BUSKERS by the score will be on the streets of Rosebud this Saturday. Musicians and other entertainers have been invited onto the streets and outside Rosebud Plaza for the annual Buskfest. Spots were limited to 35, but organisers say more than double that number applied for Saturday’s gig, perhaps attracted by the $1000 cash prize. The competition includes performances by solo vocalists, duos, bands, pianists, harpist, African drummers, dancers, jugglers, comedians and quick draw artists. The shows starts at 10am and ends at 1pm. A panel of judges will be out and about among the audiences to see who takes…
Author: MP News Group
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has made a commitment to be carbon neutral and has been working with the community to develop the best approach to achieving this outcome, the mayor Cr Bev Colomb says. A draft carbon neutral policy, action plan and the supporting business cases, are available for community feedback. Cr Colomb said carbon neutrality was a forward-thinking approach to long-term environmental improvement. “In August, council endorsed the preferred option in achieving carbon neutrality within five years,” she said. “This approach includes actions to significantly reduce emissions, such as upgrading public street lighting to LED lights, installing solar panels on…
YOUNG people in the Mornington area have a new place to hang out with the opening of The Corner, a youth resource centre, in Wilsons Rd. The centre brings together a range of youth services under one roof and caters to the needs of the growing youth population in Mt Eliza, Mornington and Mt Martha. “The Corner will provide a modern and safe space where young people can seek advice and support from a range of youth organisations, including the council’s youth service and Headspace,” Dunkley MP Bruce Billson said. “It will offer drop-in services, fun and engaging programs, youth-orientated…
A STYLISED calendar featuring fire fighters from across the Mornington Peninsula is helping raise money for the new Monash Children’s Hospital. Designed to hang on the wall, the Victorian Firefighter Calendar 2016 displays a month a page with space for jotting down notes in each day’s box. Public holidays are clearly marked. The glossy pages feature fire fighters in posed, semi-action shots at locations all over the peninsula. Producer Carolyn Donovan, of Mornington, said the calendar paid tribute to the crews who “go above and beyond every day to serve the community”. “They choose their valued profession because they want…
THE state government has introduced laws to strengthen local government governance and reduce councillor misconduct. Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins said the changes would improve the standard of behaviour of councillors, provide a clear process for dealing with misconduct, and empower councils and her to take action against councillors “doing the wrong thing”. Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors will be required to sign codes of conduct, and councils will have to introduce procedures to deal with alleged breaches. Allegations of misconduct and “serious misconduct” will be dealt with by independent councillor conduct panels, which will have the power to suspend…
PENINSULA Aero Club, Tyabb, has been named Aero Club of the Year. This comes through aviation magazine, Australian Flying, acting for the Royal Aeronautical Society, Australian Division. “Of all the clubs in the country, Peninsula Aero Club’s submission won,” president Peter Bernardi said. The award was presented by Captain David Jacobson, a former commercial airline pilot with 24,000 flying hours’ experience. It recognises the club’s outstanding support, facilities and training to the general aviation community, as well as its high standards of safety in operations, while creating an environment that fosters participation in aviation. The award also acknowledges the efforts…
WALLAROO primary, Hastings, is the first government school on the Mornington Peninsula accredited to use a teaching method more often available only at expensive private schools. Last Friday 30 educators from Australia and New Zealand toured Wallaroo to see the results of the Walker Learning Approach (WLA) to education. Principal Nicky Fammartino describes the WLA as “a total approach to teaching and learning, which includes the need for children to be active participants in their learning”. She said the method had been developed after decades of research into “developing skills, knowledge and social interaction through a personalised and age appropriate…
COMMENT By David Gill MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is trying to avoid the state government’s rate cap plan by using special charge schemes. These are schemes where landowners pay what amounts to de facto rate increases for those unfortunate enough to be caught up in almost any kind of public works by councils. As revealed by David Harrison last week (“Rate cap may not quell cash demands”, The News 27/10/15), it is not surprising that there is little information about special charge schemes on the shire’s website. The shire is implementing a special charge concrete footpath scheme for every ratepayer in…
A HASTINGS businessman last week faced Frankston Magistrates’ Court charged with failing to extinguish a fire in the open on Wednesday 31 December last year. Alan Duke, of A&A Worm Farm Waste Systems, of Frankston-Flinders Rd, appeared at a contest mention but did not enter a formal plea. The case was adjourned until 1 December and is expected to be dealt with by diversion hearing. On Saturday 3 January, fires burnt out a wood yard in Reid Parade, parts of Warringine reserve and threatened nearby houses in temperatures of over 40 degrees and with strong northerlies fanning the flames. Mr…
FOLLOWING on from the outrageously successful season of Jason Coleman’s Spiegelicious and Animalastic in Sorrento, The Ministry of Entertainment proudly presents “Jason Coleman’s Razzle Dazzle” and “The Humanimals” performed exclusively in the Cabaret Cathedral in Rye. The Peninsula’s own Jason Coleman has returned to where he grew up, after purchasing a property in Rye a year ago. With so many accolades to his name, having choreographed Christine Anu, Tina Arena, Sheena Easton, and the opening ceremony for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games to name a few, Coleman is delighted to be bringing world class theatre to the peninsula, once again.…
