RAIN didn’t deter more than 3500 movie buffs from attending the Cobs Peninsula Film Festival at Rosebud, Saturday 10 February. The festival has been held at the Rosebud Village Green since 2011 and receives $40,000 from the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Arts and Culture team. Festival director Steve Bastoni said he was thrilled with its success. “Once again the support of the shire, and the local community engagement, [has been] a critical factor in delivering a successful event,” he said. “We are pleased to see the event gaining national exposure and attracting punters from interstate.” This year’s winners were Shot Clock…
Author: MP News Group
THE 16-year Sailability program at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron has long benefitted from backing by private individuals, the community organisations and state and federal governments. The most recent grants totalling $12,000 came from the Department of Social Services, Sorrento Rotary Club, Southern Peninsula Community Support Fund and Camerons Bight Boat Club. The money from Rotary has been used for maintenance and extra fenders for the waiting area on the landing in the marina. The club has added safety railings near where Sailability participants will assemble and board the 303 yachts. The federal money has been used to replace an aluminium hull.…
THE desire to do things a “little differently” has prompted Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, Rosebud to provide a centrally located resource centre named The Hub. The design – which includes a floor-to-ceiling glass wall – is complemented by furnishings and dividers to create designated working zones for individuals, small groups and classes. The Hub provides alternative learning spaces and approaches to meet a wide range of educational and social-emotional needs among its students. It has six zones and features pedal desks, foot-and-hand cycles, bouncy bands, sensory wall, varied furnishings, fiddle toys, punching bags, timers and a range…
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following a carjacking in Rosebud overnight. It is believed two males were travelling along Waterfall Gully Road in a red Holden sedan about 12.15am. Police have been told a burgundy/red older model 4WD tried to run the victim’s vehicle off the road before colliding with their vehicle. A short time later the Holden veered off the road and the two male victims, aged 17 and 18, fled on foot. They were chased away from their vehicle by 3-4 offenders, who stole the car. The car contained the victim’s phones and numerous power…
DETECTIVES were able to return a portable speaker after it was stolen from one of two youths walking home from Mt Erin College, 9pm, Wednesday 21 February. Detective Senior Constable Shaun Rampal, of Frankston CIU, said the 15-year-olds were walking home after basketball along Franciscan Avenue when a group of youths from a nearby party approached. Two of the youths allegedly “stood over” the boys and demanded to be able to go through their backpacks, stealing the speaker and other items valued at $200. Detectives later attended the party and spoke to the hosts who put out a message on…
ROSIE Batty will speak as part of International Women’s Day at the Southern Women’s Action Network, 9.30am, Sunday 4 March. Her talk – expected to be one of her final public engagements as CEO of the Luke Batty Foundation – will cover domestic violence, including current initiatives and future proposals. The meeting will be at the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s offices, corner of Queen and Vancouver streets, Mornington. Donation: $8 includes refreshments. Ms Batty, Australian of the Year in 2015, has worked to raise national awareness of domestic violence since her 11-year-old son Luke was killed at Tyabb in February 2014…
HASTINGS Liberal MP Neale Burgess has not given up on his efforts to have Somerville police station open its doors to the public. With a state election in November, Mr Burgess last week returned to the police station accompanied by shadow police spokesman Edward O’Donohue and eight “concerned local residents” to emphasise how hard it is to speak with police. Mr Burgess says the $16.3 million station – “funded and built” by the previous Liberal Nationals coalition government – was originally to be open to the public. “Victoria Police and its then chief commissioner, Ken Lay, confirmed in writing, shortly…
