A COMMUNITY campaign is calling for the removal of road barriers and signage along a scenic road in Red Hill, arguing they are unsightly and “totally disproportionate” to actual crash data.Road barriers were installed along Arthurs Seat Rd between Whitehill Rd and Red Hill Rd in response to safety risks, which was funded through the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program, with the speed limit also reduced to 60kmh. But according to the Red Hill Community Association’s (RHCA) president and leader of the Bring Down the Barriers group Carolynn Massola, “the works are an overkill”, and “totally disproportionate” compared to the…
Author: Brendan Rees
NINE-year-old Apolosi Fosita of Somerville has had his Christmas wish come to life in a way he never imagined.He was selected as one of only six children around the country to have their creative drawing of a Santa Sleigh feature in Lego’s first-ever picture storybook called Santa’s Summer Sleigh by children’s author Sophie Beer.But the surprise didn’t stop there. Apolosi was also one of three kids chosen to have their design built as a large-scale Lego creation, which was unveiled at Santa’s Summer Sleigh, a magical display at the world’s largest Lego store in Pitt St Mall, Sydney. Apolosi’s creation,…
THERE’S not much Georgie Gibbs can’t do – she rides horses up to three times a week, sings in a choir, is a member of a French speaking group, and plays tennis. And she’s about to turn 90.While the Balnarring woman is showing no signs of slowing down, she is quick to concede, “I’m very lucky to be as healthy as I am”. Just last week she spent a morning equestrian riding at Merricks Saddle Club before a few hours later joining a choir at Flinders Probus Club to sing Christmas carols. “I do indeed [love it],” she said.Born in…
CONCERNS are mounting over the future of the historic Portsea Pier as no immediate action was being taken to repair a damaged section of the 144-year-old structure. The top end of the L-shaped wooden pier has remained closed to the public after being impacted by a severe storm on 2 September with no plans announced by Parks Victoria to repair it. Locals have expressed concern about the pier’s long-term preservation and whether the section of the pier could be lost forever if left neglected.Chair of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria’s heritage committee Professor Charles Sowerwine expressed his concern, noting…
ROSEBUD and McCrae Life Saving Club is celebrating a game-changing revamp with non-slip flooring and improvements to its changerooms and shower facilities. The $50,000 project is being funded by Mornington Peninsula Shire’s local area community capital infrastructure grant.“Our club hasn’t seen upgrades since it was first built in the early 2000s,” club president Jackson Twentyman said, adding not only would the revamp improve the safety of its members but also ensure that they can continue to serve the community with the highest standards.At 26, Twentyman is one of the club’s youngest presidents after taking the reins last July. Previously he…
A MORNINGTON not-for-profit organisation supporting people with disabilities is set to redevelop its site after securing a 50-year lease with the Mornington Peninsula Shire, paving the way for the Mornington Men’s Shed to relocate to the grounds.Connecting to Australia (C2A), which operates The Mornington Hub located at 311 Racecourse Rd, and has served the community for 70 years, was granted the new lease at the council’s 3 December meeting. The project will see C2A expand its service offerings with a café, opportunity shop, short-term accommodation, and modern community spaces. The new facility will also house the support office functions, providing…
MT ELIZA resident Doug Phayer has bravely recounted his harrowing skin cancer journey through a new documentary which explores Australia’s confronting relationship with the sun.Over the course of two decades, Phayer, 70, faced a series of terrifying diagnoses and treatments that ultimately brought him to the brink of death. In the documentary titled Conquering Skin Cancer, Phayer opens up about the toll the disease has taken on his body, describing a journey fraught with pain, uncertainty, and fear.Phayer spent most of his life fishing and was employed as a marine contractor which exposed him to dangerous UV levels. Eighteen years…
ENDANGERED southern brown bandicoots have been thrown a lifeline after being reintroduced to The Briars in Mt Martha in the hope of increasing its numbers to the peninsula.The small nocturnal marsupial has few populations remaining in southeastern Australia due to habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and changes to the landscape. But the relocation initiative at The Briars wildlife sanctuary has given hope of safeguarding its future on the peninsula, which hasn’t seen any known populations for at least two decades.The milestone project is being led by PhD student John Black, and jointly supported by The University of Melbourne and…
