By Barry Irving OAMDESPITE a very warm day Rye’s premier event, the 49th running of the Rye Gift, drew a record number of entries. There were 99 juniors who contested the junior gift with competitors coming from clubs as far away as Warrnambool. A record number of 736 VAL registered athletes contested the day’s events with clubs coming from Victoria-wide and including one international competitor from Scotland.Mornington Peninsula Shire prepared an excellent surface for competition; the running track was cut and rolled a number of times as was the 400 metre surface for all the distance runners. The event is…
Author: mpnews
A CENTRAL Victorian mum whose toddler almost drowned last summer is urging parents to learn the signs of drowning and know what to do in an emergency.Chloe Freeman and her sister-in-law had taken their five children to the Mornington Peninsula for a holiday at the end of 2023. “We were setting up a sun tent (at Sorrento Beach) for the kids when I turned around to do a head count,” Freeman said. “I remember scanning the children, counting them one by one, and then I noticed a child face down in the water. “At first, I thought it was another…
The Water Police Squad is issuing a water safety warning ahead of the weekend as figures show the unit has been called to more than 100 incidents in the first week of 2025. It’s an extraordinarily busy start to the year following days of favourable weather. During the same time last year there were 17 incidents, while the year before 36 were recorded over the period. Many of this year’s callouts have related to dangerous jet ski behaviour including speeding, travelling too close to other swimmers and in some cases even collisions with other vessels. A multi-agency rescue was required…
A RATE cap of three percent has been set for Victorian councils by the state government for the next financial year. The rate cap limits the amount of revenue that councils can raise from general rates and municipal charges. It will be three percent in the 2025/2026 financial year, a small increase on the 2.75 percent rate cap in effect for the 2024/2025 financial year.Local government MP Nick Staikos said the rate cap “will mean local councils are able to raise necessary revenue for the services they provide, without adding cost of living pressure on households.” “‘Fair Go’ rates are…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh and Hastings MP Paul Mercurio have turned the first sod to celebrate construction starting on the Somerville to Baxter Trail.This much-anticipated new shared path is a vital missing link in the grand vision for the Peninsula Trails project, a 170km network of connected trails traversing the Mornington Peninsula. Once the Somerville-Baxter section is complete, walkers and cyclists will be able to travel off road from central Melbourne all the way to Balnarring.“The Somerville-Baxter Trail was council’s first priority in terms of filling in the missing links of the Peninsula Trails project, and we…
MOUNT Eliza Fire Brigade swapped sirens for sleigh bells over Christmas, teaming up with Santa to deliver the iconic Australian Open trophies to the Mt Eliza tennis club. The visit was the final stop for the “AO on the Road” tour, before the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup (Men’s) and the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup (Women’s) make their way to Rod Laver Area for this month’s grand slam.The trophies proved a winner with kids and adults alike, with locals taking the opportunity to nab a photo with Santa and the biggest prizes in Australian tennis. Mount Eliza Fire Brigade Captain Mark…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughWHILE business people were brightening up their shop fronts and making their show windows attractive; while the cottage garden was being trimmed up and thrifty industrious householders were cleaning up the back yard, all in readiness for Christmas and the New Year, the moribund Council slept serenely on.It did nothing to brighten up the streets or the foreshore, in preparation for the annual influx of visitors.The Council maintained a masterly inactivity, except in one direction.During the holidays and prior to New Year’s Day, hundreds of casks, said to contain material for re-coating the tarred roads, were dumped…
Big barrier bungle Brendan Rees’ article (Residents call for removal of ‘unjustified’ road barriers, The News 18/12/24) is a balanced summary of the bewildering “Full Metal Motor Racing Circuit” treatment of Red Hill’s 60kmh hub. The shire seemingly forgot the Harvard Business School’s aphorism, “Consultants like to solve problems and can create them if none exist.”Somebody will have to develop a super-creative vindication if BITRE (Bureau of Infrastructure & Transport Research Economics) assesses the Arthur Seat Road Black Spot project’s presumed benefit-to-cost ratio and actual crash data.Best of luck with that.Russell Kenery, Red Hill Important issues Several readers have expressed…
Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a male in Rye this evening. Emergency services were called after a jet ski rider located an unresponsive male in waters off Butler Street just before 5.30pm. The yet to be formally identified male was brought to shore and CPR was commenced but he died at the scene. The exact circumstances are yet to be determined but the death is not being treated as suspicious. https://www.police.vic.gov.au/rye-death
Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a man in Balnarring Beach this afternoon. It is understood the man fell out of a kayak and into the water near Mason-Smith Road about 1pm. The man was pulled from the water by bystanders. Paramedics tried to revive the man, but he died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified. https://www.police.vic.gov.au/man-drowns-balnarring-beach
