THE Labor Party is offering to provide a community battery at Flinders if it wins the Saturday 21 May federal election. The party says just 12 of the more than 230 houses in the Flinders area with rooftop solar have registered a battery. Labor says the community battery would allow “households to feed solar power into the shared battery during the day and draw from it at night – cutting electricity bills and emissions and reducing pressure on the grid”. Households unable to install solar, like renters, would be able to draw from excess energy stored in the battery. First…
Author: MP News Group
LIFESAVERS have taken in their red and yellow flags for the last time this season, the busiest ever, according to Life Saving Victoria. Since mid-November 2021, volunteer lifesavers and professional lifeguards from peninsula lifesaving clubs and the roving rescue watercraft (jet ski) service carried out 156 rescues. Their efforts were part of more than 700 rescues, 140 major first aids and what is anticipated to be over 200,000 patrol hours carried out across more than 60 locations across the state. Rescues were up 18 per cent on the previous season, which was the busiest recorded at that stage. “In Victoria,…
A NEW cat and small animal care centre (CASA) is being built at the RSPCA Mornington Peninsula’s Pearcedale property to provide care and shelter for more than 2500 cats, rabbits and guinea pigs annually. Purpose-built and designed by specialist architects with advice from veterinary and animal behaviour experts, the centre is expected to enable animals to heal faster and be adopted more quickly. RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker said the existing buildings were more than 30 years old and made it challenging for staff and volunteers to provide modern, best-practice care to animals. “RSPCA Peninsula accepts every cat, kitten…
GOLF FLINDERS Golf Club has again hosted the Eric Lucas Shield for junior golfers. Played in partnership with Golf Australia and awarding Order of Merit points the event drew many of the best junior players from Victoria. Keenly contested, the boys event was won by Cody Brenner (Moonah Links and Heidelberg Golf Clubs). Cody fired a scorching four under par and as an eligible member of a Golf Peninsula Victoria club also won the prized shield. Girls winner Jessica Zhu (Victoria Golf Club). Boys nett winner was William Pettitt (Keysborough Golf Club). and the Girls nett winner Arena Tran (Riversdale…
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Baxter Tuesday evening. It is believed a female was struck by a car as she was walking along Fultons Road around 7.45pm on 19 April. The pedestrian, a 15-year-old Caulfield South girl, sadly died at the scene. The driver, a 19-year-old Aspendale Gardens woman, stopped at the scene and is helping police with their enquiries. The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined and the investigation is ongoing Anyone who witnessed the collision, with dashcam footage or further information is urged to call…
BLUEScope Steel says opening a new customer service centre at its Western Port works, Hastings confirms its commitment to local employment and local manufacturing. Managing director and CEO Mark Vassella said the $34 million centre – with capacity to process more than 100,000 tons a year – consolidated BlueScope’s Victorian steel processing capabilities on one site, “using the latest technology and with a clear focus on our customers, safety and the welfare of our people”. The centre’s opening comes during the steelworks’ 50th year of operation at Western Port. Invited by the company to the opening ceremony were Flinders MP…
MEMBERS of the Save Flinders Pier campaign are mourning the loss of one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most respected environmentalists, Trent Williams. Williams’ death has dealt a blow to the Flinders community as it campaigns to save the town’s historic pier. The Mornington-based educator and marine biologist died two weeks ago while scuba diving near Port Phillip Heads. Williams was one of the leaders of the Save Flinders Pier campaign, regularly organising volunteers to clean the Flinders beach, and leading groups of scuba divers to remove debris from the water and sea bed beneath the pier. A keen underwater photographer,…
MELBOURNE’S lockdowns may have put an end to live shows but did not necessarily cancel creativity. The three-member emo rock band Medicated Love, marooned at their respective homes, managed a self-phone-filmed video (“stage” clothing ranges from dressing gowns to flannelette and Hawaiian shirts). But as soon as the chance arose, they regrouped in the studio to record Sit With Your Feelings, an EP released late March. “Banana bread? Zoom beers? Writing a debut EP? The lockdowns forced our creative juices to flow,” guitarist and singer Riki Platt said. “The COVID-19 lockdowns seem like a distant memory, as do the daily…
MEMBERS of the West Rosebud Bowling and Croquet Club are ecstatic that Brian Richardson has been recognised with the 2021 Good Sports National Volunteer of the Year Award. Club president Phil Brown said the award acknowledged the time and effort Mr Richardson had put into improving the club, whether it be in his more noticeable roles of maintaining the grounds, organising social bowls events, or working behind the bar. “Behind the scenes Brian offers and has delivered so much more,” he said. “Brian is always around the club, whether it be applying his initiative and skills to extend the life…
A LEARNER driver who had his vehicle impounded in February was stopped by police on Hodgins Road, Hastings on Monday 28 March and had a second vehicle impounded for licence infringements. In the latest incident, police in the Hastings divisional van spotted the driver’s unroadworthy vehicle with two rear bald tyres, and further inquiries revealed the driver was an unlicensed learner who was accompanied by a P-plater. Under the Road Safety Act, a learner permit holder without a fully licensed accompanied passenger can have their vehicle impounded. Further inquiries revealed the driver’s other vehicle was impounded the previous month by…
