MUSICIANS are playing for a cause this Saturday at Rye’s Baha restaurant, raising money for families struggling on the earthquake-hit Indonesian island of Lombok. More than 430 people died in the 6.9-magnitude earthquake on 5 August. It followed one week after another earthquake left 17 dead on the island. While thousands of tourists were able to leave Lombok more than 350,000 residents remain displaced. The economic cost has been estimated at $342 million, with thousands of buildings collapsed and infrastructure badly damaged. The Live for Lombok event at Baha has been organised by expatriate Indonesians and other members of the…
Author: MP News Group
OPEN Gardens Victoria will launch its spring season at Rick Eckersley’s Musk Cottage garden at Flinders. “The four-hectare property has been a pet project of Rick Eckersley and the Eckersley Garden Architecture design team for the past 10 years,” the head of Open Gardens Victoria Liz Fazio said. “The result is a garden that ignores the latest fashion trends, is tough and sustainable and feels uniquely Australian.” Musk Cottage will be open over the weekend 1 and 2 September. “It may be one of the last opportunities to see the garden as there are plans to sell the property,” Ms…
AUSTRAL is a name synonymous with presenting musical theatre in Rosebud. Now in its 35th year, the production company is bringing a classic favourite to the stage. Oliver, directed by Emma Webster and starring a cast of amateur talent from near and far, is a story of musical delight for young and old. Ms Webster, a regular at many theatre companies doing choreography and theatrical makeup, has long dreamed of directing a musical and has loved her directorial debut with Astral. “I’ve been involved in a lot of shows over the years, and this is by far my favourite to…
MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer Susan Abbey has been an MS Readathon Ambassador for four years. The Tyabb resident is a frequent visitor to Mornington Peninsula schools where she talks about her condition and encourages children to read more. This year the MS Readathon is raising money for families to attend special MS Camps which Ms Abbey says give those living with MS timeout and a chance to meet others. Pupils raise money for MS by seeking sponsorship for reading as many books as they can during August. “We appreciate the efforts of the young readers and their teachers and families that…
Compiled by Boronica King CAPTAIN Geoffrey Grice, son of Mr James Grice, of Frankston, who was recently awarded the Military Cross, has since been appointed a member of the Order of the British Empire. Captain Grice, who received the distinction for gallantry, is a member of the British Forces. *** MEMBERS of the local branch of the National Federation are reminded of meeting to be held in Mechanics’ on Wednesday evening next. A full attendance is particularly requested. *** MR Robt. Cairns, of Rosebud, topped the market at Dandenong this week for springers with a pen of seven very nice…
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
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…