Year: 2020

OBITUARY Margaret Jacqueline Crittenden 18 October 1942 – 26 November 2020 WELL known Mornington Peninsula vigneron and restaurateur Margaret Crittenden died at George Vowell Aged Care facility on Thursday, 26 November. She was 78. Her funeral service was held at Tobin Brothers, Mt. Martha, on Friday, 4 December. Her husband, Garry, compiled the eulogy on which this obituary is based. *** Marg, as she was generally known, was an only child, born at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Hospital, East Melbourne, to Jack and Marion Down, on 18 October 1942. Jack, a trained accountant, originally from Warrnambool, met Marion in the…

PENINSULA Health is saying thank you to its more than 6500 staff across the Frankston Mornington Peninsula as 2020 draws to a close. “We know that many people in our health service and in our community were impacted by the pandemic, in a multitude of complicated and difficult ways,” says Felicity Topp, Chief Executive Peninsula Health. “Each and every staff member at Peninsula Health went above and beyond to ensure we could provide outstanding care to our community. I’d like to give my heartfelt thanks to all of our people for their wonderful contribution this year.” As part of the…

A HASTINGS man was attacked and robbed during an aggravated burglary in Hastings in September. Police issued an identikit of the offender last week. They said the man forced his way into an Elisa Place house and assaulted the victim with a metal pole, 1.30pm, Wednesday 2 September. The man demanded money and forced his victim to drive him in his own car, a 2007 Mercedes Benz sedan, to an ATM to withdraw cash. En route, the offender realised his victim’s injuries were so serious he returned him to his home before stealing his car. The 41-year-old was later taken…

“FLYING fish” sounds like a misnomer because fish aren’t supposed to fly. But some fish do, after a fashion, so the name can be applicable. This rationale also helps explain how Rosebud business Flying Fish Exhibitions – which is doing work in the field of international touring exhibitions – got its name. Founder Jay Brown said a friend came up with Flying Fish after realising the team was capable of doing things that they really shouldn’t be able to do. But, like flying fish, they can. Seven years down the track, after starting inside a basement at Mount Martha, and…

A BURST water pipe gouged a hole in the road “big enough to park a bus in” and caused flooding at McCrae, 5.30am, Monday 7 December. The water had still not been connected by 1.30pm. South East Water acting general manager customer service delivery Charlie Littlefair said the pipe on the corner of Coburn Avenue and Point Nepean Road was repaired and the water back on later that day. “Our crews finished up the rest of the works, including a temporary road reinstatement, by Wednesday morning,” he said. “Unfortunately, these works were a little more complicated than usual, with a…

THE fire danger period on the Mornington Peninsula began yesterday (Monday 14 December) and will extend until Saturday 1 May, unless extended or shortened by fire authorities in the meantime. The CFA declares the Fire Danger Period at the onset of warmer weather to help prevent fires from starting at a time when dry vegetation and hot weather increase the incidence of fires accidentally starting and spreading. Every effort is being made to prevent an occurrence of last year’s catastrophic fires which blanketed the state and led to fire victims from as far away as Mallacoota being evacuated to HMAS…

MORNINGTON Peninsula-based builder Brynor Constructions has won the 2020 HIA Eastern Victoria Home of the Year Award for the second year running. The custom-built home at Blairgowrie was praised by HIA judges as being an “architectural masterpiece”, “built to a very high standard” and “simply spectacular”. It will now become a finalist in the overall Victorian Housing and Kitchen and Bathroom Awards in the Custom Built Home $2-$3 million and Outdoor Project categories. The expansive home is said to have abundant natural light. The judges said the “layout flows beautifully, and the use of granite, charred hardwood timber cladding and…

