RETIRED science teacher John Inchley is heading a team of voluntary researchers monitoring the health of Balcombe Creek which enters Port Phillip at Mt Martha. Mr Inchley is the driving force in BERG Mt Martha’s Waterwatch group, which has recently brought high E-coli levels, invasive plants and phosphorous contamination to the attention of health officers. The creek starts as a trickle near Baxter and meanders 20 kilometres through farmland, parks and near residential areas before flowing through The Briars wetlands and wildlife sanctuary into Balcombe Estuary and eventually into the bay. Mr Inchley and his assistants, retirees John Rawlins and…
Author: MP News Group
The Hachem Group ALL IN FOR CHARITY poker event is coming to the Mornington Peninsula. Superstars from the sports and entertainment worlds including World Champion Poker player Joe Hachem, Brendan Fevola, Bryce Gibbs, Campbell Brown, Sam Greco, Wayne Carey, Marc Murphy, Robert Dipierdomenico and Brad Sewell along with some of the worlds best Poker players will compete in the Poker Tournament at Mornington Racecourse. Hachem Group ALL IN FOR CHARITY poker events are renowned for red carpet, bright lights, high profile celebrities and non stop entertainment. After recent successful SOLD OUT events in Geelong and Etihad Stadium, the Mornington Peninsula…
Chocolate Starfish, one of Australia’s most successful bands of the 1990s is back and sharing the stage with iconic rock singer Swanee & the hottest young rock band in the country Place of the King. Chocolate Starfish released two albums in the 90’s both smashing into the ARIA Top 10 and received gold and platinum sales awards. The band was also responsible for six Top 50 singles including the smash hits “You’re so vain” and “Mountain” (both ARIA Gold singles). Starfish was Australia’s hardest working band in the ‘90s playing more than 700 gigs between 1993 and 1997, once doing…
CONTRACTORS were yesterday (Monday) removing incorrect no-trespassing signs on Somers beach. The signs had caused concern among regular beach users, but it seems they were meant to warn of danger further inland not on the beach. The signs, put up by HMAS Cerberus on 30 June, are 1.7 kilometres north-west of the 100 steps, below the high water line and above the low water line in the tidal zone. The warnings could have affected elderly activity groups, bird watchers, joggers and dog walkers who regularly use the foreshore. Beachgoer Barry Hodder, of Bittern, said he had been exercising at Somers…
SHOPS in High St, Hastings, are being urged to use a green theme in their windows to mark the murder three years ago of Dermot O’Toole. A candle vigil will also be held on 12 July. Mr O’Toole was stabbed during a robbery of his High St jewellery shop by Gavin Perry, who was convicted and sentenced to 27 years’ jail. An appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions over the leniency of the sentence were dismissed by the Court of Appeal last week. The family wanted his sentence lengthened while Perry was seeking a reduction. Perry, who was on…
ON the last day of June strong north winds again drew crowds to Mornington harbour, with some taking to the water to surf or to go sailboarding and others braving the spray from waves while walking along the pier. Photographer Gary Sissons moved from the pier and beach to Schnapper Point where he found Steve Wells and his daughter Jessica, from Somerville, standing knee deep in foam. The resulting photograph could have been taken on a snowy mountaintop, except for the stormy sea backdrop. First published in the Mornington News – 5 July 2016
Heartbreaker country and folk music coming to Cube 37 @ Frankston on Friday 22 July at 8pm. Having been programmed in The Melbourne International Arts Festival, The Brisbane Powerhouse World Theatre Festival, The Darwin Festival,The Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Falls Festival,The Famous Spielgeltent and supporting the likes of Clairy Browne and the Banging Rackettes, Tinpan Orange and Harry James Angus, Miles and Simone are a much loved Australian musical duo. They are dear friends and have been for quite some time. Both Actors and musicians by trade, they met during a production of Summer of the 17th Doll and have been…
