SUAN Lee Campbell has a grand vision to bring people together on the Mornington Peninsula. A strong advocate for refugees and the disadvantaged, Campbell, of Rosebud, is hoping to encourage others to embrace newcomers to Australia and invite them to the peninsula to be part of the community. She has organised a fundraising lunch next week (28 October) to help support the refugee cause. “I think the peninsula is a great place to live and I would love to invite people to a lunch to listen to inspiring stories from refugees and share great food,” she said. Campbell said there…
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SIXTEEN-year-old Balnarring resident Matty Meysztowicz has always had a healthy fascination with dog poo, recycling and innovation, not unusual interests given the teenager’s background. It has become something of a Meysztowicz family tradition to think ahead and plan for the future. The young Meysztowicz, whose father Ed runs a recycling plant in the south eastern suburbs, has an innovative idea to solve the problem of discarded dog poo and the plastic bags used by owners to pick up and dispose of the mess. The avid dog lover says he came up with the idea after seeing too many plastic-based dog…
MORNINGTON Peninsulas charity Saltbush Balnarring Beach is on the lookout for a new CEO, after Rachel Connor announced that she would leave the organisation at the end of the year. Saltbush was established in 1989 with a vision to provide short-term holiday accommodation for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those with disabilities, physical or mental illness, asylum seekers, refugees and families recovering from domestic violence. The organisation caters for more than 1600 people each year for short-term stays in its six purpose-built houses and arranges holiday programs for children to provide respite for parents and carers. Connor joined Saltbush as…
MORNINGTON Peninsula firefighters had no hesitation last week in heading off to help manage the Gippsland fires. Brigades from across the peninsula responded to a call out for strike teams after bushfires started in the East Gippsland, Baw Baw and Wellington Shire areas on Sunday 1 October. They were among more than 600 CFA and FFMVic firefighters, with more than 180 CFA trucks attending the fireground throughout the week. By Tuesday, fires near Briagolong had grown to 17,500 hectares and one at Loch Sport on the Gippsland lakes grew to 3000 hectares, before they slowed when a change of conditions…
THE time-worn adage that it “takes a village to raise a child” is the unofficial motto of youth specialist officers on the Mornington Peninsula who are leading the way in proactive policing and initiative based support of young people. Along with youth resource officers, specialist officers like Somerville’s Senior Constable Trent Delaney work directly with young offenders to prevent recidivism and get them back on track. They work mainly with 10 to 20 year old offenders involved in serious crimes and network offending, including evading police, assaults, aggravated burglaries, carjackings and anti-social behaviour. Delaney says he has a genuine and…
DROMANA Community House is running a program to lighten the load for families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. The weekly Grab and Go program turns donated food into hot meals for the needy, with time-poor families able to “grab and go” from 4pm to 4.30pm. Community house manager Tracey Trueman services had been ramped up at the house as food poverty grew locally. “Over 70 families are collecting weekly on Thursdays from 10 am to 10.30am and our pop-up cart is stocked and well visited by the community seven days a week,” she said. In addition, the pop-up…
MORNINGTON Retirement Village resident Beryl Spencer celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by friends and family. Born in Wandin Yallock, near Lilydale, where her younger sister Edna, 98, still lives and drives her own car, Spencer studied typing, shorthand and business studies at Box Hill Technical College, and worked as an administrative typist at Wakes mail orders in Melbourne for 11 years. It was “a handsome young man”, carpenter Melton Spencer, who she chose to marry in 1949. The married couple then moved to Bendigo, where Melton worked for the railways for 33 years. The Spencers had four children Christopher, now…
CARDIOLOGIST Dr Geoffrey Toogood has been announced as a winner in the 2023 Australian Mental Health Prize. Celebrating exceptional individuals who have made significant strides in the realm of mental health advocacy, the prize aims to acknowledge the invaluable work carried out by Australians in the field of mental health. The Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, presented Toogood, of Frankston South, with the Lived Experience award on Monday (25 September) during a ceremony at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. Toogood has triumphed over his own periods of mental illness, emerging with an unwavering…
OFTEN referred to as the men’s shed on wheels, the Sorrento Bay Riders and their cycling mates from around the Mornington Peninsula are leading the charge to raise money to support the Making a Difference programs at Victoria’s The Portsea Camp. Led by philanthropist Max Beck, the riders will hit the road on Sunday 1 October for the annual Sorrento Bay Riders Portsea Camp Challenge. The 65km for 65 children charity ride around some of peninsula’s most picturesque roads aims to raise $50,000 for inclusive wellness and camping programs, which work to build confidence, promote healthy bodies, healthy minds, and…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has received an award for naming a boardwalk after Pauline Powell, who devoted many years to community service. The suggestion to name the boardwalk after Powell was made in August 2021 by Rye Historical Society and Rye Community Group Alliance. An existing boardwalk in Rye was subsequently named the Pauline Powell Walk and gazetted on 8 June this year. Powell’s lifetime of community service included involvement with Rye Girl Guides where she became district commissioner, Rye Community Group Alliance, Rye Historical Society, St John’s, Sorrento and St Andrews, Rye. She was also a member of the…
