Author: Brodie Cowburn

AFTER a suicide attempt in early 2022, Michael Abeling attended Frankston Hospital twice only to be discharged within hours each time. Just two days after his final visit, he was dead.Abeling’s widow, Rhiannon Abeling, is among one of two families now taking Peninsula Health to court. They allege that their loved ones did not receive appropriate psychiatric treatment at Frankston Hospital prior to their deaths by suicide.Rhiannon Abeling says her husband had reached out for help, but did not receive the assistance he required from the hospital. “He wasn’t someone who had a history of this, he wasn’t at the…

PLANS for a new bus route linking Mornington to Hastings are progressing. The state government has begun consultation on the new bus route – it is proposed to span between Tanti Avenue in Mornington and Hendersons Road in Hastings (pictured above). Changes to the 784 and 785 bus routes are also under consideration, with the new proposed route servicing Mornington Racecourse and St Macartan’s Primary School.Hastings MP Paul Mercurio has thrown his support behind plans to expand bus services on the peninsula. He said “the cross peninsula bus service will enable people in Hastings and surrounds to get across to…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEROSEBUD sent Red Hill crashing out of the finals after a scrappy elimination final at Emil Madsen Reserve on Sunday.Red Hill took a one goal lead into the first break, but a goalless second quarter saw them lose control of the contest. They trailed by 14 points at half-time, and weren’t able to wrestle back the lead.Same wayward kicking late in the game almost cost Rosebud. They kicked five straight behinds in the final term, but Red Hill could only manage one goal in reply.Rosebud held on to beat Red Hill 6.7 (43) to 7.13 (55).On Saturday,…

THE speed limit near a Moorooduc child care center is putting children at serious risk, the centre’s staff says.The Little Grasshoppers Coolstores Early Learning Centre sits on the corner of Eramosa Road and Moorooduc Highway. The speed limit on Eramosa Road just outside the centre’s entrance is 80kmph – centre manager Sandi O’Shaughnessy says that the existing speed limit is dangerous for children, parents, and staff. “We have been requesting the council to help us in slowing traffic on Eramosa Road across from the Coolstores complex,” O’Shaughnessy said. “We run a bush kindergarten program and cross this road at least…

MEN’S DIV ONEMORNINGTON celebrated a win for the ages on Saturday, saving themselves from relegation and casting Frankston Bombers into division two. Sitting comfortably last on the MPFNL division one ladder, their final match of the season was against Red Hill, and it was a must-win for the Bulldogs. They fought hard all day and went into quarter time four points up and then into the long break with a seven-point lead.After that, it all fell apart for Mornington and relegation seemed a foregone conclusion. Red Hill came out in the third quarter and decimated the Bulldogs. They kicked 6.7…

MPFNL WOMEN’S DIV ONEWARRAGUL Industrials has written its name in the history books by becoming the inaugural MPFNL Women’s premiers in the top division. Warragul Industrials played Mornington in the Division One Grand Final at Kinetic Stadium in Frankston last Saturday. A healthy crowd was on hand to watch a thriller.The Bulldogs were on top early, and booted the first two goals of the game. Things tightened up from there, and both sides went into the quarter-time break level on 13 each. Warragul kicked the only goal of a tense second quarter to establish a four point lead going into…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEFRANKSTON YCW and Dromana finished all square after a brilliant Tigers fightback last weekend. The Stonecats hosted the ladder-leading Dromana at John Coburn Oval on Saturday. The home side controlled the game all day long – the Stonecats took a 26 point lead into the half-time break, and a 19 point lead into the three-quarter-time break.Dromana showed some fight in the final quarter, and dragged their way back into the contest. A late goal saw them draw level with YCW, but they weren’t able to add to the scoreboard. Frankston YCW and Dromana ended up sharing the…