It’s a dream, it’s a shadow, it’s a spectacle. Frankston Arts Centre and ATA Allstars Artists bring you the exhilarating Shadowland from world-renowned Pilobolus Dance Theatre. This astounding combination of musicality, projected images and acrobatic dance choreography is daringly dramatic and hugely comedic. The thrilling visuals transform the human body into metaphorical themes before your very eyes. A global sensation, Pilobolus, has been experienced by over a half-million people and was featured on The Academy Awards, Ellen and Oprah. This imaginative Pilobolus creation celebrates the extraordinary power of darkness and its ability to illuminate who we really are. It’s more…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie FRANKSTON Pines returned from the Latrobe Valley with a precious point on Saturday as it bids to avoid relegation from State 1 South-East. The Monterey Reserve side earned a 3-3 draw against Morwell Pegasus in dramatic circumstances ending this catch-up fixture with nine men. Pines central defender Nick Lekakis and goalkeeper James Laminski were unavailable due to holidays but the side was bolstered by the midweek captures of forwards Josh Calle from Langwarrin and Naseer Mohammad from Casey Comets. Ioasa Saemo took up a central defensive role alongside Ben Caffrey while Calle partnered Mathew Hames up…
TWO men bashed a man, 54, outside a Tootgarook toilet block, 8am, Thursday 30 June. Detective Senior Constable Peter Butland, of Somerville CIU, said the man was hit in the back of the head and, when he fell to the ground, the men stole his wallet and ran off. The man reported the assault to police. He received treatment for lacerations to his head and abrasions to his face and forehead. Police are appealing to witnesses to the attack, near Truemans Rd. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News -…
THE ice-affected driver who killed two elderly women in a mini-bus crash in Rosebud, in August, has been jailed for 11 years with a minimum of seven and a half years. Michael Patrick Trueman, of Coburg, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court last week to two counts of culpable driving causing death. Judge Paul Lacava was told the 24-year-old L-plate driver had the highest levels of speed and ice in his system that Victorian experts have ever seen. His Commodore crashed head-on into the Ti Tree Lodge mini bus, killing Betty May Fox, 91, and Katharina Nensteil, 88, and…
MCCRAE cafe proprietor Sam Keck got the wake-up call he dreaded, 3am, Friday morning. It was the milkman telling him his Merchant and Maker cafe, in Point Nepean Rd, had been broken into. Racing down he found the front door had been jemmied open for the thief to gain entry and steal a “substantial amount” of money from the till and more from the jemmied safe. Also gone was the cafe’s tips jar containing money earmarked for Ugandan charity the Cup that Counts, which contributes to the African country’s community development. The cafe also donates 20 cents from each cup…
Police are calling on road users to take extra care on the roads with sun glare being investigated as the possible cause of a collision in Mornington this morning. A male cyclist was travelling north on the Nepean Highway about 8am when he was struck from behind by a motorist near the intersection with Belleura Road. The injured cyclist has been taken to hospital while the male driver of the car was physically uninjured. The driver told police that he couldn’t see the cyclist due to sun glare on the road. Members of the Somerville Highway Patrol are investigating the…
A DROMANA man was taken to Frankston hospital after crashing his car into a power pole beside the Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston South, 2.52am, Friday 24 June. Senior Constable Evan Humber, of Frankston police, said the man, 28, appeared to have lost control of his red Ford sedan on a bend near Harrow Hill Ct, clipping the gutter and “becoming airborne for 20 metres”. The car came to rest chassis deep in an embankment. It was said to be a write-off. Acting Senior Sergeant John Anderson, of Mornington Peninsula Highway Patrol, said police were awaiting results of blood samples taken at…
Police have charged a man following the alleged theft of a CFA donation box from a service station in Baxter last month. The man allegedly attended the Peninsula Link service station and walked off with the donation box which contained an amount of cash on Sunday 15 May about 4.25am. A 40-year-old Mornington man has been charged with theft, prohibited person possess a firearm, burglary, fail to answer bail, traffic-related offences, intentionally cause injury and other assault-related offences. He has been remanded to appear at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 14 July.
