TYABB Fire Brigade is warning drivers to slow down when passing emergency services crews after a car accident on Graydens Road on Thursday morning. No one was seriously injured, but the brigade is urging drivers to obey the 40kph restrictions when passing flashing lights. Fines for failing to comply start at $272. The 40kph flashing lights rule was introduced to improve safety for emergency and enforcement workers. Drivers must slow down to enable them to stop safely when approaching and passing enforcement, emergency or escort vehicles that are stationary or moving slowly (less than 10kmh), and have either: Red and…
Author: MP News Group
AN innovative eye scan device to monitor brain injury for sportspeople is being used on the Mornington Peninsula and giving improved indication of date-to-test eye health. The device replaces the “follow my finger” test for ocular motor function and captures 1200 data points on eye movements in 10 seconds. The EyeGuide non-invasive test enables users to capture, chart, and analyse objective data to better understand overall wellness of the eye. Community Bank Southern Peninsula gave $3250 to Rye Junior Football Club, for half the cost of the equipment to monitor and identify head knocks that may result in concussion. The…
PENINSULA Health has won three prizes at the 2021 Healthcare Financial Management Association awards, which recognises talent and leadership in health organisation finance teams across Australia. Financial planning and analysis manager at Peninsula Health and winner of the innovation award, David Monaghan, said that as finance increasingly moved to organisational decision-making on healthcare, the finance division had become more intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of the organisation. “Our skill set is in analysing and interpreting large datasets to drive efficiencies in the service; to ensure hospitals and health services remain sustainable and operational now and into the future for…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh says he will be swapping chocolate eggs for saltwater this Easter paddling a canoe in Port Phillip and Western Port to raise money for emergency services. Cr Marsh says his trip will “shine a light” on the need to preserve the shire’s beaches and maintain its coastal infrastructure, such as piers, jetties, and boat ramps. The challenge will take four days, starting in Mount Eliza on 15 April (Good Friday) and finishing in Somerville on 18 April (Easter Monday). On the first day, Cr Marsh has set his sights on paddling from the…
ABOUT 500 people enjoyed a rain-free afternoon, entertainment and displays at the Celebrate Shoreham Festival on Saturday (2 April). Shoreham Community Association’s festival was held at the Shoreham Common and had something for everyone, with children’s face painting, art displays and musical arranged by Michael Stowers. Shoreham CFA provided a free sausage sizzle and equipment display, while raising $600 in donations for NSW flood relief. The association provided refreshments and community groups – including Flinders Historical Society, Shoreham Foreshore Committee, Grandmothers for Refugees and Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation – organised displays. Shoreham Tennis Club provided coaching. Staff from Peninsula Health…
FOUR sailors from Mornington Yacht Club will be heading for Germany later this year after having won the under-22 category and open class events in last month’s Asia Pacific finals in Newcastle. Fifteen clubs from around Australia and Vanuatu competed in the titles on 26 and 27 March. The competition in Germany will determine the World’s Best Sailing Club of the Year. The Mornington team hoping to continue its winning form in Germany comprises skipper James Jackson, 17, Jack Eickmeyer, also 17, and 19 year old twins Lily and Matilda Richardson. James Jackson was last year’s Australian Sailing’s youth sailor…
MORE than $200 million worth of cars and modern art were on display last week when Pt Leo Estate hosted the Motorists Concours d’Elégance. The event saw car, art and food and wine enthusiasts view about 100 of concours and preservation-state cars. Pt Leo Estate, home to a $70 million art collection, was kept by the Gandel family as a winery and private retreat for many years but is now a sculpture park with 330 hectares of landscaping featuring works by Australian and overseas artists. Together with her husband John, Pauline Gandel has combined a knowledge of sculpture parks around…
On Tuesday 29 March Somerville Highway Patrol targeted the illegal use of monkey bikes around Hastings and Crib Point. At 12.30pm a monkey bike was found hidden in bush near the intersection of Hodgins and Frankston-Flinders roads, Hastings, and impounded. One hour later police were at Crib Point following reports of youths causing trouble on motor bikes near the football oval. Four motor bikes were subsequently impounded at a cost of $895 each and four youths will be summonsed at a later date for offences including unlicensed driving, use unregistered motor vehicle, drug driving and refuse oral fluid test related…
SOMERVILLE detectives are seeking information or CCTV footage that will help in the investigation of an aggravated burglary on Sunday night (3 April) in Lomica Drive, Hastings, where thieves stole two cars. Senior Sergeant Eddie Lagonda of Somerville CIU said the offenders entered the house and took the car keys while the owners were asleep. The thieves then made off with a Mitsubishi ASX and a Volkswagen Golf. Anyone who may have seen anything or have CCT footage should phone Somerville CIU on 59781300 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 5 April…
A FIELD of 108 will contest the $200,000 National PGA Classic from Tuesday to Friday on The National’s reworked Gunnamatta course at Cape Schanck. Players include Fortinet Australian PGA championship winner, Jed Morgan, a Queenslander, who is likely to earn playing rights next season on the DP World Tour in Europe. Following this week’s 72-hole event at The National there are just three more tournaments – two in Western Australia in April and another in the Northern Territory in May – to complete the season. The National has three courses at Cape Schanck and, while seen as world class, rarely…
