By Ian Munro* AS he pedals out of Dimboola with three days’ cycling from Melbourne behind him, Stan Proctor will be just beginning to enjoy himself, which is just as well because his destination will be Darwin. His experience of long distance riding tells him that by the fourth day he will be riding for the pleasure of it. “It’s pretty tough for the first three days regardless of the preparation you do,” says Proctor, who has previously ridden from Melbourne to Sydney, and on 27 September will set out to ride to Darwin. “For the first three days your…
Year: 2015
FRANKSTON Council says its call for a container port at Hastings is based on economic benefits and concern for the environment. The mayor Cr Sandra Mayer said on Friday that the state government’s “commendable” plan to remove rail level crossings “should not come at the expense of the south east and in particular Frankston City”. Before the November 2014 state election Frankston was touting itself as the logical commercial hub for an expanded port at Hastings. But those dreams have faded with the Labor government planning to lease the Port of Melbourne along with a promise of no new competitive…
THE Thirsty Camel liquor outlet in Nepean Highway, Mornington, was raided by an armed man on Friday afternoon. Frankston Embona Armed Robbery Task Force detectives said “some cash” was stolen and that “a weapon was involved”. It is believed a female attendant was confronted by the man at 1.40pm. He is described as aged 40-50, Caucasian, medium height and build, wearing a dark hoodie, black jeans, beanie, sunglasses and “a five-day growth”. Anyone with information is urged to contact Frankston Embona Taskforce on 9784 5590 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au First…
VOTERS could be forgiven for thinking the state election campaign between the major parties has not ended eight months after the Andrews Labor government defeated the previous Napthine Coalition government to win power. Labor and Liberal politicians were out in force last week along the Frankston line pushing opposing messages about the separation of level crossings from roadways. Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke joined Acting Premier James Merlino at the Overton Rd, Frankston crossing last Friday morning to blast the Liberals and Greens “who opposed getting rid of these level crossings once and for all”. A crowd of partisan protesters,…
UPDATE: Nina has been located by the police helicopter – very wet and cold but uninjured. Taken to hospital for a check up. Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 90-year-old Frankston South woman Nina Bolaczo. Nina was last seen at her Robinsons Road address around 8.30am this morning and has not been seen since. Police and family hold concerns for her welfare as she suffers from a medical condition. Nina is perceived to be Caucasion in appearance, 160cm tall with a solid build and straight grey hair. She was last seen wearing a maroon and green striped…
HASTINGS FNC – By Phil Stone, club president THIS week saw the Hastings FNC travel down to Sorrento for a massive test through all grades, but unfortunately all sides were unable to get the job done. We now have to prepare ourselves for a massive challenge in a fortnight’s time, as a club we need to stay focused on the challenges that lie ahead. We are a resilient club and cannot wait for our next contest in a fortnight’s time against Pearcedale FNC at home, so we are expecting a good turn up from all our supporters. SENIORS We came up…
TYABB horse breeder Peter Moran spends much of each week flying around the country picking up patients and taking them to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide hospitals. He’s part of Angel Flight, which offers flight services to the sick and injured living in regional areas. He and his team provide a fast, free and safe service to those requiring medical treatment. Under the scheme, pilots donate their time and aircraft to transport outlying patients into the city for care, saving them long road trips that would be beyond their physical capabilities, especially if recovering from the effects of chemo and radiation…
NEW speed limits have been introduced on Eramosa Rd East, Somerville. They are: A permanent 40kph limit on Eramosa Rd East from east of Woodside Cl to Frankston-Flinders Rd. It was previously 60kph with a 40kph school speed zone; 50kph on Eramosa Rd East from east of Woodside Cl to east of Almond Bush St (previously 60kph); and, 80kph on Eramosa Rd East from east of Drovers Lane to 300 metres east of Lower Somerville Rd (previously 100kph). Cr Lynn Bowden said Eramosa Rd East had a shopping area, housing, primary school and pre-school. “These land uses contribute to frequent…
ROGER Stanley has played many roles in life but always wanted to be a writer. In recent years he set about this dream methodically, undertaking a graduate diploma in professional writing and editing at Chisholm Frankston, entering short stories and plays in writing awards, several of which he won, also taking advantage of mentorship from established Mornington Peninsula authors. Then it was time for his novel. The first, published by Xlibris, is Spring Fever, a fast-paced detective thriller set on the peninsula. The story follows Vicki Walker, the youngest detective chief inspector in the state, who considers transfer to the…
A DOZEN or so Mornington Peninsula Shire projects are complete, under way or about to start in the Western Port area. Infrastructure director Alison Leighton told the council meeting held at Hastings Hub on 22 June that the works include major upgrades to Hastings and important environmental and sporting works. In Hastings itself, the High St streetscape design is anticipated to go on public exhibition in August after being reviewed by the shire’s design advisory panel and Western Port Chamber of Commerce in April. The aim is to enhance the township’s identity and assert High St as its “spine and…
