VOTERS in four Mornington Peninsula towns have been moved from one state electoral district to another. The Electoral Boundaries Commission last week released a map showing that Merricks Beach, Balnarring, Balnarring Breach and Somers from the next state election will be included in the Hastings district, now held by Liberal MP Neale Burgess. The four towns are now in Nepean, held my Labor’s Chris Brayne. Cranbourne South, Devon Meadows Pearcedale, Canons Creek and Warneet in the northern section of the Hastings district have been moved into Bass. Boundaries for the seat of Mornington held by Liberal David Morris are unchanged.…
Author: MP News Group
DEVILBEND Fun Run and Walk will be held at Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, Sunday 7 November, after being cancelled in 2020 and postponed in August. COVID-safety protocols will be followed and participants, volunteers and spectators must be double vaccinated. There is a cap of 500 runners. The 44th fun run will be over seven kilometre or 12 kilometre courses, or a 21.1km half marathon. A magic mile event is for younger competitors. Money raised will go towards buying equipment for the Mornington Athletic Track at Civic Reserve. Director Craig Mahony said it was a “relief and a pleasure” to be…
Armed Crime Squad detectives are investigating reports of an attempted armed robbery and shooting in Tootgarook this morning. The male victim heard noises coming from the front of his Kareela Drive property and went outside to investigate about 4am on Tuesday, 26 October. He was confronted by an offender who demanded the victim hand over keys to his vehicle. The victim refused to comply and returned inside. A short time later a shot was fired through the front of the house. Broken glass struck the victim, who was treated at the scene for minor injuries. The offender fled on foot.…
MORNINGTON Yacht Club’s James Jackson has won the Youth Sailor of the Year award. Jackson was one of three Mornington sailors to make the shortlist of the Australian Sailing – Victoria Youth Sailor of the Year awards alongside Jack Eickmeyer and Lachie Weber. With crew Harrison Chapman, from Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Jackson won the Victorian 420 State Championships in March, followed by the Australian 420 National Championships on Sydney Harbour in April, again with crew Chapman. This win would have seen the pair selected to represent Australia at the Youth World Championships had Australian been able to send a…
A WOMAN escaped without serious injury after crashing into a shop’s front window and power pole at Baxter Plaza, last week. However, her husband in the passenger seat was not so lucky as he was trapped for a time before being freed by emergency services, Monday 18 October. Both were taken to hospital with minor injuries and for observation. Baxter Fire Brigade, along with Langwarrin Fire Rescue, Frankston SES, the police and ambulance, rushed to the scene about 11.30am after the driver accidentally mounted the footpath and hit a support before coming to rest against the Hungry Zaks window. “Rescue…
POLICE who intercepted a silver VW van at Tootgarook last week had no idea it contained $20,000 in goods allegedly stolen from holiday homes at the southern end of the Mornington Peninsula. Detectives called to the scene arrested a 42-year-old Frankston South woman and a 49-year-old Capel Sound man, 5.40am, Thursday 21 October. Detective Acting Sergeant Steve Reidy, of Somerville CIU, said the alleged burglaries had been committed from July to October. The woman was charged with burglary, handling stolen goods, possessing the proceeds of crime, theft, committing an indictable offence while on bail, and breaching bail conditions. She was…
TWO entertainment venues on the Mornington Peninsula have received grants as part of the federal government’s $2.5 million Live Music Australia Program. The Pig and Whistle Tavern at Main Ridge will get $58,925 to host live Australian music gigs and workshops in The Shed Theatre. Westernport Yacht Club will get $30,390 for modifications to the venue, and equipment upgrades to support, establish, and promote COVID-normal live original music. Flinders MP Greg Hunt said the money would “reinvigorate the local music scene as vaccination rates continue to increase and state government restrictions ease”. “This funding is vital to not only boost…
THE McCrae, Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento camp grounds will open for summer on Friday 5 November. The opening is subject to any changes in government restrictions at the time and any advice received from the Department of Health and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. COVID-19 signs will in amenity blocks will advise campers of density limits and QR codes. Campers in each section (or “bubble”) will use their designated amenity block in an effort to make contact tracing easier. Amenity block codes will be issued on a section-by-section basis with a different code for each block. The…
KATE Briscoe’s art exhibition Geologica – Rockfaces opens at & Gallery in Sorrento, 5-22 November. “We have kept the exhibition by Kate [over lockdown] so visitors can see all the gorgeous textures of this magnificent body of work,” director Julie Collins said. Ms Collins described lockdown as having been a “long hard slog but was “super happy” to be reopening”. “We have been busy doing some minor renovations and giving the gallery a fresh look. We have also been having fun curating our windows to the street with changing mini exhibitions for those lucky enough to live in the area,”…
