending film, ‘The Last Time I Saw You’.

Cover Photo Picture: Yanni

74. Distil in the family

Proudly published by

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PEFC Certified

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

March 2019

It’s been a decade since Bass & Flinders Distillery opened their doors amongst the rolling hills, lush greenery and vineyards of Red Hill. However, as times have moved on, so has the distillery to its new location in Dromana.

92. The Peninsula's Own Nellie Melba

Replace your tired old house with a custom built home beyond the ordinary.

If you’re thinking about a home rebuild on the Peninsula, Tempo Group can build your new home and create the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.

With more than 10 years’ experience in knockdown and home rebuild, the Tempo Home Rebuild team take care of every step to get you into a brand new custom built home.

Contact our expert team today to arrange a FREE site evaluation, or ask about our no obligation Knockdown Home Rebuild Information Session to learn more.

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Natalie Sevior 0487 008 082

or see thetempogroup.com.au for more details.

Tempo Development Group Pty Ltd | Reg No. CDB-U 49375 TDG15727

FREE FAMILY EVENT

First Sunday of every month 11am-5pm Join us on 7th April 2019

Live Music Great Food Beer Garden Kids Activities Beautiful Garden Lounges Pony Rides Free parking

Peninsula events

March

RED HILL COMMUNITY MARKET

IN THE VALLEY

THE WATERFRONT BOYS IN THE BAND: JUKEBOX REVOLUTION

LADBROKES MORNINGTON CUP DAY

March 2 Set in the Mornington Peninsula Hinterland town of Red Hill, this monthly market of over 300 stalls is all about celebrating hand-made products. Expect to meet emerging artists, taste-test local produce and see one of a kind products. Browse the market from 8am. Entry is free.

On site parking available, at $5 per car, with proceeds going to the Red Hill Lions Club.

Red Hill Recreation Reserve 184 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill www.craftmarkets.com.au

March 14 Following on from their 2018 sell-out concerts, internationally acclaimed Boys in the Band is proud to present their brand new show Jukebox Revolution - every record tells a story - celebrating the most iconic artists of the 20th century.

Frankston Arts Centre 27-37 Davey Street, Frankston www.artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au

2019 SEASONAL SUNDAY LUNCHES

March 2 to May 5 In the Valley is an exhibition that highlights the beauty and fragility of our natural environment.

Observing and documenting the changing landscape of significant areas of the Mornington Peninsula, artists Rosie Weiss, Jean Langley, Merryn Lloyd, Christine Lloyd, Michael Favaloro and Siri Hayes reveal their personal connections to the landscape.

Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington www.mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

March 3 Seasonal Sunday lunches will celebrate the season and of course the best day of the week, Sunday. Held on the first Sunday of the month at 100 Mile Foodie HQ, the home of the newly built cooking school and event space.

A local selection of the finest Mornington Peninsula and South Gippsland produce at its peak, freshly harvested and sourced only hours before lunch from beautiful farmgates nearby.

100 Mile Foodie 24 Chesterfield Road, Somerville www.100milefoodie.com.au

THE PENINSULA PICNIC

March 30 The Peninsula Picnic returns with an impressive line up and a menu showcasing the regions best local food and wine.

Lead by indie rock five-piece The Rubens, playing alongside beloved songwriting legend Sarah Blasko, indie prodigy Tia Gostelow, Latin outfit San Lazaro, and up-and-coming folk artist Fraser A. Gordon.

Mornington Racecourse Gate 3, 320 Racecourse Road www.peninsulapicnic.com.au

March 23 Ladbrokes Mornington Cup Day mixes the very best in horse racing with a social atmosphere to match. This day is a fabulous opportunity for corporate entertaining or a special day out with family and friends. The quality and range of the dining facilities at Mornington will ensure it makes for the perfect occasion.

Mornington Racecourse 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington www.mrc.net.au

Enrol your kids these school holidays in our successful Tackers program*. Call 5975 7001 now!

Learn to sail!

At Mornington Yacht Club we have a program to suit, from beginner to the more experienced, from 7 to 70.

• *For the kids 7 to 16 we run courses with accredited instructors and all gear and boats provided. Membership isn’t necessary.

• For the more mature, we run courses from novice to the more experienced in dinghies and keel boats.

• And you can experience the atmosphere of a club steeped in sailing tradition with first class amenities and food served from “The Rocks”.

MYC, adjacent to the Mornington pier, boasts magnificent views across the harbour and across the bay.

Come down and enjoy them.

Mornington Yacht Club Schnapper Point Drive, Mornington VIC 3931 Phone: (03) 5975 7001 www.morningtonyc.net.au 1109 March 2019

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MINZENMAY The signature Daniel Bentley Oasis bracelet, soft curves and crisp edges create a flawless sense of fluidity. Brushed/polished sterling silver the Oasis bracelet is available at Minzenmay Jewellers 152 Main Street, Mornington.

Phone 5975 2439 www.minzenmay.com.au

EMU PLAINS MARKET

Peninsula

This must have pacific island clutch is an original hand painted water colour design. Sustainably printed onto 100% oatmeal linen front and soft Italian leather back. By 'Hook + Eye' and available at Emu Plains Market and online via www.hookandeye.com.au

Styles

Balnarring Racecourse Coolart Road, Balnarring hookandeye.com.au

PRODUCTS FROM OUR ADVERTISERS WE ARE SURE YOU WILL LOVE

A ROOM WITH A VIEW Linen-look beanbag and ottoman set Phone or email to secure yours at $199 A Room with a View 281/277 Point Nepean Road, Dromana Ph: 5981 8033

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March 2019

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March 2019

GETTING BETTER

With Age Making good wine is a skill; making fine wine is an art

Robert Mondavi

By Melissa Walsh Photo Yanni

H

e is an industry icon, pioneer of the peninsula wine region, founding member of the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association, has mentored winemakers with his experience, wisdom and gentility, and still retains a humility that only the most talented can afford. He is of course, Nat White, the man who has had a profound influence on the wine industry, since planting the first vines with his wife, Rosalie, 44 years ago.

“There was very little pinot noir grown in Australia. In fact it was almost unheard of here. Red wine meant shiraz and cabernet, and anyone who knew of it saw it only as a component of sparkling wine,” said Nat, who was then on a single minded path to find a way to grow the grapes in a southern Victorian vineyard.

Ten years after their visit to Burgundy, the first vines were planted at Main Ridge in 1975.

“Our story began in 1965 when we were youthful dreamers. We travelled to London after we had married quite young and spent eight months camping and discovering wonderful parts of Europe,” said Nat and Rosalie from their home in Flinders. "We fell in love with the little rural villages and family wine estates, particularly in France, Germany and Italy.”

“We had done extensive travelling, worked overseas and interstate but came back to Mt Eliza to build our dream house and raise our two children,” said Rosalie. “We became aware of a backwater called Red Hill with rich soil that grew apples, cherries and strawberries and it was only 25 minutes from where we lived on the peninsula.

On an outing one day we discovered a north-facing, 12 acre failed lemon orchard which had no road access and was very affordable at $25,000.”

That first sojourn would set off a continued interest in wines particularly the Burgundy region where the couple discovered a love for pinot noir.

That lemon orchard would eventually become the site of Main Ridge Estate, the first licenced winery on the Mornington Peninsula, but not before a lot of hard work.

continued next page...

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“Our weekends soon became consumed with physical labour as we carried our babies, tools and picnics through a neighbouring property, initially building a wooden shed for shelter and storage, planting a trial row of vine cuttings and harvesting some lemons,” said Rosalie, who was never afraid of hard work.

We had a conservative plan to establish one acre of vines every year for six years

“Our first crop was picked in 1979 and crushed in a mouli in our garage in Mt Eliza. We agreed the first vintage was as good as the finest burgundy,” Nat said with a laugh. “What we did realise was that the region could grow pinot noir and chardonnay. We sold our first commercial vintage in 1980.”

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One thing the couple had their heart set on was quality and not quantity, after travelling to the charming vineyards in Burgundy and tasting the outstanding wines made on modest properties.

“We had a conservative plan to establish one acre of vines every year for six years,” said Nat, who had been studying the Wine Science course at Charles Sturt University which provided knowledge and contact with other aspiring winemakers.

“It was also a great help to discover other experimental vineyards popping up in the area with the McCulloghs, Myers, Keffords, Kewleys and Stoniers who got together to eventually create what would become the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association.”

A combination of bravery and passion of one winemaker was the catalyst for the flourishing wine industry on the Mornington Peninsula. Nat gave up the security of a public service civil engineering job soon after planting the vineyards.

“Rosalie and I had limited capital but huge determination to create the vineyard we always wanted. We worked day and night, studying and increasing our understanding of the land which we truly believed was perfect for pinot noir and chardonnay,” said Nat, who at 78 has only just finished working as a consultant at Main Ridge Estate, which he and Rosalie sold to the Sexton family three years ago.

“We celebrated 40 years at Main Ridge Estate in 2015 and it was time for someone else to take the reins so it was sold just as our house in Flinders was being built; a bitter sweet time as Main Ridge Estate has become the hub of our Red Hill community and has seen so many celebrations at its versatile cellar door. Those memories will never fade and we are often there as our successors, the Sexton family, have become wonderful friends,” said Rosalie.

These days, Nat plays golf and Rosalie works at the kinder down the road. “We love gardening and catching up with friends and will continue to travel widely so are definitely enjoying this stage of our lives too,” they said.

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INDOMITABLE Woman

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Supplied

S

erendipity brought actor Danielle Burgio from Hollywood to the Mornington Peninsula as a celebrity judge at the 8th annual Peninsula Film Festival and it’s a theme that has repeated throughout her exceptionally diverse career as a dancer, actor, stuntwoman, writer, producer, director, blogger and podcaster.

She has appeared in over a hundred films and television shows working with some of the biggest names in the industry from Sir Anthony Hopkins and Keanu Reeves to Cher and Oprah. Her professional associations read like a Who’s Who of Hollywood’s A-list, but it’s her unwavering vision, unstoppable drive and downto-earth warmth that really set her apart.

Burgio met Australian actors Steve Bastoni and Lachy Hulme while working on the Matrix sequels in which she played Trinity’s fight double.

It’s because of the friendships formed with Bastoni on Matrix Reloaded and Hulme on Matrix Revolutions in 2003 that Burgio ended up in Rosebud at this year’s Peninsula Film Festival. Her many years in the film and television industry made her a perfect choice.

Despite the naysayers, Burgio went from getting the first role she auditioned for on Broadway in Starlight Express to working with Hollywood’s elite trusting her indomitable can-do attitude. “Someone recently told me that when I was younger, I was unstoppable. So I’ve really tried to come back to that mentality. People hear what I’m trying to do in my career now and tell me I can’t do it, but I know I can,” she says.

When Burgio transitioned to stunt work, again serendipity was in play. “I moved to Los Angeles because I wanted get into film and television acting. I met an actor through an acting class who was also a stuntman. He thought I’d be really good at it because I had all this physicality and was a good actor, but he also thought that if I could do the fight scenes and the martial arts, it would give me better opportunities because I’d have a niche. So I took a couple of martial arts classes and I fell in love with it,” she says.

I just generally love storytelling.

For me acting is about shining a light on a subject and making people feel

“I just generally love storytelling. For me acting is about shining a light on a subject and making people feel. I always judge a film on two criteria: Am I rooting for the character? And did anything take me out of the story? Other than that, if it took me on an emotional journey, that’s all I care about. Film is a good medium to inspire people and make them feel. As an actor, I’m attracted to being a facilitator of that,” she says.

Her professional trajectory did not begin in acting, but in dance.

“Dancing is the one place where I can fully express myself. As a society we are taught to bottle up a lot of emotion. In my family, in my parents’ generation, that was a big thing, but on the dance floor it was different. Expression through movement is fulfilling in a way I have never experienced in anything else. It’s amazing what our bodies are capable of. That’s why moving from dancer to stuntwoman was a perfect segue,” she says.

“He got me my first stunt job on Batman Forever and from there I kind of got the bug. I later met Jeff Imada who is a legend in the stunt world. Jeff gave me my first real stunt job on John Carpenter’s Vampires doing outrageous stunts with some of the best stuntmen in the industry. They took me under their wings and launched my career calling all of their friends about this awesome new girl they just met and telling them and that they should hire me. I pretty much didn’t stop working after that,” she says.

Stunt work set her on a whole new course. “I thought, well, this isn’t exactly what I came out here to do, but I’m working with all of the biggest actors, directors and producers in Hollywood. My greatest lesson from stunt work was facing my fears. That’s what I love about it. I’m not an exceptionally daring person. When I do stunts I’m always afraid. People assume when you do stunts you’re not scared, but I’m terrified! Facing and overcoming my fears is a tremendous feeling. The opportunities I got in my career just took me to the most adventurous life. It’s been a really wild, cool ride,” she says. continued next page...

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In general and not just in film, the people that I’ve met in Australia are really just salt of the earth

She worked hard throughout her career, pushing both mental and physical boundaries.

“In the lead up to the Matrix I trained twice a day – a couple of hours in the morning and two or three hours at the end of the day, six days a week. The Matrix was definitely one of my favourite experiences as a whole. The entire cast was incredible. Working on a project of that level was definitely one of the most epic experiences,” she says.

