TUCKED away in a room at Mt Martha Community House is a little group about to notch up it’s 50th year.Mt Martha Model Railway Club Inc was founded in 1975 and has run continuously with only the occasional derailments, one of which was covid.“We run train afternoons every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 – 4. And soon we are starting a Saturday afternoon session from 2 – 4,” said president of the model railway club, Bob Geeves.“We are a member of the Men’s Shed organisation, and it is mostly men who come along,” said Bob. “To be honest, we don’t…
Author: mpnews
Engaging with decision makers about homelessness SWAN (Southern Women’s Action Network) was pleased to host Mornington MP Chris Crewther at last week’s meeting as we continue our housing crisis campaign. It has been encouraging to meet with both Chris Crewther and Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh. We appreciate their willingness to discuss the escalating homelessness crisis on the Mornington Peninsula.We were interested to hear about the possibility of implementing a “room to spare” program which would match those in need of shorter-term accommodation with homeowners offering space in their homes or unoccupied holiday houses. Another idea was incentivising a tiny…
A TELECOMMUNICATIONS tower has been approved on green wedge land in Stumpy Gully Road, Balnarring, by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.Senior planner Alex Harrison, in a report to council’s Monday 15 July public meeting, said the design of the tower was intended to protect the amenity of the surrounding area with setbacks from residential properties.The application, which was on public notice in late 2022 and received 21 objections and a 200-signature petition, was called in by Cr David Gill for a decision by the council.Under state government laws passed in November 2022, councils have limited ability to knock back telecommunications towers,…
ALLAN Barnes has enjoyed many great days at Rye, as a champion rover in the late 1980’s and early 90’s, where he played 169 senior games. Winning the Division 1 league best and fairest award in 1992 and the Rye Football Club senior best and fairest award in 1988. But he reckons nothing will top what happened a few weeks back, when Rye played Devon Meadows and all four of his sons played in the Rye senior side.Clayton (24), Mitchell (21), Justin (18) and Tyson (16), took the field, creating history as the first time at Rye Football Club that…
RYE Pier is back open to the public. After months of anticipation and dedicated work by Parks Victoria, the iconic pier has been beautifully restored and is now ready to welcome visitors again.The restoration has revived the pier’s historic charm and introduced several exciting new features. Among the highlights are the interpretive signs installed along the pier, which showcase the area’s rich marine life. These signs provide fascinating information about the local sea creatures, making your visit enjoyable and educational.In addition to the interpretive signage, new benches crafted by the Point Nepean Men’s Shed have been strategically placed along the…
NEW 4K video cameras will help doctors at The Bays Hospital in Mornington perform keyhole surgeries and endoscopies.The hospital has spent $1.2 million upgrading its theatre complex this year. Its two new portable 4K cameras will allow doctors to take better images for diagnostic purposes and to show patients afterwards.A new fleet of endoscopes, including gastroscopes and colonoscopes, were purchased by the hospital this year for the upgrade. In a statement, The Bays Hospital said “endoscopes now feature artificial intelligence functionality, which aids in the early detection and identification of polyps.”The Bays Healthcare Group CEO Jade Phelan said the upgrades…
Renewables are right Mornington MP Chris Crewther’s parliamentary speech on 20 June glossed over and ignored problems with nuclear power as an energy source.Australia is the driest inhabited continent and, in the southeast and southwest of the country, it is getting even drier. Nuclear power plants require huge amounts of water to stay safely cooled. At Three Mile Island, United States, a cooling malfunction caused part of the core to melt, destroying a reactor. At Fukushima, Japan, the failed power supply disabled cooling systems causing all three reactor cores to melt. Overseas, drought has forced reactors to shut down. The…
