An alleged thief has been arrested after speeding away from police only to have a little snooze in the middle of a Mornington intersection overnight. Officers first spotted the white Hyundai SUV which was bearing stolen number plates, on the Nepean Highway at Mornington about 1am. Police attempted to intercept the car but the driver sped off erratically. The Hyundai was then found blocking lanes at the intersection of Bentons and Racecourse roads about 2.45am. Responding officers quickly realised the driver was asleep at the wheel. Police struggled to hold in their laughter as they cordoned the vehicle, placed stop…
Browsing: Mornington Peninsula
MEMBERS of the Flinders community are gearing up for the Big Beach Clean Up in early January. The four-day “coastal crusade” will include Balnarring, Point Leo, Shoreham and Flinders beaches. “Our secret weapon is the beach hand bin, a nifty little bin designed by Josie Jones OAM,” Flinders Community Association president Mary Iles said. “Josie starts her day by collecting rubbish on her local beaches and has volunteered over 10,000 hours to improve the water quality in Mornington Peninsula’s bays and she is and is now helping to protect our Western Port beaches.” Iles said a pilot project by Jones…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Councill will step up its pressure on the state government to ensure the urgent release of an estimated 600 kangaroos trapped on private property at Cape Schanck. At last Tuesday’s council meeting, Cr David Gill moved a motion that council takes “all possible actions to ensure that the cruelty toward 600 defenceless eastern grey kangaroos” be stopped immediately. The strongly worded motion, which was passed, attacked the state government for its “indifference” to the kangaroo’s plight. The state government has so far failed to respond to a letter from the council in August asking for more to…
WESTERN Port Community Support has sent a big “thanks” for the support from the community for its annual Christmas Giving Program. CEO Georgie Hourn said the planning and preparation for the program started mid-year and behind the scenes staff worked hard to ensure there was money for hamper contents and gifts for the children. Hourn said the program required hours of work and administration, in particular by volunteers. “We had hundreds of toys and packing hampers ready for collection on Thursday. Our other staff have been out in the community picking up the toy donations from various businesses and community…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will increase pressure on the state government to help pay for the repair and ongoing maintenance of the 100-year-old Beleura cliff path at Mornington. The request will be included in calls for help in tackling challenges across the peninsula caused by “coastal erosion, geological instability, severe weather events and climate change”. “As a local council with limited resources, we don’t have the ability to tackle these issues alone. It calls for a state-wide approach,” the mayor Cr Simon Brooks said. Closed for more than a year over safety reasons caused by a series of landslides, the path…
PLANS to hold an international, light-filled Harry Potter-themed show at The Briars, Mount Martha have been labelled “inappropriate” and against the ethos of the wildlife sanctuary’s role to protect wildlife. The international Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is due to open at the Mornington Peninsula Shire reserve in April, it’s only Victorian venue. Promotional material for the interactive show says it will be an “outdoor trail experience inspired by the iconic Forbidden Forest and features creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. “Mesmerising lights will set The Briars of Mount Martha aglow as fans of all ages…
CRICKET PROVINCIAL AFTER a frustrating two consecutive weekends of rain interruptions and cancellations, MPCA weekend cricket returned with one-day action on Saturday. In the Provincial division, Pines won a tight one against Heatherhill. After winning the toss, Heatherhill chose to bat first. Captain Kristian Miller was the star for his side, scoring an unbeaten 96 from 104 deliveries. Miller didn’t get much support from his batting partners. Heatherhill ended up scoring 9/181 from their 40 overs. Pines openers Kane Hawkins and Nick Christides made good starts during the run chase, scoring 30 and 45 respectively before being sent back to…
Paid parking trial unfair to non-resident carers I have a disability and require carers daily. I’ve been a resident of Mornington for 35 years and a social member of the yacht club for 23 years. It’s one of my few joys. On a regular basis I go to Schnapper Point for a coffee at the cafe or up to the club, however yesterday my disability carer got a warning on her car that she would now have to pay for parking (for taking a disabled resident to their favourite space where they have been going for years). They are driving…
THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will not oppose the Endeavour Group buying the Rye Hotel, despite initial concerns that the proposed acquisition could lessen competition in the supply of takeaway liquor in the area (Competition concerns raised over Rye Hotel sale, The News 27/9/23). The hotel includes accommodation and an adjoining independent drive-through liquor store operating under the Thirsty Camel brand. Endeavour operates BWS Rye and stores in Rosebud and Sorrento. “The ACCC did not have any concerns in relation to accommodation, gaming or meals, given the number of competitors in the area offering these services and Endeavour’s…
NOT-for-profit skate shop Janice Earth is back up and running in Rosebud, months after owner Lenny Richardson found himself “homeless”. The skate enthusiast and competition organiser said a generous supporter and local businessman reached out to him after reading about his plight in The News and offered a shared premises at 1355 Point Nepean Road (Skate ‘promoter’ wants to return, 28/9/23). Richardson says he can now get back to his business of helping others and supporting young people in and around Rosebud, including 14-year-old skater Gil Shachar. Richardson has operated the Janice Earth Community for around 10 years, including organising…
