Month: June 2018

A SYNDICATE of Chinese families has paid $39.4 million for the Mornington Village shopping centre. The sale represents a healthy profit for the Melbourne accounting firm which bought the two-level, 7963 square metre property for $25.8 million four years ago. The centre, on the corner of Main and Cromwell streets, has both Woolworths and Aldi supermarkets, The Reject Shop and Soul Pattinson Chemist, and 15 shops. The purchase price resents a 5.26 per cent yield on an annual passing rental return of $2.071 million. When the centre last sold the yield was 7.47 per cent. Selling agent CBRE’s national director…

A “MASSIVE increase” in the theft of power tools on the southern peninsula is worrying police. They say thieves are targeting tradies’ vehicles and trailers in Mt Eliza, Mornington, Mt Martha, Somerville, Safety Beach and Dromana during the day and overnight. “After hours, tradies should keep their tools out of sight in a locked garage if possible,” Detective Acting Sergeant Robert Vine said. “If this is not an option they should park in a well-lit area and make sure their tools are locked up.” Tradies are advised to also lock their vehicles when parked outside a job as it is…

ASPIRATIONS of a barbecue restaurant at Red Hill to double its number of diners have been dampened by Mornington Peninsula Shire. Red Gum BBQ, which bills itself as “the most authentic Southern American BBQ in Australia and the Mornington Peninsula’s best BBQ and Beer Hall, in the heart of Red Hill” wants to lift its allowable number of patrons from 85 to 170. The shire says there is not enough available parking and there are issues with noise and dealing with wastewater from the restaurant. The restaurant operates at the rear of the service station in a small shopping centre…

RESTAURATEURS Samantha Fitzgerald and Andrew Doughton are “hanging up our aprons” after selling The Long Table at Red Hill South. “After 15 years, we will be closing the doors of our beloved little restaurant on Sunday 17 June,” Ms Fitzgerald said. “It is with much sadness as we come to the end of an era. However, we are also excited for what the future holds for The Long Table and our family going forward. It’s certainly the end of an era for us, and for everyone who has been involved in our journey along the way. We know it takes…

A program under which children receive care and advice from paediatricians at school – rather than having to visit a hospital or clinic – is being hailed a success after 12 months. The outreach strategy is aimed at children and parents in low socio-economic areas who cannot easily access such a specialist service. In many cases parents would not be able to pay for the service or be able to transport their child. Behavioural development issues may also work to frustrate attendance. Four areas chosen for this collaboration between Peninsula Health and schools are Hastings, Frankston North, Rosebud and Mornington…

ROSEBUD Boomerang Bags landed their “first strike” at the Rosebud Plaza, Saturday 2 June, with more than 200 bags distributed and $372 in donations received. “We had to be quick on our feet in that fast paced environment where few shoppers had time for a chat – unlike the markets and fairs we’ve been to so far,” organiser Gwen Giudici said. “But our passionate team converted people, changed over plastic bags for cloth and opened their eyes in regards to our global plastic problem. “We also met fellow state and interstate Boomers and made new connections for future collaborations.” Ms…

THE world game at its highest level in Australia may be coming to the south-east region. Frankston and Mornington Peninsula councils have both thrown their support behind a regional bid to start a professional A-League football team. The bid, codenamed “Team 11”, is one of 15 lodged to gain a license for entry into Australia’s top football league. The bid, launched in June last year, is designed to represent the whole of the south-east Melbourne region, playing games out of a planned $170 million stadium next to Dandenong Station. Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bryan Payne said that the aspiring…

A KEY message to come out of a traffic forum attended by about 100 residents at the Rosebud Country Club, Wednesday 30 May, was to slow traffic down to 80kph or build noise barriers on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. Organiser Wayne Ashley said issues discussed included a lack of action by various state governments over the past 18 years to address traffic noise on the freeway – reportedly the “only freeway not to have re-surfacing or sound barriers”. Other concerns were increased traffic noise “well above 68 decibels as early as 4am creating health issues” for residents; lack of police…

CAPEL Caravan Park residents concerned about becoming “homeless” if their park is redeveloped held a meeting onsite, Friday 1 June. Organiser Wayne Iremonger said up to 135 “mainly elderly and many long-term” residents may be forced out when their two-year notice period expires in December 2019. The Eastbourne Road site, previously known as Sundowner Willows Caravan Park, was taken over by neighbouring retirement home proprietor The Village Glen late last year with the new owners promising that “nothing will happen for at least two years”. Rents were pegged at current prices as a goodwill gesture. But, with time marching on,…

THE long-term protection of the Mornington Peninsula’s rural areas will be the focus of a green wedge summit on Friday 22 June at Main Ridge Community Hall, Main Ridge. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is holding the summit as part of community consultations following the release of the final draft of its Green Wedge Management Plan on Monday 18 June. About 70 per cent of the peninsula is green wedge, which provides for conservation of the natural environment and access to informal outdoor recreation. The peninsula is also regarded as one of the most valuable food producing areas in Australia close…

