The 2BMe Foundation is dedicated to providing solutions to Australian women and children who lack the support or resources to achieve their personal potential and life goals.  Its board is made up of Peninsula business owners who donate their time and services; among them is Beckie White, from Miss Velvet Styling boutique in Frankston. Over the past few years Beckie has run an event to raise money for the 2BMe Foundation called the Circle of Life.

2BMe was formed in early 2015, and by leveraging community networks and fundraising capabilities it supports those women and children who are ready to realise their potential. Their support can either be direct or via a service provider. 2BMe also focuses on helping those who are ready to help themselves and lack the resources to do so, financially, physically or mentally.

2BMe follows the mantra “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. 2BMe works with kids who want to better themselves, yet due to their circumstances find themselves constantly being pulled back from reaching their potential. “We work with children who are A-grade students in E-grade situations; to offer support, resources and guide,” says Beckie.

Recently, 2BMe organised a cooking course with a school and helped 20 children in the high-need category to learn the basics of cooking and expand their knowledge. Some of these children were as young as seven and in charge of cooking for their younger siblings.

2BMe has worked with a half-way house and at Fusion Mornington, where it paid for bedroom upgrades and programs for the teenagers. Recently the foundation assisted a group of girls from Fusion to achieve their dream of attending their school formal, something they thought was financially out of their reach. The girls were given a budget and had to plan how they were going to spend it to create the outfit of their choice. They worked with a stylist and got to experience shopping at Southland – something they had never done before. 

Providing training for women in high-risk situations is another of 2BMe’s initiatives. It focuses on putting the women through personal development sessions with motivational speakers who inspire them and give them strategies on how to deal with their current situations.

“We are a money-collecting foundation; it’s a side passion to our full-time jobs,” Beckie says. “We will help anyone or any organisation that’s aligned with our philosophy.”

2BMe’s vision statement says it aims to expand, enrich and empower, and that’s what it does. It expands the hope and choices of those it supports and it uses quality services, resources and programs to enrich others’ lives. 2BMe also seeks to empower its clients through education in personal or professional development.

The Circle of Life Spring Fling lunch, the next event 2BMe is involved with, is at The Publican Mornington on Sunday, October 22, from 11.30am-4.30pm.  The guest speaker is Stacey Currie, as seen on 60 Minutes. There will also be a fashion parade, Darren Watson DJ, singer Kim McGuiness, silent auctions, grazing lunch and alcohol and $300 gift boxes for every guest to take home.  “It’s an event of ‘reciprocity’ where its attendees will walk away inspired, having given and received to a worthy cause.”

The dress code is ‘a splash of pink’. To book your $149 ticket, phone Miss Velvet on 9783 8358. To find out more about 2BMe, visit 2bmefoundation.org.au or visit Facebook.

Do you know someone who deserves some recognition? Do they go above and beyond for others? Do they support the community in their own time?

It’s your time to give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for the 2018 Frankston City Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards. You can nominate your favourite volunteer or community event in one of four categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year.

“If you know of a local citizen who has made an outstanding contribution to our community, please take the time to nominate them so that we can recognise and reward these exceptional local community members,” said Frankston City Mayor Brian Cunial.

The winners will be announced at a special citizenship ceremony at the Frankston Arts Centre on Australia Day.

With the aim of honouring the outstanding members of our community, please make sure you take the opportunity to get an award in their hands. These Australia Day awards are to recognise people who have selflessly committed their time to others, inspiring spirit and dedication to volunteering.

Who’s eligible, you ask? All Frankston City residents who are Australian citizens can be eligible; however, they need to be nominated for their great efforts by someone other than themselves.

Our 2017 winners were the Rev Angel and Pastor Ulli Roldan (Citizens of the Year), Roy Giesemann (Senior Citizen of the Year), Louise Holtzinger (Young Citizen of the Year) and The Voice of Frankston (Community Event of the Year).

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, November 17. For more information and to nominate, visit frankston.vic.gov.au/Citizen_of_the_Year

 

Who’s your favourite donkey? There’s Eeyore, the lovable but forever sad donkey whose spirit is uplifted by his friends Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh. There’s Donkey, Shrek’s chatterbox sidekick who has amazing one-liners. Well, prepare yourself - we’ve got a new donkey for you to fall in love with.

