Raffaella Mackenzie could never have imagined leaving her thriving career as a fashion designer in Italy to make incense in Seaford, but that’s what happened when love came to town. Born in Biella in the Northern Province of Piedmonte, it was a trip to Lucca in Tuscany that would change everything.
8. Rising River
River Lonie's pre-game ritual is precise, but it's indicative of how meticulously he applies himself to every aspect of his football. With his Frankston Dolphins team sitting undefeated and his Stingrays commitments intensifying, he is positioning himself perfectly for that next crucial step. The boy who once kicked his first goal at Overport Park, just like his father before him, is forging his own place in football lore.
Raffaella Mackenzie could never have imagined leaving her thriving career as a fashion designer in Italy to make incense in Seaford, but that’s what happened when love came to town. Born in Biella in the Northern Province of Piedmonte, it was a trip to Lucca in Tuscany that would change everything.
18. Keeping it Real
Mornington singer-songwriter, Natasha Kate was born to be a musician. On top of incredible natural talent, she has exceptional focus, drive and determination. She has left traditional high school to do her coursework at home online so she can spend more time focusing on her music career.
22. Fiction’s Prescription
When bestselling Australian author Kylie Ladd needed a fictional house with six bedrooms for her latest novel, The Mix-Up, the answer came naturally. Her family's Sorrento holiday house has been both muse and sanctuary for Kylie for decades.
Writers:
Andrea Louise Thomas, Muriel Cooper, Annette Sanfilippo, Sarah Halfpenny
Photography: Yanni, Gary Sissons
Creative:
Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne
Publisher: Melissa McCullough melissa@mpnews.com.au
Advertising: Andy Jukes, 0431 950 685, andy@mpnews.com.au
Belinda Timmerman, 0419 135 900, belinda@mpnews.com.au
Phone: (03) 5974 9000
Registered address: 1/15 Wallis Drive, Hastings VIC. 3915
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.
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Style editor Annette Sanfilippo encourages us to keep it real at any age and during any season with a little help from local health and beauty experts and a new boutique on the peninsula, Katra Collections, which houses an eclectic array of fashion for all.
34. Fearless Foodie
Main Ridge has just scored a new culinary experience – Frog Hollow Kitchen. Focussing on seasonal, Mediterranean recipes, owner Ciara Griffiths has created both a beautiful space and a beautiful experience.
40. Simple Pleasures
As a child, nutritionist and chef Sarah Pound would conduct cooking shows for her younger sisters. Now, her online community, Wholesome by Sarah, numbers in the hundreds of thousands, advocating for simple, wholesome, and healthy food that’s easy to prepare.
77. So Few Souls to Save
In November 1885 the Latter Day Saints came to Hastings. They were a reorganisation of a church unfavourably known as the Mormons of Utah and they repudiated the charges of impurity levelled against them and disclaimed all connection with the Mormons.
On site jewellers offering:
permanent jewellery
jewellery appraisals
pearl threading
custom makes
ring resizing
engagement rings
all jewellery repairs
jewellery remodelling
ready made fine jewels
watch batteries and repairs
3 JULY HOME ORGANISATION
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Join professional organiser Marion Thomas for a practical session on how, why, and what to declutter in your home. Discover simple strategies and tips to let go of the mess and reclaim calm in your home.
Bookings essential.
10am -11am FREE ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au
28 JULY EMMA DAVIES: BASKET WEAVING WORKSHOP
Learn how to craft a small basket, or sculptural form, from repurposed materials. If you do have poly mesh fruit and vegetable netting bags and/or nylon twine at home, bring these along and start repurposing your own materials!
Registrations essential. 1pm - 4pm mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au
7 JULY TRADITIONAL BUSH TUCKER, MEDICINE AND ARTEFACTS WORKSHOP
Learn how, for thousands of years, before the bustling cities and neighbourhoods we know today existed, our first people of Australia gathered native plants to make food and medicines.
3pm - 4pm FREE mornpen.vic.gov.au
20 JULY
KOALA FOOD TREE PLANTING DAYBALNARRING BEACH
Spend the morning with us planting hundreds of koala food trees and other native trees and shrubs to expand koala habitat in the stunning coastal town of Balnarring Beach on the Mornington Peninsula.
8:30am - 12:30pm eventbrite.com.au
11 JULY SOUL NIGHT MARKET MORNINGTON
Explore over 60 curated stalls at the Boutique Market, set across three distinct spaces. Savour international street food and local spirits in the covered outdoor food arena, featuring food trucks, seating, and heaters. 5pm - 9pm mornpen.vic.gov.au
30 JULY 'TALES FROM THE INKWELL ENGINE' EXHIBITION OPENING NIGHT
Pulled from the sketch-smudged corners of Jenny Wood’s imagination, her work is inspired by the charm of Victorian invention, worn machinery, and the joy of storytelling through fine ink line and whimsy. 6pm - 9pm mornpen.vic.gov.au
If you’re over 55, unlock the equity in your home. Travel, renovate, or simply live your best life. No monthly repayments, no proof of income required, with the flexibility to repay your loan at any time.
By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Gary Sissons & supplied
River Lonie's pre-game ritual is precise: pasta and pizza the night before, followed by a blue Gatorade, a Red Bull and a handful of lollies before kick-off. It might sound unconventional and quirky, but it's indicative of how meticulously he applies himself to every aspect of his football. It’s the same attention to detail that's already earned the 16-year-old Mountt Eliza footballer multiple Best & Fairest awards for the Frankston Dolphins, selection in the Dandenong Stingrays’ Under 16 team, and dreams of pulling on Port Adelaide's jumper in the AFL.
Growing up in a football family – his father Nathan played AFL for Hawthorn and Port Adelaide, his uncle Ryan played for Collingwood, and cousin Oscar is also making his mark in the sport – meant footy was never just a weekend activity. "I was naturally drawn to footy and then also sort of forced to do it, but I loved it either way," River laughs. The family influence remains strong today, with the entire clan involved in his development: "We do a lot together, the whole family, like extra fitness sessions. We always do a couple of running sessions to push each other, as well as skills sessions."
My first game was at Overport Park, the same ground my dad played his first game on, so that was pretty special.
Some of River's earliest and most cherished memories centre around pivotal junior moments that every footballer remembers. "My first game was at Overport Park, the same ground my dad played his first game on, so that was pretty special. And I remember kicking my first goal and then looking back and seeing my whole family watching and jumping and cheering, so that was pretty good,” River recalls. That first goal came in Under 9s against Bonbeach, but it wasn't long before River started sensing he might have something special. "A couple of times I’d hear opposition coaches yelling my number, like, 'Who's on Number 12?' That was when I’d think, 'Yeah, I'm going alright here'." While football quickly became his focus, River initially juggled multiple sports. "I played footy, basketball, and cricket, I played a bit of tennis with the family," he says. Eventually though, choices had to be made. "It was always footy and basketball. I dropped cricket a while ago, and then decided to make the switch over to footy a couple of years ago."
Playing midfield most of the time, with an occasional stint in the forward line or the back line, River identifies his strongest asset as "accurate kicking." But he's not getting complacent.
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Custom banners for every sporting club, all designs welcome! Fast turn around - get yours ready before game day Perfect for junior footy, seniors, milestone matches and more...
"I've tried to improve my speed and my strength; being able to burst out, push a few players off, and then explode out. That'd be my biggest improvement, I reckon."
A major breakthrough came this year with selection for the Dandenong Stingrays Under 16 squad. "It was the goal for the year, making that squad." The carnival games that followed were career-defining moments: "Playing in the Stingrays carnival earlier this year; they were probably the biggest games I've played in and the most enjoyable as well."
That hunger for collective success is partly driven by family bragging rights
Then there was last year's Frankston Dophins Under 15 grand final heartbreak: "We played in one for the first time, and everything went wrong. One of our better players forgot his boots, then we had a game delay, plus lightning, wind, we had everything! We were the favourites, and we lost by two points."
Despite winning the league’s Best & Fairest last year, River's priorities remain firmly team-focused. "It was very good, but I'd still rather a premiership over a Best & Fairest." That hunger
for collective success is partly driven by family bragging rights: "My main goal at the moment is definitely winning a premiership. I need to get one on my brother Ray, because he's won a few, and dad's won a few. I'm the only one who hasn't got one yet!"
River's weekly schedule would exhaust most teenagers. "Monday is normally pretty relaxed. That's a day for recovery, because I play on Sundays. Tuesday, I train with the Stingrays Under 18s, so that's all the older kids, and you can improve quickly from doing that. And then normally Wednesday, I do a speed session, a running session. Thursday is the main footy session of the week, where I'll train with my team and then normally do some training with the senior footy club, the Frankston Bombers. They have a big influence on their Under 19s and the younger kids. Friday is normally the gym, and then a bit of recovery that night. Saturdays I go down to watch the local footy all day - dad helps out with the Under 19s teamthen we watch the seniors after that. And Sunday is game day, so that's all day.”
continued page 12 ...
His football heroes reflect both family loyalty and keen appreciation for skill. "My favourite would be Marcus Bontempelli from the Western Bulldogs. He's very good. And then from Port Adelaide I love Logan Evans. He plays off the half-back line and he's good to watch."
Through all the success and setbacks, family keeps River grounded. "You can't get a big head in our house; you get shot down by your brother or your dad. It's good." His parents' advice is refreshingly simple: "Just have a crack, try your best, and don't leave anything out there." It's wisdom that's serving him well as he chases his ultimate dream: "To play for Port Adelaide, because that's the team I support."
With his Frankston Dolphins team sitting undefeated and his Stingrays commitments intensifying, River Lonie is positioning himself perfectly for that next crucial step. The boy who once kicked his first goal at Overport Park, just like his father before him, is forging his own place in football lore.
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons
Raffaella Mackenzie could never have imagined leaving her thriving career as a fashion designer in Italy to make incense in Seaford, but that’s what happened when love came to town. Born in Biella in the Northern Province of Piedmonte, Raffaella would often travel to Paris or Milan, epicentres of the fashion world. It was a trip to Lucca in Tuscany that would change everything. Her sister, Sabrina, was working in hospitality at a beautiful 1400s mansion in Lucca. She asked Raffaella to help her out for a couple of weeks. By chance, a gorgeous Australian man happened to be working in the garden there. Raffaella said to her sister, “Oh my God, I think I’m going to marry
sewed and painted in watercolour. They encouraged their daughters to follow their hearts. Raffaella’s love of art, particularly fashion illustration, was her key motivation. “Drawing put me into the flow state. I’d get lost in that beautiful moment of creative abandon,” she says.
Everything I do in my life now is connected with the divine. Making incense changed my whole focus
That said, Raffaella found the fashion industry soulless. That perception didn’t change when she moved to Australia. She stuck with fashion for a while, but it didn’t satisfy her. She took a break to raise her children. When she was ready to return to work, she wanted something different.
She started studying Hinduism and ancient philosophy with a spiritual teacher, learning to look deep inside herself, beyond the everyday. She had an awakening. Raffaella found that divine energy helped heal her. Incense is a part of her spiritual practice so it seemed like
“Incense has been burning for thousands of years. It is thought to help with meditation, prayer and energy healing practices.
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Its smoke is the connection between the earthly and the divine. Fire represents one of the four key earthly elements. It’s grounding, and our connection to spirit,” she says.