HELEN Cooper has been named the new boss of Peninsula Health. Adjunct Associate Professor Cooper was appointed the organisation’s chief executive earlier this month. She takes over the role from Felicity Topp, who departed at the end of June after more than six years in the job. Peninsula Health oversees the Frankston and Rosebud hospitals.Cooper, who served as acting CEO while the board interviewed candidates for the position, said she was “delighted and honoured” to be handed the job. “It is an exciting time to be leading this incredible organisation as we embark on the next chapter, focussed on healthy…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONESORRENTO endured one of their most miserable days in recent memory last Saturday when they took on ladder leaders Dromana. The Tigers have lost just twice this season, and Sorrento have floated around the middle of the ladder. After a scrappy first quarter, Dromana put their foot down and dominated.The second half was when most of the damage was done. Sorrento scored just one behind for the half, and saw 11 goals go in at the other end. Dromana came away from the game with a stunning 115 point win – 18.16 (124) to 1.3 (9).Clayton Gay…

MPNFL WOMEN’S DIV ONEMORNINGTON has qualified for the Grand Final after a stirring comeback victory against Warragul Industrials.Mornington Blue and Warragul Industrials have been the two standout teams of the inaugural MPFNL Women’s competition. The two sides faced in the Division One qualifying final at Hastings last Saturday.After a close first quarter, Warragul took control of the game in the second term. They booted three goals to zero to take a 16 point lead into the main break. Mornington struck back in the second half, and worked their way back into the lead. They held Warragul goalless in the second…

AGED care workers at Bolton Clarke homes in Rosebud went on strike last week. Bolton Clarke is a privately-run aged care provider with homes across the country. On its website it claims to be “Australia’s largest independent not-for-profit aged care provider”.Bolton Clarke workers began industrial action on Monday, 15 July. Workers are seeking a pay increase of at least four percent a year – the Victorian branch of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation says that Bolton Clarke should “provide an increase to all salary and allowances in the EBA to ensure parity with the Victorian public health sector from…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEMT ELIZA came from behind to beat Sorrento in a thriller last weekend.Sorrento managed the torrid conditions better in the first quarter, and got out to an early 10-point lead. The Sharks could’ve done even more damage – they kicked 2.5 in the first term.In the second quarter Mt Eliza wrestled back control. The Redlegs went into half-time ahead by two points.After another cagey quarter, Sorrento took back the lead. Heading into the final term the Sharks led by 11 points.Sorrento could only add one more behind to their total in the last quarter. Mt Eliza capitalised,…

PENINSULA Health CEO Felicity Topp has resigned after more than six years in the top job.Peninsula Health runs Frankston Hospital, Rosebud Hospital, and the Frankston Public Surgical Centre. Its board is now on the hunt for a new CEO – Adj Associate Professor Helen Cooper has been appointed acting CEO while a permanent replacement is sought.Peninsula Health board chair Michael Gorton has praised Topp for her work in the role, especially for helping the $1.1 billion Frankston Hospital redevelopment get off the ground. “Peninsula Health has achieved many significant milestones under Felicity’s leadership, including the $1.1 billion redevelopment of Frankston…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEROSEBUD came close to pulling off an upset against Dromana last weekend, but fell just short.Dromana has lost just twice this season, and sits on top of the ladder. Rosebud came into the game with seven wins and five losses.Rosebud landed a huge blow in the first quarter, and went into the first break with a 24 point lead. They scored five consecutive goals to start the match. Dromana woke up in the second quarter, and hit back with four goals of their own. At the main break the Tigers trailed Rosebud by just three points. Rosebud…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV TWOEDITHVALE-Aspendale is now two games clear on top of the ladder after picking up a big win over fellow premiership contenders Chelsea. Edi-Asp came into the match against Chelsea last Saturday with just one loss to their name for the 2024 season. Chelsea had only lost twice all year. Edi-Asp established control of the game early, and never gave it up. They went into the first break ahead by three goals, then stretched their lead to four goals by half-time.It was more of the same in the second half as Edithvale-Aspendale continued to pile on the pressure.…

