A GROUP of Mornington residents – with the backing of Mornington Peninsula Shire – is calling on the state government to hold a review of bus services on the peninsula. Peninsula Residential Parks and Villages Group chairman Bob Dalmau has organised a petition to be presented to public transport minister Jacinta Allan to end a “legacy of under-investment in public transport over many years”. The petition requests the review “to identify and resolve some very important shortcomings in our services”. “Significant residential and commercial development has occurred over the past 20 years with little or no consideration given to the…
Year: 2017
VICROADS has knocked back a request by Mornington MP David Morris to charge Mornington Peninsula Shire a peppercorn rent for land to be used as a car park by Mt Eliza schools. Mr Morris, in a question to Roads Minister Luke Donnellan in state parliament, asked that VicRoads waive a proposed $21,746 annual leasing fee for the 2500 square metre block on the corner of Nepean Highway and Canadian Bay Rd. He said the land – to be developed as a car park with a $280,000 federal government grant arranged by Dunkley MP Chris Crewther – would benefit students at…
A TOILET at Arthur’s Seat has won the World’s Most Accessible Toilet award. Opened in January, the toilet is designed to meet the needs of tourists with disabilities, those with mobility limitations, visitors with young children, older people and tourists from culturally diverse backgrounds. It even includes an Asian squat toilet. The award judge described the toilet as being “beautifully designed, thoroughly functional, modern and inclusive; a highly impressive addition to the destination experience. I have never seen anything quite like this accessible toilet. It’s a gold star, best practice example.” The Arthurs Seat toilet was one of 30 entries…
SIX youths aged 15-17 have been charged with theft of motor cars, aggravated burglary and evading police after allegedly stealing three high-end cars, including a $252,000 Aston Martin, from Red Hill. The Aston Martin and a Range Rover were taken from a Callinans Rd property, and a Range Rover Discovery from Mornington, early on Saturday 1 July. Detective Senior Constable Andrew Hodson, of Mornington Peninsula CIU, said the youths, of Frankston, Shoreham and Cranbourne, caught a bus from Frankston to Mornington and drove the Discovery to Red Hill, where they dumped it about 1.50am. Once there they allegedly entered a…
TWO Wonthaggi men have been charged over an alleged assault on a 26-year-old Rosebud man which left him sightless in one eye. Elliott Harvey underwent two operations and has not been able to work since. Moreland CIU detectives arrested the men after the incident at the Phoenix St nightclub, midnight, Friday 26 May. The men, 19 and 21, have both been charged with intentionally cause serious injury, recklessly cause serious injury, affray and other assault-related charges. They have been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday 11 July). Mr Harvey told police he had a verbal argument with…
JOINING the Red Hill-based Plastic Bag Free Peninsula group in May was the catalyst for Gwen Giudici’s journey towards wanting to reduce waste in general. “At the meeting I was introduced to Boomerang Bags by Shelle Hepburn,” she said. “She had been sewing the bags in Sorrento with volunteers and school kids. At the meeting I suggested I could set up a group in Rosebud. “I live in Tootgarook but I knew a centrally located deli whose owners are very active in the war on waste.” La Casa Nostra Deli owners Susan and Phil Tomasello are opposed to paper bags…
IT may be long running, but the waiting for the outcome of the international Bocuse d’Or World Cooking Contest is like a slow-prepared or slow-cooked meal: well worthwhile. Head chef of the Georgie Bass Cafe and Cooking School at Flinders, Michael Cole, and Rosebud Chisholm Institute apprentice Laura Skvor, have won the Australian selection of the contest and next compete in Singapore from which the top five Asian teams qualify for the 2019 Bocuse d’Or finals in France. Cole also won the Australian Chef of the Year award. Cole and his apprentice Skvor were brought together through a campaign to…
THREE public meetings are being held to explain changes to state government planning regulations that allow 11 metre high three storey buildings in residential areas across the Mornington Peninsula. Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors are concerned about the changes which will affect those living in Rosebud, Dromana, Capel Sound, Bittern, Hastings, Tyabb, Somerville and Baxter. “My fellow councillors and I believe these information sessions are a great opportunity for those in affected townships and surroundings to hear about the planning changes and what the shire is doing to save their character,” the mayor Cr Bev Colomb said. At a recent planning…
BUILDING a seawall at Portsea means the iconic beach will never return, says the man who successfully lobbied the state government to investigate massive erosion that started in 2009 and led to the loss of 400 metres of prime beach. Colin Watson, president of Nepean Ratepayers Association, said he was disappointed with the decision to replace the temporary sandbag wall with a rock seawall. “Our association has been negotiating with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for several years. I believed its intent was to fix this problem, but the seawall will not do the job,” he told…
Police are investigating an armed robbery at a Somerville supermarket last night. At about 6.40pm four men entered the Frankston-Flinders Road business and threatened staff with wooden stakes while demanding cash. They fled a short time later with an undisclosed sum of money. The offenders were last seen in a white Toyota Kluger SUV with registration ZYF-927 on Frankston-Flinders Road. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Victoria Police News – Monday, 10 July 2017 10:50am