ANDY and Terry’s treehouse just keeps on growing. With yet another 13 levels, it’s now got a Scribbletorium, a high-security potato chip storage facility (guarded by one very angry duck!) and even an open-air movie theatre. Speaking of movies, our friends are going to be famous! The legendary Mr Big Shot has arrived to make a Hollywood blockbuster! But when his first step is to fire Andy and replace him with a monkey – well, a gibbon named Mel Gibbon – the battle is on. Will the Treehouse Blockbuster ever get made? Who will win the battle of Andy and…
DR SAM Johnson grew up surfing on the Mornington Peninsula, and now a position training as a young doctor at Frankston Hospital means he may be able to rekindle his passion for the sport. The 25-year-old is excited to be back on the peninsula to complete his graduate year in medical training after spending the past few years studying at Melbourne University. “I used to surf heaps before medicine, then it went on the back burner, but, hopefully, now I’m back down here I’ll be able to go more whenever I’m not working,” Dr Johnson said. As well as being…
MEMBERS of the Peninsula Chamber Musicians start their From Baroque to Beethoven series of concerts at All Saints Anglican Church, Rosebud on Saturday 3 March. The group will repeat the concert featuring Vivaldi’s Double Cello Concerto, Bach’s 5th Brandenburg Concerto and Beethoven’s 4th Symphony the next day (Sunday 4 March) at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Mornington. The group will be joined by soloist David Macfarlane on harpsichord for what is generally recognised as the first keyboard concerto written. The group’s winter concert will include internationally acclaimed pianist Caroline Almonte playing Mozart’s 22nd Piano Concerto. The performance will also include Borodin’s…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has established its own legal services team. Its search for team members now includes a job for an “in-house planning and building lawyer”. The shire’s advertisement says the role is “rare” and the successful applicant will join a legal services team that aims to integrate a “best practice local government legal department comprising the functions of legal, risk, insurance and claims across the shire’s operations”. The appointee will report to David Carrington, the shire’s “corporate counsel, legal counsel – planning” and provide legal opinions and advice on building and planning activities; drafting court documents and VCAT and…
CLEAN Up Australia Day is on Sunday 4 March. Last year 42 clean-up sites were registered across the Mornington Peninsula and about 40 cubic metres of waste was collected. Those wanting to join in this year can register a site or join a clean-up site online. Each registered site will be provided with a Clean Up Australia Day Kit, including registration papers, posters, bags, one sharp container, warning sign and litter report. Volunteers will need to provide their own gloves as well as sunscreen, suitable clothing and footwear. Schools and businesses can get involved in Business Clean Up Australia Day…
By Brodie Cowburn HASTINGS filmmaker Karen McPherson has won two awards at the Peninsula Film Festival held in Rosebud and Queenscliff from February 9-11. McPherson brought home Best Cinematography and third prize overall for her short film, The Hamster King. The film features her son Harry, who spent many mornings at Balnarring and Somers beaches during filming. Karen’s depiction of these picturesque locations led to her winning Best Cinematography. “Creating a film like this was only possible because we live just a few minutes away from these beautiful beaches. Harry didn’t have to miss any school and we could keep going…
THE RSPCA will reduce prices for adoptions of animals as part of a “clear the shelter” program from Friday to Sunday. Visitors to the Peninsula Animal shelter, 1030 Robinsons Road, Pearcedale, will be charged a $29 adoption fee for dogs, cats, guinea pigs and rabbits. “This promotion is all about finding homes for the animals in our care, and providing an incentive to those looking for a new pet to consider adoption,” RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker said. “We monitor adoption promotions carefully and have found that the price someone pays to acquire an animal has no impact on…
REMEMBER the joy of flying your first kite? The anticipation as it lifted into the air? The spark of magic as you discovered you could actually play with the wind? Well, you can experience it all again at one of Australia’s premier kite events: The Rosebud Kite Festival. On Sunday 11th March, both the young and the young at heart will come together to celebrate the art of kite flying. Visitors can make and fly their own kite courtesy of local outfit; Kites 4 Kids. And alongside the novice kite flying arena, will be the latest designs and displays from…
