A CAR given to pioneering women aviator Amelia Earhart will be in Mornington next month as part of the RACV Great Australian Rally. The front wheel drive supercharged Cord was a present from Earhart’s husband, George Putnam, who had it painted in her favourite colour, “Eleanor blue”, named after her friend Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of the long serving United States’ president, Franklin D Roosevelt. The Cord’s owner, Terry Dowel of Beaconsfield, will exhibit his car at the rally which raises money for research by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic…
Author: MP News Group
By Ben Triandafillou THE Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League under-16 Boys and Youth Girls interleague teams will be playing the Northern Tasmanian Junior Football Association’s interleague teams in the first annual representative match over the Labour Day weekend in March. The MPJFL will be visiting Launceston for the beginning of what they hope to be a fantastic partnership with the NTJFA and a significant opportunity for the representative teams. The signing of an “In Principal” agreement between the two associations allows the MPJFL in conjunction with the NTJFA to conduct an annual representative match beginning in 2017. This interstate partnership…
The Sphere Peninsula Short Film Fest is Victoria’s largest public short film screening and will be held for the sixth year running in Rosebud from Friday 3 February to Sunday 5 February 2017. Promising filmmakers will showcase their work in front of a panel of luminaries who will award individuals in a total of nine film categories including best film, best cinematography, best director and best screenplay. This year’s judging panel includes, Nicole da Silva (Wentworth, Doctor Doctor), Lachy Hulme (The Matrix, Offspring), Myf Warhurst (Spicks and Specks, Double J), Sigrid Thornton (SeaChange, Wentworth) Gyton Grantley (Underbelly, House Husbands) and…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 15-year-old Amelia Sawyer. Amelia was last seen leaving her Hastings address on 3 January. She is described as having a slim build with long brown hair and brown eyes. Police and Amelia’s family have concerns for her welfare due to her age and the length of time she has been missing. Investigators have released an image of Amelia in the hope someone recognises her and can provide information regarding her current whereabouts. Amelia is known to frequent the Frankston and Springvale areas. Anyone with information about Amelia is urged to…
IT seems humans are not the only species that has an appetite for takeaway fast food. It seems feral cats and foxes are especially drawn to menu items at KFC in Hastings, although there’s a good chance that their first meal from the outlet is also their last. The role that KFC Hastings has in controlling pest animals has been uncovered along with a list of credit card expenses by Parks Victoria staff which also includes meals at the Portsea Hotel and several expensive restaurants elsewhere in the state – but presumably not for consumption by animals. Parks staff went…
UP to three number plates are stolen from cars on the Mornington Peninsula every week by people planning to commit crimes and steal petrol, according to police. The number plate thefts has prompted police to urge car owners to change to one-way, anti-theft number plate screws, and keep cars in garages where possible. Detective Senior Sergeant Alan Paxton from Mornington Peninsula CIU said two to three number plates are stolen from cars on the peninsula weekly, and was a major concern for police and car owners. “It is a major inconvenience for car owners, as they can’t drive the car…
A STOLEN car that sped from a booze bus in Western Port Highway, Somerville, two weeks before Christmas was found burnt out in Crib Point on the weekend. The red 1996 BMW sedan was taken from outside a house in Fulton Rd, Mt Eliza, on 10 December. The car was seen at a police roadside breath testing point in Somerville eight days later but, after initially pulling over when motioned by police to stop, the driver sped up and drove off erratically. Detective Senior Sergeant Alan Paxton from Mornington Peninsula CIU said the driver grabbed the hand of the police…
THE Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula will be holding its first event for 2017 at Point Leo on Saturday (14 January). As with past events the organisers expect hundreds of volunteers will be on hand to help more than 100 people with disabilities enjoy a day at the beach and in the surf. A new hoist-sling will be trialled to make it easier and more comfortable when transferring surfers from their wheelchairs. The DSAMP has also worked over the past year with Mornington Peninsula Shire and Mt Martha Lifesaving Club to provide matting at Mt Martha beach which allows wheelchair…
A GROUP of Frankston and Mornington Peninsula residents are making a difference to the lives of leprosy sufferers around the globe, and are inviting others to join the cause. The Peninsula Leprosy Mission Support Group, a group of 12 people from around the peninsula, has raised more than $12,500 this year, beating its target and fully funding four projects in India, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Nepal. Hastings member Don Johnston, who joined the group in 2008, said he was moved to tears when he and fellow members travelled to Nepal and saw the suffering and social rejection of…
THOUSANDS of people flocked to the Rye pier on Friday (6 January) to join in the Blessing of the Waters celebration, and to escape the 33-degree heat in the cool waters of Port Phillip. The ceremony is held every year at Rye by followers of the Greek Orthodox faith to celebrate Epiphany Day and the baptism of Jesus. Divers of different ages and energy levels dived off the pier after a wooden cross was blessed by the Very Reverand Elefterios Tatsis before being tossed into the bay. Stelios Kardas, 37, from Melbourne, was first to the cross this year. Participants…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie PRE-SEASON preparations for the 25 March kick-off to the 2017 league season go into overdrive this month. The highlight is the annual Steve Wallace Cup on Saturday 28 January, which will again be hosted by Mornington at its Dallas Brook’s Park headquarters. The event commemorates the life of local soccer icon Stephen William Wallace who was 54 years old when he died on 19 July 2011 and was a former Langwarrin player, coach, president, life member, club council representative and Bayside League referee. The charity event is a showcase for the local game and always draws…