“Everything I do in my life now is connected with the divine. Making incense changed my whole focus. I’m no longer dressing the body, I’m dressing the soul,” she says. The deep satisfaction she feels making incense brings her great joy and an almost preternatural calm.
As Raffaella sees it, people can get caught up in their tightly held concepts and beliefs. They get trapped in the ego. She feels spirituality is about overcoming the ego in order to be of service to self and others.
“Spirituality has nothing to do with religion. It’s an internal discovery of who you are and your purpose in this life,” she says. She feels that certain smells, sights, tastes and sounds trigger and connect people to the divine at a very deep level.
“All that I do is connected with the divine. There is so much beauty in life to celebrate. People don’t always see it, but difficult moments shape you. The light is only visible if you also have the dark. There is always this duality,” she says.
Now Raffaella hopes to bring the divine to her customers through her incense. Each scent offers a different benefit; some are grounding, some uplifting and some calming. She creates her scents to align with astrological signs. Particular herbs resonate more strongly with certain star signs.
Raffaella loves selling her products at craft markets like Shoreham, Emu Plains and Little Beauty in Frankston. “The market is beautiful. It’s like a big family. We help each other. The best part is talking to people and helping customers who come to my stall. Everything about it is wonderful. I’ve been doing this for seven years and I love it,” she says.
She sees making incense as a kind of alchemy. Raffaella uses the purest ingredients sourced around the world from the verdant mountains and valleys of India to the flower fields of France. Each scent can carry the user away lifting the spirit, promoting health and wellbeing and stimulating creativity. Why not give her incense a try?
IG: re.incense reincense.com.au
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons
Mornington singer-songwriter, Natasha Kate was born to be a musician. On top of incredible natural talent, she has exceptional focus, drive and determination. She has left traditional high school to do her coursework at home online so she can spend more time focusing on her music career. Natasha works hard to find the balance between classwork, singing, songwriting and studio time.
I’ve always loved singing. I think I was singing before I was talking
“I don’t feel that music was something I decided. I’ve always loved singing. I think I was singing before I was talking. There are videos of me singing as a toddler,” she says. Natasha started learning piano at ten, then switched to guitar at 15 and never looked back. She doesn’t consider herself a guitarist, pianist or even a singer. She thinks of herself first as a songwriter. Everything else is second. Telling honest stories is what she has always wanted to do.
Cheryl Beattie of The Music Industry in Rosebud has been Natasha’s singing teacher for a few years. She has a real knack for spotting talent and knowing how to nurture it. “Cheryl made me feel like my dream could be a reality. She has really pushed me and encouraged me, but also given me freedom as an artist. She understands what I’m trying to do. I owe a lot to her,” she says.
Natasha went on three self-funded songwriting camps in Queensland with TMI working with LA based-industry professionals, Pam Shayne and Richard Harris. It made her melodies strong and her lyrics stronger. The coaches never tried to take away the uniqueness that she brings to her music, or pressure her to be more mainstream or commercial. They recognised she already had her own narrative.
An indie folk music artist with a dash of rock and pop, Natasha loves how flexible the indie genre is. “It’s a more experimental space. I love the room it gives me to explore different kinds of sounds. My songs are all very different, but they are connected by that experimental thread. Indie blends genres creating its own sound. It gives an artist more room to grow,” she says.
Her first single, Treading Water, came out in July last year. It was played on triple J reaching a national radio audience. Her second single, Chore was released in November. Natasha played over 20 live gigs last year and won the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Green Wedge Songwriting Competition. That’s just the beginning for this rising star.
While currently on a grunge rock kick, Natasha usually likes listening to more experimental artists like Phoebe Bridgers or Boy Genius. She also loves Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan and Sam Fender. Listening to good music inspires her to produce new work.
My goal is to get my music to as many ears as possible while deepening my connection with those already listening
Like all musicians, Natasha has a creative process. “I pick up the guitar and find a chord progression I like. As I play, I’m writing the lyrics and the melody at the same time. I start with the first line of the first verse and go all the way to the last line of the last verse. It’s stream of consciousness writing. I like to start and then write until the resolve,” she says.
Her first headline show was at the Bay Hotel in Mornington in April this year. “It was maybe the best night of my life. It was so much fun. My friend Sophie Lea opened for me and we both had a great time,” she says. Natasha is playing more curated shows now. She performed at Frankston’s Waterfront Festival in February.
Performing can be a bit intimidating because at each gig she has to judge how the audience is responding and adapt accordingly, just as a comedian would. Even so, performing is her favourite experience. It’s all about connection. Above all else, that’s what she wants to achieve.
Natasha hopes people walk away from hearing her music with a palpable sense of her passion and knowing it comes from a very genuine place. She wants people to see her all-consuming drive. “Music is so important to me. I can’t imagine not writing. If I’m 55 and still gigging, I’ll be happy. My marker for success is to keep making music, recording and playing,” she says.
“I strive to do something that’s better than the last thing I’ve done. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough. I enjoy the chase of perfecting things, but I hope I never reach perfection because that would kill my drive,” she says. It’s hard to imagine that ever happening.
Natasha has just recorded three of her latest songs. “My goal is to get my music to as many ears as possible while deepening my connection with those already listening. It feels exciting having that pressure to make it. There are no guarantees, but I’m loving the process,” she says. And you can hear the love.
natashakatemusic.com IG: @natashakatemusic
By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Yanni
When bestselling Australian author Kylie Ladd needed a fictional house with six bedrooms for her latest novel, The Mix-Up, the answer came naturally. "Where else in Victoria are you going to find a spare house with six bedrooms? Portsea was the obvious answer," she laughs. We’re sitting in her family's Sorrento holiday house, where the Mornington Peninsula has been both muse and sanctuary for Kylie for decades.
The Mix-Up, brings readers into the heart of Portsea for some pivotal scenes, and it's this intimate knowledge of the peninsula that makes her writing authentic. "Because I have connections to the area, I really enjoyed writing the sections set in Portsea," she explains. She named the fictional house Tideways, after the beach in Sorrento where she spent summers with her young children, and which also featured in her 2014 novel
Last Summer. At the Sorrento Writers Festival this year, a local approached her with a photo. "She said, 'Is this the house?' And she showed me a very Portsea-looking front gate; it was big and white, with a big hedge fence. I didn't know it existed," Kylie marvels. “So, there is a Tideways house in Portsea. Somebody might even read this and say, 'That's our house!'"
That original Rye house – "really like a shack; a classic weatherboard beach shack" – even served as a special destination for Kylie in 1995. "My husband and I actually had our honeymoon at the Rye house, because we had no money for anything else," she laughs.
It was during that same year that her parents built their current Sorrento home, inspired by a guest house in Rye called Hilltonia Homestead. The location couldn't be more tranquil. "There's only the house next door and then it's National Park and the back beach," she says.
The peninsula also holds deep emotional significance for Kylie's family. Her brother Piers and mother Sue have a memorial bench at Jubilee Point, just a 10-minute walk from the house. "That's where their ashes were scattered, so we come and visit them. There are a lot of great family memories, but also a lot of emotional ties to the area as well."
Because I have connections to the area, I really enjoyed writing the sections set in Portsea
The peninsula also serves as a creative retreat. "I don't do my main writing here, but I've come down when I have to do edits and need to really concentrate," she says. Her writers' group has visited several times for writing weekends, and she admits, "Every time I’m here, I think, 'Why don't I come more often?'"
For Kylie, the peninsula connection runs much deeper than simply being the perfect literary backdrop; it's woven into the very fabric of her family's story, spanning generations and marking some of life's most precious moments.
It began when Kylie was just six years old. Her parents, not content with the weatherboard house they'd bought in Beaumaris, put it on a truck and transported it to a block of land on Dundas Street in Rye. "I went to Rye Primary School for a year. I was in Grade One," she recalls.
These days, the house – complete with an official looking plaque announcing its name as Rento, a nod to the way Kylie’s son pronounced Sorrento when he was young – continues to be the backdrop for family celebrations. "We had Christmas here again last year, we've always had it catered, because we're pathetic, and my sister and I don't want to do the work, and neither did mum," Kylie admits with characteristic humour and honesty. "So we started getting it catered by Stringers, which is the lovely providore at Sorrento, or we go to a winery for lunch."
In addition to writing, the peninsula has shaped Kylie's recreational life. She's a keen swimmer who has tackled the Portsea Classic multiple times and completed the challenging Pier to Perignon twice – a 4km swim from Sorrento pier to Portsea pier. "It's a beautiful swim," she says of the popular February event.
The Red Hill area holds special memories too. "I used to ride horses there. I got into horses down on the peninsula when I was younger, which led me to send my daughter to a horse-riding camp... and now we bloody own a horse! So that actually stemmed from down here as well."
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For someone who balances two demanding careers – she holds a PhD in neuropsychology – Kylie sees connections between her professions. As a neuropsychologist, she specialises in diagnosing brain damage, working with people "who've had strokes or head injuries or too much alcohol or who have dementia." Her approach to both vocations reveals her storytelling instincts: "When I sit down to write the report I think it has to be a story. Obviously, it's a diagnostic medical report, but it's really important to me to get in all the facets of a person's life and why you've made the call that you have."
"Both jobs are about stories. They're about narrative," she explains. "Basically, I think all novelists are psychologists." This unique dual perspective enriches her fiction, with psychological themes woven throughout her work – from exploring organ donation and post-traumatic stress disorder in previous novels, to the nature versus nurture debate in her seventh published novel, The Mix-Up. The story centres on two Melbourne families whose lives collide when a DNA test reveals an earth-shattering truth: 14 years ago, their embryos were mixed up at an IVF clinic, forcing both families to navigate the devastating emotional repercussions of this life-changing mistake. While fictional, the scenario reflects a troubling reality, with several devastating embryo mix-up cases reported in the media this year already.
With her distinctive blend of psychological insight, realistic settings, and timely themes, it's clear why Kylie’s work resonates so strongly with readers – and why the peninsula will always be home to both her heart and her stories.
Find out more about Kylie at her website.
kylieladd.com.au
Following acclaimed seasons in Edinburgh and London, Breaking the Castle tours to Cube 37 for two unmissable performances at Frankston Arts Centre in July.
Written and performed by Peter Cook, this gripping, autobiographical one-man show dives deep into addiction, mental health, and redemption. Through raw storytelling, biting wit and Shakespearean flair, Cook shares the journey of David - a struggling actor battling inner demons and substance abuse, who finds unexpected hope in the mountains of South-East Asia.
Described as “the most significant theatre production audiences may ever experience” (City Hub), Breaking the Castle is a masterclass in vulnerability and resilience. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
Peter Cook, a VCA graduate with a rich stage and screen career, has toured this extraordinary piece from Canberra to QPAC to Off-West End London. Don’t miss this moving theatrical experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
Thursday 3 July, 7.30pm
Journey back to 1940’s post-war Perth, with this toe-tapping, funny and poignant Australian musical performed by a stellar cast backed by a live band.
60’S VARIETY TV SHOW
Saturday 5 July, 7.30pm
The Robertson Brothers are back as your charming and cheeky hosts for this nostalgic night of entertainment as they pay tribute to the musical giants of the 1960’s.
Friday 11 July & Saturday 12 July, 7.30pm
A true story walking the tightrope between heartbreak and hilarity, Breaking the Castle is a dark comedy about falling apart and faking your way through recovery - until you can’t.
