RAMRAIDERS reversed a car through glass double doors before robbing the Chemist Discount Centre at Peninsula Homemaker Centre last week. Police said the force of the collision “significantly damaged” metal roofing and sheered steel bolts allowing the raiders entry to the Nepean Highway store, 2am, Sunday 26 August. Tyre marks were visible on the roadway. Store manager Louise Smedile said the thieves stole a quantity of perfumes. The extent of the damage was unknown, Wednesday. Police are examining CCTV footage of the incident. The store opened as usual on the Monday. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 4…
Author: MP News Group
A BITTERN man suffering an apparent cardiac arrest in the street can thank three Hastings police officers for possibly saving his life, Monday 27 August. The officers on patrol in Frankston-Flinders Road, Hastings, were flagged down by a bystander who saw the 64-year-old “on the ground and gasping” in Haddock Street about 12noon, Sergeant Scott West, of Hastings Police, said. Senior Constables Stuart Holloway and Teresa Comerford and Constable Cassundra Harris wasted no time in putting their first aid skills to good use and performing CPR on the man who drifted “in and out of consciousness”. They continued to resuscitate…
UNRESTRAINED dogs are having a devastating effect on native animals in the Mornington Peninsula National Park – and traumatising those who find their remains. Regular walker Chris Willocks came across a dead swamp wallaby on the coastal track near St Paul’s Lookout, Sorrento, 8am, Monday 13 August. “All evidence indicated it had been killed by a large dog,” Mr Willocks said. “The body was mostly undamaged other than an obvious bite wound around the neck. “The wallaby was still warm when I found it so it was probably killed between daybreak and 8am. There were lots of fresh, large dog…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has adopted the Dromana Township Plan and Residential Investigation Area Report. This follows a review of the township and surrounding residential areas that was presented to the 20 August planning meeting. The review identified built form objectives and controls to aid in the protection of Dromana’s “coastal” character. Major provisions of the plan are to reinforce the prevailing coastal township streetscapes, maintain the suburb’s low scale built form character, and protect key views from the foreshore and across the town centre towards Arthurs Seat. Other provisions are the strengthening of Pier Street as the “heart” of…
A HEART-WARMING documentary film about a group of indigenous Australian rangers who travel to Kenya to share knowledge, culture and music with a tribe of Maasai Community Rangers will premiere on the Mornington Peninsula next week. Ranger to Ranger is being shown at the Merricks General Wine Store, Friday 14 September, in support of the International Ranger Federation. The federation’s charity arm, Thin Green Line, needs funds to ensure that those tasked with defending the world’s wildlife and wild places – the Rangers – are given the support they need. In the case of a ranger losing his or her…
GROUNDS staff at The National Golf Club at Cape Schanck last week got a fright when they dug up a live naval round. The landscapers were working on the second hole at the Cups Drive course when they unearthed the 43cm-long “unexploded ordnance”, 3.30pm, Tuesday 28 August. It may have lain undisturbed for decades near the surface, about one kilometre from Truemans Road. They quickly moved clear and reported their dangerous find to police who called in the RAAF. Military officers cordoned off the area which was guarded overnight by police. Next day they detonated the shell in a deep…
IF charity begins at home then Kelsey Caldwell is on familiar territory. The Year 1-2 pupil at Boneo Primary School is a girl on a mission to raise money for desperate farmers and she, and helper Josie Waller, are well on their way to achieving their target of $300. Principal Mandy Whitworth said Kelsey, 7, had come to her with a “business plan” in which she and other pupils would raise funds for the Buy a Bale campaign. She arranged a raffle as a fundraiser, put an item in the school newsletter, made buckets, drew up posters and spoke at…
SAFETY Beach-Dromana Men’s Shed is now “back on its feet and expanding” after a robbery in July devastated its members, (Theft a blow to men’s shed, The News, 2/7/18). “The final cost of the burglary was more than $20,000,” member John Whalley said. “But the tremendous community support that followed, together with our insurance, has got us back on our feet.” Mr Whalley said members were planning to extend the existing shed by 24 metres. “We will fit out the additional space with equipment for exercise and fitness, wood working, and for education and training in the use of computers…
VOTING for a state government’s Pick my Project community grant is now open with 56 vying for selection on the Mornington Peninsula Shire. There are 36 projects in the Frankston area eligible for a grant. At least $1 million will be made available for projects in the municipalities of Cardinia, Casey, Greater Dandenong, Kingston and Mornington Peninsula. Any individual project is eligible to receive up to $200,000. Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bryan Payne said he “encourages community members to get behind these wonderful local initiatives taking place throughout the peninsula”. One of those projects is a bid by Wallara…
ROUGH sleepers in the Western Port region are being better cared for thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Hastings Westernport. Its members have funded a kitchen, shower and laundry with washing machine and dryer at the Salvation Army centre, Hastings. Club secretary Heather Browning said the facilities cater to several needs. “We had the shower and laundry installed to provide a place for rough sleepers to wash and have clean clothes and contribute to a modicum of dignity,” she said. “The kitchen provides for the Second Bite program and emergency food relief.” Rotary moved on the project…