WHEN the skies close over and turn grey, Portsea resident Brian Douglas nervously looks upwards and begins to prepare for what’s to come. A soak pit on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council land behind his Franklin Road property has been defective for years, resulting in the flooding of his yard, even in moderate rain. “It has been an ongoing saga that we have tried to resolve through the shire’s systems, but we have quite literally got nowhere,” Douglas said. He first contacted the shire about the flooding pit four years ago but heard nothing back. He persevered, and about 18 months…
KEEN observers of changes to the environment, especially near the homes and where they are regularly taken for walks, five-year-old groodle Olive seemed particularly aware of Christmas lights. These decorative lights in Rollings Close, Rosebud created just the right atmosphere to take the weight off for a bit and appreciate the ambience. The next notable stop, of course, will be Christmas Day, when, in the past, Olive’s “family” has included her in the festive celebrations. Picture: Yanni First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 19 December 2023
MOUNT Eliza, Peninsula Bridge Club members Peter and Suzanne Schuster took their seat at the table for an historic bridge game at Victoria’s Government House, in Kings Domain, Melbourne. The grand ballroom’s transformation into a card house for 160 players and guests was the first time the Ballroom, with a length surpassing the ballroom at Buckingham Palace, had been set up for bridge. “This wonderful game of bridge in the ballroom event aimed to celebrate Victoria’s bridge community and to showcase Victoria’s contribution to the game worldwide,” event organiser Laura Ginnan said. The strategy-based card game is recognised as a…
MORNINGTON Peninsula boxers Caitlin Parker and Tyla McDonald represent the changing face of the once-male-dominated sport and have already made sporting history. Parker and McDonald recently qualified for the Paris Olympics by winning gold in their weight divisions at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, making it the first time that two female boxers from the same gym have qualified for one particular Olympics. Parker, 26, from Dromana, is also the first female to qualify for two Olympics in boxing, having already competed in Tokyo as well as two Commonwealth games. She has a record of athletic accomplishment, including…
THE founding member of the Peninsula Writers’ Club, president Andrea Rowe, is stepping aside to pursue her own writing goals and let someone else lead the organisation. Rowe reflected on the club’s successes and its future at its annual general meeting, where members discussed the joys of writing, the club’s future and the supportive and nurturing space it has provided to emerging and published authors of all ages. It’s no exaggeration to say that the writers’ club has changed lives. The ability to put down thoughts, experiences and yearnings in print has been a lifeline for writers, especially during the…
THE newly formed small boat team, part of the Water Police Squad, will be on the water over summer. To deal with some of the state’s most complex marine emergencies, the team will use a mix of smaller and more maneuverable vessels including jet skis and inflatable rescue boats, both inland and along the coast. Water Police Squad and small boat team Acting Sergeant Kristina Clappison says jet skis and inflatable rescue boats are able to go where bigger vessels can’t, meaning police can get to people more swiftly when seconds matter. The newly formed team will make it easier…
DRIVERS of vehicles without trailers have been photographed ignoring parking restrictions at Schnapper Point, Mornington. As well as being watched by other visitors, the drivers risk being booked by Mornington Peninsula Shire officers who have stepped up patrols since this month’s introduction of paid parking. Schnapper Point, near the pier at Flinders and Sunnyside Beach, Mount Eliza are the three sites chosen to test the shire’s paid parking trial over summer. One Mornington resident contacted The News to say there were “plenty” of empty car parking spaces, but many drivers were choosing to park in the boat and trailer area.…
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man Portsea on Sunday, 17 December. Emergency services were called to reports of two snorkellers in trouble in waters off Portsea about 8.10pm. One man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. The second snorkeller was taken to hospital for observation. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined but the death is not being treated as suspicious. Victoria Police News – Sunday 17 December 2023
TOOTGAROOK musician and raconteur Kevin Vis has lived a colourful life, travelling the world seeking adventure and meaning, and creating music wherever he goes. A bit of a jack-of-all trades, New Zealand-born Vis has worked in the fitness industry and been a landscaper and boat skipper, and even played fictional Australian character Keith Elliot in the Swedish soap opera Friends and Enemies. There were many distractions and deviations before Vis found his way to the Mornington Peninsula in 2001, including playing in bands in Europe and rubbing shoulders with the glitterati of the international music world, but on his own…
STAFF, councillors and community members of Mornington Peninsula Shire will be “proudly marching” in next February’s Midsumma Pride March in along Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. This prediction is contained in a shire news release that states “Mornington Peninsula Shire” will march alongside “the Frankston Mornington Peninsula LGBTIQA+ Collaborative” and invites “all local LGBTIQA+ community members and allies to march with us on the day”. As part of its ongoing support for LGBTIQA+ community members the shire is offering free tickets and bus transport to the march. Tina McGuffie, the shire’s senior advisor – media communications and advocacy, told The News…
