MORNINGTON Yacht Club played host to about 130 yachts, mostly sailed by children, in a huge weekend of events on Mornington harbour, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February. As well as the traditional Schnapper Point Regatta, the club hosted the first Victorian Junior Carnival – a fun event for children graduating from their learn-to-sail programs. The young sailors enjoyed a sail down the coast to Mills Beach, starting off under the “Bridge of Doom”, then more games in the shallows off Mother’s beach. At the same time, the older children, joined by other sailors with disabilities, competed in the regatta.…
Year: 2018
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire rangers have their sights well and truly set on stopping dogs and their owners using a small beach at Mt Martha. The strip of sand less than 100 paces long has been visited by rangers 43 times since October. The shire’s environment protection manager John Rankine says the rangers patrolling the beach at Mt Martha North have been responding to 13 complaints “mostly relating to dogs in prohibited areas”. “Complaints relate to people having dogs in a prohibited area or dogs off lead when they should be on lead,” he said. Mr Rankine says the beach “was…
A MORNINGTON hairdresser of more than 30 years fears troubles with her NBN connection could jeopardise her business. Nonie Harvey, of Hair on Barkly, said her landline had been disconnected since 10 January after problems with her NBN connection. Repeated calls to service provider Optus always include what she termed “the usual run-around” as she is passed around departments – with no result. “It has now been five weeks since I was supposed to have the all-fabulous, fast, and very affordable NBN system installed into my business,” Ms Harvey said. But, so far, all she has received is frustration. “Who…
A CAFE at Benton Square shopping centre has been fined almost $10,000 after a Fair Work Ombudsman’s audit found junior staff had been underpaid. Degani Bakery Cafe has agreed to back-pay staff $9375, apologise to them, and display notices at the cafe detailing the breaches on its website. The underpayments came to light during a self-initiated compliance audit of 14 Degani Australia franchised cafes. The Ombudsman found that 15 staff, including waiters, cooks and four juniors at the Mornington cafe, had been underpaid from September to November, 2016. The audit found the company paid $18-$21 hourly rates to its casual…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors are hiring a consultant to help review the performance and pay of CEO Carl Cowie. The “suitably qualified and experienced consultant” is scheduled to start work on 1 April, a Sunday eight weeks before councillors decide whether to advertise the position or renew and renegotiate Mr Cowie’s contract. The contract for shire’s top job – which comes with a salary package of more than $400,000 and a $30,000 study allowance – expires in November and Mr Cowie has to be told six months’ ahead if councillors intend to advertise the position. The shire’s advertisement says…
TWO men used a concrete block to smash their way into the Mercedes-Benz car dealership at Mornington, 5.45am, Thursday 15 February. The men, wearing dark-coloured hoodies and carrying backpacks, were captured on CCTV throwing the block through a window at the Mornington-Tyabb Road premises and forcing open a door. Dealer Chris Thoday said the men then ransacked the showroom, smashing open glass cabinets with hammers and stealing $5000 worth of Mercedes watches, t-shirts, aftershave, perfume, caps, keyrings and laptops. “There’s glass everywhere,” Mr Thoday said. “The boulder is still on the floor.” Mr Thoday said the men looked familiar. “We…
AN audit of marine life under Rye pier on Saturday 10 February aimed at charting the area’s sea life in a scientific format. Marine biologist Fam Charko and 12 regular Rye divers spent about two hours conducting what they believe is the first audit of species around the reefs and pier. Those marine animals found will be identified and catalogued and used as baseline data. More audits are planned, including a night dive as more species come out at night. The audit aims to help protect the myriad plants, animals and fish threatened by dredging works or the building of…
