If you’re looking at Tyler Wilsmore’s physique and expecting to read about a 10-year journey, you’ll be mistaken. But don’t worry, the judges thought the same and were stunned to see such abdominal definition in a novice at his first competition.

Tyler, a teacher at a local peninsula school, recalls them saying: “We can’t believe you’re a newbie – you have world class physique.”

Tyler competed at the 2017 ANB Melbourne Titles on May 13, exactly one year after beginning his training. Taking home first place in the Men’s Fitness Model category and second in the Men’s Fitness Model Novice category, he remains in disbelief but is taking it in his stride.

This part-time carer (for his mum) and PE teacher is off to the World Competition UFE World Fitness Model Championships in Canada in November 11 and 12. If he places in the top three for his categories he’ll receive a pro card that recognises him as a professional fitness model.

Frankly Frankston asked Tyler how the win was sinking in. “There’s been a lot of attention, which is amazing.  The judges warned me that this would happen but advised me to stay humble and grounded. I’m just an average guy who likes going to the gym.”

Witnessing first-hand his parents’ health issues and losing sight of his own health after a relationship breakdown, Tyler decided to get back on track and become as healthy as he could. Despite the judges saying he must be “genetically lucky”, his diet and exercise regime is far from effortless. There’s no calorie counting or macronutrient tracking in sight; instead he focuses on consuming organic food for his six to seven meals a day, and carb cycling. That old wives’ tale that if you eat your vegetables you’ll grow up to be big and strong? Well, a kilo of organic vegetables a day is keeping Tyler at the top of his game.

Karim El Barche, director of Discovery Health and Fitness in Cheltenham, posted a request for participants to join a 12-week transformation program; Tyler signed up and started the very next day with his new trainer. Fast forward 12 months, and Karim is now his coach and friend.

On stage with a sub 5 per cent body fat, he couldn’t have been prouder of himself. Tyler appreciates the support of his friends, colleagues and family, and the congratulations he’s received from his students has also been a major highlight for the quiet achiever.

And his motto? “Hard work affords much respect.”

Seniors are learning to love technology with the help of dedicated volunteers in the southeast.

Carrie and Chris Ewin have spent years helping seniors learn to use computers at local community centres.  “It’s so rewarding when students first learn to use Skype or Facebook,” Carrie said.

Chris and Carrie also volunteer their skills at the Chelsea PC Support Group at Longbeach Place. They join fellow facilitators Rojer Liberman, Alex Taylor, Leslie Trevena and Cheryl Ewin to provide seniors with engaging presentations on computer topics and opportunities to have their computer problems solved.

“The group introduces great ways to use your computer but we also have lots of games, prizes and nibblies,” Carrie said.  Chris added:  “We’re very proud that our monthly meetings are free.”

The group teamed up with the Adult Community and Further Education Board and several local community centres to create the Seniors IT program in 2014.  “Seniors IT is a hub of learning, support and resources for seniors to further their technology journey,” said Carrie.

Carrie was recognised for her efforts when she received the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award as part of the 2015 Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards.  Chris was named runner-up in the Outstanding Practitioner Award in the Victorian Government’s Learn Local Awards the same year.

Most recently, Carrie and Chris have put their years of experience together to launch a series of books with No Starch Press. Their first book is Facebook for Seniors: Connect with Friends and Family in 12 Easy Lessons, to be followed later this year by Computers for Seniors: Get Stuff Done in 13 Easy Lessons. These books will help you learn about technology with step-by-step instructions, full-colour pictures and activities, and you can order them from Dymocks, QBD, Readings or Amazon.

The Chelsea PC Support Group meets on the first Saturday of each month at Longbeach Place, 15 Chelsea Rd, Chelsea from 1-3.30pm. You can find out more about the group and Seniors IT from the website www.seniorsit.com.au.

We’re not even halfway through 2017 but it has already proved a vintage year for Peninsula sommelier Julia Sewell.

Julia has just taken out the Ruinart Challenge UK for sommeliers, a competition in which she finished runner-up last year after reaching the finals of the Australian Challenge in 2014 and 2015. Her response upon hearing she was the winner this time? “Pure joy,” said Julia. “I’d done the competition a few times so it was very rewarding to finally win.”

The Challenge was held on May 30 and saw 20 sommeliers from restaurants across the UK battle it out in a blind tasting, in which the sommeliers were asked to correctly identify a line-up of four rosés.

