WESTERN Port Secondary College may be the first school in Australia to have a sculpture park in its grounds, assistant principal Hannah Lewis believes. It came about after year 8 students visited McClelland Sculpture Park earlier this year to explore the park and ponder why creativity was important, as well as the role of the artist in society. “Inspired and challenged by the sculptures they came away with ideas for setting up their own sculpture park, modelled on McClelland, to complement student-created sculptures in its grounds,” Ms Lewis said. Students from the year 8 Young Entrepreneurs Stream set about curating…
Author: MP News Group
NAIRM Marr Djambana – Frankston Aboriginal Association, will be officially opened on Saturday 19 November, and the association are swinging open their doors to all-comers for the occasion. On the day, there will be indigenous dancing, a smoking ceremony, presentation of council members and politicians, and heaps of things for kids to do, including bouncing castles, petting zoos, bumper cars, and performances on the stage. There will be a market stall there where people can buy Christmas presents and gifts. There will be plenty of handmade gifts and indigenous artworks available for viewing and purchase. There will also be stalls…
DUNKLEY federal MP Chris Crewther has revealed he has Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder featuring involuntary vocal and movement tics. The Liberal MP helped launch the Parliamentary Friendship Group of Tourette Syndrome in Canberra last week and said he personally had suffered from Tourettes before its diagnosis. “I have Tourette’s. This is the first time I have raised this publicly, or in any job, or beyond close friends and family,” he said in Parliament last Wednesday (9 November). “Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder. It consists of vocal and motor tics, that is, rapid, repetitive and involuntary muscle movements. “For…
CLAY target enthusiasts from all over the country converged on Frankston last weekend for the Universal Trench Commonwealth Titles, a qualification event for the 2017 Australian team selection. The prestigious event on Saturday 5-Sunday 6 November was keenly contested with about 90 competitors in 15 squads, coming hot on the heels of the 2016 team’s incredible success at the world championships in Morocco two months ago. That team – made up of shooters from all over the country, returned with world championship titles in three of the four categories – open, junior and ladies, and the Australian junior team and…
THE Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network has been given $300,000 to be spent over four years linking native habitat and controlling weeds and pest animals. The Linking the Mornington Peninsula Landscape – From Planning to Action project will involve several biolink plans which include improving waterways and wetlands. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network to begin the implementation of local biolinks plans and provide a practical demonstration of community-based catchment management,” PPWCMA CEO David Buntine said on Saturday 5 November when announcing the funding at an event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Landcare at Boneo…
VICROADS has defended pedestrian lights being installed near the Tower Rd- Nepean Highway intersection at Mt Eliza rather than at Kunyung Rd, which is closer to schools, service centres, post office, milk bar and a bus stop. A summary of complaints to The News over the past six months show most claimed the lights were of little benefit to cars turning into and out of Tower Rd, while fewer pedestrians needed to cross the busy road there. In contrast, the Kunyung Rd intersection was described as a “very dangerous six-lane, 80kph crossing point on the crest of a hill”. The…
A MODEL boat valued at $4000 was among antiques stolen from a Tyabb house early on Sunday 6 November. The display boat, pictured, was among jewellery and other items also valued at “many thousands of dollars”, Mornington Peninsula CIU’s Senior Sergeant Alan Paxton said. The model is 170cm long and named Riva Aqua Marina. No one was at the Mornington-Tyabb Rd house when the thieves struck. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Mornington News – 15 November 2016
A NEW rabbit virus will be trialled next year at four sites on the Mornington Peninsula. The peninsula sites are at Balnarring, Mt Martha, and Main Ridge. The virus will also be released at Cranbourne South and on French and Phillip islands. “Rabbit populations are on the rise and a coordinated effort is needed from all levels of government working with researchers, industry and local communities to address this pest problem,” Flinders MP Greg Hunt said. “The release of the RHDV1 K5 virus in areas where rabbits wreak havoc on native flora and fauna is part of the federal government’s…
THE Mornington University of the Third Age annual concert is a time when members get into the spirit of the festive season. The program of song will range from Schubert and Bach to Andrew Lloyd-Webber, The Seekers and Christmas carols at the concert at 2pm, Thursday 24 November, at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Mornington. “Visitors will be impressed by the choir’s joyful singing and be moved by the passionate performance under the new musical director Heather Bird,” choir president Jan Hale said. They have previously performed at charities and other events under the direction of the late Warwick Taylor. “After…
SPEED limits on several Mornington Peninsula roads will be lowered to “improve safety, and make the speed zones clearer and easier to comply with”, according to VicRoads. The roads have been identified as having inconsistencies with varying speed limits, which the authority admitted “causes confusion”. The affected roads are: Mornington-Tyabb Rd, east of Peninsula Link. The 3.5km stretch of Mornington-Tyabb Rd, east of Peninsula Link, to be cut to 80kph to match the existing speed limit on either side of this stretch. VicRoads estimates the journey along Mornington-Tyabb Rd will take an extra 21 seconds. Arthurs Seat Rd, William Rd…
