A huge day of fun is guaranteed at the first ever MY Mount Eliza Run & Fun Festival on Sunday, March 26, at Emil Madsen Reserve, Mount Eliza.

The inaugural festival will include:
* A 5km and 10km trail run/walk through the Mount Eliza parklands;
* A short dash event where children navigate their way through jumping castle obstacles;
* A premium skate/BMX/scooter demonstration by YMCA Melbourne;
* Free music and stage entertainment all day;
* A Gaelic sword tournament;
* A barista challenge by Commonfolk Coffee;
* A reptile petting zoo;
* Face painting and tattoos; and,
* Premium food and beverage vendors.

In 2014, Mount Eliza dad Geoff Nyssen was diagnosed with the terminal blood cancer multiple myeloma.  Feeling empowered by the amazing support he’s received from his community, Geoff and his voluntary committee decided to establish this very special event, with all proceeds going to Myeloma Australia to help patients, carers and their families. To donate, please go to https://mymountelizarunfunfestival.everydayhero.com/au/Send-Myeloma-Packing.
For more information on the festival, visit www.mymounteliza.org.au.

MY MOUNT ELIZA RUN & FUN FESTIVAL
A: Emil Madsen Reserve, Mount Eliza
Date: Sunday, March 26
W: www.mymounteliza.org.au

If health and wellbeing are important to you, Chocolate & Kale - Wellness: Women: Wisdom is something you won’t want to miss.

Tasha Rees, from Get Healthy, is bringing together six passionate women who are experts in their fields – including financial advice, psychology and naturopathy – to enhance women’s health and wellbeing.

“Many local businesses have come on board to support this event and have provided amazing products or services for the gift bags and door prizes,” Tasha said.  “BCV Financial Solutions in Frankston has also generously made a financial contribution so that this event is possible.”

Chocolate & Kale is on Sunday, March 19, at The Garden, Mind Body Business in Frankston from 9.30am-2.30pm.  Tickets: eventbrite.com.au/e/chocolate-kale-tickets-31789573470

Contact Tasha on 0412 821 021 for more information.

GET HEALTHY
A: 165 Humphries Rd, Frankston South
T: 9775 3319
W: gethealthynow.com.au

It would be fitting if the Frankston Dolphins Junior Football Club was able to field a senior women’s team in this its 50th year – and there is every indication it will do exactly that.

With about a month to go before the launch of the AFL South East Women’s Football League, club spokesman Paul Wright is confident of getting the numbers to put a team on the park.  Last year about 10 women answered the club’s call for expressions of interest, and women are turning up to weekly training sessions. It’s also likely the club will elevate a couple of players from last year’s under-18s.  Given that other clubs have had last-minute player registrations to get them over the line, it’s looking very good for the Dolphins.

Paul says the interest in and growth of women’s footy in the past few years has been “amazing”, and has obviously been boosted by the launch of the AFL women’s competition.
“We used to have a couple of girls playing junior footy in our mixed teams and it went from that to a fully-fledged under-18 side and an under-13 side last year. Our under-13s won the Grand Final and our under-18s got pipped by a couple of points in their Grand Final.

“This year we’ve got under-18s, under-15s and under-12s – so we’ll have girls across the whole spread of age groups, which is incredible going from three or four girls playing in mixed comp a few years back.”

For the Dolphins, a stand-along junior club that formed in 1967 when Frankston entered the VFA, developing a senior women’s team – and potentially a senior men’s team down the track – is a natural progression.  “We had two girls’ teams last year and we’ll have three this year across all age groups, so the natural extension is to develop a senior women’s team.  It keeps the fabric within the club; otherwise the players splinter off and you lose that connectivity.

“It’s the same for our boys - they get to the under-17s or under-18s and there’s nowhere for them to go. What we’re trying to do is build that pathway for them.”

Age and lack of experience are no barriers – the Dolphins already have a 32-year-old who is returning to the game after a few years, and Paul expects other clubs will have players who are fairly new to footy.  “So for anyone who hasn’t played before or hasn’t played for a long time, I think it’s open to all abilities.”

If you’re interested in being a part of history, email [email protected] or visit www.fdjfc.com.au for more details. Pictures: Gary Bradshaw

“I now have life - not life as in I get up in the morning and do my daily things and go to bed at night, but I now have a good life with hope and a future.”

