essence
BLUES MASTER
WALKING THE TALK
HEART FOR ARTISTS
DOUBLE VISION
WRAP RACE
nanna URBAN
Muscian Geoff Achison performs and teaches the blues.
Jason Vaux's marathon journey of resilience and purpose.
Artists Jack and Josh create moving murals.
Painter Nicole Barros brings affordable art to everyone.
Facts,
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
Style editor
Annette Sanfilippo annette@mpnews.com.au
A soldier's battle on the home front after being wounded and dischaged in WW2.
Advertising Belinda Timmerman, 0419 135 900, belinda@mpnews.com.au
Phone (03) 5974 9000
Registered address 1/15 Wallis Drive, Hastings VIC. 3915
FB @peninsulaessence
IG @peninsulaessence W peninsulaessence.com.au
November 2025 - issue 115
Cover image by Yanni
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2 NOV POINT NEPEAN HERITAGE MOTOR SHOW 10am - 2pm
Famous Insurance Brokers Point Nepean Heritage Motor Show staged by the Rotary Club of Sorrento. Register and exhibit your classic car or just come along to admire. Held at the unique environment of the historic Point Nepean Quarantine Station. pointnepeanmotorshow.com.au
15 & 16 NOV
THE AUTHENTIC CONSEQUENCE: FORTY YEARS JOHN BAIRD EXHIBITION AT MPRG
11am - 4pm
The exhibition traces Baird’s beginnings as an artist with Roar Studios through to key examples of his recent paintings, drawings, collages, and sculptures and a group of new paintings specially produced for the exhibition. mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au
6 NOV JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
10am – 12pm
Learn Sogetsu Ikebana - the ancient art of Japanese flower arrangement, with a modern touch. Aileen from Eclipse Ikebana runs ikebana classes for all ages. Aileen is a qualified ikebana teacher registered with the Sogetsu ikebana teachers association in Japan. mornpen.vic.gov.au
22 & 23 NOV MORNINGTON PENINSULA BIRD FESTIVAL
11am – 3pm
The inaugural Mornington peninsula Bird Festival will be held at Coolart Homestead and Wetlands. Join expert guides on bird watching walks on the Mornington Peninsula with an avian art show and photographic display held in the historic homestead. birdfestmp.org
8 NOV
SKYWHALES ACROSS AUSTRALIA - RED HILL 5am - 7.30am
Pack a picnic, grab a coffee or breakfast from a food van and feel the anticipation build as the balloons inflate and take flight before your eyes. A soundscape sets the mood, followed by a special introduction from the visionary artist Patricia Piccinini. mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au
30 NOV MORNINGTON
MOUNT MARTHA RAILROAD CLUB
50TH ANNIVERSARY
10am – 3pm
Celebrating 50 years with trains from various types and sizes, from a 9mt long modern day layout, through to smaller layouts when space is at a premium. Children can try their hand at running their own train. Sausage sizzle on all day. Free entry mmmrc.org.au
Get ready to fall in love all over again with Olieve & Olie’s latest creation. All the qualities you adored in the Signature Candle range like the clean burn, the gentle scent, and the nourishing ingredients are now elevated to a new level of luxury. Introducing the Core Candle Range, a stunning new collection designed to elevate your space and lift your mood.
Thoughtfully curated and masterfully crafted, their candles turn ordinary moments into sensory escapes. Whether you’re setting the mood, finding calm, or indulging in quiet self-care, there’s a fragrance for every emotion. With luxe packaging, this high-quality handmade candle is ready for gifting.
Presented in refined packaging and a white ceramic vessel etched with Olieve & Olie’s signature, every candle is beautifully crafted to please the eye and the senses. Each one is hand-poured using a premium blend of Australian olive oil, soy wax, and coconut oil for a clean, even burn providing up to 65 hours of fragrant bliss.
Meet the Six Soul Stirring Scents:
Bamboo & Desert Fig – Fresh and earthy
Banksia & Cassia Bar – Warm and grounding
Bush Cucumber & Sea Salt – Coastal and invigorating
Olive Leaf & Thyme – Herbal and serene
Waterlily & Pink Grapefruit – Bright and uplifting
White Jasmine & Cedarwood – Floral and comforting
Step into a world of calm, beauty, and unmistakable Olieve & Olie craftsmanship at their factory shopfront in Rosebud where you can discover this candle range for yourself. You can also shop online or find your nearest stockist at www.olieveandolie.com.au
Photo: Willow Creative.
BLUES master
By Muriel Cooper Photos Gary Sissons & supplied
Notmany guitarists can say they have had a Gibson guitar made especially for them, but when award-winning Frankston South blues guitarist Geoff Achison won the Blues Foundation (USA) Albert King Award in 1995, he impressed Gibson so much that they custom-made an instrument for him. That came on the back of the highly successful album Big Machine with his band The Souldiggers. They toured across the US, UK and Europe and have been touring ever since. Geoff was inducted into Blues Music Victoria Hall of Fame in 2020, and is the official patron of the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society.
But how did it all start?
“I always wanted to be a musician from as far back as I can remember, and my dad was a trumpet player. He played in the local brass band and was into jazz. But mum was a great music lover as well. She had a mixture of old ‘50s rock'n'roll records like Little Richard and Jean Vincent, mixed with classical music. I guess there were always instruments around. First, I wanted to
Once I got my hands on the guitar, it all made sense
be a drummer. Then I had a go at the trumpet. I played saxophone in the school band, but then I found my mum's guitar hanging in the closet under the stairs. Once I got my hands on the guitar, it all made sense, and I started to advance on the guitar quicker than anything else.”
Being a professional musician takes both talent and perseverance, but Geoff says that for him, it was desire. “I often say to people, ‘If you want it enough, then you can achieve anything; it is a matter of application and effort, but if you really, really want to do it, it’s not work, and you’ll learn something every time you pick it up whether it's a new chord, a new melody or a new sound.’ I wanted to be a musician more than anything else.”
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Geoff was fortunate to be mentored by legendary Victorian jazz musician Alan Watson, who introduced him to jazz and improvisation. Geoff was only sixteen when, in 1982, he was bitten by the blues bug. During a house-party gig with The Alan Watson Band, someone put on a 1966 recording by John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers featuring Eric Clapton. Geoff says:
We can’t quite put our finger on what it is, but it goes up into another level, into the stratosphere somewhere, and we’re all floating on it
“From the opening three or four bars, I stopped whatever I was doing, or chatting to whoever I was talking to and said, ‘What is that!?’ I ran over to the record player, and I just had to know who it was. The sound of Clapton's Gibson Les Paul cranked through the Marshall combo coming out of those speakers … it was magical for me. It changed my life instantly, and I knew right then, ‘That’s what I want to do! I want to sound like that. That’s the music I want to play.’”
Geoff’s playing has been compared to Clapton’s as well as other guitar greats.
“It’s always nice to be compared to the people that you really admire, but as a musician, particularly if you're into blues or jazz, which is a very creative pursuit, you start by emulating those you admire, but ultimately you’re trying to figure out your own sound. I’m still working on it, and I get little glimpses here and there where I tap into that voice I’m always looking for. It’s not just what it sounds like; there’s a whole emotional ride that you go on. Many musicians will describe those moments when it all comes together, and it is extraordinary—and everybody in the band, everybody in the room feels it. But it’s quite elusive. We can’t quite put our finger on what it is, but it goes up into another level, into the stratosphere somewhere, and we’re all floating on it. It’s really powerful when it happens. It’s transcendental.”
There are many opinions on what constitutes the blues, from Delta Blues to Boogie-Woogie. So how does Geoff define the blues? Anny’s Manufacturing
“We don’t really draw lines. There are no demarcation points where you can’t play beyond a certain sound … there are no boundaries. If you’re going to play beautiful unbound music, even if it’s in the basic 12-bar form, it allows you to fill that canvas with whatever colours you can possibly conceive.”
Nearly all
Blues music could be said to be one of the most popular exports from the US and Geoff says, “Nearly all Western pop music is in some way derivative of American music forms - jazz, rock and roll, country music, and bluegrass - and you could go back even further and find roots of that from other parts of the world as well. Rap and Hip-Hop music are the blues of their day. If you want to play any of these forms, you can still go back to the blues because if you understand the blues, you can tap into anything because that’s the foundation of nearly everything that you’re listening to. I got into the blues, and I never came out again. It’s the raw truth of music, and that’s what I’m after.”
