SYDNEY-based artist Tom Polo spent some time researching the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery’s collection before painting his impressions on the wall in the gallery’s foyer. His 13 metre painting includes works from the gallery’s collection and will be on display until 26 November, along with an exhibition of portraits from the gallery’s collection and the 2017 National Photographic Portrait Prize from the National Portrait Gallery. Polo says his work is as much about the process as it is the “finished” result. “I think it will ask questions about how our understanding of an artwork changes when we are privy to…
Year: 2017
By Tony Nicholl THE Mornington Peninsula has many retirees with a story or even a book, and Eric Brewer is one of those. A few months ago he moved to Rosebud from Benalla, which had been his home for a good part of his life. Brewer now thinks the retirement in Rosebud is utopia redolent of A B Facey’s bestseller A Fortunate Life, especially in view of the fact that he has made his luck without expectation or entitlement. Brewer has lived in many places and always conducted a life well lived on account of having had a sound childhood…
AN intruder with a broken beer bottle in his hand allegedly charged Rosebud police when they answered a burglary call-out at Flinders, 11pm, Friday 22 September. The Welshpool man, 39, was described as “violent” by police who sprayed him with OC foam (capsicum spray) before arresting him. One policeman received minor injuries in the struggle in Stokes St. Members of the family living in the house said they had been watching TV in the front room when they saw a man shining a torch in their rear bungalow and called 000. He had earlier been in their kitchen allegedly stealing…
JANELLE Da Silva celebrated her hen’s day last year by persuading her friends to dress up and take up the Arthurs Seat Challenge. “I dragged all the women up Arthurs Seat with me,” she said. Ms Da Silva, of Frankston, says running gives her “a sense of freedom”, and has previously entered two marathons, two ultra-marathons and a 36 kilometre “trot” up Mount Rosea, in the Grampians. The Arthurs Seat Challenge is an annual 6.7km fun run, including a 3.2km climb with gradients of up to 9.5 per cent. This year the challenge will be held on Sunday 12 November.…
A SHAKE-up of the state opposition’s shadow cabinet has seen Mornington MP David Morris take on the role of local government spokesperson. Mr Morris’s new role is in addition to being the opposition’s spokesperson for finance and cabinet secretary. Hastings MP Neale Burgess remains opposition spokesperson for small and medium sized enterprises. Nepean MP Martin Dixon – a former education minister and the third Liberal Party MP on the Mornington Peninsula – has announced his retirement at the next election and holds no shadow cabinet position. Opposition leader Matthew Guy said the Liberal Nationals coalition would over the next 14…
ONE extended Mornington Peninsula “pride” was awaiting the grand final siren with more than a little trepidation on Saturday. Five generations of the one family, led by great-great grandmother Molly Flaherty, had gathered at the Elm Mount Martha Valley aged care home, Safety Beach, in the lead-up to a longed-for Tiger triumph. Matriarch Mrs Flaherty, 100, can trace her clan’s Tiger allegiance back to 1933 when her older brother, Bob Gislingham, played a single VFL game for Richmond. That was enough: Mrs Flaherty drummed a sense of Tiger loyalty into her children and they into theirs – making the weekend’s…
NEPEAN Liberal candidate Russell Joseph wants the state government to “drop the politics” and work with the federal government on research to eradicate the Buruli ulcer. Cases of the devastating condition, described by a sufferer as “rampant” on the Mornington Peninsula, rose from 47 in 2014 to 159 so far this year. Last week, Tyabb girl Ella Crofts, 13, recalled her excruciating experience after being diagnosed with the ulcer in her knee in April – and called on the federal government to fund research into the debilitating condition. (“Funds flow for ulcer study” The News 26/9/17). The article mistakenly reported…
VISITS to waste treatment plants in China by a councillor and two Mornington Peninsula Shire executives “brings new insights into alternative waste technology on the peninsula”, according to a shire statement. The 14 September statement follows criticism of the trip by Cr Hugh Fraser, acting chief operating officer Niall McDonagh and waste services team leader Daniel Hinson and pre-empts an official report to council. The three were in China earlier this month and their report on the value of the tour and “how knowledge gained may influence the future direction of alternate waste technologies in the region and…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has taken a hard line against two property developers whose projects do “not enhance, protect or respond to the valued character of the peninsula and our historic Sorrento”. The mayor Cr Bev Colomb was speaking after a planning services committee meeting on Monday 18 September refused a planning application for a three storey building at 141-147 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento. The mixed-use development proposed building two shops, 14 apartments and basement car park, and as well as the demolition of a building with a heritage overlay. Earlier, the council had also knocked back a bid for…
SOUTHERN Metropolitan Police and members of the public will pay tribute to those who have died in the line of duty at a Blue Ribbon Day service at Rosebud RSL, Friday 29 September. The service, which is open to the public, is part of Police Remembrance Day, which recognises the 159 police officers who have lost their lives while protecting the community. Those attending are asked to wear a blue ribbon or attach one to their car’s aerial as a gesture of support. “This service gives the community the opportunity to remember the police officers who have lost their lives…
