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…
Author: mpnews
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…
Preserve Western Port from terminal effects The announcement that the Victorian government and the Port of Hastings Corporation are pursuing an Environment Effects Statement (EES) (Investigations into wind terminal effects, The News, 18/6/24) is bound to fail, after the federal government has recently wisely decided that wind turbine industry would be environmentally damaging.Damage from increased dredging, which would be required for new wharves into the bay to facilitate constant shipping, would be impossible to mitigate in the future. In particular, dredging requires the sea floor being gouged out then deposited onto surrounding land, changing channels and tidal flows, which would…
A NEW committee was appointed to administer the Mt Eliza Junior Football Club last week.Eight Mt Eliza JFC committee members resigned earlier this year, and the process undertaken to replace them has put the club in the firing line. Last month the Frankston and District Junior Football League banned the club from hosting home games and publicly stated that the club was not compliant with its own constitution (“Kids kicked out of home ground” The News 28/5/2024).A special general meeting was held on 19 June to address the club’s issues. The outcome of the meeting was the appointment of a…
A PARAGLIDER had to be rescued from a cliff at London Bridge in Portsea on Saturday, and was brought to safety without incident thanks to a multi effort by emergency services.Sorrento fire brigade was paged just after 4pm about a paraglider stuck on a cliff, but the drama quickly became a multi‐agency event as CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police were all involved to ensure the best outcome for the patient in the quickly fading daylight.The paraglider was able to be airlifted into the HEMS air ambulance and brought to safety with no life threatening injuries. First…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough ABOUT two years ago a Park Improvement Committee was formed, consisting of representatives of the various sporting clubs and kindred associations in Frankston.They started out with the idea that a substantial sum could be raised by public subscription, and that the Shire Council would expend at least £ for £.The hon. secretary (Mr. R. Fairnie) reported last night that the amount in hand, representing money subscribed by the public was £15/16/6.Those present at last night’s meeting were: Cr. Oates (chairman), Messrs. Fairnie (hon. sec.), Reg Coxall, E. K. McComb, H. Morrison, H. McComb, J. D. Jennings,…
AWARD-winning play The Visitors will be performed at the Frankston Arts Centre later this year.The Visitors is directed by Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch, and won the awards for best mainstage production and best ensemble at the 2023 Sydney Theatre Awards. Moogahlin Performing Arts and Sydney Theatre Company have teamed up to take the show on tour this year.The play is set in January 1788, and follows seven clan leaders who wrestle with the decision of what to do when a fleet of giant nawi amasses at the harbour. The seven leaders are faced with the choice to send the strangers…
PENINSULA Aero Club has been given the go ahead to resurface the one kilometre long north-south runway at Tyabb Airport.The work approved by the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) includes resealing the 10 metre wide “deteriorating” runway and reconstructing and sealing its two weed infested three metre wide crushed rock shoulders.The VCAT decision was made after the aero club sought a review of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s failure to grant a permit within a specified time. The council told VCAT it would have granted a permit with conditions. The club asked the council for a permit for the runway works…
A TRAINING program at Rye Community House is training dozens of people to work in the hospitality industry and creating a network of employment paths for those seeking work. The Coffee Connection program is an example of community groups and businesses working together to strengthen employment prospects for young people through targeted training.Dale Newman heads the program which started as a three-month trial last year supported by a grant from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. Since April last year the program has trained 30 people of all ages and backgrounds. “We are so pleased with the way it’s evolved and is…
TWELVE-year-old Zoe Whitbourne and her father Craig will be walking more than 80 kilometres to raise money and awareness for the type 1 diabetes research being carried out at St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research (SVI) in Fitzroy.Craig Whitbourne was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 25 years ago when he was 15 and was devastated when Zoe received her diagnosis in 2022 at the age of nine. “Type 1 diabetes can be unpredictable and time-consuming. Despite my experience living with this disease, watching Zoe navigate the grief, anger and sadness of this diagnosis is very difficult,” Mr Whitbourne said.Type 1…
GUNNAMATTA Surf Life Saving Club member Joseph Watt, above, has received the Emergency Services Medal as part of King’s Birthday Honours for his service to the lifesaving movement.Watt has been a patrol member at Gunnamatta for more than 32 years and has held many volunteer and professional positions at club, regional and state levels including regional lifeguard, inflatable rescue boat (IRB) instructor and lifesaving patrol service assessor.He was among a team of lifesavers that rescued eight people who were swept out to sea at Gunnamatta in 1998. Following the incident, which resulted in three deaths, he played an integral role…
Landowners can help meet shire’s tree target Mornington Peninsula Shire council is to be commended on the quality of its draft Urban Forest Strategy (Bid to avoid tree ‘recession’, The News, 4/6/24). The strategy reports that tree canopy cover in the shire ranges from 14 per cent at Safety Beach to 50 per cent at Arthurs Seat; that areas with more canopy cover are cooler and have higher levels of community health; and that properties in tree-lined streets are valued up to 30 per cent higher than those without.The goal to raise average tree canopy cover from 37 per cent…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughAT a late hour on Friday night last during the sitting of the council, Cr. Oates moved his famous resolution, that the services of the Shire Engineer be dispensed with, giving him one month’s notice, and, if carried, applications for a consulting engineer be invited.In speaking to his motion, Cr. Oates said he regretted the leading article which had appeared in the local paper (“The Standard”).He did not think it should have been printed, especially as that paper was the official organ of the council.His reason for moving in such a direction was that, today, the very…
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a spate of burglaries across the southern suburbs. Police are investigating after small businesses were targeted in 15 incidents between 15 May and 8 June. In each instance two unknown offenders have forced entry to a business, usually by smashing a glass door. The offenders appear to have been solely focused on stealing cash, usually going directly to the register before fleeing the scene. Each of the businesses targeted was located along or in the vicinity of Point Nepean Road in either Dromana, Rosebud, Capel Sound or Rye.…