MOURNERS gathered at Frankston Pier last weekend to remember the life of Andres Pancha. Pancha was a 45-year-old father of three from Cranbourne West. He was allegedly killed while fishing at Frankston Pier on the morning of 29 June. A man has since been charged with his murder. A large crowd visited Frankston Pier at sunrise on Saturday, 6 July, to take part in a vigil commemorating Pancha. A Gofundme to assist Pancha’s family has raised more than $22,000 so far. The fundraiser organisers wrote “this unimaginable act has left our family devastated and in profound grief. Andres was a…

MEN’S DIV ONEPINES have pulled off one of the upsets of the season by beating ladder leaders Dromana. Pines came into the game with just three wins to their name for the 2024 season. Dromana have fared much better – they had lost just once heading into the clash at Dromana Recreation Reserve on Saturday. Pines put on a defensive masterclass amid difficult weather conditions. They kept Dromana to just one goal in the first half.Dromana hit back in the second half, and drew level in the dying stages of the game. Pines proved up for the challenge of holding…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEDROMANA emerged victorious from their top-of-the-table clash against Mt Eliza last weekend. The ladder-leading Tigers travelled to Emil Madsen Reserve to take on second-placed Mt Eliza on Saturday. The Redlegs kicked out to an early lead, and were on top throughout the first half. At the main break, Mt Eliza led by 10 points.Dromana booted five goals in the third term to kick their way back into contention. They went four points ahead in the third term, and managed to hold on for the win. A late goal helped Dromana seal an 8.7 (55) to 9.14 (68)…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEMORNINGTON scored a vital win over Pines last weekend. The Bulldogs looked refreshed on Saturday after a week off. They raced out to a four goal lead by half-time. A five-goals-to-zero third term put Pines back in the hunt. The Pythons trailed by just one point heading into the final quarter. Mornington held their nerve to secure the win. They scored the first three goals of the term, and went on to grab a 12.15 (87) to 9.16 (70) victory.Matthew Caine scored four important goals for the Bulldogs. Mitchell Bluhn and Ryan Falvo were also named among…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEFRANKSTON YCW picked up a huge win over rival Pines last weekend. Just three senior games were played across the MPFNL over the Kings’ Birthday long weekend. The Stonecats’ clash with Pines was a catch-up game from round six.Eric Bell Reserve hosted the match on Saturday. After a tight first half, Frankston YCW led by eight points at half-time.A dominant third quarter put the result beyond doubt. Frankston YCW piled on six goals and managed to hold Pines to just two behinds. They opened up a 46 point lead, which proved too much to overcome.Pines had a…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEPINES and Mt Eliza shared the points after a thrilling final quarter at Eric Bell Reserve last weekend. The Pythons and Redlegs traded blows in a close first half. Mt Eliza took a seven point lead into half-time, which stretched into 20 points at the three-quarter-time break. Pines pushed hard in the final quarter to get back in contention. They chipped away at the lead, and found themselves within striking distance with just minutes left on the clock. The Pythons managed to hit the front with a late goal but the lead didn’t last long. Mt Eliza…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONE ROSEBUD picked up an important win last weekend over Red Hill. Rosebud has had a tough start to season 2024, spending the year near the bottom of the ladder. A win at Red Hill Recreation Reserve on Saturday would put them a game ahead of their rivals at the tail-end. It was a dominant first half for Rosebud. They scored ten goals to four to take a comfortable lead into the half-time break. Red Hill mounted a comeback in the second half. They managed to hold Rosebud goalless in the final term, but couldn’t quite do…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEMORNINGTON and Sorrento shared the points on Saturday after a frantic final quarter comeback by the Bulldogs.Alexandra Park hosted the match last weekend. It was tight all day long, with less than a goal separating the two sides at the half-time and three-quarter-time breaks. Sorrento took control of