Frankston Times 18 August 2020 by Mornington Peninsula News Group

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Spoons on street

WALKERS across Victoria have been stumbling upon villages of colourful spoons. The Spoonvilles have been putting smiles on faces during the COVID-19 pandemic. One has been set up on Wahgunyah Crescent in Langwarrin. Willow (inset) was among the visitors to the spoon village. Pictures: Gary Sissons

Council prepares for more rate changes Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au FRANKSTON Council will consider extending many of its COVID-19 relief initiatives. At their August meeting councillors agreed to order a report which will assess “the feasibility of extending support and options to ratepayers who are experiencing financial hardship”. That report is due back in September.

In principle, councillors supported not raising penalty interest on overdue rates payments and suspending legal costs relating to debt recovery action until 30 June 2021. They had previously resolved to put those measures on hold until the end of September this year. Council also agreed to prepare a second report, due back in February 2021, which will consider the financial impact of extending applications for their

one-off $200 rate waiver for residents receiving the JobSeeker Payment into the 2021/2022 financial year. The February report will also consider further relief measures which could be introduced or extended into the 2021/2022 financial year. They include removing the differential rate applied to all commercial and industrial properties, putting a freeze on council rates, waiving all food business registration fee renewals, and placing

a hold of penalty interest on overdue rates and any dishonour fees incurred if a ratepayer defaults on direct debit payments. Other measures the report will evaluate for the upcoming financial year include waiving fees for not-for-profit organisations hiring or leasing council facilities, and waiving fees for businesses that pay a-frame and general advertising signage fees. All councillors voted in favour of

ordering the reports, with the exception of Cr Michael O’Reilly. In May, Frankston Council approved a support package worth over $6 million for residents to deal with the financial fallout from COVID-19 (“Expanded virus relief package approved”, The Times, 18/5/20). A second wave of coronavirus cases has thrown local businesses into even more turmoil since the announcement of that package.

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Frankston Times

18 August 2020

NEWS DESK

Shopping centre expansion considered LXRP to fund A DECISION on an eight storey building at Bayside Shopping Centre has been deferred by Frankston Council. Council deferred consideration of the permit application due to issues related to the provision of parking spaces. The complex, which would include a basement level carpark, shops, and office spaces, requires the provision of 3416 parking spaces from the existing Bayside Shopping Centre. Cr Colin Hampton said he “had a feeling [they] needed to double check how many spaces were actually part of the Bayside Shopping Centre (…) and they’ve come up very short”. Council officers found there to be only 3070 spaces available in the proposal. Had the council voted for the application, Cr Hampton said it would

have cost the area over 300 car spaces. With parking availability within the Frankston CBD already an issue, Cr Steve Toms was concerned about the further impact the proposal could have. “If there is this shortage going forward (…) it will be an absolute nightmare for residents and existing businesses in our CBD,” he said. Councillors have called for Vicinity Centers, the owner of the shopping centre, to work with them to find a solution. Cr Hampton said he “would love the development to go ahead” and asked Vicinity to “please come to the party”. A decision on the application was deferred to a future council meeting pending further investigation. The application was first put before council

on 20 July, making this is the second time it has been deferred. The issue may be taken out of council’s hands before it can be considered again. In a letter to the mayor dated 17 July, the planning minister wrote that he was considering preparation of a planning scheme amendment to directly enable the construction of the building. Frankston mayor Sandra Mayer said “if the [the state government] are going to take it out of our hands, these are our concerns”. Claudia Skubel

PLANS for an eight storey building at Bayside Shopping Centre.

new projects THE Level Crossing Removal Project will hand over $3.5 million to council if it agrees to take over the maintenance of multiple assets created through recent rail line works. Frankston Council officers have been directed by councillors to finalise negotiations with the LXRP over what assets will be handed over. They are expected to include shared use paths, drainage infrastructure, car parking, and public lighting. If a memorandum of understanding is signed and council takes on maintenance of the assets, the LXRP will contribute $3.5 million towards council projects. Among the projects council has nominated to be funded with the money include construction of a shared use path between Cricklewood Avenue and Beach Street along Dandenong Road East, delivery of the Kananook Creek Interpretative Trail, construction of shared use paths on Seaford Road and Skye Road, and construction of car parking and kerb works along Bardia Street. Frankston councillor Kris Bolam said that the funding would also “all but guarantee that the Kananook arboretum will proceed”. “We have worked really hard to get this outcome and now we have successfully gotten this funding win. The money council has initially earmarked for this project, $536,000, can be redirected to helping the community deal with the ongoing impact of the COVID crisis,” he said. “The task now is to ensure that the funding can cover everything that has been envisaged for the arboretum and proceeds on time and on budget”.

In February Frankston Council voted unanimously to spend $30,000 on a detailed concept design for the arboretum project. They also voted to “note the estimated total project cost is $672,500” and “authorise council officers to seek external funding for the entire project through the state government”. Work in Seaford undertaken by the LXRP earlier this year drew negative attention from long-time supporters for the arboretum project (“Fears for long held arboretum hopes”, The Times, 25/5/20) Council officers estimate that the annual cost to ratepayers for maintenance and depreciation of the LXRP assets is $345,700, including a seven per cent contingency. Brodie Cowburn

Election enrolment is closing soon LOCAL residents have just over a week left to enrol to vote in this year’s council elections. The electoral roll will close at 4pm on 28 August. The election is set to be held by post in October. Victorian Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately said “if you’re an Australian citizen and you’ve recently turned 18 or moved, and haven’t enrolled or updated your address, or if you’ve just closed your post office box with Australia Post, you can enrol or update your details online at vec.vic. gov.au/enrolment,” he said. Non-Australian citizens who pay rates on a property or business in the Frankston municipality, as well as people who live outside the area but pay rates for a property they own in Frankston can call the council to enrol. Non-residents who were enrolled at the last election will be automatically enrolled. For more information call 131 832.

No buts to delaying no-smoking rules Keith Platt keith@baysidenews.com.au IN a strange twist of fate, Mornington Peninsula Shire’s efforts to combat one known source of death and illness is being hampered by another, totally unexpected threat. However, councillors last week voted against deferring the creation of nosmoking areas, telling CEO John Baker to “ensure that the smoke-free policy is implemented as soon as practical”.

