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
Author: MP News Group
PROTECTIVE face masks are now compulsory and students in the Mornington Secondary College VCAL class are being credited with making an astute business decision. They are making face masks to tackle COVID-19 under the name: STS – or Stop the Spread – as well as learning about running a business. Teacher Anne-Marie Burnet said the year 11 students had set themselves up in a “factory” divided into various departments, such as marketing, sales and production to make the washable cloth masks, and business is booming. Part of their marketing philosophy is showing younger teens that it’s cool to wear masks,…
A MORNINGTON woman described by her daughter as “four foot 10 inches of positivity and happiness” toasted her centenary on Friday 3 July. But, due to coronavirus concerns, Elaine Hedgcock’s birthday was a trifle muted. “Unfortunately we couldn’t all be there, however, her four children, three of her 14 grandchildren, and four or her 27 great-grandchildren came separately during the day in rosters,” daughter Robyn Davies said. She also has two great-great grandchildren. “There were lots of phone calls and three overseas FaceTimes from grandchildren – Tim from Perth, Lara from San Francisco and Peter from Dubai. They were very…
By Bree Masters ATHLETES training for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics are being confronted by an unforeseen obstacle: the six-week lockdown aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19. With their training options suddenly curtailed Mornington Peninsula Athletics Club sprinters Sophia Fighera and Matthew Rizzo have teamed up to help each other stay fit for Tokyo. Matthew Rizzo, 2017 Stawell Gift winner, said news of sporting facilities and gyms closing and outdoor exercise being restricted to two people, means his Olympic dream is at stake. “With gyms closing, it will mean that we will not be able to complete our gym sessions…
COMPENSATION for tourism accommodation operators who have suffered cancellations due to the lockdown of metropolitan COVID hotspots has been welcomed. A $5 million fund for regional businesses such as motels, caravan parks and holiday home operators from the state government will help cover lost revenue as a result of cancelled bookings. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said: “I want to thank the Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula for ensuring Mornington Peninsula tourism businesses are included in the regional accommodation support fund. “We know our tourism businesses are struggling at the moment and we appreciate all the support…
CREWS from Sorrento SES were involved in another successful rescue after an accident on the Red Hill mountain bike trail, 3pm, Sunday 12 July. Whereas last week they used their “mule litter wheel” to evacuate a young rider after he crashed over a jump, this time they drove their four-wheel-drive up the track to rescue an 18-year-old man with a broken collar bone. SES controller Mark Daw said crews made it up the track near Boundary Road, Dromana, before Ambulance Victoria arrived. “We assessed the patient who was suffering a broken collarbone after going over the handlebars,” he said. “He…
CAR thieves trying to steal a 2020 Porsche from the garage of a Portsea beachfront house early Monday morning may have panicked before driving the car over a 2.5-metre cliff. Unable to drive the Porsche, the offenders then made their getaway by stealing a Mercedes Benz. Detective Leading Senior Constable Shane Moodie, of Somerville CIU, said two or possibly three offenders entered the garage of the Point Nepean Road property, 2am, Monday 13 July. “It appears one of the offenders reversed the new Porsche out of the garage and over the cliff where it remained,” Detective Moodie said. The car’s…
A VOLUNTEER Marine Rescue crew from Hastings found the water at Middle Bank in Western Port too shallow to assist a boat which had run aground, just after midnight, Sunday 12 July. “The occupants were concerned about waves breaking over the 6.75-metre vessel,” VMR president Neil Cooper said. “When VMR’s TX1 arrived, the boat was in too shallow water to assist. However, with an incoming tide, they were able to get themselves off. “This is an extremely dangerous piece of water and it is best to give it a very wide berth. “VMR has assisted many vessels there, some, unfortunately,…
A CAR driven by an elderly woman mounted the kerb and smashed the side window of a real estate agency at Rye last week. SES and Rosebud CFA crews rushed to assist the woman who was uninjured and did not require an ambulance, 6.30pm, Wednesday 8 July. Granger Estate Agents director Darren Sadler said the damage bill was around $30,000. He said debris had to be cleaned up and brick work replaced. The front door was hanging off its hinges and plywood panels used to cover the broken window before it was replaced. First published in the Southern Peninsula News…
A 60kph speed limit near the Bushrangers Bay car park entrance is designed to improve the safety of large numbers of people parking and walking next to a former 100kph section of Boneo Road. The lower speed limit at Cape Schanck will be in force until the end of September. It will operate all day, every day. Speedsters sailing through at the old speed risk a $702 fine and six-month licence suspension. Truck drivers could be fined $1652 with the same licence suspension. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 14 July 2020
By Danielle Collis ALICIA Edwards is determined not to be left in the dark despite having her request for lighting in an overgrown path rejected by Mornington Peninsula Shire. She says the popular path between Hazeldene Way [at the end of Ellaswood Mews] and Parkedge Circuit, Rosebud is overgrown and dark. “The safety of the neighbourhood is our main concern and having a well lit and maintained walkway would drastically reduce the risk of our personal safety being compromised,” she said. Ms Edwards says there are too many incidents occurring in parks, walkways and footpaths due to lack of lighting…
