Compiled by Brodie Cowburn TO THE VICTORIAN MOTHERS OF SOLDIERS. You who have already done so much for Australia by giving your sons, brothers or husbands to fight for Liberty, have now a great opportunity to help those whose glorious valor has won for themselves, and for the Commonwealth, a name that will live for ever. Do you wish reinforcements to be sent to your dear ones at the front? They only need 7000 men from Australia every month, one man every working day of the week from each electorate in Victoria. At present they are only getting 1000 men…
Year: 2017
A STRONG south-easterly wind was the last thing two Hobie cat sailors needed after losing their mast about two kilometres off Mornington last week. Their craft was rapidly heading out to sea when Volunteer Marine Rescue crews received an emergency call from the Water Police. They were quickly on the scene to help, 11.40am, Monday 4 December. VMR crewman Bob Chase: “We were alongside the stricken yacht within 30 minutes of the call. The two occupants in their mid-late 30s were glad to see us. They did all the right things. They were wearing lifejackets and had a mobile phone…
NO neighbourhoods in Melbourne or Victoria’s regional cities are affordable for a single person on Centrelink, single pensioner, or single parent on a low part-time income, Council to Homeless Persons CEO Jenny Smith says. The latest Rental Affordability Index shows households with incomes of $50,000 a year and looking for a two-bedroom rental must move out at least 115 kilometres to escape “unaffordable” rent. This is defined as paying more than 30 per cent of income on rent. Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula are seen as being “extremely” or “severely” unaffordable for single pensioners who would be forced to pay…
ANYONE travelling along Jetty Rd, Rosebud will be familiar with the Girl Guide hall opposite Rosebud Primary School. For the past 60 years this multi-functional community landmark has been used and appreciated by guides and other community groups. It has allowed girls aged five and up to be part of a world-wide movement aimed at building confident, self-respecting, responsible community members. The building came about after an enthusiastic group met on 1 December 1954 with a vision to respond to the post-war influx of residents onto the Mornington Peninsula. Riding a swell of community interest, they created a building fund…
THE Blairgowrie marina is now able to add “fish friendly” to its description. Although “friendly” may not be the description used by a fish hooked within the marina, it is a title bestowed on the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron-owned marina for “protection and enhancement of marine habitat”. Blairgowrie is the first Victorian marina to get the Marina Industries Association accreditation and the 33rd in the Asia Pacific region. This latest recognition follows Blairgowrie being recognised as an international clean marina in late 2016. At Blairgowrie attention has been given to the monitoring and recording of marine species. “Melbourne University marine biology…
CAROL O’Brien has raised enough money to buy 12 swags for those “sleeping rough” on the southern peninsula. The swags sell for about $100 each and make sleeping safer and more comfortable. Ms O’Brien belongs to the Wednesday Night Rosebud Community Group that meets at the New Peninsula Baptist Church. There, low income people with life struggles can come for a meal, learn how to support one another and make a difference within their community. Rosebud Community Group team leader Mark Matthews said Ms O’Brien has “not had the easiest of journeys with housing over the past 10 years and…
SOMEONE is almost certain to drown on the Mornington Peninsula this summer. Coupled with this, there’s an 88 per cent likelihood of one or more peninsula residents drowning in any one year. On the peninsula, males are 6.3 times more likely to drown than females. This is the alarming scenario painted by the Life Saving Victoria Drowning Report 2016-17 which shows a “99 per cent likelihood of one or more drownings occurring on the Mornington Peninsula in any given year”. There were six drownings on the peninsula in the past year. The report says that in the decade to 2016,…
BEACHGOERS are being urged to be “shark-smart” over summer. Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said sharks were a natural part of a healthy marine environment and, while the risk of an attack is low, there are ways to reduce the odds. “When swimming, surfing, diving or fishing, people are in the shark’s natural environment and so should be mindful and make good choices,” Mr Dowling said. He said people should not swim, dive or surf alone and be alert to the latest sightings at emergency.vic.gov.au Bathers should stay between the red and yellow flags on lifesaver-patrolled beaches and avoid…
THE owner of the Continental hotel in Sorrento, Julian Gerner, has entered into a joint venture partnership with property developer, Steller. Under the terms of the deal Steller will refurbish and renovate the 1875 icon and then lease it back to Mr Gerner to run as a going concern. The announcement is likely to calm critics worried it might fall further into disrepair after lying idle since Mr Gerner took over from long-term owners the Di Pietro family in mid-2016 for a reported $13 million. Two years of inactivity at the gateway to the main street is “not a good…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will collect household recycling bins weekly from Monday 18 December until Friday 2 February. The change from the usual fortnightly recycling service aims to help residents better dispose of their waste over summer. The 240-litre recycling bin with the blue lid will be collected weekly on the usual day. Recyclable items include aluminium and steel cans and foil, rigid and solid plastic items, such as toys, kitchen ware, cups and drink bottles, pots and pans, wrapping paper and envelopes, cardboard, newspapers and magazines, milk, juice and soft drink bottles, glass bottles and jars. Recycling tips: Don’t place…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire CEO Carl Cowie was among the high profile guests aboard a luxury liner cruising the Mediterranean for a so-called “conception party” of prominent businessman, Lindsay Fox, a year-and-a-half after accepting council’s top job. The cruise was made in July 2016, an appropriate time before Mr Fox’s 80th birthday was celebrated in April this year with far fewer guests at Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove at Red Hill South. The boundary of Mr Fox’s sprawling Portsea property was contentiously extended across the beach by the Titles Office on Christmas Eve 2013 after a build-up of sand increased the…