MORNINGTON student Geena Davy has jumped her way to a gold medal at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Fiji. The 17-year-old, who attends Balcombe Grammar School, has now been crowned the under 18 Oceania long jump champion.Geena had to overcome challenging conditions and ill health to triumph over Adelaide’s Lilly Smart, coming out on top with a jump of 5.95 metres. “At this level of competition, there are no easy jumps,” said Geena’s coach Jason Hodson. “There was just a few centimetres separating the top competitors and each athlete had to push the boundaries to get the best results in…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE other day, a lady was walking along by the dangerous cutting at the top of Oliver’s Hill. There is no foot path at the danger-zone in question, and, moreover, the lady was carrying a suit case.A fast-speeding motor car whizzed past the lady, and nearly knocked the satchel out of her hand.The incident, naturally, caused her to experience an unpleasant shock to her nervous system.Alternatively speaking, if the car had been a few inches more on the side of the portion of the road she was traversing it is obvious that a serious accident would…
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man with 41 offences following a series of aggravated burglaries and commercial burglaries on the Mornington Peninsula. It’s alleged the incidents occurred between 17 June and 17 July, 2024 including: • A burglary at a supermarket in Blairgowrie on 28 June where cigarettes and a charity tin were stolen. • A burglary at a general store on 2 July where cigarettes were stolen. • A burglary at a liquor store on 13 July where cigarettes and liquor were stolen. At least $70,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen during the burglaries. Investigators…
Mornington Peninsula Criminal Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following the theft of a tractor from a vegetable farm in West Pearcedale last month. Unknown offenders have attended the market garden of the property on South Boundary Road about 12.30am on Saturday, 22 June. The offenders have then stolen the large, green, 2000 Model John Deere 5075E tractor with registration XW57BA. Investigators have released an image of the $60,000 tractor and CCTV captured from a neighbouring property showing the stolen piece of machinery being driven north on South Boundary Road towards Baxter-Tooradin Road. Police are appealing for public assistance to help…
THE life, times and environmental benefits of bandicoots will be explained at the next meeting of the Red Hill South Landcare Group.Eilish Roberts, southern brown bandicoot outreach officer at Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, works to help protect this once widespread marsupial and support local communities in creating bandicoot-friendly suburbs.When digging and scratching while foraging for food bandicoots make “beds” for seeds to germinate and help break down organic matter in which other organisms can live.The public is invited to attend the bandicoot talk which will precede the Landcare group’s annual general meeting, starting at 2pm on Saturday 20 July at…
Somerville Highway Patrol members were left severely disappointed when a driver blew almost five times the legal alcohol limit after colliding with another vehicle in Dromana last night. To make matters worse two children under 10 were passengers in the alleged offending vehicle. Emergency services were called to reports a Mitsubishi Wagon had failed to navigate a turn onto Boundary Road and crashed into an oncoming vehicle about 5.30pm. The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 41-year-old Dromana woman tested positive for alcohol at the scene and subsequently returned an evidentiary breath test reading of 0.234. Fortunately, the collision resulted in…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough ON Monday last, Mr. Mark Brody, the well-known land and estate agent, of Frankston, had a bright item of news to tell a representative of “The Standard.”The previous week a little bird whispered to Mr. Brody that the anniversary of Mr. Priest’s birthday was on the wing, and the ever-wide-awake “Mark,” as he likes to be called, hit upon the idea that a surprise party would be just the thing to “fill the bill.”So he approached Mr. W. G. Wells, who supplies excellent joints of choice beef for his many customers, and that urbane gentleman said…
Disappointment at Peace Walk reporting We were very disappointed to read the article about our walk (Peace Walk Concern, The News 9/7/24). As the organisers of Peninsula Peace Walk for Palestine, we informed the police that we were planning a peace walk four days before the event. We had several conversations with police officers at Frankston, Hastings and Mornington police stations. We also welcomed the attendance of four police officers at our walk.Peninsula Peace Walk for Palestine is for people on the Mornington Peninsula who want to show their support for the Palestinian people in a peaceful way. Furthermore, the…
