Peninsula Essence August 2026

PENINSULA essence AUGUST 2026

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VISITING & LIVING ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA

GET BUSY LIVING BORN TO RUN DRAWN TO ANIMALS DEEP IN BLOOM SWEET LEGACY

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WHAT’S ON • PENINSULA IN STYLE • FOCUS ON DROMANA • THE LOWDOWN • HISTORY

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inside

August 2026 - issue 124 Cover image by Yanni

16

56

26

LEADING

ARTS

PENINSULA IN STYLE

08 GET BUSY LIVING

20 JIMMY THE JOKESTER

48 WITH THIS RING

16 BORN TO RUN

26 DRAWN TO ANIMALS

EAT & DRINK

Mother turns grief into community support.

Archie’s Commonwealth Games running dream.

The guy who makes people laugh.

Pencil artist captures pets’ personalities.

34 DEEP IN BLOOM

Modern weddings embrace personal touches.

56 SWEET LEGACY

Nonno’s recipes inspire Sicilian pastry legacy.

Underwater portraits explore safety and transformation.

FOCUS ON

64 DROMANA

Facts, cafes, and what to do.

HISTORY

92 SOMERVILLE’S WINE CAFÉ

Landmark reveals colonial licensing history.

Writers Andrea Louise Thomas, Cameron McCullough, Annette Sanfilippo, Sarah Halfpenny Photography Yanni, Gary Sissons Creative Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne Publisher Melissa McCullough melissa@mpnews.com.au Style editor Annette Sanfilippo annette@mpnews.com.au

4 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

SPECIAL FEATURES

62 THE COFFEE COUNTER 71 DENTAL HEALTH 78 BEAUTIFUL HOME ALSO THIS MONTH 06 WHAT’S ON 88 THE LOWDOWN 90 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Advertising Belinda Timmerman, 0419 135 900, belinda@mpnews.com.au Molly Mitchell, 0407 225 261, molly@mpnews.com.au Phone (03) 5974 9000 Registered address 1/15 Wallis Drive, Hastings VIC. 3915 FB @peninsulaessence IG @peninsulaessence W peninsulaessence.com.au

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

Copyright of contributed material rests with the contributor.

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

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

Peninsula Essence is produced monthly. 30,000 copies bulk dropped at an extensive network of outlets across the peninsula.

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what's on?

AUGUST 2026

1, 8, 15 AUGUST BOOKS, BLOKES AND BUBS

2 AUGUST CLIFFORD DRIVE FRIENDS WORKING BEE

14 AUGUST SOUL NIGHT MARKET MORNINGTON

If you live on the peninsula and have a child under four, come along for a free coffee, a special storytime session, and the chance to connect with other like‑minded dads and father figures. au.openforms.com

Join volunteers from Clifford Drive Friends Group at a Shire-supported working bee at Clifford Drive Bushland Reserve, Tyabb and get involved in a range of activities to help protect biodiversity in their local bushland or foreshore reserve. mornpen.vic.gov.au

Peninsula Community Theatre 5pm to 9pm.

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15 AUGUST DAFFODIL DAY FUNDRAISING CONCERT

16 AUGUST DEVILBEND TRAIL RUN

23 AUGUST FILM SCREENING: ON THE BEACH

2-4pm High Street Uniting Church, 16-18 High St Frankston.

Featuring Cadence, Lana Hutchinson, Anne Glading and Jenny Stevenson.

Tickets $25 / $20 concession.

Children free. Afternoon tea included. Book via QR code or pay at the door. trybooking.com

Whether you are a seasoned trail runner or are aiming to challenge yourself over a formidable natural course, the Devilbend Trail Run, held at the Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, Tuerong, is for you! devilbend.com.au

Celebrating Frankston’s 60th birthday, the FAC presents a free screening of Stanley Kramer’s adaptation of former Langwarrin resident Nevil Shute’s bestselling novel.

Following a global nuclear war, Australia becomes the only safe haven in the world for humans.

Filmed on location in Frankston, Mt Eliza and Melbourne. artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au

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By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Yanni & supplied

W

hen you ask Chantelle Ross about her son, she doesn’t talk about how he died. She talks about his laugh.

“It was infectious, and he could find humour in almost anything,” she says of Jamerson, or Jammo to everyone who knew him. “I also smile thinking about how easily he could convince everyone to head off on another camping or fishing trip. Those simple moments together are the ones I treasure most.”

Jamerson, a marine electrician with a huge circle of friends and an even bigger heart, died in a hit-and-run in Hastings in October 2022, as he was celebrating his 23rd birthday with frien He owned his first home by 20, was already planning to buy an investment property, and had a devoted partner, Lucy, and a dog, Bronco, who Chantelle says was “rarely far from his side.”

But what defined Jammo most wasn’t what he achieved; it was his generosity “But what defined Jammo most wasn’t what he achieved; it was his generosity,” Chantelle says. “Outside of work, he was always helping family and mates with electrical work, fixing the family boat, or organising another camping or fishing trip.”

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Out of that loss, Chantelle founded Projex J, a grief support organisation whose ethos is drawn straight from how he lived.

“The ‘J’ is for Jamerson, but Projex J represents something much bigger,” she says. “After Jammo died, I knew I wanted his life to continue making a difference.” continued next page ...

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Its tagline, ‘Get Busy Living’, wasn’t invented for the cause; it was already her son’s way of doing things.

Looking back, I wasn’t trying to survive the future, I was just trying to survive the next hour, then the next day

“It wasn’t something we came up with after Jammo died, it genuinely reflected how he lived,” Chantelle says. “Today those words remind us that, while grief changes us forever, life can still hold purpose, connection and moments of joy.

It’s not about moving on; it’s about carrying the people we love with us as we continue living.”

Chantelle doesn’t shy away from how dark those first days were.

“Looking back, I wasn’t trying to survive the future, I was just trying to survive the next hour, then the next day,” she says. But she’s equally clear about what got her through: family, friends and a wider community that carried her when she couldn’t carry herself.

“There were services available, but I couldn’t find ongoing, local community support where a person could simply sit beside others who truly understood,” she says.

“I realised there were so many people navigating grief in isolation, and I wanted to create a place where nobody had to pretend they were okay.

“In navigating my grief I leaned in on the lessons I learned from the passing of my mother. I realised that it was essential to feel my pain, to work through it, to allow it and to talk about it. I was determined not to repeat the same mistakes I made in my grief after the loss of my mother.

“Our loved ones wouldn’t want us to spend our lives mourning them; they would want us to live our best lives in their honour.”

This understanding shaped the practical, holistic approach that Projex J now embodies.

Projex J currently runs several groups across the peninsula, including Grief Support, Bereaved Parents Together, Youth Grief Support, and Breathwork for Grief. Each combines lived experience with professional guidance. “Every group is different because every person’s grief is different,” Chantelle says.

“We create a safe, welcoming space where people can share as much or as little as they choose.” Sessions draw on a mix of approaches – grief counsellors, guest speakers with their own lived experience, and simple tools like breathwork – but for Chantelle, what happens outside the room matters just as much. continued page 12 ...

10 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

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“The friendships that grow beyond our groups are often the most powerful part,” she says. “People continue checking in on one another, catching up for coffee, walking alongside each other through anniversaries and difficult days.”

The organisation’s signature event is the Get Busy Living Fishing Day, which hands out around 100 fishing rods to local kids in Jamerson’s honour.

“Fishing was Jammo’s happy place,” Chantelle says. “The day celebrates his life, strengthens community connections, and raises funds so we can continue delivering free grief support throughout the year.”

She’s deliberate about keeping the day, which falls close to the anniversary of Jamerson’s death, focused on celebration rather than sorrow. “Why are we placing importance on the worst day of our lives? Their death wasn’t who they are. Their life is who they are.”

It’s an attitude she’s had to practise. “It’s brain training,” she says.

“Every time you think something negative, just think something positive, and it becomes automatic.” Grief, in her telling, still comes in waves – “it takes your breath away, and you just stop, and you endure it”. But she insists that it passes, and a good cry is “so cathartic,” never something to push down. continued page 14 ...

12 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

Family threads through everything Chantelle does. Raised in a big, closeknit family – Irish on her mother’s side, Italian on her father’s – she says when tragedy struck, she knew people would rally around her.

Success won’t be measured by the size of our organisation.

It will be measured by the stories of people who tell us, ‘I felt seen,’ ‘I found my community’

These days, Chantelle lives in Jamerson’s house. “I’m warm, I’m safe, I’m living in my son’s home, and I got to be his mother,” she says. Her daughter Jewell lives next door with her partner Shane and their two young daughters, Emerson, named for her uncle Jamerson, and Marlowe, named in memory of Shane’s brother Mark, who died as a teenager.

“There are no coincidences,” Chantelle says of the way their two families’ losses became intertwined.

Recognised as the Mornington Peninsula’s 2026 Citizen of the Year, Chantelle is quick to redirect the credit. “It reflects every volunteer, facilitator, supporter, donor and participant who has helped build Projex J into what it is today,” she says. “Community built Projex J, and this award belongs to our whole village.”

Her hopes for the next five years are, characteristically, about others rather than herself. “Our vision is for no one on the

Mornington Peninsula to feel they have to navigate grief, trauma or isolation alone.

“Success won’t be measured by the size of our organisation. It will be measured by the stories of people who tell us, ‘I felt seen,’ ‘I found my community.’”

For anyone reading this who is grieving and can’t yet picture surviving it, Chantelle wants them to know something simple. “Don’t think about next month or next year. Just focus on today. And don’t try to carry it alone. Even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, there is hope.”

Find out more about Chantelle’s work online.

IG @projextj W projexj.org

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NO OWNERSHIP LINKS OR AFFILIATIONS WITH PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS. Impartiality is impossible where an advisor has links to a product manufacturer.

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July 2026 PENINSULA essence | 15

BORN TO run

By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Yanni

F

rom his first primary school cross country race, to the start line at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Archie Hewett’s path to representing Australia has demanded everything he has.

continued page 18 ...

16 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

The Mornington resident competed in the 1500m on 27 July – under the T20 classification for athletes with an intellectual disability – in what will be his debut at a major international Games.

Training six days a week under Verway’s guidance – complemented by weights and physio sessions – Archie has steadily evolved from a gifted junior into a national-level competitor.

His mum, Sarah Hewett, traces it all back to a cross-country race when he was in Grade Five. The quiet and unassuming Archie represented Benton’s Junior College, finished in the top ten and progressed to regionals. “By Grade Six he was coming first in every round and made his first state team,” Sarah said. “He went to Queensland for nationals and it was like, oh, he can actually run!”

At the 2025 Virtus Games in Brisbane, Archie won gold in the steeplechase in his first outing under the classification.

“Something opened up for Archie,” Sarah said. “He found his people.

He became very comfortable with who he is and what he could do.”

He joined Mornington Little Athletics Club and became a dominant force across both track and cross country, representing Victoria at state level every year from Years Seven to Ten – virtually unbeatable as a junior.

Every psychologist we’ve met has said they don’t know how we’ve got him where he is, but the support he must have is incredible

Much of that development is credited to coach Dane Verway, who has worked with Archie for four years. A former Paralympics physio, Verway identified the T20 pathway in late 2024 and, following an assessment by Athletics Australia, Archie was confirmed eligible.

Archie entered the Games as both the youngest and least experienced athlete in the field, with a personal best of 4:05 and a singular ambition: to break four minutes. “He’s definitely the underdog,” Sarah said. “But we know he hasn’t reached his full potential.”

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Australian Athletics took notice.

He was soon named as one of just three Australians invited to an international classification race in Dubai, then raced a punishing schedule, including Melbourne’s prestigious Maurie Plant Meet, to earn the qualifying time he needed for the Commonwealth Games.

