SOUTHERN Metropolitan Police and members of the public will pay tribute to those who have died in the line of duty at a Blue Ribbon Day service at Rosebud RSL, Friday 29 September. The service, which is open to the public, is part of Police Remembrance Day, which recognises the 159 police officers who have lost their lives while protecting the community. Those attending are asked to wear a blue ribbon or attach one to their car’s aerial as a gesture of support. “This service gives the community the opportunity to remember the police officers who have lost their lives…
Month: September 2017
THE Hastings-based Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association has been given $36,864 from the state government to build a men’s shed. The shed’s focus will be on creating such cultural artefacts as boomerangs, woomeras and didgeridoos, as well as totem sculptures for a bush trail. The grant will be jointly administered by Department of Health and Human Services, Mornington Peninsula Shire and the association. Secretary to the Treasurer Daniel Murlino, Eastern Division MLC, last week made the announcement at the Willum Warrain Gathering Place in Pound Rd, Hastings. He was accompanied by Phil Kiely from the Men’s Shed Organisation of Victoria and…
AFTER a break of 61 years, water is again flowing into Devilbend Reservoir along its original creek watercourse. Up to 17 million litres a day will enter the reservoir during peak flow times, thanks to a Parks Victoria water diversion project completed last year. The flows will raise levels in the reservoir and ensure its sustainability over summer months. The reservoir is the largest and most significant water body on the Mornington Peninsula, and this seasonal flow will boost its general health and biodiversity and create better habitats for bird and fish, Parks Victoria said. More than 150 bird species…
THE proposed widening of the sealed section of the north-south runway at Tyabb airfield from 10 metres to 18 metres would improve safety, according to the Tyabb Airfield Precinct Plan now on public display. But Peninsula Aero Club has been quick to point out that the extra width would not be a green light for its use by larger aircraft. Club president Peter Bernardi said the widening would cost the club up to $500,000 and would be completed “hopefully” by year’s end. The precinct plan, by Kneebush Planning and Arcadis, is nearing the end of its six-week public display period…
A GROUP of Western Port residents took their concerns over potential power outages in the hectic summer period to Hastings MP Neale Burgess last week. “We put to him our personal concerns about the effect of power outages which we anticipate this summer with the closure of the Hazelwood power station,” Hastings resident Fran Henke said. “While outages will affect businesses big and small, we wanted him to understand what could happen to people dependent on electricity for their survival and wellbeing.” Ms Henke said Mr Burgess had promised to raise concerns about power outages in parliament “as soon as…
IT will be an action-packed holiday for surfing siblings, Sara and Lucas Dickson, as they travel between Victoria and New South Wales to compete in several national surfing events on Saturday 23 September. The siblings will compete in two nation-wide Ripcurl GromSearch events as well as the Hurley’s BL Blast Off with their journey starting at Jan Juc, Victoria. Sara, 9 and Lucas, 11 have been surfing since the ages of three and four and these school holidays they will compete in the Ripcurl GromSearch under-12 events. Father and keen surfer, Michael Dickson, said that the family has always been…
PENINSULA LEAGUE WITH the 2017 MPNFL Peninsula Division season now behind us, clubs will now turn their attention to the arduous task of locking away coaches and recruiting. Here’s a sneak peek at what clubs should focus their attention on in preparation for 2018. Whilst AFL South East is yet to hand down its decision on the format of the MPNFL next season, it’s expected that Chelsea, Karingal and Langwarrin will play in MPNFL Division Two next season. Frankston YCW: The Stonecats again proved that they are the benchmark of the competition. Once again in the silly season, clubs will…
NEPEAN LEAGUE MPNFL Nepean Division is likely to be renamed Division Two in 2018 and Sorrento, Frankston Bombers and Rosebud will not be part of it. Despite the fact AFL South East is still a couple of weeks away from making a decision on the new structure, it is widely tipped that the reigning premier, runner-up and third-placed Rosebud will head to Division One and that Chelsea, Karingal and Langwarrin will head to Division Two. Let’s take a look at what clubs require heading into 2018. Sorrento: The most important decision Sorrento needs to get right is the appointment of…
SOCCER SOUTHERN United’s championship-winning under-13s have won their way into the NPLW Grand Final after defeating Bayside United 2-0 at Comets Stadium last weekend. The Grand Final takes place at 10am this Sunday at ABD Stadium in Meadow Heights and Southern will come face to face with its 2017 nemesis, Calder United, which finished runner-up in the title race. Calder won the qualifying final 1-0 two weeks ago forcing Southern into last Saturday’s sudden-death preliminary final. But the local club will go into the clash primed by a meticulous preparation arranged by senior coach Emma Bracken and assistant Aaron Myatt.…
IT is with extreme regret we have to record the death of Mr John Reynolds, which took place at St Pancras Hospital, Frankston, on Wednesday morning 1st, after a painful illness, the cause of death being “pernicious anemia.” The deceased, who was only 50 years of age, came to Frankston some 30 years ago, and commenced his trade as boot maker, and followed it up to within a few weeks of his death. The deceased was a great lover of cricket, and as young man took numerous trophies for excellence in the game. He was also connected with the Rangers…
