Bass Coast Post - Joan Woods

Our town

6/3/2020

With Wonthaggi forecast to be the next Geelong, “progress by property developers” isn’t good enough for the next generation of residents.

By Joan Woods

OUR souls and spirits are revitalised and calmed by beauty. That’s why we live in Bass Coast, but our towns are getting busier. With Wonthaggi forecast to be the next Geelong, we must be proactive in advising the Bass Coast Council of what we love about our town and how we can retain it.

One resident has described the present situation in Wonthaggi as “progress by property developers”. While residents’ associations and individuals can object to developers’ plans, and councils can reject inappropriate developments, disappointed developers almost always appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which has the last word.

Olga’s story

5/11/2016

In spite of personal setbacks, Olga Marangio never regretted coming to Australia.

By Joan Woods

OLGA Marangio is a survivor: her mother died when she was five months old and she has outlived three husbands.

Chamber of horrors

8/10/2016

Linda Burney

Joan Woods asks whether indigenous MP Linda Burney will get a fair go in the brutal environment of the Federal Parliament.

Built to last

30/1/2016

Earlene Kontogouris ticks off another finish in last year’s Cowes Classic. Photo David Anderson

At 81, Earlene Kontogouris has just completed her 19th Cape aquathon. Joan Woods caught up with her at the finish line.

Thereby hangs a tale

31/5/2014

John Phillips

From grocery boy to council roadman, John Phillips always had an ear for a good yarn. Joan Woods decided it was time to put some of them down on paper.

Silence, the healer

1/3/2014

Thabie Chasakara

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 surprising journey towards forgiveness and peace.

The marrying kind

15/2/2014

Flight Lieutenant Tom Parsons

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.

The roads less travelled

13/12/2013

Gay Atkinson and Helen Hollole

For 30 years, two old friends have criss-crossed the back roads of Bass Coast, one step at a time.

Bill Twite, at your service

18/10/2013

Bill and Bet Twite, 1970s.

By Joan Woods

BILL Twite’s mother said he was an accident, but a good one. And so it has proved, with the former policeman’s life being one of service to his family and to the community.