THE Western Port Highway was blocked between Eramosa and Bungower roads on Friday following a high-speed, two-car collision. Police said one car appeared to have crossed double lines and crashed head on into another car 200 metres south of Eramosa Road, 12.45pm. Three people – the driver and passenger in one car and the driver of the other – had to be cut free from the wreckage. First Lieutenant Adam Carrigg, of Somerville CFA, said CFA crews from Langwarrin, Somerville, and Pearcedale, and Frankston SES, helped with the rescue. Sergeant Bob Jung, of Somerville Highway Patrol, said two air ambulance…
Year: 2020
HERONSWOOD Harvest Festival will be held at the Diggers Club, Dromana, over the weekend 29 February-1 March. Heronswood is seen as one of Australia’s finest gardens and the country’s first organically certified public garden. It houses a living catalogue of rare plants and heirloom fruits and vegetables. Keen gardeners can get tips at free workshops, join free garden tours with expert gardeners and take part in the harvest taste test. They’ll enjoy lunch on the pool lawn and explore the famous vegetable parterre, the mini-plot – an example of high-density growing – and a kitchen garden which services the award…
ONE day, plastic drinking straws may be gone from the Mornington Peninsula. When that day comes, nobody will be happier than outgoing Citizen of the Year Josie Jones. It’s been a busy 12 months for the Rye resident, who helps run the Peninsula’s Last Straw campaign. Since becoming Citizen of the Year, her anti-litter campaigns have gained national attention, including TV coverage and support from National Geographic and the University of Tasmania. The Peninsula’s Last Straw began at a workshop run by Mornington Peninsula Shire and is now in 11 towns. “So far we have started in Sorrento, Dromana, Mount…
Mornington Peninsula Shire residents are being urged to reduce bushfire risk by disposing of green waste for free this weekend. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said the severity of this year’s bushfire season had prompted the council to bring forward the bi-annual event and extend it by one day. It will take place at all the shire’s transfer stations from Friday 14 February-Monday 17 February. “If you’re concerned about dangerous vegetation in the middle of this fire season this is a chance to clear your property of anything that might be a fire risk,” he said. Green waste includes all…
IN what has become a battle of motions, toilets at four Mornington Peninsula Shire-controlled campgrounds may be open all year to the public. Councillors last month agreed to open the toilets exclusively to the family and friends of beach box licence holders at Sorrento, Rye, Rosebud and McCrae instead of closing them from May to September. However, Cr Hugh Fraser last week told The News it was ridiculous to reserve the toilets for a select few people, most of whom did not live in the shire. He said the motion by Cr David Gill adopted by council at its 28…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors are being asked to change their briefing sessions from night to day and be held once a fortnight. Briefings are now held three Mondays and one Tuesday a month starting at 5pm. Cr Julie Morris says there are health benefits and cost savings by changing the meeting times and has asked her colleagues to trial her suggestion for a year from 4 May. Cr Morris wants fortnightly briefings held between 9am and 5pm with a report after the first six months on “the productivity benefits and cost savings”. In an email to her fellow councillors (sent…
A MATE of the Premier Daniel Andrews has been enlisted to help restore the sand-depleted Portsea beach. Futurefish Foundation director David Kramer will join Mornington Peninsula mayor Sam Hearn, councillors Bryan Payne and Hugh Fraser, and shire CEO John Baker, in a working group including scientists from the Department of Environment, Lands, Water and Planning. Their brief is to bring sand permanently back to the beach. The latest bid follows a decade of frustration and despair and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on sandbags and rock revetments which failed to stop the sand loss. Described as a man with…
ENDURING 1990s band Chocolate Starfish and the Nola Lauch Band, pictured, will perform in Rosebud on 21 February at a bushfire relief concert. “The need for bushfire relief is still great and many are struggling for immediate needs,” Starfish lead singer Adam Thompson said. Chocolate Starfish became known in the early 1990s with their cover of Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain and original hit Mountain. Nola Lauch is a Kirrae-wurrung woman who has lived on the Mornington Peninsula for most of her life. She received a regional 2017 NAIDOC Artist of the Year award for her songwriting and live performances.…
THE federal government’s shock decision to close the Mornington Centrelink and Medicare offices next month was a “real kick in the guts”, Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Sam Hearn said last week. As from Monday 23 March Centrelink clients will have to travel 24 kilometres to the Rosebud office, 14km to Frankston or 18km to Hastings. “This will be a terrible outcome for the community in terms of the challenges it creates and will make it really hard on families who rely on those services,” Cr Hearn said. The shire estimates closing Centrelink Mornington will impact up to 3000 low-income…
CONTINENTAL Hotel owner Julian Gerner maintained last week that a source of finance for the $100 million hotel redevelopment is “very close”. “It is imminent, but there are number of complexities that we are working through,” he said. “You can say that I intend to start the rebuilding in April.” Mr Gerner has had a seesaw ride since buying the 1875 hotel for about $15 million in March 2016, gaining contentious building permits, buying strategic properties and then unsuccessfully putting the whole thing on the market in November 2017. He described the project then as “too big to handle alone”.…
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors hope local laws officers will be able to book hooning jet ski riders in summers to come. The shire officers this year have the power to collect evidence that can lead to prosecutions, but must be content with issuing verbal warnings and not infringement notices. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said the shire would continue lobbying for its officers to be able to book hooning jet ski riders. The shire will also continue its campaign for safe swimming areas, where jet skis are banned. Cr Hearn told The News that jet skis should be kept closer…
