SOUTHERN right whales have returned to the bays and seas surrounding the Mornington Peninsula after spending summer feeding in sub-Antarctic waters. The southern rights, the only whales to calve in Victorian waters, arrive to give birth and raise their young from May to October. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action said cows and their calves had been spotted at Flinders, Cape Schanck, Rye, while unaccompanied adult whales had been reported in Port Phillip. The Dolphin Research Institute said over the past month there had been a “huge growth” in whale sightings reported through PodWatch (270 per cent) on…
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TEN years ago, Luke Cooper was having trouble finding a convenient and affordable way to dispose of old mattresses when he was struck with the realisation there was a gap in the market that he could fill. But even better than filling a need, was the fact that he could create a business that was actually good for the environment by keeping tonnes of components out of landfill every year. It was a slow and costly process to build his dream, but 10 years later the former mattress salesman’s mattress and furniture recycling company Bedrecycle is one of the Mornington…
MELBOURNE grandmother Jacqueline Wilson has been reunited with one of the Mornington Peninsula paramedics who saved her life after she suffered a stroke one year ago. On June 5 last year the then 55-year-old suddenly collapsed in the driveway while on a supposedly relaxing weekend away in McCrae while caring for her disabled cousin. When she regained consciousness, she was unable to talk or move her right side. Wilson said her main concern was the wellbeing of her cousin whose motorised wheelchair had tipped, causing her to fall. Her husband, Bill, said luck was on their side that day as…
MEN are a hot topic in Mount Martha this month, with Bentons Square Community Centre celebrating the 12 to 18 June Men’s Health Week with a new program called Voice Male. The theme of Men’s Health Week is healthy habits – focusing on encouraging men and boys to build healthy habits by identifying small changes they can make that benefit their health and wellbeing. The community centre’s Voice Male program aims to give men the opportunity to chat, socialise and listen to guest speakers in a relaxed social setting. Program coordinator Ian Easterby said the program would give men the…
STUDENTS, volunteers and the community can now help protect the environment through hands-on opportunities to monitor the health of waterways and wildlife at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park. Water Minister Harriet Shing last week officially opened the South East Water Discovery Lab at the Pearcedale sanctuary. The new education centre was made possible through the support of South East Water’s annual community grants program, which has so far provided $230,000 to 50 community groups across Melbourne’s south-east. The South East Water Discovery Lab provides ongoing water quality testing to preserve the health of Langwarrin Creek, which flows through…
HASTINGS Coast Guard captain Jeremy West has etched his name in CFA history, becoming the first deputy group officer to be elected in a coast guard-brigade associated group. Joining the management team of the Western Port group, West will begin the role on Saturday, 1 July. “It’s the first time since we’ve established the Coast Guard Brigades that we’ve had representation at this level within the CFA and it’s going to be really beneficial moving forward,” West said. “I’m looking forward to bringing more of a focus to inter-agency services and showcasing the diversity of emergency situations that we respond…
RED Hill South, Sorrento and Frankston are among 17 finalists competing for the 2023 Victorian Top Tourism Town award. The annual award recognises Victorian towns that provide exceptional experiences for visitors by working together with businesses, tourism operators and the community. The three award categories this year are Top Tourism Town (population above 5000), Small Tourism Town (population 1500-5000) and Tiny Tourism Town (population less than 1500). To make it to this stage, each of the towns had to demonstrate commitment to being the best destination they could be. The public now gets to vote before 5pm on 22 June…
IT’S well recognised that hands-on learning is one of the best ways to interest students in their education, so it’s no surprise that the coastal school program at Sorrento Primary School is such a big hit. All foundation (prep) students at the school spend one day each week at Point Nepean National Park as part of a program of discovery, exploration and learning. Principal Elaine Lesiuk said the program, a natural progression from the “bush and beach” program run by Sorrento Preschool, had cross curriculum relevance and helped students develop a sense of identity and connectedness to the natural environment.…
THEY might be considered “little stories”, but the bigger picture behind the words often speaks volumes. A fledgling writers’ competition is illuminating the importance of celebrating the imaginations and creativity of young writers. The first year of the local writers award section of Little Stories Big Ideas has unearthed talent that has enthralled adjudicators. First prize for local best entry in the 2023 competition went to year seven Mount Eliza Secondary Student Sophia van Zanten, 13, who wrote an insightful and moving piece to the theme of Love earning praise from the judges for her creativity and symbolism. The writers’…
A TEAM of fit and somewhat ambitious men from Peninsula Kung Fu are limbering up for the 2023 Push Up Challenge. The men are aiming to complete 3144 push-ups each over 23 days in June to raise money for suicide prevention and awareness of men’s mental health. The targeted number of push-ups is how many Australian lives were lost to suicide in 2021 – and helps shine a light on the prevalence of male suicide across the country. Peninsula Kung Fu’s Sarah Hanna said participants will get together each Friday during the challenge for a few sets of push-ups. “We…
