Voice on Pako - June 2017

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FLOWER POWER WHY GRANT COLLINS’ BUSINESS IS IN BLOOM ON PAKINGTON STREET SEE PAGE 11

21 West Fyans St, Newtown Ph: 03 5221 8877 E: sales@tintmaster.com.au

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With City Hall’s draft budget allocating $100,000 for a Pakington Street beautification concept design, the Voice asked locals how Pako could be improved.

FLOWER POWER WHY GRANT COLLINS’ BUSINESS IS IN BLOOM ON PAKINGTON STREET SEE PAGE 11

21 West Fyans St, Newtown Ph: 03 5221 8877 E: sales@tintmaster.com.au

SKITE BOX COVER REFERENCE Grant Collins amid the floral beauty of his Pakington St store.

Picture: LOUISA JONES

“

It’s already pretty good. Probably just a bit of greenery to make it look more natural.

“

It would be nice to have some more lighting in the trees at the Newtown end. They really come alive at night.

But Pako seems to look after itself.

– LINDA SMITH, 69, BELL POST HILL

We’ve just moved up here in the last six months and we love it - we’ve always wanted to live in Pako. But some of the footpaths are pretty bad and need some work.

– SUE ROBERTS, 73, GEELONG WEST

I reckon Pako looks quite good already. They could spend it up our way instead. The Melaleuca trees on the nature strip are a damned nuisance.

– CLARRY OGLE, 79, HERNE HILL

– EDWARD CROFT, 20, HIGHTON

Published monthly, covering Pakington Street and surrounds, Geelong West, Newtown

“

It’s already lovely - what’s wrong with Pako? But it’s always nice to have some more foot crossings.

– IVOR STEVEN, 65, BELL POST HILL

Advertising and content executive: Emily Robinson 5249 6723 emily.robinson@geelongindependent. com.au General enquiries: 5249 6700 Managing editor: Tony Galpin 52496700

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“

Maybe some more pedestrian crossings somewhere.

– NICOLA CARTER, 33, NEWTOWN

“

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NEWS on pako

Beauty and the blast

BY MANDY OAKHAM Geelong West traders have blasted a council proposal to spend $100,000 on a beautification project for the western end of Pakington Street.

Business owners contacted by the Voice on Pako regarding the possible cash splash by Geelong City Council on the project were unanimous in saying that any money should be directed towards improving security in the area.

The same business people expressed concern about rising crime rates in the area, especially break ins. Owner of Geelong Fresh Foods Carmel Dawson said there was a huge concern locally about security generally, and the increase in break ins in the area specifically.

Last month the business was forced to offer a $500 reward for information on a man who brazenly walked into the store’s staffroom, allegedly stealing wallets and personal items.

“Initially when you hear the council are thinking about spending some money in the area you think fantastic, but it’s a bit tricky really as we have a big problem in the area and I really do think the money would be better spent on security issues, maybe more cameras, or something like that,“ Carmel said.

“There is also a major problem with graffiti in the area

Cash for beatification works would be better spent on security and grafitti removal, traders say.

which puts people off if they are driving through Pakington Street.

“IGA at the back of us closed down recently and every day when I come in there is more graffiti.“ Freestyle Clothing owner Andrea Witty is admanant that security is the biggest issue facing businesses in the area. Her store has been broken into four times this year losing $30,000 in stock and she has just spent $5000 putting iron bars on her shop’s windows.

“Crime rates are just so high at the moment and this is the issue that is of the utmost importance to all business people,“ Andrea said.

“We just don’t know what else we can do to protect our businesses so maybe the council could spend some money on asking the experts what we can do.“ Staff at Trans Otway Travel in Pakington Street don’t feel safe enough to open their doors on a Saturday.

Senior travel consultant

Lauren Kelly said the decision was made after police chased a drug dealer through their premises and one of their staff was knocked to the floor.

“We are always hearing from other shops in the area about break ins and there is a general concern about safety,“ Lauren said.

“Security is always a good investment.“ Staff at the Brazilian Butterfly told the Voice that security was also a big concern for their store as they have had three break ins

in the past six months.

Co-owner Julie Woodruff said that from a business perspective she would like to see any money allocated from council being directed towards curbing spiralling crime rates in the area.

“I would really like to see something that helps ease the frustration and the anxiety of business owners in the area so that I didn’t go to bed every night waiting for a call to say there had been another break in,“ Julie said.

