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…
Browsing: Mornington Peninsula
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…
CARRUM Downs artist Jaq Grantford’s portrait of a actor Noni Hazlehurst has won the People’s Choice Award in this year’s Archibald Prize. The win marked Grantford’s first time as an Archibald Prize finalist and her work will be on display with 56 other portraits at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery from 15 September to 5 November. Events being held at the gallery to align with the Archibald Prize: The gallery’s cafe partner Commonfolk will serve coffee and “seasonal tucker”. The Archibald Prize 2023 will be on display at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington from 15 September to…
A MAJORITY of Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have emphatically shown that they want car parking near Flinders pier to be part of a paid parking trial. A move by Cr David Gill to have Flinders removed from this summer’s trial was defeated by a vote of seven to two at last week’s public meeting (8 August). Cr Antonella Celi was Gill’s sole supporter. Councillors against excluding Flinders from the trial were Despi O’Connor, Anthony Marsh, Lisa Dixon, Susan Bissinger, Debra Mar, Simon Brooks and the mayor Steve Holland. Parking at Flinders, Schnapper Point, Mornington, and Sunnyside beach, Mount Eliza will…
THIEVES smashed their way into eight businesses in Mount Eliza Village early last Thursday morning, walking out with cash registers in full view of passersby. Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the burglaries, which occurred around 5.30am in Mount Eliza Way and at the strip of shops behind Safeway in Canadian Bay Road. Witnesses said the two male offenders seemed confident and cocky, with one exiting a Mount Eliza Way shop with a cash register in his arms, allegedly nodding to and greeting a stunned passerby. Business owner Sam Grove, whose Mount Eliza Way barber shop was targeted,…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Waste Wise says the container deposit scheme to be introduced in November will be a game-changer in terms of reducing recyclable waste on the peninsula. Victoria’s container deposit scheme, CDS Vic, is expected to reduce the amount of recyclable litter that ends up on the streets and beaches. The scheme will reward Victorians with a 10-cent refund for every returned eligible can, carton and bottle. The scheme also provides charities, community groups, environmental organisations, sports groups and educational organisations with ways to raise money. Co-founder of Mornington Peninsula Waste Wise and national Boomerang Alliance spokesperson, Birte Moliere, said…
THE future of some Mornington Peninsula kindergartens is uncertain because Mornington Peninsula Shire cannot afford extensions needed to accommodate state government reforms. “We are committed to continue our long-standing partnership with the state government through planning for the needs of children and families in our municipality, but we cannot fund these necessary upgrades or continue to maintain these facilities on our own,” the mayor Cr Steve Holland said. “We are obligated to allocate funds in our budget equitably to benefit the whole community, including facilities for seniors, people experiencing vulnerability, young people, community groups, sporting groups and community support organisations.”…
WELFARE services, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and residents took to the streets of Rosebud on Friday for a walk and rally to call for an end to homelessness on the peninsula. The walk came as the peninsula’s only crisis accommodation looks set to close. The event was a collaboration between Fusion Mornington Peninsula, Mornington Community Support Centre, Western Port Community Support, Southern Peninsula Community Support and the shire. The walk started at 4pm at Rosebud pier and went along Pt Nepean Road and past Memorial Hall, to finally gather for a rally at the sound shell, where there was a…
CONFUSION over the approval process for removing pine trees has prompted Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to clarify the rules. Rapid urbanisation of the peninsula and the age of pine trees that were planted decades ago as wind breaks means many of them are being removed. The mayor Cr Steve Holland said radiata pines, – the most prolific pines on the peninsula – are native to the United States but are well adapted to the peninsula and can spread and colonise areas of native bush and roadsides. They are classified as an environmental weed on the peninsula. As much of the…
MPs should vote for what Indigenous people want Both Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie and Mornington MP Chris Crewther have suggested the Voice referendum should be on the question of recognition alone. However, there is a simple reason not to do this: it is not what Indigenous people have asked for. Indigenous people have told us that symbolic recognition in the constitution is not enough. To ignore their request for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament would be insisting – once again – that white Australia knows best. I hope both MPs reconsider their position on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament with…
FIREFIGHTERS at Mount Eliza and Frankston CFAs have welcomed some new volunteers, but still need more to be ready for the coming fire season. Over the past three months the volunteers have completed the nationally recognised CFA firefighter training, which is split into 30 hours of practical and 20 hours of theory. It also lays the foundation for firefighters to undertake further specialised training required to respond to structural fires or other complex emergencies. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, as either an operational or non-operational member, can register their interest at: cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa First published in the Mornington News –…
MORNINGTON Football Netball Club is celebrating an unprecedented milestone this year, with all six of its girls’ junior and women’s seniors teams making the finals. The achievement comes eight years after the club first fielded a women’s team in seniors football and five years since Mornington Junior Football Club fielded its first girls’ side. In junior girls football, the club is represented in under-12s, under-14s and under-16s and has 61 registered players. In senior football, the women are represented in divisions one, two and three and have 94 registered players. “We’re incredibly proud of what the girls and women have…
THE theft of a Chicago Bulls bomber jacket from a Rosebud opportunity shop has led to a heart-warming and generous act of kindness from a stranger as well as some rewarding publicity. Volunteers at the Boneo Lions op shop in Ninth Avenue were horrified when a shopper stole the donated jacket right from under their noses last Saturday (29 July), managing to grab it and leave the store before anybody noticed. Volunteer Sonya McCormack said they were just as shocked when a customer came in last week and, on hearing about the jacket, donated $100. “We just wanted to say…