A MAN allegedly reversed his ute into a parked car outside a hardware store on Frankston-Flinders Road, Hastings, last week. Police say the man drove off without making any attempt to contact the owner of the damaged vehicle, 9.55am, Saturday 25 May. Anyone with information is urged to contact Hastings police station 5970 7800 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Mornington News – 4 June 2019
Author: MP News Group
A MT ELIZA man pulled over by police during an automated number plate recognition operation in Cranbourne Road, Frankston, last week, allegedly tested positive to methyl-amphetamine. The 41-year-old, who was already disqualified from driving due to a previous drug-driving offence, had his car impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1042. He will receive a summons to attend court at a later date. Sergeant Matthew Nott, of the state highway patrol said: “We make no apologies for taking people’s cars when they make the conscious decision to drive when they don’t have a licence. “This is not a game,…
By Hugh Fraser* THE devastation left behind when Indonesian forces finally withdrew from their 24-year occupation of Timor Leste was graphically described by Professor Clinton Fernandes at Mornington Peninsula Shire’s signature Library Week event: “Knowledge Integrity and Truth”. Prof Fernandes, from the University of New South Wales and the Australian Defence Academy, was at the shire’s Mornington offices to launch his new book on Australian foreign policy, “Island off the coast of Asia”. He and lawyer Bernard Collaery spoke about the agony and deprivations faced by the citizens of Timor-Leste both during and after their fight for freedom. Mr Collaery,…
MAKING prosthetic limbs and hands from plastic bottle tops sounds like an amazing project and is one which Eastbourne Primary School is enthusiastically supporting. Students have set themselves a goal of collecting one million tops which Seaford not-for-profit group Envision will use to make artificial limbs for children in developing countries. Principal Stephen Wilkinson is asking the community to get on board. “It’s easy to collect the plastic bottle caps with the numbers two or four inside,” he said. The impetus for the project came from Saun Teer at Envision. He visited the school to explain how the plastic tops…
A LAWYER previously employed by the Peninsula Community Legal Centre has been awarded for her efforts as a volunteer. Claire Williams was presented with the Kath Neilsen Award for outstanding contribution to the centre at the recent annual volunteer and supporters appreciation dinner. The award is named after Kath Neilsen, a founder and long-term supporter of the centre. It acknowledges a volunteer who has demonstrated a superior understanding of the centre’s values and the principals of social justice; along with a reliable and respectful approach to interactions with our clients. Ms Williams was employed by the centre for six years…
BURGLARS cut locks to gain entry to sheds before stealing equipment valued at $10,500 from a Somerville vegetable grower over the weekend. Pivato Vegetables, of Tyabb-Tooradin Road, Somerville, lost a HP laptop valued at $2000, unregistered trailer ($500), generator ($1000), Spitwater pressure cleaner ($7000) and Unimig welder ($1800) in the overnight raid, Friday 24 May. Detective Senior Sergeant Miro Majstorovic said the offenders reportedly spent some time inside the sheds before driving away. First published in the Western Port Times – 29 May 2019
RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on planning for the Mornington Peninsula’s future. The Neighbourhood Character Study, which will affect the whole shire, and the Western Port Coastal Villages Strategy, which will only affect Western Port towns, are both in their draft stages. The shire says the Neighbourhood Character Study is designed to retain the “unique values” of residential areas, capturing the key characteristics of each area. The Western Port Coastal Villages Strategy will provide policy and guidelines to manage development on public and private land to retain and enhance township character and address climate change impacts relating…
A “LOUD and clear” message from the recent waste forum has prompted Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to demand that the state government “introduce a container deposit scheme as soon as practical”. Speaking after the Tuesday 15 May council meeting, the mayor Cr David Gill said: “We heard loud and clear from passionate community groups that we need to take action in ensuring plastics and glass are recycled. “We fully support a container deposit scheme as part of the Municipal Association of Victoria’s rescue our recycling action plan. It is an important measure and will help bolster community education.” The shire…
MATTHEW Precht, 18, is dancing for joy after being awarded a year-long tuition scholarship in classical ballet at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York. The boy from Bittern has also been invited to attend Joffrey’s summer school. But while Matthew hopes to fly out on Sunday 9 June, he still has to raise $63,000 for housing, visa applications, food, commuting fares and daily living expenses. The former Padua student was awarded the scholarship at the Victorian Dance Festival in April where he qualified out of 140 applicants. His mother Annette Precht said they had received an invoice for the…
Two people have died and a third has been injured following a collision in Mount Eliza late last night. Investigators believe a vehicle was travelling north on the Nepean Highway when it collided with an oncoming vehicle about 11.15pm. The driver and passenger of the north bound vehicle died at the scene. The two are yet to be formally identified. The male driver of the other vehicle sustained non-life threatening injuries and has been transported to hospital for treatment. Investigators are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or with dash cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333…
