INSTEAD of holding its annual seniors high tea Crib Point Community House is distributing “goodie bags”, loaded with tea and coffee sachets, biscuits and cake and “some extra surprises”. Community house manager Mary Budd said the free “goodie bags” would enable seniors to “have high tea at home to share with their other half or maybe invite a friend, if COVID-19 regulations allow”. The community house also hosted a virtual high tea on Monday 12 October. “Some of our wonderful volunteers helped deliver to those that were outside the five kilometre radius,” Ms Budd said. She said 65 bags had…
Year: 2020
UNITED Energy has been working under and above ground to reduce the risk of power lines causing bushfires. Nearly 600 metres of power lines have been put underground along Valley Views Lane, Main Ridge where a pine tree fell onto the cables earlier this year leaving customers without power for 12 hours. It has also installed aerial bundled cable in high risk bushfire areas. The company says 55 large pine trees in the lane are leaning towards the power lines, “posing a risk of starting a fire or causing a power outage”. “This line is located on the north west…
SOCCER FOOTBALL Victoria started a trend that looks likely to spread throughout the competitions structure of each state and territory federation. “We were the first state to link the tiers of competition – NPL and non-NPL – which allowed aspirational clubs to rise through the ranks and participate at the highest level,” FV director Sezar Jakupi said. The chair of FV’s football committee is well placed to comment given that he has overseen the review and implementation of a restructure of Victoria’s men’s, women’s, boys’ and girls’ competitions in the past few years. “NSW eventually followed suit and Queensland has…
HORSE RACING MORNINGTON-based trainer Matt Laurie has struck Group class success with promising colt Portland Sky at The Valley on Saturday 24 October. The three-year-old son of Deep Field, who broke his maiden status on the Ballarat Synthetic track just two months ago, has quickly risen through the grades to win the $200,000 Group Three Red Anchor Stakes (1200m). Ridden by jockey Ben Melham, the exciting prospect made every post a winner at his fourth career start to win by three-quarters of a length over the Lindsay Park-trained Bella Nipotina, with the Godolphin-owned Valaquenta finishing a further length away in…
LAST week, Cr. W. J. Oates, J.P purchased the vacant corner allotment and the property with brick house adjoining in Bay and Wells Streets, Frankston. The price paid ran into four figures. It is gratifying to find our own people thus showing their confidence in the future of the town. The disposal of the land in question leaves but one other vacant allotment in Bay Street, suitable as a business site, for sale. *** ON Sunday last, upwards of 150 invalid soldiers from the Caulfield Military Hospital visited Frankston, and were entertained at afternoon tea in the Mechanics’ Hall. The…
RYE-based Maddy Herbert, pictured above right, sings and writes for the neo-soul, alternative-pop and jazz-rock “project” Velvet Bloom. While Bloom members have performed together for three years Herbert, 24, also sings solo or with different variations of her band The Vito Collective’s repertoire with the project. Her debut EP in 2019, Bitter Sweet, as well as singles Isobel’s Song – Live at Box Hill, Teach Ya and DM ME received praise and airplay from Triple J and on Triple J Unearthed. Velvet Bloom also won Listen-Up Music Org’s 2019 national Songs That Heal competition. Earlier this year the band released…
RADIO station RPP FM turned to television to hold a virtual gala ball that raised $75,000 for the Children First Foundation. Realising restrictions caused by COVID-19 would destroy its major 2020 event, foundation executive officer Elizabeth Lodge approached RPP breakfast host John Shore who arranged a TV broadcast of the big night. “We dared to dream, took a risk, and the outcome was awesome,” she said. Observing strict COVID protocols, the RPP crew of MC John Shore, co-host Amy Campion and technical producer Steve Meyers, used RPP’s TV broadcasting ability to stream the event live to a national audience. The…
FORMER Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove has urged holidaymakers to visit the Mornington Peninsula to help restart the regional tourism industry. Sir Peter estimates that he attended more than 4000 events during his five years in the job. His life’s work took him all across the globe, but this year the overseas flights have come to a sudden stop. Sir Peter says Australians should take this as a chance to explore some of the best locations the country has to offer, once it is safe to do so. “For beautiful places like the Mornington Peninsula, this year has been a great…
KAREN Alija says horses can help people learn about themselves in much the same way that they have helped shape her new outlook on business during the coronavirus pandemic. Ms Alija, director of Gunnamatta Trail Rides, said lessons learned from horses’ survival instincts enabled her to accept the changes caused by COVID-19 and bring the family business back on track. The business virtually shut down in March but has since developed a new outlook on the way things are done. Ms Alija said businesses needed to become more resilient and flexible. “This is not an easy task, and pivot strategies…
A CLEANER got a fright when tidying up a West Park, Hastings property earlier this month. Going through drawers in the garage he uncovered a military hand grenade with the pin inserted making it, technically, still “alive”. Senior Constable Rob Gillson, of Hastings police, said the cleaner had been called in by the wife of a World War II veteran, aged 92, who had been moved to a nursing home. The grenade was taken to the rear of the house and police called, Sunday 11 October. Senior Constable Gillson said he notified the police bomb response crew who called in…
