A BOX Hill South man is facing serious assault charges after a gatecrasher was allegedly assaulted outside a party in Frankston-Flinders Road, Hastings, early Sunday 7 April. The 36-year-old is alleged to have hit a Bittern man, 21, over the head with a bag of stubbies causing serious facial injuries, including having his jaw broken in a number of places and several teeth broken. His injuries will require significant ongoing medical treatment. The Box Hill man appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 10 April charged with intentionally causing serious injury and recklessly causing serious injury. He will reappear at…
Author: MP News Group
ESTABLISHED and emerging artists are being invited to share their interpretation of the Mornington Peninsula’s “precious green wedge”. It’s all part of the shire’s Green Wedge Paint Outs and Exhibition returning to the peninsula this year as part of the council’s efforts to protect areas of national, state and local conservation significance and habitat value. Artists are invited to submit a green wedge-inspired artwork to be considered for exhibition across the peninsula with displays at the council chamber at Rosebud, as well as at Oak Hill Gallery and Merricks House Art Gallery at Merricks General Wine Store. There’s incentive, too,…
Police have located a body during the search for a missing kayaker in waters off Somers. It is believed a man was paddling with a friend at South Beach when he fell from his kayak and disappeared shortly before 11am. Police located the man’s kayak and paddle and later located a body about 3.30pm not far from where the kayaker went missing. The man is yet to be formally identified and police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Members of the Western Port Model Aircraft Club are gearing for their second open day at the airfield at 360 The Esplanade, Crib Point, Sunday 21 April. Model aircraft of all types, sizes and styles: from helicopters, jets, civilian and military type aircraft all based on the real thing and sounding just as good are flown from the airfield. The club’s 100 members have varying ages and experience levels, some holding world records and one, a junior, is a world champion in pylon F3D racing. They will be assisted by members of model aircraft clubs from around the state. As…
A MAN who rifled through a bag on a bike chained up outside a Rosebud liquor store allegedly stole a $700 mobile phone, Thursday 14 February. Police said man, above, put the phone in his pocket before walking into the store. Anyone with information about the theft or the identity of the man, pictured, is urged to contact Constable Ebony Treweek, at Rosebud police station, 5986 0444, or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Mornington News – 9 April 2019
WILLIAM Buckley is coming back to Rosebud on the 26 and 27 April. He is coming in the form of a chamber opera, locally devised by peninsula residents Antony Ransome (pictured), retired opera performer of thirty years, and renowned local historian Richard Cotter. The opera is based on the historic events of 1803 and 1835. This will be the first opera written and performed on the Mornington Peninsula. The opera tells the story of two cultures drawn together by extraordinary circumstances after William Buckley escaped from the Collins Settlement site in Sorrento in 1803. The site was the second ever…
A BLACK Triumph motorcycle found at a Cranbourne West house is believed to be stolen. Dandenong police said a man at the house said he had recently bought the bike. Police inspecting the bike on 22 March saw that the engine number and registration plates had been filed off and removed. They said the man refused to provide details of the seller and was arrested and interviewed. Dandenong police are appealing for public help in identifying the owner of the bike. It has a distinctive purple trim and kickstand. Anyone with information is asked to call 9767 7440, or Crime…
Police have issued a top 10 list their “most wanted”. The three women and seven men are all wanted on outstanding warrants and police believe they may be living on the Mornington Peninsula. Police have issued photographs, names and last known addresses of the 10 in the hope that members of the public will be able to shed some light on their whereabouts. However, the issuing of the top 10 also comes with a warning for members of the public not to approach those on the list. Instead, they are asked to call police with information or make a confidential…
A ROSEBUD Motor Boat Squadron member became suspicious when he noticed the club’s front gate had been forced open and a car and boat trailer hidden in bushes, 6.45am, Thursday 4 April. Club commodore Mike Hibbert arrived at the foreshore clubhouse soon after and the pair watched CCTV footage of two men arriving earlier that morning in a Ford Territory towing a Quintrex boat with Mercury outboard and cutting the bolt to the club’s yard. They learned later that the boat had been stolen from outside a house in Ocean Street, Rosebud at 5.35am the same day. Mr Hibbert said…
Twenty-two student dancers from the Mornington Peninsula, flew out this week to perform in the Dance the Magic parade at Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California. The students, aged eight to 42, have been practicing for weeks in the streets of an industrial estate at Rosebud The tour will also see them performing dance routines choreographed by Peninsula School of Dance teachers at Universal Studios and on Hollywood Boulevard. The Peninsula School of Dance has a 58-year history in which it has nurtured such dancers as Jason Coleman. It also operates from two custom built studio’s and a “satellite” dance class at…
