Hospital meeting leads to a healthy life partnership

Graeme and Lorraine Pollerd on their wedding day.

Graeme and Lorraine Pollerd have been married for 53 years. Yep, you read it right. That’s a long time in anyone’s language, but possibly more important than that milestone is the fact that they are still very happy. “I first met Graeme in hospital when I was nursing,” laughs Lorraine. “He was a patient when I was on night duty and I got his number from the book, which you’d never do now. I had previously noticed him at a dance but he had ignored me. I called him up and asked him to see To Kill a Mockingbird. That was it. I was brought up in Heidelberg and Graeme was a Thornbury boy. We met in 1964 and were married in 1967 in the Presbyterian church in Heidelberg and began married life around the corner from Mum and Dad in the same suburb. We were lucky.”

This deeply committed family-first couple, who moved to the Peninsula 35 years ago and founded Progress Signs in Mornington, credit much of their partnership success to keeping busy and making sure they both have hobbies. Lorraine continues: “Our lives have never been dull. I was a nurse for years while Graeme first started out valuing cars. We had a bike shop in Watsonia, a gardening business, a partnership in a garage in Rosebud and an equipment hire and farm supply business in Mornington before we opened Progress Signs. We’ve been busy. And, of course, throughout all that we had our two sons, Steve and Craig, so there was plenty to do.” 

And the hobbies? “I have always had a passion for music and singing while Graeme likes horseracing. I’ve done a lot of musical theatre locally and I still sing at functions around town. I just love it. We both get on with things. There’s always something to do.” 

Some of you may be wondering what it takes to keep the home fires burning when you’ve been together for so long, but Lorraine sees it very simply. She explains: “We always sit down together at the end of the day for a drink and have dinner. I don’t think there’s one holiday we’ve ever taken separately. We spend time together and apart but always work as a team. We rely on each other and each of us picks up the slack when we need to. We also see our boys and their families a lot, which is easy because we all live in Mount Martha now. Time with the family is important.”

Will there be any parties happening now these fantastically fit 70-somethings have passed their golden anniversary and are heading towards their diamond anniversary? Lorraine concludes: “We won’t be renewing our vows. We’ve just seen Queen in Adelaide, though, and will be going to town to stay for a few nights soon.” 

I mean, why celebrate once when life and love has been so good? Enough said.

LIZ ROGERS 

Sarlee makes a splash

What a life. Jumping in the bird bath or a half barrel of water and splashing to your heart’s content. Or having a good go at the hose while your owner is trying to water the garden or roaming through a property that dedicates itself to producing premium wine beneath the Mornington Peninsula sky.  

Welcome to the world of Sarlee, who lives with Julie and John Trueman at Myrtaceae Winery in Red Hill. Named after the couple’s favourite champagne, Lassalle, from France, this long-haired Jack Russell terrier with short legs loves to get up to a bit of mischief. She’s smart, energetic but likes to take it slow in the mornings. The afternoons are made for moving and meeting as many people as possible.  

Julie explains: “Sarlee is almost three and very affectionate. She’s always following me around while I’m doing vineyard work. She’s never far behind. We’ve always had Jack Russells. Chanel, Holly and Coco used to chase the foxes away and pull the nets to shake the birds off. We are still training Sarlee, who sits at the door like a concierge to greet our visitors. That’s if she hasn’t already run to the carpark to usher them down to the cellar door. Our son was about four years old when we got our first Jack Russell. John wasn’t really a dog person at first but every one of them had a gravitational pull towards him, but not Sarlee. She’s my shadow.”

This gentle and lovable pooch has never been off the property and is not allowed in the top vineyard. She also knows not to venture over the gravel road into the hinterland beyond. She starts the day with two biscuits in the morning and come evening after dinner she’s on the couch with Julie and John. Tough, hey?

Julie concludes: “Jack Russells are so clever. Sarlee is a great guard dog when she needs to be and the rest of the time she’s everybody’s friend. Kids just love her because she is so gentle. She does pull out the stuffing from cushions, though.” Well, nobody’s perfect, right?

LIZ ROGERS

Rookie rider in a class of her own

Photo: The Australian Equestrian Team

Moorooduc rider Shimona Fraid has been named the FEI World Cup Jumping Australian League 2019-20 Rookie of the Year after the final at Boneo Park last month. “It is a bit of a surprise,” the elated 25-year-old said. “I didn’t know that it was even a competition as such, but it is amazing.”

Shimona competed throughout the season with her horse Bonaire, a stunning grey mare who was imported from Europe. “We got her through Stal Tops; she was from VHL Stables, and we have been together for two years.” 

The Rookie of the Year title is aimed at recognising the incredible achievement of riders who have completed their first season at the peak level of jumping in Australia. The award is presented to the highest-ranking rider throughout the series and who has never competed in a World Cup before the beginning of the season. This is only the second year that the award has been presented.

Shimona said her plan for the future was “just for now keep doing what I am doing, fine-tuning and to get a bit faster; I want to get faster with her, just keep going”.

As well as her Rookie of the Year title, Shimona finished 7th on Bonaire in the World Cup Qualifier class against some of Australia’s best jumpers. With many more seasons ahead of this combination, the future is very bright indeed.

Community goes to the wall to help save hooded plover

A new mural has been unveiled at Sorrento back beach to draw the public’s attention to the plight of one of the Peninsula’s most recognisable and loved birds, the hooded plover. The mural was created by internationally acclaimed Melbourne-based street artist and graphic designer Jimmy Dvate, who is known for his depictions of Australian animals and characters on grain silos in rural Victoria, and was launched on Saturday, February 29, near the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club by members of Friends of the Hooded Plover and Parks Victoria.

The larger-than-life mural, which graces a wall in Mornington Peninsula National Park, was paid for through the sale of hooded plover merchandise to raise awareness of the threats facing the beach-nesting bird. Hooded plover chick mortality contributes to a mere 2.5 per cent success rate from egg to fledgling, which is one of the lowest avian breeding success rates in the world. The park’s back beaches are host to the second-largest resident breeding population of hooded plovers in Victoria, but the population has the poorest breeding outcome of any coastal area.

Birds of prey, high tides and extreme weather are among the natural threats facing the hooded plover, which is also forced to contend with predation and attacks by dogs, foxes and feral cats as well as disruption to its nests and eggs by summer beach-goers. To mitigate these threats and increase the fledgling survival rate, Parks Victoria and Friends of the Hooded Plover carry out regular breeding monitoring and site management activities through the Hooded Plover Threatened Species Program, which is run by BirdLife Australia.

