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…
Author: mpnews
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…
A DEDICATED team of Peninsula Health doctors and nurses have returned from a journey to Papua New Guinea as part an eight-day medical expedition led by the ‘No Roads Expeditions Foundation’.As one of the world’s most underdeveloped nations, Papua New Guinea grapples with some of the world’s worst health statistics. The country’s fragile health system, compounded by extremely poor health and immunisation outcomes, means there are difficulties accessing adequate health services and facilities.“I was eager to join in on another health expedition in Papua New Guinea as a way of giving to communities that I know are in desperate need,”…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughUNDER very tragic circumstances, the death of Mr. Walter Victor Fitzsimmons, fish merchant, of Bay street, Frankston, occurred on Sunday morning last. The deceased was a young, returned soldier of 27, and served five years in the war.About 10.15 o’clock on the morning in question, the deceased left his house in company with Mr. George Whittingham, also a local resident of the town, with the intention of going out to fish.When they reached the Kananook creek, the boat was half-full of water. After bailing the water out of the craft, they dragged it through the sand for…
Gatehouse’s mismanagement Whoever is responsible for the upkeep of this heritage listed and protected building should be ashamed (Demolition order issued for historic gatehouse, The News 20/8/24). The people of the Mornington Peninsula, together with all Australians, trust you to preserve our history especially the old buildings, and we have been let down.I pass the gatehouse at least three times a week and over the past 20 years have noticed the gatehouse, surrounding entrance, including the adjacent period fencing has deteriorated to its present condition.A couple of kilometres down the highway towards Mornington an historic iron fence was damaged when…
DEVOTED Dad and CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre Ben Smith was awarded the 2024 Victorian Father of the Year honour at a special ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on Friday (30 August). The Mornington resident was honoured for his community advocacy and deep love for his family.Every day, Smith’s team hosts meals and provides support for those in need. The team strives to understand each person’s challenges and support them towards finding stability and long-term solutions. The current financial climate has seen more people through the doors at Mornington Community Support Centre than ever before. “I am sincerely…
ROSEBUD has been named as one of Australia’s top ten places to retire.Financial technical company Citro says research into retirement destinations showed Rosebud came sixth out of 30 based on such “key factors” as affordability, access to quality health care and a range of lifestyle options. Citro said that with a population of more than 14,000, Rosebud offered “a laidback allure, beachside living and a busy and welcoming community”.Armidale in New South Wales, Ingham, Queensland and Maryborough, Victoria top the rankings as potential retirement destinations.Citro predicted that “regional lifestyle property markets will flourish as more Australians than ever hit retirement…
NEW mum Jessica Baguley was pleased to learn that her newborn daughter Poppy’s birth will help save the life of a helpless baby in Uganda. Jessica’s obstetrician Dr Natalie Elphinstone makes a donation to a charity called Baby Watoto for each baby that she delivers, after discovering the plight of orphaned babies and vulnerable mothers in Watoto, Uganda.Dr Elphinstone gave Jessica a hippopotamus toy, handmade in the Watoto Village, as a keepsake and reminder of this special gift. “I feel so good knowing that my daughter’s birth has helped another pregnant woman and baby who are less fortunate,” said Baguley.…
Police have arrested a woman from Carrum Downs and a woman from Mornington in relation to an alleged stabbing in Cranbourne.Police allege that at around 8.40pm on 25 August, a pair tried and failed to carjack a woman on Sladen Street. The duo then allegedly stabbed a 35-year-old man on Lurline Street before stealing his car and driving it to Pakenham.The stabbing victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital.Police arrested two women later that night. In a statement, Victoria Police said detectives “are currently speaking to a 33-year-old Mornington woman and a 28-year-old Carrum Downs woman in relation…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough “HULLO! Earth!” was the startling greeting received by the writer who had established himself with a wireless set in the Baxter hills during the weekend. Then ensued the following dialogue:“Who’s speaking?”“Mars!” came the reply.“How are things going on with you up there?”“Good-o!” replied Mars, who was then asked to give a Martian opinion on the earth’s affairs, with which he proved himself to be in close touch.In the course of a long reply, he said:“From our viewpoint; up here, the most-notable recent event on earth was the real attempt to settle the vexed questions in Europe.…
The Briars ‘deals’ continue despite review Never mind the ‘review’, it seems Harry Potter’s spell remains on deals at The Briars! As some will know, a proposal to conduct a pilot at The Briars has been pushed in a public petition. There has been no public consultation, no open market process, and a report was tabled at last night’s meeting (20 August) as yet another ‘confidential’ item, bound in secrecy.After I called a division on the vote to consider this item in secret (division means to record how people vote), I’m stoked that most councillors rejected this attempt to push…
POLICE have experienced a rise in aggravated burglaries across the Mornington Peninsula and are pleading with residents to lock their doors. Local police intelligence indicates almost 65 per cent of peninsula homes targeted by offenders this year were unlocked. A further 20 per cent were unsuccessful attempts, when would-be thieves tried doors and windows, but realised they were secured.Police across the Mornington Peninsula are targeting burglars in the area, who are taking advantage of both unlocked homes and unoccupied holiday homes in the cooler months. A man accused of 16 home and commercial burglaries, as well as stealing and breaking…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors are backing moves to reduce speed limits on roads surrounding a “hidden gem of the peninsula”. Four of the five roads – Hodgins, Derril, Graydens and Stumpy Gully – either border or traverse Devilbend Reserve, while the fifth road, Tuerong leads to the reserve from Old Moorooduc Road.At their public meeting on 6 August councillors agreed with 226 signatories to a petition calling for speed limits on the five roads to be reduced to 60kph. Traffic and transport team leader Brett Whitwam said the five roads were included in an investigation already underway into speed limits…
