Peninsula Essence February 2026

PENINSULA

VISITING & LIVING ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA

essence

DEAD SERIOUS SUCCESS

COMPLEMENTARY PAIR

KILLING SWEET TOOTHS

HEARTconnection

Multi-talented

Multi-talented

Corporate

Writers

Andrea Louise Thomas, Annette Sanfilippo, Sarah Halfpenny

Photography Yanni, Gary Sissons

Creative

Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne

Publisher Melissa McCullough melissa@mpnews.com.au

Style editor

Annette Sanfilippo annette@mpnews.com.au

Artists

Style

Advertising

Belinda Timmerman, 0419 135 900, belinda@mpnews.com.au

Molly Mitchell, 0407 225 261, molly@mpnews.com.au

Phone (03) 5974 9000

Registered address

1/15 Wallis Drive, Hastings VIC. 3915

FB @peninsulaessence

IG @peninsulaessence

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1 FEB FAC SEASON 2026 LAUNCH

Be part of the excitement as FAC unveils their Season 2026 - a hand-picked program of diverse stories, bold new voices, reimagined classics, and unforgettable performances designed to make your everyday extraordinary. artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au

15 FEB MICHELLE NICOLLE AND PAUL GRABOWSKY – NOIR

McClelland is delighted to present the fifth season of the Music at McClelland program in 2026, made possible through the generous support of founding donor Igor Zambelli OAM, Mary-Jane Gething AO, and The Robert Salzer Foundation. mcclelland.org.au

5 FEB

FRANKSTON WRITER’S SALON

Meets at 5:30 (and the first Thursday of every month) to write together and share their work. Theme this month is: love poetry. No need to prepare in advance. Pieces are written on the night. Free, but bookings essential. eventbrite.com.au

14 FEB

SECRETS OF THE STILL

Step inside the heart of Chief’s Son Distillery for an unforgettable whisky experience. Join their Head Distiller for an exclusive behind the-scenes tour, where you’ll discover how bold, complex Single Malt Whiskies are crafted, from grain to cask. chiefsson.com.au

26 FEB

ADULT ART CLUBHASTINGS LIBRARY

A place for the creatively inclined to gather and discuss current events in the arts industry while exploring various mediums and practices. All materials will be provided, and we welcome those with and without experience. Recommended for adult audiences 18+. library.mornpen.vic.gov.au

28 FEB

PLAY THE ADAPTATION GAME AT FLINDERS FRINGE FESTIVAL

This facilitated board game simulates realistic events on the peninsula, challenging players to consider how they might work together to prepare for extreme weather events. You don't need to be 'good at games' to play! mornpen.vic.gov.au

HEART connection

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons

DoubleARIA Award nominated, multi-instrumentalist musician/producer, Dingo Spender, is a man of many talents and a humanist storyteller at heart. His aim is to connect people – mind, body, and soul.

From the house deck on the 10-acre Balnarring property which he caretakes and lives on with his two teenage sons, an endless vista unfolds: grassland paddocks with Frank the horse and a flock of curious sheep sitting next to Stringybark forest filled with the calls of cockatoos, fairy wrens and wattle birds.

During my gap year, I started busking on my alto saxophone at Southbank. I was discovered by some musicians who asked me to jam with them

Down the dusty track into the forest, a small stage emerges where Dingo runs a men’s circle and organises community events called Stringybark Sessions. Bonds are built, stories are shared and positive change happens.

While best known for his work as a singer, songwriter, musician and producer, there is so much to this incredible father, partner, friend, and support worker. Everything he does comes from a place of kindness and an abiding faith in the inherent goodness of people.

At ten-years-old Dingo moved with his family from Adelaide to Fitzroy. On holidays, he spent time on his family’s vineyard in South Australia where the ‘city kid’ then had the opportunity to live as a ‘bush kid’. His father is an art dealer. His mother is a costume jewellery designer. Creativity and love of the arts run deep in his family.

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Dingo studied photography in VCE. He planned to do an apprenticeship in fashion photography then study at RMIT, but it wasn’t to be. “During my gap year, I started busking on my alto saxophone at Southbank. I was discovered by some musicians who asked me to jam with them. Together, we created improvisational jazz,” he says.

He began to study music and dedicated himself to practice but, after completing his study, all that sax playing gave him carpal tunnel syndrome. So Dingo began learning to sing and switched to guitar and then composition and audio production. Meanwhile, his jazz group, Offcuts, made an album which led to a record deal. They toured the world for five or six years. By then, Dingo could play guitar with the best of them.

“Being a multi-instrumentalist opened doors for work as both a performer and a session musician,” he says. Dingo met singer/ songwriter Nicky Bomba, front man for his band Bomba, former drummer/percussionist for the John Butler Trio as well as leader of the ARIA Award winning Melbourne Ska Orchestra. Dingo teamed up with him, playing sax and touring.

After several years, Dingo started to miss performing. This was when he and Danielle formed their own band, Mama Kin Spender. Because singing is the light of the soul and their mission as musicians is to uplift, they built their project around incorporating community choirs, working with choral singers across Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Dingo played guitar, Danielle played drums and they shared vocals. The choir sang heavenly back up. This work led to their much-acclaimed album, Golden Magnetic, nominated for an ARIA Award and winning a WAM Award for best blues and roots. They began touring the world as backup band to The John Butler Trio. Dingo loved it, but it wasn’t long before the pull of family once again brought him home.

Being a multiinstrumentalist opened doors for work as both a performer and a session musician

Nicky’s sister, Danielle Caruana, aka Mama Kin, is married to John Butler. Dingo met the pair on a flight to Los Angeles. Dingo, Danielle and John became friends and roommates, and when Danielle and Dingo realised that their voices harmonised well, he held that in mind. Meanwhile, Dingo had been releasing solo music under his name, Spender.

“It made touring difficult because the two things I most loved - family and music, were in opposition. Family had to come first. I began working at a music agency and studio in South Melbourne producing music for advertising agencies and scoring films,” he says.

When COVID hit, lockdowns ended opportunities for performing so he partnered with his former wife and yoga teacher, Uma Neave, to offer Pranayama breathwork for those experiencing anxiety and depression during lockdowns. Participants joined online from all over the world. Dingo also expanded into running men’s circles locally and online in his Mankind Project. It proved transformative for all.

The choir work with Danielle inspired Dingo to start a men’s choir called Wild Man Choir. Now, all the stars have aligned. His three deepest loves have all come together – breathwork, men’s work and music.

Dingo’s 25-year friendship and collaboration with Mama Kin continues to inform and enhance his music and his life. They released their second album in 2025 and again received an ARIA nomination. The album debuted at number two in the Australian charts. They played main stages at Woodford and Womadelaide and had sold-out shows on multiple national tours.

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Years of shared wisdom and storytelling have led to their newest project - a theatre piece called Promises and Wild Beasts - soon to debut at Perth Festival. Danielle and Dingo wrote the script. Sydney theatre director Craig Ilott is directing the play.

“The play articulates the story arc of each of the songs from our recent ARIA nominated album, Promises. It’s about what love asks - how it expands, transforms, breaks and remakes people over and over again. Ultimately, it’s about the journey of learning to love one another by loving oneself first,” he says.

A play about love, connection and transformation is a fitting culmination of Dingo’s many talents, but it’s not the end of the line for this creative powerhouse. He’s got a very busy year of touring and recording ahead. Stay tuned.

IG @dingospender

DEAD SERIOUS success

By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Gary Sissons

WhenJessica Lynne’s part-time mediumship practice attracted a waiting list of 800 people, she knew the universe was sending her a message, and it was louder than any boardroom directive she’d ever heard.

The former executive assistant, who’d spent 15 years supporting an empire-building entrepreneur, made the leap that would transform her from corporate professional to one of Australia’s most soughtafter psychic mediums.

“I actually loved being an executive assistant,” Jessica says from her peninsula base, where she now conducts online readings for clients worldwide. “I was always highly intuitive and had a deep belief in the spirit world, but for a long time that part of me existed quietly alongside my corporate career.”

Spirits want to bring through messages of hope, closure, and healing

The peninsula community played a crucial role in Jessica’s transformation. Having grown up in the bayside area, she was drawn to the familiar coastal energy and supportive community spirit. Today, her entire wellness team – naturopath, chiropractor, myotherapist, and kinesiologist – are all locals, creating what she describes as a network of alignment and support.

“The peninsula has an incredibly open-hearted, supportive energy,” she explains. “When I first started out, it was the local community who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. They showed up, shared my work, attended my events and, quite literally, shouted my name from the rooftops.”

Jessica’s ability to communicate with spirits emerged gradually. Though she’d always been intuitive, it was her grandmother’s passing when Jessica was twelve that sparked her fascination with the spirit world. She spent her teenage years attending meditation classes and her twenties exploring every MindBodySpirit Festival she could find, searching for connection and understanding.

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“I would sense energy very intensely, pick up on things around me, and often smell or feel things that reminded me of her,” Jessica recalls. But it wasn’t until her early thirties, when she found a mentor who formally taught her mediumship, that everything clicked into place. “The first time it happened, it felt like I’d had amnesia for years and suddenly remembered what I’m here to do.”

I don’t see myself as someone who needs to convince anyone that the spirit world exists

Her approach to mediumship blends authenticity, compassion, and unexpected humour – a combination that has resonated with everyone from grieving families to celebrity clients including Australian actor Tammin Sursok, and Dolores Catania from Real Housewives of New Jersey. Jessica’s Bachelor of Social Science, with majors in Psychology and Sociology, informs how she articulates messages, ensuring they land meaningfully rather than simply providing surface-level validations.

“You can go to any medium and they might tell you detailed things about your loved one –hair colour, eye colour, name – but if that’s all you get, it can feel very shallow,” she explains. “Spirits want to bring through messages of hope, closure, and healing.”

