GETTING SOCIAL AT THE CAPE
Next residents’ get-together
Don’t forget to add the next OCC hosted residents’ get-together to your diary:
Saturday 10 October, 4.00 to 6.00pm at the Display House, 2 Trumpeter Street.
Please bring some nibbles and your choice of refreshments to share while meeting up with ‘old’ and ‘new’ residents and lot owners. The get-togethers will now be held quarterly.
Cape Community Farm Masterclasses
The Cape Community Farm hosts regular and diverse ‘masterclasses’ where you can learn new skills, enjoy a fun collaborative experience, and meet fellow residents. The masterclasses are a major fund-raiser for the Farm and open to all, even if you are not a farm member. Check the Farm noticeboard for upcoming events.
At the 12 September Cape Community Farm masterclass, participants enthusiastically immersed themselves in the delights of Syrian cooking. Wonthaggi resident Jihan shared her Syrian cooking skills across a range of delicious dishes, with interpreting support from Cape Paterson local Sabah.
Cape Women’s Catch Up
On the second Friday of each month, a women’s catch up is held at Zeal and Flow, 17 Market Place Cape Paterson, at 9:45 am. Children are welcome.
Cape Men’s Breakfast
On the fourth Friday of each month, a men’s breakfast catch up is held at the Cape Corner Store, 2 Market Place Cape Paterson, at 8:00am. Children are welcome.
Sunset Sippers
Sunset Sippers, run by the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club (CPSLC), is held on Thursdays from 5:00pm at the CPSLSC clubhouse above First Surf, Cape Paterson. The event supports the club, and is a great way to meet Cape residents and others from the wider community. Light meals, snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. One large table has a permanent ‘booking’ for The Cape.
SPRING SIGHTINGS AROUND THE CAPE
Spring is definitely with us in The Cape, with our landscape looking lush with new growth, and with these warmer Spring days, some of our other residents emerging.
Koalas
Recently, in the early evening, a koala was spotted walking purposefully along the footpath in Moonshadow Avenue. A wonderful gentle reminder for all of us to be so very careful when driving.
Snakes
We live in the habitat of snakes, and while their presence is a sign of our flourishing natural environment, they can also be dangerous. As we transition into summer, please stay alert around water, in long grass, in rocky areas, and even in your own garden. As a precaution, always use a torch when walking outside at night.
All snakebites are considered a potential medical emergency! In case of snakebite, ring 000 and ask for an ambulance. The Australian website Health Direct has more information on snake bites.
Turtles
Resident Alastair and his dog (on lead) noticed some turtles beside the walking track that runs behind the houses on the western side of Moonshadow Avenue, presumably they come over from the adjacent wetlands.
Avian N5 Bird Flu
Sadly, along with Spring, Bird Flu has arrived in Bass Coast, with sightings of ill and dead birds and other wildlife. Recently, a Cape resident reported an ill bird to the Bird Flu hotline, and found the service to be prompt, supportive and helpful. Remember:
- 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.
If you are looking for more information, the Department of Agriculture has also developed various resources re dealing with bird flu.
Cape Chatter
To learn more about the natural world of The Cape and its environs, visit the wonderful Cape Chatter blog by David Hartney. David, a former resident, documented the evolution of The Cape environment from 2020–2025. His blog has left us with an important legacy: it’s a diverse valuable natural history resource. One of David’s superb photos is below.
MANAGING OUR LANDSCAPE
Important Pre-Summer Community Fireguard meeting
Tad Henry, long-term Cape resident and Cape Paterson CFA member, is planning a pre-summer briefing here at Cape with a CFA Community Liaison Officer in late October. Tad puts in the effort he does because he values the uniqueness of this place, and knows too well how devastating the impact of fire can be.
This briefing will give you a basic understanding of how to prepare for the fire season, and what to do in the event of a fire occurring: but it will only go ahead if we have enough attendees!
This is particularly relevant as we head into forecasted El Niño conditions this summer.
For forward planning please let Tad know now you are interested in attending (late October, date TBC). Email the OCC and we will pass on your interest, or ask Tad if you see him around The Cape.
‘Green fire breaks’
This is a gentle reminder to help maintain our ‘green firebreaks’. If you need to cut back Bower Spinach, please trim it as a low groundcover rather than pulling out large sections. It can easily be trimmed around other plants or at the edges of an area. You can also prune, thin, and remove dead material from Rhagodia where necessary. The endorsed Bushfire Protection Plan identifies these species as fire-resistant, noting their succulent foliage and relatively low flammability.
Cape Care Crew (CCC)
In well-functioning communities all around Australia, many residents are involved in improving their own landscapes; and here, in our Cape community, you can be involved through the Cape Care Crew.
The Friday morning sessions from 9.00am (9:30 on mens breakfast catch up days) will give you a bit of exercise and a way to catch up with others while improving our common property. You can see the most recent improvements around the sports/playground area. Contact Duncan, or just look for the crew every Friday morning. You don’t have to come every time, just when it suits you.
WELCOME, JESSICA PIKE
Welcome to Jessica Pike who has recently taken on the role of General Manager, The Cape.
Jessica reports that she is excited to bring her experience, enthusiasm and values to The Cape. She has a passion for sustainable living, biodiversity and the natural environment. The Cape, with its vision for a community where thoughtful development, connection to nature, and a strong sense of community go hand in hand, was a big attraction for her. Jessica brings many years of experience in working with residential communities. Her career has given her a broad understanding of the many elements that come together to create a successful community.
