Peninsula Essence October 2020

OCTOBER 2020

FREE

PENINSULA Living & visiting on the Mornington Peninsula

First Female Peninja • Steely Aesthetic • Equine Expressions • Celebrating Art The Little Things • FAC Grant Recipients • All Bases Covered • Vegan Cheese Please!

Mid–Century On The Golden Mile • Stopping All Stations To Red Hill

cheaper than you think!

SPECIAL

Offer

All-in-5 for the same price as All-in-4

EARLY ACCESS TO YOUR SUPER NOW AVAILABLE

Call now to book your CO M P L I M E N TA RY ALL-IN-5 consult with one of our dentists

I

P H O N E : 5983-5348

EMAIL: SMILE @ BALNARRINGDENTIST.COM.AU

I

WWW.BALNARRINGDENTIST.COM.AU

contents A GUIDE TO

INSPIRE

amazing

space

36

native garden

trends

Leading

34

Your Garden and Home

10

First Female Peninja

A chat with Mornington Peninsula based Sarah Blackmore who is one of only a few female athletes to move on to the semi-finals in Australian Ninja Warrior.

14

Steely Aesthetic

Mornington’s Joe Taranto welds artistry with engineering. His unique creations include signage, fire pits, and functional garden ornaments.

18

Equine Expressions

There is much that can be said about a horse’s ability to trust. Peninsula Equine Assisted Therapy (P.E.A.T) is an equine-assisted learning centre that supports and encourages a unique approach to human healing.

20

Interior Trends 2021

Author Lindsey Kennedy has released an up-close and personal account of how a daughter, sister, mother and wife used positive thinking and a strong mindset during a breast cancer battle.

easy being

green

house becomes

Arts

your home E ssence

34 | PENINSULA

22

SPECIAL Main photo: The Tempo Group

October 2020

The Little Things

F E AT U R E

Seniors Week Feature

56

Celebrating Art

Art Red Hill is celebrating its belated 40th anniversary. And there is a lot to celebrate. This year the show can reach even more people because it’s going online for the first time ever.

26

FAC Grant Recipients

Meet artist Alison Tedesco, comic book artist Dean Rankine and animator and filmmaker Gary Friedman - all recipients of Frankston Art Centre grants.

Eat & Drink Proudly published by

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

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

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

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

Peninsula Essence is produced monthly.

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

E ssence

34

Vegan Cheese Please!

Co-creators of The Vegan Dairy, Brittany and Bronson's journey was born from the love of a mother in memory of her son.

Focus On 48

Focus On Mt Eliza

Interesting facts, coffee safari, what to do and photos.

Real Estate 52

Mid-Century On The Golden Mile

A charming mid-century Mt Eliza modern home embraces the timeless architectural characteristics from an era where a premium was placed on spacious family living for a lifetime of enjoyment.

History 67

Stopping All Stations To Red Hill

History of the railway extension from Bittern to Red Hill.

Cover Image by Yanni

6 | PENINSULA

All Bases Covered

Dan Hawke and Reece Morrow are cooking up a storm and delivering heartwarming meals to your front door as co-founders of Mornington Peninsula based Home Run Food Co, an initiative that started just as the pandemic did.

facebook/peninsulaessence Instagram @peninsulaessence

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

30

The Red Spotted Jezebel butterfly appear in Summer, after migrating throughout Victoria during spring. They breed on mistletoe plants. Male butterflies patrol around the tallest trees on the hills and ridges, waiting for the arrival of newly emerged females so they can mate with them. This photo was taken using a 200mm lens at f2.8 at 1/640 sec with an iso of 200.

October 2020

Every Month 8. Peninsula Styles 33. Must Try Dishes

32. Recipe 50. Crossword

SPRIN

G

EA

OU

IDE IN RE

TR

TS

T

A DV E N T U R E AWA I T S | S P R I N G 2 0 2 0

OZ DESIGN FURNITURE MORNINGTON

IN

2020

AT

E

ST

DESTINATION HOME

DE

Boundless living

O ION H

M

DENOR HOMEWARES Despite Covid19 we're still here to assist you with our personalised service for your cookware, kitchenware, dinnerware, glassware & more.

Denor Homewares is the place to go.

We do click & collect plus phone & Internet orders with delivery available.

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

CASLIE + CO Rock ISO with these handmade polymer earrings from Caslie + Co with surgical steel posts.

Being handmade, each pair is unique! caslieandco.com.au

LUDUCO LIVING

Peninsula

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

SORRENTO FURNITURE Dreaming of lazy Summer days?

Every day can feel like Summer with Macro Fabrics, Zinc Textiles range.

Sorrento Furniture 10 Bennetts Rd, Mornington P 5975 0344 sorrentofurniture.com.au

E ssence

8 | PENINSULA

October 2020

Introducing “Oasis” from himolla - designed and custom made for you in Germany.

As seen the Oasis 3 Str Sofa and Maxi Chaise – prices from $10,999.

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

A ROOM WITH A VIEW The outfit we all want right now. The Luxe knit set is made from a soft cotton and wool blend.

A Room With A View Dromana aroomwithaview.com.au

The all new GLA. Designed for the wilderness. Enjoyed in the city.

The all new GLA is going places. With added character, added space and added safety, this revolutionised compact SUV combines form and function at every turn. With 5 seats and room to spare, it complements the modern urbanite’s busy lifestyle – making it your perfect companion, wherever the road takes you.

Start your adventure at Mercedes-Benz Mornington today.

Mercedes-Benz Mornington 29-31 Mornington-Tyabb Road Mornington (03) 5923 0011 LMCT443 www.mbmornington.com.au

*Applicable to new and demonstrator passenger cars for 5 years from the date of first registration of the vehicle. Warranty start time may differ for demonstrator vehicles.

Commercial application of vehicle is subject to 5 years from first registration date or 200,000km (whichever occurs first). Battery warranty periods vary. Excludes customers with specific warranty arrangements. For full terms, conditions and exclusions please refer to the warranty statement here www.mbmornington.com.au.

October 2020

E ssence | 9

PENINSULA

FIRST FEMALE peninja

By Andrea Louise Thomas

T

his year Australian Ninja Warrior Sarah Blackmore joined an elite group of Peninsula-based athletes, also known on the show as the ‘Peninjas’. She was the only woman in the group and one of only a few female athletes to move on to the semi-finals. Rightfully, she feels very proud of that. “I think it’s powerful for young girls to see women competing against men," Sarah says.

In order to be competitive, Sarah trained 12-16 hours a week in gymnastics, ninja training and bouldering in preparation for the course. She started training after last year’s grand final watching her best friend Charlie Robbins, partner Ashlin Herbert, and good friends Troy Cullen and Zak Stolz compete – all of them Peninjas.

So how did the Peninsula produce this cluster of super athletes? They all come from the same gym: Peninsula Gymnastics in Rosebud. Sarah believes what makes this gym stand out is it’s focus on positive coaching. She would know; she coaches there.

Positive coaching is extremely important to Sarah who began gymnastics at the age of eight. Despite her strength, natural athleticism, determination, and focus, when she was ten one coach told her that she was too tall and too old to go far in gymnastics.

Moving to a different gym with a more positive mindset, she competed at state level for many years, becoming Victorian State Champion in 2009.

Sarah’s mother was a competitive netball player. Naturally, she wanted her daughter to follow in her footsteps, but Sarah was made for gymnastics. Her aunt noticed it on the playground when Sarah was just five years old. She was a natural climber with a knack for tumbling, so artistic gymnastics was a perfect fit.

E ssence

10 | PENINSULA

continued next page...

October 2020

In Store Nowipsum

Tiger 9 Ct Custom Created Tiger Bead with Black Diamond Eyes Lorem ipsum On Black Onyx - Exclusive to Minzenmay.

Lorem ipsum

Custom Create For Xmas

152 Main Street Mornington 03 5975 2439psum

www.minzenmay.com.ausum ssence October 2020

E

PENINSULA

| 11

Every skill Sarah learned in the gym contributed to her prowess as a ninja athlete. The fact that all the Peninjas had a foundation in gymnastics made them formidable competitors on the course.

“Technically, we have been training our whole lives for this,” Sarah says.

She knows first hand how important support is in building resilience and coming out of tough times. To be a ninja warrior, one has to be tough physically and emotionally. It’s about as demanding as extreme sports gets and the clock is ticking the whole time.

“Sport is the answer to life in my eyes,” she says. Sarah believes gymnastics is particularly beneficial because its focus on both fine and gross motor skills sets the foundation for other learning such as reading and writing and the spatial awareness skills that are critical in navigating through life.

Challenges aside, it is fun and exciting to run the Australian Ninja Warrior gauntlet. For Sarah, one of the most exciting parts was the unknown. Contestants do not get the opportunity to try the course in advance.

They are only shown the course a couple of hours ahead of attempting it.

Sarah loves coaching. She started working with young athletes training for competition when she was just fourteen, but she actually prefers recreational coaching. She finds it more rewarding. At Peninsula Gymnastics she has had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of young people. She’s found working with children with disabilities particularly fulfilling.

Helping people is a real passion for Sarah.

Not only is she dedicated to her work as a gymnastics coach, she also runs a charity-based business called Free Hearts. Its focus is on helping people struggling with mental illness.

Free Hearts is an events management business that donates a portion of its proceeds to mental health organizations such as Headspace.

Having struggled with anxiety, Sarah is passionate about raising awareness around mental health and connecting people to resources and organizations that can help.

GLASS HALF FULL? TOP UP YOUR SALES BY ADVERTISING IN

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

E ssence

12 | PENINSULA

October 2020

I think it’s powerful for young girls to see women competing against men

For Sarah, the filming of the show was a lot of fun. Being part of a television production was a whole new experience and one she found really interesting. Half way through filming it got a whole lot more interesting as COVID-19 lockdown changed everything.

Family and friends went home, staffing was drastically reduced and police came in to make sure social distancing was enforced. Sarah was really impressed with the troubleshooting skills of the producers and the way production was modified so the show could go on.

Sarah says she’d be happy to go on the show again. It was great to be doing the course with her fellow Peninjas and partner Ashlin, but her own sense of accomplishment and proving to herself that she could do it was the most rewarding part of the experience.

Peninja mission accomplished.

with you for your whole life

all your pharmacy needs

Australia’s largest range of healthfoods, wellness and lifestyle products at

guaranteed best prices

over 12,000

Health food, lifestyle & Nutritional delivery services available

*

EAND

LON G ST

MCCL

STUDIO PARK

LANGWARRIN SPORTS MEDICAL CENTRE

NKS

THE GATEWAY

CONVENIENT PARKING SOUTH GATE

RD TON

WAY

OUT THE FRONT

LANGWARRIN COMMUNITY CENTRE

TE RD

FRA R NECRANBOU

LLOYD PARK RESERVE

WARRANDY

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM -7PM SATURDAY - SUNDAY 9AM - 5PM

MORNIN GTON P ENINSUL A FREEWAY

DR

products

*Charges may apply

2/117-119 CRANBOURNE-FRANKSTON RD, LANGWARRIN | WWW.WHOLELIFE.COM.AU | PH: (03) 9785 9188 October 2020

E ssence | 13

PENINSULA

STEELY aesthetic

By Erica Louise Photos Yanni

M

ornington’s Joe Taranto welds artistry with engineering.

The former engineer forges metal into art in his workshop, Steelscape. His creations include signage, fire pits, functional garden ornaments and more intricate designs. All are one-offs.

Art was not at the forefront of Joe’s mind when he completed his training in metal fabrication some 25 years ago. While his apprenticeship and industry experience laid the foundations for his creative endeavours, he steered towards metal art much later.

E ssence

14 | PENINSULA

October 2020

“I’d been designing and building industrial farm equipment for two decades. That training has set me up to build anything. It gave me the knowledge and confidence to know my work would be structurally sound. I broke away from agriculture machinery five years ago, as I wanted to be more artistic,” he said.

Joe now works full time manipulating metals into aesthetic pieces of art. His material preference is Corten, which is a mixture of steel, copper and nickel.

Expect to pay around half the price FOR AN APPOINTMENT CALL

“Corten corrodes on the outside but remains strong inside. I like that because it develops a patina and slowly rusts. But the rust is an inhibitor for further decay, so it protects the metal and adds character.�

Joe is committed to using Australian products wherever possible.

He works with some recycled elements, however most of his metals are sourced from BlueScope Steel Australia, the national manufacturer and supplier of steel.

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

continued next page...

October 2020

E ssence | 15

PENINSULA

Even when driven by the same idea, Joe makes each individual piece by hand, so no two pieces are the same.

His projects have more character than factory made pieces

“I consider myself a boutique manufacturer.

Rather than clients choosing a pre-picked pattern A, B or C, I ask people to present me with a photograph or give me an idea of where to start developing a concept and we go from there. Even with some of my simpler designs such as letterboxes, I always try and add an element that will make it different.”

While he falls back on engineering to craft complex designs, the beginnings of all Joe’s creations come to fruition organically. His projects begin with a hand-drawn design using a pen and an iPad. He prides himself on his traditional creative process, which means his projects have more character than factory-made pieces.

From a client’s initial contact through to a draft design takes 1–2 weeks. Once the idea is sharpened, a completed custom piece of metal art will be delivered within a 4–5-week time frame. Naturally, this depends on the size and detail of the order. A sign for a house would require less work than an intricate kinetic sculpture.

Joe enjoys building sculptures that turn with the wind, because there are elements of engineering involved to make this happen.

