Mornington News 9 March 2021 by Mornington Peninsula News Group

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Protesters adopt knight’s name to wedge developers THE late businessman and aviator, Sir Reginald Ansett was not known for his involvement in protests, certainly not one that would have seen him holding a placard in the street as happened on Saturday. Known among locals for commuting to work in his helicopter (some say they could correct their watches as he flew overhead) from his stately property nestled near the bay in the green paddocks between Mount Eliza and Mornington, Sir Reginald’s name has now been appropriated to stop the building of an aged care centre by Ryman Health Care. The community group Save Reg’s Wedge has joined other objectors to the centre being built on the part of the former Ansett estate off Kunyung Road. “Grassroots bid to block retirement village” Page 7

Picture: Lea Wainwright

Concert virus plans approved - mayor Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au PREPARATION of a COVID-safe plan was part of the requirements of a permit issued for a two-day music concert held last month at The Briars, Mount Martha. Mornington Peninsula Shire charged promoters $10,000 for the use of the council-owned property and says it only gave the concert the go ahead after an assessment by the state government. Held over the 20-21 February weekend to audiences of 8000 each day, the SummerSalt concert was accused of overcrowding and lack of social distancing on social media. “People bought their tickets and went along … If they were worried about transmission, perhaps it wasn’t a

good place to go,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said when responding to presenter Virginia Trioli on ABC Radio. Trioli had said Cr O’Connor did not “sound as concerned by it as those that attended” who regarded it as “potentially being an event of transmission”. Cr O’Connor said there had been “COVID plans, there on the ground, absolutely, from both the state and council”. She said the state government had approved the concert and the shire had issued a permit and “rented out our space”. The area allocated at The Briars for the concert was “not a small space” and the number of people allowed to attend had been capped. Mount Martha resident Ken Anderson said he had been “appalled” to see

TV news reports of the concert “with ecstatic humans jiving around waving their arms in the air and completely ignoring the social distancing requirements of all public events in Victoria”. He said the “short sighted people who issue permits for these events” should cancel them and apologise to the people of Mount Martha. Mr Anderson said he had received a commitment last year that “these events” would no longer be held at The Briars (“Ratepayers playing second fiddle to music concerts” Letters Page 31). A council officer last week wrote to him saying the shire was “trying to strike a balance in activating the site to provide long term financial stability, supporting the recovery of businesses that have been severely impacted by COVID-19 (e.g. event providers, artists etc), while keeping the site acces-

sible and free to those who love it for what it is”. Jessica Wingad, the shire’s director of place, said the government’s permit followed “an assessment by the public health advisory panel and Chief Health Officer”. The area allocated for the concert measured 30,500 square metres. “Under the state government approval process the organisers were required to prepare a COVID safe events plan and were responsible for adherence to it,” Ms Wingad said. “We understand staff from the Department of Health and Human Services and Victoria Police were in attendance to assists the organisers.” The concert at The Briars was part of the national SummerSalt tour being staged by Zaccaria Concerts and Touring and including performances by

Emily Wurramara, Montaigne, Boy & Bear, John Butler, The Cat Empire and The Teskey Brothers. It was the first time Perth-based Zaccaria, which started selling tickets last November, had hired The Briars. Four hours of Sunday’s show, which sold out, was live-streamed on the internet. The Briars concert followed a similar event attended by 7000 people in a “COVID-safe environment” (Australian Musician website) one week earlier at Glenelg Beach, Adelaide. As well as “showcasing the best of home-grown Australian artists” the organisers promoted the concert as providing “cultural attractions, in a family friendly environment, placing a very heavy emphasis on local community and sustainability”.

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Boaters’ rage ramps up over ‘neglect’ Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au THE state government is being urged to hurry up its takeover of managing Mornington Peninsula’s boat launching ramps. It is believed the state of the boat ramps was high on the agenda during a recent meeting between Fishing and Boating Minister Melissa Horne and shire CEO John Baker. In the lead-up to the 2018 election the state government promised to “embark on the biggest reforms to the way that boating infrastructure is managed that Victoria has ever seen [by] fixing boat ramps, abolishing boat ramp parking and launching fees, and reforming boat ramp management in Port Phillip and Western Port”. The plan was outlined in the preelection handbook: Labor’s plan for fishing and boating 2018. The handbook says $27 million would be spent on fishing, with money collected from boat licence and registration fees to be spent on improving facilities and safety for boaters and abolish boat ramp parking and launching fees. (“Spring takeover for boat ramps” The News 3/6/19). But the high-profile Futurefish Foundation has accused the shire and management committees of neglecting the ramps in both bays. Director David Kramer describes the situation as “disrespectful to the thousands of boat owners crying out for improved facilities after decades of neglect”. “Boaters and fishers visiting the

Futurefish Foundation director David Kramer says “neglect” is causing problems at boat ramps in Port Phillip and Western Port . Picture: Yanni Mornington Peninsula contribute significant tourism dollars to the local economy, and yet the assets that attract their visits are neglected to such a level that people are not going boating on busy days now,” Mr Kramer said. He said there were “problems with every boat ramp” from Dromana to Sorrento. Mr Kramer said the channel at Tootgarook was only dredged once a year “leaving the boat ramp unusable during the prime winter and spring calamari season”. “The channel needs to be dredged twice a year and become an all-year-

round-usable ramp,” he said. Tootgarook also needed a car park along the foreshore to “get the cars and trailers off the side of Point Nepean road”. Anecdotal evidence supports Mr Kramer’s claim that a lack of boat and trailer parking at the Tootgarook – as well as the congestion on the ramp – is causing problems. “Up to six boats and trailers are parking up Burdett Street near the state school,” a boater told The News. A lack of enforcement meant that single cars were parking in boat trailer bays at Rye.

“On a busy day, launching of boats exceeds the number of car and trailer car parks, resulting in cars and trailers parking on grassed areas,” Mr Kramer said. “Yet, on a busy day, often more than 50 car parks are taken up by single cars.” The Rye channel also needed monitoring and dredging, Mr Kramer said. “On very low tides, larger boats are unable to use the channel.” He said the Tyrone boat ramp, channel and launch area needed dredging. “Several years ago, the committee of management thought it was a good idea to run the bay walking trail right

through the car park on the south side of Point Nepean road,” he said. “This resulted in Tyrone becoming the only boat ramp car park in Australia that offered only parallel parking. It is an absolute joke to expect drivers to parallel-park with a trailer on. The bay trail must be realigned and angle parking reintroduced.” Dredging was also needed at Sorrento where “one third of the tie up area is unusable due to the sand build up”. “The Andrews government made an election commitment to make boating better during this term of government and they have set up a Better Boating Fund [generating] $30 million annually for all this maintenance and improvements,” Mr Kramer said. “They just can’t get the council or the committees of management to do the work.” A member of the minister’s Boating Strategy Roundtable Group, Mr Kramer believes the ramps need to be managed by one authority that will “show proper care for the facilities and get them to a condition that meets boaters’ expectations”. “On 1 February, Better Boating Victoria was moved under the Victorian Fisheries Authorities control,” he said. “The VFA has a strong record for getting things done, and fishing in Victoria has never been better. “Now it is time for boat ramps to take the same path.” Mornington Peninsula Shire was contacted for comment.

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Science called in to probe apple-eating kangaroos Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is being asked to provide details about eastern grey kangaroos on the Mornington Peninsula. Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors wants to know if the DELWP has any management plans for the peninsula’s kangaroos and what scientific research is available. The DELWP says the licences it issues to kill kangaroos is based on scientific evidence but will not release details of how many are estimated to be living on the peninsula or how many have been allowed to be “harvested” each year. The move by council to contact and meet with DELWP follows a failed attempt by Cr David Gill to have kangaroo shooting banned on the peninsula (“Council ignores move to end kangaroo shoots” The News 15/2/21). “Our kangaroos are no more pests than koalas; kangaroos eat different grasses to sheep and cattle and do little damage to farm land, Cr Gill said.” “Governments and some large property owners believe that shooting kangaroos is OK. However, many are wounded and joeys are often left to die of starvation”. However, Gary Katerelos, who lives on an orchard at Red Hill, says kangaroo numbers in his area are increasing. He said that 20 years ago he regarded one kangaroo “living in the scrub … as a pleasantry”. “But time and nature take its toll.

JUST what the doctor didn’t order: Apples said to have been shaken from the tree by kangaroos (Gary Katerelos picture) and, inset a kangaroo photographed elsewhere on the Mornington Peninsula. Picture: Gary Sissons

These days one can sometimes count up to 20 ‘roos in a mob,” Mr Katerelos said. “They do eat crops. Early shoots from grapevines are eaten; apples are taken off trees and discarded after a few bites. Trees are damaged as they attempt to pull fruit from them, and

they can strip a pear tree of most fruit in a week.” Mr Katerelos said he had seen “large males on their hind [legs] shaking trees so the fruit will fall”. “When the females are in season, have seen them being chased by four

males into a shed, out the other side, around the shed and back through the shed again and this repeated four to five times. [It’s] like something out of a comedy skit. “These males in these numbers are dangerous, especially at these times.

“I've stood less than two metres from a tall male, yelling, but there is only one thing on his mind, and he is not afraid of anything.” Mr Katerelos said kangaroos “a hazard if they get on the roads and in these [increasing] numbers”. Councillors on Tuesday 23 February were told by the shire’s interim director-place Jessica Wingad that they should seek a meeting with DELWP to “access to the most accurate and relevant information … to discuss the state of kangaroos on the peninsula”. “As the authority managing wildlife management, DELWP representatives will be best placed to provide councillors with information and answer questions, and to provide access to the wealth of scientific research available which explores kangaroo management,” Ms Wingad stated in a report. “The existing management plans have been developed using expert scientific research.” Councillors adopted Cr Gill’s notice of motion calling for a meeting with DELWP before deciding “whether to advocate to the state government to develop a management plan for maintaining wild populations of eastern grey kangaroos [on the peninsula]”. For the motion were Crs Gill, Steve Holland, Lisa Dixon, Debra Mar, Kerri McCafferty and Antonella Celi; against: Anthony Marsh, Paul Mercurio, Sarah Race, Hugh Fraser and the mayor, Despi O’Connor.

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NEWS DESK

Grassroots bid to block retirement village Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au SAVE Reg’s Wedge campaigners have been letterboxing, handing out flyers, and “donating time and money in grassroots, community campaign” to stop the proposed Ryman Healthcare development at Mount Eliza. The volunteers have joined Mornington Peninsula Shire, Mornington MP David Morris, and more than 1000 objectors in the fight to stop the New Zealand company’s bid for a retirement village on the former Ansett Estate in Kunyung Road. The proposal is for a series of threeand-four-storey buildings, 272 apartments, 362 car spaces, 115 nursing beds and a place of worship on more than 23,000 square metres. A major case hearing will be held at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, 15-19 March. Save Reg’s Wedge, an incorporated volunteer community group, says it is fighting a David-and-Goliath battle against the contentious proposal which it claims will be a “disaster for our environment”. It says Ryman Healthcare is “attempting to exploit a planning loophole” to push their development through, despite the unanimous rejection of the application by the council, and in the face of opposition from our community”. (The alleged “loophole” is the re-establishment of a place of

worship on the site which is allowed under SUZ2 zoning which permits retirement villages “in conjunction with a place of worship”.) The group met outside the gates on Saturday 6 March to highlight the proximity to Kunyung Primary School which they say will be impacted by the five-year construction timeline of “dust, noise, and truck movements five days a week” creating “devastating effects on children already impacted by the interruptions and stresses of COVID-19 on their education”. Spokesperson Pamela Ross said: “The Kunyung community is horrified and living in dread of this development getting the go ahead. “We are currently fundraising through our GoFundMe ‘Koalas Not High Rise’ to take on the multinational company. This land is heavily treed, is home to many native species, and is a documented koala habitat. “It is part of the green wedge, does not have the infrastructure to support high density residential development, and is near the entrance of [the] school. The land lies outside the urban growth boundary.” Ms Ross said Kunyung Road was “already heaving under the strain of drop-off and pick-up traffic” from the school which, with 800 students, is the area’s largest primary. “There are no safe stopping areas for heavy vehicles, and the entrance to the proposed development crosses

the only footpath on Kunyung Road, where hundreds of children and their families cross daily,” she said. “This development would put hundreds more cars, and thousands more residents, staff and visitors, on a street that was never designed to hold this much traffic. “The development will be a disaster for our environment. Apart from the destruction of the mature native vegetation, it will also cause huge storm water pollution run-off issues on Moondah beach. “The existing stormwater infrastructure is ageing and under pressure, with EPA pollution alerts after every rain event. Foreshore erosion is a big concern at all of our beaches and this development, with thousands of residents, will only exacerbate beach erosion and pollution. “Ryman also plans to install 55, fivemetre tall light towers which will shine all night, creating a huge source of light pollution.” Ryman will contend that the proposal is an appropriate development that will not detrimentally impact the coastal character or visual and scenic qualities of the coastline on Port Phillip and that vegetation removal is consistent with relevant planning rules. Also, that the scale, form and materiality of the proposal responds to relevant guidelines and the significance of the heritage place.