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After Glasgow, Archie will join the Victorian Institute of Sport on their invitation, with the LA Paralympics in 2028 firmly in his sights.

He arrives in Glasgow with the backing of a large and devoted family – he’s one of six children and the fourth-born to single mum Sarah. “Every psychologist we’ve met has said they don’t know how we’ve got him where he is, but the support he must have is incredible,” said Sarah.

“Running is Archie’s happy place, and he has great opportunities coming his way.”

Archie departed for a training camp in Barcelona on 23 July before heading to Glasgow, where his 1500m race on 27 July was televised live on the Seven Network.

Follow Archie’s journey on Instagram.

IG @watch_archie_run

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August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 19

Arts

20 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

JIMMY THE jokester

By Cameron McCullough Photos Yanni

H

e cut his teeth as Jimmy Giggle in the hit children’s series “Giggle and Hoot”, but after a decade in the role, constant travel, and a young family, Jimmy Rees wanted a change. It was time to move on.

I didn’t know if it was the “The short, hyper, fun, and silly video thing right thing to was rising. It gave me the confidence. I just do at the time, basically picked up the camera and started making videos,” said Jimmy. but in hindsight “Kudos to my wife. I was borrowing all her it was clothes to dress up in, and saying ‘I know we

It was 2019, and Jimmy’s future was uncertain.

He knew he wanted to stay in entertainment, but doing what? While on the hunt for his next role, he toyed with the idea of making a few funny videos.

“I knew ‘Giggle and Hoot’ was coming to an end, and I had a considerable following because of the show, so I thought I would give it a try. I didn’t know if it was the right thing to do at the time, but with hindsight it was.”

Then came a little thing called Covid. You may have heard of it.

Locked down with the rest of us, Jimmy doubled down on the idea of making content; a creative outlet for his creativity. Perhaps to help him through Lockdown as much as everyone else.

have three kids under five, but can I have a couple of hours to make some videos’, because I felt that if I get this right, then I can make a living out of it.”

“The thing that surprised me the most was just how fast it happened for me!”.

Fast forward to 2026. Jimmy boasts an astounding 4.5 million followers across the platforms of Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and You Tube, and in 2024 he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to arts as an entertainer, and to the community. continued next page ...

August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 21

The funniest thing is coming in on a Monday and saying ‘Here are all the stupid things I wrote down at midnight’

It was a nod to his contribution towards getting many people through Covid with his humorous videos, but also to his community and charity work.

Jimmy’s work with children’s charities stemmed from his Jimmy Giggle character, but was forged through the personal tragedy of losing his beloved nephew Rye in 2022.

“Very Special Kids were amazing to my nephew. My own experiences have caused me to reflect after going to places like Bear Cottage in Sydney, which is like a hospice for kids.

You see families grieving when you walk through the door.”

Jimmy says those experiences have shaped who he is today.

“To see these things up close and to see this adversity is unbelievable. And what I realised is that you go to some of these places and the wards are full.

As a parent you just think ‘Oh my God’. It is just heart wrenching.”

The experience didn’t make him shy away from, but lean into what he is good at; making people laugh. To make their days easier.

“I think everyone needs a bit of light humour. The whole schtick around my stuff online is ‘zoom the lens out guys’.”

Asked if people have lost the ability to laugh at themselves, Jimmy says “To a degree”.

“At the moment, everything seems so politically charged. You have to pick a side. Can we just go back to ‘not giving a flying’?”

At the heart of the content Jimmy creates is the ability to laugh at oneself. Laugh at the ridiculousness of society, and often the part we willingly play in it.

“I mean, we are all crowded around a kid’s football match and some parents are losing their mind at the umpires! That is, objectively, just weird and funny!”

Along with the humour comes responsibility and commitment.

A nondescript factory in Mornington is where Jimmy works 9am – 5pm creating content. Resplendent with hundreds of outfits, props, cameras and lighting equipment, and an assistant, Cam, to help him pull it all together, he is pumping out content to the entire planet.

“The funniest thing is coming in on a Monday and saying, ‘Here are all the stupid things I wrote down at midnight’,” said Jimmy.

“And let’s face it, there is crazy stuff happening in the world, so there is no real shortage of material!”

Jimmy sees his content as a way to build his profile rather than provide an income. That way he continued page 24...

22 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

What’s coming up at...

THEATRE WITHOUT A SAFETY NET Innovative theatre collective re:group brings its acclaimed production POV to Frankston Arts Centre on September 23, blending live documentary filmmaking with unpredictable, immersive performance.

See it at Frankston Arts Centre on Wednesday 23 September, 7.30pm.

Tickets available at thefac.com.au or by calling 03 9784 1060.

Created by a team of long-time collaborators led by director Solomon Thomas and writer Mark Rogers, the production centres on 11-year-old Bub, an aspiring documentary filmmaker trying to understand her mother’s struggles with mental illness. A child actor guides two unrehearsed adult performers through the story using hidden prompts, creating a unique show that changes every night.

Exploring family dynamics, childhood and mental health, POV challenges traditional theatre conventions by handing narrative control to its youngest performer. The result is a compelling mix of fiction and live “documentary” that captures genuine reactions and real-time negotiation between actors.

Bold, moving and original, POV demonstrates why re: group remains at the forefront of contemporary Australian theatre.

W thefac.com.au

BLUES GUITAR ROADSHOW FEAT ANA POPOVIC

HIT PARADE OF THE 50’S & 60’S

Live music at it’s best, with the thrill of a music festival in one unforgettable night!

Featuring Ana Popovic (US), Geoff Achsion, Jimi Hocking, Brett Garsed and more.

Relive the “good old days of rock n roll”!

Get ready to embark on a nostalgic journey with Hit Parade, a tribute to the unforgettable hits of the 1950s and 1960s.

Led by the remarkable Glenn Starr.

RIDE THE CYCLONE: THE MUSICAL

TOM GLEESON OUT OF TOUCH

Wednesday 5 August, 7.30pm

Friday 7 – Sunday 9 August Cube 37 Peninsula-based Entr’acte Theatre Company present the ride of a lifetime!

Six teens. A novelty fortune teller. A broken rollercoaster ride. The chance to live again.

Ride the Cyclone promises laughs, fun, and reflection.

CHRISTINE ANU

Friday 14 August, 8pm Cube 37 Christine Anu, one of Australia’s most loved voices, performs My Island Home and new music from her album Waku in a powerful, uplifting live performance.

Friday 28 August, 7.30pm

Friday 4 September, 6.30pm Hard Quiz host. Taskmaster Australia host.

Gold Logie winner. 5 times AACTA winner.

Tom Gleeson is completely out of touch.

His head is up his arse. Come along to the show and take him down a peg.

TONY & GAGA: AN OPULENT BIG BAND EXPERIENCE Saturday 5 September, 7.30pm Cube 37

Big Band Brilliance meets Hollywood Glamour! Acclaimed vocalist Sarah C and fashion icon Dom Bagnato, backed by a lavish Big Band, celebrate the music of Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga.

Book tickets at thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060

is not at the mercy of ever-changing algorithms but rather can produce what he thinks will best engage the audience. The brand he has built through the content has allowed him to take the show on the road, selling out venues across Australia.

Jimmy will be bringing his show “Meanwhile in Frankston” to Frankston Arts Centre in September. In the meantime, there is a little jaunt over to the hugely popular Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he has ten shows booked.

“I've only been to New Zealand, which is really just part of Australia, so this is huge. It’s a bit of a test run for the overseas market. You can see on your stats that you have a decent following overseas, so why not give it a go?”

It is the “business of making people laugh”, and Jimmy has embraced it fully. Born from quitting his stable job and throwing himself at the mercy of the universe, having the universe throw back challenges galore, and having it work out just fine.

FB @jimmyreesofficial IG @jimmyrees_ TT jimmyrees W jimmyrees.com.au

24 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

Art House Gallery

Located inside the Tyabb Packing House Open Hours - Thursday to Sunday 10am to 5pm 14 Mornington -Tyabb Road Tyabb Phone: 0450 447 814 Email: contact@arthousegalleryinc.com

New Large Artworks Available

By Nicole Barros

By Amanda Steadman

By Wendy Hall

Now Offering Art Classes & Workshops Thursdays with Diana Casey - 0405 953 807 Fridays with Nicole Barros - 0414 299 737

Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with upcoming workshops

Two Bays Art Group

Celebrating 60 years of selling art on the Peninsula.

We would like to invite you all come and celebrate our 60 th Birthday Celebration on the 26th of November 6pm to 8pm The show will run from the 26th to the 29th of November.

Peninsula Community Theatre 91 Wilsons Rd, Mornington VIC 3931

DRAWN TO animals

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons

F

rankston portrait artist, Lorna Wheele of Pop-Up Pawtraits captures the essence of her subjects in just ten minutes. Even more impressive, she does it in the vibrant atmosphere of an outdoor market. The clients who commission Lorna routinely comment on how accurately she conveys the unique personality of their dog, cat or the occasional chicken.

Lorna works from a photograph, often on a phone, focusing first and last on the windows to the soul. “Like people, I find the greatest connection through the eyes. Looking at an animal closely, I get to know who it is, not just its physical make up, but its character,” she says.

continued page 28...

26 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 27

The funny thing is that Lorna has never had a pet of her own although she has longed for one her whole life. “When I was little, I used to cry under the kitchen table about not having a dog.

I was always drawing dogs. I even wrote a dog ownership manual when I was a child,“ she says.

When I was little, I used to cry under the kitchen table about not having a dog. I was always drawing dogs

It was just a matter of circumstance that her family never had a dog. Nowadays, she gets vicarious enjoyment drawing them and also feels lucky and very happy to be sharing a home with her brother and sister-in law’s two Blue Heelers: Echo and puppy, Dory, who is an adorable bundle of rambunctious energy.

28 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

Lorna comes from a tiny village outside of Brighton in Southern England. While an idyllic place for a child, when she grew older, Lorna wanted to spread her wings to Brighton and beyond. Lorna’s mother is an artist/illustrator. “We were always drawing.

It was just something my mother, sister and I were intrinsically interested in,” she says. Her father is a graphic designer. A good sense of line runs in the family.

When Lorna went to high school to do her A levels, she chose art and photography as her subjects. After that, she completed a

continued next page ...

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In 2018 she started sketching her friends’ dogs. She decided to try a little pop up market for London’s Dogs Day Out where she added colour to the mix. People loved her life-like portraits of their pooches. She was invited back for a Halloween event with dogs in costume which she loved. The instant success of these events gave Lorna the idea for her current business, Pop-Up Pawtraits.

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She continued making detailed custom pet portraits for friends and family while living in Sussex. Lorna tried a market in a pub garden that went so well that she was offered a regular spot. On top of experience, it gave her insight and an opportunity to work on branding and development.

When Lorna came to Melbourne for a wedding in October of 2025 she decided to stay. She was encouraged to apply for Emu Plains and Little Beauty Markets and was immediately accepted.

Her first market was at Emu Plains in January 2026. She was instantly embraced by market goers clambering for her amazing 10-minute pet portraits.

Like most artists, Lorna had a back-up plan. She completed a Post Graduate degree in Education and worked as a secondary school art instructor teaching art and photography. When she moved to Australia she continued as a casual relief teacher while building her Pop-Up Pawtraits business. continued page 32...

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I love the softness of lead on the page.

It has an immediacy, but not a permanence so I don’t get freaked out Though Lorna has always dreamed of exhibiting in a gallery, she hasn’t achieved that yet. She’s quite happy at the moment working in her favourite medium – pencil – on her favourite subject which is animals.

