ELECTRICAL problems are being blamed for a fire on a boat parked outside a house at Langwarrin last month, above. CFA units from Langwarrin and Baxter fought the fire inside the cabin of the boat on Bevnol Road, 2pm, Monday 27 July, after a neighbour called triple zero. The eight-metre cabin cruiser was emitting heavy smoke when crews arrived. Langwarrin firefighter Craig Aiton said crews used breathing apparatus to get inside. “The 12-volt battery was being charged inside the cabin,” he said. “The combination of the battery charger on a seat cushion and limited ventilation caused the charger to overheat…
Author: MP News Group
DETECTIVES are searching for a man, pictured, who entered a house on Daveys Road, Mount Eliza, and stole cash from a handbag, 1.17am Tuesday 23 June. Half an hour later he is believed to have entered a property on Denistoun Avenue where he stole a Hugo Boss bag, Nike shoes, cigarettes and a security camera. The man is described as 50 years old with long hair tied back, or perhaps a wig and glasses. He was wearing a red and black top, Globe baseball cap and mismatched golf gloves. Anyone who recognises the man or has information is urged to…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Sam Hearn has called for calm following last week’s declaration of a state of emergency and the introduction of stage four restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19. “As we navigate the next six weeks let’s do our best to be patient, resilient and calm. This situation is unfamiliar to all of us,” Cr Hearn said. “We are in this together and if we all do the right thing we will be on the other side of this sooner.” Changes to the daily lives of Victorians include: An 8pm-5am curfew (the only reasons to leave…
WITH an expected drop in demand due to the stage four coronavirus restrictions, Searoad Ferries has suspended weekend ferry services between Sorrento and Queenscliff until at least 19 September. The ferry will continue its two-hourly Monday-Friday service. The cut back follows changes brought in with the stage three restrictions last month (“All clear for essential ferry” The News 13/7/20). “This is obviously an historic and significant step to suspend the service for the first time in 33 years,” Searoad CEO Matt McDonald said. “However, we must respond to the unprecedented circumstances which we find ourselves in, with stage four lockdown…
ROTARIANS slept in their cars, outside in tents, or on couches to help the homeless on the Mornington Peninsula for one night last week. Mount Martha Rotary club president Roger Skipsey said members were happy to “do it tough” to support Fusion Mornington Peninsula’s annual Sleep In Your Car event. The experience on Saturday 1 August gave them an insight into what it means to be homeless. The Rotarians usually aid the cause by sleeping rough and running a barbecue at Mornington Park but this year, because of coronavirus restrictions, they held a “virtual” sleep-out which raised $1690. This amount…
A STRATEGY to determine how the Mornington Peninsula handles housing and population growth over the next 16 years – while ensuring the peninsula’s special values and character are protected – was adopted by council last week. The Mornington Peninsula Housing and Settlement Strategy: Refresh 2020-2036 comes as the state government projects the shire’s population will increase from 161,520 at the time of the 2016 census to 200,360 in 2036 – an increase of more than 38,800. The planning services committee meeting on Monday 20 July resolved to start the process of amending planning controls to ensure development better respects the…
A CYCLIST died when her bike collided with a car at Shoreham yesterday (Monday 3 August). Police were called to the scene on Frankston-Flinders Road about 10.10am. The woman was reportedly riding south just past Point Leo Road when the incident occurred. The driver of the car, a 61-year-old Mont Albert woman, was assisting police with their inquiries. Anyone who saw the collision, or who has dash-cam footage or any other information, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Western Port News – 5 August 2020
PORTSEA Surf Life Saving Club won the Beaurepaire Shield and was named 2020 Marsh Club of the Year at Life Saving Victoria’s Awards of Excellence evening last week. Now in their 17th year, the awards celebrate the achievements and contributions by lifesaving volunteers as part of LSV’s mission to prevent drowning deaths and aquatic injury in Victoria. The Portsea club also took home Youth Team of the Year and Masters Team of the Year. Rhys Cole, of Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club, was awarded the John Wishart Memorial Medal as the Microflite Lifesaver of the Year for his contribution…
EXCITED puppy Nelson was none the worse for wear after a potentially disastrous cliff plunge at Birdrock beach, Mount Martha, last week. The Australian terrier tumbled while running and fell 15 metres down the cliff while being exercised by owner Medha Murtagh on Saturday evening, 25 July. She said later on social media: “We were walking along Craigie Road when I tripped and fell and Nelson ran across Craigie Road and the Esplanade and then [fell] over the cliff. “I was beside myself. Thank you to everybody who stopped and helped and to our extraordinary emergency services. We live in…
A MAN has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury after a woman viewed an alleged assault on social media and reported it to police, 6.40pm, Monday 27 July. Although not confirmed by police, the incident at Hastings reportedly showed a man using a meat cleaver to cut another man’s hair while the victim was bound to a chair with gaffer tape. The 37-year-old victim, of Frankston, who detectives were trying to locate late last week, is believed to have received a “significant” wound to his head. Detective Senior Sergeant Miro Majstorovic, of Somerville CIU, said a 27-year-old Hastings man…