GOOD things will soon be growing at Westernport Mission Centre’s community garden in Hastings. The collaborative project to promote healthy communities opened last week. The money came from a place-based Cerberus ward funding grant and $4800 from the Mornington Peninsula Community Charitable Fund. The opening was attended by Mornington Peninsula Shire staff, the Salvation Army’s Eastern Victoria Division and community groups. “It’s a fantastic initiative which will provide social and lifestyle benefits for everyone,” the mayor Cr Bev Colomb said. Fresh vegetables from the garden – as well as soup – will be distributed from a retrofitted van to disadvantaged…
THE once-controversial sculpture “I am” is to stay at the roundabout on the main intersection in Flinders. A survey by Mornington Peninsula Shire has shown enough support to justify the sculpture remaining at the Cook and Wood streets roundabout. There were 564 responses to the survey, 337 from Flinders residents. Just under 60 per cent said they wanted the Andrew Rogers sculpture to stay, with 39 per cent against. More than half of those against the statue remaining on the roundabout said they would not object to it being relocated within the town. The survey followed assurances by the shire…
FINDING a job can be difficult at the best of times, but can be even harder for anyone with a long term disability. Nathan Edwards, an experienced kitchen hand who enjoys the busy atmosphere of a commercial kitchen, is now working part-time work at Kings Creek Hotel, Hastings. His new job came about after the hotel began working with Marillac, a government-funded disability employment service run by St John of God Health care. The service assists job seekers with a disability to find and keep paid work. It uses a reverse marketing approach to identify, contact and encourage employers to…
FOUR collectors in white and red “Legalise vaping” t-shirts were approaching shoppers at Balnarring Shopping Centre last week seeking signatures for a petition to support the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The collectors were overheard telling shoppers that vaping was “proven to be the most popular and effective aid to quitting smoking”. Submissions close on Thursday to an inquiry by the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport called in May by Health Minister and Flinders MP Greg Hunt into the use and marketing of e-cigarettes and personal vaporisers. Tobacco companies have bought into the market by buying some…
THE op shop behind the Holy Trinity Church in Church St, Hastings, is back in business – in a portable building. A crowd gathered to welcome the shop’s return after the original building was destroyed by fire on 31 March. Cr Kate Roper spoke and Lisa Burgess, from Flinders MP Greg Hunt’s office, cut the ribbon to mark the opening. The Rev Tim Anderson said money raised from the op shop would help a range of community groups, such as the Hastings CFA and breakfasts at Western Port Secondary College. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday 10am-3pm and Saturdays 10am-midday.…
THE state government has resumed management of the Port of Hastings through the Victorian Regional Channels Authority. The port was run under contract until 30 June by Patrick Ports Hastings, also known as Linx Stevedoring. As from 1 July the harbourmaster Captain Shane Vedamuttu and assistants Capt Chris Noon and Capt Martin Leavold are responsible for shipping in and out of Western Port with the Port of Hastings Development Authority (PoHDA) managing the port’s on-land requirements (jetties, land side infrastructure and port maintenance). “We’re delighted to take over direct management of all shipping operations at Hastings and we are committed…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Gary Scodeller. The 65-year-old Crib Point man last spoke on the phone to a friend on Saturday, 1 July about 4.15pm, but has not been seen or heard from since. Police hold concerns for his welfare due to the amount of time he has been missing and the inclement weather conditions he may be travelling in. Gary is described as about 183cm tall and clean-shaven with silver hair, a pale complexion and light brown eyes. He is known to frequent local beach and bush areas of the Peninsula. Search and Rescue…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie WHILE Langwarrin was cementing its title claims Seaford United was down and all but out after last weekend’s round 14 fixtures. Langwarrin defeated South Springvale 3-1 at Lawton Park in a State 1 South-East contest that was settled in the first half. With just two minutes gone Alex Metcalfe let fly with a low strike from outside the area that beat South Springvale keeper Alex Connell for the opener. South Springvale hit back from a corner in the 14th minute as Michael Kariuki made no mistake with a free header on the edge of the six-yard…
PENINSULA LEAGUE PINES booted seven unanswered goals in 20 minutes of devastation to turn a seven-point deficit into a 35-point victory against Bonbeach on Saturday. In a high-quality game between the top two teams in the competition, Pines was able to find something extra when it mattered most to continue its domination over the Sharks. In his three years at the helm for Bonbeach, coach Steve Hughes has never tasted victory against the Pythons. At the six-minute mark of the last quarter, after a see-sawing battle all afternoon, the Sharks booted a goal and went seven points up after leading…
AFL South East has extended its deadline by a week to receive feedback and submissions from MPNFL clubs, despite the fact that every one of the MPNFL Clubs responded before the original 3 July deadline. Eighteen of the 22 MPNFL clubs responded as a collective. The other four clubs, Edithvale-Aspendale, Langwarrin, Pines and Tyabb responded individually. In a memo to the clubs last Friday (30 June), AFL South East regional general manager John Anderson said the review panel accepted the letters as feedback to the ‘AFL South East – Senior Competition Review – June 2017 Draft Recommendations’ from the clubs.…
