Peninsula Essence - Summer 2014-15

SUMMER 2014/15 FREE

PENINSULA Living & visiting on the Mornington Peninsula

Photo by Yanni.

Spiegel Tent • Ghosts • Life under the big top • Sierra Nevada shipwreck • Peninsula underwater • Carnival life • Man caves • Short Film Festival • Beach boxes • Victoria’s worst job? • Fashion • Kite Festival • 1951 Mt Lamington eruption • Snakes alive • Art of jewellery making • Creatures of the Peninsula • Life of Michael

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MADE IN

JAPAN

Proudly published by

Writers: Melissa Walsh, Andrew Dixon, Sheree Marris, Peter McCullough, Cameron McCullough Design: Evan Stampe, Maria Mirabella Photography: Yanni Publisher: Cameron McCullough Advertising: Ricky Thompson, 0425 867 578 email: ricky@mpnews.com.au General enquiries: essence@mpnews.com.au Registered address: 2/1 Tyabb Road, Mornington 3931 Phone: 5973 6424 www.peninsulaessence.com.au /peninsulaessence 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 quarterly.w 30,000 copies (mix of home delivery and bulk dropped at an extensive network of outlets across the peninsula).

30 WATT ROAD MORNINGTON mornington@mij.com.au www.mij.com.au 5976 3464

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PENINSULA

contents

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34

38

43

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8-10 Events on the Mornington Peninsula 14 Roll up, roll up

The beautiful spiegel zelt (tent) is coming all the way from Belgium to our very own Sorrento.

18 Let’s talk about ghosts

Melissa Walsh talks all things spooky with Jenny Tomkin of Sorrento Ghost Tours.

22 Window shopping

Products we’re sure you will love.

25 Life under the big top

We chat to Silvers Circus high-wire artist Ramon to get a glimpse of the other side of the main arena.

28 Sierra Nevada shipwreck

58 Victoria’s worst job?

If you thought your job was bad, spare a thought for sewage diver Brendan Walsh as he earns a reputation for having the worst job in Victoria.

60 Arthur’s Seat Challenge wrap-up

Did you take on the challenge of the 6.7km run up Arthurs Seat? Here is this year’s wrap-up.

62 Style File

Our stylish models show off what’s “in” or soon to be in.

68 Essence photography competition

Browse through this issue’s entrants in our photography competition.

70 Rosebud Kite Festival

Cameron McCullough looks into the 1900 shipwreck with only five survivors.

Victoria’s largest kite-flying event, this free family festival will attract professional kite-makers and wind artists on Sunday 8 March 2015.

32 Peninsula paparazzi

72 Man on a mission

Cam McCullough and three-year-old assistant TJ get behind the lens at the Peninsula Cup race day.

34 Mornington Peninsula Down Under Sheree Marris shows off the marine environment of the peninsula that rivals tropical reefs in a magnificent photographic spread.

7

38 Carnival life

After travelling around with carnivals all his life, Michael Wittingslow has settled down on the peninsula with his ventures the Rye Carnival and Boneo Maze and Mini Golf.

43 The secret life of man caves

Essence writer Melissa Walsh ventures into a realm where females aren’t supposed to go to talk to two man cave aficionados.

51 Peninsula Short Film Fest

Peninsula Short Film Festival director Steve Bastoni talks film – long and short.

54 Beach box confidential

A few fun facts that you may not know about colourful constructions on our foreshore and beaches.

56 Between the Bays Music Festival

Now in its 10th year, Between the Bays is firmly established as the peninsula’s best music festival on the summer calendar.

Peter McCullough talks to Bernie Woiwod who is seeking support to build a memorial in New Guinea to remember the 4000 villagers killed when Mt Lamington erupted in 1951.

76 On your bike

We take a look at some peninsula bike rides

80 Snakes alive

Snake handler Barry Goldsmith sheds some light on these cold-blooded creatures.

84 The precious art of jewellery-making

One of the few modern jewellers who has completed an old school jewellery apprenticeship, Sonya Kelly talks about her passion.

87 Creatures of the peninsula

A wide variety of bird and animal species live and breed on the peninsula.

93 We come in peace

We speak to Imam Syed Wadood Janud at a mosque in the picturesque housing estate that was once Leisureland theme park, just off the Western Port Highway near Langwarrin.

96 A wonderful life

Michael Binney has lived an interesting life. We meet him at Crib Point Football Club where the 68-year-old regales us with stories of his 27th season as a trainer with his beloved Magpies and about life as he knows it.

THE PENINSULA’S SECRET IS OUT N

ational Geographic released its list of the 20 best trips for 2015 and nestled in there – holding its place among the stunning icy peaks of Zermatt in Switzerland and the tropical paradise of Port Antonio in Jamaica – is our own very own Mornington Peninsula, proving something that locals have known all along.

Selected by the magazine’s online readers, the region was hailed for distilling the “flavours of

down under in one boot-shaped cape: paddockto-plate restaurants, down-to-earth wineries where the vintners themselves work the tasting rooms, and small sustainable farms such as 2 Macs and Green Olive at Red Hill that each offer cooking classes”.

It name-checks Red Hill Community Market; author Garry Disher, whose crime novels are set on the peninsula; the Ten Minutes by Tractor restaurant and winery; and heralds the peninsula as “Melbourne’s playground” with farm fresh

food like Blue Bay Cheese and L’Uliveto Verde Green Olive Grove to Staples Apple and Cherry Orchard, and alludes to our wonderful variety of wineries and cellar doors, created when a handful of visionary winemakers set up shop in the 1970s, and now continue the tradition of many boutique and family-run vineyards. Of course there’s also the coastline with its colourful beach shacks, remarkable beaches, and soft, white sand that stretches for kilometres.

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Events

mornington peninsula Sand Sculpting Australia

Portsea Polo

Boxing Day 2014 till April 2015

Saturday 10 January 2015, 10.30am-6pm

Friends, foes and superheroes, Frankston Waterfront will be again transformed as more than 3500 tonnes of sand is carved into spectacular sculptures of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters.

Frankston Waterfront www.sandstormevents.com

Australia’s highest profile polo event combines the excitement of the game with the best the Mornington Peninsula has to offer – food, wine, sun, the great outdoors and picturesque Portsea.

Point Nepean Quarantine Station www.portseapolo.com.au

Picnic in the Park

Rye Gift Athletic Carnival

New Year’s Day, Thurs 1 Jan 2015 9am-4pm

Saturday 10 January 2015, 10am-6pm

Join the Confederates Rod and Custom Club on New Year’s Day for the first cruise of the year. Entry is free and the event is open to all hot rods, customs and classics.

Mornington Park, Mornington confederatesrodandcustom.weebly.com

Professional foot races conducted by the Victorian Athletic League and a family fun day. Also includes free activities and children’s entertainment.

R J Rowley Reserve, 20 Melbourne Rd, Rye www.facebook.com/TheRyeGift

Blessing of the Waters

Two Bays Trail Run

Tuesday 6 January 2015, 12.30pm-5pm After a Eucharistic blessing service at the Orthodox Church in Red Hill, a priest will form a procession at Rye jetty and perform the Blessing of the Waters.

A festival of music and dancing will be held on the foreshore afterwards.

Greek Orthodox Church, Red Hill & Rye foreshore

Sunday 11 January 2015

Rotary Club of Sorrento Art Show

RACV Great Australian Rally

9-17 January 2015, 10am-4pm

Sunday 18 January 2015, 8am-3.30pm

The first art show of the year in Victoria will showcase peninsula and other artists. Artwork is available for purchase with the event raising funds to support the community.

Sorrento Community Centre www.sorrentoartshow.com

The largest classic vehicle display in Victoria sees vehicles start at three locations – Melbourne, Rowville and Hastings Marina. Racecourse gates open at 10am for members of the public.

Mornington Racecourse, Racecourse Rd, www.greataustralianrally.com.au

Victoria’s biggest individual trail running event features 28km or 56km runs from Dromana to Cape Schanck with hills, bushland and coastal views on a well-marked course with support from helpers. www.twobaystrailrun.com

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Events

mornington peninsula Postcards

Stories from the Mornington Peninsula Until Sunday 25 January 2015

The early history of the peninsula’s most popular holiday spots and early industries is on display in the form of postcards. Eight historical societies have gathered material over the past three years.

Coolart Homestead, Lord Somers Rd, Somers

Barefoot Bowls Fun Day Australia Day 26 January 2015, 10am-dusk

Peninsula Short Film Fest 7 February 2015, 4pm till late Bring a friend, a rug and come and enjoy this free outdoor short film festival. Food and drinks will be available (no alcohol).

Village Green, Rosebud. Melway ref 158 D12

Western Port Festival Friday 20 Feb to Sunday 22 Feb 2015

New Australia Day family event features prizes, barbecue, food and drink, books, craft and gifts.

Sorrento Bowls Club Rear David MacFarlan Reserve, Hotham Rd www.sorrento.bowls.com.au

Famous street parade, fireworks, music, rides, kids’ activities, art and craft show, mini motorbike stunts, woodchopping competition, waterski display, car and truck show and more.

Hastings foreshore www.westernportfestival.org.au

Australia Day Fun Run

The Great Peninsula Paddle

Sunday 26 January 2015, 9am

22 February 2015

Two distances – 10km and 5.3km – for running enthusiasts. Both routes follow the foreshore bay trail and finish at the Village Green in Rosebud.

Starts from Safety Beach Safety Club www.ausdayfunrun.com.au

Iconic annual paddle event at Sorrento Sailing Club sees novice and elite paddlers enjoy or compete along the stunning peninsula shoreline. Club is at 3154 Point Nepean Rd, Sorrento. www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ reclinkpaddle2015/vic_peninsula

Pinot Noir Celebration

Graze the Bays

6 and 7 February 2015

Two days of tasting pinot noir as well as lunches and dinners at various wineries, and a program of activities. Keynote speaker: Tim Atkin MW RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Trent Jones Drive Full program and tickets from: www.mpva.com.au

March 15 2015 New event for the Mornington Peninsula.

A celebration of the Peninsula’s Bays and its world-class marine and land-based produce.

Balcombe Hill, Mt Martha grazethebays.com.au

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ADVENTURE is the new black W

hat an incredible year it’s been at the Enchanted Adventure Garden. With a win at the 2014 Victorian Tourism Awards for adventure tourism, a Hall of Fame recipient at the Mornington Peninsula business awards and winner of the 2014 Telstra Business Awards as Victoria’s best regional business, it has to be asked: what is their secret?

If you were to ask owner–operator Michael Savage, he would tell you it’s because he gets bored easily. “I’m a practical type of bloke. I can’t sit still for very long and I like to build stuff.” In particular he likes to build adventure experiences. A world traveller and father of four, Mike and his wife Sally went to London to find a designer for their garden mazes, to Italy to source the adventure garden’s tube slides, and to France to find the best tree-climbing course builders in the world. In the past five years, the gardens have changed dramatically from what was once a hedge maze and tea house to Victoria’s most-awarded outdoor adventure park, featuring five mazes, five giant tube slides, two tree surfing climbing courses and two hectares (five acres) of stunning gardens, sculpture and lakeside picnic grounds. And this summer, they plan to lift the bar even higher.

Mike and his team are planning to open Victorian’s longest zipline, the Big Zip, which will launch adventurers across the formal garden through an avenue of mature liquid amber trees and

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across the six megalitre lake with spectacular views of the hinterland valley beyond. The Big Zip will be only available to those who have paid park entry or pre-purchased as a combined ticket online.

It will operate with booked timeslots that includes specialised harnessing and safety brief. With combined tickets at $44 for adults and $34 for children, it will be an unforgettable holiday adventure experience for Victoria. General park entry is $29 for adults and $19 for children. The Big Zip opens on Boxing Day. But that’s not all. French adventure park engineers have been invited back to the attraction to plan a host of further improvements, including a climbing wall and a “graduated rope drop” that will be added to Course four on the tree surfing grand course. A new level will be added to the Nippers course. By Easter 2015 there will be a new eco-friendly, elevated treetop walk featuring five cloud stations in a protected corner of the park that has previously never been accessed. Like the tube slides, the treetop walk will be included in the price of general admission to the park, and is pram friendly.

Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfing, 55 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat, Victoria.

For general enquiries, bookings and online gift passes go to: www.treesurfing.com.au or www.enchantedadventure.com.au

• Enchanted Mazes • Fantasy Gardens • Tube Slides • Kids Adventure • Tree Surfing • Big Zip • Amazing Lolly Shop

ADVENTURE AWAITS! Discover 22 acres of Hedge Mazes, Sculpture and Gardens or accelerate the fun on 5 giant Tube Slides. Adventurers will enjoy Tree Surfing on 2 climbing and zip-lining adventure courses high in the native tree canopy. The new Big Zip is a thrill seekers delight spanning 200m across the scenic gardens and lake. Pre-bookings essential for all climbing and zip-lining activities at www.treesurfing.com.au.

Open 10am to 6pm Daily (accept Christmas Day). 55 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat. www.enchantedadventure.com.au.