Amongst her many professional incarnations, she still loves acting best. “Acting is my favourite. In acting you get so many characters to explore and so many different aspects of yourself – it’s really exciting. From the time I was 5, acting was always the biggest desire in my heart; I just love it so much. Now that I’m getting into producing it is definitely a huge passion and something that I really enjoy. Taking the totality of a story and having the responsibility of bringing it to life is very fulfilling so I think the combination of acting and producing together will be my sweet spot,” she says.

Her work in the film and television industry has taken Burgio many places and in contact with thousands people, but judging at the Peninsula Film Festival gave Burgio an insight into Australians that she holds dear. “I was very impressed with the festival and humbled to be a part of it. There were certainly some wonderful and talented filmmakers, but the thing that stands out to me most about

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the weekend was all of the amazing people in the audience that I was blessed to meet.

I absolutely loved the peninsula, the scenery, the food, the people - all of it!” she says.

“In general and not just in film, the people that I’ve met in Australia are really just salt of the earth.

Everyone is real and open and friendly and wonderful. In the States, it’s definitely a different mentality. There’s more of a sense of competition. Here people support each other,” she says.

Thanks to Steve Bastoni and Lachy Hulme for luring this amazing woman out to the Mornington Peninsula. “After Steve asked Lachy who they could get for the judging panel and he suggested me, Lachy put together this pitch letter about why I needed to come to Australia and the rest is history. There was no way I could say no.

We’d been joking and talking for 16 years about getting me out to Australia so this was the ticket,” she says.

“Lachy was a huge champion for me to do my own work. He told me not wait for someone to give me the role I wanted, but to just go do it myself. He said I should make my own movie,’” she says.

Those words should resonate with peninsula filmmakers who feel unsure. Clearly the moral of the story is don’t wait for permission.

Make a film and enter it into next year’s Peninsula Film Festival.

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SUNRISE TO SUNSET… EXPLORE THE PENINSULA FROM BREATHTAKING SUNRISE TO SPECTACULAR SUNSET. The Mornington Peninsula is a place that promises wonderful experiences from dawn to dusk. To greet the sun, head to the rugged back beaches of the southern peninsula or stroll amongst the tea trees at Western Port. We love to create Instagram envy with a stunning sunrise shot at Bridgewater Bay in Blairgowrie or Dragon’s Head in Sorrento.

When you have taken a moment to breathe in the ocean air, it’s time for a morning caffeine shot or refreshing cuppa. Luckily for you, great coffee is served at cafés all over the Peninsula.

Grab a 'local roast', sit down and map out your day.

To get up close with the local flora and fauna, take a walking trail across cliffs, seashores or wetlands. A local favourite is to search for heritage plants in historic and botanic parks and gardens, or head to Greens Bush to watch kangaroos feeding. For one of our newest immersive Australian nature experiences, board the ferry from Stony Point to French Island for a short ride to a wildlife haven.

You will spot marine life, birds, lizards, potoroos, bandicoots, echidnas and, of course, koalas.

Want a sky-high view? Catch the gondola up to Arthurs Seat — on a clear day you can see across Port Phillip to Melbourne. If you are

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feeling energetic, try tree surfing or ride the tube slides with the kids.

As the sun sits high in the sky it’s time to stock up on provisions. Follow the Wine Food Farmgate Trail to taste fresh local produce and the latest ale, cider or wine. Whatever your fancy, this trail delivers in spades.

Fine dining, bistro, outdoor tapas or takeaway — it can all be FOUND. Mid-afternoon, slip into hot springs to rejuvenate, channel your inner golfing pro at one of the many outstanding courses, frolic on the beach or hire a kayak and enjoy the sights from the sea. And as the day closes, find a spot on the bay and lose yourself in the sunset.

Not quite finished? In the evening you are spoilt for choice. Restaurants, pubs, brewers, winemakers and chefs offer so many options you could dine out for months and keep finding new experiences.

The daily choice of ocean adventure or bayside leisure is a luxury.�

- Australian Gourmet Traveller

If you are not so lucky to live here or be visiting friends or relatives there is plenty of accommodation from small boutique hotels, eco retreats and rented houses to campgrounds or luxury hotels.

And the next day‌ pop out of bed ready to do it all over again and choose the things that you ran out of time to do the day before.

visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

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PLENTY OF Craic

By Melissa Walsh Photos Yanni

W

hen you are born in Northern Ireland chances are you are going to be a tough cookie and this could not be truer of McDaid’s Irish pub owner, Caroline Leslie who has seen her fair share of challenges but still retains that famous Irish humour and drive to succeed.

With her flaming red locks and bright blue eyes, the Irish gogetter was always a high achiever and now lays claim to the titles of business owner, author, makeup artist and mum, with her recent venture opening a real Irish pub in Rosebud with her husband, Peter.

The moment you walk in to McDaid’s, it is like a slice of Ireland on the Mornington Peninsula where the sign ‘Céad míle fáilte’ literally means a hundred thousand welcomes.

“I had been thinking about opening an Irish pub for years, as I am very patriotic about my homeland and wanted to bring the feel of Ireland to where I live now,” said Caroline, who has been a peninsula local for 23 years. “I grew up in County Derry in Northern Ireland which, as you can imagine, was a tough place. Dad was a painter and decorator and mum worked in the local factory which was the norm in those days. I did some time in the factories but always worked in pubs as a teenager, and was a true ‘Derry girl’” said Caroline, who is still immensely proud of her Irish heritage. “As soon as I arrived on the peninsula I said ‘This place needs an Irish pub’ so I guess you could say I have been planning this for a long time.”

For the published author, entrepreneur and business owner, and mother of three there was always projects on the go so it took the better part of two decades for the Irish pub idea to come to fruition.

“I had my own Home Maid Green Cleaning service for many years, released a book, ‘Clean Green — It won’t Cost the Earth’ and have always found a way to set up businesses, but this opportunity came out of the blue,” she said. “It was February 19 last year, my husband’s birthday, and we were at the GPO Hotel having dinner.

As I looked around I thought it would be a great Irish pub and asked our waitress if it was up for sale by any chance. To my absolute surprise she said ‘Yes I think it is’. Cutting the dinner short, we went home and googled it and sure enough there it was.”

The rest is history for Caroline and Peter who bought the business after many months of negotiation, and started renovating in August.

For the self-confessed “walking cliché of Ireland” creating the perfect Irish pub was a no brainer as Caroline had spent much of her youth working in pubs in Ireland. continued next page...

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“I knew you couldn’t just throw some Irish memorabilia around and call it an Irish pub,” she said with a laugh. “We put lots of planning into the décor, using wallpaper that I got from Ireland, creating the mahogany bar, stonework and wrought iron.

There is even a piano on the stage where patrons can get up and have a singalong.”

I especially love that I can share a part of my own country with the place that I now call my second home

It is the warm and welcoming attitude of Caroline that has made all the difference and created an environment where Irish charm and hospitality oozes through the walls.

“I think that people really feel it when they walk in and the response has been fantastic,” said Caroline, who loves socialising. “I especially love that I can share a part of my own country with the place that I now call my second home. People feel like they have walked into a pub in Ireland every time they come in here, with the food, the Irish drinks and the hospitality.”

McDaid’s has an amazing collection of Irish drinks with Guinness, Kilkenny and O’Hara’s Pale Ale and Magner’s Cider on tap.

“We also support our local wine and beer industry so have a large range on offer for all our customers,” said Caroline in her pub that fosters warmth and fraternity. “We have trad night every Wednesday which is open for all to come and join in and will be doing quiz nights soon as everyone loves a trivia night.”

One thing’s for sure; this is not an Irish-themed pub. It is the real deal where the hospitality is authentic and the barman knows the noble art of the two-part pour.

“Everybody loves an Irish pub and we are making sure that people of all ages get to experience the hospitality and inclusion that I grew up with. I called it McDaid’s as that was my maiden name, and a little chance to honour my own family and history. And rest assured there’ll be plenty of craic.”

McDaid’s Irish Pub is at 1003 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud.

Phone 5982 3200. www.mcdaids.com.au

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THE HEART OF Cuba

By Melissa Walsh

I

t’s been close to a decade since Christina Monneron has visited the bayside suburb of Frankston, let alone dance on the waterfront. This year, the wise and worldly Afro-Cuban dance teacher is thrilled to perform at the opening of the Ventana Fiesta with a traditional Santería Cuban beach ceremony to celebrate the beauty of the environment through ritualistic chanting and drumming.

“I was actually living in Melbourne and started the Cuban Dance Academy in 1999, performing in the first Ventana Latina Fiesta in Frankston,” said Christina, who has since made her home on the Gold Coast.

Mauritian-born Christina studied with a principal artist of Cuba’s National Folkloric Dance Group in Sweden in 1996, beginning a journey that included participation in an intensive Afro-Cuban workshop held in Denmark and joining a dance troupe and dancing Afro-Cuban and Popular Cuban rhythms (salsa, cha cha chá, mambo, conga) all over Scandinavia. continued next page...

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continued next page...

“I joined a cultural exchange program in Havana in 1998 where I studied Afro-Cuban dance, Yoruba spirituality and Santería religion which led to my full initiation as a priestess of Santería,” she said.

It’s been quite the journey for the 50 year old who moved to Australia with her parents when she was six years old.

“I came to Cuban dancing purely by chance. I was working in pharmaceutical research in Sweden when I was looking for something to do in dancing to move my body as it was so cold there. I felt like I had found my true calling in Cuban music as it was spiritual and sensual and empowering all at once. Everything about it drew me in,” said Christina, who loved it so much she relocated to Cuba for almost a year.

“It was the first time I felt truly present in my body with that particular dance style and I felt it my mission to take on board as much as I could possibly learn and then teach others about it,” said Christina who learnt from the masters and became a priestess.

The Mauritius-born dancer says it is like coming back to her roots after all the time spent abroad.

“It’s the connection to my homeland and the ancestry coming from Africa, particularly after being in Australia for a great part of my life,” she said. “The music is like the rhythm of the earth and the rhythm of life. The feeling of connection to the sense of community and ancestry is overwhelming through the dance and music, which made me aware of living in the moment and how important that was.”

The music is like the rhythm of the earth and the rhythm of life

“Ending up in Cuba led to a journey of selfdiscovery and connection to the spirituality of the place and its people which changed my life,” said Christina of the dancing and ceremony that introduced her to the sensuality and the rhythms of Cuba and its people. “It is so much more than just dancing. Of course there is salsa dancing which is fun and vibrant and a great way to move your body, but Afro-Cuban dancing is a whole other thing, where your spirit takes over and empowers you in your femininity through the Afro-Cuban Goddess dances. It also has the ability to empower men in their masculinity through the Warrior dances.”

Discovering Afro-Cuban dance while working in Sweden transformed the dance teacher in such a way that it changed her life and direction.

Determined to continue her ongoing commitment to spread the culture and rhythms of Cuba throughout Australia, performing the Afro-Cuban beach ceremony is a wonderful way to introduce the spiritual dance experience to the peninsula, one of the first areas that Christina began fulfilling her soul purpose of empowerment and self-awareness.

The Afro-Cuban Beach Ceremony on the Frankston Foreshore, next to the Lifesaving Club, Saturday March 16, 4-430pm. www.artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/Exhibitions_Festivals/ Ventana_Fiesta_2019/Afro-Cuban_Celebrations

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HOME at Last

By Melissa Walsh Photos Yanni

I

t was once the army barracks at Mt Martha but the former defence building has an incarnation as the home of Fusion, a Christian youth and community organisation that provides housing, youth programs and community support for local youth. Operating since the 1960’s, the inspirational programs seek to connect young people aged 15 to 21 to networks in the community and engage them with a wider sense of belonging and achievement.

“By providing early interventions to youths within its program, Fusion seeks to address the many issues that trigger long-term homelessness,” said centre manager, Caitlin Swanton. “We are part

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of a national organisation and an international movement of people motivated by Christian values and the belief that people matter.”

Fusion is a Christian youth and community organisation that emerged as a creative response to socially-at-risk young people in Australia in 1960 and found its way to the peninsula after a group of local young adults launched a drop-in centre in 1970.

“It started out from those people wanting to help the homeless youth on the peninsula and the same commitment to caring for the needs of our young people continue to this day,” said Caitlin of the home that looks after eight youths at a time, and provides a warm and loving family environment so that kids can have a fresh start. continued next page...

March 2019

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“We have eight bedrooms for our youth, a big lounge room with TV, play station and pool table to sit around together and have fun just like a family would,” said Caitlin. “A lot of these kids have never experienced that so this might be the first time they have been cared for in that way. Of course this can be a little confronting for some but we make sure we have plenty of resources to help them adjust and get their lives back on track with work placements or school, and even encourage reconciliation with family and friends.”

around Melbourne. The driver was only able to pull one boy to safety, the other young man died under the rubbish. The boys were 15,” said Caitlin of the tragedy that rocked the Fusion team. “Our team knew that these boys could have been one of the young people they were working with; often young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, would come into the drop-in.”

Caitlin says a tragedy in 1985 that rocked the Fusion team led to the increase of programs and eventually the Fusion home being organised as the issue of ‘familylessness’ was brought to the surface.

