PENINSULA essence NOVEMBER 2026
VISITING & LIVING ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
A DYING ART
BEAUTIFUL CANVAS HER SOUND JOURNEY
man
SWELL YOUNG
Lifesaving, mentoring and championing youth voices.
WHAT’S ON • PENINSULA IN STYLE • FOCUS ON MOUNT MARTHA • THE LOWDOWN • HISTORY
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A slice of Africa in Canberra! The award-winning African inspired accommodation continues to be a leader in tourism and conservation. ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST unique all-inclusive experiences sits as the pinnacle of luxury in Canberra - it is of course Jamala Wildlife Lodge. Guests will enjoy 22 hours of adventure, plus high tea, a 4-course gourmet dinner with Moet and fine wines, a la carte breakfast, an exclusive Jamala Tour, discounts on all tours and encounters and of course, the stunning rooms.
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Jamala Wildlife Lodge is separated into three distinct precincts, each with their elegant appeal. The uShaka Lodge Rooms celebrate all the best things of a Jamala stay right at your doorstep. Marvel at a mob of meerkats, gaze in wonder into your own personal saltwater reef or discover the cheeky nature of a ringtail lemur. An infinity pool, the gorgeous uShaka Lodge Lounge, Cave Dining and one of Australia’s largest saltwater aquariums with sharks are all within reach. The Giraffe Treehouses are the perfect family getaway. Suitable for two adults and two children, guests will meet their backyard neighbours, the giraffes ‘Skye and Khamisi’, eye-to-eye and give them their afternoon tea. Larger family groups can travel together and take advantage of the spacious Giraffe Double Suites which brings together two treehouses for the ultimate experience.
Lemur Room
The epitome of luxury are the Jungle Bungalows. You can lay next to a tiger, cheetah or sun bear from the comfort of your own private living space. Generous floor to ceiling windows allow you to peer into eyes of some of the world’s most exotic animals. The food is as much celebrated as the amazing rooms. A video by two of the world’s most respected food reviewers has been viewed over 50 million times. Jamala has entered three of the top food awards in Australia and won all three. The 4-course gourmet dinner kicks off with drinks on the Jamala terrace overlooking the lion habitats. You will then be joined by Mischka the white lioness as she receives her supper before you start on your stunning canapes, lavish mains, a surprise intermezzo and photo worthy dessert. Every stay at Jamala also includes a welcome High Tea spread on arrival and a la carte breakfast.
Giraffe Treehouse A stay at Jamala is more than a world class experience in the heart of Canberra. It’s an opportunity to make lifelong memories, save yourself the hassle of travelling overseas and contribute to the conservation efforts of Jamala Wildlife Lodge and the National Zoo and Aquarium. Jamala Wildlife Lodge is one of Australia’s most sought after stays and offers the ease of luxury and proximity to wildlife in the nation’s capital.
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inside
November 2026 - issue 127 Cover image by Yanni
16
28
22
LEADING
ARTS
PENINSULA IN STYLE
08 SWELL YOUNG MAN
22 BEAUTIFUL CANVAS
40 JUST ADD VINTAGE
16 A DYING ART
28 HER SOUND JOURNEY
FOCUS ON
SPECIAL FEATURES
57 MOUNT MARTHA
55 COFFEE COUNTER 60 INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY 68 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
Lifesaving, mentoring and championing youth voices.
Young taxidermist preserving an endangered craft.
Facts, cafes and what to do.
HISTORY
78 LOST AT LONG TAN
Colin Whiston’s life, service and legacy.
Writers Andrea Louise Thomas, Melissa McCullough, Sarah Halfpenny, Annette Sanfilippo Photography Yanni, Gary Sissons Creative Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne Publisher Melissa McCullough melissa@mpnews.com.au Style editor Annette Sanfilippo annette@mpnews.com.au
4 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
From magazine publishing to acclaimed painting.
Vintage pieces transform basics into statements.
Phoebe Dubar blends nature with music.
ALSO THIS MONTH 06 WHAT’S ON 66 THE LOWDOWN 72 MARKET DIRECTORY 76 CROSSWORD PUZZLE Advertising Belinda Timmerman, 0419 135 900, belinda@mpnews.com.au Chendelle Kolasa, 0412 030 802, chendelle@mpnews.com.au Phone (03) 5974 9000 Registered address 1/15 Wallis Drive, Hastings VIC. 3915 FB @peninsulaessence IG @peninsulaessence W peninsulaessence.com.au
60 All material is copyright, and may not be reproduced without the express permission of Mornington Peninsula News Group, or the original copyright holder in the case of contributions. Copyright of contributed material rests with the contributor. Disclaimer: The authors and publisher do not assume any liability to any party for any loss, damage or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. This publication is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Peninsula Essence is produced monthly. 30,000 copies bulk dropped at an extensive network of outlets across the peninsula.
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what's on?
NOVEMBER 2026
7 NOV AFTERGLOW AFTERGLOW brings a pop-up dance party to the beautiful Ashcombe Maze and Gardens. Expect disco, funk and groove-led house music, with DJ Minnie blending live vocals and Lloyd on electric guitar. Dance in the gardens, enjoy local drinks and Jamaican street food from Little Brixton. Return bus available from Mornington and Balnarring. 18+ event. Saturday 7 Nov, 5-9pm. Scan QR code for tickets humanitix.com
16 NOV SIMPLY STREISAND AT THE FAC
7, 21 NOV WHISKY, CHEESE & STORYTELLING
Taste four distinctive Single Malt Whiskies, learn the secrets of the still, and take home a 100ml bottle drawn straight from the cask. As one of Australia’s largest family-owned distilleries, and the only Single Malt Whisky distillery on the peninsula, Chief’s Son invites you to slow down, savour the craft, and connect with the spirit of Australian whisky making chiefsson.com.au
20 NOV JIMMIE THE BEATLE
Internationally acclaimed cabaret star Queenie van de Zandt brings her powerhouse voice and commanding presence to Simply Streisand - a heartfelt homage to the legendary Barbra Streisand through stunning renditions of her most iconic songs and uncanny parallels between their lives as women who speak their mind and refuse to fit the mould of traditional beauty. artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au
This is the story of Jimmie Nicol – the drummer who briefly became a Beatle. For two extraordinary weeks in the 1964, he toured parts of the world including Australia. Stepping from obscurity to global fame and then back again, all in a fortnight at the height of Beatlemania. Cabaret seating. BYO wine, beer and grazing boards, tea & coffee supplied. frankstontheatregroup.org.au
14 NOV OUTDOOR MEDITATION SESSION Casual meditation group session led by buddhatalk Sangha members. Experience the benefits of sitting and walking meditation in the beautiful gardens of Coolart. Bring your own outdoor chair and cushion. Held on the second Saturday of each month on the lawn outside the Coolart Homestead buddhatalk.com.au
21-22 & 28-29 NOV ARTISTS OPEN STUDIOS 2026 The artists of the Peninsula Studio Trail are opening their working studios to the public. Come and meet the artists, see works in progress, ask questions and get a glimpse behind the scenes as to how artworks are created. Work will also be available for purchase. We would love to see you there! peninsulastudiotrailinc.org
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SWELL YOUNG man
8 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
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?
All of this has earned him the title of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 2026 Young Citizen of the Year. It’s an honour that makes perfect sense after spending fifteen minutes on the phone with him; when you hang up you can’t help feeling better about the world. Several families at the club nominated Reagan, with the backing of its board, and the news came in a phone call after work one day.
They said, ‘Congratulations, you’ve won this award’ … and I was pretty blown away
These could be the complications of excessive or impacted earwax.
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E
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n weekends in summer you’ll normally find Reagan Morel on the sand with a gaggle of under-sixes in tow at Mornington Life Saving Club, the club he’s been a part of for more than three-quarters of his life. For the rest of the year the 22-year-old juggles studies for a teaching degree with criss-crossing the country for the Reach Foundation, where he helps young people find the words for the heavy stuff in life. Along the way he’s also helped give youth lifesavers across Victoria a voice.
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“It was a massive shock, to be honest. I wasn’t expecting it at all,” he says. “They said, ‘Congratulations, you’ve won this award’ … and I was pretty blown away.” Reagan’s lifesaving story began in 2009, when he was five. His parents had seen kids training on the beach and decided it looked like a great way for their son to grow up. So they signed him up for the Under-6 Nippers. “Back then it was a lot of just playing in the water, making new friends, learning things,” he says. “As we got older it turned into competing and travelling around Australia for competitions, but also, and probably more importantly, patrolling.” Training three nights a week, he got to know the older kids at the club well. As an only child he found that mattered. continued next page ...
Call us on (03) 9322 3222 or visit 197 Main Street, Mornington to schedule your appointment November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 9
“It wasn’t just about lifesaving,” he says. “I could ask some questions about life in general, or school, or moving into high school.”
We saw there was a massive gap in how youth communicate their ideas and how youth are represented in lifesaving
A few years ago Reagan noticed something missing. Young members were patrolling beaches and representing their clubs, yet they had little say in how lifesaving was run. He was part of the group that started a youth advisory committee within Life Saving Victoria and became its inaugural chair.
“We saw there was a massive gap in how youth communicate their ideas and how youth are represented in lifesaving. “We wanted to be making the decisions that affect the youth, rather than older people making them after just having a guess about what youth actually want,” he says. The committee grew to include representatives from about 25 clubs and now runs an annual youth symposium. Several clubs have since set up their own youth committees, and Reagan says similar groups are emerging in Western Australia and Queensland.
10 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
“It’s pretty cool seeing that take off, and people starting to take young people seriously,” he says. He’s since stepped down as chair and no longer competes, but he hasn’t gone far. For the past few years he and other young members have coached the under-sixes.
Reagan’s other great commitment began in a school classroom. When he was in Year 9 the Reach Foundation, the preventative mental health organisation co-founded by Jim Stynes, ran a workshop at his school. “It was just unlike anything I’d experienced,” he says. The next year he joined Reach’s Crew program which builds confidence and the skills to talk through tough topics. After Year 12 he trained as a facilitator, and now he helps train new facilitators himself. His work takes him into classrooms from Year 4 to Year 12, running workshops on connection and respect, as well as sessions for boys continued page 12 ...
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November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 11
on what it means to be a man today. Reach’s Grounded program has seen him work with young people who have disengaged from school, including some coming out of youth detention. The job has taken him from the Northern Territory to Queensland and New South Wales, and he also works closer to home, running workshops through Portsea Camp’s summer programs. “I hold a lot of pride in saying that I get to do this job where I’m making a difference,” he says. “It’s part of such a big legacy.” It even follows him onto teaching placements where some of the teachers he meets remember a Reach workshop from their own school days. Those placements are part of his degree at Monash University, which he somehow fits in around everything else. With one year to go and a placement at Frankston High School behind him, he has pressed pause on study to work full time at Reach before he finishes. When asked how he manages it all he doesn’t pretend to have it sorted. “Great question. I ask myself that sometimes as well,” he says. continued page 14 ...