Meet Marion’s Bounty Micro Donkeys. These super-friendly memorable micros prove that good things do come in small packages. Even if you’re stubborn as a mule, your favourite donkey will be bumped for these babies.

At less than 81cm, micro donkeys are the smallest of the miniature donkey breed, which also includes mammoth, standard, small standard and miniature.  Marion’s Bounty Micro Donkeys has been operating for two years in Langwarrin, and with Kris at the helm it has created quite a fuss. The breed is difficult to find and in high demand. Kris endeavours to make sure the family that purchases one of her foals is suitable and that the home is appropriate for her beloved cherubs.

“They don’t want to be just in a paddock; they must have a companion like a sheep, cow or a pony,” Kris says.  “It’s important that they have their own herd, so to speak, as they can’t be lonely and they love to play. That’s why we have a screening process.”

The gestation period varies from 11 to 13 months, and they aren’t weaned off their mothers for six months. Given this, Kris is only just now preparing to sell her second foal and is seeking expressions of interest for this five-month-old named Elenor.
The males are called jacks and the females are jennys; furthermore, all of Kris’s donkeys are named after cars. Enzo is the smallest registered jack in Australia at 66cm - he’s tiny but full of character. There’s also Shelby, who is pregnant, and Lola, who gave birth to Elenor this year.

These donkeys don’t reach their fully-grown state until they are three years old. They all play together and are naturally very curious animals. With adorable floppy ears, fluffy winter coats, and full of individual characteristics, they don’t horse around. They are confident as they know how “awwww” worthy they are.

“They go straight up to you and will follow you. They want to know what you’re doing at all times. Ultimately, they are like little dogs; they’ll even go inside. They’re really smart - sometimes too smart! They can work out how to open things and love ball games.”

These loving and low-maintenance pets are great around kids because they’re an ideal height and don’t shy like horses do. They’re raised by people and love attention from their human friends. Micro donkeys are an expensive purchase but their upkeep is relatively cheap. They’ll happily live off grass and hay but they’ll need to have their hoofs trimmed every four months and be wormed regularly.

If the image of these little treasures has you wanting more, there are plenty of videos on Kris’s Facebook page to get you going “Awwwww!” Follow their adventures at @Marions-Bounty-Micro-Donkeys.

 

Life-Gate is celebrating a remarkable and well deserved 25th birthday to acknowledge its years of service to the community. It was founded in 1992 as a Christian Public Benevolent Institution by the Rev Angel Roldán and his wife, Pastor Ulli Rothstein de Roldán. From the beginning their vision was to powerfully influence troubled individuals to reach their potential.

Life-Gate’s mantra is that “life-controlling problems, addictions and emotional disorders can be overcome through meeting the needs of the whole person”. “Our heart and passion is to see people fully restored and to equip others to do the same,” said Angel.

To get in touch with a greater number of vulnerable people across the state, the group established several initiatives complete with volunteers trained by Life-Gate, including the Street Outreach Team and Prison Team.  It also carried out nursing home visits, helped Aboriginal youth and families in the Lake Tyre area; offered counselling; set up a rehabilitation centre and an op-shop; provided court assistance; conducted inductions to rehabilitation centres; operated a drop-in-centre and coffee shop; established sexual abuse therapy groups and hosted seminars on important topics in Victoria and interstate.

Life-Gate is run solely by volunteers and depends on donations with the support of individuals, business, philanthropic trusts, and Frankston Council.  The late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch was one of its main sponsors and even supported Life-Gate financially for more than 20 years. “We have faith, and we rely on donations – it’s how we bought Life-Gate,” Angel said.

Over the 25 years, Life-Gate has been assisted by some 750 unpaid volunteers. Angel and Ulli are extremely grateful to those who have dedicated their time and effort over the years to assist them in their goal to help the needy in our community.  “Our vision is to expand our services, especially to obtain a property in the surroundings of Frankston to help people in need of restoration on a full-time basis.”

Marking the anniversary will be politicians, council members, supporters, members and of course friends and family. Guests will be taken back in time as they learn the history of the charity through videos and photographs.   The celebrations will be held at 1A Olsen St on Saturday, October 28, from 5.30pm.  “It will be held at our building in the heart of Frankston,” Angel said.  “It’s really a wonderful blessing to be located where we are.”

