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Council cold calls on pool
Basketballers play for net gain NBL and NBA player Chris Anstey, Lindsay Gaze, champion netballer Bianca Chatfield, Olympic medallists Tim Forsyth and Debbie Flintoff-King and former boxing champion John Famechon. The Frankston senior Blues men’s and women’s teams, Frankston MP Geoff Shaw and Franlston mayor Kris Bolam also will be playing.
March 2011
MPNEWS (1300 676 397) or email: team@mpnews.com.au www.mpnews.com.au
Top shot: Champion basketballer Chris Anstey, at 2.13 metres, will be one of the high flyers at Frankston’s celebrity match. Photo: SKP iMages
BASKETBALLERS are pitching in to raise money for their sport as well as charity. A celebrity basketball match in Frankston on Saturday 19 March is being held to help the Frankston District Basketball Association, the Frankston Community Fund and mental health lobby group beyondblue. Celebrity basketballers and playing guests include former
FREE
The association has about 6000 playing members. As well as the action on court there will be auctions, raffles and a slam-dunk competition. The event starts at 7pm at Frankston Basketball Centre. Tickets: Adults $20, children up to 12 years $15. Food and refreshments will be available. Bookings 9776 8999 or visit the centre in Bardia Av, Seaford.
By Mike Hast FRANKSTON Council is spending more than $24,000 this month to ask 500 residents about extra features for the proposed aquatic centre in Samuel Sherlock Reserve. Residents also will be asked if they even want the centre, an odd question given the council has committed $18.5 million and the state government $12.5 million to build stage 1 of the pool. Frankston has a population of about 128,000. The survey is instead of a postal vote plebiscite of all residents proposed last year, which would have cost $145,000. Five hundred randomly selected residents will be asked if they want a basic $31 million aquatic centre or a $42 million version. The lower cost would provide a 50-metre main pool, learn to swim and toddlers’ pool, changing rooms, cafe and lounge, gymnasium and training room. The $42 million version would have a warm water pool ($4.2 million), leisure pool and play area ($3.2 million), water slides ($2.8 million), creche ($700,000) and health and “wellness” centre ($500,000). The “do you want a pool” question is an attempt to build consensus with councillors who are baulking at the cost, says mayor Kris Bolam. “Some councillors have expressed concern about the cost and even though the survey is not binding, it will help us ascertain the level of support,” he told The Times. He said the phone survey results would be presented to councillors at a closed briefing “before May” and he hoped the centre would be finished by 2013. Cr Bolam said the pool with the lot would see the council borrowing an extra $10 million, equal to a 1.3 per cent rate rise, or $19 for an average property for a combined total of $52 a year. The Times believes some pro-pool councillors are annoyed at another delay to the start of construction. Councillors have been told that every month of delay would add $100,000 to the final cost.
Doubts about the state government’s contribution, the highest ever made for a municipal pool, were scotched by a spokesman for Frankston’s Liberal MP Geoff Shaw who said the money was not an election promise by the Brumby Labor government, but had been set in stone before the election. Aquatic centre specialists say municipal pools need to have all the bells and whistles to draw patrons. Therapy, health and entertainment areas are vital so that all sectors of the community are attracted to the centre and it is economically viable. Two successful models are the “mega” aquatic centres in the neighbouring City of Casey, one at Narre Warren, which opened in 2001, cost about $18 million and was profitable in its first year, and one at Cranbourne, which opened in June 2009 and cost $37 million after an initial budget estimate of $28 million. Casey councillors went for the more expensive option in Cranbourne and it has a 50-metre lap pool; water play zone; warm-water exercise pool; spa, sauna and steam room; café; child care area; changing rooms; spectator seating; meeting room; lounge and first aid room. Upstairs is a health club and fitness studios. The centre uses collected rainwater and recycled pool water, saving more than 26 million litres of drinking water each year, and its northfacing orientation, double-glazing and solar heating maximise its energy saving potential. Frankston Council is hoping the aquatic centre would bring 500,000 visitors to the city each year. The pool project looked to be a goer in September 2006 when the state government promised one of the portable pools installed at Rod Laver Arena for the March 2007 FINA World Championships. When it arrived, many pieces were missing and requests by the council to the government fell on deaf ears. The pool lies in a corner of the council’s Seaford depot.
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Civic visit: Frankston mayor Kris Bolam with Peninsula Community Legal Centre CEO Helen Constas, left, and general manager Andrea Staunton.
City’s growing law list
To advertise in the next Frankston Times please contact Carolyn Wagener on 0407 030 761
FAMILY law, debts and crimes are the main areas of help being sought by Frankston people from the Peninsula Community Legal Centre. Further down the list of free legal advice being handed out come tenancy, motor vehicle accidents and neighbour disputes. The centre’s CEO Helen Constas said the past five years had seen a 20 per cent increase in the number of Frankston residents seeking help. The latest figures were part of a brief-
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“Peninsula Community Legal Centre, formerly Frankston North Legal Service, has relied on support from Frankston Council since its inception in 1977,” Ms Constas said. “Without council’s financial contribution and use of premises in the Pines, the centre would not be able to provide the level of free legal services currently available to locals.” For information about free legal services call 9783 3600 or www.pclc. org.au.
Circus performs for charity PROCEEDS from tickets to the opening night of the Great Moscow Circus’s Frankston season will go to charity. Money raised on Wednesday 23 March will go to the Frankston Community Fund, a trust that will distribute money to organisations which work for the benefit of the community. Circus acts include acrobatics, magical illusions and the wheel of death. The mayor Cr Kris Bolam saw the circus coiming to Frankston as “quite a coup … and very exciting that they are supporting our Frankston Community Fund”. He said 1000 $25 tickets were available for the opening night which would help reach the fund’s
$100,000 target. All donations to the fund up to $100,000 are being matched dollar-for-dollar by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust until June. Cr Bolam said the fund already stood at $90,000 and the “opening night at the circus will ensure the community fund exceeds its target in time”. The Great Moscow Circus will performing every night from Wednesday 23 March - Sunday 3 April at the Samuel Sherlock Reserve, Frankston. Tickets for opening night only at www.visitfrankston.com and the Frankston Visitor Information Centre.
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PAGE 2 Frankston Times March 2011
ing given to the mayor Cr Kris Bolam during a visit last month. “It is important that council is aware of the legal issues affecting the Frankston community and we are delighted that Cr Bolam has met with us so early in his term as mayor,” Ms Constas said. As well as free legal advice and help, the centre undertakes community development, legal education and law reform activities, including a Young Renters Program and Caravan Park and Rooming House Outreach Program.
A WARY officer has warned Frankston Council it must be ready to publicly defend itself if it decides to mail “I Love Frankston” stickers with annual rate notices. Cr Brad Hill suggested printing 60,000 of the bumper stickers so they could go out with rates. However, what seemed an easy, risk free exercise led to the general manager corporate,
Mick Cummins, telling councillors they should be ready to also mount a media campaign. “It is recommended that a supporting media campaign be prepared to support the production of the stickers in local press and within Frankston City News to avoid any negativity from residents,” Mr Cummins said in a not attached to Cr Hill’s notice of motion on the 7 March meeting agenda.
Quotes to print 60 stickers ranged from $6780 to $10,800, with a mid-range $8460 being made by Cr Colin Hampton’s Aus Screen company. Mr Cummins said Aus Screen’s quote was for 50mm x 200mm when the stickers required were 65mm x 200mm. He said the quality of work by the highest bidder, Embroid Me, could be guaranteed “as we have used this supplier in the past”.
Hip-hop star at free festival HIP-hopper Timomatic will bring a bit of national television celebrity to this year’s free Pines Pride Festival. The entertainer was one of the finalists in Channel 10’s 2009 So You Think You Can Dance show and then went on to play the starring role of Tyron in Fame the Musical. Also appearing on the new stage in Monterey Community Park will be THUMP, a percussion group from Flinders College showing what can be achieved using recycled plastic buckets, and
Brighter at Night, playing originals and covers. The Frankston North Community Group will sell raffle tickets with prizes including a seal watch cruise, two family passes to Phillip Island Nature Park and a 10 kilogram chocolate bar. Children’s activities will be held in the new “event tent” and will include free face painting, paper bag puppets, play dough and art from recycled materials. Pony rides will cost $2 and the cost of the other rides will be $4 each or six for $20.