Anthony Marsh presenting Reagan with the 2026 Young Citizen of the Year award
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The timing helps. Reach usually runs its camps during uni holidays, and the long summer break is when the beach needs him most. “It’s all very intertwined, and keeps me pretty busy,” he says. “I definitely learn a lot from so many different things.”
When we have good people around us and good people to look up to, we can achieve our best
Lifesaving and Reach have both taught him how to connect with young people and even how to have conversations with parents, which he expects to lean on as a teacher.
“You’re a product of your environment,” he says. “When we have good people around us and good people to look up to, we can achieve our best.”
Each summer on the sand, and in workshops across the country, Reagan is becoming that person for more young people than he’ll ever know. With his easy laugh and genuine warmth, he’s the kind of person they’ll remember, and hopefully one day try to emulate.
He knows exactly the kind of teacher he wants to be. “Through school, I had a lot of teachers who took a lot of time to understand me and the best way that I could learn,” he says. “They’re the kind of teachers I look up to and that I really want to be like.” The lifesaving club, he says, is the place people always come back to, and he sees himself involved for a long time yet. Reach describes its work as being by young people for young people, and he plans to keep doing it for as long as he can. He attributes much of who he has become down to the people who surrounded him growing up.
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November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 15
A DYING art By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Yanni
X
avier Noonan was seven years old when he saw the taxidermy fox. It stood in a family friend’s house, with a duck clamped in its jaws.
“I would sit down with my grandparents, have bacon and eggs in the morning, and we’d be watching these VHSs and CDs on how to taxidermy raccoons,” Xavier says.
“Being a little kid who was obsessed with both art and animals, I was like, 'I want one!', because it was like the ultimate plush toy,” he says.
His grandfather supervised Xavier working with the scalpels and other instruments like a brain scooper, and the hobby gradually took over his shed. Xavier kept at it through his teens, and the shed slowly became his workshop. Though his grandfather died a few years ago, it’s still where Xavier works today.
His mum refused, but Xavier wouldn’t drop it. “That’s when I told her that if I can’t buy one or have one, I’ll make one.” He found a taxidermy kit online in the USA, and his mum struck a deal. He could have it for his 10th birthday, on condition that he didn’t mention it even once before then. Incredibly, he kept his side of the bargain; the kit was his, and it didn’t take long for word to get around about the kid with the unusual hobby.
That’s when I told her that if I can’t buy one or have one, I’ll make one
Peninsula Essence readers first met Xavier in 2016, when he was 12 and the walls of his parents’ home already held a stuffed rat, mice, birds, a fox, a duck and a deer’s head. Now 22, he runs Peninsula Taxidermy and has been named a 2026 Churchill Fellow, about to travel overseas to study the craft he has spent more than half his life learning. He started out using Google and YouTube until his family discovered John Whitford, a taxidermist in nearby Langwarrin. John invited Xavier into his workshop, showed him the basics and sent him home with old books, VHS tapes and CDs.
Photo of Xavier from 2016, aged 12
16 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
The official business came from John. When he retired, and couldn’t find a buyer for such a specialised trade, he offered Xavier the name and all his contacts. Nowadays much of his work comes from anglers with prized sports fish, hunters with deer and foxes, and owners of exotic pets such as parrots and reptiles.
Each job starts the day before, when the animal comes out of the freezer to thaw. While it does, Xavier builds a form, which he describes as a mannequin, under the skin, measuring it against the carcass. The skin is then removed and treated in a tanning process that differs for fish, birds, mammals and reptiles. Once it is ready, it goes over the form to be stitched, glued and posed, and the eyes are sculpted in with clay. Then comes the waiting. A fish takes about six to seven weeks to dry on its form. Mammals take five days to a week, and deer heads about two weeks before the final touch-ups with paint. continued page 18 ...
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 17
The forms themselves have changed since he was a boy. Back then he wrapped coconut wool in twine to shape a body. Now he uses foam and takes cast moulds from the carcass. Fish have been taking up much of his time at the workbench lately, but birds are the ones he loves working on most.
My aim is to captivate viewers and create immersive displays where the mounted animals and their surroundings feel as though they’ve come to life
Not everyone is comfortable with what happens in his shed. At festival workshops, animal activists and vegans sometimes question Xavier about where his animals come from. He explains that since childhood he’s held a Victorian wildlife taxidermist licence, which allows him to work on native animals that have died naturally in captivity, with every specimen able to be traced to its source.
“Everything I work on is legally and ethically sourced,” he says. While he enjoys creating traditional trophy mounts, he has a particular passion for educational pieces that tell a story and encourage people to appreciate and learn more about wildlife.
In Australia, the taxidermy scene is small, so much of his material is imported. Eyes are hand-painted in America or Europe, and many forms created in America, where there are more sculptors who can capture fine anatomical details such as the tendons and veins that show beneath the pelt. There’s no easy way into the industry
for young people, either. “The only way to really learn the trade would be like myself, which would be self-taught and mentorship through a previous taxidermist,” he says. With no course or structured training pathway in Australia, the craft survives only as long as experienced taxidermists are willing to pass it on. That gap led Xavier to the Churchill Fellowship. A friend urged him to apply at the last minute, and he was overjoyed to find he was successful. continued page 20 ...
More than a retirement village Discover The Mornington, where life is as active or as relaxed as you want. Overlooking the lake, our clubhouse is the heart of a vibrant community that enjoys happy hours, lunches, billiards, yoga, and movie nights. There’s more to life at The Mornington. • Independent villas from $490,000 • Fully serviced apartments from $230,000 Call to schedule your private tour today.
1800 852 772 | SouthernCrossCare.com.au 150 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Mornington Information is correct at time of printing. Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) Inc, ARBN 129 895 905, South Australia, liability limited
18 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 19
The Fellowship will send him overseas to learn from some of the world’s best. His seven-week trip begins in the United States, visiting taxidermy associations and observing the five-day World Championship event in Iowa in 2027. He’ll then visit museums in London, France and Germany, meeting taxidermists who care for collections dating back almost two hundred years. His plan is for the Fellowship to revive taxidermy in Australia through global research, training, and education, bringing home what he learns and building his own programs. He’d happily do museum work himself one day, as John did for the Penguin Parade and Parks Victoria, but he doesn’t want to keep the craft exactly as it was, with stiff mounts from the Victorian era. “I want to bring both the animals and the scenes they’re displayed in to life by incorporating modern techniques, such as resin water effects and LED lighting to create realistic light and shadow. My aim is to captivate viewers and create immersive displays where the mounted animals and their surroundings feel as though they’ve come to life.” It is, more or less, the fox with the duck in its mouth that he saw at age seven, only now he’s the one making it.
20 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
Arts
22 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
BEAUTIFUL canvas By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons
M
ulti-award-winning Rye painter, Barbara Tyson built enviable parallel careers. Most notably an Archibald Prize finalist and winner of the People’s Choice Award at the Salon des Refusés, amongst other art accolades, she also had a successful career in magazine publishing. As a girl growing up in Sydney, Barbara was bursting with creative energy. She loved doodling, drawing, and experimenting with art and crafts. Her favourite photograph is of herself at six years old, perched on a table painting in the back garden. While her artistic talent was clear, she was told she’d never get anywhere in life without being an academic. Even her parents insisted she’d have to get ‘a real job’. Despite the naysayers, Barbara excelled at the prestigious East Sydney School of Art. “Being around like-minded people meant I could truly express myself. It was fantastic to be surrounded by clever, talented people.
Art fills my cup from the inside. It keeps me grounded. Being creative is something no one can take away from me,” she says. Barbara studied anatomy, life drawing, painting, colour theory, mixed media, colour mixing and watercolour painting. Most importantly, she learned a way of seeing the world with an artist’s understanding of composition and perspective – skills that would serve both her careers. As with many artists, Barbara’s compromise was to get a Diploma in Graphic Design because it would lead to that ‘real job’. This turned out to be a blessing as she ended up working with some of the true greats in Australian magazine publishing. Barbara won top marks in Graphic Design. Her prize was a paid job at Family Circle magazine. When the artistic director moved over to Cleo magazine, he took Barbara with him. She worked as an artist/illustrator and was mentored by publishing icon Ita Buttrose. continued next page ...
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Ita was wonderful to work with. She was an outspoken force to be reckoned with
“I was so lucky. Ita was wonderful to work with. She was an outspoken force to be reckoned with, but so inspiring – beautiful, glamorous and still got the job done. She’s a legend,” Barbara says. Working with such a strong, independent woman provided Barbara not just with practical skills, but a way of succeeding in a man’s world.
Barbara spent many years working with Australia’s most prestigious magazines creating illustrations and layouts under deadline pressure. There was no editing software. Everything had to be done meticulously by hand. Under her own banner, Logo Graphics, she created corporate logos that are still in use today. Throughout her working life, Barbara had a parallel life as a painter.
24 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
Travel and working with great mentors over the years made a huge impact. She produced countless watercolour paintings while travelling in France, Italy and the UK. Her travels were the inspiration for artworks that won first place in two categories at Whittlesea Art Show in 1981, launching her art career. Many more awards were to follow. Renowned watercolourist Alvaro Castagnet’s tutelage gave Barbara’s work a sense of freedom, movement, expression and emphasis on the play of light. Creative painting with David Hill and portraiture with Archibald Prize winner Reg Campbell taught Barbara how to capture the essence of her subjects.
Italian artist Roberto Coppa had the most significant influence. He took Barbara’s skills to a new level, teaching techniques from the old masters, impressionism, realism and abstractionism. She learned to paint from her heart not her head. In 2011 Barbara painted a portrait of Dame Quentin Bryce, Australia’s first female Governor General. She recalls driving to Government House in Canberra where she painted the Governor General in the main reception hall where people are knighted. “Quentin was a wonderful sitter and still managed to answer questions asked of her throughout the creative process. Painting Quentin changed my life,” she says. The portrait was selected as an Archibald Prize finalist. continued next page ...