The couple, who this year were awarded Frankston’s Citizens of the Year, remain down to earth despite their amazing achievements.  “We thank God for the wonderful experience.  It’s been tough at times, but exciting and rewarding all the same.”

So be an angel and join Life-Gate’s celebrations - and perhaps consider making a donation so it can continue its mission.

 

While many people think Halloween is an American tradition, it’s actually a Celtic celebration dating back almost 2000 years. What began as a way to ring in the New Year on November 1 has now evolved into a night of dressing up, trick-or-treating, and scoffing the entire contents of a jack-o’-lantern. Australia has been slow to adopt Halloween but it seems like it’s finally found a home Down Under – so, what’s it like on the Peninsula and Frankston?

It’s all aboard Mornington Railway’s Halloween Spook Train! Each October, the famous traditional steam train undergoes a ghoulish transformation to celebrate the scary season.

“We have a resident ghost or spook who rides the trains, music, platform decorations, train decorations, and face painting on the platform,” says Mornington Railway event co-ordinator Marg Ffrench. “We encourage our volunteers and passengers to dress up in Halloween outfits.”

Marg says more and more passengers are flocking to the spook train every year, reflecting the growing popularity of Halloween on the Peninsula. And for those seeking an extra thrill, there’s even talk of adding a twilight or night train in the future.

Abracadabra Fancy Dress Hire in Frankston is also a big fan of Halloween and has noticed a rise in customers each year. So what are the most popular costumes for those dressing up around the Peninsula?  “Vampires, devils and witches,” says shop owner Tanya. Year 12 dress-up days, which fall around Halloween each year, mean there’s more than one opportunity for many trick-or-treaters to wear a costume.

Abracadabra is also involved in the Frankston Spooky Adventure Path, a trick-or-treating trail of Frankston businesses for children, proving just how popular Halloween has become in our neck of the woods.

Caitlin Goding is a former elite swimmer who's now ready to dive into the world of paramedicine. Currently studying at Monash University's Frankston campus, this Somerville resident chats to Frankly Frankston about her passion for helping the community.

Where did your interest in health and paramedicine begin?

I didn’t always have my heart set on paramedicine but knew that helping others and being a part of a community that looked out for others was something I wanted to do. I think I learnt this from my mother, who is a social worker, and I always saw how fulfilling her job is. Plus, I’ve always loved learning and discovering new things, and in school I was most interested in science-based subjects, especially biology.

What have you found to be the most challenging part of your studies?

That no matter how much study and hard work you put into the degree, nothing can fully prepare you for the things you will see and will have to deal with while on the road. It both terrifies and excites but it's what attracted me to the job.

What are you most excited about in the field?

I’m probably most excited about feeling as though I'm giving someone a small positive experience on possibly one of the worst days of their life.

Why do you love where you live and how does it inspire your work?

I have always been attracted to a healthy, active lifestyle and living on the Mornington Peninsula I am extremely fortunate to have an amazing backyard of beaches, parks and walking tracks. I think growing up going camping with my family or spending days at the beach with friends has really made me appreciate the outdoors and the privileges that we have here in Australia. I think this has influenced me to become a paramedic as I would rather have a job that allows me to be outdoors instead of sitting in an office all day. I also love travel and paramedics are needed all over the world, so I'll be able to travel and work at the same time.

 

The only man working out of the Frankly Frankston office has everyone wrapped around his tiny paws. Xanadu has wooed the delivery drivers, clients and many passers-by. He’s owning his name and making his mark despite people assuming it’s a girl’s name – poor baby!

Meet Xanadu, or Xanny to his adoring fans - us! Yes, we know what you’re thinking and you’re right. His name is inspired by the song made famous by Olivia Newton-John for the movie Xanadu. Chendelle, our sun-loving sales representative, bought this little man from a breeder in June at 10 weeks old and he’s provided warm cuddles all winter long.

