capeocc@ourcapelife.org
Continue reading “Cape Newsletter – December 2025”News + Events
capeocc@ourcapelife.org
Forums, newsletters etc
A reminder of the various online forums relevant to our community:
- The Cape Rideshare – chat group on WhatsApp.
- The Cape Owners and Residents – group on Facebook.
- The Cape Community Farm – newsletter and Facebook group.
- Cape Conversations – e-newsletter of CPRRA.
Bin locks
In our windy home, it can sometimes be difficult for bin lids to stay closed when awaiting collection. To help with this, the OCC is doing a bulk order of lid closure latches for wheelie bins.
We have bought enough to give one to every home at Cape. If you would like more than one, then the bulk order will provide these at about half RRP.
For cost recovery, we’ll charge $10 each for these.
Please let us know if you would like more than one of these, eg., if you want three in total, then the cost to you would be $20.
Bike ride – 9 Nov
The bike ride to Trullis was a hit, so we thought we’d organise another one, but this time starting from Fish Creek, via Gurney’s Cider for lunch, then onto Foster and a car pool back to the start (or if you are super keen, you can ride back to Fish Creek!) in total the ride is around 12km.
Meet: Rail Trail car park at Fish Creek
When: Sunday 9 November, at 11.30am to arrange car pool
Departure: 12 midday from Fish Creek
Lunch: At Gurney’s Cider approx 12.30 if anyone would like to join but is not riding.
Here is the link to Gurney’s cider https://www.gurneyscider.com.au/ Apparently, their pizza is delicious!
Here is the link to the rail trail: https://www.gsrt.com.au/segment/fish-creek-to-foster/ (first part has an incline and then it is all down hill)
Please let us know if you’re keen to come so I can give Gurney’s a rough idea of numbers as a courtesy. We won’t have reserved tables like we did at Trulli’s, but they’ve said it should be fine.
Fireguard training
With summer approaching, now is a great time to start preparing. Community Fireguard is free and is CFA’s most comprehensive fire-safety program. It will help you make informed decisions when it counts.
An introductory session will be held at:
2pm on Saturday 8 November at Cape Paterson Community Hall
Cape Farm AGM
The Cape Community Farm is having its AGM on Saturday 22 November 4pm at the Display House. All farm members are encouraged to attend to elect the new committee, and hear about progress, plans and projects. Refreshments will be served.
Farm spring open day
The recent successful Farm Spring Open Day was a success. Lots of plants were sold and about six new members were signed up.
Sourdough success
Well done and thanks to Robyn Shallard for running two inspiring Sourdough Workshops.
Court bookings
Reminder to book the pickleball courts and bowls green with busy summer season upon us. Contact the committee via email if you want to know how the bookings work.
Security
Another burglary
Unfortunately there was another burglary at The Cape in October. A home was broken into, keys were taken and a car was stolen. There was an attempted break in at another home on the same morning. This is becoming all too common.
Workshop
The OCC would like to host a meeting to discuss ways in which we might, individually and as a community, respond to this threat to our safety and our property. Date and time TBC. Please email the committee if you are interested.
Lock your doors
Just a reminder, please remember to keep your doors and windows locked at night.
Mow vacant blocks
With warming weather and recent rain, the grass is growing quickly. So, if you own a vacant lot, please take steps to ensure that the grass is kept under control.
NYE social gathering
Our next resident social gathering will be on new-years eve. We will gather at the amphitheatre from about 6pm. BYO drinks, nibbles, blankets etc.
Pre-fab house
The Cape now has its first pre-fab home, built by Mill Built at 4A Peregrine Crt. See more here.
Dog latch sign
In response to an incident in the off leash dog park, the OCC will be trialing a gate locking system.
The internal lock can be used when a dog doesn’t have the ability, skill set or simply doesn’t enjoy interacting with other dogs.