ORCHID DEMONSTRATIONS IN NOVEMBER Come learn how to care for, repot and divide your orchids - Demonstrations 10:30am every Thursday and Saturday in November. Ever wondered how often to water your Phalaenopsis? How to repot a small orchid seedling or divide a large Cymbidium. Head down to White Hill Orchids and let us answer all your questions. Detailed list of demonstrations can be found on our Facebook and Instagram pages. @whitehillorchids White Hill Orchids offers easy to grow orchids, fern mounts, fertilisers, orchid potting mix and more. Whether you’re just starting your orchid journey or you’re a seasoned collector, there’s something for everyone!
Location (Mornington Peninsula) 430 White Hill Road, Dromana Open: 9am to 3pm Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun
Contact phone: 0451 853 612 email: info@whitehillorchids.com.au @whitehillorchids November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 25
The following year Barbara’s portrait of Ita Buttrose missed out on the Archibald Prize, but won the Salon des Refusés. In 2013 her portrait of Dr. Helen Caldicott was a finalist in the Victorian Salon des Refusés. In 2016 she was winner of the ANL Maritime Art Award. She was runner up in 2019 and won second place in 2021.
She just completed a bronze sculpture course adding a new string to her bow. One thing is for sure, Barbara will never run out of creative drive or inspiration. Her life is a beautiful canvas.
Oils are Barbara’s favourite medium.“ I can use varnishes and layers to get the richness of colours. I can control the consistency, build up transparent layers and use opaque paint where the light hits the subject,” she says. “I know enough about technique to control the viewer’s gaze. I’m old enough to paint with a depth of life’s knowledge. I paint from a place of feeling that people connect with,” she says. They do. Her paintings hang in collections across Europe, the UK, North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand and Australia. The Mornington Peninsula provides endless inspiration. Whether she’s painting sailing yachts, swimmers at the local beach or waves crashing on the shore, there’s always something to capture. Barbara would love to get out and paint en plein air with other local artists.
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barbaratysonart.com.au IG: @barbaratysonart
HER SOUND journey By Melissa McCullough Photos Gary Sissons & supplied
I
KSRE (I Keep Seeing Rainbows Everywhere) is the solo moniker of Balnarring-based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer and sound healer Phoebe Dubar. Phoebe combines ethereal vocals with lush strings, bass-forward synths and effects-laden guitar with field recordings, to create a unique, ambient, neo-classical electronica sound, which sits at the intersection of the natural world and the human experience. The road to this style of music came via the junctions of many other genres throughout her life, having picked up her first instrument, the violin, when only five-years-old. continued page 30...
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You could say that a sound bath is meditation for dummies
A few years after the violin she swapped to the viola. She then turned to classical vocals, jazz, then orchestra, touring internationally. “Music was always in my life”, said Phoebe. Growing up on a cattle farm near Bass, the youngest of three sisters, Phoebe credits her older siblings for shaping her musical taste. “When I veered off into pop music, they pulled me back and got me into good 80s synth bands such as Depeche Mode, New Order, and The Cure”, said Phoebe. After school she sang and played with many different bands, spending some time dabbling in every style of music imaginable.
After spending a few years pursuing a career in marketing and event management, the music pulled Phoebe back, and she returned her focus 100% to it. She started her IKSRE project when her daughter was born. “I was listening to more ambient music than club bangers, and it kinda just emerged. I was sitting by Paradise River near Apollo Bay and had my laptop with me. The sounds around me were so divine that I opened it up and hit record.” Never intending for that music to be heard, she showed it to a few people and they loved it. Capturing the soundscape of birds and water on her laptop mic became the song Alone. At Paradise on her debut album Unfurl. “So I kinda kept going. And here I am now - eight albums later!”
Sound healing came via her yoga practice. Phoebe did her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2017 and decided not to teach asana (postures) but found out about the Sound Healing Academy in Cornwall, which runs workshops and trainings globally. Sound healing is the musical complement to yoga in many ways, and she thought "I should be doing the music side of yoga rather than the asana!" Now a certified sound healer, Phoebe is one of the most prominent facilitators in Melbourne, having hosted group sound baths across the state and beyond consistently since 2019. Her sound baths use a combination of Himalayan and Alchemy crystal singing bowls, gongs, hand pan, drum, chimes, Monochord and voice, including overtone singing. She also runs sound healing basics training workshops locally and abroad. “You could say that a sound bath is meditation for dummies. It is a way to switch off from the stresses of the outside world, go inward and experience deep rest and relaxation without needing to do anything”, said Phoebe. To do so, you lie down, close your eyes and allow the sound of singing bowls, gongs, chimes, drums and voice wash over you and allow you to tap into the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for deep rest, and healing. continued page 32...
Photo: Claudia Sangiore Dalimore
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Water is ephemeral, sacred, and essential Phoebe has featured in a dedicated sound It moves through states of solid, to life. It is both continuity. liquid, and gas, yet always returns to itself healing segment on The House of Wellness nurturing and as H₂O. This cycle becomes the conceptual (Channel 7) and as a guide for Endota Retreat. foundation of the album, reflecting on how Then in 2023 she released an eight-part destructive we as humans might move through change podcast, What is Sound?, featuring interviews with industry experts across the topics of sound healing, music performance, recording and the sounds of the natural world. She has released eight solo albums to date achieving widespread acclaim from tastemakers, blogs, Amazon and Spotify official playlists as well as radio (BBC Radio 6, KEXP, RTE, triple j, double j, RRR, PBS-FM). She has also released collaborative albums with international artists and has had notable performances at Dark MOFO, Tree People Los Angeles, An Evening with Drew Barrymore in Sydney and Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Melbourne Recital Centre, Jazzlab, Peninsula Hot Springs and a swathe of smaller venues across Victoria and New South Wales. Her latest album, In All Her Forms, released in October, is a deeply immersive sound bath album where water functions as both physical element and guiding metaphor for transformation. Across the work, water is understood as constant change within
while retaining our essence. “Water is ephemeral, sacred, and essential to life. It is both nurturing and destructive. It shapes ecosystems and landscapes while also sitting at the centre of the climate crisis, from rising seas and water scarcity to global conflict and displacement”, said Phoebe. Created as both meditation and composition, the album follows the arc of a traditional sound bath, expanded through field recordings and layered instrumentation that reflect water’s shifting states. Alongside crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, handpan, gongs, voice, and acoustic instruments, she incorporates bass, synthesisers, and ambient electronics that flow intuitively through the work. Drawing on her training as a certified sound healing practitioner, IKSRE weaves traditional sound bath practices with principles of brainwave entrainment and energetic healing throughout the album. continued page 34...
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What’s coming up at... A GLORIOUS CHRISTMAS COMES TO FRANKSTON As the festive season approaches, one of the highlights of the Daytime Music & Theatre program at Frankston Arts Centre returns with a celebration guaranteed to leave audiences feeling merry and bright. Rachael Beck and Michael Cormick, two of Australia’s most beloved musical theatre performers, reunite for A Glorious Christmas, a heartwarming concert filled with seasonal favourites, laughter and festive cheer.
With wonderful music, great company and Christmas spirit in abundance, A Glorious Christmas is a seasonal treat not to be missed on Friday 18 December with shows at 10.30am and 1.30pm. Tickets are $24–$27 and can be booked at thefac.com.au or by calling 03 9784 1060.
Originally starring together in the Australian production of Beauty and the Beast, Beck and Cormick have delighted audiences for decades with their remarkable vocal talents and genuine on-stage chemistry. Their festive repertoire features timeless classics including White Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The First Noel and Silent Night, delivered with warmth, charm and theatrical sparkle. Audiences can also look forward to plenty of laughter, joyful storytelling and the magic that comes from two consummate entertainers sharing the stage. For many patrons, the occasion is about more than the performance itself. Friends gather to enjoy the complete Daytime Music & Theatre experience, including Frankston Arts Centre’s popular pre-booked two-course lunch at midday, making it the perfect festive day out.
QUEEN FOREVER: GREATEST HITS TOUR Friday 6 November, 7.30pm
Experience a full-scale rock spectacle that captures the very essence of Queen! Queen Forever have built their reputation as hands down the most entertaining Queen tribute in the world.
FROM A DIAMOND TO A KING
W thefac.com.au
JOE AVATI: GOOD OLD DAYS
Sunday 22 November, 7pm International comedy superstar Joe Avati will make you laugh uncontrollably as he takes you on a trip down memory lane remembering, for better or worse, the good old days.
I LOVE YOUR FACES: THE DON LANE STORY
Friday 13 November, 8pm
Wednesday 25 November, 7pm
Two music legends, one spectacular night - experience the hits of Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond brought to life backed by the rich sound of the Australian Symphony Orchestra.
A moving journey through family, fame, legacy, and the television era that brought Australia together. Don’t miss this heartfelt celebration of Don Lane, starring his son PJ Lane.
DAYTIME MUSIC & THEATRE: SIMPLY STREISAND
DAVE HOLE: BLUESMAN
Monday 16 November, 10.30am & 1.30pm
Internationally acclaimed cabaret star, Queenie van de Zandt, brings her powerhouse voice to this heartfelt homage to the legendary Barbra Streisand.
(with guest Artist Geoff Achison) Saturday 5 December, 8pm
Dave Hole is Australia’s premier internationally successful bluesman and highly acclaimed slide guitar virtuoso. His explosive live show returns to Frankston for one night only.
Book tickets at thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060
The result is a continuous one-hour journey through entrainment, deep rest, dissolution, transformation, and integration. In All Her Forms (sound meditations vol.2) is out digitally now and on cassette and CD via Constellation Tatsu, and on vinyl preorder via IKSRE's Bandcamp. A launch event is being held at the Red Hill Mechanics Hall on 21 November.
Photo: Claudia Sangiore Dalimore
iksre.com iksre.bandcamp.com
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A Tribute to Richard Campbell The Light He Saw, The Legacy He Left A collection of Richard’s Artwork will be available from the 1st to 30th of November Join us in celebrating Richard’s artwork with some nibbles & drinks! st 1 of November 1pm to 3pm Richard Campbell was a remarkable impressionist oil painter who devoted his life to capturing the beauty of the world on canvas. Born in the United Kingdom, he moved to Australia in the late 1960s and found his true home on the Mornington Peninsula, where its coastal cliffs, rolling hills and shifting southern light became his muse. A generous mentor as well as a gifted artist, Richard shared his knowledge with countless painters, and his warmth and passion inspired everyone around him. His legacy lives on. Art House Gallery is honoured to present a selection of his final works throughout November.
Meet Billy Nye One of our Twelve Artists
Billy Nye — Printmaker Artist Billy Nye is a printmaker artist based on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Her work is inspired by the places she knows and loves, capturing local suburbia, coastal landscapes, beaches and familiar landmarks through the distinctive language of linocut. Billy’s prints celebrate the character and beauty of everyday surroundings, transforming local scenes into bold, handcrafted artworks. She runs Peninsula Printmakers, sharing her passion for traditional printmaking within the local community. Billy holds a Bachelor of Fine Art and Visual Culture and her work is exhibited at Art House Gallery, Tyabb. Her work reflects a strong connection to place and community.