THE Hastings-based Dolphin Research Centre says there is a growing need for understanding the presence and absence of whales along the Victorian coastline to help inform decisions on proposed offshore developments.The DRI hosts the citizen science Two Bays Whale Project to record sightings of whales in Victorian waters and in 2020, started the Two Bays Tracker program to monitor whales, or their absence, through timed surveys. “Data collected in this program can help provide up-to-date information on the movement of whales, particularly providing a better understanding of the seasonality of humpback whale migration,” research fellow at the DRI Ella Hutchinson…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s Music Industry Summit on Monday 12 August was a day of collaboration and connection for our music industry. The event, held across five venues in Mornington, brought together prominent musicians, music venues, and industry professionals who shared their invaluable insights and expertise in workshops and panel discussions throughout the day.Attracting some heavy hitters from the Australian music industry, such as Frontier Touring director Gerard Schlaghake, Brad Hinds from OzTix, singer-songwriter Katie Noonan, rocker Dallas Frasca, and Something for Kate’s Clint Hyndman, delegates learned about current trends and opportunities.Panel discussions were lively and centred on various issues currently…
It was a grand homecoming for Dromana’s Olympic bronze medallist, Caitlin Parker on Saturday (18 August).There was plenty of green and gold during a street parade in her honour, followed by a luncheon, and capped off with her tossing the coin at Dromana Football Club’s last home game for the season.Parker has cemented her place in history by being the first Australian medallist in female boxing. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 21 August 2024
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughABOUT 3 o’clock on Sunday afternoon, Mr. John Sloan, J.P., of Orrong Road, Toorak, was driving a Benz car along Playne street, Frankston, in a westerly direction, when he observed another car, driven by Mr. Kenneth Harper, from Mordialloc, proceeding eastwards on the Melbourne road.At the somewhat dangerous intersection the cars collided head on. Both were badly smashed, the estimated damage being £170.Fortunately, the occupants of the respective cars escaped without sustaining injury.Later, Mr. Sloan, J.P., made the following signed statement to the local police. “At about 3pm, I was driving along Playne Street in a westerly…
Toilet closures unacceptable I was flabbergasted to read the article (Cr Holland creates stink with toilet motion, The News, 7/8/24) outlining Cr David Gill’s attempt to raise the issue of closed toilet facilities on the Mornington Peninsula. This seems a perfectly reasonable motion from Cr Gill, yet not one councillor supported the motion. And for Cr Steve Holland to consider an amendment to the motion accusing Cr Gill of wasting everybody’s time, is extraordinary. For Cr Holland’s information, there are many people who read our local newspaper – sometimes that is the only way we find out what is going…
MOOROODUC Fire Brigade last week took delivery of a heavy tanker and an ultra heavy tanker to increase its firefighting capabilities.MP for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh joined brigade members and representatives from the Country Fire Authority to handover the tankers and thank volunteers for their service to the community.Valued at $460,000, the heavy tanker is one of 48 being rolled out by the state government to brigades across the state. The heavy tanker includes features to help reduce firefighter fatigue, including electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels.The government also provided 29 ultra heavy tankers, including the one at Moorooduc,…
JANE Edmanson, a presenter on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia, handed out cuttings from her own garden when speaking to members of the Peninsula Parkinson’s Peer Support Group at Mount Martha last Tuesday (6 August). The cuttings, delivered in time for spring planting, were made as Edmanson acknowledged the problems of planting coastal areas.“I love coming to the Mornington Peninsula, but I know gardening here can be a challenge,” she said when speaking at Mount Martha Community House. “There are lots of vagaries. It’s often very windy, and salt spray can be damaging to plants. Sandy soil can also be a…
SKATEBOARD and scooter riders are being invited to have a say on designs for a $1 million upgrade to the Rye skate park. Skate park design company Playce has been hired by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to improve the existing design. The design was drawn up after skaters met with shire officers and the Playce team during several workshops last year. The resulting design is open for public comment until 4 September.The first stage of the upgrade includes making the skate park suitable for beginners, including such street skate elements as mini ramps, banks, blocks, manual pads and rails. The…
THE latest in advanced radiation therapy treatment will soon be available closer to home for cancer patients on the Mornington Peninsula, with leading cancer care provider, Icon Cancer Centre announcing it will provide radiation oncology services at The Bays Cancer Care Centre. It will be the first in the Mornington Peninsula Shire to provide radiation therapy services.Currently under construction, the centre will be equipped with a state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator (linac), providing stereotactic radiation therapy, tattoo-less radiation therapy for breast cancer patients, along with world-leading HyperArc technology for patients with secondary brain tumours.These cutting-edge radiation therapy techniques will deliver…
Non-equal rights for shire voters In federal and state elections, those enrolled may vote in only one seat, the one in which they reside. The Victorian Parliament has enacted a new law which ensures that residents on the roll of any of its electorates are also automatically placed on the voters list of the municipality within it, where they live, but proprietors of businesses and owners of properties such as holiday homes in that municipality are required to make their own arrangements to be placed on the voters roll.This means that all federal voters have equal opportunity to influence federal…
MORNINGTON Peninsula boxer Caitlin Parker is bringing home a bronze medal after making it to the final four in the women’s 75kg division at the Paris Olympic Games. The win makes Parker the first ever Australian medallist in female boxing.Parker began her campaign in the round of 16 with a unanimous points decision over Mexican boxer Citlalli Ortíz.In her round of eight bout, she fought Moroccan boxer Khadija Mardi. The Moroccan was taller than Parker with an impressive reach, but Parker held her own and ended up taking the bout in a split decision. The win propelled Parker into the…