FEATURE ARTICLES 2017
The art of Robert Smith
December 16, 2017 - Wonthaggi’s mysterious arts benefactor turns out to be as interesting as his collection. Bullseye
December 16, 2017 -Two blokes casually impale Adam Goodes. Dogs surf. Cats carouse. Ahead of an exhibition of Natasha Williams-Novak’s Post cartoons, Catherine Watson recalls some of her favourites. Wonthaggi à la mode
December 16, 2017 - An exhibition of vintage couture in Wonthaggi originated in one woman’s passion for fashion. Diamonds are forever
December 16, 2017 - Born and bred in Wonthaggi, Jill Muir loved to share her knowledge and passion for the area with visitors and newcomers. View from the Chamber
December 1, 2017 - Strategic thinking is needed to retain Phillip Island as a special place rather than a dormitory suburb of Melbourne, argues Cr Michael Whelan. Bandicoot island
Phillip Island’s new fox-free status gives new hope for one of Victoria’s most endangered species, the eastern barred bandicoot. Roland Pick reports The stars align for “best yet”
December 1, 2017 - From Bach to blues, with an Irish Welcome to Country along the way, the latest Stars of Tomorrow concert was a treat, writes Robert Hayward. Full and plenty
December 2, 2017 - No pasta, no salami, no tinned tomatoes … Italian migrants had to start from scratch when they arrived in Wonthaggi. Out of the shadows
November 18, 2017 - Bass Coasters reflect on Wednesday’s momentous events when it became clear that the last bastion of official discrimination against LGBTI people was about to fall. A shared space
November 18, 2017 - On a visit to New Zealand, Tim Shannon finds a country that has embraced the Maori culture of sharing. Euthanasia a step too far
November 4, 2017 - Daniel Mulino explains why he’ll be voting against the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill. MP: 90% against assisted dying
November 4, 2017 - Melina Bath says that of the 2000 people who have contacted her on the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill, just 200 were in favour. Beaches, bays and one fatal shot
November 4, 2017 - Linda Cuttriss visits Ventnor, where Phillip Island’s first European family once hosted members of Melbourne’s social elite. The town that vanished
November 4, 2017 - If you’d visited Queensferry a century ago, writes Libby Skidmore, you would have found a seaside settlement with hotels, a licensed colonial wine saloon and three public halls. This one’s for Ray
October 21, 2017 - MP Brian Paynter promised a dying man that he would support voluntary assisted dying legislation if it included safeguards. Naming rights
October 21, 2017 - History is written by the victors, and they also get the naming rights. Geoff Ellis argues that we have a chance to redress the balance when it comes to Angus McMillan. A work in progress
October 21, 2017 - We should be careful what we wish for Grantville’s future, writes Meryl Brown Tobin, if we don't want to lose what we have. Sweet as
October 7, 2017 - A bucket of chips. Really? Fresh from New Zealand, Megan Watson tries to navigate the local language and culture. On the sick list
October 7, 2017 - A sudden serious illness prompts Robyn Arianrhod to think about the contrasting approaches of three very different hospitals. The Hovell Tree
October 7, 2017 - A small tree at the State Coal Mine commemorates the first European explorer to venture overland to the Wonthaggi plains. Terri Allen reports. Rhyll artist in the frame
September 23, 2017 – Jill Rogers’ evocative Minah Swansong has taken out Bass Coast’s biggest art prize. Being an Aussie
September 23, 2017 - For a blissful few seconds, Anne Heath Mennell was a free woman, owing allegiance to no one. A wild ride
September 23, 2017 - Behind the scenes of the Summerland peninsula lies a unique history of tourism, development and wildlife conservation. Linda Cuttriss reports. Built to last
September 23, 2017 - Peter Brown ponders the secret life of an apparently immortal tomato. Calling Australia home
September 2, 2017 - As these last few weeks in Canberra have demonstrated, the Australian monoculture is a myth, writes Dawn Rollins. The hills are alive
September 2, 2017 - At a clearing sale in Krowera, an old piano sings to Frank Coldebella of other days. Queen of the compost
Make compost, not war on weeds, is the advice from veteran gardener Barbara Hallett. Barbara will share her gardening secrets at a session in Wonthaggi this week. View from the Chamber
August 18, 2015 - Without a new approach, Phillip Island will end up looking like a suburb of Pakenham, writes Michael Whelan. End of the line
August 18, 2017 - When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Peter Short turned his corporate expertise to the campaign for assisted dying. Catherine Watson reports Beyond words
August 18, 2017 - Artist Tom Murray-White has learned to turn off the part of his brain that makes words. Gill Heal reports. Fiddle master
August 18, 2017 - Local bluegrass fans are in for a treat when US banjo player, guitarist and fiddler Rachel Eddy plays at the Wonthaggi Club next Saturday. Paradise lost