“Most important is that we create a home where young people can take a while to heal, and discover their worth and potential,” said Caitlin.

“In 1985, two young people experiencing homelessness were sleeping in a dumpster in Melbourne. The boys awoke as they were being tipped into a compactor unit truck. Their screams were heard

To find out more about how you can donate to Fusion go to www.morningtonpeninsula.fusion.org.au

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At Fusion, the kids learn life skills such as cooking, how to maintain a household, budgeting and time management.

S O L I C I T O R S & C O N V E YA N C E R S

DIVORCE? SEPARATION? CHILD SUPPORT?

FREE Family Law Information Session 26 March 2019 @ 6:00PM

342 Main Street Mornington VIC 3931 RSVP BY 22 March 2019

(03) 5975 7611 *No obligation consultations available by appointment *Refreshments provided

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OUR FAMILY CARING FOR

Your Family

O

perating on the Mornington Peninsula for over 40 years, Village Glen offers all facets of aged care, with retirement living, aged care residences and home care services.

What makes Village Glen unique in the aged care industry is that we are a family business. Village Glen is owned and operated by the Jacobsen family, with six family members over three generations currently working for the group. As a family that is born and bred on the Mornington Peninsula, this is where our passion lies.

Village Glen Retirement Living came first in Capel Sound with over 600 villas and apartments. Aged care residences followed later, with two state-of-the-art facilities in Capel Sound and Mornington.

We completed our continuum of care model with Flexicare Home Support, which offers both home care packages and private in-home services. Another group of Aged Care Residences in Baxter is in the design stage.

Village Glen is all about people caring for people. More accurately Village Glen is about our family caring for your family. But that isn’t where the Village Glen family analogy ends. I am referring to the countless families working at Village Glen to care for your family.

That’s right – Village Glen employs husband and wives, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, sisters, cousins, nieces and uncles – the list goes on.

Today, over 15% of the Village Glen workforce has another member of their family also working at Village Glen.

Mandy (Home Support Partner – Flexicare) and Bernie (Executive Chef – Aged Care)

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As Managing Director Chas Jacobsen explains; “It creates such a sense of pride when staff care so much about what they do that they encourage their loved ones to follow in their footsteps.” Our team consists of the very best aged care staff members that are incredibly loyal and passionate about providing the level of care that our clients deserves.

Bernie who is the Aged Care Executive Chef says “Family values are everything to me, and working for the Village Glen is an extension of that”.

The variety of staff and skills sets working at Village Glen is incredible. From nursing to admin, maintenance to catering, cleaning to housekeeping, every role at Village Glen is unique as is every individual who works here.

“The community in the Village and friendly environment makes work feel like family, and working with my family makes it that much more special” says Sarah the Retirement Living receptionist who works along side her husband Chris and son Kieran.

If you are interested in working at Village Glen or if you or a family member are considering aged care options, come and see why Village Glen might be right for you. Our team will be only too happy to show you some of the many reasons to join our community as a client or staff member and become part of our extended family.

Chris (Maintenance – Retirement Living), Sarah (Receptionist – Retirement Living) & Kieran (PCA – Aged Care)

– 3AW LIVE BROADCAST ONSITE – 6AM - 11AM

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Feel free to join us on Open Day to see what we have to offer you!

335 Eastbourne Road, Capel Sound 3940 VIC 1300 VILL GLEN (1300 8455 4536)

WWW.VILLAGEGLEN.COM.AU

ANYONE FOR Polo?

F

or the third consecutive year, the Who’s Who of Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula attended a gathering in Flinders for a day of polo and champagne.

From the owners of the highly successful Portsea Polo, Flinders Polo was created and has become a must-do on the social calendar, held at a private estate in Flinders. Once again, guests partook in a glass of champagne while enjoying the manicured gardens on the beautiful property that has been opened to host the Flinders Polo. The coveted affair attracts a wonderful guest list of celebrities, personalities and polo lovers in a bespoke, relaxed picnic environment.

“Flinders Polo was run for the first time in November 2016. It is a creation from the same team behind the now incredibly successful and well known Portsea Polo. The goal was to fashion a more intimate, sophisticated event for select companies and individuals by recreating the picnic-style Portsea Polo of 15 years ago,” said Emma O’Donoghue. “Flinders Polo allows guests to experience a bespoke afternoon of fast paced 20/20 style polo, hosted at a beautiful 60acre private property in Flinders. The meticulously manicured polo field is surrounded by Paul Bangay landscaped gardens with the breathtaking backdrop of the Flinders countryside.” www.flinderspolo.com.au

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Peninsula

Photos

The AGL Peninsula Film Festival winners were announced to a 6,000 strong crowd on Saturday 3 February at Rosebud’s Village Green. Back for an 8th year, the FREE short film festival featured 20 shortlisted Australian filmmakers showcasing their films in front of a panel of celebrity judges and film luminaries. Up to $5,000 in cash and prizes was awarded to winners.

For the first time ever, one of the categories, Best Screenplay resulted in a three-way tie.

Thursday 28th May Australian National Academy of Music presents‌ Stravinsky - The Rite of Spring followed by afternoon tea.

Full Price $45 Concession $40 www.beleura.org.au

PO Box 1198, Mornington VIC 3198 Tel 03 5975 2027 Email: admin@beleura.org.au

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FOR THE LOVE OF

Acting

By Melissa Walsh Photos Yanni

W

hen you are born into a traditional Italian family where generations have been growing fruit and vegetables since the 1950’s, it would be understandable to follow in the family footsteps. For Lucia Brancatisano that was never the case as the Mornington Peninsula mum of two followed her passion for the theatre and continues to work as a paid actor to this day. Peninsula Essence talks to Lucia about life, her career on stage, commercials, and a role on the TV series Wentworth that is going into its seventh year.

When did you discover a love of acting?

It began when I was at school and lucky enough to have a drama teacher who brought me out of my shell. I was a very shy kid but, as soon as I started acting, I felt like this was a place I was really myself.

Did you start acting straight out of school?

No I didn’t. I actually started a teaching course at university but couldn’t get the acting out of my head. It was always the place where I found my voice and was the only thing I felt really comfortable doing. It was all about telling stories and giving people the truth and I was hooked.

I started out on stage which is where I loved the most. It was a great adrenalin rush, and then I moved into short films, commercials and some television work.

Where have you worked as an actor and is it hard to get work these days?

I did theatre around Melbourne and lived in UK, working in theatre where I did Shakespeare plays. When I returned back to Australia, I stopped for a while as I felt like I was the typical actress who works as a waitress. I loved travelling so got myself a job with British Airways which I did for ten

years. It was a great job and taught me so much but I still longed to work on the stage.

Did the British Airways role help towards your acting when you returned?

It really did help me become a better actress, working nine to five for a big organisation, and gave me formal training and experience with different people in a different role all together. I think that is important for actors. We need to step outside our normal comfort zone and have different experiences to bring that knowledge to the stage.

When did your return to acting and how many roles have you done over the past 10 years?

Once I had children I thought I would go back behind the scenes and as a stay at home mum. My children are 12 and nine now and back then I decided to enrol as an extra for film or TV. I found an agent who was brilliant and put me on City Homicide straight away. I was four months pregnant and my first scene was to get blown up. From then on I got work on different TV shows as an extra. I went back to acting school as I realised I loved being in front of the camera and started getting involved in theatre again where I got to work at places like The Malthouse where I had always dreamed of performing.

How did the Wentworth role come about?

My agent had me doing more TV and then, out of the blue called me one day and said they are doing a remake of Prisoner and this could be four months’ work for me as an extra. That was great as usually extras only get a day here and there. All I had to do was send her a photo of me with

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no makeup and looking really mean which I did and I am still there seven years later.

What was the first day on set at Wentworth like?

When I first walked on set it was the second day of season one and they said we have made a mistake we don’t have a costume for you so they said just go on set as a visitor. I was devastated and then someone walked in and said “Quick put a prison guard costume on her and walk in there”.

They threw me in and the cameras were rolling. The main actor who plays Bee Smith was walking towards me so I just kept giving her really dirty looks like she was a piece of filth and it worked. The assistant director came up to me and said “You will be coming back” and the rest is history.

What is it like being a long term extra on a show like Wentworth?

Well for a start I found out I do angry really well. The first

season was chaotic because they didn’t expect it to be so big.

From then on it has been smoother and smoother. They don’t give you a script as an extra. You get on set and they tell you what the scene is about and you just work out what you need to do in the background. As an extra it is a bit of a dance to work around the main action of what is going on.

How did the speaking part come about on Wentworth?

Slowly I have built up to a speaking part in season seven which airs this year. I think the main director saw how committed I was as an extra. I take my role very seriously and think it is important to be flexible, reliable and positive on set no matter what part you are playing.

What are the hours like working on a show like Wentworth as an extra?

You never know what the hours are but it is usually either a four hour, eight or twelve hour day. It is Monday to Friday however and they even used to break for school holidays.

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You do have to be flexible in terms of availability though.

You know the dates but often find out what time you are needed the day before. Luckily I have my parents who help with the kids.

the stage and it just flowed. I thought to myself “you know the story, just tell it”. Afterwards people came up to me saying I made them cry. It was a sad story called The Flood about a woman who was reflecting on her life.

What is a favourite role?

What is acting about and what makes a good actor?

I have done a few commercials which I enjoy like the Coles commercials three times with Curtis Stone, and I just did superannuation commercial that’s coming out.

Commercials are good as they pay well and they are just a day shoot.

But I would say my favourite role was in the Vagina Monologues where I played a seventy year old woman. It was four years ago and I had auditioned for a younger role but this was the one I was cast in. I remember the first night standing back stage and I was shaking. I had to do a ten minute monologue and I was terrified. I remember seeing the exit door and then thinking this was a theatre I wanted to perform in since I was 20 and now I was here. I went on

I think it is about being a heightened version of yourself, and you have to be vulnerable. You need to be open to what directors are saying to you and listen to their advice.

When you turn up to an audition, you know they can throw anything at you, so you have to be relaxed and fully yourself to avoid coming across as wooden.

What advice would you give to other actors about being successful in the industry?

It is being vulnerable and working every day at it, I tell my children you can’t just say “I want to be good”. You have to get up every day and do something towards it.

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THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN IN THEIR

Flying Machines

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March 2019

By Melissa Walsh Photos Yanni

J

ames Whelan is a fireman who has discovered a passion for raising money for good causes. Since he discovered how great it is to raise funds to help the community and charities that are close to his heart, there has been no stopping him.

The CFA firefighter started off doing the ‘CFA Somers – Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb’ a few years ago and has now moved on to another great cause with a bit more quirkiness as he prepares to participate in the Moomba Birdman Rally.

living near a CFA to pop in and start by saying hello and finding out about your local brigade,” said James. “We are actually in need of volunteers.”

For James, being able to be involved in the Birdman Rally is a chance to raise funds for Lifeline in a fun way.

“I know the rally is a bit of fun but it is also great to be raising funds for Lifeline which is also a volunteer organisation that provides a 24 hour phone service for suicide prevention and crisis support that sadly impacts many households,” he said.

Being able to be involved in the Birdman Rally is a chance to raise funds for Lifeline in a fun way.

“This is the first birdman rally I have ever done,” said the firefighter from his home in Somers. “I’m jumping and hopefully flying for two reasons. One is to raise awareness about volunteering for the CFA and secondly to raise much needed funds for Lifeline. The CFA is a great organisation supporting Victorians through tens of thousands of volunteer firefighters and support crews. Many semi-rural and rural areas need more volunteers to take on various roles and give back to the community.”

James created his flying contraption out of a cardboard box which was painted by his children.

“The kids helped me make the flying machine with some yellow wings and then painted a fire engine on it,” said James, who has been involved with the Somers CFA for the last five years.

“I have met some great people while supporting my community and in return had some great experiences and I encourage everyone

After watching the Birdman Rally for many years on the television, it is James’ own involvement that uncovered a family history for the Moomba activity.

“I actually found out that my dad had been involved in it with a corporate team in the 80’s,” said James whose family will all be on the banks of the Yarra when he does his jump.

“I know jumping into the Yarra is a bit of a worry but apparently they spray Listerine into your mouth the moment you get out,” he said with a laugh.

To donate to the cause go to https://birdmanrally. gofundraise.com.au/page/JamesWhelan1 or visit https:// www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer-careers/volunteers

LOOKING FOR MORE CUSTOMERS? YOU NEED TO ADVERTISE IN

Book into the next issue Call Brooke on 0409 219 282

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UNDER the Skin

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni

“

There is no finer art with less room for error than tattooing,” says Nicholas Boyle, the proprietor of 3931tattoo in Mornington (formerly The Collective). He would know because he has been an artist all his life. With formal art training and 25 years as a professional fine artist before shifting

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to tattoo art, Boyle comes to the trade with a deep-seated and well-founded sense of confidence. He’s only been tattooing for seven years, but already his reputation precedes him.

“Having been a fine artist means I approach tattooing differently. I am very much about composition and contrast and all of the things

that are important on a canvas. I’m also very aware of the human body and how an image sits on the skin and how that works. My specialty, although I love colour, is black and grey. It has become what I do most. I’m definitely more interested in the art of tattoo than I am in the business of it,” he says.

