MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council’s draft Our Urban Forest strategy is aimed at reducing the loss of trees on the peninsula. The strategy – on public exhibition until 10 July – follows a move by Cr Steve Holland in 2022 that called for action to stop “tree recession”. Holland said tree removal and loss was a significant issue on the peninsula, an area loved by most residents for its rich and thriving flora.The draft strategy sets an evidence-based target that 45 per cent of the public streets and parks in urban areas are shaded by tree canopy by 2034. The peninsula…
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THREE years after concerns were raised about hundreds of kangaroos trapped on a Cape Schanck property, animal welfare advocates have ramped up their campaign to educate communities about kangaroos and the importance of protecting them.The Save Kangaroos on the Mornington Peninsula (SKOMP) group is running a series of kangaroo “walks and talks” around the peninsula and other parts of Victoria to educate people on how to coexist with the native animals and the “national icon”.Spokesperson Craig Thomson said it was appalling that the kangaroos on the Cape Schanck property were still stuck behind fencing, with wildlife advocates unable to check…
STUDENTS at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Primary School, Rosebud, have been using their textile lessons to create an undersea wonderland.The completion of the colourful masterpiece, created with a lot of love and pricked fingers, is to celebrate World Ocean Day on 8 June. The school’s Dolphin Research Centre ambassadors are using the display to highlight the danger of foil plastic, which is commonly used as lolly or biscuit wrappers.Students learned that the inside of foil plastic packages is shiny silver and glitters like a fish and, when ingested by marine animals, causes illness and death. The students also produced…
BOATERS are being asked to watch out for southern right whales which have made their seasonal return to Victorian coastal waters. The Conservation Regulator says southern right whales visit Victoria’s coast from May to October to give birth and raise their young.Restrictions on boats include lowering engine noises which can interrupt whispering between mothers and calves to avoid predators. It is believed there are about 300 southern rights left in the south-east population. The endangered whales are vulnerable to vessel strikes, and boaters are being encouraged to watch out for the whales as they have no dorsal fin and can…
WHEN Blairgowrie woman Pippa McPherson became a new mum six years ago, the lack of training and job opportunities for young people on the Mornington Peninsula became much more of a reality for her family. But instead of expecting someone else to fix it, McPherson has taken steps to make a difference and is calling for volunteers to help her achieve her goals.While studying for her Bachelor of Counselling, McPherson is completing her work placement with the Rye Community House and has started a gardening club for young people that will hopefully lead to a mentoring program. “As a mum,…
HIKERS of all ages and from all walks of life enjoyed the spectacular coastal scenery of Mornington Peninsula last Friday (24 May) as they took part in Coastrek in support of the Heart Foundation.More than 2400 trekkers in various locations around the country participated in the 50km, 30km or 20km challenge to highlight the benefits of walking for heart health, while aiming to raise $800,000 in support of the Heart Foundation’s research into heart disease. Money raised will also support the foundation’s initiatives to end rheumatic heart disease in Australia – a preventable disease that is particularly prevalent in remote…
IT’S cold outside, and the perfect time to think about how the community can help others to stay warm, dry, and fed.Mornington Community Support Centre’s annual winter appeal has started with a target of $75000. The winter appeal, the support group’s major money-raising campaign of the year, will feature an event at Commonfolk Cafe in Progress Street, Mornington on Friday 21 June.This year MPCS is highlighting its Fresh Food Program partners – SecondBite, OZHarvest and Food for Change, who deliver fresh food each week that is either collected by people in need in the community or used to provide meals…
PENINSULA Quarries is inviting applications for a share of $5000 it will distribute this year through its community grants program. The program is open to not-for-profit organisations in the Somerville, Tyabb and Mornington areas.Last year, grants were allocated to a family day event, two primary schools and a recreation reserve. Somerville Family Day received $2500 to provide first aid for the the event, Tyabb Primary School received $1500 for improvements to its environment centre, Somerville Rise Primary School received $1500 to upgrade its courtyard and the Emu Plains Racecourse and Recreation Reserve received $2800 for repairs to its roads and…
IT was a sight to behold for Kombi lovers and classic VW fans on Saturday (18 May), as more than 100 of the iconic vehicles were on display at Dromana 3 Drive-in.The car show was part of a celebration of the Kombi and a screening of the Kombi Man movie. The event was a sell-out, with about 150 people arriving for the display, live music, the movie screening (which included Bob Marley One Love) and the inspirational story of the Kombi Man told by film maker Jeff Bird and others.Kombi and “beetle” owner and organiser Amber-May Jukes said she and…
PELICANS always seem to attract attention. They waddle along beaches, gracefully paddle in the water and fly overhead following the thermals. But while they appear to be common, especially when looking for scraps around piers and jetties, pelican numbers are declining.The Westernport Pelican Study Group reports that just two of a previously known 10 Victorian breeding sites remain.A breeding site on French Island “went extinct” in 2001, according to the group, and pelican numbers in Western Port have been declining ever since.Study group members look for and photograph banded pelicans and have also appealed for members of the public to…
