MISSING Persons Squad detectives are continuing to appeal for public assistance in relation to the disappearance of Safety Beach man Jacob Horton. Horton was last seen leaving a property in Drum Close, Frankston, on Thursday 27 June 2019. Police are treating the 28-year-old’s disappearance as suspicious. They believe Horton met with foul play and are keen to speak to anyone with information about his movements on the morning he went missing. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 8 December 2020
Author: MP News Group
AN 86-year-old man was allegedly assaulted when he confronted an intruder at Mornington last week. Detective Sergeant Alan Paxton, of Somerville CIU, said the man awoke when he heard a noise inside his Mariners Retreat home, 7.30am, Wednesday 2 December. He was not badly injured in the incident but was later taken to Frankston Hospital for assessment. The intruder allegedly entered the house through an unlocked door. A 26-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested nearby soon afterwards and charged with aggravated burglary and assault. He appeared at Frankston Magistrates’ Court last Friday and was further remanded to appear…
THE 100,000 swab tests conducted by Peninsula Health for COVID-19 are being described as a “significant milestone for everyone involved”. The “milestone” patient visited the drive-through screening clinic at the Frankston Hospital campus, corner of Hastings Road and Yuille Street, last week. “Thank you to every single person who has come forward and done the right thing – getting that test at the earliest sign of any COVID-19 symptom,” the operations director of Peninsula Health’s Screening Clinics Jodi Foley said. “We’ve come a long way since March. As the coronavirus situation evolved in Victoria over these past eight months, so…
AN injured pelican rescued from Rosebud beach last month was reportedly still in a weak condition last week. (“Beach attraction” The News 25/11/20.) Staff at Aware Wildlife Rescue, Pearcedale, are still caring for the stressed bird which was handed over by Brenda Marmion, of Crystal Ocean Wildlife Shelter, Rye. They point out seals, pelicans, penguins, or any seabirds which allow people to get close to them are either injured or ill and must not be approached. Also, that it is against the law to interfere with sea birds or other marine animals in Victoria. Ms Marmion said: “The juvenile pelican…
DOGS have a good run on most Mornington Peninsula beaches, but not all. At some beaches they are prohibited and at others they must be leashed. Mornington Peninsula Shire is working with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and local committees-of-management to encourage residents to better manage their dogs’ behaviour at certain beaches and foreshore and parks reserves. These include those at Balnarring, Capel Sound, Dromana, Point King, Point Leo, Shoreham, Somers, and Whitecliffs-to-Camerons Bight. Signs there aim to educate dog owners on their responsibilities. The shire says its officers will be patrolling regularly to ensure dogs are…
Story and photo by Barry Irving THE Rye Gift and family gathering held annually on the second Saturday in January has had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings. The 2021 gift was to have been the 47th running of the annual event which started back in 1975. The board of the Rye Sports and Social Club, along with the six sporting clubs which run the event, are said to be “extremely disappointed to have had to make this decision”. Sponsors, advertisers and members of the public have been the backbone of the popular event which has…
THIS Christmas looked like being a sad affair when the first and second COVID-19 lockdowns caused the Southern Peninsula Woodworkers workshop to close for 29 weeks. But nothing could deter the enthusiasm and dedication of Gaven Davis and his team of toy makers. For more than 20 years the Woodworkers have made toys for charities on the peninsula and, despite being without the extensive facilities of the club’s workshop, they decided to make toys at home. When the club reopened recently the toy makers and their wives had produced 631 toys, including mattresses and blankets for cradles and prams. Other…
RENOVATORS of holiday houses and beach boxes on the Mornington Peninsula need to be aware not to disturb dangerous asbestos particles in the process. They should engage a professional to properly assess the risks. Gordon Legal senior associate Tess Dickie said most structures built before 1987 contained asbestos – especially holiday shacks and beach boxes. The substance was used in bathrooms and kitchens, laundries, meter boxes, eaves and under cladding, tiles and linoleum flooring and in sheds, fences and chicken coops. “Any amount of asbestos is dangerous and, while it won’t always cause asbestos-related conditions, even brief exposure could result…
PENINSULA Community Legal Centre has received extra funding to fight rising levels of family violence on the Mornington Peninsula. This comes as the United Nations declares the global increase in domestic violence for women and children a “shadow pandemic”. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 will be remembered by many of those working in the family violence sector as the worst on record,” PCLC’s CEO Jackie Galloway said. “Our family violence team has not only seen an increase in the frequency and severity of family violence across the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne’s south east, but also a surge in people…
BALNARRING Picnic Races are on this Saturday (5 December), although spectator tickets are limited due to COVID-19 regulations. Catering will be minimal, so it is a BYO day for food, drinks and chairs. The TAB will not be operating, and bookmakers may not be on course. However, there will be room for social distancing and face masks must be worn. For further information or to buy tickets go to balnarringraces.com or email balnarringraces@hotmail.com First published in the Western Port News – 2 December 2020
