HOMELESSNESS is a growing concern across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. SalvoCare records show there were 2,200 “unique clients” seeking emergency housing in Frankston in 2012-13 and 600 “repeat clients”. Volunteer organisation Community Support Frankston reports 444 people with no fixed address needed help from the agency last year, up from 292 in 2013. Christian Youth and Community group Fusion Australia is turning the spotlight on the problem of youth homelessness with a fundraiser that also aims to show people what it means to sleep out in rough conditions. A ‘Sleep In Your Car’ fundraiser will be held at Mornington…
Author: MP News Group
THE Luke Batty Foundation and Mornington Freemasons are joining forces to combat family violence. Lodge Master Edy Wilfling said the Freemasons had been supporting community groups on the peninsula for 125 years and wanted to raise $125,000 for the Luke Batty Foundation, which was established last year after his tragic death. “Everyone in Australia was hugely affected by the manner in which Luke was killed and communities from far and wide responded generously by sending his mum, Rosie, hundreds of cards, beautiful flowers, and donations large and small,” he said. Now, Lodge members have created “Lewis the Bear” to assist…
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a car at the bottom of a cliff in Flinders this morning. The car was found by members of the public, near the Flinders Blowhole on Blowhole Track and Boneo Road just before 11am. Sadly a man has been found deceased in the car. Search and Rescue members are heading to the scene to co-ordinate the recovery of the body. CFA and Victoria State Emergency Service personnel are also on the scene. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime…
FRANKSTON detectives have released a still image of a man they would like to talk to over a robbery at Mornington’s Thirsty Camel liquor outlet, 1.40pm, Friday 10 July. Detective Senior Constable Marty O’Brien, of the Embona Armed Robbery Task Force, said the man was aged 40-45, 175cm tall, medium build and Australian. He was wearing a black hoodie top with white draw strings, dark coloured pants, black beanie and dark wrap-around sunglasses. The man strode into the outlet at 1000 Nepean Hwy with what is believed to have been a hammer hidden inside his jacket. He demanded the sole…
CRIB POINT FC – By Jared Newton CRIB Point’s nightmare season continued as they failed to break their Tractor Park hoodoo for another year in a 17 point loss to the Panthers. In difficult conditions the Pies and the Panthers were locked in a tight tussle for much of the game with several momentum swings throughout. Pearcedale had the upper hand in a tight first half before Crib Point exploded in the third term with a 6.4 quarter, slamming home five unanswered goals on the back of dominance from Beau Monty up forward, Brad Davidson across half back and Luke Herrington…
MT MARTHA artist Bill Caldwell has seven works in this year’s Twenty Melbourne Painters Society’s exhibition. The society – membership by invitation only – has held an exhibition each year since 1918. This will be the 13th year in a row that Caldwell has entered works in the exhibition. His entries – six oils and one pastel – range from a portrait of former Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Antonella Celi, which he entered in last year’s Archibald prize, to a seascape looking from McCrae towards Mt Martha and a still life pastel. Caldwell, above, is pictured with Sign of the…
MEMBERS of some of the bands battling it out on the peninsula this year weren’t born when the FReeZA program started in 1997. Musicians, bands, duos and solo artists are being invited to enter the annual Mornington Peninsula Push Start Battle of the Bands. Presented by the young members of the Impakt Freeza committee, with assistance from Mornington Peninsula Shire’s youth services team, the event will be held at Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington on 21 August. The winner will represent the peninsula in the southeast regional finals. The competition is open to people aged under 21 who live, work…
THE crime may be old, but Frankston police hope public assistance will help them find a man who held up the Blairgowrie Pharmacy with a handgun at 9.05am on 5 May 2012. The thief, who escaped with cash and drugs, is described as being in his late 20s, Caucasian, 170-175cm tall and of medium build. He left behind a navy blue Chrome Tech tool carry bag. The bag has the words ‘SAMUEL J II written inside. Anyone who can identify the owner of the bag or has information about the armed robbery should call Frankston Embona Taskforce on 9784 5590…
MORNINGTON student Eddie Swan scored plenty of goals on the basketball court and now he has scored them academically at an American university. The 19-year-old former Padua College student has been offered a full athletics scholarship to Eastern Wyoming College in the United States’ mid-west. The scholarship – to study law, sports science or communications – is valued at $150,000 over four years. Eddie completed Year 12 last year and played representative basketball for Mornington Breakers as a “small forward” – even though his height is 203cm (six feet eight inches). Height runs in the family: dad Phil is six…
A HOBBY farm at Moorooduc topped Melbourne’s auction sales on Saturday 4 July when it was knocked down for $3.352 million. The single level 40 square home on 28 hectares at 675 Moorooduc Hwy was sold by Mornington and Mt Eliza agents McEwing Partners. It was described as “providing the most sublime rural lifestyle close to suburbia. A much-loved, impeccably-maintained property, the perfect opportunity to begin a new tree-change lifestyle within minutes of the skate park, football club, Peninsula Link, Mt Eliza village and prestigious schools”. The property was among 864 auctions reported to the REIV for that weekend. Online…
