MORNINGTON Peninsula-grown produce has a new identity with the launch of the Mornington Peninsula Produce food provenance brand. The certified trade mark, developed by Mornington Peninsula Shire and its Food Industry Advisory Body, will help consumers confirm the provenance of fresh produce when buying from the farm gate, farmers’ markets and retail outlets. Launching the new initiative last week at The Briars, the mayor Cr Graham Pittock, said local agribusiness was integral to the region’s economy. “Around one third of our land is devoted to agricultural production, and the Mornington Peninsula is the second most valuable agricultural region in Victoria,…
Author: MP News Group
FLINDERS MP Greg Hunt is urging community groups and individuals to apply for grants to “to engage with and raise awareness of” Point Nepean. Point Nepean is the only one of 104 places on the National Heritage List in Mr Hunt’s electorate. “I encourage community organisations and individuals who want to engage with Point Nepean to consider making an application for a grant,” Mr Hunt said. “Grants of between $2500 and $10,000 are available to undertake activities that promote community engagement and raise awareness of places on Australia’s National Heritage List.” Mr Hunt, who has long been a critic of…
POLICE visited a picket line at the United Petroleum site on Bayview Rd, Hastings, Tuesday, but took no action against protesters. Hastings Senior Sergeant Steve Burt said the company had contacted police. “They just wanted to know what was going on, so we attended,” he said. “The protest was peaceful and gave us no cause for concern. We talked to the protesters who guaranteed a peaceful blockade. They have every right to protest and, unless they cause a problem, everything’s OK.” Organiser Kevin Roberts said workers entering the site – at which West Australian business Decmil is contracted to supply…
AN appeal is being made for signatures and money to strengthen the fight against concrete footpaths at Somers. The Somers Village Community Association (SVCA) says it will appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT) against thye footpaths planned by Mornington Peninsula Shire. The shire plans to apportion costs among all Somers property owners, not just those fronting the footpaths. Many of the property owners to be charged live several kilometres away from the two metre wide, 5.2 km long footpaths. “We [Somers Village Community Association] are calling for people to help us doorknock Somers in order to…
AN accidently discharged flare may have caused a fire at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, Saturday (20 February), which destroyed three boats and burned a man’s face. CFA crews from Sorrento, Rosebud and Rye attended the incident at 2.30pm. Thick black smoke billowed from the boats which were tied up at the marina. Some members trained hoses on the blaze in a desperate effort to stop it spreading to neighbouring boats. CFA District 8 Operations Officer John Francis said firefighters from CFA and Coast Guard took 30 minutes to control the blaze. “Two boats were destroyed, another was severely damaged and…
USERS of Port Phillip and Western Port are being asked to tell Parks Victoria about any risks they know about in either bay. The feedback may be added to the safety and environment management plan (SEMP) covering the two bays and Port Campbell. “Our local ports feature unique marine habitats that have been recognised internationally for their diversity and we want to make sure we are serving the community and our marine environment as best we possibly can,” Parks Victoria senior manager local ports and waterways Victor Teoh said. “We’re keen to hear from a whole range of people who…
PT LEO surf beach is sure to be crowded on Saturday, but no one is grumbling as it will be the second event held this year by the Mornington Peninsula branch of the Disabled Surfers Association. The first event for the year on Saturday 16 January saw 115 participants enjoying the surf with the help of 300 volunteers. And organisers are predicting this Saturday’s event will attract even more volunteers and participants. Volunteers can register with the DSA near the Pt Leo lifesaving club from 9.30am (or earlier if they want to help set up for the day). There are…