AUSTRALIAN of the Year Rosie Batty has urged governments to rethink their priorities and spend more to help prevent domestic violence and help victims. A poll by Essential Research released yesterday (Monday 6 July) found 74 per cent of 1000 people surveyed across Australia believe domestic violence is as much of or more than a threat than terrorism. Just 18 per cent believed it is less of a threat. “We’re spending hundreds of millions extra on the war on terrorism, but women who fear for their safety are still being turned away from services because of a lack of funds,”…
THE state government has ended plans for a multi-million plan for a commercial development at Point Nepean National Park based around a luxury hotel and thermal springs. Although it may cost up to $1 million to break the 49-year lease signed off by the previous Liberal/National coalition six weeks before the November 2014 election, the government says its decision will prevent “inappropriate development” at the park. The focus on what to do with the park will now swing back to a master plan developed five years ago but dropped when Labor lost power. Ending the lease entered into with the…
A “GHOST” bike has been erected in memory of cyclist Joel Hawkins, 17, who died last week after being knocked down by a car in Dromana on 17 June. The white bike is at the site of the accident on the corner of Nepean Hwy and Ponderosa Place, Dromana. The keen Mt Martha cyclist was flown to the Alfred Hospital where he remained on life support until early last week. Friends placed the white-painted bike at the crash site in memory of the Dromana College student. In an online tribute Mornington Cycling Club offered “its deepest condolences to the family…
AUTHOR and illustrator Michael Leeworthy wants to help people find work. He believes everyone has skills and with a bit of soul searching and encouragement can market their natural abilities. Hired “to motivate people” by agencies running Work for the Dole projects, Leeworthy says the experience has shown him that “everyone has skills and they need to sit down and make a list of what they area”. No stranger to trying to find work himself, Leeworthy describes himself as “a dropout at 16” but says he never collected unemployment benefits. He had a willingness to try his hand at any…
POST work life can surprisingly be a time to begin a new career and that’s exactly what Rosebud resident Elsie Bradley has decided to do. The self-professed keen reader had turned her hand to writing and has penned her debut novel We All Have Secrets. Ms Bradley has drawn on her varied working life as an insurance agent, bookkeeper and bus conductor among many jobs and her own experiences to tell the story of a reading group of “vintage women who write a book based on their experience of growing older and enjoying the freedom it gives them to live…
UPDATE 13/7/15: JAZZ pianist Allan Zavod has been replaced by Joe Chindamo for the masterclass and concert program at Monash University’s peninsula campus on Sunday 13 September. Chindamo has been described as a musical polyglot in the tradition of Bernstein and Previn, and one of the best jazz pianists in the world. He has composed concertos, chamber music and film music; and recorded 23 CDs; collaborated with artists such as James Morrison, Ray Brown (of Oscar Peterson fame) and the Brecker Brothers. For more information and tickets, call 9568 7190. A RENOWNED concert pianist and an internationally recognised jazz keyboardist –…
PENINSULA LEAGUE IT’S not very often that any individual is bigger than the game of AFL football. And rarely do we see it where the player is viewed so highly that he is placed before the club. However, every now and again, it’s important to stop and recognise the contributions and impact that individuals have made on your football club. On Saturday, the footy public stopped for arguably the best centre half back of the past 20-plus years in Luke Van Raay. The Karingal Football Club star ran out onto the ground for his beloved red and white for the…
THE MPNFL board collectively resigned late last week after 19 of 22 MPNFL Peninsula and Nepean clubs expressed a vote of no confidence. AFL South East immediately took over as caretaker of the league, providing the function of the board under MPNFL Rules until the finalisation of a review into the appropriate governance and administrative model for the league for the future. At this stage, the current administration will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the competition. AFL South East General Manager Jeremy Bourke said it was “highly unlikely” that there would be any changes to the structure of…
NEPEAN LEAGUE RYE cannot win this season’s Nepean League premiership playing the brand of football that it is currently. That became obvious on Saturday when it was humiliated by one of the best sides in the competition in Somerville. The Eagles led by as much as almost 70-odd points midway through the last quarter before Rye booted the final four goals of the game to add some respectability to the final score line, 19.17 (131) to 13.6 (84). Truth of the matter is that Rye is a one-way running side. Unless you have enormous talent across all 22 players and…
A PUBLIC public meeting will be held at Mornington Junction hall site to elect a Committee and consider the advisability of building a hall and also deal with any other business that might be brought forward. *** ON July 16th a social will be held in Somerville in the Fruitgrowers hall, in aid of wounded soldiers. A number of local young men are on the committee and Mrs W.Hutchison is the hon.sec. Admission is fixed at gents 2s,ladies 1s. *** THE Progress Association of Mornington Junction are again bestirring themselves in matters relating to the…