“Residents and regular visitors to Mornington Peninsula National Park will be familiar with the plight of hooded plovers,” said Parks Victoria’s area chief ranger, Kris Rowe. “It’s vital we protect this unique beach-nesting species as best we can.

“We’re really lucky here in Victoria to have coastal national parks that provide a home to magnificent creatures such as the hooded plover,” Kris said. “It’s important that the community understands how best we can protect them. The mural is a great way to communicate that message.”

Majestic square-rigger hoists her sails on Port Phillip

The barque James Craig, weighing 671 gross tons, with a hull length of 54.8m and a 33m mainmast, was built in Sunderland in 1874 and restored in Sydney between 1981-97. Photo courtesy Sydney Heritage Fleet

During March, many readers will have the pleasure of seeing a square-rigged sailing vessel in our bay. The James Craig will once again be visiting Port Phillip. Owned and operated by Sydney Heritage Fleet, this beautiful barque-rigged iron vessel was launched in Sunderland, UK, in 1874 with the name Clan Macleod. 

She sailed the oceans of the world for the next 26 years, often carrying coal from the UK to Chile and returning with wheat from the Pacific coast of the US. Her first visit to Melbourne was in 1892 when, having taken a cargo of kerosene to Brisbane, she loaded wool for Boston. 

During the 1890s she regularly loaded kerosene at New York for delivery to Australian and New Zealand. Older readers will remember the old flat-sided, square-topped ‘kero’ tins which, for protection, were carried in pairs in wooden cases. As Clan Macleod she averaged about one return voyage each year, usually from the UK or the US, to New Zealand or Australia. During that time she rounded Cape Horn 23 times.

Her ocean voyaging ended when she was bought in 1900 by J J Craig of New Zealand and renamed James Craig. She was used in the Tasman Sea trade carrying timber to Australia and coal and wheat on the return passages. In 1911, because steam was taking over from sail, she became a copra hulk in New Guinea. Brought back into service after World War I, she worked the Australian east coast, with a few NZ passages, until 1925 when she became a coal hulk and was finally abandoned in 1932. The hulk was towed to Sydney in 1981, where after nearly 16 years of work she returned to sailing again in February 1997. 

James Craig is one of only four restored 19th century sailing vessels in the world that are able to go to sea. She is very similar to Melbourne’s Polly Woodside, having an iron hull and the same rig, and is of about the same length and tonnage. Unfortunately, Polly is confined to her riverside dock and will never again sail the open sea.

BY MAURIE HUTCHINSON

President, Peninsula Ship Society

T: Maurie Hutchinson 9787 5780

E: [email protected]

The Peninsula Ship Society meets at Hastings Yacht Club on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 10am. Visitors always welcome.

Peninsula’s own Paul is strictly multi-talented

He danced into our lives in Strictly Ballroom (1992), and now the Peninsula’s Paul Mercurio has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for his service to the performing arts, particularly dance. After being notified in December of his award, the distinguished dancer, choreographer, actor, TV presenter, and cook kept the news close to his chest until the official announcement on Australia Day. 

“It’s a funny thing,” he says. “Winning an award is lovely. I’m grateful and so honoured to have ‘AM’ at the end of my name. It’s really humbling and fulfilling. When I looked back, I realised that I stepped on stage 47 years ago. So, in a way, I kind of see it as an acknowledgement of my work over the past 47 years.”

It was at age nine that Paul’s passion for dance began after being inspired by Saturday afternoon movies on TV, many of which were classic musicals. “I just remember loving those movies. From then I knew that I wanted to do it too – to get up on stage to sing, dance and ultimately entertain. My sister was doing ballet so I joined her.”

Paul has choreographed more than 30 dance works, contributed choreography to five feature films, appeared in 15 feature films and danced around the world with the Sydney Dance Company. He says he’ll never forget opening night in New York or working alongside Sir Ben Kingsley. In fact, it was while standing beside Sir Ben that he thought to himself he was “now a real actor”. Another highlight was attending the Cannes Film Festival for Strictly Ballroom. 

“I’ve been very blessed with the opportunities that I’ve had, but I’ve worked very hard to get them. People often say, ‘Jeez, you’re lucky’, but I’ve worked out that luck means you work your ass off to be at the right place at the right time. As an actor, this accolade really means a lot because often you’d only have success once every 10 auditions.” 

It was while working part-time at Red Rooster while studying dance that Paul discovered his love of food. He learnt that if he cheekily put extra food on before closing time, he’d be sent home with enough leftovers to feed his friends, who would be eagerly waiting. He’s had his cookbooks released in eight languages, travelled to 60 countries for cooking, and most recently launched a range of spice rubs for meat. 

“I find food creative. I’m a storyteller. I cook. I dance. I act. I choreograph. I’m always creating and in a creative environment. I enjoy bringing things to life. And I feel that food tells stories, so it was a natural direction for me to follow.”

What Paul takes away from this award is the acknowledgment of all the work he has undertaken. If he didn’t need to pay the bills, he says he would happily do it for free. Ultimately, this award is a thank you for putting smiles on people’s faces as well as putting a smile on his own face. Paul’s recent appearance on Neighbours has landed him on our screens again, with more episodes on the way, which is a delight for his fans as well as for him. His cooking show – Mercurio’s Menu – is currently screening on SBS.

“I’m very lucky that a lot of the areas that I work in is following a passion. I’m multi-talented. I’m the jack of all trades but the master of none.” 

KATE SEARS

Maddie makes her move as emergency nurse

Maddie Mullins with her high school sweetheart, Jaidyn Best, and Stormy the staffy.

Maddie Mullins thinks on her feet. She has to. At just 20 years old she’s recently entered the highly demanding and often emotionally draining world of the emergency department at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Parkville as a pediatric nurse and the stakes are high. 

Completing her Bachelor of Nursing at Holmesglen in Moorabbin last year and securing a coveted position at this world-renowned facility is a real feather in the cap of a young lady who spent Year 12 travelling to Wantirna College from Mount Martha. That’s hours of travelling every day and may give you some idea of her determination. Now living in Altona North with her high school sweetheart Jaidyn Best, Maddie still calls Mount Martha, where her sister Chloe Milne lives, home, because home is where the heart is.

Maddie explains: “I moved out of my parents’ house and went to live with my sister and her husband Michael when I was 16, which didn’t make VCE easy. Chloe is like a second mum to me and I loved living in Mount Martha. I wasn’t sure which area of medicine I’d go into before getting the position at the Children’s. I thought I might try cosmetics and I have two sisters who are paramedics, but as soon as I had completed my first day of a six-week placement there I knew where I wanted to be. Before that I’d had both aged care and mental health placements, but I enjoy working in a fast-paced and diverse environment. Emergency offers that. Nothing stays the same and you keep learning. The only thing I’m concerned about is that people won’t take me seriously because I’m so young, but I’m confident I can give the answers that the parents of patients need. It’s very stressful being a mum or dad when your child is sick, and it’s important to keep them involved. The whole family needs looking after.”