RESIDENTS have sounded the alarm over deteriorating road conditions along Boneo Rd between Cape Schanck and Rosebud, warning that the stretch of road was becoming increasingly dangerous.According to locals, the arterial had deteriorated significantly over recent years, with a “hotchpotch” of temporary fixes described as “patently inadequate” as the repairs only lasted for a short time and other areas of the road started to break up.Boneo Rd is a main arterial serving as a key route for connecting attractions such as the Cape Schanck lighthouse, RACV resort, The National Golf Club, The Ranch adventure park, and National Parks and is…
THE Mornington Peninsula’s Dolphin Research Institute (DRI) has been awarded a prestigious honour in recognition of its primary school ambassador program at the 2024 Victorian Marine and Coastal Awards. The Institute was awarded the Inspiring Community Engagement and Education category during the awards ceremony held on 7 November at the Showtime Events Centre in South Wharf.Since 2001, the DRI’s I sea, I care program has developed senior primary school students into Victorian coastal and marine ambassadors, who have engaged nearly two million people across Melbourne. By peer teaching junior grades about Victoria’s environment, the program provides a platform to engage…
PRIMARY schools have gathered for a block of fun in an inaugural Lego competition hosted by the Lions Club of Mornington. Teams of grade 4-5 students from Mornington Park Primary School, Moorooduc Primary School, and Mt Martha Primary School put their skills to the test after being set a challenge to build the sturdiest Lego road bridge within 90 minutes.The event, held at Mornington Park Primary School hall on 15 November, was part of a Perpetual Lego Bridge Building competition developed by Lions members Graham Read and Denise Tsotras as part of their community support plans. “The idea was to…
A BELOVED piece of Australian military history, the 82-year-old wooden vessel The Plover, which tragically sunk during a violent September storm while moored at Mornington, has been sold via an online auction.The 12-metre boat was swamped by waves at Schnapper Point after tumultuous weather hit the peninsula on 2 September, which saw destructive winds of up to 130kph recorded in the area that also tore apart several iconic beach boxes.Originally built for the Royal Australian Army in 1942, The Plover was a symbol of local heritage, and, until the storms hit, a popular fishing charter boat with Bay Fish N…
A GIANT piggy bank will make its way to Rosebud as part of a charity fundraising effort to support children with life-limiting conditions, and their families.The Very Special Kids Piggy Bank Appeal will see the giant pig visit the Commonwealth Bank Rosebud branch on 28 November with staff selling piggy bank merchandise. Funds raised will support children like five-year-old Eve who still doesn’t have a precise diagnosis other than she has a type of lung and heart condition called interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. Her parents Georgie and Shaun, who live on the Mornington Peninsula, understand first-hand the impact…
A SECTION of the historic Beleura Cliff Path in Mornington will finally reopen to the public in early December for the first time in two years after landslips created a safety risk to walkers.Mornington Peninsula Shire announced it would reopen the top section of the 102-year-old walking route, which hugs the cliffs between Mills Beach and Caraar Creek Lane overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Its reopening marks the return of a beloved attraction, much to the relief of residents who have campaigned tirelessly to save the path since its closure, with many having expressed frustrations that the delay was unnecessarily long.“In…
DROMANA Secondary College has showcased its creativity after students participated in an art competition raising awareness of the threatened southern brown bandicoot. It was the second year running that the school joined forces with the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) Community Mornington to be a part of the initiative.The bandicoot, a small, nocturnal marsupial, native to eastern Australia, has seen a significant decline in numbers, with the last sighting on the peninsula being recorded in Hastings about 20 years ago. However, while its numbers were prevalent at the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, Dr Jodi Vermaas of ACF Mornington said the art…