Art has been the cornerstone of his life right from childhood. His mother was a fashion designer and artist. He started drawing and painting when very young and hasn’t stopped. He began his formal training with an advanced certificate of art and design. He used that portfolio to apply for a fine arts degree at Monash University. He’d almost finished his degree before choosing work over study. He went on to produce artwork for record companies as well as window art for Virgin Megastores and Brashes.

While his previous job was interesting, it was not quite as electrifying as working on a living canvas. He had his first taste of tattoo art during a brief apprenticeship at 21 and it left a lasting impression. Boyle explains, “My first tattoo was just having a little bit of a go on a tattoo that my boss was doing in an area where he could fix it if need be. It was one of the biggest adrenaline rushes of my life. It’s one of the scariest things you could possibly do.”

Tattooing can be a very time consuming process, but most tattoos can be completed in a number of hours. “The longest single sitting I did was about 11 hours at a convention where there was only a limited time to get a large piece done. In some of these conventions, that’s 11 hours straight! Other times we’ve done three days on the same tattoo,” he says. Patience is clearly one of Boyle’s virtues.

Stereotypes about what type of person gets a tattoo are a thing of the past. “Our clientele range from doctors to police to tradies. There is no age limit. (Except for the age of consent being 18.) We’re tattooing people in their 70s and 80s and we get almost as many women as men,” he says.

Tattoo art is certainly not a fad either. It has a long and venerable history. In actual fact, tattoos have been around for thousands of years.

They were once thought to have begun with the Ancient Egyptians, until the discovery the infamous Otzi the Iceman in 1991. Carbon- dating confirmed that his were the oldest recorded tattoos. He was 5,200 years old and he had 61 tattoos!

There is no finer art with less room for error than tattooing

Boyle says his greatest challenge in tattooing is the difference in people’s skin. “No two people’s skin are the same and the difference between tattooing someone who is young and pale compared to someone who is in midlife and has seen a lot of sun is the difference between drawing on tissue paper and cartridge paper,” he says.

Some people might shy away from the pain of getting a tattoo, but Boyle says there are numbing agents available. He makes sure his clients are well looked after. This care includes talking a client out of a tattoo if the concept is a bad idea, the location won’t hold the ink well or if they are unsure about committing to the permanence of a tattoo.

At 3931tattoo the history and value of tattoo art is known and respected.

The likelihood of walking away this welcoming and reassuring Nicholas Boyle from business unhappy is unlikely because as Boyle explains, “It’s always a collaboration between the client and the artist. We’re not here just to produce things that are going to wow people. I will try to steer them towards something I think will work best, but I will be guided by their concept and their images,” he says.

If not coming to his establishment, Boyle’s advice is “Research your artist! If you have to wait, that probably means they’re good. Everyone who tattoos isn’t a master of every style. Research what you want to get done and who’s the best artist for that style,” he says. That said; if you’re after a distinctive, creative and high quality tattoo, consider a visit to 3931tattoo.

3931 Tattoo is at 354 Main St, Mornington, phone 5976 8423

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Peninsula

Photos

Peninsula Business Network hosted a breakfast event at Mornington Golf Club featuring special guest Michelle Scheibner who instructed attendees on how to improve branding using social media.

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March 2019

Tickets: Tickets: 03 9784 03 9784 10601060 | thefac.com.au | thefac.com.au

Style File AUTUMN FASHION ON THE PENINSULA An eclectic mix of maxi dresses, jumpsuits and slacks in floral, animal print and Spanish influenced styles, showcase the best of Style File this autumn. While the days are still mild, simply pair with a denim jacket for those cooler peninsula nights.

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(front) Independent Notion Miss June Santa Fe Dress, Green Outfit and accessories available at Indigo Threads Somerville.

(this page) Independent Notion Poupette St Barth Mila Mini Dress, Orange Cloud

Footwear available at Bayside Shoes.

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Independent Notion Tulle & Batiste Hannah Maxi Dress, Lapis Lazuli

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Outfit and accessories available at Indigo Threads Somerville.

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Your Invitation to join our community

Connecting people, Connecting business, Creating a business community.

Peninsula Business Networking (PBN) is a not-for-profit association that supports and connects people like you, and businesses like yours.

We help you and your business grow, and build and cement relationships that make a difference. Together, we help drive sustainable economic growth on the Peninsula.

We invite you to join our membership community for as little as $75 (annual fee) via: www.peninsulabusinessnetwork.org.au

March 2019

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PENINSULA’S PREMIER CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL Peninsula Grammar is proudly co-educational from Kindergarten to Year 12 with leading-edge programs and targeted teaching to meet individual needs.

We support our students in their pursuit of excellence.

MIDDLE YEARS 5 - 8 INFORMATION EVENING Becoming Me - Middle Years 5-8 Wednesday 3 April, 7.00pm - 8.00pm, Ansett Hall The Years 5–8 Becoming Me program is designed to extend students’ academic skills, promote personal development and encourage responsible citizenship. Learn more about this unique program at our information evening.

2019 OPEN DAYS Term 2 - Thursday 9 May, 9.00am - 11.00am Term 3 - Thursday 25 July, 9.00am - 11.00am Term 3 - SATURDAY OPEN DAY, 7 September, 10.00am to 12.00pm

www.peninsulagrammar.vic.edu.au

To book a tailored school tour for your family anytime, or for information on our programs, please call 9788 7777 or email us at enrolments@peninsulagrammar.vic.edu.au.

Education & Training FEAT URE

All students are engaged in STEM at Peninsula Grammar

T

accomplished through greater exposure to, and rethinking of, school curriculum that aligns learning experiences with skills and professions that were once dominated by males.”

Ms Searle noticed that really bright, brilliant girls were performing well in humanities and literacy, but it did not seem to transfer across to STEM. This observation has inspired her PhD studies.

Ms Searle’s role at Peninsula Grammar includes writing curriculum that weaves STEM into everyday lessons for Prep through to Year 8, while teaching classes across Year 5 through to Year 10. Enhancing student engagement is a core priority for her in all she does.

eacher and STEM integrator at Peninsula Grammar, Ms Shennae Searle, is currently completing her PhD, with her doctorate specifically focusing on how to engage girls in STEM.

Ms Searle discovered that acceleration of student learning aligns closely with the skills espoused within science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) because they are open-ended, inquiry-based subjects that require the skills of problem-solving and critical thinking.

Shifting her focus to the acceleration of student learning through STEM, Ms Searle quickly noticed the disparity between how boys and girls approached the subject matter, identifying that girls were not engaging as readily as boys.

“There are perceptions that STEM can be a male-dominated industry, yet inroads have been made, especially in the last five years, to propel our young women into the industry with confidence and a true sense of equity. This has been

In robotics classes, for example, students have opted to build butterflies and unicorns instead of more traditional models, which has helped engage even the most reluctant of pupils. In a bionic hand unit, experts from Interplast and Doctors Without Borders visited and students communicated with 3D printing volunteers from the e-NABLE Community about developing a working prosthetic for a child in need.

Peninsula Grammar has two dedicated ‘MakerSpaces’ fitted out with iPads, robotics tools, 3D printers, virtual reality headsets and more, where students of all ages undertake STEM projects.

For further information on the STEM Program enrolments, visit www.peninsulagrammar.vic.edu.au

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Courage for life.

At Toorak College we take our students to places they never thought were possible.

Thrive at Toorak Principal Evening

Head of School Tours

Open Days

Register your place at toorakcollege.vic.edu.au

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AFLW players Sarah and Jessica Hosking, Toorak Collegians 2013.

Education & Training FEAT URE Toorak College launches sparkling new Junior program

I

t is the desire of many schools to offer a breadth of meaningful experiences to their students; however, some schools offer specialist programs to the detriment of core subjects of literacy and numeracy.

In 2019, Toorak College Junior School is launching Project Shine; a program that allows students to explore skills across a plethora of learning areas while maintaining an unwavering commitment to developing foundational academic skills.

Students have the opportunity to participate in a number of innovative specialist classes taught by expert teachers.

These specialist offerings are clustered into five main groups; Language including Mandarin, French and Japanese, Research and Digital Citizenship, STEM, Performing Arts and Health and Wellbeing.

Project Shine is based on the belief that all children are unique and shine in varying areas at school. It is through their exposure to a multitude of subjects at a young age when they can truly identify their strengths and evolve passions.

Research shows that students, who learn a performing subject like music can help to develop both mental and

physical coordination, sharpen listening skills and unleash their creativity. Our students as young as Prep will have the chance to become members of a choir and perform with their peers, giving them the opportunity to increase their confidence as well as honing their performance skills.

Alongside a boost in exposure to literacy, numeracy and our units of inquiry, students will have the chance to participate in more specialist subjects than ever before. In addition to these subjects, the students’ day will begin with a 10-minute wellbeing time, which allows the classroom teacher to check in and nurture social and emotional skills.

We look forward to seeing the results in our students’ demeanour, academic outcomes and most of all in the way that they interact in and outside of the classroom.

Melissa Schoorman is the Head of Junior School at Toorak College.

For further information on the Project Shine Program or enrolments, visit www.toorakcollege.vic.edu.au

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Enrolments close Friday 10 May 2019.

Year 7 2021 Enrolments

For enquiries, please contact

Visit our website to enrol online

If you have a child in Grade 5 and would like them to attend Padua College from Year 7 2021, enrolments open on Tuesday 5 March 2019.

the Registrar on 5978 2701 or email enquiry@padua.vic.edu.au

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or to book a school tour

www.padua.vic.edu.au

Education & Training FEAT URE An Invitation to Explore Padua College

P

adua College is opening its doors to families on the Mornington Peninsula with a series of Twilight Open Days in March and you’re invited!

Take an after-hours tour with students, meet members of the College leadership team and gain a better understanding of what Padua College can offer your child at a Twilight Open Day this month: Year 7-9 Rosebud Campus 4-7pm Tuesday 5 March Year 7-9 Tyabb Campus 4-7pm Thursday 7 March Year 7-9 and Year 10-12 Mornington Campus 4-7pm Thursday 14 March Padua seeks to develop entrepreneurial thinkers who foster a range of 21st century skills including collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity. Student engagement is therefore a key priority and, to this end, the College has restructured its campuses in 2019 to increase curriculum offerings.

Year 10 students can now complete a three-year VCE or three-year VCAL Program, with far more options to accelerate learning in their areas of interest. Drop in and explore the impressive, new Whyte Learning Centre at the Mornington Senior Campus on a twilight tour.

Underpinning Padua’s diverse curriculum offering is an extensive social justice program and pastoral care program where Catholic values and spirit are shared and nurtured.

“Excellent staff, facilities, grounds and resources at each of our campuses provide ample opportunity for students to excel in areas of curriculum, leadership and the sporting, cultural and religious life of the College,” explains Principal Anthony Banks, “At Padua College we offer an education for life, one that values mind, body and spirit.”

Enrolments for Grade 5 children for Year 7, 2021 open online on Tuesday 5 March 2019 and close on Friday 10 May 2019.

For further information on the Twilight Open Days, future school tours or enrolments, visit www.padua.vic.edu.au

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Education & Training FEAT U RE BRACE is your education, training and employment specialist in the Bayside and Peninsula region

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s a not-for-profit organisation we offer a personalised service helping you gain the knowledge and skills to increase your employment opportunities.

In 2017, 72 percent of students who completed a course were employed and 63 percent found employment within three months of completing a course.

CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support Want a rewarding career with great work/life balance?

Want to know what you do matters and makes a difference?

Train to be an Education Aide and support children and young people in the classroom.

With a growing need for support in our schools, there are employment opportunities in Primary and Secondary schools and VCAL programs where you can work school hours and school terms, and practical placement and guidance are provided throughout your training.

CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support Do you have good people skills, a sense of humour and compassionate nature?

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A qualification in Individual support gives you diverse and flexible career opportunities in a growing aged care and support industry. Government investment is creating a demand for qualified support workers looking to make a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

We have a network of large local employers with great work opportunities, and our practical on the job work experience gives you a faster pathway to employment.

Your Number One Choi

BRACE - empowering people through education, training and employment.

Courses to help you get a job in disability support, education support and aged care.

Call us now to find out more

Ph: 03 9784 0400

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government Funding. Eligibility criteria apply or training is delivered on a fee for service basis. People with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

RTO Code: 3621

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*BRACE Education & Training offers $0 tuition fees for eligible students.

Please Mount Elizasee our | website Mornington for further details on fees and eligibility criteria.

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Arts

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PAINTING WITH Light

By Melissa Walsh

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n an exciting start to the year, McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park continue to bring a diverse range of exhibitions to the peninsula, none the least is Solid Light: Josef Stanislaw Ostoja-Kotkowski.

McClelland Curator, Simon Lawrie, says the exhibition is an example of the late Ostoja-Kotkowski’s interest in the fusion of art and science.

“In addition, his work also offers a unique response to the Australian environment. Light became for him the ultimate medium, and he followed its potential in far-reaching directions. Although decidedly forward-looking, he also incorporated Polish cultural influences from his homeland. His story is a rare insight into post-WWII PolishAustralian migration and an example of enduring cross-cultural exchange,” said Mr Lowrie of the exhibition that will be held from April 1 to July 14.

