THE Mornington Community Support Centre is making sure everyone has a Christmas to look forward to through a range of programs to help families doing it tough, including a toy and gift program, a steam train ride, and Christmas lunch, supported through a $50k Christmas Appeal fundraising campaign.As part of the Christmas programs, the centre transformed the Mornington Pavilion into a giant toy and gift shop, where clients with children or grandchildren could choose from hundreds of gifts donated by the community. Donations came from families, businesses and organisations who collected gifts through Giving Trees in a range of community…
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A MEMORY support program helping residents with dementia introduced at Calvary’s aged care homes across Mornington Peninsula and bayside areas has won an award. The program, based on the Montessori approach by providing meaningful, tailored, small-group activities and support for residents living with dementia, won the healthcare provider’s national quality and safety Star award 2024.Calvary Aged Care general manager Dana Ieraci said the memory support program tailored residents’ interests and past lives which was also improving clinical outcomes and more settled behaviours. “Dementia can impact memory, speech, cognition, personality, and mobility. Unfortunately, it can also affect behaviour,” Leraci said. “Having…
NINE-year-old Apolosi Fosita of Somerville has had his Christmas wish come to life in a way he never imagined.He was selected as one of only six children around the country to have their creative drawing of a Santa Sleigh feature in Lego’s first-ever picture storybook called Santa’s Summer Sleigh by children’s author Sophie Beer.But the surprise didn’t stop there. Apolosi was also one of three kids chosen to have their design built as a large-scale Lego creation, which was unveiled at Santa’s Summer Sleigh, a magical display at the world’s largest Lego store in Pitt St Mall, Sydney. Apolosi’s creation,…
STUDENTS across the peninsula received their ATAR scores last Thursday (12 December) with some outstanding results. Kirsten Harkness made history for Mount Erin College with the highest score a student has ever achieved at the school; an outstanding 99.75. “I felt confident throughout the year,” said Harkness who plans to study law and arts at Monash University. “I was very nervous on Thursday morning, and it was a huge surprise I did so well.” The principal at Mount Erin College, Jenni Hodgins, told The News “We are overjoyed at the result Kirsten has achieved”.Hodgins, who has led the school since…
MT ELIZA resident Doug Phayer has bravely recounted his harrowing skin cancer journey through a new documentary which explores Australia’s confronting relationship with the sun.Over the course of two decades, Phayer, 70, faced a series of terrifying diagnoses and treatments that ultimately brought him to the brink of death. In the documentary titled Conquering Skin Cancer, Phayer opens up about the toll the disease has taken on his body, describing a journey fraught with pain, uncertainty, and fear.Phayer spent most of his life fishing and was employed as a marine contractor which exposed him to dangerous UV levels. Eighteen years…
ENDANGERED southern brown bandicoots have been thrown a lifeline after being reintroduced to The Briars in Mt Martha in the hope of increasing its numbers to the peninsula.The small nocturnal marsupial has few populations remaining in southeastern Australia due to habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and changes to the landscape. But the relocation initiative at The Briars wildlife sanctuary has given hope of safeguarding its future on the peninsula, which hasn’t seen any known populations for at least two decades.The milestone project is being led by PhD student John Black, and jointly supported by The University of Melbourne and…
THE Mornington Peninsula’s Dolphin Research Institute (DRI) has been awarded a prestigious honour in recognition of its primary school ambassador program at the 2024 Victorian Marine and Coastal Awards. The Institute was awarded the Inspiring Community Engagement and Education category during the awards ceremony held on 7 November at the Showtime Events Centre in South Wharf.Since 2001, the DRI’s I sea, I care program has developed senior primary school students into Victorian coastal and marine ambassadors, who have engaged nearly two million people across Melbourne. By peer teaching junior grades about Victoria’s environment, the program provides a platform to engage…
PRIMARY schools have gathered for a block of fun in an inaugural Lego competition hosted by the Lions Club of Mornington. Teams of grade 4-5 students from Mornington Park Primary School, Moorooduc Primary School, and Mt Martha Primary School put their skills to the test after being set a challenge to build the sturdiest Lego road bridge within 90 minutes.The event, held at Mornington Park Primary School hall on 15 November, was part of a Perpetual Lego Bridge Building competition developed by Lions members Graham Read and Denise Tsotras as part of their community support plans. “The idea was to…
A GIANT piggy bank will make its way to Rosebud as part of a charity fundraising effort to support children with life-limiting conditions, and their families.The Very Special Kids Piggy Bank Appeal will see the giant pig visit the Commonwealth Bank Rosebud branch on 28 November with staff selling piggy bank merchandise. Funds raised will support children like five-year-old Eve who still doesn’t have a precise diagnosis other than she has a type of lung and heart condition called interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. Her parents Georgie and Shaun, who live on the Mornington Peninsula, understand first-hand the impact…
DROMANA Secondary College has showcased its creativity after students participated in an art competition raising awareness of the threatened southern brown bandicoot. It was the second year running that the school joined forces with the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) Community Mornington to be a part of the initiative.The bandicoot, a small, nocturnal marsupial, native to eastern Australia, has seen a significant decline in numbers, with the last sighting on the peninsula being recorded in Hastings about 20 years ago. However, while its numbers were prevalent at the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, Dr Jodi Vermaas of ACF Mornington said the art…
