Experience the art of Peter Newton
The Under Water series is the latest work by artist Peter Newton.
Painting for the past 20 years, Peter’s art draws on his experience and memory of snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef.
Since his childhood Peter has been artistically influenced by the sea, as well as his love of surfing and the seasons.
Peter’s now a veteran of several solo and joint exhibitions locally, in Melbourne and interstate. He’s currently working on another exhibition for early in the new year.
Peter’s work can also be seen at peternewtonartist.com.

Go Mexican at Senior Manny’s Cantina
Enjoy a lively, ambient atmosphere with music and colourful furnishings at Senior Manny’s.
With a passion for Mexico, the restaurant’s owners have replicated cantinas they have visited on their Mexican holidays.
Dishes include Mexican ribs, chilli con carne, and a variety of soft tacos, nachos and salads.
The restaurant also retails Mexican items and memorabilia. Also, Sunday lunches are accompanied with live acoustic music.
Senior Manny’s is at shop 2A, 48-50 The Centreway, Lara, phone 5282 8960.

Check out Geelong Coast Kids magazine
GC’s sister publication is out now with all the information local parents of young kids will ever need.
With contributing editor Angie Hilton adding her fun flair to each edition, Geelong Coast Kids presents 40 glossy pages of stories and information on issues, ideas and activities targeted at young families.
The winter edition’s available to pick up free at hundreds of local child and family-orientated venues around Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast.
Parents can also check out the website and E-mag at geelongcoastkids.com.au or follow the GCK on Facebook.

Make a statement with hair colouring
Formerly hairdressing on Shannon Ave, Vicky Polyzos has opened Salon Meraki Colour Specialists at 77 Vines Road, Hamlyn Heights.
The salon specialises in colour, cutting and styling by Pureology, and offers L’Oreal-certified colouring specialists.
Permanent and semi-permanent colour options are available as well as ammonia-free treatments.
Blow waves and curling are also available, along with a variety of products including paraben and sulphate-free vegan shampoos and conditioners.
Men, women and children of all ages are welcome, with clients invited to choose from a range of teas and coffees while consulting Vicky.
Appointments are available by phoning 5298 3465 or visit salonmeraki.com.au or facebook.com/salonmerakics

Maintain your health and well-being
Shannon Avenue Chiropractic primary practitioner Dr Matthew Gooch has spent his life around therapy.
Following in the footsteps of his father’s 35 years in chiropractic, Dr Gooch has an emphasis on spinal health care and adjustments.
He can help patients with managing extremity complaints occuring due to injury, while his clinic also offers myotherapy.
Dr Gooch is passionate about helping patients achieve higher levels of health and well-being.
More information is available at shannonavechiro.com.au or by phoning 5221 2888.

Transform your kitchen with a new bench top
Replacing a bench top can create a lasting impression in the heart of any home.
Bench top expert Newgrove has a range of samples on display at its showroom in Breakwater, where all bench tops are made on site in a purpose-built factory.
A variety of styles and surfaces are available to choose from, with an emphasis on simplicity and clean lines.
More information is available at newgrovebenchtops.com or by phoning 5248 7101.

Arrive at the movies in style
The Murrell Group is offering a movie-night special for GC readers: two tickets to Reading Cinemas with pick-up and return in Murrell’s super-stretch limousine on a Tuesday night for just $220.
Conditions apply, so readers should contact Murrells to take up this luxurious night at the movies.
More information is available by phoning 5278 9699 or emailing murrellgroup@bigpond.com

Book in at Parkwood Motel
Parkwood motel and Apartments has a special offer for GC readers: book direct with the motel and receive 10 per cent off.
Early check-in and later 11am check-outs are available with prior approval, while a free continental breakfast is included daily for each guest.
Recent upgrades offer new seating areas outside the rooms, overlooking the central outdoor swimming pool.
Parkwood Motel and Apartments is at 8 Lilly Street, North Geelong, phone 5278 5477 or email reservations@parkwoodmotel.com.au