Located inside the Tyabb Packing House Open Hours - Thursday to Sunday 10am to 5pm
14 Mornington -Tyabb Road Tyabb Phone: 0450 447 814 • Email: contact@arthousegalleryinc.com
Two Bays Art Group
Celebrating 60 years of selling art on the Peninsula. We would like to invite you all come and celebrate our
60 th Birthday Celebration on the 26th of November 6pm to 8pm The show will run from the 26th to the 29th of November. Peninsula Community Theatre 91 Wilsons Rd, Mornington VIC 3931
November October 2026 PENINSULA essence | 35
FROM FRANKSTON TO THE CITIES: FIVE DECADES OF PAINTING BY RICK AMOR A homecoming decades in the making. Rick Amor exhibits at McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery This summer, McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery offers visitors an opportunity to experience the breadth of painter Rick Amor’s career in one setting. From Frankston to the Cities: Five Decades of Painting by Rick Amor (21 November 2026 – 11 April 2027) is a retrospective celebrating more than five decades of work by one of Australia’s most respected living artists. While Rick Amor’s paintings have been exhibited and collected nationally and internationally, the foundations of his artistic vision are deeply rooted in Frankston and the surrounding bayside landscape. Amor himself has often remarked that “it all starts with Frankston” a sentiment that resonates throughout this ambitious exhibition. Here, visitors are invited to trace the journey of an artist whose work has travelled far beyond the peninsula while remaining intimately connected to the place where it began. The exhibition features a single painting from every year of Amor’s career between 1970 and 2026. The result is a compelling visual presentation that allows audiences to witness the evolution of his practice over 50 years. From early explorations to mature masterpieces, the exhibition reveals recurring motifs, shifting perspectives and the enduring themes that have shaped his singular artistic voice.
The exhibition also offers a timely lens through which to consider some of the defining issues of our age. Amor’s haunting urban scenes, industrial landscapes and atmospheric seascapes speak powerfully to contemporary concerns including climate change, urbanisation and social disconnection. Seen together, these works reveal an artist whose observations remain as relevant today as when they were first painted. This contemporary framing gives From Frankston to the Cities: Five Decades of Painting by Rick Amor a particular resonance for modern audiences. Longtime admirers will discover new insights into Amor’s work, while those encountering his paintings for the first time will find themes that feel strikingly current and deeply human. For anyone seeking a deeper connection to the art, landscape and cultural identity of the peninsula, it promises to be an unmissable summer experience.
390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin W mcclelland.org.au
Rick Amor - Foreshore 2005 Oil on canvas, 72 x 100 cm. Private Collection, Melbourne
Rick Amor - Miss Prosser and the Albino 1998. Oil on board, 81 x 161 cm. Collection of the Artist
Rick Amor - The catman 1999. Oil on canvas, 128 x 145 cm. Collection of Annette Reeves and William Nuttal
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Rick Amor - Storm cloud 2023. Oil on canvas, 73 x 92 cm. Private Collection, Brisbane Rick Amor - Father and son 1975. Oil on board, 106.5 x 91.5 cm. Private Collection, Melbourne
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 37
CHRIS SWAYN RELEASES NEW ALBUM: DEATH AND TAXES Chris Swayn started playing live gigs around 1989 at the tender age of 21. Frankston's Pier Hotel saw his start with his mate Cam. The two blended a love of songs from the 50s and 60s with songs of the day. Armed with two acoustic guitars, some self-belief and limited skills, they somehow worked steadily from then on, performing for over five years. Chris then ventured into a heavier sounding band, The Sitch. They wrote a lot of their own material but fleshed out shows with Led Zeppelin and Cream covers. They recorded an EP around the year 2000, 'Sea Shanty Extravaganza', and then Chris' family and work took centre stage for a while. Chris worked as a music teacher as his family grew with three splendid children entering the world. Two of them, in later years, would grow to be musicians themselves and perform with Chris as The Swayn Train. In 2003 he formed The Warrains with like-minded musical neighbours; their band name borrowed from the street where they resided on the Mornington Peninsula. They blended all their influences into an acoustic/folk/reggae/country band, with the lyrics of many of their songs coming from Chris' poet father, Barry.
Since then, The Warrains have continued to perform over a thousand live shows at weddings, wineries, pubs, parties and local festivals. Over that time they have released four original albums and an EP. The line-up has changed many times over the past 20 or so years but for the last twelve years The Warrains have played mostly as a duo with Chris and Kelly Daymond. Chris, while playing in The Warrains, continued to write and record his own material. He has two solo albums and two EPs, available on Bandcamp as well as another album which saw him collaborate with his brother Paddy. In 2023 he commenced a new project with Trent Schneider at Trent's Little Bird Studio in Blairgowrie. He wasn't exactly sure what direction the project would take in the beginning. The idea was to write when the inspiration arose with no fixed style in mind and see where the process ended up. In 2025 Chris and Trent realised that there were a few punk songs that required their own space so they formed Asteroids Addiction and released the You Can Dish It! EP.
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January 2026 saw them consolidate the remaining songs into an album and invite other players in. Kelly Daymond added harmonies to a couple. Adam Bruechert drummed. John Edgar played bass and keys. Jenny Moser on violin. Harry Reed added saxophone and Nat Parker trumpet. The album, titled Death and Taxes, has 13 tracks with a definite folk/ country/blues feel. There's a couple of heavier numbers but mostly the album contains thoughtful lyrics that continue the tradition of storytelling with acoustic guitar setting the scene for the band to embellish. Death and Taxes is due to be released on November 28, 2026. Chris Swayn and the Forbidden Fruits will perform at Hickinbotham Winery to celebrate the launch with other shows to be announced in 2027.
W chrisswayn.bandcamp.com
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 39
JUST ADD
vintage By Annette Sanfilippo Photos Yanni & supplied
V
intage shopping is fast becoming one of the biggest pastimes around the world and for good reason. Not only is it fun and saving the universe from textile waste, it’s also the secret to taking a basic look from ordinary to the extraordinary. Many would argue what age something has to be to constitute 'vintage'. Some say over fifty years old but of late it’s more like thirty. In a world dominated by capsule wardrobes and minimalist dressing, there is something undeniably powerful about adding a touch of history to a modern look. While a great pair of jeans and a crisp white T-shirt remain the foundation of effortless style, it's often the vintage pieces layered into the outfit that transform it from simple to unforgettable. The beauty of contemporary staples lies in their versatility. Models Lulu, Jess and Pierre are peninsula locals who have a passion for fashion and are ready to let me ‘just add vintage’ to
40 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
their everyday looks. We started with denim and a white tee to provide the perfect blank canvas, allowing individual style to take centre stage. When everyone has access to the same basics, the challenge comes in finding a way to make them feel distinctly your own. This is where vintage fashion comes in to play.
Beyond say that, with vintage, nothing matches but aesthetics, everything goes! Styling it is not always as easy as vintage fashion it seems. Mixing vintage with contemporary clothing also tells a story
One of our unique local boutiques, My Delirium, in Rye, has the most amazing new and vintage curated collection of clothing and treasures, and is the brainchild of long-time stylist and collector Larelle Guardiani. It was a treat to spend a day dressing up for some upcoming events using a carefully chosen mix of new, bespoke and vintage pieces. I threw in a few of my favourite things, and it wasn’t long before our vintage vibe soiree began. A vintage leather jacket, a 1970s belt, a delicate heirloom necklace, or a structured handbag from decades past can instantly elevate an otherwise understated outfit. These pieces bring character, craftsmanship, and a sense of individuality that is difficult to replicate with mass-produced fashion. Rather than following trends, vintage allows the wearer to create a look that feels curated and personal. The key is to choose pieces that shape your aesthetic without overdoing it. We want to avoid visual chaos! Some would
creates an interesting contrast. The relaxed simplicity of modern denim, paired with a vintage jacket, for example, strikes the perfect balance between old and new. It suggests confidence and creativity rather than adherence to fleeting trends. The result is a style that feels effortless yet intentional. Beyond aesthetics, vintage fashion tells a story. Every piece carries a history, whether it is a handcrafted brooch discovered in a market, a designer jacket sourced from a vintage boutique, or a treasured family keepsake passed down through generations. Incorporating these items into everyday outfits adds depth and authenticity that cannot be bought off the rack. At a time when fashion is increasingly focused on individuality, vintage offers something truly valuable: uniqueness. No two people will style the same vintage find in exactly the same way. Modern essentials such as jeans, white T-shirts, tailored trousers, or classic shirting, combined with these one-of-a-kind pieces, help create a signature look that stands apart from the crowd. continued next page... November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 41
With the Spring Carnival off and running there is a fair chance you may bump into someone wearing the same suit or dress. Having fun with a vintage dress and accessorizing it with some modern retro styled glasses, shoes or hat can calm the anxiety of that potential face-to-face moment. Change up a suit with a cool vintage shoe or add a brooch, kerchief or statement hat to take the edge off that cookie-cutter look. Ultimately, great style isn’t about wearing the latest trend from head to toe. It is about blending the old with the new, the timeless with the contemporary. Your jeans and tee may be the starting point, but it is the vintage touch that gives an outfit soul, personality, and an edge that feels entirely your own. Once you are inside a vintage boutique it’s hard to avoid the curious foraging that can ultimately become a new addiction. Be a little brave like my lovely models and perhaps try a style that may not be what you’re used to and you may discover a side of your personality that’s been waiting to materialize. Fashionably yours,
Annette
Styling and millinery by Annette Sanfilippo
VINTAGE TRENDS WE LOVE WIDE LEG DENIM
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Discover Monari at UP TO 60% OFF RRP at Designer Room Moorabbin and online at designerroom.com.au. LUXURY EUROPEAN DESIGNER LABELS UP TO 70% OFF THE RRP Shop G-146 DFO - 250 Centre Dandenong Rd, Moorabbin Airpor t November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 45
WINE LOVERS GET Y T I L A U Q NES WI ESS FOR L
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Follow us! for new arrivals, tastings & specials winelovers.warehouse Wine Lovers Warehouse HASTINGS
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NESTLED ON THE ESPLANADE WITH STUNNING VIEWS OF MORNINGTON PARK AND THE BAY, MR VINCENZO’S IS A RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR GROUNDED IN PENINSULA PRODUCE AND CASUAL EXCELLENCE. Dinner from 5.30pm Thursday to Monday Join us for lunch every Sunday
48 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
mrvincenzos.com 784 Esplanade, Mornington (03) 4327 9392
MAKE A BOOKING
MR VINCENZO’S STEPS INTO THE SUNSHINE Mornington Peninsula gem Mr Vincenzo’s is unveiling a sun-soaked terrace and footpath dining area in time for the festive season, offering a new spot for alfresco dining, spritzes in the sunshine and long lunches overlooking Port Phillip Bay this summer. The latest installment is the final piece of the puzzle for the restaurant and bar, which reopened in winter following a major renovation. Located on The Esplanade overlooking Mornington Park, the new-look venue has tripled in size and features a new wine bar area - with its own new menu - as well as a private dining room for special events. continued next page...