Planning halt as state upgrades reservoir status By Mike Hast CREATION of the master plan for Frankston Reservoir Reserve has been put on hold as the state government considers upgrading its conservation status from Natural Features Reserve to Nature Conservation Reserve. Melbourne Water handed control of the reserve to Parks Victoria in 2009 after the reservoir was deemed surplus to requirements. In January 2008, the Governor-inCouncil had declared the 90-hectare reserve a natural features reserve, classifying it as an important conservation area, but allowing recreation and education activities. The government has put on hold Park Victoria’s planning process, which would have turned the reservoir and surrounding bushland into a public
Off guard FRANKSTON Council has decided against rehiring private security guards to patrol the city centre. Council said its decision to end the six-month “city safe officer trial” on Saturday 26 February followed commitment by Victoria Police to station 35 “new” police officers at Frankston by 30 June 30 with a similar number to follow in the 2011-2012 financial year.
regional park. Calls by the Friends of Frankston Reservoir to make the area a nature conservation reserve were supported by Geoff Shaw, now Frankston state MP after defeating Labor’s Alistair Harkness at the state election last November. Access is currently limited to rangerguided tours that must be booked. The reservoir was built in 1920 by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, forerunner of Melbourne Water. It supplied drinking water to the southern metropolitan area. A four-hectare section in the north of the reserve has been retained by Melbourne Water and holds a large water tank installed to replace the reservoir. Friends of Frankston Reservoir says the area is a highly significant conservation area due to the vegetation being relatively intact. “This is the result of the reservoir being closed to the public and having minimal human contact,” a spokeswoman said. “It has five regionally significant vegetation communities and provides habitat for a wide variety of animals including birds, mammals and reptiles.”
Dolphins talk to Fevola FRANKSTON Dolphins Football Club has held discussions with the management company of disgraced Brisbane Lions footballer Brendan Fevola. Fevola wants to play in the VFL this year and Velocity Sports has held talks with the Dolphins and Port Melbourne, the only two VFL clubs not aligned with an AFL team. Fevola, 30, was dumped by the Lions last month after a series of alcohol and gambling-related incidents. He was sacked by Carlton in 2009. Brisbane is close to formalising a payout of the final two years of Fevola’s contract, thought to be worth about $1.5 million. Fevola kicked 623 goals in a 204-game career with Carlton and Brisbane.
Overstayers fined
Sylvan spot: Frankston Reservoir Reserve showing part of the decommissioned reservoir.
PENINSULA Private Hospital’s car park contractor Care Park is fining patients who cannot get back to their cars before parking tickets expire. Parking costs $1 an hour or $8 a day, but many patients are being caught out when they misjudge how long they will be inside the private hospital. The fine for overstaying is $40. The ticketed parking system was introduced last August. It has been suggested the hospital provide day passes for patients receiving regular or extended treatment as happens at the public Frankston Hospital.
Frankston Times March 2011
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NEWS DESK
Tony Sowersby’s A Tale of Two Jules has US conservative Sarah Palin dominant but not named in the image’s title.
A tale of two artists in Bald Archy contention A wounded Gerry Harvey as seen by Tony Sowersby in his Bald Archy submission Support Your Local Billionaire.
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HASTINGS artist Fran Henke and Seaford artist Tony Sowersby are finalists in this year’s Bald Archy Awards, the art contest parody of the Archibald Prize, an important portraiture award. Mrs Henke has two entries. One is a portrait of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange entitled Leak Inquiry, created with acrylics and collaged newsprint, which shows a pallid Assange being swamped in a W-shape by newspaper stories based on his organisation’s leaks. Her second entry is an acrylic painting of the late Australian opera singer Dame Joan Sutherland entitled Our Joan. The life of “La Stupenda�, who died last October aged 83, was celebrated in London last week at a memorial service in Westminster Abbey. Another tribute will be held in New York on 17 May. This is the second year Mrs Henke’s work has been accepted, the first being a portrait of controversial photographer Bill Henson. Tony Sowersby won the award in 2005 with The Cardinal With His Abbott, which featured Cardinal George Pell and now-Opposition leader Tony Abbott. This year he has two works vying for the $5000 prize: a portrait of retailer Gerry Harvey, Support Your Local Billionaire, and A Tale of Two Jules. Mr Sowersby says this about his two entries: “Australians have recently shown that they will take to the streets to protest against the government victimising our billionaires. Witness the backlash to the mining tax. “However an essential element in gaining
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PAGE 4 Frankston Times March 2011
the public’s support was a slick advertising campaign that highlighted the billionaires’ plight. Gerry Harvey shot himself in the foot with his ill-timed and poorly conceived pitch aimed at his new on-line rivals who may send him broke. But he is one of our own Aussie billionaires. He desperately needs our support. So from now on, buy your stuff from a shop, not on a computer. “Ah, in what strange directions life can take us. Julia Gillard and Julian Assange were both young radicals, but they have taken very different paths. Julia was quick to brand WikiLeaks ‘illegal’ and has remained mute in response to calls by prominent Americans (such as Sarah Palin) for Julian’s rendition and worse. “I have set this painting in the French Revolution era, not only because of the similarities in rhetoric, but also because with his tall, slim figure and tied-back silver hair, Julian could have been standing behind Leslie Howard or Ronald Coleman in a Hollywood version of the revolution. “I must apologise to Julia though, I am sure she has never knitted.� The Bald Archy usually includes cartoons or humorous works making fun of Australian celebrities. The award is supposedly judged by Bald Archy founder Peter Batey’s white cockatoo, Maud. The winner will be announced in Sydney in April. More information look up: www.baldarchy. com.au Mike Hast
No stage fright for ‘Worrythoughts’ PUPPETS are being used to show primary school children that they can tap into their own “superpowers” to overcome anxiety. The anxiety that can haunt children – causing distress, loss of sleep, eating problems and an inability to enjoy themselves – is portrayed by puppets representing Mr Worrythoughts. The two puppets – one large, one small – show how anxiety can be lessened and placed in a more manageable context. The Frankston Arts Centre-produced performance touring schools this year is based on the acclaimed children’s book Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts! It is the first time the centre has taken on a production role and there are already plans to take it interstate. Langwarrin teacher Nicky Johnston wrote Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts! to help her son Bailey who, at five, was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). The book details the “externalisation” technique Ms Johnston used for her son to overcome the fears that were affecting his life in so many ways – loss of sleep, inability to eat properly or to laugh with other children. He worried about how he appeared to others and what the future held. The book’s narrative traces Bailey’s six-year struggle and carries the message of hope and self-help for other anxiety-ridden youngsters. The narrative therapy technique that helped Bailey and that is “taught” through the book and stage performance comes from Mornington-based child therapist
Factory brothel FRANKSTON Council has received just one objection to plans for a brothel in a Seaford factory. The objector predicted the brothel would undermine the social quality of the neighbourhood and increase traffic in an area, which was “easily accessible to under-age children”. Council officers have recommended a permit be issued for the brothel in Cumberland Dve, which is close to other factories and diagonally opposite an existing “gentleman’s club”. The brothel owner proposes converting the factory into six rooms with a client lounge, foyer, office, laundry, toilet, kitchen and linen cupboard on the ground floor with a “providers’ lounge”, toilet, shower and six “service rooms” on the extended mezzanine. It would open all day every day with no more than six sex workers on duty at any one time.
Emergency help
No worries: Bailey Johnston, left, meets the puppet version of Mr Worrythoughts with puppeteer Frank Italiano and Stephanie Evison-Williams who plays various roles in the stage version of Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts!
Charmaine Holmes. Ms Holmes said the narrative therapy developed by social workers Michael White and David Epston “is now used successfully worldwide by family therapists”. Nicky Johnston and her family watched one of the final rehearsals for the production last December.
The three-person performance by Heath Miller (Bayden), Stephanie Evison-Williams (friend Tanya, school teacher and mum) and puppeteer Frank Italinao played to 12 schools in December and already has another 13 bookings in Frankston, on the Mornington Peninsula, and in Gippsland and Geelong.
The 40-minute stage production of Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts! is suitable for all ages. The performers stay for questions after the show, provide teacher resources and follow-up workshops are available. For details or to book a school tour call 784 1705.
IN times of natural disasters or emergencies, Frankston residents will be able to receive help at five relief centres. The emergency relief centres are at Jubilee Park (aquatic centre, netball centre and Kevin Collopy Pavilion); Frankston South Community and Recreation Centre; Kananook Reserve (Frankston Basketball Stadium and Southern Umpires Pavilion); The Pines (Pines Forest Swimming Centre and Mahogany Neighbourhood House); and Karingal Place Community Centre. Three previously nominated relief centres – Ballam and Baxter parks and Frankston Arts Centre – were deleted from the latest list because they were not seen as having the necessary facilities.
Frankston Times March 2011
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NEWS DESK
Quarry base for freeway’s asphalt maker Earth moves: An excavator clears the Westerfield dam last Thursday.
