AFTER a year’s break, the Mornington Peninsula Hinterland Scarecrow Festival and Trail is about to return with Shawne Rubinstein already having someone in mind for his scarecrow. Mr Rubinstein and wife Lisa Panuccio, of Red Hill, are busy building a scarecrow of cricketer Shane Warne. “He’s Australia’s most popular cricketer, favourite larrikin and the best bowler this country has seen,” Mr Rubinstein said. The couple is hoping to do justice to Warnie with a double-sided scarecrow. They plan to inject some humour by immortalising a few infamous off-the-pitch moments – including his love of baked beans. “They say imitation is…
Author: MP News Group
THREE of Mornington Yacht Club’s four nominations won prizes at the annual Yachting Victoria Awards held at Sandringham Yacht Club, Sunday 19 June. The awards celebrate sailing in Victoria and recognise the achievements made through various programs and regattas. Nick Sharman and James Grogan were named Youth Sailors of the Year and selected to represent Australia at December’s World Youth Championships in Auckland. Sophie Ciszek was named Yachting Victoria’s Female Sailor of the Year. This follows her success as a competitor in the 2015-16 All Women’s team in the Volvo Around-the-World Ocean Race. John Mills, Tanya Lawton and Jason Ettridge…
MORE than 1550 jobs are expected to be created in the disability sector in the Bayside and Mornington Peninsula regions over the next three years. A report by the National Disability Insurance Agency on the impact of the National Disability Insurance Scheme says the number of people working in disability care is expected to double by 2020. At that time the scheme is expected to allow people with a disability to have a greater say in their own support. Victorian NDS state manager David Moody said the jobs boom will be powered by demographics and the rollout of the NDIS…
THE lure of the Outback is calling long-standing Variety Club Big Bash contestants John Crossin, John Mackie and Geoff Adshead. The Mornington men are looking forward to another drive with their “family of 320 people from all walks of life” when they head for Darwin, Wednesday 10 August, and – hopefully – arrive at the Top End, Saturday 20 August. The drive takes in scenic country from Mildura to Wilpena Pound, Coober Pedy, Eridunda, Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Tennant Creek and Katherine. Over the past 13 years the men’s Car 86 has raised $242,000 for special needs kids on its…
Entry into all Mornington Peninsula News Group competitions published in print, online or social media is free. Entries must be submitted by the due date and time as requested in the individual competitions as follows… Entry is open to Australian residents over the age of 18 years only, excluding employees of the promoter, publisher and associated parties. Competition entry opening and closing dates as outlined in each specific printed/posted competition. Winners are selected at Random. Winners for print competitions will be notified by phone/mail/email, online competitions by email and Social Media competitions by private messaging on Facebook/Instagram and noted on the…
Police have arrested seven people following the execution of a number of search warrants in the south east suburbs earlier this month. The warrants were executed in relation to on ongoing undercover police operation in Rosebud between Thursday 14 and Friday 15 July. On Thursday 14 July police executed search warrants at Panorama Drive, Tootgarook and Weeroona Street, Rye. A 49-year-old Tootgarook woman has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine and trafficking cannabis. She has been bailed to appear at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 12 August. A 42-year-old Tootgarook woman has been charged with possessing proceeds of crime and has been…
A Somerville man had his tow truck impounded for a month after he was caught driving while disqualified in Balnarring this morning. Somerville Highway Patrol members spotted the yellow tow truck travelling along Balnarring Road with false plates fitted about 8am. Police stopped the unregistered Ford tow truck and the driver underwent a roadside oral fluid test which indicated the presence of illicit drugs. During a search of the truck police discovered rounds of live ammunition and drug paraphernalia. The 25-year-old driver was found to be a disqualified driver. His truck was impounded for 30 days and he will have…
Ft. Queenie, Katie Breheny and CJ Fortuna CJ Fortuna “Smart, energetic and surprising!” The Age With five Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows under his belt, including a Moosehead Award in 2000 for his comedy musical Rockothello, CJ has firmly entrenched himself in the Australian comedy scene. CJ made his television debut in 1997 playing a nerdy ventriloquist on Neighbours. Since then he has worked on a variety of short films, TV commercials regular guest roles on Blue Heelers and Stingers most recently writing and performing on channel seven’s Hamish and Andy. In Melbourne, his dry wit has featured on local commercial…
BITTERN Primary School celebrated its 100th anniversary last week with 100 former pupils and staff members watching as current pupils dressed up and paraded in old-fashioned clothes. Guests included former pupils Rodney Hayne, now a policeman, professional boxer Kane Watts and former principal Colin Stevens. Two other principals attended as well as some pupils from the 1940s. Some were surprised to see the old shelter shed still standing. Afterwards guests enjoyed a sausage sizzle while they walked down memory lane with a photo display showing Bittern through the decades. A former staff member brought a replica of the old school…