THOUGHTS of the COVID-19 crisis and the latest restrictions were able to be pushed aside on Thursday (9 July) when word of a whale in Mornington harbour quickly spread. Hundreds of onlookers flocked to the pier and Mothers Beach cliffs as the whale took its time moving through the shallow waters. It is thought the whale was the same one that had attracted attention (including close-up canoeists and paddle boarders) the previous day off Aspendale and Edithvale. The state’s conservation regulator program manager Paul Hutcheson said recreational boaters must stay 200 metres away from whales and jet skis 300 metres.…
THE Frankston Dolphins will not get the chance to play this year, after the cancellation of the 2020 VFL season was made official last week. The 2020 VFL season was scheduled to get underway on 1 August, before the latest spike in Victorian COVID-19 cases put a stop to those plans. AFL clubs had to fly out of Victoria during the week to ensure they could continue to play. Frankston FC were set to be one of seven teams that would compete in this year’s VFL competition. Dolphins players returned to training at SkyBus Stadium on 2 June with a…
THE Frankston and Mornington Peninsula junior football seasons have been cancelled. A statement released by AFL South East last week read that all of their 2020 junior football seasons would be called off. They include the Frankston and Districts Junior Football League, South East Juniors, and AFL South East Top-Age. AFL South East’s Richard Black said “whilst we are disappointed to cancel junior football this year, the health and wellbeing of the community have always been our top priority.” “COVID-19 has presented a very unique set of circumstances and we need to ensure that our participants and volunteers emerge from…
A $1.6m upgrade for Hastings boat ramp starting this month is scheduled to be finished in October. Stage one of the works by the state government will include replacing the existing boat ramp with a longer ramp and a connecting walkway between the new boat ramp and the existing floating pontoon. Stage two will involve dredging to accommodate the extended ramp and enable access during all tides. Meanwhile, a camera showing conditions at the boat ramp is now showing at Maritime Safety Victoria’s Boating Vic trip preparation website and app. Weather information is also available at the site. A similar…
SES Sorrento crews used their “mule litter wheel” to evacuate a young mountain bike rider after he crashed at on the weekend. The 15-year-old came over a jump on the steep tracks near Red Hill and landed badly, injuring his pelvis and shoulder, early afternoon, Sunday 5 July. SES controller Mark Daw said volunteers walked a “good kilometre and a half of steep, muddy track” to rescue the biker and take him to a waiting ambulance which took him to Frankston Hospital. Mr Daw urges riders to know their capabilities and stay in groups, so help can be called for…
A NEW design for Balnarring Recreation Reserve is aimed at taking the ground to the next level. Mornington Peninsula Shire says an improved surface and updated infrastructure will provide a safe and accessible high-quality sports ground. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn says council supported the project while recognising the importance of quality sporting venues across the shire. “Sport is such a fundamental part of our culture and with the recent coronavirus lockdown, our community is more excited than ever to bring it back into our homes.” Cr David Gill said the works are giving “our local sporting teams something to…
DETECTIVES from the Armed Crime Squad are investigating a shooting and a car fire at Baxter, Thursday 2 July. Emergency services, including Hastings SES and Baxter and Somerville CFA crews, were called to a property on Grant Road about 3.45pm. Witnesses reported a fight between two men and an aggravated burglary during which a man was hit by a shotgun blast. A 30-year-old Baxter man was taken to hospital with serious injuries to his upper body. Police arrested another man, also 30, at the scene and charged him with firearms offences. It is believed the men are known to each…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has unveiled a new “vision” for The Briars historic property at Mount Martha. The “largest environmental asset” on the peninsula has a wildlife sanctuary, picnic lawns, heritage homestead, native nursery, eco-living centre, astronomy centre, restaurant, cafe and farmland. Now, a new master plan is aiming to protect The Briars by enhancing green spaces and conservation efforts and improving the way it connects visitors to the natural, cultural and heritage beauty of the region. Under the plan, the Ark Program will reintroduce indigenous endangered and extinct flora and fauna after consulting with experts and based on the species’…
FUSION Mornington Peninsula is hosting Sleep In Your Car night on Saturday 1 August to support the 116,427 Australians listed as homelessness on any given night. About 42 per cent are under the age of 25. The sixth annual community sleep out is being held online in the lead up to Homelessness Week. Sleep in Your Car 2020 aims to raise $25,000. Fusion’s Jaclyn Jenkins said the aim was to create opportunities for residents to begin to consider what it means to be homelessness. This year’s registration allows participants to access the online event, which includes interactive experiences, live panels…
