Month: August 2018

VOTING for a state government’s Pick my Project community grant is now open with 56 vying for selection on the Mornington Peninsula Shire. There are 36 projects in the Frankston area eligible for a grant. At least $1 million will be made available for projects in the municipalities of Cardinia, Casey, Greater Dandenong, Kingston and Mornington Peninsula. Any individual project is eligible to receive up to $200,000. Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bryan Payne said he “encourages community members to get behind these wonderful local initiatives taking place throughout the peninsula”. One of those projects is a bid by Wallara…

ROUGH sleepers in the Western Port region are being better cared for thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Hastings Westernport. Its members have funded a kitchen, shower and laundry with washing machine and dryer at the Salvation Army centre, Hastings. Club secretary Heather Browning said the facilities cater to several needs. “We had the shower and laundry installed to provide a place for rough sleepers to wash and have clean clothes and contribute to a modicum of dignity,” she said. “The kitchen provides for the Second Bite program and emergency food relief.” Rotary moved on the project…

FIREFIGHTERS from four CFA brigades were unable to save a Tyabb house from being savaged by an early morning fire last week. Captain Jarrod Vetesi, of Tyabb CFA, said eight appliances from Tyabb, Mornington, Hastings and Somerville brigades rushed to the Jones Road property, 2.30am, Thursday 23 August. The two-storey brick house was well alight. The fire was possibly caused by a log rolling from the fireplace and setting floor coverings alight. Captain Vetesi said that while 90 per cent of the house was destroyed, the 65-70 firefighters did manage to save two rear bedrooms, bathroom – and the owner’s…

AN elderly Hastings resident is calling for public assistance in finding a motorist who ran into her car and then drove off without exchanging names and addresses. Trish Allen, of Peninsula Parklands retirement village, parked her car behind Kmart, in the area bounded by Queen, Elizabeth and Victoria streets, 1.30-3.30pm, Thursday 23 August, while she visited her doctor. While there her royal blue Holden Barina was side swiped by the other car which was quickly driven away. “There is a whole piece missing,” she said. “I called my insurance company and was told I could not claim until I got…

YOU could say Hastings artist Mike Harbar has been given the stamp of approval, or perhaps painted himself into a corner … Either way, the Classic Lines Artist is thrilled with his appointment by Australia Post as its next stamp artist. Harbar’s pen and watercolour depictions of four classic Australian motorcycles: 1904 Kelecom, 1912 Precision, 1919 Whiting V4 and 1923 Invincible Jap, will set veteran and vintage bike enthusiasts’ hearts racing next month – much like the iconic bikes. The artist, who trained as an industrial designer, emigrated from England in 2000. “I’d always drawn cars, bikes, boats and planes…

DIVISION TWO THERE was drama for Dromana this Saturday, as they stumbled to a shock loss in the Division Two semi final at Thomas Barclay Oval, with their Red Hill opponents winning their way to their first Grand Final since 1990. The Tigers have dominated nearly every opponent during the home and away season, and were expected to claim a win over the Hillmen to secure their spot in the big dance. Things got off to a strong start for the Tigers, who capitalised on Red Hill’s sloppiness in front of goal to take a 15 point lead into the…

DIVISION ONE FRANKSTON YCW have sent Edithvale-Aspendale crashing out of the Division One finals with a hard fought come from behind victory. The game got off to a tense start, with both sides trading blows in an incredibly tight first half. The Stonecats held a three point lead going into the half time break. In the third term, the Eagles blew the game apart with a five goals to one quarter putting Frankston YCW on the ropes with a quarter left to play. Although they looked down and out going into the final term, the Stonecats fought back with everything…

SOCCER LANGWARRIN stunned Victorian soccer circles last week when it named former Socceroos assistant Scott Miller as its new head coach for the 2019 NPL2 season. The video announcement on social media attracted more than 8000 views and the Herald-Sun reported the appointment online. The former Fulham assistant and Newcastle Jets head coach returned from Denmark last year where he worked as an assistant coach at Aalborg BK. Miller, 36, is one of the highest credentialled coaches in Australian soccer and is contracted to Fox Sports as a football analyst. He holds an AFC Pro Diploma and a UEFA A…

MORNINGTON Cup winner, Kings Will Dream, has come back in terrific fashion with a fast-finishing fourth in the Group Two P. B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday 18 August. The dominant five-length winner of the Mornington Cup in March this year, has already secured his place in the Group One Caulfield Cup (2400m), and continues to firm as the early favourite for the $5 million contest following his barnstorming finish on Saturday. The Darren Weir-trained galloper sat at the rear of the field in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes before rattling off the fastest closing sectionals of the race,…

NETBALL THE Peninsula Waves’ under-19s side is making the most of their late dive into finals and have claimed the minor semi-final over the reigning premiers, Geelong Cougars, on Wednesday 22 August. It’s the first time in over a decade that the Peninsula Waves have qualified for the finals series and they have snapped at the opportunity with two determined back-to-back victories in the last two weeks. The Waves, who were sitting in fifth position coming into the final round of the Victorian Netball League season, clawed their way back into the top four with a convincing win over Melbourne…

BEACH patrol groups from Rye, Tootgarook, Rosebud/McCrae, and Safety Beach/Dromana are holding a film and environment awareness night at Rosebud Secondary College, 6.30pm, Friday 31 August. Supporters include the Dolphin Research Institute and Mornington Peninsula Shire. Entertainment is the film Blue – the tide has come for change. The Lions Club of Rye will put on a sausage sizzle for early arrivals. BYO cup for tea or coffee. Gold coin donation. Raffle and door prizes will be provided by local businesses which support the work of the volunteers. Details: Julie Jame 0417 561 256.

