AN elderly man was lucky to escape serious injury when his car ran into the back of a truck under the Skye Rd bridge on Peninsula Link, Frankston, Thursday 5 October. Roadworks up ahead had slowed traffic at the accident site and only one lane was getting through. Leading Senior Constable Greg Wolfe, of Somerville Highway Patrol, said the 83-year-old, of Carrum, passed out before running into the truck. He was alone in the car. His 1993 Toyota Corolla was extensively damaged and he was taken to Frankston Hospital for observation. Leading Senior Constable Wolfe said drivers aged over 80…
Author: MP News Group
WHILE thousands of cyclists were pedalling along the level bitumen roads between Sorrento and Dromana in Sunday’s Around the Bay ride, hundreds of hardy riders were hurtling towards them from Arthurs Seat. But for the riders on the hill there was no stopping for lattes or riding alongside another cyclist for a chat. There was certainly no break aboard the ferry taking riders across from one peninsula to another. Before they even reached the start of the steep, winding downhill bike trail near the Arthurs Seat summit competitors in the Red Hill Gravity Enduro faced a one kilometre hill climb.…
THE thrill of the flying fox proved irresistible to 82-year-old Shirley Bolim, of Hastings, during Seniors Week activities at Camp Manyung, Mt Eliza, on Friday. HER bravery was said to have inspired other participants to take part in a range of outdoor adventure activities. Shire team leader, transport, Dial-a-Bus service, Janine Tresize, said those who attended “had a terrific day. Another lady, who is 94, said Shirley was courageous”. The camp in Sunnyside Rd is run by the YMCA. Seniors took the opportunity to learn about clubs and social groups, such as University of the Third Age and…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Bittern man Mark Anderson. The 38-year-old was last seen at a residence in Bittern about 11.15am on Sunday (1 October). Police and family hold concerns for Mark’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character, and he has a medical condition that requires medication. He is described as 180cm tall with a thin build. He is known to frequent the Bunyip State Forest, Toolangi State Forest, Yarra Junction, Yarra Ranges, Kinglake, and Marysville areas. It is believed he may be travelling in his vehicle, a 2000 model Holden Rodeo Utility,…
YOUNG Aboriginal children participated in a ceremony at Rosebud last Wednesday that has not been held on the Mornington Peninsula for hundreds of years. The Welcome Bubup [baby] to Country ceremony at the Rosebud Southern Peninsula Arts Centre was attended by more than 70 parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, children and guests. Families walked through sacred smoke and were welcomed onto country by Boon Wurrung elder N’arweet Carolyn Briggs. This was followed by a ceremonial dance and didgeridoo performance. Each child was painted with ochre and presented with a certificate and cultural gift. Deb Mellett, Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Koolin Balit Aboriginal health…
LESS than half of the grape growers on the Mornington Peninsula have registered with Agriculture Victoria to be notified of threats to their crops. The department and the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association (MPVA) say registering for a property identification code (PIC) will enable growers to “get the jump on pest and disease threats in their region with faster access to biosecurity information”. Growers with 0.5 hectares or more grapes must register with the PIC program. “PICs are the best option for receiving fast and accurate biosecurity information; however, less than 45 per cent of peninsula grape growers have registered for…
TWO brothers aged 13 and 15 have been interviewed and could face charges over 11 alleged burglaries in the Portsea area. Detectives say they expect to speak with three more teenagers over alleged thefts from sheds at holiday houses and residential properties. Detective Senior Constable Clayton Beckhouse, of Mornington Peninsula CIU, said the charges would relate to allegedly stolen power tools, a kayak, bikes, a motor scooter, and even the attempted theft of a car. He will allege the stolen items were stored in a vacant house in Wattle Grove, Portsea. “We did a warrant at a house where the…