Historic Westerfield dam busted CONTRACTORS working for Peninsula Link freeway building consortium Southern Way excavated most of the historic dam on the heritage-listed Westerfield property at Frankston South on Thursday 24 February. The dam was built for original property owner Sir Russell Grimwade in the 1920s and had become a bush-rimmed small lake supporting abundant wildlife. Sir Russell, an eminent Melbourne scientist, industrialist and philanthropist, was considered ahead of his time in terms of conservation and land
management and advocated the need for industry and the environment to coexist. Watching the destruction on Thursday were property owners Joyce and Simon Welsh, who claimed just 2 per cent of the existing water volume of about 2.5 million litres would remain after it was pumped recently prior to the excavation work. “Tragically, the dam had filled for the first time in 14 years following the good rains of winter and spring,” Mr Welsh said. Heritage Victoria stated at a
recent court challenge to the permit conditions for the freeway construction that the “dam is considered to have historical significance and the bushland is considered to have historical and scientific (botanical) significance”. Last September, Southern Way general manager David Clements stated the consortium had revised its design around the edges of the dam to meet the requirements of the revised permit issued by the Heritage Council of Victoria. Mike Hast
By Mike Hast BORAL Asphalt Victoria wants to build a temporary asphalt-making plant in the Aiden Graham sand quarry in McClelland Dve, Langwarrin. The plant would produce 400,000 tonnes of asphalt over 18 months for the 27-kilometre Peninsula Link freeway, being built between Carrum Downs and Mt Martha, and then be dismantled. The quarry is in the green wedge zone, but Boral can avoid the restriction on manufacturing plants in the zone by using sand from the quarry in making the asphalt. This would mean the operation would be classified as an extractive industry, a permitted use in green wedges. Boral Asphalt submitted a planning application to Frankston Council in mid-December after discussions with council officers in July. The company also has asked the EPA for a works approval and the Department of Primary Industries for permission to remove nine mature eucalyptus trees at the entrance to the site, which is opposite Frankston East Tennis Club in Centenary Park. It hopes to have the plant operating by mid-year and would produce about 100 tonnes of asphalt a week. Concerns about the plant have been raised by Defenders of the South East Green Wedge, a citizen lobby group, but the group has not objected to the proposal. The group’s president Barry Ross
said apart from concerns about a manufacturing plant in the green wedge, it was worried about carbon emissions and the amount of energy used to make the asphalt. “We understand making warm mix asphalt uses 30 per cent less energy than hot mix asphalt,” he said. “Warm mix asphalt is used by the City of Melbourne and overseas, but freeway builders prefer to use hot mix.” He said warm asphalt is 120-130 degrees Celsius, while hot mix was 180-190 degrees. “We have been told Boral will power the plant using recycled burner fuel trucked from either Queensland or South Australia, but using natural gas would be more environmentally friendly. “Quarries in nearby Quarry Rd use natural gas and a gas main also runs beside McClelland Dve, but we have been told it is not practicable to tap in to.” The asphalt plant would require a 500-metre buffer zone between it and housing, and there is only one house within the zone, the greenkeeper’s home in Centenary Park Public Golf Course. Boral Asphalt is part of the listed company Boral, which has five divisions. It is Australia’s largest building and construction materials suppliers. In Australia it employees more than 10,000 people at about 500 sites. It also has companies in southeast Asia and the United States.
Council checks clearing
Double-take: Identical twins Kyle and Dale Hill are enjoying their roles working on the Peninsula Link project.
Freeway on the double FOREMEN with the road construction company Abigroup can be forgiven for thinking they’re seeing double with identical twins working on the Peninsula Link freeway being built between Carrum Downs and Mt Martha. Recruited as a construction worker for the EastLink interchange section of the $759 million freeway, Dale Hill has just joined brother Kyle on what they both describe as “a career opportunity of a lifetime”. Kyle, based on the Ballarto Rd site south of the interchange, started last
PAGE 6 Frankston Times March 2011
October and convinced Dale he should apply. “The freeway definitely is proving a great start to a promising career. In Australia’s current job climate, having a position with Abigroup could open a lot of doors in the civil infrastructure industry,” Dale said Since winning the contract in January 2010, Abigroup has been involved in career information nights, working with Chisholm Institute and supporting the South East Local Learning and Employment Network. More than 1500 workers have been
inducted into the project since last February. The 27-kilometre road will connect EastLink to Mornington Peninsula Fwy when completed in 2013. It has been a controversial project with anti-freeway protesters arrested in Frankston South last September at a picket to stop bulldozers clearing a heritage-listed property (see page 9), but many commuters support the long-awaited bypassing of Frankston and its weekday traffic snarls. For job opportunities, visit www. abigroup.com.au
FRANKSTON Council is investigating the clearing of three hectares of bushland in McClelland Dve, Langwarrin, in the green wedge zone adjacent to the sensitive Pobblebonk Wetlands. It was the second time in three years the land had been cleared. Defenders of the South East Green Wedge have called on the council to impose a maximum penalty for clearing, believed to have been done last November. The work was identified by the Defenders and other environmentalists using satellite images freely available on the internet. Frankston Council prosecuted the owner after the first clearing in July 2007. The landowner was fined, given a good behaviour bond and ordered to reinstate the damaged wetland areas and allow natural regrowth to occur. The site is zoned Rural Conservation Zone 3 and is covered by an environmental significance overlay. The zoning is designed to protect the rural break between Frankston and Langwarrin and its remnant native vegetation. The maximum penalty for illegally removing vegetation in Victoria is $136,000. A council planner told the Defenders the bulk of the vegetation removal had occurred under the requirements of a fire prevention notice and for weed control, but native vegetation had also been removed and “the appropriate enforcement action under the provisions of the Planning and
Environment Act 1987 [was] currently being undertaken”. The planner said Abigroup, the construction company for Peninsula Link, had been exploring options for direct vehicle access to the freeway project from McClelland Dve through the cleared land. The council had provided in-principle support, but had sought additional information prior to the start of work. The information had been received and access had been approved by the council’s infrastructure department, but approval from the council’s planning department had not been provided prior to the start of work, he said.
Eyes on creek properties FRANKSTON Council will pay for an aerial photography survey of 480 properties abutting Kananook Creek to find illegal buildings, jetties, landfill and dumped litter. The survey will also identify eroded sections of the creek bank that need stabilisation. Offending property owners will be ordered to carry out rectification works. The Kananook Creek Association has lobbied the council for the survey, claiming the creek is one of Frankston’s greatest assets and had become degraded.
Cash for more ‘spy’ cameras THE federal government will give Frankston Council $150,000 to install 10 new CCTV cameras on Seaford foreshore and in Frankston’s central activities district. The money is on top of $205,000 for cameras granted by the government last year. Nine cameras in the CAD and foreshore were switched on last month. The latest money comes from the Proceeds of Crime Act, which ensures assets from crimes are returned to the community. The new cameras are likely to be set up in Wells St, Nepean Hwy, Keys St, Clyde St and along Kananook Creek Blvd.
Government visitors: At Peninsula Community Legal Centre during a visit by state Attorney-General Robert Clark, second from right, are Jackie Galloway, the centre’s deputy CEO and senior advocate, Lesley Dillon, centre management committee, CEO Helen Constas and Geoff Shaw MP for Frankston (who stood for Labor in the August 2010 election won by Mr Shaw).
Frankston first stop for state’s latest top lawman PENINSULA Community Legal Centre was first community legal centre visited by Attorney-General and Finance Minister Robert Clark since being appointed in December 2010. “The justice system couldn’t function properly without the work of community legal centres in supporting those who are most vulnerable in our society,” Mr Clark said. He said those work in community legal centres do so to help the public and not personal gain.
“We are grateful for the Attorney’s support of Peninsula Community Legal Centre, and appreciate the opportunity to draw to his attention to the growing demand for free legal services in our community,” the legal centre’s CEO Helen Constas said. The centre serves about one million people in the municipalities of Glen Eira, Kingston, Frankston, Casey, Cardinia and Mornington Peninsula. Last year it received 25,000 phone inquiries, provided 13,282 informa-
tion and referral activities and undertook 9704 client activities, including free legal advice, ongoing casework and representation. “In the past year, we have experienced further increases in demand for help with family law matters, family violence, criminal law and many civil law matters, including credit and debt,” Ms Constas said. Call Peninsula Community Legal Centre on 9783 3600 or www.pclc. org.au.
