CLOSE friends and family of Joel Hawkins gathered on a Dromana roadside last Saturday near where the 17-year-old cyclist was hit by a car in June 2015. Joel, who had already notched up a long list of cycling achievements, died after spending more than a week on life support at the Alfred hospital. A white ghost bike was placed in his memory near the corner of Marine Parade and Nepean Highway and now his former coach, Chris Savage, is taking the White Bike Foundation’s safety message to Canberra. Savage left Mornington for Canberra on Saturday and is due to end…
Author: MP News Group
An off-duty police officer fought off a man armed with a knife in an attempted aggravated carjacking in Frankston. The incident took place on Ashleigh Avenue when the man, armed with a knife allegedly tried to steal a car which was parked in a car space at the local shops just after 8pm on Tuesday evening (13 March). The driver of the car, an 82-year-old Frankston man, was attempting to start the car when he was approached by the armed man. The off-duty officer, understood to be a Dandenong area police officer, was walking on Ashleigh Avenue when he saw…
HASTINGS volunteer Sue King is out to encourage more people to be involved with Peninsula Health’s community advisory group. “I was coming up to retirement and thought I needed to do some voluntary work,” she said. “I’d done some social voluntary work through sporting clubs over the years and I thought I want something to do so I came to the Western Port Community Advisory Group meeting and found it quite interesting.” Now, years later, Ms King is encouraging others to join the group. “We need more members from a diverse range of backgrounds across Western Port so we can…
STATE opposition MPs have been told that the Mornington Peninsula needs an overall roads strategy. A delegation from Mornington Peninsula Shire last week met with Liberal Party MPS, including roads and infrastructure spokesman David Hodgett. Cr David Gill said the shire also intended to meet with members of the Labor government to press the need for safer roads. “We had a good hearing [from the opposition] and they basically said they were interested and would look into it,” Cr Gill told The News. “They’re local MPs and want to do something and they could possibly be part of the next…
IN an entertaining double-header, Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black will speak at Rosebud Uniting Church on Judaism, faith and the environment before the screening of Al Gore’s new film, An Inconvenient Sequel. Truth to Power. The events are being held from 5-8pm, Sunday 18 March. Rabbi Keren-Black says the Mornington Peninsula, like islands in the Pacific Ocean, are in peril from the rising seas. He believes people of faith have a religious obligation to act. Australian Religious Response to Climate Change is hosting this event with the cooperation of the church at 6 Murray-Anderson Road, Rosebud. Light refreshments will be followed by question time afterwards.
A SELL-OUT exhibition at Oak Hill Gallery, Mornington, was the first held by 92-year-old Chris Colquhoun. As a result of her first solo show the Merricks-based artist has received three commissions – including one from Copenhagen, Denmark. “A love of maps led Chris to a career at a drawing desk and, after studying technical drawing at RMIT, she worked at the Titles Office and later at the Division of National Mapping,” gallery director Yvonne Watson said. “Travel, marriage and children followed, and then, in retirement at Merricks, she began drawing and painting as a hobby. The lovely bushland and coastal…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council will continue childcare services formerly offered by Mornington Community Contact. Parents were left wondering where to take their children last week after liquidators moved in and closed the centre (“Parents baffled by childcare loss” The News 6/3/18). The shire, in a news release sent at 5pm Friday, says it is working “to support the childcare programs on a temporary basis to ensure continuity of services for the community and staff while exploring longer term options with the community and other stakeholders regarding ongoing management of the centre”. As from today (Tuesday 13 March) the shire will…
ALTERNATIVE car parking spaces will be made available to commuters while Frankston train station is redeveloped. Works will see 120 spaces at the Beach Street end of the station car park unavailable from last Sunday (10 March) until late this year. The Old Law Courts car park, at the corner of Playne and Young streets, will have 120 free all-day parking spaces and Frankston Council will make 50 free all-day spaces at the Mechanic’s Institute car park available. The Level Crossing Removal Authority will lease 50 parking spaces at Bayside Shopping Centre for construction workers and LXRA staff. LXRA has…
POLICE fired three shots at a stolen car during a dramatic pursuit along back roads in Red Hill, Dromana and Teurong, Friday 2 March. Two men in the car – and two others arrested earlier – were believed to have been involved in a carjacking and robbery the day before as well as another robbery, both in Rosebud. In the first incident, two teenage boys were allegedly run off Waterfall Gully Road by a stolen Toyota four-wheel-drive about midnight, Thursday 1 March. They were chased away and their car, as well as wallets, phones and power tools were stolen. The…
KANGAROOS and wallabies may be more safely crossing Mornington Peninsula roads at night thanks to a trial of electronic signs warning road users to their presence. Mornington Peninsula Shire’s traffic transport office has agreed to install temporary signs at high risk zones on Purves Road, Arthurs Seat and Jetty Road, Boneo. Similar speed indicator signs are being used for the second year running to caution motorists on the Esplanade, Mt Martha about pedestrians visiting The Pillars rock jumping site. Results of the wildlife trial will be evaluated and, if acknowledged as a success, may lead to permanent and more informative…
