Month: March 2020

The Mayor of the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Sam Hearn, has a message for the peninsula: “we need to act with strong sense of responsibility but not anxiety”. The shire’s message coincides with a video the Mayor released on Facebook this afternoon. The video, the first in a series to run in days and weeks ahead, states that while coronavirus will be with us for a while, we still need to carry on with our daily lives and, above all, look after the vulnerable and support local businesses. “While we need to create a physical distance between each other to avoid…

A ROSEBUD man who allegedly stabbed a Woolworth’s supermarket staff member has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury and other assault-related charges. The 25-year-old, who was arrested in nearby Sixth Avenue, was remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court at a later date. The incident occurred while the staffer was collecting trolleys in the car park of the Rosebud West supermarket, 1pm, Tuesday 17 March. Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Reidy, of Somerville CIU, said the 37-year-old was stabbed in the lower body. He was taken by Air Ambulance to The Alfred hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and…

Toorak College parent tests positive for coronavirus. Cricket season ends early. Footy season start delayed. Council to carry on the business of local government, with meetings going online. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: Twenty-seven new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were confirmed yesterday – bringing the total number of cases in Victoria to 121. The new cases include 14 men and 13 women, with people aged from late teens to early seventies. The Department of Health and Human Services is continuing to investigate all new cases. At the present time, there are two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in…

AFL South East has made the call to postpone the start of the season for local football leagues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mornington Peninsula Nepean and South East Women’s leagues have been postponed until 1 June. For junior players the Frankston and Districts, South East, and Mornington Peninsula leagues have also been delayed until 1 June. The postponement also applies to the Auskick and umpiring programs. In addition to the cancellation of games, AFL South East has also put a ban on training and practice matches with immediate effect. An AFL South East statement read that “due to…

THE Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association board has voted to cancel local cricket competitions in response to the coronavirus crisis. Grand Finals in senior MPCA competitions were set to take place next weekend, but will not go ahead. The association has not yet decided whether premierships will be awarded for the 2019/2020 season. MPCA president Steven Morone said “we understand this is extremely disappointing for all clubs that have made it into the finals after a long season.” “The decision has not been taken lightly and has been one of considerable discussion and angst for the board,” he said. “This decision…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has moved the Tuesday 24 March community council meeting from Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington to the Council Chambers at Rosebud. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said: “A live online stream that gives real time access to the meeting will be established and the community is being encouraged to access the meeting this way, and not to attend in person. “This is one of a number of measures we are putting in place to protect our community in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.” Cr Hearn said he also encouraged people to check on the…

Late last night the Principal of Toorak College, Mrs Kristy Kendall, sent an email out to parents informing them that a parent at the school had received a positive diagnosis for COVID-19. The email, sent at 11.22pm, stated “Just over an hour ago, I received a phone call from a parent in our community who has received a positive test for COVID-19. She is currently self-isolating at home and doing well. Her child was absent from school this week, however, was in attendance last week. While our student is currently well, they are being monitored closely at home. I ask…

Mornington Peninsula schools start to shut up shop, but it’s not all fun and games for the kids. Frankston Arts Centre to close for a month. How to talk to your kids about coronavirus – an expert’s guide. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: Twenty-three new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were confirmed yesterday – bringing the total number of cases in Victoria to 94. The new cases include 11 men and 12 women, with people aged from early twenties to mid-sixties. Sixty-three of Victoria’s confirmed cases were acquired overseas or through close contact with known, confirmed cases of COVID-19,…

UPDATE: Toorak College parent tests positive to COVID-19. School to close its campus at the end of the day today (Wednesday). Read more: *** At least two schools have announced they will be closing their physical campuses due to COVID-19, but it won’t be all fun and games for the students, as both schools move to an “online learning” mode. Toorak College’s Principal, Mrs Kristy Kendall, announced in a communication to parents on Monday (16 March) the school had “made the decision to use the final week of Term 1 to implement a remote and online learning program”. This will…

THE show will not go on at the Frankston Arts Centre. The centre will close for nearly a month, from 16 March to 13 April, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. A statement put out by the Frankston Arts Centre on 16 March read that “in line with the latest advice from the Australian federal and Victorian governments on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, Frankston Arts Centre will be temporarily closed from Monday 16 March through until Monday 13 April.” “The venue closure means that all scheduled performances and events from Monday 16 March to Monday 13…

A WOOLWORTH’S staff member was stabbed in the car park outside a Rosebud West supermarket while collecting trolleys, 1pm, Tuesday 17 March. Police said the 37-year-old was stabbed in the lower body by a Rosebud man, 25, who was arrested in nearby Sixth Avenue a short time later. The man was taken in custody at Rosebud police station where he was expected to be charged later in the day. Customers said they saw the victim lying on the ground covered with a sheet or similar. He was taken by Air Ambulance to The Alfred with non-life-threatening injuries. Police cordoned off…

