STELLA Mars has conquered many difficulties in her short life, not the least being literacy and academic mastery that’s not always associated with people living with autism or ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). A finalist for this year’s Mornington Peninsula Mayor’s Short Story Writing Award in the eight to 12 years old category, the Mount Eliza girl has shown that she has a strong driving force determination to succeed. The nine-year-old already considers herself a professional creative who knows where her talents lie and the obstacles she faces. “I really enjoyed writing my story and I am proud of it. It took…
Author: Liz Bell
WELFARE workers are calling for an end to the scapegoating of homeless people over thefts and anti-social behaviour on the Mornington Peninsula. The call follows an incident on Tuesday 22 August near the Rosebud foreshore, where a 36-year-old woman allegedly assaulted a police officer after she was seen throwing objects into traffic and behaving erratically on Point Nepean Road. The woman, from Dromana, allegedly spat at officers and was arrested at the scene. She was charged with assaulting police and remanded in custody to appear before Frankston Magistrates’ Court at a later date. CEO of the Mornington Community Support, Ben…
THREE sisters who founded the mental health charity It’s Okay, Not to Be Okay are encouraging people to get involved in next month’s Walk for Suicide Prevention. Social worker Georgia Hocking and her sisters Maddi and Hayleigh, who grew up in Somerville, lost their younger brother Ben, 22, to suicide in 2016. Their passion and mission since then has been to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of community support. Georgia said the family’s mission was to prevent suicide by destigmatising mental health and encouraging people to seek support. She says suicide has a devastating impact on families,…
SPORTSWOMAN, mother and company founder Donna Groves can add another feather to her cap when her first book Shine is released in October. Groves, who grew up in Western Sydney but now lives in Cape Schanck with her husband and their child, plays soccer in Mount Martha. She says one of her aims in writing her book was to help women find “self-love” and empower them. Groves says she experienced the trauma of a difficult childhood and a “disastrous” first marriage, only to find herself a single mother at 26 raising two children under five. After studying at night, and…
YOU can almost hear the excited chatter of children in the halls, smell the aromas of early Australian cooking, and sense the spiritual energy that has powered Mount Martha House for almost 200 years. Now home to the Martha House Community Centre, Mount Martha House is a Mornington Peninsula icon and landmark, perched on a grassy hill that was once part of the Martha sheep run and today is just steps from bustling Mount Martha village. The house’s many incarnations mean it holds an indelible place in the shire’s history, with strong connections to the area’s early inhabitants and a…
GET ready for a fashion twist that’s turning heads and tickling funny bones – meet “the wheelchair guy” from Capel Sound, who is trying to add a bit of levity to disability and give disabled people a way to connect with community. Daniel Laing, pictured, has designed a range of disability-friendly t-shirts that he hopes will help bridge the gap between able-bodied people and those with disabilities with a touch of humour. In Laing’s own words, his is not your “run-of-the-mill clothing gig – we’re here to prove that disability and style can have a hilarious, inclusive dance party”. “I’m…
FORMER Woodleigh School student Braeden Van de Beek has shown what rewards hard work and determination can bring, after making it to the International Brain Bee Neuroscience Challenge. Van de Beek participated in the competition – held virtually between 31 July and 5 August – after first winning the Victorian challenge followed by last year’s Australian challenge. He was one of 10 students representing the eight states and territories of Australia and both islands of New Zealand in the battle to find an Australian and a New Zealand Brain Bee Champion. The competitions aim to inspire students to pursue careers…
RESIDENTS involved in the Save Flinders Pier campaign have welcomed the planning being undertaken by Parks Victoria to restore the historic structure, despite the pier not being expected to fully open over summer. It is believed the Flinders Foreshore Precinct Conservation Management Plan needs to be reviewed and reworked to accommodate the pier’s restoration and reflect Heritage Victoria’s mandate to protect the state’s important heritage assets. Spokesman for the Save the Flinders Pier campaign, Charles Reis, said Parks Victoria had committed money for the pier’s safety works, but the complexity of the project required time and commitment. “While funding for…
TOURISM and business operators from the Mornington Peninsula got together at the “explore connections” event in Rye last Tuesday (8 August) to talk about tourism following one of the worst winters even seen on the peninsula. But the vibe was positive, and the focus was clearly on the future and shining the light on the many industry developments and opportunities in the region. Spokesperson for the not-for-profit Sorrento Beachside Tourism group Kera Zaltsberg said there was a lot of positive energy and sharing of “big plans” at the meeting for the southern peninsula. “Winter hasn’t been a great time for…
JACQUIE Beddows says her art has been a defining way to move forward in a positive direction. “It has enabled me to reconnect with my local community through setting up and facilitating Art for Wellness – a supportive and inclusive group for people suffering from communication issues due to stroke, Parkinson’s, acquired brain injury or Alzheimer’s,” she said. The Mornington Peninsula resident lives with significant brain injury due to an aneurysm, stroke and brain surgery. “I had to give up a career I really loved as a support worker with new mothers and pre-school children. I’ve tried to not let…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Waste Wise says the container deposit scheme to be introduced in November will be a game-changer in terms of reducing recyclable waste on the peninsula. Victoria’s container deposit scheme, CDS Vic, is expected to reduce the amount of recyclable litter that ends up on the streets and beaches. The scheme will reward Victorians with a 10-cent refund for every returned eligible can, carton and bottle. The scheme also provides charities, community groups, environmental organisations, sports groups and educational organisations with ways to raise money. Co-founder of Mornington Peninsula Waste Wise and national Boomerang Alliance spokesperson, Birte Moliere, said…