DOG owners are being asked to “tighten the leash” at nine Mornington Peninsula beaches. In a bid to “encourage residents to better manage dog behaviour and improve dog obedience”, Mornington Peninsula Shire and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and management committees have “developed a comprehensive compliance program to regulate the behaviour of dogs on beaches to improve the amenity of our beaches”, according to the mayor, Cr David Gill. “This partnership allows us to apply all the existing rules and regulations across our beaches in a consistent manner which is a positive outcome for our community.”…
A RED Hill orchardist caught with 19 dead rainbow lorikeets in the back of his ute was fined $15,000 at Dromana Magistrates’ Court last week for shooting the birds and verbally abusing authorised officers. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning officer Haley Mason said the conviction was a “great result highlighting to the public that killing native wildlife is a serious offence”. “DELWP received information that the man was shooting protected native birds on his property,” she said. “The man owns fruit trees and alleged the birds were destroying his crops. “At the time of shooting, the man did…
HASTINGS dog owners are being warned to be on the lookout for rat poison baits. Police said they received the first of a dog bait being left on the street on Wednesday 27 March from a man walking his dog along Tara Drive about 4.30am. The man said he found pastry laced with what is believed to be rat poison pellets. His dog is believed to have eaten a pellet but did not appear to show any symptoms. On Sunday morning (31 March), a man walking his dog on Tara Drive between Isis Place and Lewis Street again saw pasta…
Hundreds of Mornington Peninsula schoolchildren were last week taking in the environment message as relayed by such presenters as Lionel Lauch, above right. Ivy, Lily and Jaeda, bottom left, from Osborne Primary School, showed their “bug hotels”, while Kyren, above left, had his hands full with worms. Jackson, Grace, Max, Jay, Cioper, Kaylah from Benton Junior College, Mornington, were busy discovering how big things can grow from a seedling.Pictures: Yanni ENVIRONMENT Week at The Briars historic property, Mt Martha included activities and half-day programs for students in years 1-6. Schools could choose Engaging with Nature, Indigenous Connection to Country, Homestead…
By Barry Morris Two men are waging war against Indian myna birds, sometimes called flying rats and cane toads of the sky, which they say are a scourge on the Australian landscape. Peter Wiltshire, senior ranger at Darebin Parklands where he has spent 33 years, and Michael Mann, a volunteer and a member of the parkland’s friends group, are dedicated to spreading the message of the harm the bird is causing. They have spent years trying to rid Darebin Parklands of the Indian myna which drove the eastern rosella from the urban park. Mr Mann now lives at Hastings. His…
More than 40 artists have donated original works of art to support Peninsula Home Hospice. Their “traditional to contemporary” works will be sold through a silent auction art show, Unframed-Art. The auction will be attended by the artists and held 5pm Saturday 13 April, at Southern Bouys Studios, Mornington. The auction is a fundraising event for Peninsula Home Hospice, a not-for-profit, community palliative care organisation that provides free palliative care and practical support to people living at home with a life threatening illness. The home hospice care team includes specialist palliative care nurses, counsellor-case workers, palliative medical consultants, a spiritual…
AN industry expert will be brought in to help manage the lead up, as well as after, the opening of the Rosebud Aquatic Centre. The five-year fee-for-service management model adopted by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council at is meeting on Tuesday 12 March includes up to 12 months’ pre-opening planning for the $41 million pool complex which is expected to open in September 2020. Under the model the council will retain control of business functions, such as asset management, utilities, maintenance, fees and charges, while the centre manager will provide input on key decisions and oversee the pool’s day-to-day operations. The…
A DONATION of three iPads to nonverbal students at Mornington Special Development School is allowing them to communicate with their families, teachers, carers and friends – some for the first time. The students are learning how to use the devices through an app. “Students benefit from instant feedback and communication programs on their new iPads and they have fun while doing it,” Principal David Newport said. “The school struggles financially to provide up-to-date technology. This is a great start. These kids will have a better opportunity to improve their communication skills.” The iPads are part of an $80,000 donation of…
Rye Tennis Club is opening up the courts to offer a Free Tennis Day to the public. The club will be welcoming people of all ages who have never played before through to tennis regulars to the club on Sunday April 7th between 11am and 2pm to enjoy free activities including: ANZ junior HotshotsCardiotennisSpeed serveHit the Target competitionCoachingFree Social playFree sausage sizzlePrizes and more This promises to be a lot of fun and you don’t need to know how to play tennis to come along and join in. We encourage everyone to pick up a racquet, have a hit and…
A shoplifter with a penchant for baby formula is being sought by detectives. The man, pictured, entered the Woolworths supermarket at Bentons Square, Dunns Road, Mornington 5pm, Saturday 9 March, and stole $498 of baby formula. Detectives said he made several attempts to steal formula at the store as well as from other Woolworth’s stores in the area. Police have released CCTV images of the man described as Indian in appearance, late 20s, 175cm tall and with a thin build. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at…