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Enchanted Adventure Garden

Arthurs Seat

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95-year-old

Spiegel Tent comes to Sorrento

R

oll up, roll up and enter a world of wonder at the beautiful Spiegel Tent all the way from Belgium to our very own Sorrento.

With two world premier shows purposely created for the Spiegel Tent, this is a first for the seaside town.

A dream of restaurateur and theatrical producer James McPherson, the two shows are a result of collaboration between James and Jason Coleman of Ministry of Dance fame.

The tent will be in Sorrento from 16 December till Easter and James couldn’t be more delighted with the talented array of artists and performers.

“We have created two world premier shows for the Spiegel Tent. One is Animalicious, a fabulous kids’ show with songs, dance and circus. Children can experience the wonders of the animal kingdom through the art of clever puppetry and incredible costuming, set to a funny and entertaining score,” he said. “The other is aptly named Spiegelicious, and is Jason’s brand new show, designed to tantalise, titillate and amaze. It will be led by master of ceremonies Wayne Scott Kermond and has a high octane cast of entertainers in a spectacular celebration of all things delicious.”

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A Rosebud boy, Jason’s talent has been in huge demand since arriving in Sydney as a 17 year old. The dancer, actor, choreographer and business director has choreographed for Christine Anu, Tina Arena, the Bee Gees, and Kate Ceberano to name a few, and now brings his wealth of experience to Sorrento’s Spiegel Tent.

“This is a world-first for Sorrento and, if these shows are ever picked up elsewhere, they will always be referred to as having premiered in our beautiful town,” said James, who has spent a lifetime in the entertainment industry doing PR for theatre and producing shows.

Moving to the peninsula and buying Three Palms Restaurant was James’s perfect way to combine his love of great food and wine and live performance.

“Spiegel Tent is also a tribute to George Coppin, the Father of Sorrento, himself a comedian, entrepreneur and politician,” James said.

What a tribute Spiegel Tent will be to the late, great Mr Coppin, whose love of Sorrento, hard work and dedication made it the holiday destination it is today. continued next page...

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SPIEGEL TENT

“We have decided to dedicate a summer’s entertainment to him as without George Coppin, Melbourne’s theatre life as well as Sorrento would never have been this famous,” said James, who first fell in love with the famous Spiegel Tent when he saw it in Melbourne many years ago.

Spiegel Tent, Dutch for mirror tent, is a luxurious pavilion constructed of wood, mirrors, canvas and leadlight glass with velvet and brocade. Guests relax in booth seats surrounded by magnificent décor in a transportable entertainment venue that dates back to the late 19th century.

Rumour has it that the mirrors were positioned so that guests could make discreet eye contact with one another, and only a handful of mirrored tents are left in the world.

Having played host to the some of the world’s most famous artists, circus and burlesque performers, whose essence remains in the mirrors and velvet canopy today, the Spiegel Tent conjures up images of mystery and magic.

“Guests will be transported to another era when they enter the Spiegel Tent, stepping back into the sexy heyday of live performance and cabaret,” James said. “I am excited to bring first-class performers to our town and it will be great for our community and business in general.”

Three Palms Restaurant is offering a dinner and show package.

“The Spiegel Tent will be right next door to the restaurant so guests can dine before the show or simply enjoy beautiful wine and cocktails in the Spiegel Tent.”

Spiegelicious and Animalicious open 16 December at Three Palms Spiegel Tent. Tickets available from Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au.

To book the Spiegel Tent or for more information about shows, phone Three Palms on 5984 1057 or go to www.threepalms.com.au

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PENINSULA

GHOSTS LET’S TALK ABOUT

By Melissa Walsh. Photography: Yanni

W

hen Jenny Tomkin started Sor­ rento Ghost Tours four years ago, she didn’t really believe in ghosts. These days, things are a little different as the former teacher quick­ ly discovered weird and inexplicable occurrences during the tours.

An avid interest in history combined with the fact she had two teenage child­ ren was the catalyst for starting the ghost tour business.

“I was looking for a job where I could work on a Saturday night to stay awake

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so I could pick up the kids from parties,” says Jenny who had been on a ghost tour in Ballarat just weeks before. “I love his­ tory and started researching Sorrento.

There were so many rich stories of the town that it was a natural progression to start ghost tours, and everything just fell into place.”

With a solid knowledge of Sorrento’s past under her belt, Jenny then met busi­ ness and shop owners to investigate any personal experience of ghosts.

“The feedback was incredible. Nearly

every owner told me stories of their own or other people’s sightings, baffling nois­ es and objects moving,” says Jenny, who describes herself as having a healthy scepticism at first. “There have been so many wonderful as well as tragic stories in Sorrento and some of the spirits have not moved on. It took me a few months of hosting the tours to realise there was something paranormal there.”

Mediums and psychics who have been on the tour all agree that there are four or five specific spirits that have not left the earth for some reason. Jenny explains

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that, over the years, they all talk of the same experience.

“Marlene Miller Antiques has a female ghost who wears a blue dress and a blue hat. I have been told she doesn’t like me much. Marlene made the mezzanine floor there for her, surrounded by books with a comfortable rocking chair. She used to have the store next door and the ghost moved across with her. Many times Marlene has gone up­ stairs and the big chess piece in the middle of the room has been moved.”

This kind of experience is a regular occurrence these days, and now Jenny herself can often sense a ghostly presence. continued next page...

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GHOSTS

“I don’t personally see them but the four or five ghosts always described are in Morgans Bar, which is the old morgue, Sorren­ to Park, and outside Three Palms Restaurant.

“Three Palms is a particularly sad story as a little girl was ab­ ducted from the home many years ago and she will not leave now,” says Jenny, who says that most of the stories are not as tragic. “There is a little boy on the hill, Matthew, who comes out nearly every time and just wants to play. And at the old Conti­ nental Hotel, George Coppin, the Father of Sorrento, pops in oc­ casionally and is quite the character. When I ask him questions he answers on the monitor and is always playful.”

Spirits communicate in different ways and people receive messages differently, according to Jenny.

“When I started setting up the tours, I invited five clairvoyants to come along as I wanted to see if they could sense anything, which is how I found out about the murders. One woman could see a hologram at the murder scene. They were all talking at once and each explained the same story. They were all shocked at how many ghosts there were.”

“It’s not scary for me at all though. As I take people around Sorrento, I explain the different things they might see or feel.

Some people feel a tickle on the arm or leg, others feel their garments being flicked; sometimes there’s a smell or noise.

Cameras pick up a lot of activity, particularly orbs, which is an energy ball reflecting a spirit.”

Jenny said she’d never seen a travelling orb until about five months ago.

“A girl was pointing her camera behind her and watching as this white orb followed her. The ghosts don’t ever let me take photos of them so I asked if I could hold her camera and see if I could do it. As soon as she passed it to me, it immediately drained of battery. When I gave it back to her it came on again,” she says. “Even the most sceptical of guests on that tour were taken aback.”

On a Sorrento Ghost Tour you will visit about 12 historic lo­ cations, starting at the rotunda and walking through the town, down back alleys and past the cemetery, culminating at Watts Cottage, dating back to 1869.

To communicate with ghosts, Jenny uses an electromagnet­ ic field monitor that picks up spirit activity. Tours begin at the town’s rotunda, where Jenny explains what will happen and gives guests a brief history of the town.

Sorrento Ghost Tours is not just for mediums and clairvoy­ ants. Anyone who has an interest in history and a penchant for the unexplained will love every scary moment.

“I start by asking people not to scream. My job is to calm peo­ ple down because the ghosts will run away if they scream,” says Jenny, who is still astounded at how it has transformed from a history tour with an edge into a ghost tour.

To book a tour, call Jenny on 0409 844 768 or go to www.sorrentoghosttours.com.au

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Photo: Yanni

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Every month see over 350 new contemporary paintings and sculptures across the Mt Eliza and Sorrento galleries throughout Summer.

Located at both the Northern and Southern gateways of the Mornington Peninsula, the Manyung Gallery Group offers visitors the opportunity to experience a broad range of high quality, Australian artworks arriving every three weeks during the Summer Season.

A Mobile Gallery and hanging service operates out of the Sorrento, Malvern and Mt Eliza galleries and there is a licensed restaurant and art lessons on-site at Mount Eliza.

Now in its 46th year, Manyung is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s ‘must-see’ gallery destinations.

View 150 artists and 2000 original artworks online at www.manyunggallery.com.au For preview or purchase enquiries please contact us on 9787 2953 or by email staff@manyunggallery.com.au

Visit us at 1408 Nepean Hwy, Mt Eliza 113A Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento Summer 2014/15

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PENINSULA

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Caravans roll in, the big top is raised, colourful lights create an ethereal aura and the aroma of sawdust and wooden seats lets everybody know the circus is in town. Whether evoking memories of childhood or creating new ones with your family, the magic of the circus atmosphere is undeniable. So what’s it like to work in the circus? We chat to Silvers Circus high-wire artist Ramon Kathriner to get a glimpse of the other side of the main arena. fill in for that person. It was a real family environment. Mum always worked behind the scenes, in the canteen or helping out, and looked after us kids and attended to our schooling.”

A

sixth-generation circus performer, Ramon was born into the business while his mother and father were working for Silvers Circus.

“My father is originally from Switzerland and moved to Australia 45 years ago. It was normal life for me to live in the circus and travel around everywhere. We always had other children to play with, new places and new things. Our on-site caravans were furnished with everything we needed,” Ramon recalls. “My father did everything around the circus from animal training to flying trapeze and acrobatics. And if someone was unwell or away you would

Now 31, Ramon studied by correspondence until he was nine when his parents stopped touring so he and his younger sister could attend school.

“At that time my parents found a school for us just out of Clare Valley, and settled in the one place for the next seven years. I got heavily into AFL football and when I was 17 chose the circus life over an AFL career,” says Ramon who is now travelling with Silvers Circus with his own wife and two children. “We have travelled Europe doing shows and television appearances but now I’m back with Silvers starting a two-year tour.” continued next page...

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In January and February the big top comes to the peninsula with gigs in Rosebud and Mornington, so residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to see Ramon perform his breathtaking high-wire act.

“My father taught me the high-wire when I was six using what we call a slack wire that swings while you juggle. For a few years it was a play practice and then at 14 I started getting serious,” says Ramon, who has now perfected the high-wire act and will perform his new routine, “Wheel of Steel”, on the Mornington Peninsula tour.

“Wheel of Steel involves a revolving pendulum. We reach heights of about 11 metres and are constantly running. This will be the first time the peninsula will have seen this performance, along with the high-wire act,” he says. “The wire is up about eight metres high and there’s no safety net. We run, dance, walk on stilts and skip.”

For Ramon, walking on the high wire was a natural feeling, as was the attention he received from the crowd but there was never any pressure to perform.

“We were free to grow up as normal kids and be involved if we wanted to. It was an exciting feeling for me to practise routines though and I loved the feeling of being in the ring. During school holidays, I would come and perform and then go back to school,” says Ramon who admits he was put in the limelight by some of his school friends.

“My wife is in the business as well and we are now travelling around together with our two young children. It is important to keep together as a family unit so we had a recent holiday in Cairns and now are prepared to work solidly for the next two years,” he says.

Ramon says the circus industry has become much stronger in Australia, with performers continuing to improve their routines

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Summer 2014/15

SILVERS CIRCUS

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“In this day and age, we continue to get stronger to provide a good all round show for people to come and see. The show is a very modern one and it appeals to all ages, with thrill-seeking acts that keep up with the constantly changing times.”

As the high-wire act, you could imagine Ramon having a long list of injuries but, fortunately, he has only suffered sprains and bruises.

“We do so much practice to perfect a routine. You avoid any serious accidents when you put in the long hours. A lot of our time is spent in training as you have to be very fit to work on the high-wire. By the time the performance comes around you’ve totally got it under control,” he says.

Silvers Circus with its 40 staff and performers will be in Rosebud 2-11 January and Mornington from 12 January to 1 February.

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The Sierra Nevada

By Cameron McCullough

The shipwreck with only five survivors

T

he entrance to Port Phillip is considered to hold some of the most treacherous waters in the world. The Rip, as it is known, has a large tidal flow through a relatively narrow channel from the bay to Bass Strait, and a high rocky seabed. The waters surrounding The Rip are synonymous with wild water and treacherous rocky outcrops that have claimed many ships since the 1830s when Melbourne was settled by Europeans.

As night fell the lights at Cape Schanck and Queenscliff glowed brightly and grew bigger. The crew worked cheerfully. They were within reasonable distance of rest. “Next morning,” they said, “we shall be inside.”

One such ship, the Sierra Nevada, was an iron ship of 1523 gross tons. Built at Southampton in 1877, it was 71 metres in length. It had left Liverpool for Melbourne on 17 January and had been at sea for nearly four months as it approached the end of her voyage, Port Phillip.

“All hands were called on deck,” said seaman George McGuffie.

“The wind was blowing a gale, and the sea was tremendous.”

On 8 May 1900, the Sierra Nevada sighted Cape Otway, and signalled “All well”. Favoured by fair winds, she made a rapid run along the coast.

