FEATURE ARTICLES 2014
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Pastures of plenty
December 13, 2014 - Forty years after she helped to harvest the hay on the family farm, Linda Cuttriss still feels a primal pleasure in seeing those fat rolls of hay and silage in the paddocks.
December 13, 2014 - Forty years after she helped to harvest the hay on the family farm, Linda Cuttriss still feels a primal pleasure in seeing those fat rolls of hay and silage in the paddocks.
Street wise
December 6, 2014 - Bunker-like houses on small blocks are robbing our streets of their dignity, argues Tim Shannon.
December 6, 2014 - Now that the Bass electorate is marginal, our mayor and councillors need to get cracking, writes Michael Whelan.
Vote of confidence
December 6, 2014 - In spite of a few angry punters, handing out how to vote cards is a surprisingly social affair, Catherine Watson reports.
December 6, 2014 - In spite of a few angry punters, handing out how to vote cards is a surprisingly social affair, Catherine Watson reports.
Bay battle's not over
December 6, 2014 - The ousting of the Coalition government has put the Port of Hastings plan on hold, but Jeff Nottle warns that the community must be vigilant against the re-emergence of plans to industrialise the bay.
December 6, 2014 - The ousting of the Coalition government has put the Port of Hastings plan on hold, but Jeff Nottle warns that the community must be vigilant against the re-emergence of plans to industrialise the bay.
French Island follies
November 29, 2014 - Proponents of the Port of Hastings development could learn from the failed grand industrial plans of the past, writes Anne Paul.
November 29, 2014 - Proponents of the Port of Hastings development could learn from the failed grand industrial plans of the past, writes Anne Paul.
The Prof hits on a winning formula
November 29, 2014 - After a lifetime of biochemical research, Dick Wettenhall is now mastering the mysteries of soil, yeast and oak. Gill Heal meets the prize-winning vigneron and wine-maker.
November 29, 2014 - After a lifetime of biochemical research, Dick Wettenhall is now mastering the mysteries of soil, yeast and oak. Gill Heal meets the prize-winning vigneron and wine-maker.
It’s my ABC and I'll cry if I want to
November 29, 2014 - Julie Statkus joins the throngs mourning the loss of some old friends at the ABC.
What a performance!
November 29, 2014 - Linda Cuttriss is entranced by the magpie show on her back lawn.
November 29, 2014 - Linda Cuttriss is entranced by the magpie show on her back lawn.
End of the golden summer
November 22, 2014 - Kevin Chambers has fished on Western Port for more than 60 years. He wonders how much longer the bay will be a fisherman’s paradise.
November 22, 2014 - Kevin Chambers has fished on Western Port for more than 60 years. He wonders how much longer the bay will be a fisherman’s paradise.
Changing of the guard
November 22, 2014 - Maremmas have a long history as guard dogs. Now they’re outfoxing chicken killers, reports Bob Middleton.
November 22, 2014 - Maremmas have a long history as guard dogs. Now they’re outfoxing chicken killers, reports Bob Middleton.
Natasha's take
Cartoons by Natasha Williams-Kovak
Open letter to Russell Broadbent
November 15, 2014 - Linda Gordon is heartened by the determination of some community leaders to speak up for traumatised and vulnerable people seeking refuge.
Wallaby fight club
November 15, 2014 - It's just a game for now, practice for when the prize is the prettiest doe in the paddock. Story and photos by Linda Cuttriss.
November 15, 2014 - It's just a game for now, practice for when the prize is the prettiest doe in the paddock. Story and photos by Linda Cuttriss.
Political prisoners
November 8, 2014 - Thirteen years ago, Greg Hunt headed off to Canberra to do good things for the world. Catherine Watson asks what happened to that idealistic young man.
November 8, 2014 - Thirteen years ago, Greg Hunt headed off to Canberra to do good things for the world. Catherine Watson asks what happened to that idealistic young man.
Red Wonthaggi
November 1, 2014 - It wasn’t just politically that Wonthaggi was red. Carol Cox reports on the distinctive red stone that formed the town’s roads, driveways and walls.
November 1, 2014 - It wasn’t just politically that Wonthaggi was red. Carol Cox reports on the distinctive red stone that formed the town’s roads, driveways and walls.