MORNINGTON Peninsula residents are invited to be part of the solution to violence against women by attending a range of community discussions on White Ribbon Day, Friday 25 November. Commentator and former independent MP Phil Cleary will head a 7–9pm discussion at the Commonfolk Coffee Company, 16 Progress St, Mornington. Register at eventbrite.com.au. Cleary has been at the forefront of the campaign to stop violence against women since his sister was murdered by her ex-partner in 1987. On the night, attendees will also hear from Acting Inspector Dean Clinton on how family violence is affecting the Mornington Peninsula. The event…
MANGROVES are part of a trial to stop coastal erosion in Western Port. About 500 seedlings have been planted in a trial on the foreshore of Churchill Island Marine National Park off Phillip Island. The indigenous plants, widespread in some areas, are known to be good for a healthy marine environment. Their dense roots also help bind and build soils, and can slow the speed and destructive nature of the waves. Parks Victoria, in partnership with the Friends of Scenic Estate Reserve, has planted the specially propagated mangrove seedlings in an effort to reduce wave erosion of the cliffs. Ranger…
THE works and methods of artists will be on display for four days this month when studio doors are thrown open during the annual Peninsula Studio Trail. The artists have produced a map that can be used to plan a scenic tour that takes in 17 creative spaces, from Frankston South to Flinders, along the coast to Rye and then back to the Port Phillip side of the peninsula through Red Hill. Along the way, the artists will show a range of art not always available in the commercial galleries. At McCrae, Katrina Newman, who makes jewellery with gold and…
MICHAEL Mann made a lasting impression on dozens of teenagers during his 28-year career at Rosebud Secondary College. Mr Mann died in 2011 while assistant principal and the positive impact that he had on student Kayla D’Angelo led to her suggestion that a Reflection Garden be created as a memorial to him. Kayla went on to become the college’s 2015 vice-captain and her vision for this garden is now a reality, thanks to the work of a group of students and the generosity of several businesses. Liam Kelly and Franz Mahr, who run the college’s Hands On Learning program, led…
FIVE new beds have been added to the paediatric ward at Frankston Hospital thanks to Mt Eliza Rotary Club’s Kids Fun Run against Mornington Railway Preservat6ion Society’s locomotive, K163. The club raised $20,000 from last year’s fun run for the beds and this year hopes to match that with more specialised equipment for children. Frankston Hospital paediatric ward nurse unit manager, Helen Hutchins, says the beds are used for children who need help to sit up and be supported in bed. “We care for a lot of kids who have severe disabilities so these new beds are great for them.…
POLICE say a Lilydale man was lucky not to be seriously injured when he tripped and fell while walking at The Pillars, Mt Martha, on Cup Day. The 63-year-old injured his shoulder when he tripped and fell onto “jagged and sharp” rocks about 2pm. Acting Sergeant Ray Box, of Mornington CIU, said a rock fisherman saw the man lying injured in a wedge-shaped depression after his fall and called Triple 000. “The tide was coming in and he was getting splashed by the waves so there was no time to lose,” he said. Ambulance crews called to the scene had…
VISITORS to the U3A Mornington art and craft show at the Currawong Hall had a rare view of the creative work by the artists and Currawong Crafties group. “We are delighted to present a wonderful selection of watercolour, oils and acrylic paintings, sculpture and beautiful pieces of craftwork from our beginner, intermediate and advanced classes,” U3A art tutor Jan Oliver said at last week’s opening. Artists and tutors from various classes showed off works: from watercolour to experimental media and paintings in the style of cubism, impressionism and others. Opening the show, Mornington MP David Morris praised the group’s…
TOUGH new legislation introduced into state parliament last week to get so-called “monkey bikes” off the streets gives police the power to seize and impound the miniature bikes and fine owners up to $3109. If police find a monkey bike and no rider comes forward to claim it, the bike will be impounded and crushed after three months. Riders found not to have a valid motorcycle licence will be charged with unlicensed driving. Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said the legislation came about after monkey bikes were involved in an incident that claimed the life of Carrum Downs mother-of-two Andrea…
Re-emerging from a hiatus earlier this year with the catchy pop dittie ‘Are We Flirting’, Abbe May’s followup ‘Doomsday Clock’ unveils yet another side to her personality as she reveals yet another layer of her forthcoming album ‘Bitchcraft’ and a national tour this November/December. The song contrasts a joyous Gospel choir (Featuring May, Joni Hogan and Odette Mercy) with striking, ominous bells that ring throughout what could be May’s most immediate single yet. May suggests there is a chance for hope offered through acknowledgment of our inevitable demise. One of the earliest songs written for ‘Bitchcraft’, Doomsday Clock was developed…
The Black Sorrows have earned the reputation as a dynamic live act. There is a level of accessibility to The Black Sorrows that can appeal to the newest of fan. At the helm, Camilleri steers the band through an energetic interplay of solid grooves and well- crafted songs that mix those well-worn ingredients of blues, soul, R&B, gospel, country and even Brill Building pop. Spontaneous (forget set lists) and emotionally driven, Joe ensures that no two performances are ever the same. Camilleri’s mantra is simple “we come to play and leave the audience feeling exhilarated”. The Black Sorrows continue to…