His most ambitious metalwork project was for the Diggers Club, presented at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

“I built a 5-metre high beanstalk sculpture with three kinetic hanging pods. The pods were filled with pumpkins. The work was the centrepiece of their stand at the show.”

Until COVID halted public exhibitions and gatherings, Joe’s award-winning work was annually displayed at this prestigious event.

E ssence

16 | PENINSULA

October 2020

Another kinetic project he was particularly proud of was a prehistoric shell sculpture, symbolic of the ammonite. This piece was displayed in an exhibition and subsequently sold to a private residence in Caulfield.

“The base of the ammonite was a collection of large rocks and the sculpture raised up out of those rocks, turning in the wind. The design uses the Fibonacci curve and is quite beautiful to look at.”

Much like the ammonite, Joe’s designs are largely inspired by the world around him. “I always look to nature because I think that’s where all the answers are,” he said.

In addition to Australian BlueScope Steel, Joe works with used horseshoes. Most horseshoes can’t be reused after a six-week wear and are scrapped. Joe collects these shoes from farriers across the Mornington Peninsula and crafts them into interesting new sculptures.

“There is so much character in a used horse shoe. The variation of shoe types, sizes and the decay that occurs makes them attractive when used in large sculptures.”

Joe is working on a full-size horseshoe, Pegasus, which was going to be displayed at the 2020 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. However, with the event postponed, Joe’s Pegasus will be flying into Devon Meadows to take up residence outside his Steelscape workshop.

To follow more of Joe’s work, or to order your custom piece of metal art head to steelscape.com.au.

THE ART OF AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS MASTERS If we travel seeking indigenous art forms probably the most unique we can find is the art by Australia’s own indigenous artisans. Their ancient culture now recognized as older than 80,000 years has been the source of one of the most distinct and culturally connected art forms in the world today. For thousands of years this the culture has developed its law and spirituality with connection to Country, ceremonies and stories being at the core of their way of life. This way of life has been the foundation for the first Australians to develop their own unique styles telling of their life, land and custodianship of their stories and Dreaming. The wealth of knowledge and depth in these paintings is second to none and each one is worthy of museum and collector status. For those of us wanting an artwork of significance by an acclaimed artist then we do not have to look any further than our own country with it wonderful indigenous artists.

This October and November, Nissarana Galleries releases its online catalogue of Aboriginal art in celebration of NAIDOC Week in November. The catalogue contains a superb collection of paintings from artists that have become primary names associated with the Aboriginal art movement of the Central Desert. These artists have works that are held in major collections throughout the world and nearly all National Galleries in Australia.

Also included are numerous works by acclaimed contemporary Indigenous artists and among them are many of female artists. These award-winning artists and many more are represented in this catalogue, including Anna Price Petyarre, Gloria Petyarre. Karen Bird Ngale, Bronwyn Bancroft, Bianca Gardiner-Dodd, Phyllis Donegan, Brennan Cox, Clarise Namijimpa Poulson, Margaret Scobie, Jeannie Petyarre, Lindsay Bird Mpetyane, Jeannie Mills Pwerle, Polly Antwerkerty, Jacinta Hayes, Patricia Kamara, Polly Ngale, Rosemary Egan Nampijinpa, Tommy Cook, Chad Briggs, Tony Wilson, Winston Walford, Anthony Walker, Jirri Jirri and Jandamarra Cadd Check out the catalogue online NISSARANA GALLERIES, 211 Main St, Mornington T: 5976 8877

W: nissaranagalleries.com.au

M: 0474 496 222

INSTA: nissaranagalleries

E: info@ngmornington.com.au

Bronwyn Bancroft 'Washpool Sunset'

October 2020

E ssence | 17

PENINSULA

EQUINE expressions

E ssence

18 | PENINSULA

October 2020

By Bridie Lavery

T

here is much that can be said about a horse’s ability to trust. Horses are considered prey animals. They have eyes situated on the sides of their heads which means that they can see almost 180 degrees. It is said that their hearing is so in tune that they can hear the leaves move on trees up to a kilometre away. This evolutionary system, coupled with their incredible speed, means that horses can flee at the first sign of danger, as their lives depend on it. Horses communicate silently. They read body language with such an accurate perception that there is no room in their world for dishonesty.

They do not hold on to previous emotions. They perceive, they express and respond, and they get back to grazing. Their safety depends on their ability to sense incongruencies and danger and to regulate themselves. They have very clear rules and boundaries that organise their herds.

Humans also respond well to structure, rules and boundaries and the ability to authentically express. It is important for humans to balance nervous system regulation also and to feel comfortable in their bodies. Together in partnership with the horses we can learn how.

Peninsula Equine Assisted Therapy (P.E.A.T) is an equine-assisted learning centre that supports and encourages a unique approach to human healing. Combining a love and deep appreciation for horses, our sessions support and encourage opportunities for growth and change.

People are considered predators. We have eyes at the front of our heads, and claw- like fingers and hands. We make direct eye contact and often eat meat. We regularly walk towards horses in a direct line with intent and focus, often to catch this flight-prone animal. Through the eyes of a horse this can be considered predator-type behaviour. It is amazing that horses have come to trust and connect with humans, even so much as to let them ride on their backs. This relationship of trust depends on the quality and integrity of our communication and the deepening of our relationships with our equine companions.

There is so much we can learn about ourselves and our relationships with others from being associated with horses. Horses allow us opportunities to learn about our own feelings and deepen our awareness. They teach us about connection to our inner and outer worlds, how to be attuned and perceptive. We even become aware of how we are holding our body. To establish a relationship with horses we must display trust and we must communicate clearly and honestly.

In Gestalt therapy, which is the foundation that Peninsula Equine Assisted Therapy is built upon, there is a saying that relationships have the power to hurt, but also have the power to heal. In our equineassisted sessions, the relationship between the client, horse and practitioner is one of mutual respect, acknowledging the value of our respective contributions and working out how we can co-navigate the space created between us. Within the uniqueness of each moment we open ourselves up to the possibility of change. In Gestalt, we call this I-Thou relationships.

Our clients are offered a safe, equine-assisted learning experience with our horses and ponies that supports their own personal growth.

Our sessions are also wonderful for professional development, team building and leadership. Many clients who have experienced moments of anxiety or depression or post-traumatic stress disorder have found that, through the support of an equine-assisted practitioner, they have discovered a safe and effective path that provides opportunities to create a new way forward. Children and teenagers are most welcome, and we have a safety-built working environment for their sessions that are separate from the larger horses. Each session is as unique as the horses and the people experiencing them. Everyone is welcome.

P.E.A.T is now open and taking bookings for the upcoming months. Please give us a call today.

Bridie 0417 603 172

October 2020

E ssence | 19

PENINSULA

THE LITTLE things T

here is something to be said about lived experiences. Author Lindsey Kennedy has released an up-close and personal account of how a daughter, sister, mother and wife used positive thinking and a strong mindset during a breast cancer battle.

Her debut book ‘The Little Things: A Breast Cancer Memoir’ was written during her recovery from a stage two diagnosis that took a little over two years to win. With the support of her family and friends, she found silver linings, pushed away negative thoughts and took control, when at times, control seemed lost.

‘The Little Things: A Breast Cancer Memoir’ is a book written not to be self-indulgent, nor to seek attention, but to offer insight and awareness in and around the subject of breast cancer. This book was born from natural curiosity and is a series of anecdotes about her cancer battle. After diagnosis, and not finding the book she wanted, she felt compelled to write one.

Ever wondered what it would be like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes? ‘The Little things’ allows this by weaving humour into storytelling to assist you to gain insight into a very personal account. Lindsey wanted ‘The Little Things’ to be many things. She wished to leave a legacy for her family, be a guide to anyone walking the same cancer path and, most of all, to get people checking their breasts more often, looking for change.

"I wrote this book to encourage and promote healthy, vital conversation in and around the topic of breast cancer. We are so lucky these days; even younger women are open to this form of conversation. Years ago, many would consider this narrative as taboo or indeed, dirty. I’m here to get women to become more breast aware and check themselves regularly," Lindsey said.

Lindsey Kennedy lives on the Mornington Peninsula with her husband and two children. She is a public speaker, a civil celebrant and a teacher.

Lindsey is the founder of #checkyourselfTuesday, a catchphrase that many of her social media followers use to check their breasts shape and size, looking for changes. She believes that our hands can be one of the best tools for early detection and wants to get both men and women to know their breast/pectoral area as well as their armpits and necks. A thorough check of these areas once a week might make the difference between too late and just in time! Lindsey’s experiences with breast cancer shows that there are not many things in this world that are a match for catching cancer in its early stages.

'The Little Things' is available for $24.99 and $5.99 postage.

You can find her on Facebook: Lindsey Kennedy Instagram: @lindseykennedylives Email: thelittlethingslk@gmail.com

E ssence

20 | PENINSULA

October August 2020 2020

Peninsula Equime Assisted Therapy

Equine Assisted Learning Sessions

Healing With Horses Safe Learning Environment For Children, Teens & Adults ~ Ponies & Horses Available ~

Assisting With Emotional / Social Skills / Stress / Anxiety / Depression / PTSD / Nervous System Regulation / Personal & Professional Development

Bridie Minzenmay ~ Director Practitioner info@peninsulaequineassistedtherapy.com.au www.peninsulaequineassistedtherapy.com.au Mount Martha 0417 603 172

October 2020

E ssence | 21

PENINSULA

Arts

CELEBRATING art

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Elizabeth Clancy

A

rt Red Hill, the major fundraising event for Red Hill Consolidated School, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

And there is a lot to celebrate. Over its four decades it has grown from a small art and crafts show in the little school hall into a premier art show featuring over a thousand works by more than 300 artists. Last year’s show attracted 4000 patrons!

This year the show can reach even more people because it’s going online for the first time ever. continued next page...

E ssence

22 | PENINSULA

October 2020

October 2020

E ssence | 23

PENINSULA

COVID may have stopped the show from happening onsite, but it hasn’t held back the talent.

Quality has always been the cornerstone of this show and this year is no different. Works have been carefully curated. Fine art painting, photography, sculpture, jewellery, works on paper, ceramics and art glass from the Mornington Peninsula and greater Melbourne will be on display.

Art Red Hill was founded by a group of school parents and Peninsula artists who not only wanted to raise funds for the school,

but also wanted to call attention to the many talented artists and artisans in their local community. They saw the value of art in their children’s education, but also recognized that they lived in a unique artists’ enclave on the Peninsula.

The weekend event was always popular, but its Friday Opening Night was the real event. It was a chance to socialise within the community, it brought new people to the region and it provided patrons with the opportunity to meet the artists and makers. And, of course, admissions and sales commissions raised much needed money for the school.

$ *

20CHER

U VO

The LARGEST shoe store on the Peninsula.

Bayside Shoes has one of the largest ranges of quality footwear on the Peninsula, allowing our customers plenty of space for social distancing. Offering ladies, mens, childrens, fashion, weddings, After 5, large sizes, problem feet, podiatry, hospitality, nursing, work boots and more...

BAYSIDESHOES.COM.AU 9785 1887 * OFFER ENDS 31/10/2020. VALID ON ALL NON SALES ITEMS OVER $80. PLEASE NOTE, ONLY A SMALL PART OF OUR RANGE IS ONLINE.

E ssence

24 | PENINSULA

October 2020

103 Railway Parade, Seaford.

BAYS I D E

SHOES

Red Hill Consolidated School started out in 1950. It was cutting edge architecture for its time and an interesting change from the small schoolhouses that students from Flinders, Merricks, Shoreham, Merricks North, Red Hill, Main Ridge, Red Hill South and Balnarring were leaving behind.

The school has always been a place that attracted a diverse community. It is now home to over 600 students from all around the Peninsula. Art Red Hill widens that scope bringing people from the Peninsula and Melbourne to see, experience and purchase art across a wide range of mediums.

This year, the virtual show will run over a longer period of time.

Instead of running across a weekend, the show will be online from October 18 to 30th giving art lovers plenty of time to view and purchase art.

A number of talented Peninsula artists are exhibiting, such as prize-winning photographer, Elizabeth Clancy. She says the show is a highlight in her calendar. “Being an artist can be a bit of a solo existence, but a show like Art Red Hill connects you to everyone around you and a huge audience sees your work,” she says. Other notable Peninsula artists exhibiting are: Mike and Janet Green, Neil Williams, Michael Leeworthy and Sophie Perez.

Sculpture has always been strength of this show. There are captivating works available in all shapes and sizes from mesmerizing fire globes to intriguing kinetic sculptures to eye catching stand-alone pieces large and small.

See Art Red Hill at www.artredhillcom.au from 18 - 30 October for a spectacular collection of artwork and craft pieces to view and purchase.

Artist submissions are being accepted until 16 October.

Calling all 8 - 10 year olds to Try Sailing!

LEVEL 1 - MYC JUNIOR & YOUTH SAILING PROGRAM

TRYSAIL Developing independence & resilience outdoors

Mornington Yacht Club’s Junior and Youth Sailing Program encourages active learning for young sailors to develop confidence and competence as they develop into resilient and independent youth.

After 4 sessions, membership is required, committing to a lifelong journey of Family, Friendship & Sailing at MYC! Act Now! Only 10 places available each month!

Go to our website to register your interest Sundays 9am-12pm

A - November

B - December

C - Jan / Feb

D - Feb / Mar

4 SESSIONS

Find out more by contacting the club or going to our website.

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

FREE!

1258

October 2020

E ssence | 25

PENINSULA

FAC GRANT recipients

A

love affair only six years in the making will be captured for eternity.