Saturday, 10th March, the Red Hill Showgrounds come alive with the festivities of one the State’s most popular agricultural shows. Entries for most categories close this week so visit our website and enter online: www.redhillshow.com.au/forms Aside from the remarkable array of animals including Clydesdales, cattle, sheep, alpacas, poultry, miniature goats, working dogs and more, the 2nd Red Hill Cider Show will be hosted by local published foodie Richard Cornish and offering tastings of the award-winning ciders. This year, we are thrilled to have the Australian Mountainboarders back with demos and free workshops. The Fly Dogs will astound you with their…
MARK Saturday March 17 in your diary under “food, wine and boogie” as one of the country’s favourite boutique festivals The Peninsula Picnic presented by Melbourne MINI Garage, returns to Mornington Racecourse for its fourth year. Celebrating one of Australia’s great Food & Wine Regions and seamlessly blending a foodie festival with cellar door tastings, a farmers’ market and the sweet sounds of some of Australia’s best songwriters, The Peninsula Picnic is a food, wine and music lovers’ dream. With a line-up headlined by John Butler Trio, and pop-ups from award winning restaurants and winemakers from across the region, the…
Compiled by Brodie Cowburn A DISTRESSING fatality occurred in Melbourne on Thursday last when a lad named Arthur Albert Verney 14 years, son of Mr and Mrs Verney of Frankston was killed. Shortly after 4 p.m. a salesman employed at Shanks and Co’s ware- house, 351 Flinders Lane, noticed that the goods lift was some distance below the ground floor. Closer inspection revealed that a boy had been crushed between the lift and the wall. Constable Froher was called and the boy was extricated and taken to the Melbourne Hospital. On arrival there he was found to be dead. The…
MORNINGTON Yacht Club played host to about 130 yachts, mostly sailed by children, in a huge weekend of events on Mornington harbour, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February. As well as the traditional Schnapper Point Regatta, the club hosted the first Victorian Junior Carnival – a fun event for children graduating from their learn-to-sail programs. The young sailors enjoyed a sail down the coast to Mills Beach, starting off under the “Bridge of Doom”, then more games in the shallows off Mother’s beach. At the same time, the older children, joined by other sailors with disabilities, competed in the regatta.…
A CAFE at Benton Square shopping centre has been fined almost $10,000 after a Fair Work Ombudsman’s audit found junior staff had been underpaid. Degani Bakery Cafe has agreed to back-pay staff $9375, apologise to them, and display notices at the cafe detailing the breaches on its website. The underpayments came to light during a self-initiated compliance audit of 14 Degani Australia franchised cafes. The Ombudsman found that 15 staff, including waiters, cooks and four juniors at the Mornington cafe, had been underpaid from September to November, 2016. The audit found the company paid $18-$21 hourly rates to its casual…
AN audit of marine life under Rye pier on Saturday 10 February aimed at charting the area’s sea life in a scientific format. Marine biologist Fam Charko and 12 regular Rye divers spent about two hours conducting what they believe is the first audit of species around the reefs and pier. Those marine animals found will be identified and catalogued and used as baseline data. More audits are planned, including a night dive as more species come out at night. The audit aims to help protect the myriad plants, animals and fish threatened by dredging works or the building of…
By Michael Leeworthy IT was a once in a life time encounter: a face to face meeting with a wedge-tailed eagle on a bushwalk in the Arthurs Seat State Park that left me gob smacked. Sighting dolphins while walking along the beach is becoming commonplace. Many times I have been surprised by up to five, appearing from under my kayak out on Port Phillip. I have been on the bay’s waters most of my life and don’t believe I’ve ever sighted so many dolphins as in recent times. On 10 June, a humpback whale and her calf spotted in the…
