free monthly OCTOBER 2017
OFF TO MARKET CHRIS BALAZS AND OTHER LOCAL FARMERS ARE ON THEIR WAY TO PAKO SEE PAGE 9
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YOUR voice
free monthly OCTOBER 2017
With Geelong to regain democracy this month following council elections, Voice on Pako asked locals how their new representatives could improve their beloved street.
OFF TO MARKET CHRIS BALAZS AND OTHER LOCAL FARMERS ARE ON THEIR WAY TO PAKO SEE PAGE 9
21 West Fyans St, Newtown Ph: 03 5221 8877 E: sales@tintmaster.com.au
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Pako Farmers Market participant Chris Balazs on his Bannockburn farm with pet Judas sheep Furphy. Picture: Lousia Jones Published monthly, covering Pakington Street and surrounds, Geelong West, Newtown
“
Parking's a big problem. Put meters in because people just come in and park all day.
“
I think it's fantastic as it is. Ask me in two months' time.
– JENNY DEPPELLER, 54, NEWTOWN
– KRISTY AKRIGG, 37, GEELONG WEST
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More places to park and more pedestrian crossings. But Pako pretty much covers everything. – ROBYN HARRISON, 60, HAMLYN HEIGHTS
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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“
More lights, some of the streets off Pako are pretty dark. – CATHY CAMPANARO, 61, GEELONG WEST
“
Fix the bloody potholes. You find them driving all the way along. – HARRIS FRANK, 75, NORLANE
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It's fine the way it is. They reduced the speed limit to 40 which is great. It's a lot safer. – JO-ANNE GOSKOV, 50, RIPPLESIDE
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COUNCIL ELECTIONS on pako
Democracy in action BY LUKE VOOGT Hire bikes, shuttle buses, street art and security cameras feature on this year’s council candidate Pako wish lists, as democracy returns to Geelong this month. The Voice on Pako contacted candidates for the Brownbill Ward, which includes Pakington Street and its surrounds, ahead of the 27 October council election. Former Geelong West Traders Association member George Ballas called for Pako’s businesses to again unite to protect their interests. The former Pako Festa chairman promoted his work over decades with Diversitat and the old Geelong West Council to bring “new life” to the street. “Pakington Street has become more than the foodies’ street of this great city,” he said. “The multicultural and cosmopolitan feel is no accident. “Parking in and around Pako should remain free - off street parking was financed by ratepayers.” Former councillor Eddy Kontelj campaigned for greater police presence to prevent theft following spates of commercial burglaries in Pako this year. “This will include identifying high security risk areas that will benefit from the installation of CCTV cameras,” he said. “Free hard waste pick up is also an initiative I will
CAMPAIGN PLANS: This year's council candidates have put forth their plans for Geelong's cosmopolitan Pakington Street. 168753 (Rebecca Hosking)
be advocating to implement promptly.” Socialist Alliance candidate Sue Bell also campaigned to protect the street, but from over development instead. “Its small shops and cafes are its charm and I would hate to see major retail groups dominating the street,” she said.
“It’s a vibrant shopping and cafe hub and I think it should become more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.” Geelong West mother-oftwo Ellen Csar also had bikes in mind, with plans to introduce a Melbourne-style “blue bike” hiring system. An art window exhibition,
more green spaces and street art would add vibrancy to Pako, she said. “A shuttle bus which could connect one end of Pakington Street to the other (would make) it a little easier for the senior residents with their shopping.” Greens candidate Sarah Mansfield focussed on the “big
issue” of parking in one of her favourite parts of Geelong. “I will work to improve accessibility to the area, including safer bicycle network connections, more bike racks, better maintained footpaths and more frequent local public transport links,” she said “I’d love to see (Pako) build on its strengths of diversity and inclusiveness by growing the presence of local arts and live music.” Kings Funerals director Michael King pledged to consult with Pako businesses and community members on “what is working well” and what council could do better. “My vision for the Pako precinct is for it to continue to thrive as a destination to work, live and play,” he said. “Both ends of Pako are strong and diverse communities and I would also investigate what successful Pako initiatives can be shared with other parts of Geelong.” Fellow candidate Terry Gillard called more for alfresco areas, tree lighting and splashes of colour with new plants. Freya Fidge declared her support for Geelong’s Clever and Creative Future project and diversity, while Mik Aidt called for careful town planning and protecting open areas.
