BEFORE Eliza discovered that “the rain in Spain falls mainly in the plane” and Higgins struggled with “why can’t the English learn to speak”, these two characters graced the stage in George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion. Much like an artist sculpting a statue of a goddess, Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering attempt to turn street flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, into a Duchess. However, women are not stoic pieces of art, they are passionate beings with their own mind, a fact that the men forget to consider. As the original My Fair Lady, Pygmalion not only explores the language barriers that…
Author: MP News Group
BELIEVE it or not, snow and floods hit Peninsula Specialist College early Friday morning – right on school drop-off time. A reader sent in pictures of a frozen white roadway and flooded grounds. “Everyone was quite bewildered,” she said. Principal Peter Koop would not comment on the extreme-weather event which forced the school, in Old White Hill Road, Dromana, to shut for the day. Just kilometres away, Eastbourne Primary School was also faced with a watery dilemma as rain quickly filled a car park exit. No snow, but certainly no lack of water. Pictures: Yanni (main and) supplied First published…
Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man following the death of a man in Hastings on Monday night. Emergency services were called to an address on Salmon Street about 7.45pm on 5 May after reports a man had been stabbed. The 43-year-old Hastings man subsequently passed. A 46-year-old Hastings man was arrested on the night and has today been charged with one count of murder. He will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon. Victoria Police News – Wednesday, 8 May 2019
AN organisation serving the disadvantaged around Western Port celebrated its 40th birthday with 40 guests at Flinders Golf Club. Western Port Community Support manager Georgia Hourn said the Hastings-based agency founded in humble circumstances in April 1979 had “grown to become the largest provider of emergency relief in the Western Port region”. “Presently we are a team of three part-time staff, including myself, alongside Liz Maher, who is coordinator of volunteers and administrative assistant, and Kara Van Der Heyde, our housing and support case worker.” Ms Hourn praised the “35 dedicated volunteers” who make the service hum. “As a volunteer…
HOMICIDE Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Hastings, Sunday night, 5 May. It is believed two neighbours were involved in an argument at a house on Salmon Street when one, aged 43, was allegedly stabbed with a serrated edged weapon. Emergency services were called to the house about 7.45pm. They placed the injured man in an ambulance, but he died on the way to hospital. Detectives on Monday were interviewing a man, 46, who was arrested at the scene and taken to Frankston CIU. A woman seen speaking to police at the…
THIS legendary Irish folk music duo began in 1975 when Mick Foster & Tony Allen formed their duo FOSTER & ALLEN. For three years they toured cabaret venues in Ireland and the UK. Their big break-through came in 1978 when they released the single A Bunch of Thyme in Ireland which stayed in the Irish Charts for an unbelievable 53 weeks. However, at this stage their success was only known to Ireland and it was not until 1982 that A Bunch of Thyme was released in the UK. It was played by all the radio stations in Britain and…
MORNINGTON archer Zach Tonizzo had great success at the Youth National Archery Championships at Armidale, NSW, 12-16 April. As a member of the Frankston Archery Club he and teammates Jai Crawley, Elizabeth Ainge and Tian Mortimer brought home 11 medals: three gold, three silver and five bronze. Zach, 17, came second in Target in under-20 Male Recurve; third in Field and third in Short Range. Asked what he enjoyed most about the tournament he said: “It’s hard to pick a single event as they were all so much fun. It would have to be the field course because, not only…
ARGUABLY Australia’s best Elvis impersonator Rick Charles together with his son Adrian as Freddie Mercury of Queen are star attractions at a Variety charity fundraiser at Mornington Yacht Club from 7.30pm on Saturday 18 May. “A Musical Affair with a King and Queen” has been organised by Variety Bash stalwarts John Crossin and John Mackie of Mornington as they prepare for another wild ride across Australia in August, from Melbourne to Geraldton in WA, in Car 86, their Ford Fairlane LTD that once carried Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser around Canberra. This will be John Crossin’s 16th Bash and the 15th…
By Barry Morris A MORNINGTON church group wants Australia’s political leaders to increase overseas aid which has dropped to an all-time low. St Macartan’s Catholic Church social justice group says the lack of commitment to foreign aid is a “disgrace”. The group has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, Nationals leader Michael McCormack and Greens leader Richard di Natale. As well as publishing the letter in St Macartan’s parish bulletin, it has sent the letter to peninsula church newsletters and bulletins in the hope of alerting all people of goodwill on the dire…
A P-PLATE driver from Skye who rolled his 2000 Toyota ute, above, at Somerville Secondary College oval, 11pm, Saturday 13 April, told police his friends had “egged him on” to drive faster. After asking police to call his mother, the driver admitted to doing doughnuts and skids alongside his two friends before losing control of his vehicle. He was one of two hoon drivers caught by Hastings police with help from Hastings and Somerville eyewitnesses. In a similar incident, a P-plater from Bittern rolled his 1995 Nissan Patrol, above, in the Hastings marina car park about 11pm, Tuesday 26 March,…
