FAST food was the common denominator in the charging of two Western Port drink-drivers last week. A Baxter woman will be charged after being found in Somerville with a blood alcohol level four times the legal limit. Hastings police spotted the woman in a fast food drive through on Eramosa Rd, 1am, Monday 4 January. The 33-year-old was breath tested and returned a reading of 0.202 per cent. She will be charged on summons. Senior Sergeant Michael Lamb said the intercept was potentially a lucky escape for both the woman and the community. “With a blood alcohol level this high,…
Author: MP News Group
CRIB Point and Hastings CFA crews yesterday battled a grass and scrub fire off The Esplanade between Disney and Lorimer streets. Police were called to investigate the cause of the blaze. Duty officer Andrew Turner said 15 appliances and up to 50 firefighters on the scene were awaiting the arrival of a water-bombing aircraft at about 3.30pm. However, with a cooler wind change and light rain the fire was classed as “safe” at 4pm. Firefighters said it was lucky the wind did not pick up at the start of the blaze. First published in the Western Port News – 12…
THE Baxter woman pinned against a wall by her car at the Grant Rd storage facility early last week was in “a stable condition” yesterday, Monday. The 59-year-old staff member was airlifted to The Alfred hospital with serious injuries after being stuck for five hours outside the Somerville business. Police and emergency services crews stabilised the woman on Monday 4 January before the car could be moved. The officers then had difficulty evacuating the woman to hospital as locked bollards blocked their way onto Fruitgrowers’ Reserve where the air ambulance was waiting. A Mornington Peninsula Shire officer arrived with the…
ARTISTS have again been behind their easels creating works for the Sorrento Rotary Club’s annual art show. Now in its 30th year, the show last year raised more than $65,000 for community projects on the peninsula. Walter Magilton, pictured, will be judging the more than 800 entries in the show, including oils, watercolours, acrylics and ink on paper. The show includes works by Ron Farnill, Jayne Henderson, Craig Davy, John Whitelaw and Fiona Bilborough. Magilton’s childhood was spent on a dairy farm in Victoria surrounded by forest and its wild creatures. He says his desire to commune with nature in…
PRESS reports, Friday, have confirmed that the Portsea hotel freehold has sold for $17.1 million. The proposed sale was tipped in The News (“Overseas investor eyes on us”, 25/8/15) with owner Colonia Leisure Group national operations manager Grady Patching saying the hotel building and land was for sale – but not the business. Computershare founder and multi-millionaire Chris Morris reportedly paid $9.3 million for the 140-year-old hotel in 1999 and his Colonial Leisure Group took full control in 2012. It will continue to run the hotel with Mr Patching stating the venue “has just had its most profitable year since…
AT 100, Reg Craig is still a force to be reckoned with. While celebrating his 100th birthday friends recalled his advocacy work within the community and saw proof of his power when Flinders MP Greg Hunt sang along to the Collingwood Football Club’s theme song. Mr Hunt had popped in to the lunch on 27 December at Rosebud Country Club to congratulate Mr Craig and present him with his certificate. Mr Craig also received a letter from the Queen and the Prime Minister. At the lunch Mr Hunt thanked Mr Craig for his service to the Rosebud community over…
YOU can’t keep a good man down – as Matthew Papadimitriou, 19, of Rowville, above, proved when he won the race for the wooden cross for the second year in a row at Wednesday’s (6 January) Blessing of the Waters off Rye pier. According to Greek Orthodox beliefs he will receive 12 months’ good luck and prosperity as a reward. The traditional event followed a Eucharistic blessing at the Orthodox Church in Red Hill, with a priest leading a procession along the pier for the day’s action. A festival of music and dancing enlivened the foreshore afterwards. The ceremony celebrates…
THE Mornington Peninsula branch of the Disabled Surfers’ Association is holding the first of this year’s two surfing events at Point Leo on Saturday (16 January). Volunteers should be at the Point Leo lifesaving club well before the 11am start. The event runs until 3pm and includes a barbecue and awards ceremony. Helpers and participants can call the Mornington Peninsula association’s president, Ash Gardner on 0417 362 983 or Stewart Lockie 0418 101 645. Details disabledsurfers.org/vic/morning-peninsula-branch The branch is working towards building a wheelchair accessible boardwalk overlooking Point Leo beach and trying to organise public access to its sand-friendly wheelchairs…
