Cape Newsletter – August 2026

YOUR OCC REPS

In our July newsletter, we introduced 5 of the 9-member OCC for 2026-2027 (David, John, Kate, Robyn and Cheryl). Here’s a brief bio of the other members.

  • Alastair and partner Sheila moved to the Cape from Melbourne in 2022. Alastair is a research scientist, mainly retired but still doing some consulting, and Sheila is a nurse at Wonthaggi Hospital. They were attracted to The Cape by its sustainability goals and the promise of an open and supportive community, which they have certainly found.
  • Rebecca Young built her Cape house in 2023 with her partner, Kieran. They plan to live here permanently when they finish work in Melbourne. Rebecca’s background is in animation, media and education. She loves the Cape’s beauty and unique ecological mission. She joined the OCC to better understand how the estate operates and to contribute to its continued growth and development.
  • Ned Kilpatrick and his wife Sarah bought their block in Cape in 2021 and finally, in March 2026, an electric truck delivered their prefabricated 9-star passive-house standard solar home. They plan to live here permanently when their two sons finish secondary school. They both work in medicines for rare diseases and underserved communities, and have an amateur interest in environmental sustainability and energy efficiency for the sake of leaving the world better for future generations. They both love the wild, natural landscape and connection to the land and water at Cape, alongside the respectful sustainable and community-minded values and ethos of theCape community. Ned has joined the OCC to get more involved in this community.
  • Romano Studer: We (Romano Studer, Jutta Hau, River Studer Hau + 2 dogs Mavis and Winston) moved permanently to The Cape in December 2022. We started to engage with the locals right away, at the Cape Paterson Life Saving Club, The Cape Community Garden and the Owners Corporation Committee (OCC). You will meet us: out with our two dogs, training for another run or swimming down at the beach. Come for a Frolick in the ocean every day at 08:00 on First Surf Beach. Stop by at the Cape Paterson Life Saving Club Kiosk during the season every Saturday and Sunday.

By the way, we’ve noticed some people are still using a former email address – please update your contact list if needed – the email for the OCC is capeocc@ourcapelife.org

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE CAPE

New and ‘old’ residents gathering – all welcome

Our new residents are warmly invited to attend our gathering of residents at the display house on Saturday 8 August 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Bring refreshments to share.

A new toolshed

The Cape Maintenance Crew has just finished building the new toolshed near the car park – it will be used to securely and conveniently contain shared equipment such as the mower and brushcutter. If you need access, mail the OCC for the code, and please keep the shed locked.

If you wish to use the mower, please add details to the whiteboard in the shed: name, mobile, when taken, when expected to return. Residents can also forward book. Please return the mower clean (brushed, not hosed) and with a full charge for the next user.

On behalf of users, the OCC extends a big thanks to Greg and Kate for looking after the mower to date. Greg also ensured a new mower was provided to us under warranty when the previous one broke down, and has offered to do minor maintenance ongoing – thanks Greg.

Also please note, the particular detergent to clean any spills on bowling green is kept in the toolshed (but to avoid costly spills, don’t take food or drinks onto the green fabric bowling surface, and clean up if an accident happens). 

A new EV charger

The new EV charger in The Cape main car park is now installed, commissioned and ready to use. Thanks to Richard for all his efforts in this initiative.

The new charger is on the same charging network as the other. It uses the same WeVolt app as for the main charger. The main charger can charge at a rate of 30kW, and the new charger, while smaller, in theory can charge at 22kW.  However, most users will see charging at either 7kW or 11kW.  This slower charging rate is a limitation of the car, not the charger.

The new charger brings benefits such as:

  • backup for the main charger, in case of failure
  • an alternative for drivers who arrive when the main charger is in use
  • supporting vehicles like the Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe that can’t use the main charger
  • supporting a possible future EV share car.

By the way, if you live in The Cape you are eligible for a discounted charging tariff. If you would like to take this up, please email the OCC. The general public currently pay 50c/kWh and registered residents get the discounted rate of 45c/kWh.

The Cape Care Crew

You might have noticed some improvements in the common area gardens over the last few months completed by the Cape Care Crew – they have conducted 17 working bees since March, in consultation with the Operations Manager. Twenty nine volunteers have joined the WhatsApp notification group, and 35 residents have participated on one occasion or another.

The crew meet every Friday morning at a notified location to complete varied tasks. One session was held on a Saturday at the playground for those who couldn’t attend Fridays – it set a record for 17 people attending. The positive spirit of community and effort was palpable (and there was even a warm muffin for break time).

These sessions provide an opportunity to contribute to the appearance and sustainability of our landscape, as well as an opportunity to meet and share a positive activity with other residents. If you’d like to get involved, look for the regular posts from Duncan on the Cape Facebook page, or email the OCC and we’ll pass your details on to Duncan. 

Good job done!

Work of the Cape Care Crew is noticeable at the twin seats on Valda’s Walk; the footy oval and snake gully; the ‘green beach’ south-west of the wetland; the childrens’ playground; the rocky bank east of the sports precinct; and in augmentation planting at the Bittern Wetland in the south-west estate extremity. 

Our resident border maintenance crew is always at work too

It’s been wet and wild

We’ve had some welcome downpours lately, even extending to hail which piled up around garden edges recently.

The wet weather has also contributed to plant growth and some very wet parts of the estate. Some vacant lots do need to be mowed in this high growth period – if you have a block, mowing is your responsibility. Please arrange this, while also ensuring the ground is not too wet underfoot. 

And, while the huge downpours we have been having have certainly cleaned our roofs – has it all ended up blocking your water tank filter? Might be a good time to check to catch that rain while we have it.