ROSEBUD Secondary College students spent the past two weeks hiking, raft-building, abseiling and camping in the Victorian high country, as part of a Melbourne University study into the impact of outdoor experiences on positive adolescent development. The 130 Year 9 students attended two free camps run by specialist outdoors instructors at Howman’s Gap on the Bogong High Plains. They reportedly revelled in the challenge. They were encouraged to help each other and work as a team setting up camp, taking turns to lead and organise the others. The going was tough, but the sense of accomplishment rewarding. Students completed a…
A DARK musical tale of love, vengeance and the best pies in London, Astral Theatre Society’s production of Sweeney Todd will take to the stage at Rosebud Memorial Hall later this month. Set in grim 19th-century London, the musical tells the story of wrongfully-imprisoned barber Benjamin Barker (aka Sweeney Todd), and his desire for revenge against the scheming judge who exiled him to an Australian penal colony for a crime he did not commit. Armed with a sharp, straight razor and a mind full of menace and revenge, Todd sets up shop as one of the finest barbers in the…
MELBOURNE Easter Show is bringing a unique, family friendly “ little , big show” to the suburbs of Melbourne Presenting all the hallmarks of a traditional style show, Melbourne Easter Show has it all- albeit without the expensive price tags! Melbourne Easter Show presents the first free entry show of it’s kind to the families of Melbourne. The team at Melbourne Easter Show wanted to bring the experiences of the show, the thrill of rides, the joy of choosing a showbag and engaging children in an array of activities without the huge entry prices for families , like other events.…
Pierce Brothers have taken their music from busking on the streets of Melbourne to the world. Their irresistible energy and world-class live show has generated a word of mouth buzz not seen for sometime. The acclaimed live act has been shaking dance floors and selling out rooms across UK, Europe, Canada, USA & their native Australia. Comprising of twin brothers Jack and Pat Pierce, the multi instrumentalists have sold over 50,000 EP’s independently. Pierce Brothers are returning to Australia to play a select run of shows to launch their top 10 ARIA EP Into The Dirt. After spending the majority…
WESTPAC Bank is closing its Centro Somerville branch on Friday 18 March. A spokeswoman said the seven-year-old branch was “amalgamating” with the branch at 70 High St, Hastings. She said three of the five Somerville staff would be redeployed to Hastings and the bank was “looking for redeployment opportunities for the other two”. “We have made changes to our branch network across Australia because over-the-counter transactions have steadily declined as a significant number of customers prefer digital banking options, such as mobile banking, internet banking and smart ATMs,” she said. She said customers could make deposits and withdrawals, query account balances,…
SOMERVILLE hall is again open almost one year since being severely damaged in a storm. The reopening of the Mechanic Institute hall earlier this month also marked 125 years since a hall was first built on the Station St site and a century since two rooms were added at the front. Among those gathered for the reopening ceremony was the mayor Cr Graham Pittock, Cr Lynn Bowden and shire CEO Carl Cowie. Land for the original hall was donated by Henry Gomm, with building money being raised through public subscriptions, bazaars and other fundraisers. The hall was managed by volunteer…
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s Cruden Farm will once again host McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery’s annual fundraising event on Saturday 19 March. Picnicers will be entertained by Mrs Mippy dixieland jazz band, Dukes of Debonaire, the Beckitt Brothers & The Frankston High School Senior Stage Band – Directed by Leon de Bruin. This is the only event at Cruden Farm that takes in the gardens at twilight. Bring your picnic basket, rug, table & chairs and sit back and enjoy the ambience and surrounds of the beautiful gardens and lakes whilst being entertained by a variety of bands across two locations…
By ANDREA LOUISE THOMAS Each year Frankston is taken by storm as the city is immersed in the stories, music, sport, dance, food, film and arts of Latin American, Spanish and Portuguese cultures. The annual month-long Ventana Festival is a highlight of the city’s calendar providing authentic insights into the cultural diversity of Spanish-speaking countries. With events and activities for all ages, such as, a pop up film festival, concerts, bilingual storytelling, craft and costume displays, soccer, capoeira, luche libre (Mexican wrestling), and educational workshops, each year Ventana gets bigger and better. Ventana’s Street Fiesta on March 12 is a dazzling display of…
