A P-PLATE driver from Skye who rolled his 2000 Toyota ute, above, at Somerville Secondary College oval, 11pm, Saturday 13 April, told police his friends had “egged him on” to drive faster. After asking police to call his mother, the driver admitted to doing doughnuts and skids alongside his two friends before losing control of his vehicle. He was one of two hoon drivers caught by Hastings police with help from Hastings and Somerville eyewitnesses. In a similar incident, a P-plater from Bittern rolled his 1995 Nissan Patrol, above, in the Hastings marina car park about 11pm, Tuesday 26 March,…
Year: 2019
WORK has stopped on the controversial $80 million redevelopment of the Continental Hotel at Sorrento while the developers chase finance. Joint-venture partner Julian Gerner said last week a “gap between funding arrangements” had forced the shutdown at the historic watering hole before Easter. He said the amount being sought was around $40 million. Mr Gerner said he was being “fiscally responsible” in waiting until the money had been secured before continuing work, but gave reassurances that “all is going well”. He and property group Steller are redeveloping the 1875 four-storey limestone building into bar, function, fine dining and residential areas…
THE plight of a homeless woman living alone in a Mornington Peninsula foreshore toilet block has evoked sympathy from nearby residents as well as a little hostility. The middle-aged woman, of Asian appearance, has been at the block since Christmas after moving from the Rye foreshore. (The News is not disclosing the site to help ensure the woman’s safety). The woman has gathered possessions, including a sleeping bag, case and umbrella, and told a source her phone had been stolen. She reportedly becomes abusive if toilet users look at her or query her presence. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s family services…
IT is fair to say that to some extent the finished works by artist Charles Wilcox are predetermined by events that happened many years before and well beyond his knowledge or control. A painter and sculptor, Wilcox is an avid collector of driftwood and a fan of old advertisements, in newspapers and on billboards. He attributes some of his “sculptural creativity” to his engineering studies. His approach to painting to his art studies throughout his schooling and, later, graphic design. The Mt Martha-based artist is in Florence, Italy, this week where he is one of five international artists invited to…
Barry Morris THE Hastings-based Dolphin Research Institute is hoping to widen its support base to help safeguard the lives of the entertaining aquatic mammals. Its adopt-a-dolphin program aims to have 100,000 people involved in ‘i sea i care communities’ by 2020 through citizen science, dolphin ecology and health and education. DRI director Jeff Weir last week told a meeting organised by BERG MM at Mt Martha House that the communities were launched in June last year with the Western Port community of Tooradin followed by Mornington on Port Phillip. Programs are run in schools, businesses and there are community events…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has run into the equivalent of a brick wall in its efforts to improve bus services on the peninsula. Despite seven months of lobbying the state government and working closely with bus company Venturer, there have been no improvements. “Our advocacy efforts and those of the community have not resulted in any significant upgrades to bus services on the peninsula,” the mayor Cr David Gill said. He said 82 per cent of the peninsula had no public transport. “For $20 million a year we could fix the bus services on the peninsula. It’s a public service that’s…
A COMMUNITY group and several political pressure groups are out to grab the spotlight to influence voting in the Flinders electorate before the Saturday 18 May federal election. While lines outside pre-polling booths throughout Flinders show many have already decided where their votes will go, influencers such as the left-leaning GetUp and Save Westernport are making sure that climate change and the environment remain uppermost in voters’ minds. The right-wing lobby group Advance Australia said in early April that it would warn voters in Flinders about the “dangers of voting for independents backed by left-wing activist groups” (“Hunt gets support…
A RED Hill restaurateur is reconciled to spending as much as $200,000 fighting a Mornington Peninsula Shire Council knock-back of an application for a permit to alter a septic tank system. Red Gum BBQ proprietor Melissa Goffin calls the shire “short-sighted” and “infuriating” for refusing her permission to dispose of what the shire estimates will be more than 5000 litres of wastewater a day from the Arthurs Seat Road venue after patronage is increased to 140 seats. Ms Goffin said the greywater would be suitable for a neighbouring orchard, on Nash’s Lane, which she said was in desperate need of…
RYE’S Amy Foster is one of many new mums celebrating their first Mother’s Day on Sunday 12 May. It’s even more special now that her new-born baby Sonny is home after spending a month in the special care nursery at Frankston Hospital. “Sonny was teeny tiny – only 1762 grams (three pounds eight ounces) when he was born,” Amy said. “He was born at 34 weeks but he was only 31 weeks in size – so he has had a bit of catching up to do.” The first few weeks of Sonny’s life were challenging for the family as Amy…
Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Hastings last night (5 May). Emergency services were called to an address on Salmon Street about 7.45pm after reports a man had been stabbed with an unknown object. The man, who is yet to be formally identified, was taken to hospital but died en route. A second man was arrested at the scene and is currently assisting police with their enquiries. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Marine Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following the death of a diver in the bay earlier this afternoon. The incident happened when a diver, a man aged in his 20s, was struck by a speed boat in the bay between Frankston and Mornington just before 1pm. The injured diver and his dive partner were picked up out of the water by a passing boat and were conveyed to the Frankston pier. Paramedics performed CPR on the man but unfortunately he died on the pier. The second diver, also aged in his mid-20s, did not require medical assistance. Investigators are appealing…
A wedding guest in Mornington is far from being best man after allegedly getting behind the wheel while drunk and damaging the venue. Police were called to a golf club on Tallis Drive about 10pm last night (4 May) after reports a man had been evicted from the venue and was driving erratically through the car park. The vehicle was then driven onto the golf green, damaging the grounds. Police arrested the driver, who was taken back to the station for an evidentiary breath test. The 33-year-old Langwarrin man returned an alleged reading of .177 per cent and had his…
Police are currently speaking to a man in relation to an assault in Mornington this morning. A 28-year-old Lyndhurst man presented himself to a police station this afternoon. Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have been told two men were walking through a car park on Railway Grove, after leaving a near-by licensed premises, when they became involved in an altercation with a group of men about 3am. Both victims were punched and knocked to the ground, before by-standers intervened, causing the offenders to flee in an unknown vehicle. The victims, a 20-year-old Mount Martha man and a 17-year-old man from…
THE first big load of beautifully knitted scarves, beanies, mittens and jumpers for older children has been delivered to Food for All for the Winter Woollies Appeal. Knitted garments and wool for those who can’t afford to buy them can be left at the Hastings branch of the Bendigo Bank for collection. Among the last load was a huge bag of knitted elephants loved by children who are not well, and also older people with dementia. Southern Peninsula Food for All collects donations which are then distributed by the Mornington Peninsula conferences of St Vincent de Paul to needy families.…
ANZAC Day in Mornington can be solemn for those that served and those who remember, but it can also be a time of wonderment for the young. For the very young, memories will most probably revolve around holding a parent’s hand and being swept along in a crowd. The pomp and ceremony will no doubt impress, as will the speeches and laying of wreaths. The real meaning and lessons of Anzac will come later, lest they forget. Pictures: by Yanni History lesson at dawn ANZAC Days have become a family event, with the younger members finding out about their country’s…
DIVISION ONE PINES have kept their unbeaten 2019 record intact with a big win over Bonbeach away from home. Playing against a very capable Bonbeach outfit, Pines faced some difficulties and were only three points up heading into the final term. Although the game threatened to go down to the wire, Pines put together an impressive final term to claim a comfortable win. Brendan Barfoot booted three goals for the Pythons, as his side secured victory 8.10 (58) to 13.7 (85). Trent Dennis-Lane worked hard for Bonbeach and booted three goals of his own, At David Macfarlane Reserve, Sorrento were…
DIVISION TWO THERE is plenty to smile about at Red Hill at the moment, as the Hillmen secured their second consecutive victory by over 100 points on Saturday. After pumping Crib Point last week, Red Hill looked as if they woudl face a bigger challenge this week against Hastings. The Blues had locked in star forward Brendan Fevola to make an appearance on the road to bolster their chances of a win. Despite their forward firepower, Hastings were completely overwhelmed from the get go. Red Hill went into quarter time with a 44 point lead, holding the Blues goalless. Red…
SOCCER MELISSA Maizels made her debut for local NPLW outfit Southern United on Saturday. The top-flight goalkeeper is the biggest signing in the club’s short history having played for Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory before recently completing her second stint with Canberra United in the 2018/19 W-League. She turns 26 next month and offers both expertise and experience to one of the youngest playing groups in the elite competition. At Canberra she played alongside Scotland captain Rachel Corsie and Matilda Ellie Carpenter. Maizels was signed from local rival Bayside United late last week and given the exodus of players from…
FRANKSTON sprinter Alexia Loizou has claimed victory at this year’s Stawell Gift, taking out the top prize in the women’s division. Ms Loizou said it was “a dream come true” to win the race. She defeated close friend Fia Fighera to win. “I am overwhelmed to win the Stawell Gift, it’s incredible, a dream come true,” she said. “Fia is so strong, I knew she would be right on my tail so I had to go as hard as I could.” Twenty-one-year-old Loizou blitzed the 120 metre sprint, which took place on Monday 22 April at Central Park. She came…
THE newly formed Amy and Ash Yargi training partnership recorded their first victory, and winning double at their home track of Mornington on Easter Sunday, 21 April. The husband and wife operation combined at the start of April and after a string of unlucky runs, it was their seventh runner that they saddled up, Danger In Devon, who broke through for their first memorable victory as a team. Channing, a five-year-old gelding by Magic Albert, was quick to back up the victory in the following race and landed the partnership with their first winning double on the same day. It…