Police are investigating a fatal crash which occurred in Rosebud this evening. Emergency services were called to Hove Road about 5.15pm after reports a motorcycle had left the road and crashed. The yet to be identified rider, believed to be a man in his 30s, died at the scene. Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Police responded to reports of an erratic driver after they received numerous calls to Triple Zero (000) that a red Toyota Yaris had crashed into a number of street signs in Hastings about 8.40pm last night. A registration was provided to police who subsequently paid the registered owner a visit in nearby Crib Point. The 21-year-old woman who was the holder of a probationary licence returned an evidentiary breath test of 0.141. She is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving and traffic related offences. He car had also sustained significant damage as a result of incident. Anyone…
By Michael Harris* WHILE it is fantastic to see David Attenborough add his voice to help save the Flinders pier from demolition, there are other issues regarding the pier and precinct that really need to be addressed. I have worked on Flinders pier since 1993 and Parks Victoria has now recognised me as a “stakeholder”. I have seen a lot of change in the physical entity of the pier and in the shuffling of government departments. If a properly financed maintenance program had been followed, we would not be in the situation where Parks is using the term “demoli-tion” in…
PENINSULA Community Legal Centre’s Street Law project is continuing its mission despite the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and amid concerns its money will dry up at the end of the year. The van delivering free legal services, free coffee and material aid will be back on the road at the end of this month. The Street Law philosophy is to deliver free legal services when and where its clients need them. Discussing legal issues in this environment is comforting to those who, apart from needing legal assistance, have urgent material needs, the project’s street lawyer Joe Oliver said. “The service…
THE number of artists along the Peninsula Studio Trail has almost doubled to 34 during lockdown. Regular open studio weekends and the group’s annual exhibition have been replaced with one online exhibition, which runs until 12 December. While in lockdown the artists have produced a range of works, painting, printmaking, ceramics, drawing and sculpture. Not all the artists have work in the exhibition, but their work can be seen on the website on each artist’s page. All works can be bought directly from the artists through the website. The exhibition is at: peninsulastudiotrailinc.org First published in the Mornington News -…
SOUTHERN Peninsula Community Support CEO Jeremy Maxwell says a “huge thank you” to the Sorrento Boomerang Bags team for its $2000 donation to the centre. The team raises money by hand-making and selling reusable bags with the dual aim of reducing the amount of plastic in the community and raising money for community causes, such as Southern Peninsula Community Support. “These guys have supported us over a number of years and are great contributors to our community,” Mr Maxwell said. “As CEO I find it inspiring to have people who are so committed to helping their community that they find…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is one 13 Australian municipalities certified as a carbon neutral business after meeting the requirements of the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard for Organisations. The shire’s carbon neutral policy adopted in 2016 confirmed a commitment to operate with zero net emissions by 2021 and become certified as carbon neutral. Since introducing the policy, the shire’s total emissions have been reduced by about 16,679 tonnes CO2-e, 36 per cent of the previous emissions. “I could not be happier and prouder to share the news that the shire is now operating with zero net emissions, fulfilling our commitment to…
Detectives from the Security Investigation Unit have today charged a man following a fire at a phone tower in Mount Eliza earlier this month. A 44-year-old Mount Eliza man was arrested at his home this morning and subsequently interviewed by police. He has been charged with criminal damage by fire, possess prohibited weapon, possess cannabis, possess drug of dependence, and commit indictable offence whilst on bail. The man will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this evening. The charges follow an allegedly deliberately lit fire at a phone tower on the Nepean Highway, near the intersection of Sunnyside Road, on Thursday…
FRANKSTON Dolphins FNC and Cranbourne FC will not be playing MPNFL football in 2022. The two clubs had applied to be admitted into the Mornington Peninsula competition. Cranbourne FC have previously tried to join the MPNFL, but have been unsuccessful. Before a meeting of the 22 MPNFL clubs last month, Cranbourne FC withdrew its application. The clubs took a vote on allowing Frankston Dolphins to enter, but the club did not gain enough votes to secure its place. Although a majority of clubs voted to include the Dolphins in the competition, it did not secure the required 75 per cent…
SIX fire trucks and CFA crews from Rosebud and Rye fought a blaze above a shop on Point Nepean Road, Capel Sound, last week. The fire started about 3.30am and caused extensive damage to the two-storey premises, Friday 8 October. Firefighters took an hour to bring it under control. A fire-fighting platform was brought in from Dandenong to check the roof after the fire had been extinguished. FRV Commander Chris Hall said an investigator had been on-site to determine the cause of the fire. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 12 October 2021
WOMEN wanting to head outdoors, improve their fitness, or who are craving some well-deserved “me” time may enjoy the free Walk 4 Wellbeing – an eight-week focus on recovery, self-care and reconnection that started last Saturday (2 October) and ends Sunday 28 November. Participants will be joined by an online community of like-minded women who are ready to get away from being overwhelmed, recover from the impacts of lockdowns and re-energise for the start of 2022. Women can join the event no matter where they are. Everyone’s journey is different, so participants choose their own experience by selecting their distance…