Artist Alison Tedesco’s passion for Frankston will be reflected in a series of paintings including our laneways, the Frankston Mechanics Institute, the Grand Hotel, street scenes and more.

She is excited to work on her pieces thanks to an Artist Project Grant from Frankston City Council.

“I moved from Sydney to Frankston six years ago to be closer to relatives who lived in the area. My family and I have not ‘looked back’ since. We love the beaches here, which we showcase when friends and family come to visit us,” Alison said.

The inspiration for her art project include Frankston’s significant landmarks, the pier and bay.

“I’m proud to live in Frankston and I know its community is, too. This particular avenue of art I hope represents all that Frankston is and what we have come to love about our suburb and surrounds,” Alison said.

While Alison has explored mediums including oils and acrylics, her medium of choice is watercolour.

She is keen to share her love of Frankston with the wider community and contribute to a sense of pride.

E ssence

26 | PENINSULA

October 2020

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to have my work seen by a broad section of the community. I hope it gives everyone a sense of pride to see their surrounds in art – encouraging a sense of inclusiveness and connection.” continued next page...

October 2020

E ssence | 27

PENINSULA

Alison said being recognised with the grant had given her a major boost. “It’s great to be supported by Frankston Council in my artistic practice. This allows not only the opportunity for new work, but also fosters new partnerships and collaborations between local artists, residents and community groups.”

Frankston City Council has significantly expanded its Community and Business Grants program this year to support up to 16 artists and creatives.

This was a result of the $6.434 million Relief and Recovery Package, which the council created to help Frankston City recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The arts grants are designed to help artists and those working in creative industries to pursue their passion while delivering culturally important work to the community.

They included Artist Project Grants up to $4000 each for eight artists to develop new works that can be presented online, on location or at a venue when restrictions allow.

There were also a further eight Creative Industries Professional Development Grants, each up to $2500, to support artists via further training, career development activities, mentorships and workshops.

Comic book artist Dean Rankine said he was excited to receive a Professional Development Grant from Frankston Council.

“I grew up in Rye and moved to Frankston City 25 years ago. I love it. This is my home and it’s where I’ve had my best experiences,” he said.

Dean is heavily influenced by animated cartoons, comics and pop culture.

“Being a comic a book artist in Australia can be kind of isolating.

There’s only a handful of us working professionally in the country and options for professional development are limited,” he said.

“Most of the time I’m just making it up as I go along. But what’s great about this grant is that it means I can access training online through one of the Comic Art schools in the United States. And that’s extremely helpful.”

Dean said the grant would enable him to enhance his skills and make connections with other creators.

“I think comics still have a certain stigma attached to them; they are somehow considered not to be ‘real art’. For Frankston City to recognise comics as a legitimate art form and me as a practitioner means the world to me,” he added.

E ssence

28 | PENINSULA

October 2020

Animator and filmmaker Gary Friedman will receive an Artist Project Grant.

“I get inspired by what’s taking place in our world and the reactions of humans to their environments,” he said.

“I’m excited to interact and share my skills with people locally, either in person hopefully, or online. Last year, I did some filming for the Frankston City Council project ‘Love Where You Live’.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get too involved as I was travelling internationally the entire second half of 2019, conducting workshops in Asia and Europe.

“I am now excited about interacting and being able to share my work with the greater community of Frankston. Starting in October, I shall also be offering my workshops online, too.”

Gary bought a house in Langwarrin several years ago with enough space to build a film studio, which he subsequently did.

“I then began making stop-frame animation in my homestudio, in-between my travels teaching puppetry and stop-motion throughout Melbourne, Asia and Europe. Since 2020 began I’ve

had to quickly change my work plans as I am no longer able to travel, either internationally or to schools,” he said.

“So I’ve continued making stop-motion film and recently started teaching online.”

Gary said he was Pleased to be recognised with the grant from Frankston Council.

THIS TIME, LAST YEAR SHORT FILM COMPETITION

October 2020

E ssence | 29

PENINSULA

ALL BASES covered

By Mikayla van Loon Photos Yanni

T

wo New Zealand-born chefs are cooking up a storm and delivering heart-warming meals to your front door.

The best-friend duo, Dan Hawke and Reece Morrow, are the co-founders of Mornington Peninsula based Home Run Food Co, an initiative that started just as the pandemic did.

The pair come from a background of cooking for on-set productions with their Sydney-based business, Set Piece. From catering for the likes of Johnny Depp on the set of Pirates of the Caribbean to the most recent seasons of The Voice, these two know good food.

Reece and Dan made a big lifestyle change by moving to the Mornington Peninsula two years ago with their families, commuting back and forth to run Set Piece. But as the pandemic hit, it put a stop to all their work and left their staff and equipment at a stand still.

“When the pandemic hit, we had all our kitchens, all our gear, all our refrigerated vans just parked doing nothing, and this was pretty early on and we thought, we’re either going to sit here twiddling our thumbs or we can try and get something moving,” Dan said.

“There is very little going on in the film and TV industry at the moment and we thought of our own community, where thousands of people are trying to avoid going out unnecessarily or are working from home. We thought they could use some help,” Reece said.

Returning to Sydney to pick up a kitchen and cool room from the set of The Voice, the duo organised a makeshift factory in Mornington to set up shop and start creating home-cooked meals that everyone would love.

“We pretty much had everything we needed, so it was an easy shift to make” Dan said. “It was bit of a no brainer for us and we had a lot of staff in Sydney who couldn’t get JobKeeper, so we were trying to support those staff as well – so that’s how Home Run Food Co was born I suppose, out of necessity.”

Drawing inspiration from their own family kitchens, Dan and Reece have put together a menu of hearty and comforting meals that can be eaten on their own or by adding ingredients from your own fridge. Their moto: ‘mix it up and keep it fresh.’

Sourcing all their ingredients from the Mornington Peninsula area, Dan and Reece work with what is in season to make the meals as affordable as possible. The menu also works around the time of year, so at the moment the meals are winter inspired but as summer rolls around, that will begin to change.

Although fan favourites and best sellers change from day to day, Dan said there are some popular combinations that can’t be

E ssence

30 | PENINSULA

October 2020

that sing

he

a.

u

Eat & Drink

faulted. Their top three picks would be the whole braised lamb shoulder paired with roasted root vegetables and a grain salad, meatballs and pasta, and the teriyaki chicken paired with some brown rice.

We want to continue to build this and grow and extend our delivery area

“The reception has been really, really good so far; we’ve been really well supported and we’re all having great fun.”

“Everything has been really positive, not only feedback but also from our side of things. The team has been really happy; I suppose everyone’s happy to come to work and it’s just been a really good vibe right from the start,” Dan said.

Not only has Home Run Food Co been supplying great family meal packs to households but Dan said about twenty per cent of their business has come from people sending their loved ones care packages. The team write personalised, hand-written notes for each box that is being sent as a care package.

“You know the fact that people are caring about other people; although they can’t go and see them, they can send them a little box

of food to brighten their day. So that’s been one of the highlights I’d say,” he said.

Even with the future as unpredictable as it is, Dan and Reece have big hopes for Home Run Food Co.

“We’re going strong,” Dan said. “Hopefully this will be our business moving forward. That’s the idea for us. We want to continue to build this and grow and extend our delivery area.”

Right now, Home Run Food Co delivers to the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Seaford and Langwarrin. And with recycling in mind, leave your empty containers in the box they deliver outside, and they will take them away and recycle them when they do the next delivery.

www.homerunfood.co www.facebook.com/homerunfoodco Instagram: @homerunfoodco

F R E S H F R O M O C EA N TO YOU Peninsula Fresh Seafood is pleased to announce the opening of its brand new seafood processing facility in the Dromana Industrial Estate. As a grower, processor, wholesaler and retailer of fresh local seafood, we are your “one stop shop” for the freshest seafood on the Mornington Peninsula.

Factory 2/10 Thomson Tce. Dromana Shop Ph: 5981 0425 I Mobile: 0409 192 770 E: info@peninsulafreshseafood.com.au www.peninsulafreshseafood.com.au October 2020

E ssence | 31

PENINSULA

Recipe CHICKEN MARYLANDS Serves 2 people

Ingredients

Salsa Verde

2 Free range chicken marylands (rib cage boned out) 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp ground cumin 1. Heat oven to 180c 2. Toss everything together in a mixing bowl to coat evenly 3. Arrange skin side up on an oven tray and cook for about 45 minutes 4. Set aside and allow to rest for five minutes 5. Use the pan juice to finish chicken

For the lentils 1/2 brown onion 1 clove garlic 1 carrots 1 celery stalk 1/2 cup dried Puy lentils Extra virgin olive oil 1 cup chopped cavalo nero www.homerunfood.co

E ssence

32 | PENINSULA

October 2020

1/2 cup of mirin or white wine 1 tsp red wine vinegar 1 Lt boiling water mixed with 1 Tablespoon of Miso paste 1/2 tsp each of paprika and ground cumin

Method 1. Blitz carrots, celery, onion and garlic in a food processor (you can grate or finely chop) 2. Heat olive oil to a medium heat in a deep saucepan and cook (adding the paprika and cumin) until soft, sweet and beginning to catch on the pan, then add the lentils 3. Deglaze the pan with mirin (or white wine) 3. Once most of the liquid has gone, add the miso liquid 4. When miso liquid has gone and the lentils are nearly cooked (but still firm), turn the heat off, add the chopped cavalo nero and stir through.

5. Season well and add the vinegar

1/2 Bunch cavalo nero roughly chopped 1 Bunch parsley 2 Tablespoons seeded mustard 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 2 cloves of garlic lightly fried in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil 1. Wash parsley and cavalo nero in hot water then strain 2. Blend everything in a food processor or using a stick blender 3. Season with salt and pepper

facebook.com/homerunfoodco Instagram: @homerunfoodco

Spanish fish stew with crab leg, clams, prawn and monk fish.

Monkey Business Dromana

EL

Y

P

&

P

Dishes

D

Must try

ICK U

IVER

Laneway’s heirloom avocado with perfectly poached eggs.

Laneway Espresso

View takeaway menu and delivery options via our website 1/277 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana P 5981 0685 monkeybusinessdromana.com.au

View takeaway menu and delivery options via our website 167 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana P 5981 4624 laneway-espresso.com

Twice cooked Otway pork belly served with creamy mash, fennel and apple slaw with a cider sauce.

Seafood Picnic Box with Moreton Bay bugs, 400g king prawns, and 12 fresh shucked oysters served with condiments.

Hickinbotham of Dromana

For ordering, please either call or order online via our website 194 Nepean Hwy, Dromana P 5981 0355 hickinbotham.biz

Panda Blairgowrie

For ordering, please either call or order online via our website 2871 Point Nepean Road, Blairgowrie P 5988 8261 pandablairgowrie.com.au

Seafood curry laksa with poached white fish, prawn, mussel, calamari with vermicelli noodles & Asian herbs.

Many Little

View takeaway menu and delivery options via our website 2-5, 159 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South P 5989 2831 manylittle.com.au

Black Angus grain fed eye fillet grilled and basted with our Squires Loft baste which creates an incredible taste profile.

Squires Loft

For ordering, please either call or order online via our website 104 Main St, Mornington P 5976 8482 squiresloftmornington.com.au

October 2020

E ssence | 33

PENINSULA

VEGAN CHEESE please!

By Melissa McCullough Photos Yanni

I

n Dromana high quality, artisan vegan cheese and butter options for those who do not, or cannot, eat animal products are readily available. Made using traditional handmade techniques, The Vegan Dairy’s journey was born from the love of a mother in memory of her son. From then the businesses journey has continued to evolve with husband and wife co-creators Brittany and Bronson stepping up to the helm.

As her business grew and grew, she brought Brittany in to lend a helping hand. At the time, Brittany was vegetarian and was excited for the opportunity to help get beautiful cheeses into the market that were animal rennet free. Brittany says, “Since then I have learned about some amazing cheese making techniques (and made some challenging blunders) that have enabled me to experiment with my own ideas.”

In 2010 the family suffered a great loss when Brittany’s 14-year-old brother, Reagan, was involved in a scuba diving accident and, despite three weeks in intensive care, he never recovered. Brittany recalls, “At the time my mum, a chef and cooking teacher by trade, picked up a number of ‘activities’ to help her through her grief.” One of those was a course in handcrafted cheesemaking and this quickly became something she developed a deep affection for, as cheese was something Reagan loved. In keeping herself busy she made too many cheeses for our family and started giving them away to friends. And then there was too much for the friends and those friends gave some to other friends. Eventually everyone wanted more and more and her own dairy cheese making business began.

For Brittany and Bronson, being vegetarian for several years, preferring to eat lighter food options without sacrificing taste or quality, and finding alternatives that truly rivalled “the real thing” was a big challenge. Brittany decided to use what she learnt from working with her mum to do something about it so that they had delicious dairy-free options at home. Their first product was the Persian Feta.

“We didn’t plan for The Vegan Dairy to become a business. We simply gave my mum some jars of our dairy-free feta, at her request, to take to the markets for her lactose intolerant customers and they loved it!”, said Brittany. When everyone started coming back over and over, The Vegan Dairy came to life.

E ssence

34 | PENINSULA

October 2020

Enter the accidental beauty that has become The Vegan Dairy.

“Coming from a cheese-making background gave us the insight into traditional cheese making methods that could be applied to vegan versions, and also enabled us to play with flavours with a better understanding of how our products should taste if they were to rival dairy,” Brittany says. And though they have done a good job so far, they are always experimenting and working on new things and ideas. Bronson has unexpectedly now become an enthusiastic (and extremely talented) budding vegan cheesemaker. Of Bronson, Brittany says, “He balances out my methodical ways with his creative nature continuously encouraging me to push the boundaries of what you “can” and “cannot” do in cheesemaking.”