ASPECTS of the proposed Rye Foreshore Plan are so detrimental to divers that would likely go elsewhere, a dive shop owner says. More than 1000 objectors have signed the Rye pier Access-Under-Immediate-Threat petition indicating their dislike of proposed changes by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, especially towards removing car parking near the pier. Lloyd Borrett, who owns the Scuba Doctor Dive Shop, said even enthusiastic participants would be reluctant to dive at Rye pier were the proposed changes to go ahead. “This would be a real shame given the resources Parks Victoria has invested in providing a world-class diver entry-and-exit point…

THIS summer recycle bins on the Mornington Peninsula will be collected every week from Monday 14 December until Friday 29 January. The normal 240-litre recycle bins with the blue lid will be collected weekly on the same day as the usual fortnightly recycling service, including public holidays. Items that can be recycled include clean aluminium and steel cans and foil, rigid and solid plastic items, such as kids toys, bottles (lids off), clean take-away containers and cups, pizza boxes (with only small amounts of grease), pots and pans, wrapping paper and envelopes, cardboard, newspapers and magazines, empty milk, juice and…

THE Nepean Ratepayers Association is up in arms over an application by the developers of the Hotel Continental to build a 120 seat “outdoor dining room” on the front footpath. Ratepayers’ president Colin Watson described the bid for the 225 square metre Sorrento site as a “blatant land grab which only benefits the developer.” The “outdoor room” would be an audacious addition to the Conti’s revamp alongside three new buildings, including 106 hotel rooms, restaurants, spa centre, outdoor pool, two retail spaces and underground car parking. The Hotel Continental Development Consortium wants Mornington Peninsula Shire to approve the room and…

THE 150-year-old tradition of reciting a prayer before local government meetings on the Mornington Peninsula has been scrapped after a motion by rookie councillor Anthony Marsh. His notice of motion, tabled at Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 8 December meeting and passed with a 6-5 majority, replaces the “prayer” with a “pledge” by councillors to act in the best interests of the community. Council officers advised that the existing prayer was in the governance rules of the council and that, under the Local Government Act, could not be dropped without community consultation. It could, however, be altered, and Cr Marsh’s notice of…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Veterans Cricket Club had mixed results last weekend with the Over 50 team easily winning its first ever match and the Over 60 team going down in a close finish. The Over 50s played their historic first game at the picturesque Nyora ground against South Gippsland. They batted first and made 6/245 from their 40 overs.  Henry Dolphin, Stella Jackson and Brian Parton all retired at the compulsory 40 runs. They were well supported by Simon McEvoy 22, Al Davie 15, captain Dave Martin with 29 and Dave Hunter, 14. The bowling was excellent with John Harrison and…

MORNINGTON Yacht Club last week christened a further six Opti junior sailing dinghies which are ideal for children aged 8-10 learning to sail in the club’s Try Sailing program. The free sessions will be held on four consecutive Sunday mornings. The purchase of the dinghies was made possible by donations to the Mornington Yacht Club Foundation with the boats named after significant boats in the club’s history: Morning Mist was a leading keel boat sailed by Alf Neate in 12 Sydney-to-Hobart races, three Melbourne-to-Hobarts, and nine Queenscliff-to-Devonport races. Flying Cloud was Max Rodd’s catamaran used as a stable platform to…

WORKS to provide temporary vehicle access to the property cut off during the landslip at the Esplanade, Mount Martha, in October were set to begin last week and take two days. (“Landslip closes Esplanade” The News 5/10/20). This week, residents will see further activity with the drilling of three bores near the service road above the Esplanade. The bores will obtain samples to determine the strength properties of the rock and soil and determine the depth of groundwater. These works are expected to take three days. Two further bores, lower down the hillside nearer the Esplanade, are also planned before…

BEACH box owners at Mount Martha North Beach have missed out on what was planned as a sand-filled beach Christmas present courtesy of the federal government. Plans to move 10,000 cubic metres of sand from Mount Martha Beach South were abandoned on Thursday 3 December following concerns for public safety. WorkSafe Victoria wanted the beach closed while earth moving equipment was being used to shift the sand, but the Department of Land, Water and Planning said it had no intention “to fully close Mount Martha Beach to complete works during summer nor at any other time of year”. Storms also…