“I love the softness of lead on the page. It has an immediacy, but not a permanence so I don’t get freaked out. I can just erase it if I want. I can document what I see in real time on the spot. Pencil is my friend. I most enjoy drawing from life,” she says.

When she isn’t drawing pets, Lorna likes to sketch during her travels, hang out in cafés and people watch. “I love people just milling about in cafés. I like to draw people’s hands. I love drawing forgotten areas like the corner of a building with a lone bin or a falling-apart shed with a corrugated iron roof,” she says.

Most of her pet portrait work comes through the markets, but strong word of mouth has also funnelled a lot of people to her Instagram account where she is more than happy to accept new commissions. And eventually, she’ll get that dog.

IG popuppawtraits_

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DEEP IN bloom

By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Yanni and supplied

J

aye Selga had built a successful side career photographing portraits of women and families, when the birth of her son upended everything.

“After becoming a mum I nearly gave photography up altogether; it had been a chaotic year, but the universe had other plans,” says Jaye.

With no spare room left at home to shoot indoors, instead she began taking portrait and glam shoots outdoors along the peninsula coastline. To satisfy her creative side, she then set out to try something different: photographing mermaids.

A search online led her to Marianna the Mermaid, a professional performer who agreed to model for her.

“After that first shoot at Rosebud beach I was obsessed,” says Jaye. That single afternoon “opened up an entire world of learning, opportunities, friendships that eventually led me to my first exhibition, and into competitions,” she says.

That obsession grew into a distinct visual language built on

I missed the smell of salty air, and the comfort of knowing I was close to the ocean breath-hold, fabric, movement and natural light, with portraits that sit somewhere between photography and painting. These days Jaye moves between three identities - mother, registered nurse and underwater fine art photographer - and all three are threaded through Bloom, her debut exhibition, which showed at Oak Hill Gallery in Mornington in June.

Water has always meant home for Jaye. She grew up in Roxas City, the self-declared seafood capital of the Philippines, and has lived on the Mornington Peninsula since September 2011.

“I’ve never lived far from a body of water,” says Jaye.

The only exception was a stint studying in Bendigo; landlocked and hard to bear. “I missed the smell of salty air, and the comfort of knowing I was close to the ocean,” she says. continued page 36...

34 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 35

The work began with a question I kept returning to: what becomes possible when a person is safe, protected and nurtured

Most of Jaye’s shoots take place in a hired pool rather than open water. The bay is reserved for subjects who are strong, confident swimmers, often professional mermaids trained to move in tails, or experienced underwater models.

Every session begins with a risk assessment and an unhurried safety briefing before anyone gets in the water, a discipline she credits partly to her day job.

“Even if I wasn’t a nurse, safety would still be the number one priority in underwater photography,” says Jaye.

36 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

Her clinical training sharpens these instincts further. Knowing advanced life support and reading a face for the first flicker of fatigue or discomfort has become second nature both on shoots and at home with her child. “If I deem a shoot unsafe for anyone involved, I won’t do it,” she says.

Bloom was shaped first by becoming a mother, and by the awareness that comes with wanting children and vulnerable people to be safe in the world.

“The work began with a question I kept returning to: what becomes possible when a person is safe, protected and nurtured?” says Jaye.

She wanted the series to acknowledge the realities of child trafficking, abuse and exploitation, without confronting viewers with them directly. Rather than images of sorrow, Jaye chose to focus on the other side of that conversation: the possibility of healing, softness, confidence and beauty when someone is held in safety.

“Water can give life, but it can also take it away. Underwater, humans are vulnerable; it is not an environment where we naturally continued next page...

WE’RE HEADING TO THE VICTORIAN ORCHID SPECTACULAR! White Hill Orchids is excited to be a vendor at Victoria’s largest orchid show – the Victorian Orchid Spectacular!

Come and visit us for an incredible weekend celebrating all things orchids. You’ll discover: • Spectacular orchid displays • Orchid seedlings, mature plants & flasks for sale • Pots, premium potting bark & growing accessories • Potting demonstrations & informative orchid lectures throughout the weekend Whether you’re just starting your orchid journey or you’re a seasoned collector, there’s something for everyone!

Be sure to stop by the White Hill Orchids stand and say hello—we’d love to see you!

Please note: Our shop will be closed for the entire weekend of the show while we’re at the Spectacular, so come and see us there instead!

@whitehillorchids

COME AND VISIT US!

28TH, 29TH & 30TH AUGUST BOXHALL PAVILLION, KCC PARK, 655 WESTERN PORT HIGHWAY, SKYE Photo: Carly Jacoby

August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 37

thrive,” says Jaye. “But with guidance, trust and care the people I photograph are able to relax. They can appear calm, serene and almost weightless because they know they are safe.”

“That is what Bloom is really about,” says Jaye. “It is my answer to that original question: when someone is safe they do not just survive; they can soften, trust, open and bloom.”

It is my answer to that original question: when someone is safe, they do not just survive, they can soften, trust, open and bloom

A portion of every sale from the exhibition was donated to the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, the Australian charity working to protect children and young people from violence and trauma, a practical extension of the dedication running underneath the whole series.

Bloom is also, by Jaye’s own account, the first body of work that belongs entirely to her. Earlier in her career, her photography was shaped by what clients wanted rather than what she wanted to say.

“I gave myself permission to stop chasing what I thought people wanted from me, and instead follow the visual language that felt most natural to me,” says Jaye.

Pr

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Getting the work onto a peninsula gallery wall took persistence. With no formal exhibition history behind her, Jaye sent applications to galleries across the region, many of which were booked out years in advance or simply did not reply. Oak Hill Gallery was the first to agree, and Jaye says there was something fitting about her debut landing on the same coastline that drew her to Australia in the first place.

The women in Bloom’s images are largely friends; people Jaye trusted to understand what the project was trying to say, and to hold the stillness an underwater shoot demands. “Building that trust”, she says, “happens slowly, in the run-up to a shoot and the close attention paid to breath and body once underwater.”

Once the show opened, Jaye noticed that many visitors were first drawn to the colour, the fabric, the strange calm on her subjects’ faces, and only later asked how the images were made.

“I hope they realise that the beauty is not just decoration, it is part of the message.” continued page 40...

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August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 39

Bloom closed at the end of June, but Jaye is not treating it as a finished chapter so much as a beginning. A new series, The Red Ballroom, is due for release in 2027. It is still shot underwater but pitched as bolder and more theatrical than its predecessor, with what Jaye describes as a stronger sense of courage, visibility and transformation. A third body of work, more mythical and whimsy, is aimed at 2028, continuing to explore the emotional language of water, movement and the body.

While Bloom asked what becomes possible when someone feels safe enough to soften and open, Jaye’s next work suggests she already knows: the courage to be seen.

Follow Instagram to see more of Jaye’s work

IG @theweightlessarchive

Photo: Carly Jacoby

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Whether customers are buying their first vehicle, booking a service or returning years later for their next upgrade, the team believes great service starts with genuine relationships. It’s the friendly welcome, the honest advice and the familiar faces that keep locals coming back.

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Book today with Mornington Nissan Service and discover what service should feel like.

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INDIE DUO SAMSCOUT SET TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM THIS OCTOBER Already having released their debut single over the hill in May, and their second single, warm night, in late July, St Andrews Beach duo SAMSCOUT interweaves folk, pop and indie rock influences with honest lyricism.

Sam Richardson and Scout Hook are multidisciplinary artists with a creative relationship spanning nine years. In each other, they found the song they had always been listening for. Travelling through life and landscapes with their dog, Winty, they write stories shaped by sunsets, melodies sculpted by the waves and harmonies carried by the wind.

Two years ago, Sam and Scout packed up their guitars into a second-hand caravan, beginning a songwriting roadtrip along Australia’s east coast. Following their adventures, SAMSCOUT’s debut album Painted Lines was born. Produced by Lewis Hosie in his home studio, the record features Ash Griffin, Brendan Hook, Warwick Hook, Ben Ingvarson, Michael Ingvarson, Shane Lestideau, Julian Steel and Sam Watts.

SAMSCOUT’s debut single over the hill received airplays across triple j Unearthed, PBS 106.7FM, Inner FM 96.5, Fleurieu FM and KCR FM. Their music is poised to reach the hearts of all who need it, with their second release due to continue along the trajectory of the transcendent sound they are known for.

Music videos for both tunes are out now on YouTube, filmed by friend Jackson Howe, with editing, direction and choreography by Sam and Scout.

Artwork for the album, handmade by Scout, honours their late grandfather, legendary cartoonist Jeff Hook, who was a Mornington Peninsula local for many years. Jeff continues to be a great inspiration to Scout and always encouraged them to follow their creativity.

Through SAMSCOUT, music becomes a sanctuary – to share in the ups and downs of being human, to navigate relationships, and to get back in the driver’s seat of our lives.

SAMSCOUT welcome you to celebrate the Painted Lines album launch at Northcote Social Club on Saturday 7th November.

everybody needs

Photo: Hattie Hook

IG @_samscout_ W abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/artist/samscout

NEW UNITS W O N E L B A L I A V A ph: 5977 1322 www.mooroom.com.au

42 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

Let the Mornington Peninsula entertain you!

Mornington Racecourse

Year round you will find a calendar bursting with events , entertainment and activities to enjoy.

Outdoor markets, food and wine festivals, and family fun activities for the kids. f art and music are more your muse, take a look at the ever changing rogram of e hibitions , music erformances, dance and theatre on offer around the region.

visitmp.org/events

MORNINGTON PENINSULA RESIDENT PUBLISHES FIRST NOVEL AT 83 YEARS YOUNG Mornington Peninsula resident Brigid Carrick was about to selfpublish when Ventura Press, NSW came a-knockin’.

Her first short story was published in a popular women’s magazine many years ago. In recent times she has rediscovered her enjoyment of creative writing, and so far, three of her short stories have been accepted for publication in an anthology and a magazine proving it’s never too late to write.

Before settling in Australia, Brigid trained and worked as a midwife in Ireland in the 1960s and 70s, when contraception was illegal and women’s choices were tightly controlled. As a young midwife, she was sent into some of the poorest areas of Dublin, where she witnessed firsthand the realities many women faced, including one woman delivering her ninth baby after more than twenty pregnancies.

Brigid emigrated to Australia in 1969 where she met and married her husband and raised two daughters. She worked as a midwife, teacher and after-hours manager at the Royal Women’s and the Royal Melbourne Hospitals, until she retired in 2018, but those early experiences stayed with her.

44 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

Now living on the peninsula, Brigid has turned those memories into her novel, The Belfast Express, inspired by the real-life ‘Contraception Train’ — when Irish women travelled to Belfast in defiance of the law to access birth control.

Step into 1970s Dublin, where eighteen-year-old Brianna Robinson is determined to carve out a future as a nurse/midwife.

Join Brianna on her secret adventures to London, her training as a nurse and midwife and her struggles providing care to those most in need, while the ever-watchful eye of the Catholic Church and the Irish Government looms above.

A story of courage, resilience, and rebellion, this novel invites readers to follow Brianna’s journey through a world where compassion is in short supply and her only choice is to break the rules.

Brigid’s writing influences include Maeve Binchy, Frank McCourt, Ian McEwan, and Jennifer Worth (Call the Midwife).

W brigidcarrick.com

You can find The Belfast Express in bookstores, online retailers, and as an e-book.

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THE WORLD HAS TOO MUCH GREAT WINE. HERE’S WHY THAT’S VERY GOOD NEWS FOR YOU...

MEET JOSEPH – THE MAN WHO SPENT 21 YEARS TURNING AN INDUSTRY SECRET INTO THE PENINSULA’S WORST–KEPT ONE. Joseph knows wine the way most people know their own neighbourhood.