DUE to popular demand across Australia, Abstract Entertainment is proud to announce Michael Jackson – The Legacy Tour will return in 2018 for a national tour.  This world class production has toured the world to rave reviews and is the one and only Michael Jackson show that features actual Michael Jackson staff, singers and band members.  The show is produced and directed by its star performer, William Hall. William Hall embodies the voice the dance character and persona of the legendary MJ to perfection.  The Texan has been performing since he was three and is an accomplished dancer, choreographer and…

THERE’S an old saying that some musicians look more like the artist than the artist themselves. This could not be truer of Ron Vincent who happens to be the spitting image of Cat Stevens, with his wild dark mane, haunting voice and gentle demeanour. “I am not imitating Cat Stevens but simply sharing his music with others who have been influenced as much as I have,” says Maltese-born Ron, who describes himself as a Sharman with his long dark hair and beard. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure – all the hard work and dedication that Ron has put…

MR A. Patterson has received the following letter from his son George, who has been on active service for some considerable time, and still appears to be going strong: Dear Father and Mother, Have just received your very welcome letter and pleased to hear that you are all well as it leaves me at present. I have met Len Mackie at last and have been with him all the afternoon. He seems to walk a bit lame yet and do not think he will last over here long. Things are very quiet at present after some of the lively times…

A SERIES of radio plays being aired on RPP FM – the Voice of the Peninsula – will give listeners insight into happenings that helped shape and define their community. Produced by Heather Forbes-McKeon the plays recount historic and often tragic events that occurred on the peninsula over the past 220 years. Titled Time Capsules, and researched by playwright Steve Wheat, the 10 plays produced at the studios at Wilson Road, Mornington, run for 10-15 minutes. They are: 1803 The First Colony, 1852 The Ticonderoga, 1882 The Footy Team that Drowned, 1887 The Crashing of the Cheviot, 1939 The Burning…

RENEWED calls for a multi-level car park at Frankston railway station have screeched to a halt. A proposal to ask Premier Daniel Andrews to “recommit to the position of a multi-level car park at Frankston railway station” was voted down at the 13 August public Frankston council meeting, with only Crs Glenn Aitken and Steve Toms voting in favour of the motion. A 22 January 2015 media release from the Premier’s office outlined the development of a “fast-tracked master plan” for Frankston station, which would include planning for “a new retail and café strip and multi-level car park”. $50 million…

IF running up 28 floors at Crown Metropol Hotel, Southbank, wearing 25kg of turnout gear and breathing apparatus makes you breathe uneasily, spare a thought for three very fit Mornington firefighters. Lieutenant Nick Keon and firefighters Sam Bunting and Travis Dixon are gearing up to represent their brigade in the fifth annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, Saturday 1 September. Bunting has been a firefighter at Mornington for eight years and is making his third climb, but for novices Dixon, who has been at Mornington for three years, and Keon for one, this first attempt is a leap into the unknown.…

SPEEDSTERS are “taking control” of a once-quiet Mornington street and making life hell for those living there, a resident says. Bill Julian, who has lived in the once-quiet area for 53 years, said Haig Street had been undermined by a perfect storm of circumstances making it busier, more congested and less safe – despite it being used by school children and the elderly on a daily basis. “It’s a hazard just waiting to happen,” he said. Mr Julian said pick-ups from a main entrance to Mornington Primary School in Vale Street meant parents parked along both sides of Haig Street…

A RED Hill petrol station was fined $7929 after petroleum hydrocarbons were found leaking into a nearby stormwater drain. Environment Protection Authority Victoria southern metro manager Marleen Mathias said Mornington Peninsula Shire Council officers found the leak at the front of the United Petroleum station on Arthurs Seat Road in May and notified EPA. “Sampling by EPA officers confirmed that the stormwater system was impacted by hydrocarbons and that it had come from United Petroleum’s service station in Red Hill,” she said. “Council created a barrier downstream from the station’s stormwater discharge point to contain the spill.” Ms Mathias said…

THE spirit of the Mornington Peninsula green wedge has been captured by the brushstrokes of 100 artists in the inaugural Green Wedge Paint Out. From these works, two have been chosen for major prizes: Winning artist Chris Pubela won a $500 bursary for her work Natural Beauty, an oil on canvas portraying the open spaces around Bittern reservoir. A $250 bursary encouragement award went to William Goodwin for his oil on canvas Green Wedge 1. The mayor, Cr Bryan Payne, thanked the artists saying the Paint Out had been one of the major highlights of the shire’s Thin Edge of…