BONEO Primary School pupils had lots of fun preparing for the upcoming Light Up Fun Run 4 Autism. They threw coloured powder into the air to promote the event – from the Bay Trail Tootgarook (opposite Carmichael St) to the Rye foreshore playground. Participants on the day will get the colour treatment as they pass four ‘colour stations’ over the leisurely three kilometre run/walk, from 10am-midday, Sunday 22 October. They will get together at the Rye foreshore playground afterwards to enjoy entertainment, rides and food. Light Up Autism Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that provides assistance to school-age children with…
OUTDOOR dining is on the menu in central Frankston as part of a state government push to encourage food and drink businesses to kick business outside to the kerbside. The state government’s appetite for kerbside dining has seen up to $40,000 of taxpayers’ money put on the table for Frankston businesses to buy street furniture or install small seating areas on pavements outside established eateries. A Kerbside Dining Encouragement Package, announced last week in partnership with Frankston Council, will offer 20 grants of $2000 each to Frankston city centre food and drink businesses offer outdoor dining for the first time…
A BUSINESS case for the long-mooted electrification of the Frankston line to Baxter will go ahead after the federal and state governments got onboard a unity ticket to look at the plan. Federal Dunkley Liberal MP Chris Crewther announced last Friday (22 September) that the Labor state government and federal Coalition government had agreed to pursue the business case Mr Crewther announced on the eve of last year’s federal election. “We’re now able to proceed as the state government have finally decided to play ball by submitting an initial and now revised project scope, after ignoring the federal funding on…
THE failure of a plan to fence off the Pillars cliff jumping spot at Mt Martha is likely to see increasing numbers of visitors to the natural attraction. Although dedicated through various policies to increasing tourism, Mornington Peninsula Shire has been trying to lessen the numbers of people visiting the Pillars. Nevertheless, it is a major attraction without signposts, steps or safety barriers. Alcohol bans, parking bans, warning signs and restricting access have all failed to lessen the steady beat of feet to the cliff top. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has now pulled the plug…
THERE are widening cracks in the cliff face and access stairs have been blocked or cut off before they reach the beach. Cracks are also appearing in the bitumen on the Esplanade above the unstable cliffs that last week saw the beach closed at Mt Martha north. Mornington Peninsula Shire issued a news release saying the beach was being closed to the public “for safety reasons”. The building surveyor officially closed the beach, Tuesday 19 September, until further notice. This will block access to 50 boatsheds, many of which are “substantially damaged”, including those from the south side of boatshed…
RED Hill Recreation Reserve has been endorsed as a bushfire refuge for the coming fire season. Residents can go to the top oval when other bushfire plans fail. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has been working with the CFA, Victoria police, and CFA brigades to identify sites for designation and the top oval met the criteria. Increased traffic in Red Hill caused by the monthly market and annual show has prompted warnings to residents to carefully consider their travel plans in the area. They should only do so when all other plans fail. Planned fuel reduction works will remove such environmental…
TYABB girl Ella Crofts has been praised by federal Health Minister and Flinders MP Greg Hunt as a “very brave and courageous young lady”. Mr Hunt’s comments were made while promising $2.4 million following the 13 year old’s campaign for research into the Buruli (or Bairnsdale) flesh-eating ulcer from which she suffers. The disease has been described as being rampant on the Mornington Peninsula where incidences have more than doubled in the past year. There has been a 300 per cent increase in the number of cases in Victoria in the past five years. In the past two years, the…
OBITUARY Anthony (Tony) Muir, 1943-2017 Master mariner, diver SOMETIME over the next few weeks a flotilla of small boats will sail towards Port Phillip Heads. It will be spring, a time of renewal, regeneration and hope. Those on board the boats will look toward the Polperro, because it will be from the deck of his beloved timber vessel that the ashes of Tony Muir will be consigned to the waters that he loved. Tony Muir died on 4 July, less than one month after celebrating his 74th birthday. He had been diagnosed with cancer a decade earlier. Hundreds attended a…
AN ALLIANCE of six councils that lobbies state and federal governments for investment in the south east has been rebadged and relaunched but ratepayers are in the dark about how much the renewed lobbying push will cost. The South East Melbourne Group of Councils (SEM) includes Frankston, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Kingston, Casey, Cardinia Shire and Greater Dandenong councils. A new website at southeastmelbourne.org and launch event on Friday 15 September at Greater Dandenong council offices in Dandenong mentioned on the group’s new Facebook page flagged a new look for the group. The site domain name was registered last year by…
AN informal Peninsula Action Day on marriage equality got off to a vibrant start last week when up to 30 volunteers put their case for a ‘Yes’ vote at shopping centres from Blairgowrie to Dromana. Organiser Bryce Paterson said there was a “huge amount of enthusiasm up and down the coast” for the group’s message, Saturday 16 September, with most of those approached in favour of the same-sex marriage proposal. “We engaged with prospective voters and were very pleased with the level of support,” he said. “We reminded them about the postal ballot and inquired about whether they had received…
