Month: May 2019

On Sunday the 26th of May, Monique Wardley from Sydney’s Northern Beaches will be bringing her social enterprise The Bloom Movement to her home town of Melbourne. After going through one of the hardest times of her life in the beginning of 2018 with Mental Health, Monique decided that she needed to do something to combat this, so taking her love of beautiful blooms and a background in floristry, she would create 9 bouquets & gift them to ladies playing with their children in a park. It was this simple, random act of kindness in the form of flowers and…

ANYTIME Fitness centres at Mornington, Rosebud and Hastings will take part in a 24 hour Treadmill Challenge on Saturday 25 May to raise awareness of the issues surrounding suicide. At the Mornington centre Christopher Ali will attempt to complete the whole 24 hours himself on a single treadmill. Last year Anytime Fitness centres raised $390,000 and this year they aim to raise $600,000. The challenge comes after the gyms teamed up with Suicide Prevention Australia to reduce the devastating impacts of suicide, which claims about 3000 lives each year. Register for the 24-hour Treadmill Challenge at treadasone.gofundraise.com.au Anytime Fitness centres are…

Two Australian Defence Force Blackhawk helicopters touched down at Tyabb today, Wednesday 22 May. It was part of an ADF counter-terrorism training program being held around Melbourne and Hobart in mid-to-late May 2019. The helicopters landed at Peninsula Aero Club around 3pm, before taking off, flying a circuit, and landing a second time. At least one recreational plane had to perform a “fly around” while the runway was occupied by the military machines. The Australian Defence Force have released a statement saying that “training will be conducted during the day and night and involves responses to simulated terrorist scenarios at…

A MAN distracted a bottle shop attendant in Hastings before stealing a four-pack of mixed spirits, Monday 6 May. The man, wearing a grey hoodie, shorts and sunglasses, hid the bottles in his shorts before leaving the High Street store without paying. He reportedly has a distinctive tattoo below his right knee. Anyone with information is urged to contact Senior Constable David Kennedy 5970 7800 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Western Port Times – 22 May 2019

THE Arctic Circle may be a long way from Western Port, but activities this far south have an important role to play fort birds that annually fly between these two areas. Boats and other watercraft in Western Port can have a dramatic effect on the capability of birds to survive the arduous seasonal trip. The wetlands that line Western Port are a major food source and place of protection for the birds before they take off for the Northern Hemisphere. However, their wetland feeding areas are also the hunting ground for people wanting to catch fish. The wester Port Biosphere…

MAJOR Collision Investigation Unit detectives were last week investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of an elderly Chinese couple when a car driven by their son collided with a truck at Bittern, Monday 13 May. Police said the car was travelling towards Hastings along Myers Road after a brief sightseeing tour of the peninsula when the collision occurred, 1.30pm. The couple, in the back seat, died at the scene. Their son, 52, of Carrum Downs, was taken to Frankston Hospital by air ambulance with unspecified injuries. The driver of the truck was not injured. Detective Sergeant Colin Schmidt, of the…

A MAN whose dog attacked a swan at Sorrento beach, 10am, Sunday 19 May, is being sought by police. Onlookers said the man encouraged his dog to attack the swan which was later taken to a vet for treatment. He is described Caucasian and wearing a white/grey jacket and dark shorts. Anyone who has information is urged to call Rosebud police 5986 0444. First published in the Western Port Times – 22 May 2019

INTERLEAGUE THE MPNFL interleague side scored a win on Saturday, mounting a good comeback against the side from the Ovens and Murray Football League. Ovens and Murray looked the better side early on, and were up by three goals at half time. The MPNFL side came out with more fire and intensity in the second half, and wrestled back the lead with a seven goals to two third term. MPNFL’s run of momentum continued into the final quarter, and they ended up running away with the victory 10.11 (71) to 16.16 (112). Shane McDonald booted six goals for the representative…

DIVISION TWO TWO games were played in the MPNFL this weekend as most of the league took time off to accommodate the interleague match. The marquee match of the weekend was at Pearcedale Recreation Reserve, as Pearcedale played host to Chelsea. Pearcedale were boosted by addition of former Essendon captain Brendon Goddard, who had signed to play in one match. Goddard was coming into the match on the back of a hand injury sustained in another league. Pearcedale have struggled in 2019 and only registered a solitary win. Unfortunately for them, even with the added boost of a former AFL…

SOCCER LANGWARRIN defender Luke Burgess snatched a point for the local outfit with an injury-time equaliser against Moreland City at Campbell Reserve last Saturday. Moreland took the lead in this NPL2 clash in the 5th minute after a quick break down the right and a cutback was met first time at the near post by striker Apai Ukono whose shot was turned in almost on the line by Burgess for an own goal. Three minutes later Moreland fans were incensed when referee Perry Mur turned down penalty appeals after Alex Van Heerwarden poleaxed an opponent inside the penalty box. It…

