POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a silver Commodore, possibly a VY model, was driven through the front fence of a property on Boormani Drive, Mornington, 6.30pm, Friday 3 August (pictured). The car lost its bumper bar in the incident near Benton’s Square shopping centre. The driver reversed and sped off without notifying the property owner. Anyone knowing the driver is asked to call Leading Senior Constable Ryan Fraser, of Mornington police, 5970 4900. First published in the Mornington News – 14 August 2018
Author: MP News Group
A MT MARTHA man made a series of bad and likely to be expensive decisions on Saturday night 4 August. At about 10pm, the 23-year-old was directed to pull into the testing line at a booze bus on Nepean Highway, Frankston. Instead, he drove off into the Frankston CBD where he was pulled over by a Somerville Highway Patrol unit that was working with the booze bus. After blowing 0.136 per cent the driver had his licence suspended and his car impounded for a month – with a $1038 release fee. He will be summonsed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’…
A DRIVER pulled over by police in Mornington early Thursday morning last week for having false plates “smelt like a brewery”, police said. He later admitted to losing his licence for drink-driving in 2011 and his car was unregistered. The 44-year-old Mornington man allegedly blew 0.176 per cent when breath-tested. He also tested positive for the drugs ecstasy and ice. Before the man’s blue Honda Civic was impounded and towed away he allegedly kicked dents into every side panel. He was collected by his “none too happy” wife and will appear in court at a later date. Two other drug-drivers…
AFTER being born five weeks premature, Dakota Lampard is now thriving after spending time in a“baby warmer” at Frankston Hospital’s special care nursery. Nurse unit manager Alison Conroy-Joyce said the warmer was bought last year with money raised from the annual Kids’ Fun Run with K163. Mt Eliza Rotary Club and Peninsula Health hold the annual event where children race the historic steam train K163 at Moorooduc Railway Station on 18 November. Last year the run raised $15,000, which was used to buy the CosyTherm baby warmer as well as a phototherapy light to treat jaundice in infants, six cots…
ROSEBUD police are urging school leavers to celebrate safely and responsibly this Schoolies Week, which kicks off later this year. “The majority of school leavers had a good time without any trouble last year, but, unfortunately, there were a small number who took celebrations too far,” Mornington Peninsula inspector Janene Denton said. “We know that Rosebud is a popular destination for schoolies and, every year, police will be out and about to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. “We’ll be boosting our patrols during schoolies this year to keep partygoers safe. We will target disruptive parties, alcohol-fuelled…
STATISTICS surrounding Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Meals on Wheels service tell a worthwhile tale: it has been operating for 40 years and delivers 1500 meals per week – up from the original 25 meals per week. That’s a staggering 75,000 meals per year. Its 170 volunteers drive 125,000 kilometres all over the peninsula each year to feed more than 450 grateful residents five days a week. The volunteers’ ages range from 21-89, with the longest serving volunteer delivering for 39 years. At a recent annual food safety audit the Meals on Wheels team again achieved excellent results, with 100 per cent…
STATE politicians and some business leaders were given a tasteful look at the Mornington Peninsula last week by the mayor Cr Bryan Payne, councillors and farmers. The team from the peninsula arrived at Parliament House bearing gifts of the types of produce available on the peninsula. Named A Taste of Mornington Peninsula, the shire-sponsored promotion is based on tourism and farming being the “key … that underpins the employment of thousands of Victorians”. Along for the ride with councillors were vegetable growers, wine and cheese makers, brewers, tourism operators and apprentice chefs. The peninsula’s key food producing industries are vegetables,…
A DROMANA Secondary College student was seriously injured after falling through the roof of a shed at Dromana reservoir, 2pm, Friday 10 August. The 14-year-old was playing with mates on the roof of the South East Water pumping station when he fell through a skylight, police said. He was airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital in a serious condition. Police described the incident as “misadventure”.
