A DROMANA supermarket’s generosity has paid dividends for Dromana Fire Brigade, which has received more than $300,000 in donations through the Ritchies Community Benefit Program. This makes the brigade the highest individual CFA recipient of the supermarket chain’s fundraising program. “The unique program has provided significant financial support to our brigade,” brigade captain Timothy Desmond said. “The money came from generous community members who chose Dromana Fire Brigade as the recipient of a percentage of their shop.” The money – which goes directly to the brigade – was spent on a utility, one of five cars the brigade has been…
Year: 2017
A 1300-SIGNATURE petition calling for the Mornington Community Animal Shelter to open daily to the public failed to get backing at the Monday 20 February meeting. The council referred the petition back to council officers “for action or to report back to council on the matter”. Cr Sam Hearn later said this meant the council “acknowledges and hears from the community. It receives the petition and understands that concerns are being raised.” Doris Campbell, of Rosebud, wanted to know why new homes were not found for more lost animals, especially cats. The petition, organised by Rosie Fisher, of Mornington, urges…
DESPITE knowing it would be a breach of the Local Government Act, Cr David Gill says he won’t sign a councillors’ code of conduct unless it is changed to lift the veil of secrecy involved in decision making. “Too many things are debated in private [by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors], the public hardly gets to hear anything,” Cr Gill said. The clock is ticking for Cr Gill with just two council meetings to go before the one-month signing deadline. If he has not signed the code before Monday 13 March Cr Gill will lose his right to be a councillor.…
VOLUNTEERS working to preserve two Mornington Peninsula estuaries are being linked through a state government-funded citizen science program. The “health” of the Balcombe Creek, Mt Martha, and that of Merricks Creek at Balnarring will be recorded as part of the project on the EstuaryWatch website, bringing the number of estuaries being monitored to 18. The environment groups BERG Mt Martha and Merricks Creek’s EstuaryWatchers, in collaboration with Melbourne Water, have organised a presentation on EstuaryWatch by Victorian coordinator Rose Herben and aquatic ecologist Steve Harefield at midday at The Briars, Mt Martha, on Saturday 4 March. There will also be…
AFTER developing a rural property at Merricks North for wedding receptions Mt Martha couple Chris and Donna McEvoy decided one thing was missing: a church. Buildings already set among Tanglewood Estate’s vineyard, eucalypts and gardens include the barn (seating for up to 200 and with an interior made from recycled timbers); a winery (seats 130 with commercial kitchen, bar and deck); and the mud brick studio (suitable for before or after ceremony drinks and small “cocktail” weddings). There is also a residence that can be used by bridal parties and a heart-shaped dam with a back drop of Port Phillip…
CONTINENTAL Hotel proprietor Julian Gerner is upbeat after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal agreed to change conditions imposed by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on apartments he wants added to the 1875 landmark. The VCAT decision last week prevented council from reducing the overall height of the seven-level apartment building behind the heritage registered limestone building, on Ocean Beach Rd, and charging Mr Gerner for adjacent street works. VCAT presiding member Michael Nelthorpe said the tribunal did not believe the building’s height needed to be reduced to ensure an acceptable planning outcome or that Mr Gerner should pay $125,000 towards…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 14-year old girl Myrah Fitzgerald. Myrah was last seen on 25 January in the Mornington area. Police have concerns for her due to her age and the length of time that she has been missing. Myrah is perceived to be Caucasian, has a slim build, shoulder length black hair and is approximately 150cm tall. She is known to frequent Dandenong, Frankston, Caulfield and the surrounding areas. It is believed Myrah might be with her mother Kathleen Fitzgerald. Police have released an image of Myrah in the hope that someone may…
STANDING by helplessly watching a child suffer from a sudden injury, or perhaps even die, is a nightmare scenario for parents. From babies being left in hot cars, to house-hold furniture toppling over, or toddlers scaling pool fences and falling into swimming pools … parents are beset by myriad health and safety concerns with most not having the skills or knowledge to help. To combat this, parents and caregivers are being urged to learn paediatric first aid training at a free course being held at Mt Martha on Saturday 25 February and continuing monthly. This is the first of many…
MORNINGTON Peninsula residents are being urged to help clean up designated sites on Clean Up Australia Day, Sunday 5 March. The national clean-up day has been running 27 years and last year on the peninsula saw more than 30 cubic metres of rubbish collected from 25 clean-up sites. Nationally, there were 682,000 volunteers who removed an estimated 15,600 tonnes of rubbish from 7117 sites. “Clean Up Australia Day gives you an opportunity to register online and join hundreds of other volunteers to help better our peninsula,” Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bev Colomb said. The shire helps coordinate collections at…
MORNINGTON police pounced on Saturday morning when they spotted a man wanted over service station robberies in Mornington, Frankston, Moorabbin, Berwick and Frankston on Friday night and Saturday morning. They also believe the same man may in previous weeks have robbed the United service station on Tyabb Rd, Mornington, and the 7-Eleven on McMahons Rd, Frankston. Senior Constable Cameron Fields and Constable Anthony Box, on patrol in the Mornington divisional van, 9.50am, Saturday, spotted the man driving a Mazda hatch on Tanti Av after a registration alert from Frankston detectives. “We put on the lights and siren as the man…