SPRING OPEN DAY @ THE CAPE COMMUNITY FARM
Bring the family, pick up your seedlings, and celebrate spring with us! For more info about The Cape Community Farm, including membership, visit the Cape Community Farm website.
When: Saturday 17th October, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Sunlight Blvd, Cape Paterson
Event highlights
🌱 Plant and Seedling Sales – including a range of easy to grow delicious specialty tomato varieties
👨 Resident Farmer – AJ, on hand for all your gardening questions
🚜 Guided Farm Tours – throughout the morning
🍰 Delicious Homemade Cakes, Coffee and Tea
😃 Children’s Activities
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The OCC receives a range of questions each month, some of which are often asked. We will attempt to include some FAQs in each newsletter.
What can I do if my neighbour’s block is overgrown?
Where the growth of grasses on a neighbour’s vacant property is of concern, we encourage you to contact the owners of the lot and raise the matter with them. If this direct communication doesn’t work, or if you don’t have your neighbour’s contact details, please contact the OCC to facilitate neighbour-to-neighbour introductions.
How do I book the bowling green or pickleball courts?
Information about booking facilities in the Sports Precinct, and requirements when using the sports facilities, is available on the Our Cape Life website.
How do I get one or more bin locks?
September is notoriously windy in Cape Paterson, and a great way to keep our grounds clean is by using bin locks, especially on the hard rubbish and recycling bins.
All residents should have been given one bin lock, and you can purchase more if you wish for $10 each. Contact the OCC and we will have some at the next social gathering (10 October).
How to attach a binlock in under 11 seconds…
Thanks Donald and Kate 🙂
What communication sources are used in The Cape, including for new residents?
New residents will now receive a ‘Welcome to The Cape’ postcard from the OCC in their mailbox, directing them to the next social activity and our website. Information on The Cape, is available from the following sources:
- Our Cape Life
- My Community Portal (password protected. Email Ace Body Corporate if you don’t have a password
- Cape Newsletter, directly emailed to all lot owners every 6 weeks or so, and archived on Our Cape Life.
- The outdoor noticeboard at The Cape, opposite the car park in Sunlight Blvd
- The Cape Owners and Residents Facebook page.
What can I do if the Cape EV Charger is not working?
If the charger is not working, you can email the OCC for information or assistance. Also, residents and lot owners can request a small discount of 5 cent/kWh by contacting the OCC.
PROFILING OUR TWO LOCAL LIFE SAVING CLUBS
We have two life saving clubs at Cape Paterson beaches: the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club (CPSLSC) and the Wonthaggi Life Saving Club (WLSC). Both offer a wide range of membership options and volunteer roles, including some where you don’t even have to get wet. Join one or both to support the clubs and volunteers.
Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club (CPSLC)
CPSLC is housed in what is probably one of the most prominent beachside buildings in Cape Paterson. The club, on First Surf beach, invites interested locals to consider becoming a member. There are many options for participation. For example, you could undertake a program such as the Bronze medallion, which Cape resident Romano describes as thoroughly enjoyable but demanding. Or, if you have barista skills or a passion for drinks service, you could find a rewarding opportunity and a way to meet others. If you prefer a more passive role, Social Membership entitles you to attend special events. For more information, please visit the Cape Paterson SLSC website or contact Romano.
Wonthaggi Life Saving Club (WLSC)
Established in 1938 on the shores of the Cape Paterson Bay Beach, WLSC prides itself on its community relations and many successful years of saving lives. The Bay Beach is known for family friendly swimming, its famous rock pool and surrounding rock formations. As well as ensuring beach safety, WLSC hosts many summer community events and encourages participation in diverse volunteer roles. Under their Masterplan, WLSC will soon see new development to enhance its operations. For more information, please visit the Wonthaggi Life Saving Club website.
WHATS ON IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Wonthaggi Theatrical Group (WTG)
Our active local theatrical group Wonthaggi Theatre Group (WTG) is taking its audiences on a wild ride with Ride the Cyclone – the musical from 25 September to 10 October at The Shed, State Coal Mine. Cyclone is a hilarious and outlandish show, no doubt up to the usual excellent standard. See Wonthaggi Theatre Group website for details.
Cape resident Tad Henry (WTG Life-member) also reports that the theatrical group is looking for anyone interested in joining WTG production teams. WTG seeks new and experienced production people of all ages for a variety of roles, or anyone who just would like to connect in our community.
Other regular local events
- CPRRA Cape Paterson Community Playgroup: Cape Paterson Community Hall, first Friday of the month, preschoolers and parents/carers welcome.
- People Who Want to Dance: Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00pm. A fun collaborative session for all ages, and only a gold coin donation. Email Edward for details.
- Cape Cycling Club: A friendly Cape Paterson recreational ride group, 2nd Sunday of each month weather permitting, starts 10:00am to and from various locations. New members welcome; call Dave 0412728514. (Informal group, no fees or insurance, ride at own risk.)
- Bass Coast Fine Film Group: Monthly fine films: Bass Coast Fine Film Group website.
- Markets and Festivals: Bass Coast Coast Council Calendar of Events lists markets and festivals.
- The Bass Coast Post: Local independent online news Bass Coast Post has a community events calendar.
Newsletter prepared by The Cape Owners Corporation Committee, September 2026.
Email: OCC
