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…
Author: MP News Group
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…
By BARRY IRVING OVER the past 20 years, Woodworkers of the Southern Peninsula have made and hand finished more than 20,000 toys for non-profit groups to help needy families all over the peninsula. Of the 80 expert woodworkers, 20 specialise in making toys. They spend each Wednesday at the shed and then many hours at home finishing off their inspired creations. The Community Bank has sponsored both the raw materials and, also, renovations at the shed, enabling the team to make more than 1200 toys this year. These will go to Good Shepherd Australia/New Zealand, Rosebud Salvation Army Corp, Southern Peninsula…
THE Destination Rosebud project, part of the state government’s Interface Growth Fund, was launched earlier this month at Rosebud pier. Eastern Victorian Region MP Daniel Mulino did the honours, alongside the then mayor Cr Bev Columb and councillors Antonella Celi and David Gibb. Also attending were representatives of Seawinds Community Hub, local schools, Rosebud West Action Group, Rye Rosebud Rotary, Southern Peninsula Community Support and Information Centre, Rosebud Senior Citizens Club, Rosebud Chamber of Commerce, Rosebud Lions Club, Rosebud police and Mornington Peninsula Tourism. The total value of the project is $5.5 million with the council contributing $1.35m from this…
ROSEBUD police acted quickly online to shut down an unauthorised party being held on the Rye foreshore, Friday night. They noticed the event titled “Beach gath, rye, Friday night, BYO” on Facebook and used their own page to comment: “Thanks for the invite Lleam, Tyson and Lochie. “Rosebud police will definitely be attending! PS. Did you remember to get your permits from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council?” At the time, 99 people had signalled their interest in the event, 188 were going and 916 invited. It was looking like being a big night, but interest faded when it became known the…
The life of an artist is one of quiet solitude with a lot of time for reflection and often too much emotional energy consumed on introspection. It is fair to say that artists at peace with themselves usually translate this serenity to their creations with never an angry brushstroke evident! Conversely , an artist frustrated with ‘creative block ‘, or too many external influences negatively impacting on her or his peace of mind ,may , if they can indeed create anything at this stage , reflect their ‘issues’ with a dark or gloomy choice of colours and subject matter. Artist…
By TERRI LEE FATOUROS What a fantastic turn out recently when Andy Phillips of Cadillac Walk fame and his partner and manager Heidi LaFaerie hosted their VIP merchandise launch party at the Double G Saloon in Mornington recently. Fans of the Cadillac Walk can now buy T-shirts with the bands new insignia printed on it, get mugs, stubby holders and a host of other cool stuff that acts as a constant reminder of their fav band. “The new logo design by international artist for Harley Davidson, was commissioned with a view that we wanted a cool design for our merchandise…
IT was a grand affair when Mornington’s Avenue of Honour was dedicated and the new rotunda opened in Mornington Park, Sunday 8 November. Musical accompaniment was provided by the Royal Australian Navy Band and Mornington Youth and Citizens’ Band and the service was well attended on the sunny day. The celebrations started when secondary students from Peninsula School, Toorak College, Padua College, Mornington Secondary College and Balcombe Grammar marched along the avenue bearing plaques with the names of the 120 WWI volunteers from the old Mornington Shire. The RSL’s Heritage Support Committee chair and MC Colin Fisher told the gathering…
THREE Mornington Peninsula tourism businesses have been inducted into the Victorian Tourism hall of fame after winning gold medals in their categories for three consecutive years. Searoad Ferries, Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfing, and Stillwater at Crittenden were honoured at the 31st awards night in Melbourne. Searoad was doubly rewarded when its CEO, Matthew McDonald, won gold in the young achievers award. Aquabelle Apartments in Rye won the inaugural “Self-contained accommodation” category. Erin Joyce of the Victoria Tourism Industry Council said the awards had benefited Victoria’s $21 billion tourism industry by “showcasing and celebrating the high standard of business…
