Day: November 24, 2015

IT’S food, glorious food as the judging of finalists in Mornington Peninsula Shire’s food awards program Best Bites starts. The category for best school and childcare centre canteen is popular with all canteens on the peninsula entering. The shire started Best Bites in 2011. The program assesses peninsula food businesses for aspects such as providing safe and healthy food, environmentally sustainable business practices, nutrition and allergen awareness, waste and recycling, energy and water efficiency, tobacco and alcohol compliance, and access for all. The shire has enlisted the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation to help judge canteen finalists. Foundation CEO Ange…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Graham Pittock and Cr Lynn Bowden were joined by members of Somerville junior football and Somerville cricket clubs at the opening of the new Fruitgrowers Pavilion in Somerville. Cr Pittock said building the $1.5 million pavilion was part of the shire’s $49 million pavilion strategy. “The shire is committed to ensuring our facilities are compliant and fit-for-purpose, and help our residents and visitors to be more active and to get out and enjoy what the peninsula has to offer,” he said. Cr Bowden said the building tripled the size of the former facilities at Fruitgrowers Reserve.…

ROTTEN egg gas – or sulphur dioxide – is described as being the by-product of an “environmental tragedy” occurring along Western Port beaches, especially at Balnarring and Somers’. Merricks Creek and Estuary Working Group members have discussed solutions to the stink and agreed to the estuary being temporarily closed. The group was formed to provide community input into an independent study to investigate whether there is a practicable option to controlling the pong. Melbourne Water’s Georgina Downey has told the group that the objective is to find a permanent solution to the problem. “While the construction of a sand groyne…

TWO public demonstrations are being held at Hastings this week. On Wednesday – White Ribbon Day – a march will be held as part of the national campaign to stop violence by men against women. The organisation White Ribbon Australia works to “change attitudes and behaviours that lead to and perpetuate men’s violence against women by engaging and enabling boys and men to lead social change”. As well as marches and meetings like those at Hastings tomorrow, the campaign raises awareness with youth, schools, work places and across the broader community. The “Western Port takes a stand” White Ribbon Day…

THIS season’s official fire danger period for Frankston, Mornington Peninsula and French and Phillip islands starts next Monday, 30 November. CFA South East Region assistant chief officer Trevor Owen said fire restrictions were starting earlier than last year because of recent warm and dry conditions. “So far, all indicators are pointing to a challenging fire season ahead,” Mr Owen said. “While CFA does everything it can, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.” Mr Owen said “a short window of opportunity” remained for property owners to clean up but warned against illegal…