With Melbourne only 2 1/2 hours away, Phillip Island has always been a popular holiday destination. Twelve years ago, beach shacks were commonplace, with some upgraded when their owners reached retirement. Over the past five years, however, many of these homes have been bulldozed and double-storied McMansions erected in their place -- especially along the foreshore and anywhere with a sea view. Along with the luxury and glitz came sophisticated security systems and interestingly, a reduction in their use.
Many people reminisce about carefree days spent at their beach shack, hidden in tea tree scrub but only a few steps from the beach. Wet towels, sandy feet, dogs, kids, and fishing rods slide more easily into life in a fibro shack than in a McMansion. In the days of beach shacks, nothing was ever locked, housework was put on the back burner, men went fishing and kids were free to make their own fun.
During the 12 years we've lived on Phillip Island there have been big changes. No longer is there a feeling of community and this contrasts hugely with the strong community we enjoy in Mitchell, Outback Queensland. Along our road on Phillip Island, there are only two single storey houses remaining: ours and another halfway up the rise. From our single storey we have a breath-taking sea view and feel no need to have security alarms or cameras. We are beginning to feel like the odd ones out. But we are not about to change!
Many people reminisce about carefree days spent at their beach shack, hidden in tea tree scrub but only a few steps from the beach. Wet towels, sandy feet, dogs, kids, and fishing rods slide more easily into life in a fibro shack than in a McMansion. In the days of beach shacks, nothing was ever locked, housework was put on the back burner, men went fishing and kids were free to make their own fun.
During the 12 years we've lived on Phillip Island there have been big changes. No longer is there a feeling of community and this contrasts hugely with the strong community we enjoy in Mitchell, Outback Queensland. Along our road on Phillip Island, there are only two single storey houses remaining: ours and another halfway up the rise. From our single storey we have a breath-taking sea view and feel no need to have security alarms or cameras. We are beginning to feel like the odd ones out. But we are not about to change!
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