connecting communities across the ranges summer 2016 issue 9
INSIDE Featuring Lorne • Events, Arts & Books • Around the Neighbourhood Houses Otway living and visiting
Winchelsea Geelong Princes HWY Melbourne Birregurra Cape Otway Rd Colac Summer... Dashing over the hot sands for the Deans Marsh Anglesea relief of the cool waves. Ice-cream Barongarook running in rivulets dripping from Aireys elbows to splash on the footpath Inlet Barwon Downs in a sticky trail. Hot car seats on ad Forrest o R Gellibrand bare legs and the shrill of cicadas
Lorne
n a piercing the morning. The wafting e c O fragrance of peppermint gum on at re G the warm breeze. Wye River Beech Forest Take time out to create your own Kennett River Lavers Hill lasting memories and what better Princetown place than the summer hotspot of Skenes Creek Lorne on the Great Ocean Road. Apollo Bay
Hordern Vale
Cape Otway
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 3
Editor’s Note Summer 2015-16
Summertime in South Eastern Australia can be an In this issue we are looking around Lorne and Big Hill unpredictable time of the year. Kicked of by the for some historical tales and celebration of this luscious busyness of the festive season in December some of green edge of our sunburnt country. We hope you us move into January downtime with a sigh of relief. It can fnd some quiet moments to enjoy this season’s is holiday time for many in that frst month of the new oferings. year but of course it is always the hottest when kids go back to school in February. So it can be a season of Contributors: Stephen Brooks, Merrill O’Donnell, ambivalence. Suzanne Frydman, Ami Hillege, Neal Drinnan, Lizzie Corke. While the Otways ofer many opportunities for respite – cool forests and refreshing waterfalls, long stretches of sandy beaches – there is the ever present threat of bushfre and we must remain alert and vigilant. The Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfre Outlook 2015-16 predicts an above normal fre season with an increased bushfre risk for Victoria. Also there is increased trafc on our roads so please everyone be safe out there. Contents Love Lorne ______4-7 History Note - The Mountjoys of Lorne ______8-9 The Team Edna Walling ______10-11 Editor Nettie Hulme The Surfer - poem ______12 Design Gillian Brew Finding our hinterlands ______13 Admin Helen Kurzman 2016 Fire Monkey Year ______14 Published December 2015 Summer Safe by Forrest & District Neighbourhood House Be fre safe this summer ______15 14 Grant Street Forrest Victoria 3236 Bushwalking and Camping ______16-17 P 03 5236 6591 Don’t let beauty become a beast ______18-19 E [email protected] Arts F www.facebook.com/otwaylifemagazine Lorne Sculpture Biennale ______20-21 B otwaylifemagazine.wordpress.com Apollo Bay events ______22-23 T twitter.com/otwaylifemag Coal Requiem ______24 View Online issuu.com/otwaylife.magazine Environment Cover: Ian Macrae “Climarte - 5 Minutes to Midnight” Surf Coast Energy Group ______25 Next issue (Autumn) deadline 30 January 2016 Recycling and Reusing ______26-27 Otway Koalas ______28 Otway Life Magazine acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and Did you Know ______29 reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people Growing Earth-wise kids ______30-31 maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. Books & Writing ______32-33 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this magazine and the The Good Life ______34 advertisements supplied do not necessarily represent those of Forrest & District Neighbourhood House. Around the Houses ______35 Printed by: Adcell Group on 100% recycled stock Community Calendar ______39 4
Love Lorne Spectacular beaches, waterfalls and bush walks, arts, culture and shopping... There’s lots to love!
Photo: Fred O’Donnell
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 Love Lorne 5
Lorne is a seaside town on Louttit Bay Ocean Road. The Great Otway National Park is in Victoria, Australia. It is situated about the Erskine nearby; the Erskine River, which rises in the park and River and is a popular destination along the Great contains the Erskine Falls, has its mouth at Lorne. Ocean Road tourist route. Lorne is in the Surf Coast During the warmer months the town’s population Shire and in the 2011 Census in Australia had swells to around 13,000, reaching a peak a population of 1046, but this fgure grows around New Year’s Eve when the Falls Music and dramatically during the holiday season. Arts Festival takes place. Early in January crowds Prior to European settlement, Lorne was part of the of nearly 20,000 cheer on up to 5,000 competitors traditional lands of the Gadubanud or King Parrot when the town hosts the 1.2 km Pier to Pub swim, people of the Cape Otway coast and they knew the described in the Guinness Book of Records as «the area as ‘Minapre’. largest organised ocean swim in the world”, and preceded by the 8 km Mountain to Surf run. In Lorne is situated on a bay named after Captain March the Lorne Sculpture Biennale is a highlight on Louttit, who sought shelter there in 1841 the calendar of art lovers. while supervising the retrieval of cargo from a nearby shipwreck. The coast was surveyed fve years The town has an Australian Rules football team later in 1846. The frst European settler was William competing in the Colac & District Football League. Lindsay, a timber-cutter who began felling the area Golfers play at the course of the Lorne Golf Club on in 1849. Holiday Road. The frst telegraph arrived in 1859. Lorne has two pubs (The Grand Pacifc Hotel and Subdivision began in 1869 and in 1871 the Lorne Hotel) and a number of cafes, restaurants and town was named after the Marquess of bakeries, mostly located along Mountjoy Parade. Lorne from Argyleshire in Scotland on the occasion At the pier the fsh co-op sells fresh fsh, including of his marriage to Princess Louise, one of Queen local catches. Catering for the infux of visitors, Victoria’s daughters. The Post Ofce opened on 29 there are a large number of boutiques and clothing April 1874. stores, as well as good book stores, art galleries/craft shop and regular services including a pharmacy, In 1891, the area was visited by Rudyard Kipling who newsagent, supermarket and post ofce. was inspired to write the poem Flowers, which Good views of the area can be enjoyed from Teddys included the line: Lookout, at the southern end of George Street. The Buy my hot-wood clematis, upper and lower lookouts ofer views inland as well Buy a frond of fern, as south along the coast and down to the point Gathered where the Erskine leaps where the Great Ocean Road crosses the George Down the road to Lorne. River at its mouth By 1922 the Great Ocean Road was extended to There’s more to Lorne than just the beach. The Lorne, making the town much more accessible. mountainous and bushy Otway Ranges form an The frst passenger road service to Geelong was attractive backdrop to Lorne, with the Great Otway established in 1924 and guesthouses began National Park ofering many bushwalking tracks. The to appear after 1930. The local fshing industry spectacular Erskine Falls are located within the park, expanded signifcantly in the 1930s and 1940s. just 8 kilometres west of town. The Ash Wednesday bushfres swept through the The Great Ocean Road south of Lorne is a particularly area in 1983, destroying 76 houses. scenic section of this popular tourist route with the Popular local activities include traditional beach road hugging the coastline for much of its journey. pursuits such as family bathing and surfng, as well Less than 10 kilometres from Lorne is the Mount as pier fshing for barracuda, whiting, and trevally. Defance Lookout, while further south is the small Teddy’s Lookout lies at the end of George Street and very scenic coastal community of Wye River. on the town’s southern outskirts and ofers fne More info: www.lovelorne.com.au views over the town, coastline, and the Great
Image credit: Fred O’Donnell 6 Love Lorne Walks & Waterfalls Lorne walks cover a great variety of distances and There are short nature trails, walks to ocean lookouts environments. Some are only short but, in 10 minutes and along old timber tramways, and long, strenuous or so, they can take you to a spectacular coastal walks through rocky gullies flled with tree ferns. There lookout, waterfall or forest. are 23 walks around Lorne featured in this map. Many of the walks in this area feature waterfalls Walks 1 to 9 highlighted here can be done from Lorne and lookouts over the rugged coastline. There are Visitor Centre and do not require transport. 10 to 23 waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, and dramatic clifs are waterfalls and longer walks that can be joined and peaceful pools along the river valleys, as well as together and may require transport. fascinating geological features like the Canyon.
1 Lorne Foreshore (South) - Shipwreck 4 Five Mile Track 7 Tramway Track Optional Extension Plaques and Doug Stirling Walk (Continuation of Stage 1) This walk is on a 4WD track seasonally closed to This easy walk on gravel paths and boardwalks vehicles. Wallabies and kangaroos frequent the This track runs uphill on the eastern side of the along the Lorne foreshore takes you past a number understorey and some rare and threatened plant St George River where there are views over the of plaques commemorating the shipwrecks in species may be found along the track. There are river and the grassy river fats. A steep climb with Louttit Bay. A separate Shipwreck Plaque Walk and views across the Erskine River to Erskine Falls Road. great views across the valley follows. The track Historical Walk Brochure are available from the > Start: Lorne Visitor Centre (Town Map ref J14) loops back toward the sea as it begins the climb to Lorne Visitor Centre. The Doug Stirling Walk is a > Finish: Deans Marsh Road, 7km north of Lorne Teddy’s Lookout. Before the rotunda take the track 1km walk along the foreshore between the Lorne (SC Map ref I15) to the right down through Queens Park Caravan Surf Lifesaving Club and the Lorne Pier. > Type: Transport Shuttle or return Park and Topp Street to Shelly Beach Car Park. > Start: Lorne Visitor Centre (Town Map ref J14) > Distance: 8km one way > Start: St George River > Finish: Shelly Beach (Town Map ref L17) > Time: 3 hours > Finish: Pt Grey Car Park (Shelly Beach) > Type: Transport Shuttle or return > Difculty: Moderate. Slippery when wet. (Town Map ref L17) > Distance: 1.5km one way > Type: Shuttle/Circuit > Time: 1 hour 5 Teddy’s Lookout and Queens Park > Distance: 3km > Difculty: Easy - stroller friendly Lookout Loop > Time: 1 hour 30 minute circuit 2 Swing Bridge Circuit Drive to the rotunda at the end of George Street > Difculty: Moderate and walk a few hundred metres to Teddy’s 8 Ocean Walk/Cherry Tree Creek Walk From the Visitor Centre walk through Top Bank Lookout. The Queens Park Lookout Loop takes Caravan Park to Swing Bridge. Cross the bridge and you through the bush of Queens Park via three This track runs uphill on the eastern side of the St turn left along the boardwalk. Finish by walking lookouts with panoramic views along the coast George River where there are views over the river through the caravan park and across Erskine River and the Otway Ranges. and the grassy river fats. A steep climb with great Bridge to the Visitor Centre. > Start/Finish: Car park, corner of George Street views across the valley follows. The track divides > Start/Finish: Lorne Visitor Centre and Francis Street and continues along the right hand fork, around (Town Map ref J14) > Type: Circuit the hill coming out on Allenvale Road a few > Type: Circuit > Distance: 1.6km loop minutes south of Qdos Gallery. > Distance: 1km loop > Time: 45 minutes > Start: St George River > Time: 20 minutes return > Difculty: Moderate > Finish: Allenvale Road (Greenbreak Track > Difculty: Easy - stroller friendly Junction) 6 Tramway Track Stage 1 > Type: Transport Shuttle or return 3 Lorne Foreshore (North) - Swing Bridge and Bert Alsop Walk This clearly marked interpretive trail mostly > Distance: 2.4km one way follows the route of the tramway used by teams > Time: 1 hour From the Lorne Visitor Centre walk through Top of horses to haul timber from the St George River > Difculty: Moderate Bank Caravan Park to Swing Bridge. Cross the area to Lorne pier until the 1930s. Signs tell the 9 St George River Walk bridge and turn right past the memorial graves history of the tramway and the local timber and continue along through a Melaleuca grove, industry. The St George River track follows the river beside fnishing the walk on the beach below the car > Start: Pt Grey Car Park rocky pools and shady fern gullies. It’s mostly fat park. Dependent on the tide, the walk can be > Finish: St George River on the Great Ocean Road and there are two river crossings and spectacular returned back along the beach to the river mouth. > Type: Shuttle views of towering eucalypts. > Start: Lorne Visitor Centre (Town Map ref J14) > Distance: 1.5km one way > Start: St George River > Finish: Car park on the Great Ocean Road below > Time: 30 minutes > Finish: Allenvale Mill Car Park Allen Street (Town Map ref K12) > Difculty: Moderate > Type: Transport Shuttle or return > Type: Transport Shuttle or return > Distance: 2.7km one way > Distance: 2km one way > Time: 1 hour > Time: 1 hour > Difculty: Moderate > Difculty: Easy Source: Lorne Walks and Waterfalls Map © Surf Coast Shire Council.