DROMANA sisters Mia, Rose, and Ava Holland are about to take on a wave of a lifetime when they compete in the Australian Junior Surfing Titles in NSW this month. The teenagers, who have been surfing on the Mornington Peninsula nearly every day for the past six years, will be among the more than 250 surfers to battle it out on Wollongong’s beaches when the big event is held from 24 November to 1 December.It will be a milestone moment for the trio whose love for the ocean and drive to succeed have propelled them to rise through the ranks…
A NEW ethane-generated power facility has officially launched at the existing Long Island Point (LIP) plant in Hastings – the first of its kind in Australia. ExxonMobil Australia (formerly Esso Australia) and Woodside Energy announced the $200 million Hastings Generation Project, saying it marked a milestone in the continuation of a reliable supply of natural gas to Victoria.The new facility uses ethane – a byproduct of natural gas processed at LIP – creating enough energy to power half the households on the Mornington Peninsula. Three Solar Titan 130 gas-fired turbine generators on-site will use ethane to bring power to the…
THREE years ago, Janelle Giri’s life was forever changed when her baby girl, Jacqlyn, tragically passed away in her sleep from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).It has been an unimaginable journey of grief for Janelle and her husband after enduring the loss of their firstborn who was just nine months old. “You don’t really know the pain unless you’ve gone through it,” Janelle said. “They had no explanation, but she was a healthy baby.”Given the cause of SIDS is unknown, with clinicians and researchers believing that SIDS is associated with a combination of factors, navigating the pain had been even…
COMMUNITIES across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston have honoured the sacrifices of fallen Australian soldiers during Remembrance Day services on 11 November. Hundreds observed a minute’s silence at 11am as this year marked the 106th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World World I, with locals paying their respects at a series of ceremonies.In Mornington, a large crowd, many of whom wore red poppies pinned to their chests, gathered at the Mornington and District Memorial Park, which included schools and community groups laying wreaths. Unfortunately, the Mornington RSL Sub-Branch officially closed its doors and ceased its operations last month after…
THE community animal shelter and animal pound in Mornington is set for a $6 million revamp, with work under way to deliver new animal kennels and ancillary buildings. The project will redevelop the existing shelter at 130 Watt Rd, with works scheduled for completion by September 2025.“This refurbishment will ensure the shelter meets the highest standards of care, providing a comfortable and stress-free environment for all animals in our care,” the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s community safety, health and compliance manager Dale Gilliatte said.Works began this month with the current shelter to stay open as usual during the renovation. The council…
PHIL Mapleback has expressed excitement at taking helm as Mt Martha fire brigade’s newly elected captain as the station undergoes a significant revamp. Mapleback, a seasoned firefighter with almost 19 years of experience, said he was incredibly proud and honoured to step into the new role two months ago, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to serving the community.“It’s challenging but quite rewarding,” he told The News, adding he looked forward to leading a dedicated team of volunteers during an exciting time of renewal for the station, marking a milestone in the station’s 73-year history.The 1951-built station…
MOUNT Martha Rotary Club is spearheading a renewed effort to restore a vital section of the Balcombe Creek Estuary boardwalk after it was partly closed two years ago. Part of the boardwalk, near Nepean Hwy and Uralla Rd in Mt Martha, was significantly damaged after an intense storm hit the peninsula in November 2022, causing Balcombe Creek to flood. This caused the wooden boardwalk’s structure to collapse and break, making it unsafe for public use. The boardwalk, which has a network of walking trails spanning 3.5km through the scenic estuary, was built by the Mount Martha Rotary Club in the…
