Potter report gives ‘all clear’ to shire governance
Cameron McCullough
cameron@mpnews.com.au
THE review of governance and decision making around the “Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Experience” held at The Briars has been approved by shire councillors after a fiery meeting on 16 September.
The report, hundreds of pages in length, was sent to councillors Friday afternoon (13 September) to be discussed at the unscheduled council meeting on Monday 16 September,
mere hours before caretaker period kicked in.
The report followed a council resolution on 28 May to “review the processes leading to, and the outcomes of the event being held at The Briars” requiring the report be “presented to councillors prior to the caretaker period”.
The review would be required to include an “assessment and review of the processes leading up to and including the initial council decision to hold the event at the Sanctuary, and
the subsequent decision to relocate the event”.
The review of the shire’s governance and decision-making processes was carried out by the shire’s acting manager – governance, Pam Vercoe, and then reviewed by the appointed independent probity advisor, business management consultants Comprara.
The report found nothing to suggest the initial decision-making process was flawed but identified three areas for improvement with the following recommendations:
n revision of the Mornington Peninsula Shire events policy to provide further clarity on event classification n review of methodologies available for estimating economic impacts n development of a formal mechanism and policy position for marketled approaches to the shire.
The probity advisor also noted that strict confidentiality requirements and the non-disclosure agreements required by the event organiser significantly hampered communications about the event. On the back of
the report the shire has committed to putting processes in place to deal with similar requests in the future.
The event evaluation also found the experience provided a significant financial boost for the community, with up to $56 million injected into the local economy.
The unscheduled council meeting to discuss the report had fiery moments, and at one stage was momentarily adjourned by the chair mayor Brooks due to disquiet in the public gallery.
Continued Page 11
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Jones calls for support for hand-cleaning of beaches
JOSIE Jones OAM addressed community members at the Mount Martha Yacht Club last Wednesday (18 September), where she highlighted the role of public consultation in solving environmental issues.
Community feedback has revealed that 78% of residents surveyed preferred hand-cleaning over mechanical raking, and found the rake to be ineffective. The meeting reaffirmed the value of engaging in meaningful public discussions about the care of beaches and why we are stuck in a cycle of litter.
Jones also educated the audience on the seasonal movement of tides from April to October, clarifying misconceptions regarding the accumulation of seaweed and litter.
“Seaweed, which comes up during storm events, plays an important ecological role by protecting the coastline from erosion,” said Jones.
“Unfortunately, the litter buried by mechani-
cal beach rakes remains embedded in the sand, contributing to erosion.
The audience agreed that the majority of litter comes from beach recreation, and Jones clarified this by presenting physical data.
She said this ongoing issue is largely due to the ineffectiveness of the mechanical beach raking process, which buries litter rather than effectively removing it. This conclusion is supported by both her research and that of the shire.
During the meeting, Jones shared findings from a mechanical beach rake test.
In the test 27 items were placed over a 100-metre stretch. Despite multiple passes, the rake only collected six items, damaging half in the process. Many test items remained in the sand, with some broken into smaller pieces.
All of these items are commonly reported by community clean-up efforts like Beach Patrol Safety Beach/Dromana, where the tests were held.
Jones encouraged further public consultation and community involvement in the 100% handcleaning trial. She also encouraged the community to support the hand cleaning team, who have their work cut out for them, with decades of buried litter.
“People need to remember that the rake never cleaned the foredunes, nor did it collect fresh seaweed imbedded with plastics, this has been left to volunteers,” said Jones.
Jones recognised the efforts of the Clean Team Beach, whose manual efforts have consistently succeeded where mechanical methods have failed.
For those interested, Jones is available to speak with the community to raise awareness and demonstrate why hand-cleaning is the best approach.
Editor’s note: Josie Jones is a candidate in the current Mornington Peninsula Shire Council election for Nepean Ward.
Peninsula leads drowning statistics
EIGHT people have died at Mornington Peninsula beaches and waterways over the last year. There were more deaths in Mornington Peninsula coastal areas between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024 than there were in any other Victorian municipality. Surf Life Saving Australia’s annual National Coastal Safety Report, released last week, showed that eight people died on the Mornington Peninsula in that timeframe.
In total, Surf Life Saving Australia recorded 258 coastal deaths nationally in 2023/2024. 150 died from drowning, with 26 of those drownings occurring in Victoria. More than 80 per cent of drowning victims nationally were male, and every single drowning death occurred outside of a patrolled area.
Victoria’s death toll from drowning increased 37 per cent compared to the year prior, and is 38 per cent larger than the 10-year average.
Lifesavers made nearly 9000 rescues across Australia during 2023/2024. Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir said he is “incredibly proud of the work of our volunteer surf lifesavers across the country who performed a record number of preventative actions which has ensured this drowning number was not significantly higher. Never before have our surf lifesavers been asked to do so much.”
“We are deeply saddened by the drowning numbers this past year, each one was preventable and one death is one too many,” Weir said. “The numbers are alarming and we encourage everyone to take notice.
“We want to ensure everyone can enjoy our coastline safely and return home to loved ones. Our message remains simple: swim at patrolled locations, know your limits and be aware of your actions and decisions around the water”.
Brodie
Located near Degani’s
Cowburn
Thirty-seven to contest council’s eleven wards
Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au
THE nomination period for candidates in the 2024 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections has closed, with 37 candidates nominating to contest the shire’s eleven wards.
Of the candidates, six current councillors (Crs Bissinger, Celi, Gill, Marsh, O’Connor and Roper) have thrown their hats in the ring to serve another four-year term. Five current councillors (Crs Brooks, Dixon, Holland, Mar and Race) have decided not to stand again.
This election will see the move away from a six-ward system (three with multiple councillors) to an 11-ward system, with only one councillor to be elected from each ward.
In Beek Beek ward, which covers the area of Baxter, Somerville and Tyabb, two candidates are seeking election: Lavinia Jenkin and Kate Roper.
Lavinia Jenkin says she is “a small business owner with past corporate experience” that believes in a “future peninsula which ‘houses’ strong, connected communities. Where families are thriving, and access and inclusion is the foundation for town planning and development”.
Kate Roper is a current councillor who has been representing Watson Ward for the last 18 months after the resignation of Paul Mercurio from council. With the Ward boundaries realigned she now stand in Beek Beek Ward.
In Benbenjie Ward, which covers McCrae, three candidates are seeking election: Peter Clarke, Dinka Jakovac, and Max Patton.
Peter Clarke lives in McCrae and says “I am running because I am frustrated at the failure of the current council to fix our roads, halt the rate rise, stop the new levies and paid parking. I have previous experience in local government at Melbourne when we became the ‘World’s Most Liveable City’”.
Dinka Jakovac has a background in law and interior design and has lived permanently in McCrae for the past 15 years. She says “I am concerned council is letting our residents and ratepayers down and moving in the wrong direction” and that she is running so she can “bring council back to basics and provide proper service to our community in exchange for our hardearned rates dollars”.
Max Patton says he is a “born and bred local with significant coastland management experience across the Southern Peninsula”.
In Briars Ward, which covers the area of Mornington south of Bentons Road and Mt Martha, three candidates are seeking election: Bill Daish, Anthony Marsh and Despi O’Connor. It is the only ward where two current councillors will be competing against each other for the role.
Bill Daish says as “an engineer I am a logical and clear thinker, excellent for project work and prioritisation of needs” and that his vision for the peninsula is to “Stick to the knitting. Focus only on those matters that affect shire residents”. Anthony Marsh is a current council and previous Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor. He says his vision is a peninsula where we “all love to live, work and play. Surrounded by a wellmaintained coastline, supported by quality council infrastructure, and home to many thriving businesses and a happy and healthy community”. Despi O’Connor is also a current councillor and previous Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor, and a teacher for 15 years. She says that “through authentic community collaboration I envisage a peninsula that values, protects and promotes a sustainable future for all to enjoy the fullness of life”.
In Brokil Ward, which covers the southern portion of Mt Martha, Safety Beach and Dromana, three candidates are seeking election: Patrick Binyon, Marie Murray and Elizabeth Woolcock.
Patrick Binyon says he has “expertise is working with vulnerable youth and is an advocate for those who are on the margins of society” and that his “vision for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is one that acknowledges a changing demographic and represents all residents with dignity”.
Marie Murray says that “as a bookkeeper with a strong sense of ethics I look after many small businesses and have learnt to listen to my client’s needs and wants” and that her vision
THE new shire wards followed a review by a panel appointed last year by the Local Government Minister Melissa Horne. The 11 single-councillor wards replaced the old six wards, three of which had more than one councillor. Picture: Supplied
would be to “focus on reasonable and compatible growth that reflects the needs and desires of the community, along with bringing new ideas for increasing our ability to pay for public services”.
Elizabeth Woolcock says she is “currently a director on a board, where saliant decisions are made, and has a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in political science and Indigenous Australian studies” and aims to “protect our unique environment, Green Wedge and agricultural sector and advocate for the preservation of this area”.
In Coolart Ward, which covers a large swathe of the western side of the peninsula from St Andrews Beach through to Tuerong, three candidates are seeking election: Neil Biggins, Dennice Allen-Breeschoten and David Gill.
Neil Biggins says he has a “strong science career background with my own business and government” and would “love to see a more harmonious relationship between the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and its residents”.
Dennice Allen-Breeschoten says she offers “over 25 years of experience in business and community leadership in the corporate sector and non-profits” and her vision is to “foster a vibrant, safe, and sustainable community without locals having to incur continued increased rates, taxes or foreshore parking costs”.
David Gill is a current councillor standing for re-election. He says he is “particularly concerned with the direction this council may be taking regarding our planning protections as a number of candidates have a history of trashing our much-valued Green Wedge. There is overwhelming support by our community for retaining the character of the Mornington Peninsula”.
In Kackeraboite Ward, which covers much of Mt Eliza, two candidates are seeking election: Stephen Batty and Daniel McCaffrey.
Stephen Batty says he is a “qualified and experienced in business management in the finance, event management, logistics and risk management sectors” and wishes to “provide a safe, family environment for all to enjoy the magnificent coastal and rural aspects of our council areas and to assist in providing all necessary support to ensure local businesses are successful”.
Daniel McCaffrey boasts family connection to the area back to the 1920’s and says he is “committed to supporting positive aging programs, advocating for youth services, and improving the health and safety for all of us”.
In Moorooduc Ward, which covers much of outlying areas of Mornington, Mt Eliza, Baxter, as well as Moorooduc, two candidates are seeking election: Bruce Ranken and Kathryn Smith.
Bruce Ranken says that “as a past Councillor in another shire we cut wasteful spending, resulting in a two-year period zero percent rate increases for the community and increased efficiencies” and that his aim is to “ensure as a community we have a council that is efficient and productive”.
Kathryn Smith says she has “many years of
the peninsula for 28 years and has been involved with local football clubs and professional athletes for over 40 years. He says he wants to “bringing back old fashioned values to ensure our municipality is valued and admired by others around Victoria”.
Tom Davies says he is standing for council “to challenge their spending at a time when residents are struggling with cost of living and being divided by ethnicity, gender and sexuality”. Nick Fallaw says he is “inspired by his grandfather’s legacy as shire president” and that he has “learnt the importance of listening and learning above all else, when responding to the needs of our community”.
Paul Pingiaro runs an award-winning small business and is standing on the mantra of the council becoming “transparent and accountable”. He says he wants “free access to our coastal assets, clean beaches, well-maintained public infrastructure, thriving local businesses, and a shire where every resident’s needs and values are met”.
bringing people together in high pressure, competitive environments” and that her vision “is to see council united, who listen to the community and aren’t just about their own agendas”.
In Nepean Ward, which covers the southern tip of the peninsula from Rye to Portsea, seven candidates are seeking election: Andrea Allen, Susan Bissinger, Josie Jones, Suzanne Jones, Krysten Le Marshall, Eddie Matt and Monique Toms.
Andrea Allen says she “is an independent candidate from Blairgowrie running for Nepean Ward”. She was a Federal public servant for 14 years, including an 18-month stint in a Minister’s Office at Parliament House.
Susan Bissinger is a current councillors restanding for election and says she is a “critical thinker by nature, and has a vast amount of practical experience from over 25 years in the construction industry” and wants to see “a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community where everyone is treated equally”.
Josie Jones is an Order of Australia recipient who says she brings “25 years of experience in creative direction, project management, and business solutions”. She says her “vision for the Mornington Peninsula Shire is to foster a resilient, sustainable community that protects our coastal character and natural biodiversity, improves road infrastructure, supports small businesses, and inspires volunteerism”.
Suzanne Jones says she is an “experienced corporate professional with a background in stakeholder consultation. Known for building trust and confidence in challenging or contentious environments”. She believes “division has defined our council for too long” and she wants it to be “an efficient and effective decision-making body in the best interests of the community”.
Krysten Le Marshall has owned a business in Sorrento since 2021, is a mother of two, and has been heavily involved in the Sorrento Chamber of Commerce. She says that “bringing the community together is something I am passionate about”.
Eddie Matt says he can “engage well with stakeholders and community members to achieve common goals” and his vision for the peninsula is for a “thriving, inclusive community with focus on protecting and sustaining our natural environment where residents enjoy a high quality of life”.
Monique Toms says she “is a proud trans woman, businesswoman, volunteer and local resident”. Toms and her extended family have lived in Rye for the past 50 years. She says she is standing “to get a fair share of services, better access, more accountability and transparency, and proper consultation from council on issues that matter”.
In Tanti Ward, which covers much of Mornington, four candidates are seeking election: Barry Besanko, Tom Davies, Nick Fallaw and Paul Pingiaro.
