HOLIDAY EDITION

THE QUEENSCLIFF AND POINT LONSDALE NEWS Published monthly on the lastWednesday and available in Queenscliff, DECEMBER, 2020/JANUARY 2021 – Number 252 Phone: 5258 4828, e-mail: [email protected] Point Lonsdale and the Queenscliff/Sorrento Ferry. FREE – Circulation this edition 5000 Website: www.queenscliffeherald.com.au The Pelican Bar El Barquero Mexican Presented by the Queenscliff Music Festival during January Its official! The QMF Pelican Cantina by the seaside Bar is a hit! With hundreds of hap- January Offerings Queenscliff may be a good 30 minute Chupitos are created - tequila shots with py punters enjoying great food, Saturday 2nd - The Badloves with King Canyon drive from Geelong or a 40 minute ferry fresh fruits, juices and even chillies - the music and comed,y the QMF crew Sunday 3rd - The music of Van Morrison featuring ride from Sorrento but this summer a pop perfect accompaniment to a taco or burrito. are pleased to announce they've Joe Creighton and Band up Mexican Cantina opening 27 December Open every day from 12pm to 9pm, El added an Outdoor Cinema series Monday 4th to 7th - Harry Potter themed trivia may just be the reason to cruise down the Barquero operates side by side with RORO over January along with a week of presented by Workers Geelong highway or across the Bay. Café, next to the ferry terminal. It is a pretty Piano Bar along and a swag more Friday 8th - Piano Bar Chef Jason Bushell and Daniel Ovalles cool way to spend a summers day or evening, Music, Comedy and Trivia. Saturday 9th - Ali Barter & Hayley Mary have created an authentic menu with enjoying the small things, hanging with your Additions include The Bad- Sunday 10th - In conversation with John Wood passion, and for good reason. Jason spent a amigos, with the sound of waves breaking in loves, Alice Skye and James Ken- presented by Queenscliff Literary Festival month long honeymoon in Mexico falling in the background. Or grab a takeaway and in a yon, Alana Wilkinson and The Saturday 16th - Free Live & Local day featuring 6 love with street vendors and beachside hole few steps sit on the beach and just soak it all Little Stevies, Angie Hart, with the local artists Alice Skye & James Kenyon in the walls. up. great Ross Wilson playing the final presented by the Lighthouse Arts Collective Daniel, originally from South America, If you are visiting from Sorrento, make concert of the series. Comedy ad- Sunday 17th - The Blues Train showcases: brings his experience of traditional spices sure you catch the last ferry back at 7pm. ditions include Denise Scott, Claire Duelling Pianos featuring Ezra Lee & Damon and flavours, together with inspiration from Eat in or takeaway. Hooper and Brett Blake. Smith. Duelling Guitars featuring Jimi Hocking & Geoff Achison his family recipes. Visit www.elbarquero.com.au Outdoor Cinema Series are Monday 18th - Kim Churchill On the menu is a delicious trio of house running across January weeknights Friday 22nd - Alana Wilkinson & The Little made salsas and corn chips to start, several at 8pm where punters can enjoy the Stevies soft shell tacos, including slow cooked red summer evenings lounging on a Saturday 23rd - Comedy Show with Denise Scott, pepper beef, green pepper and coconut bean bag: enjoy a bevvy, snack on Claire Hooper & Brett Blake pulled chicken and the very special Fish Taco popcorn or munch delicious food Guess Sunday 24th - Angie Hart. Music Trivia by - a Macadamia crumbed Rockling. from a selection of food trucks. Workers Geelong There is a classic Burrito and Quesadilla, Selected 10am sessions on offer for who? Saturday 30th - Ross Wilson a selection of street food style sides and an the family and kids. intriguing Calamari Nachos as well as your See regular Gringo Nachos. The bar is serving up page 10 Pelican Bar Quick Info a range of beers, local and Mexican, wine for our Dinner, Lunch & Afternoon menus available. and cool cocktails. For those who dare, the interview Catering for Vegetarian & Vegan options. hero here is a range of Chupitos (shots) that with this Table groups of 4-10. Patrons must remain seated. 2 hour sessions. will definitely get you in the mood for food. charming Venue undergoes cleaning and sanitisation between shows. A pop up container, painted by street local The venue operates rain, hail or shine… It's an outdoor venue, under a marquee tent. artist, Bryan Itch of Ink Bomb Studios, is the So you might get cold, or hot, but you won't get wet, or sunburnt! centrepiece of the large outdoor dining identity. Buy Tix via thepelicanbar.com.au space. It acts as the main bar and is where the

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www.rollingpin.com.au OCEAN GROVE – 12 Park Lane – Ph: 5256 1517 QUEENSCLIFF – 40 Hesse Street – Ph: 5258 1533 LEOPOLD – 670 Bellarine Highway – Ph: 5250 6101 OCEAN GROVE – 17 Marine Parade – Ph: 5255 2625 Page 2 – Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 Herald celebrates 21 years QUEENSCLIFF 2021 Publication Dates 252 2020 was a difficult year for publishing on our advertised date of of continuous publishing First Wednesday of each month. News and advertising was scarce after the March shutdown but we managed to print an edition each January 2021 marks the 21st The Borough of Queenscliffe month although not always on the advertised first Wednesday. year of Queenscliffe Herald's withdrew the Mayor's Column and Delivery was another major problem with our baskets locked up publishing. Two hundred and fifty most of its advertising and news because of business closures. Home delivery became the only option mentary tickets to the circus, big two editions of a monthly news- prior to Covid-19. While the loss of and with the help of a team of 'paper boys' we managed to cover the and small, the Spiegel Tent in paper dedicated to local news, revenue was an issue it was Coun- borough and beyond with free Heralds. Many thanks to our helpers Barwon Heads, inter-national human interest articles, stories cil's lack of support for a Free during this period. and history. Five years under the Community Newspaper that stung. concerts, history coming alive at the 2021 Revised Dates Queenscliffe Herald's founder We know readers look forward to cemetery with stories told by Greg Wane, and 16 years with the reading the paper and visitors love suitably garbed actors, shows with Instead of being available on the first Wednesday of each month we current owners, Carmel and Allan the history and information about tranvestites dressed as glamorous will now be distributed on the last Wednesday with news and coming Murphy. Another milestone has what's on. By their actions it is women shaking their tail feathers at events spanning two month periods. been reached and it's time to obvious Council doesn't value it at the school hall. I had a drink with Dates for 2021 will be: reflect on the past and plan ahead. all. Their choice of imparting the Drifters Billy Washington at the January 27 July 28 At a party to celebrate its 18th information is via a Torquay based Royal Hotel after an amazing show. February 24 August 25 birthday in February 2018, Herald newspaper, Facebook, printed flyers I saw Faulty Towers, Marina Prior March 31 September 29 editor Carmel Murphy pledged to and a newsletter sent with your and the controversial Austen April 28 October 27 assembled guests that she would rates. I believe this is Council's way Tayshus at the Vue Grand who was May 26 November 24 continue to publish the Herald of controlling information and dot amazed to find himself performing June 30 December 29 at an 'aged care facility' in an empty 'until the ink runs out'. A milestone points aren't journalism. A local Copy deadline is always 1 week prior to these dates. paper written by a local has room main street. had been reached and a promise to Distribution publish into the future was made. for everyone's opinion, popular or Looking forward We are reverting to basket only distribution for 2021 as it best meets 2020 and Covid-19 has impacted otherwise, and will dig a little The local newspaper is that on workplaces around the world deeper to get to the heart of an issue. tangible critical friend of all our our target market of 50 percent of copies available for visitors. Locals If newspapers are to innovate Looking back communities, celebrating the good can still pick up a copy or read the paper online. Baskets are positioned and flourish beyond the pandemic, We've enjoyed meeting the and highlighting the bad; crafted by throughout the borough at the following locations: they need to be acknowledged and locals, writing about the borough's those who live in the local area and Point Lonsdale supported as an essential service. history, attending and reporting on who care passionately about what Edgars Real Estate Many newspapers printed their last a myriad of events - the Fort's 150th, they do. I call it 'keeping your Kerleys Real Estate editions mainly due to lack of the town's 150th, Australia Day antenna up'. Bellarine Community Health advertising. Some communities Awards, school functions, film and The time is fast approaching Springs Store (on shelf) who saw their local newspapers as book events that have gotten bigger when 'the ink will run out' and a Queenscliff 'the glue that holds the community and better every year, the Queens- new editor needs to be considered. Queenscliff Newsagency (on shelf) together' either crowd funded or cliff Music Festival, the annual There are many out of work Tinpott journalists that might enjoy a sea- campaigned with local businesses couta boat race from the yacht Saltbush Cafe to keep up their advertising to keep MiaMia and Les Dusting-Irving's change and a job that isn't too de- Queenscliff Visitor Information Centre the presses rolling. smaller boat Iona, Sacred Edge at manding, always fun and inter- We've been able to continue the Uniting Church. I've covered esting. It has never ceased to amaze Queenscliff Post Office publishing monthly due to Job- both yacht club's annual gatherings me just how much there is to write Queenscliff Bait & Tackle Keeper, advertising from the Com- and blessing of the fleet, been about in the Borough and apart Trident Fish Bar munity Newspaper Association, a overturned in a pup while covering from annual events we've never Scullys at the Harbour few regular local businesses and Try Sailing days - fortunately their repeated an article. SeaRoad Ferry Terminal & on Ferry local politicians Lisa Neville and safety measures worked. I've been Interested? Contact Carmel Sorrento Ferry Terminal & on Ferry Libby Coker. delighted when offered compli- [email protected]

