A NEW bay swimming group has started in Mornington to give more cold-water enthusiasts a chance for an early morning dip with friends. Jacky Howgate, who started Mornington Morning Mermaids in January last year to help her recover after brain surgery and other health issues, said the swimming group attracted women of all sizes, shapes and backgrounds. The group grew by word of mouth and Facebook posts and eventually comprised nearly 100 members who would gather three mornings a week on the beach for a dip and a chat. Along the way women came and went due to work commitments,…
Author: MP News Group
ASPIRING tennis pro and Mornington Tennis Centre player Lola Grigor had the experience of a lifetime earlier this month competing in the Rafa Nadal Tour with other 12 to 14 year olds from around the country. The tour is a junior tennis circuit launched in Spain in 2014, combining the tournament aspect with dynamic and fun educational activities (classroom and physical). Tennis centre spokeswoman Lynne Finch said the club was excited to have been chosen to host the tour, which had a strong focus on being a good person, not just a good player. The eight winning players from each…
DROMANA Primary School celebrated NAIDOC week last Monday against a backdrop of music, culture, sport and harmony. Students wore Indigenous-inspired clothing and celebrated NAIDOC week at various locations around the school. Author Coral Vass spoke to students and read from her book, Sorry Day. The students experienced traditional ways of life and tried using a spear thrower, didgeridoo and wearing possum skins, as well as learning about the origins of AFL football – Marngrook. They participated in a smoking ceremony performed by Lionel Lauch and his team from Living Culture and heard the school choir singing two songs inspired by…
MARK Daw, of the State Emergency Services Sorrento unit, and Rosebud-Rye Rotary Club member Pat Sansonetti, have been presented with Paul Harris Fellowship awards. The awards were made at a Rotary dinner on Wednesday 29 June. Daw has been a member of Sorrento SES since May 2012, undertaking such roles as incident controller responding to and managing storm and flood events, road crash rescues and leading teams to assist fire agencies. He was incident agency commander for the Victorian SES during the 2019/20 East Gippsland fires in charge of groups of volunteers and making decisions on response and safety in…
THE 2022 flu season is adding to staffing and service difficulties across the Mornington Peninsula. Peninsula Health medical services and clinical governance executive director Associate Professor Shyaman Menon said Peninsula Health, like many health services in Victoria, was experiencing an increase in demand due to the current increase in COVID-19 and influenza cases across the state. “We are being agile across our all services to meet this demand and ensure we are continuing to provide the best care for our community,” he said. “Even with protective vaccinations, COVID-19 is still a serious illness for so many people, especially those who…
HASTINGS SES volunteers got to work quickly on Sunday morning to remove a tree brought down by strong winds at Merricks. The tree fell across Stanley Road which had to be cleared by several volunteers. The same thing happened in Balnarring on Sunday, as strong winds, coupled with wet conditions, brought trees down in several places. Hastings SES unit controller Dutchy Holland said the incidents were a reminder to drivers to be aware of conditions and driver carefully during high winds. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 19 July 2022
SOUTHERN Metro Regional Crime Team detectives have arrested six youths in Seaford over several offences across the Mornington Peninsula and south eastern suburbs. Police will allege the group of youths stole two vehicles on 10 July, a white Subaru from Safety Beach, and a silver Land Rover from Mount Martha, before committing a series of aggravated burglaries in Mount Martha, Safety Beach, Mount Waverley, Edithvale, Mordialloc, Dandenong South, Montmorency, and Eltham between 10 and 14 July. It is alleged at about 3am on 11 July, a silver Volkswagen and a silver BMW were stolen from a house in Mount Waverley,…
GYMNASTICS coach Zak Stolz has a new army of supporters following his win on the Australian Ninja Warriors televised entertainment show. Taking home the title of Furthest Fastest in 2021, the 23-year-old from Rosebud credits his agility to his years training in the artistic gymnastics discipline. He also broke a world record for the furthest distance by lacheing (launching from a shelf) 4.7 metres. The shelf grab world record stood at 4.57 metres. Stolz’s record smash earned him an extra $15,000 on top of the $100,000 prize money he’d already won in the grand final. He said there was always…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has adopted a “framework” to spend more than $1 billion over the next decade on its “effective management and stewardship” of council-owned assets worth $2.3 billion. The four “key areas” for the spend adopted on 14 June as part of the shire’s Asset Plan 2022-2032 are transportation, stormwater, buildings and open space. The shire’s assets – buildings, local roads, bridges, footpaths, shared paths, marine structures, drainage, and open space and recreation – have a combined estimated replacement value of $2.3 billion. The Asset Plan 2022-2032 can be seen at mornpen.vic.gov.au/strategiesandplans First published in the Mornington News…
FOUR Portsea Surf Life Saving Club members have been selected in the Victorian inflatable rescue boat (IRB) racing teams competing at the national championships in Mollymook, New South Wales 21-24 July. Sophie Courtney, Andrew May and Finn Nicholas have qualified for the state team while Sas Macnamara has been selected as team reserve. The four are part of a 36-strong squad selected by Life Saving Victoria’s aquatic sports council, based on results at the recent TRE Motorsport 2022 Victorian IRB championships. “Being selected to represent your state is one of the highest honours for our athletes, team managers, coaches and…