MP courts new name to lift city’s reputation EFFORTS to rid Frankston of its reputation as a crime centre have again turned to pressuring the state government into changing the name of its magistrates court. Dunkley MP Bruce Billson says the city suffers when it is unfairly associated with crimes tried at Frankston court but committed elsewhere. Frankston Council has now weighed in to the fight for a name change by suggesting the courts be renamed Peninsula, Nepean or Southern Metropolitan magistrates court. Council on 21 February agreed to a motion by Cr Christine Richards calling for a name change and also seeking support from state and federal MPs. Mr Billson failed in 2007 to persuade then Attorney-General Rob Hulls to change the court’s name, but now hopes the new Liberal government will agree. “The change of state government provides a fresh opportunity to pursue
this simple and sensible change and we are fortunate to have an energetic local state MP in Geoff Shaw who can strongly advocate for a court name change,” Mr Billson said. “Mr Hulls dismissed local community concerns that reports of criminal cases being heard at the court were being unfairly associated with Frankston and this association was an unhelpful influence on our city’s reputation. “Frankston court is a substantial justice facility that serves a wide catchment and hears many criminal cases that just happen to be at this court, but have nothing to do with our city and people from our community “Media reports highlight the charges and the location of the court hearing the case, associating Frankston with the alleged criminal activity and perpetrators in a way that is unhelpful for the positive and welcoming perception of our city that we have all been working to nurture.”
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Frankston Times March 2011
PAGE 7
NEWS DESK
Probe into runaway rig By Keith Platt MARINE Safety Victoria has launched an investigating into what could have been a major marine incident when a 1700 tonne oil and gas drilling rig broke free during a loading operation and drifted in Western Port. The alert was sounded when the Kan Tan IV rig was swept away by tidal currents as it was floating above the semi-submerged carrier vessel, the MV Transporter. Four wires holding it to the float-on float-off Transporter broke and tugs had to secure and anchor the rig before it ran aground. The 53,800-tonne Transporter, owned by Dutch company Dockwise, dragged its anchor and was unable to get underway until it had pumped out its ballast. Ships were told to keep away from The Heads and the start of the South Channel while the Kan Tan was towed into Port Phillip where the entire operation was repeated without further incident. The problem appears to have been caused by the time taken to partly sink the Transporter and position the rig over it exceeding the six hours it takes for each change of the tide. The strong tidal currents caused the anchored ship and rig to swing on their moorings. It is understood it takes at least nine hours for the Transporter to de-ballast – effectively lifting itself and the rig back to the surface. Once in the relatively calm waters
Safely aboard: The oil drilling rig Kan Tan IV is successfully loaded on to the MV Transporter in Port Phillip after breaking free during an earlier attempt in Western Port. Picture: Andrew Mackinnon of aquamanships.com
of Port Phillip off Mornington, the Kan Tan was able to be loaded onto the Transporter for shipment to Darwin. The failure to load the rig may lead to changes in the way Western Port is used as a destination for the transportation of rigs. The United Kingdom-based website Safety At Sea says the incident could spell the end of Western Port being used for such loadings, although the narrow entrance to Port Phillip and extra time and cost involved do not make it the ideal alternative. The website said early investigations “indicate that fastening equipment
was swept overboard from the deck of Transporter, which also dragged its anchor some distance before deballasting”. Investigations by Marine Safety Victoria can follow incidents where vessels have been involved in an accident or an incident involving the loss or destruction of other property “or that any pilot, pilot exempt master, harbourmaster, pilotage services provider or person holding a certificate of competency or service has acted incompetently”. Port of Melbourne CEO Stephen Bradford said this was the first time
he had heard of such an incident in the seven years he had been with the port authority. He did not think it would lead to a ban on rigs being taken to Western Port. “I would be really surprised if this type of operation is not done again in Western Port. “Each operation like this has to be looked at separately.” While he had seen “bits of the report … it’s not my job to form an opinion”. Mr Bradford said each loading was a “learning curve” for harbourmasters in Port Phillip and Western Port. Although the PoMC also managed
the Port of Hastings, the loading of the drilling rig was under the jurisdiction of the Patrick stevedoring company, which operated the port. The drama began when the rig and Transporter were brought together above a deep hole in Western Port between Cowes on Phillip Island and Sandy Point near Somers. A source has told The Times that the rig and its transport vessel were bigger than any previous loading jobs in Western Port. “It’s never been a problem before and it’s much quicker for them to get in and out of there than Port Phillip,” the source, who did not wish to be identified, said. “They have to contend with the tides and try to do it before the tide turns. It took nine hours for the Transporter to de-ballast, which allowed the vessel to swing around. It’s a very technical operation. This should have all been programmed in.” The source said the Transporter could not get underway until after it had pumped out its ballast. On Friday 28 January a warning was issued by the Port of Melbourne that the fairway through The Heads and the South Channel would be closed to all shipping as the 84-metre wide oil rig was brought into Port Phillip. The same rules to keep well clear of both the rig and the Transporter were imposed when they left the bay on Tuesday 1 February. Additional reporting Mike Hast.
New moves for bay car ferry By Mike Hast GOVERNMENT authorities continue to plan for the proposed Western Port car ferry despite Bass Coast Shire and a majority of Phillip Island residents rejecting terminal plans for the island’s “capital” of Cowes last July. The so-called “missing link” ferry was revived by the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry in November 2007 at a meeting of business and political leaders at Parliament House. VECCI wants a “Great Southern Coastal Road” that would create a unique touring route along Victoria’s spectacular coastline from Portland to Gippsland. Travelling east, the route would follow the Princes Hwy, then the Great Ocean Road to Queenscliff, use the existing car ferry to Sorrento, across the peninsula to Stony Point near Hastings and on to the new car ferry to Cowes, though Phillip Island, across the bridge to San Remo and along the South Gippsland coast near Wilsons Promontory and beyond. The proposed 150-metre long jetty for the ferry terminal at Cowes, with its covered walkway for pedestrians and car queuing lanes in The Esplanade and Bass Ave, was met by furious opposition from residents last Easter at a rally attended by more than 350 people. Bass Coast councillors rejected the plans that would have transformed the Cowes foreshore in July.
PAGE 8 Frankston Times March 2011
The Times understands Bass Coast officers recently held discussions with Parks Victoria and Tourism Victoria to seek an alternative to a terminal beside the existing Cowes pier, where the pedestrian ferry from Stony Point docks. Supporters of the long-desired car ferry also include Department of Transport and Regional Development Victoria. A feasibility study costing $700,000 was paid for by Mornington Peninsula and Bass Coast shires, which each contributed $250,000, with state government agencies paying $200,000. Bass Coast has been asked to consider other places for the terminal, with the most likely place being west of Cowes pier near where Cowes Yacht Club is located. The car ferry terminal needs to be close to town to be financial viable, a source told The Times. On the peninsula side, plans are progressing for the transformation of Stony Point. Draft plans seen by The Times show the ferry access road, parking area and ticket office would take one-third of the land leased by Patrick Ports. The government could be asked to compensate Patrick, which has a lease until 2012 with a further five-year option. The car ferry jetty would be 230 metres long with a two-lane road and covered walkway for pedestrians. It would be built north of the existing jetty, which is used by Patrick tugs, the existing
Ferry story: A craft the size of the former Sorrento ferry Peninsula Princess would likely be used in Western Port.
passenger-only ferry operated by Inter Island Ferries, Royal Australian Navy contractor vessels and others. The ferry jetty would be built over an existing deep channel, necessitating extensive dredging to create a new one. Critics of the car ferry, including the Mornington Peninsula Ratepayers and Residents Association, say the plan is flawed as insufficient cars will use it. Association member and retired engineer Alan Nelsen claims the government would have to subsidise each
vehicle by at least $250 a trip and this could cost the government $2 million a year. “It would be a white elephant,” he said. Frank Denvir of Inter Island Ferries, who has run the Stony Point-Phillip Island passenger ferry service for 15 years, queried the number of drivers who would use the car ferry. “The Sorrento-Queenscliff car ferry is viable as it connects the west coast with the peninsula and saves drivers
having to battle traffic through central Melbourne. But I question the economic viability of a Western Port car ferry,” he said. This latest car ferry proposal follows a long line of similar proposals, including two failed attempts to link the peninsula with Tasmania, and a proposal by Peninsula Searoad Transport, which operates the car ferry between Sorrento and Queenscliff, to use a superseded Port Phillip ferry to link Stony Point and Cowes.