BirdLife bird bander Kasun Ekanayake and Parks Victoria ranger Jack Dewhurst releasing a hooded plover at Rye. Picture: Holly Barker

Plovers set new breeding records DEDICATED followers of the hooded plover are rejoicing with the news that two pairs of the locally endangered birds have each hatched and fledged three chicks. It is only the third time in 15 years that hooded plovers on Mornington Peninsula beaches have succeeded in raising three chicks from one nest “and now it’s happened twice this season”, Mark Lethlean, president of Friends of Hooded Plover (Mornington Peninsula), said. Last week Kasun Ekanayake and Renee Mead from Birdlife Australia’s beach-nesting bird project, joined the peninsula group in a bird banding day. “We had already flagged five fledglings in December 2020, and this was the second round,” Mr Lethlean said. “With now 18 fledglings and still four maturing chicks on the ground, we are

hoping for a further round of banding in a few weeks’ time.a” He said that this year was only the third time in 15 years that the number of fledged hooded plover chicks had reached double figures, with the previous numbers being 13 in 2016/17 and 12 in 2017/18). “Our most dismal year was 2013/14 when we managed only a single fledgling, while the past two years have each only produced six fledglings.” Mr Lethlean said three fledglings banded at Balnarring came from two hooded plovers originally banded on Phillip Island. “They set up a new nesting territory at Balnarring for the first time in December, which was amazing but, on their third attempt, managed to hatch and fledge three chicks,” Mr Lethlean said. Keith Platt

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NEWS DESK

Art going out of this world ARTIST Vicki Sullivan chose the Moon as a light source to give her painting Moon Goddess an ethereal feeling. Little did she know that when first applying oil paint to a portrait of model Lena at her St Andrews Beach studio, that an image of the finished work would end up on the Moon. Sullivan’s work is included in a digital archive of works by visual, music and literary artists being carried in a time capsule aboard the Astrobiotics Peregrine Lunar Lander scheduled to be sent to the Moon in July. She said the delivery would be the first art by women on the Moon. While scientific instruments make up most of the Peregrine’s 90 kilogram cargo, physicist, writer and collector Dr Samuel Peralta has included works by 417 writers and artists on a micro SD card delivered in a DHL MoonBox. Listed as Manifest 9, Dr Peralta’s is the largest of 125 primary author payloads on the lunar lander. Sullivan painted Moon Goddess in 2019 specifically for last year’s Storytellers exhibition at Melbourne’s Flinders Lane Gallery. The painting is now in Barcelona at the European Museum of Modern Art in the Women Painting Exhibition which opened on the 6 March. But the Goddess being sent to Spain pales into insignificance when compared to a copy going to the Moon (average 348,400km from Earth). “As far as I know, Moon Goddess will be the first goddess on the actual Moon. It’s mind boggling stuff,” Sullivan said. “I just love moonlight and wanted to try a nocturne painting and thought a figurative painting would look beautiful and ethereal with a moonlight background.” The lander will touch down in the Lacus Mortis region of the Moon after being launched from Cape Canaveral in the United States. It will be the first mission carrying commercial payloads to the lunar surface. "This is the first commercial launch to the Moon in history and marks the first US spacecraft to land on the Moon since the Apollo program over 50 years ago,” Dr Peralta said. “Our hope is that future travellers who find this capsule will discover some of the richness of our world today. “These works on the Moon speak to the idea that, despite wars and pandemics and climate upheaval, humankind found time to dream, time to create art.” Let's hope whoever or whatever eventually finds the digitised treasure trove of art has the technology to open it. Keith Platt

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Over to the Moon: Vicki Sullivan is counting down to when a digitised version of her Moon Goddess painting (above) will be involved in an historic Moon landing. She is pictured at her St Andrews Beach studio with her Birth of Venus painting of Grace Farriss (daughter of INXS member Andrew Farris) commissioned for Grace’s upcoming solo Album. Pictures: Supplied

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NEWS DESK Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty. Ltd

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Coffee time: Customers take up the offer of a coffee and free legal advice at the Peninsula Community Legal Centre’s van last week. Picture: Supplied

Legal eagles serve up free brew COMBINING lawyers and a coffee fix is an ideal way to boost access to legal advice for Mornington Peninsula residents. With this in mind, Peninsula Community Legal Centre has begun hitting the streets to provide free legal assistance with their Street Law Coffee Van in partnership with White Lion and Social Engine. This pop-up coffee van and legal service team visits locations ranging from emergency food relief centres and showers for the homeless to weekend markets and the car park at Bunnings. Its primary goal is to talk to people wherever they are in the community, making speaking to a lawyer as easy

and accessible as possible. People can get a free legal “health check” and then follow up as needed with a PCLC lawyer or other local services via referrals. “Our Street Law Van flips the usual arrangement where a lawyer sits in an office and waits for clients to come to them,” community engagement officer Kirsten Young said. “This assertive outreach approach was particularly valuable during COVID restrictions and meant we could assist people wherever they were, particularly those who were struggling to access traditional support services.” The van also provides training and employment opportunities to young

people wanting to become baristas. CEO Jackie Galloway believes the future of community legal services lies in their ability to meet people where they work and live. That means partnering with health and community services and outreach initiatives like the coffee van. “Peninsula CLC is taking our expertise to the streets of the peninsula and south-east so more people can get legal help more easily,” she said. “This complements our traditional appointments, legal clinics and legal education activities.” For free legal advice or to find out the coffee van’s schedule contact the Peninsula Community Legal Centre on 9783 3600 or visit pclc.org.au

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Firefighters help out in kitchen FIRE Rescue Victoria’s Rosebud firefighters made a $1000 Christmas donation to Vinnies Kitchen, Wednesday 3 March. The donation came from the Firefighters Charity Fund set up by career firefighters to benefit the communities in which they work. Vinnies Kitchen serves meals to disadvantaged people several times a week at the youth hall, near the Sound Shell, Point Nepean Road, Rosebud. Kitchen president Andre Linnell said the group was saving up for a van so volunteers would not have to use their own cars to deliver food.

Probus meeting BAPTCARE customer liaison consultant Colleen Murray will speak at the Probus Club of Mount Eliza’s monthly meeting. The free event will be at the Uniting Church in Mount Eliza, 9.45am, Monday 12 April. Ms Murray will discuss aspects of the Commonwealth and My Age Care home support services and how to access them. Visitors are welcome. Details: Tim Acton 0418 310727.

Swinging time: Anna Krasicki, Shannon Pullinger, Debra Bartholomeusz, Cr Kerri McCafferty, Stuart Guthrie, Cr Debra Mar, Cr Antonella Celi, Michelle Peck, Elyssa Gunn and Alex Christie. Picture: Supplied

Swinging time for wheelchairs A LIBERTY Swing at Lawson Park, Rosebud, will allow wheelchair users to experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of swinging. The swing allows wheelchairs to be rolled aboard and securely attached, allowing wheelchair-bound children and adults to experience the joy and exhilaration of swinging in the air. Disability support service Gen U recommended the Australian-made award-winning swing as the safest for

le !* b ila 00 a 0 av 30, ow $2 N m o fr

children and adults in wheelchairs. It was funded by Mornington Peninsula Shire as part of the 2015-2020 Playspace Strategy and is also one of the objectives of the Disability Inclusion Plan 2018-2022. Disability Advisory Committee member Cr Kerri McCafferty said: “Adults and children living with a disability have every right to access parks just like everyone else. It’s wonderful to see the collaborative work

of the Disability Advisory Committee and the shire rolling out successful endeavours such as the Liberty Swing. I look forward to seeing more of it. “The benefits of the Liberty Swing go beyond just having fun: it has created a place of inclusion and has great therapeutic benefits.” The swing can be accessed from Leon Avenue. A Master Locksmiths access key is required to operate it.

VINNIES Kitchen president Andre Linnell and volunteer Cheryl Aylott with firefighters Sam McDonald, Simon Lehmann, Leigh Roberts and Joel Standfield. Picture: Yanni

Mum was so independent. Now with a little help, she can stay that way. Mum was the independent one in our family. She’s still a social butterfly, but we could see she was struggling at home. She wasn’t ready for an aged care home, but needed a little help. Luckily, Shearwater Serviced Apartments at The Mornington offers Mum the support she needs, and a vibrant community where she is surrounded by people like her. The wonderful services have helped mum to stay independent, including delicious meals, apartment and linen cleaning, plus much more. She loves the privacy of her one-bedroom apartment, but also loves socialising in the amazing Clubhouse. Mum’s never been better! For a private tour of Shearwater Serviced Apartments at The Mornington, call the team on 1800 852 772. 150 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Mornington themornington.com.au

Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) Inc. | *Price correct at time of printing.

Mornington News

9 March 2021

PAGE 13

NEWS DESK

Pedals power students to school STUDENTS at Tootgarook Primary School are keen to participate in National Ride2School Day, Friday 19 March. They are among about 350,000 students taking part in Australia’s biggest bike riding party and the peak of the Ride2School program which helps children get their 60 minutes of daily exercise by riding a bike to school. “National Ride2School Day is a fun way for students and parents to experience the joy of riding a bike,” Bicycle Network’s Anthea Hargreaves said. “There’s no better time to make

Balancing act: Tootgarook Primary School students Rhiannon, Molly and Noah will be among the hundreds of thousands of children joining next week’s Ride2School Day. Picture: Yanni

riding to school part of your routine. “It’s free and fun and can also help students perform better in the classroom. Studies have shown students who ride arrive at school energised, alert and more ready to learn.” Participation numbers in 2021 could receive a boost from the increased interest in bike riding, with a VicHealth survey finding more than onein-four Victorian households with kids did more walking or bike riding during coronavirus than they did in January and February this year. National Ride2School Day is a free event open to all primary and secondary schools in Australia. Schools that register for the day receive a resources pack, including posters, promotional material, stickers and a count sheet to tally the number of students who ride to school. “National Ride2School Day is a great introduction to the wider program and can be the catalyst to creating a school of healthy, active students,” Ms Hargreaves said. Students won’t just be doing it for themselves, with many schools also fundraising for World Bicycle Relief to send specially designed Buffalo Bicycles to villages in Africa. Buffalo Bicycles give children in developing countries a way of getting to school safely and quickly. Without access to bikes many children miss out on an education or can be put in risky situations by riding to school. National Ride2School Day has been running nationally since 2006. Registrations are open at ride2school.com.au

Police calling halt to gender bias POLICE from Hastings, Mornington and Rosebud stations are striking the “Choose to Challenge” pose as part of their International Women’s Day activities, Monday 8 March. Hastings Acting Senior Sergeant Deanne Williams and First Constable Jenny Baker are keen to celebrate and raise an awareness of the achievements of women and to champion the goal of achieving gender equality. They say: “Let’s all choose to challenge gender bias and inequality. A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change.” Their message is: Choose to call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotypes, and choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. “Everyone has a role to play in creating gender equality. From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge.” Visit #ChooseToChallenge to participate.

