Every thing is on hold at the moment with southgippsland.info

South Gippsland is still a great place to visit for a weekend. Even better for a lifetime. However things change at an individual level. Many of the local wineries are changing hands in the recent past or in the near future (Lyrebird Hill, Waratah Hills, Vin Rose, Caledonie Australis, The Gurdies) others not open (Tarwin Ridge, Kongwak Hills) and more more on the market but not too openly. We here at Paradise Enough will continue making the highest quality pinots and chardonnay for a very long time. But even for us there are new horizons…  Sue needs to finish off her PhD (firmly grounded in local health services to new mothers). John is starting out in 2009 as a med student, with the intent of becoming  a GP in South Gippsland.

So southgippsland.info in its present form may be a casualty for a while – unless, of course, some willing helper puts up her/his hand! (Come on, yes, you.) We are thinking long and hard how we might reinvent southgippsland.info   It may become (again) integrated with the news page of paradiseenough.com.au or perhaps become a freer blog about how to enjoy life here in the country. Any suggestions welcome. Will report back by Christmas.  Cheers to all.

1 September

Well, the hibernation has been just that. We were getting to be a bit of a one man band, and winter struck us down. Now with Spring just here… Well, actually even that’s getting a bit previous. We will be making a decision whether to arc up for full reporting of this Summer and into next year over the next six weeks. Will report by the end of October. Sorry about that. In the mean time, use the links on the left for some news. Don’t miss Summer Starters run by the local wineries on the Melbourne Cup Weekend, though!

Do not adjust your computer…

Sorry to be a spoil sport but southgippsland.info will be going into hibernation for a few weeks. Things to see and people to do…  Don’t worry though. We’ll be back full of beans with all the news about what’s worth doing in South Gippsland on 19th March. All ready for Easter. Then every week from there on. Ahem. Sorry. See above.

6th February 2008

Summer is on its way past it seems. After a very warm and dry January (sorry farmers) the weather has turned somewhat with warm, humid weather over the last week changing to cooler, breezy stuff for a few days. This will continue into the weekend with the odd shower on Saturday but should be clear by Sunday. Local weather report here.

*  But don’t let the weather put you off going for a swim. In fact on Saturday (9th) you could swim across the channel at San Remo to Phillip Island and then run back over the bridge as part of the San Remo Channel Challenge. This is one of three biathlons that are being held in Bass Coast. Details here. There are heaps of participants of all ages. It might be worth going to have a look even if you’re not feeling energetic.

*  And on the next day (Sunday 10th) at San Remo for those (presumably) not quite so athletic is the San Remo Rod Run. Hot Rods, “Kustom Kars” etc. Don’t know about times or actual events but you can call John on 9796 2251.

*  Have you ever been to a real country agricultural show? They are great… animals on show, beaming local citizens showing off produce, cakes and so on, rides for the kids and lots more. Well here’s your chance – the Korumburra Agricultural Show on Saturday at (where else) the Korumburra Show Ground on the Sth Gipps Highway coming into town. More information from Syd on 0419 641 341. In the past they have had horsey events on the Sunday as well, but I’m not sure about that bit this year.

* Golf! The South Gippsland Golf Classic starts thisweekend at various venues round the Sth Gipps golf courses. Heaven (for some). It runs for two weeks. Details here.

* NB Thursday…Doing some more updating for this weekend at the moment. Should be all up by later this afternoon.

Hello again from southgippsland.info We hope you’ve had a good summer so far. Certainly the weather has been great… but we’d like some rain soon. Probably not this weekend as the forecast is for “Mostly Sunny” on both days with a max temperature around 26C. So yet another great weekend for the South Gippsland beaches or other outdoor activities. Just don’t forget to slip, slop and slap as the UV index will be high. So what’s on?

* The Chill Island music fest is on Sunday at Churchill Island from midday. John Butler Trio, Archie Roach and so on… but sorry to have to pass on that it’s recently sold out. There might still be a few tickets at Leading Edge, Wonthaggi, but no promises. The web site is here.

* The South Gippsland Farmers’ Market is on Saturday morning 2nd Feb at Koonwarra. Despite the name it’s not the only one in South Gippsland, or the biggest but it is in a very pleasant setting under the trees in the Memorial Park at Koonwarra. This hit the local papers before Christmas with a brawl (well, actually just an argument) between rival stall holders selling jams, but we can assure you that it’s usually a lot sleepier than this! On Sunday morning there is also a market at Jumbunna.

* On Saturday Lyre Bird Hill at Koonwarra are having wood fired pizzas from 11-3. They are just up the road from the Farmer’s Market, so you could go to both.

* The Woolamai Picnic Races are on again on Saturday at Woolamai Racecourse of course! I is usually a pretty good event. There is lots of shade and some kids things as well as the races. More info here.

* Quilts? At Loch on Sunday 3rd there is a Quilt Hanging. “Quilts from all over Australia displayed throughout Loch Village.” Probably one for the quilt aficionados but apparently there are plenty of these.

* Probably more for those living locally than visitors, now that kids are back at school during weekdays the local libraries are putting on sessions for pre-school kids to introduce them to books and libraries. They are called Storytime @ Branches 2008 Sounds both relaxing and pleasant if you have littlies at home. Details here.

Well, that’s all for the moment. Definitely quieter now that the school hols are over, but that’s no bad thing. Normally the weather gets better at this point, not that it’s been bad. Will update when the local papers are out this week. Cheers.
23rd January 2008

Well summer has been wending its way and we’re now nearly up to Australia Day. School goes back next week. Sorry to mention it, but I figured that few of our readers are kids. After quite reasonable, if not quite drought breaking, rainfall up until Christmas there has been next to nothing since then. Only 2.6 mm so far for January in Inverloch, so the hills are looking brown again. Never mind, the beach is still there and lots of things to do…

The weather this weekend will be pleasant. 24 C and 26 C forecast at present but with some instability so there could be a few showers. So put in a brolly or japara. Details here.

* On Friday night the Cowes Night Market is on again (5-9pm). Food, wine and so on.

* At the other end of the island, the Churchill Island Farmers’ Market is on from 8-1 on the next morning (Saturday).  Not a bad one to go to if you’re on Phillip Island for the weekend. Entry is free.

* On both Saturday and Sunday you can go to the Corinella Contemporary Art Show. “An exhibition of contemporary art and craft, paintings and pottery, wood turning, jewellery and sculpture.” At the Corinella & District Community Centre. I imagine there would be items for sale if you are looking for local art…

* On that, the Gecko Gallery at Fish Creek are exhibiting Powerlines: Recent paintings & drawings by Annie Stark. She is a local artist who specialises in quite powerful (sorry) landscapes. This is on until 16th Feb. More information (and also references to other local art events) here. And until 7th February the Stockyard Gallery in Foster (Main St) has LIFEFORMS, an exhibition by Caroln Lewens/Neil Stanyer & Suellen Lee. Open 10-4 every day.

* Maybe a little more folksy, from Saturday until Monday there is the Inverloch Rotary Craft Market in the Community Hall, A’Beckett Street. Clothing, woodwork, art, native plants and so on. All crafts, produce and wares produced by the stall holder.