Geoff’s musical career took off as lead guitarist for the legendary Dutch Tilders, before forming his own band, The Souldiggers, although the band was fluid. He had heard that Chuck Berry would perform with ‘pick up’ bands, where he would form a band from musicians in whatever state or country he was playing in, and this gave him the flexibility he needed as a solo performer.
Western pop music is in some way derivative of American music forms - jazz, rock and roll, country music, and bluegrass
He says, ‘Souldiggers’ has become more of a description of the music rather than who’s playing in it. “I toured internationally by hiring local musicians wherever the opportunities were. Now we’ve got Souldiggers all over the world.”
Does he have a favourite place or venue?
“There are so many, but one of them was the St Andrews Hotel in Melbourne, where we played for 16 or 17 years and, for whatever reason, we just connected with the audience in a way that allowed us to evolve. That was the Souldiggers' spiritual home. As I’ve travelled all over the world, there’s the Bottleneck Blues Club in Kent in the UK; that became the launch pad for
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my entire UK career. Similarly, in the US, when I arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, it was like two jigsaw puzzle pieces coming together, and that became the springboard for everything I did in the States.”
Of all the awards and accolades that Geoff has achieved, the Albert King Award at the Memphis Blues Challenge stands out for him as it resulted in Gibson designing his own acoustic guitar.
“That became my number one, and it still is. It’s almost my trademark.”
If you would like to learn from the blues master, Geoff runs blues guitar workshops. For information about his workshops, concerts, and gigs, visit Geoff's website.
W geoffachison.com
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Geoff Achison and The Souldiggers with special guest Jimi Hocking. Photos: Wayne Gunn, Studio 150 Photography and Sean Clohesy
WALKING THE talk
By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Gary Sissons
JasonVaux doesn’t live on the Mornington Peninsula, but for the past two years, it’s become his second home. Three times a week, the 33-year-old makes the 25-minute drive from Berwick to join a community that’s helped transform his life – the Olivers Hill Run Club in Frankston.
It’s here, amongst the pre-dawn risers and cold-water dippers, that he found not just friendship, but the support to attempt something extraordinary: walking a marathon with cerebral palsy.
The journey started with a casual invitation from his brother-inlaw, Adam, one of the original members of the run club when it launched in late 2023. “At the start of January 2024, he said to me ‘I’m going to continue doing this run club thing’ and he was a little bit vague on what it included. ‘I just go up and down a hill. There’s a group of us, and I do a cold dip at the end. You should come!’ And I asked if he was going the next day and he said he was, so I said I’d come along!” Jason recalls.
close and we’re pretty much best friends now, a lot of people ask if we grew up together or went to school together. But I just met him when I started at the Olivers Hill Run Club,” Jason says.
Connor, a myotherapist and strength and conditioning specialist, became Jason’s trainer, mentor, therapist, and the architect of his marathon training plan. The idea emerged about 14 months ago.
“I said to Connor that I really wanted to test myself. I wanted to try and walk a marathon,” Jason remembers. “He said ‘You need to do a fair bit of training. It’s not something you’re just gonna be able to do. We need to follow a process, but I’ll help you if you want to do it.’”
I wanted to get into some sort of physical discipline to improve my headspace
That spontaneous decision marked a turning point. Jason was struggling and needed a change: something that would challenge him physically while giving him the mental reset he desperately needed. “I wanted to get into some sort of physical discipline to improve my headspace. I’d gone through a bit of a rough patch, and Adam could see that I was maybe a bit stale in where I was in my life,” he explains.
At the run club Jason met Connor Sahely, who would become one of his closest friends. Their connection is so strong that people assume they’ve been mates since childhood. “Because we’re very
Jason’s progression was methodical – five kilometres, then 10, then 15, building up to a punishing 32-kilometre effort in August 2024. “That was the hardest walk I’ve done. I really wanted to give up,” he admits. “My mind started to turn against me, and it was just physically very hard.” But he pushed through, drawing on reserves of mental strength that cerebral palsy has forced him to develop.
“With everything I’ve been through in my life, and everything I still want to do, I know I want to live a full life, and I want to push myself,” he says. “I want to have purpose. I speak about this a lotpurpose and dedication and discipline and resilience.”
On 10 August 2025, Jason walked 42.2 kilometres around Albert Park Lake in Melbourne. The marathon took nine hours and 18 minutes of moving time, with about an hour and 45 minutes in rest breaks for carefully timed nutrition stops. Around 50 to 60 people visited him throughout the day, with about 15 walking the entire distance alongside him.
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The event also raised funds for Scope Australia, the organisation that supported Jason from ages 3 to 18 with physiotherapy, social groups, and equipment.
Remarkably, despite falling at least a couple of times a week in normal life, Jason didn’t fall once during the marathon. “I’ve never walked that distance before, and I’ve never not fallen when I’ve been on the go for five or six hours, so that was incredibly strange and great,” he marvels.
The circumstance isn’t our full identity. It’s part of us, but it’s not everything
The marathon meant more than ticking off a personal goal. “It wasn’t just about the walk. I wanted to do it for a bigger reason – to improve society in some small way. Raising funds is one way that I know to do that,” Jason says. He’s passionate about challenging misconceptions around disability. “A lot of people think our life is very limited and bland. And I would say that it’s up to the person to try and equip themselves with opportunity and friendships and chances to create a life that’s fulfilling and of purpose.”
to speak at schools, businesses, and mental health organisations about resilience, mental health, and not being a prisoner to one’s circumstances.
For anyone feeling limited by their situation, Jason’s perspective is clear. “The circumstance isn’t our full identity. It’s part of us, but it’s not everything,” he says. “If we don’t think about the things that we can do, and we always think about the things that we’re prevented from doing, then we never grow.”
As for what’s next, Jason has set his sights on an ambitious goal: learning to jog. For someone who’s never had that ability, it represents another frontier to push. With Connor’s help and the support of his peninsula community, there’s little doubt he’ll get there – one determined step at a time.
Learn more about Jason on Instagram.
Recently Jason has transitioned from his eight-year case management role at Mission Australia to pursue motivational speaking. He recently delivered his first speech alongside Connor at Ray White Real Estate, and is seeking opportunities IG @jase.speaks
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DOUBLE vision
By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Gary Sissons & supplied
On an ordinary morning run through the peninsula streets, Jack Miers watched a waste truck trundle past and joked to his business partner, Josh Brown, that it could use a bit of a glow-up. Hours later, the duo discovered the Mornington Peninsula Shire had put out an expression of interest for artists to transform their fleet. The timing felt like fate. Now, Jack and Josh’s vibrant designs – featuring Western Port Bay, native banksias, and a cheeky game of backyard cricket with bins as wickets – are rolling through streets, turning the most utilitarian of council vehicles into moving celebrations of peninsula life.
“We’re rapt to have our artwork on the waste trucks; it’s been great to showcase what we think are the best parts of the peninsula in a light-hearted manner,” Josh says. It also has extra significance for him: “Bin day was already exciting in my household when the kids run up to the front window to see the truck, but there’ll be a whole new added excitement now we have our own artwork on the trucks!” he laughs.
Bin day was already exciting in my household when the kids run up to the front window to see the truck
For Jack and Josh, the peninsula is woven into the fabric of who they are as artists. Both grew up here, learning to surf around Western Port Bay and later at Gunnamatta. Their career paths weren’t identical, however – Josh worked across marketing agencies, fashion labels and design studios before starting his own business, while Jack went straight into freelance work, doing illustration-based logos, T-shirt graphics and design. But both had early signs of what was to come. “My folks must have seen some sort of interest as I remember going to drawing classes from about 8-9yrs old,” Josh recalls.
Josh also ran The Snake Hole, a small independent art gallery in Mornington that became a hub for the local creative community. “It was probably Josh starting up The Snake Hole which enabled creatives and like-minded crew to have somewhere to go and enjoy the local music and arts scene,” Jack explains.