Barry Besanko has had his own business on
In Tootgarook Ward which covers areas of Rosebud, Capel Sound and Tootgarook, three candidates are seeking election: Andrew De Bartolo, Antonella Celi and Cam Williams. Andrew De Bartolo is a science professional and a support worker that works on the peninsula. He says he is “passionate about funding mental health and domestic violence support services, providing more accessible and affordable housing, and protecting the green wedge”. Antonella Celi has been a councillor for 14 years after first being elected in 2010. She will stand for re-election to the newly formed Tootgarook Ward after previously representing Seawinds Ward. She says her vision for council is to “value, protect and enhance the characteristics and lifestyle that makes the Mornington Peninsula a very special place for our community to live, work, volunteer and enjoy recreational activities”.
Cam Williams has a background in business, sports coaching, and various volunteer positions, and says he brings “practical experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of our community’s needs.” He believes we “need a council that’s open and straightforward, focusing on the basics and getting the best value for our rates”.
In Warringine Ward which covers areas of Hastings, Bittern and Crib Point, five candidates are seeking election: Simon Meyer, Mark Palmer, Hilda Rachid, Nic Robertson, and Michael Stephens.
Simon Meyer was born and raised in Hastings and says he is a “dedicated community leader and advocate committed to serving and uplifting my community.” He says he is “focused on improving local infrastructure, including better maintenance of roads and access, expanding bus routes across the peninsula, and supporting local businesses”.
Mark Palmer says his experience includes 33 years in the army reserve, eight years in the regular army reaching the rank of Major, and 20 years owning and operating aged care homes. He says “we need to make sure our infrastructure is sufficiently robust to cater for higher population while protecting our environment and keeping the friendly and welcoming atmosphere”.
Hilda Rachid is a local business owner and Hastings resident for over thirty years. She says she “loves to volunteer and serve her community” and says she “possesses a deep understanding of our community’s needs and aspirations after many years of listening to residents’ stories, and empathising with their frustrations, which encouraged me to actively contribute”.
Nic Robertson says that “as a working teacher I have many skills of negotiation and patience. I am skilled at research and have a political and philosophical vision that is based in environmental survival and fairness to people of all nations and abilities”.
Michael Stephens has over 30 years’ experience working and operating a small business. He says he wants to see the Warringine Ward “gently growing while protecting the natural elements that community groups cherish”.
Ballot pack mailouts begin on 7 October with voting closing at 6pm on Friday 25 October.
Journalists: Brodie Cowburn, Brendan Rees
Ph: 5974 9000. Email: team@mpnews.com.au
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DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2024 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2024
Birdrock Beach supporters ready for action
RESIDENTS and are up in arms at Mornington Peninsula Shire’s near two year closure of the Birdrock Beach access stairs.
A recently formed action group ‘Repair the Stairs - Birdrock Beach Action Group’ held a protest rally on Saturday (21 September) in front of the closed stairs leading down to Birdrock Beach.
The spokesperson for the Birdrock Beach Action Group, Sharon Forrest, told The News that the Birdrock Beach stairs were closed to the public at the beginning of December 2022 after a severe storm and associated king tide caused the collapse of the bottom three sections of the stairway (Beach access stairs closed for safety, The News 17/1/23).
The king tide also eroded sand away from underneath the concrete footings at the base of
the stairs, further destabilising the stairway.
A sign was erected stating that repair work would be included in the shire’s 2024/25 financial year budget.
“Our shire is responsible for maintaining and repairing infrastructure along this section of our coastline,” said Forrest.
“To date there has been no action taken to repair the stairs and restore access to beach users. And the repair work has not been included in this year’s budget as proposed.
“This hidden gem is a haven for hundreds of locals and visitors alike, as well as being a sanctuary for local and immigrating seabirds, along with a wonderful fish-filled offshore reef.
“In addition, a consequence of the stair closure at Birdrock Beach is that this lovely
sandy cove is not being cleaned of plastic, bottles, microplastics, fishing waste, all of which are harmful to our seabirds.
“The long sandy beach is also is not being regularly maintained or monitored.
“The Summer months are fast approaching. It is nearly two years since the Birdrock Stairs were closed by the Mornington Peninsula Shire and our action group wants them repaired as soon as possible.
The Birdrock Beach Action Group have started a petition calling on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, current councillors and council candidates to commit to urgently repairing the stairs. The petition can be signed at: www.change.org/p/open-birdrock-beach
Cameron McCullough
The Salty Project kicks off community drive
THE Salty Project is making big waves by bringing awareness to mental health topics in teens. The project will provide peninsula teenagers with the opportunity to produce a powerful short film, “Salty”, which will delve into crucial mental health topics while showcasing the vibrant and unique culture of the Mornington Peninsula.
‘Salty’ has been designed to engage a selected group of teens in hands-on workshops and shadowing experiences with industry professionals. Through this creative process, participants will develop their filmmaking skills while exploring themes such as racism, PTSD, and generational perceptions of mental health. The film’s narrative, set against the backdrop of surfing, young love, and iconic Aussie beach life, will offer a meaningful platform for these important conversations.
The concept came from writer Melissa Riemer’s personal experience of losing a friend due to taking their own life; she was left with the question - what could the collective community have done differently that could have changed the course of action?
Producer, Danielle Singleton, a Mornington Peninsula native, is deeply passionate about this initiative, drawing from her own experiences of growing up in a small town.
The project has received a small grant from the Mornington Peninsula Shire, but additional support from businesses is essential to bring “Salty” to fruition. Donations and in-kind support are needed to cover production costs and ensure the success of this impactful endeavour. Workshops for the Salty Project will commence on October 6, with the film shoot scheduled for November 24 – 27 at Gunnamatta Beach. The local screening is planned for February 2025. For more information on how to support the Salty Project, please contact boysofsummersaltyproduction@gmail.com. www.saltyfilm.com.au
VIEW Club calls for poverty support
MEMBERS of the Mornington VIEW Club are calling on the community to give generously this Anti-Poverty Week (13 – 19 October) and sponsor a child through national children’s charity The Smith Family. The focus of this Anti-Poverty Week is to work towards ending child poverty in Australia.
Mornington VIEW Club helps children through The Smith Family’s Learning For Life Program, which provides Australian families with long term educational, financial and personal assistance so that children have all the essentials needed to fully participate in their learning.
This year has been difficult for all Australians due to the cost-of-living increases but has been particularly hard for those families already doing it tough.
Families are having to make impossible choices during this crisis, this could be prioritising rent over sending their child on a school excursion, being able to afford schoolbooks or essential digital learning tools.
A laptop and reliable internet access at home are now vital for any child’s education.
No child should have to miss out on the essentials for their education, and this is why VIEW is so passionate about supporting the work of The Smith Family. They support students for the duration of their education, and this builds confidence and skills needed to create better futures for themselves.
VIEW Clubs raised more than $1.5 million nationally last year to support The Smith Family’s important work , and they currently sponsor 1,760 students on the Learning For Life scholarship program
VIEW Clubs have also raised nearly $400,000 for The Smith Family’s Digital Learning Essentials Program that aims to close the digital divide and allow students to fully participate in their schooling
While fundraising plays a vital role in helping children in need VIEW Clubs also encourage women of all ages to donate their time and skills while learning and having fun.
Recently, members in our local area have been participating in organising fundraising events such as fashion parades, auctions and raffles and participating in outings , theatre trips, speakers, book clubs and walking groups.
To find out more about joining VIEW, visit view.org.au or call 1800805366.
To sponsor a child through The Smith Family visit thesmithfamily.com.au or call 1800 633 622.
National Trust unveils new centre in peninsula rainforest
A NEW education facility nestled within the Mornington Peninsula’s very own rainforest will help students learn about the natural environment and the area’s cultural heritage.
The Nearkey Biik Education and Environment Centre was formally opened at Endeavour Fern Gully, a 28-hectare National Trust property that is the peninsula’s original rainforest featuring the area’s last remaining sections of indigenous bushland south of Red Hill.
The National Trust of Victoria celebrated the official opening on September 6, with the name Nearkey Biik meaning “Take Care of Country”, which was made in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
The name also reflected both the “cultural significance of the landscape and the National Trust’s commitment to protecting and sharing its rich history”.
The centre will allow visiting students to learn about biodiversity, study ecosystems, and conservation. It will also be available for community hire and private functions.
In what initially began as a project to build a toilet for volunteers, the completion of the centre marks a huge feat thanks to a massive community effort and the tireless advocacy of former Member for Flinders Greg Hunt.
Generous contributors included local philanthropists, the Mornington Peninsula Shire, and a $188,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
WHAT’S NEW...
The Kimberly Foundation, the Lightfolk Foundation, Margaret Ross, the late Gordon Moffitt, and the Red Hill Lions Club were also among the many donors.
Speaking at the opening, the National Trust of Victoria’s Foundation president Kristen Stegley said, “it’s a wonderful story of how when generous people come together and join with well-directed public funding, you make extraordinary things happen”.
Member for Flinders Zoe McKenzie (pictured) was also at the opening, saying “the facility “will provide invaluable education on preserving our beautiful natural sites on the Mornington Peninsula like the Endeavour Fern Gully”.
Gala to raise muchneeded funds
THIS year Fusion Mornington Peninsula (FMP) have done an overhaul of their events, with the introduction of a Garden Party in March and a high end Gala Dinner in October. The Garden Party was well received and they are excited to see what can be achieved with the upcoming dinner. The goal is to raise $150,000.
At a time where housing stress and the rates of homelessness are on the rise, Fusion Mornington Peninsulas service is needed more than ever, but they can only assist in line with their capacity. Businesses and individuals are being encouraged to take an extra leap of faith and commit to this upcoming event. The goal each year is to ‘Change the World’ for at least 50 young people (16-25 year olds) who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula.
Raising $150,000 would enable FMP to do things like:
n Fund a Families Caseworker and/or a Housing Youth Worker
n Provide interim safe housing for at least 24 young people
n Allow existing team the time to visit and provide casework and support to young people and families supported in the community
This event will be a sit-down dinner in the beautiful Horizon Ballroom at the luxury Cape Schanck Resort on Saturday evening 19 October, 2024 - A night of elegant dining, fine wines and amazing live and silent auctions items.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy a night out with friends or business colleagues whilst support-
ing vulnerable young people and families in our community to create positive change in their lives.
Would you be in a position to partner with us?
Please consider supporting this new initiative.
If you would like to discuss this further please contact Mary our event manager 0400 963 114 or morningtonadmin@fusion.org.au
This promises to be a night to remember. Bookings close 2nd October 2024. got to: web. thankqportal.com/fualsna/fusion-morningtongala-dinner-2024 or scan the QR code below:
Why we should re-open the Beleura Cliff Path
The Path is 102 years old. Built in 1922 for £80 pounds, it could never be replaced: too expensive and too complex. Ninety per cent of it is firmer and safer than it has ever been. The landslip areas can be remade, once the bad drains that caused them are fixed. If we lose this inherited public asset, future generations will not forgive us.
Our shire mayor and CEO have written to the Minister for the Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, asking for $500,000 to assess and design the best repair option for the two damaged sections of the cliff path. Please take the time to email the Minister with your support for this. You can say as little as "Please fund our shire to evaluate how best to repair and reopen our Beleura Cliff Path at Mornington" or as much as you want. Email to: steve. dimopoulos@parliament.vic.gov.au. It is unlikely repairs will proceed without this support.
The Beleura Cliff Path is a much-loved nature walk through a wild, scenic part of Mornington. Dolphins are often seen in this stretch of water. For many people it's an escape from the rat-race, for others it's a jogging track or a health walk, or for many parents, a place to take children or babies in a pusher.
It is presently closed to the public, but the Friends Group have permission to work on it regularly to keep it in good shape.
The Friends Group has, for eight years, been doing ecological work to maintain the native vegetation and strengthen the path shoulders with deep-rooted plants native to the cliff.
If you love the path, please make sure the candidate you vote for is a keen supporter of the Beleura Cliff Path, and willing to use their position to press the shire to do everything in their power to reopen it.
In next week’s Mornington News we hope to get the views of each of the candidates on the issue of re-
opening the path. Use your vote wisely. This is the best opportunity you will have to influence the shire and get them to make a clearer commitment on the path.
For a regular flow of information please visit or join our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/beleuracliffpath
Stranded… Somerville residents face mobile phone woes
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
SOMERVILLE residents are expressing their frustration over constant mobile phone reception issues that they claim have not been addressed since being raised with federal parliament five years ago.
“We are not living in the dark ages, and it’s about time something is done to fix the problem,” resident Robyn Kent, who lives in the Hedgley Dean Estate which runs parallel to Bungower Rd.
Ms Kent launched a resident petition in 2019 to have the matter rectified, which was submitted to the then Flinders MP Greg Hunt and tabled at a parliamentary sitting but “not one thing has been done about it”.
“It’s not satisfactory,” Ms Kent said, who is a Telechoice customer, which she understood used Telstra phone towers.
She said trying to make a call in the evening was “chronically bad” to the point that she had to stand outside her garage to get reception.
“Nobody wants to bother doing anything; it’s in the too hard basket.”
Another resident and Telstra customer said they gave up years ago after resorting to using wi-fi after experiencing patchy or no reception in the Somerville area. He previously had to go out the front door of his home to get coverage.
A former Somerville resident with a chronic illness said her sister had to run up the street on multiple occasions so they could call an ambulance
because there was no phone reception at their Lumeah Rd home.
“Why can they spend $40 million on a new pool at Rosebud but they can’t put in a phone tower that helps saves people’s lives?” the resident, who asked not to be named, told The News
While it’s not known how many
residents have been impacted, close to 12,000 people were living in Somerville, according to the 2021 census by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
A federal government departmental spokesperson said the “Australian Government is committed to increasing connectivity, bridging the digital divide, improving mobile coverage
Photo: Gary Sissons
and protecting communities against natural disaster”.
