A CAST of talented performers is gearing up to perform Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom at the Frankston Arts Centre later this year. The show will be staged by PLOS Musical Productions. The cast members for the show were announced last week. The lead role of Scott Hastings will be played by Mitchell Smith. The character Fran will be played by Guada Bañez. Since returning to the stage after the COVID-19 pandemic, PLOS has staged successful productions of Chicago and The Boy From Oz. Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical will open at the Frankston Arts Centre on 28 July. For…
Author: MP News Group
THE election of Fiona Reed as president of Flinders Golf Club is being seen as symbolic of significant changes occurring in golf in Australia. When she was elected for a three-year term late last year, Reed was the first woman to hold the post for almost 90 years. Celebrating its 120-year history, the club is credited with electing the first-ever woman president of a club in Australia, Helen Bowie, in 1934. Reed says she would become see the day when having women in executive positions becomes normal and without any raising of eyebrows. In the context of attracting women and…
INTERNATIONAL eyes may have been focussed on a solemn religious ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London on Saturday 6 May, but the coronation of King Charles III was also celebrated in a far-flung outpost of the former British empire, Portsea. On Monday 8 May a Coronation Party was held by Sorrento Portsea RSL, complete with palace approved Royal bunting, flags and pictures of King Charles and Queen Camilla. On the menu, described by the chair of the RSL committee’s community engagement and marketing arm Marg McInnes as a picnic lunch, were scotch eggs, cucumber sandwiches “and of course the ever popular…
Inquiry should be into shire officers, not the councillors There’s been much comment about the poor results for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in a local government satisfaction survey (“Shire hits all time low in satisfaction” The News 3/10/22; “Ratepayers want inquiry into shire” The News 11/4/23). The survey actually referred to the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s performance as a whole, rather than the council itself. Further, the results are historical, and most likely refer to perceptions of shire performance prior to the term of the current councillors. At the last council elections, the people clearly demonstrated their opinions of council…
A NEW music show aimed at all music lovers across the Mornington Peninsula has been launched by radio station RPPFM. The playlist is chosen and presented by self-described music die hard Ross Woodward, of Mount Eliza. The Music Box will be broadcast from 9.30pm on Tuesdays and use Woodward’s own CD collection to create the two hour show. Musicians that Woodward has met over the years include Brian Wilson and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys, Colin Hay, Don Walker of Cold Chisel, Guy Pearce (who has released several albums), Vika and Linda Bull, Paul Brady, Richard Thompson, Jimmy Webb…
A SPECIAL story time is returning to Hastings Library, where children are encouraged to read aloud to a friendly and furry, four-legged friend. Mel, the new story dog, is nonjudgmental and doesn’t mind if a child stumbles over a word or two. She merely listens attentively and encourages children to continue reading with tail wags and the occasional lick. Story Dogs volunteer and Mel’s owner, Hannah Mendelson, said the presence of a calm animal allowed children to practice reading with confidence in a supportive environment, without the fear of being graded or critiqued. The accepting, loving nature of dogs gives…
Detectives from the Cybercrime Squad are investigating an increasing series of reports of rental scams where a property is falsely offered for rent using online advertisements. With the current high demand for rental properties and an increase in rental prices, the rental market is becoming increasingly competitive, and properties are harder to obtain. Subsequently, well known property websites and online marketplaces are increasingly popular for offenders to utilise and deceitfully convince victims that a property is available for rent. Generally, victims are enticed with cheap rent and persuaded to act quickly by paying a deposit to secure the property. The…
Beware if scare campaign on the Voice to Parliament There are two reasons why all Australians should fact check in relation to the referendum on the Voice to Parliament. Firstly, because the proposal for an Indigenous Voice is critically significant for the future of our nation and its people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. The second reason is in order to differentiate fact from fiction, especially in the light of the confusion and fear currently being spread by a “details are being kept from us” false information scare campaign. The fact is one of transparency, that plenty of detail can be…
CONSUMER Affairs Victoria is warning Mornington Peninsula home owners and social media site administrators to be wary of posts offering cheap duct cleaning services. As duct cleaning scams flood community Facebook sites across the peninsula, the consumer watchdog says homeowners should be cautious of businesses advertising cheap services or wanting up-front payment. However, even customers paying after a service is completed can be caught out, as complaints reveal scammers rarely complete tasks. A CAV spokesperson said people should always “shop around to find a business that’s right for them” and question offers that seem too good to be true. If…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Regional Gallery will again exhibit the portraits entered in the prestigious and popular Archibald Prize. This year’s Archibald Prize features 57 portraits, with figures and cultural identities from all walks of life. As the first stop on the Archibald Prize 2023 regional tour and the only Victorian location, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery will host the prize from 15 September to 5 November. Established in 1921, the Archibald Prize is judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The display at the MPRG will feature the Packing Room winning portrait of Cal Wilson (pictured), by…
