Month: February 2020

PENINSULA A BRILLIANT knock of 86 not out from Simon Dart helped Red Hill to a big total against Moorooduc on Saturday. Choosing to bat first at home, Red Hill were impressive. Opener Matthew Merifield also played a big part for his side, passing his half century. Red Hill finished the day at 266, setting Moorooduc a formidable target to chase down on day two of their match. Tom Shayler was the pick of the bowlers for Moorooduc. He took a five wicket haul, and posted final figures of 5/70. Shayler is in good form, and has taken two 5…

SOCCER PLAYER-coach Matty Morris-Thomas believes that Seaford United can challenge for the State 4 South championship this season. He already has agreed terms with experienced midfielder Scott Webster and fellow veteran Shane Tagliaferro has trained and played in a practice match for the local club but Morris-Thomas has four more player targets in his sights and wants to move on them immediately. “Yeah we know who we want and if you come down to training next Thursday you might even see them there but we won’t make any announcements until they’re over the line,” Morris-Thomas said. “Look we had a…

HORSE RACING THE Anthony Freedman-trained Hanseatic has solidified his spot as the clear-cut favourite for the $1.5 million Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield in two weeks’ time. The Godolphin-owned boom colt showed something special to win from an unlikely position in the colts and geldings Prelude on Saturday 8 February. Keeping his unbeaten record intact, the two-year-old son of Street Boss gave ground when turning for home before sweeping past his rivals to nab the current Blue Diamond second-favourite, Rulership, just before the line. Despite running an overall slower time of 1:03.08 seconds compared to the two-year-old fillies Prelude time…

THE Frankston Gas Works (its registered name is longer, more imposing, and includes some reference to electric light) failed to show any sign of animation last Friday night. In the past “The Works” have been afflicted with varied and numerous ailments – some serious, others merely superficial – but all more or less affecting the efficiency of the light supply – particularly the electric light. Whatever may be the deficiencies at “The Works” there is certainly no lack of imagination in framing excuses for their numerous shortcomings. Reckless opossum in sportive mood have been blamed for intercepting electric current while…

A BIG crowd is expected to attend the Mornington Coast Walk, 9am, Saturday 15 February, which raises money for FightMND. The not-for-profit event run by Mornington resident Sarah Quigley came about after her mother, Marie Lewis, was diagnosed with MND in 2017. “I decided to organise a walk to raise money to fight this debilitating disease,” she said. “Every day two people are diagnosed. There is no effective treatment or cure. “It slowly robs you of your speech, movement, ability to eat, breathe and eventually kills you – all in an average 27 months. The first walk in 2018 raised…

A NEW year, new decade and a new era have begun at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery as it enters its 50th anniversary year. The 2020 program celebrates the development, growth, complexity and richness of the collection, kicking off with three exhibitions from 6 March-26 April and a newly commissioned large scale mural. A Collection of Stranger Things, curated by New Zealand-born, Melbourne–based artist Patrick Pound, reveals a hidden microcosm of objects and artworks that have rarely been displayed before. As an avid collector interested in systems and the ordering of objects, Pound  will pair photos from his own collection with…

AS any good punter knows, it’s par for the course that all winning streaks come to an end. And so it is for the rabbits living in and around the two 18-hole golf courses and gated communities at Peppers Moonah Links Resort, Fingal. Their frisky, brown fur covered bodies and bobbing white tails are readily visible almost all over the property early morning and in the evenings. But the dream run of grazing in the rough alongside manicured fairways and greens is about to end. The rabbits are about to be poisoned. A sign leading into the resort off Truemans…

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 88-year-old woman Maria Jacob. Maria was last seen leaving her home in Safety Beach about 11am today. She was expected to go for a short walk but has not returned home. It is believed she may have boarded a bus. Police and family hold concerns for her welfare as she has dementia. Maria is about 170cm tall, with a slim build and has white silver hair. Police have released an image of Maria in the hope that someone recognises her and can provide information regarding her current whereabouts. She was…

The Sorrento foreshore was full of activity when the Sorrento Bay Swim was held on Sunday 19 January. There was a full program across the morning, with over 550 people entering the open water swim, which included 600m, 2,000m, and 4,000m courses. Entrants ranged from 8 to 89 years of age! The male and female winners of the 2,000m Open Category Tommy Hafey medals presented by Maureen Hafey were Darius Schultz and Sophie Caldwell, with times of 00:23:08.343 and 00:24:30.343 respectively. Ayden Coates and Rebecca Henderson took out the Elite 4,000m event, which for the first time was a straight-line…

Cafe Thirteen83 are partnering with HALT (Hope Assistance Local Tradies), to bring a morning raising awareness of anxiety, depression and general well being in the tradie community. All tradies are welcomed to a free coffee on the day. This event will be happening on Tuesday the 11th February 2020 between 6:00am & 8:00am at Cafe Thirteen83, 13/81 Watt Road, Mornington. “Cafe Thirteen83, management & staff believe that mens mental health has an increased prevalence on the Mornington Peninsula – and with your help we want to help open the conversation to assist men suffering. We hope to see you all…

Homicide detectives have charged a man following the death of a woman at Seaford yesterday afternoon. Police were called to Whitby Way where the woman was found with stab wounds about 4.40pm. Paramedics worked on the woman, aged in her 40s, however she died at the scene. A 44-year-old Seaford man has been charged with murder. He has been remanded in custody to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later this morning.

