Compiled by Cameron McCulloughTHROUGH official channels we learnt that on Sunday morning last, at 2 o’clock, an attempt was made by someone to break into the Frankston post office.A youth, named Smedhurst, who was sleeping on the premises, was awakened by a noise proceeding from a window at the rear of the building.He at once sprang from his bed, naturally alarmed at the unusual sounds at such an early hour, and was just in time to observe a man decamping.The local police are investigating. Senior-Constable Elliott stated to a representative of “The Standard” on Monday that the marks of a…
Author: mpnews
Focus on local issues Candidates running for council (Candidates face more questions than there are answers, The News 8/10/24) should remember that their primary duty is to their community. The decisions of a local council member have an immediate and direct impact on local concerns, which is what matters most to their residents. By focusing on these local priorities, candidates can better serve their communities and significantly shape their future.Anne Kruger, Rye Take responsibility for your own rubbish As one who often collects rubbish from the Mt Martha cliffs and beachfront, I too despair at all the plastic, especially bottle…
A MAN who drove onto the wrong side of the Mornington Peninsula Freeway in Dromana is wanted by police. At around 7.30am on 1 October, a black Ford Ranger utility (pictured above) was seen crossing the Mornington Peninsula Freeway via the emergency access cut through. It was driven onto the wrong side of the road before exiting the freeway at the Arthurs Seat on-ramp. The car was towing a trailer with a dirt bike, bicycle, and ATV inside, police say.An image of a car police wish to investigate has been released. Anyone who recognises it can assist by contacting Rosebud…
THE Mornington & District Historical Society is celebrating 60 years of service to the Mornington district and wider Mornington Peninsula. Great vision established the museum, and 60 years of voluntary service has kept it strong. Over that time, an incredible amount of volunteer hours have gone into not just for opening the museum, but documenting and caring for the collection, answering people’s questions, speaking to various groups and helping school children be enthused and interested in history.Located at the Old Post Office Museum (corner of Main Street and the Esplanade), they are open Sundays between 12.30pm and 3pm and encourage…
FEMALE first responders and emergency service providers from across the Mornington Peninsula have strengthened their connection, as part of an emergency services networking initiative led and hosted by Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Hastings Unit.Held for the first time in late-August, the initiative saw peninsula-based female representatives from the Country Fire Authority, Volunteer Marine Rescue and Search and Rescue Dogs Australia (SARDA) come together with volunteers from the VICSES Hastings, Sorrento and Frankston Unit to further bolster relationships in the field. More than 30 women from across the peninsula turned out in support of the inaugural event, which provided an…
A BALNARRING cricketer had his son at front of mind when he chased down Don Bradman’s run tally last Friday.Alex Wadelton, a passionate runner and cricket tragic, ran nearly 7000 lengths of the pitch at Balnarring Recreation Reserve in 24 hours. He surpassed the number of runs scored by the legendary Don Bradman during his Test Cricket career.Wadelton, who was kitted out in full cricket gear, was raising money for the National Allergy Centre of Excellence at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. The cause is one close to his heart – Wadelton’s 15-year-old son Roarke suffers from life-threatening allergies.“This came…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough AN interesting case was heard at the Chelsea Court on Monday, before Messrs. Cohen, P.M., and Hunter, Bowman, Stephens, Callahan, and Beardsworth, J.’sP., when Constable T. E. Nicholls proceeded against Albert William Bates on a charge of having on the 31st May, 1924, at Edithvale, driven a motor car, on a public highway, negligently, having regard to all the circumstances of the case.Eric Bell deposed that he was proceeding by motor cycle, from Mentone to his home at Chelsea, and with him seated on the back of his cycle was Mr. E. Saw, also of Chelsea.They…
State of our Beach I moved to Safety Brach in April, 2015. It is one of the most beautiful parts of our world. Over the years I have both enjoyed walking and swimming on our beach, as well as sharing it with friends from interstate and overseas. Since the removal of the mechanical beach cleaning machines our beach now resembles a rubbish dump. Dead fish, smelly seaweed and all kinds of rubbish (plastic bottles and various unknown items). On the weekend I had family friends visit for the first time in a while. They commented on the terrible state of…
CHANGES to the design of plastic bottles will help prevent litter at local beaches and waterways, environmentalists say. Beach Patrol Australia says that plastic straws and drink bottle lids are among the most frequently littered items on Australian beaches. It says that caps tethered to plastic bottles would help prevent pollution.BPA co-founder Dr Ross Headifen said “we collect hundreds of lids on our beaches every day. By mandating tethered caps, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution, avoiding millions of bottle tops from leaking into our environments.” “Our volunteers simply can’t keep up, we need to stop plastic entering our oceans…