FIREFIGHTERS from four CFA brigades were unable to save a Tyabb house from being savaged by an early morning fire last week. Captain Jarrod Vetesi, of Tyabb CFA, said eight appliances from Tyabb, Mornington, Hastings and Somerville brigades rushed to the Jones Road property, 2.30am, Thursday 23 August. The two-storey brick house was well alight. The fire was possibly caused by a log rolling from the fireplace and setting floor coverings alight. Captain Vetesi said that while 90 per cent of the house was destroyed, the 65-70 firefighters did manage to save two rear bedrooms, bathroom – and the owner’s…
AN elderly Hastings resident is calling for public assistance in finding a motorist who ran into her car and then drove off without exchanging names and addresses. Trish Allen, of Peninsula Parklands retirement village, parked her car behind Kmart, in the area bounded by Queen, Elizabeth and Victoria streets, 1.30-3.30pm, Thursday 23 August, while she visited her doctor. While there her royal blue Holden Barina was side swiped by the other car which was quickly driven away. “There is a whole piece missing,” she said. “I called my insurance company and was told I could not claim until I got…
YOU could say Hastings artist Mike Harbar has been given the stamp of approval, or perhaps painted himself into a corner … Either way, the Classic Lines Artist is thrilled with his appointment by Australia Post as its next stamp artist. Harbar’s pen and watercolour depictions of four classic Australian motorcycles: 1904 Kelecom, 1912 Precision, 1919 Whiting V4 and 1923 Invincible Jap, will set veteran and vintage bike enthusiasts’ hearts racing next month – much like the iconic bikes. The artist, who trained as an industrial designer, emigrated from England in 2000. “I’d always drawn cars, bikes, boats and planes…
BEACH patrol groups from Rye, Tootgarook, Rosebud/McCrae, and Safety Beach/Dromana are holding a film and environment awareness night at Rosebud Secondary College, 6.30pm, Friday 31 August. Supporters include the Dolphin Research Institute and Mornington Peninsula Shire. Entertainment is the film Blue – the tide has come for change. The Lions Club of Rye will put on a sausage sizzle for early arrivals. BYO cup for tea or coffee. Gold coin donation. Raffle and door prizes will be provided by local businesses which support the work of the volunteers. Details: Julie Jame 0417 561 256.
DUE to popular demand across Australia, Abstract Entertainment is proud to announce Michael Jackson – The Legacy Tour will return in 2018 for a national tour. This world class production has toured the world to rave reviews and is the one and only Michael Jackson show that features actual Michael Jackson staff, singers and band members. The show is produced and directed by its star performer, William Hall. William Hall embodies the voice the dance character and persona of the legendary MJ to perfection. The Texan has been performing since he was three and is an accomplished dancer, choreographer and…
THERE’S an old saying that some musicians look more like the artist than the artist themselves. This could not be truer of Ron Vincent who happens to be the spitting image of Cat Stevens, with his wild dark mane, haunting voice and gentle demeanour. “I am not imitating Cat Stevens but simply sharing his music with others who have been influenced as much as I have,” says Maltese-born Ron, who describes himself as a Sharman with his long dark hair and beard. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure – all the hard work and dedication that Ron has put…
A RED Hill petrol station was fined $7929 after petroleum hydrocarbons were found leaking into a nearby stormwater drain. Environment Protection Authority Victoria southern metro manager Marleen Mathias said Mornington Peninsula Shire Council officers found the leak at the front of the United Petroleum station on Arthurs Seat Road in May and notified EPA. “Sampling by EPA officers confirmed that the stormwater system was impacted by hydrocarbons and that it had come from United Petroleum’s service station in Red Hill,” she said. “Council created a barrier downstream from the station’s stormwater discharge point to contain the spill.” Ms Mathias said…
THE spirit of the Mornington Peninsula green wedge has been captured by the brushstrokes of 100 artists in the inaugural Green Wedge Paint Out. From these works, two have been chosen for major prizes: Winning artist Chris Pubela won a $500 bursary for her work Natural Beauty, an oil on canvas portraying the open spaces around Bittern reservoir. A $250 bursary encouragement award went to William Goodwin for his oil on canvas Green Wedge 1. The mayor, Cr Bryan Payne, thanked the artists saying the Paint Out had been one of the major highlights of the shire’s Thin Edge of…
TWO hungry thieves allegedly stole 10 packs of rib eye steak valued at $150 from the Mt Eliza IGA supermarket, Saturday 18 August. The men took their booty to a vacant aisle and loaded it into a backpack before walking out without paying. Anyone knowing the men – or who attended a barbecue with them – is asked to call Senior Constable Teffa Cunningham, Mornington police, 5970 4900, or call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au online. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 28 August 2018
REVELLERS who allegedly threw beer glasses from a balcony in a Mornington shopping strip are being sought by police. The incidents occurred around 10.30pm, Saturday 18 August, outside a licenced venue in Main Street. Police said a glass was thrown onto the road below endangering the public. While they were investigating another glass was allegedly thrown from the balcony narrowly missing a policeman and a police van. Anyone with information should call Mornington police 5970 4900 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 28 August 2018