Basketballers ready SOUTHERN Peninsula Basketball Association’s Big V season starts at Hillview Stadium on Saturday 13 March with the state champion women versus Sunbury at 5pm. This game will be followed by the Division 1 Men versus Collingwood at 7pm. The Youth League Women will play Wallan at 12pm on Sunday 14 March followed by the Youth League Men versus Wallan at 2pm. Southern Peninsula Basketball community engagement officer Peter Caspersz said other programs “in the wings” were walking basketball, an all-abilities program, and an Indigenous program with the Big V playing an Indigenous round.

PAGE 14

Mornington News

9 March 2021

Tennis heads roll in hard ball game Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au IT HAS been a tough 12 months on and off the court for Mornington Tennis Club. The board of the 100-year-old club was taken to the County Court of Victoria by its coaching services provider Elite Tennis Academy mid-last year amid a simmering feud and, even though the case was settled in the club’s favour, tensions continued to run high. The successful outcome meant the club could begin the process of seeking expressions of interest from potential coaching providers from 1 January – with the old Elite contract set to expire in April – but it also limited the amount of information the committee could reveal to members during the frustrating period of COVID-19 inaction. Mornington Tennis Club, at Civic Recreation Reserve in Dunns Road, is reportedly the largest clay court centre in Australia with 12 clay courts and presents itself as the “home of tennis on the Mornington Peninsula”. Elite Tennis Academy, which manages the centre on behalf of the club, has for six years run coaching programs, internal competitions and tournaments, as well as managing court use by members and casuals. While tennis matches and memberships were suspended because of lockdown and not much was happening on court, there was plenty of off-court action. Former club secretary Virginia McLeod said on 30 November she was

startled to receive a four-page document from new committee member Lynne Finch requesting a special general meeting to “remove the current committee and elect her own”. Alarm bells rang as the date of the proposed meeting – 28 December – was just days before the club would be free to call for expressions of interest from coaching providers. Ms McLeod said: “The 10 [letter] signatories proposed a new committee interestingly signed up and nominated just hours before cut-off time. None of these members had shown any previous interest in the club or assisted the committee when [we] asked for volunteers.” The existing committee saw red, telling Ms Finch that the “attempt to overthrow this committee is to facilitate the continuation of a contract with [Elite Tennis Academy], just days before [the club] would have been able to begin a competitive open market tender process in the interests of the club and tennis playing community”. “We have always acted with integrity and have volunteered thousands of hours at a time when we have been grossly limited in our ability to do anything under a legacy contract, the world has endured COVID-19, and while being sued by our coaching ‘partner’, not to mention dealing with the consequences of the actions of conflicted members. “We are absolutely confident and proud of our efforts to fight for the best interests of the club, and we were very successful in doing so.” The committee claimed the request

for a spill was invalid as signatories to the letter had “conflicts of interest in regard to ETA”. It said: “We also note that a number of new members, including those listed in your letter, both joined the club and nominated for the committee just hours before the cut-off, despite having no meaningful contact with the club previously – a trend that was disturbing at best.” The committee asked Tennis Victoria, Tennis Australia, Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Mornington Peninsula Shire to “investigate whether the actions outlined in [the] letter meet community and integrity expectations and that due process has been followed”. “It is our view that the integrity of both the facility lease arrangement and the club has been compromised,” it said. Then, the six-member committee, worn down by “continued attacks”, COVID-19 and the stress of the longrunning litigation, resigned “in disgust” on 10 December, just days before a special general meeting that would determine the future of the club. Former president Thomas Kenny said the committee decided to quit because “we were never going to be sacked”. “We could see the writing on the wall,” he said. “The meeting date was contrived to get rid of us.” All club assets were frozen, and the keys given back to the shire for later collection by a new committee. At the 28 December meeting, Ms Finch was elected interim secretary. She wrote to members after the board

resigned saying that, as directed by Consumer Affairs, a meeting was held at the club at which she was “voted in by the members to hold that position”. She added: “I will be calling a general meeting on 28 January for members to elect the entire [new] committee.” The meeting went ahead – reportedly with more members present than at any other previous meeting – and now a new board is in place. Members of the former committee are tipping that Elite Tennis Academy will be reappointed coaching provider. “In hindsight, we should not have resigned,” Ms McLeod says. “We were thinking we could give the council back their asset and then start afresh in the New Year and we were hanging out for 1 January. “Everyone was feeling hammered.” Neither Tennis Australia, Tennis Victoria, Community Affairs Victoria or the shire would comment on the changing of the guard, which was described by former committee member Cr Anthony Marsh as “incredibly sad”. “We [had] given thousands of hours' work to the club and have got nothing in return,” he said. “The situation has taken a huge emotional toll on the [former] committee.” Ms Finch said she and most of her board colleagues were long-standing members, with only new president Russell Hart a relative newcomer. “The club was going down the road to receivership when I stepped in and called for members to come to the meeting,” she said. “Everything to do with the club had shut down.

“The members were very concerned. We sent the constitution to the committee and they should have called the members in, but they didn’t – they just resigned without telling members why they resigned and took the keys to the council? Ms Finch said she worked with Tennis Victoria and Tennis Australia to get the club back on its feet. “It took a month. All an interim secretary could do was reclaim the keys and call a meeting [the AGM].” On the night, members of the old committee stood against a new committee backed by Ms Finch. The first item on the agenda was selecting a new club president. When Russell Hart was elected the old committee, according to former president Kenny, “could see it was a lost cause and withdrew their nominations” and left. Mr Kenny said some older, established members, were moved to speak “passionately and emotionally about how disappointed they were at the way things had transpired at the club”. Non-tennis playing Cr Steve Holland, who said he had never visited the club, was invited to the meeting. “There were minor tensions and it was clear to me that there are some legacy issues the club is working through, but the meeting was conducted independently by Tennis Victoria and I hope, for the sake of the community, they can move past this with their new committee and get back to playing the sport they all love,” he said.

Thank you

To our wonderful seniors community for entering our recent competition. Winners have been notified and are very excited! Don’t be shy, keep frequenting Main Street Mornington and be sure to follow us @mainstreetmornington e: info@morningtonchamber.com.au ph: 5975 4522

mainstreetmor

@mainstreetmornington | www.mainstreetmornington.com.au

Mornington News

9 March 2021

PAGE 15

NEWS DESK

Shire seeks transparency and budget reform

VOLUNTEERS steer a surfer safely to shore when the Disabled Surfers Association made its debut at Clifton Beach in Tasmania. Picture: Supplied

Surf day gets go ahead THE Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula branch heads back into the water at Point Leo on Saturday. The event, which is expected to see hundreds of volunteers helping surfers enjoy their time in the waves, is the first for this year. The January event was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions and Saturday’s day at the beach will include taking precautions with sanitisers available and equipment being frequently cleaned. The number of people attending the event will fall safely within state government limits and there will be restrictions on crowding around the

Point Leo Lifesaving Club. A maximum 140 surfers are expected to participate with possibly double that number of volunteers helping to run the event which starts at 10.30am. The day at Point Leo follows DSAMP members John Bowers and Bill Hallett attending an inaugural surf day for the disabled at Clifton Beach, Tasmania. Mr Bowers, a former president of the DSAMP, described the Tasmanian event as “a really good day, with 105 volunteers, 25 participants and about 20 carers”. Details for Saturday 13 March at Point Leo are on the DSAMP’s Facebook page. Keith Platt

By Steve Holland* MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have for the first time held an open briefing before releasing a draft budget. A recording of the Tuesday 2 March public meeting is available on the shire's YouTube channel. I would encourage other municipalities around Victoria to adopt this new practice, as it proved to be a win for transparency and lifts the lid on the local government budget formulation process. According to the state government website, Know Your Council, the shire’s rates are much lower than other municipalities. While some residents will dispute this, the statistics are publicly available and speak for themselves. Because the shire had low, below average rates when rate capping was introduced, it will continue to have rates well below the state average. The effect of rate capping is to maintain the status quo average among municipalities. I'm glad that our shire is classed as a low-rating municipality and I don't believe a rate increase in the 2021-22 financial year could be justified. As we learnt on Tuesday night, this year's 1.5 per cent rate cap could be offset with a direct rebate. Initial forecasts indicate the shire is edging toward $250 million in annual revenue, with about $35 million

Steve Holland

set aside for capital works, priority projects and the COVID-19 recovery. Close to 80 per cent of the shire's revenue comes from rates and user charges. It is my role as a councillor to balance our shire's reliance on comparably low levels of rate revenue with comparably high and ever-increasing demands for services and community infrastructure. Nearly eight million tourists visit our region every year. Holidaymakers and day trippers flock to our foreshores and hinterland and use the facilities we provide across the peninsula. It's a great privilege to live in a desirable tourist destination and our small businesses certainly rely on it. However, we must devise some strategies to shift the revenue burden away from our residents and ratepayers. Our roads, footpaths, car parks,

Attention Schools, sporting clubs Free advertising listings

sat 20 & sun 21 ma

Each month the Mornington News will run a Community Events page, where your school or organisation can promote upcoming events, fund raisers, social events, etc. at no charge.

Listings should be about 40 words and include event name, date, time & address.

Send your listing to:

Community Events

PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or email communityevents@mpnews.com.au PAGE 16

Mornington News

9 March 2021

*Steve Holland is a Mornington Peninsula Shire Briars Ward councillor.

LIvE & LOCAL

& community groups

This page is sponsored by the Mornington Village Shopping Centre and listings are completely free.

foreshores and community facilities require a much-needed capital injection. We have to cater for seasonal demand and residents shouldn't be expected to shoulder that load. As we head into a federal and state election cycle, I look forward to embarking on an advocacy campaign to ensure our townships receive the attention they deserve. Personal views aside, if the state government continues to classify us as metropolitan, then it’s reasonable to expect a level of infrastructure funding commensurate with that classification. Tuesday evening was an opportunity to discuss some local revenue opportunities including paid parking in key tourist hotspots (no charge for ratepayers, of course) and a levy on short-stay rental accommodation. These policies will be targeted at capturing the tourist dollar to reduce our reliance on ratepayer revenue. There will be some industry and lobby groups that will very vocally oppose such moves. I challenge them to present us with an alternative. There’s a lot of work to be done, but if we get it right it could be truly transformative for the future of our community and the economic sustainability of our shire.

r c h 2021

FrEE Entry

LIvE MuSIC • FOoD TruCKS MArKET STALLS • AMuSEMENTs youth ACTIvITIES

fOreshore LoNG ISLAND DrIvE & MCCOMB’S rESErvE FrANKSToN 10AM - 8pM DAILY

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Broughton reserve, Seaford 10am - 8pm Saturday

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wells street Wells Street, Frankston 11.30aM - 8pM DAILY

#FrANKSToNEvENTS DISCovErFrANKSToN.CoM/FrANKSToNEvENTS

‘Parklets’ program extended

MICHAEL Harrison, Christine Chambers, Andrea Bowles and John Van Beek demonstrating petanque at Mornington Rose Garden while waiting for opening of their club’s “terrains” at Mount Martha. Picture: Yanni

Taking to the petanque terrain MOUNT Martha Bowls and Petanque Club is offering people of all ages and abilities the chance to get involved in the fast-growing sport of petanque, Friday 12 March. The 24-lane terrain next to the bowling greens in Watson Road,

Mount Martha will cater for players of all ages playing socially or competitively. It is said to be of “national standard”. A group of community-minded members paid for the petanque court, or terrain, which organiser Andrea

Bowles says has maximised the use of the area. New players are welcome to learn the game. Coaching is available. Contact: Andrea Bowles 0409 413 416 or email andreabowles@bigpond. com or mtmartha.bowls.com.au

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has extended all parklet permits until 30 April. It says the move follows consultation with traders and “positive feedback” from residents and visitors. The extended outdoor dining program allowed traders to temporarily use car parking spaces for outdoor dining in towns and shopping areas from Mount Eliza to Sorrento. The outdoor dining areas were separated from rods with fences, planter boxes and decking. The shire says most of 400 people asked in a January survey in Rosebud, Mount Eliza and Mornington gave the parklets a score of either nine or 10 (out of 10) and wanted them to be kept in place longer. It found that cafes and restaurants lost about 40 per cent of capacity due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, with the parklets able to return 90 per cent of that lost seating capacity. “Parklets have been a fantastic feature of our summer and can now be enjoyed until after Easter at no additional cost to traders,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said. “While we have been fortunate to have had relatively few restrictions, there is still a need to social distance and remain COVID safe. Extending the parklets program will support our traders and allow us to continue to dine outdoors through autumn.” Traders wanting to return to normal trading conditions can pack the parklets up earlier by notifying the shire so that signs or infrastructure can be removed.