FOOTY fans desperate for a slice of the action were denied their chance to watch the AFL’s first interstate Grand Final live at Dromana Drive-In on Saturday. Proprietor Paul Whitaker said he was “gutted” by the state government’s refusal to allow the live telecast which would have been even more special with fans allowed to attend from up to 25km away. In the weeks leading up to the big night it seemed the planets were aligning with both the AFL and broadcaster Channel 7 giving him the thumbs up. All that was needed was a nod from the government and…
POLICE say a trend that has emerged this year in the Rosebud area of thieves stealing pots, ornaments, urns and statues from verandas, porches and front gardens of houses, especially holiday houses. Victims of these thefts are encouraged to report it on the police assistance line 131 444. Anyone with information on these thefts is urged to call Acting Sergeant Loughlin at the Rosebud police station, or call Crimestoppers 1800 333 000 or visit bddy.me/3kut29f Police urge anyone with these items, especially at a holiday house, to store them securely before you go back home. “Together, we can weed out…
A BITTERN man will face counts of affray, assault-related charges, weapons offences and criminal damage after an incident at Frankston two months ago. The 21-year-old was charged last week and remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates Court, Wednesday 28 October. Detectives will allege three men drove to a Corlett Street house in a white van, 3pm, 15 August. The men, allegedly armed with weapons, smashed the windows of a house and vehicle, causing extensive damage, before they fought with a fourth man who was allegedly armed with a weapon. The driver of the van and the two unidentified suspects fled…
DEVILBEND reservoir was the place to be during National Water Week from 19-25 October. The week – themed “Reimagining our Water Future” – aimed to inspire an awareness of the value of water. As part of the week, Mornington Peninsula Shire encouraged people to discover a waterway and also to take advantage of coastal and bushland walks. A map highlighted 30 peninsula walks, including those suited to a stroll, as well as listing more advanced and dog friendly walks. National Water Week also offered advice on how you can protect waterways: Dispose of litter responsibly, pick up after pets, don’t…
PORT Phillip Ferries last week would not say if it intends to include Mornington in its service to Melbourne. The company’s Geelong Flyer was seen cruising around Mornington, Friday 16 October, perhaps scoping the pier and harbour for a Mornington Peninsula service. Other seaside havens, such as Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento and Portsea, could also be considered. A Port Phillip Ferries’ spokesperson last week said its “long-term vision remains unaltered, that is, to introduce safe and reliable ferry travel within Port Phillip Bay and provide a totally relaxing travel experience for those seeking regular commuting and/or leisure travel”. “We are always…
RESTAURANTS, cafes and pubs are being given the green light to extend their table service outside as Mornington Peninsula Shire – and the state government – relax rules around outdoor dining permits. Hundreds of hospitality businesses are expected to apply for free, temporary extended outdoor dining permits, in advance of next Monday’s (2 November – since publication date has been brought forward to Wednesday 28 October) opening. Planning Minister Richard Wynne said venues could use open spaces, including streets, footpaths and car parks to “add to venue capacity while restrictions reduce the number of patrons allowed for indoor dining”. Businesses…
A GROUP of Peninsula Grammar students are determined to keep themselves active and involved in making jumps for their bikes – despite Mornington Peninsula Shire confirming their actions contravene local laws. A group of grade 5 boys has written to The News after reading about other boys building bike jumps at Mountain View park, Mount Eliza (“Bike jumps now an election issue” The News 12/10/20). Fintan Odea, Angus Donges, Jack French and Ethan Drummond want the shire to understand their needs and let them continue making the jumps as a way of “letting off steam” and allowing them to stay…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has officially welcomed federal government promises to increase infrastructure spending despite having no guarantee that any projects planned for the peninsula will get off the ground. Although the shire has $320 million worth of “shovel ready projects” and the federal government has offered $80m towards three of nine on the list, they all depend on the state government providing more money. None of the major projects are likely to be started unless co-funding arrangements are agreed by the state and federal governments. Shire CEO John Baker said adding $1 billion to the $500 million local roads and…
A MAN who twice stole firewood from a Blairgowrie house is being sought by police. The man, above, is captured on CCTV walking down the side of the holiday house on Melbourne Road, 4pm, Wednesday 30 September, and taking an armful of firewood. He carried the load to the front and hid it under bushes. Police believe he left on foot and came back later. This follows a similar theft of firewood by the man on 27 July when he was seen loading firewood into a dark coloured Land Rover Freelander, registration unknown. The man is described as Caucasian or…
REPORTS of underage drinking, graffiti attacks, verbal abuse of neighbours, assaults, throwing rocks and leaving rubbish in Somerville prompted a fast response from Hastings police. Senior Sergeant Warren Francis-Pester met with Hastings MP Neale Burgess last week after Mr Burgess was told by the principals of Somerville Secondary College and Somerville Rise Primary School about anti-social behaviour on school property. They blamed a group of six “squatters” in the wetlands behind the two schools for the offences. While patrolling the problem area, Saturday 10 October, as part of the new Operation Miscreant, Hastings police spotted eight youths drinking. The group…
