MEN make up the majority of road deaths in the past year, accounting for 186 of the 255 fatalities in Victoria. The number of lives lost includes 151 lives lost on country roads and 104 in metropolitan areas. Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said while the road toll was down for the first time in four years, “it’s sobering to reflect that 255 families move into the new year without their loved one”. “My deepest condolences to each of the families who I can only guess continue to contemplate why, why have they been thrust into the sadness…
Author: MP News Group
WORK will start on rebuilding the Somerville Recreation Centre early in January. A $1.3 million grant has been received from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Better Indoor Stadiums Fund, with Mornington Peninsula Shire chipping in $4.3 million to rebuild the stadium which was destroyed by fire in May 2016. The council awarded the tender to the Lloyd Group on Tuesday 12 December for a bigger centre with four basketball courts, upgraded change rooms, kiosk, activity room and community spaces. The funding will also cover the planning and design of a new skate park as the existing skate park lies within the…
ELVES at the Woodworkers of the Southern Peninsula have been busy throughout the year hand-making wooden toys. On Saturday 9 December Woodworkers’ president John Bayliss supervised the handover of the toys to charities Food for All, Salvation Army and Western Port Christmas Giving Program, charities which will distribute them to families and children in need this Christmas. At the handover were Flinders MP Greg Hunt, Cr Antonella Celi, and Bendigo Bank’s Rosebud, Dromana and Rye manager Gary Sandford. Mr Sandford said the bank had supported the woodwork club for the past 10 years. He said he was continually being amazed…
A SCUBA diver was lucky not to be washed out through The Rip in strong currents last week. The 51-year-old, of Springvale, was diving alone north of Rye pier when he got into trouble, 3.20pm, Thursday 14 December. The alarm was raised by a friend on the beach. “The Police Air Wing soon found the dive boat with the diver flag still flying, but no sign of the diver,” Senior Constable Paul O’Reagan said. “We were able to contact Peninsula Aero Club and confirm fuel was available, and were able to extend the search until the diver was found. He…
A CAPEL Sound man has been charged with aggravated burglary after a raid on a Carrum Downs house, 9.20am, Friday 8 December. The offender is alleged to have smashed a side window at the Shearwater Drive house and opened the front door. He is alleged to have searched the premises stealing jewellery and other items. When the homeowner awoke and confronted him the man fled. The Carrum Down divisional van intercepted the man’s car in Lyrebird Drive and found the booty inside. A 40-year-old man was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court at a later date. First published in…
A GROUP of artists from the southern peninsula has made their colourful mark on the royal blue hoarding surrounding a development block at 2217-23 Point Nepean Rd, Rye. Their handiwork has come about after Jennifer Ellen, manager/owner of the neighbouring Flock of Seagulls indoor market and cafe became alarmed that graffitists would take to the “blank canvas” and make the wall an eyesore while the apartments were being built – and at a time when Rye is putting on its “best face” for summer visitors. The main theme of the work will be the artists’ interpretation of Rye as a…
A MAN will face Frankston Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Wednesday) over an incident in which the Hastings police divisional van was “totalled” after allegedly being rammed by a tow truck at Bittern, 12.30am, Wednesday 13 December. The 31-year-old Frankston North man has been charged with reckless conduct endangering persons and theft of the tow truck. The van’s crew had chased the allegedly stolen Isuzu tray truck after an earlier incident in which a Crip Point resident, 46, was allegedly struck in the face with a torch after complaining about the noise being made by several vehicles parked outside his house. The…
MORNINGTON Yacht Club has published a book covering its first 70 years. The book of 300-odd pages by author Stuart Gooley covers sailing at Mornington from the first recorded regatta in 1858, two years after the first 30-metre section of the pier was built. The early regattas were held by the established clubs at the top of the bay, such as Royal Brighton, Royal Melbourne and Hobsons Bay. These clubs staged races to Mornington at various times during the season, particularly at Easter. The regattas drew crowds of locals to the pier and surrounding cliffs to watch the races, which…
THE Holiday Time road safety campaign is about to turn heads in high-pedestrian-activity areas. The program run by Mornington Peninsula Shire in conjunction with Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation and Victoria Police uses signs, education and publicity to improve road safety for children, pedestrians and cyclists. It featured in the Rosebud and Rye road safety campaigns last summer, with coloured banners and signs at key tourist spots and main roads appealing to drivers and pedestrians to monitor their behaviour. “Slow Down, Kids Around” and “Hold my Hand” signs along Point Nepean Rd, Dromana, Rosebud and Rye, will preach the road safety…
FORMER Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Andrew Dixon is recovering after being viciously attacked – twice – by two gangs of street thugs earlier this month. Mr Dixon, 30, who represented Briars Ward from 2012-16, was walking to his car after a night out in Flemington, 12.30am, Tuesday 5 December, when a gang of men described as being of African appearance came out of a housing commission block. One of the gang allegedly kicked Mr Dixon savagely to the body causing him to fall down and then punched and kicked him to the head. Two others joined in the attack until…