After years on the wholesale side of hospitality, he spotted something the industry wasn't advertising - most wine passes through so many hands that by the time it reaches yours, you've already paid for everyone's glass.

Joseph heads into the Barossa, McLaren Vale, the Clare Valley and beyond - tasting some of the best Australia has to offer, buying in volume, paying on the spot. No wholesaler.

No middleman. Just great wine at great prices, waiting for you in Dromana and Hastings.

So he cut out the middlemen, went direct to the wineries, and brought the good stuff home to the Peninsula!

Consumers have been paying too much for wine, for decades.

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Pull up a glass, chat with the team and let them point you in the right direction, whether it’s for tonight’s dinner, a special occasion, or just something new.

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By Annette Sanfilippo

W

eddings today are fast becoming the events that dreams are made of.

Real fairytales (ahem, Taylor and Travis), with real happenings.

Carefully curated functions immerse guests into a wonderland where locations hold intimacy and special memory

Organising a wedding these days is no mean feat. You almost need a degree in the subjects of event management, finance, marketing, and even psychology.

Gone are the days when you could predict how the day was going to pan out as a guest. The new wave of wedding etiquette has arrived, and these highly-produced events are rewriting bridal culture and couture from the moment you receive the ‘Save the Date’.

week! From the bridal shower, hens and buck nights, shopping trips, rehearsals and fittings, your calendar will be overflowing in the lead up to the momentous day. Couples are creating journeys and writing themselves, (and you), into a story of fun, drama, spectacle, and excitement all neatly tied up in surrounds that fit with their personality, history and aesthetics.

No longer do we have a set of preplanned guidelines and traditions that fit within the industry and businesses that bring this special day to life. Couples are taking charge and insisting on setting their own template, so saying ‘I Do’, is how they want to do it!

Carefully curated functions immerse guests into a wonderland where locations hold intimacy and special memory. It seems that built-in, breathtaking backdrops are a prerequisite. Think old stone buildings with enchanted gardens, rustic farms with barns found at the end of a sweet, floral-lined winding road or forest destinations canopied by lush branches to form the alter. So much thought is going into capturing the ceremony in a unique and bespoke manner.

Weddings are exclusive, fashionable affairs and are extending beyond the day itself, often a three-day package, sometimes a whole

Even decorations are playing a new role. The element of surprise is something couples want guests to anticipate. continued next page...

August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 49

Gender equality is another reason many traditions have changed

Colour palettes, festoon lighting, food displays, florals and sundry décor all take centre stage and double up in non-traditional ways taking guests on culinary adventures with maximalist moments and unexpected twists and turns. Food has moved rank from being served to fill time until the next moment on the schedule to star of the show, and music has become a symphony to set the scene. Band stages are being replaced by spontaneous saxophone solos, group singalongs, and special guest appearances.

Where it can get a little tense is when you receive a mood board along with the invite instructing you what to wear or what not to wear. It may read, no patterns please, block colours only, neutral beachy tones, or a touch of sparkle. Social media is driving a trend to create the perfect wedding ambience so photos, video and the surrounds look uniform, coordinated and thoroughly Insta-worthy. Sometimes guests are asked not to share photos or to share any taken using a QR code, sending them all to an online album to be censored.

No longer is the cake standing alone on a white tablecloth.

Couples are sharing interactive duties of spreading cream layers on part-prepared desserts, tossing berries on pastry cakes and finishing presentations with dusting icing sugar together. Champagne towers have made an entertaining comeback, set off by the couples filling the sparkling stack of stemware in an impromptu manner for all to enjoy.

Many of our expected wedding experiences are being omitted or modernised to align with the current climate or political mindsets.

If you delve into some of the origins it’s no wonder we want to nuance traditions to suit our modern world.

From personalised cocktails to suit the theme or personalities, wedding favours to gift and entertain, and even artists sketching guests in their attire throughout the event, it’s hard not to get excited about an upcoming nuptial. They are full of artistry and emotion with every detail intentional.

50 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

The bouquet toss stems from 14th-century England and Europe.

Guests believed touching or tearing off a piece of the bride’s dress brought good luck. To escape this, brides began tossing their bouquets as a distraction so they could make a safe getaway. By the 1800s, this practice evolved into a softer ritual meant to pass on "good fortune" to the single women in attendance. These days, that bouquet is open to anyone to catch! And let’s not talk about the garter removal and toss. <shudder>

Gender equality is another big reason many traditions have changed.

Brides no longer feel the need to veil themselves to be revealed to their partners. Instead, long, sheer lace trimmed mantilla style headpieces frame their faces and swathe over their dresses, often carrying a signature detail such as embroidered initials of a loved one or a family heirloom.

Carrying traditional flowers such as roses or calla lillies are often replaced with whimsical dried florals, decorative brooch posies, pretty pouch bags or lush greenery. Rings have become bespoke and non-traditional in styling reflecting originality, and vows, though still deeply meaningful, are light-hearted and a bit more relaxed.

Move over dad! These days anyone can walk down the aisle with the intended. How about a flower granny?

‘Love is love’, and it’s so much about that feeling today more than ever before. The time has come for the opinions of others to be pushed aside and to forget the timeline and enjoy. It’s your special day so ‘do you’ without any judgement.

Though not every couple chooses to walk down the aisle these days one thing is for sure, the ones that do, ranging from traditional to unique and unpredictable, are full of excitement and joy.

We are very lucky to have some of the most amazing locations, continued next page...

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venues and suppliers here on the Mornington Peninsula and I’m sure they are ready to inspire and help create and personalise the big day to perfection.

If you get a chance, take a look back into the history of some other wedding traditions; you may get a bit of shock with some of their origins. My favourite is wearing our rings on the fourth finger on the left hand. Do you know why? Oh, and that poetic verse about something blue...I simply love it.

Cheers to all who are about to say ‘I Do’!

Fashionably yours,

Annette

For every soul - big and small At Blüte Sound Therapy & Wellbeing, Jessica creates a warm, nurturing space on the Mornington Peninsula where children discover calm and adults come home to themselves through the gentle power of therapeutic instruments, cacao, Reiki, and more.

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BIJA STORE Luna Chair 114 Nepean Highway, Dromana 0490 354 623

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Eat & Drink

SWEET legacy

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni & supplied

P

astry chef Jessinta Fantauzzo is the peninsula’s Pied Piper of Sicilian cannoli and other traditional Italian desserts. People come from all over to eat her delicious fresh-made pastries. Jess is a stickler for perfection, just as her Nonno (grandfather), Lino, taught her. “Everything I do is from scratch following the recipes of my grandfather and great-grandfather,” she says.

“In my family, we did a lot of cooking. I started prepping in the kitchen when I was seven. I spent weekends at Nonno’s house cooking and baking. We made everything. When I was little, I was always creating art or cooking. Making food is a form of art,” she says. Jess distinctly remembers telling her Nonno that when she grew up she was going to open a cake shop in his name. At just 24 years old, she did.

In my family, we did a lot of cooking. I started prepping in the kitchen when I was seven Jess nearly got knocked off course in Year 10 by a negative cooking teacher. She thought that she had better go into beauty therapy like the other girls around her, but then she remembered the promise she’d made to Nonno. Jess left high school at the end of Year 11 to study at William Angliss Institute in Melbourne where, after eighteen months of hard work, she achieved a Certificate IV in Patisserie.

“After that, everything I learned, I learned from Nonno. I’m a visual learner. I watched Nonno and worked on his recipes for three months before I opened my first business, Mio Nonno, in Airport West. I worked seven days a week for three years until everything was just right. I had to get the nod from Nonno before anything went on the shelf, ” she says. continued page 58...

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August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 57

58 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

A strong work ethic and artistic flair runs through her veins. Her father is an entrepreneur with his own bespoke signwriting business and her mother is a florist. Jess’s Nonno, Lino and his father, Vincenzo had their own shop, Pasticceria Belvedere in Thornbury. Despite the pressure and expectation she put on herself, Jess was determined to make a success of her own business.

Jess’s Dad, Enzo, encouraged her to move from Airport West to the Peninsula a year ago. He knew there was nothing like Mio Nonno in the region. Jess had a dessert cabinet at Two Buoys Restaurant in Dromana, but it wasn’t long before she outgrew it. In March this year, she opened Mio Nonno Pasticceria at Mia Roma Caffé in Rye and it’s been going gangbusters ever since.

Jess relies on local producers for her ingredients, but imports chocolate from Italy. Her goal is to have empty shelves in her dessert fridges because as she says, “ When you eat a cannoli, it needs to be fresh and crunchy. The shell should not lift off the custard. My cannoli are piped fresh.” She’s obviously gotten it right because 250-300 cannoli are flying off the shelves every week. continued next page ...

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It’s fitting that Jess’ favourite dessert is cannoli She doesn’t like them too sweet and they have to be plump. “My Nonna wanted the look of the desserts to be just right. She was very particular. I am very much like that too. Everything has to look appealing.

My Nonno wanted the taste to be perfect. When Italians come to visit my business, they tell me ‘it tastes like home’.

That is the biggest compliment I could get,” she says.

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Café now open!

Authentic French crêpes, smooth coffee, and cosy vibes.

Handcrafted artisanal lemonade on tap.

Vintage caravan & Lemonicious cart available for catering 8.30am-2.30pm every day CLOSED TUESDAYS

33 Dava Dr, Mornington crepedelices.com.au @crepe_delices

For us, cooking is love. I put love Jess has fond memories of the big smile on into what I make Nonno’s face as he made cannoli for the family. and you can He always had a piping bag and icing sugar on taste it the kitchen counter and he would make one after another until the grandchildren and their cousins had had their fill. “For us, cooking is love. I put love into what I make and you can taste it,” she says.

Jess makes six varieties of cannoli: three custard filled: vanilla, chocolate and a mix of the two. In her ricotta versions, customers can choose: plain, pistachio coated or chocolate dusted.

The ricotta cheese is sweet, but the shell counterbalances that sweetness. And while her cannoli are very popular, Jess makes plenty of other things.

Some of her other desserts are: ‘fafella’ butterfly cupcakes with custard and liqueur, ‘cannoncini’ puff pastry horns, continental birthday cakes with layers of custard infused with liqueur and chocolate flake plus a new favourite, ‘zeppoli’, hot donuts with or without jam.

“Living on the Mornington Peninsula has relaxed me and made me the best version of myself. I love what I’m doing and the local support has been amazing I have a lot of repeat customers,” she says. That’s what happens when you create a product with heart. Come taste the love at Mio Nonno inside Mia Roma Caffé in Rye.

FB @Mio Nonno_Pasticceria IG @miononno_pasticceria

BARN DOOR SALES MONDAY TO FR IDAY 8AM - 4.30PM AND SATURDAY S 8AM-12.30PM

Tired of stale tasting supermarket eggs? Our farm is family owned and managed. We have been producing quality eggs for over 40 years, supplying the public, cafes, restaurants and other businesses on the peninsula. r from our barn door. Come and visit our Free Range hens roaming in their paddocks!

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the Coffee COUNTER Sip your way across the Mornington Peninsula with our guide to the region's best coffee destinations, from coastal cafés to tucked-away local treasures.

SAGES CAFE Great coffee, greater purpose seasonal dishes by Chef Zac Poulier.

Every visit supports employment opportunities for people with a disability.

85 Sages Road, Baxter @sagescafebaxter 0437 421 074 @SagesCottageBaxter

38 SOUTH SEAFORD Family owned and community minded, serving expertly brewed coffee, fresh modern food, and warm coastal hospitality for locals, families, and visitors alike.

131 Nepean Highway, Seaford 9024 0138 @38southbarcafe

OLIVE & BEAN DELI CAFE A welcoming Somerville Central café serving excellent coffee, delicious paninis, toasties and deli goods, located next to Target.