Even though we already had pretty similar tastes and styles before teaming up, it definitely took a bit of time to really gel together
Despite an eight-year age gap, their partnership evolved organically. Working together on freelance graphic design projects, they were both painting murals separately until Jack landed a major commission. “The mural was way too big for me to tackle by myself, so I got Josh in to help out,” Jack remembers. “One job lead to another and we just really loved working as a duo as it was a lot more enjoyable and quicker to finish them; so we kept it going.”
Eight years later, their collaboration has taken them from cafes and breweries to some impressive heights — working with AFL clubs, and painting live murals at the F1 Melbourne Grand Prix and Australian Cricket Test Series.
Their aesthetic – bold, colourful, distinctly Australian – has been years in the making. “Even though we already had pretty similar tastes and styles before teaming up, it definitely took a bit of time to really gel together,” Josh admits. Their studio is “littered with old books, postcards and beer coasters from the ‘80s and ‘90s,” enabling them to draw inspiration from vintage Aussie insignia, signage, and cartoonists. The result is work that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The success of their partnership comes down to constant communication. “It’s generally pretty collaborative, even if we split the jobs for different projects, we’ll constantly be asking each other for opinions and approval to make sure we’re on the same page. Always having a second set of eyes to run over anything speeds up any decision-making process and ensures a better end result,” Jack explains.
Their advice for aspiring Peninsula artists is simple. “We’d have to say keep at it and stay motivated. These things can take time so as long as you are doing what you love, it will all fall into place; maybe not at first but eventually it will click and it’ll only get more enjoyable from there,” Josh says.
For locals eager to see more of their work, Jack and Josh have left their mark across the region. You’ll find their murals at Commonfolk, The Nook Gallery & Studios, Somers General Store, Jetty Road Brewery, and St Andrews Beach Brewery, among others. The duo is currently working on several mural projects and will be exhibiting in a group exhibition called Out of Order at Onshore Studios on 14 November in Rosebud Industrial Estate.
Looking back, they realise they’ve found what they were looking for all along. “We love the freedom that comes with working for ourselves, it lets us stay close to home and have a bit more balance living down here on the Peninsula,” Jack says. For two artists who could work anywhere, they’ve chosen to stay exactly where they started, and in doing so have proven that making a living as an artist doesn’t mean leaving home behind. And for the rest of us, that means more colour, more creativity, and more reminders of why we love calling the peninsula home.
Find out more about Jack and Josh on their socials.
IG @jackandjosh
W jackandjosh.com.au
Markets, masterclasses, festivals, music, and much much more for you to explore. Explore More events and Mornington Peninsula entertainment.
Seek the Heat
Peninsula Hot Springs
Immerse yourself in a celebration of sauna culture from pop-up Nordic saunas and the new Sauna Trail to daily rituals and transformative workshops. Discover warmth, renewal and connection like never before this November, complimentary with Bathing. peninsulahotsprings.com
Peninsula Vinehop Festival
Saturday 22 November, Various Locations
Seven epic venues, 30+ local wineries, breweries and distillers, live music, food trucks and a hop-on-hop-off shuttle. Discover the Mornington Peninsula’s craft drink magic! vinehopfestival.com.au
Christmas Raceday
Friday 5 December, Mornington Racecourse
Celebrate the festive season in style at Mornington’s Christmas Raceday, featuring thrilling racing, dining, and merry trackside fun! mrc.racing.com
HEART FOR artists
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni
Wildlife painter Nicole Barros wanted to create an intimate art gallery where she could share space with other talented artists offering affordable art directly to buyers. For art lovers, art is not a luxury; it’s essential, a daily source of joy and inspiration. The current economy has made it harder to acquire. At Art House Gallery inside Tyabb Packing House, Nicole and her colleagues have created a relaxed, cosy place exhibiting beautiful art which is accessible to all.
“This gallery has some of the Peninsula’s finest artists selling their work at the best prices because it’s run by the artists themselves,” she says. No commissions, no mark-ups, no middle man; just original art and limited edition prints in all sizes, shapes and styles. There is something to appeal to every buyer.
While Nicole has worked in other fields, nothing brings her the joy and satisfaction of creating art, sharing art and being in the company of other like-minded people making, collecting and valuing art. “I can’t wait to go to bed so that I can get up and paint the next day,” she says.
left high school, Nicole travelled on her own to Sydney to study at Julian Ashton Art School instructed by some wonderful and inspiring teachers.
Like many art schools at that time, classes were male-dominated with few female students. It was not easy to establish herself amongst these peers, but she persisted through the three years, earning a Fine Arts Certificate.
Nicole felt fortunate to attend an art school where traditional methods and techniques were taught: life drawing, perspective drawing, colour theory, mixing and painting in oils. She created portraits and still life paintings using skills that have stood her in good stead all her life.
I can’t wait to go to bed so that I can get up and paint the next day
Growing up in Wollongong, NSW, right across from the beach, Nicole spent almost all of her free time swimming, surfing and soaking up the natural environment. She finds the same inspiration living on the Mornington Peninsula. Its vast variety of native plants, trees, birds and wildlife makes her artist’s heart sing. It’s no wonder her realist paintings jump off the canvas.
Amazingly, Nicole did not create art as a child or come from a family of artists. Her love for painting came later. When she
She then studied watercolour independently using New Zealand artist Nancy Tichborne’s Watercolour World as a guide. Nicole loves the vibrancy and transparency of watercolours. It’s something she finds that other mediums can’t achieve.
Like many artists, Nicole had a parallel career. She spent the majority of her working life in sales, predominantly pharmaceuticals. She finished business school while working fulltime. Despite the busy work schedule, Nicole always found time to draw and paint.
After 30 years of working in watercolours, she has returned to oils and acrylics. Nicole’s meticulous painting is extraordinarily realistic. The work is painstaking. She might spend an entire month working on a lion or tiger until every single hair is perfectly in place. She must also capture the spirit of the animal. “Eyes are really important in getting the piece just right,” she says.
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Pet portraits provide a lot of joy. Nicole loves it when animal owners gush about how perfectly she has captured their pet’s personality and features. She also enjoys the unique challenge of painting the amazing variety of native birds she sees daily from the windows of her art studio. Each bird has its own delightfully quirky personality and its own individual
plumage pattern. This makes the painting of them interesting.
Nicole has won numerous art prizes. Her work is held in private and public collections all over the world. Despite her many accomplishments and accolades, she still gets her greatest satisfaction from working to promote and support other artists.
She is currently President of the women-only Two Bays Art Group which she has been a member of for many years. She is also Treasurer of Art House Gallery and a member of Peninsula Art Society.
Now, Nicole happily shares time painting and working at Art House Gallery with her artistic peers. She is just as happy to spruik their work as she is to promote her own. She hopes gallery visitors will share her passion for art and enjoy the opportunity to see the Peninsula’s best in their own collective gallery. One thing is clear: Nicole has a true heart for artists.
W arthousegalleryinc.com
Nicole and Wendy Hall at the Art House Gallery amongst works from various peninsula artists
Todd Woodbridge — Tennis Legend
What’s coming up at...
CARRY A MASTERPIECE
For five years, Peter Biram’s striking Salt Landscapes installation captivated visitors to Frankston Arts Centre, sparking conversation about the environment and our fragile ecosystem. Now, this landmark artwork has been given a second life as a limited-edition collection of tote bags, thanks to an innovative collaboration with UpShop Industries.
Priced at $45, each bag is a unique piece of art. Every tote carries a fragment of Biram’s vivid design, making each one entirely one-ofa-kind. The artist himself supports the project, highlighting how the transformation of the artwork perfectly mirrors the environmental message behind Salt Landscapes.
Sustainability is central to the initiative. UpShop Industries, a certified social enterprise, has repurposed the PVC banner from the original installation, avoiding landfill waste and sourcing locally made cotton linings for the handles. In a country where over 1.7 million square metres of PVC vinyl end up in landfill each year, this project sets an inspiring example.
THE BEATNIX: THE BEATLES REBOOTED
Friday 7 November, 7.30pm
Experience an extraordinary celebration of The Beatles’ most iconic works as Australia’s best Beatles tribute band, The Beatnix proudly presents The Beatles Rebooted: All the Hits, with strings. You will believe the Beatles have actually truly been rebooted.
THE ROY ORBISON STORY
Friday 14 November, 7.30pm
Experience the wonder of Roy Orbison in this brilliant theatrical portrayal of the man, his music, his voice, and his life. Mark Shelley is simply brilliant in his characterisation of Roy, transporting you back in time, to relive the emotion of his songs.
