Month: April 2019

A BOX Hill South man is facing serious assault charges after a gatecrasher was allegedly assaulted outside a party in Frankston-Flinders Road, Hastings, early Sunday 7 April. The 36-year-old is alleged to have hit a Bittern man, 21, over the head with a bag of stubbies causing serious facial injuries, including having his jaw broken in a number of places and several teeth broken. His injuries will require significant ongoing medical treatment. The Box Hill man appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 10 April charged with intentionally causing serious injury and recklessly causing serious injury. He will reappear at…

ESTABLISHED and emerging artists are being invited to share their interpretation of the Mornington Peninsula’s “precious green wedge”. It’s all part of the shire’s Green Wedge Paint Outs and Exhibition returning to the peninsula this year as part of the council’s efforts to protect areas of national, state and local conservation significance and habitat value. Artists are invited to submit a green wedge-inspired artwork to be considered for exhibition across the peninsula with displays at the council chamber at Rosebud, as well as at Oak Hill Gallery and Merricks House Art Gallery at Merricks General Wine Store. There’s incentive, too,…

A PUBLIC meeting in Mornington late last month to discuss the “tightening of controls to better protect Melbourne’s green wedges against overdevelopment” may have had more sinister overtones, according to a Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor. The meeting, held at Currawong Community Hall, Currawong Street, on 28 March, and attended by 66 people, was promoted by Planning Minister Richard Wynne and Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes as being part of strategic review of future land use. Those invited to attend were residents, councillors, farmers and representatives of agricultural industries. The context of the meeting – one of five held in regional areas…

A PERSISTENT fuel leak from a drain is discolouring sand and polluting the water at Dromana. The smell is so powerful that towels used to dry bathers stink for days and oil-slicked water sticks to hands and bodies long after they leave the beach. Safety Beach resident Rob Debernardi became aware of the leak while bathing opposite the junction of Marine Drive and Pt Nepean Road, about 20 metres from the nearest bathing box. “I was swimming two weeks ago and the drain was flowing strongly after a downpour of rain and I smelled diesel fumes,” he said. “I scooped…

JET-ski zones are likely to be in place on several Mornington Beaches next summer. The zones will confine jet skis to strict speed limits within a narrow corridor until they are 500 metres offshore. This tougher line on the noisy water craft follows discussions between Mornington Peninsula Shire, Maritime Safety Victoria, Water Police and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Shire local laws officers are being trained to enforce the tougher approach for the coming summer season after the inappropriate use of jet skis inflamed tensions at Safety Beach and especially Rye over summer. The mayor Cr David…

Members of the Mornington Peninsula Group of the Country Women’s Association of Victoria compete in the 48th Creative Arts Exhibition this weekend with their scones, their knitting and their ongoing push for social change. Mornington Peninsula Group President, Marnie Turner, said it was always exciting to see the 10 local branches go head-to-head in what’s always a tight competition. “The last weekend in April will see our Mornington Peninsula ladies come together for our annual Creative Arts Exhibition,” Ms Turner said. “The ladies get quite competitive, but what’s even more exciting is our young members learning new skills and being supported…

Police have located a body during the search for a missing kayaker in waters off Somers. It is believed a man was paddling with a friend at South Beach when he fell from his kayak and disappeared shortly before 11am. Police located the man’s kayak and paddle and later located a body about 3.30pm not far from where the kayaker went missing. The man is yet to be formally identified and police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Why use all of a runway, when you can take off and land using as little of it as possible? In recent years, short take off and landing (STOL) competitions have become more popular across the world, as a test of a pilot’s skill and the aircraft’s agility. The spectacle attracts large crowds overseas. The inaugural Australian STOL Championships has been organised by Peninsula Aero Club at Tyabb and Paul Bennet Airshows, and will be held on Sunday 14 April. Pilots are coming from across Australia to try and fly a circuit with the shortest possible ground run followed by…

Members of the Western Port Model Aircraft Club are gearing for their second open day at the airfield at 360 The Esplanade, Crib Point, Sunday 21 April. Model aircraft of all types, sizes and styles: from helicopters, jets, civilian and military type aircraft all based on the real thing and sounding just as good are flown from the airfield. The club’s 100 members have varying ages and experience levels, some holding world records and one, a junior, is a world champion in pylon F3D racing. They will be assisted by members of model aircraft clubs from around the state. As…

The right-wing political lobby group Advance Australia will be trying to influence the outcome of the Flinders electorate in the lead-up to the May federal election. Held by Liberal MP Greg Hunt since 2001, Flinders is also being contested by his former Liberal colleague Julia Banks, now the independent MP for Chisholm; Labor’s Josh Sinclair; The Greens Nathan Lesslie; and independent Susie Beveridge, a former Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor. Advance Australia says a members’ survey showed Flinders as being one of the seats chosen as in need of the organisation’s “attention”. “We’ll be talking with voters about the dangers of…

