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A raft of energy: The Real Life crew work hard to get up a “head of steam” during the raft race at Western Port Festival. Photo: Snez Plunkett.

WESTERN Port Festival’s annual raft race off Hastings Yacht Club didn’t attract as many spec-tators as the motorboat races further up in Hast-ings Bight, but was defi nitely more entertaining.

There were only four crews, but what the race lacked in numbers was made up in shenanigans.

The SES crew with their sleek Styrofoam raft had won many races in the past and were lead-ing on the now-modifi ed raft that included a so-phisticated rudder mechanism. They were seen moving the course marker to enable them to get around it and a protest was later lodged by the yacht club’s raft crew.

TS Tingira, the Navy raft crew, didn’t have as much luck this year as last, being slow to keep up with SES and HYC’s almost all-girl crew. Half-way around, they began sinking, while the fourth raft, manned by a church group, The Real Life, got stuck between the two arms of the jetty.

With The Real Life immobile and the Navy sinking, the race was now between the SES crew – said to be throwing solid fl our bombs at their competitors – and the HYC crew, who were handicapped by an uneven number of rowers, which made it diffi cult to paddle in a straight line.

On account of their misdeeds, SES conceded fi rst place to the HYC crew and extended their oars into the water to the Navy crew who by now were swimming towards the fi nishing line at the pontoon. The Real Life was towed in by the res-cue boat.

The HYC team with its raft of recycled bottles proudly rowed away with this year’s trophy.

Snez Plunkett

Bottler of a Bottler of a win for rafterswin for rafters

New moves for car ferryNew moves for car ferryBy Mike HastGOVERNMENT authorities continue to plan for the proposed Western Port car ferry despite Bass Coast Shire and a majority of Phillip Island residents rejecting terminal plans for the island’s “capital” of Cowes last July.

The so-called “missing link” ferry was revived by the Victorian Employ-ers Chamber of Commerce and Indus-try in November 2007 at a meeting of business and political leaders at Parlia-ment House.

VECCI wants a “Great Southern

Coastal Road” that would create a unique touring route along Victoria’s spectacular coastline from Portland to Gippsland.

Travelling east, the route would fol-low the Princes Hwy, then the Great Ocean Road to Queenscliff, use the ex-isting car ferry to Sorrento, across the peninsula to Stony Point near Hastings and on to the new car ferry to Cowes, though Phillip Island, across the bridge to San Remo and along the South Gippsland coast near Wilsons Promon-tory and beyond.

The proposed 150-metre long jetty for the ferry terminal at Cowes, with its covered walkway for pedestrians and car queuing lanes in The Espla-nade and Bass Ave, was met by furious opposition from residents last Easter at a rally attended by more than 350 people.

Bass Coast councillors rejected the plans that would have transformed the Cowes foreshore in July.

The News understands Bass Coast offi cers recently held discussions with Parks Victoria and Tourism Victoria to

seek an alternative to a terminal beside the existing Cowes pier, where the pe-destrian ferry from Stony Point docks.

Supporters of the long-desired car ferry also include Department of Transport and Regional Development Victoria.

A feasibility study costing $700,000 was paid for by Mornington Peninsula and Bass Coast shires, which each con-tributed $250,000, with state govern-ment agencies paying $200,000.

Bass Coast has been asked to con-sider other places for the terminal,

with the most likely place being west of Cowes pier near where Cowes Yacht Club is located.

The car ferry terminal needs to be close to town to be fi nancial viable, a source told The News.

On the peninsula side, plans are pro gressing for the transformation of Stony Point.

Draft plans seen by The News show the ferry access road, parking area and ticket offi ce would take one-third of the land leased by Patrick Ports.

Continued Page 10

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NEWS DESK

Editor: Keith Platt, 0439 394 707Journalist: Mike Hast, 5979 8564Advertising Sales: Val Bravo, 0407 396 824Production/Graphic Design: Stephanie LoversoPublisher: Cameron McCullough, 0407 027 707

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REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Neil Walker, Barry Irving, Cliff Ellen,Frances Cameron, Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Gary Turner, Jaime McDougall, Marilyn Cunnington, Brad Stirton, Fran Henke.ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News GroupPO Box 588, Hastings 3915Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: www.mpnews.com.auDEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON TUESDAY 8 MARCHNEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 15 MARCH

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FOREMEN with the road construction company Abigroup can be forgiven for thinking they’re seeing double with identical twins working on the Penin-sula Link freeway being built between Carrum Downs and Mt Martha.

Recruited as a construction worker for the EastLink interchange section of the $759 million freeway, Dale Hill has just joined brother Kyle on what they both describe as “a career oppor-tunity of a lifetime”.

Kyle, based on the Ballarto Rd site south of the interchange, started last

October and convinced Dale he should apply. “The freeway defi nitely is prov-ing a great start to a promising career. In Australia’s current job climate, hav-ing a position with Abigroup could open a lot of doors in the civil infra-structure industry,” Dale said

Since winning the contract in Janu-ary 2010, Abigroup has been involved in career information nights, working with Chisholm Institute and support-ing the South East Local Learning and Employment Network.

More than 1500 workers have been

inducted into the project since last February. The 27-kilometre road will connect EastLink to Mornington Pe-ninsula Fwy when completed in 2013.

It has been a controversial project with anti-freeway protesters arrested in Frankston South last September at a picket to stop bulldozers clearing a heritage-listed property (see page 9), but many commuters support the long-awaited bypassing of Frankston and its weekday traffi c snarls.

For job opportunities, visit www.abigroup.com.au

Freeway on the doubleFreeway on the doubleDouble-take: Identical twins Kyle and Dale Hill are enjoying their roles working on the Peninsula Link project.

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 3

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By Keith PlattLOWER labour costs in Thailand and the availability of container port fa-cilities at Hastings may help provide cheaper housing on the Mornington Peninsula.

A draft report on ways to provide more “affordable” housing now on public exhibition sees Mornington Pe-ninsula Shire and private developers providing land for lower cost housing.

The report describes how ever-in-creasing property prices on the penin-sula are forcing low income earners out of the market or into spiralling debt.

Crib Point man David Tootell be-lieves one solution may be to bring prefabricated houses to the peninsula from Thailand.

He says the houses could be built in a Bangkok factory, shipped in contain-ers to Western Port and erected within days on pre-prepared building blocks.

A marketing consultant for Ezy Build Australia, Mr Tootell said a two bedroom “country-style” house would sell for about $110,000, plus land or lease costs.

A four bedroom version would be $185,000.

He said Ezy Build was already sup-plying houses to Papua New Guinea and there was virtually no limit to the types of structures that could be made from the prefab modular method.

“The simplest one can be built in seven days,” he said.

The ultimate cost would depend on the number required.

“It’s volume dependent, but we

Cheap housing Thaied to importsCheap housing Thaied to imports

could bring in 30 houses a month,” he said.

Mooring fees were expensive and a crane capable of lifting 60 to 100 tonnes would be needed to unload containers from the ship and from trucks arriving at the building site.

He said discussions had been held with Swire Shipping about bringing the houses from Thailand to Western Port and preliminary talks had been held with BlueScope to use its wharf at Hastings.

Mr Tootell said the steel-framed houses complied with regulations re-quiring them to be 60 per cent Austral-

ian made and came complete with a 110mm concrete base. Walls were clad with maglite oxide fi reproof boards, and the houses had double-glazed windows and came already wired and plumbed.

He preferred to describe them as “modular” rather than “kit homes”.

“I really want to just import the houses and hand them over, but we could put a team together to erect them if necessary,” Mr Tootell said.

The houses could be erected on pri-vate or council-owned land, which would be either sold or leased to the house owners.

“The land can be prepared and all permits issued before the houses get here.”

Mr Tootell said he had proposed im-porting the houses as part of the Black

Saturday bushfi re recovery effort, but “was given the runaround by state gov-ernment departments”.

An Ezy Build brochure shows the prefabricated designs being adapted for houses, apartments, townhouses, schools, showrooms and motels.

It has an artist’s drawing of accom-modation for 3500 in a barracks-like building at a mining project in Western Australia.

The draft Mornington Peninsula Shire Social Housing and Affordable Housing Policy lists the towns of Bax-ter, Somerville, Tyabb, Hastings, Crib Point, Balnarring, Mt Eliza, Morning-ton, Mt Martha, Dromana, Rosebud, Rosebud West, Tootgarook, Rye and Sorrento as fi tting the criteria for pub-lic housing.

If adopted, the plan would see public

housing, also known as “social” or “af-fordable” housing, making up three per cent of the shire’s housing stock within 10 years. It is now 1.4 per cent.

To achieve the target there would need to be 146 government or not-for-profi t group subsidised houses built each year.

As well as using some of its own land, the shire wants developers to agree to include affordable housing in new subdivisions in return for relaxing some planning and design rules.

The shire defi nes affordable housing as the cost of housing (rent or mort-gage) not exceeding 30 per cent of a household’s income. It is also housing rented, leased or sold below the market rate.

Housing imports: David Tootell believes cheap, quality housing can be brought rto the peninsula from Thailand.

By Mike HastINTERNAL state government costings leaked to a Melbourne newspaper put the price of building a container port at Hastings at $9.4 billion.

The Department of Transport and Major Projects Victoria costings were done in June 2010 and obtained by the newspaper last week.

But the price of developing the port has been rubbery since 2006 when it was fi rst proposed.

This was when Ralph Kenyon, then CEO of the port, released the draft Port Land Use & Transport Strategy,

with an estimate that $3 billion would be needed for the three-stage development.

In September 2009, the cost was put at $5.7 billion.

In January, The News reported the cost would be $11 billion when Transport Minister Dennis Napthine promised the Baillieu government would fast-track Hastings port development and within 10 years turn it into “a moderate sized working container port”.

The News’s fi gure was based on sources within the port industry.

The previous Labor government had aimed to build the port over 35 years.

Port development opponent Cathe-rine Manning of Blue Wedges Coali-tion says she is not surprised at the new fi gure.

“We had expert costings done in 2007 and arrived at a fi gure of $10 billion and were criticised by the government,” she said.

“This new total does not include any damage to the environment, loss of recreational fi shing or tourism business or CO2 emissions from shipping.”

$9.4b for Hastings port$9.4b for Hastings port

PAGE 4 Western Port News 1 March 2011

NEWS DESK

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HASTINGS artist Fran Henke and Seaford artist Tony Sowersby are fi nalists in this year’s Bald Archy Awards, the art contest parody of the Archibald Prize, an important portraiture award.

Mrs Henke has two entries. One is a portrait of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange entitled Leak Inquiry, created with acrylics and collaged newsprint, which shows a pallid Assange being swamped in a W-shape by newspaper stories based on his organisation’s leaks.

Her second entry is an acrylic painting of the late Australian opera singer Dame Joan Sutherland entitled Our Joan. The life of “La Stupenda”, who died last October aged 83, was celebrated in London last week at a memorial service in Westminster Abbey. Another tribute will be held in New York on 17 May.

This is the second year Mrs Henke’s work has been accepted, the fi rst being a portrait of controversial photographer Bill Henson.

Tony Sowersby won the award in 2005 with The Cardinal With His Abbott, which featured Cardinal George Pell and now-Opposition leader Tony Abbott.

This year he has two works vying for the $5000 prize: a portrait of retailer Gerry Harvey, Support Your Local Billionaire, and A Tale of Two Jules.

Mr Sowersby says this about his two entries: “Australians have recently shown that they will take to the streets to protest against the government victimising our billionaires. Witness the backlash to the mining tax.

“However an essential element in gaining

the public’s support was a slick advertising campaign that highlighted the billionaires’ plight. Gerry Harvey shot himself in the foot with his ill-timed and poorly conceived pitch aimed at his new on-line rivals who may send him broke. But he is one of our own Aussie billionaires. He desperately needs our support. So from now on, buy your stuff from a shop, not on a computer.

“Ah, in what strange directions life can take us. Julia Gillard and Julian Assange were both young radicals, but they have taken very different paths. Julia was quick to brand WikiLeaks ‘illegal’ and has remained mute in response to calls by prominent Americans (such as Sarah Palin) for Julian’s rendition and worse.

“I have set this painting in the French Revolution era, not only because of the similarities in rhetoric, but also because with his tall, slim fi gure and tied-back silver hair, Julian could have been standing behind Leslie Howard or Ronald Coleman in a Hollywood version of the revolution.

“I must apologise to Julia though, I am sure she has never knitted.”

The Bald Archy usually includes cartoons or humorous works making fun of Australian celebrities.

The award is supposedly judged by Bald Archy founder Peter Batey’s white cockatoo, Maud. The winner will be announced in Sydney in March.

More information look up: www.baldarchy.com.au

Mike Hast

A tale of two artists in A tale of two artists in Bald Archy contentionBald Archy contentionA wounded Gerry Harvey as seen by Tony Sowersby in his Bald Archysubmission Support Your Local Billionaire.

Tony Sowersby’s A Tale of Two Jules has US conservative Sarah Palin dominant but not named in the image’s title.

Fran Henke’s Leak Inquiry depicts Julian Assange crowded out by headlines generated by his WikiLeaks.

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 5

THE southern peninsula community is again coming to the aid of Victorians affected by disaster.

Two years ago a benefi t concert at Sorrento football ground raised more than $70,000 to help devastated com-munities after the tragic Black Satur-day fi res.

January’s fl oods affected 51 com-munities, inundated more than 1700 properties, devastated 52,000 hectares of pasture and 41,000 hectares of fi eld crops fl ooded and killed 6000.

The Nepean Flood Benefi t Concert will be held on Sunday 13 March, Labour Day long weekend.

The organisers are aiming to raise $120,000 for the town of Charlton, one of the fi rst towns to be fl ooded, the second fl ood within four months.

Co-organiser John Prentice said the town “really needs assistance and we’ve decided to help contribute to the rebuilding of the Rex Theatre, an historic Art Deco building that is more a community meeting place”.

The not-for-profi t theatre is a hub for the town of just over 1000 people on the Avoca River. It is almost halfway between Melbourne and Mildura, and a popular stop for tourists.

“The theatre is a prized showpiece of the town, the only one for 100km and services surrounding towns. It is a place to congregate.

“The rebuilding will be a great boost to morale for the area. It is run by the community for the community.”

He said support for the fl ood ben-efi t had been outstanding. “Almost all parties involved in the bushfi re con-cert have joined forces again.”

They included the Portsea Camp,

Nepean benefit to repair historic Charlton theatreNepean benefit to repair historic Charlton theatre

Sorrento-Portsea RSL, Hotel Sorrento, Sorrento Football Club, Sorrento Golf Club, Sorrento police and Rotary.

“Event planning is continuing but al-ready performers such as Russell Mor-ris, Wendy Stapleton and Paul Norton, Tony Byrne, The Love Stars featuring Lisa Bade, Coxy, Mick Pealing, Ron Martini and band, and Big and Horny

(a 13-piece high energy band) had signed up.

“Young groups Stray Love and San Fran Disco are on board and popular peninsula rock band Munster Terrace would perform. Chris Doe, an X Fac-tor fi nalist, is joining with his brother Peter.”

MC will be Molly Meldrum, and

bands will play from 2- 8pm. There will be children’s activities run by Portsea Camp staff.

“Bring your own picnic rugs, chairs and food but no alcohol. Alcohol, soft drinks and food will be available at the oval. Tickets at the gate, but pre-pur-chasing at Hotel Sorrento or the Rye and Blairgowrie newsagencies will

help our catering arrangements,” Mr Prentice said.

Donations are tax deductible.“To Charlton With Love” is at David

Mac Farlan Reserve, Hotham Rd, Sorrento. Ground opens 1pm. Tickets: $30 adults, $10 teenagers and under-12s free. Details: Hotel Sorrento, call 5984 8000.

Flood of tears: Two views of the historic Rex Theatre inundated in January when the Avioca River burst its banks. Carpets have been removed but much work is still to be done.

PAGE 6 Western Port News 1 March 2011

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60 years of Valentines for Merricks coupleBy Mike HastTHE second mate of the cargo ship that had just tied up in Sydney to refuel was disembarking for shore leave.

He was about to walk down the gangplank when the ship’s third mate, Keith Elford, who was rostered to remain aboard, asked Colin Randall to drop in on his little sister and wish her happy birthday.

She was private secretary to the managing director of a home lighting business, a smart girl all of 17 who had walked into a good job straight out of business school.

Second mate Randall walked into the city offi ce, took one look at Dawn Elford and the couple have been together ever since, sea voyages notwithstanding.

They celebrated their 60th anni-versary at a party with family and friends in Balnarring Hall the day before St Valentine’s Day. On the actual day of their wedding, 17 February, they strolled down memory lane at the church where they married, St Stephen’s in Chatswood.

The couple share an obvious deep love and during an interview with The News made each other smile and laugh when remembering amusing incidents.

Colin recalled their fi rst date was at the cinema: “The fi rst movie was a Boston Blackie, but Dawn slept through the feature.”

Dawn: “You probably thought ‘this will be a cheap night; I won’t have to buy her supper’.”

(Boston Blackie was a reformed jewel thief who solved crimes after being accused of them himself. A series of silent movies was made 1918-27 and the action/detective series was revived 1941-49.)

They courted for about two years and were engaged on Dawn’s 19th birthday after Colin fronted up to Thomas Goulburn Elford and sought permission to marry his only daughter.

They married on 17 February 1951 and moved to Queensland where Colin was working for a shipping company that would become Australian Na-tional Line. They lived in Love St, Northgate, a Brisbane suburb.

