PENINSULA RED Hill hosted Pines on Saturday as semi final matches got underway in the MPCA. The Hillmen won the toss and chose to bat first. They got off to a horrible start, losing their opening three batsmen for a combined total of just fourteen runs. Star player Simon Dart came in at number four and put together another good innings. He hit 56 runs from 179 deliveries to help get his side back on track after their shaky opening. Brent Martin also played well for Red Hill during their first innings, putting 46 runs on the board. The knock…
Month: March 2020
SOCCER MORNINGTON team manager Tony McKay died early on Sunday morning at the Alfred Hospital. He had collapsed a week earlier prior to a practice match at Dallas Brooks Park against Caroline Springs George Cross which was abandoned. Originally from Manchester in England the 77-year-old has been a much-loved figure at Mornington for decades. Other local clubs have used social media to show their support for Mornington and the McKay family during this difficult time. Mornington’s facebook page summed up the depth of feeling for McKay with these words: “Tony was a pillar of our club and touched the lives…
HORSE RACING TWO up-and-coming stayers are set to clash once again in the $350,000 Mornington Cup on Saturday 21 March. Mornington-trained galloper Just Benjamin from the Anthony Freedman stable will be looking to turn the tables on Michael Moroney’s English import, Aktau, after tasting defeat last start at Caulfield. The pair faced off in the $135,000 Keno Classic Handicap (2000m) on Saturday 22 February where Just Benjamin jumped as the favoured runner in the field. Just Benjamin, a former UK galloper, was caught three-wide without cover throughout the race on a track that favoured runners that were leading or on…
WALTER Edward Leach, whose age, was given as 18 years, was charged with unlawful and indecent assault. Sub-Inspector Trainor appeared for the prosecution. The victim of the alleged offence was a little girl aged 10 years and 11 months, and particulars of the occurrence were published in last week’s “Standard.” The little girl deposed that on the 2nd March she and three other girls were leaving the school grounds at Frankston when they met accused, who was standing at the back of the school. He called to witness, saying. “Come here: what is your name?” Accused then said, “I want…
Baby kissing and handshakes are out of style. Radio station RPPFM goes to emergency broadcasting. IBAC hearings closed to the public. Mornington Centrelink protest on hold. Hands-off way needed to win votes News that Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton tested positive for novel coronavirus three days after attending a Cabinet meeting in Sydney on Tuesday 10 March, turned apprehensive eyes towards his ministerial colleagues, including the Member for Flinders, Greg Hunt. Read the article here. RPPFM to suspend regular broadcasting due to virus Mornington Peninsula based community broadcaster, RPPFM, have announced they will suspend regular broadcasting from 9am…
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 a social distance is in. News that Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton tested positive for novel coronavirus 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…
PUBLIC hearings being undertaken by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) into allegations of serious corrupt conduct concerning planning decisions at Casey Council, will be closed to the public because of COVID-19. The commissioner for IBAC, The Honourable Robert Redlich QC, has taken the decision to bar the public from tomorrow (Monday 16 March) “as a precautionary measure in consideration of public health”. The public can freely watch the hearings online as they are streamed each day on the IBAC website www.ibac.vic.gov.au. Transcripts will continue to be shared on the website. The hearings are being held at the Fair Work…
Mornington Peninsula based community broadcaster, RPPFM, have announced they will suspend regular broadcasting from 9am tomorrow (Monday 16 March) in response to Coronavirus. “With the escalating COVID-19 threat, and its likely arrival on the Mornington Peninsula, the Leadership Group had no option but to exercise its right to guarantee the health and safety of its members,” said the president of RPPFM, Peter Susovich. “Many of our volunteers are in the vulnerable COVID-19 cohort and under the circumstances, until the threat is lifted, it is better to be safe. All programming will therefore stream remotely through our newly installed online system.…
Organisers have called off next Wednesday’s rally to stop the closure of the Mornington Centrelink and Medibank offices because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The rally was scheduled to be held outside the Centrelink offices in Main Street but an update issued by Mornington Community Information and Support Centre last Friday (13 March) stated: “Unfortunately, due to concerns about the Coronavirus, we have cancelled the public rally planned for Wednesday”. A petition on change.org to “Stop the closure of Mornington Centrelink Office” was by Saturday morning nearing the required 2500 signatures.