Fusion resident Jane* is testament to the youth and community organisation’s success in strengthening the lives of young people through a community-based response of education, accommodation, supporting and sharing of life.

Located in the former Army Barracks in Mount Martha, Fusion’s programs seek to connect young people to networks in the community and engage them with a wider sense of belonging and achievement. By providing early interventions to youths within its program, Fusion seeks to address many issues that trigger long-term homelessness.

With the support of Fusion, Jane’s life was transformed.  She learnt how to live with others harmoniously - a process that involved managing conflict, becoming aware of the impact of her own actions, and reconciling differences – and with mediation support this allowed her to ultimately restore the relationship with her mother.

Since being encouraged to improve her health and take up sports, she is also studying to become a PE teacher and is now giving back to the Fusion community as a mentor to other young girls.

This is the heart of Fusion’s work - to bring life to its fullest.   Fusion seeks to provide opportunities for young people to discover who they are and realise their true potential through reconciliation, transformation and restoration.

Fusion’s fundraising dinner, Feast for Life, will be held on Saturday, March 18, from 6.30pm at Toorak College. Tickets are $60 or $550 for a table of 10; email [email protected] or phone 5974 1442.

* Name changed to protect her identity
 

The Wells St Market is a great little pedestrian-friendly street market that’s on every Thursday from 9am-2pm.

It features small-scale handmade products, candles, jewellery, kids’ clothing, woodwork and plants.  It is also fast becoming a bit of a foodie haunt in Frankston, with many stopping by each week for a serving of falafel and dips, a loaf of fresh bread, honey, nut butters, hot donuts, some leafy greens and berries.

Bringing back what it really means to be a community, this market is more than a place to shop. It’s locals supporting locals. It’s a meeting place and an information exchange.

Visit www.wellsstreetmarket.com.au for more information, or to apply to become a stallholder.

WELLS ST MARKET
A: Wells St, Frankston
Open Thursdays 9am-2pm
W: wellsstreetmarket.com.au

Vince and Andrea La Rocca have been providing optical services to Mornington Peninsula residents for the past 30 years, and their passion for their customers is as strong as ever.
“I would sincerely like to thank the wonderful people from Frankston and surrounds who have shown such loyalty over these years,” Vince said. “It is a great pleasure to now be serving the next generation of your families. We love welcoming new patients.

“We are a family owned business and have built a reputation of trust that brings people back for a lifetime of customer-focused vision care in a professional but friendly environment that sets us apart in the optical industry. 

“Our ongoing commitment is to provide you with the best clarity of vision achievable via spectacles, contact lenses and sunglasses. Having a vast array of lenses enables us to tailor the best product to suit your specific visual requirements.

“Our passion is to personally assist you in selecting the best spectacle frame to suit your image, lifestyle and budget.  Allow us to make you look fabulous!”

VINCE LA ROCCA PROFESSIONAL EYECARE
A: 34 Wells St, Frankston
T: 9783 9920
W: vincelarocca.com.au

It’s often said that true style never goes out of fashion, and that’s certainly the case at Signature Footwear.

With new winter stock on the way, it’s time for Signature Footwear to clear its remaining summer range, which is doubly good news: you can pick up a pair of stylish ladies’ shoes for half-price, and they’ll still be in vogue next summer.  Signature Footwear stocks brands you won’t find anywhere else in Frankston, including shoes from Portugal, Spain and Italy, so you’ll still be standing out from the crowd this time next year.

Signature Footwear has been helping women step out in style for more than seven years, and the four highly qualified staff members have more than 100 years’ experience between them.  So for an expertly fitted pair of fashionable ladies’ shoes at half-price, make tracks for Signature Footwear.

SIGNATURE FOOTWEAR
A: Shop 4/13-15 Thompson St, Frankston
T: 9770 1071
W: signaturefootwear.com.au

Walk it, run it … just be in it! The countdown is now on for the inaugural MY Mt Eliza Run & Fun Festival 2017 to be held on Sunday, March 26, at Emil Madsen Reserve, Mount Eliza.

Festival Director Geoff Nyssen is encouraging everyone to be a part of this special trail run/walk event.

“We are hoping families and friends in our community can challenge their fitness on the 5km flat course at a cost of only $35, or the 10km more difficult trail run through the Moorooduc Quarry for a registration fee of $45, with all participants receiving a free t-shirt. Teams and families of four attract a discounted price”.

