Suzie has lost count of how many dogs she has fostered but guesses it would be more than 50 by now.  She’s been involved in rescuing dogs, assisted several rescue groups with grooming severely neglected dogs, fostered and adopted dogs, and has taken on the role of palliative fostering, which is both heartbreaking and rewarding.

So, without further ado, let’s meet Charlie!

He was six months old when Suzie fostered him. He’d been bred to be a ‘teacup’ dog, which can command huge prices for their breeders. Suzie stresses you should only go to a registered dog breeder, and even then it’s vital to confirm they are ethical.  ‘Adopt, don’t shop’ is always the better and more rewarding option.

To achieve a ‘teacup’ dog, generally dogs with different genetic issues are inbred, creating tiny dogs that may look super cute but come with a plethora of health problems. Poor Charlie suffered from hydrocephalus and encephalitis, and the vet even suspected chiari malformation. As a result he’s unable to handle heat, and the pressure in his brain quickly builds up and causes issues with his spine and back legs, which in turn causes him to overheat quickly. He’s been a strong little man and undergone a lot of physio to improve the strength in his back legs, but he still endures a heart murmur and severe dry eye. It’s sad that the original owners didn’t want him because he wasn’t perfect.

Even though Charlie is fully grown he’s only the size of Suzie’s chihuahua, but he’s perfect for her son, Max.  The pair have the absolute sweetest natures and are inseparable. Charlie’s relaxed nature means he hasn’t been stressed out by the typical toddler behaviour and he just thrives on the attention Max loves giving him. Max looks after his best friend and makes sure Charlie is kept cool at all times, and Charlie can sense when Max is sad or unwell and curls up next to him on the bed and stays there all night.

“I have taught Max from a very young age how to be gentle with the dogs and how to interact with them,” says Suzie.

Although the two look like butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths, they do get up to mischief.

“Charlie is always following Max around because Max has learnt how to get to the dog treats. He sneaks into the cupboard and gets them out. But if I bust him he just tells me that ‘Charlie’s tummy was rumbling’.

“Max's favourite thing to do is to ride his trike while holding on to a tub with wheels that Charlie sits in, and he says he is taking him for a drive. And if there’s water or mud in the backyard, you can rest assured they will find it.”

Charlie will always have his health challenges, but with Max looking out for him, he’s in good hands!

Follow these two best friends as they grow up and discover the world side by side at @justaboyandhisrescuedog on Instagram.

After seven years as Chisholm Institute’s chief executive officer, Maria Peters is stepping down.
Mrs Peters will retire at the end of the year having overseen the transformation of Chisholm into one of Australia’s most successful TAFE institutes. In 2014 it was named the Large Training Provider of the Year at both the Victorian and Australian Training Awards, so it’s hardly surprising its CEO is regarded as one of the leading figures within the Australian vocational and tertiary education sector.   

Mrs Peters said it had taken her considerable time to come to terms with her decision given the organisation had played such a significant and important part in her life, but she remained deeply committed to ensuring a successful transition over the coming months.
“I am very determined for the benefit of the whole Chisholm community to see the organisation set up for continued success in the many years ahead,” she said.

Each year Chisholm caters for 35,000 students at its nine campuses across Melbourne and the southeastern region, including Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula (Rosebud), as well as online and in the workplace.  The institute hopes to have a replacement for Mrs Peters by the date of her retirement.

Vast owners Michael and Jenny Warhurst regularly travel the world looking for that rare and unique piece of furniture, and everything is made from either reclaimed or sustainable timbers.

“Dining tables are our specialty, with sizes ranging anywhere from 90cm up to 3.2 meters,” Michael says. “A lot of our items are one-off pieces, which ensures that you won't see it anywhere else. You will never find multiples of the one item at Vast.”

They stock a huge variety of stock including paintings, monk statues, artificial plants, cushions, giftware, right up to buffets, TV units and dining settings.

“At Vast Carrum Downs, we’re passionate about the quality of handcrafted timber furniture we sell. We use sustainable, renewable and recycled materials because we’re as concerned about our future on this planet as you are! “We only deal with reputable suppliers that care about the environment and their workers”, Michael says. “We love the fact that we are helping communities grow and prosper”.