BLAZE Of Glory is an incredibly authentic Bon Jovi tribute & experience, paying their respects to the greatest rock band ever – Bon Jovi! With their catchy hooks, good looks and irresistible pop-metal sound, it’s no wonder Bon Jovi became one of the best selling bands of all time with over 130 million albums sold world wide. Releasing hit after hit for over 25 years the band are still going strong but alas, very rarely include Australia in their world tours. Blaze of Glory is a high energy, charismatic and uncannily realistic tribute to Bon Jovi, recreating all the hits…
THE local bakers announce in another column on and after the 5th inst., the price of bread will be increased. It is stated that the increase is general throughout the Peninsula owing to the high cost of commodities. *** WE have, owing to pressure on space, been compelled to hold over report of Frankston State school Anzac Day celebrations, and Seaford items, together with a lot of general news. *** RED Cross meeting at Mrs Deane’s residence next Monday night. See advertisement. *** ON Sunday (tomorrow) the Wattle Club will entertain at dinner and tea a party of about 100…
ROSEBUD resident Dirk Jansen is organising events to highlight the plight of koalas on the Mornington Peninsula, including a koala day next month. “Many people are surprised to find out there are still koalas living on the peninsula,” he said. “There is something special about observing wild koalas in their natural habitat and residents and visitors are always delighted when a koala visits their backyard or is spotted on one of the many bush walks.” Mr Jansen said the peninsula’s small population of koalas has been declining rapidly. “Like everywhere else on the east coast of Australia, koalas face many…
WHILE apartments, top left, and a new boat storage shed, bottom right, are nearing completion at Martha Cove, Safety Beach, the marina estate’s body corporate is arranging maintenance works and new camera equipment for the Marina Drive underpass. MAINTENANCE works are scheduled later this year for the underpass that takes traffic below the entrance to the Martha Cove marina at safety Beach. Once a relatively small opening to Tassells Creek, the much deeper channel now leads to the berths and launching ramp within the marina, which is flanked by houses. CCTV cameras monitor traffic in the underpass and pedestrians using…
A MOOROODUC family business has been given access to vital water supplies to tide it over until the drought breaks. The Stumpy Gully Road apple orchard run by the Paganoni family since the 1960s, was on the verge of going under when its irrigation-fed dam dried up and recycled water proved uneconomic to buy (“Shire calls for drought aid” The News 18/3/19). The plight of Atlanta Fruit Sales prompted Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to call on state water minister Lisa Neville to declare the region “drought affected” in a strategic move aimed at giving hard-hit farms, businesses and recreational and…
RED Hill-based artist Michael Leeworthy regularly abandons his pallette and easel in favour of donning a pair of shorts and hiking boots. Instead of heading off to paint plein air, he’s seeking fresh air and the type of inspiration that only walking through the bush can provide. It’s now 40 years since he joined the Peninsula Bushwalking Club, inspired by his parents-in-law who had just walked to the Mt Everest base camp. “I did not know anyone who did stuff like that. It literally changed my life, as the only walking I had done before that was walking to the…
FRANKSTON and Mornington Peninsula police conducted 8243 preliminary breath tests and 168 preliminary drug tests and detected 16 drink drivers and nine drug drivers, as well as 246 other offences during Operation Nexus over Easter. A 19-year-old youth died after falling off the back of a ute in Heatherhill Road, Frankston, 2.40am Good Friday morning. His was the only life lost on Mornington Peninsula roads during the Easter period, although four others were killed earlier in April. Divisional Superintendent Adrian White said: “April has been a tragic month for the area so far, with four people losing their lives on…
Signs of discontent: Flinders MP, Greg Hunt, above, at the corner of Loders and Godings roads, Moorooduc, is seeking re-election while the left-wing lobby group GetUp has him in its sights, centre, and independent Julia Banks can see herself up a tree in Purves Road, Arthurs Seat. LOOK at me, look at me. Vote for me. Posters with pictures of would be members of parliament (or those already elected and wanting to keep their jobs) are popping up all over the place. They’re on fences, trees, shop windows, front yards and on trailers pulled through busy shopping centres. There’s nothing…
PORTSEA Surf Life Saving Club president Stuart Rayner said members had been “blown away” by the new multi-million dollar clubhouse. “It’s been a long seven-year journey, but the wait has absolutely been worth it,” he said. “We look forward to sharing this fabulous new facility with the broader Mornington Peninsula community once it’s fully operational next season.” Premier Daniel Andrews was a guest of Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr David Gill and Crs Hugh Fraser and Bryan Payne at a function to open the $7.65 million clubhouse, Saturday 20 April. The ageing and weather-worn clubhouse has been rebuilt and an…
A “TSUNAMI” of unfulfilled needs is about to swamp the Mornington Peninsula unless governments immediately act to provide more and better care for the disabled “children” of aged parents. That’s the warning from long-time GP Graham Cato who daily sees the heartbreak imposed on loving – but now-elderly – parents forced to house and provide for their disabled children all their lives but who now are becoming physically and emotionally beyond it. Dr Cato said cynical governments had not bothered providing viable alternative accommodation because these loving and compliant parents were providing it “for free” to support their offspring. The…