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As the night drew on, dark clouds gathered. The wind was blowing from the southwest. It had increased to hurricane force. Suddenly the lookout cried “Breakers ahead”. Then, suddenly, the perilous position of the ship was apparent.

Huge, angry waves rushed onto the nearby coast. The threatening rocks grew blacker and the crew more fearful.

Rain driven by the wind cut like whipcord, and spray deluged the vessel.

“Let go the topsails,” roared the captain. continued next page...

Summer 2014/15

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SIERRA NEVADA WRECK

The crew, holding hard for their lives, did so. The wind seized the canvas and bellied it out. It stood out in bold relief against the dark background. Then it sagged momentarily, and the report was like a roar of artillery.

Then Captain Scott decided to attempt to “‘bout ship”. This was accomplished, and the gallant vessel, as though scenting escape, dashed her nose into the mountainous and angry waves.

“More breakers ahead,” yelled the lookout. In desperation the captain tried to put about, but the roaring waters gave back the sound of breakers everywhere.

There was nothing for it but to try the anchors.

This the captain did.

“I heard the rattle of the anchor tackle, and I knew that the end was close,” said McGuffie, “as nothing could hold in such a spot.”

They didn’t hold, and before the vessel even attempted to come around, a huge wave swept her from stem to stern.

At three o’clock on 9 May 1900, in inky darkness and a roaring gale, Sierra Nevada was driven onto London Bridge Rock.

“I shall never forget that crash as long as I live,” McGuffie said.

“I rushed aft, and found the water was level with the deck.

“I scrambled forward again, and heard the chief officer call out for someone to bring the sick man McCoy on deck. He had been ill for two months, and was unable to help himself.

“Someone brought him up, and then we made for the lifeboat.”

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Only a few kilometres away lay the sleeping towns of Sorrento and Portsea, oblivious to the grim fight with death being made by the crew.

Only 11 sailors made their way to the lifeboat. The ropes were jammed, but they cut them away. Then the boat, suddenly released, dropped into the sea. A big wave swept over the lifeboat.

“In a moment the sailmaker and steward were washed out. Another wave washed all the others out, except McCoy, Freeman, Delahunt and myself,” McGuffie said.

The remaining seamen were hurled toward the shore at a terrific pace. They were among the breakers almost at once.

A wave shot them on the rocks, and with terrible desperation McGuffie clung to a jutting point, which cut and lacerated him.

Soon after he was joined by Delahunt and Freeman, and a little later McCoy crawled up, terribly bruised. He had been too ill for some time to carry out his duties, but the sea had given him up while savagely devouring his stronger comrades.

The only other survivor was a boy named Griffith, one of the apprentices, who swam ashore in a boiling, raging sea. It eventually tossed him, tired and almost unconscious, onto the beach.

The darkness was impenetrable. Huddled together with the sound of the waves in their ears, and the angry roar of the surf, the men waited for the dawn.

They drank whisky to revive themselves, and finally sleep came.

When dawn broke Freeman clambered over the rocks, and climbed the sand hills. From there he saw a rocky headland tow-

ering up before him. To the right was the circular arched rook of London Bridge Rock, in the centre of which lay the stern and bow of the vessel.

“George McGuffie comfortably smokes his pipe. Close by John Delahunt lies still, somewhat dazed and uncertain; and in yet another bed is John Freeman.”

From right to left of this was a curving sandy beach, strewn with spars, iron tanks, whisky casks, and wreckage of all descriptions. Below but out of sight his mess mates lay huddled together still asleep.

All the survivors praised Captain Scott and his officers, and their coolness throughout the awful incident.

The first knowledge of the disaster was Freeman’s arrival at the small telegraph office at Portsea, close by the quarantine station. The seaman – torn, battered, and dishevelled – told of the wreck.

A search party was immediately formed. Constables Norwood and McDonald of Sorrento, and Senior Constable Spillane from the quarantine station hurried to the spot, with a view of rendering whatever aid they could in saving lives, and the recovery of the bodies, and also to prevent, as far as possible, pilfering of the cargo.

A newspaper of the day reported: “There is enough whisky about to make glad the hearts of Sorrento and Queenscliff for months to come, but the shadow of a great tragedy is over everybody.”

An inquiry into the disaster put the loss of the ship down to “imprudent navigation”. Only 11 bodies were recovered from the wreck and they were interned at Sorrento Cemetery.

Rescuers noted the vessel had been crushed and smashed like an eggshell, and the next morning saw angry waves roaring and clutching greedily at a small piece of the ship.

“For miles along the beach, wreckage has been thrown up, and it all tends to show the awful suddenness and completeness of the disaster, which is the second shipwreck on the Victorian coast within a very short time,” wrote a reporter from The Argus.

Twenty-three were dead. The body of Captain Scott, the master of the vessel, was discovered after it washed ashore.

The five survivors were injured to differing degrees by the jagged rocks on to which the sea flung them. A reporter noted their condition at the nearby Point Nepean artillery barracks.

Summer 2014/15

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@ the Peninsula Cup

Photography: Cameron & TJ McCullough

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Summer 2014/15

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Summer 2014/15

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Spider crabs. Photo: seapics.com.au

Mornington Peninsula A marine environment that rivals tropical reefs If you want to immerse yourself in a magical underwater wilderness that rivals the Great Barrier Reef in colour, energy and diversity, the Mornington Peninsula is the place to be. It is a marine biological treasure trove, more colourful and diverse than any tropical reef.

Expect to come face to face with charismatic fur seals and underwater dragons that sparkle like jewels. Take a safari through towering kelp forests and experience schools where fins and gills replace blackboards and books, and sunken maritime museums showcase the perilous nature of the peninsula’s pioneering past.

The peninsula coastline is framed by Bass Strait, Port Phillip and Western Port. It is an ideal playground for novice snorkellers as well as more adventurous scuba divers. It is one of the shining stars in the region’s impressive showcase of attractions and is considered to be home to some of the most unique and colourful diving in Australia, if not the world.

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Port Phillip is shallow and reasonably sheltered, offering a range of opportunities for eager explorers and water enthusiasts. It boasts more than 1000 species of marine plants and animals and 500 species of fish. The wide range of marine life and habitats found here is a result of its location at the centre of the Victorian coastline.

Snorkeller. Photo: shereemarris.com

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Old wives. Photo: seapics.com.au

Down Under It’s here where marine life from the cooler waters of western Victoria meets and mixes with warm water species from eastern Australia. As a result, the marine environments of Port Phillip and the wider southern shores are superior to aquatic habitats anywhere else in the world.

Sandy plains that characterise the shallows of the Mornington Peninsula’s front beach may seem deserted, but they’re actually home to a wealth of diverse animals. Octopus, crabs and worms live in the sand, while flounder, flathead and stargazers use their camouflage to blend in with their surroundings.

In the shallows you’ll also find lush expanses of green seagrass meadows – important nurseries for numerous fish including snapper, mullet and whiting. Hiding in the seagrass are cleverly camouflage animals such pipefish, dumpling squid and bottomdwelling fiddler rays.

Rocky reefs that scatter the coastline are rich in life and provide shelter and an anchoring point for many plants and animals. Red coralline algae paint the rocks, while slow-moving animals such as seastars and anemones are plentiful. There is also highly prized abalone, crayfish and crabs hiding in cracks and crevices.

Sponges light up the marine world as they carpet hard surfaces such as rocky reefs and pier pylons with vivid colours and shapes.

The intriguing animals provide a safe haven for small fish like blennies as well as worms and crabs. A stunning diversity of seastars and vibrant nudibranchs are often found draped across them. continued next page...

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Seastar. Photo: shereemarris.com

Summer 2014/15

PENINSULA

Leatherjacket. Photo: Andrew Newton

Certain types of seaweed including kelp create magical underwater forests by attaching themselves to rocks and extending their fronds into the water in search of sunlight. Like forests on land they provide food and shelter for an enormous variety of animals including wrasse, spiky sea urchins and schooling old wives.

If you want encounters with larger marine mammals, you’ve come to the right place.

Bottlenose and common dolphins can regularly be seen frolicking and showing off in Port Phillip. Charter operators offer trips where people of all ages snorkel with these energetic marine mammals and see first-hand their enchanting trademark smiles. If you’re lucky, a short swim from shore may be rewarded by interaction with these charismatic cetaceans.

Seals are frequently found lazing about on piers, but for a guaranteed encounter with these cheeky and playful pinnipeds, head to Chinaman’s Hat seal colony, which is home to dozens of Australian fur seals.

They spend most of the day basking in the sun, but as soon as friends come to play, they dive in and join the fun, performing underwater acrobatics for which they are renowned. Like underwater puppies, these curious creatures are as likely to nibble your swimming fins as steal your heart.

Blue-ringed octopus.

Photo: oceanwideimages.com.au

SEA FOR YOURSELF The Mornington Peninsula with its crystal clear waters and sheltered bays is a safe and ideal environment for the entire family to snorkel and see first-hand the magic, sheer diversity and colour that abounds.

Explore the waters from your local beach or head to one of the many piers, which are magnets for marine life. Frankston, Mornington, Rye, Blairgowrie and Portsea piers are all stunning examples of the colour and diversity of the area.

The deeper you go, the more saturated with colour the pylons become as sponges, ascidians, fan worms and marine algae paint the surfaces. The shallows are domi­ nated by schooling fish, red bait crabs and blennies that hide in holes along the pylons. The pot-bellied seahorse, whose claim to fame is a male that gets pregnant, are also treasured find.

For those wanting to go a step further and truly immerse themselves, the pen-

Seahorses. Photo: shereemarris.com

Blue Devil. Photo: shereemarris.com

Australian fur seal. Photo: Andrew Newton

insula has a large variety of diving locations. From the novice to the more advance diver, experiences include popular pier diving, wreck dives and exploring protected areas such as Portsea Hole, Pope’s Eye and the dramatic landscapes of Nepean Wall.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try and get your hands on an underwater torch to explore some of these areas at night. Witness intriguing creatures such as delicate dumpling squid, octopus and calamari. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself surrounded by hundreds of small schooling fish that are attracted to the light.

Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed to see something new and spectacular. So grab a mask, snorkel and head anywhere along our stunning coastline to experience a marine environment like no other.

From the moment you immerse yourself, you’ll be captivated by the wonders of this unique underwater world. There is definitely something for the entire family to see and for all levels of snorkelling and diving experiences.

Zooanthids. Photo: shereemarris.com

Sea slug. Photo: Matt Tworkowski

THE PERFECT GIFT All Port Phillip’s marine life is featured in Melbourne Down Under, a stunning publication that showcases the best marine life the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding bayside areas have to offer.

Peninsula Essence readers can obtain an exclusive $10 discount on the book (RRP $39.95). Simply quote the code “Essence” when ordering online at www. melbournedownunder.com.au For more information on the marine offerings of the Mornington Peninsula, check out: www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org Sheree Marris is an aquatic scientist and peninsula resident.

Weedy seadragon. Photo: Andrew Newton

IT’S IN THE VEINS – AND THE FAMILY

By Melissa Walsh. Photography: Yanni

W

hen you’ve been travelling around with carnivals all your life, it’s hard to settle in one place but Michael Wittingslow has managed to plant his roots on the Mornington Peninsula, firstly moving here with his family 28 years ago, and now buying Boneo Maze with his wife Manya.

You couldn’t meet a more laidback bloke than Wittingslow, as we sit chatting at his rela­ tively new venture, Boneo Maze and Mini Golf. His daughter Sophie, who runs the administration side, brings him a plate of healthy nachos as children and parents enjoy a picnic in the sun.

Michael grew up as a “carny” kid. His grandfather, the late Tom Wittingslow, founded the Rye Carnival in 1955, and it has remained a family business ever since.

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He recalls travelling around in a caravan as a child when his parents were running the carnival.

“My brother, sisters and I would sleep at one end of the caravan, and every night mum and dad would pull down the table and convert it into a bed at the other. They used the attached annexe as a makeshift office and that’s where the performers and staff would come and get their pay,” says Michael with a laugh.

“I learnt the true art of showmanship from my grandfather and father, to use every asset you have, and that a good showman knows a good product and knows how to sell it.”

As a kid, Michael experienced first-hand how everything you have is used as part of the show.

“I remember we always had prizes on the sideshows and one time my parents gave me a fire engine and I loved it. Then all of a sudden

it disappeared. They had been using it as a prize and someone actually won it.”

The biggest lesson in showmanship came one day when Michael’s father accidentally killed the baby crocodiles he used in his act.

“My dad used to do a crocodile show, with baby crocodiles he kept in a kiddies’ play pool. There was also a 20-foot [six-metre] crocodile in a tank behind them. They say it had a man’s leg in it when it was captured.

Every night he would have to warm up the water for the crocodiles with an immersion heater but one time he went out and left the heater on so the crocodiles boiled. The show still went on the next day! They did start to smell a bit,” he says.

“Now that’s a showman and that’s why he and my grandfather grew it into the biggest carnival business in Australia.” continued next page...

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Michael, his brother and sisters all travelled with the carnival until they were old enough to go to boarding school. Ironically, Michael never intended going back.