Created by hand, eye and heart, each piece holds a beauty and character all of its own, but this is just the beginning of the story. Vast know that once their furniture leaves the showroom floor, it becomes the stuff of memories. “And we just love being a part of that story, if only for a moment.” Said Michael.

Vast has furniture with you in mind, be inspired by the pieces which will become part of your family.

Right now, Vast is having a huge stocktake sale, with everything in store reduced in price. So now is a great time to grab a piece of Vast. And what’s even better is that delivery anywhere can be arranged to anywhere!

VAST

Open 7 days

A: 8/684-700 Frankston Dandenong Rd, Carrum Downs
T: 8787 7401
W: www.vastinterior.com.au

There’s no doubt we’ve had a cold start to this winter season; however, you can be assured of a warm welcome when you visit Yo-Ko Original Boutique.

As well as the shop feeling warm and comfortable, the winter colours reflected in Yo-Ko’s stock this season are warm and inviting.  Yo-Ko’s most popular garments this winter are the Refuge Cargo jeans in black, grey, khaki and tan in sizes from 7 to 16.  Yo-Ko also carries the Refuge Gelato Legs jeans in a range of colours, and has just received new colours of khaki and navy. 

Other best-sellers include cotton knit zip-back jumpers – new colours of mustard and grey are just in – and Silver Wishes knit jumpers with contrast cuffs in powder blue and navy.  As always, Boho Australia never disappoints and Yo-Ko currently stocks beautiful feminine floral maxi dresses, maxi skirts, shift dresses, tunic tops and blouses.

Among Yo-Ko’s best-selling accessories this time of year are K-Bell fleecy-lined leggings, which are so warm, in black, charcoal grey and chocolate brown in sizes small to extra-large.  This year Yo-Ko also stocks very popular black velvet leggings and bamboo leggings in charcoal grey.

The volume of stock is always high at Yo-Ko and includes pants, dresses, tops, jumpers, knit jackets and coats.  Accessories include boots, shoes, scarves, beanies and hats, gloves and jewellery.

Check out Yo-Ko on Facebook and Instagram @yokooriginal, or pop into the store Tuesday to Sunday, where you’re assured of a warm welcome from Annie and Wendy.  They look forward to seeing you.

YO-KO ORIGINAL BOUTIQUE                                              
A: 10 Station St, Seaford
T: 9782 4442

If you’re living with the burden of an injury, the team at The Sports Injury Clinic can help you get back on track once again. 

Offering a wealth of top-of-the-range treatment services, the clinic puts your health and wellbeing first.  Its team of health experts is committed to helping you achieve your goals. From tending to an injury that is hindering your day-to-day activity to helping you get fit or prevent harm from occurring, the team can guide you through a program that works best for you. 

While it’s a leading sports injury clinic in Frankston, it also caters to a wide demographic of people regardless of how their injuries occurred. From professional sports players to children, teenagers and adults who have found themselves injured and in pain, the clinic’s services are tailored to your specific predicament first.

And its mantra? “Good health is your wealth. Without good health, you must adjust and potentially not live your life to its full potential. When you’re suffering from an injury or poor health, your quality of life suffers. Your time spent with family, friends, sport groups, hobbies and work is impacted negatively,” says Pippa Hanson, Managing Director.

The Sports Injury Clinic invites you to invest in your health to live your life to its fullest potential. 

THE SPORTS INJURY CLINIC
T: 9783 9990
A: 365-367 Nepean Highway, Frankston
W: www.tsic.com.au

Some called him a rogue, some called him a convict, and some even called him a legend, but what we do know is James Squire was a very cheeky character indeed.   Finally, The Cheeky Squire’s doors have opened so James Squire adorers on the Mornington Peninsula can flock to sample the range on tap.

The new Cheeky Squire pays homage to the growing appreciation of quality craft beers and flavoursome food.  Think gourmet share plates, pizza and classic pub favourites, all accompanied by a great craft beer, of course.

The extensive range of James Squire and Malt Shovel Brewery beers available on tap will satisfy all taste buds.  With all-time favourites such as 150 Lashes and Hop Thief, Orchard Crush Pear and Apple Cider and limited releases Karni Kolsch and Mint Heist, it's a venue worthy of a visit with mates ASAP.

The Cheeky Squire is warm and welcoming, with varied dining and drink zones and a really great social atmosphere. The only thing left for you to do is get down there now for a cheeky session.

Open daily from 11am.

