A RECORD crowd of 9500 plane enthusiasts helped make this year’s Tyabb Air Show the best ever, Peninsula Aero Club president Jack Vevers said. The 21st show, which saw 65 aircraft take to the skies Sunday 8 March, was the culmination of an “almighty effort” by club committee members to overcome last year’s uncertainty and doubt during the spat with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council that the event would get off the ground. “This show was put together in only seven months as opposed to the usual 14 months,” Mr Vevers said. “It was a great success and we’ve had lots…
Year: 2020
OLD habits die hard, but kissing babies and shaking hands may become a lost art for politicians. The advent of COVID-19 is seeing a rewriting of the rules when it comes to greetings. Bodily contact is out, and keeping “social distance” is in. News that Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton tested positive for novel corona-virus three days after attending a Cabinet meeting in Sydney on Tuesday 10 March, turned apprehensive eyes towards his ministerial colleagues. Had they been infected? The Prime Minister Scott Morrison was quick to say he wouldn’t be tested and had every intention of going to Saturday’s…
The Mornington Peninsula Shire has announced the temporary closure of shire facilities “until further notice” due to COVID-19. In a statement from the shire released Monday 16 March, they announced: “Following today’s declaration by the Victorian government of a State of Emergency in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the Mornington Peninsula Shire has made the following decisions to ensure the safety of our community.” “To protect our community, particularly those who are more vulnerable, and do our part to flatten the curve of this pandemic, we are postponing, cancelling or modifying delivery of non-essential services, programs, events and activities.” The…
Mornington Peninsula libraries, gallery, leisure centres and tourist information to close. Mornington Cup to go ahead without members of the public. Local footy faces a ‘delayed start’. A polio survivor talks about surviving, and suffering, through an epidemic. Key facts from today’s announcement by Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton Fourteen new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were confirmed yesterday – bringing the total number of cases in Victoria to 71. The new cases include nine men and five women, with ages ranging from their teens to 60s. Seven of the new confirmed cases were acquired overseas or through close…
THE Mornington Peninsula Nepean, South East Women’s, Frankston and District Junior, and Mornington Peninsula Junior football leagues face delayed starts to their seasons due to COVID-19 concerns. AFL South East, which oversees the leagues, issued a statement on 16 March outlining the measures they are taking to prevent the spread of the virus. “AFLSE will take advice from the AFL and AFL Victoria in relation to preparations for the start of the season. Key operational staff are currently working on different scenarios on how the season may look in the case of an expected delayed commencement to the 2020 season,”…
The Mornington Cup will continue on Saturday, but without patrons in attendance. The decision is in line with the Victorian State of Emergency declaration calling for the cancelling of mass gatherings above 500 people. “At this point in time all racing at Melbourne Racing Club venues will continue to proceed without spectators, owners and people deemed to be non-essential to the operation of a race day for the foreseeable future. This includes Mornington Cup this weekend,” said the chairman of Melbourne Racing Club, Peter Le Grand. “Members who have pre-purchased tickets or hospitality packages for events cancelled or closed to…
A MOTORBIKE rider allegedly caught travelling at 142kph in a 60kph zone in Carrum Downs was later found to be disqualified from riding and then tested positive to drugs. To cap it off the bike was unregistered and had a false plate attached when pulled over in Colemans Road, Sunday 8 March. His bike was impounded and the rider will be summonsed to appear at court at a later date. Somerville Highway Patrol crews then detected a “very expensive red sports car” on Nepean Highway, Mt Martha, allegedly driving at 173kph in an 80kph zone. The car was impounded and…
OPPONENTS of Hillview Quarries’ plan to open a new quarry on the Arthurs Seat escarpment at Dromana want the state government to buy the land and make it part of the state park. Hillview, owned by R E Ross Trust, wants to clear up to 38 hectares (93 acres) of untouched bushland in a block that borders two sides of the old Pioneer quarry. The block of 69 hectares (170 acres) at 115 Boundary Rd, Dromana, is between two sections of Arthurs Seat State Park. The Pioneer quarry at 121 Boundary Rd was closed in 1998 after it had been…
WITH daily media reports of the increasing number of people around the world diagnosed with COVID19, irrational hoarding and profiteering, I am cast back to my childhood and epidemics of a virus that closed schools, swimming pools and cinemas around the world. In 1946, my family was quarantined after I was diagnosed with infantile paralysis, or poliomyelitis. My parents never spoke about how they were treated in that small Gippsland market town (you don’t talk about the war) and I don’t remember, but many suffered greatly. Neighbours crossed the road to avoid the infected; people became prisoners in their own…
FEARS of the spread of COVID-19 saw the cancellation of last Saturday’s (14 March) beach day being held at Point Leo by the Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula branch. Branch president John Bowers said proceeding with the event which was expected to draw several hundred disabled surfers and hundreds of volunteers “may have compromised too many people”. “It was a really hard decision to make,” Mr Bowers said. “There are a lot of people who like to attend, and we enjoy doing it, but it was in the best interest of all to cancel it in case anyone was immunocompromised.…
