Otway Life issue 1

connecting communities across the ranges summer 2014 issue 1

INSIDECape Otway and its surprising treasures • Arts & Music • Around our Neighbourhood Houses

• Anglesea • Aireys Inlet • Lorne • Apollo Bay • Princetown

• Deans Marsh • Birregurra • Forrest • Colac • Kawarren • Gellibrand • Lavers Hill • Hordern Vale

Who are We?Median Age 42 years

Population 20,735

Located in South Western Victoria and stretching from Anglesea in the east to Princetown in the west, the Otway Ranges encompassing the Great Otway National Park, is a diverse and special place

The Otways

10% bachelor degree or higher

0.06 people per hectare

Religion

Christian 63%

No religion 26%

Unknown 10%

Non-Christian 1%

4% unemployment

land area 343,331 hectares

Ancestry

Australian 37% English 34%

Irish 13% Scottish 10%

German 3% Italian 2% Dutch 2%

Colac Otway Shire Statistics

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This is an exciting community enterprise initiative of Forrest & District Neighbourhood House with any profits made being directed back into the neighbourhood house program.

We aim to provide interesting, thought provoking and local information and news. Otway Life Magazine is created by the people for the people, who live or visit The Otways. There is a particular focus on community concerns, the environment, sustainable living and creating a work life balance.

We welcome any suggestions and offers of content. We have very reasonable advertising rates for business and personal classifieds. Community notices are free!

Who Are We?The Otway Ranges are located in South Western Victoria and stretch from Anglesea in the east, to Princetown in the west. It encompasses the Great Otway National Park, and is populated by a number of rich and diverse communities.

The Otway Ranges cross over two shire councils, the Colac-Otway Shire and the Surf Coast Shire. The townships that fall within the ranges include: Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Wye River, Apollo Bay, Princetown along the coast and Deans Marsh, Forrest, Kawarren, Barongarook, Gellibrand and Laver’s Hill in the hinterland.

The townships of Colac, Birregurra, Moriac and Winchelsea, while not strictly in The Otways region, service the residents and visitors to the ranges.

Our first infograph of The Otways population is taken from the ABS data for Colac Otway Shire. In further issues we will expand to include data from the Surf Coast Shire area to get a clearer picture of our demographics.

Neighbourhood House ProgramsEvery issue of Otway Life Magazine will feature the term programs of our dynamic neighbourhood houses:

Colac• Forrest• Gellibrand• Laver’s Hill• Marrar Woorn - Apollo Bay•

In this Summer edition we focus on Cape Otway. In particular the Otway Dinasour and the Otway Ecological Centre.

Please enjoy this first issue and share with friends.

In keeping with our sustainability principles, a digital version can be downloaded here http://issuu.com/otwaylifemagazine

The Team Business Manager & Design Gillian BrewEditor Nettie HulmeSales Joyce Howcroft

Published January 2014 by Forrest & District Neighbourhood House14 Grant Street Forrest Victoria 3236P 03 52366 591E [email protected] www.facebook.com/otwaylifemagazine

Aucpiced by Otway Health ABN 30 426 290 469Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this magazine and the advertisements supplied do not necessarily represent those of Otway Health.

Cover image by Jessica BrewNext issue (Autumn) deadline 10 February 2014Otway Life Magazine acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.Printed by: !mpact Digital on 100% recycled stock

ContentsFocus on Cape Otway �� 4-5

Polar Dinosaur Exhibition �� 6Spotting Tiger Quolls �� 7Gadubanud �� 8

2014 Year of the Wood Horse �� 9

Apollo Bay Music Festival �� 10

Blueberry Blues �� 11

Calendar of Events �� 12-13

Artist Profile - Salvina Conti �� 14-15

Gellibrand River Gallery �� 16

Eating in the Otways �� 17

The Otway Ranges Walking Track Association �� 18

Around the Houses �� 19-23

Editor’s NoteWelcome to the first issue of Otway Life Magazine!

Otway Life Magazine Summer 2014

4

Focus on Cape Otway Cape Otway is a cape and a bounded locality of the Colac Otway Shire in southern Victoria, Australia on the Great Ocean Road; much of the area is enclosed in the Great Otway National Park.Cape Otway was originally inhabited by the Gadubanud people; evidence of their campsites is contained in the middens throughout the region. The Cape was discovered by Europeans when Lieutenant James Grant made the first west to east passage through Bass Straight in the Lady Nelson in December 1800. Grant named it Cape Albany Otway after Captain William Albany Otway. This was later shortened to Cape Otway.

Cape Otway Lighthouse was built on the point of the cape in 1848.

A telegraph office opened in 1859. The post office opened on 1 September 1880 and closed in 1972.

Eight ships were wrecked along the coast of Cape Otway. These included the Marie (1851), Sacramento (1853), Schomberg (1856), Loch Ard (1878), Joseph H. Scammell (May 1891), Fiji (September 1891) and the Casino in 1932. The first American vessel sunk during World War II, the SS City of Rayville, was also sunk off the Cape by a German mine. Following this, the Americans built a radar bunker on the cape in 1942; it is now open to the public

The hostile seas, where the Southern Ocean meets with Bass Strait, that surround Cape Otway are home to some of the worlds most prized marine species including crayfish and abalone. It is common on calm days for there to be as many as 20 abalone dive boats operating along the shoreline beneath the light house. Commercial cray fishers use baited pots or traps throughout the reef system, with white floats on the surface marking their locations.

The entire nation of Australia was left reeling after more than 350 lives were lost when the Cataraqui founded on a reef off King Island in September 1845. In the face of public outcry, newspaper editorial comments, and widespread condemnation, the New South Wales Government was forced to commission a string of lighthouses in Bass Strait. Cape Otway soon became a favoured site, but decades of logistical challenges lay ahead for the builders, lightkeepers, assistants and their families - not to mention the scores of people who were shipwrecked after the light was operational.

Life at the Cape

CAPE Otway Lightstation’s first keepers and their wives had to be dedicated, hard-working and incredibly resourceful people to cope with the demands of an arduous and isolated lifestyle with supplies delivered just twice a year - by boat. They kept the light lit, rescued and fed shipwreck victims and raised their families in between maintaining the Beacon of Hope for the thousands of ships which traversed Bass Strait.

