17 WGCMA – 25 Years & More to come

25 YEARS

& MORE TO COME

In 1997, the Spice Girls were topping the charts, Jeff Kennett was Premier of Victoria, we lost Lady Di and Michael Hutchence, climate change wasn’t even a thing, $178,000 was the average price of a house in Melbourne and the iconic movie The Castle was released.

It was also the year when ten Catchment Management Authorities (CMA) were created around Victoria – including in West Gippsland - to work with community, landholders and partners to protect, improve and enhance the region’s rivers. Originating from River Management Trusts, this was not only a change in name and management structure, but also a philosophical shift to work together to care for whole catchments from the mountains to the sea.

Kae Densley has been with West Gippsland CMA from the start and recalled her first day with a laugh: “I started in the tariff office when all rateable properties received notices for the new CMA structure and I had to field the calls.”

People were asking why, when they paid their water supply bills, they also had an extra $25 charge. “I had to explain that we were here for the environment, not the water supply. I was definitely thrown in the deep end. That night my boss rang to ask if I was ok and if I was coming back tomorrow,” laughed Kae. Rod Johnson came to the CMA from the River Improvement Trust: “When I started, we planted willows to stabilise banks, but then began removing them to build fences and plant native trees. So, our work was mainly willow removal and flood recovery,” said Rod.

CMAs brought about a new philosophy of integrated catchment management – to improve wetlands and biodiversity. This whole of catchment thinking was a great move for the environment.

“The 25-year mark is a milestone to measure our work and most importantly acknowledge the many hundreds of landholders and thousands of community members who have been with us along the way in working to improve our waterways,” said CEO of the WGCMA, Mr Martin Fuller.

Over the 25 years there have been droughts, bushfires and major floods such as in 2007 and 2019. CMAs play a key role in flood monitoring and mapping. Originally using paper maps and aerial photos, the process now is highly sophisticated utilising GIS modelling and incorporating predicted effects of climate change into the picture. In 2022, the CMA launched a community flood portal to publicly share this information.

Water monitoring Wreck Creek Estuary Bass Coast Landcare Network's Paul Spiers and Dave Bateman Working with community members at Powlett River.

Walking with landholders and community at the Agnes River

Deepening relationships with Traditional Owners has and continues to be a highlight.

“Working with Traditional Owners has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career and there are exciting times ahead for all of us on that front,” Martin Fuller said.

Reconnecting rivers to allow fish movement is one key legacy with the completion of the Thomson River Fishway and a new fishway in development on the Macalister. The delivery of water allocated for the environment has also allowed rivers and wetlands and the wildlife that relies on them to thrive.

OVER THE 25-YEAR JOURNEY

 More than 3.25 million trees have been planted.  Close to 0.75 million hectares of weeds have been removed.  1,500 kilometres of fencing installed along riverbanks.  Held 1,200 community events with over 26,000 participants, who have all contributed to improving the outcomes for waterways and the environment in West Gippsland.  Partnering and supporting Landcare has also helped to transform the landscape and improve the environmental values of the catchment and community. Other work includes flood recovery repairs and reinstatement of riverbanks, reinforcing river bends where erosion might occur and working with farmers to develop more efficient irrigation methods and improve water quality downstream into world renowned wetlands such as Corner Inlet and Gippsland Lakes.

"Looking back is useful, but the key is what we do in the future. Protecting and improving our environment is increasingly important for us all. The many landholders and community members we work with and even those who have never been to a CMA event, all want a better future for their children. One where they can swim in local rivers, catch fish off a riverbank and visit local sites of beauty and be confident those pastimes and sites are safe, protected and being managed sustainably,” concluded Martin Fuller.

So, here’s to an even better 25 years ahead for waterways in West Gippsland - we hope you’ll join us.

Follow the story www.wgcma.vic.gov.au

Matt Bowler, Team Leader – Project Delivery for WGCMA shows an area of revegetation along the Bass Coast Rail Trail. Guided canoe tour for community is a grest way to explore the catchment.