The spokesperson said the government’s mobile black spot program was improving mobile coverage and competition across Australia with one site funded in the Mornington Peninsula to provide coverage in Merricks and the surrounding area, which was installed in February 2022.
A “resilience upgrade” was also funded for a permanent generator at Arthur’s Seat which was completed in June.
This installation was part of a mobile network hardening program, which helps prevent outages in the event of a natural disaster, strengthen the resilience of telecommunications facilities to allow them to operate for longer during bushfires and other emergencies, and allow the “rapid restoration of services” following an outage.
The department also noted that, “NBN Co’s fibre upgrade program has been bolstered by the Australian Government’s $2.4 billion investment over four years to provide an additional 1.5 million fibre to the node (FTTN) premises nationally with full-fibre access”.
“Around 88,000 homes and businesses in the Mornington Peninsula
local government area are expected to benefit from fibre upgrades, with around 19,000 already upgrading to a full-fibre connection. A further 38,000 premises are eligible to order a fibre upgrade with the remaining premises expected to be ready before the end of 2025.”
A Telstra spokesperson said they are “aware of some indoor coverage challenges in some parts of Somerville as indoor coverage can be quite variable depending on housing material and terrain. We are committed to building a new site in South East Somerville to uplift coverage in the area, and have a project underway to locate the land required to build a new mobile site”.
An Optus spokesperson said it was committed to providing the best possible coverage with 4G and 5G available to customers in the Somerville area.
“There are no active outages or incidents in the area,” the spokesperson said.
“Two new mobile sites are planned to go online next year to provide further connectivity – one next to Bungower Rd.
“A number of factors may impact mobile connection such as the distance to the closest mobile tower, the surrounding terrain and using an older device.”
Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie wrote to residents this year saying she would show the federal government that Somerville was a priority area for mobile phone reception issues. Ms McKenzie’s office was contacted for comment.
CHASING Change held their annual gathering at Mornington Park to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday 15 September.
It was an opportunity for those whose lives have been impacted by suicide to come together, reflect and remember. The day kicked off with some live music
and activities, guest speakers and a memorial roll call.
The day culminated in a walk around the park and the tying of ribbons for those lost. Pictured above is Chasing Change representative Rebecca Tyler and her son Oliver. Rebecca lost her twin sister Beth to suicide.
Her message is “you are not alone in your grief”.
For information on Chasing Change visit their Facebook Page: facebook.com/ Chasingchangespn For access to crisis support and suicide prevention services, call Lifeline on 13 11 44. Picture: Supplied
Potter report out, but not all happy
Continued from Page 1
It started poorly for members of the public that attended seeking accountability for the decision making and processes that initially had the event being held in a wildlife sanctuary. The chair of the meeting ruled that due to the unscheduled nature of the meeting, public questions would not be allowed, but rather could be emailed to the CEO John Baker.
“Why would that have not been communicated before the meeting?” said Cr Anthony Marsh.
“In hindsight it might have been useful, but the bottom line is it’s in our governance rules,” said shire CEO John Baker.
Criticism of the tabled report came from multiple councillors, with Marsh’s comments the most pointed, saying the report was “sprinkled with perceived independence, full of exclusions and limitations”.
“The review we have in front of us is exactly as I expected,” said Marsh.
“The scope approved in secret, nearly 1000 pages dumped in the 11th hour, littered with redactions and confidentiality and failing to address some of the most obvious questions.”
“To the many community members who stepped up to fight this fight... you helped to make this event the success it was by avoiding the disaster it could have been.
“I know tonight this review is not what you asked for or were promised, but thank you sincerely for your attention, for your passion and dedication. It matters and it made all the difference.”
Cr Celi pushed back saying “I just want to make it clear, for the record,
that there has been no secrecy”.
“This council has been as transparent as legally possible in helping to satisfy the community with the questions and the curiosity they’ve had about the process that we’ve undertaken in regards to the event held at The Briars.”
“I think the wizardry, the witch hunts and the inquisition stops, hopefully, tonight.”
Cr Gill said “The poor decision making, in my opinion, leading up to the original decision, made our community wary of all the processes”.
“The upset in our community is obvious and relates to transparency and accountability, which was trapped within the confidentiality and legal implications.”
“I believe that an apology was and is required and the outcomes of the motion should be to ensure that this situation doesn’t occur again by altering the way we interact with our community.”
Members of the Save Briars Sanctuary groups left before the end of the meeting with spokesperson, Louise Page, later telling The News “To be frank, it’s the cover up we expected. The seriousness has been down played by omissions of information and obfuscation regarding any benefit to ratepayers”.
“The general flavour is that the shire doesn’t appear to believe it was at fault and the review was a box ticking exercise.”
In the end, councillors voted to accept the “learnings, recommendations and findings” of the report with only Crs Marsh, Dixon and Bissinger voting against its adoption.
Welcome TO THE WORLD
Parents Samantha & Jaylen
Birth date: 18.09.2024
Birth weight: 3010gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Parents: Jess & Hayden
Birth date: 17.09.2024
Birth weight: 3590gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Parents: Keziah & Joel
Birth date: 17.09.2024
Birth weight: 4000gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Parents: Charmaine & Abduliah
Birth date: 17.09.2024
Birth weight: 3930gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Parents: Alex & Richard
Birth date: 17.09.2024
Birth weight: 4241gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Parents: Nikhitha & Arihant
Birth date: .17.09.2024
Birth weight: 3500gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Boneo farm found to have exploited migrant workers
THE Fair Work Ombudsman has secured $166,860 in court-ordered penalties against one of Australia’s largest celery producers for underpaying vulnerable migrant employees more than $91,000.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court imposed the penalties against A & G Lamattina & Sons Pty Ltd (Lamattina), whose farm is at Boneo.
Lamattina breached the Fair Work Act after it underpaid employees and failed to pay them in full and at least monthly between February 2020 and February 2021. It failed to pay minimum wages, casual loading, overtime and public holiday rates owed under the Horticulture Awards 2010 and 2020.
The Court found the conduct was deliberate.
The FWO investigated the company after receiving requests for assistance from three farmhands, each visa holders, who had not been paid any wages during extended periods of their employment.
Despite raising concerns about their pay with their employer, one of the farmhands was only paid for 10 of the 52 weeks of work; another only six out of 36 weeks worked; and the third only eight out of 41 weeks worked.
The three employees were underpaid $91,907 between them in the course of a year: one of them more than $37,000 and the other two more than $27,000 each.
The farmhands are from non-English speaking backgrounds – they speak Indonesian and Malay – and held bridging visas when employed by Lamattina. They performed tasks such as planting, picking and cutting celery on a casual basis.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth condemned the breaches.
“The conduct by the employer in this case was
appalling, and I believe supermarket shoppers would be dismayed to know their Lamattina celery was grown by workers deprived of such large sums of their hard-earned wages,” Ms Booth said.
“We don’t tolerate the exploitation of migrant workers, who have the same rights in Australia as any other workers. Protecting their workplace rights is an ongoing priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman.
“Boosting compliance in the horticulture and agriculture sectors is also a priority.
“Any worker with concerns about their pay and entitlements is encouraged to contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and assistance.”
In his judgement, Judge Karl Blake characterised Lamattina’s conduct as “egregious”.
“It is difficult to think of a contravention of an award that is more serious than a complete failure to pay employees their wages. That is what occurred in this case,” His Honour said.
“The conduct was clearly deliberate and intentional.”
In imposing the penalties, Judge Blake considered the employees’ losses to be significant and stated they were vulnerable employees “…exploited or taken advantage of by their employer”.
His Honour noted the extended period of time over which the contraventions had occurred; the significant sums of the underpayments; Lamattina’s lack of remorse and the employer having taken no steps to prevent contraventions in the future, plus its lack of cooperation with the regulator.
Lamattina rectified the underpayments in full in February 2023 – at least two years after the relevant work period.
Frankston Council approves height limits
Brodie Cowburn brodie@mpnews.com.au
AFTER more than two years of development, new height limits in Frankston’s city centre have been sent to the planning minister for final approval.
Frankston Council has been working on its FMAC Structure Plan since 2022. The plan and its associated planning scheme amendment C160fran will set maximum preferred height limits of up to 16 storeys in parts of Frankston’s city centre.
development in the city centre, which would significantly impact council’s vision for the Frankston MAC.”
Most objectors have opposed the proposed 12-storey height limits in the precinct bordered by Nepean Highway, Beach Street, Wells Street, and Kananook Creek Boulevard. The final planning scheme amendment will push ahead with the 12-storey limits.
The preferred height limits set out in the FMAC Structure Plan can be exceeded at the discretion of the responsible authority.
After an independent planning panel approved most of the proposed changes late last month, Frankston Council has finalised the plan. Councillors approved it at a 16 September meeting, a day before entering caretaker mode, and the matter is now in the hands of planning minister Sonya Kilkenny.
Frankston councillor Kris Bolam voted for the approval of the new planning guidelines. He said the adoption of the FMAC Structure Plan will mean “developers that want to invest in Frankston will now have clarity and mandatory guidelines from height limits to builtform.”
Council officers recommended that councillors proceed with the planning changes with the panel’s proposed amendments to rezone VicTrack land at 53 Davey Street and make some minor wording changes. Officers wrote “the panel found that planning scheme amendment C160fran was strategically justified, consistent with the relevant planning practice notes, supported by and implements the planning policy framework, providing a robust strategic basis for the amendment.
“Having an adopted structure plan actually arms the community with a statutory safeguard against inappropriate development. As far as I am concerned, it’s a win-win for responsible development in Frankston and also encourages much-needed private investment,” he said.
Earlier this year the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal considered two highrise proposals along the Nepean Highway in Frankston.
“If council resolves to abandon the amendment, the city centre will remain without contemporary planning controls and create uncertainty for the community, investors and developers. Given the status of the Victorian Government’s Activity Centre Program, which Frankston is part of, there is the risk that a high level, standardised and deemed to comply approach could be implemented to guide use and
It rejected plans for a 14-storey apartment building at 438-444 Nepean Highway and approved a multi-storey building at 446-450 Nepean Highway (“VCAT rejects high-rise plan” The News 24/6/2024).
At their 16 September meeting, councillors considered a proposal to revise approved nine-storey plans at 35 Playne Street to fifteen storeys.
FRENZY
$10
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Art X Wildlife on the Mornington Peninsula
CAPE Schanck artist Di Crawford’s first exhibition in five years was opened recently to a packed house at a Boneo winery.
“My Peninsula Experiences” focuses on the green heart of the peninsula, the birds, wildlife and fauna within it, in a series she painted in her bushland studio on the western edge of Greens Bush.
With a long career as a collectable artist, Crawford’s latest work combines figurative images of nature and wildlife on geometric patterned backgrounds, imagining a microscopic view into the natural world.
The artist has said she was inspired by the fragility of the environment and hoped her work encouraged people to continue to protect the peninsula’s unspoiled areas.
Her larger works, acrylic on canvas, are hanging on the cellar door walls, while smaller works are mounted on vintage wine barrels in Tallarida Winery’s cellar door, 148 Browns Road, Boneo.
The exhibition runs until the end of October and is the first venture of the newly formed Rosebud-based Barnacle Studios Collective, which is collaborating with Tallarida over the next year to present Art X Wine, an ongoing series of exhibitions by local artists.
The next artist to feature in the Art X Wine series, opening in November, will be local printmaker Hannah Lewis.
Barnacle was formed last year by long-time theatre, radio and events producer Sally Baillieu and creative arts entrepreneur and curator Max Johnson. Both are members of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Arts and Culture Advisory Panel, with Johnson its current chair.
Barnacle’s mission is “to establish an arts hub
for Rosebud to provide a platform for creative collaboration, where local artists can thrive, and the community can engage with and discover local talent”.
Exhibition hours: Friday to Monday, 11.30am - 5pm. Entry is free.
Details: barnaclestudios.au
Tallarida: tallaridawinery.com.au
Artist unveils art exhibition on the peninsula
FOR artist Emma Davies, the enchanting beauty of the Mornington Peninsula is not just a backdrop; it’s a wellspring of inspiration that helps create her creations.
The Frankston South resident uses material like bird net, baler twine and things in her garden as well as acrylic paint and other materials to form intricate textiles.
“I think one of the reasons why I do work with these sorts of materials is because you can work with it instantly, unlike a medium like clay or something where you’ve got to wait for it to dry and fire it and stuff like that,” she said.
“The materials are transformed into something that ends up looking quite sort of organic and earthy”.
Twelve of her pieces are now being showcased at the Kelli Lundberg Art gallery at 545 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Moorooduc, in an exhibition called Ethereal Threads, which will run until October 13.
Emma, who began experimenting with shape,
form and texture 30 years ago after undertaking a printmaking course in Milan in 1993, expressed her excitement for the exhibition.
“It’s great; it’s been pretty intense making the works and I am excited because I’m happy with it and I’m getting really great feedback,” Emma told The News
But she was quick to note that her work is not a fast process as “there’s thousands and thousands of dots which I create by melting the end of the twine and pressing the twine into a netting”.
“It challenges you and pushes you into new areas and experimenting with different things, so I like that part of it; I’m happy with the show.”
Emma, whose pieces can be seen throughout Australia and overseas in commercial buildings, said she was fortunate to live in a mud brick house which provided great inspiration.
“When I make the work, there’s not really a plan. Everything transforms when you start making it.”
Brendan Rees
Poets’ Corner returns to its roots
WILDFLOWER Café McCrae will be offering a delightful springtime evening of poetry to poets and poetry lovers alike on Sunday 29 September. Poets’ Corner’s return to its original McCrae home and will feature local lyricist and poet, Barry Swayn (pictured left).