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 Colac & Erskine Falls Geelong via Winchelsea To Big Hill Camp Site 7 10.2 km to Lorne 15 Straw Falls Splitter DEANS Falls FIVE Stony
Little MARSH 4 Anglesea, Torquay & Geelong 17 C151 Creek
MILE LORNE Blanket Leaf Picnic Area RD Erskine 2.2 7.5 Erskine B100 Small hike-in 18 campsite 22 for walkers Cora Lynn OCEAN No facilities 16 Cora Lynn ERSKINE 4 TK RD Cascades River
GREAT Great Otway 19 River National Park FALLS Creek 3.3 3 GREEN 10 Saint George 2 Allen Dam Lorne Visitor Centre N BREAK Cora Lynn Carpark ST 0 1 km No vehicle access No vehicle Scale 0.8 RD 0.9 Henderson Phantom OTWAY 1 Falls 1.6 access Lorne The Canyon 0.8 SHARPS River 21 20 TK 1.2 Qdos GEORGE 12 1.75 0.4 RD 2.5 Allenvale Mill Site Henderson 8 Won Wondah Falls 2.4 ST Point Grey TK 0.3 Falls Creek 0.2 Tramway Track 1 7 Sharps Track 1.6 6 Camping Area 0.3 5 ALLENVALE 10 9 2.7 Teddys Lookout Sheoak Picnic Area 1.4 St George River TK 1 11 13 3.1 Lower 1 Sheoak Mount Kalimna 0.5 St George Upper Falls 2.6 1.2 Kalimna 1 GARVEY 1.2 1 Falls Sheoak Falls RD 0.8 Cumberland 11 Creek Falls 23 2 14 0.4 Swallow 0.9 BASS STRAIT River Cave 1 1 Cumberland Langdale Pike Castle Rock KEY Great Otway 0.5 OCEAN Start point National Park GREAT 3.3 Distance in kilometres Cumberland River Reserve Note: Distances do not indicate difficulty Mount B100 Place of interest Defiance Apollo Bay
Note: There is a low river crossing on the St George River that Difculty Grading More Information should not be attempted when the river is high. This walk can be Easy: Formed tracks, level or undulating terrain, This is an excerpt from the Lorne Walks and done in reverse from the St George River mouth and can be joined boardwalks and footbridges, and a minimum of Waterfalls Map which can be used in conjunction with the Tramway walk and coastal walks to complete a loop back steps. with the Great Ocean Road Touring Map and the to Lorne along the coast or inland along Allenvale Road. Moderate: Some climbing over rocks, river Lorne Town Map. Copies are available from: The Event! crossings on stones, soft sand, uphill or downhill Lorne Visitor Centre Every year in early January the Mountain to Surf is on. Get into sections. 15 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne training by combining Lorne town to 9 to 6 to 1 . Mountain to Strenuous: Rough terrain, clambering over Ph: 1300 891 152 Surf Run Start/Finish Corner of William and Otway Street/Lorne rocks, and extended uphill or downhill sections. Torquay Visitor Centre Foreshore. Closures Surf City Plaza, Beach Road, Torquay > Type: Circuit Ph: 1300 614 219 Up to date closures and further parks information > Distance: 8km Open 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week. can be found on www.parkweb.vic.gov.au under > Circuit Time: 1 to 2 hours or online at www.visitsurfcoast.com > Difculty: Moderate the Great Otway National Park. 8
Back Row: Rev. Thomas J Tomas husband of Emma (Mountyoy) Thomas, Caleb Mountjoy, Mary Ella (Harris) Mountjoy, wife of Edmund Mountjoy (Parents of baby Lawrence). Second Row: Alan Mountjoy, Edith Mountjoy, Daisy Mountjoy, Helen (Copeland) Mountjoy (wife of Lawrence dec.), Louisa Mountjoy, Percy Harward Mountjoy, Winifred Mountjoy. Front Row: Photo Annie Mountjoy (dec.), Dorothy Thomas, Lawrence Mountjoy, Annie Thomas, Photo Lawrence Harwood Mountjoy (dec.) Father of Percy, Alan, Daisy & Winifred. Inset: Fanny Mountjoy The Mountjoys of Lorne Written by Stephen Brooks & Merrill O’Donnell of the Colac & District Family History Group. When the many holidaymakers and guests stay at from a country railway station.’ In 1870-71, Thomas Erskine House in Lorne, little do they know that they are and Caleb Mountjoy paid £18 in rates on 44 acres and enjoying the oldest permanently operating guesthouse a house. A year later, stables were built, followed by in Victoria. And when the numerous visitors and tourists gardens and an orchard. fll the cafes, shops and restaurants along busy Mountjoy The name Erskine House was frst used in 1877 and Parade, they honour a true pioneering family of Lorne. the addition of another dining room and a long suite Originally named Louttit Bay, after Captain Louttit who of bedrooms saw people fock to Lorne to enjoy commanded the frst ship that took wool from Port the comforts and the seaside, although a petition in Phillip to London, the small township was re-named 1880 to the Winchelsea Council from Lorne residents Lorne in 1869, coinciding with the marriage of Queen complained that persons were bathing at all hours of Victoria’s daughter, Princess Louise, to the Marquess of the day, a sight looked on as ofensive to respectable Lorne. Just fve years earlier, three young and intrepid people. To remedy the situation, the Mountjoys built a settlers from Cornwall - Lawrence, Thomas and Caleb bathing house and change room for their male guests Mountjoy, came to take up the Louttit Bay run of at one end of the beach in front of Erskine House and 17,280 acres. a female bathing house at the other. Keeping the sexes half a mile apart was seen as the best solution to The young families built a small two-room house, yet placate the locals. realising the popularity of the area and potential of a new business venture, the Mountjoys soon expanded In 1878, with the ever increasing rise in tourist numbers, the premises, hoping that ‘summer visitors would be Caleb and Thomas Mountjoy established a coach service more proftable than chancy crops grown twenty miles to bring the visitors from the Melbourne train to Lorne.
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 9
Gathering around the pool - Erskine House, Lorne 1920. Credit: Museum Victoria Collections http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/769651
After breakfast in Geelong and two more train changes for a footbridge over the Erskine River, he was a at Birregurra and Deans Marsh, where lunch was member of a committee to build the Anglican Church enjoyed at Bell’s Hotel, passengers undertook a two and three Mountjoy women signed the 1891 Women’s and a half hour dusty and hot coach journey for the Sufrage Petition. fnal twenty miles to Lorne. In its heyday, ninety horses That same year, both families were united in grief when were used in the service and eight men were engaged 14 year old Annie Mountjoy, daughter of Caleb and 15 in the blacksmith shop at Erskine House. year old Sophia Mountjoy, daughter of Thomas, died There was little social or community life in Lorne after a tragic accident. On going to bed one night, the that did not involve the Mountjoy families. Thomas young girls poured water over the coals of a fre and Mountjoy was the frst Post Master at a salary of £10 per the toxic fumes poisoned them while they slept. year and was one of the frst Trustees of the cemetery in Today, the Mountjoy name is synonymous with Lorne, 1878. He was also part of a vocal group who advocated testament to their pioneering spirit.
Relax Communications Suzanne Frydman Creative Arts Therapist & Yoga Teacher Counselling & Stress Management using meditation, deep relaxation and other experiential approaches Ph 0431 121 514 www.relaxcommunications.com.au 10
Photo: View of the drive leading up to East Point, Edna Walling’s property in Lorne, Victoria. The caption on verso reads: The drive for the baby Austin, but the plumbers made it with their load of spouting!