NEPEAN LEAGUE SORRENTO was able to put a tumultuous week behind it, embarrassing Hastings in front of the Blues’ own supporters on Saturday and inflicting a massive 94-point thrashing against the reigning premier. The Sharks have now blown away both of the 2016 grand finalists by more than 15 goals, after belting Frankston Bombers last week. Yours truly broke the news at 11.20pm on Saturday night that Sorrento coach Nick Jewell had resigned his position at the club for personal reasons. Whilst social media blew up, it didn’t seem to deter the Sharks one little bit as it booted 11…
A VERY pleasant evening was spent on June 30th, at the residence of Mr and Mrs Dean “The Grove,” Frankston, to bid farewell to their son, Gunner R. Dean, who is sailing for the front shortly. There was a large gathering of relations, and friends and the evening was spent in dancing and games till 11. 30, then the guests adjourned to supper. The supper room and dining room were nicely decorated with flags and gum leaves. The friends and relations presented Gunner Dean with a wristlet watch, money belt, looking glass, handkerchiefs, balaclava and medal. Much thanks are due…
Following the release of ‘Private’, which scored over two million streams worldwide, incandescent singer-songwriter Vera Blue has released her arresting new single, ‘Mended’ and announced dates for a major national album tour this July through September. Her three previous Australian headline tours all sold out and tickets to the upcoming ‘Mended’ tour are expected to go just as fast. The nakedly honest ballad was premiered yesterday on triple j’s Drive show with Veronica and Lewis, and details the aftermath of an intense relationship. ‘Mended’ was penned with longtime collaborators Andy and Thom Mak (Boy and Bear, Winterbourne, Bertie Blackman) and…
Following on from their sold out shows at The Corner Hotel and Caravan Music Club this acclaimed FLEETWOOD MAC Tribute hits The Grand Hotel Mornington for another huge party as a plethora of Melbourne acts put together a band and take in turns singing songs off the much loved album TANGO IN THE NIGHT plus many other hits from other popular Fleetwood Mac records! Released in 1987 it was the fifth and to date, the last studio album from the band’s most successful line-up of Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood – hits such as…
MEMBERS of Mornington’s Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society will attend their regular monthly Friday evening talk on the work of Edvard Munch’s work The Scream on Friday 7 July and then, the next day, Saturday 8 July, they will hear a presentation at Beleura House and Garden entitled Rubens to Rembrandt: The Art of Brabant, Flanders and the Dutch Republic. ADFAS offers members and their guests an opportunity to learn more about the arts. Lectures are held at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilsons Rd, Mornington, 5.30pm on Friday evenings. The hour-long lectures are illustrated and are followed by light…
IT was during a winter storm last year that one of the cypress trees lining the Mornington racecourse members carpark split. The falling limb took out the nearby power lines, causing a fire, and blacking out areas of Mornington. “It was a real wake up call for us” said Mornington Racing Club general manager, Stephen Bell. “We’d basked in the glory of these wonderful trees, but had to accept that the risks they posed may far outweigh the amenity they served.” The club advisory group hired two arborists to conduct a risk assessment on the 28 Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress).…
DROMANA Secondary College student Alex Dietzel has received a senior VCAL student achievement award for his personal development skills. He is the first student from the college to receive the award. His success came from his efforts in raising awareness and understanding of people on the autism spectrum. The judges said he showed “great independence and drive” in leading three other students, also passionate about the issue, to plan, organise and run a community awareness campaign on autism. Alex – who was school captain last year – presented detailed plans to principal Alan Marr to obtain permission to run events…
JENNY Angliss-Goodall is the new president of the Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula branch. Ms Angliss-Goodall has been involved in the DSAMP since its inception in late 2011, often putting up her hand to try out any new equipment, whether for use in the surf or a wheelchair for the beach. Earlier this year she was one of the first wheelchairs to use specialised plastic matting laid across the beach to the water’s edge near Mt Martha Lifesaving Club. Ms Angliss-Goodall, of Mornington, was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (AMC), a condition that sees two or more joints become permanently…
SURFERS who have been part of the 20-year history of the Maladiction Longboarders are getting ready for a reunion in October. The club started with members riding longboards, or malibu boards, when most of their surfing colleagues’ feet were firmly planted on something shorter than the minimum nine foot and a bit. (Surfers are among the last identifiable socio group to more frequently use imperial measure – feet and inches – rather than metric). Most Maladiction contests are held on reef breaks at The Pines, Shoreham, although small swells will see them relocated to beach breaks at Gunnamatta or Rye.…
THIRTY years ago, Margaret Stewart and three of her friends decided after a game of tennis at her Sorrento home that they would add a weekly walk to their activities to get even fitter. They were soon joined by their husbands and then a few friends. Things snowballed and soon there was a sizeable walking group that became known as the Wobbly Walkers. Nowadays there are 50 in the group and they walk at more than 80 places on the peninsula. The Wobblies also have regular weeks away throughout Victoria as well as social events. Members celebrated 30 years last…