MORNINGTON Peninsula detectives are appealing for help in reuniting swags of allegedly stolen booty with its rightful owners after a Hastings man was arrested last week. Detective Senior Constable Rohan Brock said the man, 36, was facing numerous charges over burglaries and break-ins at homes and building sites in Somers and surrounding areas over the past few months. He was arrested on Thursday 16 February and remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court next month over the theft of up to 50 items. A search of the man’s house found an array of tradie and household tools and equipment, including…
Author: MP News Group
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie SOUTHERN United is hoping to sign an international midfielder as it prepares to kick-off the 2017 NPL women’s season. The consortium club’s negotiations with the player are advanced but Southern has been careful to ensure that every new signing is a good fit for the inclusive culture the fledgling club is trying to nurture. It’s believed that the player has made over 100 appearances for her country but recently was granted permanent residency in Australia and is currently interstate. Southern’s sole visa player is Florida native Courtney Hueston, a midfielder who has played with the Miami…
Remember the joy of flying your first kite? The anticipation as it lifted into the air? The spark of magic as you discovered you could actually play with the wind? Well, you can experience it all again at one of Australia’s premier kite events: The Rosebud Kite Festival. On Sunday 12th March, both the young and the young at heart will come together to celebrate the art of kite flying. Visitors can make and fly their own kite courtesy of local outfit; Kites 4 Kids. And alongside the novice kite flying arena, will be the latest designs and displays from…
Saturday, 11th March, the Red Hill Showgrounds come alive with the festivities of one the State’s most popular agricultural shows. Entries for most categories close this week so download a general entry form now: www.redhillshow.com.au/forms This year we encourage handlers of all ages get involved in our CALF FANCY DRESS – we’re looking for the calf most like its handler! Aside from the remarkable array of animals including Clydesdales, Pintos, cattle, sheep, alpacas, poultry, minature goats, working dogs and more, we are pleased to announce the inaugural Cider Show with special guest wine reviewer Max Allen. There will be ciders…
By Barry Morris SHE is the Lady of the Lake – or more accurately – a saviour of Mt Martha’s Balcombe Estuary. Liz Barraclough, OAM, a founding member of BERG Mt Martha 20 years ago, has devoted much of her life to protecting and improving estuary, its plants and wildlife. Instead of brandishing a sword, Ms Barraclough is most often found wielding a pair of garden shears to fight weeds invading bushland adjoining the estuary. Over the past two decades she has attacked countless weeds and noxious plants, bagged and loaded truckloads of green waste for disposal, prepared the ground…
PENINSULA Surfriders Club started its 2017 season with a contest at Rye in small, choppy surf. Despite the conditions on Saturday 11 February, secretary Jane Featherston said “impressive performances” and “great ocean management skills and wave knowledge” were shown by surfers in the female and under-13 divisions. Charli Wookey won the girls’ event and Taj Barber the under-13s. Winners in the four older age divisions were Calum Nicolson (over 28), Andrew Hyde (over 35), Darren Bird (over 45) and Gavin Duffy (over 55). In the Cadet final (under-16s) Max Burton defeated his older rivals, adding 2000 points towards his season…
A MAN wearing a hoodie and armed with a kitchen knife robbed the United service station in Tyabb Rd, Mornington, at 10.15pm on Wednesday 8 February. The man, who covered his face and was described as Caucasian, pointed the knife at the attendant and demanded cash. He grabbed the till and ran off. Within the hour, the BP service station in Mt Eliza was robbed of cash, possibly by the same man. At about 2am, Thursday 9 February, the Caltex service station and also the 7-Eleven in McMahons Rd, Frankston, were robbed when a man threatened staff with a large…