“PEOPLE power” came to Rye beach Sunday 3 December on a weekend where heavy rain caused events to be cancelled and residents to stay indoors. But the unusual cold winds and driving rain couldn’t stop more than 50 people of all ages, backgrounds and political persuasions gathering to protest the proposed Adani coal mine in central Queensland. The protest was organised by the Southern Peninsula Friends of the Planet, formed when three Rye women talking over coffee decided to test local support for a national stop Adani campaign. The original protest of about 30 people (“Friends turning up heat on…
SCUBA divers have taken the plunge near Rye pier to set a record for the longest chain of divers in one session. Despite overcast conditions and a stiff southerly wind on Saturday 2 December, the 360 divers formed an underwater human chain for 15 minutes to win a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. They were also keen to promote scuba diving among marine life and wrecks at the southern end of Port Phillip. “It was a great day,” dive boat operator Luke English said. “We only had to be underwater for one minute, but we stayed down…
Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a 38-year-old man following an aggravated carjacking in Rye on 9 October. The alleged carjacking occurred on Ozone Street where a man armed with a knife stole another man’s vehicle just before 8pm. An attempted carjacking occurred a short time later on Point Nepean Road in Rye. It is alleged the carjacking’s are also connected to a carjacking that occurred in Carrum Downs on 16 September. The Lakes Entrance man was arrested today and charged with two counts of aggravated carjacking, attempted carjacking and other related offences. He was remanded to appear at…
OP SHOPS at Red Hill, Balnarring and Flinders have united for a fun event in the lead-up to Christmas – with a hamper of delicious local produce to go to a lucky winner. On Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December, the three op shops will open 10am-4pm for their Passport Challenge. Customers will receive a stamped “Passport” from the shop where they first buy an item. They can then have their passport stamped at the two other shops (without buying anything) to be put into the draw for the hamper. The winner will be notified on Monday 18 December. “This…
AFTER a long battle Devilbend Golf Club has signed a 21-year lease with the Mornington Peninsula Shire, starting with a yearly rent of $10,233. The rent will increase three per cent annually. The new lease ends a bid by the shire to advertise the course is available for lease, as well as appointing a commercial manager (“Golf club leads scorecard in bid for lease”, The News, 11/7/2017). In April, the shire’s property operations team leader Greg Collins said granting the club a third 21-year lease over the Crown land “would limit council control over the property to the terms and…
KAYAKERS and canoeists can now legally use Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, Tuerong, near Moorooduc. Parks Victoria has introduced rules allowing paddlers on a 47-hectare section of the former reservoir. Powered craft are prohibited. An exclusion zone has been set aside to provide habitat for wildlife. Earlier this year, Parks sought public comment on allowing non-powered boats on the water following research on their impacts on blue-billed ducks and other waterbirds by the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research. Most of the 96 submissions supported the boating plan. “Experiencing the park from a canoe or kayak offers a different perspective and greater…
SOCCER HE is preparing for his 49th straight season at Monterey Reserve and he’s one of the most recognisable characters in the local game. Tommy Mitchell is a living legend. The 66-year-old is a life member of Frankston Pines and wears his heart on his sleeve. In more ways than one. If you haven’t seen the Edinburgh-born Mitchell at a senior match wearing one of his Heart of Midlothian scarves and bonnet festooned with club badges then you’re a newcomer to the local scene. Mitchell has three brothers – Colin, Bruce and Grant and the family migrated from Scotland in…
DISTRICT THERE was some cricket played in District and it was Seaford that were the big losers against Heatherhill. Seaford resumed at 0/12 chasing Heatherhill’s first innings total of 190. After getting through 64 overs in challenging conditions, Seaford finished agonisingly close at 7/186, just five runs short of victory. Mt Martha was in all sorts of trouble against Baden Powell. Defending 264, the Braves had Mt Martha in strife at 5/97. Once again, rain saved the day for the Reds. There was no cricket played at Thomas Barclay Oval. Hastings was to resume at 1/20 against Rosebud, who were…
PENINSULA IT was easy to feel sorry for Main Ridge, who required just six runs for victory against Somerville on day two of Peninsula cricket. All that was needed was one or two overs to try and grab the required runs but they never took to the field. The Ridge bowled out Somerville last week for 172, then proceeded to hammer the Eagles’ attack and finish the opening day at 0/167, five runs short. It was guaranteed a win if the rain held off. It didn’t and the Ridge fell short, Somerville ending up the big winners of the round,…
