SES survives Pool turns tide grant cut plan
DUNKLEY MP Peta Murphy at the Frankston RSL. Picture: Supplied
Cash for veteran support MORE than $700,000 of taxpayer money will be spent on upgrades at Frankston RSL. The federal government has committed a little more than $721,000 to RSL Victoria to spend on the uplift of existing hub infrastructure at Frankston RSL. The money was awarded through the veteran wellbeing grants one-off program. Dunkley MP Peta Murphy
said the money would support more than 3000 veterans living in her electorate. “Dunkley is home to a significant veteran community, and this grant will improve access to local services and supports,” Murphy said. “Frankston RSL has been delivering for veterans’ in our local community, and I’m pleased to be a part of a government that is supporting their work.”
Veterans affairs minister Matt Keogh said the grant program “supports larger projects that can be implemented quickly to deliver the services that veterans and families need, in the areas they need it most.” “The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has made it clear there is no time to waste in improving services and supports to the veteran community,” he said.
A KINGSTON Council plan to cut annual grants for the Chelsea and Moorabbin SES units has been stopped. Kingston Council’s grant policy and guidelines have been under review this year. Its new policy came to council for final approval at a meeting on Monday. At the same time, council officers recommended that a “staged funding reduction” should start for some recipients of 2021-2024 partnership grants. The Times understands that Chelsea SES and Moorabbin SES were two of the organisations proposed to be affected by the cuts. At a meeting on 20 November councillors voted to continue providing money to the SES until 2027. Dozens of SES volunteers in orange uniforms packed the Kingston Council gallery at the meeting (pictured below) to show support. Chelsea SES controller Ron Fitch said “this is a fantastic result, not only for our SES volunteers, but for the entire community within the City of Kingston. We look forward to the promised consultation with council for the ongoing funding of our SES unit.” Kingston councillors have agreed to consult with the SES to discuss funding options after 2027, and to write to the state government advocating for increased support. Brodie Cowburn
PENINSULA Leisure turned a profit in the last financial year. Peninsula Leisure operates the PARC and Pines Pool facilities. It is owned by Frankston Council, but operates independently of it. After navigating the tricky financial landscape of COVID-19, the pool operator posted a $355,695 surplus for the 2022/2023 financial year. In 2021/2022 it recorded a deficit of a little more than $770,000. Frankston Council made a cash contribution of $500,000 to Peninsula Leisure to support its pandemic recovery last financial year.
Deputy mayor decided AFTER a five-day delay, Frankston councillors have chosen their deputy mayor for the 2023/2024 term. Liam Hughes was re-elected to the role at Frankston Council’s Monday meeting. He also served as deputy mayor between 2022 and 2023. The deputy mayor position was set to be decided the Wednesday prior after the re-election of mayor Nathan Conroy, but councillors failed to reach a majority. A new vote was delayed to Monday. At Wednesday’s meeting, Hughes contended with councillors Brad Hill and Kris Bolam for the role. Hughes was eliminated in the first round, and Bolam and Hill were split four votes each in the second round. The next Monday nominations reopened for the position, allowing Hughes to put his name back into contention. Bolam did not put his hand up, and Hill ran again. Hughes defeated Hill five votes to three - councillors Conroy, Bolam, Tayler, and Asker supported the incumbent deputy mayor.
Attention Business Owners & Landlords For all Businesses on the Peninsula Finance Solutions for Energy Savings and Environmental Benefit 4pm to 5pm, Tuesday 5th December Online Event - Scan the QR code to register Join this free online event to find out more about how new finance options can benefit your business by reducing energy costs and decarbonising our environment! Mornington Peninsula Shire and Sustainable Australia Fund together will speak about Environmental Upgrade Finance options. Hear from local businesses who have benefited from Environmental Upgrade Finance Agreements. REPOWER is a volunteer-led not-for-profit association working towards reducing carbon emissions in our local communities. Visit repowermornpen.org.au to find out more.
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Frankston Times
28 November 2023
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