A play about us and them
November 1, 2014 - When Gill Heal took on a play about asylum seekers, she turned to the old master, Bertolt Brecht, for help. Catherine Watson reports.
November 1, 2014 - When Gill Heal took on a play about asylum seekers, she turned to the old master, Bertolt Brecht, for help. Catherine Watson reports.
The gift of seeing
October 18, 2014 - As illness slowed her down, Heather Gardner gradually saw more. Catherine Watson meets a photographer who finds whole worlds in tiny things.
October 18, 2014 - As illness slowed her down, Heather Gardner gradually saw more. Catherine Watson meets a photographer who finds whole worlds in tiny things.
The thoughts of Rob
October 11, 2014 - “Almost nothing I say is going to please you,” said Rob Maclellan, and proceeded to insult, antagonise and amuse his Phillip Island audience.
October 11, 2014 - “Almost nothing I say is going to please you,” said Rob Maclellan, and proceeded to insult, antagonise and amuse his Phillip Island audience.
Mother Courage
October 11, 2014 - It began as snippets scribbled on bits of paper in the depths of a mother’s worst nightmare: a daughter's mental breakdown. Gill Heal reports on Heather Murray Tobias’s new poetry collection.
October 11, 2014 - It began as snippets scribbled on bits of paper in the depths of a mother’s worst nightmare: a daughter's mental breakdown. Gill Heal reports on Heather Murray Tobias’s new poetry collection.
Banking on a fine single malt
October 4, 2014 - The post office and pub have closed, but the small village of Loch continues to reinvent itself in unexpected ways, writes Bob Middleton.
October 4, 2014 - The post office and pub have closed, but the small village of Loch continues to reinvent itself in unexpected ways, writes Bob Middleton.
Let's talk about the T word
September 28, 2014 - Given how vital tourism is to Bass Coast’s economy, there’s been remarkably little talk about it in the lead-up to the election, says James Archibald.
September 28, 2014 - Given how vital tourism is to Bass Coast’s economy, there’s been remarkably little talk about it in the lead-up to the election, says James Archibald.
Postcard from Darwin
September 28, 2014 - Pandanus trees, bush chooks and paw-paw salad ... Linda Cuttriss finds herself being seduced by the charms of the tropical north all over again.
September 28, 2014 - Pandanus trees, bush chooks and paw-paw salad ... Linda Cuttriss finds herself being seduced by the charms of the tropical north all over again.
The secret lives of shearwaters
September 28, 2014 - Cartoonist Natasha Williams-Novak speculates on what researchers will overhear when they film in the burrows of shearwaters.
The mutton birds
September 20, 2014 - In 1909, the first editor of the Powlett Express noted "flocks of plover rising and circling over the solitary marshes”. By Carolyn Landon
September 20, 2014 - In 1909, the first editor of the Powlett Express noted "flocks of plover rising and circling over the solitary marshes”. By Carolyn Landon
A port out of place
September 6, 2014 - For over 150 years, Phillip Island has been a natural haven for weary city folk, writes Linda Cuttriss, but there are dark clouds on the horizon.
September 6, 2014 - For over 150 years, Phillip Island has been a natural haven for weary city folk, writes Linda Cuttriss, but there are dark clouds on the horizon.
Introducing our new cartoonist
September 6, 2014 - Painter, print-maker, engraver, jewellery-maker, window dresser, boogie boarder, cartoonist ... Natasha Williams-Novak is a woman of surprising parts.
September 6, 2014 - Painter, print-maker, engraver, jewellery-maker, window dresser, boogie boarder, cartoonist ... Natasha Williams-Novak is a woman of surprising parts.
What price independence?
September 6, 2014 - Joy Button explains why the Grantville nurse practitioner service means so much to her community
September 6, 2014 - Joy Button explains why the Grantville nurse practitioner service means so much to her community
Portrait of a provocateur
August 30, 2014 - There are times when Patrice Mahoney feels like a lone voice in the wilderness, but that’s not going to stop her from speaking her mind, in words and images. Catherine Watson reports.
August 30, 2014 - There are times when Patrice Mahoney feels like a lone voice in the wilderness, but that’s not going to stop her from speaking her mind, in words and images. Catherine Watson reports.
Outfoxing the fox
August 30, 2014 - By the 1970s, foxes had wiped out nine of the 10 little penguin colonies on Phillip Island and the world-famous Penguin Parade appeared doomed. Then researchers started doing the sums.