“All our glass jars are a custom-designed, regular mouth, mason jar with a leak proof and airtight lid,” boasts Brittany. This means that you can reuse your glass jar over and over, rather than sending that jar into the waste system. She continues, “Unfortunately, glass is no longer recycled much in Australia so the more we can avoid putting in the bin, whichever bin it is, the better!” And if you’re really keen to reduce waste, you can even return your empty clean jars to them and they will sterilise and reuse them. They also have an on-site composting facility and certified home compostable film packaging.

All our glass jars are a custom designed regular mouth mason jar with a leak proof and airtight lid

Aside from just being kind to the planet through creating amazing plant-based foods, they also believe in reducing their businesses environmental impact by opting for carefully selected packaging alternatives that reduce waste and place a value on reusable and sustainable options.

The Vegan Dairy family are open to suggestions from the public about varieties and flavours and if it is possible, they are happy to give it a go. Most of all, they hope everyone loves their creations as much as they do.

The Vegan Dairy is located at 2/11 Trewhitt Court, Dromana and are open to the public Tuesday to Friday 8am - 3pm. www.thevegandairy.com October 2020

E ssence | 35

PENINSULA

A GUIDE TO

INSPIRE

amazing

space

Interior Trends 2021

native garden

trends

easy being

green

house becomes

your home E ssence

36 | PENINSULA

SPECIAL October 2020

Main photo: The Tempo Group

F E AT U R E

more than just single storeys

beachmere

THE TEMPO GROUP. STORIES BUILT.

I

nspired by coastal design and the iconic Hamptons, these stunning luxury homes enjoy their own personalised touch of the seaside Mecca that oozes grace and casual sophistication.

says it’s all in the structure. High ceilings, wall panelling, wide skirting boards, parquetry timber flooring and sleek cabinetry are all essential to creating the look.

“For the ‘Beachmere’ project, we are very focused on including these classic elements and working with suppliers who can deliver. We have partnered with; Caesarstone, Asko, Abey, Kustom Timber, Carpet World, Ultimate Tiles, e&s, Zip Water and others,” says Kady.

“And, when it came to colour, we were inspired by the natural beauty of Mornington’s coastline. Soft colours of dreamy greys, dusty blues, sun-kissed yellows and sea greens paired with blanched whites and organic textures”.

While the Hamptons is famous as a playground for holidaymakers the world over, it’s also where the inspiration for The Tempo Group’s newest development, ‘Beachmere’, comes from. Four securely gated, single storey homes, 500sqm individually titled properties on Beleura Hill Road, Mornington.

The Tempo Group is well known for its quality developments and meticulous attention to detail. Their signature craftsmanship is at the forefront of these architectural homes and aligned with local designers and planning consultants. The beautifully designed main living spaces showcase feature fireplaces and large windows that welcome an abundance of natural light. Each home is fully equipped with a chef’s kitchen, high-quality appliances and striking Caesarstone benchtops. Each floorplan flows effortlessly to the outdoor entertaining spaces. These homes are all about convenience, lifestyle and luxury.

While the Hamptons style is all about layering, Kady says that if you view it as a canvas to build upon, you will find there are countless opportunities to be creative with your décor in these homes. “Essentially, it’s all about creating that charm and at the end of the day we all just want our house to feel like a home.”

The ‘Beachmere’ site is really coming along, with homes well underway and one nearing completion. Own a piece of coastal luxury on the Mornington Peninsula with this opportunity to buy a home off the plan and save on the stamp duty.

The brilliantly proportioned luxury master suites all include spacious WIR and ensuite. The coastal aesthetic is continued through to a further two bedrooms. The ‘Beachmere’ frontage has an impressive street presence with carefully designed landscaping and extensive stonework.

A display home will be opening soon. So, keep an eye on the Tempo website for details of the grand unveiling.

Drop by and take a look. We’d love to show you around.

Mornington Peninsula builders, The Tempo Group, are a fully licenced luxury home builder with specialist expertise in new homes, extensive renovations, multiresidential developments and commercial construction.

More than just bespoke builds, Tempo homes are canvases for family firsts and lasting memories.

With over a decade in the luxury home sector, Ben Comelli knows a thing or two about bespoke design and construction. Which is why he and the Tempo team are delivering sensational results with the Hamptonsinspired haven that is ‘Beachmere’.

From high spec fittings and fixtures to weatherboard cladding, there’s a lot that has gone into creating these coastal homes. Nobody knows the style better than Kady Marsh, the group’s interior designer. “I love the style for its character and charm. There are certain rules, but there is also a lot of room for creativity – it’s a lot of fun.”

When it comes to core elements of these homes, Kady

Ben Comelli 0409 198 207 Kady Marsh 0487 008 082

thetempogroup.com.au Insta: @thetempogroup

FB: thetempogroup October 2020

E ssence | 37

PENINSULA

SPECIAL F E AT U R E

the lateset in native garden

trends

HOW YOU CAN INCORPORATE THEM INTO YOUR NEXT GARDEN UPGRADE

By Isabelle Harris

W

hether you’re looking to update your garden to changing tastes or environments, looking into diversifying your plant mix, or even starting over from scratch, natives are great way to make your garden stand out from the crowd.

Even better, using indigenous or local plants and natives are great ways to preserve your area’s natural biodiversity and stick with your local landscape, as well as being a trendy way to update your landscape.

We spoke to some of the Mornington Peninsula’s top landscapers and plant nurseries to find out how you can incorporate the latest native plant trends into your garden.

Low Maintenance Gardens While natives have long been touted as a kind of “set and forget” solution, this is only partially true.

Clive Abben of Abben Art Garden Design says it is more important to select plants based on conditions to make sure the garden is as low maintenance as possible.

In his own work, he always selects plants that are indigenous to the area to ensure they will thrive in the soil and weather conditions.

“Walk around your local area and if you see a plant you like, take a photo”, he says, “then show it to a local nursery to see if it would work in your garden.”

As a bonus, indigenous and natives often require less general maintenance than non-natives. Most don’t require pruning, aren’t deciduous, and often are drought resistant depending on the variety.

Drew Cooper, a partner at Peninsula Plants and Edible Gardens, says that, most of the time, it comes down to using local plants where possible and designing the garden well.

E ssence

38 | PENINSULA

October 2020

“If you plant the right plant in the right spot, you don’t really have to do anything to them“ he says.

Make sure to get advice from your local nursery to make everything is as low maintenance as possible to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your garden!

Foodscaping Rather than having a traditional veggie patch some gardeners are turning to “foodscaping”, or planting edible plants amongst ornamental aspects.

“There are plenty of native herbs that can make great additions to both your cooking and your garden”, Glen Yearsley of Austplant Native Plant Nursery says.

“Lemon myrtle is a must have, I use it as a substitute for lemongrass” he adds.

Finger limes are also a popular choice that has become more popular in the culinary world, but are now making their way into home kitchens. Herbs like native river mint and native thyme are perfect to use as a replacement for the non-native variety as well.

When it comes to planting the garden, it’s important to consider placement, shading, and sunlight.

Instead of picking a plant and then forcing it into a position in your garden, look at where you might want to plant an edible, then select one based on conditions.

Remember, this may not always be an indigenous or native plant but instead a non-native which can work, even in what is essentially a native plant garden.

For a fun idea, why not place your native herbs near the back door or barbeque for easy access during cooking?

Images courtesy of www.austplant.com.au/garden-design/

Outdoor Entertainment

seamlessly meld with the next.

A resurgence of home cooking and outdoor entertaining means more people are considering how to use their garden, not just as a place to relax, but also to entertain.

Clive Abben also says that texture is important, especially as part of an informal garden.

Some are combining this with concrete and stone textures to add “walls” or structure to an otherwise free flowing garden, or using retaining walls to delineate an entertaining space around a barbeque or patio.

Contrasting structural aspects like round rocks with round pruned shrubs like cushion bush (leucophyta brownii) or banksia honeypots (Banksia spinulosa) with strappy leafed plants is one of Clive Abben’s favourite ways to do this.

Pair this with Nordic-inspired or minimalist outdoor furniture in neutral or solid colours to allow your garden to be the life of the party!

Concrete and stone mixed with a variety of plant textures Texture is an important part of any well-designed garden and given the huge variety of leaf textures, sizes, and colours, why wouldn’t you use native plants?

Glen Yearsley says texture is not always about having a lot of colour and flower in a garden.

“Its about different plant textures and foliage colours,” he says, “although the other benefit of native plants is that there is often a variety of colour throughout the year, which is not often the case in non-native gardens.”

He also advises to include repetition in colour and plant texture throughout your garden in order to create flow and make each area of the garden

“It’s actually harder to get an informal garden done well than a formal garden” he says.

Still spoiled for choice or a little bit stuck?

There’s certainly a lot to consider when planting out or incorporating more natives into your garden, but have no fear!

Start off by consulting your local nursery or landscape designer, preferably one well versed in natives, to get the bones of your garden right the first time and avoid headaches down the road.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire website has guides for indigenous plants and revegetation by region, complete with maps and planting guides.(see below) Come with photos or inspiration of what you might like to include and some information about your area and soil type, if you can. The golden rule is to first try plants indigenous to the area, then natives, then non-natives if you have to.

Finally, have fun designing and planting your new garden! It will surely become a wonderful place to relax and entertain in years to come, as well as contributing to the natural and beautiful Mornington Peninsula landscape! www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/ Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/ Revegetation-Plant-Guides

October 2020

E ssence | 39

PENINSULA

SPRING HOME M A K E OV E R GUIDE

easy being

green

Verdant Dwellings

Fresh, inspiring greenery will transform your indoor area into a beautiful garden oasis.

Verdant Dwellings has the desire to provide top quality plants to the community at a very reasonable price.

If you would like to have a browse and choose some plants in person, you can visit us at our Verdant Dwellings shop and retail warehouse located in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula.

EXCELLENCE IN INDOOR PLANTS

Verdant Dwellings, located in the Dromana Industrial Estate, is a dedicated indoor plant growing warehouse and retail space. With over 200sq meters dedicated to sales of over 200 varieties, you are sure to find what you're after.

Family owned and operated by a 20 year industry horticulturalist, expect quality plants and advice.

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

For more information visit

verdantdwellings.com.au

www.verdantdwellings.com.au Call 0404 046 462

0404 046 462

garden & home

YOUR MORNINGTON PENINSULA GARDEN SPECIALISTS

care

MOW IT ALL Mornington Peninsula covers all aspects of gardening work for both domestic and commercial properties.

Director Nathan Lomas prides himself on the high level of customer service that he and the team consistently strive to provide. He is so confident in the delivery of a great service, that he offers a customer satisfaction guarantee.

Contact the MOW IT ALL team for a free quote.

mowitall.net.au

0400 629 616

E ssence

40 | PENINSULA

October 2020

LAWN MOWING

GUTTER CLEANING

HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING

HEDGE PRUNING

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

LAYING TURF

FREE No job too large or too small.

Commercial and domestic properties. QUOTES Customer satisfaction guaranteed.

Contact Nathan for a free quote today!

0400 629 616 or mowitall.net.au

click & collect

range

Despite current restrictions Denore Homewares is still committed to providing top notch customer service, when purchasing from their extensive homewares range.

Offering online and phone orders, with both a click and collect or delivery service, it's never been easier!

From pasta machines, chopping boards, bakeware or dinnerware, Denore stocks all the leading brands when it comes to your homewares essentials.

denorhomewares.com.au

5976 8868

CLEVER SOLUTIONS

MOST SPACE

to make the of your

Discover the home office you didn’t know you had!

Fold Out Furniture specialises in DIY and customised Wallbeds and innovative furniture solutions, with displays now open in Frankston at the Home Innovations Centre and in Oakleigh East at the Home Ideas Centre. See our full product range at www.foldoutfurniture.com.au, or call us on 0499 99 9931 for more information. Reclaim your space in 2020!

CLICK & COLLECT PHONE & INTERNET ORDERS Pasta Machines. Gnocchi Boards. Dinnerware, Bakeware, Cookware. Chopping & Serving Boards

Phone (03) 5976 8868 www.DenorHomewares.com.au

amazing

space

Many of our clients have needed to work from home recently, and we have enjoyed helping them to rethink their spare room, and how by installing a wallbed with a desk, it has now become an office (or hobby) space, where ergonomics and an environment more conducive to work has been possible. This has often also helped take some stress off the family living space, often freeing up the dining room table again, and allowing the family to make the most of their available space.

One client summed this up in her comment: 'I feel like we just added another room onto our house! We rarely used the spare room for guests and now it’s so much more useful, we wonder how we survived without it before.'

foldoutfurniture.com.au

0499 999 931 October 2020

E ssence | 41

PENINSULA

where the house becomes

your home

Imagemakers design and selection studio in Mornington, has been helping locals with their design needs for 15 years. The space is a fabulous place for clients to discuss their projects, select from an extensive product library, and view a wide range of products on hand.

This ignited her passion for interior design and construction. They renovated again while living in Noosa and on their returning to Melbourne they decided they wanted to live on the Mornington Peninsula. There is more on Debra’s journey on their Instagram page.

'The woman behind the business', Debra, is a local interior designer and attributes her personal life’s journey to leading her to a successful career as an interior designer, taking pride in helping her clients to achieve their dream home.

