MORE than 2700 people took to the water on Saturday 21 January, all in the name of raising funds for the Portsea Surf Lifesaving Club and their life saving programs and resources. The day began at 1.20pm with the 2.5km Gold swim, followed by the 500m categories, with the signature 1.5km Portsea Swim Classic rounding out the annual event from 3pm. The youngest swimmer competing in the Portsea Swim Classic was 12 years old, and the oldest one taking to the waves was Pat Galvin, 89. The Portsea Swim Classic, one of the Mornington Peninsula’s key summer events, draws a…
Author: MP News Group
Looking for common celebration I rang Morn Pen Council before Australia Day expressing my disappointment there was to be no encouragement of citizens to gather at the shire’s namesake Mornington Park with any sort of fanfare or entertainment. I asked is there even not going to be a raising of our country’s flag. The indefinite answer seemed to be no. My point is this: as there are many interests in the 26 January date, let us rationalise our thoughts. Our Australian way of life can be celebrated at any time of the year. Simply choose another date. I suggest say…
THE Water Police Squad has joined forces with some of Victoria Police’s key specialist units in a major effort to bolster safety over the Australia Day weekend. The effort – involving the Air Wing, Dog Squad and Public Order Response Team – saw police blitz the water and foreshore across Port Phillip Bay from Thursday to Sunday. Passive alert detection dogs were deployed to boat ramps across the weekend to sniff out vessel operators thinking of taking to the water impaired. They were supported by local police conducting preliminary breath tests and licence checks. Inspections were carried out to make…
AUSTRALIA DAY on the Mornington Peninsula was a time to celebrate the good things and people of the community. It was a time to recognise many people from all ages and walk of life who had selflessly given their time and energy to better the community. Citizen of the Year was awarded to Jack Van Der Zwart for his work caring for foster children, cooking for the homeless in Rosebud and helping those in need by providing meals. From 1980 to about five years ago, Van Der Zwart and his wife Arina took in 22 foster children, giving them a…
THIS year’s fire danger period for the Mornington Peninsula started at 1am, Monday 30 January 2023 and will go until Monday 1 May 2023 (unless extended or shortened). The CFA declares the fire danger period at the onset of warmer weather to help prevent fires from starting, as dry vegetation and hot weather increase the incidence of fires accidentally starting and spreading. When fire restrictions are in force, burning off is prohibited without a permit, including on roadsides. For information on permits visit firepermits.vic.gov.au. If a total fire ban day is declared, the lighting of fires or solid fuel heaters…
ONE man has died and another was taken by ambulance to hospital on Friday 27 January after falling from a cliff face at Bushrangers Bay, Cape Schanck, around 7pm. It is believed two 24-year-old men from NSW were rock climbing just off Two Bays walking track when they fell. CPR was performed on one of the men, but he died at the scene. Paramedics took the other man to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition but with leg injuries. The exact circumstances of the fall are yet to be determined at this stage, but the death is not…
A P-plate driver had his car impounded after a passenger was found in the boot of his car during a routine intercept in McCrae overnight on Friday 20 January. Somerville Highway Patrol officers set up a breath test site on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway McCrae off-ramp when a Subaru Impreza hatch with red p-plates and four passengers drove through about 5.50pm. Officers spoke to the driver who was the holder of a P1 licence who can only have a one passenger in the car. Police made further checks and opened the boot, finding a fifth passenger curled up in the…
THREE youths and an 18-year-old man have been arrested by the Southern Metro Region Crime Team and are now facing a collective 60 charges following a string of burglaries and car thefts across Melbourne’s southeast and the Mornington Peninsula. As part of Operation Alliance, Southern Metro Crime Team detectives made the arrests on Wednesday 25 January. At about 11.15am, police observed two allegedly stolen vehicles entering James Wyman Place, Hampton Park. Police observed three youths and a man enter a residential property where detectives enacted the arrests a short time later. Detectives will allege the four were involved in 11…
CRIME Investigation Unit detectives are seeking assistance from the public to locate Mark Filiti (pictured below) following a series of bogus delivery for cash incidents across Victoria and the Mornington Peninsula over the past two months. During the series detectives believe at least 17 victims have been targeted by a man claiming he requires cash up front to make a delivery between 11 December and 21 January. As part of the investigation a warrant has now been issued for Mark Filiti who police believe will be able to assist with their enquiries. Police have been told in most of the…
A FIRE at the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s waste and recycling depot in Mornington on 23 January has prompted a reminder on the dangers of placing flammable materials in waste. Just a week after a fire started at the Rye Transfer Station, a fire had to be extinguished at the Outlook resource recovery centre in Racecourse Road, Mornington. Thirteen fire trucks attended the fire, which happened just after midday. While the cause of the latest fire has not been revealed, the council has urged the community to be vigilant when it comes to disposing of batteries and other flammable waste. All…