A TOOTGAROOK man turning left out of Boneo Road, Rosebud onto the freeway extension last week drove his Ford up onto the wire rope barrier in the middle of the road. The 65-year-old told police the sun was in his eyes, 9.55pm, Tuesday 10 March. A preliminary breath test at the scene indicated alcohol on his breath. He was taken to Frankston Hospital with minor injuries. A blood test was expected to be taken for analysis. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 17 March 2020
A MAN was left on the side of the road with serious neck, head and spinal injuries after being run down by a car in Palmerston Avenue, Dromana, 8.50pm, Saturday 7 March. The car did not stop after the collision. The 18-year-old was airlifted to The Alfred hospital where he was in a serious condition late last week. Somerville Highway Patrol is urging anyone who may have any information to call 5978 1300 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 17 March 2020
A ROSEBUD man was charged with 15 counts of burglary, theft and obtaining property by deception after being arrested Thursday 12 March. The 25-year-old appeared at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he was remanded to appear at a later date. The charges relate to the alleged theft of a backpack at Rye Yacht Club, overnight 4 May. It contained a laptop computer and credit cards. Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Reidy, of Somerville CIU, said the laptop was later recovered on the foreshore and returned to its owner. The cards had been used in multiple deceptions at southern peninsula…
MORNINGTON Peninsula mayor Cr Sam Hearn launched the White Bike Foundation Ride for Joel 2020 last week, cycling from Mount Martha House to Mount Martha Primary School with students and police on Bicycle Network National Ride2School Day. Chris Savage, co-founder of road safety charity, The White Bike Foundation, led the way with Mornington Police Senior Sergeants Paul Edwards and Kirby Tonkin ensuring the safety of the group, Friday 13 March. Mr Savage is set to carry The White Bike Foundation’s #think2 message on a 1700km cycle from Dromana to Wentworth NSW over the next 10 days, visiting six schools in…
A RESHUFFLE of the state opposition has seen Mornington MP David Morris lose the high-profile position of spokesperson for environment and climate change. Mr Morris is now the opposition’s spokesperson for finance, ageing, bay protection and fishing and boating. In the reshuffle announced by opposition leader Michael O’Brien, first-term MP for Evelyn, Bridget Vallence, was promoted to be spokesperson for environment, climate change and youth affairs. The reshuffle follows the departure from Parliament of Upper House MP Mary Wooldridge, the opposition’s health spokesperson. Mr Morris, a former Shire of Mornington councillor and shire president, was elected as the Liberal MP…
A GROUP of walkers who finished up with a barbecue at Safety Beach on the Labour Day weekend were aiming to raise awareness of a rare autoimmune liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The trek took them from Rosebud to Portsea on Saturday 7 March before driving back to Rosebud for the night. On the Sunday they walked from Rosebud to Safety Beach with a detour up to The Eagle chairlift. The barbecue was held at the Safety Beach home of Travis Pearce, 34, to thank the many PSC Support Australia committee members who attended. Mr Pearce said…
TI-TREE Lodge resident Dorothy Stahel celebrated her centenary with friends and staff members, Tuesday 10 March. But that wasn’t the end of it: On Saturday 14 March she did it all again at a large family gathering at Shoreham. Ms Stahel and husband Jeff moved to Flinders in 1968 and built a home described by locals as a five-iron from the Flinders hotel. “As members of the Flinders Golf Club from 1963-2005 they made many friends when Flinders was still a small community and everyone knew each other,” daughter-in-law Lyn Stahel said. “Dot was women’s president 1976-79 and also Ladies…
SUPPORTERS of the historic Continental Hotel fear it will sink into its massive foundations before a new buyer can be found. The Sorrento hotel back on the market without the spruiking of Continental Development director Julian Gerner and is described as in a “clean” financial state with all previous contractual encumbrances removed. This clears the way for a legitimate buyer with deep pockets and the wherewithal to bring the 1875 limestone icon back to its former glory – something Mr Gerner has been unable to do. Colliers Real Estate is seeking expressions of interest after five years of on-again, off-again…
PENINSULA RED Hill hosted Pines on Saturday as semi final matches got underway in the MPCA. The Hillmen won the toss and chose to bat first. They got off to a horrible start, losing their opening three batsmen for a combined total of just fourteen runs. Star player Simon Dart came in at number four and put together another good innings. He hit 56 runs from 179 deliveries to help get his side back on track after their shaky opening. Brent Martin also played well for Red Hill during their first innings, putting 46 runs on the board. The knock…
SOCCER MORNINGTON team manager Tony McKay died early on Sunday morning at the Alfred Hospital. He had collapsed a week earlier prior to a practice match at Dallas Brooks Park against Caroline Springs George Cross which was abandoned. Originally from Manchester in England the 77-year-old has been a much-loved figure at Mornington for decades. Other local clubs have used social media to show their support for Mornington and the McKay family during this difficult time. Mornington’s facebook page summed up the depth of feeling for McKay with these words: “Tony was a pillar of our club and touched the lives…
