Browsing: Mornington Peninsula

DOCTOR Geoff Wicks had 100 reasons to celebrate last week when he notched up his century. Born on 11 November 1924, Wicks has lived in Mornington for over 63 years. Wicks, who served in the Air Force in World War Two, first arrived as a locum GP to work at the Mornington Main Street Clinic in 1954, before heading to England to further his studies. He returned to work as the first obstetrician and gynaecologist on the Mornington Peninsula, based in Mornington, from 1959. Many of his patients were cared for at The Bays (previously known as Mornington Bush Nursing…

DROMANA sisters Mia, Rose, and Ava Holland are about to take on a wave of a lifetime when they compete in the Australian Junior Surfing Titles in NSW this month. The teenagers, who have been surfing on the Mornington Peninsula nearly every day for the past six years, will be among the more than 250 surfers to battle it out on Wollongong’s beaches when the big event is held from 24 November to 1 December.It will be a milestone moment for the trio whose love for the ocean and drive to succeed have propelled them to rise through the ranks…

THE 10th consecutive Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia Toy Run will be held at Tyabb Airport on Saturday 7 December.Last year over 800 toys were donated to the Foods for All charity, to be distributed to the less privileged kids on the peninsula. Around 1000 people visited the airport during the day. This year Western Port Community Support will be the recipient of the donated toys. All toys are gratefully received, and particularly those appealing to the age range of eight to 14 year olds.The Peninsula Aero Club will provide a display of warbird and antique vintage aircraft, open to…

ELEVEN new councillors will be sworn in this week to face a four year term that could end up being the most testing in the shire’s history.Fundamental challenges face the new council, including a reduction in federal government funding, rate capping at below CPI, and a cost-shifting crisis expected to cost the shire $234m over the next five years (Financial crisis looms for shire, The News 22/10/24). They will also have to contend with the controversial paid-parking decision that was delayed into the new councillor’s term by the last term councillors (Paid beach parking ‘mayhem’ not over yet, The News…

COMMUNITIES across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston have honoured the sacrifices of fallen Australian soldiers during Remembrance Day services on 11 November. Hundreds observed a minute’s silence at 11am as this year marked the 106th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World World I, with locals paying their respects at a series of ceremonies.In Mornington, a large crowd, many of whom wore red poppies pinned to their chests, gathered at the Mornington and District Memorial Park, which included schools and community groups laying wreaths. Unfortunately, the Mornington RSL Sub-Branch officially closed its doors and ceased its operations last month after…

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…

HASTINGS’ stalwart Brian Stahl has called on the state government to take action to remedy the “deplorable state” of the Hastings railway station. In a letter to Hastings MP Paul Mercurio, Stahl said “As a significant public transport arrival point it leaves a lot to be desired”. “Surely this is not an acceptable situation and certainly not a welcoming place for those who regularly use the station or visit Hastings for the first time by public transport. “On behalf of our community I appeal to have this unacceptable situation dealt with promptly and properly maintained in the future.”Nearly all stations…

THE community animal shelter and animal pound in Mornington is set for a $6 million revamp, with work under way to deliver new animal kennels and ancillary buildings. The project will redevelop the existing shelter at 130 Watt Rd, with works scheduled for completion by September 2025.“This refurbishment will ensure the shelter meets the highest standards of care, providing a comfortable and stress-free environment for all animals in our care,” the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s community safety, health and compliance manager Dale Gilliatte said.Works began this month with the current shelter to stay open as usual during the renovation. The council…

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…

MOUNT Martha Rotary Club is spearheading a renewed effort to restore a vital section of the Balcombe Creek Estuary boardwalk after it was partly closed two years ago. Part of the boardwalk, near Nepean Hwy and Uralla Rd in Mt Martha, was significantly damaged after an intense storm hit the peninsula in November 2022, causing Balcombe Creek to flood. This caused the wooden boardwalk’s structure to collapse and break, making it unsafe for public use. The boardwalk, which has a network of walking trails spanning 3.5km through the scenic estuary, was built by the Mount Martha Rotary Club in the…