“At first I wanted to run a mile from the family business. I went to Italy and learned leather craft when I was 19, arriving back in Australia at 22 and starting my own leather shop in Prahran. But before I knew it I was working the carnivals,” says Michael, who admits working on Moomba since its inception in 1965 was a highlight. “Moomba gave me a better understanding of what it takes to be a showman. I thought it was all about the carnival but I then understood it was about festival and entertainment. Through using artistic expression we changed Moomba from being a festival that was flailing to spectacular entertainment with innovative displays that had never been done before like giant water screens and installations. Once again we used our asset, the river, and Moomba took off again.”

Three generations in and the tradition continues with Michael’s four children, who are all involved with the carnival and maze.

“Sophie works at Boneo Maze in administration. She loves animals and wildlife so this is a great place for her. Jessica runs the kitchen and has introduced lots of healthy alternatives to the menu for kids. Eve does the marketing and functions, and Morgan is heavily involved in all the outside activities,” says Michael, who believes the carnival is here to stay despite the age of technology.

“The carnival is an experience you can’t get anywhere else. Kids start the process as babies when you bounce them up and down or throw them in the air. They laugh and they’re hooked. Then you know you’ve got ’em,” he says.

In six decades the business has evolved and now Michael has an interest

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Summer 2014/15

CARNIVAL LIFE

Photography: Yanni

in the sand sculptures, Boneo Maze and, of course, the Rye and Rosebud carnivals but explains that they are all intrinsically linked as walk-throughs.

As for the rides, Michael says some come and go, but there are the old favourites that people expect like the merry-go-round, dodgem cars and ferris wheel.

“As the years have gone by, we have rides now like the Matterhorn and pirate ship, which remain popular,” he says.

These days Rye carnival has extreme rides like ‘Sling Shot’ and ‘Hard Rock’ but Michael is sceptical of their longevity.

“The carousel is the original that my grandfather had. That’s how long it has lasted. When he put his first carousel together he used parts from an anti-aircraft gun. It had four jacks that stabilised the gun and he used the stabiliser as the centre of the carousel, which is still there today.”

Michael says, in spite of how it looks, the carnival industry is not always fun and games.

“We’ve gained and lost at everything, and been flying high at the top and right at the bottom over the years. There have been many losses, going to Luna Park in Sydney for a year being one of the biggest. We spent $13 million on a roller coaster to promote Luna Park after it had fallen into disarray. Then the residents complained of noise pollution so we could only operate the roller coaster on restricted hours.”

Like all great showmen, Michael Wittingslow is always thinking of ways to entertain and delight.

This year, in conjunction with Mornington Peninsula Shire, he is looking at bringing the “Architects of Air” to the carnival.

“This is a way of integrating the carnival with the artistic atmosphere of the show,” he says.

“In the old days we had boxing, mud wrestling, talent quests and beauty pageants as part of the carnival, but these haven’t been done for some time so we need to bring back spectacle and entertainment.”

For a travelling showman, Michael has left a mark on the peninsula community through fundraising ventures for local charities and involvement in building Rye’s community playground, and now owning Boneo Maze.

And to think it all started 60 years ago when his grandfather was asked to bring a temporary carnival to Rye to raise money for the RSL that had burnt down.

“We’ve been on the road all our lives but the only place that ever felt like home was the peninsula, probably because six weeks was the longest we ever stayed in one spot as we did each summer with the Rye Carnival,” says Michael.

Celebrating their first year at Boneo Maze is quite a milestone for the Wittingslow family. It looks like they might be here to stay.

For more information: www.wittingslowamusements.com.au and www.boneomazeandminigolf.com.au Summer 2014/15

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Shelley Craft & Darren Palmer

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Summer 2014/15

your local experts

N A M

s E V CA pposed to

en’t su males ar fe e r e h realm w s. res into a dos of man cave tu n e v h a ls n a io W c a fi eliss to two a writer M and talks Essence

Summer 2014/15

go

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Photography: Yanni

THE SECRET LIFE OF MAN CAVES

By Melissa Walsh

“I’ll be in the shed” is a common line heard by women across the country as men head to their safe haven – their garage or “man cave”, the modern phrase. And most blokes will agree they need their space away from the family. This is not a bad sign, mind you. It’s a simple case of boys needing their alone time to do whatever it is they do – tinker with the motorbike, watch sport, play loud music, drink beer – basically anything primal. Whatever the reason, man caves are on the rise so we thought we’d check out a couple of the peninsula’s best.

Deer heads, cranes and crocodile skins

W

hen David Sturges decided to create his own man cave six years ago, his mates jumped on board to help and before he knew it, he had one of the best caves around. The Mornington-based crane driver originally started his collection a decade ago when he bought his first hot rod, and then he was hooked. Now his garage, converted to a man cave, has everything a man could want in the ultimate big boys’ toy room.

“I love collecting bits and pieces and now have a great crane collection and mini hot rods,” says David from behind the bar where deer heads and crocodile skins blend with Shell servo signs, retro posters and the obligatory Bundy bear, pool table and 007 fridge.

Even the toilet is chockers with posters galore and retro signs.

“Over the years I have collected stuff from garage sales and secondhand shops like the deer head, which a friend told me about.”

David says it’s the best place to kick back with the boys and have a couple of drinks

but the girls are welcome too. “Everyone just loves it here. It’s the best place for entertaining. We’ve got the pool table and the 50-inch screen.”

Everywhere you look is something different – drum sets and guitars, Aussie flags, sheep skulls, Uncle Fester complete with light bulb, Golden Fleece gas pump, and Rat Fink bar fridge.

The tables are made of old barrels and the walls are lined with timber and corrugated iron. Heaven...

Bizarre Gazzard and his Amazing Man Cave

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ant to do your man cave in style?

Then check out Rohan Gazzard’s cave on his Langwarrin property.

The comedy hypnotist, known as the Bizarre Gazzard, has created his very own Rolls-Royce of man caves, complete with Vegas poker machine, three imported pinball machines, an American eight-ball table, high definition TV, surround sound, cinema seating, full kitchen, bar and bathroom.

“I’ve always had my own space in homes we have owned but this one is definitely the best. I bought my authentic poker machine that had been used in Vegas, and I love that it’s got that shady history,” Rohan says. “The pinball machines are collectors’ items, espe-

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cially the AC/DC machine, which is number 92 of only 300 made.”

As for the American eight-ball table, Rohan says he always wanted one and sourced it in Dandenong.

“I think about what I want to buy next and then do a lot of research. I’m a bit of a night owl so I sit up for hours looking up things to buy. Some items I have to import from overseas; others I can buy right here.”

night time when the sport is over. Everybody knows the rules. My wife chose the cushions on the lounge and the rug but that’s it. The rest is my domain.”

After being at the property for just on three years, Rohan says they have had some amazing nights and some he can even remember.

As we chat, Rohan gets himself a Corona and laughs as he adds a slice of lime.

“Because we have the deck, pool and spa right next to the man cave it becomes one big party area. Nearly everyone ends up in the spa. It’s also great having the outdoor fireplace to sit around of a night.”

“My mates love the man cave but stir me all the time for having fruit in my beer so there are definitely rules to the man cave,” he explains. “If I invited the guys over to watch a game then it is just the guys, no girls until the

And what does every man cave need? A pig called Wilbur is the answer, as Rohan brings out his “adopted” fully grown pig, which he and wife Sue rescued three years ago from a hungry rottweiler.

David Sturges’s

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Photography: Yanni

Bizarre Gazzard’s

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CAVE

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There is only one Blue Mini...

An iconic Mornington Peninsula destination...

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Immerse yourself in our unique new home – an old bowling alley is the perfect retro up-cycled space...

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eatery eat•er•y (‘i te ri)

n., ol. -er•ies. Informal.

a restaurant or other commercial establishment serving food

events e•vent (¹-věnt’)

n. a social gathering or activity

emporium em•po•ri•um (ěm-pôr’ē,-pōr’-)

n., pl. em•po•ri•ums or em•po•ri•a.

1. A place where various goods are bought and sold; a marketplace.

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online bookings and vouchers

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Summer 2014/15

269 Myers Rd, Balnarring VIC 3926 Melway: 163 A7

and more ... with STEVE BASTONI

By Melissa Walsh. Photography: Yanni

W

ith an acting career spanning three decades, it’s a big statement to admit your last role was the most challenging. Steve Bastoni is referring to his role in Russell Crowe’s directorial debut, The Water Diviner, where Steve plays Omer, a Turkish hotelier and brother-in-law to Crowe’s love interest.

“We went to Istanbul and I had to learn to speak Turkish, which is a very difficult language. It’s subtle with a lot of French, German and even Japanese sounds. I can speak Italian but that didn’t help me one bit,” says Steve, who had to learn the language in two months. “I have played a lot of diverse characters but perfecting the soft Turkish vowel sounds was difficult. The feedback I received was great, however. Turkey was culturally diverse, had amazing food and was rich architecturally.”

Steve says it took about six months to shoot The Water Diviner, filmed at Sydney’s Fox Studios and on location in Turkey.

“We finished filming the movie about four months ago and the world premier is on Boxing Day. It was great working with Russell directing. I have known him for years, first performing with him on The Rocky Horror Show and then Police Rescue. Working with him as director was different. He was great and has learnt a lot from working with people like Ron Howard, Michael Mann and Ridley Scott as well as having the advantage of coming from an acting background. He knows how to communicate what he wants and knows what’s required.” continued next page...

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Whether it’s travelling overseas to film or working on his beloved Mornington Peninsula, Steve always has projects on the go.

Director of the Peninsula Short Film Festival, Steve is currently involved in writing and directing two short films.

“I am doing a film for the shire council at the moment called The Decision, which is being made to raise awareness of binge drinking in young people. These areas are getting worse all the time and binging is what young people are expected to do as a rite of passage to adulthood. It’s sad because it’s socially acceptable and yet binge drinking is the most dangerous kind of drinking,” says Steve, whose philosophy is to proactively change what you want to see in your community. “The council and I believe we can be an example to people so we will launch the film in conjunction with a campaign about binge drinking.”

Steve is also working on a film for Mental Health Australia, dealing with the theme of suicide prevention.

“I wrote this quite a while ago and received funding through Mental Health Australia,” says Steve, who has always done work for Lifeline and MHA after personal experience of depression and suicide.

“My wife has suffered depression and I lost my best friend to suicide in my early 20s so I wanted to raise awareness that it’s the biggest killer of young men in Australia between ages 25 and 45,” he says. “We need to talk about these issues in the community. A lot has to do with isolation and the perception that it’s not okay for men to talk about their feelings.”

You never know where the muse will strike and, for Steve, the inspiration for the film came to him in a supermarket queue.

“I was standing in line and saw a young mum struggling to keep control of two children and scrape together enough money to pay for the groceries. It made me realise sometimes we think we’ve got it bad and then we see someone in a worse situation. It could be a moment of clarity that stops a person from committing suicide.”

As the curator of the short film festival, Steve will be screening both his short films at the 2015 event, which is again jam-packed with a star-studded judging panel including Mick Molloy, Samuel Johnston, Nadine Garner, Lachy Hume and Kerry Armstrong.

“We have two mystery judges and a special guest – Andrew Mason, producer of The Water Diviner and Matrix movies, and arguably the most respected producer in the country.”

In the meantime, Steve continues to rub shoulders with Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford in a movie called Truth, before he heads off to Sydney to film the true story of Mary Mapes and the infamous Rathergate scandal.

Peninsula Short Film Festival is on Saturday 7 February 2015 at the Village Green in Rosebud.

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L AT H LET IC C A R N I VA A N N UA L

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Photo: Evan Stampe

Photography: Yanni

With uninterrupted water views and the appeal of a sought-after beach lifestyle, bathing boxes offer a lot more than just a place to store beach gear or a small boat.

And with the weather heating up, the waterfront beauties are in demand. Here are a few fun facts about the colourful constructions on Port Phillip beaches.

Mornington Peninsula is home to more than 1300 1898, the Shire of Mornington split • The • InFishermans bathing boxes on the foreshore from Mt Eliza to Portsea Beach into female and male along about 45km of coastline. The peninsula’s boat sheds, bathing boxes and similar structures make up about two-thirds of Victoria’s 1860 beach boxes.

term beach box means bathing box, boat shed • The or similar structure. Beach boxes have been built by members of the community over the past century in a variety of sizes and architectural styles.

bathing box in Portsea is listed on the Victorian • AHeritage Register. buy the bathing box, not the land. Nearly all • You bathing box sites are owned by the Crown and

Mornington Peninsula Shire issues a licence to occupy the site when a bathing box is purchased.

new bathing boxes can be built by private citizens • No although some bayside councils have built them in recent times to raise money.

boxes only measure a few square metres • Bathing but attract high prices because of their scarcity. bathing boxes had a median value • Portsea of $250,000 in 2008.

2010, two families paid $455,000 for a 22-square • Inmetre boat shed in Portsea. Boat shed 21 on Shelley Beach broke the previous record of $362,000 two years before. The families purchased the boat shed to have a place to store their beach gear.

bathing boxes closely followed English • Victoria’s beachside traditions, and were originally built to protect the modesty of women and ensure public decorum.