MOUNT Martha athlete Thomas “The Tank” Dade is used to pushing his limits in the mountains and the ocean, so it’s no surprise that he has been named as the Australian Ultra Runners Association’s Young Male Ultra Runner of the Year. Ultra running is any running event longer than the traditional marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres and is often run on off-road and trail courses. Dade, who said he was overwhelmed by the award, was recognised for his performances throughout 2022 – in particular, being the sole finisher in last year’s Down Under 135 (about 227km). The 24-year-old has won…
STUDENTS from St Macartan’s Parish Primary School, Mornington were running, skipping and dancing for peace and the planet as part of the global eco relay, Run4Unity on Friday 5 May. The global relay aims to unite people in peace for the planet. For every kilometre the students completed they will propagate one indigenous plant for a local Landcare revegetation project. As part of their studies, students are learning that land restoration heals the land and helps to support and sustain ecological biodiversity and health. St Macartans had partnered with Merricks Coolart Landcare and Friends of Blairgowrie National Park for the…
FIREWOOD buyers and providers on the Mornington Peninsula are being reminded to source responsibly sourced wood, understand the rules of firewood collection and stay out of parks and reserves. As the cool weather approaches and residents stock up on firewood, the Conservation Regulator is urging people to help save wildlife habitat and protect Aboriginal scarred trees. The illegal removal and sale of firewood from parks and reserves causes lasting impacts, and can decimate the homes of the many birds, reptiles as native mammals that rely on hollows in standing and dead and fallen trees. Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said…
ONE of the busiest intersections on the Mornington Peninsula is to be upgraded at a cost of $930,000. Changes at the intersection of Eramosa, Grant and Frankston-Flinders roads, Somerville, include three raised pedestrian crossings, flashing lights, fencing and signs to allow pedestrians to safely move through Somerville and remind drivers to slow down when approaching the intersection. A ramp and handrail for people who use mobility aids will be added to the footpath on the west side of Grant Road. The intersection connects to nearby shops and businesses, residential areas, schools, industrial areas, community facilities, bus services and the Somerville…
THE Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has upheld the refusal of an application to demolish part of Sorrento’s historic Dalwhinnie house. The property’s owners had sought to partially demolish and extend buildings on the Esplanade property which has a heritage overlay. The applicants took the matter to VCAT in December after Mornington Peninsula Shire Council failed to grant a permit for partial demolition, alterations and additions to the two existing dwellings on the land within the required time frame. The proposed alterations included a new basement car park, decking and a pool and new upper floor. The property includes a…
OFFICERS from Mornington Peninsula Shire are tracking down owners who have not renewed their pet registrations. Registration renewal notices were sent out in march with a 10 April payment deadline. Reminder notices were sent in April and now the shire is now following up on the unpaid renewals by visiting household were pets were registered. Dog registrations were introduced in 1970 and cats registrations in 1994. The penalty for owning an unregistered dog or cat is a $363 fine. The shire says pet registration fees pay for such things as off-leash dog areas; the Community Animal Shelter and Pound; community…
MORE than 30,000 Mornington Peninsula households have received the state government’s $250 power saving bonus. Billed as a way to ease the cost of living, the program encourages applicants to find a better energy deal – with thousands choosing to switch and save by changing their energy deal through the Victorian Energy Compare website. The free Energy Assistance Program has helped more than 500 applicants navigate the energy market, apply for eligible grants and concessions, find and switch to better offers and address billing errors. The cost of household energy bills can also be lowered through the $1.3 billion Solar…
ANZAC Day services and parades held across the Mornington Peninsula last Tuesday (25 April) drew many participants and even more onlookers. LAYING wreaths at Rosebud. Pictures: Yanni ABOUT 600 people attended the Anzac Day dawn service at Tyabb. Coordinator Peter Davis said this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the formal ending of the Vietnam War, although some Australian troops remained there for a further two years. Former helicopter pilot John Sonneveld, of Tyabb, spoke about his experiences in Vietnam, including the sadness of the war and the operation that earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross. Sonneveld also mentioned…
By Siobhan Latham WIDESCALE theft is occurring in our community, and it needs to stop. As land prices skyrocket, some among us look to expand their own holdings. There is land just outside their boundary that seems to be unused. Perhaps they decide to plant some flowers. I am brightening up the area, they think to themselves. They put in some stakes, to stop people parking on the flowers, they will say if asked. Nobody asks. So, one quiet day in the middle of the week, they build a little fence. I’ll take it down if anybody says anything, they…
Baffled by political party and opinions from afar I am more baffled by a certain political party every day. First I (and presumably every other household on the Mornington Peninsula) find in my letterbox a glossy full coloured brochure from our [Flinders] MP Zoe McKenzie explaining all about past wars, together with an Anzac Day timetable of events (which will later appear all over the place). This is one of the few missives I have had from her since the six or seven promoting her before the [May 2022 federal] election. I am unsure how this helps us in her…