COMPOSITIONS by Bach, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven will be played next month at two concerts by Peninsula Chamber Musicians. The first concert is at Rosebud on Saturday 4 March, followed the next day with a performance in Mornington. Formed in 2013, the Peninsula Chamber Musicians present “intimate chamber recitals” through to performing as an “energetic chamber orchestra”, committee president Anthony Poe said. “The group seeks to touch the hearts of concert goers and inspire the next generation of performers.” Mr Pope said primary and secondary school pupils and students can attend the “family friendly and engaging concerts free of charge”.…
TWO men were captured on CCTV pouring petrol from a can over a man’s car before setting it alight in Heatherlee Close, Somerville. The men – one aged 17 and the other in his late 20s or early 30s – received burns to their hands, and possibly their faces, when they lit the fire at 5.30am, Monday 13 February. They ran off along Graf Rd before disappearing. A Holden Commodore was destroyed in the attack. Detective Senior Constable Paul Smith, of Mornington Peninsula CIU, said anyone with information should call him on 5978 1430 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.…
CFA brigades from Baxter, Langwarrin, Hastings and a breathing apparatus van from Frankston battled a fire which destroyed a portable office at the rear of the Somerville recreation centre on Saturday night. Crews were alerted to a bin fire at 10.40pm at the rear of the mechanics hall by a passer-by. When they arrived, a large column of smoke was seen rising from the rear of the old rec centre, which itself was burnt out in November in a blaze which caused $1.75-$2 million damage. On Sunday 5 February crews were called to a “small” blaze inside the rec centre’s…
By Ben Triandafillou MOUNT Eliza youngster, Campbell Steedman, secures a once in a lifetime opportunity to join the ballkid’s squad at Roland Garros after earning the title of the “Most Outstanding Ballboy” at this year’s Australian Open. The 15-year-old was one of the top two ballkid’s of 380 at this year’s Australian Open and has earned a trip to Paris in April with the other winner, Summer Leatitagaloa, to take part in the ball kid’s squad at Roland Garros. To achieve the honour of being the most outstanding ballboy or ballgirl you have to demonstrate the highest level of skills…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie MORNINGTON is poised to beat a host of suitors to the prized signature of star striker Ryan Paczkowski. “Patch” is believed to be keen on returning to his first Australian club after sensationally quitting NPL giant Bentleigh Greens last week. His switch from playing as a contracted player and reverting to amateur status means he has to go through an enforced four-week layoff before playing an official game for Mornington, which brought him to Melbourne for the 2014 season. Dallas Brooks Park has been a happy hunting ground for Paczkowski and along with Wayne Gordon, high-profile…
TOOTGAROOK’S McCann family have a lot to smile about thanks to the special care nursery at Frankston Hospital. Both of the McCann’s babies spent time at the hospital’s special care nursery after birth difficulties, and are now happy and healthy young boys. The McCann’s are encouraging people to support Mt Eliza’s Rotary Club’s Kids Fun Run with K163 for the hospital in March at Moorooduc. First child Harrison, now 18 months, was born at 34 weeks, while second baby, Leo, came into the world at just 31 weeks and spent six days in January at Frankston Hospital. “Because he was…
FARMERS near Buckleys Reserve, Merricks North, are being trained to kill foxes and rabbits. The training is part of a feral control project by members of Merricks Coolart Catchment Landcare Group. Dismayed by the high rates of native wildlife loss on the Mornington Peninsula, the group has received approval to implement feral controls, including culling. The project is being funded by the Port Phillip & Western Port Catchment Management Authority through the federal government’s National Landcare Program. “This is a great chance for landholders to work together to take positive action that will benefit local indigenous animals,” Landcare group president…
BERG Mount Martha – Sunday working bee information – Sunday 12 February 9am – 12pm WHERE: Meet in carpark at end of Seppelt Ave, as working on hillside above 1st oval. WHEN: Anytime between 9.00am and 12.00pm. Come for the whole morning or for an hour or so. ACTIVITIES: We shall be removing Rock Rose (Cistus Psilosepalus) and a bit of Flax-leaf Broom from the Kotor hillside down towards lower reaches of Hopetoun Creek and if time, from the slope below Hilton Crt. As usual you can choose an activity that suits you: Weeding cut & paint, hand-weed, stacking removed plants and/or bagging…