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’: THE LAUREL CANYON STORY
Friday 21 November, 8pm
The story of Laurel Canyon, the music of Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, The Byrds and The Doors. California Dreamin’ features the fabulous vocal harmony trio The Beggars, joined by their live band.
Buying a bag also supports the local community: all profits go directly to the Frankston Environmental Friends Network, funding grassroots environmental projects.
To own your limited-edition Salt Landscapes bag, visit the Frankston Arts Centre Design Store in the main theatre foyer during open hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10am–5pm, or Saturday, 10am–2pm.
THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS SHOW
Thursday 27 November, 7pm
The Greatest Christmas Show is Australia’s #1 family Christmas event, blending heartwarming moments, spectacular magic, and world-class entertainment into one unforgettable night.
SEVENTH WONDER PERFORMS FLEETWOOD MAC
Friday 28 November, 8pm
Hailed as one of the world’s leading Fleetwood Mac shows, and managed by Former Fleetwood Mac manager Dennis Dunstan, this show has been applauded by critics and fans, including Mick Fleetwood himself.
THE BILLY JOEL STORY: PIANOMAN EDITION
Saturday 6 December, 7pm
Performed live by James van Cuylenburg (Piano/Vocals) with support from Paul Davies (Guitar/Vocals), and special guest vocalists. This is a raw and intimate show, with no bass and drums, just Billy’s songs, the piano, and you.
WRAP race
By Annette Sanfilippo
Asfar as I’m concerned, this whole year has been in the fast lane. November is now upon us and it’s a month that makes you stand up and take notice. From the 1st to the 30th if you are not prepared for its pace, you may find yourself losing the race.
It’s the one time of the year when we really need to focus on remembering all we need to do in preparation for all the other dates that creep up on us. The weather gets warmer, the invitations to functions start flooding in and sometimes the diary gets double booked. Melbourne Cup and the Spring Racing Carnival soak up the first few weeks and once that’s over the focus turns to end of year events, social gatherings, holidays and the big one… the festive season.
I am both excited and exhausted just thinking about it all thanks to a little fourletter word that has become synonymous with November: sale. Grande vendita, la vente, saldi, no matter how you say the word, November speaks my language!
Over the past few years, the last Friday of this month has come to be known as ‘Black Friday’. Initially starting in the United States, ‘Black Friday’ marks the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season, with promotional sales aiming to draw large crowds on this particular day.
The busiest shopping day of the year in the U.S., the theme has crept in globally, with other countries adapting the event and creating similar sales for local consumers. Online shopping and events like ‘Cyber Monday’ have extended ‘Black Friday’ from a single day to an entire holiday shopping month.
Now many of us wait in anticipation to purchase our ‘wish list’ at ridiculous prices online and in store. Bring it on!
continued page 28 ...
If you are anything like myself, I have a special little cupboard that I fill all year round with cards, wrapping paper and trinkets that I pick up for gifting.
It serves me well throughout the year and I just love a good sale to top it all up again. As usual we can expect the bargains to come at us from all angles with ridiculous deals on jewellery, home décor, clothing, shoes, and services. Not only is it the best time to shop, but it also gives us a sense of accomplishment as we need a little respite to prepare for December which comes with a whole different list of challenges.
Know your products, who stocks them and what the retail price is
Availability is a strong motivation for November shopping as well. Some things take time to send, make, or prepare and it’s a fabulous time to get your special need items sorted before they sell out or you have to wait weeks for new stock. Rest assured, you are not the only shopper with your eye on that ‘must-have’ for the season. Sometimes we can procrastinate a little too long thinking we can better a deal, only to be disappointed in the end.
What I do love about ‘Black November’, especially shopping on the peninsula, is that it opens the opportunity to be enticed into new and sometimes undiscovered businesses which helps support our wonderful local traders. The big department stores will draw the crowds but there will be a lot of price matching going on. So, if you
can keep the patronage on our streets, I’m sure you’ll get just as good a deal. It may be as easy as ask and you will receive.
The peninsula is also fortunate to be saturated with local markets which are great outings to get into the spirit of the season. This time of year they really turn it on with holidaythemed events, live music, twilight shopping, and more. Markets benefit communities, farmers, and makers and also give you the opportunity to find that one-of-a-kind gift for a special someone or yourself! (Check out our market directory on page 59 to see where and when there is a market near you!)
Take a tip from me: preparation is the key to success so do your homework early. Know your products, who stocks them and what the retail price is generally. Start searching now. Make your lists, check out the websites, get your sneakers ready and take your mark as the one thing we have come to know is, first in best dressed!
I think I’m going to need another cupboard. Happy saving.
Olive
5982
Drop Earrings 9KT 92 Young Street, Frankston 1300 920 000 ANNY'S JEWELLERS
Jacket
Somers Teak Sunlounger 309 Swan Street, Richmond jati.com.au
Bespoke made-to-order jewellery Tyabb Packing House 14 Tyabb-Mornington Road, Tyabb monicaszwaja.com.au
LIVING
H2 Barstool in 'Pearl' leather Shop 10 1128/1132 Nepean Highway, Mornington 5973 4899
LUDUCO
MONICA SZWAJA
MISSION OF care
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons
Mornington author Anna Matilda, aka The Urban Nanna, is keen to share her wealth of knowledge about simple ways to live a more sustainable, efficient and economical life. Her bestselling book, Everyday Permaculture, is a beautiful, easy-to-follow guide to living in sync with people and the planet. Given the squeeze of the current economy, this ethos makes a lot of sense, but permaculture isn’t just a philosophy of low waste and economy; it’s also based in community, nourishment and kindness.
“Permaculture is about trying to live the most ecologically sustainable life ‘starting where you are, using what you have and doing what you can’. The foundational ethics of this system are earth care, people care and fair share,” she says. This is not some pie in the sky unreachable concept. There are simple every day actions individuals can take to live a more considered existence.
Born in Denmark to a Swedish mother and Australian father, Anna grew up with the principles of permaculture, even if they weren’t known by that term yet. Her mum is a keen gardener who has always grown her own produce and used it in her cooking. She was baking, preserving, and cooking with fresh, wholesome ingredients long before it was fashionable.
awakening for Anna. She met other super smart, neurodivergent, kindred spirits. In fact, it was so much fun that her studies suffered and she decided to avoid accumulating further HECS debt and go into the workforce.
Anna tried everything from landscape gardening to being a nanny. None of her eleven ‘starter jobs’ appealed. So, she went to Australian Catholic University to pursue a double degree: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Teaching, majoring in Visual Arts with a minor in Theology.
Art has always been important in her life and Theology provided fascinating stories. It would also help if she wanted to teach in Catholic schools. Anna followed her heart into Primary Education. Her motivation was for kids to feel safe, seen, heard, nurtured and nourished.
Permaculture is about trying to live the most ecologically sustainable life starting where you are, using what you have and doing what you can
Fortunately, she landed at a school accredited for its focus on sustainability. She worked closely with her students, challenging them to come up with their own solutions. It elevated their problemsolving skills, created connective thinking and gave them ownership over their own knowledge. They cooked what they gathered in their self-built permaculture garden. The real joy for Anna was witnessing their ‘aha’ moments.
“As a little girl, I loved nature, bushcraft, foraging and making from found objects. I wanted to be a real forest girl,” she says. Her dad worked as a biotechnologist so each member of the family engaged closely with nature, examining its patterns and appreciating its virtues.
Anna and her mum, an interior designer, also drew artistic inspiration from their forays into nature. They still love to draw, paint and make things from what they collect in nature. Home economics at school was boring compared to what Anna was learning at home. She was more interested in chemistry, biology, French and literature.
Botany and genetics were her chosen subjects when she went to the University of Melbourne. Going to university was a social
Anna completed further studies in permaculture at CERES in Melbourne, completing a 14 week Urban Gardener course. Formal education and hands-on practice in foraging, cooking, preserving food and making traditional handicrafts gave Anna the knowledge and skills to start her small business, The Urban Nanna and it’s been going gangbusters ever since.
