Kids get a buzz out of helping bugs

A group of Frankston children have been as busy as little bees, joining other kids from across the Peninsula and the Melbourne metro region to create a ‘bug hotel’ for our beneficial insects.  The youngsters are members of Natured Kids, a Junior Landcare group run by Frankston freelance teacher Narelle Debenham that meets each week to work on projects for nature.

Narelle got the idea for the latest project after a recent trip to Europe, during which she saw many bug hotels that had been built by young people and installed in parks, forests, kindergartens and schools.  Narelle recruited the help of the Mornington Men's Shed to build a frame for the hotel and the young Natured Kids members collected gumnuts, seed pods and other material to fill the structure, creating a habitat and shelter for native bees and wasps, hover flies, beetles and the many other beneficial insects that are critically important as pollinators and pest controllers.  It has been placed in the Balcombe Estuary public reserve between 7-9 Century Drive in Mount Martha.

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“This structure will positively assist the natural ecosystem by providing a safe nesting place for these beneficial bugs to shelter and raise their young and is complemented by the under-planting of pollen-laden plants,” Narelle says.

 As well as helping our beneficial insects, whose numbers are declining through pesticide use and habitat loss due to urbanisation, the bug hotel project and other Natured Kids initiatives instil a love and appreciation of nature in children, raise environmental awareness among the wider community and promote intergenerational learning by involving members of the Mornington Men’s Shed.  “These young people show so much enthusiasm when working together on environmental projects, and such deep, meaningful and long-lasting experiences would not be possible without the participation of the Men's Shed.”

 For more information about Natured Kids, phone Narelle on 0431 791 379.

 

Beach within reach

Don’t let mobility issues prevent you from enjoying Frankston beach this summer.  Frankston City Council has a beach-accessible wheelchair that’s available to hire for free from the Visitor Information Centre. It’s specially designed to travel across the sand and into shallow water.

Photo identification is required and a loan agreement form must be completed when picking up the wheelchair. As a condition of use, a second person must accompany the user.  The chair is available seven days a week from 9am-5pm. For bookings, phone 1300 322 842.

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Tips for a tree-mendous Christmas By Annette Wetherill

Do you finish dressing your Christmas tree, stand back and wonder why it looks like you’ve grabbed a bucket full of Chrissy ‘decs’ and thrown them on the tree? Well, this year it can be different!

Let’s start with culling your old Christmas decorations. If they are anything like mine there are lots that could be recycled out of your home. I’m not suggesting that you get rid of the decorations that your children made in kindergarten or primary school - those are treasures. But before the tree hits the lounge room is a good time to get rid of broken lights, reindeers with missing antlers and balls that have lost their sparkle.

Now here’s a secret that professional tree-dressers have been hiding under their bushel: there is a method to dressing the perfect tree. First, make sure the tree is situated firmly and horizontally in its pride of place in the house. A good, strong, quality tree stand is not inexpensive but it will support your tree and keep it looking upright right through the Christmas season.

Second, put your lights on the tree first. Begin at the base of the trunk and work your way up, wrapping them round the branches towards the top of the tree.  Next, starting at the top of the tree and working down, begin draping your garlands. Don’t be afraid of mixing it up and using plain and fancy ones on the same tree.

Finally, it’s time to hang your ornaments. Choose your favourites first and place them in the most prominent positions. Next, place the larger ornaments evenly throughout the tree, finishing off with any last clip-on ornaments - and don’t forget the angel or star for the top. We have a tradition in our family where we share the honour of placing the star on the top of the tree. Each year I write a short note and leave it in the decorations for the following year to remind us whose turn it is next.

I have known people to go a little OCD with their decorations, with rulers and levels being essential items in their dressing kit. If that’s what makes you happy, all good, but I think Christmas is more about family and friends than ensuring your tree looks like it belongs in Home Beautiful.

 Ben and twins Abrielle and Micha inspect some of the trees the Baden Powell Park Scout Group will be selling this year.

