BEWARE: Spider Crabs are coming to Rye! They’ve been spotted by members of Rye Beach Community Action Group near an arts’ project by Rye Primary School pupils. But relax: Their arrival is all part of a large mosaic art piece called: The invasion of the spider crabs, by artist Simon Normand. Mr Normand designed the artwork with assistance from the pupils during the mosaic process. It is on the wall of the toilet block facing the community playground, which also came about through the efforts of the action group. “We decided we wanted something beautiful for the Rye community and…
Author: MP News Group
THE star studded line up has just been announced! Peter Helliar from The Project, Michala Banas from Upper Middle Bogan, Damon Gameau – That Sugar Film, Acclaimed Australian Director Rob Connolly (Paper Planes and Balibo) and Actor Lachy Hulme will form the Peninsula Short Film Fest 2016 judging panel Held on Saturday February 6 at the Village Green Rosebud, the FREE outdoor film festival will showcase a selection of 12 short films. PSFF Festival Director, Steve Bastoni said there is still time to get your short film in for inclusion, “Entries have been extended until December 31 this year. The…
On the Beach considers the place of the beach within Australian life by bringing together paintings and photographs by some of Australia’s acclaimed Modernists with works by contemporary artists. The exhibition considers the ways in which people relate to the beach, its place in understandings of national identity and its history as a contested site. On the Beach features works by Arthur Boyd, Gordon Bennett, Daniel Boyd, Max Dupain, Charles Meere, Tracey Moffatt, David Moore, Sidney Nolan, Polixeni Papapetrou, John Perceval, Scott Redford, Jeffrey Smart, Albert Tucker, Guan Wei and Anne Zahalka. The exhibition also features a series of photographs…
IN the 114-year history of the Royal Australian Navy, just five men have been awarded the George Cross, making them the Navy’s bravest of the brave. Although they are honoured individually at points across Australia there has never been a joint memorial to their heroism. That changed at Hastings on Saturday last week when Commodore Jack Rush, RFD, QC, unveiled a memorial tribute at Hastings Community Hub, Frankston-Flinders Rd. In a display of inter-service solidarity, he was accompanied by Army hero and VC winner Keith Payne. The tribute was prepared by the Victorian Maritime Centre to be part of a…
EMERGENCY relief for the homeless on the Mornington Peninsula received a welcome shot in the arm in May with a $5000 grant from StreetSmart. The money allowed Southern Peninsula Community Support and Information Centre to establish a food pantry to assist those at high risk of homelessness, or those that are homeless, with food, medication, transport and other material aid. The pantry provides basic food to make needy people’s lives as comfortable as possible. It assists them to achieve self-reliance, thus encouraging self-determination over their lives. And local businesses are eager to help: Through the DineSmart campaign restaurants Pizza D’Oh,…
LITTLE Tommies Early Learning Centre will be built in Mt Eliza as part of a state government $50 million investment in the early childhood sector. Eastern Victoria MP Daniel Mulino said $650,000 would be spent on the stand-alone facility at St Thomas More School, Canadian Bay Rd. The centre will provide 44 funded kindergarten places as well as 44 three-year-old places. “This grant will help give Mt Eliza families flexible, accessible and affordable early learning and care services,” Mr Mulino said. “The facility will foster supportive relationships for the wider community. It will offer opportunities for community learning and allow…
A FRANKSTON South man has been arrested and charged over a spate of trailer thefts in the Mt Eliza and Mt Martha areas. Police will allege the man, 25, stole four trailers and $20,000 worth of tradies tools over several weeks. Two of the trailers have been recovered. Detective Sergeant Mel Nixon, of Somerville Police Complex, urges tradies to identify their tools “anyway they can” to make returns easier. Engraving an owner’s name and address or driver’s licence number on their tools is easy and practical, she said. First published in the Mornington News – 15 December 2015
THREE women with a collective 100 years’ service received a mayoral commendation for their dedication to Western Port Community Support at a special morning tea recently. The citation is awarded to those who volunteer their time for 20 years or more. Mollie Warren recalls the humble beginnings of what was the Hastings Citizens Advice Bureau when it opened on 1 April 1979. Both Nanette Cumming and Margaret Mildern have countless stories to tell, and many memories to recall, when the early days of the centre are discussed. Community information and support centres on the peninsula have more than 150 active…