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HAIR & CARE on pako
How that haircut can help
Above: Barbara Ferrante, centre, at Salon Eve with Madi Pender and Jessie Quine. Right: The Salon Eve team at work amid the contemporary decor of their premises.
BY MANDY OAKHAM IMAGINE going for a haircut knowing this simple act could help to clean up polluted oceans or help recovering cancer patients. That is what it means if you are a client of Salon Eve, which has recently signed up as part of a nationwide sustainable salons program. Sustainable Salons Australia is a not for profit program which has the ultimate goal of hair salons producing zero waste, and for now promises to collect and recycle up to 95 per cent of salons’ waste. Two really practical outcomes already happening for Salon Eve is that all hair cuttings are swept up and are ultimately recycled into “sponges” which help clean up polluted oceans. Another innovation is that customers with long hair come in and have their “ponytails” cut off and these are collected and recycled into wigs to help recovering cancer patients. Manager of the salon, Jessi Quine, says that staff and customers at Salon Eve are delighted to be part of this kind of program. “It is just terrific to know that all that we are doing here can ultimately do something to help other people or the environment,” Jessi says. “The customers are also really happy to be involved and they have readily accepted that we add on $2 to their bills, which then goes to support this recycling work. “We just love being part of something that helps everything go around in one big circle that helps the world.”
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in creating a better world The salon joined the program in March this year and has received 100 per cent support from happy customers who know they are doing their bit to contribute to a healthier world. The salon has been offering high quality standards in both modern and traditional techniques since they opened for business in 2012. Salon Eve prides itself on being a family friendly salon, inviting all ages young and old to come and enjoy a positive experience for all.
Happy clients donate to the cause at Salon Eve.
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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The person receiving the voucher will also get 15% off homecare products
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SWIM SKILLS on pako
Drown-proofing the kids BY MANDY OAKHAM A new crop of water babies is on the agenda for the new managers of Geelong West’s swim school Tri Swimming. Donna Ahearn and Kylie Daffy, both qualified swim teachers, took over management of the centre in June this year and they have been busy bringing in the changes to benefit their little charges. Donna and Kylie want to keep all the services which have built the reputation of the centre as a safe and secure environment for little ones to learn about all aspects of water safety. The centre in Maddern Avenue, Geelong West will continue to offer affordable classes, with low class numbers and consistent industry standard instructors, so that families will feel confident about their children’s growing prowess in water. “Kylie and I are both mums and we have had our own children in swim programs from the age of six months, so we both appreciate the importance of water safety for our children,” Donna said. “We are both going to be working very hard to create a real family feel here at the centre and we hope that people are going to appreciate the true community vibe around the place.” The new term at the centre begins on 9 October and runs until 16 December. Private lessons are on offer at the centre and all enrolled children will have access to special school holiday programs. Anyone interested in getting their little ones into the swim and ready for those long hot days of summer should phone the centre on 5222 7455 or email at admin@ triswimming.com.au.
Kylie Daffy and Donna Ahearn at Tri Swimming. (Louisa Jones)
THE FEED on pako
Fika and Co
Pakington Cottage
BY MANDY OAKHAM Swedish people know what it means to go out for a ‘fika’ - and now the experience has come to Pako. With its distinctive Scandavian style, Fika and Co. cafe offers the three big Cs: coffee, cake and conversation. Owner Tracie Rendell definitely knows the secret of “hygge”, or ‘nesting and resting’, to make customers cosy and happy. Working with designer and stylist Kassie Jones, she has created a meeting, greeting and eating place with a special feel. Along with expected cafe features, Fika and Co. also includes a special kids’ room and The Nook, a quiet computer space fully wired for mobile workers.
As a parent, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our precious bubs. When you bring your kids to Pakington Cottage, not only is the menu fabulous for them but there is a fully enclosed big back garden. Green and shady in the summer, there is also a blackboard provided to keep your budding Picassos entertained while they wait for their food. Avo on toast with a fresh OJ? Vanilla yoghurt and fresh fruit with a choccie milkshake, bacon and free range eggs, toastie, or a sweet muffin or chocolate chip cookie,freshly made by the kitchen that morning. No hidden nasties! And though it is nice to treat the kids, when you come to Pakington Cottage
It’s child’s play for new cafe owner Tracie Rendell at Fika & Co.