RED Hill artist and gallery owner Michael Leeworthy’s latest mural – and probably the one most special to him – will be officially launched on Friday. Painted on a wall behind the Red Hill Trading Company, at the entrance to the Merricks-Red Hill shared trails, it features many favourite elements of his long-time home territory. Some “very talented” students from Dromana Secondary College helped paint the 20 metre long mural over three weeks. Its nine panels highlight the area’s Aboriginal heritage, indigenous fauna and flora, early settlers, rail line, food and farm gates, walkers, and bike and horse riders that…

A cyclist has died following a collision with a garbage truck in Moorooduc, Monday 11 June. It’s believed the cyclist and the truck were involved in a collision on Moorooduc Highway near Bungower Road about 10.40am. The male cyclist, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. The male truck driver stopped at the scene and is assisting police with enquiries. Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Source: Victoria Police News, Monday, 11 June 2018

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a fourth person relating to the death of a man located in Tyabb on 22 October 2017. A 46-year-old Elwood woman has today been charged with murder and false imprisonment. She has been remanded to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow. Homicide Squad detectives previously charged a 52-year-old Crib Point man, a 34-year-old Hastings man and a 36-year-old Hastings woman with murder and false imprisonment.

IT’S easy to understand why the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen and Garden Foundation asked to hold one of its professional development days at Osborne Primary School, Mt Martha. The school has hosted the program for the past 10 years with coordinators Cate Hamill and Liz Hubbert putting in long hours to ensure the kitchen and garden program runs smoothly. The activities provide children in grades 3 and 4 with the opportunity to delve into the wonders of the garden and collaboratively cook delicious meals in the kitchen once a fortnight. “Children speak highly of the program and always spend kitchen garden…

WHEN Somers local Linda Wilson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer six years ago, she made a decision to live life to the fullest. She has been able to do just that while staying in her local community, thanks to the oncology team at Frankston Hospital. “The five-year survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer is 7%,” explains the 61-year-old mother of three. “Being a nurse and knowing what pancreatic cancer is like I decided from the day I was diagnosed that I wasn’t going to waste a minute of it being miserable.” “I was told my cancer was incurable so…

WILLUM Warrain Aboriginal Association held its second Mornington Peninsula Reconciliation Walk on Sunday – Mabo Day 3 June – with the theme: “Don’t keep history a mystery”. A crowd of about 750, including members of the Aboriginal community, friends and supporters of Willum Warrain, and the broader peninsula community, strolled from Pelican Park along the Hastings foreshore to the Aboriginal Gathering Place at 10 Pound Road. On arrival there was an acknowledgement of country and introduction by board members Jeanette Kaindel and Debbie Clifford. This was followed by speeches from the mayor Cr Bryan Payne and Willum Warrain president Peter…

BALNARRING Boomerang Bags is the first group to have its own stall in a supermarket. Ritchies’ IGA manager Matt Skiller has given the group space as the 30 June deadline for the statewide banning of single use plastic bags in supermarkets approaches. “The cloth bags are going really well with everyone right behind the group’s work,” Mr Skiller said. “Customers are dropping off cloth for them to use in making the bags which can be bought for a dollar coin donation. Money earned goes back to the group to buy more cloth or sewing machine equipment.” The Balnarring Boomerang Bags…

WESTERN Port Angling Club members met last week to hear an update on their fight against the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s plans to move their clubhouse away from the water. About 70 people attended, including Boating Industry Association representative Ben Scullin, VR Fish representative Franz Grasser, Hastings MP Neale Burgess, angling club members, Bass Strait Game Fishing Club and Hastings Yacht Club. Mr Burgess is backing the club’s push to remain on the foreshore. Members are angry that the club building, public toilets and grassed area used for the annual whiting challenge presentation since the late 1980s will make way for…

PAST Peninsula Surfriders Club champions Calum Nicholson and Mikey Barber set the performance bars high at the Peninsula Surfriders second aggregate competition on Saturday 26 May. A breaching Southern Wright whale signified the start of the competition which returned to Gunnamatta’s first carpark, as Cal Nicolson took a narrow lead over his competitors early in the senior men’s division. His competitors weren’t able to reel him in, but the back-to-back heats took their toll on Nicholson in the Open final as he settled for fourth. An energised Mikey Barber took out first place, while Sean McDevitt and Lachy McDonald filled…

SOCCER LANGWARRIN coach Gus Macleod says Langy fans have much to look forward to after clinching the signature of attacking midfielder Mehdi Sarwari late last week. The 21-year old previously played with Melbourne City, Dandenong Thunder and Oakleigh Cannons. “He’s a huge signing for us, a very exciting player and I think the fans are going to like what they see,” Macleod said. Langwarrin also received clearances for central defender Lloyd Clothier (Malvern City) and goalkeeper Jeremy Sandoval (South Springvale) and they join Queensland strikers Chris Swain and Matt Heath in a strengthened first team squad. Heath is recovering from…