A TOOTGAROOK mother with a sick daughter is training for a gruelling 120 kilometre walk to raise money for the charity Ronald McDonald House. Barb Hilder, coincidentally of Ronald Street, will take part in the five-day El Camino Trek for the Kids, Spain, 10-19 May, in support of the service which provides emergency accommodation for seriously ill children and their families. Ms Hilder’s daughter Katelyn, 17 next week, was unwell from birth. “At five weeks we had a call to say she had cystic fibrosis – an incurable, life shortening chronic disease. “We lived at Kyabram and had to attend…
Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the death of an 8-year-old boy in Tootgarook this afternoon. Police attended the Alma Street address and located the boy’s body shortly after 1.30pm. A 41-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and is currently assisting police with their enquiries. It is believed that both parties were known to each other. Homicide Squad detectives are en route to the scene. Police are yet to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death however it is being treated as suspicious at this stage. Investigators are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident. Anyone with…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Rosebud woman Alanna Johnstone. The 20-year-old was last seen at a Mount Martha address on 13 February but hasn’t made contact with anyone since. Police and family members hold concerns for Alanna’s welfare due to a medical condition. She is described as having a medium build and short dark brown hair. Police have released an image of Alanna in the hope someone recognises her and can provide information on her current whereabouts. Alanna is known to frequent the Frankston and Melbourne areas. Anyone with information is urged to contact Rosebud…
THE metal sculpture, pictured, representing the nest of Bundjil, the creator of the Boon Wurrung people, can now be seen as the incubator for knowledge about Aboriginal culture. The growth of interest in learning about the history and lives of the Boon Wurrung can be traced back to 2015 when teachers from Balnarring Pre-school, Balnarring Primary school and Balnarring early learning centre recognised the importance of the children learning about first peoples’ culture. “In the first year of the project a metal sculpture was created that represents Bundjil’s nest,” Karen Anderson of Balnarring Pre-School said. “The children spent time with…
PLANNING is underway to link the existing Red Hill Rail Trail to a new trail running through Merricks, Balnarring and Bittern. Three concept designs have been drawn for a walkers, cyclists and horse riders to share a path between Bittern station and Merricks Station Reserve connecting with the existing seven-kilometre track. Mornington Peninsula Shire is holding an “interactive drop in session” to gather community feedback on the proposed route and design of the trail, including signs, pedestrian crossings, furniture, planting and materials. The mayor Cr Bryan Payne said council is committed to “developing a connected and mobile community through council’s…
MUSICIANS, comedians and circus performers will perform at The Briars historic property, Mt Martha at the end of March in the second annual Peninsula Buskers Festival. “We had about 20,000 people come through last year over three days, probably around 40 performers, 25 food trucks, kids amusements and an outdoor cinema,” organiser Scott Hollow said. “This year we’re looking to have more than 100 performers, with those same outdoor cinemas and kids amusements.” Hollow expects at least 25,000 people will come along to watch the shows. “The Briars is really an untapped resource when it comes to events and we…
There will be no love lost between these two brothers after one allegedly tried to impersonate the other after being caught drink driving in Frankston South Friday 2 March. Frankston police intercepted the 23-year-old driver on Frankston Flinders Road after the vehicle he was driving was found to be unregistered about 5pm. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found to be unroadworthy and the driver was unlicensed. During the intercept, the driver initially tried to convince police that he was actually his brother. The Hastings man provided a positive roadside breath test but refused to accompany police to gauge just how…
Don’t miss Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges USA on his Australian blues “Hold On A little Bit Longer’ Tour. This masterful Memphis Blues performer pays homage to his blues roots and the likes of Sam Cooke & BB King in his one off Mornington show! Eugene ‘Hideaway Bridges’ returns to Australia this year to perform Bluesfest for the eighth time. With a brand new album, Hold On A Little Bit Longer and already nominated for two W.C. Handy awards, Eugene’s tour also marks his fiftieth anniversary as a performer – he started playing at the age of three with his father, bluesman…
HE coaches of Frankston YCW and Sorrento football clubs, Wayne Capp and Tony Blackford, presented the inaugural Toe Punt Shield to Andrew ‘Toe Punt’ Kelly this week. The shield will be awarded to the winner of the clash between the two sides in the opening round of the season. Andrew, who is currently in hospital undergoing treatment for cancer, will also have a medal named in his honour for the best player on the ground. Frankston YCW president Michael Lamb, with the support of his committee, came up with the idea of playing the annual blockbuster, starting this season with…
RAIN didn’t deter more than 3500 movie buffs from attending the Cobs Peninsula Film Festival at Rosebud, Saturday 10 February. The festival has been held at the Rosebud Village Green since 2011 and receives $40,000 from the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Arts and Culture team. Festival director Steve Bastoni said he was thrilled with its success. “Once again the support of the shire, and the local community engagement, [has been] a critical factor in delivering a successful event,” he said. “We are pleased to see the event gaining national exposure and attracting punters from interstate.” This year’s winners were Shot Clock…