By Ian Munro* AS he pedals out of Dimboola with three days’ cycling from Melbourne behind him, Stan Proctor will be just beginning to enjoy himself, which is just as well because his destination will be Darwin. His experience of long distance riding tells him that by the fourth day he will be riding for the pleasure of it. “It’s pretty tough for the first three days regardless of the preparation you do,” says Proctor, who has previously ridden from Melbourne to Sydney, and on 27 September will set out to ride to Darwin. “For the first three days your…
THE Thirsty Camel liquor outlet in Nepean Highway, Mornington, was raided by an armed man on Friday afternoon. Frankston Embona Armed Robbery Task Force detectives said “some cash” was stolen and that “a weapon was involved”. It is believed a female attendant was confronted by the man at 1.40pm. He is described as aged 40-50, Caucasian, medium height and build, wearing a dark hoodie, black jeans, beanie, sunglasses and “a five-day growth”. Anyone with information is urged to contact Frankston Embona Taskforce on 9784 5590 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au First…
UPDATE: Nina has been located by the police helicopter – very wet and cold but uninjured. Taken to hospital for a check up. Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 90-year-old Frankston South woman Nina Bolaczo. Nina was last seen at her Robinsons Road address around 8.30am this morning and has not been seen since. Police and family hold concerns for her welfare as she suffers from a medical condition. Nina is perceived to be Caucasion in appearance, 160cm tall with a solid build and straight grey hair. She was last seen wearing a maroon and green striped…
HASTINGS FNC – By Phil Stone, club president THIS week saw the Hastings FNC travel down to Sorrento for a massive test through all grades, but unfortunately all sides were unable to get the job done. We now have to prepare ourselves for a massive challenge in a fortnight’s time, as a club we need to stay focused on the challenges that lie ahead. We are a resilient club and cannot wait for our next contest in a fortnight’s time against Pearcedale FNC at home, so we are expecting a good turn up from all our supporters. SENIORS We came up…
NEW speed limits have been introduced on Eramosa Rd East, Somerville. They are: A permanent 40kph limit on Eramosa Rd East from east of Woodside Cl to Frankston-Flinders Rd. It was previously 60kph with a 40kph school speed zone; 50kph on Eramosa Rd East from east of Woodside Cl to east of Almond Bush St (previously 60kph); and, 80kph on Eramosa Rd East from east of Drovers Lane to 300 metres east of Lower Somerville Rd (previously 100kph). Cr Lynn Bowden said Eramosa Rd East had a shopping area, housing, primary school and pre-school. “These land uses contribute to frequent…
AUSTRALIAN of the Year Rosie Batty has urged governments to rethink their priorities and spend more to help prevent domestic violence and help victims. A poll by Essential Research released yesterday (Monday 6 July) found 74 per cent of 1000 people surveyed across Australia believe domestic violence is as much of or more than a threat than terrorism. Just 18 per cent believed it is less of a threat. “We’re spending hundreds of millions extra on the war on terrorism, but women who fear for their safety are still being turned away from services because of a lack of funds,”…
POST work life can surprisingly be a time to begin a new career and that’s exactly what Rosebud resident Elsie Bradley has decided to do. The self-professed keen reader had turned her hand to writing and has penned her debut novel We All Have Secrets. Ms Bradley has drawn on her varied working life as an insurance agent, bookkeeper and bus conductor among many jobs and her own experiences to tell the story of a reading group of “vintage women who write a book based on their experience of growing older and enjoying the freedom it gives them to live…
UPDATE 13/7/15: JAZZ pianist Allan Zavod has been replaced by Joe Chindamo for the masterclass and concert program at Monash University’s peninsula campus on Sunday 13 September. Chindamo has been described as a musical polyglot in the tradition of Bernstein and Previn, and one of the best jazz pianists in the world. He has composed concertos, chamber music and film music; and recorded 23 CDs; collaborated with artists such as James Morrison, Ray Brown (of Oscar Peterson fame) and the Brecker Brothers. For more information and tickets, call 9568 7190. A RENOWNED concert pianist and an internationally recognised jazz keyboardist –…
POLICE last week invited religious leaders to a dinner marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast. Police said 200 hundred people attended the dinner, including more than 60 young Muslims and 50 police officers and employees. Mr Ashton said he was proud the Iftar dinner was his first official function as Chief Commissioner. “The Victoria Police Iftar dinner gives police a chance to show respect to the Islamic community whilst breaking fast and reflecting together,” he said. “Ramadan is also an opportunity for all of us, regardless of faith or background, to reflect and acknowledge the important contribution the…