During these unprecedented times, Imagemakers have successfully been able to adapt their consultation process using different forms of technology continuing to work on designs for bathrooms, kitchens, space planning and mood boards.

From a young age she has travelled around Australia and the world visiting unique and wonderful places full of colour, architecture, ancient ruins, museums and diverse cultures; These amazing experiences adding to her passion for life’s diversity.

With her husband Stephen, who works in the building industry, they started their first full renovation of a single fronted period home in the inner suburbs of Melbourne.

• Concept design & space planning • New builds and home renovations • Hard finishes and fixtures selections • Kitchen and bathroom design • Furniture & decoration • Exterior design Call Debra now on 0408 386 160

or drop into our design & selection studio in Mornington to have a chat about kick starting your project.

1002-1004 Nepean Hwy Mornington.

www.imagemakersinteriordesign.com.au

E ssence

42 | PENINSULA

October 2020

Now is a great time to kick start your plans with Debra’s help, so make your consultation appointment today

imagemakerinteriordesign.com.au

0408 386 160

Custom made lounge furniture in Mornington Interior Design | Kate Walker Design instagram katewalker_design Styling | Green house Interiors instagram greenhouseinteriors Photography | Armelle Habib instagram armellehabib

10 Bennetts Rd, Mornington (03) 5975 0344 info@sorrentofurniture.com.au

E ssence

44 | PENINSULA

October 2020

the joy of raising

chicks

Raising baby chicks is a great experience for kids, parents and grandparents alike. As the chicks grow they transition through a number of different cute and fluffy stages before becoming fully mature, laying hens.

Food and water is also vitally important, so good access to the correct water drinker and feeder is needed. They don’t need much food but it must be tailor-made for them to provide all of the nutrients needed.

Owners of Talking Hens Giuliana and Jason have always been interested in growing their hens from day-old chicks and finally, have the opportunity to do it. Giuliana's father, Agostino, was a poultry farmer and always raised his own baby chicks, which she loved watching when she was a child. "It was amazing to see all those little, fluffy chicks grow into laying hens and the weekly changes in feather growth, body size and confidence as they quickly grew," recalls Giuliana.

Talking Hens receive small flocks of chicks regularly with the next flock arriving in November 2020. They will be day old Hy-Line Brown chicks and guaranteed girls.

During her time amongst the chicks, she learned that there are important things to understand in order to help them grow. Firstly, a heat lamp is needed to provide them with constant 30-degree warmth for the first few weeks of their life as they can’t regulate their own body temperature when young. They also need a sturdy, draftfree box or container to live in with a dry layer of wood shavings for insulation.

You can make an appointment to visit the farm on Friday to Monday to purchase the chicks.

We have all the equipment and feed needed to keep them happy and healthy and can answer any questions you may have as they grow.

talkinghens.com.au

0406 691 231

Wanting baby chicks but unsure where to start?

Talking Hens is a family business that loves backyard chickens!

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

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

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

www.TalkingHens.com.au

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

3590 Frankston-Flinders Rd Merricks.

For enquiries 0406 691 231 www.facebook.com/TalkingHens October 2020

E ssence | 45

PENINSULA

E ssence

46 | PENINSULA

October 2020

Interior Trends 2021

sustainable

design

2021 interior design trends will see increased demand for sustainable design pieces.

A focus on technological innovation, coupled with a desire for greater sustainability will take this area of design to new heights.

supporting

curves +

arches

Long shunned as an outdated design trend, introducing curves and arches to create softness in spaces otherwise filled with hard lines, has made a comeback. Circular windows and arches and curved walls are a trend to watch.

terrazzo

returns

A mixture of marble chips, quartz, granite and even glass set into concrete, Terrazzo has made a return and not only features on floors and walls, but also accessories.

local

Consumers are displaying a greater tendency to source products locally.

A renewed interest is emerging for handmade custom pieces, such as statement dining tables and artwork.

tones of

blue

Tones of blue will be a popular choice.

Naval is the new black, creating a sophisticated and contemporary space.

Timeless in nature and elegant in its simplicity, it is a bold change after many years of pastels and neutral hues.

October 2020

E ssence | 47

PENINSULA

Focus On

on

Mt Eliza

The attractive commercial centre of Mount Eliza is located around one kilometre inland along Mount Eliza Way and Canadian Bay Road, and features supermarkets and a number of specialty shops..

• Mount Eliza Regional Park, accessed via Two Bays Road, incorporates the former Moorooduc Quarry and offers views across the surrounding plains. At the southern end of the park is a lake with picnic areas and a playground. The Mornington Tourist Railway, which offers steam train rides, has its Moorooduc station located adjacent to the Mount Eliza Regional Park.

•

Mount Eliza is 46km south of Melbourne.

•

The population of Mount Eliza is 17,200.

• Mount Eliza was named in 1836 by Captain William Hobson after either Eliza Elliott, his wife, or Elizabeth Callaghan, the wife of John Batman.

• Prior to large scale subdivision, Mount Eliza was mainly a location for holiday homes. This began to change in the early half of the 20th century when many old estates were subdivided. One such subdivision was Ranelagh Estate,[3] designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin in 1924 in tandem with the surveyors Tuxen and Miller.

• Mount Eliza Post Office opened on 15 November 1920.

• There are several beaches and bays located in Mount Eliza, which include Canadian Bay (has had the name since the late 19th Century), Daveys Bay, Half Moon Bay, Moondah Beach, Ranelagh Beach and Sunnyside North Beach.

• Daveys Bay was named after James Davey who constructed a jetty in the 1840s

E ssence

48 | PENINSULA

October 2020

to ship his produce to Melbourne. In 1909 the Daveys Bay Yacht Club was established, and winds its way to a walking track overlooking Mt Eliza Beach on the shores of Canadian Bay, which was named after three Canadians who owned a sawmill in the area in the 1950s.

• In 1928, the independent girls school Toorak College was built and is one of the oldest independent girls schools in Victoria.

• Adjacent to Sunnyside beach sits a historical property Morning Star Estate which has also been in a number of films, including a three-month location shoot around the mansion for the movie Partisan, starring French actor Vincent Cassell occurred in 2014 and in 2013. The mansion was the location for the Kath & Kim movie spin-off Kath & Kimderella.

• The Mount Eliza Cricket Club is one of the most successful cricket clubs on the Mornington Peninsula with ten First Eleven premierships and a total of more than 55 including the Juniors. During the 1980s the club was heralded as the largest cricket club in Australia with nine senior teams and eight junior teams.

• The median house price in Mount Eliza is $1,225,000.

• Mount Eliza has its fair share of celebrities. Deborah Lee Furness’s mother lives there and she and husband, Hugh Jackman, have been spotted visiting. Real Housewives of Melbourne star, Gamble Breaux and her husband, Rick Wolfe, live in Mount Eliza.

Coffee Safari

Freshly brewed coffee is a must-have for weekends.

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

Ad hoc Mt Eliza 1/84 MOUNT ELIZA WAY

Great place for the best cappuccino and cookies, or if you prefer a nice Chai tea with soy milk. Outdoor seating is ideal for relaxing with friends over a coffee or brunch.

Shop Ate

87 MOUNT ELIZA WAY Serving Genovese Coffee, this buzzing Italian-style cafe is a popular breakfast haunt for Mount Eliza locals. There is a great selection of homemade cakes, sandwiches, and hot dishes, with breads supplied by Melbourne artisan bakery.

Degani Mt Eliza 89 MOUNT ELIZA WAY

Chain cafe serving specialty, houseroasted coffee, plus light meals and sweet treats.

A great relaxed atmosphere to enjoy time with family and friends.

Velos Mazeh Musette

76 MOUNT ELIZA WAY

Small and cool coffee shop with a character for an owner. Coffee is some of the best in town and made with passion and flair. *Please note: Due to uncertain times in Victoria, trading conditions are subject to change to be in line with State Government COVID-19 restrictions. It is advised to check with businesses for trading information.

What to do A bustling seaside village nestled between Frankston and Mornington, Mount Eliza has many great cafes specialising in breakfast and lunches, some fantastic restaurants, and great boutique shopping. The coastline around Mount Eliza consists of jagged cliffs featuring scenic walking tracks above stretches of secluded sandy beaches in small bays and coves below.

Access to most of the beaches along the coast is via residential streets which offer small car parks at their end points. Known for its upmarket dream homes and weekend retreats, many Mount Eliza properties have spectacular coastal views. With a village atmosphere and tucked away from the main highway, Mount Eliza has managed to maintain its hidden gem status, attracting celebrities to visit or purchase property there. It has even been the centre of Hollywood glamour when Fred Astaire, Gregory Peck and Ava Gardener arrived to shoot the film On the Beach in 1959.

Photos Yanni

October 2020

E ssence | 49

PENINSULA

Puzzle

Corner DOWN

ACROSS 1. Left unoccupied 6. Resuming (investigation) 11. Parchment rolls 15. From Baghdad 16. Depiction 17. Parody 18. London's ... Square 21. US honeymoon falls 22. Chewy confectionery 23. Customer 24. Delayed 28. Hindu robe 30. Horse feed 32. Skirt around 35. Fermenting agent 37. Inner layers 38. Immature insects 40. Junior 43. Baaed 45. Cease! (nautical) 47. Model 48. Removed covering 52. Computer modifying key 53. Bishop's church 56. Lubricant container 58. Wage recipient 60. Agreeing 61. Reads superficially 62. Enlivens 64. Boxing legend, Muhammad ...

65. Spanish coast, Costa del ...

67. Still 69. Supermarket lane 72. Tennis umpire's assistants 75. Angler's lure 77. Taverns 78. Consequently 79. Hearing organs 81. Kenyan capital 83. Slushy hail 84. Grounded (appliance) 86. Snow monster 87. Sacred likenesses 90. Earliest 92. Catnap 93. Charge with crime 95. Little Bighorn state 96. Fireplace ledge 98. Calculations 99. Rare pleasure 100. Green (of stone) 101. Title document 102. Bedouin 103. Opposed to

E ssence

50 | PENINSULA

104. Rope-making fibre 106. Less in number 110. African republic 113. Powered by battery or mains (1,1/1,1) 115. Skewer 116. Permits 117. Relaxed (2,4) 118. Couch potato 119. Miss 122. Seaweed and rice snack 125. Clean break 126. Not anywhere 127. Killer (disease) 129. Iron-deficient 130. Bereavement 131. Unfilled space 132. Truck's unloaded weight 133. Kit 134. Smallest interval in music 137. Restraining cord 138. Committee president 142. Drunkard 143. Negotiable (1,1,1) 145. Stalk vegetable 146. Anaesthetic 149. Shipping routes (3,5) 151. Duration devices 152. Far away 154. Thin blood vessel 156. Atmosphere 157. Desensitising 159. Scoff 161. Inlaid (3,2) 163. Frog stage 168. Enthusiastically 171. PC disk (1,1-3) 172. Rename 176. Crockery 177. Carried 180. ... & gentleman 181. Spoken exam 183. Schedule 187. Taunts 188. Shirk responsibility (3,3) 190. Scramble up 191. More frugal 192. Sloping type 193. Of sound system 194. Tax-evasion scheme 195. Provisional 196. Raucousness 197. Vitamin C source, ... syrup

October 2020

1. Outspoken 2. Metallic ringing 3. Copy outline of 4. Slimming regime 5. Whiskered aquatic animal 6. Ceremonies 7. Large-headed sea bird 8. ANC hero, ... Mandela 9. Lasses 10. Odious 11. Telegraphed 12. ..., willing & able 13. Alpaca relative 14. Graze crusts 19. Unfeigned 20. Behaves 25. Fuss 26. Doomed person 27. Cloth colorant 29. Shreds 31. Ancient 32. LA suburb, ... Air 33. Tartan fabric 34. Litigate 36. Exploding 39. Forgoes 40. Thine 41. Appraisal 42. Tubular pasta dish 44. Valley 46. Army vehicle 47. Single article 49. Candle string 50. Turn aside 51. Categorical 53. Crevices 54. Obliterate 55. Queensland's Great Barrier ...

57. Indians & Koreans 59. Contend 63. Fetuses 66. Give false advice to 67. Blemishes 68. Dexterous 70. Sicily or Corsica 71. Latitude 73. Shipboard rebellion 74. Had (to) 76. Inklings 80. Youth 82. Dog-inflicted wound 85. Cash points (1,1,2) 88. Canadian province 89. Smudged

90. Plumpness 91. Jogs one's memory 94. Sadistic 97. Valuable possession 104. Bumped in crowd 105. Mould in relief 106. Measurement of depth 107. Abrade 108. Procession 109. Takes (company) public 111. Acquire 112. Reclaim 113. Allocate 114. Pranced 120. Speed 121. Nest egg 123. Financially unviable 124. Hassled 127. Purifying strainer 128. Pakistani city 135. Do well (at) 136. Socially cut off 139. Rekindle 140. Informed 141. Stumble 144. Jeans pioneer, ... Strauss 147. Russian emperor 148. Goes astray 150. Shoo!

