Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 25 August 2021

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Dinner dollars

Fee waivers for outdoor dining permits will be waived for another four months. Restaurants like Cellar Door in Mordialloc set up and used outdoor dining areas prior to the last lockdown (pictured). Picture: Supplied

Council prepares for upcoming elections Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au A NEW swimming pool and the redevelopment of the Kingston Town Hall are among the projects Kingston Council will try to get funded during the next federal and state election campaigns.

At a meeting on 23 August, Kingston councillors approved their priority project list. Council will attempt to receive

funding for those projects during the elections, which are expected to take place next year.

Council will seek money from the state and federal governments for the following council projects: a new aquatic and leisure centre, the Kingston City Hall redevelopment, a Namatjira Park masterplan, phase two of works at the Dingley Village Community Centre, the Kingston Heath Hockey and Baseball Facility development, the Le Page Park masterplan, Bonbeach

Reserve masterplan, Chelsea Life Saving Club and Precinct redevelopment, Parkdale Library redevelopment, and works on the Highett Hub. In addition to asking for funding for council projects, Kingston Council will also advocate for projects and policies being delivered by the state and federal governments. They include the delivery of the Chain of Parks, improved outcomes and consultation management for Level Crossing Removal Project and the Suburban Rail Loop

works, further level crossing removal projects at Mordialloc and Highett, the delivery of the Westall Road Extension from Dandenong Road, Mordialloc Creek improvements, Patterson River improvements, and the implementation of the National Water Sports Centre master plan.

Kingston mayor Steve Staikos said “while there are many important projects council is keen to work towards, these projects were chosen because they are key priority projects for coun-

cil that we need support from other levels of government to achieve.”

“The City of Kingston is about to appoint an advocacy advisor to make sure we are speaking up on behalf of our community for the best possible outcomes for Kingston. We will be undertaking a range of advocacy activities including meeting with elected officials, writing to key bureaucrats and seeking community support to boost our campaigns for these projects.”

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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News

25 August 2021

NEWS DESK

Lockdown doesn’t dampen 100 years of memories A CARRUM resident of more than 90 years celebrated her 100th birthday last week.

Olive Cox turned 100 years old on 17 August. She has lived in the Carrum and Patterson Lakes area for 97 of them.

Ms Cox said that she has seen a lot of major milestones in her life.

“Man walking on the moon was remarkable, but I laugh when I think that historic event happened at the halfway point in my life. I think of the recent local major changes.

Trains travelling on rails up on pylons and finally even a bridge on Station Street crossing the Patterson River,” she said.

As a young girl, Ms Cox attended Carrum State School before moving

on to Frankston High School. Her first permanent job was with a patent and trademark attorney. Things changed for Ms Cox after the outbreak of the Second World War. She enlisted with the WAAAF in 1942, where she worked as a teleprinter operator.

After the end of the war, Ms Cox started her family. She married her husband, Daryl, in 1953. She went on to have three children - Peter, Helen, and Meredith.

Ms Cox takes great joy from sport. As a player she excelled at tennis. As a spectator she supports her beloved Melbourne Demons.

Ms Cox has a family history with the Carrum Bowling Club. Her grandfather, James Albon, was one

OLIVE Cox today (left) and her in her twenties (right). Pictures: Supplied

of the club’s founding members. He helped to open the building alongside Prime Minister Stanley Bruce in 1923. A 100th birthday celebration was planned for the restaurant above the bowls club, but COVID-19 put a stop to the festivities.

After 100 years of action, Ms Cox is now living in a retirement village.

There she looks forward to visits from her children. “Such joyful days, full of happiness and laughter.

I never know what’s going to happen next,” she said. “Well, I can tell you one thing when they visit. They go straight to my handbag, collect my Visa card and ask me where are we going for lunch today. I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Brodie Cowburn

Plan to blow up the pokies Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au

THE planned route for the suburban rail loop project. Picture: Supplied

Big bill expected for rail loop THE first stage of the suburban rail loop project, between Cheltenham and Box Hill, is projected to cost more than $30 billion to complete.

The business case assessing the project was released last week.

When complete, the rail loop will link every major train line and provide a connection to Melbourne Airport.

The proposal starts at Cheltenham. The business case quoted the cost of SRL East from Cheltenham to Box Hill at between $30 billion

and $34.5 billion. That section is expected to be complete by 2035.

The state government says that the full project will deliver “up to $58.7 billion in economic, social and environmental benefits to the state, with a positive benefit-cost ratio range between 1.1 and 1.7.”

Suburban rail loop minister Jacinta Allan said “Victorians voted for Suburban Rail Loop and we’re going to get on with it – it’ll change the way our city travels, ensuring every Victorian has access to hous-

ing, education and jobs as our state continues to grow.”

“The City Loop, West Gate Bridge, City Link and Western Ring Road are all projects that have shaped Melbourne and where people have been able to live and work.

Now it’s time for Suburban Rail Loop to help shape a better future for our growing city and state,” she said.

The full business case can be read at suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au/Library/BusinessandInvestmentCase

A PLAN to reduce the impact of gambling on the local community has been put out to consultation.

Kingston Council’s draft gambling action plan was approved by councillors at a meeting this week.

The measures council are likely to advocate for include reducing the hours local gaming venues operate to 10am to midnight, reducing the local electronic gaming machine cap down to 945, calling on the state government to remove designs from machines that contribute to gambling harm like linked jackpots, and the introduction of a $1 bet limit per button push on pokies.

The reduction of the cap would mean that no more EGMs could be installed in Kingston, as there are currently 945 licensed in the municipality.

Kingston gamblers regularly rank among the biggest losers statewide.