Police have arrested five people after a car was stolen during an aggravated burglary in Mount Eliza this morning. It’s alleged a group of offenders entered a residence on The Ridge and stole a black Mercedes Benz about 8.30am. The vehicle was later sighted in the Carrum Downs area where it refused to stop for police. Officers were looking for the Mercedes when they were notified it had crashed into a pole on Frankston-Dandenong Road about 12.30pm. Witnesses reported seeing five people flee from the vehicle. Officers searched the area and with the assistance of information from members of the…
THE Mornington Community Support Centre is making sure everyone has a Christmas to look forward to through a range of programs to help families doing it tough, including a toy and gift program, a steam train ride, and Christmas lunch, supported through a $50k Christmas Appeal fundraising campaign.As part of the Christmas programs, the centre transformed the Mornington Pavilion into a giant toy and gift shop, where clients with children or grandchildren could choose from hundreds of gifts donated by the community. Donations came from families, businesses and organisations who collected gifts through Giving Trees in a range of community…
A MEMORY support program helping residents with dementia introduced at Calvary’s aged care homes across Mornington Peninsula and bayside areas has won an award. The program, based on the Montessori approach by providing meaningful, tailored, small-group activities and support for residents living with dementia, won the healthcare provider’s national quality and safety Star award 2024.Calvary Aged Care general manager Dana Ieraci said the memory support program tailored residents’ interests and past lives which was also improving clinical outcomes and more settled behaviours. “Dementia can impact memory, speech, cognition, personality, and mobility. Unfortunately, it can also affect behaviour,” Leraci said. “Having…
Development for development’s sake THE proposed redevelopment of ‘The Eagle’, atop Wonga, must not be given the go-ahead by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny. In 2020, the shire declared a Climate Emergency both as a responsible measure to limit climate impacts to these beautiful lands and under pressure from the community. We know that as part of actions to reduce greenhouse emissions and strains on the natural environment, we must reassess our use of material resources.This redevelopment is development for development’s sake. The current set up is fit for purpose – people experience the view, enjoy the quiet ride, and sit…
THE Labor Party has named ex-Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Sarah Race as its candidate for the seat of Flinders at the 2025 federal election, selecting her unopposed.“I am a local volunteer and advocate – from my kids’ kinder committee to sports clubs and business groups, I have been putting my hand up for our community,” said Race. “We’ve had the same Liberal politicians for 40 years, but I’m here to change that. Protecting the peninsula lifestyle and making life easier and more affordable for locals are my key priorities.”Race lives in Tootgarook with her husband Andy and two kids Nellie…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughTHAT “the pen is mightier than the sword,” is an acknowledged truism. Strong drink, so saith the Scriptures, stingeth like an adder of the “deaf” species, but when a powerful public organ, with a firmly established reputation, which rightful status belongs to “The Standard,” refuses to be “gagged,” and in the interests of the community deems it propitious to speak straight out from the shoulder, its trenchant and logical criticism, apparently, biteth after the manner of a serpent.In last Wednesday’s issue, and with a decreed sense of public duty, we published quite an extraordinary letter under the…
IN a significant move to support cancer patients and their families, Community Bank Mt Martha has partnered with The Bays Hospital to fund the wellness centre within the new Bays Cancer Care Centre. The wellness centre will offer essential support services, pre and post treatment, for those affected by cancer. The partnership will see the bank contribute $600,000 over the next five years, funding the dedicated wellness centre.The Community Bank Mt Martha Wellness Centre will provide a range of services designed to complement traditional medical care, addressing the physical, emotional, and mental needs of patients. Services for patients living with…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough DURING the monthly sitting of the Council on Friday last, what may be termed as the aftermath of the monster indignation meeting which eventuated in the Frankston Palais, on November 14, 1924 was conveyed in a communication under the signatures of Mr. T. J. McMurtrie (chairman) and Mr. L. J. Ward, secretary.The letter in question sounded forth the indisputable mandate of “John Citizen,” passed by resolution, viz.:-“Owing to the DEPLORABLE STATE into which the finances of the Shire have been allowed to drift, this meeting of ratepayers of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings, have no…
Love what you have – Cliff Christmas approaches, zooming as always, likely my last.Another fine year of letters courtesy of this classy local newspaper.A mix of all sorts. Right and left wing, the clever, not so clever, the consistently painful types, and the occasional gem.Self expression is good for the soul, no matter your opinion. In the end nothing matters but seeing it out there in print can at least contribute to the inevitable ups and downs of our daily lives.Ignore the fear tactics (cost of living) and have a happy Christmas.Love what you have.Cliff Ellen, Rye Overpass error I…
A $750,000 revamp of the Marna Reserve Pavilion in Dromana is under way. The project includes disability access with new ramps and decking installed at the front of the pavilion, which is being co-funded by the Mornington Peninsula Shire and the Department of Transport and Planning, which has allocated $350,000. There will also be additional storage facilities, and upgrades to existing toilet facilities, including one externally accessible toilet for people with disability.Works on the shire-owned building on Pier St are expected to be completed by late next year. “I’m thrilled we are able to upgrade the pavilion at Marna Reserve,”…
