DOCTOR Geoff Wicks had 100 reasons to celebrate last week when he notched up his century. Born on 11 November 1924, Wicks has lived in Mornington for over 63 years. Wicks, who served in the Air Force in World War Two, first arrived as a locum GP to work at the Mornington Main Street Clinic in 1954, before heading to England to further his studies. He returned to work as the first obstetrician and gynaecologist on the Mornington Peninsula, based in Mornington, from 1959. Many of his patients were cared for at The Bays (previously known as Mornington Bush Nursing…
Author: mpnews
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughTHE mineral possibilities of Frankston are not fully realised,and in that direction it is interesting to learn that during last week some attractive specimens of copper ore were discovered on Mr. Norman W. Clement’s property, Hastings road, about two to three feet from the surface of the ground.Mr. Clements states that while it may not be rich enough to work, it is only natural to assume it should be better lower from the surface. Frankston Police CourtBefore Messrs. Grant (chairman), Armstrong, Brown, and Cr. Gray, J.’s P.).CHARGE OF VAGRANCYAt the above Court yesterday morning, a derelict in…
Pothole of the week I would like to propose a Mornington Peninsula community pothole competition!Readers send in photographs with Mornington Peninsula News Group being the judge.Could I suggest a prize of perhaps small spade and bucket?My photo was taken today on the Mornington/Flinders road not far from Flinders.A real tyre buster! Ranald Macdonald, Flinders Why overcomplicate it? I have been emailing the shire since January 2023 with suggestions as to fixing the damages sections of the Briars boardwalk (Calls for boardwalk fix as shire proposes options, The News 14/11/24) after the wild weather back in 2020 where a section was…
THE 10th consecutive Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia Toy Run will be held at Tyabb Airport on Saturday 7 December.Last year over 800 toys were donated to the Foods for All charity, to be distributed to the less privileged kids on the peninsula. Around 1000 people visited the airport during the day. This year Western Port Community Support will be the recipient of the donated toys. All toys are gratefully received, and particularly those appealing to the age range of eight to 14 year olds.The Peninsula Aero Club will provide a display of warbird and antique vintage aircraft, open to…
FIVE footy mates have completed an epic journey cycling across Australia with the aim to raise money and awareness for mental health. Break the Cycle consists of five middle aged men – Tim Allen, Guy Stringer, Brent Loughrey, Ben Adam and Tony Lockett, who have pushed through physical and mental boundaries, riding 3,500km from Perth to Melbourne in 19 days. “Our challenge aims to support our community and make a difference by fundraising for not-for-profit organisations Speak & Share, It’s okay not to be okay, and Peninsula Health network,” said participant Brent Loughrey “Together, we can create a community that…
Students at Balnarring Primary School are rolling up their sleeves as they prepare for Schools Clean Up Day early next year. With tongs, buckets and gloves in hand, students are excited for the environmental event to be held on February 28 – with registrations having opened on 4 November. The event, which celebrates its 35th anniversary next year, is one of the most practical ways to engage kids in litter prevention, sustainability, community, and teamwork.Balnarring Primary School has a Balnarring Way program to care for the environment. They are a litter free school who run whole school working bees at…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough DURING the Great War of 1914-18 many soldiers – typical Britishers in every sense of the term – found themselves on the “mat” facing the O.C. and his tribe.Incidentally, it may be mentioned that on Thursday night last, at the Frankston Palais, some of the local councillors were forced to face the music on another kind of mat before a righteously indignant body of representative ratepayers.Further, and while the conflagration in the European area was making history, Court Martials were of frequent occurrence. Sometimes it transpired that an astute N.C.O., in defence, cited King’s regulations, non-existent.“Good…
The scene of the crime When you throw out your rubbish, do you know where it goes? It’s like sweeping dust under a rug – just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s gone. The rubbish gets taken to a landfill where it’s buried in the ground, but it stays there, polluting the earth for years, sometimes forever. Plastic can stay buried for millions of years, hurting the planet as if giving it a good hard jab.Instead of hiding our waste, we should try to recycle and reuse more. Otherwise, we’re just leaving a big mess for future generations…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough BEFORE Cr. W. Stephens, (Deputy Coroner) an inquest was held at the Carrum police station on Wednesday last; to enquire into the circumstances surrounding, the, death of Stanley Ralph Carr, who was drowned on the previous Monday in a water hole at the junction of two drains near McLeod road.Constable Feehan conducted the case for the Department.The first witness, William Carr, father of deceased, residing at Station street, deposed that on the 3rd inst. he went to the scene of the fatality. There he saw four boys, one of whom was unknown to him.Constable Feehan: They…
‘The News’ not the place to debate international issues I am not clear why correspondents (R. Steiner and H. van Leeuwen et al) feel the need to prosecute the merits or otherwise of any foreign nation generally – and Israel in particular – in the pages of The News.I am not clear why the atrocious conflict in Sudan is not arousing the same passion… Or the deaths of 17 children in 2023/24 who were known to Victorian Child Protection Services is not arousing the same levels outrage.I am clear that the UN is not a bastion of moral clarity, but…