To all our readers, I’d like to assure you Mornington Peninsula News Group is dedicated to keeping readers informed during the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. We will continue to publish our weekly community newspapers to keep you up-to-date with what is going on in our wonderful part of the world. We’ll also continue to keep you informed via our website and social media. We have set up a dedicated email address for COVID-19 due to the fast-changing nature of the virus and the need to provide current information. If you have something newsworthy regarding COVID-19, email us on: covid-19@mpnews.com.au There…
A MAN was airlifted to The Alfred hospital with serious injuries after crashing his car over an embankment off Mornington-Tyabb Road today (Friday 13 March, 2020). The 37-year-old Somerville man driving a black Ford ute reportedly collided with another car at the intersection of Nepean Highway and Tanti Avenue, Mornington, just before midday. He then allegedly drove off erratically before doing burn-outs in the Coles car park on Mornington-Tyabb Road before driving over a concrete divider and crashing into a garden bed. Senior Constable Stuart Anderson, of Somerville Highway Patrol, was awaiting word on the man’s injuries late Friday. He…
A TODDLER died after being struck by a taxi at Tootgarook, Thursday 12 March. Police and emergency services rushed to Wilkinson Street just after 1.40pm. They were told two women and two children got out of the taxi and it is believed one of the children was struck as the taxi moved away. The boy was treated by emergency services but died at the scene. The taxi stopped and the male driver was assisting police with their inquiries. Major Collision Investigation unit detectives arrived soon afterwards. Anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dash-cam footage is urged to…
Victoria Police is today announcing a $1 million reward as part of the investigation into the death of Janita McNaughton on Western Port Bay in 1983. Janita, then 23 years old, was on board a boat along with four other people on 27 December 1983. About 5pm, Janita was shot in the head and subsequently died as a result of her injuries in hospital later that evening. Police were told the gun belonged to one of the other passengers, who was trying to shoot a floating beer can in the water when the gun was dropped to the boat deck,…
THE Save Westernport group has described as “appalling” the clearing of several hectares of native bushland at the proposed site of the AGL floating storage and regasification unit at Crib Point jetty. Contractors hired by the Port of Hastings Development Authority used a bulldozer and backhoe for the works, Tuesday 18 February. “Our followers and supporters are deeply concerned that this valuable and protected vegetation appears to have been cleared without notice and without necessary permits,” Save Westernport secretary Julia Stockigt said. “Such clearing on the border of the internationally significant Ramsar wetlands is appalling.” Save Westernport members complained to…
THREE men are being sought by police for stealing a “large quantity” of vodka from a Somerville Centro liquor store last month. The men in their early 20s took the vodka and ran from the store, 2.50pm, Thursday 6 February. They were then seen “coming and going from the Raymond Street Reserve”. Anyone recognising the trio or who has further information is urged to contact Leading Senior Constable O’Donnell, at Hastings police, 5970 7800 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at https://bddy.me/2VJn1vy First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 10 March 2020
THE jury is still out on the precautions taken to make sure nearby residents were not disturbed by noise from a country music festival held last Sunday at The Briars, Mount Martha. Following complaints about over-amplification of electronic music at an event on 16 February, Mornington Peninsula Shire said it would make sure noise levels were kept under EPA levels (“Feedback a part of noise review” The News 26/2/20). Briars manager Rebecca Levy said the country music festival was “quite a different event [and] therefore we are not anticipating the same level of noise issues”. In a letter to Mount…
A MOUNT Martha woman living and volunteering in Cambodia over the past year will represent the Australian Youth Voice at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York. Then, after returning from New York, she will head to Austria to complete an internship with the Australian Embassy and Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Vienna. The New York conference, originally to be held this month (March), was last week postponed until July because of the caronavirus outbreak. Travel has become a constant factor in the life of Hannah Callow, who wants to use her Global…
THE line from the Mel Gibson movie Mad Max was used by members of Somerville highway Patrol last week when they farewelled their last Holden V8. After countless patrol hours on peninsula roads, 1LY7GG was taken back to VicPol’s transport branch at Brunswick to be decommissioned. Its replacement is a police-only model of the Mercedes Benz E400D wagon, which police say has almost twice as much power as the showroom version. The police-pack Mercedes has the same acceleration as the Holden Commodore V8, but uses only about one-third of the fuel because of its hi-tech diesel engine. An advanced all-wheel-drive…
POLICE are seeking help from the public to recover an electric bike stolen from outside a Hastings fast food restaurant earlier last month. A woman, above, described as about 30, solid build, wearing a white hoodie top, green shorts, thongs and sunglasses on top of her head reportedly took the white Budtrol bike belonging to a 15-year-old girl, 8.47pm, Wednesday 5 February. Anyone with information is urged to call Leading Senior Constable O’Donnell at Hastings police 5970 7800 or report it to Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 10 March 2020
AN Audi A6 valued at $80,000 was stolen from a Mornington house while its owner was in bed, Monday 2 March. Detective Senior Sergeant Miro Majstorovic, of Somerville CIU, said possibly one burglar entered the King Street house through an unlocked back door. The owner awoke to hear the garage door opening about 5am and saw the gold-coloured car being driven off. Forensic police were examining clues at the scene. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 10…