Established in 1976, Silvers Circus provides world class family entertainment and fun. Silvers Circus is a household name in Australia and after almost forty years on the road has evolved into one of the top 10 circuses of the world. Silvers maintains all the sparkle, glamour and death defying acts expected of Australia’s premier circus, dedicated to constant innovation and modernisation with extraordinary artists continually arriving from all parts of the world. Silvers circus presents a line-up of stunning international artists, Las Vegas style illusions and captivating production techniques. Silvers Circus continues to provide jaw dropping entertainment for the whole family…
Nearly 40 years of recording and non stop touring. 25 top 40 hits in Australia. Sustained international airplay and Mentals are still at it. Martin Plaza and Greedy Smith are always writing songs. They can’t stop! Here comes a loony chunkabilly track from Plaza. Slide guitar harmonica and laconic vocal take us to his bedlam. -Goat Tracks In My Sandpit-. A troubled soul? Recorded in Martin Plaza’s Sandpit and A Sharp In Riverwood. Plaza obliquely pays tribute to Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys referencing his famous living room sandpit where Brian wrote his songs and faced his personal demons.…
A new twilight cinema experience comes to the peninsula this summer as Mornington Racecourse presents Sunset Cinema. Popping up on Thursday January 12, Sunset Cinema at Mornington Racecourse is a one night only outdoor cinema event perfect for the whole family. In addition to the feature film, Finding Dory, screening from 7pm, there’ll also be rides and activities for the kids, catering and snack bar options from the Mornington Racecourse team, and a stocked beer and wine bar for the parents. Supported by local businesses Jacobs & Lowe, Peninsula Kids, Wignall Ford, Decking Out Melbourne and Ambient Lounge and set…
HISTORY will be back on the road next month (Sunday 5 February) as more than 1000 classic cars make their way to Mornington in the RACV Great Australian Rally. Cars will leave for Mornington from Hastings and Brighton. The cars will be on public display at Mornington racecourse from 10am, the centrepiece of the day’s attractions which include children’s activities, food and market stalls and a display of historic, classic and exotic vehicles. The origins of the rally go back to 1992 and the first Great Australian Rally started from Melbourne and finished at Cape Schanck. Over the years the…
A man has died following a single vehicle crash in Somerville just after 5.30am this morning (27 December). It is believed at this stage the driver has lost control on Tyabb-Tooradin Road and struck a tree. One male has died at the scene, two other male occupants have been transported to hospital with serious injuries. The occupants are yet to be formally identified. Police are investigating the cause of the collision and appeal for any witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Source: Victoria Police Media – 27 December 2016
Keeping everyone on the road safe, with an emphasis on vulnerable road users, will be the focus of Somerville Highway Patrol over the summer months. Distractions such as mobile phone use, as well as impairment factors like alcohol and drugs would be key focuses of the operation. Acting Sergeant Brian Bourke said the campaign would serve as a reminder that safety on the roads was a collaborative effort and not exclusive to particular groups. “Cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and drivers all have a role to play in keeping everyone on the road safe,” he said. “Driving on the road is a privilege,…
OZACT players will stage an outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth at Coolart Homestead, 4pm, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 January. Macbeth is one of The Bard’s most popular plays, with two of his strongest and most intriguing characters: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The play tells of their journey from lofty dreams of power and ambition to the deepest pits of desolation and despair. This is OZACT’S 21st anniversary. It has put on more than 40 productions and 500 performances in the past 20 years. The players regard Coolart Homestead as an exhilarating setting for the play. The mansion’s design –…
FLINDERS Christian Community College students put their business acumen to good use earlier this month as participants in the Foundation for Young Australians $20 Boss loans program. The idea is that students receive $20 in seed funding and then take the opportunity to plan, budget and market a business idea, and have a month to run with it. After receiving their money, the students brainstormed ideas and, as a class, decided to focus on food and beverage ideas. They researched their target market, planned business strategies and went about executing their plan. In groups, they learned to read the market,…
INDUSTRIAL land in Crib Point could soon be rezoned for residential development after councillors backed a plan for developers to build homes between 1 and 73 Creswell St. At this month’s public council meeting Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors unanimously voted to ask Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne for approval to advertise the residential zone plans for public feedback. The land is mostly vacant and homes have been built on the western side of Creswell St. The Port of Hastings Development Authority has previously not supported the rezoning of the land from Industrial 3 Zone and part Port Related Uses to…