WHILE it remains off the agenda before, during and after council meetings, alcohol can again be served at special events held by Mornington Peninsula Shire. The mayor, Cr Bryan Payne has been given the power to authorise the serving of alcohol on council premises at occasions like the annual council meeting (when new mayors are elected) and the councillors’ Christmas party. “No alcohol is to be provided before, during or after council meetings or briefings on council premises,” an amendment to the Councillor Expenses Reimbursement, Resources and Facilities Policy adopted by council on 12 December 2017 states. “Alcohol may be…
UPDATE: Missing child Zahkaya Wooster has been found. ___________ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 10-year-old Zahkaya Wooster. The Hastings girl was last seen in the Frankston CBD last night about 9.35pm. Police and her family are concerned for her welfare due to her age. Zahkaya is known to frequent public transport areas between Frankston and Hastings. The missing girl is described as being about 150cm tall with a slim build, brown hair and blue eyes. When last seen she was wearing black leggings, beige t-shirt and black sports shoes. Police have released an image of…
BAXTER will celebrate its centenary on Sunday 6 May and, to mark the occasion, Baxter Residents and Traders Progress Action Committee will hold a shindig at Baxter Primary School on Sunday 18 March. All proceeds will go to the school. The event will honour the renaming of Mornington Junction, Baxter’s Flat, as Baxter after Captain Benjamin Baxter the original settler. “The residents’ and traders’ committee, parents group and school council, as well as residents and businesses, are working hard to ensure this will be a great day for all,” BRATPAC secretary Gail Forbes said. A mural being painted by Melbourne Murals on the front of the Telstra Baxter Exchange on Baxter-Tooradin Road…
A WHITE Renault van which ran into the rear of the car in front on Bungower Rd, Mornington last week, caused a nose-to-tail “concertina” collision which damaged six cars. Leading Senior Constable Greg Wolfe, of Somerville Highway Patrol, said the van driver, 48, of Donvale, was later charged with failing to stay a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front, 8.50am, Wednesday 7 February. He received a $238 fine and lost one demerit point. The accident occurred between Derril Rd and Moorooduc Highway. Five of the cars were described as being extensively damaged and one with minor damage. Two drivers…
ROSEBUD locals and visitors alike finally have the chance to take part in parkrun, taking advantage of the glorious location with a five km run or walk along the beach. Launching in Rosebud on Saturday February 17, parkrun is part of Medibank Free + Active, an ongoing program that aims to tackle physical inactivity and promote community connection, with the goal to help 1.5 million Aussies get active in mind, body and community. Under the program, Medibank will launch hundreds of free, community-based events and wellness initiatives, in partnership with organisations who share the Free + Active vision. Rosebud has…
Compiled by Brodie Cowburn A STORM of great violence, for which no precedent can be found in the history of Melbourne, swept over portion of the suburban area late on Saturday afternoon. In comparison it was comparable with the tempest which caused so much havoc in Queensland a few days previously. Two lives were lost, and twelve people were Injured. At Brighton a boy was decapitated by a descending sheet of iron from the roof of a wrecked building. At Point Ormond a boat, in which three men were fishing, was capsised. and one of the occupants was drowned. The…
RUPERT Norman Debney was a gunner in the 4th Battalion, 2nd brigade, of the Royal Australian Field Artillery, who retired to his parent’s holiday house at Dromana after World War I. A diary of his experiences while fighting in France in 1917 will be displayed at Mornington library as part of the Writing the War: Personal Stories from WWI exhibition, 17 February-31 March 2018. The exhibition will feature diaries, letters, artefacts and photographs taken from the State Library of Victoria’s archive. Seven personal stories from this collection have been selected for the touring exhibition. Mornington Peninsula Shire has invited the…
THE family of murdered Hastings jeweller Dermot O’Toole have expressed disappointment at the vandalism of the walk named in his honour. O’Toole Walk is decorated with a mural, carved leprechaun, clover plaques, and a bench dedicated to the Hastings resident and trader who was murdered in his High Street store in July 2013. The mural has been defaced in recent days, and a plaque ripped from the wall. “The recent vandalism of O’Toole Walk is extremely disrespectful not just to our family, but to the whole community and to all those that volunteered their time to create this walkway,” Trent…