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
Author: MP News Group
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…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council is yet to work out specific details of its “friendly council partnership” with Roper Gulf Regional Shire in the Northern Territory. The partnership agreement at this stage consists of a single page signed on 1 November last year by then mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, deputy mayor Cr Lisa Dixon and CEO John Baker and their Roper Gulf counterparts. The document states: “The Roper Gulf Regional Council and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council agree to establish a Friendly Council Partnership (‘Gulf to Peninsula Partnership’) to explore opportunities between the two areas.” Peninsula councillors unanimously agreed to the…
THE founder of charity Guitars for Vets, veteran and former Frankston resident Dave Cox, says the gifting of guitars and music lessons to vets was a proven way of using music to heal. The charity held a fundraising concert at the Soundbar in Rosebud on 23 April, with money raised going towards buying more guitars and lessons for vets in need. The charity also accepts guitars and is calling for anyone with quality instruments to consider donating them. An ex-Army officer, Cox said all of the 400 guitars that had been given away since 2017 had been appreciated by its…
GEORGE MORBY INGRAM was born in Bendigo in 1889, but lived much of his life in Hastings. He died in 1961 and is buried in Frankston cemetery. On 4 October 1918, the 24th Battalion took part in the attack that captured the Beaurevoir sector in France, and was, therefore, expecting to have a rest the following day when the unit was unexpectedly ordered to take part in another attack. The assault was to starts at 6.05am from the village of Remicourt, and lead to the capture of Montbrehain by the 21st and 24th Battalions with tanks to provide support. The…
THE rain stayed away, cars appeared and there was a big crowd to enjoy the Flinders Motoring Heritage 2023 car show, complete with music and food vendors. The Flinders District Lions Club’s annual heritage car show included about 100 cars ranging from some built more than 100 years ago to modern classics. More than 1000 people inspected the cars and wandered around Flinders on Easter Sunday. Club president Monica Holland said, “the mood was great” and everyone enjoyed themselves. “Importantly, the Flinders District Lions Clubs’ endeavours over the last two years for this event raised $71,110 to complete works on…
THE four-legged mascot of Kings Creek Hotel in Hastings has legged it again, and the distraught owners are offering a $500 voucher for its return. The life-size fibreglass horse has stood out the front of the hotel for many years, attracting the admiring eyes of thousands of passersby. However, this is not the first time the wayward nag has gone missing, with thieves making off with it several years ago. On that occasion police were quick to follow the trail and the horse was soon returned. The Alderson family, which owns the pub, are at a loss as to the…
Libs need to follow McKenzie and take climate change more seriously Flinders is now the Liberal Party’s only safe seat in Melbourne. Labor governs all mainland jurisdictions in Australia for the first time in 15 years, including federally. ANU’s post-election analysis revealed that almost one in three voters chose minor parties or independent candidates in the election, the highest number in almost a century. This suggests that voters are becoming more interested in policies and people than parties. The Liberal Party’s failure to engage constructively with climate change legislation in recent months is not winning hearts and minds, particularly with…
HIKER, all-round adventurer and member of Mount Eliza’s 1st Ranelagh Scout Group Tristan Latham was one of 116 Venturers from around Victoria to receive their Queen’s Scout Award from the Governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau, on Saturday 1 April. Only a few Venturers – who are members of the scouting movement aged 15 to 18 – each year attain the Queen’s Scout award, which is the highest award in the Venturer scout section. Latham spent hundreds of hours on service tasks related to the community, leadership, personal growth and outdoor adventure to achieve the award. For Latham and other Venturers,…
NEW opportunities for Mornington Peninsula businesses are predicted to stem from the trade agreement (FTA) between Australia and the United Kingdom. The UK Consul-General Steph Lysaght visited the peninsula last week to brief businesses about what they could expect when the FTA becomes operative. The briefing, organised by the Committee for Mornington Peninsula, included benefits that could be expected, including visas, jobs, and the removal of trade barriers. Also attending during the day were the federal MP for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie, state MPs Paul Mercurio (Hastings) and Sam Groth (Nepean), Cr Antonella Celi and Roger Lancia and Angela Cleland from…
GRACING the stage in Frankston Arts Centre’s Cube 37 next month is internationally renowned comedian Damien Warren-Smith. Garry Starr Performs Everything is a one-hour show combining different theatre styles, as Damien’s character and clown, Garry Starr takes it upon himself to ‘save’ the theatre industry. At times wearing not much other than an Elizabethan ruff, Damien described Garry Starr as the most embarrassing form of himself. Jokes translate differently from audience to audience, but there is something fun for everyone to enjoy. “I’m just wanting people to have a really good time, it’s not in any way divisive or political,…
THE widely-acclaimed ROLLING THUNDER VIETNAM is set to take Frankston by storm in June as part of the show’s eagerly-awaited 2023 national tour. Hailed “a musical and dramatic triumph”, the stunning Australian production will play Frankston Arts Centre on Thursday 8 June and a just announced second show on Friday 9 June. Tickets are now on sale at rollingthundervietnam.com The electrifying show vibrantly awakens the pulse and tumult of the Vietnam War era. It showcases many of the great rock classics of the ‘60s and ‘70s, brilliantly arranged by musical director Chong Lim AM, Inspired by the true stories of…
By Vic Jeremiah* AT the John Coleman Coterie luncheon held on 19 March the Hastings Football/Netball Club again recognized the contribution of past players and officials with the induction of five people to the Club’s Hall of Fame and the elevation of Bob Stone to the status of “Legend”. Bob Stone (pictured), a member of a well known Somers family, was a prominent footballer from an early age, playing eight senior games for the Melbourne Football Club in 1942 as a 16 year-old. Post-war he played 165 senior games with Hastings and was a member of the 1946-’47 and ’48…