A big noise on a small island
August 23, 2014 - This year, there will be 72 “quiet” days at the Phillip Island racetrack. The other 293 will be loud, louder and very loud. Catherine Watson reports.
'Rates too low'
August 23, 2014 - Most people complain about rising rates. One brave Bass Coast councillor believes we should double them.
My country
August 14, 2014 - From Phillip Island to Inverloch, from the lowlands to the hills, this is Linda Cuttriss’s country.
August 14, 2014 - From Phillip Island to Inverloch, from the lowlands to the hills, this is Linda Cuttriss’s country.
Far from the limelight
August 16, 2014 - This year, dozens of Victorian and national touring shows will visit Warragul, Traralgon, Sale and Bairnsdale, but they won't be coming to Bass Coast. Catherine Watson reports on a missed opportunity.
August 16, 2014 - This year, dozens of Victorian and national touring shows will visit Warragul, Traralgon, Sale and Bairnsdale, but they won't be coming to Bass Coast. Catherine Watson reports on a missed opportunity.
A turn for the worse
August 16, 2014 - Grantville’s practice nurse plays a vital role in one of Victoria’s most disadvantaged communities, writes Helen Zervopoulos.
August 16, 2014 - Grantville’s practice nurse plays a vital role in one of Victoria’s most disadvantaged communities, writes Helen Zervopoulos.
Express post, tide permitting
August 16, 2014 - Rain, gale or fog, the mail always gets through to French Island. Bob Middleton meets a postman with a difference.
August 16, 2014 - Rain, gale or fog, the mail always gets through to French Island. Bob Middleton meets a postman with a difference.
A winter's tale
August 2, 2014 - When the gales blow from the Southern Oceans, watching nature is a sure cure for the winter blues, writes Linda Cuttriss.
August 2, 2014 - When the gales blow from the Southern Oceans, watching nature is a sure cure for the winter blues, writes Linda Cuttriss.
Our sorry refugee saga
August 2, 2014 - It starts with our leaders labelling asylum seekers as “illegals” – less than people – and ends with us locking them up for years. Michael Whelan asks how Australia became the cruel country.
From the kennel to the couch
August 2, 2014 - Roger Clark went to Greyhound Safety Net’s winter lunch at Lang Lang reserve to find out about the transition of retired racing greyhounds.
Guaranteed to cure
August 2, 2014 - Bullet wounds, piles, catarrh, deafness, tumours, freckles .... no ailment was too difficult for the patent medicine dispensers of early Wonthaggi, writes Carolyn Landon.
August 2, 2014 - Bullet wounds, piles, catarrh, deafness, tumours, freckles .... no ailment was too difficult for the patent medicine dispensers of early Wonthaggi, writes Carolyn Landon.
'The Australian people will judge'
July 26, 2014 – The problem with the carbon tax, writes Greg Hunt, is that it didn’t work. The Environment Minister and Flinders MP answers his critics.
July 26, 2014 – The problem with the carbon tax, writes Greg Hunt, is that it didn’t work. The Environment Minister and Flinders MP answers his critics.
Funding facts hard to come by
July 26, 2014 - Give most MPs half an opening and they’ll chew your ear off about their achievements for their electorates, but Bass MP Ken Smith proved unusually modest, reports Catherine Watson.
July 26, 2014 - Give most MPs half an opening and they’ll chew your ear off about their achievements for their electorates, but Bass MP Ken Smith proved unusually modest, reports Catherine Watson.
No, Minister!
July 26, 2014 - We shouldn’t have to remind the Minister for the Environment that it's his job to protect our natural treasures, writes Bob Middleton.
July 26, 2014 - We shouldn’t have to remind the Minister for the Environment that it's his job to protect our natural treasures, writes Bob Middleton.
A new row to hoe
July 26, 2014 - In uncertain times, the days of farmers blindly doing what their fathers did are over. Gill Heal spoke to three who are responding creatively to new challenges.
July 26, 2014 - In uncertain times, the days of farmers blindly doing what their fathers did are over. Gill Heal spoke to three who are responding creatively to new challenges.
