THELMA Kirkman celebrated her 106th birthday sharing her love of literature with children from Goodstart Early Learning Centre, Benton’s Road, Mornington. The Benetas Corowa Court, Mornington resident, a former secretary of Tasmanian State Library, was delighted to mark the milestone with a session that promoted the importance of reading from a young age. Described as an “incredibly humble and generous” person, Ms Kirkman didn’t want to make a fuss, so Benetas staff organised the event so she could share her passion and knowledge with the youngsters who are all a century younger than she is. Farrell’s Bookshop, Mornington, discounted the…
Month: August 2019
ST ANDREWS Beach residents have won their fight against a $10 million plan to improve their roads. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on 23 July voted against its engineers’ recommendation for a special charge scheme to “fully construct all the sub-standard roads in St Andrews Beach to a standard that is maintainable in the long-term”. The 10 kilometres of winding roads and grassy verges in the 1960s estate, between Sandy Road and St Andrews beach, will now stay as they are despite engineers slamming them as “poor, with no drainage infrastructure” and “approaching the end of their useful life”. In a…
ROSEBUD Secondary College’s $1 million Wellness Pavilion has received the final phase of its finance, meaning construction can now begin. Deputy Premier James Merlino and Nepean MP Chris Brayne visited the school in Eastbourne Road to announce the long-awaited $300,000 grant last week. The state’s contribution follows $300,000 announced in March by the federal government. “It was my hope when I announced the federal government’s $300,000 contribution in March that the Victorian government would join with the school, local families, the and local community to deliver a bipartisan approach to this project,” Flinders MP Greg Hunt said. “Their acceptance and…
MISSING person Andrew Dymott, pictured, was last seen at a family barbecue at Mt Eliza in 1999. The qualified electrician was last seen by his father in the early afternoon walking to his car which was parked on the street. He did not return and has not been seen since. Mr Dymott, 47, is 180cm tall, medium build, brown hair, green eyes and fair complexion. During National Missing Persons Week 4-10 August his family was reminded it had been 20 years since they last saw their son and remain concerned for his safety and welfare. Police are encouraging those who…
POLICE at Dromana, Hastings, Mornington, Rosebud, Rye, Somerville and Sorrento will wear body cameras from next week. They will be among more than 11,000 cameras in use by 2020. The cameras will be worn by general duties and highway patrol police of the rank of sergeant and below. They will record video and audio footage. Police will be given regular training which includes the use and functions of the body worn camera. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 13 August 2019
A MT ELIZA man who had his car impounded for speeding and drug-driving at Langwarrin early Monday morning had devised a novel way of charging his mobile phone. The 38-year-old was running a lead from the battery, through an open side window and into the phone. Senior Constable Greg Wolfe, of Somerville Highway Patrol, said: “Most of us have a charging cord of some type in our cars for charging up our mobile phone. “When you drive a car that’s a bit of a wreck inside, and doesn’t have a functioning cigarette lighter socket, it can be a challenge though.…
MORE than 1200 traffic offences were detected during the four-day Operation Reset, police said last week. Speeding topped the list of offences with 405 drivers nabbed: alarmingly, 320 were exceeding the limit by 10-25kph. Police conducted 11,758 preliminary breath tests and 499 drug tests and found 69 affected drivers during the operation which ran from Thursday 1 August-Sunday 4 August. Southern Metro Region Acting Commander Tony Silva said it was alarming to see the number of dangerous choices people continue to make when they get behind the wheel. “It’s a harsh reality … that every offence, be it speeding, drink…
CASH boxes stolen from the Coles supermarket at McCrae Plaza said to contain a “significant” amount of money were found empty at Seaford wetlands and in Robinsons Road, Frankston, last week. At least two men are believed to have forced open roller doors to the supermarket using a long-handled jemmy bar before loading three cash boxes into a stolen Holden Crewman ute, 12.30am, Thursday 8 August. Earlier, the same men wearing gloves and hoodies are believed to have unsuccessfully attempted to force their way into Sorrento Cellars. The ute was found burnt-out at Cranbourne on Friday morning. First published in…
SOUTHERN Metro Divisional Response Unit police arrested a man during a raid at Rye on Wednesday 7 August. They allegedly found two firearms, two Tasers, ammunition and a quantity of methyl-amphetamine at the Browns Road property. A 49-year-old man was charged with two counts of being a prohibited person possessing a firearm, trafficking methyl-amphetamine, possessing ammunition, and five counts of possessing a prohibited weapon without authorisation. The man was remanded in custody to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 16 August. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 13 August 2019
POLICE conducted a doorknock of surrounding streets in the wake of a shooting at Capel Sound last week. They had rushed to the scene near Woodthorpe and Point Nepean roads about 2.55am after neighbours reported gunshots, Wednesday 7 August. A man in his 20s was found in the street with wounds to his legs. He was taken to Frankston Hospital for treatment. No arrests had been made by Friday afternoon and the investigation was said to be ongoing. Rosebud Senior Sergeant Jen McKenna said the doorknock was aimed at easing residents’ concerns after the shooting. “We understand that incidents like…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has successfully prosecuted 11 rubbish dumpers in the past seven months, resulting in fines of over $11,000. The shire says it is “continuing its zero-tolerance approach to illegally dumped rubbish” with 10 cases of aggravated littering and one local law breach being heard at Dromana Magistrates’ Court. Two tree loppers and five peninsula businesses were among those prosecuted in the cases which resulted in $11,459 in fines and $2313 in costs being recovered to help pay for clean-ups and offset statutory costs. The shire’s environment protection unit is getting tough on rubbish dumpers by boosting patrols at…
