ALL public Anzac Day events on the Mornington Peninsula, including services and marches, have been cancelled due to COVID-19. The decision was made in line with Returned Services League Victoria and the state government’s decision to cancel Anzac Day commemorative services and marches, Saturday 25 April. The RSL is asking that people stand in their yards, driveways, or on their balconies and observe a minute’s silence as the Last Post is played during the Anzac Day dawn service. The service will be streamed online at RSL Victoria’s Facebook page at 6am, and those taking part are encouraged to share a…
Year: 2020
THE federal government is giving the Western Port Biosphere $300,000 over the next three years, matching the money provided by the organisation’s five member municipalities: Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Casey, Bass and Cardinia. The Western Port Biosphere Reserve is recognised by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program and the money will support the its aim of “balancing conservation and sustainable development within the region”. The biosphere’s new chair, Jo McCoy, said the federal government money “shows a real partnership between these levels of government”. “Few Australians can say that they live in a UNESCO biosphere reserve, but we can. The peninsula…
ALTHOUGH wildlife parks are closed, children should not forget they are surrounded by wildlife. A competition being run by Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Pearcedale asks school-aged students to look around their backyard, home or balcony to discover and photograph wildlife. For a chance to win one of four $100 Moonlit Sanctuary gift vouchers children should go to the website and upload their best photos along with one fact about the creature in their picture. The competition runs until 5pm, Friday 24 April. Winners will be announced Monday 27 April. Details: moonlitsanctuary.com.au/backyard-wildlife-photo-competition First published in the Southern Peninsula News -…
JOHN Zacek admits that he has been a bit short tempered when dealing with staff at the office of Flinders MP Greg Hunt. But he attributes his anger to the “purely political” responses he received from Mr Hunt’s office when expressing frustration at the lack of a testing site for COVID-19 on the Mornington Peninsula. The closest “respiratory clinic” is at Frankston Hospital, a distance Mr Zacek sees as being too far away for the peninsula’s population of more than 167,000, especially the nearly 40,000 aged over 65. When asked by The News for comment on Mr Zacek’s concerns, Mr…
A DROMANA woman who has been volunteering as a family violence victim advocate for the past three years fears enforced isolation because of the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to an increase in abuse. Geraldine Bilston said isolated living, less contact with people outside their homes, financial pressures and unforeseen stresses could mean “we are now bracing for an increase in domestic violence on the Mornington Peninsula”. As a survivor of domestic violence who fled with her daughter from a “man we should have been able to trust and feel safe with”, Ms Bilston said she experienced many forms of family…
THE day the music died for Erin Moore was also the day that she realised the precarious situation her family was facing. Ms Moore and her partner Nick Martin run the Soundbar in Rosebud which, like other venues, has had to close its doors in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. The couple live in a residence attached to the venue. Ms Moore is waiting in “the virtual JobSeeker line” for Centrelink payments while Mr Martin, is ineligible for government help because he is a Canadian citizen on a 482 visa. The couple has been “saving every dollar…
SOCCER MICHAEL Woodward is one of the “invisible men” of local soccer. There are committee members at some clubs who have never heard of him but that’s more a reflection of how football is structured in Victoria than of the man himself. In a wide-ranging interview Football Victoria’s southern zone representative has chosen to share his personal views on the sports’ governance, clubs’ focus on their senior teams, the high cost of player fees especially at NPL junior level and what the prospects are for restarting the 2020 season. Woodward, 59, has a son and daughter that both played soccer…
A LETTER from the Frankston Gas Company relating to the electric light supply, but making no reference to the council’s decision to have the company’s charter cancelled, caused Cr Mason to ask at the meeting last week what action had been taken by the shire solicitor to give effect to the council’s resolution. The secretary said that Mr Cook had explained to him that he had been too busy to attend to the matter. Cr Mason – He has not replied to the council’s letter of six weeks ago. I move that Mr Cook be directed to carry out the…
Police have arrested four people following an aggravated burglary in Mornington yesterday morning (10 April). It is alleged three males, one armed with a firearm, forced their way into a Moorehead Avenue home about 3.10am. The residents woke and were confronted by the burglars who quickly ransacked the house before fleeing in a vehicle. The car was located in Merricks North after it crashed into the front yard of a home. An 18-year-old Rosebud man has been charged aggravated burglary and remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 April. A 17-year-old Rosebud teenager has been charged with aggravated…
Coronavirus cases in Victoria have today risen to 1241 – an increase of 13 from yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula’s cases increased by one to 55 after three days at 54. The peninsula’s COVID-19 cases have risen by just just four in the last week, but all eyes have now shifted to the possible influx of tourists over the Easter break that may see all the good work undone. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton today repeated his strong message that Victorians must continue to be vigilant in practicing physical distancing and staying at home for all but essential outings.…