ROSA Mar Tato Ortega is setting up her studio at the historic Coolart homestead – her base for the next six months. As artist in residence at the property, it’s a return to a familiar location for Tato Ortega who spent her youth holidaying at Somers. During the six-month residency, sponsored by Parks Victoria, the artist hopes to produce site-related works which aim to explore and encapsulate the meaning and significance of Coolart, Somers and the local community. “Personal experience is at the centre of my sculpture practice,” Tato Ortega said. “My work unfolds through connections to community, site, and…
FIRE restrictions come into force on the Mornington Peninsula and in Frankston on Monday 18 December. This means fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from the CFA or Mornington Peninsula Shire’s and Frankston’s municipal fire prevention officers. Lighting a fire in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of $22,000 and/or 12 months jail. Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not need a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces. I incinerators, chainsaw and lawn mowers, welding and grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation…
Compiled by Brodie Cowburn TO THE VICTORIAN MOTHERS OF SOLDIERS. You who have already done so much for Australia by giving your sons, brothers or husbands to fight for Liberty, have now a great opportunity to help those whose glorious valor has won for themselves, and for the Commonwealth, a name that will live for ever. Do you wish reinforcements to be sent to your dear ones at the front? They only need 7000 men from Australia every month, one man every working day of the week from each electorate in Victoria. At present they are only getting 1000 men…
A STRONG south-easterly wind was the last thing two Hobie cat sailors needed after losing their mast about two kilometres off Mornington last week. Their craft was rapidly heading out to sea when Volunteer Marine Rescue crews received an emergency call from the Water Police. They were quickly on the scene to help, 11.40am, Monday 4 December. VMR crewman Bob Chase: “We were alongside the stricken yacht within 30 minutes of the call. The two occupants in their mid-late 30s were glad to see us. They did all the right things. They were wearing lifejackets and had a mobile phone…
ANYONE travelling along Jetty Rd, Rosebud will be familiar with the Girl Guide hall opposite Rosebud Primary School. For the past 60 years this multi-functional community landmark has been used and appreciated by guides and other community groups. It has allowed girls aged five and up to be part of a world-wide movement aimed at building confident, self-respecting, responsible community members. The building came about after an enthusiastic group met on 1 December 1954 with a vision to respond to the post-war influx of residents onto the Mornington Peninsula. Riding a swell of community interest, they created a building fund…
BEACHGOERS are being urged to be “shark-smart” over summer. Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said sharks were a natural part of a healthy marine environment and, while the risk of an attack is low, there are ways to reduce the odds. “When swimming, surfing, diving or fishing, people are in the shark’s natural environment and so should be mindful and make good choices,” Mr Dowling said. He said people should not swim, dive or surf alone and be alert to the latest sightings at emergency.vic.gov.au Bathers should stay between the red and yellow flags on lifesaver-patrolled beaches and avoid…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will collect household recycling bins weekly from Monday 18 December until Friday 2 February. The change from the usual fortnightly recycling service aims to help residents better dispose of their waste over summer. The 240-litre recycling bin with the blue lid will be collected weekly on the usual day. Recyclable items include aluminium and steel cans and foil, rigid and solid plastic items, such as toys, kitchen ware, cups and drink bottles, pots and pans, wrapping paper and envelopes, cardboard, newspapers and magazines, milk, juice and soft drink bottles, glass bottles and jars. Recycling tips: Don’t place…
“PEOPLE power” came to Rye beach Sunday 3 December on a weekend where heavy rain caused events to be cancelled and residents to stay indoors. But the unusual cold winds and driving rain couldn’t stop more than 50 people of all ages, backgrounds and political persuasions gathering to protest the proposed Adani coal mine in central Queensland. The protest was organised by the Southern Peninsula Friends of the Planet, formed when three Rye women talking over coffee decided to test local support for a national stop Adani campaign. The original protest of about 30 people (“Friends turning up heat on…
SCUBA divers have taken the plunge near Rye pier to set a record for the longest chain of divers in one session. Despite overcast conditions and a stiff southerly wind on Saturday 2 December, the 360 divers formed an underwater human chain for 15 minutes to win a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. They were also keen to promote scuba diving among marine life and wrecks at the southern end of Port Phillip. “It was a great day,” dive boat operator Luke English said. “We only had to be underwater for one minute, but we stayed down…
Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a 38-year-old man following an aggravated carjacking in Rye on 9 October. The alleged carjacking occurred on Ozone Street where a man armed with a knife stole another man’s vehicle just before 8pm. An attempted carjacking occurred a short time later on Point Nepean Road in Rye. It is alleged the carjacking’s are also connected to a carjacking that occurred in Carrum Downs on 16 September. The Lakes Entrance man was arrested today and charged with two counts of aggravated carjacking, attempted carjacking and other related offences. He was remanded to appear at…
