THE unpredictability of the trajectory of a small round ball after being hit by a flat surface has been highlighted by the need for a safety net on one of the Mornington Peninsula’s prestige golf courses. The owners of the two-course Moonah Links in Fingal say insurance companies have demanded a 13 metre high net be installed on the sixth hole of the championship Legends Course to protect a house in The Ridge Road from errant golf balls. The decision to allow the net could have been made under delegation by Mornington Peninsula Shire officers but Cr David Gill “called…
Browsing: Mornington Peninsula
ALTHOUGH it has refused to drop Flinders from its paid parking trial, Mornington Peninsula Shire has refined its approach to make the experiment more acceptable to residents. Changes to the rules include a business parking permit for “select volunteers and club members” and a permit for staff of “directly adjacent businesses”. As well as near Flinders pier, the parking trial will be held over summer at Schnapper Point, Mornington, and Sunnyside Beach, Mount Eliza. Peninsula residents can apply for up to five permits a household but must abide by parking time limits. Anyone else parking at the three beach side…
STELLA Mars has conquered many difficulties in her short life, not the least being literacy and academic mastery that’s not always associated with people living with autism or ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). A finalist for this year’s Mornington Peninsula Mayor’s Short Story Writing Award in the eight to 12 years old category, the Mount Eliza girl has shown that she has a strong driving force determination to succeed. The nine-year-old already considers herself a professional creative who knows where her talents lie and the obstacles she faces. “I really enjoyed writing my story and I am proud of it. It took…
SEVERAL Mornington Peninsula students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their talents at the Victorian State Schools Spectacular on Saturday 9 September. The show, at John Cain Arena, Melbourne and broadcast on television later in the year, is an invaluable performing arts opportunity for government primary and secondary school students. Students get the chance to perform or gain behind the scenes experiences across all creative disciplines guided by industry professionals in a non-competitive environment. Event publicist Sonja McGill said it could often be the experience of a lifetime for the students with the chance to perform in a world class…
MPNFL DIVISION ONE MT Eliza knocked Frankston Bombers out of the finals on Sunday. It was a cagey affair at Olympic Park. The Bombers went into the half-time break ahead by ten points. Mt Eliza broke the game open in the third term. A four-goals-to-zero quarter saw Mt Eliza go ahead by 15. The Redlegs held onto their lead in the final term, and went on to claim an 11 point win 8.7 (55) to 6.8 (44). Nicholas MacDonald Girolami, Nathan Jones, and Finlay Bayne were Mt Eliza’s best. Frankston YCW won the qualifying final at Baxter Park last Saturday.…
ALTHOUGH Mornington Peninsula Shire has found little joy in the results of its the past two annual community satisfaction surveys, the same cannot be said for one of its most high profile contractors. Waste collectors Solo Resource Recovery has been able to issue a news release saying the latest local government community satisfaction survey “highlighted the exceptional success of waste management services [in the shire], rating second overall behind art centres and libraries”. The news release From trash to treasure: waste management services praised by locals, from Brisbane based BBS Communications Group, said the peninsula’s community, “young and old, have…
WELFARE workers are calling for an end to the scapegoating of homeless people over thefts and anti-social behaviour on the Mornington Peninsula. The call follows an incident on Tuesday 22 August near the Rosebud foreshore, where a 36-year-old woman allegedly assaulted a police officer after she was seen throwing objects into traffic and behaving erratically on Point Nepean Road. The woman, from Dromana, allegedly spat at officers and was arrested at the scene. She was charged with assaulting police and remanded in custody to appear before Frankston Magistrates’ Court at a later date. CEO of the Mornington Community Support, Ben…
THREE sisters who founded the mental health charity It’s Okay, Not to Be Okay are encouraging people to get involved in next month’s Walk for Suicide Prevention. Social worker Georgia Hocking and her sisters Maddi and Hayleigh, who grew up in Somerville, lost their younger brother Ben, 22, to suicide in 2016. Their passion and mission since then has been to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of community support. Georgia said the family’s mission was to prevent suicide by destigmatising mental health and encouraging people to seek support. She says suicide has a devastating impact on families,…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council will grant a permit for a restaurant, winery and cellar door on green wedge land in Tuerong. The $6 million project on 45 hectares at 111 Old Moorooduc Road, will include the cultivation of 14.21 hectares of vines, a double-storey restaurant open seven days a week from 11am to 11pm, and a separate winery production building. An officer’s report found the proposed use and development of the winery and restaurant were supported by the shire’s planning policy, which supports the agricultural development of the land and the broader viticultural and tourism industry of the peninsula. It…
THE tempo has increased in the push to establish the Mornington Peninsula as a major player on the live music scene within three years. Musicians, promoters, studio owners and industry professionals were this week meeting with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council representatives to discuss the way forward. Organiser Steve Myles said the forum’s objective was to start development of a strategy, key performance Indicators and associated actions. He said the objective aligned with and supports the vision stated in the council’s 2025 music plan. “The Mornington Peninsula fosters a strong and vibrant music culture, recognised as one of the country’s premier…
