Year: 2018

THE following letter was received by Mrs Meldrum, of Somerville, from her son Edward, on active service in Damascus: I have not had much time for letter writing lately. I don’t think anyone had an idea of what this stunt was going to be like. All thought we would strike some stiff fighting. We started off one night and got within a few miles of the front line, unsaddled for the night and were let into the know of what was going to be done in the morning. We were all awake waiting for the guns to open up, which…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have refused to lift the cost cap on the Rosebud Aquatic Centre. In March, the council capped the centre’s budget at $41.57m, but the latest estimates now put the cost at $46.63m. The net cost to council was put at $36.57m after taking into account $5m from the federal government, $3m less than was sought. In a bid to avoid delaying construction of the centre, councillors last week accepted a design for an eight-lane pool and agreed to seek expressions of interest and then tenders from builders. But they refused to accept the $5m increase and…

ENTHUSIASM, if not waves, won the day when teams of surfers descended on Pines Beach, Shoreham for the second annual DSAMP Champs contest. Dressed “in wild costumes to match the occasion”, the surfers had to be content with beach games in their efforts to compete against one another. Rod Jones, of the Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula (DSAMP) said the “offbeat” competition attracted 15 teams. Organised by the Peninsula’s Maladiction Longboarders Club the event raised $2700 for DSAMP’s surfing days at Point Leo, the second Champs event Champs on Sunday 10 November saw surfers dressed as animals, pirates, 1960s rockers,…

THE new Rye boat ramp was officially opened on Friday with the Safety Beach Coast Guard boat being first off the ramp and into the water. The controversial extra ramp was built as part of a major upgrade, with $648,000 from Mornington Peninsula Shire and $588,000 from Transport Victoria. The mayor Cr David Gill predicted the new ramp would cut boat launching and retrieval times “from 51 minutes to 16 minutes” during the busy season. While seeing the Rye works as an “investment”, Cr Gill said an election policy announcement by the incoming Labor government should reduce the $250,000 spent…

THE Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has started its summer water quality tests at Mornington Peninsula and Frankston beaches. The forecasts over the next four months will cover eight peninsula beaches and four at Frankston. EPA chief environmental scientist Dr Andrea Hinwood said last year’s forecasts for peninsula illustrated how conditions could vary from beach to beach. “Last season, good water quality was forecast for Sorrento beach 81 per cent of time – the second highest score [out of 36 beaches in Port Phillip],” she said. “But a few kilometres away, Rye beach had forecasted good water quality 72 per…

POLICE presence at schools in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula will soon increase to issue fines to speeding drivers. A Frankston Council statement said that “due to ongoing complaints and incidents” there would be an increase in police “patrolling local school zones and issuing fines to drivers doing the wrong thing.” Frankston mayor Cr Michael O’Reilly said “keeping kids safe as they get to and from school is everyone’s responsibility.” “Reducing your speed from 60kph to 40kph to travel through a 400 metre school speed zone only adds around twelve seconds to your overall travel time. This reduction in…

By Barry Morris VOLUNTEER drivers are angry and disappointed that a woman who didn’t have cancer used a free transport service to get a lift to a Melbourne hospital for an x-ray. The woman called the Southern Peninsula Cancer Support Group, where some of the drivers are former cancer patients, and asked for a lift to and from hospital. The woman also requested that the service call her on the day of her appointment to wake her up. She then asked for the driver to take her dog to a friend’s home so that it would be looked after. Taking…

THE failed bid in August by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and Flinders MP Greg Hunt to be prime minister and deputy Liberal Party leader is being blamed for much of the party’s loss of support on the Mornington Peninsula. The Liberals Nepean candidate Russell Joseph was last Friday reconciled to accept defeat in an election that saw Daniel Andrews’ state Labor swept back to power with nearly twice the number of MPs as the Liberals. “It’s all a bit confusing, but I’m not particularly optimistic,” Mr Joseph said as the Victorian Electoral Commission announced the latest voting figures showing…

Police arrested nine people following antisocial behaviour in Rye last night. Police increased patrols due to the unruly behaviour recently in Rye and a number of specialist units attended including Public Order Response Team, Mounted Branch and Dog Squad. A large number of youths gathered at the foreshore area and officers responded to a number of brawls and drunken behaviour about 11pm. Under the Control of Weapons Act, Victoria Police declared the foreshore and immediate surrounds a designated area for a weapons search. More than 30 people were searched for weapons and no arrests were made. Nine people were arrested…

TYABB Airport will be swinging their doors open in the name of Christmas cheer on Sunday December 2. There will be a free sausage sizzle, live music and enjoyment for all the family. Gates open 10.30am with the sausage sizzle from noon. Entry is by donation of an unwrapped toy to fill a Christmas stocking for disadvantaged children on the Mornington Peninsula. Last year the Toy Run collected over 500 toys which were distributed by the charity Food for All. Antique and Warbird aircraft will be on display as well a collection of Classic and Holden Cars. Head down to…

