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…
Browsing: Mornington Peninsula
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…
MEMBERS of the veteran community came together with family and friends at Dromana Cemetery on Thursday (3 August) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. A vigil was held at the graveside of Michael Poole, of Dromana, one of 523 Australians who died in Vietnam between 1962 and 1973. Poole, who was killed by a landmine explosion in 1967, served with the fifth battalion. More than 3000 Australians were wounded in the 11-year conflict and the Dromana service was one of hundreds held around the country as communities reflected and paid tribute…
POLICE and the education department are investigating a series of intimidating incidents at Somerville McDonalds, following continued aggressive and disrespectful behaviour by school students. A hand-written sign banning Somerville Secondary College students from the store was removed on Friday, two days after it was placed there by a staff member attempting to protect his staff and customers. The McDonalds franchise was not aware of the sign or student ban at the Somerville store. Bad behaviour by groups of young people has been an ongoing issue at the fast-food restaurant, including the throwing of food, staff being abused and spat at,…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have been told that investigating dropping the car park near Flinders pier in a paid parking trial would have “serious implications” for the entire project. Flinders, Sunnyside Beach, Mount Eliza and Schnapper Point, Mornington are the three car parks earmarked for the paid parking trial over summer. Major project coordination team leader Marcus Harris, in a report to this week’s public council meeting (Tuesday 8 August) said excluding Flinders from the trial would delay quotes for the vehicle identification cameras to be used in the paid parking trial. Harris said Flinders and Sunnyside car parks were…
BILLS from South East Water are expected to increase this financial year. South East Water has announced changes to its billing system, which are expected to increase the average cost of a household bill by nearly three per cent. South East Water is removing its fixed sewage disposal charge and incorporating its sewage disposal into a new water usage tariff from 1 July. South East Water managing director Lara Olsen said the change would make billing “simpler” for customers, “making it easier for them to budget, and continuing our digital metering rollout across the south-east”. “Our digital metering rollout is…
IT’S well known among equestrians that being around horses can have a therapeutic effect on mental health, but there are also a range of physical and social benefits that come with riding these beautiful animals. The coordinator at Riding for the Disabled Peninsula, Jenny Stidston, says the program is helping riders gain confidence, and at the same time improving their coordination, balance, muscle development and communications skills. “RDA helps to enrich lives through specialised programs and a relationship with horses, and it can be very helpful for people with a variety of physical and intellectual disabilities,” she said. Stidston says…
Utes and SUVs leave little space for parking cars The time has come to have a good look at car parks. Most were designed when people drove cars, and a Ford or Holden station wagon was considered a big car. Nowadays they look like babies compared to the massive utes and SUVs which are filling our streets. Vehicles such as the Dodge Ram and the soon to be introduced Ford F150 leave no room for others to get into or out of their vehicle if they are unlucky enough to have one of these park next to them. I drive…
TWO people have been arrested and charged following a spate of alleged home burglaries on the Mornington Peninsula over the past month. Crime investigation officers received reports of six holiday homes being targeted in the Rye area between 3 and 29 July. Most of the properties were accessed using house keys left for future renters. The homes were then allegedly ransacked, with large quantities of white goods, appliances and furniture stolen. No resident or renter was inside at the time. Following inquires, police arrested a 34-year-old man and 36-year-old woman in Rye on Friday 4 August. Both were charged with…
POLICE have arrested and charged seven youths following a spate of alleged offences on the Mornington Peninsula and across Melbourne’s southern metropolitan region between Monday 5 June and Sunday 23 July. The incidents include alleged home invasions and the theft of motor vehicles and petrol, as well as criminal damage, robbery, burglaries, and affrays in the Rosebud, Cheltenham and Parkdale areas. Police will allege some of the charges relate to the alleged serious assault of a 15-year-old girl at a shopping centre in Cheltenham at the weekend. The six boys and one girl – all from Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs and…
Mornington Peninsula Shire last week injected a bit of showbiz into its lobbying for money and support from the state government. The mayor Cr Steve Holland and CEO John Baker last Wednesday took to the stage in Queen’s Hall, Parliament House to remind MPs and anyone else moving through the hall that the peninsula has problems as well as drawcards. Baker told the assembled audience – including councillors and council officers – that about 4000 of the peninsula’s 170,000 residents were experiencing homelessness. “Predominantly it’s women sleeping in cars with kids,” he said. “Typically, they’re divorced, they’ve been left with…