The importance of humour in her practice reflects her understanding that spirits arrive with comfort, not heaviness. “Often, spirit will bring through funny memories, little quirks, or shared moments that make someone smile or laugh unexpectedly. That’s not to minimise grief; it’s to soften it.”

Jessica’s media profile has exploded recently, with appearances on The Morning Show, 7News, and features in Vogue, Marie Claire, and Mamamia. Her podcast Talk Spirit to Me hit number one on Apple for spirituality in Australia. The show, which started casually in her living room with basic microphones, features Jessica continued page 18...

interviewing guests from all walks of life, while her wife Jade – whom Jessica affectionately describes as “hilariously inappropriate” – chimes in at the end with unpredictable questions.

“At first, Jade was very much part of the conversation, but because she tends to talk a lot and interrupt, I eventually decided to take the lead on the interviews,” Jessica laughs. “Her energy, humour, and perspective bring a unique spark to everything we do together.”

Despite her national profile, Jessica remains grounded in her practice. She conducts readings online from her dedicated home office space, maintaining clear boundaries between her spiritual work and personal life. After each reading, she cleanses her space and consciously opens and closes herself to spirit, supported by her wellness team to stay mentally, physically, and emotionally clear.

“I navigate difficult messages with grace and patience,” she says of the challenging aspects of her work. “Even in difficult messages, there’s reassurance that you are spiritually supported, and that healing and better days are on the horizon.”

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COMPLEMENTARY pair

By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons

Seaford artists, Barbara and Edgar Gambin are in perfect alignment as creatives and life partners. She is a jeweller. He is a painter. He sees the beauty and exquisite craftmanship in her one-of-a-kind creations and she sees the painterly skill and razor-sharp insight in his. He is the dreamer, she is the realist. Their easy rapport and open honesty reward both.

Barbara came from Poland under Communist rule; Edgar came from Malta. Yet they met and fell in love in Melbourne where they have lived and worked together ever since. They chose to live in Seaford because they both grew up by the sea she by the Bay of Gdansk, he on the Mediterranean. Their Seaford home, garden and studios are filled with light, art, sculpture and love.

I love putting messages in my paintings. If I see an injustice, I have to draw or paint about it

While Barbara grew up in a place where the expectation for children was to listen and obey, she never felt oppressed. She enjoyed a free-spirited childhood spent with neighbourhood kids. The political landscape was largely unnoticed by her until applying for a passport in her late teens and finding out she wasn’t allowed to leave the country. Barbara vowed then to say goodbye to her homeland when the opportunity arose.

Edgar had an idyllic childhood in Malta. In high school, he was educated by Jesuits who instilled values of self-discipline, completion, service and gratitude which still stand him in good stead. His mother loved to paint. She helped fund Edgar’s education by selling her oil paintings. He learned to paint by observing his mother and from reading art books about the great masters, such as Caravaggio.

Barbara went to art school at the Academy of Fine Art of Gdansk, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Painting. She used to sell her drawings of Gdansk at the summer markets. There, Barbara met a jeweller who taught her silversmithing. She fell in love with it and left painting behind. She’s worked as a professional jeweller since.

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Edgar came to Australia in 1973 at 19 filled with a sense of adventure. He spoke English, had family in Australia and had professional skills that were an asset to the country so emigrating was easy. Barbara came to Australia in 1982 at 26, fulfilling her vow to leave Poland. She came through Austria as a refugee and nine months later she came to Melbourne.

The couple met in the art department at a Melbourne advertising agency. They got married in 1987 and bought their house in Seaford because it was an affordable suburb. They left the advertising agency in Melbourne after paying off their house but kept their city ties selling their work at the Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market for thirty years.

Barbara and Edgar also had a well-loved shop, Gambin, on Main Street in Mornington for thirteen and a half years. They became part of the local community and enjoyed the vibrancy of the main street and socialising with customers. Just before COVID, when the Arts Centre Melbourne Market shut, the couple moved to their new gallery at the Tyabb Packing House.

He recently painted an incredibly detailed portrait of Barbara entitled The Silversmith which he entered into the Archibald Prize. It won the People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Sorrento Art Show. It too is divided into rectangular ‘pages’ that represent all of the elements of her craft and tools of her trade. It’s a fitting tribute to her lifelong dedication to jewellery making.

Barbara loves creating new work but also enjoys taking a client’s heirloom jewellery and making it into something new and original. She enjoys the puzzle of putting pieces together. She delights in taking raw elements and polishing them into organic, shiny, new pieces. Her philosophy is simple, “If it looks good, it is good,” she says. Barbara mostly finds her inspiration in nature.

If it looks good, it is good

One thing is clear; this couple has lived out their dreams. They have an enduring love, friendship and partnership. They have created work that expresses their passion, purpose and drive. They have also touched all of the communities they have been a part of. Now that’s a legacy.

Edgar’s work is full of stories. “I don’t have the patience to write a book, so I paint books. My paintings are always in squares like the pages of a book,” he says. For instance, his painting, Dairy of a Digger, is divided into diary pages. It was a finalist in the 2024 Gallipoli Art Prize.

A huge fan of Salvador Dali, his influence is evident in Edgar’s own surrealist paintings. That said, he doesn’t get bogged down in a particular style. “My style is not fixed. I’m currently working with symbolism. I love putting messages in my paintings. If I see an injustice, I have to draw or paint about it,” he says.

Meet the Gambins and see their captivating work at their gallery in Tyabb Packing House.

IG @gambinart (Barbara) @edgargambin

W gambinart.com.au

The Marthas: Two Coastal Villages, One Exceptional Lifestyle

Located in the heart of Safety Beach and Mount Martha ‘the Marthas’ offer a vibrant, comfortable and carefree way of life by the bay. At Martha Cove Village, resort-style facilities set the standard for modern retirees ready to embrace new beginnings in a marina precinct.

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0458 603 047 | marthabay.com.au 111 Craigie Rd, Mt Martha

Martha Cove Village

0458 603 047 | marthacovevillage.com.au 101 Pickings Rd, Safety Beach

Just moments away, Martha Bay by Bolton Clarke offers a quaint village lifestyle close to boardwalks, beaches and boutique shopping.

What’s coming up at...

DISCOVER MORE WITH FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE

If you love live performance, becoming a Member of Frankston Arts Centre is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enhance your arts experience — while supporting one of the region’s cultural landmarks. With Memberships available for as little as $50 per year, the benefits quickly add up.

Members enjoy discounted tickets to selected performances, helping you see more theatre, music, comedy and dance for less. You’ll also receive priority booking access and an advance copy of the Season program, giving you first choice of the best seats.

On show nights, Members are treated to priority bar service and a 10% discount on bar purchases, making your visit smoother and more enjoyable. You’ll also be invited to exclusive events such as the annual Season Launch, where Members get a first look at what’s coming up on stage.

Gold Members enjoy even more, including a complimentary ticket to a selected Season Show and entry into a monthly Surprise Ticket Lottery.

Most importantly, Membership means you’re supporting the ongoing success of live arts in Frankston — and becoming part of a passionate community that believes in the power of performance.

IRELAND: THE VOYAGE

Thursday 5 February, 7.30pm

From the producers of Celtic Illusion comes a powerful new theatrical experience celebrating Ireland’s history, heart, and heritage brought to life through authentic voices, live music, and world-class Irish dance.

THE BIG CHILLOUT: CELEBRATING THE SOUNDTRACK THAT SAVED MOTOWN

Thursday 12 February, 7.30pm

Get ready to relive the music that defineda generation in The Big Chillout, a joyous,soulstirring celebration of the legendary film soundtrack and the Motown revival it sparked.

DAYTIME MUSIC & THEATRE: AN AUDIENCE WITH GERRY CONNOLLY

Friday 13 February, 10.30am & 1.30pm

Prepare for a display of wit, music and masterful performance. Best known for his brilliant satirical impressions of public figures, Gerry is an accomplished comedian, actor, and pianist.

Join today and start enjoying the benefits immediately. Visit thefac.com. au or enquire at the Box Office before your next show.

ROCK AND ROLL SENSATION: THE ELVIS AND BUDDY SHOW

Saturday 14 February, 7.30pm

Relive the Good Old Days in a whirlwind of rock ‘n’ roll magic! Join highly acclaimed entertainer Mark Caligiuri and The Sensational Memphis Beat Show Band as they bring to life the songs of Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly.

THE X-MENTALS

Sunday 1 March, 5pm

Five former members of Mental As Anything bring you the very best of the iconic band’s music, along with stories from years on the road, all expertly narrated and woven through the songs.

LANO & WOODLEY: WORK IN PROGRESS

Thursday 5 March – Saturday 7 March, 7pm

Join Lano & Woodley for these very special ‘Work in Progress’ showings of their latest Opus before they head out on their brand new national tour.

Pisces

CLOTHES horse

By Annette Sanfilippo

Freedom, action, energy and vitality. Great words to live by and in this lunar new year from February 17th 2026, the fire horse represents not only our connection to embracing our cultural calendar, but a time to choose a year ahead full of engaging charismatic forecasting As we all know with the zodiac, it provides a framework for personal reflection, a dash of cosmic science and a little bit of self-indulgent fun.

I’m a sucker for a magazine or newspaper that has the horoscope in it and the first thing I do after reading the headlines is navigate straight to the page all about our Stars! I love our connection to the Chinese zodiac and as an astrological Leo, born in the year of the snake, I’m excited to shed 2025 and transform to 2026 with dynamic enthusiasm. As inquisitive humans, we are always looking for guidance in some form or fashion, and when it comes to fashion, our cosmic characteristics can hold interesting and powerful information that may help us wear, buy, or accessorise objects to help us create influence, confidence and inspire us to move forward with a renewed vision. There is really no solid proof that these outlooks really come to fruition, but we have to put our faith and some belief into our reason to go shopping!

After extensive research (Google), I have narrowed down some interesting, mystical, astro style tips to help you embrace your ‘glamoratti’ and assert your indulgent, bold self-expression. Whether it’s a signature colour, shape or item, it will be a year for you to unleash your inhibitions, be unapologetic, bold, adventurous and curate your look with real fashion drama.