Geelong’s “Cubby Kings” can build so much more for local yards, according to the managing director of Aarons Outdoor Living Geelong.
Mark Zimmer says his team can make almost anything from treated pine, including garden sheds, Bali huts, pergolas, outdoor furniture, dog kennels and even chicken coops.
Aarons’ storage workshops are also popular, Mark notes.
“People use them for all sorts of things – gymnasiums, painting studios, music rooms and more.”
Meeting council and building regulations, Aarons can also customise the workshops’ timber door and window positions and modular designs.
Aarons Outdoor Living offers free site inspections to make the best use of space in backyards, childcare centres, holiday parks, sporting clubs and even retirement homes.
The Geelong team also offers free site inspections with friendly customer service and high quality workmanship on all installations.
Company founder Aaron Giddings began his dream transforming backyards 25 years ago when he started building dog kennels in his parents’ carport.
“I’m proud Aarons is the leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian backyard products,” he says.
“We deliver exceptional products and service, at an affordable price. That’s my promise.
“I know you’ll enjoy your Aarons Outdoor Living experience.”

Sticky pork ribs is one of the popular new dishes on the menu at Senor Manny’s Cantina.
The sticky pork ribs are cooked slowly and glazed with citrus and tequila.
The ribs are served on a bed of sweet potato mash and accompanied with a refreshing mandarin side-salad with a citrus and cumin dressing.
Vegie and bean burrito is another new dish winning fans at Senor Manny’s.
Combining corn, carrot, onion, capsicum, jalapenos, black beans and cheese, the dish is first baked in a wheat tortilla.
The burrito is then topped with the cantina’s special sauce and sour cream before being served on a bed of Mexican rice.
Senor Manny’s Cantina is at shop 2A 48/50 The Centreway, Lara, phone 5282 8960.

Salon Meraki Colour Specialists is the newest addition to the growing strip of shops on Vines Road at Hamlyn Heights.
Since opening the salon in early November, owner Vicky Polyzos has been enjoying the salon’s daily growth and expansion.
“My dream has finally come true,” Vicky says.
“Since becoming an apprentice in 2006 and starting my apprenticeship at Chez la Rae in Waurn Ponds I’ve always wanted to own and operate my own salon.”
Vicky has worked in several salons in and around Geelong during the span of her career.
Now she is happy to have a “warm and welcoming” place to call her own and to which she can invite her clients and friends.
“I am very grateful to have a strong following over my 11 years in this fun and competitive industry – my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.”
Vicky always kept a strong relationship with her “beloved” brand, L’Oreal over the years. She’s a certified L’Oreal colour specialist and stocks a wide range of its products such as Majirel, INOA and Richesse colours, including their styling ranges.
Vicky also prides herself on stocking Pureology retail products, which are paraben and sulphate-free as well as vegan and 100 per cent recyclable.
“I’m always current with the latest trends and fashions. I love my work and I love what I do.
“I feel that being able to cut, colour and style someone’s hair is a personal sensation that requires trust and respect.”
More information about Vicky’s services is available by phoning Salon Meraki on 5298 3465, visiting salonmeraki.com.au or following her on Facebook at facebook.com/salonmerakics

When choosing a kitchen bench top “it pays to do your research,” says Newgrove Benchtops owner Sean Blood.
“The kitchen is often the heart of the home and the choice of a bench top surface can have a lasting impression by transforming your kitchen to a stylish family hub,” he advises.
“The bench top is likely to shape the rest of your kitchen choices, usually complementing the flooring, cabinetry, splash back, sink accessories and appliances.
“Being a feature piece, we find that people come in to our bench top showroom before even deciding on other elements of their kitchen.”
Whether it’s industrial, rustic, modern, or contemporary, there’s a design to suit any look, but choosing the right bench top means more than just considering the aesthetic appeal, Sean explains.
“Your budget may determine whether you go for natural stone such as marble or granite which can be very expensive in comparison to laminate, one of the more cost-effective options.
“Laminate is made with layers of paper and resin over particle board, and options include imitation stone and timbers, to high gloss, sleek matte and textured finishes and offers something suitable for every interior.”
“Most stone bench tops products are produced in standard sheet sizes of 3000 by 1400 metres, so anything longer will require a join.”
For a seamless look, Sean suggests the option of a solid surface because it can be joined inconspicuously.
“Solid surfacing is an acrylic resin with a filler of alumina. The brand Corian is used most often and can be thermo-formed for special design needs and some colours can be back-lit due to its translucency,” Sean explains.
“Corian also gives the ability to mould your kitchen sink in the same seamless piece as your bench top.
“If you’re looking for a black kitchen, the Fenix NTM uses nanotech super matt-material. It has an incredible resistance to scratches and abrasion and, best of all, doesn’t show fingerprints.”
A range of bench tops and samples are on display at the Newgrove Showroom at 68 Leather Street Breakwater. Open 6.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