See Breaking the Castle at Cube 37 on Friday 11 July and Saturday 12 July at 7.30pm. Tickets available by phoning or visiting website below.
Friday 11 July – Saturday 19 July
Mordialloc Light Opera Company present the Australian premiere of this timeless new musical by the writers of Les Miserables and Miss Saigon featuring classic storytelling and a sweeping score, with the powerful, vibrant traditions of Irish dance and song.
Sunday 13 July, 10am & 2pm
ARIA-nominated musical duo, Whistle & Trick are always ready to sing, dance, and cause a bit of mischief.
Experience this family fun show filled with live music, dancing, puppets and adventure!
Friday 25 July – Saturday 2 August
PLOS Musical Productions present this rocking musical featuring Queen’s greatest hits. This record-breaking musical production is a must-see for rock fans of all ages.
By Annette Sanfilippo Photos Yanni
Wear it well’ they say. Confidence is key! Do our clothes give us that feeling or do we need the attitude first? A good dose of self-confidence can really help us be the best version of ourselves, helping us to take risks, achieve our goals, and project a desired image that may not necessarily be in our comfort zone.
So, what do you need in order to gain it? Thinking and behaving in a specific way where we believe in ourselves and act accordingly helps build a good skill set that will enable this widely sought after emotion.
With our world leaning heavily into ‘AI’ it can often make it a little hard to keep it real. Granted, our internet feeds us with information like an encyclopedia, but not all of it helps our self-confidence. It’s hard to keep up with our everchanging environment. Trends come and go quickly. Cultures change, and new lifestyle habits evolve, but one thing is always a given: we continually get older…and hopefully wiser. As much as I aspire to wear a cute bikini or pour myself into a smooth pair of leather pants, I don’t think I’m going to wear them well. Staying real is OK. In fact, it’s actually a new trend. As I enter into my 60th year of life this month, I can’t help but reflect on the need to be the best me that I can be.
Ageism suddenly becomes a hot topic and it is not a nuance; it seems to be commanding and demanding serious attention and action around the world. I like to think that I am someone who stands up for my beliefs, so when I hear ‘you’re too old to wear that’ or the other common idiom ‘you look like mutton dressed up as lamb’, I like to prove that you can be and wear whatever you like with good styling and a touch of flair. Feeling good in our skin can give us the confidence to enjoy who we are at any age. The fashion and beauty industry has been pressured into acknowledging these culture changes and as a result we are seeing a major shift in attitude and actions.
Ageing doesn’t mean we need to be fixed. For so long the stereotypical phrases attached to beauty like ‘antiwrinkle,’ ‘ageless’ or ‘regain your youth’, are being redefined with inclusive language like, ‘celebrate you’ and ‘age-perfect’. Campaigns like #keepthegrey and #powerofageing, from global brands such as Dove, Avon and L’Oreal are brave and are helping trailblaze a more confident and healthy mature community. Hollywood celebrities are using their platforms to display a more minimalistic presence, condoning a more ‘beauty from within mentality.’ We are setting a growth mindset with a strong desire to take a more holistic approach to reaching our peak, like ‘eat the rainbow’ and moving increasingly away from surgical help to a more topical approach with the belief that we are about progress, not perfection.
We are seeing a major shift in attitude and actions
Modern technologies and directions are certainly helping us ‘get the look’ to take pride in our image with a bit more ease. This focus, which is usually targeting women, is starting to shine a little light onto the male domain. It’s a very balanced conversation now and it is wonderful to see so many people feeling comfortable and taking pride in their grooming and apparel, opening up a free, experimental, and playful display of style.
Booking a manicure, facial, or a hairdressing appointment is something we all do from time to time to make us feel fresh and help boost our confidence and they are minor contributors to the bigger picture. Everyone has their thing, like always wearing a coloured beanie, donning a hat and holding a walking stick, having pink hair, or getting tattoos; and these choices create our fashion identity. I love that we have arrived at a time where we can celebrate being unique and quirky and not have to conform to a mainstream ideal. It makes it easier to just ‘be’.
Accessibility to fun fashion and accessories helps and there are so many unique ways to express the inner you. If you want to show your confidence with colour, vintage clothing, designer brands or luxurious accessories then head on down to the newest boutique on the peninsula that is causing a bit of a frenzy. Katra Collections in the heart of Rye boasts an eclectic selection of all of the above. It’s 360 degrees of eye candy that will help you bring your look to life. Peruse pretty, textured handbags, shoes, scarves, hats, and jewellery with labels like Steve Madden, Armani, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Tiffany and more. With stock coming in weekly there is always that element of surprise with each visit. You may even walk in to champagne and charcuterie and feel very much the VIP just for being there at the right time. Customers are treated to attentive service, friendly conversation and with so much to forage through you may even get time for a coffee while your there. I’ve never seen so many denim jean brands in one place and, if you’re a North Face fan, get ready for some rare finds. There is no excuse to walk out of there without something to love.
As we move through the deepest month of winter it’s a great time to wear it all. Layer up and show off those fabulous coats, knits, boots, and bags. Don’t be afraid to wear that colour that someone said didn’t suit you, those earrings that you’re saving for the right look or that outfit you think you needed a special event for. Show off your wares and dress well to feel great. Attract good energy. Keep breaking your boundaries and remember that a mirror only reflects, it doesn’t comment. If it did it might say 'be kinder to yourself and trust in your choices'. It’s for your eyes only so own your look, do whatever brings a smile to you and keep challenging yourself. For me, this month I have a wedding, a few fun dinners to attend and a birthday outfit to find. Let’s see how well I take my own advice.
Fashionably yours, Annette
→ Luxury designer style accessories → Pre-loved clothing
Home decor, Jewellery
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Kartier Katra 0411 540 665 | 2/2327 Point Nepean Rd, Rye, 3941 Insta - katra_collections
Must have accessories for keeping warm outside. Perfect for sideline sport. Lots of colours and styles available for everyone.
Open 7 days a week
Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm
Saturday 9.30am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm
Smooth & Shine
Trio 37 Fauconshawe St, Balnarring Beach 0400 691 541
Diamond Halo Ring S105, 330 Cranbourne Rd Karingal Hub, Frankston 9789 2388
Satin Oil Treatment 3/70 Mountain View Rd, Mt Eliza 8751 4418
WINE TASTINGS, BOTTLE AND CASE SALES
LOCATION: 2080 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Hastings
HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm
PHONE: 9596 4278
DROMANA WAREHOUSE STORE
BOTTLE AND CASE SALES ONLY
LOCATION: Unit 5, 3 Trewhitt Court, Dromana Industrial Estate
HOURS: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am until 5pm
PHONE: 9596 4878
With a massive oversupply in Australian wine right now, mainly due to export sales to China ceasing abruptly, we have managed to secure large volumes of premium wine from famous wineries in South Australia.
Selling at less than half the normal retail price are highly regarded brands from the Coonawarra, McLaren Vale, Barossa and Clare Valley.
Unfortunately, we cannot advertise these brands as it was part of the condition of sale to us, but you won’t be disappointed! Not so good for the Australian wine industry, I know, but great for you and us, and we are helping the wineries too!
By Leonie Jarret Photos Gary Sissons & supplied
The Mornington Peninsula (Main Ridge to be precise) has just scored a new culinary experience: Frog Hollow Kitchen. Focussing on seasonal, Mediterranean recipes, owner Ciara Griffiths, has created both a beautiful space and a beautiful experience.
At its core this is a cooking school, but it is much more than that. It is a cooking experience centred around love; love for family and friends, love for good produce (home or locallygrown where possible), love for cooking and entertaining and love for the Main Ridge/Red Hill area.
Ciara traces her love for cooking and entertaining back to her Australian mum and Irish dad. One of seven children, Ciara describes her mum as calm and unfazed by cooking and entertaining a “house full”, even if it meant “Pulling out another four chairs at the last minute.”
“Fearless” is how Ciara describes her mum. It seems that this a trait that has been passed down to Ciara.
When Ciara was sixteen, her parents and younger siblings emigrated to Melbourne where three sisters had already settled. Ciara finished high school, went to business school, met her husband, Grant, and started a family.
About thirty years ago, Ciara and Grant were invited to lunch in Main Ridge. Ciara had never visited the area before and immediately felt “melancholy” for Ireland. “The green patchwork fields” had her thinking fondly of her homeland and planning for a house and some land in the area 'one day'.
'One day' arrived about five years later when Ciara and her husband purchased Frog Hollow Farm. Grant loved frogs so the name was the sealer!
Fast forward to 2023 and Ciara had a void in her life after her powerhouse husband sadly passed away and her three sons moved interstate. Ciara’s property manager resigned and vacated the manager’s house on her farm. The idea to re-purpose that house as a cooking school was born.
Ciara has clearly poured her heart and soul into Frog Hollow Kitchen. She designed a bespoke kitchen to be both beautiful to look at and functional as a teaching space.
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.
Creating Beautiful Smiles on the Peninsula for over 30 years
Expertise In Child And Adult Orthodontics
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
Ciara’s vision for the cooking school is to share her passion for cooking and entertaining with a group sitting around her kitchen bench, chatting, whilst she prepares a meal and shows that cooking and entertaining can be effortless and not stressful; a joy and not a chore. If the meal includes something that you have grown yourself, so much the better, even if the homegrown portion is only herbs from your apartment balcony.
Where possible, the bursting-with-flavour produce used in Ciara’s cooking is picked fresh from her garden. She is a believer that produce has better flavour if it is not over-irrigated. Ciara dreams of a large kitchen garden. Her newest project, in fact, is a potting shed near to the cooking school where she can plant bulbs and plants to fill the current seasonal gaps in her garden.
Ciara’s fearless vision gave her both a project and a purpose. At Frog Hollow Kitchen, which opened in February. Ciara hosts small groups and demonstrates what the group will be eating for lunch whilst giving cooking and entertaining tips and tricks. The kitchen is all shades of glorious green – the tableware, wall tiles, cupboards, vines and vistas. Even the Frog Hollow Kitchen logo is green. Is the green a homage to Ciara’s homeland of Ireland or her chosen home of Main Ridge? Maybe both.
When Ciara and Grant bought Frog Hollow Farm, Ciara wanted seven rows of vines to look out at from her kitchen window. The pinot gris and pinot noir vines have ended up growing to ten acres and are looked after by Red Hill winery Foxeys Hangout.
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Join founder Ciara Griffiths at her picturesque Mornington Peninsula vineyard for unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate fresh, local ingredients and the joy of connection. Each event features:
• Seasonal cooking demos using produce from Ciara’s garden and local farms
• A stunning three-course meal, perfectly paired with local wines
• A curated table overlooking the vineyard – the perfect setting to savour food, conversation and creativity
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or simply love good food, Frog Hollow Kitchen offers a relaxed, inspiring space where learning feels like a celebration. froghollowkitchen.com.au
Embrace the vibrant lifestyle of retirement living in Mornington. At Morven Manor Retirement Community we offer low maintenance living with a perfect blend of comfort, convenience and stunning natural surroundings. Why choose Morven Manor?
Beautiful surroundings: Lush gardens and bushland surrounds overlooking Tanti Creek. Perfect for enjoying nature and the tranquil neighborhood. Morven Manor offers a serene retreat for relaxation or gardening.