During this time Dawn worked as private secretary to accountant and politician Sir Thomas Hiley.

They returned to Sydney and lived in a rented fl at in Manly then built their fi rst house in East Lindfi eld in 1956.

Their fi rst son, Rodney, now a

Melbourne barrister, was born in 1953 and Scott, now a doctor in Geelong, followed in 1957.

Dawn said: “When the boys were young and Colin would return from sea, they’d come running to me when he arrived home and say ‘Mum, that man is back again’.”

It became a family joke told many times down the years as the boys married and had their own children.

The Randalls have led colourful lives that would fi ll a book.

Dawn, who turns 80 this month and looks many years younger, grew up in East Willoughby with an older and younger brother. She was a child performer, playing the mandolin-banjo on radio 2GB during a children’s program and later at concerts for the army during the war.

An A grade cricketer, her club was unbeaten for several years (“We had four international players”) and she also played for NSW. One of her coaches was the legendary Test fast bowler Ray Lindwall, the driver for prominent NSW politician and lawyer Clive Evatt whose daughter Elizabeth was on the team. Elizabeth later be-came the fi rst woman Chief Judge of the Family Court of Australia.

Colin joined the British Merchant Navy and went to sea in 1941, a dangerous time to be afl oat.

He sailed in ships criss-crossing the Atlantic as the United States supplied Britain during the darkest days of World War 2.

“We lost 2500 ships and more than 50,000 men,” he said. “The ship I was on was better armed than a navy destroyer.”

On one voyage they lost 39 ships out of 72 to the dreaded U-boats, the German submarines.

“I remember how bitterly cold it was. You’d do four hours on and four off, and learning to sleep like this has served me well over the years.”

Between 1941-44 Colin sailed the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Pacifi c and to and from Japan after VJ Day in 1945, supplying the occupation forces.

After 18 years sailing the seven seas (or most of them), Colin joined the Port Phillip Sea Pilots in 1959 and the couple moved from Sydney to Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, building a second house, in North Balwyn.

Colin has a deep knowledge of the sea pilots service: “George Tobin started guiding ships in to Port Phillip not

Lifelong love: Colin and Dawn Randall in their Merricks garden.

When the sailor met the secretaryWhen the sailor met the secretary

long after the colony was established in 1835 and the service was formalised in 1839 when the Governor of NSW, George Gipps, granted Tobin the fi rst pilot service licence on condition it would cost the government nothing.”

(Victoria was under the control of NSW until independence was granted in 1851.)

The service is unique in Australia as it is fully owned and operated by its pilots. “It’s the oldest continuously operating private company in Vic-toria,” he said.

“Tobin and his fellow pilots camped on the beach at Queenscliff and were taken out to ships in 30-foot whaleboats mostly crewed by convicts.”

(Earlier, in 1791, a young Tobin sailed with William Bligh on his second voyage to the Pacifi c. The fi rst voyage is infamous for the 1789 Mutiny on the Bounty when Bligh and 18 loyal crew were forced into a seven-metre boat by Christian Fletcher and his cohorts, and miraculously sailed 6700 kilometres from Tahiti to Timor with the loss of just one man, killed by warriors on Tonga. Bligh later became Governor of NSW, in 1806.)

Two walls of his rumpus room in Merricks are a history of the sea pilots, all experienced former ships’ masters.

Pride of place is occupied by a brass sign: “Nobody’s perfect – except the Captain.”

Colin Randall belongs to an ex clu-sive club. He was one of three Port Phillip Sea Pilots to start work in Western Port when the fi rst tankers arrived at Crib Point in 1966.

“It was June when Jack Barkly, Derek Howard and I arrived; Jack brought the fi rst BP oil tanker in and I took it out three days later.”

Their boats were kept in Hanns Inlet, the entrance to HMAS Cerberus between Stony Point and Somers.

“We stayed at the motel near Tyabb airfi eld and used two pre-war tugs to get to and from the huge oil and gas tankers; not the best arrangement. It was pretty hairy clambering 30 or 40 foot up onto a gassy.”

Dawn comments: “Colin was very athletic.”

In 1970 BP opened Long Island jetty, just north of Hastings.

He says it is extraordinary the Port of Hastings has gone backwards. “In the mid-1970s, 16 ships arrived every week. We were sending gas to Japan, oil to America and exporting pipes from Lysaghts [now BlueScope]. Now there are two a week.”

Sheep from Flinders Island were

offl oaded at Stony Point from smaller ships.

“Hastings should have been Mel-bourne’s deepwater port,” he said.

“You’re getting into controversial ground there, Colin,” Dawn said with a laugh.

He retired in 1987 after 48 years at sea and more than 28 year as a pilot.

Dawn worked as a volunteer at her sons’ school, president of the mothers’ club and in other roles, and then returned to paid work in 1969, as a student counsellor with Stotts College, inspired by a talk given by Baroness Maie Casey, wife of Richard Casey, who as Lord Casey was Governor-General of Australia 1969-74.

“Baroness Casey told a gathering that women not returning to the workforce after having children was a waste of talent,” she recalled.

“I went home and told my boys I was thinking about going back to work and they pooh-poohed the idea. That really got me going and I found a job at Stotts, and spent 10 years advising young students, senior citizens, mig-rants and people upgrading their skills.”

In 1988 the couple sold North Balwyn and moved to Merricks, building another house. They transformed a two-hectare cow paddock with two poplars into a showpiece garden designed by Dawn. It was fed by tank water. It’s a big house with room for their six grandchildren – indoor pool, one-hole golf fairway and green, and a meditation room at the bottom of the hill.

They joined Balnarring Red Cross, with Dawn serving as secretary, and she joined Somers Ladies Probus Club and he Balnarring Men’s Probus Club, which celebrated its 25th birthday last year. They are life members of their respective clubs.

They’ve collected donations for good causes, organised lunches, card days and stalls. An annual fund-raiser on their patio near the pool attracts 80 people each year.

“It’s been wonderful to become a member of this community,” Dawn said, Colin nodding in agreement. “This is where we’ve felt most at home and made the best friends.”

There’s no sign of the Randalls slowing. They’re both still sharp-minded and sprightly, although Colin had a limp on the day of the interview: “It’s nothing; probably wear and tear from climbing all those ladders.”

And the obvious question: the secret of their long marriage? They say they hardly ever argue. Dawn says: “Colin’s the captain; what he says goes.” He looks at her a bit quizzically; she gives a little smile.

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 7

To advertise in the next Western Port News pleasecontact Val Bravo on0407 396 824

CLEAN Ocean Foundation lit the fi re under Melbourne media that saw Melbourne Water and the Environment Protection Authority take a battering after sewage was released into rivers, creeks and drains in early February.

South-eastern areas Berwick, Narre Warren North, Hamp ton Park and Lyndhurst received more than 150mm of rain overnight on 4-5 February with other nearby suburbs getting 80mm.

Water inundated homes, roads and, more dangerously, storm water drains that fl owed into Eastern Treatment Plant at Carrum. Sewage was released into drains and waterways, and it made its way into Port Phillip.

The peninsula-based foundation’s CEO James Clark-Kennedy was the fi rst to forensically examine a press release from Melbourne Water.

Buried in the ninth and 10th para-graphs of the release was the crucial statement “targeted emergency releas-es [were made] in consultation with EPA Victoria”.

These were “releases of waste water into drains and waterways via special emergency relief points, to reduce pressure on the overall network”.

Melbourne Water stated the sewage plant handled up to 40 per cent of Mel bourne’s waste water and was operating at close to full capacity as stormwater in the sewage system made its way into the plant at up to 20,000 litres per second. Normal dry weather fl ow was 5500 litres per second.

“Flows into Western Treatment Plant at Werribee, which handles about 50 per cent of Melbourne’s waste water, have spiked at around 18,000 litres per second,” Melbourne Water stated.

Clean Ocean alert to city mediaClean Ocean alert to city media

It was the term “waste water” that rang the alarm bells for Mr Clark-Kennedy, a veteran of the long-running campaign to stop class C treated water being pumped into Bass Strait at Boags Rocks near popular Gunnamatta surf beach on the Mornington Peninsula.

He briefed Melbourne journalists and next day a page three report in The Age saw every major television and radio news service pick up the story.

Melbourne Water spokesman Chris Chesterfi eld was forced into making embarrassing apologies on air, saying the government authority had failed and would have to do better next time.

Mr Clark-Kennedy said the EPA had failed its duties, too.

“On 10 February, six days after the fl oods, the EPA website stated: ‘Water quality testing has shown unacceptable water quality due to elevated bacterial levels at Carrum, Aspendale North, Mordialloc, Mentone, St Kilda, Mid-dle Park, Port Melbourne, Altona and Werribee South beaches. As a result of these levels, EPA advises against swimming at these beaches until further notice’.”

The Clean Ocean boss said this was unac cept able: “The public should have been told about this pollution. It’s not good enough for the EPA to say people should avoid swimming in Port Phillip for 48 hours after heavy rain.

“Beaches should be closed to swim-

ming and warning signs in multiple languages erected.”

He said more than 300 stormwater drains empty into Port Phillip and the EPA should have teams testing the water every day when such big rain events occurred.

Melbourne Water was “quite happy in recent years to spend sizeable budgets on half page ads in newspapers telling us all how to be water wise while they’ve wasted billions of litres” by not treating waste water to class A.

The EPA on 15 February released a report of an internal review that found it had been inadequate in its performance as a regulator.

“Clean Ocean Foundation whole-heartedly agrees,” Mr Clark-Kennedy said.

“The EPA would appear to be writing more get-out-of-jail free tickets to industrial polluters to discharge chemicals and heavy metals into the sewerage system than playing any real ‘watchdog role’ for the environment.

“At lieutenant level, the EPA would appear far too cosy with Melbourne Water in particular, as evidenced by their quiet surrounding discharge of millions of litres of raw sewage into drains, waterways and the bay.

“The Baillieu government would do well to take the cane to both Melbourne Water and the EPA, directing both to give up corporate-style window dressing and focus on providing real answers and real solutions to Melbourne’s inadequate sewerage system.”

Mike Hast

Warning: Clean Ocean’s James Clark-Kennedy alerted Melbourne media to sewage going into waterways after the deluge in early February that swamped large parts of Melbourne south-east.

Going green Going green as the shire’s as the shire’s garden waste garden waste collection collection service startsservice startsTHE shire’s garden material col-lection service started on Mon day 28 February.

The service is for residents in urban parts of the shire only.

It costs about $130 a year and is for grass clippings and weeds, garden prunings, small branches, bark, untreated tim ber sawdust, leaves and fl owers, but no plastic bags, general rubbish, soil, bricks, food waste or plant pots will be accepted.

The shire reserves the right to not collect the 240-litre bins if they contain rubbish.

It did two audits of general waste that showed 6-14 per cent of waste going to landfi ll was green waste and many residents wanted the service.

To fi nd out if your property is classifi ed as urban, call the shire’s customer service on 1300 850 600 or go to the shire website www.mornpen.vic.gov.au and look under: “Your Property: Rubbish, Recycling & Waste” then “Green Waste Collection Service”.

Residents can still take green waste for a fee or voucher to Rye landfi ll in Truemans Rd, Tyabb transfer station in McKirdys Rd and Mornington transfer station in Watt Rd.

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PENINSULA Community Legal Cen-tre was fi rst community legal centre visited by Attorney-General and Fi-nance Minister Robert Clark since be-ing appointed in December 2010.

“The justice system couldn’t func-tion properly without the work of community legal centres in supporting those who are most vulnerable in our society,” Mr Clark said.

He said those work in community legal centres do so to help the public and not personal gain.

“We are grateful for the Attorney’s support of Peninsula Community Le-gal Centre, and appreciate the oppor-tunity to draw to his attention to the growing demand for free legal serv-ices in our community,” the legal cen-tre’s CEO Helen Constas said.

The centre serves about one million people in the municipalities of Glen Eira, Kingston, Frankston, Casey, Car-dinia and Mornington Peninsula.

Last year it received 25,000 phone inquiries, provided 13,282 informa-tion and referral activities and under-took 9704 client activities, including free legal advice, ongoing casework and representation.

“In the past year, we have experi-enced further increases in demand for help with family law matters, fam-ily violence, criminal law and many civil law matters, including credit and debt,” Ms Constas said.

For information about free legal services call Peninsula Community Legal Centre on 9783 3600 or www.pclc.org.au.

Government visitors: At Peninsula Community Legal Centre during a visit by state Attorney-General Robert Clark, second from right, are Jackie Galloway, the centre’s deputy CEO and senior advocate, Lesley Dillon, centre management committee, CEO Helen Cons-tas and Geoff Shaw MP for Frankston (who stood for Labor in the August 2010 election won by Mr Shaw).

Frankston first stop for state’s latest top lawmanFrankston first stop for state’s latest top lawman

PAGE 8 Western Port News 1 March 2011

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Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 9

NEWS DESK

Mornington Peninsula ShireSocial Housing & Affordable Housing Policy

The M.P.S.C. invite members of the public to provide comment on the draft Social Housing & Affordable Housing policy by close of business on Monday 21st March.

and libraries from 7th February to March 21st, 2011 and on the Council's web site: www.mornpen.vic.au

For further information contact: Peter Sibly Phone 5950 1682 or 0419 527 947

THE Red Hill community is celebrating after its opportunity shop was granted a permit to operate from its historic wooden house opposite the recreation reserve.

The Red Hill Opportunity Shop was at risk of becoming homeless after Mornington Peninsula Shire last July told the new owner of its building that it could not operate there after January due to strict green wedge zone rules for retail outlets.

The shire has given the op shop a permit to operate until 2015 in the house formerly known as “Glenbower”.

The house is next door to the Red Hill Church of Christ, which was sold to David May more than 18 months ago for an estimated $800,000.

Mr May applied to convert the church into a residence for his family, but when the shire issued a planning permit last July, one of the key conditions was the op shop building had to be removed or converted for use as an outbuilding.

The news caused widespread angst in the community, which the op shop has supported for more than 25 years.

It has donated about $500,000 to Peninsula Hospice Service, Red Hill CFA and other causes, and is run by 52 volunteers.

The op shop had rented the house since 2004 and has a fi ve-year lease with Mr May.

Last year shire planners said the op shop could not operate in a green wedge zone following the sale of the church.

In July a spokesman for Red Hill Community Action said it was a deplorable decision.

“It seems unthinkable that the shire would watch a young couple buy the Church of Christ property with a view to converting it to a family home, and say nothing about its intention to force closure of the op shop until now,” the spokesman said.

“Not only has it deprived the May family of rent income from the op shop, but also has possibly put the op shop out of business as there is little hope it will fi nd suitable premises in the area.”

Two weeks later, at the end of July, the shire said councillors would consider the matter at development assessments committee meeting.

Seven months later, the op shop’s future is assured.

The op shop is seen by many people as more of a community recycling operation. All goods are donated, it is run by 52 volunteers and all proceeds go to charity.

On Friday, op shop committee president Marion Trevellyan told The News: “We are delighted to have our permit, which will allow us to operate in the house for the next four years.”

Red Hill opportunityRed Hill opportunityshop safe until 2015shop safe until 2015

THE art and wider peninsula community is mourning the loss of textile artist Pamela Farmer of Shoreham, who died last Thursday after a long illness.

Pamela, 62, exhibited her unique creations of wool, silk and other materials, des cribed as self-expressive master-pieces, in Melbourne and on the peninsula.

In 2006 she exhibited at Antipodes Gallery in Sorrento and at the Flinders Art Show where she received an award for lino printing.

Pamela’s artwork won many prizes at art shows, wool shows and was exhi bited at the former Meat Market Craft Centre near Victoria Market, now known as Arts House.

Her work was sold at the Art Shed Gallery in Red Hill and the Lumina Gallery in Malvern East among other venues.

Pamela gained national at-tention when she won the Wool Quilt Prize, hosted by Geelong’s National Wool Museum.

She conducted workshops on felting, painting and em bel-lishing with stitchery on the peninsula.

At the 2009 Peninsula Fes tival of Arts and Ideas, she conducted textile art workshops and later that year, indigenous community blanket workshops in Rose bud and Frankston.

Pamela told Carol Heath of Ozquilt Network, a national organisation for art quilters, that she used her sewing machine to create undulations on her quilts.

One of them was con-structed from an old woollen blanket, dyed with eucalyptus leaves, layered with merino and alpaca felting and stitched

together by hand and machine using applique, quilting and embroidery techniques.

“Pamela says that when she is working in this manner, something takes over and she is often surprised at what comes out. She feels she doesn’t always have much control over it, seeing the work as it develops,” Ms Heath wrote.

“Her unusual stitching tech nique is explained when Pamela reveals she originally trained as a printmaker. She uses her stitching lines as she would have originally scratched details and fi ne lines into copper.”

Pamela Farmer (nee Vary) is survived by her husband, environmentalist Wolf Passauer, her children Chloe, Matthew and Thomas, and her sister Margaret Jean.

Mike Hast

Peninsula mourns textile artist Pamela FarmerPeninsula mourns textile artist Pamela Farmer

Master quilter: Pamela Farmer with some of her unique work.

CONTRACTORS working for Penin sula Link freeway building consortium Southern Way excavated most of the historic dam on the heritage-listed Westerfi eld property at Frankston South last Thursday.

The dam was built for original property owner Sir Russell Grimwade in the 1920s and had become a bush-rimmed small lake supporting abundant wildlife.

