MICHELLE Potter knows she’ll be warmly greeted when she arrives at the Hastings foreshore on Thursday and Friday mornings. Waiting patiently for his breakfast outside her Peninsula Fresh Seafood, business will be Ernie the Pelican … and she is happy to oblige him with his favourite fishy delicacies. “Shelly” – as she is known – noticed Ernie looking disconsolate when the first COVID-19 lockdown banned boating and the usual fishers were not around to feed him scraps. When he waddled over she knew exactly what he was after. “He was smart coming over us,” said Ms Potter, who has run…
Author: MP News Group
A MASTER plan for Sorrento will include a gateway to the ferry terminal and the main street, linking the town centre to the coastline with a “modern feel”. Developed from a 2018 coastal and marine plan, the blueprint outlines the design of new all-abilities toilets with contemporary beachside amenities, new look cenotaph, and new boardwalk with picnic areas, shade structures and seating. A grassed area will aim to provide “flexible use” of the space along with a footpath wide enough for shared use. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is inviting community feedback on the plan, which also includes planting native flora…
PENINSULA Health had a good response to its mobile Covid-19 testing clinics at Bonbeach and Mt Eliza last week. About 50-75 people were tested each day over the week with more at other clinics, including at Frankston Hospital screening clinic at 12 Hastings Road and the drive through clinic at Frankston Basketball Stadium, 90 Bardia Avenue, open 8.30am-4pm. Another Covid-19 walk-in screening clinic opened at the Hastings Scout Hall on Sunday 23 August. It is open 8.30am-3.30pm until Wednesday (26 August 26) and is accessible via 15 Thornhill Street. If you have any symptoms, it is important you self-isolate and…
A SIX-month program has been unveiled to get farmers to teach students about agricultural practices. The Farms2Schools program will give primary and secondary students an insight into how everyday agricultural products get from the paddock to their plate. Delivered by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority in partnership with industry group AUSVEG VIC, Farms2Schools will see farmers visit schools and students visit farms. Students will be able question farmers and learn about how food is grown, managing agricultural enterprises, and life on the land. Although now limited by COVID-19 restrictions, excursions are expected to begin later in the…
COMMUNITY voting for a new name for Blacks Camp Reserve at Somerville ends Monday, 21 September. Mornington Peninsula Shire decided to rename the reserve after “community feedback has indicated the name Blacks Camp is a derogatory term that is inappropriate and offensive to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, creating a barrier for people of this heritage in accessing the education precinct” (“Showing respect by changing names” The News 28/7/20). With support from the Bunurong Land Council, the shire has decided to find new names for Blacks Camp Road, the bushland reserve and pre-school which share the name. In…
A MURAL in the Mornington Secondary College year 8 area called Lockdown Legends aims to recognise those who reached high levels of achievement and engagement during lockdown and inspire others when they return to the learning environment. Assistant principal Jim Papas said the mural “pays tribute to those students who worked, coped and even excelled in the remote learning environment”. Assistant principal of the junior school Denise Leggett initiated the project with her year 8 coordination team as well as students and the art department. Firs published in the Mornington News – 18 August 2020
WESTERN Port fire brigades fought a garage fire in Nottingham Avenue, Somerville, 7.40pm, Sunday 9 August. Somerville CFA was quickly on scene with three fire trucks, followed soon after by Baxter CFA. “On arrival, we saw a garage well alight, with flames threatening the adjacent house,” Somerville CFA Lieutenant Josh Caron said. “However our crew were able to make entry and attack the fire immediately to prevent further spread.” The fire was quickly contained to the garage, and the surrounding buildings were unscathed, however, three motorcycles, tools, camping gear and gym equipment were destroyed. Ambulance crews treated the owner of…
A SAFETY Beach woman has been charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence, proceeds of crime offences and firearms offences. The 34-year-old was among 11 people charged following an investigation into alleged drug trafficking in Melbourne’s inner south-east. She was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 September. Detectives from the Southern Metro Divisional Response Unit executed warrants across 13 locations in Melbourne’s inner south-east, including South Melbourne, Brighton East, Ormond, Elwood and St Kilda, Sunday 16 August. They were working on Operation Brandish which is an ongoing investigation into the trafficking of methyl-amphetamine…
A ROSEBUD man is contemplating life without his licence for a minimum of 12 months after he appears at court and also the loss of his red SS Commodore for the next month. Members of the Somerville highway patrol detected his car on mobile radar travelling at 171kph in the 80kph zone on Old Cape Schanck Road, 5.20pm, Wednesday 12 August. When intercepted and asked why he was going so fast the 35-year-old said he was “in a really good mood and the music was playing”. Police said his mood changed when he was told his car would be impounded…
BONEO Fire Brigade crews unable to raise money at Boneo market or sell Captain Koalas and children’s uniforms because of COVID-19 restrictions are thinking outside the square. They ask those wanting the items to contact them with a return address so they can be posted out. Captain Koalas are $20 each plus postage. Uniforms, which must be ordered, are $105 embroidered or $87.50 not embroidered, plus postage. Sizes range from 2, 4, 6 and 8. Embroidered items will include a child’s name plus the words: Boneo Fire Brigade. First published in the Western Port News – 12 August 2020