Through radio, TV, print media, her website, social media and her own publications, Anna is getting her eco-focused, Earthfirst approach out to an appreciative public. Her book is selling like hotcakes and her workshops are consistently booked out. Even better, through council funding, most of her workshops are offered for free.
Everything Anna does comes from a place of sharing and caring. She lives a genuine permaculture existence. She is quick
continued page 34 ...
It’s perfect in a cost of living crisis. Community sufficiency is the way to go
to point out that people don’t need land to grow. She practiced permaculture while living in rental property with little available space. A huge proportion of the world’s population are renters. No one was doing permaculture this way because of the temporary nature of renting. Anna quickly addressed portable permaculture.
While Anna thinks 100% zero waste isn’t really achievable, she believes we can certainly aim towards it. At current levels of consumption, we would need four or five Earths to carry on this way. Lower waste and respectful, responsible use of resources provides ways to connect with others in a deeper more meaningful way of belonging as we all invest in saving our planet.
November 1 9am-2pm
Discover a market you’ll love, where makers, growers and musicians gather to share the bounty of the season - from fresh produce and handmade goods to vintage treasures and local art.
Christmas Market
Saturday 6 December
Get into the festive spirit at our Christmas Market, with extra stallholders offering puddings, gifts and more, plus the Red Hill Lions Club Christmas Tree Festival.
“It’s about balance. We have a place in a living system where we eat, sleep and play. When we feel part of this system, we respect embodied energy more. Be frugal, moderate and engage with your community. Cooking from scratch using locally grown is one easy way to do this. We can learn how food works and retrofit that cooking to what we actually have. It’s perfect in a cost of living crisis. Community sufficiency is the way to go,” she says. Then everyone feels empowered. It’s a win-win.
W theurbannanna.com
Total Property Care
For 35 years, “A Cleaner Peninsula” has supported homeowners from Mornington to Portsea with a professional, high-quality service allowing those owners to enjoy their homes by reducing the workload that many experience.
Imagine having your own personal concierge, truly a “one stop shop” for domestic and commercial properties, with a host of services available for you:
A Cleaner Peninsula will provide you with a free on-site consultation and quote for all the cleaning work you need done.
All staff are fully trained, police checked and insured, and all tradies are vetted, licensed and insured.
Whether it’s a last-minute clean before guests arrive or a fallen tree across the driveway, A Cleaner Peninsula has got you covered.
Focus On
FOCUS on Mount Martha
Mount Martha is a seaside town on the Mornington Peninsula 60 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's central business district. It has an area of 17.2 square kilometres.
While Mount Martha offers only a small commercial centre in Lochiel Avenue, it is an ideal destination for those visitors seeking a scenic and less commercial holiday location where the surrounding bushland meets the coast.
Peninsula Link and the Mornington Peninsula Freeway are both major arterial routes to both Mount Martha and the Mornington Peninsula, from Melbourne via the EastLink tollway.
Safe swimming beaches with wide sandy stretches exist just north and south of the commercial centre, lined with rows of colourful bathing boxes. However, much of the coast around Mount Martha typically consists of rocky cliffs with bushland above which offer a number of walking tracks and scenic viewing spots. A worthwhile drive is along the Esplanade - a coastal road linking Mount Martha with Mornington in the north and Safety Beach in the south. This hilly and winding road hugs the steep coastline with views down to the bay on one side while exclusive homes perched high above the coast feature on the other side.
Other attractions in Mount Martha include Balcombe Creek, which swells into a wide body of water near the coast and is surrounded by a boardwalk and is home to a rich selection bird life. Of interest to nature lovers is Mount Martha Park which consists of 53 hectares of native bushland and walking trails surrounding the 160 metre peak of Mount Martha, offering panoramic views of the bay and towards Arthurs Seat.
Mount Martha’s highest point bears the area's name and reaches 160 metres.
The peak was named after Martha Lonsdale, the wife of the colonist William Lonsdale. It marks the start of the Selwyn Fault, a geological formation which runs to the eastern Dandenong Ranges.
The median house price to buy is $1,440,000 and to rent is $800 per week.
Celebrity sightings in Mount Martha include Megan Gale, Shaun Hampson and Andy Lee.
From the 1990's to the present the Mount Martha area has experienced significant population growth in the south with the Martha Cove marina development as well as to the east towards the Moorooduc Highway.
Photos Yanni
Mount Martha Surf Lifesaving Club holds the popular annual Mount Martha Australia Day Swim, the "MMAD Swim", Mount Martha is home to a public golf course, public tennis courts, four football ovals and numerous grass reserves.
The Briars Park is a historic property in Mount Martha that includes the graceful Briars Homestead which was built in stages commencing in 1848 and is open for public tours. The park also includes a visitor’s centre, vineyard, nursery, restaurant, and a large wildlife reserve featuring wetlands and bird observation hides. There are number of walking trails through the wetlands, woodlands and pastures.
The population according to the 2021 census, is 19,846.
CAFÉ safari
Whether you are starting your morning or seeking an afternoon pickme-up, freshly brewed coffee and delectable menus are a must-have for locals and visitors. Here are just a few places to check out when you're in this beautiful part of the world.
MR CURTIS UPSTAIRS 4, 42 LOCHIEL AVENUE
Doing lunch, dinner, cocktails, wine, choose to have a tipple downstairs in the picnic area or enjoy upstairs with the best view in town and our set menu of tasty morsels, made to share.
VIA BATTISTI
26 LOCHIEL AVENUE
Coffee specialists serving amazing pours and delicious fresh food inspired by the Mediterranean in an atmosphere where customers and staff are on a first name basis.
MILK BAR & CO.
1/42
LOCHIEL AVENUE
With great coffee and seasonal menus created by their talented chefs, locals have embraced the relaxed and friendly ambience as the go-to for a bite after a swim at the beach.
DONATO
88 CRAIGIE ROAD
Enjoy authentic Italian-inspired dishes, freshly brewed coffee, spacious indoor and outdoor seating, (furry friends welcome), and a relaxed coastal vibe at this slice of Italy on the peninsula.
Experience Real Wellbeing with Morven Manor Retirement Village
Enjoy retirement living at Morven Manor. We offer low-maintenance units in a peaceful and pet-friendly community, close to Main Street and Aged Care facilities.
Why choose Morven Manor?
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
WHAT to do
Mount Martha offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxing coastal vibes. You can explore the stunning beaches, like the popular Mount Martha Beach and South Beach, ideal for swimming, picnicking, and walking. For scenic views, head to the nearby Mount Martha Lookout. Nature lovers can enjoy the area's parks and walking trails,
such as the Balcombe Creek Reserve. Wine enthusiasts can visit local wineries and markets while art lovers can explore nearby galleries. The town also features charming cafes and boutique shops, making it a great spot to unwind and explore.
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!
As the weather warms and party season approaches, Wine Lovers Warehouse has you covered with a huge selection of quality wines at unbeatable prices. We sell direct to the public, offering massive savings on well-known brands and hidden gems. Our friendly team of experts are ready to help you discover your next favourite drop. From award-winning Pinots and local favourites to regional heroes and French bubbles, now’s the time to visit, taste, and stock up! New Tasting Room & New Extended Hours at Dromana.
The Bartondale Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Willow Ridge Bold Barossa Shiraz 2021
John Luke Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir
Fork & Spoon Sparkling Shiraz Perfect for Christmas
Get
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
GET THAT HOLIDAY HOME FEELING EVERYDAY
You may have noticed some uniquely elegant homes as you drive along Nepean Highway passing Bentons Road in Mount Martha. These eye-catching houses are display homes created by Highview Homes, a name synonymous with quality and tradition.
Highview Homes' signature weatherboard or brick homes seamlessly blend the architectural details of the past with the practicality of modern living. The Hampton, Federation, Seachange, and Victoriana designs each capture the essence of style while integrating contemporary layouts and functionality, perfectly suited for today's discerning homeowners.
What distinguishes Highview Homes is their dedication to customisation, ensuring every homeowner's unique vision is brought to life. Whether it's modifying facades or tailoring floor plans to suit specific needs and block sizes, the team at Highview Homes will ensure each client's dream home is realised down to the last detail.