A SOMERVILLE woman has been granted a two-year personal safety intervention order protecting her from a Somerville businessman who she says stalked and harassed her. The order was issued at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 7 November, which heard the victim endured months of persistent harassment including derogatory behaviour, sexually demeaning behaviour, repeated visits to her workplace, and physical intimidation.The man whom the order was made against, Jamie (Jay) Scicluna, is the founder and editor of the Somerville Times and Peninsula Local community newspapers. The Magistrate found that Scicluna had referred to the victim as a “c**t”, that he stated…

All 11 wards that make up the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council have now been decided.Already declared last week were Kate Roper in Beek Beek Ward, Anthony Marsh in Briars Ward, Stephen Batty in Kackeraboite Ward, and Bruce Ranken in Moorooduc Ward. Last Friday (8 November), preferences were distributed for a further five wards where no single candidate polled greater than fifty percent of the primary votes. That resulted in the declaration of Max Patton in Benbenjie Ward, Patrick Binyon in Brokil Ward, David Gill in Coolart Ward, Paul Pingiaro in Tanti Ward and Cam Williams in Tootgarook Ward.On Monday (11…

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 FLINDERS surfer has voiced concern after a recent Navy training exercise above Flinders Beach saw a live-firing exercise reportedly take place as he and other surfers were in the water. Paul, who asked not to use his surname, said it was not uncommon to surf at Flinders Beach while Navy exercises were undertaken at the nearby West Head Gunnery Range on top of the cliffs – with surfers out of any live-firing zone and warnings sounded from the Navy to the alert the public as a precaution.There are two main surf breaks at Flinders called Meanos and Gunnery. Meanos…

THE Short Stay Levy Bill has been passed by parliament, and a 7.5% short-stay levy will be applied to short-term accommodation from 1 January 2025. But concern has been raised at the high contribution the peninsula will make to the levy, which will go towards funding affordable housing projects, and the small amount of funds to be spent back into the area.It is believed the Mornington Peninsula has over 4,500 homes listed on the Airbnb platform alone. It makes the peninsula the highest short-stay accommodation rental market in the state, dwarfing the Surf Coast (2,254) and City of Greater Geelong…

THE Mornington Peninsula Shire has put Illegal rubbish dumpers and irresponsible dog owners on notice after two people were substantially fined in the past year.A man was fined $5000 and ordered to pay more than $8000 in clean-up costs after dumping fencing materials at a Hastings reserve, a Dromana Magistrates’ Court heard on 5 September. And on 6 September, a woman was fined $5000 at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court after her dog attacked and seriously injured two women at Hastings in September last year. Police helped the council’s community safety officers secure the dog, which was impounded while an investigation…

Ballots that had arrived by last Friday’s cutoff date were counted yesterday in Beek Beek Ward, Benbenjie Ward and Briars Ward, giving an indication of two clear winners, and one close race. Those votes (Group A) made up the bulk of expected votes with the final batch, those signed and dated no later than 25 October, and received by midday Friday 1 November (Group B) expected to be counted for the three wards on Wednesday 6 November. In Beek Beek Ward, the Group A results were 5515 votes for incumbent councillor Kate Roper, and 2709 for Lavinia Jenkin, meaning Kate…

VOTING has closed for the 2024 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council election, and the 36 remaining candidates now face a nervous wait for the results.The Victorian Electoral Commission will continue to receive postal votes until Friday 1 November, but will begin counting the first group of votes (received by 6pm Friday 25 October) between Tuesday and Thursday this week. Scrutineer observations during this counting may shed light on some of the eventual winners, especially in wards with only two candidates where preferences will not play a role.Only one candidate was withdrawn by the VEC during the election period, Bill Daish from…