Eating habits THE Community Plate in conjunction with Peninsula Health and Monash University would like to hear from the public about their experiences of accessing and eating healthy food, including fruit and vegetables Associate Professor Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Claire Palermo said the survey responses would help gather insights into healthy eating habits. “It will ultimately help our team to develop a promotional campaign focused on improving healthy eating outcomes in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula regions,” Ms Palermo said. The survey asks questions like: How many serves of fruit do you usually eat each day? And how often do you eat vegetables with your lunch? “We want to get an understanding about what is important to our community and what barriers may exist in regards to choosing healthy options,” Ms Palermo said. By completing the survey respondents can go into the draw to win a hamper of local products to the value of $100. “We will also be running community workshops in the near future, and we would like for people to register to attend those so they can contribute their ideas about this very topical issue.” To take part in the survey, or to register our interest in the community workshops visit: research.net/r/ TheCommunityPlate2021

Mornington News

9 March 2021

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WHAT’S NEW...

Education coming full circle at Peninsula Grammar By Lucy Gowdie THE paths we walk in education, the roads we travel, are often so fast paced, we forget to look back at the steps we have taken. Yet sometimes, every now and again, the road catches up with us and we realise, what we left behind mattered. As a young graduate teacher, only three years older than the Year 12 cohort I taught, I relied on my untested resolve and unyielding energy to engage my students in their learning. In that classroom, sat an even younger Samantha Hutston, a quiet and shy learner, with a passion for literature and a penchant for exceptional essay writing. As an aspiring leader, now substantially older than the Year 12 cohort I taught, I relied on my years of experience in curriculum design and my understanding of co-education, to engage my students in their learning. In that classroom sat an even younger, Madeleine Dwyer, a quiet and shy learner, with a passion for politics and a penchant for pushing herself. As an experienced Deputy Principal, I stand today, shoulder to shoulder with these two women, these educational leaders in their own right, profoundly proud of who they have become and hoping that the time I spent teaching them, had a small part to play in their decisions to choose the education profession. They say that the legacies we gift our schools as leaders, cannot be measured in outcome, but rather we should look to the influence we have had on others, to the indelible marks we have left on our young people so that they may pursue excellence in their own lives. When I look at Sami and Maddy today, when I hear colleagues speaking of their ingenuity and their energy, when I see students focused and absorbed in their classrooms, I realise that they will be celebrated and successful leaders in their own right. Both women possess the innate understanding of the vocation of teaching and a quiet humility that belies their exceptional

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Mornington News

9 March 2021

A legacy of education: (left to right) Peninsula Grammar teachers Samantha Hutson and Madeleine Dwyer, Peninsula Grammar Depty Principal Lucy Gowdie and aspriring educator Grace Handley. Picture: Gary Sissons

strength and skill. They say that life comes full circle, and so when I learnt in January, that Grace Handley, a student of Maddy’s, had chosen a career in education, I could not but help smile at the stories Maddy and Grace will now be able to share;

as the next generation of exceptional educators forges a path of possibility for the young men and women of Peninsula Grammar School. Education needs leaders who believe in the vocation of teaching, who work in the service of others. Those who share a quiet resolve to

change the world, but a fierce determination to see their students succeed. I am immensely proud of Sami, of Maddy and of Grace, for choosing to forge their own paths, to travel their own roads and to share in the joy and privilege that it is to work in education.

Mornington

property

NIGHT SWIMMING PAGE 3

TUESDAY, 9th MARCH 2021

Speak to your agent about listing on realestateview.com.au. Be seen everywhere.

MOUNT ELIZA, MORNINGTON, MOUNT MARTHA

Blocks to the beach and immaculate throughout, this modern hideaway delivers an easy breezy lifestyle surrounded by the spoils of beachside Mornington. Enjoy walks to Fisherman´s Beach and Main Street, exceptional privacy, a low-maintenance block, a shaded courtyard deck, and a bay glimpse upstairs.

Inspection: Price Guide:

11:30am Saturday, 13th March $950,000 - $1,045,000

Contact:

Malcolm Parkinson / 0421 704 246 malcolmparkinson@stonerealestate.com.au Sue Monaghan / 0400 481 862 suemonaghan@stonerealestate.com.au

> Private, secure setting hidden from view > Stone kitchen with Smeg appliances > Spacious master suite with a balcony

Seeing is believing with this remarkable unit showcasing a sparkling renovation, 2 large terrace areas, manicured gardens and a prized beachside address. This freestanding beauty is arguably the best 2-bedroom unit in town, within easy reach of Main Street and the beach, and presented to perfection.

Auction: Inspection:

3:30pm | Saturday, 27th March 12:30pm | Saturday, 13th March

Contact:

Sue Monaghan / 0400 481 862 suemonaghan@stonerealestate.com.au Christopher Fyfe / 0417 535 990 christopherfyfe@stonerealestate.com.au

> Spacious layout with high ceilings > Ducted heating/cooling, video intercom > 2 exceptionally large terrace areas

stonerealestate.com.au

mpnews.com.au

Tuesday , 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS

Page 2

ON THE COVER

MOUNT MARTHA OASIS HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT THE cursory Saturday afternoon drive-by simply will not do with this splendid Mount Martha home, set just moments from the quaint shops and cafes of the village. The neat, yet unassuming facade of the home does little to reveal the spectacular pool and garden delights that await within. The expansive living zones have been thoughtfully designed to embrace a magnificent resort-class entertaining area that just soaks up the sun and is complete with a luxurious pool and spa set in the beautiful established gardens. Lucky owners can relax on the sun decks or take a meal in the comfortable outdoor room which has a built in barbecue. The interior is superb; boasting a decor that gives a gracious

HOME ESSENTIALS

tip of the hat to the deco period with wonderful servings of sleek blacks, crisp whites and subtle shades of beige. Handsome polished timber floors flow throughout a series of stunning, beautifully decorated living and dining zones including the fabulous kitchen which has a stone-topped breakfast bar, an enormous wine fridge and stylish mirrored splash backs. Providing generous living options are the five excellent bedrooms that are well placed throughout the home for space and privacy. The elegant master suite gleefully spreads out through what is roughly the middle of the home, with his and hers walk-in robes to one side and a huge, breathtakingly well done ensuite to the right.

Branching off from here is a versatile space for a home office or gym. There is a smaller fifth bedroom with built-in robes and a guest bedroom down the hall also has a walk-in robe and an equally impressive ensuite. The first floor is perfectly set up for the older children with two more bedrooms each featuring a study nook and walk-in robe. There is a shared full bathroom also on this level. Live a life of convenience close to shops, nature trails and beaches, all the while enjoying the timeless elegance of a home where only a private inspection can reveal its true beauty.n

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ADDRESS: 17 Watson Road, MOUNT MARTHA FOR SALE: $3,500,000 - $3,800,000 DESCRIPTION: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 car AGENT: Amanda Haimona 0419 387 682, Bonaccorde, 4/42 Lochiel Avenue, Mount Martha, 5974 8900

mpnews.com.au

Tuesday, 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS Page 3

182 Overport Road Frankston South a

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Peace, privacy and play await in this beautifully maintained family property nestled on a magnificent 2706 sqm (approx.) allotment. The open-plan living and solid-timber kitchen overlooks a wisteria-draped verandah and views of the vast back garden, solar heated pool, spa and tennis court. A split level deck is ideal for entertaining, milestone family events and everyday recreation. The flexible, family-friendly space continues inside with four bedrooms, including a first-floor master with ensuite and balcony bay views. Use the separate studio bedroom with ensuite as a teenage retreat, home office or granny flat.

��

rtedgar.com

19 Barmah Street Mount Eliza a

��

From the picturesque location to the welcoming interior and beautiful private garden oasis, every element of this fourbedroom residence showcases, bespoke style and a focus on relaxed living. Just a short walk to the renowned Moondah Beach and prestigious schools, it affords the opportunity to wander down to The Village and to return to the sanctuary of this uniquely charming home, where indoor-outdoor living is something to celebrate. Impressive interiors flow through a relaxed lounge room (OFP), dining room, poolside alfresco and room to play amongst open spaces.

��

rtedgar.com

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MORNINGTON NEWS

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7 Rosserdale Crescent Mount Eliza a

��

This prestige coastal address on 836 sqm (approx) comprises a Merchant Builder home offered in immaculate condition with spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay. With three bedrooms and an open plan living warmed by an open fire, this home represents a rare opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of the beach year-round. Only steps from a dedicated entry to the Ranelagh Club, there’s a sprawling outdoor living from which to enjoy the passing of time over 180 degrees taking in city lights and the heads in the distance. Adjoining allotment available on a separate title to create the privilege of the space afforded the fortunate few.

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rtedgar.com

126 Wimbledon Avenue Mount Eliza a

��

Set within a tranquil leafy streetscape, the warm family appeal of this inviting, well presented residence is enhanced by deep gardens and outdoor entertaining spaces. Elegant formal sitting and dining rooms lead to a spacious study and gourmet stone kitchen, opening through French doors to a vast deck with glistening pool vistas. An abundance of family accommodation comprises a captivating first-floor main bedroom with walk in robe and deluxe ensuite, second living room/rumpus and northfacing balcony. Savour a blissful lifestyle location steps from The Village.

��

rtedgar.com

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Tuesday, 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS Page 5

Women In Real Estate SPECIAL FEATURE

“A naturally warm, approachable and principled personality resulting in stress free transactions for her clients.” With over 15 years in the real estate industry, Candice brings her vast array of skills and experience to Impact Realty Group. Her extensive knowledge of the local market, established networks plus experience and practice in real estate law has enabled Candice to advise, prepare and market many successful sales campaigns. With her husband and two children, Candice has an enduring passion for the area. CANDICE BLANCH LICENSED ESTATE AGENT 0416 123 415 candice@impactrealtygroup.com.au

Looking for a REAL Estate Agent? A true local, living on the Mornington Peninsula for over 50 years! Janet’s strong legal background, coupled with extensive marketing and negotiating skills, ensures that you will experience her unique blend of enthusiasm, honesty and attention to detail. Janet’s motto is “we sell a lifestyle” – she is passionate about sharing the unique beauty of our peninsula and her hobby involves photography. These two passions are a perfect blend for marketing homes on the Mornington Peninsula. Supported by a highly skilled team of professionals, you can be assured that your property will be presented in a way which sets it out apart from others, ensuring that it will attract quality buyers and tenants.