EXPERTS are being asked for ways to control mosquitoes on the southern Mornington Peninsula using “alternative approaches to spraying” that will not harm the environment. The move by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors follows a packed public meeting on Saturday which highlighted residents’ concerns over a spraying program planned for October as part of studies into the flesh-eating Buruli ulcer. The spraying program will now be put on hold until more is known about the effect its chemicals will have on the environment. “The mood of the meeting was that we all want to work towards eradicating Buruli ulcers on the…
THE Mornington Peninsula may this week be declared to be facing a “climate emergency”. If adopted by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors, the measure will see them develop an action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the effects of climate change. The decision follows the release over the weekend of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report which said that without massive changes to food production, cutting emissions from transport and industry would not be enough to avoid dangerous climate change. Cr Hugh Fraser says there is “widespread support” among councillors and among peninsula residents for…
A PUBLIC meeting in Mt Eliza on Wednesday 14 August will canvas risks associated with the impending rollout of 5G telecommunications services on the Mornington Peninsula. “There are countries across the world, as well as states and shires, putting a stop to [5G] until it is proven to have no health risks,” organiser Judy O’Donnell said. “We are a group of concerned peninsula residents trying to educate everyone here, too.” “No research has proved 5G safe,” Ms O’Donnell said. However, scientists at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency say radio waves used by the 5G network have been…
A PUBLIC meeting in Mt Eliza on Wednesday 14 August will discuss the risks associated with the impending national roll-out of 5G telecommunications services. “There are countries across the world, as well as states and shires, putting a stop to [5G] until it is proven to have no health risks,” organiser Judy O’Donnell said. “We are a group of concerned Mornington Peninsula residents trying to educate everyone here, too.” Ms O’Donnell said “no research has proved 5G safe”. “Globally, scientists and doctors have raised serious concerns about health risks to humans and the environment, including animals, birds, insects and trees,”…
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an alleged firearms incident which occurred in Capel Sound this morning. Emergency services were called to the vicinity of Woodthorpe Road and Point Nepean Road about 2.55am after reports of gunfire. The area was patrolled and a man, believed to be in his 20s, was located in the street with a suspected gunshot wounds to his legs. He was taken to hospital for treatment. Police have patrolled the area but at this stage no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Victoria Police News – Wednesday, 7 August 2019
A DAY’S fishing on Western Port will be cheaper from next month with the abolition of parking and launching fees at public boat ramps. Better Boating Victoria is overseeing the introduction of free parking and launching by 1 September, and upgrading and maintaining ramps at Hastings, Rhyll and Cowes jetty. The state government made a big splash about freeing up boating and fishing fees in the lead up to the November election, saying “every dollar of licence and registration revenue [will] go towards improving boating facilities and safety”. “Boat launching fees cost Victorian families hundreds of dollars a year –…
SOCCER A SIZZLING injury-time winner from import John Baird gave Langwarrin its best win of the season against visitor Werribee City at Lawton Park on Saturday. The former Scottish professional let fly with a first-time left-foot volley from the left of the area that Werribee keeper Nikola Kostadinoski couldn’t stop from rocketing into the far corner of goal. Werribee came to the peninsula in third spot in NPL2 West just two points behind leader St Albans Saints but its promotion chances were dealt a bodyblow by Baird’s late winner. Langwarrin had lined up in a pink strip as part of…
DIVISION TWO HASTINGS have kept their finals hopes alive with a thrilling come from behind win over Seaford. A win for the Tigers away from home at Thomas Barclay Oval would have put them two games ahead of Hastings and in a good position heading into the last games of the year. A loss for Hastings would have effectively ruled them out of finals contention. Seaford started strong with a three goals to zero first term, but Hastings fought back in the second. Seaford overturned the two point deficit in the third quarter, and were up by nine heading into…
DIVISION ONE PINES have slumped to their second consecutive loss after being defeated by Dromana on Saturday. The out of form reigning premiers played host to the Tigers in what would prove to be a tense afternoon. Dromana got the jump early in an even first quarter, and had established a handy three goal lead halfway through the second term. Tensions bubbled over just before half time when Pines defender Guy Hendry wiped out his opponent with a massive bump in a marking contest. The hit fired both teams up, and after a short scuffle Dromana continued to play with…