Sir Russell, an eminent Melbourne scientist, industrialist and philan-thropist, was considered ahead of his time in terms of conservation and land

management and advocated the need for industry and the environment to coexist.

Watching the destruction on Thurs-day were property owners Joyce and Simon Welsh, who claimed just 2 per cent of the existing water volume of about 2.5 million litres would remain after it was pumped recently prior to the excavation work.

“Tragically, the dam had fi lled for the fi rst time in 14 years following the good rains of winter and spring,” Mr Welsh said.

Heritage Victoria stated at a

recent court challenge to the per mit conditions for the freeway construc-tion that the “dam is considered to have historical signifi cance and the bushland is considered to have historical and scientifi c (botanical) signifi cance”.

Last September, Southern Way general manager David Clements stated the consortium had revised its design around the edges of the dam to meet the requirements of the revised permit issued by the Heritage Council of Victoria.

Mike Hast

Historic Westerfield dam bustedHistoric Westerfield dam bustedEarth moves: An excavator clears the Westerfi eld dam last Thursday.

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PAGE 10 Western Port News 1 March 2011

NEWS DESK

THE hardworking farmers and or-chardists of Red Hill who organised the area’s fi rst agricultural show in 1922 would surely stare in amaze-ment if they could time travel to this month’s event.

Flying over their heads would be the gravity-defying daredevils of Empire FMX, the freestyle motocross team, one of the main drawcards of the 83rd annual show, nowadays the only event of its kind on the peninsula.

In the 1920s, life was lived at a more sedate pace – drawcards included lo-cal people exhibiting their best eating apples, fl owers and vegetables along with the best butter, cooking and pre-serves from their farm kitchens. Many took their produce to the showgrounds on Arthurs Seat Rd by horse and cart.

Show day was declared a local holi-day by the Shire of Flinders and a spe-cial train ran from Melbourne to bring spectators to Red Hill, a journey of more than three hours.

The holiday is gone, the train is gone and the shire is now part of a “mega-shire”, but the crowds continue to come, and there will be something for everyone on Saturday 26 March.

Over the years, horses, sheep, cat-tle and alpacas were included to the show, refl ecting the changing face of farming on the peninsula. Wine, avo-cados, olives, berries and cheese have joined the list of produce, with some

of the best available for tasting and buying.

Red Hill Agricultural and Horticul-tural Society secretary Alison Dough-erty said this year’s event will be a “wonderful mixture of animals, arena events, woodchopping, entertainment, competitions and demonstrations”.

The Empire motocross riders would do two shows as well as sign posters and autographs. “They’ll add a wow factor to the show,” she said.

Also new this year is the Australian Fishing Show, which demonstrates fi shing techniques using live fi sh in a 21-metre long tank as well as pro-viding information on 4WDs, eye and boat safety, knife sharpening, motor maintenance, holiday destinations and lure fi shing.

“We also have Tubby the Robot, roving entertainer Super Weirdo, Daisy the Clown and her stiltwalking friends, free pony rides and free face painting,” Ms Dougherty said.

Animal stars will include beef cat-tle; horses, especially Clydesdales; al-pacas; stud, black and coloured sheep; poultry; rats, ferrets and pigs. There will be petting paddocks full of ani-mals for youngsters.

Demonstrations will include shear-ing, spinning, working dogs, wood-work, heritage machinery, craft and cake decorating.

A perennial favourite is the wood-

chopping, with eight-time world cham pion Lawrence O’Toole Junior leading the musclemen and making the chips fl y. Chainsaw racing is also popular.

The showground’s pavilions display craft, cooking, fruit, fl owers, vegeta-bles, art and photography.

In 2008, the show celebrated the 150th anniversary of agricultural and horticultural shows on the Morning-ton Peninsula, and a history, “A Show of our Own”, will be with the histori-cal display in the Pioneers Produce Pavilion.

The showjumping will be held at Boneo Park on Boneo Rd this year on Saturday and Sunday 2 and 3 April, and will include eight showjumping events for A, B, C and D grade horses as well as events for junior riders.

Tickets cost $40 for a family (two adults, three children 6-18 years), adults $15, children $10, students and pensioners $10, children fi ve and un-der free. Free parking.

Details and entry forms: Society of-fi ce 5989 2357, email: redhillshow@hotkey.net.au and on the internet at: www.redhillshow.org

The society’s 12th annual Inter-national Cool Climate Wine Show, which includes judging, public tast-ings and awards dinner, is from 23-27 May at the showgrounds.

From apples to motocross thrillsFrom apples to motocross thrills

Showtime: An Empire FMX rider defi es gravity (above). The team is new to the Red Hill Show this year. Woodchopping contests (left) have been a mainstay since the fi rst show and still draw the crowds. Below: Tubby the Robot delights the children.

Continued from page 1The government could be asked to

compensate Patrick, which has a lease until 2012 with a further fi ve-year option. The car ferry jetty would be 230 metres long with a two-lane road and covered walkway for pedestrians. It would be built north of the existing jetty, which is used by Patrick tugs, the existing passenger-only ferry operated by Inter Island Ferries, Royal Australian Navy contractor vessels and others. The ferry jetty would be built over an existing deep channel, necessitating extensive dredging to create a new one.

Critics of the car ferry, including the Mornington Peninsula Ratepayers and Residents Association, say the plan is fl awed as insuffi cient cars will use it.

Association member and retired engi-neer Alan Nelsen claims the government would have to subsidise each vehicle by at least $250 a trip and this could cost the government $2 million a year.

“It would be a white elephant,” he said.Frank Denvir of Inter Island Ferries,

who has run the Stony Point-Phillip Is-land passenger ferry service for 15 years, queried the number of drivers who would use the car ferry.

“The Sorrento-Queenscliff car ferry is viable as it connects the west coast with the peninsula and saves drivers having to battle traffi c through central Melbourne. But I question the economic viability of a Western Port car ferry,” he said.

This latest car ferry proposal follows a long line of similar proposals, includ-ing two failed attempts to link the pe-ninsula with Tasmania, and a proposal by Peninsula Searoad Transport, which operates the car ferry between Sorrento and Queenscliff, to use a superseded Port Phillip ferry to link Stony Point and Cowes.

Authorities still want car ferryAuthorities still want car ferry

Ferry story: A craft the size of the former Sorrento ferry Peninsula Princess would likely be used in Western Port.

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 11

By Mike HastIAN Aitken had experienced prob lems with his eyes for several years.

Amazingly, it did not stop him playing cricket, even though he had what you might call tunnel vision courtesy of what turned out to be advancing glaucoma; his captain put him in the slips where the ball comes straight toward you.

He was still making runs, as he had been for more than 50 years since starting out as a teenager in Bendigo.

In the end it was his legs rather than poor vision that made him pull up stumps. “I turned 60 and was too slow to run the singles; batting with young blokes in C grade, well, I’d always be looking for fours and you really need to be turning the strike over with those quick singles,” he said.

He said farewell to Red Hill Cricket Club where he’d had an illustrious career, playing and coaching since 1980, and before that with Rye CC after moving from Kyneton to the peninsula with his family in 1977.

At home in Rosebud West, the re-tired primary school teacher – who arrived at Rye Primary School in 1978, moved to Eastbourne primary in the late 1980s and retired from teaching in 1996 – started falling over furniture. He was 62.

His wife Juanita, who was awarded Mornington Peninsula Shire’s citizen of the year on Australia Day, was puzzled. “Ian doesn’t fall. He was a good sportsman who had played football for South Bendigo as well as competition basketball, tennis and, of course, cricket. He had great balance and was a fi t man. I was very concerned,” she said.

A visit to the doctor confi rmed Ian had advancing glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve.

The doctor asked: “You didn’t drive here, did you?” When Ian said yes, the doctor said: “Well, I’m afraid you won’t be doing that anymore” and told him he needed urgent treatment.

Juanita took over driving duties. They went to Vision Australia in Mt Eliza, at the George Vowell Centre, now an aged care centre. A surgeon drained his eye and he was put on medication.

He continued to take tumbles; it was getting worse. Their doctor continued to insist it was because of his eyes.

Juanita knew it must be something else. “Ian’s father had Parkinson’s and maybe Ian was getting it, too.”

After fi ve frustrating years of doc-tors, tests, eye checks and more doctors, Ian was diagnosed with motor neurone disease – almost a year ago this month.

Ian, his family and friends were devastated – there’s no cure for MND. Well, not yet anyway.

He’s going public and bravely talking about his condition to raise public awareness of the disease and call for fi nancial support for MND research.

It’s a cruel disease. Motor neurones are nerve cells that control the muscles of the torso, arms and legs as well as muscles that enable us to speak, swallow and breathe.

With no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste, and paralysis ensues.

Like many MND sufferers, Ian has good and bad days. Walking is be-coming very diffi cult so he’s in a wheel-chair now. The Aitkens have spent thousands of dollars to adapt parts of their home – a new main bathroom that required changing the adjacent toilet and laundry, hand rails in the couple’s

en suite, and ramps at front and back doors for the wheelchair.

Their daughter Vikki’s partner Mark Goodrem, son of Rye area shire councillor Bill, built the big bathroom with some of his mates, saving the Aitkens thousands.

They’ve had help from the shire council via the HACC program (Health and Community Care, which enables frail older people and those with disabilities to stay at home) and

Brotherhood Community Care, a divi-sion of the Brotherhood of St Lau-rence, which pays for physio, podiatry and lawn mowing.

Juanita, a retired nurse, is Ian’s full-time carer. Somehow she manages to combine this with her 30-year plus career as an active member of the Rosebud and Rosebud West communities – the community renewal project, the shire’s Communities That Care program, raising money for Cancer Council Victoria and her Probus club.

Great support has come from MND Australia. Over cups of tea and sandwiches in the Aitkens’ garden last week, the organisation’s regional adviser for outer southern and Gipps-land, Jenny Waites, talked about how they help sufferers.

“We look after about 250 people in Victoria. I look after 40 people in my region, including 10 in Frankston and on the peninsula,” she said.

“It’s a rare disease; a GP might come across only one case in their career.”

Juanita said Jenny had been a life-saver. “She liaises with many agencies to help us get services. MND supplied Ian’s $2500 electric lift chair in the family room and a $1000 wheelchair that I can dismantle when we travel. It has moveable armrests so Ian can use it at tables.”

Juanita says Ian’s MND may have been triggered by exposure to heavy metals. “As a child, he played on gold mining mullock heaps in Bendigo, which contain mercury, cadmium, lead and other metals. So did many other children, but Ian might have a gene that is affected by heavy metals.”

The scientifi c community is begin-ning to unravel some of the molecular events that occur during MND. Motor neurones are not lost gradually, but in a sudden cascade of events. It is likely that environmental factors play a role in triggering the disease.

It has long been suspected that com-plex interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors cause MND. Much work is still to be done.

Ian gave blood this month for an MND Australia research program. Juanita is optimistic a cure will be found one day.

Ian’s former “boss” at Rye primary appears at the Aitkens’ garden gate. Bill Williamson was principal at Rye 1976-82 and later at Eastbourne Primary School 1983-87.

“Ian and I became great mates when teaching and I drop in on Nita and Ian as often as possible, usually about every three weeks,” he said.

“Another mate of mine, Gus North, had MND. He was in the navy, including in Japan when they surrendered in August 1945. Gus and his son came to our club Rye Probus before he passed away about two years ago. He told our members about this awful disease.”

Bill told a few stories about Ian’s cricketing prowess with Ian providing the statistical details. “He played in a Victorian country team against the Poms in 1963,” Bill said. “He was a very good cricketer.”

Bill is talking about the touring England Test cricket team, which often played matches in the bush in those days.

“Ian was a top fast bowler and claimed the wickets of offspinner Ray Illingworth and their keeper John Murray.”

Ian says with a broad smile: “Then I made seven runs. We lost but gave them a good workout.”

Bill says his mate has always been a positive person. “At school, if we had any kind of problem, Ian always had a solution. ‘Let’s do this and then get on with it’, he’d say.”

Bill asked Ian how he coped. Ian said: “It’s a frustrating disease; you lose the abilities you’ve always taken for granted. Sometimes I feel very sad when I see couples our age walking down the street holding hands.

“But you get on with life. My family and especially Juanita are wonderful support.”

Juanita has enough positive energy to light a town and an unbridled optimism that’s inspiring. “Perhaps there’s a millionaire out there who will call MND Australia and say: ‘Take this and fi nd a cure’.”Information: MND Victoria, PO Box

23, Canterbury 3126, free call 1800 777 175. Email: info@mnd.asn.au and on the internet: www.mnd.asn.au

Facing down a cruel diseaseFacing down a cruel disease

Battling on: Ian and Juanita Aitken in their Rosebud West garden. It has been a bitter–sweet 12 months for the couple with Ian being diagnosed with motor neurone disease and Juanita being named the shire’s citizen of the year 2010.

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“Locals will know this building as the old taxi headquarters and whilst the more modern brick fa-cade makes the building look quite new, inside reveals a beautifully ornate building about 80 years old”, explains myotherapist Fred Triep.

Podiatrist Brad Dredge and Fred have been in Hastings for 6 years, previously located on Victoria Street.

“It’s not a new business, but a bigger premises where we can bet-ter assist people with their needs,” said Brad.

The myotherapy part of the busi-ness specialises in remedial mas-sage, accupuncture, sports injuries, workcover and insurance work.

The podiatry services offered include general footcare, orthot-ics and footcare, sports injuries, children’s issues and footware.

With a focu on the young, old and inbetween, we are excited by our move and look forward to bet-ter serving the local community”, said Fred.

Hastings Myotherapy and Walk-On Podiatry are located at 116 High Street, Hastings. Opening hours are Mon-Fri 9am - 6pm and on Saturdays 9am - 12pm. For appointments, please phone 5979 2255. Ready for action: Podiatrist Brad Dredge (left) and myotherapist

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BRAY ST

AUTUMN CT

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We’relocal andwe cometo you! Where

tofi nd us!

• Service• Battery

tests• Repairs• NO CALL

OUT FEE!

What we do:

Wide range of new and second hand models

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 13

Healthy Living

64 King St Hastings

www.aperiteeth.com.au Email: newsmile@aperiteeth.com.au

64 King St Hastings

www.aperiteeth.com.au Email: newsmile@aperiteeth.com.au

DENTURE CLINIC Full / Partial Dentures Repairs / Relines Custom Made Mouthguards

Implant OverDentures Victorian Denture Scheme

Veterans’ Affairs Health Funds

We want YOU and YOUR FAMILY and FRIENDS to have the dental care you need at the most affordable rates in the area.

We welcome EPC patients, Victorian emergency voucher, teen voucher, Victorian denture scheme and Veteran affair patients.

9am - 5pm Monday to Friday

AFFORDABLE DENTISTShop 4, 1065 Frankston-Flinders Rd

SOMERVILLE

5977 8830

CRIB POINT MEDICAL CENTRE337 Stony Point Rd

CRIB POINT

5983 0022

TOORADIN SUPER CLINIC110 South Gippsland Highway

TOORADIN

5998 3140

WE WANT YOU TO MAKE AFFORDABLE DENTIST AS YOUR PREFERRED DENTIST.

Make sure you bring your health fund card with you to each visit.

We claim your refund electronically ON THE SPOT allowing you to only pay

the gap with cash or credit card.

If you need help with finance for more involved treatment,

please contact the clinic.

NOT IN A FUND?Here’s some great news!

Our fees are 20 - 40% LESS than other dentists because of our efficient practice management systems.

We do the hard work to make sure you get the benefits!

Whether you have dental insurance or not, isn’t it good to know that as a patient of this practice, you will enjoy

BUDGET RATES?

SIMPLY CALL US TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT OR FOR MORE

INFORMATION.

Like so many patients who have chosen us, we hope you will give us the opportunity to provide you

with all the benefits of becoming an Affordable Dentist patient.

ANTI-WRINKLEINJECTIONS

now available at the clinic.

BAXTER MEDICAL DENTAL COSMETIC CLINIC57 Baxter-Tooradin Rd BAXTER

5971 1110

By Greg HuntWESTERN PORT residents have access to more doctors af-ter the opening of a new medi-cal centre at Baxter.

It was my great pleasure to join Hastings MP Neale Bur-gess in offi cially opening the new Baxter Medical Dental Cosmetic Clinic at 57 Baxter-Tooradin Road.

The new medical clinic will go some way towards address-ing the on-going shortage of GPs on the Mornington Penin-sula, as well as offering sought-after bulk-billing services.

Attracting more doctors to the region is a priority and I have worked closely with the directors of Kumar Medicals to help estab-lish new medical clinics at Crib Point, Tooradin and now Baxter.

While these new clinics have helped ease the doctor shortage on the Peninsula, there is still more work to be done.

I am hopeful that we will see a new medical centre up and running at Rosebud within the next few months and I will con-tinue to push the Federal Gov-ernment for greater incentives to attract doctors to the region.

I am acutely aware that a sig-nifi cant number of Peninsula residents are struggling to fi nd a doctor who can take on new patients and that many of those who do have a local doctor fi nd it diffi cult to secure an appoint-ment within a reasonable time-frame.

There is also signifi cant un-met demand for the services of bulk-billing GPs on the Penin-sula.

I will continue to do what I can to improve access to good quality medical care for local residents.

New medical centre at BaxterNew medical centre at Baxter

Below: Neale Burgess, Sunil Kumar, Dr Jitendra Kumar and Greg Hunt.