BUS operator Kinetic is inviting applications for the first round of its Moving Communities Fund, with grants of up to $10,000 available to successful community organisations. The company, which is the naming rights sponsor of the Frankston Dolphins home ground, has launched the fund to support community organisations, not-for-profits and other initiatives that improve the livelihoods of communities where Kinetic operates.Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards said the grants program was a natural progression in Kinetic’s efforts to support local communities and organisations. “We are incredibly privileged to be in a position to support the outstanding work being done by community…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough“IT pays to advertise,” is a trite maxim, and in so far as “The Standard” is concerned such may be taken as sound advice, but where the natural beauty or general environment of a town and district is involved, it is regrettable that the landscape – the work of the Creator of All – should be marred by hideous hoardings, the glaring and coloured inscriptions on which advocate the use of “Pink Pills for Pale People,” “Phospherine” for the weary and nerve-wracked businessman, or the use of “Sunlight” by the housewife who, on washing day desires to…
RECENT storms have caused the collapse of the staircase down to Gunnamatta beach.A Parks Victoria spokesperson told The News “We’re aware of the damage at Gunnamatta Beach following the recent storms and have discussed it with the Lifesaving Club. Signage is in place to ask people to stay away from the damaged staircase. We are waiting for the weather to improve and conditions at the beach to settle down before further action can be taken.” First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 1 October 2024
Police will prepare a report for the coroner after the body of a woman was located in the water off Cape Schanck this afternoon. Emergency services were called to the bottom of the Cape Schanck boardwalk where the woman was located in the water about 12.15pm. Police winched the woman from the water, however sadly she was already deceased. It is understood a group of three people were swept off rocks near the boardwalk and only two were able to make it back to shore safely. The death is not believed to be suspicious. https://www.police.vic.gov.au/woman-pulled-water-unresponsive-cape-schanck
Repair the Stairs Further to last week’s article (Urgent call for stair repair, The News 24/9/24) relating to the fact that the stairs to Birdrock Beach have been closed for over two years, I have two very clear and concise questions that I would like to put directly to the CEO, CFO and director of planning and environment.When closure signage was erected at the top of the stairs in late 2022, it clearly stated that “the repairs to the stair infrastructure would be considered as a proposal for inclusion within the 2024/2025 shire budget”. Why weren’t the repairs to these…
A NEW education facility nestled within the Mornington Peninsula’s very own rainforest will help students learn about the natural environment and the area’s cultural heritage.The Nearkey Biik Education and Environment Centre was formally opened at Endeavour Fern Gully, a 28-hectare National Trust property that is the peninsula’s original rainforest featuring the area’s last remaining sections of indigenous bushland south of Red Hill.The National Trust of Victoria celebrated the official opening on September 6, with the name Nearkey Biik meaning “Take Care of Country”, which was made in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. The name also reflected both…
JOSIE Jones OAM addressed community members at the Mount Martha Yacht Club last Wednesday (18 September), where she highlighted the role of public consultation in solving environmental issues.Community feedback has revealed that 78% of residents surveyed preferred hand-cleaning over mechanical raking, and found the rake to be ineffective. The meeting reaffirmed the value of engaging in meaningful public discussions about the care of beaches and why we are stuck in a cycle of litter.Jones also educated the audience on the seasonal movement of tides from April to October, clarifying misconceptions regarding the accumulation of seaweed and litter. “Seaweed, which comes…
A path forward The Friends of the Beleura Cliff Path are collaborating with the shire to convince the state government (DEECA) to help fund the repairs to the two landslip areas on the path. Ninety per cent of the path is safer than it has ever been, but we are concerned about the slow progress towards fixing the landslip areas. We accept that the shire is short of money, but there are vital steps to be done now that would cost nothing.Study of the direct causes of the two landslips was not included in the $80,000 Stantec Report, which was…
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance to help identify the driver of a ute that rammed a police car in Mount Martha earlier this month. Officers attempted to intercept the stolen orange Toyota Hilux ute near the intersection of Nepean Highway and Craigie Road about 1.30am on 13 September. After stopping momentarily, the ute turned around and intentionally rammed the side of the marked police car. The ute fled the scene and was located burnt out on Lloyd Park, Langwarrin about 1.50am. The two police officers inside the car sustained minor injuries. Investigators believe the…
THE RSPCA’s sweetest annual event Cupcake Day is back for its 16th year to raise money for the welfare for its four-legged pals. Schools, businesses, and residents of the Mornington Peninsula are being encouraged to don their aprons and help raise funds to support the RSPCA.“Cupcake Day is a wonderful way for everyone to connect with their community while making a real difference to support animals in need,” RSPCA Victoria events manager Kate Kasby said. “All funds raised go directly to our vital work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Victoria. “Your participation means the world to us and,…
GOLF enthusiasts in Mornington are getting ready to hit the green for a good cause.X-Golf Mornington (virtual indoor golf) has launched its inaugural Starlight Scramble to help brighten the lives of sick children. The fundraiser will run every day until 12 October with the national goal of funding five life-changing Starlight wishes at $7500 per wish. While X-Golf’s sights are set high at raising more than $35,000 they’re confident punters will join in to support the little ones.X-Golf’s Peter Nolan said when sick kids’ worlds are filled with hospitals and treatments, a Starlight Wish was an incredible gift of happiness.…