Police are currently on scene investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Seaford this afternoon. Emergency services were called to Whitby Way where a woman was found with stab wounds about 4.40pm. Paramedics worked on the woman aged in her 40s, however she died at the scene. A 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene and is in custody. Homicide Squad detectives are investigating. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

A MERRICKS woman died when the car in which she was a passenger and a tow truck collided at Tuerong, Saturday afternoon 1 February. Her husband, 53, and daughter, 18, who was driving the car, also of Merricks, were airlifted to The Alfred hospital with serious injuries after the collision on Balnarring Road, near Gillett Road, about 3pm. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the crash which caused both vehicles to run off the road and down an embankment. The woman, 53, sitting in the back seat, died at the scene. Three crews from Moorooduc CFA and two from…

SOCCER LANGWARRIN’S Wallace Cup breakthrough and some major signings by local clubs stole the spotlight last weekend. Langy’s cup success was eight years in the making as the annual event named in honour of the club’s former president had never graced the trophy cabinet at Lawton Park. It does now thanks to penalty shootouts in the semis and final. Langy prevailed in the first semi against State 4 outfit Seaford United but not before its less fancied opponent made life tough for the NPL2 club. Langy triallist keeper James Burgess from Springvale White Eagles saved penalty attempts from Tristan Stass…

HORSE RACING THE Pinecliff-based racehorse trainers had a day out in the rainy conditions at Caulfield on Saturday 1 February by claiming four of the nine races on the card. Trainer Grahame Begg took out the second race of the day with impressive up-and-comer Nonconformist before striking again in the fifth race with his gutsy two-year-old Mildred. Fellow Pinecliff-based trainer, Anthony Freedman, then made it three-on-the-trot for the Mt Eliza setup, by winning the sixth race with potential Mornington Cup hopeful, Just Benjamin, and the seventh race, being the feature Manfred Stakes, with talented three-year-old colt Super Seth. Freedman’s running…

PENINSULA-born playwright, Joanna Murray-Smith, tackles the confronting and heartbreaking issue of gun violence in American Song. Originally commissioned by Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, the play tackles the confronting and heartbreaking issue of gun violence, reaching beyond national or cultural borders in an intimate exploration of love, forgiveness and parental responsibility. With playwright Mur¬ray-Smith’s characteristically deft wit and compassion American Song makes a difficult topic thoroughly gripping, wryly humorous and deeply moving. “My biggest fear was writing a play that wore its political heart on its sleeve, that proclaimed its allegiances and set the audience on alert. Regardless of my view on…

FRANKSTON was en fete today, when the people of the district were given the opportunity to meet General Sir William Birdwood, as he passed through the town en route for “Marathon” where he is spending a quiet day as the guest of Brigd General Grimwade. The day was perfect, and the streets, gaily decorated with gum boughs and bunting, presented a beautiful picture. The Frankston brass band played several pleasing items. The school children turned out, en masse, and altogether over 1000 persons assembled around the impromptu dais erected at the end of the Bay Street gardens. The popular General…

WHAT are the odds of two players scoring holes-in-one on the same hole in consecutive shots? Hundreds of millions-to-one, no doubt. But that’s what happened when Mornington Golf Club members Jun Park and Bob Packham, pictured, scored the notable double on the 127 metre par three 10th hole on Wednesday 22 January. Park, who plays off a handicap of 16, teed off first and watched his ace roll in, followed by Packham, off 17, who did the same thing moments later. Club general manager Craig Murdoch said the men were playing partners in the daily competition. “Stunned players in the…

COMMUNITY projects being considered by Mornington Rotary Club in the wake of this year’s Mornington Art Show include building a roof over a “long table” and developing a park. Money raised by the annual art show is used to finance Rotary projects, mainly in Mornington but also internationally. The long table in Mornington Park seats about 34 and is often used by school groups. It was also the venue for Mornington Rotary’s first meeting for this year on 6 January. The park likely to be improved by Rotary is at the corner of Barkly and Gordon streets, Mornington. This year’s…

RED Hill Fire Brigade’s planned upgrades are a step closer thanks to a concerted fundraising effort by members of the brigade, residents, businesses and an online appeal which raised $45,500 in just a few weeks. First Lieutenant Sam Norris said the station would soon need to replace its 27 and 25-year-old trucks with new trucks standing 3.3 metres high. The building height would have to be raised to four metres to fit them in. “We’ll be doing most of the actual work ourselves on the renovations as we have a few builders, plumber and electrician in our ranks,” he said.…