Police investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a newborn baby girl now believe the baby was likely left on Seaford Beach sometime between 7am and 5pm on Monday 6 April. Investigators are continuing to search for the mother of the infant and hold serious concerns for her health and welfare. They are appealing for the woman to contact police as soon as possible and want to reiterate that her wellbeing is the primary focus of the investigation. The remains of the infant baby-girl was located by a passer-by on the beach adjacent to Nepean Highway about 4.30pm on…
Police are preparing to turn around holidaymakers over the Easter holidays. Mornington Peninsula’s cases rising much slower than state and national averages. No new cases on the peninsula for three days. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1228 – an increase of 16 from yesterday. There were no new deaths overnight. The number of people who have died in Victoria from coronavirus is 12. The total number of cases includes 642 men and 585 women. Cases range in age from babies to their early nineties. There are 110…
HOLIDAYMAKERS visiting the Mornington Peninsula over Easter and planning to stay at holiday rentals, such as Airbnb properties, run the risk of being turned around and sent home. Somerville CIU Senior Sergeant Steve Wood, of the Frontline Tasking Unit, said police were already patrolling major thoroughfares, such as Peninsula Link and the Nepean Highway, looking for “obvious” visitors and pulling them over. “The rules are that people must stay at home and not undertake non-essential travel – and travel to holiday rental properties is non-essential,” he said. “This applies to rentals regardless of when they were booked.” Senior Sergeant Wood…
It was 15 days ago that the Mornington Peninsula was shocked out of complacency with the first release of COVID-19 case data split into Local Government Areas. The Mornington Peninsula’s tally of 36 cases on 26 March placed them as the second highest LGA in the state. But the 15 days since have seen the peninsula aggressively “flattening the curve”, and trending much lower than either the state of federal figures. Today’s peninsula figure of 54, unchanged for three days, equates to a 50% increase in the last 15 days. Victoria’s figures, in the same 15 days, have risen 136%,…
Coronavirus cases in Victoria have today risen to 1228 – an increase of 16 from yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula’s figures stayed steady at 54 for the third day in a row. Nearby, the City of Frankston have 36 confirmed cases, the same as yesterday. The City of Casey have 47 confirmed cases, two up from yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula has maintained its position as the sixth highest number of infections of all the Local Government Areas, falling from second highest just nine days ago. The ten worst affected Local Government Areas in Victoria are: City of Stonnington with 87 confirmed…
Police are continuing to search for the mother of an infant who was located deceased in Seaford yesterday. The remains of the infant, believed to be a newborn, was located by a passer-by on the beach adjacent to Nepean Highway about 4.30pm on 8 April. The body has since been confirmed to be that of a newborn girl. The umbilical cord and placenta were both present with the body. Tests are still being conducted to try and better ascertain a timeframe in which the infant may have died, although preliminary estimates are that the child likely passed away in the…
A Tasmanian yachtsman was rescued by the police Air Wing after he crashed into rocks in waters off Portsea last night. The 67-year-old set off from Williamstown yesterday on the return voyage to his home state when he decided to turn back when some issues arose with his vessel. While attempting to enter Port Phillip Bay, he ran aground at Corsair Rock about 7.30pm. He put out a mayday call over the radio and Water Police lead a coordinated response along with volunteer agencies Coast Guard and Southern Peninsula Rescue. Due to the dangerous weather conditions and shallow water, he…
Mornington Railway mourns member lost to COVID-19. Peninsula cases stay at 54. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1212 – an increase of 21 from yesterday. Yesterday a woman in her 80s died in hospital, taking the number of people who have died in Victoria from coronavirus to 12. The total number of cases includes 635 men and 577 women. Cases range in age from babies to their early nineties. There are 101 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. Currently…
Coronavirus cases in Victoria have today risen to 1212 – an increase of 21 from yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula’s figures stayed steady at 54. Nearby, the City of Frankston have 36 confirmed cases, one up since yesterday. The City of Casey have 45 confirmed cases, with no new cases since yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula has dropped its position to the sixth highest number of infections of all the Local Government Areas, falling from second highest just eight days ago. The ten worst affected Local Government Areas in Victoria are: City of Stonnington with 87 confirmed cases. City of Banyule with…
The tight-knit group of volunteers from the Mornington Railway Preservation Society are mourning the loss of one of their members, Elaine Cairns, who died at Dandenong Hospital on Friday. The 78 year old, who lived in Frankston South, is the first known local to have died of COVID-19. Ms Cairns is survived by her sister Diane. The statement on the Mornington Railway’s website and social media on Friday read: “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that the Mornington Railway informs its followers of the loss of a valued member of our railway family. “Elaine Cairns, a friend…