Highview Homes has stayed true to its original vision of homes built with superior craftsmanship delivered with excellent customer service. High quality craftsmanship runs in the Highview family. The original tradesman, Bob Sheppard, began his working life on the family market garden in Bentleigh before venturing into the building industry in the early 1950’s, as a plasterer working with fibrous plaster. His son, Rex began as an apprentice plumber with a family friend in the mid 50’s then becoming a builder in his own right.
The family tradition continues with Russell, who now owns and manages Highview Homes. Russell oversees every project personally, and with his keen eye for detail, helps projects stay on schedule and within budget, minimising any unforeseen complications and ensuring a smooth experience for homeowners.
Explore the craftsmanship and expertise of Highview Homes at their display homes in Mount Martha, where you can experience firsthand the thoughtful design and timeless appeal that defines a Highview Home.
From the initial consultation to the final stages of construction, Highview Homes is dedicated to providing a personalised, customerfocused service, ensuring that every step of the home-building process is smooth and efficient. With Highview Homes you can enjoy a home that blends the very best of tradition with modern comfort.
Highview Homes (Vic) 58 Bentons Road, Mount Martha
CDB-U 70372
11am-4pm Wed, 11-4 Sat, 11-4 Sun
P 5973 5973
FB @HVHbuilder
IG @highview.homes
W highviewhomes.com.au
Why not visit our Hampton Display Centre at the corner of Nepean Highway and Bentons Road, Mt Martha.
Opening hours, 11am to 4pm Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
AWELYE: THE LEGACY OF UTOPIA
The region of Utopia, 290km northeast of Alice Springs, is home to the Alyawarre and Anmatyerre people and is well known for its contemporary art movement.
The groundbreaking Eastern Anmatyerre artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye (1910-1996), described as “Australia's most famous artist”, is the first Australian artist to be accorded a solo retrospective at London's Tate Modern. Her work also fostered ongoing generations of women painters of Utopia.
One of Kngwarreye’s main subjects was Awelye. Often translated as 'womens ceremony', "Awelye" is far richer - encompassing song, ceremony, storytelling, education, entertainment, maintenance of Country and artistic expression.
Art writers and gallerists, Everywhen Art's Susan McCulloch and Emily McCulloch Childs have had a 30-year working relationship with the artists of Utopia. Their exhibition Awelye: the legacy of Utopia features paintings by 14 leading practitioners including Barbara Weir, Belinda Golder Kngwarreye, Charmaine Pwerle, Minnie Pwerle and Janet Golder Kngwarreye.
Like those of Emily Kame Kngwarreye, paintings by these next generation artists resonate with vibrancy as they sing the strength and beauty of Awelye into painted form.
The exhibition opens at 2.00pm on Saturday, Nov 8 with a curators' talk - The legacy of Utopia.
RSVP essential info@everywhenart.com.au
Exhibition runs Nov 7 - 30.
EVERYWHEN ART 642 Tucks Road, Shoreham
Open Fri - Sun 11-4 P 5931 0318
W everywhenart.com.au
Janet Golder Kngwarreye, Alhalkere Country
WINEMAKERS
Have you driven past our sign on the highway?
PROFESSIONALLY MADE QUALITY WINE MADE AND BOTTLED IN MOUNT ELIZA BEST VALUE ON THE PENINSULA DONT JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT - DROP IN AND TRY!
OPEN 7 DAYS 10am-5pm
QUALITY HOLIDAYS WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
Lamble Tours is a family-owned travel business. For over 30 years we have provided extensive touring experiences and happy memories for our travellers.
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 $200.00 accompanied by a completed booking form.
We advise prompt action to avoid disappointment.
Enjoy a stress-free holiday from the outset with our door-to-door pick up and return service (Metropolitan and Mornington Peninsula).
I look forward to our future travels.
Kind regards Vickie Lamble
P 0418 853 810
E lambletours@bigpond.com
FB @lambletours W lambletours.com.au
SUMMER ACCOMMODATION
BELEURA HILL - MORNINGTON
Short stays during Nov 2025 through to Feb 2026
5 bedroom (sleeps up to 10) • 3 bathroom • 3 living DATES FILLING FAST!
10 DAYS – TASMANIA IN AUTUMN
Saturday 11 April - Monday 20 April 2026
Experience the finest of Tasmania on a 10 Day West Coast expedition through its prestine Wilderness. Explore Bruny Island’s beaches, the lush Huon Valley, and cruise the Gordon River from Strahan Village, then marvel at Cradle Mountain’s grandeur and so much more.
Cost: $5,150 Now $5,000 Per person twin share/double Single supp: $1,040 Price Drop!
5 DAYS Q TRAIN & SHIPWRECK COAST
Monday 23 – Friday 27 March 2026
Cost: $2,460
Per person twin share/double Single supp: $380
5 DAYS HIGH COUNTRY IN AUTUMN
Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 May
Cost: $1,920
Per person twin share/double Single supp: $320
7 DAYS HERVEY BAY – FRASER ISLAND
Wednesday 15 July – Tuesday 21 July
Cost: $3,810
Per person twin share/double Single supp: $710
• 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
BOUTIQUE FAMILY SUMMER ACCOMMODATION IN MORNINGTON
Balcombe Retreat Seaviews in Beleura Hill Mornington offers you a spacious holiday home this summer, with five bedrooms, three bathrooms and three living areas over three levels.
The master bedroom with ensuite and spa bath also boasts a balcony with sea views, along with air-conditioning, heating and ceiling fan.
Outdoors offers a spacious covered deck with a BBQ, large table and seating, and family games for all to enjoy.
Additional amenities include free WiFi, with streaming apps, ceiling fans, nobo electric heating, an open fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, dryer and on-site private parking.
Relax and stay at this property over the summer period with your family and friends. The Mornington Peninsula awaits! UNWIND • INDULGE • EXPLORE
E balcombe.retreat@gmail.com W balcomberetreat.com.au
In a nutshell, life at The Mornington Retirement Village is: the opportunity to join a different activity or event every day with people who are welcoming and friendly, all while living in a home surrounded by beautiful gardens alongside a magnificent lake.
What more could you want from life?
That’s certainly what Chair of The Mornington’s Social Committee, Carol Jones, thinks of her home of 10 years.
Carol loves the activities, the ability of the on-site cafe to encourage chats over coffee, and even the layout of the Village, as “everyone has their own backyard and the houses are not close together creating lots of little lanes you can walk along”.
Activities that the community enjoys, thanks to the hard working Social Committee, include regular games of cards, an art group, yoga and exercise classes, social morning teas, trivia competitions, monthly social lunches, concerts and performances.
A bus service also takes residents to the local shops, and regular bus outings allow neighbours to share new experiences by visiting local attractions or performances outside of The Mornington Retirement Village.
Carol said there’s far more to the Village and the community than what meets the eye.
“When you look around and start meeting people you will find out it’s a great place to live,” she said.
For more information about The Mornington Retirement Village, visit our website or call today.
A NEW ERA OF EARLY LEARNING AT MT ELIZA HOUSE ACADEMY
Nestled in a peaceful pocket of Mt Eliza, right next to St Thomas More Primary School, Mt Eliza House Academy is proud to be the newest addition to the respected Sanctuary of Early Learning group.
This purpose-built Early Learning Centre offers long daycare specifically for 3 and 4-year-old children and delivers a high-quality, funded kindergarten program designed to prepare children for a confident start to their school journey.
What sets Mt Eliza House Academy apart is its dedicated focus on kindergarten-only age groups. With no younger age rooms, the environment is carefully tailored to meet the needs of children in this pivotal stage of development. Experienced and passionate early childhood teachers deliver a rich and engaging curriculum that balances academic preparation with creative exploration and emotional development. The program places a strong emphasis on school readiness, ensuring every child transitions to primary school equipped with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to thrive.
As part of the Mt Eliza House Academy philosophy, the service embraces a deep connection to the community, fostering strong partnerships with families and local organisations. This includes access to a number of enriching programs that go beyond the classroom, such as regular community excursions, special guest visits, and cultural celebrations that broaden children's understanding of the world around them.
One of the centre’s standout features is its Bush Kinder program - a truly unique and highly beneficial aspect of the curriculum. Children step outside the four walls of a traditional classroom and into nature’s playground.
Here, they climb trees, explore creeks, build cubbies from branches, and observe the changing seasons firsthand. Rain or shine, the natural world becomes their classroom, offering endless opportunities for discovery, problem-solving, and collaboration. Research shows that Bush Kinder not only supports physical health but also enhances creativity, resilience, and emotional well-being.