153. Grotesque 155. Data entered 158. Nephew & ...

160. Ogled 162. For all eternity, ... after 164. Muslim leader, ... Khan 165. Liquid crystal display (1,1,1) 166. In direction of 167. Burial garments 169. Top credit rating (1,1,1) 170. Glass stopper 172. Allergy symptom 173. Song words 174. The ... Tea Party 175. Tie 177. Desert plants 178. Bake (meat) 179. Glowing coal 180. Reveal secret (3,2) 182. Feudal masters 184. Incites 185. Whinny 186. Greek fable writer 187. Streetcar 189. Terrace

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

15

18

19

20

22

25

26

28

36

29

30

50

46

51

57

58

69

70

88

71

72

84

90

96

107

118

119

108

120

110

111

122

124

146

133

138

147

151

139

144

148

149

153

156

159

160

157

161

167

171

172

180

187

190

173

174

175

181

168

169

170

176

182

188

183

184

185

186

189

191

193

158

162

166

179

140

152

155

165

125

143

145

114

129

137

142

164

113

132

136

150

123

128

131

141

112

117

127

130

178

109

121

126

154

101

116

135

97

103

115

134

85

100

106

80

92

95

102

105

74

91

99

104

73

79

89

94

98

66

83

87

93

195

59

78

82

86

55

62

77

81

54

65

68

76

44

53

64

75

34

47

61

63

33

43

52

60

67

14

39

42

56

177

32

38

45

163

31

41

49

13

21

37

40

48

12

23

27

35

11

16

17

24

10

192

194

196

197

See page 76 for solution October 2020

E ssence | 51

PENINSULA

MID–CENTURY ON O

ccupying a beautifully-landscaped 792 square metre block, this charming mid-century modern home embraces the timeless architectural characteristics from an era where a premium was placed on spacious family living for a lifetime of enjoyment.

E ssence

52 | PENINSULA

October 2020

Real Estate

THE golden mile Underneath the high ceilings, a free flowing floor plan opens the home up to temperate coastal breezes and a thorough renovation takes in the best elements of modern chic and rustic charm.

A dreamy kitchen enjoys lashings of natural light that cascades through an eye-catching atrium window and comes complete with sweeping stone benchtops, quality appliances and a walk-in pantry. continued next page...

October 2020

E ssence | 53

PENINSULA

The kitchen overlooks an equally bright and resplendent open plan lounge and dining area that spills out through bi-fold doors to the tranquil entertaining zone highlighted by a sublime solar heated, salt chlorinated pool and breakfast patio. Four excellent bedrooms - all with gas ducted heating and ceiling fans - include an upstairs and downstairs master suite with bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, and down a short hallway in the north wing are two more bedrooms with built-in robes that share the third bathroom. The downstairs master is particularly opulent with stunning parquetry floors and gorgeous exposed beams and rafters, all complemented by a sleek and soothing colour palette. Several other features to the property include a second living area upstairs and a lovely study nook has a day-bed that captures glimpses of the enchanting roses and lavender that adorn the fabulous, well tended gardens. From the street, the

E ssence

54 | PENINSULA

October 2020

RX FRESH PURE HAND GEL

Is your hand sanitiser safe?

Is it lab tested?

High quality, lab-tested hospital grade hand sanitisers available for online purchase for daily protection from germs and viruses.

property has a secure entry and a circular driveway leads up to a brilliant four-car garage. Beautifully presented in every single way, this stylish and attractive home is a real Mount Eliza beauty with the renowned attractions of the area; shops, beaches and quality schools, all close at hand.

Address: 1 Ti Tree Lane, Mount Eliza, Vic 3930 FOR SALE: $1,750,000 - $1,850,000 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 car INSPECT: Virtual Open for Inspection AGENT: Vicki Sayers 0410 416 987, RT Edgar Mount Eliza, 82 Mt Eliza Way, Mount Eliza, Phone: 9776 3369

kinetixshop.com Scan the QR code with your camera to visit our online shop

Point 01 USFDA and MFDS approved for over-the-counter medicine Point 02 KILLS 99.9% of germs (Bactericidal and Viracidal) Point 03 Odorless, fast drying hand sanitiser with moisturizing formula No water needed Point 04 70% Ethanol content Point 05 Free Shipping via Australia POST

Special 5% Discount Code for commercial buyers to prepare for COVID-19 Recovery

KINETIX2020

For Bulk orders or enquiries, please E-mail us at: info@kinetixlifesciences.com (Special pricing for bulk orders available)

Certificate of 99.9% sterilization and sensitivity testing Skin Irritation Test Test Report

Korea Analysis Test Researcher

99.9 Sterilization test certificate from KATR

Certificate of hypoallergenic product from Global Medical Research Center

'Excellent' Dermatest seal grade from Dermatest GmbH

cGMP Certificate

.com October 2020

E ssence | 55

PENINSULA

Seniors Week

SPECIAL FEATURE

IN THESE EXTRAORDINARY TIMES GREENWAYS IS AN EXTRAORDINARY VILLAGE In these uncertain times, there’s no need to feel alone. Now more than ever, it is a great time to join our community at Greenways Retirement Village.

Residents at Greenways have always felt their village was unique: a beautiful, landscaped oasis in the heart of Seaford, a thriving, social, welcoming and supportive community with a real sense of security and first class facilities.

The village offers affordable living options and low ongoing maintenance charge for peace of mind with incredible staff to support their every need. Further, it has private owners with a genuine and active interest in exceeding resident expectations and has done so for over 40 years.

With the recent challenging events, Greenways residents now know their village is unique and extraordinary.

At Greenways, our residents continue to enjoy the benefits of living in a vibrant and happy retirement community among friends. They feel connected, safe, secure, supported and independent.

But don’t take it from us. See what our happy residents have to say! “You made us safe in ways we would not have thought of,” says Anne Glassborow, who recently moved to Greenways.

Brian Casey, president of the Greenways Residents’ Committee, agrees: “A mere thank you is totally insufficient to portray our gratitude to all the staff here at Greenways.

Your happy, selfless, dedicated and professional support for residents is second to none.” Merle, a resident for over 8 years, sums up her feelings: “How glad am I that I moved to Greenways!”. And the feedback from Ian, a resident since 2011, and his family, is greatly appreciated: “You are heroes. All of you …

Thank you”. It’s no surprise that Greenways received 100% satisfaction from residents in its previous resident survey. We’re confident that feeling has been reinforced during the current challenges. And we’ll do everything we can to ensure Greenways’ incredible community spirit and unique culture thrives well and truly beyond.

We invite you to arrange a private village tour by appointment to meet our fabulous staff and residents, and view our homes.

Alternatively, with current restrictions, you may prefer to receive a comprehensive information pack by mail and we can answer any questions you may have over the phone. Please call Sandra (on (03) 9786 8679 or 0433 883 228) at any time to arrange. We’ll do whatever suits you.

Newly refurbished apartments start from $267,500. One bedroom villa units start from $333,000, two bedroom villas from $397,500, and three bedroom villas from $539,250.

Availability is limited.

We look forward to welcoming you to Greenways.

Greenways Village is at 330 FrankstonDandenong Road, Seaford Call (03) 9786 8679 or visit www.greenwaysvillage.com.au

E ssence

56 | PENINSULA

October 2020

Seniors Week

SPECIAL FEATURE

COMPLEX CANCER TREATMENT CLOSE TO HOME ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA The Bays Hospital Day Infusion Service offers patients access to a comprehensive range of cancer treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and infusion services.

After completing eight weeks of treatment for cancer of the right tonsil, we are thrilled to say he is now in recovery undergoing cancer rehabilitation.

It is a privilege to provide holistic care for patients during this vulnerable time. Patients are treated in a relaxed and calm atmosphere designed to ensure their emotional and physical needs are met. Our multidisciplinary team of experienced Oncologists, Haematologists, specialist nurses and allied health practitioners ensure patients receive the highest quality of care.

From his diagnosis of cancer of the right tonsil, we knew that Frank would need ongoing allied health support e.g speech therapy and dietician. When Frank came into Day Infusion weekly he was reviewed by these services and given ongoing emotional support from the nursing staff.

The combination of personalized care with expert treatment options has contributed to the Day Infusion Therapy Service seeing tremendous growth since 2017.

Central to The Day Infusion Service are the amazing patients. The staff develop strong bonds with many of the patients, caring for them throughout their cancer journey.

Mornington Peninsula local, Frank commenced his chemotherapy journey at The Bays on the 3 June in our Day Infusion Unit.

Frank completed eight weeks of treatment comprising of weekly chemotherapy, and daily radiation treatment. On week three Frank had lost weight and was unable to eat. He was to be admitted to our hospital as an inpatient, with Nasogastric feeds to maintain his weight.

Each day Frank would attend radiation therapy either via ambulance or driven by nursing staff in The Bays patient transport car.

A comprehensive discharge plan was tailored for Frank including two weeks of specialised cancer rehabilitation.

During his time in our care, Frank developed some wonderful relationships with our nursing staff. On the day he completed his treatment, Briars Ward staff made a Guard of Honour and decorated his room with ‘well done’ posters to congratulate him on achieving such a big challenge.

“The Bays is the best hospital I have ever been in, and I have been in a lot”. A lovely sentiment from Frank, and a testament to The Bays Difference.

The Bays Day Infusion Service opened in 2016, and plans are well underway for a Comprehensive Cancer Centre right next to our hospital, at Main Street Mornington, commencing in 2021!

E ssence

58 | PENINSULA

October 2020

You can have Chemotherapy at The Bays Hospital, Mornington

Caring for the Peninsula

Our Medical Oncologists

• All the comforts of home combined with the latest technology

Dr Alam Alamgeer

03 5970 5333

Dr Katherine Geddes

03 5975 5100

Dr Joanne Lundy

03 5970 5333

Dr Simone Steel

03 9789 6570

• Cancer support services onsite • Scalp cooling at no additional cost

For more information speak to one of our specialist oncology nurses on (03) 5975 2009

The Bays Hospital Vale Street, Mornington VIC 3931 Phone 03 5975 2009 October 2020

E ssence | 59

PENINSULA

Seniors Week

SPECIAL FEATURE

INTRODUCING THE BAYS NEW AGED CARE HOME IN HASTINGS Hastings has welcomed a new aged care home, The Bays Aged Care. With 90 years of history, the new home is situated on the original Hastings Bush Nursing Hospital site.

Carefully created to maintain the welcoming, homely feel that the previous facility was renowned for, the residents can now enjoy ultimate luxury with cosy gas log fires, stunning artwork, multiple living spaces, a designated family room, and state-of-the-art aged care amenities.

All the rooms are beautifully designed and appointed with a selection of aspects to suit.

Whether you prefer orientation to the sunny north- east with water glimpses, or internal calming courtyard views, each private room caters for a variety of preferences. All rooms have their own ensuite and are filled with natural light.

The four dining and lounge areas are warm and inviting, each with their own servery, gas log fire and terrace or courtyard to enjoy. Beautifully designed to promote a sense of homely ambience, the coordinated artwork and colour schemes will be sure to resonate with residents and their loved ones. To honour the heritage of the Hastings site, there are a number of historical photographs from times gone by.

A key point of difference with The Bays Aged Care Hastings is, as part of The Bays Healthcare Group, the home is aligned with The Bays Hospital in Mornington.

Founded in the 1930s as the Mornington Bush Nursing Hospital, The Bays Hospital has a rich history of caring for the community. Residents at The Bays Aged Care, may choose to access the

E ssence

60 | PENINSULA

October 2020

comprehensive range of acute medical, surgical and intensive care services, from the same trusted team, when the need for acute care arises.

The new home provides a quiet sense of luxury and modern styling, while maintaining its community charm. The professional staff with their welcoming smiles, provide the best possible care for the residents. The Bays priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of the residents in the home.

“We believe it will be recognised as one of the region’s finest aged care homes,” says Gael Traa, General Manager, The Bays Aged Care Hastings.

The architecturally designed home exudes a sense of community and homeliness. Whether finding a quiet space for reading a book, meeting friends in one of the multiple sunlit sitting rooms, a cuppa at the onsite café, or just simply taking in the beautiful surrounds, the new home will be sure to delight.

The Bays Aged Care Hastings is a fully accredited Aged Care provider. Trusted by the local community for over 90 years The Bays is independent, not for profit, and community owned.

The Bays Aged Care normally operates at full occupancy. With the extension of places created by completion of the new building, we are excited to offer a limited number of places available immediately.

These rooms are going fast.

To avoid disappointment, please book a tour by either contacting our customer service coordinator on 0436 913 373 or Welcome2Hastings@thebays.com.au

and ementiacare.OurhomeisalignedwithTheBaysHospital inMorni gton,withexpertmedicalservicesproudlydeliver d The Bays Aged Care Hastings bythetrustedteamatTheBaysHealthcareGroup. Trustedbygenerationsforover90years Aged Care that’s Aged Care beyond thethat’s everyday.

The Bays Aged Care,everyday. , Hastings beyond the The Bays Aged Care,, Hastings

86VICTORIASTRE T,HASTINGS VIC 3915 A beautiful new aged care home in Hastings is now open.

Think comfortable, modern rooms that cater for singles and couples, each with private ensuites and filled with natural light.

The dining and lounge areas are warm and inviting, each with their own servery, gas log fires and terraces or courtyards to Think Beautifully comfortable, modernto rooms that acater forofsingles enjoy. designed promote sense homelyand couples, each with private ensuites and filled with natural light. ambience.

The dining and lounge areas are warm and inviting, each with In addition to permanent residential care, there are options for their own servery, gas log fires and terraces or courtyards to private and government-funded respite care, memory support enjoy. Beautifully designed to promote a sense of homely and dementia care. Our home is aligned with The Bays Hospital ambience. in Mornington, with expert medical services proudly delivered In addition to permanent care, there are options for by the trusted team at Theresidential Bays Healthcare Group. private and government-funded respite care, memory support and dementia care. Our home is aligned with The Bays Hospital in Mornington, with expert medical services proudly delivered by the trusted team at The Bays Healthcare Group.