THREE years ago, Janelle Giri’s life was forever changed when her baby girl, Jacqlyn, tragically passed away in her sleep from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).It has been an unimaginable journey of grief for Janelle and her husband after enduring the loss of their firstborn who was just nine months old. “You don’t really know the pain unless you’ve gone through it,” Janelle said. “They had no explanation, but she was a healthy baby.”Given the cause of SIDS is unknown, with clinicians and researchers believing that SIDS is associated with a combination of factors, navigating the pain had been even…
MORE than 50 women set off from Frankston Pier last week to walk all the way to the Cape Schanck lighthouse. The “Frank to Schanck” trek was organised by the Women’s Spirit Project. The registered charity aims to help women experiencing disadvantage by getting them involved with fitness, health, and wellbeing activities.The 60 kilometer journey from Frankston to Cape Schanck began on Friday and concluded on Sunday. Women’s Spirit Project chairperson Kathy Heffernan said “it is a privilege to witness the courage of these women taking on this challenge.” “Our volunteers have also worked hard over the weekend to support…
FIVE footy mates have completed an epic journey cycling across Australia with the aim to raise money and awareness for mental health. Break the Cycle consists of five middle aged men – Tim Allen, Guy Stringer, Brent Loughrey, Ben Adam and Tony Lockett, who have pushed through physical and mental boundaries, riding 3,500km from Perth to Melbourne in 19 days. “Our challenge aims to support our community and make a difference by fundraising for not-for-profit organisations Speak & Share, It’s okay not to be okay, and Peninsula Health network,” said participant Brent Loughrey “Together, we can create a community that…
Students at Balnarring Primary School are rolling up their sleeves as they prepare for Schools Clean Up Day early next year. With tongs, buckets and gloves in hand, students are excited for the environmental event to be held on February 28 – with registrations having opened on 4 November. The event, which celebrates its 35th anniversary next year, is one of the most practical ways to engage kids in litter prevention, sustainability, community, and teamwork.Balnarring Primary School has a Balnarring Way program to care for the environment. They are a litter free school who run whole school working bees at…
PHIL Mapleback has expressed excitement at taking helm as Mt Martha fire brigade’s newly elected captain as the station undergoes a significant revamp. Mapleback, a seasoned firefighter with almost 19 years of experience, said he was incredibly proud and honoured to step into the new role two months ago, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to serving the community.“It’s challenging but quite rewarding,” he told The News, adding he looked forward to leading a dedicated team of volunteers during an exciting time of renewal for the station, marking a milestone in the station’s 73-year history.The 1951-built station…
THIS November, Australia’s leading swim school GOswim at Yawa Aquatic Centre has partnered with Bondi Rescue lifeguard Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins for the nation’s largest water safety and learn to swim campaign of the year. The ‘Float to Survive with GOswim’ initiative aims to spread the message on how to stay afloat in emergency aquatic situations ahead of summer, starting with 60,000 GOswim students across Australia.The campaign comes in response to alarming figures from the 2024 National Drowning Report, which shows drownings have increased by 16% over the past year compared to the 10-year average, with the Mornington Peninsula LGA also…
By Kennedy McCullough AN estimated 580 women couch surf, sleep in their cars or sleep rough every night on the Mornington Peninsula. The high cost of living makes rent unaffordable for single women, whether they have children or not, with pandemic-induced population growth and short-stay tourism worsening the situation. Coupled with insufficient government-funded crisis shelters, a desperate need has arisen to support at-risk women and children on the Mornington Peninsula.Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) have begun the process of establishing their first Victorian-based shelter on the peninsula. It will provide crisis accommodation for up to 70 clients within the first year…
A BALNARRING-based charity providing support for disadvantaged families, unpaid carers, children with disabilities and women recovering from family violence, has celebrated 35 years on the Mornington Peninsula. To mark the milestone occasion, Saltbush Balnarring Beach threw open its doors on Saturday 19 October, welcoming more than 250 visitors to an open day to showcase its property and services.“The open day was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work we’ve been doing on the property; the impact it makes to those we serve and to share our vision for a future where we offer a link between a healthy natural environment…
AUTHORITIES are encouraging beachgoers to be vigilant of the threatened shorebird; the hooded plover, as they begin nesting on sandy beaches and coastal dunes.Hooded plovers, which are known to nest on the peninsula, are listed as a vulnerable species, with around 700 left in Victoria. The native birds lay eggs in shallow sand scrapes and raise their chicks on beaches between August and March.As part of National Bird Week (October 18-24), the Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria, and BirdLife Australia have launched Operation Save our Hoodies (SoHo) to educate people to keep well clear of nests, walk along the waterline, and…
GLENN Browne was a merchant seaman for almost 20 years. He sailed the world on all sorts of vessels and had salt air in his blood. He believed his future would be working on ships until he was too old to walk the gangway. But one day in August 2020, his entire life turned upside down.“I woke up with a pain in my jaw, but I didn’t think much of it. I drove to a mate’s bakery and clipped another car on the way. It was very unlike me to have an accident. “When I arrived at the bakery, I…