Imagine a classroom without walls where children learn beneath the canopy of trees, feel the earth under their feet, and delight in the simple joys of outdoor play. Welcome to Bush Kinder: the outdoor learning revolution taking root in early childhood education and flourishing at Mt Eliza House Academy.
Whether you're seeking a nurturing start or an academically rich kindergarten experience for your child, Mt Eliza House Academy offers a warm, welcoming, and inspiring environment for families on the Mornington Peninsula.
Now enrolling for 2026. Limited places available - book your tour today.
307 Canadian Bay Road, Mt Eliza P 9708 8998
E academy@sanctuaryofearlylearning.com.au
FB @Mt Eliza House Academy W mtelizahouseacademy.com.au
Spring has arrived in a spectacular show of colour, and there’s no better time to get outside, reconnect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.
At Ashcombe Maze & Gardens, adventure and tranquillity go hand in hand. From the moment visitors arrive, nature sets the pace.
Wander the lavender labyrinth - Now in full bloom, Ashcombe’s famous lavender labyrinth is a sight (and scent) to behold. Meander through the fragrant purple pathways and soak up the calming beauty of spring at its peak.
Outdoor family fun - The gardens are alive with opportunities for playful connection. Families can enjoy classic lawn games including bocce, boules, giant Jenga, Connect 4, quoits and more – all set up across open, sun-drenched spaces designed for fun and freedom.
The perfect picnic spot - With lush lawns and shady nooks, Ashcombe welcomes picnics. Visitors can bring a blanket and basket, or grab something fresh and local from the on-site café to enjoy in the garden.
A taste of spring - The café is serving up a brand-new familyfriendly menu, featuring local ingredients and hearty favourites.
The friendly staff are always happy to walk visitors through the latest offerings. For a true spring treat, the must-try is Ashcombe’s signature lavender ice cream – a creamy, floral delight that tastes just as beautiful as it looks.
Whether visitors come to unwind, explore, or play, spring at Ashcombe Maze & Gardens is all about connection and adventure. It’s the perfect place to make memories, embrace the outdoors, and celebrate the season in full bloom.
15 Shoreham Road, Shoreham P 5989 8387
W ashcombemaze.com.au
Reconnect,explore,andplay!
MORNINGTON’S LOCAL BATHROOM EXPERTS
Seaside Bathware believes bathrooms should be as beautiful as they are functional. A family-run small business based in Mornington, they take pride in offering a personalised, down-toearth service that larger retailers simply can't match.
Step into their welcoming showroom and explore five full-sized bathroom displays, carefully curated to inspire and help you visualise your dream space. From modern minimalism to timeless elegance, their displays showcase a wide variety of quality products, fixtures, and styles. Seaside Bathware offer everything from tapware, vanities, and tiles to full bathroom fit-outs – all carefully selected for both quality and value.
They are 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, their team is there 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 1-hour consultation with one of their knowledgeable showroom consultants and let them help bring your bathroom vision to life.
Sat 15 Nov, 3pm to 8pm
HILL & RIDGE COMMUNITY MARKET
184 ARTHURS SEAT RD, RED HILL
Locals and visitors gather to celebrate fresh produce, handmade creations, delicious eats, and friendly smiles. A true community market.
hillandridgemarket.com.au
MORNINGTON RACECOURSE
TWIGHLIGHT MARKET
320 RACECOURSE RD, MORNINGTON
Enjoy the wonderful ambiance of this iconic market at the Mornington Racecourse during twilight with live music on the lawn and talented buskers dotted among the stalls for all to enjoy.
craftmarkets.com.au/mornington
RACECOURSE MARKET
320 RACECOURSE RD, MORNINGTON
Enjoy breakfast or lunch on the lawn after browsing the market stalls and purchasing those unique hand made or Australian quality designed items that this market is famous for.
craftmarkets.com.au/mornington
PLAINS MARKET
EMU PLAINS RESERVE, BALNARRING
More than just a market the EPM is a monthly celebration of art, food, design and community. Explore and support the 200+ incredible small businesses in the picturesque surrounds each month!
emuplainsmarket.com.au
Sat 22 Nov, 8am to 1.30pm ROTARY DROMANA MARKET
DROMANA RECREATION RESERVE
Showcasing the local flavour of Dromana, offering fresh seasonal produce, and locally crafted products. Funds raised go to supporting local community projects.
Sun 23 Nov, 10am to 3pm
dromanamarket.org.au
THE ENCHANTED MARKET AT THE BRIARS
450 NEPEAN HWY, MOUNT MARTHA
You'll discover a range of homemade, homegrown products, all while exploring the beautiful grounds, wildlife, walking trails, galleries and heritage homestead of the historic Briars.
craftmarkets.com.au/mount-martha
Sat 29 Nov, 4.30pm to 9.30pm LITTLE BEAUTY TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS MARKET
BEAUTY PARK, FRANKSTON
As part of Frankston’s Christmas Festival of Lights, Beauty Park will come alive with festive cheer. Shop for unique gifts, enjoy delicious festive food and soak up the live entertainment.
littlebeautymarket.com.au
Sat 22 Nov, 9am to 2pm
ADVERTISE YOUR MARKET IN OUR DIRECTORY
RICKY - 0425 867 578
RICKY@MPNEWS.COM.AU
BELINDA - 0419 0135 0900
BELINDA@MPNEWS.COM.AU
McCLELLAND MAKERS’ MARKET
390 MCCLELLAND DR, LANGWARRIN
Set within the iconic grounds of McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery this new market celebrates the incredible local artists of the region. Amazing food, fun for the kids, gourmet producers and live, local music.
mcclellandmarket.com.au
POINT NEPEAN MARKET
COLEMAN RD, PORTSEA
Spend a day at this idyllic location amongst the tea trees just metres from the beachfront. Set in the stunning Point Nepean National Park this coastal market is a hidden treasure at the end of the Mornington Peninsula.