Let’s have a magical shopping year and good luck finding your power purchase for 2026.

Fashionably yours,

Mantra: Emotional flow to generate peace and purpose.

Colour: Teal – healing and ocean inspired.

Fashion: A staple comfortable shoe (that you will wear and wear and wear).

Aries

Mantra: Take courage in executing your dreams to reality.

Colour: Red – raging and ready.

Fashion: Strong suit silhouette (time to be the bold boss).

Taurus

Mantra: Transforming truth to wisdom.

Colour: Hues of green –grounding and earthy.

Fashion: Shade your eyes and elevate your allure.

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Gemini

Mantra: Reinvent your new path with clear communication.

Colour: Silver/ beige will draw your strong energy.

Fashion: A statement belt that works with everything!

Cancer

Mantra: Strive for personal growth through challenge.

Colour: White for emotional clarity.

Fashion: A sexy soft-structured leisure suit (you can make a tracksuit look effortless).

Virgo

Mantra: Build confidence through progress over perfection.

Colour: Yellow - sunny and always ready for action.

Fashion: A big tote bag (you love to carry your life with you).

Libra

Mantra: Finding harmony and balancing self needs.

Colour: Sky blue to reflect calm and emotional balance.

Fashion: Set the tone in luxurious statement lace.

Sagittarius

Mantra: Embrace adventure and creative freedom to draw attention.

Colour: Purple/blue - to surround you in trust and wisdom.

Fashion: Bring the bling with diamante, sequin or anything shiny.

Capricorn

Mantra: Find inner peace, success and discipline through inner stillness.

Colour: Beige - to command quiet authority.

Fashion: A sharp blazer to highlight your silhouette.

Leo

Turning momentum into magical opportunity.

Gold - to exude your playful, regal, sassy spirit.

Power prints on anything (animal or graphic) for standout sophistication.

Scorpio

Mantra: Manifesting influence to showcase your true potential.

Colour: Shades of mauve to set the mood.

Fashion: A unique piece of statement jewellery.

Aquarius

Mantra: Go against the grain with strong self-belief.

Colour: Blue - to surround you with innovative and attractive energy.

Fashion: Something eccentric – bag bling, or over-the-top designer shoes.

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Scan the QR code to Explore More events.

Markets, masterclasses, festivals, music, and much much more for you to explore. Explore More events and Mornington Peninsula entertainment.

Let the Mornington Peninsula entertain you!

Smooth Sunday Jazz Blues

Trofeo Estate – 15 February 2026

Enjoy an elegant Sunday of live jazz and blues, gourmet food and terracotta-aged wines in a Dromana vineyard, perfect for relaxed music lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.

Tyabb Airshow

Tyabb Airport – 1 March 2026

Experience the thrill of the Tyabb Airshow, showcasing historic warbirds, jets and modern RAAF aircraft. Get up close, meet pilots, hear engines roar and enjoy spectacular aerial displays for aviation fans of all ages everywhere.

Stellar Short Film Festival

McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery – 28 February 2026

Soak in the atmosphere of the Stellar Short Film Festival at McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery. A magical outdoor night of Australia’s best short films, live entertainment, local food and drinks under the stars among art and bushland.

98th Red Hill Show

Red Hill Showgrounds – 7 March 2026

Grab the family and head to the 98th Red Hill Show, a beloved Mornington Peninsula celebration of agriculture, animals, rides, woodchop, local produce, music and hands-on fun for all ages in beautiful Red Hill this March.

KILLING sweet tooths

By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Gary Sissons & supplied

BecWinters was simply trying to impress a boy named Jed when she accidentally launched Horribly Healthy, now a peninsula food revolution. Eleven years ago, faced with the dilemma of a new boyfriend who couldn’t eat gluten, refined sugar or eggs due to his strict motocross training regime, she started experimenting with raw caramel slice in her kitchen. Today, her Horribly Healthy treats are stocked across Victoria, bringing joy to kids and adults alike, especially those with allergies.

“Jed was the initial inspiration,” Bec says from her Baxter workspace, a compact but impressive production kitchen he built for her in just three weeks. The fact they’re still together all these years later suggests her food experiments worked. “I knew I couldn’t make him a cupcake. Caramel slice was something he missed, but the traditional ones are full of butter, sugar, and stuff he couldn’t have. I began experimenting with raw caramel slice using natural ingredients that weren’t going to spike his blood sugar levels, and he fell in love with it. Then we started sharing it with friends and it spread like wildfire.”

The transition from girlfriend-with-a-foodprocessor to peninsula business owner has taken some unexpected turns. After starting the business in Mount Dandenong, Bec and Jed moved to Baxter where they felt housing was affordable. “We wanted to get into the housing market and we happened to land this place. It was very run down. Luckily, Jed is very handy, and we’ve spent all these years making it what we needed it to be.”

Eli has become something of a Horribly Healthy mascot. Born just before COVID hit, he grew up in the business, often perched on his mum’s hip while she decorated cakes because “he just would not let Jed hold him.” Now he’s learned to decorate cakes himself, earning pocket money by creating treats that customers can actually buy.

“He understands food hygiene, puts his gloves on, washes his hands, all that,” Bec says proudly. “We used to say to him, ‘You can buy a new toy but you need to earn it. And the way to earn it is, 'I’ll give you a cake to decorate’ and he said ‘Okay!’ and it was adorable!”

The early days of motherhood weren’t easy for Bec. “I suffered from postnatal depression and I thought going back to work earlier might help, but it didn’t. I felt like I wasn’t accepting the loss of identity, and I was trying to reclaim who I was before.” Without mothers' group support during COVID, Bec had to push through, eventually finding her rhythm as both mum and business owner.

There are so many coeliacs all over Australia who have already ordered a lot of this - they’ve fallen in love with it!

For three years, Bec also ran a cafe in Somerville, building a loyal following and a full production team. But, by mid-2025, she could see the writing on the wall. “I closed that down at the end of the lease because I could see where hospitality is going and I wanted to come out on top, rather than in debt.”

The shift – from bustling cafe owner with a massive cool room and full-time staff to solo operator juggling home-schooling – has tested every skill she has. “It’s been a huge transition. But life is more flexible now, and I prefer it; I mean, look at my setup!” she exclaims proudly.

Today, her customer base has shifted. What started as trendy raw vegan treats for healthconscious adults has become a lifeline for families dealing with allergies. “It’s crazy how much my demographic has shifted. My main demographic now, because allergens are on the rise, is kids.”

The feedback keeps her going. “I haven’t met a kid yet that hasn’t fallen in love with my cakes,” she says. “And kids are the biggest critics, right? They’re not gonna hold back if they don’t like something. It’s especially rewarding when the mums say my cakes make their kids feel normal and included. I have families that come back for every birthday.”

Bec’s creativity recently landed her a hit with her glutenfree, ‘clean’ version of the popular spread called Speculoos (a traditional sweet cinnamon style Belgian biscuit). Named Sinner Butter, this moreish spread represents Bec’s next frontier. “There are so many coeliacs all over Australia who have already ordered a lot of this - they’ve fallen in love with it! Watch this space, big things will be coming”

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Locals can find Horribly Healthy treats at popular places like Tonics at Tully’s, The Good Food Bakery, St Paul’s General Store, Sorrento Social, Prodigal Coffee, and Green Bowl. Bec also creates custom cakes and handles event catering, which are booming venture.

Working with local suppliers where possible, including sourcing berries from Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm, and Australian almonds, Bec remains committed to keeping her business as local as possible despite some ingredients needing to be imported.

As Eli prepares to start Grade One at a mainstream school next year (“I’d love to see him flourish with confidence and friends”), Bec is planning her own expansion. More wholesale production, including new jarred spreads and collaborations with Peninsula chefs and dessert companies, are all on the horizon.

People definitely keep me going. I don’t have to do this, but I want to cater to everyone who feels they miss out

For someone who never anticipated having children and started a business to win over a boy’s heart, Bec has built something noteworthy in Baxter. “People definitely keep me going. I don’t have to do this, but I want to cater to everyone who feels they miss out.” You can follow Bec’s sweet success on instagram. IG @horriblyhealthy

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Focus On

FOCUS on Flinders

Flinders is a beautiful, historic coastal village overlooking Western Port, located at the point where Western Port Bay meets Bass Strait. Flinders is a 73 km drive south of Melbourne's Central Business District.

Flinders is an appealing holiday destination due to its scenic coastal location amongst rolling green hills and the fact that commercial development seems to have forgotten this town, instead preserving the area's natural beauty and scenic views.

The town was named by George Bass after his friend, the explorer and British naval officer Matthew Flinders. Settlement commenced in 1854 and many pioneers and settlers are buried at the Flinders cemetery. Flinders Post Office opened on 7 March 1863 as the population grew.

Fishing and providing timber for the railways were important early industries. Fishermen settled in cottages on the beach near the jetty, where the catch was kept alive in floating coops before being sent to market.

Around 12 kilometres west of Flinders is the small community of Cape Schanck, known for its golf courses and the historic lighthouse situated at the rocky southernmost tip of the peninsula.

At the most recent 2021 census, Flinders had a population of 1,103.

Attractions along the coast include Bass Park which provides spectacular views down to the Flinders Jetty and across Western Port, as well as being home to a monument dedicated to George Bass and Matthew Flinders who were the first explorers in the area.

Photos Yanni

In recent times, Flinders has become a hub for the arts with seven galleries along the main street.

After petitions and protests from locals, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council voted unanimously on 7 September 2021, to save the Flinders Pier from demolition to the inner section, because of significant historical, social, aesthetic, and environmental reasons

A number of historical buildings exist within the town, complemented by several antique shops, restaurants and cafes, chocolate maker, a village store and the 125 year-old Flinders Hotel, with adjoining hotel.