THE Mornington Peninsula Welsh Ladies Choir is off to Wales. But before they depart the concert, Perfectly Five, featuring Welsh Soprano Carly Owen and the Australian Welsh Male Choir, will be held at 7.30pm on Saturday 2 September. The choir, celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, will tour throughout Wales and finish with two concerts in London. The farewell concert will be at the George Jenkins Theatre, Monash University, 47-49 Moorooduc Highway, Frankston. Details: monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/event/perfectly-five/ First published in the Mornington News – 29 August 2023
THE Australian Shakespeare Company is returning to the Mornington Peninsula over the school holidays with its new show, Captain Jack’s Pirate Party. In addition to four shows at The Briars, Mount Martha, there will be two shows at the Police Point Shire Park, Portsea. Billed as the craziest and colourful pirates of the Caribbean, Captain Jack’s Pirate Party battles for booty from passing merchant ships and living the pirate life to the full. The interactive theatre performance incudes pirate talk, pirate songs and a hunt for lost treasure. The 70-minute production has sword fights, songs and hearty pirate action. The…
SPORTSWOMAN, mother and company founder Donna Groves can add another feather to her cap when her first book Shine is released in October. Groves, who grew up in Western Sydney but now lives in Cape Schanck with her husband and their child, plays soccer in Mount Martha. She says one of her aims in writing her book was to help women find “self-love” and empower them. Groves says she experienced the trauma of a difficult childhood and a “disastrous” first marriage, only to find herself a single mother at 26 raising two children under five. After studying at night, and…
IN a first time collaboration between Dreamhouse Theatre Company and playwright Lachlan Ervin, 30 youth ensemble members and young creatives present The Amber and the Ant at The Southern Peninsula Arts Centre. After an unexpected internet glitch, a group of gamers find themselves on the strange island of Paseus. Is it a mythical place or a constructed game world? With no known passage of return, the gamers must strike unlikely allegiances, try to outsmart the Moon and learn the most unlikely of hominids can be bold. The Amber and the Ant is described as an expedition into loyalty, the nature…
GET ready for a fashion twist that’s turning heads and tickling funny bones – meet “the wheelchair guy” from Capel Sound, who is trying to add a bit of levity to disability and give disabled people a way to connect with community. Daniel Laing, pictured, has designed a range of disability-friendly t-shirts that he hopes will help bridge the gap between able-bodied people and those with disabilities with a touch of humour. In Laing’s own words, his is not your “run-of-the-mill clothing gig – we’re here to prove that disability and style can have a hilarious, inclusive dance party”. “I’m…
A PROGRAM on the Mornington Peninsula is aiming to raise awareness of the wide spectrum of peoples’ disabilities and to increase empathy and understanding for those living with a hidden disability. Living with a hidden disability or condition can make daily life difficult, it can also be hard for others to understand the challenges that people with hidden disability or conditions face. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a symbol that people can wear to discreetly indicate they have an invisible disability or condition – and may need a helping hand, more time, or simply extra space in shops, at work,…
FORMER Woodleigh School student Braeden Van de Beek has shown what rewards hard work and determination can bring, after making it to the International Brain Bee Neuroscience Challenge. Van de Beek participated in the competition – held virtually between 31 July and 5 August – after first winning the Victorian challenge followed by last year’s Australian challenge. He was one of 10 students representing the eight states and territories of Australia and both islands of New Zealand in the battle to find an Australian and a New Zealand Brain Bee Champion. The competitions aim to inspire students to pursue careers…
RESIDENTS involved in the Save Flinders Pier campaign have welcomed the planning being undertaken by Parks Victoria to restore the historic structure, despite the pier not being expected to fully open over summer. It is believed the Flinders Foreshore Precinct Conservation Management Plan needs to be reviewed and reworked to accommodate the pier’s restoration and reflect Heritage Victoria’s mandate to protect the state’s important heritage assets. Spokesman for the Save the Flinders Pier campaign, Charles Reis, said Parks Victoria had committed money for the pier’s safety works, but the complexity of the project required time and commitment. “While funding for…
A JUNIOR doctor leading a class action case against Peninsula Health for underpayment says a recent court ruling is a turning point for the industry. Dr Gaby Bolton was the lead applicant in the case against Peninsula Health. Earlier this month the Federal Court ruled that Peninsula Health had breached the Fair Work Act by not paying her correctly. Dr Bolton began her employment at Peninsula Health on 8 January 2019, working primarily at Frankston Hospital. Her claims for unpaid overtime related to four rotations undertaken between January 2019 and January 2021. The Federal Court ruling read that Dr Bolton…
SOCCER SCOTT Miller won’t coach Langwarrin next season. The Lawton Park club made the announcement last week after scheduled talks between Miller, president Tanya Wallace and main sponsor Greg Kilner due to be held at the end of the season were brought forward. Miller’s last match as head coach was Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Brunswick Juventus a result that confirmed the visitors’ relegation. Goals from Brad Blumenthal and Tom Youngs sealed Juve’s fate but its cause wasn’t helped by the straight red brandished at Mathew Whatley in the opening seconds of the second half. Miller’s first match at the…