Is she ever frightened by life-and-death situations? She continues: “I remember witnessing my first heart attack in second year and watching the nurse deal with it. She just clicked into gear and did what needed to be done. I really admired her approach. I want to be like that. Yes, it can be frightening, but when you are trained and know what you are doing it gives you so much satisfaction to help patients, especially kids.”

This kind of career is not for everyone for obvious reasons, and not everyone can land a job at The Royal Children’s Hospital either. Maddie continues: “It’s a hard job to get so I feel very lucky. The interview process is tough, including a medications test and lots of general questions, but somehow I got through. Nurses are good at debriefing and talking about their jobs so I’m sure I’ll be OK.” 

And what does the workload look like for this sports fanatic and lover of blue English staffys? Maddie concludes: “It’s fine. Graduates are only allowed to do eight-hour shifts and do four days on and three days off.”

Sounds simple, yes?

LIZ ROGERS

Jungle boogie, baboons and beauty-imbued smarts

Imagine this: being chased by Brob the barking baboon in Kruger National Park in South Africa and having to keep your campfire burning at night to ensure he and his mates don’t come calling. Sounds like fun. Or coming face to face with a Mozambique spitting cobra that gobs venom into your eyeballs for a party trick. Nice. Or getting one too many tick bites before reaching for the kitchen knife in an attempt to cut yourself free from these relentlessly annoying mouth-hooking mini-beasts. Ripper.

Then imagine this: winning $100,000 for a charity of your choice should you be the last man or woman standing in Network 10’s sixth season of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Australia. Maybe the above doesn’t seem so bad. Probably? Yes?

Peninsula resident and comedian, actor and television presenter Nikki Osborne chuckles: “I’m out after 18 days. The hardest part of being in the jungle was starving.” We both metaphorically lean back with laughter as this funny girl with a serious dash of goof-infused blond bombshell beauty continues: “Porridge for breakfast. Rice and kale for lunch and some piece of random animal for dinner. I think there was an impala leg once. Ha! Miguel (Maestre) cooked dinner with a pan on the campfire. Ugh. Here you are in a jungle with hidden cameras all around you and a bunch of celebrities. Rhonda Burchmore went into some kind of alpha-trance and almost got attacked by a cobra, and Miguel pulled out his kitchen knife before being asked to go to the medics for tick treatment. I got chased by the baboon. It was nuts.” 

This 38-year-old mother of two, who was almost punched on a cruise ship by a stranger and is the first comedian to be allocated bouncers while touring, came from a sketch comedy background before trying her hand at stand-up. She continues: “I got heaps of backlash and trolling for my show On the Spectrum but there was a message I had to deliver.  I even got hate mail and eventually had to pull back. At first it was tricky doing stand-up because of the way I look.” Check out her Instagram page to get a gawk. “People presume I am going to be average so it’s a bigger bonus when I don’t suck.” 

Should Nikki have won I’m A Celebrity, her winnings would have gone to Aspect Australia, which is Australia’s largest service provider for people with autism. Her son has high-functioning autism. You’ll often find this native Queenslander and her family on the bay in their runabout doing donuts, and in between times Nikki is doing what she does best: performing – including two years straight at the Sydney Opera House and on Hughsey, We Have A Problem. She’s just become the face of one of Mornington’s top car dealerships and has recently hosted the Red Hill Relief Bush Fire Benefit. She’s also set to tour a stand-up show later this year and there are some exciting plans in the pipeline.

This friendly and wonderfully witty woman concludes: “My family were on survival mode when I was in the jungle. I was the only mum there with small kids and they wanted me home. My husband Jeremy had a hard time. I mean, the dog was having seizures. I got home to McCrae on January 23 and the Christmas tree was still up! Ha ha! I really enjoyed being with my campmates though.”

Yep, she may have been challenged in the jungle, but she’s still smiling now she’s out. Baboons and all.

LIZ ROGERS

A cluster of delights in the March sky

Omega Centauri is the largest globular cluster in the Milky Way. Photo courtesy NASA

Observing the night sky from southern latitudes this month you can see plenty with a good pair of binoculars, including the open cluster known as the Southern Pleiades (IC 2602). Its brightest member, the star Theta Carinae, can be seen with the naked eye. If you turn binoculars on the cluster, you can see about 24 other sparkling stars. Just north of the Southern Pleiades is a glowing region (NGC 3372) that’s also known as the Carina Nebula. While it’s also visible to the naked eye, it is beautiful when observed through a small telescope.

Looking south is the False Cross, which is formed by four stars in the constellations Carina and Vela. The False Cross asterism resembles the constellation Crux – the Southern Cross – but is somewhat larger. Still looking south is the globular cluster Omega Centauri (NGC 5139), the largest globular cluster in the Milky Way and a must-see object. A large telescope shows many of its stars, while binoculars show the cluster as a bright patch of light. In the west, the Jewel Box open cluster (NGC 4755), in Crux, is a nice target for small telescopes and binoculars. Another western target is the Eta Carinae Nebula (NGC 3372) a little further in Carina. NGC 3372 is visible to the naked eye against the Milky Way, with a dark lane of dust running through it.

On March 18, a waning crescent moon forms a line with Mars, Jupiter and Saturn in the morning sky. On March 20, the Earth is at equinox, when the Earth’s two hemispheres are receiving the sun’s rays equally. Then March 29 will see Venus close to the crescent moon in the evening.

On March 6, the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society will be holding its monthly stargazing night at the MPAS Observatory at The Briars in Mount Martha. It starts at 8pm with a multimedia talk and Q&A before moving outside to view the sky through a wide array of telescopes supplied by the society and members. 

Then on March 18, Dr Robert Dahni, a retired meteorologist from the Bureau of Meteorology, will be speaking at the observatory on Weather and Astronomy: My Personal Journey, with the public welcome to attend. For more information and event bookings, visit the society’s Facebook page or website at mpas.asn.au

NERIDA LANGCAKE, Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society

Exstrawdinary honour for our own Local Hero

A year after being crowned Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Citizen of the Year, anti-litter campaigner Josie Jones has been named the 2020 Victoria Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards. The latest honour is further acknowledgement of the Rye resident’s tireless fight for a cleaner planet. 