REMINDERS FOR RESIDENTS

Cats: In order to preserve our precious wildlife, The Cape estate rules DO NOT allow cats within the boundaries of the development under any circumstances. If you notice a domestic or feral cat, please email the OCC. If you see a wandering cat and wish to take more direct action, you can borrow a cat trap (humane) from the Bass Coast Shire Council (BCSC).

Parking: Please park and drive with care, being mindful that our streets are very quiet, and are regularly used by children, cyclists, dog walkers etc. Street parking can block sight-lines, and a quiet EV may take longer for a pedestrian to notice. Also, the swales (the drainage channels filled with plants and rocks) have been created to support appropriate vegetation, weed management and water flow. Car parking on the swales risks these aims. Street parking is available, and there’s a public car park on Sunlight Boulevard.

Bin locks: are available from the OCC – each resident is entitled to one free, and you can email the OCC at capeocc@ourcapelife.org to request more. They are $15 each.

Fire danger: The bushfire season will soon be upon us and the forecasts indicate it is likely to be a very high danger period in Bass Coast. We will provide some useful information and updates in our next newsletter.

WILDLIFE AND OUR ENVIRONMENT

H5 Bird Flu

At the time of writing, the first reports of birds affected by H5 bird flu in Victoria was announced. Vigilance and reporting remain key to protecting the Bass Coast birds and wildlife. Here at The Cape we are in a special position to be able to assist. There is plenty of information online, but here are the basics:

  • AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife birds or wildlife and their environment.
  • RECORD what you see.
  • REPORT to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Re the beautiful Australasian Gannet in the below photo, Cape Paterson resident, Helen Tennant noticed it appeared ill and contacted assistance, but sadly it flew off before wildlife officers could arrive.

Hooded plovers are flocking

The Hooded Plovers have already started flocking and were seen recently just past F Break.

Wildlife rescue response

If you see any sick, injured, trapped or orphaned native animal call the 24/7 hotline immediately on 03 8400 7300 or complete the online reporting form at https://wildlifevictoria.org.au/report-a-wildlife-emergency/  Your timely call could assist an animal’s or its young’s survival.

The Cape has 3 residents who are wildlife rescuers (small animal) at The Cape (Kate, Kerry, Cheryl), so responses to call-outs could be quite rapid. Note that for macropods, more highly trained wildlife rescue personnel are usually required. 

COMMUNICATION

The OCC recently discussed how we can ensure everyone has access to relevant information about our estate, as well as more broadly in our region. If you have any suggestions, please email the OCC. Currently, apart from ‘the bush telegraph’, the OCC and members provide information provided as follows.

  • Outdoor noticeboard: the noticeboard in front of the display house will soon be moved across the road near to the EV charger. We also hope to improve that noticeboard for better readability in the future.
  • My Community Portal: this password-protected community portal is managed by Ace Body Corporate (the OC Manager). Owners can log in to access access critical documents such as the Cape Rules, links to legislation, minutes of meetings, status of levies, budgets and the Cape Maintenance Plan. If you don’t have a login or can’t access the portal, email info@bg.acebcm.com.au for assistance.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

We held a ‘Most Wuthering Heights Day’ in July

A large contingent of barely recognisable dancers gathered at The Cape amphitheatre on Saturday 8 July to dance in glorious symphony to Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights. Thanks to Rebecca for leading the dancers so elegantly and thanks to Alec for amplifying the music.

And of course, this means you have a full year before the third Saturday of July next year to find a red dress and practice the dance. Why? Why not? It’s fun!

Regular activities for residents of The Cape to get together

  • Women’s Catch Up: held at the Flow, Cape Paterson at 9:45 am on the second Friday of the month.
  • Men’s Breakfast: held at the Cape Corner Store at 8:am on the fourth Friday of the month.

What’s on in the ‘hood

Cape Paterson and surrounding Bass Coast towns have a lot to offer – recreationally, culturally and socially, including brilliant local live theatre with enormous contributions from some of The Cape residents. We will endeavour to post relevant information in the newsletter – email the OCC if you have any additions.

  • Sunset Sippers: Thursdays from 5:00pm at the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving club. Meals, snacks and drinks available for purchase. One large table has a permanent ‘booking’ for The Cape. Supports CPLSC.
  • People Who Want to Dance (PWWTD): Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00pm (recommencing 5 August after an unfortunate break until an insurance coverage issue was resolved). It’s a fun collaborative session for all ages, and only gold coin donation.
  • Cape Cycling Club: a recreational local ride group, 2nd Sunday of each month weather permitting, starting 10:00 am to and from various locations, usually involving 20-40 km. The group explores trails and quiet roads in the region with, of course, a coffee stop. New members are welcome – call Dave 0412728514 or Annie 0412728693. Note: this informal group has no fees/insurance cover; participants ride at own risk. 

One-off local events in August

  • AGM of the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club: Saturday 15 August. Members have been emailed the documents and details. 
  • Ferragosto: you are warmly invited to a local take on the traditional Italian Ferragosto festival on Saturday 22 August 2026 – a community family Italian music and dance event – live and recorded Italian music. Cape Paterson Hall 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Bring food and drink – of Italian style if possible. Wear bright colours – after all, it’s a festa!

    BTW, 6 members of the live band ‘Canti Popolari’ live in Cape Paterson. 

Newsletter prepared by The Cape Owners Corporation Committee, August 2026. Photos thanks to Duncan, Robyn, Donald, Helen, Richard.

Email: capeocc@ourcapelife.org