* Do you like crayfish? They’re not quite so easy to get these days, but on Sunday Kilcunda is having its 24th Annual Lobster Festival. Lots of the usual stuff for kids (live band, clown, facepainting etc.), stalls, helicopter rides for the brave and of course fresh cooked lobsters and a spinning wheel all day with lobster prizes. More details here.

* Markets: Mirboo North on Saturday Morning, Promontory Home Produce & Craft Market in the Foster Showgrounds on Sunday morning and Tarwin Lower Market in the Memorial Hall on Monday morning. Phew!

* On Friday and all weekend there is the 15th Annual Island Classic Motorcycle Racing at Phillip Island. Good fun if you like old motorbikes, otherwise extremely boring I imagine. The racetrack is in the prettiest location of all in Australia so  that’s a bonus. Website here.

As ever, there’s heaps to do. Makes me feel tired just listing it all…

22nd January 2008

Hi. Events for this week coming (including the weekend of the  26th and 27th Jan) will be up by 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday). So come back then!

Hi and Happy New Year from southgippsland.info!

So what’s happening in South Gippsland at the moment? Well the hazy, crazy summer season is in full swing as you’ll well know if you’re here. Nearly every holiday house booked out; kids, bodyboards, cricket, beach, flies – you name it. The weather has been pretty good if you like it hot and dry. Notwithstanding that, there’s still plenty to do apart from the beach and cricket/beer/hammock. If you’re down here already do get a copy of one of the local papers (out Tuesday) and drop by the local tourist info centres. (Bass Coast Info Centre details here ). Otherwise, if you’re thinking of coming down this week…

The weather is warming up all week but should be lovely on the weekend (24C forecast on both Sat and Sun).

* On Saturday 12th the Bass Coast Agricultural Show is being held at Wonthaggi Rec Reserve. “Vibrant, diverse event saluting agriculture through exhibition, education and entertainment with music, carnival, great food, creative arts, featuring soaring eagles, wise owls, reptiles, animals of all shapes and sizes” is the blurb. Might be a bit hard to live up to that, but sounds like it would be worth a look with the kids. Contact Rosemary Loughnan on 5672 3259 for more info. Also on Sunday, for the horsy is the Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Equestrian Show from 12 noon at the same place. Top standard jumping – it really is good to watch. Food, drinks, icecream available.

* If you prefer seeing horses going a bit faster, but keeping their feet (more or less) on the ground you can wait until Monday and go to the Kids Day Out–Stony Creek Racing Course. Starts at 11am and there are buses running there from towns all over South Gippsland. More info here.

* Also on Saturday 12th morning is the trusty Toora Market at Jetty Rd. and then the Loch Market on Sunday morning. As every Sunday the Kongwak Market goes all morning and into the afternoon. There is food and free music there as well as plant, food and clothing stalls.

* A bit different is the Cowes Night Market, 5-9pm at the foreshore. Wine, food, crafts and music. We have heard mixed reviews on this one in the past (literally that – some very good and some bored). But if you’re near Cowes it would certainly be worth going and having a look.

* If you are at all lured by the romance of rail do have a think about the South Gippsland Tourist Railway. They run a service through the beautiful hill line from Leongatha to Loch and for the first time this weekend will be extending it to Nyora.They are also celebrating the Korumburra Station 100th Birthday. If you haven’t seen it this is a lovely old station being lovingly restored. Anyway, they are running trains on Saturday 12th at 11am and Sunday 13th at 5pm. More details here.

* On Sunday Waratah Hills Winery are having live music with a Latin Jazz Duo from 1pm. Light meals available. Details here.

* If that’s not your fancy, how about the 2008 Australian 4WD Mud Fest at Dalyston reserve from 10am on Sunday 13th? This includes mud drag racing and a human foot race through the mud for kids and an open age group. Food and drink available, including a Mr Whipy van. What more could anyone want? More details here.

* And if that doesn’t do it for you could try the Art & Soul Summer Festival at Churchill Island (off the main road to Cowes not far past the San Remo Bridge). They are having “a community based art and music festival for all the family. Childrens activities as well as food, wine,art and fabulous blues and soul music.” Unfortunately we haven’t been advised what time it starts, but you could contact Sian Adman on 0418519181 to find out.

* Finally, at Inverloch on Sunday 13th is a Lifesaving Carnival. This is part of the Junior and Senior circuit. More details here.

OK – so there’s any amount to do over the weekend. More info about things on next week over the next few days. Or you can just go to the beach. Only one thing – do check that accommodation is sorted before coming down this weekend. Cheers to all.

Updated 23rd dec: Well, after one of the wettest weekends for years (60mm or so at our place) the weather is steadily on the up for this coming week. Christmas should be just right – 21C, mostly sunny and light winds. It only gets better from then on culminating in real beach weather by the coming weekend (28C on Saturday). Of course things are pretty quiet over the next few days as people get ready to spend Christmas doing family things, so this posting is meant to cover what’s going on up ‘til New Year’s eve and the weekdays after that. (We’ll post later about the first weekend in Jan – the 5th and 6th.)

* If you get sick of shopping in Leongatha wander over to the Leongatha Art Gallery at the corner of the Memorial Hall and have a look at the Leongatha Art & Craft Society Christmas Exhibition (opening hours here).

On the 23rd the Leongatha Rotary Market is on as usual in Safeway carpark

File:
29th- 30thPizzas @ Lyrebird Hill
30th Foster produce & craft market
31st Fireworks at toora
31st Tarwi Lower market
29th-31st Pyramid Rock
30th Woolamai picnic races
New Year’s Eve in Bass Coast
9.30pm fireworks on the Cowes foreshore.
9.30pm fireworks at Coronet Bay
midnight fireworks in Inverloch.
31st wakeboadirding demo at Cowes
4th-6th Kustom Kars Nationals at the GP Circuit (custom cars and hot rods)

12th December 2007

OK – thank goodness we are back on line. Quite a bit to report on this weekend, and it should be good weather in general but with the chance of a few showers on Saturday. Briefly:

• Farmers Markets on Saturday – at Foster – and Sunday – at Inverloch. (Do come!!) News of outrageous goings on at the last Koonwarra Farmers’ Market. (Well, a slight exaggeration.)

• Carols at Coal Creek (Korumburra) on Saturday from 4.30-9pm Lovely to take kids. Maybe not teenagers.

• Carols also in Wonthaggi on Sunday evening – Wishart’s Reserve, McBride Avenue. Barbecue at 6pm, Carols at 8. Other things going on for kids. Looks like a good event. Carols on Sunday Evening at Grantville also – not sure of further details as yet. More carols at Cowes on the 18th and San Remo on the 19th. Carols everywhere.

• Stony Creek Christmas Races on Saturday (starts at 11am)

More details on these and others very shortly – come back on Thursday arvo or evening if you’re coming down to Sth Gippsland and we’ll have more up.

5th December 2007

We are still struggling with minimal phone contact and internet access down. This is when living in the country becomes problematic… So some short information for the moment and hopefully we’ll be able to research better shortly:

* Markets at Mirboo North and Toora on Saturday (8th) morning. Then at Foster (showgrounds) and Loch (railway siding) on Sunday morning.