In doing so they have rejected a recommendation by one of their own senior officers to delay implementing the Smoke Free Environment policy because of the COVID-19 pandemic. VicHealth says 4000 Victorians die of smoking-related preventable deaths each a year at an estimated cost of $5 billion. Data from 2018 shows that 10.7 per cent of Victorian adults regularly smoke, down from 13.5 per cent in 2015. Ailments attributable to tobacco smoking include lung cancer, heart

disease, stroke, asthma, premature, low birth weight babies and diabetes. Community safety coordinator Talana Cook in a report to council’s Tuesday 11 August meeting urged councillors to wait for an “action plan for the staged implementation” of the policy rather than bring forward the second stage to 21 December this year. “The impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on resourcing availability, ability to engage stakeholders and implementation activities, further strengthens the argument for a pri-

oritised and staged approach to implementation,” Ms Cook stated. Cr David Gill told The Times that councillors had “got the delay [in implementing stage two of the anti-smoking policy] stopped”. “Nothing was done last year and nothing this year,” he said. “We’ve had the community onto us to do something, but as soon as it got a bit hard nothing was done.” The first stage of the smoke-free policy would be relatively easy as it aims at restricting smoking at council

properties and events. However, stage two involves stopping smoking in outdoor dining and drinking areas, on beaches, at foreshore camping areas and council reserves. Ms Cook’s report, supported by a 47-page summary co-authored by environment protection manager John Rankine and consultant Cindy Stubbs, said the Shire’s ability “to engage effectively with key stakeholders has been removed in the current ‘lockdown’ environment”.

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NEWS DESK

Housing strategy approved with changes KINGSTON Council has approved changes to their long-discussed housing strategy and neighbourhood character study. The strategy contains new guidelines on dwelling heights and density. Among the changes from the draft document released by council last year is the classification of more properties into the “neighbourhood residential zone”. This would limit construction to two storeys, a maximum of nine meters in height. A total of 51.3 per cent of land in Kingston available for residential development had been classified as in the NRZ in the 2019 draft. That has now been expanded to at least 80 per cent. Areas in Mentone and Cheltenham have been designated as “substantial change” areas in the document. The study read that housing in substantial change areas “will generally be in the form of apartment, shop-top, and townhouse developments of up to four storeys (14 metres)”. In the latest draft of the strategy from July this year, Mordialloc contained a large “increased change” area in which “new housing will be up to three storeys (11 metres)”. Smaller areas in Patterson Lakes and Aspendale Gardens had also been designated as “increased change”. However, Cr Rosemary West amended the strategy further at council’s most recent meeting to incorporate some of those areas into the neighbourhood residential zone, restricting buildings to a two storey limit. Areas in the southern region of the Kingston municipality, including Chelsea, are mostly listed as “no change” or “incremental change” areas. Cr West said at council’s 5 August meeting that “this will mean that hope-

Lockdown in pictures THE latest restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19 may have limited the chance to travel, but they also create plenty of inspiring ways for expressing creativity and recording these exceptional times through pictures. There are many opportunities for pictures while still observing social distance and authorised reasons for being outside (and masked) as well as in the home. Readers are invited to send and share their pictures, with a short caption, to: lockdown@mpnews.com.au

THESE first images on the Lockdown Pictures pages vary from a sunset (taken well before curfew), to a moth looking in from the outside, innovative nesting boxes and a mysterious road sign. But of course there’s no limit to the scope that may fall under the lens during lockdown. Pictures: Keith Platt

fully nobody in a two storey area will find themselves pushed into a three storey area.” Council will now request authorisation from the planning minister to prepare a planning scheme amendment. A futher stage of consultation will then take place. The mayor Georgina Oxley said “I know this may be a bit of a gamble and we may not get approval from the department for this, but we’ve got to try. I think we have to listen to what our residents have told us loud and clear.” To view the full study visit kingston. vic.gov.au/Property-and-Development/ Planning-for-our-future/Housing-Strategy-and-Neighbourhood-CharacterStudy Brodie Cowburn

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Frankston Times

18 August 2020

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NEWS DESK

Carer tests positive A DIRECT care worker working for Frankston Council has tested positive for COVID-19. The worker was last with clients on 7 August and is now self-isolating. Close contacts have been contacted by the Department of Health and Human Services. Council CEO Phil Cantillon said “at this stage it is believed close contact encounters have been minimal. Close contact means having face-to-face contact for more than 15 minutes or sharing an enclosed space for more than two hours with a person who has tested positive.”

“We take the safety of our clients very seriously and all direct care staff are provided with the appropriate personal protection equipment in line with workplace safety requirements,” he said. “We realise this news may be distressing for some clients and their families, however we are committed to keeping our community safe and informed. “There are no changes to our direct care service for non-impacted clients at this stage, and any possible future changes will be communicated to clients directly.”

OFFICIAL MEDICAL ADVICE

Don’t risk it. Always follow the health advice. A LIGHT tower which was installed at Frankston Park. Picture: Supplied

Lights tower over Frankston oval It’s up to all of us to keep each other safe. You must continue to practise good hygiene, physical distancing, and if you’re even slightly unwell, get tested and stay at home. Don’t risk it. The sooner we all do it, the sooner we’ll get through it. Have the App Visit australia.gov.au

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra PAGE 6

Frankston Times

18 August 2020

HUGE lighting towers have been installed at Frankston Park. The towers will allow for VFL and VFLW matches to be broadcast from the ground in the future. Work to install the four LED towers began in January. The project was funded through $850,000 from the federal government, $650,000 from the state government, and $1.3 million from council ratepayers. The new lights are estimated to be around nine times more powerful than the previous lights. Illumination levels are expected to exceed 500 lux a maximum of six times a year, but the lights will be switched off by 10.30pm on those occasions. Frankston mayor Sandra Mayer said “being able to broadcast our sporting events is a big win for all of us. As well as showcasing Frankston over the airwaves, the lights will also help attract big games for local sports fans and be of economic benefit to the community.” “When restrictions are lifted, visitors will come to Frankston to see matches and check out our local attractions, shops and restaurants which will aid the economy’s recovery. “All three levels of government share a commitment to making Frankston City a sporting destination within the region and I’d like to thank our state and federal representatives for supporting this special project.”