Wreck Creek Estuary

Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College

FAITH IN THEIR FUTURE

Education is progressing at an ever-increasing rate. Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College is committed to constant review supported by data and research, to ensure best practice in contemporary learning in order to engage and connect our students in learning. It is our aim to assist all students in developing the confidence and competence as well as the relevant skills and aptitudes they need to enter the world as good Christians and ethical global citizens.

Our students are engaged in a learning environment that is real and purposeful, that embraces 21st century learning pedagogies and technologies. All key learning areas use teaching, learning and assessment styles that draw on each child’s strengths. By the time each student is entering the Senior School, they will have been provided with the opportunity and support to reflect on his or her special interests and abilities in order to identify the ideal pathway towards further study or career opportunities.

The Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Vision Statement speaks clearly of our strong desire to build partnerships with families as together we nurture our students as they develop within a child safe environment.

It is in the spirit of collaboration that we warmly invite you to consider Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College as you discern the next stage in your child’s educational journey.

All enquiries are welcome.

Principal: Mr John Freeman Phone: 03 5662 4255 115 Horn Street Leongatha www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au

WE NEVER COMPROMISE PREMIUM QUALITY & SAFETY STANDARDS

CPK McLaren MotorBody is recognised as one of the State’s leading Automotive Repair Facilities, one of only 5 Regional Finalists over 3 years in the VACC Industry Awards Best Body Repairer, Passenger Vehicle Category.

UTILISING THE LATEST

Environmentally friendly automotive refinishing technologies. Diagnostic, Fault discovery & Safety Restraint System equipment.

 ALL VEHICLES INCLUDING PRESTIGE  CLAIMS ASSISTANCE  GENUINE VEHICLE PARTS ONLY  GENUINE CAR GLASS & WINDSCREEN REPLACEMENT ONLY  24 HOUR TOWING  COMPANY FLEET VEHICLES

insurance claims assistance

Phillip Island & San Remo Index

131 ALEX SCOTT AND STAFF – Real Estate from the mountains to the sea 28 BOWENS PHILLIP ISLAND – Tradeperks when you shop with Bowens 28 CAPE WOOLAMAI FOOD & LIQUOR EXPRESS – The local supermarket 29 COWES BAZAAR – Bohemian style comes to Phillip Island 38 – 39 DAIKIN AIRCONDITIONING – The best air everywhere 22 – 23 DESTINATION PHILLIP ISLAND – Be inspired at Phillip Island 33 FINDING THE GRAIN – Handcrafted, reclaimed timber furniture 33 HER SKIN SPA – Check out the day spa! 25 ISLAND SHOES – Cabello comfort for summer 28 LATTITUDE TRADING – Great range of giftware 25 NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS MUSEUM – Learn about our history 21 NEWHAVEN COLLEGE – Limited places available in 2023 40 – 41 NEWHAVEN COLLEGE – A new era for Newhaven College 24 PHILLIP ISLAND RSL – A family friendly modern venue with great food 30 – 32 SAN REMO FISHERMAN’S CO-OP Learn about the history of the co-op 26 – 27 SILVERWATERS VINEYARD – Order wine online, free local delivery 35 THE WESTERNPORT – Famous San Remo Hotel popular all year round 34 THE WOOLI TAVERN – Family friendly restaurant with Courtesy Bus 36 – 37 WILDLIFE COAST CRUISES – From Phillip Island to the Prom

SUMMER OF FUN

OVER THE BRIDGE AND A WORLD AWAY, ESCAPE TO PHILLIP ISLAND THIS SUMMER.

If the idea of breathtaking coastal views, unique wildlife and outdoor adventures sounds good to you, it might be time to add Phillip Island to the top of your to do list this summer. This island sanctuary is ready and waiting to help you reconnect with nature — especially now that the warmer months have arrived.

Phillip Island is known for its beautiful beaches, and plenty of water activities are on offer to keep you cool this summer! Join a Pioneer Kayaking Tour and witness the sheer beauty of Cape Woolamai’s cliffs. Learn to surf with Island Surfboards at Smiths Beach or go snorkelling, scuba diving or sea scootering with Ocean Adventures.