August 5, 2017 - The council must rein in over-development that threatens what remains of Phillip Island’s precious natural environment, argue Lorna and Doug Elms. When your foot starts tapping …
August 5, 2017 - On a visit to the Phillip Island Baptist Church, Bass MP Brian Paynter finds himself unexpectedly moved by the spirit. Bold and brassy
August 5, 2017 - Scandalous costumes, a bold and brassy band, hot numbers and outrageous songs … Wonthaggi Theatrical Group’s production of Chicago has the lot, reports Nina Barry-Macaulay. Home-grown talent
August 5, 2017 - Circumstances prevented Maureen Loughran from pursuing her love of art. When she finally got the chance, she made up for lost time, reports Liane Arno. View from the chamber
July 22, 2017 - We have more information than ever, but how do we cut through to what's important, asks Julian Brown Little white lies
July 8, 2017 - Most of us don’t abuse people of other races or commit hate crimes but nor do we speak up when we see racism, writes Mikhaela Barlow. From telegram boy to postmaster
July 8, 2017 -The telegram reigned supreme when Laurie Notley started work at the Wonthaggi Post Office in 1922.. The land downunder
July 29, 2017 - Victoria Police charge Cardinal George Pell with sexual assault. Value for money?
June 24, 2017 - Cr Les Larke wants to cut 46 council jobs to save money. Catherine Watson suggests that perhaps he should look at his own position first. A dog’s life
June 24, 2017 - Obi made a big impression during his 18 months on Phillip Island, writes Jenni Wills Time and tide
June 24, 2017 - Volcanoes, gold, ‘pudding’ stones and more … last weekend’s information day on the Corinella foreshore was full of surprises. Meryl Tobin Brown reports The battle for the right to die
June 17, 2017 - Right to Life has kicked off the debate over assisted dying by warning that the state government wants to legalise "patient killing". In the lead-up to a crucial vote, the Post wants to hear your experiences and your views. Dinosaur hunter
June 17, 2017 – Geoff Ellis meets the legendary Mike Cleeland, who’s been digging for clues for three decades. The John Sparks mystery
June 17, 2017 - A fine bit of historical detective work has uncovered the story of a Wonthaggi Fire Brigade member who was killed in the First World War. Carolyn Landon reports On board MH128
June 3, 2017 - Most of us have wondered how we would respond in an emergency. Bass Coast surfing mates Fabio Contu and Troy Joyner found out when a man threatened to blow up their flight. View from the chamber
June 3, 2017 - Six months ago, as far as Brett Tessari knew, he had never met a transgender person. Nor did he know any kids living on the streets. Becoming a councillor has opened his eyes. Tom Gannon’s Obsession
June 3, 2017 - The first newspaper reports of Wonthaggi’s “Monster” were mocking, but in later years the tone changed, writes Carolyn Landon. To be or not to be
June 3, 2017 - Victorian MPs will soon vote on a bill to legalise assisted dying and the lobbying has already begun. Phillip Island’s first literary festival looks at some of the issues. Rise and fall
June 3, 2017 - Anyone who regularly walks the beaches along the Grantville waterline can show you how much the foreshore has moved, writes Geoff Ellis. The Battle for Western Port
June 3, 2017 - Local action group Preserve Western Port is celebrating victory in a long campaign to prove that Hastings is not the place to build Victoria’s second port. View from the Chamber
After years of stagnation, Cowes is moving at last, writes Cr Michael Whelan. So why isn't everyone celebrating? Thereby hangs a tale
May 20, 2017 - Phillip Island’s first literary festival features activists, musicians, athletes, politicians, artists - anyone with a story to tell. What happened to Freddy and Rex
May 20, 2017 - A Newhaven private home for boys, a callous superintendent, two dead boys and links to the shadowy world of eugenics … journalist and playwright Joe Fairhurst promises to reveal all at next month’s Phillip Island Literary Festival. The man with kaleidoscope eyes
May 6, 2017 - Where most of see chaos, Werner Theinert sees patterns. Liane Arno reports All aboard for Port Albert
May 5, 2017 - John Wells guides us along a journey on the Great Southern Railway. My bathroom bird hide
May 6, 2017 - There’s plenty to see and enjoy outside Nola Thorpe’s bathroom window. Light at the end of the tunnel
April 22, 2017 - A nervous Geoff Ellis sets out to track down the creature digging up his lawn. Chapter and verse
April 22, 2017 - Prize-winning Gippsland poet Jim Walton will share some of the tricks of his craft at a poetry workshop in Wonthaggi. Our John Clarke
April 15, 2017 - Bass Coasters share precious memories of the private man behind the public profile. Let’s just do it
April 15, 2017 - Twenty-three years and $600,000 … that’s how much time and money has been spent on a Cowes arts centre, and still the community has nothing to show for it. Anne Davie calls for action. What’s on at ‘The Union’?
