Southern Peninsula News 6 February 2024

Page 7

Foreshore fury over ‘goat’ track

Learn traditional oil painting from the beginning with Lulu Clifton-Evans

Workshops for beginners who would like to learn traditional oil painting but don’t know where to start or how to begin. Also for people who would like to revisit the basics. It will focus on nontoxic solvent alternatives.

Awards:

2023 Thomas Somerscales Trophy, Maritime Painting, Victorian Arts Society

2023 Summer Exhibition Best Painting, Curator’s Choice, Victorian Arts Society 2023 John Dudley Portrait Prize Finalist

2022 Oakhill Gallery Annual Exhibition winner 2022 AME Bale Finalist

DARRYL Donaldson says beach access through foreshore vegetation is a right. Picture: Yanni A FURORE over foreshore access has highlighted the divide between conservation and public right of use. A recent decision by the foreshore committee at Capel Sound to prevent “goat tracks” being used for people to access the beach has upset some nearby residents. Eighty-two-year-old Darryl Donaldson, who lives on Point Nepean Road, said he and a few neighbours had come to enjoy immediate access to the beach for “decades” by using tracks through the bush. He did not believe the tracks were causing any damage to the delicate coastal bush environment, where they had existed for up to 50 years. Foreshore committee spokesperson Travis Graham disagrees. Having been in the job for 12 months, he and his crew are focused on restoring the natural coastal habitat and remedying the damage caused by people trampling the bush. “Yes, there are people who believe they can do

what they want, but I’d like them to understand we have to protect what’s here and do our best to restore what’s already been lost,” he said. “This is a delicate area. There are some people who think they are using paths, but they are walking through natural coastal bush, they are trampling sensitive habitats.” Graham said the 3.8 kilometres of foreshore area was home to native orchids and other flora and fauna that were at risk from losing their “corridors” if people did not obey the rules. “There are several nearby designated access points which we point people to, but they don’t want to have to walk,” he said. “It’s a challenge to keep people out, but the areas some people are using is through a nature reserve, not a public access path.” Graham said the committee had made a concerted effort to give people easy access to the beach and had approved two paths within 30 and 200 metres of the “goat” track now being used.

Weddings added to farm’s produce DISABILITY social enterprise Sages Cottage Farm, Baxter, is joining forced with Melbourne Event Group to transform the 15 hectare farm which is run by 100 young people with disabilities - into a wedding venue. The Baxter farm, run by not-for-profit Wallara, has manicured rose gardens, a rustic cafe, vegetable gardens and farm animals. Wallara’s CEO and father of a child with intellectual disability Phil Hayes-Brown said the vision with Sages Cottage Farm was to create Australia’s most inclusive farm. This is now open to the public daily and receives more than 10,000 visitors. “We know the rustic farm is perfectly suited to weddings and events and so we really wanted a partner who gets our inclusion vision,” he said. “MEG is that partner and we are so excited to have one of the best event and catering teams in Melbourne partner with us.” Wallara is a disability support agency which supports more than 600 adults across Melbourne’s southeast and north.

The statue was carved by artist Brandon Kroon, who uses a chainsaw to create his pieces. It was installed last year. RED paint and daubed with swastikas on the front and back on Remembrance Day. RSL spokesman Bruce Turner said it was a blow to see the piece of art damaged, which was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by all people who have served in the armed forces. He said the damage was likely inflicted by a “disgruntled” community member, rather than someone with a political motive. “The community in general has respected the statue and the RSL,” Turner said. The damage was not permanent, and the carving has been cleaned and reinstalled on a new block. To keep it safe, it was moved 150 metres by a crane to another part of the block, near the Flame of Remembrance. The statue was carved by artist Brandon Kroon, who uses a chainsaw to create his pieces. It was installed last year.

Soldier returns

Environment fighter dies

ROSEBUD RSL has been forced to move its soldier statue to prevent further vandalism, after it was splashed with red paint and daubed with swastikas on the front and back on Remembrance Day. RSL spokesman Bruce Turner said it was a blow to see the piece of art damaged, which was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by all people who have served in the armed forces. He said the damage was likely inflicted by a “disgruntled” community member, rather than someone with a political motive. “The community in general has respected the statue and the RSL,” Turner said. The damage was not permanent, and the carving has been cleaned and a crane was used to move it 150 metres to a new base near the Flame of Remembrance.

FIERCE protector of the environment and supporter of sustainable development Mary Drost OAM has died and been remembered by her many supporters. Drost, who was a convenor of Planning Backlash, was well known on the Mornington Peninsula for her advocacy for the protection of the former Ansett Estate on Kunyung Road, Mount Eliza as well as other tracts of land and properties on the peninsula. Drost, 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday 17 January with family by her side. Within the Greek community, Drost also played a significant role in the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece from the British Museum. She had been awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her community contributions.

Email: art@bylulu.com.au Mobile: 0438 438 108 Website: bylulu.com.au

In the Spotlight February in Frankston unfolds as a vibrant tapestry of cultural delights. The Frankston Arts Centre takes centre stage, showcasing Australian musical legends such as Ian Moss, Southern Sons, and The Black Sorrows with Joe Camilleri. It's a privilege to host such iconic talents in our community. Dive into a symphony of musical tributes throughout the month, paying homage to The Beach Boys, Motown Greats, The Eagles, and The Piano Men – Elton John & Billy Joel. No matter your musical inclination, Frankston Arts Centre has your February soundtrack covered. Beyond the harmonies, did you know that the Frankston Arts Centre boasts six dynamic gallery spaces? In the main centre, Maria Radun's mesmerizing still-life compositions grace the curved wall. Meanwhile, the Glass Cube on the street front at Cube 37 features Emma Davies' oversized organic leaf forms, casting ever-changing shadows that transform with the natural rhythm of the day and are illuminated by night.

The art experiences continue throughout the city… Frankston's Street Art Festival - The Big Picture Fest and Street Arts Tours have both been shortlisted for the 2023 Australian Street Art Awards. Winners are announced soon… The cultural celebrations don’t stop there – mark your calendar for the epic Waterfront Festival on Saturday, February 10, and Sunday, February 11. In the lead up to the festival, Betty’s Burgers will be kicking off the Festival weekend with an unforgettable Beach Movie ‘Dive-In’ right on the Waterfront on Friday 9 February. And then immerse yourself in two days of live music featuring a great line-up including Touch Sensitive, The Grogans and Horns of Leroy, delectable food and drink, family-friendly rides and amusements, and free activities for the kids. The crescendo of the festival is, of course, the eagerly anticipated fireworks lighting up the Saturday night sky. February in Frankston is not just a month; it's a sensory symphony and a canvas of cultural wonders waiting to be explored.

Tammy Ryan Manager, Arts & Culture Frankston City Council

theFAC.com.au DiscoverFrankston.com Southern Peninsula News

7 February 2024

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Southern Peninsula News 6 February 2024 by Mornington Peninsula News Group - Issuu