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 49
The new front terrace looks out towards a golden stretch of sand, offering a front-row seat to the region’s beautiful seascape and giving both locals and visitors the ultimate reason to linger on the coast this summer. With its olive-green bistro chairs, terracottatoned tabletops and timber-lined bar, the outdoor space brings a relaxed Mediterranean feel to the waterfront setting, primed for leisurely lunches that roll into the afternoon and balmy evenings spent grazing with a cold glass in hand. Mr Vincenzo’s ambitious renovation project was the brainchild of co-owners and husband and wife duo Paul Goddard and Lisa Prince, alongside fellow co-owner and head chef Michael Kharsas.
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Following a devastating fire that destroyed their former venue Colt Dining in 2023, Goddard said the trio were able to start again thanks to the generous support of the peninsula community. “This renovation is the realisation of our original dream for the site, where we can be more things to more people,” Goddard says. “Guests can now enjoy Mr Vincenzo’s in a range of ways, whether that’s a mid-week drink, dinner or a special function.” The menu is just as lively as it was, with Kharsas and his team using their creative flair to create new dishes each week, sometimes even daily, based on the produce that’s available from the region’s local producers.
continued page 52...
Christmas Gift Fair Discover a wonderful selection of gifts from local makers and small businesses.† Find something special for everyone on your Christmas list.
Thursday 26 November 11am–3pm Featuring ✺ 20+ stalls ✺ Indoor market ✺ Free gift wrapping service* ✺ Free Christmas Instax photos ✺ Stunning Christmas displays ✺ Food, coffee & festive treats
SHOP LOCAL · UNIQUE GIFTS · FESTIVE FUN Enquiries, Call Andrea 0458 603 047 | marthacovevillage.com.au 101 Pickings Road, Safety Beach
VILLAGE
† Cash is preferred by some stallholders. EFTPOS availability may vary. Please bring cash just in case. *Free gift wrapping available for up to 4 gifts per person. Bring your own Christmas gifts to be wrapped. Bolton Clarke is the brand name for a group of companies being RSL Care RDNS Limited ACN 010 488 454, Royal District Nursing Service Limited ACN 052 188 717 and RDNS HomeCare Limited ACN 152 438 152.
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 51
“The goal has always been to create something people can come back to,” Kharsas said. “We’re committed to doing the simple things well, because combined, they all add up to a memorable dining experience for our guests.” The focaccia, pastas and sauces are all made fresh, in-house each day, with ingredients sourced from local suppliers like nearby resident Mary Loucas, who has an acre of land filled with seasonal produce.
Artisan Baked Goods from Tuesday to Saturday 54 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza 0494 105 718
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Second Location in Morningon Opening Late November
Named after Prince’s grandfather and inspired by her Italian heritage, Mr Vincenzo’s menu now has more of a Mediterranean feel, with dishes like prawn tortellini served with bisque, crustacean oil and chervil, crispy porchetta, blue fin tuna tartare with avocado, kohlrabi, citrus and chive, and vanilla panna cotta. The attention to detail extends to the expansive bar that takes pride of place at the front of the venue too, featuring cocktail ingredients all made from scratch and a carefully curated wine list highlighting bottles from nearby wineries, Italy and France. continued next page...
WEEKLY SPECIALS!
APEROL ARVOS
BURGER+BEER+BAY
BIG BREKKY BADDIE
ZA DAY!
Every Friday, grab an Aperol Spritz for $14.
An Onda burger and a beer for $25.
A proper big breakfast plus tea or coffee for $29.
Any two pizzas for $50, all day!
VIEW ALL WEEKLY SPECIALS AT ondasorrENTO.COM.AU Onda is a MediTerRanean-inspIRed REsTauRant LocatEd Right on tHe waTer at tHe SorRenTo FerrY Terminal. November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 53
The wine bar’s new, ever-changing menu is perfect for spontaneous bites and a glass of something delicious, all of which can be enjoyed inside, on the terrace or from the atmospheric new footpath dining. Now complete, Mr Vincenzo’s is the ultimate summer destination for sea-breeze lunches and golden-hour spritzes that stretch into the evening, all with the bay as your backdrop. Visit website for more information or to make a reservation. Photos: Neil Wakefield, Kate Shanasy, Melanie Desa
W mrvincenzos.com
54 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
the Coffee COUNTER Sip your way across the Mornington Peninsula with our guide to the region's best coffee destinations, from coastal cafés to tucked-away local treasures.
MOOROODUC
MORNINGTON
CREPE DELICES
COMMONFOLK MORNINGTON
MUSTARD MOOROODUC
A taste of France on the Peninsula. Authentic crêpes, galettes, baristacrafted coffees, pastries and artisanal lemonade.
Roasting and brewing extraordinary coffee, serving tasty food, and bringing the Mornington community together seven days a week.
Uncover the Peninsula's hidden gem at the historic Coolstores. Serving exceptional coffee, epic toasties and cosy courtyard vibes.
16 Progress Street, Mornington @commonfolkmornington
8/475 Moorooduc Highway, Moorooduc 0485 522 998 @mustardcafeau
33 Dava Drive, Mornington crepedelices.com.au @crepe_delices
RED HILL
NORDIE CAFE Serving exceptional Allpress coffee alongside fresh, relaxed Peninsula hospitality. The perfect local stop for breakfast, lunch or takeaway in Red Hill. 1008 Mornington-Flinders Road, Red Hill 5989 2171 @nordiecafe
RYE
OUR PLACE RED HILL SOUTH
MONTINO DELI
Relax by the wood fire or enjoy alfresco dining on the deck for breakfast, lunch, pizza, coffee and more. Fully licensed. Dine in or take-away.
Family-owned delicatessen serving specialty coffee, meats and artisan cheeses, gourmet sandwiches, and handpicked pantry favourites.
Shop 5, 137 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South 5983 6456 @ourplaceredhill
9/2185 Point Nepean Road, Rye @montinodelis
HEART IT FORWARD CAFE
ELEMENTS EATERY
Cafe and support services based in Rosebud. Our coffee and food is made from the heart. Also offering Filipino groceries.
Award-winning eatery and cafe serving delicious coffee and food in a welcoming community atmosphere, 7 days a week.
1377 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud heartitforward.com.au 0401 596 060 @heart_it_forward_cafe
Yawa, 100 Besgrove Street, Rosebud elementseatery.com.au @elementseatery
ROSEBUD
THE NOOK A relaxed, all-day restaurant created for good food and good company. Offering all day breakfast and lunch, dinner starting from 5pm. Wood fire pizza available. Shop 43/37 McCombe Street, Rosebud 5985 9896 @thenookrosebudplaza
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FRANKSTON
BALNARRING
ARTHURS SEAT
COMMONFOLK FRANKSTON
THE KENNEL
ARTHURS SEAT EAGLE
Look for the orange gate located on the side of Gordon’s Corner Wine Bar. A small coffee window slinging local Revs coffee, specialty food, hot & cold beverages.
Small but mighty, our award-winning bayside cafe serving up exceptional coffee, delicious seasonal food and seriously good vibes in the heart of Frankston.
Coffee tastes better with a view! Enjoy baristamade coffee, fresh pastries, delicious meals and sweet treats at the summit of Arthurs Seat.
1/3050 Frankston-Flinders Road Balnarring (Open Fri, Sat & Sun 7am–11am.) @thekennel_ & @gordons.corner
43 Playne Street, Frankston @commonfolkfrankston
1085 Arthurs Seat Road, Arthurs Seat ele aseagle.com.au @aseagle
FLINDERS
FLINDERS GENERAL STORE
Is your cafe missing out?
Offering a sustainably sourced speciality coffee exclusively roasted by Blume Coffee. Sweet, rich & complex. Ethically delicious.
ADVERTISE WITH US. FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT
BELINDA 0419 135 900
50 Cook Street, Flinders @flindersgeneralstores
the Coffee COUNTER
BARN DOOR SALES MONDAY TO FR IDAY 8AM - 4.30PM AND SATURDAY S 8AM-12.30PM
Tired of stale tasting supermarket eggs? Our farm is family owned and managed. We have been producing quality eggs for over 40 years, supplying the public, cafes, restaurants and other businesses on the peninsula. r from our barn door. Come and visit our Free Range hens roaming in their paddocks!
FARM FRESH FREE RANGE EGGS AT WHOLESALE PRICES!
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CHOOK POO BY THE BAG
COME AND SE THE CHICKENSE ROAMING FREE THE PADDOCK IN !
Focus On
FOCUS on Mount Martha Mount Martha is a seaside town on the Mornington Peninsula 60 kilometres southeast 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.
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 $1,400,000 and to rent is $895 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. Mount Martha recorded a population of 19,846 at the 2021 census.
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. November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 57
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,
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.
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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.
FRESH FACES. FAMILIAR FAVOURITES There's always something to discover at the Mornington Main Street Market.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW STALLHOLDERS
mock red hill donny’s biscuits little round spoon
the fermentologist urban farming collective mornington peninsula spirits PLUS ALL YOUR MUCH-LOVED WEEKLY REGULARS! Supporting local makers, growers and producers for over 40 years.
EVERY WEDNESDAY | 9AM–3PM @MAINSTREETMARKETMORNINGTON
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 59
INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY
THE SMILE WE HIDE: WHY MEN'S ORAL HEALTH MATTERS Many men are good at putting up with things: a persistent ache, a problem that seems manageable, or something they promise themselves they will get around to eventually. Dental health is often the same.
Prosthodontics focuses on restoring and replacing teeth, particularly when problems are complex. Treatment may involve repairing existing teeth, crowns, bridges, dentures, implant-supported restorations or more comprehensive rehabilitation.
A missing tooth, a denture that moves when eating, or teeth that have gradually worn down or broken can all creep up slowly. People learn to chew on one side, avoid certain foods, cover their mouths when laughing or don’t smile in photographs. Over time, a dental problem can start to affect much more than the teeth.
