THREE men arrested in Hastings last week are allegedly linked to a series of crimes in Hastings and Tyabb over the past month. The men, in the mid-20s, are accused of causing affray at the Kings Creek Hotel in Frankston-Flinders Road; stealing a delivery rider’s moped when he dropped off a pizza at a Hastings house; taking tools and supplies from a Tyabb plumbing outlet and stealing items and causing damage at Hastings Junior Football Club. Detective Tony Henry, of Somerville CIU, said CCTV footage showed one of the alleged robbers wearing a Power Rangers outfit when $20,000 in tools…
Author: MP News Group
Police are investigating a collision on Mornington Peninsula Freeway yesterday. A white Ford ute was reportedly driving erratically about 4.30pm when it collided with a Triton ute travelling in the same direction This has caused the Triton to crash into the safety rail, become airborne then roll along the safety rail. The driver of the Ford ute was forced to pull over due to damage and attempted to flee but was stopped by a passerby until police arrived. The 27-year-old Carrum Downs man was taken to the police station where he returned an evidentiary breath test of 0.224. He is…
IT is lockdown No.6 and one year since Hastings-based photographer Celia Furt warned against feeding junk food to birds. Furt was out with her camera again last week to show that not much has changed. “The photos tell the same story as last year: people during lockdown feeding junk food to the pelicans and seagulls,” she said. “However, the difference is that last year the signs weren’t up as the fishing pier at Hastings was in the middle of being rebuilt and was closed off to the public. “Despite the signs, people are careless, they are still feeding human food…
IN these times of lockdown and restrictions designed to prevent the spread of COVID, it is nice to know that nature continues its merry way. This echidna was out and about late last week (as was legally entitled photographer Yanni) foraging for food, and no doubt enjoying the relative quiet, at Flinders. Not adverse to taking advantage of the situation, the echidna (an egg-laying mammal) made good use of the steps down (or up) the steep cliff. It would be fair to assume that the species, estimated to have evolved 20 to 50 million years ago, has weathered some changes…
DESPITE small businesses being hit hard, membership of Peninsula Business Networking has doubled during the COVID crisis. The not-for-profit group’s events coordinator Kathy Edwards said the increase in numbers was due to “an influx of new start-ups on the Mornington Peninsula and established business owners wishing to extend their business relationships circles and open opportunities to attract more clients”. There were 36 members at the PBN lunch, at Red Gum Barbecue, Red Hill on Wednesday 4 August. “The event was part of PBN’s monthly events available for any small to medium sized business owners on the peninsula or organisations supporting…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Despi O’Connor teamed up with Frankston Council mayor Kris Bolam at the studios of radio station RPP FM to encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19. “Getting vaccinated is a positive step in keeping our community protected, safe and open for business,” Cr O’Connor said. Cr Bolam said the opening of a vaccination hub in Frankston and the increase in vaccines being made available, meant it was easy for people to book an appointment and get vaccinated locally. The mayors’ message is airing across the peninsula on RPP FM. To check eligibility and book a…
POLICE established a crime scene around a house fire at Tootgarook, on Sunday 15 August. Emergency services were called to the blaze in Hillcrest Drive about 5pm. The fire was said to have “extensively damaged two houses” in the street before being extinguished by CFA units. Police said the occupants of both houses escaped uninjured. The exact circumstances of the fire are yet to be determined. Detectives from Somerville CIU were awaiting a fire investigator when contacted on Monday. Anyone who saw the fire or with who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or make…
A 10-YEAR-OLD boy waiting for a friend was the victim of an attempted armed robbery at Mount Eliza earlier this month. The boy was standing on his own at the Bruce Cameron Reserve, Bethanga Street, when three males described as being in their late teens pulled up in a grey VW, 2pm, Friday 6 August. They approached the terrified boy, who was near the rear of the pre-school, and demanded money. While patting him down one of the teenagers produced a folding knife. When they realised the boy had nothing of value in his pockets they pushed him and drove off. Detective…
NEW speed limits at Hastings aim to make the streets safer. Parts of Marine Parade are now down to 50kph and other areas, including side streets, are down to 40kph. Acting Senior Sergeant John Wardle, of Hastings police, said the reduced speed zones were designed to protect the community from road trauma and, in particular, vulnerable members of the community who are overrepresented in trauma statistics. Those regarded as especially vulnerable are bike riders, the elderly, children and teenagers around parks, preschools, council buildings, lawn bowling clubs and schools. Also, with no international or interstate travel police say they have…
UP to 12 people a week are getting a free hot lunch and dessert at the Holy Trinity Hastings Anglican Church hall. The meal, dubbed Trinity Tucker, is served between midday and 1pm every Tuesday, with the doors opening at 11.30am. No bookings are necessary. The service has been running since the start of May, with the church paying for the meals with the help of donations from local businesses. Volunteers from the church are preparing the food for those doing it tough, in need, or just lonely and who want to meet new friends. “Church Warden Sandra Gould, the…