COUNCIL EVENT SPONSORSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN Do you have an idea for a new or existing event that needs financial assistance? The Banner and Website of You could qualify for a Borough of Queenscliffe Event Sponsorship. this Newspaper are being Council's Event Sponsorship program aims to support individuals, businesses, community groups and organisations to deliver safe, involved and creative events offered for sale to interested within the Borough of Queenscliffe. parties. More information, including the program guidelines and the application form, can Expressions of Interest should be found on Council's website at www.queenscliffe.vic.gov.au be conveyed to the editor Copyright: Swansong Publishing 2020 Applications close at 4pm Monday 4th January 2021 ISSN: 1443-5071 Carmel Murphy by email: For more information, contact Shannon Di Lisio at the Borough of Queenscliffe on 5258 1377 or [email protected] [email protected] Shannon Di Lisio phone 5258 4828 Economic and Community Development Program Leader READERS PLEASE NOTE or mobile 0414 999 905. The next edition will be available on Wednesday January 27, 2021. Borough of Queenscliffe Offers close January 31, 2021. Copy deadlines are one week prior for this 50 Learmonth Street (PO Box 93) Queenscliff VIC 3225 The price is right for the right person! edition on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Telephone: 03 5258 1377 | www.queenscliffe.vic.gov.au

Lisa Neville MP “Proudly working Member for Bellarine for the Bellarine” Tel: 5250 1987 [email protected] Shop GO66, Gateway Plaza, 641-659 Bellarine Hwy, Leopold 3224 Funded from Parliamentary Budget Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 – Page 3

Queenscliffe Historical Museum Informing the future through ,s a conversation with the past $100 OFF Early Newspapers TRAVERTINE STONE TABLES The first newspaper published in Queenscliff was the Pharos. Ebenezer Cuzens, an early storekeeper, in his 'Annals of Queenscliff' recalled: "Mr Robert Jordan was the moving spirit in the AND TEAK & WICKER CHAIRS enterprise, and assisted by Mr Charles Simpson and one or two others, wrote all the articles. The title of the paper was the Pharos, an appropriate name for a paper in a lighthouse town." In 1870 Point Lonsdale was just beginning its development and was mainly farms. In CHAIRS $200EA Queenscliff, there were four hotels and four churches. The Borough Council had been in place for SOME 2NDS WERE $295 EA seven years and there was an air of optimism and a push to progress toward becoming 'a Premier Watering Place'. Close enough to Melbourne, but not so close as to attract the less desirable elements of society. TABLES Simpson's diary notes that the first edition of the Pharos came out on 22 October 1870 and that 'it died on January 20, 1871.' The Queenscliffe Historical Museum has a single copy. 2185 X 100 $995 In a small insert in the advertisement columns of the paper, Robert Jordan describes himself as WERE $1475 'Town Clerk, Electoral Registrar, Newspaper and General Agent, Reporter for the Press, etc.' He had been the local school teacher, organist at the Anglican Church, Captain in the local Militia, Valuer and 240 X 120 $1295 Inspector and involved in the community in many other ways. His partner in the Pharos was WERE $1895 Charles Cheney Simpson, Chemist and Druggist, also very much involved in community affairs: Councillor and Mayor, JP, Bugler for the Militia, Library Treasurer and Trustee, and much more. The paper was a four-page broadsheet and appeared weekly on a Saturday, price threepence. The paper was printed in Emerald Hill. The banner of the copy we have is 'No. 3 Saturday November DECOR IMPORTS 5 1870.' Underneath the main title is 'For circulation in Queenscliff, Quarantine Station, Portsea, Phone 0419 430 139 for a viewing or check Instagram Sorrento, Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine, etc.' They didn't lack ambition.

The front page was all advertisements, as was the style of the time. The largest advertisement was for W. J. Craig, Family Grocer, Wine, Spirit, and Provision Merchant, Draper, Clothier, and Outfitter.' Others included butchers, bakers, shipping, accom- modation and the coach line. Page two had a large advertisement for J H Henley, Grocers. A Notice set out the Regulations 'For the Queenscliff Borough Common'. A Directory listed Pilots, Council members, Trustees for the Mechanics Institute, resident clergymen and many more. The leading article was a long argument about the use of convict labour, concluding 'the suggested visitors are by no means of the class whom we desire to see amongst us'. News items included a fisherman rescued off the Quarantine Station, floods up- country, Mr. Hunter, the contractor, has begun to drive the piles for the new baths, and two young 'arabs' were showing too much 'delightful exuberance of youth.' Page 3 continued the news column. The 'Cerberus' was about ready to sail from England through the newly opened Suez Canal. An expert miner predicted that coal would be found 400 feet below the ground between Geelong and Queenscliff. Reports related to the Franco-Prussian war and to the revolution in Mexico. A lengthy review of 'Formosa', a salacious show playing in Melbourne, recom- mended that a male member of the family should go and see this 'shameless piece of sensationalism' before more sensitive members went. There was a column and a half report on the trial of a case of Breach of Promise of Marriage. Page 4, the back page, is mainly given over to a serial 'A New Year Wooing.' It listed 'English Shipping,' reporting the arrivals and departures from British ports. The final column set out the prospectus for the Queenscliff Pharos, beginning 'In the present age, a Newspaper is an almost indispensable accompaniment of civilisation…' Recently, with the aid of a grant, some of the papers in the collection were sent out and scanned into digital form. None of the titles are a complete collection. Queenscliff Sentinel is the paper of which we have most editions. It ran from 1879 to 1919, but our collection starts at 1882 and has gaps. Other old titles include the Peninsula Beacon (April 1930-July 1936), and the Queenscliff Pilot (April 1947- December 1968.) If you find any of these old papers when you take up the lino, please think of donating them to the museum. There is a limited number of copies of The Sentinel on Trove including 1914-1918. None of the other papers appear to be on Trove. The State Library of Victoria has hard copies of all editions of The Sentinel, the Queenscliff Pilot and the Peninsula Beacon. By Bill Brown Page 4 – Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 – Page 5

Burrow Bites Queenscliff Village News 72 Hesse Street, Queenscliff, 3225 Lots of sugary press releases and staged action Still no action by Council regarding the damaged Ph: (03) 5258 1828 Fax: (03) 5258 1828 photos have landed in our Inbox since the Council gutter in Hobson Street caused by the huge Moreton Email: [email protected] election was finalised in November. Bay Fig. When the tree was planted the then The Council Communications Officer may have Council promised in a letter to residents there Happy New Year gained his qualifications at The Willy Wonka would be no damage to surrounding properties. Chocolate Factory given the sweetened content of the Seems Council promises then, like now, were just Let's get those champagne corks popping articles sent to us - it's not all about what the Mayor hot air. Get out on the street councillors and have a with some great New Year specials and does next Connor. look when complaints are continually made about enjoy some holiday fun! problems that need your attention. ********** One resident’s observation: ********** Hats & Sunnies: We have a terrific range of I was walking past the Rip view carpark (bullring) and Point Lonsdale gets a 'free kick' in the publicity Summer hats and fashion look sunglasses, top noticed that all of the trees are now surrounded by a stakes per medium of radio and TV campaigns in value and in-store now. cyclone fence. The sign reads closed to public access until Melbourne for The Point sub-division. The TV spot an arborist determines the fate of the trees. Next to the is more of a travelogue showing aerial views of The Books & Magazines: We have an extensive range of kiosk a Council officer was inspecting a large blue Point, and the radio script is similar, without the magazines together with discounted book titles. Relax and rubbish dumpster converted to outdoor seating. pictures. enjoy your holiday reading… When asked him why the trees were fenced off he Both mediums certainly sell and tell the attributes replied that a branch almost fell on a lady. Stupidly I of Lonnie. But it begs the question where will all the Kids' activity packs, toys, beach gear and games: We suggested that the offending branch be removed and the new residents fit along the popular Point Lonsdale have a great selection to keep the kids happy over the fence taken down. He said, don't be ridiculous it was near coffee strip? holidays! impossible to cut a tree branch in Queenscliff. I asked him if Council held public liability insurance for being hit by a tree branch. Absolutely he said. Why don't you remove the fence so that I can sit in the shade, rather than in the back of a converted rubbish dumpster out in the direct sun where my chances of contracting skin cancer are far higher than being hit by a branch from the tree? Wombat humps and zebras crossing in Gellibrand Street Pedestrians in Queenscliff will soon have safer access to the town's parks and eateries after the Borough of Queenscliffe secured grant funding to install traffic calming measures in Gellibrand Street and undertake a wider investigation into pedestrian safety in the area. A wombat crossing - a speed hump combined with a zebra pedestrian crossing - will be installed near the intersection of Gellibrand and Hobson Streets, while a report will be commissioned into understanding how further precautions can be taken to increase pedestrian safety in Gellibrand Street, Hesse Street and the nearby area. After Gellibrand Street residents approached Council a couple of years ago public consultation was completed by Council in January this year. Traffic management and diversions may be required when work begins on the construction of the crossing next year.

Letter to the Editor 'Culture of secrecy surrounding future of Eric Tolliday Units' I understand that the Eric Tolliday Units at Bellarine Community Health are now considerably degraded and underutilised. My father was Eric Tolliday, Treasurer for some years of the Queenscliff Hospital Committee, and Bellarine Health. I have written to the Board Chair and CEO raising issues about the future of the Eric Tolliday Units. To date I have had no reply. I feel disappointed that such an important community facility is being degraded and that the Queenscliff-Point Lonsdale residents are kept uninformed. The culture of secrecy surrounding this issue disturbs me. Neil Tolliday, Werribee