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bathing areas after “indecent bathing during a heatwave”. In 1910, the Shire of Frankston and Hastings demanded neck to knee costumes be made compulsory, and that men be kept away from women’s bathing boxes.

Mornington foreshore • The committee passed a rule in 1915

that bathing boxes could not be used for overnight stays but over the years many owners added power connections.

No new connections are permitted today.

boxes came under threat in 1964 when a state • Bathing Liberal Party committee of inquiry suggested they be removed to enhance public recreation. In the 1970s and early 1980s many bathing boxes were removed but in 1985 the heritage value was formally recognised.

into summer 2014-15, real estate agents • Leading had more than 20 bathing boxes on the market on the Mornington Peninsula.

Photography: Yanni

Historical photos courtesy Mor nington and District Historical Society

h along Mills Beac While on a walk y summer laz a on n to ing in Morn d this beautifully afternoon, I foun e box. What mad h weathered beac e th all s wa st re m the it stand out fro the more you d ale ve re is detail, which ograph. stare at the phot njac Br sh Photo Jo Summer 2014/15

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Sweet Jean

James Reyne. Photo: Kane Hibberd

Mark Seymour

Wagons

A DECADE OF BETWEEN THE BAYS

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ow in its 10th year, Between the Bays is firmly established as Mornington Peninsula’s best annual music festival on the summer calendar. Residents and visitors alike have joined together over the past decade to enjoy a plethora of musical talent in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Over the decade, Between the Bays has offered music lovers a festival option that is safe and entertaining for everyone, is inexpensive and has an all-inclusive community feel. This year crowds will welcome back BTB favourites James Reyne, Mark Seymour and Custard, along with new acts.

Between the Bays is a great event for families, keeping kids happy and engaged from start to finish. This year all kids’ activities, rides and workshops are included in the child/student ticket price – no need for wristbands. Kids will enjoy an incredible and varied range of activities to ride on, jump on, watch, create, explore and join in. At Between the Bays kids have heaps of fun and learn at the same time.

And when you get a little peckish, the festival offers a huge range of culinary delights – from a simple sausage sizzle and ice-cream treats to delights such as wood-fired pizzas, calamari, vegetarian meals and wonderful coffee. There are plenty of kid-friendly options as well.

And you can pack your own picnic to bring along (no glass).

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The Between the Bays bar offers a range of products to enjoy during the event. Drinks will be available from the time the gates open. There is a free water station so bring a water bottle to refill throughout the day.

If you don’t want to be worried about driving, once again there will be a shuttle bus to and from the festival with two pick-up and dropoff points connecting with public transport. The shuttle bus will run during the day and into the evening.

For festival-goers who want the convenience of the car, there is plenty of parking space. The Lions Club manages parking and donations will be gratefully accepted.

Between the Bays is at Penbank School in Moorooduc. Entry is off Rickards Road which is off Bentons Road.

Gates open at 1pm on Saturday 28 February. The first act will start at about 2pm and the final band will finish at about 10.30pm.

Proceeds go toward Penbank School’s partnership with the Wugularr School in the Northern Territory.

For more information on Penbank School and the Wugubank Partnership visit www.penbank.vic.edu.au

P R E S E N T E D

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Victoria’s crappiest job?

If you thought your job was bad, spare a thought for commercial sewage diver Brendan Walsh as he earns a reputation for having the worst job in Australia. We speak to Brendan from his home on the Mornington Peninsula about the highs and lows of being the owner and chief “poo diver” at East-West Dive and Salvage.

Is it necessary to dive in sewage plants?

Interview by Melissa Walsh

How long have you been working as a poo diver?

We started the business in 1996, so 18 years in commercial diving and then working in sewage treatment plants all over Australia, but mainly the Eastern Treatment Plant near Carrum Downs and Western Treatment Plant at Werribee.

What’s it like down there? Does it smell? Can you see anything?

When working at the treatment plant it is 100 per cent done by feel. There is zero visibility down there so before jumping in the diver gets given a map of the treatment plant and it’s their job to memorise everything when down there. The main diver gets fresh oxygen so they can’t smell anything but I can’t say the same for the dress-in diver or site crew.

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Victorian treatment plants contain huge mixers to blend in all the sludge (very technical term). The mixers tend to get encased or bound in “ragging”, that is, hair, rubbish, condoms and everything else you can imagine people flush down the toilet. It is our job to pull the mixers up and clean them so they can continue doing their job. Other reasons we get called in are to retrieve dropped items or conduct an inspection of the pumps and pipes.

What equipment and skills do you need for this kind of contaminated diving?

The biggest lesson I’ve learnt when hiring is it’s easier to turn a tradie into a commercial diver than a diver. We aren’t swimming with dolphins and looking at the pretty fish. A good knowledge and background of tools is critical. The other helpful skills we look for include working at heights, working in confined spaces and welding.

What was it like the first time you did this kind of contamination diving?

Do you like your job? What sort of comments do friends and family make?

It was hard. Diving in zero visibility all of your sensations are heightened. Your mind is just running over mental pictures and maps of the treatment plant as you make your way through the sewage. The supervisor is in your ear over the comms guiding you through. Some people really struggle without the security of seeing where you’re going but to others it’s quite a peaceful time.

I love my job. To me it feels as though I’ve never worked a day in my life. I’ve been doing this work since my girls were little however at that age they didn’t understand or want anyone knowing. I had to turn down a lot of interviews and press because they didn’t want people at school finding out. Now one of them works for me and to everyone else they’re so used to it that it rarely gets brought up. Meeting new people is always a hot topic – not many are too keen to shake my hand!

What other kinds of contamination diving does your company do?

We do a lot of dredging in the Yarra; this is considered a contam dive due to all the sediment in seabed. We also conduct works in stormwater drains – you don’t know what’s in the water that could make the divers sick so we use full contam gear. Some boat salvages are also considered contam if the boat has been leaking oil in the water or other contaminants.

Would you recommend it to people as a job?

Definitely but you’ve got to have a strong stomach and a good worth ethic. Also really love what you’re doing otherwise you won’t last in this business.

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2014 WRAP-UP Runners fit to stride a mounting challenge C

lose to 2000 participants traversed the 6.7-kilometre course from Rosebud to Seawinds Gardens last Sunday in the most successful Arthurs Seat Challenge to date.

The event ambassador, Commonwealth Games marathon runner Sarah Klein, fired the starter’s gun as people of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels took off on the challenging course to the top of Arthurs Seat.

The annual event, sponsored by Fit2Drive, aims to raise awareness of the over-representation of young people in road crashes.

The weather for this year’s event was perfect for running or walking up the steep summit, which at its peak has a testing 9.5-degree gradient and 3-kilometre uphill climb.

getter Cameron Hall, a previous winner of the event.

The first woman to the finish line was Rebecca Rosel who looked strong as she charged up the hill to cross in a time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds. Twins Elly and Sarah Jackson took second and third place for the women’s overall with times of 30 minutes 30 seconds and 30 minutes 59 seconds respectively.

The dynamic duo are still juniors, and as such took out first and second place in the under-18s female category.

Other noteworthy efforts included Liam Hemingway, who was crowned under-18 male champion, and Brodie Lynch, who came in second in the under-18s and took the title in the under-15 male category.

The one saving grace for competitors is the stunning view of Port Phillip.

Make sure you give it a try next year. For more details visit www.arthursseatchallenge.com.au.

Once again, there were some impressive results, with Craig Appleby, first over the line in 25 minutes and 15 seconds.

The Fit2Drive (F2D) Foundation is a not-for-profit community partnership dedicated to reducing youth road trauma. www.f2d.com.au

Appleby glided over the line with a decent gap to second place-

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Summer 2014/15

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d an R epe Pt N

Port Phillip Plaza

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Style File SUMMER FASHION ON THE PENINSULA

There’s no need to drive to the city when the Mornington Peninsula has your fashion needs covered.

Peninsula Essence brings you the latest smoking hot summer fashion for day time and night time, mix and matching designer brands and local fashion houses.

Here’s how to get a fabulous summer look right here on your doorstep.

Bella Once Loved Vintage navy leather shorts. Friend of Mine camel cut out boots. Secret South silk print shirt.

Model Paige Harrington

Euro Collections D.R. print sleeveless dress, black and ivory.

Amber Rossi shoe black.

Model Maria Mirabella Summer 2014/15

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Bella Once Loved State of Georgia maxi dress.

Cobalt nude heels. Turquoise chunky bangle.

Anthony Thomas Menswear Scotch and Soda linen and cotton blazer. Ben Sherman pure cotton shirt. Hugo Boss cotton pants. Hugo Boss leather belt. Model Zane Mansfield

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Euro Collections D.R. print sleeveless dress, ivory and black Amber Rossi shoe black.

Euro Collections D.R. drop waist print dress multi.

Anthony Thomas Menswear Scotch and Soda t-shirt and pure cotton zip-thru hoodie.

Bella Once Loved Sass and Bide jeweled t-shirt.

Easter Island bone bracelets. Sass and Bide tribal skirt. Charles and Keith snakeskin wedges.

Anthony Thomas Menswear Daniel Hechter pure linen suit. Carlo Cimino pure cotton paisley shirt. Hugo Boss leather belt. Scotch and Soda straw summer hat.

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Euro Collections J. Paul jumpsuit. Lilla Lane red leather bag. Progetto| 65 red shoe.

Summer 2014/15 PENINSULA

Anthony Thomas Menswear Scotch and Soda slim fit jeans. Scotch and Soda t-shirt. Scotch and Soda pure cotton zip-thru hoody.

Bella Once Loved Sass and Bide jeweled t-shirt. Easter Island bone bracelets. Sass and Bide tribal skirt.

Charles and Keith snakeskin wedges.

Bella Once Loved Life with Bird silk t-shirt dress. Skins violet and chrome heels. Orange and gold detail bracelet.

Gold and wood Nine West clutch.

@

Now Open Enjoy authentic Peninsula Dining.

Great selection of local wines and beers.

From intimate dinners to those special occasions Eighteen78 combines iconic dining with fresh flavors to create the most memorable meals.

Open for Dinner Monday to Saturday Private Dining Available

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99 Tanti Ave Mornington • 5973 9200 www.brooklandsofmornington.com.au

Fashion Suppliers Bella Once Loved

96 Main Street, Mornington Ph 5973 6979.

Anthony Thomas Menswear 38 Wells Street, Frankston Ph 9783 4558.

Euro Collections

72 Mt Eliza Way, Mt Eliza.

Ph 9775 4022.

Hair

Kall Balli

Makeup

Michelle Eager

Models

Paige Harrington Maria Mirabella Zane Mansfield

Venue

Mornington Racecourse

Photography

By Yanni

Fashion Coordinator Melissa Walsh

Anthony Thomas Menswear Ben Sherman cotton chinos.

Scotch and Soda short sleeved pure cotton shirt. Scotch and Soda summer blouson.

Euro Collections D.R. slim stretch red jean. Red Kisses top. Red Kisses cardigan.

Progetto red shoe.

A new event is coming to the Mornington Peninsula!

MARCH 15 2015

BALCOMBE HILL MT MARTHA A celebration of the Peninsula’s Bays and its world-class marine and land-based produce.

info@grazethebays.com.au

www.grazethebays.com.au Summer 2014/15

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photography competition

Moonah Links Morning Mist.

Connie Kenny

Serenity at Shelley Beach.

Josh Brnjac

Rye Back Beach.

Graham Clayton

Cuttlefish shell Point Nepean.

Madelene O’Halloran

Afternoon Shadows.

Madelene O’Halloran

St Andrews Beach.

Larisa Fletcher

Seagull Panorama.

Graeme Hunt

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Summer 2014/15

As part of the first edition of Peninsula Essence, we decided to put the word out to photographers to send us their favorite Mornington Peninsula images. The response has been outstanding with some great entries received, and here are the finalists.

To vote for your favourite photo head over to our facebook page and like it.

/peninsulaessence

Voting closes 1/2/15. Winner will be notified.

Frankston Fisherman.

Graeme Hunt

Back Beach Bliss.

Geoff Bell

Balcombe Creek Estuary at Mt Martha.

Norm Tilley

Coolart Homestead.

Dave Adamec

Under the Pier.

Sue Hope-Murray

Summer 2014/15

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Rosebud’s Kite Festival Sunday 8 March 2015

A

s Victoria’s largest kite-flying event, this free family festival attracts an internationally acclaimed lineup of professional kite-makers and wind artists. Guest kite-makers from Australia and New Zealand will be gracing the skies with their giant maxi kites, colourful land-based wind art and unique delta kite creations.

Novice kite-flyers, family kite-makers and spectators are invited to join in the fun and celebrate “the art of the kite”.

The kite-flying displays are matched by a program of family entertainment: kids’ activities, kite-making workshops, carnival rides, circus workshops, roving performers, live music on stage, heaps of food stalls and more.

The impressively large maxi kites are floating 3D creations that can be seen from kilometres away and measure up to 20 metres or more in diameter. Requiring skillful handling and a clever aerodynamic design, it is no simple feat to keep these giants of the kite world flying high.