Ben and twins Abrielle and Micha inspect some of the trees the Baden Powell Park Scout Group will be selling this year.

Now you know how to decorate it easily, you’ll need to make sure you have the perfect tree. Well, the Baden Powell Park Scout Group will be selling gorgeous trees from two locations this year: at our hall on the corner of Baden Powell Drive and Humphries Rd and from Frankston Bunnings, Frankston Power Centre. Our opening hours are each weekend before Christmas in December from 8am-1pm.

To make it even easier and have a totally hassle-free time of it, pre-order your tree and the Scouts will organise the delivery (South Frankston and Mount Eliza only).  It’s so easy - just phone us on 0409 962 449 or order via the website bpp.org.au

Merry Christmas!

 

Animal magic down on the Funky Farm by Kate Sears

When Chris Symons told Mornington Peninsula Magazine that he has “normal animals too”, we couldn’t help but be intrigued.

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The Funky Farm on the Mornington Peninsula is home to animals from Australia and exotic overseas locations. There’s Crikey the crocodile, Bob the blue-tongue lizard and Hamish the Highland cow, as well as dingoes, pythons, squirrel gliders, a macaw and so much more. You might say this is not your average farm at all.

With more than 4ha filled with funky animals, the family members are busy bees. Chris unluckily gets the not-so-glorious jobs of enclosure maintenance and cleaning up the “presents” the animals leave behind. His wife, Sam, fills the roles of animal trainer and feeder. And yes, feeding time at the Funky Farm is hectic, with nocturnal animals to cater for too. Completing the team is daughter Ziva, who joins in on the fun as the star of the adorable yet informative videos on their Facebook page.

“It wouldn’t be a farm without dogs,” says Ziva.  “We’ve got three dogs here - we’ve got Bronco, Sasha and Bullseye. Sasha sleeps in my room every night. Dad says she has to sleep in my room until I’m 20. Isn’t that crazy?”

Chris and his family have worked very hard to create their zoo.  “I’m working towards opening the zoo to the public in 2018; however, it’s not an easy task. My goal is to open it up for special needs children and adults as I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that animal therapy can have on them. It will be wheelchair friendly and we can provide a laminated booklet when they arrive filled with tools to communicate and tasks to complete. We’d hope to offer tasks around the farm for special needs adults to gain specific skills that they can take with them for a future job.”

You might be surprised to know that this isn’t Chris’s sole focus. At 34, he’s been a jockey for 18 years and has ridden more than 1000 winners in Australia and the US. Yet the farm is his absolute passion, and it will be his retirement plan despite that milestone being far from close.  “I’d like to continue to ride for a long time yet.”

Chris told us he hopes to get a big cat next, like a cheetah – and we can’t wait to watch him trying to catch it!  To meet their extensive collection of animals before the Funky Farm’s public opening, like them on Facebook and get a snapshot of their zoo life at @thefunkyfarm.

 

Don’t relax on supervision By Lucy Rae

Backyard barbecues by the pool, taking the boat out on the river, or catching waves at the beach are all a regular part of Australian culture. Tragically, too often we hear of drowning deaths as a result of our love of the water. 

The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2017, launched recently by federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, shows 291 people died as a result of drowning in Australia last year.  Last summer, drowning rates were notably above average between Christmas and New Year. Sadly, children accounted for a significant proportion of these preventable tragedies.

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Swimming pools are the leading location of child drownings, and a lapse in supervision is a primary causal factor in these incidents.  Often parents and carers become complacent in the home environment, relying on a pool barrier to keep children out of the water or trusting an older sibling to supervise young children while quickly doing something else.

Royal Life Saving Society Australia chief executive Justin Scarr says it’s crucial to keep watch on children at all times.  “Answering the door, preparing food, changing a sibling’s nappy, and answering a call are all distractions that leave children vulnerable to drowning,” Mr Scarr said.  “Active adult supervision of young children is the first line of defence against drowning - be prepared, be close, and give all of your attention all of the time.”