Edna Walling 1895 - 1973 Landscape designer Edna Walling was a complex, During this period Walling wrote four books: Gardens talented and prodigious designer who devoted her life in Australia (1943), Cottage and Garden in to her profession. Her far-sighted approach is as relevant Australia (1947), A Gardener’s Log (1948) and The today as at the peak of her career 70 years ago. Australian Roadside (1952). She wrote articles for The Australian Women’s Mirror, The Australian Home Edna Walling made landscape drawing into an art Builder and The Australian Home Beautiful. In a letter form. Her plans are now treasured works of art, just as held by the State Library of Victoria’s Edna Walling her few remaining gardens are highly valued. Collection (La Trobe Australian Manuscripts), Walling After completing a course in horticulture at Burnley declines an invitation to join the Australian Society of College in 1917, Walling commenced work as a Authors by saying: jobbing gardener. In 1921 she purchased three acres ‘Actually, you know, I am not a writer. I merely made a record of the work I had done, which the Oxford of land at Mooroolbark and built her frst home from University Press published. I also wrote The Australian local and second hand materials. This home was Roadside as my contribution to conservation work of named Sonning after Gertrude Jekyll’s Deanery Garden this country… The books were only achieved through of the same name, which she had visited in England. the great help of my teacher friend, Miss Lorna Fielden, In 1922 Walling purchased a further 18 acres of land without whose assistance I doubt if they would ever have adjacent to Sonning. The houses she built became the seen the light of day. And so, much as I appreciate the village of Bickleigh Vale. Between the 1920s and 1960s honour you have bestowed on me I don’t really think Walling’s commissions included designing the lily pond I have any right to be counted amongst the illustrious for Coombe Cottage, Dame Nellie Melba’s residence names appearing in your Society’ in Coldstream, Vic.; Durrol for Mrs Stanley Allen, Mount Walling’s ABC Radio talks include On Making a Macedon, Vic.; and the Cruden Farm garden for Mrs Garden (1941), Improving the Farm and Curing Keith Murdoch (now Dame Elisabeth), Langwarrin, Vic. Erosion and The Farmers’ Friends (1951). In 1967, She also undertook commissions in Hobart, Tasmania, Walling moved to a cottage - ‘Bendles’ - at Buderim, and designed villages at Port Pirie, South Australia (never Queensland. She died there in 1973. completed) and Mount Kembla, New South Wales, for © Copyright The Australian Women›s Register 2012 http://www.womenaustralia.info/about.html Broken Hill Associated Smelters Pty Ltd. The Australian Women’s Register is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Australia License Edna Walling 11
A holiday spent by the sea in the vicinity of Lorne clearing up. However, we need not have worried. Within awakened her interest in the possession of a sea-side the week, a bush fre swept up the hill and burnt up the house. On a delightful hillside over looking the ocean little place leaving only the stone walls, stairways and she acquired sixteen acres - not for a “gardener’s paving built with so much joy. garden” but as a means of enjoying all intimacy with Alistair Smith helped build Walling’s home at Lorne. He native trees and shrubs. recalls: She built a house with stones dug from the steep Ed [Walling] came over to our house at times. My father [slope] assisted by friends who were interested in the was just preparing to put in a large window of the view project. A colossal task for a woman: handling boulders - the view was of the whole estuary of Grassy Creek, the for steps and stairs and then for the impregnable lighthouse and Cinema Point and the surf rolling below. walls. A wonderful achievement. Though bafing at times, the problems were solved with patience and Anyway, my father had always had this dream after perspicacity - as photographs will reveal. the war - that he was going to have this window... Edna Walling came in and said, “You’re not putting the Perhaps in the dim future she might create another window where the view is, looking out to sea!” My father village - this time by the sea... However as sort of, you know - [thought] “This time passed she found she had insufcient lady is crazy - I’ve been waiting all time to safeguard this priceless bush these years to try and get that.” hillside, so she decided to present it to the “If you put that view there all Bird Observer’s Organization. On a delightful the time and in that room you’ll In her own words: hillside over kill it because you won’t see it.” To tell the truth, it was a grey suited wallaby looking the ocean [Walling said] The point being that that made me change my mind about that something that is always there - part of “Big Hill” on the Great Ocean Road she acquired after a while you won’t see it... and in Victoria where I had bought sixteen acres sixteen acres - not she said “You should wander to the of land with a view to one day creating studio or bedroom to experience the a village by the sea. As a matter of fact, for a “gardener’s view, don’t kill it.” However, no one I thought it was a young man in a grey garden” but as a would believe that. But we didn’t fannel suit! I was sprawled out on the grassy see it [the view] after we put it in ground just above the narrow track up to means of enjoying because she was right. the Chalet, half asleep and sat up sharply at all intimacy with ... the sound of “footsteps” and was confronted with this “young man” in his grey fannel native trees She always put things a certain suit! I blinked and came to my senses. and shrubs. way, with a smile on her face, with a twinkle in her eye and with a “Gosh!” I thought. “It’s a wallaby!” and he, I sense of humour, she didn’t push suppose, thought, “Gosh! It’s a human!” as her ideas. She always put the he bounded up the hill. point across in an easy going way “That settles it.” I thought, going in search without being pushy or forceful. of Twid. She was busy with her pick on the excavation for the sitting room. ...she introduced me to Mozart music coming from the trees... “I say! We are not going to make a village. always had Mozart music foating We will give it to the wallabies.” in amongst the trees. “Yes, I saw him. Wasn’t he a beauty!” If you would like to learn more Then followed much soul-searching, about this interesting woman this choosing the safest and best organisation a great read: to hand it to. To our great relief, the Bird The Unusual Life of Edna Walling Observers’ Club accepted. A biography Sara Hardy AUD $32.95 We went down to spend a last weekend © Edna Walling Collection, La Trobe Australian and to collect our belongings. It was quite a Manuscripts Collection, State Library of Victoria job and we eventually had to leave before Source: Unpublished Manuscript: “The Happiest Days Of My Life” P.28 removing all the old junk. I was not happy about leaving someone else the job of http://womenshistory.net.au/ 12 The Surfer by Judith Wright
He thrust his joy against the weight of the sea; climbed through, slid under those long banks of foam - (hawthorn hedges in spring, thorns in the face stinging). How his brown strength drove through the hollow and coil of green-through weirs of water! Muscle of arm thrust down long muscle of water; and swimming so, went out of sight where mortal, masterful, frail, the gulls went wheeling in air as he in water, with delight.
Turn home, the sun goes down; swimmer, turn home. Last leaf of gold vanishes from the sea-curve. Take the big roller’s shoulder, speed and serve; come to the long beach home like a gull diving.
For on the sand the grey-wolf sea lies, snarling, cold twilight wind splits the waves’ hair and shows the bones they worry in their wolf-teeth. O, wind blows and sea crouches on sand, fawning and mouthing; drops there and snatches again, drops and again snatches its broken toys, its whitened pebbles and shells.
EAT | DRINK | STAY IN THE HEART OF THE OTWAYS
At Forrest Guesthouse you can stop and relax. Enjoy the abundant nature and waterfall walks close by or if you like to move at a faster pace, ride the renowned mountain bike trails that wind through the Otways. Onsite restaurant Bespoke Harvest uses fresh produce from our garden & surrounding farms that capture the taste & flavour of the Otways. Featuring 80% local ingredients for lunch & dinner. Friday & Saturday dinner is a set menu where you relax and enjoy the local harvest. Our menu is continually changing as the produce provides.
| 16 GRANT STREET FORREST 3236 | THE OTWAY RANGES VICTORIA | BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES T 03 5236 6446 W FORRESTACCOMMODATION.COM.AU |
Otway Life5892_FGH_OtwayLife_180x63mm.indd Magazine Summer 2015-16 1 26/11/2015 3:53 pm Health & Wellbeing 13 Finding our hinterlands
Ready for summer? Ready to unwind? of many photographers and artists. Some shacks are meant to be found and admired with friends, family At the start of the season we yearn for summery jaunts and many visitors. Others are quietly hidden among to the beach – time for swimming, farmers’ markets, hinterlands; they envelop us in a sleepy solitude for music festivals, and the indulgences of Christmas food relaxation and refection. and wine. Summers down the coast are full of choices. From Lorne, stunning drives west along the Great We can create our own temporary shacks on the beach Ocean Road, into hinterland to wineries and cafes, or – a portable beach shade, towel, headphones, and walks from the local beach to the ice-cream shop. Day instantly we can have our inner sanctuary. Or a solitary trips, luxurious overnighters, camping, or seeking out walk, or gaze at the ocean, even whilst surrounded that perfect beach shack. With the volume of people by others, can centre us. This is the time to digest that on the move, and the range of activities this region novel you otherwise don’t have time for. Without places ofers over summer, this season can certainly cater for to retreat to, we can end up needing a holiday after the our extroverted selves. holiday is over. But sometimes, before we know it, we can end up The summer read is high on holiday makers’ to-do list. limping towards the end of the hot season, awaiting A possible choice while settling into our beach shack is, some autumn solitude. Finding ways to recharge Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop is essential. For the extroverts among us, energy is Talking. The author Susan Cain argues that ‘society has drawn in by being around other people, but the more a cultural bias towards extroverts’. In this age of super introverted need some time alone to regenerate. inter-connectivity this is certainly worth refecting on. Generalising whole populations into two categories As we age, ideally we get to know ourselves better, isn’t always helpful, but knowing where on the how to respect the needs of those close to us, and how spectrum your needs might lie can be a guide when we draw in energy and lose energy. Time is precious. prioritising your precious time and commitments as Retreating to our inner shacks, alone or in company, is a this year draws to a close. way to honour these moments. Happy summer. Here the concept of the beach shack can cater for By Suzanne Frydman us all. They have certainly captured the imagination www.relaxcommunications.com.au
Otway Escapes Luxury Cottage Accommodation Victoria offers you a choice of 3 private and exclusive holiday cottages, custom designed as romantic retreats for Otway Escapes couples. Delightful country holiday rental accommodation, perfect as a base for touring the Otway Ranges, The Great Ocean Road or a romantic short break getaway Luxury Cottage Accommodation - Great Ocean Road from city life, in South West Victoria Australia. Your Hosts: Christine and Brett Smith
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2016 Fire Monkey Year by Susan Levitt The year of the Monkey begins on the new Moon of hands, has skills and dexterity with machines, naturally February 8 or 9 in 2016 (depending on where you are in has technological talents, and can easily master the world). Fire Monkey year is ideal for a quantum leap new concepts. A superb generalist, Monkey can do in your life! Now is the time to shake things up, create anything! In relationships, a Monkey loves romance, change, and innovate a new path. Join the Monkey and is very sensitive and generous. But she can be madness when risks are rewarded, chaos is the norm, fckle, run hot or cold, and treat relationships like a and anything can happen. Even the craziest schemes game. But everyone loves the Monkey, and the birth can succeed. In Monkey year, it’s fne to just make it rate skyrockets in Asia during a Monkey year. up as you go along. There will be more than enough Of the fve Taoist elements Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and action and opportunity to keep you busy. Just don’t be Wood, this is the year of the red Fire Monkey. Red means gullible or trust the wrong people, or wily Monkey will go! Fire brings passion, creativity, and joy. Fire types are take all the peanuts and leave you the shells. strong, dynamic, and can overcome illness and obstacles. Those born in Monkey years (1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, Just be aware to not jump ahead of yourself this year. 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) are clever, sharp, Especially during the heat of summer, calm the Monkey mercurial, and entertaining. They are wonderful to mind dynamic of ‘jump to a branch, grab a banana, peel be around because they are fun, creative, and bring it, take a bite, drop it; jump to the next branch, grab the sparkling energy that only Monkey can provide. a banana...’ etc. in a useless tail-chasing cycle. As soon Monkeys embody strong leadership potential and, like as you realize that a path is not fruitful, try a new one their best friend the Dragon, won’t allow anyone to tell instead of staying stuck and trying to analyze the past. her to do. Uninhibited Monkey rarely gets embarrassed Monkey year is very fortunate for all Monkeys, and for by anything, and is free to express herself fearlessly in her friends the Rat, Dragon, and Snake. Monkey energy all walks of life. can, at times, be problematic for the Tiger. Monkey correlates to the western sign Leo. In addition to acute mental alertness, Monkey also possesses physical stamina. Monkey is good with her susanlevitt.com
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 Summer Safe 15 Be fre safe this summer