By Barry Irving RYE Sports & Social Club hosted the 42nd running of Rye’s premier sporting event, the Rye Gift, on Saturday. In perfect weather for an athletics carnival, the Victorian Athletic League conducted this multi-event program that draws Victoria’s top athletes to Rye each January. Now billed as a day out for families, there was a host of children’s activities that included face painting, a jumping castle and a visit from Mickey Mouse, Dora the Explorer and Peter Rabbit. For the adults, an on-course bookmaker, beverage tent and food stalls added to the full program of sprint and distance…
PENINSULA Community Legal Centre is celebrating the contributions of its volunteers who enable it to offer free legal advice four nights a week. The not-for-profit organisation has been providing ongoing assistance to clients on low incomes since 1977. Its volunteers were celebrated around the world on 5 December: International Volunteer Day, by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. “Last year our volunteer lawyers provided more than 2000 free legal advices,” Volunteers and Education general manager Andrea Staunton said. “Seventy-six per cent of clients assisted by volunteers had no or low incomes (less than $500 gross per week).” Lawyer volunteers…
BOATERS are again able to use credit cards instead of cash when parking at boat ramps across the Mornington Peninsula. Mornington Peninsula mayor Cr Graham Pittock said the ParkMobile introduced last summer was being used by a “significant number of boat ramp users”. The old coin-operated machines will be phased out this month. Those using the system can set up an account at parkmobile.com.au or call 1300 564 564. They can download the free smart device application at iTunes, Google Play or Windows markets. The voice asks for a car registration number and credit card details. An introductory rate for…
Silvers Circus Family pass giveaway Tickets valid for Saturday January 9th, 2016 – 11am show at Bata Show Grounds, 1158 Nepean Highway, Mornington Terms and Conditions These terms and conditions (“Terms and Conditions”) govern the relationship between you, the entrant (“you”, “yours”) and the promoter, Mornington Peninsula News Group (“Mornington Peninsula News Group”, “Promoter”, “we”, “our”, “us”) 2/1 Tyabb Road, Mornington Eligibility The Competition is open to Australian residents aged 18 years or over. 2. The following are not eligible to enter the Competition: (i) employees and independent contractors of the Promoter and/or its related party entities (i.e. parent companies and subsidiaries); (ii)…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 15-year-old, Melinda Kaiser-Andrews from Woodend. Investigators believe Melinda may frequent the Hastings area and may be in the company of a 26-year-old male. Melinda has not been seen since late November, however has been in contact with family over the phone. Police and Melinda’s family have concerns for her welfare and have released a photograph in the hope someone may have information on her current whereabouts. Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 15-year-old, Melinda Kaiser-Andrews from Woodend. Investigators believe Melinda may frequent the Hastings area and…
A SOMERVILLE Auskick Access All Abilities Family Day in March will feature live bands, rides, market stalls, free kids’ activities and dance performances. The free day will be held 10am-9pm on the Labour Day Weekend at the Fruitgrowers Reserve, Somerville. The day is being presented by Somerville Auskick to bring together members of the community to showcase the local area and the talent available. Proceeds raised this year, at what’s hoped will become an annual event, will help initiate the Somerville Auskick Access All Abilities program. Coordinator Felix Arena said organisers were seeking sponsors for the family day, an audiovisual…
