May 5th 2011

Mornington

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Lucky streak brings car home for Chris and Bill CHRISTINE and Bill Crawford won’t easily forget their 50th wedding anniversary – every time they hop into their new car, smiles will spread across their faces.

The Somerville couple won a $26,000 Toyota Corolla sedan in the Rotary Club of Somerville Tyabb raffle for radio station 3RPP last Monday.

The club ran the raffle in conjunction with other peninsula Rotary clubs in support of a renovation project at the former Mornington Secondary School site in Wilsons Rd, Mornington.

Half the last remaining classroom block will be 3RPP’s new studio and the other half will be used by community groups.

Mrs Crawford was ecstatic when she and her husband received the car keys from Rob Christie of Motor Court Toyota in Mornington on Monday morning. It was also the week of her 70th birthday.

“We’ve never won anything in our lives and we’ve never owned a new car,” she said with a smile as broad as a Cheshire cat.”

Mrs Crawford bought one ticket in the raffle and her lucky streak didn’t end there; the day after being told of the win, she found a $10 note on the footpath and went straight into a newsagent and bought a lottery ticket.

“I didn’t win anything, so the run of good luck is over,” she said with a laugh, “but we’re about to set off on a trip of the lifetime to the United States so we’ll see what happens.”

Second prize in the raffle, a $19,500 Toyota Yaris, was won

by Martin Saunders of Carrum Downs.

Third prize, a $10,000 cruise package supplied by Travelscene Westernport, was won by Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Graham Pittock, who had earlier drawn the first two prizes.

The mayor’s ticket was pulled out of the bag by Lions Club of Rye member Tony Howard. His grandson Ben pulled out the fourth prize ticket, giving Marie Ratten of Rosebud the 50inch plasma television from Rosebud Retravision.

Oh what raffle: Rob Christie, left, with an excited Christine and Bill Crawford and their raffle prize.

Pier at risk of closure

By Mike Hast THE unrenovated end section of Mornington pier is just one big blow away from being closed to the public.

Work on the middle, 53-metre long section of the pier is due to be completed by July, but the state government needs to find about $7 million to repair the outer section.

The pier has been battered by severe storms in recent years, including three last year, leaving parts of it unstable.

Parks Victoria contractor K V Johnson Constructions started work on the middle section last August. It was scheduled to be completed by December, which was then revised to April.

Bad weather saw the completion date again revised to July. The work is costing $3.5 million and includes replacing pylons and installing a threepiece reinforced concrete deck with timber decking on top of this.

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over the stability of the unrenovated section.

The News understands Parks Victoria has had divers and engineers checking the section for a preliminary report.

The three possible scenarios are:  A moderate amount of work would make it safe and it would be reopened to the public.  The structure would be safe to leave unrenovated and repair money would have to be found at a later date. It

would be closed to the public.  The section would not be able to be saved and would be pulled down before it became a hazard to boating.

On Tuesday, Mornington MP David Morris told The News the pier was one of the most popular on Port Phillip and “very important to the town”.

Mr Morris said he had held discussions with Parks Victoria’s chief executive officer Dr Bill Jackson and Environment Minister Ryan Smith, and had

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stressed the pier needed to be fixed as soon as possible.

He said the pier has been neglected for many years by several governments. Any work on the unrenovated section was not dependent on this week’s state budget, he said.

Pier contractor Kevin Johnson said a concrete pour of 500 tonnes had created a 24-metre section of the pier.

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Editor: Mike Hast, 5979 8564 Advertising Sales: Carolyn Wagener, 0407 030 761 Production/Graphic Design: Stephanie Loverso Group Editor: Keith Platt, 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough, 0407 027 707 REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Neil Walker, Barry Irving, Cliff Ellen, Frances Cameron, Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Gary Turner, Jaime McDougall, Marilyn Cunnington, Brad Stirton, Fran Henke.