RYE father and daughter Jim and Anna McCauley are carving some special memories as they work alongside each other on the southern peninsula’s newest attraction – Sand Sculpting Australia presents Peter Pan. They have joined 13 other award-winning international and Australian sand sculptors as they intricately carve 3500 tonnes of sand into Peter Pan themed artworks along the wetlands and garden pathways of Boneo Maze. Jim has been involved with the sand sculpting movement on the peninsula from the beginning. In 2000 he approached the Rye Action Group with the idea of a sand sculpture exhibition and competition on the…

LIFE as a bank teller was not Rondelle Douglas’s dream. She loved to draw as a child. When events took a challenging turn (divorce) the mother of three decided to return to Victoria and rediscover those drawing skills. “I was always intrigued by illustrations for stories and articles in magazines,” Ms Douglas, now living at Dromana, said. “So, in 2011, I enrolled at Chisholm Frankston for a Diploma of Visual Arts, Illustration”. This involved working in a variety of mediums, learning how to work to a brief. Rondelle began to appreciate how Illustration course staff helped students develop their own…

THE rescue of a young woman overcome with exhaustion while surfing off Pt Leo may see her rescuer honoured for bravery. Novice surfer Justine Fullarton, 19, who was on holiday from Queensland, was 250 metres from shore at the “Mystery Left” break with a male friend, Tuesday 11 September, during a day of high off-shore winds and strong currents. Becoming fatigued they separated and her friend, also 19, was able to return to shore. Ms Fullarton, who said her “arms went dead” after paddling frantically, could only manage to hang onto her board as the currents swept her further out…

THE state government would have to guarantee the same level of financial support and maintenance of Mornington Peninsula’s six public boat ramps as was provided by the council or any change to their management would not be supported. This comment comes as Mornington Peninsula Shire reels from a blast by the Futurefish Foundation slamming the standard of its boat ramps. (“Peninsula boat ramps in disarray, says fishing body The News 6/11/18). The shire has six ramps: Five on Port Phillip at Schnapper Point, Fishermans Beach, Safety Beach, Rye and Sorrento, and one at Hastings. Two sand ramps at Mt Martha…

VOLUNTEERS and community members at Seawinds Community Hub are keen to get the message out that the centre is “moving forward in a positive way”, having welcomed four new board members at a recent board meeting. New CEO Karen Vanderkaay confirmed last week that the atmosphere at the hub has been “really positive”. This comes after a “turbulent” period when four of the five board members resigned (“Call for new direction at Seawinds” The News 29/10/2018). At the time a petition was presented to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council signed by 78 volunteers, staff, and members of community groups unhappy with…

AN “enthusiastic amateur artist passionate about drawing” is giving those participating in Sorrento Community Centre’s drawing classes a welcome new perspective. Teacher Leigh Hullin said skill instruction at his “drop in and draw group” was tailored to the needs and wishes of participants, who are flourishing in the creative and supportive environment. Lessons focus on using line to create two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional forms, on using shading and tone to establish realistic forms, on understanding and using principles of perspective, and, understanding common rules for composition, he said. Mr Hullin said what began as a trial class in Term 1…

PENINSULA LONG Island have kicked off their two dayer against Crib Point in style, batting out the first day to post a huge total of 9/245. Long Island’s opening three batsmen kept the runs ticking over, but a brilliant fourth wicket stand of 105 runs between Michael Burke and Brad Bailey helped them to a fantastic position. Bailey batted brilliant to post 75 runs. At the close of play for the day, Long Island ended up at 9/245 off 80 overs. Glenn Barclay was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/38 off 22 overs. Crib Point will have a very…

SOCCER HARRY Chalkitis is a man on a mission and for Southern United’s sake let’s hope it’s not mission impossible. Two-time Victorian Coach of the Year, former men’s state team coach, head coach of Bentleigh Greens and Port Melbourne, head coach of Victoria Vision in the women’s NSL, head of Victoria’s National Training Centre women’s program … The list of coaching credits goes on and on but right now Chalkitis is focused on a major challenge as Southern United technical director and it’s one he is meeting head-on. “Football is all about results and we have to be results focussed,”…

THE Mornington Cycling Club hosted their season’s highlight, the MCC Road Club Championships, in Main Ridge on Saturday 10 November. The MCC Road Club Championships has long been touted as the club’s biggest day of the year, and this year it was certainly no different. The pinnacle of the club’s year had the biggest turnout they’ve ever had with the women’s competition enjoying more popularity than in recent years. Mornington Cycling Club president Bruce Trew said the event certainly lived up to its high expectations. “It went really well,” Trew said. “The weather was perfect. It was meant to be…

ATHLETES from across the country descended upon the Thomas Barclay Oval, Hastings in hopes of claiming the inaugural running of the Hastings Gift on Saturday 17 November. With $8,000 up for grabs in the 120-metre men’s and women’s feature events, the Hastings Gift was bound to attract plenty of attention. But it was the local Mornington Peninsula-based sprinting team, Pride Performance, who came to the fore in the 120m Women’s Gift as Sophia Fighera took out the first edition of the Women’s Hastings Gift. Fighera (5.00 handicap) finished ahead of Cara Boustead (10.00) and Commonwealth Games competitor Maddie Coates (-2.00)…