JOHN Baker resigned as CEO of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council last Thursday (24 October) and will take up the role as CEO of Sunshine Coast Council in Queensland.Baker was appointed shire CEO in 2018 after the departure of former CEO Carl Cowie, and spent six years in the role dealing with a myriad of challenges, both natural and man-made. His resignation will be effective from 6 December.In a letter to officers, seen by The News, Baker said “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of the shire and I want to thank you all for your trust, your…

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.…

SOCCER TOMMY Wood has been involved in a tug of war between former club Mornington and current club Peninsula Strikers.And it looks like Mornington has won the battle to clinch the young forward’s signature. Wood texted Strikers’ gaffer Scott Morrison last week to let him know he was going to return to Dallas Brooks Park. “The message was along the lines of thanks for everything but I want to go try this,” Morrison said. It’s understood that the Seagulls have offered the 21-year-old an attractive match fee and goal bonus and Strikers were not given the opportunity to match it.Morrison…

Embrace cultural heritage instead of a luge I do love the Letters page! It stimulates community debate and better ideas. After reading ‘Support the RAP’ (Ralph Catts) and ‘Don’t mention the luge’ (John Weir) in last week’s Letters page, I came up with a better proposal for The Eagle development.Arthurs Seat was called Wonga before colonisation. The history and culture of the local Bunurong/ Boon Wurrung people is awe-inspiring and important. It is of great interest to locals and tourists alike. It can be explored in an environmentally friendly way and is relevant for Australia today. An Aboriginal Heritage and…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council is moving towards a “precarious financial position” over the next five years with a “perfect storm” of rate capping, reduced federal government grants, and state government cost shifting “jeopardizing both the provision of essential services and the financial sustainability of local government”. The claims by the shire have been made at two recent inquiries into local government funding and sustainability at the state and federal level.Of greatest concern to the shire is state government cost-shifting which it estimates to balloon to $234m over the next five years. The shire’s submission to the Victorian inquiry noted the…

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…

By Mechelle CheersExciting news for Rye residents and visitors! The very popular Rye foreshore will now finally get its long-awaited makeover. The Shire has advertised for tenders to undertake the work which is expected to start in March 2025.The Rye community might recall back in January 2020, a combination of Council funds and a State Government grant meant a total of $6.5million became available to implement the Rye Foreshore Plan (Grant gives Rye chance for new lease on life, The News 18/2/2020). Its implementation has taken much longer than anyone expected, with a few hiccups along the way, but it…

MOUNTAIN bike tracks, sporting facilities, and improved parking and walking paths are among the community’s aspirations to enhance Dromana while maintaining its rural character. The ideas were shared with the Mornington Peninsula Shire after public consultation was held in response to a draft of a Shaping Greater Dromana Plan.Feedback into the draft plan, which was sought from May 20 to June 21, was also gathered into the use and development of the Dromana and Arthurs Seat escarpment area and Parkdale/Hillview Community Reserve, to help with the management and masterplans, which are concurrently being prepared. These projects are planned for completion…

CANDIDATES for this year’s Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections are facing a huge number of survey requests from local and national organisations, many about issues that are beyond the scope of the role of a councillor.The ‘insurmountable’ number has left some surveys and questionnaires incomplete, giving the impression the candidate doesn’t have opinions on the issues. Others have vague or misleading questions, some requiring “yes or no” answers that candidates fear could be misleading to the public.Current Red Hill Ward councillor, and candidate for the newly formed Coolart Ward, David Gill, told The News “This is an issue for all…

THE registration of two websites by a Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor, with other entities listed as the “registrant” has drawn the ire of the Liberal Party, and a request for removal from the shire. Current councillor and former mayor Steve Holland recently registered the website “morningtonpeninsula.org.au” with a Facebook post indicating he intended to use it as a “council-watch” style website. While Holland used his personal name and contact details for the registration, he used “Mornington Peninsula Shire Council” as the “registrant”, complete with the shire’s Australian Business Number. One possible explanation is the requirement for a “.org.au” to be…