Otway residents and visitors are encouraged to prepare Have your say on reducing the risk and stay informed this summer as Victoria heads into a potentially severe fre season. The Colac-Otway fre of bushfre in Victoria danger period was declared on November 2nd after DELWP has launched a new online engagement early fres across the state and forecasts for a long, hot, website for Otway community members to help shape dry summer. the development of bushfre management strategies. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning The website is a forum for you to engage with DELWP’s (DELWP) Otways District Manager, David Rourke, said Barwon Otway bushfre risk landscape (BOBRL) team taking steps to get prepared and stay informed before and share your local values and perspectives on a fre starts means it will be easier to act when you’re bushfre management. under pressure. A range of projects are currently open for contribution “This summer, you could be at serious risk of including a space to share your story about living with uncontrollable fres on Code Red, Extreme and Severe bushfre or ask the BOBRL team about their work. New days. It’s up to you to stay informed. Check the Fire discussion topics, surveys, brainstorming forums and Danger Ratings daily and act to protect yourself and other interactive tools will be added regularly to the site. your family” Mr Rourke said. Visit bushfre-planning.delwp.vic.gov.au to have “As the ratings increase, so does your risk of fre. If the your say. Fire Danger Rating is Code Red, Extreme or Severe, The website launch coincides with the Victorian you’re risking your life if you wait and see. Leaving early Government’s new Safer Together approach to is the safest option to protect yourself and your family. reducing the risk of bushfre, which has a key focus on “Talk to your family and friends about how you’ll know working in partnership with communities. when to leave and where to go to stay safe, especially if you or others need help preparing to leave early. “You should also plan ahead for extreme heat by keeping the house cool, drinking plenty of water and checking For information on how to stay safe this summer, on family, friends and neighbours most at risk.” visit emergency.vic.gov.au or ring the Victorian Bushfre Information Line on 1800 240 667. 16 Summer Safe
Bushwalking & Camping during high fre danger periods
Your bushfre safety • Carry hard copy maps. GPS or mobile phones can be afected by smoke and may lack coverage in The warmer months are the perfect time to experience remote areas. regional Victoria. However, Victoria is fre-prone. If you • Leave your itinerary and mobile phone numbers are hiking or camping between November to April in with someone in case of an emergency. an area that is heavily forested, has thick bush or long, • Check if any access roads, parks or forests are dry grass, or coastal areas with lots of plant life – you closed by visiting parks.vic.gov.au. For your own are at risk of fre. Follow these bushfre safety tips to safety, do not enter closed parks or forests. ensure that your experience is safe and enjoyable. While you are in a forest or a park Before you go • Check for fre warnings or alerts in areas you • Monitor weather forecasts for the area you plan will be hiking or camping by visiting cfa.vic.gov.au, to visit and pack a portable AM/FM radio to monitor calling 1800 240 667 or listening to ABC Local Radio local weather broadcasts during your visit. or other emergency broadcasters. • Know the fre weather district that you plan to • Be prepared to change your plans on hot, dry visit so that you can remain aware of the Fire and windy days. Parks and forests may be closed in Danger Rating for that area and if there are any fre these conditions and it may be safer to visit regional restrictions. cities. The nearest accredited Visitor Information • Check the Fire Danger Rating and if there are Centre may be able to suggest alternative holiday fre restrictions at cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian activities on high-risk days. Bushfre Information Line on 1800 240 667. • Identify suitable places along your hiking route • Pack clothing that can help protect you if you are such as a hut, large body of water or cleared area caught in a fre. Natural fbre long pants, a light long- that could provide shelter if you cannot leave the sleeved wool jumper or close weave cotton shirt area and there is a fre. These are last resort options ofer the best protection. only and do not guarantee your survival. • Pack a mobile phone programmed with numbers • Be prepared for Code Red days. If you are in a park for the Victorian Bushfre Information Line and local or forest and a Code Red day is forecast, the safest Parks or Department of Environment Land Water and option is to leave the night before or early the next Planning (DELWP) ofces. day and return only when it is clearly safe to do so. • Download the FireReady smartphone app to Never travel into a high risk area (areas that are heavily access fre danger information and receive alerts forested, have thick bush or long, dry grass, or coastal and warnings. areas with lots of plant life) on a Code Red day.
Do NOT expect an ofcial bushfre warning Due to the sheer size and geographic spread of Victoria’s parks and forests, it is not possible for every visitor to personally receive a warning. It is your responsibility to remain alert and aware of the current weather and fre conditions.
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 Summer Safe 17
Total Fire Bans A Total Fire Ban sets legal restrictions on certain The Otways is in the South West activities that may start a fre, including restrictions fre weather district around barbecues and campfres. On days of Total Fire Ban: ✘ Campfres and open fame barbecues are not permitted. This includes the use of kettle/Weber style barbecuesKnow and camp yourovens. fire Fire Danger Ratings Fire warnings and ✘ Solid fuelweather barbecues (e.g. wood, districts charcoal and The Fire Danger Ratings predict how bad a fire would be if Hiking and briquettes) are not permitted. one started. further information Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans are determined for ✘ Liquid fuel barbecues or appliances are not During the warmer months, check the Fire Danger Rating for camping in parks each of these nine districts in Victoria: • Call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on permitted to be used in the open, or in a tent, the area you are visiting every day so that you know when the 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, and forests annexe or tent-like trailer. local conditions are dangerous. The Fire Danger Rating will or have a speech/communication impairment can call Know your fire Fire Danger Ratings ✔ feature in weather forecasts and be broadcast on radio and the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 Gas andFire electric barbecues warnings are permitted, and provided TV and appear in some newspapers. It can also be found at weather districts The Fire Danger Ratings predict how bad a fire would be if Hiking and • Visit cfa.vic.gov.au that: further information cfa.vic.gov.au, on the FireReady smartphone app or by calling Bushfire safety tips for visitors one started. • The area three metres around the barbecue is the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. • Tune in to the emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans are determined for During the warmer months, check the Fire Danger Rating for camping in parks Radio, commercial radio and designated community each of these nine districts in Victoria: cleared• ofCall f theammable Victorian Bushfirematerial. Information Line on radio stations the area you are visiting every day so that you know when the • You have1800 a hose 240 667 connected. Callers who areto adeaf, water hard ofsupply hearing, or local conditions are dangerous. The Fire Danger Rating will or have a speech/communication impairment can call and forests • Download the FireReady smartphone app feature in weather forecasts and be broadcast on radio and vessel withthe National at least Relay 10 Service litres onof 1800 water. 555 677 • Watch Sky News on television TV and appear in some newspapers. It can also be found at • An adult who has the capacity and means to • Visit cfa.vic.gov.au cfa.vic.gov.au, on the FireReady smartphone app or by calling extinguish the fre is present at all times. Bushfire safety tips for visitors • Visit an accredited Visitor Information Centre the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. • The f•re isTune completely in to the emergency extinguished broadcasters: before ABC Local the Radio, commercial radio and designated community CODE RED @CFA_Updates adult leaves.radio stations www.facebook.com/cfavic Find out more about Total Fire Bans at cfa.vic.gov.au. • Download the FireReady smartphone app For park and forest closures and information, go to Key tourism destinations parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 19 63 • Watch Sky News on television What does it mean? Campfresin fire weather districts For road closures and traffic information, go to • Visit an accredited Visitor Information Centre These are the worst conditions for a bush or vicroads.vic.gov.au Campfres are part of the outdoor experience, but grass fire. don’t let your camp@CFA_Updatesfre go bush! Approximately 10 per Parks and forests are not safe places to be CODE RED and they will be closed to the public. Central Dandenong Ranges, Southern Goldfields, cent of fres in www.facebook.com/cfavic Victoria’s parks and forests are started by Do not enter closed parks or forests and if you Mornington Penninsula, Phillip Island, Yarra In an emergency are already there, the safest option is to leave campfre escapes. Before youValley, light Great Ocean a fre, Road check (East) local fre For park and forest closures and information, go to the night before or early in the morning. Key tourism destinations CALL TRIPLE ZERO (000) TO CONTACT POLICE, FIRE OR restrictionsparks.vic.gov.au Eastand Gippsland if a Total or call FireGippsland 13 19Ban 63 Lakes,is in Lakesforce Entrance by visiting Visit parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 19 63 for a list What does it mean? AMBULANCE (TTY 106). CALLS ARE FREE. in fire weather districts ForMallee road closures and Thetraffic Murray information, (North) go to of park closures. These are the worst conditions for a bush or cfa.vic.gov.au. vicroads.vic.gov.au Expect hot, dry and windy conditions. If a fire grass fire. North Central Yarra Valley, Central Goldfields Extreme You should only call 000 in life threatening or time critical starts and takes hold, it will be uncontrollable, Parks and forests are not safe places to be Things to remember: situations when an urgent response is needed from police, Northern Country Northern Goldfields, The Murray (Central) unpredictable and fast moving. and they will be closed to the public. fire or ambulance. Central Dandenong Ranges, Southern Goldfields, Great Alpine Road (West), Alpine Resorts Reconsider plans to visit parks and forests. Do not enter closed parks or forests and if you • Don’t lightNorth a camp East fre, or keep one alight, on dry, Severe Mornington Penninsula, Phillip Island, Yarra In an emergency If you are already within a park or forest the are already there, the safest option is to leave South West Great Ocean Road (West), Twelve Apostles, Valley, Great Ocean Road (East) windy days. safest option is to leave early in the day. the night before or early in the morning. The Otways, Southern Grampians 3rd Edition: February 2013 CALL TRIPLE ZERO (000) TO CONTACT POLICE, FIRE OR Images courtesy of Parks Victoria. East Gippsland Gippsland Lakes, Lakes Entrance Visit parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 19 63 for a list • Clear the ground and air space of fammable Very High If a fire starts, it can most likely be controlled For fire updates call 1800 240 667 or visit cfa.vic.gov.au West & South Gippsland Lakes, Wilsons Promontory of park closures. AMBULANCE (TTY 106). CALLS ARE FREE. in these conditions. Tourism Victoria acknowledges the assistance and advice of Parks Victoria and the Department of Mallee The Murray (North) material (eg. leaves, twigs, tree stumps) within three Sustainability and Environment in the preparation of this publication. The Victorian Government and its Gippsland Check if any fire restrictions are in force. Be Expect hot, dry and windy conditions. If a fire High agencies does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of such North Central Yarra Valley, Central Goldfields Extreme You Wimmerashould only call 000 Northernin life threatening Grampians or time critical aware of how fires can start and minimise information or advice) which is provided in this publication or incorporated into it by reference and starts and takes hold, it will be uncontrollable, metres of your campfre. disclaims any liability for any errors or for any loss or other consequence, which may arise from any Northern Country Northern Goldfields, The Murray (Central) situations when an urgent response is needed from police, the risk. person relying on any information or advice. You should seek further assistance if assessing the relevance unpredictable and fast moving. • Campfres must be lit in a 30 centimetre deep hole and accuracy of its content in your particular area or require details as to any current restrictions or bans on fire or ambulance. Low Moderate Plan your activities carefully on hot, dry and the lighting of fire that might apply. Great Alpine Road (West), Alpine Resorts Reconsider plans to visit parks and forests. North East Severe windy days. If you are already within a park or forest the and cannot exceed one square metre in size. South West Great Ocean Road (West), Twelve Apostles, DOT7637/13 safest option is to leave early in the day. The Otways, Southern Grampians • An adult3rd Edition: must February be 2013 present at all times. Very High If a fire starts, it can most likely be controlled Images courtesy of Parks Victoria. For fire updates call 1800 240 667 or visit cfa.vic.gov.au West & South Gippsland Lakes, Wilsons Promontory • Never leave a fre unattended. in these conditions. Tourism Victoria acknowledges the assistance and advice of Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment in the preparation of this publication. The Victorian Government and its Gippsland Check if any fire restrictions are in force. Be • Extinguish your campfre with water, not soil. High agencies does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of such Wimmera Northern Grampians aware of how fires can start and minimise information or advice) which is provided in this publication or incorporated into it by reference and • When disclaimsit’s cool any liability to for anytouch, errors or for anyit’s loss safe or other consequence,to leave. which may arise from any the risk. person relying on any information or advice. You should seek further assistance if assessing the relevance Low Moderate and accuracy of its content in your particular area or require details as to any current restrictions or bans on Plan your activities carefully on hot, dry and Where canthe lighting I check of fire that might the apply. Fire Danger Rating and if windy days. there is aDOT7637/13 Total Fire Ban? • cfa.vic.gov.au or 1800 240 667 • Weather forecasts • Radio, television and some newspapers Source: CFA brochure: Hiking and camping in parks and forests - Bushfre • Accredited Visitor Information Centres safety tips for visitors 18 Summer Safe
Few places in Australia lure Don’t let beauty motorists like the beautifully serpentine Great Ocean Road. Its ocean outlooks and sweeping become a beast beaches, its verdant hills and gullies, and its undulating nature By Samantha Cockfeld make for a terrifc road trip.