If this sounds like it would help you and your dog, you’ll be able to engage the lock once you are inside the park. Listen out for other dog walkers who will let you know that they would like some time in the park.
If you’re the incoming dog party, please make sure you give plenty of space to those leaving the park.
You’ll see a couple of new signs on the gate to explain the trial, and how everyone can play their part in ensuring that all dogs can enjoy some safer, off leash time in the park.
We’re not expecting there to be a high use of the locking system, but we are hoping it will provide some peace of mind to those who do have occasion to use it.
Thanks for your understanding and participation in this trial.
Passata day
There will be another great day of community passata making at the farm on Sunday 8 March. Put it in your calendar and a look out for more information.
See Paterson’s Curse live
Cape residents Nate and Dries, aka Paterson’s Curse, are playing their first public gig. It would be great to support them. See here.
capeocc@ourcapelife.org
Verge planting trial
Based on a lot-owner request, the Committee have approved a trial for limited vegetable planting on the verge in Periwinkle Place, on the north side near the NBN box.
We look forward to seeing how this goes. After one year we’ll re-assess and decide whether this should remain.
If you have any other similar ideas, please email the committee.
Residents’ catch up – October
The next social catch up for Cape residents will be on Saturday 18 October from 4:30pm till 6pm at the Cape display home at 2 Trumpeter St.
Looking for new editor of Cape Chatter
As mentioned in the last newsletter, David and Jeannie Hartney are leaving us. So, we need a new editor for David’s much-loved wildlife newsletter “Cape Chatter”. If you think you might be interested, please contact the committee.
Discount EV charging for Cape residents
As you know the Cape hosts an EV fast charger which is owned and manager by the OCC. We now have set it up to support providing discounted charging for Cape residents.
Generally, charging costs 50 cents per kWh. However, if you get yourself a suitable RFID tag, then Cape residents will be able to charge at the discounted rate of 45 cents per kWh (rate set by the OCC).
If you are interested, you need an account with WeVolt (which you need to use the charger) and have added, via the app on your phone, the RFID tag number from any charge-point operator or provider such as Chargefox or AEVA to your Wevolt account. To enroll, email the committee and let us know your RFID tag number and the email account you’re using for your WeVolt account.
RFID tags are also available as credit-card-sized RFID cards.
Once it’s set up, charging not only will charging be slightly cheaper, but using the tag will make it easier to start charging because you won’t need to use the app on your phone.
Cape ride-share group
Did you know that there is a chat group on the platform WhatsApp dedicated to helping Cape residents with ride sharing. The group is called “The Cape Rideshare”. If you’d like to join, get the WhatsApp app, and send an email to the committee.
Builders’ Signs
We’d like to remind all residents that it is expected that builders’ signs be removed within a few months of the completion of a new home. So, if your home still has the builder’s sign out the front, please arrange for it to be removed.
Happenings on Weathertop
You may have noticed some fencing erected along the east end of the Weathertop ridge. The ground there has been top dressed and grass planted. Please keep clear while the grass re-establishes.
Events
Sourdough Workshop Pt 2
Masterclass: Sourdough ~ your sweet journey continues
When: Saturday 1 November, 2025, 1 – 5pm
Class size: 10 – 14
Cost: Farm members $100 Broader Community $120
Location: Cape display home, 2 Trumpeter St.
Instructor: Robyn Shallard
For more details and to book: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1467328
Following the very successful workshop held back in May, this action-packed and fun session is for people who may have some experience in sourdough bread making – although this is not essential.
Whether you attended the previous session, Sourdough: your journey begins, – or not, this session is aimed at expanding your skills and recipe bank. If you didn’t attend that class, you will hear, see and do enough here to get you started on your journey into the delicious and versatile world of sourdough.
As small groups, we will create a few quick and easy sweet delights (these will be a surprise reveal in the class) for sampling at the end of the day. Following that, you will be using your active starter that you have brought with you, to make a start on your chosen recipe, which you will take home to finish and bake.