Josie helps run the Peninsula’s Last Straw campaign, which had its origins in a workshop run by the Shire. The initial goal was to pilot the campaign in Dromana and it has since branched out to 11 towns. “So far we have started in Sorrento, Dromana, Mount Martha, Blairgowrie and Rye,” Josie said. “Due to funding from National Geographic, we will now be able to focus on the next phase: Portsea, Crib Point, Hastings, McCrae and Balnarring.”

The idea behind the volunteer-driven campaign is simple: target a key litter item by persuading shop owners to swap plastic straws for paper ones that are provided free of charge for three months. “The goal is to have half of all shops on the Peninsula switching to paper straws by the end of 2020.”

Josie began her first anti-litter campaign shortly after moving to Rye in 2011. The One Tonne Challenge encouraged residents to join her in collecting litter from the foreshore. Since then she has launched several successful campaigns to reduce litter and tackle waste, including Only Butt, which is aimed at reducing the number of cigarette butts that end up in our bays.

Being named Citizen of the Year has given Josie a platform from which to engage the broader Peninsula community in her mission. Her anti-litter campaigns have gained national attention, including television coverage and support from National Geographic and the University of Tasmania.

Josie’s message to all Peninsula residents is simple: “Immerse yourself in your community and volunteer. Litter is something that can only be solved by the community as a whole, which includes the Shire, businesses and local residents. We all need to play a role, so I urge everybody to do what they can and take action. As we raise the standard and fill in the gaps, we are seeing the positive results.”

Indigenous environmental learning on Country

Course graduate Isaac Sainty. Photo by Annette Ruzicka

Now here’s something timely that makes complete environmental sense. In the wake of the juggernaut fire systems that have catapulted through our country over the past few months, Trust For Nature and the Bunurong Land Council’s Warreen Beek Rangers program has more purpose than ever. Now in its third year, this in-the-field ‘on Country’ course designed for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples to come together and reignite existing inherent understanding of the land moves ever-forward towards a climate-caring future. 

Trust For Nature is a not-for-profit organisation that was formed in 1972. Partnering with private landowners in Victoria to protect native plants and wildlife for future generations, the group put forward an expression of interest to Indigenous groups asking them what they wanted to learn about managing the land. In response, the Warreen Beek Rangers program, in which participants graduate with a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management from Holmesglen, was created. Seven graduates were awarded their certificates last year and this time round more female participants are being encouraged to take part in the course. 

Trust For Nature’s regional manager for Port Phillip and Westernport, Ben Cullen, explains: “This year’s course begins in April and runs through to December, with two days of contact per week, which takes place mainly in the field with some classes at the Holmesglen Campus. We’ve just put out an expression of interest and are hoping to get more women involved. There are up to 15 positions available. We work mainly with Bunurong and Wurundjeri traditional owners on identifying suitable sites.  Some include Peninsula Gardens Bushland Reserve in Rosebud and Point Nepean. We’ve been able to identify certain Indigenous artefacts, scar trees and middens so far. I must admit we’ve learnt just as much from the participants as they have from us. They already have a deep understanding of Country and a natural understanding of the environment. Some of the people involved in the Warreen Beek Rangers program have never graduated from a course. All graduates from over the last two years are now working in conservation or land management. They are in charge of the land. They have accreditation.”

Trust For Nature has been involved in protecting the likes of Greens Bush in Boneo and Arthurs Seat National Park for years. The Warreen Beek Rangers program has already contributed to the restoration of precious middens while teaching skills such as chainsaw  and chemical use, occupational health and safety, weed control and cultural studies. Then there’s the fire elders who come on board to teach the practice of Indigenous burns. And with an unstable climate future ahead of us, these skills and the knowledge that comes from centuries of understanding may just be what we need to turn the tide on climate change. Yes?

LIZ ROGERS 

Caring for hearing is sound advice

One of our key senses is in focus on Tuesday, March 3. World Hearing Day raises awareness of the ways we can help prevent deafness and hearing loss while also promoting ear care across the world. In Australia, it also marks the beginning of Hearing Awareness Week. 

Each year in Australia, hearing loss costs $15 billion in health care and lost productivity. In fact, hearing loss affects 70 per cent of people aged over 70. It has a vast impact on quality of life and is more common than cancer, heart disease and diabetes – with 500,000 hearing aids bought in Australia each year. 

The World Health Organisation has declared that this year World Hearing Day will highlight the importance of timely and efficient intervention to ensure that people with hearing loss are still able to reach their potential. WHO will endeavour to draw attention to the options available in order to achieve this, calling for more resources to be made available through our health systems and ensuring that those with hearing loss receive the help they need to improve their access to education and employment. 

Unfortunately, many people throughout the world lack access to hearing aids and other methods to improve communication. WHO stresses that communication and good hearing are vital to help people of all ages connect with one another and their communities. 

The theme for World Hearing Day 2020 is ‘Hearing for life – don’t let hearing loss limit you’, so we encourage you to visit the Hearing Awareness Week website and check out a free app called Sound Scouts. This can be used to check the hearing of children aged 4 years and older and is also suitable for adults. Visit www.soundscouts.com/au to download the app.

Our own roamin’ gnome comes home

Frankie is welcomed back to Frankston with an apple, a flower and a smile from Mayor Sandra Mayer.

Frankie’s back! Yes, everyone’s favourite gnome has returned from a global adventure that took him to New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, England, France, Italy and the US. Last month, he announced on Frankston City Council’s Facebook page that he had signed a four-year lease on a new plinth at the corner of Hastings Rd and Moorooduc Highway, next to Monash University. 

 “When I arrived back following my world travels, to be honest I felt a little lost,” Frankie said. “I knew I wanted to once again call Frankston home, but I wasn’t sure where or how to make it happen. I was speaking to a friend about my conundrum and he suggested that perhaps I rent a place for a few years and suss out where I want to be long-term – so that’s what I’ve done.” 

The nomadic gnome explored many landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Statue of Liberty, and the Great Wall of China. 

Frankston City Mayor Sandra Mayer was delighted to have Frankie back. “Frankie has become a local legend and a favourite with residents, particularly children. He just makes you smile.” 

So where to after your lease is up, Frankie? “I have no idea. This world is full of beautiful places and people. However, there’s no place quite like Frankston City.” 

Cass is skating into art

Cass Tutton skates at Melbourne State Library. Photo: Dean Kolenda

Cass Tutton was inspired to take up skating in Year 4 after viewing the film Lords of Dog Town. “I initially began skating for fun,” Cass said. “I properly started skating in Year 8 and I began to see myself improving. It became a passion for me and I recognised the sense of freedom I got from going out on my board.” 