Welcome to Wonthaggi
July 19, 2014 - Fascinated by the refusal of Aussie servicemen to salute, Clifford Osborne decided to emigrate to Australia after the war. By a stroke of luck, he and his young bride came to Wonthaggi, writes Carolyn Landon.
July 19, 2014 - Fascinated by the refusal of Aussie servicemen to salute, Clifford Osborne decided to emigrate to Australia after the war. By a stroke of luck, he and his young bride came to Wonthaggi, writes Carolyn Landon.
Greg Hunt's legacy
July 18, 2014 - He was acting at the behest of the Prime Minister but it is Greg Hunt who will be remembered as the environment minister who destroyed Australia’s climate policy, writes Michael Whelan.
July 18, 2014 - He was acting at the behest of the Prime Minister but it is Greg Hunt who will be remembered as the environment minister who destroyed Australia’s climate policy, writes Michael Whelan.
The missing $9 million
July 19, 2014 - Every year power companies in the Latrobe Valley pay millions of dollars to the council in lieu of rates, yet the operators of Wonthaggi’s desalination plant pay nothing. Catherine Watson reports on an expensive anomaly.
July 19, 2014 - Every year power companies in the Latrobe Valley pay millions of dollars to the council in lieu of rates, yet the operators of Wonthaggi’s desalination plant pay nothing. Catherine Watson reports on an expensive anomaly.
Guardian artists of the bay
July 19, 2014 - In his 80th year, artist John Adam decided it was time he got serious about protecting the environment, starting with Western Port. He invited six local artists to join him.
July 19, 2014 - In his 80th year, artist John Adam decided it was time he got serious about protecting the environment, starting with Western Port. He invited six local artists to join him.
Never mind a bigger slice, we need a bigger pie
July 12, 2014 - In the election period, instead of bickering amongst ourselves, we should be taking the argument up to the State Government, writes Michael Whelan.
July 12, 2014 - In the election period, instead of bickering amongst ourselves, we should be taking the argument up to the State Government, writes Michael Whelan.
Coastal hamlets join forces to save the neighbourhood
July 12, 2014 - A three-storey development in a one-storey township has residents crying foul, writes Veronica Dowman.
July 12, 2014 - A three-storey development in a one-storey township has residents crying foul, writes Veronica Dowman.
Away with the fairies
July 5, 2014 - In an age of high-tech wizardry, a human voice telling a story still has the power to transport us, writes Catherine Watson
In the heat of the kitchen
July 5, 2014 - Malcolm Bains cooking career started with a bad Chinese dish in an Aussie pub. At 10 years old, decided he could do better.
Colour in Cowes: the story so far
June 28, 2014 – It took 12 years to develop a master plan for Cowes township.
It wasn’t until he joined a community committee that Tim Shannon discovered the
reason for the delay.
All in a day’s wok
June 28, 2014 - Former Hong Kong chef Tom Liu delights in satisfying the rather strange tastes of his Australian customers. Gill Heal reports
June 28, 2014 - Former Hong Kong chef Tom Liu delights in satisfying the rather strange tastes of his Australian customers. Gill Heal reports
Outraged? You bet we are
June 28, 2014 - Solving problems is too much work and kind of boring, writes Catherine Watson.
June 28, 2014 - Solving problems is too much work and kind of boring, writes Catherine Watson.
Child care the missing link
June 28, 2014 - A Bass Valley children's centre will enable families to stay in the region, boosting the local economy and benefitting all residents, writes Tanya Hughes.
The co-op and the bakehouse
June 28, 2014 - In the wake of this week's demolition of Wonthaggi's old co-op bakery, Carolyn Landon reflects on the role of the co-operative movement - and the bakery - in the former coal mining town.
June 28, 2014 - In the wake of this week's demolition of Wonthaggi's old co-op bakery, Carolyn Landon reflects on the role of the co-operative movement - and the bakery - in the former coal mining town.
Kitchen table conversations
June 21, 2014 - We all know that many of the best conversations happen round the kitchen table, and that’s where the Voice for Indi started, writes Bass Coast Mayor Neil Rankine.
June 21, 2014 - We all know that many of the best conversations happen round the kitchen table, and that’s where the Voice for Indi started, writes Bass Coast Mayor Neil Rankine.
Thar they blow!
June 21, 2014 - Local interest in whales has skyrocketed since Watershed Victoria began keeping records of sightings of these annual visitors to our coast, writes Aileen Venning.