If you prefer to stay on top of the water, take a cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises, an adrenaline-filled boat tour with Ocean Adventures or go in search of a big catch with a fishing charter with T-Cat Charters. Get a bird’s-eye-view of the island’s spectacular coastline on a scenic helicopter flight, take a drive out to the Nobbies to discover the cliffside boardwalks or visit one of the beautiful seaside hamlets such as Cowes, Rhyll, San Remo and Newhaven.

If you are yearning to experience more of Phillip Island’s unique wildlife and nature, embark on one of the many coastal or bush walks, watch the famous little penguins waddle in at sunset, the seals play at seal rocks or spot wallabies in the wild.

There is nothing quite like enjoying a delicious ice cream or a cold drink overlooking the ocean on a hot summer's day. Being surrounded by 360° of coastline means that Phillip Island offers some unique attractive spots to enjoy a range of summer flavours. From homemade gelato from Isola Gelato, or an icy cold beer from one of the many breweries and pubs such as Ocean Reaching Brewing, Phillip Island Brewing Co, North Pier Hotel, Westernport or San Remo Hotel. A cocktail at Kelp, The Tipsy Cowe, Saltwater Phillip Island or Hotel Phillip Island, or a crisp glass of wine from Phillip Island Winery, Purple Hen Winery or Grenache Wine Bar.

Wondering what’s on this summer? Don’t forget to check out our events page at visitphillipisland.com.au/events for the latest live gigs, live music, festivals, markets and more!

*Before a day at the beach, remember to swim at a beach patrolled by lifesavers and between the red and yellow flags.

BE INSPIRED AT

PHILLIP ISLAND RSL A VENUE FOR ALL OF LIFE’S OCCASIONS

BIRTHDAYS | CHRISTENINGS | ANNIVERSARIES | WEDDINGS | CONFERENCES | MEETINGS | WAKES

FAMILY FRIENDLY AND FULLY ACCESSIBLE | KIDS PLAY AREA OPEN DAILY MENU FEATURES HEALTHY CHOICE OPTIONS CATERS FOR VEGETARIANS, VEGANS, GLUTEN FREE | SENIORS AND KIDS MENUS AVAILABLE

OPENING HOURS PHILLIP ISLAND RSL VENUE: OPEN 7 DAYS 10.00AM TO LATE BISTRO: LUNCH AND DINNER BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL LUNCH: FROM 12.00PM DINNER – SEATING TIMES: FROM 5.30PM

Cape Woolamai Food & Liquor Express

Address: 2/2 Vista Place, Cape Woolamai Vic 3925 | Open: 7 days per week 6.30am – 9.00pm Groceries, Bottleshop, Newspapers, Fishing Bait, Gas Bottles, Ice and Firewood

GREAT RANGE OF GIFTWARE BY ROBERT GORDON, LEATHER GOODS, HOMEWARES, CLOTHING, JEWELLERY, CANDLES, HANDBAGS, GIFTS, AND BABY WEAR

139 MARINE PARADE SAN REMO VIC 3925 | TEL: 03 5678 5122 | OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK - 10.00AM – 5.00PM lattitudetrading.com.au Like us on face book

FISH FEAST A STRONG LURE

POOLING RESOURCES MORE THAN 70 YEARS AGO PROVED THE SPRINGBOARD TO SUCCESS FOR THE SAN REMO FISHERMAN’S CO-OP, BUT LIKE MOST OTHER ENTERPRISES IT HAS HAD TO EVOLVE AND ADAPT OVER TIME.

WORDS BY CHRIS WEST | PHOTOS BY DOUG PELL

Smart travellers heading to Phillip Island take a last-minute detour off the highway just before the bridge at San Remo. The reward for the sidetrack to the journey is to sample any of the seafood delights on offer at the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op located beside the jetty at the end of Marine Parade. You can’t miss it.