Specialist tours Cape Otway Lightstation(must be prebooked)

Guided tours • of the 18 metre Lighthouse Tower are conducted daily - commencing at 9:30 AM.Koori Tours • - you can visit the significant locations near the Lightstation where an experienced Koori guide explains the history, culture and foods of the Koori people who once lived on the Cape.Palaeontology (Prehistoric plants and •animals) Tours - this area has become renowned by palaeontologists for the study of at least seven different types of disosaurs including the Polar Dinosaurs which are unique to the area.

Cape Otway is just over 200 km from Melbourne. From Melbourne take the Princes Highway to Geelong, then the Great Ocean Road through Lorne and Apollo Bay. 16 km west of Apollo Bay turn left onto Lighthouse Road. The Lightstation is 13 km from the Great Ocean Road turnoff (Melway ref: 526 J10).

For further information visit Cape Otway Lightstation or call 5237 9240

Sources:http://www.lightstation.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Otwayhttp://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/great-ot-way-national-park/things-to-do/cape-otway- lightstation2

5Focus on Cape Otway

Greetings,

While on holiday from Canada my partner, Sherree, and I were en-route to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road and were finding it slow going since, with every turn, we had to stop and gawk at the gorgeous landscape. We were about to turn off the road to save some time when we came across the entrance to the lighthouse and thought that well, we’re here and since it’s only 12km, we should go ... and so we did.

While admiring even more gorgeous views from the top of the lighthouse I happened to glance down and see a fuzzy grey creature creeping along at the base of the building. From above, it looked more like a monkey at first but a second glance confirmed that it was a koala! He seemed a bit disoriented as he was trying to scale the lighthouse door jamb and then tried the downspout without success. He spent about 10 minutes wandering around the base of the building trying to get comfortable on the fence and when that didn’t work headed off into the bushes.

It was a big thrill for us to see a wild koala ... especially in such an unusual location. Thanks for the experience.

Cheers,

Rooth MacMillan & Sherree Clark, Toronto, Canada


Cape Otway Lightstation has brought Leaellynasaura, a tiny warm-blooded polar dinosaur, home.Leaellynasaura, the pin up girl of the dinosaur world who rewrote the world’s pre-history books, is back on her stomping ground.

The remarkable little dinosaur, discovered during digs in the Eighties, is on display at Cape Otway Lightstation until April in an exciting exhibition created by palaeontologists who have made a string of internationally important discoveries on the coast immediately east and west of the iconic lighthouse.

Monash University’s Emeritus Professor of Geosciences Pat Vickers-Rich, part of the team who discovered Leaellynasaura, said the exhibition represented some of the rich finds in the region and was of great interest to those fascinated by life on Earth dating back more than 100 million years.

Professor Vickers-Rich said Leaellynasaura, named for her daughter Leaellyn, changed the world’s understanding of dinosaurs - she was warm blooded, hibernated and had huge eyes so she could see in the long, polar winters.

Professor Vickers-Rich, who heads up the UNESCO International Sciences Program, said palaeontologists

continued to work the Otways coast and were looking forward to making more finds this summer at Point Franklin, a beach within sight of the Lightstation.

“Every time we have a dig we find something - we’ve literally got a treasure trove here. All the way along this Otways coast is scientifically very important, because it has the most biodiverse polar fauna on the planet,” Professor Vickers-Rich said.

Lightstation manager Paul Thompson said showcasing the pre-history of the Cape for locals and tourists during summer was an exciting new addition to the heritage precinct.

“We’re all about history at the Lightstation - indigenous culture and stories, our rich maritime history, our active role in guarding the coast in World War Two, and now we’re travelling way, way back in time to meet our local stars of prehistory,” Mr Thompson said.“Apart from the museum standard exhibits, including fascinating fossils and dinosaur eggs, we will have guides and activities for young people - including a dinosaur dig.“We’re committed to bringing history alive with our performers Characters of the Cape, our Aboriginal Cultural Centre guides, and this exhibition helps us to understand the prehistoric creatures that roamed the Cape and the important discoveries that palaeontologists continue to make on the Lightstation’s doorstep.”Otways Dinosaur’s Deb Moore said her company had joined forces with the Lightstation with a view to finding a permanent home for a large scale permanent exhibition on the wildlife of Gondwana, which spans 3.8 billion years, and has toured internationally.Entry to the exhibition is included in the normal Lightstation entrance fee until April.

Lightstation manager Paul Thompson, Monash University’s Emeritus Professor of Geosciences Pat Vickers-Rich, Greg Denney from Otway Dinosaurs and Leaellynasaura

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November 2013 - April 2014, Telegraph Station, Cape Otway

IMAGE:Australia’s Dinosaur Era stamps, 1993; Designer: Peter Trusler; © Australian Postal Commission

Polar Dinosaur Exhibition

Entry to the light station is FREE to residents of Colac Otway Shire!

Spotting Tiger

Quolls

7Focus on Cape Otway

The Otways is home to mainland Australia’s largest carnivorous marsupial, the Tiger Quoll. Though populations have rapidly declined across their entire range over recent decades, this species holds a special place in our hearts as well as in the ecosystems of the Otways.

The Conservation Ecology Centre (CEC), based at Cape Otway, is working hard to ensure the Tiger Quoll survives – and hopes that we will one day see Tiger Quolls roaming the forests regularly. While working with project partners on habitat restoration and feral predator control to assist quolls, the CEC is also concentrating on learning more about the surviving Tiger Quoll population so that these conservation efforts can be targeted more effectively.

One approach to this involves developing a team of Conservation Dogs - community volunteers and their dogs, as Tiger Quoll detection teams to assist with finding Tiger Quoll scats (poos) for DNA analysis to greatly increase understanding of the local quolls.

A great way to support the conservation of Tiger Quolls this summer is by enjoying a nice cold Spotted Ale. Specially brewed by Otway Brewing for the conservation cause, all profits from Spotted Ale go straight to Tiger Quoll conservation and research. We think there can’t be many better ways to spend a summer evening than enjoying a beer in the Otways that helps our beautiful natural environment!

For more information see: www.conservationecologycentre.org or to order your Spotted Ale go to www.pricklymoses.com.au

Image: Lucia Griggi

A welcome arrival at CEC last year were four Tiger quoll joeys. The joeys will help inform researchers about Tiger Quoll behaviour and assist with the conservation of these endangered animals.