Julia’s now off to enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Champagne, France, with the winners from the other countries in July. She’s thoroughly looking forward to sharing her stories and experiences with the other winners and absorbing as much knowledge as she can.

The Toorak College Dux of 2008 has been studying as a sommelier for nearly five years and has been enjoying her work at The Fat Duck as junior assistant head sommelier.

Despite the exciting win, Julia’s favourite part of the experience was the seminar. “They go into a good level of technical details that doesn’t feel like it’s being simplified for the sake of brevity,” Julia said.

With many rewarding sides to her career (besides all that fine-tasting wine), her favourite is working with a product that combines art and science, giving her “the opportunities for technical, cultural, philosophical and social expansion of the mind”.

Travelling opportunities are another amazing perk of the business, and Julia also compliments the mentality of other like-minded wine lovers. “The culture of mentorship in this industry is great in that it allows you to exchange experiences and continue learning.”

The generosity of other restaurants and winemakers in welcoming travellers really radiates a brilliant community spirit and helps Julia to grow.

We’ll drink to that!

Frankston resident Mara Requilman will shave off her long gorgeous locks on June 17 to raise money for Sisterhood Frankston and Mornington Peninsula.

Sisterhood FMP is a grassroots community-driven initiative that is focused on empowering the community and educating people in identifying and preventing domestic violence.  "Domestic violence is a significant problem in our community and we are doing all that we can to raise awareness and understanding," said founder Sandi Walters.

Held at The Deck in Frankston from noon- 5pm, the event begins with the head shave at noon and will also feature lots of live music, including Callum and Jackson McPartlane, mature 13-year-old twins known as Bo’Ness who are still on a high after touring with Reece Mastin.  Frankston councillor Sandra Mayer will also perform original songs including a new song called Rise Up, which is about leaving an abusive relationship. 

“I know that people will pay to see me cut my hair off,” laughed Ms Requilman.   “I will be supported by a few of my talented friends on the day, so come along to hear some amazing music and all for a good cause."

Donations of $25 include entry to the show. Tickets are $30 at the door.

 Donations can be made to the following account:
Account name: Sisterhood FMP
BSB: 633 000
Acc: 154263222
Please use reference: The Shave

The Rotary Club of Frankston has donated $20,000 to Frankston Hospital (Peninsula Health) for a new hi-tech ultrasound machine for the women’s antenatal section.

President Kevin Wallis presented a cheque for the amount to obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Sarah Roberts (pictured) at the club’s weekly dinner meeting on June 1.

The club (District 9820) was formed 67 years ago and continually supports community needs locally, nationally and internationally. Its 70 members are volunteers from all walks of life and raise money from the club’s Seaford Farmer's Market, which is held on the third Sunday of the month, as well as Bunnings barbecues, social functions and car rallies.

Among the causes and organisations the club has supported over the past year are the Fred Hollows Foundation ($7000), Peninsula Home Hospice ($5000 for garden works), Wheelchairs for Kids, Back Pack Beds for the Homeless, Interplast ($3000), Arid Recovery in the Roxby Downs, a new trailer for the Mount Eliza Scouts, Lift the Lid on Mental Health, and Women's Resource in Cambodia.

The club’s current theme is ‘Rotary Serving Humanity’, and its members stand by it.  You can visit http://www.rotaryfrankston.org.au/ for details of the club’s weekly meeting and join it on Facebook.

That stereotype that ‘blondes are dumb’ is barked at by Eldo Hawking.

Not just a pretty face, Eldo can do countless tricks, from the standard commands - sit, shake, roll over - to the not-so-standard - fist bump (his nose to your fist), hug, bark on command, knowing the names of his toys and ringing a bell when he needs the little boys’ room. This golden child learnt the basic tricks in a week, but the more complex ones can take three or four weeks (still a remarkable feat) and he’s rewarded with chicken, liver treats or dehydrated sweet potato. When the more complicated tricks are performed, Eldo receives a highly-regarded treat of hard cheese (think cheddar and gruyère) from owners Caroline and Rob.

“He will do anything for cheese,” says Caroline.

This pooch is a high-achieving golden retriever puppy from Frankston South who loves his belly rubs and insists on all dogs joining him for a play. And even when the older dogs have no interest, he doesn’t give up easily.