20/49 Eramosa Road West, Somerville 0435 132 894 @oliveandbeancafe

62 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

THE CHOCOLATERIES MORNINGTON PENINSULA

MORNING GRIND

Indulge in a coffee or hot chocolate while watching talented Chocolatiers craft irresistible handmade chocolate creations

Drive through coffee van serving the finest coffee experience you can find on the Peninsula.

Monday to Friday 5.30am to 9.30am

45 Cook Street, Flinders mpchoc.com.au @mpchocolaterie @mpchoc

71 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Mornington morninggrind.com.au morning.grind.coffee

THE LAUGHING LARK

GRAZE & WANDER

Hidden just outside Bayside Shopping Centre, serving quality coffee, fresh all-day breakfast and lunch amongst relaxed vibes.

Somerville’s warmest cafe, bringing you delicious hot made to order food, homemade sweet treats and coffee by Little Rebel.

1/16 Clyde Street Mall, Frankston laughinglark.com.au @laughinglarkcafe

2/1065 Frankston-Flinders Road, Somerville @graze_and_wander

LANEWAY ESPRESSO

BEA’S ASIAN MART & CAFE

Your local brew stop in the heart of Dromana, for a bit of good conversation, great food and even better coffee.

167 Point Nepean Road, Dromana @lanewayespressolittletreasures 5981 4624 @lanewaydromana

Enjoy quality coffee and authentic Filipino comfort food, where every dish celebrates tradition, flavour and family.

29 Marine Parade, Hastings 0489 029 862 @beasfilipinocafe.com.au

STEAMIN' MUGS

ELEMENTS EATERY

Freshly brewed crafted coffee, and traditional dishes with a delectable twist, all served in a bright, modern-day vibe.

Award-winning eatery and cafe serving delicious coffee and food in a welcoming community atmosphere, 7 days a week.

2/61 Cool Store Road, Hastings @aventsgourmetkitchen @Avents-Gourmet-Kitchen

24 High Street, Hastings steaminmugs.com.au @steaminmugshastings

Yawa, 100 Besgrove Street, Rosebud elementseatery.com.au @elementseatery

NORDIE CAFE

THE SOMERS GENERAL

FLOURISH CAFE

AVENT’S GOURMET KITCHEN Discover great coffee, artisan products made in-house, affordable take-home meals and a free 24/7 community garden.

Serving exceptional Allpress coffee alongside fresh, relaxed Peninsula hospitality.

The perfect local stop for breakfast, lunch or takeaway in Red Hill.

The Somers General is a relaxed café + store by the beach in Somers. Offering a modern dine-in menu and Industry Beans coffee.

Serving great coffee and delicious food. Flourish has a friendly, family atmosphere.

Pop in and say "hi"!

Fully licensed, open daily 8am-3pm

1008 Mornington-Flinders Road, Red Hill 5989 2171 @nordiecafe

2 The Boulevard, Somers thesomersgeneral.com.au @thesomersgeneral

44 Norman Avenue, Frankston South 9787 8489 @flourish_cafe

HARRY’S McCLELLAND

COFFEE TREAT

MUSTARD MOOROODUC

Set among bushland and sculpture, Harry’s serves Little Rebel coffee, seasonal Peninsula produce and a relaxed vibe.

Open Wednesday to Sunday.

Mornington's latest coffee go-to.

Serving iconic iced brews, premium roasted coffee, a delicious grab-andgo menu, friendly and a welcoming atmosphere.

Uncover the Peninsula's hidden gem at the historic Coolstores. Serving exceptional coffee, epic toasties and cosy courtyard Mon - Fri: 7am – 2pm vibes.

Sat & Sun: 8am – 2pm

390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin mcclelland.org.au

204 Main Street, Mornington @coffee__treat @CTcoffee

8/475 Moorooduc Hwy, Moorooduc 0485 522 998 @mustardcafeau

KATIES OF MOUNT ELIZA

BÜTTERKEN BAKERY

FLINDERS GENERAL STORE

Serving Dimattina coffee, Prana wet chai and yummy food made here.

89 Shop 4, Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza @katies_of_mount_eliza

Bütterken brings Germany's "Kaffe und Kuchen" (coffee and cake) tradition to Mount Eliza with Commonfolk coffee and artisan pastries.

54 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza @butterken_bakery_ @Butterkenbakery

Offering a sustainably sourced speciality coffee exclusively roasted

by Blume Coffee.

Sweet, rich & complex.

Ethically delicious.

50 Cook Street, Flinders @flindersgeneralstores August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 63

DROMANA

VIP Memberships are now live!

FOCUS on Dromana

Photos Yanni

Dromana is located between Safety Beach and McCrae, and situated at the foot of the towering peak of Arthurs Seat, 66 km south of Melbourne.

Dromana's commercial centre is concentrated along the coastal boulevard of Point Nepean Road, with Arthurs Seat and its surrounding bushland providing a scenic backdrop to the shops and cafes along this route. Dromana's foreshore reserve lines the coast and consists of grassy picnic areas, shelters, walking tracks and designated camping areas. The calm, sandy beaches provide safe swimming and boating opportunities. Points of interest along the coast include the Dromana Pier and the rocky cutting at Anthony’s Nose where a boat ramp is situated.

Interiors | Furniture | Objects

Visit our collection by appointment Dromana, Mornington Peninsula bijastore.com.au | 0490 354 623 August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 65

FOCUS on Dromana Heronswood is a historic property situated on an elevated 2 hectare allotment on Latrobe Parade, overlooking the bay.

The house and surrounding gardens date back to 1871 and are open for visitors to explore and enjoy. The property includes a cafe which serves organic produce from the gardens and fresh food from local growers where possible. There is a retail shop and nursery, with garden workshops held regularly. Heronswood is managed

by Diggers Club, Australia's largest garden club, which also looks after the cool climate St Erth Gardens at Blackwood in the Macedon Ranges.

The completion of its pier took place in 1872, allowing the shipping of produce to the city markets. In 1881, Dromana was well established as a seaside resort.

It is believed that the name Dromana is of Irish origin and that it came about from the influx of gold prospectors in the mid19th century. There is a Dromana on the tidal section of the Blackwater River, near Cappoquin, County Waterford in Ireland, and this is the most likely origin of the name.

The first subdivision of Crown lands in Dromana occurred in 1854. Dromana Post Office opened on 12 April 1858.

In 1841, Hugh Jamieson purchased 5,120 acres (2,070 ha), or eight square miles, of land from the Crown for 1 pound an acre under the terms of the short-lived Special Survey regulations. The purchase included the northern part of the present suburb of Dromana to the east of Safety Beach.

The area is known as Jamieson's Special Survey in cadastral surveys.

Somerville Vet Clinic is Now Open!

We’re excited to welcome pets and their families to our brand-new purpose-built Somerville Vet Clinic.

Designed with patient comfort and modern veterinary care in mind, the new facility features spacious consulting rooms, dedicated surgical and treatment areas, and separate dog and cat spaces to help reduce stress during visits.

A major contributor to the development of Dromana was Spencer Jackson. One of his greatest achievements was the facilitation of the construction of a road to the summit of Arthurs Seat in 1929. Dromana's pier was much longer in those days and Dromana shared with Sorrento the ability to accommodate the bay steamers which did much to promote Dromana as a tourist destination. The McKeown and Shaw families ran guest houses for over half a century.

Dromana is known for its number of vineyards. More than 22 separate vintners operate within Dromana, as well as several vineyards. The Dromana Drive-in cinema is a popular entertainment spot for locals and holidaymakers alike.

Dromana and neighbouring Tuerong to the north, are home to a number of vineyards, some with cellar doors open for wine tasting.

New Location Holistic Health Centre offering personalised care for your overall health and wellbeing, with our experienced team of allied health and complementary medicine practitioners.

We look forward to caring for the Somerville community in our beautiful new clinic while continuing the compassionate, family-focused service Westernport Veterinary Clinics has provided for 50 years.

Shop from our:

westernportvet.com.au HASTINGS•SOMERVILLE•BALNARRING

66 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

Herbal Medicine Dispensary • Vitamins • Sports Nutrition • Natural Skincare • Cleaning Products • Grocery and Giftware Products • Bulk Wholefoods • Fridge and Freezer Items • Herbal Tea Bar

Shop 2/2 Eramosa Road East, Somerville • Phone: 5977 7342

WHAT to do There’s always something fabulous to do in Dromana. Head down to the beach with its white sands and calm waters, then enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants. Sip amongst the vines at one of the many wineries or taste an awardwinning drop at one of the local distilleries.

Check out the must-visit industrial estate area and browse the eclectic mix of produce and artisans hidden in this trendy nook in Dromana. For history buffs there’s plenty to peruse at the Dromana Historical Society. Movie buffs can catch a flick at the local drive-In. And green thumbs would not want to miss calling in at the picturesque gardens at Heronswood Estate, the home of the Digger’s Club.

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Upstairs at Dromana Indoor Market 110 Nepean Hwy, Dromana 0408 554 202 | detendu_lifestyle August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 67

CAFÉ safari Whether you want to start the morning right or you're seeking an afternoon pick-me-up, freshly brewed coffee and delectable menus are a must-have for locals and visitors. Here are just a few places to check out when you're in this beautiful part of the world.

AU CROISSANTERIE

4A/277 POINT NEPEAN ROAD

A croissanterie and espresso bar, where friendly staff members are ready to brew your favourite coffee just the way you like. Serving freshly baked croissants along with delectable food and coffee every day of the year.

PIER STREET KITCHEN

19 PIER STREET

Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch with a Mediterranean twist, Pier Street Kitchen is known for its friendly atmosphere, amazing food and extensive locally-driven wine list.

LANEWAY ESPRESSO

167 POINT NEPEAN ROAD

A much-loved, eclectic space serving coffee made from beans by Odyssey Coffee Roasters alongside cafe favourites. Enjoy brioche French toast or maybe a croissant burger, while you soak up the sun in the laneway.

PILGRIM DINING

277 POINT NEPEAN ROAD

Enjoy fresh, homestyle meals and friendly service at Pilgrim Dining.

From hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunches and dinners, there’s something delicious waiting for everyone.

WOMBAT CAFÉ

230 BOUNDARY ROAD

The mission at Wombat Cafe is to provide wholesome, 100% plantbased and cruelty free food to both vegans and non-vegans in a fun and friendly environment.

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• AWN IN G S

• S H UT T ERS

Specialising in the delivery of first aid training courses to individuals and organisations across the Mornington Peninsula.

Offering flexible delivery options for most courses, including distance learning, face to face, classroom based training and via our online e-learning system.

COURSES: Offering public courses monthly out of Mount Martha Community House and Balnarring Community Hall.

 HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation  HLTAID010 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support  HLTAID011 Provide First Aid  Baby & Toddler First Aid Courses (non-accredited)

Ph: (03) 5975 9366

Showroom 8A, 1-13 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Mornington

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Book your course online today at peninsulafirstaidtraining.com.au peninsulafirstaid@gmail.com

■ BULLBARS ■ CANOPIES ■ LIGHTING ■ STORAGE

■ ROOF RACKS ■ SUSPENSION ■ TOWING ■ CAMPING ACCESSORIES

Gear up for your next adventure with ARB Mornington, your local stop for premium 4x4 accessories.

Newly built with a Flagship showroom and state of the art workshop, located just off Mornington-Tyabb Road, our expert team with over 20 years of experience within the industry can provide you with the appropriate advice catered towards your specific need.