“Some people arrive convinced all their teeth need removing, or that nothing can be done about a loose denture,” David says. “That isn’t necessarily the case. The first step is understanding the problem and discussing realistic options.”
When teeth affect everyday life Mornington specialist prosthodontist Dr David Laskey hears these stories often.
Treatment is different for everyone. A careful examination looks at oral health, existing dental work, function, personal goals and what is practical for each patient. From there, David talks patients through their options, including the benefits, risks and costs, so they can make an informed decision.
“We meet people who have struggled with their teeth for years, sometimes decades,” he says. “They’ve adapted to the physical problems, but what stays with me is how much it has affected the rest of their lives.”
“Good care starts with listening,” he says. “We need to understand what’s happening with someone’s teeth and how it’s affecting their life.”
Some avoid restaurants because they worry their dentures will move. For others, speaking in meetings or meeting clients becomes uncomfortable when they are constantly conscious of their teeth, and social occasions and family photos can become something to avoid.
For David, the rewarding moments are often ordinary ones: a patient who is comfortable eating with friends again, or who can speak without worrying about a denture.
“These concerns go well beyond appearance,” David explains. “They’re about being able to eat comfortably, speak confidently and enjoy everyday moments without constantly thinking about your teeth.” Why men delay seeking help International Men's Day on 19 November encourages conversations about men's health and wellbeing, including the problems that are easy to overlook. People delay dental care for many reasons: cost, anxiety, embarrassment, competing responsibilities, or the belief that deteriorating teeth are simply part of getting older. “People change what they eat and how they smile, how they live,” David says. “Eventually those adjustments become normal.”
More than a smile
Dental treatment cannot solve every difficulty with confidence or self-esteem, and outcomes vary from person to person. Addressing painful, unstable or failing teeth can, however, remove a source of daily discomfort. International Men's Day is a reminder that looking after your health is part of being able to enjoy life and take part in it fully. “You don’t need to know which treatment you want, and you don’t need to feel embarrassed,” David says. “We’re here to listen, assess and explain what might be possible.” If you've been putting up with missing, worn or broken teeth, uncomfortable dentures or failing dental work, seeking professional advice can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your oral health.
Oral health is an important part of overall health. Missing or damaged teeth can make chewing difficult, unstable dentures can interfere with meals, and untreated dental disease can lead to pain, infection and further damage. Seeking advice early may help stop some problems from becoming more complex, and even longstanding problems are worth having assessed. Understanding the options Originally from South Wales, David moved to Mornington in 2012 and has spent the past 14 years caring for patients in the local community. He became owner of Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic in 2018 before returning to the University of Melbourne to complete three years of full-time specialist training in prosthodontics. In 2022, he established Mornington Prosthodontics, providing local access to specialist restorative and implant dentistry. Today, the peninsula is home to David, his wife Noorina and their daughter Sophia.
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P 5975 5944 W morningtondental.com.au
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 61
INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY
HELPING MEN DRESS WITH CONFIDENCE Having the right clothing can make a significant difference to how a person feels about themselves and how they approach new opportunities. For men experiencing financial hardship, the cost of suitable everyday clothing or a smart outfit for an important occasion can be an added challenge. Clothes4U Inc. Rosebud is helping remove that barrier by providing quality clothing and essential items to people in need across the Mornington Peninsula, completely FREE of charge. Established in 2013, Clothes4U is a not-for-profit charity that has supported thousands of people throughout the local community. Run with the help of dedicated volunteers, the organisation offers more than practical assistance. Its welcoming environment and personalised service help people feel respected, supported and confident, regardless of their circumstances. A particular focus is helping men and young adults prepare for important milestones. Alongside its everyday clothing, Clothes4U stocks a selection of formalwear and interview outfits, including quality suits, jackets and accessories. Whether someone is preparing for a job interview, starting a new position, attending a formal event or dressing for another special occasion, having an appropriate outfit can help them feel ready to take that next step. For someone seeking employment, an interview outfit can be especially important. Feeling comfortable and appropriately dressed can help a person approach an interview with greater confidence, allowing them to focus on presenting their skills, experience and personality. By making formal clothing available at no cost, Clothes4U helps reduce one of the financial pressures that can stand in the way of pursuing new opportunities.
Appointments for formalwear can be arranged through a support worker or by contacting Clothes4U directly. This personalised approach allows individuals to receive assistance in a friendly, supportive setting where they can find clothing suited to their needs. The charity’s support extends well beyond formalwear. Clothes4U also provides shoes, accessories, toiletries, bedding and towels, as well as Share the Dignity bags for families in need. Its approach is centred on kindness, respect and understanding, with no judgement attached to asking for help. Separate shopping spaces for men and women also help create a comfortable and inclusive experience for visitors. International Men’s Day provides an opportunity to recognise the positive contributions men make to their families, workplaces and communities, while also acknowledging the importance of supporting men through life’s challenges. Clothes4U’s work reflects this message by helping men access the clothing they need to participate in everyday life, pursue employment and approach important occasions with dignity. As a community-driven charity, Clothes4U relies on the generosity of local supporters and welcomes donations and volunteers to help its services continue. Clothes4U is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am–2pm, and on the last Saturday of each month from 10am–1pm. A public sale is also held on the last Friday of each month from 1pm–4pm, with items available for just $5 each. FB clothes4uinc.rosebud IG @clothes4uinc
We provide FREE clothing to people in need within our community, helping them feel confident, valued, and supported.
www.clothes4urosebud.org Shops 5 & 6/35 Wannaeue Pl, Rosebud 0490 058 596 62 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY
MISSELL PROPERTY GROUP For Craig Missell, real estate has never been just about bricks and mortar. It’s about people, family, lifestyle and the hopes people attach to a home. This philosophy inspired him to establish Missell Property Group, an independent boutique Bayside agency built around personal relationships and genuine accountability.
Putting his family name on the business means standing personally behind the service and results. Away from work, Craig enjoys the Bayside lifestyle, family time and supporting junior Bayside sporting clubs, not to forget time with Lola, his Irish Wolfhound cross. Ultimately, success isn’t simply measured by properties sold, but by trust earned and the difference made along the way.
In a crowded market, Craig chooses not to compete on volume. His goal isn’t to sell the most homes, but to achieve the best possible result for each client by putting their needs first. Having built, run and sold a successful recruitment business, Craig developed valuable insight into human behaviour, communication and negotiation, skills that matter when the stakes are high and emotions run deep. His life experiences, including a near death hiking experience in Nepal, have shaped his perspective, reinforcing the importance of human connection and making the most of life’s opportunities. Craig chose independence so clients could deal directly with him, with transparency and commitment from start to finish. No assistant handovers or competing for his attention. Every property deserves dedicated time, thoughtful strategy and the right exposure. His technology supports a smooth, transparent experience across both property sales and leasing. Craig understands that selling can be daunting, stressful and emotional. His role is to guide clients through the journey, navigate challenges and negotiate with determination when it matters most.
P 1300 MISSELL M 0437 321 333 E craig.missell@missell.com.au W missell.com.au
WHY SETTLE FOR LESS?
Selling or renting your home deserves a personal approach. PERSONAL SERVICE • TAILORED STRATEGY • REAL ACCOUNTABILITY 686 NEPEAN HWY CARRUM
I
0437 321 333
I
www.missell.com.au November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 63
INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY
A TRUSTED ADVISER FOR LIFE’S BIG DECISIONS Financial decisions can have a lasting impact, from building wealth and preparing for retirement to protecting the future you hope to leave for your family. Having someone experienced to turn to can make these decisions feel more manageable. SAF Private Wealth provides full-service stockbroking and investment advice to Mornington Peninsula residents, offering a personal approach built on understanding each client’s circumstances, priorities and long-term goals.
As International Men’s Day encourages conversations around men’s wellbeing, positive role models and planning for the future, it is also a timely reminder that seeking trusted advice can be a valuable step towards greater financial confidence. Whether planning ahead or navigating a significant life change, having a knowledgeable professional to discuss the options with can make a difference.
Founder and principal Simon Fritsch brings more than 25 years of experience working with private clients and their families. His background includes senior roles at UBS Wealth Management and a founding partnership at Crestone Wealth Management. Now based in Mount Martha, Simon brings that experience to local investors seeking a more personal relationship with their adviser. For many people, financial planning is about more than investment performance. It can mean creating a reliable income in retirement, reviewing existing investments, managing a self-directed portfolio or making considered decisions about the next stage of life. SAF Private Wealth works with clients to build and manage share portfolios, review existing holdings, assist with self-managed superannuation fund portfolios and work alongside accountants, solicitors and family members where appropriate.
W safprivatewealth.com.au
I N V E S T M E N T A DV I C E & S TO C K B RO K I N G
Your wealth. Your portfolio. Your adviser. Personal advice. Long-term perspective. A relationship built on trust. Financial decisions are easier to navigate when you have an experienced adviser who understands your goals. At SAF Private Wealth, Simon Fritsch provides personalised stockbroking and investment advice, helping clients make informed decisions about their Australian share portfolios and financial future. Whether you are building wealth, preparing for retirement or reviewing your existing investments, Simon offers a personal approach and more than 27 years of portfolio management experience. Your investments. Your priorities. Advice tailored to you. Simon is based in Melbourne and on the Peninsula.
Simon Fritsch, SAF Private Wealth 0417 577 795 | safprivatewealth.com.au
Simon Fritsch (AR No. 001269537) is an Authorised Representative of Openmarkets Australia Limited AFSL 246705, trading as SAF Private Wealth. The information provided is general in nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on it, you should consider whether it is appropriate having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY
A LIFETIME OF SMILES: DR PETER SCOTT’S COMMITMENT TO CARE For families across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, Dr Peter Scott brings decades of experience in orthodontics, a genuine love of what he does, and a wonderful appreciation for the difference a confident smile can make. Dr Scott graduated in Dentistry from the University of Melbourne before completing his Masters of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Illinois, Chicago, USA. A significant chapter of Dr Scott’s professional life has been his longstanding association with The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne as senior consultant orthodontist, where he has been involved in caring for children with a wide range of orthodontic and craniofacial needs, including patients born with cleft lip and palate. He has also been a member of the Orthodontic Department at the University of Melbourne, contributing to the teaching of postgraduate orthodontic students and sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of dental professionals. Alongside his hospital work, Dr Scott has maintained a career in private practice and professional education. Today, he practises on the Mornington Peninsula, providing specialist orthodontic care for children, teenagers and adults. For Dr Scott, however, a career is about more than clinical expertise. He genuinely enjoys getting to know his patients and their families, watching children grow in confidence and supporting them throughout their orthodontic journey. As International Men’s Day celebrates the positive contributions men make to their families, workplaces and communities, Dr Scott’s longstanding commitment to caring, teaching and mentoring reflects the meaningful role that experienced professionals can play in the lives of others. After so many years in the profession, his enthusiasm for his work remains very much part of what he brings to every patient.
