One man’s plant is another man’s poison. JOHN VAN KLAVEREN discovers the deadly species growing in local backyards.

You may never look at your garden the same way again.

Most of us don’t know it but around half of our common garden plants are poisonous, says Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens expert David Johnson.

But before you start pulling plants out holus bolus, David adds that it all depends of the dose.

“Even what we know as a poisonous plant is only detrimental in large doses. In small amounts it can actually be beneficial,” he smiles mysteriously.

David guides GC on a private tour of Geelong’s lauded botanic gardens, identifying poisonous plants – including some we eat or drink.

He points out a series of sinister plants, some containing caffeine – the world’s most-used drug – or various forms of citrus, that we wouldn’t otherwise think twice about consuming.

“Citrus oil extracted from the fruit’s skin is used to flavour Earl Grey Tea and it’s fine if used in tea but if it’s applied to skin and exposed to the Sun it can cause cancer,” David explains.

Tapioca has been a long-time pudding favourite but it’s derived from the roots of the cassava plant, producing deadly cyanide if prepared incorrectly.

Similarly the pith of the sago palm, a member of the cycad family, is used for starch but is actually one of the most poisonous plants ever eaten.

The palms’ male and female plants, commonly sold in nurseries, produce a range of chemicals including toxic agent cycasin, for which there is no antidote.

The plant is particularly poisonous to animals, with incidents involving pets rising in recent years.

Plants use their toxicity for protection, David explains.

“It may be to avoid being eaten or it may be aimed at nearby plants as a means of reducing competition for space or nutrients in a particular area.”

Pretty red berries are another warning, David points out.

More in the latest Geelong Coast Magazine – out now.

From Afghanistan to Avalon, the career of fire fighter Luke Wood is now blazing a path into one of Australia’s hottest calendars. JOHN VAN KLAVEREN feels the heat.

Luke Wood is a model fire fighter – and has the photos to prove it.

The 26-year-old Avalon Airport fire fighter is the sizzling face of the first Victorian version of a massive fundraising calendar.

His hot photos will help kick off the new calendar, alongside Queensland and New South Wales versions that have raised more than $1.2 million in the 20 years they have been published.

Luke was a driving force behind bringing the hugely popular calendar to Victoria.

The calendar has become so big it has even attracted a “making of the fire fighters calendar” television documentary – and the Victorian version will be included in the show next year.

He’s also one of the youngest fire fighters to appear in it – but that hasn’t fazed him at all.

“I’m used to being the youngest in most things I do,” Luke confesses.

He was the youngest Australian soldier to serve in Iraq after enlisting at 17 as a paratrooper, following his family’s military background.

Luke served in the Solomon Islands, East Timor and Iraq for four years, spending 13 months overseas.

During his overseas service he put his physical training expertise to good use, acting as a combat fitness leader for his platoon.

He led the fitness training programs involving endurance, weight training, aerobics and nutrition.

“Dad was physical training instructor in the army, my sister was also in the army, so it’s a lifestyle I’ve grown up with in a military family,” Luke says

After his military service, Luke was looking around for a new job that suited his military background and applied for a role as a prison officer.

“I was at Barwon Prison for two years and, surprise, surprise, I was the youngest one again,” he laughs.

But an unfulfilled boyhood dream kept nagging away at him.

“I always wanted to be fire fighter, so I applied even though applications were limited. I managed to get through and topped the pool applying for a spot at Avalon Airport.”

When Luke saw a call for expressions of interest in appearing in the calendar, he thought he would give it a shot.

Read the full story in the Geelong Coast Magazine – in newsagents now.

Geelong’s Elodie Russell is one of Australia’s hottest new faces on the international modelling scene. She speaks with GC’s NOEL MURPHY about her burgeoning career.

GC: Where did you first start modelling?

ER: I was discovered two years ago when I got signed with my first agency, Chadwick Models, and I’ve been modelling ever since.

GC: What was your first big break?

ER: When I entered the Dolly Model Search I was fortunate enough to be announced as the Victorian finalist. I was then offered a modelling contract from Chadwick and it all started from there.

GC: Who have you modelled for in recent times? What magazines, what labels, events?

ER: I recently appeared in Elle Australia August issue as one of the upcoming models in Australia. I’ve also been announced as one of the faces of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week for this year.

GC: How old are you right now?

ER: I’m 16, turning 17 at the end of this year.

GC: How do you work school and modelling together?

ER: I’m currently doing online schooling, which benefits my career as I can do what I love (modelling) and it will also benefit me down the track when modelling is no longer an option.

GC: Have you lived in Geelong all your life?

ER: Born and raised!

Catch up with the conversation in the latest GC Magazine – in newsagents now.

A local monologue shapes the internationally acclaimed script of unique Geelong theatre company Back to Back. JOHN VAN KLAVEREN goes backstage.

It’s described as a leading contemporary theatre company in books, articles, academia and reviews all over the world.

Well, everywhere except Geelong, apparently.

Locals are only a tiny percentage of audiences intrigued by the unique reverse-theatrical- engineering of this ensemble of actors with disabilities.

Well, “perceived” disabilities, as the company’s production blurbs company maintain.

And that’s just part of the discussion Back to Back introduces through productions sometimes construed as controversial.

The creative leaders at Geelong’s Back to Back Theatre Company – including the actors themselves – produces shows are as much about asking questions as answering them.

Writing credits are shunned, with contributors to the concepts and outlines of productions acknowledged as “devisors”.

Chief among them is creative director Bruce Gladwin, also shares the company’s CEO role with executive producer Alice Nash.

The pair has worked hand-in-hand at Back to Back for 13 years, developing a fine-tuned chemistry to drive their little theatre company to international heights.

In 2013 alone Back to Back undertook 86 performances, performing two plays in six countries and 15 venues as part of one national and four international tours. Audience numbers reach 23,579.

More in the latest GC Magazine – in newsagents now.