Month: September 2015

FRANKSTON Council has urged people to report anyone illegally riding a monkey bike on public roads or footpaths in the wake of the death of 34-year-old mother of two Andrea Lehane after a collision at Carrum Downs Shopping Centre last Wednesday. “This will affect so many lives. Our hearts go out to her friends and family through this difficult time,” Frankston mayor Cr Sandra Mayer said. Frankston Council resolved to change its local law in October 2007 to ban monkey bikes on public roads and increase police powers to impound unregistered motor vehicles. “Prior to the decision, these unregistered motor…

MODERN technology was on trial in Frankston Magistrates’ Court last week in a judgement with implications for motorcycle riders across Victoria. A magistrate fined motorcyclist Max Lichtenbaum $150 for wearing two small GoPro-type cameras on his helmet and dismissed an appeal by the Frankston rider to have an infringement notice issued by police thrown out. Mr Lichtenbaum had originally been fined $289 and three demerit points after he was stopped by police on 22 March in Plowman Place, Frankston while wearing the helmet-cam. Police said the 55-year-old had broken safety standards by adding extensions to his motorcycle helmet. Mr Lichtenbaum’s…

WATSON Creek Catchment Group has almost completed a restoration project in the upper area of the creek, along one of its tributaries. And they are happy to have had some much-needed help from volunteer groups along the way, including Somerville Secondary College and the Peninsula North Men’s Shed. The VCAL students and teachers Catherine Arnold and Josh Blanchard, along with other volunteers, helped plant about 4000 native trees, shrubs and grasses along the creek bank. They also got rid of blackberries, pampas grass and other weeds which had been taking over. Volunteers from the Peninsula North Men’s Shed, Baxter, made…

ANTI-coal activists have rallied outside the Hastings office of local MP and environment minister Greg Hunt for the third time this month. Last Wednesday morning, members of national lobby group GetUp held a “friendly tug-of-war between ‘Team Coal’ dressed in black and ‘Team Coral’ in tropical colours” as part of a campaign to “protect the Great Barrier Reef” and protest about Mr Hunt and the Coalition government allowing more coal projects in the Galilee Basin in Queensland. Sam Regester of GetUp said the playful tug-of-war game “highlighted the serious decision the minister had to make between greater action to protect…

A HASTINGS market day will help raise funds for Impact for Women, an organisation that aims to make a difference for women in crisis. Organiser Jenny Scott said around 30 stallholders would add to the event, which will have face painting for the kids and raffles throughout the day. “International fashion designer Henry Roth will assist on the afternoon, Tyabb Scouts will be cooking, plus we will be running a live auction to help raise money for the cause,” Ms Scott said. The market will be opened by Impact for Women founder Kathy Kaplan OAM. She launched the idea in…

SOMERS Primary School will be transformed into a magical arena of children’s activities, music, food and market stalls for the Somers Arts Fair, Sunday 25 October. A dedicated exhibition space will be filled with artworks by collectable and emerging artists who, each year, create art exclusively for the fair’s art auction. Organisers say the fair is the only event of its kind on the peninsula to combine the festivity of a fair with an exhibition and auction of rich and diverse art. It will run 10am-5pm with the art auction 2pm, at Somers Primary School, 87 Camp Hill Rd, Somers.…

A CORONER’S inquest into the death of Tyabb boy Luke Batty – and the circumstances leading up to the tragedy – has found that it could not have been predicted. Judge Ian Gray said in a 111-page finding released on Monday that the 11-year-old’s death “was not reasonably foreseeable by anyone – including his mother, Rosie Batty”. But Mr Gray noted that circumstances leading up to the event were exacerbated by “a failure to engage [his father Greg] Anderson in the family violence system and make him accountable for his actions”. He also stated: “Luke’s death, from the practicable point…

A MAN’S cry for help broke the early morning stillness of a fishing trip on Western Port Bay early Sunday morning. Standing at the back of his boat, Cranbourne man Howard Fisher strained to pin-point the muffled sound in the dark, every nerve on edge. “I had been asleep in my boat but I woke up and went out and I thought I heard a voice in the water,” he said Monday. “I yelled out: ‘Is someone there?’ and the voice came back again. “Suddenly I could see a couple of men in the water as they drifted down past…

THE laying of floral tributes and a public vigil united Carrum Downs residents on Sunday evening to bid a sad farewell to mother-of-two Andrea Lehane. The 34-year-old was tragically killed when run down by one of a group of “monkey-bike” riders as she walked over a pedestrian crossing to the shopping centre at about 5pm last Wednesday (23 September). A Frankston North man, 18-year-old Caleb Jakobsson, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court over her death on Saturday. He faces eight charges, including culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, failing to stop after an accident, failing to render assistance after…

PARKS Victoria is increasing ranger patrols on peninsula surf beaches in an attempt to help protect the endangered hooded plover during its breeding season from September to March. Parks Victoria’s peninsula chief ranger Kris Rowe said residents and visitors must abide by dog restrictions. The tougher regime is due to the disappointing breeding season in 2014-15. Just four chicks survived to fledgling (flying) stage out of 34 chicks hatched. There are fewer than 600 hooded plovers left in Victoria. Mr Rowe said the hooded plover population in Mornington Peninsula National Park was one of the largest in Victoria. “However it…

