The Farm’s annual Passata Day (Sunday, 22 March) was a big hit. The big change this year was the inclusion of live music from a band playing Italian folk music, featuring local residents Donald, Cheryl and Phil. This really added to the multicultural vibe of the event. The other big achievement was exclusively using Cape-Farm-grown tomatoes. Well done to all involved.
AGM Reminder
A reminder that the AGM of the Owner’s Corporation will be on Friday 29 May at 4pm at the Cape Paterson Surf Lifesaving Club.
Please consider if you would like to give back to the community by volunteering to serve on the committee. Reach out to any on the committee if you are curious.
Community ‘Town Hall’ Meeting re Lot 27
The committee are hosting a community meeting to discuss the matter of the long-standing problem of unauthorised painted signs on Lot 27 (6 Periwinkle). This will be held at the display house at 4:30pm on Friday 24 April. The purpose of the meeting is to:
outline the current situation,
brief residents on possible courses of action,
get feedback from residents to help the committee choose the appropriate course of action.
Arborist update
The arborist team was planned to visit on Monday 30 March. This did not go ahead because of an equipment failure. The new planned dates are 16 and 22 April (scope of work is now expected to require two days on site).
Speed limit change
Council have recently updated speed limit signage in the area. Most notably, the 50km/h speed limit on Seaward Drive has been extended along its entire length.
Bin Locks
The committee have distributed bin locks to help keep bin lids closed in the wind. If you have not received one, please reach out to the committee. Each lot at Cape is allocated one each for free. Additional bin locks available for the discounted price of $10 each.
Using bin locks. If you’re not sure how the bin locks work, reach out for a demo.
Tool-shed update
Construction of the tool shed should start in the next couple of weeks. Refer back to the December newsletter here for more information about the plans.
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.
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.
picture credit: Robyn Shallard
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.
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.
Example of an RFID tagExample of an RFID card
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
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!
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.
Some of Trevor’s kites as a backdrop at his funeralTrev’s beloved Clubman open-top sports car at his funeral
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/
Our Cape Life 