A RAVENHALL woman, 42, has been charged with one count of murder after a woman’s body was found in bushland at Sorrento on Friday 13 January 2017. Acting Sergeant Melissa Seach, of police media, said the charges follow the suspicious disappearance of 45-year-old Joanne Martell, of no fixed address, who was reported missing in May. First published in the Western Port News – 21 February 2017
AN EXPERT panel of health and welfare professionals, including world-leading psychiatrist Professor Patrick McGorry, will head a public forum in Mornington to tackle the high rate of mental health issues in young people in the region. The forum is being run by Peninsula Voice, a not-for-profit group of community bodies, and will provide practical information on how to discuss and deal with mental health in young people and where help can be found on the peninsula. Speakers will include former Australian of the Year and world-leading researcher in early psychosis and youth mental health, Professor McGorry, psychologist Dr Diane McGreal, and…
MORNINGTON Peninsula detectives are appealing for help in reuniting swags of allegedly stolen booty with its rightful owners after a Hastings man was arrested last week. Detective Senior Constable Rohan Brock said the man, 36, was facing numerous charges over burglaries and break-ins at homes and building sites in Somers and surrounding areas over the past few months. He was arrested on Thursday 16 February and remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court next month over the theft of up to 50 items. A search of the man’s house found an array of tradie and household tools and equipment, including…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie SOUTHERN United is hoping to sign an international midfielder as it prepares to kick-off the 2017 NPL women’s season. The consortium club’s negotiations with the player are advanced but Southern has been careful to ensure that every new signing is a good fit for the inclusive culture the fledgling club is trying to nurture. It’s believed that the player has made over 100 appearances for her country but recently was granted permanent residency in Australia and is currently interstate. Southern’s sole visa player is Florida native Courtney Hueston, a midfielder who has played with the Miami…
SUB-DISTRICT HASTINGS are sure to finish on top of the MPCA Sub Distrct ladder after smashing 9/318 against second place Ballam Park on Saturday. The Blues’ brothers Luke and Jake Hewitt dominated, Luke falling short of triple figures by just one run after running out of overs. Luke finished on 99 after 80 overs while younger brother Jake hit eight fours in his total of 64. Rob Hearn contributed 45 and Ash Cole hit 48 to help the Blues well over 300. Knights’ skipper Stuart Plunkett bowled 40 overs for a return of 2/121, while David Cross bowled 25 overs…
DISTRICT MT MARTHA has some enormous work to do to maintain its position in the top four after the first day of play in MPCA District cricket. In the final two-day game of the season against Seaford, the Reds will be chasing 277 for victory after Seaford had a day out with the bat on day one of the match. The Reds’ chances of claiming victory have been made that much harder by the fact that Alex Mason is already back in the sheds after the visitors faced the final 13 overs of the day. A massive 154 from Ryan…
PROVINCIAL MORNINGTON has the upper hand in its crucial match against Langwarrin after the opening day of Round 10 in MPCA Provincial cricket. Coming into the match in fourth place on the ladder and 12 points behind the Kangas, the Doggies need to win to ensure it is in the best possible position going into the final match of the season, a one-dayer. Mt Eliza is breathing down the neck of the Dogs, just eight points behind in fifth place. The Mounties are locked in a tough struggle against Sorrento and were 4/174 before rain stopped play after 68 overs.…
Remember the joy of flying your first kite? The anticipation as it lifted into the air? The spark of magic as you discovered you could actually play with the wind? Well, you can experience it all again at one of Australia’s premier kite events: The Rosebud Kite Festival. On Sunday 12th March, both the young and the young at heart will come together to celebrate the art of kite flying. Visitors can make and fly their own kite courtesy of local outfit; Kites 4 Kids. And alongside the novice kite flying arena, will be the latest designs and displays from…
Saturday, 11th March, the Red Hill Showgrounds come alive with the festivities of one the State’s most popular agricultural shows. Entries for most categories close this week so download a general entry form now: www.redhillshow.com.au/forms This year we encourage handlers of all ages get involved in our CALF FANCY DRESS – we’re looking for the calf most like its handler! Aside from the remarkable array of animals including Clydesdales, Pintos, cattle, sheep, alpacas, poultry, minature goats, working dogs and more, we are pleased to announce the inaugural Cider Show with special guest wine reviewer Max Allen. There will be ciders…
FURTHER action has been taken under the war precautions regulations to limit expenditure on places of amusement. A new regulation, dated 14th February, which comes into operation forthwith, provides that no person, firm, company, society, club or association shall, without the written consent of the Treasurer, erect any building or structure for amusement purposes; make any structural alterations in or to a building used, or intended to be used, for amusement purposes; or expend money for the purpose of establishing an amusement business at or in any building or structure which is not at the commencement of the new regulation…
