OUR Lady of Fatima years 1 and 2 students planted poppies in the school garden last week as part of their Remembrance Day celebrations. The day will be commemorated across Australia tomorrow (Wednesday) 11 November. They made their own dyes by soaking old marker pens in hot water as part of their Sustainability Studies and painted their own poppies. Teacher Amanda Heggen said the students learned that red poppies are to respect the men and women who died at war, while purple poppies help us remember the animals which helped us in war time. Yellow is the colour of hope…
Author: MP News Group
THE Supreme Court and the High Court last week ruled against lockdown-related cases mounted separately by two Mornington Peninsula restaurant owners. Michelle Loielo may be facing the state government’s legal costs after her failed bid to persuade the Supreme Court that the curfew was unreasonable, disproportionate and violated the human rights of millions of Victorians. Ms Loielo, who runs Unica Cucina E Caffe in Capel Sound, has said that the loss of revenue from the business could lead to the loss of her home. Ms Loielo, of Frankston South, previously told The News that she would seek Liberal party endorsement…
THE 2020 Food For All Christmas Appeal has raised $2087. Donations were received from community groups and Hillview Quarries. Coordinator Di Falconer (pictured with Brian Allen) said the money raised by the annual appeal provided needy families with Christmas hampers and children’s toys. It would also go towards the weekly emergency food-aid plan. First published in the Mornington News – 10 November 2020
THE CSIRO is partnering in the development of a smart collar to keep track of pets. Data61, the digital specialist arm of the national science agency, is working with agtech company Ceres Tag, to develop the collar that uses Bluetooth and satellite communications to keep tabs of an animal’s movements in real-time. Updates are sent to the owner’s phone via an app whenever their pet wanders outside of an established boundary. The other approach to tracking pets now on the market is a GPS-based tracker that requires a mobile plan. These devices are often expensive, rely on cellular coverage which…
FORMER national gymnast Kristen Wright is the first scuba diving instructor to compete in Miss World Australia beauty pageant. Ms Wright, of Mornington, is holding a virtual scuba diving seminar tomorrow (Wednesday 11 November) to raise money for the children’s charity Variety. She says her work with charitable organisations has led her to be passionate about community involvement and volunteer work. A biomedical science student, she wants a career in paediatric speech pathology to help children develop their speech after cleft palate surgery. Raising money during the pandemic has been difficult, but Ms Wright hopes tomorrow’s virtual seminar will give…
POLICE are searching for a thief, pictured, who stole a credit card from a car at Balnarring and later used it to withdraw cash from an ATM at Dromana and to buy cigarettes from a convenience store at Carrum Downs. The offender was wearing a red hoodie, black shorts, and has a tattoo on their left calf. Anyone with information is urged to contact Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit 5978 1400 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Western Port News – 4 November 2020
SOMERS residents are being asked to plant trees to help koalas thrive on the Mornington Peninsula. They will join Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation group and Mornington Peninsula Shire in growing a corridor of trees so koalas can move safely around Somers and beyond. The project will provide more food trees for koalas (manna gum, swamp gum and narrow-leaf peppermint), increase canopy cover for protection from the weather, increase habitats to support breeding populations, and improve ground cover to keep koalas safe from predators as they move between trees. Somers residents who own properties identified as part of the safe corridor…
INSTEAD of celebrating her 100th birthday in isolation, a much-loved Balnarring great-great-grandmother – born in 1920 – was able to mark the occasion at home. Muriel Bettes accepted best wishes from family and friends at her front door, by phone, or – for a select few, due to the restrictions – inside her Balnarring home. Ms Bettes, a patient of Peninsula Health’s Hospital in the Home Unit, said: “To be able to enjoy the day with those who I love the most, simply meant the world to me. “Even though glass separated me from many of those who dropped by,…
FREE online workshops and events are providing lessons on how to become conscious consumers. Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Fix It Festival focuses on implementing sustainable habits, including repairing broken items, earning money from unused items, growing veggies, composting and recycling. Consumers will be asked to consider the resources used to make the things they own and the environmental impact of throwing them away. Before buying something new, check to see if you have something similar you can reuse or repair. If the answer is no, ask can you borrow, swap, rent or purchase the item second-hand? Buying an items second-hand eliminates…
THE gardens at Heronswood were open to the public last Saturday (31 October) to be followed on 4 November by its cafe. Heronswood is also home to the Diggers Club and gardens that change and reflect the seasons throughout the year. The Diggers Garden Shop (10am-5pm daily) specialises in heirloom seeds, cottage flowers and edible plants along with flowering shrubs and cool climate trees. Heronswood is in Latrobe Parade, Dromana, call 5984 7321. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 3 November 2020