Cheap housing Thaied to imports By Keith Platt LOWER labour costs in Thailand and the availability of container port facilities at Hastings may help provide cheaper housing on the Mornington Peninsula. A draft report on ways to provide more “affordable” housing now on public exhibition sees Mornington Peninsula Shire and private developers providing land for lower cost housing. The report describes how ever-increasing property prices on the peninsula are forcing low income earners out of the market or into spiralling debt. Crib Point man David Tootell believes one solution may be to bring prefabricated houses to the peninsula from Thailand. He says the houses could be built in a Bangkok factory, shipped in containers to Western Port and erected within days on pre-prepared building blocks. A marketing consultant for Ezy Build Australia, Mr Tootell said a two bedroom “country-style” house would sell for about $110,000, plus land or lease costs. A four bedroom version would be $185,000. He said Ezy Build was already supplying houses to Papua New Guinea and there was virtually no limit to the types of structures that could be made from the prefab modular method. “The simplest one can be built in seven days,” he said. The ultimate cost would depend on the number required. “It’s volume dependent, but we
ian made and came complete with a 110mm concrete base. Walls were clad with maglite oxide fireproof boards, and the houses had double-glazed windows and came already wired and plumbed. He preferred to describe them as “modular” rather than “kit homes”. “I really want to just import the houses and hand them over, but we could put a team together to erect them if necessary,” Mr Tootell said. The houses could be erected on private or council-owned land, which would be either sold or leased to the house owners. “The land can be prepared and all permits issued before the houses get here.” Mr Tootell said he had proposed importing the houses as part of the Black Housing imports: David Tootell believes cheap, quality housing can be brought rto the peninsula from Thailand.
could bring in 30 houses a month,” he said. Mooring fees were expensive and a crane capable of lifting 60 to 100 tonnes would be needed to unload containers from the ship and from trucks arriving at the building site. He said discussions had been held with Swire Shipping about bringing the houses from Thailand to Western Port and preliminary talks had been held with BlueScope to use its wharf at Hastings. Mr Tootell said the steel-framed houses complied with regulations requiring them to be 60 per cent Austral-
Saturday bushfire recovery effort, but “was given the runaround by state government departments”. An Ezy Build brochure shows the prefabricated designs being adapted for houses, apartments, townhouses, schools, showrooms and motels. It has an artist’s drawing of accommodation for 3500 in a barracks-like building at a mining project in Western Australia. The draft Mornington Peninsula Shire Social Housing and Affordable Housing Policy lists the towns of Baxter, Somerville, Tyabb, Hastings, Crib Point, Balnarring, Mt Eliza, Mornington, Mt Martha, Dromana, Rosebud, Rosebud West, Tootgarook, Rye and Sorrento as fitting the criteria for public housing. If adopted, the plan would see public
$9.4b for Hastings port By Mike Hast INTERNAL state government costings leaked to a Melbourne newspaper put the price of building a container port at Hastings at $9.4 billion. The Department of Transport and Major Projects Victoria costings were done in June 2010 and obtained by the newspaper last week. But the price of developing the port has been rubbery since 2006 when it was first proposed. This was when Ralph Kenyon, then CEO of the port, released the draft Port Land Use & Transport Strategy,
with an estimate that $3 billion would be needed for the three-stage development. In September 2009, the cost was put at $5.7 billion. In January, The News reported the cost would be $11 billion when Transport Minister Dennis Napthine promised the Baillieu government would fast-track Hastings port development and within 10 years turn it into “a moderate sized working container port”. The News’s figure was based on sources within the port industry.
Clean Ocean alert to city media CLEAN Ocean Foundation lit the fire under Melbourne media that saw Melbourne Water and the Environment Protection Authority take a battering after sewage was released into rivers, creeks and drains in early February. South-eastern areas Berwick, Narre Warren North, Hampton Park and Lyndhurst received more than 150mm of rain overnight on 4-5 February with other nearby suburbs getting 80mm. Water inundated homes, roads and, more dangerously, stormwater drains that flowed into Eastern Treatment Plant at Carrum. Sewage was released into drains and waterways, and it made its way into Port Phillip. The peninsula-based foundation’s CEO James Clark-Kennedy was the first to forensically examine a press release from Melbourne Water. Buried in the ninth and 10th paragraphs of the release was the crucial statement “targeted emergency releases [were made] in consultation with EPA Victoria”. These were “releases of waste water into drains and waterways via special emergency relief points, to reduce pressure on the overall network”. Melbourne Water stated the sewage plant handled up to 40 per cent of Melbourne’s waste water and was operating at close to full capacity as stormwater in the sewage system made its way into the plant at up to 20,000 litres per second. Normal dry weather flow was 5500 litres per second. “Flows into Western Treatment Plant at Werribee, which handles about 50 per cent of Melbourne’s waste water, have spiked at around 18,000 litres per second,” Melbourne Water stated. It was the term “waste water” that rang the alarm bells for Mr ClarkKennedy, a veteran of the long-running
Warning: Clean Ocean’s James Clark-Kennedy alerted Melbourne media to sewage going into waterways after the deluge in early February that swamped large parts of Melbourne south-east.
campaign to stop class C treated water being pumped into Bass Strait at Boags Rocks near popular Gunnamatta surf beach on the Mornington Peninsula. He briefed Melbourne journalists and next day a page three report in The Age saw every major television and radio news service pick up the story. Melbourne Water spokesman Chris Chesterfield was forced into making embarrassing apologies on air, saying the government authority had failed and would have to do better next time. Mr Clark-Kennedy said the EPA had failed its duties, too.
housing, also known as “social” or “affordable” housing, making up three per cent of the shire’s housing stock within 10 years. It is now 1.4 per cent. To achieve the target there would need to be 146 government or not-forprofit group subsidised houses built each year. As well as using some of its own land, the shire wants developers to agree to include affordable housing in new subdivisions in return for relaxing some planning and design rules. The shire defines affordable housing as the cost of housing (rent or mortgage) not exceeding 30 per cent of a household’s income. It is also housing rented, leased or sold below the market rate.
“On 10 February, six days after the floods, the EPA website stated: ‘Water quality testing has shown unacceptable water quality due to elevated bacterial levels at Carrum, Aspendale North, Mordialloc, Mentone, St Kilda, Middle Park, Port Melbourne, Altona and Werribee South beaches. As a result of these levels, EPA advises against swimming at these beaches until further notice’.” The Clean Ocean boss said this was unacceptable: “The public should have been told about this pollution. It’s not good enough for the EPA to say people
should avoid swimming in Port Phillip for 48 hours after heavy rain. “Beaches should be closed to swimming and warning signs in multiple languages erected.” He said more than 300 stormwater drains empty into Port Phillip and the EPA should have teams testing the water every day when such big rain events occurred. Melbourne Water was “quite happy in recent years to spend sizeable budgets on half page ads in newspapers telling us all how to be water wise while they’ve wasted billions of litres” by not treating waste water to class A. The EPA on 15 February released a report of an internal review that found it had been inadequate in its performance as a regulator. “Clean Ocean Foundation wholeheartedly agrees,” Mr Clark-Kennedy said. “The EPA would appear to be writing more get-out-of-jail free tickets to industrial polluters to discharge chemicals and heavy metals into the sewerage system than playing any real ‘watchdog role’ for the environment. “At lieutenant level, the EPA would appear far too cosy with Melbourne Water in particular, as evidenced by their quiet surrounding discharge of millions of litres of raw sewage into drains, waterways and the bay. “The Baillieu government would do well to take the cane to both Melbourne Water and the EPA, directing both to give up corporatestyle window dressing and focus on providing real answers and real solutions to Melbourne’s inadequate sewerage system.” Mike Hast
The previous Labor government had aimed to build the port over 35 years. Port development opponent Catherine Manning of Blue Wedges Coalition says she is not surprised at the new figure. “We had expert costings done in 2007 and arrived at a figure of $10 billion and were criticised by the government,” she said. “This new total does not include any damage to the environment, loss of recreational fishing or tourism business or CO2 emissions from shipping.”