Caroline and Rob were enjoying posting photographs of Eldo on their personal Instagrams, but the Eldo-centric posts were so well received that they decided to make an Instagram all of his own. From this they’ve discovered the paw-friendly community online.

Rob’s family is Romanian and their family holiday house is in the mountains in Eldorado, which means ‘golden one’, and that was too perfect when it came to a name for their dog. ‘Hawking’ comes from another genius - yes, Stephen Hawking - as Rob is a science nerd.

Eldo loves to goof around with his puppy friends at the park or beach, all of whom he recognises every time. Caroline says: “He also has a funny quirk of nudging his head between your legs while you’re standing” for cuddles - which ultimately surprises and delights his target. Of course, he still has his owners wrapped around his golden tail because he’s able to pull the puppy face and get away with digging up the backyard.

Blondes have more fun, right?

Follow Eldo’s adventures on Instagram at @allabouteldo

Frankly Frankston spoke to Georgina Ablett, a Director of Dogs for Kids with Disabilities. And the first thing she told us? “It’s tough being a fairly unknown charity.”

DKD is a not-for-profit organisation (with no government funding) based in Carrum Downs. They train dogs for children with autism, intellectual and physical challenges and other developmental disorders. They specialise in training full assistance dogs; who wear a service dog coat and have full public access to go anywhere their owner goes. These dogs can calm a child with Autism during a meltdown, walk tethered beside a child to prevent them running away and enable the family to access the community and complete regular tasks that were otherwise impossible or too hard to do.

DKD also train companion dogs. These dogs do not have the extra training to enable them to be allowed everywhere, but provide friendship to a child in a home environment. However, they still help the children to increase their confidence, lower their anxiety and provide companionship. Both companion and assistance dogs are taught a variety of - techniques, such as ‘hug’ with a head, paw or body which is especially relevant for children with autism who may not like - touch - but the dogs tend to be an exception.

Layla, a bright and bubbly six-year-old girl who loves animals and jumping on the trampoline, suffers from autism, anxiety disorder and has difficulty regulating her sensory input.  This was until she was matched with Elmo.

Layla’s mum explains: “Before Elmo joined our family, Layla and I couldn’t be in a different room without her getting upset. Layla is now sleeping in her own room at night, without me, now that Elmo stays with her.”

To train one full assistance (with public access) dog takes 18 months to two years and the costs reach $40,000. In comparison, a companion dog costs $16,000. “Of course, we can’t expect these families who are already experiencing extra ‘additional needs’ financial expense to pay these amounts,” Georgina says. “So we ask families to fundraise half this amount towards costs associated with our program..”

And the other part of the payment? DKD relies on support from sponsors and fundraising events to assist in paying for each dog.  Training 50-55 puppies at any one time and having matched about 60 dogs with families since 2012 means this organisation is changing the lives of many children with additional needs. Completing all of this with only four employees is made possible with the help of more than 70 amazing volunteers.

A new breeding program is underway that aims to provide even more companion and assistance dogs over the coming years to meet client demand.  You can sponsor a puppy, donate, or even be a foster parent to a dog.

DOGS FOR KIDS WITH DISABILITIES
FB: Dogs.For.Kids.With.Disablities.

T: 0488 104 044

Our homeless have been given a lot more hope thanks to the extraordinary success of the Creating Change initiative.

Creating Change, which was designed to shift public perception and tackle the stigma associated with homelessness, saw Bayside Centre join forces with key retailers, contractors and suppliers last month to raise well over $20,000 for the Community Support Frankston charity.

The three-week campaign invited Bayside shoppers to visit ‘Creating Change Thought Pods’  in the centre, where they heard first-hand stories about what it’s like to experience homelessness while gaining valuable insight into the challenges and hardships faced by homeless people, as well as their hopes and dreams for breaking the cycle.

“The Creating Change campaign message of ‘Homeless not hopeless’ is a really important one,” said CSF manager Steve Phillips.  “Many of the people that come to CSF for help don’t identify as hopeless, and not all homeless people are sleeping rough. There are so many others in Frankston just managing to keep a roof over their heads, but who are at a breaking point.”

Throughout the campaign, customers were also encouraged to make paper cranes as a show of support for Creating Change, with Bayside agreeing to donate $1 for every crane made.   More than 750 paper cranes have been produced so far, including 100 by Frankston Primary School students along with further contributions collected at the centre’s donation point.