JANET MCNEILL Licensed Estate Agent MCNEILL REAL ESTATE 0419 503 327 janet@mcneillrealestate.com.au

International Women's Day 2021

From us to You

03 9776 3369

mpnews.com.au

Tuesday , 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS

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Proudly independent and beautifully boutique with limitless flexibility to meet individual client’s needs, Susan Clavin Real Estate offers a ‘unique formula for success’ that Susan has developed over her 15 years’ of working in this local market. She is a proud advocate of the Mornington lifestyle she and her family are passionate about. When you love what you do – it shows! See why our clients love us at susanclavinrealestate.com.au /testimonials

SUSAN CLAVIN 0417 141 007 susan@susanclavinrealestate.com.au

Susan Susan Clavin Clavin Real Real Estate Estate

“Go the extra mile, the road is never crowded!” LOCAL. BOUTIQUE. COMPETITIVE. Susan Clavin Real Estate is thrilled to welcome Maz Dunez to the team. Her experience and knowledge in the Mornington Peninsula Real Estate market will absolutely be an asset to not only us but to your next sale or purchase. Her warmth, care factor and commitment to her clients experience has established her as a leading professional on the Peninsula. See why our clients love us at susanclavinrealestate.com.au /testimonials

MAZ DUNEZ SUSAN CLAVIN REAL ESTATE 0400 448 224 maz@susanclavinrealestate.com.au

Women In Real Estate

LOCAL. BOUTIQUE. COMPETITIVE.

SPECIAL FEATURE

“To give great service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money – and that is sincerity and integrity.”

Susan Clavin Real Estate

We’re here to guide you home. Mornington Peninsula property experts Louise Lupton and Chelsey Gibson have an unmatched devotion to helping clients achieve their property goals. If you are interested in buying, selling or leasing, please contact Louise 0414 525 298 or Chelsey 0409 277 997.

Marshall White - Mornington Peninsula 98 Mt Eliza Way, Mt Eliza 3930 P 9787 6650 marshallwhite.com.au

“

Do what you love and success will follow. Passion is the fuel behind a successful career. Meg Whitman Former President and CEO - HP

mpnews.com.au

Tuesday, 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS Page 7

Women In Real Estate

Exclusive Property Management is Leading the Way

SPECIAL FEATURE

Shae Lawrie, Director of Exclusive Property Management (EPM), is one of the few property management only specialists servicing the Mornington Peninsula. Connecting landlords with like-minded tenants is what Shae does best. With over 17 years experience, Shae is dedicated to delivering exceptional relationship governance to secure the best outcome for both landlords and tenants. Interpersonal care is the key to longevity-based results in the property management industry and this is where EPM leads the way. Shae is a people-first, property- secured agent who prides herself on being able to identify the needs of landlords and tenant to match them accordingly. Shae takes the time to listen and liaise with all parties from the onset to ensure an ongoing relationship is based on trust and respect. Her finely honed relationship management skills also means she is an adept problem solver. EPM’s extensive portfolio has been fostered through a dedication to building relationships that last. It continues to grow as a result of Shae’s understanding of how demanding moving in and out of a property can be from both sides and her steadfast commitment to personalised service.

W: exclusivepm.com.au M: 0491 640 812 E: shae@exclusivepm.com.au A: Suite 2, 73 Torca Terrace Mornington

“The key to your real estate needs” Janine Harrison is a member of the Real Estate Institute Victoria (REIV) and has lived locally here on the Mornington Peninsula raising her three boys. Janine has welcomed the recent influx of buyers looking to move down to the peninsula to enjoy the space and lifestyle opportunities on offer. The last twelve months have seen Janine focussed on, and adapting to, the changing real estate landscape. “The Covid19 lockdowns we faced brought about changes in how we conduct real estate business with online meetings, virtual property inspections and restrictions on how many people could attend property inspections and auctions. Other changes we have seen have included a moratorium on tenant evictions and a freeze on rent increases. The upcoming legislation brings further improvement to the safety of properties and new terminology with Landlord soon to be renamed as a rental provider”.

Janine Harrison 0487 000 666 janine@janineharrisonrealestate.com.au

“Tanya is highly motivated and loves the interaction with new clients and helping them achieve their desired results” Tanya has been involved in commmercial sales and leasing on the Mornington Peninsula for 14 years and during this time has facilitated hundreds of property transactions and leases; building strong relationships with vendors, buyers, landlords and tenants. Tanya has lived and worked extensively in the area and has a background in small business. TANYA SCAGLIARINI 4/230 Main Street, Mornington 0438 289 859 tanyas@nicholscrowder.com

“

I like to say it’s an attitude of not just thinking outside the box, but not even seeing the box. Safra A. Katz Co-CEO, Oracle

mpnews.com.au

Tuesday , 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS

Page 8

THANKS TO OUR CLIENTS FOR THEIR FABULOUS FEEDBACK IN VOTING US #1 AGENCY IN MOUNT MARTHA FOR SALES AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

This is a significant achievement as it recognises the entire Bonaccorde team including Sales, Property Management, Operations and Marketing for our professional and personalised service.

AMANDA HAIMONA 0419 387 682

BRENDAN COLLOPY 0400 339 644

HAGAN HAIMONA 0418 173 571

ANDREW GILLESPIE 0414 680 512

JEANETTE PHILLIPS 0409 225 205

TAMMIE COADY 0408 562 286

JANE MOGENSEN 0418 373 143

PHILLIP OMANN 0403 271 215

NATALIE JOHNSON 5974 8900

DANIELLE DEW 0497 009 777

MARLENE CETINICH 5974 8900

NEED REAL ESTATE ADVICE OR THINKING OF SELLING? Please get in touch with our team for a free market appraisal 5974 8900. Our team are here to support you throughout your real estate journey.

SALES + PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 4/42 LOCHIEL AVENUE, MT MARTHA WWW.BONACCORDE.COM.AU

03 5974 8900 mpnews.com.au

Tuesday, 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS Page 9

“The difference between a good price and a great price is a great estate agent”

BED

MOUNT MARTHA 36 Elspeth Circuit

BATH

CAR

$870,000 - $950,000

BED

SAFETY BEACH 9 Oskana Walk

BATH

CAR

$840,000 - $880,000

Stylish, Single Level Living In Lifestyle Location

La Mer - Escape the ordinary. Live the dream!

Parents lounge, open plan kitchen & dining + rumpus room n Stylish kitchen with freestanding cooker, dishwasher & pantry n Central alfresco zone with built in BBQ kitchen n

Walking distance to Martha's Table 24/7 onsite security and patrols n Open plan living and dining with a luxurious kitchen n

Jarrod Carman | 0423 144 102 Tyler Joy | 0437 726 213

Jarrod Carman | 0423 144 102 Jarod Joseph | 0427 051 084

‘Mornington Peninsula’s most trusted real estate agent’ Eview Group Mornington Peninsula Office Awarded #1 Office of the Year 2015 and 2016

#3 Sales Office in Australia *REB Awards

Jarrod Carman Awarded #1 Principal of the Year 2015 2016, 2017 and 2018

Awarded #1 Principal of The Year – Regional 2020 ®

2018

AGENCY

OF THE YEAR

AWARD WINNER

BED

MORNINGTON 10 Pamela Place

BATH

CAR

$750,000 - $825,000

Live Life To The Fullest n

Minutes to Mornington or Mt Martha shops

Double remote garage & secure caravan/boat bay

Two stylishly updated bathrooms

eview.com.au mpnews.com.au

MORNINGTON VIC

Jarrod Carman Licensed Estate Agent

0423 144 102

jarrod.carman@eview.com.au jarrod.carman.eview

Jarrod Carman | 0423 144 102 Shaylee Sweetnam | 0424 315 399

jarrodcarman

Why list with one, when you can list with all Office: Mornington, 311 Main Street| 5971 0300

Tuesday , 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS

Page 10

REENGAGE

“The difference between a good price and a great price is a great estate agent”

WITH SOMETHING REAL

BED

MORNINGTON 10a Shelbourne Court

BATH

To complement any marketing campaign for your property, consider print media advertising. Talk to your agent about advertising with Mornington Peninsula News Group. It could be more affordable than you think.

CAR

$1,750,000-$1,850,000

Style & Luxury In Exclusive Cul-De-Sac n

Vast open living/dining opening to 2 courtyards

Upper level living with bay glimpses

Exquisite modern kitchen with walk-in butler’s pantry

Two Smeg ovens and induction cooktop

Luxurious master suite with double shower

eview.com.au

Kate Billson | 0417 514 045

Why list with one, when you can list with all

5 Ridgeview Court, SOMERVILLE

Office: Mornington, 311 Main Street| 5971 0300

3.5

4 Orchid Drive, GRANTVILLE

Ceiling fans, ducted heating, air-conditioning

Multiple living areas on both levels

PRICE

Contact Agent

1498sqm block with spacious,private yard

VIEWING Saturday, March 13th 2:00-2:30pm

Polished timber floors throughout

Walking distance to all amenities

CONTACT Leonie Worrall: 0420 979 956 HASTINGS, 69 High Street

1 Manna Gum Drive, PAKENHAM

Gateway To Gippsland n

Porter Davis home in Silver Gums Estate

Blanco stainless-steel appliances

Gas ducted heating & r/cycle air conditioning

Open plan living with multiple lounge areas

576sqm fully landscaped block

HASTINGS 03 5979 4177 69 High Street, Hastings, Vic, 3915 mpnews.com.au

A Stones Throw From The Beach

Modern Old World Charm In Somerville n

ER UND R OFF4 E

Split-system heating & cooling

543m2 block with space for a garden shed

Open plan kitchen and dining

PRICE

$485,000 - $510,000

VIEWING As Advertised Or By Appointment

20mm stone benchtops, 900mm gas cooktop n Walking distance to beach and local shops

CONTACT Adam Schutz 0448 922 292 KOO WEE RUP, 48a Station Street

1/27 Ruby Joy Drive, SOMERVILLE

Spacious Secluded Unit PRICE

$560,000 - $590,000

VIEWING Saturday, March 13th 11:00-11:30am CONTACT Leonie Worrall: 0420 979 956 HASTINGS, 69 High Street

Open plan living areas

Gorgeous kitchen with s/steel appliances

Master bedroom with ensuite & WIR

Hardwood floors to the downstairs level

377sqm yard with patio

KOO WEE RUP 03 5997 1899 48a Station Street, Koo Wee Rup, Vic, 3981

PRICE

$595,000 - $650,000

VIEWING Saturday, March 13th 1:00-1:30pm CONTACT Leonie Worrall: 0420 979 956 HASTINGS, 69 High Street

PHILLIP ISLAND 03 5922 9300 45 Thompson Ave, Cowes, Vic, 3922 Tuesday, 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS Page 11

‘a lifestyle village for the over 50’s’ 249 High Street, Hastings, 3915 www.peninsulaparklands.com.au

SOLD

$180,000 u u u u

Bed

Bath

Car

$190,000

Kitchen with great bench space Lounge room with air-conditioning Renovated bathroom and laundry Rear verandah, single carport

u u u u

Bed

Bath

Car

Large lounge & dining area Galley kitchen with upright stove Two large bedroom both w/BIR’s Separate laundry and bathroom

$240,000 u u u u

Bed

Bath

Car

Huge kitchen with separate dining Large lounge Two bedroom both w/BIR’s Single carport

NEW

$240,000 u u u u

Bed

Bath

Car

$250,000

Open plan living Kitchen & dining with bay windows Renovated bathroom and laundry Garage with auto roller door

u u u u

UNDERCT A CONTR

$270,000 u u u u

Bed

Bath

Car

Lounge with air-conditioning Open plan kitchen and dining Built-in robes to both bedrooms 3.3kw solar panel system installed

$265,000 u u u u

UNDERCT A CONTR

Bed

Bath

Car

Open plan living Great kitchen, dining area w/ bay window Two bedrooms with BIR’s Single garage with auto roller door

$279,000 u u u u

Bed

Bath

Car

Huge kitchen and lounge Dining area with bay window Two bedrooms with BIR’s Single carport

SOLD

Bed

Bath

Car

Two bedrooms with BIR’s Large lounge with raked ceiling Spacious kitchen/dining area Garden shed, single garage

$325,000 u u u u

Bed

Bath

Study

Car

Open plan living Great kitchen Dining area with bay window Outside entertaining area with timber deck

To arrange your site inspection contact David Nelli 0403 111 234 or at the office on 5979 2700 / Email: david@peninsulaparklands.com.au mpnews.com.au

Tuesday , 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS

Page 12

INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL

THINK INSIDE THE SQUARE TRULY iconic properties that are coveted by investors and developers alike are rarely made available to the market. Defying this is ‘Barkly Square’ at 53-55 Barkly Street, Mornington, home to well-known nightclubs and hospitality venues plus major retail businesses. The site comprises a combination of nine retail shops and restaurants which have a total building size of 1015 square metres on a 2029

PROPERTY ESSENTIALS

square metre block. Total net income is currently $517, 777 per annum after land tax. Offered for sale by auction on behalf of the Mortgagee in Possession, the property is being jointly marketed by Nichols Crowder in conjunction with Stonebridge Property Group in Southbank. “Barkly Square is a jewel on the Mornington Peninsula,” explains Jamie Stuart of Nichols Crowder Mornington.

