CUBE 37, Frankston Arts Centre’s versatile events and exhibition space, will be hosting a number of independent theatre pieces that will leave you in awe this August. Featuring the finest performers and a variety of shows to choose from – comedy, drama or dance – step out of your comfort zone for an out-of-the-box theatre experience at Cube 37. There’s no need to travel to the inner city to get your fill of thought-provoking and entertaining new shows. It’s right here in Frankston! First up will be The Travelling Sisters – Lucy Fox, Laura Trenerry and Ell Sachs – who…
Author: MP News Group
VISION Australia’s seeing eye dogs are expected to have more than 40 puppies by the end of August which may one day become a partner to someone that is blind or has low vision. Once the pups are about 15 months old they will begin formal training at Kensington but, before that, their training begins all over Victoria. Puppy development trainer Claire Crewe says the Mornington Peninsula is a good place for the puppies to begin their training. “The peninsula is a great area to be a puppy carer because it offers an array of different environments to train and…
LIBERAL MP for Mornington David Morris has accused the state Labor government of having a plan that will see beach boxes “ripped off our beaches”. While last week’s run of strong winds and waves appeared to be trying their best to undermine beach boxes at Mt Martha North, Mr Morris issued a news release saying the Draft Marine and Coast Policy report released by Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, stated that bathing boxes were “to be removed/relocated as the opportunity arises”. “This is a dramatic departure from the former Liberal Nationals government’s plans to retain bathing boxes,” Mr Morris said. “Not…
A “SIGNIFICANT” increase in alcohol-related serious injuries and fatal collisions in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula over the past 12 months has triggered a police crackdown on drink drivers. Highway patrol and general police will saturate these areas as part of Operation Armada in an effort to detect and deter impaired drivers. Operation Armada starts on Friday 19 July. Southern Metro Region Superintendent Adrian White said police would set up booze buses in strategic locations with officers conducting alcohol and drug tests “at every opportunity”. “Our intelligence is telling us that the types of people we predominantly detect for…
TWO thieves who went on a late night crime spree from Mt Martha to Portsea last week have been arrested – with one being bitten on the arm by a police dog. Detective Senior Sergeant Eddie Logonder, of Somerville CIU, said the Endeavour Hills men, aged 24 and 35, stole a Toyota Yaris from Mt Martha, 9.30pm, Sunday 7 July. Heading south, they allegedly broke into eight cars in Frimmell Way, Pt Nepean Road, Leyden Avenue and Driver Street, Portsea, and Kerferd Avenue and Rebecca Court, Sorrento, stealing cash, wallets, credit cards and a laptop before being disturbed by owners…
THERE will be no disruption to kerbside recycling collections for households on the Mornington Peninsula, despite a new ban on the shire’s waste recycler SKM Services last week. The ban came 48 hours after a fire at the company’s Laverton North site, Monday 8 July. It reportedly involved a conveyor belt surrounded by tonnes of recyclable and potentially flammable material. The mayor Cr David Gill said the shire would “continue to monitor the situation and keep in regular contact with SKM”. “Council continues to work with the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group on long-term solutions, including advocacy for urgent…
A SEMINAR designed to enable parents and teachers to better recognise, manage and minimise the anxiety of their children will be held at Rosebud next month. Parenting expert, award-winning speaker and author Michael Grose and wellbeing expert and researcher Dr Jodi Richardson will host the Anxious Kids seminar at Rosebud Secondary College, 7- 9pm, Thursday 1 August. The pair are touring Australia to present their evidence-based approach to managing children’s anxiety. They will speak about tools and strategies for helping children as outlined in their book Anxious Kids. “Disturbingly, it takes 8.2 years on average between the onset of symptoms…