Josef Stanislaw Ostoja-Kotkowski was a pioneer of new media art in Australia, and born in Poland in 1922, Josef Stanislaw OstojaKotkowski moved to Australia in 1949 and became pivotal in development of Australian experimental and new media art.

He was the first artist in Australia to use television as an artistic medium and arguably the first in the world to use lasers in a stage production and was at the forefront of international developments in electronic images, lasers, and sound and image production.

Ostoja-Kotkowski sitting with his Laser Chromason 1974 Photographer: Eric Wadsworth NAA: A6135, K13/6/74/6 Reproduced with kind permission of the Estate of J S Ostoja-Kotkowski and the National Archives of Australia.

He also made significant innovations in underground film, stage design, kinetic sculpture, murals, vitreous enamels, stained glass, electroencephalograph technology, computer graphics and community art works, while championing education and support for experimental arts in Australia.

“Marking 25 years since the artist’s death in 1994, Solid Light will be the first major survey of Ostoja-Kotkowski’s diverse and futureoriented practice. The exhibition will bring together craft, drawings, paintings, optical collages, electronic images, photographs, kinetic sculpture and archival material from McClelland’s collection and major public institutions across Australia,” said Mr Lowrie.

The exhibition will be accompanied by an interactive installation by contemporary artist Pia van Gelder, which extends OstojaKotkowski’s research into using brain waves to create images. For Psychic Synth II 2019, van Gelder uses EEG headsets with video and sound synthesisers to create a feedback loop between the human brain and technology, translating the participant’s alpha waves into colourful abstract projections and sounds.

McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park is at 390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin.

Phone 9789 1671. www.mcclellandgallery.com

Ostoja-Kotkowski with Laser Chromason projections 1974 Photographer unknown NAA: A6180, 2/11/72/3 Reproduced with kind permission of the Estate of J S Ostoja-Kotkowski and the National Archives of Australia.

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ART THAT IS Accessible

By Melissa Walsh Photos Yanni

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iodrag Jankovic is an artist in the truest sense of the word, his paintings as bold and statuesque as the man himself. His Rye gallery which fully came to fruition 18 months ago displays his art and soul, where his paintings hang on the walls as a collage of places he’s been and experiences he has had during his lifetime.

“There’s an element of intrigue and curiosity that you develop being surrounded by such beautiful works of art, and it allowed me to work during the day and paint at night,” says Miodrag who had come from a line of tradesmen, so picture framing was an easily learnt skill. To this day, Miodrag keeps his hand in, offering professional canvas stretching services for other artists and galleries.

Miodrag is an abstract landscape artist and his paintings are done from memory.

An abstract artist, Miodrag’s original paintings were a reflection of his memories of Serbia, which he calls urban abstract.

“My paintings are not of specific locations but they portray the overall feeling of what it’s like at the place,” says the Serbian born artist, whose love affair with art was spawned from playing amongst the ruins of early Roman architecture, listening to gypsy music and growing up with colorful and passionate characters.

Today Miodrag is renowned for his abstract landscapes which have been inspired, largely by the coast, but often by other places to which he has travelled.

A far cry from his youthful days in Serbia, Miodrag’s journey has led him to the Mornington Peninsula where he and his wife have raised their young brood.

“We moved down here in 2000 and now I paint full time and play my music,” says Miodrag, who explains that he fell into being an artist.

“I was 12 when our family migrated to Australia, and it was such a different life from where we had come from; so conservative and we always felt like we didn’t fit in. I think that’s part of the reason I started painting and drawing, as an escape and a way to express myself.”

Miodrag says he always enjoyed looking at other people’s work and, after graduating from art school in 1980, eventually ended up working in a picture framing workshop where he was exposed to original Australian artworks before they even hit the gallery floors.

He debuted alongside two other painters at the former Powell Street Gallery, South Yarra, in 1985, his works described as embodying ‘a weight of personal feeling, that almost make sincerity a tangible thing’.

“Everything around is an inspiration, the sky, the beach, the mountains. I remember places I have been and how I felt when I was there and paint the feeling. There’s a lot of energy you pick up on and the challenge is to paint that experience,” says Miodrag, whose paintings have an ethereal quality, the light bursting off the canvas.

“Inspiration might come from the light peeping through the clouds on a winter’s afternoon, or when my family and I are driving down a country road. For me, nature has always been more valued than we are. Nature will always create its own world.”

Miodrag is the epitome of creativity and practicality, explaining that the process of painting is literally applying paint to a canvas. continued next page...

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I started painting and drawing, as an escape and a way to express myself.

“You are making pictures, working with colors, the whole experience is about applying paint,” he says modestly. “In saying that, when I paint, I get into a zone, my mindscape and basically eliminate everything external. You are totally absorbed to produce a piece of art.”

Miodrag’s landscapes reflect the juxtaposition of nature’s unruly and enchanting quality. His works are a passionate response to the raw beauty and energy of nature, offering an authentic understanding of the artist’s own experience.

“Starting this gallery has been a dream of mine. I think it is important for art to be accessible to all the public and this gallery is open for anyone to wander into. It is important for those

looking at art to understand where it came from so I will talk to them about all the background, techniques or my inspiration if they wish,” he said. “For me it is also important to have a gallery where colleagues and friends can show their work. As an artist, I know how important it is to be able to display your work as you see fit so I am putting on an exhibition midyear called ‘Local 7’ where seven local artists will display their vast variety of work.”

Gallery Art Up Stairs is at 2375 Point Nepean Road, Rye. Phone 0478 362 798. www.jancovicart.com.au

ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2019 is a socially-engaged festival of climate change related arts and ideas featuring curated exhibitions and theatre works alongside a series of keynote lectures, events and public forums featuring local and international guests.

Jean Langley, Untitled n.d., oil on board, Courtesy of the artist’s estate

This exhibition highlights the fragility of the Mornington Peninsula’s natural environment.

Features artists Rosie Weiss, Jean Langley, Merryn Lloyd and Siri Hayes.

MPRG exhibition presented as part of CLIMARTE’s ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2019 festival

I N

T H E

V A L L E Y

2 MARCH – 5 MAY 2019

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mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

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By Melissa Walsh Photos Garry Sissons

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hot in Dandenong over two days, Mornington Peninsula filmmaker, Damian McLindon proved that quality movies are not about extravagant locations or high finances by winning this year’s Peninsula Short Film Festival with his heart rending film, ‘The Last Time I Saw You’.

The short film outlines the story of a Muslim refugee girl who flees from the conflict in Afghanistan after she and her best friend step on a grenade. It reflects her struggles to assimilate into Australian society and the bullying she receives at school. However it is also a message of hope and the human spirit to survive.

After taking home five awards at the Tropfest Film Festival the year before, Damian said to win Peninsula Film Festival was a great thrill, and one he was not expecting.

“The film grew out of an earlier script I wrote for a feature length film about refugees, which is such a powerful topic and I have been so touched by what people will do to save their own families,” said Damian from his home in Balnarring. “The inspiration came from the true story of a young Afghani asylum seeker. I was incredibly moved by the trauma, sadness and ultimately the joy of a girl finding her place in a new and contrasting society. This is a small slice-of-life story of a larger refugee crisis and the plight of so many – leaving behind their home, friends and family – in the hope of a better future.” continued next page...

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A FILM OF STRENGTH

and Resilience

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For Damian it was important to cast the film authentically and so the producers flew girls in from across the country.

The first short film I made was about a guy trying to open a can of beans

“After months of searching we were about to give up when a final effort unearthed a remarkable non-actress right under our noses in Victoria,” said Damian, who hopes that audiences will be both moved and entertained by the story of the lead character, Aaseya. “It is about her ultimate triumph over schoolyard bullies. Her small victory speaks of her resilience and determination that she will carry forward in her life.”

‘The Last Time I Saw You’ addresses a wide range of issues including the fact that fitting in as a teenager is challenging at the best of times.

“Imagine what it’s like when you’re a 16 year old girl, Hazara, Muslim and a refugee. This parallel experience is what intimately connects our protagonist, Aaseya to our lead actress, Mahdia Bakhtiari in the movie,” said Damian. “Mahdia is a 17 year old Hazara refugee who fled to Australia with her family from Kabul, Afghanistan in 2013. Hazaras are one of the most persecuted ethnic minorities in the world. Sema Mirzae, Mahdia’s little cousin who plays her younger self in the film, was born here in 2007 after her family arrived from Kabul in the early 2000's. After an extensive national search for an authentic cast, we found Mahdia and Sema in local Dandenong.”

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Damian, who wrote, directed and produced the film, said it was important to address the issues of race and prejudice with a mixture of poignancy and humour.

“I think a serious issue needs to be handled with a balance of light and dark in order to highlight the importance of tolerance, empathy and humanity towards our newest Australians.”

Starting his career as a photographer, Damian says he has always loved the story telling element of film and photography but it would be filmmaking that would ultimately capture his creative interest.

“The first short film I made was about a guy trying to open a can of beans,” said Damian with a laugh. “I was living in share houses and eating beans from a can so I figured ‘Why not write about it?’ That film ended up doing really well overseas as it worked as a silent film.”

While Damian did attend film school after trying his hand at a few short films; he says it is the experience and trial and error that has helped him the most.

“I think going to film school was great though and it can be a spearhead for your career as it is very difficult to get into filmmaking in general,” said Damian, who has now made about six short films and works full-time in a commercial film and television role. “I have always got a lot on the go with TV projects and longer format films and I have recently started Peninsula Films.

A CELEBRATION OF

Aboriginal Women'sArt T

o coincide with International Women’s Day, Everywhen Artspace is presenting an exhibition called The Colour Purple featuring a wide variety of art by Aboriginal women artists from around Australia.

“Purple was chosen by the British suffragette movement in 1908 as the lead colour of the three colours felt to best symobolize the cause,’ says Everywhen’s co-curator Susan McCulloch. “Reason’s given for choosing the colours were given as “Purple is the royal colour… It stands for the royal blood that flows in the veins of every suffragette, the instinct of freedom and dignity… White stands for purity in private and public life… Green is the colour of hope and the emblem of spring.”

“

The Colour Purple is of course also the name of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Alice Walker that brought to light the hugely challenging issues faced by African-American women in the Southern United States in the 1930s. It was later the inspiration for the film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey. As such, we felt it was a great name for an exhibition to pay tribute to women and especially First Nations women both in Australia and other countries. “ Susan says that while preparing for the exhibition, she and co-curator Emily McCulloch Childs found it quite surprising how often purple along with green and white appears as in Aboriginal art. “ It’s definitely not a colour that one thinks of when thinking of Aboriginal art, but the more we looked at works that had come into the gallery or being offered to us by Aboriginal art centres around Australia, the more we saw purple being used in a surprisingly wide variety of paintings.” These include ochre works from the Kimberley and the Tiwi Islands, acrylic paintings, works on paper and metal sculptures from the from the APY Lands, the Pilbara, the Eastern, Central and Western Deserts and Far North Queensland.”

Caption: Bugai Whyoulter, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 76 x 152cm. Courtesy the artist and Martumili Arts

March 7-April 2 The Colour Purple: Aboriginal women’s art A wide variety of paintings, barks, ochres and 3D by leading and emerging Aboriginal women artists from around Australia to celebrate the important role women play in Aboriginal societies and art

The exhibition will be opened by actor, author and artist Kerry Armstrong on Saturday March 9 at 3pm and runs until April 7.

EVERYWHEN Artspace 1/39 Cook Street, Flinders, 3929 Open daily 10.30-4 T: 0419 896473 | E: info@mccullochandmcculloch.com.au mccullochandmcculloch.com.au

August 2018 March 2019

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Wednesday Market Personalities When the Mornington Farmer’s Market closed a few years ago, it was the end of an important fundraising stream for the Mornington Men’s Shed. With the popularity of their woodwork and the Bygum natural Eucalyptus range, the Men’s Shed volunteers began attending the weekly Wednesday market. The wood products for sale are made at their work shop using a variety of production methods including a CNC router, 3D printer along with the basics such as lathes, power saws and many traditional hand tools. “You may have seen the beautiful handcrafted rocking horse at the market…it’s true craftsmanship”, said Frank. “We meet at 9.30am Tuesdays at Wilsons Road and welcome prospective members to attend a meeting to expand their knowledge about the workings of The Shed”.

Gippsland Pastured is a small, first generation family farm, run by Felicity, Greg and their three daughters Sarah, Erin and Bridget. It was always Greg's dream to be a farmer and 12 years ago they moved from the city to the country. They purchased a neglected 250-acre property and set about converting the farm based on their regenerative beliefs and values. This led to big changes, from creating smaller paddocks, lane ways and shelterbelts to fencing off the 200year-old remnant gum trees. They planted a third of the property to 25,000 native trees and shrubs; which created habitat, wildlife corridors, windbreaks and shade. Greg and Felicity run beef cattle, free range pigs and chickens for pastured free-range eggs.

The chickens provide much needed fertility to the depleted soils and are an essential part of their sustainable farming system.