MOUNT Martha man Sebastian “Sabe” Saitta has been recognised for his selfless act of bravery 27 years ago when he stepped in to protect two female prison officers taken hostage by two offenders at Townsville Correctional Centre. On the day in question, Saitta – a former member of the Defence force and known as Sammy to his corrections’ colleagues – was a 34-year-old officer in charge of the maximum division, with experience in negotiation and de-escalation. Taking on the role of main hostage negotiator, Saitta disarmed one of the offenders who was holding a makeshift knife to a female prison…
By Ranald Macdonald FLINDERS resident Zeta Newbound attends weekly stretching classes at the Balnarring Town Hall on Tuesdays. A former schoolteacher and physical education instructor Newbound, who celebrates her 100th birthday on 7 October, actively participates in all the exercises. She was a pennant golfer and member of the Flinders Golf Club committee. Newbound and her late husband Maxwell have two children, with her daughter following in her footsteps as a teacher. The family had a weekender in Shoreham for 30 years when living in St Kilda, before moving to Flinders in the 1950s where they built a two-storey house.…
IN a post-COVID world where many people are searching for meaning and purpose, one organisation is reaching out to offer a way to fill the void. The volunteer-based CFA is always seeking new volunteers to help it continue its mission of helping the community, responding to emergencies and supporting other services in times of community need. Mornington Fire Brigade is currently on a recruitment drive after its volunteer numbers have since 2016 dropped from around 80 to 30. Captain Michael Licciardo said the sense of satisfaction volunteers got from helping the community and being involved in something bigger than themselves…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council is calling for nominations for its 2024 Australia Day awards. Nominations of a friend, family member or colleague in the categories of Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year until Friday 17 November if they have made an outstanding contribution to the community. Last year’s Citizen of the Year was Jack Van Der Zwart, in recognition of his work caring for foster children, cooking for the homeless in Rosebud and providing meals for the needy. There is also an opportunity to recognise events, through the category of community event of the year. The…
A SPRING cold front caused havoc across the Mornington Peninsula overnight Thursday (8 September) and into Friday (9 September), bringing rain and strong winds, as well as general misery for football fans ahead of the AFL finals. Gale force winds downed trees and dislodged anything not tied down as blasts swept across the southeast and the peninsula over Friday and Saturday. On Thursday, the Bureau of Meteorology issued wind warnings for Western Port and Port Phillip, but for some boat owners they came too late. The extreme weather also saw emergency service volunteers, and CFA and SES teams clearing trees…
HAVING a new baby is supposed to be one of the most joyous times of a mother’s life, but for 29-year-old Taylor Johnston it was marred by a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Just one week after giving birth to her daughter Billie earlier this year, Johnston, of Rye, was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer and now faces an uncertain future and the trauma of having to spend time apart from her baby for treatment. Her husband Jesse, a senior footballer at Rye Football Netball Club, said the family was trying to stay positive, which had been helped by community support.…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has come to the aid of Rye Repair Cafe with a $10,000 climate action grant. The volunteer-run service operates out of Rye Community House on the first Sunday of each month, offering help to anyone who has something to mend or repair. By repairing household items, the group is taking on the war on waste one item at a time. Manager of Rye Community House, Marg D’Arcy, said the Repair Cafe dwindled during the pandemic and needed a financial boost to get it back up and running. “This grant has enabled us to establish a repair…
THE volunteer-run Mornington Tourist Railway has been given three carriages from Vline and is looking for suggestions about how to best use them. Owen Paden said the 22.86 metres long carriages, known as the N set, included an economy seating carriage (BN) with 88 seats, an economy class carriage (BRN) with a buffet seating 67 passengers, and first-class carriage (CAN) with a guard compartment seating 52 passengers. Paden said the carriages were originally broken down into classes, but all seats were now considered “premium class”. “These N set carriages began operation on 5 October 1981 and were built at the…
A FISHING competition in honour of Jamerson Ross, who died on 8 October last year in a hit-and-run incident in Hastings, will be held from the 6 to 8 October in conjunction with the Western Port Angling Club. Jamerson (known as Jammo) was a 23-year-old working in the marine electrical business Australian Integrated Marine when he died. His mother Chantelle Ross said her son was a hard-working young man who also worked on weekends to save money. When not working hard was outdoors following his passion for fishing. Jamerson had extensive fishing knowledge and experience in running and competing in…
SHIREEN Hammond says her life went to the dogs, literally, following a breast cancer diagnosis around nine years ago, months of chemotherapy and seemingly endless hospital visits. The award-winning photographer from Tootgarook was known for capturing the emotion and beauty of families and weddings but was forced to consider another way to continue her artistry, and dogs were it. “When I came out of hospital in 2015, I needed a project to heal as I had no strength and couldn’t shoot my 30 weddings that year at eight to 12 hours a shoot,” she said. “Our beautiful border collie Mariah…
