THE state government is still not onboard the Frankston rail extension project. There was no funding for the proposed project in the state budget handed down last week. The business case assessing the cost of the extension was finally released last month. The cost given for duplicating and electrifying the Frankston line to Baxter was quoted at an eye-watering $1.3 – $1.5 billion. The federal government has committed $225 million to the extension. CEO of advocacy group Committee For Greater Frankston Ginevra Hosking said “the extension is vitally important so Frankston and Mornington Peninsula residents can board trains at stations…
Author: Brodie Cowburn
PENINSULA A TOP order collapse saw Somerville fall short of victory in their clash against Heatherhill on Saturday. Heatherhill chose to bat first, and opener Don Pulukkuttiarachchi was in impressive form. He scored a half century, with his side making 185 before their innings came to a close. Somerville struggled, with five of their top six batsmen dismissed for scores of less than ten. Three of those batsmen went out for just one run. Number four batsman Bradley McDonald tried his best to drag his side over the line, but his knock of 57 wasn’t enough. Somerville ended up losing…
MONEY to start the $562 million Frankston Hospital redevelopment has been made available in the state budget. The budget was handed down by the state government last week. A total of $16.2 million in taxpayer funding was allocated in the 2020/2021 financial year for the hospital expansion. The budget papers showed that $27.2 million will become available for the project in 2021/2022, $124.6 million in 2022/2023, and $191.1 million in 2023/2024. The budget read that the total estimated investment of $562 million “includes funding beyond 2023-24”. The money is welcome news for supporters of the project. Just $6 million was…
CRICKET PENINSULA LONG Island got the better of Seaford Tigers in a competitive clash at Belvedere Reserve on Sunday. Choosing to bat first, Long Island got off to a good start. Despite star batsman Nick Jewell being dismissed for a relatively low score, they managed to put 179 runs on the board. Zachery Wilson top scored with 42. The Tigers showed plenty of fight at the crease, and at 2/91 were in a good position to go on to get the win. Their first drop batsman Ashley Mills hit eight boundaries on his way to a big score of 69.…
PENINSULA AFTER a long off-season of uncertainty, MPCA cricket finally got underway last weekend. The season will look different, consisting entirely of one-day games, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of local cricketers who returned to the pitch on Saturday. In the first week of Peninsula cricket’s return, Long Island took on Heatherhill. Heatherhill chose to bat first and put 132 runs on the board, giving Long Island an attainable target to chase down. Long Island had little trouble reaching the target and claiming the win. Nick Jewell top scored for the side, scoring 45 runs. Long Island ended up…
A BUSINESS case assessing the proposed electrification of the Frankston line to Baxter has suggested that a different option be taken instead. The business case was publicly released last week, more than one year after it was handed to the federal government. One of five options assessed in the study only provides improvements to bus services. Two options see no electrification of the railway and add passing loops to the Stony Point line, while the other two see the track duplicated and electrified to Langwarrin and Baxter. The study identifies the “Stony Point Uplift” as the “indicative preferred option”, rather…
FORMER Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove has urged holidaymakers to visit the Mornington Peninsula to help restart the regional tourism industry. Sir Peter estimates that he attended more than 4000 events during his five years in the job. His life’s work took him all across the globe, but this year the overseas flights have come to a sudden stop. Sir Peter says Australians should take this as a chance to explore some of the best locations the country has to offer, once it is safe to do so. “For beautiful places like the Mornington Peninsula, this year has been a great…
ELLIE Cole was just 16 years old when she waved goodbye to her Frankston High School classmates and jetted off for the Beijing Paralympics. By the time she returned her whole life had changed, and she was a three-time Paralympic medal winner. Cole was treated like a star by her classmates, a time she recalls with both fondness and a hint of embarrassment. “I still remember the pride the school had,” the star swimmer told The Times. “There were posters all over the place, and I’m a bit modest so I didn’t handle the attention that well. I asked them…
AFL SYDNEY Swans captain Luke Parker played his 200th AFL game this season. He has won a premiership, made the All Australian team, finished second in the Brownlow voting, and won two best and fairest medals. Despite his many achievements in the AFL, a lone senior outing for the Langwarrin Football Club still ranks high on the list of Parker’s best memories. Before making the move to New South Wales to start his AFL career in 2011, Parker pulled on the blue and white guernsey he had grown up wearing for a solitary senior game. “It was an incredible memory,”…
POSITIVE COVID-19 tests for 51 staff at Frankston Hospital has led to another 446 staff being forced to self-isolate at home. Early last week, Peninsula Health CEO Felicity Topp confirmed that 51 staff members had tested positive to COVID-19. Peninsula Health, which runs Frankston and Rosebud hospitals said investigations were underway into the source of the cases. No cases have been detected among staff at Peninsula Health’s rehabilitation centre and a palliative care unit in Golf Links Road, Frankston “Of the 51 staff cases, 40 are nursing staff, with four doctors having tested positive at this point, along with five…