In the words of Swayn, “Once described as a ‘curious beast’, I felt the title most applicable. My appreciation of the ‘word’ stems back to childhood when my father held me spellbound with the poems of Paterson and Lawson”.
“In later life I found it a release to write my own and to sometimes share these incoherent ramblings, a process I have never completely understood, but do enjoy.”
“I hope others do as well.”
Poets and non-poets are all welcome, and bookings are advised. Read a poem or just enjoy listening. Arrive a little earlier to order your meal and drink and to write your name on the board if you are presenting.
There will be two open mic sets and a half hour feature set with some short breaks between. Wildflower Cafe is a fully licensed cafe. Doors open at 5:30pm and event starts 6pm sharp. Event concludes 8pm sharp. Bookings are advisable. Poets’ Corner no longer takes an entry fee directly at the door, instead this is absorbed into the dining booking. What’s on offer?
n $35 = main course (2 options) + 1 x glass of wine/soft drink/beer/coffee/hot chocolate
n $50 = main course (2 options) + dessert + 1 x glass of wine/soft drink/beer/coffee/hot chocolate
Check out Poets’ Corner on Facebook and Instagram.
For bookings call Wildflower café on 59122456 or follow this link: wildflower-cafe-1694519023.resos.com/ booking
Police call for vigilance
AROUND 40 per cent of cars targeted by thieves across the Mornington Peninsula have been left unlocked by their owners, police say.
Police have issued a public appeal for residents to keep their car doors locked to prevent thefts. Victoria Police Frankston and Mornington Peninsula superintendent Terry Rowlands said “there is a very small number of people who will prey on unsuspecting residents and visitors who leave their car doors unlocked. We are not seeing rows upon rows of parked cars with smashed windows. Thieves are going from door to door, targeting those that owners have forgotten to lock.”
“The data is clear – more than 40 per cent of vehicles targeted this year have been unlocked. If your vehicle is locked, you are at a far lower risk of having your things stolen,” he said. “We also encourage members of the community if they see something, say something. Intelligence provided to police can help track offenders down and return stolen items to their rightful owners.”
Cars in Mornington, Rosebud, Hastings, and Rye are most commonly targeted by thieves in the Mornington Peninsula. In the last three months, Mornington Peninsula police have arrested 20 people who allegedly used unlocked car doors and windows to commit thefts.
Among those arrested was a 23-year-old Mornington man. He was arrested outside of Frankston
Magistrates’ Court on 4 September, and charged with various counts relating to motor vehicle theft, four counts of theft, reckless conduct endanger serious injury, possess cocaine, eight counts of unlicensed driving, three counts of criminal damage, and two counts of deception. He has since appeared at Frankston Magistrates’ Court and has been remanded to appear again on Thursday, 26 September.
Police also arrested a 29-year-old man seven times between 23 April and 8 July - the Hastings man was charged with burglary, theft, theft of motor vehicle, attempted theft of motor vehicle, obtain property by deception, handle stolen goods, deal property suspected proceed of crime, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and negligently deal with proceeds of crime. He has since been released on bail.
A 35-year-old woman from Hastings was arrested on 18 April, 5 May, and 7 May over alleged car thefts on the Mornington Peninsula, and has since been bailed. A 35-year-old man was also arrested at a home in Hastings on 25 July and charged with handle stolen goods, and negligently deal with proceeds of crime. He was granted bail to appear in Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 1 October.
Offenders are most likely to strike cars parked in carports and driveways. Thefts from cars are most commonly committed overnight on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Man charged following spate of burglaries
MORNINGTON Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives charged an 18-year-old man following a spate of alleged burglaries across the southern suburbs between 15 May and 20 August.
It is alleged unknown offenders smashed the glass front doors of more than 20 cafes and restaurants across suburbs including Capel Sound, Dromana, McCrae, Mount Martha, Portsea, Red Hill, Rosebud, Rye and Tootgarook.
The alleged damage bill is in excess of $100,000.
A Dromana man has been charged with 20 counts of burglary, 20 counts of theft, and 12 counts of criminal damage. He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 11 October.
The investigation continues and detectives are keen to speak to a second man in relation to the incidents.
He has been described as Caucasian in appearance, between 185-190cm tall, of a slim build, and believed to be aged between 18-25.
At the time, he was wearing a grey hooded jumper and black puffer vest and was carrying a blue or black balaclava and black backpack.
Anyone who recognises the man or has information that may assist police with their investigation, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Passenger dies following collision in McCrae
MAJOR Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal collision in McCrae on Sunday 8 September.
Emergency services were called to reports of a collision between a Toyota and a Honda at the intersection of Lonsdale Street and South Road about 10am.
The driver and only occupant in the Toyota, a 55-year-old man from Rosebud was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Honda, a 92-yearold Blairgowrie man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The passenger in the Honda an 84-year-old Rosebud man was taken to hospital in a serious condition but later died in hospital on 11 September.
The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic. com.au
Appeal for driver involved in Mount Martha police ramming
MORNINGTON Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance to
help identify the driver of a ute that rammed a police car in Mount Martha earlier this month.
Officers attempted to intercept the stolen orange Toyota Hilux ute near the intersection of Nepean Highway and Craigie Road about 1.30am on 13 September.
After stopping momentarily, the ute turned around and intentionally rammed the side of the marked police car.
The ute fled the scene and was located burnt out on Lloyd Park, Langwarrin about 1.50am.
The two police officers inside the car sustained minor injuries.
Investigators believe the Toyota Hilux was stolen from a Narre Warren South property between 6 and 7 September.
Detectives have released an image of a person driving the Toyota Hilux who may be able to assist with their enquiries.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Life of love leaves an indelible mark
OBITUARY
Helen Lowell
9 April 1938 – 26 August 2024
By Sarah Russell
SOMETIMES you are fortunate to stumble upon an extraordinary person in the most unexpected places. I met Helen Lowell in the Mt Martha dog park. Helen’s puppy, Gus, and mine, Ash Barky, were great friends. Helen and I began having long conversations whilst our dogs chased each other. I soon learnt that Helen was a gracious and intelligent woman. She had an open mind, a kind heart and a wicked sense of humour. Her smile and joie de vivre were infectious.
At the dog park, Helen insisted that we all walk on her left side because she was deaf in her right ear. Her hearing loss did not prevent her from listening intently and responding empathetically. She showed a genuine interest in all our day-to-day lives. Helen’s hearing loss also did not impede her love of classical music. She was thrilled when she found local women who shared her musical interests. They attended concerts together followed by laughter over a glass of red wine.
Soon after meeting Helen, I invited her to a Kitchen Table Conversation to discuss issues that matter to people who live on the Mornington Peninsula. As you’d expect from an open minded academic, Helen arrived with several pages of notes. She had written a thoughtful response to each question.
Helen and I had a similar taste in literature, so we began recommending novels to each other. I looked forward to meeting her in the dog park to walk and talk about our latest book. When Gus and I visited Helen a few days before she died, we shared our love for our latest book: Trent Dalton’s Lola in the Mirror. Unfortunately, Helen died before she finished reading Trent’s Love
Mornington
Helen talked about her life in England before she left home for an adventure in Malta. It was here that Helen met George, an accomplished yachtsman and the love of her life. Helen and George later emigrated to Australia with their two young children: Sean and Ali.
Helen and George shared a love of sailing. Helen had so many fond
memories of sailing in the Mediterranean and later in Australia in a yacht that George had built.
After retiring as a VCE co-ordinator at Sacré Coeur Girls School, Helen and George moved to Mt Martha to be closer to their daughter, Ali, and son-in-law, Owen. Helen told me that her time at Mt Martha was the happiest in her life.
Soon after arriving on the Morn-
ington Peninsula, Helen joined the local bridge club, a badminton team at the Mornington Civic Centre and took French and German classes at University of the Third Age. Helen also discovered an interest in basketball while supporting her talented grandson, Ben Perry. Helen often told me there were not enough hours in the day to do everything she wanted to do.
A few years ago, Helen moved in to a beautiful new Mount Martha house that her daughter, Ali had designed and projected managed along with Owen. As a multi-generational home, Helen had her own home, while a door that separated the two households was mostly open. Helen loved swimming, admiring sunsets over the bay and entertaining her friends in her new home.
A few weeks before Helen became unwell in early July, I played against her on our Tuesday morning badminton competition - and she thrashed me (again). She laughed watching me scramble for her winning drop shots.
Helen brought so much joy to the dog park, the badminton court and the bridge table. She will live on in the hearts and minds of all of us who loved her.
Helen is survived by her beloved children, Sean and Ali, son-in law, Owen, her grandchildren, Emily and Ben, and great grandchildren, Harvey and Millicent. She will be remembered for her warmth, hospitality, kindness, intellect and great sense of fun.
Don’t let the Mornington Peninsula become a “News Desert”!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PUBLISHER
Dear Reader,
When Covid hit in 2020, community newspapers across the country faced an existential threat. Businesses were curtailed or forced to close due to lockdowns, advertising revenue dried up and hundreds of community newspapers across the country closed. Many forever.
At the beginning of the pandemic, I made a promise to our readers. We would keep publishing. No matter what. And that is what we did. We kept our promise and saw the pandemic through, never missing a single weekly edition.
About 18 months ago, a new, even greater threat emerged. Newsprint, the paper we print on, began to quickly rise in price. It has now risen to be 80% higher than it was before and during Covid. Community newspapers across the country are again in crisis and papers are again closing on a weekly basis.
My team and I are dedicated to providing the best local news we can to the Mornington Peninsula. But it is time to ask for your help.
Readers! We need you to do one thing for us. We need you to support those businesses that support us. Those businesses support local news in your community!
Businesses! We need you to do one thing for us. Support Mornington News with your advertising. It is a great way to support your local community, and build your business while doing it. Call our sales representative, Bruce Stewart, on 0409 428 171 or email bruce@mpnews.com.au
Without a local newspaper, there are no efficient means to check the decisions of the powerful and create accountability. Without a local newspaper, the fabric that holds a community together suffers. Without a local newspaper, the individual identity of the area is diminished. Mornington News needs your support to thrive and grow through unprecedented challenges. Let’s work together and make it happen!
Thank you for your support,
Cameron McCullough - Publisher
Potter report a ‘Chamber of Secrets’
There were more questions raised than answers given in the review of the Harry Potter Event hosted by the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
The reviews main purpose was to analyse how the decision to hold a huge sound and light show for months on end within the fenced Wildlife “Sanctuary” at The Briars was recommended by officers and approved by the majority of councillors.
In answer to this specific question, the silence was deafening.
The non-disclosure agreement was signed by councillors and officers of the shire with Warner Brothers, not the ratepayers.
We are not asking how much profit Warner Brothers, Fever, or affiliated businesses made, nor the “ flow on effect” to the region (a very vague concept although somehow calculated and disclosed with great aplomb), but we have a right to know how much the shire benefited in monetary terms by hosting this controversial event.
The costs have been disclosed and calculated down to the last dollar, including the cost of relocating the event – a totally unnecessary expense had due diligence been followed.
The “net” profit of which ratepayers aren’t being given even a vague indication of value will need to be allocated as surplus to the ordinary budget. Where and how will this money be allocated? (The Briars presumably) especially as we were told The Briars exorbitant running costs more or less necessitated this event being held for it to remain viable.
Had the relatively small amount of donated trees not been planted by community volunteers, it would have added substantial cost to the shire. Stop taking this wonderful community for granted and start giving – starting with answers.
Enough of the Chamber of Secrets
Sarah Sampson, Flinders
Too little, too late
ON Monday 16 September, at an unscheduled council meeting, Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors voted on the shire’s Harry Potter event review and report recommendations.
This review was the outcome of a previous resolution by Council ‘... that a review of the processes leading to, and the outcomes of the event being held at The Briars, will be undertaken.’
The review scope, prepared by the mayor (in consultation with the CEO), had just four sections. One was to assess and review the initial decision-making process that led to the approval of holding such a large-scale production in The Briars fenced wildlife sanctuary. A consultant company was appointed to check the final report against the scope.
The consultants point out that the shire’s report provided little detail on two key questions regarding the decision-making process and no sections were dedicated to responding to them. A rather telling omission when this was arguably the main purpose of the resolution and the heart of public outrage and campaign by Save Briars Sanctuary.
Further observations include that the “high biodiversity significance” (ecology report) of the sanctuary should have resulted in the event being considered high impact rather than medium. This would have ensured a greater level of scrutiny. And that despite anecdotal evidence that shire officers sought legal advice in relation to the event proposal, no records or documents were made available.
The shire, and some councillors, continue to commend themselves for approving the Harry Potter relocation out of the sanctuary yet it was Warner Bros Global Themed Entertainment who initiated the move.
Perhaps most telling of all is the timing. The Harry Potter announcement and ticket sales were one week before Christmas 2023. The lengthy shire review report was released one business day ahead of the council meeting which was on the eve of council going into caretaker mode for the elections.
Louise Page, Tyabb
What is happening?
Who exactly holds our council officers and their successful tender companies to account? Yesterday visitors from Melbourne were astonished at all the potholes. “Isn’t this a wealthy area?” they exclaimed. I explained that it was, but due to apparent ineptitude, waste, and bureaucracy on the part of our shire, not enough gets done. This was backed up by a few local examples.
Hillview Reserve: the decade-old council sign proudly proclaiming a new play park, has now been replaced by a state one. Work has begun, but when it actually takes place no-one knows. I walk my dog there daily, but no work or workmen are to be seen - only the earthmovers, temporary fence, container, occasionally an empty truck. Meanwhile our rates are paying for the hire of all that equipment!