SLEEPING on the job took on a whole new meaning last week when a man was found semi-conscious in the roof of a chemist’s shop hours after it had been burgled. Detective Shaun Rampal, of Frankston CIU, said the Frankston man, 29, may have fallen unconscious after consuming prescription drugs allegedly stolen from shelves during the early morning raid. Police were called to Chemist Warehouse on Wells Street after staff heard banging and thumping in the ceiling, 5.30pm, Saturday 18 August. They were unsure whether the noise was caused by a person or a trapped animal until a man’s head…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will hold community drop-in sessions next month to explain how it is working to overcome traffic congestion on the southern peninsula. The move follows concerns that pressures on the shire’s road network are expected to significantly increase as Melbourne’s population rises to eight million by 2050 – with many more people flocking to their peninsula “playground”. (“Road congestion a daunting challenge” The News 21/8/18). Those attending the sessions will be invited to provide input into formulating alternative traffic plans to reduce traffic congestion – rather than having motorists continuing to flood the southern peninsula freeway reserve. The…
By Kelly Parkinson, AGL’s senior manager project engagement AT the recent community rally at Hastings, some key issues on safety and the environment about AGL’s Crib Point Gas import jetty project were understandably raised. First, we agree Western Port is an important environmental area that must be cared for. AGL is a company that has a keen focus on the environment, sustainability and the communities in which we operate. Therefore, we expect to be held to account on these issues. We’ve been reporting our social and environmental performance through an annual sustainability report. Of course, if you look, you will…
FLINDERS Christian College students Lucy Steer and Liv Zuidema rose to the challenge to win the National Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge, Saturday 11 August. The two-day event was run by the Australian Culinary Federation at Holmesglen Institute, Glen Waverley. The Year 12 food studies students delighted the judges with their twice cooked Asian-inspired chicken. It consisted of a poached chicken, Asian-style sauce, egg noodles, ginger carrot puree, crispy chicken skin, stir fried pak choy, pickled pak choy, turned mushrooms and kafir lime dust. Teams came from Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales. First published in the Western Port News…
MORNINGTON racecourse is about to get a $2.75 million all weather synthetic training track. The synthetic track, to be completed by September, will replace the existing 12-year-old sand track and allow training all year on a more consistent training surface. The existing track base and drainage will support the new synthetic track, which will be the same dimensions as the old sand track – 1730 metres in length and eight metres wide. The club estimates it will save $15,000 a year on water. The Melbourne Racing Club holds 18 race meetings and 40 jump outs each year at Mornington, with…
FOR the past two years team members at Fusion Mornington Peninsula has dreamed of a social enterprise thrift shop and cafe to assist their work among young people on the Mornington Peninsula. The Christian youth and community organisation, based in the former army barracks at Mt Martha, has been providing housing, youth programs and community support since the 1960s. Programs seek to connect young people aged 15-21 to networks in the community and engage them with a wider sense of belonging and achievement. By providing early interventions to youths within its program, it seeks to address the many issues that…
CFA high-angle rescue specialists joined police and SES crews to rescue a woman who had slipped down the cliff at The Pillars, Mt Martha, last week. Police were called to the incident by the brother of the Mornington woman who reported her missing at the site, 9.30pm, Tuesday 14 August. Sergeant Dennis Ramsay, of Mornington police, said officers rushed to the scene and spotted the woman’s car parked on the Esplanade. They were forced to slide half-way down the rocky cliff face to find the woman, 37, before “making her safe and secure”. CFA crews from Mt Martha CFA were…
THE Grand Hotel, Mornington, has joined hundreds of hotels, clubs and restaurants across Australia in backing the Parma for a Farmer campaign. The campaign aims to help drought-stricken farmers by putting $1 from every parma sold towards buying a bale of hay to feed hungry sheep and cattle. Grand Hotel manager Cameron Price said the campaign would run throughout August. “It’s going really well as we hope to raise $4000,” he said. Those wanting to donate online can visit the Buy a Bale website. Daniel Failla First published in the Mornington News – 21 August 2018
SKILLFULLY depicting a full-throttle mash-up of extreme physical risk-taking, graceful movement and slow-mo fight sequences, Cockfight is a darkly humorous and surprisingly tender piece of dance theatre by newly formed Gold Coast/Berlin company The Farm that sees long-time creative collaborators Joshua Thomson and Gavin Webber reassess who is in charge. A cross between The Office and a cage fight, Cockfight is a game of comical one-upmanship that builds to moments of emotive impact, where generational truths are exposed and unpacked. A flash of bared teeth, territorial pissing contests, the desperation of needing to prove yourself versus the need to hold…
OUR Lady of Fatima pupils Lily, Ruby and Lara might be young, but they’re already winning plaudits for their artwork. The youngsters’ works were highly commended in a Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery art competition for primary and secondary pupils based on the theme of sport. Visual art teacher Amanda Heggen said the school was “delighted and excited” with the pupils’ success in being awarded Packing Room prizes by the organising committee. Their work will be displayed at Antipodes Bookshop, Sorrento, until Sunday 26 August. They will receive their certificates at an award ceremony at the gallery, Monday 24 September. Winners…