DISCOUNT packages at some Mornington Peninsula foreshore camping grounds have been withdrawn because of their success. The mayor Cr David Gill said the cheaper packages for pre-and post-peak times were designed to “activate” Rye and Sorrento. “This activation has occurred and, to ensure both new and return campers have equal access to camping sites along the foreshore, [the discounts] have been discontinued,” he said. “For income reasons other discounts have continued in areas [such as Rosebud] that have lesser off-peak occupancy rates.” The mayor’s comments follow complaints from regular campers at Rye and Sorrento that they are being hit with…
A NEW group is being formed to open up and improve the 15-hectare Oliver’s Creek Bushland Reserve at Tyabb. Mornington Peninsula Shire has allocated $52,000 towards the upkeep and revitalisation of the reserve. David Chalke, of the Tyabb and District Ratepayers group, said the reserve was an “under-appreciated treasure … and is the largest piece of publicly accessible bushland in the district”. “The last fauna report showed it to be home to both koalas and echidnas as well as a range of other natives. We hope to improve access to the reserve, particularly for the less than fully abled as…
THE family of a Baxter girl who died from the effects of the flu on Friday 5 July is urging others to get their flu jabs without delay. Crystal-Lee Wightley, 13, died at home after being ill with a cold, fever, body aches and a cough since Tuesday. Her mother Dymanty Fulham found her unconscious in her bed and called 000. Despite the best efforts of paramedics she could not be revived. The year 7 Mt Erin Secondary College student had been due to see a doctor later that morning. Her mother, grandmother and brothers all suffered flu-like symptoms in…
PREMIER Daniel Andrews visited Red Hill Consolidated School and chatted to staff and students before the school holidays while announcing a grant of $3.2 million allocated in the recent state budget. The grant is part of a $5.5 million package to schools in the Nepean electorate described by MP Chris Brayne as “the biggest investment in schools in … the seat’s history”. “We are optimistic the upgrading of our existing classrooms will build a whole-school climate of collaboration and excellence,” principal Leanne Marshall said. Mr Brayne said the Red Hill school continued to grow and be loved by families and…
Thunder Road are without doubt Australia’s number one Bruce Springsteen show. Formed in 2010, featuring a line up of seasoned and professional musicians and a repertoire of over 50 songs, Thunder Road is dedicated to enjoying and sharing Bruce’s music in a live setting, playing all the classics from ‘Born to Run’ to ‘Glory Days’ and through to his recent releases. The group captures the classic Springsteen sound Thunder Road are without doubt Australia’s number one Bruce Springsteen show. ‘Thunder Road’ remains true to the spirit and energy of the music, while delivering the songs with all the passion and…
A BASKETBALL program designed for children with autism was a big hit on the Mornington District Basketball Association courts last week. The first Ausome Hoops program, held at Mornington Secondary College, was developed by Mornington basketball coach Phoebe McShane. It came about after the 16-year-old Padua College student saw a need for a basketball camp suited to the specific needs of the children. “We had a fantastic response with many parents overwhelmed that their children are able to participate in a basketball program structured specifically for autism,” association general manager Samantha Browne said. A group of dedicated volunteers spent two…
BURGLARS ransacked a steel shed at a property at Somerville stealing thousands of dollars in tools, equipment and even a caravan, overnight Monday 1 July. Detective Senior Sergeant Miro Majstorovic, of Somerville CIU, said they forced a front gate to the long driveway off Dandenong-Hastings Road and cut locks to the steel shed. Included in the haul was a generator valued at $5000, chainsaw ($700), Mercury outboard ($500) and the Windsor Rapid caravan which was later found dumped at Cranbourne. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at…
A FOOLHARDY boatie got into more trouble than he bargained for when launching a tinnie in freezing, blustery conditions at Frankston boat ramp last week. The Carrum Downs man, 33, reportedly ignored other boaties’ warnings about the poor conditions and set off with his dog aboard at 2pm, Sunday 30 June. Senior Sergeant Kirby Tonkin, of Rosebud police, said the man, who was not wearing a lifejacket, got into trouble about 150 metres out when the seas became too rough and he tried to turn around and head to shore. A large wave swamped the boat throwing the man and…
