ROSEBUD resident Nigel Edwards is “passionate” about helping people and his record of more than 76 years working in public service is proof enough. The 91-year-old JP, civil celebrant, bowls player, senior citizens register volunteer, Rye cemetery trust chair and Rosebud Probus Club committee member recently decided to “pull back” from his commitments on advice from his doctor, retiring from 10 years as document signing at the Rosebud police station. Mr Edwards was recently honoured by Victoria Police area commander Brett Coloe for his “character, humour and knowledge” and his invaluable service to the police and community, But while his…
Year: 2017
THE Law and Order forum at the Rosebud Country Club last week was described as being an “extraordinary response from the community to discuss their feelings and concerns about the dramatic increase in crime we are seeing across the state and on the Mornington Peninsula”. Nepean MP Martin Dixon said about 250 people were at the club on Tuesday 14 February to “vent their anger at a legal system which has largely left victims of crime behind, while it acts to defend criminals”. One outcome of the meeting was to create a community consultative group to distil the information outlined…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire council is refusing to respond to concerns that a private jetty being rebuilt at Sullivan Bay, Sorrento, has contravened a planning permit requirement to build “like for like”. As reported in The News last week, (“Anger over ‘new’ pier’s beach block”) residents are upset that the large, privately-owned structure blocks public access to the beach at high tide, despite it being part of a recently upgraded historical walk from Blairgowrie to Sorrento, heavily promoted by the council’s tourism department. Despite several requests from The News, and a request directly from Parks Victoria to clarify the issue for…
THE adage of getting knocked down and then getting straight back up again describes Karen Stevens, 46, of Rosebud, to a tee. Unfortunately, the knock part literally happened, not once but three times, until Ms Stevens said to herself “enough is enough” and moved out. The penny had dropped; she realised the cycle of domestic violence would be repeated if she stayed around. “I didn’t want to pass that pattern onto my children,” she said. Across the Mornington Peninsula hundreds of domestic violence victims are struggling to get their lives back on track. “I know because I was one of…
A GROUNDSWELL of opposition to a new boat ramp at Rye flooded in to the Mornington Peninsula Shire council chamber last Monday evening. Councillors, in front of a packed public gallery, voted down the shire’s own planning permit application for a fourth boat ramp after 175 written objections were lodged against the plan to build the $1.2 million ramp. Numerous objectors addressed councillors at the meeting, held on 13 February, voicing their concerns about a rise in jet-ski use in the area and associated dangers to rare Burranun dolphins which frequent Rye waters. Nepean ward councillor Hugh Fraser backed the…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Andrew Cini. The 50-year-old is wanted on warrant for failing to appear at court in relation to breaching a community based order. Police have released an image of Cini in the hope someone may have information on his current whereabouts. Cini is believed to be frequenting the Rosebud or Mornington areas and may be getting cash in hand jobs on building sites. He may also be driving a white Mack tipper truck. Cini described as 178cm tall, with a medium build, brown eyes and short receding grey hair. Anyone who has…
A motorcyclist has been charged after his speed was checked at more than 100kms over the speed limit in Mornington last night. Somerville Highway Patrol members detected the Suzuki GSXR600 motorcycle allegedly travelling south on the Mornington-Tyabb Road at 175km/h in a 70 zone about 11.30pm. The motorcyclist, a 31-year-old Mornington man, came to a stop when intercepted but attempted to drive off as members approached, colliding with the police vehicle. Police arrested the rider and impounded his motorcycle for 30 days at a cost of $950. The rider is also expected to be charged on summons with reckless conduct…
RENATE Luhn has been inundated with stray cats since a vacant block of land in Skinner St, Hastings, was cleared of old car bodies and dilapidated sheds. The 81-year-old, who has two cats of her own, said the motley lot – of all ages and sizes – were mostly in poor health, even though she described some as gorgeous. The strays make their presence felt at her Salmon St home in the mornings and evenings, but lie low under the deck on hot afternoons. Although sympathetic to the cats’ plight, Ms Luhn said they were not welcome. “The place stinks,”…
TWO men were captured on CCTV pouring petrol from a can over a man’s car before setting it alight in Heatherlee Close, Somerville. The men – one aged 17 and the other in his late 20s or early 30s – received burns to their hands, and possibly their faces, when they lit the fire at 5.30am, Monday 13 February. They ran off along Graf Rd before disappearing. A Holden Commodore was destroyed in the attack. Detective Senior Constable Paul Smith, of Mornington Peninsula CIU, said anyone with information should call him on 5978 1430 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.…
CFA brigades from Baxter, Langwarrin, Hastings and a breathing apparatus van from Frankston battled a fire which destroyed a portable office at the rear of the Somerville recreation centre on Saturday night. Crews were alerted to a bin fire at 10.40pm at the rear of the mechanics hall by a passer-by. When they arrived, a large column of smoke was seen rising from the rear of the old rec centre, which itself was burnt out in November in a blaze which caused $1.75-$2 million damage. On Sunday 5 February crews were called to a “small” blaze inside the rec centre’s…