MORNINGTON police rolled up their sleeves to the Red Cross blood donation drive as part of the Emergency Services Blood Challenge, Tuesday 4 August. The police say they understand the importance of blood donations and are prepared to help the community any way they can. Victoria Police are hoping to retain the state title in the number of donations. The Frankston donor centre is at 20 Davey Street. Donors are asked to say they are donating on behalf of Victoria Police. First published in the Mornington News – 10 August 2021
CONSTRUCTION is under way on the Harrap Road footpath at Mount Martha. The 1.5 kilometre path will run along the north side of the road starting at the Dunns Road roundabout and linking to an existing path down Harrap Road. About 1380 square metres of PolyRok – a recycled plastic alternative to mineral aggregate in concrete – is being used for its “minimal impacts on the environment”. The shire was given $600,000 towards the project under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant Program. The shire’s pedestrian access strategy identifies Harrap Road as a key link in the pedestrian network.…
A PIZZA delivery rider was held up and his scooter stolen at Hastings, Thursday 29 July. Detective Senior Sergeant Eddie Lagonder, of Somerville CIU, said the offender with a 20cm knife ordered the rider to hand over the keys to the Domino’s scooter when he delivered the pizza to an Arthur Street house, 9.04pm. The offender is described as a male, 180cm, wearing a black hoodie and face mask. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 10 August 2021
HASTINGS nightshift van clocked a speeding driver on Stony point Road, Bittern, last week doing 84kph in a 60kph zone. When breath-tested the 28-year-old man of Tuerong, blew 0.208 per cent – four times the legal limit. After his arrest, 4am, Friday 6 August, the man’s licence was suspended, and his vehicle impounded with a release fee of $1075. He will be charged on summons for a range of speed and drink-driving offences. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 10 August 2021
ROSEBUD police called to a collision on Melbourne Road, Sorrento, last Thursday (5 August) were surprised when the offending driver blew 0.236 per cent, almost five times the legal limit, at 9 o’clock in the morning. The male, in his 20s, is expected to be charged on summons with several driving offences, including use of a mobile phone while driving, driving an unregistered vehicle and drink-driving. His licence was immediately suspended. Senior Constable Shaun Williams said it was “by the grace of God that no-one was killed” in the lead-up to the intercept. “Luck was the only difference today between…
TO celebrate their 100 days of learning, foundation students at Eastbourne Primary School, Rosebud dressed up as if they were 100 years old. The milestone day was one for the memory books as students brought in collections of “100’things”, including buttons, Lego pieces, marbles and stickers. The played games which were popular a century ago along with making necklaces with 100 Cheerios. “The celebration was an important day for children to reflect on their achievements and growth over the past 100 days,” foundation teacher Shae Haney said. “Together, the students reflected back on their first day, making comparisons to their…
A SPECIALIST surgeon has performed the Mornington Peninsula’s first liver resection using a surgical robot. Associate Professor Charles Pilgrim performed the surgical-first earlier this month at Peninsula Private Hospital. The patient was a 49-year-old woman whose bowel cancer had spread to her liver. Dr Pilgrim, the first surgeon in Victoria to use the da Vinci Xi robot for liver resections, said the cutting edge technology was great news for the hospital. “Using the da Vinci Xi robot means we can perform surgery with the minimally invasive approach more often, expanding what is possible using the keyhole approach,” Dr Pilgrim said.…
A MAN who allegedly exposed himself to three young girls behind beach boxes at South Beach, Mount Martha, last week is being sought by police. A face fit, below, with what’s said to be a good likeness of the man was put together and police are hoping someone in the community can identify him. Anyone recognising the man is urged is urged to male contact Detective Sergeant McKay or Detective Senior Constable Nichols on 8770 100 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at bddy.me/3l1UZZ9 quoting reference LEVIN-2021. First published in the Southern Peninsula News -…
Southern Metro Division 4 Response Unit have charged two men and seized a large amount of cocaine and more than $65,000 in cash in Melbourne’s south yesterday. Officers were on foot patrol on Railway Grove and Ross Street in Mornington when they spoke to two men about 11.40am. A search of their vehicle located a large amount of cocaine and cash. Investigators then executed three search warrants at properties in Mornington, Seaford and Langwarrin. A large amount of cash, cocaine, cannabis and magic mushrooms and a homemade drug press were also allegedly seized. A 23-year-old Seaford man and a 23-year-old…
MOUNT Eliza Fire Brigade has appointed its first female officer, Lieutenant Petyka “Tyk” Slattery. Members of the brigade, headquartered in Canadian Bay Road, elected her to the position of Third Lieutenant earlier this month. Lieutenant Slattery is pictured with Captain Andrew Whitehead after her appointment. While many female members have performed office-bearer roles in the brigade’s management team over the years, “Tyk” is the first woman to take up an operational leadership role. She is set to bring her “enthusiasm and dedication to serving the community in her new role”. First published in the Mornington News – 27 July 2021