A MAN will be without his car and is more than $1000 out of pocket after having his car impounded at Rosebud, Wednesday 3 July. Rosebud police nabbed the Ford Falcon, displaying red P-plates, travelling at 100kph in a 50kph zone on Pt Nepean Road, 6.15am. The 22-year-old Somerville man told police he was running late for work. Things only got worse when the man was unable to produce his licence and a roadworthy check of the car found no tread on the front tyres. The man’s car was impounded at a cost of $1075. He is expected to be…
A MAN wanted in relation to a fatal stabbing at Chelsea Heights last month was arrested at a property at Toora, Gippsland, last week. Homicide Squad detectives assisted by Special Operations Group members charged the 27-year-old Frankston man with one count of murder, Thursday 4 July. He appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court the same day and was further remanded to November. Detectives allege the man became involved in an argument with 44-year-old Bonbeach man Ricky Thompson in the car park of a Seaford licensed premises on 18 June. (“Help find suspect” The News 2/7/2019). Thompson was stabbed in the incident…
By Barry Morris IN the wake of the sexual abuse crisis engulfing the Catholic Church in Australia, 24 Melbourne parishes have drawn up a statement listing changes they believe must be adopted urgently. An accompanying letter and introduction says the church leadership has failed ordinary Catholics. In these dark times for the Catholic Church, especially in Australia, “we experience a profound feeling of shame and demand change”. The strongly-worded statement was written following a meeting of 62 parish representatives, including Mt Eliza, on 6 March. Mornington published the statement in its bulletin. However, it is not all doom and gloom.…
SOPHIE Perez’s depiction of the land as it falls away to Bass Strait on the southern edge of the Mornington Peninsula has won the top prize in this year’s Green Wedge Paint Out Exhibition art competition. Artist Jennifer Riddle and Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery’s senior curator Danny Lacy, who judged the competition, described I Can Hear You Calling as “a bold painting that captures the evocative landscape”. “Overlooking Bass Strait, the landscape is filled with texture and depth, dirt roads dissecting the lush plant life landscape reveals itself as you drive around that corner, the thrill of the steep descent…
THE introduction to Chicago does nothing to hide what’s to follow, except the lights and colourful, onstage action. “Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to see a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery – all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts.” The bold and sinister promise is delivered by Rosebud Secondary College students with wit, danger, style and a great deal of humour. “Many people may have in mind the 1996 Broadway version or 2003 film – featuring Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones – when they think of Chicago,” drama teacher Anthea…
A CAR snapped off a boom gate arm at the railway crossing on Baxter-Tooraddin Road, Baxter, Monday 1 July. The incident about 11.40am was said to have caused “significant damage” to the operation of the crossing gates near Hawkins Road. Somerville Highway Patrol members manned the crossing until a railway repair crew arrived. Metro Trains media advisor James Ireland said the boom arm was replaced and tested at 12.48pm and the crossing was “back to normal” soon after. It is unclear whether the motorist stopped or how the incident was reported. First published in the Western Port Times – 3…
BEACH Patrol Safety Beach/Dromana members had fine weather for their recent clean up, Sunday 16 June. About 24 volunteers turned out to pick micro plastics from the seaweed and the usual cigarette butts and general plastics off the foreshore. In all, they collected 2401 pieces of plastic plus 38kg of general rubbish. Big hitters were 790 cigarette butts and 750 wrappers and packages. Other items included 12 plastic bottles, 16 plastic cups, 16 glass bottles, 24 cans, 76 pieces of broken glass, 16 coffee cups, 45 plastic bottle caps, 30 metal bottle caps, 93 small hard plastics, 36 large hard…