Low maintenance living: Designed for you to move in and start enjoying your new lifestyle. Community spaces and landscaped grounds are all maintained for you.
Convenient access: Conveniently located in Tanti Avenue, just a short walk from Main Street, Mornington, with easy access to amenities, parks, and the stunning beaches of Mornington. Local bus-stop is right at your door.
Your safety, our priority: Bring your furry friends along. Our community is pet-friendly, so your pets can enjoy this lovely space with you.
Experience Real Wellbeing with Australian Unity, where real independence is redefined. Schedule a tour today.
1300 271 389 | australianunity.com.au/morvenmanor
77 Tanti Avenue, Mornington VIC 3931
Hunt, hold and savour the unique aroma of winter’s black Perigord truffles at Red Hill Truffles.
Hunt with our expert guides and talented hunting dogs, then taste truffles on a wood-fired pizza in our pavilion or at a local restaurant. Select from a range of options on our website.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Farmgate open on hunt days
Once lunch is prepared and cooked, the group sits at a superbly arranged table inside or outside (depending on the weather) and enjoys what Ciara has demonstrated. The table is decorated by beautiful fresh flowers from Ciara’s garden and looks over the acres of vines and picturesque countryside. The meal is accompanied by Foxeys Hangout wine. You may even be sipping Frog Hollow grapes whilst you eat.
After a few hours of chatting with the other guests, the small group becomes a little community learning from Ciara and sharing experiences about food, cooking, entertaining and life in general. And all with the backdrop of beautiful Main Ridge.
Come see us at our Pasta factory in 31 Dava Drive, Mornington (Open Tuesday - Sunday)
Ciara’s love of food, friendship, cooking, entertaining, seasonal produce and the Main Ridge/Red Hill area shines throughout Frog Hollow Kitchen. Do yourself a favour and take someone you love there. You’ll bring home joy.
Frog Hollow Kitchen takes bookings, including private cooking experiences for a group of friends, family or colleagues. Owner, Ciara, is happy to curate a menu in conjunction with a host if a private group is booked.
IG: @froghollowkitchen froghollowkitchen.com.au
By Muriel Cooper Photos Yanni & supplied
Even as a child, nutritionist and chef Sarah Pound had an audience.
“I used to set up an old-school camcorder, and I would line up my three sisters. They would be my audience members, and I’d do cooking shows for them. They had to sit there because I was the oldest,” she laughs. Now her online community, Wholesome by Sarah, numbers in the hundreds of thousands, advocating for simple, wholesome, and healthy food that’s easy to prepare. She has a cookbook of the same name, and her new cookbook, Family Food: Fuss-Free Family Meals to Make Weeknights a Breeze, is scheduled for release on 29th July.
Those early videos for her family might have been a rehearsal for her present career, but in between, she studied food and nutrition at university, worked as a teacher, worked in restaurants, and ran her own catering company.
Now she delights in working from home, writing her books and recipes, gazing out the picture windows of her Mount Martha home over the bay to the You Yangs.
“I’ve cooked for as long as I can remember,” Sarah says, “I genuinely have a joy of cooking and food, but I also have a fascination and passion for understanding how. How food can actually fuel your body—and how cool that is. What's sad is I think a lot of people; often females, develop such an unhealthy relationship with food, with a lot of restrictions and completely depriving themselves of certain foods.”
Sarah’s catering business, Two Pounds, ran into trouble during Covid, as so many did, and that’s when she returned to the cooking videos she’d made as a kid. Pregnant with her second child, Penny, and with her older daughter Lily as a toddler, she invested in a DSLR camera that she couldn't really afford.
I genuinely have a joy of cooking and food, but I also have a fascination and passion for understanding how
With the help and encouragement of her husband, Tom, she started posting her recipes on Instagram. Tom and Sarah have since welcomed their youngest daughter, Elia.
“I was quite gobsmacked when people were finding them so valuable, these simple meals that I had cooked forever. I was getting all these comments from people saying, 'Oh my gosh, cooked this last night. It was so amazing. My whole family ate it,' and I thought, OK, well, this is really cool because people are finding this useful. I'm helping them.”
Sarah is also aware of the detrimental side of social media. She warns: “I say to be careful because anyone on social media can call themselves a nutritionist, you actually technically don’t need a degree. A dietitian is different. So while it's amazing for lots of things like recipe creation and sharing,
continued next page...
I think we also need to be really careful about the health messages that we receive online.”
Sarah’s new book, Family Food, puts the emphasis on quick, simple and healthy-ish (as much as possible) meals that take the pressure off parents.
Parents, especially mums, need to get our kids in the kitchen more
“I don’t know where we got into this mind shift, with people carrying so much mum-guilt and expectation on their shoulders about having to serve up a beautiful meal to their kids every night. But you’ve got young children, and you’re just trying to survive when they’re very young. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and that’s the same with you – chocolate, wine; you have to enjoy life. Restricting things like that and putting so much pressure on yourself to perform every night in the kitchen isn’t worth it for anyone. You can serve up whatever they like, whether it’s a cheesy pasta alongside some chopped veggies, or eggs on toast for dinner.”
“Parents, especially mums, need to get our kids in the kitchen more. And that doesn't mean cooking a whole 45-minute dinner from scratch. As I tell people, get them involved. That's the starting point. It might just be saying, OK, let's choose what we're going to have for dinner this week before we go shopping. Let them have a bit of say in the decision-making. If they say, 'Oh, I really like stir-fried chicken', you write it down. Create your shopping list, and if you can, take them to the shops.”
“You can easily Google age-appropriate kitchen tasks for kids, and you'll find a whole list of things they can do at whatever age they are. It might be as simple as tearing herbs to start, or washing lettuce. As they get older, you can move on to chopping things.”
Now, here’s the question you've all been waiting for. How do you get children to eat veggies? Sarah has very firm ideas about this, which she details in her new book.
“There are plenty of little tricks I use. Don’t feel like you have to strictly follow a recipe. You can change things as needed. If you read a recipe and think, 'Oh no, my kids don't like zucchini', it's fine; you can swap it out for green beans or carrots or whatever else they enjoy.”
“Here’s a handy trick for when they come home hungry from school or after sports and you think, 'Oh my God, it's going to take me half an hour to cook dinner.’ Chop up some veggie sticks, like cucumber, carrot, capsicum and celery, or fruit. Fruits are not the devil either—just have them ready in a container. Set them on a plate while you cook dinner. When they're hungry, they might snack on them as you’re preparing food. While they may not eat all of them, it eases the pressure off dinner time.
“Remember, it can take 15 to 20 exposures for kids to start liking a particular food. So, my message is: hang in there, be patient, and don't put too much pressure on mealtime.”
Does Sarah have a personal favourite dish?
“It's so hard. My favourite dish would probably be chicken schnitzel with something fresh on the side, such as sliced tomato, as my dad used to do it. Adding a fresh component like a cherry tomato, cucumber, rocket, and red onion salad works well. As simple as it is, you just can't go wrong with chicken schnitzel.”
Family Food - Fuss-Free Family Meals to Make Weeknights a Breeze is out on July 29th.
IG: @ Wholesome by Sara wholesomebysarah.com.au
Somerville is a township and coastal rural locality in Victoria, Australia, 53 km southeast from Melbourne's central business district, as a part of the urban enclave on Western Port comprising Somerville, Hastings, Bittern, Crib Point, and Tyabb. The official population of Somerville as of 2021 is12,223. The size of Somerville is approximately 38 km².
Originally an orchard town, Somerville has experienced significant population growth over the last twenty years. The town was known during the early 1900s up until WW2 for the fruit which was produced in its orchards. A harvest festival was held once a year and special trains ran from Flinders Street Station to the town during the festival.
The township was once located on Lower Somerville Road, with several original buildings still there today. Somerville Post Office opened on 21 November 1870 and closed in 1893.
The railway came to Somerville in September 1889. The station was a mile or so from Lower Somerville Road and the town centre moved from there to its current site during the 1890s. Somerville Railway Station Post Office opened on 15 August 1890 and was renamed Somerville in 1907.
The Somerville Hotel was built in the early 1900s as well as a Mechanics' Hall which formed part of the Station Street shopping strip.
The Somerville war memorial was unveiled on November 4, 1923, at the intersection of Frankston Flinders Road and Eramosa Road West. With the increasing population and traffic, the memorial was moved from this busy intersection to Clarinda Street in 1966. From November 2014 to April 2015 the memorial was moved from Clarinda Street to the Fruit growers Reserve. The cenotaph was restored with markers surrounding it telling the residents the history of the area. Trees were also planted surrounding the memorial remembering the lost soldiers.
An avenue of honour was originally located on Eramosa Road East where the road was lined with plane trees in 1917. Each tree represented a resident who fought in World War 1 in Somerville. In early 2013 a new avenue of honour with ornamental pear trees was planted along Station Street.
The Somerville Fruitgrowers Reserve once held annual festivals to celebrate the local fruit growers in the area. Following World War 2 the people of the area donated a period cannon to the community reserve.
The Mechanics' Hall is a popular venue for local bands to play and do small school plays. On January 7, 2015, a massive storm ravaged Somerville and neighbouring town Tyabb ripping off the roof of the hall. The roof was later restored.
A clay quarry is owned and operated by The Bayport Group on 9 Pottery Road Somerville, digging to a depth of 30 metres over 60 acres. This was the original site of Peninsula Pottery which operated from 1901 to 1991 making bricks for some of the historical buildings in Somerville including St. Andrews Anglican Church, and The Somerville Hotel in 1901, but all historical kilns and the chimney were knocked down and removed in 2004.
Inghams has a large factory north of Somerville that employs a large number of the town’s population.
The median house price in Somerville is $856,000.
The median rental price is $600 per week.
Freshly brewed coffee is a must-have, and Somerville offers quite a few places to get your caffeine fix. Be sure to check these out on your next visit to this area.
Fabulous coffee and a great selection of hot and cold food, Ducky Brown Café has a relaxed vibe and plenty of tables.
Serving up delicious creations from their all-day menu and perfectly poured, silky coffee made from the God Father Commonfolk blend.
A great place to have breakfast and a coffee in a casual, trendy setting.
Situated near Target, this café brings you a perfect cup of coffee paired with a homemade focaccia or slice! You can also enjoy their wide assortment of premium deli goods.
Originally an orchard town, Somerville has experienced significant population and business growth over the last twenty years and is home to the peninsula’s only remaining Target store. There are plenty of places to dine, from the classic pub with a modern feel, to plenty of international options to tempt your taste buds including Indian, Thai, and Chinese. Somerville also satisfies with venues to grab a drop; new breweries, distilleries and coffee bean roasters are cropping up all around town. Families can enjoy horse riding, checking out the dinosaurs at Dinosaur World or setting sail to Western Port from Yaringa Boat Harbour and adults can check out the nightlife at Vesbar or a tasting at Chief’s Son distillery. There are two main shopping centres, Somerville Plaza and Centro Somerville, as well as delightful specialty shops selling arts, crafts, clothing and more.
Photos
Yanni
BARN DOOR SALES MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8AM - 4.30PM AND8AM-12.30PMSATURDAYS
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!
FARM FRESH FREE RANGE EGGS AT WHOLESALE PRICES!
CHOOK POO BY THE BAG
COME AND SEE THE ROAMINGCHICKENS FREE IN THE PADDOCK!