A FENCE made from recycled and reclaimed timber? What a good idea! That’s what Rye resident Lisa Hart thought as she and her family nailed on the eclectic range of palings. Their new front fence was taking shape and they were proud of it – despite its rather “individual” appearance. Lisa even sought help from her friends on Facebook: “Hi all, we are currently building some new fences from recycled or reclaimed timber, and we need more palings. Anything will do; it doesn’t have to be fence palings, and it can be painted or unpainted – the more character the…

PENINSULA LEAGUE FRANKSTON YCW capped off a wonderful season by winning the Peninsula League premiership by a whopping 87 points over Mornington on Sunday. The Stonecats have been by far the best side in the competition this season, having had a 77-point average winning margin this season. On Sunday at the Kars St Oval, the Stonecats dominated to win 18.15 (123) to 5.6 (36). Frankston YCW’s previous two encounters against Mornington saw them win by 10 goals and almost 15 goals. On Sunday, it was much of the same. The Stonecats were prepared, disciplined, clinical and professional, a trademark that…

FOOTY NEWS KARINGAL Football Club has landed the biggest blow in off-season recruiting, landing three-time Sorrento premiership forward Leigh Poholke. Yours truly broke the exclusive story on the RPP Footy Show and Toe Punt Facebook Page on Saturday morning. The 2014 Nepean League MVP and Team of the Year player has gone to the Bulls to “personally challenge” himself. Poholke said he had been fortunate in his career to be at a “great club” and one that has enjoyed a lot of success. However, Poholke said it was time for a change. “I want to challenge myself. I think that…

MESSRS A. Scott and Co. will hold their monthly sale at Tanti on Monday next, when they will have a good yarding of cattle, sheep and sundries to dispose of. The sale will commence at half past twelve o’clock. *** A PUBLIC meeting is called for Monday evening next by Mr G.Griffeth, president of the shire, in the Fruitgrowers’ Hall, Somerville, for the purpose of forming a branch of the Patriots’ League. Mr M. F. King, of Melbourne, will address the meeting. *** AT the recent examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy and Royal College of music…

BURN off restrictions on properties less than 1500 square metres will be eased throughout October to allow residents to burn off for fire prevention purposes. For the whole of the month, open air burning will be allowed on land less than 1500 square metres, but only 9am-4pm, Fridays and Saturdays, provided that: No more than one cubic metre of vegetation is burnt at any one time, the fire is not within 10 metres of a neighbour’s house, and the general fire safety provisions are followed at all times. Open air burning is prohibited on properties smaller than 1500 square metres…

THE exhibition described as the “irreverent and playful rabble-rouser of the Archibald’s” the Salon des Refusés” is coming to Victoria – and Mornington – for the first time. The exhibition showcases what’s described as “the ones that got away” – meaning those artworks that were not granted a showing in the famous Archibald Prize. They include a prized selection of the “humorous, innovative, mad, bad and dangerous entries that were too fabulous to resist”, say Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery organisers, who take delight in hosting the only showing in Victoria. The works, torn from obscurity, include portraits of Robert Forster,…

MORE than 70 kangaroos have been hit and killed by vehicles on Mornington Peninsula roads this year, says animal activist Craig Thomson. Mr Thomson, secretary of Animalia Wildlife Shelter, said roos were being forced on to road reserves by property owners building “9-foot [3-metre] kangaroo-proof fences, especially in the Tuerong to Cape Schanck area”. “The fences limit their ability to move across the land,” he said. “Kangaroos on the peninsula are an isolated population and we could loose them forever if we don’t protect them.” He said most roos killed were eastern greys, the dominant species in the region. “This…

THE federal government will give Mornington Peninsula Shire almost $6.5 million from its Financial Assistance Grant Program for 2015-16. The amount is part of $39 million for councils partly or wholly in the federal electorate of Flinders, held by environment minister Greg Hunt, who announced the funds in a statement last week. City of Casey receives the lion’s share of the money with $17.31 million for its 283,000 residents. Cardinia Shire gets $9.89 million for its population of 87,000 and Bass Coast $5.49 million for its 30,000 with Mornington Peninsula Shire receiving $6.43 million for its 150,000 people. The government…

COMMENT IT’S concerning to see the amount of boneseed growing beside peninsula roads this spring. After a couple of weeks out of the area, was driving back to the southern peninsula via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway in early September. Coming into the Arthurs Seat cutting that’s spanned by La Trobe Pde, there on the inland side of the VicRoads freeway were dozens of boneseed bushes, some several years old, their bright yellow flowers gleaming in the sun. South African boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera) is one of the state’s worst pest plants, according to botanists and the state government’s own experts. It…

A DINNER at the Mornington Golf Club was a fun way for Mornington Lodge members to celebrate 125 years of service to the community. The lodge has been part of the town since 1890 – with Freemasons raising $30,000-$40,000 each year for charitable projects. A major project launched at the dinner is one close to all their hearts: a plan to raise $125,000 to help stamp out family violence. A driving force behind the project was special guest at the dinner: Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, whose campaign for compulsory reporting of child abuse cases has generated a lasting…