* The South Gippsland Tourist Railway are again doing a Market Train departing Leongatha at 9.00 am Korumburra at 9.30 am for the Loch Market. Something funny about special rates for local residents only. Suggest ring 5658 1111 before going on this to make sure what this is about.

* On Saturday at 11am , though the railway is also doing a Wizard Train for kids from Korumburra Station. Should be good fun, but again book on 5658 1111 beforehand.

* Gooseneck Pottery in Kardell (60 Kardella Rd) are having a weekend long Kiln Opening and Christmas Exhibition. If you like pottery this could well be worth a stop. Kardella is an exceptionally pretty area, so instead of rushing along the highway between Korumburra and Leongatha, why not stop off for a look around?

*Exhibitions by local artists on at both Leongatha Gallery (Corner of Memorial Hall – opposite the Post Office) and Korumburra Federation Art Gallery, Commercial St.

Again sorry about the short detail. Will add anything further that comes up before the weekend, always assuming that someone in Telstra takes mercy upon us before then!

28th November 2007

Apologies! Due to server connection problems this week’s report will be delayed. (Our telephone lines are being converted from ISDN – the outcome will be better but not until next week… )

We will be able to post a brief outline of this weekends events by Friday, so have a look on Friday afternoon if you’re going to be visiting South Gippsland this weekend. Sorry – it was worse than expected.
20th November 2007
Ok, a quick rundown on this weekends events. More detail tomorrow.

* Waratah Hills Vineyard are continuing with their Twilight Talks at the Vineyard on Friday evening. Refreshments from 5.30pm, and Jillian Durance & Yvette Stubbs are talking about writing poetry at 6. $15 includes drinks & nibbles. This sounds really interesting.

* Woolamai Picnic Races on Friday. Details here.

* For that matter the Stony Creek Racing Club are having a “Publicans Day” on Monday 26th. Sounds OK, but last time I was there a booze bus was parked just up the road. (And I did test clean as a whistle.) So be warned.

* On Friday and Saturday the Enterprize “Melbourne’s Tall Ship” is at Port Welshpool Ferry Terminal. (Yes that’s how it’s spelt. Details here.) If you’re down that way it could be fun to drop by and have a look.

* The big event for all next week is the travelling circus of The Great Victorian Bike Ride.  Three and a half thousand, mostly fit bike riders descend on Phillip Island on Saturday. Saturday night in Wonthaggi and then on to Foster for Sunday and Monday. So drive carefully and be envious! By the way, it’s still possible to join the ride at the start on Saturday at the Penguin Parade…

* The annual Inverloch Billy Cart Derby is on Saturday, starting at 10. (Billy Carts to be road tested at 9.30.) It’s a big day with a street carnival in A’Beckett St – the main drag, so to speak, is closed to normal traffic. Lots of fun for families.

* The usual Markets: Mirboo North on Saturday at 8.30 and Leongatha Rotary in the Safeway Carpark on Sunday from 7.30. (Early risers those Leongathians.) Also Churchill Island Farmers’ Market on Saturday from 8am.

More stuff tomorrow. Going to rain tonight, but the weekend should be excellent weather, including Friday and probably Monday. Don’t forget to vote on Saturday!  If you’re enrolled somewhere else but down here for the weekend it’s easy to cast an absentee vote. In fact the local booths are usually much less crowded than in the city, so voting is actually easier. I’ll try to get a list of local polling booths up before Friday. UPDATE: This page will give an excellent listing of polling booths, including a map. Just enter the town you’re in and the State (VIC) and click on “Search”. The only other problem can sometimes be matching the names of the candidates in your electorate to their parties. However you can get details of this for every electorate here. So don’t forget to vote early and vote often.

14th November

After a very busy time over the last couple of weeks, especially the Cup weekend things are a little more laid back in South Gippsland this week. Not that there aren’t good things to do, many with a reflective theme as we’ll see… The weather has been good all week; take note of all the farmers making silage as fast as they can. Insurance after the horrors of last season! The weekend should also be good with mild to wam weather – just the chance of some drizzle on Saturday morning, otherwise lovely. (Update: In fact Melbourne will be hot. Much better off down here by the sea.) Forecast here.

*   On Friday (16th) Waratah Hills Winery, near Fish Creek and Foster, are having a literary evening with Phillipa Martin talking about her work as a crime writer. This starts at 5.30 pm and wine and nibbles are included for $15 per head. Should be both really interesting and an exceptionally pleasant evening. More details here and book with Liz on 5683 2441 This is the first of a series of literary “Twilight Talks” at the winery over summer. The secret is that Liz herself is an author in her other life. It just goes to show that the local wineries do heaps more than just sell wine.

*   Speaking of such, the South Gippsland Tourist Railway are doing a “Wine Train” on Saturday Evening (5-7pm) travelling from Korumburra Station to Leongatha and return. $30 per head including wine and finger food. Lots of nostalgia, gorgeous countryside at this time of the year and entirely relaxing. We haven’t caught up with which winery is involved but you can find out by ringing 5658 1111 (bookings necessary). More info here.

*   The gardening theme just keeps on coming. This year would have to be the best for spring gardens for a long time – the roses everywhere are just sensational. On Sunday 18th the Mirboo North Kindergarten is organising an Open Gardens Day with six local gardens on show. Tickets $10 (morning and afternoon tea included) from the kindy in Brennan St from 9am. This is the twelth year for this so they should have the planning down pat.

*   Also, on both days over the weekend there is (again) a Gardening and Lifestyle Expo at the Leongatha Rec Reserve. $5, kids free with a “children’s circus” from 11-2 both days.

*   There are Farmers Markets on both days – on Saturday morning at Foster in the War Memorial Hall. And on Sunday from 8am the first of the Inverloch Farmers’ Markets will be held in The Glades, Inverloch (opposite the Inlet pub). We’ll be there, so if you’re staying in Invy do come and see us. (Free glass of wine if you mention southgippsland.info!)

*   Finally, at Welshpool over the whole weekend there is to be a Fishing Tournament, held by the South Gippsland Game Fishing Club. Contact Geoff Stephenson on 0408 644 355 for details.

So there you are – how many different ways to relax do you need? Reports on any of these activities are welcome by the way. Just use the “comments” tag at the top of the page.

7th November

Welcome to November in South Gippsland! Saturday and Sunday this weekend (and the days on either side) are forecast to be fine and mild, and mostly sunny absolutely perfect. So it’s really set up for outdoor activities. Heaps better than last weekend. Pity about the rain then – it’s really meant to fall during the week isn’t it? However, it was the same everywhere. So what’s on this week?

* Stony Creek Racecourse is hosting the Waratah Hills Vineyard Ladies’ Day on Friday the 9th. Go and try their new bubbly. There’s also a fashion parade from local fashion houses, light music and luncheon. If you did your dough on the Melbourne cup you could make it all back and more. More information here.

* On Friday afternoon and Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Leongatha continues its Spring garden offensive with the 36th Annual Leongatha Rose Spectacular. Displays, roses for sale, plant stalls, talks and demonstrations. Lunch available. Admission $3. There is also an open garden on both days.

