Welcome to the wonderful musical illusion that is BABBA! For 21 years, BABBA have been thrilling audiences with their superb re-creation of 70’s super group ABBA and the legacy of hits they gave us. With glitz and glamour served up with Swedish accents and enough musical memories to fill 2 hours to overflowing, BABBA will take you on a journey through time to when satin was King and Dancing Queens ruled. For two hours, Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Frida can be yours once again and all you have to do is believe. This enticing mix of sights and sounds allows…
Author: MP News Group
There’s a revolution happening in the world of Adam Brand. It’s a creative revolution that sees Brand redefining boundaries and returning with the most ambitious record of his career, GET ON YOUR FEET. The album pushes the envelope in a way that few country artists of the modern era have ever attempted. This is Adam Brand in 2017, and he’s bringing a full deck of fine songs to the party that will establish a new high-water mark for him in a career that is already rich with them. With a new genre pushing record that’s set to send critics and…
In Between you and me TextaQueen explores gender, race and identity through the medium of fibre-tipped pens. Bringing together work created over a 15 year period, this survey exhibition reflects on how visual and popular culture inform personal identity via re-interpretations of the salon nude, re-creations of cultural and historical identities undressed in the Australian landscape and critiques of colonial histories in apocalyptic movie poster portraits. TextaQueen was an artist in residence at the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Police Point Artist in Residence Cottage in 2016. A new body of photographic works created during the residency is on display in the…
THIEVES have stolen the takings from Mornington Peninsula camping ground laundries over the past week. Senior Constable Ian Huxtable, of Rosebud police, said 18 camp laundries, from Sorrento to McCrae, were targeted in the raids, 19-22 February. He said coin slots were forced open “causing a considerable amount of damage”. The shire runs 26 separate laundries for the use of campers at the camping grounds. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 7 March 2017
AN 84-year-old man found underneath his upturned paddle board 200 metres off the Rye sailing club, Wednesday 1 March, could not be revived. The man, a father of three from Rye, was brought to shore by two jet skiers who unsuccessfully tried CPR, at about 11am. Sergeant Paul Dickson, of Rosebud police, said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s death, which had earlier been reported as a “medical incident”. The Water Police will prepare a report for the coroner. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 7 March 2017
DROMANA College will take on a carnival atmosphere in March when it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Former teachers and students who make up the bands Missing Links, Munster Terrace and a Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band will share the stage along with our performing arts students promoting the college’s upcoming production of the Wizard of Oz. There will also be market and food stalls, memorabilia, an abseiling wall, a petting zoo, face painting and $10 wristbands allowing unlimited carnival rides as well as tours of the college. The College had its genesis in October 1966, when former Flinders Shire Councillor and…
RAM raiders used a small hatchback car to knock down wire fencing and then crash through glass doors at Western Port Tractors, 4.50am, Thursday 23 February. They stole 26 power tools from the store’s display stand, including brush cutters, hedge trimmers, blower vacs, chain saws and grass trimmers valued at $5000 and caused thousands of dollars damage to the front windows of the outlet in Frankston-Flinders Rd, Hastings. Detective Senior Constable Brian Whitehead, of Somerville CIU, said the thieves loaded up the Corolla or Kia hatch, which may have been damaged in the raid, as CCTV footage shows it was…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie A MARCUS Collier hat-trick rescued Skye United and powered its 5-3 come-from-behind FFA Cup win on Saturday against Elwood City. The match was held at Doveton’s Waratah Reserve and Skye was forced into extra time to settle the issue against its lower league opponent. Daniel Attard ran onto a through ball and slotted it past advancing Elwood keeper Roddy Beccara in the 22nd minute but by half-time Elwood had come roaring back to lead 2-1. A Sammy Hehir free kick had levelled the scores after 37 minutes and a John Andrinopoulos own goal just before the…
By Ben Triandafillou THE Westernport Lady Steelers have finalised their squad after recruiting an exciting American talent, Eboni Ross, as well as another two players for their upcoming 2017 Big V Season. The Steelers have landed their biggest signing for 2017 with the addition of Eboni Ross from Shaw University/North Carolina A&T. Renowned for her defensive prowess in the American Collegiate system, Eboni, who stands at an imposing 6’3”, has plenty of experience playing professionally in Turkey as well as having a very successful Collegiate career. A true team player, Ross is looking forward to the season ahead and will…
By Ben Triandafillou THE 2017 Ladbrokes Mornington Cup will see an international runner for the first time as the highly-respected Godolphin trainer, Charlie Appleby, brings the talented Gold Trail down-under in an attempt to gain exemption from the Caulfield Cup ballot. Following an incredibly successful Melbourne Spring Carnival with his team of thoroughbreds, including the likes of Oceanographer, Qewy, Scottish and Francis Of Assisi, Appleby is determined to continue his success’ in Australian racing with his team over the Autumn Racing Carnival. Gold Trail will be targeting the Mornington Cup on Saturday 25 March as the race provides the winner…