Tucked away in the beautiful coastal village of Balnarring Beach, Aura Belle Spa is a stunning boutique day spa offering more than just treatments. It’s a sanctuary. Family owned and deeply rooted in the values of care, connection, and calm, this hidden gem has become a destination for those seeking to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with themselves.
Founded by Laura Cockburn, a qualified beauty therapist and Peninsula local, Aura Belle Spa was born from a desire to create a warm, welcoming space where people could feel truly nurtured. Every detail, from the softly lit treatment room, to the thoughtful, locally sourced products reflects this intention.
Aura Belle’s signature is a bespoke, holistic approach, offering soothing facials, relaxation massages, luxurious body treatments, and beauty services. Every treatment is tailored with care, compassion, and quiet luxury. Add on rituals, seasonal specials, and gift vouchers round out a thoughtful offering designed to help guests feel balanced and truly cared for.
Aura Belle Spa was born from a desire to create something meaningful, an experience that reflects the natural beauty and quiet charm of the region. Recognising a need for thoughtful, wellness focused care in the area, this space is where anyone can come to find rest, balance, and connection.
Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, we invite you to experience the warm, positive atmosphere at Aura Belle Spa.
A: 37 Fauconshawe Street, Balnarring Beach
P: 0400 691 541
W: aurabellespa.com.au
Under New Ownership - formerly Sea Skin Beauty
The Skin & Beauty Studio Rosebud, where innovation meets indulgence. We are redefining beauty on the Peninsula with advanced, results-driven treatments, tailored to reveal your most radiant self.
Our Signature Services
High-Tech Medi Facials – Targeted treatments for visible, lasting results.
Microneedling with Peptide Infusion – Guaranteed results.
Introductory offer of only $125.
Laser & IPL Hair Removal – Smooth skin, long-term results
Take advantage of our special offer by purchasing a pack of 6 sessions - You get 40% OFF!
Lash Lifting & Tinting – Natural glam, effortlessly.
Specialist Brow Sculpting – Precision shaping by skilled professionals. Professional Waxing – Fast, hygienic & gentle.
At Psoriasis Eczema Clinic, we specialise in Integrative Dermatology - a holistic, evidence-based approach that treats both the symptoms and root causes of chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, rosacea, vitiligo, and fungal skin infections.
Our treatments are steroid and antibiotic-free!
Formulated with natural and nature-identical ingredients that are gentle enough for infants, yet effective for all ages, patients typically begin to see visible improvement within 7-14 days, with significant results within 12 weeks.
Founded by Prof. Michael Tirant, a global leader in dermatology research, the clinic continues his legacy with a highly trained and passionate team of practitioners who follow his evidence-based treatment protocols.
These protocols aim to bring skin conditions into remission while teaching patients how to identify and manage their individual triggers for long-term results.
With over 30 years of clinical experience, we offer some of the most advanced natural skin treatments in Australia, supported by independent clinical trials.
Heal your skin. Reclaim your confidence.
We offer clinically proven treatment protocols that REALLY
Our personalised treatment approach is based on five steps: ASSESS your skin condition
We have helped 130,000 + patients over the last 30 Yrs
Psoriasis Eczema Clinic is recognized as one of the world leaders in the treatment of psoriasis and
dermatology, combining
and clinical treatment have helped more than 130,000 patients worldwide and has achieved
90% success rate in the treatment of Psoriasis These results have been confirmed through independent clinical studies and have been published in leading International Journals of Dermatology (eg. JEADV).
Yoga Rebels is the place you come to discover yoga. There’s no judgement and no expectations just a huge love of yoga that we want to share with you.
It’s a small studio designed with plenty of space to flow. All of our classes offer foundation options and variations that you can take if you’re new to yoga or just need to slow it down a notch that day. Studio owner and teacher Kristy brings her love of yoga to “every” body, creating space and an environment where everyone can feel comfortable to practice their way.
E: yogarebelsau@gmail.com
P: 0405 229 831
FB: @yoga.rebels
W: yogarebels.com.au
Class types: Flowa gentle Vinyasa Restorea Yin practice with light massage Rebel Rebelsa 45 minute beginner friendly Mat Pilates classes Events are run throughout the year
Winter promo 2 for 1 deal on Flow classes for you and your bestie. Enter code BYOFRIEND when booking
Welcome to Sundara Salon!
Winter Hair Revival at Sundara Give your hair the nourishment it craves this winter with our ULTIMATE REPAIR AND CARE PACKAGE.
Designed to restore strength, shine and softness to winter-stressed hair. Includes a Style Cut & Blow dry, Keune Bond Fusion Treatment plus a take home Keune Shampoo & Conditioner tailored to your hair needs.
ONLY $150 (Valued at $203)
Mention WINTER ESSENCE to redeem, offer available until 31 August.
SUNDARA SALON 8751 4418
3/70 Mountain View Rd, Mt Eliza sundarasalon.com.au
At Timeless Day Spa, owner and qualified beauty therapist
Jessica brings her passion for elevated self-care to life through luxurious treatments and exceptional service.
With a commitment to excellence that’s rare to find, Jessica continually refines her skills and stays ahead of beauty trends to ensure every guest receives the very best.
From indulgent spa rituals and rejuvenating facials to precision waxing, expert lash and brow styling, golden tans, relaxing massages, makeup artistry, and flawless manicures and pedicures - every service is delivered with care, detail and professionalism.
Jessica’s vision is to create more than just a treatment - it’s an experience. From the moment you step through the door, you’re enveloped in calm, attentiveness, and warmth. Her team goes above and beyond to ensure you feel pampered, heard, and completely at ease.
At Timeless Day Spa, luxury meets heart - because your self-care should be nothing less than extraordinary.
P: 7071 2886 / 0420 647 654
W: timelessdayspa.com.au
Learn from Sifu Jenny Harrison, a highly respected instructor with over 40 years of teaching experience. Classes for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced students.
Rejuvenate Experience – 1hr 15mins $179
Rejuvenating facial, neck & shoulder massage, eye treatment, LED Light therapy
Signature Face Lift + LED – 1hr $99
Deep exfoliation, serum infusion, and skin oxygenation to lift and plump
Winter Glow Retreat – 1hr 15mins $149
Raw sugar scrub, oil massage, body butter & warm oil scalp massage
2275 Point Nepean Rd, Rye 7071 2886 / 0420 647 654 timelessdayspa.com.au
Tai Chi offers a wide range of health benefits for both the body and mind. This gentle, flowing practice improves balance, flexibility, and coordination, reducing the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
Regular practice strengthens muscles and joints without straining them, making it suitable for people of all abilities and fitness levels.
Discover the satisfaction and joy of mastering a new skill. TRY
Tai Chi also supports cardiovascular health by gently increasing circulation and lowering blood pressure over time. Mentally, it promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances focus through mindful movement and breath control. Scientific studies have shown that Tai Chi can help manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and fibromyalgia, easing pain and improving quality of life.
Its meditative nature calms the nervous system, supports better sleep, and boosts emotional well-being. Practicing Tai Chi regularly cultivates a sense of inner peace, resilience, and harmony, making it a holistic exercise that nurtures both physical vitality and mental clarity.
P: 0418 566 216
FB: @risingmoontaichi W: risingmoontaichi.net
Battling chronic pain, low energy, brain fog, poor circulation, or slow recovery?
Discover powerful relief with the first and only HOCATT Ozone Sauna on the Mornington Peninsula. Start your journey to a stronger, clearer, more vibrant you—one HOCATT session at a time.
Improves circulation, oxygen flow, and brain clarity. Enhances mitochondrial energy, hormone balance, and metabolic rate—burning up to 600 calories per session.
Relieves muscle tension, joint pain, and stiffness. Decreases inflammation and speeds recovery by clearing lactic acid buildup.
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Cleans arteries, improves cardiovascular health, calms the nervous system, and promotes safe, natural healing without toxic side effects.
Destroys harmful pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites), increases white blood cells, and flushes out toxins through sweat.
Peninsula Leisure is proud to announce the official opening of its dedicated Reformer Pilates Studio at Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) in Frankston. Since launch, the community response has been overwhelmingly positive and participation strong.
The new purpose-built studio features 16 Reformer beds, industry leading equipment, and an expanded timetable. From introductory Foundation Flow sessions to the more athletic Jump Board format, the new offering has something for every body.
With expert instructor-led sessions from PARC Group Exercise instructors, virtual classes and on-demand workouts, members have flexibility in how they choose to be active.
Access to PARC Reformer is included as part of a PARC Full Access membership.
In line with Peninsula Leisure’s mission of getting More People
More Active More Often, Reformer Pilates is included at no additional cost in PARC’s Full Access membership. This removes financial barriers for what is traditionally a premium-fee product.
Enjoy unlimited access to the PARC Reformer Pilates Studio, along all PARC’s facilities including:
• State of the art gym
• 50m Pool
• Warm Water Pool area with Spa, Sauna and Steam Room
• Group Exercise timetable with hundreds of classes weekly
• Expert trainers and support, including free programs
To access PARC Reformer, join PARC today. Learn more about membership options; SCAN HERE
A: 16N Cranbourne Road, Frankston
P: 9781 8448
FB: @parcfrankston
IG: @parcfrankston
W: parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au
For more than 30 years, Lamble Tours has been a familyowned business dedicated to creating exceptional travel experiences. We warmly invite individuals and groups to join us on carefully crafted journeys filled with unforgettable moments and lasting memories.
Our itineraries provide a comprehensive guide of daily activities tailored to accommodate all levels of mobility.
There are no hidden extra costs.
Please phone or email to request a detailed itinerary. Confirmation of your booking necessitates a deposit of $200 accompanied by a completed booking form. We advise prompt action to avoid disappointment.
Your holiday starts the moment you step outside. Enjoy a truly stress-free experience with our convenient door-to-door pick-up and personalized service, available across metropolitan areas and the Mornington Peninsula.
I look forward to our future travels.
Kind regards Vickie Lamble
E: lambletours@bigpond.com
P: 0418 853 810
FB: @lambletours
W: lambletours.com.au
9 DAY OUTBACK QLD & LIGHTNING RIDGE
Sunday 24 August - Monday 1 September 2025
Immerse yourself in a true outback experience and discover some of Australia’s most unique outback towns on this fascinating tour
Cost: $3,850
Per person twin share / double. Single supp $590
Please pay $200 deposit before Friday 11 July
7 DAY SPRINGTIME IN THE FLINDERS RANGES & ARKAROOLA
Tuesday 14 - Monday 20 October 2025
Come and explore the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges & Arkaroola. This tour offers breathtaking landscapes, from the ancient mountain ranges to the unique geological formations of Arkaroola.
A perfect blend adventure and natural beauty and so much more…
Cost: $2,930
Per person twin share / double. Single supp: $570
Please pay $200 deposit before Friday 25 July 2025
5 DAY BRISBANE - THE ROYAL EDINBURGH TATTOO Celabrating 75 Years
Tuesday 10 February - Saturday 14 February 2026
For the first time in Brisbane, experience Australia’s biggest Tattoo ever - over 1,000 performers from around the globe, dazzling lights and projections, and unforgettable Scottish pageantry that will leave you breathless.
Cost: $2,780
Per person twin share / double. Single supp $730
A promt deposit of $200 is advised to secure bookings as tours may book out quickly.