Photo: DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 Summer Safe 19
Summer, of course, is a great time to experience this • If driving more than two hours, take a break and stay coastal wonderland and no shortage of wheels of all fresh. Fatigue is no-one’s friend on the road. types take to the Great Ocean Road and its hinterland. • Check your car or motorcycle is in good working Look about and you’ll fnd roadsters, free-wheeling order. Nothing mars a road trip like a breakdown, let motorcycles, family cars, bicycles and more. alone an accident caused by a poorly-maintained vehicle. This kind of trafc on a tight road carved into the clif- • Allow for hiccups. The Great Ocean Road is busy in face of the Otway Ranges – with the sea far below on summer, trafc often moves slowly. Expect cars on the one side and an unforgiving rock wall on the other – roadside at tourist sites, lookouts and surf spots. Watch demands special care by drivers. for people, especially children, emerging from cars. The same goes for other sections of this busy road – not • Check local conditions. Falling rocks are common. just around Anglesea and Lorne but through to Apollo Many adjoining roads are not sealed. Inland roads can Bay and the Twelve Apostles. be dark and slippery with leaves and creek run-ofs. The presence of so many stunning natural bush and Above all, don’t speed. If speed limits seem low, beach distractions magnify the risk factor. remember, it’s for a very good reason. So too does the fact many of the millions of motorists And remember, motorcycle crashes are most likely to who travel the Great Ocean Road each year are tourists happen in warmer weather. Motorcyclists are already unfamiliar with its tight winding bends and low- over-represented in injury statistics. Drivers and riders visibility corners, often complicated by road rise and fall. are reminded to share the responsibility and watch out for each other. Even long-time holiday-makers and visitors need to remember the beauty of the Great Ocean Road can It’s important to remember every road statistic is become a beast if not treated with respect. someone’s loved one – a father, mother, son, brother. No-one wants their summer or their holiday marred by As with any road trip, preparation and awareness trauma. are terrifc tools to ensure drivers, and especially vulnerable motorcyclists, make the most of a Great The Great Ocean Road is there to enjoy. Be patient, Ocean Road trip. show respect for others on the road and play it safe. Planning is sensible and awareness is essential, so: Don’t make it a bad trip. • Plot your route and allocate time to complete it SAMANTHA COCKFIELD is senior manager road safety comfortably, without pressure to beat the clock. with the Transport Accident Commission. 20 Arts LORNE SCULPTURE BIENNALE
In October 2005 a meeting of Friends of Lorne Arts met at Graeme Wilkie’s Qdos Art Gallery to discuss his long held dream to stage a world-class sculpture exhibition along the dramatic sweep of Lorne’s famous foreshore. This resulted in overwhelming support from community and regional authorities and the formation of the Lorne Sculpture Exhibition Inc. A Committee team led by Jack and Cynthia Wynhoven set up the inaugural exhibition called “The Littoral Edge” from October 26 to November 11, 2007. Renowned Australian Art Historian and Lecturer Ken Scarlett was appointed as Curator for the frst Lorne Sculpture Exhibition in 2007. The frst Lorne Sculpture Exhibition was acclaimed by the Australian sculpture world, the local community, critics and artists alike as an important new showcase for contemporary sculpture for both local and international artists.
Lorne Sculpture 2016 will run from 12 March – 3 April 2016
Festival curator Julie Collins announced the popular event would return next year bigger than ever before. “The 2016 event will ofer multiple layers of experiences which will help to grow audiences, expand opportunities for Australian sculptors and help build a refective, creative and intuitive society,” Ms Collins said. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity to show of the beautiful township of Lorne, allowing the natural environment to be seen in new ways as the sculptures draw attention to undiscovered vistas along the Trail from the pier to the river.” The 2016 Lorne Sculpture Biennale will deliver a mix of large and small sculptural projects as well as the Sculpture Trail, which will feature large scale sculptures positioned along the coastline. New features of next year’s festival will include sculptures with a special night time emphasis, as well as smaller maquette models of the 35 major artworks that will be displayed separately. Matthew Harding - Within Tight Arts 21
Jackie Ralph - Horse Staring Out to Sea Stelarc - wide “Replicated/Relocated/Rewired” Geofrey Ricardo - The End The Beginning Photo: Ian Macrae
Richard Savage - Terror Australis Photo: Deirdre Carmichael
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� 23 The Apollo Bay Seafood Festival Treasures, Charms This summer follow the treasure hunt trail from set to return in 2016 the Great Ocean& Road Curios into the cool hills and valleys of The Otways. Every town, hamlet and village have their speciality shops with unique items for that special gift you’ve been looking for.
a little birdie told me so is everything a woman wants, beautiful clothing from a wide range of Australian clothing brands ~ Mesop , Layer’d, ONESEASON, Naudic, Adrift and many more. Amazing body products and fragrant gifts for yourself or that special person in your life, proudly made in Australia . French Provincial style home wears that complement your home . Stunning individual pieces of jewellery to complete your look! Our ever popular ranges of ladies handbags ~ SLOUCH leather bags, wallets and clutches , ~ b.sirius bags to make your personality shine through ~ And LOUENHIDE with their up to date fashion styles for the season. Do yourself a favour and take a trip to the quaint town of Birregurra, just 30 minutes inland from Lorne and the Great Ocean Road - you won’t wanna leave. You will fnd this beautiful store at 53 Main Street Birregurra right The ffth annual Apollo Bay Seafood Festival will be next door to the pub! held on February 20, 2016 on the Apollo Bay foreshore between 10am and 7pm. The Festival, which has become a highlight on the summer calendar in the Colac Otway region, will once again showcase the best seafood and produce that the area has to ofer. Mayor of the Colac Otway Shire Frank Buchanan said “the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival has become one of the most anticipated summer events in the region with its winning combination of local seafood, produce and live music. The Shire is delighted to continue its support for this tremendous festival.” Once again the picturesque Apollo Bay foreshore will play host to the Festival, which will be a family-friendly day of cooking demonstrations from local and celebrity chefs, live entertainment, market stalls, locally produced wine and beer and of course, locally sourced seafood. Launched in 2011, the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival was conceived with the aim of establishing Apollo Bay as a sustainable seafood destination and to showcase the wide range of quality local Otway produce available. 53 main street, birregurra Tickets will be available at the gate. For more information phone: (03) 5236 2554 visit www.apollobayseafoodfestival.com 24 Cover story
On 8 March 2014 the Climate Guardians Coal (including Quit Coal activists) ofcially opened the Lorne Sculpture Biennale Requiem 2014 with a ‘Coal Requiem’ performance. by Liz Connor Angels have an elevated vantage on the earth and sinner in the history of our species lived there, that can be likened to that of cosmologists. on this dust mote.” The cloud-and-sea embossed From the vaulted skies of our planet’s blue marble we know from near-Earth satellite atmosphere this choir of Angels sends forth images dwindles to this featureless pale blue this warning drawing on the perspective of dot when viewed even from Saturn. cosmologists and poets. It is easy to forget, swarming as we do on We call upon the people of Lorne to witness this over-crowded terra frma, that we live on to this message from light years beyond: we a lonely planet in the vast, possibly lifeless inhabit “a minor planet of an average star, lost frmament and there is nowhere else for us at the edge of an inconsiderable galaxy”, one to go, nowhere else to take refuge from our among some 140 thousand million galaxies self-inficted travails. We have been cocooned within our observable cosmic horizon. in a ‘goldilocks’ atmosphere that has given and We recall this cosmic perspective, from up nurtured life throughout the ages. Yet in space in “… this most excellent canopy … this brave time those millennia of evolution, that brought o’erhanging frmament, this majestical roof intelligent life into being only a few hundred fretted with golden fre.” thousand years ago, are but a ‘cosmic eye blink, an atomic ficker’ in deep time. When the Voyager space probe sent images of the inner Solar System from beyond Neptune, ClimActs is a political theatre troupe using this planet, our home, appeared as one pale spectacle and humour to draw attention blue pixel. At frst a technician mistook it for a to climate change. We formed in response speck of dust and tried to brush it away. The late to Government inaction on increasingly Carl Sagan saw this tiny feck and he wrote of alarming fndings by climate scientists that the planet earth as …“a dust mote suspended in we are fast approaching a ‘tipping point’ a sunbeam: on it everyone you love, every human after which we will not be able to avert being who ever has lived out their life, every catastrophic climate change. Our acts include hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every the Climate Guardians, Coal Diggers, the creator and destroyer of civilisation, every saint Frackers’ Guild and the Flat Earth Institute.