THE 2020 MPNFL season has been cancelled. AFL South East announced the decision to call off their competitions on 27 June. All senior football and netball divisions will not go ahead this year. There were hopes that the league would be able to get up and running next month, with a plan to return already outlined. AFL South East had announced that they planned for the season to get underway by 25 July, with a shortened fixture and a zero salary cap. After a further meeting between AFL South East officials and MPNFL club representatives last weekend, plans to start…
THE 2020 MPNFL season hangs in the balance, with its future set to be evaluated later this month. AFL South East head Richard Black, AFL South East CEO Shaun Connell, and officials from each of the 22 MPNFL clubs all met on 3 June to discuss the 2020 season. It was decided that a further evaluation would be held after an update from Premier Daniel Andrews, expected on 21 June. Senior leagues across Victoria have begun cancelling their seasons in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The Northern Football Netball League and Southern Football Netball League will both not proceed…
THE I-MED radiology clinic in Frankston has closed after staff members tested positive to COVID-19. A joint statement issued last week by I-MED Radiology CEO Dr Shrey Viranna and Chief Medical Officer Dr Ron Shnier read that “a number of our employees at Frankston Radiology have tested positive for COVID-19.” “We have worked with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure any patients who had experienced close contact with the employees were notified. In addition all employees who had experienced close contact have self isolated for 14 days and have been tested before recommencing work,” the statement read.…
SCHOOL is out early and many businesses will be forced to shut their doors as part of the latest COVID-19 precautions implemented across Victoria. Premier Daniel Andrews announced late last week that school holidays would begin from Tuesday 24 March in an effort to “combat the spread of coronavirus”. “This is not something that we do lightly, but it’s clear that if we don’t take this step, more Victorians will contract coronavirus, our hospitals will be overwhelmed and more Victorians will die,” Mr Andrews said. “Victorians will still be able to go to the supermarket, the bank, the pharmacy and…
TOURS through Frankston will proceed as part of the Big Picture Fest this weekend. The Block Party event to kick off the festival was cancelled last week in response to COVID-19 concerns. Council confirmed this week that the street tours would still go ahead, but urged the need for “social distancing”. Nine new murals have been completed across Frankston’s city centre. Artist Mark Taylor said “this is the best festival in the world. In the first year, it just blew me away.” “I have this thing with water at the moment and I think it is because of the place…
AUSTRALIA’S consumer watchdog has warned people to be aware of scammers using the COVID-19 crisis to sell fake cures and products. The ACCC put out a statement today (20 March) confirming that they have received 94 scam reports relating to coronavirus this year. They said that that figure is rising. ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said “unfortunately, scammers are using the uncertainty around COVID-19, or coronavirus, to take advantage of people”. “We’ve had a wide variety of scams reported to us, including fake online stores selling products claiming to be a vaccine or cure for coronavirus, and stores selling products…
AFL South East has made the call to postpone the start of the season for local football leagues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mornington Peninsula Nepean and South East Women’s leagues have been postponed until 1 June. For junior players the Frankston and Districts, South East, and Mornington Peninsula leagues have also been delayed until 1 June. The postponement also applies to the Auskick and umpiring programs. In addition to the cancellation of games, AFL South East has also put a ban on training and practice matches with immediate effect. An AFL South East statement read that “due to…
THE Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association board has voted to cancel local cricket competitions in response to the coronavirus crisis. Grand Finals in senior MPCA competitions were set to take place next weekend, but will not go ahead. The association has not yet decided whether premierships will be awarded for the 2019/2020 season. MPCA president Steven Morone said “we understand this is extremely disappointing for all clubs that have made it into the finals after a long season.” “The decision has not been taken lightly and has been one of considerable discussion and angst for the board,” he said. “This decision…
THE show will not go on at the Frankston Arts Centre. The centre will close for nearly a month, from 16 March to 13 April, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. A statement put out by the Frankston Arts Centre on 16 March read that “in line with the latest advice from the Australian federal and Victorian governments on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, Frankston Arts Centre will be temporarily closed from Monday 16 March through until Monday 13 April.” “The venue closure means that all scheduled performances and events from Monday 16 March to Monday 13…
THE Mornington Peninsula Nepean, South East Women’s, Frankston and District Junior, and Mornington Peninsula Junior football leagues face delayed starts to their seasons due to COVID-19 concerns. AFL South East, which oversees the leagues, issued a statement on 16 March outlining the measures they are taking to prevent the spread of the virus. “AFLSE will take advice from the AFL and AFL Victoria in relation to preparations for the start of the season. Key operational staff are currently working on different scenarios on how the season may look in the case of an expected delayed commencement to the 2020 season,”…