A GREAT surprise awaited Private Bob Walker on his arrival, in Mr Norman McDonald’s well decorated car, at the corner of Humphries and Walkers roads, on Tuesday last. A whole hearted welcome awaited him. A large arch was erected, consisting of gum, streamers and flags, and Anzac Walker’s colors crowning the whole. Nearby was a table groaning under the weight of the feast provided by the proud neighbours of the returning soldier. An extra treat was provided in a huge bowl of strawberries and cream, the former specially grown by Mrs Morgan for the occasion. It was indeed a very…

THE AGL Peninsula Film Festival returns to entertain the crowds on screen and stage this February, and for the first time introduces Musiqua, with live music at Hastings Foreshore. Now in its eighth year, the festival will run from February 1 – 3, 2019 and features a ticketed launch at Rosebud Cinema on the Friday Feb 1, the popular FREE short film festival at the Village Green in Rosebud on Sat Feb 2 and is expanding to include a new music festival at Hastings, Musiqua, on the Sunday Feb 3. The FREE short film festival is the highlight of the…

By Adana Hulett NESTLED in the heart of Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula is The Red Hill Bakery. A family-run store that provides freshly made breads, cakes and pies as well as salads and takeaway meals. On a Sunday afternoon there is no better place to be than listening to the sounds of trumpets and saxophones live; a tradition run by the bakery. Ray Johns is the face behind the name, owning the store alongside his wife Jill. Ray is a passionate and humble man who loves nothing more than music, bread and his beloved wooden boat. Born in Kew,…

AN elderly McCrae driver who lost control of his Toyota Landcruiser found himself perched atop the outside wire-rope barrier on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway at Mt Martha, 11am, Thursday 15 November. The 76-year old, who was uninjured, is suspected of having a medical episode. He will undergo a medical review of his licence by VicRoads. “Are you right to drive? If in doubt, speak to your GP,” Leading Senior Constable Greg Wolfe said. First published in the Mornington News – 27 November 2018

STATE planning minister Richard Wynne had “shown contempt” for Mornington Peninsula Shire residents over the proposed Kaufland supermarket development, the Mornington Environment Association says. The group’s president Margaret Howden said the minister had disregarded the “community’s rights and responsibilities in determining what we believe are shire-appropriate developments for us”. The German giant has earmarked a site next to the Bata factory on the corner of Nepean Highway and Oakbank Road for a 4000 square metre “hypermart” which is outside the town’s retail precinct. (See Super store could ‘destroy’ gateway The News 5/11/18). Mr Wynne has appointed an advisory committee to…

MORNINGTON Art Show will feature leading Australian artist David Brayshaw in its 47th art show to run 18-26 January. Brayshaw is listed by the Kevin Hills Gallery in Sydney as one of Australia’s top-10 artists. A professional artist since 1982, and working in oils and mixed media, Brayshaw is well known across Australia with solo and group exhibitions. He has also exhibited in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and the US. He is renowned for his coastal, Great Barrier Reef and alpine paintings. Captivated by the sublime landscapes of Mt Kosciuszko and the Victorian Alps, his alpine paintings have featured in…

FUNDRAISING efforts by the Pesky Peddlers riding club within O’Brien Real Estate has given 10 Dromana Specialist School pupils the thrill of owning their own bikes. The Pesky Peddlers challenged themselves to ride the 210km Around the Bay last month and, with the support of other staff and their network, raised the money to buy the bikes – the children’s first. O’Brien Real Estate’s Jason Mudford said the cycling club was set up to boost “camaraderie and fitness”. “Being competitive by nature we set ourselves the challenge and thought it would be a great idea to raise money to help…

STATE government decisions have been identified in a shire planning scheme review as the major threat to the effectiveness of the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme. The scheme, which began in May 1999 – two years after the amalgamation of the shires of Flinders, Hastings and Mornington – aims to allow Mornington Peninsula Shire to be more strategic and streamlined in responding to the peninsula’s special planning needs. It was described by new mayor Cr David Gill as “one of the most important documents developed by the council as it provides the foundation for the preservation of the unique environment of…

MORNINGTON police have promised to “follow up” after a 65-year-old man – recently released from hospital – was allegedly threatened, abused, harassed and intimidated while taking a stroll in Tanti Park last week. Charles Smith*, who is in a weakened state while recovering from cardiac surgery, is so fearful after the frightening incident that The News will not reveal his real name. About 6pm, Monday 12 November, Mr Smith was on his daily walk and admiring colourful plants in a front yard of a court-side house when he was accosted by the resident who demanded: “What are you doing nosing…

By Stephen Taylor and Keith Platt SATURDAY’S state election has signalled to the Liberal party that it cannot always count on holding the three seats covering the Mornington Peninsula. While it has retained two seats – Mornington and Hastings – Nepean remains undecided. All three may be within Labor’s grasp next time around and doubts are being voiced over the Liberals’ ability to retain the seat of Flinders in the federal election that must be held by May next year. Flinders is held by Greg Hunt, one of leading figures in the leadership crisis that saw Scott Morrison eventually succeed…