DISCOVERY of an Aboriginal shell midden put a stop to South East Water works at Sorrento late last month. Works crews uncovered the midden, right, while installing a pressure sewer system for a residential customer, Thursday 27 February. “Our crews stopped work in accordance with our cultural heritage protection protocols as soon as they found the midden,” Liveable Water Solutions general manager Charlie Littlefair said. “We’re organising for an archaeologist to do a full assessment of the site and we’re working with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to seek the relevant permit to continue the pressure sewer installation, and avoid…
IT may sound a bit biblical, but a Mornington Peninsula wine is being turned into turtles. The wine is labelled “endangered” and some of its sales profits are helping turtles survive in North Queensland. However, while wine maker Garry Crittenden’s commitment to “saving” the endangered grape variety arneis has now been abandoned, its loss is the turtles’ saviour. Mr Crittenden’s grandson Oscar became concerned at the threat plastic posed to turtles after being inspired by Molly Steer, the “straws no more” campaign girl who lives in Cairns. When Mr Crittenden decided to stop making wine from the arneis grapes growing…
SIX young people alleged to have run down and killed 10 kangaroos and destroyed $20,000 of wire fencing at a Flinders property are due to face Dromana Magistrates’ Court on 9 April. The wild spree in late March last year allegedly involved five men and a woman aged 20-22 from Mount Martha, Rosebud, Hastings and Cranbourne. Sergeant Brendan Leihy, of Rosebud police, said the group had been charged with criminal damage, aggravated cruelty to animals and wilful trespass. Police will allege the six offenders – two in each of three four-wheel-drives – unlawfully drove onto the Meakins Road property and…
SHOPS will be allowed to accept overnight deliveries of essential items as Mornington Peninsula Shire ramps up efforts to tackle the effects of the coronavirus. CEO John Baker said the shire was determined to “work with the retail sector to ensure supply by providing temporary exemptions from current planning permit conditions and local laws restrictions”. The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) had by Friday afternoon spread to 90 countries and territories, including China. Of the 98,370 confirmed cases, 80,667 were in mainland China, 105 in Hong Kong, and 10 in Macau. Of the 3383 recorded deaths, 3043 were in China, 148…
PROPERTY owners will be billed for safety works at the intersection of Pottery and Jones roads, Somerville. Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have authorised a special charge scheme to help pay the estimated $565,000 needed for the “high risk” works. The shire will pay 35 per cent of the cost with the rest being apportioned among property owners seen to benefit from the works. However, unlike most special charge schemes which are based on road frontages, the apportionment will be judged on properties seen to be receiving a “special benefit”. Peninsula Quarries, established by Bayport Industries in July 2017, operates a…
CAMPAIGNERS against family violence Rosie Batty and Natasha Stott Despoja have helped launch Mornington Peninsula Shire’s first gender equality strategy. Last week’s launch – part of an International Women’s Day celebration at Mornington Racecourse, Monday 2 March – came 10 days after the passing of the state government’s Gender Equality Act. Ms Stott Despoja and Ms Batty spoke about their roles and explained how improving gender equality would reduce violence against women and their children. Ms Batty – whose advocacy has contributed to significant policy reform state-wide and, ultimately, the development of the strategy – said it was an “incredibly…
ALICE McKinnon, above, got a buzz showing off a robotic bee made from recycled materials at Our Lady of Fatima, Rosebud, last week. Her creation was made to form part of a mechanical garden sculpture display at the Red Hill Show over the Labour Day long weekend which reflected the students’ concerns about a world with only robotic bees and mechanical flowers. At the base of the sculpture a black spray can symbolised the reason for the declining bee populations: pesticide sprays. Visual arts teacher Amanda Heggen said the model bee helped teach the children about the decline of bees…
PENINSULA LONG Island have taken the chocolates against Heatherhill in a high scoring one day clash. Heatherhill chose to bat first, and played well. Kristian Miller was their best performer, scoring 95 runs before being run out. After their 40 overs, Heatherhill finished at 7/198. Long Island got off to a good start in their run chase, with opener Nick Jewell in fine form. Jewell scored 94 runs before being caught out. The score is his fourth in the nineties for the season. Long Island ended up reaching their target with six wickets in hand and three overs left to…
SOCCER SEAFORD United was the only local club to survive last weekend’s round of FFA Cup matches. The draw for the next round was due to be conducted today (Tuesday) as we went to press. Langwarrin, Mornington, Peninsula Strikers and Skye United all entered this week’s draw so just five local clubs out of 12 who contested Australia’s premier knockout competition in 2020 remain in the hunt for glory. Harry McCartney reports that Seaford had to endure a nerve-racking penalty shootout against visitor Brunswick Zebras on Saturday. The local outfit won that showdown 7-6 after the sides were locked together…
HORSE RACING DAVID Brideoake’s Group 1 winning mare, Princess Jenni, looks set to strike in the Group Two Sunline Stakes (1600m) on Friday 20 March after a forward showing first-up at Flemington on the weekend. Settling at the rear of the field in the Listed March Stakes on Saturday 7 March, Princess Jenni flashed home late to place behind the well-supported Hawkes-trained runner, Wild Planet. Trained out of Brideoake’s Mornington-based set-up, the four-year-old mare has consistently struck winning form at each of her second-up runs throughout her career – a record that currently reads three wins from three attempts. Brideoake…