THE Warringine boardwalk reopens on Sunday after being closed since a bushfire in January. More than 700 metres of the Hastings boardwalk have been restored and Mornington Peninsula Shire is inviting the public to the opening. The official opening is at 10am, to be followed by guided tours through the reserve and a light lunch. While the shire has been reconstructing the boardwalk which meanders through coastal wetlands bushland has been regenerating, with some types of plants appearing in the park for the first time, including the swamp daisy. Shire rangers will conduct guided walks and to introduce visitors to…
Now in its second year, the Sorrento Spiegel Zelt is celebrating with a show that is even bigger and more spectacular! This summer, the very special Spiegeltent is presenting a hit show that has wowed audiences in more than a dozen countries around the world – LIMBO UP CLOSE! After a sell out season last year, make sure you book early and secure your tickets for this amazing night of theatre. You are guaranteed to be blown away by the world of cabaret, burlesque, circus, music, dancers, acrobats and singers, all contained in a fast-moving show in the glorious and…
THE Beleura cliff path, Mornington, remains officially closed, despite being used by many people each day. Safety barriers erected by Mornington Peninsula Shire have been pushed aside, providing access to the cracked and crumbling bitumen path up the steep cliff. Its use is expected to increase over summer but the shire has yet to say when, or if, the seriously eroded path will be repaired and made safe. The previous mayor Cr Bev Colomb has praised the state government for a $50,000 grant, although Mornington MP David Morris says the amount falls well short of the amount needed. A public…
BEACHGOERS and boaters are being warned to take care around water in the summer months ahead. The 2014-15 Drowning Report released last week by the state government highlighted some disturbing trends. Overall the number of drowning deaths fell to 39 compared to 47 in 2013-14 and 35 men died with alcohol and risky behaviour contributing factors in several deaths. Nine deaths were boating related drownings. Most drownings occurred off coastal areas (49 per cent) compared to inland waterways (31 per cent). Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett said “the loss of a loved one through drowning is a tragedy”. “Thousands of…
THE flowers were well and truly blooming and gardeners smiling at Mornington’s Botanical Rose Gardens when receiving an international award on Thursday 12 November. The World Federation of Rose Societies’ Award of Garden Excellence recognises exceptional standard of the rose gardens from a historical, educational and visual point of view. Mornington’s award is just the third presented in Australia since the awards began in 1995 and places Mornington among 60 rose gardens world to receive it in the world. At the presentation, World Federation of Rose Societies president Kelvin Trimper predicted the Mornington gardens would see a rise in the…
SILVIE Paladino will perform at Mornington Carols in the Park, 6-8.30pm, Saturday 12 December, at Mornington Park, Schnapper Point Drive (Melway 104 D10). She will sing her Christmas favourites at the fun, free event for the whole family. Carols start at 6.30pm. Attractions include a children’s animal farm, face painting, balloon artists and roving performers, colouring competition and letters to Santa. There will be heaps of prizes and giveaways and a visit from Santa in his very own vintage sleigh. BYO picnic and a blanket, or enjoy a tasty treat from one of the many food vendors. Battery operated candles…
NEXT year’s The News Mornington Art Show will open with the atmosphere of a “razzle dazzle party”. The jazz will be played by the Balnarring Bakery group, gourmet food and refreshments will be served throughout the night and more than 800 paintings will be available for sale. John Renowden of Mornington Rotary Club said the paintings covered all media and were priced from “a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars”. The show opens 7pm Thursday 21 January. “The quality of artwork already entered is very high,” Mr Renowden said. “Entries range from traditional landscapes, seascapes and still life…