The Murrell family has been providing wedding transportation since 1964.
The family originally operated with a black-taxi wedding vehicle but now has a full suite of limousines and buses.
Options for wedding transportation include an “amazing” super-stretch Chrysler 300 limousine, says owner Daryl Murrell.
“I estimate that we have already co-ordinated over 2000 weddings across the history of the Murrell Chauffeur Drive,” Daryl said.
“Murrell Chauffeur Drive remains as committed as ever to delivering excellent weddings.”
Seating 10 passengers, the current Super Stretch limousine includes a range of features including three LCD screens playing an up-to-date selection of music videos.
“I attribute the longevity of the company to treating each and every wedding as our own and always being prepared to listen to every diverse requirement we receive from our wide range of wedding customers,” Daryl says.
The Murrell Group’s variety of vehicles is suitable for bridal parties, wedding guests, hen’s nights, nights out, restaurant trips and airport transfers.
The company also offers air-conditioned buses including 13 and 24 seaters along with a “deluxe” 24-seat mini-bus.
Darryl says The Murrell Group also has new developments in the pipeline “to meet the needs of even more Geelong residents in the future”.
More information is available under the Murrell Chauffeur Drive section on murrell.com.au or by phoning 0425 798 138 or 5278 9699.

Seafood Bouillabaisse

2 onions, finely diced.
3 carrots, finely diced.
1/2 head celery, finely diced.
2 leeks, finely diced.
1 tbsp chilli, finely sliced.
1 tbsp garlic, finely crushed.
5 potatoes, finely diced.
1g saffron threads.
1 tspn fennel seeds.
2 bay leaves.
1 tspn paprika.
Salt and pepper to taste.
2 litres fish stock.
1 ltr Napoli (whole crushed tomatoes).
Olive oil.

1. In a large pot heat up 1/2 cup oil.
2. Add garlic, chillies, paprika, fennel seeds, saffron into pot. Cook until golden. Add onion and celery, cook for two minutes. Add carrot, leek and potato. Cook for a further five minutes. Add fish stock and Napoli with bay leaves and simmer on low heat until vegetables are soft.
3. When serving, add desired seafood to pot with above mix and cook until seafood is cooked through. Serve with fresh herbs and crusty bread.

Photos: Louisa Jones

From impoverished migrants running a humble grocer to Australia’s largest horticultural company, the Costa family has cemented its place in Geelong history.
Frank Costa speaks to Luke Voogt about the family’s journey facing down Melbourne’s ‘Mafia’, managing massive supply chains and saving Geelong Football Club from disaster.