WHAT’S the real story with ice? is the title of a free community forum 6.30-9pm, Tuesday 4 August, at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilsons Rd, Mornington. It is being presented by Peninsula Voice. Organiser Peter Orton says there has been a significant increase in public concern about the use of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice. “This forum will dispel some of the common myths and will counter the hysteria that has emerged in the media,” he said. “It will provide empirical evidence regarding the drug and provide people with tangible steps we can each take to move the incidence…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is drawing up a list of projects it would like to be financed through the state government’s $50 million Outer Suburban Growth Fund. The government is making the money available to 10 “interface” councils, including Mornington Peninsula. The mayor Cr Bev Colomb said the fund would “help deliver important social and economic benefits”. The other interface councils are Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges. “The interface councils group has spent a lot of time talking to the Minister [of Local Government Natalie Hutchins] about the issues and challenges we face and we…
VANDALS have destroyed hundreds of trees planted on the foreshore at Mothers Beach in Mornington twice in the same week. The trees, their stakes and plastic guards were stomped on and pushed over on Sunday night last week. Mornington Peninsula Shire contractor Naturelinks Landscape Management replanted undamaged trees and cleaned up the site last Wednesday but the trees were again vandalised the following night and removed, stakes and tree guards included. Jan Oliver of Mornington Environment Association, one of several groups working with Naturelinks to improve the town’s foreshore, said the damage was hard to comprehend. “It would appear the…
Phil Price’s large scale, wind-activated kinetic sculpture, The Tree of Life, located near the Peninsula Link Cranbourne Road exit is being dismantled much to the disappointment of people passing by. Three stunning monumental sculptures were installed along the Peninsula Link freeway in Melbourne’s South East on the 14 December 2012, before the official opening of the freeway in January 2013, as part of a unique partnership between Southern Way and McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery. As part of the biennial Southern Way McClelland Commissions, a new sculpture will be commissioned every two years until 2037, alternating between two sites on the Peninsula Link freeway.…
A 17-year-old boy has died in hospital after being hit by a car in Dromana earlier this month. It is believed the cyclist was travelling west on Nepean Highway just after midday on 17 June when he was struck by a vehicle turning from Pondorosa Place. The cyclist was thrown from his bike and the vehicle stopped nearby the scene. The 17-year-old cyclist from Mount Martha was airlifted to The Alfred hospital with serious injuries where he remains. Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have seen the bicycle or the white Ford…
CRIB POINT FC – By Jared Newton CRIB Point remain winless at home for 2015, as it suffered its second consecutive heavy defeat against Somerville over the weekend. Last year’s grand finalists are a shadow of themselves this year as they’ve been decimated with injuries and sub-par form as their season drifted away over the last few weeks. The Pies were never in the contest from the start with a six goal blitz from Somerville in the opening term putting the game out of reach early. After quarter time the Magpies toiled away but were hugely undermanned as avenues to goal…
HASTINGS FNC – By Phil Stone, club president ON Saturday, Hastings FNC ventured down to Rosebud FNC to take on a very in-form Rosebud side across all grades. Unfortunately the club had a day it would rather forget. We just have to put it behind us and look forward to this week’s clash against Sorrento FNC. Let’s make sure all our supporters get down to Sorrento and support the club in what will be a massive day. Plus that night is our Comedy Night back at the club featuring some great acts: Des Dowling – Kihne, Brad Oakes – Rove, Mick…
TRAINS will return to the Stony Point rail line today (30 June). Passenger services between Stony Point and Frankston have been suspended since early April due to technical problems which saw boom gates occasionally malfunction and fail to close when trains approached level crossings. Axle counters have been installed along the Stony Point line to ensure boom gates are triggered to close. First published in the Western Port News – 30 June 2015
A house fire was attended in George St Mornington by both Mornington and Mt Martha CFA units last night. Four trucks attended, the call came in at 11:40pm on Monday 29th June 2015. An Ambulance was there and one person was taken to hospital.
RAKU firing is a hot topic for a group ceramic artists at Rye. Raku – meaning “enjoyment” – was practiced in Kyoto, Japan, as far back as the 16th century. Vessels produced were used in the Japanese tea ceremony, most often as tea bowls. Artist Sue Sanderson said raku firing was one of the most exciting processes in ceramics. “The smoke, the fire and the excited squeals when we see the end result has made us want to share these wonderful pieces,” Sanderson said. “Pots are placed in the kiln, the firing commenced and anticipation grows for that moment when…
STUDENTS starring in Rosebud Secondary College’s musical production of Footloose had not been born when the original film version came out in 1984, with its timeless themes of teenage angst and rebellion against authority. “Footloose tells the story of Ren McCormack, a teenager who moves from Chicago to small town USA where the local minister, Reverend Shaw, has outlawed dancing and rock music,” performing arts teacher Anthea Mackenzie said. “Ren starts dating the preacher’s rebellious teenage daughter, Ariel, who joins him on his crusade to have the bans lifted so they and their friends can enjoy the pinnacle of the…