A MORNINGTON family has created a modern, industrial-style art gallery and studio space aimed at supporting creative talent. Black Spot Gallery & Studios in Milgate Drive, has been opened by Allan and Lynne Stynes and their sons Cameron and Travis, after two years’ planning and research into the local art scene. “Our youngest son Cam has always had a great flair and interest in many aspects of art,” Mrs Stynes said. “His works have been on exhibition at many different shows and he has always loved the idea of having a studio or gallery to display his work. “Allan has…
For four decades Aussie comedian Col Elliott has been making crowds across the country laugh and now brings his special brand of humor to the Mornington Peninsula with Col’s Final (Fair Dinkum) Farewell Tour. As part of a generation of Australian standup comedians, along with Rodney Rude and Kevin “Bloody” Wilson, Elliott portrays the larrikin image with plenty of fart gags and casual politically incorrect jokes with characters like the failed kamikaze pilot, a Pakistani Elvis impersonator, and an Italian ambassador named Guisseppe Lasagne. The 67 year old funny man is performing at The Grand in Mornington on July 7…
“COMMUNITY-DRIVEN” transport options and more affordable housing are two of the goals in a 20-year vision to address the needs of young people on the Mornington Peninsula. The George Hicks Foundation’s inaugural Mornington Peninsula Philanthropic Summit last month was attended by community service providers, local government, businesses and philanthropic organisations, and was facilitated pro-bono by Right Lane Consulting. The summit formulated a long-term vision for the peninsula that would see more emergency accommodation for families, a youth hub, mental health support for young people, and greater coordination between young people and community service providers. The summit also looked at how…
COSTUMES, make-up and props formed the basis of a colourful protest outside the Hastings office of Flinders MP Greg Hunt. The piece of street theatre organised by Environment Victoria and enacted by members of community groups in Mr Hunt’s electorate, revolved around what they claim is a missing piece of Liberal Party policy: a policy for the environment. A search of the Liberal party’s website reveals that “issue 14” of the party’s “plan” is a document titled Protecting our Environment, which lists its accomplishments as protecting the Great Barrier Reef; tackling climate change; supporting “on-ground” environmental projects; protecting threatened species…
AN “exceptionally well preserved” Aboriginal hearth has been found at Point Nepean National Park. The presence of heat retaining stones in the hearth makes it very unusual, and the only one like it found in the Port Phillip region, experts say. Representatives of the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Bunurong Land and Sea Association Traditional Owner groups, staff from Aboriginal Victoria and Parks Victoria, recently gathered to assess the site. Samples were taken for radiocarbon dating and significant fragments kept for analysis, which Bunurong Land Council general manager Dan Turnbull says will reveal more about the area’s rich cultural…
SOUTHERN Port Phillip Bay anglers are invited to hear the “Big Fisherman” Rex Hunt and fisheries experts discuss the removal of commercial net fishing and the health of key bay species. They will be speaking at a conference, 5.30-9pm, Friday 12 August, at the Altona Theatre. “We’re keen to share the latest findings from our work in the bay and outline the substantial progress made this year in removing 33 of 43 commercial netters – the flagship commitment in the State Government’s $46 million Target One Million plan,” Fisheries Victoria executive director Travis Dowling said. “Presentations from experts will cover…
A PARTIALLY-restored 1976 VW Beetle was among items stolen from 10 storage units in Barkly St, Mornington, last week. The car, valued at $15,000, was later recovered undamaged behind a Mornington take away. Detective Senior Constable Ben Watson, of Somerville CIU, said thieves either cut padlocks or forced open doors to the units overnight Sunday 19 June. Detective Watson said another a Porsche 911 was left behind in the raids in which a video camera, TV, electric bicycle and tools were taken. Adjoining unit holder Ryan Henderson said the thieves broke into his unit but unsuccessfully tried to open five…
MEMBERS of the public can find out more about Ramadan – Islam’s holiest month – by attending a meal served after sunset on Sunday 3 July. The sunset meal is a tradition of breaking a fast and will be served as a buffet by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Victoria. The community has a mosque at Langwarrin but the meal is being served at the Uniting Church in Frankston. Those attending will get the chance to speak with mosque members and find out more about Islam. The Interfaith Iftar Dinner, 4.30pm Sunday 3 July, will be held at the…
A large pine tree fell over the Nepean Highway between Mt Eliza Way and Old Mornington Rd this afternoon. Three cars were damaged but luckily nobody was hurt. The driver of a van who was delivering magazines was very lucky. One of the branches smashed the passenger side windscreen and a large branch went through the van into the rear compartment. Traffic was diverted as Nepean Highway was closed until the tree could be cleared.