MOONLIT Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park in Pearcedale opened its new reptile centre on Thursday, 4 July. The sanctuary’s newest attraction includes venomous snakes, pythons, a freshwater crocodile, green tree frogs, and a range of lizards in purpose-built reptile habitats.Each habitat in the new reptile centre has been designed to cater to the specific needs of its inhabitants, with precise requirements for temperature, humidity, water quality, and lighting. The centre has seven climate-controlled zones that provide basking, climbing, and camouflage areas. The enclosures replicate south-eastern bushland, Central Australia, and the scrubland of Western Australia.The sanctuary’s owner and director Michael Johnson said…
SIGNS promoting “hidden treasures” on French Island are among 200 projects to be paid for by the state government in metropolitan and regional towns having fewer than 5000 residents.“Western Port Biosphere has received $8000 to deliver informative and visually striking signs for French Island to highlight the hidden treasurers that the island possesses,” Hastings MP Paul Mercurio said.A further $50,000 would go to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for a new amenities block at Bittern Community Hall. The shire would add another $50,000 towards the block.Mercurio said the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund would “make our smallest communities even better places…
ALMOST 2700 people were arrested for family violence offences between January and June this year across the Mornington Peninsula and south-east, in a major police blitz targeting some of Melbourne’s most impacted areas.More than 7500 charges were laid across the peninsula as well as Cardinia, Casey, Frankston and Greater Dandenong.The strong police focus to start the year included proactive checks on known offenders and victims to increase the chances of family violence being detected. Last financial year the suburbs of the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Cardinia, Casey, and Greater Dandenong accounted for 70 per cent of violence-related offences across Victoria.The Mornington…
ART works featuring best furry friends of all shapes and sizes will be on show at Oak Hill Gallery, Mornington, this month.The Pet Project has an extraordinary range of entries, celebrating the bond between humans and animals. Curator Annette Dawson said visitors would be “enchanted by a diverse collection of artworks, including whimsical paintings, intricate sculptures, and captivating photographs. Works ranging from emerging to established artists will offer a couple of newcomers to the artistic scene who have already made a splash”.One entry, exhibited for the first time by Hastings artist Fran Henke, was created 15 years ago while she…
Approach nuclear option with necessary caution While nuclear power proponents emphasise the longevity and potential of nuclear plants, several critical issues warrant caution (Debate nuclear power, Letters 2/7/24). The initial cost of nuclear power is substantial and while it is suggested this is an investment, the financial burden on taxpayers cannot be ignored. Government ownership of nuclear plants does not eliminate the risks and high costs of maintenance, security, and waste disposal. These expenses could strain public resources, diverting funds from other essential services.The lifespan of 80 to 100 years for nuclear plants overlooks the risks associated with ageing infrastructure.…
A RARE and endangered orchid once found in parts of the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston was last week given a helping hand to return, thanks to a team of experts and passionate volunteers. The Frankston spider orchid, Caladenia robinsonii, is regarded as being critically endangered, with 347 plants remaining in Frankston, Rosebud and Rye as a result of habitat destruction.Laboratory-raised plants from the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria nursery have been reintroduced to their natural habitat on the peninsula with the assistance of staff, and volunteers from the La Trobe Botany Society and ANOS Vic.Lead researcher Dr Noushka Reiter, senior research…
DROMANA engineering apprentice, Callum Robertson, was named Apprentice of the Year at the 10th annual Chisholm Award on Tuesday 25 June for his work with STEG Engineering and his mechanical engineering studies at TAFE’s Dandenong campus.Robertson’s TAFE teachers said he had a passion for engineering, always tried to achieve and had invented some engineering tools to solve problems. They described his technical skills and proficiency with machinery as excellent.“I just go about doing what I’m trained to do … but if I’m going to do a job, I’ll give it my best shot,” Robertson said.Chisholm communications spokesperson Allison Troth said…