MPNFL DIVISION ONE PINES had no problems on Saturday against cellar-dwellers Bonbeach. The Pythons led at every break and kept Bonbeach to just two majors until the fourth quarter. The margin was greatest at three-quarter time when Pines were 84 points up before Bonbeach came back a little with four goals in the final quarter. The final score was 18.11 (119) to Pines’ 6.11 (47). The Pythons ending the regular season third on the ladder. Sorrento had a tough task at home against ladder leaders Dromana. The Tigers only lost one game for the season and would not be coming…
RAIN did not deter an intergenerational volunteer team from its door-knocking campaign to rally support for the upcoming referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. “I might have over 50 years on these two young volunteers, but I was the one on the learning end,” retiree Maureen Donelly, of Mornington, said after the Saturday 12 August effort. “I was truly inspired by their passion and commitment to a just future. “Back in our day, we learnt nothing about the history of injustices against the First Peoples, just that Captain Cook claimed an uninhabited land. “I think if all people my…
THE now-amalgamated committees for greater Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula appear to have the endorsement of MPs from state and federal governments and both major parties. Josh Sinclair, CEO of the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, said “extremely supportive comments” had been received from the seven MPs whose electorates cover Frankston and the peninsula. “This level of support from our local Labor and Liberal MPs shows the committee is bipartisan and a serious advocacy body for our region,” Sinclair said. “It also comes in addition to the significant membership/partnership the committee now has with corporate gold member, Mornington Peninsula…
TOURISM and business operators from the Mornington Peninsula got together at the “explore connections” event in Rye last Tuesday (8 August) to talk about tourism following one of the worst winters even seen on the peninsula. But the vibe was positive, and the focus was clearly on the future and shining the light on the many industry developments and opportunities in the region. Spokesperson for the not-for-profit Sorrento Beachside Tourism group Kera Zaltsberg said there was a lot of positive energy and sharing of “big plans” at the meeting for the southern peninsula. “Winter hasn’t been a great time for…
By Barry Irving and John Wilson* AUSTRALIA responded to a request from South Vietnam and the United States for support in 1962 by sending 30 military advisors. By 1965 it was clear that more support was needed. As the US increased its troops in Vietnam, Australia sent a battalion of soldiers that increased to a task force in 1966. The Australian men and women who served in Vietnam made many sacrifices. More than 60,000 served in the war, with 523 being killed and 3000 soldiers wounded. There were more than 15,000 national servicemen that eventually went to Vietnam, with 200…
Shire’s unacceptable ‘dictatorial attitude’ I am surprised and alarmed by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s move to introduce and begin monitored and paid parking for our coastal locations. First as a pilot program at Schnapper Point, Sunnyside Beach and Flinders jetty, but we all know that will be simply a forerunner to the rest of the peninsula having the same controlled parking (“Flinders keeps its spot in paid parking trial” The News 15/8/23). This is being done by our council without public debate and traditional due process. This dictatorial attitude is not acceptable. There are already intrusive and unwelcome surveillance cameras…
YEAR 12 students on the Mornington Peninsula are being shown the confronting and horrific consequences of road trauma – and it could be saving their lives. As part of a program supported by emergency services, Teenagers Road Accident Group (TRAG) has been running presentations on road safety that show students the reality of careless driving, speed or simply making poor choices when it comes to getting into vehicles. Project manager Jonelle Colabufalo, whose brother Jared Dunscombe – a former Mornington Peninsula student – was killed on the road in 2013, said the program increases the awareness of young people to…
THE state government has nominated the Port of Hastings as the best place for a terminal to assemble and from where ship offshore wind farms. A decision has yet to be made on whether an environmental effects statement (EES) will be required, although the government has been warned that any delays could adversely impact on meeting timelines for its offshore power generation targets. The planned Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal’s inland buildings and quayside assembly area cover 43 hectares with a 600 metre long by 100 metre wide wharf. If approved, the terminal will be the largest industrial development at the…
THE Australian Men’s Shed Association is celebrating 30 years of men’s sheds in Australia, and the Safety Beach Dromana Men’s Shed is hosting “the shedder’s big breakfast” on Wednesday 23 August from 8am to midday. The men’s shed hosted successful pre-COVID big breakfasts in 2018 and 2019. Secretary Denis McKeegan said it had been “quite a task” to organise and coordinate trade and general interest displays, musical entertainment, with a side-serving of health information. He said those attending the breakfast should take gold coins to exchange for an egg and bacon roll and barista coffee with a barbecue to follow.…
JACQUIE Beddows says her art has been a defining way to move forward in a positive direction. “It has enabled me to reconnect with my local community through setting up and facilitating Art for Wellness – a supportive and inclusive group for people suffering from communication issues due to stroke, Parkinson’s, acquired brain injury or Alzheimer’s,” she said. The Mornington Peninsula resident lives with significant brain injury due to an aneurysm, stroke and brain surgery. “I had to give up a career I really loved as a support worker with new mothers and pre-school children. I’ve tried to not let…