Peninsula businesses also rallied behind Bayside’s initiative. Hoyts’ charity screening of Snatched was sold out, with the proceeds from more than 170 ticket sales going directly to CSF. A charity lunch at McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery was also fully subscribed, with more than 80 guests hearing Telstra Women in Business Award nominee Stacey Currie talk about her own experiences of homelessness.

At the lunch, Vicinity Centres announced a $5000 grant to CSF for disadvantaged youth, with centre suppliers Secure Corp, Airmaster and Dot Dot Dash donating a further $5200 and $1500 respectively.

Bayside is confident the amount raised will increase even further thanks to generous pledges from several other businesses. The Frankston office of Harcourts Central Real Estate has pledged $100 from the proceeds of every house sold between May 8 and June 30.

Bayside Centre manager Gabe North-Harney said: “We are beyond pleased at the unprecedented support that our shoppers, retailers and suppliers, and indeed the broader Frankston community, has shown for this campaign.”

For further information about CSF and to find out how you can make a donation, contact Steve Phillips on 9784 1502, email [email protected] or visit http://www.frankston.net/

Chelsea Basketball is overflowing with members and facing rising lease costs in the wake of its campaign for new facilities.

The southeast association is forecast to grow by 30 per cent over the next two years, according to club spokesman Peter Casperz. Chelsea Basketball currently leases courts throughout the southeast region with agreements in place with leaseholders between Dandenong and Seaford. But Mr Casperz says the lease costs “are killing us financially and are not sustainable”.

Rent runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars and is stretching resources that cater for more than 200 domestic teams at junior and state levels. Chelsea Basketball’s philosophy is grounded by family values and affirmed by championing people of all persuasions, which has led to the formation of all abilities teams and promotion of women in sport.

Mr Casperz’s vision is for an extension of Bonbeach Stadium to incorporate two courts, including a show court with seating for 300 people, additional change rooms and facilities to cater for state league teams. Kingston councillor Tamsin Bearsley believes the proposed redevelopment will “provide opportunities to integrate sport and community use”.

Mr Casperz has engaged Cameron Howe to head up the campaign, and the proposed redevelopment is scheduled to be discussed at Kingston Council’s meeting on June 26. Chelsea Basketball is asking the public to contact Kingston councillors ahead of the meeting. For further information visit: https://www.facebook.com/chelseabasketball

Jackson and Callum McPartlane might look a wee bit young to be going on tour, aye? Together they are Bo’Ness, named after their grandmother’s home town in Scotland.

These Mornington Peninsula identical twins remain on a high after recently opening as the support band for Reece Mastin. They are back home and continuing to practise religiously with their godfather Adam Brand’s guitar as Adam looks on and longs to tour with them too.

Their mum, Sally, received an amazing surprise over five years ago. Having taught themselves to harmonise perfectly and secretly practising in their bedrooms (and bathroom to reach those acoustic goals) they asked her to listen to them sing. “I said ‘Yeah, sure’ but thought ‘Oh dear, what am I in for?’ Fair to say I was shocked,” says Sally.

While setting up for the photoshoot with Frankly Frankston, the pair were receiving coins before they even opened their mouths to sing. And when they do, you know why. As they frequent Shannon Mall in Frankston the unstoppable pair have become recognisable and the money earned goes (mostly) back into their craft. Their proud mum explains that once they took their daily takings straight to the shops to spoil her with a new pair of runners she’d been eyeing.

“It’s just who they are; they often give some money to the homeless too,” Sally says.

They are double trouble, with a passion to never stop improving and proudly landing roles in their school production of Grease within a week of starting Year 7 (and the only Year 7s with major roles, we might add).

These mature young boys hold their own on stage, practise every day and busk twice a week. On a recent trip, the twins took their guitars with them and left their iPads at home (which is a feat even for adults).

Bo’Ness are inspired by the Beatles and get quite upset when people don’t know who they are. They also draw inspiration from Coldplay, Green Day and the television show Nashville. Callum and Jackson also play at Frankston Library and at Frankston Hospital in the dementia ward.

Taught by Bonnie Anderson (of Blackout fame), approached by The Voice Australia and singer songwriter Sam Hawksley from the Bo'Deans, they’re on track at such a young age. With industry support, family connections and their friends’ endless encouragement, nothing is stopping these humble young stars from continuing their climb to success.