A MORNINGTON Peninsula diver has made a remarkable underwater discovery that is sending ripples of excitement through the marine world.Emily May, of Tootgarook, had a recent encounter with a rare frilled pygmy octopus (Octopus superciliossuss) on Portsea West Reef, and was able to capture some video and photos of her amazing find. Her footage has been confirmed as the first taken of this species in the wild and only the second viewing in the wild. All other footage was taken at the aquarium at Queenscliff Discovery Centre in the late 1990s. May said this was confirmed by Dr Julian Finn…
YOUNG environmental warriors from Rye Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary, Sorrento had the opportunity to learn about biodiversity and environmental protection under the tutelage of Mornington Peninsula ecologist Gidja Walker OAM. More than 60 children across three sessions attended the walk and talk about the formation of the bay, and the geology of the area and how that influenced vegetation that grows there.The Rye school’s principal Lachlan Featherstone said it had been inspiring to see the children listen intensely to what Walker was saying and ask pertinent questions. “They have certainly learnt a lot from this session”, he said.…
RSPCA Victoria inspectors will join pet owners at the Mornington Peninsula Million Paws Walk in Hastings on Sunday 26 May.Last year, 808 walkers and 518 dogs took part in the peninsula walk, raising more than $24,200 to help the RSPCA end cruelty to animals.Each year the organisation investigates more than 3000 animal cruelty reports across the south east region, with 508 animals being seized or surrendered to inspectors. Peninsula-based senior inspector Maree Crabtree said there would be several inspectors on the walk available to speak to residents and answer questions. “If you are wanting to know what a day in…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Koala Conservation Group volunteers dug into the season’s tree planting program on Friday (3 May).The tree planting day in Balnarring also marked Wild Koala Day with animal enthusiasts and conservationists from around the world raising awareness of the pressures on koala habitat and health.The volunteer peninsula koala group is dedicated to increasing the tree canopy on the peninsula and protecting koalas and other wildlife. First published in the Mornington News – 7th May 2024
SOUTHERN Peninsula Community Support centre director Jeremy Maxwell was last week visited by Rosebud police officers Sergeant Daniel Patton and Senior Constable Melissa Daly who wanted to hear about the centre’s work in supporting low income families and individuals.The support centre is one of three on the Mornington Peninsula dedicated to supporting people in need in a warm and non judgmental environment. The trained and experienced staff at the Rosebud based centre can help people in financial hardship with food vouchers, financial aid, pantry staples, fresh food bags, transport, medical needs and advice.To donate or support the centre call 5986…
Mornington will be the starting point for a Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride on Sunday 19 May, an annual international charity event celebrating classic and vintage styles motorcycles and the dapper gentlefolk that ride them. The ride is a visual spectacle as finely dressed men and women from the Mornington Peninsula ride their classic machinery from Mornington to St Andrews to raise awareness and money for prostate cancer research and men’s health, all under the auspices of the Movember Foundation.Riders are encouraged to wear “classic” clothes, and bikes are a mix of classic cruisers, modern classics, sidecars, old-school choppers and more. “Given…
IT’S okay not to be okay will hold a free mental health workshop on Saturday 4 May 1.30pm-4.30pm at The Bays Hospital, Mornington in the ground floor rooms of Dr Ford and Dr Fiske.The workshop is designed to help parents of newborn babies.Bookings: bodybumpfitness@gmail.com, instagram.com/twobaystherapy or call 0438 647 649. First published in the Mornington News – 30th April 2024
MOVES are being made to protect one of Somerville’s few remaining historic treasures, Seaton Carew House, from development.Hastings MP Paul Mercurio has been urged to join the community push to retain the privately-owned house for community use.Seaton Carew House was built in 1905. Someville resident Phillip Ross said the 0.58 (1.42 acres) of land “could be developed into a wonderful park and the house could have endless uses for the community”. The property, at 10 Graf Road, is for sale for $1,795,000, and is described as being “ripe for renovation” to bring back its original glory, or for subdivision. The…
By Captain Diana Jennings FROM the Mornington Peninsula to the shores of Gallipoli, Able Seaman Musician Laura Campbell, right, will represent the ADF at the 2024 Anzac Day dawn service at Anzac Cove, Turkey.“Growing up I usually made Anzac biscuits and attended the services at school,” she said. “I remember trying to imagine what the war would have looked and felt like while the bugle call was played.”The bugle call will certainly hit closer to home this year, as she stands on hallowed ground to perform and represent a nation as part of the Royal Australian Navy Band at Anzac…
HASTINGS not-for-profit Kindred Clubhouse has launched a new project to increase mental health awareness and care in the community, while raising money for peer support and homelessness.Kindred Clubhouse offers a free peer support model in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula areas for people wanting to improve or maintain their mental health through friendships and purpose.Its new project, the Welcome Project, is giving the community a chance to get involved by decorating a sign and entering it in the clubhouse competition.Signs can be collected from Wednesdays to Fridays at 29 Marine Parade, Hastings between 10am and 3pm for donations of $5…