In the last financial year in which gaming venues operated year-round, Kingston gamblers lost nearly $86 million on EGMs (“Punters pour money into pokies” The News 7/8/19) Kingston mayor Steve Staikos said that he had written to and met with gaming minister Melissa Horne to discuss the proposed changes.

“Under our current cap levels, a further 268 licensed EGMs could be allowed in Kingston, this is exces-

sive and will only lead to further harm for those families and individuals already suffering. We have asked the minister to support a reduction in the Kingston EGM cap to its current level of licensed EGMs of 945,” Cr Staikos said.

“In June I travelled to Canberra and met with MPs Michelle Rowland and Mark Dreyfus to raise concerns over the impact of gambling harm in our community.

“We are continuing to work through the minister for gaming’s office to lobby for a reduction in the number of licenced poker machines in Kingston.”

Upcoming roadworks SECTIONS of Centre Dandenong Road and Springvale Road will close this week to allow for more works on the Mordialloc Freeway.

Centre Dandenong Road between Boundary Road and Tootal Road will close from 7pm to 6am on Thursday 26 August while line marking works are undertaken. There will be detours via Old Dandenong Road and Lower Dandenong Road.

From 8pm to 6am, 26 August, the southbound carriageway on Springvale Road between Pillars Road and the Mornington Peninsula Freeway entry ramp will close. Foundations for freeway directions signs will be put in.

Springvale Road between Wells Road and Pillars Road will then close in both directions between 8pm and 6am on 3 and 4 September. Barriers on the bridge over the road will be installed. Motorists will be made to take detours via Wells Road and Governor Road during the closures.

FEVER OR COVID FEVER? The only way to be sure is with a test at the first sign of any symptom.

For testing locations, visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News

25 August 2021

PAGE 3

NEWS DESK Police patrol

with Brodie Cowburn

Mercedes stolen FIVE teenagers have been arrested and charged after an alleged aggravated burglary in Parkdale.

Police allege that a group broke into a home in The Corso at around 3.30am, 21 August. A Mercedes car was allegedly stolen from the house.

Four people were home at the time of the alleged incident, but were not physically injured.

Police say that the stolen car was later found dumped on Kirkham Road.

Police later arrested the five teenagers at around 5am on Kirkham Road.

A 17-year-old boy from Narre Warren, two 17-year-old boys from Dandenong, a 16-year-old boy from Pakenham, and a 13-year-old boy from Cranbourne South were arrested, and later charged over the alleged incident.

The investigation is ongoing. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au if you have any information.

Cannabis seized FACTORIES in Carrum Downs and Seaford have been among those raided by police as part of a 10-month long investigation into an alleged organised crime syndicate.

In the past 10 months police have seized around 7000 cannabis plants

PAGE 4

from factories in Campbellfield, Braeside, Kilsyth, Carrum Downs, Seaford, Ravenhall, Truganina, and Derrimut. Police say that the seized plants are worth up to $12 million.

Police arrested two more people in relation to the investigation on 23 August. A total of 12 people have been arrested over the course of the investigation.

Hume Crime Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Joseph Hartwig said “police will be alleging those arrested are a part of a significant organised crime syndicate, seeking to profit off the most vulnerable in our community.”

“We know the flow on effect of illicit drugs causes devastation throughout the community – with drug-fuelled driving, family violence and assaults,” he said. “We make no apologies for having zero tolerance for drug manufacturers, and will continue to focus on disrupting the supply of drugs in the community.”

Alleged burglary A MAN has been arrested over an alleged burglary at a gaming venue in Cheltenham.

It is alleged that cash was stolen from the Centre Dandenong Road venue.

The building was allegedly broken into on the morning of 1 August.

Offenders allegedly smashed the rear glass door at around 6.30am to gain entry.

Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News

25 August 2021

Police have since arrested a 47-year-old Noble Park man, and charged him with burglary, theft, handle stolen goods, and breaching bail. He was remanded to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 19 August.

Driver blows way over legal limit A CARRUM Downs man has been arrested after allegedly driving drunk and being involved in a crash last week.

At around 4.30pm on 19 August, a white Ford ute collided with a Triton ute travelling in the same direction on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. Police allege that the Ford had been “driving erratically”.

The Triton became airborne after the crash, and hit the safety rail.

Police allege that the Ford driver had to stop his car because of the damage sustained, but still attempted to flee. Police arrived and took him to the police station where he allegedly returned an evidentiary breath test reading of 0.224.

The 27-year-old man from Carrum Downs is expected to be charged with multiple offences.

Any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via www. crimestoppersvic.com.au to assists with the investigation.

OUTDOOR dining at the Supper Club restaurant in Mordialloc before lockdown.

Picture: Supplied

Door open for outdoor dining COSTS for approved outdoor dining and footpath trading permits, and dining pop-up licences, will continue to be waived until 30 November.

Many councils statewide have been waiving fees and incentivising business to expand their outdoor dining areas since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kingston Council began waiving fees in October last year, and will continue through until this November.

Kingston Council says that since it started waiving fees it has granted 50 new footpath activity permits, 22 expanded footpath activity permits, permits for 10 parklets, and permits for 10 outdoor dining pop-up events.

Kingston mayor Steve Staikos said council is “happy to continue waiving these fees to further support businesses wherever possible, to get them through the pandemic.”

“Many of the outdoor dining permits provided by council are relatively straightforward, and businesses have been contacted about how they can continue, but there are a few that require a bit more time and investigation, to ensure we get it right,” he said.

Some residents have become worried about the effect of parklets on local parking spaces. “Council has received feedback from a number of community members, who have raised concerns that in some suburbs, outdoor dining parklets have resulted in a shortage of car parking spaces,” Cr Staikos said. “We understand that we need to get the balance right, by listening to our community, whilst doing whatever we can to support local businesses.”