If you happen to get stopped in your tracks as you pass them, a wee amount of coin will be much appreciated.

Follow Bo’Ness on Facebook at @BoNessmusic

For more than 30 years, Dianne and Mark Benson have worked tirelessly to offer chemical-free berries from The Bramble Farm. They value health and don’t allow any chemicals to be used on the farm. “Our slogan is be berry healthy; all of our products are very healthy,” Dianne says.

Established in 1985, the farm has grown from 60 vines to about 10,000 vines of summer cropping brambleberries, and an additional 28,000 canes of summer and autumn cropping raspberries.

The Bensons offer a selection of jams, pickles, chutneys, marmalade, sauces (sweet and savoury), jellies, lemon butter, and cold-pressed honey and juices.  “I make them all by hand on site,” says Dianne.

Beehives on the farm will have you buzzing as you choose from young berries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, red currants, jostaberries, and - wait for it - brambleberries. Picking your own berries is also an option.

The jams are made from 80 per cent fruit, with no preservatives, artificial colours or artificial flavours, and that’s something the Bensons are justifiably proud of.  All their products are gluten and lactose-free and diabetic friendly.

Don’t be blue because winter doesn’t stop this berry farm. Berries are frozen during summer in preparation for winter sales. The couple’s winter promotion is a family value pack for $50 (save $17) that includes 1kg each of frozen blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Stop and enjoy the atmosphere with a coffee after browsing the produce all year around from 9am-5pm, seven days a week. It’s berry perfect.

THE BRAMBLE FARM

A: 25 Lyppards Rd, Langwarrin
T: 9776 7018
W: www.bramblefarm.com.au
E: [email protected]

Helping you manage your most important resource is what MMO HR Solutions does best. And what’s this resource it manages so well, you ask? People.

MMO HR Solutions provides services ranging from consulting, advisory, policy and procedure development to recruitment and training. The MMO team will educate on bullying and harassment laws, assist new employers and explore unfair dismissals.

MMO HR Solutions is based in Langwarrin and assists small to medium-sized businesses on the Mornington Peninsula and throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Principal consultant Tracey Mottershead is a professional member of the Australian HR Institute and CPA.  She combines human resource, business and finance experience to provide the ideal HR solution to suit each individual business.

To complement its business services, MMO HR Solutions offers an “Application, Interview & Presentation” workshop that’s suited to individuals such as high school students and university students, and of course groups. Sessions include information on applying for jobs, interview techniques, presentation tips and much more.

People are your most important resource, so get in touch with MMO HR Solutions today.

MMO HR SOLUTIONS
W: mmohrsolutions.com.au
E:
T: 0414 899 451

Frankston High School student Jack Higgins has the world at his feet after receiving a Premier’s VCE Award last month.  What makes this award so special is that Jack received the award in further mathematics as a Year 11 student, outshining his peers throughout the state and achieving a perfect study score of 50.

Each year students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their VCE are recognised at the Premier’s VCE Awards.  Jack was presented with his award by Education Minister James Merlino in front of his proud parents, principal John Albiston and senior campus principal Helen Wilson.

“Jack epitomises what is possible by living and learning by our motto ‘Optima Semper’ (Best Always),” Mr Albiston said.  “He is a role model that has inspired us all.  He has our sincere congratulations on this outstanding achievement.”

Ms Wilson said: “Jack is to be congratulated on his outstanding success.  He thoroughly deserves this award in recognition of his conscientious approach to his studies.  Jack is a highly self-motivated student who diligently applies himself to his studies. We are very excited to see what Jack achieves this year in his studies.”

Jack highlighted the value of a support network while completing VCE and attributed his success to the collaborative relationship of friends, family and teachers working together to achieve the best learning outcomes. 

This year he’s studying English, chemistry, physics, specialist mathematics and maths methods, and after finishing Year 12 he hopes to pursue a career in science after completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne.

A love of plays and musicals had always been instilled in Teghan Webster, yet health problems had always held her back. That was until the daring 19-year-old saw an audition call for The Diary of Anne Frank and decided she would try out even with no acting experience.

Unfortunately, she was passed over for the role, but she was so eager to support Frankston Theatre Group in its production that she offered to take any task that was on offer, so she started her theatre career as a prompt.