NETBALL games down the beach? That’s the plan for Dromana Junior Netball Club president Paul Faillia, who says he has had “a huge response” from local clubs showing interest in playing the game at Dromana beach. “I have always wanted to see the sport played on our beautiful beaches as part of a summer comp,” he said. “I am in the early-mid stages of completing a portable court system that would see the game played on the beach in any location from Frankston through to Portsea, whether it be on a foreshore or back beach. “We have so many netball…
By Craig MacKenzie SOUTHERN United Soccer Club has named Theresa Deas as president and Stuart Munro as head coach. It is one of eight clubs contesting next year’s inaugural Victorian Women’s National Premier League competition. Deas is a former Matilda’s goalkeeper who made her Victorian state debut aged 14 and her international debut at 17. She was inducted into Football Federation Australia’s Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Football Federation Victoria equivalent in 2011. Married with two daughters she has managed the national women’s team, Victorian state teams, is a former director of Women’s Soccer Victoria, worked as a…
Those anticipating a community meeting of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council at Somerville on Monday 26 October were gutted to learn of the change of venue to the Rosebud bunker. Reason: the Mechanics Hall is still under repair. No briefing, no meal – the gallery made do with a cuppa, a cream biscuit and a full agenda. LET us skip past the majority of the meeting and get to the point of interest – councillors’ consideration of yet another request for a design change to the Arthurs Seat Skylift proposal. On Council Watch’s calculation, this will be possibly the fourth or…
Everybody has heard of “That Sugar Film” right? …. it is the highest grossing Australian Documentary of all time and has played in Cinemas all over the world. Well this year, as a special guest of PSFF, we are delighted to announce that Damon Gameau, the film`s Writer, Director and Star will be joining us on our judging panel. Damon has also appeared in Underbelly, Balibo, Charlies Country and Love my way. Festival Director Steve Bastoni said 2016 is going to be a bumper year. “We have an awesome judging panel lined up. We’re thrilled to have Damon Gameau join…
THE News Mornington Art Show has established itself as the biggest and best quality art show on the Mornington Peninsula and one of the best in Victoria, according to the comments of various show judges. Next year’s 44th annual Mornington Art show will run for six days, Thursday 21 January-Tuesday 26 January. In a change from recent years, opening night will be on the Thursday before the Australia Day weekend and will have a party atmosphere. Gourmet finger food will be served by waitresses and waiters and refreshments will be available from the bar. There will be music and the…
THE state government is warning Victorians about a coming spike in the number of dodgy door-to-door tradespeople trying to rip off people. Consumer affairs minister Jane Garrett said summer was the peak time for con men offering cheap “today only” cash deals on jobs such as painting, roof and driveway repairs. In 2014-15, Consumer Affairs Victoria received 486 reports of travelling con men, with reported losses totalling $1.35 million. Reports spike between January and March. Ms Garrett said con men often ask for cash payments up front, then take the money and run. They leave behind unfinished or poor quality…
MEMBERS of a Somers yoga class are hoping to convince Environment Minister and Flinders MP Greg Hunt to overturn his decision to approve a massive coal mine in central Queensland. On Monday they joined the list of groups and organisations that have used Mr Hunt’s office as a focus for their protests against the federal government and, in particular, its environmental policies. Last week it was protesters dressed as angels climbing onto the roof of the office and before that deliveries of bags of coal. In May, police arrested leaders of a group of Christians occupying Mr Hunt’s offices in protest at…
THE search is on again for the next Miss Western Port. The pageant is open to young women aged 15-28 in the Western Port area wanting to gain self-confidence and become actively involved in the community to make a difference to the lives of others. At this stage there are six contesting the 2016 crown – and all have sponsors from local businesses. Preliminary judging will be held in January and the winner will be crowned on the main stage at the Western Port Festival, Saturday 20 February. Candidates are judged on their community involvement, confidence, poise and grace. This…
THE former Annie Sage centre in Blacks Camp Rd, Somerville, will be refurbished as the new home of Somerville Community House. This follows a $270,000 grant from the state government’s Interface Growth Fund. The mayor Cr Bev Colomb said the Mornington Peninsula Shire was thrilled to receive funding for the project that will help create a real community hub for the town. “Mornington Peninsula Shire Council appreciates the state government’s funding support,” she said. “The Interface Growth Fund is supporting real contributions to communities of interface councils – councils like the Mornington Peninsula that are just on the outside of…
THE skipper of a boat which accidentally backed over a passenger causing his death in December, 2013, has been placed on an 18-month community correction order, which includes performing 200 hours of unpaid community work. Justice Croucher made the order in the Supreme Court, Friday. Tori Mackinnon, 31, who had pleaded guilty to a charge of driving a vessel in a dangerous manner causing death, was told her profound remorse, previous good character, excellent prospects of rehabilitation, guilty plea, and the fact prison could worsen her fragile mental state, had influenced his decision. Paul McVeigh, 60, was killed when he…