As well as being famous for serving the best fish and chips in town, the Co-op is also renowned for the daily pelican feeding and educational talk on the water’s edge at 12 noon. This long-established tradition is always a popular attraction amongst visitors of all ages.

The San Remo Fisherman’s Co-operative was established by a collection of like-minded local commercial fisherman in 1948.

“At that time there was a growing fishing fleet based out of San Remo and they decided to pool their resources for their mutual benefit,” explains San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op General Manager, Paul Mannix.

“The Co-op arrangement worked effectively across many aspects of their business needs including ice production, fuel, transportation, and bulk purchases of bait and gear.”

The original Co-op building, which provided freezer storage space, was also constructed in 1948 on the same site where the current premises stand.

Over the ensuing 74 years, the building has been upgraded and replaced on three separate occasions. The showpiece of the modern complex that welcomes a steady flow of visitors today is the fish and chip restaurant offering indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the San Remo jetty. Also located in adjacent sections of the building are the Co-op’s seafood processing plant, along with an Information & Educational Centre and a ticket kiosk for boat tours offered by Wildlife Coast Cruises. The tour company is operated by John Dickie, a current member and former Chairman and Board member of the Co-op.

But the primary port of call within the Co-op complex is undoubtedly the fish and chip restaurant which is open daily from 10.30am to 8.00pm. Visitors can select from a delicious menu of classic Aussie fish and chips cooked to order for immediate consumption or alternatively purchase freshly caught seafood processed within the Co-op to take home.

“Our fish & chippery and fresh seafood counter focuses on sustainable fresh seafood sourced from our own fleet of fish and lobster vessels,” Paul states.

Amongst the variety of seafood options at the Co-op, the first choice of many customers is gummy shark (flake), a perennial favourite in most Victorian fish and chip shops which is generally considered the Rolls Royce of flake. Anyone who has tasted the gummy shark at the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op will attest to its sublime quality and flavour.

But the choices only begin, not end there. Catches of snapper, flathead, whiting, duckfish (boarfish) and many other fish from the local boats are also always popular with Co-op customers. Although availability can vary according to season and weather, some of the other appetizing options include Southern Rock Lobster, Bass Strait scallops, Victorian abalone and oysters.

It is also highly recommended to time any visit to the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op to coincide with the daily pelican feeding session at 12 noon.

The local population of wild spectacled pelicans, which can vary anywhere between five to thirty-five birds, gather beside the jetty to eagerly feast on a meal of fresh fish fed to them by an expertly trained volunteer staff member who provides an informative and educational talk to the watching audience in the process. This activity has been provided free of charge by San Remo Co-op since 1985.

The waters around the San Remo jetty are also home to a large resident stingray family often spotted by keen-eyed visitors, which adds a further layer of interest to look out for.

Whilst many of the traditions at the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op have remained constant over the years, some aspects of its operation have altered over time to maintain its financial longevity.

“The fundamental principles of the Co-op haven’t changed over the years, in that it still primarily exists for the shareholder members to supply them with their needs to operate their commercial fishing businesses,” Paul states.

“However, with the fishing fleet smaller today than what it was originally, the Co-op has evolved its operation over time into tourism and hospitality, with a focus on the fish and chip restaurant which has become our driving economic force. The economic benefits we derive from tourism and hospitality are put back into the Co-Op to keep supporting the members.”

At present, the Co-op comprises 27 members, the vast majority of whom are active commercial fisherman, with the remainder being a handful of retired fishermen who wish to maintain an involvement with the body through volunteer work.

“Most of our members are gummy shark fishermen, but we do have some cray fishermen, scallop fishermen, octopus fishermen, wrasse fishermen and a couple of guys doing trawl fishing,” Paul observes.

Staff numbers at the Co-op swell to a peak of around 35 during Summer, with Paul having overseen the operation in the role of General Manager since 2015. A Phillip Island resident for the past 30 years, he previously established and operated the former Rhyll Trout Farm for several years. One of the initiatives Paul has undertaken since arriving at the Co-op was creating the honour board of all 184 past and present members which is now on prominent display in the restaurant.