THE 16-year Sailability program at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron has long benefitted from backing by private individuals, the community organisations and state and federal governments. The most recent grants totalling $12,000 came from the Department of Social Services, Sorrento Rotary Club, Southern Peninsula Community Support Fund and Camerons Bight Boat Club. The money from Rotary has been used for maintenance and extra fenders for the waiting area on the landing in the marina. The club has added safety railings near where Sailability participants will assemble and board the 303 yachts. The federal money has been used to replace an aluminium hull.…
THE desire to do things a “little differently” has prompted Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, Rosebud to provide a centrally located resource centre named The Hub. The design – which includes a floor-to-ceiling glass wall – is complemented by furnishings and dividers to create designated working zones for individuals, small groups and classes. The Hub provides alternative learning spaces and approaches to meet a wide range of educational and social-emotional needs among its students. It has six zones and features pedal desks, foot-and-hand cycles, bouncy bands, sensory wall, varied furnishings, fiddle toys, punching bags, timers and a range…
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following a carjacking in Rosebud overnight. It is believed two males were travelling along Waterfall Gully Road in a red Holden sedan about 12.15am. Police have been told a burgundy/red older model 4WD tried to run the victim’s vehicle off the road before colliding with their vehicle. A short time later the Holden veered off the road and the two male victims, aged 17 and 18, fled on foot. They were chased away from their vehicle by 3-4 offenders, who stole the car. The car contained the victim’s phones and numerous power…
DETECTIVES were able to return a portable speaker after it was stolen from one of two youths walking home from Mt Erin College, 9pm, Wednesday 21 February. Detective Senior Constable Shaun Rampal, of Frankston CIU, said the 15-year-olds were walking home after basketball along Franciscan Avenue when a group of youths from a nearby party approached. Two of the youths allegedly “stood over” the boys and demanded to be able to go through their backpacks, stealing the speaker and other items valued at $200. Detectives later attended the party and spoke to the hosts who put out a message on…
ROSIE Batty will speak as part of International Women’s Day at the Southern Women’s Action Network, 9.30am, Sunday 4 March. Her talk – expected to be one of her final public engagements as CEO of the Luke Batty Foundation – will cover domestic violence, including current initiatives and future proposals. The meeting will be at the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s offices, corner of Queen and Vancouver streets, Mornington. Donation: $8 includes refreshments. Ms Batty, Australian of the Year in 2015, has worked to raise national awareness of domestic violence since her 11-year-old son Luke was killed at Tyabb in February 2014…
HASTINGS Liberal MP Neale Burgess has not given up on his efforts to have Somerville police station open its doors to the public. With a state election in November, Mr Burgess last week returned to the police station accompanied by shadow police spokesman Edward O’Donohue and eight “concerned local residents” to emphasise how hard it is to speak with police. Mr Burgess says the $16.3 million station – “funded and built” by the previous Liberal Nationals coalition government – was originally to be open to the public. “Victoria Police and its then chief commissioner, Ken Lay, confirmed in writing, shortly…
ANDY and Terry’s treehouse just keeps on growing. With yet another 13 levels, it’s now got a Scribbletorium, a high-security potato chip storage facility (guarded by one very angry duck!) and even an open-air movie theatre. Speaking of movies, our friends are going to be famous! The legendary Mr Big Shot has arrived to make a Hollywood blockbuster! But when his first step is to fire Andy and replace him with a monkey – well, a gibbon named Mel Gibbon – the battle is on. Will the Treehouse Blockbuster ever get made? Who will win the battle of Andy and…
DR SAM Johnson grew up surfing on the Mornington Peninsula, and now a position training as a young doctor at Frankston Hospital means he may be able to rekindle his passion for the sport. The 25-year-old is excited to be back on the peninsula to complete his graduate year in medical training after spending the past few years studying at Melbourne University. “I used to surf heaps before medicine, then it went on the back burner, but, hopefully, now I’m back down here I’ll be able to go more whenever I’m not working,” Dr Johnson said. As well as being…
MEMBERS of the Peninsula Chamber Musicians start their From Baroque to Beethoven series of concerts at All Saints Anglican Church, Rosebud on Saturday 3 March. The group will repeat the concert featuring Vivaldi’s Double Cello Concerto, Bach’s 5th Brandenburg Concerto and Beethoven’s 4th Symphony the next day (Sunday 4 March) at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Mornington. The group will be joined by soloist David Macfarlane on harpsichord for what is generally recognised as the first keyboard concerto written. The group’s winter concert will include internationally acclaimed pianist Caroline Almonte playing Mozart’s 22nd Piano Concerto. The performance will also include Borodin’s…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has established its own legal services team. Its search for team members now includes a job for an “in-house planning and building lawyer”. The shire’s advertisement says the role is “rare” and the successful applicant will join a legal services team that aims to integrate a “best practice local government legal department comprising the functions of legal, risk, insurance and claims across the shire’s operations”. The appointee will report to David Carrington, the shire’s “corporate counsel, legal counsel – planning” and provide legal opinions and advice on building and planning activities; drafting court documents and VCAT and…