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…
Author: MP News Group
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…
TWO vehicles were set alight in “suspicious” circumstances last week amid reports that youths were seen “running from the scene” at the time. Baxter Fire Brigade Captain Damian Willmott said his crews took 45 minutes to contain a blaze that destroyed a VW Amarok utility in Victoria Road, Langwarrin South, 10.30am, Tuesday 21 July. CFA crews from Pearcedale and Baxter responded to initial reports that the car was “dangerously close to a shed and fire was spreading into scrub”. “Crews were quick with their initial knockdown stopping the spread of fire. The cause is unknown, and police are investigating. It…
POLICE are searching for this restored Holden FB ute stolen from the Carrum Downs Shopping Centre, Thursday 2 July. Anyone seeing the vehicle with number plates 1QR4KO or who has information on its whereabouts should contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000, or make a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au and quote incident number 200239781. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 28 July 2020
ROSEBUD police have received a collection of hand-made cards and messages from students at Red Hill Consolidated School. Under the supervision of first-aid officer Louise Aston the students wrote the letters of gratitude to Mornington Peninsula’s first responders. “The children were talking about how sad everything is at the moment,” Ms Aston said. “We discussed this and then focused on some positive aspects. One of the major topics was how lucky we are to have such great people at Rosebud police looking after us – not only during coronavirus times but all the time. “The children decided to make “thank…
WITH state government restrictions urging everyone to stay home, Mornington Peninsula Shire is encouraging residents to paint their wheelie bins in any style they choose, drawing inspiration from their area or any part of the community. The competition was inspired by Josie Jones, 2020 Victorian Local Hero Australian of the Year and 2019 Mornington Peninsula Australia Day Citizen of the Year, along with artist Jackie Green who “brought her own bin to life”. Ms Jones took the idea to council as a way for residents to think about their community connection and taking care of the environment. Mornington Peninsula Shire…
TWO extra sites have opened to boost COVID-19 testing capacity on the Mornington Peninsula. Peninsula Health has opened a Dromana pop-up test site at Dromana Community Hall, 359 Point Nepean Road, Dromana. It’s open 8.30am-3.30pm, Monday 27 to Wednesday 29 July. A Flinders pop-up test site is at Flinders Civic Hall, 54-56 Cook Street, Flinders. It’s open Thursday 30 July to Sunday 2 August with times to be advised. These are additional to existing testing clinics on the peninsula. Nepean MP Chris Brayne thanked members of the community for “following the rules during these difficult times and getting tested”. “Remember,…
Three additional sites have been added by DHHS and Peninsula Health to increase the state’s Covid-19 testing capacity on the Mornington Peninsula. From today, a pop up testing clinic will be held at Rye Civic Hall in Rye while next week testing facilities will also open up in Dromana and Flinders. Details for additional Peninsula Health sites: Rye pop up test site – Rye Civic Hall, 12 Napier Street, Rye. Open from this Thursday to Sunday from 8:30am – 3:30pm Dromana pop up test site – Dromana Community Hall, 359 Point Nepean Road, Dromana. Open from next Monday to Wednesday…
By Danielle Collis MORNINGTON Peninsula real estate agents say an increasing number of Melbourne residents want to move to the Mornington Peninsula. Danckert Real Estate director Sam Danckert said the peninsula was no longer seen as “just a holiday home destination”, with 83 percent of buyer inquiries coming from people now residing within 20 kilometres of Melbourne. “It’s been occurring over the past few years, but it’s happening at a greater rate than I’ve ever seen in over 15 years of working in real estate,” Mr Danckert said. He said the influx of residents was due to several key drivers.…
FORMER Petty Officer Douglas Alfred Symes enjoyed a tour of the Victorian Maritime Centre’s museum on the Esplanade, Crib Point, before the coronavirus lockdown. “Dougie”, as he is known around the Crib Point RSL, spent time viewing the exhibition and has vowed to return. During a lunch in his honour the 94-year-old entertained the centre’s volunteers by relaying highlights of his 48 years’ service in the Royal Australian Navy after entering HMAS Cerberus as a recruit in 1943. A quote from a citation presented to Mr Symes by the Commanding Officer of HMAS Cerberus at the time stated: “Your dedication,…