All ingredients will be supplied, however, you should bring along your active starter (for those who are bakers already), which will be ready for you to use in your recipe.
At the end of the day, you will have had loads of fun, tasted some wonderful sweet delights, take home 8 recipes from the day, new skills, and a dough to complete at home.
We look forward to baking with you on the day, and we thank you for supporting The Cape Community Farm.
Trivia Night
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at The Cape Tavern, Cape Paterson on Saturday 12th October from 3:30pm as we put your trivia skills to the test!
Bring your friends, form a team, and get ready for an afternoon of laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit — all while supporting The Cape
Community Farm. There’ll be prizes to be won, delicious food and drinks available at the bar, and plenty of good vibes.
Please note: There will be 7 tables with 8 seats per table
We look forward to seeing you there!
BOOK HERE: https://www.trybooking.com/DFJNI
Farm Spring Open Day
The Cape Community Farm will be holding an open day on 25 October 11.00-2.00pm. All welcome.
Vale Trevor Reeves
In August The Cape lost one of its favourite characters. Trevor Reeves, a well-known, long-standing resident of The Cape, died in hospital on Tuesday 12 August, surrounded by his family.
The committee conveys their heartfelt condolences to San and family.
Trevor was perhaps best know as the kite guy. Residents of Stage 2 had a box set when Trevor and friends had their kites flying from his home.
Many residents were recipients of Trevor’s generosity and skill in his workshop. Trevor’s workshop was the envy of every handyman.
Trev was also known for his yellow Fraser Clubman open-top sportscar.
Trev was a regular at the monthly men’s breakfast.
Treaty
The Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 has been introduced to the Victorian Parliament. To keep up to date and to see suggested actions to support the Treaty, go to the First Peoples’ Assembly website https://firstpeoplesvic.org/
Also for info re a Treaty workshop happening in Morwell on the 30th October see https://events.humanitix.com/morwell-treaty-workshop. If others are interested, Phil Bourne proposes doing a ride share.
Here is the chance for a dance.
capeocc@ourcapelife.org
Art work for electrical cabinet
Way back in 2021, there was a great initiative by Cape residents to adorn an NBN box in Periwinkle Place with local artwork.
Recent electrical works for the farm have presented us with an ideal blank canvas. So, we’d like to start a conversation about doing a similar thing.
The opportunity relates to the back of the electrical distribution cabinet located adjacent to, and on north-east side of the car park.
The last time the art was created digitally and printed on a vinyl wrap which was applied to the cabinet. A similar thing could be done this time, or we could potentially apply a painted mural directly to the cabinet.
Last time the art was a synthesis drawing from original painted works by Helen Temple, Fran Kirkpatrick, and Joanne Spano. We could do something simiar again, or potentially commission an original work from an artist.
So, if you have any thoughts, please contact the committee via email and we’ll try to get the ball rolling.
Car share
Over the last few years, the topic of car sharing at the Cape has arisen a few times. We know there are households who occasionally need another vehicle. There are probably also households with under-utilised vehicles.
The OCC is in favour of having some form of share car arrangement within The Cape. So, for those with an under-utilised vehicle, we’d like to encourage you to consider making it available to your neighbours using a car-share platform. We’re aware of one platform that looks good called Drive Mate. This allows car owners to earn money on their under-utilised car, and allows car renters affordable occasional access to a vehicle in their neighbourhood. See explanatory video here.
If anyone is prepared to list their car on the Drive Mate platform for sharing, the OCC will help facilitate a reserved car space within the car park.
Two new builders at The Cape
Millbuilt. Expect to see The Cape’s first pre-fab home quickly take shape at 4a Peregrine Crt in the next few months. This will be from Millbuilt in Healesville. This home is intended to be a display home for Millbuilt. It will be interesting to see this mode of construction being used at The Cape.