While still on the ground, kites are filled with air from sea breezes. They contain a one-way value designed to catch the air and increase pressure in the kite’s interior. To achieve liftoff, a smaller “pilot” kite is sent off on a single line of rope. It is followed by three or four others until enough lift has been generated to pull the maxi kite into the sky.

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The huge forces require maxi kites to be tied to an anchor (often a car) as the lift can be too strong for mere mortals to control.

Veteran kite designer and special guest of the Rosebud Kite Festival in 2015 is Craig Hansen of New Zealand. He is the owner of the world famous Peter Lynn Kites, a NZ-based kite manufacturing and distribution company responsible for inventing the world’s largest kites and a pioneer of kite design.

In the past, the festival’s kite designers have exhibited maxi kite inflatables that include schools of fish, whales, stingrays and octopi. The overall effect can be beautiful: an ephemeral scene of creatures floating deep in the sky and dancing in the air above Port Phillip.

Put the date in your diary and visit Rosebud foreshore during the Labor Day long weekend in March. Meet the professional kite-makers informally on Saturday 7 March from 10am to 1pm as they preview their 2015 creations. The festival’s main event is on Sunday 8 March from 11am to 5pm.

More information: www.rosebudkitefestival.com.au Event coordinator: Alison Doherty, 0403 889 559

Su mmer Stock Now Available!

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Come in and visit us today to view some of our new stock or find us on

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A MAN ON A MISSION

By Peter McCullough

A

t age 82, Rye resident Bernie Woiwod is seeking support in Australia to build a memorial in New Guinea to remember the villagers, estimated to number as many as 4000, who were killed when Mt Lamington erupted in 1951. At the time, Papua New Guinea was under the administration of the Australian government and many Papuans who died were employees of the administration.

The Mt Lamington eruption At 10.40am on Sunday 21 January 1951, a paroxysmal explosion blew away most of the north side of Mt Lamington in the Northern Province of New Guinea (now called Oro Province). The explosion was heard 320 kilometres away and a cloud of dust rose as high as 15 kilometres, some of it settling on Port Moresby, 160 kilometres away. The force was so great that all vegetation within an area of nearly 200 square kilometres was completely flattened and everyone within the area perished immediately as they were engulfed by burning ash and hot air. People on the edge of the zone suffered horrible burns and experienced agonising deaths. About 29 villages in the surrounding area were totally destroyed. Although the official number of casualties among the villagers was given as 2907, it is generally accepted that 4000 would be a more realistic number.

Thirty-five Europeans perished including Bernie’s brother Kevin.

Higaturu village, 12 kilometres from the volcano, was district headquarters of Northern Province and the base for administrative staff, patrol officers, police and medical staff. The Anglican mission station and school was nearby at Sangara. There was also a prison compound and the total population of Higaturu was in the vicinity of 450, including the 35 Europeans. The latter included seven employees of the Department of Works and Housing who were building a new hospital.

Grandson David Woiwod and Bernie Woiwod at Popondetta memorial in 2009.

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Mt Lamington, rising out of arable land on the rich volcanic soil of Northern Province, had never been identified as an active volcano.

First sign of activity was when smoke appeared from the side of the mountain a week before the eruption. On 18 January, severe rumblings began and increased in severity. District Commissioner Cecil Cowley contacted Port Moresby and expressed his concern at the volcanic activity; he was assured evacuation was not necessary.

Jeep blown into tree.

The dead lined the road to Higaturu.

However government volcanologist Tony Taylor was requested to make his way from Rabaul to investigate. Even on the morning of the eruption, messengers carried notes to be read in church assuring people in the villages that there was no need to worry.

The sight of the volcanic destruction astounded and horrified the first people who managed to negotiate the side road that climbed through the devastated area southwards to Higaturu-Sangara from the arterial Gona-Kokoda Road. The destruction seemed complete – as if a bomb had exploded, blasting everything away. Vegetation had been stripped, trees felled, and remnant trunks split and abraded. Most buildings had been obliterated. Ash covered everything, creating a bleak and monotonous “moonscape”. Most horrifying of all were the burnt human corpses, including hundreds on the access road, fleeing people having been killed as they attempted to escape. In his subsequent report, volcanologist Taylor estimated the speed of the pyroclastic flow on 21 January at between 100 and 350 km/h and that the temperature of the surge may have been about 200 degrees Centigrade for one or two minutes.

The first relief party to reach Higaturu gave a graphic description of bodies scattered across the landscape and blown into trees. A Jeep had been blasted 10 metres up a tree. All buildings except the administration centre had been completely flattened and a steel flagpole that was to be part of the new hospital was bent almost at right angles. The body of the district commissioner was found sitting in his Jeep with that of his 16-year-old son nearby. Mrs Crowley and their 10-year-old daughter had stayed the night at another village and survived the eruption. They had intended to return to Higaturu on 21 January but their absence nonetheless attracted some unjust criticism of Mr Crowley. The Anglican mission at Sangara sustained grievous losses. Many communicants, missionaries and teachers had died in the eruption of 21 January, a Sunday when Christians gathered for worship. Reverend Taylor and his family had perished, Taylor himself enduring horrific burns for several hours before being taken to Popondetta and dying there.

While the official report by the volcanologist was able to provide a full technical account of the explosion, the cause of the disaster was explored at a deeper metaphysical or religious level by the the villagers who were mostly Orokaiva tribesmen. Their conclusion was that they must have broken a covenant with a higher being and that, accord-

Mt Lamington belching smoke before exploding.

ingly, the disaster was their punishment. Many Orokaiva considered the disaster to be the result of the wrath of the Christian God. This, the Orokaiva thought, was because of their disobedience of God and the directions of the Anglican Mission, because they had not sufficiently supported the administration’s efforts in economic development or had not done enough for the Allies in the war.

The Orokaiva had always regarded the mountain as the centre of their universe, a place where death, strife, warfare, fires, marriage and other cultural elements originated. Europeans wanting to visit the summit of Mt Lamington could not always find Orokaiva people willing to guide them because of its special spiritual significance.

Now many Orokaiva believed that Sumbiripa, the spirit who lived at the top of Mt Lamington, had caused the disaster. The peace of the mountain had been interrupted by disrespectful acts such as grenades being let off during the war or hunting on the mountain with guns. Whatever the explanation for the disaster, the anger of Sumbiripa or the Christian God or even the government, the Orokaiva believed that they had violated an agreement and, accordingly, the volcanic disaster was a punishment.

Kevin Woiwod Born in Ferntree Gully and raised in Frankston, Kevin Woiwod was a 20-year-old carpenter who had gained useful experience working on the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme in Victoria’s Bogong High Plains. Wanting to travel, he signed with the Department of Works and Housing in 1950 to work in Papua New Guinea, which was under the administration of the Australian government.

After a short stay in Port Moresby, Kevin was transferred in October 1950 to Higaturu to work on the new hospital. Although only a one-hour flight over the Owen Stanley Range, heavy cloud ensured that it was not an easy flight in those years, and it took four attempts on four separate days to successfully cross the range. continued next page...

Kevin Woiwod in Higaturu.

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Mt Lamington and surrounding area

Trek to Higaturu after leaving Dipoturu village.

Steps were all that remained of the District Commisioner’s house

Kevin was a keen amateur photographer and there was concern in the family when a photograph appeared in the Melbourne Herald on 22 January showing a volcano erupting in PNG and with Kevin named as the photographer. The photograph was sent on the last plane to leave the area prior to the explosion.

Although a recovery party attempted to locate the bodies of the 35 Europeans, further eruptions prompted Tony Taylor to declare the devastated area off-limits and to discourage resettlement for the time being. Also, because of lividity, which removed the racial distinctions of skin colour, identification was difficult. The remains of five Europeans were not found until January 1952, and the body of Kevin Woiwod was never found. Later a story circulated that on the morning of the eruption a group of men from Higaturu had headed toward the mountain; Kevin may have been one of this group if there had been a prospect of taking some interesting photographs.

However, the fact Kevin’s body was never recovered gave the family false hope he would one day be found alive.

A memorial service was held at Popondetta on 24 November 1952. Plaques with the names of the 35 Europeans killed were unveiled. The remains of European victims were interred in the grounds around the memorial.

Bernie’s dream fulfilled Over the years Bernie Woiwod had always wanted to make a pilgrimage to the Mt Lamington area, but work and family commitments intervened. In 2009 he mentioned his unfulfilled dream to his grandson David, who replied, “Well. Let’s do it”. Higaturu had been abandoned after the eruption and the whole area had reverted to thick jungle. Popondetta, 27 kilometres to the north of Mt Lamington, had become the capital of the renamed Oro Province.

It was a long process finding someone to act as guide as the trek

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Early picture of eruption sent to the Australian press by Kevin Woiwod.

involved travelling through two villages, and good manners and safety necessitated that permission be obtained. Through the internet, Bernie was able to make contact with Russell Unware who had family in a village in the area.

In October 2009 Bernie and David flew to Port Moresby where they were met by their guides, Russell and Raulf, and then on to Popondetta. The guides had arranged transport to take the travellers to Ambago River, which had to be crossed at the start of the trek to the former district headquarters at Higaturu.

Part of Bernie’s record of the journey reads: “We passed through two villages where we were warmly greeted with a traditional welcome. When we commenced the trek across the river and through the jungle we were accompanied by some 20 men and children and several dogs. I was 78 years old and not the fastest walker and required many stops but I had many helpers and they were willing to carry me if necessary.

Our many guides cut a track through the jungle and were very protective of me, making sure I had plenty of water and rest when needed. We eventually reached the site of the former District Headquarters, which is now very thick jungle. There we found remnants of the buildings and rusted machinery. It was a very special moment to be at the place where my brother had died 58 years earlier.

We could not speak highly enough of the Papuans we met as we passed through villages. We were given a very warm welcome by all with offerings of food and drink wherever we went. There were times on the trek when I thought that I would be joining my brother, but my grandson and our guides were determined that I would make the distance. David and I were to spend two weeks in PNG, mostly around the Popondetta area. As a result we became good friends with our guides, Russell and Raulf. They told us of their desire to build a suitable memorial in one of the villages. While the

Village welcome.

Remnants of Higaturu in the jungle.

Traditional welcome at Hohorita village.

memorial at Popondetta has brass plaques with the names of the 35 Europeans killed in the eruption, as many as 4000 Papuans also perished; nowhere are they suitably remembered.”

When Bernie left PNG in late 2009 he promised he’d do what he could to assist the locals in their plans for a memorial. Soon afterwards a memorial project committee was formed under the Higaturu Local Level Government Council and it has welcomed discussion with other interested parties. Bernie has maintained contact with Raulf and has attempted to locate others with relations who perished in the eruption.

The committee hopes that while a raised consciousness of the event will focus on remembrance and history, there may be certain economic spin-offs such as trekking and guided tours. With many Australians now visiting Kokoda and “The Track”, increased awareness of the eruption might prompt them to take the walk to the site of the old Higaturu station.

A site within the current mission block at Hohorita has been agreed on by the community and plans for the memorial include a paved shady area with seating, and the display of information and data relating to the eruption on plaques dedicated to the people who perished. Selected stories and maps would be engraved on me­ tal plates mounted on a remembrance wall. To support the main memorial it is envisaged that information signs and plaques will be displayed at other locations relevant to the stories such as the walking track to Higaturu, at Higaturu, and perhaps at Popondetta. An early estimate of the cost of the project is $175,000.

House in Hohorita village built for Bernie, David and cameraman Aiden during their stay while making a documentary of the eruption.

Concept plans of Hohorita village.

January 2011. Cameraman Aiden Boehm was included in the party.

On this occasion the going was much easier as they still had the many contacts and friends made in 2009. When they arrived at Popondetta the group was surprised to find their friends had built a special house for them in the village of Hohorita, about 15 kilometres from Popondetta on the Kokoda-Popondetta Road. Hohorita is the parish headquarters of the area and the main memorial service for the 60th anniversary was held there. David and Aiden were able to interview a number of witnesses for the documentary, and Bernie met all those involved in the memorial committee.

Bernie’s objective While fundraising continues in Papua New Guinea, Bernie Woiwod has made a commitment to pursue all avenues in Australia. Many Australian companies, particularly in the mining sector, have had a long-term involvement in PNG, and he hopes they will view the memorial as a worthwhile project. Past approaches to the Australian government have not been productive but the PNG government has indicated it will assist.

Anyone wanting to learn more about the memorial can contact Bernie Woiwod at bernlor@alphalink.com.au

Bernie’s grandson David is a TV journalist and the trip made such an impression that he decided to make a documentary about the eruption. The pair had learned that 21 January was a special day in Popondetta each year, with ceremonies held in churches. They decided to return for the 60th anniversary ceremonies to be held on 21

Bernie Woiwod planting a tree at the memorial site on the 60th anniversary.

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Bike

on your

bike ride suggestions

ROAD RIDES

Don your lycra and hit the road to experience some of the most beautiful scenery on the peninsula up close and personal.

Remember to bring coins for coffee and cake.