By Barry Morris SHE is the Lady of the Lake – or more accurately – a saviour of Mt Martha’s Balcombe Estuary. Liz Barraclough, OAM, a founding member of BERG Mt Martha 20 years ago, has devoted much of her life to protecting and improving estuary, its plants and wildlife. Instead of brandishing a sword, Ms Barraclough is most often found wielding a pair of garden shears to fight weeds invading bushland adjoining the estuary. Over the past two decades she has attacked countless weeds and noxious plants, bagged and loaded truckloads of green waste for disposal, prepared the ground…
MORNINGTON’S The Bays Hospital is the first Victorian centre and only the second in Australia to use advanced technology that is helping to revolutionise shoulder replacement surgery. Orthopaedic surgeon James Chiu carried out the first surgery on Capel Sound resident Pam Chitty on Friday using the technology, after leading the push to bring the groundbreaking GPS navigational computer system to Mornington. Mrs Chitty had surgery in 1980 when she first injured her rotator cuff, but deterioration meant full replacement was the only option when even hanging out the clothes became unbearable. Mr Chiu said patients like Mrs Chitty now had…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has refused to confirm the remuneration of council CEO Carl Cowie and four executives who report directly to the shire’s highest-paid employee. The shire’s reluctance to reveal exactly how much executive pay and perks cost ratepayers at the highest level of council comes amid enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations with council staff. Employees are being offered a 6.8 per cent pay rise over three years as part of a proposed pay deal. Permanent staff have also been offered a $1000 “incentive” payment to accept the new EBA, with reduced redundancy and sick leave provisions according to the Australian…
PENINSULA Surfriders Club started its 2017 season with a contest at Rye in small, choppy surf. Despite the conditions on Saturday 11 February, secretary Jane Featherston said “impressive performances” and “great ocean management skills and wave knowledge” were shown by surfers in the female and under-13 divisions. Charli Wookey won the girls’ event and Taj Barber the under-13s. Winners in the four older age divisions were Calum Nicolson (over 28), Andrew Hyde (over 35), Darren Bird (over 45) and Gavin Duffy (over 55). In the Cadet final (under-16s) Max Burton defeated his older rivals, adding 2000 points towards his season…
IT was a weak, inconsistent beach break, and the wind wasn’t favourable, but the Maladiction surfers were not about to be wiped out when it came to their February contest. Club president Greg Lloyd described the conditions at St Andrews Beach (near Rye) as “challenging”. Formed 20 years ago this October, the club’s riders favour long, Malibu surfboards and the stylist surfing made possible with a large deck area, although there is a contest division for “retro” short boards. Any former members who would like to be involved in Maladiction’s 20th celebrations can contact club president Greg Lloyd through the…
NEW research has highlighted the health and social benefits of spending time semi-immersed in a hot spring. Family and friends tend to enjoy the shared experience, while the shedding of mobile phones and time spent in singular contemplation have emerged as being among the main attractions to a hot springs. The latest research findings (first published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research) are based on 4265 responses to survey of bathers at Peninsula Hot Springs, in Springs Lane, Fingal, near Rye. As well as highlighting beneficial social outcomes, he study also found bathing at the hot springs provided…
ROAD safety camera commissioner John Voyage is puzzled at the lack of “objective evidence” presented to him by motorists blaming their speeding fines on faulty Peninsula Link cameras. Mr Voyage on Monday wrapped up the evidence-collecting part of an investigation which he wants to finalise in six-to-eight weeks. His report will then go to Police Minister Lisa Neville. Controversy has raged over the costly speed readings for months, with social media besieged by complaints that the fixed cameras were just inaccurate revenue-raisers. Those at Eramosa, Cranbourne and Loders roads came in for special criticism. Angry drivers formed the Peninsula Link…
A MAN wearing a hoodie and armed with a kitchen knife robbed the United service station in Tyabb Rd, Mornington, at 10.15pm on Wednesday 8 February. The man, who covered his face and was described as Caucasian, pointed the knife at the attendant and demanded cash. He grabbed the till and ran off. Within the hour, the BP service station in Mt Eliza was robbed of cash, possibly by the same man. At about 2am, Thursday 9 February, the Caltex service station and also the 7-Eleven in McMahons Rd, Frankston, were robbed when a man threatened staff with a large…
COMPOSITIONS by Bach, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven will be played next month at two concerts by Peninsula Chamber Musicians. The first concert is at Rosebud on Saturday 4 March, followed the next day with a performance in Mornington. Formed in 2013, the Peninsula Chamber Musicians present “intimate chamber recitals” through to performing as an “energetic chamber orchestra”, committee president Anthony Poe said. “The group seeks to touch the hearts of concert goers and inspire the next generation of performers.” Mr Pope said primary and secondary school pupils and students can attend the “family friendly and engaging concerts free of charge”.…
DOMESTIC and stray cats are running amok all over the Mornington Peninsula as many cat-owners ignore the cat curfew. Environmentalists and wildlife carers have called on Mornington Peninsula Shire to enforce its cat curfew to stop increasing numbers of cats from killing wildlife and causing a nuisance to residents. One Hastings property is being inundated with cats every night after a nearby vacant block was cleared of old cars and sheds. Renate Luhn said she complained to the shire and was told by one officer not to feed them and they would “go away”. The shire adopted a 24-hour cat…