Mrs Connelly and the Cairo Orchestra
June 19, 2014 - Five feet nothing, the diminutive Ruby Connelly and her band were the most sought-after dance musicians in South Gippsland, writes Carolyn Landon.
June 19, 2014 - Five feet nothing, the diminutive Ruby Connelly and her band were the most sought-after dance musicians in South Gippsland, writes Carolyn Landon.
Let’s stick together
June 14, 2014 - Tim Shannon asks why Phillip Islanders would want to walk away from engaging with their region just as things are changing for the better.
Six big Wednesdays, twelve brave mums
June 14, 2014 - In February, 12 young mothers and their children met on the Inverloch beach for the start of a great adventure that would change all their lives.
June 14, 2014 - In February, 12 young mothers and their children met on the Inverloch beach for the start of a great adventure that would change all their lives.
Music, the universal language
June 14, 2014 - When Sue Webster set out to find the score of the Gippsland
March, she never expected her search to lead her to California via Arizona.
Fast friends
June 14, 2014 - When Molly met Raina, it was love at first sight. Roger Clark reports on the greyhound that charmed a San Remo family.
Just the facts
June 7, 2014 - Mal McCann took just 10 minutes to persuade a roomful of sceptical Phillip Islanders that the island didn’t need a hospital.
June 7, 2014 - Mal McCann took just 10 minutes to persuade a roomful of sceptical Phillip Islanders that the island didn’t need a hospital.
Now you’re talking!
June 7, 2014 - Stand Alone has already scored by getting people talking about Phillip Island’s future, writes Phil Wright. Now it’s time to get serious.
Fibs, whoppers and beautiful lies
June 7, 2014 - With the news full of lies and liars, Bob Middleton crosses his heart and swears that some lies are forgivable.
June 7, 2014 - With the news full of lies and liars, Bob Middleton crosses his heart and swears that some lies are forgivable.
Caution: heavy lifting ahead
Right place, right time
May 31, 2014 - Gill Heal reports on three landmark old buildings and the owners who’ve found new ways to use them for business while preserving their character.
Them and us
May 31, 2014 - It’s difficult to find common ground with people from an alien culture, but in Reconciliation Week Catherine Watson gives it her best shot.
May 31, 2014 - It’s difficult to find common ground with people from an alien culture, but in Reconciliation Week Catherine Watson gives it her best shot.
Thereby hangs a tale
May 31, 2014 - From grocery boy to council roadman, John Phillips always had an ear out for a good yarn. Joan Woods decided it was time to put some of them down on paper.
The picture theatre wars
May 31, 2014 - The battle for supremacy among Wonthaggi’s picture theatres culminated in a referendum on whether the local theatres should be allowed to show films on Sundays. Carolyn Landon reports.
May 31, 2014 - The battle for supremacy among Wonthaggi’s picture theatres culminated in a referendum on whether the local theatres should be allowed to show films on Sundays. Carolyn Landon reports.
Rural communities mourn demise of Landcare
May 24, 2014 - The destruction of Landcare went almost unnoticed in the federal budget, writes Anne Davie, and local MP and Environment Minister Greg Hunt should have known better.
May 24, 2014 - The destruction of Landcare went almost unnoticed in the federal budget, writes Anne Davie, and local MP and Environment Minister Greg Hunt should have known better.
'Don't be frightened by the cost'
As Phillip Island’s community begins the daunting task of raising up to $5 million for a swimming pool, they might reflect on Wonthaggi’s similar battle to build a pool almost 50 years ago.
Home remedies from the world of architecture
May 24, 2014 - In Inverloch today, leading sustainable architect Terence Nott will explain how to make our houses more comfortable – and cheaper to run.
Bang goes the community
May 17, 2014 - With traditional religious belief on the decline, it’s more important than ever to maintain some of our secular communal celebrations, writes Phil Wright.
From strength to strength
May 17, 2014 - The women who started the Wonthaggi Women’s Auxiliary were backing up their miner husbands, but they soon found themselves at the forefront of a whole new political movement. By Carolyn Landon
May 17, 2014 - The women who started the Wonthaggi Women’s Auxiliary were backing up their miner husbands, but they soon found themselves at the forefront of a whole new political movement. By Carolyn Landon
Walking the talk
May 10, 2014 - When sitting at her desk didn't work, debut novelist Terry Guilford set off on a 10-day pilgrimage. Julie Statkus reports on the miraculous aftermath.