PENINSULA RED Hill hosted Pines on Saturday as semi final matches got underway in the MPCA. The Hillmen won the toss and chose to bat first. They got off to a horrible start, losing their opening three batsmen for a combined total of just fourteen runs. Star player Simon Dart came in at number four and put together another good innings. He hit 56 runs from 179 deliveries to help get his side back on track after their shaky opening. Brent Martin also played well for Red Hill during their first innings, putting 46 runs on the board. The knock…
PENINSULA LONG Island have taken the chocolates against Heatherhill in a high scoring one day clash. Heatherhill chose to bat first, and played well. Kristian Miller was their best performer, scoring 95 runs before being run out. After their 40 overs, Heatherhill finished at 7/198. Long Island got off to a good start in their run chase, with opener Nick Jewell in fine form. Jewell scored 94 runs before being caught out. The score is his fourth in the nineties for the season. Long Island ended up reaching their target with six wickets in hand and three overs left to…
EXPANDING public transport in Frankston has been listed as a “priority initiative” by Infrastructure Australia. Infrastructure Australia’s latest priority list shows that “optimising the existing bus network, increasing bus service frequency and coverage,” and “upgrades to rail services and infrastructure” are seen as ways of improving Frankston. The list includes 150 “priority” or “high priority” projects and initiatives throughout Australia. Committee for Greater Frankston CEO Ginevra Hosking described Frankston’s inclusion as “fantastic news and proof that solving the region’s lack of public transport is a state and nationally important project, one that’s vital to unleash the potential of our region”.…
PENINSULA A CENTURY from Jake Theobald got Heatherhill over the line in a nail biter against Pines. Chasing 253 to win on day two, Heatherhill had a tough task ahead of them. Heatherill ended up in a difficult position at 7/156 before Theobald took control. He scored 102 not out. Heatherhill ended up getting over the line with just two wickets in hand and four balls left to spare. Things were more comfortable for Somerville on Saturday, as they put Moorooduc to the sword. Somerville had already wrapped up a win on day one, and were looking for an outright…
PENINSULA A BRILLIANT knock by opener Riley Shaw has put Red Hill in a good position in their two day clash against Pearcedale. Shaw has struggled with form this season, but showed his ability with a massive score on Saturday. He scored 93 before being caught and bowled. A strong middle order performance by Red Hill brought them to a total of 5/242 after 60 overs. The Hillmen declared, wanting a chance to attack Pearcedale’s batting lineup. Pearcedale came in to bat for a disastrous 20 overs before stumps. They ended the day at 5/32, facing certain defeat. At Bruce…
PENINSULA PEARCEDALE have slumped to an outright loss against Long Island. Long Island put on an aggressive display on day one, replying to Pearcedale’s first innings score of 71 with 1/128. They declared after just 22 overs, sending Pearcedale back in to face the music again on day two. Adam Tweddle was the star of the show on day two, posting figures of 5/27 off 19 overs to inflict further misery onto Pearcedale. After 45 overs, Pearcedale were dismissed for 56. To lock in an outright win, Long Island came in for one over and put the final two runs…
PENINSULA A BRILLIANT knock of 86 not out from Simon Dart helped Red Hill to a big total against Moorooduc on Saturday. Choosing to bat first at home, Red Hill were impressive. Opener Matthew Merifield also played a big part for his side, passing his half century. Red Hill finished the day at 266, setting Moorooduc a formidable target to chase down on day two of their match. Tom Shayler was the pick of the bowlers for Moorooduc. He took a five wicket haul, and posted final figures of 5/70. Shayler is in good form, and has taken two 5…
PENINSULA HEATHERHILL had to work for it, but eventually defeated Moorooduc in a hard fought one day match on Saturday. Moorooduc chose to bat first on their home deck and did well, scoring 170 before being sent packing. Each of Heatherhill’s five bowlers managed to grab a wicket, with Jake Theobald and Aidan Lenehan taking three apiece. Heatherhill’s run chase started well, and they were flying at 1/112. Steven O’Donnell and Kristian Miller both passed their half century for Heatherhill, helping them secure the win with four wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. Somerville and Long Island also…
PENINSULA A HAT trick from Pines bowler Jackson Mockett was not enough to get his side over the line against Somerville on Saturday. Pines had a lot of work to do at Eric Bell Reserve, having only made 94 runs the week prior on day one of their clash. Mockett’s haul of 6/41 was impressive, but Somerville still managed to grab the win. They finished all out for 169 runs. Pines’ second innings finished at 7/90. At Ballam Park East, Red Hill did enough to grab a win over Long Island. Chasing 112 to win, Red Hill started things off…
PENINSULA PINES have fallen to a first day defeat in their two day clash against Somerville. Pines were sent in to bat first and struggled from the outset. None of their top order batsmen managed to reach double digit figures, and they were rolled for a disappointing total of 94. Star bowler Jayde Herrick was in fine from once again for Somerville, posting figures of 5/28 in their first innings. Somerville made quick work of their target, and finished the day at 3/103 from 35 overs. At Ballam Park, Red Hill are on the verge of securing victory in their…