THE 40-year-old Art Red Hill will go virtual from 18-30 October despite being delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Participating artists include the Mornington Peninsula’s Janet and Mike Green, Neil Williams, Michael Leeworthy, Sophie Perez and Elizabeth Clancy, along with Melbourne artists Skye Jeffreys and Ingrid Brooker. Their works will be among hundreds by artists from the peninsula and around Australia available to view and buy. Their work will include paintings, photography and works on paper, jewellery, glass and ceramics, and sculpture in all sizes. “There is art to suit every budget and quality remains high with organisers only offering…
Author: MP News Group
TELSTRA has switched on 5G sites at Somerville and Cape Schanck. “We’re pushing ahead with the roll out of Telstra 5G and we’re reaching more and more people with the next generation of mobile technology,” regional general manager Loretta Willaton said. “Every week we’re expanding Telstra 5G to more areas so, as more 5G devices go on sale, customers can have the latest devices on Australia’s best network.” More than 1500 Telstra 5G sites are on-air across “selected areas” of 53 Australian cities and towns, Ms Willaton said. “More than 1000 suburbs nationally are more than half covered by Telstra…
ARTIST members of Studio Sorrento are using images provided by their fellow member photographers for inspiration. Paintings and drawings of the images are being added to the online Isolation 2020 exhibition. The photographs are posted online for the artists to choose. Topics include animals (domestic and wild), scenes, waves, trees, flowers, cloud formations, people, sunsets and sunrises. The artists are encouraged to interpret and paint or draw the image of their choice. More than 30 works have been completed and added to the evolving online exhibition and artists are being invited to become involved. A physical showing of the works…
POLICE say they are ramping up patrols to prevent out-of-towners flocking to holiday hotspots on the Mornington Peninsula. The aim is to ensure that only peninsula residents or others travelling with a permitted purpose arrive in the area. Police say they will have a “highly visible” presence at checkpoints on arterial roads, mobile vehicle checkpoints and ongoing patrols as part of Operation Sentinel. A note on the police Eyewatch social media page said anyone pulled over at a vehicle checkpoint could expect to have their licence and work permit checked by police and their residential address confirmed. “Police will also…
BLAIRGOWRIE Yacht Squadron’s Sailability program has won this year’s Australian Sailing Victorian Inclusion Program of the Year award. The aim of the program is to make sailing available to participants from all backgrounds and of all ages and abilities. Volunteers from a group of 30 run the program on Tuesdays, at weekends and on holidays. Since 2002 donations and the use of the yacht squadron’s facilities have enabled a fleet of eight Hansa 303 purpose-built yachts to get young sailors on the water. Footage of the yachts in action and stories from those involved can be seen on YouTube (search…
THE ANZ bank is moving out of Mount Eliza. The branch, which closed in March, is believed to have been in Mount Eliza Way for the past 40 years. The bank’s general manager for Victoria and Tasmania Michael Wake blamed the decision not to reopen on a drop in customers. “Our customers aren’t using branches for their everyday banking like they used to and each year we see a 10 per cent reduction in customer transactions,” he said. “At the same time demand in many of our non-branch roles, such as customer contact centres and the operations team, which manages…
SEAROAD Ferries has resumed its weekend service between Sorrento and Queenscliff following last week’s lifting of restrictions in regional Victoria. CEO Matt McDonald said the lifting of restrictions would allow the “‘recovery” to begin and hoped to see the Mornington Peninsula and metropolitan Melbourne soon “move in line with regional Victoria”. The changes allow people from regional Victoria to use the ferry service to drive from Geelong to Phillip Island. “During stage three and stage four we have continued to move our customers who, ultimately, rely on the service,” Mr McDonald said. Permitted travel has included food supplies, emergency services,…
KYLE Llewellyn, who was diagnosed with cancer twice as a child, is not one to take it easy. Later this month he will tackle the gruelling 4x4x48 Challenge to mark the end of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Mr Llewellyn, 20, of Rosebud, will run four miles (6.4km), inside every four-hour block over 48 hours on 29-30 September. The aim is to encourage children with cancer to focus on something positive to help get them through their treatment and to never lose sight of their goals. “I hope that by doing this challenge I can show kids currently going through treatment…
MOUNT Eliza’s Geoff Nyssen will be going all out for Sunday’s annual MY Mount Eliza Run & Fun Festival raising money for the Snowdome Foundation to find a cure for the terminal blood cancer, multiple myeloma. Everyone, including pets, can join 8am-12pm on the day on Facebook. The virtual event will include live entertainment, challenges, promotions, prizes, silent auction and physical activities. Mr Nyssen was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2014, and despite COVID-19 restrictions is determined to go ahead with this year’s festival. “We plan to engage and connect around the core values of empowerment, wellness and community,” he…
THE smiles on their faces said it all when children were allowed back to the playground at Hastings on Monday. As the easing of COVID-19 restrictions took hold, three-year-old William Caufield, of Bittern, was happy to be back on the swing, while sisters Sari, three and Mila Barr, six, began the climb up to the cubbyhouse (and normality). All the playground equipment was soon being given a workout as parents took the time to stand back and appreciate the benefits of seeing their children mingle with others who had also been locked out for weeks. “Drop in numbers a positive…
HERE’S a way to keep the children occupied and creative during the school holidays – Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October – with a series of activities they can enjoy from home. The young ones can get artistic by crafting collages, creating indigenous animals and learning about their habitats, as well as creating watercolour and food dye artworks. Those keen to get crafty now can take part in the activities already online, so there’s no need to wait until the holidays. Artist/educator Jill Anderson has created a series of creative activities inspired by works from the Mornington Peninsula Regional…
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…
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…