May 10, 2014 - When sitting at her desk didn't work, debut novelist Terry Guilford set off on a 10-day pilgrimage. Julie Statkus reports on the miraculous aftermath.
Many are called but few are convinced
May 3, 2014 - When the Federal Government of Australia called Catherine Watson to offer her $7268, she uncovered an elaborate storyline with multiple layers of meaning.
May 3, 2014 - When the Federal Government of Australia called Catherine Watson to offer her $7268, she uncovered an elaborate storyline with multiple layers of meaning.
Gippsland's teller of tales
May 3, 2014 - Carolyn Landon’s biographies combine the personal and the political in compelling true stories, writes Anne Paul.
Finger pointing won't hold back the tide
April 26, 2014 - Instead of railing against the council’s coastal inundation forecasts, perhaps landowners should be demanding government action on climate change, suggests Michael Whelan.
April 26, 2014 - Instead of railing against the council’s coastal inundation forecasts, perhaps landowners should be demanding government action on climate change, suggests Michael Whelan.
The Wichita songman
April 19, 2014 - Composer Larry Hills draws on his American heritage of choral singing to delve deep into the history of his adopted Australian community. Gill heal reports.
April 19, 2014 - Composer Larry Hills draws on his American heritage of choral singing to delve deep into the history of his adopted Australian community. Gill heal reports.
Showdown at the Lance Creek corral
April 19, 2014 - One competitor broke his ankle, another had to be rushed to hospital and Texas Lil’s horse fell on her. The 1952 Lance Creek rodeo had plenty of excitement, reports Carolyn Landon.
April 19, 2014 - One competitor broke his ankle, another had to be rushed to hospital and Texas Lil’s horse fell on her. The 1952 Lance Creek rodeo had plenty of excitement, reports Carolyn Landon.
Beautiful, difficult words
April 12, 2014 - After half a lifetime of silence, Adam Cope has an extraordinary story to tell. Catherine Watson reports.
April 12, 2014 - After half a lifetime of silence, Adam Cope has an extraordinary story to tell. Catherine Watson reports.
Congratulations, Cape!
April 12, 2014 - Anne Heath Mennell is glad Cape residents won their battle to protect their village. She only wishes she’d been able to do the same for Tenby Point.
Striking the right note
April 5, 2014 - Who you gonna call when the double bass develops a dud note? Bob Middleton meets Inverloch’s master luthier, born and trained in Stadivarius country.
April 5, 2014 - Who you gonna call when the double bass develops a dud note? Bob Middleton meets Inverloch’s master luthier, born and trained in Stadivarius country.
Far off the tourist trail
April 5, 2014 - Palm Springs seemed far away when American visitor Dean Jackson wandered into the Archies Creek pub. Julie Statkus was there to see her reaction.
April 5, 2014 - Palm Springs seemed far away when American visitor Dean Jackson wandered into the Archies Creek pub. Julie Statkus was there to see her reaction.
Island destiny in the balance
March 29, 2014 - Dredging for the Port of Hastings could be calamitous for Phillip Island, Jeff Nottle fears.
More modern crusaders, please
March 29, 2014 - All credit to Mr Abbott for reviving the order of knights and dames, but Amy Lowell was disappointed in his first two appointments.
Read all about it
March 22, 2014 - Powlett Express editor Tom Gannon was loved and hated in equal measure, but nobody wanted to miss what he was writing about. Carolyn Landon investigates the legendary Wonthaggi newsman.
March 22, 2014 - Powlett Express editor Tom Gannon was loved and hated in equal measure, but nobody wanted to miss what he was writing about. Carolyn Landon investigates the legendary Wonthaggi newsman.
Lone stand that changed a state
March 15, 2014 - Former independent MP Susan Davies believes it’s time for another local independent to “put their head above the parapet”. Catherine Watson reports
March 15, 2014 - Former independent MP Susan Davies believes it’s time for another local independent to “put their head above the parapet”. Catherine Watson reports
A trail blazer in every sense
March 15, 2014 - Stan Miles was ahead of his time in preserving a patch of "Kongwak scrub".