A MT MARTHA family has taken Halloween festivities to spine-tingling heights after turning their front yard into a frightful spectacle.“It’s something we do every year and it’s gotten bigger and bigger every year; we just love it because it just brings the whole community together,” Sarah said of her Lynch Court home. “Every year we get about 400 trick-or-treaters … you can’t even drive down the street, there’s just kids everywhere.” Sarah said her kids Harvey (pictured), Hadley and Hugo look forward to Halloween for all the adventure it creates. The home’s un-boo-lievable display covers the whole front lawn and…
MOONLIT Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park and Western Port Biosphere have joined forces to launch a new project to save the region’s precious koala population. Named the Western Port Koala Corridor Project, the initiative aims to create a network of trees throughout the UNESCO listed Western Port Biosphere to allow koalas and other vulnerable species to move safely between areas of bushland. The project will also address the growing threats faced koalas as their numbers have rapidly dropped due to habitat destruction, disease, dog attacks, and road hazards.To help support their populations, the project is seeking to engage dedicated community volunteers…
FOR over 75 years, The Portsea Camp has been a haven and lifeline for thousands of children, providing support to disadvantaged and vulnerable kids through tailored wellness programs and camps.Property developer and philanthropist Max Beck is once again leading the charge with his fellow cyclists to raise vital funds for the “Making a Difference” programs at the camp. Starting the Sorrento Bay Riders 30 years ago, Beck and his fellow riders have raised over $1 million for various charitable organizations. This year, they are on an urgent mission as more and more children seek the services of The Portsea Camp.…
AMBULANCE Victoria is reminding people to update their asthma action plans to stay safe as the weather warms up.Ambulance Victoria (AV) director of emergency management Justin Dunlop said creating an asthma action plan was an easy and potentially lifesaving step. “It’s simple – visit your GP and they can create a plan with you,” he said. “Everyone’s asthma action plan will look different, and it will help you manage your condition, ensuring you don’t find yourself in an emergency. “Follow your asthma action plan, and most importantly, if a person is having difficulty breathing and their reliever medicine is not…
AN author and a casual teacher at a Dromana school has launched a new book that aims to ensure children with additional needs are well supported in their education journey.Anne Vize, also a specialist education teacher, said she was excited to announced her newly published book called Partnerships with Families of Children with Additional Needs. Ms Vize said she wrote the book after realising how many teachers and early years workers found it challenging to work with families even though they are often confident teaching children. “This latest book helps teachers understand different family experiences, the impact caring can have…
THE Mornington & District Historical Society is celebrating 60 years of service to the Mornington district and wider Mornington Peninsula. Great vision established the museum, and 60 years of voluntary service has kept it strong. Over that time, an incredible amount of volunteer hours have gone into not just for opening the museum, but documenting and caring for the collection, answering people’s questions, speaking to various groups and helping school children be enthused and interested in history.Located at the Old Post Office Museum (corner of Main Street and the Esplanade), they are open Sundays between 12.30pm and 3pm and encourage…
SEVENTEEN-year-old Austin Blight has no memory of the moment his life was nearly taken while training at a Rosebud gym. The Padua College year 12 student had been lifting weights at Yawa Aquatic Centre in July when, “out of the blue”, he suffered a heart attack and collapsed. Staff members immediately stepped in and began CPR before using a defibrillator to deliver two life-saving electric shocks needed to restore Austin’s heartbeat, before paramedics arrived. He was taken to Frankston Hospital where he was kept in ICU for 24 hours, most of which time he relied on a ventilator to help…
BUS operator Kinetic is inviting applications for the first round of its Moving Communities Fund, with grants of up to $10,000 available to successful community organisations. The company, which is the naming rights sponsor of the Frankston Dolphins home ground, has launched the fund to support community organisations, not-for-profits and other initiatives that improve the livelihoods of communities where Kinetic operates.Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards said the grants program was a natural progression in Kinetic’s efforts to support local communities and organisations. “We are incredibly privileged to be in a position to support the outstanding work being done by community…
NINE youth have celebrated their graduation from the Salvation Army’s Tools For The Trade program, which aims to re-engage youths in education and training. Each term, the program provides participants with hands-on experience through learning activities, group work, trade tasters, accredited courses, and selected work experience opportunities. The latest graduation was held on 20 September at the Salvation Army’s Mission Centre in Mount Martha.The nine-week program, assisted through Youth Services Peninsula, is designed to support young people aged 16-21 who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from education, training, employment and community connections. Salvation Army Major Warren Elliott congratulated…
A NEW education facility nestled within the Mornington Peninsula’s very own rainforest will help students learn about the natural environment and the area’s cultural heritage.The Nearkey Biik Education and Environment Centre was formally opened at Endeavour Fern Gully, a 28-hectare National Trust property that is the peninsula’s original rainforest featuring the area’s last remaining sections of indigenous bushland south of Red Hill.The National Trust of Victoria celebrated the official opening on September 6, with the name Nearkey Biik meaning “Take Care of Country”, which was made in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. The name also reflected both…