AS Coolart Homestead’s first artist in residence, Somers artist Timothy Growcott feels so privileged to work in the grounds of the magnificent 19-century mansion that he gets into character, literally. “I occasionally dress in a period costume, especially if I am doing art demonstrations, because it’s such an incredible building and I like being part of the history,” he said. Since February, Growcott has used a studio at the back of the estate as a creative space several days a week, producing a range of artistic works and occasionally holding screen printing demonstrations. Growcott said the 87.5 ha estate provided…
By Ben Triandafillou MOUNT Eliza youngster, Campbell Steedman, secures a once in a lifetime opportunity to join the ballkid’s squad at Roland Garros after earning the title of the “Most Outstanding Ballboy” at this year’s Australian Open. The 15-year-old was one of the top two ballkid’s of 380 at this year’s Australian Open and has earned a trip to Paris in April with the other winner, Summer Leatitagaloa, to take part in the ball kid’s squad at Roland Garros. To achieve the honour of being the most outstanding ballboy or ballgirl you have to demonstrate the highest level of skills…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie MORNINGTON is poised to beat a host of suitors to the prized signature of star striker Ryan Paczkowski. “Patch” is believed to be keen on returning to his first Australian club after sensationally quitting NPL giant Bentleigh Greens last week. His switch from playing as a contracted player and reverting to amateur status means he has to go through an enforced four-week layoff before playing an official game for Mornington, which brought him to Melbourne for the 2014 season. Dallas Brooks Park has been a happy hunting ground for Paczkowski and along with Wayne Gordon, high-profile…
SUB-DISTRICT THE season and run to the finals in MPCA Sub District cricket is still wide open and well and truly on with just two rounds remaining. As has been the case for the most part this season, Hastings (98 points) and Ballam Park (84 points) are locks for a top two finish. However, the real interest lies in the sub-battle of the next seven sides, all of which are just a game outside the top three. Tyabb is on 54 points and is currently in third position. Carrum Downs is second bottom, yet, only one game behind the Yabbies…
DISTRICT RYE has once again defied the odds and given itself every opportunity of maintaining its place in MPCA District ranks after a wonderful fighting performance against Delacombe Park on Saturday. After the opening rounds of the season, Rye was the laughing stock of the competition. Opposition teams were just rolling up to matches with the expectation of recording an outright victory. However, after a horror start, the Rye has now won a couple of games and remains clear of bottom place and relegation. After the opening day of its match against Delacombe Park, it looked as though it was…
PROVINCIAL THE Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association Provincial season is set for an exciting finish with only five teams now a realistic chance to play finals. Baxter, which sits at the top of the table on 102 points, is the only team assured of a finals berth, regardless of the fact of whether it loses its final two games. Peninsula Old Boys and Langwarrin are locked together on 90 points, a game clear of Mornington (78) and an outright win clear of Mt Eliza (70). The aim of the Old Boys and Kangas now is to lock away a home final.…
OUR Letter Box. Sir,–Dearie me! What a hornets nest one disturbs if any attempt is made to point out defects in local organizations. While sorry to have awakened so much malice in the breasts of some of the female population. I am unable to see the urgent need for an apology so kindly advised by D. Gregory, who accuses me of wicked spite in exposing a most grotesque anomaly. Reading over my previous letter I fail to find any reason for her vindictive attitude. Your readers are the best judges as to which of us deserves to be termed spiteful.…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire CEO Carl Cowie has been accused of “unfair and underhanded” tactics by the union negotiating council staff pay and conditions amid fears some council services will be outsourced. The Australian Services Union has revealed Mr Cowie is offering permanent council employees a one-off payment of $1000 each and casual staff $300 in a move the union describes as “a dirty trick from the CEO”. The “incentive” payment to all staff would cost ratepayers about $1 million, according to the ASU. In a flyer headed “Don’t let the CEO buy your vote – when the time comes, vote…
CASES of Ross River virus have been confirmed in Frankston and Casey, prompting health officers to warn residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Victoria’s chief health officer Professor Charles Guest said the virus had affected six residents and been detected in mosquitoes trapped nearby. In a worrying sign, the virus appears to have made its own way to Frankston. “None of the people diagnosed with Ross River virus have travelled to areas where mosquitoes carrying the virus are usually found,” Professor Guest said. Symptoms for Ross River virus include fever, headache, aching muscles and joints as well as fatigue.…
BYSTANDERS scattered during what police call a “hot arrest” in front of a busy Frankston serviced apartment complex at about 3pm last Sunday (5 February). Detectives tackled a man, 28, to the ground as he supposedly kept watch beside pillars in the forecourt of the multi-level Nepean Highway building and handcuffed him. Racing upstairs they raided an apartment and arrested the man’s two alleged accomplices – and man and a woman, both aged 34. The couple were allegedly in possession of 118 stolen drivers’ licences, credit cards, health care and other identity cards, as well as an imitation Beretta handgun.…