HIGHWAY Patrol officers caught a drink driver four times over the limit at a random breath testing site in Dromana on Easter Saturday 16 April. A Honda CRV with two adults and two children inside was seen pulling over just before a roadside testing site on the Nepean Highway, around 5.30pm. Police allege the female passenger swapped seats with the male driver and then drove toward the testing site. A preliminary breath test was conducted on the original driver, who returned a positive reading. He was taken to a nearby police station, where he returned an evidentiary breath test of…
A 60-year-old Mornington man was allegedly so affected by alcohol he almost fell from the car when stopped by police near Main Street, Mornington, shortly after 10.20pm on Saturday 16 April. Police said the man’s breath alcohol concentration was .255, more than five times the legal limit. The man will have to pay more than $1000 to get his vehicle (above) back and face the Magistrate’s Court at a later date. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 19 April 2022
MORNINGTON Peninsula lifesavers have won six medals at the 2022 Australian Lifesaving Championships masters competition. Portsea Surf Life Saving Club member Sue Crow won gold in the two kilometre ocean swim at North Kirra and then struck gold again at Kurrawa in the 65-69 years female surf race. Fellow Portsea water woman Chloe Hardman came third in the 50-54 years female ski race and their Portsea teammate Brett Croft claimed bronze in the 50-54 years male beach flags. Haydn Tierney of Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club also won bronze in the 40-44 years male two kilometre ocean swim teammate…
AN INVESTIGATION is under way into the causes of a fire that destroyed two Mornington fast food restaurants and forced the temporary closure of Nepean Highway. The Red Rooster store and a neighbouring kebab shop were gutted by the fire which started around midday on Sunday 17 April and quickly filled the streets with thick, black smoke. It is believed the fire started at Mornington Star Kebabs. First published in the Mornington News – 19 April 2022
Rosebud Police have seized a number of firearms stolen from a Bendigo property earlier this year, following a raid on a Safety Beach property yesterday morning. Earlier this year, police received reports that four firearms were stolen from a residential address in Sailors Gully, a suburb in Bendigo. Police will allege the firearms were stolen between 4 – 7 March after the property was broken into and keys to the firearm storage unit were located. Following a thorough search of the Safety Beach property yesterday morning, police located a hidden 4-wheel drive tray where the four firearms were recovered. Rosebud…
NET fishing is now banned in Port Phillip. In 2014, the state government announced that it would phase out commercial netting in the bay by 2022. The ban came into effect last week. The Victorian Fisheries Authority website states that 35 of the original 43 net fishers at Port Phillip Bay have left, with eight commercial operators now remaining. Those staying will be directed to not use nets. The state government has spent $27 million in taxpayer funding on converting the Port Phillip commercial fishing industry to a hook and line snapper fishery. It hopes that fishers will now have…
FIRE brigades across the Mornington Peninsula will soon be able to apply for money from Mornington Peninsula Shire for projects supported by volunteers. Council has voted to set up a working group to disperse the $300,000 it received from the sale of land to the Country Fire Authority in 2018. The working group will have a representative from both the Western Port and peninsula CFA groups, a shire representative and an independent member. Once established, the group will invite all local fire brigades to submit applications. CFA group officer Western Port, David Breadmore, said brigades were grateful and appreciative of…
THE award-winning Easter Sunday Flinders Motoring Heritage event will see more than 150 cars on display. The cars will range from unique veteran cars built in the early 1900s to the latest luxury electric cars from Porsche and Audi and Tickford Racing. A 1934 bus will take passengers around the village as Flinders offers music, food vendors and a festival atmosphere. Awards will be presented for each class of car and there will be a People’s Choice and Car of the Show prizes. The Flinders Motoring Heritage is a major fundraiser for the Flinders District Lions Club and previous events…
POLICE are appealing for public assistance to help locate 52-year-old Warwick Joseph, below, who is wanted on warrant for outstanding drug related matters. Joseph is known to frequent the Mount Eliza, Sommerville, St Kilda and South Yarra areas. Anyone who has information about his whereabouts can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 12 April 2022
TYABB Fire Brigade is warning drivers to slow down when passing emergency services crews after a car accident on Graydens Road on Thursday morning. No one was seriously injured, but the brigade is urging drivers to obey the 40kph restrictions when passing flashing lights. Fines for failing to comply start at $272. The 40kph flashing lights rule was introduced to improve safety for emergency and enforcement workers. Drivers must slow down to enable them to stop safely when approaching and passing enforcement, emergency or escort vehicles that are stationary or moving slowly (less than 10kmh), and have either: Red and…