MELBOURNE folk-pop duo Pierce Brothers have released their latest single Back End Roads, the first taste of new music that will be featured on their full-length debut album, Atlas Shoulders. Featuring drums reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams and a chorus embedded in the Australian folk realm, Back End Roads is destined to be an instant live set fan favourite. Talking about the single the brothers reminisced, “We wrote it about our favorite place on earth, Wilson’s Prom, and how it was when we grew up there. It’s a summer vibe tune plain and simple. About getting away from the grind…
MORNINGTON Peninsula detectives are investigating another theft from a bottle shop in Hastings. This follows a similar incident in which a man also stole alcohol from a liquor store (“Bottle shop theft” The News 22/5/19). In the latest incident a man entered the shop twice – Saturday 4 and Thursday 9 May. After distracting the attendant on both occasions, he selected several bottles of alcohol, hid them in his clothing, and left the store without paying. He was wearing a black hoodie with white writing on the sleeves, front and back. Anyone with information is asked to contact Senior Constable…
THREE aggravated burglaries in Mt Eliza on Saturday 18 May have detectives on the hunt for multiple offenders – or possibly the same one. Three sets of keys were stolen from a house in Attunga Way while family members were asleep, between midnight and 7am. Police were told the house’s front door had been left open. The offenders appeared to have searched through several cars for valuables before running off. A resident confronted a man who broke into his Jacksons Road home at 4.40am. The burglar entered the property through the backyard. Once inside, he stole two remote controls, a…
TWO brothers injured in an early-morning fracas in a Mornington car park earlier this month were arrested and interviewed by detectives last week. A 20-year-old Mt Martha man is expected to be charged on summons with a weapons offence while a 17-year-old from Mornington is expected to be charged on summons with criminal damage, assault and using a false document. A Lyndhurst man, 28, allegedly involved in the incident in the Centro car park on Saturday 4 May handed himself in to police next day and was interviewed and released. The two Mornington men were walking through the car park…
A MAN infected by measles twice attended family events at Mornington earlier this month. He visited the Mornington Hotel with family and friends, on the corner of Tanti Avenue, up until 2pm, Saturday 4 May, and again the next day around 10am, and many other places during his stay. The man, in his 30s, had previously arrived from Vietnam and was in Melbourne for almost two weeks on a sightseeing tour. It is believed he may have infected six people, including a baby. After flying out of Tullamarine he was put in isolation in a hospital in Vietnam. Symptoms of…
KEEPING warm over winter is a challenge for those less fortunate on the Mornington Peninsula so, to help them, leading Mt Eliza Primary School’s environmental team to collect 100 jackets and jumpers in its winter jacket drive. Each morning before school team members waited at the school gates to collect practical items during school drop-off. Students – with the help of the school’s parents and teachers’ association –promoted, collected and sorted items for the not-for-profit Mums Supporting Families in Need. “The school community rallied to make this cause a huge success and we thank our amazing families for their support,”…
THE temporary concrete and wire fence erected at The Pillars cliff jumping site at Mt Martha in December has gone. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council contracted out its removal early last week. Infrastructure services manager Jessica Wingad said the council will “seek feedback on the community’s experiences over the summer period”. “Council will be considering [its] options over coming months to determine long-term management of the site,” she said. The fence, on the Esplanade, cost $140,000 which covered its hire, construction, traffic management and daily maintenance of damage and graffiti. The fence is credited with cutting down the number of people…
BOATERS, fishers and other recreational water users can look forward to safer and easier access at Rye Pier. Nepean MP Chris Brayne said the state government would spend $500,000 to restore the low-landing, build a ramp to improve access, install more casual public berths and upgrade berthing facilities for larger commercial fishing charter operators. “The new low landing will make it easier for all recreational water users to enjoy the rich marine life and calm waters off Rye pier,” he said. “The recently upgraded boat ramp, kids’ playground and numerous shops and eateries make Rye a popular destination for visitors.…
ELDERLY residents in particular are being urged to avoid dealing with a company or staff representing M&M Greenworks Tree Services. A spate of government warnings about the company stemming from 2007 up to the present relate to what are described as “illegal” business practices. Staff members are reportedly intimidating and often demand payment upfront and then fail to carry out the work. Police said they target vulnerable members of the community – mainly the elderly. The M&M Greenworks Tree Services vehicle picture was taken on Thursday 16 May. Anyone seeing it, or company representatives, is asked to call police at…
THE role and contribution of volunteers was celebrated at a morning tea held at Sorrento Community Centre, Thursday 23 May. Aimed to coincide with National Volunteering Week, the event was part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea campaign. Last week, $305 has been raised for the Cancer Council. Sorrento Community Centre says it could not function without its volunteers. “We salute these generous people and acknowledge their contribution,” chairman Shane McMahon said. “Each week they come to share their time and talents so that we can … develop a healthy, connected and vibrant local community of all ages. “Thank you all…