*  Also on the subject of gardens, the next day (Sunday 11th) the Churchill Island Garden Lovers Festival is being held at (surprise) Churchill Island from 10 am to 4pm. Heaps of stalls and displays, kids activities, food and wine. Don’t know about cost. Churchill Island is a gorgeous setting (try the farmers market later in the month) and is worth a visit anytime. Some general information here.

* And more… There are two gardens open both Saturday and Sunday as part of the Open Gardens Scheme. Clear Springs Garden at Mirboo North and Greenwood Garden at Berry’s Creek. Both gorgeous. A link here.

* On Saturday the South Gippsland Buskers Festival is being held in Korumburra starting at 10am in the town and then moving to Coal Creek Heritage Village from 12.30pm till late. Lots of entertainers and also things for the kids including show bags. Admission: $15 per adult. $10 Student/Concession. $35 Family. This should be a good day out. More information here.

* Markets: On Saturday the Toora Market is on again in Jetty Road, starting at 8 a.m. On Sunday the Loch Village Market (Railway Siding, Loch) starts at 8:30 a.m. I think we are picking up on most of the markets but if anyone knows of any that we are missing let us know.

* Over the last couple of weeks we have been giving “The Producers” theatrical production in Foster and the Gecko Gallery exhibition of photography by John Banikos a bit of a plug. They are finishing this week but you could still go this weekend. See below for details.

* On Saturday night there is the “Relay For Life“, a fundraiser for the Cancer Council Victoria at the Cowes Recreation Reserve (Football Oval). This involves teams running or walking round the oval for 24 hours solid. If you are feeling sadistic rather than masochistic you can go and watch. Performers, live bands, ceremonies, team games, karaoke and food will be there to keep the participants going but no doubt you can enjoy them too. You may have to cough up some money for charity, but that’s all right.

* The Cancer Council Victoria Arts Award exhibition is currently being hosted by the Meeniyan Art Gallery. Open every day and no entry charge. Go. Information here.

Well that’s enough to keep us all busy over the weekend. We’ll all be too tired for work on Monday – especially if you take part in the second last item!

Lots and lots on in South Gippsland over the Cup weekend coming. Let’s face it, the nags that there are in Melbourne can run round by themselves. Why not come here, relax and enjoy yourself. If you can make it a long weekend, so much the better! The weather will be mild, perhaps an odd shower but nothing to worry about. (OK update: maybe a bit wetter on Sunday – details here but it will still be better than being in Melbourne… Even later update, ie Sunday night: Well perhaps it was a bit moist. But Melbourne was wetter than Wonthaggi up ’til 9am (27 mm vs 21) but I admit we had a bit more rain since then. In any case I’m sure it’s still better being here. Unless, perhaps you were in a tent.)

* First and foremost, the local wineries are having their annual festival Summer Starters. Food, music, art and crafts. Every winery doing something different so there’s heaps to choose from. Details available here - just choose from the wineries listed to see what each is doing. If you haven’t got round to visiting them this is an ideal opportunity. There’s lots of interesting wines, even a few interesting people (and dogs); like the Yarra Valley was thirty years ago.

* San Remo is holding a Fishing Village Festival on Sunday (4th). Heaps of things with a family orientation. It’s a pretty place, worth visiting any day (fish and chips on the roof of the Coop…) so if you’re looking for something to do with the kids on Sunday it looks like the place to be. Some more information here.

* The Artists Society of Phillip Island are having an Art Exhibition at Cowes each day until Tuesday. (Cowes Cultural Centre, 91 – 97 Thompson Avenue). Paintings, photography and other media. Contact Jenny Broomhall on 5952 6167.

* Markets: Coronet Bay has one on Saturday morning. Not sure exactly where, but it shouldn’t be hard to find. Various bits and pieces, foods, preserves, clothing, second hand furniture… (?) And the Koonwarra Farmers’ Market on Saturday Morning, as usual

* This looks good… the Welshpool Horticultural Spring Flower Show is on in the Hall on Friday arvo and Saturday with an “Oriental Theme”. Your guess is as good as mine. But at the other end of South Gippsland from San Remo, it’s also a pretty litle place, so why not?

* A couple of reminders about things noted over the last couple of weeks that are still ongoing: “The Producers” theatrical production is still going at Foster until the 10th November and the Gecko Gallery exhibition of photography by John Banikos is on until 17th Nov. See below for details.

* Quite a big one is the annual Meeniyan Annual Art & Craft Exhibition – 35th time around! All weekend and into next week. Go to the Meeniyan hall. Lots of things around this, including Community Market on Sat morning, Jazz on Saturday Night (book with Eric 5664 7376), Garden Walk the next morning, breakfast on Monday and of course lots of displays. Looks like a definite.

24 October 2007

A bit happening this week although with lots of people expected down here over the coming Cup weekend (lots on then) the next few days could be a good time to visit and relax. It will be warm enough with Saturday looking absolutely delightful and the first half of Sunday also good – maybe a few showers later on Sunday. So… what’s on?

* Starting on Friday (26th) night and going all weekend is an International Film Festival at Wonthaggi Union Arts Centre Cinema, Graham Street, Wonthaggi. Some of the best films from the Melbourne International Film Festival being shown – maybe your last chance to see them. Bookings on 5672 3593.

* Also starting on Friday is “The Producers” a comedy being put on by Foster Amateur Music and Drama Association. I think it’s on every night at 8pm until 10th Nov., but best to check (and book) on 5683 1381.

* The old stalwarts are on again this weekend: Mirboo North Market, on Saturday morning at Baromi Park and on Sunday morning the Leongatha Rotary Market in the Safeway carpark.

* The Churchill Island Farmers’ Market is on again from 8am ‘til 1pm on Saturday. As groceries get more expensive try the vegetable stall here.

* Also on the Island on Saturday is a Family Expo at Cowes Heritage Centre: Lots of good stuff for the ankle biters including yoga (get them at it early…), “Musical Munchkins” (whatever they are) and a cartooning workshop for older kids. More details here.

* At Poowong on Sunday is the 72nd Annual Poowong East Craft & Flower Show (impressive to have kept it going that long) at Poowoong East Hall, Dudley Lane, Poowong East. Food and drinks available (ie Lunch for $6), entry $3 and kids free.

Just to let you know, the local wineries are having their annual festival “Summer Starters” over the cup weekend. Information here. Also there is a festival at San Remo plus lots of other things. Make a long weekend of it (if you can) and come on down! More on these next week

17 October 2007

OK, the weather is fining up now after a fairly cool and blowy few days. Spring has definitely sprung. South Gippsland has had better luck with rain recently so everything is looking green and fresh.

The local vineyards are on their way.

The weather this weekend looks perfect – 23C both days and very light winds (forecast here) so it’s hard to think of an excuse not to be here! So… whats on?

* Markets: Only one that we know of; On Saturday morning (8.30 start) the Nyora Farmers’ Market is on in the Village Green. (Mitchell St.) Haven’t been to this one but they’re usually good places to pick up some produce for the weekend. If you’re coming down the highway towards Korumburra, Nyora is an easy turn off to the left before Loch.