Deadly pet poison ‘may reappear’ Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au AGRICULTURE Victoria is warning that more cases of pet-food poisoning – which killed two dogs at a Mornington Peninsula pet hospital in the past month – may reappear in coming weeks.

The two dogs were among six taken by distressed owners to the Peninsula Vet Emergency Hospital with lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting and jaundice consistent with liver disease.

The cases occurred from mid-July to mid-August.

Testing found the toxin indospicine in the blood and liver of the sick dogs and in pet meat samples.

The naturally occurring contaminant is found in the indigofera plant from the Northern Territory.

Dogs are especially sensitive to its toxic effects in meat from livestock that grazed the plant.

Horses grazing where the plant grows are considered the most likely source.

While there have been no more recent cases reported to the vet hospital, Agriculture Victoria and PrimeSafe – the authority responsible for regulating meat, poultry, seafood and pet food in Victoria – warn that more cases of indospicine poisoning may appear “in coming weeks”.

Dr Wey Yen Loh, who heads the pet hospital’s emergency and critical care department, in Mornington-Tyabb Road, said of the six dogs treated “two progressed to develop severe liver failure and had to be euthanised. Four other dogs recovered after developing mild disease”.

Agriculture Victoria said about 60 dogs had been affected across Victoria, with 21 dying.

Cases were rife on the Mornington Peninsula,

Bairnsdale, Traralgon, and in the eastern suburbs.

Dr Loh said the authorities had confirmed pet meat from the Maffra District Knackery was contaminated with indospicine between 31 May-3 July.

It has been found to affect dogs “more significantly, whereas livestock that have grazed on these plants will end up storing the toxin within the muscles. Indospicine is not known to be toxic to humans.”

Affected products sold at Backmans Greyhound Supplies, Seaford, had been recalled. The outlet was contacted for comment but referred The News back to the Maffra knackery.

Dr Loh said contaminants may be present in pet supply products across Victoria. “We recommend anyone with raw pet meat sourced in the above dates dispose of it immediately to reduce the risk of exposure.”

PrimeSafe and Agriculture Victoria have closed their investigation but warn the toxin may still be in products in pet owners’ freezers and that neither cooking nor freezing will destroy it.

All pet meat, including beef and kangaroo, should be considered at risk of contamination due to the blending of pet meats during processing, the department said in a statement.

“Indospicine can build up slowly when affected meat is consumed regularly by dogs. It can then reach levels sufficient to cause toxicity, so, if your dog has been fed pet meat matching the description, and they have not become unwell, do not assume your pet meat is safe.

“Contact your supplier to confirm the source of your pet meat.”

Works continue near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing level crossings and building the Metro Tunnel.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Road disruptions: Closed roads

Frankston and Stony Point lines

Chelsea Road, Chelsea

Permanently

Closed at the level crossing

Argyle Avenue, Chelsea

Until Nov

Closed at the level crossing

Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach stations closed

28 to 29 Aug

Flinders Street to Caulfield

From 9pm 13 Sep to 31 Oct

Mordialloc to Frankston and Stony Point

Bondi Road, Bonbeach Edithvale Road, Edithvale

MTIA6463

Until late 2021

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News

25 August 2021

PAGE 5

NEWS DESK

Better buses suggested rather than rail extension A NEW report released by Infrastructure Victoria has recommended improving bus services in Frankston rather than moving forward with the long-touted rail extension to Baxter.

Infrastructure Victoria released its updated 30-year strategy last week. The organisation is an independent body that advises the state government on its projects.

Among the recommendations included in the report was to investigate the rollout of more bus services in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula in the next year “instead of progressing a rail extension to Baxter”.

The report read that “a preliminary business case considered different rail and bus options for more extensive public transport improvements between Frankston and Baxter. The Victorian Government allocated funds to undertake network reform in the Mornington Peninsula. This network reform should consider the role of next generation bus services.

“Our modelling of selected rail extensions to other outer suburban growth areas found they can encourage more people to move further out. An extension of the Frankston line could create extra pressure for new housing developments in environmentally sensitive and agriculturally important places on the Mornington Peninsula.

“The Frankston Station Precinct is a designated multi-modal transit interchange. This should be the hub for better bus connections to the Frankston metropolitan activity centre, railway station, Chisolm TAFE and Frankston Hospital.

As the station precinct develops, it will require an inter-modal terminal upgrade and more bus services to help manage traffic flow and congestion. This would build upon the Victorian Government’s funded improved bus services to the Mornington Peninsula.”

The proposed duplication and electrification of the Frankston line to Baxter has been at a standstill for years. A business case released last year quoted the full cost of the project at an eyewatering $1.3 to $1.5 billion (“Business case casts doubt on rail extension” The News 17/11/20). The federal government has committed $225 million to the extension, but the state government has not got on board.

The release of the IV report shocked some groups who have long been advocating for the extension of the rail line. CEO of advocacy group Committee for Greater Frankston, Ginevra Hosking, said “Frankston’s residents have been thrown under a bus. Commonwealth money is on the table to build the Frankston extension today, yet the state recommends even more studies.”

“The final report is saying another five years is needed for feasibility studies but in the meantime next generation buses will do.

It’s again kicking the can down the road. The public benefits of the rail extension have been well documented, widely circulated in the community, and strongly supported by our region’s major organisations. Ongoing delays like this place the $225 million funding for the extension in jeopardy,” Ms Hosking said.

“Providing a metro-standard train service to the [Monash University] campus is one of the compelling reasons for the long-awaited rail extension. A station near Monash would en-

Pictures: Gary Sissons

able six-times as many students to access the campus by rail.

“The report recognised that Frankston’s multi-modal transit interchange – situated right in the middle of the CBD – is unable to handle high traffic volumes, and needs upgrading, so how will sending more buses there solve our problems?”