STELLA Mars has conquered many difficulties in her short life, not the least being literacy and academic mastery that’s not always associated with people living with autism or ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). A finalist for this year’s Mornington Peninsula Mayor’s Short Story Writing Award in the eight to 12 years old category, the Mount Eliza girl has shown that she has a strong driving force determination to succeed. The nine-year-old already considers herself a professional creative who knows where her talents lie and the obstacles she faces. “I really enjoyed writing my story and I am proud of it. It took…
SEVERAL Mornington Peninsula students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their talents at the Victorian State Schools Spectacular on Saturday 9 September. The show, at John Cain Arena, Melbourne and broadcast on television later in the year, is an invaluable performing arts opportunity for government primary and secondary school students. Students get the chance to perform or gain behind the scenes experiences across all creative disciplines guided by industry professionals in a non-competitive environment. Event publicist Sonja McGill said it could often be the experience of a lifetime for the students with the chance to perform in a world class…
GET ready for a fashion twist that’s turning heads and tickling funny bones – meet “the wheelchair guy” from Capel Sound, who is trying to add a bit of levity to disability and give disabled people a way to connect with community. Daniel Laing, pictured, has designed a range of disability-friendly t-shirts that he hopes will help bridge the gap between able-bodied people and those with disabilities with a touch of humour. In Laing’s own words, his is not your “run-of-the-mill clothing gig – we’re here to prove that disability and style can have a hilarious, inclusive dance party”. “I’m…
A PROGRAM on the Mornington Peninsula is aiming to raise awareness of the wide spectrum of peoples’ disabilities and to increase empathy and understanding for those living with a hidden disability. Living with a hidden disability or condition can make daily life difficult, it can also be hard for others to understand the challenges that people with hidden disability or conditions face. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a symbol that people can wear to discreetly indicate they have an invisible disability or condition – and may need a helping hand, more time, or simply extra space in shops, at work,…
FORMER Woodleigh School student Braeden Van de Beek has shown what rewards hard work and determination can bring, after making it to the International Brain Bee Neuroscience Challenge. Van de Beek participated in the competition – held virtually between 31 July and 5 August – after first winning the Victorian challenge followed by last year’s Australian challenge. He was one of 10 students representing the eight states and territories of Australia and both islands of New Zealand in the battle to find an Australian and a New Zealand Brain Bee Champion. The competitions aim to inspire students to pursue careers…
THE Australian Men’s Shed Association is celebrating 30 years of men’s sheds in Australia, and the Safety Beach Dromana Men’s Shed is hosting “the shedder’s big breakfast” on Wednesday 23 August from 8am to midday. The men’s shed hosted successful pre-COVID big breakfasts in 2018 and 2019. Secretary Denis McKeegan said it had been “quite a task” to organise and coordinate trade and general interest displays, musical entertainment, with a side-serving of health information. He said those attending the breakfast should take gold coins to exchange for an egg and bacon roll and barista coffee with a barbecue to follow.…
CARRUM Downs artist Jaq Grantford’s portrait of a actor Noni Hazlehurst has won the People’s Choice Award in this year’s Archibald Prize. The win marked Grantford’s first time as an Archibald Prize finalist and her work will be on display with 56 other portraits at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery from 15 September to 5 November. Events being held at the gallery to align with the Archibald Prize: The gallery’s cafe partner Commonfolk will serve coffee and “seasonal tucker”. The Archibald Prize 2023 will be on display at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington from 15 September to…
MEMBERS of the veteran community came together with family and friends at Dromana Cemetery on Thursday (3 August) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. A vigil was held at the graveside of Michael Poole, of Dromana, one of 523 Australians who died in Vietnam between 1962 and 1973. Poole, who was killed by a landmine explosion in 1967, served with the fifth battalion. More than 3000 Australians were wounded in the 11-year conflict and the Dromana service was one of hundreds held around the country as communities reflected and paid tribute…
IT’S well known among equestrians that being around horses can have a therapeutic effect on mental health, but there are also a range of physical and social benefits that come with riding these beautiful animals. The coordinator at Riding for the Disabled Peninsula, Jenny Stidston, says the program is helping riders gain confidence, and at the same time improving their coordination, balance, muscle development and communications skills. “RDA helps to enrich lives through specialised programs and a relationship with horses, and it can be very helpful for people with a variety of physical and intellectual disabilities,” she said. Stidston says…
A LETTER from the new King and Queen of England was a highlight for John Rees’s 100th birthday last week, which he celebrated at Corowa Court residential aged care in Mornington. Ress, pictured with his wife Gail, daughters Megan Saunders, Jenni-Lee Rees and son David, is a popular resident at the centre and enjoyed celebrating his special day with family, friends and staff members. First published in the Mornington News – 8 August 2023