“When we were looking to list all the names for the honour board, we had an incomplete record of some shareholders in an old share certificate book, but the main list had been lost some years prior in unusual circumstances despite having been kept in the Co-op safe,” Paul recalls.

“The problem arose when the son of the previous General Manager decided to break in and steal the safe. He took it to nearby bushland and tried to blow it open with explosives. He succeeded in opening it but also destroyed all the contents in the safe in the process. “Needing to somehow find the missing names for our honour board, we put the word out to the members and as luck would have it the wife of one of the retired fishermen still had an old hand-written recipe book in her possession that unwittingly provided the answers to the puzzle we were trying to solve.

“The book had originally been an old Co-op ledger and the entries had all been written in pencil. The fisherman’s wife had rubbed out the ledger entries and replaced them with her recipe notes. But fortunately, if you looked closely enough, you could still see the names of the Coop fishermen. I spent hours looking at the pages in strong light. Thankfully, she hadn’t rubbed their names out completely.

“From that we were able to finalise the complete list, helped by the other records we already had in our possession and the input of several members who helped clarify the correct spelling of names found hidden in the recipe book which were at times difficult to decipher.

“We put the honour board up about four years ago. It provides a nice tribute to our members, and the families really appreciate seeing their father’s or grandfather’s name up on the wall.”

prawns,scallops,oysters, octopus & more…

featuring fresh gummy prawns,scallops,oysters, off the boatsoctopus & more…callops,oysters,prawns,scallops,oysters, 170 Marine Parade, San Remo Phone: 5678 5206 www.srfco.com.au featuring fresh gummy off the boats & more… fresh gummy octopus & more… featuring fresh gummy Pelican feeding Daily at noon ats 170 Marine Parade,off the boats San Remo Parade, Phone: 5678 5206 San Remo 170 Marine Parade, San Remo Phone: 5678 5206 www.srfco.com.auPhone: 5678 5206 co.com.auwww.srfco.com.au

FINDING THE GRAIN HANDCRAFTED TIMBER FURNTIURE

Finding The Grain is able to produce life lasting, hand crafted furniture created from reclaimed timber.

COMMISSION AND CUSTOM DESIGNS A SPECIALTY WITH ATTENTION TO CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS.

Salvaged from local demolition sites around Phillip Island, this timber has historically been sent to landfill. Finding The Grain is dedicated to reclaiming that timber, and not only reducing our carbon footprint, and allowing the timber to live on preserving nature’s history.

Beautiful furniture and home dressings are created on site from all types of magnificent timber Red Gum, Native hardwoods, Huon Pine, Jarrah - the list is endless.

Mark Davis 0418 355 148 | 40 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven VIC 3925 www.findingthegrain.com.au

FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT, BEER ON TAP, BEAUTIFUL LOCAL WINES, COCKTAILS AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

COURTESY BUS AVAILABLE | POOL TABLES AVAILABLE BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR AND INDOOR FACILITIES | ALL DAY DINING

LUNCH MENU FROM 11.30AM, ALL DAY DINING DINNER MENU FROM 5.30PM

THE WOOLI TAVERN

1 VISTA PLACE, CAPE WOOLAMAI VIC 3925 TEL: 03 5956 6836 FOR BOOKINGS www.thewoolitavern.com.au

WHERE COUNTRY HOSPITALITY MEETS CITY SMARTS

It’s the place where thongs, boat shoes and Blundstones come together, where ‘collars up’ is ok, but ‘no collar’ is better, where the beer glass has those little pearls of ice on the outside, and your favourite whisky winks at you from the top shelf. Where your favourite band plays their best set, while a bloke tries to tell you an over-exaggerated story of the one that got away.

WELCOME TO THE WESTERNPORT HOTEL – WHERE ELSE?