A MOUNT Martha man has been charged with possessing cannabis and GHB, two counts of possessing the proceeds of crime, handling stolen goods and breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions. The charges follow a raid by Frankston CIU detectives on a Rosemary Crescent, Frankston North short-term rental house, 1.20am, Thursday 15 October. The 27-year-old was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 7 July 2021. Officers also arrested a Frankston North man and woman after allegedly finding the drugs as well as mobile phones and a large number of tools thought to be stolen. First published in the Southern…
A MORNINGTON man had an expensive trip to the shops, early Wednesday 14 October. The 31-year-old pulled over at 2.50am in Rosebud told police he was on his way to buy cigarettes. A preliminary breath test indicated alcohol on his breath. He was taken to Rosebud police station where he returned a reading of 0.316 per cent. The man will be summonsed to appear at Dromana Magistrates’ Court at a later date. His car was impounded at a cost of $1145 and he was issued a $1652 infringement notice for breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions. First published in the…
THIEVES stole 10 speakers and eight drivers from a shipping container behind the Crib Point Football Club, in Colin Parade, from 8-11 October. The drivers are used to amplify sound through the speakers. Eight of the speakers, collectively valued at $1352, were to be installed on the lighting towers around the football ground and are designed for outside use only. Two smaller speakers, valued at $159 each and white in colour, were also taken. Anyone with information can contact Senior Constable Tim Jamieson at Mornington Peninsula CIU, 5978 1400. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 20 October 2020
STATE MPs from both the major parties have now become involved in campaigns being run by candidates in this week’s Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections. Mornington Liberal MP David Morris has posted his personal how-to-vote card on his Facebook page, listing Briars Ward candidates Steve Holland, Bruce Ranken and Stephen Batty. In August, Nepean Labor MP Chris Brayne made an early entry in the campaign by providing Facebook space to Jared Tipping in Seawinds Ward, Melissa Goffin and Claire Thorn, Red Hill and Sarah Race, Nepean (“Anger over MP’s poll roll” The News 31/8/20). Mr Brayne also used the shire’s…
CONSERVATION groups are stepping up their campaign against a proposed quarry right next to Arthur’s Seat State Park. The #SaveArthursSeat petition passed 18,000 signatures last week. “We have seen an incredible outpouring of community concern about this new quarry proposal,” Michelle de la Coeur, of lead campaigner Peninsula Preservation Group, said. “We have been inundated with inquiries from people across the Mornington Peninsula and the greater Victorian community wanting to understand its potential impact on the Arthurs Seat State Park biolink, remnant bushland and our native animals, including koalas and other small mammals. “We have also seen a steep escalation…
FRENCH Islanders have reacted angrily to suggestions that their island home be “absorbed” into the Mornington Peninsula. The French Island Community Association has urged voters in the upcoming Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections to reject the suggestion by Watson Ward candidate Stefan Borzecki that the shire take over the island. The islanders cannot vote in the election but want “peninsula residents to reject Mr Borzecki’s campaign on our behalf”. The surprise suggestion by Mr Borzecki was made in an advertisement in The Western Port News on 29 July. He said incorporating French Island into the shire would “double our green…
VOTING in the election to fill 11 vacant seats on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council winds to a close on Friday (23 October). The results will not be announced until next month. Friday 13 November could be an ominous day to remember for those who miss out on a place around the decision-making table for the next four years. But for those who win, it will mark the start of a council faced with an enormous job of bringing everyone in the municipality back from the economic and social setbacks caused by COVID-19. Five of the sitting councillors are seeking re-election,…
SNAKES are starting to emerge from their winter hibernation to bask in the sun and search for food and a mate. However, there is nothing to fear provided precautions are taken, according to Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) senior wildlife management officer, Rebecca Dixon. Her tips for living safely and close to snakes include leaving them alone and not attempting to capture or harm them. Ms Dixon said all snakes were considered venomous and highly dangerous and urged property owners to maintain lawns and clean up around houses “as snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles…
NOT one to do things by halves, Sorrento restaurateur Julian Gerner is leading what’s been described as a “novel” and “bold” High Court bid to force a relaxation of Victoria’s tough COVID-19 lockdown rules. The proprietor of Morgan’s bar and restaurant and former owner of The Continental hotel will argue that the five-kilometre rule and essential worker permits are a disproportionate response in the fight against the virus. Mr Gerner will contend that the restrictions go against citizens’ implied rights of freedom of movement within the states to take part in personal, family, recreational and commercial activities – in short,…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire planning compliance officers conducted an “urgent inspection” at a Rye property earlier this month after neighbours complained of unauthorised and extensive tree felling. The department’s manager Paul Lewis later confirmed that “trees were removed from shire land [the nature strip] without consent”. He did not mention tree felling inside the property, adding: “The matter is still being investigated so we cannot comment further at this stage.” Outraged neighbours said the owners had “cleared the block of every single tree” as well as several large trees on the nature strip, displacing wildlife, including baby magpies, parrots and rainbow…