“Active supervision is key; however, children can be quick, and it's difficult to maintain supervision 100 per cent of the time. That's why it’s important for parents and carers to follow the four Keep Watch key actions: Supervise, Restrict Access, Water Awareness, and Resuscitate.  These are not individual strategies but should be used together for maximum safety – if one line of defence fails there are other prevention measures actively working to prevent drowning."

Inadequate pool fencing continues to be a contributing factor in toddler drowning deaths. Mr Scarr said pool owners often don’t realise their pool fence or gate is faulty and poses a threat to their children’s safety. “Pool fences, pool gates and latches should be regularly checked and maintained because parts can break or become defective over time.  Visit the Royal Life Saving website and download the home pool safety checklist to make sure your pool fence, pool gate and latch are in working order.”

The checklist is not a substitute for a pool inspection, however. Pool owners should consider getting a professional assessment of their pool’s compliance, check regulations with their local council or go to the local hardware or pool shop to discuss how to ensure the pool is made safer in time for summer.

Prevention is the fundamental way to prevent drowning.  However, as a last line of defence, CPR is a vital skill that can help save a life. Two-year-old Lily Cross was found face-down in the Hawkesbury River after wandering away from her family home. Her father and other locals commenced CPR until medics arrived, which played a vital role in her survival.

For training courses, water safety tips and resources visit royallifesaving.com.au

 

Rose’s career on the rise By Kate Sears

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At the age of four, Rose Rosenfeld was telling her mother how she wanted to dress.  Last month that passion for fashion saw the Mornington Peninsula model seated just a few rows behind Oprah Winfrey and Nicole Kidman at the Emmy Awards.

Rose’s childhood love of dressing up eventually led to her decision at 15 to try her hand at modelling. With feelings of confidence, self-motivation and determination, she began applying for small jobs that she found online, and after successfully booking a few shoots for some up-and-coming brands, her connections within the industry started to flourish. “It spiralled from there, to be honest.  The more people I met and the more research I did online, the more opportunity I got.”

Rose’s career progressed from working with small Australian beauty and clothing brands to modelling in pageants, including Miss World Australia and Australian Supermodel of the Year.  She was frantically busy but decided even greater opportunities lay offshore.

Since making the move to the US she’s worked for a Covergirl campaign in New York City - a career highlight – and has been heating up the catwalk with her smouldering good looks.  But her current goal is to concentrate on pursuing an acting career. “It is just a bit harder to make it big in the acting industry because it is all about who you know these days in Hollywood. I am definitely learning a lot about the industry and it is building me as an individual.”

Rose reminisces on the beautiful and calm lifestyle she enjoyed on the Peninsula and says her worry-free days at Toorak College in Mount Eliza and exploring the fashion at Frankston Bayside shopping centre helped inspired her.  During her next visit home, however, she’ll focus exclusively on visiting family.

Her girl-next-door vibe oozes from her Instagram and her lifestyle looks glamorous, but Rose remains down to earth. “No matter how far I get in my career, I have made a promise to myself and my family that I will always stay humble and be kind because life is too short. I hope to inspire all the younger and possibly older generations who follow my journey - just know that anything is possible; just work hard and set yourself goals.”

Rose has expanded her business with social media using Instagram and has gained a large following. You can follow her on Instagram at @rose_rosenfeld or visit her website at roserosenfeld.com

 

Young Skye author’s colourful debut By Kate Sears

Even though Rebecca Rose never had a huge love of reading as a child, she’s always loved words.  Now, at 25, she’s self-published a young adult fiction novel, the first draft of which she finished writing in a remarkable six days.

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Finding Technicolour is her first novel and it follows Peyton, who has a secret - a secret that would be easier to keep if it didn’t keep taking over her brain with violent flashbacks.  She’s awoken from a coma with very little memory after crashing her mum’s car, and all she sees is grey. After meeting a curious boy named Kai, she begins to let the truth come to the surface and bring colour back into her life.