FLINDERS CFA is recruiting new members. The brigade, which started in 1945 as the South East Bushfire Brigade in an old shed in Flinders Park, was incorporated in the Country Fire Authority in 1945, moving to Barker Street in 1981, where a new fire station was built in 2017.Flinders is one of the CFA’s 1222 brigades and has 23 members including five women. The brigade trains or meets three times a month and responds to about 30 calls a year, mostly during the December to March bushfire season. It also attends major fires throughout Victoria and interstate.For more details about…
THE camping area with a difference is being expanded at Point Nepean National Park. The campground, with its pre-pitched “discovery tents” has been popular since opening early last year, with more than 2000 people staying overnight. Thirteen more tent platforms are now being built within the historic Quarantine Station precinct, creating a “woodland” camping area among the park’s moonah trees.Parks Victoria says it worked with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Heritage Victoria and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to pass the relevant cultural heritage and environmental assessments for approvals to complete the works. The project is part of a $6.4 million…
SOMERS landscape designer Ellen Freeman has won two awards at this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show with Eclipse, her entry in the Challenger Achievable Gardens section.Eclipse won a gold medal and the specialist award, Best Use of Plant Life. One side of Freeman’s creation comprises silver and blue toned plants while the other side has purple, red, and black plants. The two sides are separated by a white limestone path and circle. Textures also add contrast between the two halves of the garden, with more matte plants on the lighter half and shiny leaves opposite. Plants chosen by…
A MEMORIAL garden space at the former Bembridge Golf Course, Somerville is having a “sunflower spectacle” to promote its green credentials and honour a friend.The concept of paying for a plant or tree to be planted in honour of a loved one, with ashes treated and made environmentally safe, is relatively new to Australia. But the owners of Mornington Green, Luke Roberts and Rob Amro, say the uptake has been great since opening in 2022.The green wedge zoned land was a market garden before becoming a golf course in 1995. Roberts said the idea for memorial gardens came to him…
THE creative director of the Share Sustainability Agency has won third place in the Melbourne international flowering garden show border garden design competition.Josie Jones, of Rye, said that stepping into the realm of the competition was “a complete leap of love”.The Mornington Peninsula clean-up hero, who daily picks up litter from the beach and heads rubbish awareness programs, drew on her love of the rare weedy seadragon and gardening to create a garden bed that impressed judges.“As someone who has quietly nurtured a passion for gardening my entire life, the joy and humility I feel in securing a place on…
MOUNT Martha resident Peter Scott has always kept himself in reasonably good shape with regular physical exertion, so when he suffered a stroke at 62 it forced him to reevaluate what “healthy’ really is.“I was in a pretty high pressure corporate job and led a busy life, but I was a good weight and was fit. In fact, I had just a week or so earlier completed a half marathon, but that’s what tricked me,” he said. What Scott didn’t know was that he had high blood pressure, which is one of the risk factors of stroke regardless of how…
TWO young men from the Mornington Peninsula have made a spectacular entrance into the electric vehicle market, armed with nothing but a bright idea, a modest amount of savings and a lot of faith.Twenty-four-year olds Toby Batters-Holding and Daniel Henry, who became friends while students at Western Port Secondary College, have launched a mobile EV charging business that has attracted interest from media around the country.Before taking their idea to the market, Henry, an electrician, and Batters-Holding, a boiler maker, spent 12 months learning about the EV industry. Although they did not own EVs themselves, they knew enough to see…
THE Dolphin Research Institute last week celebrated 33 years of its achievements and efforts to “improve outcomes for dolphins, whales, and our precious marine environment”.Executive director Jeff Weir said the picture chosen to mark the institute’s one third of a century “shows something you don’t see every day — a dolphin riding on the head of a humpback whale”. The picture was taken in 2020 when the same humpback had spent a week feeding off Phillip Island, the first time such an event had been recorded.“Our role in capturing knowledge and filling these knowledge gaps is integral to our work…
RSPCA Victoria is inviting exhibitors to connect with hundreds of passionate pet owners at this year’s Million Paws Walk at Hastings. The Mornington Peninsula is home to one of the RSPCA’s main dog walking events, which provides the opportunity for businesses to make contact with dog and pet lovers, while raising money to end cruelty to animals.Event and community fundraising manager Kate Kasby said this year’s event was a special milestone. “We’re very excited for this year because it marks the 30th anniversary of Million Paws Walk and we are planning an amazing day out for all pet lovers,” Kasby…
WHEN Mount Eliza mother Rachel Miller received the diagnosis six years ago that her then four-year-old son had Tourette Syndrome, she set about finding out as much as she could. Now, with her son, a 10-year-old at primary school, she is on a mission to ensure that all young people and adults with TS, and their families, are also aware of the support and help there is within the community.“It made such a difference to our family when we found out there was help and other families to talk to,” she said.Miller is currently raising money to help families attend…