Lakes Entrance's iconic Bullock Island put to the sword

As a Facebook contributor put it “ What have they done to Bullock island ? I think it is a maze of pine posts with limited parking what’s your thoughts..”   The responses included… “Building Donald Trumps wall; Waiting for them to grow; It’s to stop the crabs pulling tourists into the lake; Bloody confusing; Shire must have shares in pine factory”. I could go on with many more adverse comments.

Light hearted in some ways, I am all for a joke, but what has been done is past a joke. Let’s look at this from another perspective. Bullock Island desperately needed an upgrade, not football pitches please, just a clean-up, the provision of some basic amenities and the road kept flat and easily accessible for all. Access to the water’s edge for parking and fishing etc.

The Barn at Kalimna West - a pleasing oasis from the rush of life

The Barn:     Princes Highway Kalimna West. (in R.E.A.L. Garden Centre)  

Breakfast:  Wednesday to Sunday 8am onwards:  Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday 12 noon til 2pm Bookings and Enquiries   0438 018 625

“A pleasing oasis away from the rush of life”

Highway Entry

The Barn Cafe

“Old venue -new owners - new menu - the view still the best around.”

Kalimna Pub/Bistro  - Lakes Entrance  1 Hotel Rd, Lakes Entrance, VIC, 3909  (03) 5155 1202                                 

The Kalimna Hotel is an historic hotel, refurbished and just west of Lakes Entrance on the Kalimna's cliffs overlooking one of the finest ocean and lake view's Gippsland has to offer.

Another First for East Gippsland – Truck Drag Racing at Gippsland Motorplex

First, let me confirm that I am a petrol head, if it has an engine and wheels or floats and in some cases both, I am interested. I love the sound of a V8, the smell of “Castrol R” and the look of older vehicles. (my age group!). Trucks have a unique place in our world, without them we would have little in our shops, far less on our dinner tables, a very long wait for spare parts for our “little wheels” and virtually no petrol/diesel to run them.  But truck drag racing is a comparatively new Motorsport, it is not only a great spectacle, but a lot of fun.

Proposed Cycle Tourism Track/Trail Facility in Omeo Region – Is it really viable?

I have some serious concern at the claimed benefit (detailed in Lakes Post 28.2.2018)  to the Omeo region of the proposed cycle facility currently approved for funding from public funds. Below are a set of statistics which are pertinent to this issue and which raise more than a few questions.  Bear in mind that this facility is mainly on DELWP land and will, I am advised, be operated by private enterprise!  All this with a cost, again from advice, of  $6.2 M.
Don’t get me wrong I am not against any worthwhile and viable tourism/sporting facility anywhere in our region, and especially in the Omeo area which needs an injection of tourism, but sustainable viable tourism, not one destined to fail at cost of the ratepayer.

Road Trauma - RACV's article on Gippsland Motoplex

In January, as you may recall, I wrote an article on Road Trauma. I was heartened by the huge numbers who read it, a big thank you. I am now pleased to reproduce an article from the RACV magazine on the Gippsland Motorplex (Feb2018) and thank them for taking an interest in this project. Perhaps, just perhaps we are on the road to a safer roads, fewer accidents and more importantly reduced road trauma. We need support from all levels of government by way of funding in terms of cash, in-kind and political influence. With the publicity of this article, I challenge our local politicians at all levels of government to get behind this project and really make a difference.

'We’re not hoons, we’re enthusiasts’

RACV RoyalAuto magazine

That time of year again, time for Café Culture

20 years since Café Culture commenced, still managed by Mary Souness of Just Shows to Go, it specialises in small specialty shows in out and about places. The shows may be small, the entry fees also small, but the talent is entirely another matter. Take your pick from this season’s selection or as it is said “Do yourself a favour” and grab a bargain season ticket.

Coffee - just how do you like it ?

Coffee the “heart starter”, the “fix”, “the caffeine hit”. That most necessary, even vital beverage of the morning which can, and does, extend, late into the day. That daily caffeine ingestion few can pass up, many not worth talking to before it, and some still not so afterwards.  That almost alluring aromatic aroma which pervades the room in which the coffee is made and others if you let it. Something to which you can come to need, as without it, the headaches arrive on mass.

More on public holiday surcharges - your comments

Thanks for all the feedback and to those who have read my blog having experienced a public holiday surcharge.

Link from January 28: Public Holiday Surcharges – for or against?

There seems to be an overriding feeling that the surcharge is wrong and gouging customers. There are two sides to every story of course and I understand the costs of opening a business, as one comment made it clear   “If you are going to go broke paying your staff extra, then perhaps you should rethink your business model ..or work yourself”

Callemondah Café: Quality food and service - simplicity at its best

Callemondah Café        51 Main Road Buchan, Buchan 3885      Phone:   5155 9300                  Email: callemondahcafe@hotmail.com        Follow on Facebook

Location:  Take a leisurely drive to the township of Buchan, nestled in the valley of the Buchan River,  yes its famous for its caves and rightly so, but before you go into the caves reserve, pause in the township and on the left, that’s the high side, you will find a quaint café called Callemondah.