Author: Cameron McCullough

ON Monday (Anzac Night) the Frankston Mechanics’ Hall held a large and enthusiastic audience. The occasion was the presentation of 1914-15 Military Stars to returned soldiers. The management of affairs was carried out by the Frankston Soldiers’ Memorial Committee, with Mr A G Wilcox: (chairman) and Mr H. Vicars (secretary). The first part of the proceedings consisted of a concert contributed solely by Melbourne artists, and the committee is to be complimented on the excellence of the entertainment provided. At the conclusion of the entertainment Brigadier General Grimwade made the presentation of Military Stars. The recipients were: A. E. Verney;…

AT the Court of General Sessions on Monday, before Judge Dethridge, a young man named Walter Edward Leach, 18 years of age, pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault upon girls. There were four counts relating to Hampton, Black Rock, Middle Brighton, and Frankston on different dates between October, 1919, and March, 1920. Accused also admitted a prior conviction at the Children’s Court at Brighton on July 4, 1918, for an aggravated assault upon a female child, when he was released upon probation for a year. Mr E. C. Kelly, on behalf of Leach, said that the case presented some…

Shire tips are open to all. Car park clinics test Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Frankston and Hastings. Peninsula numbers stable today after a jump of three cases yesterday.  Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1329 – an increase of one from yesterday. The new case was a man recently arrived from overseas, who was diagnosed in mandatory quarantine in a city hotel. There were no new deaths reported yesterday. To date, 15 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria. The total number of cases is made…

Coronavirus cases in Victoria have today risen to 1329 – an increase of one from yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula’s cases stayed stable at 59 today after jumping from 56 to 59 on Sunday. The peninsula’s COVID-19 cases  have risen by just six in the last two weeks. In nearby municipalities, City of Frankston have 36 confirmed cases, unchanged for over a week. The City of Casey have 53 confirmed cases, stable from yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula is currently sixth in the list of Local Government Areas’s number of infections. The ten worst affected Local Government Areas in Victoria are: City…

THE Peninsula Motor Garage Frankston, was the centre of attraction last Saturday afternoon, the object of interest being a wrecked motor car which bore the appearance of having experienced a hot time on the battlefields of France. It turned out that the car had met with misfortune near the Mile Bridge. It was one of the fleet of motors supplied by the Volunteer Motor Corps, conveying invalid soldiers and nurses to Somerville. When approaching a spot near the Mile Bridge Mr McFarlane, the driver, appears to have lost control, and the car left the road and tore through the ti-tree.…

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…

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…

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.…

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.…

A SEAFORD correspondent writes:– It seems evident that there are no motor headlight laws in Victoria, or if there are, very little attention is paid to them. Any night on Point Nepean Road, users of this road become subjected to the blinding glare of what are known as “dazzle hogs.” In many countries, headlight laws exist, which not only protect motorists, but the public generally. These laws are compulsory, and a heavy fine is imposed upon those who disregard them. It is high time some action was taken to enforce some such law here, and a strong move should be…

A BOAT possibly used by two fishermen missing off Flinders on the weekend has reportedly been found deserted at Pyramid Rocks, Phillip Island. The search continues for the men, aged 20 and 33, who left the Flinders boat ramp 6am, Sunday 5 April, in the three metre tinnie with outboard motor. The alarm was raised when a friend was unable to contact them about 9pm Sunday. Water Police, the Air Wing, Volunteer Marine Rescue and Western Port Coast Guard crews scoured Western Port Bay until late Sunday night and from first light Monday without sighting the pair. An AUSSAR Challenger…

Emergency services are searching for two men who failed to return to shore after going fishing in Western Port Bay on Sunday morning. The 20-year-old man and 33-year-old man set out on their vessel sometime before 6am from the Flinders boat ramp. Police have been told the men often fish off the Flinders coast, west of Phillip Island. A friend raised the alarm with police just before 9pm after being unable to contact the pair. The vessel the pair took out is described as a three metre aluminium “tinny” with an outboard motor. (Registration not known) Water Police, Coast Guard…

Residents are using the isolation time to clean up around the house, and then going for tip runs in violation of the rules for Stage 3 restrictions. Police receptions counters close until further notice.  One more peninsula case today as the curve starts to flatten. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1135 – an increase of 20 from yesterday. No additional deaths were recorded overnight. The total number of cases includes 597 men and 538 women. Cases range in age from under one year to their early nineties.…

RECEPTION counters at all police stations on the Mornington Peninsula are closed until further notice because of the COVID-19 crisis. Stations are at Mornington, Rosebud, Dromana, Sorrento and Hastings. Reception counter at Frankston police station remains open. Those reporting on bail at any station can press the intercom for attention. Senior Sergeant Paul Edwards, of Mornington police, said members of the public wanting “critical” documents signed – such as affidavits allowing them to access their superannuation, for example – would be catered for but others with less urgent documents should go to GPs, pharmacies or bank managers. “With anything considered…

Coronavirus cases in Victoria are 1135 today – an increase of just 20 from yesterday. It is an encouraging sign that the efforts of Victorians to “flatten the curve” are working. The Mornington Peninsula’s figures rose by one since yesterday to 53. Nearby, the City of Frankston have 34 confirmed cases, an increase of one since yesterday. The City of Casey have 37 confirmed cases, with no new cases since yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula has maintained it position as the fifth highest number of infections of all the Local Government Areas, falling from second highest just five days ago. The…

The peninsula’s beaches were closed until further notice last week, but now they are a little less closed. Peninsula cases rise by one to 52. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1115 – an increase of 30 from yesterday. Last night a woman in her seventies died in hospital, taking the number of people who have died in Victoria from coronavirus to eight. The total number of cases includes 587 men and 528 women. Cases range in age from babies to their early nineties. There are 73 confirmed…

Coronavirus cases in Victoria are 1115 today – an increase of 30 from yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula’s figures rose by one since yesterday to 52. Nearby, the City of Frankston have 33 confirmed cases, an increase of one since yesterday. The City of Casey have 37 confirmed cases, an increase of two since yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula now has the fifth highest number of infections of all the Local Government Areas, falling from second highest just four days ago. The ten worst affected Local Government Areas in Victoria are: City of Stonnington with 84 confirmed cases. City of Banyule with…