the match after the final break, and raced out to a 20-point lead. Mornington had to work hard to get back into the contest, but they proved up for the fight. Three goals in the final six minutes saw Mornington draw level with Sorrento. In the end it finished…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONELADDER leaders Dromana fired a warning shot to the rest of the competition by thumping Sorrento at David Macfarlane Reserve on Saturday. Dromana flexed their muscle early with a stunning seven-goals-to-zero opening term. Sorrento weren’t able to recover from their slow start. After a tighter second quarter, Dromana put their foot back on the gas in the second half. They ran out 87 point winners 7.7 (49) to 20.16 (136). Sam Fowler was best-on-ground. He scored six goals to help guide his team to victory. Ethan Johnstone booted four goals. The win leaves Dromana a game clear…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONESORRENTO won a thriller against Mt Eliza last weekend to improve their record to 4-1. The Sharks travelled to Emil Madsen Reserve to take on the Redlegs. The two sides were equally matched all day, with the lead standing at just 11 points Sorrento’s way at three-quarter-time.After a tense final term, Sorrento managed to drag themselves over the line. Some accurate goalkicking helped them wrap up a 13.15 (93) to 15.5 (95) win. Leigh Poholke scored four goals for Sorrento. James Brigden, Nicholas Jamieson, James Hallahan, Myles Poholke, and Dylan Clarke were named in their best.Sorrento have…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEMT Eliza picked up a big win over Mornington on ANZAC Day last week. Alexandra Park hosted the ANZAC Day match on Thursday. After a close opening quarter, the Redlegs entered the first break with a 14-point lead. They put their foot on the accelerator in the second term and took a 33-point lead into half-time. Mt Eliza continued to extend their lead as the game went on. They eventually claimed a dominant 81 point victory 7.10 (52) to 19.19 (133). The win put Mt Eliza top of the ladder. They are equal on points with four…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONERED Hill came from behind to beat Sorrento in a thriller on Saturday. Sorrento grabbed control of the game early with five goals in the opening quarter on their home turf. They held onto the lead all day, but Red Hill kept themselves in touching distance. In the final term, the Hillmen made their move. A three-goals-to-one last quarter saw Red Hill sneak ahead and grab a thrilling one-point win.Sorrento fell to Red Hill 11.14 (80) to 11.15 (81). Dylan Atkins, Michael Griechen, and Harry Wynn-Pope were named among Red Hill’s best, and Oliver Jackson booted four…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONESORRENTO came from behind to pip Frankston YCW in a thriller last weekend. Sorrento hosted the Stonecats at David Macfarlane Reserve. Frankston YCW were the better side early on, and took a three-goal lead into the first break. Sorrento managed to chip the lead back to two points at half-time, but were still trailing by the final break. The Stonecats went into the final quarter ahead by 13 points.Sorrento stormed home to claim a nail-biting four point win. They held the Stonecats to just one goal in the final term. Sorrento beat Frankston YCW 11.12 (78) to…

MPNFL DIVISION ONE FRANKSTON YCW has fired a warning shot to the rest of the competition with a big opening round win over Mt Eliza.The Stonecats controlled the game from the outset. They took a five goal lead into the first break, and didn’t let the Redlegs get back into the contest.Frankston YCW went home with a comfortable 45-point win 6.10 (46) to 13.13 (91).Luca Goonan, Lane Meyer, and Darcy Murr were among the Stonecats’ best. Brenton Lambert and Joshua Patullo scored two goals each.Frankston Bombers pipped Langwarrin to open their season with a win last Saturday.Both sides suffered from…

DIVISION ONE FOOTY kicked off on Good Friday with reigning premiers, Dromana, heading to Red Hill. Red Hill ended the 2023 season in seventh place, so looked to be no challenge for the Tigers, but came out blazing in the first quarter. Red Hill kicked 4.1 to just three points by Dromana to take a 22-point lead into quarter time. It was wake up time for Dromana, and they came out firing in the second quarter slotting five majors and keeping Red Hill to a solitary goal, slipping to a three-point lead at the main break.It was the same again…