THREE teenagers spotted getting out of a stolen Audi at Hastings last week sparked a high-speed police pursuit all the way to Geelong. Southern Metro Region Crime Team detectives charged the trio following the alleged theft of three cars, Tuesday 20 July. A 14-year-old Dandenong boy was charged with 24 offences, including aggravated burglary, four counts of theft of motor vehicles, dangerous driving while being pursued by police, possessing a firearm and reckless conduct endangering life. Two 17-year-olds, a male and female from Cranbourne, were charged with 16 offences, including aggravated burglary, four counts of theft of motor vehicles and…
A CAR ended up on its roof after a dramatic crash at Mount Eliza last week. The car driven by a Mount Eliza woman and carrying her six-year-old daughter, reportedly veered across Canadian Bay Road, near Thomas Close, and slammed head-on into two parked cars “at speed”, 3pm, Monday 19 July. The force of the impact tore off the car’s front wheel. Ambulance Victoria said the pair was taken to Frankston Hospital in a “stable condition with upper body injuries”. Their Mazda was written off. Several parked cars were also damaged. Sergeant Patrick Hayes, of Mornington police, said police were…
OVER the past year, 390 young people on the Mornington Peninsula sought help because they had nowhere to stay. Mornington Peninsula Shire is encouraging residents to try sleeping in their cars for one night to help draw attention to the homeless. “It takes a village” is the theme of this year’s Sleep In Your Car event organised by Fusion Mornington Peninsula as part of Homelessness Week 1-7 August. The event will go virtual from 5.30pm, Saturday 7 August as residents give up their beds for a night to sleep in their cars at home or in a tent in the…
FINANCIAL backing, and votes of approval, are being sought to for a plan to gradually change the community-led guard at Point Nepean and its historic role in the defence of Australia. Members of the Friends of Point Nepean National Park group are “not getting any younger” and want to make sure their conservation work continues. The group has asked Parks Victoria for $13,769 for its project to encourage more people to become involved at Point Nepean. Group member Mechelle Cheers says the national park with its quarantine station, walking tracks, forts and gun emplacements is a “glorious, special place”. Backing…
DETECTIVES have arrested a man over alleged aggravated burglaries and thefts at two Mount Eliza properties, Monday 12 July. A Warragul man, 38, was picked up at Dandenong a week after he allegedly entered two Old Mornington Road properties and stole items, including $150 cash, speakers, Sony PlayStation, laptop, iPad and radio valued at $4000. He was charged with aggravated burglary, burglary, and two counts of theft and remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court, 29 July. Detective Sergeant Jason Hocking, of Somerville CIU, said he believed the man was involved in the two burglaries in Old Mornington Road. In…
TUNNELS along EastLink are the first in Victoria to be lit by LED lights. Over four nights, 1066 high pressure sodium (HPS) lights were replaced with 1174 LED lights. Up to 60 technicians and 22 scissor lifts worked through the night to remove the old HPS lights and install the new LEDs. The toll road operator says the replacement LEDs are brighter and whiter than the orange HPS lights. “The upgraded lighting will improve safety for motorists, by making the driving task easier,” EastLink corporate affairs manager Doug Spencer-Roy said. Operators in the EastLink control room were benefiting from an…
OPT-IN green waste bins across the Mornington Peninsula can now be filled with garden cuttings and food scraps from the kitchen. Acceptable items include fruit and vegetable scraps, meat scraps and uncooked bones, leftovers, dairy, seafood (no oyster shells), bread, desserts and rice, egg shells, loose tea leaves and coffee grounds, garden prunings, weeds and grass clippings, small plants, shrubs, leaves and branches. The waste will be turned into commercial grade compost. The shire says 43,000 households are already using the bins for garden waste. By adding food scraps residents will be helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food waste…
POINT Nepean Men’s Shed members are using their woodworking skills to make 100 shelter and nesting boxes for wildlife impacted by bushfires in Gippsland. In the picture, above, men’s shed president John Stevenson and members Laurie Oliver and Leigh Norrie add final details to the boxes which were the last of a batch going to Kalimna West, inland from Lakes Entrance. The bushfire recovery program aims to help the animals in their long-term recovery. Birdlife Australia provided a design template, Studio57F1 provided the boxes in kit form, Bunnings Rosebud provided the paint and the Men’s Shed provided the hardware as…
A SPORTS pavilion at Crib Point Recreation Reserve is receiving $2 million in upgrades as part of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s sport capacity plan and pavilion strategy. The Crib Point Football Netball Club and Crib Point Cricket Club now have new, shared change facilities, medical room, storage space, umpires’ change areas, and office space. There’s also a new public toilet. The two clubs can now stay in one place whereas previous change rooms were beneath the grandstand, at the nearby public pool and in a portable building. “The project responds to the significant increase in sport participation in recent years, particularly…
By Associate Professor Janet Stanley and Professor John Stanley* THE natural areas of Melbourne are under threat at the same time as there’s growing evidence of their importance for humans. In the late 1960s, the Victorian government designated 12 areas, covering 17 municipalities around Melbourne, as land set aside for recreation, conservation, farming and resource utilisation purposes. These areas are known as green wedges. Over the past 60 years the world has changed. The rapid population growth and expansion of Melbourne’s footprint, along with the subsequent losses in biodiversity as increasingly scarce natural environments disappear, are particularly important to the…