“DRIVING too fast on a wet road – what could possibly go wrong?” asked Somerville Highway Patrol’s Greg Wolfe. Well, you could run off the road, crash into a tree and roll your car, like the driver of this HSV Maloo ute did in Watt Road, Mornington, 7.30pm, Thursday 20 June. “The mid-30s Langwarrin man had just overtaken a mate before the collision,” Senior Constable Wolfe said. “He was extremely fortunate to climb out of the vehicle with just a blood nose. “Alcohol and drug tests were both negative. However, the driver is facing a range of other road policing…
WHILE repairs are being made to the sandbag seawall at Portsea front beach investigations continue into preventing erosion at the beach. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) says it has “partnered” with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council “to investigate potential long-term options to reduce wave energy and erosion”. The latest studies will “complement previous investigations into coastal management options at Portsea front beach” and are expected to be finished in about two months. The sandbag seawall was installed in 2010 and is credited with helping protect the foreshore against storm surge, waves and tides. The repairs could take…
DETECTIVES are calling for public assistance as they hunt for New Zealand national Alex Manuel following a fatal stabbing at Chelsea Heights, Monday 17 June. Homicide Squad detectives say the 27-year-old Frankston man, pictured right, is probably being harboured by an associate. He is wanted following the death of 44-year-old Bonbeach man Ricky Thompson after the pair was involved in an argument in the car park of a hotel on Springvale Road, 3.35am. Thompson was stabbed in the incident and died in hospital next day. It’s believed the men knew each other. Manuel is known to frequent the Frankston area,…
A $2.36 million grant to Dromana Secondary College will go towards knocking down and rebuilding outdated classrooms. Money for the works was allocated in the recent state budget. It forms part of a $5.5 million package to schools in the Nepean electorate which MP Chris Brayne says “represents the biggest investment in schools in Nepean in the seat’s history”. “These numbers seem to just roll off the tongue and, in politics, numbers seem to be thrown around all the time,” Mr Brayne said. “But this is genuine, good quality funding to a school that needs it.” Mr Brayne said Dromana…
A SELL-OUT lunch at Sorrento last week raised $16,300 for the fight against motor neurone disease. International MND Awareness Day was recognised in Sorrento, Friday 21 June, with the launch of the Mornington Peninsula MND Association started by Torie Schwarze in memory of her late father Marty Mackinnon. Ms Schwarze and Rob Tucker organised the three-hour lunch at Mr Morce restaurant, with all money raised going to support those living with, or caring for, a motor neurone sufferer. Ms Schwarze and GP Adrian Murrie gave presentations on their experiences of caring for an MND sufferer. Sponsors included Mercedes Benz Mornington,…
Police are investigating a fatal two car collision in Flinders this afternoon. It is believed the vehicles collided on Boneo Road near Mornington-Flinders Road just before 4.30pm. The male driver and only occupant of one vehicle has died at the scene. The male and female in the other vehicle are being treated for minor injuries. The exact cause of the collision is being investigated. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Victoria Police News – Wednesday, 26 June 2019
THE Bridge Bosses of Balnarring Primary School were judged the best model bridge builders in a competition at BlueScope Western Port’s Hastings plant. Their bridge took the weight of 60 tins of tuna weighing 7.5kg. About 60 students in 16 teams took part in the Rotary Club of Somerville Tyabb Inter Schools Activity Challenge, Wednesday 19 June. Their task was to build a weight-bearing bridge spanning 720mm using only a pack of playing cards, icy pole sticks, twine, thumbtacks, and sticky tape. The time limit was one hour. Teams were evaluated on their bridges’ ability to sustain increasingly heavy loads…
By Barry Morris CATHOLIC parishes should make halls and other buildings available to people who are sleeping rough, a homelessness forum has suggested. The call to open up church properties is one of a series of proposals put to the forum, organised by Catholic Social Services Victoria, in Melbourne on 8 June (“Catholics call for homeless help” The News 4/6/19). More than 50 delegates from Melbourne parishes, including the Mornington Peninsula, attended the forum to discuss problems surrounding homelessness. The suggested strategy started with personal action and covered initiatives that parishes, schools, the archdiocese and governments should set in place.…