ONE of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will be staged at Coolart Homestead and Wetlands, 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 and 10 January. It is being put on by OZACT as one of its 40 productions and 500 outdoor performances over the past 20 years. Coolart, at Somers, is regarded as an idyllic setting surrounded by lawns, floral borders and gardens. The talented and energetic cast will take audiences on a delightful journey: from the majestic court of Duke Theseus to the woodland home of the Fairy King and Queen. “This production is a wonderful introduction to…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will again take a “no entertainment – no nonsense” approach to New Year’s Eve. Working with a community-based steering committee, police, residents and businesses, the shire says it aims to reduce the “negative impacts of celebrations” in the area. “This approach has assisted in providing a safe environment for holiday makers and residents since its introduction more than 10 years ago, in 2001-2002,” shire spokesperson Kat Hodgins said. “The shire aims to make sure the southern peninsula is a safe place for people to enjoy over the New Year period.” Cr Tim Rodgers said the summer holiday…
ESTABLISHED in 1976, Silvers Circus provides world class family entertainment and fun. With extraordinary artists continually arriving from all parts of the world, Silvers are proud of the ever-changing program they are able to present. After nearly three decades on the road, Silvers is a household name in Australia. They still maintain the sparkle, glamour and death-defying acts expected of Australia’s premier circus. The 2 hour action-packed show, featuring Ringmaster and Master of Illusions Simon Tait, will also include the Wheel of Steel. A young man with nerves of Steel, Dominik Gasser will run, jump, skip and flip…
FRANKSTON Arts Centre is the cool place to be in the hot weather over the coming school holiday period. If you’re a parent looking for engaging things to do with the kids this summer, Frankston Arts Centre has got something for everyone. FAC is renowned for presenting international, national and local drama performances and thrilling displays of live art. Now, FAC is the perfect venue for locals to develop their acting skills before they get their big break on the main stage. Drama Thrills and Spills is a one-off drama workshop for three different age-groups on Tuesday 19 January. Each…
MATT Mackay spends a lot of time taking note of the weather and its effects on the scenery. A surfer based in Sorrento, he seeks out tide times and wind speeds. As a photographer, he uses all this knowledge to compose scenes through a camera lens. “I’ve built up a strong connection with the Mornington Peninsula’s coastal and marine environment,” he says. “My main focus is on nature and landscape photography, that’s what inspires me photographically and it’s where like to spend much of my time.” Mackay says this connection to the environment is necessary to “truly capture its essence”.…
THE News Mornington Art Show opening on Thursday 21 January and running through to Australia Day will feature a display and sale of recycled oak barrel furniture. The concept of creating quality furniture from used wine barrels is a creative initiative of Frankston based furniture maker Carl Smith. After completing school and working in the construction industry for more than decade, Mr Smith decided on a career change to capitalise on his passion for working with wood. On seeing a fruit bowl made from the staves of a used wine barrel at Christmas a few years ago he realised he…
THE oil and gas drilling rig that towered over the low lying foreshore of Phillip Island before appearing to hover for days in the early morning mists of Port Phillip is finally on its way back home to Singapore. With its drilling duties for Origin and Hibiscus Oil in Bass Strait completed, the rig was last week taken on board by the heavy lift vessel Hawk before heading out of Port Phillip on Tuesday. Equipment was taken from the rig before it was welded to the Hawk’s deck for transport. The 223 metre, 44, 700 tonne Hawk sails at about…
THERE is an old adage in television about not working with kids or animals, but that is exactly what Mt Eliza Rotary Club plans to do next year for its two main fundraising events. On Sunday 6 March the club will hold its Dogs in the Park expo, with plenty of family fun and many “not too serious” competitions for dogs and their owners. There will be food and coffee stalls, face painting for children and an animal farm 11am-2.30pm at the John Butler Reserve, Mt Eliza. Entry is free and there will be a small fee for participation in…
MORNINGTON Peninsula secondary schools are pleased with their students’ ATAR results in the recent VCE examinations. Here is a sample of schools and scores. Mornington Secondary College YEAR 12 student Saskia Bauer Lodge was named Mornington Secondary College dux after scoring an impressive ATAR of 95.6 in this year’s VCE exams. “This result is down to hard work, great friends and the support of my teachers and family,” she said. The college celebrated record breaking VCE results with seven students achieving an ATAR score of 90 and above. Saskia was joined in the 90s club by Stuart Boyd, Hannah Chambers,…