Candidates for the seat of Flinders at the May federal election are being invited to state their policies and answer questions from the public at a forum in Dromana on 17 April. Robyn Coughlin said she was organising the “meet your candidates” event for residents of the Flinders electorate “to get to know their potential representatives”. Candidates who had agreed to attend by last week were sitting MP Liberal Greg Hunt, Labor’s Joshua Sinclair and independent Julia Banks. Ms Coughlin said she had also invited independent Susie Beveridge, a former Mornington Peninsula councillor. Ms Banks was elected MP for Chisholm…

A DECISION by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to insist on entries from Balnarring Road and not Brooksby Square has given fresh hopes to opponents of a planned aged care home in Balnarring. Members of the group – who spoke out against the Arcare proposal at the shire’s planning services committee meeting on 1 April – do not want traffic and parking problems clogging their quiet court. They presented a 259-signature petition to the council claiming the 75-bed residential aged care centre would be detrimental to their semi-rural street by creating extra traffic flows, random parking and exacerbating safety issues, especially…

DIVISION ONE SORRENTO have taken their first steps towards retribution for last year’s devastating grand final loss, as they defeated the Stonecats to kick start their 2019 campaign. Frankston YCW looked electrifying in the first quarter, as they shocked Sorrento with a seven goals to one start. Staring at a 40 point deficit in the face, the Sharks had a mountain to climb to get back into the contest. The Sharks chipped away and by three quarter time they held an 11 point lead. The clash between the two MPNFL heavyweights was a tough one, but in the end Sorrento…

DIVISION TWO A ONE point thriller between Somerville and Seaford was the highlight of the weekend as MPNFL football returned for round one. After dropping down from the first division last year, Seaford were looking to make amends and stamp their influence on the league early. They kicked seven goals in the first term and held a comfortable 31 point lead at the main break. Somerville chipped the Tigers back a bit before the final term, with the margin standing at 13 at three-quarter time. Despite a nine goals to four second half, Seaford were able to hold on by…

SOCCER MORNINGTON head coach Adam Jamieson expects Casey Comets midfielder Brodie Paterson to receive a lengthy ban after a violent contest at Dallas Brooks Park on Friday night. Comets came from behind to win this State 1 battle 2-1 and send the home side to a third consecutive defeat which casts major doubt over its stated ambition of winning promotion to the 2020 NPL. But it was the controversial finish to this clash which stole the limelight. The club video appears to show substitute Paterson pushing opponent Sam Catherine to the ground late in the match then falling on top…

MOUNT ELIZA-based racehorse trainer Anthony Freedman came to the fore in yet another Australian Group 1 sprint on Saturday 6 April. Ridden patiently by Mark Zahra, Freedman’s star sprinter Santa Ana Lane pounced down the straight to overrun his rivals in the $2.5 milllion T. J. Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick to claim his fifth Group 1 race. Santa, as he’s affectionately known, defeated a star-studded field of sprinters by 3.5 lengths and further enhanced his profile as one of Australia’s best sprinters. Freedman said he has felt that the six-year-old gelding has been a top-quality animal for some time.…

A PARTY from Frankston House had an unpleasant experience whilst out motoring one day last week. In endeavoring to pass a vehicle, which claimed a monopoly of the road, the motor car was overturned. The occupants were all more or less injured, and the driver (Mr Goulding) was severely cut with the glass from the broken wind screen. The members of the party consisted of Mrs Fossitt, of Melbourne, and her son, Private Fossitt, (who has just returned from active service in France), Miss Hay, Miss Box Miss Matters, and Miss Doughty. Fortunately Mrs Fossitt and Miss Doughty were not…

A MAN who rifled through a bag on a bike chained up outside a Rosebud liquor store allegedly stole a $700 mobile phone, Thursday 14 February. Police said man, above, put the phone in his pocket before walking into the store. Anyone with information about the theft or the identity of the man, pictured, is urged to contact Constable Ebony Treweek, at Rosebud police station, 5986 0444, or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Mornington News – 9 April 2019

SCHOOLBOY Sam Walsh lives and breathes baseball to such a degree that his dream of playing the game professionally in the US when he “grows up” could well be achieved. The talented batter and catcher, who plays for the Mornington Pirates but has also played with the Bonbeach and Cheltenham baseball clubs, is already a veteran campaigner despite being only 11 years old. In his first love of baseball, Sam was named most valuable player at a state-wide competition held at Mildura and was judged the fourth best player in the state. As a batter he has averaged more than…

WILLIAM Buckley is coming back to Rosebud on the 26 and 27 April. He is coming in the form of a chamber opera, locally devised by peninsula residents Antony Ransome (pictured), retired opera performer of thirty years, and renowned local historian Richard Cotter. The opera is based on the historic events of 1803 and 1835. This will be the first opera written and performed on the Mornington Peninsula. The opera tells the story of two cultures drawn together by extraordinary circumstances after William Buckley escaped from the Collins Settlement site in Sorrento in 1803. The site was the second ever…