FOUR sets of twins graduated from Peninsula Grammar this year. They included Hudson and Jackson Streader, who have been at the school since Prep. The school’s human resources coordinator Kylie Oddy said: “ Hudson and Jackson were both elected by the student body as Prefects, testament to their contribution to the school over many years and the high regard in which they are held. “The boys are high academic achievers, excellent role models, supportive friends and have made huge contributions to various sports for Peninsula over the years, including success in snow sports and triathlon at a national level.” Two…
THE easing of COVID-19 restrictions has allowed the Crib Point pool to reopen in time for the warmer weather. Those living within a 25 kilometre radius can now use the pool for exercise under a safety plan. Features include expanded operating hours from 6.30-10.30am Monday to Friday and 8am-12pm Saturday and Sunday. There will be limits on numbers of swimmers and a booking system. In the past few months Belgravia Leisure staff have been busy draining, filling, cleaning and preparing the pools and centre for the restart. Hand sanitation stations have been provided around the centre as well as the…
A BANK is giving away money to sporting clubs, schools and community groups to spend at businesses in Western Port. Balnarring and District Community Bank’s Love Local campaign provides $10 and $20 cards that can be used to buy goods and services at participating businesses as they emerge from the coronavirus pandemic. “We know that many business owners have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and expect those impacts to extend into the future,” manager Greg Hood said. “The bank understands that it is a difficult, uncertain time for businesses and has support measures in place for our business and personal…
VOTERS in this month’s Mornington Peninsula Shire elections affected by mail thefts from the Balnarring Village mailbox can expect a sympathetic ear from the Victorian Electoral Commission. Balnarring Post Office licensee David Macfarlan yesterday (Monday) confirmed vandals had targeted the mailbox overnight Saturday 17 October but said he did not know how many letters – if any – had been stolen or destroyed. “There are never many letters in it,” he said. Concerns have been raised that missing postal votes may have influenced the outcome of the all-postal council elections. Polls closed Friday 23 October. Mr Macfarlan said he reported…
INSTEAD of holding its annual seniors high tea Crib Point Community House is distributing “goodie bags”, loaded with tea and coffee sachets, biscuits and cake and “some extra surprises”. Community house manager Mary Budd said the free “goodie bags” would enable seniors to “have high tea at home to share with their other half or maybe invite a friend, if COVID-19 regulations allow”. The community house also hosted a virtual high tea on Monday 12 October. “Some of our wonderful volunteers helped deliver to those that were outside the five kilometre radius,” Ms Budd said. She said 65 bags had…
RADIO station RPP FM turned to television to hold a virtual gala ball that raised $75,000 for the Children First Foundation. Realising restrictions caused by COVID-19 would destroy its major 2020 event, foundation executive officer Elizabeth Lodge approached RPP breakfast host John Shore who arranged a TV broadcast of the big night. “We dared to dream, took a risk, and the outcome was awesome,” she said. Observing strict COVID protocols, the RPP crew of MC John Shore, co-host Amy Campion and technical producer Steve Meyers, used RPP’s TV broadcasting ability to stream the event live to a national audience. The…
KAREN Alija says horses can help people learn about themselves in much the same way that they have helped shape her new outlook on business during the coronavirus pandemic. Ms Alija, director of Gunnamatta Trail Rides, said lessons learned from horses’ survival instincts enabled her to accept the changes caused by COVID-19 and bring the family business back on track. The business virtually shut down in March but has since developed a new outlook on the way things are done. Ms Alija said businesses needed to become more resilient and flexible. “This is not an easy task, and pivot strategies…
A CLEANER got a fright when tidying up a West Park, Hastings property earlier this month. Going through drawers in the garage he uncovered a military hand grenade with the pin inserted making it, technically, still “alive”. Senior Constable Rob Gillson, of Hastings police, said the cleaner had been called in by the wife of a World War II veteran, aged 92, who had been moved to a nursing home. The grenade was taken to the rear of the house and police called, Sunday 11 October. Senior Constable Gillson said he notified the police bomb response crew who called in…
POLICE say a trend that has emerged this year in the Rosebud area of thieves stealing pots, ornaments, urns and statues from verandas, porches and front gardens of houses, especially holiday houses. Victims of these thefts are encouraged to report it on the police assistance line 131 444. Anyone with information on these thefts is urged to call Acting Sergeant Loughlin at the Rosebud police station, or call Crimestoppers 1800 333 000 or visit bddy.me/3kut29f Police urge anyone with these items, especially at a holiday house, to store them securely before you go back home. “Together, we can weed out…
A BITTERN man will face counts of affray, assault-related charges, weapons offences and criminal damage after an incident at Frankston two months ago. The 21-year-old was charged last week and remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates Court, Wednesday 28 October. Detectives will allege three men drove to a Corlett Street house in a white van, 3pm, 15 August. The men, allegedly armed with weapons, smashed the windows of a house and vehicle, causing extensive damage, before they fought with a fourth man who was allegedly armed with a weapon. The driver of the van and the two unidentified suspects fled…