Image: Leon Walker


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The Gadubanud (Katabanut) people occupied the rainforest plateau and rugged coastline of Cape Otway in Western Victoria covering the present towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. The Gellibrand and Barwon Rivers are likely territorial borders with the Wada wurrung to the north east, Gulidjan to the north and Girai Wurrung to the west. Gadubanud means literally the King Parrot people. There has been no documented interaction with the Gadubanud since 1846,. although some may have found refuge at the Weslayan mission station at Birregurra and later the Framlingham mission station. Today the Gunditjmara people are the traditional custodians of Gadubanud lands, although there are Aboriginal people in the area today who trace their ancestry to the Gudabanud.

Chief Protector George Augustus Robinson on his trip to Port Fairy in 1842 met three Gadubanud people when he visited the mouth of the Hopkins River. From this interaction some clan information and territorial boundaries are recorded. In 1842 Gadubanud robbed an outstation for food and blankets.

Superintendent Charles La Trobe made three expeditions to reach Cape Otway, and on his third attempt in March 1846 came upon seven Gadubanud men and women in the Aire valley.

Blanket Bay massacre

Later in 1846 George D Smythe was contracted to survey the Otways. One of his surveying party, Conroy,

was murdered by a party of Gadubanud, although there are no details on whether they may have been provoked in some way. Smythe returned to Melbourne to organise a retaliatory expedition which took place in August 1846. The party, which included several Wada Wurrung people, came across seven Gadubanud at the mouth of the Aire River and at Blanket Bay and attacked and killed them. A Report of this massacre was published in the Argus of 1 September 1846.

Ian Clark also reports that a number of further accounts have distorted the massacre by including rape and inflating the number killed, or attributing the attack to a detachment of Native Police Corps led by Foster Fyans.

One such story is by Aldo Massola who detailed the following account: “In 1848 one of two survivors, a woman who then lived in Warrnambool, told the story: One of the white men had interfered with a lubra, and her husband had killed the aggressor. The Black Police had come shortly after and had shot down indiscriminately the whole of her group, about twenty men, women and children. She and another lubra were only slightly wounded, and hid themselves in the scrub until the attackers left the scene of the massacre. As far as she knew they were the only survivors.”

According to Clark, no more recorded interactions occurred after 1846 between the Gadubanud and European settlers.

Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadubanud

The GadubanudFocus on Cape Otway

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2014 Year of the Wood HorseThe new Moon on January 31 begins the Chinese New Year of the Wood Horse. This new Moon also starts the month of the Fire Tiger making energy very strong and lively as Horse year begins, a clear departure from the slower energy of the previous Water Snake year 2013.

The Wood Horse year is a time of fast victories, unexpected adventure, and surprising romance. It is an excellent year for travel, and the more far away and off the beaten path the better. Energy is high and production is rewarded. Decisive action, not procrastination, brings victory. But you have to act fast in a Horse year. If you are not 100% secure about a decision, then don’t do it. Events move so quickly in a Horse year that you don’t want to gallop off in the wrong direction.

Horse in China

In Chinese astrology, Horse year is considered a fortunate year that brings luck and good things. Magical Horse has supernatural powers, is heroic, strong, and can even fly! A white celestial cloud Horse is sacred to the Chinese Goddess Kwan Yin. Her white Horse flies through the heavens, bringing peace and blessings. Horse is a hero in China because important battles were won due to the power and strength of the Horse.

Born in horse year

People born in Horse years (2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918, 1906) are bright, cheerful, popular, and fun loving. They find people and crowds

exciting, and love parties. Horse’s childish innocence, sunny disposition, and natural charm attract many friends. Horse is a highly intuitive animal, so people born in Horse year follow their hunches. Their keen judgment and natural intuition often help them make

the right decisions throughout their life.

Horses have a carefree nature and need ample room for self expression. When constrained by rules, proud Horse

will rebel, refusing to be corralled or tamed. Horses will tell you exactly what is

on their mind; they are frank and dislike hidden agendas. So this is the time for issues to be out in the open, especially with family members.

Ready Set Go...Keep in mind this year that Horse energy is

free spirited, wild, willful, and independent. Horse has a refined instinct that acts fast, on the spot, unlike Horse’s opposite the Rat who thinks and plans before acting. The time for pondering and planning was 2013 Snake year. Horse year is time to act fast, buy that home, launch that business, travel the world, make a big purchase, get a promotion at work, have a breakthrough – take a leap and fly. If it’s right, then there’s nothing to think about. Just follow instincts. Even if you miss the mark, you’ll have all of Wood Sheep year 2015 to get cozy and enjoy life’s comforts in all their artistic forms.

Reprinted with kind permission by Susan Levitt

More information about the Year of the Horse can be found here: http://susanlevitt.com

Relax Communications

Suzanne FrydmanCreative Arts Therapist

Counselling & Stress Management - an experiential approach

www.relaxcommunications.com.auPh 0431 121 514

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Music by the BayWhat’s On

22 years on, it is still facilitated by a small and dedicated Committee of Management who volunteer their time and expertise. Many have been associated with the festival since its inception. Research indicates that more than 90% of patrons travel for more than 1.5 hrs to the Festival and that the 2010 Festival generated more than $7M into the local economy.

The Apollo Bay Music Festival is firmly on the map as a major annual tourist and community event for Apollo Bay and a significant Festival for Victoria. Over the years it has also established itself as a highly regarded Festival throughout Australia and on the international circuit.

The Festival continues to develop a growing Melbourne, interstate and international audience, attracting a multi-age group attendance of families, couples through to retirees. The Festival is the single biggest drawcard for visitors to Apollo Bay over the one weekend attracting on average 4500-5000 ticket holders and a further 3000 who partake in free activities along the foreshore.

The diversity of the programming attracts new and emerging audiences, along with established followers. Excellence, variety and surprise are all key ingredients to the program. More than seventy acts across eleven venues are presented over the three day event, utilising appropriate partner-licensed and non-licensed venues, combined with two large marquee stages along the foreshore. The Festival prides itself in producing a safe and festive environment and is conscious of these factors in its program delivery.