New service to help students FRANKSTON library members studying from home are now able to access more resources to help with their learning. The Studiosity program was launched earlier this month. The 24/7 online study help service is free to access with a Frankston Libraries membership. The service is available for students from years three to 12 and first year tertiary. On demand one-on-one help is on offer to students from a network of subject specialists. Frankston mayor Sandra Mayer said “although our libraries are temporarily closed, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to help local families and residents. We know that many families are struggling with homeschooling and learning online, which is why we are investing in education and adding even more free resources and tools to our library website.”

• • • • • • •

“Studiosity will provide some relief to families struggling to help their children study while at home, and will also help university students who are craving personalised assistance with their coursework,” she said. “Studiosity’s online support service offers live help in English, math and science, as well as essay writing feedback. There is also an option for job skills help and resume feedback.” Visit library.frankston.vic.gov.au to find out more.

STUDENT Oliver Piper, aged 12, learning online. Picture: Supplied

• • • • • •

Frankston Times

18 August 2020

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NEWS DESK Police patrol

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Large search for missing man AIR wing, mounted branch, and uniform police officers joined the SES last week to search for missing man Malcolm Bohmeyer. Mr Bohmeyer left his Cranbourne Road home to go for a bike ride at around 1.30pm on 12 August, and never returned home. He was not found last week. Search teams have been scouring the Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Craig MacKenzie, Ben Triandafillou ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@baysidenews.com.au Web: baysidenews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 20 AUGUST 2020 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2020

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since the man’s disappearance. Mr Bohmeyer’s family has serious concerns for his welfare. He has also now missed his regular medication for a medical condition. Mr Bohmeyer is 71-years-old and caucasian in appearance. He is 160 cms tall with a medium build and short grey hair. When he left home he was wearing a blue helmet, a black long sleeve t-shirt, and grey track pants.

An image of the missing man has been released in the hope that somebody may have seen him. Anyone who sees him is urged to contact Carrum Downs Police Station on 8770 4100.

POLICE and SES crews search Langwarrin for Malcolm Bohmeyer (inset). Picture: Gary Sissons

Mask assault A CONFRONTATION over a face mask ended in an assault in Frankston last week. Police have been told that a woman not wearing a face mask attended a Beach Street cafe at around 12.20pm, 11 August. She was spoken to by another woman, and the incident escalated into an assault. Police were called and confronted the maskless woman. She allegedly refused to provide her name, and then assaulted a police officer. The 58-year-old Frankston woman was arrested and is in police custody. Police believe that multiple people may have filmed the altercation, and wish for them to come forward. Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives urge anyone with information to contact Frankston Police Station on 9784 5555 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic. com.au.

“perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, approximately 175cm tall and aged in his 40’s with glasses. At the time, he was wearing black tracksuit pants with the stussy motif on the front left leg, a two toned high-vis windcheater and a baseball cap with Brooklyn motif on the front.” Police have released images (below) of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation, and an image of the vehicle he was seen leaving in. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Man wanted after sexual assault A WOMAN was sexually assaulted while exercising in Patterson Lakes last month. The victim, a 21-year-old, was in Kurrawa Linear Reserve and saw a man enter from Colac Court around 9.20am on 30 July. The man began masturbating on a bench, and then approached the victim from behind. He grabbed her and tried to assault her.

Anyone who can identify the man or with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

The victim struggled and the man fled on foot toward Gladesville Boulevard. CCTV images of a man police wish to speak to have been released. Police describe him as “perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged 20 to 25-years-old, about 170cm tall and spoke with a raspy voice. The man was wearing a black hooded jacket and black tracksuit pants.”

A MAN wanted in relation to an alleged sexual assault. Picture: Supplied

Shopping theft A THEFT from a Moorabbin shopping centre is being investigated by police. Police believe a man entered the Nepean Highway shop at around 4pm, 19 July and stole multiple items. Stolen items included a Tommy Hilfiger grey windcheater and navy pants, an Adidas navy top, superdry green pants, and a KSCY windcheater. The man left in a silver Subaru station wagon bearing the stolen plates 1NZ-6CE. The number plate had been stolen from Narre Warren South earlier in the month. The man police wish to speak to is

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Frankston Times

18 August 2020

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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

More respect needed I commend Mornington Peninsula Shire for wanting to tackle the twin evils of young men ending their lives and violence in the home, but its program seems to offer little hope of doing either (“Equality key to reducing violence” The News 11/8/20). Both behaviours are insidious, so to claim “gender equality” as a “key driver” of both actions seemed ambitious. However, I decided to read the research that underpins the program, which is a Jesuit Social Services study called The Man Box. The Man Box is presented as a set of 17 undesirable attitudes or behaviours. The young men rated them, and the result was that 70-80 per cent disagreed with every Man Box behaviour. The researchers still allocated everyone below the average score into the Man Box. The Man Box is just a straw man depiction of crude masculinity, which is then used to condemn genuine masculinity. Why would an academic study do such a thing? In the commentary, Dr Michael Flood argues that an alternative to the Man Box is “feminist masculinity”. Further, he questions why we need to talk of masculinity at all, identifying the “binary system of gender categories” as part of the problem. His solution is to ensure that: “Whatever vision we have for what men and boys should do and be, first, it must be feminist. It must be clearly critical of patriarchal and unjust practices and based on alternate norms and practices compatible with feminist values and commitments.” What a disappointment. Instead of a program that promotes being a “good man”, we are offered a program that condemns masculinity and demands androgyny. Frankly, here on the peninsula, I think we need to treat our young men and boys with a little more respect. Ian Brace, Mornington

Inconsistencies apply Walking between Canadian Bay and Ranelagh Beach, Mount Eliza I saw a kayaker heading towards Canadian Bay where he disappeared around the point heading into the Canadian Bay Club. Obviously, rules that keep everyone off the water don’t apply. I have a boat at Martha Cove, Safety Beach but because it is more than five kilometres from my home I am not allowed to go there to check that it is securely moored and bilge pumps, battery charger and other safety items are functioning properly. This means I am breaching my agreement with the owner’s corporation, and my insurance policy might be voided because it is a requirement that I check my boat regularly. I sought advice from our local MPs and their advice was ask my Insurer. I did, but received no response. Yachting Australia advised that I may not drive more than five kilometres to check my boat and suggested getting someone else to do it. It seems nonsensical that I can go to my local supermarket but am not allowed to drive an extra 15km, by myself, observing social distancing and wearing a mask, enter through a keycard recorded gate, under surveillance by CCTV, walk alone to my boat, do my checks (15 or 20 mins) alone, and drive home - alone. So, when I saw this kayaker, I thought rules for some, but not for others. Checking on boats, and kayaking, and swim-

ming in the bay, and fishing alone and many other recreational pursuits, alone, are probably far safer than a single trip to the supermarket. Inconsistencies in the stage four restrictions are likely to lead to mass disobedience and loss of confidence in those that rule. ISO has got to me; I’m writing to the papers now. John Hall, Mount Eliza Editor: The Department of Health and Human Services says recreational activities including golf, fishing, tennis, boating and organised sport are not permitted. Kayaking is not mentioned.