Xanadu means an idyllic place that is of great beauty, luxury and contentment. Oh yes, that suits this little prince just perfectly. He refuses to walk if the cold wind messes up his freshly brushed fur, or if the ground is too wet on his delicate paws. Xanny is chauffeur-driven to the dog park to avoid exhausting himself on the journey before playtime and watches intently out the window as he plans which luxury car to buy next (with the sun roof remaining closed to keep his fur looking perfect). He insists on being spoilt for choice with his toys, needing a rotation of at least three favourite toys because he loses focus every two minutes. Xanny’s meals are no exception to his prince-like behaviour. If he’s devoured chicken for dinner (sometimes hand-fed because bowls are just too scary), he will not under any circumstances eat chicken again tomorrow for lunch.  Who likes leftovers anyway?

Frequently, Chendelle and Xanny get stopped in the street to be told, “You’re the most handsome dog I’ve ever seen!”, which is ideal for his self-esteem. Chendelle replies “Oh, thank you”, which she admits is quite awkward since she can’t actually take any credit for him - except his new tricks.

Xanny loves helping his mummy with her business cards – they’re more memorable chewed, right? And he keeps the office lively with his squeaky toys.

He is very polite, and can keep himself entertained for hours and hold his pee in all day until his mum lets him outside. His bark, which is loud for a delicate little puppy, can be heard as he protects his girls from any male that comes into the office. Or he’s barking to mark his territory because the office girls are of course his pack, and no one is taking them away from him at any cost.

This intuitive puppy is a sensitive soul and gets hiccups when he gets too excited!

In true Xanadu fashion, this little Xanny channels his inner dancer and loves a little bum and tail wiggle. To quote the song, “It came to Xanadu, a million lights are dancing.”

 

The love affair with snapper fishing is accessible to everyone thanks to the annual Mates Day on the Bay, which gives people with restrictions or disabilities the opportunity to enjoy Port Philip Bay.

More than 200 guests and carers were expected to take part in this year’s Mates Day on Sunday, October 15, boarding about 75 boats provided by volunteers who also donated equipment and their time on the day to trawl hotspots for snapper, flathead and salmon before wrapping up the event with a barbecue lunch. 

Patterson River is a mecca for snapper fishing. Each spring keen recreational fishermen joined by charter boats queue up in the early hours of the morning to launch at Carrum’s boat ramps. Large schools of snapper in search of food flood the bay to spawn with the rise in the water’s temperature, with some reaching up to 10kg.

Futurefish director David Kramer described the event as the “chance of a lifetime for people with disabilities to go out fishing for Melbourne’s iconic snapper”, and said volunteers were equally thrilled about the experience. “They feel like they are giving back to society to fish such a beautiful, pristine bay,” Mr Kramer said.

The Mates Day on the Bay was hosted by Futurefish Foundation, which was founded by radio and TV presenter Rex Hunt.

https://camhowe.com/

 

Thirty years is rare for a small business these days. What is the key to your success?

It really isn’t rocket science - our business is based on trust and professionalism, never offering gimmicks.  Our commitment is to provide our patients with optimum vision in eyewear that suits their lifestyle, image and budget. Our ethos is not to chase one big sale, but to build relationships and offer service that is second to none. Fortunately we love meeting people and are also privileged to have a wonderful, dedicated team working with us.  We are one big happy family!

Eyewear is now almost a fashion accessory and we offer a vast array of fashion frames. Our independency allows us to cater to the needs of our clientele and after 30 years we really do know what our customers expect from us.

 

You must have seen many changes in Frankston over 30 years

Frankston has changed dramatically as 30 years ago Bayside Shopping Centre didn’t even exist.  The shopping was much more condensed but the CBD is now sprawled across a larger area so it can be challenging for many businesses.

 

What’s it like working alongside your wife, Andrea?

We both have different skill sets - mine are focused on the technical side of the business and Andrea controls the marketing and administration as well as dispensing eyewear, and she has a great flair for fashion.

 

What are most proud of?

We have built wonderful relationships with our customers, many of whom we consider friends. People who have moved away from the area, many from interstate, still come to us for their eyewear when they are visiting family.  That is something we are most proud of and it has been a privilege to work in Frankston for 30 years. 

 

VINCE LA ROCCA

A: 34 Wells St, Frankston

T: 9783 9920

W: vincelarocca.com.au

 

Being faced with making choices for a funeral can be a difficult time.  Mannings Funerals understands that people can be confused by what can appear to be a maze of arrangements, both wanted and required. Arranging this final farewell does not have to be a daunting prospect.  Mannings’ caring staff will guide you through all decisions with care and experience. 