The Water Police Squad is joining forces with some of Victoria Police’s key specialist units in a major effort to bolster safety over the Australia Day weekend. The effort – also involving the Air Wing, Dog Squad and Public Order Response Team – will see police blitz the water and foreshore across Port Phillip Bay. It will run from Thursday to Sunday. Passive alert detection dogs will be deployed to boat ramps across the weekend to sniff out vessel operators thinking of taking to the water impaired. They’ll be supported by local police conducting preliminary breath tests and licence checks.…
PLAYERS are limbering up for the 2023 Luke Batty Memorial Shield cricket match on 10 February at 5pm at the Tyabb cricket ground at Bunguyan Reserve. After coming off a successful 2022 Australia and New Zealand Police Cricket Club Tournament on the Gold Coast, the Victoria Police Cricket Club will participate in the annual Luke Batty Memorial T20 cricket match to honour Luke, support the Tyabb community affected by the incident and raise awareness for family violence and mental health issues. Australian Test Cricketer Brad Hodge will be a part of the day, while Hastings MP Paul Mercurio will deliver…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a car fire in Rosebud on Friday 20 January. Emergency services were called to reports a vehicle was on fire on Boneo Road about 5.45am. There were no injuries. Anyone who with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 24 January 2023
THE Dolphin Research Institute has been continuing its education and engagement message over the Christmas/New Year’s break, with several groups enjoying its summer programs. A little bit of rain did not dampen the enthusiasm on Wednesday 18 January and the dolphin team was lucky the weather cleared just in time as members roamed amongst the rockpools at the beautiful Balnarring Beach with 2022 ISIC (I see I care) ambassadors and general public attendees. The ‘i sea, i care’ program is an award-winning, innovative leadership and communication program for primary schools. It is also now being tested in secondary schools. The…
Thankful for care THREE months ago my life hit rock bottom, literally, when a set of steps collapsed and I went through them. Today, I am back on my feet and beginning to regain my life and the reason for this is the quality of our public health system generally, and Frankston Hospital in particular. Every day we read about problems in our health system. How it is struggling to cope with unprecedented demand. This is certainly true, but for every case we read about there are hundreds or even thousands of cases where the system not only delivers, but…
AUSTRALIA Day on January 26 on the Mornington Peninsula will be officially celebrated in several places, with a range of community events to mark the day. Community events will be held from Mount Eliza to Portsea, and all events will provide a free family day out with live music and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. Events funded through the council’s community grants program will take place in Dromana, Mount Eliza and Rosebud, starting at Dromana Pier from 8.30am to 1.30pm, Mount Eliza Village Green from 9am to 12pm, and Rosebud Village Green from 9am to 1pm with…
THE Mornington peninsula Shire Council and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action have agreed to allow paragliders to launch once again from Mount Martha. The sport was banned from the cliff areas of Mount Martha several years ago after concerns about safety. But the council, as the appointed land manager, has now decided that paragliding is an allowed activity on the Crown land reserve they manage near Craigie Road. As a result, DEECA has approved a one-year licence for paragliding at Mount Martha Foreshore Reserve. Paraglider and instructor Airie Merlin, from Melbourne Paragliding, says enthusiasts are pleased that…
A MOUNT Martha resident has thanked a community-minded couple who cleaned up after vandals trashed a community barbecue area and attempted to burn a nearby brush fence. Dee Matthews was walking along the Esplanade at Safety Beach on the morning of 15 January when she and a friend came across a burning mess beside the toilet block about 300 metres from the pier. Matthews said she first noticed fire damage in the bin before her eyes were drawn to more damage from a second fire – no longer alight – in a brush fence nearby. There was also a lot…
THE Mornington Yacht Club recently showed its community spirit, hosting more than 20 displaced Ukrainian youngsters who fled their homeland last year after the Russian invasion of their country. With the assistance the local Ukrainian community and Plast Ukrainian Scouts Australia, Mornington YC volunteers made sure the participants enjoyed some time on the water and a little bit of fun. On big boats, small boats and power boats all the kids got out on the water, with most taking the wheel or tiller. Then it was back to the club for a barbecue. Yacht club spokesman Peter Davey said the…
PENINSULA Community Theatre in Wilsons Road, Mornington, was packed to the rafters for the official opening of Mornington Art Show last Thursday 19 January. The 51st annual show features 750 works and is run by Rotary Club of Mornington. It is open from 10am–5pm daily until this Thursday 26 January at the theatre and online till 29 January. Four artists are demonstrating painting, ceramics, sculpture and metalwork on most days, and work by area school students is another highlight. Entry fee of $10 for adults includes a catalogue. Children free of charge. Details: morningtonartshow.com.au First published in the Mornington News…
A car fire in the early hours of Thursday (19 Jan) gave nearby residents a scary awakening as it spewed flames into the air. One CFA unit from Dromana responded to the car fire in Kangerong Avenue around 5.27am. FRV, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria were called to the scene. The incident was declared under control at 5.40am and safe by 5.54am.