LIVE MUSIC | CRAFT BEER | PET FRIENDLY | BEST PARMA AROUND | KIDS ROOM | GREAT PRICE FOR ACCOMMODATION #WHEREELSE

IMAGES BY TOMMY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

THE WESTERNPORT HOTEL 161 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925 | info@thewesternport.com.au | www.thewesternport.com.au Tel: 03 5678 5205

SUMMER AT PHILLIP ISLAND

Phillip Island is the perfect summer destination where you can find endless things to do, discovering amazing beaches, hikes, nature, and wildlife, as well as plenty of entertainment and gastronomic delights.

Being an Island, one of the best ways to explore is with a Wildlife Coast Cruises tour, taking you on unique costal journeys. Head out on the water with a variety of short tours that are a suited to any age or interests.

For an incredible wildlife experience the Phillip Island Seal Cruise, takes you to visit the largest fur seal colony in Australia where there are always thousands of playful seals waiting to see you. Summer at the rocks is an interesting time as pups born from Oct - Dec can be spotted finding their feet and exploring their habitat in small rockpools and bleating at their mothers.

As well as Seal Rocks, there are lots of other stunning areas of Phillip Island to visit, Cape Woolamai being one of them. The cape is iconic for its towering granite cliffs, caves, and reminisce of the old granite quarry, all surrounded by impressive turquoise waters.

The Cape Cruise is a one-hour tour that takes you to view this scenic area and departs from the historic San Remo fishing village. After you return from your cruise make sure to try the delicious local Fisherman’s Co Op, fish n’ chips, using fresh flake straight off the boats.

In the evenings find yourself kicking back, enjoying a local wine and some delicious appetisers aboard an evening Sunset Cruise. Taking you across the bay viewing birdlife and watching the sun set along this alluring coastline.

Or if you’re in the mood for live music the Bay and Beats Cruise will keep you entertained boasting some excellent local talent as you take a tour around the bay.

There are so many fantastic options for cursing the Island, so make sure to get onboard this summer.

EXPERTS IN AIR CONDITIONING As specialists, air conditioning is all we do. We take pride in designing products that provide clean, efficient, and superior comfort in the places we live, work and play.

SPECIALIST DEALER NETWORK With over 450+ strong dealer network, Daikin is available through our Specialist Dealer network, who will assess, plan and install the right air conditioning solution for your home.

QUALITY AFTER SALES SUPPORT Our comprehensive range of services from our dedicated after sales support team will ensure the long term durability and keep your Daikin running smoothly for many years to come.

SENSITIVE CHOICE® APPROVED Daikin's split system air conditioners are approved by the National Asthma Council Australia Sensitive Choice® program, and are the only split systems that carry the blue butterfly symbol

WHY CHOOSE DAIKIN?

THE BEST AIR ANYWHERE

Find the right split system for your home and visualise with AR technology

1/60 Genista Street, San Remo 5678 5190 After hours commercial breakdown office@picra.com.au www.coastalrefrigandaircon.com.au

A New Era For

A breeding ground for leading scientists, artists, sporting greats and even a Hollywood superstar, Newhaven College is a humble high achiever.

Each one of the 915 prep to year 12 students is nurtured on a path to their own success, with passionate teachers, unrivalled facilities and a relatively new principal who considers himself blessed to be at the helm of Phillip Island’s educational heart.

After a national and international search, Tony Corr was appointed Principal at Newhaven College in 2021. His 25-year career in education included Deputy Head at Xavier College and Deputy Headmaster of Melbourne Grammar School, but setting down roots in South Gippsland has been something of a full circle moment for Tony.

In his teens, Tony had his first part time job at the Cowes fish ’n chip shop, with his parents owning a beach house on the Island for years and eventually retiring to the Island. Tony says he’s ‘thrilled’ to have joined the Newhaven community.

“It’s actually exceeded my expectations a little bit,” Tony explained. “I talk a lot to my colleagues in schools in Melbourne and they’ve got lots of challenges with enrolments and with such density of schooling but also around infrastructure, buildings.

“A lot of the older schools have their buildings falling down around them. There are different challenges compared to what I have. Here is a lot calmer and a bit more of a sanctuary. It’s a terrific lifestyle balance I think.”