Rebecca confides that she didn’t start writing in the “normal way” - she hasn’t studied at university or begun her writing career with short stories. But what’s normal these days anyway? “There’s no regrets,” she says.  “Everyone has their own journey to follow; I just jumped in the deep end.”

This rewarding experience has been a whirlwind ever since she started seriously working on her novel two years ago. “This story was knocking on the door; it was always in the back of my mind, just waiting for me to find it and write it down.”

After feeling lazy out of work hours, Rebecca felt she needed to do something with her spare time, and given her love of English during her years at Frankston High School, it seemed the right page to turn. With this, the colourful world of writing was opened. This Skye resident started writing actively only five years ago and has two other novels in the works. Her writing creates such atmosphere and empathy; it’s so real and raw, yet magically intertwined are perfect adjectives that just flow to give you a sense of the situation.

It isn’t all black and white; she’s eager for her novel to start a discussion and for it to help someone so they’re comfortable to share their own story. Rebecca’s so proud, but the journey isn’t over yet. At the end of the rainbow is her vision to have her novel on the shelves in book stores.

You know you need some technicolour in your life, and Rebecca’s book is available everywhere online, including Amazon, Book Depository, iBook, Kobo and Punchbowl Canteen.  To follow rocking Rebecca’s writing, visit her website at rebeccaroseofficial.com or follow her story on Instagram at @r_roseofficial and her official novel’s page at @technicolour_ya

Frankly Speaking with Vickie Saunders By Yazmine Lomax

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Vickie Saunders is a successful business owner, author and international speaker who specialises in sports sponsorship. She chats to Frankly Frankston about her passion for her work and her roots in our corner of the world.

 

Where did your interest in sports and sports sponsorship begin?

Funnily enough, I was never really into sport. I had a career in marketing but about seven years ago my boyfriend, who was an athlete, needed sponsorship as he planned to run the length of Australia on the Bicentennial National Trail. I realised there wasn’t great information out there on how to get sponsorship so I transferred my skills and knowledge and developed my own methodology. It’s very much about relationships, values and conversations and I think having the experience on the business side allowed me to really understand athletes.

 

What are your top tips for young people wanting to start their own business?

My top tip is don’t just start a business for the sake of starting a business. Start a business because you’ve got this burning desire to make something happen, or because you’ve got a product, service or idea that can help people in some way, or because there’s a problem you can help fix. If you believe in what you’ve got, keep trying to find those opportunities to grow your business. Also, don’t feel you’ve got to go it alone; collaboration and mentoring are really important for young people in business.

 

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to share information with people that they can put into practice and create positive change. For athletes, it’s engaging sponsorship and staying in their sport, or growing their profile so they get to travel around the world and speak at events. It’s not so much about what I achieve in my business, it’s about what other people achieve through that.

 

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

It’s home. It’s changing constantly but there’s a beautiful energy and calmness about the place. It also reminds me of where I come from and where I am now. When I’m running down Olivers Hill I often reflect that when I was 10 years old I couldn’t wait to get out of the place, but now I go back with such gratitude about where I’ve come from and my life now. It inspires my work because it refreshes me, allowing me to recharge my batteries and get some perspective.

 

We’re all looking up to Jazmin By Andrea Kellett

Mount Eliza’s queen of stilt-walking, Leonie Deavin, has welcomed a special new member to her team of towering performers - her teenage daughter Jazmin.

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Leonie and her team at stilt entertaining company Nova Star Productions have graced many of the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne’s most glamorous events over the past two decades, from festivals and carnivals to gala balls, launch events, sporting events and special celebrations. They regularly perform interstate too.

You’ve seen them in their show-stopping costumes at the annual Main Street Mornington Festival, the Mornington Australia Day Parade, the annual Orphans of Ghana Ball and more. Leonie has been a regular at the Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne, the Moomba Parade and the Melbourne Cup Day Parade, to name a few.

