Day: February 15, 2016

A 69-year-old Sorrento man has died in hospital after he was involved in a cycling incident in Portsea last week. Investigators have been told that the 69-year-old was cycling along Wattle Grove with a 67-year-old Portsea man about 8.15am on Tuesday 9 February. The two riders have collided with each other at the intersection of Royal Avenue and both have been thrown from their bikes. The Sorrento man suffered severe head injuries and was air lifted to hospital. Police have been told the man died today. The 67-year-old suffered minor injuries.

FRANKSTON police are calling for help in finding a stolen motorcycle that has “significant sentimental value” for the owner. The deaf and mute man bought it following the death of his father. It was stolen from Tyrone St, Seaford, on 15 December. Detective Acting Sergeant Ryan Collins, of Frankston CIU, is appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the motorcycle to call him on 9784 5590 or Crimestoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 16 February 2016

ROSEBUD’S own Ron Vincent bears an uncanny resemblance to singer Cat Stevens. But it doesn’t stop there. Ron has been a life-long fan of Stevens and his tribute show has been applauded both here and overseas. Next week Sorrento will enjoy the entertainment of Ron Vincent at the Spiegeltent on February 26 and 27. Ron’s Cat Stevens tribute show is a trip down memory lane exploring Stevens’ remarkable musical career. His folk-influenced, melodic tunes strike a chord with audiences today and Ron’s heartfelt performance sets the scene for an intimate musical journey. A very talented singer, songwriter and musician Vincent…

LIFE Saving Victoria is warning the public about the dangers of rip currents following three fatal drownings and a number of hospitalisations following non-fatal drownings this year. A 27-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman died after getting caught in a knee-deep rip current at Cape Woolamai on Sunday 10 January, while a 27-year-old man lost his life at Gunnamatta on Sunday 24 January. There have been 23 reported drowning deaths in Victoria this financial year, 13 of those were in coastal waters which is five more than the previous five year average of eight. Since July, 78 per cent of…

CONSTRUCTION companies, landscapers, tradespeople and suppliers are welcome to attend a free ‘Meet the Builder’ event on Thursday 25 February, to register for any opportunities that may arise from Frankston Private Hospital’s $45 million expansion project. According to Frankston mayor Cr James Dooley, the Frankston Private Expansion project, delivered by Watpac on behalf of Healthscope and Generation Healthcare REIT, will include opportunities for local suppliers to bid for work packages on the project. “This opportunity has been arranged through Frankston City’s ‘Buy Local’ program, which has brought about some amazing partnerships through major construction projects in the last few years,”…

GRAVESITE commemorations at Dromana and Crib Point cemeteries, Sunday 21 February, will honour two Mornington Peninsula servicemen who died 50 years ago at the Battle of Long Tan, during the Vietnam War. They are among a series of simultaneous vigils across the state at the gravesites of Vietnam veterans. The Dromana ceremony will honour fallen veteran Mick Poole, and Crib Point’s will honour Colin Whiston. Mornington Peninsula Vietnam Veterans’ Association treasurer Robin Date said Mr Poole’s extended family and Mr Whiston’s sister Michelle and her family would attend the services. The two are the only Vietnam veterans buried on the…

THE flight of a small bird on a quiet southern Mornington Peninsula surf beach saw people jumping for joy. A young hooded plover that stretched its wings before gaining altitude from Fowlers beach is the first recorded successful take-off by a fledged hooded plover chick this season. However, a note of caution underlies the applause and relief experienced by the small band of people dedicated to the hooded plover’s survival on the peninsula. If the small birds are to remain in viable numbers, that chick needs to be joined in the air by at least another nine before the breeding…

SOIL samples from HMAS Cerberus are being sent for chemical testing over fears that sailors could suffer long term ill-effects after having been exposed to a now-banned firefighting foam. The tests come after concerns were raised nationally about the possible dangers posed by aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which was used for decades at the Crib Point training base to practise extinguishing liquid fuel fires. The base’s commander, Captain Stephen Bowater, last week confirmed that the foams were used from the 1970s in fire-fighting drills on ships and inside the base, but phased out 2003-08 and replaced with safer materials. He…