THE CHEEKY SQUIRE
A: 510 Nepean Highway, Frankston
W: thecheekysquire.com.au
FB & INSTA: @thecheekysquire

Word of mouth referrals have propelled Keats Accounting, a locally-focused accounting firm committed to ethical, approachable practice.

Founder Sam Keats brings to the business big-firm expertise delivered with small-firm service. Founded in Seaford in 2010, Keats Accounting soon outgrew its original premises and has now relocated to a larger, modern and family-friendly office in Carrum Downs which is easily accessible and offers free parking.

Sam, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, leads a growing team of professionals specialising in small-to-medium businesses and personal tax returns. Bookkeeping, accounting and tax planning services are provided with fast turnaround times – even those feeling overwhelmed by complex tax situations will find a friendly ear, and a solution, at Keats Accounting.

Mindful of the pressures on small businesses today, Sam also offers her clients after-hours appointments.

“We are passionate about helping family businesses to take control of their finances so that they can focus on growing their businesses, rather than paperwork,” she explained.

As well as being a Xero-certified, trusted partner in business, Keats Accounting is also a champion of the community it strives to serve. The firm is active in Frankston and Peninsula business networks and a keen supporter of school and community groups as well as charitable events.

For a neighbourly accountant who can take the stress out of your business or personal taxation needs, call 9700 8622 or visit www.keatsaccounting.com.au

KEATS ACCOUNTING
A: 1/14 Lakewood Blvd, Carrum Downs
T: 9700 8622
W: keatsaccounting.com.au

Swimming the English Channel is a massive challenge in itself.  But when it’s being attempted by someone who has overcome a paralysing 30-year fear of water brought on by an unimaginable tragedy, it’s truly heroic.

At 15, Susan Berg was the sole survivor of a boating accident on Westernport Bay that claimed the lives of her parents and brother.  She struggled through the darkness for three-and-a-half hours, battling the bitter cold sea and dense mangroves, before reaching the shore of French Island.

Stricken with survivor’s guilt, she spiralled into drugs and sex, and charged down a path of self-destruction.   She was also struck by a fear of water so severe that even the sound of it was highly distressing, and the hottest summer day couldn’t tempt her anywhere near a pool.

Only after she cheated death for a second time in a motorcycle accident did she begin to love herself and embrace life again. 

Last year Susan was challenged by a friend to face her fears and take part in the world’s largest open-water swim, the Lorne Pier to Pub, to raise money for McAuley Community Services for Women.  After putting off buying a swimsuit and then being traumatised after swimming just one lap of a pool, Susan progressed to completing 25 laps but was still fraught with anxiety.  But she persevered and overcame these obstacles, completing the Pier to Pub in January.  As if this wasn’t enough, she has also conquered The Rip Swim – across The Heads from Point Nepean to Point Lonsdale. 

In August next year, Susan will join three other swimmers in a bid to complete the Channel crossing from England to France. 

Susan believes she’s facing these challenges as part of her journey of self-healing and to encourage others to tackle their own fears.  “The last time I saw my family was in the water, so I feel like I’m reuniting with them each time I swim, and I know they’re really proud that I got my life on track.”

“Fear is in the mind. We all have the ability to face our fears and live a happy, fulfilling life.”

Training for the English Channel attempt in August 2018 will start in full this August with coach Peter Hendriks and without a wetsuit. That’s right - the squad of four are training together wearing just bathers because wetsuits aren’t allowed for the 50km relay. If you’re shivering while reading this, picture sitting in the freezing water as you wait for your body to adjust at 7am each day. This alone is a tough flashback to the cold October night Susan spent in the water fighting for her life.

Susan knows from her own experience that life is short, so she’s chosen to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation so children aged 3-18 with life-threatening illnesses can fulfil their own dreams.  Donate at www.gofundme.com/susan-berg-english-channel-relay to support Susan’s goal.

And if you’d like to delve deeper into Susan’s remarkable story, you can read her autobiography, The Girl Who Lived.

He’s an ambassador for the charity R U OK?, a motivational speaker, an entrepreneur, and an author.  He’s also teaching and mentoring business owners from across the globe and is in the process of completing Year 12.

Yes, I’ll give you a moment to catch your breath.