Predictable prejudices Last week’s letters against our Premier [Daniel Andrews] were xenophobic, generally. The tunnel-vision fanatics within the margins of fixed opinions, politically, indeed if extended, to any given topic, [are] almost always predictable before opening their mouths. Conservative, the meaning a mystery, looking on democratic socialism as a form of fascism. Many extended to approving [Prime Minister Scott] Morrison’s belief in “all the way with [US President] Donald [Trump]” and never considering (or recognising) his trend of institutional racism. Variety and flexibility, a necessity in living a life? Knowing how to adapt our living patterns to society’s customs and not being bound up with these necessities in favour of your own aims (if any, other than survival) can result in a marked improvement to your sense of living, albeit current adjustments. It gets harder with age. Better still, in the light of people on visas, the unemployed, the homeless, would Jesus approve of negative gearing? Friendship is vital in the sense of a loving friendship, living gold, your wife if you’re very lucky, and one or two close friends; a balancing act. Francis Bacon: “Imagination is given to man to compensate for what he is not; a sense of humour to console him for what he is.” The blame game, jumping the gun. Stay safe? Cliff Ellen, Rye

Scrutiny required The current pandemic disaster happening in aged care obviously needs thorough scrutiny and full accountability. However, there are broader questions that need to be asked and answered. The deregulation and privatisation of what I believe are essential services, applauded by mostly the conservatives and the private sector, need to be fully scrutinised, including gas and electricity. This is particularly needed in aged care, which happened under Prime Minister John Howard. Profit was put before care and this has been a disaster waiting to happen. Nurse ratio to patients were abandoned in the private sector during this time. The casualisation of the workforce is also showing us what that has meant to both the livelihood of workers and to our economy. There has been inadequate training and language barriers. Low paid workers, women especially, mostly contracted, have to do multiple jobs to make ends meet. This has contributed to the spread of the virus going from one work place to another. So, let the whole picture be put under the

scrutiny, that is what is required. Finding all the answers to these questions is imperative; if we are going to learn from what, I believe, are the monumental mistakes that have been made, costing hundreds of lives of our loved ones. Denise Hassett, Mt Martha

Transparency lacking Well said Jo Lenzo about the council not providing you with information about consultancy expenditure by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and also for not responding to letters within 12 working days (“Information lacking” Letters 11/8/20). Why is it so difficult to obtain information from this council? In 2017, myself and another animal lover requested information about our ratepayer-funded pound through a freedom of information request. The council decided it would charge us $1108.23 for our FOI request. Much of the information requested was not available to the public (such as income from pet registrations, budget for the shelter, impound forms for 18 pets). After negative publicity, the council decided to reduce the FOI fee but would not provide the impound forms that listed the outcomes for pets. All we requested was the pets’ names, the impound number and the outcome. We did not ask for any details about people to be included on the impound forms and requested that be redacted. The council cited “personal identifying information” as the reason for not disclosing this information. So, we never received the outcomes for the 18 pets, despite submitting the FOI. We attended the Victorian Civil Appeals Tribunal to try and find out the information, but the council decided to fight us by employing a barrister, at ratepayers’ expense. Council staff did not even attend the VCAT hearing. We withdrew the FOI as we may have been ordered to pay the council’s legal costs. That’s how council wastes ratepayers’ money. So, if the council does not want to provide you with information, it will tell you to do an FOI and then make sure it costs hundreds or thousands of dollars to do so. Council should be more accountable and transparent to the residents who pay staff salaries. Rosy Fischer, Mornington

Positive reaction In the current times it was heartening to read about a couple of our community groups - Mt Martha Rotary and Mt Martha Boomerang Bags - working together to support those in need (“Help for those doing it tough” The News 11/8/20). Also, to learn of the money raised for Homelessness Week by Mt Martha Rotary despite COVID-19 limitations. Thank you for the positive news. Jill Stanszus, Mornington

Internet limits For some time I have been concerned about the “internetisation” of society. Trade, commerce, retailers, government, all seem to presume that you are permanently glued to a phone or a computer; you have an internet account; you will transact with a card; and communicate electronically. An awful lot of “stuff” on the net is dodgy, fraught with financial disaster, insecure, unreli-

able, deceptive. Every purchase you make, every inquiry, every download, everywhere you go, commercial interests are tracking you. The realm is riddled with fraudsters, criminals, scammers, liars, fake news, and malicious social media friends. Notwithstanding that, I would not be without the net. It has overwhelming benefits in legitimate areas, but no person should be forced to use it to do business, nor should the net be relied upon to deliver any communication. Commerce, particularly banks, want all transactions to be via the net, for their benefit, as do government services: tick the boxes, we don’t care if your case has no box to tick. I’m still trying to get the Medicare app to work, it keeps telling me my correct data is incorrect. A large appliance manufacturer emailed me a (disputed) invoice for $345 and demand to pay within five days or the debt collectors will be unleashed. Such a practice should be a criminal offence, not a trend. I never even turned the computer on for four of those five days. The only defence is to let everyone know on the internet. Personally, I use the internet infrequently, rarely to conduct business or buy, mostly to pursue knowledge and interests, and to send letters to the editor. Brian A Mitchelson, Mornington

Kicking back Strewth! Did I get complaints from the Dan [Premier Daniel Andrews] kickers last week? I did get a giggle from one contributor with a biased view complaining about my biased view. Fair dinkum, the way [Prime Minister Scott] Morrison, [state opposition leader Michael] O’Brien and the Murdoch press are carrying on, you’d think that Andrews arranged trysts between the guards and hotel residents. He was not responsible for the hiring of the security guards. Dan is at least fronting up to the inquiry into the hospital quarantine fiasco, of which he had no control. Unlike the inquiry into the Ruby Princess where 2700 passengers were allowed off the vessel to travel too all points of the compass. Gladys Berejeklian, the NSW premier, has refused to extend the inquiry to hear from officials who refused to attend. The sooner the inquiry into the lack of facilities in aged care homes opens the better. Too many companies appear to be getting fat at the expense of the infirm elderly. This is a bit insensitive, even for the LNP, but apparently they are holding three fundraisers in Canberra at $2500 a head and one in Adelaide for 700 guests. I’m very interested in Morrison’s secretive COVID-19 national committee. Who’s on it and what does it do? John Cain, McCrae