The weedy sea-dragon, whose habitat is beneath the Flinders Pier, attracts snorkelers from around the world to view this unique marine creature. This area is also popular for sailing, fishing, and other watersports.

The Flinders Golf Course is situated above the cliffs and ocean beaches to the south, overlooking the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary and bordering the Mornington Peninsula National Park. To the west of Flinders, just off Boneo Road, is The Blowhole which includes walking tracks along the rocky coastline and over huge bluestone boulders.

Artistic Director

From the Welcome Party on Thursday 26 February through to the Fantastic Flinders Fringe Finale on Sunday 1 March 2026, the Flinders Fringe Festival promises one unforgettable weekend on the Mornington Peninsula.

The only three-day festival of its kind in the region, Flinders Fringe Festival 2026 presents more than 50 live events across intimate venues, open-air stages and unexpected pop-up spaces throughout Flinders Village and surrounds.

Audiences can choose from an eclectic program featuring outstanding music, thought-provoking experimental theatre, cabaret, operatic performances and hands-on creative workshops, with events staged everywhere from private properties and galleries to the Quarters Hotel reception and the Paringa Estate vineyard.

Anchoring the festival are key performance hubs: St John’s Anglican Church and Church Grounds, Flinders Civic Hall, Flinders Hotel, Flinders Bowls Club. Proudly volunteer-led and community-driven, the Flinders Fringe Festival supports visual and performing arts initiatives, local artists and creatives across diverse disciplines, and imaginative LGBTQI youth programs. The festival plays a vital role in boosting the local economy while fostering collaboration, inclusion and creative connection across the region.

EVENT DETAILS

DATES: 27 February – 1 March 2026

LOCATION: Flinders Village & surrounds, Mornington Peninsula, VIC

TICKETS & INFO: flindersfringe.com.au @flinders_fringe

WHAT to do

Flinders, located near the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, is a charming spot to explore. Surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery and rolling green hills, it’s the perfect location to unwind and soak in the natural beauty. Whether you’re keen for a leisurely stroll along the picturesque footpaths, a round of golf with spectacular ocean views, or exploring unique sites like The Blowhole, there’s something here for everyone. Foodies will love the abundance of top-notch cafes, relaxed garden eateries, and wineries, many of which feature fresh local produce and house-roasted coffee. Flinders is also a haven for those who enjoy browsing antique shops, discovering local art galleries, or simply relaxing in a sun-filled courtyard. With its welcoming atmosphere, excellent dining options, and stunning surroundings, Flinders offers a truly memorable escape for holidaymakers looking to experience the best of the Mornington Peninsula.

CAFÉ safari

Whether you are starting your morning or seeking an afternoon pickme-up, freshly brewed coffee and delectable menus are a must-have for locals and visitors. Here are just a few places to check out when you're in this beautiful part of the world.

GEORGIE BASS

30 COOK STREET

Relaxed garden cafe that offers indoor and outdoor seating. Creative chefs use fresh produce and ingredients. All-day breakfast and lunch daily until 3pm and dinner from 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

PIER PROVERDORE FLINDERS

38B COOK STREET

Lovely cafe with superb coffee with indoor and outdoor seating great for all weather, with a fabulous alfresco area at the back with lots of tables and toys to occupy the kids. Excellent breakfast menu and freshly baked food.

VILLAGE CAFE & WINE BAR

49 COOK STREET

This Family owned and run business pride themselves on their houseroasted coffee, great meals (eat in or take-away), famous house made cakes and extensive wine list. Sit by the toasty fire in the winter or enjoy the sun filled courtyard on those warmer days.

Down here in Flinders, at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria’s finest regional food and drink meet the wild expanse of Bass Strait. Shaped by sea air, rugged coastline and a pace that encourages you to slow down, this small coastal village holds a deep sense of history.

For more than 154 years, our muchloved store — with its wide verandahs and familiar faces — has been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. We offer the best of the region, friendly local knowledge, great coffee, click-and-collect, and local delivery done the old-fashioned way.

WINE LOVERS

COOL MOMENTS AT THE SPRINGS

12 ways to stay cool at the springs

As the sun climbs higher and the days heat up, you might be wondering what it’s like to visit Peninsula Hot Springs during summer. While known for warmth and relaxation, summer is one of the most refreshing times to visit.

With the introduction of their Cool Moments program, the Bath House transforms into a summer sanctuary, offering cool-focused, feel-good experiences designed to help you linger, lounge and fully embrace the season. From chilled pools and daily misting to refreshing rituals and seasonal dining, here are 12 ways Peninsula Hot Springs helps you stay comfortable when temperatures rise.

Peninsula Hot Springs opens early

Their Bath House opens from 7am on weekdays and 5am on weekends, allowing guests to enjoy the coolest, quietest hours of the day. Morning bathing offers a calm, revitalising start, with steam gently rising from geothermal pools and shaded areas ideal for easing into summer days.

Cold plunge pools and icy escapes

For instant refreshment, guests can enjoy two cold plunge pools in the Bath House, a larger cold pool in the Fire & Ice area, and an ice plunge pool for Fire & Ice workshop participants. The Ice Cave forms part of the Cool Moments experience, and adds an invigorating layer of cold therapy, while Nepalese massaging showers deliver a cooling mineral rinse.

Bathe together at Peninsula Hot Springs

Bathing as a couple or group is a unique way to connect. The all-ages Bath House is ideal for multigenerational visits, with geothermal pools ranging from warm to hot, cold plunges, saunas, steam rooms and hydrojet pools. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on grassy lawns or wooden tables, or leave the cooking to the team at the Amphitheatre or Bath House cafés, freeing up time to focus on relaxation and connection.

The Cool Zone in the Amphitheatre

The Cool Zone features new misters, chilled pools and shaded lounges for long summer sessions. Designed for lingering between dips, it’s a breezy retreat where thongs are welcome, gelati is encouraged, and staying cool comes naturally.

Enjoy summer sips

Summer dining leans light and refreshing. Guests can enjoy gelati, iced matcha and coffee frappés, alongside cold brew, acai bowls, choc-tops and cold-pressed juices. The Bath House Café and Bar also offers refreshing options including a Limoncello Spritz, making it easy to cool down between bathing experiences.

Fire & Ice Workshop

Summer is an ideal time to explore hot-and-cold contrast therapy through the Fire & Ice Workshop. Guided by a wellness host, guests move between sauna heat, geothermal showers, and a cold pool dip followed by a four-degree ice plunge, supported by breathing and relaxation techniques designed to restore and energise.

Hammocks beneath the trees

Tucked beyond the Amphitheatre café, hammocks sway beneath shaded sheoak trees. Designed for two people, they’re perfect for resting, reading or pausing between cool dips and misted moments.

Shaded relaxation spaces

Throughout the Bath House, shaded relaxation zones feature luxury bean bags and day beds. The elevated Sun Lounge offers a balance of sun and shade, while the Moroccan Pavilion provides a tented retreat where refreshments can be ordered directly to your bed.

Body Clay Ritual

At Clay Ridge, wellness hosts guide guests through the Body Clay ritual. Cooling, mineral-rich clay is brushed onto the skin, left to dry, then rinsed away under mineral showers, a grounding and refreshing experience well suited to warm summer days.

The Cool Moments Trail

Available daily, the self-guided Cool Moments Trail invites guests to follow a journey of contrast therapy at your own pace. Moving between cold pools, cooling showers, misting stations and the ice cave, the trail encourages gentle exploration and regular moments of refresh.

Summer Salt & Glow spa treatment

The Spa Dreaming Centre offers a cool retreat on hot days, with a new Summer Salt & Glow treatment available for a limited time. This revitalising ritual begins with an invigorating salt glow exfoliation, followed by cooling aloe moisturiser and a calming back massage, leaving skin radiant and the body restored.

Cooler pools and late evenings

On especially hot days, selected pool temperatures are lowered for comfort. As evening arrives, cooler air and open skies create the perfect bathing conditions. The Bath House is open until 1pm nightly, with the Amphitheatre café serving late snacks until 9pm.

With chilled pools, misted retreats and refreshing summer rituals, Cool Moments at Peninsula Hot Springs are made for long, sunfilled days. Peninsula Hot Springs is open every day of the year and looks forward to welcoming you to find your cool at the springs and immerse in nature.

CASEY COLLEGE OF BEAUTY THERAPY OPENS MORNINGTON PENINSULA CAMPUS

Casey College of Beauty Therapy (CCBT) has opened a new campus on the Mornington Peninsula in response to the growing demand for skilled professionals within the beauty and wellness industry. After receiving consistent enquiries from peninsula-based candidates who were unable to travel to existing campuses, CCBT is proud to bring its specialist training to the local community.

The Mornington Peninsula campus supports both first-time students and experienced professionals. Aspiring beauty therapists can now begin their careers locally with a reputable registered training organisation that has spent 17 years specialising exclusively in beauty and dermal therapy. Students will benefit from handson learning delivered in a purpose-built, modern training facility designed to reflect real-world salon and clinic environments. For experienced professionals, the college will offer refresher training, accredited short courses and full qualifications. These programs allow practitioners to update their skills, expand their service offerings and stay current with evolving trends, technologies and specialised treatments.

The opening of CCBT also brings value to the wider peninsula community by strengthening the local workforce. Salons, spas and wellness centres will benefit from access to skilled, job-ready graduates, while local employment opportunities are supported. Community engagement will be enhanced through workshops,

events and excursions, supported by established industry partnerships with Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs.

CCBT’s first intake at the Mornington Peninsula campus commences 2 February 2026 (Term 1). Enrolments are now open and filling quickly, with further information available via the college’s website and social media platforms.