A BRUTAL week in Canberra as the Liberal Party bickered over its leadership has seen local federal MPs support different potential leaders. Dunkley MP Chris Crewther nailed his vote publicly to incoming prime minister Scott Morrison who defeated Peter Dutton 45-40 in Friday’s second Liberal party room leadership spill. Flinders MP Greg Hunt kept a lower profile but it was widely reported he was positioning himself to run as deputy to Mr Dutton. Mr Hunt started the week as both Health Minister and “a supporter” of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and ended the week outside of cabinet losing a bid…

TWO hungry thieves allegedly stole 10 packs of rib eye steak valued at $150 from the Mt Eliza IGA supermarket, Saturday 18 August. The men took their booty to a vacant aisle and loaded it into a backpack before walking out without paying. Anyone knowing the men – or who attended a barbecue with them – is asked to call Senior Constable Teffa Cunningham, Mornington police, 5970 4900, or call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au online. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 28 August 2018

REVELLERS who allegedly threw beer glasses from a balcony in a Mornington shopping strip are being sought by police. The incidents occurred around 10.30pm, Saturday 18 August, outside a licenced venue in Main Street. Police said a glass was thrown onto the road below endangering the public. While they were investigating another glass was allegedly thrown from the balcony narrowly missing a policeman and a police van. Anyone with information should call Mornington police 5970 4900 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 28 August 2018

SLEEPING on the job took on a whole new meaning last week when a man was found semi-conscious in the roof of a chemist’s shop hours after it had been burgled. Detective Shaun Rampal, of Frankston CIU, said the Frankston man, 29, may have fallen unconscious after consuming prescription drugs allegedly stolen from shelves during the early morning raid. Police were called to Chemist Warehouse on Wells Street after staff heard banging and thumping in the ceiling, 5.30pm, Saturday 18 August. They were unsure whether the noise was caused by a person or a trapped animal until a man’s head…

MOTORISTS travelling on Peninsula Link last Wednesday morning were confronted by new road signs. But rather being instructed about regulating their speed or on which side of the road to drive they were being told that AGL’s plans for a floating gas terminal at Crib Point should be scrapped. Banner held aloft on a bridge spanning the highway proclaimed “Save Westernport” and “#NoAGLgas”. Jack Dewhurst of the Peninsula Environment Action Network said the floating gas terminal and “hundreds of gas ships coming in and out of the harbour would expose the entire ecosystem to environmental destruction, pollution, invasive species, and…

DARRIN Gaffy would be the first to admit he landed on his feet when he found and bought 10 hectares of land in Red Hill. In fact, he was so sure of his place on the land that he built a house, planted grape vines and named the property Principia, after a book of the same name by Sir Isaac Newton. “He’s the father of gravity,” Gaffy says while sitting in the kitchen of his house which overlooks his place of work, the vineyard. Gaffy prides himself on using gravity in his winemaking process. The system prevents him from filtering…

THE “chrome gnome” that towers over the Cranbourne Road exit of Peninsula Link will leave the roadside next year. The shiny sculpture, officially called Reflective Lullaby, will head to Langwarrin’s McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery in August next year. Perhaps pre-empting a public outcry similar to that which followed the gnome replacing the previous Tree of Life sculpture in July 2015, the gallery announced last week well ahead of schedule that the Reflective Lullaby gnome by Slovenia born artist Gregor Kregar will be leaving its existing Peninsula Link home next year. The Southern Way McClelland, a public-private partnership between the…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will hold community drop-in sessions next month to explain how it is working to overcome traffic congestion on the southern peninsula. The move follows concerns that pressures on the shire’s road network are expected to significantly increase as Melbourne’s population rises to eight million by 2050 – with many more people flocking to their peninsula “playground”. (“Road congestion a daunting challenge” The News 21/8/18). Those attending the sessions will be invited to provide input into formulating alternative traffic plans to reduce traffic congestion – rather than having motorists continuing to flood the southern peninsula freeway reserve. The…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council wants the state and federal governments to underwrite an infrastructure program to drought proof the shire and lift its firefighting capabilities. This follows calls for a “resilient” water supply made at the June Green Wedge Summit at Main Ridge. The shire and South East Water agreed to jointly investigate “the potential for sustainable water projects”, including rain water, urban run-off and artesian water and the 350 million litres of treated water pumped daily into the sea at Gunnamatta (“Water ‘saviour’ of green wedge” The News 2/7/18). Pipes from Melbourne Water’s Eastern Treatment Plant carrying the recycled…

By Kelly Parkinson, AGL’s senior manager project engagement AT the recent community rally at Hastings, some key issues on safety and the environment about AGL’s Crib Point Gas import jetty project were understandably raised. First, we agree Western Port is an important environmental area that must be cared for. AGL is a company that has a keen focus on the environment, sustainability and the communities in which we operate. Therefore, we expect to be held to account on these issues. We’ve been reporting our social and environmental performance through an annual sustainability report. Of course, if you look, you will…