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 Environment 25
By Pat Onesta
Since 2007, the charitable not-for-proft organisation to cut down on their plastic use, benefting the local Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG), has been leading the and global environment, kick starting a Plastic Bag Free community in a number of projects aimed at exploring Torquay initiative. ideas around how to develop community connection, Green Drinks, a bimonthly event at Patagonia in Torquay resilience and strength at a local level. SCEG plans to connects the Surf Coast’s environmental community. The create the space within the community for individuals, Community Solar program has continued investigating organisations and businesses that aim to strengthen options for community owned clean energy projects and support the environment and a sustainable and recently helped launch a crowdfunding project at community. Through these strong connections, SCEG Aireys Inlet Primary School in order to get solar on the sees a healthier, culturally rich and biodiverse future. school’s roof and other sustainable eforts on campus. SCEG encourages adoption of sustainable living by Building on past successes of Sustainable House Day, educating, advocating and promoting of positive Build Grow Live had over 100 people view private behaviours with residents, businesses and all levels homes in the area and access practical information on of government. Grassroots eforts over the years how live sustainably in October. have included a “Grow It” campaign supplying SCEG is interested in partnering within the Surf Coast veggie boxes and holding workshops for the and envisions tremendous opportunity to embrace community to grow more of their own food. Last the community collaboration model and involve year, SCEG’s largest event was the Growth Forum at other groups in developing additional programs or the Quicksilver Auditorium, where over 200 people events. SCEG plans to explore ideas of environmental attended discussing issues surrounding: population leadership within the region. With a member on growth, climate change and biodiversity loss, and the the Lorne Film Festival’s Environmental Leadership implications both locally and globally. Community Forum, SCEG plans to partner with Council The philosophy and history behind SCEG has always and together explore an engagement process within been to raise issues and encourage local action from the Surf Coast about environmental leadership. the community in their programs. The opening night of If you’d like to collaborate or become involved with 2010 Film Season introduced residents on the issue of SCEG, please contact [email protected]. plastics in our oceans. As a result, people were inspired
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76 Murray St Colac Phone: 5231 2347 Email: [email protected] OL5 26 Environment
Otter’s ultimate guide to Recycling and Reusing
by Megan Raj Glass Imagine having a mason jar’s worth of waste per week. You may be used to putting glass jars and bottles into In fact, forget about a week, how about a year? It may your yellow recycling bin, but there are some types of sound impossible, but once you’ve developed a system, glass that shouldn’t be put in the kerbside recycling bin, it becomes second nature and household waste can such as: light globes, mirrors, window glass, crockery, become a thing of the past. Megan Raj shares some drinking glasses, and Pyrex. ideas to get you thinking outside the box (or bin). These types of glass can be recycled at specifc glass recovery centres across Australia. It’s just a matter of Stufng a year’s worth of waste into a mason jar is doing a quick internet search to fnd one close to you. becoming more commonly practised, the movement led by trailblazers such as author Bea Johnson from Zero Electronics Waste Home and Lauren Singer from Trash is for Tossers. Fact: Australians generate more than 140,000 tonnes It’s not as extreme as it seems – it’s really a matter of of electronic waste each year and most of it ends up knowing how and where something can be recycled in landfll. As well as putting more pressure on limited and thinking outside the box for alternatives to the landfll capacity, e-waste can be hazardous, as it contains bin. You soon begin to realise that what is thrown toxic materials. could actually be recycled. The frst step is to refuse and Charity stores accept electronic devices as long as they reduce, but failing that, look at ways to prevent rubbish are in good working condition. However, faulty or broken and items from going to landfll. Here are some ideas to electronics must be disposed of thoughtfully. Planet get you thinking. Ark has programs for recycling televisions and computers, while MobileMuster recycles mobile phones, Textiles batteries and chargers. Aldi stores generally have a Fact: Textile waste in landfll contributes to the formation drop-of point for batteries. Also, check when your local of leachate as it decomposes, which can contaminate council is having their e-waste drop-of days. They’ll take groundwater. Decomposing organic fbres such as wool all your household appliances, electronic games, garden produce large amounts of ammonia and methane. To cut power tools and ofce equipment such as faxes and down on textile waste, consider repurposing your fabrics. computers, and dispose of them properly. Sheets and clothing which can’t be redeemed due Paper and cardboard to stains can be cut down into rags for household Fact: Australians send 1.9 million tonnes of paper to cleaning, car washing, or used in place of paper towels landfll each year and most of it can be recycled. for spills. Alternatively blankets, sheets and towels can Although most paper and cardboard can be recycled be donated to local animal shelters where they are via your yellow bin, how about using them to their desperately needed. Get creative! If kids clothing has a maximum capacity, before sending them of to be stubborn stain which isn’t too big, then try altering the recycled? piece to something trendy and personalise it by adding • Save those toilet rolls to make homemade Christmas large buttons or sewing on a fabric shape over the stain. crackers • Reuse the blank sides of A4 printed paper by cutting If you’re crafty, you can turn t-shirts into plait rugs. Odd them to size and attaching them together as a socks can be turned into drink cosies or cool paper notepad. Or invest in a paper saver notebook that weights. There’s an endless supply of craft ideas online. does it for you When it comes to textiles don’t forget carpets and • Strong cardboards can make great bookmarks curtains. Freecycle and Gumtree are great places to • Save and reuse envelopes by putting fresh labels on list unwanted household textiles, since old carpets can be them reused in garages or home gyms. As an added bonus, you A note for the pizza lover: Sadly, pizza boxes can’t be can request that the recipient come and pick up the item recycled, as the oil and food scraps can’t be separated themselves, saving you from having to lift a fnger! from the paper fbres during the pulping process.
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 Environment 27
Toiletries and cosmetics We probably all have some old hand creams or beauty products in our bathroom cabinet that we no longer want to use. But before adding plastics to the recycling bin, consider how to repurpose unused products or empty containers. • A shampoo that didn’t suit your hair can be used for hand washing clothes • Perfumes which have gone old make great car air For your soft plastic waste, Planet Ark has a fresheners or bathroom sprays; the bottles can be convenient REDcycle program, where you drop flled with water and essential oils later as a spritzer of your scrunchable plastics (think bread or pasta • Lipstick cases make good storage for tiny items such packets, biscuit trays, lolly bags) at designated bins. Use as sewing needles and hair clips this handy locator to fnd your nearest one. Plastic bags • Make-up brushes, once washed, can be used for can be given to supermarkets with recycling programs detailing keyboards and car crevices in place. To replace cling wrap, investigate products like water-resistant beeswax-treated cloths, or cloth Plastics! Know your numbers napkins to wrap sandwiches in lunch boxes. Invest in Fact: It can take up to 500 years for plastic bottles to tupperware containers to store food. Avoid fruits and break down in landfll. vegetables packed in polystyrene trays as they also leach chemicals into food. In order to recycle plastics properly, it’s important to check the number on the plastics identifcation code As you can see, there’s plenty we can do to prevent stamped on all plastics. This shows the type of resin waste going to the landfll, so make a game of it, analyse used and whether it can be recycled or not. your bin and see what items can be recycled. The key is to minimise the amount going into your red bin. Your Numbers 1-3 can generally be recycled by your local back will thank you, come garbage collection day! kerbside recycling program and this may be extended to those marked 4-7, but check with your local council. This article was originally published in Otter: Remember to rinse bottles and containers and remove Safe, Green and Fair tips for ethical consumers. lids as well. Sign up to Otter at www.otter.org.au 28 Environment
Otways Koalas Researchers build understanding for habitat sustainability and a better future Image: Phil Hines
This spring Victoria Government vets and wildlife in a new environment, handle a new food source, and ofcers completed a two-week operation to improve move around and behave in diferent habitats. the welfare of koalas at Cape Otway, capturing and “This process needs to be completed before assessing a total of 395 koalas. recommending future actions including whether to DELWP Senior Biodiversity Ofcer Mandy Watson proceed with the proposed large scale translocation to said: “The welfare actions were helping to address a areas of mixed Eucalypt forest,” Ms Watson said. complex, long-term overabundance problem facing In addition to providing general information regarding koalas at Cape Otway. translocation success, the radio-collared koalas are also providing more detailed information to researchers “Of the 395 koalas assessed, a total of 341 healthy from the Conservation Ecology Centre (CEC) and koalas were released back into the wild, 166 females Western Sydney University. While it is known that the were treated with fertility control hormone implants, bacteria inside the koala’s gut are vital to its ability to and 37 koalas were radio-collared and translocated as digest its diet of eucalyptus leaves - and, therefore, its part of a trial,” Ms Watson said. survival - very little is known about how the microbes “We are now focusing on the outcomes of the trial adjust to diferent diets and environment. This project translocation, designed to test if koalas from Cape will investigate how the composition and function of Otway can survive and adapt to mixed Eucalypt forest koala microbiomes changes when koalas are exposed in other locations. to a new food source. CEC Conservation & Research Manager Dr Jack Pascoe “The trial translocation involved moving 37 healthy said: “The radio collared koalas at Cape Otway and the koalas from Manna Gum woodland at Cape Otway to Otways hinterland are being tracked by our team. Once a habitat of mixed Eucalyptus tree species in the Great a koala is located we lay out shade cloth to gather fresh Otway National Park,” she said. To provide a control, 24 scats from that individual. The koalas are all feeding and koalas released at Cape Otway were also ftted with moving across their habitat as we would hope and the radio collars. “The koalas will be recaptured and their scats we are collecting will provide crucial information health assessed after 30 days, in late October.” regarding the ability of the gut microbes to adapt to Scientists from Arthur Rylah Institute are leading the new diets. trial and will review their research results with DELWP’s The results of this research will allow for better koala project team and a panel of animal welfare management of koalas in the future which is important and ecological experts. Arthur Rylah Institute will be for habitat sustainability and the welfare of our wildlife.” carefully monitoring the movement, health and survival By Libby Corke, Conservation Ecology Centre. of the translocated koalas to see how koalas survive
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 29 Did You Know …where the term “Tree hugger” comes from?