Artist and Musician Pete Pascoe moved from NZ more than 20 years ago, and since then the Peninsula has always been a favourite place for Pete and his family to visit. When the opportunity arose for them to move to Mount Eliza there was little hesitation. “The lifestyle on the Peninsula reminds me of growing up in NZ, where the outdoors and nature are a big part of every day”, remarked Pete. “My love of nature is evident in my Seascapes and animal Cartoons”. A Musician by trade, Pete began painting his acrylic seascapes about 15 years ago and his art has been seen in many exhibitions and sought after for private collections worldwide. Pete’s wife Marie runs his stall at the Main Street Market in Mornington every Wednesday, while he shares his knowledge of piano playing with his many students at Hampton Primary School.

GALLERY Now Open LAND , SEA and CITY

“

Here you can find Art that is both inspiring and highly collectable”. That’s what owners Valerie Pasquale and Philip Ayres say about their new culturally expressive art gallery Nissarana Galleries at 211 Main Street Mornington.

The new gallery is deceptive in appearance. On the outside it appears small, you might even miss it as you drive by and it takes some finding.

However, once inside it opens out to be one of the largest and most impressive galleries on the Mornington Peninsula. “The paintings exhibited are from the collection of artists we carry in our Hastings Street Gallery in Noosa” says Valerie. “We have carefully chosen these artists for their quality of work and artistic appeal and we now represent over 80 Australian and International established artists.”

An exciting exhibition by 20 acclaimed artists inspired by their environment.

More than 40 exquisite paintings, photographs, ceramics and porcelain sculpture on sale now.

The gallery has many facets, large areas which enable the viewer to ponder the art from a distance to smaller spaces allowing a more intimate consideration of the works. “This is the perfect space for this style of gallery” explains Philip. “Our Noosa gallery is similar with numerous alcove wall spaces that allow the separation of the works, each in its own environment.

Here you can spend time, there’s a lot of variety and ambience, it’s a total experience as you discover new areas” As you enter the main gallery room the visual impact of the larger works is impossible to ignore. Artist Zoe Ellenberg initially steals the show with her magical colours and emotive lines in the work “Birds of Paradise”.

“Coming from an eminent family of artists with close connections to Brett Whiteley, it is easy to see why she is one of our most sort after artists. She is already well established and her work is now truly collectable” advises Valerie. “I expect anyone investing in her work now will benefit as the value of her work escalates over time.”

At Nissarana Galleries it is the diversity in the artwork that is most impressive. Each Artist has a particular style and appeal. “We have tried to present the gallery in such a way that there is something for everyone” says Philip. “In doing that we have included a beautiful range of ceramics from Internationally acclaimed Ceramicist Megan Puls and incredible Porcelain statues by Yeats Gruin. And of course I have included my own fine art photography. I have been a photographer for 40 years at the top end of the industry and these works are the final outcome. I have used film for art provenance, crystal silver printing, and exclusive oak museum framing to give the works the highest quality and conservation.”

Nissarana Galleries is at 211 Main Street, Mornington. www.nissaranagalleries.com.au

Kerrie Warren ‘ Transcedence 1’ Acrylic on Canvas 195 x 190 cm “I strive to evoke a sense of pause within a visually perceived momentum in order to explore life’s delicate balance, its vulnerable fragility and sublime impermanence”.

035976 8877 i n fo @ n g m o r n i n g t o n . c o m . a u w w w. n i s s a r a n a g a l l e r i e s . c o m . a u 211 Main Street, Mornington | 5 Hastings St, Noosa

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DISTIL IN THE Family

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March 2019

Eat & Drink

By Melissa Walsh

I

back, propelling forward the distillery’s strong history of artisanal t’s been a decade since Bass & Flinders Distillery opened production methods and small batch limited releases. their doors among the rolling hills, lush greenery and “Dad and Bob were very much an experimental team. They would vineyards of Red Hill. However, as times have moved on, try all different blends until they got something they liked,” said so has the distillery to its new location in Dromana. Holly Holly who was already in the wine industry as a marketing specialist.

Klintworth now works alongside her father, Wayne, at the distillery that has been producing grape-based spirits since These days, Holly is in charge of distilling where she produces the 2009 and opened its cellar door in 2015. With the distillery’s grape- based eau-de-vie spirit which in turn is used to create Bass & Flinders Distillery’s entire range of products, including a variety of prized creation, Ochre, a premium brandy made from popular gins, brandy, spirits and liqueurs. double-distilled chardonnay that is aged in French oak barrels for five years, the original owners, Bob Laing and Wayne “We are very proud to be one of few distilleries making our own base Klintworth then started experimenting spirit. We handcraft our grape-based eau-de-vie with gin, and the rest is history. These days spirit right here at the distillery from shiraz We are very Bass & Flinders lays claim to producing grapes or chardonnay grapes, which is what around 32,000 unique gins a year, proud to be one gives our product range a truly unique flavour thanks to the Gin Masterclasses it runs. profile. Such a dedicated approach to distilling

of few distilleries making our own base spirit

“It has been wonderful in Red Hill but we are proud to say we have outgrown this home. Still on the Mornington Peninsula, our new distillery will give us the space we need to grow. The new venue is a beautiful reflection of how far we have come, offering intimate bar experiences, a unique array of Bass & Flinders cocktail and gin flights, a private mezzanine for our gin masterclasses and outdoor seating,” said Holly, who joined the team after the tragic passing of original co-owner, Bob Laing in 2016.

is rarely seen in the industry and offers you a first-hand experience from vine to bottle,” said Holly of the family owned and run distillery that is now recognised as an integral part of the Mornington Peninsula. “We offer unique tasting experiences across a wide range of products. Pioneers of the Gin Masterclass in Australia, we conduct one of the most unique gin masterclass experiences in the country where visitors can create their own signature gin blend, available for reorder at any time.”

Bob and Wayne started the venture when the neighbours set out to produce a fine aged grape spirit that is distinctive and comparable with the best aged spirits from around the world. These days, Holly carries on the torch for the business as her father Wayne steps

Bass & Flinders Distillery is at 40 Collins Road, Dromana.

Phone 5989 3154. www.bassandflindersdistillery.com

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AS IRISH AS Beef Stew I am loving creating a unique menu here and bringing authentic Irish food to people of the peninsula

By Melissa Walsh Photos Yanni

G

rowing up with a grandfather who was a chef, Paul Bautovich spent a lot of time in the kitchen as a kid and couldn’t wait to follow in the patriarch’s footsteps, heading off to do his apprenticeship at 17.

These days, the well-travelled chef has made his home on the peninsula and is thoroughly enjoying getting his teeth stuck into Irish cuisine at the relatively new venue, McDaid’s Irish Pub. “I have been head chef here since the beginning of December after working at several venues on the peninsula for the last couple of years,” said Paul, who moved here with his family two years ago.

“I was born in Melbourne and studied French cooking when I left school, then travelled across Australia learning all about different methods and cuisines,” he said.

“My grandfather was always cooking and worked as a chef in World War 11 in Darwin, which was interesting as I ended up working in Darwin for about a year in my travels,” said Paul, who has fond memories of delicious home-cooked meals as a kid and the fabulous pastry shop they owned in Pascoe Vale. “My grandfather also worked as a chef for Ansett Airlines back in the day so I knew it was a career that could provide plenty of change and travel if I wanted it.”

Paul says learning the basics with French cooking has enabled him to pick up methods for any cuisine.

“I have worked in all different types of restaurants and pubs now so creating an Irish menu has been a lot of fun,” said Paul, who focused on the traditional Irish dishes.

“We have Irish stew of course, along with beef and guinness pie, pork and poundies, corned beef and cabbage to name a few.”

At McDaid’s there is also porterhouse steak, chicken parma, or Irish parma, hurley burger and mussels in ale, as well as delicious cheesy potato bake.

“All our ingredients are sourced locally, getting our fresh fruit and vegetables a couple of doors down at D'Alia's Fresh Produce and our meat from Peninsula Bulk Meat,” said the chef who has been in the industry for 36 years.

“I am loving creating a unique menu here and bringing authentic Irish food to people of the peninsula.”

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McDaids Irish Pub is open every day for lunch and dinner.

McDaids Irish pub is at 1003 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud.

Phone 5982 3200.

March 2019

Must try

Dishes

Watermelon with feta, pickled rind, mint and pepitas Tucks 37 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South Ph 5989 8660 tuckswine.com.au

Aged duck breast, duck leg parcel, pearl barley, carrot, red summer fruits Barmah Park Restaurant 945 Moorooduc Hwy, Moorooduc Ph 5978 8049 www.barmahparkwines.com.au

Poached eggs with lemon myrtle hollandaise, smoked salmon and potato & sumac rรถsti

Pork belly on sweet potato mash with rocket and apple salad

Nordie Cafe

55 Barkly St, Mornington Ph 5976 4795 www.manhattaninmornington.com.au

Manhattan in Mornington

1008 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Red Hill Ph 5989 2171 www.manylittle.com.au

Leg ham, smoked cabbage, mashed potato and a mustard and parsley sauce

Roast chook with spinach, spring onions and gratin dauphinoise

The Dubliner

37 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South Ph 5989 8660 www.tuckswine.com.au

Tucks

65 Octavia St, Mornington Ph 5975 3567 www.thedublinermornington.com

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Recipe IRISH STEW INGREDIENTS

METHOD

1 lamb shoulder chopped in large pieces Mirepoix Fresh thyme (1bunch) Fresh rosemary (1 bunch) 190ml Guinness 500g butter 1kg plain flour

Marinate lamb and herbs overnight in the Guinness Tray and cover, sous vide at 84 degrees for 10 hours Remove liquid and fat Sweat off mirepoix with the butter Add flour and cook out Add the cooking stock slowly Thicken with corn flour to coating consistency and season Add lamb, bring to boil, remove from heat and place in trays to cool Add six and a half chats and peas in pan.

McDaids Irish Pub 1003 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud Phone 5982 3200

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March 2019

Exclusive to Ladbrokes Mornington Cup Day, the Crittenden Estate Marquee showcases one of the

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

Mornington Peninsula’s oldest and most iconic

• Racecourse and Trackside Enclosure admission

wineries. Family owned and operated since 1982,

• 3 course luncheon

Crittenden Estate is known for its quality cool

• Private bar facility serving an allinclusive beverage package of beer, Crittenden Estate wine, sparkling, cider and soft drink

climate wines that have consistently received awards and accolades worldwide.

home straight, experience the exemplary quality

• Trackside frontage including private garden enclosure with umbrellas and outdoor tables

of Crittenden Estate wines with a matched dining

• Tote facilities inside the marquee

experience designed to complement the flavour

• Floral centrepiece arrangements

profile of each course. With an aesthetic which

• Television screens within marquee

mimics that of the spectacular Crittenden Estate,

• Racebook per person

Located in prime trackside position along the

including a central communal garden space and acoustic tunes between races, don’t miss this exceptional trackside wine experience.

220 PER PERSON

$

FOR BOOKINGS PLEASE CALL 03 5975 3310 OR VISIT MRC.RACING.COM

SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019

on

Red Hill

Red Hill is 73 kilometres south of Melbourne, located in the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula, between the coastal towns of Dromana and Balnarring. It has a population of approximately 1900 including Red Hill South and is very much a rural area, with the landscape consisting of scenic hills and native forests.

The name Red Hill derives from the rich, red clay that has made the area predominantly agricultural from its first European settlement in the mid-nineteenth century.

Many Red Hill streets are named after pioneers: Sheehan, McIlroy, Stanley, Bayne, Arkwell, Eaton, Nash, Perry (sic) and Callanan.

Red Hill Post Office opened on 1 August 1871.

A railway operated in Red Hill between 1921 and 1959 and was known as the Red Hill railway line.

Red Hill is very much a rural area, with the landscape consisting of scenic hills and native forests. Scattered throughout the area is a proliferation of vineyards, orchards and berry farms. Many of the vineyards are boutique wineries, offering visitors the opportunity to experience fine dining, wine tasting and the purchase of local produce of the region.

Most of the wineries also feature attractive gardens, free for visitors to wander through or have a picnic within.

Since the 1970s, wineries have been established around Red Hill to take advantage of the microclimates that suits cool climate grapes, and especially pinot noir.

The commercial centre of Red Hill is spread along a number of distinct spots on Arthurs Seat Road, Flinders Road and Shoreham Road, featuring a variety of eateries and services. Tucked away along roads and shady laneways around Red Hill, visitors will also find several galleries and cafes.

Herbert Robinson (1876–1919), later mayor of Albany, Western Australia, and member of the Parliament of Western Australia was a notable resident of Red Hill.

Red Hill is a major centre on the Mornington Peninsula for entertainment events, including the popular Red Hill Show and the peninsula's premier art show - Art Red Hill.

Wine lovers unite at the annual Winter Wine Weekend in June, and join in the fun and sample more than 200 premium wines from some 50 wineries before exploring local cellar doors.

The median house price for Red Hill is $810,000.

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Strawberries, cherries and apples are grown and available seasonally at the farm door.

Coffee Safari Epicurean red hill 165 SHOREHAM ROAD

Great coffee made on the premises, great service and awesome bakery treats in the front part of the building.

Many little

159 SHOREHAM ROAD

Nestled in amongst some shops, this all day bistro, bar and cellar door prides itself on sourcing sustainably-grown local produce and is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Food on the hill

10/159 SHOREHAM ROAD

Great spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a great cup of coffee with friendly and helpful staff. Relaxed casual vibe and excellent choice of food for all tastes and budgets.