Open from 1pm daily Page 6 – Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 Can you help? Volunteer Soldiers Sacrifices in Port Phillip: 1859-1945 In 1889 military graves were set aside at the 'Garrison' section of the Queenscliff Cemetery for deceased soldiers and family members. The land area is approximately 30 metres by 80 FISH AND CHIPS metres and the Geelong Cemeteries Trust (GCT) Records indicate a total of 31 graves in the TAKE AWAY FOOD military section. But the GCT does not hold records as to the Holder of the Right of Interments for the graves. FRESH LOCAL SEAFOOD DAILY The Fort Queenscliff Heritage Association is undertaking research to assist in clarifying OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK procedures to keep the graves and memorials in proper repair to the satisfaction of the Trust. PHONE ORDERS WELCOME There is a need to identify who purchased the Rights of Interments and under what conditions (if any). The Association is looking for help from any descendants of those buried in the graves at BAIT & TACKLE AVAILABLE the Garrison section of the cemetery, being: QUEENSCLIFF: 4 Gellibrand Street – 5258 2334 Boothby GJF 1889 Harper J 1894 Murray J 1899 Cannon R/Cannan 1926 Ind FEW 1887 Otter 1897 CLIFTON SPRINGS: Jetty Road – 5253 1821 Clampert CH 1898 Jenkins A 1919/20 Pitts P 1924 Clarke G 3y 1917 Kearney MS 1898 Pippard CW 1918 Crymble A 1890 Lanigan J 1893 Pittkin M 1893 D'Allain HF 1909 Lees G 1890 Shea AR 1908 CLIFFE’S CAFÉ AND PIZZA Daniel R 6m 1890 Leydon JF 1916 Simpson FH 1895 Douglas child 1890 McDonald T ? Stowell GB 1897 PHONE: 03 5258 1166 Driver J 1892 McDonall TW 1913 Taylor J 1892 One of Flately F 1893 McNamara M? 1902 K Rocks OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Templeton AJ 1897 + infant JA 1891 Moore T 1888 Top 10 BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER Tootell W 1905 Pizzas! Sunday - Thursday: 10am to 9pm If you are connected to any of the above please email us at [email protected] or telephone (03) 5258 1488. Responses would be deeply appreciated. Friday & Saturday: 10am to 10pm David Millie, President FQHA Inc. - Chairman Friends of the Fort • PHONE ORDERS AVAILABLE • FULLY LICENCED • EAT IN OR TAKE AWAY ‘Goorangai’ Day • GREAT FOOD EVERY DAY! By Eva Millie • HOME DELIVERY A ceremony is held at 11am on 20 November each year at the Flag Station at Queenscliff's Ocean View to FIND US ON Facebook OR www.cliffes.com.au remember the sinking of the minesweeper HMAS Goorangai that came to grief their in1940. From a crew 1 SYMONDS STREET, QUEENSCLIFF, VIC 3225 of five officers and nineteen men, there were no survivors. All were members of the RANR. The cere- mony this year marked the 80th Anniversary of the marking as it did the first loss in action of the Royal incident, and was organised by the Naval Commem- Australian Navy in World War Two. oration Committee of Victoria NCCV. Participants in the ceremony were: In November 1940 the trawler Goorangai, converted for Welcome - Terry Makings AM, President of the Naval minesweeping duties was making its way with the Commemoration Committee. minimum of lights from Queenscliff across the bay to First Reading - Marty Grogan OAM, Vice President Portsea. It was struck mid-ships by outward-bound vessel NCCV 'Duntroon' on its way to Sydney with troops on board. The Address - Serrving officer CDRE Greg Yorke CSC 'Goorangai' suffered the loss of its entire crew; only seven RAN R I S T O R A N T E bodies have ever been found. Second Reading - Pete Johnston, Vice President NCCV It is customary for a serviceman from the Second World Reciting the Ode to our sailors - SMN Patterson War to be present at this service of Remembrance - this Reciting the Ode to the Fallen - SMN Henaway year's representative was Hirum Ristrom who served on Last Post with Reveille - ABMUS Andrew Bryce HMAS 'Kanimbla' during the war. Owing to coronavirus Wreaths were laid and a floral tribute, made from freshly constraints the service was less well attended than usual cut flowers was laid on each cairn. but the feeling was nonetheless heartfelt and poignant, LEST WE FORGET You've got 38 HESSE STREET, QUEENSCLIFF mail! Queenscliff post office has new faces behind the counter. Ph: 5258 1838 Yin and Ling handed the busi- ness over to Gary Fitzpatrick after 6 weeks training. Gary says he's grateful to customers for their patience as he learns the ropes. Gary's previous work was in a family owned self storage business and as a tour guide with Go West adventures. Gary's wife Frances in between doctor duties at Barwon Health and caring for 2 year old Norah will make 'cameo' appearances along with his dad and father- in-law. Mi Shells Seafood FFRREESSHH FFIISSHH pm OPEN THURS-SUN 8.30-4 AT QUEENSCLIFF HARBOUR NOW FISH, OYSTERS, PRAWNS, MUSSELS, ATLANTIC SALMON, SCALLOPS FRESH OFF THE BOAT. OPEN Gary and Frances are looking Orders taken anytime on 0438 887 503 forward to meeting locals at the post office. Check Facebook for updates Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 – Page 7 News from New lease of life for dilapidated your local MP Fisherman’s Wharf State Budget Delivered Queenscliff's Fisherman's Wharf has Harbour, began in 2018 and has been the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal - a priority In the State Budget handed down 24 November been transformed into a safe and designed to minimise impact on the project under the $370 million Geelong there were several important announcements for the enjoyable recreation space that pays surrounding environment. City Deal jointly funded by the Australian Bellarine, both locally and as part of the State wide respect to the towns rich maritime Thanks to an investment from the Government, Victorian Government and funding initiatives. These were focussed on supporting history. The project has incorporated a Victorian Government the eco-friendly City of Greater Geelong. Member for people, boosting jobs and assisting businesses recover complete rebuild of the dilapidated focus extends to the materials used to Bellarine Lisa Neville said, "Importantly, from the effects of corona virus. Queenscliff Fisherman's Wharf, demo- realise the project, including sand sourced this project was driven by community For the Bellarine, the St Leonards-Indented Head lition of three derelict fishing sheds, an from dredging works used as land in-fill, as engagement and is strongly supported by CFA received $2.2 million for the build of its new upgrade to the Queenscliff Dinghy well as reclaimed timber from the old wharf locals. I thank all those who have been station on Murradoc Road. This followed an earlier Basin, development of a new shore- used in landscaping around the new site. involved in the project and congratulate $800,000 announcement to purchase the land. based tourism attraction and an upgrade Work on the wharf project generated local workers who have done a great job in My thanks go to all our CFA members across the to carparking, road interface and general local jobs, with positions mainly being bringing this historic area back to life. It Bellarine for their tireless work and commitment in landscaping. filled by local trades people skilled in using serves to highlight the important and protecting local communities. Modern Technology is bringing the traditional ship building and wharf proud history of the wharf area and Clifton Springs Primary School received $15.6 Queenscliff waterfront back to life with a carpentary tools and techniques. provides another quality destination for million to rebuild class rooms and follows on from mid Discovery Trail that links the newly The flow-on benefit to the community tourists to visit and enjoy." year education funding announcements like $8 million created 'Cayzer Shed' to the Observation is signficant supporting both fishing and The City Deal will see improvements to Bellarine Secondary College to build their VCE Tower through interactive video displays boating, boat repair and of course the Terminal facilities as well as improved Centre. and installatons. providing another destination for tourists car parking and safer access, developing And at the other end of the education spectrum, the Construction on the $2.94 million and locals alike. Queenscliff as a major tourism gateway to budget also included funding of Free Kinder for all in dollar project, delivered by Queenscliff Geelong and the Great Ocean Road. 2021. It will also be enhanced by upgrades to The Bellarine will benefit from Geelong regional announcements including health. $3.6 million will go towards the future establishment of a new Barwon Health Women's and Children Hospital. $5million will build a regional twenty bed palliative care respite facility and importantly there is a significant boost in mental health spending and thus services. Open from In transport, $2 billion has been allocated towards the Geelong Fast rail to Melbourne reducing travel time, especially for the thousands of daily commuters. Boxing Day While the State will top up extra funding to ensure the Barwon Heads Road upgrade is fully funded. Across the State, initiatives like 42,000 more home lunch - then 7 solar rebates being available will benefit people looking to be more energy and cost efficient. And the $200 rebate for those holidaying in regional Victoria will be days a week for a much welcome boost for our local tourist and hospitality businesses. I fully support this important State Budget and if you would like more information on it please contact breakfast, lunch my office. Congratulations to new Councillors I take this opportunity to congratulate the Boroughs and dinner for newly elected Councillors who I am sure, under the leadership of Mayor Ross Ebbels, will do a good job of representing the people of Queenscliff and Point January. Lonsdale. I now look forward to working with them, as it is vital that all levels of Government work closely and cohesively together in ensuring communities like bookings Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale continue to grow and prosper for all. Queenscliff Hub Project www.360q.com.au As Chair of Project Steering Group of the Queenscliff Hub project I am pleased to note that the facility has recently gained planning approval and as such all is now clear for building to commence in December. I thank those community representatives who have taken the time to participate on both the Steering and Project Control Groups and all those 10th and 24th January 12.30pm-4pm people who contributed through the various consultative stages. We have Annie Smith and Double Take I know when complete the new Hub will be of enormous benefit for the museum, visitor information centre, library and the wider community for decades to to do Jazz (they are fantastic) come. Merry Christmas In writing my last column for what has been a year like no other, I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Book in for your Wedding very Merry Christmas with your family and friends, and here's to a healthy and safe 2021. As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if Finally with restrictions lifted we are there are any matters that I may be able to assist you with directly. back to creating amazing weddings Hon Lisa Neville MP Member for Bellarine Shop 66 Gateway Plaza Leopold and events. [email protected] Ph: 52 501 987 Book online: www.360q.com.au Val Lawrence or telephone: 5257 4200

e. [email protected] 2 Wharf st East, Queenscliff 3225 Page 8 – Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 Planning Support Awarded for ‘PV Mavis III’ Wanted to Buy Queenscliffe Maritime Mus- through grants from the Aust- Once the Vessel Management eum has been successful in 2020 ralian Government and in-kind Plan is completed it will provide a gaining support to plan the fut- support from experts from the blueprint for the Museum to seek ure management and conservat- Australian National Maritime funding to carry out conservation ion of its newest exhibit Pilot Museum (ANMM). work in the future and upgrade Vessel Mavis III through The QMM has been awarded in- the pilot's display to incorporate Maritime Museums of Australia kind support to develop a Vessel the history and changes since Project Support Scheme. Management Plan with an expert 1979 to vessels and a shore-based This scheme supports Aust- from the ANMM to help our pilot service in Queenscliff. ralia's regional museums and volunteers plan the conservation The volunteers are looking organisations to collect, conserve and interpretation needed into forward to gaining insight into the and display objects of historical the future for a significant vessel Vessel Management Plan process national maritime significance such as PV Mavis III. from the ANMM staff in 2021.