• Home pick up & return service metropolitan / Mornington Peninsula
For a detailed itinerary phone: 0418 853 810 or E: lambletours@bigpond.com
www.lambletours.com.au
Acorn Stairlifts has launched a revolutionary new product into the Australian Market called StairSafe.
This is a system that uses a small electronic module installed inside the stairlift. It constantly monitors the operation and usage of the stairlift and communicates information back to StairSafe HQ.
It can also be monitored by the stairlift user, or by a loved one or carer, using a free app on a smartphone or tablet. For example, if your stairlift is not parked correctly on its charge point, StairSafe will alert the monitoring centre which can then contact you so the problem can be quickly and easily rectified.
StairSafe can also detect when the stairlift is experiencing an error as soon as it happens, so it can be put right before you need to use the lift. In this way, StairSafe deals with minor problems before they become emergencies, and avoids the need for unnecessary callouts. It’s simple, flexible and customisable.
In 1901 the six Australian colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia which, for the next 26 years, was governed from Melbourne. Great enthusiasm greeted the new nation, created at the dawn of what many saw as a new century of progress, for both Australia and for Melbourne itself. Melbourne was a low-rise city at this time, the height of buildings limited to 40 metres, the length of the fire brigade’s ladder. And it was a small city. Just under 500,000 people lived within its outer boundaries, with perhaps 68,000 in the city itself.
The dramatic changes in Melbourne’s built environment from Federation to modern day, and the agents of change, are explored in Old Treasury Building’s newest exhibition, Making Modern Melbourne.
The exhibition celebrates the city’s ‘firsts’ — the first freeway, supermarket and outdoor ‘café’ — and events that shaped the city and its people: the Melbourne Olympic Games (1956), for example, change to decimal currency (1966) and collapse of the West Gate Bridge (1970). And it explores the ugly realities of urban life: congestion, poverty, and urban sprawl. What are the effects of modernisation and urban expansion? How does urban growth impact on how we live in and interact with the city?
The exhibition is presented through historical objects, interactive multimedia, rare images and film, including archival footage of life in Melbourne in the 1960s. For visitors familiar with Melbourne, Making Modern Melbourne will evoke memories: the illustration of the relationship between technological innovations and the built environment will appeal to all.
Old Treasury Building is open 10am-4pm, Sunday-Friday, FREE ENTRY.
Imagine a place where luxury living meets the warmth of home – a place designed to provide you with comfort, care, and community in your golden years. At Mt Eliza Gardens Aged Care, this vision becomes your reality.
Owned and operated by the Australian Aged Care Group Pty Ltd (AACG), Mt Eliza Gardens offers a state-of-the-art residence with premium, hotel-style accommodation. Meticulously designed for those who appreciate high-end living, this home lets you continue enjoying life’s luxuries without compromise.
Every detail has been thoughtfully created to ensure you feel supported, valued, and at home. The architecturally designed, multi-level residence offers all levels of care, including a dedicated Memory Support Unit. With ageing-in-place programs, you’ll have the peace of mind that your care can adapt to your changing needs over time.
Your care plan is personalised, created by a team of experienced registered nurses and professional carers who focus on maintaining your independence, dignity, and overall wellbeing. You’ll feel supported every step of the way by a team that truly understands your needs.
As you explore Mt Eliza Gardens, you’ll discover a lifestyle that’s as luxurious as it is welcoming. Picture yourself relaxing in one of the beautifully designed lounge areas, enjoying a film in the gold-class cinema, or indulging in a treatment at the on-site hair and beauty salon. The landscaped courtyards and rooftop putting green offer peaceful spots to unwind or connect with others. For special occasions, the private dining room is perfect for sharing moments with family and friends.
When you step into your spacious suite, complete with elegant interiors and modern amenities, you’ll immediately feel the care and attention to detail that make this place so special. At Mt Eliza Gardens, true luxury isn’t just about the surroundings – it’s about the exceptional care and sense of belonging that come with it.
With a rich legacy built on two generations of the Matthies family’s experience in aged care, AACG has been delivering highquality care since the 1960s. Their family-owned approach creates a strong sense of community across their homes in Kew, Cowes, and Mount Eliza.
Whether you’re seeking a temporary respite stay or a permanent residence, Mt Eliza Gardens offers a lifestyle designed just for you. You’re warmly invited to tour the residence and experience its elegance and comfort firsthand. From spacious single rooms to premium suites with kitchenettes, every option reflects thoughtful design and attention to detail. Here, luxury and care come together to create an experience that not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations.
Contact us for more information.
P: (03) 8001 8000
E: reception@mtelizagardens.com.au
Welcome to Mt Eliza Gardens Aged Care, where luxury meets affordability in the heart of your community. Discover a premium, hotel-style residence designed with meticulous attention to detail. Mt Eliza Gardens offers spacious suites, elegant interiors, and modern amenities, ensuring the highest quality of living.
Our registered nurses and professional care team customise services to meet your unique needs and preferences, promoting independence, dignity, and wellbeing. We work closely with you and your family to create personalised care plans, ensuring you’re supported every step of the way.
Whether you choose a single room or a premium suite with a kitchenette, you’ll enjoy generous space and exquisite amenities. Experience the perfect blend of comfort, style, and top-tier care.
Discover why Mt Eliza Gardens Aged Care is the perfect place for you or your loved one. Experience unparalleled living and services designed for your comfort and care. Call 8001 8000 or email info@mtelizagardens.com.au
Come home to peace of mind. Every time. There’s something magical about escaping the chill of winter to soak up a little sunshine. Whether it’s a tropical beach, a visit to family up north, or a motorhome adventure along Australia’s sun-kissed coast, winter travel is the perfect excuse to pack your bags and follow the warmth.
But what about your home while you’re away?
At Lifestyle Communities®, we believe you should be free to enjoy every moment of your getaway, without the stress of what’s happening back home. That’s why our communities and low-maintenance homes are designed to make it easy to lock up and leave, and even easier to come home to. Lock up and leave with confidence
One of the biggest concerns for many people heading off on a holiday is leaving their home unattended. Who’s collecting the mail? Will the garden be a mess when you return? What if something goes wrong?
At Lifestyle Communities®, you can travel with peace of mind knowing your home is designed to handle time away with ease. And with friendly neighbours around, there’s always someone to wave you off and welcome you back. Many homeowners build genuine friendships in their communities, so it's not uncommon to have someone keep an eye out or bring your bins in while you're away. That sense of connection is part of what makes living here so special.
Low-maintenance living = more freedom
When you live in a traditional home, the upkeep can feel like a never-ending job, especially after a few weeks away. Overgrown lawns, garden beds gone rogue, and a list of maintenance tasks that cut your holiday glow short.
At Lifestyle Communities®, our homes are designed to be beautifully low-maintenance. That means no mowing, minimal upkeep, and no long list of chores waiting for you when you return. It’s simple, easy living that supports your travel dreams and makes spontaneous getaways a breeze.
Just pack your bag, lock the door, and hit the road–your home will be just as inviting when you return.
A warm welcome awaits
As lovely as a holiday can be, there’s something comforting about coming home–and when your home is in a Lifestyle Community, that return feels even more rewarding.
Catch up with neighbours over coffee, settle into your space with a good book, or ease back into your daily rhythm surrounded by familiar, friendly faces. Whether you’re feeling social or just want to relax, our communities give you the freedom to live life on your terms.
And let’s be honest–when your “everyday” includes resort-style facilities, fun events, and the kind of friendships that feel like family, coming home can feel like a holiday in itself.
Oh, and did we mention? Your home comes with a holiday!
Here’s the cherry on top: when you live at Lifestyle Communities®, travel isn’t limited to flights and suitcases–it’s built into your lifestyle.
As a homeowner, you get exclusive access to Club Lifestyle–our very own holiday escape on the Bellarine Peninsula. Whether it’s a weekend away or a midweek recharge, it’s a peaceful coastal getaway just for you.
And for those who love the road-trip lifestyle, we offer motorhome rentals so you can explore the open road and discover new corners of the country, with the comfort of knowing you’ve got a cosy home waiting for your return.
So, where will winter take you?
At Lifestyle Communities®, we make it easier to explore, unwind, and enjoy the freedom you deserve. With low-maintenance homes, friendly neighbours, and thoughtful touches that support the way you want to live, you can embrace your travel dreams with confidence.
Because here, your next adventure is always within reach–and your home will be ready when you are.
The Fire Services Museum of Victoria is an organisation dedicated to the preservation and showcasing of fire-fighting memorabilia from Victoria, Australia and overseas.
It boasts one of the largest collections of fire-fighting memorabilia in Australia, with it being located in one of its prized exhibits. Run completely by volunteers, each with a unique background with the fire services; some being former and current members of Fire Rescue Victoria, the MFB, Country Fire Authority (CFA), Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) and many more other fire-related agencies.
The museum is open Thursday, Friday and Sunday and is easily accessible by train or tram.
For the most up to date news on coming displays and events please check our website and Facebook page.
A: 39 Gisborne St, East Melbourne
P: (03) 9662 2907 FB: @FSMVic
M: 0418 129 252 W: fsmv.net.au
Did You Know?
The percentage of people aged 65 or older with earwax impaction is reported to be as high as 34%!
Do you experience any of the following?
• Earache
• Itching
• Tinnitus (ringing and buzzing in the ears)
• Vertigo
• Hearing loss
These could be the complications of excessive or impacted earwax.
Why choose microsuction at Viva Hearing?
Microsuction has become widely recognised as the gold standard for efficient and safe earwax removal. This advanced procedure uses a specialised suction device under direct visualisation, allowing for precise and controlled removal of earwax while significantly reducing the risk of trauma to the ear canal and eardrum.
Unlike traditional ear syringing, microsuction is quick, comfortable, and does not require the prior use of eardrops. It is particularly beneficial for seniors looking to improve their hearing without the discomfort or potential infection risks associated with syringing.
The painter Sally Gabori (c.1924-2015) from Bentick Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria is one of Australia's most famous contemporary artists with bold canvases that capture the vitality of her sea country.
Now her youngest daughter Amanda Jane Gabori, 59, who started painting alongside her mother 15 years ago, is carrying on the tradition. Amanda paints her mother's Bentick Island country as well as that of her father - especially the scales of her totem animal, the small river rock cod called Dibirdibi.
Presented in partnership with Mornington Island Art the exhibition opens on July 5 in celebration of NAIDOC Week and runs to July 27.
A: Whistlewood, 642 Tucks Road, Shoreham
Open Fri-Sun 11am-4pm
P: 03 5931 0318
W: everywhenart.com.au
6 AND 12 MONTH SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Select the subscription period then each month, Peninsula Essence magazine will be mailed to you in a sealed plastic bag.
When Barbara and Edgar Gambin met in 1986, working in the art department of an advertising agency, it was the beginning of both a love story and a lifelong creative partnership.
Since then, the couple has been dancing through life to a rhythm of artistic expression — painting, jewellery making, sculpting, writing, and model making. Their work is as unique and dynamic as their bond.
Barbara’s handcrafted jewellery draws inspiration from organic forms and natural materials. She works with semiprecious stones and rugged sterling silver, often oxidised for texture and depth. She also specialises in reimagining clients’ sentimental pieces into fresh, wearable art.
