THREE aggravated burglaries in Mt Eliza on Saturday 18 May have detectives on the hunt for multiple offenders – or possibly the same one. Three sets of keys were stolen from a house in Attunga Way while family members were asleep, between midnight and 7am. Police were told the house’s front door had been left open. The offenders appeared to have searched through several cars for valuables before running off. A resident confronted a man who broke into his Jacksons Road home at 4.40am. The burglar entered the property through the backyard. Once inside, he stole two remote controls, a…
Year: 2019
TWO brothers injured in an early-morning fracas in a Mornington car park earlier this month were arrested and interviewed by detectives last week. A 20-year-old Mt Martha man is expected to be charged on summons with a weapons offence while a 17-year-old from Mornington is expected to be charged on summons with criminal damage, assault and using a false document. A Lyndhurst man, 28, allegedly involved in the incident in the Centro car park on Saturday 4 May handed himself in to police next day and was interviewed and released. The two Mornington men were walking through the car park…
A MAN infected by measles twice attended family events at Mornington earlier this month. He visited the Mornington Hotel with family and friends, on the corner of Tanti Avenue, up until 2pm, Saturday 4 May, and again the next day around 10am, and many other places during his stay. The man, in his 30s, had previously arrived from Vietnam and was in Melbourne for almost two weeks on a sightseeing tour. It is believed he may have infected six people, including a baby. After flying out of Tullamarine he was put in isolation in a hospital in Vietnam. Symptoms of…
TAILS were wagging and tongues lolling at a special fundraiser in Mornington last week. Social dog walking group Colliewobbles Rescue and Rehoming Australia held a sausage sizzle outside sponsor Best Friends at Peninsula Homemaker Centre, Saturday 18 May. And, for a bit of fun on polling day, they put their preferred candidate forward for election. The social walking group, which began in 2014, aims to socialise and rehabilitate neglected and abused dogs rescued from non-compliant breeding kennels. The breed-specific group focuses on rough collies, smooth collies and Shetland sheepdogs. Founder Philip Cassap said the club’s 400 members – from the…
KEEPING warm over winter is a challenge for those less fortunate on the Mornington Peninsula so, to help them, leading Mt Eliza Primary School’s environmental team to collect 100 jackets and jumpers in its winter jacket drive. Each morning before school team members waited at the school gates to collect practical items during school drop-off. Students – with the help of the school’s parents and teachers’ association –promoted, collected and sorted items for the not-for-profit Mums Supporting Families in Need. “The school community rallied to make this cause a huge success and we thank our amazing families for their support,”…
A QUICK fix solution is being offered to property owners annoyed by straying cats. Mornington Peninsula Shire has a new four-step system to reduce the number of cats prowling outside their owners’ properties. The cat traps supplied by the shire can also be used to get rid of unwanted stray cats. The “start-to-end service cat trapping program” is designed to remove cats “safely and humanely”. The four steps start with asking the shire for a cat trap. If approved, a cage will be delivered “at a time suitable for the resident” (stage 2). If successfully deployed, the cage containing a…
THE temporary concrete and wire fence erected at The Pillars cliff jumping site at Mt Martha in December has gone. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council contracted out its removal early last week. Infrastructure services manager Jessica Wingad said the council will “seek feedback on the community’s experiences over the summer period”. “Council will be considering [its] options over coming months to determine long-term management of the site,” she said. The fence, on the Esplanade, cost $140,000 which covered its hire, construction, traffic management and daily maintenance of damage and graffiti. The fence is credited with cutting down the number of people…
BOATERS, fishers and other recreational water users can look forward to safer and easier access at Rye Pier. Nepean MP Chris Brayne said the state government would spend $500,000 to restore the low-landing, build a ramp to improve access, install more casual public berths and upgrade berthing facilities for larger commercial fishing charter operators. “The new low landing will make it easier for all recreational water users to enjoy the rich marine life and calm waters off Rye pier,” he said. “The recently upgraded boat ramp, kids’ playground and numerous shops and eateries make Rye a popular destination for visitors.…