PAGE 14 Western Port News 1 March 2011

TyabbWelcome to

Peninsula Aero Club

LEARN TO FLY

PH: 5977 4406

Stuart Road, Tyabb

TRAINING FOR R.A.A. THROUGH TO COMMERCIAL LICENCE

Fashion at The Vintage Shed

Huge Range of Vintage Clothing, Jewellery, Hats, Shoes

and so much more93 Mornington Tyabb Road, Tyabb

Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10am-5pmVanessa 0400 126 023

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFashhhhhhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiion attttt TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTThhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhe VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVViiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiintttttage SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSShhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheddddddddddddddddddddTHE VINTAGE EMPORIUM

93 Mornington-Tyabb Road, TyabbMob: 0404 332 027 Ph: 5977 4195

Email: vintageshed@bigpond.com www.thevintageshed.com.auHours: Thursday-Sunday 10am-5pm

Antiques,Gifts, Furniture

& Treasures

Tilly’s at TyabbTea Room and Cafe

Great Coffee Freshly Baked Cakes and Cookies Morning and Afternoon Teas Sunday High Tea**

Friday Night Roast Dinner (on first Friday of the month**)Available from Friday 4th February - 6.30pm

Weekend Breakfast Light Lunches BYO Licence Specialty Teas Catering for Small Functions

**Bookings essential

1527 Frankston-Flinders Road, Tyabb. Phone 5977 3201Open Thursday to Sunday & Public Holidays 10am-4pm

Located in a quaint early 1900’s cottage tucked in behind Tyabb Antique Centre, entrance to

Tilly’s is gained through either the antique centre or from the main road down a narrow but well

signed brick paved pathway.

Tyabb Friendly Grocer

SPECIALS (VALID END OF MARCH ‘11)

MANY MORE SPECIALS IN STORE

Cougar Bourban

700ml

$29.99

Canadian Club Whisky

700ml

$32.99

Smirnoff Vodka Red

700ml

$32.99

Jim Beam ‘n’ Cola6 X 375ml

$21.99

Jacobs Creek Varieties

750ml

$7.99

1537-1539 Frankston-Flinders Road, Tyabb Ph: 5977 3393

Yalumba Premium Cask

Variety 2LT

$11.99

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 15

16 Mornington – Tyabb Rd TyabbPhone 03 9397 6644

Open Thurs – Sun 9.30am - 4.00pm

www.topez.com.au

HAND CRAFTED POTS, WATER FEATURES, FURNITURE,

STATUES, ART GALLERYELITE HOME & GARDEN DÉCOR

1549 Frankston Flinders Road, Tyabb, 3913.PHONE: (03) 5977 3747 EMAIL: sales@zentori.com.au

Property Made EasyZENTORI

Tyabb’s Only Real Estate Agency

For all enquiries phone agentJordan Hendrix - Mob 0415 346 866

26 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Tyabb

5977 3560www.lockandstore.com.au

sales@lockandstore.com.au

WE SELL BOXESShort/Long Term Storage 24/7 AccessYour Lock & Key Night Security

ce n Site

Boat & Caravan StorageMan with a Van at hourly rate

Soda blasting and pressure cleaning Specialists

For prompt service contact: Mobile: 0409 651 486 Mobile: 0407 473 296

Email: sbe@issg.net.au PO Box 196, Tyabb 3913

Removal

TYABB CRAFT VILLAGE14 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Tyabb 3913 Phone 5977 3711

JewellersWE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE

Welcome toTyabb

Tyabb business having a blastTyabb business having a blastSODA Blasting Express is a Tyabb business that is proud to offer a vast number of inexpensive substitutions to degreasing, chemical cleaning, chemical coatings removal, restoration and pro-tection.

Our specially designed 100% food grade bak-ing soda is delivered to a surface by means of LOW PRESSURE compressed air at high veloc-ity. The soft sharp granules of the baking soda are used to clean, degrease and remove paint or graffi ti from many surfaces WITHOUT or very minimal to no damage to the surface.

Many other methods such as water blasting, sand blasting or chemical cleaning, are too abra-sive to the surface and are not environmentally friendly. These methods can also be hazardous to the user. Soda Blasting Express uses blasting me-dia that is 100% food grade, biodegradable, non

toxic, non hazardous, non sparking, non fl amma-ble, water soluble, odourtess, eliminates ordours, non irritant to the eyes and skin, non corrosive and mould resistant.

Soda blasting can remove a single layer of paint if required, can remove bitumen & seal-ers from glass & metal, remove baked on carbon & grease from food equipment, restore engine frames, wings, & parts from the aviation indus-try, remove paint & vamish from wood, remove concrete from glass & metal, remove powder coating & oil from engine & hydraulic parts, is great for crack detection on parts & structural joins within cranes, marine, aviation & petro-chemical industries, and more ...

Soda Blasting Express can be contacted on 0409 651 486.

Western Port

FestivalFestival

FREE

20111st March

realestateWESTERN PORT

> Page 3

Luxurious living on 1/4 acre

Page 2 Western Port Real Estate 1st March 2011

Ben TallonMobile: 0419 339 489

BTRE1/34 High Street, HASTINGS PHONE: (03) 5979 8003

Sid FergusonMobile: 0418 321 963

Satchwells1/97 High Street, HASTINGS PHONE: 03 5979 1888EMAIL: RealEstate@satchwells.com.au

Jordon HendrixMobile: 0415 346 866

Zentori Real Estate1549 F/Flinders Rd, TYABBPHONE: 03 5977 3747EMAIL: jhendrix@zentori.com.au

Nigel EvansMobile: 0439 540 055

Tallon First National35 High Street, HASTINGSPHONE: 03 5979 3000EMAIL: info@tallon.com.au

Michael CurryMobile: 0409 410 456MCReal Estate 4/82 High St, HASTINGS PHONE: (03) 5979 8833EMAIL: sales@mcrealestate.com.au

David NelliMobile: 0403 111 234

Baywest Real Estate87 High Street, HASTINGS PHONE: (03) 5979 4412EMAIL: dnelli@baywestrealestate.com.au

Jason DowlerMobile: 0403 598 754

Harcourts HastingsShop 10, 14 High Street. PHONE: (03) 5970 7333EMAIL: jason.dowler@harcourts.com.au

realestateWESTERNPORT

The people to call for yourreal estate needs...

These agents support your local newspaper.Support agents that

support your local community!

Western Port

Craig MannMobile: 0412 559 816First National Craig Mann Suite 4, 1085 Frankston Flinders Road, SOMERVILLEPHONE: (03) 5978 0955EMAIL: craig@craigmann.com.au

Western Port Real Estate 1st March 2011 Page 3

Luxurious living on 1/4 acreSick of looking for that right property on a large block, in the quiet streets of Crib Point? You can rest assured that when you move into this home you can instantly enjoy the lifestyle, as you will have nothing to do but make the most of what this amazing property offers which includes:31sqs under roof, a grand entrance with rich timber fl oating fl oors, study with Internet, enormous master bedroom with walk-in-robe, ensuite with his and hers vanity, 2 further large bedrooms with built in robes, formal living room, open plan kitchen with caesar stone bench tops, 900 gas stainless

Chefs oven, adjoining dining area with doors to outdoor alfresco area, family room for a large family, rumpus room that may be converted to a 4th bedroom if needed, evaporative cooling, ducted gas heating, 11 seater outdoor spa with outdoor television, all operated by solar, large yard for the kids spacious enough for a pool, 10,000 litre water tank, workshop at the rear of block, double garage with internal and rear access, side access from the front to rear of yard ideal for storing a boat,caravan or machinery, 14 x 2.1kw solar panels, solar hot water and tropical landscaped gardens.

Crib Point $559,000

Agency: Satchwells Hastings. 1/97 High Street, HASTINGSPhone: (03) 5979 1888Agent: Lisa Roberts 0488 910 368

Luxury & distinction

Agency: Baywest Real Estate - 87 High Street, HASTINGSPhone: 5979 4412 Agent: Sean Crimmins 0411 734 814

Hastings $485,000 - $525,000

4 bedroom home or 3 bedroom plus study Master suite with large WIR through to the ensuite with spa 3 Living plus dining areas Bay views from second storey

Second storey decking on east and west side of the home 3 car garage Established gardens This home has to be seen to be believed!

Agency: Tallon First National - 35 High Street, HASTINGS.Phone: 5979 3000 Agent: Nigel Evans 0439 540 055

Not often do you fi nd a home with so much to offer just a few minutes stroll from town, close to shops, schools and public transport. This well-kept property boasts more rooms than you can fi ll! Featuring 4 bedrooms (main with full ensuite + walk in robe) and a large study. A sunken rumpus/family room provides plenty of space to wind down, and 2x air cons + gas ducted heating ensures all-year comfort.

Outside has a fully self-contained granny fl at perfect for a teenagers retreat, relatives accommodation or perhaps a separate rental. Well-kept gardens provide an outside escape with room for a veggie patch for the keen gardener. A home that can suit anyone!

Perfect Villa

Hastings $385,000

Page 4 Western Port Real Estate 1st March 2011

SOMERVILLE AUCTION: Saturday 26th March at 1.30pm

MOUNT MARTHA $450,000

SOMERVILLE $365,000

SOMERVILLE $220,000

SOMERVILLE OFFERS OVER $395,000

SOMERVILLE $320,000 - $350,000

MORNINGTON POA

FOR SALE NOW OR AUCTIONOur vendor has purchased elsewhere and must sell this very well kept three bedroom home. Offering two en-suites from two of the three bedrooms and good sized separate living zones, the home is set well back on the allotment. Ideal for investors, fi rst home buyers or empty nesters this is a great opportunity for the right buyer. With a very realistic reserve and high motivation to sell, we are very keen to get a result sooner rather than later.

Green IslandQuality upon entry is apparent here in this single level three bedroom unit. Just a few years young and offering full en-suite from the main bedroom, a double remote garage, Caesar stone bench top in the kitchen and S/S appliances, this is the ideal investment or down sized living for the empty nesters. Should you wish to utilise as a rental property the potential return would be in the vicinity of $365 per week.

Split Level Living• 3 bedroom unit • Double remote garage• Current rental return is $320 per week

Entry Level Into Somerville• New kitchen including new appliances• 2 bedroom unit • Located close to schools, shops and transport

Style and Elegance• 3 bedrooms, master with full ensuite and WIR• With ducted heating, air conditioning• Walking distance to Schools, transport and shops.

Fully Renovated HomeThis beautifully renovated home is in one of the most sought after streets in Somerville, walking distance to shops, schools and transport. Consisting of three bedrooms, master bedroom with ensuite, other bedrooms with BIR’s.

Rainbow LodgeThis beautiful home situated on 10 acres within close proximity to the Mornington Racecourse, it is the perfect home for all horse lovers.

Consisting of three bedrooms all with BIR’s plus study, two large living areas, wet bar and kitchen overlooking backyard with adjoining dining area. New quality carpets throughout and also ducted heating and cooling.Divided into eight paddocks with four looseboxes, troughs, two stables, wash bay, riding arena in main paddock and plenty of sheds for storage of machinery and equipment.

There is a current income stream should the future owner choose to continue with the existing agistment arrangements.

AUCTION: Sat 5 March: 1:00PM - 1:30PMADDRESS: 21 Lady Beverley Circuit, SomervilleCONTACT: Craig Mann 0412 559 816

INSPECT: Sat 5 March: 12:00PM - 12:30PMADDRESS: 4/26 Green Island AvenueCONTACT: Craig Mann 0412 559 816

INSPECT: Sat 5 March: 2:00PM - 2:30PMADDRESS: 6/27 Ruby Joy Drive, SomervilleCONTACT: Craig Mann 0412 559 816

INSPECT: Sat 5 March: 12:00PM - 12:30PMADDRESS: 6/2 Blacks Camp RoadCONTACT: Craig Mann 0412 559 816

INSPECT: Sat 5 March: 11:00AM - 11:30AMADDRESS: 1 Rex CourtCONTACT: Lesley Yates 0401 643 413

INSPECT: Sat 5 March: 1:00PM - 1:30PMADDRESS: 1 George StreetCONTACT: Craig Mann 0412 559 816

INSPECT: Sat 5 March: 1:00PM - 1:30PMADDRESS: 270 Bungower RoadCONTACT: Craig Mann 0412 559 816

firstnational Craig MannR E A L E S T A T E

TYABB $430,000

Immaculate PresentationThis beautifully presented three bedroom plus study home is ready to move into straight away. Exceptionally low maintenance gardens this will suit empty nesters, investors or the professional couple with a busy lifestyle. Boasting Media or rumpus room, and features such as GDH, Evap cooling, undercover entertaining area and DLUG. Located within a stones throw to schools, shop and transport this is fantastic buying in a great location.INSPECT: Inspect by appointmentADDRESS: 1 Orchard GroveCONTACT: Craig Mann 0412 559 816

We put you fi rst

4/1085 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Somerville craigmann.com.au 5978 0955

SOMERVILLE $375,000

Buy Off The PlanThis soon to be built brand new unit is in a prime location in Somerville walking distance to shops, transport and schools. Consisting of three bedrooms, two bathrooms and double lock up garage. INSPECT: Inspect by appointmentADDRESS: 1c George StreetCONTACT: Craig Mann 0412 559 816

TYABB $580,000 - $630,000

Sweet Valencia• 2695m2 (approx ¾ acre) corner allotment• 3 bedrooms plus study with delightful rural views• Tranquil gardens

INSPECT: Inspect by appointmentADDRESS: 2 Valencia riseCONTACT: Craig Mann 0412 559 816

Western Port Real Estate 1st March 2011 Page 5

www.tallon.com.au35 HIGH STREET, HASTINGS 5979 3000

Prime PositionA golden opportunity to invest or buy this 3 bedroom brick veneer unit incorporating an open plan lounge/dining which leads to the side patio, modern kitchen with gas cooktop & wall oven and plenty of benchspace, 3 good size bedrooms - 2 with BIR’s, evaporative cooling & gas column heater. Outside features a double garage with remote, hedged gardens and lemon tree. All within a short walk to the town centre and foreshore. Currently rented at $280 per week with lease expiring 17/05/2011.

BALNARRING

Tranquility AboundsStep into private gardens and discover a beautifully presented 3 bedroom + study home. You are greeted by

kitchen with s/s appliances + dishwasher. Itfeatures a separate dining or second reading area. You walk through the billiard room (or parents retreat) to the main bedroom which of course has a WIR + FES. With a split system aircon + gas coonara you are guaranteed for all year round comfort. Outside a triple carport, water tank and shedding. Last but not least the meticulously presented outside entertainment deck area with built in outback pub style bar + coonara for winter months, an entertainers delight! This home will not disappoint.

For Sale $529,000

SOMERS

“Cook’s Cottage”Go back in time to cottage gardens, winding gravel driveways and country homesteads. Surrounded by rural properties and no neighbours you will be at peace. The cedar homestead has open plan living/dining with exposed

gas hotplate, under bench oven + dishwasher has plenty of bench space to cook those scones. 3 large bedrooms including a huge main suite with sliding door to verandah. Separate bath + shower rooms and a good size laundry. Featuring a shady verandah on both sides where you can sit and capture the colourful gardens. The home comes with ducted heating and split system-conditioning for year round comfort. Outside is a double garage + workshop with 3 phase power and 2 x 5000L water tanks.

For Sale $640,000

HASTINGS

An Open Canvass Awaits...Build your dream home with room to spare on this 1000m2 block surrounded by quality homes in a sought

come up very often. Be quick as this will not last!

For Sale $305,000

BALNARRING

Let The Kids PlayLet the kids run on this large block of 1901m2 set close to the heart of Balnarring village. A well presented 3 bedroom b/v home, with tiled roof and single garage. With good sized bedrooms + BIRs a lounge with gas column heater everything you need is here. A bright + airy kitchen overlooking the rear pergola + extensive gardens that backs onto a reserve. Plenty of room if needed to extend the home.

For Sale $495,000

HASTINGS

Beautifully PresentedIf your looking for space this home has it featuring 4 bedrooms - main with walk in robe & full ensuite, formal lounge, separate formal dining, open plan kitchen/family & rumpus room. The modern kitchen with s/steel appliances including dishwasher & walk in pantry has access to laundry and the double remote garage. Tastefully decorated with duct heating & air conditioning for all year comfort. Outside comprises verandahs on both sides, a barbecue area with pergola and water tank with pump for the garden.For Sale $485,000

HASTINGS

Spring SurpriseA 3 bedroom delight just a block away from the centre of town and minutes walk from the foreshore. Modern

combined with gas ducted heating. The kitchen includes 2 pack doors and stainless steel appliances, such as dishwasher, gas stove and range hood. Outside a large backyard plus established and easy to maintain gardens. Parking for two cars and a remote garage door privacy is no issue.For Sale $357,700

HASTINGS

Just a block from the town centre and a short hop to the station, this spotless home hides in an easy care native garden. An inviting path leads to the front door which opens on a bright and sunny lounge (gas heating), an open kitchen/meals has gas cooking. There are 3 bedrooms with robes and it has just been freshly painted. Outside a great back yard with pergola and garden shed and single remote garage - perfect retirement or investment with position!

For Sale $309,000

HASTINGS

Invest For Your Futurelow maintenance 3 bedroom home is set on a well sized block and walking distance to shops, schools and public transport. Carpeted bedrooms with BIR’s + a refreshed bathroom. Large lounge area with gas column heater and a large backyard for the kids/pets to play. Currently

return after settlement with tenants willing to extend lease.