Barry Morris THE Hastings-based Dolphin Research Institute is hoping to widen its support base to help safeguard the lives of the entertaining aquatic mammals. Its adopt-a-dolphin program aims to have 100,000 people involved in ‘i sea i care communities’ by 2020 through citizen science, dolphin ecology and health and education. DRI director Jeff Weir last week told a meeting organised by BERG MM at Mt Martha House that the communities were launched in June last year with the Western Port community of Tooradin followed by Mornington on Port Phillip. Programs are run in schools, businesses and there are community events…
RYE’S Amy Foster is one of many new mums celebrating their first Mother’s Day on Sunday 12 May. It’s even more special now that her new-born baby Sonny is home after spending a month in the special care nursery at Frankston Hospital. “Sonny was teeny tiny – only 1762 grams (three pounds eight ounces) when he was born,” Amy said. “He was born at 34 weeks but he was only 31 weeks in size – so he has had a bit of catching up to do.” The first few weeks of Sonny’s life were challenging for the family as Amy…
A wedding guest in Mornington is far from being best man after allegedly getting behind the wheel while drunk and damaging the venue. Police were called to a golf club on Tallis Drive about 10pm last night (4 May) after reports a man had been evicted from the venue and was driving erratically through the car park. The vehicle was then driven onto the golf green, damaging the grounds. Police arrested the driver, who was taken back to the station for an evidentiary breath test. The 33-year-old Langwarrin man returned an alleged reading of .177 per cent and had his…
THE first big load of beautifully knitted scarves, beanies, mittens and jumpers for older children has been delivered to Food for All for the Winter Woollies Appeal. Knitted garments and wool for those who can’t afford to buy them can be left at the Hastings branch of the Bendigo Bank for collection. Among the last load was a huge bag of knitted elephants loved by children who are not well, and also older people with dementia. Southern Peninsula Food for All collects donations which are then distributed by the Mornington Peninsula conferences of St Vincent de Paul to needy families.…
ANZAC Day in Mornington can be solemn for those that served and those who remember, but it can also be a time of wonderment for the young. For the very young, memories will most probably revolve around holding a parent’s hand and being swept along in a crowd. The pomp and ceremony will no doubt impress, as will the speeches and laying of wreaths. The real meaning and lessons of Anzac will come later, lest they forget. Pictures: by Yanni History lesson at dawn ANZAC Days have become a family event, with the younger members finding out about their country’s…
FRANKSTON sprinter Alexia Loizou has claimed victory at this year’s Stawell Gift, taking out the top prize in the women’s division. Ms Loizou said it was “a dream come true” to win the race. She defeated close friend Fia Fighera to win. “I am overwhelmed to win the Stawell Gift, it’s incredible, a dream come true,” she said. “Fia is so strong, I knew she would be right on my tail so I had to go as hard as I could.” Twenty-one-year-old Loizou blitzed the 120 metre sprint, which took place on Monday 22 April at Central Park. She came…
BLAZE Of Glory is an incredibly authentic Bon Jovi tribute & experience, paying their respects to the greatest rock band ever – Bon Jovi! With their catchy hooks, good looks and irresistible pop-metal sound, it’s no wonder Bon Jovi became one of the best selling bands of all time with over 130 million albums sold world wide. Releasing hit after hit for over 25 years the band are still going strong but alas, very rarely include Australia in their world tours. Blaze of Glory is a high energy, charismatic and uncannily realistic tribute to Bon Jovi, recreating all the hits…
FRANKSTON and Mornington Peninsula police conducted 8243 preliminary breath tests and 168 preliminary drug tests and detected 16 drink drivers and nine drug drivers, as well as 246 other offences during Operation Nexus over Easter. A 19-year-old youth died after falling off the back of a ute in Heatherhill Road, Frankston, 2.40am Good Friday morning. His was the only life lost on Mornington Peninsula roads during the Easter period, although four others were killed earlier in April. Divisional Superintendent Adrian White said: “April has been a tragic month for the area so far, with four people losing their lives on…
PORTSEA Surf Life Saving Club president Stuart Rayner said members had been “blown away” by the new multi-million dollar clubhouse. “It’s been a long seven-year journey, but the wait has absolutely been worth it,” he said. “We look forward to sharing this fabulous new facility with the broader Mornington Peninsula community once it’s fully operational next season.” Premier Daniel Andrews was a guest of Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr David Gill and Crs Hugh Fraser and Bryan Payne at a function to open the $7.65 million clubhouse, Saturday 20 April. The ageing and weather-worn clubhouse has been rebuilt and an…
Mornington Police have impounded a vehicle after its driver returned an alleged evidentiary breath test in Mornington this morning (29 April). An eagle eyed Sergeant spotted the Ford sedan exiting a licensed venue on Main Street just after 2am. Police intercepted the 20-year-old Sandhurst man in nearby Murray Street where he told police he was parking his car in the dark dead end street so it would be safe. He returned an alleged breath test of .111 The P1 probationary licence holder has had his licence immediately suspended and he is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving.…