ELDERLY residents in particular are being urged to avoid dealing with a company or staff representing M&M Greenworks Tree Services. A spate of government warnings about the company stemming from 2007 up to the present relate to what are described as “illegal” business practices. Staff members are reportedly intimidating and often demand payment upfront and then fail to carry out the work. Police said they target vulnerable members of the community – mainly the elderly. The M&M Greenworks Tree Services vehicle picture was taken on Thursday 16 May. Anyone seeing it, or company representatives, is asked to call police at…
FORMER Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors Tim Rodgers and Graham Pittock have been taking lessons in how to repair and fit spectacles. Rather than looking for a new career, the pair are part of a team heading off for 10 days in July to improve the sight of people in Lospalos, Timor Leste. The team will be led by optometrist Colleen Hammond, of Rosebud Specsavers, who will carry out eye examinations and measure and fit spectacles. Mr Rodgers and Mr Pittock will act as Ms Hammond’s assistants. The project team will pay its own way, although an appeal has been started…
PENINSULA Health wants to hear from the public about the proposed rebuilding of Rosebud Hospital. This comes as chief executive Felicity Topp investigates the suitability of the current site “in meeting the health needs of the Mornington Peninsula community over the next 15 years”. The hospital’s new masterplan was presented to about 150 residents, business owners, GPs and community representatives at two public forums on the Rosebud foreshore last month. As part of the masterplan a feasibility study is investigating rebuilding the hospital on the existing site. “It is vital we continue to offer health services for the local community…
DROPS in property prices and the number being sold on the Mornington Peninsula are being blamed on changes to lending rules in the wake of the banking royal commission. Real estate agents see the price falls as the result of tightening of housing loan credit as banks impose greater scrutiny on loan applicants’ financial situations and spending patterns, as well as gauging their ability to repay loans based on a 7.25 per cent interest rate – not the average advertised rate of 3.8-4.5 per cent. Last week it was suggested this rate could drop to 5.5-6.5 per cent if two…
THE role and contribution of volunteers was celebrated at a morning tea held at Sorrento Community Centre, Thursday 23 May. Aimed to coincide with National Volunteering Week, the event was part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea campaign. Last week, $305 has been raised for the Cancer Council. Sorrento Community Centre says it could not function without its volunteers. “We salute these generous people and acknowledge their contribution,” chairman Shane McMahon said. “Each week they come to share their time and talents so that we can … develop a healthy, connected and vibrant local community of all ages. “Thank you all…
WOMEN taking part in the Coastrek walks on the Mornington Peninsula on Friday 24 May had a clear “vision” – to raise money to tackle blindness. Demonstrating fitness and endurance, hundreds trekked 30 or 60 kilometres to raise money for the Fred Hollows Foundation. The route from Cape Schanck to Point Nepean, or around Point Nepean, took in scenic coastlines, rugged clifftops, rough bush trails and thigh burning soft sand. Participants knew that their efforts were making a difference to those less fortunate. The Fred Hollows Foundation estimates women make up 55 per cent of the world’s blind – and…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 34-year old Crib Point man Cody Graham. Cody was last seen at his address in Milne Street about 9.30pm on Tuesday 21 May. He made phone contact with family about 9.30am on 22 May but has not been heard from since. Police and family hold concerns for Cody as his disappearance is out of character. Police have released an image of him in the hope that someone may have information on his current whereabouts. Anyone who sees Cody or who has information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Hastings…
Detectives from Mornington Crime Investigation Unit have arrested two people following an assault that occurred in Mornington earlier this month. A 20-year-old Mount Martha man was interviewed and released. He is expected to be charged on summons with a weapons offence. A 17-year-old teenage boy from Mornington was also interviewed and released. He is expected to be charged on summons with criminal damage, assault and using a false document. The men were walking through the car park on Railway Grove after leaving a nearby hotel. They became involved in an altercation with a group of men about 3am. Both were…
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…
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…