By Michael Leeworthy IT was a once in a life time encounter: a face to face meeting with a wedge-tailed eagle on a bushwalk in the Arthurs Seat State Park that left me gob smacked. Sighting dolphins while walking along the beach is becoming commonplace. Many times I have been surprised by up to five, appearing from under my kayak out on Port Phillip. I have been on the bay’s waters most of my life and don’t believe I’ve ever sighted so many dolphins as in recent times. On 10 June, a humpback whale and her calf spotted in the…
DROMANA and District Historical Society members are reeling from the overnight break-in at the Dromana Old Shire Offices in which a range of historic items, as well as photographs, were stolen by burglars who “seemed to know what they were looking for”. Secretary Janet Egglestone said the offenders broke into cabinets and stole 36 selected items and cut pictures from their frames, possibly so they could be rolled up for carrying, Wednesday 7 February, (“Vandals hit historic offices” The News, 13/2/18). Society members are “frustrated” by the lack of CCTV in the Mornington Peninsula Shire-managed buildings, saying it would have…
A PENSIONER’S fears that he could be evicted from his fourth rental property in as many years struck a chord with readers – and it seems help is at hand. Larry (surname withheld) said he feared becoming homeless if the new owners of his Hastings unit decided to renovate or move in themselves – or perhaps re-let it at a higher rental. Either way he would be forced to look for a new home – with the few available being offered at rents he could not afford (“Renters face tight vacancy rates, higher rents” The News, 6/2/2018). A reader has now…
WHILE it remains off the agenda before, during and after council meetings, alcohol can again be served at special events held by Mornington Peninsula Shire. The mayor, Cr Bryan Payne has been given the power to authorise the serving of alcohol on council premises at occasions like the annual council meeting (when new mayors are elected) and the councillors’ Christmas party. “No alcohol is to be provided before, during or after council meetings or briefings on council premises,” an amendment to the Councillor Expenses Reimbursement, Resources and Facilities Policy adopted by council on 12 December 2017 states. “Alcohol may be…
HOLIDAYS spent camping on the foreshore allowed Kath and Jack Whiston and their young family to discover the beauty of the West Rosebud area (as it was known then) back in 1951. Staying in a hired caravan at first, and then in a caravan Jack made, the family enjoyed the simple pleasures of singalongs, sailing and fishing in the days before electric lights and home appliances. “You looked out for the iceman coming through the tracks each day with his horse and cart,” daughter Kaye said. “Dad made his own van and the tradition of camping on the foreshore continued…
SEAROAD Ferries last week got the go ahead to build a new terminal at Sorrento. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on Tuesday 13 February approved the works following public exhibition of the plans and review by an independent panel. The decision followed a planning services committee meeting the previous week which adopted the Sorrento Ferry Terminal Planning Scheme Amendment C209 which will guide the works. Extra conditions cover road upgrades and traffic infrastructure upgrades by VicRoads. The terminal will include a maritime museum, café and lounge, toilets and small shops for souvenirs and ticketing. Searoad Ferries CEO Matt McDonald said the…
ROSEBUD’S Barbara and Bruce Worme celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last week. The couple has lived in Ceres Street since Mr Worme, 83, retired in 1989, moving into the family’s holiday house. “We had another holiday house in Seabrook Avenue, Rosebud, since the 1960s when it was the only house in the street,” daughter Trudy Worme said. “Back then Rosebud was a rural area so mum and dad have seen the area change a lot over the years. “They are both active members of the community, with mum, 81, still running the social tennis at Rosebud Tennis Club in Hove…
UPDATE: Police have located the owner of a kayak who caught something bigger than expected last night. The man was fishing in his kayak off Balnarring on Saturday night when he hooked himself the big one – a shark. The shark, obviously unhappy to be caught, has caused the man to be tipped out of his kayak in its effort to get free. Luckily the man was able to signal to friends, who were fishing in a boat nearby, and rescued him from the water. He’s managed to get the kayak to shore and continued fishing with his mates. When…