The report made other recommendations about the Frankston line. IV has also suggested completing a business case in the next two years to reconfigure the city loop, with a plan for more frequent metropolitan services on the Frankston, Craigieburn, Upfield, and Glen Waverley lines included.

“Reconfiguring the City Loop also has other

benefits. It could allow more frequent services on the Frankston and Glen Waverley lines, using depot facilities in Melbourne’s north,” the infrastructure strategy reads. “Our modelling shows that providing more frequent train services in these parts of the network attracts more jobs and housing along the Craigieburn and Upfield rail lines and surrounding areas, and other places such as Cheltenham and Moorabbin.”

At a launch for the strategy at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia last week, Infrastructure Victoria CEO Michel Masson said “our final recommendations consider the medium to longer-term impacts of the global pandemic. Despite the current

challenges, Victoria will continue to grow and transform.”

“Our 30-year roadmap outlines how Victoria can make the most of the infrastructure we already have while ensuring new infrastructure, such as road and rail projects, deliver maximum value to areas where it is needed most,” he said.

The state government is expected to respond to the strategy’s recommendations and form its own integrated 5-year infrastructure plan sometime in the next year.

To read the full report visit infrastructurevictoria.com.au/victorias-infrastructure-strategy2021-2051-home Brodie Cowburn

Did you know... you can view our papers online

www.baysidenews.com.au PAGE 6

Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News

25 August 2021

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ACROSS 1. Not as old 4. Russian liquor 7. Of the heart 8. Delight 9. Sewing yarn 12. Edge of highway 15. Magnificence 17. Mariner

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18. VCR, ... cassette recorder 21. Cellophane cover 22. Ore veins 23. Begged

DOWN 1. Sailing 2. Tidier 3. Horse restraint 4. Other way, ... versa 5. Vibrant 6. Wheel spindle 10. Removed fluid from 11. Whiskers

13. Originated 14. Touched with hand 16. Photographer’s tool 18. Calf meat 19. Has 20. Lantern

Puzzles supplied by Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd www.lovattspuzzles.com See page 11 for solutions.

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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News

25 August 2021

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100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...

‘The Standard’ takes an election stand Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE election to fill the seat so long occupied by Mr Downward is exciting an extraordinary amount of interest. The reason is on the surface.

Mr Downward, in allying himself with the Labor Party to defeat the Government, lost the support of a great body of electors.

Of those electors some were Nationalists, some were supporters of the Country Party, most were men and women with no respect for the wirepullers, paid organisers and touts of any party organisation.

All were, however, agreed on a few simple points.

They want a Government which will develop the resources of the State as a whole and of this district in particular, on sound lines, squandering no money, pandering to no class.

They want, further, to choose their own parliamentary representative, and to give him his mandate.

That being so, they were righteously indignant when they found that a coterie in Melbourne had selected Mr W. S. Cook, not as the candidate of the clique, but as the candidate for whom the people of Frankston, Somerville, Hastings, Wonthaggi and of other parts of the electorate were to vote.

For this attempt to drive us like a flock of sheep there is absolutely no justification. It is a piece of gratuitous impertinence, a piece of impertinence resented by all thoughtful men and women from end to end of the electorate.

Of Mr Cook there is no unkind word to be said. He is a cultured,

upright citizen; he is not old, but he has passed the age at which a man should enter on a parliamentary apprenticeship.

But even were he an experienced parliamentarian in the very prime of life, the electors would say “No”, when a little group of anonymous wirepullers in a Melbourne office dare to foist him on a constituency they had not so much as condescended to consult.

As the “Age” has pointed out, it is the meek acceptance of this offensive dictation of cliques, which has brought our political life to its present sorry level.

Happily, however, we are still free.

An obscure coterie can lay the snare full in our sight, but we need not walk into it.

Mr Sambell, aware though he is that party organisations are powerful, has courage to assert his own independence; to say that he will make his appeal, not to a group of unknown despots in Melbourne, but to the great body of electors in the constituency.

The sole question is, whether we, as electors, are going to return the man who asks for our votes, the man whom we called on to fight the battle, or are we going to desert him, and return one for whom Melbourne orders us to vote.

Mr Sambell is in the prime of life; he knows the roads and the waters, the requirements of the district, as only one who has been actively engaged in local matters can know them.

He lives in the part of the electorate where he can be most readily reached

by the majority of the electors, whether they travel from Stony Point or from Moorooduc.

The seat has been held by a Mornington man for very many years, and no exception has been taken to Mr Downward on that ground; but the seat must not be regarded as belonging to Mornington.

The people of the electorate as a whole want things done.

Mr Sambell is an energetic man, an engineer, who will speak with authority on local requirements on the matters which affect our comfort and our incomes.

As to the good government of the State, there isn’t a brass farthing to choose between Cook and Sambell; that being clear, it would be simple madness to choose a lawyer who is entitled to enjoy ease with dignity, when we are offered the services of an engineer who is just entering on his best years as regards intellectual life and vigor. *** A SMOKE social was held at Mr Macafee’s residence on Tuesday evening, the occasion being a send off to Constable Dyball, who has been stationed here for the past three years and has now been removed to Kiewa to take charge of that station.

The chair was occupied by Mr P. Wheeler, who spoke eulogistically of the guest of the evening, both as a private citizen and as a constable.

Other speakers followed, and thoroughly endorsed the remarks of the chairman.

During the evening a presentation was made of a handsome travelling

rug and suitcase, on behalf of a few friends, and a smoker’s outfit from the Gazeka and Humming Birds.

Constable Dyball feelingly responded and thanked them for their expressions of regard and useful gifts.

