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…
Author: MP News Group
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…
POLICE are appealing for help in finding missing Somerville man Mark Anderson. Mr Anderson, 38, was last seen leaving a house in Bernard St, Somerville, about 12.10pm Thursday. He was driving his Holden twin-cab utility, registration number UUS 420. Leading Senior Constable Lee Thomson said police and family are concerned for his welfare as he suffers from a medical condition. Mr Anderson has a shaved head, no facial hair and is of medium build. He is a regular visitor to the Toolangi state forest and other bush camping areas. Anyone with information is urged to call Hastings police on 5970…
THIEVES stole a car parked outside a house in Leon Av, Rosebud, overnight on Thursday 26 January. The 2002 Ford sedan, registration TSE 278, was on the nature strip. A 2008 Hyundai was stolen from the driveway of a house in Tootgarook, overnight on Wednesday 25 January. The red car, registration YYL858, was in the driveway of the house in McAlpine St with its window open. Anyone with information should call 1800 333 000. First published in the Western Port News – 31 January 2017
By Ben Triandafillou THE Western Port Steelers have some promising young talent going through their club with junior basketballers, Beau Greenbury, Tyrone Wilk and Marley Thompson. With 13 Grand Final victories and six Most Valuable Player Award’s between them, the boys have clustered together an impressive cabinet of awards. The juniors, who will be playing in the under-16 Boys division, are incredibly dedicated, training four to five times a week in hopes to eventually make it into the Big V Youth League. Tyrone and Beau moved to the Western Port Steelers not long ago, playing their first season for the…
MORNINGTON Peninsula residents have received an illustration of the danger of leaving kids, pets – and even eggs – in their cars on hot days. Rye Fire Brigade received a photo from a visiting Queenslander who left a dozen eggs on the backseat of her Holden SVZ for an hour. Temperatures soared to more than 30 degrees and, when the woman returned to her car, she found the eggs cooking away on the backseat. The brigade’s Kelly Stoner said it was amazing how quickly the eggs had cooked in the car, which had tinted windows. “The temperature inside would need…
MOST respondents to a Peninsula Speaks online survey believe that man-made climate change is real and that it will affect life on the Mornington Peninsula. “Although Mornington Peninsula Shire is to be congratulated on its recently announced roof top solar initiative on shire owned and operated buildings, 64 per cent of people believe that the shire should be placing more emphasis on climate change,” organiser Peter Avery said. “While support for renewable wind initiatives appears to be marginal at 58 per cent, renewable wave technology is supported by 71 per cent and an overwhelming 93 per cent would support solar…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie SKYE United gaffer Billy Armour has his sights set on more new signings as he prepares for the upcoming State 3 South-East campaign. Armour already has enticed Johnny Andrinopoulos and Jason Nowakowski to join last year’s State 4 South champion and has a number of triallists under the microscope. Andrinopoulos last played with Kingston City in 2015 and can play in central defence or as a defensive midfielder. “Johnny’s locked in which is good. His fitness levels are getting there and as soon as he gets his touch back he’ll be a really good signing for…
BEACHGOERS and swimmers are still being urged to check water quality updates before going for a dip off bayside beaches this summer amid risks of illness from bacteria and faecal matter swept into Port Phillip Bay during stormy weather. Water quality is being monitored daily by the Environment Protection Authority until March. Earlier this month EPA applied sciences group manager Dr Anthony Boxshall said there is a higher risk of illnesses such as gastro to swimmers from higher bacterial levels after flash flooding. “Heavy rain and storms can create a risk to the public as they can flood stormwater systems…
A MORNINGTON man drowned in chest-deep water on Wednesday 25 January. The 39-year-old was found by another swimmer at Mills Beach and unsuccessfully treated with CPR in the car park. Police, Mornington CFA crews and ambulance officers attended the scene and comforted the man’s wife. Mornington Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Stock said a health issue may have contributed to the man’s death. He was unsure whether alcohol was a factor. First published in the Mornington News – 31 January 2017
THE Miss Western Port Community Pageant is based on confidence, team building, making friends, and “getting out there in the community”. Contestants are encouraged to speak up for the causes they are passionate about. Miss Western Port director Hannah Swinnerton, 22, is a passionate anti-bullying campaigner. She is mentoring “eight beautiful ladies that have hearts of gold and are passionate about their community and keen to work for local charities”. The Miss Western Port preliminaries begin on Saturday 28 January 2017 at Hastings hall. Doors open at 6pm and the preliminary finals start at 7pm. Tickets are $15 online. Contact…