* Leongatha continues with its Spring flower theme this weekend with a Native Plant Sale by the Australian Plants Society. 10-4 on both Sat and Sun at the Exhibition Shed in the Rec Reserve (next to the football ground), Roughead St. – that’s the road to Mirboo North.They are doing a flower show, art exhibition, book sale and so on. $3 entry but kids are free and even get a free plant. Now’s a good time for planting natives with fairly moist ground, so go and get some.

* In Inverloch the South Gippsland Jazz Society are having their monthly social night on Saturday at the Inverloch RSL (Bolding Place). Non members welcome ($15 entry). Patsy O’Neil and her Quintet playing. “Don’t miss this top act.” they say and we believe them. Drinks at the bar and take some nibbles. You can contact Noel Bond on 5674 1701 but I don’t think you have to book. Starts 7.30pm.

* Now this one’s a bit different. Are you at all interested in how local organisations and services go about doing their thing? Maybe even thought about getting involved in some volunteer work yourself? At the Grantville Community Hall (On the Bass Highway) there is a Waterline Community Expo on both days of the weekend (9.30am-4.30pm) where lots of the local organisations – from local schools, sporting clubs to the Country Women’s Association (Did you see the programs about them on “Australian Story”?) and fire and emergency services. This is being organised by the Corinella and District Community Centre (website here). If you have any association with the Corinella/Grantville area and have an interest in the community there this should be a must do.

* Children’s Week starts on Saturday (website here ) and the Mitchell Community House in Wonthaggi (6 Murray St.) are celebrating the day with “Polliwog Puppets; Yoga Play; Storytime; Art/craft; Music; giveaways; showbags; sausage sizzle; music; local clubs and more” for the under 12s. Entry free, 10am-3pm Saturday 20th. More details on this event here.

* Wednesday 24th is actually Universal Children’s Day and there is Family Picnic organised at Churchill Island Heritage Farm (10am to 2pm). 10% Discount Entry for families and Free Farm Activities. BYO picnic Lunch. Shuttle Bus Available – bookings required for the bus – contact Helen Page on 5672 4999 or at helen.page@bcchs.com.au On a nice day Churchill Island is drop dead gorgeous and the farm stuff there normally lights up kids no end so it ought to be a good outing.

* Starting at the Gecko Gallery in Fish Creek this Sunday (exhibition opening at 2pm) is “The Banikos Collection: Studies of the Female Form 1967-2007… Not so much a retrospective as a continuing passion“. Your guess is as good as mine but they have definitely had some interesting exhibitions there of late. If you go, how about doing a brief report for us in the comments section? (See the top of the page.) Some details here.

* Just a thought… One of the great things to do is simply to walk from Eagle’s Nest along the beach to The Caves and maybe on to Flat Rocks. There are several access points along the road from Inverloch to Cape Paterson (our version of the Great Ocean Road). On a sunny day nothing could be nicer, but it really needs to be done at low tide, especially if you want to go past The Caves. This Sunday low tide is at 11.35am, so why not get out in the morning and go for a walk – you won’t be sorry.

10 October 2007

A mixed bag this weekend which may also be reflected in the weather – showers on Saturday, clearing on Sunday but not overly warm. If you can hang around on Monday you will probably get the pick of the weather (sunny and 21C). Details here.

* The Desalination Plant issue has been bubbling away indeed. The Stand in the Sand” protest we flagged last week made the front page of the local newspaper (one of them). 1200 turned up , which is no mean feat. This weekend there is a “Your Water Your Say Entertainment & Auction Night” on Friday night with Rod Quantock as the auctioneer. Details here.

Good news for locals and visitors… The water catchments serving Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Leongatha had had good inflows over winter, easing what was a pretty desperate situation where some of the main reservoirs were effectively out. As a result these towns will come back from Stage 4 restrictions on 18th October to Stage 2. You still can’t use a hose to wash your car and have to get a permit to fill swimming pools though.

* Two markets on Saturday morning: Toora at the Former Bonlac Store, Jetty Rd, Toora and the Mirboo North Produce Market at Baromi Park, Mirboo North. There is also a market on Sunday morning at Loch with the South Gippsland Tourist Railway running a special train to there from Leongatha at 9am (9.30 at Korumburra).

* On this, the Tourist Railway is running a “Wizard Train” from Korumburra to Loch and return, starting at 11am. A magician on board and a barbecue lunch, drinks and sweets for kids. So if you’ve got to amuse a bunch of U10s on Saturday this could be a good one. Details here.

Of course the big one all weekend is the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on at Phillip Island. 100,000 people expected. If you’re coming down for it enjoy! Otherwise visitors might want to get out and about to avoid the crowds. Do take care about getting on and off the Island over the weekend as the traffic will be pretty solid at times. However, on Thursday there is a large “Community Ride” to the Island which many enjoy watching. The Grand Prix web site is here.

* If you don’t want to watch the GP close up (or on telly) then you can go to the Hymnfest 2007 at Loch on Sunday afternoon (1.30-3.30) For more info contact Bev Button on 5659-0240, hymnfest@dcsi.net.au or Topsy Motton on 5657-2338. We do try to cover all fronts.

4 October 2007

OK, lots on this weekend for all tastes. Even during the next week there are things of interest on apart from all the usual good things to do outside now the weather is warmer. On that note the forecast for South Gippsland is here Maybe a bit of rain on Sat morning but fining up from then on and maily sunny on Sunday. So, on with it…

* Jazz! The Phillip Island Jazz Festival starts on Friday with a “pre GP Jazz Ball” – Cowes Cultural Centre. $40 and you have to book. Then jazz on throughout the weekend. Details here. While it’s not exactly up to the scale of the Inverloch Jazz Festival extravaganza held every March, it all sounds good.

* Antiques tickle your fancy? Loch has been somewhat of a centre for some time and this weekend the Loch Village Antique Fair is on 10-4 both days. On Sunday a pro will be there to value items ($5 to charity) so take along that old bit of furniture (or insert whatever you like here…) and see what it’s worth. You may even be able to sell it. More details here.

* Don’t forget that the exhibitions listed for the Gecko Gallery at Fish Creek and the Meeniyan Art Gallery (see below, 26 Sept) are continuing to the 20th and 25th October respectively. Haven’t been to see them yet but they both sound interesting.

* Also the Leongatha Art and Photography Show is on at the moment until Sunday at the Memorial Hall (Leongatha of course) . Thursday to Saturday 10am to 7.30pm Sunday 10am to 3pm.

* Markets: The South Gippsland Farmers’ Market is on at Koonwarra (just up the street from the Koonwarra Store) from 8am Saturday. Not the largest of these but relaxed and friendly under the trees in the reserve. A good place to stock up on produce. Also the monthly Jumbunna Bush Market is on again. 8.30 Sunday in the Main Hall, Jumbunna.

* Lyrebird Hill is a very well known Winery and Guest House out at Koonwarra (see their link in the blogroll on the left). On Saturday they have Sam (of Paradise Pizza in Leongatha) from 11am-3pm doing pizzas in their wood fired oven. Washed down by a glass of fine South Gippsland pinot… who could resist? By the way, Paradise Pizza are a bit of an institution in Leongatha. If you’re old enough to remember Lygon St. in the old days you’ll probably get quite nostalgic. And the pizzas are great. (Look out for the specials as well, but leave room for the homemade tiramisu.)