WOMEN taking part in the Coastrek walks on the Mornington Peninsula on Friday 24 May had a clear “vision” – to raise money to tackle blindness. Demonstrating fitness and endurance, hundreds trekked 30 or 60 kilometres to raise money for the Fred Hollows Foundation. The route from Cape Schanck to Point Nepean, or around Point Nepean, took in scenic coastlines, rugged clifftops, rough bush trails and thigh burning soft sand. Participants knew that their efforts were making a difference to those less fortunate. The Fred Hollows Foundation estimates women make up 55 per cent of the world’s blind – and…
Detectives from Mornington Crime Investigation Unit have arrested two people following an assault that occurred in Mornington earlier this month. A 20-year-old Mount Martha man was interviewed and released. He is expected to be charged on summons with a weapons offence. A 17-year-old teenage boy from Mornington was also interviewed and released. He is expected to be charged on summons with criminal damage, assault and using a false document. The men were walking through the car park on Railway Grove after leaving a nearby hotel. They became involved in an altercation with a group of men about 3am. Both were…
On Sunday the 26th of May, Monique Wardley from Sydney’s Northern Beaches will be bringing her social enterprise The Bloom Movement to her home town of Melbourne. After going through one of the hardest times of her life in the beginning of 2018 with Mental Health, Monique decided that she needed to do something to combat this, so taking her love of beautiful blooms and a background in floristry, she would create 9 bouquets & gift them to ladies playing with their children in a park. It was this simple, random act of kindness in the form of flowers and…
A MAN distracted a bottle shop attendant in Hastings before stealing a four-pack of mixed spirits, Monday 6 May. The man, wearing a grey hoodie, shorts and sunglasses, hid the bottles in his shorts before leaving the High Street store without paying. He reportedly has a distinctive tattoo below his right knee. Anyone with information is urged to contact Senior Constable David Kennedy 5970 7800 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Western Port Times – 22 May 2019
MAJOR Collision Investigation Unit detectives were last week investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of an elderly Chinese couple when a car driven by their son collided with a truck at Bittern, Monday 13 May. Police said the car was travelling towards Hastings along Myers Road after a brief sightseeing tour of the peninsula when the collision occurred, 1.30pm. The couple, in the back seat, died at the scene. Their son, 52, of Carrum Downs, was taken to Frankston Hospital by air ambulance with unspecified injuries. The driver of the truck was not injured. Detective Sergeant Colin Schmidt, of the…
A MAN whose dog attacked a swan at Sorrento beach, 10am, Sunday 19 May, is being sought by police. Onlookers said the man encouraged his dog to attack the swan which was later taken to a vet for treatment. He is described Caucasian and wearing a white/grey jacket and dark shorts. Anyone who has information is urged to call Rosebud police 5986 0444. First published in the Western Port Times – 22 May 2019
MORNINGTON Breakers junior program is going from strength to strength with a number of young players recently being selected for the Basketball Victoria metropolitan and country programs. “We have had a total of 17 boys and girls recently selected for the Basketball Victoria Showcase in July 2019 and the Basketball Victoria Country Regional Academy,” said Mornington District Basketball Association’s general manager Samantha Browne. “These programs provide the pathway for the ultimate selection into Victorian State teams. “Our program continues to strengthen as more players are being selected year on year into these programs. With the appointment last year of a…
MORNINGTON heats up over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend with a full program of LIVE MUSIC in over 20 venues and three days of STREET ENTERTAINMENT! “There is a fantastic vibe surrounding this year’s event”, commented Festival Director, Bec Davis. “It’s great to see so many cafes, restaurants, bars and venues hosting live music. We are thrilled to have so many wonderful performers including local Singer/Songerwriter, Simon Imrei; Award winning Celtic band, Sugatree and Arandu, Melbourne Latin Jazz all joining us as part of the FREE STREET PROGRAM. Main Street will be full of festivities on Saturday with an artist,…
FROM 17 May until 21 July Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is presenting two unique exhibitions. Ross Manning is a Brisbane-based artist and musician who uses everyday objects to create mesmerising light and sound experiences for audiences. His exhibition ‘Dissonant Rhythms’ transforms the space at MPRG and visitors can be amazed at kinetic forces at play. Also on display at MPRG is ‘Craftivism. Dissident Objects and Subversive Forms’. This exhibition presents 17 contemporary Australian artists who utilise craft based materialities with a political intent. ‘Craftivism’ addresses ‘the personal as political’ and explores gender representation and identity, Visit mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au to find out…
MORNINGTON Peninsula’s own International Cool Climate Wine Show (ICCWS), now in its 19th year, is an acclaimed wine show for wineries, industry, and the public. The ICCWS is recognised as one of Australia’s foremost shows for inspirational cool climate wines, and each year attracts more than 650 wines from around the world in competition classes including Sparkling wines & Champagnes, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Italian Varietals both from Northern Italy and local, along with many more. A feature of the show each year is the opportunity given to wine lovers to sample the cool climate…