Newhaven College has a vast and dynamic history. The initial idea for a secondary college on Phillip Island was floated in the late 70s by former Liberal Party deputy leader and Howard Government minister Peter Reith, who was a solicitor in Cowes at the time. In 1980 the dream of an independent, ecumenical, co-educational school was realised, with Newhaven College officially opening to 51 Year 7 and 8 students, on what would be known as the Boys Home Road Campus. Throughout the 80s and 90s came the addition of a Year 11 and 12 complex, a lab and more classrooms.

New land was purchased with many cycles of fundraising and expansion. In 1999 the primary school opened at the Boys Home Road site, and by the year 2000, the student population had risen to 400, as well as 40 staff. The building expansions and construction continued, with the opening of the Auditorium in 2001, Year 3 and 4 students commencing in 2002 and the creation of a new Technology Centre.

In 2004, 82 acres of land was purchased for future development – and it would eventually become the current Phillip Island Road Campus. From 2005 until 2018 a huge amount of work was undertaken to bring all year levels and buildings to the site.

“We can’t underrate how hard it is to move actual, physical locations of a school. And even though it was only a few hectares, there were a lot of years there, probably 15 years where the school straddled the two sites. So Senior School was at Boys Home Road and Junior and Middle Schools were here.”

The school has continued its physical growth, with a new Gymnasium, open air Amphitheatre, soccer pitch, tennis and hockey field, outdoor basketball and netball courts, cricket nets and Performing Arts Wing all coming to fruition in the last few years.

Newhaven College

WORDS BY ANITA BUTTERWORTH | PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY NEWHAVEN COLLEGE

“We’ve got this lovely environment alongside the geese and the wallabies, that our kids can grow up in. And I often say to prospective families, young people are a bit like nature. You need to water them, nourish them, give them a bit of space and light and they’ll grow and flourish. And that’s what we’re lucky enough to have here in a really safe environment.”

Students travel from as far as Tooradin and Tarwin Lower to attend Newhaven College, with some spending close to two hours journeying to and from school each day. Such is the reputation of the College.

“We’ve got a really good reputation when it comes to education and supporting young people’s pathways. We have a high number that want to go on to university and we’re really proud of our VCE results and that certainly opens those doors for them. But we’ve also got some very strong structures around those who want to go into the world of work or also apprenticeship. We offer both the Trade Skills Centre and other vocational pathways as well."

“The school is in a sweet spot because we feel we can provide personalised care. We know the young people really well. The huge majority of staff either have sent their children here or currently have their own kids here or are planning to bring their kids here.”

Newhaven College Alumni include assistant lecturer and postdoctoral research associate at Monash University's Bioethics Centre Dr Molly Johnston, sculptor Ricky Swallow, Olympian Drew Ginn, professional surfer Nicky Van Dijk and actor Liam Hemsworth. An incredible cross-section of talents and skills fostered in no small part by passionate staff.

“We’re very fortunate to have really long-serving staff in general, a number of schools during Covid have found their staffing resources thin out. We haven’t experienced that. I think people live here and it’s quite a stable environment. That’s a good thing in schools."

“Schools want stability, and they want certainty. We’re always looking to bring in innovation of course so we want to support the teachers as far as professional development and continue to further them. We continue the investment in the human as well as the physical structures. We want to attract really high calibre teachers, but we also want to develop our teachers to be the best that they can be.”

Newhaven College is without doubt a huge source of pride for Phillip Island and surrounds, with strong roots in the community, and a reputation for helping students follow their dreams. And Principal Tony Corr is well aware of the legacy he’s continuing.

“I’m a firm believer that learning and care go hand in hand. And there’s a saying that kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. I think more than ever, we’ve learnt a lot through Covid, but one thing we have really learnt is the importance of resilience of young people and the challenges they face around youth mental health.

“The more we can provide that investment in care with them, they’re better off academically and personally.”