Aged discrepancy Your Letters page and other sources frequently refer to the fact that the majority of aged care home deaths from COVID-19 are in the private sector. Surprise, surprise. So are the majority of aged care homes. According to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services in April this year, there are 770 such facilities in Victoria, of which only 178 are in the public sector. Ron Simpson, Mornington

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Frankston Times 18 August 2020

PAGE 11

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Don’t let these tax time myths slow down your return AT a time when many people want the tax refund that they are expecting to arrive quickly, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning people not to get tripped up by tax time myths that slow down returns. “Every year we see people tripped up by tax time myths. Unfortunately, this often results in slowing their return down when either they or we realise their mistake as the return is processed,” Assistant Commissioner Karen Foat said. “Where it doesn’t delay the initial return, it can result in a surprise tax bill later on. “There are always a range of myths that need busting around Tax Time and the changed circumstances this year have seen some new additions to the list,” Ms Foat said. “Our main priority is to help people get the facts straight before they lodge so that it’s a smooth, easy and fast process.” Last year, nearly 500,000 individual tax returns were amended, with some taxpayers even amending their own returns before they were processed, which actually slows down the processing of their return. Usually, tax returns lodged electronically are processed in less than 2 weeks. Taxpayers can check the progress of their return by logging on to myGov and clicking through to the ATO. You can check the status of your re-

turn under ‘Manage Tax Returns’. Top tax time myths for 2020 Bank details don’t update themselves While we receive information from banks, this doesn’t extend to updating details for the bank account you nominate to have your refund deposited into. Last year many people in their rush to lodge early forgot to update bank details and delayed their refund. It’s not okay to double dip “We are concerned that some taxpayers may either accidentally or deliberately double dip by claiming their working from home expenses using the allinclusive shortcut method while also claiming for specific items such as laptops or desks,” Ms Foat said. “It’s important to remember that if you’re claiming under the shortcut method, you cannot claim a separate additional deduction for any expenses you incur as a result of working from home.” Home to work travel is not claimable Generally, most people cannot claim the cost of travelling from home to work unless you are required by your employer to transport bulky tools or equipment and there is not a safe place to store these at your workplace. “If you are working from home due to COVID-19, but need

to travel to your regular office sometimes, you still cannot claim the cost of travel from home to work as these are still private expenses. Even though you are working from home, your home is still a private residence – it is not a ‘place of business’,” Ms Foat said. You can’t just claim $300 or $299 if you had no expenses! “We often see people claiming a deduction despite not purchasing anything. When we question them, we often find it’s because they thought everyone is entitled to claim $300. “While you don’t need receipts for claims of expenses up to $300 but you must have actually spent the money and be able to show us how you worked out your claim.” Work-related expenses need to be work related! Each year we see people trying to claim personal expenses under the guise of work-related expenses, but you can only claim for expenses that are directly related to earning your income. “We have been reminding taxpayers recently that if they are in jobs that require physical contact or close proximity to customers and they had to buy their own hand sanitiser, gloves or masks for use at work, that they can claim these items,” Ms Foat said. “However, people who aren’t in jobs that aren’t in close proximity

to the public or people who have purchased these items for their general use, cannot claim these items. “For example, people who are working from home can’t claim these items and so a high work from home claim together with a large claim for protective items may trigger a red flag and slow down your return. “People also cannot claim for the costs of setting their children up for home schooling. These costs are private expenses.” Lodging earlier doesn’t always mean getting your refund earlier Each year the ATO automatically includes information from employers, banks, private health insurers (and this year JobKeeper for employees and JobSeeker amounts) in people’s returns. For most people this information is ready by the end of July. Since leaving out income can slow your return down, if you are lodging before we have automatically included this information for you, it’s really important that you ensure you include all of the information. 2020 has been difficult but your tax return doesn’t need to be. Check out our tax time essentials to make it easier, visit ato.gov.au/ taxessentials

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Frankston Times

18 August 2020

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100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...

Frankston Postmistress departs for Mornington Compiled by Cameron McCullough ON Monday night last, Miss Mackay was entertained at a farewell social, on the eve of her departure for Mornington. The Mechanics’ Hall was very prettily decorated for the occasion. Dr Mackeddie presided, and while the function was organised by Frankston Presbyterians to mark their appreciation of Miss Mackay’s activities on behalf of the Church, the very large and representative gathering present made the occasion one of general public importance, and indicated the high esteem in which Miss Mackay is held by all sections of the community. Despite inclement weather, visitors were present from far distant centres, and a highly successful evening resulted. An attractive, musical programme was contributed by Miss Dulcie Logan, Mr Ferney and Master Keith Tait. The Rev. G. J. Murphy. B.A., said the Presbyterians of Frankston owed a debt of gratitude to Miss Mackay, who had worked with such astonishing success on behalf of the Church. In referring to Miss Mackay’s efforts on behalf of the building fund, the speaker commended her enthusiasm and love for the Church of her fathers. Cr. W. P. Mason said the community generally regretted the departure of Miss Mackay, who as Postmistress at Frankston, had proved a painstaking and capable official and given universal satisfaction. Rev. A. Brodie counted it a great privilege to know Miss Mackay. She had done much for the Presbyterian Church in Frankston, and would

always be remembered as one who did what she could for the Church she loved so well. Dr. Maxwell was pleased to see such a large attendance, which in itself proved the esteem in which Miss Mackay was held by the people, amongst whom she had worked so efficiently for many years. Rev. Angwin (Methodist), Mr Bell (Missionary in charge at Frankston), and Councillor Oates also spoke. An apology was read from Rev A. P Macfarlane, (Anglican), who was unable to be present owing to illness. The Chairman read an address from the members of the Church, which is to be illuminated and presented to Miss Mackay at a later date. He then called on Miss Norah Cameron, who handed Miss Mackay a beautiful bouquet. Miss Mackay, in reply, said she did not like leaving so many friends. A sum of £500 had been raised, out of which £330 had been paid for the purchase of land, and £171 was in the bank for the Church building fund. She specially mentioned Miss Feltmann and Miss Elliott as having rendered very valuable assistance in the work of collecting. (Applause) After refreshments had been partaken of the proceedings closed with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem. *** Cr Stephens (Mornington Shire) was a new face at the school committees association at Frankston on Monday night August 2nd. Mr A. Corlett, (Langwarrin) was also a new attendant.