1-3 Diane St Mornington P 03 5929 7156 E mornington@arb.com.au

DENTAL HEALTH

CREATING BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILES As we celebrate Dental Health Week, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the importance of lifelong oral hygiene and routine dental check-ups. From the moment a child’s first tooth appears to the golden years of adulthood, oral hygiene plays a vital role in overall wellbeing. Good habits formed early – like brushing twice daily, flossing and regular dental visits – set the foundation for a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

In childhood, dental check ups help detect early issues like cavities or crowding, and promote education around diet and oral care, this can lead into a consultation with the orthodontist to discuss interceptive treatments. As teenagers and adults, the focus often shifts to preventative care and correcting misalignment – where orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, come into play.

Orthodontics is more than cosmetic; properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of decay, gum disease, and even jaw issues.

Orthodontic treatment at any stage – yes even later in life – can improve function, comfort and confidence.

You do not need a referral to see the team at Dr Peter Scott & Associates. Contact the clinic to organise a consultation time with one of the specialist orthodontists to discuss the best treatment options for either yourself or your child.

Dr Peter Scott and Associates are specialist orthodontists offering orthodontic care for children, teens and adults alike in both the Mornington Peninsula and inner Melbourne.

Dr Peter Scott is also a consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Specialist Orthodontists Creating Beautiful Smiles on the Peninsula for Over 35 Years Expertise in Child and Adult Orthodontics

W drpeterscott.com.au

Early Assessment Of Dental Development and Facial Growth Ideal Age of Initial Assessment 7-9 Years Early Intervention Where Appropriate for Best Outcome No Referral Necessary Interest Free Payment Plans Available Braces and Aligners

13 Beach St Frankston

Ph: 9783 4511 drpeterscott.com.au @drpeterscottorthodontist

August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 71

DENTAL HEALTH

50 YEARS OF CARING FOR THE MORNINGTON COMMUNITY A milestone built on trust

Making the most of your health fund extras

In 2026, Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic will proudly mark 50 years of supporting the dental health and wellbeing of local families.

The clinic also understands that many patients want to make the most of their private health insurance. Many health funds include dental extras that you can use towards check-ups, cleans, x-rays and other preventive services, depending on your individual policy.

Founded in 1976 by Dr John Osborne, the clinic has grown to become one of Mornington’s longest-standing privately owned dental practices.

From the beginning, its philosophy has been simple: good, honest dentistry grounded in integrity, compassion and genuine care.

That approach has shaped the clinic for generations. Families returned year after year, children grew into adults, and many long-term patients introduced their own children and grandchildren to the practice. For the team, that trust has always been a privilege.

Continuing the legacy In 2012, Dr Osborne welcomed Dr David Laskey to the clinic. A UK-trained dentist, born in Wales, David shared the same values and patient-first approach that had guided the practice since its earliest days.

The two worked side by side for six years, combining long-standing community care with contemporary dental techniques and technology.

As Dr Laskey has reflected, “We were a good team because we shared a passion for ethical, patient-centred care.”

In 2018, Dr Osborne made the decision to hand the practice to someone who would keep it privately owned, locally focused and true to its roots.

David was that person.

Today, under Dr Laskey’s leadership and supported by a skilled and caring team, Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic continues to care for patients across every stage of life. In Dr Osborne’s words, “David was wonderful and he became my rock. He brought the clinic into the modern age, embracing contemporary procedures and technologies.”

Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic works with a number of health funds, including Bupa, HCF, NIB, Defence Health and Medibank Private.

For eligible patients, the extras may help reduce out-of-pocket costs where cover applies.

If it has been a while since your last dental visit, checking your health fund extras can be a helpful reminder to book your next appointment.

Regular preventive care may be covered in part by your policy, and using your available benefits can help you stay on top of your oral health.

Looking ahead to the next generation As the clinic approaches its 50-year milestone, the team remains proud of its place in the Mornington community. The technology, treatments and facilities have evolved, but the heart of the practice remains the same.

Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic continues to offer good, honest dentistry with integrity, caring for local families today while looking ahead to the next generation of patients.

If you are overdue for a check-up or would like to make use of your health fund dental extras, now is a good time to book.

To arrange an appointment, contact Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic.

Prevention is still at the heart of good dentistry While dentistry has changed significantly over the past 50 years, one thing has remained constant: prevention matters.

Regular dental check-ups are one of the simplest ways to look after your teeth and gums. They give your dentist the opportunity to assess your oral health, identify early signs of decay, gum concerns, tooth wear, cracks or other changes, and provide advice before problems become more complex.

Preventive care is not only about having your teeth cleaned. It is about understanding what is happening in your mouth and making informed decisions about your long-term dental health.

Caring for every stage of life For children, regular visits help build healthy habits early. For adults, preventive care supports strong teeth and gums through busy working and family years. For older patients, it plays an important role in maintaining comfort, function and quality of life.

At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, preventive care is delivered with the same philosophy that has guided the practice for five decades: honest advice, careful treatment and a focus on what each patient genuinely needs.

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P 5975 5944 W morningtondental.com.au

DENTAL HEALTH

A FAMILIAR FACE HELPING WITH COMPLEX TEETH NEEDS For many people on the Mornington Peninsula, Dr David Laskey is already a familiar name. As the owner of Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, David has been part of the local dental community for many years working alongside a team that has cared for generations of families in Mornington and the surrounding peninsula.

There are also patients who need more comprehensive treatment planning, such as full mouth rehabilitation. This may be considered when many teeth are worn, damaged, missing or heavily restored, and when the overall bite and function need to be carefully reviewed.

The peninsula is not only where David works. It is also home. He has lived locally for more than 14 years and is raising his child here, building strong personal and professional ties within the community.

A consultation allows the clinician to understand what is happening, identify the underlying issues and explain what options may be suitable based on the patient’s clinical needs, oral health and circumstances.

That connection is one of the reasons Mornington Prosthodontics exists.

A local specialist with a careful approach

Located in Mornington, Mornington Prosthodontics provides specialist restorative dental care for patients with more complex dental needs.

The practice is led by David, a registered Specialist Prosthodontist with advanced training in the repair and replacement of missing, worn, broken or heavily restored teeth.

For local patients, this means specialist care is already available close to home.

Care for worn, missing and broken teeth Loose dentures, missing teeth, worn-down teeth and failing dental work can affect everyday life in practical ways.

Some people notice they are avoiding certain foods. Others find their dentures feel less stable than they once did. Some are concerned about teeth that are wearing down, breaking, chipping or no longer functioning comfortably. Others may have crowns, bridges, veneers or implant restorations that need a more detailed assessment.

The first step is always assessment.

David’s approach is calm, considered and practical. Patients are not rushed through the process. The focus is on careful assessment, clear explanation and treatment planning tailored to the individual.

For some people, the right option may be relatively straightforward. For others, the situation may be more complex and require a staged plan.

In either case, the aim is to make sure patients understand their dental condition and the options available before making decisions about care.

Technology also plays an important role at Mornington Prosthodontics.

Digital scanning, 3D imaging and computer-guided treatment planning can help support accurate assessment and detailed planning.

However, for David, good dental care is not only about technology or technical skill. It is also about listening.

Dental concerns can be personal. People may feel unsure about their teeth, uncomfortable with their dentures, or frustrated by dental work that has not lasted as expected. Taking the time to listen, assess and explain is an important part of specialist care.

These concerns are not always about appearance. Often, they are about function, comfort and understanding what is happening before the problem becomes more complex.

Specialist care, close to home

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist focused on restoring and replacing teeth. This may include dentures, dental implant restorations, crowns, bridges, veneers and full mouth rehabilitation. It can also involve assessing and managing failing dental work, missing teeth, loose dentures and more complex bite or restorative concerns.

Through Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, he has long understood the needs of patients in the region. Through Mornington Prosthodontics, he provides a dedicated specialist pathway for patients who need more complex restorative assessment and care.

While general dentists provide many important restorative treatments, a prosthodontist undertakes additional specialist training to manage more complex cases. This can be particularly important when several teeth are involved, when existing dental work is failing, or when treatment needs careful planning across the whole mouth.

For David, establishing Mornington Prosthodontics was a natural extension of his connection to the local community.

If you are concerned about loose dentures, missing teeth, worn-down teeth, broken teeth or dental work that is starting to fail, a consultation can help you understand what is happening and what options may be suitable.

To arrange a consultation with Dr David Laskey and the team at Mornington Prosthodontics, contact the clinic.

When teeth or dentures stop working the way they should People may seek advice from Mornington Prosthodontics for a range of reasons.

Some patients are concerned about dentures that feel loose, uncomfortable or less stable than they once did. Others may have missing teeth and want to understand whether dentures, bridges or dental implant restorations may be suitable.

Some people come in because their teeth are worn, broken or no longer functioning comfortably. Others may have older crowns, bridges or veneers that are starting to fail and need assessment before deciding what to do next.

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P 9923 8255 W morningtonpros.com.au

DENTAL HEALTH

PROTECTING SMILES FOR THE LONG TERM LiveWell Dental believes exceptional dentistry isn't about doing more, it's about doing what's right.

For over 25 years, Dr Fadi Badra has built his reputation on honest, conservative dentistry that puts your long-term oral health first.

Rather than simply treating today's problem, he carefully considers the future of your smile, creating treatment plans that preserve healthy teeth, prevent future complications and provide lasting results.

Every patient is treated by the same experienced dentist at every visit, ensuring personalised care, continuity and advice you can trust. Every diagnosis and treatment plan is developed by Dr Badra using his own clinical judgement, experience and a thorough assessment of your individual need, not by artificial intelligence.

When restoring teeth, craftsmanship matters. Dr Badra works closely with a trusted local dental laboratory to personally design every crown, creating restorations that are tailored for strength, function and a natural appearance; not simply the quickest solution.

Whether you need a routine examination, emergency treatment or complex restorative care, LiveWell Dental’s focus remains the same: protecting your smile for years to come.

"Can't rate Fadi and his team more highly. Typically, dentists give me anxiety however Fadi makes you feel relaxed, has a laugh to help ease the nerves and is very genuine and caring about the patient in the chair. The staff are all wonderful and it is clear that he cares for his staff the same as his patients with their demeanour and professionalism.”

Simon Gordon "This was my absolute best visit to a dentist. I am normally quite anxious with appointments, but I’ve never felt more relaxed. Dr. Fadi kept me informed of what was happening and gave me breaks when I needed them. Everyone treated me kindly and I felt welcome. This will be my go-to dentist from now on!"

Paris Biggs Big thank you to Dr Fadi Badra and his team. When my daughter’s four wisdom teeth were removed she felt extremely comfortable and had no bruising on her face. The service she received was amazing.

Friendly, professional and caring. Very clean and modern facilities.

Highly recommended!

Sheila Smith

Patient testimonials: "The best dentist I’ve seen in Melbourne. I have lived here for six years and seeing a dentist was like seeing a butcher UNTIL I went to Live Well Dental. They are kind, clean and courteous. 100% recommended!"

W livewelldental.com.au

Andrew Radziewicz

Dr Fadi Badra specialising in Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Implants Minor Oral Surgery

scan to book

LIVEWELL DENTAL 129 TANTI AVENUE MORNINGTON P: 03 9772 8481 - 03 5975 5857 www.livewelldental.com.au

76 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

DENTAL HEALTH

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE AT PENINSULA ORTHODONTICS IS WHERE YOUR SMILE STARTS At Peninsula Orthodontics, we believe that orthodontic care is about more than straight teeth- it’s about creating confident smiles, building lasting relationships, and making every visit a positive experience for the whole family. From your child’s first orthodontic visit to fine tuning your own smile, our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Start your smile journey with us as we invite you to schedule a consultation and experience the Peninsula Orthodontics difference.

Our dedicated team is ready to welcome you and your family, answer your questions, and help take the first step towards creating a beautiful smile.