Off the back of sold out shows across the USA, Kasey Chambers is bringing her 2017 “Dragonfly Tour” to the peninsula. “Dragonfly” is being described by music critics here and in the USA as her best ever. It is Kasey’s 5th number 1 album and proves, that one of Australia’s most loved and accomplished performers’ is unquestionably at the top of her game. The Dragonfly double album is out now and features guests including Paul Kelly, Ed Sheeran, Grizzlee Train, Harry Hookey, Vika and Linda Bull, Keith Urban and Foy Vance. The first disc of Dragonfly was produced by ARIA…
The Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery has over 1600 works in the collection from the 18th century through to the present day. It contains a selection of old master prints and drawings, modern works by Arthur Boyd, Russell Drysdale, Charles Blackman and a growing body of contemporary works by established and emerging artists. A strength of the collection is its focus on the cultural heritage of the Mornington Peninsula, which has been a haven and source of inspiration for artists since the 1850s, including Fred Williams and Albert Tucker. Two new exhibitions at MPRG celebrate works in the collection. Character Traits…
Direct from London, THE BOOTLEG BEATLES, the world’s first and finest homage to the Fab Four will be performing at the Frankston Arts Centre on Sunday November 5. Now in their 37th year, THE BOOTLEG BEATLES have performed over 5,000 shows worldwide. Their stunning authenticity coupled with their musical credibility has seen them perform at some of the world’s best-known venues such as Wembley Stadium, the Royal Albert Hall, Knebworth, Glastonbury Festival and the Budokan Stadium in Tokyo, where The Beatles originally played. They also performed on “The Graham Norton Show” in London. The legendary English Record Producer/Arranger/Composer Sir George…
Andrew De Silva from 90’s R&B sensation CDB and winner of Australia’s Got Talent, along with some of Australia’s finest touring stars lead a Purple Revolution. Celebrate life with music in loving memory of our Purple Prince. Whether you know Andrew as the Winner of Australia’s Got Talent 2012, or from the Multi-Platinum ARIA Award-Winning band CDB, or simply heard him sing with his acoustic guitar, well respected Producer/Artist Andrew is the “real deal”. Humble, yet with a wealth of experience in the industry Andrew is a seasoned performer. Opening for mega stars like Mariah Carey (Etihad Stadium 2013), Boys…
Peninsula Film Festival is thrilled to announce its new naming rights partner Cobs popcorn and together we are calling on filmmakers across the world to enter their masterpiece for PFF 2018! Enter your short film in the Cobs Peninsula Film Festival and you could win a share in up to $30K of cash and prizes and have your work seen by Industry heavyweights! 20 short listed films will be judged live on Saturday February 10, 2018 by top industry professionals with the winner taking out $5K in cash, second place $2.5K cash and third place scoring $1250 cash! There are…
By Tony Nicholl THE Mornington Peninsula has many retirees with a story or even a book, and Eric Brewer is one of those. A few months ago he moved to Rosebud from Benalla, which had been his home for a good part of his life. Brewer now thinks the retirement in Rosebud is utopia redolent of A B Facey’s bestseller A Fortunate Life, especially in view of the fact that he has made his luck without expectation or entitlement. Brewer has lived in many places and always conducted a life well lived on account of having had a sound childhood…
AN intruder with a broken beer bottle in his hand allegedly charged Rosebud police when they answered a burglary call-out at Flinders, 11pm, Friday 22 September. The Welshpool man, 39, was described as “violent” by police who sprayed him with OC foam (capsicum spray) before arresting him. One policeman received minor injuries in the struggle in Stokes St. Members of the family living in the house said they had been watching TV in the front room when they saw a man shining a torch in their rear bungalow and called 000. He had earlier been in their kitchen allegedly stealing…
JANELLE Da Silva celebrated her hen’s day last year by persuading her friends to dress up and take up the Arthurs Seat Challenge. “I dragged all the women up Arthurs Seat with me,” she said. Ms Da Silva, of Frankston, says running gives her “a sense of freedom”, and has previously entered two marathons, two ultra-marathons and a 36 kilometre “trot” up Mount Rosea, in the Grampians. The Arthurs Seat Challenge is an annual 6.7km fun run, including a 3.2km climb with gradients of up to 9.5 per cent. This year the challenge will be held on Sunday 12 November.…