Business and produce runs in the Costas’ blood – a quality not lost on the family’s prolific son Frank.
“I love business and I love working with people,” the 79-year-old says.
For about 200 years the Costas grew vines on the Italian island of Salina. Both Frank’s grandparents migrated from the island to Australia in the late 1800s.
His mother’s side of the family established Geelong Covent Garden – the produce store where the Costas’ fortunes began – while his grandfather on his father’s side returned to the island in 1895.
In 1909 his grandmother Anna unexpectedly gave birth at age 43 to their last child Antonino in Salina.
“I was lucky he was conceived too or I wouldn’t be here either,” Frank says.
In 1926 a 16-year-old ‘Nino’, later Tony, would join his older brothers Mick and Joe in Geelong, who had migrated to support the family.
In the mid-1930s he married Mary Picone, and he and Joe purchased the Geelong Covent Garden. In 1938 Mary gave birth to Francis – later shortened to Frank.
When the store was struggling it was Mary’s investigation that returned it to prosperity.
She left Frank in-pram in the shopfront and “could hardly see” for cigarette smoke when she confronted a bunch of card-playing, wine-drinking Italians grocers in the kitchen.
“She had a shocking temper my mother,” Frank says.
“She just walked over to the table and she grabbed the rug that the cards and everything was on and just ripped it up.”
Frank sold newspapers at age 11, recruiting three boys off the waiting list to take advantage of pubs sales while he protected his “good corner”.
“I started to learn the value of getting the best kids,” he says.
At age 12 Frank returned to working at the store, finishing at 10pm most nights. He says the long hours after school “conditioned” him for the years ahead.
“You have to be prepared to work hard if you want to be successful.”
In 1955 Tony returned to Salina and 17-year-old Frank and younger brother Adrian were determined to beat their father’s figures in his absence.
“And we did,” Franks says.
Their efforts attracted the attention of Myer, who offered them rights to operate the produce section of its new Geelong property. But Tony rejected the deal.
“I just couldn’t understand it,” Frank says.
So Frank and Adrian decided either to leave the business or buy it off their father.
“My father got terribly upset when I told him that. He came back with a compromise a couple weeks later.”
Tony offered to sell his sons one half of the business when Frank turned 21 and the other when Adrian did. Frank agreed for the sake of “peace and family unity”.
Business took off under the brothers with Adrian travelling to the Queen Victoria Market early in the morning for produce.
“He would get very sharp prices for very high quality prices,” Frank says.
Their success prompted an angry delegation of local greengrocers to visit the store with Frank’s father.
“We killed the industry in Geelong,” Frank says.
“We absolutely ripped it apart we dropped prices and caused them to lose business.
“They’d all worked together for so many years – I think they’d call it collusion today. I said Dad that’s absolute bulldust, that’s not the way you run business.”
When Coles were looking to expand into the “new fandangle” supermarket business in 1965, the brothers jumped at the opportunity, says Frank.
“We knocked on their door – a couple of cheeky young blokes – and said we’ve got the answers to your fresh produce needs for the western half of Victoria.”
The Costas grew on the supermarket’s “coat tails”, but not without setbacks.
Tragedy struck in 1972 when Adrian and wife Mary died in a car crash. Frank took on younger brothers Anthony, Kevin and Robert as full partners of the business.
In 1980 Frank’s decision to open a state-of-the-art distribution centre in Corio almost ruined them, when the Coles took over its own buying.
“Suddenly I had this huge bloody distribution centre and no business and just big debts to the bank,” he says.
The Costas saved the business when they won a contract to supply the Payless Group. They moved the operation to Footscray and found tenants for the Corio centre.
In 1990, Coles suspected it was paying inflated prices for its produce and contracted the Costas to clean up the corruption.
A seemingly deliberate fire at the Costas’ distribution centre, a baseball-bat bashing of a Coles manager and a shotgun attack on another manager followed shortly after.
The Costas received multiple death threats and Frank remembers when chief buyer Anthony relayed a message: return to the previous seller or there would be “a bullet for you”.
He sent Anthony back to tell “those bastards” if they harmed “a single hair” of the Costas, it would be revisited double upon the perpetrators and their families.
“That was a bluff,” Frank later admits.
“But I knew they didn’t know that and I knew that’s the language that they bloody think in.
“Anyway that worked and dropped it off. The rest is history and we did help clean up the Coles mess.”
Frank’s business success led to an invitation in 1996 to join the board of the Geelong Football Club, which was struggling through major financial difficulties.
“I was in love with those blue and white hoops from when I was a kid,” he says.
In 1998 the board unanimously elected Frank as president, who focused on getting the “best sports administrator in the country”, Brian Cook.
Cook joined in 1999 and Frank still regards him as “Geelong’s best recruit since 1859”.
“Then it became fun,” he says.
Geelong has won three premierships since and while Frank retired from the presidency, he and his brothers are still involved in their beloved club.
The brothers contributed $3 million to the recently-completed Charles Brownlow Stand, which brought the stadium’s capacity up to 34,000.
Frank remains eternally grateful to the city which made his career and provided opportunities for all of his eight daughters.
“Geelong owes me nothing and I still owe Geelong.”