Both gentlemen stand high in public esteem in their respective districts and their assistance should prove a valuable asset to the infant association. *** MR C. Tait and Mr W. Mulvane of Frankston, with their families are taking a trip to Brisbane and Sydney for health reasons. *** MR Geo. May is spending a month in Queensland for the benefit of his health. *** FALSE Rumours IT has come to my knowledge that some busy-body has circulated rumours that I have disposed of my Drapery Business in Bay Street, Frankston. I hereby intimate to the public of Frankston and surrounding districts that such rumors are false and without foundation. Furthermore, I have no intention of giving up my business. Yours Respectfully, MRS. DESS *** MORNINGTON and Hastings met for the third time this season last Saturday, when the match was played on the latter’s oval – which was wet and slippery after the heavy rains which had fallen during the week. Both teams took the field confident of winning, but the visitors ran out winners by the narrow margin of three points after a good tussle. Hastings were without the services of Joe Ryan, who was missed on the back line. Umpire Nugent had charge of the

game, but didn’t give satisfaction to either side, as he allowed a lot of breaches to go unpenalised. Mornington was the first to attack from the bounce, and point was soon registered followed shortly afterwards by a goal from Golds. Bowen forwarded and Jim Ryan, from a free, scored first-point for the home team. From the kick-off Olsen forwarded, and, after a lot of centre play, Patterson raised both flags for the visitors. Golds, Wilson and Buckley for the visitors, and Bowen, Woolley, Floyd and Carmichael for the home team, were very conspicuous. Woolley forwarded, but Johnson returned. O’Neil, Ryan, and Bowen got it to Foster, who booted a sixer for Hastings. Mornington attacked again, but Langholtz relieved, and Jim Ryan and Longmuir forwarded, but Buckley and Williams returned, and the latter scored a point. Francis, Carmichael, Mirabella, and Bowen soon had it in the visitor’s danger zone, but Sanderson and Williams relieved the situation, and Sherlock added a point. The scores were then 2.5 to 1.1— Mornington having the better of it. Harrison forwarded, but Langholtz and Floyd returned, but Hutchins got it to Williams, who scored a single. Floyd and O’Neill forwarded, and Francis, from free, added a single. Francis returned to Campbell, but, marking nicely, he missed an easy chance. Olsen passed to Bidgood, and he added six points to Mornington’s tally. Mirabella and Longmuir gave a

chance to Foster, who only added a point. but Allen drove it back to Foster, and this time he got the goal from an acute angle. O’Neill, Allen, and Longmuir sent it well up, but Hutchins relieved, but a free to Bowen gave Ryan a chance, and he made the best of it. Allen and Campbell tipped it to Foster, and another goal came. Sanderson, Williams and Olsen added points for Mornington, then, thanks to Campbell and Francis, Carmichael got a goal, giving Hastings the advantage – 5.4 to 8.9. Golds passed, from the bounce, to Buckley, who piled on another goal for Mornington’s benefit. Bowen and Buckley were playing well. Sanderson added a single, and then Floyd and Woolley forwarded, but there was no one there, and Golds and Patterson returned. Mirabella and O’Neill drove it to Campbell, whose shot hit the post. Wilson and Buckley gave Williams a very easy chance, but he missed it. The next feature was a nice run by Woolley. Knox passed to Joseph, and his shot added a goal to Hastings’ score, making the tally read 6.5 to 4.1 – still Hastings’ game. With seven points to the good, Hastings looked good winners, but they seemed to die away, and Mornington took advantage of it. Ryan scored a goal, but Bowen had a try, which went wide, leaving Mornington winners. *** FROM the pages of the Mornington Standard, 13 August 1920

Frankston Times 18 August 2020

PAGE 13

PUZZLE ZONE 1

ACROSS 1. Reset 5. Move slowly 7. Holy statue 8. Germ-free 9. Situated inside 12. Modified 15. Ate greedily 19. Smoked herring

21. Pause 22. Steam press 23. Weeded 24. Headfirst descent (4,4)

DOWN 1. Dried grape 2. Australian wild dog 3. Cinema attendant 4. Yanked 5. Frozen polar cover 6. Pawned 10. Dowdy 11. Spoken exam

12. As well as 13. Opposed to 14. Stumble 15. Lurid 16. Looked upon 17. Roman XI 18. Copper alloy 19. Tartan garments 20. Continually provided

Puzzles supplied by Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd www.lovattspuzzles.com See page 18 for solutions.

GALLERY TALK Even though the MPRG is currently closed to the public, we are continuing to develop and share our podcasts, videos, collection, exhibitions, stories and children’s activities across all our online platforms. This week alongside Louise Tegart, Director, Art Gallery of Ballarat and Gina Mobayed, Director, Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, I selected the finalists for this year’s National Works on Paper (NWOP) prize, the MPRG’s key biennial exhibition. NWOP supports and promotes contemporary Australian artists working on or with paper with up to $50,000 acquisitions and awards (including the $15,000 major acquisitive award). This year the award attracted over 1150 entries from artists around Australia and the judges had a tough job in selecting 74 finalists. The quality of work was extremely high which will make for a stunning exhibition. The 2020 National Works on Paper will be on display over summer from 5 December 2020 – 21 February 2021. Our series of artist studio conversations have been very popular on MPRG TV, with lots of people tuning in each week. You can catch up on my interview with New York based artist Jess Johnson – one of the most innovative contemporary artists in the world today, who pushes her drawing practice into the realms of installation, animation,

fashion, and virtual reality. Jess discusses her virtual reality collaborations with Simon Ward and working with fashion label Romance Was Born to create fantastical costumes based on her imaginary worlds. I also recently spoke with Sydney based artist Euan Macleod who won the 1999 Archibald Prize for his work ‘Self-portrait/ head like a hole’. For over forty years, Euan has captured the presence imbued within the landscape and has been represented in numerous MPRG-curated group exhibitions. In 2016, Euan undertook a residency at the Gatekeepers Cottage, Police Point Shire Park, and was drawn to the wild side of the coast. These interviews and more can be found on our website at mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au/mprgtv Remember to check out our online creative activities for kids. In our latest video, artist-educator Jill Anderson riffs off Danie Mellor’s work ‘An unsettled vision’ and asks kids to think deeper about our native wildlife and their habitats and create their own collage. Stay safe, stay inspired and look out for each other.