Reward system to give tree vandals the chop REWARDS could be offered on the Mornington Peninsula for information leading to the successful prosecution of tree vandals. Confirmation that a rewards scheme had been discussed at officer level but not yet put to councillors was given at the 21 January council meeting by sustainable infrastructure director Alex Atkins. Mr Atkins was replying to a question from McCrae resident Barry Robinson who wanted to know how many tree vandals had been prosecuted by the shire in the past year. According to council meeting records, Mr Atkins said he suspected that no prosecutions had occurred. Mr Robinson pointed out that the shire had installed notices on the foreshore saying that penalties of up to $136,000 could be imposed on tree vandals. “Why has the shire not offered rewards which lead to the successful prosecution of the perpetrators, as is done by Bayside City Council?” Mr Robinson asked. Mr Robinson told The Times he had told council officers that some houses seemed to keep uninterrupted views of the bay despite trees continuing to grow on neighbouring properties. “It’s like when I wrote to council some years ago about the self-pruning trees on clifftops between Sorrento and Portsea, which not only shed branches but also threw themselves over the cliff. “The shire does not have a very good record of following non-compliance with permits or laws.” Frankston Times March 2011
PAGE 9
From apples to motocross thrills THE hardworking farmers and orchardists of Red Hill who organised the area’s first agricultural show in 1922 would surely stare in amazement if they could time travel to this month’s event. Flying over their heads would be the gravity-defying daredevils of Empire FMX, the freestyle motocross team, one of the main drawcards of the 83rd annual show, nowadays the only event of its kind on the peninsula. In the 1920s, life was lived at a more sedate pace – drawcards included local people exhibiting their best eating apples, flowers and vegetables along with the best butter, cooking and preserves from their farm kitchens. Many took their produce to the showgrounds on Arthurs Seat Rd by horse and cart. Show day was declared a local holiday by the Shire of Flinders and a special train ran from Melbourne to bring spectators to Red Hill, a journey of more than three hours. The holiday is gone, the train is gone and the shire is now part of a “megashire”, but the crowds continue to come, and there will be something for everyone on Saturday 26 March. Over the years, horses, sheep, cattle and alpacas were included to the show, reflecting the changing face of farming on the peninsula. Wine, avocados, olives, berries and cheese have joined the list of produce, with some
of the best available for tasting and buying. Red Hill Agricultural and Horticultural Society secretary Alison Dougherty said this year’s event will be a “wonderful mixture of animals, arena events, woodchopping, entertainment, competitions and demonstrations”. The Empire motocross riders would do two shows as well as sign posters and autographs. “They’ll add a wow factor to the show,” she said. Also new this year is the Australian Fishing Show, which demonstrates fishing techniques using live fish in a 21-metre long tank as well as providing information on 4WDs, eye and boat safety, knife sharpening, motor maintenance, holiday destinations and lure fishing. “We also have Tubby the Robot, roving entertainer Super Weirdo, Daisy the Clown and her stiltwalking friends, free pony rides and free face painting,” Ms Dougherty said. Animal stars will include beef cattle; horses, especially Clydesdales; alpacas; stud, black and coloured sheep; poultry; rats, ferrets and pigs. There will be petting paddocks full of animals for youngsters. Demonstrations will include shearing, spinning, working dogs, woodwork, heritage machinery, craft and cake decorating. A perennial favourite is the wood-
chopping, with eight-time world champion Lawrence O’Toole Junior leading the musclemen and making the chips fly. Chainsaw racing is also popular. The showground’s pavilions display craft, cooking, fruit, flowers, vegetables, art and photography. In 2008, the show celebrated the 150th anniversary of agricultural and horticultural shows on the Mornington Peninsula, and a history, “A Show of our Own”, will be with the historical display in the Pioneers Produce Pavilion. The showjumping will be held at Boneo Park on Boneo Rd this year on Saturday and Sunday 2 and 3 April, and will include eight showjumping events for A, B, C and D grade horses as well as events for junior riders. Tickets cost $40 for a family (two adults, three children 6-18 years), adults $15, children $10, students and pensioners $10, children five and under free. Free parking. Details and entry forms: Society office 5989 2357, email: redhillshow@ hotkey.net.au and on the internet at: www.redhillshow.org The society’s 12th annual International Cool Climate Wine Show, which includes judging, public tastings and awards dinner, is from 23-27 May at the showgrounds.
Showtime: An Empire FMX rider defies gravity (above). The team is new to the Red Hill Show this year. Woodchopping contests (left) have been a mainstay since the first show and still draw the crowds. Below: Tubby the Robot delights the children.
Nepean benefit to repair historic Charlton theatre
Flood of tears: The historic Rex Theatre was inundated in January when the Avioca River burst its banks.
PAGE 10 Frankston Times March 2011
THE southern peninsula community is again coming to the aid of Victorians affected by disaster. Two years ago a benefit concert at Sorrento football ground raised more than $70,000 to help devastated communities after the tragic Black Saturday fires. January’s floods affected 51 communities, inundated more than 1700 properties, devastated 52,000 hectares of pasture and 41,000 hectares of field crops flooded and killed 6000. The Nepean Flood Benefit Concert will be held on Sunday 13 March, Labour Day long weekend. The organisers are aiming to raise $120,000 for the town of Charlton, one of the first towns to be flooded, the second flood within four months.
Co-organiser John Prentice said the town “really needs assistance and we’ve decided to help contribute to the rebuilding of the Rex Theatre, an historic Art Deco building that is more a community meeting place”. The not-for-profit theatre is a hub for the town of just over 1000 people on the Avoca River. It is almost halfway between Melbourne and Mildura, and a popular stop for tourists. “The theatre is a prized showpiece of the town, the only one for 100km and services surrounding towns. It is a place to congregate. “The rebuilding will be a great boost to morale for the area. It is run by the community for the community.” He said support for the flood ben-
efit had been outstanding. “Almost all parties involved in the bushfire concert have joined forces again.” They included the Portsea Camp, Sorrento-Portsea RSL, Hotel Sorrento, Sorrento Football Club, Sorrento Golf Club, Sorrento police and Rotary. “Event planning is continuing but already performers such as Russell Morris, Wendy Stapleton and Paul Norton, Tony Byrne, The Love Stars featuring Lisa Bade, Coxy, Mick Pealing, Ron Martini and band, and Big and Horny (a 13-piece high energy band) had signed up. “Young groups Stray Love and San Fran Disco are on board and popular peninsula rock band Munster Terrace would perform. Chris Doe, an X Factor finalist, is joining
with his brother Peter.” MC will be Molly Meldrum, and bands will play from 2- 8pm. There will be children’s activities run by Portsea Camp staff. “Bring your own picnic rugs, chairs and food but no alcohol. Alcohol, soft drinks and food will be available at the oval. Tickets at the gate, but pre-purchasing at Hotel Sorrento or the Rye and Blairgowrie newsagencies will help our catering arrangements,” Mr Prentice said. Donations are tax deductible. “To Charlton With Love” is at David MacFarlan Reserve, Hotham Rd, Sorrento. Ground opens 1pm. Tickets: $30 adults, $10 teenagers and under-12s free. Details: Hotel Sorrento, call 5984 8000.
Textile artist is missed THE art and wider peninsula community is mourning the loss of textile artist Pamela Farmer of Shoreham, who died last Thursday week after a long illness. Pamela, 62, exhibited her creations of wool, silk and other materials, described as self-expressive masterpieces, in Melbourne and on the peninsula. In 2006 she exhibited at Antipodes Gallery in Sorrento and at the Flinders Art Show where she received an award for lino printing. Pamela’s artwork won many prizes at art shows, wool shows and was exhibited at the former Meat Market Craft Centre near Victoria Market, now known as Arts House. She gained national attention when she won the Wool Quilt
Prize, hosted by Geelong’s National Wool Museum. She conducted workshops on felting, painting and embellishing with stitchery on the peninsula. At the 2009 Peninsula Festival of Arts and Ideas, she conducted textile art workshops and later that year, indigenous community blanket workshops in Rosebud and Frankston. Pamela told Carol Heath of Ozquilt Network, a national organisation for art quilters, that she used her sewing machine to create undulations on her quilts. One of them was constructed from an old woollen blanket, dyed with eucalyptus leaves, layered with merino and alpaca felting and stitched together by hand and machine using applique, quilting and
Clean Ocean film fest THE first Clean Ocean Foundation film festival, Sea Stories, will be held at Sorrento’s Athenaeum Theatre 25-27 March. The festival will screen 13 films: Musica Surfica, Chasing Dora, The Life and Films of Albie Falzon, One Winter Story, Last Hope, In the Eye of the Whale, Destination Three Degrees, The Westsiders, Fibreglass and Megapixels, Dark Side of the Lens, Albatrocity, Kookman, and Without Thought. Opening night on 25 March will see director Mick Sowry introduce his film Musica Surfica at 6pm followed by music at Morgan’s Bar from 8pm, entry $10 (free to festival ticket holders).
embroidery techniques. “Pamela says that when she is working in this manner, something takes over and she is often surprised at what comes out. She feels she doesn’t always have much control over it, seeing the work as it develops,� Ms Heath wrote. “Her unusual stitching technique is explained when Pamela reveals she originally trained as a printmaker. She uses her stitching lines as she would have originally scratched details and fine lines into copper.� Pamela Farmer (nee Vary) is survived by her husband, environmentalist Wolf Passauer, her children Chloe, Matthew and Thomas, and her sister Margaret Jean. Mike Hast
Bookings: 03 5984 2903. Festival pass $100, three-movie pass $45, single movie $18, concession and children $15. Tickets available at the door. Details: Email volunteer@cleanocean. org or on the internet at www.cleanocean.org
Pet regos due
Big top glitz comes to town THE Great Moscow Circus featuring Russian and other overseas performers is coming to Frankston. Acrobats jump high into the top of the marquee while audiences gasp as riders brave the The Wheel of Death. In the grand finale four motorbike riders tackle the splitting Globe of Death. Other acts perform magical illusions while the
Wacky Ringmaster has his own trampoline. Miniature horses have their own routine as does the hula hoop artist who bends while spinning and whirling. There is precision juggling with silks, cubes, the Dynamic Diablos, the Statue Act and clowns. The Great Moscow Circus, with it’s slighting and costumes, says it capturing the spirit of Moscow.
To win a double pass to see The Great
PET registration renewal forms are being mailed out by Frankston Council and must be paid by 10 April. All dogs and cats aged over three months must be registered, microchipped and desexed at the appropriate age. Pensioners are eligible for reduced fees. Details: Frankston Council, 1300 322 322.