A FOOD economy and agroecology strategy is designed to help shape the Mornington Peninsula’s agriculture and food industry. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is researching and consulting on the strategy to support growth in the agriculture and food industry and build resilience to climate change through sustainable farming. The project will examine the peninsula’s agriculture, food and beverage industries at an economic, social and environmental level. It will consider the impact of recent drawbacks, such as the bushfires and COVID-19, on the industry. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said the sector, worth about $1.3 billion, was a key contributor to the…
A GROUP of Somers residents is proving an early adaptor of a movement that started in England to improve mental health by making people happy. The recipe for Spoonville has its beginnings in the village of Winnersh and sees brightly painted wooden cooking spoons being planted in an accessible place. Some of the spoons are painted with the likenesses of cartoon characters, monsters, animals, politicians, celebrities and even Reese With-a-Spoon The Somers Spoonville joins similar ones at Frankston, Pakenham, Lilydale and Nunawading. “An anonymous group in Somers concerned about lifting the spirits of locals have spread these characters throughout the…
WEBINARS to help businesses rebuild and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic will cover topics, including commercialising new business ideas, finance fundamentals, taking businesses online, marketing and building business resilience. Mornington Peninsula Shire is promoting the free webinars which run online on Tuesdays throughout August. Finance Fundamentals, 6-8pm, 4 August, will show how to identify cash flow drivers and how to direct cash into the business areas needing it most. Taking Your Business Online, 6-8pm, 11 August, will show how to gain an understanding of online advertising, search engines, websites, blogs and social media through practical exercises and real-life examples. Learn…
A man has died and a woman has life-threatening injuries after two motorbikes crashed in Mount Martha this afternoon. The male rider was travelling in convoy with a second motorcycle along The Esplanade, near the intersection of Burdoo Way, shortly after 1pm. The deceased rider lost control on a bend, crashing his bike. He died at the scene. The second motorcycle has struck the fallen bike, causing him to lose control. The male rider was taken to hospital with minor injuries and his female pillion passenger was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating.…
RETURNING to the Mornington Peninsula because of the COVID-19 pandemic came with a bit of a shock for Chloe Preston. “I’ve done a lot of beach cleans in the last few years and Mount Martha Beach is, by far, the worst beach I have found for micro-plastics,” she said. “Looking at it briefly, you don’t notice the rubbish, but when you lower your eyes, it’s literally everywhere.” Ms Preston said she had found a “patch” of nurdles – “the pesky plastic pellets used in the manufacturing of plastic” – next to the Balcombe Creek estuary. “I managed to pick up…
MOONLIT Sanctuary, Pearcedale is running a competition to name two seven-week-old alpine dingoes. All sanctuary workers are involved in getting the puppies accustomed to being around people because, due to COVID-19, there are no visitors to help the animals learn to interact with humans. “We can’t wait to share these two additions to the sanctuary with visitors once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted,” Life sciences manager Lisa Tuthill said. “Until then there will always be a staff member with them ready to play. Luckily, it’s such a fun job that we’ve had no complaints. “The dingoes play like regular puppies and…
IMAGES showing conditions in that section of Port Phillip are now available online from a camera at the Schnapper Point, Mornington boat ramp. The images are refreshed every five minutes on Maritime Safety Victoria’s Boating Vic trip preparation website and app. Cameras are also located at Rye, Hastings and Stony Point. Weather information on the website and app is provided by the Weather Bureau and safety advice by Maritime Safety Victoria. “We know that many Victorian boaters love to check boat ramp cameras before heading out – Boating Vic users can access these images at the same time as local…
STAFF at mental health charity operating on the Mornington Peninsula say they have spoken to more than 1000 “tradies” over the past seven months to “see if they are OK”. As members of Hope Assistance Local Tradies (HALT), they promote the message that it is acceptable to ask for help when you need it, and that any stigma linked to mental health is slowly shifting as people accept that it is part of everyday life. The issue was highlighted last week with the death of former Hawthorn and Richmond player Shane Tuck, son of former Hawthorn great Michael Tuck, who…
PROTECTIVE masks may be inconvenient and even intimidating for some humans, but they can be downright confusing for dogs. Dog owners are reporting behavioural changes in their pets since wearing masks in public became mandatory as part of the battle to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Lost Dogs’ Home says masks conceal facial expressions, which are one of the ways dogs communicate with humans. Masked-up owners are reporting changes to their dogs’ “happy go lucky personalities” and displays of “fearful behaviours”. “Traditionally dogs are creatures of habit, so instantly changing routine without a rational explanation can cause anxiety,” the…
TWO vehicles were set alight in “suspicious” circumstances last week amid reports that youths were seen “running from the scene” at the time. Baxter Fire Brigade Captain Damian Willmott said his crews took 45 minutes to contain a blaze that destroyed a VW Amarok utility in Victoria Road, Langwarrin South, 10.30am, Tuesday 21 July. CFA crews from Pearcedale and Baxter responded to initial reports that the car was “dangerously close to a shed and fire was spreading into scrub”. “Crews were quick with their initial knockdown stopping the spread of fire. The cause is unknown, and police are investigating. It…