IN a bizarre incident in Tyabb up to 18 police were involved in arresting a man who allegedly drilled holes in a gas main underneath a neighbour’s house, filling the house with gas. Police, the Dog Squad, ambulance and Tyabb CFA crews, were called to Central Avenue by the neighbour, Tuesday 31 July. When they arrived they found the man hiding in a manhole underneath his own house and refusing to come out. Negotiations with him continued for several hours. Police were unwilling to send down the dog to flush him out because of fears the man may have been…
A FRANKSTON North man will face court this week charged over an aggravated carjacking in company with another man in Somerville, 5pm, Sunday 17 June. Detectives from Mornington Peninsula CIU arrested the 40-year-old, Friday 3 August. He has been remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, Friday 10 August, charged with aggravated carjacking. The other man, 47, of Somerville, is already in custody over the incident. He will reappear at a later date for a committal hearing. Police will allege the two men, one armed with a knife, threatened the woman, 36, in a supermarket car park before…
A NEW control system has reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from ExxonMobil’s fractionation plant at Long Island Point, Hastings, according to engineer James Curry. Mr Curry says efficiency and productivity improvements at the plant were achieved by upgrading the dynamic matrix control system (DMC). “We have upgraded and optimised the DMC system and conducted a comprehensive review of the model settings to ensure we are maximising the value of the molecules that pass through our plant,” he said. “As a result we have reduced our energy use and greenhouse gas emissions per litre of product.” Mr Curry said…
‘ROCK N’ Roll Outlaw’, was recorded at the famed rock ‘n’ roll Alberts studios, produced by the legendary team, Vanda & Young and, released through Albert, Repertoire Records in late 1978. The band’s debut album, reviewed as “A dangerous, unpredictable, monster of a record whose power has hardly diminished an ounce in the decades since”. Spawning anthemic songs like ‘Nice Boys’ (Don’t Play Rock ‘n’ Roll), ‘Rock N’ Roll Outlaw’, ‘One Of The Boys’ and, ‘Bad Boy For Love’, this album cemented the band’s foundation for the years to come. Now, 40 years on, Rose Tattoo is proud to announce…
Compiled by Boronica King QUITE a number of Frankston, Somerville and Mornington residents were present at the Caulfield races on Saturday last, and we hear some locals had a very profitable day, winning good sums of money. *** THE executive offices of the recently re-formed Frankston Progress Society on Friday evening last, and attended to preliminary business. The society has elected patrons for the current year. *** ON Sunday next, August 11th, Communion services will be conducted by Rev N. Webster, in the Mechanics’ Institute, Frankston, at 11am, at Somerville 3pm, and at Baxter at 7pm. *** THE following is…
MORNINGTON steel artist Joe Taranto has been honoured by his peers by being asked to display his works at an exhibition run by the Association of Sculptors of Victoria. Taranto has been designing and building sculptures, primarily with Australian corten steel, to create metal art. This type of steel has a rusted, weathered appearance developed to eliminate the need for painting. For the event, Taranto is creating two kinetic sculptures – Fossil and Dancing Tulips – that move in the wind. Fossil is symbolic of an ammonite, an ancient creature with a ribbed spiral-form shell. At the end is a…
A MORNINGTON trader is so moved by the plight of drought-stricken farmers that she is donating this month’s profits to help them. Trudy Lennon-Bowers, who runs Tru Opportunity Op Shop, in Frank Street, said she normally gives profits to charities nominated by those who donate goods. “I have been so moved by the plight of the Aussie farmers – who are the backbone of this nation and are doing it extremely tough with seemingly no help – that I felt compelled to make an exception to how we normally donate,” she said. “We therefore decided to donate all profits from…
FOLLOWING on from their outstanding performances of A Festival of Russian Ballet, the Imperial Russian Ballet Company return to Australia with A Russian Triple Bill. This stunning programme performed in three awe-inspiring acts is proudly presented by Russian Ballet Ltd. A Russian Triple Bill will be presented for the first time to Australian audiences. This impressive and diverse programme consists of the fairy tale spectacular of Princess Aurora’s wedding from Sleeping Beauty in Act 1, the romantic Les Sylphides in Act 2 and the electrifying Carmen in Act 3. Act one is from Sleeping Beauty. A holiday is declared for…
TAX time is also scam time for thieves trying to intimidate people into handing over bank or credit card details to pay a fictitious tax debt. Scammers have been calling people throughout the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula area this month claiming to represent the Australian Taxation Office. The pre-recorded call falsely claims the recipient of the call owes money to the ATO and a warrant will be issued for the person’s arrest if they do not call the scammer back on a phone number provided. Some people may also receive an email making the same threat. Frankston CIU Senior Sergeant…
THE high number of unregistered “monkey bikes” in streets, reserves and parks throughout Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula is a worry to Somerville Highway Patrol. They say residents complain about the bikes’ noise, possible damage to the environment and sometimes the riders (pictured) are considered a danger to other road users. A tragic example of what can happen as a result of this illegal behaviour occurred at the Carrum Downs shopping centre. (“Hit-run mum death charges” The News 28/9/2015). “Given the places these bikes can access that police vehicles can’t, and the tendency of the riders not to obey police…