THE Rye Township Plan with $3.25 million is one of three Mornington Peninsula Shire Council projects to receive a share of $4.7 million from the state government. The others are Somerville Active Recreation Hub, $742,000 and the Tyabb Kindergarten, $727,000. Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek said the grants were among 32 across the state to share $50m through the Growing Suburbs Fund in 10 rapidly growing municipalities. The Rye announcement on Wednesday 22 January under the clock tower was attended by Nepean MP Chris Brayne, the mayor Cr Sam Hearn, shire CEO John Baker, Crs Bryan Payne and Hugh Fraser,…
PENINSULA A BRILLIANT knock of 86 not out from Simon Dart helped Red Hill to a big total against Moorooduc on Saturday. Choosing to bat first at home, Red Hill were impressive. Opener Matthew Merifield also played a big part for his side, passing his half century. Red Hill finished the day at 266, setting Moorooduc a formidable target to chase down on day two of their match. Tom Shayler was the pick of the bowlers for Moorooduc. He took a five wicket haul, and posted final figures of 5/70. Shayler is in good form, and has taken two 5…
SOCCER PLAYER-coach Matty Morris-Thomas believes that Seaford United can challenge for the State 4 South championship this season. He already has agreed terms with experienced midfielder Scott Webster and fellow veteran Shane Tagliaferro has trained and played in a practice match for the local club but Morris-Thomas has four more player targets in his sights and wants to move on them immediately. “Yeah we know who we want and if you come down to training next Thursday you might even see them there but we won’t make any announcements until they’re over the line,” Morris-Thomas said. “Look we had a…
HORSE RACING THE Anthony Freedman-trained Hanseatic has solidified his spot as the clear-cut favourite for the $1.5 million Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield in two weeks’ time. The Godolphin-owned boom colt showed something special to win from an unlikely position in the colts and geldings Prelude on Saturday 8 February. Keeping his unbeaten record intact, the two-year-old son of Street Boss gave ground when turning for home before sweeping past his rivals to nab the current Blue Diamond second-favourite, Rulership, just before the line. Despite running an overall slower time of 1:03.08 seconds compared to the two-year-old fillies Prelude time…
THE Frankston Gas Works (its registered name is longer, more imposing, and includes some reference to electric light) failed to show any sign of animation last Friday night. In the past “The Works” have been afflicted with varied and numerous ailments – some serious, others merely superficial – but all more or less affecting the efficiency of the light supply – particularly the electric light. Whatever may be the deficiencies at “The Works” there is certainly no lack of imagination in framing excuses for their numerous shortcomings. Reckless opossum in sportive mood have been blamed for intercepting electric current while…
A BIG crowd is expected to attend the Mornington Coast Walk, 9am, Saturday 15 February, which raises money for FightMND. The not-for-profit event run by Mornington resident Sarah Quigley came about after her mother, Marie Lewis, was diagnosed with MND in 2017. “I decided to organise a walk to raise money to fight this debilitating disease,” she said. “Every day two people are diagnosed. There is no effective treatment or cure. “It slowly robs you of your speech, movement, ability to eat, breathe and eventually kills you – all in an average 27 months. The first walk in 2018 raised…
A NEW year, new decade and a new era have begun at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery as it enters its 50th anniversary year. The 2020 program celebrates the development, growth, complexity and richness of the collection, kicking off with three exhibitions from 6 March-26 April and a newly commissioned large scale mural. A Collection of Stranger Things, curated by New Zealand-born, Melbourne–based artist Patrick Pound, reveals a hidden microcosm of objects and artworks that have rarely been displayed before. As an avid collector interested in systems and the ordering of objects, Pound will pair photos from his own collection with…
AS any good punter knows, it’s par for the course that all winning streaks come to an end. And so it is for the rabbits living in and around the two 18-hole golf courses and gated communities at Peppers Moonah Links Resort, Fingal. Their frisky, brown fur covered bodies and bobbing white tails are readily visible almost all over the property early morning and in the evenings. But the dream run of grazing in the rough alongside manicured fairways and greens is about to end. The rabbits are about to be poisoned. A sign leading into the resort off Truemans…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 88-year-old woman Maria Jacob. Maria was last seen leaving her home in Safety Beach about 11am today. She was expected to go for a short walk but has not returned home. It is believed she may have boarded a bus. Police and family hold concerns for her welfare as she has dementia. Maria is about 170cm tall, with a slim build and has white silver hair. Police have released an image of Maria in the hope that someone recognises her and can provide information regarding her current whereabouts. She was…
The Sorrento foreshore was full of activity when the Sorrento Bay Swim was held on Sunday 19 January. There was a full program across the morning, with over 550 people entering the open water swim, which included 600m, 2,000m, and 4,000m courses. Entrants ranged from 8 to 89 years of age! The male and female winners of the 2,000m Open Category Tommy Hafey medals presented by Maureen Hafey were Darius Schultz and Sophie Caldwell, with times of 00:23:08.343 and 00:24:30.343 respectively. Ayden Coates and Rebecca Henderson took out the Elite 4,000m event, which for the first time was a straight-line…
Cafe Thirteen83 are partnering with HALT (Hope Assistance Local Tradies), to bring a morning raising awareness of anxiety, depression and general well being in the tradie community. All tradies are welcomed to a free coffee on the day. This event will be happening on Tuesday the 11th February 2020 between 6:00am & 8:00am at Cafe Thirteen83, 13/81 Watt Road, Mornington. “Cafe Thirteen83, management & staff believe that mens mental health has an increased prevalence on the Mornington Peninsula – and with your help we want to help open the conversation to assist men suffering. We hope to see you all…
Homicide detectives have charged a man following the death of a woman at Seaford yesterday afternoon. Police were called to Whitby Way where the woman was found with stab wounds about 4.40pm. Paramedics worked on the woman, aged in her 40s, however she died at the scene. A 44-year-old Seaford man has been charged with murder. He has been remanded in custody to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later this morning.