We’ve been caring for the Mornington Peninsula community for over 90 years, with local staff and care teams to help you or your loved one feel at home. A limited number of places at The Bays Aged Care Hastings are currently available.

We’ve been caring for the Mornington Peninsula community for To find out more, callstaff 03 and 5979 0333 over 90 years, with local care teams to help you or your or visit thebays.com.au/aged-care loved one feel at home. A limited number of places at The Bays Aged Care Hastings are currently available.

A beautiful new aged care home in Hastings is now open.

To find out more, call 03 5979 0333

The Bays Aged Care Hastings or visit thebays.com.au/aged-care Trusted by generations for over 90 years 86 VICTORIA STREET, HASTINGS VIC 3915

The Bays Aged Care Hastings

E ssence | 61

PENINSULA 2020years Trusted by generations forOctober over 90

Seniors Week

SPECIAL FEATURE

PARC YOUR WAY KEEPING THE COMMUNITY MOVING One of PARC’s core philosophies is everyone should have the opportunity to be active.

That's why they’ve created specific PARC Your Way online exercise classes for our amazing over 60s community which is aimed at keeping you strong and fit during iso.

These sessions will help improve your strength and balance, and keep you connected during lockdown.

PARC Your Way (www.parcyourway.com.au) is PARC’s online platform that gives you access to a library of 400+ classes, plus a timetable of live classes, you can do safely from home.

Older Adults classes Tuesdays and Thursdays This Senior’s Festival PARC has put together an exceptional timetable of online health and wellbeing resources for older adults.

Throughout October, every Tuesday and Thursday join a LIVE online exercise class, provided free to the community.

Want to keep active from the safety of your home?

Look after your physical and mental health during lockdown with PARC Your Way, our free, community health and wellbeing resource. Access a library of over 400 exercise videos, or join our timetable of live classes. With classes for older adults, beginners and recovery, there is something for everyone, and it's super easy to use.

Sign up for FREE at www.parcyourway.com.au

E ssence

62 | PENINSULA

October 2020

For free access, visit www.parcyourway.com.au.

If you need help, email: healthandfitness@parcfrankston.com.au.

The team at PARC look forward to celebrating Seniors Festival with you.

Seniors Week

SPECIAL FEATURE

LIBRARIES TO HOST GENERAL SIR PETER COSGROVE General Sir Peter Cosgrove is one of Australia’s most significant public figures and this November he will discuss his extraordinarily full and eventful life with Frankston City Libraries and Mornington Peninsula Library Service.

humour, intelligence and a force of personal magnetism that was felt by everyone from The Queen to U.S. presidents. Cosgrove represents the traits we truly value: warmth, humanity, toughness and loyalty.

As a soldier he saw action in Vietnam, winning the Military Cross, and rose to the very top of his profession, becoming chief of the defence force. Soon after his retirement from the army, he was invited to take charge of the relief and rebuilding operation in Queensland after Cyclone Larry.

Secure your ticket to General Sir Peter Cosgrove ‘in conversation’ for Monday 9 November at 6pm. Bookings are essential for this free online event via: library.frankston.vic. gov.au or ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au

As Governor General he supported Australians in times of crisis, sadness, joy and celebration, representing us on the world stage with

Attendees have the opportunity to submit questions and will receive an exclusive link via email to purchase signed copies of General Sir Peter Cosgrove’s new memoir; 'You shouldn’t have joined.'

October 2020

E ssence | 63

PENINSULA

Retirement

Living

but not as you know it.

Perfectly positioned in pristine Mt Martha, Martha Bay offers a choice of immaculately presented residences for the discerning downsizer.

Call to discuss your retirement future with our friendly sales specialists and learn more about living at Martha Bay. Ask about a virtual tour of our display villas.

E ssence

64 | PENINSULA

October 2020

Homes to suit your way of life BR

LDRY

STUDY

Dalkeith

BEDROOM 2

BUTLERS PANTRY

ROBE

$720K

F

BATH ROOM

DINING

DW

KITCHEN

LINEN

Entertainers will love the Dalkeith’s contemporary living, dining and kitchen areas opening onto a private north facing courtyard.

Included are walk in and built-in robes in the spacious bedrooms, a study nook, a laundry located at the rear of the house and a double lock-up garage.

LOUNGE ALFRESCO

WIR

ENS

ENTRY MASTER SUITE

GARAGE PORCH

Green Gables

CL

HWS

FROM

ALFRESCO

WO MW

BR

KITCHEN

AC

WM

LNDRY STORE

DW

STUDY

DINING 3.5 x 2.2

BEDROOM 2 3.2 x 3.1

BATH

ROBE

GARAGE 5.8 x 5.8

LOUNGE 7.2 x 3.4

WIR ENTRY ENS

MASTER SUITE 3.9 x 3.7

VERANDAH

Faversham

WO MW

BUTLERS PANTRY FRIDGE

$660K

KITCHEN 3.1 x 3.3

BEDROOM 2 3.3 x 3.2

HOME OFFICE 1.9 x 1.7

DW

AC

ENTRY

DINING & LOUNGE 7.5 x 4.4 TERRACE 2.0 x 4.2

STORE

Featuring a generous dining and lounge area leading through to the large terrace, the Faversham is the perfect home to take in the view. Two spacious bedrooms are located either side of the terrace, and each takes advantage of the outlook. A cook’s kitchen features modern appliances, making entertaining a breeze.

F BUTLERS PANTRY

$710K Green Gables’ living areas, which open onto a paved alfresco terrace, are a must for entertainers. With two generous bathrooms, master suite with walk-in robe and double second bedroom, there’s plenty of space including a butlers pantry, study nook and a double garage.

WO MW

LAUNDRY

MASTER SUITE 3.5 x 3.2

WM

BATH ROOM ENSUITE

ROBE

Plus two underground car spaces and additional storage.

111 Craigie Road Mt Martha

Freecall: 1800 998 990 marthabay.com.au October 2020

E ssence | 65

PENINSULA

• No more mud in your gutters • No more vermin or birds in your roof • Protect your most valued investment -your home, your building

• Gutters stay clean - no more cleaning • Save money and cleaning time • 25 year guarantee

1300 220 869 *Valid Until 04/11/20 (Conditions apply)

E ssence

66 | PENINSULA

October 2020

History

STOPPING ALL STATIONS TO RED HILL

By Ilma Hackett - Balnarring and District Historical Society

“

T

hey came from the orchards on the hills and valleys of Mornington Peninsula yesterday to witness the official opening of the railway extension of 10 miles from Bittern to Red Hill.” So ran the opening sentence of a news item in the Frankston and Somerville Standard written on December 2, 1921. The writer estimated 700 people, some put the figure at closer to 1,000, crowded at the new Red Hill railway terminal on that hot summer morning to greet the very first train to arrive from Melbourne. Excitement ran high. It was a long awaited event.

The Railway’s Background

The railway had reached Hastings and Stony Point in 1889.

This extension from Frankston had been built mainly for military purposes. Its construction followed the installation of a telegraph line at Sandy Point to relay news of Russian warships in Western Port Bay where, as one reader of The Argus in May 1875 argued, once alerted by telegraph and with a railway in place “a force might

be sent down in time to dispute an attempt at landing.” Even before the line was completed there had been a cry to extend it further, to bring the line through to Red Hill and “put life into the district”.

The fruit-growers in particular called for a faster and more efficient means to get their produce to city markets. The roads at the time, more often than not, were impassable. It took as long as ten hours to get fruit to the Bittern railhead, fourteen to Mornington. A rail line would be a real boon. Not all agreed. In a letter to the editor in 1915 one person wrote: “ . . . as a means of transport of beetroot from Bitten and red strawberries from Red Hill we doubt its usefulness”.

Most though were in favour and several routes were considered.

One was a coastal route through Shoreham to Flinders. A second was a link from Mornington across to Red Hill or from Baxter junction along the centre of the peninsula to Red Hill. The third, and chosen, route went from Bittern through Balnarring and Merricks to Red Hill (with the possibility of extending it further south at a future date). continued next page...

October 2020

E ssence | 67

PENINSULA

Previous page: The official opening of the Bittern to Red Hill railway, 2 December 1921, with Mr Barnes (Minister of Transport) officiating and five year old Mary Forrest (far right) still holding the ribbon.

Above: Bittern Station, 1910.

Below: The bridge crossing at Hann's Creek between Balnarring and Merricks Railway Stations.

Work begins In1915 a Railway Act was passed for the construction of the line to go ahead but because it was war time, the project was put on hold until peace should return. Finally in 1919 land was acquisitioned.

The official ceremony of turning the first sod was performed by the Minister of Railways in 1920 opposite the general store in Balnarring. This was followed by a banquet held at the Balnarring Hall.

E ssence

68 | PENINSULA

October 2020

The total length of the line was not quite ten miles (16 kms).

The topography between Bittern and Merricks is fairly flat, the land rising from 13 metres above sea level to 41.5 metres at Merricks but Red Hill sits at 192.5 metres, a relatively short and steep climb. The maximum gradient was1 in 30 and the line necessitated sharp curves with a radius of about 240 metres. The line was standard gauge, 5 feet 3 inches (1.6 metres). Hann's Creek between Balnarring and Merricks presented an obstacle and a wooden trestle bridge was designed to take the trains across,

Above: People amass at the station at Red Hill waiting for the first train to arrive, 2 December 1921.

The Bittern to Red Hill Railway Construction Trust made up of Shire councillors was constituted in 1920 and a rate, 1/- in the £1, was levied to supplement the capital expenditure. The estimated cost was approximately £44,000. The actual cost was closer to £76,000.

Donald Ross Mackay was given the contract for the work and he engaged sixty workers and six horse teams with scoops. The workmen used spades and wheelbarrows to build the line on the relatively level land and the horse teams were brought into use when the line turned inland to climb to Red Hill.

Ern Stone, owner of the Balnarring general store, had the contract to supply the necessary feed for the horse teams. There was some uneasiness in the area over the influx of navvies to work on the line and the Balnarring Progress Association asked for an additional police presence. However this wasn’t seen to be necessary and “didn’t warrant such action”.

Work began and the total section of track from Bittern to Merricks was completed in about six months. The more challenging hill section was ready towards the end of the following year.

The line is opened The official opening of the line took place on 2 December, 1921.

Elsie Cole from ‘Larnoo’ at Merricks described the events of the day in a letter to her sister-in-law, Ruby Cole, who was unable to attend. Elsie wrote that all morning there was “a continuous stream of motors, drays, buggies, jinkers” towards the Red Hill Station

grounds. The crowd brought picnic lunches with them and they were entertained by the naval band as they waited for the train to appear.

It was late arriving. A plague of caterpillars across the track caused the wheels to slip as the train tackled the steep gradient towards the Red Hill Station.

The train was pulled by the Commissioner’s engine, a Dd980, driven by Mr Carter.

It was decorated with flags and bedecked with garlands of pink roses placed there by the Stone family at Balnarring. One long state carriage carried the dignitaries and another carriage was packed with people all “hanging out of windows and on the footboard, waving and cheering”. The excursion fare from Melbourne was six shillings and eleven pence but the Cole family members had ridden for free as there was not yet a station master at Merricks to issue tickets.

The official ceremony began with the cutting of a ribbon. The oldest resident of the district, Mary Haig, 92 years, was assisted by the youngest pupil at the Red Hill school, five-year-old Mary Forrest. Each held the end of the ribbon that was cut by the Minister of Transport, Mr Barnes, who used a special silver penknife. This officially opened the line. Speeches were given, then the official party attended a luncheon during which another twenty-four speeches were given. The unfortunate Dave Buckley, a local key figure who was supposed to give a speech, wasn’t able to attend because of lumbago. continued next page...

October 2020

E ssence | 69

PENINSULA

Above: The flag and flower bedecked train pulls into Red Hill Station, 2 December 1921.

Top right: The motor train at Merricks station circa 1926.

Below right: Loading sheep at Red Hill, 1936.

The crowd meantime picnicked, listened to the music, and socialised. The train made a run to Merricks and back on a joy ride for the children. Mrs Cole describes how one young father climbed aboard with his baby then heard someone say the train was bound for Melbourne. As it began to roll he “made a flying leap off the train with the baby” much to the consternation of his wife.

The day ended "with a tremendous thunder and hail storm".

Celebrations went on into the night at a social held at Balnarring where things ended with a “bit of a fight”, as Mrs Cole commented, due to “too much beer, I believe” being consumed. The Red Hill people celebrated at a dance held in the new coolstore, hopefully with a little more decorum.

area. Fertilizer, bran, pollard, chaff, cement, hardware and materials for construction such as poles and pipes were brought to stations along the route. Fruit, strawberries, potatoes, onions, timber, livestock (both sheep and cattle) and firewood, huge amounts of firewood, left for Melbourne markets.

Close to the stations at Merricks and Balnarring new businesses were set up. A general store was built at Merricks while at Balnarring a blacksmith’s was relocated closer to the station and two of Ern Stone’s sons opened a garage and a hardware store near their father’s general store at the Balnarring junction. Land was subdivided and sold in anticipation of both residential and commercial growth.

Stations along the route

The Early Years At first, trains ran from Melbourne to Red Hill on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from Red HiIl to Melbourne on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The train carried both passengers and goods. Special trains were also run for such events as the Dromana races or the Red Hill Show. A rail motor for passengers was trialled for a couple of years in the mid 1920s, but it had problems with the steep gradient and the service discontinued. Holiday-makers took advantage of the line to reach the beaches at Somers, Balnarring and Merricks and for those who came for a few weeks, a train outing was something to look forward to. The run to Red Hill was a picturesque ride offering views of the sea along most of the line and a constant change of scenery at every turn through the hills.