A man has died after his motorcycle collided with a van in Hastings earlier this morning. It is believed the rider was travelling west on Hodgins Road when he collided with a food-delivery van just after 4am. The van was turning onto Hodgins Road from Michelle Drive when the collision occurred. The 21-year-old male driver of the van was arrested at the scene and is assisting police with their enquiries. Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Victoria Police News – Tuesday, 17 March 2020

A RECORD crowd of 9500 plane enthusiasts helped make this year’s Tyabb Air Show the best ever, Peninsula Aero Club president Jack Vevers said. The 21st show, which saw 65 aircraft take to the skies Sunday 8 March, was the culmination of an “almighty effort” by club committee members to overcome last year’s uncertainty and doubt during the spat with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council that the event would get off the ground. “This show was put together in only seven months as opposed to the usual 14 months,” Mr Vevers said. “It was a great success and we’ve had lots…

OLD habits die hard, but kissing babies and shaking hands may become a lost art for politicians. The advent of COVID-19 is seeing a rewriting of the rules when it comes to greetings. Bodily contact is out, and keeping “social distance” is in. News that Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton tested positive for novel corona-virus three days after attending a Cabinet meeting in Sydney on Tuesday 10 March, turned apprehensive eyes towards his ministerial colleagues. Had they been infected? The Prime Minister Scott Morrison was quick to say he wouldn’t be tested and had every intention of going to Saturday’s…

The Mornington Peninsula Shire has announced the temporary closure of shire facilities “until further notice” due to COVID-19. In a statement from the shire released Monday 16 March, they announced: “Following today’s declaration by the Victorian government of a State of Emergency in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the Mornington Peninsula Shire has made the following decisions to ensure the safety of our community.” “To protect our community, particularly those who are more vulnerable, and do our part to flatten the curve of this pandemic, we are postponing, cancelling or modifying delivery of non-essential services, programs, events and activities.” The…

Mornington Peninsula libraries, gallery, leisure centres and tourist information to close. Mornington Cup to go ahead without members of the public. Local footy faces a ‘delayed start’. A polio survivor talks about surviving, and suffering, through an epidemic. Key facts from today’s announcement by Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton Fourteen new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were confirmed yesterday – bringing the total number of cases in Victoria to 71. The new cases include nine men and five women, with ages ranging from their teens to 60s. Seven of the new confirmed cases were acquired overseas or through close…

THE Mornington Peninsula Nepean, South East Women’s, Frankston and District Junior, and Mornington Peninsula Junior football leagues face delayed starts to their seasons due to COVID-19 concerns. AFL South East, which oversees the leagues, issued a statement on 16 March outlining the measures they are taking to prevent the spread of the virus. “AFLSE will take advice from the AFL and AFL Victoria in relation to preparations for the start of the season. Key operational staff are currently working on different scenarios on how the season may look in the case of an expected delayed commencement to the 2020 season,”…

The Mornington Cup will continue on Saturday, but without patrons in attendance. The decision is in line with the Victorian State of Emergency declaration calling for the cancelling of mass gatherings above 500 people. “At this point in time all racing at Melbourne Racing Club venues will continue to proceed without spectators, owners and people deemed to be non-essential to the operation of a race day for the foreseeable future. This includes Mornington Cup this weekend,” said the chairman of Melbourne Racing Club, Peter Le Grand. “Members who have pre-purchased tickets or hospitality packages for events cancelled or closed to…

A MOTORBIKE rider allegedly caught travelling at 142kph in a 60kph zone in Carrum Downs was later found to be disqualified from riding and then tested positive to drugs. To cap it off the bike was unregistered and had a false plate attached when pulled over in Colemans Road, Sunday 8 March. His bike was impounded and the rider will be summonsed to appear at court at a later date. Somerville Highway Patrol crews then detected a “very expensive red sports car” on Nepean Highway, Mt Martha, allegedly driving at 173kph in an 80kph zone. The car was impounded and…

OPPONENTS of Hillview Quarries’ plan to open a new quarry on the Arthurs Seat escarpment at Dromana want the state government to buy the land and make it part of the state park. Hillview, owned by R E Ross Trust, wants to clear up to 38 hectares (93 acres) of untouched bushland in a block that borders two sides of the old Pioneer quarry. The block of 69 hectares (170 acres) at 115 Boundary Rd, Dromana, is between two sections of Arthurs Seat State Park. The Pioneer quarry at 121 Boundary Rd was closed in 1998 after it had been…