In 2018 Cass was inspired by his friends Ebben and Jesse to create a skate brand. “They taught me how to use Adobe software to design.” Cass found that by creating them himself, he was able to come up with graphics and designs for skateboards that he preferred even more than the ones available in stores. From this, his skate brand, Porcelain Skateboards, was born. Ebben and Jesse continued to support him to get started with his brand. “Ebben was helpful in advising me on how to sell things, how many products to order in etc. The sales manager of the production company I used was also a really helpful mentor.

“The name Porcelain came from the first graphic I created. It was a Photoshopped manikin that looked like cracked china. From there the word became meaningful. I recognised the word was sort of symbolic. Porcelain symbolised my designs and graphics, which were a sensitive, creative outlet for me.”  

The skateboard Cass values the most is “definitely the board Blue Light (P4)”.  He says: “I took the photo on the board of Harper (his sister) in black and white in Sydney. I didn’t take the photo with the intent of making a board out of it, but when I looked at the photo I really loved the aesthetic of it and decided to print it on to a board.” 

Cass used Instagram and word of mouth through friends to gain publicity for his skate brand. He sold his skateboards around the Mornington Peninsula and within the city throughout 2017, 2018 and the beginning of 2019. Although Cass doesn’t see himself continuing Porcelain into the future as a business, he may consider selling his work without the brand behind it. The passion he developed for graphics and design through his experience with Porcelain became of more value than the business aspects of the brand. Cass wants to continue to skate, design and create artwork as a hobby for his own enjoyment. 

ERIN GROCOTT, Woodleigh Year 11 work experience student

Big Picture artist returns with a new body of work

Mark Taylor and his mural Child.

Mark ‘CLAP/Meataxe’ Taylor is raising the bar in parallel worlds, applying his art to bodies in ink and unassuming walls in paint while refining his own self-portrait as a champion bodybuilder. 

Exchanging dumbbells for spray cans, the Frankston Big Picture Festival artist is returning this year to join a perfect storm of street talent. Instantly drawn to the hip-hop culture as a child, the teen’s graffiti tag CLAP soon developed into figurative, vibrant pieces along the Hurstbridge line and houses in the ‘90s. “I painted at night alone in utter silence, creating art for hours on end,” Mark says.

With support from his creative parents, Mark enrolled at Swinburne High School in its VCE arts programs, which he says led to “a huge direction shift”. After being rejected from animation courses, Mark refined his art at TAFE as he went to war with his OCD, before gaining admission to RMIT University to study for a Bachelor degree in Fine Art. Winning the London Street Design Magazine competition led to a project in Malta, but it is his work in Australia’s most prominent gyms that has led to praise. 

Releasing his anxiety with tattooing and in the gym, Mark soon discovered his Meataxe alter ego before going on to place in the top six at the Mr World bodybuilding competition in addition to gaining three national titles. “Anxiety is real and my commitment to training has taught me a lot,” he says.

Frankston Mayor Sandra Mayer says: “Victorian Government funding for the Big Picture Fest concluded last year. Through our signature event program, council has committed to providing the same high-calibre event until 2022 and looks forward to welcoming new artists from all over the world this year.”

Fast becoming a cultural hot spot, Frankston will soon be home to many impressive new creations for the Big Picture Festival from March 19-21.

CAMERON HOWE

camhowe.com

Brodie realises her childhood sporting dream

At 36, Langwarrin’s Brodie Whitmore says she always dreamed of playing for Australia. During her childhood, it never mattered what sport she played, she just yearned to represent her country and make the Olympics. 

Despite living in Portland at the time, Brodie was chosen for the South Australian under-15 hockey team because she was part of the South Australian Hockey Association in Mount Gambier. She had endless support from her mother, a single parent who re-borrowed on her house loan to pay for Brodie’s sporting ambitions and drive her to Adelaide each week. In 2001, after playing for Victoria in the country championships, Brodie was picked for the Australian country hockey team that toured Malaysia. 

A few years later Brodie switched to indoor cricket. It was a natural transition because her mother had run the indoor cricket centre in Alice Springs and played Masters cricket for the NT. “After a number of years playing in the Open Indoor Cricket Championships for Victoria, I had a dream to try to play for Australia in more than one sport. Although my age was against me in trying to make the Aussie side, I was turning 35 and was eligible for Masters. Last year I was selected and captained the Victorian over-35 ladies’ side, which later was changed to over-30s in the Masters championships held in Adelaide in May.”

It’s only now that Brodie realises she was following in the footsteps of her mother. She’d been pursuing the same sporting path as her mother all this time without really knowing that her first sporting hero was the woman who had raised her. 

An exceptional performance saw Brodie chosen for the Australian over-30s ladies’ side to tour South Africa for the World Series. She spent two weeks with women from all over Australia as they learnt how to play together as a team. Making the finals left Brodie incredibly proud, as did the fact that she was also the only Victorian member.

“My trip was amazing. I played more games than I thought I would and played above my expectations, and I fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing not only for Australia but being able to represent Australia in more than one sport. Although it wasn’t the Olympics, I achieved every realistic goal I had set myself.”

There was a sour note when she returned to Australia, however, and her car was broken into while she was staying with her mother on the Peninsula. Her uniform and equipment from the tour, as well mementos from her trip, were stolen. She has since had a few items returned, but she asks anyone who comes across anything with her surname or initials on them to get in touch. 

“Playing indoor cricket for Australia was a massive privilege but it is a fully self-funded sport, and everything I had that was stolen had to be paid for out of my own pocket. The basic trip and uniform pack was $4500, and there were extra purchases as well. Not only did I work hard to achieve this, I also had to pay for the privilege. And yes, some things are replaceable but the mementos aren’t.”

After reaching the goal she’d pursued for so long, Brodie’s aim now is to encourage more women to get involved in indoor cricket, especially in the 35 and above age group. “It’s great to see more girls playing,” she says. 

KATE SEARS

From cancer’s devastation to parenthood’s delight

Imagine being diagnosed with breast cancer at 27. You’ve just got engaged, are halfway through building a house and figure life is moving along nicely according to plan. The way it should be. 

Mornington Peninsula resident Shari Skidmore thought she had a cyst when she found a lump in her left breast, but after her initial consultation with her GP and a biopsy, the diagnosis of stage one cancer was made. She explains: “Thinking back to that moment, it was terrifying. There were so many thoughts and emotions going through my mind. Am I going to die? Am I going to survive these treatments? I hadn’t even considered that my fertility might have been affected, but part of the discussion with my oncologist was exactly about that. Walking out of that appointment was difficult. I had this serious diagnosis and it was equally devastating to hear that my fertility may be affected in the future. I was then referred to a fertility specialist. It was really overwhelming to be having these types of conversations, but I have to say that it was a positive experience knowing my medical team was collaborating together and taking a holistic approach.”