Dr Peter Scott and Associates are specialist orthodontists offering orthodontic care for children, teens and adults alike in Mornington Peninsula, Bayside, Casey and beyond. Dr Peter Scott is also a consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Specialist Orthodontists Creating Beautiful Smiles on the Peninsula for Over 35 Years Expertise in Child and Adult Orthodontics Early Assessment of Dental Development and Facial Growth Ideal Age of Initial Assessment 7-9 Years Early Intervention Where Appropriate for Best Outcome No Referral Necessary Interest Free Payment Plans Available Braces and Aligners
13 Beach St Frankston
W drpeterscott.com.au
Ph: 9783 4511 drpeterscott.com.au @drpeterscottorthodontist
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 65
THE LOWDOWN
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.
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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
A Sheppard Family Tradition for over 70 Years Our Hampton style range of homes are designed to reflect modern coastal elegance, light colours, wide verandas, with an abundance of natural light for the family that wants to experience that “holiday feeling” every day. 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
Ph: 5973 5973
highviewhomes.com.au
CDB-U 70372
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
MARLENE MILLER ANTIQUES Come on down and browse. You're sure to find that christmas gift with a difference ! 128 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
UNIQUE AND ANTIQUE A wide variety of antique signage and artifacts. Glassware, toys, collectibles, model trains and cars. 14 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Tyabb
CANDY CLAW Stocking the ever popular squishies and also a wide range of yummy American candy treats. Come in for the candy, stay for the fun! 2/855 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud
Specialising in antique jewellery, as well as newly-made jewellery by Melbourne’s finests jewellers
128 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento M: 0438 537 757 I E: marlenemiller3@bigpond.com
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Collectibles 0415 322 464 14 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Tyabb
CANDY • ICE CREAM • CLAW MACHINES • PRIZES & MORE!
OLIEVE & OLIE
Come in for the candy, stay for the fun!
Handcrafted right here on the Mornington Peninsula, the Olieve & Olie Christmas Range features candles and diffusers in festive scents, alongside the return of their Sparkling Mistletoe limited-edition handmade soap. Factory 7/16-18 Henry Wilson Drive, Rosebud
2/855 PT NEPEAN ROAD, ROSEBUD • 0402 169 122
5982 0992
GIVE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL THIS CHRISTMAS Celebrate the magic of Christmas with the return of Olieve & Olie’s much-loved Christmas Collection. Handcrafted on the Mornington Peninsula, this limited-edition range brings together beautiful seasonal fragrances and thoughtfully designed gifts. Featuring three captivating scents - Festive Holly & Balsam, Frosted Cranberry & Sugar Plum, and Zesty Orange & Warm Spices - the collection evokes the warmth, joy and nostalgia of the season. From beautifully scented candles to luxurious reed diffusers, each brings a touch of Christmas magic into your home. Completing the collection is their limited-edition Sparkling Mistletoe Gift Soap, beautifully presented in a calico bag with a gold-accented bauble tag. Enriched with Australian olive oil and scented with frankincense, lemon, bay laurel and sweet orange, each bar gently cleanses and nourishes the skin, with a swirl of gold mica adding a touch of Christmas sparkle. Available for a limited time only, gift local and support small this Christmas. Shop online or visit the Olieve & Olie factory shop in Rosebud, open Monday to Friday from 8:30am–4:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am–3:00pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.
Photo: Willow Creative.
FACTORY 7 /16-18 HENRY WILSON DRIVE, ROSEBUD 7/16-18 HENRY WILSON DRIVE, ROSEBUD 5982 0992 • OLIEVEANDOLIE.COM.AU •
•
PH 5982 0992
OLIEVEANDOLIE
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WWW.OLIEVEANDOLIE.COM.AU November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 69
THE LOWDOWN
WHY FOSTERING FITS THE PENINSULA LIFESTYLE The Mornington Peninsula, long known as a holiday escape, is also home to increasing numbers of young families. According to Tania Ferris, Carer Recruitment and Development Manager at MacKillop Family Services, this presents as an opportunity to grow the pool of foster carers in the region. “There are families already doing the school drop-offs and the community events and taking their children to the beach or park. What we’re asking is: ‘Would you consider supporting another child?’” Tania says the region is facing demand for foster care at a time when fewer people are stepping forward to become carers. "In the ten years MacKillop has been operating in the region, we've seen more children and young people needing care.” “But I have full faith in the local community! The Mornington Peninsula thrives on community spirit,” she says. “There is a real commitment from people here to keep children in care within the local area, so they maintain links to their families, schools and social groups.”
“The most important thing is a willingness to help and a deep motivation to care and support children. We’re looking for everyday people who will open their heart and home to a child or young person, whether it is caring for a child on the weekends, or offering longer term support to provide stability and consistency for the child’s routine.” “Besides families, empty nesters on the Mornington Peninsula might like to think about providing care for weekends or short stays. The area offers so many opportunities for children and young people to get involved, stay active and enjoy the outdoors.” Tania encourages everyone to learn more about foster care at mackillop.org.au/fostercare “Find out why children need support, and about the difference you can make. You may be surprised how well fostering can fit in with your lifestyle.” Right here on the Mornington Peninsula.
“There’s a group of foster carers who support and help each other out. Foster care in this area can really thrive on that.” MacKillop carers receive training, professional guidance and 24/7 support, making foster care more achievable than many people realise.
Become a foster carer mackillop.org.au 70 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
W mackillop.org.au/fostercare
THE LOWDOWN
CHRISTMAS SEASON IN WESTERN PORT
Spend Summer in Hastings
There’s something pretty special about Christmas in Western Port. The weather warms up, the days stretch out, and suddenly there is every reason to slow down, wander along High Street, Hastings and make a day of it with friends and family. This Christmas, why not do a little more of your shopping right here in Hastings and across Western Port? From finding something unexpected in a local store to grabbing a coffee while you’re out, shopping locally is about more than ticking things off the Christmas list. It’s about keeping the town busy, supporting local families and helping the businesses that make Hastings what it is. You never know what you’ll discover on your own doorstep - so this summer, skip the rush and make a day of Hastings. This season, you are invited to shop locally, eat locally, explore locally - and give a little back to the people who work so hard to make Western Port such a great place to live. Brought to you by the Western Port Chamber of Commerce supporting our local businesses.
shopping local supports your locals
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W hastings.org.au
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WE HAVE IT ALL IN HASTINGS
HASTINGS
A LEGACY CONTINUES The late Anmatyerre artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye (c.1910-1996) is increasingly lauded as one of Australia's most significant artists. Her enduring theme was her ancestral Country of Alhalkere, in the Utopia region north-east of Mpwarnte (Alice Springs). Remembered fondly as 'Aunty Emily’, Kngwarreye’s work lives on in the work of women artists of Utopia: her grandnieces Janet Golder Kngwarreye and Belinda Golder Kngwarreye; third generation artist Charmaine Pwerle, and the refined monochrome works of Lizzie Moss Pwerle. Their work continues Kngwarreye's revolutionary act of sharing the beauty and knowledge of their beloved Country.
November 7-30
UTOPIA: a homage
Curators in conversation, November 7 | 2.30 pm
Art writers and Everywhen's curators Susan McCulloch and Emily McCulloch Childs witnessed Kngwarreye's painting life 30+ years ago. They will discuss her work and legacy at the exhibition opening on Saturday November 7 at 2.30 pm. RSVP talk: info@everywhenart.com.au Exhibition runs to November 30
Charmaine Pwerle, Awelye
642 Tucks Road, Shoreham, - Open Fri-Sun 11-4 P 5931 0318 W everywhenart.com.au
EVERYWHEN ART, Whistlewood, 642 Tucks Road, Shoreham OPEN: Friday - Sunday 11am- 4pm. T: 03 5951 0318 everywhenart.com.au info@everywhenart.com.au November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 71
THE LOWDOWN
ARE YOU IN NEED OF A BREAK? Lamble Tours highly anticipated 2027 holiday packages are now available, exclusively highlighting their premium summer and autumn getaways.There’s something for everyone! Every Lamble Tours journey is thoughtfully crafted with care, knowledge, and attention to the little things. With years of hands-on experience, each itinerary is designed not just around destinations, but around what truly makes a holiday special. Explore Lamble Tours range of short getaways and extended holidays. With their convenient home pick-up and return service across metropolitan Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, your holiday begins the moment you step out the door. Immerse yourself in a warm winter escape on the sunshine coast, or explore the natural beauty of Hervey Bay and Fraser Island. Looking ahead, you can discover the incredible beauty of Norfolk Island or secure your place on the Overland Train to Adelaide, complete with the magic of the Christmas Pageant. Refresh, recharge, and rediscover - your next getaway awaits!
Tours escorted by Vickie Lamble
Relax, Enjoy & Discover! 9 DAYS NORFOLK ISLAND Tuesday 16 – Wednesday 24 Feburary 2027 Discover the incredible natural beauty of Norfolk Island that is also rich is history and culture. From pristine waters, rugged cliffs, convict ruins and breathtaking scenary – paradise awaits. Join us for many memorable highlights.
Cost: $4,660
Per person twin share/double. Single Supp: $750 Please pay deposit of $200 ASAP to secure booking Note: Entry requirements for Norfolk Island photo ID, current drivers licence, or current Passport or photo ID obtained from Australia Post.
5 DAYS - Q TRAIN & THE SHIPWRECK COAST Monday 23 – Friday 27 March 2027 From the rails to the rugged coast – experience culinary delights and breathtaking ocean views in one unforgettable journey. Savour fine dining on the Q Train, then explore the raw beauty of the Shipwreck Coast and its iconic landscapes.
Cost: $2,570
Per person twin share/double. Single Supp $470
10 DAYS – AUTUMN EAST COAST TASMANIA Thursday 1 – Saturday 10 April 2027 FLY/FLY A 10-day autumn escape through Tasmania blending vibrant food, wild coastlines, and crisp seasonal landscapes. From the historic charm and breathtaking views of Launceston to the rugged beauty and gourmet experiences of Bruny Island.
Cost $4,890
Per person twin share /double. Single Supp $895
For a detailed itinerary phone: 0418 853 810 or Email: lambletours@bigpond.com Home pick up & return service metropolitan / Mornington Peninsula
P 0418 853 810 E lambletours@bigpond.com FB @lambletours W lambletours.com.au
www.lambletours.com.au Sat 21 Nov, 9am to 2pm
EMU 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!