G.J.Gardner. The local Gippsland franchise of G.J Gardner has been engaged to build a home at The Cape. It will be very interesting to see how this goes.
Builder signs
There are numerous promotional signs around the Cape associated with builders, landscapers etc that have been present well beyond an appropriate period. To help preserve our lovely streetscapes, we remind everyone that signs like these need to be removed within a reasonable period after your home or landscaping works are complete.
So, if you are hosting a sign like this, please arrange with the responsible party for its removal. If you have any questions, or need help with it, please contact the OCC at capeocc@ourcapelife.org.
Bowls green issues
Box
The storage locker for bowls, pickleball gear, etc, which is at the south end of the bowls green is damaged and needs repair or replacing. As a result, we had rain get into the box causing some damage to shared equipment.
As an interim arrangement to keep the lid on, a weight is being used on the lid so that it doesn’t blow open and allow rain to enter.
If you use it, please replace the weight so we can keep the weather out.
Lock
The gate has been found unlocked, or incorrectly locked on at least two occasions. If you use the bowls green, please make sure to lock both gates securely when you leave.
Open-batten fences
Our design guidelines call for open-batten fences to be used in certain situations. There have been situations where these fences have not been built quite right.
Generally the DRP specify that open-batten fences and screens need to be no less than 30% open. This mean the ratio of opening to batten width is no less than 30:70. It does not mean an opening that is 30% of the batten width. 30% open means the opening is actually three sevenths, or ~43% of the batten width.
Please bear this in mind if you are building an open-batten fence or screen.
Update on EV charger
Our new Sungrow EV charger has been online and working since mid December. It’s been working well and the OCC hasn’t received any complaints or concerns.
As at 22 March, the new charger has been used 202 times and has given gross earnings of $2524.
The charger is currently being operated with a gross tariff of 50c/kWh, which allows us to cover our costs of running the charger, with a small margin for contingencies.
The new charger is a DC unit, rated at 30kW charge speed with a single CCS2 charging plug.
Second charger?
We’re considering adding a second charger unit to complement the current one. We think an AC charger capable of 11kW charge speed would:
- help provide some fail-safe redundancy in case of problems with the main unit;
- allow two simultaneous charge sessions;
- allow us to charge the small number of EV types that do not use the CCS2 charging standard (eg., Nissan Leafs);
- help with potentially hosting an EV share car in the car park in the future.
If you have thoughts about this, please let the OCC know by email.
Mowing of vacant lots
Keeping the grass down on vacant lots is a perennial issue. The obligation for lot owners to do this comes from Council. The OCC have historically endeavoured to try to help manage this when it’s seen to be required. However, the OCC feel that their being sometimes ‘in the loop’ is not really working.
In the past, OCC would attempt to mediate between concerned neighbours and the relevant lot owners of vacant lots. In future, however, the OCC will no longer do this. OCC will help facilitate initial neighbour-to-neighbour introduction where necessary. After that, we encourage neighbours to liaise directly with vacant lot owners, and then to raise the matter with Council if no luck with direct communication.
Up-coming Events
Sourdough workshop
What: Sourdough – your journey begins
When: 1 – 5pm on Saturday April 26
Where: The Display Home (corner of Trumper Street and Sunlight Bvd, Cape Paterson)
Cost: $120 or $100 for Cape Community Farm members
Bookings: Bookings can be made here .
During this hands-on session you’ll learn about the basics of working with sourdough. You’ll see how easy it is to finalise a loaf ready for the oven, as well as building a focaccia.
You’ll be mixing the ingredients together for your very own loaf which you’ll take home to finish and cook. You’ll learn how and when to stretch the dough.
Together, we’ll do the final stages to a dough that has been rested and is ready to go in the oven.
You will also see how easy it is to use your sourdough starter to make a delicious focaccia – which we’ll cook and sample later.