April 15, 2017 – Cinema continues to flourish in Wonthaggi, writes Larry Hills. Facts and figures
April 1, 2017 - Is Bass Coast Shire almost broke or in good financial shape? Well, that depends on who you ask. While Cr Les Larke insists we are well on the road to financial ruin, Frank Schooneveldt analyses the numbers and concludes that he is leading his fellow councillors down the wrong path. Remembering Kit Sleeman
April 1, 2017 - Carolyn Landon celebrates Kit Sleeman’s exquisite essays on growing up in Wonthaggi. Crossing the border
April 1, 2017 - These days, Bob Middleton has given up outback safaris for a more sedate mode of travel but he still finds himself in strife. A force of nature
March 14, 2017 - Julia Price has too much on her mind to paint pretty pictures or decorations, writes Anne Tindall Back to basics
Geoff Ellis talks to a Korinne farming family who turned their backs on Big Milk and found a brighter future. Foreign correspondent
March 4, 2017 - Bass Coast travellers report back on what they have learned from their travels. This week, Jordan Crugnale on the town of Alfedena in Italy. Wonthaggi's blackest day
February 18, 2017 - Eighty years ago, Wonthaggi was rocked by an explosion at No. 20 shaft that killed 13 miners. Foreign correspondent
February 4, 2016 - Bass Coast travellers report back on what they have learned from their travels. This week, Liane Arno on Mai Chau in Vietnam. Caricatures and stingrays
February 4, 2016 - The artist and the scientist have always been part of Jill Rogers’ makeup. Marian Quigley finds out more. Student leaves his mark
February 4, 2016 - Jye Anderson made a big impression during his week of work experience with the Phillip Island Conservation Society. John Eddy reports. Heslop's Wonthaggi
February 4, 2017 - A talk given to the Wonthaggi and District Historical Society 54 years ago gives an invaluable insight into the lives of the early settlers, writes John Wells. |
Oasis on a crowded planet
December 16, 2017 - The strategies are in place to protect Phillip island for future generations, writes Phil Wright. The question now is whether we have the will. Island ride a ripper
December 16, 2017 - Keen city cyclists Paris Pollock and his partner sample the Phillip Island coastal bike trail and find plenty to like and a few niggles. Dance of the angels
December 16, 2017 - Observing his aquarium, Mark Robertson realises that love and lust are powerful emotions, no matter what the species. Down by the river
December 16, 2017 -Anne Heath Mennell was one of about 80 gardeners, growers and land-carers who gathered at Bass to hear more about our new community river garden. Blessings
December 16, 2017 - Miriam Strickland finds herself unexpectedly dropping the B-word. King of the road
December 2, 2017 - Over 43 years at the Holden proving ground in Lang Lang, Allan George drove every new Holden model. Geoff Ellis reports. Rich river pickings
December 1, 2017 The fertile river flats of Bass are being put to good use for a community river garden. Joel Geoghegan reports Not the retiring kind
December 2, 2017 - Sarah Roycroft looks back in wonder on her pre-retirement dreams. Going bush
December 2, 2017 - A move from Calgary to Wonthaggi prompted a new creative burst for Heidi Rolfe. Liane Arno reports Wet wonderland
December 1, 2017 - In 2005, it was a paddock with a single tree. Now the Wonthaggi Rifle Range wetlands is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, writes Terri Allen The birdman
November 18, 2017 - John Clarke joked that most of his bird photographs had a tiny bird flying out of the top left-hand corner. But a calendar of his bird photos, many taken around Phillip Island, attest to his skills and patience. Why I won’t watch the Oils
November 18, 2017 - A veteran of the campaign against desalination, John Gemmell says he won't fall for Peter Garrett again. View from the chamber
November 4, 2017 - Wonthaggi has been well and truly discovered and the boom is spreading to the rest of Bass Coast, writes Cr Brett Tessari. Changing trains
November 4, 2017 - A small Japanese cottage in Wonthaggi marks the year Mark Gross got his life back on the rails. Stars of tomorrow
November 4, 2017 - Jazz piano, a cappella, classical piano and the transverse harp all feature at this month’s concert in Wonthaggi. Down for the count
November 4, 2017 - Local snorkelers head for Shack Bay next month in search of the smooth ray and other local marine species. The elusive scarlet honeyeater
November 4, 2017 - They seek him here, they seek him there … Nola Thorpe goes in search of a rare bird. In the lion’s den
October 21, 2017 - A year on from a torrid election campaign, Bass Coast Mayor Pamela Rothfield reflects on how skewed one’s impression can be looking in from the outside. Man about town
October 21, 2017 - Countryman Bob Middleton considers the consolations of his new suburban life, including kangaroos at the back gate and a Dan Murphy’s round the corner. Miss Somerset teaches in Tent Town