Up my road a family building business completed their build of two houses by compacting nice little pebbles on the nature strip, as cars will park here. But when the council building inspector came he told them to rip all that up, as the plan had said “lawn”. How absurd - bureaucracy minus commonsense!
Despite the loudness of our shire’s adherence to “sustainability”, building permits are issued to build houses with metal frames, instead of wood. Metal is not a sustainable material.
Then the new council building - snuck in quietly with no say by those who will be paying for it. It might make council officers’ lives easier but might also make council less accessible for the people who employ them. How about using that money for something more urgent?
How many council officers actually live on the peninsula and care about life here? Or maybe the problem is in the selection process - academic skill and cleverness might not be as useful as commonsense, ethics and conscientiousness.
Paula Polson, Dromana
Gambling in politics
It is encouraging to see the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula support a total ban on gambling advertising in Australia (MP calls for ‘strongest’ gambling reform, The News, 17/9/24).
The increased promotion of gambling companies on TV and at football grounds has been overwhelming.
Professional footballers on the field have become no different to racing horses on the track.
The problem is that our politicians have been reluctant to reform the gambling industry due to financial donations and gifts and the influence of TV and newspapers who happily accept gambling advertising dollars.
According to the 47th Parliament Register of Members’ Interests, our Member for Flinders Zoe McKenzie MP attended the 2023 AFL Grand Final as a guest of online betting company Sportsbet.
According to the website Open Politics, the Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland MP has so far received 27 gifts and hospitality from gambling companies – and she has the power to reduce gambling advertising!
Our elected representatives need to ban gambling advertising in Australia and ban gifts and donations that could influence their votes in Parliament – important decisions that impact on every single constituent.
Our politicians earn over $250,000 per year –they can afford their own tickets to the football and horse racing.
What are the odds that Sportsbet will be hosting politicians at the 2024 AFL Grand Final on Saturday?.
Dale Stohr, Crib Point
It’s a lousy bungle
Russell Kenery (Unjustified eyesore, Letters 11/9/24) echoed my thoughts perfectly regarding the Red Hill guardrails.
As Mark Twain once said, “To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail”.
A path forward
The Friends of the Beleura Cliff Path are collaborating with the shire to convince the state government (DEECA) to help fund the repairs to the two landslip areas on the path.
Ninety per cent of the path is safer than it has ever been, but we are concerned about the slow progress towards fixing the landslip areas.
We accept that the shire is short of money, but there are vital steps to be done now that would cost nothing.
Study of the direct causes of the two landslips was not included in the $80,000 Stantec Report, which was confined to the wider geotec issues.
For example, the drainage system on Kalimna Drive, a short distance behind and
The shire seems to have taken this to heart, over-engineering a solution where it wasn’t needed. While it’s human to make mistakes, it’s even more human to handball the problem to consultants.
Consultants, eager to solve issues, can sometimes create them where none exist. Ignoring the actual crash data for Arthurs Seat Rd, the council’s massive guardrails have ruined the 60kph scenic stretch through Red Hill village - a truly baffling waste of resources.
Imagine what could have been done with that money on essential road maintenance instead.
Athan Dolduris, Mt Martha
Gatehouse disgrace
What an absolute disgrace, that we may be loosing yet another significate building on our Mornington Peninsula.
Is it total Incompetence by the Mornington Peninsula Shire and Heritage Victoria for not keep checks on this historical, significant building? Yes, I believe so.
I went back and looked at the promises made in 2007 by the owner, who gave certain undertakings to the people of the Mornington Peninsula Shire in relation to the gatehouse when the subdivision of the said property was allowed.
The gatehouse was to be restored, and refurbished within a two year timeline. A $1 million dollar bank guarantee was part of the undertaking. Also, the Gatehouse was to be open to the public several times a year.
None of these undertakings have ever happened.Why haven’t the shire and Heritage Victoria done regular checks on the maintenance of this precious building? We now read it may have to be demolished having had a large tree fall on it.
It seems to me it is just too easy for developers to disregard undertakings in relation to the maintenance of heritage buildings. Is it neglect by stealth? How many more historically significant buildings are we likely to loose?
A comprehensive audit needs to be done urgently of other significant heritage buildings to make sure they don’t fall in disrepair and neglect.
Denise Hassett, Mt Martha
above the lower landslip, is clearly a heavy contributor to the ground-water on the cliff in the 2022 October landslip.
In heavy rains, the soil on the cliff becomes waterlogged. If large amounts of ground-water from a faulty drain system are added to that, you have a landslip waiting to happen.
The evidence is strong that this is what happened in October 2022. You only need to look at the drain on the east side of Kalimna Drive to see this.
This drain is a shire responsibility. It must be remade so that storm-water gets carried out of the area.
If this is done, a rebuild of the path will be much, much cheaper.
Peter Nicholson, Mornington
Trees For Life
I was heartened to read St Joseph’s Primary School has been named as a finalist for the Tidy Town’s Awards 2024 for their Save the Moonah Woodlands Project (St Joseph’s recognised for environment work, The News 18/9/24).
In my eyes they are already winners for being involved in this sustainability program. Most indigenous vegetation on the peninsula has been decimated since colonisation and is allowed to continue by developers who strip the land bare, destroying corridors that impact on the health and survival of indigenous flora and fauna to survive. Josephine Brand, Sorrento
Visit Pt Nepean
If you haven’t visited Pt Nepean Quarantine Station, you’ve missed the fascinating history of migrants arriving in Melbourne. This is where various procedures occurred to ensure these individuals weren’t carrying any diseases.
Point Nepean is steeped in history – its past filled with poignant stories of resilience and courage that have shaped the fabric of Victoria. The hospital, which is still standing, played a crucial role in ensuring the health of newcomers to Australia.
As the years passed, the quarantine station, which was no longer needed, fell into disrepair. Dust and grime took over until, finally, the government decided to revitalise the area.
One of the improvements in 2023 was the introduction of glamping, which consisted of four person tents. It was so successful that the season was fully booked from September 2023 to April this year. (More coastal camping at Pt Nepean, The News 18/9/24).
Military forts, intricate tunnels, and remnants of the Quarantine Station are still present, each telling tales of the early settlers and their determined spirit forging a new life in Australia. Knowing and retaining the history of those who came before us is crucial. Today, we enjoy this area because of the determination of many interested in the history of the Pt Nepean Quarantine Station. Its reputation proves its ability to make the area worthwhile and safeguard its survival.
Anne Kruger, Rye
Charming country escape with endless potential
DISCOVER a unique blend of rural tranquility and commercial opportunity with this exceptional property. Spanning just under 3 acres, this highly sought-after parcel offers the perfect balance between serene country living and endless business possibilities.
Location and Zoning: Ideally located just a 60-minute drive from Melbourne and in close proximity to the Mornington Peninsula's attractions, this property provides flexibility to match your interests and aspirations.
HOME ESSENTIALS
Previously home to the award-winning Benton Rise Farm, the property presents an opportunity to continue its successful commercial operation or simply relish the expansive lifestyle it offers.
Residential Features: At the heart of the property stands a beautifully restored 1938 California bungalow. This solid brick cottage combines modern comfort with rustic charm, offering a retreat from the everyday hustle.
Key features include:
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CLOSE 3PM TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER (UNLESS SOLD PRIOR)
· Living Spaces: Generous living and dining areas with high ceilings, hardwood flooring, picture rails, sash windows, and an open fireplace.
· Kitchen: A contemporary culinary space with stone benchtops, premium appliances, induction cooktop, and Belling dual oven.
· Bedrooms: Three spacious bedrooms, including two large rooms and a third bedroom with French doors opening to the rear verandah.
ADDRESS: 150 Coolart Road, Tuerong FOR SALE: $2,000,000 - $2,200,000 DESCRIPTION: 5 bed, 3 bath, 12 car, 11300m²
AGENT: Brett Trebilcock - 0439 209 891, Belle Property, Level 1, 311/313 Main St, Mornington, (03) 5970 8000.
· Bathroom: Renovated with a frameless shower, deep soaker tub, and dual vanity.
· Additional Accommodation: A freestanding modern studio with kitchenette, ensuite, and laundry, ideal as an office, guest room, or groundskeeper's cottage.
Commercial Features include a 1910 Red Rattler Train Carriage and Tram, Farm Animal enclosure, Play area & Gardens, and Event Facilities: The property is exceptionally wellequipped for farming.n
Tranquil retreat with Bay views
EXPERIENCE the perfect blend of lifestyle, serenity, and convenience in one of Mount Martha’s most desirable locations. This beautifully renovated, resort-style home offers stunning interiors and high-end finishes, set against the backdrop of breathtaking bay views. Surrounded by the tranquil presence of natural gum trees, the home is elevated and entirely private.
The design features spacious open-plan living and dining areas on the first floor, enhanced
ESSENTIALS
by custom storage and a cozy wood-burning fireplace for winter warmth. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, equipped with top-quality appliances, including an integrated Liebherr fridge/freezer. It flows seamlessly to the northfacing sun deck, which includes a built-in gas BBQ kitchen and pizza oven—ideal for relaxed entertaining.
You can watch the kids enjoy the heated pool from above or join them poolside under the shade of the magnificent gum
tree, illuminated by LED lights for the perfect evening ambiance. The upper level features a luxurious main suite with a lavish ensuite, a freestanding bath, and walk-through robes. Downstairs, there are two additional bedrooms with built-in robes and desks, along with a stylish family bathroom. The property also includes two study nooks across two levels, a powder room, a lower-level kids' living area, and a fullsized laundry. Additional features include
ADDRESS: 94 Glenisla Drive, Mount Martha FOR SALE: $1,950,000 - $2,100,000 DESCRIPTION: 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car, 813m2
AGENT: Candice Blanch - 0447 188 469, Homes & Acreage, 1A/3000 Frankston Flinders Road, Balnarring, Ph: 1300 077 557
extensive custom storage, an HRV ventilation system, split system AC, quality carpets, Spotted Gum timber flooring, vegetable gardens, and a converted garage currently used as a kids’ rumpus room with heating/AC and storage.
The garage can easily be reverted to its original use or utilised for off-street parking.
The home is just a short stroll from South Beach, Balcombe Grammar, and Mount Martha Village.n
The Guide
TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK
FRIDAY
SORT YOUR LIFE OUT
TEN, 7.30pm
THURSDAY PARIS HAS FALLEN
SBS, 9.20pm
A tense thriller set in the world of Gerard Butler’s Has Fallen film trilogy, this big-budget bilingual series delivers eight episodes that each feel like a blockbuster cinema release on their own. The plot woven between intense action scenes and stuntwork involves an attack on the British embassy in Paris, targeting French Defence Minister Philippe Bardin (Nathan Willcocks). Bardin’s protection officer Vincent (Tewfik Jallab) joins forces with MI6 operative Zara (Ritu Arya, pictured) to safeguard him from a terror group. It’s gripping stuff.
English TV presenter Stacey Solomon (pictured) puts her trademark cheer and compassion to good use in this series, helping families across the UK who are being consumed by their clutter: Solomon and her team of experts (organiser Dilly, carpenter Rob and cleaner Iwan) declutter and make over their homes in just seven days. In this season finale, the crew help out the Yaku family in St Alban’s, removing every item from their home before their possessions are laid out in a warehouse art installation.
Thursday, September 26
ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
DAY TRIPS MATINEES
SATURDAY
AFL GRAND FINAL PRE-GAME
SEVEN, 12pm
While exactly which AFL superstars will battle it out for the flag was still TBD at time of press, what we can tell you is that it’s well worth tuning in early to catch this year’s pre-match entertainment. Katy Perry’s (pictured) gravity-defying, sci-fi themed medley of her greatest hits (including “Dark Horse”, “I Kissed a Girl” and “California Gurls”) at the recent MTV VMAs is hopefully a sign of good things to come for her MCG performance, with the international popstar joined on the lineup by Aussie singer, actor and swimmer Cody Simpson; national treasure Christine Anu and her daughter Zipporah Corser-Anu; and, of course, Mike Brady, who returns to the hallowed turf to perform “Up There Cazaly”.
SUNDAY
You can count on villainy, violence and valour in any given US police procedural but, just like in real life, justice is not secured. In tonight’s season finale, there’s solace for grieving Special Agent Tiffany Wallace (Katherine Renee Kane, pictured). In this season’s shocking opener, Trevor Hobbs (Roshawn Franklin) was gunned down by a Somalian terrorist group. Now, in a circular turn of events, the team is on the hunt when the group resurfaces. It’s a gratifying conclusion to this sombre season that affords Tiffany closure. It’s the much-needed conclusion to this dark chapter.
SEVEN (7)
NINE (9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australian Story. (R) 10.45 Compass. (PG, R) 11.15 Outback Musical. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Assembly. (PG, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 The Homes That Built Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 For The Love Of Dogs. (R) 10.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 10.50 Looking For Rembrandt. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Such Was Life. (R) 2.10 History Of Britain. (PGa, R) 3.00 Railway Journeys UK. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Queen Victoria: Love, Lust And Leadership. (PGas, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl, R) 1.35 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 2.00 Your Money & Your Life. (PG) 2.30 Coastwatch Oz. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Walks: The Bay Trail. (PG) Susie Youssef hits The Bay Trail.
8.25 National Parks From Above: Scotland. (Premiere, PGa) A look at Cairngorms National Park.
9.20 Paris Has Fallen. (Premiere) The British embassy in Paris is attacked.
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 Freezing Embrace. (MA15+av)
12.20 Unbroken. (Malv, R) 2.55 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 3.45 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) Perri goes into hiding.