THE future of some Mornington Peninsula kindergartens is uncertain because Mornington Peninsula Shire cannot afford extensions needed to accommodate state government reforms. “We are committed to continue our long-standing partnership with the state government through planning for the needs of children and families in our municipality, but we cannot fund these necessary upgrades or continue to maintain these facilities on our own,” the mayor Cr Steve Holland said. “We are obligated to allocate funds in our budget equitably to benefit the whole community, including facilities for seniors, people experiencing vulnerability, young people, community groups, sporting groups and community support organisations.”…
WELFARE services, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and residents took to the streets of Rosebud on Friday for a walk and rally to call for an end to homelessness on the peninsula. The walk came as the peninsula’s only crisis accommodation looks set to close. The event was a collaboration between Fusion Mornington Peninsula, Mornington Community Support Centre, Western Port Community Support, Southern Peninsula Community Support and the shire. The walk started at 4pm at Rosebud pier and went along Pt Nepean Road and past Memorial Hall, to finally gather for a rally at the sound shell, where there was a…
MEMBERS of the veteran community came together with family and friends at Dromana Cemetery on Thursday (3 August) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. A vigil was held at the graveside of Michael Poole, of Dromana, one of 523 Australians who died in Vietnam between 1962 and 1973. Poole, who was killed by a landmine explosion in 1967, served with the fifth battalion. More than 3000 Australians were wounded in the 11-year conflict and the Dromana service was one of hundreds held around the country as communities reflected and paid tribute…
POLICE and the education department are investigating a series of intimidating incidents at Somerville McDonalds, following continued aggressive and disrespectful behaviour by school students. A hand-written sign banning Somerville Secondary College students from the store was removed on Friday, two days after it was placed there by a staff member attempting to protect his staff and customers. The McDonalds franchise was not aware of the sign or student ban at the Somerville store. Bad behaviour by groups of young people has been an ongoing issue at the fast-food restaurant, including the throwing of food, staff being abused and spat at,…
IT’S well known among equestrians that being around horses can have a therapeutic effect on mental health, but there are also a range of physical and social benefits that come with riding these beautiful animals. The coordinator at Riding for the Disabled Peninsula, Jenny Stidston, says the program is helping riders gain confidence, and at the same time improving their coordination, balance, muscle development and communications skills. “RDA helps to enrich lives through specialised programs and a relationship with horses, and it can be very helpful for people with a variety of physical and intellectual disabilities,” she said. Stidston says…
HASTING’S resident Melissa Stevens’ life could have had a vastly different outcome if not for the openness of her employer, The Hastings Club, to employ someone with a recognised disability. The 46-year-old has low lung capacity, a side effect of the autoimmune disorders she lives with and struggles with shortness of breath and fatigue. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to work. The opportunity to get back into the workforce has given the hospitality worker a new lease on life, new friends, new energy and best of all, new-found confidence. Stevens had previously worked in the cleaning industry for…
HASTINGS housing advocate and rental agency manager Karen Taylor says it was a tearful moment when she handed over the keys for a rental property to a family of four who had been homeless for nearly a year. “I always look forward to handing over house keys. It’s such an exciting time for all involved, especially for the people moving in. But that day was extra special,” she said. The family she was giving the keys to was trying to find a home in the midst of a rental crisis but, to make matters harder, 27-year-old mother Caitlin Scown had…
THE international animal welfare group that exposed the horrors of live sheep export and animal baiting in the greyhound industry has praised Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for taking a stand against the state government’s kangaroo harvesting program. Animals Australia, known for its hard-hitting campaigns to end animal cruelty, said the councillors’ “courageous” public opposition to the slaughter of kangaroos was a good example of a council taking the lead to reflect its community’s values. The council recently passed a motion to request the shire be excluded from the commercial kangaroo shooting industry – a move that would protect kangaroos and…
A PLANNING application for a two-storey, licensed restaurant with rooftop bar in Mount Martha has been refused amid concerns it could change the character of the popular tourist spot. The proposal for a licensed restaurant and cafe at 3A-5 Bay Road, Mount Martha was supported by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council officers who recommended its approval with amendments, despite objections about potential noise, parking and the size and style of the building. Officers’ amendments included acoustic screening in outdoor areas and “appropriate bicycle parking spaces in the footpath area adjacent to the site”. Councillors at their 25 July public meeting determined…