“Our community are also invited to enjoy a premium skate/BMX/scooter competition delivered by YMCA Victorian Skate Park League, premium food and beverage vendors, a Gaelic sword tournament, the Commonfolk Coffee Company barista challenge, cooking demonstrations, face painting, a jumping castle, and lots more family-friendly activities with prizes and giveaways on offer,” Geoff said.

All funds raised on March 26 will go to Myeloma Australia to support patients with terminal blood cancer and their carers.

For more information go to www.mymounteliza.org.au

Interface Skin Clinic specialises in anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers as well as skin needling, medical grade peels and facials and a range of cosmecutical skin care products prescribed to your specific skin care needs.

Owner Donna Black is a registered nurse with 20 years’ experience in the health and cosmetic industry and practises in association with a cosmetic medical practitioner.   “I am committed to ongoing training and professional development so my clients receive the most up to date advice, treatments, products and injecting techniques that are safe and matched to your skin type and structure. 

“We all age differently and have different expectations so I invest the time in getting to know my clients and their lifestyle - one size does not fit all.  A thorough consultation and facial assessment is conducted prior to any treatment to determine the most appropriate procedure and course of treatment to enhance and accentuate your natural features and beauty.

“My holistic approach to consultation ensures a premier personalised treatment regime that will deliver a quality service and high level of satisfaction.”

INTERFACE SKIN CLINIC
A: Clinics in Aspendale and Edithvale
T: 0408 172 855
W: interfaceskinclinic.com

The Carrum and Patterson Lakes Forum is campaigning for a Headspace centre to service residents of Mordialloc and Chelsea.

“Mental health affects a wide range of people from all walks of life,” said forum founder Cameron Howe.  “Often overlooked, mental health is quickly becoming a leading community concern and is an essential component of our overall health.

“In fact, concerns about mental health have doubled since 2011, according to Mission Australia, and a 2013-14 national survey conducted by UWA in partnership with Roy Morgan Research uncovered that one in seven four to 17-year-olds were assessed as having mental disorders in the previous 12 months.

“Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation with facilities currently located in Bentleigh and Frankston, but at present there is nothing to directly service the Mordialloc-Chelsea population within the City of Kingston.  Unlike private services, Headspace is financially accessible to our youth and empowers people to become a stronger version of themselves, with resources on hand to deal with anything stretching from study support to issues stemming from alcohol or drugs.

“As one of many adults who battles with depression and anxiety, Headspace is a service that would have been of great value to me during my teenage years. Early intervention not only saves lives but also enhances our ability to forge healthy relationships and strengthens our ability to handle the ups and downs of life.”

To raise the profile of demand for a new Headspace centre, the Carrum and Patterson Lakes Forum has launched a petition that will form a part of the campaign in conjunction with its local media efforts.

The petition can be viewed at change.org/p/establish-a-headspace-centre-in-the-city-of-kingston

Total Face Group has the solution for a better beach body this summer – CoolSculpting.

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive, clinically-proven treatment that permanently eliminates areas of stubborn fat with no needles or downtime. Essentially it freezes fat cells in the body, causing them to die and resulting in permanent fat removal from those hard to improve areas such as tummy, flanks, inner and outer thighs, love handles, double chin, arms and bra fat.

“CoolSculpting has brought a new way for men and women to reshape their bodies without the invasive procedures,” said Total Face Group Managing Director and CEO Jo Hannah.  “With CoolSculpting we are able to deliver a fast, effective and safe fat-removal service that is unrivalled for speed and comfort. Equally popular with men and women of all ages, CoolSculpting is delivering excellent results for those who through genetics, lifestyle or age factors cannot shift those stubborn bulges.

“Whilst it can take up to 12 weeks for the fat cells to die and be eliminated from the body, many of our clients see results in as little as three weeks, meaning you may be bikini and board-short ready right in time for Christmas and definitely by the summer holidays.”

TOTAL FACE GROUP
A: 1050 Nepean Highway, Mornington
T: 9552 6277
W: totalfacegroup.com.au/peninsula/

People have always been The Fragrance Room’s priority.  With all the experience that owner Paul has acquired over the years working with the public and consumers, he knows The Fragrance Room will not only meet but exceed expectations.