The line certainly made it easier to move goods in and out of the

E ssence

70 | PENINSULA

October 2020

The far terminus was the Red Hill Station. Here there were station buildings, a station master’s residence, goods shed and platform, and sheep-loading pens and ramps. The ‘splendid’ coolstores drew Elsie Cole’s praises, “I had no idea they would be so big”, while the metalled surfaces of the approaches to the station itself and the stores drew further comment.

At the station there were two loop sidings and one dead-end siding near the turntable. There was also a dead-end siding near the coolstore. In 1921 one visitor described “quite a large settlement of homes surrounded by orchards” at Red Hill.

Not long after the line opened there was a push for further extensions; “it was never intended it stop at Red Hill”. Suggested destinations were Flinders, or Red Hill South, or Boneo, or Baldry’s Corner.

October 2020

E ssence | 71

PENINSULA

Above: Red Hill Station, circa 1920's. (Vic Rail Photograph).

Below left: Merricks Station circa 1951.

Far right: The Mason family waiting for the train, Balnarring 1953.

E ssence

72 | PENINSULA

October 2020

Corner. A route to Baldry’s Corner was surveyed. However road transport was making an impact and the planned extension never went ahead. It was abandoned in1927.

The Merricks Station had a caretaker’s residence in the early years of the railway, a goods shed standing on its own platform and a station building. The station building was a small shelter. There were combined stock-trucking yards where sheep sales were held and the animals were then moved away by rail. The Cole family who owned a large grazing property nearby sometimes had special trains for their sheep. After the line was dismantled the goods shed was moved to ‘Larnoo’, Cole property, where it served as a farm shed until fairly recently.

Balnarring Station was designated a ‘station NC’ (no-one in charge). In1928 a request from the Progress Association outlined a need for a caretaker to receive parcels, a platform scale, conveniences and the issue of seaside excursion tickets to Balnarring. The request wasn’t met. The station itself had a long ramp with two sheds on the platform. “One had sliding doors and was equipped with a batteryoperated telephone with a line direct to the station master’s office in Bittern. The other was open on one side. It had posters on one wall showing the maximum weight and correct loading methods for each type of truck. Also fixed to the wall was a metal cylinder containing a red flag. To be used to stop train only!” (Jack Cavanagh)

metres wide with a ramp at one end. Rail cars were off-shunted to the goods siding, a loop siding. The station yards had a loading ramp for sheep and cattle which was accessed from Grant’s Lane while the Council Depot stood at the west end of the railway yard.

Jack Cavanagh, a school boy in the 1930s, loved to go to the station yards when he heard the sound of the train’s whistle. “Whenever possible, we would race down to the station to watch them as they shunted one or two trucks into the siding. The engineer would take his oil-can to the connecting-rod bearings, the fireman shovel in some coal, a blast from the whistle, a hiss of steam and off they would go, sometimes spinning the wheels. We then picked up the flattened pieces of copper-wire and nails we had placed on the rails, looked inside the trucks, fiddled with the brakes and headed for home”.

The frequency of the service was cut back in the ensuing years as the use of the railway fell away. The service became a weekly one, with a train running on a Monday. Passengers continued to enjoy an outing to Red Hill and a ride on the train was a highlight eagerly anticipated by many holiday-makers. This was a slow and leisurely ride particularly the hilly section after Merricks and there are a number of stories associated with the climb. It is said that members of the engine crew could hop down from the train to pick mushrooms beside the line as the engine made its way upwards and were able to climb back on board before the train went too far.

There was also a goods platform eighteen metres long by five

continued next page...

October 2020

E ssence | 73

PENINSULA

Above: The last train to leave from Balnarring station, 1956.

Below: Marker at the site of the Red Hill station.

Closure Ironically it was the railway that had introduced road freight trucks to connect with Bittern and as the roads improved users preferred to use road transport to the rail. The line ran at a loss for many years.

It was finally closed on July 1, 1953 and the dismantling of the line was authorised at the end of 1955. But a few trains did run before the line was taken up. Special trains brought children from the city to Somers to the Lord Somers Camp to enjoy holidays in a country and seaside environment. The final train, a picnic train organised by the Railways Historic Society, made a final run from Bittern to Balnarring and back in 1956.

The railway route today Today, with a bit of sleuthing, you can find signs of the old railway line. It ran parallel to the Frankston-Flinders Road from Bittern to Balnarring and as you are driving towards Balnarring you can still see signs of the former rail embankments in properties on the left hand side of the road. Station Street in Balnarring is one clue. It led down to the station grounds on the opposite side of the road.

From the station at Balnarring the line crossed the road leading to Balnarring Beach and Somers (considered a most dangerous intersection) before turning away from the road and heading across paddocks in the general direction of Merricks. Today, leading from Balnarring’s skate park and running towards the school, is a shallow cutting overshadowed by pine trees. This was the train’s route. It

E ssence

74 | PENINSULA

October 2020

skirted the land where the school now stands and headed across paddocks towards the bridge over Hann's Creek before turning again to cross the Frankston-Flinders Road and reach the Merricks Station.

The former Merricks Station grounds are now the Equestrian Centre and the platform here is still discernible as are some of the old rails.

From Merricks there is a walking trail that follows the former route to Red Hill. It’s a pleasant walk that skirts vineyards and climbs through bushland as it nears Red Hill. Here the remains of the old 53 feet (16 metre) turntable can be traced out among the undergrowth and although the station has gone there is a marker that was erected on the line’s 75th Anniversary. Not far away Station Road angles to meet Red Hill Road. It leads towards the site of the former station. At the end of the walk heritage signs tell the story of the line, of the time when the long, drawn-out whistle of the steam train was a common sound in the district.

References: Contemporary newspapers.

Source materials held by the Balnarring and District Historical Society.

"The Bittern-Red Hill Railway 1921 - 1953" by Keith Holmes.

Photographs: These are from the Balnarring and District Historical Society collection and are reproduced with permission.

Above: Information board at Merricks.

Below left: Remnants of the old platform at Merricks seen today in the Equestrian Centre.

October 2020

E ssence | 75

PENINSULA

V A C A

128 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento t: 03 5984 1762 m: 0438 537 757 e: marlenemiller3@bigpond.com Specialising in antique jewellery, as well as newly-made jewellery

by Melbourne’s top jewellers

L

O

T

E D

R

I

T

C H A R A D E L

T O F

C

N

A

Y E A S

O

V

I

A C C E D R

K

E

S

M

T

I

R

N A

Y E

T

I

O

I

N D

I

S U M S U T

L O B

E

LOVE PENINSULA ESSENCE AND DON’T WANT TO MISS A COPY?

T E

ULA

ESS

ENC

E MA Y

20 17

PENIN

SULA

Mattres ses Bedroo Mattresse Bedr Furnitu s oommFu rni re Man ture

ESSE NCE

MAY

Living & vi SEPTEMBER sitin 201 7g on FRE the

chester Manch Ro ester os se R eb bu Pillows ud’s Pilulalow n Penins ’s on the MorninHo gto Ho De m ares essd D ti meew visiting n&aa waress ng ti Livin ti o n on fo forr Qu uaalitity Q lity B Beed ingg dddin AUGU

ST 2017

EMor ni

Living &

Proudl Proudlyy stocking stocking Austral Australiian Made an Made mattre mattre sses from sses from Sleepm Sleepm aker and aker and Slumb Slumb erest. erest.

visiting on

the Morning

ngto

n Pe

S

S

E E R

S

I

L

E E

A

W

I

M

I

L

E S

D

T

L

E A S H

A R E

R I

L

A B E

A D Y I

O

C I

S

T O

I

A

L

T

I

E R

L

A

E

I

S N A P I

L

A N E S R

D E A D E N

2017

I

FREE

I

O T

A

L

D

Name .................................................................................................................

Address ............................................................................................................

LIVING & VIS ITIN G ON

Phone.............................................................................................................

THE MORNI NGT ON PEN INSULA

LIVING

or rmance nical gn, perfo ity, desi bines tech ting on qual C 350 e com e crea z promise while we’r motoring. to com edes-Ben z. And nt of The Merc edes-Ben and enjoyme details ehicle. re of Merc ement ring. Full o the natu sheer excit of moto on the evolution romise the next racing z is emb

The Be Fort auty of Wine Framewo Burlesque rk Trave llers • The Ca • Pushing • If It ll Aint of the Mu the Boun Baroq da ue Do sic • Ma ries • He n’t Fix n Up an r Ne It • He d Ge xt Wave nry Ho t Waxe is ward’ d • Th Waiting • e s Jo A Heart for urney Legacy Kate Wa Helpi lks Tal • Fo of Art Mason’s Miss ng • Dance with cus l Liv Dept ion on Mo es On • h Style • Glassblow A Long File • Home unt Eli ing in the and Garde Way from Cairo Family • za • Moving n • Movin The True In the Right g In Meaning Direction of Hospitalitythe Right Direction • When Footy • Focus on Red Hill Came to the Penin sula

& VISITIN

NG ON

G ON THE

& VISITI

MORNINGTON

THE MORN

Ages

ULA

PENINSULA

of the A Legacy

PENINS

INGTON

(03) ington , Morn yabb Road rnington-T

LIVING

Only at 1263 Pt at Da ngths David Her Stre le vid Ba Nepe an Bark Channels esty rkee Be Swimmer Hearty and Hom ard Bedd Road Ro Poetry • dding ad,, Ro me, ng it Forw ing Rose ther with sure • Wholeso n • Payi sebu budd People Toge is Trea Morningto • Bringing • Five Per Cent nck • Focus on •• Ph Ph::59 the Town Scha Veins Talk 59 in Their at Cape The86 86ofly55 with 55Ice44 44• Fire! The Duel The Fami 3 LMCT44

5973 9688

(box) Visa (box) Mastercard Card number ............................................................................................

Expiry date ...............................................................................................

Post to Peninsula Essence Subscriptions PO Box 588, Hastings Vic 3915

E ssence

76 | PENINSULA

October 2020

Y

I E

E

I

C S O

G

R O S E H

...........................................................................................................................

to own.

L L

A G E N D A

ula

la

N G

C

N A

nins

ton Peninsu

U

I

E A G E R

R

S

V I

K

U

E D

L

W

W

S

E

C

G E A R

R M A N E

N

A

E A S E

E

D O D G E

N E S S

E

A C D C

D

I

E

C H

L

L

D O Z

S

C O P O U T

S F

I C

O R A

R

T H R N O

T

V

I

D E E D

G E R

S E A

M

S E

I

S I

S

N

R

M

F

E A R S

U

R

R E M O T I

E S

N E S M E N

C H A

T H E R

Y

E A S E S

S

L

T

T

L E

E

A N A E M

N

A

O N O

M E R S

R E

S

S U S H

A

L

M A

M A N T

N

D

T

I N

E

E

S N E E R T

A N N

T

A N T

O

A

E A R T H E D

F

A

R

R S

P

I

E

A

M O S S Y

T

F

E

I

E D

T H E D R A

I

Y

V O

T

I T

F

A N A

S O T

C

I

N

T

N

T O N E

L

E

D

R

D

C A

U T

I

S

L

E R G O

E N A B

I

A U D I

L

A R A B E

E A

(box) $60 twelve month subscription (box) $30 six month subscription

INS

FREE

O

R

L

L

B

L

E

M S

B

M

P U P A E

E A R N E R I

A G A R A D

To subscribe phone Mornington Peninsula News Group on 03 5973 6424 or complete the details below.

PEN

2017

T

M

N T

I

I

W

A M B E R

I

A

C O N S

C D R O M E D

N

S C

B Y P A S S

F

S O L

N N S

A R Y

N

T

I

E N T

6 AND 12 MONTH SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE For only $5 per month, Peninsula Essence will be mailed to you in a sealed plastic bag.

PEN LA U S N I N PENINSU INSULA PE LA AUGUST

David Barke David Bark e Beddin Bedd ingg

L

D E A

N

T I

C

I

I

I

L

L

E

T

S K L

T

A V O

A D P O L

O

C A N

E W E R

T

L

L

L

E

A

A

A

M O N T

I

C

A

T

I

U

T

N

L

N G S E

C T

C A P

G

I

I

S

C A R T

N

P

T R E A

O

L

I

L

A

X

I

S

U

B R O C C O L S

T

M

S E M T

D

O A

N G

T

L O S S

I

I

N O W H E R E

T

S A R

I

M P A

I

S

L

N

U

O

C

O

F

E

S

A G N A N T

A J

F

L

L

E

M A G E

L G A R

F

O

R O B

A

I

S C R O L

H

N G

T R A

T

D

T

B A

I

I

E

E E

E

U N W R A P P E D R

U

A V A S

U

E

I

T

H

Y O U N G E R O

F

I

A G G E D D

R E O P E N

C R A Q

I

P

oasis

turn your home into a sanctuary!

Sleek modern design combined with superb comfort and engineering makes Oasis an incredibly versatile option for your home. Multiple sofa, sofa chaise and modular combinations are all offered with adjustable headrests, extra seat depth and manual or motor mechanisms per seat section. Add to this a superb 'easy care' leather and fabric choice, and you can be guaranteed that all your comfort, aesthetic and functional expectations will be met. peninsula home 1128 - 1132 nepean hwy mornington 03 5973 4899

luducoliving.com.au October 2020

E ssence | 77

PENINSULA

E ssence

78 | PENINSULA

October 2020