FB @caseycollegeccbtcchd IG @caseycollegebeautytherapy W caseycollegeofbeauty.vic.edu.au

Term 1 February 2 - April 2

Term 2 April 20 - June 26 Term 3 July 13 - September 18

4 October 5 - December 16

The Peninsulas leader in comprehensive skin checks, natural evidencebased aesthetic treatments, metabolic-informed weight management programs, and integrative care for sleep, mood, pain, and overall wellbeing.

skinastute

A. Unit 3/9 Rosebud Pde Rosebud P. 5982 0610

E. info@skinastute.com.au

In an era where healthcare is often rushed and impersonal, a quieter revolution is taking place. At the intersection of dermatology, aesthetics, and holistic health, boutique clinical care is redefining what it means to look after the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.

From medical dermatology and comprehensive skin checks to subtle, natural aesthetic treatments, endorsed nurse practitioner Dr Anna Lucas provides independent diagnosis, prescribing, and management, delivering accessible, high-level care without fragmented referrals or long waits.

At Skinastute healing is viewed as both medical and supportive, with plant-based therapeutic options used thoughtfully alongside conventional treatment focused on balance, longevity.

For those seeking care that is both clinically rigorous and deeply human, Skinastute offers a modern approach to true rejuvenation one that begins beneath the surface.

W skinastute.com.au

INTRODUCING OLIEVE & OLIE’S NEW FACE & BODY EXFOLIANT

Gentle exfoliation creating radiant results

At Olieve & Olie, every product begins with a simple philosophy — use real ingredients, craft with care, and create something that truly works for the skin. Their newest release, the Face & Body Exfoliant, is a beautiful reflection of that belief.

Formulated with olive pip, native finger lime extract and pink grapefruit, it’s a full sensory experience. This unique blend was designed to gently refine the skin while nourishing it at the same time. It’s a dualaction exfoliant where the hero – finely milled olive pip – provides a natural, gentle, and effective exfoliation that helps remove dull, tired skin cells. Skin will feel smoother, and the complexion appear fresher.

Choosing to include Australian finger lime extract in their formula is based on its powerful hydrating properties and natural support of collagen production. It’s also celebrated for delivering a burst of skin-loving nutrients that help promote a brighter, more luminous glow. While pink grapefruit adds an uplifting freshness so the exfoliant leaves the skin feeling clean, soft and revitalised.

Gentle enough for the face, yet suitable for the body, this product was curated for those who desire a simple, results-driven routine. Whether used as part of a weekly ritual or before moisturising, it’s effective yet gentle. Their Face & Body Exfoliant helps your skincare work more efficiently by preparing the skin to better absorb hydration and nourishment.

Always handcrafting their extensive range of skincare and home fragrance products in small batches with thoughtfully chosen ingredients is the Olieve & Olie way. This new addition continues their commitment to skincare that feels good, looks beautiful and supports healthy skin naturally.

BREATHE. RELAX. ENJOY.

The beginning of a new year offers the perfect opportunity to begin afresh and embrace new, healthy habits. Tai Chi is a gentle, accessible way to do just that. Often described as meditation in motion, Tai Chi combines slow, flowing movements with relaxed breathing to improve balance, flexibility and overall well being.

Its low-impact nature makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. After just a couple of weeks of classes, many people notice reduced stress, better posture and a growing sense of calm. Tai Chi also strengthens the legs, enhances coordination and supports joint health — benefits that make everyday activities feel easier and more enjoyable.

Rising Moon Tai Chi offers beginner classes during the week and on Saturday mornings, making it easy to begin your practice.

Starting Tai Chi in the new year is a wonderful step towards better health, clarity and vitality throughout the year ahead.

P 0418 566 216

FB @Rising Moon Tai Chi

Transform Your Life WITH TAI

CHI!

Learn from Sifu Jenny Harrison, a highly respected instructor with over 40 years of teaching experience. Classes for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced students.

Discover the satisfaction and joy of mastering a new skill.

MOBILE: 0418 566 216 ~ WEBSITE: risingmoontaichi.net

YOUTUBE: Rising Moon Tai Chi School

WHERE CLINICAL EXPERTISE MEETS NATURAL AESTHETIC CONFIDENCE

At Lume, advanced aesthetics are delivered with exceptional care, precision and professionalism grounded in deep clinical experience. Founded by Richelle, a highly respected critical care nurse, Lume combines medical expertise with modern cosmetic treatments to help clients look refreshed, confident and authentically themselves.

Richelle brings more than 20 years of experience across intensive care units and emergency departments, where attention to detail, calm decision-making and patient safety are essential. These high-pressure environments shaped her strong clinical skills and reinforced a compassionate, patient-first approach that remains central to Lume.

Driven by a passion for helping people feel their best, Richelle pursued advanced training in cosmetic nursing, blending her medical background with evidence-based aesthetic practice. Her philosophy is simple: enhance natural beauty without compromising individuality. Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation, ensuring clients feel informed, supported and confident.

Lume offers a comprehensive range of advanced skin and aesthetic services tailored to a variety of concerns and goals. Treatments include wrinkle and volume management for subtle facial rejuvenation, collagen induction therapy (microneedling), and IPL skin rejuvenation to address pigmentation and vascular concerns

such as rosacea and red spots. Additional services include IPL hair removal, body contouring, RF skin tightening, LED light therapy, tattoo removal, and the popular Hollywood (carbon) facial for instant skin clarity and glow.

What truly sets Lume apart is Richelle’s holistic, safety-focused approach. Her extensive medical training ensures treatments are performed with precision, while her warm, approachable manner helps clients feel relaxed and understood. The result is aesthetic care that feels both luxurious and reassuringly clinical.

Whether you’re new to cosmetic treatments or seeking a trusted practitioner to elevate your skincare journey, Lume offers a refined, professional experience built on expertise and integrity.

As a special offer for Peninsula Essence readers, enjoy 20% off treatments when you mention this feature.

Lume Aesthetics is a boutique clinic for advanced beauty and medical treatments, offering a perfect blend of science and luxury with a focus on enhancing natural beauty.

Wrinkle Management

Volume Management

Collagen Induction Therapy (Microneedling)

IPL Facial Rejuvenation

IPL Hair Removal

Body Contouring

RF Skin Tightening

Tattoo Removal

The Hollywood Facial (Carbon Facial)

LED Light Therapy

FOR EVERY SKIN & BEAUTY NEED

Located at the top end of High Street in Hastings, a beautiful, private boutique salon awaits.

Lillian Mac Skin & Beauty has a mission to provide remarkable treatments and ensure a memorable service to every one of their valued clients.

Patient, accommodating staff provide impeccable, knowledgeable services to meet every need and their extensive range of beauty treatments cater to every whim.

As soon as you walk through the door a serene and beautiful space awaits encouraging you to wind down and take a moment for yourself. The luxurious treatment rooms cradle your mind and spirit taking you to a place of total tranquillity. We dare you to try not to fall asleep during one of your sessions!

The team at Lillian Mac Skin & Beauty look forward to pampering you.

For your convenience, the treatment menu can be viewed via the appointment booking portal found on Facebook, but do not hesitate to call with any questions or concerns. Gift vouchers are available for a great gift idea. Walk-ins are also most welcome.

@LillianMacDaySpa

@lillianmacskinandbeauty

Shop 1, 101 High Street, Hastings P: 5979 1511

Jenny Croom WINNER of ABC’s Portrait Artist

of The Year

Jenny has a selection of works available from the 1 to 28 of February st th

My recent good fortune in winning the ABC ’s inaugural Portrait Artist of the Year Australia 2025 was the culmination of a lifetime of painting. It was fortunate because there were many skilled artists in the event . And portrait painting feels to be what I’ve been working towards for most of my life

I’ve loved painting landscapes with a passion that lasted decades, flirted briefly with abstracts, became intrigued with figures, and then felt the call to what feels the most challenging of all; painting a human face!

I love to paint people within a setting that shows hints of a story within abstracted texture. I do love the physicality of paint; it ’s a visceral joy to apply! And the portrait of a real person requires an involvement like no other I want to communicate something deeper, something more than just the physical likeness. Only then do I feel the work is finished.

Located inside the Tyabb Packing House

THE SMARTER WAY TO BRING STONE BEAUTY INTO YOUR HOME

If you love the warmth, elegance and timeless appeal of stone but want a solution that’s lighter, safer, and more cost-effective than traditional natural stone, Carved in Stone is redefining what’s possible in modern architectural surfaces.

For 28 years, Carved in Stone has been crafting innovative alternatives to natural stone wall cladding, rammed-earth finishes and architectural concrete walls. Their products look and feel so authentic that even architects are often unable to tell the difference. Yet behind the surface lies a far more advanced, practical, and versatile solution designed for today’s homes and commercial spaces.

While natural stone will always hold its place as a luxury finish, it comes with limitations. It’s heavy, slow to install and costly – and in many cases, too risky or unsuitable for lightweight construction. Carved in Stone changes that. Their engineered surfaces deliver the same visual impact as natural stone without the structural challenges, installation delays or price point that typically hold homeowners back.

One of the standout advantages is their fully managed supply-andinstall service. Unlike many natural stone suppliers who provide the product only, Carved in Stone oversees each project from start to finish. This gives them complete quality control and enables them to offer an industry-leading 10-year warranty on their supply and installation package – a level of assurance rarely found in the world of architectural surfaces.

Designed with durability and safety in mind, Carved in Stone’s products are approved for use above 1.5 metres, including overhead applications, without the need for complex or costly fastening systems. This makes them a reliable option for multi-storey builds where natural stone simply isn’t viable. The material is noncombustible, offering added peace of mind in bushfire-prone regions, and it performs beautifully in coastal environments where salt, moisture and wind often challenge traditional building materials.

Versatility is another hallmark of Carved in Stone. Whether you’re building or renovating, their surfaces can be installed on almost any substrate – even polystyrene foam cladding – opening up creative possibilities without structural compromise. Homeowners can achieve striking feature walls, refined exterior facades or warm, textural interior finishes that elevate a space instantly.

Despite its sophisticated appearance, Carved in Stone remains an accessible and cost-effective option. It delivers premium impact without premium pricing, giving homeowners and designers the freedom to create high-end looks that feel luxurious yet remain practical for everyday living.