At the end of the session, we will be tasting that loaf we cooked as well as the focaccia. You will take home your very own jar of starter; the loaf you have begun working so that you can finish and cook it at home; along with notes and some recipes.
We look forward to seeing you in the kitchen for some sourdough magic.
Introduction to Permaculture
What: Want to learn more about Permaculture?
Where: Cape Community Farm
When: Thursday 24 April at 10am till 2pm.
Bookings here.
Join local Permaculture experts Rick Coleman and Adrian James at The Cape Community Farm for this great opportunity. On the Day you will:
- Gain an introductory understanding of the
Permaculture Design Framework. - Learn about how Permaculture empowers
practitioners to make positive change in their
communities. - Participate in a tour of The Cape Ecovillage looking
through the eyes of expert permaculture
practitioners. - Make connections assisting you to launch out on
your own permaculture journey.
Cost: $90, or $80 for members of the Cape Community Farm
ANZAC Weekend bike ride
Join us on Sunday 27 April for a fun and relaxed Cape community bike ride along a beautiful section of the Great Southern Rail Trail, 8.2km from Koonwarra to Meeniyan.
The trail is mostly flat and easy-going and reasonably protected from weather – perfect for all ages (our kids did it at 6 and 9 and had lots of fun… though the pizza and gelato might have helped!. Along the way, there are tunnels, bridges, and beautiful scenery!
We will arrive at Trulli’s wood fired pizza (amazing Italian food if you haven’t tried it) at around 1.30 PM for a relaxed lunch.
Meet and park cars at Koonwarra Rail Trail car park: 12:00 noon
Lunch at Trulli’s: approx. 1:30pm – 2.30PM
2.30PM (approx.) ride back to Koonwarra
Not a rider? No worries— feel free to join us for lunch at Trullis.
Please comment on the Facebook post or contact Kim Hauser on 0428 905 974 to see if we can help sort out a lift for your bike and please let us know if you’re coming and riding or meeting us there so we can give Trulli’s a heads-up on numbers.
Find out more about the trail here.
Kids Easter-Egg Hunt
We’re holding an Easter Egg Hunt for Cape families on Good Friday 18th April at the Cape Community Playground at 9:30am.
If your kids are taking part, please drop off a small bag of nut-free chocolate eggs to 20 Seastar Street by Thursday evening, 17th April.
All eggs will be combined and hidden, so your child may not receive the ones you provide.
Please bring the baskets or something to collect the eggs in, and some morning tea to share with fellow families.
Wildlife volunteers
At The Cape we’ve long had David and Jeannie Hartney as dedicated wildlife rescue volunteers. You’ve probably seen their posts about their work in helping preserve the endangered Hooded Plovers. Also, Jeannie has been particularly focused on the wombat mange project.
In 2024 the Owners Corporation sponsored four new residents for a wildlife rescue course as part of our duty to be good stewards of the land we manage. The new volunteers were Kate Lewer, Donald and Cheryl Padgett, and Bronwyn Steadman.
A recent incident showed what these volunteers and other community members can do. On 16 January, a Pacific Gull got its beak caught with a fish hook, and became entangled with fishing line on F Break beach. It was first seen by Joe and Jo Spano who reported it to David and Jeannie. Jeannie caught the bird. Kate Lewer attended and assisted by transporting the bird to the vet. The bird was kept overnight, and safely released back on the beach.
The committee want to acknowledge and thank all the wildlife volunteers for the wonderful work that they do.
Figure: Pacific Gull caught on a fish hook (credit: Joe Spano)
Upcoming arborist visit
The arborists will be visiting again toward the end of February. If you have any specific requests or concerns about tree maintenance, please let us know.
Committee changes
The contact address for the committee is now capeocc@ourcapelife.org. Please update your contacts. This is part of our current work to revamp our website and community communications.
Following the departure of Gary, the new secretary of the OCC is John Godfrey.