They can help families make pre-arrangements or pre-pay for a funeral, or when a death is near or has occurred.  As funeral directors, they consider their role to be listeners and advisers to families. The compassionate staff are dedicated to providing helpful and clear information. There are options not only for burial or cremation to consider, but for private or public, elaborate or simple funerals, religious or civil services, or no formal funeral service at all. They can provide tailored services where all items are selected individually. However, they also offer funeral packages to fit with budgetary requirements.

With a new office in Frankston to complement their Cranbourne office, the team are well-equipped to assist you in your time of need.

MANNINGS FUNERALS
A: 3 Hastings St, Frankston

A: 155 Sladen St, Cranbourne
W: manningsfunerals.com.au
T: 8781 1400 (Frankston); 9562 1855 (Cranbourne)

 

With outdoor markets, a large number of events and the chance to win one of three $500 shopping sprees, there’s hundreds of reasons to visit Frankston this spring.

On Saturday, October 28, pop down between 10am and 3pm to the Little Beauty Market in Beauty Park. Brought to you by the founder of the popular Emu Plains Market and Stringybark Cinema, Little Beauty will showcase 140 of Melbourne’s very best stallholders, handpicked for their uniqueness, creativity and ethos. It will also feature a children’s precinct, live music, food trucks, fresh produce and mouthwatering gourmet food.

On Saturday, November 25, 5-10pm, the festive season comes to Frankston for the city’s annual Christmas Festival of Lights.  One of the most popular events in Victoria, the festival features live entertainment, rides, market stalls, children’s entertainers and the annual lighting of the tree and fireworks display.

If you’re ready to start shopping for the festive season, Frankston’s city centre has something for the whole family.  Spend $10 at any participating Frankston city business before November 19 to go into the running to win one of three $500 local shopping sprees, or a $150 hamper.

And if you like to discover unique treasures, head to the Frankston Sunday Market. It’s on every week at the Young St carpark rain, hail or shine. Take a wander to find fresh produce, bric-a-brac, flowers, plants and crafts.

Pick up a copy of the Business As Usual brochure to find what Frankston’s local traders have to offer, or follow facebook.com/frankstonbau. 

For more ideas of what to do in Frankston as Christmas and summer approaches or to purchase your early bird tickets to the annual Sand Sculpting Australia Exhibition at the Frankston Waterfront (available from November 1), go to visitfrankston.com. 

 

Families from across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula are invited to join in the magic and fun at the Community Kinders Plus Family Fun Day.

Proudly presented by Telstra Business Centre, Frankston, it will be held on Sunday, October 29, from 11am-2pm at Overport Park in Somerset Rd and promises to be a fun day out for families with young children.

Children will be able to enjoy interactive and educational activities such as magic shows, circus play, a giant bubble workshop, kids’ soccer, giant block building and more. Local heroes from the CFA and SES will also be there, along with an animal farm, live music, singing, dancing and face painting.

Parents will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee as they meander around the event and meet staff from local CKP-managed kindergartens who will be hosting interactive craft and activity stations throughout the day.

“We continue to grow this event every year,” said CKP chief executive Jane Spencer. “It’s all about getting local families together and showcasing our kindergartens and the importance of early childhood education.”

 

Who’s your favourite donkey? There’s Eeyore, the lovable but forever sad donkey whose spirit is uplifted by his friends Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh. There’s Donkey, Shrek’s chatterbox sidekick who has amazing one-liners. Well, prepare yourself - we’ve got a new donkey for you to fall in love with.

Meet Marion’s Bounty Micro Donkeys. These super-friendly memorable micros prove that good things do come in small packages. Even if you’re stubborn as a mule, your favourite donkey will be bumped for these babies.

At less than 81cm, micro donkeys are the smallest of the miniature donkey breed, which also includes mammoth, standard, small standard and miniature.  Marion’s Bounty Micro Donkeys has been operating for two years in Langwarrin, and with Kris at the helm it has created quite a fuss. The breed is difficult to find and in high demand. Kris endeavours to make sure the family that purchases one of her foals is suitable and that the home is appropriate for her beloved cherubs.