For Sale $259,000

For Sale $735,000

HASTINGS

minutes stroll from town, close to shops, schools and public transport. This well kept property boasts more

full ensuite + walk in robe) and large study. A sunken rumpus/family room provides plenty of space to wind down, and 2x air cons + gas ducted heating ensures all year comfort. Outside has a fully self contained

accommodation or perhaps a separate rental. For Sale $385,000

CRIB POINT

Vacant parcel of land to run your business or storage facility. A level block of 1628m2 set on the commercial side of Cresswell Street. Priced to sell at $125,000

For Sale $125,000

HASTINGS

HASTINGS AUCTION:

1/117 Salmon Street, Hastings

Live The DreamDrive up the long driveway to a quiet country homestead with shady verandahs that overlook 7.25 Acres. Walk into a large living area with raked ceilings + coonara heating to keep you cosy on a cold winters night. A large country timber kitchen with modern s/s appliances + walk in pantry is awaiting the next master chef. 4 large bedrooms main with FES + WIR. A separate dining + study or 5th bedroom. Outside a large 6m x 12m shed, separate meditation bungalow & water tank. This is the ideal property for a large family.

Page 6 Western Port Real Estate 1st March 2011

? ? ?

Bittern Offers expected over $695,000Living The Dream On Over An Acre!This fabulous executive style home is located in the very sought after and spacious Kinfauns Estate with the convenience to every amenity plus the Hastings Marina. Set on approximately 1.1 acres of land, this young home delivers the ultimate indoor/outdoor family lifestyle. The property is immaculate with a generous master bedroom, ensuite and WIR, further 2 bedrooms both with BIR, study, separate living areas and remote controlled double garage. The kitchen overlooks an open lounge room which flows onto the large decked/pergola area aside your very own playground and large child friendly secure rear yard, a perfect ‘blank canvas’ for you to do as you wish.

OPEN HOME: Saturday 10:30 - 11:00amADDRESS: 3 Peppermint Place AUCTION: Saturday 5 March 2011 at 11:00am

Harcourts Hastings

Jason Dowler 0403 598 754 E: jason.dowler@harcourts.com.auLauren Dunsford 0422 385 869 E: lauren.dunsford@harcourts.com

Hastings Neg. Over $110,000Feel like you’re on holidays every day!!Wake up to views over Westernport Bay from your own private deck! Comprising of two bedrooms, this appealing open plan villa with vaulted ceilings includes a two way bathroom, separate laundry and practically designed timber kitchen. This property also has its own private court yard, garden shed, single carport and ceiling fans and split system to suit all year round. Not often do opportunities arise where villas of such generous size are available in a quiet park setting so close to the Marina, foreshore board walks and our fantastic waterfront facilities. Cabin title only.

OPEN HOME: Saturday 11:30 - 12:00pmADDRESS: 5/38 Salmon Street

Harcourts Hastings

Tim Hughes 0410 470 515E: tim.hughes@harcourts.com.au

2 1 1

Hastings As New Townhouse3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, DLUG. Hidden behind a private fence within the popular ‘Old Tyabb’ this near new townhouse will really impress. In soon to be a complex of 3 the townhouse has great living space and is presented as a display. Other features include ducted heating, gas ducted heating and double lock up garage. The very central and convenient position allows for you to walk to nearby schools, shops and public transport.

OPEN HOME: By AppoinmentADDRESS: 1-3/257 Marine Parade

Harcourts Hastings

Jason Dowler 0403 598 754 E: jason.dowler@harcourts.com.auLauren Dunsford 0422 385 869 E: lauren.dunsford@harcourts.com

3 2 -

Balnarring Neg. Over $300,000Dreams Can Come True!! Over 800msq Vacant Land!!Design, build then enjoy your dream lifestyle property just walking distance to Balnarring Village. A large 800msq block with a great aspect and surrounded by quality homes might just be the one you have been waiting for. The owner has recently spent thousands designing their tasteful dream home and getting it approved through council. If your happy with the design... save and start construction straight away. A gentle slope... a great outlook... this block will impress AND SELL QUICKLY!

INSPECT: By AppointmentADDRESS: 3136 Frankston Flinders Road

Harcourts Hastings

Jason Dowler 0403 598 754 E: jason.dowler@harcourts.com.auLauren Dunsford 0422 385 869 E: lauren.dunsford@harcourts.com

Hastings Price by Negotiation $420,000 - $450,000Modern living at it’s BEST!!Inspection is a must on this beautifully presented 4 bedroom home. Homes of this quality don’t last long! From the moment you step inside you will be impressed with the fantastic floor plan and spacious living. Featuring a modern open plan kitchen & dining with stainless steel appliances. Separate formal lounge, master with ensuite and WIR three additional rooms have BIR. Great for entertaining with a large undercover entertaining area. Nothing has been forgotten with ducted heating, evaporative cooling and a double garage. This beautifully landscaped property comes on a large block with hard to find rear yard access.

OPEN HOME: Saturday 5 Mar 12:30 PM - 1:00 PMADDRESS: 5 Brandary Place

Harcourts Hastings

Malcolm Parkinson 0421 704 246 E: malcolm.parkinson@harcourts.com.auLauren Wild 0413 487 179 E: lauren.wild@harcourts.com

4 2 2

Shoreham Price By Neg.Forth coming AUCTION!!What a perfect location! Close to the beach for those summer days and great bay views from the balcony for entertaining! This beautifully designed modern, split level home offers four bedrooms with BIR’s and master with both WIR and ensuite. Featuring a modern, open plan kitchen and dining with beautiful timber floors and a coonarra heater for those long winter nights. This home is perfect for a home office or studio as there is separate side entrance to a down stairs room. What more could you want? Other features of this property include a large undercover outside entertaining area, air-conditioning, rear yard access, carport and formal lounge.

OPEN HOME: Saturday 2:30 - 3:00pm and Sunday 12:15 - 12:45pmADDRESS: 12 Hilltop Court

Harcourts Hastings

Malcolm Parkinson 0421 704 246 E: malcolm.parkinson@harcourts.com.auLauren Wild 0413 487 179 E: lauren.wild@harcourts.com

5 2 2

www.hastings.harcourts.com.au

5970 7333HASTINGSShop 10, 14 High St

*Photo ID required

?

Hastings Price by Negotiation over $320,000Attention Buyers! Great Value - Great LocationBringing you this inviting neat 3 bedroom home, sitting on approx. 810m2 and presenting all buyers with a great opportunity, I would say stop looking. Situated in a quiet convenient location this property will impress those looking for a great home to live in or an investment for the future. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, large living/dining area, modern kitchen with separate laundry with outside access, ducted heating, and split system heating/air-conditioning. Outside offers an entertaining area, a single covered carport with drive through access to the backyard, and a single lock up garage.

OPEN HOME: Saturday 10:30 - 11:00amADDRESS: 18 Michelle Drive

Harcourts Hastings

Tim Hughes 0410 470 515 E: tim.hughes@harcourts.com.au

3 1

2?

Somers Negotiation over $690,000Break out the Bubbly and Chocolate! Now This Is a Surprise Package!Step through the front entry and be taken a back by the deceptive façade. Newly renovated and extended to a high standard this lovely home offers an excellent floor-plan and loads of natural light.... Within an easy 5 min walk to the beach and positioned facing a quiet court location this substantial home comprises of 4 generous bedrooms ( 2 with en-suite) 2 separate living areas plus sitting room, Open-plan living all beautifully presented and finished with no expenses spared. Completely revamped with new carpets, tiles and new kitchen and bathrooms with lovely stone bench tops, quality appliances and fixtures.

OPEN HOME: Saturday 2:30 - 3:00pmADDRESS: 36 South Beach Road

Harcourts Hastings

Andrea Hannah 0417 400 660 E: andrea.hannah@harcourts.com.au

4 3 2

3 12 2

Western Port Real Estate 1st March 2011 Page 7

5986 86001089 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud

Huge Family Home

McCrae 86 Flinders Street

Auction: Inspect: Contact:

Look who is at Stockdale & Leggo Rosebud

Mark Morssinkhof

Amanda Kaye

Available: Rental: Inspect: Contact:

Luxury double storey townhouse

Rosebud

Available: Price Address

Building? Renovating?

McCrae

Available: Price Address

Peace and quiet!

Tootgarook

Page 8 Western Port Real Estate 1st March 2011

4/82 high street, hastings

5979 8833

Stunning Brand New Home

Cute Character Filled Home

Leafy Surrounds

Tyabb$359,000

Tyabb $290,000 - $315,000

Crib Point$270,000 - $290,000

Don’t Miss This One!!Hastings$355,000 - $370,000

A Sea of SophisticationHastings $450,000

As New Villa’sHastings$285,000 - $295,000

Unit ComplexTyabb$580,000 plus

MCR E A L E S T A T EAt your service

WWW. MCREALESTATE.COM.AU

Western Port Real Estate 1st March 2011 Page 9

Local Agents with Local Knowledge For Over 50 Years

www.satchwells.com.au14 Balnarring Village

Cnr Cook and Wood Streets1/97 High Street

BALNARRINGFLINDERSHASTINGS

03 5983 550903 5989 074403 5979 1888

Satchwells

HASTINGSAsking $440,000

Featuring fastidious presentation throughout, this family home is situated within an easy walk of schools, shopping centre and everything else that Hastings has to offer. In a popular area, surrounded by other good quality homes, this home is worthy of your inspection.

EXCLUSIVE LIVING IN THRIVING HASTINGSInspect Saturdays 12.00 - 12.30pm - 25 Rosemary Drive

HASTINGSAsking $259,000

This renovated 4 bedroom home is a great starter for anyone looking to

end of a quiet Calder sac and on a large 766sqm block this picture perfect home has been well maintained with new guttering a recently repointed roof.

ALL OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED !!!!!!!!!Inspect by Appointment

HASTINGSAsking $335,000

4 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick home let at $255.00 per week with lease expiring 19/11/2011. Always easy to rent with 4 bedroom accommodation especially being so close to High Street shopping and the water front. Or alternatively buy now and wait until lease ends and occupy after 19th November.

INVESTORS - START YOUR PORTFOLIOInspect by Appointment

HASTINGSAsking $405,000

Positioned in a quiet part of Hastings is this immaculate 3 or 4brm property, main with semi ensuite, remainder brms with BIRs, offering a separate kitchen leading to meals and open living area. Gas heating & evaporative cooling keeps you comfortable all year round.

MOTIVATED VENDORS. VENDORS SAY SELLInspect by Appointment

MERRICKS BEACHAsking $985,000

Enjoy all that superb Merricks Beach coastal village has to offer at this modern four bedroom quality brick home. In almost new condition the

island bench, four good sized bedrooms, master with WIR and ensuite.

Inspect Saturdays 3.30 - 4.00pm - 23 Spray Street

HASTINGSNegotiable over $700,000

This property is situated in the highly soughtafter estate on the water side of hastings and is within walking distance to shops,the picturesque 3.5 km boardwalk and Hastings marina. The impressive home features: Approx 22 squares of living. An approx 700sqm low maintenance block with side gates.

VENDOR MOTIVATED TO SELLInspect by Appointment

HASTINGSAsking $449,000

Only short stroll to foreshore & boardwalk. Ideally situated in a quiet court this spacious family home situated in one of the most prestigious areas of Hastings. Comprising 4 bedrooms, master with ensuite and WIR, 3 bedrooms with double robes, central kitchen with dishwasher and pantry.

Inspect Saturdays 11.30am - 12noon - 17 Windrest Place

HASTINGSAsking $435,000 +

Low maintenance and family living come together to offer more than the usual space. Consisting of 4 bedrooms, main with double shower and walk in robe, or 5th bedroom/study, you enter the home to a large formal living area which leads you to a modern designed kitchen.

STEP INSIDE & DISCOVERInspect Saturdays 1.00 - 1.30pm - 22 Beilby Court

HASTINGSAsking $290,000

to mind when thinking about this property. This pretty cottage is suited to those looking for a property on a small block without the hassle of Body Corporate and is well located to all that Hastings offers.

Inspect by Appointment

BALNARRINGNeg over $890,000

Stylish and Sophisticated this Parkside 4 bedroom sensation is a credit to the owners for creating a sought after designer edge property in the highly desirable Balnarring area. Adjacent to a park and walking distance to schools shops and public transport this property is a must see for all families.

Inspect by Appointment

HASTINGSAsking $320,000

Only a short stroll the foreshore and High Street this desirably positioned 2 bedroom unit is in absolutely pristine condition. Ideal for retirement with no lawn to worry about, low maintenance interior and exterior. Kitchen with dishwasher, lounge with split system heat & cooling and single garage.

AS NEW UNIT IN CENTRAL POSITIONInspect by Appointment

HASTINGSAsking $259,000

Solid, low maintenance home and good returns are what the astute investor should be looking for and what we have an offer. Property comprises 3 bedrooms, galley kitchen, lounge with gas wall furnace, good size back yard. Current lease to excellent tenants until 21/05/2011 at $225.00 per week.

ATTENTION INVESTORSInspect by Appointment

HASTINGSAsking $499,000 - $529,000

Built to standards of perfection by Waterfront Homes this quality residence offers two (2) separate living areas and a total of four (4) bedrooms. The under roof-line Merbau front entry deck shelters and welcomes you to the Red front door.

EXCLUSIVE LIVING BY THE BAYInspect Saturdays 12.00 – 12.30pm - 41 Warranqite Crescent

REALISATION SALE

CRIB POINTAsking $559,000

This amazing property offers: 31sqs Under Roof, a grand entrance with rich

ensuite with his and hers vanity, 2 further bedrooms king in size with built in robes, formal living room, open plan kitchen with caesar stone bech tops.

LUXURIOUS LIVING ON 1/4 ACREInspect by Appointment

HASTINGSAsking $438,000

Situated in a prime court location this 4yr young home offers everything, comprising 4 bedrooms, main with ensuite and WIR, separate spacious lounge, large open plan meals area and rumpus room both opening onto a large undercover pergola area.

WHEN QUALITY MATTERSInspect by Appointment

CRIB POINTAsking $339,000

This affordable 3 bedroom home on an approx spacious 665sqms will appeal to all types of buyers. Recently renovated tastefully in today’s modern designs is this brick home that is solid as a rock and offers, polished timber boards, robes to all bedrooms, neat bathroom, gas heating and brand new kitchen.

Inspect Saturdays 1.00 - 1.30pm - 10 Point Road

BALNARRINGExpressions of Interest close 4th Mar 2011, 4.00pm

S.C wood, split heat/cooling. The home has been perfectly positioned to enjoy the delightful rural view across the valley to the north. The home also looks over a large solar heated pool - perfect for the hot summer months. The property comprises 4 paddocks with loose boxes, original brick dairy, ample tank water and also bore water.

Inspect Saturdays 2.00pm - 3.00pm - 88 Bittern Dromana Road

CRIB POINT

Tucked away behind this native garden is a piece of Crib Point history WITHOUT the Heritage overlay. This gorgeous weatherboard full of charm and character will ideally suit someone looking for a delightful home to renovate, a 3 unit site or a 2 lot subdivision STCA, there are endless options to choose from. Offering a large 1000sqm (approx) block with a 2 bedroom weatherboard , 12 ft ceilings, upstairs attic that maybe used as a 3rd bedroom, neat bathroom separate living and dining area, a workable kitchen with gas upright oven with dishwasher and a veranda at the rear for shade.

SUBDIVISION POTENTIAL OR RENOVATORS DREAM!!!Inspect by Appointment

UNDER

OFFER

UNDER

OFFERUNDER

OFFER

SOLD

SOLD

REDUCED

TO SELL

NEW

LISTIN

GNEW

LISTIN

G

Page 10 Western Port Real Estate 1st March 2011

Our vendor has purchased elsewhere and must sell this very well kept three bedroom home. Offering two en-suites from two of the three bedrooms and good sized separate living zones, the home is set well back on the allotment. Ideal for investors, fi rst home buyers or empty nesters this is a great opportunity for the right buyer. With a very realistic reserve and high motivation to sell, we are very keen to get a result sooner rather than later.

Somerville Auction: Sat 26-Mar-11 1:30PM

For sale or auction

Agency: Craig Mann First National. 4/1085 F/Flinders Rd SOMERVILLEPhone: (03) 5978 0955Agent: Craig Mann 0412 559 816

Agency: MC Real Estate - 4/82 High St, HASTINGS Phone: 5979 8833Agent: Michael Curry 0409 410 456

As-new two bedroom villa units offering open plan living, gourmet kitchen, gas stainless steel appliances & dishwasher. Two bedrooms with built-in robes, semi ensuite, quality fi xtures and fi ttings, heating & cooling, private rear courtyards and lock

up garage.Still under builders warranty, and three to choose from on the block. Two are currently tenanted and one vacant.Buy one or buy the complex of three.

Hastings $263,000

Great investment - return of $1127 per month

Agency: BTRE. 1/34 High Street, HASTINGSPhone: 5979 8003Agent: Ben Tallon 0419 339 489

“Go on, you deserve it...”And what a home to reward the hard efforts of your toil...try a soak in the hot tub followed by a cooling fl oat in this beautiful pool...and a couple of drinks on the deck. Sold on it yet?As for the stylish home - what a canvass for your home decor with big open-living areas; lounge, dining and family rooms, central kitchen with spotless stainless steel appliances & dishwasher.Entertain in style overlooking the pool and

drift out to the 8 square covered terrace with the hot tub, canopy fi re and a real resort feel.There are 3 bedrooms, large hex shaped main (FES & WIR) and there is gas ducted heating and air conditioning.The pool is salt chlorinated and is plumbed for solar heating.A double garage with rear access completes the picture with the land size being 700m2...just move in and enjoy the easy life...