Meet Spencer Porter, who has launched a global coaching and consulting business called HustleTime, which focuses on furthering 18 to 25-year-olds to the next level, and his age hasn’t stopped clients from across the world signing up to his programs. Even though his niche is 18 to 25-year-olds, he has impressed so many more above that age bracket and now has people who are even in their 40s signing up to his programs to take themselves to the next level. This is because they’ve seen the passion Spencer has for the business world and are more than confident that they will get results.

Spencer’s frequently seen out of school uniform speaking to businesses and at various events where he’s asked to share his experiences, often leaving his audiences in awe of his marketing and lifestyle advice – not to mention his maturity.

R U OK? chief executive Brendan Maher approached Spencer to be one of its 2017 ambassadors.  This time he’ll be speaking on what he’s witnessed at school, and how it affected him and his family. 

“I’m doing it because I love to give back to the cause and be a part of something I’m close to in my spare time,” Spencer says.  Spare time? Seriously?

Additionally, this super teenager conducts his own seven-day course on how to take your personal brand to the next level. When asked what inspired Spencer to be so driven and motivated to do everything, he speaks highly of his mentor and idol Ryan Magdziarz. Ryan has pushed him to the next level on several occasions. He’s the CEO of Winning International and is earning several million a year but is more than willing to dedicate his time to Spencer. Spencer said he couldn’t articulate what it means when somebody embeds so much belief within you – it becomes like a super power.

Spencer’s book, 25 Steps to Master Your Dream Business, is a guide that includes interactive activities to help you put your learning into action straight away. His motivation for the book came from his desire to provide a cost-effective guide that anyone could follow to be the best they can be in business.  “If they can’t afford our services, I’d like to help them for minimum cost. Everyone deserves a chance.”  Out soon, the book is dedicated to his younger sister, who no doubt has an amazing role model in Spencer.

Spencer’s best tip? Find a skill that you enjoy, and turn it into a profitable niche business. 

Visit www.hustletime.com.au to read the articles on improving your business, or perhaps start your own to follow in his footsteps.  R U OK? Day is Thursday, September 14. For details, go to ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day

While you’ve been reading this magazine, your phone has probably lit up with text messages, chirped with a Twitter notification, chimed with a new Snapchat or pinged with a comment on your latest Instagram post.

We are right on top of this.  As a successful 10-year-old print media business, we’d be tweeting mad to not keep up with the times.

Engagement with our social media posts is massive and growing, the result of keen interest in our stories and our readers’ eagerness to win competitions that offer amazing Peninsula products or experiences. Our recent competition to win 1 of five double passes to the Peninsula Hot Springs had almost 1 million views and attracted nearly 35,000 entries!

We complement our advertisers’ print campaigns by sharing their editorials on Facebook, uploading foodie shots or fashion finds to Instagram, sharing online magazine links on Twitter and promoting competitions across all platforms.  This full-blown social media assault gets your brand across all mediums, and most importantly it’s appropriated slightly to match each platform’s specific style so it’s like a new advertisement each time it’s seen by a potential customer.

We promise access to a huge audience of residents and visitors who support small businesses and shop here, and just as different forms of print attract different demographics, each platform has a specific audience.  So, this is your chance to reach as many customers as possible.

Social media has become the new word of mouth; it’s how a consumer decides who gets their hard-earned money.  Decisions on where to buy, visit or dine are influenced by Facebook profiles and customer reviews and photos - and of course advertisements with our own branding.   With 24/7 access to our stories on what’s happening in our region, and with each story uploaded separately for our clients to share as they choose, we’re all working together to support Peninsula businesses.

On average, users check their Facebook or Instagram feed 14 times a day. Contact us today to be one of those posts they see.

In February 2013, an explosion with the force of 30 Hiroshima bombs lit up the sky over the Chelyabinsk region of Russia.  The resulting air blast shattered windows across six cities, injuring an estimated 1500 people.

The 18m meteor that exploded 20km above Earth (pictured) was a sobering reminder that when it comes to space invaders, it’s not aliens we have to fear as much as the millions of wandering celestial bodies with which we share the solar system.  And while catastrophic strikes from space might be the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters, they’re not mere science fiction.  Just ask the dinosaurs.