MARG D’Arcy has a burning passion that cannot be extinguished. Decades since she first worked in a refuge for women and children escaping family violence, Marg is no less passionate about advocating for a society free from violence. Having moved to the Peninsula last year following the passing of her husband, Marg has quickly developed a strong local connection. “I love the Peninsula. It gives me the open space I crave – perfect for establishing my garden, reading and taking long walks along the beach with my dog, not to mention discovering the region’s wineries! I have also become a…
THE Victorian Fisheries Authority has identified about 50 dead seastars left on Mornington pier as environmental pests, northern Pacific seastars. The invasive seastars are thought to have been introduced into Port Phillip through ship ballast water from Japan in 1995. Fully formed Northern Pacific seastars can grow from the severed arm of just one injured individual and the VFA recommends that they be dumped in waste bins rather than being thrown back into the water or left on the pier. Stacey Fallowfield was dismayed and photographed (above) seastars seemingly left to die on Mornington pier mid-November. “I enjoy walking down…
OLD and unwanted household chemicals can be disposed of responsibly and for free at the Detox Your Home event at Mornington transfer station, 9am-3pm, Saturday 5 December. The Sustainability Victoria pop-up event will accept a specific range of highly toxic household chemicals, such as cleaning products, pool chemicals, and weed killer. These products are not accepted at most transfer stations because they pose a high risk to safety when combined or stored in large volumes. However, no paint, fluorescent lights or batteries will be accepted. Organisers say household chemicals can harm people and pets, fuel a house fire, release toxic…
RESIDENTS living in koala areas can receive free trees under a plan to improve habit on the Mornington Peninsula. Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation and the Conservation Collective Nursery are giving away trees from the nursery at 52 Westernport Highway, Somerville, during business hours. Check conservationcollective.shop for contact details and hours. Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation president Dirk Jansen urged those interested to direct any questions to the nursery and to be “quick because the trees won’t last long”. “Feel free to share with your friends and neighbours and send us a photo of the trees you have planted,” he said. “If…
A MONKEY bike rider hooning around Tonkin Avenue, Safety Beach last week had his bike impounded with a release fee of $1250. Rosebud police say support from the community with information led them to the culprit who is expected to be charged with unlicensed riding, riding an unregistered vehicle and failing to wear a helmet. He will appear before a children’s court at a later date. Police describe the bikes as dangerous and their use as putting people at risk. Local intelligence and co-operation from the community is essential to apprehending riders, they say. Anyone seeing a rider is urged…
A MAN who allegedly head-butted a security guard at Safety Beach last month is being sought by police. The man reportedly approached the guard and verbally abused him before pushing and head-butting him outside a marina on Marine Drive, 10.15pm, Thursday 15 October. The victim, a 19-year-old Lyndhurst man, suffered minor injuries. His attacker is described as 185cm tall, messy brown hair, aged 30-40, wearing a green jacket, black track pants, black pull-on boots and carrying a fishing rod. Anyone who recognises the man or who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or file a…
HIGH velocity storms, frequent heavy rain and gushing stormwater in street drains, waterways and outfalls on the Mornington Peninsula are anticipated this spring and summer as a result of the La Nina effect. The forecast follows a report by insurer AAMI which ranks Mornington, Mount Martha, Mount Eliza and Frankston at number four in its list of storm-damaged suburbs. (“Storms create claims havoc” The News 2/11/20). Mornington Peninsula Shire says storms and heavy rains can have a big impact on property, neighbours and the wider community. Residents are being encouraged to revisit or create an emergency plan and prepare their…
A NEW work ute given to a Mornington Peninsula men’s charity will help it spread a positive mental health message. HALT (Hope Assistance Local Tradies) project worker Mick Simmons took the keys to the Mazda BT50 XT from Mornington Mazda general manager Michael Tidball last week. Mr Simmons says this type of community support is vital to the work he does on the peninsula and south east Melbourne suburbs. “Without this amazing support we wouldn’t get to talk to thousands of tradies at hardware stores and at building sites,” he said. Mr Tidball said: “We decided to support HALT and…
A HASTINGS man has been charged with serious driving offences over a fatal crash at Somerville, Sunday 15 November. This follows the death of a 23-year-old Reservoir woman who was a passenger in a car which left Jones Road and crashed into a tree, 9.55pm. She died at the scene. The driver and another passenger were taken to hospital with injuries. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives on Saturday charged the 25-year-old with culpable driving, dangerous driving causing death, negligently causing serious injury and dangerous driving causing serious injury. He was refused bail and was due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’…
By Jake Pike THE death of a family member or friend is never easy. COVID restrictions have highlighted the pain caused when those closest are not afforded closure around the death of a loved one. But this pain and uncertainty is not an unprecedented pandemic phenomenon, it’s a feeling all too familiar for the friends and family of the women found in Tynong North and Frankston between 1980 and 1983. Despite the six-million-dollar reward and multiple investigations, the murders of Catherine Headland, Bertha Miller, Allison Rooke, Joy Summers, Narumol Stephenson and Ann-Marie Sargent have gone unsolved for forty years. While…