Various other toasts were proposed and responded to, a pleasant evening terminating with Auld Lang Syne and God Save the King. *** THE friends of Mr Edward Sage will regret to hear that he is still very seriously ill, his medical adviser holding out no hope of his recovery. *** LIEUT H. V. Mays, who, at the last elections, acted as campaign secretary to the Hon. A. Downward in the Mornington Electorate, has been selected to oppose the Mayor of Carrum (Mr Frank Groves) for the Dandenong seat in the Country Party’s interests. *** CR David White, of Mordialloc, has been elected President of the Victorian Protestant Federation in succession to the Rev. G. A. Judkins, who recently visited Frankston. *** MR John Robertson, the well known Carrum estate agent, was at one time foremost in Scottish concert circles throughout New South Wales and Victoria.

It was he who had most to do with the formation of the old Caledonian Society at Richmond. *** MR W. S. Cook, the Nationalist candidate for the Mornington electorate, will speak at Frankston tonight.

A comprehensive report will be published in “The Standard” next issue. *** MR and Mrs R. Sprigg, of Sth Yarra, were amongst the visitors to Frankston on Sunday last. *** MRS Mary Anne Ward, wife of Mr Ernest S. Ward, late of Hastings, died at Rippon Lea on Sunday last at the age of 44 years. *** THE Government statistics state that there has been a decreased output of potatoes in the Mornington county for the past season – 14,241 acres giving 33,473 tons as against 46,125 tons from 13,227 acres the year before.

There was 3,985 tons of onions and 42,077 bushels of maize produced last season in this county. *** THERE is a shortage of vegetables in the Melbourne market.

The Dandenong and Carrum supplies are nearly exhausted, and supplies from Westernport, Dalmore and Somerville are not expected before Xmas.

Carrum was once an extensive vegetable gardening district, and one of the chief sources of supply for Melbourne, but the district is being rapidly populated by dairy farmers. *** THE Commercial Travellers’ Association presented Mr. J. B. Jolly, of Frankston, with a costly piece of silver-plate on Saturday last. *** From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 19 August 1921

THE MEANING OF EXISTENCE... AND OTHER SHORT STORIES

Postcards from the Fridge: How I Lost The Plot Before Finding It

By Stuart McCullough THIS was the week. The week I could no longer ignore the incontrovertible and mounting evidence that I had well and truly lost the plot. There will be some who assert (somewhat unfairly) that I never had a tight grip on it to begin with, but the fact is that weeks of lockdown have finally loosened whatever grip I had and the plot has drifted off like a helium balloon. Goodness knows where that thing will end up.

It happened on Sunday. I finished my run and wandered over to the local coffee shop, mask now firmly in place. As I always do, I ordered a small skinny flat white with one. I waited patiently as the barista weaved her particular magic until my name was called and I stepped forward to collect my caffeinated prize. It was then I made the mistake that I’d successfully avoided making the entire pandemic - I raised my take away coffee to my lips and attempted to drink it through the mask.

Skinny flat white immediately cascaded down my face and splashed across my chest. Others turned their faces away in abject disgust as coffee began to land in big, dark drops on the footpath.

Even the barista looked horrified. I did what any reasonable person would do under the circumstances – I continued trying to suck flat white through my mask. For something thin enough to allow you to breathe, a mask is surprisingly resistant to liquid. Soon, what had been droplets turned into a veritable waterfall as coffee tumbled down my front before splashing across the footpath.

I can’t have been the first. Surely others have experienced the ‘forgot I was wearing a mask and attempted to drink a coffee’ syndrome? There are many different types of mask. I’ve stuck with orthodoxy and have been wearing surgical masks. It makes me feel as though I fit in as well as suggesting I’m more qualified than I actually am. However, a light blue surgical mask really highlights coffee stains around the mouth region. Essentially, it ruins the mask forever. It also makes you easy to spot – passersby are left in no doubt as to what’s

PAGE 8

Reassembled bones from the backyard

happened.

Possibly as a result of feeling humiliated, possibly because I was under-caffeinated, I over-reacted by deciding to spend the day gardening. If, as I suspected, I had lost the plot; there was some chance I might find it buried somewhere in the back yard. Those who consider gardening part of their routine probably can’t appreciate how bizarre it is for me to be in the garden. Besides mowing, we’ve mostly left each other alone. A respectful distance if you will. But here was I, violating the very neutrality that had kept us all safe up to now.

Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 25 August 2021

I’ve not lived at this address for long. To that extent, this particular garden is a mystery to me.

There are some raised garden beds completely overrun with grass and weeds, which seemed like a logical place to start. Using the wonder-mattock I bought just before lockdown, I ripped up the garden beds and fished out as much of the grass as I could. It was then that I started to discover more surprising artifacts.

In an ideal world, this would be the part of the story where I told you about the gold doubloons, diamonds and other treasures I discovered. But if

the past eighteen months has taught us anything, it’s that an ideal world doesn’t exist. Instead, I found a menagerie of random household items. A foam ball, a toy car, tinsel (leading me to speculate that previous occupants may have grown their own Christmas tree, decorating it ‘in situ’ rather than dragging it into the living room) and, somewhat alarmingly, bones.

The more I dug, the more bones I discovered.

There were moments when I thought I’d soon be calling in Forensics before it became obvious that these were animal bones. In lockdown, you’re supposed to start new hobbies, and for an instant I considered trying to re-construct the skeleton into a museum display before deciding that skeletal modeling was not a skill I wanted to take into the post-pandemic world.

Then it struck me. With all the force of a skinny flat white with one that you’ve inadvertently attempted to drink while still wearing a facemask.

These were, most likely, the remains of a cat. In fact, these weren’t raised garden beds at all, but a shrine to a revered family feline that I had inadvertently managed to desecrate. Other cats would be out for revenge. I would have to go into hiding – which is hard to do when you’re already in lockdown. I’m not sure how, precisely, but the catkingdom will exact its revenge. I now live in fear that there’ll be a knock on the door and I’ll open it to find Mr. Mistoffelees standing on the porch before punching me in the nose and storming off.