THIS November, Australia’s leading swim school GOswim at Yawa Aquatic Centre has partnered with Bondi Rescue lifeguard Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins for the nation’s largest water safety and learn to swim campaign of the year. The ‘Float to Survive with GOswim’ initiative aims to spread the message on how to stay afloat in emergency aquatic situations ahead of summer, starting with 60,000 GOswim students across Australia.The campaign comes in response to alarming figures from the 2024 National Drowning Report, which shows drownings have increased by 16% over the past year compared to the 10-year average, with the Mornington Peninsula LGA also…
By Kennedy McCullough AN estimated 580 women couch surf, sleep in their cars or sleep rough every night on the Mornington Peninsula. The high cost of living makes rent unaffordable for single women, whether they have children or not, with pandemic-induced population growth and short-stay tourism worsening the situation. Coupled with insufficient government-funded crisis shelters, a desperate need has arisen to support at-risk women and children on the Mornington Peninsula.Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) have begun the process of establishing their first Victorian-based shelter on the peninsula. It will provide crisis accommodation for up to 70 clients within the first year…
THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has investigated discoloured water emanating from a drain in Mt Martha, which is believed to be linked to terracotta roof tiles being washed down at a nearby property.EPA southern metropolitan regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema confirmed officers had investigated the murky orange discolouration in Balcombe Creek at the Harrap Road crossing. The orange discolouration extended about 50 metres downstream.“It is likely to be from terracotta roof tiles being washed down, with the wash-water escaping into the stormwater system. We conducted a thorough drive around the nearby residential area but could not identify a likely source,” said…
A BALNARRING-based charity providing support for disadvantaged families, unpaid carers, children with disabilities and women recovering from family violence, has celebrated 35 years on the Mornington Peninsula. To mark the milestone occasion, Saltbush Balnarring Beach threw open its doors on Saturday 19 October, welcoming more than 250 visitors to an open day to showcase its property and services.“The open day was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work we’ve been doing on the property; the impact it makes to those we serve and to share our vision for a future where we offer a link between a healthy natural environment…
WITH the summer boating season fast approaching, Safe Transport Victoria is calling on all boaters, jet-skiers, and paddle boarders to prioritise vessel maintenance and to familiarise themselves with waterway safety rules.Two boating safety initiatives have been launched including a new partnership between Safe Transport Victoria and the maritime smartphone app DECKEE, and the seasonal Back to Basics program. The partnership provides Victorian boaters with a smarter way to get information on mandatory safety equipment and waterway rules that are relevant to their location and vessel type, thanks to the GPS capabilities of DECKEE.DECKEE shows weather forecasts, wave and tide information,…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough IT is compatible with sound reason and commonsense that an immediate investigation be made into the disastrous financial position in which the Frankston and Hastings Shire Council is placed at the present juncture of events.Bluff, and continued camouflage, of the most flagrant order, has been the keynote which certain councillors have persistently struck for some time past, while the lost chord element of procedure, at the monthly meetings has, of recent date, become so pronounced that “John Citizen” is now demanding an explanation of the strange conduct of the old and tired civic fathers in respect…
GLENN Browne was a merchant seaman for almost 20 years. He sailed the world on all sorts of vessels and had salt air in his blood. He believed his future would be working on ships until he was too old to walk the gangway. But one day in August 2020, his entire life turned upside down.“I woke up with a pain in my jaw, but I didn’t think much of it. I drove to a mate’s bakery and clipped another car on the way. It was very unlike me to have an accident. “When I arrived at the bakery, I…
A MT MARTHA family has taken Halloween festivities to spine-tingling heights after turning their front yard into a frightful spectacle.“It’s something we do every year and it’s gotten bigger and bigger every year; we just love it because it just brings the whole community together,” Sarah said of her Lynch Court home. “Every year we get about 400 trick-or-treaters … you can’t even drive down the street, there’s just kids everywhere.” Sarah said her kids Harvey (pictured), Hadley and Hugo look forward to Halloween for all the adventure it creates. The home’s un-boo-lievable display covers the whole front lawn and…
Time for shire to seek financial solutions There is no doubt that the shire is headed for the perfect storm financial crisis. They are being hit with the same cost of living pressures that we are. Recently I have been hit with two insurance increases of 26% and after almost doubling last year, my gas rates have increased between 18% to 23% from August.Rate capping certainly plays a part, just like my pension increases do not cover my increased costs. At the time, rate capping was the only way to stop the abuse of raising rates by the sire and…
Somerville Highway Patrol officers are appealing for public assistance following a hit-run in Capel Sound on Wednesday. Police were called to Point Nepean Road following reports a motorbike rider had been struck by a car about 6pm. It is believed the driver of a grey SUV hit the motorbike rider while they were turning into a driveway. The rider, a 24-year-old Capel Sound man, sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. The driver of the SUV fled the scene without stopping to render assistance and was last spotted heading towards Tootgarook. It is believed the Volkswagen may…
