3 May 2016

Page 1

Mornington

Morni ngton

3 May 2016

Heart to heart

Your guide to what’s on this weekend for peninsula families

> Page 3

An independent voice for the community Your weekly community newspaper covering Mornington, Mount Martha and Mount Eliza For all advertising and editorial needs, call 03

Rosebud 1/28 McCo mbe Stree t

FREE

5986 8880

Tuesday esday 3 May 2016

5973 6424 or email: team@mpnews.com.au www.mpnews.com.au High tea: Guests got into high tea spirit knowing it was all in a good cause. Picture: Yanni

Teas add to cancer fight CLASSIC high tea, guest speakers and finding out about how fundraising dollars make a difference to cancer outcomes in Victoria was all on the table at the launch of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Friday, at Mornington Racing Club. Many of the 100 guests were long-term hosts and supporters of the event. “Our group is made up of people who have been touched by cancer or who want to make a positive impact in the community,” Mornington volunteer Karla Freer told the gathering. “Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea gives us an ideal platform for one of these events. As a community we can share a cuppa and raise money for a cause close to all our hearts. “What an ideal way to spend a morning. I am thrilled to be celebrating this milestone here.” Cancer Council Victoria’s Megan Potter said an average 1322 peninsula residents were diagnosed with cancer each year. She said the six support groups in Mornington run in partnership with the Cancer Council last year held 238 Biggest Morning Teas to raise $87,079.

Shire told to make councillor repay costs Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au

ences and seminars. The motion to pursue Cr Celi for the money was carried on the casting vote of the mayor Cr Graham Pittock after councillors were deadlocked five-five. Cr Celi left the chamber during the debate and vote. Although the original motion put Cr Celi’s overspending at $12,520 the final wording called on her to repay “any sum in excess of the sum of $19,500” on her conferences and seminars account. The latest figures given

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire officers have been instructed to seek repayment of thousands of dollars alleged to have been overspent by Cr Antonella Celi. In an at times fiery debate, councillors last week agreed that Cr Celi should repay the money allocated to her under her entitlements for confer-

TEST DRIVE ONE TODAY

$Ć,ĊĊĀ

“I didn’t receive any of that money in my account. It was all paid through officer’s delegation or with council approval and resolution”. The original notice of motion put by Cr Hugh Fraser to council’s Tuesday 26 April meeting also included a call for Cr Celi to repay costs of legal advice from Maddocks, Lawyers sought by council at her request in March. Although not released publicly, it is understood the advice from Maddocks cast doubts on the shire’s ability to re-

claim money from councillors. However, this demand for payment of Maddocks’ fees was dropped, as was an earlier notice of motion from Cr Fraser for council to meet the legal costs surrounding conflict-of-interest action in 2012 by the Local Government Investigation and Compliance Inspectorate against Cr Pittock. Cr Fraser would not tell The News why he withdrew the move for the shire to pay Cr Pittock’s legal bills. Continued Page 6

42” Zero Turn Mower 22HP Kawasaki Engine

Z SERIES

FROM

to council puts Cr Celi’s spending at $28,520. Councillors are generally allowed up to $4000 a year during their fouryear term, although some extra money is allowed for the mayor. Cr Celi was mayor in 2013-2014. Two days after the vote, Cr Celi told The News that although the motion seeking repayment had been passed, “I do not know the next step. The CEO [Carl Cowie] and [shire] officers will need to check its legal validity”.

Comparison Rate INCL. GST

PRICE INCL. $40ƫ CUSTOMER INSTANT REBATEƫ

1.99% P.A. FINANCE

Consumer/Commercial

RRP $6,ăĂĆ

PATON’S MACHINERY PTY LTD 63 YUILLES RD, MORNINGTON PHONE 03 5975 4399 FAX 03 5975 1056 EMAIL davidcox@patonsmachinery.com.au

Introducing the new Kubota lawn care range. Whether you’re looking to mow an expanse of lawn or trim those stubborn edges, Kubota has you covered. Built with quality Kubota parts, this lawn care range is heavy duty enough to tackle the toughest lawns. They also provide the precision you need to leave your turf looking immaculate every time.

kubota.com.au


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.