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal collision in McCrae on Sunday 8 September. Emergency services were called to reports of a collision between a Toyota and a Honda at the intersection of Lonsdale Street and South Road about 10am. The driver and only occupant in the Toyota, a 55-year-old man from Rosebud was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Honda, a 92-year-old Blairgowrie man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger in the Honda an 84-year-old Rosebud man was taken to hospital in a serious condition but later died in hospital…
MORE families will be able to enjoy an overnight stay at Point Nepean National Park with the expansion of the camping facilities now complete and bookings open for spring and summer.Thirteen new discovery tents within the historic Quarantine Station precinct have been installed allowing more visitors a unique and charming camping experience set among heritage buildings, and right next to beautiful rugged coastlines and beaches.Since the campground opened last year, more than 3,500 people have camped there – boosting tourism in the area and giving more people the chance to experience one of Victoria’s most fascinating national parks. The campground…
THE Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) Women Against Gender-Based Violence Group met with Federal MP for Dunkley, Jodie Belyea on 27 August to urge her help in preventing domestic and family violence.SWAN members, including Diane McDonald, Belinda Rodman, Cr Sarah Race and Maureen Donelly, say their group decided to appeal to Belyea in particular because of her proven track record in supporting women. According to the group, Crime Statistics Agency Victoria data for 2023 reported 2509 family violence incidents in Frankston and 2044 on the Mornington Peninsula (up 3.5% from 2022).The group stressed that both short-term and long-term low-cost housing…
Helping hands I am 92-years-old, disabled, and living alone in Rosebud with no family I can call on in times of need. I thought it was terrible when the bush rats moved into my garden, but then came the wind! On 1 September, the howling gale brought a huge ivy covered pine tree down into my back garden. It lay across the roof of my shed, my clothesline and back window. I rang the SES and they were helpful, removing it from my back window, chopped it up, but then had to go to another job, as they were flat…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughON Sunday afternoon last, about 3.45 o’clock, Joan Fry, a daughter of Mrs. E. Fray, proprietress of the “Tangerine” Cafe, in the Palais de Danse Buildings, Playne street, Frankston, accompanied by her younger sister, Leila, and Charlie Bunney, were crossing Bay street, Frankston, near Patroni’s Pier Hotel, when a motor cycle and side car, the driver of which was proceeding in the direction of the Mornington road, accidentally knocked down Joan, running over the child’s legs.It is alleged that the driver stopped, got off his cycle, and after a cursory examination of the little girl, remarked:“She is…
TWO brand-new public electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers have been installed in Dromana at the Pier Street carpark. Mornington Peninsula Shire announced the charging stations on 4 September after the installations were fully funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s future fuels program and private industry.Mayor Councillor Simon Brooks said it was exciting to see the growth of EV installations across the Peninsula, “making it easier for both residents and visitors alike”. “Did you know that these new charging stations will charge a standard EV from zero to 80 per cent, in under an hour?” he said. “Who knows, maybe…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough MR. W. Evans, of Dandenong road, Frankston, was attending his cow on Monday morning last, when, suddenly, the animal became vicious.It turned round and attacked him with its horns, throwing him on his back, thereafter, gored him severely.He sustained a big hole in the groin, and one in the chest, also nasty bruises. His clothes were torn to ribbons. He was attended to by Dr. Hilliard Johnson, and by reason of the extent to which Mr. Evans was injured, he is expected to be laid up for at least several weeks.At present, Mrs. Evans is suffering…
Thanks to Keith Platt for being a ‘truth seeker I would like to express my sincere thanks to editor Keith Platt for all his work at Mornington Peninsula News Group (Retirement marks the end of an era, The News 4/9/2024). His commitment to the truth and reporting the facts on issues around the Mornington Peninsula has been outstanding.We are very, very fortunate to have an independent newspaper that puts our community first, gives a voice to the people and shines a torch on individuals or organisations who require investigation.Best wishes to Keith on his retirement – he will be greatly…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing man Nassim. The 32-year-old Dromana man was last seen on Spencer Avenue, Dromana about 10am on 2 September. Nassim is about 180cm tall, with a medium build, brown eyes, and short, dark, shaved hair. He was last seen wearing a black hoody, black pants, and black runners. Police and family have concerns for Nassim’s welfare due to a medical condition. He is diagnosed with an intellectual disability and he is non-verbal. Nassim is known to frequent the Preston, Doncaster and Reservoir areas. Investigators have released an image of Nassim in…
NATIONAL Works on Paper is one of the finest art awards and exhibitions in the country, attracting Australia’s leading contemporary artists working with paper, and is on at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery until 24 November.There were 1,049 artists from across Australia who submitted entries for NWOP 2024, with 70 works shortlisted. Every state and territory is represented and for the first time, four Mornington Peninsula-based artists are finalists; Eleesa Howard, Joshua Searle, Rosie Weiss and Gidja Walker OAM. From painting, printmaking, drawing, video, sculpture and weaving, the finalists’ works explore the possibilities of paper and the personal and political power…