Words and picture: Barry Irving THIRTY-three Mornington Peninsula war veterans gathered at Rye RSL on Saturday to take part in a photographic record of surviving World War II veterans. The event recognised 100 years of the ANZAC spirit. Hundreds of veterans had their portraits taken by volunteer photographers on the day which was organised by the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers. The veterans were given copies of their portrait. The portraits will be presented to the RSL and the Australian War Museum where they will be exhibited as part of a remembrance work to honour the service that this generation…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s first All Abilities Come and Try Sports Day, Wednesday, at Civic Reserve Recreation Centre, Mornington, was a big success. People with disabilities, carers, families and friends attended the free event to celebrate International Day of People with a Disability. It aimed to make the most of the facilities at the leisure centre as well as feature a range of accessible activities. “The shire acknowledges the tremendous support of local sports clubs and associations, disability groups and the community,” said Cr Antonella Celi, who is the council’s representative on the All Abilities Consultative Committee. The theme of the…
MORE than 100 people were at Hastings foreshore on Sunday to make it clear they want the federal government to do more about climate change. Towels of all types were placed on the grass spelling out 100%RET, the renewable energy target they want the government to adopt. The group at Hastings represents a small part of a global movement pressuring world leaders attending this month’s climate change talks in Paris. Protesters wearing angel costumes who last month clambered onto the roof of Flinders MP and Environment Minister Greg Hunt office in Hastings have already been highly visible in Paris, where…
SOMERVILLE Rise pupil Aiden Hinson has his sights set on success at this week’s annual School Sport Australia track and field championships in Canberra. Believed to be the first Somerville junior to compete at this level, he will be among more than 100 junior athletes from schools all over the country. Aiden will compete in the long jump and medley relay, which includes two 200 metre, a 100 metre and a 300 metre race. His best long jump is 5.04 metres. The grade 6 pupil, 12, has competed locally for Western Port Little Athletics Club for the past seven years…
Australia’s finest female soul voices unite to bring their soul party to the Peninsula. Starring Rita Satch, Chelsea Wilson, May Johnston (Deep Street Soul), Lisa Faithfull (Soul Safari) and Carla Troiano (Mayfield). 2015 has been a massive year for Women of Soul with sell out appearances at Melbourne Recital Centre’s Summersault Festival, Stonnington Jazz Festival, Darebin Music Feast, Meeniyan Town Hall and The Shadow Electric. Their debut collaborative album “Women of Soul” featuring 11 Melbourne based soul vocalists was featured nationally on ABC Radio National, PBS, RRR and Eastside Radio and nominated for Best Soul album of 2015 at The…
A SHERIFF’S operation in Mornington last week nabbed 16 people with 178 outstanding warrants valued at more than $55,000. A roadblock on Mornington-Tyabb Rd used numberplate-recognition technology to spot offenders. Payment was received from 12 people on the day to finalise 45 warrants worth more than $15,000, a spokesperson said. One driver with six warrants worth more than $2000 was notified that their driver’s licence and vehicle registration would be suspended if they did not arrange to pay within seven days. “It is disappointing that so many people continue to ignore their fines and let their situation spiral out of…
AN “alarming increase” in alcohol and other drug-related problems by elderly residents is being tackled by healthcare professionals in what’s billed as an Australian first. Peninsula Health’s Alcohol and Other Drug Services Program manager Stephen Bright will present the guide at a conference, Thursday. “When we think about who experiences harm caused by alcohol, most people think about young people,” Dr Bright said. “However, data shows the rate of risky drinking among young people has been decreasing, while risky drinking among older adults has been increasing. “There is a similar trend with regard to the consumption of cannabis. This is…