Police are currently on scene investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Seaford this afternoon. Emergency services were called to Whitby Way where a woman was found with stab wounds about 4.40pm. Paramedics worked on the woman aged in her 40s, however she died at the scene. A 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene and is in custody. Homicide Squad detectives are investigating. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
A MERRICKS woman died when the car in which she was a passenger and a tow truck collided at Tuerong, Saturday afternoon 1 February. Her husband, 53, and daughter, 18, who was driving the car, also of Merricks, were airlifted to The Alfred hospital with serious injuries after the collision on Balnarring Road, near Gillett Road, about 3pm. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the crash which caused both vehicles to run off the road and down an embankment. The woman, 53, sitting in the back seat, died at the scene. Three crews from Moorooduc CFA and two from…
SOCCER LANGWARRIN’S Wallace Cup breakthrough and some major signings by local clubs stole the spotlight last weekend. Langy’s cup success was eight years in the making as the annual event named in honour of the club’s former president had never graced the trophy cabinet at Lawton Park. It does now thanks to penalty shootouts in the semis and final. Langy prevailed in the first semi against State 4 outfit Seaford United but not before its less fancied opponent made life tough for the NPL2 club. Langy triallist keeper James Burgess from Springvale White Eagles saved penalty attempts from Tristan Stass…
HORSE RACING THE Pinecliff-based racehorse trainers had a day out in the rainy conditions at Caulfield on Saturday 1 February by claiming four of the nine races on the card. Trainer Grahame Begg took out the second race of the day with impressive up-and-comer Nonconformist before striking again in the fifth race with his gutsy two-year-old Mildred. Fellow Pinecliff-based trainer, Anthony Freedman, then made it three-on-the-trot for the Mt Eliza setup, by winning the sixth race with potential Mornington Cup hopeful, Just Benjamin, and the seventh race, being the feature Manfred Stakes, with talented three-year-old colt Super Seth. Freedman’s running…
PENINSULA-born playwright, Joanna Murray-Smith, tackles the confronting and heartbreaking issue of gun violence in American Song. Originally commissioned by Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, the play tackles the confronting and heartbreaking issue of gun violence, reaching beyond national or cultural borders in an intimate exploration of love, forgiveness and parental responsibility. With playwright Mur¬ray-Smith’s characteristically deft wit and compassion American Song makes a difficult topic thoroughly gripping, wryly humorous and deeply moving. “My biggest fear was writing a play that wore its political heart on its sleeve, that proclaimed its allegiances and set the audience on alert. Regardless of my view on…
FRANKSTON was en fete today, when the people of the district were given the opportunity to meet General Sir William Birdwood, as he passed through the town en route for “Marathon” where he is spending a quiet day as the guest of Brigd General Grimwade. The day was perfect, and the streets, gaily decorated with gum boughs and bunting, presented a beautiful picture. The Frankston brass band played several pleasing items. The school children turned out, en masse, and altogether over 1000 persons assembled around the impromptu dais erected at the end of the Bay Street gardens. The popular General…
WHAT are the odds of two players scoring holes-in-one on the same hole in consecutive shots? Hundreds of millions-to-one, no doubt. But that’s what happened when Mornington Golf Club members Jun Park and Bob Packham, pictured, scored the notable double on the 127 metre par three 10th hole on Wednesday 22 January. Park, who plays off a handicap of 16, teed off first and watched his ace roll in, followed by Packham, off 17, who did the same thing moments later. Club general manager Craig Murdoch said the men were playing partners in the daily competition. “Stunned players in the…