Shortly after, a cast member withdrew and Teghan won the role of Margot to launch her acting debut.  Strangers became friends for life as they worked together tirelessly.  Under the wing of Roy Thompson and Annie Laurenson, Teghan flourished.

Since then, she’s moved on to play Maureen, the bride in Dimboola. “I found this role relaxing as I really just had to sit down and act drunk!”

One of Teghan’s favourite on-stage memories was during rehearsals for Dimboola. “I stood up and screamed my line as loud as I could. It wasn't in the script to shout the line and the look on everyone's face was priceless. But it worked for the scene, the director liked it and it ended up in the final play.”

However, Teghan admits her most rewarding experience was an off-stage role as production coordinator for ‘Allo ‘Allo. It was a difficult journey, but she learnt so much and gained great satisfaction from seeing it all come together and her cast enjoy themselves.

Teghan is studying biology and is intrigued by how similar acting and biology are since both explore how people work.

July brings the 1812 Theatre’s youth production The Crucible, in which she’ll play Mercy Lewis, while playing the judge in Frankston Theatre Group’s upcoming production of 12 Angry Men has given her an exciting new chance to be involved in filming. To find out what this is all about, make sure to visit Frankston Theatre Group’s website for more information and bookings.

12 Angry Men will be performed on Friday, May 26-Saturday, May 27, at 8pm; Sunday, May 28, at 2pm; and Friday, June 2-Saturday, June 3, at 8pm.  Tickets: $25 adult, $20 conc.

For more information visit: frankstontheatregroup.org.au

Weeks after winning the men’s Stawell Gift final, Matthew Rizzo is still on cloud nine. “The reality hasn’t sunk in yet,” Rizzo said.  And no wonder the high hasn’t worn off - this 18-year-old has been rewarded for two years of five-day training weeks with a $40,000 winner’s cheque after competing on April 17.  He’s now down in history as one of the youngest winners in the Gift’s 136-year existence after he powered through the race as any red-hot favourite would.

Rizzo told Frankly Frankston that it took a few minutes to realise what he’d just achieved after crossing the line in first place.  There was a sense of relief that rushed through him, a relief that everything had fallen into place, and he thought to himself: “I pulled it off.”

“I was unsure of my form on the day, until the heats went well,” said Rizzo.  He was the favourite at $1.35 after running by far the fastest time of the 22 heats on Saturday, April 15. Of course, mum Deb and coaches Brett Robinson and Matt Carter couldn’t be prouder.

At 15, while at his part-time job at Bunnings, the Langwarrin youngster approached Carter and asked if he could train with him, and the rest is history. “It’s a funny story, but it was just something I had to do,” said Rizzo, who has only been training seriously the past two years - not that you could tell.

What’s in store for the future has been running through Rizzo’s mind. The steps to achieve his long-term goal of competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games include beginning with state competitions, and then on to nationals.

The former Elisabeth Murdoch College student overcame a serious hip injury at age 12 but nevertheless sprung back to win the Stawell Little Athletics 400m and come second in the 100m sprint at the 2013 Stawell Gift.

After taking a few weeks off university classes leading up to the race, Rizzo is ready to hit the ground running as he launches back into reality.

Ask him how he juggles it all … if you can catch him!

 

Cornish College Year 11 students Gus Bounds and Gabe Cali performed in Lord of the Flies at the Arts Centre Melbourne on April 5-9.

Gus and Gabe were part of a thorough audition process that resulted in 23 boys and men aged 10 to 25 from across Victoria being selected. They joined the ensemble cast in Sir Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and Re:Bourne adaption of William Golding’s classic novel. Sir Matthew is recognised as the UK’s most successful and popular choreographer and director.

Gus almost missed the vital call with the news. “I was at home but my phone was in the other room when they called me, and afterwards I heard this little sound go off and I raced in, grabbed it, called them back within 30 seconds, I reckon. And yeah…I got in.”

Re:Bourne is the charitable arm of Sir Matthew’s New Adventures. Founded in 2008, it delivers projects and courses that will find, develop and inspire the next generation of dance-theatre professionals. Re:Bourne has held more than 800 workshops, been involved in 50 projects and worked with 15,000 emerging artists and young people.

Along with the rest of the ensemble, many of whom had little or no previous experience, Gus and Gabe worked tirelessly for months through intensive workshops, putting into action their passion for movement with chorographers and dance professionals who watched as their confidence grew.