By Ben Triandafillou THE Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League has been hard at work upgrading the BlueScope Reserve, including the installation of an infield irrigation system, which was greatly assisted by volunteers within the community. Contributing to the improvements at BlueScope Reserve, the Federal Government’s $150,000 Stronger Communities Program, the outstanding support from the Asset Manager of BlueScope Steel, Ron Bange, and the various volunteers that lent their time, has helped provide another great facility for the community to utilise. “I am delighted the Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League has received $9,519 funding that will support a number of local…
By Ben Triandafillou NOW in its third year, The Little Jetstar’s competition has expanded to allow entrants from Melbourne’s Eastern Metropolitan region a chance to meet some “Big Heroes”, including sporting icon, Western Bulldog’s premiership player and 2016 Norm Smith Medallist, Jason Johannisen. The local Little Athletics clubs will have the opportunity to enter into the competition with five lucky winners receiving an exclusive training session for them and 15 other friends, led by a Jetstar “Big Hero”, who are some of Australia’s most well-known athletes. Participants also go into the running for a monthly prize, a $200 Jetstar travel…
By Ben Triandafillou THE Red Hill Junior Football Club has announced an exciting three year partnership with the exceptional Coaching Development program, Dynamic Footy Skills. The program will be delivered by highly experienced AFL, VFL and current TAC Cup coaches whose extensive knowledge in junior football development will help the club reach their goal of providing the best coaching experience on the Mornington Peninsula. Dynamic Footy Skills are currently working with an AFL Club Junior Academy to ensure that the latest AFL training techniques and tips are being bought to Red Hill. The Red Hill Junior Football Club is grateful…
A SECTION of Buckley Reserve in Merricks has been cordoned off after asbestos was found to have been illegally dumped. The 40cm section of asbestos roofing was uncovered while workmen were clearing a fuel break. They believe it has been there for many years. It is not known if the piece is part of a larger dump nearby, but protocols mean the area must be cordoned off with tape. “This small sample is at the low end of risk to the public but the area has been cordoned off to exclude public access and minimise any potential risk to visitors,”…
A JEEP Cherokee, Audi sedan and a Ducati motorcycle were stolen from a Mt Martha house during a series of break-ins overnight Saturday 4 February. Thieves broke into the Cornwall Crescent house and stole keys to the vehicles before driving off. Another car, of unknown make, was stolen from Somerset Drive. Detective Senior Sergeant Allan Paxton said up to 10 cars were broken into during the raids in Sherwood Crescent and Somerset Drive, from 11pm Saturday to 6am Sunday. At this stage it is not known what items were stolen. First published in the Western Port News – 7 February…
FIRE crews fought a “small” blaze at the Somerville Recreation and Community Centre on Sunday 5 February. Detectives from the Somerville CIU are investigating the blaze which started in the kitchen and office area of the Edward St premises about 4.55pm. Incident controller Jason Fevola said two officers used breathing apparatus to enter the building. He said office materials may have been used to light the fire which was restricted to benchtops. The recreation centre and basketball stadium is being rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in May 2016. A 14-year-old Somerville girl was charged with lighting the fire which…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie THE match of the day in the opening round of the local league season between Rosebud Heart and Baxter has been transferred to Baxter Park. Originally scheduled as a Heart home game the unavailability of Truemans Road Reserve due to cricket and council work has forced the switch of the Saturday 25 March showdown. Heart has the better derby record having won three of the four clashes highlighted by a thumping 7-1 demolition of its arch rival in 2015 with hat-tricks to Dave Greening and Simon O’Donnell. Baxter’s one win came in the same season, a…