Danny Lacy Artistic Director Senior Curator

www.mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington Ph 5950 1580

PAGE 14

Frankston Times

18 August 2020

THE MEANING OF EXISTENCE... AND OTHER SHORT STORIES

Doomsday Preppers - Your Time is Now! By Stuart McCullough MY sister sent me a message a few days ago. She lives in Canberra, where it’s cold but where you’re not only allowed to leave your house, it’s encouraged. She wanted to know how we were doing in Melbourne. I responded, saying I’d just finished digging a hole in the backyard where I intend to live for the next few months, having collected supplies of fuel, water and food. There was no response. Ten minutes later, I sent another text simply saying, ‘I’ve also heard there’s a pandemic’. These are tough times. But if anyone has the right to feel smug about now, it’s doomsday preppers. This, put simply, is the moment they’ve been waiting for their entire lives. Having endured the scorn of others when they bought one of everything that Bunnings has to offer – from a water filtration system to a self-composting latrine (complete with iPod docking station), we mocked them when they avoided the charity sausages in favour of stuffing as much as they could into a Toyota Yaris. The only thing they’re tasting now is the sweet, sweet taste of vindication. I’d heard about them from friends. They were avid watchers of a TV program about the lives of ordinary people who spent a lot of time preparing for the apocalypse. We laughed at the sheer lunacy of the lengths these people went to for no good reason – the tinned food, the generators and the commitment to dressing in camouflage no matter what the occasion. It helped that the preppers didn’t seem to have a full set of teeth between them. Clearly, these people were idiots of the highest order, except

when they were hunkering down in an underground bunker, at which point they were idiots of the lowest order. But guess who’s laughing now? I caught a couple of episodes of ‘Doomsday Preppers’. While my friends had found it deeply entertaining, I have to admit that I found it inspiring. There’s simply no other word for it. Unless, of course, you have a copy of Roget’s Thesaurus to hand in which case you might choose ‘stirring’, ‘inspirational’ or even ‘rousing’, although I suspect that ‘rousing’ is not for the faint of heart. These people were clearly ready for anything or, at least, anything a flamethrower and a length of rope could handle. In my youth, I’d been a Boy Scout,

whose motto was “Be prepared”. The most obvious response to this invitation to be perpetually anxious was to ask “prepared for what?” which was never explained. As a result of my brief but glorious scouting career, I’ve spent a lifetime never sitting next to a window and always checking into hotels under an alias. I’m sure Lord Baden-Powell would be proud of the lengths I’ve gone in order to be prepared – from always keeping a spare toothbrush on hand to insisting that all visitors to my home pass through a metal detector – I’ve carried the rules of the Scouting movement into adulthood. Being a ‘prepper’ appealed to me. These people were clearly not scouts – they were obviously distrust-

ful of dentists and wouldn’t recognize a woggle if it walked up and kicked them in the pants, but they had taken the scouting ideal to its natural conclusion. These were the kind of folk who weren’t just ready in case the power goes out for a couple of hours. They’re ready for anything from a zombie apocalypse through to an invasion by Mongolian hoards. They’re not prone to panic, either. Doomsday preppers aren’t the kind of people who head screaming off down to Coles to stuff the boot with all the toilet paper they can; they can adapt by making lavatory tissue out of acorns using nothing but a rusty butter knife, baking soda and a bucket of luke warm water. These, quite frankly, are my kind

of people. Having arrived somewhat late to the whole ‘doomsday prepper’ experience, I had to make do with what I had. Fortunately, I had plenty of candles. Somewhat less fortunately, these were birthday candles that were unlikely to last much beyond two minutes each (thank God I'm middle-aged). Worse still, they were trick birthday candles that sputter back into life after you think you’ve blown them out. I didn’t have large supplies of bottled water, either. What I did have was a medium sized Sunkist I was given with a three-piece feed from KFC six weeks ago that I never got around to drinking. That should tide me over. My first bunker was something of a disaster. Using a number of couch cushions, I fashioned something I was sure would carry me through the current lockdown. Having read further about the whole ‘doomsday prepper’ thing, I am prepared to concede that you can’t build a bona fide bunker out of things you bought on special at ‘Adairs’. So I started digging a hole. Or, more to the point, I continued to dig the giant hole the dog had started along the back fence. As I plunged my shovel into the dirt, the dog stood watching, wondering why I was lousing up a perfectly good hole. It’s been a couple of weeks, but I’m perfectly content. I have everything I need. By which I mean I have birthday candles, a bottle of flat Sunkist and a woggle. But it will do for now. Wake me up when it’s over. stuart@stuartmccullough.com

Attention Schools, sporting clubs & community groups

Free advertising listings Each month the Frankston Times will run a Community Events page, where your school or organisation can promote upcoming events, fund raisers, social events, etc. at no charge. This page is sponsored by Frankston Arts Centre, and listings are completely free. Lisiting should be about 40 words and include event name, date, time & address.

Speak to your agent about listing on realestateview.com.au.