Little did we know, 13-year-old Jazmin has been waiting in the wings for years, quietly practising on modified stilts, hoping to follow in Mum’s footsteps. “She’s been asking for quite a few years and now that her foot is as big as mine she can fit into my stilts,” Leonie explains. “She had little ones, 1 foot, and was playing in those for about three years.”

On September 13, Jazmin officially stepped out for the first time, on modified .6m stilts (Mum’s are .9m) at the glamorous Fields of Fashion Spring Charity Luncheon and Race Day, held at Mornington Racecourse. She appeared at the Main Street Mornington Festival on October 15 and there’s more to come this summer.

Jazmin is a natural performer. She’s skilled at musical theatre, dancing, singing and even hula hoop! For Mum, the Fields of Fashion debut was a proud moment. “It’s lovely. I switch from being Mum to being a performer when I’m working and it’s really nice to be someone else with her. Jaz just wants to make people smile, as well as enjoy life.”

More at novastarproductions.com.au

 

Shining example of Christmas spirit

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For the past nine years, a Frankston couple have been shining a little light into the lives of children with special needs. And now they’re back for 2017 – bigger and better than ever!
It all started 15 years ago, when Trevor and Sandra put up four Christmas motifs and a few strands of lights on their house at 1 Lulworth Place.  As the display grew, so did the number of people coming to check it out.

While they don’t charge admission, Trevor and Sandra decided nine years ago to put out a donation tin to help the Frankston Special Developmental School – a decision Trevor says was inspired by a visit a couple of years earlier by the late Rudi Geppert, the school’s PE teacher and “a lovely man”. 

“He asked if we’d mind if he brought a couple of busloads of the children around, and we were absolutely over the moon to have them here.”

Trevor and Sandra have since raised more than $30,000 for projects the school would otherwise be unable to fund.  In 2012 the school put on its own Olympics, inviting the couple along as the Olympic King and Queen; in 2016, FSDS principal Scott Tucker gave Trevor and Sandra front-row seats to the school’s concert.  “It is just absolutely mindblowing what those teachers and support staff do for those kids,” Trevor says.  “It was really hard to sit there and not get a tear in your eye.”

But it’s not just the school children whose lives are enriched by the display.  Sandra recalls a woman who visited the display just after she had been retrenched.  “She was in tears and she explained her situation and was thankful for us cheering her up and lifting her spirits.  She told us: ‘I’m so glad that there are still good people in the world that are kind and looking out for others’.”

Mr Tucker describes Trevor and Sandra as “heroes of the Frankston community. They do not ask for anything in return.  They’re stars”.  The couple thank the Commonwealth Bank in Karingal, which does not charge them to process the donations, and Big W Karingal, which sells them lollipops at cost price to hand out to children who visit their display.

The display will be turned on at 8.30pm on December 1; early on it’s switched off at 10.30pm, but as it gets closer to Christmas - especially weekends – it stays on until 11pm or later, depending on the number of visitors.  “We do this not for ourselves,” says Trevor.  “This is for the community and more importantly for the kids – that’s what this is all about.”

This house truly is a sight to behold – and Sandra says it’s grown even bigger this year - so make sure you visit before it all comes down on Boxing Day and support a wonderful couple doing their bit to make children’s lives a whole lot brighter.

Community connects over underpass

In February, the Carrum and Patterson Lakes Forum asked residents whether they would like to see a connection pursued between Patterson Lakes and Riverend Rd, Bangholme.  The project is overwhelmingly supported by the general public and stakeholders, including Cornish College, Craft and Co Farm, Melbourne Cable Park, and a host of other recreational-based clubs. 

 : Calls are growing for a path under the Mornington Peninsula Freeway to connect Patterson Lakes and Riverend Rd, Bangholme. Photo courtesy Bauer Drone Footage.

: Calls are growing for a path under the Mornington Peninsula Freeway to connect Patterson Lakes and Riverend Rd, Bangholme. Photo courtesy Bauer Drone Footage.