For those embracing sustainable design principles, the eco-friendly nature of these products is an added appeal. With minimal waste and a streamlined installation process, they are well-suited to environmentally conscious projects seeking high performance with a lighter footprint.

Whether you’re dreaming of a dramatic entryway, a coastal-inspired facade or a natural, earthy visual narrative throughout your home, Carved in Stone offers a solution that blends beauty, practicality, and long-term value.

Discover how Carved in Stone can transform your home or project with ease. Call today to arrange a free consultation and experience the future of stone surfaces – where innovation meets enduring style.

P 0407 472 822

E info@carvedinstone.com.au

W carvedinstone.com.au

A NEW ERA OF EARLY LEARNING AT MT ELIZA HOUSE ACADEMY

Nestled in a peaceful pocket of Mt Eliza, right next to St Thomas More Primary School, Mt Eliza House Academy is proud to be the newest addition to the respected Sanctuary of Early Learning group.

This purpose-built Early Learning Centre offers long daycare specifically for 3 and 4-year-old children and delivers a high-quality, funded kindergarten program designed to prepare children for a confident start to their school journey.

What sets Mt Eliza House Academy apart is its dedicated focus on kindergarten-only age groups. With no younger age rooms, the environment is carefully tailored to meet the needs of children in this pivotal stage of development. Experienced and passionate early childhood teachers deliver a rich and engaging curriculum that balances academic preparation with creative exploration and emotional development. The program places a strong emphasis on school readiness, ensuring every child transitions to primary school equipped with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to thrive.

As part of the Mt Eliza House Academy philosophy, the service embraces a deep connection to the community, fostering strong partnerships with families and local organisations. This includes access to a number of enriching programs that go beyond the classroom, such as regular community excursions, special guest visits, and cultural celebrations that broaden children's understanding of the world around them.

One of the centre’s standout features is its Bush Kinder program - a truly unique and highly beneficial aspect of the curriculum. Children step outside the four walls of a traditional classroom and into nature’s playground.

Here, they climb trees, explore creeks, build cubbies from branches, and observe the changing seasons firsthand. Rain or shine, the natural world becomes their classroom, offering endless opportunities for discovery, problem-solving, and collaboration. Research shows that Bush Kinder not only supports physical health but also enhances creativity, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Imagine a classroom without walls where children learn beneath the canopy of trees, feel the earth under their feet, and delight in the simple joys of outdoor play. Welcome to Bush Kinder: the outdoor learning revolution taking root in early childhood education and flourishing at Mt Eliza House Academy.

Whether you're seeking a nurturing start or an academically rich kindergarten experience for your child, Mt Eliza House Academy offers a warm, welcoming, and inspiring environment for families on the Mornington Peninsula.

Now enrolling for 2026. Limited places available - book your tour today.

307 Canadian Bay Road, Mt Eliza P 9708 8998

E academy@sanctuaryofearlylearning.com.au

FB @Mt Eliza House Academy W mtelizahouseacademy.com.au

FOR ONE DAY, THE WORLD COMES TO MORNINGTON

This February, the Mornington Peninsula once again becomes a gateway to the world as the Mornington Travel & Cruise Expo returns to the Mornington Racecourse bigger, broader and more inspiring than ever.

The Travel & Cruise Expo gives Victorians the opportunity to speak directly with cruise lines and tour specialists, attend expert talks and discover new destinations in a relaxed, informative environment. With more than 50 travel and cruise specialists under one roof, the day is designed for locals who love to travel, dream of travel, or are simply curious about what’s possible next.

From river cruising and ocean voyages to escorted group travel that begins right from your door, visitors can wander at their own pace, ask questions and gather ideas whether the plan is next year, next month, or simply “one day”.

It’s also designed to be a great day out. Throughout the Expo, exciting prizes will be drawn every half hour from the prize machine, adding a sense of fun and anticipation as visitors explore, listen and connect.

It’s not about pressure or pitches. It’s about bringing knowledge, expertise and inspiration back to the peninsula so locals don’t need to head to the city to explore the world.

63 Main Street, Mornington T 5975 3355

E mornington@helloworld.com.au

FB @helloworld Mornington Cruise and Travel

W helloworld.com.au/store/mornington-cruise-and-travel

BUILDING FIRST AID CONFIDENCE ACROSS THE PENINSULA

Being confident in providing first aid isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential life skill. Access to practical, high-quality first aid education can make the difference between panic and action when it matters most.

Peninsula First Aid Training delivers nationally recognised first aid courses for individuals and organisations, providing fully accredited training and valid certification. Designed to meet national standards, their courses focus on real-world scenarios that build confidence, capability, and calm responses in emergencies.

Co-founder and Director Belinda Schmidt brings a strong background in education and local teaching, with firsthand insight into the community’s ongoing need for accessible, up-to-date first aid training.

Offering regular public courses at Mount Martha Community House and Balnarring Community Hall, alongside tailored workplace training, the courses support parents, educators, carers, workplaces, and community members—helping more people feel prepared to step in before professional help arrives.

To book a course, arrange workplace training, or to explore full range of course options, please visit website below.

P 0408 261 927

E peninsulafirstaid@gmail.com W peninsulafirstaidtraining.com.au

Specialising in the delivery of first aid training courses to individuals and organisations across the Mornington Peninsula.

Offering flexible delivery options for most courses, including distance learning, face to face, classroom based training and via our online e-learning system.

COURSES:

 HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation  HLTAID010 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid  Baby & Toddler First Aid Courses (non-accredited)

Book your course online today at peninsulafirstaidtraining.com.au peninsulafirstaid@gmail.com

DAN SULTAN COMES TO WOMIN DJEKA BALNARRING NGARGEE

Organisers are thrilled to announce that Dan Sultan will headline the Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee on Saturday 14 March 2026.

One of Australia’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, Dan Sultan is a seven-time ARIA Award winner with multiple Top 5 ARIA albums and a gold-certified record. His 2023 self-titled album DAN SULTAN won ARIA’s Best Adult Contemporary Album and cemented his reputation as a powerhouse live performer. Having toured extensively and appeared at major festivals including Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival and Bluesfest, his set will surely be a celebration of music, Country, Culture and community under the stringy barks.

Joining Dan are outstanding First Nations artists Candice Lorrae, Canisha, and Kiwat, each bringing powerful storytelling and rich cultural perspectives. Alongside incredible music, enjoy a vibrant cultural program, market stalls, children’s activities and food trucks. Find this community run festival at Emu Plains Reserve.

Entry is by donation.

Coolart Road, Balnarring W balnarringfestival.com.au

14th & 15th March 10am-4pm

10 DAYS - TASMANIA IN AUTUMN

Saturday 11th - Monday 20th April 2026

2025 was an incredible year for Lamble Tours, filled with memorable journeys and remarkable experiences. And the best part? Sharing it with all of you.

2026 is shaping up to be even more extraordinary. Their holiday program offers short and extended holidays to suit all accompanied by a home pick up and return service for Metropolitan and Mornington Peninsula passengers.

Keep an eye out for some additional short getaways for this year.

Whether you’re drawn to Tasmania’s beautiful autumn scenary, the coastal charm of the Sunshine Coast, or seeking the wonders of the West Coast with Perth to Broome, or the Overland Train to Adelaide featuring the Christmas Pageant, your next unforgettable holiday is ready and waiting.

Lamble Tours look forward to welcoming back their valued returning travellers and are excited to meet those joining them for the first time in 2026.

Welcome to a 10 Day west coast journey through its wild beauty. Explore Bruny Island’s pristine beaches, the lush Huon Valley, and the stunning Wall in the Wilderness Cruise the Gordon River from Strahan Village, then marvel at Cradle Mountain’s grandeur and so much more…

Cost: $5,000

Per person twin share/double. Single supp: $1,040

6 DAYS STAY PUT WINTER GETAWAY - The Sunshine Coast

Sunday 21 – Friday 26 June 2026

Our special 6 day stay put winter holiday to the Sunshine Coast has a great range of experiences from the coast to the hinterland should do the trick! The Resort is just a short walk from the sparkling waters of Golden Beach. Cost: $3,050 Per person twin share/double Single supp: $470

7 DAYS - HERVEY BAY AND FRASER ISLAND

Wednesday 15 - Tuesday 21 July 2026

Join us to discover stunning beaches, majestic wildlife and the hidden gems of the Fraser Coast. The perfect Queensland adventure – Exploring Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Maryborough and Fraser Island.

Cost: $3,810 Per person twin share/double Single Supp $710

P 0418 853 810

E lambletours@bigpond.com

FB @lambletours

• Home pick up & return service metropolitan / Mornington Peninsula • For a detailed itinerary phone: 0418 853 810 Email: lambletours@bigpond.com

W lambletours.com.au www.lambletours.com.au

February 7-March 1

MULUYMULUY WIRRPANDA

ART MEETS ECOLOGY AT EVERYWHEN

The lace-like patterns of Muluymuluy Wirrpanda’s soft pinks, browns and monochrome ochres weave over their bark's surfaces, relating the stories of bulwutja (water yam) and gunga (pandanas).

Bulwutja & Gunga (water yams and pandanus)

Opening & Curators Introduction Saturday Feb 7 at 2pm Book: everywhenart.eventbrite.com.au

Whistlewood, 642 Tucks Road, Shoreham, 3916 T: 03 5931 0318 | Open Fri-Sun 11am-4pm everywhenart.com.au

Born in 1959, Muluymuluy Wirrpanda is a leading painter, ecologist, cultural elder and ranger with the Yirralka Rangers of Northeast Arnhem Land. She paints with the illustrious art centre BukuLarrnggay Mulka.

Through her art, Muluymuluy documents the botanical features, cultural history and health-giving properties of plants to preserve this knowledge for future generations.

A striking blend of art and ecology, Muluymuluy's work has been included in leading exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Bundanon, NSW. This is her first Victorian solo exhibition.