A SOMERVILLE woman has been granted a two-year personal safety intervention order protecting her from a Somerville businessman who she says stalked and harassed her. The order was issued at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 7 November, which heard the victim endured months of persistent harassment including derogatory behaviour, sexually demeaning behaviour, repeated visits to her workplace, and physical intimidation.The man whom the order was made against, Jamie (Jay) Scicluna, is the founder and editor of the Somerville Times and Peninsula Local community newspapers. The Magistrate found that Scicluna had referred to the victim as a “c**t”, that he stated…
A BUSH block in Flinders, which saw its owner being fined $15,000 for illegally clearing a substantial amount of land eight years ago prompting a community outcry, is now up for sale. The vacant Green Wedge block at 2 Barkers Rd backs onto the Main Ridge Nature Conservation Reserve. The land was subject to court action when the owner, Antoinette Noronho, plead guilty at Frankston Magistrates’ Court in March 2016 to clearing about a third of the native vegetation on the 16-hectare block without a planning permit.She was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay the shire’s $4000 costs.Noronho made an…
A FLINDERS surfer has voiced concern after a recent Navy training exercise above Flinders Beach saw a live-firing exercise reportedly take place as he and other surfers were in the water. Paul, who asked not to use his surname, said it was not uncommon to surf at Flinders Beach while Navy exercises were undertaken at the nearby West Head Gunnery Range on top of the cliffs – with surfers out of any live-firing zone and warnings sounded from the Navy to the alert the public as a precaution.There are two main surf breaks at Flinders called Meanos and Gunnery. Meanos…
THE Mornington Peninsula Shire has put Illegal rubbish dumpers and irresponsible dog owners on notice after two people were substantially fined in the past year.A man was fined $5000 and ordered to pay more than $8000 in clean-up costs after dumping fencing materials at a Hastings reserve, a Dromana Magistrates’ Court heard on 5 September. And on 6 September, a woman was fined $5000 at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court after her dog attacked and seriously injured two women at Hastings in September last year. Police helped the council’s community safety officers secure the dog, which was impounded while an investigation…
AUTHORITIES are encouraging beachgoers to be vigilant of the threatened shorebird; the hooded plover, as they begin nesting on sandy beaches and coastal dunes.Hooded plovers, which are known to nest on the peninsula, are listed as a vulnerable species, with around 700 left in Victoria. The native birds lay eggs in shallow sand scrapes and raise their chicks on beaches between August and March.As part of National Bird Week (October 18-24), the Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria, and BirdLife Australia have launched Operation Save our Hoodies (SoHo) to educate people to keep well clear of nests, walk along the waterline, and…
THE Salvation Army is seeing a huge demand in homelessness support at its Rosebud and Frankston offices as the cost-of-living crisis and lack of housing continue to push many to the brink.Stephen Milliken, the Salvation Army’s regional manager for Victoria East, said “demand for service is absolutely non-stop” with staff providing crisis and support services, housing assistance, and family violence outreach services and case management for people who are at risk of homelessness among others. “We do have a cost-of-living issue and there’s absolutely no two ways about that and I think the lack of affordable housing in the region…
AT least three bus stop shelters in Mornington have been vandalised with glass panes shattered across the pavement in what has been labelled as “disgraceful” behaviour. The affected bus shelters are located near the corner of Barkly St and Main St, and two along the Esplanade, one opposite Fossil Beach and the other near Mornington Park. The incidents, which occurred sometime between October 19 and October 20, have prompted concerns of risk to pedestrian safety and for more CCTV to be installed.The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), which is responsible for the maintenance of the infrastructure at the bus…
A GROUP of parents have voiced their outrage after discovering that the controversial glyphosate-based weed killer, Roundup, had been used at a playground at Rye Bicentennial Park.Mum Alexandra said she was shocked to see a maintenance worker holding a five-litre container with a nozzle to spray the herbicide on weeds on the tanbark within the playground located at Point Nepean Rd about 10am on Thursday 14 October – which the Mornington Peninsula Shire has since admitted to The News that it was an “operational error”. “I was walking my dog and there was a contractor spraying tanbark in the playground,”…