With more than 700 kids at Cornish College and no other safe way to access the school on bike or foot, this project is needed for the peace of mind for Cornish College’s parents.  “The construction of the underpass will upgrade the existing goat track and address the safety concerns posed to users, including the students of Cornish College,” said forum founder Cameron Howe.

The current goat track can only be described as a slippery and very muddy track. As the proposed underpass addresses safety concerns, it’s warmly welcomed.  This underpass at Patterson River beneath the Mornington Peninsula Freeway is a project that the forum would like to see pursued in addition to pedestrian/cycling connections between Bonbeach-Harbour Town and Chelsea-Chelsea Heights to enhance the existing Longbeach Trail, which winds its way through the wetlands to Patterson River.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is leading a masterplan exercise for Patterson River that includes land on the northern bank under the freeway bridge, which is owned partially by Melbourne Water and the Crown, and is managed by Melbourne Water.  On the southern bank is an established and well-maintained path with appropriate drainage.

“The community have been calling for this path for years,” said Kingston councillor Tamsin Bearsley.  “When built it will connect 44km of cycling trail while improving access to Cornish College and businesses on Riverend Rd.  We need to stop talking about this, work with the authorities and just get it done.”

The project area sits within the boundaries of both the City of Kingston (western side) and City of Greater Dandenong (eastern side).  Kingston Council has requested that the provision of the path be considered as part of the masterplan process and has supplied previous planning and design work it has undertaken.  Greater Dandenong Council is open to the concept of the project.

“Demand has been increasing to execute this missing link for years, which should be pursued with further cycling connections to enhance the popular Longbeach Trail,” Mr Howe said.  “A united and cohesive approach will enable us to end the bureaucracy.”

 

 

Baxter rail project back on line

Frankston Mayor Brian Cunial has welcomed the State and Federal governments’ decision to prepare a business case for the electrification and duplication of the Frankston railway line to Baxter.

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Cr Cunial said he hoped the decision would prompt the State Government to reconsider moving train stabling facilities to Baxter rather than Kananook, “a decision which would save over 200 local jobs”.

“Council has been advocating to both levels of government for many decades on the benefits of electrifying the Frankston train line to Baxter,” he said.  “It is great to hear that both levels of government have come on board with this vital project.”

Cr Cunial said the project would help connect businesses, education facilities, institutions and health centres, create 4000 jobs, cut unemployment in the region by up to 1 per cent and reduce youth disengagement by up to 2 per cent. It would also ease transport congestion and establish a demand for reverse commuting. Public Transport Victoria data in 2009 and 2012 showed 58 per cent of Frankston station commuters travelled more than 20 minutes to the station and 22 per cent travelled more than 40 minutes.

Cr Cunial said electrification and duplication of the line would boost Peninsula tourism, increase demand for up to 2500 more Bachelor-level student places at Monash University Peninsula Campus and Chisholm TAFE Frankston, and free up 32,000sq m of land in the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre for employment use.

The announcement was made at Baxter station last month by federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher, accompanied by Dunkley federal Liberal MP Chris Crewther, Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Bev Colomb, Cr Cunial and other key stakeholders.

Peninsula muso drops new single By Andrea Kellett

October is a significant month for Simon Imrei.  The Peninsula-born and bred acoustic guitarist/vocalist is set to launch a new single, titled Let Go, and he will perform it live at the Main Street Mornington Festival on October 15.

Let Go is the first single off Simon’s forthcoming album The Sum of Scenes, a double-disc collection of songs amassed over the four years since his debut album Branching Inward (2012).  He’s also just finished a bunch of gigs around Melbourne, including a September residency at The Retreat Hotel in Brunswick.

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The official launch of Let Go is on Sunday, October 29, at Bar Open in Fitzroy and Simon willplay with a full band line-up, along with special guests Delsinki Records, Brooke Taylor and Millington. Tickets are available now for pre-sale ($10+bf) at bit.ly/SimonImrei

The Frankston-born, Mount Eliza-raised muso has been writing, recording and performing music since 2005. He has played live at venues large and small, including Queenscliff and Port Fairy. He splits his time between the city and ‘home’ on the Peninsula, with gigs here at Brass Razu in Main St, Mornington, the Somerville Hotel and more.