MOONLIT Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park and Western Port Biosphere have joined forces to launch a new project to save the region’s precious koala population. Named the Western Port Koala Corridor Project, the initiative aims to create a network of trees throughout the UNESCO listed Western Port Biosphere to allow koalas and other vulnerable species to move safely between areas of bushland. The project will also address the growing threats faced koalas as their numbers have rapidly dropped due to habitat destruction, disease, dog attacks, and road hazards.To help support their populations, the project is seeking to engage dedicated community volunteers…
FOR over 75 years, The Portsea Camp has been a haven and lifeline for thousands of children, providing support to disadvantaged and vulnerable kids through tailored wellness programs and camps.Property developer and philanthropist Max Beck is once again leading the charge with his fellow cyclists to raise vital funds for the “Making a Difference” programs at the camp. Starting the Sorrento Bay Riders 30 years ago, Beck and his fellow riders have raised over $1 million for various charitable organizations. This year, they are on an urgent mission as more and more children seek the services of The Portsea Camp.…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughAN unauthenticated statement reached “The Standard” office yesterday to the effect that the Government contemplated expending £20,000 in providing for the drainage of the area between Beach street, Frankston, and Seaford farm lands.Our informant also stated that a similar sum was to be expended in Carrum.If correct this will be a great boon to residents in the districts mentioned. The scheme, it is said, provided for taking all the flood water into Kananook Creek.Last week the Minister of Public Works, at the invitation of the Carrum Council, visited the Carrum flood areas.Cr. Wells moved at last Council…
Embrace cultural heritage instead of a luge I do love the Letters page! It stimulates community debate and better ideas. After reading ‘Support the RAP’ (Ralph Catts) and ‘Don’t mention the luge’ (John Weir) in last week’s Letters page, I came up with a better proposal for The Eagle development.Arthurs Seat was called Wonga before colonisation. The history and culture of the local Bunurong/ Boon Wurrung people is awe-inspiring and important. It is of great interest to locals and tourists alike. It can be explored in an environmentally friendly way and is relevant for Australia today. An Aboriginal Heritage and…
MUSICIANS from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) will be performing at Elgee Park in a special two-concert event, as part of their multi-year collaboration.Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Study Storage exhibition in the Elgee Park Gallery, this is an unmissable opportunity to enjoy the fusion of exceptional music and stunning art. The Study Storage exhibition showcases a diverse selection of artworks collected by the family, spanning different eras, tastes, and acquisition budgets. This eclectic mix provides the perfect setting for a memorable musical experience.Between the two performances, complimentary afternoon tea will be served, and Elgee Park…
VICTORIA Police is investigating a suspicious fire at a Safety Beach home after it went up in flames on 14October. Emergency services were called to reports of a house fire on Dromana Parade about 9pm. A police spokesperson said the fire caused significant damage to the house. “There was nobody inside the houseat the time of the fire,” the spokesperson said but added, “at this stage the fire is being treated as suspicious”. The double-storey brick house was “well-alight” when about 30 CFA firefighters arrived. Eight CFA trucks from Dromana,Mt Martha and Rosebud were on scene with the fire brought…
Missing Persons Squad detectives have located what appear to be human remains as part of their ongoing investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Rosebud man Jake Bradford. The yet to be formally identified remains were found about 10.30am in remote bushland off Dollar-Woorarra West Road in Dollar on Tuesday (15 October). Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad, Major Crime Scene Unit and Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine specialists travelled to the site this morning. The coroner has been advised and a postmortem will occur in due course. 21-year-old Jake was reported missing by his mother on 29 January, 2023. Investigators…
AMBULANCE Victoria is reminding people to update their asthma action plans to stay safe as the weather warms up.Ambulance Victoria (AV) director of emergency management Justin Dunlop said creating an asthma action plan was an easy and potentially lifesaving step. “It’s simple – visit your GP and they can create a plan with you,” he said. “Everyone’s asthma action plan will look different, and it will help you manage your condition, ensuring you don’t find yourself in an emergency. “Follow your asthma action plan, and most importantly, if a person is having difficulty breathing and their reliever medicine is not…
By Mechelle CheersExciting news for Rye residents and visitors! The very popular Rye foreshore will now finally get its long-awaited makeover. The Shire has advertised for tenders to undertake the work which is expected to start in March 2025.The Rye community might recall back in January 2020, a combination of Council funds and a State Government grant meant a total of $6.5million became available to implement the Rye Foreshore Plan (Grant gives Rye chance for new lease on life, The News 18/2/2020). Its implementation has taken much longer than anyone expected, with a few hiccups along the way, but it…
THE Peninsula Surfriders Club (SRC) have celebrated a significant achievement after claiming the top spot in the 2024 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) regional qualifier.Hosted at the iconic Smith Beach on Phillip Island on October 6, surfers battled it out with waves of two to three feet high. The first semi-final saw 13th Beach and Torquay start off evenly matched, with both teams’ first surfers scoring high 6-point rides. Then, Torquay’s second surfer, Xavier Huxtable, broke the tie with a 7.27-point ride for two big backhand hooks. But with five out of their six waves scored, Peninsula were comfortably in…