Hastings $554,000

Make A Splash!

Agency: Harcourts Hastings. Shop 10, 14 High Street. Phone: 5970 7333Agent: Jason Dowler 0403 598 754

This young and modern home will make a great fi rst home or a fantastic investment property for the astute purchaser. Features include 3 bedrooms, master with full ensuite, double lock up garage, 2 living zones, ducted heating and the perfect outdoor entertaining area for those family gatherings. The home is located in a very central position close to schools, shops and bus stops. Be quick!

Winning Combination - Great Position, Great Value!

Hastings Neg. Over $300,000

Western Port Real Estate 1st March 2011 Page 11

(03) 5979 8003www.btre.com.au

“Your Local Expert”B T R E YOU’LL SOON BE HOME

Ben Tallon Real Estate Pty Ltd1/34 High Street Hastings 3915

374 Stony Point Road, Crib Point $359,000

Classical Meets Modern...790m2You are in for a surprise in this new & classical beauty set on a beautiful block with a 22.5m frontage! Enter a grand foyer with gleaming polished

separate front lounge features original ceiling roses & a glass slider to the front

13 Stephen Street, Hastings $385,000

750m2 ~ A Solar Ranch!

and has gas cooking, 2 split systems & gas heating. Outside, an enclosed

95 Creswell Street, Crib Point $395,000

“You’re On A Winner”

entertainers dream with island bench. 3 generous bedrooms, main with full

13 Warranqite Crescent, Hastings $554,000

Make A Splash!!

there is gas ducted heat and air conditioning. The pool is salt chlorinated and

8 Hilltop Rise, Hastings $399,500

20sqs - 4 bedrooms + study ~ “Hilltop Heaven”

bar, lighting, gas cooking and dishwasher. Separate family/meals spilling out

4 Danaher Way, Hastings $315,000

Secure Investment or First Home

29 Kathleen Crescent, Tyabb $369,500

Brand New House at this Price?

33 Sandstone Island Circle, Bittern $1,150,000

2 Acres - “The Resort”

21 Glendale Avenue, Hastings $339,000 ex GST

Factory and Yard - Ideal Small Enterprise!

frontage this property would ideally suit a small manufacturer or mechanic.... Fully concreted and drained yard with plenty of parking/loading space.

container for secure storage

8 Johnson Street, Balnarring $1,500,000

2 Acres - Res 1! “Golden Triangle”

SOLD

Page 12 Western Port Real Estate 1st March 2011

Hastings87 High Street, Hastings Victoria 3915Ph: 03 5979 4412Fax: 03 5979 3097Email: enquiries@baywestrealestate.com.auWeb: www.baywestrealestate.com.au

Hastings $250,000

PRIME LOCATION! PRIME OPPORTUNITY!

Hastings $225,000 - $235,000

CALLING ALL INVESTORS & FIRST HOME

Sales David Nelli

0403 111 234

Rentals Peter Lamshed

5979 4412

Admin. Dayle Wilcox

5979 4412

Sales Sean Crimmins0411 734 814

Sally Wilcox 5979 4412

Crib Point $180,000 each

4 RETAIL SITES

booming community

REMAINING

HASTINGSLAND FOR SALE$199,500

Call us on

Baywest Real Estate, 87 High Street, HASTINGS

Hastings $255,000

FIRST HOME BUYERS & INVESTORS

Hastings $374,000-$394,000

WHAT A BEAUTY! GREAT LOCATION!

close to High Street!

Hastings $370,000

Family bathroom

Large Pergola area

Mornington $1,200,000

PRICEREDUCED

UNDER OFFER

Western Port

FestivalFestival

PAGE 30 Western Port News 1 March 2011

Come and be pampered by Jude, Jenny, Nicole and Kristie with our

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Eileen and Norm Eileen and Norm By Peter McCullough and Vic JeremiahPart 1

Eileen Elizabeth Clarke was born in Somerville on 5th Jan-uary, 1916 at the private hos-pital run by Sister Hodgins. In 1940 she married a Hastings fi sherman, Norman Herbert Francis, who died in 1999. Eileen still lives in the house Norm and she built in Tyabb in 1953. This is their story.Eileen has an interesting col-lection of old photographs and, as our readers always en-joy them, we have included as many as possible; this means that the story will run over three editions of The News. ***************It would seem that all of the district’s older identities were born in Somerville?

Yes. All of the locals, includ-ing my family, were born there. There was no hospital in Hastings and I’m not sure whether even Frankston had one. However there was a hospital in Mornington and that’s where I had my tonsils out when I was six years old.

Who were your parents?

They were Leonard and Daisy Clarke who were orchard-ists in McKirdys Road. It had

originally been part of Thor-nell’s property but that had been subdivided and given to family members. The girls sold their blocks and Dad bought one of those. He had about 25 acres of fruit and about 10 acres of paddocks. The main orchard had apples and pears, but there was also a smaller orchard in one corner of the paddocks where Dad grew plums and apricots. The paddocks were for the horse and cows although there was also a large dam in that part. As well as the “orchard” trees, Dad always had extras-a fi g tree, a cherry tree, and two mulberry trees-so that Mum could make jams and pies with plenty of variety. The pantry was always stacked with pre-serves. We got extra cherries from Dad’s brother who had a cherry orchard at Red Hill. So all year round you had these preserves, and in the summer you would have them with blanc mange or custard.

My mother (Daisy) was a Denham. Her grandfather (Henry) came from England and was the fi rst settler in Denham Road; in fact it was all Denhams there until the Youngs came from South Australia and then the Grants moved in. My mother’s father was George Denham and one of her brothers (Harry) man-aged the Tyabb Cool Store. He was an excellent cricketer and was captain of the Tyabb team which won the premier-ship in 1938-39. Also in that team were one of my moth-er’s nephews (Ray Denham) and one of my brothers (Wes Clarke).

Old Grandpa Clarke (George) came to Somerville in the late 1880’s and they lived in The Tower House on the main road. Although it has been rumoured that the tower was removed during the second world war as it might have been a landmark for enemy aircraft, in fact it was removed by a later owner (Richie Philbrick) as it had deteriorated badly. The tower was 8 sided and of glass and dad said that when they were naughty they were locked up in the tower but he didn’t mind as he could see every-thing that was going on in the area. Dad’s mother (Elizabeth) had 9 children, including dad, and they were all born in The Tower House. This was be-fore the hospital was built and midwives carried out the nec-essary duties.

How many were in your fam-ily?

I was one of fi ve: Wesley George (the George after Grandpa Denham) was the eldest; I came next (Eileen Elizabeth after the two grand-mothers); then Phyllis Alli-

son; Maurice Leonard (with the Leonard after Dad) and Madge Isobel (who was sup-posedly named after Auntie Maude Hodgins at the hos-pital). Only Phyllis and I are still alive although Phyllis has been in a nursing home in Melbourne for 7 years. All of us except Phyllis, who lived in Moorabbin, remained in the district: Wes bought the block next to the original farm and put in more orchard before re-tiring into Tyabb; I have lived in Tyabb all my life; Maurice stayed on the home farm un-til he retired into Tyabb with my mother; and Madge lived in Somerville. Incidentally, Maurice got big money for the home farm from a Ger-man fi rm which was going to establish an industry there but that all changed when the Lib-erals went out of offi ce.

Where did you go to school?

We all went to Tyabb Rail-way Station school, although my mother went to the other Tyabb school on the corner of Jones Road and Mornington-Tyabb Road. It would have been a long walk each day from Denham Road but all the children in that area-the Den-hams and the Thornells-at-tended that school as the Rail-way Station school had not been built. By a co-incidence some of my great grandchil-dren now attend Tyabb P.S. which my mother attended.

What did you do after school?

As soon as I obtained my Merit Certifi cate, which was Grade 8, I had to go home and work on the farm. It was standard practice in those days: you left school to work

Above: Eileen with the tray presented to Norm on completion of 50 years of service to the Hastings Football Club

Above: Grandpa George ClarkeBelow: Elizabeth Clarke (nee Murray), Leonard Clarke’s mother.

LOCAL HISTORY

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 31

Shop 1/110 High StHastings 3915Ph: 5979 2900

Hastings Party Shop

WEDDING EXPOMON 21ST - SAT 26TH MARCH

BALLOON DECOR For weddings and for all occasionsDisplays & giveawaysfrom local traders.

for your parents. So I helped Dad on the orchard, picking and packing, as well as help-ing Mum with the housework. I went packing at the Tyabb Packing Shed at the same time as I helped Dad. I did this until I got married.

What was Tyabb like in those days?

It was a small town where everyone knew everyone else. There were the local dances on a Saturday night in the hall on the corner; we also went to dances in Hast-ings, Somerville, Langwarrin and Pearcedale. Those people came to our dances and we went to theirs. However eve-ry ball was held in the Hast-ings hall. Balls were gener-ally held on a Thursday night and were big dress-up affairs where women wore their best evening dresses.

What about sport?

I wasn’t that interested al-though Madge was a good tennis player. Maurice (or “Modge” as he was known) was a very good cricketer even though he only had one arm. In fact they named the oval here in Tyabb after him. When he was 17 he went out in a dingy with a friend duck shooting-out of season-and they were drifting towards some ducks. He reached down for the gun which was loaded, it discharged and virtually blew his arm off. It was just hanging by a thread. His friend rowed back to The Cutting and they walked a mile up to my grandmother’s house. She sent them through the orchard to her son’s house, and Dolly rang the doctors at Hastings and Somerville but both were out. When he eventually got to hospital they couldn’t work out how he didn’t bleed to death; to make matters worse, because he had a rare type of blood, they had to put a call over the radio for a blood do-nor. We heard the call over the radio and that was what alerted us to the accident. In spite of his disability Modge still played both football and

cricket:he could bat and bowl and at football he could run bouncing the ball. On the farm the loss of an arm made no difference; he could still plough, pick, pack, whatever. He wouldn’t let anyone else do the work for him.He had a prosthetic arm which he never wore except to dances when he covered it with a glove Wes also played cricket and football with Tyabb and Somerville but he was never as good as Modge. Dad made sure that all of us could swim. Dad and Uncle Lou (Cole) built a hut at the end of Denham Road which is now fenced off. It was used for storing picnic items, sails, nets and other fi shing gear to save carting them home. Of course when the tide was out it was mud as far as the Channel. We would try to get oysters from the rocks but you would sink up to your knees in mud. If the tide was in it was OK for swimming as there were these little sandy patches between the mangroves. As many as 70 would get down there on a warm summer’s day. How-ever the tide only seemed to be in every second week and so Dad built a jetty for us to swim in the big dam.

Did you learn to play a musi-cal instrument?

All three girls learned the pi-ano but only Madge went on

with it. She later played at concerts and dances and ac-companied the Tyabb Min-strels one year.

Did church play a part in your lives?

Not really. Mum was a Meth-odist and attended that church;

Dad was an Anglican and we kids went to Sunday School there. Later we sometimes would attend the Methodist church with Mum. I was mar-ried in the Tyabb Church of England.

To be continued...

Top: Daisy Clarke (nee Denham). Christmas 1907. Middle: Len Clarke when aged 80.Below: Tyabb Railway Station State School. Wes second from left, front row. Phyllis fi rst on left, third row. Eileen, third from right, third row.

Above: Harry Denham. Manager of the Tyabb Cool Store and captain of Tyabb premiership XI of 1938-39.

PAGE 32 Western Port News 1 March 2011

To advertise on the next

Home & Garden feature page

please contactVal Bravo

on 0407 396 824

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Rug Sale!HURRY LAST DAYS - ENDS 12TH MARCH

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PEOPLE are travelling from all over Victoria ( and interstate ) to see the amazing art and home décor collection that is exclusive to Topez. Proudly based in Ty-abb, Topez is fast establishing it-self as the place to source unique one-off items for the home and garden.

The Directors of Topez travel the world seeking the best qual-ity merchandise with a focus on individuality and non mass-pro-duced items.

Whether you are renovating, building or seeking that special something for your home or gar-den, Topez may have just what you are looking for. Nowhere else in Australia will you fi nd such a diverse range of premium quality décor products and inter-national art.

USA comes to Tyabb

DURING March, Topez is proudly exhibiting the contro-versial and surreal art of Ameri-can artist Dale Mathis. Topez is the managing agent for Dale’s work in Australia. The intricacy of the dynamic integration of moving parts in each piece of work will leave you spellbound and captivated. Whether you are an art enthusiast or just appreci-ate great talent, you must see this exhibition.

16 Mornington/Tyabb Rd TyabbPhone 03 9397 6644Email: enquiries@topez.com.auOpen Thurs–Sat 9.30am– 4pmSun 9.30am – 2pmwww.topez.com.au

Unique home décorRenovation

Sale: Bring this editorial into Topez during the month of March and

receive 10% off all new timber

furniture *cash only

PLANT: Garlic cloves and seedlings of celery, kale, cabbage, caulifl ower, broccoli, winter lettuce, silverbeet, spring and salad onion, chives and leeks.SOW: Beetroot, carrot and parsnip early in March only. Then turnip, Eng-lish spinach, broadbeans, peas (frost-free districts only), Asian leaf and root vegetables, spring and salad onions, lettuce and, into vacant beds, green manure crops.

March planting guideMarch planting guide

home&garden

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 33

A&A Worm Farm Waste Systems Pty LtdUnit 5/2135 Frankston/Flinders Rd, Hastings 3915

Ph Vic: 03 5979 1887 NSW: 02 9653 3034 Qld: 07 5522 9686SA: 03 5979 1887 FAX: 03 5979 1854

Email: enquiries@wormfarm.com.au Web: www.wormfarm.com.au

NO

SERVI

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CONTR

ACTS

By Ross, Rosco’s Paint PlaceAS the weather has become a little better it’s fi nally time to relax and enjoy it! Maybe the summer is coming a trifl e late. Let’s all hope so!

Even if the weather is a patchy and doesn’t allow for swimming in your outdoor pool or the beach, that doesn’t mean you can’t have lots of water fun! Why not invest in a spa? On cold days turn the heat up to 39C or on hot days turn it down to 25C-28C. You can use your spa all year-round.

Rosco’s Pool & Spa show-room is an agent for Sapphire Spas, by far the best spas around. With a great warranty and service, built to great reg-ulations and backed by Davey pumps and fi lters, there is no reason not to make a wise choice.

The industry is fl ooded with poor quality products from China . Sapphire Spas are Australian-made and owned and made to the highest stand-ard. The large spas start at $4995.00. Come in and talk to Ross or Col and they’ll get you a great deal on a quality

product spa.Spas are easy to maintain.

There are a few systems that can be used such as Bromine, Poppits or Ozone. All of these are used to sanitize your spa because warm water needs ba-sic treatments. An easy way to look after your spa is this – use Bromine or Lithiaum in a dis-penser. Also, shock your spa once a week with Oxy-Shock and always check Ph and alka-linity of the water. You can do this with a quick check strip or bring your water sample in to

Rosco’s Pool and Spa and they will do the check for you at no cost!

As mentioned, there are so many systems that can be used, so come on by and speak to the specialists. They are happy to discuss all of the op-tions and help you get onto the road of care-free soaking after that hard day of work all year long.Contact Ross at Rosco’s Pool & Spa Showroom and Shop, unit 3/1907 Frankston Flinders Road, Hastings, ph. 5979 4597 for more advice.

Life’s too short not to spa

Above: Introducing the amazing, new, portable M Spa which heats to 40C. Plug in and enjoy your days and nights from $899.95!

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home&garden

PAGE 34 Western Port News 1 March 2011

The Hastings Club, 155 Marine Parade, Hastings 3915Ph: 5979 1740 Fax: 5979 4607 www.hastingsclub.com.au

COURTESY BUSAvailable for Pick up and Drop off Thursday, Friday

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Riddle: For some I go fast, for others I’m slow. To most people, I’m an obsession. Relying on me is a well practiced lesson. Answer page: 37

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 35

LIFE & LEISURE

The most ridiculous and strange, fresh

for you...

Two old men had been best friends for years, and they both live to their early 90’s, when one of them suddenly falls deathly ill. His friend comes to visit him on his deathbed,

and they’re reminiscing about their long friendship, when the dying man’s friend asks, “Listen, when you die, do me a favor. I want to know if there’s cricket in heaven.” The dying man said, “We’ve been friends for years, this I’ll do for you.” And then he dies. A couple days later, his surviving friend is sleeping when he hears his friend’s voice. The voice says, “I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that there is cricket in heaven.” “What’s the bad news?” “The bad news is that you’re opening batsman on Wednesday.”

Sudoku Solution

RIddle SolutionJoke!!! For some I go fast, for oth-ers I’m slow. To most peo-ple, I’m an obsession rely-ing on me is a well practiced lesson. Answer: Time

GIANT bears, dinosaurs, trilo-bites and an octopus in the sky over Rosebud? Yes, it’s myriad colourful kites of the annual kite festival. The family event will be held beside the pier at Jetty Rd 11am-5pm on Sunday 13 March from.

This year sees professional kite-fl yers from Tasmania, NSW and South Australia fl y-ing some of the country’s big-gest kites, some stretching up to 27 metres in length.