The Queenscliffe Historical Thomas is back! Call Ian 0437 333 303 Museum is open Public access to the buildings in with an emphasis on early days in the Hesse Street adjacent to the Post Office Borough. An interesting new video will is now restricted because of wire record the flight of the Fujita, a small A PA hoarding surrounding the site on which Japanese spy float plane housed on a 23-24 January M R the Hub is to be constructed. submarine which surfaced off the coast. K Spend some time with Thomas, Henry, Oliver, those U Demolition of the old Museum has The plane flew over a large area of the S Troublesome Trucks and even Sir Topham Hatt. Enjoy started and construction of the new coast as well as the Fort in 1942. a ride with Thomas, 45-minute train ride with Oliver, HOMESTEAD building is scheduled to begin mid Visitors can access an audiovisual activities and photo opportunities galore. January with the new Hub to open early touch screen telling stories of the Bor- 2022. ough's history. Displays are currently Swan Bay Express train trips In the meantime, the Museum Ad- limited and should be seen as work in ministration and Research are offering progress. 3, 10 & 17 January limited services in the Tavern at 18 Hesse Monthly Talks are still under sus- Take a scenic trip along Swan Bay Street and visitors will need to observe pension because the hall previously used The Bellarine Railway - 20 Symonds St Queenscliff. the signs indicating maximum numbers is not taking bookings for numbers over Visit the website for more information and to who may be present in different parts of twenty. It is hoped that meetings and book tickets. the building as they move between areas. Monthly Talks will recommence as soon https://bellarinerailway.com.au/ The Research area has continued its as possible in the new year. operations throughout the pandemic and The Museum has a wide range of two post graduate students from Monash publications for sale. Look for the new University recently completed their largely pictorial edition tracing the early CONFERENCES FUNCTIONS project recording the effect of the history of the Fishermen's Flat with WEDDINGS Pandemic on life in the Borough. Next stories from the Wadawurrung people ACCOMMODATION month, the Research area will welcome and the names of many different families two new post graduate students. who followed. WINERY CELLAR DOOR A small theatre will be established early Eddie Loughnan Queenscliff in the new year and show heritage films Queenscliffe Historical Museum & Coastal Holiday Bookings All enquiries 5258 3507 Cultural identity and art Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale Homes for Holiday Rentals and Seaview Gallery Gung | create, make, do, love is a queenscliff stunning new exhibition by Wergaia/ Short Term Rental on the Coast W emba Wemba artist Kelly Koumal- atsos , a Queenscliff resident. Kelly's practice merges traditional Wemba SUMMER SHOWS AT Wemba and Wergaia possum skin cloak making with printmaking in SEAVIEW powerful and visually stunning ways. This exhibition includes a selection DREW GREGORY of works on paper and three dimen- sional Victorian-era garments deli- cately constructed from fur-printed 2-15 JANUARY tissue paper; portraits of Kelly's family and ancestors symbolising cultural identity and protection. With deep history and culture embedded in her artistic practice, Kelly's signature technique is uka ngalung wooleh | to paint with possum. Kelly's art is a striking statement "I started making possum cloaks in about the intersections of identity and 1995 and at that time I considered history within the modern world. making cloaks to be an act of living my Works are available for purchase. sovereignty," said Kelly. "In this Exhibition open daily during January. exhibitionI celebrate Wergaia and Bunjilaka Aboriginal PAUL EVANS Wemba Wemba knowledge, stories Cultural Centre and photos representing my intellec- Melbourne Museum 16-31 JANUARY tual sovereignty as portrayed through 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton 3053 my tribal lens." Seaview Gallery presents two Summer Shows Seaview is excited to present two many collections in Australia and renowned artists for January. Drew overseas. Paul paints a variety of Gregory 2-15 January and Paul Evans subjects but we are featuring his We specialise in Luxury Holiday Homes for 16-31 January. Call in for a browse. seascapes over summer. Many of these 1 - 15 guests and because we know your Drew Gregory is a professional artist are of our local beaches. His portrayal fur baby is part of the family, many of Seaview Gallery who has held successful solo exhibitions of the sea is quite dynamic from gentle 86 Hesse St Queenscliff 3225 overseas and won many awards includ- beachscapes to powerful waves. He our homes are pet friendly! Phone 03 5258 3645 ing Tattersall's Club National Land- portrays nature quite faithfully. email: [email protected] scape Prize four times. Drew's work pos- Seaview will also feature a wonderful www.seaviewgallery.com.au sesses a distinctive crispness and clarity. diverse collection from all of our artists Contact one of our friendly consultants Contemporary, Traditional Fine Art, His landscapes are extremely realistic including Kate Smith, Sara Paxton, [email protected] 5258 3763 Glass and Jewellery with gritty foregrounds and majestic Christine Robinson, Vida Pearson and www.qchb.com.au Open 10:30 - 5:00 daily. Closed Wednesdays. skies. He captures Australia brilliantly. stunning textile artist Michelle Misch- Paul Evans work is represented in kulnig. LONNIE SNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 – Page 9

Hygeia, the Ozone and the Weeroona. The railway, opened in 1879, was primarily for defense purposes, but it boosted both A short history of Queenscliffe the tourist and fishing industries. Consequently, right from the earliest times the people of The Wauthaurung clan of aborigines visited the Latrobe changed the name to Queenscliff. Land sales Queenscliff were as varied as might be found anywhere: Queenscliff area seasonally, particularly when the fish were commenced and the town's first houses were built. By 1863 the fishermen, seamen, pilots, lighthouse keepers, army personnel, running. The first recorded entry by explorers into Port town's population had grown large enough to be proclaimed a railway men, hoteliers, shop keepers, tradesmen and holiday Phillip was in 1802. European permanent settlement of Borough. It is now the sole remaining Borough in Victoria, and makers. Queenscliff - Point Lonsdale began only one year after the has had an elected council ever since its proclamation. In the 1940s and 50s the town fell into recession as once Port Phillip District was first surveyed for sale or lease. The waterfront developed as a simple fishing village, settled family cars became more common, people traveled further for It was clear from the first explorations that the entrance to in the 1850s by fishermen of many nationalities including their holidays, and sought newer activities, notably surfing. The Port Phillip, known as 'The RIP', was one of the most Chinese. The harbour slowly evolved to meet the changing need 70s saw a revival of interest in the heritage of the town, and it is hazardous in the world and so, in 1838, George Tobin started a as the fishing fleet expanded and boat building was started to fortunate that so many period buildings and the parks have been pilot service to guide ships through its hazards: six men in a meet the particular requirements of this area. The Couta boat preserved. An excellent example is the railway which closed in whaleboat, who ventured out in all weathers. He was soon was evolved here. 1977 but was revived by the Bellarine Railway group which, as joined by others and the Port Phillip Pilot Service came into The high cliff of Shortland's Bluff, with its commanding well as regular excursions to Drysdale, now hosts the famous being. It continues, a private company, to this day. It is called view of The Rip, was fortified from 1861 for the protection of Blues Train. 'Port Phillip Pilot Service' even though it covers Western Port as Melbourne and its wealth. It was manned first by a volunteer Our small town remains a welcoming holiday destination. well, because the service predates the naming of 'Victoria' Militia recruited from the town. In about 1880 the regular Army Take the opportunity to stroll along the foreshore, past heritage following separation. took over and soon built the wall around the gun batteries. After buildings and get the feel of its past grandeur and its present The area was known as Shortlands Bluff, and in 1841 a 1945 the Fort became the Administrative Staff College training delights. Bill Brown sandstone lighthouse was erected. Concern for the quality of higher level officers. Since 2000 when the College moved to * The Queenscliffe Historical Museum has one of the the stone lead to it being replaced by the bluestone lighthouses Canberra, the Fort has continued to be used for more largest collections of early photographs illustrating the we see today, built using stone quarried from near Melbourne. administrative military purposes. history of a seaside town in Victoria. The Museum houses The Black Light is one of very few in the world, and when lined From its beginning Queenscliff was recognized as a holiday documents, diaries, newspapers, artefacts, and relics from up with the low, white light gives the line of the safe passage town noted for its healthy climate. Many fine hotels and shipwrecks, textiles, lace, and costumes. It regularly shows through the reefs off Points Nepean and Lonsdale. guesthouses were built; the first hotel was the Royal in 1854, historic films of the area. The peninsula was leased out for grazing until in 1853 followed by the Vue Grand, Casey's, the Commercial, the * The Fort offers a guided Tour and a Museum covering Governor Latrobe decided that it would be the base for not only Victoria Tavern, the Esplanade, and the Queenscliff. Most of the history of the defence of Port Phillip. the pilots, but also for customs, post office and police station. them remain though some, such as the Ozone, have been * The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum houses the last The Health Officer, in charge of the Quarantine Station at converted to apartments. There were very many guesthouses lifeboat (rescues now rely on Pilot launches or the Portsea, was based in Queenscliff. The town was laid out, notably along the front at Point Lonsdale. Tourism was Coastguard) and memorabilia from the fishing industry, boat following the plan known as the Colonial Grid, and Governor encouraged by the development of the Bay Paddle Steamers, the building, lighthouses and the Pilot Service. Fort Queenscliff Fort Queenscliff dates from 1860 when an open battery was constructed on Shortland's Bluff to defend the entrance to Port Phillip. The Fort, which underwent major redevelopment in the late 1870s and 1880s, became the headquarters for an extensive chain of forts around Port Phillip Heads. The Fort has both landward and seaward defences, the former includes the wall, the Keep and a gorge outside the wall. The seaward defences include guns, their ancillary gun positions and magazines and a fire directing station, as well as searchlights. Why the necessity for a Fort at Queenscliff ? The wealth of the state of Victoria after the discovery of gold in Ballarat and Bendigo left Britain feeling vulnerable against foreign powers such as Russia, France, the United States and Germany given the lack of Australia's defence capability at that time. You will see the Cellblock where servicemen were held for various misdemeanours, and the 32-pounder Muzzle Loading cannon gun of 1856, along the west wall of the fort, to the Keep. Here thick walls and windows were protected by steel plating. A 'dumb waiter' operated by pullies allowed efficient movement of ammunition, food and water up and down if required. Telegraph Station, Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters & Second Post Office The long double-storey corner building is the old Queenscliff Telegraph Station. Built in 1854 it is the oldest surviving building in the Fort. Extension of this long double-storey building including the single-storey connecting building has been used over the years alternately as Post Office, a Military Hospital, Lighthouse Keepers' living quarters and offices. Signal Station and Black Lighthouse This octagonal timber and brick building was the Signal Station used for communication in the days of sailing ships where flags were hoisted to the top of the mast. From there it's on to the Black Lighthouse. The first lighthouse built here in 1842 was replaced by the current black lighthouse. It works in conjunction with the white lighthouse so that ships travel in line with lights from both lighthouses to enter the deepest part of the channel through the Rip. Gun Positions The Fort contained eight different types of guns over the period from 1863 to 1942. The views from the top of the mound overlooking the Fort grounds (landward) and the Port Phillip heads (seaward) on a clear sunny day are superb. A grey building with windows viewing to seaward can be seen at the top of the mound. This is the Fire Directing Station built in 1915. The building controlled all the Fort's guns and searchlights. There is plenty to learn about on a Fort Tour and the museum has scores of interesting stories about the men and women that served here and overseas. Take your camera for 'dress up' time with the kids. Excerpt from The Newsletter of the Friends of Fort Queenscliff Issue No. 3/2019.