Mt Martha will be playing the blues again on February 25th. What could be better than sunshine, the beautiful setting of The Briars homestead, the very best local food and drink, plus awesome fun stuff for the kids for a family day out? World class blues music– that’s what! Back for a fantastic fifth year, Blues At The Briars in Mount Martha on Saturday February 25 will be the biggest and best to date with a jaw-dropping, toe-tapping line-up. Watch out for Owen Campbell who captured the nation’s heart with his run on Australia’s Got Talent and Gail Page who…
Australia’s foremost jazz vocalist, Vince Jones, is heading to the peninsula on March 9, leading a celebration of one of rock’s greatest music performers, Van Morrison. With his reputation as a remarkable interpreter of jazz songs, Jones will lead the specially formed seven-piece Astral Orchestra, spearheaded by musical director, Matt McMahon, as they bring to life two of Van’s most cherished albums, Astral Weeks and Moondance. “The first of Van Morrison’s albums I had access to was Astral Weeks when I was 17, and it intrigued me that he used jazz guys for that album,” said Jones. “I thought he…
MT ELIZA Anglican Church on Nepean Highway, Mt Eliza, will hold its annual fete, 9.30am-1.30pm, Saturday 25 February. On offer will be homemade treats, trash and treasure, barbecue and café, plants, jewellery, gifts and pony rides at the church on the corner of Koetong Parade. Last October the St James The Less congregation celebrated 150 years since the laying of the cornerstone of the small white church. The site was given by a Captain Edward Lintott. A committee was formed, money raised, and an architect appointed. Clay for the bricks came from the site of Peninsula School. The original building…
A RISE in the number of flying fox deaths and injuries has prompted a plea for residents to use smaller aperture wildlife-safe netting to protect fruit trees. Flying foxes play an important ecological role by pollinating native trees. “Delayed eucalypt flowering this season may mean fruit bats and birds are more likely to seek food and nectar from fruit trees, leading them to become entrapped,” Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning manager Suriya Vij said. “Deaths and injuries caused by fruit netting can easily be prevented through the use of the right net type which has five millimetre by…
RESIDENTS and visitors to the Mornington Peninsula are being asked to help native wildlife affected by high temperatures. Prolonged heat can makes animals appear lethargic, disorientated or unresponsive, so it’s important to take care when helping them. Tree-dwelling and nocturnal animals, such as possums and koalas, which are suffering from heat stress, may be seen on the ground during the day searching for water. Birds will often pant and stretch their wings to cool down. To help, place bowls of water around shady areas and spray mist into trees and shrubs from a garden hose. Place small animals which appear…
ROSEBUD and Mornington libraries are holding weekly baby time sessions. The sessions at the four peninsula libraries are designed to help a baby’s mind grow by learning new words, singing songs and developing language and concentration. The 30-minute baby time sessions are for children aged up to 12 months. Baby time will be held at 2pm on Thursdays at Hastings; 11am Mondays at Rosebud; 11am Fridays, Mornington; and 2pm on the first Thursday of the month at Somerville. Sessions are free and no bookings are required, details ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 7 February 2017
THERE’S Magic in the Air. That’s the name of an upcoming concert to showcase the talents of peninsula children and teens, and, in the long run, inspiring them to dream and achieve. In the lead-up to the concert, 10-19 year olds who can dance, sing, play an instrument, juggle or MC, are invited to apply to audition on stage before their schools and families at Mornington radio station RPP FM, 1-5pm, Sunday 19 February. A maximum 20 places are available and bookings are essential. The audition will lead on to the Can Do Kids family event at the Peninsula Community…
TWO recent jet-ski collisions have prompted a plea from police for riders to be extra careful. Last week, a 16-year-old girl received serious injuries and was taken to hospital after a collision at Rye, at about 3pm on Thursday 26 January, while a teenage boy was arrested after a jet ski incident at Portarlington on Thursday 12 January. Water Police Acting Sergeant Mark Helyer said police were keen to see jet ski riders enjoy their craft without incident. “Everyone loves to have fun on the water but the number one consideration needs to be safety,” he said. “Make sure your…