“It’s just off Main Street and close to many shops and two major shopping centres which add to its appeal.” Rorey James of Stonebridge Property Group also added “With the beach just a short walk away and the property serviced by over 1500 car parks with 160 metres of combined corner frontage, this property is going to attract national and international attention”.n

ADDRESS: 53-55 Barkly Street, MORNINGTON AUCTION: Wednesday, 17th March at 12 Noon on-site AGENT: Jamie Stuart 0412 565 562, Nichols Crowder, 4/230 Main Street, Mornington, 5925 6005

mpnews.com.au

Tuesday, 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS Page 13

Landmark Corner Investment Mortgagee Auction • Nine Shops on One Title Wednesday 17th March at 12pm on site • 53-55 Barkly Street, Mornington

BARKLY STREET

WAT ERL

T LA

RET

PLA C

BAR

150m

BARKLY SQUARE • Nine retail premises on the one title • Established & longstanding tenants • Rental income: $517,777* p.a (after land tax) • Three street frontages - combined 160m**

• Value-add potential of subdivision or redevelopment (STCA)

• Substantial landholding 2,029sqm** • Located between two shopping centres Woolworths & Coles

• Serviced by over 1,500 car parks

Outline Indicative only

*Subject to purchasers completing due diligence ** Sizes approx

Rorey James 0439 400 081 Nic Hage 0448 782 594 Level 3, 111 Coventry Street, Southbank VIC 3006 stonebridge.com.au mpnews.com.au

Jamie Stuart 0412 565 562 Tom Crowder 0438 670 300

5925 6005

4/230 Main Street, Mornington VIC 3931 nicholscrowder.com.au

Tuesday , 9th March 2021

MORNINGTON NEWS

Page 14

LETTERS

Letters - 300 words maximum and including full name, address and contact number - can be sent to The News, PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or emailed to: team@mpnews.com.au

Ratepayers playing second fiddle to music concerts AFTER complaints to The News, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, local MPs and councillors last year after a loud and long running disco event, the council has this year responded with a busy schedule of live music events at The Briars [Mount Martha] conservation reserve. Neighbours in Mount Martha, motorists trying to use Nepean Highway and people wanting to visit the peace and quiet of the Briars Eco Centre or astronomy events or visiting the nature reserve or wanting a quiet coffee at the cafe now take second fiddle to ongoing rock music events and music festivals. Some of which run over whole weekends. In these COVID times it was appalling to see TV coverage of the [20-21 February] weekend music concert with ecstatic humans jiving around waving their arms in the air and completely ignoring the social distancing requirements of all public events in Victoria. Residents had to endure late night concertgoers noisily disrupting the local streets on their way home and much blood from some incident or other at Mount Martha village had to be washed away by the CFA the next day. This was a serious breach of the state of emergency provisions we are mostly forced to endure. Shame on the MPSC and the event organisers. This is a classic conflict of interest between the purpose of The Briars and its immediate community’s expectations. I call on the short sighted people who issue permits for these events to immediately cancel them and apologise to the people of Mount Martha for their lack of understanding and their inappropriate responsibility to their ratepayer community. A commitment to cease these events altogether, which I was given last year at this time, is required. Put our ratepayer money to better use. Ken Anderson, Mount Martha

Stop rates rising THE ongoing saga of prayer and procedural matters [by Mornington Peninsula Shire] is becoming tiresome to ratepayers (“Prayer is back on the Agenda” The News 15/2/21). Frankly, I don’t care whether God gets a mention or not. All I would like to see is a pledge or affirmation by councillors to do the right thing by their community: the ratepayers. In this regard, an end to the automatic 2.5 per cent rate increases - the state governmentimposed cap - would be a good start. Rates do not need to rise by 2.5 per cent every year because the government allows it. Primarily, there are two reasons for this. The first is that in the past 12 months many new builds in the shire have added significantly to rate revenue. There have been four close to where I live. An architect who works in the shire thinks that planning permit applications total more than 2000. That would add a substantial amount to the rate revenue stream.

Secondly, the increase in property values on the peninsula means that CIV on the rate notice will be up, with more money flowing to the shire. Bureau of Statistics’ figures for the wage price index shows growth of 0.6 per cent. This is not the time, given the effect of the pandemic, to impose more costs on families. With prudent budgetary management and the elimination of wasteful practices, such as VCAT, Tyabb airfield, naming Yawa [ aquatic centre], it is achievable. John Manfield, Blairgowrie

Prayer for good I am writing to give a different perspective about [Mornington Peninsula Shire’s] prayer, based on my experience over many, many years. I have come to understand that prayer is a form of connectedness to a greater power, who I call “God”. I guess the prerequisite to understand this is a spark of “faith”. This power is available to all who seek it. Serendipity, or blessings, are just a part of the outward experience of communication to the creator. I have come to know that all good comes from this divine power. Prayer before any meeting to invite the presence of God, to be with each one in their deliberations shows more than maturity. Sharpness of mind, clarity of vision, and understanding beyond themselves will be enhanced by the presence of this divine power. If all communication to our creator ceases, then the wise, clear, and harmonious outcomes are less likely. This is somewhat to be observed in the article “Doubts about councillors’ understanding” (The News 2/3/21). All successful nations have creator-inspired laws that are just and fair, so that all people may benefit. We live in 2021, ask yourself what happened in year One? It was the birth of God’s son. Brian McClelland, Bittern

No harm in prayer WHY is there so much angst about a prayer preceding council meetings (“Prayer is back on the Agenda” The News 15/2/21)? Parliament does it. If it bothers atheists, or devil worshippers, perhaps they could wait outside. Who is to say that soulless atheists are right? God? If nothing else, the [council] prayer is a reminder to be honest and represent us, not themselves. Some faithfully abide by it. A prayer is not a sermon; it is an old tradition that does no harm and may do some good. As for it being archaic, outmoded and unnecessary; why, that’s a perfect description of local government. A great proportion of people are quite religious but don’t go to church for various reasons. My wife hasn’t been for 20 years and as I often say to her, if she did a confession, she’d need to take a cut lunch. I always took our children to Sunday school

and later to church services, in the belief that I had no right to raise them as atheists. At least by experiencing religious procedures they could make up their own minds since they then knew what they were talking about. A long time ago I was coached in deep meditation. You cannot achieve deep meditation and stillness of mind and what’s beyond by reading a book. It has always been of benefit to mind, body and soul. Many medicos and psychiatrists will attest to the benefits of meditation. I have long ago ceased discussing this phenomenon with people, even distressed people, because most of them dismiss it as misguided rubbish and me as gullible. How would they know if they’ve never experienced it? For Heaven’s sake, just leave the prayer. Brian A Mitchelson, Mornington

Brighter future AS sole carer of my 48-year-old son who was diagnosed with schizophrenia over 25 years ago, he and I have had an appalling history of not being listened to in a very broken system mental health system. He had to endure six admissions to various psychiatric hospitals last year. I am pleased that Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has acknowledged that we have a broken mental health system. Congratulations to him and his team for instigating the royal commission and agreeing to implement all the recommendations this lengthy document has acknowledged need to be made for these changes. One of many who made a lengthy submission to the royal Commission, I was listened to and will continue to lobby for equality for the full implementation of the findings for the forgotten people in our very stressed health system. It is very good news that Peninsula Health will be a targeted hub for more funding and, more important, much needed services. The future is looking brighter, hopefully for all carers and their love ones. Name and address supplied, Mount Martha

Need ‘stroke ambulance’ AT a time when the Mornington Peninsula could benefit from the good deeds of some, we find that self-serving and narrow minded interference or inaction not only devalues achievable benefit but actually sets opportunity on a negative path. Hillview Quarry can seriously give back from where it takes (currently less than 13 per cent of its donations over the past 30 years have stayed on the peninsula). We are still waiting for a response from Hillview’s CEO after approaching him with the idea of helping finance a local stroke ambulance as there is only one in Victoria serving Melbourne. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council should be sacked for wasting $200,000 to find a name [for the Yawa aquatic centre] and a further $200,000 on temporary fencing [at The Pillars, Mount Martha]. In private industry heads would roll if they miraculously survived bankruptcy. Such losses could have gone towards purchasing a life-saving stroke ambulance with a CT scanner to benefit the whole peninsula. We should blame those who instigated the decisions and those who stood by while they were implemented. The ratepayers must shoulder some blame for not holding them accountable.Either hold them

to task or suffer ongoing rate increases to meet these losses. A stroke ambulance can perform a timely scan which will determine if a patient’s stroke is affected by a blood clot or a haemorrhage, thus enabling proper diagnosis, treatment, time in emergency and even time spent in hospital. Apparently 1.9 million brain cells die for every minute a stroke patient is delayed from being administered the correct lifesaving medication. Paul Georgeson, Dromana

Legacy of debt THE federal government has made many funding promises, but the follow up has often been less than stunning. The bushfire support of January 2020 is one example where there are still many millions to be allocated to absolutely needy folk. The government makes claims that the budget was back in surplus but the necessary expenditure due to the pandemic will have confused the true position on the state of our economy. It has run up an enormous debt which needs to be serviced, without making any progress on meaningful work. Any government replacing it will be left with this spectacular legacy of inaction. The state of our aged care, health and education systems, support to bushfire victims, the lack of any real infrastructure programs and the need to create long terms jobs in new technologies, to name just a few. These issues require an enormous financial outlay for many years. It may even require the shifting of the tax burden to those who have done very well out of JobKeeper, the large businesses. It is time for a change, but we must all remember the legacy any incoming government inherits Ken Norris, McCrae

Victoria’s jab lag WE need our local member, Health Minister and Flinders MP Greg Hunt, to intervene in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in Victoria. Figures have been released that indicate NSW has successfully inoculated almost three times more of its citizens thanVictoria. Once again, the Victorian Health Department has proved to be far inferior to that of NSW and the other Australian states. Bill Holmes, Sorrento

Sympathy for Hunt FLINDERS MP Greg Hunt is not one of my favourite politicians, but the weird and wonderful assembly of the flat earth brigade that is trying to change the majority’s commitment to get the jab are not what we need, and I feel for [federal Health Minister] Greg (“Protesters spread the no-jab message” The News 2/3/21). Anti-vaxxers are not what we need when it is so important for as many people as possible to get immunised against the coronavirus. These people probably are the same that were complaining against the other health measures introduced by all state and federal governments. We just have to look to the US, Britain and Brazil to see what tragedies ensue if leaders are not responsible adults and take the health of their nations seriously. I will get immunised as soon as it becomes available. Rupert Steiner, Balnarring

Mornington News

9 March 2021

PAGE 33

100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...