ALMOST 75 years ago, a young Mornington lad and then 18-year-old army enlistee experienced an event that rocked Australia – the unthinkable enemy attack on Darwin. Next week, the now 95-year-old World War II veteran will fly north again, this time for the anniversary of the bombing of Darwin. Alan Day, who still lives in Mornington and is president of the Darwin Defenders Melbourne committee, was there in 1942 when the Japanese flew 64 raids on Darwin and 33 raids on other targets in Northern Australia. The RAAF medical orderly watched in horror as aircraft darkened the skies above Darwin…
WHAT started as a university project has turned into a film that, judging from its social media “likes”, is inspiring the community. Mt Martha CFA volunteer Will Smith created Passing the Torch – a documentary about his family’s three-generation long involvement with the brigade. The film was a major assessment in Will’s Film and TV bachelor degree at Deakin University’s Burwood campus. Will teamed up with four other students to create the film, with each taking on a crew role. Will, director/producer, said it took three months from concept to final product with the team handing in its assignment in…
A MORNINGTON student has won the elite Rising Star Award from CAMS – the governing body of motor sport in Australia. Circuit racer Simon Fallon, 17, who attends Haileybury College, joins the list of previous scholarship winners who became household names in motor sport: Daniel Riccardo, Matthew Brabham and James Courtney. To earn the award, Fallon’s race record was compared to hundreds of young drivers from all over Australia by champion racing car driver and CAMS director Mark Scaiffe. He was one of four chosen for the program and is now regarded as one of its elite drivers. Fallon won…
TOOTGAROOK’S McCann family have a lot to smile about thanks to the special care nursery at Frankston Hospital. Both of the McCann’s babies spent time at the hospital’s special care nursery after birth difficulties, and are now happy and healthy young boys. The McCann’s are encouraging people to support Mt Eliza’s Rotary Club’s Kids Fun Run with K163 for the hospital in March at Moorooduc. First child Harrison, now 18 months, was born at 34 weeks, while second baby, Leo, came into the world at just 31 weeks and spent six days in January at Frankston Hospital. “Because he was…
A PENINSULA Link motorist booked for speeding has used his car’s dash cam and satellite pictures to measure the distance between two points to calculate his actual speed – more than 10kph below that stated on his fine. The calculation will add fuel to the fire of discontent over the dozens of contentious fines meted out to freeway drivers, many of who have joined the Peninsula Link 108 group which is planning a class action. Allan Tadich, of Kilsyth, said he received an infringement notice for doing 112kph as he passed the Loders Rd static camera on 22 December. “This…
THIS year is proving to be a great one for the recognition of women in sport, and Mornington Pirates Baseball Club is hoping to get in on the action. With the winter baseball season starting in April, Mornington Pirates Baseball Club is moving with the times and hopes to enter a team into the Dandenong Baseball Association’s women’s competition for the first time in its 42-year history. The club already has several female players who play with the men’s teams, but needs to recruit more to make up an all-girls’ team. Club vice-president Myles Dowsett said the closure of women’s…
A LUXURY hotel, to be called Jackalope, being built at Willow Creek Vineyard will open its doors to visitors in March. State Labor Planning Minister Richard Wynne has backed Mornington Peninsula Shire’s decision late last year to grant approval for the construction of a $26 million hotel with 46 rooms and two restaurants at 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North (“Winery can expand – shire”, The News 12/12/16). A 7-4 majority of councillors at November’s public council meeting supported the plan to build the hotel in a green wedge zone after council officers stated the winery business had “existing use rights”.…
BLACK smoke belching from oil-company Esso’s Long Island smoke stacks was part of “scheduled maintenance works on the main process units”, a company spokesman said last week. Communications advisor Travis Parnaby said the works – to run 28 January to 22 February – “had [been] carefully planned to minimise impacts on our local community and the environment”. “However, there will be a necessary increase in flaring throughout the course of these important works.” The smoke was noticeable on a day of total fire ban. Readers contacted The News to complain that the unwelcome airborne haze – part of the flaring…
SORRENTO residents fear their access to a popular beach has been blocked because a private jetty being built to replace a former structure does not conform to the same specifications. The jetty being built at Sullivan’s Bay is one of three jetties that have been at the beach for around 40 or 50 years. But residents are angry that it is being replaced with a bigger one that now prevents access unless the tide is out. Leanne Austin said she was upset that the Mornington Peninsula Shire had not enforced regulations that required replacement jetties to be the same size.…
FARMERS near Buckleys Reserve, Merricks North, are being trained to kill foxes and rabbits. The training is part of a feral control project by members of Merricks Coolart Catchment Landcare Group. Dismayed by the high rates of native wildlife loss on the Mornington Peninsula, the group has received approval to implement feral controls, including culling. The project is being funded by the Port Phillip & Western Port Catchment Management Authority through the federal government’s National Landcare Program. “This is a great chance for landholders to work together to take positive action that will benefit local indigenous animals,” Landcare group president…