March 15, 2014 - Stan Miles was ahead of his time in preserving a patch of "Kongwak scrub".
Voice for Bass, anyone?
March 8, 2014 - The voters of Bass can accept their fate of living in a safe Liberal seat, or perhaps we could arise and scare the hell out of both parties, writes Michael Whelan.
March 8, 2014 - The voters of Bass can accept their fate of living in a safe Liberal seat, or perhaps we could arise and scare the hell out of both parties, writes Michael Whelan.
A woman of the world
March 8, 2014 - Cherie Smirl wanted to make a difference in the world but first she had to come to terms with her own place in it. Gill Heal reports.
March 8, 2014 - Cherie Smirl wanted to make a difference in the world but first she had to come to terms with her own place in it. Gill Heal reports.
The Gippsland March
March 8, 2014 - The chance discovery of an old piano roll has Sue Webster wondering about reviving a Gippsland anthem. But first she has to find the music.
A crime against nature
March 1, 2014 - Council engineers have devised an expensive scheme to “mimic” the natural water cycle they are deliberately disrupting, Liz Low writes.
Silence, the healer
March 1, 2014 - For many years, Thabie Chasakara sought answers
to the big questions, including why the South African state was so brutal. Joan Woods reports on her journey towards forgiveness and inner peace.
to the big questions, including why the South African state was so brutal. Joan Woods reports on her journey towards forgiveness and inner peace.
The blackberry wars
March 1, 2014 - When blackberries were declared a national weed, blackberrying became a guilty pleasure, Catherine Watson writes.
March 1, 2014 - When blackberries were declared a national weed, blackberrying became a guilty pleasure, Catherine Watson writes.
Just add water
February 22, 2014 - When the heat is on, a birdbath is a
constant source of entertainment, for animals and humans,
writes Linda Cuttriss
February 22, 2014 - When the heat is on, a birdbath is a
constant source of entertainment, for animals and humans,
writes Linda Cuttriss
Guardians of the bay
February 21, 2014 - Lisa Schonberg’s five-year labour of love photographing the whales and dolphins of Western Port could prove crucial in the battle against plans for a massive
container port at Hastings.
February 21, 2014 - Lisa Schonberg’s five-year labour of love photographing the whales and dolphins of Western Port could prove crucial in the battle against plans for a massive
container port at Hastings.
The hoodies of Red Rocks
February 15, 2014 - Dog-owners have joined the ranks of those keeping vigil over Red Rocks ' precious hooded plover chicks. Sue Saliba reports.
The Bass Coast sound
February 15, 2014 - The non-musical Bob Middleton finds himself talking middle eights and Gibson Firebirds.
February 15, 2014 - The non-musical Bob Middleton finds himself talking middle eights and Gibson Firebirds.
The marrying kind
February 15, 2014 - Most people know Tom Parsons as a marriage celebrant. Few are aware that he served in one of the most perilous theatres of the Second World War.
Revised Cape scheme still flawed: residents group
February 8, 2014 - Councillors will vote next week on whether to proceed with a revised Cape road and drainage scheme. Nicholas Low argues the council should dump the scheme and review its processes for all special schemes.
A citizen of the Powlett
February 8, 2013 - Paul Speirs realised he couldn’t save the world but he could help to save his own catchment, taking nature as his guide. Gill heal reports.
February 8, 2013 - Paul Speirs realised he couldn’t save the world but he could help to save his own catchment, taking nature as his guide. Gill heal reports.
Coronet Bay dog owners join beach fray
February 8, 2014 - Inverloch residents are not the only ones upset by new rules about dogs on beaches, write Joy Button.
The Neapolitan connection
February 8, 2014 - When a young Italian came to stay in Glen Alvie, it created a web of connections between Bass Coast and the famous city of Naples. Hilary Stuchbery reports.
Snake versus cat
February 1, 2014 - Watching an epic battle between a cat and a
snake prompted Linda Cuttriss to think about her own encounters
with snakes.
February 1, 2014 - Watching an epic battle between a cat and a
snake prompted Linda Cuttriss to think about her own encounters
with snakes.
Keep your cool
February 1, 2014 - Air conditioners get a bad rap for increasing peak power demand during heat waves, but a bit of lateral thinking could halve their impact, argues Bernie McComb.