TO ADVERTISE OR PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR EVENT IN THE QUEENSCLIFFE HERALD CALL CARMEL - 5258 4828 Page 10 – Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 Memories are made of this Bruce Priddle, a Queenscliffian through was a talented pianist who at the ripe age of and through, says he's determined to live to 12 played at the Military Staff Ball in 1900 one hundred. For the last 93 years Bruce after the hired band from Geelong became has resided in a few Queenscliff locations bogged en route after a storm. and currently lives behind the Brewhouse, Bruce's great grandparents William formerly the Esplanade Hotel. I've been George and Ann Mary Priddle immigrated keen to write an article about Bruce's life to Australia in 1857 aboard the 'Persia' with and times for some time and he invited me their children George and Emma. William's to chat over a fish lunch and salad he had passage was assisted by farmer Robert prepared. During the interview it was Harding of Swan Bay. William was paid 10 obvious he hasn't lost any of his wit, charm shillings per day and became one of the first or memories of his life in Queenscliff. onion growers in the district. Between 1891 Most years in October Bruce shares his and 1892 William was Mayor of Queens- birthday with extended family and friends cliffe and hosted a Mayoral Ball in the town who gather in his backyard for a fish fry up hall for dignitaries and the military. and Bruce playing the drums at the back of George Frederick married Mary Ann the garage. Covid-19 put a stop to this year's Hibbert in 1869 and had eight children. Two party and Bruce no longer rows around Swan of their sons, Bertie and Leslie George, Bay fishing. Priddles at play - Les on piano, his son Basil on drums with Horace Board and John Kenwood operated a Ginger Beer, Cordial and on trumpets were very popular. It's always a pleasure to interview locals Lemonade factory at the rear of 64 Stokes like Bruce whose stories are interesting and Street in the early 1900s. The bottles are makers'. Mary Ann was determined to show Bay Yacht Club, Military College, RSL and full of local history, sometimes with a twist. eagerly sought after by vintage bottle her parents otherwise and had the children guesthouses Osprey, White Hall and Bruce's father, Leslie George, was the collectors and fetch a high price today. Mary taught art and music resulting in Leslie Doongara. youngest child of Mary Ann and George Ann's parents weren't impressed with the learning piano. The band practised three nights a week at Frederick Priddle born at Queenscliff. Leslie Priddle's as 'they were only soft drink nn was Leslie married Maisie in 1914 and had the fire station and played at the Esplanade four children, Melba, Basil, Eric and Bruce. Saturday and Sunday nights. "I didn't get In 1919 Leslie bought the property at 17 paid till I turned 21," recalled Bruce. "I got Hesse Street selling fishing tackle and sport- paid one pound 10 shillings." ing goods. He also operated a boat hire busi- Bruce met his future wife, Dorothy Bartlett ness on Swan Bay in the late 1940s and 50s. of Drysdale in 1950, at the bus terminus in Bruce was born 19/10/1927, the same Geelong where she worked at Pelaco shirt day as a fire in the main portion of the Vue makers. They had two sons Garry (dec 2018) Grand Hotel caused extensive damage. "So I and Grant. Dorothy died in 2004. wasn't the hottest thing in town that day," Bruce and Dot lived at 37 Flinders Street said Bruce. Primary School No. 119 in North and later at 17 Hesse Street where they Queenscliff for the 3Rs and on to Junior conducted a hardware business. During the Tech in Geelong rounded out Bruce's late 1940s and 50s the entire shop was education. occupied by Eddie George, a menswear Bruce's early years were filled with fun salesman, and the building is still known as and mischief like the 'merry go round' where Eddie's regardless of its occupants. he hopped the local shop’s fence to steal a In 1970 Bruce became part of the 'Wanga- Bruce doing what comes naturally, bottle, went round the front and cashed it in ratta Syndicate' to search for the elusive entertaining friends and cooking garfish! for a penny. He played marbles at school and treasure supposedly hidden in a cave on the his favourite was a 'stonkey' made of clay, shores of Swan Bay by pirate Benito Benita and with a bike rim and a stick he rolledit in 1798. Excavation had started without cou- about the streets. He helped his dad take care ncil approval and the venture was shut down. of the hire boats, helped local fishermen box Bruce has become a local identity around couta and cooked cockles to sell in the shop. town and is a stalwart of the Queenscliff Bruce joined the Volunteer Defence Corp Cricket Club where he was president for 10 and participated in drills, rifle practise on years. He was a member of the fire brigade Swan Island and firing an old German for 25 years and was one of the crew on the machine gun. He has great memories of lifeboat 'Queenscliff' last trip. He boasts that around 100 kids marching behind the army he had the original idea for the Queenscliff band up the main street to the fort. "Swing boat ramp that was realised when council those arms!" commanded the sergeant. took up the works - it's known as the Lydnsy After Bruce completed his carpentry Jordan boat ramp today. During centenary apprenticeship he worked for the Public celebrations Bruce was part of the re- Works in Geelong, then as a self-employed enactment bringing John Batman to shore builder for 45 years. Bruce built many houses from the Alma Doeppel in a 27' longboat. in the Bellarine district. "Years ago the Bruce says he's never considered leaving verandas in Queenscliff became Queenscliff, 'the queen of watering holes'. unfashionable and I was employed to take "Been to Geelong twice... Queenscliff's a them down. A few years later they were back magic town. Shops both sides of Hesse in style and I was employed to rebuild them. Street, everybody knew everybody over the Made a quid both ways," quipped Bruce. years and got on well. In the 1960s that From the 1930s to the 1950s the Priddle changed when out of towner's bought name was foremost in the local music scene. properties and their ideas about coastal living Les Priddle's Dance Band included his son influenced the amenity here." Basil on drums and Cec Anderson on Due to Bruce's popularity locals dubbed saxophone. Possibly due to the unavailability him the unofficial Mayor of Queenscliff. of the regular saxophonist Basil was co-opted And no wonder given his participation in so to play saxophone and 9 year old Bruce took many aspects of life in the borough during over the drums. Venues they played at his lifetime. included the Vue Grand, Town Hall, Swan Carmel Murphy