Westernport ‘cut up by land sharks’ Compiled by Cameron McCullough IN criticising the Westernport Development and Decentralisation League, a Melbourne journal says: “As regards Westernport, the land sharks have cut up and sold to the credulous, ‘desirable residential and factory sites’ by the thousands, so they at least have ceased to have any interest in the place .... There has never been any sincerity behind any of these decentralisation proposals.” All we can say is that there ought to be, for Westernport is one of the most neglected of all the natural ports in the world. *** SPEAKING of the dangerous air currents in certain parts of Australia, Major T. H. Shaw, the aviator, regards the country at Dromana as the most tricky for air currents, especially near Arthur’s Seat. At a certain point the air ceases to do any useful work, and instead of the current proving a lifting wind, it forces the machine down. The worst part, however, is between New South Wales and Queensland, where Sir Ross Smith dropped 200 feet. That part is described as “the Bay of Biscay aloft.” *** THE recent cricket match between the Dunlop Rubber Co. and Mornington resulted in victory for the seasiders by 101 runs. The visitors compiled 74 runs, Griffiths being the Mailey with 3 for 9. Mornington made 175, Griffiths heading the scores with 33 retired,

though he was well supported by Jenkins 25, Knuckey 29 not out, Freeman 22 retired, and Cavell 20 retired. *** THOMAS Morse, a resident of Sorrento, was charged in the Criminal Court last week with having unlawfully assaulted Ethel Finney, 26 years of age, at Sorrento on January 22nd last. Morse was acquitted by the jury, and Mr. Justice Cussen discharged him without comment. The jury found that the girl, who admitted being “in trouble” some eight years ago, was a consenting party to all that had occurred. *** A RECENT reference in “The Standard” to the old convict settlement at Sorrento has prompted other journals circulating throughout the Peninsula to enlarge upon the subject. Thus, we see the subject is not without interest. Most of the settlers at Sorrento suffered, evidently, from a tired feeling, for Captain Collins told Lord Hobart they were “a worthless set of people,” who made no attempt to be successful in agricultural pursuits. Still, vegetable gardening and duck raising reached astounding heights of popularity – everyone wanted to cultivate peas and raise ducks! *** “THE Peninsula is beautifully diversified with hills and dales,” wrote Tuckey, the explorer, a century ago, “but the kangaroo seems to reign undisturbed, lord of the soil – a dominion he is likely to retain for ages.” This is one of the most remarkable predictions ever rendered famous by

non-fulfilment! Lieut. Tuckey, like most of the explorers whose names are linked with the history of the Mornington Peninsula, had a tragic end, being captured by the French in 1805, and released in 1815, only to die of African fever whilst exploring the Congo. *** AN employee of the Country Roads Board, Clarence Roy Willis, aged 25 years, was arrested at Mornington last week and lodged in the Melbourne Gaol on a charge of having criminally assaulted an elderly widow of 67 years of age. *** SO Frankston is really to have its bowling green in common with other progressive centres. The green should have been established years ago. Bowling, as a pastime for the man who is not as youthful as he used to be, has come to stay, and its popularity is increasing so much so that the demesne is being invaded by the ladies. To the young, the game might appear to be just about as exciting as skittles, but it is a fact that the game can be developed almost into a science. Mornington has its bowling green, and, in following suit, Frankston has done the right thing. *** DESPITE the fact that the Mornington Peninsula Water Scheme has been completed for several months, water scarcity is still a common complaint between here and Chelsea, and water carting is the order of these days of heat and mosquitoes. Owners of houses have quickly

IF I CAN DREAM Starring Mark Anthony

FRIday 19 March 2021 FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE FOR BOOKINGS Ph: (03) 9784 1051 | artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au

PAGE 34

Mornington News

9 March 2021

availed themselves of the benefits of the scheme, but several tenants of houses have complained that the residences they rent have been neglected in that respect. The State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, which is making preparation for the collection of levies, are, however, considering this matter from the viewpoint of general utility. *** THE Country Roads Board has nowa-days the respect of the general community, but it was not always so. When it first came into existence, 75 percent, of the shire councils opposed it. Today, 90 percent support it. Evidently the remaining 10 percent are sleeping as soundly as ever. Mr. Calder, the chairman, is naturally proud of the fact noted above. The Roads Board does certainly construct good roads, and has been responsible, to a large extent, for the development that has taken place of late in rural districts. Because of that, “The Standard” believes that the Country Roads Board has thoroughly justified its existence. *** “THE Standard” reminds those interested that the Moorooduc sports, under the auspices of the Moorooduc Branch of the Victorian Farmers’ Union, will take place at the Mornington Racecourse on Wednesday next. The programme was advertised in “The Standard’s” last issue, and is a large one, which will necessitate making an early start. The secretary, Mr. James McLellan, has arrangements completed for

a very successful day’s outing, and all that is wanted in that respect is kindly treatment by the weather. *** ADAMSON, Strettle & Co had a very good sale at the Tanti Market on the 21st, when 100 sheep, on account Mr Claude Grice, sold to 31s, and others to 28s, whilst fat lambs brought 14s. *** THE euchre party and dance organised by Mesdames Muday and McSweeney in aid of the funds of the Alfred Hospital, proved a splendid success in every way. The gross receipts amounted to £8/10/-, and, as expenses were small, the ladies above mentioned have been able to send on a cheque for £7 to the hospital authorities. The result is highly satisfactory, and shows what can be done by the exercise of energy and enterprise The gathering was also a great success from a social point of view. Al the card-tables were-filled, and much interest was taken in the competition. Mrs. Paxman donated the 1st prizes for ladies and gents, which were won by Mrs. Fielder and Mr. Frank Andrews respectively. The booby prizes donated by Mrs. McSweeney were won by Mrs. J. Cameron and Mr. McKenzie. The Frankston Orchestra supplied the dance music free of charge, and their generosity was much appreciated. The refreshments served during the evening were also donated. *** FROM the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 4 March 1921

PUZZLE ZONE 1

ACROSS 1. Relating to speech 7. Ready 8. Desert wanderer 10. Basking in sunshine 12. Twelve-month old horse 14. Globes 16. Actor, ... Bridges 17. Ran

20. Juveniles 23. Replete 24. Novels’ locations 25. Love

DOWN 1. Conceit 2. Woe! 3. Small bed 4. Expels saliva 5. Settle (dispute) 6. Maxims 9. One-on-one fights 11. Launches suddenly

13. Short sleep 15. Layers 16. Youthful (of male) 18. Absent-minded drawing 19. Once more 21. Labels 22. Uttered

Puzzles supplied by Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd www.lovattspuzzles.com See page 38 for solutions.

THE MEANING OF EXISTENCE... AND OTHER SHORT STORIES

The Great Canberra Hunger Games Dash By Stuart McCullough I IGNORED the first message. And the second, too. But as the third, fourth and fifth text messages arrived from various members of my family, I began to suspect something was going on. That something, as it turns out, was a decision to close the Victorian border. If we crossed before midnight, we’d be required to isolate until we received test results. After midnight, we’d have to isolate for a full two weeks. Once upon a time, visiting relatives in Canberra was considered a fairly routine activity. In fact, you might even say it was encouraged. How things have changed. In these uncertain times, I learned that going to Canberra was considered by some to be an activity on par with naked abseiling or sprinkling crack over your muesli in terms of sheer recklessness. Having listened to the announcement, there was a definite vibe that we were getting our just desserts by having the temerity to cross the border. We had to act immediately. I get it. These are serious times and things can change really quickly. That said, I’m not convinced that the whole ‘Hunger Games’ vibe around border closures is entirely called for. That said, my decision to abseil over the balcony and commence the return journey to Melbourne on foot can be attributed to momentary panic. The decision to abandon all my possessions was, while efficient, something I have later come to regret. After several tense minutes of negotiation, my wife convinced me we’d be better off taking the car and I returned to pack my bag. We needed to register. Or log on. Or get letters of transit from Senor Ferrari at the Blue Parrot – I’m not sure which. But within forty-five minutes, we had packed, checked out of our hotel room and were en route to the Victorian border. I’m not sure what I expected – queues of caravans, camel trains or hoards of people on foot and hoofing their way to Wodonga. We charged along the Hume along with every other Victorian

resident keen not to become an involuntary New South Wales resident. We stopped once, for food, in Gundagai. To say that it was busiest day in the history of Gundagai McDonald’s would be something of an understatement. The young staff were doing a sterling job serving customers, all of whom were in a race against time. It was too much for one patron, however. He would have been about my age but was wearing the tightest pair of white pants I’d ever seen. I can only assume they were once the property of a much slimmer man, but this fellow was

wearing them like a denim sausage casing. Perhaps it was the news the border was closing or the fact it was New Years’ Eve. Or maybe the very tight jeans had cut off circulation, but he was in an agitated state. Demanding to know the whereabouts of his large fries, he stated loudly that it was an ‘emergency’. I can only assume he was on his way to the hospital to have the Jaws of Life cut him out of his tight pants. I’m not sure the fries would have helped his cause. Soon enough, we were back on the road just as huge clouds began to roll in. As the clock ticked down, lightning flashed and an hour from Al-

bury, the heavens opened as it began to bucket down with rain. I had no idea what to expect at the checkpoint – would it take hours? Would it be relatively fuss-free? In the end, it took about half an hour to cross the border which – given what we were to learn later about those trying to cross nearer the coast – was absolutely fine. The Police, it must be said, were terrific. It was only slightly awkward when we were asked to show our licenses and my wife was unable to find hers. For a split second, I contemplated telling the officer that my wife was, in fact, a hitchhiker and I had no idea who she was, before all the possible consequences of such a joke were it to backfire flashed before my eyes. Miraculously, she managed to pull it and a rabbit out of her handbag in the nick of time. We had decided to stay somewhere near the border rather than arrive back in town at two in the morning. It was, we thought, safer that way. Trouble was, everyone else had the same idea and accommodation began to vanish faster than a packet of large fries given to a man in tight white pants. Eventually, we managed to find somewhere in Benalla and when we collapsed into bed it felt like a genius move. I’d forgotten it was New Year’s Eve. Those residing in the motel room next door had not, and returned at 2am to set up outside our room and continue drinking and talking at a volume more suited to a wind tunnel than the middle of the night. The next morning, I found a small pyramid of rum and Coke cans on an outside table. Pyramids made of empty cans are like crop circles for drunk people. In the truest sign that they had truly tied one on, the motel key was still in the door. We were home by early afternoon. It was an epic voyage that had seen us endure thunder, lightning, heavy rain, men wearing tight white pants and pyramid-building bogans. But we had prevailed. Now all we had to do is get tested and wait for the results. And that, as they say, is another story. stuart@stuartmccullough.com Mornington News

9 March 2021

PAGE 35

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scoreboard

MORNINGTON NEWS

Baden Powell snare upset win to face Sorrento in Provincial Grand Final By Brodie Cowburn

PROVINCIAL

BADEN Powell have locked in a Grand Final spot with an upset win over Old Peninsula. The Old Peninsula Pirates were the team to beat all season, finishing with just one loss on their record after 14 games. Baden Powell secured their finals spot with a fourth place finish. They would have to be at their best to move on to the season decider. Baden Powell chose to bat first. A patient partnership between Craig Entwhistle and Rhys Elmi proved crucial for the batting side. The duo combined for 102 runs. Baden Powell’s middle order wasn't able to provide any further support. At the end of the side’s 40 overs they had 145 runs on the scoreboard. Baden Powell’s bowlers had more work ahead of them to wrap up a shock result. The Pirates’ run chase got off to a shaky start. Opener Dylan O’Malley fell first, losing his wicket for just four runs. It is just his second single-digit score of the year.

Things kept getting worse for the Pirates, as the wickets of key batsmen Thomas La Brooy and Wade Pelzer fell shortly afterwards. A few batsmen went on to make good starts, but none of them went on to make a big score. With just 123 runs on the scoreboard, Old Peninsula lost their last wicket. Rhys Whitling was run out with just under two overs left to play, bringing the club’s season to a close. Baden Powell will face Sorrento in the Provincial Grand Final. Sorrento defeated Langwarrin on Saturday to advance to the final round of finals. Jayde Herrick opened the batting for Langwarrin and proved tricky to deal with. He scored 48 runs, his side’s best effort. Langwarrin set Sorrento a target of 153 to score to win. Opener Jedd Falck’s half-century set Sorrento up well. Their path to victory would prove bumpier than expected though. From 4/145, Sorrento capitulated. They lost their next five wickets for just five runs, giving Langwarrin a chance to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Sorrento managed to hit the winning runs eventually - a Grand Final place locked up with a thrilling one wicket win.