Foster is the gateway to some of South Gippsland’s most spectacular attractions. Originally a gold mining town settled in the 1870s, it has grown into a bustling service centre, comfortably nestled in the foothills of Mount Hoddle and a short 20-minute drive from the entrance to Wilsons Promontory National Park.

The town is friendly and relaxed and features an eclectic mix of retail stores and eateries. Surrounded by dairy and grazing farms, Foster retains its country roots – people are happy to stop and have a chat – but it also has an emerging contemporary feel. Many artists live in or near Foster, and Stockyard Gallery in the centre of town regularly exhibits their works for the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike. Make sure you stop and check out the steampunk water fountain, located in the alley next to one of our local supermarkets. It’s a fun and artistic revamp of an everyday item.

Within town there is a lot to explore. Pearl Park is magnificent and is the perfect place to eat after you have picked up some lunch or morning tea from one of the many local eateries. Despite its location in the middle of town, it can be easily missed as it is neatly and politely tucked away. You can find it opposite the Visitor Information Centre and next to the public toilets.

In the middle of Pearl Park, you will find Stockyard Creek, which was the original name for Foster back when it was a resting place for drovers that were passing through the area. When gold was discovered in town in the 1870s it was renamed Foster. You can learn more about the town’s fascinating history at the Foster Museum, conveniently located opposite Pearl Park. Or if you would like to stretch your legs, enjoy Hayes Walk where you can view the site of Victory Mine – Foster’s largest gold mind during its modest gold rush era.

Foster is also fortunate to have a variety of farm fresh produce grown right on its doorstep. On the third Saturday of each month the Prom Country Farmers’ Market is held, providing an opportunity to buy fresh produce straight from the growers and producers. Our local eateries use these items to create tasty meals for you to enjoy which is a definite advantage of living in the heart of one of Victoria’s most important and diverse food bowls.

To complement the fresh produce, Foster is located near a number of great local wineries and is home to an award winning cidery that was recently crowned Gippsland’s ‘Business of the Year’.

Just out of town, on your way to Fish Creek, you will come across Mount Nicholl which is the start of the 45-minute return ‘Loader Walk’. The walk offers beautiful views from the lookout, as well as a variety of interesting flora, as you walk between Foster and Fish Creek through an area which is locally known as the Hoddle.

Foster is also a key stopping point on the Great Southern Rail Trail. From here you can walk or cycle to Fish Creek which is 12.4km along a particularly scenic, but slightly elevated with gentle inclines. Or you can travel to Toora, which is 10.2km on a mostly flat section which is more family friendly.

Of course, there are also so many attractions that are just a short drive from Foster itself, which makes the town the perfect base to explore what South Gippsland has to offer. Agnes Falls, the Long Jetty at Port Welshpool, Waratah Bay, Mount Fatigue and, of course, Wilsons Promontory National Park are all just a short drive away. There’s so much to do in and surrounding fabulous Foster.

If you would like to find out more about things to see and do, please drop-in to our local Visitor Information Centre in Foster or contact the team on 1800 630 704. The team are passionate about South Gippsland and love helping visitors create exciting itineraries.

You can also find out more via our website visitsouthgippsland.com.au

THINGS TO DO IN FOSTER:

 Buy fresh food at the Prom Country Farmers’ Market (3rd Saturday of the month)  Embark on Hayes Walk and view the site of Victory Mine, Foster’s largest gold mine  Admire the views from Foster North lookout  View an array of artwork at Stockyard Gallery  Walk, ride or cycle the Great Southern Rail Trail  Visit local wineries or our nearby cidery  Grab a drink of water from our steampunk water fountain

THINGS TO DO NEARBY:

 Wilsons Promontory National Park (an easy 20-minute drive to the Park entrance)  Explore Agnes Falls waterfall or picnic in the scenic surrounds (20-minute drive)  View the eclectic array of art in nearby Fish Creek (12-minute drive)  Walk the 45-minute return Loader Walk which starts at Mount Nicoll. The walk showcases beautiful views from the lookout as well as an interesting array of flora as you walk between Foster and Fish Creek, an area known locally as the Hoddle (10-minute drive)