SUPPOSED “contradictions” in the Hastings Foreshore Precinct Plan were highlighted in the Tuesday 12 September Talking Fishing show on Channel 31. Much of the show was dedicated to discussing concerns about the scope and depth of the plan, such as the lack of community input into the month-long public survey which attracted only 27 respondents willing to discuss their likes and dislikes about the foreshore, what they did there, pressing issues, conflicts between users and possible improvements. The show, hosted by Future Fish Foundation director David Kramer, also criticised the design of the proposed boat ramp parking area, saying it…
A 45-YEAR-OLD man arrested at the scene of a shooting fatality at Baxter on Saturday has been released pending further inquiries. He is believed to be known to the dead man. Homicide squad detectives are awaiting the results of a post mortem into the death of the man found with a gunshot wound in the shed of a Station Crescent home about 11am, Saturday 16 September. They are treating the man’s death as suspicious. He is yet to be formally identified. Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000…
CERBERUS ward councillor Kate Roper says she believes Crib Point residents were not fully consulted about the possibility of the Mornington Peninsula Shire-owned outdoor pool being handed over to a commercial operator, Belgravia Leisure. Cr Roper said she understood the process to outsource sports centres to a commercial operator had been “going on for over a year” before her election as a councillor at council elections in October last year. She said she could not speak to locals to ask for feedback about the plan due to “confidentiality clauses” while a tender was being discussed. “I was really disappointed because…
THE lengthy process of formulating a business case for a car ferry from Stony Point to Cowes, Phillip Island goes a step forward next month with a series of public and industry meetings. On Friday 6 October industry representatives and members of the public can attend “information gathering” meetings at Crib Point. Compilation of the business case for the ferry service is being co-ordinated by Brisbane-based consultants Earthcheck, described as being an international tourism advisory group. The state government has given $200,000 to help Mornington Peninsula and Bass Coast shires “understand and define the community, environmental and economic contribution and…
A Safety Beach pensioner in her mid-80s is hoping someone will hand in a white CBA envelope containing $900 which she lost at the Dromana Hub shopping centre on Wednesday morning 13 September. Leading Senior Constable Shane Byrne, of Rosebud police, said the woman was “distressed by her loss”. He said the woman had gone to the shopping centre to pay bills when she lost the envelope with the $900, which included $100, $50 and $20 notes. Anyone with information can call Leading Senior Constable Byrne on 5986 0444. Some caring locals have set up a gofundme page if…
GO KARTING talent Cadel Ambrose has concluded a thrilling season with a victory in the final round of the Australian kart championships on Sunday 3 September. The victory pushed nine-year-old Cadel into third place of the cadet-nine Australian kart championships overall standings. Taking to the track on Todd Road, Port Melbourne Cadel had to make up an 11 point difference in the fifth and final round to make it into the top three but the challenge just gave him more drive to succeed. “He was pretty excited heading into the final round,” Cadel’s mother Suzie Morrell said. “He was sitting…
NEPEAN LEAGUE SORRENTO capped off an outstanding 2017 MPNFL Nepean Division season on Saturday when it led all afternoon to beat Frankston Bombers by 14 points. Sorrento controlled the match on its terms for all but 15 minutes in the third quarter to win 13.5 (83) to 10.9 (69). Had Frankston Bombers got its nose in front in the third quarter, the result could have been different. However, as they did throughout the match, the Sharks had the right answers when it mattered most. Kicking with the aid of the wind to Frankston Park’s Kars St end, together with a…
PENINSULA LEAGUE FRANKSTON YCW became the first team in more than 100 years of peninsula football to win four consecutive premierships on Sunday. The Stonecats totally outclassed Bonbeach, booting eight goals to one in the second quarter and 10 unanswered goals in the last quarter to win by more than 100 points, 21.11 (137) to 5.5 (35). Bonbeach led at quarter time, 2.0 (12) to 1.2 (8) and in fact outscored the opposition in two of the first three quarters. The problem was, Frankston YCW booted 18.8 to the Kars St end of Frankston Park in the second and last…
AFTER almost a decade, Mornington Football Club’s favourite son Simon Goosey (pictured right) has returned to the kennel. Goosey, who coached the Doggies to eight grand finals and four premierships in the 1990’s and 2000’s, said the move back to the Dogs “feels right”. “I’ve always loved the Mornington footy club and my son (Will) still plays there, so it seemed like the right time to go back” Goosey said. ‘The Goose’ left the Dogs to “better himself” as a coach and moved to Frankston Dolphins in the VFL, where he also had a very successful career as a coach.…
SOCCER CANDELA Ferreyra-Bas is the toast of local soccer after winning the 2017 NPLW Gold Medal at a gala awards night last week. Southern United’s captain and leading scorer was a runaway winner of the award which recognises the recipient as the premier performer in Victoria’s elite women’s competition. The 21-year-old polled 39 referees votes to street the field, 10 votes ahead of runner-up Cindy Lay of Calder United. It was a night of great celebration for the local club as senior coach Rob Giabardo was named NPLW Coach of the Year. Giabardo wasted little time in calling for co-coach…