“They don’t want to be just in a paddock; they must have a companion like a sheep, cow or a pony,” Kris says.  “It’s important that they have their own herd, so to speak, as they can’t be lonely and they love to play. That’s why we have a screening process.”

The gestation period varies from 11 to 13 months, and they aren’t weaned off their mothers for six months. Given this, Kris is only just now preparing to sell her second foal and is seeking expressions of interest for this five-month-old named Elenor.
The males are called jacks and the females are jennys; furthermore, all of Kris’s donkeys are named after cars. Enzo is the smallest registered jack in Australia at 66cm - he’s tiny but full of character. There’s also Shelby, who is pregnant, and Lola, who gave birth to Elenor this year.

These donkeys don’t reach their fully-grown state until they are three years old. They all play together and are naturally very curious animals. With adorable floppy ears, fluffy winter coats, and full of individual characteristics, they don’t horse around. They are confident as they know how “awwww” worthy they are.

“They go straight up to you and will follow you. They want to know what you’re doing at all times. Ultimately, they are like little dogs; they’ll even go inside. They’re really smart - sometimes too smart! They can work out how to open things and love ball games.”

These loving and low-maintenance pets are great around kids because they’re an ideal height and don’t shy like horses do. They’re raised by people and love attention from their human friends. Micro donkeys are an expensive purchase but their upkeep is relatively cheap. They’ll happily live off grass and hay but they’ll need to have their hoofs trimmed every four months and be wormed regularly.

If the image of these little treasures has you wanting more, there are plenty of videos on Kris’s Facebook page to get you going “Awwwww!” Follow their adventures at @Marions-Bounty-Micro-Donkeys.

Victoria’s top welders descended on Chisholm in Frankston this month for the second annual WTIA Welding Triathlon.

The event was run by the Welding Technology Institute of Australia for members and non-members of the WTIA in Victoria, with the 12 competitors ranging in experience from welding apprentices (Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication) to welders and welding instructors.  Jesse Smolenaars was crowned best welder in Victoria and was awarded a special prize from Kemppi Australia. Cameron Runacres was second, Ben Hoareau third and Jake Adie fourth.

Competitors demonstrated exceptional welding skills across three timed events - a horizontal fillet using the gas tungsten arc process on aluminium; a single “V” vertical butt weld 10mm plate using flux core arc welding; and a pipe inclined on a 45-degree angle with a GTAW root weld capped by hydrogen controlled arc electrodes.

Event organiser and Chisholm teacher Rodney Bentvelzen said: “The event promotes welding as an attractive career choice, allowing participants to network with inspectors, fellow welders and industry leaders, and for the general public to check out our training facility here at Chisholm.”

Anyone interested in taking part in next year’s welding triathlon can call Rodney on 9238 8233 or Robert Vernon on 0487 400 002. For information on Chisholm’s 400 courses, visit chisholm.edu.au

Mulberry Hill, the home of Sir Daryl and Lady Joan Lindsay, has reopened after its two-month hiatus.

Sir Daryl, a successful printmaker and painter, was director of the National Gallery of Victoria from 1941 to 1956 and helped establish the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) in 1956, becoming its first president.  Lady Joan, a writer and artist best known for the classic novel Picnic at Hanging Rock, also wrote Time Without Clocks, which focused on the couple’s life together at Mulberry Hill.  It’s no surprise, given their dedication to the arts, that the Lindsays bequeathed the house and its contents to the National Trust.

In 1925, Sir Daryl and Lady Joan added an American Colonial-style house to the pre-existing four-room 1880s weatherboard cottage on the property and transformed it into the house you can see today.  Set on a stunning 11.7ha block surrounded by picturesque countryside, Mulberry Hill is filled with fine Georgian furniture and glassware, Staffordshire ceramics and a collection of Australian art. When you enter the house you’re instantly transported back in time to see first-hand how the Lindsays lived. You can inspect Sir Daryl’s painting projects and see the typewriter that Lady Joan used.

Guided tours will enable you to discover how the home was created with mementos of the Lindsays’ world travels while making use of local reclaimed materials.  National Trust guides can answer any questions that may arise as you bask in the diverse works of art and rich history that the property has to offer. Wander among the grounds as you locate the Lindsays’ original vegetable garden and stumble upon simple outbuildings used to maintain the property.  You can also pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn under a mulberry tree.