A SHAKE-up of the state opposition’s shadow cabinet has seen Mornington MP David Morris take on the role of local government spokesperson. Mr Morris’s new role is in addition to being the opposition’s spokesperson for finance and cabinet secretary. Hastings MP Neale Burgess remains opposition spokesperson for small and medium sized enterprises. Nepean MP Martin Dixon – a former education minister and the third Liberal Party MP on the Mornington Peninsula – has announced his retirement at the next election and holds no shadow cabinet position. Opposition leader Matthew Guy said the Liberal Nationals coalition would over the next 14…
SOUTHERN Metropolitan Police and members of the public will pay tribute to those who have died in the line of duty at a Blue Ribbon Day service at Rosebud RSL, Friday 29 September. The service, which is open to the public, is part of Police Remembrance Day, which recognises the 159 police officers who have lost their lives while protecting the community. Those attending are asked to wear a blue ribbon or attach one to their car’s aerial as a gesture of support. “This service gives the community the opportunity to remember the police officers who have lost their lives…
THE Hastings-based Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association has been given $36,864 from the state government to build a men’s shed. The shed’s focus will be on creating such cultural artefacts as boomerangs, woomeras and didgeridoos, as well as totem sculptures for a bush trail. The grant will be jointly administered by Department of Health and Human Services, Mornington Peninsula Shire and the association. Secretary to the Treasurer Daniel Murlino, Eastern Division MLC, last week made the announcement at the Willum Warrain Gathering Place in Pound Rd, Hastings. He was accompanied by Phil Kiely from the Men’s Shed Organisation of Victoria and…
AFTER a break of 61 years, water is again flowing into Devilbend Reservoir along its original creek watercourse. Up to 17 million litres a day will enter the reservoir during peak flow times, thanks to a Parks Victoria water diversion project completed last year. The flows will raise levels in the reservoir and ensure its sustainability over summer months. The reservoir is the largest and most significant water body on the Mornington Peninsula, and this seasonal flow will boost its general health and biodiversity and create better habitats for bird and fish, Parks Victoria said. More than 150 bird species…
IT will be an action-packed holiday for surfing siblings, Sara and Lucas Dickson, as they travel between Victoria and New South Wales to compete in several national surfing events on Saturday 23 September. The siblings will compete in two nation-wide Ripcurl GromSearch events as well as the Hurley’s BL Blast Off with their journey starting at Jan Juc, Victoria. Sara, 9 and Lucas, 11 have been surfing since the ages of three and four and these school holidays they will compete in the Ripcurl GromSearch under-12 events. Father and keen surfer, Michael Dickson, said that the family has always been…
BONEO Primary School pupils had lots of fun preparing for the upcoming Light Up Fun Run 4 Autism. They threw coloured powder into the air to promote the event – from the Bay Trail Tootgarook (opposite Carmichael St) to the Rye foreshore playground. Participants on the day will get the colour treatment as they pass four ‘colour stations’ over the leisurely three kilometre run/walk, from 10am-midday, Sunday 22 October. They will get together at the Rye foreshore playground afterwards to enjoy entertainment, rides and food. Light Up Autism Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that provides assistance to school-age children with…
A BUSINESS case for the long-mooted electrification of the Frankston line to Baxter will go ahead after the federal and state governments got onboard a unity ticket to look at the plan. Federal Dunkley Liberal MP Chris Crewther announced last Friday (22 September) that the Labor state government and federal Coalition government had agreed to pursue the business case Mr Crewther announced on the eve of last year’s federal election. “We’re now able to proceed as the state government have finally decided to play ball by submitting an initial and now revised project scope, after ignoring the federal funding on…