The exhibition opens at 2 pm on Saturday February 7 with a curators' floor talk

Bookings everywhenart.eventbrite.com.au

Exhibition runs February 7-March 1 (no bookings required)

642 Tucks Road, Shoreham, - Open Fri-Sun 11-4 P 5931 0318

E info@everywhenart.com.au W everywhenart.com.au

• No more mud in your gutters

• No more vermin or birds in your roof

• Protect your most valued investment -your home, your building

• Gutters stay clean - no more cleaning

• Save money and cleaning time

• 28 year guarantee

Coyote Cabins leverage over 25 years of construction experience to provide high-quality, tailored housing solutions. As a familyrun business, they've transitioned from building luxury residential homes to focusing on a more pressing need: affordable and customised granny flats for senior Australians.

Each Coyote Cabin is thoughtfully designed and customised to suit the specific needs of each client. They take care of all the details to make a truly stress free experience. They pride themselves on their focus and craftsmanship towards developing accessible, bespoke accommodations that cater to the unique lifestyle of every Australian family.

To cater to individual needs and preferences, they offer a variety of add-ons such as decks, pergolas, extra windows and doors, additional power points, and external lighting.

Whether you’re looking to keep your loved ones close or provide them with a private, cozy and functional space, Coyote Cabins delivers a solution that feels like home.

For more information, call Marc or send an email to Kellie.

P 0417 899 799

E kellie@coyotecabins.com.au W coyotecabins.com.au

6 AND 12 MONTH SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

Select the subscription period then each month, Peninsula Essence magazine will be mailed to you in a sealed plastic bag.

184 ARTHURS SEAT RD, RED HILL

Locals and visitors gather to celebrate fresh produce, handmade creations, delicious eats, and friendly smiles. A true community market.

hillandridgemarket.com.au HILL & RIDGE COMMUNITY MARKET

Fri 13 Feb, 5pm to 9pm SOUL NIGHT MARKET HASTINGS FORESHORE

2 MARINE PARADE, HASTINGS

Shop, eat, drink and socialise at this festive, foodie and makers market held at Hastings Foreshore with over 90 stalls including 20 food and drink trucks.

unrivalledevents.com.au/ soul-night-market-hastings

Fri 27 Feb, 5pm to 9pm

SOUL NIGHT MARKET

SORRENTO BEACH

to 2pm Sat 28 Feb, 9am to 2pm LITTLE BEAUTY MARKET

EMU PLAINS MARKET

emuplainsmarket.com.au Sat 21 Feb, 9am to 2pm

EMU PLAINS RESERVE, BALNARRING

More than just a market the EPM is a monthly celebration of art, food, design and community. Explore and support the 200+ incredible small businesses in the picturesque surrounds each month!

Out in the country, high on the hill, you’ll find a market where makers, growers, and musicians gather to share the bounty of the seasonfrom fresh produce and handmade goods to vintage treasures and local art

Good things in the heart of Red Hill

No March Market - It’s the Red Hill Show! Market Returns 4 April - Easter Saturday th

SORRENTO BEACH, SORRENTO

Shop, eat, drink and socialise at this festive, foodie and makers market held at Sorrento Beach with over 60 stalls including 20 food and drink trucks.

unrivalledevents.com.au/ soul-night-market-sorrento

Sat 28 Feb, 8am to 1.30pm ROTARY DROMANA MARKET DROMANA RECREATION RESERVE

Showcasing the local flavour of Dromana, offering fresh seasonal produce, and locally crafted products. Funds raised go to supporting local community projects.

dromanamarket.org.au

BEAUTY PARK, FRANKSTON

Filled to the brim with awesomeness, Little Beauty Market features 100+ of Melbourne’s very best creatives, foodies and musos in the heart of Frankston.

Free entry and dogs welcome! littlebeautymarket.com.au

Sat 14 Mar 10am to 5pm

THE 5IFTH MARKET

BICENTENNIAL PARK, CHELSEA

Stroll, graze, buy and play at over 100 makers and street food stalls, along with live acoustic music plus a fantastic kid’s playground. Set around a walking track at the picturesque Bicentennial Park, held on the last Saturday of the month during market season.

unrivalledevents.com.au/the-5ifth-market

WOMIN DJEKA BALNARRING NGARGEE

EMU PLAINS RESERVE, BALNARRING

A vibrant celebration of music, culture and community. Featuring headline act Dan Sultan alongside more First Nations artists Candice Lorrae, Canisha and Kiwat, the festival also offers a rich cultural program, market stalls, children’s activities and food trucks

Balnarringfestival.com.au

ADVERTISE YOUR MARKET IN OUR DIRECTORY

BELINDA - 0419 135 900 BELINDA@MPNEWS.COM.AU

BARN DOOR SALES MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8AM - 4.30PM AND8AM-12.30PMSATURDAYS

COME AND SEE THE ROAMINGCHICKENS FREE

1. Octopus arm

5. Business experts

11. Adieu

15. Foot digit

16. Fishpond carp

17. Totals, ... to (4,2)

19. Excuse

21. The Mob

23. Bawled

25. Copper alloy

27. Gentlest

28. Tarnish

30. Doting

31. False doctrine

32. Sounded alike

33. Evaluate, ... up

34. Rapturous

35. Leave house hurriedly (4,3)

36. Terra firma

38. Shear (sheep)

40. Enfold

42. Woe!

44. Cement

45. Mobile phone company

46. Jazz instrument, ... sax

48. Waist bands

49. Child's building blocks

50. Actress, Meg ...

51. Tickled fancy of

52. The pair

53. From Bangkok

54. Puzzle, Rubik's ...

55. Dutch cheese

56. Nevertheless (4,2)

58. Caribbean pirate

59. Undercover (venue)

61. Heighten

63. Spy group (1,1,1)

64. Seafood treat, jellied ...

65. Sir ... Newton

67. Express gratitude to

69. ESP, sixth ...

71. Everything included (2,3)

73. Cowboy's friend

74. Ousts

76. Dusk

78. Likeness

80. Travel on horse

82. Pigments

83. Prophesied

85. Capability (4-3)

89. More taut

91. Red/yellow mix

93. Part of a piano

94. Append

96. Cutting tooth

98. Liqueur, ... Maria

99. Boxer or terrier

100. Teach

102. In the wrong (2,5)

103. Well-read

104. 12th

105. Flower necklace

106. LA suburb, Bel ...

107. Reside in

108. Antiseptic solution

110. Dad's mum

112. Of race & culture

114. Scullers

117. Spotted

120. Mollify

123. Panache

125. Spirit

127. Represent, ... for

128. Hebrew country

131. In the distance

133. Chops up (of food)

134. Shrewder

135. Cars

136. Trifled

137. Scenic outlook

140. White lie

141. Mi, ..., soh

142. Heavily loaded

145. Pearl-making mollusc

147. Cinema attendant

148. Complied

150. Balanced

151. Ancient Gaelic speaker

152. Rework

153. US Mormon state

154. Famed pacifist, Mahatma ...

156. Bluefin creature

158. Hide-out

160. Harsh experience

162. Leer

163. Sinned

164. Pimply condition

165. Length of DNA

166. Whisky measure

167. Metal track

168. Type of sword

170. Yearns

172. Preserving liquid

173. Half

174. Runs off to marry

177. Texan city

179. Actress, ... Thompson

180. Positive pole

182. Tangle

183. Policy reversal (1-4)

185. Amongst

187. Sicker

188. Kiosk

189. Spin coin for decision (4,2)

191. UK New Year's honour (1,1,1)

192. Leaf beverage

193. JFK's family, the ...

194. Dismays

195. Reserve for future use (3,5)

75. Actress, ... Harlow

77. Amend

79. Sincerity

81. Veneration

84. Foodstuffs

85. Containers for boiling

86. Agreeing to

87. Water outlet

88. Gambled

90. 2.471 acres

92. Hollywood prize, Academy

95. Cosmetics brand, Elizabeth ...

97. Porridge flake

101. Small hobby room

109. Taverns

111. Triumphant cry

113. Flexible pipe

1. Moist-eyed

2. Gesture of assent

3. Closets

4. Sicilian volcano

5. Halted

6. Din

7. Combine into one

8. Duration device

9. Agile & clever

10. Skimmed

11. Suva is there

12. Public toilets (4,5)

13. Peter out

14. Accounts records

18. Main meal accompaniments (4,6)

20. Ordering (around)

22. Smoker's receptacle

24. Onlookers

26. Traumatised by battle (5-7)

29. Compatibility

37. Mohair

38. Sexually chaste

39. Snooker sticks (4,4)

40. Slender toughness

41. Insulin-secreting gland

43. Turkish capital

44. Acquires

47. Portent

57. Refuses

60. Lubricating

62. Colder

66. Separately

68. Fitness to fly (of plane)

69. Stupefy

70. Currency of Italy & Spain

72. Artistically (pleasing)

73. Ailments

115. Brings up (child)

116. Between

118. Clueless, no ...

119. Love god

121. Table-tennis bat

122. Curved over 124. Sent (goods) by plane

126. Dental specialist

129. Refuted

130. Lacking enthusiasm

131. Alpine singer

132. Suspension

138. Tempt 139. Mute with embarrassment (6-4)

143. Unfaithful marriage partners

144. Give authority to

146. Reverberate

149. Drill hole

155. Steered (course)

157. Tidies up

159. Unrelenting

161. Gracefully

165. Chemical fumes protector (3,4)

169. Instance

171. Turned uncontrollably

172. Crypts

175. Bonuses

176. Sloping sharply

177. 70s dance music

178. Hear (about)

181. Electrical resistance units

184. Russia's ... Mountains

186. 007's creator, ... Fleming

190. Ceylon, ... Lanka

A Tragic Day for the Royal Navy

By Lance Hodgins

It was a typically cold, drizzling, dull and miserable July morning in Melbourne when they boarded the “Challenger”.