SHREK and Kung-Fu Panda will light up Rosebud’s Foreshore Live Under the Big Top from 25 March until 30 April this year at an Australian-first exhibition of some of DreamWorks Animation’s best known characters in a large-scale lantern experience. Lights by DreamWorks – The Experience is an interactive, walkthrough experience for all ages and is set to run for 30 days and attract more than 150,000 local and international visitors who will marvel at more than 100 of DreamWorks’ characters brought to life. Modelled on the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival, Lights by DreamWorks features huge illuminated figures familiar to the…
PARKS Victoria is planning to allow non-powered watercraft such as kayaks and canoes to use parts of Devilbend Reservoir for recreation. Shore-based fishing is already allowed in some areas and now Parks is looking to extend the range of activities at the 1005 hectare natural features reserve at Tuerong, near Moorooduc. Community to comment is being sought on proposals to allow non-powered watercraft on parts of the former reservoir’s 250ha of water. Devilbend is recognised internationally for its role in the conservation of bird populations, with more than 44 species resident in the reserve, including eight threatened species. Parks Victoria’s…
A $3 million-plus sports pavilion will be built at Citation Recreation Reserve, Mt Martha. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council approved the tender at its Monday 30 January meeting. The single-level pavilion aims to better meet the needs of sporting and community groups. It will include a social room, multi-purpose change rooms, unisex toilet and shower facilities, office space and store rooms, kitchen/kiosk, first-aid room, accessible toilets and external public toilets. The building will also have low-energy lighting, and heating and cooling tailored to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Water efficient fittings and fixtures are also being used. “This is a great step…
A DROMANA supermarket’s generosity has paid dividends for Dromana Fire Brigade, which has received more than $300,000 in donations through the Ritchies Community Benefit Program. This makes the brigade the highest individual CFA recipient of the supermarket chain’s fundraising program. “The unique program has provided significant financial support to our brigade,” brigade captain Timothy Desmond said. “The money came from generous community members who chose Dromana Fire Brigade as the recipient of a percentage of their shop.” The money – which goes directly to the brigade – was spent on a utility, one of five cars the brigade has been…
VOLUNTEERS working to preserve two Mornington Peninsula estuaries are being linked through a state government-funded citizen science program. The “health” of the Balcombe Creek, Mt Martha, and that of Merricks Creek at Balnarring will be recorded as part of the project on the EstuaryWatch website, bringing the number of estuaries being monitored to 18. The environment groups BERG Mt Martha and Merricks Creek’s EstuaryWatchers, in collaboration with Melbourne Water, have organised a presentation on EstuaryWatch by Victorian coordinator Rose Herben and aquatic ecologist Steve Harefield at midday at The Briars, Mt Martha, on Saturday 4 March. There will also be…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 14-year old girl Myrah Fitzgerald. Myrah was last seen on 25 January in the Mornington area. Police have concerns for her due to her age and the length of time that she has been missing. Myrah is perceived to be Caucasian, has a slim build, shoulder length black hair and is approximately 150cm tall. She is known to frequent Dandenong, Frankston, Caulfield and the surrounding areas. It is believed Myrah might be with her mother Kathleen Fitzgerald. Police have released an image of Myrah in the hope that someone may…
MORNINGTON Peninsula residents are being urged to help clean up designated sites on Clean Up Australia Day, Sunday 5 March. The national clean-up day has been running 27 years and last year on the peninsula saw more than 30 cubic metres of rubbish collected from 25 clean-up sites. Nationally, there were 682,000 volunteers who removed an estimated 15,600 tonnes of rubbish from 7117 sites. “Clean Up Australia Day gives you an opportunity to register online and join hundreds of other volunteers to help better our peninsula,” Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bev Colomb said. The shire helps coordinate collections at…
A RAVENHALL woman, 42, has been charged with one count of murder after a woman’s body was found in bushland at Sorrento on Friday 13 January 2017. Acting Sergeant Melissa Seach, of police media, said the charges follow the suspicious disappearance of 45-year-old Joanne Martell, of no fixed address, who was reported missing in May. First published in the Western Port News – 21 February 2017
MORNINGTON Peninsula detectives are appealing for help in reuniting swags of allegedly stolen booty with its rightful owners after a Hastings man was arrested last week. Detective Senior Constable Rohan Brock said the man, 36, was facing numerous charges over burglaries and break-ins at homes and building sites in Somers and surrounding areas over the past few months. He was arrested on Thursday 16 February and remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court next month over the theft of up to 50 items. A search of the man’s house found an array of tradie and household tools and equipment, including…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie SOUTHERN United is hoping to sign an international midfielder as it prepares to kick-off the 2017 NPL women’s season. The consortium club’s negotiations with the player are advanced but Southern has been careful to ensure that every new signing is a good fit for the inclusive culture the fledgling club is trying to nurture. It’s believed that the player has made over 100 appearances for her country but recently was granted permanent residency in Australia and is currently interstate. Southern’s sole visa player is Florida native Courtney Hueston, a midfielder who has played with the Miami…