SOUTHERN Metropolitan Region Crime Team Investigators have charged an 18-year-old Langwarrin man following two aggravated burglaries and a burglary in Rosebud in which a Kia car was stolen. They occurred at houses in Eighth Av and Tarwarri Av, 8 July. Police arrested the man at 7.40am Wednesday. He was charged with numerous offences, including aggravated burglary, intentionally causing injury, assault, theft and burglary. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on a later date. The Kia was recovered at Langwarrin Football Club the following day. Sergeant Anthoula Moutis, of the media unit, said the police has escalated their…
HEARING of children being frightened by masked youths banging on walls and peering through windows at a Rye children’s holiday camp struck a chord with Southern Metro Region police inspector Karen Nyholm. “I’ve got kids myself,” she said. “I heard the kids were frightened and I understand and appreciate the concerns of the carers. “I know I’d hate to see my kids frightened.” Worried carers at the Camp Australia program at Rye Primary School mid-month reportedly placed crying children under tables to comfort them during the incident before calling 000. Some mothers are said to have criticised police for taking…
A PENINSULA production company, Peninsula Film Office, has won Best Short Film Screenplay at the Amsterdam Film Festival for their film – The Gift. Written and directed by Peninsula Film Office director, Steve Bastoni, The Gift is about isolation and re-connection and how a small act of kindness, like a ripple, can have far reaching and profound affects. The Gift was made in association with Mental Health Australia and premiered at this year’s Peninsula Short Film Fest in February. Director, Steve Bastoni said he felt honoured to be recognised for the film. “It is a terrific accolade and it’s…
STORM damage has forced the closure of a section of Mornington’s newly restored pier. East Port Phillip and Western Port area chief ranger Reece Taranto said nine concrete wave screen panels and handrails facing the bay were dislodged during last Tuesday’s (12 July) storms. The outer section of the pier is closed, but the public can still access the inner section, including the lower landing, as these areas were not damaged. “Once the pier has been properly assessed, we will reopen the areas that are safe to use,” Mr Taranto said. “Until the project engineers have had a chance to…
WHALE watchers are recording the “busiest season on record” as sightings pour in from Western Port and Port Phillip. “The 2016 whale season has turned into a record breaker around our bays. We’ve just had our busiest weekend of sightings ever,” said Dolphin Research Institute, research officer David Donnelly said on Wednesday. “Winter in our bays and surrounding coastal waters has become something of a busy time for keen whale watchers. Large whales are now so regular in our waters that sightings have become an expectation rather than a novelty.” Mr Donnelly said although “hunted to the edge of extinction…
AN absorbable heart stent was inserted in a Peninsula Health patient. This breakthrough for the health service was achieved by Associate Professor Jamie Layland, one of a few cardiologists in the world who has inserted this new absorbable stent. He and fellow cardiologist Robert Lew, also of Peninsula Health, are part of a worldwide team investigating the use of absorbable stents in patients with heart disease. A stent is a small mesh tube used to treat narrow arteries in the heart. Traditionally, a metal-based stent is placed in an artery of patients undergoing a coronary angioplasty – a procedure which…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie ROSEBUD Heart is the only senior team throughout Victoria’s State Leagues with a perfect record. While the fledgling club has achieved a rare feat in only its second year of competition the mood among local clubs was one of gloom as tribute was paid at last weekend’s matches to former Skye United president and FFV Chief Financial Officer Chris Attard, 52, who died last week. Skye drew 0-0 away to Harrisfield Hurricanes on Saturday but the club remains a genuine title contender in State League 4 South. Heart’s relentless push towards promotion from State League 5…
A WOMAN was found burnt to death in Rye this morning (Monday). A passer-by found the woman on fire near the intersection of Peter and Betty streets and extinguished the flames around 7am. Police spokesperson Natalie Webster said the matter was being treated as non-suspicious. Emergency services were called to the scene about 7.15am. The woman’s identity has not been released and the exact circumstances are yet to be determined. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Lisa Johnson. The 22-year-old is wanted by police in relation to failing to appear at court in relation to weapons matters. Investigators have released an image of Johnson in the hope someone may recognise her or have information on her current whereabouts. She is known to frequent the Rosebud area. Anyone who sees Johnson is urged to contact Rosebud Police Station on 5986 0444. Source: Victoria Police
Southern Metropolitan Region Crime Team Investigators have charged an 18-year-old man following an investigation into two aggravated burglaries and a burglary in Rosebud in July. The alleged aggravated burglaries occurred at Eighth Avenue and Tarwarri Avenue on 8 July 2016. Investigators arrested the man at a Langwarrin address about 7.40am yesterday. The Langwarrin man was charged with numerous offences including aggravated burglary, intentionally cause injury, assault, theft and burglary. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this morning. Victoria Police has escalated its response to aggravated burglaries and carjackings across the state. At the start of May they rolled…
HASTINGS FNC SATURDAY saw the Hastings Football/Netball Club come up against Red Hill Football/Netball club in what loomed as a massive test for all sides. But unfortunately not all sides did not come away with a win on Saturday. The club came up against very determined Red Hill sides which was very disappointing but the that’s sport. We now have next week to get ready for. Next week also looms as another huge test with the club heading to Rosebud Football/Netball Club in what shapes as a season defining game for our senior footballers. They played some scintillating football in…