PROVINCIAL PENINSULA Old Boys were the big winners in Mornington Peninsula Provincial cricket on Saturday, the only team to get a result. On a day that was dominated by soggy grounds and rain, all Provincial, Peninsula, District and Sub-District First XI matches ended in draws, except for the Old Boys, who got the job done against Pearcedale. Defending 8/260, the Old Boys rolled Pearcedale for just 121 in 47 overs. Jon Forrest was the key to the victory for the Old Boys, bowling 15 overs and four maidens for a return of 7/22. Tom Shayler was impressive again also with…
Compiled by Brodie Cowburn SERGEANT Tracy and A. W. Glencross, Esq will address a public meeting at Somerville on Monday evening next to explain the truth in the matter of the Reinforcements Referendum. *** YOUR RESPONSIBILITY PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE. To the Electors of FLINDERS. Are you for Australia or against her? Will you stand with those who are resolved that, come what may, we will not desert our boys at the Front? Or will you stand with the real leaders of the campaign against the Government’s proposals to send reinforcements to the boys at the Front? The Government has put…
SEVERAL elusive swamp skinks have been rediscovered in parks on the Mornington Peninsula. A small team of scientists and field naturalists from La Trobe University rediscovered the skinks (Lissolepis coventryi) which have not been caught in the area for 30 years. The last anecdotal sighting was in 2012. So far, 13 of these “mini Godzillas” have been measured and weighed after being caught in Elliott traps – which allow for live capture – and under tiles. “Self-confessed reptile fanatics find swamp skinks appealing due to their fussy and secretive habits. They live in swampy areas and shelter in burrows. They…
PERMANENT bans on alcohol are among a range of tough rules designed to crack down on anti-social behaviour at youth hot-spot The Pillars. Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bryan Payne said the bans at the popular rock jumping spot and surrounding streets have been introduced in time for the warmer months and the holiday season. “These bans will help prevent the types of illegal behaviour that have become widespread at The Pillars through reducing alcohol-related incidents, improve public safety and amenity and protect the environment and overall community interest,” he said. “Council continues to work hard to protect the safety…
A WOMAN was allegedly punched to the back of her head by another woman in Robinsons Drive, Mornington, about midday, Monday 27 November. She received facial injuries when she fell to ground in the alleged attack on the corner of Jacana St. The woman was taken to The Alfred hospital for treatment and was said to be in a stable condition with severe bruising, Thursday. Her alleged attacker walked away after the incident. A 49-year-old Mornington woman has been charged with assault and will appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court, 20 February. First published in the Mornington News – 5 December…
A WOMAN in her 20s was lucky to escape death and serious injury when her car ran off the Esplanade near Burdoo Way, Mt Martha, 1.55am, Monday 27 November, may face charges. The p-plater was driving home – and possibly talking to her boyfriend on the phone – when her car left the road and careered 20 metres into thick scrub and overturned (above). The woman’s boyfriend heard her calls for help during their alleged conversation and called emergency services. The woman, a chef at a Mornington restaurant, suffered neck and back pain and was taken to The Alfred hospital…
BEACH box owners and users of Mt Martha Beach North want the state government to pay about $30,000 for a “modelling” of a plan to save the eroded beach. A public meeting at Mt Martha Lifesaving Club (Saturday 25 November) called on the government to more fully investigate building a 25 metre long groyne designed to bring sand back to the beach and protect the crumbling cliffs. Land and built environment program manager for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Cass Philippou, said on Friday the proposal “is currently being considered”. “Construction of a rock revetment to stabilise…
ARTWORK by Rosebud Secondary College students will carry a heart-felt plea when it is displayed as part of the street art event: Voices To Be Heard at the Rye fairground after Christmas. It aims to focus community attention on youth suicide. The works will go on show at the Wittingslow Carnival with the support of the Sorrento Activity Centre and Studio Sorrento. Money raised from the sale of the paintings and donations will go towards the college’s Youth Wellness Pavilion. The street art concept was chosen because it provides a platform for “freedom of creative expression in a modern form”,…
ABOUT 80 guests enjoyed a photographic display and a chance to reminisce about the early days of the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad at a 50th anniversary function at the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron last week. President Eileen Murray said the squad bought its first helicopter in 1976 – the first of four over the next 34 years. “The helicopter service was unique in Australia as being the only one owned and operated by a volunteer organisation without regular government funding,” she said. “The helicopter was sold in 2010 but the squad continues with its rescue boat operation.” Several boats were bought…
BONEO community market is gearing for its 40th birthday on Saturday 16 December with a visit from Santa, live music and an after-market gathering of past committee, volunteers and stall holders. The first market was held on 17 December 1977 and then every third Saturday of the month, 8am-12.30pm. It had 63 stalls when it began and around 200 stalls today but the ethos of “make it, bake it, grow it” has stayed the same. It is run by volunteers from Boneo Primary School, cricket club and tennis club, with about 20 people per market making it happen. Starting as…