Send your listing to:

Community Events

PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 Be seen everywhere.

or email

communityevents@mpnews.com.au Frankston Times 18 August 2020

PAGE 15

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PAGE 17

Mount Martha’s man of Steele SOCCER

By Craig MacKenzie IT could be a scene from Kindergarten Cop. Adam Steele is at his first training session with the newest kid on the State League block, Mount Martha. A group of teenagers fresh out of junior ranks. A squad made up of the previous year’s under-18s … and a 30-year-old defender. Steele was immediately made aware of what lay ahead in his first conversation with Mount Martha gaffer Chris Sanderson in early January. “Yeah Chris told me he had a young squad up from under-18s and playing senior football for the first time,” Steele said. And a few weeks later the youngsters and their new captain took their senior bow in an FFA Cup tie against Shepparton South that ended in a 5-0 defeat. It could have been worse. Much worse. Down 3-0 at half-time Steele and the youngsters dug in and slugged it out. “There were some promising signs,” Steele recalled. “We talked after the game about what a good education it was for us especially the younger boys finding out what to expect from a senior side. “There were some strong tackles in the middle of the park so they got to see the strength of some of these guys they might come across in senior football.” Their leader led by example. Shepparton’s English import Remell Davis can attest to that after being scythed down from behind by Steele in the second half, a crunching challenge that earned the captain a caution but set the tone for what was to follow. The physical aspects of senior competition had made an impression on Steele at a young age back in his native England. London-born but spending much of his early years in the Midlands Steele’s first club was Uppingham Town. “I didn’t really play at school and there were no junior teams at Uppingham Town so you went straight into playing against men. “I was a 16-year-old skinny lad playing on the right wing and I came up against some old-school English

Crunch time: Mount Martha first team captain Adam Steele with a spirited challenge in this year’s FFA Cup qualifying round. Picture: John Punshon

defenders. “It made me get used to being pushed around and it made me stronger on the ball. “I think it made me develop that little bit quicker.” After his family moved to Nottingham, Steele joined Sandiacre Town in the Central Midlands Premier League and was 22 when he arrived in Melbourne in November 2012. “I joined Manningham United for the pre-season and I found it challenging. “The standard was the norm for me but doing a pre-season when it was hot was really tough. “To be honest it was a bit more professional than what I had been used to in the lower leagues back in England.” Manningham’s boss for the 2013 season was Bruce Graham and he helped Steele assimilate. “I was new to the country and he

sort of guided me on the way soccer is over here. “He’d played in the UK so he knew where I was coming from.” Graham decided to play Steele at the back and Steele embraced the switch. “I’d rather have stayed on the wing but Bruce preferred to use me at the back and that changed my game in terms of my composure. “I also needed to use my left foot more and that was part of my game that also developed.” During the 2013 season Steele played against Eltham Redbacks and when he moved to Lower Plenty at season’s end he contacted Eltham and started pre-season there. Paul Harris had taken on the head coaching role and when Steele signed little did he know what was to follow. The 2014 season was a landmark in his career as he was part of the Redbacks squad that won every league

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game winning the championship by 15 points with 126 goals for and 13 against. “Paul taught me a lot. “I wasn’t a starting player at Eltham and he taught me the value of working hard to earn a spot in the team. “He told me to dig deep and work hard at it and I ended up playing about eight games that year. “It was the first time in my football life that I had to work hard just to get into the starting line-up and it was so good at the end of the year to get that medal and the flag. “It was really great to be a part of that.” Steele stayed with the Redbacks the following season but when the 2016 season kicked off he was in Ashburton United colours and his links with that club continue to this day. “I love the club. I love the atmosphere. They are a real community club, very family oriented.”

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Steele is the coach of Ashburton’s senior women’s team and has been coaching at Ashburton for the past few seasons. But that won’t blur his focus on his Mount Martha responsibilities. “I take being made senior captain seriously. “My game won’t change too much though whether I had the captaincy or not because I’d still be pushing the boys to be the best they can all the time. “I really believe in the social aspect of being part of a squad and how that can bring you closer together. “I think outside of the game itself it’s something that helped me through the years and I’d like to think I can take control of that a little bit. “I know when you’re a bit younger you tend to have your own little group but for me I never had that growing up because it was always about sticking together as a team.” It’s an approach that Steele is convinced can reap dividends next season. “I think a midtable finish is definitely reasonable but I think we’ll be up there. “I think we’ll be top four. “The boys will be that year older and they’ve got the drive, they’re hungry, they want to win things. “I’ll be 31 next year and I know that for me coming up against these young blokes who are going to be more physically mature and stronger would be a challenge. “The break they have had this year could be a blessing and they are all doing their fitness work in isolation. “From what I can tell Mount Martha has a good junior system so we could have another group coming up and pushing to play in the seniors or reserves. “I think the club’s only six years old so from what I can see its onwards and upwards from here.”

FRANKSTON TIMES scoreboard

Big days ahead for Barocha HORSE RACING

By Ben Triandafillou CLAYTON Douglas has begun his training career in sensational fashion with his heavily backed debutant, Barocha, providing plenty of entertainment at Sale on Thursday 13 August. The Mornington-based trainer saw his very first runner get backed in from $6 into $1.75 after showing plenty of ability at the Mornington jumpouts, including a comfortable win in a heat that included the Group 1 winner Princess Jenni and Melbourne Cup hopeful Steel Prince. The addition of an unidentified viral text message spruik sent out the day prior to his debut added to the drama. While not all the facts were correct in the creative text message, the fouryear-old first starter lived up to the hype to score a dominant five-length victory courteous of a calm ride from Douglas’ partner, Jamie Kah. Douglas said it was “unbelievable” to land the win with the amount of exposure his first starter had gained. “I’m just rapt,” he said. “Jamie’s done a really good job on this horse. He’s not really an easy horse and she’s really educated him well. “There was a lot of hype over it, but I knew he was pretty good, and so did Jamie. We did think he’d probably do that.” The victory continued a family tradition with Douglas following in the footsteps of his father Vic Douglas and his grandfather Vic Douglas Snr.,

Dominant debut: Barocha wins on debut for Mornington trainer Clayton Douglas. Picture: Supplied

who were both successful trainers in their own right “It’s always been on the cards with dad and grandpa training,” Clayton said. “Mornington have been great

for me as well. The facilities are great down there and it’s good to get a nice horse that’s come out of Mornington and hopefully he can progress on from here.”

For where Barocha heads to, Douglas said he’ll just be letting the “dust settle” for now. “There were a few plans,” he said. “We just wanted to make sure we

could do that today. I was thinking if it gets beat what maiden do I take it to or if it runs second which way do I go, but now he’s won really well so I’ll speak to the ownership group and we’ll work it out.” On the other hand, Jamie Kah predicted some potentially high targets for the gelded son of Ilovethiscity. "I don't think I've ever been this excited before," Kah said. "We think he's got a lot of ability but obviously being a first-starter we just wanted him to do it on race day and run well. "I'm so happy for Clayton, he puts so much time and effort into the horse and his team so it's really rewarding. "Now that he's won, I can say that I think he's definitely Stakes-class. Once we step him up over 1200m and 1400m, he'll really be able to let down and show his class." Barocha was a $12,000 purchase from the 2018 Inglis Yearling Sales.

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