IN July, 2008 the The News printed a short obituary on Des Duguid who had passed away at the age of 76. Des was a courteous, quietly spoked gentleman who resided for many years at Eldon Park in Graydens Road where he filled the role of fitness trainer and helped around the farm. But Des was a man of diverse talents: he was a gifted singer and actor and, in his younger days, was a more than capable boxer. He won a bronze medal in the light welterweight division at the 1954 British Empire (later Commonwealth) Games at Vancouver. Six years later…
A DINING table and other items of furniture have been returned to Coolart Homestead, near Somers, after almost 80 years. The original 16-seat table arrived at Coolart in 1937, where it was converted into an extension table by Gerturde Luxton, who also crafted the original tapestries for the chairs. Mrs Loxton is the wife of Tom Luxton, who bought the 1895 property from the Grimwade family in 1937 and declared it a sanctuary for native wildlife. He embarked upon a program of habitat development. Peter Roffey, a descendant of the Luxton family, made the donation along with eight chairs and…
SECONDARY students from Western Port, Mt Eliza, Mornington, Dromana and Rosebud participated a three-day youth leadership camp at The Portsea Camp, 19-21 June. The camp – for 32 Year 10 students – was organised by the Mornington Peninsula Partnership Forum, made up of the eight Bendigo and Community Bank branches on the peninsula, and Mornington Peninsula Shire. The forum aims to bring together possible sources of funding for strategic projects on the peninsula. “As this was the first camp, there was a great sense of anticipation and excitement about its potential to provide real opportunities for those attending,” Bendigo Bank…
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a burglary in Rosebud last Wednesday (6 July). Investigators believe that five unknown offenders have attended a shopping centre in a gold/silver BMW, with stolen registration plates TNV 409, on McCombe Street about 3.15am. They have pulled up in front of the shopping centre where four have gotten out of the car and one has remained in the driver’s seat. The four have smashed a hole in the window of a door using a crowbar and then used a concrete saw to cut the lock on a sliding…
MUSICIAN Steve Romig will launch his latest album Sticky Fingers Played Here. The album is a change of pace for Romig, who is well known for blues and roots music. It delivers soul riffs, with a splash of funk and blues “to add grit”. Romig is embarking on an international publicity tour for the album in two weeks, and the launch in Mornington on Thursday will be his final appearance in Australia for a few months. “We are really happy to be launching the album on the peninsula among friends before I leave. Being able to support an amazing emerging…
A POD of killer whales has caused excitement among wildlife watchers off Flinders and Phillip Island, although its arrival is probably not so welcome by the inhabitants of Seal Rocks. Known as the ocean’s apex predator, the killer whales, or orcas, were first seen by tour operator Wildlife Coast Cruises about 11am on 4 July. The Dolphin Research Institute’s David Donnelly said the news quickly spread with “eager whale watchers converging on the location, but you had to be quick as the pod was clearly on a mission”. “Shortly after arriving the killer whales quickly went about investigating the local…
A MCCRAE panel beater’s workshop was broken into early Tuesday morning and a customer’s car stolen. The 2012 Kia Cerato was lowered from a hoist by the thief and reversed through the roller door at about 4am, causing extensive damage to the workshop. The car was then used in a ram-raid at the Chemist Warehouse, Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Mornington. Detective Sergeant John Coburn, of Mornington Peninsula CIU, said a man was seen stealing four shopping baskets containing fragrances and perfumes ranging upwards in price from $60. He said the man was only in the store three or four minutes but managed…
THIEVES raided two Mornington Peninsula tobacconists last week, stealing about $40,000 in cigarettes and tobacco products. Detective Leading Senior Constable Nick Sweetman, of Mornington Peninsula CIU, said about $20,000 in cigarettes, tobacco and cash were stolen from the Bentons Square, Mt Martha, tobacco outlet early Sunday morning 3 July. Two men are seen on CCTV wearing gloves, caps and hoodies and driving a red Commodore around 3am. A newsagent, cafe and fashion store were also targeted in the late-night-early-morning raid in which the thieves spent more than six hours inside the centre. In a separate raid, thieves stole $20,000 in…
THE beach patrol group 3941Rye aims to help save marine life by removing litter from the beaches and foreshore, as well as promoting litter awareness among members of the community and visitors to Rye. The group had a successful beach clean Saturday 2 July, with 23 volunteers and 11 children – as well as mascots Dixie and Jack. “We collected 286 drink containers and a total of 144kg of rubbish,” organiser Julie Jame said. “3941RYE is the first beach patrol group on the Mornington Peninsula and we were pleased to be joined by a member of the second group: 3941Tootgarook…
AFTER 48 years, Manyung Gallery has moved from its original home in a faux Tuscan castle on Nepean Highway to a shop in nearby Mt Eliza Village. In addition to this “boutique” gallery, directors David and Sharyn Wemyss-Smith have opened an art warehouse in Progress St, Mornington to house and display larger artworks. They also offer a mobile service, delivering artwork for on-site assessment at homes and offices. The Wemyss-Smiths also have “art spaces” at Sorrento, and Malvern. “We’ve found more and more that people want a hero piece in their home accompanied by smaller complementary artworks. This space allows…