Edgar’s symbolic and surrealist artwork is driven by his deep observation of history, mythology, politics, and spirituality. His pieces invite reflection and often tell layered, thoughtprovoking stories.
“Who needs holidays,” they laugh, “when life itself is one long, joyful creative journey?”
Barbara recharges through meditation and ink drawings, while Edgar finds joy in model making and collecting retro curiosities.
Over the past 35 years, their art has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions, galleries, markets, and vintage events throughout Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.
Their latest venture, Gambin Gallery, is nestled within the Tyabb Packing House — a fitting home for their nostalgic, eclectic works. Discover more of their creative world online:
IG: @gambinart, @edgargambin
W: gambinart.com.au
Join us for the 2025 Peninsula Home Hospice Unframed-Art online charity auction.
We have 42 diverse paintings for sale. Many of Mornington Peninsula’s renowned and emerging artists have generously donated their work. Traditional, contemporary, quirky, dynamic work influenced by the artists living and working on the Mornington Peninsula and around Victoria.
What makes this auction special? It’s art with a twist — you won’t know who the artist is until after you buy! Each piece is certified and comes with provenance, so you can enjoy the surprise with confidence.
As an art enthusiast, you may recognise the style of your favourite artist or could pick up a piece from an emerging artist; however, there are no guarantees, only the highest bidder wins!
Proceeds from the Unframed-Art Online Art Auction support Peninsula Home Hospice. Our service is provided in the client’s home and free of charge to residents who need specialist palliative care within the Mornington Peninsula Shire, City of Frankston, and part of the City of Kingston (south of Mordialloc Creek). Palliative care is for anyone of any age (from babies to older adults) who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Palliative care identifies and treats symptoms and issues
associated with the illness, which may be physical, emotional, spiritual, or social. Our support also extends to bereaved carers for up to 18 months after the death of their loved one.
Go to the website to see all the artwork on offer for unframed-art or to place your bid.
These winter school holidays, soar into the season with a visit to the Arthurs Seat Eagle - where every day is filled with wonder, excitement, and a touch of snow-dusted magic.
Perched high above the Mornington Peninsula, the Eagle comes alive with wintry charm. Faux snow flurries will drift gently through the air on the hour, every hour, from 11am to 4pm - bringing smiles to kids and grown-ups alike.
Little ones will love getting creative in the Kids Corner each day, before winding down with a heartwarming Winter Storytime at 3pm. The ever-popular Arthur Bear’s Adventure Stamp Hunt returns too, sending young adventurers on a quest to explore the Eagle and collect stamps for a special prize.
The fun continues throughout the holidays with a dynamic schedule of family-friendly entertainment. There’s live music, native animal encounters, dance workshops, a balloon dome, roving performers like Wedgie the Wedgetail Eagle, and free face painting - something new every day! Check the Eagle’s website for the full lineup.
When it’s time to warm up, pop into the café for a steaming cup of white-hot chocolate or a bowl of hearty winter soup. Then stay on for the stunning Dusk Flights, running daily through the holidays. As the sun sets, glide silently above the treetops and take in breathtaking golden skies as twilight descends over the bush.
And don’t miss a special weekend celebration - Christmas in July returns on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July. Santa himself will be roving the summit, sharing festive treats and checking his list (twice!).
From snowy adventures and creative play to sunset skies and festive cheer, winter at the Arthurs Seat Eagle is every bit special.
W: aseagle.com.au
Your neighbours Luke and Elisa Woollard have just put the Mornington Peninsula on the map – and it's great news for apartment and townhouse owners across our region.
PILOT Body Corporate, the homegrown strata management company that started in a cramped Mornington office, has just claimed the top prize at the SCA Australasia 2025 Small Business Award – beating competitors from across Australia and New Zealand.
If you own an apartment, townhouse, or unit on the Mornington Peninsula or surrounding areas, this award isn't just about local pride – it's about having access to genuinely awardwinning expertise right on your doorstep.
Here's what sets PILOT apart
Tech That Actually Works: While other strata managers still rely on outdated systems, PILOT has embraced AI-powered solutions that streamline everything from maintenance requests to financial reporting. Translation? Faster responses, clearer communication, and less hassle for you.
With Melbourne's population explosion heading our way, apartment living is becoming the new normal on the Peninsula. The last thing you want is a body corporate manager who treats your home like just another file number.
"We are honoured to be recognised among the best in the industry. This achievement reflects the hard work of my team and our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients," says Luke Woollard, PILOT's Director.
Your building's management affects your daily life, property value, and peace of mind. Whether it's getting that broken intercom fixed quickly, ensuring your building's finances are transparent, or navigating complex owner disputes with fairness, you want someone who combines local knowledge with national-standard expertise.
At Seaside Bathware, we believe bathrooms should be as beautiful as they are functional. As a family-run small business based right here in Mornington, we take pride in offering a personalised, down-to-earth service that larger retailers simply can't match.
Step into our welcoming showroom and explore five fullsized bathroom displays, carefully curated to inspire and help you visualise your dream space. From modern minimalism to timeless elegance, our displays showcase a wide variety of quality products, fixtures, and styles. We offer everything from tapware, vanities, and tiles to full bathroom fit-outs – all carefully selected for both quality and value.
We’re also proud to feature a fully compliant NDIS and Aged Care bathroom display, thoughtfully designed to meet accessibility needs without compromising on style. Whether you're updating a family bathroom, planning a renovation, or seeking a practical solution for a loved one, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Visit Seaside Bathware in Mornington and discover the difference of shopping locally, where expert advice and genuine customer care are always part of the experience. Book a free one hour consultation with one of our knowledgeable showroom consultants and let us help bring your bathroom vision to life.
At Carroll Accounting, it’s not just about numbers it’s about people. For over 17 years, we’ve had the privilege of working side by side with local businesses and individuals, helping them reach their goals with confidence and clarity. Located in Rosebud, our office isn’t just a place for tax returns and spreadsheets it’s where real conversations happen, and lasting relationships are built.
Led by James and John, our approachable team of professionals take pride in making the financial side of business feel a little less daunting. We know that every business is different, which is why we take the time to truly understand your vision, your challenges, and your long-term goals. Whether you're just starting out or need help navigating complex tax matters, we’re here to offer practical advice with a friendly face and a can-do attitude.
Step into our modern, welcoming office and you’ll find more than just state of the art meeting rooms. You’ll find a team that knows your name, takes the time to listen, and genuinely cares about your success. Prefer to meet remotely? No problem we offer flexible video and phone consultations that bring our expertise to you, wherever you are.
At Carroll Accounting, we believe that great service is about more than just expertise. It’s about trust, connection, and knowing you’ve got someone in your corner. Come in and say hello, we’d love to meet you.
Let’s make your business goals a reality, together.
Accounting
Pty Ltd is a Mornington Peninsula
Located in Safety Beach, Martha Cove Village’s resort-style facilities set the standard for modern retirees who like to live more than a little! We’re big believers in new beginnings — a new home, a new chapter, a new lease on life. We think that’s the way your life in retirement should feel. Visit our display villa and discover how vibrant, comfortable, and carefree retirement living can be.
Dromana Beach Sanctuary of Early Learning is the newest in a set of established early learning services on the peninsula. Situated directly across from the beach, this coastal-style centre portrays the same philosophy and values as its sister centres Mount Eliza House, Frankston Beach and Seaford House. This state-of-the-art centre opened at the start of 2025 and has spaces available.
Dromana Beach is committed to providing a vibrant and flexible environment that supports learning and responds to the interests and abilities of each child. The program includes sustainability principles and a health and wellbeing focus, with a strong belief that children are connected to the wider community and environment. A balance of indoor and outdoor experiences is provided within the service's natural landscape and through the Beach and Bush Kinder program, as well as the highly sought-after Nippers program delivered by Victorian Surf Lifesaving.
Buddy the golden retriever is a valued member of the team and visits all of the services regularly, bringing joy and laughter to all of the children.
The play-based program provides opportunities for children to grow, discover, create and imagine. Children are acknowledged as capable, competent and co-contributors who actively participate in their own learning.
The inclusive program recognises the individual learning styles of all children, and it values families for their unique contributions to the centre community. The intention is to support children to be kind, respectful and confident contributors to their community and the world.
The experienced and knowledgeable educators are committed to providing a warm, nurturing environment that recognises childhood as a very special and important time.