RED Hill Recreation Reserve has been endorsed as a bushfire refuge for the coming fire season. Residents can go to the top oval when other bushfire plans fail. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has been working with the CFA, Victoria police, and CFA brigades to identify sites for designation and the top oval met the criteria. Increased traffic in Red Hill caused by the monthly market and annual show has prompted warnings to residents to carefully consider their travel plans in the area. They should only do so when all other plans fail. Planned fuel reduction works will remove such environmental…
AN informal Peninsula Action Day on marriage equality got off to a vibrant start last week when up to 30 volunteers put their case for a ‘Yes’ vote at shopping centres from Blairgowrie to Dromana. Organiser Bryce Paterson said there was a “huge amount of enthusiasm up and down the coast” for the group’s message, Saturday 16 September, with most of those approached in favour of the same-sex marriage proposal. “We engaged with prospective voters and were very pleased with the level of support,” he said. “We reminded them about the postal ballot and inquired about whether they had received…
A 45-YEAR-OLD man arrested at the scene of a shooting fatality at Baxter on Saturday has been released pending further inquiries. He is believed to be known to the dead man. Homicide squad detectives are awaiting the results of a post mortem into the death of the man found with a gunshot wound in the shed of a Station Crescent home about 11am, Saturday 16 September. They are treating the man’s death as suspicious. He is yet to be formally identified. Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000…
A Safety Beach pensioner in her mid-80s is hoping someone will hand in a white CBA envelope containing $900 which she lost at the Dromana Hub shopping centre on Wednesday morning 13 September. Leading Senior Constable Shane Byrne, of Rosebud police, said the woman was “distressed by her loss”. He said the woman had gone to the shopping centre to pay bills when she lost the envelope with the $900, which included $100, $50 and $20 notes. Anyone with information can call Leading Senior Constable Byrne on 5986 0444. Some caring locals have set up a gofundme page if…
THE works of US composers George and Ira Gershwin will get a working over from jazz singer Anita Harris and her band when she takes to the stage at Frankston Bowling Club on September 24. Harris, a popular performer at jazz festivals around Victoria and beyond, has called her program Gershwing, which gives an indication of the direction she will take. Since her first gig in 1993, Harris has delighted audiences at restaurants, wineries, jazz clubs – and festivals. Critics have called her “one of those very rare vocal stylists” and enthused that “she has a strong fluid contralto which…
By Barry Morris LITTER from across Port Phillip as far away as Stonnington, Yarra and Boroondara local government areas and the suburb of Parkdale is ending up in Balcombe Estuary, a survey has found. Forty year 6 Balcombe Grammar students, with the help of their teachers and Balcombe Estuary Reserve Group Mt Martha, conducted the litter survey at the end of Henley Av, Mt Martha, in the estuary’s south-eastern corner. They found rubbish thickly covered the ground and in 30 minutes, from a 100 square metre area, collected litter, including small bits that can be swallowed by fish. They then…
A MT MARTHA-based builder has won two Housing Industry Association awards for Best Townhouse/Villa Development and Townhouse of the Year. The awards were for two adjoining townhouses on the Esplanade, Mornington, opposite Mills Beach. The 2017 HIA Eastern Victorian Awards were presented at the RACV Resort, Inverloch, Friday 8 September. Builder Craig McPhan did his apprenticeship with a Dromana builder 36 years ago and worked for various builders on the Mornington Peninsula before starting Individual Builders about 20 years ago. The company has previously won five HIA awards. “We are local builders based in Mt Martha and have been building…
WORKS to protect the ageing seawall at Mt Martha’s Craigie beach will begin this month. The 240-metre rock revetment will be built by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. The department said the rock revetment would ensure the whole of the seawall was protected against future storm events. “Last year a 97-metre rock revetment was constructed and this 240-metre section completes the protection works,” Eastern Region MP Daniel Mulino said. “The stone seawall is thought to be at least 50 years old and is nearing the end of its life.…