LUCY (12) and Alyssa (11) have just had the haircut to beat all haircuts, lopping off around 35 centimetres to donate for the making of wigs. Going into grade six at the start of the year at St Macartan’s Parish Primary School, the students are allocated a “prep buddy”. Lucy’s “prep buddy” was Ava. In the midst of her battle with leukaemia, Lucy was inspired by Ava’s courage, bravery and zest for life. Teaming up with friend Alyssa, the two girls decided to grow their hair all year to enable them to donate the hair at the end of the…

POLICE are seeking public assistance in identifying two men after a criminal damage spree at Somerville several weeks back. The pair was reported loitering at an Eramosa Road primary school, 2.30am, Monday 26 October. Around that time, quadbikes were seen entering the school grounds and damaging the sports oval. The men are Caucasian in appearance. One was wearing a hoodie, tracksuit pants, and a baseball cap. The other had facial hair and was wearing jeans, a hoodie and jacket. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or report confidentially online quoting reference CSV4062. First published…

SOCCER MORNINGTON will celebrate the life of long-serving team manager Tony McKay on Friday when it takes on Manningham United Blues at Dallas Brooks Park. McKay was 77 when he died at the Alfred Hospital on Sunday 15 March after collapsing a week earlier prior to a practice match against Caroline Springs George Cross. Friday’s commemorative event starts at 6.30pm and the Tony McKay memorial will be unveiled at 6.45pm. The match kicks off at 7.30pm and Mornington’s facebook page last week invited the family and friends of the much-loved figure and the local football community to attend. “Tony would…

HORSE RACING MATT Laurie’s progressive mare Sayumi has broken her maiden tag in comfortable fashion with a win first-up at The Valley on Friday 4 December. The four-year-old daughter of Sebring had placed in three of her four starts before being sidelined for eight months with a slight strain to her suspensory. Returning first-up and winning with her ears pricked by half-of-a-length in town, Mornington-based trainer Matt Laurie believes the layoff has made a “world of difference” for the promising mare. “She’s really thickened up into a lovely style of mare now,” Laurie said after Sayumi’s maiden victory. “I thought…

DURING last week, a huge whale was washed ashore at Stony Point. Weighing several tons, it measured 29 feet 8 inches in length. It had “a hole” in its side, as though it had been harpooned or shelled. We believe some, sailors are converting it into marketable properties. The value of the whale would be something like £200 or £250. *** “THE Age”, in a recent issue, reported that Kwong Sue Duk, the Chinese herbalist, who “hangs out” in Russell Street, was robbed of £1,200 in notes. Sue is what might be termed “a family man”. In China marriages are…

FRANKSTON Arts Centre welcomed back its first live audience in 258 days on Saturday 28 November for a musical performance of Spirit Lines: A Musical Reconciliation. Frankston City Manager Arts and Culture Andrew Moon said it was fantastic to welcome an audience of close to 100 invited guests as Centre staff trialled new COVID-safe practices. “The guests were socially distanced throughout the 800 seat theatre. Other safety measures included all audience members wearing masks, regular cleaning of touch points and new layout of the foyer space to improve traffic flow and encourage physical distancing,” he said. Originally programmed as part…

THE tragic death of former AFL player, coach and commentator Danny Frawley brought home to many the need to educate the community on successful concussion management. The St Kilda star – who was last month honoured with the naming of a $16 million community wellbeing hub at the club’s Moorabbin headquarters – suffered from a brain condition that may have been linked to repeat concussions. He was diagnosed with CTE, a degenerative condition thought to be linked to concussions and brain trauma, which resulted in fatal consequences. It’s thought an understanding of this condition, especially among sportspeople, may help reduce…