MONASH University has announced a sponsorship deal with Mount Martha Junior Football Club. The two year sponsorship deal reinforces Monash’s commitment to supporting and building relationships in the community. The club’s main oval will be renamed the ‘Monash University Oval’, while the university’s logo will be emblazoned on all match day footballs, hundreds of training balls and signage on the two home ground ovals. “The community sponsorship with Mount Martha Junior Football Club enables us to become more involved with the local community in the Peninsula region,” Professor David Copolov AO, Monash University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Major Campuses and Student Engagement…
THE man often called the Father of Sorrento will be the subject of an exhibition at The Sorrento Museum, 827 Melbourne Road, Sorrento, later this month and in May. Opening times are 1.30-4.30pm on the weekends of 27-28 April, 4-5 May, 11-12 May, and 18-19 May. Visitors will learn more about George Coppin, a 19th century actor, entrepreneur, visionary, politician and cricket enthusiast who was born into an English theatrical family in 1819 and, throughout his life, was involved in acting. Sailing into Port Phillip he saw the site of what was to become Sorrento and began planning its development…
RATEPAYERS have until Friday (26 April) to comment on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s proposed 2019/20 budget. The mayor Cr David Gill said he had already received “a lot of feedback” from beach box owners facing a rise from a flat $445 a year licence fee to up to $1200 (“Cashing in on beach boxes” The News 9/4/19). Cr Gill last week said licence fees for bathing boxes had been $50 a year in 1980 but since then their holders had been able to sell them for “hundreds of thousands of dollars”. “If they’re complaining about the cost, why not put…
A ‘THINK tank’ discussion to help guide the direction of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s waste review will be held tomorrow night (Wednesday 24 April) at the Rosebud council chambers. It comes as the state government drags its feet on waste recovery and recycling processes following the ban on collections from China. The think tank is part of a push by the council to hear community ideas while developing a waste strategy that reflects industry changes as well as supporting the community, shire operations and the environment. The forward planning committee meeting will guide the direction of the council’s waste review. …
A man has died after falling from the rear of a utility in Frankston early this morning. Police have been told that the 19-year-old Frankston man was sitting in the rear tray along with two other people. The man fell from the utility as it was travelling along Heatherhill Road just after 2.30am. He was conveyed to hospital but has since passed away. The driver and other passengers were not injured and are assisting police with their enquiries. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Police are investigating after an incident in Frankston early this morning that has left a man with critical injuries. It is alleged a 19-year-old Frankston man was sitting in the tray of a ute along with two other people. The man fell from the ute as it was travelling along Heatherhill Road just after 2.30am. He sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment. The driver and other passengers were not injured and are assisting police with their enquiries. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined at this stage. Anyone with information is urged…
POLICE divers recovered the body of a Hastings man who drowned off Somers, Sunday 14 April. The man, 38, and a friend were kayaking when he fell out and disappeared about 11am. His mate, who by this time had paddled to shore, borrowed a phone from a passer-by and called 000 for help. Volunteer Marine Rescue and Coast Guard Western Port based at Hastings were on the scene within 12 minutes and, with the Police Air Wing high above, began a four hour search. The VMR crew found the kayak nose up but sunk in four metres of water about…
AN apprentice based at the Long Island Point plant, Hastings, is the fourth generation of his family to work at Esso’s Western Port and Gippsland operations. Thomas Mutimer, 18, follows his father Paul, an operations supervisor, grandfather, Ron, who worked at the Barry Beach Marine Terminal, and his great-grandfather, who worked on the Glomar III drillship, to work for Esso, either at Long Island Point or in Gippsland. Thomas was part of an intake of apprentices from Federation Training and WPC Group, who says he was always interested in “all things electrical”, and describes himself as a “hands-on learner”. “I…
ONE of Australia’s favourite performers, Jonathan Biggins, is Paul Keating – visionary, reformer and rabble-rouser – in a highly anticipated new comedy, The Gospel According to Paul. Full of intelligence and wit, The Gospel According to Paul is a funny, insightful and occasionally poignant portrait of Paul Keating, the man that – as he tells it – single-handedly shaped contemporary Australia. Jonathan Biggins’ performance as Paul Keating is well known from the long-running Sydney Theatre Company success story, The Wharf Revue. Beyond the canny impersonation, Jonathan, like so many Australians, has long been fascinated by Keating and what Keating means…
A 21-year-old Rye man has been charged with one count of culpable driving causing death and two counts of negligently causing serious injury after a fatal crash in Tootgarook early Friday 12 April. Seventeen-year-old Timothy Hocking died and four others were injured when a Mazda CX3 with five young people on board struck a tree near the intersection of Marshall and Field streets about 1.15am. Timothy Hocking, a student at Rosebud Secondary College and resident of McCrae, died at the scene, while another 17-year-old from Capel Sound was taken to hospital in a critical condition. A 17-year-old from McCrae was…