RESIDENTS living near shire bushland reserves or with an interest in them can contribute to new fuel management plans released by the council last week. The shire has 233 bushland reserves and draft maps for each one will guide fuel management for the next five years. The plans will be on public exhibition until Thursday 21 January. The mayor, Cr Graham Pittock, said the overall objective of the maps was to engage the community, assess bushfire threats, and guide risk reduction. “Meaningful risk reduction depends on the shire communicating its plans and work programs as well as understanding how residents…
AFFABLE new shire mayor Graham Pittock was given a damned good tryout at his first council meeting of 2015-16. He remained affable almost throughout the four and a half hours the meeting ran. Close to the end all smiles had faded. It was a heavy agenda, possibly too heavy for a single meeting. Some participants, despite this, adopted a leisurely pace, taking some items up side alleys and down the garden path. All this came to a head late in the night when tempers were getting frayed. Cr Pittock suggested one exasperated dissident councillor, Anne Shaw, might care to leave…
A CONFRONTING project focused on domestic violence is on display at Chisholm TAFE’s campus in Frankston. The student initiated ‘Counting Women’ T-Shirt Project, has a T-shirt for each woman in Australia murdered by a partner or ex-partner this year. Each T-shirt lists the woman’s name and details where possible and is accompanied with relevant newspaper articles and a blackboard updated with the current death toll, 78 in 2015. Chisholm group coordinator of community services Dr Ilsa Evans said the project had been a pivotal assignment for Diploma of Community Services students. “Highlighting this topical issue is of critical importance to…
WILD weather last week saw crews from Volunteer Marine Rescue at Mornington and Hastings called out to several rescues. VMR spokesman Tim Warner said the Mornington crew was called out last Wednesday at 5pm to search for a man missing near Frankston pier “We launched the boat within 15 minutes of receiving the call from Water Police and arrived at the search area 15 minutes later,” he said. “Unfortunately, a short time after we arrived the Police Air Wing spotted the person who was deceased. Our thoughts go to the family, and all volunteers who attended.” Mr Warner said the…
IT’S food, glorious food as the judging of finalists in Mornington Peninsula Shire’s food awards program Best Bites starts. The category for best school and childcare centre canteen is popular with all canteens on the peninsula entering. The shire started Best Bites in 2011. The program assesses peninsula food businesses for aspects such as providing safe and healthy food, environmentally sustainable business practices, nutrition and allergen awareness, waste and recycling, energy and water efficiency, tobacco and alcohol compliance, and access for all. The shire has enlisted the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation to help judge canteen finalists. Foundation CEO Ange…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Graham Pittock and Cr Lynn Bowden were joined by members of Somerville junior football and Somerville cricket clubs at the opening of the new Fruitgrowers Pavilion in Somerville. Cr Pittock said building the $1.5 million pavilion was part of the shire’s $49 million pavilion strategy. “The shire is committed to ensuring our facilities are compliant and fit-for-purpose, and help our residents and visitors to be more active and to get out and enjoy what the peninsula has to offer,” he said. Cr Bowden said the building tripled the size of the former facilities at Fruitgrowers Reserve.…
THIS season’s official fire danger period for Frankston, Mornington Peninsula and French and Phillip islands starts next Monday, 30 November. CFA South East Region assistant chief officer Trevor Owen said fire restrictions were starting earlier than last year because of recent warm and dry conditions. “So far, all indicators are pointing to a challenging fire season ahead,” Mr Owen said. “While CFA does everything it can, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.” Mr Owen said “a short window of opportunity” remained for property owners to clean up but warned against illegal…
A 29-year-old Epping man has lost his car for a month after he was allegedly caught doing a burn out by police in Mornington yesterday morning. Frankston Highway Patrol detected a group of motorcycles and a black Commodore sedan driving along Main Street in a convoy about 10.20am Sunday 22 November. All riders and the driver were displaying Comancheros Outlaw Motorcycle Gang colours. It is believed the group stopped at the Esplanade to give way to traffic, and as they moved off, the Commodore allegedly did a burn-out, fish tailed, lost traction and went through a pedestrian crossing and intersection. Police…