Moscow Circus on Thursday 24th March, send your details to “Circus competition�, PO Box 588, Hastings, 3915 by Thursday 17th March.
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PAGE 11
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Riddle: For some I go fast, for others I’m slow. To most people, I’m an obsession. Relying on me is a well practiced lesson.
Joke!!! Two old men had been best friends for years, and they both live to their early 90’s, when one of them suddenly falls deathly ill. His friend comes to visit him on his deathbed, and they’re reminiscing about their long friendship, when the dying man’s friend asks, “Listen, when you die, do me a favor. I want to know if there’s cricket in heaven.” The dying man said, “We’ve been friends for years, this I’ll do for you.” And then he dies. A couple days later, his surviving friend is sleeping when he hears his friend’s voice. The voice says, “I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that there is cricket in heaven.” “What’s the bad news?” “The bad news is that you’re opening batsman on Wednesday.”
To advertise in the next Frankston Times please contact Carolyn Wagener on 0407 030 761 The most ridiculous and strange, fresh for you... PAGE 12 Frankston Times March 2011
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RIddle Solution For some I go fast, for others I’m slow. To most people, I’m an obsession relying on me is a well practiced lesson. Answer: Time
Sudoku Solution
LIFE & LEISURE
Pet Sounds By Stuart McCullough SOMETIMES you don’t know how much you need something until it’s offered to you. Take pet insurance. To say that I was surprised to receive an email offering discounted insurance for my dog and/or cat is an understatement on a par with “the Hindenburg disaster was a bit of a setback for the zeppelin industry”. But I receive ridiculous, unsolicited emails every day, most of which I simply ignore. In fact, this seemingly cavalier approach has ensured that I am not currently married to every other trollop in the broader Russian tundra with a desire to travel and why I am yet to invest in the Nigerian banking industry, despite being consistently invited to do so. But this was no mere piece of technological spam. No siree. Unlike those emails that seek to lure you to a link that then unloads a virus worse than the one the monkey in Outbreak had, this email concluded with: “Please do not reply to this email.” I considered it an invitation. At the risk of offending the insurance industry, while I appreciate your entreaty not to respond, it’s no dice. Indeed, having been asked not to re-
spond, I felt an overwhelming compulsion to do so. Besides, how else can I get answers to my questions? So I sent the following: “Dear Sir/Madam/Other. Thank you for your email asking whether I wish to insure a dog or a cat. As loathe as I am to suggest a lack of imagination on the part of the good people at Medibank Private, can I ask whether other, less obvious pets can be insured? For example, although I don’t presently own a Mexican fighting fish, I’ve always been attracted to the idea of doing
so. But, as the name suggests, these fish are renowned for their less than ideal temperament and are prone to embroiling themselves in scuffles. Many’s the time I have spotted one on Kings St beyond a certain hour, its chest puffed and flippers flailing aggressively, having been refused entry to a nightclub. Granted, such aggression rarely descends into a fully fledged brawl, but I suspect that’s largely a result of not having fists. You can only be so hostile with flippers. I digress. If you do offer insurance for other animals, should I assume that pets such
as these might attract a surcharge of some kind, or perhaps a higher excess? Now that I think about it, I’d understand if you tried to avoid the whole “fish” thing completely. There’s an old saying in the pet game: never get attached to a fish. They’re just as likely to go belly up to spite you. For myself, I have never owned a goldfish that outlasted a litre of milk. Much like crack addicts or motorcycle stuntmen, such creatures are, perhaps, uninsurable. Also, can a retrospective policy be obtained? Presently, I am petless but have owned
many over the years. My favourite was a terrier named Jock who, as best I can tell, suffered a coronary after eating an entire rabbit. That the rabbit in question belonged to my sister remains something of a sore point. While insurance can now do little for the dog or the rabbit, I do feel that some kind of coronial process might bring a sense of finality that is long overdue. Thank you, too, for detailing the many wonderful benefits that come with insuring a pet, such as coverage of vet bills including my choice of specialist. With this in mind, I’m hoping that such services extend beyond the more obvious: “my dog swallowed a bone larger than his entire intestinal tract” or “my spoodle has herniated his back trying to lick himself somewhere inappropriate” kind of scenarios. For instance, does it include cosmetic surgery? For I have seen some full-on ugly dogs in my time, many of which could well do with the type of nip and tuck that doesn’t involve the wholesale removal of their private parts. I’m just saying; if it’s good enough to turn them into eunuchs, we can at least ensure that they feel good about themselves. Finally, I must note with
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disappointment the absence of benefits that are broadly considered standard when insuring humans. For example, there is no reference to any kind of rebate for gym classes, sunglasses or a guarantee of a private room if admission to a vet clinic is necessary, to say nothing of dental care. For shame. While it’s true that most shi-tzus and labradoodles avoid gymnasiums, this may well be attributable to a lack of support from the insurance industry rather than, say, an absence of opposable thumbs by which to activate the treadmill. Yours, etc.” I am yet to receive a response. I am, however, giving serious consideration to getting myself a sausage dog. Whether I take out insurance for my dishlicker will all depend on how accident-prone he is. Rather than get expensive insurance, I might just be extra cautious and insist the animal wear a helmet and elbow pads at all times. I’m not sure what I’ll call him, but I dare say you’ll know he’s mine if you see him. www.stuartmccullough.com
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Entertainment
Wildlife warrior: The writer and Damien Mander in Mornington Park on Australia Day.
The News interviewed Damien Mander and Balnarring wildlife warrior and filmmaker Sean Willmore of The Thin Green Line documentary fame last October, “Battle against poachers: peninsula base for foundations helping African rangers”, which told the inspiring story of their individual endeavours to protect park rangers and their plans to work together. Our entertainment writer
met Damien last month. FORMER Padua College student Damien Mander has a passion for the world’s wildlife and his passion has taken him to the wild plains of Zimbabwe. Damien is the founding director of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation set up to protect and preserve wildlife in volatile regions.
I caught up with Damien recently at the Australia Day celebrations in his hometown of Mornington. Damien was in Australia for a short break to visit family and friends, and spread the word about illegal trafficking of wildlife. Damien said: “The illegal trafficking of wildlife is now the third-largest criminal industry in the world. Numerous wildlife species are becoming extinct every year with many more joining the endangered list. “We need to provide clear and relevant conversation training to enhance awareness against poaching and to help implement sustainable alternatives for communities living in regions affected by environmental instability.” Damien had a military career spanning nine years serving as a clearance diver in the Royal Australian Navy before transferring to a Special Operations until in the Australian Army. After three years in Iraq with ADF he worked for a private military organisation in Iraq as project
manager overseeing daily operations of the Iraq Special Police Training Academy in Baghdad. He returned to Australia in 2008 and headed to Africa the following year. Arriving in Africa at the start of 2009, he set out to apply his skills to wildlife protection and conservation, which landed him in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Damien invested his life savings, including four investment properties, to fund the start of the foundation. Back in Mornington, he co-produced the inaugural Raw for Africa music festival in 2010 with Sean Willmore and the second event last month, at Mornington Racing Club, which he says was a huge success. Damien was recently featured on 60 Minutes and viewers were moved by his mission and achievements, which included building a 40-place ranger training academy near Victoria Falls; making multiple arrests, including the smashing of a high-profile rhino poaching syndicate that made national news in Zimbabwe; dozens of wildlife rescues in Botswana’s Chobe National Park by IAPF vet Dr Clay Wilson;
against the rest.