DIVISION TWO DROMANA’S undefeated start to the year nearly came undone in a scrappy contest at home, as they were almost overrun by a plucky Langwarrin side in MPNFL Division Two action on Saturday. Dromana, who pumped their opposition by over 100 points last week, started well to take a 13-point lead into quarter-time but were put on the back foot as Langwarrin struck back to cut the deficit to just one goal at the main break. The third quarter was all Dromana, but despite their dominance, they couldn’t punish Langwarrin on the scoreboard, as they only scored two goals…

DIVISION ONE SORRENTO have maintained their spot on the top of the MPNFL Division One ladder with a thrilling two-point victory over Edithvale-Aspendale on Saturday. The highly anticipated clash between the league’s first and third placed teams took place at Sorrento’s David Macfarlane Reserve, and it was the home side that came rushing out of the gates with a strong first term. Despite looking the stronger team with a two-goal lead at the first break, it took no time at all for Edithvale-Aspendale to work their way back into the contest, thanks in part to their accuracy in front of…

THIS weekend will see the sixth year of the Mornington Winter Music Festival, held both in venues and outdoors along sections of Main Street. Treat yourself to some of the ticketed or free awesome events from Friday 8th to Monday 10th June. Main Street Mornington is renowned for it’s great choice of dinning venues and during the festival, National and local bands will descend on Mornington to deliver superb entertainment which goes hand in hand with delicious food and wine! With 15 venues and over 35 acts there is something for everyone, and that doesn’t include the weekend lineup of…

A MEETING of the Frankston residents was held on 17th September, 1917, to decide upon a site on which to plant an honor avenue of trees, to commemorate the self–sacrifice and bravery of each true Frankstonite, who heard the call of his country in distress, and who hurried across the seas to stand in the ranks with the men of our dear Motherland, side by side with the just nations of the earth to stop the enemy in their dream of world supremacy. After the most painstaking deliberation and exhaustive discussion of the suitability of the various roads leading into…

TWO single mums who admit they would normally have trouble putting money aside for important expenses – such as their children’s education – are singing the praises of a savings plan backed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Small business woman Keli Wallace, of Mt Eliza, has three children and is saving for their education, and Fiona Castles, of Mt Martha, is saving for her child’s swimming lessons while she studies for a bachelor of social work. The women are among more than 1300 Mornington Peninsula and Frankston residents who have taken advantage of the Brotherhood’s Saver Plus program which…

MT ELIZA boxing trainer and fitness coach Ron Smith certainly “carries the reminders of ev’ry glove that laid him down …” as the song says. But the 74-year-old is much more than just a former amateur boxing champion: he was also a jockey, ultra-marathon runner, high rise construction site manager, government safety inspector and, more recently, a personal trainer with a strong local following. He is now an author with his autobiography The Boxer on sale at Petersen’s Bookstore, Hastings. Ron and his wife Sharyn run the Centre for Lifelong Health & Fitness and Mt Eliza Boxing Centre, in Kunyung…

TO the north, cliffs are eroding and sand has disappeared from the beach. In the south, the sand accumulates near a rocky headland. Balcombe Estuary effectively divides Mt Martha’s two beaches with differing fortunes. This state of play is reflected in the asking prices of beach boxes at the two beaches. While plans to shore up the cliffs with rocks at Mt Martha North beach have been put on hold until later this year, Mornington Peninsula Shire has announced it is developing a coastal management plan. The shire is inviting public comment “to support the improvement and management of the…

EIGHT fire trucks and 20 firefighters fought a fire at a house under construction in Mt Martha, 1.30pm, Thursday 31 May. The two- storey timber house in Park Road was well alight when crews from Mt Martha, Mornington, Dromana, Moorooduc and Bayswater brigades arrived. It took firefighters half an hour to bring the fire under control but some remained on the scene until about 6pm to ensure spot fires did not flare up again. Mornington Senior Station Officer Simon Mildren said the fire extended from ground level up into the roof. He said the cause was being investigated. First published…

A PLAN to oversee public access to The Pillars and identify ways to manage its hordes of visitors while protecting cultural and environmental values is up for public comment. Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges that the effect of visitors on the vulnerable site – and its impact on residents – is “still a major issue for council”. The mayor Cr Bryan Payne said given the increasing popularity of the site “we need to protect it from further impact”. “This plan aims to achieve this.” Input for the plan has so far come from DELWP, Parks Victoria, Bunurong Land Council, Victoria Police,…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have given themselves the right to get legal advice from lawyers other than those recommended by council officers. A $3 million legal services tender, which specifies six legal firms to be used by the shire for legal advice, was signed off on 6 March under delegation by council CEO Carl Cowie. Councillors at their Tuesday 22 May meeting voted to be able to “obtain legal advice from any legal firm it chooses” outside of the Legal Services Panel Tender. They also ordered “a formal and independent investigation” into the process that led to the appointment of…