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STYLE on pako

Bold and beautiful Alfie, who just happens to be immaculately groomed.

Barbara’s salon has won “Best of the Bay“ in 2013 and 2015, was named by KRock as the city’s Best Hairdressser, and they were also finalists in the 2015 Geelong Business Excellence awards.

“It’s an ever-evolving industry which keeps me interested and passionate about being in hair. It’s versatile and challenging,“ Barbara says.

“My clients are like family to me and the majority of them have been with me for a very long time so we know each other very well.

“My staff are really great to work with and we are such a tight group who share the same love for the industry. They are constantly inspiring me to be best I can be.“ Barbara says her staff pride themselves on making sure every client is “100 per cent satisfied“ when they leave the salon.

“We have a really relaxed, quirky, yet professional vibe.

Everyone who comes here has a great experience. We enjoy having a laugh and making clients feel beautiful,“ she says.

And Barbara’s tip for the future?

“Being on Shannon Avenue and so close to Pako you get the retail and street traffic, as well as clients who live nearby, and I really feel like this area is up and coming and has the potential to be the new Pako.“

Barbara Ferrante, centre, at Salon Eve with Madi Pender and Jessie Quine. (Fold In The Map Media)

The salon’s contemporary interior has ample space. (Fold In The Map Media)

The person receiving the voucher will also get 15% off homecare products A: Shop 1/127 Shannon Ave Manifold Heights P: 5298 1547 W: www.saloneve.com.au E: info@saloneve.com.au

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BY MANDY OAKHAM If you are looking for a Mad Hatters tea party or a smiling Cheshire cat up a tree you might start your search at Salon Eve on Shannon Avenue.

Salon owner Barbara Ferrante is a huge Alice in Wonderland fan and she is drawing on the mad cap capers of this classic tale to bring colour and just a little quirkiness to her new salon.

If you are a “groovy, trendy female“ who isn’t frightened of being bold and beautiful then this is the salon for you. And if you are a bold and beautiful bloke the salon is also ready to cater for you as well, with their own unique take on modern barbering techiniques.

Barbara started in the industry when she was just 16 doing a school-based apprenticeship.

“So by the time I finished Year 12 I was nearly a qualified hairdresser,“ Barbara says.

“I took a plunge into the industry and my mum kept encouraging me, and I ended up at a salon called Helen Forrest Hairdressing as a school-based apprentice.

“As soon as I got into the industry my love for it grew.“ The young Barbara wanted to be a either a police officer or a lawyer when she was growing up but today her role models include Vidal Sassoon. The 28 year old now lives in Bell Post with her fiance and her favourite moggie,

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NEWS on pako

Stamped for closure

BY LUKE VOOGT Campaigners have ridiculed council administrators’ decision to delay the closure Chilwell Library, just off Pako.

About 200 people protested the closures at a council meeting on 23 May, where the three administrators decided to keep Chillwell and Highton libraries open an extra couple of months before closing them simultaneously with Barwon Heads’ library.

All three will shut at the end of September, a month before the administrators leave and voters elect a new council.

The administrators decided to extend the closure date until 30 September for “community consultation” due to “strong public feedback”.

The decision failed to impress protesters fighting to keep the libraries open permanently.

“All we got was a stay of execution from the two dictators who told us their vision for our libraries,” said Lynne Dowling, who attended this week’s meeting.

“We’re not giving up. The administrators have spent the past nine months and ($645,000) to develop the clever and creative vision for Geelong, but had no consultation at all with us.”

Acting chair of administrators Laurinda Gardner told a packed

BORROWED TIME: Protesters gather outside Chilwell Library in May. 168349

gallery the decision to adopt a new model of library service was still in the “best interests” of greater Geelong “We’ve listened very carefully to the many passionate people who attended and spoke at tonight’s meeting and taken on board the three petitions containing several thousand signatures,” she said.

City Hall expects the three closures to save at least $300,000 a year, which it could use to

help Geelong Regional Library Corporation meet rising costs.

The City has identified the three libraries as poor performers on measures including visitation, loans and internet sessions. Earlier in May more than 200 angry residents gathered at Chilwell Library to protest the closure, with a local school president labelling the decision “inspiringly stupid”.

Chilwell Primary School president Phil Joyce told the

crowd that his students had written letters to Geelong administrators protesting the decision.

“These kids, who use the library regularly, have no say.”