THE Hastings-based Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association has been given $36,864 from the state government to build a men’s shed. The shed’s focus will be on creating such cultural artefacts as boomerangs, woomeras and didgeridoos, as well as totem sculptures for a bush trail. The grant will be jointly administered by Department of Health and Human Services, Mornington Peninsula Shire and the association. Secretary to the Treasurer Daniel Murlino, Eastern Division MLC, last week made the announcement at the Willum Warrain Gathering Place in Pound Rd, Hastings. He was accompanied by Phil Kiely from the Men’s Shed Organisation of Victoria and…
AFTER a break of 61 years, water is again flowing into Devilbend Reservoir along its original creek watercourse. Up to 17 million litres a day will enter the reservoir during peak flow times, thanks to a Parks Victoria water diversion project completed last year. The flows will raise levels in the reservoir and ensure its sustainability over summer months. The reservoir is the largest and most significant water body on the Mornington Peninsula, and this seasonal flow will boost its general health and biodiversity and create better habitats for bird and fish, Parks Victoria said. More than 150 bird species…
THE proposed widening of the sealed section of the north-south runway at Tyabb airfield from 10 metres to 18 metres would improve safety, according to the Tyabb Airfield Precinct Plan now on public display. But Peninsula Aero Club has been quick to point out that the extra width would not be a green light for its use by larger aircraft. Club president Peter Bernardi said the widening would cost the club up to $500,000 and would be completed “hopefully” by year’s end. The precinct plan, by Kneebush Planning and Arcadis, is nearing the end of its six-week public display period…
A GROUP of Western Port residents took their concerns over potential power outages in the hectic summer period to Hastings MP Neale Burgess last week. “We put to him our personal concerns about the effect of power outages which we anticipate this summer with the closure of the Hazelwood power station,” Hastings resident Fran Henke said. “While outages will affect businesses big and small, we wanted him to understand what could happen to people dependent on electricity for their survival and wellbeing.” Ms Henke said Mr Burgess had promised to raise concerns about power outages in parliament “as soon as…
IT will be an action-packed holiday for surfing siblings, Sara and Lucas Dickson, as they travel between Victoria and New South Wales to compete in several national surfing events on Saturday 23 September. The siblings will compete in two nation-wide Ripcurl GromSearch events as well as the Hurley’s BL Blast Off with their journey starting at Jan Juc, Victoria. Sara, 9 and Lucas, 11 have been surfing since the ages of three and four and these school holidays they will compete in the Ripcurl GromSearch under-12 events. Father and keen surfer, Michael Dickson, said that the family has always been…
PENINSULA LEAGUE WITH the 2017 MPNFL Peninsula Division season now behind us, clubs will now turn their attention to the arduous task of locking away coaches and recruiting. Here’s a sneak peek at what clubs should focus their attention on in preparation for 2018. Whilst AFL South East is yet to hand down its decision on the format of the MPNFL next season, it’s expected that Chelsea, Karingal and Langwarrin will play in MPNFL Division Two next season. Frankston YCW: The Stonecats again proved that they are the benchmark of the competition. Once again in the silly season, clubs will…
NEPEAN LEAGUE MPNFL Nepean Division is likely to be renamed Division Two in 2018 and Sorrento, Frankston Bombers and Rosebud will not be part of it. Despite the fact AFL South East is still a couple of weeks away from making a decision on the new structure, it is widely tipped that the reigning premier, runner-up and third-placed Rosebud will head to Division One and that Chelsea, Karingal and Langwarrin will head to Division Two. Let’s take a look at what clubs require heading into 2018. Sorrento: The most important decision Sorrento needs to get right is the appointment of…
SOCCER SOUTHERN United’s championship-winning under-13s have won their way into the NPLW Grand Final after defeating Bayside United 2-0 at Comets Stadium last weekend. The Grand Final takes place at 10am this Sunday at ABD Stadium in Meadow Heights and Southern will come face to face with its 2017 nemesis, Calder United, which finished runner-up in the title race. Calder won the qualifying final 1-0 two weeks ago forcing Southern into last Saturday’s sudden-death preliminary final. But the local club will go into the clash primed by a meticulous preparation arranged by senior coach Emma Bracken and assistant Aaron Myatt.…
IT is with extreme regret we have to record the death of Mr John Reynolds, which took place at St Pancras Hospital, Frankston, on Wednesday morning 1st, after a painful illness, the cause of death being “pernicious anemia.” The deceased, who was only 50 years of age, came to Frankston some 30 years ago, and commenced his trade as boot maker, and followed it up to within a few weeks of his death. The deceased was a great lover of cricket, and as young man took numerous trophies for excellence in the game. He was also connected with the Rangers…
BONEO Primary School pupils had lots of fun preparing for the upcoming Light Up Fun Run 4 Autism. They threw coloured powder into the air to promote the event – from the Bay Trail Tootgarook (opposite Carmichael St) to the Rye foreshore playground. Participants on the day will get the colour treatment as they pass four ‘colour stations’ over the leisurely three kilometre run/walk, from 10am-midday, Sunday 22 October. They will get together at the Rye foreshore playground afterwards to enjoy entertainment, rides and food. Light Up Autism Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that provides assistance to school-age children with…