THE Salvation Army is planning to bring peace to Main St Mornington over six normally hectic summer Saturday nights. Starting on Saturday 2 January, the Salvos will create a “safe zone” based around a yellow food van where young people can take time out. Once at the van they will be offered a free bottle of water, a snack and even advice. If successful, the safe zone will be continued beyond the first six Saturday nights of 2016. “We want the people in our community to have a good time, but we also want them to have a safe time,”…
A SCRUB fire at the corner of Bullecourt Rd and Disney St, Bittern, has prompted police to appeal for witnesses. The fire started at about 9pm on 29 November. A small area of grass and shrubs was burnt before the fire was put out by CFA crews. No one was injured. Police would like to hear from two teenage boys on BMX bikes who spoke to firefighters. One of the boys is described as Caucasian, mid-teens, slim build with shoulder length dark hair. He was wearing a black hoodie, jeans and a black cap with a red peak. The other…
PENINSULA Surfriders Club on Saturday claimed consecutive titles by winning the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle at Phillip Island. The event was held at the more protected Smiths Beach due to a large swell and strong onshore winds. PSC won with 5800 points, followed by Portland Boardriders Club, 5025; Phillip Island, 4850; 13th Beach, 4562; Torquay, 4474; and South West, 3874. Peninsula and Portland will compete in the national finals at Cronulla in January. “It was pretty tense in the Teams final,” PSC team World Surfing League qualifying series surfer Caiden Fowler said. “We were lucky enough to get through…
TALENT, originality and audience appeal were the rather subjective tasks judges were asked to assess at last month’s second Rosebud Buskfest. Musicians, dancers, singers, puppeteers and circus performers were on the street performing for the $1000 cash prize. While the judges roamed shoppers stopped to stare, appreciate and applaud. Top act was duo Deer Prudence (Mariah McCarthy and Georgia Delves). The over-14 group was Those Kids (Bethany Shields and Drew Alsop). Dancer Santhini Barratt won the adult solo performer section and the junior category was shared by singer/song writer, Fox Deroche, with Jarrett and Holly Sweeney on keyboards. Pictures: Yanni…
SINCE its relaunch in January the Sorrento-based Tuckey Track Friends Group has been restoring habitat along the two kilometre track and reserve. “The commitment of our core members and having the support of the wider community when we need it, make our achievements possible,” convenor Julie Corridon said. Despite some protection from planning overlays the track was under pressure from planned developments. “Recent discussions of plans for a large scale development and heliport adjacent to Tuckey Track in Ivanhoe St, Sorrento, and the Mornington Peninsula National Park, have further raised residents’ concerns,” Ms Corridon said. “Other subdivision plans along the…
UP and coming skateboarder Charlotte Heath, of Arthur’s Seat, is taking her skating skills to new heights. Last week she received a youth encouragement award after success in the Phruntside Skate Park Jam competition at Mansfield. Charlotte, 8, was presented with her award by Hayley Wilson, under-14 Australian female skateboarding champion. They know each other, with Charlotte skating with her idol for the past season in the North Western Skateboarding Series. Wilson says she sees a future for Charlotte in the sport, with the youngster able to compete successfully against girls nearly twice her age – after skating for only…
TREE clearing has started to make way for the Skylift and its string of gondolas running up to the summit of Arthurs Seat. The first trees to go were near the summit, opening up the vista and removing what has previously been seen as natural foreground for scenic snapshots. While there is no doubt the $16 million project will proceed, unresolved matters include the bushfire emergency plan and the final number of trees to be removed. The Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) gave permission for 26 trees to be removed, lopped or pruned. Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors were advised by…