The front beach as it used to be before the scrub took hold with families enjoying the sea and sunshine. Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 – Page 11 Crossing Bass Strait One of the most luxurious By John O'Keefe vessels afloat Over the years I have seen scores Accompanied by a mother ship By John O'Keefe of people stand beside the lighthouse they set out and the seas were most When old salties got together in lifeboat despatched. All 294 passen- at Point Lonsdale, their eyes fixated unwelcoming and the weather con- 1892 the conversation would most gers and crew were saved to see staring out to sea across Bass Strait. ditions were pretty horrible. Ten km likely turn to the latest steamship another day. Our steamship of the Not a word is spoken yet you can into Bass Strait the mother ship struck being constructed in Greenock, decade had a 5 metre hole in her keel. imagine what they are thinking trouble and the decision was made to Scotland with a construction budget Could anything get worse? about - everything from shipwrecks return. What a bummer Supa-Bug's of 500,000 pounds. The ship in It was decided to auction off the to what lies over the horizon in Van big idea was scuttled. discussion was the 'SS Australia' wreckage and cargo. This announce- Dieman's Land. Upset but determined Paul re- that was destined to be the flagship ment brought entrepreneurs out of the It is not without trying that turned to Sydney and continued of the P&O Australia fleet. It was woodwork. The auctioneers gavel mankind has tried some of the most developing his beloved Supa-Bug. In one of the most luxurious vessels knocked down the ship and cargo to amazing ways to cross Bass Strait, far fact he is said to have invested more afloat, the envy of other shipping John George Aikman, a self-made from the conventional ways - air, ship, than $100,000 in modifications to lines, and by early 1900s the 'SS man of wealth who left school aged yacht. I'm talking about oddball ideas make his prized possession water- Australia' held the speed record twelve. He subsequently owned that had sane people scratching their proof. To my knowledge the Supa-Bug between England to Australia. drapery stores and a growing property heads. This article explores some of is still on the road and making occas- Could it get any better? portfolio. Aikman had business acu- the crazy ways adventurers of the past ional appearances going for a swim. Australia records Bass Strait as 500km It was a life of luxury aboard the men in spades. He arrived at the auct- tackled crossing the Straits. Check YouTube under Sea-Bug for of rough, unforgiving waters, but to 'Australia' and on 21 June 1904 pass- ion with pockets full of notes and VW Super-Bug footage, but a cautionary warning - it Johnno Johnstone it was just another engers and most of the crew were coins. He picked up the ship and cargo Paul Greene is a Sydneysider with could make you seasick. day in the office. Back in 1938 he was safely tucked away in their feather- for the bargain price of two hundred a passion for speed boats and VW Solo in a Lazer dinghy given the task of finding the fault, then down blankets dreaming of their and ninety pounds. Beetle cars. In a moment of madness Michael Blackburn was no slouch repairing the telecom-munications arrival in Melbourne later that day. The cargo included enamelware, he thought of a way to convert his when it came to sailing. He repre- cable that lay along the bed of Bass Almost on the dot of 2am passengers brass band instruments, Irish whisky, beloved 1964 VW car into a seaworthy sented Australia at the Olympic Street to Victoria. Johnno lapped up awoke to a loud banging sound, but Indian tea, barrels of drapery. Aikman vessel and Bass Strait seemed the ideal Games, won a medal and was pass- the challenge and almost in the same most thought it was just a large wave knew how to turn money into mega place to make the crossing from ionate in his love of the sport. The breath donned the heaviest of diving hitting the ship. money. In later life he became Lord Victoria to Tasmania. After months of adrenalin really kicked in when he suits. For six weeks he walked, skied Closer inspection revealed the ship Mayor of Melbourne, entertained planning he launched his Supa-Bug thought up the idea of crossing Bass and jumped along the bed of Bass had run into the infamous Corsair Royalty, and became President of the with his eyes set on being first to cross Strait solo in a Lazer dinghy. His Strait, often followed by dangerous Rock at Port Philip Heads. Panic set Victorian Football League. For John the waters of Bass Strait. Supa-Bug sailing mates said, "He's off his head." marine life and sometimes playful seal in, and fingers were pointed at the George Aikman his wealth started was constructed from fibreglass and Rather than thinking twice he pups. Of evenings he would resume ships Pilot. Good luck prevailed that when the 'SS Australia' failed to all safety precautions were taken. The persevered and drew up meticulous connections with hum-ans aboard the Queenscliff was on duty and the navigate the Port Philip Heads. water police went ballistic and were plans. In 2005 he set off from Stanley mother ship, then off to catch some anything but happy, never the less in Tasmania with his sights set on sleep, next morning into the diving Supa-Bug was determined to get Wilsons Promontory, a seaside town suit and resume searching for faults on cracking with Paul Greene behind the in Victoria. The journey took 13 hours the underwater cable. Some 43km out steering wheel. 1 minute and enroute he averaged 8.9 to sea he discovered the major knots with a top speed of 19.7 knots. breakage and the telecommuncations The Lazer dinghy performed brill- cable was repaired and dial up to iantly despite its mini frame meas- mainland Australia was resumed. uring 13 feet 10 inches. Michael In 1941 it was just another day in proved to his mates he wasn't 'off his the office when Johnno was called to head' and we understand his journey New Zealand to salvage $2.7 million still stands as a record sail. in gold ingots. Along his amazing Johnno Johnstone's diving suit journey of life Johnno was awarded a As the seagulls fly, the distance well deserved OBE. Johnno, you are a between Tasmania to mainland legend. Page 12 – Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 – Page 13

Freemasonry is an Organisation of Good Men, supporting each other, their families and the community. Cosmopolitan Humans in Geelong Song Contest Lodge No. 96 Calling all local musicians. We need an unity groups and talented individuals. Humans Masonic Musings original song or original soundtrack to go in Geelong INSPIRE, CONNECT, STRENG- with our community project 'The Dance'. We THEN community, and have a whole lot of fun Cosmopolitan Masonic Lodge No 96 Junior Scholarship Award is an annual presentation were originally going to use the song, 'I'll while we're at it. made to nine Primary Schools on the Bellarine Peninsula and proudly supported by the Make You Happy' by the Divinyls, but it's not Submissions due by 5 February 2021. More Freemasons Foundation and the Lodge. going to happen. Then we thought, duh! One details at [email protected] The award is open to two students in Year 6, which can be a boy or girl, or 2 girls, or 2 boys of our local music heroes will be able to come First prize $500 Second prize $200. It will chosen by the teachers against a criterion selected by the Lodge. up with something of similar length and just mean global exposure of your song/sound The selected students receive a signed certificate from the Lodge and $100 towards their as upbeat and rocky. track, because Humans in Geelong have education. So, the original song or sound track, needs to followers in over 45 countries. Criterion for Selection be about 3.20 long and be the same beat as 'I'll The FREE Launch of 'The Dance', The children chosen will display the following characteristics (where one characteristic is no make you happy' because we have footage of 55 complete with original fun music supplied by a more important than another. short, fun clips to match to it. These have come local (maybe you), will be Tuesday 23 March a) Leadership from team members, community groups and 2021, 7.30pm at the Dome, Geelong Library. It b) Consideration for others (Children and Adults) inspiring individuals dancing to the beat of 'I'll will be part of our 'Be inspired by Humans in c) A willingness to assist others make you happy'. Geelong' talk for Geelong Design Week 2021. d) A cooperative nature The aim of the project is to showcase our Save the Date! Eventbrite bookings taken closer e) Self-motivation beautiful region, our amazing, giving comm- to the date. Jacqui Bennett 2020 Students selected from the following schools with presentations being made in December: Queenscliff Primary School: Tom M. & Lachlan Sheridan Point Lonsdale Primary School: Thomas Rome & Mary Brundell St Aloysius Catholic Primary School: Nicholas Botsios & Zara Farrell Our Lady of the Sea Catholic Primary School Ocean Grove: Luke McKinnon & Holly Britt Surfside Primary School Ocean Grove: Kyah Williams & Blake OBrien Wallington Primary School: Minnah Evans & Emily Baensch Clifton Springs Primary School: Sharni Walker & Mylee Gallop Drysdale Primary School: Phoebe Wolfenden & Liam Tainton St Thomas Catholic Primary School Drysdale: Connor Hoggarth & Simone Choong For information regarding Freemasonry, contact secretary Dick Clark 5258 2680 or 0400 553 939.

St Aloysius Catholic Primary School Presentation of Team members preparing to dance - Jacqui Bennett, Bec Picone, Charion Both and Rini Lutfie. Junior Scholarship Awards: Mateship and Bayanihan in the Philippines Nicholas Since 2006, Clinical Nurse Specialist Valerie Smith-Orr has been running a clinic in Zambales Botsios & to care for children and adults with burn wounds or cleft lip and palette to improve their lives. Val Zara Farrell has been in the Philippines since 1999. with For her exceptional service as an Australian in the Philippines, Val was recognized with an Order Dick Clark of Australia Medal presented by the Australian Ambassador His Excellency Steven J. Robinson AO from at his home on 14 December. Cosmopolitan Val was accompanied by her adopted Philippino daughter Mona who celebrated her 15th birthday Lodge No 96. the same day. Val was very emotional as she accepted her award and was delighted to receive it in Manila at the Ambassador's home. Val's connection to Queenscliff came about when Helena Murray volunteered to work at the centre a few years ago. Helena accompanied her husband Colonel Bruce Murray when he was posted as the Military Attache to the Ambassador. Helena's lunch group in Queenscliff undertook some fundraising for the clinic that went a long way to supply bandages impregnated with Manuka honey to promote healing. This truly is a wonderful example of 'Mateship between Australia and the Philippines' said the Ambassador. Val is asking if you can help with two sisters aged 10 and 12 who lost both of their parents and their 14 year old brother in a gas explosion at their home. The girls suffered serious burns injuries to their faces, legs and arms which are very painful and require extensive care. They are now under the care of Val at the Triple B care facility. Val needs support more than ever as there has been a recent spate of poor people, mainly children, who have found their way to her with various degrees of injuries. You can help Val to help them by donating on the website www.triplebcareprojects.org with a Rotary donate button and 100% tax advantages!