“After more than 20 years in corporate work I wanted to put my love of cooking and entertaining to some other purpose and here it is,” Tracie says. “I wanted to create a place like on TV, where you can walk in alone but feel instantly comfortable and everyone knows your name.”
Pakington Cottage’s enclosed back garden.
you know you will will get freshly prepared locally sourced delicious food and a superb Tim Adams coffee.You can pretend it is treat for the kids.
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FIKA - noun A Swedish custom; a social coffee break, where people gather together to enjoy great coffee, tea & a simple hearty menu.
Mon – Fri 7am – 3pm • Sunday 8am – 1pm
• Freshly prepared locally sourced food • Amazing Tim Adams coffee • Gluten free, vegan & vegetarian options • We love hosting functions!
14 Pakington Street Geelong West
359 Pakington Street, Newtown 03 5229 1599
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WHAT’S HOT on pako 1 2
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12 1. Dizzy Toys string art kit , $39.95. 2. Dizzy Toys Pintoy fire engine, $99.95 3. SAS Designs and Concepts Scandi alarm clock with silent sweep, $60. 4. Dizzy Toys Hape petite vanity set, $72.95. 5. Mudges Shoes Django and Julliette in tan or black, $189.95. 6. SAS Designs and Concepts Buck limited-edition gift set, $160. 7. Mudges Shoes Zinda black and white, $219. 8. Mudges Shoes Hispanitas in gold, $219. 9. SAS Designs and Concepts 100 per cent cashmere top in variety of colours, $219. 10. Moore Millinery Designs boater hats, from $310. 11 Moore Millinery Designs rose gold peal headband, $110. 12. Moore Millinery Designs cherry blossom headband, $265.
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FARM FRESH on pako
From paddock to plate Geelong’s newest Farmers' Market is about to open just a stone’s throw away from busy Pakington Street. From the paddock to your plate is the freshness guarantee of the Pako Farmers' Market which will operate on the second and fourth Saturday of each month at Ashby Primary School, Geelong West. On offer will be the region’s best pick of high quality, nutritious and ethically produced food including fish, lamb, beef, chicken, eggs, dairy, grains, vegetables, fruit, honey, nuts, oils, cheese, kimchi, and preserves. And shoppers can be assured that every stall holder at the market will be the actual farmer or producer of the product, or is a direct employee of the farmer. Fresh coffee and snacks will also be available and all the food on sale will be sustainable and supporting local farmers. The very first market day is 14 October and will be open from 8am to 1pm. Further 2017 dates are 28 October, 11 November, 25 November, 9 December, and 23 December. The Pako Farmers' Market is a community market, managed by the Barwon Fair Food Network, a non-profit incorporated association. The
Ashby students gather for the launch of the new Pako Farmers' Market.
market site has been provided by Ashby Primary School and all money raised goes to the school’s food garden program and to other projects of the Barwon Fair Food Network.
Farmers’ Markets across Victoria contribute $227 million to the Victorian economy and provide business opportunities for regional food producers, as well as building relationships
between consumers and producers and encouraging a feeling of general community connectedness. Geelong MP Christine Couzens said that local farmers
were producing some of the best food in Victoria. “We’re proud to add another reason to experience the best that Geelong and our region has to offer,” she says.
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BOOKS on pako
STEALTH RAIDERS
DUCKS FOR DARK TIMES
Lucas Jordan (Penguin Randomhouse)
Michael Leunig (Penguin)
In 1918 a few daring low ranking Australian infantrymen, alone among all the armies on the Western Front, initiated stealth raids without orders. Stealth raiders killed Germans, captured prisoners and advanced the line, sometimes by thousands of yards, and almost always without command on either side knowing. The book considers the stealth raiders’ war experience and training, the unprecedented topographic and environmental conditions at the front, and the quality and morale of the German Army in 1918. It also goes beyond these to consider the influence of Australian civil society and in particular the “bush ethos”.