Fellow speaker and campaigner Hilary Hoevenaars was incensed at the administrators’ decision.

“These outsiders” had ignored the library’s increased visitors during the past four years and about 700 local residents without

vehicles, she said.

“You have chosen to close our library without any understanding of who we are and what we value.”

City Hall director of investment and attraction Brett Luxford told the crowd Geelong had an “unusually high number of library branches”.

“In fact, the majority of members at all three libraries already use alternatives within the library network,“ he said.

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BOOKS on pako

DEPENDS WHAT YOU MEAN EXTREMIST

THE GOOD MOTHER

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John Safran (Penguin)

Having been left devastated and homeless after her husband’s affair and the break-up of their family, somehow Kate has pulled through. But when 12-year-old Jesssica is diagnosed with cancer, Kate’s resilience is put to the ultimate test. She has an 18-year-old son consumed with hatred of his father, a seven-year-old who is bewildered and acting up and an exhusband who won’t face up to his responsibilities.

And in the middle of it a beloved child who is trying to be brave but is getting sicker by the day.

Willow Paterson and Tom Forrest were raised on neighbouring cattle stations in the heart of the Kimberley. Now 10 years have passed since she’s even spoken to Tom. When her father falls ill, Willow is called home to take over the running of the family property.

She needs Tom’s help, but is it too late, and all too complicated, to make amends? Tom’s heartfelt, decade-old letters remain unopened and unmentioned between them, and Willow must find the courage to finally read them. Their tattered pages reveal a love story like no other - and one you’ll never forget.

No-one turns up where they’re not wanted quite like John Safran. In this hilarious and disorienting adventure he gets among our diverse community of white nationalists, ISIS supporters, anarchists and more, digging away at the contradictions that many would prefer be left unexamined. Who is this black puppetmaster among the white nationalists? And this Muslim fundamentalist who geeks out on Monty Python? Is there a secret radicalisation network operating in John’s own Jewish suburb? And ultimately - is hanging with all these radicals washing off on John himself?

Sasha Wasley (Penguin)

ONCE AND FOR ALL Sarah Dessen (Penguin) Is it really better to have loved and lost? Louna’s summer job is to help brides plan their perfect day, even though she stopped believing in happily-ever-after when her first love ended tragically. But charming girl-magnet Ambrose isn’t about to be discouraged now that he’s met the one he really wants. Maybe Louna’s second chance is standing right in front of her. Sarah Dessen’s many fans will adore this latest novel, a richly satisfying, enormously entertaining story with humor, romance, and an ending that is so much more than happily-ever-after.

NO PLACE TO INTO THE WATER LAY ONE’S HEAD Paula Hawkins Francoise Frenkel (Penguin) Francoise Frenkel was a Jewish woman born in Poland and enamoured of all things literary and French. In 1921 she set up the first French-language bookshop in Berlin, recognising the craving for French culture in that city in the wake of the World War I. Her business was a success - attracting diplomats and celebrities, authors and artists. But life in Berlin for a Jewish woman and a foreigner soon became untenable.

Frenkel was forced to flee to Paris and compelled to keep moving as she attempted to survive in a world disintegrating around her.

(Doubleday) A single mother turns up dead at the bottom of the river that runs through town. Earlier in the summer, a vulnerable teenage girl met the same fate. They are not the first women lost to these dark waters, but their deaths disturb the river and its history, dredging up secrets long submerged.

Left behind is a lonely 15-year-old girl. Parentless and friendless, she now finds herself in the care of her mother’s sister, a fearful stranger who has been dragged back to the place she deliberately ran from - a place to which she vowed she’d never return.

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1. House of Skye Wrap Maxi Dress, Qloset, Shop 2, 335/337 Pakington Street, Newtown. 2. Wall Hanging Macrame, Qloset, Shop 2, 335/337 Pakington Street, Newtown. 3. Wide variety of calf rugs, Woolsy Trading Post, 140-142 Shannon Avenue, Manifold Heights. 4. Custom made ottoman in Maurituis Design, Design and Decorate Interiors, Shop 8, 130 Shannon Avenue, Geelong West. 5. Velvet Copper Designer cushion, Design and Decorate Interiors, Shop 8, 130 Shannon Avenue, Geelong West. 6. Design Tribal Jigsaw cushion, Design and Decorate Interiors, Shop 8, 130 Shannon Avenue, Geelong West.

HAVE YOUR SAY DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (2017-21) We are seeking community input for our next domestic animal management plan (2017-21).