The Sum of Scenes (due for release early next year) was, he explains, initially meant to be an EP, but it became much more. There’s also, he adds, a music video on the way.

Let Go is available online via iTunes, Spotify & Google Play. More on Simon Imrei on Facebook (/simonimrei), Instagram (/simonimrei) and at simonimrei.com

 

Bring on the dancing Rubies by Kate Sears

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Splashes of vibrant colour swirl around the room as the Ruby Red Dancers put their heart and soul into their weekly practice. Sparkles catch your eye as the group of mature ladies twirl around, captivating you as they give it their all. Their joy of dancing and bringing happiness to others is evident in the enthusiasm given to a dress rehearsal.

The Ruby Red Dancers consist of women aged 55 to 83 - impressive, right? Their passion stems from contributing to the community, and of course the desire to keep fit. This volunteer group performs for free, only asking for donations of any size for Motor Neurone Disease Victoria.

“We practise and treat each performance like we’re being paid $1000 – and we get an amazing response in return,” says Diane, the organiser.  “We’re all friends, some of us for over 16 years. We’ve been dancing together for six years and we began rehearsals at my home.”

Joining Diane in the conga line are Christina, Wendy, Lynn, Dimitra, Audrey, Gail and Lyn, all of whom are from the Mornington Peninsula and the Greater Frankston area. They are an example of how dancing, music, choreography and friendship can assist in healthy and positive ageing.

Ruby gemstones are the queens of the stone world, and so are these ladies. They look the part and thrive on dressing up in their own costume creations filled with bright colours and jewels. Funding all their own expenses like hall hire, transport, administration costs, costume supplies, music and props is most impressive. They also hand out tambourines, shakers, streamers and coin belts (think belly dancing) for audience participation throughout the show to get everyone involved and wanting to boogie.

“The looks on our audience’s faces are priceless,” Diane says.  “They love the colours and the fabrics. We really believe that the more sparkles, the better.”

These dancing divas perform for various groups, organisations and functions including nursing homes, retirement villages, fundraising events, multicultural programs and Christmas parties. The energy that the ladies exude is so contagious that even staff at the events get up and join the Macarena. Given this, it’s not surprising that they’re steadily getting booked out for their season.

“We all agree that as a volunteer group we feel contributing to the community - in particular older people - is most important for health and happiness - ours and the audience’s - and we’ll continue to dance and bring pleasure to many for years to come.  Our beliefs are about bringing happiness to others who have helped to build our community and country during their lifetime.  Maybe it’s a little patriotic, but we are committed to the joy and colour that we bring to the audiences.”

If your group is in the market for entertainment, make sure to get the dazzling Ruby Red Dancers to jazz up your event.  For booking inquiries, call Diane on 5977 1766 or 0429 884 561.

Blessing of the fleet

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Once again, Coast Guard Frankston is proud to host the annual Blessing of the Fleet and extends an invitation for you to join it in celebrating the work of our marine emergency services. These include but are not limited to the SES, Surf Life Saving Victoria, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, Volunteer Marine Rescue and Water Police.

This year the blessing will be held on Frankston Pier at 11.15am on Sunday, November 12, and the public is welcome to come along to what is sure to be an amazing event that brings together our hard-working marine emergency services in the one location and gives you the chance to step into their world.

Coast Guard Frankston will have light refreshments available at its headquarters next to the playground to the south of the pier after the event.

Before the blessing, however, the community is also invited to attend a service at St Paul’s Church, Bay Street South, Frankston, at 10am.

Here’s a great opportunity for you to bring the kids for a close-up look at the boats that patrol our waters and meet the men and women who help to protect our community.

You can’t miss seeing the biggest gathering of emergency service vessels in one location.