DEVILBEND reservoir was the place to be during National Water Week from 19-25 October. The week – themed “Reimagining our Water Future” – aimed to inspire an awareness of the value of water. As part of the week, Mornington Peninsula Shire encouraged people to discover a waterway and also to take advantage of coastal and bushland walks. A map highlighted 30 peninsula walks, including those suited to a stroll, as well as listing more advanced and dog friendly walks. National Water Week also offered advice on how you can protect waterways: Dispose of litter responsibly, pick up after pets, don’t…
PORT Phillip Ferries last week would not say if it intends to include Mornington in its service to Melbourne. The company’s Geelong Flyer was seen cruising around Mornington, Friday 16 October, perhaps scoping the pier and harbour for a Mornington Peninsula service. Other seaside havens, such as Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento and Portsea, could also be considered. A Port Phillip Ferries’ spokesperson last week said its “long-term vision remains unaltered, that is, to introduce safe and reliable ferry travel within Port Phillip Bay and provide a totally relaxing travel experience for those seeking regular commuting and/or leisure travel”. “We are always…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has officially welcomed federal government promises to increase infrastructure spending despite having no guarantee that any projects planned for the peninsula will get off the ground. Although the shire has $320 million worth of “shovel ready projects” and the federal government has offered $80m towards three of nine on the list, they all depend on the state government providing more money. None of the major projects are likely to be started unless co-funding arrangements are agreed by the state and federal governments. Shire CEO John Baker said adding $1 billion to the $500 million local roads and…
A MAN who twice stole firewood from a Blairgowrie house is being sought by police. The man, above, is captured on CCTV walking down the side of the holiday house on Melbourne Road, 4pm, Wednesday 30 September, and taking an armful of firewood. He carried the load to the front and hid it under bushes. Police believe he left on foot and came back later. This follows a similar theft of firewood by the man on 27 July when he was seen loading firewood into a dark coloured Land Rover Freelander, registration unknown. The man is described as Caucasian or…
A MOUNT Martha man has been charged with possessing cannabis and GHB, two counts of possessing the proceeds of crime, handling stolen goods and breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions. The charges follow a raid by Frankston CIU detectives on a Rosemary Crescent, Frankston North short-term rental house, 1.20am, Thursday 15 October. The 27-year-old was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 7 July 2021. Officers also arrested a Frankston North man and woman after allegedly finding the drugs as well as mobile phones and a large number of tools thought to be stolen. First published in the Southern…
A MORNINGTON man had an expensive trip to the shops, early Wednesday 14 October. The 31-year-old pulled over at 2.50am in Rosebud told police he was on his way to buy cigarettes. A preliminary breath test indicated alcohol on his breath. He was taken to Rosebud police station where he returned a reading of 0.316 per cent. The man will be summonsed to appear at Dromana Magistrates’ Court at a later date. His car was impounded at a cost of $1145 and he was issued a $1652 infringement notice for breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions. First published in the…
THIEVES stole 10 speakers and eight drivers from a shipping container behind the Crib Point Football Club, in Colin Parade, from 8-11 October. The drivers are used to amplify sound through the speakers. Eight of the speakers, collectively valued at $1352, were to be installed on the lighting towers around the football ground and are designed for outside use only. Two smaller speakers, valued at $159 each and white in colour, were also taken. Anyone with information can contact Senior Constable Tim Jamieson at Mornington Peninsula CIU, 5978 1400. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 20 October 2020
SNAKES are starting to emerge from their winter hibernation to bask in the sun and search for food and a mate. However, there is nothing to fear provided precautions are taken, according to Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) senior wildlife management officer, Rebecca Dixon. Her tips for living safely and close to snakes include leaving them alone and not attempting to capture or harm them. Ms Dixon said all snakes were considered venomous and highly dangerous and urged property owners to maintain lawns and clean up around houses “as snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles…
AFTER more than three months of remote learning, foundation to year 2 students at Eastbourne Primary School, Rosebud started the new term with a teddy bears picnic. “We wanted to reduce the anxiety and relax all the children and remind them of how much fun school life can be,” Shae Haney, the foundation teacher who organised the day, said. She said the event saw students and teachers “enjoy school as it should be, plenty of learning, excitement and relationship building and fun”. “Remote learning has been difficult for everyone and our school community has been sensational at providing the best…
WALLS at The Bays Hospital, Mornington, are brighter and more colourful thanks to thoughtful contributions from students at St Macartans Primary School. Visual arts teacher Kristy Hayes said that at the beginning of term 3 she called the hospital to ask if she could send in some artwork to cheer healthcare workers and patients. “We were aware minimal visitors were allowed,” she said. “Hospital reception loved the idea and invited us to drop off some work.” Ms Hayes and foundation to year 2 visual arts teacher Andrea Kirkpatrick collected some of the works of leaves and beach boxes completed at…