HORSE RACING TWO up-and-coming stayers are set to clash once again in the $350,000 Mornington Cup on Saturday 21 March. Mornington-trained galloper Just Benjamin from the Anthony Freedman stable will be looking to turn the tables on Michael Moroney’s English import, Aktau, after tasting defeat last start at Caulfield. The pair faced off in the $135,000 Keno Classic Handicap (2000m) on Saturday 22 February where Just Benjamin jumped as the favoured runner in the field. Just Benjamin, a former UK galloper, was caught three-wide without cover throughout the race on a track that favoured runners that were leading or on…
WALTER Edward Leach, whose age, was given as 18 years, was charged with unlawful and indecent assault. Sub-Inspector Trainor appeared for the prosecution. The victim of the alleged offence was a little girl aged 10 years and 11 months, and particulars of the occurrence were published in last week’s “Standard.” The little girl deposed that on the 2nd March she and three other girls were leaving the school grounds at Frankston when they met accused, who was standing at the back of the school. He called to witness, saying. “Come here: what is your name?” Accused then said, “I want…
Baby kissing and handshakes are out of style. Radio station RPPFM goes to emergency broadcasting. IBAC hearings closed to the public. Mornington Centrelink protest on hold. Hands-off way needed to win votes News that Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton tested positive for novel coronavirus three days after attending a Cabinet meeting in Sydney on Tuesday 10 March, turned apprehensive eyes towards his ministerial colleagues, including the Member for Flinders, Greg Hunt. Read the article here. RPPFM to suspend regular broadcasting due to virus Mornington Peninsula based community broadcaster, RPPFM, have announced they will suspend regular broadcasting from 9am…
OLD habits die hard, but kissing babies and shaking hands may become a lost art for politicians. The advent of COVID-19 is seeing a rewriting of the rules when it comes to greetings. Bodily contact is out, and keeping a social distance is in. News that Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton tested positive for novel coronavirus three days after attending a Cabinet meeting in Sydney on Tuesday 10 March, turned apprehensive eyes towards his ministerial colleagues. Had they been infected? The Prime Minister Scott Morrison was quick to say he wouldn’t be tested and had every intention of going to…
PUBLIC hearings being undertaken by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) into allegations of serious corrupt conduct concerning planning decisions at Casey Council, will be closed to the public because of COVID-19. The commissioner for IBAC, The Honourable Robert Redlich QC, has taken the decision to bar the public from tomorrow (Monday 16 March) “as a precautionary measure in consideration of public health”. The public can freely watch the hearings online as they are streamed each day on the IBAC website www.ibac.vic.gov.au. Transcripts will continue to be shared on the website. The hearings are being held at the Fair Work…
Mornington Peninsula based community broadcaster, RPPFM, have announced they will suspend regular broadcasting from 9am tomorrow (Monday 16 March) in response to Coronavirus. “With the escalating COVID-19 threat, and its likely arrival on the Mornington Peninsula, the Leadership Group had no option but to exercise its right to guarantee the health and safety of its members,” said the president of RPPFM, Peter Susovich. “Many of our volunteers are in the vulnerable COVID-19 cohort and under the circumstances, until the threat is lifted, it is better to be safe. All programming will therefore stream remotely through our newly installed online system.…
Organisers have called off next Wednesday’s rally to stop the closure of the Mornington Centrelink and Medibank offices because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The rally was scheduled to be held outside the Centrelink offices in Main Street but an update issued by Mornington Community Information and Support Centre last Friday (13 March) stated: “Unfortunately, due to concerns about the Coronavirus, we have cancelled the public rally planned for Wednesday”. A petition on change.org to “Stop the closure of Mornington Centrelink Office” was by Saturday morning nearing the required 2500 signatures.
To all our readers, I’d like to assure you Mornington Peninsula News Group is dedicated to keeping readers informed during the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. We will continue to publish our weekly community newspapers to keep you up-to-date with what is going on in our wonderful part of the world. We’ll also continue to keep you informed via our website and social media. We have set up a dedicated email address for COVID-19 due to the fast-changing nature of the virus and the need to provide current information. If you have something newsworthy regarding COVID-19, email us on: covid-19@mpnews.com.au There…
A MAN was airlifted to The Alfred hospital with serious injuries after crashing his car over an embankment off Mornington-Tyabb Road today (Friday 13 March, 2020). The 37-year-old Somerville man driving a black Ford ute reportedly collided with another car at the intersection of Nepean Highway and Tanti Avenue, Mornington, just before midday. He then allegedly drove off erratically before doing burn-outs in the Coles car park on Mornington-Tyabb Road before driving over a concrete divider and crashing into a garden bed. Senior Constable Stuart Anderson, of Somerville Highway Patrol, was awaiting word on the man’s injuries late Friday. He…
A TODDLER died after being struck by a taxi at Tootgarook, Thursday 12 March. Police and emergency services rushed to Wilkinson Street just after 1.40pm. They were told two women and two children got out of the taxi and it is believed one of the children was struck as the taxi moved away. The boy was treated by emergency services but died at the scene. The taxi stopped and the male driver was assisting police with their inquiries. Major Collision Investigation unit detectives arrived soon afterwards. Anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dash-cam footage is urged to…