The plan will determine how we: • •

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Read our discussion paper and tell us your views at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay Copies are also available through our Customer Service Centres or by contacting us on 5272 5272.

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THE FEED on pako Brad Franklin and staff member Alfie Trombatore.

(Rebecca Hosking)

Slice of choccy heaven

BY MANDY OAKHAM Chocoholics are in a purple fantasy haze at the new look Hahndorf ’s Fine Chocolates on Pako.

Franchisee Brad Franklin has worked hard since taking over six months ago to complete a full refurbishment of the store, which now offers patrons a cosy and relaxed environment to induge in their favourite choccy treat.

Brad, who has lived in Geelong for six years, took over the store as a career change from his previous life working in the finance industry.

You can now curl up in the distinctive purple and white surrounds of Hahndorf ’s reading the daily papers or new magazines while feasting your eyes on chocolates and ... the ... err ... chocka-block cake cabinets trying to make the impossible choice of which tempting flavour you will try next.

There are 40 different types of truffles and cremes to tempt you to cross to the

dark side, or maybe the light, or milky side.

“We have a huge range of very good quality chocolates and cakes now available for our customers,“ Brad said.

“Ginger bites and the aniseed rings seem to be two of the top favourites at the moment but there is something for everyone.

“We are encouraging people to take their time and relax in our new lounges and tub chairs and take advantage of the warm atmosphere and make their visit a real experience.“ A special offer at the moment are special hot chocolates served with two different chocolate flavours as special winter warmers at $6 and if you wanted to linger longer for $6.50 you can indulge in one of the special light meals now on offer which feature egg and bacon pies and savoury muffins, with a full range of gluten-free options also available.

No matter what your choice

of beverage at the cafe there is a complementary chocolate on offer as well at the moment to tempt the taste buds to focus back on those rows and rows of

dark delights.

The franchise was the first to combine the cafe and chocolate store together and now has 13 stores throughout Victoria.

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GRUBguide

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Melt-in-the-mouth muffins MIXED BERRY MUFFINS Ingredients · 3 cups of almond meal. · 1/2 cup cacao or cocoa powder. · 1/4 cup coconut oil. · 4 eggs. · 2 teaspoons of glutenfree baking powder. · 1 cup of your preferred sugar-free sweetener (pure maple syrup or rice malt syrup). · 1 cup of mixed berries.

Method Pre-heat your oven to 190 degrees and spray a muffin tray.

Add your eggs, sweetener, baking powder and melted coconut oil in the bowl and mix.

Then add in your cacao or cocoa powder and mix through.

Hello Foodies, How is this weather? I am completely and utterly over it!

And its not even winter ... eek!

I have just come back from a holiday a week ago and now I’m kind of wishing I was back there in the warmer weather.

Since I have come back

I have managed to meal prep my fridge and freezer up so we have plenty of food on hand, I’ve managed to make soups and curries which can be frozen and I’ve also managed to make an abundance of healthy treats.

I have the biggest sweet tooth ever so I’m always on

the hunt for sugar.

Thankfully I have found some great recipes and sugar alternatives to help me curb my 3pm cravings. In my freezer I have made the following that are sugar free - banana bread, Nutella balls (paleo), muffins and caramel protein balls (paleo).

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So here is the recipe ... and happy baking!

Then add in the rest of your ingredients in to the bowl and mix.

Place your mix into your muffin trays and bake until firm, the amount you make will all be dependent on how big your muffin tray is.

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TRAVEL on pako

Townhouse backer plans appeal

High seas adventure In February Cruiseabout’s Candice Free and Amber Foster sailed onboard the eagerly awaited Ovation of the Seas, here’s their review of this giant beauty...

As Australia’s very first brand new build, Ovation of the Seas is one of the rare cruise ships that is as much an attraction in itself as the fantastic ports that you visit while cruising on her.

One of Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum Class of ships she can hold up to 4905 passengers, has 16 dining options and many bars.

Ovation has many of the signature Royal Caribbean experiences including, the Flowrider,Vitality at Sea Spa and the Royal Esplanade for some amazing shopping.

However, it’s the new exciting features which set her apart from the rest. While on board Amber and Candice experienced RipCord by IFly, took in the view from the North Star, drank cocktails made by a Bionic barman and enjoyed the shows in the 270 lounge. This lounge not only showcases the talents of the fabulous performers but has six LCD screens which move around on robotic arms and create a unique element to the entertainment.