Future festivals will continue to build upon it’s reputation for presenting a dynamic program of national and international performers in a variety of genres including Jazz, Blues, Roots, Classical, Pop/Rock, Jazz World and Country as well as it’s commitment to innovative and popular special events.

The Festival is recognized for programming headline acts as well as discovering emerging artists. Although music is the focus, the Festival programs multi art forms including theatre, literature, film, comedy and dance.

Artists who have performed at the Apollo Bay Music Festival over the years include The John Butler Trio, Tiddas, Kasey Chambers, You Am I, Bob Brozman, The Whitlams, Eddi Reader, Robyn Hitchock with REM’s Peter Buck, Scott McAughey & Bill Rieflin, Tex Perkins, The Australian Art Orchestra, Joe Camileri, Kate Miller-Heidke, Vince Jones, Jimmy Little, Karma County, Flacco & The Sandman and The Choir of Hard Knocks… just to name an eclectic few.

Recent awards include The 2009 Regional Arts Victoria Contemporary Cultural Development [RAVE] Award and 2008 Powercor Special Event Festival of The Year Award. With a strong commitment to its region, the Festival actively works with community groups during the year to foster artistic development and proudly showcases these talents during the event.

The Apollo Bay Music Festival is set in a backdrop of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic coastlines in Australia. In 2010 the Festival continued its carbon offset program, with the help of the Southern Otway Landcare Network and Landcare CarbonSMART. All carbon emissions generated through the running of the Festival were offset in plantings of biodiverse native forest, located along the Great Ocean Road, in the Southern Otways. These carbon offset plantings are verified by Landcare CarbonSMART and they meet Kyoto protocols. Whilst offsetting the Festival’s emissions, they also provide important habitat for native fauna and protection of our waterways. A contribution from ticket sales funds this project.

Alongside swimming and surf beaches, Apollo Bay has a large boat harbour which is home to a major fishing fleet. The town’s commercial centre, which features a good selection of restaurants, cafes and visitor services, is situated along one side of the Great Ocean Road, overlooking a wide, grassy foreshore which fronts the main swimming beach. Another popular beach is located at the mouth of the Barham River in Mounts Bay. Apollo Bay’s beaches and marina are set in the backdrop of rolling green hills, a pretty foreshore and shopping precinct.

See the inside back page for 2014 details.

The Apollo Bay Music Festival was launched in 1992 as a volunteer based not-for-profit association. It is led by an enthusiastic and passionate community who love music and wanted to create a dynamic cultural event for their magnificent and isolated township.

11What’s On

In it’s third year the Gellibrand River Blues and Blueberry festival is an inclusive community event created to help support local business and bring the community together. Sponsored by the Colac Otway Shire and supported by the Gellibrand Neighbourhood House and Otway Estate the event is hosted in the beautiful township of Gellibrand.

This year featuring popular foot stompin’ boogie and blues trio Collard Greens and Gravy, Dream Boogie, One Black Rat and Blues With That. You will find music about town at the Otway tourist park, Rex Norman park and the community hall all within easy walking distance.

This festival is not just a feast for the ears, the Otway Produce market has fresh

locally grown goodies from 9am-1pm, Otway Estate busses in their popular bar services and check out the Art Expo and demonstrations by local artists.

Tickets through Moshtix. $25 adults, $10 children and $60 family. A great value family day out and don’t forget the blueberries - yum...

Blues and BlueberriesMarch 1st 2014 9am-6pm

BeechyBerriesBlueberries fresh from the Otways from late December to early March Sorted, packed and available at the farm gate within hours of being hand-picked. The fruit is picked at maximum taste and juiciness. Great snack food for the family with loads of anti-oxidants. 2 sizes of punnets available.

Also available at selected outlets in the Otways - Birregurra Farm Foods, Otway Nourished and Gellibrand General Store. Used exclusively at the Ridge Cafe in Beech Forest. No sprays used on plants.

1 Kg frozen packs also available: please ring first. No Self pick. Props. Marg and Bruce Rossiter Email: [email protected]

3360 Colac-Lavers Hill Rd, Ferguson (10mins south of Gellibrand River township) Ph: 03 5235 9201

Fresh from the farm gate

every day 8am to 6pm

125gm and 375gm

punnets available

Find us at the Gellibrand River Blues

and Blueberry Festival


12 Otway Calendar Feb-March 2014

Feb 1Sat 7.30-10pm

Music at Martians CafeC.J.LeeWhere12 Lorne Rd, Deans MarshT 5236 3350

8 Saturday

OCR FM Open Mic2nd Saturday of the month 2 - 5pm.Musicians, bands, dancers and spoken word and clean comedy.Children under 15 to be accompanied by an adult guardian.Where Red Rock Regional Theatre and GalleryContact Jonathan Graham M 0439 329 713E [email protected]:// ocrfm.org.au

Music at Martians Cafe 7.30pmCyndi Boste with Josh GoddardWhere12 Lorne Rd, Deans MarshT 5236 3350

9 Sunday 9.30am-3pm

Birregurra MarketLocal produce including fruit and veg, wines, plants, honey, preserves, jams and ice cream. All proceeds go to the community via the Festival.Where Birregurra ParkContact Vicki JeffreyM 0419 367 994E [email protected]

www.birregurra.com/market

11Tuesday 8am

Breast Screen Bus from Apollo Bay to GeelongSee ad below

16 Sunday 9am - 1pmApollo Bay Farmers Market3rd Sunday of the month.Where Apollo Bay Youth Club, 19-21 Moore Street

23 Sunday 3pm - 9:30am

Colac Otway Relay for Life18hr overnight event for family, friends and colleagues to get together, celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer. Register at www.relayforlife.org.au Where Colac ShowgroundsContact Sarah Mayhew T 1300 65 65 85F colacrelayforlifewww.relayforlife.org.au

22 Saturday from 10am

Apollo Bay Seafood Festival on the ForeshoreShowcase all the fruits of the sea and forest that we have in our amazing Otway region.F ApolloBaySeafoodFestivalE [email protected]

Music at Martians CafeJeff Lang Where 12 Lorne Rd, Deans MarshT 5236 3350

28 Feb - 2 MarApollo Bay Music FestivalA 3 day event starting Friday 28 Feb at 6pm through to Sunday 2 MarchWhere: Apollo Bay Foreshore and various venuesContact Lee Rosser T: (03) 5237 6761E [email protected]