Mulberry Hill, 385 Golf Links Rd, Langwarrin South, is open on Sundays from 11am-4pm for guided tours (last admission to the house is 3.30pm) and by appointment for special events. It is closed during July and August and on Christmas Day.  Admission is $4 for children, $7 concession, $10 for adults and $26 for a family of two adults and two children; National Trust members are admitted free of charge. To arrange a group tour or acquire tickets, phone the booking office on 9656 9889 weekdays. 

For more details, go to nationaltrust.org.au/places/mulberry-hill/

Our favourite furry friends love us, but some also love seeing the world solo regardless of how many walks and cuddles they get from their human families.

If your dog was spooked by fireworks or thunder and ran away, what would be your plan of action? You might design some flyers and print hundreds ready to be plastered over every street pole.

Despite this still being a popular choice, the second preferred option has become taking advantage of social media. Facebook is filled with groups dedicated either to lost dogs or community groups where the community spirit is high. Group members are always happy to take on the role of sharing the post, sending their best wishes and joining the search.

Sharing one of these posts by a distressed friend to my own personal wall resulted in another friend responding straight away, informing us that she’d seen the dogs posted about in another group. My friend’s pampered pooches had been rescued by a fellow fur-loving Facebook user who was desperately seeking their owner. This all happened within 15 minutes - and on Christmas Day of all days. It’s crazy how quickly it’s all fixed when we band together.

Frankston Council has embraced the online strategy, recently making the move to join an online impound registry for lost dogs and cats. The council has joined the North Melbourne Lost Dogs Home registry, which is a huge win for pets from the City of Frankston.  The registry lists animals from the Bayside, Brimbank, Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Kingston, Macedon Ranges, Maribyrnong, Port Phillip, Wyndham and Yarra councils.  Animals that are found in other council areas will be added to the system as the Lost Dogs Home rolls out the service to participating councils.

Now, if you’ve been keeping count that’s three (count them) ways to get lost kitties and puppies back home to their beloved humans. This move certainly gets our bark of approval.

So, if the unfortunate happens, don’t think “Paw me!”. Instead, remember our little spiel to get your treasured little friend home faster. We’ll take our thankyous in the form of petting your dog!

Visit dogshome.com to find your friend.

 

Kate Sears from Frankly Frankston chats to Jolyon Ford, the newly appointed Clinical Director of Women’s Health at Peninsula Health, about motivation, his most rewarding career moments and why you shouldn’t stress over organic food.

How has the change of positions treated you?

I am really enjoying my new position. I am no stranger to full-time public work as this is a common career path in the UK, but at the same time I had really enjoyed my experience setting up a private practice at The Bays Hospital in Mornington over the last five years. When I was offered the job of Clinical Director of Women’s Health at Peninsula Health it was a difficult decision to give up the practice I worked hard to set up but also to leave the patients that I developed a great rapport with. The rewarding aspect of private practice is being able to develop that therapeutic relationship, especially during pregnancy care, and guide someone through what can be a challenging experience. Likewise, in gynaecology it is very rewarding to follow patients up and make sure they are improving. In my new role I can make changes to improve the service of the whole department and therefore benefit a larger number of patients in the whole community. Like all jobs it can be rewarding and challenging, but I enjoy every day I am at work and it is exciting to see some of the changes we introduced having positive results already.

 

What’s been the most rewarding experience of your career?

I am lucky in my field of medicine that the rewards still come on a regular basis. Even today I helped someone deliver their baby and feel honoured that I was there at one of the most special times in their lives. The most rewarding times are when you have helped someone through a time of immense tragedy, such as losing a baby, which is such a rare but awful experience, only to see them brave their way through another pregnancy and be there to help bring another life into the world. Of course, it’s a time of very mixed emotions - grief and joy at the same time - but again it’s an honour to help guide women and their families through momentous life experiences.

 

What’s the best health advice you can give our female readers?