CHARGES against a Parkdale man have been upgraded to culpable driving after a cyclist was knocked down in an alleged hit-and-run at Chelsea, Thursday 28 March. Chelsea triathlete Michelle Ruitenbeek, 50, was riding her bike along the Nepean Highway at 5.40am when she was allegedly struck by a utility driven by the man, 28, who allegedly fled the scene. She was taken to hospital but died two days later. The man was arrested in Broadmeadows hours later while his car was found at Seaford about 8am. He was charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury and failing to render assistance…

A NEW business-based lobby group being formed on the Mornington Peninsula automatically includes its $21,000 a year “platinum” members on its strategy and policy committee. The group’s $7000 “corporate gold” and $3000 “corporate” packages can nominate for membership of the key body that will steer the Committee for Mornington Peninsula. A $1000 “small business package” buys the “ability” to join one or more “round tables”, while the $500 “not for profit” membership level comes with the “ability to join one round table”. While the strategy and policy committee is described driving “hands on policy decisions” the round table discussion groups…

A BLACK Triumph motorcycle found at a Cranbourne West house is believed to be stolen. Dandenong police said a man at the house said he had recently bought the bike. Police inspecting the bike on 22 March saw that the engine number and registration plates had been filed off and removed. They said the man refused to provide details of the seller and was arrested and interviewed. Dandenong police are appealing for public help in identifying the owner of the bike. It has a distinctive purple trim and kickstand. Anyone with information is asked to call 9767 7440, or Crime…

Police have issued a top 10 list their “most wanted”. The three women and seven men are all wanted on outstanding warrants and police believe they may be living on the Mornington Peninsula. Police have issued photographs, names and last known addresses of the 10 in the hope that members of the public will be able to shed some light on their whereabouts. However, the issuing of the top 10 also comes with a warning for members of the public not to approach those on the list. Instead, they are asked to call police with information or make a confidential…

A ROSEBUD Motor Boat Squadron member became suspicious when he noticed the club’s front gate had been forced open and a car and boat trailer hidden in bushes, 6.45am, Thursday 4 April. Club commodore Mike Hibbert arrived at the foreshore clubhouse soon after and the pair watched CCTV footage of two men arriving earlier that morning in a Ford Territory towing a Quintrex boat with Mercury outboard and cutting the bolt to the club’s yard. They learned later that the boat had been stolen from outside a house in Ocean Street, Rosebud at 5.35am the same day. Mr Hibbert said…

Twenty-two student dancers from the Mornington Peninsula, flew out this week to perform in the Dance the Magic parade at Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California. The students, aged eight to 42, have been practicing for weeks in the streets of an industrial estate at Rosebud The tour will also see them performing dance routines choreographed by Peninsula School of Dance teachers at Universal Studios and on Hollywood Boulevard. The Peninsula School of Dance has a 58-year history in which it has nurtured such dancers as Jason Coleman. It also operates from two custom built studio’s and a “satellite” dance class at…

A MOTHER and daughter’s dream is about to be realised after ongoing federal government finance was approved for a mental health centre on Pt Nepean Road, Rosebud. Sarah Darling and her daughter Missy are the driving force behind Jimmy’s which will help disadvantaged young people seeking help with their mental health. It will offer drop-in services, youth and teen mental health courses, wellbeing workshops, and coaching, mentoring and support in personal situations requiring strong intervention or prevention from its purpose-built site at 827 Pt Nepean Road. The YMCA’s Southern Peninsula Youth Services will manage and deliver the services from the…

AGEING parents worn down by years of caring for their intellectually disabled adult children living at home are calling on both sides of government to provide them with independent housing that is permanent, safe and secure. This was highlighted at a meeting of Community Lifestyle Accommodation (CLA) members and Mornington Peninsula parents and carers at Mornington Community Information and Support Centre late last month. Experts from Mornington’s Hill Legal discussed what parents and carers needed to know about options to pay accommodation fees, dealing with financial and medical issues, understanding tenancy and residential agreements, and options available if a family…

Owners of those cute, colourful bathing boxes scattered around Mornington Peninsula beaches are facing massive licence fee increases. Visitors take pictures of the beach boxes that also regularly attract the eye of the metropolitan-based media because of their escalating values. Their values are compared to those of family houses elsewhere. But this year Mornington Peninsula Shire is seeing the beach boxes as a source of increasing revenue. The shire’s 2019/20 budget, now open for public comment, replaces the flat $445 a year licence fee for bathing boxes with a fee based on the structure’s size. Beach boxes measuring five to…

DOG owners are being asked to “tighten the leash” at nine Mornington Peninsula beaches. In a bid to “encourage residents to better manage dog behaviour and improve dog obedience”, Mornington Peninsula Shire and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and management committees have “developed a comprehensive compliance program to regulate the behaviour of dogs on beaches to improve the amenity of our beaches”, according to the mayor, Cr David Gill. “This partnership allows us to apply all the existing rules and regulations across our beaches in a consistent manner which is a positive outcome for our community.”…