March 1Sat 9am-6pm

Gellibrand River Blues & Blueberry FestivalMusic, Otway Produce Market and Art Expo and Sales Where Rex Norman Park, Gellibrand Community Hall & Otways Tourist ParkContact Karen McLoghlin T 5235 8150E [email protected]

7-24 Friday-SundayTactile Pleasure Group exhibition 26 artists exhibiting a variety of original artwork including paintings, papier mache, photography, sculpture, textiles and woodwork.Where Anglican Church Hall, Apollo BayContact Bernadette Marriner T 0407 828314 F tactileapollobay

8 Saturday 2pm-5pm OCR FM Open Mic (see Feb)

9 Sunday 9.30am-3pm Birregurra Market (see Feb)

You are eligible for a free BreastScreen if You are a woman over the age of 40 You have not been screened in the last 12 months You have not had any previous breast complications

Please book by January 28th to secure a place. $12 return Departing Otway Health at 8am. Please inform reception if you require pick up.

BreastScreen Bus from Apollo Bay to Geelong

Tuesday 11th Feb 2014

For more info please contact Loren Jenkins, Community Health Nurse, Otway HealthPh 5237 8500 email [email protected]

13Otway Calendar Feb-March 2014

8-30 opening 3pm Sat Lorne Sculpture BiennaleThe 4th annual three-week event spanning four weekends includes the main attraction, the Sculpture Trail, where 41 major, permanent sculptures will be presented along the beautiful coastline from Lorne Pier to the Erskine River. Be inspired. Be delighted. Be amazed. Be challenged, as you walk along the ocean trail.E: [email protected]

14-16 Fri-Sun 9am-4pmColac Kana Festival57th Annual Colac Kana Festival.Traditional street parade, Fair-in-the-Square, live entertainment and more.Where Memorial Square ColacContact Carolyn Gilbert T 0404 227 183E [email protected]

16 Sunday 9am-3pm

Old Beechy Rail Trail Fun Run9am 16km run from Barongarook to Gellibrand 10am i7km Walk/Run from Kawarren to Gellibrand.Phone the Rotary Club of Colac for more details.Where Old Beechy Rail TrailContact Jacqui Campbell T 5231 5149E [email protected]

Apollo Bay Farmers Market Where Apollo Bay Youth Club, 19-21 Moore Street

21-23 Fri-Sun 10am-5pm

Colac Quilters ExhibitionA three day bi-annual exhibition of patchwork quilts Where St Andrews Hall Pollack Street ColacContact Judy Billing T 5231 2946E [email protected]

23 Sunday 10am-5pm

Deans Marsh FestivalIn it’s 18th year celebrates the rich and diverse hinterland community of artists, crafts people, food & wine producers and musicians. Where 10 Pennyroyal Valley RoadDeans MarshT (03) 5236 3388E [email protected]://deansmarshfestival.com.au

30 Fri-Sun 11am-3pm

Autumn Harvest Fair Fresh produce, market stalls, BBQ, old fashioned games, devonshire tea, live entertainment, jumping castle and petting zoo. Where Colac West Primary School 12 Ligar Street ColacContact Colac West Primary School T 5231 2479E [email protected]

Otway Celebrations My ceremonies are usually held in the great outdoors, so if you have a connection to the natural world and are wanting to hold your ceremony on the beach, in the forest or on a special spot for you both......talk to me!

You have complete creative control over both the tone, content and participation in your ceremony. Nothing is too ‘out there’ for me and sometimes the briefest, simplest no-fuss ceremonies are the most powerful.

Please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss your thoughts, plans and wishes for your wedding ceremony.

Nettie Hulme - also catering to the LGBTI community.

Websites: otwaycelebrations.com and lgbticelebrations.com WeddingCelebrantOtways and lgbticelebrations

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Salvina Conti has been living in The Otways, near Barwon Downs, for over twelve years since making the move from Melbourne. In that time, Sal has established herself as a much respected and loved teacher and mentor to art students in Colac, Gellibrand and Forrest.

Salvina Conti is also an accomplished artist in her own right and I spent a lovely couple of hours in her studio home discussing her inspirations and her work.

Salvina ContiOtways Artist Profile

Above Ceramic bust Above right Salvina on the steps of her Otways home Right Oil Painting (title)

15What Inspires You as an Artist?

I draw my inspiration from the environment, the places I find myself in. I think about the relationship between things. I have painted images inspired by the area around the Stony Rises. There are so many patterns and sounds that interact particularly with the self. I listen to the wind through the trees and the flapping of wings. Then there are all the things left over, skulls and oddly shaped pieces of wood. I try to capture a ‘sense of place’ by depicting my movement through and around the Rises. I am interested in the way certain things capture our attention, the interchanging of near and far, the feelings and impressions a place leaves in our memories. The images and thoughts in our minds that can be likened to a bird in flight; seeing the overview and suddenly swooping in to focus on something. I want to create a sense of immersion in the environment, a linking and flowing of forms that are at times distinct and at others ambiguous, metaphoric and resonant. I am trying to describe the entity that is a place and our interaction with it. The Stony Rises feels kind of disconnected from the rest of the world as if it is a separate, secret pocket and this feels magical to me. I am also attracted by the undulating landscape and the contrast between the lush and rocky.

Since I have been busy teaching the past few years, I have only been able to work sporadically on my own art. Teaching art has been an enriching experience, stimulating and pushing me to experiment with new ideas and mediums. But it has also robbed me of time.

How do you like to make your art?

Ideas inspire me. I like to be surprised. Otherwise I feel as if I am just completing something that has been pre-thought. Of course I do some planning but then different possibilities appear to me. It is as if the artwork talks back to me.

More recently I have enjoyed exploring contemporary art more than the past. It is playful and is full of new ideas and this is what piques my curiosity. Contemporary art is not always great, or even good, but it can be surprising. Artwork from the past can be great, but it is familiar.

That is one of the reasons I like to paint en plein air. I need fuel for the work, to get to the source otherwise it can become too clichéd. I need to find new shapes and patterns and not to rely on old information.

I enjoy working in oils as they allow me to push it around and it is flexible. But I also like acrylics and watercolours.