QUEENSCLIFFE INDIGENOUS NURSERY

A range of local native plants available for purchase. P H A R M A C Y All plants (Tube stock) $2.00 each H E A L T H I S B E A U T Y Helpful advice always available. Free delivery and pick-up in Pt Lonsdale & Open; Every Wed 9-12pm Queenscliff daily – Senior’s Card Welcome. 3rd Sunday of the Month. 10-12pm Summer hats, sunglasses, thongs, beach buckets and spades 79 Nelson Road, Point Lonsdale in store now. Insect repellant, sunscreen and all [email protected] your summer needs available. or 0401 281 448 New Year’s Greetings to all our customers. 52 Hesse Street Queenscliff Tel 5258 1817 Fax 5258 4128 Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 5.00pm Page 14 – Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 Cecil Lyndhurst Nugent Connections to the Gosling and Royal Hotels Meredith, the Royal and Esplanade Hotels Queenscliff By David Connoley The Nugent and Gosling/Goslin name is Zealand. A number of Nugents entered the symbolic to some of the most notable hotels colonies in the 1850s and early 1860s. Take in Queenscliff. While Cecil Nugent's tenure your pick! was short lived, his wife Martha and her According to an 1872 deposition made brother Joseph became ingrained into the into the inquest of Henry Gosling, Nugent early hotel histories. The Goslin link stated he had known Gosling for 14 years remained up until almost 1920. One branch marking a local reference point around 1858. of Gosling's use that spelling Joseph Goslin Nugent's obituary links his sister as Lady was to adopt without the 'g'. Southampton (Ismania Fitzroy nee Nugent). One of the interesting characters to have Yet a study of the family peerage and history died at Queenscliff was Cecil Lyndhurst does not detail a Cecil Lyndhurst Nugent as a Nugent, hotelier, who expired in 1875 aged relation. Could there be other explanations? 40. He died at the Royal Hotel just months While peerage did not always document after taking over the business in late 1874. thorough and detailed histories there appears What is known of Cecil Nugent? lack of other evidence that could link a man The hotel trade lists Gosling and Nugent of his standing in early Victorian colonial as notable hotel keepers and certainly in this history. Could there be other explanations? particular case instrumental in building the It was believed that Cecil Lyndhurst famed Queenscliff Hotel. Cecil's time at Nugent was born in Ireland c1835 and Queenscliff proved to be brief. However, his baptised in Paris. His father Walter Nugent lineage, history and associations prove to be and mother Georgina Nugent (nee worthy of closer scrutiny. Jenkinson) possessed rank and privilege. It Cecil and wife Martha Nugent together was possible Nugent was an ambassador or with Joe Gosling had played a role in both performed some diplomatic tasks. The Cecil the Royal Hotel (and possibly Gosling's Cecil Lyndhurst managed Leihy’s Royal Hotel located on the corner of Mercer and King Streets, Queenscliff. Lyndhurst obituary referenced Lady South- Hotel) at Meredith and in King Street ampton and the listing of siblings in the Will Queenscliff that was formerly Leihy's Hotel. before taking up the lease of Leihy's Royal One of the earliest references to the or Probate documentation accords with the Later Cecil's wife Martha, with Joe Gosling Hotel at Queenscliff late November 1874. Gosling hotel business was in 1850 with the Nugents. Could he have been a 'black sheep'? (presumed brother), played major part in Unfortunately, no photographs exist and transfer of the original Union Inn in Malop No doubt early colonial society and the both the Esplanade and Queenscliff Hotels. It details are scant about Cecil Nugent's short Street from Irish immigrant, Thomas Powell. gold diggings contained characters who may was Nugent and Goslin who built the time at Queenscliff. Cecil died within a few The Union Inn had been run by Powell and have entertained higher aspirations or Queenscliff Hotel in 1887. months of applying for the licence. His for a short time Alfred Lee Frost. In 1849 the camouflaged a more shady past. What to do The Gosling name throughout Victorian funeral cortege brought him to East Geelong Union Inn was built the corner of Malop and with Cecil Lyndhurst Nugent - a hotelier, colonial times and particularly around cemetery where he was buried. We can Claire Street (where the Carlton Hotel coursing exponent, importer and a man of Geelong was well documented and regarded. assume that he left no descendants from his stands). The Inn may have been built on land amicable business relationships? Herein lies a The Gosling family boasted brothers Henry relationship with Martha. leased from the Crown during this time. bit of a mystery. (Harry), Edward, Richard, Robert and The Gosling family were well known and There were a number of outbuildings The story is also coloured by a suicide and possible sister, Elizabeth. Possible relations or highly regarded hoteliers in Geelong and associated with the hotel, likely a stable. The a marriage into colonial society. Cecil Nugent siblings, Joseph aged 22 and Martha aged 25 Meredith. However running hotels can be a hotel had 20 rooms and was described as 'first thus becomes a person of interest. A Goslin (sic) arrived on the Royal Charter in fickle business. Nugent's colonial history lies class accommodation for families with livery reference to him being connected to Lady December 1858 from England. The three with his association with the Goslings and and bait stables, serving genuine wines and Southampton and the importation of prized brothers, originally from Kilkenny, arrived on much emerges from his connections to spirits of the best quality'. greyhounds from her provides additional the Lysandra in 1841. Richard and Henry Meredith and possibly the eldest of the In 1853, Henry Ryan or 'Harry' Gosling teasing links to 'Royal' patronage. As it Gosling were twins and Edward was a year Gosling family, Henry Ryan Gosling (Harry). was in partnership with James Hancy or happened, Gosling and Nugent also relied on older. Nugent's origins appear conflicted and Haucey Sheppard with a wine and spirits an old Stieglitz identity, a Scot William While Martha and Joseph arrived later subject to closer analysis. For many, Nugent store in Malop Street Geelong (possibly also MacLennan for advice about coursing dogs they were brother and sister to Edward, remained the epitome of respectability and the Union Inn). Another involved the Eureka that was an interest of both connections. Joe Richard and Henry Gosling according to the usually an emergence from a class that leaves Hotel at the junction of the road to Ballarat Gosling also was a keen game hunter and cemetery pictures at East Geelong where that some trail or reference points. In a day at Batesford and Fyansford. Gosling and race track expert. He was to fill many bar they are all together and surrounded by a of slow mails and general acceptance at face Sheppard were also involved in an alternative hours with such stories. similar cast fence. value, Cecil Nugent was to leave his mark in wagon and coach line business predating So what drew Cecil Nugent to Meredith? Importantly, the Queenscliff Hotel was Meredith. Cobb and Co with the Estafette line. We find him here as a householder at a later run by a relative Henrietta L Goslin (sic) Meredith is a strange place to land for Sheppard stated it conveyed mails to Geelong meeting at Gosling's Hotel in 1863. Gosling's in the early 1900s. She was the niece of landed aristocracy and privilege. According and elsewhere under Government Hotel at Meredith was being built in 1853 Joseph and Martha. to his obituary he had lived an idle life up to permissions before Cobb and Co. This makes and possibly financed by some significant The arrival of Cecil Lyndhurst Nugent at a point. Perhaps he was on the goldfields like it a significant historical reference point. An gold and/or business earnings. Henry Ryan Meredith and his associations with the many others. Nugent later became the first early coach driver 'Ned' Devine remembers Gosling had been an earlier colonist and Goslings possesses just enough quirks and Shire President of Meredith and member of this coach line, what he termed the 'Publicans established business with James Sheppard. unknowns to ask is there more to the story. the presiding local court amongst other party', as being the first coach line taking The first Meredith Hotel was located on the What is evident is that Cecil Nugent made offices and positions including early school parties to and from Ballarat. High venture corner of Wallace and Wilson Streets in his connections with the Gosling family committees and the local road board. In and frenzied capitalism was running through Meredith. Gosling's brothers Edward and possibly in the late 1850s. It's difficult between there were hotels and racing. many veins in Geelong and the gold boom Richard who were building what was termed locating his arrival into Australia and The township of Meredith was also an was promoting a life style of excess for some. Gosling's Hotel had its foundation stone laid substantial verifications of his reported links early starting point for the expansion of the Meredith was fertile investment ground by Henry in the presence of the architect to the English or Irish upper class. But that is Gosling empire, other interests were in and a town that quickly developed as a Robert Coxon Young in October 1853. It is the story and he was to stick to it. Geelong and Batesford. Henry Ryan or halfway point between Geelong and the presumed other brothers Robert and Joseph Cecil was interested in racing, coursing, 'Harry' Gosling had many early colonial Ballarat goldfields. Much of the hotel were also involved in the trade. In addition, hotels and presumably making money. He connections and provided an entree to an business also centred on the passing foot Joseph Gosling made an application for a died with monies owing and a supposed emerging colonial world that was boosted by traffic and the Estafette and Cobb and Co licensed house in Meredith in June 1864. It linkage to the English upper class. One possi- gold discoveries in Victoria's rich golden coach lines that passed Meredith between appears over time the Goslings had hotels at bility of arrival comes with an L. Nugent triangle. It was possible Gosling made Ballarat and Geelong. The Ballarat rail line various points along the Ballarat Road. arriving on the immigrant ship from Liver- significant amounts during this period. His was also underway. It can be assumed that Meredith township was taking shape more in pool the R.M.S James Baines in July 1856. partner Sheppard has provided an Gosling was an entrepreneur that sensed terms of its geographical location than In the turbulent times during and after the extraordinary financial figure. The other opportunities. Cecil Nugent was one that also perhaps its later farming attributes. Meredith gold rush, profits were being invested in brothers were also crucial in the bustling developed a series of land interests in was a convenient halfway point between stores, hotels and other businesses. The Gosling empire. However their lives were Meredith. His integration onto various Geelong and the Ballarat goldfields. Gosling Family invested heavily into the relatively short-lived. Edward Gosling died in committees, sporting activities and its local It was thought over 300,000 miners hotel and transport trade and it is evident a December 1861 aged 38. Richard Gosling council established his bona fides. descended on Ballarat in the 1850s. A great brother Edward was also involved in the tragically died in March 1868 aged 49 after It was said that Cecil Nugent had peerage many would have used the Geelong road to Burnt Bridge Hotel at Buninyong possibly up an accident caused by an exploding soda connections and that part makes for an Ballarat. Another substantial hotel, The until 1858. In 1863 an insolvent Richard bottle that cut his arteries. He died within interesting study. Usually such connections Royal Hotel was also built as a timbered 3 Gosling was a Melbourne publican running weeks. Robert Gosling died at Geelong in are well recorded and documented. There storey building in the 1850s. This was later the Royal George Hotel in Bourke Street that 1867 aged 38. Elizabeth died in 1917 aged was some difficulty locating a Cecil run by the Nugent and Gosling around 1868 he had taken over in 1862. The 1850s were 79. To unfold the business concerns of the Lyndhurst Nugent amongst the existing although there are earlier references to rife with fast made fortunes and losses. It was Gosling family and the multitude of diverse peerage literature associated with the Nugent Martha Gosling residing there in 1865. around this time Cecil Nugent reportedly interests takes some doing. At best it can only and Jenkinson families. How and when he Nugent and Gosling had acquired the arrived. be a brief overview and worthy of further arrived at Meredith is also unknown. As business from G.F Belcher who may have Cecil Nugent soon married Martha analysis. Henry was to die in tragic mentioned a Nugent arrived in Hobson's Bay acquired the property after Henry Conley Gosling (Goslin) at Mt Buninyong in 1865 circumstances aged 52. aboard the the James Baines from Liverpool became insolvent. In 1865 the Insolvent according to newspaper sources. Both would It was noted the Goslings were early in June 1856. Another reference is to the estate of a John Conley (possible brother to have been in their 30s. Cecil managed the pioneers of the Western District arriving Storm Bird in November 1858. Also a Major Henry) and Gosling's Hotel was advertised Royal Hotel at Meredith for some years around 1841. C.L. Nugent was Native Secretary in New by M.S. Levy for the Official Assignee. Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021 – Page 15 Improving safety at Murray Cod fishing hits a snag PLSLSC Ocean Grove resident Gerard Pitcher By Denis Walters some bites they never landed any fish. Reg The Victorian Government has invested knows that when he goes fishing, his suggested eating and insisted that then they almost $13,000 into the Point Lonsdale Surf chances of catching anything improves would be right. Life Saving Club to improve critical infra- tenfold when he goes with his mate Reg "We cooked some sausages and Reg said it structure for the club's back beach outpost. Herring. "With a name like that, he has to was time to get serious. He selected a couple Minister for Police and Emergency Services be a fisherman," quipped Gerard. "He pays of sausages and told me, "This is the only bait and Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville, announced the Point Lonsdale back beach attention to all the small details." we will need for the rest of the trip. I didn't outpost has received funding for important Gerard went to school with Reg's wife know whether he was joking or not," said storage facilities and structural improvements. Wendy, who became a nurse, then through Gerard. The Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club is Wendy he met his future wife Sally, who was Reg soon proved he knew what he was one of 125 facilities sharing in $20 million in also nursing. Gerard grew up in Casterton doing. They caught four that night including a funding under the Emergency Services and Reg came from just down the road in ninety four centimetre, forty plus pound Refurbishment Fund, as part of the Coleraine. When Reg started going out with (18kg) Murray Cod. Gerard was ecstatic as he government's $2.7 billion Building Works Wendy, he and Gerard became mates around caught his first ever Murray Cod that night. package. "The funding for the Point Lonsdale the age of nineteen.They are a great country "Every afternoon for the next three or four Surf Life Saving Club will ensure our lifeguards pair who love to play cards and are great days, we would do exactly the same thing and lifesavers can effectively patrol this beach company." around five in the evening and I was watching over the busy summer period." Reg was a full time shearer for many years Reg for tips." The funding will provide vital storage and for six years Wendy worked with him as They caught three or four each evening. facilities to house essential equipment at the a shearer's cook. Reg still shears and acts as a On the last day they fished a spot Reg had back beach outpost that can be quickly and easily wool buyer for an internationally based been talking about. The sausage lines went in accessed. Concrete reinforcements to internal company buying direct from the farmers. and they caught around fifteen cod in the next walls, doorways and support columns will "Reg is well respected by his clients and is Reg with Gerard and his first Murray Cod. six hours. It was the best fishing Gerard had ensure the observation deck can be safely utilised Considering the range of sausages available, known as a bloke who does the right thing by ever done. and help volunteers better identify incidents on gourmet etc they won't divulge exactly what type of the beach. people," says Gerard. sausages were used. "The fish are beautiful and the fact that Reg has always loved fishing and their they are iconic Australian fish is amazing. The Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club original farm property backed onto the be good but Gerard would look after the Every morning, around every bend, there was was established in 1947, with the back beach at Wannon River. Gerard has fished with Reg rest." something different and beautiful sunrises and Point Lonsdale being particularly hazardous. on occasions and caught his biggest trout, a They arrived at Echuca and Gerard was sunsets. Sharing the experience in those The club has approximately 1220 active volunteers who last season performed seven five and a half pound (2kg) brown trout somewhat concerned at the absence of bait spectacular surroundings with such good rescues, attended seven first aid medical while fishing with Reg at Tolondo, near as there were no worms or yabbies. Reg friends, just made it a great experience." incidents and took more than 1600 preventative Horsham. reassured him. "I've been to Coles, I've Gerard finished with a tally of eleven cod actions. "A couple of years ago Reg went on a looked after it." while Reg landed about twenty. Overall they Works are also currently underway at Point houseboat, fishing on the Murray and at 3am Gerard thought it a bit unusual but had caught nothing under 38 centimetres and Lonsdale's main clubhouse thanks to a $2.2 I received a text from him with a photo of a faith in his mate's expertise. After receiving most were between 46-60 centimetres. Sally million investment from the Victorian 110 centimetre Murray Cod, about 65 instructions on the operation of the and Wendy lost interest in the fishing, opting Government with completion due in March pounds (30 kg)." houseboat, they set off down river. instead for bushwalking, visiting wineries and 2021. Gerard was hooked and asked Reg if he "It's a beautiful river and a houseboat is a relaxing. The Emergency Services Refurbishment could take him fishing for cod. In February, great way to have a holiday. We pulled up by There are around 50 houseboats for hire in Fund enables Victoria's volunteer emergency pre covid, the two couples hired a four the bank about 5pm after setting off 15 km the district and both Reg and Gerard are very services agencies to carry out urgent person houseboat on the Murray at Echuca downstream." keen to revisit the Murray, and for a longer maintenance, repairs and upgrades to extend the for four days. It was beautiful warm weather Gerard was keen to drop a line in, so the session. Perhaps the cod are not so keen, life and improve safety of their existing facility. in the historic border town and Gerard was four of them set up rods using cheese as bait. despite all of the cod they caught being The projects are also aimed at providing full of anticipation and enthusiasm. He asked They had been recommended to use a released except one. They kept and cooked a support to Victorian businesses and workers Reg what sort of bait he should take. "I paternosta rig but Reg preferred a running 56 centimetre fish which fed the four of them affected by the downturn in the economy caused suggested cheese and Reg said cheese would sinker. They tried both and although getting like royalty. by the pandemic. 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ANTENNAS Drysdale Carpet Court 61-63 Murradoc Road, Drysdale 3222 Bill Mouchemore Ph: 5253 1855 BELLARINE PENINSULA [email protected] ANTENNAS TREE REMOVAL Ph: 0417 746 556 • Proudly supporting Australian Made • 30 years experience • Best products available • Latest test equipment for HD Digital • Digital boosters, accessories & setups POINT LONSDALE AND QUEENSCLIFF HEALTH & FITNESS Energy for Life 25 Years Qualified Personal Trainer Boutique Gym Fully Phone Memberships Insured available Kerry Circuit Classes 1 on 1 Training Pettigrove Group Training available 0414 581 670 Page 16 – Queenscliffe Herald, December 2020/January 2021

