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…
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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…
EVA Barnes is a 19-year-old, who spent time in the Royal Children’s Hospital when she was young. Over the past 10 years she has raised $22,000, because she wanted to give back to the hospital that had helped her. Supported by her grandmother (who taught her how to bake cakes) and inspired by seeing the children in need of care at the hospital Barnes raised the money by selling cakes, potpourri and jams at markets. On 1 April the Sorrento Activity Centre (SPSSC) supported Barnes with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party-themed afternoon, raising $3100 for the hospital. Artist John Bredl,…
THIS year’s Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee on the weekend was a family festival that celebrated First Peoples cultures and joined communities together. The festival, held for the first time at the Emu Plains Reserve, Balnarring (Boon Wurrung Country), on Saturday 25 March, is in its sixth year and has continued its vision to be an event where the community can gather to share, begin conversations and walk with First Peoples. The festival is presented by Balnarring Pre-School, joint winners of the 2021 Narragunnawali Award, which recognises outstanding reconciliation initiatives in schools and early learning centres. First Peoples cultures are shared…
AFTER a few difficult years following COVID-19, staff changes and finding a new home in Davies Avenue, Mount Eliza, Baluk Arts has returned to members’ workshops with public access sessions to follow soon. The program series will feature some of the biggest names in Victorian Aboriginal art, including the first session which was with Maree Clarke, a pivotal figure in the reclamation and revival of southeast Aboriginal arts and recent recipient of the 2023 Yalingwa Fellowship. Artforms to be explored in the series include painting, sculpture, weaving, possum skin pyrography, and jewellery-making. There is also a weekly weaving circle which…
SILVA Mcleod describes herself as an “island girl”, a nickname that is suggestive of the now 61-year-old’s idyllic and simple teenage years growing up in a small community in Tonga. Mcleod’s book, Island girl to airline pilot, tells a very different story of ambition, determination and achievement against the odds as the first Tongan woman to become an airline pilot. The book, to be released in April and launched on the Mornington Peninsula on 5 May, is part love story, inspirational message, tragedy and feel-good memoir as Mcleod tells of her first meeting more than 40 years ago with Australian…
IN recent times Jack Meaden, Theo Fatouros and Bob Riley have become a playing group in Portsea Golf Club’s Saturday competition, defying their ages with their energy and enthusiasm. Meaden is 95 and lives in Melbourne but has a house in Sorrento and has been a PGC member for 42 years. He was previously a keen sailor and played social golf with his wife Lois but, due to her recent poor health, has joined his mates. A few weeks ago the nonagenarian shot 89 off the stick, breaking his age by six shots. He plays off 26, meaning that he…
MOUNT Martha karter Matthew Basso recently brought home the coveted blue plate trophy after his win in the Victorian Kart Championships (KA3 Junior Heavy class) at the Albury Wodonga Kart Club on the long weekend. The newly crowned Victorian Kart Champion was the fastest in qualifying and lead every lap of each race, and was the only driver in any class to do so all weekend. Basso said all the hard work behind the scenes from his family and support team is paying off as he continues to achieve strong results. Basso took out his first Victorian State Championship win…
ONE of the Mornington Peninsula’s newer residents, musician, songwriter, TV presenter and musical director Phil Ceberano, has opened a band performance program for local teenagers who want to develop their skills. Over the next two weekends, Rock Academy Peninsula will give young people the opportunity to work directly with touring and recording musicians to develop songwriting and performance skills. As well as working extensively with his sister, Kate Ceberano, Phil has a strong background in the industry, having formed and played in many bands including well known Melbourne club band Sexual Chocolate (87-93) and Trentwood, Phil’s original power rock trio…
SOMERS-based Sam Goode has a philosophy of “giving back” and his actions certainly match his words. The carpenter/building company owner recently took his apprentice Josh McCabe and his tools to Lismore to give some non-gratis help to flood victims and get their homes back in working order. One year on from record flooding events many residents were still unable to fully move back into their homes due to lack of essential plumbing, including running water. To help get the repairs happening, Resilient Lismore partnered with the Reece Foundation to bring volunteer tradies to the community to restore essential plumbing in…
COASTREK – Australia’s iconic team hiking challenge – will bring its inspirational formula of fun, fitness, friends, and fundraising to the Mornington Peninsula on Friday 26 May, encouraging more women (and men) to get moving in nature and hike for healthy hearts in support of the Heart Foundation. More than 2500 trekkers will take on a 60km, 45km, 30 or 20km challenge along the peninsula’s picturesque coastlines and hiking trails, starting at sunrise at Cape Schanck lighthouse, and then taking in the natural beauty of Sorrento Beach, panoramic views from Fort Nepean, and coastal bush trails including Farnsworth track to…
TWO men from Queensland are being praised as heroes after rescuing two people at Rye beach who had been swept out to sea after an encounter with an aggressive seal. The ordeal began on Thursday afternoon (9 March) when an elderly woman walked to the end of the pier but was unable to retrace her steps when a large seal blocked her path. Witness Trish Williams said the seal appeared to act aggressively towards the woman, who jumped into the water fully clothed. As the tide began to pull the elderly woman further out, her husband, who had been watching…