Who Inspires You as an Artist?

Many Australian painters are favourites including John Woolsley, John Olsen, and Fred Williams. But Paul Klee and Georgia O’Keefe also inspire me. I love the simplicity of her desert landscapes and how focused they are. I often feel my images are too cluttered and busy and I aspire to be simpler. Because I feel surrounded by many layers in the Australian landscape, there are so many details that accumulate and build up on one another. I also admire Godwin Bradbeer, Fiona Hall, Katy Stone and Annette Messager. Lately I have been experimenting with digital programs as a way of manipulating and reworking images of my artwork or photographs. I find it is a great tool to develop ideas that could end up as new paintings. This way of reimagining the images always contains lots of surprises.

What’s Next For You?

I’m attracted to the 3 dimensional in art. I have been promoting sculptural options in some of my art classes and am now considering it in my own work. I do love teaching. With all the classes I have been astounded not only with the variety of responses to the creative tasks, but also the quality of student’s work. They are very inspiring. I really hope that the art community in Forrest continues to grow and that there are other art happenings apart from the Certificate 1V and Diploma in Visual Arts courses on a Friday. And that one day we will have a real studio and gallery in town.

Salvina Conti currently teaches Certificate 1V and Diploma in Visual Arts for South West TAFE at Forrest Hall every Friday during school terms. There are places still available in 2014. Please contact Salvina on 52366064 for more information.

“The Otways is my muse. I feel this place as a living entity. It’s not full of people, but full of characters. Sometimes I walk out into the forest and meet a comical tree, a cheeky bird or even a bush that is quite serious. There is so much life, from ants and funny, foamy fungi on the ground, to many species of birds, and even a koala or two up on the highest branch”

16


Gellibrand River Gallerya place for local Otway Artists to gain recognitionThe Gellibrand River Gallery is an innovative initiative established by four local artists who banded together when an opportunity arose to create a space to display and sell, not only their own works, but also those of other artists who reside within the Colac Otway Shire.

This beautiful gallery is nestled in the rustic hamlet of Gellibrand, in the heart of the Otways, surrounded by cascading waterfalls, surf beaches and tranquil forests. Travelers making their way to the Great Ocean Road are warmly invited to visit Gellibrand River Gallery.

Colac Otway Shire artists produce all the work and there is a rich and diverse array on display ranging from glasswork, paintings, photography, ceramics, woodwork, felting, jewellery and local preserves.

The ArtistsJan Verouden - Studio Glass (plates, pendants & small sculptural pieces), Painting (Pastels, Acrylics & Watercolours)

Monica Provan – Lampwork Glass (Beads, Pendants, Jewellery & Metal Work)

Ami Hillege - Handcrafted Jewellery & Preserves (Made for Local Produce)

Tim Lucas – Photography (Large & Small Photography, Canvas Prints)

Plus more than 25 other local artists

The gallery has three distinct rooms, with one of these used to carry a specific theme. In this room we will invite an artist from outside the shire where the work is not created locally, but fits into the current theme.

Where14 Main Road Gellibrand, Victoria, Australia 3239

WhenOpening hours most Saturdays & Sundays 10am - 4pm along with most Public Holidays. For the Summer period the Gallery will be open 7 days per week, any changes to this will be updated on the Facebook page.

Art spaces

Details at a GlanceHours Saturday and Sunday10am - 4pm

Phone (03) 5235 8410

Email [email protected]

Website www.gellibrandrivergallery.com.au

Facebook www.facebook.com/GellibrandRiverGallery

17

Like many, I moved south-west in order to grow more, slow more and be part of a great community. But while each year’s Christmas hampers include more home-made, sourcing local produce is still ongoing. And what a joy it is...

First stop is the family Sgro’s Foothill Organics where you can buy organic produce from the farm’s roadside shed at 80 Oakleys Road in Yeo. Jo has an abundance of vegetables and other produce waiting to be chosen. Depending on when you drop by, you might even enjoy the aromas of freshly-laid out manures - a reminder of what it takes to grow real food. Inside the shed it is cool on hot days. Running on an honesty system, the shed has a comments board, menu suggestion sheets, is open before and after daylight hours, and is a space to commune with your future food and sometimes other like-minded passersby.

Another developing roadside assist can be found just outside Moriac on the Cape Otway Road towards Apollo Bay. Selling flowers for a number of years, this car to gate stop-off now has an increasing range of edibles for sale. Last year’s winter bounties of quinces were bagged up and ready, and this year jams and other produce are appearing.

Sourcing local produce and thinking local is not a new concept. And the explosion of wonderful produce in this region can easily be appreciated, for example, by exploring the Otways Harvest Trail http://otwayharvesttrail.org.au

But gratitude for such abundance is indeed something we can all continue to nurture by reflecting on the local environments and the people who make it all happen.

In Apollo Bay there is a large hub of activity that creates, shares and volunteers time to make real food and

community happen. When you bring your own bags and containers to the Apollo Bay Farmers Market, grains can flow graciously to their next destination. In this great town, people are known to leave extra produce outside their door or gate, for pick up, and food swaps, circles, working bees and permaculture groups are all on the go. No doubt even more progress is on its way from these folk in the Bay.

Meanwhile in the Colac district there is the new Green Pastures milk from sustainable practices, a venture by five farming families now selling at Coles supermarkets. Although I hadn’t bought milk for quite some time, I did the other day and enjoyed reading about the local Davis family featured on the Meet Your Farmer section of the carton. When you can get acupuncture treatment in Colac and walk out with locally-produced raw honey from the same guy – Broomfield’s Honey, you know you are living in the right place. It is very exciting to see the south-west leading the charge with so much activity. I look forward to learning more about this from others in future editions here in this magazine.

Suzanne Frydman - Relax Communications

Eating in the Otways Health & Wellbeing

CAFE open daily 10- 4 B&B - 7 ensuite rooms Local, garden fresh, homemade fare

Pies, sandwiches, cakes & coffee

16 Grant Street, Forrest VIC 3236 Ph 5236 6446www.forrestaccommodation.com.au

CAFE

BIKES

B&B

www.forrestaccommodation.

com

.au


18

Rising from the flat agricultural plains of the Western district, the Otways reach a height of 600m, cascading south through rolling green hills down to the ocean, framing a large portion of Victoria’s world famous Great Ocean Road. In the lush hinterland of deep, dark myrtle glooms, over half of all Victoria’s pristine waterfalls exist here, as well as remnant patches of cool temperate rainforest. Stands of tall, old-growth forest, waterfalls, fern-lined rivers, cool rainforest and occasional sweeping views over the hills to the ocean make the Otways a walker’s paradise. Here, too, exists the heritage-listed Aire River and the Otways last truly wild river, the Cumberland.