Street safety audit
Last year, the committee conducted a thorough audit of pedestrian safety throughout the estate following a reported near-miss incident involving a child and a car. Based on the audit, several recommendations were made to improve pedestrian safety at a number of key locations, as outlined in the figure below. These recommendations will be addressed by both the developer and Council.
The developer has agreed to implement the recommended changes, and you can expect to see work beginning in the coming months.
Additionally, we met with the Sustainable Transport and Movement team at Bass Coast Shire Council, who also approved the recommendations. Council will be seeking funding from the Victorian Government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program to cover the recommendations not included in the standard maintenance budget, such as the installation of zebra crossings. We anticipate progress on these initiatives, although the timeline will depend on Council’s schedule.
Container collection
Every Saturday afternoon, before the yellow-lid bin collection, a few of The Cape kids will be out and about with their beach trolley, collecting eligible cans and bottles for the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme. 10% of the proceeds from the collection will go to charity.
To participate, simply leave a box outside your own house with your cans, bottles, or stubbies, and they’ll be picked up. A handy tip: placing something heavy in your box helps keep it from blowing away. If you’d like to be sure we don’t miss your collection, feel free to send a message to Dries (0404 183 173) or Griet (0404 186 290), or reply to the reminder post put on Facebook on collection day.
Please note that on particularly hot, rainy, or windy days etc, the collection might shift to Sunday.
AGM date
This year we are planning to hold the AGM of the Owners’ Corporation on Friday 18 July at 4pm at the Cape Paterson SLSC. Please put this in your calendar.
Mowing of vacant lots
With the warm weather and recent rain, grass is growing quickly. So, another reminder to owners of vacant lots to keep your grass mowed. Hopefully folk know their own neighbours and can contact relevant lot owners themselves. If you don’t have your neighbour’s contact details, get in touch with the OCC and we can facilitate an introduction.
Passata day
Join us for a fun-filled day on Sunday 2 March at The Pod at the Cape Community Farm, where you can immerse yourself in Italian traditions.
Enjoy a lively atmosphere with Italian music and delicious traditional pizza.
Learn how to make your passata and take home a bottle of your creation to enjoy later! Get involved with the community and start collecting your passata bottles now!
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate culture, food, and community in one memorable day.
This event is for The Cape Residents & Cape Community Farm Members. Tickets available here.
Admission is $10 for adults, with kids entering free!
Pizzas available for $10.
All proceeds will go towards supporting the farm.
Levies
Please note the levies were emailed to all lot owners last week by Ace Body Corporate. Please contact them if you haven´t received yours. Levies are now issued every six months.
Aquathon
The Cape Paterson SLSC recently held its annual aquathon. As usual, the running sector of the event passed through The Cape. Thanks to Jane Cox for coordinating between The Cape and the SLSC, and to all the other volunteers who helped make it a successful event.
Helping runners cool off (pic: Jane Cox)
CPRRA Working Bee
The CPRRA is conducting a working bee this Saturday, 8 February.
This month the focus is on some invasive weeds that are on the edge of and in the coastal reserve adjacent to Surf Beach Road. Meet at the Wonthaggi Life Saving Club car park at 9:00 am.
Covered footwear and sun-smart clothing is recommended. At this stage no rain is predicted but please check forecast closer to the date. Bass Coast Shire Council will provide basic hand trowels secateurs and dabbers but if you own grubbing tools (especially on longer poles), please bring those.
Regular social events
- Men’s breakfast is the fourth Friday of the month at 8am, at the (place formerly known as the) Channel Store;
- Friday friendlies. Pickleball, bocce and bowls at the sports precinct recommenced with daylight savings. Look out for them on every third Friday of the month. The events start at about 4pm.
- Women’s catch up is the second Friday of the month at 9:45 am, at Zeal & Flow.
- Sippers. Every Thursday evening the Cape Paterson Surf Club is open from about 4pm. This is open to the public, not just surf club members. Drinks and light meals available.
Our Cape Life 