* We usually have something a little bit out of left field.. the Alpacas are coming…! On both Saturday and Sunday (6th & 7th, 10-4) the “Alpaca Open Days” are being held at an enterprising farm/business at Ventnor, Philip Island. There “you will be able to purchase alpacas, alpaca handling equipment, fleeces, knitting yarns and garments…” I am told that alpaca owners tend to cart them round the countryside in small vans but if you have anything larger than a station wagon I’m sure you could stuff one or two in to take home. Think how much you’ll impress the neighbours. If you are at all interested in alpacas this is for you. Contact Daphne Gregory on 5956 8611.

* On the more political side – we told you that the proposed Desalination Plant near Wonthaggi has been stirring up local passions. On Sunday (7th) at 1pm there is a protest action planned at the Powlett River Beach. Hundreds of people needed… Information here. If you are interested in this issue have a look at this link and if you want to join in, even more so as it has necessary information.

* No? Well how about the Wonthaggi Senior’s Golf Festival? 9am on Wed 10th and Thurs 11th at Wonthaggi Golf Club. $20 entry, contact Don Burke – 0418136317 or on 5672 2660

That should be enough for one week. Next weekend the superbikes are coming to Phillip Island. It gets a bit crowded round the race track, but on the Friday (I think – will check) the huge community ride to the Island is worth a watch.

South Gippsland is looking a treat at the moment – farmers busy making silage, which can be seen as round bales neatly wrapped in plastic with the fields looking absolutely fresh with new growth. There is a little weather (wind and showers) over the next couple of days but the weekend should be good again. Details here. The farmers who aren’t making silage over the next couple of days may well be at the Dairy Expo in Poowong (at the football ground, pretty much in the centre of town) – free entry (well, gold coin donation) and lots of things on including stuff for kids.  The drought bus will be there which we hope isn’t a grim foreboding of the season to come…

A few things on this week:

* Saturday, of course is Grand Final day in Melbourne. The local footy competitions are over now. (Unfortunately the U16 Parrots didn’t win against Maffra on Saturday.) Tomorrow (Thursday) there will be a “Footy Fever” day in Wonthaggi main street. Events for kids, Dustin Fletcher (famous bomber) visiting and running a handball competition, jazz band and so on.

* On Saturday (28th) at the Wonthaggi workingment’s Club the “Dorothy the Dinosaur Show” is on. Kids U12 free. (We presume you probably wouldn’t be after this one unless you had kids with you.) Details at 5672 1083. You can have a drink and a good feed there while the kids are enjoying themselves.

* From this week the Gecko Gallery in Fish Creek is showing an exhibition of naive art by local Brian Cragg. He certainly has an interesting background and set of influences. Worth a look, I think. Tel 5683 2481 or website here.

* From Saturday for a month there is an exhibition by Zina Kurtschenko at the Meeniyan Art Gallery called “Lighten Up”. Details here.

* At Leongatha Memorial Hall next week from the 3rd to tht 7th Oct. is the Leongatha Art and Photography Show. This is its 31st reincarnation. The opening is at 8pm on the 31st, supper and wines for $15, otherwise viewing hours are Wednesday 1pm to 5pm Thursday to Saturday 10am to 7.30pm Sunday 10am to 3pm.

* Markets... on Saturday 29th the Mirboo North Market, 8.30 start. Also the Island Craft Market in Cowes is on Saturday, but I don’t have opening time or other details for this as yet.

That’s about it for the moment. Lots coming up over the next few weeks. More details soon.

20 September 2007

Another good weekend weatherwise (Bureau forecast here.) The local vineyards are well into budburst and here’s hoping for a good season all round.

Everyone’s hoping that the dry August doesn’t mean that we’re in for another dry season, and there has been a little more rain over the last week in most places.

* The Grand Ridge Brewery at Mirboo North has had a coup, having gained exclusive rights to serve beer at the Melbourne Show (on this week). They’ll be pleased. This is one of the few micro breweries that has been an ongoing success in Australia, probably because they really do make some great beers. (Our favourite is the “Gippsland Gold”.) If you haven’t been there it is well worth a visit. The drive up through Leongatha is very pretty, especially at this time of the year and the brewery is a good reward for the effort!

* Interested in learning to make pasta? GippsTAFE are running a short (four hour) course in Handmade Pasta on Saturday (22nd) at Leongatha. Fettucine, Ravioli, Gnocchi… Sounds good. Call 1300 657 261

The tickets for Pyramid Rock Festival at Phillip Island went on sale yesterday as noted below. I’m told that they sold out out within hours. Good to know it’s popular but pity for those who missed out.

* For those into gardens, it’s that time of the year. Following on from the Daffodil Festival the Leongatha Horticultural Society is having an Open Gardens Day on Sunday 23rd, 10am – 4pm. $10 gives entry to 10 gardens and lunch at the Memorial Hall as well! How could you refuse? For more details ring Heather on 5668 9202 or just turn up to the Hall (side entrance off Michael Place) for tickets and a map.

* Only one market that we know of on this weekend: The Leongatha Rotary Market in the Safeway carpark, Smith St, Leongatha from 7:30 am – 12:00 pm on Sunday 23rd September. Haven’t been to this, but presume it’s trash-and-treasure.

Well, Wonthaggi Power went down to Yarram in the local Grand Final last Saturday in a close game (nine points in the end). Too bad. However this Saturday the Leongatha Parrots U16 are playing in their Grand Final. Possibly one for the parents.

Inverloch has some well established and good eateries – Cafes Tsunami and Pajez and Gabriels, as well as Inverloch Pizza, The Kiosk and the Inlet Pub. (Haven’t tried the old Esplanade for a quite a while, but they’ve just been refitting the interiors). However the new kid on the block is Tomo, a japanese restaurant in A’ Beckett St. Very classy food and good service. (By the way… Any restaurant reviews of this or others gratefully accepted!

On a parochial note, the Shire have finished off the bike/foot path along the Esplanade linking the town centre to Surf Parade and all the quiet residential streets near there. This is great as the Esplanade road itself is a bit narrow for bikes. Good to see the Shire making this effort and putting in some bike lanes in existing streets.

* A reminder that the exhibitions at the galleries at Fish Creek and Meeniyan are still showing (see the entries for 19th and 23rd August in August News), but this is the last weekend for both.

12 September 2007

A fairly quiet weekend coming up – a good opportunity to get outside to the beaches and hills. As promised the flower festivals held last weekend went on in all their splendour. The orchid festival that I lost details about was at the Town Hall over the weekend and went well. The daff festival took over Leongatha as forewarned! If you missed it, there’s always next year. The local paper also had details of the Bikers’ Ball at Koonwarra the weekend before last. I said leather and sequins mandatory, but it looked like the ladies mainly wore t-shirts. A good time appeared to be had by all if the photo of the morning after party in Leongatha was any indication.