Jackson Mockett played a big part, posting figures of 2/7 and 3/11 respectively.

PENINSULA

THE stage is set. The District Grand Final will be contested by Rosebud and Delacombe Park. Up against the top-of the-ladder Carrum, Delacombe Park would have to bring their best to advance to the season decider. Carrum chose to bat first but had a frustrating time. Many batsmen made good starts, but all were dismissed before they could reach the 25-run mark. Carrum finished all out for 142. Although less than they would have hoped for, they could still secure a win with a brilliant bowling performance. Although both of their openers fell quickly, a strong middle order performance got the job done for Delacombe Park. They wrapped up the win with three wickets left in hand and one over left to play. A dominant bowling display by Rosebud secured them their place in the Grand Final. Rosebud chose to bat first and

PINES and Long Island will do battle in the Peninsula division Grand Final this weekend. Long Island defeated Flinders to advance to the big dance. Star batsman Nick Jewell has struggled at times this season, but looks to be hitting form at the right time. His 62 not out helped Long Island put together an impressive innings. Flinders would have to chase down 196 to win. First drop batsman Shane Beggs top scored for Flinders, putting 45 runs on the board. It ultimately was not enough. Flinders finished their innings at 9/147, 50 runs short of a win. Pines thumped Somerville by nine wickets in their semi-final matchup. Somerville set Pines a target of 95 to win, which they chased down with ease. Pines bowlers Billy Humphrey and

DISTRICT

scored 130 runs. Opener Lyle House top scored with 53. Dromana had no response to Rosebud. They were bowled out for just 75 runs. Michael Clavin was the pick of the bowlers. His 4/24 proved vital for his side.

SUB DISTRICT

TYABB will contest the Sub District Grand Final this weekend after scoring a dominant win over Mt Martha. Mt Martha chose to bat first in the semi-final clash. Their innings didn’t go to plan, as they were bowled out for just 93. Tyabb capitalised on their opponent’s struggles. They wrapped up the win with eight wickets to spare and ten overs left to play. Tyabb will face Carrum Downs in the competition decider. Carrum Downs defeated Balnarring by five wickets in their semi-final clash on Saturday. James Quamby was the winning side’s top scorer with a 50-run knock.

McArdle’s juveniles light up the track HORSE RACING

On fire: John McArdle-trained La Rocque wins the Group Three TBV Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

By Ben Triandafillou JOHN McArdle brought up his second two-year-old Stakes winner over consecutive Saturday’s as La Rocque shot clear to comprehensively win the $160,000 Group Three TBV Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) at Flemington. Ridden by Jamie Mott, La Rocque sat up on the speed before pulling away from her opposition in the final 100m to win by 1.5-lengths over the Anthony and Sam Freedmantrained Flying Evelyn. The victory kept the Kuroshio-sired filly’s unbeaten record intact having won twice from as many starts. Her stablemate Tycoon Humma scored an impressive victory in the Listed Very Special Kids Plate (1000m) seven days earlier. Despite her early brilliance, Mornington-based trainer John McArdle said there’s still plenty of improvement to come with La Rocuqe who is owned and bred by his wife Bernadette McArdle. “[La Rocque] just doesn’t know what she’s doing yet. She’s a very green horse, she rolled around a bit today. She’s actually an even better horse ridden behind them,” John

McArdle said post-race. McArdle hinted at spelling La Rocque with her stablemate Tycoon Humma with the early three-yearold Spring races on the agenda. He said it was a tough call comparing the two fillies on ability. “It’s a good problem to have. [La Rocque] has beaten her in a trial but in their work at home there’s not much between them,” he said. Jockey Jamie Mott was thrilled to be heading into the Spring with two talented fillies on the up. “I’ve always had a big opinion of this filly and she’s obviously been to the races twice now for two wins so she hasn’t put a foot wrong but she’s still got a few little things to iron out,” he said. “I can’t wait until we get into a better race and there’s genuine speed and she can sit off them because most of her trackwork we do sit her off and she’s quite electric so when she gets a raceday scenario like that you’ll see the best of her. Obviously, we had the filly win last week so two really nice fillies going forward.”

Be seen everywhere. Mornington News

9 March 2021

PAGE 37

MORNINGTON NEWS scoreboard

Pines prevail, Seaford bows out SOCCER

By Craig MacKenzie FRANKSTON Pines overcame the spirited resistance of fellow State 3 outfit Hampton East Brighton in a riveting FFA Cup tie on Saturday. This was a contest from go to whoa and although the final whistle signalled a 2-0 win for Pines their opponents left no-one in doubt about their promotion credentials. In just over 90 minutes a rivalry was born and Hampton East Brighton represents a clear threat to the lofty ambitions of the men from Monterey. Had Pines not prevailed there would have been much discussion around the contest’s most controversial moment. In the 15th minute Pines’ star Tito Vodowaqa exploded into action leaving opponents in his wake. Hampton East Brighton keeper Sebastian Chenkov-Shaw charged just outside his area and as Vodowaqa lobbed the ball over the keeper’s head and prepared to run past him heading into the unguarded goal ChenkovShaw deliberately handled. It seemed a no brainer that the keeper would be sent off but referee Cheng Hoo chose to brandish a yellow card instead. Both sides had chances to break the deadlock but that moment eventually arrived 10 minutes into the second half. The one player on the pitch who attacked Jordan Avraham’s curling free kick on the left with real intent was Simon Webster and he got a faint headed touch which left Chenkov-Shaw stranded. Vodowaqa received some consolation for being denied in the first half when he robbed a defender in the 64th minute and ran off the ball eventually getting it back and striking it past Chenkov-Shaw from the edge of the box for the clincher. While much of the hype around Pines has understandably centred on the club’s Fijian internationals there is a lot of ability and experience in the squad. The Webster twins, Scott and Simon, are good examples. It was as if time stood still as these 38-year-olds were back on their old stomping ground (no pun intended) and looking as mobile as ever. Simon Webster was running as hard at the end of the contest as he was at the beginning even twice vacating his central defensive role in the last 10 minutes and momentarily slotting into a central striker’s role. The Websters’ contribution doesn’t simply centre on their inherited ability

Pines power: Hampton East Brighton’s Marco Francese comes off second best after a Simon Webster challenge as Webster’s Frankston Pines teammate Tito Vodowaqa looks on. Picture: Darryl Kennedy

to read the play. They add steel to the unit and a competitive edge. Avraham is revelling in his midfield role, Joe O’Connor is comfortable with his back to goal and is strong enough to shield the ball and prove an effective target while Max Boulton is starting to recapture match fitness and sharpness after his long lay-off. Pines went into the clash without injured duo Cedric Benza (knee) who is another fortnight away and Alex Roberts (foot) while Matthew Hames has gone to Keysborough. In the other Cup tie last weekend featuring a local club (Somerville had a bye) Seaford United lost 4-1 away to East Kew and coach Peter Schwellinger was forced to take off Blake Hicks and Dylan Waugh as precautionary measures in a physical and sometimes spiteful clash. Substitute Mitch Hawkins scored for Seaford. Schwellinger should learn this week of the full extent of the ankle injury suffered by midfielder Jack Carter the previous week against Baxter but he expects Carter to join Matthias Schwellinger (broken leg) and Mitch Lander (hamstring) on the sidelines. Langwarrin, Mornington, Peninsula Strikers and Skye United join Pines and Somerville in the next round of

the Cup to be drawn this week. In NPL2 news Langwarrin signed Rogan McGeorge from Casey Comets and Jeremy Min Fa from Malvern City last week. Midfielder McGeorge, 29, is a former Cambridge United player whose first season in Melbourne was with Altona City in 2018. Min Fa, 25, is a former Springvale White Eagles player and can play in either full back roles. In State 5 news Rosebud’s hunt for a new senior coach ended last week when the club announced that it had agreed terms with striker Mark Pagliarulo who will be assisted by Gab Alonzo. No sooner had “Pags” accepted the role than he plunged headlong into a recruitment drive and a shock target is fellow Scot and close friend Dougie Cunnison from State 1 side Keilor Park. The veteran stopper is a former Arniston Rangers and Penicuik Athletic player who is set to train with Rosebud this week. Other targets are ex-Seaford playercoach Matty Morris-Thomas, soon to be ex-Pines player Callum Richardson (who scored for Rosebud against Skye in a friendly), Jarryd McMinimee (Somerville), Louis Griffiths (Somer-

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ville), Ashley Scholes (Somerville) and Ryan Monk (ex-Rosebud Heart). Former Baxter keeper Francis Beck, Brandon Monk and teenage Mornington keeper Sean Benz are other possible signings. Cory Osorio was uncertain whether or not to play this year but after last week’s appointment he has agreed to stay. Former Rosebud Heart and Somerville star Carlo Cardoso is a long shot given the travel involved but “Pags” remains keen to sign the experienced midfielder. State 5 rivals Aspendale Stingrays have signed midfielder Taylor Davison from Chelsea, central defender Nick Carter from Kingston City, midfielder Michael Antic from Dandenong City and striker Guilherme Ribeiro who returns to the club after a stint at Berwick City. Last week’s friendlies yielded a mixed bag of results for local clubs. On Thursday Langwarrin lost 3-2 away to Box Hill United while Mount Martha drew 3-3 with HMAS Cerberus in difficult conditions after a heavy downpour at Civic Reserve. Langy’s scorers were George Howard and Damir Stoilovic. Mount Martha was 2-0 down after five minutes but hit back through goals

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from Ale Giordano, Kyle Burich and a last-minute pile driver from Bayside Argonauts debutant Neal Byrne. On Friday Chelsea’s friendly at home against Sandringham had to be abandoned while Rosebud lost 4-1 at home to Skye United. A Piers Brelsford second half goal had put Chelsea ahead when home team captain Connor Scott fell awkwardly and had to be taken to hospital where it was confirmed that he’d suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Rosebud led after 20 minutes when Richardson broke onto a superb Scholes through ball and lobbed advancing Skye keeper Jonathan Crook. Skye levelled from a Mitch Blake penalty 10 minutes later and the sides went in 1-1 at the break. Rosebud had defended well in the first half but couldn’t keep its higher league opponent at bay in the second period with Mark O’Connor, Blake and Travis Ernsdoerfer rounding off the scoreline. On Saturday the match between Casey Panthers and Somerville Eagles was called off at half-time with Somerville leading 4-2. A first half incident saw players on the Casey Panthers bench run onto the pitch after Somerville’s keeper had been sent off for retaliation. Somerville’s scorers were Davey Jones (3) and Sam Brick. Results of other friendlies on Saturday: Mornington 3 (Josh Hine 2, Matt Harrington) Caroline Springs George Cross 1, Peninsula Strikers 2 (Aaran Currie, Ben Doree) Malvern City 4, Mount Martha 0 Keysborough 3. In other news referee stocks in Victoria are understood to be at their lowest level in years with over 200 less match officials registering than at the same period last year. Peninsula numbers are reportedly down by around 70 and the areas of competition expected to be most affected are community juniors and lower State League divisions. Football Victoria referees manager Luke Brennan was contacted last Tuesday seeking confirmation of the numbers but failed to respond. This week’s friendlies: THURSDAY: Lyndale Utd v Chelsea (Lyndale Secondary College, 6.30pm & 8.30pm). SATURDAY: Baxter v Kings Domain (Baxter Park, 1pm & 3pm), Mount Martha v Old Melburnians (Civic Reserve, 1pm & 3pm).

Mornington News

9 March 2021

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Mornington News

9 March 2021