AN application for a theme park on green wedge land at Boneo has attracted 98 objections and 36 letters of support. Although submissions to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council regarding the $47.7 million theme park and recreation centre closed in late June, objectors are hoping for a public forum to air their grievances about the “inappropriate” proposal. Neighbour Simon Stuart said the 80-hectare property operating as The Ranch horse riding and camping centre, is surrounded by broad acre grazing farms and market gardens, and the development would “change the character of the area permanently”. It is believed the revamped park will…
THERE were smiles and tail wagging all round on Sunday morning after emergency services saved a pet dog that had fallen over a cliff at Cape Schanck. In a rescue operation that involved multiple services, including Boneo and Rosebud CFAs, FRV Rosebud with support from Dandenong, and Sorrento SES, Lola the dog was successfully retrieved from a cliff ledge 15 metres from where she fell. The dog’s owners said they had been visiting the area on Saturday afternoon when their pet broke from its leash and went over the cliff edge. It was a tense night for the family, as…
NEW data from the Peninsula Community Legal Centre indicates that 42 per cent of renters seeking assistance from the organisation had received a notice to vacate their homes from their landlord, representing a six per cent increase in the last six months. This increase occurred against a backdrop of a national rental crisis fuelled by record-low vacancies, a critical lack of affordable and social housing, and a cost of living crisis. As well as Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, the legal service covers residents in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs. CEO Jackie Galloway said the situation for renters was worse now…
YOU could say whisky in in the McIntosh family’s blood, in more ways than one. Apart from enjoying the odd winter-warming tipple, former financial advisors Stuart and Naomi McIntosh ventured into new territory with a giant leap of faith in 2013, turning to an old family tradition – whisky distilling – to forge new careers. Just a few years later, their love affair with single malt whisky has grown and their own Somerville-made whiskies are getting noticed around the world. The McIntosh family’s Chief’s Son Distillery had won many awards since they began 10 years ago, with the most recent…
EMERGENCY services are warning of a heightened fire risk this summer, with below median rainfall expected over the coming months followed by a hot summer. The Westernport Group of Fire Brigades is moving its fire season preparations forward from November to mid to late September and early October due to changes in the medium to long-term weather patterns for Victoria from the Bureau of Meteorology. The forecasts for the period August to October signal a greater than 80 per cent chance of a strong El Niño event beginning in August. Group officer David Breadmore said the forecast, combined with an…
TWO Mornington Peninsula neighbours and horse enthusiasts are helping each other out in a bid to raise money for charity Angel Flight and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Andrea Laws-King, 63, of Tuerong, is training for the 220 kilometre Winton to Longreach endurance ride on 29 July, which she admits will be “challenging”. The reproductive biologist will be one of 32 riders attempting the ride, which she will undertake with the help of two friends acting as “crew”. In a twist of good fate, her neighbour, Peter Moran, is an Angel Flight pilot who has completed 195 missions for the…
THEY can be cuddly, cute and charismatic, but also one of the country’s most contentious animals. Through no fault of their own, tens of thousands of homeless cats and kittens run wild in every corner of the country, hungry and homeless, and left to survive on their own resources. However, a Mornington Peninsula volunteer-run animal welfare group is making inroads in the battle to rehome unwanted cats and litters, increase desexing rates and educate the community about responsible pet ownership. Peninsula Cat Rescue president Sarah Beamish said one of the group’s main missions was to find homes for the hundreds…
VOLUNTEERS have had their work cut out for them this winter, with strong winds and rough seas washing up thousands of pieces of plastic and other rubbish into Mornington Peninsula beaches. Beach patrols and other volunteer-based groups around the peninsula have been trying to keep the foreshore areas litter free. This month’s clean-ups saw dozens of volunteers brave the cold, wet conditions to clean up the remnants of recent storms, pulling out hundreds of items from bottles to fishing line. Much of the plastics and waste washed discovered on the peninsula’s beaches gets trapped in seaweed after washing in from…
AFLW player and former Mount Martha Primary School student Sarah Hosking inspired students at the school recently when she visited to give a talk on her experiences in the women’s league. The Richmond player spoke of being drafted and now playing AFL Women’s, the emotional side of footy both on and off the field and respect for the game and opposition. Mornington district coordinator of School Sports Victoria, Cameron Sweatman, said the students were inspired by Hosking’s energy and positive words about determination and respect. In particular, year 6 students and AFLW hopeful Billie Raymond, who has been selected to…
NEW gaming legislation is expected to have a significant impact on the Mornington Peninsula, where around $68 million is lost at pokies venues every year. The statistics highlight the continuing cost of gambling addiction in the shire, where 820 machines operate in 17 venues, the second highest number of pokies outlets of any Victorian municipality after Geelong. The state government’s reforms are aimed at making the state’s gambling harm protections the strongest in Australia. Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Melissa Horne announced the changes last week to reduce gambling harm at venues with electronic gaming machines across the state. At…