In bits of local news that are stirring people up are the proposed Desalination Plant stands out. (That’s not going to go away in a hurry.) Rod Quantock will be auctioneer at an anti desal plant fund raising night on October 12th. Details later. Also stirring up the locals is that the Wonthaggi Power footy team beat Inverloch-Kongwak and will progress to the Grand Final next weekend against Yarram; to be played at Foster at 2.30pm on Saturday 15th. This is serious stuff.

* On Friday night (14th) at 7pm (actually 7.30 start) there’s a fundraiser by the Leongatha Lyric Theatre for Relay for Life – “The Rainmaker” at Daker’s Hall, Leongatha. $5 per head, table seating, bring everything you need (nibbles, drinks, glasses…) The Lyric Theatre is a Leongatha tradition over many decades.

If you’re down at Shallow Inlet over the next couple of months keep an eye out for the team trying to break the world sailing speed record near Sandy Point. They have already held it before in this boat (called “Macquarie Innovation” – wonder why) and only have to improve by a fraction to regain it. It should be fun watching them try.

* Tickets for Pyramid Rock go on sale in a week – on 20th September. If you don’t know, this is the local three day rock festival held over New Year at Phillip Island. Headline this year is Grinspoon. Details and tickets at www.thepyramidrockfestival.com

* The Farmers’ Market at Nyora is on Saturday 15th, 8.30am start at the Nyora Village Green.

* Another thing that might be fun is that South Gippsland Tourist Railway are running a Wine Train on Saturday. “Board the train at Korumburra at 5 pm and sample some of the regions finest wines with finger food.” The train goes (slowly) to Leongatha and then back to Korumburra by 7pm. More details here.

5 September 2007

Fairly quiet around about at the moment apart from flower festivals and a slew of markets. At the risk of being repetitive, the weather has been unbelievable good for the last few weeks. The farmers are starting to look a little worried again. The current forecast is for a little bit of rain early next week so hopefully that will help.

* The big event in Leongatha for the next few days is the Daffodil Festival (as forementioned below). The Memorial Hall is completely awash with daffs and many other flowers – camellias, other spring bulbs and much more. This is the 51st year of these and it’s not to be taken lightly. Kids from schools all around submit “plates” of flowers, as ours did quite a few years ago. Hours are: Thursday 2pm to 6pm, Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm and there are open gardens on Friday and Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Show admission is $4. There are heaps of other things going on including a photographic exhibition/competition, window displays and craft exhibitions. Show schedules available at Hays Jewellery Bair St Leongatha, Leongatha Library and The Star Newspaper or contact Marg Fox on 5664 9238.

* Not to be outdone, Wonthaggi are holding their Orchid Festival over the weekend as well. I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t got the information on it to hand, but will try to get it up in time.

Markets!

* MIRBOO NORTH PRODUCE MARKET Sat 8 September 8.30am start
Baromi Park, Mirboo North. Contact: Maxine 03 5668 2203

* TOORA MARKET Sat 8 September 8.00am start
Former Bonlac Store, Jetty Rd, Toora, Contact: Joyce 5688 1237

* LOCH PUBLIC HALL WINTER MARKET Sunday 9 September 9am start (yes, I know it’s Spring now)
Loch Public Hall, Smith St, Loch, Contact: Jennie Kennedy 03 5659 4305

* Fancy cheese? There is a Romano Cheese Making Class on Saturday 9th at Leongatha Community House. Tel 5662 3962 We know professional cheesemakers who started off this way, so you never know…

2 September 2007

Spring is here! We dropped in on the RACV Inverloch Resort opening day today. Cars everywhere. (I suppose that figures.) A good day for it and everyone (of all ages) having a good look around. We saw three jazz bands playing. These were The Gram-O-Phonie Bros…

OK, well Spring is just round the corner, although judging from the weather this week one could be excused for thinking it was early summer. 21 degrees max today, although rather breezy. It will cool down for the weekend but should still be very pleasant.

The vineyards are at the point of budburst on their early varieties and the dairy farmers around here have mostly calved their herds down so it’s all beginning to happen for the new season. South Gippsland looks very pretty with green grass around and most dams at least half full after quite good rains over winter. Farmers are hopeful of a good season to help them over the crippling costs of last year’s drought – the first time ever that South Gippsland and Bass Coast were declared for Exceptional Circumstances support because of drought.

* With Spring comes Leongatha’s Daffodil Festival. This is serious – if you want to understand the heart and soul of Leongatha, after the Parrots (the local footy team) is the Daff Festival. It goes for a week, starting next Wednesday and involves many local groups and businesses. More details of actual events next week.

* The Koonwarra Farmers’ Market is on this Saturday (always the first Sat of the month) from 8am – 1pm. (Pictures here.) Not the biggest market, but very pleasant under the trees in the Koonwarra reserve. After stocking up on produce you can have a cup of coffee (and cake) at the Koonwarra Store just down the hill.

* The Kongwak Market will also be on during Sunday morning (it’s run every week). It is certainly worth a visit – some produce, plants, bric-a-brac and clothing. We’ll post some photos of this before long. Likewise, the Jumbunna Bush Market is on the same morning, starting at 8.30am. They’re only a few Km from each other so why not visit both?

* We thought there was to be Biker’s Ball (leather and sequins more or less compulsory) at Koonwarra Hall on Saturday night, but haven’t seen any more notices recently. If you’re interested (and why not?) you could probably find out more by going to the Farmers’ Market next door in the morning…

* If the Bikers’ Ball isn’t actually on (or doesn’t appeal) then how could you resist Safona playing brazilian music on the piano accordian on Saturday night at the Grand Ridge Brewery in Mirboo North. (Details here.) Perhaps not one for the younger heavy metal addicts and serious classical music followers.

* OK, if it’s not the Bikers’ Ball or piano accordian for you on Saturday night, what about a Trivia and Silent Auction Night to support the Leongatha Children’s Centre? Details here. You can’t say we don’t try.

* The other thing that might interest some is that the RACV are having an open day on Sunday at their new resort centre 5 Km outside Inverloch on the Cape Paterson road. This has been quite a substantial development and will definitely have some effect on local businesses and activity, apart from employing 30 local people. They claim to have developed it in the most environmentally conscious way possible. Go and see for yourself: 11am – 2pm, Sunday 2nd Sept., jazz band, kids activities and sausage sizzle included. Enquiries on 5674 0000. (How did they get that number!?)

23 August 2007

* The weather this week has been absolutely delightful – and this should continue into the weekend.

* On Sunday (25th) there is a Community Tree Planting event at Corinella run by the Bass Valley Landcare group. They are an active group and people who go to these say they enjoy it; Being outdoors and doing something worthwhile for the environment (in several ways) helps and whenever you drive (or ride your bike) past you can have a look and see how the trees are growing. Further details here.

* The big news here this week is the cancelling of the 48 turbine wind farm at Dollar (North Foster) – all over the front page of both local newspapers. There has been considerable, if somewhat muted celebrations by the local residents.