ROSEBUD Country Club member Andrew Schonewille has secured his spot on the PGA Tour Series – China after winning a three-way playoff for the 15th and final card on Sunday 4 February. After sitting down with his coaches and planning out his year ahead, Schonewille decided to target the four-day Qualifiers at Mission Hills in Haikou on the Chinese Island of Hainan. Schonewille finished one over the card (73/70/70/76/289) to tie for 15th on the final day with fellow Australian Corey Hale and Singapore golfer Joshua Shou to head into a three-way playoff for the final spot on the series.…
UPDATE: Missing child Zahkaya Wooster has been found. ___________ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 10-year-old Zahkaya Wooster. The Hastings girl was last seen in the Frankston CBD last night about 9.35pm. Police and her family are concerned for her welfare due to her age. Zahkaya is known to frequent public transport areas between Frankston and Hastings. The missing girl is described as being about 150cm tall with a slim build, brown hair and blue eyes. When last seen she was wearing black leggings, beige t-shirt and black sports shoes. Police have released an image of…
VOLUNTEER Marine Rescue crews at Western Port received an urgent call for assistance from the Water Police, 8pm, Wednesday 7 February, after a man and his son fell off their jet ski out from the Anderson Street boat ramp, Phillip Island. The VMR vessel Alwyn Tamo headed out with navigator Ted Lindner saying: “Luckily, we had calm conditions and were able to make a good speed of 41 knots (74kph). After a brief search the pair was spotted about 800 metres offshore.” VMR crews were told the father had fallen off and was unable to get back on the jet…
BAXTER will celebrate its centenary on Sunday 6 May and, to mark the occasion, Baxter Residents and Traders Progress Action Committee will hold a shindig at Baxter Primary School on Sunday 18 March. All proceeds will go to the school. The event will honour the renaming of Mornington Junction, Baxter’s Flat, as Baxter after Captain Benjamin Baxter the original settler. “The residents’ and traders’ committee, parents group and school council, as well as residents and businesses, are working hard to ensure this will be a great day for all,” BRATPAC secretary Gail Forbes said. A mural being painted by Melbourne Murals on the front of the Telstra Baxter Exchange on Baxter-Tooradin Road…
A WHITE Renault van which ran into the rear of the car in front on Bungower Rd, Mornington last week, caused a nose-to-tail “concertina” collision which damaged six cars. Leading Senior Constable Greg Wolfe, of Somerville Highway Patrol, said the van driver, 48, of Donvale, was later charged with failing to stay a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front, 8.50am, Wednesday 7 February. He received a $238 fine and lost one demerit point. The accident occurred between Derril Rd and Moorooduc Highway. Five of the cars were described as being extensively damaged and one with minor damage. Two drivers…
A CRIB Point business has gone without its phone, internet and fax for the past three weeks because of a telecommunications fault that Telstra can’t seem to fix. Crib Point Cellars proprietor Danny Bemelen said the loss of telecommunications meant that since 24 January he has been unable to properly cater to his customers, estimating his losses at “thousands of dollars”. Mr Bemelen said his bank had provided an EFTPOS machine with a sim card allowing him to trade over the 4G network. He said he had pleaded with Telstra to fix the problem to no avail. “They have been…
WITH a recent history that includes 17 crashes requiring emergency services, the intersection of Western Port Highway and Robinsons Road, Langwarrin, is receiving an overdue upgrade. A roundabout at the intersection is expected to be completed in June. Of the 17 crashes during the five years to June 2015, 14 involved cross traffic which resulted in seven serious injuries and two fatalities – one involving 19-year-old Olivia Steadman-Meconi, of Mt Eliza, who crashed in May, 2015. Her death heralded the start of a campaign for a roundabout. At the time, Hastings MP Neale Burgess delivered a petition to parliament urging…