PLAYING in a cricket match with his father, two brothers and brother-in-law is a career highlight of Mornington Cricket Club 300-gamer Michael Voss. Padding up for his first game in the 1987/88 season at age 12, Voss played his 300th senior game against Delacombe Park in B2 grade on the weekend. This makes him only the seventh club member to play 300 games in its 152 year history. Others include George Keys, Jeff Calder, Paul Brown, Stephen Voss, Terry O’Keefe and one other. His best batting performance is 63no and his best bowling figures are 5/31. Another highlight was a…
A WALKING and running event is the main financial force behind a driver education program for thousands of year 11 students across the Mornington Peninsula. The annual Arthurs Seat Challenge raises money for the Fit2Drive program to help students become safer road users by focusing on better decision making when faced with risky situations. The program also increases community support, sharing knowledge with parents and schools in our local area. “It has been remarkable to see the growth and expansion of road safety education across the peninsula, and the shared response to reducing road fatality and injury involving young people…
WATCHING goldfish in a bowl can be restful or compared to waiting for grass to appear. But that won’t be the outcome for hundreds of divers and snorkelers in the water at Rye and Flinders this summer as part of the biggest citizen science event on Victoria’s marine calendar, the Great Victorian Fish Count. “The huge amount of enthusiasm volunteers have for the Great Victorian Fish Count reflects the deep knowledge and passion that exists in local communities for our marine life,” Caitlin Griffith from the Victorian National Parks Association said. “This enthusiasm makes it possible to contribute large amounts…
WORK on the long-awaited shared path down the steep southern slope of Mt Eliza to Emil Madsen Reserve is set to begin next month. The nearly two-kilometre Wooralla Drive path from Tower Rd to the reserve will cost $500,000 plus an unspecified amount for a crossing of the tourist railway line at the bottom of the hill. The rail crossing is likely to add a significant amount to the project. It will be done under a different contract and must meet VicTrack requirements for a normal suburban rail line even though tourist trains only run three times a month. The…
FIVE private gardens in Mt Eliza and Frankston South will be open to the public over the weekend 7-8 November. The 5 Gardeners’ Gardens is an initiative of the Anglican Parish of Mt Eliza which is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the historic “little white church” on the corner of Koetong Pd and Nepean Highway, Mt Eliza. The parish held the event in 2009, 2011 and 2013 and, according to coordinator Lyn Whelan, it was a great success. “What better way to spend a spring weekend on the Mornington Peninsula than by rambling around Mt Eliza visiting five delightful private…
ORGANISERS of the annual Peninsula Health and Sustainability Expo say their perspective on health and wellbeing practices can help people pause to try out mindfulness techniques. Now in its fifth year, the expo provides tips and demonstrations on environmentally friendly practices and wellbeing techniques. Fiona Redding, nicknamed the Happiness Hunter, is one of 60 Mornington Peninsula businesses, health practitioners, nutritionists and wellness operators who “care passionately about living in a holistic and happy way”. “It doesn’t take much to change your own lifestyle – but sometimes it can be overwhelming to know where to start, and who to turn to,”…
FISHERIES officers are out to make sure anglers follow snapper bag and size limits in Western Port and Port Phillip bays. Anyone caught over the limit will face $433 on-the-spot fines for each offence, have their boats seized or be banned from fishing. Fisheries Victoria executive director Travis Dowling said officers would enforce catch limits, check fishing licences and educate anglers about fishing responsibly under Operation Billit. “Snapper are an icon fish so it is important anglers fish sustainably by obeying the rules, knowing their limits and taking only what they need,” Mr Dowling said. “Officers will be undertaking patrols…
BACTERIA and contaminants are flowing into ground and surface waters from more than 30,000 unsewered properties across the Mornington Peninsula. The problem is compounded by inadequately maintained septic tank systems. The shire is undertaking a septic monitoring program in unsewered areas, including Arthurs Seat, Red Hill and Point Leo, and looking at options to provide sewerage. The program includes electronic monitoring and barcoding of septic tank systems in high-risk areas as well as providing advice to septic system owners through the Smart Septics program. The shire’s new Domestic Wastewater Management Plan aims to prevent contamination from septic tanks along with…
NOMINATIONS are open for next year’s Mornington Peninsula citizen and young citizen of the year and the year’s best community event. “Right across the shire, we have so many ordinary people doing extraordinary things. These awards help to make sure these individuals are rewarded for their generosity, selflessness and community spirit,” the mayor Cr Bev Colomb said. “If you know a friend, family member, school mate, community leader or any person or community event that helps make our community a better place to live, help us to recognise their efforts by nominating them for an award! Nominating is easy and…
WHALE watchers, tourism operators and environmentalists are marvelling the record number of whale sightings this year in Western Port. Sightings of more than 110 humpbacks, one southern right and four orcas in the region have encouraged whale watching cruises to extend their schedules. The apparent increasing numbers of whale is also providing ammunition for those opposed to an international container port being built at Hastings. While off the state government’s agenda at the moment, the port expansion could be added to the state’s major infrasturcture list if Western Port is designated as the most appropriate site by Infrastructure Victoria. Conservationists…