RELAXED racing has arrived on the peninsula and the 2016 Mornington BMW Cup is simply drooling with great dining packages. The peninsula’s premier race day features exciting additions to the Mornington Racecourse menus that will satisfy every budget and the tastebuds of every racegoer – big or small. For a relaxing day in the gardens, the newly upgraded Garden Bar will now be located trackside with hawker style food stalls providing a unique food offering. The trademark Trackside Marquees and Marina Marquees will be returning as well as the luxurious Pommery Saddle Club – a must for anyone looking for…
PREMIER Daniel Andrews visited Frankston Hospital last Thursday morning (18 February) to officially open a new eight-bed Rapid Assessment Chest Pain Unit expected to treat up to 2000 patients per year. The new eight-bed unit means specialist cardiologists can assess people with chest pain earlier and faster, to ease pressure on the emergency department. The extra beds at Frankston Hospital mark 92 out of 101 beds and points of care opened as a result of the Labor state government’s $200 million Hospital Beds Rescue Fund. “In less than a year, we will deliver 101 new beds and points of care…
THE senseless shooting of a tawny frogmouth has upset and angered Rye Beach Veterinary Hospital staff. The wounded juvenile was found on Old Melbourne Rd near the Rye football oval with a badly fractured and infected shoulder could not be helped and had to be euthanised. X-rays revealed a lead pellet – probably fired from an air rifle. “I was very upset to receive it as it was a lovely little bird,” said veterinarian Stacey Lethlean, who has treated injured native animals for the past 30 years. The nocturnal raptor, which eats moths and small animals, is a well camouflaged…
THE case against a Victorian motorcyclist fined for having cameras attached to his helmet has been thrown out by a County Court judge on appeal. Max Lichtenbaum was fined $289 and lost three demerit points after being pulled over by police in Frankston in March 2014 for wearing a helmet with cameras affixed. Mr Lichtenbaum was found guilty in the Frankston Magistrates Court last year of not wearing an approved motorcycle helmet. Lawyers Maurice Blackburn appealed the magistrate’s decision, arguing successfully that the Australian Standard governing motorcycle helmets was not made freely accessible to the public by VicRoads, therefore, riders…
A 69-year-old Sorrento man has died in hospital after he was involved in a cycling incident in Portsea last week. Investigators have been told that the 69-year-old was cycling along Wattle Grove with a 67-year-old Portsea man about 8.15am on Tuesday 9 February. The two riders have collided with each other at the intersection of Royal Avenue and both have been thrown from their bikes. The Sorrento man suffered severe head injuries and was air lifted to hospital. Police have been told the man died today. The 67-year-old suffered minor injuries.
FRANKSTON police are calling for help in finding a stolen motorcycle that has “significant sentimental value” for the owner. The deaf and mute man bought it following the death of his father. It was stolen from Tyrone St, Seaford, on 15 December. Detective Acting Sergeant Ryan Collins, of Frankston CIU, is appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the motorcycle to call him on 9784 5590 or Crimestoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 16 February 2016
ROSEBUD’S own Ron Vincent bears an uncanny resemblance to singer Cat Stevens. But it doesn’t stop there. Ron has been a life-long fan of Stevens and his tribute show has been applauded both here and overseas. Next week Sorrento will enjoy the entertainment of Ron Vincent at the Spiegeltent on February 26 and 27. Ron’s Cat Stevens tribute show is a trip down memory lane exploring Stevens’ remarkable musical career. His folk-influenced, melodic tunes strike a chord with audiences today and Ron’s heartfelt performance sets the scene for an intimate musical journey. A very talented singer, songwriter and musician Vincent…
LIFE Saving Victoria is warning the public about the dangers of rip currents following three fatal drownings and a number of hospitalisations following non-fatal drownings this year. A 27-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman died after getting caught in a knee-deep rip current at Cape Woolamai on Sunday 10 January, while a 27-year-old man lost his life at Gunnamatta on Sunday 24 January. There have been 23 reported drowning deaths in Victoria this financial year, 13 of those were in coastal waters which is five more than the previous five year average of eight. Since July, 78 per cent of…