The Otway Ranges Walking Track Association (ORWTA Inc) was set up in 1996 to promote bushwalking in the Otways and to map out and create a new, long distance walking track from Lorne to Apollo Bay. ORWTA hopes that the Trans-Otway Waterfall Walk will form part of a track stretching from Torquay to Port Campbell. You can explore the Otways through their website and on foot,.

While ORWTA have endeavoured to make information on the site as accurate as possible, they often rely on third party descriptions of routes and conditions. Few of the tracks are actively maintained or well-marked. Vigorous growth, fallen trees and natural track deterioration can often make the tracks difficult, if not impossible, to navigate. Walkers must make their own assessment of their abilities and track conditions before undertaking any of the walks published on the ORWTA Inc. site. You should read and understand the ORWTA Inc. Disclaimer published on the site. If you would like to explore the Otways but lack experience, ORWTA conducts guided social walks on the first Sunday of each month for the cost of a gold coin donation.

http://www.otwaywalks.com/

The Otway Ranges Walking Track Association (ORWTA Inc)

19

Beverly Rimmer has taken over the reins at the Colac Neighbourhood House. A social worker, primary school teacher and trainer for Certificate 111 in Aged Care, Bev has worked in many fields including palliative care, newly arrived refugees, aged care, drug and alcohol counselling, mental health, community engagement. Before all that Bev was a racehorse trainer!

Add to the impressive CV animal lover, vegetarian, gardener, environmentalist , mother and stepmother to six children and married her kindergarten buddy. Growing up in Apollo Bay, Beverley now lives very happily in Colac. As well as fulfilling the varied role of Colac Neighbourhood House Coordinator, Beverly also coordinates all the volunteers for Colac Area Health.

Colac Neighbourhood House Groups and ActivitiesNew Bubs ClubSupport for young mums and their babies

Women on the Movesocial group for women

Skills Connection Supporting clients with lifestyle skills

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support GroupRun by CAH Nurse Michelle Hamblin

Healthy Lifestyle Pathways supported cooking and exercise classes

Diabetes Australia Meets at the House monthly

Colac/Otway Sustainability GroupMeets monthly

Tuesday Art GroupTutor Salvina Conti

Colac Cancer Support GroupMeets weekly

Blood Cancer ProgramRun by Leukaemia Foundation

Childbirth and Parenting Facilitated by CAH midwife Leisa Gittings

Wednesday PaintersWeekly social art group

Breathe EasyLung Foundation facilitated support group meets monthly

Australian Plants Society Meets monthly

Colac Otway Ratepayers AssociationMeets monthly

Social Walking GroupEvery Thursday morningAntz PantzWeekly drama and art program

Small TalkGlastonbury play group meets weekly Friday Social Cooking GroupCommunity LunchesFacilitated by Skills Connection and Neighbourhood HouseRaphael CentrePost Natal Depression counselling Cake Decorators Craft Group School Holiday program Computer and internet access Assistance with form filling Referrals through DHS Housing Volunteer Hub for Colac Area Health

Colac Neighbourhood House23 Miller Street, Colac Vic 3250 Phone: 5232 5210 Email: [email protected] Hours 9am-4pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Around the Houses Term 1

Situated on five acres, the Colac Otway Caravan & Cabin Park is your doorstep to day trips to the Great Ocean Road, The Otways National Park, Otway Fly, 12 Apostles and Red Rock.

On return you can enjoy the country surroundings including fetching your own free range eggs, harvesting the community vegie patch, visiting the farm animals or simply enjoying the rural outlook from the fully equipped BBQ kitchen. With tent sites @$20 and powersites @ $28 and fully equipped Cabins starting at $65 for a double – you’re bound to enjoy your stay here with the new owners Craig and Viola.

See us on facebook or call 03 52 31 5337 or email [email protected]

Colac Otway Caravan & Cabin Park


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The Edible GardenFrom Average to Awesome

A series of workshops for anyone wanting to take their backyard veggie patch to the next level - from the typical series of hits and misses with excess in Autumn and very little in Spring and Winter to a flourishing year round supply of fresh and preserved home-grown produce with enough for friends and family or even a small market or farm gate stall. Tutor Andrew Lucas is a Kitchen Garden Design business owner, former Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Teacher and garden presenter and writer on BayFM, Bay Lifestyle Magazine, PulseFM.

$45/session or $175 for the full course (5 sessions)

March

291. The year round self-sufficient

garden and kitchenIt’s Autumn, you have likely had a glut of some veggies, others that never made it and the rest has gone to seed. The veggie garden that was a hit in summer is facing a winter of discontent. How do you deal with oversupply? How can you plan for a garden that will continue to feed you in the cooler months? The first workshop in this course will show you all this and more. Get to know your garden in a whole new way.

March

30 2. Seed Saving Field TripSeed saving is not only a way to keep down

the cost of your veggie garden, it also helps to preserve heirloom and local fruit and vegetable varieties.

Learn about keeping seed pure and how to avoid cross-pollination, collecting and storing seed, when & how to collect your seed and how to dry, process and store it.

Visit a local veggie garden that feeds a family of four year round.

More Edible Garden sessions to follow...

21 JUN 3. The cool climate food forest

6 SEPT 4. The secrets of sensational soil

29 NOV 5. Design techniques for a fully integrated kitchen garden

Beginners Tai Chi A gentle beginners class. Tai Chi offers so many wonderful benefits particularly for anyone suffering from stress or decreased mobility.Wednesdays 2-3pm $8/session

2014-15 Certificate III in Visual Arts (Textiles)Lavers Hill Community House’s very first accredited training course. After the successful short courses in 2013, Sue Ferrari is back in 2014 with her amazing talent and professional teaching skills. This part-time course will be delivered in Lavers Hill by South West TAFE, one day a week over two years. Contact the Community House for a course outline.