SORRENTO SES is reminding Mornington Peninsula residents to prepare properties in the lead up to stormy weather. That includes trimming trees, clearing gutters, securing loose objects, outdoor furniture and trampolines, and ensuring an emergency plan is in place. Residents could also check if elderly neighbours require assistance. Volunteers had their work cut out for them on 23 June, when a large tree blocked Arthurs Seat Road in Red Hill. Sorrento SES attended at 4.30 am, and it took volunteers two and a half hours to clear the tree and re-open the road. Deputy controller Margaret Davis said it was a…
A 21-year-old probationary driver was stopped by Somerville Highway Patrol on 6 July after travelling at 196kph in an 80kph zone on Balnarring Road, Balnarring. The man had his Mazda 3 hatch impounded for 30 days at a cost of $895, and he will be summonsed to appear at court at a later date. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 12 July 2022
HASTINGS police are again appealing for public help to get illegal motorised bikes off the streets. Acting Sergeant Andrew Ross said public assistance earlier this year had helped get 14 illegal bikes impounded, but more were out there. “Many of the riders are not skilled, and the bikes are an accident waiting to happen,” he said. “We know they are riding around the area but we really need public assistance to know where they are located. “We’d also like to thank the public for the help they provided last time.” Most of the bikes are unregistered trail bikes or monkey…
VISITORS to the 560-hectare Point Nepean National Park will soon be able to overnight there in a tent. In a low key visit last week, Environment and Climate Action Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and Nepean MP Chris Brayne (pictured) had a first-hand look at one of the 36 pre-pitched tents that will be available from spring. Erected on wooden decks, the tents are close to the beach (signs warn of strong currents and rips) and amenities, including kitchens. Brayne said the “camping experience” would help “ensure the site’s ongoing presence as an environmentally and historically significant tourist destination”. The camping ground…
RSPCA op shops are appealing for more donations to help vulnerable people keep warm through winter, and to help animals in need. Liz Irvine, RSPCA Victoria’s op shop network supervisor, said RSPCA Victoria’s op shops relied on donations and community support to continue their critical work of caring for animals. “To support us in our work we’re calling on the local community in Mornington and surrounds to consider clearing out unused items this winter and donating them to the RSPCA op shop,” Irvine said. “We have recently experienced a significant drop in the donation of goods across the state, including…
MOUNT Eliza author Gaby Chase (above) has written a coming-of-age story that has an unusual focus on cooking and ambition, which helps it resonate with both the target audience of young readers, as well as their parents. Chase says the story, Joe Turns Pro, is about the importance of finding your true passion. “I love the story of Billy Elliott and I wanted to write an equally inspiring story about an average kid, one with no obvious talent, and how they go about finding something they’re good at and find that they love – discovering their passion,” she said. “In…
EVEN for people who only know very little about football, the name Billy Baxter rings of luminary fame, like the pseudonym or alliterative moniker of a screen star or wanna-be pop star. For those who don’t know, that name is attached to one of Australia’s most ‘under-the-radar’ and down-to-earth superstars of the entertainment sector, who says he was “shocked”, “humbled” and “grateful” for the recent honour of an Order of Australia Medal. The award is not just for Baxter’s 42 years of non-stop involvement in the music industry as performer and broadcaster, but also as author and actor, and for…
DELIBERATE damage to bus shelters on the Mornington peninsula is costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. On Tuesday morning – 21 June – a bus shelter near the corner of Main and Barkly streets Mornington was vandalised, causing hundreds of dollars damaged. It is believed police have interviewed a suspect and charges are likely to be laid. However, residents say the damage to bus shelters is ongoing and more police patrols and better CCTV cameras should be installed in known hot spots. Another bus stop, near for football ground in Mornington was also allegedly damaged last week, as well…
CAR owners are being reminded to keep their car keys out of sight in the house, after another prestige car theft in Mount Eliza on Monday night or early Tuesday morning, 20-21 June. A white Audi was stolen from a house in Kunyung Road after thieves got into the locked house and stole the car keys while the occupants were asleep. Police say criminals breaking into homes and swiping car keys while unwitting owners sleep is still a problem on the Mornington Peninsula. They are urging home occupants to lock their doors at night and do not keep car keys…
MORNINGTON Peninsula residents are being asked for their opinion on councillors being reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. The draft policy on councillor expenses, reimbursement, resources and facilities outlines procedures for thew shire picking up the bill for expenses incurred by councillors and members of delegated committees while on council business. The document does not cover councillor allowances, which can be up to $32,000 and more than $100,000 for a mayor. Expenses covered in the draft policy can be incurred for council and committee meetings, formal briefing sessions and civic or ceremonial functions convened by the council, the mayor or the chief…