POLICE are searching for this restored Holden FB ute stolen from the Carrum Downs Shopping Centre, Thursday 2 July. Anyone seeing the vehicle with number plates 1QR4KO or who has information on its whereabouts should contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000, or make a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au and quote incident number 200239781. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 28 July 2020
ROSEBUD police have received a collection of hand-made cards and messages from students at Red Hill Consolidated School. Under the supervision of first-aid officer Louise Aston the students wrote the letters of gratitude to Mornington Peninsula’s first responders. “The children were talking about how sad everything is at the moment,” Ms Aston said. “We discussed this and then focused on some positive aspects. One of the major topics was how lucky we are to have such great people at Rosebud police looking after us – not only during coronavirus times but all the time. “The children decided to make “thank…
WITH state government restrictions urging everyone to stay home, Mornington Peninsula Shire is encouraging residents to paint their wheelie bins in any style they choose, drawing inspiration from their area or any part of the community. The competition was inspired by Josie Jones, 2020 Victorian Local Hero Australian of the Year and 2019 Mornington Peninsula Australia Day Citizen of the Year, along with artist Jackie Green who “brought her own bin to life”. Ms Jones took the idea to council as a way for residents to think about their community connection and taking care of the environment. Mornington Peninsula Shire…
TWO extra sites have opened to boost COVID-19 testing capacity on the Mornington Peninsula. Peninsula Health has opened a Dromana pop-up test site at Dromana Community Hall, 359 Point Nepean Road, Dromana. It’s open 8.30am-3.30pm, Monday 27 to Wednesday 29 July. A Flinders pop-up test site is at Flinders Civic Hall, 54-56 Cook Street, Flinders. It’s open Thursday 30 July to Sunday 2 August with times to be advised. These are additional to existing testing clinics on the peninsula. Nepean MP Chris Brayne thanked members of the community for “following the rules during these difficult times and getting tested”. “Remember,…
Three additional sites have been added by DHHS and Peninsula Health to increase the state’s Covid-19 testing capacity on the Mornington Peninsula. From today, a pop up testing clinic will be held at Rye Civic Hall in Rye while next week testing facilities will also open up in Dromana and Flinders. Details for additional Peninsula Health sites: Rye pop up test site – Rye Civic Hall, 12 Napier Street, Rye. Open from this Thursday to Sunday from 8:30am – 3:30pm Dromana pop up test site – Dromana Community Hall, 359 Point Nepean Road, Dromana. Open from next Monday to Wednesday…
By Danielle Collis MORNINGTON Peninsula real estate agents say an increasing number of Melbourne residents want to move to the Mornington Peninsula. Danckert Real Estate director Sam Danckert said the peninsula was no longer seen as “just a holiday home destination”, with 83 percent of buyer inquiries coming from people now residing within 20 kilometres of Melbourne. “It’s been occurring over the past few years, but it’s happening at a greater rate than I’ve ever seen in over 15 years of working in real estate,” Mr Danckert said. He said the influx of residents was due to several key drivers.…
FORMER Petty Officer Douglas Alfred Symes enjoyed a tour of the Victorian Maritime Centre’s museum on the Esplanade, Crib Point, before the coronavirus lockdown. “Dougie”, as he is known around the Crib Point RSL, spent time viewing the exhibition and has vowed to return. During a lunch in his honour the 94-year-old entertained the centre’s volunteers by relaying highlights of his 48 years’ service in the Royal Australian Navy after entering HMAS Cerberus as a recruit in 1943. A quote from a citation presented to Mr Symes by the Commanding Officer of HMAS Cerberus at the time stated: “Your dedication,…
‘THE show must go on’ is a phrase many in the performing arts industry have long adhered to, until COVID-19. Whilst some states are beginning to open up their venues, theatres in Victoria still sit dark and empty as performers, stage crew, staff and audiences wait at home for their time to shine again. Like so many arts workers, Nick Rees has been affected by the temporary dimming of the lights in Australian theatre. With the aim of supporting artists and local theatre groups, Rees was inspired to produce Raise the Curtain featuring an incredible cast of names from the…
MORNINGTON police station has stepped in to provide a much-needed service after Frankston police station’s counter service was shut down last week when an officer tested positive for coronavirus. Police say local area service delivery will “not be impacted” by the change of locations. Sergeant Jeremy Mishau, of Mornington police, said: “We are all clear; there are no cases here.” He said only two people would be allowed into the station at any one time. Those waiting outside will be asked to line up and take their turn. Contact tracing is under way at Frankston to establish how many officers…
POLICE say it is a myth that thieves are only interested in stealing luxury cars. They say modern, “mainstream” cars are frequently targeted. Keep your car’s keys out of sight and make sure you lock all doors and windows – especially at night – because seven out of every 10 cars are stolen using their own keys. Police and the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council have compiled information to show motorists how to prevent car thefts. Visit https://bit.ly/3h1JueU First published in the Mornington News – 21 July 2020