Arthurs Seat

Rising sharply from Dromana, Arthurs Seat is the highest point on the relatively flat Mornington Peninsula. The road winds painfully upward but, like all the great climbs, the amazing views make it all worthwhile. Melway maps 159 F8 and 159 E12

Point Nepean Rd – Safety Beach to Sorrento

Flat ride, bicycle lane all the way. Plenty of toilet stops, riding beside Port Phillip the entire way. Plenty of parking at Safety Beach foreshore. Approx 50km return to Sorrento and back from Safety Beach. Leisurely and scenic ride.

Mornington to Flinders

A ride for the more experienced as it includes a few tough hills but mostly undulating.

Beautiful, partly shaded country roads, no bike lanes, best to leave early in morning when quiet. Plenty of cafes, bakeries at Flinders for a pit stop. Toilets along the way.

About 80km return. A great ride for the more adventurous.

Mornington to Rosebud via Arthurs Seat

Another ride for the more experienced taking in Arthurs Seat but worth the climb for the panoramic views and descent via Purves Rd to Rosebud for coffee. A mixture of hill climb, undulating and flat. A great ride. About 65km return.

MTB RIDES

Experience the thrill of mountain biking with some of the best off-road tracks around. Plenty of single tracks through the bush in and around the Arthurs Seat and Red Hill area.

Red Hill to Merricks rail trail

This shared trail follows the old railway line and passes through vineyards and grazing properties with spectacular views over Western Port. When you see horses, stop and let them go by as some get frightened. Melway maps 192 F9 and 191 B7

Red Hill and Arthurs Seat MTB trails

This area is quickly gaining a reputation in the MTB community. Plenty of single-track bush rides and quiet country roads passing vineyards, farms framed by Port Phillip and ocean views. Many of the tracks are for experienced riders. Keep a look out for walkers and never ride outside your abilities.

Eatons Cutting downhill

Extreme downhill track built by local riders. Do not attempt this course unless you are experienced, have a dedicated downhill bike and correct safety gear. The track runs next to an abandoned quarry and has steep sections, jumps, drop offs – everything you want if you are game and experienced.

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Photography: Yanni

KIDS’ RIDES

There’s nothing better than a family day out bike riding, and there’s something for everyone on the diverse peninsula. Kids will love the safe and flat trails.

Point Nepean National Park

A great way to explore the natural beauty of the park and its historic features. Great for kids as no vehicles (apart from occasional shuttle bus) are allowed. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. Melway map 156 C2

Langwarrin Reserve

A traffic-free reserve with a series of flat trails suitable for inexperience mountain bikers and families. Take a map and picnic. With many trails, you can return and ride different trails each time. Melway map 103 D10

Bittern Boardwalk

This hill-free family friendly ride is a little gem. It starts at Hastings jetty and ends at Jacks Beach in Bittern. There is a boardwalk section that meanders through the mangroves and tidal waters with scenic views over Western Port. Melway map 103 D10

CASUAL

RIDES

It’s a sunny Saturday morning so grab your loved one and head off for a casual day of riding one of the many peninsula bike trails.

Peninsula Link Trail

Peninsula Link Trail begins at Patterson Lakes and ends at Moorooduc. The route takes in wetlands, parklands and natural bushlands following alongside Peninsula Link. Melway maps 106 A9 and 97 H4

Bay Trail – Safety Beach to Rye

A scenic shared trail winding for 20km along the foreshore from Rye to Safety Beach. Well marked and suitable for beginners, the surface varies from asphalt, crushed rock and dirt.

Many refreshment stops on the way or cool of in the bay. Melway maps 150 E11 and 168 D3

Choose your own

Pull out the Melway or your GPS and design your own Sunday ride. Try and choose either trails or quiet roads, hopefully near cafes.

Check out the following links: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Leisure_Tourism/Leisure_Activities/Cycling_Walking_Horse_Riding www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/OurRegion/Trails/BikeTracks

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LARGE VESSELS ALWAYS HAVE RIGHT OF WAY

T: 03 5979 5500 www.portofhastings.com

T: 03 5983 9406 www.patrick.com.au

FIVE SHORT BLASTS OF THE WHISTLE MEANS

“GET OUT OF THE WAY”

Waterside restricted zones are 100 metres from Long Island Point and Crib Point jetties, indicated by specially marked piles and signage

Summer 2014/15

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SNAKES

ALIVE

By Melissa Walsh. Photography: Yanni

When you’ve been working as a snake catcher for 30 years, you’re bound to have a few slippery tales. We talk to snake handler Barry Goldsmith to shed some light on the cold-blooded creatures.

It’s an unusual occupation. How did you get involved in catching snakes?

How common are snakes on the peninsula? What’s the most unusual place you have found a snake?

I’ve been into snakes since I was a kid. I used to catch them and keep them in a bug catcher jar. That was before the day of licences. My mum and dad were rapt because they thought I would end up a biologist or scientist. While all the other kids were playing cars, I was playing with snakes and bugs.

Snakes generally come out when it warms up. They start looking for mates and start feeding so it is very common to find them in the summer months. They are all over the peninsula, between Frankston and Portsea and out to Flinders, Crib Point and Hastings as we have many beautiful environments, inhabited by various plants and animals not seen anywhere else in the world. In the summer we answer many calls from people who have seen or trapped a snake or lizard but the most unusual call I had was from the owners of a sex shop in Frankston a few years ago. I was called out as they had found a three-metre python when they unlocked the shop in the morning. They walked in and noticed all the sex toys on the ground and then discovered the snake. They called the police who

Why snakes? What do you like about them?

I’ve always rooted for the underdog and snakes get a bad rap.

I also look after ravens and crows and other animals that people don’t like. All animals need our attention and most people find it easier to love animals that are cute like possums and koalas. So I look out for the less obviously cute ones.

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contacted me. It was a pet python because usually when you see a python in Victoria it is somebody’s pet. We never found out how it got in but I suspect during the day it must have come in through the air-conditioning.

What sorts of snakes live on the peninsula and what should we do if bitten by one?

The copperhead snake is the most common on the peninsula.

Around Rye we have eastern brown snakes, Langwarrin has red-bellied black snakes. Rarely seen are the small-eyed snake and the white-lipped snake but they do exist. If you are bitten by a snake, apply a compression bandage and apply a splint and keep the limbs really still. Phone an ambulance. Do not panic as the more you panic, the quicker the venom will pump to your heart.

Is being a snake catcher a full-time job?

Snake catching is a summer thing that I do; you can’t make a job out of it. I don’t like the idea people are killing snakes so I save them from being killed and vice versa. I try to educate people to be nice to snakes as they are not going to hurt them.

I also do snake awareness workshops for companies. During the warmer months I get about 12 calls a day. The most work is where land moving is being done like housing estates in Langwarrin, bulldozing the bushland to build the estates. When Peninsula Link Freeway went through it was a red-hot time because so many animals were displaced and people were finding them in their backyard, confused and thirsty.

What does your wife think of you being a snake catcher?

When I met my wife Karen 26 years ago she wasn’t real keen on snakes at the time, but now we have a whole wall of snakes, goannas and blue-tongued lizards that we care for at home and they’re part of the family. Karen even comes on callouts, helps me and videos the catches.

Have you ever been bitten?

I haven’t but Karen has. It was Valentine’s Day several years ago and we were rescuing a snake. It was before I had the loop bag and used pillow cases, which we tied a knot it. Karen was holding it and her finger went underneath the knot and the snake bit her. She looked at me and said, “I’ve been bitten”; I applied the pressure bandage and took her to Frankston Hospital. We laughed all the way to the hospital.

What do you do with the snakes after you’ve caught them?

For legal reasons, I have to release the snake within five kilometres of where it’s been caught. If I can’t find a place within five kilometres, I have to euthanase it.

If you have a snake problem or would like more information about snake catching, phone 5975 0481 or 0408 067 062. www.snakecatchervictoria.com.au

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Graze the Bays

LAND AND SEA FESTIVAL

Sunday 15 March, 10am-4pm at Balcombe Hill, Mt Martha

G

raze the Bays – Land and Sea is a new festival taking place on Sunday 15 March from 10am to 4pm at Balcombe Hill (Mt Martha), utilising the facilities of Balcombe Grammar School.

With a core focus of seafood, this celebration of the Mornington Peninsula’s world-class marine culture, land-based gourmet foods and beverages promises to have something for the whole family.

As part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Graze the Bays offers the chance to sample and graze on great peninsula delicacies such as mussels, artisan cheese and desserts, complemented with peninsula wines, beers, ciders and soft drinks. A market-style ambience will allow for tasting and grazing at your own pace The Graze live stage will be host to the Australian Seafood Show, a

plethora of peninsula chefs and other talent.

Ticketed master classes include Gin Master Class (Bass and Flinders Distillery), Appreciating Craft Beer (Mornington Peninsula Brewery), and Crafty Cup Cake Decorating (Crafty Cakes), Mornington Peninsula Hills versus The Flats (Whitehill Wine Distributors), Larder Essentials (Morning Star Estate), Delicious Tasty Treats and Snacks (Hocking Stuart), and “Discover something lesser known” (Baillieu, Elgee Park and Elan wineries). Master classes vary in length from 40 minutes to two hours, and tickets will be sold through the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival website Children’s activities include jumping castle, face painting and allocated indoor areas for activities such as herb planting and colouring.

INNOVATION MEETS SOPHISTICATION • Natural stone paving and wall cladding • Feature Wall products • Outdoor décor/Accessories • Outdoor furniture • Outdoor cooking • Sculpture

3/14 Thomson Terrace, Dromana (industrial estate) info@romarneeoutdoor.com.au follow us on

www.romarneeoutdoor.com.au

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Open WED-SUN

5987 0887

LANDSCAPE SUPPLY AND DESIGN CENTRE Summer 2014/15

The whole family can relax, listen to peninsula musicians and simply graze.

While some activities have a gold coin cost, entry to the festival is free. Master classes need to be booked and pre-paid.

Graze the Bays – Land and Sea Festival, Sunday 15 March from 10am to 4pm. A day of enjoyment for the whole family For more details visit www.grazethebays.com.au or email info@grazethebays.com.au

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PENINSULA

The Precious Art

By Melissa Walsh. Photography: Yanni

P

ablo Picasso said “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls” and it’s a philosophy many artists relate to, none more so than jewellery creator Sonya Kelly.

As she sits in her Artistic Alloys studio at Cape Schanck, Sonya freely admits she has the best of both worlds, working in the peace and tranquillity of a magical space where nature and solitude combine to allow her creativity to manifest.

As I look around the studio, I realise it’s not all tinkering and playing with precious jewels, with some hard-core equipment set up so Sonya can create her stunning Artistic Alloys jewellery.

“I create beautiful and often delicate pieces but you can’t be afraid to get your hands

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dirty if you want to make jewellery,” says Sonya who is used to having black residue on her hands and the odd small burn or hair caught. “I love working from home and have worked in jewellery stores before but this way I have the perfect environment for creative freedom, and find much of my inspiration in nature and the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula.”

One of the few jewellers today who has completed an old school jewellery apprenticeship, Sonya says it gave her the skills to understand how to work with gemstones, silver and gold but it wasn’t until she created her own artistic space that her real passion could flourish.

“I work with silver, gold, gems and stones to create individual pieces for each person.

We sit down and talk, and I get a sense of

who they are, which inspires each piece of jewellery,” says Sonya, who creates completely individual rings, bracelets and necklaces. “I like to call it modern treasure that has been made with love and is given with love. Everything is handmade with many pieces taking up to 13 hours to create.”

“I do a lot of pearl jewellery as well, but with a rock ’n’ roll spin, making it more edgy. I particularly love pearls as they come from the ocean where I get a lot of my inspiration as well. Even the story of how they form blows my mind,” says Sonya, who uses South Sea and Tahitian pearls in her quirky designs.

With a steely determination, Sonya set out to be a jewellery maker from the time she was 17, nagging Wangaratta jeweller David Roberts for an apprenticeship.

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of jewellery making The master jeweller said he would let her work there as long as she finished her VCE. “This was many years ago and I did a four-year trade qualification. Now I have been working on the peninsula for 20 years, starting Artistic Alloys 10 years ago,” says Sonya whose penchant for medieval designs and tattoo-inspired art shines through in her work. “Predominantly my pieces are sterling silver, nine carat, 18 carat, rose or yellow gold.”

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You can find Sonya’s Artistic Alloys jewellery at Felix in Dromana or check out www.artisticalloys.com.au 103 Railway Pde, Seaford (cnr Clovelly Pde) Ph: 9785 1887 email baysideshoewarehouse@gmail.com

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There is a new

Shop Around the Corner just

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Him, for Her and for the Kids

DIVINE GIFT SHOP www.shopwithlove.com.au Come in and view our wonderful range of Christmas Gifts Perfect for the whole family Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Safe New Year

94 Young Street, Frankston Phone Nina on 0416 923 517

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creatures of the peninsula

With continuing human-made climate change and increasing population growth, more and more creatures are having to adapt to encroaching urban sprawl. However, protected wetlands, coastal and inland national parks can provide a unique safe haven for the wide variety of bird and animal species that live and breed on the Mornington Peninsula.

photography by

Summer 2014/15

Yanni

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The Mornington Peninsula has a vast array of bird species that have made homes in our backyards. They include noisy miners, the ever-quiet tawny frogmouth, chattering rainbow lorikeets, little corellas and even the occasional, majestic yellow-tailed black cockatoo. Other animals are sometimes harder to spot but the echidna and possum are fairly common.