A SIX-MONTH trial of hand-cleaning beaches – instead of mechanical cleaning – has begun at Mount Eliza, Mount Martha and Rye. Earlier in the year Mornington Peninsula Shire sought feedback from coastal advisory and beach patrol groups about the existing beach cleaning program on how it could improve the process. The shire said an “overwhelming 78 per cent of respondents did not support the mechanical beach cleaning program and 67 per cent said they would prefer a hand cleaning program”. Planning and Infrastructure director Mike McIntosh said the trials, at Moondah Beach, Mount Eliza, South Beach, Mount Martha and at…
MORNINGTON police seized imitation firearms, drugs and cash from a Dromana house last week. They allegedly found $20,000 in cash, two gel blasters, .22 calibre ammunition, and drugs believed to include cannabis, magic mushrooms, LSD, MDMA and others, at the Coleus Street property, 9.05am, Friday 1 October. A 30-year-old man arrested at the scene was charged with 22 offences, including trafficking drugs of dependence, being a prohibited person possessing an imitation firearm, possessing cartridge ammunition, bail offences and negligently dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday 4 October). Police said…
A WARRANT has been issued for the arrest of Jake McAuliffe in relation to criminal damage. The 29-year-old, pictured below is known to frequent the Mornington and Frankston areas. He is 180cm tall with a solid build and short, dark hair. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Mornington News – 5 October 2021
MORNINGTON Mermaids were tooted, cheered and clapped as they took part in the Olivia Newton-John Wellness Walk last week. Setting off from Lilo Cafe, Mornington, at 11am, wearing masks and socially distanced, they walked along the Esplanade, through Mornington Park and down to the end of the pier, Sunday 26 September. They returned up Main Street to Barkly Street and home to the cafe for a “well-earned coffee”. Organiser Jacky Howcroft said the walk raised more than $300 on the day boosting the online total to more than $2100. “We dressed in different coloured tutus and took along our Mornington…
Police have arrested a man following an alleged sexual assault in Mornington on 14 September. A 36-year-old woman was pushing a pram along a track beside The Esplanade, near Strachans Road shortly after 1.30pm. It’s alleged a man approached and sexually assaulted her. A 29-year-old Pakenham man self-presented at a police station on Friday 1 October and is currently assisting police with their enquiries. Victoria Police News – Monday 4 October 2021
Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was sexually assaulted in Mornington on 14 September. The 36-year-old woman was pushing a pram along a track beside The Esplanade, near Strachans Road, about 1.37pm. An unknown male approached her and sexually assaulted her. The man then ran off toward Main Street. The man is described as approximately 40-50-years-old, 170-190cm tall with a ruddy complexion. He was wearing a cream baseball cap, blue hooded top, blue t-shirt, black tracksuit pants and runners and appears to have a tattoo on his upper arm. Investigators have released CCTV and images of a man…
DREDGING is about to start at Rye and Sorrento to make sure boats can safely access ramps and piers. The dredging will deepen the channel at Rye and around Sorrento boat ramp’s southern pier. The six weeks allocated by Mornington Peninsula Shire for the works is aimed at minimising the impact on recreational water sport users, as well as taking account of weather conditions and the migration of the spider crabs. An environmental management plan has been developed to minimise impacts on the environment. Sand dredged at Rye and Sorrento will be used to replenish nearby beaches. The shire says…
A REIMAGINED 2021 Seniors Festival will be staged next month. Mornington Peninsula Shire, community, businesses and organisations have put together a COVIDSafe calendar of events complementing a host of online and radio programs through the Victorian Seniors Festival website. Events and offers include a free plant giveaway at The Briars, the workshop Compost Like a Champion at the Eco Living Display Centre, Tai Chi at shire libraries, community choir workshop, and downsizing your home online information sessions. The festival will be launched on the inaugural Australian Ageism Awareness Day: Friday 1 October, coinciding with the UN’s International Day of Older…
TWO COVID-19 education officers have been hired by Mornington Peninsula Shire for six months to help businesses, community groups and event organisers establish COVIDSafe plans and practices. The shire has also partnered with the state government to provide extra resources to help protect customers, staff and members of the public in the pandemic. The officers will help their clients put in place or update COVIDSafe plans as well as provide resources and templates to help with plans and practices. They will also promote safe practices among those in the hospitality industry, at community venues and in small retail settings. Details:…
BENTON Junior College, Mornington, is testing the power of flowers to “bring the community together”. The school’s front fence is being used as a base for a spring flower art installation, named Flower Ville in recognition of the Spoon Ville sites that appeared during 2020. “We chose flowers as a celebration of spring and the uplifting power they have on people,” visual art teacher Michele Marshall said. “We have invited our school community to contribute a homemade flower and attach it to the fence over the school holidays.” Ms Marshall urged other schools to establish Flower Villes as a “simple…