Our Polypropylene mooring lines are 10mm x 5.6 metres with a 100mm eye splice on one end and 150 back splice on the other. Queenscliff Coast Guard News With a breaking strain of 2000kg they will secure your boat to pontoon, pier or can be High Fives at Coast Guard was at the lighthouse but could see no one in details or may launch straight into a full blown used to raft another vessel alongside. They There were high fives all round at Coast trouble. Our rescue boat continued to the area response. lines are U.V. resistant and float, a must for Guard Queenscliff at the announcement of a and began a search, stopping to ask other If you see something that appears to be a every boat. $205,000 grant to the flotilla. The substantial boaters in the area if they had seen any kayaks. person in trouble, a vessel sinking or on fire, Price: $20 for one, $30 for two, plus postage grant announced by Minister for Police and After a one hour search all we had seen was a someone that may be waving, possibly for if applicable. We will personally deliver locally Emergency Services and Member for seal lying on its side sun baking with its flippers assistance, take a second to stop, assess and on the Bellarine Peninsular. Please contact Bellarine, Lisa Neville, will fund capital works in the air. After providing a situation report to look again. If your thought is, 'something John McMillan 0409 686 044 or email at the Queenscliff base and on board the Water Police we were stood down. Those who looks wrong' call triple 000 and report what [email protected] rescue boat CG09. have seen a sunbaking seal would know that you see. Police will take it from there. We All profits go to Coast Guard Queenscliff. The funds are part of the $20 million with flippers up and its body low in the water at would much rather respond to a False Alarm, Operations Summary: Emergency Services Refurbishment Fund long distance it may resemble two persons and Good Intent than recover a body the next day. 1st July 2020-15 December 2020 designed to provide assistance to volunteer a kayak. Maybe that's what was seen and Safety Products a great gift Requests for assistance: 21 emergency services and provide a cash reported. As part of our water safety and fundraising Vessel emergency response hours: 34.3 injection to Victorian communities affected by Rather than be concerned about a false program Coast Guard Queenscliff are offering Persons assisted to safety:46 the Covid 19 pandemic. In announcing the report we file this as False Alarm, Good two great safety items. Our Safety Equipment Value of vessels assisted: $524,000 grant Member for the Bellarine Lisa Neville Intent. Those who made the report did so Dry Bag has a 10 litre volume allowing for the Guest Speakers available commented, "Coast Guard Queenscliff is a based on their experience and knowledge. storage of a torch, flares, phone or other Would you like a guest speaker to attend highly respected organisation not only locally They reported what they saw and what it personal items. The Fold and Click system will your group or club? We cover the history of but across the state and I am always pleased to appeared to be. It is then up to Water Police to keep the contents dry and its bright yellow Coast Guard, What we Do, Operations and work with them and support them." take action based on that report. They may colour makes it easy to find on the water or in Rescues etc. If so contact Ric Lasslett 0412 527 The funds will cover the replacement of phone the caller direct to establish any further the boat Price $20each. 061 or [email protected] No group too two dilapidated sheds at the Queenscliff Base, small, no charge for attendance. major improvements to security and storage, Recreational Boating Operators as well as an updated electronic navigation Licence Course system that will communicate directly with (Needed to get a boat licence) Water Police. This system provides the Due to Covid 19 RBOL courses continue to capacity to transfer computer calculated be suspended. We hope this will change soon. search patterns directly to our rescue vessel Covid Situation Changes thus saving time and improving accuracy. At this time some Covid health Queenscliff Flotilla Commander Michael requirements remain to ensure the health of Donohue was thrilled with the news. "This is a members of the public, our volunteers and fantastic grant from the Labor State their families. We have, as now permitted, Government and will benefit our local introduced limited in-person and on water community, our volunteers and most training to refresh the skills of our coxswains, importantly those who go about their lives on general hands and trainees. Other training will the water. Our heartfelt thanks go to our local continue online. Our monthly business member Lisa Neville." meeting is still being held online. The False Alarm, Good Intent Queenscliff Base is manned Saturday, 12.55pm Saturday 12 December a caller Sundays and Public Holidays from 8.00am to reported what appeared to be a kayak with two 5.00pm. Our volunteer crews WILL continue persons in trouble south of the Point Lonsdale to respond to 000 calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a lighthouse. Our crew departed immediately week as per normal. and police were despatched to the lighthouse Remember, for help call 000 and always to try and obtain a visual confirmation. plan your voyage, your life may depend on it. Enroute our crew were advised a police van Michael, John, Stuart and Ivan celebrate the capital works grant Safe Boating: Ric Lasslett