A VISIT to the BP Service Station on Peninsula Link at Baxter did not go as planned for a Rosebud man, 8am, Wednesday 1 July. As Somerville Highway Police watched his black Ford sedan, pictured, drive away their attention was drawn to the car’s blue parking lights. Pulling him over for a check they found the 25-year-old was driving while his licence was suspended. His car’s rear tyres were found to have less than the required tread depth and he was issued a defect notice. The man will be summonsed to attend court for driving while suspended and driving an…
CHILDREN are not safe online, says Detective Superintendent Jane Welsh. “The reality is that increased online socialising and other activities caused by the global pandemic provides a greater opportunity for online sexual offending and unwanted contact, particularly for children.” She recommends parents initiate online safety discussions early, monitor their children’s online activity, have access to their accounts so as to be able to identify risks, recognise signs of unwanted contact, and collect evidence and report suspicious behaviour. Detective Welsh said young people were also at risk of being targeted by predators online. “Inappropriate contact online can come from a range…
UP to 24 streets in Rosebud will be given 40kph speed limits as “part of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s efforts to improve road safety”. This comes after a study found residential areas of Rosebud, Hastings and Dromana had the highest number of casualty crashes in the shire and the highest risk of future crashes. Rosebud has been selected as the first township for complementary speed reductions as part of the council’s $700,000 Safer Residential Areas Project. “It aims to reduce the number of cars using these residential streets as a thoroughfare during peak season, as well as to achieve safer speeds,”…
RYE Opportunity Shop volunteers have taken the opportunity to revamp their shop during the coronavirus shutdown before an expected reopening on 13 July. The shop was suffering from a lack of space, a tired building and a leaky roof, Southern Peninsula Community Fund secretary Dorothy Mortlock said. Being closed enabled repairs, renovations and sprucing-up of the premises without interference to customers and staff. “The new, clean look will complement the need for social distancing, control of the number of customers and staff in the shop, and the cleaning, and sanitising, to ensure that everyone is protected,” Ms Mortlock said. “We’d…
THE 10-year-old Crib Point township plan has been updated and is open for public input until 14 August. The plan sets out the strategic vision and direction of the town’s development and aims to protect its character of tree-lined streets and mix of old and new houses. Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Sam Hearn said the plan ensured Crib Point would “continue to have the look, feel and function of a country town on the coast, closely connected with its natural environment”. The original plan from 2009-11 set a long-term vision and guide for the development of Crib Point. It…
CLUBROOMS at Baxter Park used by Frankston South football and Baxter cricket clubs were badly damaged in a ram raid last week. It was the second time this year the clubhouse at the corner of Sages and Baxter-Tooradin roads has been targeted. The Frankston Bombers Facebook page said the “news came through at 4.45am this morning [26 June] that a car had rammed through our club room doors”. “Unfortunately, this is the second incident of this nature since February this year where a vehicle has caused damage to the facility. “The car was stolen from Frankston before making the trip…
A CREATIVE idea that “sort of just snowballed” led to residents at Martha Cove Retirement Village knitting 351 beanies which, when sold to visitors, raised $870 for cancer research and care of the homeless. The idea came about after resident Sue Johnson and 34 other women – feeling isolated and unable to go out because of COVID-19 restrictions – decided to put their free time to good use. They knitted colourful beanies which were displayed and sold for $5 each over three days at the village. “We all really enjoyed doing it,” Ms Johnson said. “There was lots of excitement…
By Hugh Fraser* IN May, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council officers presented only one name for councillors to “rubber stamp” as the name of our fabulous new 50-metre pool and aquatic centre at Rosebud. The management process that arrived at that one name was seriously flawed. Management only allowed itself to consider those names it thought would be acceptable to the Registrar of Geographic Names. This was based on incorrect verbal advice from an unnamed Spring Street public servant at odds with the Statutory Naming Rules for Places in Victoria 2016. Because we have not carried the community with us…
SOMERVILLE Highway Patrol’s automatic number plate recognition system appears to be making it hard for those driving stolen, unregistered or other “vehicles of interest” to hide. The system is used day and night throughout Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula to scan and photograph passing vehicles. Last week it alerted the patrol’s ANPR-equipped BMW on Wedge Road, Carrum Downs, to a passing stolen vehicle. The 40-year-old driver, from Chadstone, did a quick left and right turn and parked in a front yard, possibly in an attempt to hide, but could not escape. He was arrested and taken to Frankston police station…
THE Enchanted Adventure Garden, at Arthurs Seat, has re-opened after closing for a refit for the first time in 25 years. The break gave staff the opportunity to focus on improving the gardens, painting the buildings, and, of course, finishing work on the new Sky Scramble. “This huge wooden structure, with its rope bridges, cargo and scramble nets, obstacles, tight rope, fisherman’s trap, Tibetan bridge, slides and a cubby house, guarantee fun for all age groups,” owner Michael Savage said. “Built on timber platforms 10 metres high, the aerial playground won’t disappoint. It’s just what we all need after three…