A COLOURFUL character often seen hanging around at Hastings police station sings like a bird. But she’s not snitching on her accomplices or leaking details of her latest crime “Lolly” the eclectus parrot, is a natural chatterbox who provides a welcome morale boost to officers during their COVID-19 experience. The three-year-old with her bright red and purple/blue plumage is the prized pet of Sergeant Sarah Blackmore who takes her to work for her novelty value and companionship. Lolly was a gift from an Army friend posted overseas who needed to find a home for her. Senior Sergeant Warren Francis-Pester said…
ELECTRICAL problems are being blamed for a fire on a boat parked outside a house at Langwarrin last month, above. CFA units from Langwarrin and Baxter fought the fire inside the cabin of the boat on Bevnol Road, 2pm, Monday 27 July, after a neighbour called triple zero. The eight-metre cabin cruiser was emitting heavy smoke when crews arrived. Langwarrin firefighter Craig Aiton said crews used breathing apparatus to get inside. “The 12-volt battery was being charged inside the cabin,” he said. “The combination of the battery charger on a seat cushion and limited ventilation caused the charger to overheat…
DETECTIVES are searching for a man, pictured, who entered a house on Daveys Road, Mount Eliza, and stole cash from a handbag, 1.17am Tuesday 23 June. Half an hour later he is believed to have entered a property on Denistoun Avenue where he stole a Hugo Boss bag, Nike shoes, cigarettes and a security camera. The man is described as 50 years old with long hair tied back, or perhaps a wig and glasses. He was wearing a red and black top, Globe baseball cap and mismatched golf gloves. Anyone who recognises the man or has information is urged to…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Sam Hearn has called for calm following last week’s declaration of a state of emergency and the introduction of stage four restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19. “As we navigate the next six weeks let’s do our best to be patient, resilient and calm. This situation is unfamiliar to all of us,” Cr Hearn said. “We are in this together and if we all do the right thing we will be on the other side of this sooner.” Changes to the daily lives of Victorians include: An 8pm-5am curfew (the only reasons to leave…
WITH an expected drop in demand due to the stage four coronavirus restrictions, Searoad Ferries has suspended weekend ferry services between Sorrento and Queenscliff until at least 19 September. The ferry will continue its two-hourly Monday-Friday service. The cut back follows changes brought in with the stage three restrictions last month (“All clear for essential ferry” The News 13/7/20). “This is obviously an historic and significant step to suspend the service for the first time in 33 years,” Searoad CEO Matt McDonald said. “However, we must respond to the unprecedented circumstances which we find ourselves in, with stage four lockdown…
ROTARIANS slept in their cars, outside in tents, or on couches to help the homeless on the Mornington Peninsula for one night last week. Mount Martha Rotary club president Roger Skipsey said members were happy to “do it tough” to support Fusion Mornington Peninsula’s annual Sleep In Your Car event. The experience on Saturday 1 August gave them an insight into what it means to be homeless. The Rotarians usually aid the cause by sleeping rough and running a barbecue at Mornington Park but this year, because of coronavirus restrictions, they held a “virtual” sleep-out which raised $1690. This amount…
A STRATEGY to determine how the Mornington Peninsula handles housing and population growth over the next 16 years – while ensuring the peninsula’s special values and character are protected – was adopted by council last week. The Mornington Peninsula Housing and Settlement Strategy: Refresh 2020-2036 comes as the state government projects the shire’s population will increase from 161,520 at the time of the 2016 census to 200,360 in 2036 – an increase of more than 38,800. The planning services committee meeting on Monday 20 July resolved to start the process of amending planning controls to ensure development better respects the…
A CYCLIST died when her bike collided with a car at Shoreham yesterday (Monday 3 August). Police were called to the scene on Frankston-Flinders Road about 10.10am. The woman was reportedly riding south just past Point Leo Road when the incident occurred. The driver of the car, a 61-year-old Mont Albert woman, was assisting police with their inquiries. Anyone who saw the collision, or who has dash-cam footage or any other information, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Western Port News – 5 August 2020
PORTSEA Surf Life Saving Club won the Beaurepaire Shield and was named 2020 Marsh Club of the Year at Life Saving Victoria’s Awards of Excellence evening last week. Now in their 17th year, the awards celebrate the achievements and contributions by lifesaving volunteers as part of LSV’s mission to prevent drowning deaths and aquatic injury in Victoria. The Portsea club also took home Youth Team of the Year and Masters Team of the Year. Rhys Cole, of Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club, was awarded the John Wishart Memorial Medal as the Microflite Lifesaver of the Year for his contribution…
EXCITED puppy Nelson was none the worse for wear after a potentially disastrous cliff plunge at Birdrock beach, Mount Martha, last week. The Australian terrier tumbled while running and fell 15 metres down the cliff while being exercised by owner Medha Murtagh on Saturday evening, 25 July. She said later on social media: “We were walking along Craigie Road when I tripped and fell and Nelson ran across Craigie Road and the Esplanade and then [fell] over the cliff. “I was beside myself. Thank you to everybody who stopped and helped and to our extraordinary emergency services. We live in…
