A brief overseas holiday proves the perfect tonic for a group of farmers. By Rob Parsons
AS dawn broke over the Bass Valley on Thursday, October 9, two small buses rolled out of Kernot, their passengers bundled in coats and beanies against the early chill. Twenty-two members of the Kernot Farmers Lunch Group were bound for Corinella to meet the barge to French Island – a rare day away from their own farms to explore how others live and work across the bay.
The group was ferried across Western Port in two trips, the water calm and mist lifting from the mangroves. On arrival they were welcomed by French Island locals and began a tour that was part sightseeing, part education, and entirely enjoyable.
AS dawn broke over the Bass Valley on Thursday, October 9, two small buses rolled out of Kernot, their passengers bundled in coats and beanies against the early chill. Twenty-two members of the Kernot Farmers Lunch Group were bound for Corinella to meet the barge to French Island – a rare day away from their own farms to explore how others live and work across the bay.
The group was ferried across Western Port in two trips, the water calm and mist lifting from the mangroves. On arrival they were welcomed by French Island locals and began a tour that was part sightseeing, part education, and entirely enjoyable.
At the French Island Cricket Club, the visitors were treated to a home-made Devonshire tea and an engaging talk on the island’s history by long-time resident Lois Ayers. Nearly twice the size of neighbouring Phillip Island, French Island is home to just over 100 residents, a population that swells only slightly in holiday times. Its tiny Perseverance Primary School, Lois explained, has just three students and one teacher who lives on site, serving as both educator and caretaker in a truly one-of-a-kind role.
Members of French Island Landcare then invited the visitors to their thriving community garden, a proud example of co-operation in a place where self-sufficiency is not just an ideal but a necessity. With no mains electricity, no town water, no local council or police presence, and no services from VicRoads, the island’s residents must rely entirely on one another. Power comes from solar and wind; water from tanks; and ingenuity fills the gaps left by the mainland.
Members of French Island Landcare then invited the visitors to their thriving community garden, a proud example of co-operation in a place where self-sufficiency is not just an ideal but a necessity. With no mains electricity, no town water, no local council or police presence, and no services from VicRoads, the island’s residents must rely entirely on one another. Power comes from solar and wind; water from tanks; and ingenuity fills the gaps left by the mainland.
Continuing the tour of the island, the farmers saw rock oysters clinging to the shoreline, sweeping views of Corinella, Pioneer Bay and Grantville across the water, and the eerie remains of the old prison farm, now privately owned by Chinese interests. Once slated to become an aged-care retreat, those plans have long been shelved, leaving the weathered buildings to the birds and the breeze.
The trip was funded through a Look over the Farm Gate grant, part of a program designed to promote mental health and social connection among farmers. At the French Island General Store, the group enjoyed a long, leisurely lunch, a chance to relax, swap stories, and talk through the wellbeing booklets and conversation starters provided.
The trip was funded through a Look over the Farm Gate grant, part of a program designed to promote mental health and social connection among farmers. At the French Island General Store, the group enjoyed a long, leisurely lunch, a chance to relax, swap stories, and talk through the wellbeing booklets and conversation starters provided.
Adding a practical note to the day, Darren from Healthguard First Aid Training Services delivered an entertaining and informative session on first aid in farm settings, with a special focus on heart health and quick response in emergencies. His mix of facts and humour drew plenty of laughs and some thoughtful nods.
By mid-afternoon it was time to head back to the barge. As the group watched the island fade into the distance, the consensus was unanimous: the trip had been a tonic. “It reminded us what community really means,” one farmer remarked. “Different island, same spirit.”
Back at Corinella, the weary but happy travellers dispersed toward Kernot, still chatting about what they’d seen, and already talking about where the next farmers lunch adventure might take them.
By mid-afternoon it was time to head back to the barge. As the group watched the island fade into the distance, the consensus was unanimous: the trip had been a tonic. “It reminded us what community really means,” one farmer remarked. “Different island, same spirit.”
Back at Corinella, the weary but happy travellers dispersed toward Kernot, still chatting about what they’d seen, and already talking about where the next farmers lunch adventure might take them.