A: 299-301 Point Nepean Road, Dromana
P: 5981 8299
E: info@dromanabeach.com.au
W: dromanabeach.com.au
1. Dropping in on
5. Limestone cave formations
11. Supporter of popular rule
15. Yes in Paris
16. Drink brand, ... Maria
17. Quietened
19. Seaweed-wrapped snack
21. Simpleton
23. Poked
25. Cast out
27. Lobe ornament
28. Cowboy's noosed snare
30. Unnatural sleep
31. Amuse
32. Swapped (cheque) for money
33. Poker stake
34. Train coach
35. Underground cell
36. Orient
38. Fit of temper
40. Back (legs)
42. Docket
44. Cosmetic oil, ... butter
45. Wading bird
46. Roster
48. Sorry
49. Strong flavour
50. Ancient harp
51. Form of dermatitis
52. Chaste
53. Enormous
54. Hospital dormitory
55. Ark builder
56. Waters around Greece, the ...
58. Lampshade fitting (5,4)
59. Behaving
61. Vibrate
63. Pigment
64. Appropriate
65. Annual periods
67. Synagogue scholar
69. Endure
71. As a whole (2,3)
73. Moulds
74. Lie snugly
76. Affix (4,2)
78. Circle (globe)
80. Relaxation routine
82. A long time
83. Bye!
85. Arranging at intervals
89. Fringed cords
91. Subtle shade of meaning
93. Lump of turf
94. Rewrite
96. Panther
98. Gratuity
99. Wedding promise (1,2)
100. Bon vivant
102. Initially (2,5)
103. Happens, ... pass (5,2)
104. Success
105. Misjudge
106. Golf ball peg
107. Venerate
108. Materialise
110. Famous record label (1,1,1)
112. Pastoral
114. Firmed muscles (5,2)
117. Leads astray
120. Hoards
123. Slightly open
125. Frozen sleet
127. Actress, ... Keaton
128. Dreaded
131. Elixir
133. Prepared
134. Twitter comment
135. Connection
136. Cooking herb
137. Marshal's reinforcements
140. Ram's mate
141. Coffee's rival
142. Whiff
145. Incendiary bullet
147. Repeat
148. Cheerfulness
150. Tibet's Dalai ...
151. Automated teller machines (1,1,2)
152. Correctional institution
153. Baby-bottle top
154. Spasm
156. Iraq's neighbour
158. Be stoical, grin & ... it
160. Fairly modern
162. Humans, ... sapiens
163. Kathmandu is there
164. Line of symmetry
165. Conqueror
166. Dozes, ... off
167. Liver sac, ... bladder
168. Bounders
170. Sum put by for a rainy day (4,3)
172. Soviet exile area
173. Mature
174. Picnic basket
177. Secreted
179. Jeans maker, ... Strauss
180. Wrongly assists
182. Sun shower arc
183. Urge (3,2)
185. Pamper
187. From Zurich
188. Having an advantage (3-2)
189. Merriest
191. Rightful
192. Anticipated arrival time (1,1,1)
193. Farce
194. Allotted
195. Not well regarded
1. Passenger carrier
2. Distress call (1,1,1)
3. Permanent
4. Author, ... Vidal
5. Female sibling
6. Mystified, all ... (2,3)
7. Burning out of control
8. School dress
9. Small bell sounds
10. Fashioned
11. Low platform
12. Baton-twirler, drum ...
13. Bone in chest wall
14. Most shipshape
18. Desolation
20. Powerful headlight type
22. Absurdity
24. Jelly-like dessert
26. Emergency touchdown (5-7)
29. Contaminating
37. Surprise attack
38. Noisy snakes
39. Meringue ingredient (3,5)
40. Determined
41. Recoiled (4,4)
43. Do harm to
44. Fiji's capital
47. Current (1,1/1,1)
57. Spookier
60. Sheer hosiery
62. Orphan girl musical
66. Leisurely walk
68. Outside bounds of decency (6,3,4)
69. Minor mistake
70. Patch (sock)
72. Artistically (pleasing)
73. Made easy
75. Receive as salary
77. Solemn vow
79. In a crass manner
81. Army corporal (1,1,1)
84. Advocate
85. Lounge furnishings
86. Hoped (to)
87. Silly
88. Shopkeepers
90. Feeds from breast
92. Aussie city, ... Springs
95. Proficient
97. Strike
101. Like peas in a ...
109. Unusual
111. Mother
113. London nightspot
115. Approaches
116. Slimmer
118. Unspoilt paradise
119. Love god
121. Take into custody
122. Run of
124. Delayed response
126. Aggravating
129. Repugnance
130. Decreases
131. Boxer's training aid
132. Intrinsic
138. Filmy
139. Office suppliers
143. Allegorically 144. Rented
146. Apiece
149. Beers
155. Rink boots (3,6)
157. California fracture line, San ... Fault
159. Great joy
161. Disobeys
165. French bean
169. Off-loaded
171. Poisoned by fumes
172. Oozed
175. Prudes
176. Up-at-dawn person, early ...
177. Weapon of mass destruction (1-4)
178. Resided
181. Swirl
184. Cattle prod
186. Jet-bubble bath
190. Large antlered animal
• No more mud in your gutters
• No more vermin or birds in your roof
• Gutters stay clean - no more cleaning
• Protect your most valued investment -your home, your building
• Save money and cleaning time
• 28 year guarantee
By Lance Hodgins
In the scene above, there are several prominent Hastings landmarks, notably the jetty and the doublestoried hotel. In the top left corner, the building with a steeply pitched roof was the place of worship for followers of the “Reorganised Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” who were frequently, and loosely, referred to as Mormons.
We are not “Mormons”
In November 1885 the Latter Day Saints came to Hastings. They were a reorganisation of a church unfavourably known as the Mormons of Utah and they repudiated the charges of impurity levelled against them and disclaimed all connection with the Mormons. Their speaker CS Burton held two services in the Athenaeum (the Hastings hall) which attracted large audiences. Those in attendance felt that his discourse was of an earnest and scriptural tone and, surprisingly, derived from the Bible alone – “the sort which might have emanated from any evangelical preacher.”
The Latter Day Saints did believe that Joe Smith was a prophet and that the book of Mormon was an inspired writing, but they maintained that this should not render their case hopeless, as it doubtlessly did with many people. The argued that the days of
intolerance and persecution were surely over and replaced by a willingness to accept other men’s opinions.
Nevertheless, Burton’s group was regarded by some as a “sect” and was clearly chasing only converts and money. Some of Burton’s doctrinal points seemed to be quite different from their evangelical interpretation and a healthy debate was predicted.
The Salvation Army was revitalised in 1886 and regular sessions were being held by captains Spargo and Spicer in the Athenaeum and the Wesleyan church . The “Salvos” had been in decline for some time due to a shortage of leadership, and people had looked elsewhere for divine inspiration – including the new Reorganised Church of the Latter Day Saints.
A Hastings branch of the Saints was founded with eleven members and they began holding regular services in the Athenaeum - Sunday school in the morning and services in the afternoon. Burton was earnest and zealous in his viewpoint which appealed to many and an increasing number of locals were being converted and baptized. Fishermen Evan Jones was an elder and Ashton Woolley became a priest and together they presented a service devoid of noise and gesticulation in a very respectable manner which inspired confidence in their listeners. They also visited Somerville where their services were well received.
continued next page...
Why Hastings?
At the time there were altogether about 200 “Mormons” in Victoria – and a goodly proportion of them seemed to be living in Hastings! This concentration had its origin twenty years earlier when a Church missionary called Glaud Rodger, a Scot who had lived in America, landed in Hastings and preached to a full house. He then spent eight weeks in the area but made very few converts.
At that time, however, Rodger did establish contact with Ashton Woolley and Evan Jones, both of whom were well-respected in the district. Their influence on the community was significant and when Elder Burton came to Hastings twenty years later he found that he had a ready-made audience.
As a result it led to one casual observer remarking that “the fisherfolk of Hastings were mainly Mormons.” This was, of course, an exaggeration - but it did hold a grain of truth. The faith seemed to appeal to them and it was thought that perhaps those long hours at the tiller gave them ample time to think about religion and other “isms”. Whatever the reason, over the short course of a decade, the Latter Day Saints had obviously attracted those who were not particularly tied to a denomination and were ready for something new.
That the Saints had come to stay was obvious in 1888. They built a magnificent new church in Salmon Street to the design of a missionary Thomas Smith who had just returned from the Society Islands. It was of wooden construction with a distinctive high pitched roof similar in style to those he had seen in the South Pacific.
The erection of the church was followed by a three-day conference to which delegates came from far and wide, making it clear that this little village had become the seat and stronghold of a new faith.
Mormons and several wives
Everyone was talking about the Mormons and, not surprisingly, their stance on polygamy. The Latter Day Saints explained it in a purely biblical historical manner, starting with Adam and ranging from Genesis to Revelations. Nevertheless, the topic was set to arouse widespread debate.
When Elder Burton was replaced by the Rev Thomas Smith - no relation to their prophet – the people received a preacher of much power and learning. Smith wasted no time in distancing his church from the Mormons and their polygamy. He stressed that they were a “re-organised” church, and that both the Book of Mormon and the Bible provided clear arguments against polygamy.
Still to be convinced, the local policeman studied up on the bigamy law and strode onto the pier to deliver his own lectureonly to find that there was nothing to worry about. The fishermen’s wives assured him that they would not be happy sharing their men. As one buxom convert put it: “The creed is good enough to play with, but the customs are a different matter altogether and we have nothing to do with those. Surely you don’t think we’re that foolish!”
At the conclusion of the 1880s, Hastings - that quiet little spot with its small population - was remarkably well-off for religious ministration. Weeks after the Saints church was built, the new Roman Catholic church opened in January 1889 in Victoria Street, a few doors along from the Incigneri home where mass had been conducted regularly for some time.
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There were also worshippers in the Church of England, as well as Wesleyans, Presbyterians, and a sprinkling of Brethren and Salvationists.
As one local observed, “So many denominations for the cure of so few souls is rather embarrassing.” Which raised the basic question: were the people of Hastings so good that they had so many churches, or so bad that they really needed that many?
Five years later …
In September 1895 the streets of Hastings were at fever pitch. Every street corner had an orator and people were gathered in small groups debating ideas. The topic? – RELIGION - and more specifically the Mormon faith. Open discussions rapidly developed into arguments and when a stone was thrown at one of the debaters, it served only to arouse passions further.
It had been a hectic month. A letter in the local press from Edward McGurk, a local Somerville farmer and councillor, attacked the established churches for “being envious – or something equally despicable – of the success of the Latter Day Saints.”
He singled out the Church of England as being particularly annoyed, as they had persisted in calling them “Mormons” of Utah when in fact they saw themselves as “Latter Day Saints” of Iowa. As such, they claimed that they did not approve of polygamy, and they did not ask their adherents to shun the other churches but offered an open door to everyone to come and discuss things.
McGurk predicted that when many Protestants realised this, they would only be too happy to apologise to the Latter Day Saints. He claimed that some people were so incensed at their own church’s “trickery” that they converted to the Saints in protest, and on any given Sunday it was quite common to see half a dozen new members being “dipped” in the Warringine Creek.
The Reverend Percy Edwards arrived in Hastings in May 1895 to take up duties at Holy Trinity and delivered his inaugural sermon to over 200 people. It soon became clear to him, however, that he had walked fair and square into a gathering storm.
His concern reached the point where he decided to call in support and the Reverend Villiers-Reid of Korumburra, a renowned academic and public speaker, was invited to Hastings. Reid gave a lecture in the hall on “The Origin and Continuity of the Mormons or Latter Day Saints”, and followed it up with one entitled “Mormonism, Its Errors and Dangers”.
Reid spoke for an hour to a packed house before inviting any rebuttals. In the audience was a Mormon elder, Cornelius Butterworth, who announced that he was not prepared for a debate but had booked the hall for the following night and would rebut everything then.
The two men agreed to meet in two weeks’ time. For the townsfolk of Hastings, Friday September 27 1895 could not come around too soon for the “title fight” between Reid and Butterworth on the chosen subject: “Is the Book of Mormon of Divine Origin”.
A huge crowd waited outside the Athenaeum. Half an hour before the appointed time, the doors were thrown open and the surging crowd rushed in and within ten minutes the hall was packed from ceiling to floor with many left standing outside. W Baldwin JP of Frankston was in the chair and at precisely 8pm he opened the meeting, urging everyone to seek the truth rather than just gain a victory.
Elder Butterworth opened the debate. He claimed that the Book of Mormon did not replace the Bible but merely confirmed it. He explained that the descendants of the tribe of Joseph had reached America, and the discovery of their records there by Joseph Smith had been predicted in the Book of Isaiah. With the guidance of God, Smith had been able to translate the metal plates which had confounded the experts.
The Reverend Reid was then introduced and drew roars of laughter when he produced two feathers and announced that last night he had been visited by the angel Gabriel who left two feathers from his wings. After all, he said, he was just as likely to receive a vision as was Joseph Smith.
The Book of Mormon was meant to replace the Bible, but to Reid it was “nothing but a clumsy, ignorant fraud foisted on the credulity of foolish people. For instance. it contained references to priestcraft which had only existed in modern times and there were even two quotations from Shakespeare!”
Reid turned to the audience and asked them if they had heard one iota of proof from the other side, and the reply was a resounding “No.” The Chairman asked for a show of hands for and against the Book of Mormon as being of Divine Origin and eight hands were held up for, and a forest of hands against. Proceedings were then closed and the audience dispersed, but for hours afterwards there were little knots of amateur orators busily discussing the subject.
The Church of the Latter Day Saints continued to grow throughout the 1890s. Messrs Woolley and Jones held services in their new church where they were joined by members of the Butterworth, McGurk, Grayden, Mackie, Carmichael and Kippe families.
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Footnote
The Reorganised Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints continued to flourish in Hastings until 1952 when the building was relocated to Logan St, Frankston. Twenty years later most of it was demolished and replaced with a modern structure.
The front porchwas saved and stored on a property in South Cranbourne, from where it was retrieved and restored in recent years. It currently sits in the grounds of the Hastings-Western Port Historical Society (pictured right).
This is an extract from “Fish Town – Hastings, the First Fifty Years”. Copies of the book are available from the author Lance Hodgins 0427 160 892 for $30 plus postage if necessary.