8.30 The Front Bar: Grand Final Edition. (Ml) In the lead-up to the grand final, hosts Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
10.00 Dan Muggleton: White And Wrong. (MA15+dls) Stand-up performance by Daniel Muggleton. 11.30 Air Crash Investigations: Taxiway Turmoil. (PGav, R)
12.30 Magnum P.I. (Mav) 1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
TEN (10)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.00 Space Invaders. (PGa, R) 2.00 Pointless.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 My Room Grand Final Spectacular. (PG) From Palms at Crown, Melbourne.
10.30 The Equalizer. (Mav) Dee asks McCall for help. 11.30 9News Late.
12.00 Resident Alien. (Mav)
1.00 Explore TV: Trade Routes Of The Middle Ages. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30
Friday, September 27
ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (10) NINE (9)
6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. (PGa, R) 1.45 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 2.35 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 3.05 The Homes That Built Australia. (R) 4.00 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.45 Grand Designs. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane Edmanson tours a country garden.
8.30 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure: India. (PG, R) Part 2 of 4. Joanna Lumley follows the spice trail to her birthplace, India.
9.20 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
10.10 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)
10.45 ABC Late News.
11.00 Grand Designs. (R)
11.50 The Larkins. (Ms, R) 12.35 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PGa, R) 10.50 Looking For Rembrandt. (Ms, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Such Was Life. (PG, R) 2.10 History Of Britain. (PGal, R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 The Lakes With Simon Reeve. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 My Grandparents’ War: Emeli Sandé. (PGa, R) Part 3 of 4. 9.25 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome: Herculaneum. (Final, PGa, R) Takes a look at Herculaneum, an ancient Roman seaside town that was buried in a volcanic eruption.
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Soldiers. (Mals)
12.35 A Class Apart. (MA15+d, R)
3.55 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Strange Chores. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.45 Merlin. 11.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 11.50 Speechless. 12.10am Good Game Spawn Point. 12.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs joins Paul Maric.
8.30 MOVIE: Ladies In Black. (2018, PGl, R) A young woman learns about life and love while working at a department store in ’50s Sydney. Angourie Rice, Julia Ormond, Rachael Taylor.
10.45 Armchair Experts: Grand Final Special. (PG, R) A panel discusses all things AFL.
11.45 GetOn Extra. 12.15 To Be Advised.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 9News. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. First preliminary final. Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters. From AAMI Park, Melbourne. 9.45 NRL Finals Footy Post-Match. A post-match NRL wrap-up of the first preliminary final, with expert analysis and player interviews. 10.30 To Be Advised.
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Sonny rescues a baby wombat.
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Sort Your Life Out. (Final, PGa) Hosted by Stacey Solomon. 8.45 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.45 The Graham Norton Show. (PGal, R) Guests include Dame Judi Dench. 10.45 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.
The Project. (R)
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 Woman. 1.05 Devoured. 1.55 One Star Reviews. 2.55 Over The Black Dot. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.40 The Toys That Built The World. 6.30 The Engineering That Built The World. 7.20 Jeopardy! 7.50 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.45 Cycling. UCI Road World Championships. Men’s under 23 road race. 1.15am Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am
6am Morning Programs.
9.00 Harry’s Practice. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 House Of Wellness. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 My Impossible House. 4.00 The Zoo. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 I Escaped To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railway Journeys. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Songlines On Screen. 2.00 Shortland St. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 NITV News: Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Land Of Primates. 7.30 Little J And Big Cuz. 7.45 MOVIE: Hunt For The Wilderpeople. (2016, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: The Golden Child. (1986, M) 11.15 Late Programs.
Skating To New York. Continued. (2013, PG) 6.40 The Cup. (2011, PG) 8.40 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PG) 10.20 Stockholm. (2018, M) Noon Mad
Max Fans: Beyond The Wasteland. 1.50 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 3.50 Belle And Sebastian 2. (2015, PG, French) 5.35 Summerland. (2020, PG) 7.30 Operation Mincemeat. (2021, M) 9.50 Harry Brown. (2009, MA15+) 11.55 Late Programs.
Saturday, September 28
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) 1.15 Grantchester. (Mv, R) 2.05 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R) 2.40 Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes. (R) 4.30 The Assembly. (PG, R) 5.10 Landline. (R) 5.40 Australian Story: Making Lachlan Murdoch Pt 3 – Power. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 10.05 Love Your Garden. (R) 11.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Superbike World Championship. Round 9. Highlights. 3.05 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 4.00 Dylan Alcott Interviews. (PG, R) 4.35 French Castles: Defying The Nazis. (PGav, R) 5.35 Trains At War. (PGa, R)
6.30 Back Roads: 90 Mile Beach, Victoria. (R) Heather Ewart visits 90 Mile Beach.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (PG) An abandoned baby is discovered on the same day that a hotel manager is found dead.
8.20 Vera. (Mav, R) Vera’s former colleague and friend is badly burnt in an arson attack.
9.50 Return To Paradise. (PG, R) Three hairdressers return from lunch to find the beauty salon owner has been killed.
10.45 Miniseries: Better. (Mal, R) Part 2 of 5.
11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Cumbria: The Lakes & The Coast. (PGa) Part 5 of 5. 8.25 Osborne House: A Royal Retreat. (PG) Takes a look at Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favourite residence located on the Isle of Wight. 9.35 The World’s Most Beautiful Landscapes: The Mekong River. (PGa, R) Narrated by Robert Lindsay. 10.30 Portugal’s Atlantic Train. (R) 11.25 Something Undone. (Mal) 12.25 Rex In Rome. (Mv, R) 4.05 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 The Crystal Maze. 8.15 MOVIE: The Pirates! Band Of Misfits. (2012, PG) 9.45 Officially Amazing. 10.15 Dragon Ball Super. 10.35 Crazy Fun Park. 11.05 The PM’s Daughter. 11.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 12.20am Rage. 1.55 Jade Armor. 2.15 Total Drama Island. 2.35 Summer Memories. 2.45 Horrible Histories. 3.15 Miraculous. 3.40 Odd Squad. 3.55 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Belle And Sebastian 2. Continued. (2015, PG, French) 6.50 Summerland. (2020, PG) 8.40 The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 10.35 Arctic. (2018, M) 12.25pm Julieta. (2016, M,
9GEM (92)
6am Morning Programs.
7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 2.00 Young Sheldon. 2.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 3.00 Bewitched. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Nanny. 7.00 Young Sheldon. 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. (2013, M) 10.30 MOVIE: Bad Neighbours 2.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 9.00 AFL Grand Final Brunch. 10.30 AFL Grand Final Countdown. 12.00 AFL Grand Final Pre-Game. 2.00 Football. AFL. Grand final. Sydney v Brisbane Lions. 5.00 AFL Grand Final Post-Match Presentation. Coverage of the post-match presentation.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PGl, R) Lee Mack hosts a game show where contestants must answer increasingly obscure questions.
8.00 MOVIE: The Martian. (2015, Mal, R) Believed to be dead by his crew, an astronaut is stranded on Mars and has to rely on his ingenuity to survive. Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels.
10.55 To Be Advised.
12.30 Taken. (Mav, R) Bryan is taken.
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Larry The Wonder Pup. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 World’s Greatest Natural Icons. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Angels One Five. (1952) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Country House Hunters Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Inside Man. (2006, MA15+) 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. (PG) 12.30 Explore TV: Trade Routes Of The Middle Ages. 1.00 Savannah Sounds On The Reef. 1.30 Great Australian Detour.
6.00 9News Saturday.
6.30 The Dog House. (R) A biker looks for a new sidekick. 7.30 Thank God You’re Here. (ls, R) Hosted by Celia Pacquola. 8.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follows the staff as it tries to find the right fit for a woman who wants a pal for her staffy. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Madv, R) After a man crashes his car on an exit ramp, paramedics work out if his wife has been flung from the wreck. 10.45 Ambulance UK. (Mm, R) A collision stretches resources to the limit. 12.00 The Cheap Seats. (Mal, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.05pm Scrubs. 2.10 States Of Undress. 3.05 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 Extreme Food Phobics. 6.10 Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly) 6.45 The Secret Genius Of Modern Life. 7.50 Impossible Engineering. 8.45 Cycling. UCI Road World Championships. Women’s elite road race. 1.15am Late Programs.
7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Second preliminary final. Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks.
9.45 NRL Finals Footy Post-Match. A post-match NRL wrap-up of the second preliminary final, with expert analysis and player interviews.
10.30 MOVIE: The Expendables 3. (2014, Mlv, R) A team of mercenaries battles an arms trader. Sylvester Stallone.
1.00 Journey To Europe. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 12.15pm MOVIE: Second Fiddle. (1957) 1.45 MOVIE: Red River. (1948) 4.30 Rugby Union. Rugby Championship. Round 6. New Zealand v Australia. 6.50 Test Rugby: New Zealand V Wallabies Post-Match. 7.15 M*A*S*H. 7.45 MOVIE: Ben-Hur. (2016, M) 10.10 MOVIE: Walking Tall. (2004, M) 11.45 Late Programs. 9GEM (92) 7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. 2pm MOVIE: Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back. (1998) 3.30 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 5.30 MOVIE: The LEGO Ninjago Movie. (2017, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Batman Begins. (2005, M) 10.15 MOVIE: Species. (1995, MA15+) 12.25am The Originals. 1.25 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Round 17. Grand Prix of Nashville. Highlights. 2.30 Teen Titans Go! 3.30
Sunday, September 29
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.25 Darby And Joan. (PG, R) 3.10 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.40 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. (R) 4.30 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 11.30 Ageless Gardens. (PG, R) 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Plat Du Tour. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Such Was Life. (R) 3.10 Shackleton’s Endurance: The Lost Ice Ship Found. (PG, R) 4.20 India: Made Like A Gun. (PGl) 5.35 Trains At War. (PGav, R) 6.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (R)
6.30 Compass: Tough Not Toxic.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Return To Paradise. (PG)
A radical eco-activist is murdered.
8.30 Unforgotten. (Mal) Sunny and Jess’s personal lives go from bad to worse while they struggle to keep focused on the case.
9.20 Miniseries: Better. (Madl, R) Part 3 of 5. 10.15 Fisk. (Ml, R)
10.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
12.10 Fires. (Mal, R)
1.05 Miniseries: Ridley Road. (PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.05 Australia Remastered. (R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Ottoman Empire By Train. 8.25 Sagrada Familia: Gaudi’s Challenge. A look at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia. 9.25 Ancient Superstructures: Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. (R) A look at the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul. 10.30 Dinosaur With Stephen Fry. (PGas, R) 11.25 Devon & Cornwall With Michael Portillo. (PGa, R) 3.00 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 3.50 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: Early Man. (2018, PG) 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 10.20 Doctor Who. 11.10 Inside The Sydney Opera House. 12.05am Malory Towers. 12.55 A Kind Of Spark. 1.20 Jade Armor. 1.40 Total Drama Island. 2.05 Summer Memories. 2.15 Horrible Histories. 3.10 Miraculous. 3.35 Odd Squad. 3.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (PGl) Hosted by Sonia Kruger. 8.50 7NEWS Spotlight. An exclusive special investigation. 9.50 The Latest: Seven News.
10.20 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Predator –Leonard John Fraser. (MA15+av, R) A look at the case of Leonard John Fraser.
11.30 Autopsy USA: Randy Savage. (Mad) 12.30 Lipstick Jungle. (Mds, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 The Block. (PGl)
8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.30 9News Late.
10.00 See No Evil: Alaska Serial Killer. (Mav) A look at a double murder.
11.00 The First 48: Dead Stop/Uninvited. (Malv)
11.50 Transplant. (MA15+m)
12.40 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (Ml, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Destination WA. (PG, R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (l) The six remaining celebrity teams travel to the Namib Desert in Namibia, racing through the unforgiving desert terrain. 8.30 FBI. (Final, Mv) The Somalian terrorist group behind the death of Hobbs resurfaces, sending the team on a chase to take them down for good. 10.30 NCIS. (Mdv, R) NCIS investigates the death of a student.
11.30 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.15pm Kim’s Convenience. 1.15 Small Town Secrets. 2.05 In My Own World. 2.55 CODA: Mother Father Deaf. 3.55 Bamay. 4.30 Australiana: Island Queens. 5.10 WorldWatch. 5.35 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 6.00 Travel Man. 6.30 Cycling. UCI Road World Championships. Men’s elite road race. 1.30am Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am
9GEM (92)
NITV (34)
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Johnny Warren’s Football Mission. 3.00 First People’s Kitchen. 4.00 Kutcha’s Carpool Koorioke. 4.05 Fading Sands. 4.40 Murundak: Songs Of Freedom. 6.10 News. 6.20 Animal Babies: First Year On Earth. 7.30 First Australians. 8.40 I Am Not Your Negro. 10.20 MOVIE: Training Day. (2001, MA15+) 12.25am Late Programs.
Belle. Continued. (2013, PG) 6.55 Amanda. (2018, PG, French) 8.55 Belle And Sebastian 2. (2015, PG, French) 10.45 Operation Mincemeat. (2021, M) 1.05pm The Cover. (2021, M, Spanish) 2.45 Summerland. (2020, PG) 4.40 The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 6.35 Funny Face. (1957) 8.30 Ondine. (2009, M) 10.25 Timbuktu. (2014, M, French) 12.15am Late Programs.
Monday, September 30
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Landline. (R) 11.00 You Can’t Ask That. (MA15+l, R) 11.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.55 Mystify: Michael Hutchence. (Mal, R) 2.35 Back Roads. (R) 3.05 The Homes That Built Australia. (PG, R) 4.00 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.10 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.00 Looking For Rembrandt. (PGa, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 History Of Britain. (PGav, R) 2.50 Railway Journeys UK. (PG, R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 The Lakes With Simon Reeve. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Concorde: Chasing A Dream. 8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Mls) Hosted by Jimmy Carr.