RATEPAYERS on the Mornington Peninsula could be required to contribute to special charge schemes for footpaths in their area but never get one built past their house. This could occur if the Somers model – charging almost an entire community for a single footpath to be built – became a template for other areas, shire chief operating officer Alison Leighton told council’s 8 February meeting. The Somers path is two kilometres away from some properties being asked to pay. “It’s not something that I can unambiguously rule out,” Ms Leighton said in answer to a question from David Gill, a…

SUB-DISTRICT FRANKSTON YCW has geared itself up for a massive swoop on the top bracket after the completion of day one in MPCA Sub District cricket. Coming into the second last round of the home and away season, YCW is in fifth place on the ladder, equal with Rosebud and six points behind third-place Carrum Downs (66). An outright victory against Skye in Round 10 would put the Stonecats in a superb position heading into the final game of the year against Balnarring. Skye batted first on Saturday at Peninsula Reserve and lasted just 25 overs for 48 runs. Frankston…

DISTRICT WITH its 2015-16 season hinging on a win, Heatherhill is in a sensational position against the top of the table and seemingly untouchable Red Hill. With MPCA District games all over the peninsula having a massive bearing in the second last game of the season, the Hills v Hillmen was one of the games to keep an eye on. Heatherhill batted first on Saturday after winning the toss and made 197. The visitors were in some trouble at 5/66 and 6/85, before Nathan Martin (89) and Brett Maxwell (37) were brought together at the crease. The pair were able…

PROVINCIAL MORNINGTON Peninsula Cricket Association Provincial star Chris Brittain hit his second century in as many innings as he helped Baxter to victory on the first day of its clash against Moorooduc. Brittain’s last four knocks have amassed more than 400 runs with scores of 79 against Somerville, 90 against Mornington, 122 against Long Island and 118 against the Ducs on Saturday. What was even more impressive is that Brittain was able to score the runs so quickly. Joe Rule lost his wicket before scoring, bringing Brittain to the crease with the Baxter score on 0. Together with Todd Quinn…

By BILLY DIXON “IN the first few years we were playing, getting to play a show at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney was a dream… when you actually get to a milestone like that, you’re pinching each other and giving high fives!” It’s a sentiment that many newer bands can relate to, as they hop from bar to pub to club, trawling the suburbs of their home state for fans. For RÜFÜS, it’s a reality that constantly surprises with generous bounties of love and recognition for the indie dance trio, consisting of Tyrone Lindqvist, Jon George and James Hunt.…

THE Presbyterian services throughout the district will be conducted on Sunday next by Mr A. M’Allan as here advertised. Mr McDonald, who was called away from his examination to attend the funeral of a brother who died with tragic suddenness, hopes to resume his work on the following Sunday. *** THE anniversary of the Langwarrin Methodist Church was held on Wednesday evening in the church, when there was a crowded attendance. Rev R. Jackson occupied the chair, and a good programme of songs, recitations etc was gone through. Light refreshments were handed round during the evening, and the proceeds terminated…

ANY species that can beat the cane toad and feral cat to the title of “Worst Pest in Australia” for their deleterious impact on native species deserves to be taken seriously. Indian mynas appear to wear that tag with pride. The aggressive, territorial pests are a serious threat to native birds and other small animals. Also called common mynas, they are rated by the World Conservation Union as one of the world’s 100 most invasive species. Southwest Mornington Peninsula Landcare Group members are inviting residents to a free Indian myna workshop on Saturday 20 February. Fauna ecologist Malcolm Legg will…