In the middle of the week, there was a knock.

Naturally, I was nervous. But rather than finding an angry Mr. Mistoffelees bent on wreaking vengeance waiting for me, I found a box. In that box I found food. Coffee, milk, donuts, cheese and a pizza. Sent by a family member for no reason at all other than to make me feel better. I rummaged around the bottom of the box before pulling it out.

And there it was – the plot. Just when I needed it most. Thanks. stuart@stuartmccullough.com

LETTERS

Letters - 300 words maximum and including full name, address and contact number - can be sent to The News, PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or emailed to: team@mpnews.com.au

‘Correcting the record’ over federal Pfizer negotiations Both Pfizer, the Australian government and Department of Health have previously rejected these unsubstantiated, unsourced claims about negotiations with Pfizer, including from the articles mentioned (“Mixed messages” Letters 17/8/21).

They are false and I am surprised that an already discredited claim was published. The quote that I said we rejected the offer is fabricated. No such offer was made. No such quote has been made.

The Australian government entered into an advanced purchase agreement (APA) with Pfizer for the purchase of their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, while ensuring safe and effective vaccines for Australians based on the medical advice from SITAG and the maximum doses available.

In addition, Pfizer themselves stated to the Senate committee that “the supply of vaccine in Australia was developed following consultation with the Australian government and each agreement was based on the availability of doses and earliest schedule that could be provided at that time”.

The government has followed the advice of SITAG at all times on both the selection and quantity of vaccines. Any assertion to the contrary is incorrect.

With over 15.7 million vaccine doses administered at time of writing, our rollout continues to gather pace and I thank each and every Australian who has come forward to be vaccinated.

Greg Hunt, MP for Flinders, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Somerville

Vaccine truth Thank you for Cameron McCullough’s excellent article on vaccines and COVID (“Seek the truth about vaccines from doctors, not ‘know-it-alls’” The News 17/8/21).

It’s refreshing in this time of misinformation and those seeking “affirmation not information” to get someone advising people to speak to the experts, not your barista.

This piece came at a good time for me. It’s been a hard week as it leads up to the one-year anniversary of the death of my mother in law from COVID-19.

Every day I have to listen to the “opinions” of people fed misinformation about COVID-19 and the media who are not supporting the government health directions and undermining our leaders.

It’s frustrating, heartbreaking and makes this time so much harder when you understand how much we have to lose.

Thanks for continuing so show responsible journalism when it’s not always what people want but because it’s the right thing to do and, ultimately, will save lives.

I know you will get the full force of the antivaccine movement unleashed on you because of this story, but I just wanted to say there are those of us who have seen what left unchecked this virus can do, and we thank you for doing the right thing. Take care and stay safe.

Sharon O’Hehir, Dromana

Lockdown idiocy It appears the lockdown and the idiocy of some of the population is getting to you as it is with me (“Seek the truth about vaccines from doctors, not ‘know-it-alls’” The News 17/8/21).

I just find the reaction of these (so-called) rational younger people are mind boggling. I guess it is because they have never been through anything dangerous (like polio, smallpox, tetanus or a big financial crisis) in their lifetime.

I do hold hope for the future but do question the thinking processes of these younger (against me) people, they do need to stop believing all this crap being fed to them on social media.

Keep up the good work.

Barry Kirkpatrick, Mount Martha

Uncharitable changes [Flinders MP] Greg Hunt and his colleagues in the LNP are at it again by threatening the charitable status of public groups (“AGL allies at odds over charity laws” The News 17/8/21).

It is hard enough for small local groups get-

ting enough resources together to fight projects and proposals that clearly are against public or environmental interest without big government interference.

I’m sure trusts like [Hillview Quarry owner] the Ross trust will be untouched.

Hands off community not-for-profit organisations.

Rupert Steiner, Balnarring Beach

Centrelink ‘win’ Flinders MP [and Health and Aged Care Minister] Greg Hunt has proudly announced on Facebook that the Centrelink office in Mornington will not be closed by his government. Wow, not doing something is now counted as some kind of achievement.

I guess if you were the minister responsible for the vaccine rollout stuff up you would probably view sweeping your driveway as a noteworthy achievement.

Ross Hudson, Mount Martha

Frightening future When observing the political grandstanding, egos and mistakes of many politicians in dealing with COVID-19, I shudder at the frightening prospect of how they will deal with climate change and species extinction that are already here.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have now been joined by three more carrying fire, floods and rising sea levels. All are riding straight at us but, unfortunately, it seems business as usual is the call for most Australian politicians.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns of seven tipping points related to potential areas of abrupt change. One I find particularly frightening is change to the Atlantic Ocean’s circulation, the Gulf Stream.

There are huge climatic differences between similar latitudes in North America and northern Europe and it is quite feasible that a further slowdown or even a stop to the Gulf Stream will have disastrous results. It could render parts of northern Europe uninhabitable, at least for the present population. Where are they going to move to? My guess would be Australia, with or without our permission.

We need clear vision and tight strategy to halt and, I hope, reverse the seemingly inevitable through: Politicians pursuing policies of true sustainability; protection of old growth forests; protection and enhancement of biodiversity; total commitment to renewable energy; and, economic support for third world countries to achieve these goals as well; Henry Kelsall, The Sustainable Future Association, Frankston

Numbers count There is a lot of local interest in matters published every week by The News and some also of state and federal proportions.

There have been items promoting the creation of a new party to oppose [Flinders MP] Greg Hunt at the next election, and I thoroughly endorse those motives.