Local Produce • Artisan Makers • Gourmet Food • Live Music • Art • Vintage
emuplainsmarket.com.au
Sat 28 Nov, 4pm to 9pm
LITTLE BEAUTY TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS MARKET As part of the super popular Frankston's Christmas Festival Beauty Park will come alive with festive cheer. Shop for unique gifts, enjoy the delicious festive food and soak up the awesome live entertainment. littlebeautymarket.com.au
SATURDAY 7th NOVEMBER
First Saturday of the Month | Sept - May | 9am - 2pm
www.hillandridgemarket.com.au Red Hill Recreation Reserve 184 Arthurs Seat Road Red Hill 3937
72 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
Sat 28 Nov, 8.30am 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.
dromanamarket.org.au
THE LOWDOWN
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 73
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1300 220 869
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THE LOWDOWN
GATHER CLOSE, IT’S CHRISTMAS There is something uniquely special about Christmas on the Mornington Peninsula. Perhaps it’s the way family and friends find time to come together after a busy year, or the simple traditions that are revisited and cherished with each passing season. For many local families, a visit to Santa has become one of those traditions. This Christmas, Rosebud Plaza will once again provide a place for families to pause, connect and experience a little festive magic. At the centre of the celebrations is a new-look Santa Village inspired by the wonder and imagination of the North Pole, where children can wander through story-filled spaces including a Post Office, Toy Workshop, Gingerbread Kitchen and Santa’s own Lounge Room. The season begins on 15 November with Santa’s arrival, joined by Mrs Claus, Rudolph and a team of cheerful elves, marking the start of several weeks dedicated to creating memorable moments for local families. A range of Santa photo packages will be available throughout the season, including the Frosty Santa Pack from just $30, offering families an affordable way to preserve those magical Christmas memories together while making Christmas a little more accessible for household budgets. Alongside Santa photos, visitors can enjoy festive inspiration from returning guest Chef Heidi, discover thoughtful gifts from local retailers and even include their beloved pets in the festive fun. Shopping locally also means less time travelling and more time enjoying the season, with everything from gifts and entertaining essentials to fresh food and everyday favourites conveniently available in one place. However you celebrate, Rosebud Plaza wishes our community a joyful Christmas filled with togetherness, tradition and lasting memories.
W rosebudplaza.com.au
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 75
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
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174. Food cupboard 177. Trite phrase 179. Concept 180. Coral organism 182. Pagan 183. Attachment (3-2) 185. Accelerated (4,2) 187. Opulent 188. Colorado ski town 189. Gold bars 191. UK New Year's honour (1,1,1) 192. Cable News Network (1,1,1) 193. Curly-tailed marine creature (3,5) 194. Deceitfully 195. Inundated
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See page 82 for solution November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 77
History
78 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
Lost at Long Tan By Peter McCullough
M
emorial services were held across Australia on 18 August to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. It was Australia’s costliest day of the Vietnam War when 18 soldiers were killed. One of them was Colin Whiston, a 21year- old National Serviceman from Crib Point. What was National Service?
Since Federation there have been four different national service schemes. The first was the Universal Service Scheme which ran from 1911 to 1929; it required all males aged 12 and over to undertake military training in either cadets or Citizen Forces. (This custom of training boys as young as 12 was evident even in the 1890’s, often with undesirable consequences. At the Hastings State School in 1893 12-year-old Francis Incigneri, a member of the school cadet unit, was killed at the rifle range set up in one corner of the school yard).
Colin had a keen interest in Australian Rules football and, as he was over six feet in height, he became a ruckman in the Crib Point Under-17 team. In 1963 the club won the premiership for the Nepean Football League’s third eighteen; Colin was a key player. He played 43 junior games with Crib Point followed by 63 games with the seniors.Colin also enjoyed playing tennis and loved fishing. After leaving school, Colin was a postman for a time but was working at Central Timber in Frankston when his call-up papers for National Service arrived. continued next page...
Following the outbreak of World War Two a militia training scheme was introduced in 1940; it required all unmarried men who turned 21 to complete three months of training in the Citizens Military Forces (C.M.F.). This scheme ended in 1946. During the Cold War over 280,000 young Australians were conscripted in two different major schemes of compulsory military service. The first of these schemes (1951-59 ) was aimed at 18-year-old males for 176 days of training followed by reserve service. It was gradually phased out and by 1959 a ballot (one in five) had been introduced. The second conscription scheme (1964-72 ), known as ‘Selective Service’, targeted 20-year-old men via a birthday ballot for two years of full-time army service. It was often used to bolster numbers for the Vietnam War. A tour of Vietnam was typically 12 months and the first national servicemen to serve there arrived in 1966. Over 63,000 were conscripted in this scheme with more than 15,000 serving in Vietnam. A total of 524 lives were lost, 212 of them conscripts, and over 3,000 were wounded. Intense political and social debate occurred during the 1960’s , particularly with regard to the dispatch of conscripts to Vietnam. Draft resistance grew and anti-conscription movements such as ‘Save Our Sons’ gathered strength. Protest rallies clogged the city streets before the scheme officially ended in December 1972. Colin Whiston Colin was born in Sydney on 8 May 1945 and the family moved to Crib Point when he was quite young. He attended St. Joseph’s Primary School in Crib Point and then Mornington High School.
Above: Colin in his Crib Point Football Club gear November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 79
Above: The Battle of Long Tan
The Battle of Long Tan Beginning his National Service on 26 September 1965, after training at Puckapunyal and Ingleburn, Colin was posted to the 1st Australian Reinforcement Unit at Vung Tau, arriving in Vietnam in mid June of 1966. In August he was posted to the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. He joined his unit on 16 August1966 and was sent to 11 Platoon, D Company. The Australian War Memorial’s account of Colin’s involvement and death in the Battle of Long Tan is as follows:
"In the early hours of the 17th August, Nui Dat was hit by mortar and rifle fire, causing 24 Australian casualties. Patrols were sent out and soon located the enemy firing positions, but the Viet Cong had withdrawn. The next day D Company moved into the Long Tan area. Shortly after 3 pm, 11 Platoon came into contact with enemy forces in the Long Tan rubber plantation. The enemy withdrew, 11 Platoon followed up. At approximately 4 pm, 11 Platoon encountered heavy opposition and began taking casualties. 80 | PENINSULA essence November 2026
Whiston was hit and killed by multiple gunshot wounds in the opening seconds of the battle. In minutes, 6 Section was all but wiped out. Engaged from three sides, the platoon was in danger of being cut off. Monsoonal rain deluged the area, reducing visibility and turning the ground into slick, red mud. In the hours that followed, a numerically superior Vietnamese force attempted to overrun D Company. Well-controlled artillery fire and ammunition resupply flown in by Australian helicopters helped stave off disaster. That evening armoured personnel carriers arrived and linked up with D company, and as night fell the enemy withdrew. Next morning the men of D Company returned to the battle site and recovered two of their badly injured comrades. Colin and the rest of the fallen were found still lying at their weapons, having died defending their positions. The Australians recovered three wounded Vietnamese soldiers and buried over 245 of their dead.”
Return to Crib Point Colin Whiston was only 21 years old and had been in Vietnam for seven weeks. His remains were returned to Crib Point and he was laid to rest in the Crib Point cemetery. Colin Parade, which leads to the Crib Point Reserve, is named in his honour as is the best-andfairest award for the Crib Point Football Club. A memorial plaque has been erected in Colin Parade. The Whiston Family In country towns there are often families which make a significant contribution to a particular aspect of community activities; more often than not it is the local football/netball club. The Whistons were such a family Tom and Ruby Whiston arrived in Crib Point in 1945 and purchased a house alongside the football ground where they raised a family: Colin (born 1945), Terry (1947) and Michele (1955).They became involved in the re-formation of the Crib Point Football Club in 1947; this was the start of a remarkable 30 year period of dedication and service to that club. Apart from the restoration of the former oval, Tom Whiston fulfilled a multitude of roles and tasks including on-going maintenance of the grounds and surrounds, marking out the ground, gatekeeper, timekeeper, boot studder and property steward. He was Team Manager for the fledgling Under-17 sides of which Colin and Terry were members, and he was a committeeman for over 10 years. continued next page...
Above: The grave at Crib Point Cemetery Below: Tom and Ruby Whiston with children Terry, Colin and Michelle
November 2026 PENINSULA essence | 81
In the early days, when facilities were limited, the umpires bathed and dined at the Whiston’s home after the match. Ruby Whiston supported the club as enthusiastically as her husband, particularly in the social activities/fund raising area. Both helped to run the bingo evenings and Ruby was heavily involved in catering and running the canteen. Once a week the family’s clothesline would groan under the weight of jumpers, towels, dressing gowns, socks, canvas tarpaulins and tea towels. Tom and Ruby Whiston were universally loved and respected at the Crib Point Football Club and were the recipients of life membership in the late 1950’s. And the family? Colin’s contribution has already been noted. Terry Whiston played 100 games with the Crib Point Football Club between 1964 and 1968 and was a star player in the ‘Three Peat’ premiership flags of 1966, 1967 and 1968. Michele Whiston married Kerry Thurstans who played with Crib Point in the 1970’s and 1980’s and their sons (Ben, Scott and Toby) all played with the club in the 2000’s. Ben Thurstans played 111 senior games, including the 2001 premiership team. Toby was recruited by Port Adelaide where he played 110 games. He was among the best players in Port Adelaide’s 2004 premiership and 2007 grand final sides. When Tom Whiston, a Second World War veteran, passed away in 1993, he was laid to rest in the Crib Point cemetery with Colin.
References: Australian War Memorial ‘Places of Pride’ (internet) Cusick, Michael ‘Riding the bumps with a grin…AT CRIB POINT.’
Above: The memorial plaque in Colin Parade T
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Transform your home with stylish Transform your window home with stylish and functional coverings and window coverings from functional Carpet Call. from Carpet Call. Trusted quality and expert advice Trusted andinexpert advice from thequality Experts the Trade. from the Experts in the Trade.
PLANTATION SHUTTERS PLANTATION SHUTTERS
per square metre per square metre
Visit us in store Visit us in store or online or online
Shop 22A Shop 22A Nepean Hwy 1128–1132 1128–1132 Hwy MorningtonNepean VIC 3931 Mornington VIC 3931
S105, Karingal Hub Shopping Centre, 330 Cranbourne Rd, Karingal, VIC 3199 www.avedisjewellery.com (03) 9789 2388