A collection of cartoons about many strange and lovely things: kind words for dark days; simple poems concerning wonderful mysteries; reflections on sadness, joy, dismay, sanity, soup and beauty. Also: doubts, confessions, laments and tributes. Spirited depictions of dogs, ducks, teapots and trees, with various peculiar attempts to shine some light on dark and troubled times.
FIFTY FIFTY
DON’T LET GO
James Patterson and Candice Fox (Century)
Harlan Corben (Century)
Sam Blue stands accused of the brutal murders of three young students, their bodies dumped near the Georges River. Only one person believes he is innocent: his sister, Detective Harriet Blue. And she’s determined to prove it. Except she’s now been banished to the outback town of Last Chance Valley (population 75), where a diary found on the roadside outlines a shocking plan - the massacre of the entire town. And the first death, shortly after Harry’s arrival, suggests the clock is already ticking. Meanwhile, back in Sydney, a young woman holds the key to crack Sam’s case wide open.
The brilliant new novel from the international bestselling author of Home and Fool Me Once. Mistaken identities, dark family secrets and mysterious conspiracies lie at the heart of this gripping new thriller. Fifteen years ago in smalltown New Jersey, a teenage boy and girl were found dead. Most people concluded it was a tragic suicide pact. The dead boy’s brother, Nap Dumas, did not. Now Nap is a cop - but he’s a cop who plays by his own rules, and who has never made peace with his past. And when the past comes back to haunt him, Nap discovers secrets can kill.
HERO OR DESERTER? Roger Maynard (Penguin Randomhouse) Major-General Gordon Bennett played a decisive role in the defence of Malaya and Singapore in World War II. He is best remembered for his escape by boat from Singapore in the dying days of the Japanese invasion, which led to the imprisonment of 15,000 Australian servicemen. In this vivid and comprehensive history of the 8th Division and its stoic force of fighting men, Roger Maynard investigates their conflicted leader, whose reputation as an outstanding soldier was shattered by war’s end. He also examines Bennett’s legacy through the prism of today’s military standards to establish whether he was, indeed, a hero or deserter.
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Q&A on pako
New look goes upmarket BY MANDY OAKHAM
Walking into Minerva Grocer feels like walking into a special boutique but the “jewels” in this very pretty place are found in jars or refrigerated cabinets. This upmarket grocer has just re-opened and the new look is to be found on the shelves and in those cabinets. Voice on Pako spoke with the manager Michelle Trgovac about this “new look”. What is the new look all about? Well we don’t look any different but we have had a major re-think about our products and we re-opened our doors mid year featuring a whole new range of products.
Michelle Trgovac arranges new products at Minerva.
Why the switch? Well we looked around and saw there was a lot of competition around us in terms of general fresh produce and we thought about offering something a little different. So what is the biggest change customers will see? Well we still look the same but our customers will notice the biggest difference in our product range, and particularly our new ranges in giftware and homewares, along with a new focus on fine foods and ready made meals. Can you tell us about some of your favourite food products? Some of the tempting new products include the chefs’ range of Simon Johnson oils, pastes and vinegars. Another popular big seller is our Pearson Family Foods collection, especially the lasagnes are just delicious, and come in chicken, meat or vegetarian flavours. And another great idea from the ready meals range are our pizza bases from New Generation Food for only $8 that people can dress up with their own
toppings and some of our special oils ... very yummy! We also have a terrific new range of spices from Samis Kitchen. And what are the stand outs in your homewares and gift products? I love the new range from Mud Ceramics which features vases, mortar and pestles and all of their kitchenware is oven and dishwasher proof. We also have a beautiful range of message soaps from Huxter which, at $13.95 and gift wrapped, are a really inexpensive but lovely gift. There are also some great candles from me&mats which also contain special little messages for people.
How will the product switch up affect customers? We think we have only enhanced the shopping experience by offering people a more eclectic mix of products which will have something to offer everybody, no matter the age or tastes. We can now offer something for people from kids to the older “young at hearts” customers. And I am always very willing and happy to make up gift hampers for people so if they are stuck for ideas for last minute birthdays, or just want something a little different in terms of a thank you gift, then a hamper of specially chosen products is perfect.
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