SOMERVILLE Highway Patrol is investigating a collision that left a vehicle on its roof in Mornington on 27 April. It is believed a small sedan and 4WD collided at the intersection of Nepean Highway and Wilsons Road just after 5.30pm. The collision caused the 4WD to veer off the road and hit a tree before flipping onto its roof. The driver of the 4WD, a 55-year-old Mount Martha man, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. His two male passengers were not injured. The driver of the sedan, a 36-year-old Fingal woman has been issued an infringement notice for…
THE wreck of the Montevideo Maru, which sank in 1942 with more than 1000 Australian civilians and soldiers on board, has been discovered in deep waters of the South China Sea. In January Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and family and friends celebrated the opening of a plaque and seat at the Mornington Memorial Park in honour of those lost. Mornington resident Gillian Nikakis, whose father was believed to be on the ship when it was torpedoed mistakenly by a US submarine 120 kilometres off the northern Philippines, said the discovery of the vessel last week brought “a kind of closure”…
Somerville Highway Patrol officers are investigating a hit-run collision in Pearcedale last week. It is understood a red car collided with a motorcyclist on the Western Port Highway near the intersection of Baxter Tooradin Road, about 6.50pm on Friday 21 April. The motorcyclist, a 35-year-old Frankston man, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police were told the driver of the car did not stop at the scene. Anyone who witnessed the collision, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Victoria Police News – Wednesday 26 April 2023
A man and woman have been charged following 22 burglaries in the Mornington area last week. Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives launched a joint investigation after the duo allegedly forced entry into a number of commercial businesses between Monday 17 and Thursday 20 April. The alleged incidents occurred at 22 separate businesses across Mount Martha, Mornington, Mount Eliza, Tyabb, Hastings and Pearcedale. There were no injuries. Detectives arrested a 34-year-old Seaford man and a 28-year-old Frankston woman on Friday 21 April. They have been charged with burglary, theft, criminal damage, theft of motor vehicle, possessing drug of…
By Julian Cook MORNINGTON hasn’t heard many cheers louder than on Saturday when Right You Are was declared the 2023 Neds Mornington Cup (2400m) winner. The atmosphere was electric as Hezashocka and Right You Are paired off down the home straight with fans left on the edge of their seats in one of the closest photo finishes in recent memory. With the crowd left in limbo for several minutes while the judge deliberated, Right You Are’s co-trainer David Eustace, who watched the race from a friend’s wedding, was none the wiser as to the result. “I wasn’t sure actually,” Eustace…
Community input missing from ‘closed door’ negotiations Is it any wonder that ratepayers seek an inquiry into Mornington Peninsula Shire (“Ratepayers want inquiry into shire” The News 11/4/23)? If we take the recent actions regarding Peninsula Aero Club and the shire there’s plenty to be unveiled. Both organisations have caused much angst, time and expense to the community. In Freedom of Information documents obtained from the shire, it is evident that decisions are being made that are not in the best interests of all residents. During the latest failed negotiations between PAC and the shire (before the recent PAC vs…
RENOWNED violinist Jonathon Glonek will play on the Mornington Peninsula at the Eldridge Estate in Red Hill on 7 May as he and his fellow musicians embark on a tour to bring classical music back to the people. Glonek says classical music belongs to everybody, young and old, and he is encouraging music lovers to “bring their children along”. “We often see older people going to concerts, but there are younger audiences that should be exposed to this kind of music,” he said. “They can really enjoy and appreciate this kind of music.” Glonek is bringing classical music to regional…
POLICE aboard the Mornington nightshift patrol van were busy on Friday night (21 April) processing three offenders within three hours for drink driving. All three drivers were intercepted by police in the Mornington area and taken back to the Mornington police station for a further breath test. A 52-year-old man from Tyabb returned a reading of 0.069 – resulting in a fine and loss of licence for three months. A 49-year-old Mount Martha man returned a reading of 0.092 – resulting in a fine and loss of licence for six months. A 21-year-old female P-plater from New South Wales returned…
ROSEBUD Police are asking the public to help identify a dangerous driver in Dromana. On 20 April, a male driver failed to stop on police direction, taking off at a fast speed and running through a red light on Nepean Highway, Dromana. The vehicle was a white Ford Falcon utility with false registration plates 1JI2YN attached. Police are asking for information on the identity of the driver or the whereabouts of the vehicle. Contact the Rosebud Police Station on 5986 0444 with information and refer to incident number 230140949. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 25 April 2023
AFTER a pandemic enforced three-year hiatus Poets Corner will resume live poetry readings every two months from 2pm to 4pm from Sunday 7 May at its new home at the Flinders Golf Club. There will be two open mic sets and a featured poet, who in May will be Alan Pentland. Pentland ran Melbourne’s first stand-up comedy club, Le Joke, was a key player in the multi-Logie winning TV comedy Fast Forward and has won awards at three international film festivals. A former architect and performer, Pentland in 2017 won a Slam competition and other poetry awards, culminating in the…