This is going to be boring but the core advice for ideal health is a good diet and regular exercise. Don’t sweat about the small stuff like which superfood or antioxidants you need – most of that stuff makes minimal difference. People are not getting sick because they are not eating organic or having enough kale or quinoa; they are getting sick because they succumb to the intense marketing of unhealthy processed or sugary food and drink. Stick to the fresh food aisles where possible. Drink coffee and alcohol in moderation and keep your body fit. Exercise is a great way to clear the mind.

 

What does the future hold for health services on the Mornington Peninsula?

The Peninsula population is growing at a steady pace and in women’s health we are becoming large enough to provide care for many conditions without women having to travel to the city. My goal in the next few years is to allow these services to grow, and I hope to develop improved services for high-risk pregnancies, gynaecology outpatients, more streamlined management of prolapse and incontinence, and for the early diagnosis of causes of pain such as cysts and endometriosis. On top of that, Peninsula Health is expanding its research interests, which we aim to become part of. The next five to 10 years could also be an exciting time for the whole hospital, but it’s too early to say anything else at this stage. Watch this space!

 

What motivates you?

Seeing the results of my work is, of course, very rewarding. This can be on a personal level as a doctor but now on a larger scale.  Seeing that our service is improving over time is immensely satisfying. What gets me out of bed in the morning is the chance to work with some amazing doctors, midwives and nurses, as well as the other awesome staff in the hospital.

 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love spending time with my wife, Jo, and two girls. Lily loves playing music and Rose and I play guitar, go swimming and go rock climbing when we can. Music is our day-to-day passion with a great music room in the heart of the house. I also love making furniture, baking bread and in the summer swimming in the bay.

 

 

Georgia Smith likes big words and chatting to people. That’s how she found herself studying medicine, a course that’s already taken her on an energising trip to the Polynesian kingdom of Tonga.

Along with four other med students, the Peninsula resident took off to Tonga in June where she volunteered in hospitals and in the community to understand and address the issues of diabetes and hypertension. It was a trip that involved visiting rural villages, setting up stalls in Vava’u to test blood pressure and sugar levels, and - to Georgia’s delight - gabbing with local youth groups.

“My favourite moment was sitting on some steps in the middle of the main street and taking two ladies’ blood pressure,” Georgia recalls. “Before we knew it, we had taxi drivers pulling over to check their blood pressure and construction workers having their fingers pricked on their break and getting competitive with their sugar reading results.”

Although she’ll be spending the next few years on placement in either Bendigo or Mildura, Georgia’s interested in using her skills to help those closer to home.  “I’m massively keen to get involved in projects around the Peninsula and Frankston,” she says. “I’m particularly excited about the success of mental health initiatives around Frankston and hope to be able to get involved in the future.”

This will see her following in the footsteps of two of her biggest inspirations: her mum and grandmother. Both have lived in and loved our corner of the globe for years and worked passionately in schools and health centres respectively.

“I also have massive admiration for people like Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM,” Georgia says. “She’s an oncologist who engages the public in discussion with her writing and broadcasting. I really like the idea of medicine being broadly accessible, exciting and understood.”

So while she’s said “Nofo ā” to Tonga for now, expect Doctor Georgia to be popping up around the world soon!

 

More than 350 riders aged from two to 50-plus descended on the Frankston Sharks BMX track on August 18 for Helltrack Round 6 of the Victorian state series.

“It was amazing to see so many people from all over Victoria and interstate turn up to race,” said club president Robyn May.  “The event had a friendly and energetic vibe with many of the Frankston Sharks riders doing so well and heading in the direction of state and Australian champions.”

The track has recently been brought up to a higher standard to host these large events thanks to the tireless work from the mum and dad volunteers that keep the club going and money from Frankston City Council for the newly added bitumen berms and other necessities. In fact, the track is of such a high standard that it is one of only four in Victoria that offers a pro straight to host pro-class BMX racing events.

BMX is currently experiencing 1980s-era growth, and that can be attributed to its status as an Olympic sport – it debuted at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 - and TV shows such as The Riders Life.

“Since January this year we have seen a 53 per cent increase in the club’s membership and we hope that by hosting local events like these, more people will come down to the club and get involved,” Robyn said.

Not only is BMX a fun and challenging sport for all ages, it’s great for health and fitness. Mums and dads are also getting involved, with some hopping back in the rider’s seat and reliving their youth.

If you want to know more you can contact the club on its Facebook page facebook.com/frankston.bmxclub