MORNINGTON Breakers junior program is going from strength to strength with a number of young players recently being selected for the Basketball Victoria metropolitan and country programs. “We have had a total of 17 boys and girls recently selected for the Basketball Victoria Showcase in July 2019 and the Basketball Victoria Country Regional Academy,” said Mornington District Basketball Association’s general manager Samantha Browne. “These programs provide the pathway for the ultimate selection into Victorian State teams. “Our program continues to strengthen as more players are being selected year on year into these programs. With the appointment last year of a…

MELBOURNE Cup winning trainer John Meagher has come a long way since landing his first winner at Balnarring in 1971. So much so that the champion trainer was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame on Friday 17 May. The trainer of more than 25 Group One victories including the 1985 Melbourne Cup with the Lloyd Williams-owned, What A Nuisance, and the 2000 Singapore Gold Cup with Kim’s Angel, Meagher joins nine other inductees to enter the Hall Of Fame this year. Meagher, whose two sons Chris and Daniel now train in their own right respectively at Mornington and…

MORNINGTON heats up over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend with a full program of LIVE MUSIC in over 20 venues and three days of STREET ENTERTAINMENT! “There is a fantastic vibe surrounding this year’s event”, commented Festival Director, Bec Davis. “It’s great to see so many cafes, restaurants, bars and venues hosting live music. We are thrilled to have so many wonderful performers including local Singer/Songerwriter, Simon Imrei; Award winning Celtic band, Sugatree and Arandu, Melbourne Latin Jazz all joining us as part of the FREE STREET PROGRAM. Main Street will be full of festivities on Saturday with an artist,…

FROM 17 May until 21 July Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is presenting two unique exhibitions. Ross Manning is a Brisbane-based artist and musician who uses everyday objects to create mesmerising light and sound experiences for audiences. His exhibition ‘Dissonant Rhythms’ transforms the space at MPRG and visitors can be amazed at kinetic forces at play. Also on display at MPRG is ‘Craftivism. Dissident Objects and Subversive Forms’. This exhibition presents 17 contemporary Australian artists who utilise craft based materialities with a political intent. ‘Craftivism’ addresses ‘the personal as political’ and explores gender representation and identity, Visit mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au to find out…

BY advertisement in another column, it will be seen that a Grammar School is to be established in Frankston. The Principal is Mr J. Austin, who will be assisted by Mrs Dial as preparatory mistress. The Headmaster will be at the school on Monday, 9th June. An examination for entrance for scholarships will be held in the schoolroom on 31st May, at 9.30 a.m., and results will appear in the “Standard” on the 7th June. The scholarships are open to boys and girls irrespective of age of locality. *** REPORTS of farewell functions to Major Conder have been held over…

MORNINGTON Peninsula’s own International Cool Climate Wine Show (ICCWS), now in its 19th year, is an acclaimed wine show for wineries, industry, and the public. The ICCWS is recognised as one of Australia’s foremost shows for inspirational cool climate wines, and each year attracts more than 650 wines from around the world in competition classes including Sparkling wines & Champagnes, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Italian Varietals both from Northern Italy and local, along with many more. A feature of the show each year is the opportunity given to wine lovers to sample the cool climate…

A SAFETY warning has been issued for property owners to check and maintain their fireplaces, chimneys, fireboxes and flues. The CFA says there has been a rise in the number of chimney fires from both fireplaces and wood heaters. CFA’s manager community safety Jude Kennedy said over time there could be a build-up of creosote, a black tar-like residue, which is highly flammable and could clog up chimneys. “Creosote is not only caused by general use, but it can also build up quicker if you are using incorrect fuels, such as green wood or treated timbers,” he said. To reduce…

A woman loading groceries into her car at Rosebud on Mother’s Day was punched to the head by a man who stole her handbag. The woman told police the man approached her on a bicycle in the McCoomb Street car park, 3.30pm, Sunday 12 May. The man asked for directions and then reached into the car and grabbed her bag containing $120 cash and credit cards. During a short physical altercation the woman said the man punched her and she fell to the ground. The man rode off via the McCoomb Street exit. Anyone with information is urged to contact…

BIRD droppings on the footpath under Main Street, Mornington’s trees is a daily problem for shoppers and traders – one which won’t fly away anytime soon. Despite regular cleaning by the Mornington Peninsula Shire and traders, the nightly roosting of starlings and Indian minahs and their telltale souvenirs can make window shopping dangerous for pedestrians. “I’ve seen two people slip over,” Grand Hotel general manager Cameron Price said. About 18 months ago he installed $4000 spotlights under trees outside the hotel’s sportsman’s bar area to deter the birds. “As soon as someone breaks a hip something will be done about…

EVIDENCE of a “spilled substance” – most likely diesel fuel – leaking out of a drain at Safety Beach has been traced as far upstream as Rainier Avenue, Dromana, but the source has not been identified at this stage, the EPA said last week. The oily mess, which has been polluting the sand and seawater for at least the past 12 months, is most noticeable near the intersection of Marine Parade and Point Nepean Road, opposite a service station. A second leak causes diesel odour to emanate from a smaller drain on the foreshore opposite another service station about one…