A TEAM effort to filter storm water before it enters Port Phillip at Rye has been recognised with an “infrastructure excellence” award. Before entering the bay, the water is collected in a foreshore bio infiltration basin, or wetland. The project overcame problems involving sand movement, high tides, storm surges and high groundwater levels to naturally filter the stormwater before it reached the bay. Benefits include improving the water quality and biodiversity and a boardwalk to improved beach access. This project, started after talks between Mornington Peninsula and Rye Community Group Alliance, was paid for by the shire, the state government…
LIKE many people who are recognised for their services to their community, Sorrento’s Suzanne Janet South said she was both humbled, but proud, to have been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to community history in the Queen’s Birthday honours. Just a day later, South – who is better known by her middle name Janet – was also awarded a senior achievers award by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. “I can’t say I was too surprised about the OAM because I knew I had been nominated, but I was still doubtful that I would receive one,” she said.…
COMMENT By Janet Street* MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council seems to miss the boat on many issues, including when it comes to mitigating climate change. I feel some councillors are disinterested, uneducated or simply ill-informed on climate change resulting in poor decision making. Some push a particular political party policy for their own personal point scoring for future career opportunities rather than adhering to council policy. Many of those who attended the budget meeting on 7 June were absolutely appalled and, frankly, downright embarrassed as to what they witnessed. Isn’t there a council policy on carbon neutrality? The Climate Change -…
PEOPLE wanting to make a difference and leave a positive environmental footprint are being invited to get involved in the Devilbend Foundation’s community weeding day on 27 August. Organisers say the day will give participants an opportunity to meet others who share concerns for the environment. Devilbend Natural Features Reserve is a 1005-hectare park between Hastings and Mount Martha in the traditional country of the Bunurong people. A haven for waterbirds and walkers, the reserve includes Devilbend Reservoir, the largest inland body of water on the Mornington Peninsula. The lowland forest, reservoirs and shoreline provide valuable habitat and scenery for…
MOUNT Martha resident and former Voices of the Peninsula candidate for the federal election, Claire Boardman, has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday list with a Public Service Medal for her outstanding contribution to public health. Boardman is recognised as an Australian leader in the field of infection prevention control. She is currently deputy public health commander and executive director of the Victorian Department of Health Infection Prevention Control Advice and Response (IPCAR) unit. Boardman said she was honoured to be recognised for her 20-year commitment to public health management and work in improving health outcomes for whole populations. Although…
By Anne Whitehead * THE trained eye of the owner of an art gallery and antiques shop in Potts Point, Sydney was drawn to a miniature portrait while browsing the online sales base, eBay. Small portraits were not usually Leigh Capel’s “thing” but this one stopped him in his tracks. Looking closer he made out the signature “René”, and, given the portrait’s quality, he suspected it could be by René Théodore Berthon, the 19th Century French artist who did portraits of Napoleon. Capel was looking at the face of the Empress Josephine draped in her coronation jewels. The director of…
MANNINGHAM Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested a man and a woman following an investigation into a series of cosmetics thefts, including in Mornington and Safety Beach, valued at over $35,000. On 8 June detectives arrested a 40-year-old man from Rosebud and a 42-year-old St Albans woman in Mentone following a series of thefts from pharmacies and cosmetic stores across Melbourne dating back to January 2022. It is alleged there were more than 12 incidents of theft where cosmetics or fragrances were stolen from stores from Safety Beach, Doncaster, Lower Plenty, Mornington, Sunbury, Knox, Kew, Watsonia, Chadstone and Williamstown. Following…
MOUNT Eliza North Primary School student Ella Seaburgh will compete in the School Sport Australia Championship as part of the 11 to 19 years and under Victorian team in Queensland in September. The 12-year-old participated in a structured trial process to be selected for the aquathon/triathlon. She is dedicated to her sport, competing as a nipper every summer at Mornington Life Saving Club, training in open swimming, boarding and beach running. During winter she continues with her swimming (in the pool) and running and plays netball and football. Ella is hoping to raise around $2000 for the trip, which includes…
POLICE are investigating damage to a mobile CCTV trailer which occurred around 8pm on 19 May at West Park Reserve, Hastings. Investigators would like to speak to a group of youths (below) seen in the area at the time. Anyone with information should contact the Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit on 5978 1400. Quote incident number 220093432. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 7 June 2022
POLICE are patrolling late night entertainment areas across the Mornington Peninsula as part of Operation Asbo. Mornington’s senior sergeant Paul Edwards said a visible police presence at some of the hot spots for anti-social behaviour, including Main Street, Mornington, South Beach, Mount Martha and The Esplanade, was helping to keep late night revellers under control. Edwards said patrols have been assisted by officers from the Frontline Tactical Unit targeting certain areas around licensed venues between 7pm and 3am. “Since the start of May, when we started this operation, things have been pretty quiet in the areas we normally expect to…