Our dedicated orthodontic specialists, Dr. Doug Lee and Dr. Alan Tran are supported by our university-trained oral health therapists and our qualified dental assistants. We are proud to have been part of the Mornington Peninsula for over 40 years.

We believe that a positive orthodontic experience begins the moment you walk through our doors. Our practice has been thoughtfully designed to create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where children, teens and adults feel at ease.

Our staff is always ready with a warm smile, and we pride ourselves on clear communication, compassionate care, and a genuine commitment to each patient’s journey.

Being part of the peninsula community means everything to us.

We’re proud to sponsor local clubs including Southern Peninsula Basketball Association, Mornington Football Club Womens Program, Mt. Martha Cricket Club, as well as Beleura, Mt Eliza, Sorrento, Dromana, Red Hill, Hastings and Balnarring Junior Football Clubs, and Beachcombers Basketball Club.

W peninsulaortho.com.au

WHY CHOOSE US? No referral required Fun and friendly environment Interest free payments Exceptional results Experienced team Latest technology

Specialist Orthodontists Dr. Doug Lee l Dr. Alan Tran

5975 5166 134 Tanti Ave Mornington smile@peninsulaortho.com.au www.peninsulaortho.com.au August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 77

BEAUTIFUL HOME

BUILT FOR LIFE ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA Beachstone Homes designs and builds custom residences that reflect the Peninsula’s relaxed coastal lifestyle while combining thoughtful design and enduring quality.

The company is known for delivering homes through a highly personalised and transparent building experience, combining thoughtful design with meticulous construction.

Life on the Mornington Peninsula moves to a different rhythm.

A feature of Beachstone Homes is its integrated design and construction approach, which provides a single point of contact throughout a clear and collaborative process — from initial design conversations through to construction and completion.

Days are spent by the coastline, long summer evenings stretch well past sunset, and homes naturally become gathering places for family and friends. Whether it’s time spent around the pool, mornings in the garden, or weekends shared between the golf course and a local winery, the Peninsula lifestyle blurs the line between indoors and out.

For many, building here represents more than simply creating a house — it’s about designing a home that enhances their lifestyle.

Based locally, Beachstone Homes specialises in designing and building custom homes for families and retirees who want more than just a house. Whether it’s a forever home, a coastal retreat or a multi-generational residence, each project is thoughtfully designed to complement the homeowner’s property and lifestyle.

The team at Beachstone Homes have lived and worked on the peninsula for decades, raising their families here and developing a deep understanding of the community. That local knowledge informs every project, ensuring each home responds thoughtfully to coastal conditions, orientation, views and the surrounding area.

Natural materials, light-filled interiors and strong indoor–outdoor connections are recurring elements in Beachstone Homes’ projects — design features that suit the relaxed coastal lifestyle of the peninsula while remaining timeless and refined.

78 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

Clients are also guided through a structured selections process covering materials, fixtures, cabinetry, lighting and home automation, ensuring every element works cohesively and reflects the overall vision for the home.

Beachstone Homes’ commitment to quality construction has been recognised through multiple Housing Industry Association (HIA) awards, making the company one of the most awarded residential builders based on the Mornington Peninsula.

The delivery of their homes is guided by a simple philosophy: homes should be thoughtfully designed, carefully constructed and created to be enjoyed for generations — built for life.

P 5987 3449 E info@beachstonehomes.com.au W beachstonehomes.com.au

BEAUTIFUL HOME

EXCELLENCE BUILT ON EXPERIENCE TWO AWARDS - ONE EXCEPTIONAL PROJECT Gstruct Group has been recognised at the 2026 Master Builders Victoria Awards, receiving both Eastern Regional Residential Builder of the Year and Best Multi Unit Development for its exceptional Blairgowrie project on the Mornington Peninsula.

These prestigious awards acknowledge more than a single development—they recognise years of industry experience, technical expertise and a commitment to delivering some of Victoria's most complex and architecturally significant residential projects.

Specialising in luxury custom homes and bespoke architectural transformations, Gstruct Group has established a reputation as a trusted builder throughout the Mornington Peninsula and inner Melbourne. The company is known for delivering technically demanding projects requiring meticulous planning, innovative construction methods and exceptional craftsmanship.

The award-winning Blairgowrie development perfectly demonstrates these strengths. Nestled within the coastal dune landscape, the project comprises two architecturally designed residences that presented significant engineering and construction challenges from the outset.

Built on difficult sandy soil conditions, both homes incorporate advanced AFS concrete wall systems and extensive suspended concrete slab construction to ensure long-term structural integrity.

The second-floor living area extends effortlessly to a rooftop terrace and entertaining bar, creating a spectacular setting overlooking the Mornington Peninsula.

House Two takes the project's complexity even further. Featuring striking Blackbutt timber and Alucobond cladding, the residence includes a dramatic curved soffit following a full-length skylight, a suspended fireplace and hearth, and one of the home's most remarkable engineering achievements—a cantilevered negative-edge swimming pool positioned on the upper level. Complete with both a glass side and glass-bottom base, this highly specialised installation represents a rare feat of residential construction and engineering.

At the heart of Gstruct Group is founder and director Glenn Longstaff, whose hands-on approach, technical knowledge and unwavering commitment to quality have helped establish the company as a builder of choice for complex architectural homes. Glenn personally oversees every project, working closely with clients, architects and consultants to ensure each vision is brought to life with precision and care.

Receiving both the 2026 Master Builders Victoria Eastern Regional Residential Builder of the Year and Best Multi Unit Development awards is a significant milestone for Gstruct Group, reinforcing the company's dedication to innovation, craftsmanship and construction excellence.

To facilitate the basement excavations, engineered sheet-pile retention systems and ground anchors were installed, enabling the construction team to safely build below ground level. The result is two sophisticated homes that combine complex structural solutions with seamless integration into their coastal surroundings.

The team extends its sincere thanks to its clients, consultants, trades and project partners whose collaboration and trust helped bring this remarkable development to life. These awards are a reflection of what can be achieved when visionary design, technical expertise and exceptional workmanship come together.

Both residences showcase premium finishes and meticulous attention to detail, featuring large-format travertine stone, limewash paint finishes, Venetian plaster, custom veneer joinery, hydronic floor heating and fully integrated Dynalite home automation systems.

With every project, Gstruct Group remains committed to creating extraordinary homes that are as enduring as they are inspiring.

While united by exceptional quality and architectural excellence, each home has its own distinctive character.

House One embraces a contemporary coastal aesthetic with maintenance-free composite cladding and thoughtfully designed living spaces that maximise natural light and capture bay views.

80 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

Bringing ambitious architectural ideas to life.

Call or email Glenn to start the conversation E glenn@gstruct.com.au P 0412 504 225

MORNINGTON PENINSULA’S HIGH-END CUSTOM BUILD SPECIALIST

DIRECTOR: Glenn Longstaff E: glenn@gstruct.com.au

P: 0412 504 225 W: gstruct.com.au

CALL NOW FOR A FREE PROJECT ASSESSMENT

BEAUTIFUL HOME

TRANSFORMING SPACES Spring into a thriving outdoor life with LivingScapes, your familyowned landscaping partner on the Mornington Peninsula.

LivingScapes blend creativity with practical expertise to transform spaces into sustainable, low-maintenance paradises that suit your lifestyle. Their eco-friendly practices, personalised designs, and reliable team ensure your garden is ready for Christmas sun and summer fun.

From concept to completion, LivingScapes delivers beautiful, durable landscapes that enrich lives. Book now to secure your spot for a stunning spring makeover today.

• Native, Formal & Edible Gardens • Fences & Gates • Garden Lighting • Water Features, Ponds & Irrigation • Retaining Walls • Lawns & Synthetic Grass • Pergolas, Arbors & Screens • Decks, Stairs & Balustrading • Paving, Paths & Driveways • Firepits, Chimineas & Open Fireplaces • Designer Chicken Coops • Garden Sculptures • Custom Outdoor Furniture

0408 105 510 | 0410 654 533 P 0408 105 510 E hello@livingscapes.com.au IG @livingscapes.oz W livingscapes.com.au

hello@livingscapes.com.au

livingscapes.com.au Custom Cabins, Work Studios, Granny Flats and Tiny Homes Your space, not everyone else’s.

Call Marc 0417 899 799 82 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

kellie@coyotecabins.com.au

BEAUTIFUL HOME

PROFESSIONAL STEAM CLEANING SERVICES ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA Sarah's Steam Cleaning helps refresh, sanitise and restore homes and businesses across the Mornington Peninsula with powerful, hygienic steam cleaning solutions. Using high-temperature steam cleaning, the team removes built-up dirt, stubborn stains, allergens and bacteria without harsh chemicals, helping extend the life of carpets, rugs, upholstery, mattresses, tiles, grout and outdoor hard surfaces.

Deep steam cleaning you can trust on the Mornington Peninsula ✓Carpet and rug ✓Mattress sanitising ✓Tile and grout ✓Pavers & Concrete ✓Upholstery

P: 5925 6011

Mob: 0417 321 860 www.domesticbliss.com.au

Every job is completed by a fully trained technician who takes pride in delivering exceptional results and friendly, reliable service.

Sarah's Steam Cleaning is the younger sister business of Sarah's Domestic Bliss Cleaning, a trusted local company established in 2013. Together, the businesses are passionate about providing professional cleaning services that residential and commercial clients can rely on.

Servicing Frankston South, Hastings, Rosebud, Flinders and surrounding suburbs, Sarah's Steam Cleaning delivers quality workmanship, outstanding service and impressive results every time.

P 5925 6011 W domesticbliss.com.au

August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 83

BEAUTIFUL HOME

DESIGNING HOMES THAT FEEL LIKE HOME Building a home is one of life's biggest milestones, and Bevnol Homes believes the journey should be just as rewarding as the finished result. Family-owned since 1989, the company has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, personalised service and homes designed around the people who live in them.

With more than 37 years of industry experience, Bevnol Homes works closely with clients from the initial design concepts through to construction, ensuring every home reflects their lifestyle, vision and budget. Whether building a first home, downsizing or creating a forever home, every project is approached with care, integrity and attention to detail.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Bevnol Homes takes a collaborative approach, refining each design to create a home that is both functional and timeless.

Designing your Dream Home Starts Here Family owned since 1989.

From the first conversation through to handover, the team is committed to making the building experience enjoyable, straightforward and rewarding.

Custom homes designed around the way you live.

P 9786 6277 W bevnol.com.au

Start the conversation today.

From concept to completion, Bevnol Homes creates personalised homes with quality craftsmanship, integrity and over 37 years of building experience.

e: mail@bevnol.com.au w: Bevnol.com.au

Contact Leanne on 0414 966 603 or Lorraine on 0492 923 997

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME WITH STYLE BLINDS, AWNINGS & CURTAINS 2027 Frankston-Flinders Road Hastings 3915 P (03) 5979 1566 E sales@westernportblinds.com.au www.westernportblinds.com.au

For more than 40 years Westernport Blinds has been helping peninsula homeowners transform their spaces with high-quality indoor and outdoor window furnishings. Renowned for exceptional service, expert advice and premium products, the locally owned business offers an extensive range of curtains, shutters, blinds and awnings to suit every home and lifestyle.

Their impressive Hastings showroom allows customers to explore a wide selection of styles, fabrics and finishes firsthand. The dedicated alfresco display area showcases an extensive range of outdoor solutions, including the popular E-Zip and E-Shade systems, folding arm awnings, traditional awnings and a variety of motorised options.

Seeing the products in person, feeling the fabrics and experiencing how the window furnishings operate gives customers the confidence to make the right choice, backed by knowledgeable local advice, professional installation and ongoing support.