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 12th 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, 11th 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 download a general entry form now: www.redhillshow.com.au/forms This year we encourage handlers of all ages get involved in our CALF FANCY DRESS – we’re looking for the calf most like its handler! Aside from the remarkable array of animals including Clydesdales, Pintos, cattle, sheep, alpacas, poultry, minature goats, working dogs and more, we are pleased to announce the inaugural Cider Show with special guest wine reviewer Max Allen. There will be ciders…
By Barry Morris SHE is the Lady of the Lake – or more accurately – a saviour of Mt Martha’s Balcombe Estuary. Liz Barraclough, OAM, a founding member of BERG Mt Martha 20 years ago, has devoted much of her life to protecting and improving estuary, its plants and wildlife. Instead of brandishing a sword, Ms Barraclough is most often found wielding a pair of garden shears to fight weeds invading bushland adjoining the estuary. Over the past two decades she has attacked countless weeds and noxious plants, bagged and loaded truckloads of green waste for disposal, prepared the ground…
PENINSULA Surfriders Club started its 2017 season with a contest at Rye in small, choppy surf. Despite the conditions on Saturday 11 February, secretary Jane Featherston said “impressive performances” and “great ocean management skills and wave knowledge” were shown by surfers in the female and under-13 divisions. Charli Wookey won the girls’ event and Taj Barber the under-13s. Winners in the four older age divisions were Calum Nicolson (over 28), Andrew Hyde (over 35), Darren Bird (over 45) and Gavin Duffy (over 55). In the Cadet final (under-16s) Max Burton defeated his older rivals, adding 2000 points towards his season…
A MAN wearing a hoodie and armed with a kitchen knife robbed the United service station in Tyabb Rd, Mornington, at 10.15pm on Wednesday 8 February. The man, who covered his face and was described as Caucasian, pointed the knife at the attendant and demanded cash. He grabbed the till and ran off. Within the hour, the BP service station in Mt Eliza was robbed of cash, possibly by the same man. At about 2am, Thursday 9 February, the Caltex service station and also the 7-Eleven in McMahons Rd, Frankston, were robbed when a man threatened staff with a large…
COMPOSITIONS by Bach, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven will be played next month at two concerts by Peninsula Chamber Musicians. The first concert is at Rosebud on Saturday 4 March, followed the next day with a performance in Mornington. Formed in 2013, the Peninsula Chamber Musicians present “intimate chamber recitals” through to performing as an “energetic chamber orchestra”, committee president Anthony Poe said. “The group seeks to touch the hearts of concert goers and inspire the next generation of performers.” Mr Pope said primary and secondary school pupils and students can attend the “family friendly and engaging concerts free of charge”.…
TWO men were captured on CCTV pouring petrol from a can over a man’s car before setting it alight in Heatherlee Close, Somerville. The men – one aged 17 and the other in his late 20s or early 30s – received burns to their hands, and possibly their faces, when they lit the fire at 5.30am, Monday 13 February. They ran off along Graf Rd before disappearing. A Holden Commodore was destroyed in the attack. Detective Senior Constable Paul Smith, of Mornington Peninsula CIU, said anyone with information should call him on 5978 1430 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.…
CFA brigades from Baxter, Langwarrin, Hastings and a breathing apparatus van from Frankston battled a fire which destroyed a portable office at the rear of the Somerville recreation centre on Saturday night. Crews were alerted to a bin fire at 10.40pm at the rear of the mechanics hall by a passer-by. When they arrived, a large column of smoke was seen rising from the rear of the old rec centre, which itself was burnt out in November in a blaze which caused $1.75-$2 million damage. On Sunday 5 February crews were called to a “small” blaze inside the rec centre’s…
By Ben Triandafillou MOUNT Eliza youngster, Campbell Steedman, secures a once in a lifetime opportunity to join the ballkid’s squad at Roland Garros after earning the title of the “Most Outstanding Ballboy” at this year’s Australian Open. The 15-year-old was one of the top two ballkid’s of 380 at this year’s Australian Open and has earned a trip to Paris in April with the other winner, Summer Leatitagaloa, to take part in the ball kid’s squad at Roland Garros. To achieve the honour of being the most outstanding ballboy or ballgirl you have to demonstrate the highest level of skills…
SOCCER By Craig MacKenzie MORNINGTON is poised to beat a host of suitors to the prized signature of star striker Ryan Paczkowski. “Patch” is believed to be keen on returning to his first Australian club after sensationally quitting NPL giant Bentleigh Greens last week. His switch from playing as a contracted player and reverting to amateur status means he has to go through an enforced four-week layoff before playing an official game for Mornington, which brought him to Melbourne for the 2014 season. Dallas Brooks Park has been a happy hunting ground for Paczkowski and along with Wayne Gordon, high-profile…