Approximate Annual Fees:Government subsidised concession students $400non-concession $1200Non-eligible students $2800

Feb

16Introduction to knittingHave you always wanted to learn to knit? Are the alpacas and artisanal wool producers in

our region calling you to pick up the needles and get busy? Simple knitted items create a wonderful sense of achievement. You may even decide to continue to the more advanced courses and end up creating something truly special.

$36 BYO materials

March

8 9

10

Botanical IllustrationWe are delighted to offer a very special three day long weekend workshop with Enid Mayfield, illustrative researcher at the Geelong Botanic Gardens and author of two books dedicated to the Flora of the

Otway Plain and Ranges. Learn to observe, identify and illustrate plants native to our region and leave with an artwork of your own creation.

$299 + materials TBC


Laver’s Hill & District Community House

Laver’s Hill Hall Great Ocean RoadPhone Julia on: 0417 948 522Email: [email protected] Tuesday 12-4 & Thursday 10-4

Gellibrand Community House

Rex Norman Reserve Colac Lavers Hill RoadPhone Julia on: 5235 8348Email: [email protected] Tuesdays 9:30am - 4pm

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March

91623

Craft for adults and children with LyndiJoin Lyndi for a series of craft days learning a range of different craft activities that you can take home with you and repeat at your leisure. This class will touch on needle felting

and found materials among other things

Marrar Woorn 9, 16, 23 March 10am-3pm $30.00

start Feb

3Cert III Home & Community Care & Aged CareAdvanced Career training is looking to

support jobseekers to achieve the qualification and experience required to commence their career in the Aged Care and Home and Community Care sectors

Marrar Woorn from 3 February*Please contact Advance Career Training on 5231 9500 to enrol

start March

24Diploma Children’s ServicesGet even more qualified at doing what you love! The Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childcare and Development) is the

next step for those seeking a fulfilling career in the child care industry.

Marrar Woorn from 24 March*Please contact Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre on 5255 4294 to book

March

28RSA Do you want to be able to work in a bar or restaurant where alcohol is served? If the

answer is “YES!” then you need your Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate of Completion

Delivered at Marrar Woorn 6pm-10pm $70

*Please contact Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre on 5255 4294 to book

BalletJoin Alexandra for some disciplined classical ballet classes; she will introduce your child to barre work, floor work, mime work and other associated ballet disciplines.

Senior Citizen’s Hall from 10 February (8 weeks)5-8 Years $55.00 per term (excludes 10 March) MONDAY 3.45pm-4.45pm9-13 Years $60.00 per term TUESDAY 3.45pm-4.45pm

Oki Do YogaOki-Do Yoga. Like all things Japanese, a bit of a contradiction: gentle/dynamic, playful/earnest.

Senior Citizen’s Hall from 29 January (10 weeks)$100.00 per term WEDNESDAY 6pm-7.15pm

Ballet Style Fitness ClassAlexandra will lead this class through stretches and strengthening exercises using both the barre and floor work, this class is not for the faint hearted and does require reasonable flexibility and fitness Senior Citizen’s Hall from 10 February (8 weeks)

MON 5.30pm-7.00pm (7 WEEKS) $70.00 per term (excludes 10 March)

FRID 5.30pm-7.00pm 8 WEEKS $80.00 per term WED 10.15am-11.15am 8 WEEKS $60.00 per term

Beginners PilatesFor active people comfortable working out on the floor. If carrying an injury or in doubt about your suitability for this class, talk to Jocelyn before enrolling

Senior Citizen’s Hall from 12 February$96 per term (8 weeks) WEDNESDAY 5-6pm

Ongoing PilatesPilates is a great way to improve body awareness, posture, strength and flexibility. Techniques learned in this class are transferable to other daily activities, contributing to an overall sense of well being in participants. Senior Citizen’s Hall from 11 February

$96 per term (8 weeks) TUESDAY 4.45pm-5.45pm


Marrar Woorn Neighbourhood Centre

6 Pengilley Ave, Apollo Bay. Phone Rhiannon 5237 8590Email: [email protected] Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

Section22


22 Around the Houses Term 1

Regular eventsFirst Monday of the month BINGO (1-3pm) Light afternoon tea provided. Range of useful prizes. Cost $5 for 2 books.

Second Monday of the month F&DNH Committee 10.30am-12pm. Ever thought about helping out at the House? Volunteering has many benefits for you and your community. We are always looking for new members, tutors and ideas.

Every Wednesday Tai Chi 6.30-8pm with Seona Gunn Tal Chi Ch’uan is the Chinese art of soft and gentle exercise. Beginners welcome. $10/8conc

Every ThursdayGentle Exercise Class 9.30-10.30am. Followed by morning tea. Cost $2

Mind Games 11am-12noon. Keep those grey cells in the pink! Cost $2

Community Lunch 12.30-2pm Yummy homemade fare and dessert. Cost $6

Southern Otways Food Co-op 3-6pmReduce packaging, support sustainable farming practices and have local access to organic dry goods.

Yoga with Teresa IS BACKDo your mind and body a favour. 6.30-8pm $12/$10con

Feb

1926Mar

5

Perfect Preserves Do you have lots of produce but no time to do anything with it? Now’s your chance. Over 3 weeks you will make Jam, Chutney and learn bottling and drying techniques.

Wednesdays with Seona Gunn 4-6pm $60

enrol Feb

21Diploma Visual Art Fridays 9am-5pm. For enquiries please contact Gillian on 5236 6591

Forr

est &

D

istrict Neighbourhood H

ouse

Forr

est &

D

istrict Neighbourhood H

ouse

Forrest & District Neighbourhood House14-16 Grant Street, Forrest 3236Phone: Gillian 5236 6591Email: [email protected]

Please Note the Forrest & District Neighbourhood House will be closed on days of Total Fire Ban.

Otway Fields Home made Farm Preserves

New Season Garlic (chemical free!)

now available at the following locations Birregurra Sunday markets Colac Lions markets Gellibrand River Gallery

Enquiries: Ami Hillege

0418 757 028www.livingthislifeami.blogspot.com85 Meadowell Rd, Gerangamete. VIC 3249

NEw B&B opening soon!

Otway Life issue 1

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Transcript of Otway Life issue 1