A YOUNG woman was bleeding out internally when she was rushed to Rosebud Hospital and into the care of Emergency Department Nurse Sue Simpson. “The lady was suffering an ectopic pregnancy – which is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tubes. This can cause the fallopian tube to split open which can cause life-threatening internal bleeding, which is what had happened to this patient,” recalled Sue. “Her blood pressure was dropping and we were pumping blood into her. We had to work so quickly, under pressure, to try and stabilise her for theatre.”…
A JOGGER found a man in a Warrandyte Rd, Langwarrin, bus stop bleeding from a stab wound to the lower back, 9pm, Sunday 22 January. An ambulance took the 45-year-old victim, of Frankston North, to The Alfred Hospital for treatment. Police said he was unwilling to assist with their inquiries. The incident occurred between Tyrone St and Bayport Drive. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Western Port News – 24 January 2017
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie IF there was a local coach of the year award for 2016 Seaford United supremo Paulo Pinheiro would be a valid candidate. Sure he may not have beaten Scott Morrison whose Rosebud Heart side won every game in a once-in-a-generation season and Adam Jamieson whose Mornington outfit created history with back-to-back State 1 championships but what Pinheiro achieved last year is worthy of recognition. When Darren Roberts surprisingly quit a couple of weeks out from the start of last season and half a dozen senior players followed suit assistant coach Pinheiro had suddenly inherited a basket…
By Ben Triandafillou THE Mornington Little Athletics Centre have completed their temporary move to the Mornington Secondary College whilst they await the construction of their new all-weather running track at Civic Reserve, Mornington. The MLAC hosted their first day of competition at their new home on January 14 after outgrowing their old location at Mace Oval, Mount Martha after 13 seasons. With the assistance of local companies such as Moorooduc Timber and Hardware and Charlton Degg, Land Development Consultants, the move to their new home was relatively smooth and without great cost to the club itself. Charlton Degg, located in…
By Ben Triandafillou CAULFIELD trainer, John Moloney, has defied the odds in the $2 Million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast on 14 January, with the $101 blowout, Flying Jess. Flying Jess defeated the previously unbeaten Winning Rupert as well as dual Group 1 winner Global Glamour for a breakthrough victory. Brilliantly ridden by Tye Angland, Flying Jess swooped late to defeat Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Global Glamour ($8) by a neck and hold off the fast finishing Eckstein ($12) whose four straight wins came to an end. Unable to run the tough seven furlongs out,…
This year, McClelland is delighted that Derek Guille the renowned broadcaster, author and musician has agreed to curate and MC what promises to be a very special event featuring two of Melbourne’s finest jazz groups The Pearly Shells and Ultrafox (featuring Julie O’Hara) along with one of our favourites in The Frankston High School Senior Stage Band, directed by Leon de Bruin. Derek Guille presented the state-wide Afternoon Program on 774 ABC Melbourne and ABC Local Radio throughout Victoria and Southern New South Wales before taking up the reins of the ABC Evening Program for Victoria in 2003. In September…
Caller and leader of the Mornington Peninsula Square Dancers, Jaden Frigo, says the square dancing groups have been unbelievably well received on the peninsula. “I’ve been blown away by the enthusiastic response to our new groups. It’s been so successful that we have added three more groups so you can now dance in Rosebud, Mornington, Hastings, Balnarring or Somerville. There are thousands of people on the peninsula that would love it if they gave it a try and I really do encourage everyone to come along and see why the activity is taking the world by storm,” he said. “Come…
PENINSULA Health chairperson Nancy Hogan has been awarded Melbourne Rotary Club’s 2016 Seniors Award for her contribution to the community, particularly aged care services. “Ms Hogan exemplified all the qualities we were looking for,” Robin Syme, who heads the club’s nominations sub-committee, said. “She is committed to making a difference to older people, presenting a positive view and purpose on growing older, and is also a role model and advocate for older people. “After a successful career in aged care, Ms Hogan has, in her senior years, taken a very active role as a volunteer on not-for-profit boards, mentor for…
