PARENTS, staff and students at Goodstart Mount Martha, on Bentons Road, have been bitten by the nature bug. This has led them to beautify and revegetate an otherwise neglected pond area in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. From the beginning of June through to late August, works have transformed the area with about 80 plants providing food and protection for native bird and animal life. Passers-by can see it from a nearby path. “Parents and children have been involved in the planning and feedback of the project,” teacher Amanda Brewer said. “Due to COVID-19 we couldn’t do a community…
Author: MP News Group
A MAN is being sought over an aggravated burglary at Hastings, Wednesday 2 September. Police say the man entered a house on Elisa Place and assaulted the victim. He then demanded money before stealing the victim’s 2007 Mercedes sedan, registration BEQ 477. The man was wearing white/grey coloured pants, blue and white check shirt, and cap. He arrived in a maroon sedan with a missing hub cap on the rear passenger-side wheel. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 15 September 2020
THREE offenders in a white Holden Commodore are being sought by detectives over a series of car break-ins at Hastings, Tuesday 8 September. Detective Senior Constable Nick Passmore, of Somerville CIU, said about half a dozen cars were broken into in Olivia Way about 2am. He said the offenders targeted tradies’ utes to steal mainly power tools, as well as wallets and other items. “The loss of their tools means the tradies are finding it hard to do their work,” Detective Passmore said. “It’s causing a huge disruption to their working lives.” First published in the Southern Peninsula News -…
MORNINGTON Peninsula residents are being warned that with spring in the air so too are swooping birds. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning says it is the time native birds swoop humans (and their dogs) to defend their young for the six-eight weeks between when they hatch and when they leave the nest. Reports are already being received of birds, such as magpies and masked lapwings, swooping surprised passers-by. Senior wildlife management officer Rebecca Dixon said swooping happened every year during breeding season and was largely a defensive manoeuvre. For some species, including magpies, this is mainly carried…
POLICE believe a fire which destroyed a beach box at Rosebud early last Friday (11 September) may have been deliberately lit. Rosebud police said the 3am blaze at beach box number 80 near Adams Avenue, was being investigated by the arson squad. The fire which caused a gas bottle to explode also damaged boxes on either side, destroying the roof in one. Fire Rescue Victoria from Rosebud and CFA crews from Rosebud and Dromana took one hour and 40 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Witnesses said they saw a man on the median strip on Point Nepean Road…
MORE than 2100 Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association players can look forward to their home at the RM Hooper Pavilion, Tuerong, getting a much needed refurbishment. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has committed $760,000 from its capital works program plus a $250,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s community sports infrastructure fund for the project. The works have started and are expected to be completed in December. “This pavilion upgrade will include female change rooms and amenities, new kitchen and kiosk, first-aid room and additional storage space,” the mayor Cr Sam Hearn said. “This project is crucial to removing barriers to female…
WASTEWATER being used on the Mornington Peninsula and pumped in-to the sea at the south-eastern outfall, near Gunnamatta is being checked and treated for the coronavirus. The Eastern Treatment Plant at Bangholme is one of the sampling sites established across Victoria as part of the ColoSSoS (Collaboration on Sewage Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2) research project. The Department of Health and Human Services says New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada, Turkey and other countries also test wastewater as part of their coronavirus surveillance. There are 25 sampling sites across state including the sewage treatment plant in Craigie Road, Mount Martha. The DHHS says…
CRIB Point Community House’s annual free high tea for seniors cannot be held this year because of coronavirus. Instead, manager Mary Budd said, seniors could participate at home in a virtual High Tea, 10.30am, Monday 12 October. “Although we are unable to have it this year we didn’t want our seniors to miss out,” Ms Budd said. “So, we are making up goodie bags full of everything you need to have your own high tea at home to share with your other half, or maybe invite a friend, if the pandemic regulations allow.” The bags will include tea and coffee…
FACE masks have now become a part of daily life. Wearing them outside the house is compulsory and may stay that way even when the stage four coronavirus restrictions are lifted or eased. Disposing of the masks, which can take years to break down, has become a massive world wide problem. Not only are discarded masks potential spreaders of the coronavirus (research shows that under certain conditions viruses can survive up to seven days on plastic masks), but they are also a danger to wildlife. Masks can smother the environment and are ingested by animals which sometimes cannot distinguish between…
THE number of Frankston Hospital staff members sent into self-isolation has climbed to 618 after an outbreak of COVID-19 cases at the hospital. As of Saturday (29 August) the Department of Health and Human Services said there were 68 active cases linked to the hospital. The outbreak has led to the temporary closure of the hospital’s acute medical surgical and surgical short stay units and the 5GN ward. On Tuesday (25 August) DHHS said there had been 37 cases (21 residents and 16 staff) linked to Village Glen Aged Care Residences, Mornington. The DHHS is also investigating cases linked to…