The frst tree huggers were 294 men and 69 women belonging to the Bishnois branch of Hinduism, who, in 1730, died while trying to protect the trees in their village from being turned into the raw material for building a palace. They literally clung to the trees, while being slaughtered by the foresters. But their action led to a royal decree prohibiting the cutting of trees in any Bishnoi village. And now those villages are virtual wooded oases amidst an otherwise desert landscape. Not only that, the Bishnois inspired the Chipko movement (chipko means “to cling” in Hindi) that started in the 1970s, when a group of peasant women in the Himalayan hills of northern India threw their arms around trees designated to be cut down. Within a few years, this tactic, also known as tree satyagraha, had spread across India, ultimately forcing reforms in forestry and a moratorium on tree felling in Himalayan regions. This article is from: www.earthisland.org Let’s plant millions of trees: www.GrowTreeSisters.com 30 growing earth-wise kids
Colac Kids Go Bush By Kate Leahy Children’s laughs, splashing water, the rustle of leaves leaf in the top of the sticks and said, “Now it is going!” blowing in the breeze and the whistling of birds in the excited by the imaginary fre. treetops, are the sounds you will hear most Tuesday I’ve noticed after attending Colac Kids Go Bush: mornings at the Hugh Murray Reserve, Colac. It is The children are: so peaceful being a part of the group of parents and • Happy to get wet & dirty young children, calmly engaging in nature while • Laughing and having fun – facial expressions speak attending Colac Kids Go Bush. volumes! In October 2011 I attended Bush Playgroup for the • Replicating & recreating learning experience at frst time at the Colac Botanic Gardens. I have always home enjoyed being outdoors and the idea of meeting new • Embracing various weather conditions and the parents and socialising my three young children (the learning it presented youngest being 6 months old) out in nature was a • Mastering the art of climbing trees concept I really liked. • Developing imaginations • Becoming curious Early 2013 I began work at Barwon Child, Youth & • Developing fne & gross motor skills, social & Family (Formerly Glastonbury Community Services) emotional skills and visual discrimination and was given the opportunity to facilitate Colac Kids • Developing a love of books, nature & outdoors Go Bush. • Developing independence & becoming more It is heart warming to see the shift in what resources motivated learners are needed for facilitating this group. The children Simple activities such as making daisy chains, rolling don’t need to be entertained; they are happy with down the hill, climbing trees, playing “What’s the time the water play tub, a few pots and pans, chalk, a story Mr Wolf?”, acting out the story of “We’re Going on a and a tarp to sit on, as well as the ever changing Bear Hunt” or “Wombat Stew” are always a hit with the outside environment. children and parents. The children are learning about patterns through Colac Kids Go Bush runs fortnightly during school making racetracks out of red and green leaves and terms at the Hugh Murray Reserve in Colac. For further using their imagination by using gum nuts for cars. information contact the BCY&F ofce on 52314740. When camp cooking one of the children sat a red gum
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 31
Lorne kindergarten at the top of sustainability education Lorne Kindergarten may be small but it likes to aim Sustainability Victoria’s 2015 ResourceSmart Education high when it comes to engaging children and their Awards, winning the prestigious Early Childhood families in science and sustainability. Service of the Year Award. Such lofty aspirations have paid of in the two years since With more than 180 entries from some 100 education the kindergarten introduced its unique, award-winning services across Victoria, the award places Lorne Junior Earthlings sustainability and science program. Kindergarten at the top when it comes to exceptional Developed by the kindergarten’s educators, Michelle environmental awareness and education projects. Danks and Alyce Stribling, in collaboration with the “We knew we were on to something very special with voluntary parent committee, the program brings this program but to be recognised on a statewide level together key scientifc and sustainability concepts has been exhilarating and vindicating,” Alyce says. under one interactive, fun umbrella. The kindergarten has continued to build on the Junior “Our goal is to actively engage the children in learning Earthlings program throughout 2015 by transforming a about the three core branches of science – natural, disused space into a practical bush learning space. social and formal – to ensure their understanding of Featuring a produce garden, this ‘wild space’ enables sustainability is much broader than simply recycling, children to explore the natural environment while tree planting and managing water,” explains Michelle. practicing the various sustainability and science “The program seeks to instil lifelong sustainability skills concepts they’ve been learning about. underpinned by comprehensive scientifc knowledge The year ahead will see more work undertaken to of the natural world. enhance the Junior Earthlings program and further “It focuses on embedding sustainable practices in all develop the wild space. Plans include planting our programs and involving educators, children and indigenous species, fruit trees and other edible families, which supports the development of lifelong produce, and establishing a bush tucker garden. attitudes and values in relation to caring for our “We will also be working toward being the frst environment,” Michelle says. kindergarten to achieve Sustainability Victoria’s fve-star Introduced in 2014, the program proved so successful rating,” says Michelle. in its frst 12 months that it was recognised in Visit www.lornekindergarten.com.au for more info. 32 Books & Writing Dry Bones in a Dry Season
Grey hills Around Geelong Give up their rib cages To the casual viewer. April wind howls in Anglesea The wind Six foot waves unleash fury Moves the delicate bones – On the shivering dunes Without mercy. And mangle the wooden steps with mountains of foam A rat shrieks in the early morning Birregurra Creek - the cat has made another killing An open wound I return home Another skeleton In the body of the landscape To my suburban yard I must water the pot plants Waiting for Rain, -grass bleached and shallow soil Dry bones in a dry season. The night nurse, Unwillingly reveals, To stitch her together again. Grey bones too. © Anne Ramsay - Essendon
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 Book Review 33 Otway Book Review By Neal Drinnan from Cow Lick Bookshop Colac Smoke and Mirrors By Robin Bowles - Five Mile Press $29.99 When Stuart Rattle was murdered Stuart Rattle and Michael O’Neill’s property, Musk by his partner in December Farm near Daylesford was a labour of love and 2013, Victoria’s socialites were perfectionism, a beautiful oasis in a world where gobsmacked. What would cause appearances were everything but things are never as Michael O’Neill, a gentle boy from they appear. The price of keeping up with the Bangays Terang to turn so suddenly on his and the darlings of Melbourne’s social elite proved lover of ffteen years. How could too much for Rattle and O’Neill. With extraordinary this perfect couple who had it all sensitivity and compassion, Bowles unpicks the fabric – this interior designer to Melbourne’s money-set come of these ill-fated lovers and the result is both moving to such a violent and tragic end? Robin Bowles exposé, and compelling. A modern day tragedy that gives us Smoke and Mirrors reveals a breathtaking parable of all a pause for thought and raises the question, how far love, money and illusions. would we go to keep up appearances? High Country Cattlemen By Melanie Faith Dove - Echo Publishing $39.95 In 2013 Melanie her younger years fascinated by the fabled traditions of Faith Dove’s book the cattlemen. ‘Working Dogs’ Her unique photographic narrative powerfully captures included quite a snapshot of Victoria and Tasmania’s High Country a few candid Cattlemen and Women in the seventh generation of canine shots of dogs from the Forrest and Otway region. This year their craft. The book combines her love of dogs, cattle, she’s turned her love of Victoria’s Great Outdoors to the horses, and landscape and she’s not averse to laying cattlemen and horses of Victoria and Tasmania’s high in the paddocks to capture a bovine beauty at its best Country. Faith Dove’s parents Marilyn and Terry have angle. (She’s a little more wary of getting under horses a Charolais beef farm at Gerangamete where she still hooves!) The wild brumbies of Kosciuszko National Park keeps two teenage pet cows of her own, ‘they are more ofer plenty of illusive photographic opportunities which like dogs than cows, they lick me and love a pat and the author captures with colourful precision. ‘It was a a scratch.’ Her grandfather hailed from the Mansfeld massive educational experience, not only about this region where cattlemen lured wild, stray cows from magnifcent sub-culture but also about the land, how the bush by putting out salt. She grew up with tales of it is being managed through grazing and how it was highland polo and rough riding in the Alps and spent managed in the past more efectively with cool burning.’
BOOKSHOP
HERE TO W WN Hey Diddle ME Diddle ET RY S COUNT T 03 5232 1072 E [email protected] A 86 Murray Street, Colac www.cowlick.com.au 34 The Good Life by Ami Hillege
To say we were surprised when summer hurtled toward The days however were balmy and warm. There was an us at the beginning of October is an understatement. We odd cool day, which made me question my decision, were caught of guard and I have to admit I was lulled but I justifed my haste by the evidence before me. into such a false sense of security that I could get a jump The zucchinis were growing, spreading their stems on the season, that I bounded head long into planting into star-like spokes, the tomatoes were just starting mode to get my summer crops into the ground. to shoot a little higher. And then it happened. A cold Friday night. As I lit the fre inside the house, using a Before I did that, I attacked fallow winter garden beds pile of logs I’d not bothered to return to the wood pile with vigor, digging the beds over twice, adding a yet, I didn’t spare a single thought for the little crop good amount of rich compost to the bottom layer outside that was slowly taking the brunt of a Southerly before mounding the beds up and watering them wind, bringing with it a cold blast of icy air that turned well. A trip to town to purchase a range of tomato, the squash leaves black and shriveled the little tomato eggplant and capsicum seedlings had me coming plants to wilting and dried little fronds. home with trays of potential sauces, salads and preserved treats. A side note here: I have tried for And here’s the kicker. Old timers around the district four seasons to raise my own seedlings from seeds, have told me a few times, ‘plant your tomatoes AFTER but I’m yet to master the art of getting the seeds to Melbourne Cup Day’. Listening to a radio interview with germinate and grow into sturdy plants, rather than a professor from Melbourne, who said we could go the leggy specimens I’m so good at cultivating. earlier because of climate change, had me convinced I was good to go. Sadly I was too hasty. It is another There is only one way to plant up a garden bed, and confrmation that local knowledge is key. So of I went that is to get your hands dirty. You have to feel the tug to replenish my seedling stocks and allowed them to of the roots as you separate the delicate little plants acclimatise while I watched the lead up to the racing and then carefully place them into the new garden season. My keen interest was not the fashions or the bed. It is here that you say a little prayer and hope that runners, but more the date. First Tuesday in November. your preparation has been sufcient to give the new Planting Day. plants the nutrition they need to grow strong and tall. Once the new plants are resting in their new bed, a Here’s to a bumper summer season! generous layer of mulch is carefully placed around the Follow Otway Fields on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram delicate stems, leaving them a little breathing space. www.otwayfelds.com And so I did all of that. I watered the baby seedlings www.livingthislifeami.blogspot.com religiously as October gave us virtually no rain.
OTWAY FIELDS GROW EAT REST
Newly renovated cabin overlooking the Otways Gourmet basket featuring organically grown farm & local produce Close to the Great Ocean Road & Birregurra YOUR ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY www.otwayfields.com Tel 0418 757 028
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 Around the Houses Summer 3535
Lorne Community worm farm....
Te Daisy and Olive Garden, situated between the Lorne and see methods in action such as our worm farms, small Community House and the Lorne Senior Citizen’s Club is a space gardening and composting. productive edible garden tendered by the community and overseen by the Community House. Te name By attending the small working bees you may gain the commemorates two sisters, Daisy Bell and Olive Cooper, knowledge to set up your own worm farm at home. By who first planted a garden on the site. becoming a worm farmer not only can you help to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfll but you can also In recent months new additions have joined the garden; help to reduce contamination and greenhouse gases. Worm particularly many many worms. Worms are fantastic recyclers. farms do not need a lot of space or work to be efective. Their current job is to live in their farm and decompose Worms can eat their weight of organics each day and well organic matter to produce marvellous worm castings, which managed worm farms will at least double in number every when then applied to the garden give a fabulous boost. People two months may think worms are dirty little creatures, but in fact they are quite clean with no known diseases and their clever digestive Currently around 200 kg of organics are being diverted system destroys most pathogens. from landfll each week but there is potential for this to increase if others become collectors from cafes for creating Our most active worm farmer, Colin Leitch, has been rich compost, feeding the chooks or using on the farm. working with local cafes to divert their food scraps going to Our aim is to divert a large percentage of local cafe organics landfill. Staff at various cafes including The Bottle of Milk from landfll and this will be possible once Lorne folk and Moons Cafe sort the waste, Colin brings the scraps realise the benefts of building up the organics in their back to the Community House and the zillions of worms home gardens and get set up for regular collection of do the composting work. How fantastic is it that a organics. We can assist with setting up work farms and Community House can enable local businesses to have advise on cofee composting. Come along on Tuesday and their organic waste sustainably recycled locally in Lorne. see how easy it is!