October 21, 2017 - Teaching in a tent was a novelty to Miss Somerset. To her pupils, it was just everyday life. Out of the chaos
October 21, 2017 - Printmaker Mary Ham wants to combine chaos and order, she tells Liane Arno. Life and death
October 7, 2017 - MPs are feeling the weight of community expectation as they consider a bill to enable voluntary assisted dying, writes Harriet Shing Four dead in Ohio
October 7, 2017 - Geoff Ellis asks why so many mourn the victims of the Las Vegas killer but are indifferent to a genocide closer to home. Cartoon by Natasha Williams-Novak The Custodian
October 7, 2017 - Marian Quigley called her portrait of Anne Davie “The Custodian” in recognition of Anne’s long custodial role within the Phillip Island community. House of learning
October 7, 2017 - The Inverloch Mechanics’ Institute minutes provide a fascinating insight into the social life of a small town over 81 years. By Eulalie Brewster Short sentence for Carlowe
September 23, 2017 - Carlowe’s joy was contagious. Geoff Ellis pays tribute to “a great dog, not always a good dog”. Stop, in the name of love!
September 23, 2017 - Coming out freed Mikhaela Barlow to be herself, at least until the marriage equality debate provided a new platform for bigotry and homophobia. Up close and natural
September 23, 2017 - You don’t have to go far from home to observe the splendours of nature, writes Mark Robertson. View from the chamber
September 2, 2017 – On her way to a roads workshop, Cr Clare Le Serve muses on an MP’s insistence that councils should stick to roads, rates and rubbish. Glittering night for home-grown stars
Bass Coast’s talented young performers get their chance to shine at this week’s gala performance at the Wonthaggi Union Theatre. Back to nature
September 2, 2017 - With views of Western Port, Scenic Estate was a developer’s dream and a planning nightmare. John Eddy delves into the history of Phillip Island’s new reserve. Lean times
September 2, 2017 - Feeling hungry? Your gut could thank you for it, writes Miriam Strickland. A brief history of Grantville
August 19, 2015 - In 2004, when Helen Zervopoulos arrived in Grantville, it was just a set of traffic lights on the way to Phillip Island. Memories of Wally
August 19, 2015 - Memories of a proud and generous gardener abound in Ant Gent’s garden. Moment of truth
August 18, 2017 - Decades of practice enable David Taylor to capture the fleeting moment. Marian Quigley interviews the watercolour master. Memories from a country school
August 18, 2017 - In 1990, the Dalyston School celebrated 90 years, and former pupils shared memories of their school years, writes Carolyn Landon Tales of the Waterline, 2017
August 5, 2017 - As Centrelink racks up the pressure on beneficiaries, Bob Wheeler describes the extra burden on those living in the Waterline communities. View from the Chamber
August 5, 2017 - Amid the insults, abuse and threats, Cr Geoff Ellis gives thanks for the voices of reason. The inside story
August 5, 2017 - After 70 hours recording three novels for Audible, Melbourne actor Fiona Macleod welcomes the chance to read to a live Bass Coast audience, reports Gill Heal. Bilbao, MONA, TarraWarra … Wonthaggi?
July 22, 2017 - A coalition of local artists say it’s time we had our own purpose-built, architecturally exciting regional gallery. Renovator's delight
July 22, 2017 - When Lew Potter discovered a “renovator’s delight” on 50 acres of barren hill country, he was smitten. Geoff Ellis reports. My place
July 22, 2017 - Jen Rutherford looks forward to joining the lucky few at Corinella. The power behind the mine
July 8, 2017 - Wonthaggi’s state coal mine has long been a magnet for the history buffs. Soon it will also be drawing visitors interested in new technology. Geoff Ellis reports Full and plenty
July 8, 2017 - While the periodic flooding of the Powlett estuary causes consternation to some local landholders, it's a time of full and plenty for water birds and freshwater fish. It makes you think
July 8, 2017 - Local philosophers are grappling with the big questions at the Wonthaggi library, writes Maddy Harford. Natural tucker
June 17, 2017 - The new superfoods will come from Australia’s indigenous past, if Bruce Pascoe has his way. Leading by example
June 24, 2017 - Gill Heal has been thinking about values and patriotism. One perfect day
June 17, 2017 - Passengers on last Saturday’s whale cruise from Cowes had a day to remember with a humpback frolicking around the boat and sporting with dolphins, plus a sighting of the endangered southern right whale. Photo: Lisa Schonberg View from the chamber
June 17, 2017 - Police officers often step into the worst moments of someone’s life, writes Bruce Kent. At least they know council staff are there to help pick up the pieces. A man of many parts
June 17, 2017 - Landscape designer John French has found a new creative outlet in his intriguing mosaics. By Liane Arno Back to basics
June 17, 2017 - A bad back reminds Miriam Strickland to slow down and smell the roses. Is there anybody there?