“The sight will be magnifi -cent,” says Rosebud Chamber of Commerce’s Alison Doherty.

“Together with the demon-strations by members of the Australian Kite Association, spectators are in for a real

treat.” Kites, originally made from silk and bamboo, have evolved over the centuries and are now made from a variety of materials, styles and shapes.

The festival will showcase many of these, including three-dimensional forms, rotating wind socks and massive infl at-able designs, while encourag-ing children to learn the art and skill of kite fl ying.

Bring your own kite or go to the kite-making workshop and then head to the family fl ying area to test your skills, all ages encouraged.

Other activities during the day will include crafts, kids’ ka-raoke, dance and circus skills, zumba, carnival rides, face

painting, animal farm, Scouts and Guides activities, and a vintage car display.

Roving clowns, musicians and characters will keep the family entertained, while on stage the music will include local musos – 11am Bonnie Georgia, 12pm Nowra, 1pm The Vincents and at 3pm Wooly Dog.

There will be hot food, ice cream and coffee stalls, and people are invited bring a chair or rug and relax for a few hours in the spectacular colourful sur-roundings.

Admission free and the event is organised by the chamber of commerce. For information call Alison Doherty, 0403 889 559.

Flying high for a colourful dayFlying high for a colourful day

Cnr Skinner & Mullet St, Hastings (in the Marina) Phone: 5979 3699

Chef James Walker M.C.F.A.Master Chef of the Cooking & Food Assoc of Scotland

Lady Nelson Function Room

Weddings, Corporate Functions & Special Occasions

Phone Debbie 5979 3699

Friday nights - 8.30pm till late in the Main BarOver 25’s DRESS CODE APPLYS

Seniors Specials 2 Course $11.50 3 Course $14.00

KARAOKE & DJOPEN WEEKENDS FOR BREAKFAST

8.30am to 10.30am

PAGE 36 Western Port News 1 March 2011

Hastings RSL26 King Street, HastingsPH 5979 1753 Fax: 5979 2836Email: hastrsl@tpg.com.auHOURS: 12 NOON UNTIL LATE

Patto’s Big BreakfastALL YOU CAN EAT $15.00 ADULTS

$5.00 KIDS – 9.00AM – 12.00PM13 Mar, 15 May, 12 Jun

Fancy Dress Dinner Dance19 March, $25.00 per head

Xmas In July16 July, $25.00 per head, includes

ANZAC DAYDawn Services at Hastings, Tyabb,

Hastings RSL O/C $5.00 per head

Main Service Hastings Cenotaph

refrshments at RSL O/C

UPCOMING EVENTS

BINGO – every Wednesday12.30pm start, every Sat 2.00pm start

1066 Club – every Thursday10.00am – 3.00pm

2 course meals $12.00 per person

Pick A Card Draw – Thursday (fortnightly)

Big money to be won.

The Western Port Whisperer

What a great pity for the hard-working people that work year round to organize the Western Port Festival that they get attacked so readily. A festival goes for two and a half days, and the lead story in the following weeks Western Port Weekly announces “Drunk teens in festival frenzy”!

Whilst The Whisperer realizes there are egg-heads, trouble was only for a short period of an otherwise well run and safe event.

Why is it that Hastings is always attacked in the media like this?

These problems are not unique to Hastings.There was recently a near riot by youths in Mornington on Australia Day, and much more signifi cant troubles have occurred at places such as Rye over the last few years. What a pity that this had to become the focus of the story on page three of the aforementioned newspaper.

On other matters, opposition is heating up to the proposed Safeway Fuel outlet near the rail line in High Street. It seems the Chamber of Commerce is opposed to the plan to have retail shops on the site as well as a fuel outlet, as opposed to being against the fuel outlet per se

No more word on the $1500 fi ne for Red Hill Football Club. The whisper, unconfi rmed, is that police had decided to target sporting clubs. A strange decision considering that sporting clubs are the organizations that keen youth otherwise occupied and out of trouble! The Whisperer just doesn’t get it!

A little poem arrived at Whisperer headquarters inspired by the last Whisperer column. It was too good not to print!

thewhisperer@y7mail.com

There I was at the Red Hill show with a thirst that would kill a goat, so I thought I’d mosey on down to yonder beer tent and pour a coldie down me throat.But as I stepped forward to recieve my icecold brew up stepped the cops and said “there’ll be no beer for you!!”“That can hasn’t been opened, and that’s against the rules! Who cares about the fund-raiser here’s a $1500 fi ne you silly fools!Now the beer tent was run by the local footy club, and that’s rough justice it would seem, but it all makes sense if the hardline cops barrack for the opposition team!Well my thirst was somethin fi erce so back to Hastings I would go.....until I hit Graydens Road that is and then I really did me dough!I thought they fi lled that pothole?! And now my tyre was fl at! But at least I was near a servo, so I got down there fl at chat.Has someone nicked the air hose? I’ll go to the register and see. “We’re not a fl amin charity mate, we don’t give air away for free!!”I had to pull myself together! I needed a great Idea!. Well there’s nothin for it I said to myself, i’ll have to hitch hike for me beer!So there I was a walkin, using the rhythm of the thumb, when a voice yelled out behind me “Hitch hiking’s illegal you Hastings scum!”No, It wasn’t the hardware bloke from Bal-narring; that would be no surprise, Ah geez it’s the cops again, I’m in for a blue light taxi ride!!So there I was in the lock up staring at the cell wall scrawl. The message kinda summed it up...”it’s good that you’ve got bad luck mate, or you’d have no luck at ALL!!! Banjo Hastings son

LIFE & LEISURE

By Stuart McCullough

SOMETIMES you don’t know how much you need something until it’s offered to you. Take pet insurance. To say that I was surprised to receive an email offering discounted insurance for my dog and/or cat is an understatement on a par with “the Hindenburg disaster was a bit of a setback for the zep-pelin industry”. But I receive ridiculous, unsolicited emails every day, most of which I sim-ply ignore.

In fact, this seemingly cava-lier approach has ensured that I am not currently married to every other trollop in the broader Russian tundra with a desire to travel and why I am yet to invest in the Nigerian banking industry, despite being consistently invited to do so.

But this was no mere piece of technological spam. No siree. Unlike those emails that seek to lure you to a link that then unloads a virus worse than the one the monkey in Outbreak had, this email concluded with: “Please do not reply to this email.” I considered it an invi-tation.

At the risk of offending the insurance industry, while I ap-preciate your entreaty not to respond, it’s no dice. Indeed, having been asked not to re-

spond, I felt an overwhelming compulsion to do so. Besides, how else can I get answers to my questions? So I sent the fol-lowing:

“Dear Sir/Madam/Other.Thank you for your email

asking whether I wish to insure a dog or a cat. As loathe as I am to suggest a lack of imagi-nation on the part of the good people at Medibank Private, can I ask whether other, less obvious pets can be insured? For example, although I don’t presently own a Mexican fi ght-ing fi sh, I’ve always been at-tracted to the idea of doing

so. But, as the name suggests, these fi sh are renowned for their less than ideal tempera-ment and are prone to em-broiling themselves in scuffl es. Many’s the time I have spotted one on Kings St beyond a cer-tain hour, its chest puffed and fl ippers fl ailing aggressively, having been refused entry to a nightclub. Granted, such ag-gression rarely descends into a fully fl edged brawl, but I sus-pect that’s largely a result of not having fi sts. You can only be so hostile with fl ippers.

I digress. If you do offer in-surance for other animals, should I assume that pets such

as these might attract a sur-charge of some kind, or per-haps a higher excess? Now that I think about it, I’d under-stand if you tried to avoid the whole “fi sh” thing completely. There’s an old saying in the pet game: never get attached to a fi sh. They’re just as likely to go belly up to spite you. For myself, I have never owned a goldfi sh that outlasted a litre of milk. Much like crack addicts or motorcycle stuntmen, such creatures are, perhaps, unin-surable.

Also, can a retrospective policy be obtained? Presently, I am petless but have owned

many over the years. My fa-vourite was a terrier named Jock who, as best I can tell, suffered a coronary after eat-ing an entire rabbit. That the rabbit in question belonged to my sister remains something of a sore point. While insurance can now do little for the dog or the rabbit, I do feel that some kind of coronial process might bring a sense of fi nality that is long overdue.

Thank you, too, for detailing the many wonderful benefi ts that come with insuring a pet, such as coverage of vet bills including my choice of special-ist. With this in mind, I’m hop-ing that such services extend beyond the more obvious: “my dog swallowed a bone larger than his entire intestinal tract” or “my spoodle has herniated his back trying to lick himself somewhere inappropriate” kind of scenarios. For in-stance, does it include cosmetic surgery? For I have seen some full-on ugly dogs in my time, many of which could well do with the type of nip and tuck that doesn’t involve the whole-sale removal of their private parts. I’m just saying; if it’s good enough to turn them into eunuchs, we can at least ensure that they feel good about them-selves.

Finally, I must note with

disappointment the absence of benefi ts that are broadly considered standard when in-suring humans. For example, there is no reference to any kind of rebate for gym classes, sunglasses or a guarantee of a private room if admission to a vet clinic is necessary, to say nothing of dental care. For shame. While it’s true that most shi-tzus and labradoodles avoid gymnasiums, this may well be attributable to a lack of support from the insurance in-dustry rather than, say, an ab-sence of opposable thumbs by which to activate the treadmill. Yours, etc.”

I am yet to receive a response. I am, however, giving serious consideration to getting my-self a sausage dog. Whether I take out insurance for my dish-licker will all depend on how accident-prone he is. Rather than get expensive insurance, I might just be extra cautious and insist the animal wear a helmet and elbow pads at all times. I’m not sure what I’ll call him, but I dare say you’ll know he’s mine if you see him.www.stuartmccullough.com

Pet SoundsPet Sounds

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 37

The FLINDERS DISTRICT LIONS CLUB invites players to come and join in the fun at their 23rd Annual Charity Golf Day on Monday 21st March 2011 at the award winning Flinders Golf Club.

It is an individual stableford event competi-tion for both men and women with or without handicap. Players without a club handicap will be allocated one under the Calloway system.

The cost is $50 per player with shotgun hit off at 12.30 preceded by full sit down lunch from 11.30 onwards. For registration purposes it is asked that players arrive at 11.00. It is suggested that players book early as the fi eld is limited. Entry forms are available for download on the Flinders Golf Club site www.fl indersgolfclub.com.au or by telephoning Peter Gerdsen on 5989 1071.

Last year the club distributed some $24,000 to local charities, schools, community groups and made an immediate donation of $5,000 for fl ood relief through the Lions organisation.

The event is sponsored by the Dromana and Rye Community Banks, The Flinders Golf Club and many other generous supporters.

The Flinders District Lions Club have been proudly serving the community for 43 years.Hang-time: Locals fl ocked to the skate park during the Western Port Festival to admire the talent on show. Photo: Snez Plunkett

Golf charity Golf charity day continues day continues long traditionlong tradition

*Frame: Aluminium 6061*Battery: Lithium-ion*Gears: 6 speed Shimano*Range: 40km (terrain & condition dependant)*Speed: Max speed approx 25km*Wheels: 20”*Battery: 24 volt*Bike weight: 23kg*Drive: 3 way/ pedal, power & pedal assist*Service: First 6 week service FREE

INTRODUCTORYOFFER

1905 Frankston Flinders Road, Hastings 3915

Phone: (03) 5979 1776Fax: (03) 5979 8009

Email: graham@hastingsbicycles.com.au

Was $2095.00Now $1399.99

While stocks last

FREEHELMET & BIKE CHAINVALUE $60

PAGE 38 Western Port News 1 March 2011

CERBERUSG O L F C L U B

Invites the public to play the Navy’s premier Golf Course, located on the

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

NO Tracksuits, Stubbies or Football Shorts

COURSE BOOKINGS 5983 6006 – 0414 925 587

9 Greens and 18 distinctly separate tees and fairways

Club house facilities - large undercover BBQ area

Low green fees

Picturesque views

Social Clubs welcome - discount for 20 or more players

as follows: Members 0700 - 1500 Saturdays. Ladies 0830 - 1230 Tuesdays

Neat casual dress required: Collared shirts only to be worn slacks, neat jeans or shorts with socks may be worn golf shoes or non ripple style sports shoe to be worn

To advertisein the next Western Port Newsplease contactVal Bravo on0407 396 824

AUSSIE HOOPS -The program is an introductory basketball pro-gram for children aged between 5-10 years of age who are looking at just getting started with learning the basic skills. Participants - 5-10 years old 4:00-4:45pm Thursdays. Cost: $60 for the 8 week school term (commencing 3rd March 2011) where participants will receive an Aussie Hoops pack for their participation including an Aussie Hoops backpack, water bottle, size 5 basketball and t-shirt. WANT TO PLAY IN 2011The WPBA is an inclusive organisation that welcomes any newly-interested players for both junior and senior competition as we continue to grow and develop. Call 5977 7533 today and we will have you on the court for our new season which commences in mid March. BECOME A BALLER -The program is a skills and fundamentals-based program which has been designed to encourage children who may be looking to taste basketball for the fi rst time or are currently competing in the WPBA domestic competition and are looking to build on fundamental skills with Kenny Brunner and Paul Dawson conducting the program.Participants - 8-13 years old 4:30-5:30pm. Com-mences Wednesday 2nd March. Cost: $3 per ses-sion.

PARTNERSHIP AND ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIESWestern Port Basketball is happy to announce the release of their 2011 Partnership and Advertising opportunities which incorporates a vast range of packages.If you would like to discuss options or create a custom package, call Business Manager Ryan Rogers on 0430 085 912 or email ryan.rogers@wpba.com.au“We have a fantastic community facility and are in a great position to launch ourselves into a new era with 2011 the beginning of things heating up” said Rogers.One of the fresh new options is the Digital Ad-vertising System which is a great way to capture your audience.Benefi ts Include - Display your ads dynamically mixed with local kids basketball photos. Provide dramatically more eye-catching content for your products and servicesDeliver your specifi c messages to your local community and their familiesThe DAS is a unique approach that combines YOUR LOCAL business, LOCAL parents, LO-CAL kids playing basketball and best of all a great experience for anyone who watches it!Download the booklet at www.wpba.com.au TO-DAY!

SPORTS DESK

WHEN your team fi nishes sev-enth after a grand fi nal appear-ance the previous season, the coach hangs up his whiteboard and there are key departures, who is the best person to deliv-er a gift? Santa comes to mind.

Hailing from Los Angeles, California 32-year-old Kenny Brunner arrives at Western Port with outstanding credentials and a reputation superceded by few across the world. At 183cm and with a resume that includes 12 championships and fi ve MVP awards, the journey goes full circle in 2011 when Brunner ditches the asphalt and Santa hat for the hardwood which is sure to have fans fl ocking to the Steelerdome.

Since graduating from Dom-inquez High School in 1997, where he still holds records to this day, playing alongside Detriot Pistons forward Tay-shaun Price and a reputation as the best point guard to never set foot in the NBA, following time spent with powerhouse Georgetown University, Brun-ner was chosen by ‘AND1’ to be a member of their Mixtape Tour, travelling the world play-ing streetball. After building a fan base and ‘AND1’ seek-ing a new direction, Brunner had a plan to change the game and with that he switched from street to elite. Speaking on the signing, business manager Ryan Rogers said: “We iden-tifi ed Kenny as a person who could raise the bar on all fronts

at our club and, having a rela-tionship with Kenny, I know he is going to be perfect for where we are going.

“Right from the outset he has been amazing and conducted himself with true professional-ism. It is rare that a person with the life experiences of Kenny could be so humble, but be-neath the shell lies a man who is the package.

“To complement his play-ing, Kenny will be actively involved in the community to promote basketball and assist both domestic and junior rep players’ development, which will allow him to phase into his post-playing ambitions offer-ing guidance to children within the region.”

Since arriving in Melbourne on 9 January Kenny has been hard at work with his team-mates, spreading his infec-tious personality among the group while already showing his leadership qualities to his peers.

“This isn’t about me coming in and being above anybody else, I want to win and be a part of the ultimate success, which is a championship. My job will be to follow coach Bourchier’s direction and assist with the development of our guards. As far as the juniors are concerned I believe we have some great talent in our backyard and with more of an emphasis on funda-mental skills I believe we can make plenty of noise.”

Steelers’ Christmases arrive earlySteelers’ Christmases arrive early

Ready to go: Recent arrival Kenny Brunner is looking forward to making his mark in 2011.

Player profi le

Name: Kenny Brunner Position: Guard Height: 180cm Birthplace: Los Angeles, California Nickname: KB

AS the autumn carnival gath-ers momentum, the brilliant Black Caviar has captured all the headlines, but I have man-aged to identify a few horses who will pay their way in the near future.

New Zealand bred 2yo RES-CUE MISSION, who is trained on the Mornington Peninsula by Lee Freedman, caught the eye with a fast fi nishing 2nd to the smart Anevay over 1100m at Flemington.

With the benefi t of that ex-perience and over a little more ground he should be able to go on and chalk up his fi rst win. An ideal target would be the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes [1400m] at Flemington on March 12.

Lightly raced 5yo ANUD-JAWIN, who rattled home to fi nish an unlucky 2nd to in-form King Diamond over 2000m at Flemington. That was only his third run in and should be able to greet the judge at his next start over 2000m or further.