The gorgelicious store 1008 MORNINGTONFLINDERS ROAD

Funky relaxed cafĂŠ with amazing coffee blends and all day breakfast menu. A friendly and welcoming space that is unique to the Mornington Peninsula for any family to enjoy for a simple tea or coffee to snacks, meals and even specialised gifts.

What to do Drive through the scenic hills and native forests, enjoy a relaxing stay at a B&B, or partake in the fine wines and art, in Red Hill.

Scattered throughout the area is a proliferation of vineyards, orchards and berry farms. Many of the vineyards are offer visitors the opportunity to experience fine dining, wine tasting and the purchase of local produce of the region.

Further delights await in the commercial centre of Red Hill with a variety of cafes, bakeries, day spas and art exhibitions.

Photography: Yanni

Made on the Mornington Peninsula Award winning ‘Classic Dry’ gin infused with two exciting flavours Blood Orange with Japanese Yuzu & Lemon Myrtle with Elderflower Tonic Make your choice at

www.originalspiritco.com & selected bottle stores

March 2019

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K ITCH E N ES S E N TI A L S

TRADE SALES DIRECT TO PUBLIC

Direct Hospitality Supplies is your one-stop shop for the best in home and commercial kitchen products We are foodies at heart and stand behind each of the products we sell. Our products ranging from countertop kitchen appliances to cookware, glassware, cutlery, dinnerware and many li�le knick-knacks you didn’t know you needed!

Drop in to see us!

‘Like’ us on facebook and receive a 5% discount (conditions apply)

Opening hours - Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm - We have onsite car parking 71 B A R K LY S T R E E T M O R N I N G TO N, V I C 3931 (03) 5977 2020 | D H S U P P L I E S.C O M. A U

UNTOLD EVENTS CO PROUDLY PRESENTS

Fresh pasta made in house

MARCH 23 10Am to 3pm Italian donuts

A SPECTACULAR NEW MONTHLY MARKET AT BEAUTY PARK, FRANKSTON

WEEK DAY SPECIALS Morning Tea Special $9.50 Lunch Special $25.00 Tuesday - Friday Open 11am til late Tuesday - Sunday Shop 2, 55 Barkly St. Mornington VIC

D o g s are n w el co m e o d o ur co ve re b al co ny

T. 5976 4867

A Little Italy in Mornington. www.manhattaninmornington.com.au

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March 2019

WWW.LITTLEBEAUTYMARKET.COM.AU

MARCH 16 9am to 2pm # iheartepm

Emu Plains Reser ve, Balnarring www.emuplainsmarket.com.au

P R O U D LY S U P P O R T E D B Y F R A N K S T O N C I T Y C O U N C I L

botanika cinema

SPECIAL SCHOOL HOLIDAY EVENT! TUES 16th APRILSUN 21st APRIL Enjoy cinema amongst the stars in this unique natural environment TIX FROM $10 / KIDS UNDER 5 FREE!

G E O R G E P E N T L A N D B OTA N I C G A R D E N S

www.unscenecinema.com.au

A NEW ERA At Tucks I

n December 2017, a new era dawned in Red Hill South. The team behind Montalto became the new owners of Tucks Ridge and have already transformed the property into one of the most Instagrammable sites on the Peninsula.

Simply named Tucks, there is a little something for everyone - from rolling green lawns (perfect to stretch out on picnic rugs) through to a relaxed wine store experience where you can ‘Taste The Rainbow’ for $5 and then of course there’s that Tree Swing - no visit to Tucks would be complete without a signature wine cocktail looking out over the vines.

An all weather outdoor dining space resplendent with handcrafted communal dining tables plays host to a casual, delicious menu featuring items that take their culinary influence from around the world. This casual setting allows for the inclusion of all family members, with Tucks being a dog friendly venue.

Start with crunchy croquettes oozing with gruyere, or pakoras flecked with a firecracker sauce. Move on to cured trout, watermelon and fennel – almost too pretty to eat – before settling into the light, pillowy parmesan gnocchi with English peas, or unmissable roast chook with gratin dauphinoise. For dessert, the stunning summer peaches and cream is the perfect ending to the Tucks dining experience.

And it wouldn’t be a winery without wine. The Tucks NOW range offers an affordable, approachable collection including rose, pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot gris - all designed to be consumed now. For those wanting to step it up a notch, Tucks is also responsible for some of the most highly award winning wines.

A new addition to the Peninsula by one of the region’s most loved and trusted teams.

Tucks, 37 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South, tuckswine.com.au 03 5989 8660

The stunning views across green-tipped vines remain, but the expansive outdoor terrace at Tucks has undergone a serious revamp.

Relax at communal tables while enjoying the top-notch food marching from the kitchen, or on the lawn overlooking the vines.

Designed to complement the estate-produced wine list, the new menu is the perfect wine food, inspired by exciting dishes from across the globe.

Mix and match with your favourite Tucks wine and enjoy an epicurean feast to linger over, or drop in to Tucks Wine Store for winetasting with a twist.

Tucks, 37 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South tucksridge.com.au | 03 5989 8660 | tucks_wine March 2019

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Puzzle

Corner

ACROSS 1. Excessive leanness 6. Finds 10. Freehold land (4,6) 15. Former East/West barrier, ... Curtain 18. Penned in 19. Estimated 20. Adhesive strip, sticky ...

22. Profession 23. Rasping 24. As one, in ...

25. Maiden name indicator 26. Carried 28. Famed UK racecourse 30. Unprecedented 31. Authoritative doctrine 32. Globes 33. Went on horseback 34. Unsighted 35. Disguise 37. Explorer, ... Heyerdahl 39. Fancy carp 40. Cotton spool 42. Currency of Italy & Spain 45. The ... Scrolls (4,3) 48. Brass wind instrument 49. Distinguished visitors (1,1,2) 50. Amalgamations 53. Mock-modest 54. Brazilian dance, ... nova 56. 1000 mm 59. Resigned gesture 61. Mars, the ... Planet 62. Boozer 63. Salted pig meat 64. It is (poetic) ('3) 65. ... & that 66. Curdled 68. Counteracted 69. Video format (1,1,1) 70. Statuette material 71. Smooth peach 72. Alphabet (1,1,1) 73. Mind 74. Tennis ace, ... Shriver 76. Of the Pacific or Atlantic 78. Type of lamp 80. More arid 81. Severely 84. Tease

85. Rescue team, ... party 87. Beefy 89. Strong flavour 92. Grandparent's sister (5-4) 94. Large amounts 96. Brolly 97. Passive 98. Pre-storm state 100. Fattiest 101. Nobleman 104. Uniforms 105. Biblical Jericho attacker 107. Convent 108. Be wary, walk on ...

112. Late Princess of Wales 113. Church ministers 115. Casino chips dispenser 117. Slide on snow 118. Phone line post, ... pole 120. Send short text message (1,1,1) 121. Daily journal 123. Insulting 125. Prompt (memory) 126. Kid's squirting toy (5,6) 127. Jet-bath 129. Genus 130. Fled 131. Stage of trip 133. Birch rod 134. Feminist movement, women's ...

136. Freezing up 137. Chores 140. Scientist, ... Curie 141. Opponent 142. Scavenges 146. Reminder note 147. Adds soundtrack to 148. Abhors 152. Slight quarrel 154. Heredity unit 155. Gents 156. Those people 157. Principal 159. Thin, layered (pastry) 160. Hitler follower 162. Pinnacle 164. Glowing coal fragment 165. Just manage, ... out a living 167. Alliances 169. Spoken tests 171. Heart monitor (1,1,1)

173. Falsely charming 174. Bell tongue 175. Weighing device 177. Serpents 178. Runny nose 179. Zoo inmates 180. Fable 181. Presence 182. Cleans (harbour bed) 183. Road ridges to slow traffic (5,5)

DOWN 1. Layla singer, ... Clapton 2. Idolise 3. Typically scored 4. Prepare for hatching 5. W African republic 6. Paying guest 7. Scrooge 8. Cabbie (4,6) 9. Sank in middle 10. Coral banks 11. Congregate 12. Suffering 13. Belittle 14. Garden of Creation 16. Mountain chain 17. Taunt 20. Kindling 21. Strength 27. Canada's continent (5,7) 29. Constantly 35. Hook & loop fastener 36. In a casual way 38. Cruel 41. Muslim chieftains 43. Soviet Union (1,1,1,1) 44. Excelled 46. Crocodile relatives 47. Subvert 51. Clothing business (3,5) 52. Productiveness 55. Reasonable 56. Genetically alters 57. Lag behind 58. Baleful stare (4,3) 60. Go to ground 67. Political clique 69. Corrupt 72. Financial records check

75. Aggrieves 77. Chokers or pendants 79. Storytellers 82. Leaf beverage sachets (3,4) 83. Appreciate 86. Chef's protective garb 88. Sorceress 90. Farmhouse cooker 91. Scrapbook paste 92. Muzzle 93. ... for tat 94. Golf driving area 95. Neither 98. Utter confusion 99. Tossing 102. Hoards 103. Conducts 104. Word processor 106. Dexterity 108. Marriage separation 109. Sullivan's operetta partner 110. Acts as link 111. Teacher 114. Hampering 116. Sinless 119. Looks awestruck 122. Actor, ... McGregor 124. Circus insect 125. Romeo's lover 128. Ancient (3-3) 130. Hair-colouring wash 132. Class 135. Polish 138. Bad 139. Child-snatching 141. Melt together 143. Proposals 144. Scientifically examined 145. Cairo native 149. Tinted sun visor 150. Printed with raised design 151. Looming danger 153. Single articles 158. Cherub 161. Take to the air 163. Standards of behaviour 166. Broken 168. Milky espresso, ... latte 170. Awry 172. Assert 173. Lengthy account 176. Darns

Join us on open Day Saturday 23rd march 10-3pm TouR dISPLay VILLaS, ENjoy ENTERTaINmENT & SEE aLL wE haVE To offER!

www.villageglen.com.au

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335 Eastbourne Road, Capel Sound VIC

Ph: 1300 VILL GLEN (1300 845 545)

See page 88 for solution March 2019

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Real Estate

19 CENTURY BAYSIDE TH

Mansion

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March 2019

R

16 YAMALA DRIVE, FRANKSTON SOUTH AUCTION: 16th March at 12pm

ising above Davey’s Bay Beach, the landmark 'Yamala' estate and mansion occupies almost 1.5 acres of beachside land with direct beach access and sweeping bay views to Melbourne.

This stately 19th century early English-style manor has been owned by a handful of Melbourne's elite - among them the Lord of the Manor of Loxton - since it was crafted onto its magnificent hillside vantage point circa 1876. Lavish in design, the mansion is a short walk to the Davey's Bay Yacht Club and has hosted glamorous garden parties and distinguished guests including parliamentarians and royalty. The former country estate of Victoria's former Chief Justice Sir John Madden, the sale presents a chance to claim a property steeped in history and grandeur.

The six-bedroom mansion boasts a sweeping staircase and 17 rooms, including a palatial master suite, a study, a granite-topped kitchen, self-contained former servants' quarters and a bar built in the early 1900’s to replicate London's Savoy Hotel.

The property gazes over rolling lawn and a renovated Romanesquestyle saltwater, solar-heated pool and spa, complete with a limestone air-conditioned pool house.

Its walls are crafted from solid stone, with entrance pillars and landscaping by noted architect Walter Burley Griffin and a circular drive with a turn-of-the-century water feature.

State-of-the-art security, solar panels, ducted heating, airconditioning and a 14kw natural gas generator share space with original hardwood floors, oak panelling and a sunken drawing room dressed in pressed leather wallpaper.

The enchanting garden features a terrace overlooking the bay, a greenhouse, a four-car garage, electric entrance gates and double gates that lead to a private carriageway to the beach.

Other appointments include chandeliers, fireplaces, soaring ceilings, sash windows, bay windows, French doors, double doors and much more.

The initials of each privileged owner are inscribed on a stained glass window on the ground floor. Make the next inscription yours.

This is a conjunctional listing between Community Real Estate and Black Fox Real Estate.

For details phone Ben Crowder on 0407 557 758.

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CURRY'S Castle W

hen talking real estate and boat shed sales, a recent O’Brien Real Estate sale stands out when actor and celebrity, Stephen Curry, purchased his own waterfront property in Rye this year.

The star of The Dish made sure he didn’t let the Rye boat shed get away again, like his dad did four decades ago.

The boat shed at Point Nepean Road sold for $140,000 which was about $10,000 more than expected.

Apart from a great buy in a good location, the boat shed has a sentimental value for the actor who revealed his father had missed out on purchasing it when it last sold and was a place that meant a lot to his parents.

O’Brien Real Estate auctioneer Jason Absolom made sure there were plenty of laughs during the auction, donning a pair of board shorts, thongs and a shirt and tie for the occasion.

“There’s nothing more Australian than a beachfront boat shed for auction on Australia Day,” said Mr Absolom of the boat shed that is one of many local icons on the stretch of sand.

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History

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THE PENINSULA’S OWN NELLIE MELBA

By Lance Hodgins

T

he Hastings Hall was filled to its utmost capacity by many excited people who believed that this would be their last opportunity to see Miss Rosa Alba before she left for Europe.

The concert on April 17 1914 was a pronounced success, and one of the most memorable in the history of the town.