‘THE show must go on’ is a phrase many in the performing arts industry have long adhered to, until COVID-19. Whilst some states are beginning to open up their venues, theatres in Victoria still sit dark and empty as performers, stage crew, staff and audiences wait at home for their time to shine again. Like so many arts workers, Nick Rees has been affected by the temporary dimming of the lights in Australian theatre. With the aim of supporting artists and local theatre groups, Rees was inspired to produce Raise the Curtain featuring an incredible cast of names from the…
MORNINGTON police station has stepped in to provide a much-needed service after Frankston police station’s counter service was shut down last week when an officer tested positive for coronavirus. Police say local area service delivery will “not be impacted” by the change of locations. Sergeant Jeremy Mishau, of Mornington police, said: “We are all clear; there are no cases here.” He said only two people would be allowed into the station at any one time. Those waiting outside will be asked to line up and take their turn. Contact tracing is under way at Frankston to establish how many officers…
POLICE say it is a myth that thieves are only interested in stealing luxury cars. They say modern, “mainstream” cars are frequently targeted. Keep your car’s keys out of sight and make sure you lock all doors and windows – especially at night – because seven out of every 10 cars are stolen using their own keys. Police and the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council have compiled information to show motorists how to prevent car thefts. Visit https://bit.ly/3h1JueU First published in the Mornington News – 21 July 2020
PROTECTIVE face masks are now compulsory and students in the Mornington Secondary College VCAL class are being credited with making an astute business decision. They are making face masks to tackle COVID-19 under the name: STS – or Stop the Spread – as well as learning about running a business. Teacher Anne-Marie Burnet said the year 11 students had set themselves up in a “factory” divided into various departments, such as marketing, sales and production to make the washable cloth masks, and business is booming. Part of their marketing philosophy is showing younger teens that it’s cool to wear masks,…
A MORNINGTON woman described by her daughter as “four foot 10 inches of positivity and happiness” toasted her centenary on Friday 3 July. But, due to coronavirus concerns, Elaine Hedgcock’s birthday was a trifle muted. “Unfortunately we couldn’t all be there, however, her four children, three of her 14 grandchildren, and four or her 27 great-grandchildren came separately during the day in rosters,” daughter Robyn Davies said. She also has two great-great grandchildren. “There were lots of phone calls and three overseas FaceTimes from grandchildren – Tim from Perth, Lara from San Francisco and Peter from Dubai. They were very…
By Bree Masters ATHLETES training for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics are being confronted by an unforeseen obstacle: the six-week lockdown aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19. With their training options suddenly curtailed Mornington Peninsula Athletics Club sprinters Sophia Fighera and Matthew Rizzo have teamed up to help each other stay fit for Tokyo. Matthew Rizzo, 2017 Stawell Gift winner, said news of sporting facilities and gyms closing and outdoor exercise being restricted to two people, means his Olympic dream is at stake. “With gyms closing, it will mean that we will not be able to complete our gym sessions…
COMPENSATION for tourism accommodation operators who have suffered cancellations due to the lockdown of metropolitan COVID hotspots has been welcomed. A $5 million fund for regional businesses such as motels, caravan parks and holiday home operators from the state government will help cover lost revenue as a result of cancelled bookings. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said: “I want to thank the Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula for ensuring Mornington Peninsula tourism businesses are included in the regional accommodation support fund. “We know our tourism businesses are struggling at the moment and we appreciate all the support…
CREWS from Sorrento SES were involved in another successful rescue after an accident on the Red Hill mountain bike trail, 3pm, Sunday 12 July. Whereas last week they used their “mule litter wheel” to evacuate a young rider after he crashed over a jump, this time they drove their four-wheel-drive up the track to rescue an 18-year-old man with a broken collar bone. SES controller Mark Daw said crews made it up the track near Boundary Road, Dromana, before Ambulance Victoria arrived. “We assessed the patient who was suffering a broken collarbone after going over the handlebars,” he said. “He…