With warmer weather just around the corner, now is the perfect time to prepare outdoor entertaining areas and create a more comfortable, stylish home for summer.

E-Zip Awning

Siena Folding Arm Awning

2/2027 Frankston-Flinders Road Hastings P 5979 1566 E sales@westernportblinds.com.au westernportblinds.com.au 84 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

2/2027 Frankston–Flinders Road, Hastings P 5979 1566 E @westernportblinds IG @westernportblinds W westernportblinds.com.au

• No more mud in your gutters • No more vermin or birds in your roof • Gutters stay clean - no more cleaning

*Valid Until 31/8/26 Conditions apply

• Protect your most valued investment -your home, your building • Save money and cleaning time • 28 year guarantee

BEAUTIFUL HOME

DON’T LET STAIRS DECIDE WHEN YOU MOVE Creating a beautiful home is not just about interior design or the furniture you choose. It is shaped by the people who live there, and the memories created over time.

By removing the barrier of stairs, a home lift helps ensure your home continues to serve your family through every stage of life.

To learn more, call to arrange a free home consultation.

Homes quietly witness life’s many chapters — the early years of building a future, celebrations with family and friends, and the everyday moments that eventually become treasured memories.

Over the years, those chapters grow into a lifetime of experiences, hopefully even including the joy of watching grandchildren begin lives of their own.

After investing so much of life into a home, the thought of leaving simply because stairs become difficult can be heartbreaking. For many people, moving away from a beloved family home is not a choice they want to make — it is one they feel forced into.

A home lift can help change that.

Installing a RESiLIFT helps home life last. It provides safe and easy access between floors, helping maintain independence and comfort as needs change over time. A lift can also make everyday life easier, from transporting groceries and suitcases to moving firewood, pets, or other heavy items between levels.

But RESiLIFT doesn’t just support homeowners. It can also make it easier for parents, grandparents, and friends to visit comfortably and safely.

Enjoy the view not the climb Skip the stairs with RESiLIFT®

resilift.com.au

1300 303 522

86 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

P 1300 303 522 W resilift.com.au

THE LOWDOWN Tours escorted by Vickie Lamble

YOUR PREMIUM ESCAPE AWAITS WITH LAMBLE TOURS Refresh, recharge, and rediscover - your mid-year getaway awaits Every Lamble Tours journey is thoughtfully crafted with care, knowledge, and attention to the little things. With years of hands-on experience, each itinerary is designed not just around destinations, but around what truly makes a holiday special. Explore Lamble Tours range of short getaways and extended holidays.

With their convenient home pick-up and return service across metropolitan Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, your holiday begins the moment you step out the door.

Immerse yourself in a warm winter escape on the sunshine coast, or explore the natural beauty of Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.

Looking ahead, you can discover the incredible beauty of Norfolk Island or secure your place on the Overland Train to Adelaide, complete with the magic of the Christmas Pageant.

Due to current circumstances, tours may be subject to fuel surcharges without notice. Please refer to the Lamble Tours Standard Booking Terms & Conditions on the website.

Relax Enjoy & Discover!

9 DAYS NORFOLK ISLAND Tuesday 16 – Wednesday 24 Feburary 2027 Discover the incredible natural beauty of Norfolk Island that is also rich is history and culture. From pristine waters, rugged cliffs, convict ruins and breathtaking scenary – paradise awaits. Join us for many memorable highlights

Cost: $4,660

Per person twin share/double. Single supp: $750 Please pay deposit of $200 ASAP to secure booking Note: Entry requirements for Norfolk Island photo ID, current drivers licence, or current Passport or photo ID obtained from Australia Post

5 DAYS - Q TRAIN & THE SHIPWRECK COAST Monday 23 – Friday 27 March 2027 From the rails to the rugged coast – experience culinary delights and breathtaking ocean views in one unforgettable journey. Savor fine dining on the Q Train, then explore the raw beauty of the Shipwreck Coast and its iconic landscapes.

Cost: $2,570

Per person twin share/double. Single Supp $470

10 DAYS – AUTUMN EAST COAST TASMANIA Thursday 1 – Saturday 10 April 2027 FLY/FLY A 10-day autumn escape through Tasmania blending vibrant food, wild coastlines, and crisp seasonal landscapes. From the historic charm and breathtaking views of Launceston to the rugged beauty and gourmet experiences of Bruny Island,

Cost: TBA

For a detailed itinerary phone: 0418 853 810 or Email: lambletours@bigpond.com Home pick up & return service metropolitan / Mornington Peninsula

P 0418 853 810 E lambletours@bigpond.com FB @lambletours W lambletours.com.au

www.lambletours.com.au

Transform Your Life WITH TAI CHI!

Learn from Sifu Jenny Harrison, a highly respected instructor with over 40 years of teaching experience.

Classes for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced students.

Discover the satisfaction and joy of mastering a new skill.

COULD TAI CHI BE FOR YOU? More and more people are discovering the benefits of Tai Chi and are pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable and accessible it can be.

Tai Chi is one of the most accessible forms of exercise and can be adapted to suit any age, fitness level, or physical ability. People come to Tai Chi for many reasons. Some wish to improve their balance, flexibility, strength, and overall wellbeing, while others are looking for a gentle way to stay active, reduce stress, and find a sense of calm in an increasingly busy world.

Rising Moon Tai Chi offers dedicated beginner classes where new students learn the fundamentals in a supportive and welcoming environment.

To meet growing demand, a new weekly Beginner Tai Chi class will commence in Hastings on Friday 4 September from 2:00–2:45 pm.

Those who begin practising Tai Chi often find that its benefits extend well beyond improved fitness, bringing greater awareness, confidence, and calm to everyday life.

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See page 94 for solution August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 91

History

Above: The Wine Cafe in the 1940's

Somerville's Wine Café

By Lisa Bayley – Somerville, Tyabb and District Heritage Society

S

tanding near the roundabout on Frankston-Flinders Road and Eramosa Road is one of Somerville's most recognisable landmarks — the distinctive pink building that has occupied the site since at least the late 1870s or early 1880s. For much of its early history the premises operated as a Wine Café, a type of small-scale hotel licensed under Victoria's Colonial Wine Licence system.

The Colonial Wine Licence

In 1884 Peter Holmes applied for a publican’s licence for his business premises in Somerville. The application was refused because the building did not meet the legal requirements necessary for a full publican’s licence and Holmes was forced to continue operating under a Colonial Wine Licence. But what exactly did this mean?

92 | PENINSULA essence August 2026

Liquor licensing has always been a complex area of law, and the Colonial Wine Licence was introduced in 1864 as an attempt to regulate and limit the sale of alcohol. During the late nineteenth century the temperance movement, which promoted moderation or abstinence from alcohol, was particularly strong. Throughout Victoria there was constant political and social tension between supporters of temperance and those connected to the liquor trade.

The Colonial Wine Licence permitted the sale of wine, cider and perry — the pear equivalent of apple cider. The Victorian government believed these drinks caused less drunkenness and were more "civilised" than beer or spirits. The licence system was also designed to encourage locally produced Australian wine, reduce reliance on imported alcohol and provide a more controlled alternative to full hotel or public-house licences.

Above: Peter Holmes (seated on the cart at left), outside his general store, across the road from the Wine Cafe, circa 1900. Also in the photograph are family members James, Amelia, Jane and his wife Bridget

One of the principal reasons Peter Holmes was refused a publican's licence in 1884 was that his premises did not contain the accommodation required under the Licensing Act. In nineteenthcentury Victoria, hotels were expected to serve an important public function beyond simply providing alcohol.

Holmes never succeeded in obtaining a full publican's licence.

In the early twentieth century the Somerville Hotel opened, and Henry Gomm obtained the district's publican's licence at a time when only a limited number of licences were available. Holmes did, however, later obtain a grocer's licence, allowing him to sell sealed alcohol from a separate shop across the road from the Wine Café.

Licensed hotels were required to accommodate travellers, particularly in rural districts where roads were rough and journeys between towns could take considerable time. Premises seeking a publican's licence generally needed guest bedrooms, dining facilities and suitable accommodation for travellers and their horses.

The Wine Café was far more than simply a place to purchase alcohol.

During the coaching era it operated as an important stopping place for mail coaches travelling between Melbourne and Hastings and was closely associated with Cobb & Co. drivers and passengers.

Why Holmes couldn't get a hotel licence

A stop on the coach road

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Above : Late 19th century photos of the intersection from the other side of the railway line showing the Wine Cafe on the left F

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Before railways and motor vehicles transformed transport, establishments such as Holmes' Wine Café formed an essential part of Victoria's communication network. Travellers could rest, exchange news and continue their journey, while mail coaches connected Melbourne with the growing settlements of the Mornington Peninsula.

Historical accounts describe the premises as a regular stopping place on the route between Melbourne and Hastings, where travellers could connect with coastal transport services and continue on to destinations such as Phillip Island.

More than a place to drink The Wine Café also served a broader civic purpose, particularly before the construction of the Somerville Mechanics' Hall and other public buildings.

Under colonial licensing laws, licensed premises could be required to make rooms available for official proceedings, and it is documented that magisterial inquiries were held at the Wine Café. In small rural townships, hotels and wine cafés often functioned as informal courthouses, meeting halls and centres of local administration because few dedicated civic buildings yet existed.

As a result, the building occupied an important place within early Somerville society. It was not merely somewhere to purchase alcohol, but also a transport stop, accommodation house, meeting place and civic centre during a formative period in the township's history.

Above: The Wine Cafe in the 1930's Below: The Wine Cafe in the 1950's

Changing hands, changing times Peter Holmes passed away in 1916, and it appears that around this time Robert Wadsworth took over the Colonial Wine Licence. The premises remained associated with the Holmes family until 1924, when it was sold to the Sheffield family.

The Sheffield family made a number of visible changes to the property. Verandas were added, the roofline was altered to a pitched roof, and palm trees were planted at the front of the building.

The Sheffield family continued to operate the Wine Café until December 1945, when the licence was transferred to Jean Simms.

A little over a year later, in February 1947, the licence passed to Ruby Ann Warne who continued operating the premises until it was purchased by Len and Lubov Sterling during the mid-1950s.

It was around this period the Wine Café ceased operating as a licensed premises and became a private residence, although the exact date the Colonial Wine Licence ended is not known. The Colonial Wine Licence system itself was gradually phased out across Victoria during the 1950s and 1960s and no longer exists today.

By the late 1960s the building was undergoing further change.

The surrounding verandas were deemed unsafe by the Council and removed, together with the palm trees which had become one of the property's most distinctive features.

The surrounding streetscape also changed. The Somerville Soldiers' Memorial, visible in earlier photographs near the roundabout, was relocated in 1966. It was first moved to the entrance of Clarinda Street before eventually finding its present home at Fruit Growers Reserve on Jones Road, Somerville. continued next page...

August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 95

Above: Another late 19th century photos of the railway line showing the Wine Cafe on the left

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The Wine Cafe building as it is today

The building today Today, the property is entering a new chapter in its long history.

Following the death of its owner, the son of Len and Lubov Sterling, in July 2025, the site is being administered by State Trustees as part of a deceased estate and is currently undergoing clean-up and maintenance works in preparation for a future sale.

For well over a century the site, which has 15 rooms and a lobby, has been connected to community life in many different ways — as a Wine Café, coaching stop, accommodation house, business premises and local landmark. As the property prepares to pass to a new custodian, its story serves as a reminder of the many layers of history that remain embedded within Somerville's built heritage and of the important role the site has played in the development of the township. continued next page...

August 2026 PENINSULA essence | 97

Above: A floorplan of the Wine Cafe interior (Picture: OBrien Real Estate)

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