June 17, 2017 – Natasha Williams-Novak's take on Cowes police station in Chapel Street. The humble old station closed in March but there is no word yet on its replacement. Somewhere over the rainbow
June 3, 2017 - After 47 years with her partner, Phyllis Papps would like her relationship to be given the same respect as that of any heterosexual couple. Brothers and sisters
June 3, 2017 - “Selective equality” doesn’t exist, writes Rob Easton. We are either equal before the law or we are not. Sundays with an artist
June 3, 2017 - Artspace Gallery is embracing winter with a series of artists’ talks and demonstrations, accompanied by afternoon tea. The inside story
June 3, 2017 - Family stories are no good if they aren’t told, writes Liane Arno, and journalist Sandy Guy can show you how to do it. Congratulations to us
May 20, 2017 - While she has no personal interest in being married, Sally Conning applauds council's support for marriage equality. What if we gave up the booze?
May 20, 2017 - A contentious community issue, a lively panel, an open-minded audience … welcome to Bass Coast’s first hypothetical. Cold, hard facts
Oceanographer John Hunter and refugee advocate Julian Burnside discuss the implications of climate change at the Wonthaggi Town Hall next week. Acknowledgement
May 5, 2017 - In our daily travels throughout Bass Coast, we are never far from thousands of years of human history. By Geoff Ellis On location in Rhyll
May 6, 2017 - Fishing and ferrying are in the spotlight in Rhyll this week, reports Carmen Bush, with filmmaker Jakeb Anhvu in residence to document the town’s rich maritime history. Let's start the ball rolling
April 23, 2017 - Councillors’ change of mind on a new indoor sport stadium for Wonthaggi could be the start of better prospects for our young people, writes Brian Paynter. Stuff and stories
April 22, 2017 - San Remo residents and visitors are invited to bring out their old mementoes, memories and photos. Thank you, Dr Brooks
April 15, 2017 - Over 50 years, Peter Brooks made a big mark on his adopted home town of Wonthaggi. Gill Heal recalls a man who valued music and theatre almost as much as medicine. Inspired by dread
Local artists have risen to the challenge of interpreting climate change in a major new exhibition, reports Bron Dahlstrom. Sea creatures, bathing ladies and other old curiosities
April 15, 2017 - A childhood visit to the Old Curiosity Shop in Ballarat triggered Heather Fahnle's lifelong fascination with mosaics. By Marian Quigley View from the chamber
April 1, 2017 - A regular series in which councillors expand on the issues that matter to them. This week, Pamela Rothfield on why the Cowes CBD may not be the right place for Phillip Island’s aquatic centre. Let there be lights
April 1, 2017 - The luminous light galleries of the Waterline townships officially turn on next Saturday night in Pioneer Bay, Grantville, Tenby Point, Corinella and Coronet Bay. A weight on your mind
April 1, 2017 - Miriam Strickland asks why we’re getting fatter in spite of so much good advice. Here’s to Paul
Tracey and Ross Denby want their new cafe to feed the soul as well as the body. Gill Heal reports Our Shangri-La
March 18, 2017 - The wild Back Beach has exerted a powerful pull on generations of Terri Allen’s clan. Crunch time
March 4, 2017 - Once upon Geoff Ellis knew exactly what the council should do. And then he became a councillor. Art and soul
March 4, 2017 - A waste of money or the start of something wonderful? Jeannie Haughton explores the value of community arts projects such as The Edge of Us. Signs of the times
March 4, 2017 - Victoria’s first road sign was erected at Ventnor in 1801. Libby Skidmore explains Tunnellers and burrowers
February 17, 2017 - Mark Robertson goes underground for his series on the strange and special species that share our Bass Coast home. What makes us tick
February 4, 2016 - The Australian character leaves other nations a bit perplexed, writes Julian Brown, as he reflects on Australia Day. |