SOUTH East Water has won an award for a program that can detect water leaks and save customers receiving “an unexpectedly large water bill”. The continuous flow leak detection initiative won the Customer Experience Award at the Australian Water Awards announced at last week’s Australian Water Association’s Ozwater’23 conference in Sydney. The leak detection program uses digital meter data to measure continuous flow (defined as 120 litres a day over 24-hours). Customers’ first indications of a leak are communicated clearly and promptly rather than making their presence known in the form of an unexpectedly large water bill SEW’s digital utility…
INTERNATIONAL eyes may have been focussed on a solemn religious ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London on Saturday 6 May, but the coronation of King Charles III was also celebrated in a far-flung outpost of the former British empire, Portsea. On Monday 8 May a Coronation Party was held by Sorrento Portsea RSL, complete with palace approved Royal bunting, flags and pictures of King Charles and Queen Camilla. On the menu, described by the chair of the RSL committee’s community engagement and marketing arm Marg McInnes as a picnic lunch, were scotch eggs, cucumber sandwiches “and of course the ever popular…
STUDENTS from St Macartan’s Parish Primary School, Mornington were running, skipping and dancing for peace and the planet as part of the global eco relay, Run4Unity on Friday 5 May. The global relay aims to unite people in peace for the planet. For every kilometre the students completed they will propagate one indigenous plant for a local Landcare revegetation project. As part of their studies, students are learning that land restoration heals the land and helps to support and sustain ecological biodiversity and health. St Macartans had partnered with Merricks Coolart Landcare and Friends of Blairgowrie National Park for the…
FOR bicycle restorer Tim Hrambo, a recent vintage bike restoration brought with it an unexpected twist that has left him feeling humbled and curious. Hrambo had “rescued” an old, rusty bicycle from the tip seven months ago and while scraping off some paint was fascinated to discover the clearly printed name Len Sloman. He could also see that the bike – thought to be around 60 years old – had been sold from a Blackburn bike shop, making Hrambo curious to know if he could return it to the original owner or at least discover its history. After posting on…
CREATIVITY and imagination play a big part in the life of 27-year-old Owen McCaffrey and his use of his artistic talents to communicate and share ideas. McCaffrey, of Blairgowrie, is autistic and has limited language skills, but when it comes to telling a story in pictures he shines. His first animation, Owen, Friends, Family and Imaginary Friends, was applauded by 180 guests when shown on Friday at Rosebud Cinema. The animation, written and drawn by McCaffrey and brought to life with the help of a professional animator, showcases his amazing drawing skills and his simplistic yet clever messages about the…
ANZAC Day services and parades held across the Mornington Peninsula last Tuesday (25 April) drew many participants and even more onlookers. LAYING wreaths at Rosebud. Pictures: Yanni ABOUT 600 people attended the Anzac Day dawn service at Tyabb. Coordinator Peter Davis said this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the formal ending of the Vietnam War, although some Australian troops remained there for a further two years. Former helicopter pilot John Sonneveld, of Tyabb, spoke about his experiences in Vietnam, including the sadness of the war and the operation that earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross. Sonneveld also mentioned…
ARTWORKS displayed in the foyer of Mornington Library this month depict the “wild wonders” growing in the Mornington-Moorooduc railway reserve. While travellers on the train run along the heritage line by Mornington Railway Preservation Society admire the passing landscape, environment groups say the nature that is so appealing to artists is threatened by plans to run the Bay Trail through the reserve. “The exhibition grew out of a desire to raise public awareness of, and connectivity to, the beauty, value and fragility of this very special local gem,” Jeanette Miller, who coordinated the exhibition with Mornington Peninsula Shire’s community arts…
CAPEL Sound teenager Kobi-Lee Dyer is an inspiration to her family and friends, and it’s not hard to understand why. The 17-year-old is autistic and non-verbal but has not let that get in the way of achievement and success. She has been competing in athletics since she was eight and has achieved outstanding results, including winning gold in Brisbane last year at the inaugural Vitus Oceania Asia Games in the 100m, 200m, 400m and long jump events. Dyer has now been selected to compete in France in June in the Virtus Global Games – the most prestigious athletic competition for…
THREE sculpture parks – McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, Langwarrin, Pt Leo Estate, Merricks and Montalto Winery, Red Hill South – will collectively celebrate International Sculpture Day on Saturday 29 April. The three open air spaces contain collections that unite sculpture and nature. McClelland director Lisa Byrne said the Mornington Peninsula was home to the largest collections of sculptures in Australia. “This collaboration is an experience not to be missed … at McClelland we champion the value of diversity within Australian culture through a specific focus on sculpture and its connection to the environment,” she said. “We are committed to…
WHEN Crib Point RSL vice-president Chris Morrissey reflects on Anzac Day, he feels a mix of respect, sadness and pride towards the selfless commitments of all veterans. The Royal Australian Navy veteran who has travelled to seven war zones says Anzac Day just “makes a lot of sense” and ensures that anybody who has served is recognised for the efforts and sacrifices they made. “It makes me proud when I see the community come together, especially the children, to pay their respects to people have served,” he said. “For some it’s a time a great sadness, as there are definitely…