A MAN has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury after a woman viewed an alleged assault on social media and reported it to police, 6.40pm, Monday 27 July. Although not confirmed by police, the incident at Hastings reportedly showed a man using a meat cleaver to cut another man’s hair while the victim was bound to a chair with gaffer tape. The 37-year-old victim, of Frankston, who detectives were trying to locate late last week, is believed to have received a “significant” wound to his head. Detective Senior Sergeant Miro Majstorovic, of Somerville CIU, said a 27-year-old Hastings man…
A FOOD economy and agroecology strategy is designed to help shape the Mornington Peninsula’s agriculture and food industry. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is researching and consulting on the strategy to support growth in the agriculture and food industry and build resilience to climate change through sustainable farming. The project will examine the peninsula’s agriculture, food and beverage industries at an economic, social and environmental level. It will consider the impact of recent drawbacks, such as the bushfires and COVID-19, on the industry. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said the sector, worth about $1.3 billion, was a key contributor to the…
A GROUP of Somers residents is proving an early adaptor of a movement that started in England to improve mental health by making people happy. The recipe for Spoonville has its beginnings in the village of Winnersh and sees brightly painted wooden cooking spoons being planted in an accessible place. Some of the spoons are painted with the likenesses of cartoon characters, monsters, animals, politicians, celebrities and even Reese With-a-Spoon The Somers Spoonville joins similar ones at Frankston, Pakenham, Lilydale and Nunawading. “An anonymous group in Somers concerned about lifting the spirits of locals have spread these characters throughout the…
WEBINARS to help businesses rebuild and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic will cover topics, including commercialising new business ideas, finance fundamentals, taking businesses online, marketing and building business resilience. Mornington Peninsula Shire is promoting the free webinars which run online on Tuesdays throughout August. Finance Fundamentals, 6-8pm, 4 August, will show how to identify cash flow drivers and how to direct cash into the business areas needing it most. Taking Your Business Online, 6-8pm, 11 August, will show how to gain an understanding of online advertising, search engines, websites, blogs and social media through practical exercises and real-life examples. Learn…
A man has died and a woman has life-threatening injuries after two motorbikes crashed in Mount Martha this afternoon. The male rider was travelling in convoy with a second motorcycle along The Esplanade, near the intersection of Burdoo Way, shortly after 1pm. The deceased rider lost control on a bend, crashing his bike. He died at the scene. The second motorcycle has struck the fallen bike, causing him to lose control. The male rider was taken to hospital with minor injuries and his female pillion passenger was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating.…
RETURNING to the Mornington Peninsula because of the COVID-19 pandemic came with a bit of a shock for Chloe Preston. “I’ve done a lot of beach cleans in the last few years and Mount Martha Beach is, by far, the worst beach I have found for micro-plastics,” she said. “Looking at it briefly, you don’t notice the rubbish, but when you lower your eyes, it’s literally everywhere.” Ms Preston said she had found a “patch” of nurdles – “the pesky plastic pellets used in the manufacturing of plastic” – next to the Balcombe Creek estuary. “I managed to pick up…
MOONLIT Sanctuary, Pearcedale is running a competition to name two seven-week-old alpine dingoes. All sanctuary workers are involved in getting the puppies accustomed to being around people because, due to COVID-19, there are no visitors to help the animals learn to interact with humans. “We can’t wait to share these two additions to the sanctuary with visitors once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted,” Life sciences manager Lisa Tuthill said. “Until then there will always be a staff member with them ready to play. Luckily, it’s such a fun job that we’ve had no complaints. “The dingoes play like regular puppies and…
IMAGES showing conditions in that section of Port Phillip are now available online from a camera at the Schnapper Point, Mornington boat ramp. The images are refreshed every five minutes on Maritime Safety Victoria’s Boating Vic trip preparation website and app. Cameras are also located at Rye, Hastings and Stony Point. Weather information on the website and app is provided by the Weather Bureau and safety advice by Maritime Safety Victoria. “We know that many Victorian boaters love to check boat ramp cameras before heading out – Boating Vic users can access these images at the same time as local…
STAFF at mental health charity operating on the Mornington Peninsula say they have spoken to more than 1000 “tradies” over the past seven months to “see if they are OK”. As members of Hope Assistance Local Tradies (HALT), they promote the message that it is acceptable to ask for help when you need it, and that any stigma linked to mental health is slowly shifting as people accept that it is part of everyday life. The issue was highlighted last week with the death of former Hawthorn and Richmond player Shane Tuck, son of former Hawthorn great Michael Tuck, who…
PROTECTIVE masks may be inconvenient and even intimidating for some humans, but they can be downright confusing for dogs. Dog owners are reporting behavioural changes in their pets since wearing masks in public became mandatory as part of the battle to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Lost Dogs’ Home says masks conceal facial expressions, which are one of the ways dogs communicate with humans. Masked-up owners are reporting changes to their dogs’ “happy go lucky personalities” and displays of “fearful behaviours”. “Traditionally dogs are creatures of habit, so instantly changing routine without a rational explanation can cause anxiety,” the…