They were an odd collection - dressed too formally to be daytrippers, speaking in a polite and friendly manner tinged with an underlying air of solemnity. Many of them seemed to already know each other, as if related. Some wore returned service badges. A little Englishman seemed to be the centre of attention. There was a naval historian, a chaplain and a young bugler in uniform alongside two more casually dressed passengers - possibly divers.

They were obviously on a mission as they left Central Pier in their charter craft and headed down the Bay - their target a pinpoint location off Frankston at exactly 2.05pm. On their arrival, a strange thing happened. The choppy seas became calm and the sun broke through a small opening in the clouds - an eerie phenomenon which was afterwards verified by those on board.

A solemn service was conducted by the chaplain and two wreaths were laid on the water. A bronze plaque with six names was taken down to the floor by the two divers on board.

The year was 2007. Three years earlier, those divers - Paul Roadknight and Steve Boneham - had made an amazing discovery. In twenty metres of water they found the remains of two aircraft which had collided and plunged into the Bay nearly sixty years before. To their horror, however, one pilot was still in his plane and the body of a second airman was found beside the wreckage of the other.

1947

This was an exciting time for Australians. The war was over and enlisted men were gradually being discharged back into civilian life. Prime Minister Ben Chifley and his government were embarking on an ambitious program of social reforms and nation-building schemes, including post-war immigration, the establishment of ASIO and the Australian National University, and the Snowy Mountains Scheme.

Australia had announced the purchase of two aircraft carriers from the British, equipped with the latest versions of the Hawker Sea Fury and the Fairey Firefly aircraft. To mark the occasion, two Royal Navy aircraft carriers and two destroyers embarked on a tour of the Far East which would include visits to Australia and New Zealand.

On Friday 11th July the carriers Theseus and Glory and destroyers Cockade and Contest entered Port Phillip Bay for a nine-day goodwill visit. Their arrival was announced with city fly-overs by their Fireflies - a versatile anti-submarine, reconnaissance and strike aircraft, with a crew of pilot and observer. They had taken part in WWII and would be used in the Korean War and by several navies, including Canada and Australia.

The Melbourne Welcome

Melbourne opened her hearts and doors to the Royal Navy as only Melbourne can. As 1,500 sailors filtered into the city, people shook them by the hands, took them for a drink, and invited them into their homes. There was a massive response from families offering beds for those on leave. The leave quota was swamped in a welter of public and private hospitality and hundreds of men were given overnight leave to stay at private homes.

The visitors were guests of the VRC at Flemington to witness the Grand National Steeplechase, officers attended the Red Cross Ball at the Town Hall and a dance at the Kooyong Tennis Club. Squadron members were invited to various Melbourne Clubs and made honorary members of golf and football clubs across the city. There were dozens of dances for ratings and day trips into the hills.

At the end of their nine-day stay, many young Englishmen were heard to express a desire to either transfer to the Royal Australian Navy or be on loan to our forces. Several marriages were even being planned!

continued next page...

Did You Know?

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Unlike traditional ear syringing, microsuction is quick, comfortable, and does not require the prior use of eardrops. It is particularly beneficial for seniors looking to improve their hearing without the discomfort or potential infection risks associated with syringing.

Visitors to the aircraft carriers

Interest in these floating airfields was extremely high. Sunday 13th July was a Gala Open Day and 25,000 people visited the two carriers at Station Pier and learned about the operation of an aircraft carrier. Young boys climbed over the Seafire and Firefly planes and “manned” the anti-aircraft guns. It was difficult to shut down the visit at 5.30pm and hundreds were left waiting in queues to get on board.

On the Wednesday there were manoeuvres out on the bay and several VIPs and journalists were invited on board to witness the demonstration first-hand. They marvelled at the skill and bravery of the airmen - men who fly at 100mph and set down on an iron deck 80 feet wide and 650 feet long with the sea all around. “What nerve and faith!” they exclaimed.

As the pilots approach the deck their planes’ noses are up and they cannot see their landing site. They are guided by the batsman who stands at the side of the runway holding two large coloured bats, in front of a coloured screen to make him stand out. The pilots watch every signal from the batsman who really flies the planes in.

The batsman on the Theseus, Lieut D G McQueen, would wave several planes away when their approach was not satisfactory. McQueen was a veteran, having waved in thousands of planes during the war in American carriers. On two occasions he had been forced to jump overboard in order to save himself from a crashlanding aircraft.

Arrester wires are raised along the deck to catch the hooks on the landing planes to bring them to a sudden halt, and barriers are raised on the deck to catch any plane that misses the wires. There is a “walkaway” at the side of the deck where crews jump for safety when planes are landing.

All the same time there are hundreds of men working below deck in a hangar 100 yards long. They perform all sorts of tasks, working around the clock to service the planes and keep them in flying shape.

Sunday 20th July 1947

It was time for the visiting fleet to continue their tour and head north to Sydney - but not before a parting display. The weather was calm and clear on the day and thousands of spectators lined the cliff tops of Frankston and Mornington.

At 1pm the planes for the afternoon demonstration were raised up by the lifts. At 2pm the planes roared off the deck one by one - 17 of them taking off efficiently within just a few minutes. As observers began to move downstairs from the control tower, one officer who was watching the planes said, “This looks bad.”

The Fireflies were about 1500 feet up and two miles ahead of the Theseus. They were manoeuvring to get into formation when, in a flash, two of them were suddenly locked together. The crewmen of the Theseus gasped as the two planes turned slowly and fell. They appeared to be one as they dropped into the water like a giant stone, disappearing in a column of white spray.

continued next page...

The crash siren immediately blared out and the destroyer Cockade about-turned and raced to the scene, guided by a plane which broke off from its formation to circle the crash site. A boat was lowered but only one body was recovered - that of 32 year old Lieut Commander Nat Hearle.

Naval officers on the carrier scoured the scene through their telescopes and binoculars and one even reported seeing two heads. Moments later, however, the report came in from the Cockade: “wreckage zero - no other signs.”

By the time the Theseus arrived, the only sign of the disaster was a patch of oil.

The demonstration continues

After half an hour of aerobatics, the Squadron leader came in and landed on the Theseus, followed by his number two. Number three came in quite erratically and far to the left, slewed around and crashed on the deck, skidding as though to go over the side. Batsman McQueen dived for his life into his safety net, quickly followed by two news camera operators.

The wooden sighting board behind him was shattered into splinters as the plane continued to career along out of control. The deck crew ducked for cover but the wing struck aircraft handler

Tony Timmons in the head and killed him instantly. The pilot climbed out, badly shaken.

Two minutes later, the HMS Glory had its own emergency. The commanding officer of the 806 Squadron attempted to land his Seafire on the deck of the HMS Glory but floated over the catch wires and the barrier and crashed into aircraft parked on the deck. It struck 19yo Air Mechanic Terry Sadler who was working on an aircraft, and injured another.

Station Pier, the point of the morning’s departure, was crowded in the afternoon as the stretcher with Sadler was brought ashore and taken to Heidelberg hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He is buried in the naval cemetery at Cerberus.

Meanwhile, out on the bay, the 12 remaining planes from the Theseus were ordered to land at Point Cook and rejoin their ship the next day. Even then, one Firefly suffered a collapsed undercarriage and crashed on landing. Fortunately both occupants were not injured.

In summing up, the skipper of the Theseus, Capt K Dickson said, “It has indeed been a bad day. The chapter of incidents was very unusual.” True - it had been the Glory’s first flight deck mishap in 15 months, but his words would come back to haunt him.

continued next page...

Cause of the accidents

Experienced officers said that the stillness of Sunday’s weather was “worse than a thunderstorm” for deck landings. The absence of wind caused the planes to approach the decks at an abnormally fast speed which reduced the pilot’s control. Furthermore the carriers had turned into the sun to make the most of what little wind there was, and this had made landing even more difficult.

They were quick to scotch rumours of “too much hospitality” during their stay in Melbourne.

The collision of the two Fireflies was another matter. Some crew members noted, and questioned, the different launch sequence - for some unknown reason - which may have caused confusion in the air as the planes manoeuvred for position to get into formation.

The Royal Navy announced that an official inquiry would be held “in the squadron” (i.e. on board the carriers) and the results sent to the Admiralty in London. Otherwise, it would be business as usual. No further search was made for the three missing Firefly crew and, as soon as their repaired aircraft returned from Point Cook, they would depart for Sydney the next day.

The aftermath

Once the fleet had cleared the Heads on Monday, there was a burial service at sea for the deceased pilot, Nat Hearle and deck crewman Tony Timmons. Officers and men formed up in two squares, leaving a passageway between the edge of the deck. The bodies, enclosed in canvas, were taken from the bomb hatch to the aircraft lift, which rose solemnly to the flight deck. Bearers with a

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marine escort took them to the deck edge and the marines fired three volleys.

Five days later, parts of an airplane wreckage were washed ashore at Mornington and identified by naval investigators as being from a Firefly from the Theseus. Salvage rights rested with the Australian Navy, but any search could only be at the request of the Royal Navy, which never happened.

The aircraft remained on the floor of the bay for over half a century until their discovery by the divers, Paul and Steve. Their inquiries led to Bill Grice in England, who had been a 20 year-old deck hand on the Theseus at the time and had since written of his experiences. When it was also found that Lieut Commander Hearle had relatives in Australia, the idea of a memorial service was born.

And so Bill Grice was invited to celebrate his 80th birthday alongside the Hearles and some new friends in a quiet, sacred spot on Port Phillip Bay.

Post script

Within a week, a ban was placed on all flying from Theseus and Glory until they reached New Zealand where intensive training could be carried out. This followed a death in Brisbane which made a total of seven casualties and 11 planes lost or badly damaged during the goodwill tour.

Finally, a lack of flying practice was admitted as the problem. “For the past six months, average flying time was only about 10 hours per month. You just can’t mix carrier flying and play.”

Below: The plaque in memory of the lost; now on the sea floor off Frankston

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