Becoming The Assembly. (Final, PG) Leigh Sales meets up with the students.
10.20 ABC Late News.
10.35 The Business. (R) 10.50 Planet America. (R) 11.25 You Can’t Ask That. (Mals, R) 11.55 Grand Designs. (Ml, R) 12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Catalyst. (R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (Mls) Hosted by Greg Davies. 10.10 Have I Got News For You U.S. (M) 11.00 SBS World News Late. 11.30 Suspect. (Malsv) 12.00 Of Money And Blood. (MA15+adsv) 1.55 The Spectacular. (Malv, R) 3.50 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
2.05
7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Rob & Romesh Vs. (Premiere) 10.20 Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Inbestigators. 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Matilda And The Ramsay Bunch. 9.00 Poh’s Kitchen. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.45 Merlin. 11.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 11.50 Speechless. 12.10am David Attenborough’s Kingdom Of Plants. 1.00 A Kind Of Spark. 1.25 Late Programs.
FAMILY (22) 6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Redu. (2017, PG, Marathi) 8.30 Roman Holiday. (1953, PG) 10.40 The Salesman. (2016, M, Persian) 12.55pm Amanda. (2018, M, French) 2.55 Belle. (2013, PG) 4.50 What Do We See When
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Escape To The Country. Noon The Highland Vet. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.00 My Greek Odyssey. 4.00 Bondi Vet. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Greatest Escapes To The Country. 6.45 Escape To The Country. 7.45 Mrs Brown’s Boys. 8.30 Endeavour. 10.30 Great Scenic Railway Journeys. 11.15 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 Tennis. Laver Cup. Highlights. 11.30 Getaway. Noon NRL Sunday Footy Show. 2.00 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. First semi-final. 3.45 NRLW Wrap. 4.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Second semi-final. 6.00 Customs. 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. (2011, M) 11.00 Late Programs.
7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs.
2.10pm MOVIE: Barbie And Stacie To The Rescue. (2024) 3.20 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over. 5.20 MOVIE: The Nanny Diaries. (2007, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Man Of Steel. (2013, M) 10.15 MOVIE: The Rhythm
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.50 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam. (PGl, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Abigail has a new job and an old grudge.
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.
9.05 The Rookie. (Mav) Following their time as foster parents, Nune has decided she wants to have a baby.
10.05 S.W.A.T. (M) The team races to stop a violent rampage.
11.05 The Latest: Seven News. 11.35 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGals) 12.35 Miniseries: The Victim. (Malv, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.30 Getaway. (PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.00 Neighbours. (PGa,
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Block. (PGl) Hosted by Scott Cam and Shelley Craft.
8.45 To Be Advised.
9.45 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl, R) The Blacklighters run into problems.
10.45 9News Late.
11.15 La Brea. (Mav)
12.00 Transplant. (MA15+m)
12.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.40 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. Hosted by Beau Ryan. 8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 To Be Advised. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport
Tuesday, October 1
ABC (2)
6am Morning Programs. 10.30 The Pacific. (R) 11.00 You Can’t Ask That. (PG, R) 11.20
Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Tony Armstrong’s ExtraOrdinary Things. (PG, R) 2.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.00 Whale With Steve Backshall. (R) 3.55 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Back Roads: South Burnett Rail Trail, Queensland.
8.30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe: Dannii Minogue. (Return, PG) Dannii Minogue shares five songs. 9.05 Louis Theroux Interviews... Anthony Joshua. (Mlv, R) Louis Theroux chats with Anthony Joshua.
9.50 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R)
10.20 ABC Late News. 10.35 The Business. (R)
10.50 Four Corners. (R) 11.40 Media Watch. (PG, R) 11.55 Grand Designs. (Ml, R) 12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Catalyst. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
SBS (3)
SEVEN (7)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 10.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 10.50 Being Beethoven. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Have I Got News For You U.S. (M, R) 2.50 Plat Du Tour. 3.00 The Weekly Football Wrap. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.00 The Lakes With Simon Reeve. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey: Switzerland. Shaun Micallef heads to Switzerland.
8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi explores how people’s perception of the future impacts their behaviour in the present.
9.30 Dateline. An investigation into alleged war crimes.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 The Point: Road Trip. (R) 11.30 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+as)
1.20 Illegals. (MA15+av, R) 3.10 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.00 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Abigail and Kirby clash.
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PG) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.15 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Return, Mav) Jason recruits a hacker to help the team as it searches for a bus full of students that went missing.
10.15 Made In Bondi. (Ml) Molly receives some relationship backlash.
11.20 Chicago Fire. (Mav) Mouch vets Truck 81’s newest firefighter. 12.20 Holey Moley Australia. (PGs, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
NINE (9)
TEN (10)
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Block. (PGl) Hosted by Scott Cam and Shelley Craft.
8.40 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (Ms) Comedy panel show. 9.40 True Story With Hamish & Andy: Phil. (PGl, R) A man recounts a personal story.
10.40 9News Late.
11.10 Transplant. (MA15+m)
12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.50 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.40 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Taskmaster Australia. (PGls) Hosted by Tom Gleeson. 8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was. 9.40 NCIS. (Mv, R) NCIS agents from Los Angeles, Washington and Hawaii investigate a suicide. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Land Of The Giants: Titans Of Tech. 1.20 Gaycation Presents: Orlando. 2.10 Story Of Late Night. 2.55 Kickin’ Back. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.25 The Toys That Built The World. 6.15 The Engineering That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Real Stories Of Basketball. 10.20 Have I Got News For You U.S. 11.15 Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Inbestigators. 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Deadly Dinosaurs. 8.55 Ice Age. 9.40 Doctor Who. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Fresh Off The Boat. 11.35 Speechless. 11.55 Good Game Spawn Point. 12.45am Rage. 1.45 Jade Armor. 2.05 Total Drama Island. 2.30 Summer Memories. 2.40 Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am
1.30pm Duke Ellington And His Orchestra. 2.00 Shortland St. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Arctic Secrets. 7.30 The Point: Road Trip. 8.30 Pro Bull Riding USA: Unleash The Beast. 9.30 Over The Black Dot. 10.15 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.45 Late Programs. NITV (34)
What Do We See When We Look At The Sky? (2021, Georgian) 8.45 Funny Face. (1957) 10.40 Timbuktu. (2014, M, French) 12.30pm Ondine. (2009, M) 2.25 Hacker. (2019, PG, Danish) 4.15 Alone In Space. (2018, PG, Swedish) 5.45 The Wild Duck. (1983, PG) 7.30 The Forger. (2022, M, German) 9.40 A Stasi Comedy. (2022, M, German) 11.50 Queen Of Hearts. (2019, MA15+, Swedish) 2.10am Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs.
6am Shopping. 6.30 I Escaped To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Left Off
Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Shakespeare And Hathaway. 9.40 Silent Witness. 10.50 Late Programs. 9GEM (92) 7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 1.00
Wednesday, October 2
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.00 Whale With Steve Backshall. (R) 3.55 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (Final, PG) Hosted by Shaun Micallef.
8.40 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (Final, PG) Presented by Guy Montgomery. 9.30 Planet America. A look at America’s politics.
10.00 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 10.30 ABC Late News.
10.45 The Business. (R)
11.00 Austin. (PG, R) 12.00 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.50 Killing Eve. (Mav, R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.35 Catalyst. (R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 10.50 Being Beethoven. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.10 Treasures Of The Mediterranean Islands. (PGs, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Portillo’s Andalucia: Granada. (Premiere, PGa) Michael Portillo celebrates Andalucia. 8.25 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar: Fame. Part 1 of 3. 9.20 Four Years Later. (Premiere, Mls) An Indian couple are forced to live apart.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v) 12.55 Wisting. (MA15+a, R) 2.40 Miniseries: Safe Home. (Malv, R) 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.45 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+av) Explores what life behind bars is like for prisoners Vincent Stanford, Angelika Gavare and Sean Price.
9.30 Ambulance: Code Red. A drug user collapses from an overdose.
10.30 The Latest: Seven News.
11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma)
12.00 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man. (MA15+av) 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.00 Space Invaders. (PGa, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG)
3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG)
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Block. (PGl)
8.30 Human Error. (Mlv) Holly and her team plan a sting.
9.30 Million Dollar Murders: Murder Beyond The Black Stump. (Mav, R) A look at the murder of Penny Hill.
10.40 9News Late.
11.10 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av)
12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Everyday Gourmet.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. 7.30 Thank God You’re Here. Hosted by Celia Pacquola. 8.40 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. (PGls) The jokers take over a butcher shop, give bad bowls advice and disrupt a bingo session. 9.10 NCIS. (Mmv, R) The NCIS team looks for a motive behind the kidnapping and death of a famous heart surgeon. 10.10 10’s
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Inbestigators. 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Doctor Who. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 11.05 Speechless. 11.25 Horrible Histories. 11.55 Operation Ouch! 12.10am Good Game Spawn Point. 12.55 Rage. 1.55 Jade Armor. 2.20 Total Drama Island. 2.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Hacker. (2019, PG, Danish) 7.45 Selkie. (2000, PG) 9.25 Alone In Space. (2018, PG, Swedish) 10.55 Glengarry Glen Ross. (1992, M) 12.50pm What Do We See When We Look At The Sky? (2021, Georgian) 3.35
12.35 MOVIE: The Big Squeeze. (2021, M) 1.50 One Armed Chef. 2.45 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 2.55 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.25 WorldWatch. 5.25 Abandoned. 6.15 The Engineering That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: The Operative. (2019, MA15+) 10.40 Late Programs.
Sergeant Culhane’s Promotion - A Most Zealous Officer
Compiled by Cameron McCullough
THE date of Sergt. Culhane’s departure for fresh fields and pastures new is looming on the horizon of events, and while his promotion to other climes is wholly deserving, this most zealous and astute officer has, during his term in Frankston, made himself so extremely popular, that all concerned will join in regretting the loss which the town will sustain when he bids adieu to his many friends and wellwishers.
As a rule the Chief of Law and Order, in any sphere, is generally looked upon by the community as a personage to be kept at a safe distance, in case he exercises his authority without due discrimination, as a protector of the citizens’ rights, and, at an inopportune moment takes action against an offender.
But it should always be remembered and recognised that it is the decreed province of any member of the Force to do his duty when occasion demands.
It is the balance of fairness in all matters which has won for Serg. Culhane the respect and esteem of a very large circle of friends.
Possessed of a keen sense of humour – the saving grace of officialdom, as likewise, it is under many other conditions – he has contrived to preserve with conspicuous success, the prestige of Frankston as a law-abiding town, which, in itself, may be termed a creditable fact to record.
Sergt. Culhane, who will be stationed, in the near future, at Hotham Hill, leaves Frankston with the best wishes of the community. Personally we accord to this officer and his wife
and family, long life, health and the acme of prosperity.
***
Peninsula Motor Garage – Mr. H. Stell’s Enterprise
The well-known and popular proprietor of the up-to-date Peninsula Motor Garage in Bay street, Frankston, advertises elsewhere in this issue the features of both the “Essex Overland,” and the “Willis-Knight Overland” cars, which are world famous.
It is of interest to record that the “Willis-Knight Overland” recently won a petrol consumption test coming out with 419.4 miles to the gallon, while the “Overland Light Four,” made by the same firm, secured the record from Adelaide to Sydney.
At all times Mr. Stell is in a position to give efficient service to owners of these fine cars, also in every other direction, to the requirements of his numerous patrons.
***
A MEMBER of one of the pioneer families, Mrs. Jane Emma Murphy, died recently at her home, “The Briars,” Mornington, at the age of 79 years.
Mrs. Murphy was the wife of Mr. Jas. Murphy, of Calga Station, N.S.W., and her father was born at “The Briars,” St. Helena, and was the first station holder on the Mornington Peninsula.
Mrs. Murphy’s charitable interests were continuous during her long life. She was at her death, and had been for many years, a member of the committee of management of Queen Victoria Hospital, and had formerly been a prominent member of the Children’s Hospital committee.
Mrs Murphy leaves one son, Mr. Alexander Balcombe Murphy, who fought at Gallipoli as an English soldier, where he was wounded.
He is now a pastoralist, his home being on Kooyong road, Toorak.
*** Personal
Mr. Dalton, of the mechanical staff of the Frankston post office, is at present absent from duty on sick leave.
Mr. Ray Baxter, a son of Mr. Ben Baxter, of Frankston, playing with the Melbourne Cricket Club’s second eleven last season, has been awarded the much-coveted fielding trophy.
The many friends of Mr. D. J. Quartermain will be pleased to learn that he was so far recovered from his recent illness on Monday last, as to be able to return to duty.
***
Farewell to Mr Watkins – A MuchRegretted Departure
In the religious sphere a minister of the Gospel, by reason of his sterling character, and his teaching, in accordance with the true doctrines based on the fundamental principles of Christianity as expounded by the Master of All, may make a direct appeal to the members of his congregation, but no farther.
In this direction the sentiment expressed does not, however, apply to Mr. W. E. Watkins who, on Sunday next, will conduct what may regretfully be termed as his farewell services at the Presbyterian Church, Frankston, for it is the universal opinion that during his residence in our midst, he has won the high esteem of the community at large.
His departure will be deplored by
many friends who, on Monday night at the Mechanics’ Hall, will tender to Mr. Watkins a valedictory, to which everyone is invited.
A most pleasant social evening is assured.
***
Seaford – The Local State School –The Need For Funds
At the monthly meeting of the Seaford Progress Association held on Saturday last, a verbatim report of which appeared in our columns of Wednesday’s issue, Mr. Moffitt referred to the promise of the association to assist the local school committee, to raise funds on behalf of that educational Institution.