Early mornings and dusk will reveal kangaroo and wallaby species throughout peninsula bushland.

Photography: Yanni

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Our big waterways, Port Phillip and Western Port, are home to a unique bottlenose dolphin species called the Burrunan dolphin (Tursiops australis) and the smaller common dolphin, found mainly off Mornington. During the peak holiday months the human population grows considerably. Usually quiet stretches of parkland and waterways are filled to capacity with people enjoying all the peninsula has to offer.

The animals that live all year round in this beautiful part of the world have to compete for limited resources during summer.

Photography: Yanni Summer 2014/15

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Accidents can happen and in crossing paths with humans, animals can sometimes come to grief. In the past decade a lot more private animal shelters have started up to cater for injured and displaced wildlife, providing care and support for bird and mammal alike. Residents and visitors should be aware of the environment around them and respect the native fauna they may come in contact with from time to time.

Photography: Yanni

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We come

in peace

By Andrew Dixon. Photography: Yanni

T

he Mornington Peninsula is known all over the country for its diversity of landscapes including some of the best beaches in the world, wild surf coast, rolling fields and unspoilt bushland as well as historic landmarks signifying some of the first British settlement in Terra Australis.

But when it comes to people and culture, less than six per cent of people in the municipality speak a language other than English at home, compared with an average of 24 per cent in metropolitan Melbourne. Less than one per cent of the peninsula’s population is indigenous. The region is one of the whitest, most culturally homogeneous places in Australia.

This is not to say we’re an intolerant bunch. More and more cultural groups are setting up camp on and near the peninsula, one of which is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, members of which are known as Ahmadis. I spoke to Imam Syed Wadood Janud at the group’s mosque, which is in the picturesque estate that was once the Leisureland theme park, just off the Western Port Highway near Langwarrin.

“I was in grade four when my parents moved to Australia. We were pioneers of our community in Adelaide,” he said. The global size of the Ahmadiyya movement belies the humble nature of the Langwarrin mosque. “We’re based in more than 200 countries worldwide. We have tens of millions in our movement.” But why move to a remote land with entrenched Judeo-Christian values? “Ahmadiyya communities are actually persecuted in most Muslim countries. In fact, my dad was targeted to be murdered, and it was because of this constant religious persecution that we migrated from Pakistan.”

At age 25, Syed is long on wisdom for a religious leader so young.

“Jihad literally means strive and struggle; to walk on the very narrow path of spirituality.” He speaks not of the jihad perpetrated with depressing frequency in the Middle East or of the mindset that made ISIS a reality, but of a deeper, more peaceful spiritual learning. The

Ahmadis are not Sunni or Shia, and harbour no ill-will toward other Muslims or any other culture.

Their peaceful nature has cost them dearly in places they should be able to call home. “We believe in all the fundamentals of Islam, however, in pretty much all Islamic countries (the exceptions being Bangladesh and Indonesia) we’ve been outlawed as ‘non-Muslims’ even though we preach and practice all the principles of Islam.” Not entirely unlike the Catholics and Protestants of old, not every branch of Islam is widely accepted.

“The only difference between our Islam and mainstream Islam is that we believe the promised reformer has already come. Sunni Muslims believe he will come, Shia Muslims say he’s supposed to come, but we believe he has presented forth and reformed Islam. All these misconceptions and all the convictions that have made their way into Islam – we believe he has rectified them. But other than that, we’re the same Islam foretold by the prophet Muhammad 1500 years ago.”

The “promised reformer” Syed speaks of is Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of the former Sikh empire (Punjab). “He was born in 1835 and proclaimed himself as the promised reformer – the second coming of Christ, you could say. We believe him to be that person. Basically the only difference between us and the other streams of Islam is that we identify Ahmad as the promised reformer and they don’t.”

It’s a point of difference that has seen Syed’s people persecuted all over the world. It inhibits their freedom to visit mosques and brings scorn from Sunni and Shia Muslims. “If this wasn’t Australia, we would be openly persecuted. Here we can attend different mosques, but they neglect us, they don’t consider our presence a Muslim presence. Wherever we go we openly declare ourselves equity Muslims.”

The daily battle for legitimacy extends to the media. “We have people who say, ‘These people aren’t Muslims – why are you approaching continued next page...

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fellow human beings. Just as you cannot love an artist but hate his masterpiece, so you cannot claim to love God but hate other human beings.” This philosophy is put into practice by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association all over the world. “You’ll find them extremely accommodating to everyone, purely on the basis of their humanity.

That’s why we have sub-organisations all over Africa, building and working in hospitals and schools providing free education, primary and secondary, and healthcare – these are teachers and doctors who have dedicated their lives to this cause for nothing in return.”

Their “humanity first” policy helps them connect with people of all cultures. Aside from recently holding the inaugural Conference of World Religions, Syed and his people work actively in their local community. “There’s a creek across from our mosque that we’re working with the local council to rejuvenate – building walking tracks, barbecues and benches – we call it Harmony Creek. We connect with the community across all platforms, building bridges with other religions and faiths.”

Photo: Yanni

them for comment?’ They’re a large majority. If 1000 people tell lies every day, it becomes truth, and we don’t always get accepted. So we openly, emphatically declare ourselves to be Muslim.”

For a peaceful, tolerant people, the slander is harsh. But for brutalised people all over the modern world in need of a spiritual cause, their case is compelling. “The holy prophet, peace be upon him, prophesied that when the promised messiah came, he would abandon the jihad of before. He declared that in this day and age, there will be no jihad of war; any Muslim who goes out and proclaims jihad in the name of violence would be humiliated and destroyed.

He said that the only type of jihad is that of self-reformation, of self-struggle – to be better morally, in regard to your values, in regard to your ethics.”

The importance of education features heavily in Syed’s teachings.

“This is the greatest jihad to be practised in this day and age; people have deviated so far away from the true teachings of Islam. He also said the second acceptable form of jihad today is that of the pen – of literature and writing – and Ahmad proclaimed his message and his philosophy through this type of jihad. These are the types of jihad we openly preach and practice here today.”

The imam is also heavily philosophical in his faith. The violence that attracts impressionable young westerners is “quite shocking – I’ve noticed a lot of Caucasians and others who work with certain elements of Islam get attracted to this ‘brotherhood’, something they may not experience elsewhere in their lives. The notion of not being able to communicate with someone until they’ve converted too is completely un-Islamic – it has no base in true Islam.

“What’s the essential purpose of religion? It’s so that you can establish a relationship with a higher being, so you can walk on a path of spirituality, and we only preach the Islamic philosophy that before you can fulfill the rights of God, you must fulfill the rights of your

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If he had one wish, it would be for people to be educated about the side of Islam they don’t see on the news. “I think many people don’t understand Islam as well as they could. I believe it to be the most accommodating and most universal of all religions. Before you become a Muslim, you must hold a fundamental belief in every single prophet that’s come before Muhammad. We regard Socrates as a prophet, Mani of Persia was a prophet. You essentially become a Buddhist, a Hindu, a Zoroaster (Zarathustra), a Jew, a Christian, you believe in Abraham, you believe in Moses, you believe in Jesus, and only then, once you’ve affirmed your belief in Muhammad, can you regard yourself as a Muslim.”

The process isn’t unique to Syed’s brand of Islam either. “That’s mainstream – it’s one of the six fundamental articles of faith in Islam.

If you’re a Hindu, you must reject Moses and Abraham and Muhammad as imposters. If you’re a Jew, you must reject Jesus, Muhammad, Krishna and Buddha. But as a Muslim, you must accept all these people as people of wisdom and teaching.”

Perhaps most importantly, the way of the Ahmadis is not a response to some recent event, a tailored solution to the more violent brands of Islam prevalent in the Middle East today. “This is not something we’ve come up with post-Gulf War or post-Islamic State, this is something we’ve been practising and teaching since 1889 – the formation of our community. It’s become even more relevant today, to proclaim these peaceful teachings at a time when Islam is being regarded as a religion of hate, a religion of war.”

Syed is frustrated by the media focus on beheadings of Westerners

by ISIS. “More than 11,000 Muslims have been beheaded – imams, men, women and children – anyone who doesn’t pledge allegiance.

The streets are lined with heads. There are 1.6 billion Muslims but just 30,000 ISIS fighters. ISIS does not represent Islam.”

Syed wanted to be a cricketer when he was young. Later, in year 10, a vocational counsellor asked him what he wanted to be. “I want to be an imam,” Syed told him. The counsellor took off his glasses and looked at him directly: “In all the years I’ve been a counsellor, you’re the first person who wanted to be an imam.”

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A Wonderful Life

Michael Binney

By Melissa Walsh

W

ith a twinkle in his blue eyes, you can sense that Michael Binney has lived an interesting life and, as we sit at the Crib Point Football Club, the 68-year-old regales me with stories of his 27th season as a trainer with his beloved Magpies and life as he knows it.

A well-known face around the traps, Michael has energy that even a bout of cancer couldn’t douse.

His days are filled with training at the club in winter, the vice-presidency of the Balnarring Picnic Racing Club, membership of the Woolleys Road Equestrian Rescue Committee, volunteering for St Vincent de Paul, working as an independent third person for the intellectually impaired, and training racehorses. Even when organising a time for the interview, Michael had to schedule it between 5.30am horse training on Balnarring Beach and volunteering at a polling booth during the recent election. So what’s the secret of this man’s happiness and joie de vivre?

Michael, who grew up one of 12 children in poverty stricken inner-city Collingwood, says his parents taught him life is not a dress rehearsal so you’d better make the most of it.

“My dad sold newspapers at Flinders Street Station from 1897 right up until 1971 so I spent a lot of time in the city. I grew up around newspapers and always had an interest in reading, even though I left school at 14, to return later in life. My father would bring the newspapers home to read to us. He always told us good manners cost nothing but carry a lot of weight, which I have passed down to my children.

My parents also taught us compassion. Both would bring people home who had nothing to eat or nowhere to sleep. When dad saw that someone had been left at the station at night and had nowhere to go, he would bring them home with him.”

Photo: Yanni

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Michael says his attitude to life is 50 per cent religion, being raised Irish Catholic, and the other half a result of such a big family.

“You learn to look after other people when there are so many around, and not be judgmental,” says Michael, whose mother suffered with a drinking problem. “Regardless of this, my mother was always good-hearted and saw the best in everyone.”

Michael moved to the peninsula in 1976, drawn here because his mother’s family came from the Western Port area.

“I originally worked at the Bata Shoe Company and they opened a small sewing line in Hastings. Then I went to work at Exxon Mobil and retired in 2009, but remained the senior shop steward in a voluntary position.

“I was always involved in the community especially after my three children came along,” says the man who in bygone days was president of the Hastings Emergency Relief Committee, and part of the Western Port Netball Association for some time when daughter Karen played the sport.

I do a great deal of consulting for people who are worried about their pets “I have been the longest-serving president of Crib Point Junior Football Club, and was heavily involved in the campaign to save the Stony Point train in the 1990s, which we won, and it still runs today.”

Nowadays Michael divides his time between organising Balnarring Picnic Races, racehorse training, volunteering for the ALP as well as St Vincent de Paul and as an ITP. “It’s not unusual for me to be up an about at 5am to train racehorses, which is one of my passions. It’s actually a dream of mine to train a city winner.”

Part of Michael’s repertoire is his work as an independent third person, someone trained to represent and be a mediator.

“My role is to be an independent third person for intellectually challenged people in a police interview situation. You have to be on call 24/7 and I cover police stations at Rosebud, Frankston, Hastings and Mornington,” he says.

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At the footy club, Michael is part of the furniture.

“There’s nothing like the camaraderie and community spirit that exists within a football club and that’s what keeps me here. There is not one person I wouldn’t have at my dinner table,” says Michael who volunteers as a trainer but you can’t help think he’s more a mentor. continued next page...

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“I work with a lot of the kids here and they’re all fantastic people. Some of them come from tough backgrounds and guys at the footy club are the only father figures they have. “We help put social norms into place for them even though their mums do a brilliant job. Sometimes they just need to be around the blokes,” says Michael, who remains a staunch believer in the potential of youth.

“The majority of young people are respectful when given the chance and it’s important to make allowances. There’s a reason why kids can be difficult.”

They say behind every strong man is an even stronger woman and you can’t help thinking Michael’s cherished wife Margaret is just that person. They have three adult children now and recently returned from a two-week overseas holiday, which Michael describes as a whirlwind.

“Margaret is the loveliest, most patient wife. She is about to get her name on the honour board at the footy club for serving 30 years and has just put up with me dragging her around the UK for two weeks,” says Michael with a grin that tells me he has no intention of slowing down.

As for the future, it’s one early day at a time, in the hope of training a winning racehorse.

Photo: Yanni

“Regardless of that, all in all, I’ve had such a wonderful life.”

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