Gabe said, "We got to hang out and talk to the professionals as well as the young ensemble, and all of the older guys looked out for the younger guys. It was crazy performing at the state theatre in front of thousands of people. It really confirmed how much I love performing and what I want to do going forward."

As time flies by, keep an eye out for these two young stars.

 

There’s nothing common about Kate Walker. This design dynamo works hard at driving her KWD business further into the future. Long days and short nights suit this working mum well, because her business comes from her core. It’s more than a job – it’s a passionate way of living.

Mornington Peninsula Magazine & Frankly Frankston Magazine catch a glimpse of this energetic Mount Martha native’s very aesthetic world inspired by her surrounds, love of family and motif.

What do you love most about your job?
The people and happiness I bring to them by helping to make their dreams a reality.

Take us through the design process from first consulting with a client through to completion.
In short, the KWD process is Specify, Source, Supply.
We start by taking a full brief from the client discussing hopes and dreams for the project right down to minute details of their lifestyle. Once we have worked out the timeframe and budgets, we come back to them with a presentation brief. They sign off on the products and we complete a schedule of beautiful finishes for them and quote on all the materials. We also pull together any trades they need such as builders, landscapers, designers, pool contractors, tilers. KWD offers one contact point for a very streamlined experience.

How does the Peninsula inspire your design?
The landscape inspires me.  In a relatively small parcel of land there’s the wild Western Port Bay, the calm Port Phillip Bay, the beautiful green hills of Flinders and the Red Hill countryside. There’s such a variety of landscapes in such a small area.  It’s a huge source of inspiration.

Do you have a favourite design aesthetic? And why?
I don’t really favour one.  It’s more about figuring out what’s right for the property.  KWD doesn’t have one style - we work across all forms and decide what is right for the project.  If I was given a block of land and I could design my perfect property it would depend on many factors such as where the land is, what the light is like and what the surrounding properties are like. I love all design for different reasons, from the modern steel windows of contemporary to ornate wall panelling in Hamptons inspired designs.

How do you see design changing in the future as our lives change?
Design is all about keeping the aesthetic but improving the function, so as we progress as a human race, the function will get better and better.  For example, I found an island bench the other day where an electrical charge runs through the bench top so all you need to do is place your phone on the bench and it will charge! I’m also a huge fan of natural materials which won’t have the same level of innovation. It’s more about how we use them. (If a modern house has a concrete floor, I’ll put timber on the ceiling.) Mod cons will get better, finishes will get better, man-made materials will get better, and materials will become eco-friendlier. Years ago, I would show people what materials they should be using, whereas now I’m telling them what they shouldn’t be using! I was also showing clients new materials, whereas now everyone sees everything online. Now it’s more about guiding people to pick the right material that fits the purpose, the project and the style.

What’s your favourite thing to do in your down time?
My work life and my family life is 24/7, so I take my down time in chunks.  I work hard and play hard.

You learnt the business from your father – how have you reimagined what he taught you?
My father modelled me his incredible work ethic.  In today’s day and age where everyone wants flexibility, I have had to massage my expectations with my team to give them flexibility, whilst I maintain my 12 plus hour days running the business. Whilst dad was a 6am to 6pm kind of guy, I quite often meet with my clients at night to fit in with their busy schedules. Dad taught me about marketing and buying too. Things like it’s not so much about what you sell a product for, it’s about what you buy it for. He showed me how to have exceptional relationships with my importers which results in buying the best products at the best prices for my clients. I reinvest in my people.  We do things together to give the team a wonderful experience whether it be tennis (the KWD Tennis Team) or going out for dinners or having spa days.  It’s about creating a family environment for the team. Dad taught me to look after your people.

Do you go to any of the local markets for inspiration? If so which ones?
I always love the Red Hill Market.  I also think the Mermaid Sorority Designers Markets are terrific.  They showcase a stunning collection of independent boutique brands.  I am really inspired by local artisans who are putting themselves out there with their own small businesses.  I’m a small business as well, so I understand the challenges and the rewards, and I am hugely passionate about supporting local business.

Any local designers or artists who inspire you?
I absolutely love jewellery designer Flick Pope who showcases her work at Pomme.  Her jewellery designs are inspired by nature, and I’m so inspired by nature with hard finishes.