BEACHGOERS are being reminded not to open any containers washed up on Mornington Peninsula beaches. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority warned toxic canisters in the Torres Strait, Queensland, NSW, South Australia and Tasmania. The unlabelled silver canisters contain a rat poison known as aluminium phosphide. When a canister is opened, powder reacts with moisture in the air to release highly toxic phosphine gas which is a danger to humans. While there have been no reported cases in Victoria and currents make it likely these containers will not find their way to Port Phillip Bay it is a reminder for all…

THE “thrill of the performance” drives Mt Martha actor and director Callum Needham, who has written, produced, directed and acted in his own short film, Fatum, being shown at the Astor Theatre, East St Kilda, in November. Named after the Latin word for destiny or fate, Fatum has a strong anti-bullying theme and also offers a positive message for young teens not to bow to peer or parental pressure but to follow their dreams. Needham, who attended Mt Martha Primary School and Mt Eliza Secondary College, began his acting career in Grade 6 in primary school productions and continued right…

A HUMAN rights organisation based in Mornington helps girls in rural Cambodia get an education and this, in turn, makes them less vulnerable to people traffickers and the ubiquitous sex trade. Mornington resident Nicky Mih established Free To Shine in 2010 to “make a difference” to the thousands of southeast Asian girls who find themselves exploited through poverty, lack of education, and ignorance. “The organisation began with a simple idea: ‘It starts with you’,” she said. “I kept reading these harrowing stories about girls in the sex trade and it got to the point that I had to act, I…

FOUR teenagers with diabetes received some welcome inspiration from former AFL player Jack Fitzpatrick in Mt Eliza last week. Ben McVea, 15, of Langwarrin, Imogen Price, 12, of Somerville, Caleb Govan, 12, of Pearcedale and Billie Angelone, 14, of Parkdale, were participants in a four-day Diabetes Victoria senior camp at Camp Manyung, Mt Eliza. They are learning how to live well with type 1 diabetes in a fun, safe and supportive environment, and shared a culture of independence through adventure. Billie Angelone was diagnosed in July 2005 when she was four. She used to cry every time she had to…

COMMENT “ROLL out the rate cap,” one hears muttered across the peninsula as people prepare to fork out for their 2015-16 rates and charges to Mornington Peninsula Shire – bills averaging nearly 6 per cent more than last year. After a decade of steep hikes, up nearly 120 per cent in that time and invariably by more than the shire-announced figure, rate relief is in sight. It will be imposed on councils by the state government from 2016-17. It will bring genuine, substantial relief. The rate rise is proposed to be 3.05 per cent, unless the shire succeeds in arguing…

FEW 81-year-olds are as active as Lois Dennington. Still working full time in Mornington, the octogenarian is set to represent Victoria in five swimming events at the Australian Masters Games. She started competitive swimming after her youngest child left home in 1984 – now she has won so many medals she’s lost track but is hoping to bring home more gold. “I’m competing in five events: three backstroke and two freestyle.” Ms Dennington holds the Victorian records for the 50, 100 and 200 metres backstroke in the 80-84-year-old category. A key factor in keeping her social and active is regularly…

MT Martha Junior Football Club is the first junior sporting club to sign on to the Frankston Mornington Peninsula Smoke Free Charter. President Warren Davies said the club hoped other sporting clubs will follow their lead and sign the charter. “It’s been really well received at the club. Even the smokers think it’s a good initiative; they don’t want their kids to become smokers either, so they’re happy to be involved.” By signing the charter, the club has made a public commitment to reduce the number of people who smoke and to protect people from the damaging effects of secondhand…

MORNINGTON’S iconic cliff walking track between Beleura Hill and Mills Beach would cost $12 million to build nowadays, say members of a steering committee. The committee was formed by residents with the approval of the shire after a public meeting in December 2013 that followed the closure of the track the month before due to another landslip caused by stormwater from nearby properties undermined the track. The committee continues to lobby for the track to be fixed and reopened. The shire council has applied for state money for the project and an announcement is expected soon, shire coastal planner Neil…

Police are investigating the circumstances after a 53-year-old Koo Wee Rup man died while on a fishing trip this morning. Investigators have been told that two men aged in their 50s set off from Tooradin in a fishing boat. It is believed one of the men went to the side/rear of the boat and fell into the water. The other man jumped in to save the man but was unsuccessful. A passing boat located the pair in the water between French Island and Tooradin around 3.20am. They were brought to shore at Hastings with the surviving man from Tooradin suffering…

Three boys are currently in custody following a hit-run collision in Carrum Downs on Wednesday night which left a woman with life threatening injures. It is believed three to five small motorcycles were travelling east through a shopping centre car park on Hall Road when one of them struck the woman about 5.10pm. Investigators were told the small motorcycles failed to stop and left the scene. The 34-year-old Carrum Downs woman was airlifted to The Alfred hospital where she remains in a critical condition. The boys, a 16-year-old from Carrum Downs, a 17-year-old from Seaford and a 15-year-old from Carrum…