THE state government’s bid to promote students’ interest in science brought Education Minister James Merlino to the second annual Southern Peninsula Principals’ Network 2015 Annual Science Fair. With more than 500 year 5-7 students were at the fair, being involved in science experiments, demonstrations and offering their ideas. The fair, held in the hall at the New Peninsula Church, Craigie Rd, Mt Martha, aims to support science teaching among government schools. Schools at the fair included Boneo, Balnarring, Somers, Tyabb Railway and Dromana primary schools, Dromana, Somerville and Western Port secondary colleges, Peninsula Special School and Red Hill Consolidated. Mr…
THE International Day of People with a Disability will be celebrated with an all-abilities sports day in Mornington next week. It will be Mornington Peninsula Shire’s inaugural “All-abilities come and try sports day” and will be held at Civic Reserve Recreation Centre off Dunns Rd. People with disabilities, their carers, families and friends have been invited to attend the free event. Sports and activities will include tennis, gymnastics, soccer, netball, Australian rules football, cricket, table tennis, yoga, and Pilates. Swish, a version of table tennis for people who are blind or vision impaired, is likely to attract interest. It is…
Cats the Musical – Melbourne Double pass giveaway Tickets valid for Saturday 19th December, 2pm performance at The Regent Theatre, Melbourne 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) immediate…
WALLAROO Primary School at Hastings is holding its first school fair, Saturday 28 November. Principal Nicky Fammartino said parent volunteers had worked hard on the project, in particular school council president Deb Stargett and vice president Brooke Hamilton. “We have a lovely school community and the fair is a brilliant way to share this with the broader community,” she said. Ms Fammartino welcomes the community to come along and have some fun, and is even volunteering to sit on top of the “dunk tank” machine and inviting students to throw the lucky ball. The free fair 10am-3pm will feature a…
THE state government has stumped up $23,000 for a graffiti prevention project in Mornington Park (formerly Tanti Park), Hastings and Rosebud West. Newly elected mayor Cr Graham Pittock said the cash would pay for “an early intervention and prevention educational project provided by Warner Youth Education in partnership with Victoria Police” in the three areas. “It will also involve a series of murals created by primary and secondary students to encourage community pride and educate students about the consequences of illegal graffiti,” he said. Grade 5 and 6 pupils from Mornington Park, Wallaroo, and Eastbourne primary schools as well as…
OPPOSITION Police spokesman Edward O’Donohue and Hastings MP Neale Burgess were at the $16.3 million Somerville police complex on Friday voicing their concerns over its lack of counter service. They wanted to highlight the fact that it “remains closed to the public because of Daniel Andrew’s failure to provide funding for more police”. Mr Burgess said it was important that he had been allowed inside the police building at the corner of Eramosa Rd West and Coolart Rd, Somerville. He was taken on a 30-minute tour by Acting Senior Sergeant Peter Drake and Detective Sergeant Jason Hocking. “It was designed…
A PLAY that’s truly out of this world will land on stage at Hastings Hall this month. A youth show production by Pelican Theatre Company called ‘What’s Above?’ featuring performers aged 10-18 will investigate mysterious sightings of UFOs and aliens. The play is written by Pelican Theatre Company vice-president Madeleine Kay who says the comedy about people who believe in aliens is suitable for the whole family. “I watched a documentary about people who believed in aliens in the US and thought it was a really good idea for a show,” she said. “Adopting a mockumentary to the stage is…
WELLBEING workshops, “empowering” guest speakers and live music are all being brought together for a family fun day. As well as providing a family day out, this month’s Mindfulness Festival is aimed at raising money for the Wellness Pavilion at Rosebud Secondary College. The Wellness Pavilion will offer meditation sessions, counselling support and innovative programs for college students and youth and families within the wider community. Music at the festival will be played by The Warrains, SugaTree, Drew Bowden, Lady and the Tramps and The Daddios. Guest speakers will join yoga, meditation and nutrition practitioners as they demonstrate child and…