During this project it’s been seen that worms don’t Just imagine if all residents of Lorne became worm particularly have the love of coffee that many Lorne locals do. farmers. There are a lot of coffee grounds created in Lorne and while the worms won’t help recycle UIFN there are other Katy Kennedy composting methods being trialled to stop this going to Coordinator landfill and so that coffee can also give back to our landscape. Lorne Community House
Each week on a Tuesday morning from 11am we welcome many people into the Daisy and Olive Garden. With a bit of planting or a bit of weeding those with green thumbs and those without can share garden knowledge. It’s here that COMMUNITY HOUSE
E: [email protected] P: 5289 2972 Open 9.30am -2.30pm Monday - Thursday 36 Around the Houses Summer
Colac Neighbourhood House Find us on Facebook 23 Miller Street, Colac Vic 3250 Phone: 5232 5368 Email: [email protected] Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9am-4pm Holiday closure from Friday December 19 - reopening Monday 25 January
Watching our GARDEN GROW The garden and surrounds of the Colac Neighbourhood House have been transformed into an exciting new space, inviting you to use your senses to explore the colours, textures, fragrances and sounds of the new sensory garden. Take 5 from your busy day, relax under the gazebo with a cuppa and feel the tension ease away.
REGULAR ACTIVITES Just ring for details or to book a place. Everyone is Welcome! MONDAY WEDNESDAY FRIDAY Women on the Move - social Wednesday Painters Free Community Meals Program group for women Colac Otway Ratepayers Small Talk playgroup Breast and Ovarian Cancer Association Epilepsy Support Support Group Australian Plants Society Walking Group Palliative Care Volunteers Raphael Centre PND Counselling ALSO... Monday Painters – Womens Group Community Garden tutored art class Tinnitus and Menieres Support Cake Decorators TUESDAY THURSDAY Music Group Cancer Support Group Meditation Classes Story Wall and Sensory Colac Otway Sustainability Group CNH Playgroup GardenProject Childbirth and Parenting Classes Thursday Craft and Social Group Pathways Disability Support Tuesday Painter Garden Group Mon-Frid 9-4pm Healthy Lifestyle .. cooking and ABCD Parenting exercise
HOME OF - Oldest, organic berry Crucible Apple Cider farm in the south-west, “Real Cider”, hand made from operating since 1985. our 28 cider apple varieties grown in our orchard. Open for public picking No added preservatives. from 28 Nov 2015 Royal Penny Berry Gins through Jan 2016. Made with four varieties of Our emphasis berries picked at their peak, is simple – local, steeped in the fnest gin from fresh and all natural. McHenry’s of Tasmania
Self contained accommodation available all year. Central to Otway regional attractions including Forrest Mountain bike trails 115 Division Road, Murroon 3243 Phone: (03) 5236 3238 www.pennyroyalraspberry.com OL5
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 Around the Houses Summer 37
Laver’s Hill & District Gellibrand Community House Community House Laver’s Hill Hall, the Great Ocean Road Rex Norman Reserve Colac Lavers Hill Road Phone Julia on: 0417 948 522 Phone Julia on: 5235 8348 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Open Monday 10am-4pm Open Tues & Thursdays 9:30am - 4:30pm Yoga Tuesdays 9.30-11am $12 Cards Group Lavers Hill Hall. Contact Catherine on 0447 275 509 2nd & 4th Tuesday each month 1pm Ukulele Group playing 500 & Crazy Whist . Free, friendly and CFA Shed Mondays from 7.30pm welcoming . Meets at Gelli House Contact Pam after 7pm on 5237 9235 Yoga Lavers Hill Food Swap Wednesdays 6:30pm $12/session. 3rd Monday of every month Gellibrand Hall 1:30pm at The Shoppe Contact Catherine on 0447 275 509 Bushfre Planning Day Walking Group 7:30pm Tuesday 8th December, 2015 Thursday mornings 9am Rex Norman Park Duration 1-11/2 hours Gelli House Kids Club We would like to hear from families who want be involved in parent lead kids club sessions during school holidays, meet other families and get the kids out and about . Rex Norman Reserve Community Master Plan Brainstorming phase starts now . Tell us what you love, share photos, inspiration, ideas, anything! Bring it all to the Gelli House or join the conversation on Facebook : www .facebook.com /groups /rexnorman
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The perfect gift for that certain someone who has everything! As you know, we love our environment and we have a limited print run, so guarantee you or a loved one gets to feel the 100% recycled paper of every glorious full colour issue, subscribe TODAY. It’s a lovely gift for friends and family, or a perfect way for your business to share our beautiful Otway Life with your clients. Contact us for a subscription form. Subscriptions Email: [email protected] Phone: (03) 5236 6591 38 Section Around the Houses Summer
Neighb rict ou st rh Forrest House i o Find us on Facebook D o & d t s H 14 Grant Street, Forrest 3236 e o r
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F Phone: Gillian on 5236 6591 Email: [email protected] Open Mon, Wed, Thurs10-5pm Holiday closure from Friday December 19 - reopening Monday 4 January
Regular events Dec Stone Paper Sissors First Monday of the month 5-6 Sat 5th & Sun 6th Dec 10am -5pm BINGO 1-3pm Light afternoon tea provided. ART EXHIBITION - Opening Sat 5 @ 2pm Cost $5 for 2 books. End of year exhibition of Forrest Cert IV and Diploma Visual Arts students. Drinks and Nibbles @ opening. Tuesday COS Exercise and Weights class Dec CFA Bushfre planning 11-12pm For all ages and abilities. Stay on for a light Tuesday 8th Dec, 7pm social lunch. $3.75 or $7.50 with lunch. 8 Are you ready? Wednesday Keep up to date with the latest information and review Tai Chi 6.30-8pm $10/8conc your plan Thursday Gentle Exercise Class 10-11am. Dec Glass Art Xmas Decorations Followed by morning tea. Cost $2 Sunday 13th Dec 2pm -5pm Mind Games 11am-12noon. Cost $2 13 Create 5 unique glass decorations using Community Lunch 12.30-2pm Cost $6 glass fusing techniques. Cost $50 Includes materials Friday Cert IV / Diploma Visual Art 10am-5pm. Forrest Youth Group (FYG) fortnightly You are invited to 5.30-7pm Supervised activity group. Last Sunday of every month Dec Music Jam and Pizza afternoon 17 ThursdayCommunity 17th December Christmas 12.30pm From 3pm. Join in or just relax and enjoy. Come join us for lunch and celebrate the Woodfred pizza available to purchase. season with christmas cheer, good will and a full belly! Bookings by Monday 13th Dec. Ph 5236 6591 FYG FOR GRADES 6 -12 FRID 11 DEC Scavenger Hunt FRID 18 DEC Xmas Party\breakup toA all ourHuge volunteers Thank who support You the Forrest WED 6 JAN Adventure Park - Wallington Neighbourhood House. We could not do what FRID 22 JAN Planning activities for 2016 we do without your wonderful help!
BUILD YOUR CREATIVITY IN FORREST In 2016 South West TAFE will be ofering units This course will cover working with the human from the Certifcate IV and Diploma of Visual form, making molds and casts, exploring and Arts in Forrest. refning sculptural techniques, health and safety Running one day per week on Fridays, this hands processes and making a presentation ENROL on course will be delivered by Salvina Conti at For more information or to enrol NOW the Forrest Hall. phone 1300 648 911.
www.swtafe.vic.edu.au | 1300 648 911
Otway Life Magazine Summer 2015-16 Calendar of Events SUMMER 2015-16 FRI 11 DECEMBER TUES 26 JANUARY SAT 20 FEBRUARY MARKETS Colac City Band Australia Day Celebrations Apollo Bay Seafood Festival Apollo Bay Community Market Carols by Candlelight Colac Otway Shire Apollo Bay Foreshore Every Saturday Memorial Square, Colac Birregurra Park and Main Street 10am – 7pm Apollo Bay Foreshore 7pm- 9pm 10.30am – 3pm www.apollobayseafoodfestival.com Apollo Bay Farmers’ Market SAT 26 DEC – MON 4 JANUARY www.colacotway.vic.gov.au SAT 27 & SUN 28 FEBRUARY Third Sunday of each month Apollo Bay Art Show A Day in the Bay Colac Otway Relay for Life Apollo Bay Youth Club Senior Citizens Centre, Whelan St Apollo Bay Foreshore Western Oval, Colac Birregurra Sunday Market 11am - 5pm 12noon – 10pm www.relayforlife.org.au Second Sunday of each month apollobayartshow.blogspot.com.au SAT 6 & SUN 7 FEBRUARY SAT 27 & SUN 28 FEBRUARY Birregurra Park FRI 15 – SUN17 JANUARY Colac P & A Society Heritage Festival Gellibrand Blues Colac Lions Club Market Colac Custom Car and Bike Show Colac Show Grounds and Blueberry Festival Third Sunday of each month Memorial Square 9am – 4pm Saturday: Blues in the Colac Memorial Square 15th – Movie Night at COPACC [email protected] Otway Tourist Park 16th – Show’n’Shine in Memorial SAT 20 FEBRUARY 12noon – 8pm Square Colac Otway Odyssey Sunday: Market 17th Mystery Cruise Forrest Recreation Reserve Rex Norman Reserve 7am – 5pm 10am -3pm www.rapidascent.com.au
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December/January Exhibition ‘Minuscule’ March 2016 Exhibition: ‘Cultural Connections’ Saturday 5th December 2015 - Sunday 31st January 2016 Saturday 5th March – Sunday 27th March, 2016 The works are created on a canvas 13 x 18 x 1.5cm (7” x 5”) Artists are invited to respond personally to the theme Open theme/genre. Prizes awarded in Primary & Secondary Student In celebration of Victoria’s Cultural Diversity Week (12-20 March, 2016) & Adult Sections. Red Rock Regional Gallery invites submissions that address the theme ‘Cultural Connections’. Expressions of culture can be presented in any Winners will be notifed and names placed on the webpage. medium - painting; drawing; photography; sculpture; textile/fbre. Art Gallery and Theatre: 52 331 030 Opening Hours: 11am - 4pm Sat and Sun