Breast Cancer Network Australia, which is the peak national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer, says a new survey shows that one in six young women diagnosed with the disease are not being informed about their fertility options. Conducted by the organisation, this survey also revealed that limited fertility options were “sometimes” discussed and not all the potential risks to fertility were talked about either. BCNA has released a video highlighting young women with a breast cancer diagnosis discussing fertility decisions made throughout their cancer journey. 

Shari continues: “When my husband Travis and I look back to 10 years ago, our lives were turned upside down. We didn’t know what the future held. We now have two beautiful children and I have my health. When I first met with my fertility specialist back then, we discussed the options for fertility preservation moving forward. Egg freezing wasn’t an option because I had already been booked in for chemotherapy. I used Zoladex to protect my ovaries throughout chemo, and Tamoxifen for the following five years after the treatment.” 

After having a break from Tamoxifen, Shari tried to fall pregnant naturally to no avail and decided to try IVF. They retrieved three eggs from the first cycle, had one good embryo and daughter Kaia was born. She is four now. Shari continues: “I went back on the drug Tamoxifen, then had another break to try for another child through IVF, but during the time off the drug I fell pregnant naturally. Our son Kobe is two now. Falling pregnant gave me hope and made me reflect on the choices and decisions that we’d made so many years ago.” 

BCNA chief executive Kirsten Pilatti says women aged 20-39 account for about 5 per cent of all breast cancer diagnoses in Australia. “That means two young women every day hear the news they have breast cancer. In the middle of the whirlwind of decisions they have to make around treatment, these young women also have to consider the risk to their fertility.” Just like Shari. But look where she is now – healthy and loving her life as a mother of two thriving kids. Happy endings do happen, folks. How wonderful. 

BCNA has free programs and services to inform and support people with breast cancer, including a helpline on 1800 500 258 and the My Journey online tool at myjourney.org.au. Watch Shari’s story here at www.bcna.org.au/news/2019/12/fertility-resource/

Adam has a taste for Rosebud life

Chef Adam D’Sylva may live in town but he is a Peninsula boy at heart. Heading to Rosebud every weekend and holidays with family and friends for more than 40 years since he was a kid, Adam now brings his wife Lauren and their three young kids Ava, Javier and Olivia to the pristine shores of the Peninsula to continue the tradition.  

Adam explains: “I’ve always loved the water and used to spend most of my time boogie boarding at the back beaches on the Peninsula well before we had our own kids. It’s too rough for them, being so young, so we usually go to McCrae beach because it’s really safe. My life is very busy running two restaurants, so I take any opportunity to head down to Rosebud with the family or to play a round of golf at the National Golf Club in Cape Schanck, where I’ve been a member for about 20 years. I drive down every week to play golf and then head back to work. I’ve got lots of friends who have houses on the Peninsula because it’s so beautiful and so close to town. It’s ideal.”

This head chef of Asian and European-influenced Coda and Indian restaurant Tonka has just spent four weeks over the holidays in Rosebud. He continues: “There’s nothing better than playing an early round of golf, getting down to the beach with the kids, then coming home for a big cook-up on the barbecue with family and friends. I grew up in Templestowe in a mixed Indian/Italian family so have both influences and remember watching my nonna make gnocchi. I loved eating the raw dough. My kids like to eat Italian at home and love my gnocchi bolognaise. They also love my mashed potato with lots of garlic.”

Adam’s cheffing apprenticeship began at Hilton on the Park. He then moved on to Cosi in South Yarra, travelled across Europe and Asia and upon returning worked at Pearl Restaurant in Melbourne. You may have seen him on various cooking shows, including MasterChef too. Throughout all of this he has remained true to Rosebud and his Peninsula holiday roots.

“It’s hard work but I’m lucky to have made a career out of cooking. I work a lot and really look forward to the breaks on the Peninsula. My mum spends at least half of her time in Rosebud too.”

Adam has also done a couple of guest cheffing gigs on the Peninsula and loves sampling the local produce too. Naturally.

LIZ ROGERS 

Mornington Peninsula Magazine celebrates an unbeaten century

This month, we proudly present our 100th edition of Mornington Peninsula Magazine. And while a congratulatory telegram from The Queen might be a little too much to expect, we would like to invite you, our valued readers and advertisers, to join us in celebrating what is, after all, a pretty significant milestone in these challenging times for independent media.

As the Peninsula’s go-to glossy publication, Mornington Peninsula Magazine has come a long way from its humble beginnings as Mornington Life in the winter of 2008. In those early days, Mornington Life was only distributed to Mount Eliza, Mornington and Mount Martha, but even then publisher Lisa Walton, pictured, had decided her fledgling venture would exist to showcase everything that makes our part of the world so very special. Beautiful seaside towns. Endearing stories of community spirit. Inspirational residents. And exceptional businesses, always with a strong lean towards produce, the arts and our environment.

Lisa has always harboured a passion for local businesses and her beloved Mornington Peninsula that she calls home, and this was reflected throughout every edition of Mornington Life. It soon became apparent that you shared that same passion, and the incredible support you showed us from day one meant it was soon time to branch out. So we increased our distribution to the wider Peninsula, and later encompassed the Greater City of Frankston with some key outlets in Melbourne as well. 

For the first five years we celebrated each season with a new edition, until September 2013 when we decided to rebrand as Mornington Peninsula Magazine and come out monthly. We continued to evolve our format over the years until we arrived at our current funky, square magazine. In May 2017 we made the move from staple binding to perfect binding for every edition, with the more sophisticated finish complementing our magazine as it entered its 12th year. 

We’re happy to say that you have been with us every step of our journey. With your support our magazine grew and indeed continues to grow. And while there have been many changes along the way, there has been one constant: our commitment to telling the stories of the Mornington Peninsula and supporting its many businesses and residents. Each month, our pages are bursting with vibrant, eye-catching advertisements that showcase the best art galleries, eateries, retailers, schools, home wares, markets, tourist attractions, wineries, breweries, distilleries, health providers, fashion outlets, beauty options, leisure centres . . . and so much more.  You’ll read about inspiring residents, community leaders, groups and clubs as we support and showcase local businesses; and you’ll be totally spoilt for entertainment choices. 

Lisa and her partner/business co-owner Archie Mitchell lead our small but dedicated team who not only produce Mornington Peninsula Magazine every month but Mt Eliza Village Magazine twice a year and our latest annual publication, Eat.Drink Mornington Peninsula. “We have been exposing new and innovative local businesses, showcasing the unique culture and celebrating community on the Peninsula for more than 13 years,” Lisa says. “Readers expect to find information about what is available in their local community and they are not let down. It’s fabulous to boast we still have so many regular advertisers who were in our first edition!  I also love the fact that so many of our stories are picked up by other publications, even TV, which really shows the reach and relevance we have.” 