OUTDOOR dining is on the menu in central Frankston as part of a state government push to encourage food and drink businesses to kick business outside to the kerbside. The state government’s appetite for kerbside dining has seen up to $40,000 of taxpayers’ money put on the table for Frankston businesses to buy street furniture or install small seating areas on pavements outside established eateries. A Kerbside Dining Encouragement Package, announced last week in partnership with Frankston Council, will offer 20 grants of $2000 each to Frankston city centre food and drink businesses offer outdoor dining for the first time…
A BUSINESS case for the long-mooted electrification of the Frankston line to Baxter will go ahead after the federal and state governments got onboard a unity ticket to look at the plan. Federal Dunkley Liberal MP Chris Crewther announced last Friday (22 September) that the Labor state government and federal Coalition government had agreed to pursue the business case Mr Crewther announced on the eve of last year’s federal election. “We’re now able to proceed as the state government have finally decided to play ball by submitting an initial and now revised project scope, after ignoring the federal funding on…
THE failure of a plan to fence off the Pillars cliff jumping spot at Mt Martha is likely to see increasing numbers of visitors to the natural attraction. Although dedicated through various policies to increasing tourism, Mornington Peninsula Shire has been trying to lessen the numbers of people visiting the Pillars. Nevertheless, it is a major attraction without signposts, steps or safety barriers. Alcohol bans, parking bans, warning signs and restricting access have all failed to lessen the steady beat of feet to the cliff top. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has now pulled the plug…
THERE are widening cracks in the cliff face and access stairs have been blocked or cut off before they reach the beach. Cracks are also appearing in the bitumen on the Esplanade above the unstable cliffs that last week saw the beach closed at Mt Martha north. Mornington Peninsula Shire issued a news release saying the beach was being closed to the public “for safety reasons”. The building surveyor officially closed the beach, Tuesday 19 September, until further notice. This will block access to 50 boatsheds, many of which are “substantially damaged”, including those from the south side of boatshed…
RED Hill Recreation Reserve has been endorsed as a bushfire refuge for the coming fire season. Residents can go to the top oval when other bushfire plans fail. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has been working with the CFA, Victoria police, and CFA brigades to identify sites for designation and the top oval met the criteria. Increased traffic in Red Hill caused by the monthly market and annual show has prompted warnings to residents to carefully consider their travel plans in the area. They should only do so when all other plans fail. Planned fuel reduction works will remove such environmental…
TYABB girl Ella Crofts has been praised by federal Health Minister and Flinders MP Greg Hunt as a “very brave and courageous young lady”. Mr Hunt’s comments were made while promising $2.4 million following the 13 year old’s campaign for research into the Buruli (or Bairnsdale) flesh-eating ulcer from which she suffers. The disease has been described as being rampant on the Mornington Peninsula where incidences have more than doubled in the past year. There has been a 300 per cent increase in the number of cases in Victoria in the past five years. In the past two years, the…
OBITUARY Anthony (Tony) Muir, 1943-2017 Master mariner, diver SOMETIME over the next few weeks a flotilla of small boats will sail towards Port Phillip Heads. It will be spring, a time of renewal, regeneration and hope. Those on board the boats will look toward the Polperro, because it will be from the deck of his beloved timber vessel that the ashes of Tony Muir will be consigned to the waters that he loved. Tony Muir died on 4 July, less than one month after celebrating his 74th birthday. He had been diagnosed with cancer a decade earlier. Hundreds attended a…
AN ALLIANCE of six councils that lobbies state and federal governments for investment in the south east has been rebadged and relaunched but ratepayers are in the dark about how much the renewed lobbying push will cost. The South East Melbourne Group of Councils (SEM) includes Frankston, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Kingston, Casey, Cardinia Shire and Greater Dandenong councils. A new website at southeastmelbourne.org and launch event on Friday 15 September at Greater Dandenong council offices in Dandenong mentioned on the group’s new Facebook page flagged a new look for the group. The site domain name was registered last year by…
AN informal Peninsula Action Day on marriage equality got off to a vibrant start last week when up to 30 volunteers put their case for a ‘Yes’ vote at shopping centres from Blairgowrie to Dromana. Organiser Bryce Paterson said there was a “huge amount of enthusiasm up and down the coast” for the group’s message, Saturday 16 September, with most of those approached in favour of the same-sex marriage proposal. “We engaged with prospective voters and were very pleased with the level of support,” he said. “We reminded them about the postal ballot and inquired about whether they had received…
SUPPOSED “contradictions” in the Hastings Foreshore Precinct Plan were highlighted in the Tuesday 12 September Talking Fishing show on Channel 31. Much of the show was dedicated to discussing concerns about the scope and depth of the plan, such as the lack of community input into the month-long public survey which attracted only 27 respondents willing to discuss their likes and dislikes about the foreshore, what they did there, pressing issues, conflicts between users and possible improvements. The show, hosted by Future Fish Foundation director David Kramer, also criticised the design of the proposed boat ramp parking area, saying it…