A 12-month project on the Mornington Peninsula to improve end of life care in residential aged care centres could set a new standard for the treatment of people with life-limiting illnesses. The government financed Community Palliative Care in Aged Care Project is being administered by Peninsula Home Hospice in Mornington. The not-for-profit organisation provides specialist palliative care to people in their home, whether that be residential aged care or the family home. Its team of medical and support professionals focuses on optimising quality of life for people diagnosed with a palliative illness. The project follows on from the Royal Commission…
SUMMER has arrived, with Country Fire Authority already declaring total fire bans in some areas and the Mornington Peninsula’s fire danger rating period starting on Monday 18 December and ending 1 May 2024. The CFA has also reminded Victorians to consider their pets and livestock when making bushfire survival plans. Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said bushfire relocation kits for pets should be kept within easy reach during high-risk bushfire days. “It can take longer than you think to move your pets, so make sure you can transport them efficiently and have towels and woollen blankets on hand to protect them,”…
Peta Murphy: fondly remembered … as an exceptional role model I am writing to express our sincere condolences concerning the tragic passing of Dunkley MP Peta Murphy. She was much loved and deeply admired by all the members of The Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN). Peta was a woman of great integrity, strong convictions, kindness and compassion. Like so many others who met her, we truly appreciated Peta’s warm and engaging personality, her willingness to listen and delightful sense of humour. Most especially we admired her determination to advocate for justice, particularly in support of those who were marginalised. Peta’s…
CALLS for more parking spaces for parents of children at Osborne Primary School in Mount Martha have been rejected, with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council calling for parents to “obey the rules”. A recent concentration by council parking officers around the school has parents seeing red, after 19 were fined in one day for illegal parking and other traffic violations. Connor Foster said it was “unfair” of the council to target parents, with some drivers fined more than once, at around $219 a fine. “Our main interest is the safety of our children,” he said. Foster says there needs to be…
ROADS around Rye and Tootgarook are about to get a safety upgrade as part of a program to target dangerous intersections. Seven intersections will be upgraded with compact roundabouts, speed cushions or raised intersections, courtesy of the federal government’s Black Spot program. Black Spot projects target road locations where crashes are occurring or are at risk of occurring. The intersections to receive compact roundabouts are Field Street and Shirlow Avenue, Hygeia Street and Bimble Street, Ozone Street and Bimble Street and Government Road and Waratah Street. Speed cushions will be installed at Field and Marshall streets and Alma and Plain…
GUNNAMATTA and Sorrento surf lifesaving clubs have been presented with Rescue medals by Surf Life Saving Australia for their members’ efforts in rescuing a father and his son. Everyday Lifesaver certificates were awarded to Liam Kiernan and David Lawson for their actions at the same incident, Gunnamatta club president David Stogdale said. The drama that the lifesavers were recognised for unfolded in the early evening after patrols had ended at Gunnamatta on Friday 6 January. The father went into the water after seeing his sons, two brothers, aged 16 and 20, get into difficulties. However, he too soon got into…
THE warm weather has returned and with it are the visitors who love the Mornington Peninsula’s beaches as much as its dolphins do. With only weeks to go until the influx of summer crowds, watercraft users and swimmers are being reminded that “dolphin distancing” is important to protect the marine mammals and allow everyone to enjoy the beach safely. Boats and paddle craft must stay at least 100 metres away from dolphins, jet skis must be at least 300 metres away, and swimmers and surfers must keep a distance of at least 30 metres. The Conservation Regulator, a state government…
RSPCA Victoria is looking for nearly 140 volunteers to join its network of op shops this summer. The organisation’s op shop volunteers are key to paying for the care required for arriving at RSPCA Victoria, many of which require veterinary treatment. “Volunteers are crucial to our work in animal welfare, and this includes the amazing volunteers in our op shops across Victoria,” Nadine Hutchins, RSPCA Victoria volunteer program manager, said. “Our op shop volunteers raise vital funds for RSPCA Victoria and the thousands of animals in our care every year, which is more important than ever right now. “We’re recruiting…
PARENTS have been warned to be alert after thumb tacks were found scattered around two children’s playgrounds in Somerville. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is urging anyone who discovers vandalism of any sort to contact it after the thumb tacks, or drawing pins, were found at the playground Pembroke Drive, Somerville on Sunday 3 December. The council’s rapid response team went to the playground on Monday to clean up any remaining thumb tacks. Posts on social media reports also show a similar thing happened at Clairmont Close Reserve at around the same time, with thumb tacks left on equipment and playground…
IT seems that Mornington Peninsula Shire Council intends to permanently fly the “Intersex Progress Pride Flag” outside its offices. The latest version of the flag, officially recognised as the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag, was unveiled at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, US, in June. The unveiling during LGBTQ+ Pride Month was said to demonstrate “the evolution of inclusivity in the design of Pride flags”. In its quarterly glossy publication Peninsula Wide, the shire says it believes “it is vital we overtly show our support for LGBTIQA+ community members”. Under the heading Respecting diversity, the shire states: “Our Community Vision makes it…