Lisa and Archie want to thank all those who have been involved over the past 100 editions: the contributors, journalists, photographers, advertisers, staff and helpers. You helped make this happen.

Showcase your brand in our magazines and take up the option of full multi-media publicity when we promote and post your business on our website, Facebook, Google and Instagram. And we invite you to join us as we embark on the next 100 editions of Mornington Peninsula Magazine.

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Where unique interiors are made

Jeremy Brook from Luduco Living says he was one of the first to begin advertising with Mornington Peninsula Magazine, and he is glad he did. Known for custom-built sofas, dining and cabinet furniture, which is mostly designed in-house, Jeremy’s ever-evolving business understands what it means to stand out from the crowd by offering something unique to the market. And so do we.

Jeremy explains: “Our relationship with the magazine has been very productive. It reaches the whole of the Peninsula and farther up towards town and is ideal for our client base. It really fits with us and the shopping experience we like to deliver to our clients who love to view our product in store. Feel it. Sit on it. I also like the shelf-life of the magazine, and as newspapers become less relevant, it is a great marketing tool.”

Luduco Living is constantly in the process of reinventing itself and raising the bar as far as service, style and quality is concerned. All products are unique to Luduco with much of it being made by Peninsula craftspeople who work hard at delivering high-quality longevity-based items. Jeremy continues: “We like to use local tradespeople, whether it is for upholstery, cabinetry or carpentry services. We believe in Australian-made but have a few select lines of exceptionally made international furniture, such as Alexander and James from the UK and the German-made Himolla recliner. We also make sure to offer a price point for everyone by showcasing both custom and ready-made product. That’s important to ensure people keep coming back. We’ve had whole generations of families shopping at our store.”

Luduco Living’s success is due to a combination of Jeremy’s years of experience in the interior design and furnishing arenas, stellar customer service and a keen marketing nous. Moving through 2020 there will be new products and new looks along the way, but one thing will stay the same: the great partnership with the team at Mornington Peninsula Magazine. We’ll make sure of it.

LUDUCO LIVING
A: Peninsula Home, 1128-1132 Nepean Highway, Mornington
T: 5973 4899
W: www.luduco.com

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Kay keeps her eye on the prize

Most of you who have been reading our magazine since its inception will recognise Kay Tyrie. She’s been with us from the beginning, and has been working hard for the past 20 years to ensure Mornington Peninsula residents receive the best quality specs. Kay remains just as passionate about business and our magazine as she was when she opened her store in Main St, Mornington. Her business has gone from strength to strength over the past two decades and Mornington Peninsula Magazine has been there to see it. Kay explains:

“The support from Lisa and the staff at Mornington Peninsula Magazine has been wonderful. They go above and beyond. I’ll never forget the first time a client from town had read about us in the magazine and came to see us especially. The reach of the magazine is amazing. We are family owned and operated and committed to community. So is Mornington Peninsula Magazine.”

Kay believes you’ve got to be different and offer clients something they can’t find anywhere else to survive. That’s why Main Street Eyecare stocks Australian-designed bespoke eye ware, a select few designers from Japan and Europe and handmade spectacles in a range of colourful and creative styles, including sustainably-made product. It’s also really important to surround yourself with great staff.  She continues: “It was just me and one other when I first started. We have five staff who are completely dedicated to delivering service now, and you’ll often hear a lot of laughter in store. We make everyone feel at home. Some of our clients have been with us from the start.”

This flexible business owner is still excited to source new product and keeps abreast of changes in her industry. “I still learn something new every day and love going to trade fairs whether they are overseas or in Australia,” she continues. “I have no intention of slowing down and will continue to reinvent the business. We are here to stay. I’m sure the magazine is too.”

Here’s to another 20 years and counting, Kay. 

MAIN STREET EYECARE 
A: 57 Main St, Mornington
T: 5975 3235
FB: mainstreeteyecare3931
INSTA: mainstreeteyecare

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Maree Abbott gets the ‘goss’

Maree Abbott knows business. She also knows how important it is to read Mornington Peninsula Magazine each month to get the ‘goss’. Having advertised with us since the first edition in 2008, Maree explains: “I was just reading the latest edition of the magazine at 7.30am in the Mornington Village Centre so I could see what’s going on in my town. I pick up a copy each month to look at what’s on at the markets and what new businesses are about. We always have lots of magazines around the centre and there’s always someone sitting on a bench reading it. The coffee lounge has got copies on hand too. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to know anything about the Mornington Peninsula.”

Maree has had more than 30 years’ experience in the shopping centre management game.  From her marketing manager days at McDonald’s to working in shopping centres from Geelong to Camberwell, Burwood to Lynbrook, she’s just spent the past five years back at Mornington Village Centre after managing Bentons Square Shopping Centre and has no intention of slowing down. Why? Because she loves where she lives and appears to have endless amounts of energy. And she’s dedicated to supporting small-business owners across the region. 

Maree continues: “I really enjoy what I do and love where I live. I still manage three shopping centres and will keep doing it until I can’t.” Lucky for us.

This Mount Martha resident also instigated Fashions on the Field at Mornington Racing Club circa 2000 while on the Mornington Chamber of Commerce and started the Main Street Food and Wine Festival. She believes in the Mornington Peninsula and so do we. She concludes: “Mornington Peninsula Magazine lets local residents know what’s going on in their town and supports small business. That’s important.” Sure is. 

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That’s progress for you

With more than 30 years in the business of creating the right signs, Progress Signs in Mornington has secured its place as the go-to zone for all things signage. This family-owned and operated business has advertised with Mornington Peninsula Magazine since the early days and has continued to be part of our ever-expanding advertising family.

Craig Pollerd explains: “Advertising in Mornington Peninsula Magazine has been excellent. We’ve had lots of positive feedback and the magazine seems to be everywhere. It’s in practically every shop or business I go into. My dad Graeme started Progress Signs and convinced my brother Steve, who was working as an apprentice sign-writer, to come on board. I was looking for a cabinetmaking apprenticeship when one of Dad’s crew said I should do it here. Dad asked me to think about it for a week and that was it.”

Opening in Progress St, then moving to Yuille St, then building a factory in Virginia St where they are now, Craig and Steve took over the business in 2009 when Graeme semi-retired. 

And what’s the best thing about running your own business? Craig continues: “I reckon it’s knowing you’re running your own show. Of course, there can be stressful times as well, but having the freedom to make your own decisions is great.”