CONSTRUCTION companies, landscapers, tradespeople and suppliers are welcome to attend a free ‘Meet the Builder’ event on Thursday 25 February, to register for any opportunities that may arise from Frankston Private Hospital’s $45 million expansion project. According to Frankston mayor Cr James Dooley, the Frankston Private Expansion project, delivered by Watpac on behalf of Healthscope and Generation Healthcare REIT, will include opportunities for local suppliers to bid for work packages on the project. “This opportunity has been arranged through Frankston City’s ‘Buy Local’ program, which has brought about some amazing partnerships through major construction projects in the last few years,”…
GRAVESITE commemorations at Dromana and Crib Point cemeteries, Sunday 21 February, will honour two Mornington Peninsula servicemen who died 50 years ago at the Battle of Long Tan, during the Vietnam War. They are among a series of simultaneous vigils across the state at the gravesites of Vietnam veterans. The Dromana ceremony will honour fallen veteran Mick Poole, and Crib Point’s will honour Colin Whiston. Mornington Peninsula Vietnam Veterans’ Association treasurer Robin Date said Mr Poole’s extended family and Mr Whiston’s sister Michelle and her family would attend the services. The two are the only Vietnam veterans buried on the…
By BILLY DIXON “IN the first few years we were playing, getting to play a show at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney was a dream… when you actually get to a milestone like that, you’re pinching each other and giving high fives!” It’s a sentiment that many newer bands can relate to, as they hop from bar to pub to club, trawling the suburbs of their home state for fans. For RÜFÜS, it’s a reality that constantly surprises with generous bounties of love and recognition for the indie dance trio, consisting of Tyrone Lindqvist, Jon George and James Hunt.…
ANY species that can beat the cane toad and feral cat to the title of “Worst Pest in Australia” for their deleterious impact on native species deserves to be taken seriously. Indian mynas appear to wear that tag with pride. The aggressive, territorial pests are a serious threat to native birds and other small animals. Also called common mynas, they are rated by the World Conservation Union as one of the world’s 100 most invasive species. Southwest Mornington Peninsula Landcare Group members are inviting residents to a free Indian myna workshop on Saturday 20 February. Fauna ecologist Malcolm Legg will…
LARS Tharp, a presenter on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow program, is the first speaker for the year of the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society, Mornington Peninsula branch. The ceramics and oriental art specialist, broadcaster and speaker will tell the story of London’s Foundling Hospital, at 5.30pm, Friday 26 February, at Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilsons Rd, Mornington. The Foundling hospital was established in 1739 by philanthropic sea captain Thomas Coram as a home for the education and maintenance of exposed and deserted young children. Artist William Hogarth had a long association with the hospital and was a governor, as was…
FLINDERS MP Greg Hunt has been named Best Minister in the World for his role, as Australia’s Environment Minister, in reducing carbon emissions by 93 million tonnes. The award was announced and presented to Mr Hunt at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Tuesday 9 February. “I am genuinely humbled to receive the award. I am however deeply proud that this inaugural award is being presented to an environment minister. The environment is our common heritage, our land, our home and our identity,” Mr Hunt said in his acceptance speech. Mr Hunt is the inaugural recipient of the annual…
BERG Mt Martha will hold a Free Family Day at Balcombe estuary, 10am-2pm, Sunday 28 February. Those attending the “natural outdoor classroom” will be invited to create a cartoon with Terry Denton, sculpt with the Dromana potters, make a mini-book with Annie Dowd, paint a picture with Judi Singleton, learn about Lego Smart City with Melbourne Water, look for “creek critters” with BERG Mt Martha, burrow into the bush with Gidja Walker, spot the bird with Birdlife Australia, get up close and personal with reptiles from Moonlit Sanctuary, swap a card with the Connies and find a plant. There will…