However, the creation of a new party able to contest a federal election is now fraught with greater difficulty than when Pauline Hanson decided to take on the establishment. Little publicity has been given to Electoral Legislation Amendment (Party Registration Integrity) Bill 2021 introduced by the Assistant Minister for Electoral Matters on 12 August.

This bill is an obvious collusion between the Liberal, National and Labor parties to kill off small emerging parties which are attracting growing support simply as an alternative to the failed major parties.

This bill raises the minimum number of members for a viable party to exist and remain registered from 500 to 1500. A list of members must be provided within 90 days and failure to comply and remain compliant results in immediate deregistration.

Groups with ambitions to form a new party or parties should be aware of these proposed changes and proceed on the basis that they will be passed.

To marshal a group of 1500 people into a new party in an electorate the size of Flinders is a tall

No rest for the whales I was among the fortunate on-lookers at Safety Beach on Wednesday 21 July when two adult southern right whales spent rested in the shallows close to the shore opposite the yacht club.

Because of the lockdown there were few boats around while the whales enjoyed a peaceful time in this sheltered area. Suddenly, with a throbbing beat, a helicopter appeared and hovered overhead to get some shots for the nightly television news.

While it is important that news of such interesting animal encounters gets publicity, it seems a bit unnecessary to fly around so close, every time a whale shows up in Port Phillip.

Remembering that southern right whales are among the most endangered species of baleen whale and one of the largest animals to ever have lived on Earth, some great shots could have been taken from a higher altitude, allowing these rare visitors a little peace before continuing their epic migration to Antarctica.

Bill Boyle, Dromana

order and groups planning to create new parties should get together ASAP and find common ground to attract the numbers and the funds to launch an organisation of that size.

One should not forget the events that destroyed One Nation by internal dissent. On the other hand, there may well be some icing on this cake if it thwarts the formation of small “independent” parties that are little more than a front for one of the majors to give support to crucial legislation.

Barry James Rumpf, McCrae

Trees axed

Help Afghans

Flag rules followed

In the light of the reported chaos and seeming rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, Australia should follow countries such as Canada and the UK and increase our humanitarian intake of Afghan refugees and offer extra places to people living in extreme danger. Three thousand people from our current planned intake is not enough. That number is part of our current annual humanitarian intake of 13,750.

Australia has in the past generously offered a safe haven to those in danger over and above our annual intake of refugees.

Afghan people already in Australia, many on temporary protection visas, have not been eligible to make applications for their families – often their wife and children - to come to Australia. Their applications should now be accepted by the Home Affairs Department as a matter of priority. It is time to immediately provide for more family reunions. Family members back in Afghanistan now face heightened danger.

Refugees on temporary protection visas should be granted permanent protection visas after years of the uncertainty. Their return to Afghanistan is no longer an option. The reason for their fleeing from their homeland over the years is clear as our role in Afghanistan for the last 20 years attests.

In this emergency I along with many Australians expect the federal government to act responsibly and with compassion for Afghans in Australia, as well as the continuing rescue of those supporters of our forces fleeing from Afghanistan.

Ann Renkin, Shoreham

Trail blazers We too would like to endorse the remarks regarding the resurfacing of the Bay Trail from Morris Street, Tootgarook to Shirlow Avenue, Rye (“Gold standard” Letters 17/8/21).

We would like to inform the users of the Bay Trail that our past councillor, Hugh Fraser, and the relevant employees of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council were responsible for bringing forward, by five years, the upgrading of this section of the trail. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Fraser for his efforts in fast tracking the upgrade along with all his fine work for the community while serving as our councillor.

Mary and Lester Walkenhorst, Tootgarook

I’m distressed by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s chainsaw gang that is destroying trees around Mornington.

The team has cut to the ground coastal tea trees and other species in the Whitby and Herbert Street area without regard for the environment.

I hope that no further destruction is carried out within Mornington.

Gary Down, Mornington

I was alarmed to read an allegation that flag protocols are not being properly observed on the flag pole located in Sorrento (“All a flutter over flag protocol” Letters 18/8/21).

Many people are confused about the proper way to fly a national flag and much of this misunderstanding stems from the role yardarms and gaffs play in proper placement.

Flagpoles without a gaff require the national flag to be flown from the masthead, with the state flag located on the left and the house flag on the right.

However, positions change when a flagpole is fitted with a gaff.

With a gaff, flagpoles must always position the Australian flag on the gaff (which is the position of honour). This harks back to the sailing days when galleons at war positioned their national flag over the transom on a gaff to safely protect it against falling spars.

For anyone still doubting the correct protocols I suggest they consult the Australian National Flag Association website: anfa-national.org.au The Sorrento gaff rigged flagpole conforms accurately to Australian flag protocols.

I am sorry my devotion to this role- has unwittingly- been besmirched.

Rob Tucker, Sorrento

Powered off The feed-in tariff for [power from] solar has been reduced again this time by 11 per cent.

Adding insult to injury, it has also been decided that electric companies can charge solar owners when they feed into the grid.

Why? Simply put, the energy companies have not reinvested into the grid. Part of their charge to us is to cover upgrades and maintenance. We know from their lack of maintenance contribution to the bushfires that does not happen.

So why would anyone purchase a solar system today, especially with the prohibitive cost of storage batteries to thwart this?

How will this ideologically-motivated, neoliberal pseudo-Christian extremist government be able to take credit for clean energy even though it continues to ignore the problem.

Australia has one of the highest uptakes of rooftop solar in the world, but maybe not for much longer.

In summary: God save us from the shortsighted politicisation of intelligence.

Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach

Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News

25 August 2021

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CHELSEA MORDIALLOC MENTONE NEWS

scoreboard

Orritt and the Smashing Pumpkins SOCCER

Langy lad: Langwarrin’s Sam Orritt in action against Moreland Zebras at Lawton Park earlier this season. Picture: Darryl Kennedy

By Craig MacKenzie HE’S played football in more countries than perhaps any other player on the peninsula and he has a close connection with the Smashing Pumpkins.