OP SHOPS at Red Hill, Balnarring and Flinders have united for a fun event in the lead-up to Christmas – with a hamper of delicious local produce to go to a lucky winner. On Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December, the three op shops will open 10am-4pm for their Passport Challenge. Customers will receive a stamped “Passport” from the shop where they first buy an item. They can then have their passport stamped at the two other shops (without buying anything) to be put into the draw for the hamper. The winner will be notified on Monday 18 December. “This…
KAYAKERS and canoeists can now legally use Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, Tuerong, near Moorooduc. Parks Victoria has introduced rules allowing paddlers on a 47-hectare section of the former reservoir. Powered craft are prohibited. An exclusion zone has been set aside to provide habitat for wildlife. Earlier this year, Parks sought public comment on allowing non-powered boats on the water following research on their impacts on blue-billed ducks and other waterbirds by the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research. Most of the 96 submissions supported the boating plan. “Experiencing the park from a canoe or kayak offers a different perspective and greater…
Compiled by Brodie Cowburn SERGEANT Tracy and A. W. Glencross, Esq will address a public meeting at Somerville on Monday evening next to explain the truth in the matter of the Reinforcements Referendum. *** YOUR RESPONSIBILITY PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE. To the Electors of FLINDERS. Are you for Australia or against her? Will you stand with those who are resolved that, come what may, we will not desert our boys at the Front? Or will you stand with the real leaders of the campaign against the Government’s proposals to send reinforcements to the boys at the Front? The Government has put…
SEVERAL elusive swamp skinks have been rediscovered in parks on the Mornington Peninsula. A small team of scientists and field naturalists from La Trobe University rediscovered the skinks (Lissolepis coventryi) which have not been caught in the area for 30 years. The last anecdotal sighting was in 2012. So far, 13 of these “mini Godzillas” have been measured and weighed after being caught in Elliott traps – which allow for live capture – and under tiles. “Self-confessed reptile fanatics find swamp skinks appealing due to their fussy and secretive habits. They live in swampy areas and shelter in burrows. They…
PERMANENT bans on alcohol are among a range of tough rules designed to crack down on anti-social behaviour at youth hot-spot The Pillars. Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bryan Payne said the bans at the popular rock jumping spot and surrounding streets have been introduced in time for the warmer months and the holiday season. “These bans will help prevent the types of illegal behaviour that have become widespread at The Pillars through reducing alcohol-related incidents, improve public safety and amenity and protect the environment and overall community interest,” he said. “Council continues to work hard to protect the safety…
A WOMAN was allegedly punched to the back of her head by another woman in Robinsons Drive, Mornington, about midday, Monday 27 November. She received facial injuries when she fell to ground in the alleged attack on the corner of Jacana St. The woman was taken to The Alfred hospital for treatment and was said to be in a stable condition with severe bruising, Thursday. Her alleged attacker walked away after the incident. A 49-year-old Mornington woman has been charged with assault and will appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court, 20 February. First published in the Mornington News – 5 December…
A WOMAN in her 20s was lucky to escape death and serious injury when her car ran off the Esplanade near Burdoo Way, Mt Martha, 1.55am, Monday 27 November, may face charges. The p-plater was driving home – and possibly talking to her boyfriend on the phone – when her car left the road and careered 20 metres into thick scrub and overturned (above). The woman’s boyfriend heard her calls for help during their alleged conversation and called emergency services. The woman, a chef at a Mornington restaurant, suffered neck and back pain and was taken to The Alfred hospital…
ARTWORK by Rosebud Secondary College students will carry a heart-felt plea when it is displayed as part of the street art event: Voices To Be Heard at the Rye fairground after Christmas. It aims to focus community attention on youth suicide. The works will go on show at the Wittingslow Carnival with the support of the Sorrento Activity Centre and Studio Sorrento. Money raised from the sale of the paintings and donations will go towards the college’s Youth Wellness Pavilion. The street art concept was chosen because it provides a platform for “freedom of creative expression in a modern form”,…
ABOUT 80 guests enjoyed a photographic display and a chance to reminisce about the early days of the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad at a 50th anniversary function at the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron last week. President Eileen Murray said the squad bought its first helicopter in 1976 – the first of four over the next 34 years. “The helicopter service was unique in Australia as being the only one owned and operated by a volunteer organisation without regular government funding,” she said. “The helicopter was sold in 2010 but the squad continues with its rescue boat operation.” Several boats were bought…
BONEO community market is gearing for its 40th birthday on Saturday 16 December with a visit from Santa, live music and an after-market gathering of past committee, volunteers and stall holders. The first market was held on 17 December 1977 and then every third Saturday of the month, 8am-12.30pm. It had 63 stalls when it began and around 200 stalls today but the ethos of “make it, bake it, grow it” has stayed the same. It is run by volunteers from Boneo Primary School, cricket club and tennis club, with about 20 people per market making it happen. Starting as…