Police are investigating an assault at a Mornington shopping centre last month that left a security guard injured. Investigators have been told security staff told a man to leave the centre on 11 March around 9pm for unruly behaviour. The man initially complied, walking toward the exit with the security guard behind him. The offender turned when he reached the exit and punched the security guard multiple times to the face before walking away. The guard was treated for swelling, bruising and cuts to his face. Investigators have released an image of a man they believe can assist with their…
THE word is spreading about the fun and inclusivity of wheelchair basketball, as the sport makes inroads on the Mornington Peninsula. A pilot wheelchair basketball program at Somerville Recreation Centre gave able-bodied students a change to gain understanding and empathy around the challenges of others and have fun on the court at the same time. Gabe Peck from the Western Port Basketball Association said the recreation centre teamed up with Somerville Secondary School students who came to play wheelchair basketball in a trial run of the pilot program, The agenda for the day included court time with a qualified wheelchair…
BALNARRING Beach is one of the Victorian beaches where horses can be ridden for recreation, rehabilitation and training. Photographer for The News, Gary Sissons was up early on Friday 31 March when these two horses, above, were being exercised at the beach. Riding permits are issued annually by the Balnarring foreshore management committee with allocations for families, local recreational riders and horse trainers. There are no casual riding permits. Riders must wear a numbered horse permit vest and follow rules designed to protect the environment (including beach nesting birds and the dune vegetation) as well as people on the beach.…
Stop selfish car parking It’s great that we have tourists come to the Mornington Peninsula and support our local shops. However, the attitude and selfish behaviour when shopping at the local supermarkets is appalling. How many times do they drive into the car park lanes the wrong way then, when challenged, just laugh it off or tell us to mind our own business? I wish someone in authority would book these selfish people. When backing out or driving in these lanes the correct way, we do not expect to be collected by another car coming the wrong way. Would they…
THE international known Australian Welsh Male Choir will present a concert at the Mt Martha Bowls and Petanque Club at 45 Watsons road Mt Martha on Sunday 7 May at 2pm. The choir regularly tours Victoria, and other states and has recently returned from a concert tour of Western Australia. International tours have included the United Kingdom, Ireland, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and New Zealand. The Australian Welsh Male Choir (AWMC) is a choir of approximately 50 members singing in the spirit of the great male choirs of Wales. Singing in four-part harmony in the traditional format, the choir recently…
A RARE late 19th century watercolour of Mornington has recently come on the market for $17,500 through Hordern House, dealers of rare books, manuscripts and paintings. English-born artist John Clifford Rowland Clark (1860-1908) painted the picture after he and his New Zealand-born wife moved to Victoria around 1883. The couple lived at Sorrento before moving to Grey Street, St Kilda. The painting, Schnapper Point: the jetty at Mornington, is a mood-filled watercolour that the sellers Hordern House describes as resonating with “rich Australian historical context”. “It captures a fleeting moment in a place now forever changed”. Visited by explorer Matthew…
THE team at the Dolphin Research Institute has a lot to celebrate, with the beginning of its research “fellow” program, measurable success of its programs to protect and monitor dolphins, and the continued expansions of its ambassador program with schools. The institute was formed in 1991, with a focus on research on dolphins and whales, conservation in education, environmental leadership for the community, and being a strong and sustainable organisation. A registered charity, it is self-financed from the community, foundations, the corporate sector and government grants, and is about to release its Impact report, documenting key data it has collected.…
POLICE have warned shoppers not to leave bags or wallets unattended after a wallet was snatched from a trolley at Woolworths, Mount Eliza on Tuesday 4 April. A woman has told police she was shopping at the store around 2.40pm when she discovered a red wallet was missing from her trolley – ironically the woman’s elderly mother had left it with her daughter for safe keeping. After checking store CCTV, police said a man could be seen allegedly circling the aisles and following the woman while he appeared to look for items on the shelves. He is then seen taking…
A NEW path with mosaic and memorial tiles has been completed at Sorrento RSL in time for Anzac Day, Tuesday 25 April. The work around the memorial was a combined effort by teachers and students at St Joseph’s School, Sorrento, members of Point Nepean Men’s Shed and Sorrento RSL. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 11 April 2023
Police are appealing for public assistance following a theft in Mornington last month. It is understood a man entered a store on Nepean Highway with two empty shopping bags about 5.30pm on 8 March. Police were told the man placed multiple computer items into the bag, believed to be worth around $1400, before walking out of the store without paying. He is described medium build with short brown hair and distinct dark tattoos on his arms and hands. Investigators have released images of a man they believe can assist with their enquiries. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime…
MORE than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander secondary students from 30 schools attended this year’s annual Koorie Youth Summit at the Willum Warrain Aboriginal gathering place in Hastings. The Friday 31 March Culture Matters-themed summit was co-sponsored by the South East Metro Aboriginal Suicide Prevention and Healing Network and financed by Youth Justice as well as long term supporters, the Willum Buckland Foundation. It was the third summit and had “the key aim of connecting young mob around culture”, Willum Warrain CEO Peter Aldenhoven said. “This exciting event involved entertainment, cultural activities, yarning circles, show bags and refreshments,” he…