THE St Vincent de Paul Society – an international organisation of the Catholic Church – was formed to help the poor in Paris, France in 1833. Unfortunately, as BARRY MORRIS discovered, the organisation’s services are needed as much in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula today as they were in the 1800s. The desperate are struggling IT’S curious what can happen when we reach out to help a fellow human being in need. Two St Vincent de Paul Society workers visited a woman in a freezing government-owned one-bedroom unit that she couldn’t afford to heat. On giving her some blankets,…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Hastings woman Gabrielle Betteridge. Warrants have been issued for the 54-year-old’s arrest after she failed to appear at court in relation to assault and criminal damage matters. Investigators have released an image of Betteridge, who also goes by the name Tanika Shane Martin, in the hope someone recognises her and can provide information on her whereabouts. Betteridge is described as about 156cm tall with a slim build, blue eyes and long dark hair. She is known to frequent the Frankston, Hastings, Mornington Peninsula, St Kilda and Melbourne CBD areas. Anyone with…
BLUESCOPE is exporting tens of thousands of tonnes of steel to the United States from its Western Port base in a growth surge the company says has helped it create 150 jobs over the past year. Last week 10,000 tonnes of steel was shipped from Hastings to the West Coast port of Longbeach – later to be galvanised or pre-painted for various applications, such as building, general manufacturing or car making. BlueScope is able to sell to the US through its Steelscope joint venture because Australia has, so far, escaped tariffs imposed on other countries’ steel exports by US President…
‘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’ remains true to the spirit and energy of the music, while delivering the songs with all the passion and conviction of the Boss. Each member of ‘Thunder Road’ has proudly…
Compiled by Boronica King THE bakery business of Mr W. Grant, of Frankston, has changed hands, the new proprietor being Mr J.A.S. Arthur, of St Arnaud, who solicits a continuance of the patronage accorded his predecessor. *** MR Norman Jackson, youngest son of Rev. and Mrs Jackson, who resided at Frankston for some time, enlisted for active service abroad this week, but greatly to his disappointment was rejected as physically unfit for service. *** REV E. Tonkin will conduct both services in the Frankston Methodist Church on Sunday next. The services will be of a special character on account of…
SOMERVILLE Highway Patrol’s drug-driving Operation Nemesis on Friday and Saturday nights, 20-21 July, detected three drink-drivers, one refuse breath test, nine drug-drivers, four refuse drug tests and six unlicensed, suspended or disqualified drivers. Four people with outstanding warrants were arrested and one who was wanted on a Whereabouts list was found. Police in one unit working in the operation watched on as man drove into a Seaford Road, Seaford, service station and met another man, 7.40pm. The driver then moved over into the passenger seat and the second man got behind the wheel. Police stopped the car further along Seaford…
HOLLYWOOD came to Frankston, Wednesday 18 July, when members of Somerville Highway Patrol ran Operation Hollywood in the south-bound lanes of Peninsula Link. Over six hours police used an automated number plate recognition van to scan the plates of passing vehicles for anomalies, and pulled offenders over further down the road. Those nabbed included seven suspended drivers, drug driver, drivers of 29 unregistered vehicles, two unlicensed drivers, speeding driver and one driving an unroadworthy car. Somerville Highway Patrol’s Acting Senior Sergeant Pete Martin said the operation aimed to create high visibility policing and reduce road trauma. “Unauthorised drivers and unregistered…
A CAR sped off after knocking down a 68-year-old man in Mornington, 10.42am, Wednesday 18 July. The man, who has Alzheimer’s disease, was walking along Wilsons Road when struck by the car which then sped off. Police said a witness heard the thud and then heard the car accelerate away. The injured man had crossed the Downward Street T-intersection while the car is believed to have been turning into Downward Street. The man hit his head in the incident but then got up and continued walking along Wilsons Road before collapsing in a front yard. He was taken to The…
A TOYOTA van picked up outside Dromana Magistrates’ Court last week was sporting home-made plates: CPOAU92 (above). The 53-year-old male driver, of Cheltenham, told police he was a self-appointed “Commonwealth Public Official of Australia” who didn’t need to have a licence or pay registration fees. Unsurprisingly, police found no basis for his claims, and had his white van impounded. The man will be summonsed to appear at court at a later date for unlicensed driving, unregistered, false plates and refusing to undergo an oral fluid test for drugs. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 31 July 2018
DRIVERS must keep left, either when driving on a multi-lane road where the speed limit is more than 80kph, or where a keep-left-unless-overtaking sign is displayed. Somerville Highway Patrol police say this rule applies to Peninsula Link, Eastlink, Mornington Peninsula Freeway, Frankston Freeway and the Western Port Highway (duplicated section) and parts of Nepean Highway, such as between Mornington and Mt Eliza. Drivers on these roads are permitted to drive in the right-hand lane only when overtaking – when the speed limit still applies; are making a right turn or U-turn from the centre of the road; are avoiding an…
A PROPOSED solar farm in Capel Sound will be part of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s efforts to “address climate change and move towards a clean energy future”. The shire is seeking expressions of interest from parties wishing to lease the 10 hectare site in Truemans Road for a five megawatt solar farm. The site is in a public park recreation zone. The mayor Cr Bryan Payne said the shire was committed to demonstrating its efforts in climate change “mitigation and adaptation”. “It’s early days for this project but we’re optimistic it could be a great initiative for the peninsula and will…
A CAST and crew of more than 70 students from Rosebud Secondary College will perform the original high school musical next week, when they shine on stage in Fame the Musical. Based on the 1980 film of the same name, Fame the Musical follows a group of diverse characters through the final four years of a fictional New York City performing arts high school as they seek fame in music, dance and drama. “It’s a vibrant and edgy show that doesn’t shy away from the real-life pressures facing modern teens,” says teacher Anthea Mackenzie, who co-produced the show with dance…