Very few people knew that a few days earlier she had been ordered to rest by her doctor. But the 23 year-old soprano gave her audience what they wanted and showed the marvellous improvement she had made over the past 12 months.

She sang Dear Bird of Winter and Wake Up in the first half of the program and then followed with Rigoletto’s Caro Nome and a duet Where My Caravan Has Rested with Mr Percy Blundell, one of the renowned tenors of the day who also took part in the concert.

JD Hodgins chaired the evening and gave a short address stating that Rosa Alba, now Mrs White, was leaving to continue her studies in Europe. He felt sure that he was expressing the sentiments of all the people of Hastings when he said that one and all wished her every success and trusted that she would come home at the top of her profession.

Just who was this Rosa Alba who had already excited the music world so much?

Rosa Alba began life as Amy Boulter, born in 1890 the fourth child of James and Elizabeth Boulter. In the year of her birth her parents had bought a property in Hastings and planted 30 acres of fruit trees with long rows of protective pines. “The Pines”, on the corner of Hodgins and Coolart Roads, soon became one of the most productive apple orchards in the district.

Amy’s three brothers were active young men. The oldest was quite an athlete and a member of the Hastings Gun Battery. The other two, closer to her age, were keen footballers and members of the pre-war Hastings premiership teams. continued next page...

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Below: The Holy Trinity choir which continued to hold concerts throughout 1910 and 1911.

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Amy also showed some athletic talent as a young girl, but her true love was to be found in the activities of the local church. Her parents were members of Holy Trinity at Hastings and Amy, along with many other young people in the town, attended Sunday school.

Under the tutelage of Miss Pearson and the guidance of the Reverend Swan, the young people of the church developed considerable artistic talent. On one memorable occasion in December 1903, the Sunday school children joined members of the Church choir to give a Christmas concert. After interval, the scholars performed an ambitious operetta entitled The Queen of Choice, in which the girls were dressed as various flowers – perhaps giving Amy the idea for a stage name. How many of her fellow artists ever dreamed of the heights to which Rosa Alba would reach?

During her teenage years, Amy sang in many concerts in Hastings most of them for worthy causes, such as destitute widows and local community projects.

By the time she was 21 years old, her solos were being given in “her usual effective style” her voice began to command attention.

One scribe reported: “Our local favourite, Amy Boulter, was just a treat to hear … and deserves more recognition”.

In 1911 in Hastings a Boxing Night concert showcased several artists from Melbourne and Amy was the star of the evening. The Hall Committee had been keen to show off their new lighting and other improvements, but seven weeks later the hall lay in ashes - the result of an accident at a wedding celebration. Concerts and other functions were then moved to the Sunday school hall, and proceeds had a new target - the building of a new and better hall.

By now, Amy had been discovered by music lovers in Melbourne and she began taking lessons with the famous mezzo-soprano Madame Maggie Sterling. In October 1912, at a garden fete in the palatial gardens of Toorak’s “Whernside”, she was introduced to Melbourne’s social elite by Madame Sterling as her star pupil - Miss Rosa Alba – the first time Amy had used her stage name.

In 1913 yet another name change was on the horizon. By the time she sang at the Hastings Tennis Club concert and ball, she would be introduced as Mrs White – wife of the Reverend William Bloomfield White, rector of St James Old Cathedral, Melbourne.

White was a friend of the Eva brothers who served as successive vicars at Hastings from 1909 to 1914.

With the full support and encouragement of her new husband, Amy soon made her presence felt in Melbourne. In November 1913 she sang at the Melbourne Town Hall in their monthly municipal concert and also for the Royal Victorian Liedertafel Society, one of Melbourne’s oldest choral groups.

It was her performance at St Paul’s Cathedral Chapter House, however, that captured public attention. Never before had such an audience heard such brilliant singing.

“She has several points in her favour – good stage appearance, magnetic power and an exceptionally beautiful voice, a soprano of exquisite quality.”

“The singing made us straighten ourselves and hold our breath ...

She sang to us to make us understand ... her style was winsome and appealing.”

1914 was a significant year for Amy but she did not anticipate the series of events about to unfold in Melbourne before her very eyes.

In March there began a series of “Pops” concerts arranged along similar lines to those held in London. Featuring predominantly local artists, the concerts offered cheap seats and strong appeal to the “average” person. Behind the idea were the entrepreneurial Tait brothers, who had recently made The Capture of the Kelly Gang the world’s first feature film.

The Taits constructed a large, luxurious concert-hall called The Auditorium on a prominent site in Collins Street and to gain attention for their first concert they hired the famous prima donna, Madame Slapoffski. A week later, the European veteran returned for her second appearance but the evening was stolen by a newcomer who, according to one critic, “created a sensation”. continued next page...

Above: The Auditorium, Melbourne Below: The Conservatorium of Music, Sydney

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“We were grateful for the pleasure of hearing Miss Rosa Alba, a young soprano with all the elements of a lovely voice … pure in quality and accurate”. Another described her as having “a soprano voice of remarkably beautiful quality… which, with a little more experience, should ‘give thrills’.”

Rosa’s new fans were disappointed when she failed to appear for the third Pops concert. Suffering from a heavy cold, she had been ordered to rest by her doctor. She defied his orders by singing mid-week and then appearing at Hastings on that Friday night in April 1914 where she was back in fine form. The next night she appeared in the fourth Pops concert and her many Melbourne fans were ecstatic.

The Tait concerts continued throughout the winter months with Rosa receiving top billing and every Saturday night she performed to a crowded and enthusiastic audience. There were many other engagements, of course, but they had to be all midweek to fit in between the Pops concerts.

Rosa Alba returned to Hastings for a grand concert and the proceeds went to the Patriotic Fund to provide “comforts” for soldiers. This was a timely reminder that the Great War had been officially declared only eight weeks earlier, and it became increasingly Below: The Tivoli, Sydney

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obvious to Rosa that her dreams of going to Europe would be put on hold. The public did demand that the Taits continue their “Prom concerts”, however, and by year’s end Rosa Alba had completed a dozen consecutive performances at the Auditorium.

It was a significant year for Rosa but bigger and better things were about to come. Early in 1915, Amy realised that she was pregnant and the hustle and bustle of performances were gradually wound back until October when she gave birth to a daughter.

Her excitement, however, was far from over. Soon after, she was offered a scholarship to study at the new State Conservatorium of Music in Sydney, an ambitious project to create a school and showcase for the nation’s musicians under the directorship of famed violinist, Henri Verbrugghen.

For Amy the opportunity was too good to pass up but it would mean putting her European aspirations on hold and relocating the family interstate. As ever, husband William was totally supportive and he immediately applied for a transfer to a parish in Sydney.

In March 1916, Rosa became one of the 55 foundation students of the Conservatorium. continued next page...

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Here she studied under several specialists, and at her introductory concert six months later the lyric soprano impressed everybody with her exquisite freshness and charm.

The following year she toured Queensland with the Conservatorium as its leading singer. She was warmly welcomed wherever she appeared and her excellent stage presence quickly won her the lasting admiration of her audiences.

Early in 1918, after an absence of three years, Rosa Alba returned to Melbourne audiences at The Auditorium and showed that she was even more brilliant than before. She gave a beautiful concert at Mornington and returned to Sydney for another round of appearances at the Conservatorium and the Sydney Town Hall.

In October 1918, Rosa made her first visit to Tamworth, the New South Wales rural town that decades later would become synonymous with Country Music. At the inaugural concert of their new Philharmonic Society she roused the audience to a high state of excitement, and everyone (including Rosa) hoped that she would return.

Back in Sydney for Christmas Day, Rosa gave a recital at the Town Hall in the morning, sang the Messiah with full choir in the evening, and then appeared at the Women’s Hospital on Boxing Nght.

By 1919 World War One was over and as life began to return to some sense of normalcy Rosa’s thoughts turned once again to Europe. As she pondered her readiness, the months flew by and she conducted whirlwind tours of regional centres in both New South Wales and Queensland where she was received with furores of applause.

Rosa began 1921 with concerts in the Sydney Town Hall and at the Conservatorium, where she was encored after every item.

Soon after, Rosa Alba left on a tour of New Zealand where she took audiences by storm and created unprecedented scenes. 3,000 ticket holders gathered for hours outside the Auckland Town Hall waiting to enter and hear her sing. In Dunedin many had to be turned away and at the end of her performance it was the audience who rose and sang Will Ye No Come Back Again and Auld Lang Syne. The seven weeks NZ tour had lasted for four months!

Her next venture, however, created a surprise.

In October 1921 she performed at the Tivoli, an old theatre and music hall in Sydney’s Castlereagh Street. This was her first appearance in vaudeville and she was nervous but she did not need to worry as capacity houses and multiple encores marked every show. To the critics, Rosa Alba was “undoubtedly the sweetest and most cultured singer ever heard in vaudeville”. Rosa said in later life that vaudeville audiences were the best to whom she had ever sung, there being a friendliness that was missing on the concert platform.

There was now repeated talk of London and all of her concerts were regarded as “farewells”. Finally after a hectic round of parties in Sydney, the Whites travelled by train to Hastings for Amy to say goodbye to her parents. On April 15 1922 they boarded the P & O Liner Ballarat for England.

On her arrival, Rosa was introduced to Miss Nellie Rowe, the Melbourne-born singer who had become a celebrated music teacher in London. Nellie heard her sing and declared that “Rosa has the voice of a century! Not since Nellie Melba came over have I heard one so beautiful. There is a fortune in it.”

Despite such enthusiasm, Rosa did not meet with instant fame and fortune. Success in London would be hard-fought - she was in an expensive and cut-throat business.

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Within weeks Rosa was writing home: “London is an eye-opener ... only the courageous and well-equipped can weather the storm ... ample private means are essential.”

And the harsh reality: “London does not care if they come or stay away. ...They will be at the bottom of the class until they have proved their capacity and it may take five years before their chance comes.”

Rosa finally made her London debut on Australia Day 1923.

Dame Nellie Melba was conveniently unavailable so Rosa was chosen to head a strong Australian program in a broadcast from Marconi House to Australia - the first of many to follow.

Despite this exposure, Rosa continued to find the competition far beyond anything she had expected. There were so many newcomers hurling themselves against the established singers.

In shades reminiscent of the Melbourne “Pops” a few years earlier, Rosa was invited to give a series of performances at the Promenade Concerts in the Queen’s Hall, London’s principal concert venue.

Rosa had just turned down a role in a new musical comedy when her big break came: on March 17 she gave her first London recital - at Wigmore Hall in the West End - in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. The critics were impressed: “The sponteneity of Miss Alba’s lark-like singing, the flexibility and the full throated resonance of an unfailingly beautiful upper register in particular, established her at once as a singer of unusual quality.”

Rosa remained the darling of Londoners. She was encouraged by the patronage and friendship of Lady Cook, wife of the Australian High Commissioner and former Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Cook. Rosa was chosen to perform the solo at a touching Anzac Day ceremony at the Cenotaph.

A few weeks later she sang at a large concert in Wembley Stadium in front of Queen Victoria’s grand daughter, Princess Marie Louise.

The Princess was so delighted with Rosa’s singing that she promptly invited her to a garden party at Buckingham Palace, where she was presented to the King and Queen.

Rosa’s engagement book filled up rapidly after this. In one week alone, she sang at Scarborough, London, Eastbourne and Margate.

Rosa then added Harrowgate, Bury St Edmunds, Llandudno and Pontypridd in Wales, Brighton, Hastings, Tonbridge Wells and Shrewsbury to her list of performances – many of them involving repeat engagements. She returned to London for concerts in the Alexandra Palace and the West End’s Palladium.

Rosa also found a way to remind those in her home country of her talents. One evening she performed six songs which were broadcast to Australia by radio station 2NM. It was clear that Rosa never forgot home and she developed numerous Australian contacts and friends in London. Whenever Australian musicians and singers would gather, Rosa and William were at the top of the guest list.

From 1928 onwards Rosa kept herself busy with numerous engagements but she was less and less in the public eye. She traditionally sang the Alleluja solo in the Anzac Day ceremonies at St Clement Danes. In 1932, she sang for hundreds of guests at the Imperial Institute in the Royal Empire Society’s grand night of film and concert. There was also the occasional BBC broadcast home to Australia.

Rosa was now in her forties with a teenage daughter and a clergyman husband. Family played an increasing role in her life and, as a wife and mother, she was simply Amy White. She involved herself in William’s parish affairs but, on occasion, the star attraction at the church fund-raising concert would be Rosa Alba. continued next page...

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In 1932 Amy was saddened to learn that her father, James Boulter, had passed away at Bittern. She would have liked to have been there but the hardships of the Great Depression made travel very difficult.

Two years later she did briefly return to Melbourne for some broadcasts and a small concert tour as part of the Centenary Celebrations. She visited Hastings and her widowed mother who, in the following year was to die tragically in a motor accident.

Amy returned to England where she and William settled happily into her rose garden and parish life. As the years went by they shared the joy of seeing their daughter marry and making them grandparents.

The Reverend William White passed away in 1952 and Amy outlived him by over 30 years.

The above is one chapter in a book of events that happened in and around Hastings entitled “It Happened Here�. Copies of the full book are available from Lance Hodgins 59 792576 and cost $20.

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