BUSES will replace trains on the Stony Point line between Stony Point and Frankston, Saturday 25 June to Sunday 31 July. Customers are advised to allow an extra 15 minutes travel time. The line closure is a result of level crossings being removed at North Rd, Ormond, McKinnon Rd, McKinnon, and Centre Rd, Bentleigh, on the Frankston line. The works prevent Stony Point line trains being taken to Southern Cross station for maintenance, effectively putting them out of action. V/Line provides two Sprinter cars for the Stony Point line out of a pool of 21 Sprinters. As part of the…
THE man at the centre of the Rye siege last December has been jailed for three years. Colin Wade Gower, 69, of Rye, held his estranged wife, and a co-worker, hostage for seven hours in a Point Nepean Rd cafe, causing mayhem for weekend shoppers. He was armed with two low-calibre hand guns. Angry traders later said they missed out on thousands of dollars in trade after specialist tactical police shut their shops and cordoned off the area. Gower pleaded guilty in the County Court to five charges. The court was told he repeatedly threatened to kill his wife –…
A REVISED framework for controlling the use and number of gaming machines and minimising harm to the community on the Mornington Peninsula was adopted by council on Monday. A report by the social planning and development department revealed $79,400,240 was lost through the 821 poker machines in the shire during 2014/2015, with the daily loss rate being $217,535. The report found that although gambling is recognised as a “legitimate leisure and entertainment activity”, it acknowledged the potential for financial and social harm. The new Responsible Electronic Gaming Machine policy aims to encourage responsible gaming by guiding council’s decisions on the…
AFTER years of frustration it seems the calls for better mobile phone reception at Red Hill and Shoreham have finally been heard. Flinders MP Greg Hunt is “delighted” that money needed to improve telecommunications in the two areas will be available if the Coalition government is re-elected at the 2 July federal poll. Mr Hunt, who holds Flinders for the Liberals with a more than 11 per cent margin, is competing against five other candidates: Yvonne gentle (Rise Up Australia Party), Shane Lewis (independent), Willisa Hogarth (The Greens), Carolyn Gleixner (Labor) and Ben Wild (Animal Justice Party). Mr Hunt said…
BLAIRGOWRIE Miss World entrant Nicolette Holt is one of 10 delegates selected to represent Victoria at the state final in Melbourne on 6 July. Charity work is integral to the Miss World ethos and part of her brief is to volunteer her time and fundraise for a good cause. Nicolette has chosen children’s charity Variety which aims to improve the lives of sick, disadvantaged and disabled children. To raise funds she has organised health and wellness event – Yoga 4 Variety – at Flinders Yacht Club, 10am-1pm, Sunday 26 June. The event will begin with an hour’s yoga class conducted…
A MORNINGTON man is in jail following what police describe as a “landmark” child exploitation case. The 57-year-old was arrested after Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team detectives raided his home in September. The case is the first to be presented before a Victorian court relating to charges of producing child exploitation material outside Australia. Acting Sergeant Paul Turner, of the police media unit, said the case highlighted the high level of investigative expertise of the Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team who target child sexual exploitation offences internationally. The arrest ended a year-long investigation into the man’s production and possession of…