Mornington Peninsula Shire’s CEO given emergency powers. Peninsula Health announce new visitor guidelines. One new peninsula case today. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1191 – an increase of 33 from yesterday. Yesterday a woman in her 80s died in hospital, taking the number of people who have died in Victoria from coronavirus to 11. The total number of cases includes 623 men and 568 women. Cases range in age from babies to their early nineties. There are 93 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that may have…
Peninsula Health have announced new visitor guidelines as detailed below: Peninsula Health has strategies in place to contain the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and keep you and your loved ones safe. We ask all visitors to please take note of our new Visitor Guidelines, across all Peninsula Health sites, updated Tuesday 31 March. No visitors are permitted entry to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Ward 5GN and the Acute Medical Surgical Unit (AMSU) at Frankston Hospital. One (1) visitor per patient per day Visiting hours are 4PM to 8PM (except Maternity and Paediatrics) No visitors under 16 years of age…
Coronavirus cases in Victoria have today risen to 1191 – an increase of 33 from yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula’s figures have risen by one to 54. Nearby, the City of Frankston have 35 confirmed cases, unchanged since yesterday. The City of Casey have 45 confirmed cases, a jump of five since yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula has maintained its position as the fifth highest number of infections of all the Local Government Areas, falling from second highest just seven days ago. The ten worst affected Local Government Areas in Victoria are: City of Stonnington with 87 confirmed cases. City of Banyule…
POLICE hold grave concerns for two fishermen who went missing on Western Port Bay, Sunday 5 April. The men, aged 20 and 33, set out in their tinnie from Flinders boat ramp about 6am and have not been seen since. A friend raised the alarm later that night. Conditions were said to be rough and police were said to be concerned about the lack of safety equipment on board. The men’s boat was found washed up at Pyramid Rock, on the ocean side of Phillip Island, about 11am yesterday (Monday). Local police, water police, Air Wing and SES crews, joined…
HORSE RACING THEMOONLITEGAMBLER is right on track for the South Australian Derby in May for Mornington-based racehorse trainer John McArdle. Despite covering plenty of extra ground in the Listed Dominant Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) on Saturday 4 April, the three-year-old son of Good Journey (USA) continued to hit the line hard for third place behind last year’s Caulfield Guineas favourite, Dalasan. While Dalasan looked to get the dream run through the field, Themoonlitegambler was caught three-wide with cover for the entire race before turning into the straight five to six-wide. The Mick Huxtable-trained, Perfect Route, held onto second placing but…
In the last week and a half, a small factory in Somerville has made 10,000 plastic face shields to protect workers during the COVID-19 crisis. A radiology clinic in Frankston closes after virus outbreak. No new cases recorded on the peninsula today. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1158 – an increase of 23 from yesterday. Yesterday a man in his 50s died in hospital and a woman in her 80s died at home, taking the number of people who have died in Victoria from coronavirus to 10.…
IN the past week and a half, a small factory in Somerville has made 10,000 plastic face shields to protect workers during the COVID-19 crisis. Martyn Gittens said that his company, BerleyPro, which normally makes equipment for kayak fishing and visors for fish finders, could easily switch to making the medical shields. “It was really fun to ramp up and now we’re almost out of control,” he said on Monday. “I knew we had to run with it as so many people needed them.” Buying and sourcing materials was easy at first but had become problematic since the federal government…
THE I-MED radiology clinic in Frankston has closed after staff members tested positive to COVID-19. A joint statement issued last week by I-MED Radiology CEO Dr Shrey Viranna and Chief Medical Officer Dr Ron Shnier read that “a number of our employees at Frankston Radiology have tested positive for COVID-19.” “We have worked with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure any patients who had experienced close contact with the employees were notified. In addition all employees who had experienced close contact have self isolated for 14 days and have been tested before recommencing work,” the statement read.…
Coronavirus cases in Victoria are at 1158 today – an increase of 23 from yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula’s figures are unchanged from yesterday’s number of 53. Nearby, the City of Frankston have 35 confirmed cases, an increase of one since yesterday. The City of Casey have 40 confirmed cases, with three new cases since yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula has maintained its position as the fifth highest number of infections of all the Local Government Areas, falling from second highest just six days ago. The ten worst affected Local Government Areas in Victoria are: City of Stonnington with 86 confirmed cases.…
INTERACTION between crews aboard overseas ships using the Port of Hastings and onshore workers are being kept to a minimum, but there is no physical barrier to crews coming ashore. The Victorian Regional Channels Authority says it has been assessing the potential impacts of COVID-19 since travel restrictions were placed on the movement of people from mainland-China in early February 2020. Hastings and other Australian are subjected to COVID-19 Australian Border Force protocols, but do not have ABF officers on duty at all times. Key trades at the Port of Hastings include the import and export of oil, liquid petroleum…