LIBERAL Greg Hunt easily retained his seat of Flinders in Saturday’s federal election. Mr Hunt’s seventh win in a row helped the Scott Morrison-led Liberal National Coalition regain government for a third term. A senior cabinet minister in the previous government, Mr Hunt is expected to retain his position as health minister. In the nine-candidate contest for Flinders, Mr Hunt, by late Monday morning, had received more than 46 per cent of primary votes, well ahead of his nearest rival, Labor’s Josh Sinclair, who was sitting on 25 per cent. Coming third in the vote was now independent former Liberal…

SPORTS ovals at Hastings and Red Hill as well as the Olympic Park soccer pitch and senior oval at Rosebud will light up in a staged program starting later this year. The grounds are among 10 sporting reserves across the Mornington Peninsula to be earmarked as part of a $2.1 million lighting upgrade. The cost will be split between the state government and the shire. Other reserves to receive lighting upgrades in stage two (September 2020-February 2021) include Dromana Recreation Reserve, Dromana; Civic Reserve Athletics Track, Mornington; RM Hooper Reserve, Tuerong; Barber Reserve, Somerville; and AR and F Ditterich Reserve,…

TABLES will be groaning under the weight of “much-loved second hand books” at Mt Eliza Rotary Club’s “book bonanza”. The books will be on 35 tables at the 1st Ranelagh Scout Hall, Butler Reserve (off Ranelagh Drive), Mt Eliza on 10am-3pm Saturday 25 May, and 10am-2pm Sunday 26 May. Organisers say there is an “incredible diversity” among the books, ranging from biographies to illustrated coffee table books and hundreds of paperbacks and novels. Categories include the arts (theatre, film, music, Australian artists; antiques; cooking; gardening; interior design; history (explorers, colonial history, travellers tales, military, aviation, maritime and transport, archeology and…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Citizen of the Year Josie Jones opened last week’s waste forum with presentations from community groups, waste industry representatives and shire officers sharing ideas on making their own beeswax wraps, joining a Beach Patrol Group, composting at home, and the upcoming electronic waste ban. This second Waste Forum, held on Saturday 11 May, attracted more than 400 participants to Peninsula Community Theatre to hear what’s happening in the waste industry and how the council was working to address and improve current waste issues. They heard how they could connect with local community groups and how they could…

RIDERS from Toorak College, Mt Eliza has regained the Equestrian Victoria Champion School title. The school won state titles in 2017 but came in as reserve champions in 2018. This year’s win came after a five-day event at Werribee which saw more than 500 riders from 172 schools competing on 640 horses. Toorak had 26 junior and senior riders competing, with Stephanie Ivanovic, Bella Warner, Emma Hercules and Theodora Newman being among the school’s top four riders in dressage, show jumping, combined training, games and novelties events. The four will be presented with the Equestrian Victorian trophy and horse rugs.…

AS if Rosebud’s pre-polling booth wasn’t busy enough, early voters also had to contend with the centre median car park being closed for 36 hours last week. “There has already been one vehicle accident outside the booth [at 1175 Point Nepean Road] because of the traffic and it is very difficult for voters to cross the road at this point,” one early voter complained. “Questions need to be asked about why this work is being carried out at this difficult location at this important time.” South East Water told The News it closed the car park to carry out “long-planned…

PENINSULA Aero Club has withdrawn a request for Mornington Peninsula Shire to remove “church hour” restrictions on flights at Tyabb airfield. Instead, it will apply directly to the Victorian Civil Administrative Authority. The club’s application was to be considered at the council’s planning services meeting last night (Monday 20 May) but the aero club withdrew it citing concerns over the officers’ inclusion of a recommendation to also ban take-offs and landings from sunset on Saturday to 9am on Sunday. The withdrawal of the application has forced the shire to move its meeting from Hastings to Rosebud. The council had received…

CONFUSION remains over parking and launching fees at boat ramps on the Mornington Peninsula. A boat owner was fined $81 last week for supposedly not paying a launching fee at Rye, prompting the Futurefish Foundation to label the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s management of its boat ramps a “debacle”. The Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Channel 31’s “Talking Fishing” show last November that, if re-elected, the state government would run boat ramps on the peninsula, abolish fees, and establish a Better Boating Fund for boat ramp upgrades. Six months later the shire is still waiting to have its role clarified. “The…

Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for dashcam footage and witnesses after a marked police car was rammed in Frankston early this morning. Somerville Highway Patrol members were travelling east on Cranbourne Road when they checked the speed of a brown/bronze Land Rover Discovery travelling in the opposite direction just after 2am. The car continued travelling west before stopping at a red light at the intersection of Lee Street. The police vehicle, which had conducted a U turn and was following the car, pulled up several metres behind the car. As both vehicles waited at the intersection, the driver…

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Dwayne Kelly. The 44 year-old is wanted on warrant for assault related matters. Kelly is described as Caucasian, 180cm, medium build, brown eyes, with short brown hair. He is known to frequent the Hastings and Crib Point areas. Investigators have released an image of Kelly in the hope someone may have information on his current whereabouts. Anyone who sights Kelly or knows of his location is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.