HORSE RACING SOME of Anthony Freedman’s talented crop of thoroughbreds stepped out at the Mornington jumpouts on Wednesday 31 July as they begin their preparation for the upcoming Spring Racing Carnival. At the top of the list for the Pinecliff, Mount Eliza-based trainer was Group One Blue Diamond Stakes winner and Golden Slipper placegetter, Lyre, who was put through her paces in the opening heat of the morning. Similar to most of Freedman’s triallers, Lyre wasn’t asked to do much and was given a quiet time in her trial despite finishing a close third. Freedman said he was rapt with…
FROM the creators of celebrated Australian works Rumour Has It and Wrecking Ball, comes the must-see live music event of the year. Lady Beatle is a modern memory play set to a kaleidoscopic soundtrack of the Beatles’ most monumental hits. Starring Australian stage and screen star Naomi Price (The Tragedy of King Richard III, Ladies in Black, The Voice Australia) and inspired by true accounts, Lady Beatle weaves a fantastical tale soundtracked by the Beatles’ biggest chart toppers, including Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Eleanor Rigby and Penny Lane. Rediscover the Beatles’ immortal catalogue as new; reimagined and reinterpreted…
CAN you believe it’s over 50 years since Mrs Robinson removed her garter in the Graduate?And over 30 years since the landmark Grammy winning Album – Garceland! Paul Simon is undoubtedly one of the greatest songwriters in Contemporary Music His success & variety of work, spanning 6 decades, is true testament to his genius. From his massive early success in Simon & Garfunkel, who defined the folk rock sound, Mrs Robinson…The Boxer Sounds of Silence …Bridge Over Troubled Water..…Feelin Groovy ….to his solo endeavours in reggae, rock, contemporary. …Mother & Child Reunion… 50 Ways….. Kodachrome ….. Me & Julio… &…
MR S. Lawrey took suddenly ill last Saturday. He was hurried to the Melbourne Hospital where an operation was performed and the patient is now progressing favorably. *** Frankston residents were delighted to welcome home this week Privates Cyril Twining, and Eddie Barton. Both soldiers had several years active service. *** Cr C. M Griffeths was not present at Thursday’s Council meeting. He is still ill suffering from gastric influenza. *** Mr W. J. F. Boake, L.D.S., B.D.Sc., dental surgeon, notifies in another column that he will visit Frankston every Wednesday, and may be consulted at Messrs Brody and Mason’s…
NEARBY residents are appalled by the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal go ahead for 10 apartments with basement carpark to be built at 17 Williams Road, Mornington. The VCAT ruling overturned Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s knockback of Kencole Holdings’ bid for the mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, and removal of all vegetation on the double block. In refusing a permit, the council cited concerns with the size of the proposed building over neighbouring properties and streetscape – exacerbated by its high-set position on a corner. Officers described plans for the “large two-storey apartment complex as an inappropriate response to the…
PEOPLE are doing it tough and sleeping rough on the Mornington Peninsula in ever greater numbers. Mornington Community Information and Support Centre manager Stuart Davis-Meehan said it was “concerning” that his staff members were seeing “more and more people experiencing homelessness and, in particular, sleeping rough”. “On average, in the first half of this year, we have seen 14 people experiencing homelessness each month,” he said. “Last year for the same period we saw nine people.” Their plight underscores the importance of Homelessness Week across Australia (4-10 August) with its theme: “Housing Ends Homelessness”. The event also comes as Council…
IT was many happy returns for Kunyung Primary School last week when celebrating its 40th anniversary with a big cake and special assembly. The 780 students and 50 staff were arranged in a “human 40” on the oval to be photographed from overhead by a drone. Buddy grades spent the morning playing party games. Business manager Eleanor Nuttall said the school was to be called Mount Eliza West Primary School when work started in October 1978, but changed its name to Kunyung Primary when its doors opened in February 1979. Doug Slattery was the first of five principals assisted by…
TRADERS at Mt Martha who lost revenue and were forced to cut staff hours and reschedule appointments during the Thursday 25 July power cut are claiming compensation from United Energy. Lyndal Barnes, of Mr Curtis Cafe, said traders have asked the Ombudsman to negotiate with United Energy rather than pursue a costly class action. “We were told early on that we couldn’t sue United Energy because it was an essential service,” she said. While Ms Barnes said United Energy had indicated it was “quite open” to the issue of compensation, the power provider’s Emma Tyner yesterday (Monday) said: “United Energy…
LEADERS of the newly formed business-backed Committee for Mornington Peninsula have told the state Opposition that the peninsula should be recognised by governments as “regional” rather than “metropolitan”. Opposition leader Michael O’Brien and members of the shadow cabinet meeting at Rosebud last week were told that classing the peninsula as metropolitan was hurting business, causing job shortages and lost government grants. The committee was launched in March and now has 50 members (“Business behind new lobby group” The News 10/4/19). Its president, former Liberal federal government MP for Dunkley, Bruce Billson, said the committee would pay for research to examine…
A MORNINGTON Peninsula based social enterprise is on a mission to replace single-use plastic straws with reusable, ethically-sourced bamboo straws. Co-founders of theotherstraw Jamie-Lee Kay and Lennart Meijer, pictured, say most of the 10 million plastic straws used every day end up in landfill, Port Phillip and waterways, polluting the environment and jeopardising marine health. “We founded theotherstraw because we were shocked by the amount of plastic waste on the peninsula’s beaches, parks and just about everywhere else – we knew we had to do something about it,” Mr Meijer said. So far 10 retailers on the peninsula are selling…