On any clear night, away from the light pollution of our cities, you can witness these visitors as shooting stars or falling stars.  They’re actually meteors, the term given to a meteoroid that has entered the atmosphere. If the meteor survives its journey to the surface of the Earth, it’s called a meteorite. And for more than 50 years Cranbourne was the site of Australia’s largest meteorite find after a 7.8 tonne ball of iron disintegrated in a fiery shower over the Dandenong Ranges and scattered its fragments in a 22km corridor from Beaconsfield to Pearcedale.

The Cranbourne meteor is thought to have fallen between 200 and 2000 years ago, and 13 meteorites have so far been recovered. The first, Cranbourne No.1, was a 3550kg monster that reportedly held some significance for the area’s Aboriginal people before it was retrieved from Devon Meadows in 1854 after a settler attempted to tether his horse to what he thought was a stump sticking out of the ground.  The second, the 1525kg Cranbourne No.2, was recovered from Clyde the same year, and both were bought by London’s Natural History Museum.  However, the sale caused such an uproar among Australian scientists that the museum returned No.2 to the colony, and it now resides at Museum Victoria.

Closer to home, Cranbourne No.12 resides at Casey Council’s Narre Warren customer service centre, although the meteorite display at Cranbourne was removed several years ago.

In 1911 the Cranbourne meteorite lost its heavyweight title to the Nullarbor’s Mundrabilla meteorite, which at 18 tonnes is still well short of Namibia’s 60 tonne Hoba.  And of course nothing comes close to the planet-busting asteroid that smashed into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula 65 million years ago, unleashing the energy of 10 billion Hiroshima bombs and taking 75 per cent of all species with it.

So the next time you see a meteor streaking across the sky, you might want to thank your lucky stars that that’s all it is.

Night time is the right time. The world is quiet and the business of the day has melted away to leave space to really create. In the kitchen.  In recent MasterChef guest and executive chef Deniz Karaca’s kitchen.

In Seaford.

Deniz Karaca has been making life sweet since he was 16 years old when he began training as a pastry chef in Germany. Now a chocolatier supreme who has worked world-wide and created a 1.8m, 45kg chocolate corkscrew at the World Chocolate Masters in Paris in 2013, Deniz feels his best when experimenting with different flavours in his home kitchen.

He explains. “This is where I can really taste and combine flavours. I love chocolate. It is a fascinating medium to work with. You can be so creative and it is forgiving because you can melt it and start again, even though it is hard to work with. My wife and I began our chocolate business Cuvée in 2014 as a side concern to my consulting and mentoring work. It is what I love to do.”

But back to Paris.  It took four months to develop Deniz’s corkscrew concept, four hours to assemble it and three people to lift it. He came third in those world championships, but it was his participation at the Patissier Of The Year in Sydney in 2016 that got MasterChef judges’ tongues salivating and wagging. He made a caramel tart – and it was the best caramel tart!

“The MasterChef experience (aired on Channel 10 in June) was great. We filmed for the day. I was so impressed with the contestants. My ‘Passion for Caramel’ tart was complex. I usually make one in under two hours. Those guys did it in three. Pretty good for amateurs.”

Deniz has been named Australia’s top chocolatier. His delicious Cuvée chocolate is made from the best quality cocoa beans from around the world - think Belize, Ecuador, Tanzania and Ghana, to name a few. This is chocolate that leaves you wanting more and scores a 10 out of 10.

Immunity pin? No thanks – life’s too short not to eat chocolate. 

Frankston City is a centre of investment and redevelopment. But even with works under way and cranes in the sky, the city continues to thrive with fantastic shopping, dining, services and visitor experiences.

“This is in many parts thanks to Frankston’s heart - the tens of thousands of people who live, work and study here,” said Frankston Mayor Brian Cunial.

To celebrate, the council is combining a series of campaigns and exhibitions to bring you a collection of remarkable photographs and stories of the people you may pass on the street every day.

“One of the exhibitions is Locals of Frankston by internationally renowned photographer Richard Simpkin, who is best known for his Richard and Famous selfie series with celebrities,” Cr Cunial said.

In December 2014, Richard photographed a range of people – from residents to former mayors – to present a true snapshot of the diversity that makes Frankston such a unique bayside city.  “It promotes Frankston in a positive way and I hope we can all come together for this wonderful exhibition,” he said.

Locals of Frankston is at the Frankston Arts Centre until October 21 and will be complemented by portraits projected on to the centre’s flytower. Visit www.frankstonfaces.com for more details.