AN innovative eye scan device to monitor brain injury for sportspeople is being used on the Mornington Peninsula and giving improved indication of date-to-test eye health. The device replaces the “follow my finger” test for ocular motor function and captures 1200 data points on eye movements in 10 seconds. The EyeGuide non-invasive test enables users to capture, chart, and analyse objective data to better understand overall wellness of the eye. Community Bank Southern Peninsula gave $3250 to Rye Junior Football Club, for half the cost of the equipment to monitor and identify head knocks that may result in concussion. The…
PENINSULA Health has won three prizes at the 2021 Healthcare Financial Management Association awards, which recognises talent and leadership in health organisation finance teams across Australia. Financial planning and analysis manager at Peninsula Health and winner of the innovation award, David Monaghan, said that as finance increasingly moved to organisational decision-making on healthcare, the finance division had become more intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of the organisation. “Our skill set is in analysing and interpreting large datasets to drive efficiencies in the service; to ensure hospitals and health services remain sustainable and operational now and into the future for…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh says he will be swapping chocolate eggs for saltwater this Easter paddling a canoe in Port Phillip and Western Port to raise money for emergency services. Cr Marsh says his trip will “shine a light” on the need to preserve the shire’s beaches and maintain its coastal infrastructure, such as piers, jetties, and boat ramps. The challenge will take four days, starting in Mount Eliza on 15 April (Good Friday) and finishing in Somerville on 18 April (Easter Monday). On the first day, Cr Marsh has set his sights on paddling from the…
ABOUT 500 people enjoyed a rain-free afternoon, entertainment and displays at the Celebrate Shoreham Festival on Saturday (2 April). Shoreham Community Association’s festival was held at the Shoreham Common and had something for everyone, with children’s face painting, art displays and musical arranged by Michael Stowers. Shoreham CFA provided a free sausage sizzle and equipment display, while raising $600 in donations for NSW flood relief. The association provided refreshments and community groups – including Flinders Historical Society, Shoreham Foreshore Committee, Grandmothers for Refugees and Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation – organised displays. Shoreham Tennis Club provided coaching. Staff from Peninsula Health…
FOUR sailors from Mornington Yacht Club will be heading for Germany later this year after having won the under-22 category and open class events in last month’s Asia Pacific finals in Newcastle. Fifteen clubs from around Australia and Vanuatu competed in the titles on 26 and 27 March. The competition in Germany will determine the World’s Best Sailing Club of the Year. The Mornington team hoping to continue its winning form in Germany comprises skipper James Jackson, 17, Jack Eickmeyer, also 17, and 19 year old twins Lily and Matilda Richardson. James Jackson was last year’s Australian Sailing’s youth sailor…
MORE than $200 million worth of cars and modern art were on display last week when Pt Leo Estate hosted the Motorists Concours d’Elégance. The event saw car, art and food and wine enthusiasts view about 100 of concours and preservation-state cars. Pt Leo Estate, home to a $70 million art collection, was kept by the Gandel family as a winery and private retreat for many years but is now a sculpture park with 330 hectares of landscaping featuring works by Australian and overseas artists. Together with her husband John, Pauline Gandel has combined a knowledge of sculpture parks around…
On Tuesday 29 March Somerville Highway Patrol targeted the illegal use of monkey bikes around Hastings and Crib Point. At 12.30pm a monkey bike was found hidden in bush near the intersection of Hodgins and Frankston-Flinders roads, Hastings, and impounded. One hour later police were at Crib Point following reports of youths causing trouble on motor bikes near the football oval. Four motor bikes were subsequently impounded at a cost of $895 each and four youths will be summonsed at a later date for offences including unlicensed driving, use unregistered motor vehicle, drug driving and refuse oral fluid test related…
SOMERVILLE detectives are seeking information or CCTV footage that will help in the investigation of an aggravated burglary on Sunday night (3 April) in Lomica Drive, Hastings, where thieves stole two cars. Senior Sergeant Eddie Lagonda of Somerville CIU said the offenders entered the house and took the car keys while the owners were asleep. The thieves then made off with a Mitsubishi ASX and a Volkswagen Golf. Anyone who may have seen anything or have CCT footage should phone Somerville CIU on 59781300 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 5 April…
A FIELD of 108 will contest the $200,000 National PGA Classic from Tuesday to Friday on The National’s reworked Gunnamatta course at Cape Schanck. Players include Fortinet Australian PGA championship winner, Jed Morgan, a Queenslander, who is likely to earn playing rights next season on the DP World Tour in Europe. Following this week’s 72-hole event at The National there are just three more tournaments – two in Western Australia in April and another in the Northern Territory in May – to complete the season. The National has three courses at Cape Schanck and, while seen as world class, rarely…
Police are investigating following a fatal crash in Pearcedale yesterday afternoon. Emergency services were called to Baxter-Tooradin Road to reports a car had struck a tree about 1.20pm The driver, a 64-year-old Frankston man, was transported to hospital where he sadly died. It is believed the vehicle was travelling east prior to the crash, which occurred shortly after West Road. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined and anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has dashcam footage, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au. For the current…