BY LUKE VOOGT The architect behind a planned 11-townhouse building just off Pako will take his plans to the State’s top planning tribunal after City Hall rejected them.

Tufan Chakir told the Voice last month he would take the proposal to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) if City Hall rejected the plans. “In the end, we will have to deal with VCAT for a rational approach,� he said Monday.

Villawood Homes hired Mr Chakir to design the building, to replace an old ropeworks next to a supermarket on Donaghy Street.

City Hall planners rejected the proposal on its failure to meet nine standards or objectives, according to the agenda for a Development Hearings Panel. “The proposal is too great a departure from the existing neighbourhood character,� the agenda read.

But Mr Chakir said the planners were not interested in amending the design, despite hinting last month they would reject the proposal at the panel.

Mr Chakir said City Hall’s main reason for rejecting the application, departure from neighbourhood character, was “subjective�.

The proposal has attracted 11 objections from residents of Donaghy Street, and the adjoining Collins Street.

Amber and Candice cheer their good furtune.

Ovation of the Seas had so much to offer for all the members of the family, from the comprehensive children’s program for the kids, amazing food and cocktails for the parents and even bingo for

grandma if she wants to try her luck.

Ovation of the Seas will return to Australian waters in December 2017 and offers outings to New Zealand and the South Pacific over the

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FLORAL ART on pako

A blossoming talent

BY LUKE VOOGT Grant Collin’s flowery devotion began with floral art classes at just eight years of age.

“I don’t know why I did it,” he says.

“My parents were really keen gardeners so maybe that something to do with it.”

The man behind Pako florist Mr Collins started his 30-year career at age 11 with a part-time job at a flower shop in Tasmania.

“People (commented) it was quite strange for a young male to be involved in floristry,” he says.

“But in Europe pretty much all of the top florists are male so it’s quite normal (there).”

Mr Collins left high school in Year 10 and opened his first shop at age 16.

“I ended up with three shops in Tasmania - two in Launceston and one in Hobart.“ His floral artistry won him the Intaflora’s Victorian and Tasmanian Florist of the Year award four times and he was Australian runner-up twice.

Mr Collins would even go on to represent Australia at the Floristry World Cup in 2010.

He bought West City Florist in March 2016, renovating and renaming it as Mr Collins.

“It’s quite interesting to re-invent yourself in a new city, come here as an unknown and prove yourself,” he says.

The move was partly inspired by his Geelong heritage.

“Dad was from Geelong and moved to Tasmania when he met mum,” he says.

“Grandfather was a horse breeder and owned a property at Mt Moriac.”

Mr Collins recently began teaching at Gordon TAFE to pass on his decades of knowledge.

“It’s been great to give back and train up a whole new generation of florists,” he said.

He makes regular trips to learn the latest with master florists in Germany, the UK and USA. “We tend to stay ahead of the general crop of florists,” he says.

Part of being the best in the industry is working with only

the best stock, he says.

“Any inferior stock goes straight back.”

Indoor plants and cut flowers are all the rage during winter, Mr Collins says.

“People seem to snapping those up - they don’t have as much in their gardens in winter so they tend to buy more cut flowers.”

He ensures his cut flowers last as long as possible with a special hydration treatment.

“We’ve been getting feedback that ours last longer than other shops,” he says.

Mr Collin’s ornamental kale (not recommended for eating) is one of his quirkier products.

“People can’t quite work out what (it is),” he says. “They’re really decorative versions of the plant. It’s technically a flower so

Grant Collins prepares another stylish arrangement at his Pakington Street premises. (Lousia Jones)

it makes sense for me to sell it.”

Mr Collins regularly creates arrangements for weddings or funeral caskets.

“Generally we’ll do them as flowers on the casket but some people have particular requests.”

He has created art from vegetables for lifetime gardeners or lichen covered logs and Australian wild flowers for keen bushwalkers.

“It’s a really personal last gift from the family,” he says.

WHO IS MR. COLLINS? AN ENCHANTING FLORIST SHOP THAT THRIVES ON PROVIDING GORGEOUS BOTANICAL DELIGHTS TO OUR CUSTOMERS.

12342154-LB11-17

154 Pakington Street, Geelong West P 5229 5298 W www.mrcollinsflorist.com.au Open Mon - Fri 9am to 5.30pm and Sat 9am to 2pm

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