THE Fire Danger Period (FDP) for Mornington Peninsula Shire will begin at 1am on Monday 9 December. Residents are encouraged to use the time before the FDP to prepare their properties. This includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs while they are still permitted.CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen (Southeast) stressed the importance of taking early action as conditions continue to dry across the region. “Now is the time for residents to act by clearing around their homes and ensuring any private burn-offs are completed safely before restrictions come into…
THREE-TIME Paralympic gold medallist and 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott will make his Victorian PGA Championship debut alongside a Hollywood A-lister and a host of sporting greats.Teeing off at Moonah Links Resort on Thursday, December 5, the Vic PGA is played in a pro-am format, with golf-obsessed celebrities lining up against the best and brightest of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia. Fresh off his rookie season on the DP World Tour and a fifth-place finish at the BMW Australian PGA Championship, defending champion David Micheluzzi returns, two-time winner this season Jack Buchanan and Queensland PGA winner Phoenix…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughON Friday next, the civic fathers will again sit around the council table in solemn conclave, as of yore, at the usual – the very ordinary – monthly meeting.What the old and tired rep resentatives have accomplished in the past on behalf of the ratepayers as a whole, is, perhaps, too insignificant to necessitate the services of a brass band being brought into prominence to herald the deeds of the would be heroes.An organ, sounding forth, with reverberating chords of despair, the “Dead March” would be infinitely more appropriate.In days bygone, the policy of the council would…
Dust suppression regression I too have been impacted by the rather staggering increase in dust suppression for our little road (Dust suppression hike “doesn’t pass the pub test’, The News 26/11/24). The council tells us that the new contractor would be “better for our community in terms of cost-effectiveness, sustainability and level of service”. I suggest those at council who made this decision should consult a dictionary to look up the meaning of “cost-effectiveness”.I was not aware of any concerns over the old contractor, but if the new contractor was responsible for the recent regrading of our street the council…
IT was a sea of orange on Main Street Mornington on Sunday (1 December) during the “Walk to stop Violence against Women”. The group had assembled at Mornington Park to hear speakers as part of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence”. Earlier this year, the Prime Minister declared that Australia faced a “national crisis” with one woman being killed every four days at the hands of a man. First published in the Mornington News – 3 December 2024
VICTORIA Police has issued a strong message that it will be out in force at popular locations across the Mornington Peninsula as schoolies begin to celebrate finishing high school. “As in previous years, Victoria Police will be ensuring a safe environment for everyone whether a school leaver or a local community member,” a statement from Victoria Police said. Its high visible presence will be supported by Highway Patrol, Public Order Response Team, Mounted Branch and Dog Squad, which will continue throughout the summer months.“We know that most school leavers look out for their mates, take responsibility for their actions, and…
THE Mornington Peninsula Shire has emerged as one of the top performers in Victoria’s container deposit scheme (CDS) with residents and community groups pocketing more than $2 million in refunds. The scheme allows people to return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund at participating collection points. Returned drink containers can be transformed into all kinds of new things, reducing litter and promoting recycling.Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh announced last week that the Mornington Peninsula Shire was among the highest local government areas (LGA) statewide for total numbers of containers recycled, with 27,117,810 containers returned in the past 12 months.…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough IN view of the fact that the council on Friday, 5th December – that being the date of the next ordinary meeting – will be faced with the resolution of no-confidence, passed by the meeting of ratepayers, recently held at Frankston, the following extracts from the report of the Inspector of Municipal Accounts, published in “The Standard” of 30th July last, will prove of interest:PREVENTING A CRISISMr. McCullum (the inspector) said, inter alia:“The borrowing by bank overdraft has been over the legal limit of the year, and the only way that a crisis had not been…
Letters a vital part of community discourse People write letters to newspapers for various reasons. Some use this platform to express frustration about current issues, complain about problems in their neighbourhoods, or share a range of grievances. Others submit positive letters praising various topics.However, the complaints appear to dominate letter submissions, particularly concerning issues like potholes, air pollution, plastic waste, animal welfare (including concerns about bandicoots), activities atop Arthurs Seat, and the need for clarity in the news. This is a legitimate forum for people to air their problems.While those complaints are valid, my attention was drawn to heartwarming stories,…
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…