In the course of his remarks, Mr. Moffitt said the school committee desired to express its sense of gratitude to the association, and it had been decided to inaugurate a “King and Queen of Seaford” competition, the Progress nominees to contest the honour against the school committee’s nominees.
Dances or concerts, moreover, could be arranged by both parties to assist their nominees, and the committee were sure that the results would be satisfactory.
After discussion it was decided that the association adopt the suggestion of the school committee, and nominate a “King” and “Queen” of Seaford to contest a like honour with nominees of the aforesaid committee.
***
Letter to the Editor – A Deserving Case Sir,
I would take it as a favour if you would bring under the notice of your many readers the case of Mr. Davis, of
Arthur street, Frankston.
He is a labouring man with a wife and two children dependent on him. A month ago he had a leg broken, through being run over by a motor car. He was, and still is, attended by Dr. Johnson, but it will be another two months before he will be fit to earn his livelihood.
I have brought his case under the notice of several Frankston residents, and I am glad to say that a number of ladies are co-operating to raise funds for the family.
You, Mr. Editor, could assist by giving publicity to the fact that a euchre party and dance has been arranged to take place in the Frankston Mechanics’ Hall on Monday, 13th October, by which means it is hoped that a substantial sum will be raised to tide the distressed family over present financial difficulties.
I may state that Parer Bros. have kindly offered to supply the music for the dance in question.
Thanking you in anticipation, Yours, etc.,
“SYMPATHISER.”
Editor’s note: “Sympathiser’s” effort on behalf of the family in question is to be commended, but should not be handicapped by the anonymity of the promoters.
“The Standard” suggests that “Sympathiser” convene a public meeting and arrange for the appointment of a committee. We have no doubt but that our correspondent’s object would be well served by adopting this course.Ed. “The Standard.”
***
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 24 & 26 Sep 1924
PUZZLE ZONE
ACROSS
1. Spanish fleet
5. Draw in (air)
7. Stale
8. Dingy
9. In the area of
10. Volley of bullets
11. Crowd brawls
13. Have (to)
14. Caught in the act
18. Entangle
21. Unnatural sleep
22. Library user
24. Actress, ... Kelly
25. Bully
26. Take nap
27. Happening
28. Electricity supply network
DOWN
1. Stomach
2. Leisurely walk 3. Accumulate
4. Set apart
5. Like-meaning word
6. Meteor impact holes
12. Before (poetic) 15. One good turn deserves
16. Crowed 17. Formal arguments
19. Maiden name indicator
20. Horse restrainer
22. Hires out
23. Contributed
www.lovattspuzzles.com
See page 37 for solutions.
RUNAWAY DIVA TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE
BATHE in the splendours of opera’s greatest moments at Frankston Arts Centre with an unforgettable Daytime Music performance of Runaway Diva. This lively and captivating concert promises an exhilarating blend of music and theatrics, sure to enchant daytime audiences.
Starring one of Australia’s most accomplished and bestloved sopranos, Antoinette Halloran, the concert will feature highlights from Madame Butterfly, Carmen and more. Antoinette performs regularly with all the major Australasian opera companies and symphony orchestras and appears frequently on national television and radio.
In 2020, she sang the title role in Tosca for Opera Queensland and, for State Opera of South Australia, Mrs Lovett is Sweeney Todd and Olive in Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. In 2023, she appeared as Valkyrie in Melbourne Opera’s production of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen.
As part of Frankston Arts Centre’s popular Daytime Music + Theatre series, Runaway Diva will be an ideal outing for music and opera lovers. Accompanied by pianist Patrick Lawrence, Antoinette may even stray into the musical theatre songbook.
Board changes at Frankston Football Club
AFTER a long and distinguished tenure, David Friend has announced his retirement from the role as President of the Frankston Football Club, to spend more time with his family in their new home on the Mornington Peninsula.
"David’s contribution has been immense," said a statement issued by the club.
"Since joining the board in 2017, David has overseen the club’s recovery and growth immediately following its darkest chapter.
"David successfully led the club after it was placed in voluntary administration and lost its VFL licence. Through this period, David oversaw a regime which rebuilt the club from the ground up, making many strategic decisions and key appointments along the way."
Among the highlights of David's tenure as president are:
n the turnaround of the club’s financial position, from net debt of over $300,000 to being debt free with four consecutive annual surplus results;
n more than doubling the club’s revenue from just over $900,000 in 2017 to over $1.97 million in 2023;
n introduction of the women’s football program, which culminated in a premiership in 2024 - the club’s first premiership of any kind since 1997;
n following the decision to appoint Jackson Kornberg as full-time coach,
the men’s team making finals in the Victorian Football League for the first time since 2008; and
n investing in the Functions by the Bay business, now the largest income stream for the Club.
"The board, staff, players and members of the Frankston Football Club thank David for his contribution, which has ensured that the club has and will continue to remain viable and competitive – an enormous legacy."
"To ensure continuity and an orderly transition, David has agreed to remain as a non-executive member of the Board."
James van Beek has also resigned from the board effective immediately.
James joined in 2020 and has been pivotal in rebuilding the club’s financial health, compliance and reporting. James moved to Queensland in 2022 and has continued to serve as treasurer remotely while the club has transitioned to new leadership under CEO, Fraser Bayne.
"The Frankston Football Club wishes James well and thanks him for his significant contribution."
In line with clause 21.10 of the Frankston Football Club Constitution, the following Board members have been appointed as officers of the board:
n Steven Finocchiaro (formerly Secretary) has been appointed as President. Steven brings a wealth of
experience and knowledge having served on the board since 2020. Professionally, Steven is a corporate/ M&A lawyer with Becketts Lawyers. Steven serves as a member of the disciplinary tribunals for the Victorian Amateur Football League (VAFA) and Football Victoria (FV).
n Stephen Batty has been appointed as treasurer. Stephen has significant experience in event and venue management having served as Operations Manager at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Marvel Stadium. Stephen is a qualified accountant and has extensive experience in cost budgeting, auditing and general accounting services. Stephen joined the Board in 2022.
n Jonathan Reichwald has been appointed as Secretary. Jonathan is an executive in the Victorian Public Service, responsible for industry policy at the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. He joined the Board in 2022 and has previously served as Club Secretary at the Parkdale Cricket Club.
The Board of the Frankston Football Club now comprises: Steven Finocchiaro (President); Pippa Hanson (Vice President); Stephen Batty (Treasurer); Jonathan Reichwald (Secretary); David Friend; Donna Rooks; Brad Sykes; and Marc Ablett.
MORNINGTON Cricket Club have announced the appointment of Brendan Walsh as their new senior playing coach for the next three seasons.
"Brendan brings over 200 Premier 1st XI games of experience with Ringwood Cricket Club to the Kennel," said a club spokesperson.
"After the last 2 seasons, playing with his brother Nathan at his junior club Lysterfield, Brendan joins Mornington CC at an exciting time for the club, moving back into our fantastic new clubroom facility at Alexandra Park."
"‘He’s a ripper bloke, a real cricket person and our young playing group will love both playing and learning from someone with his skills, passion for the game and knowledge," said outgoing senior coach Rob Parker.
‘Buzzer’ back for another year
SOCCER
By Craig MacKenzie
WHEN Wayne “Buzzer” Gordon runs out in the colours of Peninsula Strikers next year he’ll be playing his 26th straight season of first team football.
He’s won championships, promotions and individual honours and earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike at both professional and semi-professional levels.
“Buzzer” is an iconic figure in peninsula sport and the 40-year-old now has teammates who used to line the fence and cheer him on during their childhood years.
His story starts in western Germany. His father was in the British army and was based in the city of Münster when Wayne Malcolm Gordon entered this world on 10 July 1984.
The family returned to the UK when the youngster was four and by the time he was 14 he was playing for his dad’s pub team while his friends played at junior level.
He was spotted by Gretna coach Rowan Alexander and joined as a 15-year-old in 2000.
That kick-started a playing career that has also involved stints at Albion Rovers in Scotland, Workington Reds and Newcastle Blue Star before arriving in Melbourne in 2008 to play with Chelsea Hajduk.
The chronology of his journey to Centenary Park includes Langwarrin, Dandenong City, Mornington, Dalbeattie Stars (in Scotland), Mornington again, Doveton, back to Mornington and another spell at Doveton before joining Strikers for the 2022 season.
His longevity is remarkable in a sport that can force players of his age to decide between the lower rungs of the State League structure or the Bayside League.
“Having kids (Kai, 11, Jai nine and year-old Alfie) and a partner (Nicola) who understands how much the game means to you is so important,” he said.
“I just love this game so much.
“I love the feeling of waking up on Saturday mornings and I love going to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“I think being an ex-professional that you just have that passion to succeed and that’s never diminished.”
It also helps to have an unshakeable self-belief.
“Yeah it’s a mentality thing too.
“And having trust in a coach that wants you.
“Before my second spell at Doveton I trained with Strikers but Donn Delaney didn’t want me because he thought I was too old so I went back to Doveton and played in the NPL.
“It’s things like that that motivate me to prove people wrong and I just love it.”
Then there’s Kosta Drakoulakos the strength and conditioning coach at Strikers.
“He’s a big, big reason I’m still playing because his passion to get players right is probably the best I’ve ever seen.
“His drive and his love of seeing players succeed is beyond scary, it truly is.
“His one-on-one sessions and his group sessions are incredible.
“When I first went down to Strikers I had a problem with my Achilles but I just put it down to my body and me getting older but he said ‘no, let’s do these exercises’ and within six weeks I was bang on right again.
“As an ex-pro I’ve had a lot of physios and fitness people but to get what we get from him at this level in unbelievable.”
There’s also an affinity between Strikers and “Buzzer” that he holds dear and the club has earned a special place in his football story.
“I can safely say that going to Strikers is one of the best things I’ve done as a player.
“It’s the pure enjoyment I get out of being there.
“Maybe it’s because I’m coming to the latter stages of my career but having the freedom to play knowing that ‘Scotty’ has my back is a big, big thing.”
Sudoku and crossword solutions
‘Scotty’ is head coach Scott Morrison and “Buzzer” speaks about his gaffer in an almost reverential tone.
“I met ‘Scotty’ at Mornington when he was assistant reserves coach and I have no hesitation in putting him in the top three coaches I’ve ever had alongside Rowan Alexander and Tony Saunders (Doveton).
“His man management is remarkable and that’s because he genuinely cares.
“He understands when players need an arm around their shoulders and when they need shouting at.
“I can look back now and safely say that I cannot believe that Mornington allowed him to walk away.
“At Mornington training you’d look over at the reserves and say to yourself ‘what are they doing? Look at that training drill’.
“He’s meticulous in fact when I’m finished playing I would love to work under him as an assistant to learn from him.”
But that’s at least another year away as there remains a lot of opponents, rival coaches, opposition spectators and match officials to wind up in that inimitable ‘Buzzer” manner.
Rival fans are his favourite target but thankfully the matchday exchanges have toned down considerably from his early playing days in Melbourne.
“Look when I first came out here I probably had a chip on my shoulder and didn’t think much of Australian soccer so when people had a go I’d
react angrily.
“But nowadays you see the bigger picture.
“For example when you argue with your own players it’s not personal it’s about getting the best out of each other.
“And if it does go too far you’ve got to work it out quickly and we do that.
“As for supporters I absolutely thrive on that because the moment they start shouting at me is the moment I know I’ve got them.
“And I love giving it back to them.
“There was a classic this year when a guy yelled out that I was too fat and too old.
“I scored not long after that and ran up to him and said ‘not bad for an old fat guy’ and his head just dropped.
“It was brilliant.”
While the club’s promotion push fell agonisingly short last season there’s an expectation that Strikers will be in the mix again next year.
The club already has re-signed almost the entire senior squad and there’s talk of a couple of additions to be announced soon.
Although you can’t always predict which rival club will splash the cash “Buzzer” is adamant that Strikers are on the right track.
“We’re happy with the progression we are making.
“The team ‘Scotty’ has put together is a perfect mix of experienced boys and some really talented younger lads.
“I said to ‘Scotty’ when I signed that
if you build the culture the rest will fall into place and that’s exactly what Strikers have done.
“We’ll go into pre-season knowing that we can challenge any team even the ones with the big money.”
Meanwhile Strikers held their presentation night last weekend and “Buzzer” has another trophy to put on the mantelpiece.
Stevie Elliott won the best and fairest while “Buzzer”, Billy Rae, Jaiden Madafferi and Andy McIntyre were joint runners-up.
Elliott also won the Players’ Player of the Year award with McIntyre runner-up while Riley Anderton and Tom Wood shared Golden Boot honours.
In other news Rosebud couldn’t add the State 5 Grand Final trophy to the league championship when it lost 4-1 to Heidelberg Stars at Bundoora on Saturday.
Heidelberg showed its attacking prowess seven minutes in when Ahmed Abukar finished off a great move.
Four minutes later scores were level as Dave Greening chased a through ball only to be felled by Heidelberg keeper Ibrahim Haibe.
In his last game for Rosebud before moving interstate Dougie Cunnison stepped up with a typically well-taken penalty and settled the nerves of the peninsula side.
But in the 41st minute Andy Jerez got caught in possession and Arafat Hussein put Heidelberg back in the driver’s seat.
After half-time Rosebud made a couple of changes but two golden chances for Greening and substitute Nathan Yole weren’t converted.
The ’Buds kept pressing for an equaliser and were susceptible on the break and their dreams ended with two Heidelberg goals in the final 10 minutes.
“It’s been a fabulous season and to be here playing at this great venue has been an amazing experience for this team,” Rosebud head coach Stuart Johnson said.
“While today's result is disappointing our goal at the start of the season was promotion and we achieved that and are already building for next year in State 4.”
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