TWO men had an eventful day at sea when their vessel ran out of fuel and then ran aground in Western Port Bay, Saturday afternoon. The pair had set out for a casual jaunt, but quickly found themselves in trouble in the rough conditions. The pair then found themselves running out of petrol and aground on mud flats as their boat began taking on water. The men contacted a friend by mobile phone who passed details of their plight on to Water Police who, along with volunteer maritime rescue crews and the police Air Wing, were then able to rescue…
FORTY-two people have drowned on the Mornington Peninsula over the past 10 years. The latest Victorian Drowning Report shows seven of the 43 drowning deaths in the state over the past financial year happened on the peninsula. From 2005 to 2015, there were also 58 hospital admissions and 82 emergency department presentations due to non-fatal drowning incidents in the area. Statistics show males are seven times more likely to drown than females, while there is a 99 per cent likelihood of one or more fatal drownings on the peninsula in any given year. “Living on the beach it is important…
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred at Dromana on Friday. It’s believed a car travelling east on Boundary Road left the roadway and struck a power pole about 11.15pm on 16 December. The male driver, who was the sole occupant, died at the scene. Police are hoping to speak to anyone who may have seen the vehicle in the Red Hills and Dromana areas before the crash. The car is a green 2001 Ford Falcon ute with Queensland number plates. It has a black custom fabricated steel tray and an alloy bulbar on…
AFTER seven months of planning, renovation, refurbishment, tradies, dust and dirt, the Peninsula Home Hospice (PHH) is operating from its new Mornington offices. Previously PHH had been working from two separate sites – Golf Links Rd, Frankston and Railway Grove, Mornington – but now, for the first time in more than 10 years, it is being run from one office. “Since the organisation began in 1984, PHH has relocated on several occasions, largely to accommodate growing demand for services and meet the increasing need for space and facilities that reflect the growing role and importance of the organisation within the…
IT’S a big leap from the International Association for Universal Design Awards in Japan to the ropes course at Camp Manyung, Mt Eliza. But now they are linked: Australia’s first universally designed ropes course at the camp received a gold award in the tourism, inclusive culture and mobility category at this year’s awards. Set in the tree-tops, the ropes course allows participants of all abilities to choose how they travel around the course. They may use a scooter, skateboard, bike or the Cloud Rider, a purpose built wheelchair. The course last month won an award at the 2016 Victorian Disability…
A BRIGHT yellow food van is at the centre of a four-hour safety zone at the corner of Main and Barkly streets, Mornington. The Main St Salvos will be in the zone until the end of February handing out free bottles of water and sweets to revellers on their way out or on their way home. “We have a few new additions this time round,” the Salvos Sean Mapleback said. “We have a generator which allows us be mobile if needed, we have music to create some atmosphere, additional lighting and phone chargers if people have a flat battery and…
HOUSEHOLD recycling bins on the Mornington Peninsula will be collected weekly until Friday 3 February, when the usual fortnightly service resumes. Recyclable items include aluminium and steel cans and foil, rigid and solid plastics, kitchen ware, cups and drink bottles, pots and pans, wrapping paper and envelopes, cardboard, newspapers and magazines, milk, juice and soft drink bottles and glass bottles and jars. Recyclable items should not be placed in plastic bags and containers should be emptied. Recyclables that can’t fit into the bin can be taken to Rye, Mornington and Tyabb tips or rubbish hoppers at Sorrento, Dromana and Flinders…
A BREWERY will be built at Fingal, on land formerly owned by the Freedman brothers to train thoroughbred race horses, after Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors approved an application by site owner Andrew Purchase to eventually brew beer and cider at the green wedge site. Some councillors at last Monday evening’s public council meeting voiced disapproval about alcohol being shipped in to be sold at the brewery for the first few years of the new venture’s existence. It will take at least five years for enough hops and barley to be grown on the 160 Sandy Rd land but a majority…
THE Woodworkers of the Southern Peninsula (WOSP) have been working hard to ensure it’s a merry Christmas for all this year. Meeting in Rosebud each Wednesday, the members build wooden toys and games, including rocking swans, prams, bikes, garages, helicopters, fire engines, wheelbarrows, tool boxes, carousels, trams, ride on trucks, doll cradles, quoits and yachts, for needy families. A special handover celebration last Saturday saw about 1000 hand-crafted toys given to charities Rosebud Salvation Army, Westernport Christmas Giving and Good Shepherd foundation, for distribution. Gary Sanford, manager of the Bendigo Banks at Rosebud, Dromana and Rye, which donates funds to…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie FRANKSTON Pines believes that it has secured its future after finally forming executive and general committees on the weekend. After weeks of uncertainty the Monterey Reserve outfit has accepted the overtures of Mauritian-born barrister and solicitor Daniel Plaiche, a director of Club M Australia, a sports club aiming to promote Mauritian soccer at the highest level here. Plaiche and others from the Mauritian expat community have joined recently relegated Pines and plan to bring Mauritian internationals to Australia with a view to getting the club back into State 1 South-East and eventually promoted to the NPL.…