PENINSULA Chamber Musicians starts its eighth concert season playing Haydn’s Cello Concerto No 2 with Serbian born virtuoso Svetlana Bogosavljevic. Ingrid Martin, pictured, will return as guest conductor. Mark Fitzpatrick, principal trumpet with Orchestra Victoria along with David Macfarlane (harpsichord), Aaron Barnden (violin), Marney Pope (flute) and Michael Powell (oboe) will perform Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, Mozart’s Symphony No 21 and Haydn’s Overture to L’isola disabitata. Tickets for performances by Peninsula Chamber Musicians are $30 adults, $22 concession and primary and secondary students’ free and will be held 2pm Saturday 29 February at All Saints Anglican Church, Rosebud (www.trybooking.com/581121) and 2pm…

CELEBRATIONS of the Chinese New Year have been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak and declaration of a global health emergency, but symbols that point towards a prosperous, healthy year are still eagerly sought. In keeping with the Year of the Rat, glassblowers at Red Hill have created a symbolic “metal rat” to be auctioned online, with some of the proceeds going to animals and the environment affected by bushfires. The making of the glass rat over the Australia Day long weekend by Grant Donaldson, his wife Eileen Gordon and their sons Hamish and Calum was streamed live on Facebook.…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire CEO John Baker and his family celebrated Australia Day this year in a patriotic way – they became Australian citizens. The family, originally from England, now proudly call themselves Australians. “We were all very excited to be taking the plunge,” Mr Baker said. “We absolutely love it here. Australia is an incredible country and the Mornington Peninsula is the best bit as far as we’re concerned.” He said his family – wife Tess and children Kasia, 23, Henry, 20, and Molly, 18, had taken to the Australian way of life with enthusiasm. “We love the Aussie attitude…

THE investigation into planning decisions involving three Mornington-based planning and development companies could “potentially encourage [the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission] to look at the Mornington Peninsula”. This eventuality would be a “welcome outcome … if we get greater transparency” as a result, according to Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Sam Hearn. Councillors last week endorsed moves outlined in December by CEO John Baker to review decisions made on planning requests by developer John Woodman and his Mornington-based company Watsons Pty Ltd as well as associated companies Wolfdene Built Pty Ltd and Schutz Consulting Pty Ltd (“Permit probe goes further than…

PREDICTED smoke pollution failed to eventuate for the Saturday 18 January beach day organised by the Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula at Point Leo. “After our concerns about air quality the day was fine, air quality good and we had fun waves,” DSAMP president John Bowers said. He said the decision to go ahead with the day after the air quality was passed by Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club “based on the distance you can see”. “The club also provides invaluable facilities and assistance on our event days,” Mr Bowers said. Preparations for surf day began on the Friday,…

ROSEBUD police allegedly clocked an 18-year-old P1 probationary driver at 163kph on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway last week. The Cranbourne North man had only had his licence for three months when intercepted in the early hours of Saturday 25 January. His car was impounded. His was one of three vehicles spotted on Arthurs Seat Road and followed onto the freeway where police say they all “accelerated heavily to speeds well in excess of the 100kph limit”. The intercepted driver will be summonsed to appear at court where he faces a minimum 12 months’ loss of licence. The registered owners of…

A FIREWORKS company has defended the staging of a pyrotechnics display outside a Red Hill hotel last month despite nearby residents complaining it posed a bushfire risk. One startled resident said he felt “totally devastated; gutted – especially with the Dandenong CFA which had issued a permit for the fireworks” at the Lindenderry Red Hill Hotel, in Arthurs Seat Road on Saturday night 18 January. (“Groom’s fireworks spark outrage” The News 29/1/20). The resident – one of many not alerted to the upcoming event – slammed the “frivolous fireworks display”. Red Hill CFA confirmed last week that it had not…

IT is not remembered as the shot that was heard around the world, but the firing of a gun at Fort Nepean on 5 August 1914 is acknowledged as being the first shot of World War I. The firing of the Vickers Mk VII naval gun three hours, 45 minutes after war was declared in London led to the capture of the German merchant vessel, the SS Pfalz and its crew, as they tried to leave Port Phillip for the safety of international waters. Heritage Victoria has given the First Shot Committee approval to restore the gun and its emplacement…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillor Hugh Fraser has added to the national debate over Australia Day being 26 January by pointing out the date’s significance to Sorrento. In his Australia Day address Cr Fraser noted that the first European settlement in Victoria, at Sorrento, was abandoned on 26 January 1804, just four months after in was established. Cr Fraser said Lt Governor David Collins arrived at Sorrento in October 1803, with two ships, officers, marines, convicts, free settlers, a public service and a printing press to print his general orders and garrison orders. “I think the really important point is that…

VERONICA Whittaker is Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 2020 Citizen of the Year. Ms Whittaker was recognised for her work with not-for-profit boutique Clothes4U which provides clothing and support to those in need. The service began in 2013 when a group of peninsula women got together to discuss how they could help disadvantaged women and girls. Their idea was to “pamper women who were fragile and raise their confidence”. Ms Whittaker was elected president and Clothes4U now offers clothing, shoes, under garments and toiletries to men and women. Education programs assist with interview preparation and clients can have a free hairdressing…