THE first thing the alert observer noticed at the Monday 8 February meeting of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council was the changed seating arrangements for councillors. David Gibb was not sitting beside Hugh Fraser. He had broken away from the ward-by-ward seating arrangement, leaving  Antonella Celi sitting alone at the far left end of the councillor half-circle. Cr Gibb had moved to the seat usually occupied by Red Hill Ward councillor Tim Wood, beside Cerberus ward’s representative, Cr David Garnock. Cr Wood was ensconced beside fellow lawyer Cr Fraser, in Cr Gibb’s previous seat. Since it is not like Cr Gibb…

MT ELIZA girl Lily Ford’s garage sale raised $275 for an orphanage in Nepal last week. Out went games, books, clothes, toys and furniture – and all sorts of knick-knacks that bargain hunters find so irresistible. But the sale had more significance for Lily than just raising money for a worthy cause. The charity it supported was the special interest of Frankie Davison, her teacher at Toorak College, who tragically died with her husband Liam when the ill-fated Malaysian Airlines flight MH-17 was shot down over The Ukraine in July 2014. Lily and the whole school simply loved Frankie: her…

LARS Tharp, a presenter on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow program, is the first speaker for the year of the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society, Mornington Peninsula branch. The ceramics and oriental art specialist, broadcaster and speaker will tell the story of London’s Foundling Hospital, at 5.30pm, Friday 26 February, at Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilsons Rd, Mornington. The Foundling hospital was established in 1739 by philanthropic sea captain Thomas Coram as a home for the education and maintenance of exposed and deserted young children. Artist William Hogarth had a long association with the hospital and was a governor, as was…

POLICE issued 100 parking fines to drivers of cars parked illegally near The Pillars, Mt Martha, on Saturday 6 February. Mornington Peninsula Shire local laws officers were also booking cars, although the actual number of council fines issued is unknown. “The shire continues to have a strong presence in the area and will continue to issue infringements to vehicles parked illegally,” environment protection manager David Dobroszczyk said. “The shire continues to see increases in both illegal and inappropriate parking of vehicles on warm days where there is high visitation at The Pillars.” Many more infringements are likely to be handed…

FLINDERS MP Greg Hunt has been named Best Minister in the World for his role, as Australia’s Environment Minister, in reducing carbon emissions by 93 million tonnes. The award was announced and presented to Mr Hunt at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Tuesday 9 February. “I am genuinely humbled to receive the award. I am however deeply proud that this inaugural award is being presented to an environment minister. The environment is our common heritage, our land, our home and our identity,” Mr Hunt said in his acceptance speech. Mr Hunt is the inaugural recipient of the annual…

TOPICS to be discussed at a lunchtime forum on Friday (19 February) include ideas and strategies to help businesses on the Mornington Peninsula. Water – its source, distribution, and cost – is high on the agenda. Nepean MP Martin Dixon listed the key topics as: Creating a year-round, economically self-sufficient tourism industry; Accessing a sustainable and cost effective water supply; Developing jobs, employment and training for local industry; Assessing growth opportunities for agri-business and/or agri-tourism, and Assessing the costs and limitations of doing business locally. Business and community leaders are expected to attend the informal session at the Nepean Country…

BERG Mt Martha will hold a Free Family Day at Balcombe estuary, 10am-2pm, Sunday 28 February. Those attending the “natural outdoor classroom” will be invited to create a cartoon with Terry Denton, sculpt with the Dromana potters, make a mini-book with Annie Dowd, paint a picture with Judi Singleton, learn about Lego Smart City with Melbourne Water, look for “creek critters” with BERG Mt Martha, burrow into the bush with Gidja Walker, spot the bird with Birdlife Australia, get up close and personal with reptiles from Moonlit Sanctuary, swap a card with the Connies and find a plant. There will…

A woman has died after she was struck by a car in Boneo late on Saturday evening. Investigators have been advised the 22-year-old from Carrum Downs was walking along Browns Road, in between Truemans Road and Boneo Road with a group of friends having left a wedding when at about 11.45pm she was struck by a car. The driver of the Mazda, a 61-year-old man, who was heading west, stopped and is assisting police with their enquiries. The man from Fingal, and his female passenger were not physically injured in the collision. Police are investigating and will prepare a report…