HASTINGS State Emergency Service is on the look-out for new members, especially residents in Somerville, Tyabb, Hastings, Mornington, Mt Martha, Moorooduc, Bittern, Cribb Point, Tuerong, Merricks, Balnarring and Somers. A recruitment information evening is being held 7pm, Wednesday 1 February, at the Hastings Unit, 2144 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Hastings. The SES handles floods, storms, earthquakes, landslides and tsunami emergencies state-wide. Public Relations section leader Helen Pugh said volunteers would receive accredited, recognised training, which may include rescue skills, chainsaw operations or securing a roof in a storm. SES units also assist other emergency agencies at incidents, such as searches and rescues.…
A NEW Mornington Peninsula Housing Services Guide aims to help people overcome housing-related problems. It can assist them to identify where to go for advice about particular problems and seeks to simplify what may appear to be a complex and confusing system. The peninsula guide has been released at a time when “rough” campers in the Melbourne CBD are ruffling official feathers. Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle is said to be about to propose a controversial bylaw outlawing sleeping in the city’s streets. The peninsula guide contains a comprehensive list of contacts for legal advice/advocacy, financial assistance and information about…
A FORMER Seaford automotive repair business manager has been reimbursed $102,990 following intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The manager was found to have not received the correct annual leave and long service leave entitlements after he resigned from the company after 25 years. He contacted the Fair Work Ombudsman for help and to confirm that he was entitled to the payment. He was provided with advice to help him resolve the matter with his former employer. The entitlement was paid in two lump sum payments within a week. The Fair Work Ombudsman also helped a foreman in Carrum Downs…
POLICE capsicum sprayed an abusive young woman, as well as an intoxicated man who “fronted up” to police, during a wild night in Mornington early last week. Another woman, 19, was among a group of revellers in their late teens and early 20s arrested for drunken behaviour after milling crowds spilled out of Main St hotels and bars early Sunday morning, 15 January. The five offenders were locked up for four hours before being released with $622 penalty notices. Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Stock, of Mornington police, said ambulance crews treated the woman at the scene for 45 minutes after…
THE auction of two freestanding commercial buildings at 157-163 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento, is expected to confirm the strength of the peninsula’s property market. CBRE’s Mark Wizel said the 554 square metre block, to be auctioned 12.30pm, Saturday 11 March, was expected to attract strong interest given its passing income, flexibility and position adjoining a council car park. He said the site offered an opportunity for a mixed use development “in one of Victoria’s strongest performing markets”. He described 2016 as a “hugely successful year” for the Mornington Peninsula’s property market with “this momentum” expected to continue into 2017. Mr…
DISADVANTAGED people across the Mornington Peninsula will benefit from the Great Peninsula Paddle on Australia Day. Organisers are hoping to raise $15,000 from the event, which is in line with money raised in years past. The seven-year-old event attracts more than 100 participants to Sorrento foreshore each January to raise money for Reclink Australia’s sport, recreation and arts programs. The not-for-profit group is being supported by the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, with money raised going towards the Western Port Warriors football team and other Reclink sport and recreation activities. “With the support of the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club,…
TWO men arrested over the weekend face charges over multiple robberies – including at the IGA liquor store in Lochiel Av, Mt Martha, overnight on 28 November, where a quantity of cigarettes was stolen. The 32-year-old Preston man and a 32-year-old Epping man also face charges relating to five other burglaries as part of an operation investigating a series of commercial burglaries across Melbourne. They were arrested by the Eastern Region Crime Squad on Mendip Rd, Reservoir, on Sunday. Charges include aggravated burglary, burglary, theft, theft of motor vehicle, criminal damage by fire and handle stolen goods. Other burglaries occurred…
THERE must be something in the water at Balnarring, with three former neighbours all celebrating their 100-plus birthdays this year at a Shoreham aged care centre. On Saturday, Beryl Sheedy blew out the candles for her 104th birthday, just months after her former Balnarring neighbour Elsie Wishart also turned 104. The pair share the same aged care centre with another of their former Balnarring neighbours, Merle Chaman, who turns 100 this year. Mrs Sheedy said her secret to longevity was to have a glass of white wine with dinner every night. “I used to say having a chocolate every night,…