MORNINGTON Peninsula CIU detectives are investigating a ram raid on the IGA at Blairgowrie last Friday. It is believed a white, single cab utility reversed into the front of the supermarket on Point Nepean Road around 5.45am. No one was inside the store at the time.The offender then stole cigarettes and fled and was believed to be headed towards Sorrento. He was last seen wearing grey tracksuit pants, a grey jumper, black shoes, black gloves and a black balaclava.Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 3334 000 or report to crimestoppersvic.com.au First published…
POLICE are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage following a hit run collision in Dromana on Monday 24 June.Investigators have been told the victim’s vehicle was travelling south in the right-hand lane of the Mornington Peninsula Freeway about 10pm, when an unknown vehicle also travelling south collided with the rear of the victim’s car, causing significant damage. The unknown vehicle failed to stop at the scene.Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Rosebud police on 5986 0444, reference: T20240016206. First published in the Mornington News – 2 July 2024
Compiled by Cameron McCullough The poll for Mornington was declared at midday today by the Returning Officer, Mr. Jas. Grice.The final figures were:Downward (C.P.) .. 4865Dowling (Lab.) .. 4195Majority for Downward 670The allocations of preferences began at midday, and took till 5.30 to complete.The poll was declared at noon today, Mr. Jas. Grice, the returning officer, declaring Mr. Downward elected.Messrs. Downward, Dowling, Hagelthorn, and Easton were present and returned thanks, a full report of the proceedings of which will appear in our next issue. Frankston’s Gas Supply – Extensions Proposed. £5000 Expenditure.The Colonial Gas Association, owners of the Frankston Gas…
Domestic violence causes most homelessness’ The shameful truth revealed in Victorian police statistics is that there were more than 2000 incidences of domestic violence right here on the Mornington Peninsula in 2022/2023. The majority of victims were women and, in almost one third of cases, children were present.The largest cause of homelessness is domestic violence. It also represents the largest demand on police time and the economic costs are enormous. Yet, with increasing media exposure to incidences of such violence, we are currently at risk of becoming complacent or feeling helpless. Don’t let this happen. Change is well within our…
A lengthy investigation into a spate of alleged burglaries across Melbourne’s southeast has culminated in the arrest of three men, with police seizing a loaded handgun, drugs and other weapons in Mount Eliza. Investigations began in late 2022, following the first of nine alleged cigarette burglaries at businesses – the majority of which are service stations – in areas including Lang Lang, Koo Wee Rup, Lyndhurst, Mornington and Carrum Downs. It will be alleged the trio stole $100,000 worth of cigarettes over a period of a year and a half. Following extensive enquiries, the Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit – with…
THE vivid and vibrant work of renowned contemporary artist and jeweller Lisa Walker and celebrated multi-disciplinary artist and musician Brendan Huntley come to life in News from Nowhere at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery this winter. Walker’s oversized, ‘easy’ but haphazard jewellery and Huntley’s objects, paintings and works on paper embody humour, playfulness and empathy in a unique way in this exclusive exhibition curated by Dunja Rmandić.Their shared DIY aesthetic, colourful expression and deep interest in how we navigate our world come together in three movements: Love, Awe and Togetherness. Rmandić says, ‘These works give us space and time to think,…
IT was a blazing hot day on 10 March this year when over 9000 gathered at Peninsula Aero Club for the Tyabb Airshow 2024. The event was a huge success, highlighting the involvement of Peninsula Aero Club, its members, visiting pilots, and volunteers contributing to the local community, and greater Mornington Peninsula area.On Saturday 22 June, a chilly winter’s day, people gathered to see that benefit come to fruition with the money raised at the event presented to various charities. The open day had plenty of planes on display, sausage sizzle, music and coffee, but the main event was the…
THE Western Port Biosphere Foundation and Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park are seeking public support for a three-year joint project to ensure healthier and more resilient wildlife populations.The two organisations aim to build a network of naturelinks, or wildlife corridors, within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The links will provide safe pathways for native animals through and between significant areas of native ecosystems, and will build on the work done by the Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation group, and the Mornington Peninsula, Western Port and Bass Coast Landcare Networks and other Landcare and Friends groups, as well as councils. Naturelinks help native…