craftmarkets.com.au/portsea
1. Naval clergyman
5. Arrange symphony
11. Party in lawsuit
15. Ultrahigh frequency (1,1,1)
16. Actor, ... Gibson
17. Spasms
19. Quickly
21. Relinquish (rights)
23. Hoarse
25. More sensible
27. Female verse writer
28. FM receiver
30. Killer whale
31. Regales
32. Layout
33. Tertiary college
34. Stocking bands
35. Abate (4,3)
36. On any occasion
38. Gambling cubes
40. Blow
42. Hop
44. Popular Asian cuisine
45. Bonus
46. For fear that
48. Lump of gold
49. Travel permit
50. Singing pitch
51. Large-beaked bird
52. Virginal
53. One of the Great Lakes
54. ... & aahs
55. Rifle recoil
56. Stratagem
58. Beguiled
59. Jailbreak
61. Obliterate
63. Cow sound
64. Lease out
65. Proposals
67. Australian wild canine
69. Living creature
71. Physicist, ... Newton
73. Brown photo shade
74. Massaged
76. Chafes
78. W African republic
80. Zodiac crossover
82. Summit
83. Supervise
85. Unfastens (door)
89. ... & dimes
91. Shins
93. Rink blade, ... skate
94. Type of clock
96. Gardens
98. Attila the ...
99. Lancelot's title
100. Anyone
102. Military flying facility (3,4)
103. Allow
104. Pupil
105. Hardy cereal
106. Bullring cheer
107. Cost
108. Boulevard
110. Jogged
112. Held gently
114. Ham it up
117. Refrains
120. Pistol blast
123. Ancient Peruvian
125. Extinct Japanese volcano
127. Bubonic plague, Black ...
128. Nail varnish
131. Regards smugly
133. Squander, ... wastefully
134. Bellows instrument
135. Readjust
136. Rowing team
137. Plane detector
140. Cloth flap
141. Him or ...
142. Slants
145. Withdraw formally
147. Baby's ... cord
148. Videotaped
150. Cold cuts
151. Pubs
152. European currency unit
153. Terrible tsar
154. Waters that parted for Israelites (3,3)
156. Tramp
158. Scram!
160. Rude comment
162. Accurate
163. Protector, guardian ...
164. Previous spouses
165. Eager, ... as mustard
166. Debutantes
167. Gradually weakens
168. Recite, ... off
170. Partial overlay
172. Peculiarity
173. Ruin
174. Taunt
177. Rising (path)
179. Exercise ring, ... hoop
180. Swelter
182. Senior citizen
183. Expiring
185. Mount up
187. Swamped
188. Maxim
189. Italian seaport
191. Spanish coast, Costa del
192. Kangaroo pouch
193. Spike heel
194. Dignity (4-7)
195. The H of H2O
1. Hurricane
2. From the menu, ... carte (1,2)
3. Replying
4. Members of religious orders
5. Family crest, coat ... (2,4)
6. Blokes
7. Fencing weapons
8. Pulled
9. Wrong
10. Materialise
11. Garbed
12. Drink addict
13. Cry of discovery
14. Kids' store (3,4)
18. Paltriness
20. Compels by force
22. Neuter
24. Outmanoeuvred
26. Minor quakes (5,7)
29. Sedate for operation
37. Property assessor
38. Attack from air (4-4)
39. Closely inspected
40. Frolicking
41. Brightly illuminated
43. Thorny shrub
44. Pour with rain
47. Lob
57. Lebanese trees
60. Lunch on the grass
62. Small sour fruit, crab ...
66. Golfer's two under par
68. Requiring
69. Swiss capital
70. Clench (teeth)
72. Admitting
73. Buffet-style meal
75. Atop
77. Long tale
79. Revitalised
81. Medical practitioner
84. Chubbier
85. Guided (to seat)
86. Loose-leaf folders
87. Gashes or wounds
88. Shields
90. Goalies
92. Leisurely walk
95. Mends (of bones)
97. The Da Vinci Code author,
... Brown
101. Evil spell
109. Curry bread
111. Objective
113. Log vessel
115. Antelope
116. Onto terra firma
118. Jug
119. Slope
121. Lie snugly
122. Carrion-eating animal
124. 100-year old folk
126. Simple to work (4-8)
129. Taken by surprise
130. Shackles (3,5)
131. Brilliant people
132. Track competitors
138. Disinclined
139. Cosmos scientist
143. Position of news boss
144. Subtle difference
146. Slimming plan
149. Charged atoms
155. Disincentive
157. Talks indistinctly
159. Secured in vice
161. Not pretended
165. Seizes
169. Love affair
171. Bloom segments
172. Eldest
175. Speak slowly
176. Anaesthetic gas
177. Russian mountains
178. Move with effort
181. Additionally
184. Skin irritation
186. Meditation art, t'ai ...
190. Carry
Frank Gledhill – Wounded On Two Fronts
By Peter McCullough
The name of Frank Gledhill appears on the Frankston War Memorial. Frank Brewer William Gledhill (Serial Number 33300) was a 25 year old bank clerk in Frankston when he enlisted on 27 October 1916. On 11 May 1917 Driver Gledhill embarked with the Field Artillery Brigade on HMAT Shropshire, arriving in Plymouth in July. In the following month he reverted to ‘Gunner’ at his own request and in September 1917 he ’Marched in ex England’ (to quote the official record), arriving at Rouelles in France on 18 September. There he was part of the Divisional Ammunition Column and proceeded to Belgium.
The Third Battle of Ypres- generally referred to as ‘Passchendaele’was in progress across Belgium at the time. Conditions were so horrific that Frank must have regretted his switch from ‘Driver’ to ‘Gunner’. However his stay was brief as the Casualty Form states that he received a GSW (gun shot wound) on 5 October.
After initial treatment at the Field Hospital in Abbeyville, Frank was placed on the Ambulance Train for the coast and then to hospital in England, initially in London and then at Harefield.
The wound was apparently severe enough to prevent Frank from returning to The Front and on 17 June 1918 he left England on HMAT Matutua. The vessel reached Melbourne on 15 August and Frank was eventually discharged from the AIF in December.
After returning to civilian life Frank resumed his role as a bank clerk, most likely near his residence in Albert Park.
continued next page...
Left: Frank Gledhill
Top: The terrible conditions at Passchendaele
Right: Frank Gledhill's enlistment papers
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The home front
While Frank was a quietly-spoken, law-abiding citizen, he had a habit which brought him into conflict with the powers-that-be: he liked to play a bit of beach cricket wearing only his bathers!
In January 1929 the Melbourne Argus reported:
Frank Gledhill, Danks street, Albert Park, was charged before Mr J Baragwanath, JP at the South Melbourne Court on Friday with having loitered on the beach at South Melbourne while clothed in a bathing costume.
Inspector Anderson of South Melbourne, said: On December 10 Gledhill was playing on the beach. I had warned him on other occasions against playing cricket there, as a number of complaints regarding this practice had been made.
Gledhill said:- I was having a game with a piece of wood and a soft ball.
Mr. Baragwanath said:- Many other seaside councils are lax in regard to keeping the beach clear of this sort of thing. The South Melbourne Council is to be commended in this regard.
A fine of 10/- was imposed.
It appears that the Council by-laws along our beachfronts varied as to what was allowed on the beach. In 1926 a deputation protested against the restrictions that existed in Williamstown. The existing regulation, adopted in 1880, read: “No person over the age of ten years, clothed in a bathing costume, shall sit, lie, loiter, or play games on, or run along the foreshore, but shall, on leaving the dressing sheds for the water, proceed in a direct line, and on leaving the water shall return in a direct line to the dressing sheds.” The deputation asked that the words requiring a bather to walk in a direct line from the dressing shed to the water be deleted as unreasonable and impossible as far as the men were concerned.
Most Council by-laws stressed that no games such as cricket or handball were allowed on the beach owing to the mishaps which had happened to young children and others, that the ladies be allowed free access to the water, and that no male bather was permitted within fifteen yards of the ladies’ dressing shelter. It wasn’t until many years later that these restrictions were abandoned.
There is no recorded description of Frank’s bathers when he caused offence at South Melbourne beach on that December day in 1928; were they of the neck-to-knee variety or had Frank thrown caution to the winds and progressed to simply shorts? Whichever, they would certainly have borne little resemblance to the budgie smugglers of modern times.
Frank Gledhill never married. After his widowed mother died in 1946 he and his brother went to live in her house in Inkerman Street, Caulfield. Frank died on 23 June 1953, aged 62 years, and is buried in the Victorian Garden of Remembrance at Springvale. Although he had requested that his role at The Front should be ‘Gunner’ as opposed to ‘Driver’, the army had difficulty coming to terms with this change and most of his subsequent correspondence with the AIF was addressed to ‘Driver Gledhill’. Even on the plaque in the Garden of Remembrance he is ‘Driver F. B. W. Gledhill.’
continued next page...
Beach cricket as it was
Passchendaele
The Battle of Passchendaele has shaped perceptions of the Western Front. Fought between July and November 1917, both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured appalling conditions. ‘Passchendaele’ became synonymous with mud, blood and futility.
In 1917 General Haig planned a major offensive, hoping for a war-winning breakthrough. He planned to capture the high ground around Ypres, as well as a key rail junction to the east, and then advance on the German occupied ports on the Belgian coast which were critical to Germany’s U-boat campaign.
Conditions were horrific as the region was largely made up of low, flat ground that was kept dry only with the help of an intricate series of dykes and ditches. After three years of heavy fighting these drainage systems were totally destroyed and the ground, churned up by millions of artillery shells, was reduced to sticky mud.
The battle failed to achieve Haig’s objectives; it lasted for nearly five months and in that time the Allies advanced about five miles (8km) for the loss of over 250,000 soldiers killed, wounded or missing. This included 38,000 members of the AIF, two of whom (Captain Clarence Jefferies and Sergeant Lewis McGee) were posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry. German casualties were estimated at 220,000 making this one of the war’s most costly battles of attrition.
Footnote:
This story is an expanded version of one written by Val Latimer which appeared in the February 2025 edition of ‘Peninsula Past Times’ , the journal of the Mornington Peninsula Family History Society. Thanks to Kevin Hillier (President of Frankston RSL) and Peter Beckett for their assistance.
The debris lined road through Chateau Wood to Westhoek Ridge, in the Ypres sector. An unidentified soldier runs across the road between two abandoned limbers and piles of wood (AWM E01233)