A jet ski rider who allegedly rode dangerously close to a boat at Safety Beach this week will be charged by Water Police. Two police boats from Water Police’s strike team were deployed after receiving reports a jet skier was travelling at speed within metres of a stationary boat about 3.40pm on Monday 16 January. It’s alleged the rider deliberately sprayed the occupants with water before speeding off. With assistance from Dromana uniform officers, the jet skier was identified on the beach and subsequently interviewed by police. The 16-year-old boy who only recently obtained his marine licence, will be charged…
HASTINGS foreshore reserve is recognised as one of the town’s main activity centres, but was recently also the centre of criticisms aimed at Mornington Peninsula Shire. Heavy rainfall followed by bouts of warm weather had created ideal conditions for the grass to grow. And the foreshore reserve was just one of many sites needing a trim throughout the shire. Last week a small army of machines and workers descended on the reserve, cutting and clearing the grass. While the clouds of dust would have played havoc with anyone with a respiratory problem, the reserve was soon appreciably reclaimed by walkers,…
More bins are the answer to annual rubbish ‘gripe’ The article about rubbish reflects the annual gripe that appears every year for about six weeks (“Tourists told to ‘clean up’” The News 10/1/23). One of Mornington Peninsula Shire Councils titled “experts” rattles on about educating the masses, bla,bla,bla when blind Freddie knows that the solution which the council refuses to address is more bins. They pay lip service to the problem by trying to shut us up, explaining that they have increased the number of bins and frequency of emptying. It is still not enough and, rather than address the…
By Barry Irving R J Rowley Reserve was the venue for the running of the 47th Rye Gift on Saturday 14 January. After a two year covid hiatus, competitors and supporters of athletics turned up in numbers to watch this iconic Mornington Peninsula event. The Rye Cricket Club provided a sumptuous sponsors lunch that was enjoyed by all. Rye sports and Social Club President Gary Gillies welcomed the sponsors and guests thanking the sponsors once again for getting behind the event despite a tough couple of years. Major sponsor Bendigo Bank Community Bank Southern Peninsula board chairman Vin Cheers spoke…
FRANKSTON Skate Park will host an Australian Skate Park League competition next month. The league will host a Metro series event at the skate park. Skaters of all ages will compete for prizes. YMCA Victoria, the Victorian Skateboarding League, BMX Victoria, and participating local government areas combine to put on around 100 events a year to make up the Australian Skate Park League. “Over the years, the SPL network has grown to over 3000 participants. Despite the numerous lockdowns and rescheduled events throughout 2020 and 2021, the anticipated increase in participants across all disciplines will ensure the success and longevity…
MORNINGTON Croquet Club has successfully secured $750 travel grants from Sport and Recreation Victoria to help pay travel costs for two of its rising stars. John Carr and Janine Sisson, pictured above, have the ability “to make steady progress to state and national level competition”, club secretary Lynn Loutit said. “They started as beginners – Carr in 2019 and Sisson 2021 – and so are not of long standing, particularly when we take COVID into consideration. “Both have been playing in shield competitions for Mornington and in the South East Metro Croquet Association competition. “They are very keen, entering as…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council is likely to consider providing more foreshore car parking at McCrae as part of a McCrae lighthouse master plan. McCrae resident Kathy Ball said the recent loss of some parking spaces had led to parking chaos for locals. Ball said she and other residents had approached the council many times regarding the removal of at least 15 car spaces opposite Penny Lane to make way for a garden area. Visiting beachgoers are now double parking on the main road and clogging up side streets, leaving residents with nowhere to park, she said. “If you drive down…
MORNINGTON Peninsula police are reminding residents and visitors that riding personal e-scooters on public locations is illegal. Police say they have seen e-scooters out and about after Christmas, suggesting many were likely to be presents bought by unsuspecting parents. But the law states that although it is not illegal to own one, it cannot be ridden on any Victorian public road, cycle lane or footpath. The only place an e-scooter or e-skateboard can legally be used in on private land. Privately-owned e-scooters that are over 200 watts or can travel at more than 10kph are classified as motor vehicles and…
THE Marine Investigation Unit is investigating the circumstances around an accident between two jet skis at Safety Beach around 2pm on Saturday that left with one man in his 20s with serious lower body injuries. The man was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital after the two jet skis allegedly collided around 2pm. The driver of a second jet ski, a woman in her 20s, was treated at the scene for a foot injury. Police, including the water police, say they will be focussing heavily on water safety for the rest of summer to ensure people utilising boats and jet skis…