For 30 years, the glorious voices of Vika and Linda Bull have comprised one of the most distinctive, versatile and emotionally charged sounds on the Australian music landscape. Since their multi-platinum conquest of pop radio with the Black Sorrows in the late 1980s, the sisters have forged diverse pathways into soul, gospel, blues, country and the island music of their Tongan ancestry. By turns tender and powerful, their rich solo vocals and instinctive harmonies have spawned eight albums of their own, as well as illuminating studio and concert performances by Paul Kelly, Rockwiz, C.W. Stoneking, Deborah Conway, Kasey Chambers and…
Police were bowled over when they discovered a 75-year-old woman, who had driven the wrong way around a roundabout in Hastings, had a blood alcohol reading of more than double the legal limit. A concerned motorist alerted police to the woman after she was observed driving erratically in the Hastings area this afternoon. Police located her on the wrong side of a roundabout on Frankston – Flinders Road and High Street about 5pm. The Hastings woman told police she had been drinking at a race day function at her favourite bowls club. She later recorded a blood alcohol reading of…
NAVY crews from HMAS Cerberus literally dropped in to Eastbourne Primary School last week to talk to years 5 and 6 pupils about a career in the armed forces. It was pretty exciting stuff for the youngsters when the Seahawk helicopter arrived at the school in Allambi Av, Rosebud West, for the afternoon session. Assistant principal Brett Pascoe said the aim of the careers day was “to inspire our pupils to start looking towards their futures”. “Getting them thinking about their pathways in life by late primary school may help them remain focused and avoid the possibility of difficulties and…
CENTENARY Park Public Golf Course manager D&S Golf was recently awarded the inaugural On Course Golf National Franchise of the Year. It was presented to D&S Golf at the On Course National Conference on the Gold Coast last week. All On Course franchise golf businesses across Australia were evaluated against a stringent criterion of business excellence including branding, store presentation, marketing and training. In a highly competitive field, D&S Golf came out a clear winner. D&S Golf Director and PGA Professional Steve Montgomerie, and business partner and PGA Professional Warren Young, were delighted to win the award. “Being adjudged as…
FRANKSTON nurse Jenny Macindoe has one of the most difficult jobs in healthcare – that of working exclusively with people with an incurable illness. Ms Macindoe, a specialist metastatic McGrath Foundation breast care nurse, has just been appointed to fill the much-needed role of supporting patients by providing an outlet beyond the family unit with whom they can talk to openly. Metastatic breast cancer refers to the stage of cancer that is incurable – it has spread beyond the primary tumour site of the breast to other parts of the body. A nurse for more than 30 years with significant…
AFTER three years of negotiations, the environment group BERG Mt Martha has persuaded Mornington Peninsula Shire to spend $100,000 to reduce sediment entering Balcombe Estuary. BERG Mt Martha president Graham told last week’s annual meeting that “the problem of sediment clogging the creek and estuary needs to be addressed now”. “We are grateful to council realising the severity of the problem and coming to the party to solve it.” BERG Mt Martha says the level of sedimentation is changing the estuarine environment resulting in loss of habitat and food sources for aquatic animals and birdlife. “The food source for black…
CRAIGIE beach at Mt Martha remains closed during the day while extra rocks are brought in to protect the 50-year-old seawall. A similar rock revetment is already in place at the northern end of the seawall and the works now underway are designed to protect another 97 metre section. “This approach has proven to be highly effective, so we are extending the rock revetment, to prolong the life of the seawall and provide continued protection of the cliffs,” Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning coastal project officer Jacky Priestley said. “The works will help protect the Craigie Beach seawall…
CRIB Point Cricket Club has been hit by intruders for the third time in the past few months. No cash was stolen in the early morning Friday 21 October break-in but Senior Sergeant Allan Paxton, of Mornington Peninsula CIU, said $2000 damage was caused when thieves forced the front sliding glass door and then smashed an internal roller door and shelving. CCTV footage is being examined. It is believed to show two men wearing hoodies inside the building at 4.30am. Club president Ricky Thompson said the club had learned from the string of break-ins in March, August and, now, October,…
SOME of the rarest plants on the Mornington Peninsula and French Island will be better protected under a $85,000 project between Trust for Nature and Parks Victoria. The state government money will go towards fauna population surveys, weed control, establishing herbivore exclusion zones, improved fencing, seed collection and conservation management plans. Trust for Nature regional manager Ben Cullen said one of the rarest orchids in Australia – the leafy greenhood – occurred in some areas of the Nepean Peninsula and was considered a threatened species because of trampling, pest herbivores, urban development and “unfavourable” land management practices. Other species and…
AN open day at HMAS Cerberus on Sunday gave thousands of visitors a rare glimpse of Navy life, as well as a great day out. Known as the Cradle of the Navy, the base has up to 800 staff and each year trains about 4000 members in all three defence forces. Commanding Officer Captain Stephen Bowater said the 30 military activities on show included interactive displays by Navy clearances divers and even cooking demonstrations by Navy and Army cooks. Training faculties were open for inspection, and there were displays by the Indigenous Dance Group and commando skydivers. The Navy’s 816…