Queenscliff’s Seaview Gallery is inviting arts patrons in from the cold this winter.
Renowned for a spectacular array of displays including paintings, glass, ceramics and jewellery, the gallery has a particularly busy and exciting exhibition calendar.
From 15 July to 6 August the gallery present’s Kate Smith’s The Enchanted Doll collection.
The small, exclusive exhibition features many aspects of Smith’s visionary fantasy with a touch of whimsy.
The Enchanted Doll features presents dolls in controlled poses and glances through a unique mix of pastel, graphite pencil, and dry lustre pigments for a distinctive, shimmering aura and dreamlike qualities.
Each purchase of the original works comes with a complementary cloth doll, handmade by Smith.
Following Smith’s collection launch, Seaview regular Emma Hack returns for a talk and high tea to present her new work, from 2pm to 4.30pm on 16 July.
La Salle a Manger, adjoining the gallery, will host the high tea, with bookings essential.
Hack will speak about her new geometric work, featuring full body sculptures.
The event costs $45 a head, including a glass of bubbly.
Paul Evans presents A Place So Real from 12-31 August.
Seaview is looking forward to this extraordinary artist’s exhibition, with Evans’ work described as visually dynamic, beautifully balanced and immensely evocative.
Evans is represented in numerous private collections in Australia and overseas.
To celebrate the arrival of spring, Seaview will present a Georgie Gall exhibition from 9 September to 1 October.
Gall’s beautiful landscapes are celebrated for their beautiful textures and distinctive style.
More information about Seaview is available by phoning the gallery at 86 Hesse Street, Queenscliff, on 5258 3645.

Dr Matthew Gooch has brought a lifetime interest in chiropractic to Manifold Heights.
“I’ve been surrounded by chiropractic my whole life and my father has been in practice for the past 35 years,” Matthew says.
Now he’s followed in his father’s footsteps as owner of Shannon Avenue Chiropractic for the past year.
“Currently I’m the primary practitioner, being a chiropractor. My partner, Hannah, and I run the practice together”.
Hannah works as the clinic’s chiropractic assistant and practice manager.
“I run a lot of the day-to-day dealings of the business,” she says.
“I manage our social media platforms and marketing, answer the phone, take payments and am also here to greet all the patients and ensure we provide a comforting and welcoming environment.”
Matthew has an occupational health background, previously managing workplace injuries in Melbourne.
“We’ve made the transition down to Geelong into a private practice. The business is really growing and we’re passionate about the area.
“We also live at the clinic in Manifold Heights. We live at the front and the clinic is located at the back.
“As a chiropractor our emphasis is on spinal health care and spinal adjustments and we also help our patients manage extremity complaints that can occur due to injury during exercise, working environments and day-to-day life.
“Conditions of the spine, spinal pain, and spinal disorders are first and foremost what we treat.”
Matthew says chiropractic treatments can benefit patients without having to use surgery or medication.
“I really like the fact we can see a difference in people’s pain straight away without too much intervention.
“We’re really passionate about what we do.”
Shannon Avenue Chiropractic is at 53 Shannon Avenue, Geelong West. More information is available by phoning 5221 2888 or by visiting shannonavechiro.com.au

Words: Luke Voogt Pictures: Joseph van der Hurk

Nobody believes Batesford bonsai enthusiast Paul Buttigieg when he tells them he’s 70.
Paul reckons his horticulture hobby has pruned years from his life, along with never having smoked a packet of cigarettes.
“There’s no question about – it’s made me feel younger,” he says.
“Everyone’s got to have a hobby that takes their mind off the pressures of life and makes them enjoy being alive – for me that’s Bonsai.”
Paul has a “glass half-full” attitude to life, despite a failed business in 1990 and the death of his second child Sarah in 1973.
“That’s how footy players play – it’s all above the shoulders. It’s the same with life.”
The only time Paul feels his age is after a full day in the garden, mowing and tending his vegie patch.
Paul grows broad beans, carrots, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, broccoli, cabbage and silver beet on his rural property, along with a dozen herbs.
But his collection of bonsai is what makes his garden unique.
The IT salesman got hooked on the art of pruning in 2009 when his four children bought him a bonsai course for Father’s Day.
It was there Paul acquired his first juniper, which he has lovingly tended since.
“I can proudly say it is still alive and thriving,” he says. “Often people lose their first tree.”
Paul’s collection has since bloomed, and pruning, wiring and weeding his bonsais is a welcome meditative escape.
“When I’m with the trees I forget the hustle and bustle of life,” he says.
“Time stands still. By the time I’ve finished all the stress is gone.”
Paul is president of the Geelong Bonsai Club, which has members ranging in age from early twenties to a 90-year-old.
“We’re from all industries and walks of life – we’ve all been bitten by the bonsai bug.”
Despite his hundred or so plants, Paul is not the greenest thumb in the club, which has been going since 1986.
“About 20 of us have got serious, fantastic collections – and I’d be in the 15 to 20 mark.”
“A few eat and breathe bonsai. But they’re very secretive and protective of their collections because some of trees are very expensive and occasionally thieves pinch them.
“You can imagine the grief that’s caused.”
The idea that bonsais are difficult to maintain is a myth, Paul says.
“We’re more than happy to help people start from scratch.”
Paul features on The Pulse’s Dig It radio gardening program one Sunday a month.
“When I started eight years ago I was on every week but my wife Mary cracked the s**ts that we didn’t go out to breakfast any more.”
Now four pairs of gardeners appear on the show, covering subjects ranging from permaculture to the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
“She actually did the program a favour,” Paul says with grin.
To find out more about the club email geelong@bonsai.org.au