“Our mission here is to simplify the buying and receiving process,” Paul said. “My goal is to integrate a wide variety of quality scented products in many different styles into one unified, easy-to-access website with prices to suit any budget, a full range of aromatic products and the peace of mind knowing that the packaging and shipping will always be reliable.”

THE FRAGRANCE ROOM
A: PO Box 7075, Noble Park 3174
T: 0412 677 720
W: thefragranceroom.com.au

Dr Ruchi Agarwal and the team at Chelsea Dental provide not only the highest quality dentistry, they have the knowledge and experience to make your visit comfortable, professional and affordable.

They are here to help you achieve your healthy smile through regular check-ups and complete treatment planning.  Believing “prevention is better than cure”, they emphasise preventive dentistry.

Chelsea Dental specialises in periodontics (gum care), cosmetic dental, dental implants, sleep apnoea and snoring devices, and zoom whitening.  Bulk-billed dental services are available under Medicare for eligible kids (up to $1000).

Contact the friendly team for more information and appointments. New patients are welcome.

CHELSEA DENTAL
A: 442 Nepean Highway, Chelsea
T: 8774 0441

A dental specialist has appealed to students to get their wisdom teeth checked ahead of exams.
Sam Verco, a registered specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, said that every year he sees students in years 10-12 students and International Baccalaureate students presenting with wisdom tooth problems immediately before their mid-year and final-year examinations.

“It is very disruptive to these students when they require surgery immediately before their examinations,” Dr Verco said.  Getting their teeth checked before exams “would enable potential problems to be identified and dealt with outside school times, reducing the disruption during these important final secondary school years”.

Dr Verco developed Victorian Oral and Facial Surgery to create a practice committed to delivering state of the art and quality care for patients needing oral and maxillofacial surgery.

VICTORIAN ORAL AND FACIAL SURGEONS
A: 350 Main St, Mornington
T: 5976 4465
W: vofs.com.au
A: 759 Nepean Highway, Brighton East
T: 9592 6445

Peninsula Leisure is making waves in Frankston, with its two prime health and fitness facilities – Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre and Pines Forest Aquatic Centre - continuing to provide endless child and adult-friendly activities alike.

Since taking over the management of Pines Forest Aquatic Centre in 2015, Peninsula Leisure has worked with Frankston Council to decrease entry fees by an average of 18 per cent, fully renovate the change rooms, add new hot water systems to all showers, update the reception and kiosk area, as well as introduce exciting new inflatable water toys to the facility – the first of their kind in Victoria.

This summer, Pines will include fun activities for everyone.  Lap swimmers can help themselves to a free breakfast every weekday between 6.30-8am, and families can enjoy free entry on Fridays between 4-7pm with a barbecue included.  Pines will even have a December two-for-one entry special, as well as other events and promotions across the summer period.

PENINSULA AQUATIC AND RECREATION CENTRE
A: cnr Cranbourne Rd and Olive Grove, Frankston
T: 9781 8444
W: parcfrankston.com.au
PINES FOREST AQUATIC CENTRE
A: Forest Drive, Frankston North
T: 9786 4568
W: pinesfrankston.com.au

Geoff Nyssen has learnt to turn adversity into empowerment and wants to bring others along for the ride.

Geoff was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a terminal blood cancer, three weeks after his 40th birthday, on February 18, 2014.

“On the day that I was diagnosed I was told that, statistically, I have 8-10 years to live.   I don’t subscribe to those statistics.  Statistics look backwards and I look forwards.  I look forward to my 80th birthday.  It will be one big party.

“I grew up on the Mornington Peninsula. This is my community.  I have multiple myeloma. Those with multiple myeloma, and those who support us, are my community. I wanted to give back to my community - something bold, something engaging and something that would bring a smile to the faces of families within my community, especially the kids.” 

On March 26, Geoff and his team will deliver the inaugural My Mount Eliza Run and Fun Festival.  “As a rallied group of locals, we believe that our ability to empower others starts with our personal wellness, so we decided to volunteer our own talent and time to create a sustainable annual festival that benefits the community for the longer term.” 

The festival will include trail run around the Mount Eliza quarry, a premium skate park competition and many family activities and exhibitions.

Go to mymounteliza.org.au to register for the trail run and for more details.  

Frankly Frankston Magazine is a proud sponsor of the My Mount Eliza Run and Fun Festival.