This neat operation of 10 dedicated staff offers the full sign service. “We do everything that’s signage-related, from the smallest jobs to large corporate work,” Craig says. “That includes all hand-written and digitally printed signage, vehicles, boats, shop fronts, real estate signage, window frosting, A-frames – and the list keeps going. No job is too small, and if we don’t do it, we will be able to recommend someone who does.

 “We have always prided ourselves on supporting local sporting and community groups; we offer good old-fashioned service and we hope to make people’s experience with us easy and pain-free. The only thing left to say, really, is thank you for 32 years of community support!”

PROGRESS SIGNS
A: 7 Virginia St, Mornington
T: 5975 9188
W: www.progress-signs.com.au

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Still the home of the Killer Vanilla

Brendon’s Cakes has been with Mornington Peninsula Magazine since day one. Known as the ‘home of the Killer Vanilla’, this Mornington-based fresh bread and cake institution has had great results advertising in Mornington Peninsula Magazine and we’ve loved having Brendon’s on board.

Brendon Williams has been handmaking his cakes and award-winning pastries since 1987. Now with 15 staff members, including four pastry chefs, and serving on average 250 customers a day, this not-so-small cake shop is kicking plenty of business goals. Brendon explains: “Our cornerstone is that while everyone else changes, we stay the same, and we’ve become more different by staying the same. We bake many unique-to-us products freshly on site every day, now also featuring our very own vegan pastries and cakes. This formula has served us well.

“We have served over two million customers over our time here. People say that strip-shopping is dying, but not so for us. We’re in a great position and people know we are here. Some of our customers have been with us since we opened and we’ve had generations of the same families coming in to buy our cakes and pastries for over 30 years. Many pick up a copy of Mornington Peninsula Magazine when they are in the shop. We’ve even got people coming up from Sorrento for our cakes. After all, we are known for the Killer Vanilla.” 

Brendon and the team use only the best quality ingredients and always choose Peninsula produce when they can. As an integral part of the Peninsula landscape, just as Mornington Peninsula Magazine is, this is a business that will continue to thrive well into the future. 

Flick through the pages of our 100th edition for Brendon’s coupon-based advertisement. Although we discourage coupons, we have made an exception for Brendon.  Visit his store to grab a taste of deliciousness.  We often do and so should you.

BRENDON’S CAKES
A: 100 Wilsons Rd, Mornington
T: 5975 8094
W: www.brendonscakes.com.au 

Dedicated riders star at youth dressage champs

Emily Yeomen shares a special moment with Cambridge Park Charli Brown after winning the Pony Novice Champion. Photo: Emily Yeomen

From January 16-19, almost 150 dedicated young riders aged from eight to 25 made the journey to Fiona Selby’s stunning Boneo Park Equestrian Centre to compete in the 2020 2 Construct Victorian Youth Dressage Championships. Although the clouds loomed and the wind was strong, competitors remained undeterred as they danced around the arenas under the eyes of internationally accredited judges. Paired with a vibrant trade village, spectators and parents had much to enjoy.

Day One began with the Toorak College Interschool classes, which provide a pathway for these riders into official competitions. Shayleigh Joblin riding Maxwell Matador Royale claimed the Toorak College Primary Preliminary, Tayla Anderson and Rimondi D won the Toorak College Intermediate Preliminary, and Montre Midnight Storm won the Toorak College Senior Preliminary Championship.

Day Two marked the start of the official classes. Despite the wind gusts, all riders had big smiles on their faces at the end of the day, particularly championship winners Charlie Welsh on MSJ Tia Fortuna who won the Riddells Creek Dressage Elementary Championship, Emily Yeoman on Cambridge Park Charli Brown who took out the Carol Hayes Pony Elementary Championship, Olivia Gillespie on Versace I who won the Carol Hayes Advanced Championship, and Shayleigh Joblin on Maxwell Matador Royale who took home the Toorak College Interschool Primary Novice Championship. Jasmine Abernethy had a successful day claiming the Toorak College Interschool Intermediate Novice, while Ellie Holland on Vollrath Dornkaat won the Toorak College Interschool Senior Novice Championship, and Marni Clapham on Frantonio won the FEI Para Grade I Team Test.

A sunny afternoon on Day Three saw Ella Robinson on Carool Furst Denali take out the Mornington Toyota Novice Championship. Ella also won the Taylor Farley Memorial Award for being the highest placed novice competitor under the age of 18. Emily Yeoman on Cambridge Park Charli Brown won the Lauriston Park Dressage Pony Novice Champion. Rosemary Heagney was awarded the Australian Sports Pony Registry Rising Star Award for the highest placed rider under the age of 16. On a close countback, Rebecca Holmes and Bellaire Cobra won the Charlies Cookies Medium Championship with Maddi Growcott and BZ Flynn taking home Reserve Champion. Sky Wright and Kamber Merfyn won the Muskikur Dressage to Music Elementary Freestyle. Taittinger VDS and I had a ball in the Carol Hayes Advanced Freestyle to receive first place. The day ended with the Dancing Horse Barbeque and disco, which was a highlight of the night.

All riders were out in force for the championships’ final day. Paige Koliba riding Loriot Skyes the Limit won the Sabble Farm FEI-Pony Championship, Matilda Bills and High Heelz Firfod claimed the Marcus Oldham FEI-Junior Championship, and Jessica Dertell on Eskara De Jeu took out both the Ellanbrae Park W Esther De Jeu FEI-Young Rider Championship and the Stable Ground FEI Small Tour Championship. Alicia Ryan and Bluefields Furstentanz won the Marcus Oldham Medium Tour Championship and Lindsey Ware and Aristede won the Stable Ground FEI Under-25 Grand Prix Championship. Keely Smith on Cooparitz won the Hi Form and Harry’s Choice Participation Novice Championship, and Indi Officer on Devlin Park Time Will Tell won the Motor One Group Preliminary Championship. Jessica Payne riding Corvan Park Cora Lynn won the Australian Sports Pony Registry Pony Preliminary Championship and Indi Officer continued her successful day winning the Musikur Dressage to Music Novice Freestyle on Devlin Park Time Will Tell. Louisa Inge riding Road to Jamieson won the Charlies Cookies Medium Freestyle. 

This event could not have been run without the incredible efforts of Jan Smith, Kaitlyn McGill, Aengus Wright, Susan Ryan, Donna Desmet and all the fabulous people who tirelessly worked behind the scenes, including the judges, the sponsors and every parent and competitor who volunteered over the weekend. Thank you to all for providing our young riders with the opportunity to showcase their talents in a supportive and encouraging environment. Suffice to say, people will be working towards next year’s competition beginning tomorrow. I know I will be.

DANA KRAUSE