His career has seen him parade his skills on pitches in England, Scotland, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia and he’s spent much of 2021 showing what he’s capable off with a team that calls Lawton Park home.

Life for Sammy Orritt started in Doncaster in Yorkshire 28 years ago.

Life for Orritt the footballer started in California at the age of three and the Smashing Pumpkins introduced him to the game and provided the springboard for what was to follow.

His father was in the quarrying and mining industry and the Orritts moved to the US when he was only six months old.

“Believe it or not my first team was called the Smashing Pumpkins and they ran a program for three- and four-year-olds,” he said.

When Orritt was “five or six” the family returned to England and he played with local club Retford United up until under-11 level when he trialled with Nottingham Forest “for 12 to 18 weeks”.

Orritt returned to Retford but shortly after moved to Epworth Colts “to play with lads I knew from school”.

He played with Epworth for two seasons before signing with Rotherham United in 2007 and playing in the under-15s.

He had two seasons there but suffered a knee ligament injury that took almost a year to recover from and when he was released he joined Lincoln United.

During his time there he scored in the FA Youth Cup but in 2011 the opportunity came to take up a college scholarship in the US. The Ziada brothers, Keegan and Bryce, well known to local soccer fans here through their connections to Mornington and Berwick City, were to play a part in Orritt’s decision to join South Carolina’s Limestone University.

“Initially I was going to go to Michigan but they signed Keegan from Limestone so I ended up going there and playing with Bryce,” Orritt said.

It was a great move.

“I probably had the best four years of my (football) life to be honest.

“The lifestyle suited me and I made some really good mates that I’m still in touch with.

“It was like being in a pro environment but you were getting your (academic) education at the same time.

“I majored in PE and sports management with a minor in business in the end and that’s helped me later on.

“I work for a heating business as their internal sales manager.”

Orritt’s time in the US included two summer seasons playing with Canadian club Toronto Lynx in the Premier Development League.

“You’re not allowed to be paid to play but your accommodation is taken care of and they give you food vouchers and vouchers for local restaurants rather than pay you directly.”

While playing with Limestone Orritt won AllAmerican honours in 2013 and 2014 and was named conference attacking player of the year in 2014.

In 2015 he returned to England and contacted a number of clubs.

Scottish side Kilmarnock notified Fife-based Cowdenbeath who offered him a trial.

“I did well and had a couple of pre-season games – one against Hearts – before they signed me.

“I was there for about six months and in all honesty I didn’t enjoy it there.”

Orritt was living in York and making the roundtrip to Scotland but the closure of the Forth Bridge due to emergency repairs in December 2015 was the final straw.

“I’d just had enough and I ended up signing with Bishop Auckland.”

The irony of that move wasn’t apparent until March 2017 when he arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand, to take up a deal with Coastal Spir-

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it thanks to a former teammate at Toronto Lynx who was then playing with Canterbury United, another Christchurch-based outfit.

His stint there was short-lived though.

He took advantage of a suspension early in his time with Coastal Spirit to visit his uncle in Melbourne in May that year.

That was when family friend Chris Marshall, long-serving assistant to current Oakleigh Cannons coach Chris Taylor, arranged for Orritt to go down to Mornington.

“I loved it over here.”

Shortly after Orritt signed with the Dallas Brooks club and his impact was immediate.

“I think I scored 11 goals in 10 games.

“I’ve been robbing a living off that ever since,” he said with a laugh.

“We had a good side and we had a tight group of lads who looked after me.”

Orritt had another two seasons with Mornington but eventually felt impelled to move.

“I’m an ambitious player and I wanted to play at the highest level I could.

“No disrespect to State League but I didn’t want to be stuck there for another year and get in a rut.”

Orritt spoke to Mornington head coach Adam Jamieson who understood the player’s NPL ambition.

Orritt emailed a few clubs to find out if they were interested and this led to his switch to Langwarrin but things didn’t go well in his initial preseason there.

“I’d broken my collarbone in my last year at Mornington and I tried to recover from that without surgery.

“Just before Christmas (2019) Langy played Melbourne Victory in a pre-season game and I took a bit of a weird fall and did it again.

“I didn’t want it to keep happening so I decided to bite the bullet and have surgery.

“I was on track to be ready for the start of last season before COVID hit which actually allowed me to fully recover and to get fit again.

“Last year being called off wasn’t so bad for me because I had a bit of fire in the belly and wanted to give myself the best possible chance of coming back and breaking into a new team.

“This year with the on-off it’s been two weeks here then two weeks there and you can kind of keep yourself motivated but this latest lockdown has really knocked the wind out me.

“I think it’s because it’s so late in the year and it’s been harder to keep motivated and to keep going.”

Orritt has had to adjust to playing in the NPL and what is required from him at Langy is different to what he has been used to.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a bit slower than State League but lads want to play football a bit more where State League is more hell for leather.

“With me being a high intensity player I’ve got to get into the routine where you’ve got to let people have the ball sometimes rather than trying to win it back as soon as you can which is what it was like with teams I’d played for previously.

“Scott (Miller) has been really good.

“He talks you through things and how he wants you to play and when you’ve got someone who does that and gives you individual instructions it makes it a lot easier.”

We mightn’t see Orritt in action again in 2021 as ongoing COVID restrictions look likely to scupper the season.

His deal with Langy is for this year but he’s keen to stay and is positive about the club’s short-term prospects.

“If Scotty and the club want to keep me then I’ll be there.

“The people that are down there every week and the people that run the club are great and I really enjoy knocking about with the lads there.

“Maybe next year if we can keep everyone then we can certainly make a push for promotion.”

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25 August 2021

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