THE founder of charity Guitars for Vets, veteran and former Frankston resident Dave Cox, says the gifting of guitars and music lessons to vets was a proven way of using music to heal. The charity held a fundraising concert at the Soundbar in Rosebud on 23 April, with money raised going towards buying more guitars and lessons for vets in need. The charity also accepts guitars and is calling for anyone with quality instruments to consider donating them. An ex-Army officer, Cox said all of the 400 guitars that had been given away since 2017 had been appreciated by its…
IN his 1962 speech at Rice University, John F Kennedy laid down the reasoning for his country’s effort to go to the moon before the decade was out. He stated “man, in his quest for knowledge and progress, is determined and cannot be deterred”. The quest for knowledge of the vast universe is at the edge of science’s understanding, even 60 years after Kennedy’s famous speech. And it is as true now, as it was then, that the next generation are set to take us further into this great unknown, still determined and undeterred. On Saturday 1 April, 26 Year…
IT started with a simple phone call. A person wanting to book their “guests” into Pt Leo Estate’s fine dining restaurant, Laura. Nothing that would alert the venue’s general manager, Roger Lancia, that anything was out of the ordinary. Until it was mentioned that before these “guests” could visit, a team would need to attend to inspect the property. The inspection happened and the team loved what they saw. It would be a perfect place for their “guests” to come for lunch and a wander in the sculpture park. “Still no names had been mentioned at this point, but I…
HIKER, all-round adventurer and member of Mount Eliza’s 1st Ranelagh Scout Group Tristan Latham was one of 116 Venturers from around Victoria to receive their Queen’s Scout Award from the Governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau, on Saturday 1 April. Only a few Venturers – who are members of the scouting movement aged 15 to 18 – each year attain the Queen’s Scout award, which is the highest award in the Venturer scout section. Latham spent hundreds of hours on service tasks related to the community, leadership, personal growth and outdoor adventure to achieve the award. For Latham and other Venturers,…
THE Dunton brothers from McCrae embody the endless summer dream of pursuing the ultimate wave, the ultimate experience and the ultimate connection with nature. The brothers have just been selected among four surfers to represent Australia in the 2023 ISA World Longboard Championships in El Salvador starting on 7 May. The Australian team of two women and two men will compete under the name The Irukandjis Deadly in the Water, adopted by the national team in 2021. An irukandjis is a small, but deadly jellyfish. The Duntons, Sam, 34, and Tas, 31, were selected through their results in the 2022…
THE team at the Dolphin Research Institute has a lot to celebrate, with the beginning of its research “fellow” program, measurable success of its programs to protect and monitor dolphins, and the continued expansions of its ambassador program with schools. The institute was formed in 1991, with a focus on research on dolphins and whales, conservation in education, environmental leadership for the community, and being a strong and sustainable organisation. A registered charity, it is self-financed from the community, foundations, the corporate sector and government grants, and is about to release its Impact report, documenting key data it has collected.…
A NEW path with mosaic and memorial tiles has been completed at Sorrento RSL in time for Anzac Day, Tuesday 25 April. The work around the memorial was a combined effort by teachers and students at St Joseph’s School, Sorrento, members of Point Nepean Men’s Shed and Sorrento RSL. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 11 April 2023
ALEXANDRA Hunt decided to change careers at 30, and says a paid traineeship allowed her to follow her dreams as a mature age student. Hunt, of Rosebud, who recently completed her Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) traineeship at the Village Aged Care Residence in Capel Sound, secured a permanent part-time position at the village, which allowed her to be paid while being trained. After working as a cleaner for private houses, Hunt says she was ready for a change when she landed the opportunity to return to study. “I had been cleaning private homes on the Mornington Peninsula for…
RSPCA Peninsula has opened a cat and small animal centre at Pearcedale to increase its capacity to care for cats and small animals and reduce the time they take to adopt. The new centre, which opened on Sunday 2 April, was financed by donors, including gifts from the estates of the late RSPCA Victoria president Dr Hugh Wirth AM – who led the organisation for almost 50 years, and long-time supporter Margaret Johnson. The centre has “cat cabins” with concealed spaces, an isolation wing, long-stay facilities, and an adoption wing with “meet and greet” rooms. RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz…
MORE than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander secondary students from 30 schools attended this year’s annual Koorie Youth Summit at the Willum Warrain Aboriginal gathering place in Hastings. The Friday 31 March Culture Matters-themed summit was co-sponsored by the South East Metro Aboriginal Suicide Prevention and Healing Network and financed by Youth Justice as well as long term supporters, the Willum Buckland Foundation. It was the third summit and had “the key aim of connecting young mob around culture”, Willum Warrain CEO Peter Aldenhoven said. “This exciting event involved entertainment, cultural activities, yarning circles, show bags and refreshments,” he…