Are you a collector?
Yes! Definitely shoes - and blue and white china.  And I have just started by own art collection. I like to support local artists. I recently commissioned a wonderful piece by the super talented Richard Claremont. The scene depicts my favourite weekend ritual of walking down the hill to Mount Martha beach with my children and their puppy.

Favourite places to hang out on the Peninsula - for food and for clothing?
For clothing, my two favourite stores are Smoke and Vanilla on Main Street Mornington, and Emia on Ocean Beach Road in Sorrento. The service is incredible and they are so design savvy.  They are to fashion what KWD is to hard finishes. And to eat, Volpino is a favourite. We head there every Tuesday night without fail for a family dinner and there is always an Aperol Spritz waiting on the table for me.  Assaggini is also very special.  It’s a tapas style restaurant that we go to on a girls’ night before heading out for a boogie.

How long are your days and how do they start and end?
My day starts at 5am when I get up and do my emails. I then head to the gym when I can, and take the kids to school.  I’m in the office by 8am, on the phone or checking in with my team and then I’m out all day on site or in consultations on the Mornington Peninsula or in the city.  I get home by 7.30ish.  I have incredible support from our nanny who helps with dinner and then I sit down and spend some quality time with the children.  Once they go to bed I start my nightshift.  If it’s cold I light the fire and work inside or I head out to the studio where my team are sometimes still hard at it.  I go to bed around 11pm and fall asleep after midnight.  I am not really a big sleeper - I average around four and a half hours sleep a night.

How do you sustain your energy to get the job done?
Adrenalin and passion.  I am so passionate about what I do, I absolutely adore it.  In fact, when I stop I often get unwell.  My body thrives on adrenalin so I just keep going.  That’s why I take my breaks in chunks.  I am an all or nothing person, I don’t do moderation well.

Do you follow any design blogs?
I do follow some design blogs.  I really enjoy Verandahouse, Trendland and Architectural Digest, and the Australian blogs I love are The Grace Tales, Interiors Addict, Get In My Home, The Design Files and Ish and Chi.

Favourite design magazines or sites?
My absolute favourites are Architectural Digest and Veranda.

Have you always lived on the Peninsula?
We moved to the Peninsula about ten years ago.  Mum and dad had a holiday home here so we visited most weekends, so one day we decided to make Mount Martha our home.  It was the best decision and we all love it here.

You travel a lot. Which places inspire you the most and why?
I get inspiration everywhere I go.  I live in a holiday location so that really feeds my imagination and I also spend a lot of time at Mt Buller.  Mother Nature is so fierce up there.  I love the extremities of the weather.  The colour changes so fast from no snow to snow filled.  I am always inspired by landscapes and gardens.

Describe your personal style re clothing and interior design. Could you give us a snapshot of your home’s style?
I don’t subscribe to a certain style, it’s more about creating layers.  My home reflects my life.  I do love traditional American, tending towards British Colonial and Chinoiserie.  With my clothing, it is another outlet of design for me.  I’m a huge fan of Australian designers and support Australians wherever possible.  Whilst I do like what’s on trend, I like to buy quality, key pieces that will last a long time which is really a reflection of what I tell my clients with their selection of hard finishes.  And shoes of course.  Always shoes.

What’s the difference between Peninsula based and city based client style?
I love our Peninsula clients because they love supporting local business and they are more likely to value the time and energy you put into a project.  Working with our city clients is so rewarding, challenging and exciting, but it is more competitive. We find that our local clients are more about relationships and loyalty.

How do you see your business developing over the next five years? Where does KWD want to be then?
I see KWD being the premier specifiers of products for both residential and commercial projects on the Peninsula with a reputation for outstanding prices, and above all, outstanding customer service. We work on over 100 projects a year with an incredible team and our reputation is second to none.

Do either of your children want to follow in your footsteps or carry on the business?
Neither of my children has expressed interest in the business, but they have shown traits of their innate design skills.  Charlie has shown his drawing and spatial skills, laying out a room design to scale, and he is such a negotiator!  He negotiates everything with me so he would be an incredible Contract Negotiator.  Jemima is so design savvy in the way she dresses and she is exceptionally creative.  So, while neither has specifically said what they want to do, they are showing traits.  As a mum, I naturally want them to explore their own interests, but I would adore the opportunity to build the business further with them.

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