Police are investigating following a fatal crash in Pearcedale yesterday afternoon. Emergency services were called to Baxter-Tooradin Road to reports a car had struck a tree about 1.20pm The driver, a 64-year-old Frankston man, was transported to hospital where he sadly died. It is believed the vehicle was travelling east prior to the crash, which occurred shortly after West Road. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined and anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has dashcam footage, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au. For the current…
Police are investigating after a car crashed into a tree at Rye early this morning. It is believed a vehicle was travelling along Melbourne Road when the driver lost control and crashed into a tree about 12.15am. Sadly, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene. The driver is yet to be formally identified. Anyone with dashcam footage or further information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au. For the current provisional lives lost tally please see police.vic.gov.au/news Victoria Police News – Thursday 31 March 2022
VOLUNTEER group Save the Kangaroos says discussion “is ongoing” for the early release of the 500-plus kangaroos trapped on private property at Cape Schanck. Spokesperson Mary Waterman said the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning had agreed that no permits were required if one-way gates were put in place to allow the kangaroos to leave the property of their own volition. “Discussion is now occurring between the people involved and we hope to see this safe form of release happening very soon, returning the kangaroos to Greens Bush,” she said. “We are very anxious that the release of the…
THE inaugural Hastings Art Show in April will host a huge collection of paintings and photographs from local and Victorian artists. The art show is to raise money for the Holy Trinity Church in Hastings, which lost its op shop when the old church burned down in 2017. The old church operated as an opportunity shop, and was adjoined to the new church, which firefighters were able to save. Church volunteer Sandra Brown said people could view the works at the gala opening night on Thursday 21 April, which will include refreshments and food, and there will be early-bird purchase…
THE executive director of Heritage Victoria has announced his recommendation that the Heritage Council of Victoria include the Flinders Pier on the Victorian Heritage Register. The move is a significant step in the campaign to save Flinders Pier. As part of the consideration process, Heritage Victoria will invite submissions from the public and interested parties who support (or oppose) the recommendation. There may also be public hearings. It is expected the assessment process will take around two months, and if it gets listed it must be protected and any work will require a permit from Heritage Victoria. Flinders Community Association…
MALCOLM Gordon’s new book ‘A Never Ending Journey’ was officially launched at Crittenden Estate Wine Centre on Friday 25 March. The Member for Flinders, Greg Hunt, launched the book, speaking on the importance of recording history for generations to come. The book is a history of the Mornington Peninsula and in fact a sequel to his earlier publication ‘Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula’ which first appeared in 1997. Readers of the new book will find pre-history, geology, natural systems, cultural landscapes, visitor attractions, conservation and expanding development, rural and coastal townships and their distinctive characters, alongside entertaining local anecdotes. Throughout there is…
A FREE, multi-arts and culture gathering aiming to lift community spirits and raise awareness of the local, not-for-profit arts and cultural scene will be held over two days in Dromana. LIFT, presented by the Peninsula Culture Collective, will give people the chance to explore artistic self-expression and discover the talents within not-for-profit arts and culture organisations. From 30 April to 1 May, the old Dromana Community Hall shire offices and surrounding gardens will be transformed into a creative and cultural arts studio and performance pop-up precinct. Inspired by the theme that the arts can promote positive change and ‘lift’ communities,…
MAJOR developers Trenerry Property will develop the former aged care home Sorrento Lodge into affordable accommodation for local workers if it gets the go ahead at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The company, which will join Victor Smorgon Group and the Kanat Group on the Sorrento project, has a track record in investment and development, recently purchasing the mid-century Burnham Beeches in the Dandenongs, and the Continental Hotel in Sorrento in 2020. Sorrento Lodge, a 34-bedroom property on Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento, once operated as an aged care facility, but has been closed for three years and is ripe…
RED Hill CFA has urged people wanting to burn off on their properties to be mindful of local vineyards with before burning off. Despite fire restrictions being lifted on 29 March, the brigade’s Sam Hill has asked land owners to consider holding off their clean up until Easter. “We understand everyone will be keen to keep cleaning up and getting rid of burn piles,” he said on social media. “If we could please ask that we be mindful that all our local vineyards are still picking fruit up until Easter approximately and they, like the rest of us, have had…
PATROLS were kept bust on Sunday 21 March, when a vehicle was intercepted at 5pm on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway in Mount Martha. The male driver in his 20’s allegedly used a false name and was found to be unlicensed. The man, who also failed a roadside drug test., had his vehicle impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1075. He will be summonsed for traffic matters at a later date. At 6.30pm, a female driver in her 20’s was intercepted on the Nepean Highway, Mornington, driving with a suspended licence. Her vehicle is expected to be impounded and…