not only communicate with darling (surely a big plus because she will probably assume you are sensitive) but you add the real pleasure of watching and appreciating the beauty of the ducks. Alas, he departed, with a shake of his head, indicating that I was “off with the fairies”. *** “Have you ever been given any honours?” “Yes. I once received the OB, which is the Order of the Boot.” “How magnificent.” “And I was also given an REP, which is, as you know, the Rough End of the Pineapple.” “How glorious. I never knew.” “Yeah, and I got a PEBS, too, which is a Poke in the Eye with a Burnt Stick. So how about that?” “And yet you seem so humble ... so reserved.” “Yes, well, I failed to mention that I was recently made a Companion of the VD.” – Michael Leunig *** Yes, they breed them tough in North Queensland, but no tougher than in Victoria, or way down on the
with Gary Turner attracting 9000 members for the IAPF on social networking website Facebook; and establishing plans to build Africa’s most comprehensive ranger training and wildlife management centre. The foundation currently has no corporate sponsorship. It relies on Damien’s savings, public donations and fundraising events. If you or your organisation wants to get involved, contact the IAPF at damien@iapf.org As we go to press, Damien is heading back to Zimbabwe to continue his mission to protect wildlife. Links: www.iapf.org www.sixtyminutes.com.au
A Grain Of Salt SO a Commonwealth public servant was sacked for accessing a legal porn site (knockers) at home, from his own internet provider, but on his work-provided laptop, which he had approval to take home. The software program Spector360 tells all, including the man’s previous internet history, despite his having deleted it from his browser. Big Brother surrounds us. He should have known, of course, and it’s possible they required an excuse to sack him anyway, but it’s all a bit sad, highlighting the power of the doubtful morality of those without faces (including females) watching in judgement. We can assume that these faceless types “never” access legal porn, just as they “never” selfindulged in years gone by. And pigs might fly. *** I visited Port Melbourne recently, the first time in 30 years. It’s gone! Disappeared, just like Collingwood and Fitzroy. My three favourite suburbs wiped out by the beautiful cappuccino and latte brigade breakfasting downstairs from their million-dollar apartments on eggs benedict, with nary a thought for
Frankston
all those previous tenants who had to move elsewhere. Good old Port, eh. Not any more. Batten down the hatches, particularly if you’re renting. It’s surely only a matter of time, if it isn’t already upon us, when more and more beautiful people will decide “Rio (the Mornington Peninsula) would be nice”. *** Almost time to think football again; such a beautiful respite from politics, or is it? James Hird and Mark Thompson certainly put the boots into Matthew Knights, not that he was all that flash as a coach. Similar to the Labor Party quartet of right-wing faction bosses – Mark Arbib from NSW, Bill Shorten and David Fenney from Victoria, and Don Farrell in SA – and the exit of my mate Kevvy Rudd. I miss you Kevvy! How are things OS? How come Knights copped everything whereas Dean Bailey (15 wins, 51 losses) leads a charmed life? Then there are the four St Kilda players who each copped a $5000 fine for mixing sleeping pills and alcohol, something I do every night. And super footballer Nick Riewoldt (except in grand finals) with his imaginary complex of “us”
*** I was chatting to a younger chap at my local RSL, giving him my take on how to charm a female. I’m no expert, but after two or three pots I, like many, have an opinion on everything under the sun, not that there’s a lot of sun in the restricted smoking zone. I talked compliments and how to place them. A bit of subtlety, sincerity. He, of course, was not listening, waiting for me to stop talking (as we all do) to set me straight, favouring instinct as his preferred method. I tried the listening and communication argument, despite never in my life asking a female out. I set a scene in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of Remembrance. Sitting on the grass with his darling looking at the ducks. She would love the ducks, as all females do. She adores the ducks. Aren’t they gorgeous? Instead of you pretending you love the ducks and thinking of other avenues of pleasure, I said, why not relax and take in the beauty of the ducks? Concentrate on their beauty. Let it come to you. Or at least try very hard. And whatever your darling says, listen, without interrupting. What do you gain? You
with Cliff Ellen Mornington Peninsula, or anywhere else for that matter. Whenever a politician says “What matters here is the Australian people” you can be sure that lies will follow. *** Two plays in Melbourne are depicting sex on stage which, frankly, I find disgusting, for two sound reasons. 1: There was none in my day. 2: Sadly, I’m too old for the parts. My retirement (some say forced) came too soon. When George I became King of England in 1714, his wife did not become Queen. He placed her under house arrest for 32 years. George would have been very popular with some husbands on the Mornington Peninsula. cliffie9@bigpond.com
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Golf charity day continues long tradition
Steelers new recruit at the ready WHEN your team finishes seventh after a grand final appearance the previous season, the coach hangs up his whiteboard and there are key departures. Who is the best person to deliver a gift? Santa comes to mind. Hailing from Los Angeles, California 32-year-old Kenny Brunner arrives at Western Port with outstanding credentials and a reputation superceded by few across the world. At 183cm and with a resume that includes 12 championships and five MVP awards, the journey goes full circle in 2011 when Brunner ditches the asphalt and Santa hat for the hardwood which is sure to have fans flocking to the Steelerdome. Since graduating from Dominquez High School in 1997, where he still holds records, he has played alongside Detriot Pistons forward Tayshaun Price and gained a reputation as the best point guard to never set foot in the NBA. Following time spent with powerhouse Georgetown University, Brunner was chosen by ‘AND1’ to be a member of the Mixtape Tour, travelling the world playing streetball. After building a fan base and ‘AND1’ seeking a new direction, Brunner had a plan to
change the game and with that he switched from street to elite. “We identified Kenny as a person who could raise the bar on all fronts at our club and, having a relationship with Kenny, I know he is going to be perfect for where we are going,” Steelers business manager Ryan Rogers said. “Right from the outset he has been amazing and conducted himself with true professionalism. It is rare that a person with the life experiences of Kenny could be so humble, but beneath the shell lies a man who is the package. “To complement his playing, Kenny will be actively involved in the community to promote basketball and assist both domestic and junior rep players’ development, which will allow him to phase into his post-playing ambitions offering guidance to children within the region.” Since arriving in Melbourne on 9 January Kenny has been working with his teammates, spreading his infectious personality among the group while already showing his leadership qualities. “This isn’t about me coming in and being above anybody else, I want to win and be a
Ready to go: Recent arrival Kenny Brunner is looking forward to making his mark in 2011.
part of the ultimate success, which is a championship. “My job will be to follow coach Bourchier’s direction and assist with the development of our guards.
“As far as the juniors are concerned I believe we have some great talent in our backyard and with more of an emphasis on fundamental skills I believe we can make plenty of noise.”
THE Flinders District Lions Club is inviting players to in the fun at its 23rd annual charity golf day on Monday 21 March at the clifftop Flinders Golf Club. the competition is an individual stableford event for both men and women with or without handicap. Players without a club handicap will be allocated one under the Calloway system. The cost is $50 a player with shotgun hit off at 12.30pm preceded by full sit down lunch from 11.30am onwards. For registration purposes layers should arrive at 11. Players should also book early as the field is limited. Entry forms are available for download on the Flinders Golf Club site www. flindersgolfclub.com.au or by phoning Peter Gerdsen on 5989 1071. Last year the day raised $24,000 for local charities, schools, community groups and made an immediate donation of $5000 for flood relief through the Lions organisation. The event is sponsored by the Dromana and Rye Community banks, Flinders Golf Club and other supporters.
Black Caviar shows her class AS the autumn carnival gathers momentum, the brilliant Black Caviar has captured all the headlines, but I have managed to identify a few horses who will pay their way in the near future. New Zealand bred 2yo RESCUE MISSION, who is trained on the Mornington Peninsula by Lee Freedman, caught the eye with a fast finishing 2nd to the smart Anevay over 1100m at Flemington. With the benefit of that experience and over a little more ground he should be able to go on and chalk up his first win. An ideal target would be the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes [1400m] at Flemington on March 12. Lightly raced 5yo ANUDJAWIN, who rattled home to finish an unlucky 2nd to in-form King Diamond over 2000m at Flemington. That was only his third run in and should be able to greet the judge at his next start over 2000m or further. Moe trained BELGIETTO is a progressive type, who won four races in succession earlier this season, resumed with pleasing 2nd to quality sprinter Diplomatic Force over 1200m. Effective on all surfaces he will be seen to advantage when he steps out over longer distances. In-form Flemington trainer Danny O’Brien has a coming winner in 4yo ERASET. After a summer break he ran a solid 2nd to the consistent Offenders and will be fitter next time. Look for him over 1600m.
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Top run: Black Caviar spacing her rivals in the Lightning Stakes. Picture: Slickpix (www.slickpix.com.au)
Melbourne Cup winning trainer Brian Jenkins who is based a Cranbourne has recently taken over the training of lightly raced STOLE. She was having her third start for the stable when a determined 3rd to outsider Did He Win over 1700m at Flemington and will be suited back in mares’ grade. Mike Moroney – another Melbourne Cup winning trainer – is about to improve the record of the 5yo SPONTANEOUS. So far the gelding has won three of 43 but his two runs this time in have been encouraging and is worth supporting when he gets to 2000m. Mornington trained DELAGO’S LAD is poised to secure victory in group class following his eye-catching 6th to champion juvenile Sepoy
in the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 26. After a tardy starts he was doing his best work over the final 200m giving the impression he will run a strong 1600m. Classy 5yo WHOBEGOTYOU is worth backing in any race he contests over the next few months. Returning from a spell the chestnut posted a series of outstanding sectionals – including 21.61 for his final 400m – when a fast closing 2nd to gun mare More Joyous in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes [1400m] at Caulfield. Former Sydneysider HINCHINBROOK appears back on track after losing his way earlier this season. Having his first start for leading trainer Peter Moody, the 3yo hit the turf with gusto when 3rd in the 1100m Oakleigh Plate and can be supported with confidence when he steps up to 1200m and 1400m. BEST: WHOBEGOTYOU
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