MORNINGTON’S Shelley Heath made her debut for Melbourne Football Club’s AFLW team on 9 March. The 18-year-old, who finished school last year after attending Mornington Secondary College, was drafted by Melbourne in October. “We were surprised and thrilled that Shelley was drafted,” said mum Gill Heath. That was the beginning of a lot of hard work and training that culminated in the start against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium. Shelley’s winning spirit has followed her through life. An Australian Taekwondo champion at age eight, she grabbed the opportunity to play Australian Rules Football with both hands. Rising through the…
IT was February 1986; Tyson was the heavyweight champ, Reagan was president, but the real action was at Kooyong…the night Tom Petty supported Bob Dylan. Re-live that incredible line up at The Bob Dylan and Tom Petty Show, and rock out to Running Down a Dream, American Girl, Don’t Come Around Here No More, The Waiting, Refugee, Like a Rolling Stone, All Along the Watchtower, Hard Rain, Tombstone Blues, House of the Rising Sun and many other classic Dylan-Petty hits. “32 years on, and people still refer to the True Confessions Tour as one of the most remarkable gigs they’ve…
JO Cooper is a woman with a firm grasp on history. The Peninsula Grange resident who celebrated her 102nd birthday on Saturday 9 March with family and friends, lays claim to being born in Sorrento as the great-great-granddaughter of the first white baby born in the area, Jane Watts, in 1803. Daughter Joyce Curry, who says “it’s an education listening to her stories”, confirmed her mum’s great-grandparents owned Watts Cottage next to the Nepean Historical Society building at the back beach end of Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento. Ms Cooper can recall delivering milk and butter to her great-grandmother after school…
Human rights advocate and lawyer Nyadol Nyuon spoke of her family’s difficulties of adjusting to a new society after being brought to Australia from a refugee camp in Kenya. Ms Nyuon, who was born in the refugee camp in Itang, Ethiopia, said the difficulties were faced mainly by her mother, who spoke with “limited English” and had a longing for the place and friends of her birth. Since her family settled in Ballarat, Ms Nyuon has completed a Bachelor Arts from Victoria University and a Juris Doctor from University of Melbourne and currently practises in commercial litigation and as community…
THE billy cart derby organised by Point Nepean Men’s Shed went off without a hitch, Saturday 16 March. “We could not have asked for a better day,” organiser Terry Phippen said. “We had all 20 carts in action over the afternoon, plus a few extras, and a design by shed president John Stevenson became instantly popular with competitors of all ages.” Charities to benefit from the $1200 raised were Rye Community House, “Buy a Bale” and Gippsland Farmers’ Relief. “The kids all took to the idea of racing the carts,” Mr Phippen said. “Some were a bit nervous at first,…
Repairs are being made to the sandbag seawall installed to stop erosion at Portsea front beach in 2010. “The seawall was first installed in 2010 and since then has helped protect the foreshore against storm surge, waves, tides and wind,” the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Port Phillip regional director, Kelly Crosthwaite, said. “The outer layer of the of the wall is in poor condition, with wear and tear resulting in damage to several areas. Because of the way the sandbag seawall is constructed, the repairs required are extensive and involve replacing most of the existing wall.” Ms…
BURGLARS forced a rear window at a Rosebud rental property and stole jewellery, between 1-9 March. Taken from the Eighth Avenue property was a chain, two rings, costume jewellery and a jewellery box, valued at $650. A security door, flywire door and a dishwasher were stolen from a house under construction in Bittern, overnight Friday 8 March. A $4800 yellow kayak was stolen from a Mt Martha house that had earlier been gutted by fire. Detectives said burglars forced a garage door at the Spencer Street house that had been unoccupied for several weeks. Offenders unsuccessfully used a jemmy bar…
A MAN was punched, kicked and threatened with a hammer by five men who then stole his phone in Mornington, 4.45am, Sunday 17 March. Detectives said the man was waiting for a cab just off Mornington-Tyabb Road when a white VT Commodore with flashing red and blue lights with five men aboard pulled up. They threatened the victim and, when he refused to hand over his phone and attempted to run away, he was chased down and assaulted. The phone is valued at $500. One of the men is described as a tall Caucasian, two others are described as Aboriginal…
A MORNINGTON milk bar owner chased two men on bikes after they attempted to steal from her shop, 2.45pm, Friday 15 March. Detectives said the men wearing scarves as face coverings entered the Wandella Road shop with a hammer and a knife and attempted to raid the till. Detective Senior Sergeant Miro Majstorovic, of Somerville CIU, said the woman shopkeeper refused and hit out as she tried to defend herself. The men ran out of the shop but not before swinging the hammer and smashing a display case. The victim drove after the men but lost them. Anyone who recognises…
The federal government may get involved in safety and accessibility issues at The Pillars cliff jumping site if Labor wins the May election. The party’s candidate for Flinders, Joshua Sinclair says the 400 metre long “temporary” fence erected along the Esplanade at Mt Martha by Mornington Peninsula Shire should be replaced by a boardwalk. Mr Sinclair says that if elected he will work closely with the shire “to ensure an environmentally appropriate, safe, and accessible boardwalk is built”. He says he has told “those living off the esplanade” that he wants to see a permanent solution to this issue and…