By David Forster TIMES are difficult for dog lovers who have been attending the Peninsula Dog Obedience Club at Quinns Park, Burdett Street, Tootgarook. The club, with 300 members, used to be a hive of activity, with members gathering on Wednesday and Sunday mornings for a chat, a cuppa and dog training. Over the years close relationships have built up within the club which is focused on caring for one another. Some dog clubs have a competitive feel and the status of your dog and their breed becomes top of mind. COVID-19 has affected the club dramatically, with live training…
WRITER Heather Forbes-McKeon wants Victorians to acknowledge coronavirus frontline workers on Saturday by turning off their electric lights and hold a lighted candle or torch. Ms McKeon has launched the #sparkinthedark campaign for the the frontline workers who she describes as being “a beacon of hope for Victorians in the fight against the state’s COVID-19 virus outbreak”. “All Victorians are doing it hard in either a stage four or three Lockdown, with our frontline workers managing heightened risks to themselves and their families,” Ms Forbes-McKeon said. “The darkness is symbolic of the disconnectedness, fear and anxiety that the pandemic has…
BIG and small children are invited to help decorate Smiley the Snake as he clings onto the fence at Crib Point Community House. Manager Mary Budd says next time children are out for a walk, using a permanent marker on a bright strip of material, they should write a short, positive or thank-you message and tie it onto Smiley’s body. Ms Budd will take a picture every so often showing Smiley filling up and “keeping everyone smiling”. “When you’re out for your walk take a moment to read these uplifting messages,” she said. The community house’s art teacher, Phil Philippou,…
UPDATED planning controls and exemptions for vegetation removal are among changes to bushfire protection exemptions on the Mornington Peninsula. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council said it had successfully lobbied the state government for the state-wide changes which align fence line vegetation exemptions with the map of Victorian bushfire prone areas. The changes mean landowners in areas at risk of bushfire can clear vegetation without a planning permit. Landowners outside bushfire prone areas covered by vegetation protection, environmental significance and significant landscape overlays need a planning permit to remove vegetation. “These changes allow landowners of properties at risk of bushfire to remove…
JUDGES have had plenty of entries to appraise in a contest to paint garbage bins with scenes showcasing the Mornington Peninsula. The 68 entries attracted 4649 votes with their portrayals of rural and foreshore environment, sunsets, beach boxes, marine life, birdlife, fauna and flora and even a fox. The judges led by environmentalist Josie Jones awarded zero waste living packs to the six most popular examples of bin art. Mornington Peninsula Shire’s arts and culture department is encouraging residents to continue to paint their bins and to share them with the hashtag #mpbinspiration on social media. The judges said the…
CAMPING grounds on Mornington Peninsula foreshores will not open until at least 19 December because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to cancel the scheduled 23 October opening followed the introduction by the state government of stage four restrictions. Mornington Peninsula Shire says a decision on when to start to 2020-21 camping will be made later in the year. “While we are disappointed the camping season has to be postponed, it is a necessary step to protect our community and do our part to flatten the curve of this pandemic,” a news release from the shire stated. First published in…
A CAR being driven erratically in West Park, Hastings, attracted police attention, 11.10pm, Monday 17 August. The Hastings divisional van crew pulled the car over in Curacoa Drive and took the driver back to Mornington police station where he allegedly blew 0.115 per cent. The man’s car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1075 and his licence suspended pending a court appearance. The van resumed patrolling near Hodgins Road/Wallaroo Place, Hastings, after reports of a vehicle doing burnouts. At 2am next morning (Tuesday 18 August), they spotted a yellow VW Beetle with no plates driving west along…
FIVE people allegedly caught partying at a Somerville house on the weekend have each been fined $1652. Sergeant Damien Lombard, of Hastings police, said police knocked on the door suspecting a party was in full swing, but this was allegedly denied by the homeowner, Saturday evening 22 August. However, it seems the partygoers headed for the exit when the police used their new powers under the state of disaster declaration to enter the house uninvited. Sergeant Lombard said the partygoers had run out the back to hide but were rounded up and fined. First published in the Southern Peninsula News…
By Barry Morris A SIGN on the front of the Anglican Centre in Mornington declares: “Our buildings may be closed, but our church is alive and well.” The sign reflects the spirit that has driven Mornington community groups and churches to join forces and provide hope in the time of COVID-19. The pandemic and particularly stage four restrictions have meant that church buildings have been closed, with most moving to become online/virtual churches. “Alive and well” is the experience of most churches with some even recording an increase in people taking part in their new online format. With a long…
MICHELLE Potter knows she’ll be warmly greeted when she arrives at the Hastings foreshore on Thursday and Friday mornings. Waiting patiently for his breakfast outside her Peninsula Fresh Seafood, business will be Ernie the Pelican … and she is happy to oblige him with his favourite fishy delicacies. “Shelly” – as she is known – noticed Ernie looking disconsolate when the first COVID-19 lockdown banned boating and the usual fishers were not around to feed him scraps. When he waddled over she knew exactly what he was after. “He was smart coming over us,” said Ms Potter, who has run…