SOMERVILLE Highway Patrol were left shaking their heads on March 18 when they intercepted an18-year-old driver in the Hastings area allegedly travelling at 138 kmh in an 80kmh zone. The teenager was detected on Frankston Flinders Road about 7.20pm, when he was stopped by police. Police said the driver, who gave no reason for travelling 58km/h over the speed limit, had his vehicle impounded for 30 days at a cost of $895. He is expected to be charged on summons at a later date for traffic offences. First published in the Mornington News – 29 March 2022
A TOUCHING tribute to Mt Eliza’s Percy the peacock, who was hit by a car and died late last year, has been made by a local couple who the injured bird hiding in grass off Kunyung Road. The couple, Teresa and David Quinn, have mounted a beautiful and colourful peacock image on the front of their house to commemorate the importance of the bird’s presence to the community. Neighbour Dawn Whittaker, whose home was often visited by Percy, said the plaque was a beautiful celebration of Percy’s life and a reminder of how much he was loved by those who…
RESIDENTS and users of optional clothing beach, Sunnyside North Beach in Mount Eliza, are encouraged to have their say on the beach’s future before 21 April. The beach has been a clothing optional beach and popular with naturists since 1986, and is the only nudist beach along Port Phillip Bay. However, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council reports say on-and-off-lockdowns and travel restrictions over the past two years had changed visitorship, with more locals exploring their 5km radius rediscovering the beach. The shire and is now asking the wider Mornington Peninsula community and all visitors who use the beach to register their…
MORNINGTON Park Primary School is celebrating its results, which shows concerted efforts to lift reading rates have achieved remarkable improvements compared to previous years. Principal Beverley Dadds said the school was “incredibly proud” to be recognised for the results achieved in Naplan, after ‘whole school community’ efforts during the difficult lockdown periods of the past two years. Ms Dadds said teachers had worked hard to improve literacy, with lots of one-on-one support, and the school moving away from levelled readers. She said classrooms were happy places of learning, now only filled with quality literature to engage students in reading. Feedback…
MEMBERS of the Flinders Zero Carbon Community proudly attended the unveiling of the new town entry signs on Friday, which are part of the move to net zero emissions by 2030. Spokesperson Mark Aarons said Flinders Zero Carbon Community was a group of volunteer community members taking local action to make a difference to climate change. FZCC formed as a sub-committee of the Flinders Community Association in early 2021 to promote action at a grass-roots level. Its mission is to support Flinders to reach net zero energy and net zero emissions by 2030, and to see a future where all…
ESSO Australia has applied for a development licence to build three power generators on Bayview Road, Hastings. According to the application, production of LPG is declining and with it the levels of excess ethane being produced. Esso anticipates the power generation plants would only be required until 2033. The energy giant’s application to the Environment Protection Authority states the three generators will be built on Bayview Rd, Hastings, next to the Esso liquid petroleum gas processing plant and using the excess ethane gas by-product of the LPG manufacturing process to fuel the generators. The EPA says it will assess the…
THE winners of the 2022 Peninsula Film Festival have been announced, with The News photographer Yanni Dellaportas making the list. The festival evolved eleven years ago, beginning at the Rosebud Bazaar, then moving to the Rosebud Village Green and the eventually the Dromana Drive-In. Nifty Roadshow by Cameralla took out top prize at the Short Film Festival on Saturday night at the Dromana Drive-In. Second prize went to City of Salt by James Dr Martino, who also walked away with best director, and third prize went to Healing Country by Tracee Hutchison. Best cinematography went to Skin by Jarid Seymour.…
WILDLIFE advocates are confident the fate of hundreds of kangaroos trapped at Cape Schanck is closer to being resolved after a meeting with Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning officers on Wednesday. Mary Waterman from Save Mornington Peninsula Kangaroos said members concerned about the safety of the kangaroos, which were behind a locked gate on private property and could not escape, believed Delwp seemed responsive to their calls for the kangaroos to be released. Ms Waterman said a permit application to control the wildlife through lethal means had been rejected, and SMPK was hopeful that Delwp would now follow…
By Lulu THE heroic life of Jeff Williams of Somerville has left an indelible footprint on Mornington Peninsula artists. The 57-year-old who died recently was one of the mainstays of the Mornington Peninsula Painting and Drawing Group Inc which is understood to have originally been an offshoot of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery. In spite of being in a wheelchair and attached to an oxygen bottle, Mr Williams held the roles of president and treasurer during his long association with the 50-year-old group. After Mr Williams was hospitalised with complications from life-long muscular dystrophy and heart/lung issues the group was…
VISITORS to the Oak Hill Gallery in Mornington have the opportunity to explore Antarctica visually and learn about the changing environment. With Antarctica containing 90 per cent of the Earth’s ice, the region is a major cooling factor for the Earth. Artist Glenda Pitt, who says the Antarctica is also under threat from climate change and warming weather, has put together a fascinating exhibition showcasing her interpretations of parts of Antarctica as she imagines them to be; vast, desolate and freezing – down to minus 40 degrees celsius. Her exhibition has a strong environmental message, and is a stark waring…