POLICE last week invited religious leaders to a dinner marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast. Police said 200 hundred people attended the dinner, including more than 60 young Muslims and 50 police officers and employees. Mr Ashton said he was proud the Iftar dinner was his first official function as Chief Commissioner. “The Victoria Police Iftar dinner gives police a chance to show respect to the Islamic community whilst breaking fast and reflecting together,” he said. “Ramadan is also an opportunity for all of us, regardless of faith or background, to reflect and acknowledge the important contribution the…
WHAT’S the real story with ice? is the title of a free community forum 6.30-9pm, Tuesday 4 August, at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilsons Rd, Mornington. It is being presented by Peninsula Voice. Organiser Peter Orton says there has been a significant increase in public concern about the use of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice. “This forum will dispel some of the common myths and will counter the hysteria that has emerged in the media,” he said. “It will provide empirical evidence regarding the drug and provide people with tangible steps we can each take to move the incidence…
A PRAYER vigil is the latest action by peninsula Christians to pressure the federal government over its asylum seeker policies. More than 50 people joined three Uniting Church ministers for a 90-minute vigil outside St Mark’s Church in Mornington on a cold Sunday afternoon last week. It was organised by Reverends John Haig (Mornington), Paul Chalson (Mt Martha) and Cameron McAdam (Mt Eliza). It was followed by a sausage sizzle with proceeds going to Dandenong Asylum Seeker Centre. Rev McAdam said most Mornington churches had representatives at the vigil. He and other Christians have taken a high profile in recent…
THE debate around legalising same-sex marriage in Australia gathered pace last week after the United States Supreme Court ruled that nation’s Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage. The US is the latest in a series of western countries – including the UK and Ireland – to legalise marriage for gays and lesbians. Federal politicians are facing increased pressure to follow suit in Australia but the possibility has deeply divided politicians within both the Liberal and Labor parties. It is no different in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula. Flinders MP and Environment Minister Greg Hunt supports a ‘conscience vote’…
A GROUP of young people from Mornington Rotary Club have successfully pushed a Bill through the YMCA Victorian Youth Parliament to make it law for supermarkets to donate all edible, unsold food, to those in need. The group included Lucy Martin, Heap Do, Lydia Edwards and Kate Purcell. Their Bill will now be forwarded to Consumer Affairs Minister Jane Garrett and, they hope, pass through State Parliament to become law. This follows similar legislation introduced in France ruling that all unsold, edible food from supermarkets, be donated to charities or for animal feed. That legislation has garnered significant global support.…
THE removal of the Tree of Life sculpture from the Cranbourne Rd exit of Peninsula Link has sparked a social media backlash. Drivers, including many who do not usually regard themselves as art lovers, have gone out on a limb and expressed their love for the huge sculpture which has towered over the Cranbourne Rd exit section of the freeway for the past two years. Passers-by noticed workmen pulling the Tree of Life down last week. Thousands took to Facebook to publicly declare their fondness for the sculpture. The unusual looking sculpture was repeatedly described as “beautiful” and many are…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is drawing up a list of projects it would like to be financed through the state government’s $50 million Outer Suburban Growth Fund. The government is making the money available to 10 “interface” councils, including Mornington Peninsula. The mayor Cr Bev Colomb said the fund would “help deliver important social and economic benefits”. The other interface councils are Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges. “The interface councils group has spent a lot of time talking to the Minister [of Local Government Natalie Hutchins] about the issues and challenges we face and we…
A BATTLE is raging in Mt Martha over a retaining wall that blocks access to a road reserve. The wall was erected in December between Potts Lane and Grandview Terrace. The News was unable to contact the owner of the property last week. John and Carole Van Der Helm, of Potts Lane, say the wall should be removed and have organised a petition to present to Mornington Peninsula Shire. Last week it had 50 signatures. The petition says: “We, the undersigned, request the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to remove the retaining wall … which blocks the road reserve between Potts…
VANDALS have destroyed hundreds of trees planted on the foreshore at Mothers Beach in Mornington twice in the same week. The trees, their stakes and plastic guards were stomped on and pushed over on Sunday night last week. Mornington Peninsula Shire contractor Naturelinks Landscape Management replanted undamaged trees and cleaned up the site last Wednesday but the trees were again vandalised the following night and removed, stakes and tree guards included. Jan Oliver of Mornington Environment Association, one of several groups working with Naturelinks to improve the town’s foreshore, said the damage was hard to comprehend. “It would appear the…
WORKERS employed by the shire’s long-term contractor Transfield Services held a day-long protest outside the company’s depot in Watt Rd, Mornington, last Wednesday. It is believed to be the first industrial action for 15 years at Transfield. James Weissmann of the Australian Services Union said employees and the company were at a standoff after negotiations for a new enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) broke down. The ASU is the main union of local government employees. Mr Weissmann said the EBA expired in April but Transfield and union had failed to agree on “three important items”: Workers asked for a 3.5 per…