A MASTER plan for Sorrento will include a gateway to the ferry terminal and the main street, linking the town centre to the coastline with a “modern feel”. Developed from a 2018 coastal and marine plan, the blueprint outlines the design of new all-abilities toilets with contemporary beachside amenities, new look cenotaph, and new boardwalk with picnic areas, shade structures and seating. A grassed area will aim to provide “flexible use” of the space along with a footpath wide enough for shared use. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is inviting community feedback on the plan, which also includes planting native flora…
PENINSULA Health had a good response to its mobile Covid-19 testing clinics at Bonbeach and Mt Eliza last week. About 50-75 people were tested each day over the week with more at other clinics, including at Frankston Hospital screening clinic at 12 Hastings Road and the drive through clinic at Frankston Basketball Stadium, 90 Bardia Avenue, open 8.30am-4pm. Another Covid-19 walk-in screening clinic opened at the Hastings Scout Hall on Sunday 23 August. It is open 8.30am-3.30pm until Wednesday (26 August 26) and is accessible via 15 Thornhill Street. If you have any symptoms, it is important you self-isolate and…
A SIX-month program has been unveiled to get farmers to teach students about agricultural practices. The Farms2Schools program will give primary and secondary students an insight into how everyday agricultural products get from the paddock to their plate. Delivered by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority in partnership with industry group AUSVEG VIC, Farms2Schools will see farmers visit schools and students visit farms. Students will be able question farmers and learn about how food is grown, managing agricultural enterprises, and life on the land. Although now limited by COVID-19 restrictions, excursions are expected to begin later in the…
COMMUNITY voting for a new name for Blacks Camp Reserve at Somerville ends Monday, 21 September. Mornington Peninsula Shire decided to rename the reserve after “community feedback has indicated the name Blacks Camp is a derogatory term that is inappropriate and offensive to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, creating a barrier for people of this heritage in accessing the education precinct” (“Showing respect by changing names” The News 28/7/20). With support from the Bunurong Land Council, the shire has decided to find new names for Blacks Camp Road, the bushland reserve and pre-school which share the name. In…
A MURAL in the Mornington Secondary College year 8 area called Lockdown Legends aims to recognise those who reached high levels of achievement and engagement during lockdown and inspire others when they return to the learning environment. Assistant principal Jim Papas said the mural “pays tribute to those students who worked, coped and even excelled in the remote learning environment”. Assistant principal of the junior school Denise Leggett initiated the project with her year 8 coordination team as well as students and the art department. Firs published in the Mornington News – 18 August 2020
WESTERN Port fire brigades fought a garage fire in Nottingham Avenue, Somerville, 7.40pm, Sunday 9 August. Somerville CFA was quickly on scene with three fire trucks, followed soon after by Baxter CFA. “On arrival, we saw a garage well alight, with flames threatening the adjacent house,” Somerville CFA Lieutenant Josh Caron said. “However our crew were able to make entry and attack the fire immediately to prevent further spread.” The fire was quickly contained to the garage, and the surrounding buildings were unscathed, however, three motorcycles, tools, camping gear and gym equipment were destroyed. Ambulance crews treated the owner of…
A SAFETY Beach woman has been charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence, proceeds of crime offences and firearms offences. The 34-year-old was among 11 people charged following an investigation into alleged drug trafficking in Melbourne’s inner south-east. She was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 September. Detectives from the Southern Metro Divisional Response Unit executed warrants across 13 locations in Melbourne’s inner south-east, including South Melbourne, Brighton East, Ormond, Elwood and St Kilda, Sunday 16 August. They were working on Operation Brandish which is an ongoing investigation into the trafficking of methyl-amphetamine…
A ROSEBUD man is contemplating life without his licence for a minimum of 12 months after he appears at court and also the loss of his red SS Commodore for the next month. Members of the Somerville highway patrol detected his car on mobile radar travelling at 171kph in the 80kph zone on Old Cape Schanck Road, 5.20pm, Wednesday 12 August. When intercepted and asked why he was going so fast the 35-year-old said he was “in a really good mood and the music was playing”. Police said his mood changed when he was told his car would be impounded…
BONEO Fire Brigade crews unable to raise money at Boneo market or sell Captain Koalas and children’s uniforms because of COVID-19 restrictions are thinking outside the square. They ask those wanting the items to contact them with a return address so they can be posted out. Captain Koalas are $20 each plus postage. Uniforms, which must be ordered, are $105 embroidered or $87.50 not embroidered, plus postage. Sizes range from 2, 4, 6 and 8. Embroidered items will include a child’s name plus the words: Boneo Fire Brigade. First published in the Western Port News – 12 August 2020
A COLOURFUL character often seen hanging around at Hastings police station sings like a bird. But she’s not snitching on her accomplices or leaking details of her latest crime “Lolly” the eclectus parrot, is a natural chatterbox who provides a welcome morale boost to officers during their COVID-19 experience. The three-year-old with her bright red and purple/blue plumage is the prized pet of Sergeant Sarah Blackmore who takes her to work for her novelty value and companionship. Lolly was a gift from an Army friend posted overseas who needed to find a home for her. Senior Sergeant Warren Francis-Pester said…