WITH daily media reports of the increasing number of people around the world diagnosed with COVID19, irrational hoarding and profiteering, I am cast back to my childhood and epidemics of a virus that closed schools, swimming pools and cinemas around the world. In 1946, my family was quarantined after I was diagnosed with infantile paralysis, or poliomyelitis. My parents never spoke about how they were treated in that small Gippsland market town (you don’t talk about the war) and I don’t remember, but many suffered greatly. Neighbours crossed the road to avoid the infected; people became prisoners in their own…

FEARS of the spread of COVID-19 saw the cancellation of last Saturday’s (14 March) beach day being held at Point Leo by the Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula branch. Branch president John Bowers said proceeding with the event which was expected to draw several hundred disabled surfers and hundreds of volunteers “may have compromised too many people”. “It was a really hard decision to make,” Mr Bowers said. “There are a lot of people who like to attend, and we enjoy doing it, but it was in the best interest of all to cancel it in case anyone was immunocompromised.…

A TOOTGAROOK man turning left out of Boneo Road, Rosebud onto the freeway extension last week drove his Ford up onto the wire rope barrier in the middle of the road. The 65-year-old told police the sun was in his eyes, 9.55pm, Tuesday 10 March. A preliminary breath test at the scene indicated alcohol on his breath. He was taken to Frankston Hospital with minor injuries. A blood test was expected to be taken for analysis. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 17 March 2020

A MAN was left on the side of the road with serious neck, head and spinal injuries after being run down by a car in Palmerston Avenue, Dromana, 8.50pm, Saturday 7 March. The car did not stop after the collision. The 18-year-old was airlifted to The Alfred hospital where he was in a serious condition late last week. Somerville Highway Patrol is urging anyone who may have any information to call 5978 1300 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 17 March 2020

A ROSEBUD man was charged with 15 counts of burglary, theft and obtaining property by deception after being arrested Thursday 12 March. The 25-year-old appeared at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he was remanded to appear at a later date. The charges relate to the alleged theft of a backpack at Rye Yacht Club, overnight 4 May. It contained a laptop computer and credit cards. Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Reidy, of Somerville CIU, said the laptop was later recovered on the foreshore and returned to its owner. The cards had been used in multiple deceptions at southern peninsula…

MORNINGTON Peninsula mayor Cr Sam Hearn launched the White Bike Foundation Ride for Joel 2020 last week, cycling from Mount Martha House to Mount Martha Primary School with students and police on Bicycle Network National Ride2School Day. Chris Savage, co-founder of road safety charity, The White Bike Foundation, led the way with Mornington Police Senior Sergeants Paul Edwards and Kirby Tonkin ensuring the safety of the group, Friday 13 March. Mr Savage is set to carry The White Bike Foundation’s #think2 message on a 1700km cycle from Dromana to Wentworth NSW over the next 10 days, visiting six schools in…

A RESHUFFLE of the state opposition has seen Mornington MP David Morris lose the high-profile position of spokesperson for environment and climate change. Mr Morris is now the opposition’s spokesperson for finance, ageing, bay protection and fishing and boating. In the reshuffle announced by opposition leader Michael O’Brien, first-term MP for Evelyn, Bridget Vallence, was promoted to be spokesperson for environment, climate change and youth affairs. The reshuffle follows the departure from Parliament of Upper House MP Mary Wooldridge, the opposition’s health spokesperson. Mr Morris, a former Shire of Mornington councillor and shire president, was elected as the Liberal MP…

A GROUP of walkers who finished up with a barbecue at Safety Beach on the Labour Day weekend were aiming to raise awareness of a rare autoimmune liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The trek took them from Rosebud to Portsea on Saturday 7 March before driving back to Rosebud for the night. On the Sunday they walked from Rosebud to Safety Beach with a detour up to The Eagle chairlift. The barbecue was held at the Safety Beach home of Travis Pearce, 34, to thank the many PSC Support Australia committee members who attended. Mr Pearce said…

TI-TREE Lodge resident Dorothy Stahel celebrated her centenary with friends and staff members, Tuesday 10 March. But that wasn’t the end of it: On Saturday 14 March she did it all again at a large family gathering at Shoreham. Ms Stahel and husband Jeff moved to Flinders in 1968 and built a home described by locals as a five-iron from the Flinders hotel. “As members of the Flinders Golf Club from 1963-2005 they made many friends when Flinders was still a small community and everyone knew each other,” daughter-in-law Lyn Stahel said. “Dot was women’s president 1976-79 and also Ladies…

SUPPORTERS of the historic Continental Hotel fear it will sink into its massive foundations before a new buyer can be found. The Sorrento hotel back on the market without the spruiking of Continental Development director Julian Gerner and is described as in a “clean” financial state with all previous contractual encumbrances removed. This clears the way for a legitimate buyer with deep pockets and the wherewithal to bring the 1875 limestone icon back to its former glory – something Mr Gerner has been unable to do. Colliers Real Estate is seeking expressions of interest after five years of on-again, off-again…