THE closure to traffic in Main Street, Mornington, between the Esplanade and Barkly Street, is expected to be a boon for shoppers and traders. But police warn shoppers and cafe patrons that, unless they are within the confines of a licensed venue, central Mornington is a designated no-alcohol area. This means it is illegal to consume alcohol or have an open beer can, stubby or other alcoholic drink, anywhere else within the shaded area on the map. Police and Local Laws officers can issue on-the-spot fines and issue a banning order to offenders committing the offences. The ban extends for…
SOUTH Mornington Pre-School will use $4219 from the state government to build a pollination garden for blue-banded bees. Education leader Natasha Beimers said the pre-school was one of 113 schools and youth organisations to receive a Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity grant. Ms Beimers said blue-banded bees used to visit the pre-school “many years ago”. “One of our educators remembers the children’s fascination with the little bees, especially their striking colours and the interesting ways they would move their bodies – buzz pollination – to encourage flowers to release pollen.” Although the bees haven’t visited the pre-school for some time…
A DISCUSSION paper released last week found that an ageing population was “more of a silver lining than a silver tsunami”. In what was described as a classic case of the “cure being worse than the disease”, the paper concluded that any federal government policy of rapid population growth to off-set ageing brings far greater problems than any brought on by ageing itself, organisers said. The paper, commissioned by Sustainable Population Australia (SPS), was written by Queensland University academic Dr Jane O’Sullivan who, for the past decade, has researched demographic pressures on food security, economic development and environmental sustainability. SPA…
CONSIDERATION of charges against a business allegedly operating as a restaurant contrary to the Mornington Peninsula planning scheme have been delayed until at least next February next. A mention hearing of the charges brought against the Green Olive at Red Hill by Mornington Peninsula Shire were deferred in Dromana Court last week. The charges relate to the alleged use of the land for a “restaurant” and development of the land contrary to the planning scheme and approved permits. The charges were filed with the court in December 2019, more than four years after a report about shire councillors being urged…
ACTING on a tip off police raided a Hastings house and allegedly found a large quantity of various drugs of dependence, steroids, and a “substantial” amount of cash. Hastings police, alongside members of the Dog Squad, including a Passive Alert Dog (PAD dog), raided the house in the early hours of Friday 13 November. A 25-year-old Hastings man was charged with 15 counts, including trafficking a drug of dependence, possessing a drug of dependence, and possessing the proceeds of crime. He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ court on 10 August 2021. Senior Sergeant Warren Francis-Pester said the permanent…
REPORTS of family violence have escalated this year and Mornington Peninsula Shire’s new mayor says respect “is at the heart of the prevention of violence against women”. “If we are serious about ending [it], then we must address gender inequality and disrespectful attitudes,” Cr Despi O’Connor said. “Our council is committed to creating a violence-free community and we’re proud of the work we are doing to build gender equality on the peninsula.” In the 2019–20 financial year 2211 family violence incidents were reported to police on the peninsula, up 17 per cent from the previous year. The shire has for…
HUNDREDS of visitors to Main Street, Mornington voted with their feet over the weekend, signalling their approval of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s decision to ban cars from between Barkly Street and the Esplanade. However, the move is not so popular with everyone and the shire has also come under fire for being unprepared for the rubbish generated by sudden influx of people to the town and its beaches. First published in the Mornington News – 17 November 2020
BOMB Squad sniffer dogs were deployed to Dromana beach after explosives were found in the sand beside a beach box on Sunday (15 November). As they worked, the Canine Unit, Arson and Explosives Unit, Rosebud police and Air Wing cordoned off the beach box and searched the sand before declaring the area safe about 3pm. Detective Senior Constable Tim Jamieson, of Somerville CIU, said the beach box’s owner had been digging away sand before repainting when he unearthed a length of PVC pipe about 50cm deep. Unscrewing one end he discovered what he thought to be electronic detonators wrapped in…
A 40-year-old Rosebud man has been released pending further inquiries after an Echo Taskforce investigation into a non-fatal shooting in Bulleen in August last year. Four warrants were executed in Narre Warren South, Rosebud, Brooklyn and Hampton Park last week by police from the Echo Taskforce, Southern Metro Divisional Response Unit, Special Operations Group, Critical Incident Response Team and the AFP National Anti-Gangs Squad. Three people were charged after the raids: A 28-year-old Narre Warren South man has been charged with attempted murder, intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, recklessly causing serious injury in circumstances of gross…
SEAROAD Ferries is giving away $1 million worth of foot passenger tickets to encourage visitors to the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas. Online registrations for the tickets to the ferry connecting Sorrento and Queenscliff start on Wednesday (18 November) and close 5pm Sunday 22 November. The free tickets can be used between 23 November and 31 July next year. Searoad CEO Matt McDonald said the 38,384 tickets would enable the winning passengers to “feel a world away from the challenges this year has brought”. He said the giveaway was “motivated by a desire to bring visitors back to the region and…