* Lo-tech photography using throwaway and pinhole cameras has been the rage in USA recently. We haven’t been to this gallery yet but the exhibition of photos of Tarra Bulga and Wilson’s Promontory sound fascinating:

“TRIPTYCH” images by Rod Bechaz at Gecko Studio Gallery:
…using conventional plastic & pinhole cameras to create images with a sense of mystery and drama. Tarra Bulga National Park and The Prom like you have never seen them before. Gallery open Friday to Tuesday. 10am to 5pm . Details here.

If you don’t know it, Fish Creek is a fascinating little town well worth a wander round. It’s on the way to the Prom, but stopping off at Foster (larger, but also a lovely place) and Windy Ridge Winery (friendly, stunning views, interesting wines but check opening hours) are also highly reccommended.

By the way, the Toora Prom Challenge we reported on last week turned out to be a great success – 194 runners (well, some walked) about twice the number last year. The Loch Skate Park Auction we mentioned also took off with about 100 people participating and $11,000 being raised. Events like these (and for that matter the tree planting on Sunday – above) welcome all comers and are a great opportunity to get involved with local communities.

19 August 2007

Well, a week of lovely weather ahead for the last full week of winter. You can get an up to date weather report, including current conditions by clicking here.

* This week there is a new exhibition by Janet K.Howard and Bee Mellor called “Shorelines” opening at the Meeniyan Art Gallery, next to the book shop. Details here. Meeniyan is a lovely little town known for its craft workers and shops, particularly the one called “Craft Merchants” in the main street. There is a good choice of places to eat there as well. The Eileen Harrison exhibition at Leongatha is still on – until the 30th August (see last week’s post and piccy below), so this weekend coming would be a good opportunity to go to both.

* There are a few local markets on next weekend: MIRBOO NORTH MARKET on Saturday 25th, 8.30am start. Also LEONGATHA ROTARY MARKET on Sunday 26th 7:30 am – 12:00 pm. Details for both here. Not sure what’s for sale at these – probably everything under the sun. The 25th is the fourth Saturday of the month so the Churchill Island Farmers’ Market will be held from 8am to 1pm. A stunning setting and various types of produce, some local and some not. An excellent place to get fruit and veg at the moment, given the current supermarket prices. Last time we were there there were peacocks wandering around and Cape Barren geese nesting over the fence.

* It seems that more people are coming to enjoy South Gippsland during winter than ever before. (ABC report here.) This confirms our general impression that more and more people are coming here all year round rather than just the peak holiday season. These are very often people with a with a stake here such as a holiday house. This is all good; residents will happily admit that this adds interest and life to the region.

The wineries of South Gippsland released their website this week (it’s on the blogroll – Southern Gippsland Wine). Still in development but it’s a good starting point to find out about wine in South Gippsland. Get their brochure (including a very good map) at any of the information services around.

15 August 2007…

* If you are coming down to South Gippsland next weekend (18-19 August) there are a few things that might interest you, especially if it’s a bit cold for the beach:

* The weather down here this weekend is forecast to be rather cool with the odd shower on Saturday but fining up for Sunday as a high pressure cell arrives. Those days are often gorgeous here if there’s some sun and no wind. Anyway it doesn’t sound any better in Melbourne, so you may as well be here.

* Somewhat out of left field is a Fundraising Auction at Loch Public Hall on Saturday 18th for the Loch Skate Park. “All sorts of donated goods and services are on offer… Accomm. vouchers, tourist attractions, joyflights, food & wine hampers, electrical goods… dinners, memorabilia, beauty vouchers plus lots more! $5 entry covers lucky door prizes and supper. Refreshments available for purchase at the venue from Sybil and Staff at the Royal Hotel.” These auctions are a bit of an institution in the country and by all reports everyone has a good time. Maybe take a designated driver… More details shortly.

By the way, the Royal Hotel at Loch is one of the best country pubs you’ll come across. Sybil is wonderful and the atmosphere is comfortable as. You can have a pint and play darts in the bar and have a good meal as well. Do go and see.

12 August 2007…

*There are art exhibitions in Leongatha and Korumburra, both with a Koori connection.
LEONGATHA GALLERY EXHIBITION From 02 August – 30 August
Eileen Harrison 2004 Gippsland NAIDOC Artist of the year painting exhibition. Zac Chalmers Pottery exhibition. Trading Hours: Weekdays 10am to 5pm CLOSED TUESDAYS Saturday 10am to 2pm Sunday 12pm to 4pm.
KORUMBURRA ROTARY FEDERATION GALLERY 11 August – 19 August
Children of Hermannsburg Exhibition. Open Daily 10am to 4pm

More details on both here.

* In Inverloch on Saturday night (18th August) you can go and hear some jazz (Remember, Inverloch is famous for its Jazz Festival):

“Come along to South Gippsland Jazz Society’s monthly social jazz night on the third saturday each month, commencing at 7.30pm. Non Members welcome. Drinks at RSL bar, bring your own nibbles..”
This month features the Intajazz band. More details here.

* For the athletic there’s:
PROM COUNTRY CHALLENGE Sunday 19 August
“30km challenge. The course is mainly undulating to hilly, with 400m winding climb to Mt Best,panoramic views and stunning countryside. 6km walk for fun, 4x6km relay team, 6km and 12km run, around the historic township of Toora and countryside.” More information here.

** And don’t forget you can come and visit us at Paradise Enough (directions here) Open 10-5 each day, except there will be a bus load in on late Sunday morning, 2.30 pm now, so it might be better to come before or after that.

11 August 2007…
* Well, this is an experiment. We are planning to keep our news page in a blog format. The aim is to keep it up to date with news of local events, other happenings and what’s worth doing in South Gippsland. For news of the winery you should go to www.paradiseenough.com.au where we will be keeping an update on winery events and what’s happeing in the vineyard as the season goes by. Also new releases as they come on and so on. But here – anything you want to say can be added, so let us know what you think – please add any news of your own.

Sue says to say that the wattles are flowering and the daffodils are out. Here’s proof…

1 August 2007…

This will be the last post of the vineyard site – just for nostalgia’s sake.

* Winter is more than half over – only four weeks to budburst and the days are noticeably longer now. (The vines respond to changes in daylight hours as much as to temperatures.) Pruning is well underway with all the pinot and cabernets now finished. Only the Chardonnay in Sue’s vineyard to go now…

* This year’s wines are all ‘asleep’ in barrel now. The ambient temperature is very low; only about 6 C and too low for anything except the slowest finishing of the primary fermentation. With spring they wake up and start the secondary malolactic fermentation. In the mean time they are naturally ‘cold settling’ which reduces acidity a little.

* This year has been relatively kind to us in our vineyard – having avoided irrigation for twenty years the vines now have roots down so far that they have stood up to even this “season from hell” and produced top fruit. However all around us are dairy farms have suffered the worst drought of a century. Although there have been average rains for a couple of months they are still not out of the woods so we encourage everybody to visit South Gippsland, enjoy everything it has to offer and by being here encourage everybody to keep going!

* After having relocated our website to a new host (who is providing excellent support) we are slowly revamping it. The wine notes are now up to date, although still rather brief. We will soon be completely redesigning and rewriting the website in new code, so do bear with us. We do it ourselves, in between making wine… In the mean time any suggestions as to improvements we can make or queries can be made to our email.