TREATMENT for head and neck cancers affecting his face as well as his eating, drinking and speech have been life-changing for Steve Mahoney, of Mornington. Unlike other types of cancers, the visible scars and side effects of his treatment have changed the way he looks and can’t be hidden. On top of this, basic things like going on outings, attending functions, mowing the lawn, gardening, or even washing the car, take a huge toll on Mr Mahoney as the side effects include being extremely tired after even basic activities. Despite this, there are so many things that will remain the…

“WE are all connected to food that is local, healthy and abundant” is the ethos, or “Community Aspiration” of The Community Plate (TCP). This collective of Frankston and Mornington Peninsula people is working together to bring the best of the peninsula’s produce to the tables of everyone. Over an 18 month period TCP held discussions with a wide range of interested parties to develop an authentic, local vision that will guide all of its future work. Community Plate’s Rodney Mackintosh said: “We spent a lot of time ensuring that we got our Community Aspiration right. “We spoke with many, many…

THE “Spoonville travels to Bethlehem” scene in the garden of the Mornington and Mt Martha Anglican Church allows children to be part of the original story of Christmas: the journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus, in a fun, crafty way. Liz Rankin, the deacon of the Queen Street church, said the scene aimed to bring “joy and Christmas spirit to families and the town as a whole”. And she is keen on getting everyone involved. “We’d like to have people place their own crafted spoon decorated with Christmas characters in the lead up to Christmas,” she said. “During…

“HOON” riding near Rye pier cost three motorbike riders dearly, Monday afternoon 30 November. Rosebud police rounded up the trio allegedly performing “monos” on their motorcycles resulting in them all being impounded at a cost of $1200 each. The riders are expected to be charged with a range of traffic offences, including failing to maintain proper control of their vehicles. They will be summonsed to appear at, probably, Dromana Magistrates’ Court at a later date. Police thanked members of the public for reporting the hoons. They say they will “not tolerate this type of behaviour putting members of the community…

MISSING Persons Squad detectives are continuing to appeal for public assistance in relation to the disappearance of Safety Beach man Jacob Horton. Horton was last seen leaving a property in Drum Close, Frankston, on Thursday 27 June 2019. Police are treating the 28-year-old’s disappearance as suspicious. They believe Horton met with foul play and are keen to speak to anyone with information about his movements on the morning he went missing. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 8 December 2020

AN 86-year-old man was allegedly assaulted when he confronted an intruder at Mornington last week. Detective Sergeant Alan Paxton, of Somerville CIU, said the man awoke when he heard a noise inside his Mariners Retreat home, 7.30am, Wednesday 2 December. He was not badly injured in the incident but was later taken to Frankston Hospital for assessment. The intruder allegedly entered the house through an unlocked door. A 26-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested nearby soon afterwards and charged with aggravated burglary and assault. He appeared at Frankston Magistrates’ Court last Friday and was further remanded to appear…

THE 100,000 swab tests conducted by Peninsula Health for COVID-19 are being described as a “significant milestone for everyone involved”. The “milestone” patient visited the drive-through screening clinic at the Frankston Hospital campus, corner of Hastings Road and Yuille Street, last week. “Thank you to every single person who has come forward and done the right thing – getting that test at the earliest sign of any COVID-19 symptom,” the operations director of Peninsula Health’s Screening Clinics Jodi Foley said. “We’ve come a long way since March. As the coronavirus situation evolved in Victoria over these past eight months, so…

AN injured pelican rescued from Rosebud beach last month was reportedly still in a weak condition last week. (“Beach attraction” The News 25/11/20.) Staff at Aware Wildlife Rescue, Pearcedale, are still caring for the stressed bird which was handed over by Brenda Marmion, of Crystal Ocean Wildlife Shelter, Rye. They point out seals, pelicans, penguins, or any seabirds which allow people to get close to them are either injured or ill and must not be approached. Also, that it is against the law to interfere with sea birds or other marine animals in Victoria. Ms Marmion said: “The juvenile pelican…