By Luke Voogt

Matthew Jelley has gone from struggling with confidence to being “a demon” on the mic since becoming the front man for Modern Divide.
The withdrawn 30-year-old from Thompson describes being lead singer as “ironic”.
“It’s something I wouldn’t think I’d be able to do with my confidence,” he says during practice at the band’s recording studio.
The long-time guitarist played with another local band, Oceans Collide, from 2005 and 2010.
But when they split he decided to put together his own group.
“There’s a lot of guitarists in Geelong but I couldn’t find a singer,” he says.
“So I thought I’d do it myself.”
In early 2015, after two years of singing lessons, Matt contacted friend and guitarist Josh Dowling – now Modern Divide’s resident “ideas man”.
“We’ve all known each other a long time,” Josh says.
Josh had been working on a new guitar sequence at the time.
“The band started on that riff,” he says.
“I sent it to Matt and it kind of went from there.”
It’s a formula that stuck, says bass guitarist and “perfectionist” Keaton Marin, who met Matt at Geelong High School in 1998.
“Usually Josh will come up with a riff and we’ll all just write a song together,” Keaton says.
But some things have changed – the boys will no longer smash out a multitude of songs in one session.
“We wouldn’t be able to do that now because we are too involved,” Keaton says.
“I think the newer stuff is a lot more next level as we’ve put a lot more time into it,” Josh adds.
Initially the band “was only ever going to be a studio project”.
But Josh’s connections scored them a gig at the Workers Club, which has become the band’s “home ground”.
About 120 people packed the club in just the band’s second show last year.
“I was a bit freaked out really,” Josh says. “I wasn’t expecting that many people at all.”
The band is reminiscent of Tool or Perth prog rock Karnivool, according to local fans.
“When we hear people say stuff like that it’s amazing,” Josh says.
The band released its first six-track EP, Beneath the Lies, in May 2016.
“A lot of the lyrics are about personal and mental struggles that I have had or of people in general,” Matt says.
“And sexual innuendo,” adds the band’s drummer Ben Watts.
Most of band would love to open for Metallica or Tool. Already they’ve played with prolific Melbourne rockers The Getaway Plan.
But Ben has a more pragmatic plan.
“I’d love to play before the Wiggles – get the younger generation involved,” the 27-year-old says.
“They’re all already all excited for Dorothy the Dinosaur.
“We’re up there playing and rockin’ with Captain Feathersword – f__k yeah! I know my daughter will be in the front row.”
Last year was big one for Ben who “finished GTA on the highest setting” and played with Modern Divide at his own wedding.
“I became a dad too (in 2015),” he says. “That’s weird.”
Modern Divide was recently working on Revival, the latest of its two upcoming tracks, which has a dystopian edge.
“(I) started (writing it) because I had a really sh_tty day at work,” Matt says. “But if you listen to it you could think it’s about the end of the world.”
Josh says Matt has come out of his shell since taking the lead role.
“You’ve turned into a real demon, a real pain in the a_se,” he jokes to Matt as the band prepares to jam.
Despite being regular performers on the Geelong scene, they’re all juggling music with jobs while looking for their big break.
“If we had the opportunity to just be doing this that’s what we’d all be doing,” Ben says.