Moe trained BELGIETTO is a progressive type, who won four races in succession ear-lier this season, resumed with pleasing 2nd to quality sprinter Diplomatic Force over 1200m. Effective on all surfaces he will be seen to advantage when he steps out over longer distances.

In-form Flemington trainer Danny O’Brien has a coming

winner in 4yo ERASET. After a summer break he ran a solid 2nd to the consistent Offend-ers and will be fi tter next time. Look for him over 1600m.

Melbourne Cup winning trainer Brian Jenkins who is based a Cranbourne has recent-ly taken over the training of lightly raced STOLE. She was having her third start for the stable when a determined 3rd to outsider Did He Win over 1700m at Flemington and will be suited back in mares’ grade.

Mike Moroney – another Melbourne Cup winning trainer – is about to improve the record of the 5yo SPON-TANEOUS. So far the geld-ing has won three of 43 but his two runs this time in have been encouraging and is worth sup-porting when he gets to 2000m.

Mornington trained DE-LAGO’S LAD is poised to secure victory in group class following his eye-catching 6th to champion juvenile Sepoy

in the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfi eld on February 26.

After a tardy starts he was doing his best work over the fi -nal 200m giving the impression he will run a strong 1600m.

Classy 5yo WHOBEGOT-YOU is worth backing in any race he contests over the next few months. Returning from a spell the chestnut posted a se-ries of outstanding sectionals – including 21.61 for his fi nal 400m – when a fast closing 2nd to gun mare More Joyous in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes [1400m] at Caulfi eld.

Former Sydneysider HIN-CHIN BROOK appears back on track after losing his way earlier this season. Having his fi rst start for leading trainer Peter Moody, the 3yo hit the turf with gusto when 3rd in the 1100m Oakleigh Plate and can be supported with confi dence when he steps up to 1200m and 1400m.

BEST: WHOBEGOTYOU

Black Caviar shows her classBlack Caviar shows her class

Top run: Black Caviar spacing her rivals in the Lightning Stakes.Picture: Slickpix (www.slickpix.com.au)

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 39

HOLDEN has given its popular Cap-tiva 7 medium SUV a comprehensive styling and performance upgrade while also reducing the price.

The latest Series II version of the seven-seater Captiva offers improved performance and fuel economy from its new SIDI V6, four-cylinder turbo diesel and petrol engines, premium six-speed automatic transmission, as well as six-airbag safety and styling changes.

Captiva 7’s value for money reputa-tion will be strengthened by the intro-duction of a unique four-cylinder pet-rol variant priced at $32,490. Stepping up the competition, Holden has sliced $2000 off the recommended retail tags of all equivalent Series I Captiva 7 models.

“We want to emphasise the fact that Series II Captiva 7 represents the best all-round value in the medium, family SUV segment,” said John Elsworth, Holden’s Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

“The new Series II Captiva 7 is more powerful and fuel effi cient, it’s better-equipped and now more affordable than ever. We believe the new four cylinder petrol-powered SX will at-tract even more buyers to a range that is one of Australia’s most popular fam-ily cars.”

Performance and Driving DynamicsPOWERFUL new generation engine choices for Series II Captiva 7 are a 123kW 2.4 litre DOHC four cylinder petrol engine (SX model), a 135 kW 2.2 litre four-cylinder turbo diesel and the advanced, Commodore-proven 190 kW 3.0 litre SIDI V6 (CX and LX).

All are matched to premium six-speed automatic transmissions.

The punchy turbo diesel powerplant puts out 23 per cent more power and 25 per cent more torque than its prede-cessor and Holden’s locally-built SIDI V6 increases power by 12 per cent.

Fuel economy on the 2.4-litre two-

wheel Captiva SX of 9.1 litres/100km (ADR 81/02) makes it the most fuel effi cient petrol seven-seater in its class.

The torquey 2.2 litre turbo diesel posts 8.1L/100km on two-wheel-drive variants (8.3L/100km for all-wheel-drive), a 5 per cent improvement on the previous diesel, while the V6 delivers a balance of performance and economy at 11.3 litres/100km (ADR81/02).

Refi nements to chassis dynamics, sound insulation and steering feel con-tribute to a well-balanced ride quality, quieter cabin and more responsive handling attributes.

The improvements complement a hydraulic control feature which auto-matically adjusts suspension to main-tain a level ride height.

Design and Feature HighlightsDYNAMIC new front-end styling features a distinctive twin-port grille fl anked by prominent fog lamps. The hood surface is re-sculpted; turn sig-nals are integrated into external mir-rors; elongated headlamps sweep back to wheel arches which accommodate 19-inch alloys (LX), 18-inch alloys (CX) and 17-inch alloys (SX). A clear lens tail lamp design updates the rear end.

Captiva 7 is available in a choice of nine exterior fi nishes, three of which are new to this range including Moulan Rouge Red (deep red metallic), White Pearl (white metallic) and Desert Sand (soft beige metallic).

Inside, additional convenience fea-tures include an electric park brake and standard Bluetooth® connectivity plus air conditioning, leather wrap steering wheel and cruise control.

The inclusion of the push-button electric park brake also adds elegance to the interior by removing the bulky hand brake lever and creating space for a multi-purpose storage compartment.

The CX also receives climate con-trol, driver information display,

Sportec seat bolsters and Rear Park Assist, while the range-topping LX adds leather appointed seat trim, satel-lite navigation, rear view camera, USB port and a 7-inch multifunction touch-screen.

SafetyAN impressive array of active and pas-sive safety technology is augmented at Series II with the inclusion of side im-pact airbags as standard, bringing the airbag total to six.

An Electronic Stability Control sys-tem incorporates anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control, active rollover protection and the active all-wheel drive system which determines requirements for optimum traction.

Series II also introduces Hill Start Assist (HSA) technology across the Captiva 7 range. It holds the vehicle on gradients of 3 per cent or steeper for 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal has been released, to assist in a smoother and safer drive away from standstill.

All models are also fi tted with a de-scent control system which maintains a slow speed for driving steep gradients.

Captiva 7 CX features rear park as-sist and Captiva 7 LX combines rear park assist with a standard rear view camera.

New Series II Holden Captiva 7 looks the goodsNew Series II Holden Captiva 7 looks the goods

Hand wash & vacuuming to a full detailUpholstery cleaning & deodorising

Machine buff & waxing

Factory 3, 2135 Frankston- Flinders Rd, HastingsEmail: Pontiac@live.com.au

Becky Lindhe0410 680 721

Becky’s Car Detailing

Cnr Coolstore & Wallis Rds, HastingsPh: 5979 1127

Take advantage now$1500GAS REBATE

WESTERNPORTAUTOMOTIVE

SERVICES

Autumn Motoring

PAGE 40 Western Port News 1 March 2011

- All brands- Suspension- Brake repairs- Wheel alignments- Celebrating over 20 years

service in Hastings

TUCKETT’S TYREPOWER

FREE HIRE CAREARLY DROP OFF & LATE PICK UPWe offer you the convenience of

By Appointment

KEEPING YOU ON THE ROAD

PANEL SERVICE

Had an accident? Why not let us lodge your insurance claim for you?Whether it is your fault or theirs, our experts can assist and advise on the quickest and easiest way to get your car back on the road.

It is the intention of this workshop to provide the highest quality in Collision Repairs at an honest and respectable price.

1043 FRANKSTON-FLINDERS ROAD, HASTINGS

(Next door to Westernport Holden)

www.sheengroup.com.au5979 7441

The all-new Hyundai i45, ac-claimed for its modern approach to the traditional midsize sedan segment, has made the U.S. Forbes list of this year’s ‘Best Cars for Commuters’. Forbes recognises the i45’s outstanding fuel effi ciency, reliability and generous cabin space, helping drivers get through their daily commutes with ease.

“More than 42 million Ameri-cans spend at least 30 minutes

in the car on their morning commutes. Seven million spend over an hour,” said Forbes auto reporter, Hannah Elliot. “For that kind of time spent in traf-fi c, it pays to have a reliable car: something spacious enough for comfort, small enough to get good gas mileage and durable enough to withstand the occa-sional fender-bender.”

To compile the list, Forbes started with new vehicles listed

as Consumer Reports “Recom-mended Picks” for 2011. “Rec-ommended Picks” are models with average or better predicted reliability, meet Consumer Re-ports’ safety standards; and have performed well in ac-celerating, braking, handling, comfort and other user-oriented tests. Of these vehicles, the 11 with the best combination of highway fuel effi ciency, leg-room and headroom made the list.

Hyundai i45 named a ‘Best Car for Commuters’ by Forbesfor Commuters’ by Forbes

Autumn Motoring

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 41

Factory 3, 250 Marine Parade,Hastings Vic 3915

WHEN choosing a bullbar or winch bar the best by far, from experience, looks and function-ality is the ARB Deluxe winch bar. Seeing that the bar is the further-most point of the front of the vehicle, and the most common part to receive initial impact in an incident, your bar is a crucial part of any remote area or high country travel.

The ARB bar has a number of great features that were pioneered by ARB some time ago. Features include the 5 fold and upswept wing design which provides maximum strength and does not impact on approach angles. Being the further-most point away from the vehicles chassis it is often the most vulnerable point of a bull bar as it is most likely to be struck when trying to avoid collisions with animals, rocks or other vehicles. The returns from the top bars go down through the top plate and are welded just above the indica-tor inside the bar. This provides extra strength to the bar rather than on some TJM, Ironman or even some commercial ARB bars, where the top bars are merely welded to the top of the bar. On each ARB Deluxe bull-bar the upright is cut from a sin-gular piece of steel. This means that the bar gets the maximum support possible and also helps with strength.

With any ARB bar you will notice the swept back design of the top bar, uprights and also rubber buffers. These are inte-gral in helping limit injury to pedestrians. Rather than force a pedestrian below the vehicle, it will project them onto the bon-net to help limit damage in a slow speed accident.

On the front of the bar you will notice the split pan design just under the number plate. This increases airfl ow to the radiator better than older style bars and also helps improve strength in front of your ra-diator. Even if you do receive a massive full frontal impact at least your engine and radia-tor should still be intact enough to get you out of trouble in the outback.

ARB have designed their bars so if your vehicle has air-bags their bar will be air bag compatible. ARB use a unique crush can system meaning that your bar will still have the same strength and protection but will allow your airbags to deploy at the correct rate to further pro-tect you and your passengers.

Unlike alloy or plastic bars, steel bars have a huge amount more strength. Although al-loy bars can be attractive they still will never be as strong as steel; some aren’t much lighter and they are expensive. Even

though some plastic bullbars will go back to there former shape, the force of an impact can force the bar further back than a steel or alloy bar causing more damage.

Another handy feature of the ARB Deluxe Winch Bar is the high lift jacking points in the front of the bar. These help with stability when jacking. High lift jacks will tend to be unsteady at times. This will help stop the vehicle slipping off.

All ARB bars come with in-tegrated indicators. In most cases indicators are obscured by the top bars of the bullbar. This helps the bar comply with current Australian standards to keep it roadworthy and, more importantly, keeps the occu-pants safe by keeping indicators visible.

Also as an extra on most new vehicles there is an option of fog lights. Mounted just shy of the front, the bar will help protect them from impact. ARB bars are also available colour coded to a colour of your choice.

Although in some cases the ARB bar can be more expen-sive than other bars all you have to do is look at the quality and features and the reason will be obvious.

Peninsula Diesel Spares3/250 Marine Pde, Hastings.Ph: (03) 5979 8522

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Gas conversions from $190

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10% discount for pensioners when mentioning this ad.

The low-down on bull-barsThe low-down on bull-bars

PAGE 42 Western Port News 1 March 2011

Wheel Alignments & Suspension Car & Truck Tyres Field Service

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT TYRE STORE254 Marine Parade, Hastings Ph: 5979 7444HASTINGS TYRE SERVICE

Have your tyres checkedat the tyre specialists

WHAT more dynamic way to cele-brate the invention of the automobile? The expressive C-Class Coupé sees Mercedes-Benz, now in its 125th year of corporate history, entering a new market segment and for the fi rst time offering a compact, classic coupé. This youthful, sporty two-door car will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in early March and making its way to customers from June.

The new model deploys the pro-gressive technology featured on the recently launched new generation of the C-Class to deliver an impressive coupé format that combines pure fun at the wheel with exemplary effi cien-cy. In terms of attitude, this debuting model is tailored to a customer group aged 35 to 45 for whom professional success, love of life and a strong sense of responsibility are all important.

“By extending the C-Class portfo-

lio, we are consciously targeting new customers,” says Dr Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mer-cedes-Benz Cars.

“The new model is youthful, styl-ish and dynamic. What we are offer-ing is an exceptionally sporty way to enter the world of the Mercedes-Benz coupé.”

The design: dynamic with classic coupé proportions

FROM the side, the new coupé be-guiles the onlooker with its compact proportions, low silhouette (41 mm fl atter than the saloon) with power-ful shoulders and a narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design. Typical coupé features include the short front overhang, long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and long, stretched out roof. The greenhouse extends far be-

yond the rear axle over the rear win-dow in its fl at position to a sportily short tail end.

While the wedge-shaped, sloping beltline demonstrates affi nity with the C-Class, its strong upsweep into the C-pillar is an entirely distinctive ele-ment. The fi nal part of the beltline trim moves sharply upwards to meet the roofl ine trim. This upsweep not only adds a sporty fl ourish to the way the side windows look; the shaping at the bottom of the C-pillar also enhances the powerful shoulders.

Front and rear: truly a coupé, truly C-Class

AT the front, the new coupé shares the same styling as the latest C-Class and yet still has its own twist. The front view is dominated by the prominent radiator grille surround including the

bumper. The centre air intake opens upwards, forming a visual base unit for the radiator grille which has the double-louvre style typical of a coupé. Two chrome louvres extend left and right either side of the central star, ta-pering off at the outer edges and creat-ing a sporty, arrow-shaped horizontal sweep which gives the front end a pro-nounced V-shape.

This continues into the side sections which extend from beneath the head-lamps and blend into the feature lines along the vehicle fl anks, thereby link-ing the front end with the sides. The side air intakes in the bumper featuring integrated, horizontal daytime running lamps are positioned low down, giving the coupé a road-hugging appearance. The shape of the clear-lens headlamps creates a dynamic impression, and acts together with the bonnet, radiator grille and bumper trim to reinforce the pronounced front section.

From the rear, the new C-Class Coupé looks sportily short. Because the roof fl ows beyond the rear axle with the steeply raked rear window and fl uid C-pillars, the appearance of length is reduced. A wide chamfer at the top of the boot lid, which is based on the side panel, highlights the rear’s compactness.

The interior: highest quality with ex-clusive colour accents

THE dashboard instrument panel fea-tures a strong, sporty and high-quality design. Three tube rings with a gal-

vanised fi nish demonstrate the car’s sporty credentials to the driver. As standard, the coupé comes with the new generation of three-spoke steering wheel with its chromed central spoke that fi rst appeared on the new CLS. The touch surfaces of the controls are fi nely detailed and galvanised. The stepped top of the instrument cluster also accommodates the central display and continues onto the front passenger side as a discreet light-catching con-tour. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the round vents on the outside are highlighted in detail by galvanised trim. The control panel of the new-generation communication and infor-mation unit has silver-coloured keys. The combination of matt keys, high-gloss areas and a new thumbwheel design underlines the high perceived value of the interior.

The drive system: plenty of perform-ance, low fuel consumption

THERE is a choice of three petrol engines and two diesel powerplants to power the C-Class Coupé. The top engine variant is the V6 petrol engine. It delivers 225 kW (306 hp) and 370 Nm. Average fuel consumption is 6.8 litres per 100 km. The four-cylinder petrol engines have direct injection and are turbocharged, offering high performance and exemplary economy.

The most economical coupé model is the C 220 CDI. It has an average diesel consumption of 4.4 litres per 100 km.

Autumn MotoringThe perfect shape: The C-Class Coupé The perfect shape: The C-Class Coupé

Western Port News 1 March 2011 PAGE 43

Phone: 5977 7112Phone: 5977 78442/23 SIMCOCK ST, SOMERVILLEMELWAY REF: 107 G11

Mon-Fri: 8am-5.30pm

ALL MAKES OF CAR, 4WDs

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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SERVICE IS OUR SUCCESSSERVICE IS OUR SUCCESS

SERVICING ALL MAKES & MODELSNEW & USED CARS AND MECHANICAL REPAIRS

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To advertise your motoring business

here please contactVal Bravo on

0407 396 824

Western Port

Autumn Motoring

Service is our successService is our successJohn Phillips understands the importance of giving good service. In fact, he has adopted it as his motto.

With 30 years experience in the car servicing industry, and as a dealer trained technician, John knows that you only get the experience and reputation he has by looking after the cus-

tomer.“That is why our motto is

‘Service is our success’”, ex-plains John.

Located at 44 Glendale Av-enue in Hastings, Hastmotors are your car servicing special-ists. They service most makes and models including new, used and 4-wheel-drives.

Presenting a clean and pro-fessional workshop, Hastmo-tors can look after all mechani-can needs from minor work such as brake repairs, tune ups and battery replacement, through to major work should your vehicle require it.

Hastmotors can be contacted on 5979 8797.

Transmend PanelsTransmend PanelsWe provide a competitive estimate!

Once the work is authorized to us we will repairyour vehicle to a high quality standard!

(All our repairs carry a lifetime warranty on workmanship!)**conditions apply

PAGE 44 Western Port News 1 March 2011

(Conditions apply. Valid until 31/3/11).