CAR thieves trying to steal a 2020 Porsche from the garage of a Portsea beachfront house early Monday morning may have panicked before driving the car over a 2.5-metre cliff. Unable to drive the Porsche, the offenders then made their getaway by stealing a Mercedes Benz. Detective Leading Senior Constable Shane Moodie, of Somerville CIU, said two or possibly three offenders entered the garage of the Point Nepean Road property, 2am, Monday 13 July. “It appears one of the offenders reversed the new Porsche out of the garage and over the cliff where it remained,” Detective Moodie said. The car’s…
A VOLUNTEER Marine Rescue crew from Hastings found the water at Middle Bank in Western Port too shallow to assist a boat which had run aground, just after midnight, Sunday 12 July. “The occupants were concerned about waves breaking over the 6.75-metre vessel,” VMR president Neil Cooper said. “When VMR’s TX1 arrived, the boat was in too shallow water to assist. However, with an incoming tide, they were able to get themselves off. “This is an extremely dangerous piece of water and it is best to give it a very wide berth. “VMR has assisted many vessels there, some, unfortunately,…
A CAR driven by an elderly woman mounted the kerb and smashed the side window of a real estate agency at Rye last week. SES and Rosebud CFA crews rushed to assist the woman who was uninjured and did not require an ambulance, 6.30pm, Wednesday 8 July. Granger Estate Agents director Darren Sadler said the damage bill was around $30,000. He said debris had to be cleaned up and brick work replaced. The front door was hanging off its hinges and plywood panels used to cover the broken window before it was replaced. First published in the Southern Peninsula News…
A 60kph speed limit near the Bushrangers Bay car park entrance is designed to improve the safety of large numbers of people parking and walking next to a former 100kph section of Boneo Road. The lower speed limit at Cape Schanck will be in force until the end of September. It will operate all day, every day. Speedsters sailing through at the old speed risk a $702 fine and six-month licence suspension. Truck drivers could be fined $1652 with the same licence suspension. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 14 July 2020
By Danielle Collis ALICIA Edwards is determined not to be left in the dark despite having her request for lighting in an overgrown path rejected by Mornington Peninsula Shire. She says the popular path between Hazeldene Way [at the end of Ellaswood Mews] and Parkedge Circuit, Rosebud is overgrown and dark. “The safety of the neighbourhood is our main concern and having a well lit and maintained walkway would drastically reduce the risk of our personal safety being compromised,” she said. Ms Edwards says there are too many incidents occurring in parks, walkways and footpaths due to lack of lighting…
THOUGHTS of the COVID-19 crisis and the latest restrictions were able to be pushed aside on Thursday (9 July) when word of a whale in Mornington harbour quickly spread. Hundreds of onlookers flocked to the pier and Mothers Beach cliffs as the whale took its time moving through the shallow waters. It is thought the whale was the same one that had attracted attention (including close-up canoeists and paddle boarders) the previous day off Aspendale and Edithvale. The state’s conservation regulator program manager Paul Hutcheson said recreational boaters must stay 200 metres away from whales and jet skis 300 metres.…
THE Frankston Dolphins will not get the chance to play this year, after the cancellation of the 2020 VFL season was made official last week. The 2020 VFL season was scheduled to get underway on 1 August, before the latest spike in Victorian COVID-19 cases put a stop to those plans. AFL clubs had to fly out of Victoria during the week to ensure they could continue to play. Frankston FC were set to be one of seven teams that would compete in this year’s VFL competition. Dolphins players returned to training at SkyBus Stadium on 2 June with a…
THE Frankston and Mornington Peninsula junior football seasons have been cancelled. A statement released by AFL South East last week read that all of their 2020 junior football seasons would be called off. They include the Frankston and Districts Junior Football League, South East Juniors, and AFL South East Top-Age. AFL South East’s Richard Black said “whilst we are disappointed to cancel junior football this year, the health and wellbeing of the community have always been our top priority.” “COVID-19 has presented a very unique set of circumstances and we need to ensure that our participants and volunteers emerge from…
A $1.6m upgrade for Hastings boat ramp starting this month is scheduled to be finished in October. Stage one of the works by the state government will include replacing the existing boat ramp with a longer ramp and a connecting walkway between the new boat ramp and the existing floating pontoon. Stage two will involve dredging to accommodate the extended ramp and enable access during all tides. Meanwhile, a camera showing conditions at the boat ramp is now showing at Maritime Safety Victoria’s Boating Vic trip preparation website and app. Weather information is also available at the site. A similar…