A month of relentless eating leads to a month of remorseful sweating for Geoff Ellis, who finds his mind wandering in strange places.
 Pam Rothfield tells Geoff Ellis the stories behind some of the graves in the historic Phillip Island cemetery.
A Wonthaggi-based organisation is leading a citizen science project aimed at cleaning up sewage outfalls around Australia.
The prospect of the State Government placing the first order for water from the Wonthaggi desalination plant has opened some old wounds, reports Geoff Ellis.  Neil Rankine (back row, left), Vilya Congreave (blue jacket, centre of back row) and Jessica Harrison (red cap, right of the row) at a blockade of the desalination site, July 8, 2008. Photo: Catherine Watson By Geoff Ellis
LAST year, while cleaning out his Grantville shed, Allan George found something that doesn’t belong to him. In the bottom of a box was a Dead Man’s Penny that commemorated the death of John Andrew Cunningham. This plaque had been issued to the soldier’s Father, William Cunningham, of Malvern, in May, 1923.  On a visit to Grantville cemetery, Geoff Ellis discovered its occupants are in trusted hands.
 Climate change is just the latest challenge for Bob and Anne Davie. Geoff Ellis reports on a Ventnor couple who have always faced up to the ethical, economic and environmental challenges of farming.
 Farming is big business for Caleb and Shiona Berry, and that includes planning for a more sustainable future, writes GEOFF ELLIS.
 By Geoff Ellis
“ONE thing we have plenty of is cold. It blows up from Antarctica straight into Pound Creek.” As Daryl Hook guides visitors through the paddocks, he jigs around, still a ruckman anticipating a mark. “Showing them what we’ve done is better than saying you must do this ...” You can feel the difference the trees make. Daryl Hook’s parents “pointed out all the good things in a harsh world”. He milked on their farm before school. In the paddocks he watched the birds scatter amidst the cows. Motorbikes and tractors were his toys. He played football for Leongatha.  Migrant Pea Pickers, US, 1938. Photo: Dorothea Lange Consumers should use their wallets as an agent of change to demand fair working conditions for all, writes GEOFF ELLIS.
 Brian Enbom and his beefies on his Jumbunna property Like all good farmers, Brian Enbom always has another thing to do. Our local Landcarer of the year fits more into a day than seems humanly possible, writes GEOFF ELLIS.
 “Have you gone raving mad? I mean, I came here in all good faith, to help my country. I don't mind giving a reasonable amount, but a pint?” Tony Hanock in The Blood Donor. GEOFF ELLIS rolls up his sleeve and reflects on his family heritage, good and bad.
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