ROSEBUD locals and visitors alike finally have the chance to take part in parkrun, taking advantage of the glorious location with a five km run or walk along the beach. Launching in Rosebud on Saturday February 17, parkrun is part of Medibank Free + Active, an ongoing program that aims to tackle physical inactivity and promote community connection, with the goal to help 1.5 million Aussies get active in mind, body and community. Under the program, Medibank will launch hundreds of free, community-based events and wellness initiatives, in partnership with organisations who share the Free + Active vision. Rosebud has…
SOCCER ROSEBUD Heart dropped a bombshell last week when it told Football Federation Victoria it will not field a senior team in State 4 South this year. The decision to quit FFV after just three seasons of senior competition has stunned the local soccer community but the club was left with no choice due to a lack of players. “The big issue we had with FFV was fielding both seniors and reserves,” Heart president Tracy Riley said. “We had enough players for one team but not for two teams. “We had some players who were playing with Rosebud soccer club…
SUB-DISTRICT BONEO will need to be its absolute best with bat in hand this Saturday when it sets out its run chase of 271 against Dromana in MPCA Sub District cricket. Dromana lost the toss but took advantage of getting out in the middle lasting 9/270 in 80 overs. Blake Pappas has been a revelation since crossing from District opening the Dromana innings with 83. The middle order also fired, Jack Fowler the best of them with 35, while Ben Bradley-Bridge scored 32. The Pandas certainly have their work cut out for them this week. Likewise, Skye has some work…
DISTRICT HASTINGS and Seaford Tigers are in embattled in an enthralling MPCA District clash after an amazing 23 wickets fell on the opening day. The Blues batted first after winning the toss but were run through by a locomotive as they were rolled for 90 in just 37.5 overs. Mitch Floyd was run out on twenty-seven while Nathan Hunt opened with 20. Jack Brooking was the best of the Tigers bowlers with 5/25. No doubt fancying their chances the Tigers attacked hard early before losing 3/6 and eventually being bowled out for 68 off 21.4 overs. Leading by 22, Hastings…
PENINSULA MAIN Ridge has made its intentions well and truly clear in its round 12 MPCA Peninsula Cricket clash against Mooroduc. Moorooduc won the toss and elected to bat but lasted just 25 overs as Luke Collins (3/15) and Gareth Wyatt (4/7) tore through the Duck’s batting line up. Nick Williams top scored for the Ducks with 13. Main Ridge came out swinging in their first innings with Wyatt scoring 55 and Shaun Foster hitting 43 before declaring at 7/141. With 19 overs left in the day Main Ridge was able to pick up 3/64 leaving the Ducks with 40…
PROVINCIAL MORNINGTON’S bowlers will need to bring everything and more to Baxter Park this Saturday when it tries to defend 122 against Baxter in MPCA Provincial Cricket. The Doggies won the toss and elected to bat at Wayne Landry Reserve and things didn’t start well when Doggies skipper Sam Wiese was trapped leg before by Dale Irving for five. This dismissal caused general rot throughout Mornington’s innings with Charlie Parker the only batsman making a solid contribution with 34. The Brittain brothers were at their best with the ball for Baxter, Chris snaring 3/25 from 16 overs while Ben helped…
The Pier Street Party is officially set to shake up Melbourne’s outer suburbs once again on February 24, 2018. For the second year running, the outdoor festival will be jam-packed with incredible music and summertime fun for all. Headlining the street party will be Sydney hip hop superstars Thundamentals, with support from a heap of Aussie legends – Art vs Science, Gyroscope, The Getaway Plan, Rackett and Jesswar. Held outside The Pelly Bar & Pier Bandroom in Frankston, this epic street party will be the talk of the summer. Bringing the local community and music fans together for such an…
Compiled by Brodie Cowburn A STORM of great violence, for which no precedent can be found in the history of Melbourne, swept over portion of the suburban area late on Saturday afternoon. In comparison it was comparable with the tempest which caused so much havoc in Queensland a few days previously. Two lives were lost, and twelve people were Injured. At Brighton a boy was decapitated by a descending sheet of iron from the roof of a wrecked building. At Point Ormond a boat, in which three men were fishing, was capsised. and one of the occupants was drowned. The…