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On the move: The barge-born piledriver was towed to the seaward side of the pier on Tuesday morning, top, while a workman stands on the new section of pier next to the unrenovated part of the structure.

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PAGE 2

Mornington News 5 May 2011

Closure threat to pier Continued from Page 1

“WE’RE aiming to do our last pour on 30 May to connect the new section with the old one and then we’ll need a month to clean up,” he said.

He had received no instructions about working on the unrenovated section. “I know there are a lot of loose planks out there.”

Mr Johnson confirmed there had been damage to a couple of pylons in the unrenovated section during a recent storm.

“The pier was closed in April 2010 after a storm and then we were hit with 62 knots last August

and another bad storm in September,” he said.

After Mornington his company would be doing jobs at Patterson River in Carrum and Point Wilson pier near Avalon, he said.

Plans for the installation of wave screen panels on the pier are unclear. Mr Johnson said this was not part of his contract with Parks, but his workers had installed bolts on the side to take wave screens at some future time.

Rubber covers would be fitted to the bolts to protect them from weathering.

Mr Johnson estimated it would cost $10 million to renovate “the whole show”.

How-to call goes out for volunteers HOW to attract volunteers of all ages will be the key topic of a free community workhop in Mornington next week.

Volunteering Mornington Peninsula is hosting the workshop on Tuesday 10 May as part of National Volunteering Week.

No next generation? Essential knowledge to attract and maintain volunteers of all ages on the Mornington Peninsula is from 9am-4pm at Mornington Peninsula Shire council chambers, Queen St, Mornington.

Guest speaker will be Australian consultant Martin Cowling, a leading global consultant on not-for-profit and volunteer management, according to Helen Ridgeway, Volunteering Mornington Peninsula coordinator.

“In 2010, he was nominated by Philanthropy 411 as one of the 67 most ‘dynamic and engaging speakers’ on philanthropy in the world. The list included Bono and Dr Jim Collins,” Ms Ridgeway said.

“We are also fortunate to have the support of Community Connections.

“In partnership with Volunteering Mornington Peninsula, Dr John Murphy has recently completed an important research project on volunteering on the peninsula and his findings have crucial implications on the peninsula.” His finding would be presented at the workshop, she said.

Global voice: Martin Cowling.

Details: Helen Ridgeway, 0439 633 811 or ridghv@mornpen.vic.gov.au Volunteering Mornington Peninsula is for people wanting to volunteer in the community and for community groups and organisations seeking to recruit members or volunteers; network with groups, publicise activities, and find out about resources.

Finding freeway offsets a tough task

By Mike Hast THE state government body managing the construction of Peninsula Link Fwy has looked at 4000 sites to replace protected native vegetation removed for the freeway project.

The $760 million road joining the freeway north of Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Fwy at Mt Martha is well underway and will be completed by early 2013.

A key element of the project is replacing native vegetation bulldozed for the 27-kilometre, four-lane freeway with “like for like” bushland.

The project is being managed on behalf of the government by Linking Melbourne Authority, which also managed the $2.5 billion EastLink project.

LMA is partway through a five-stage process to find and buy bushland to replace land taken for the freeway.

Known as native vegetation “net gain offsets”, LMA officers have scoured the south-east and Mornington Peninsula looking for replacement land to satisfy Department of Sustainability and Environment requirements.

Precious bushland such as that removed at the historic Westerfield at Frankston South is unlikely to be found in the immediate region and will likely be replaced by bushland in Gippsland.

Land most difficult to replace included plains grassy wetland.

Under complex DSE “net gain offset” rules, LMA is required to replace 56 hectares of precious bushland with five times this amount – 280 hectares with lower conservation values.

All replacement bushland must be approved by DSE. The formula rates bushland areas by taking into account the quality and type of trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses as well as fauna living on the land.

A “habitat score” is allocated to each area to see if it is an appropriate offset.

Bushland with rare plants has a very high score and if “like for like” land cannot be found, a larger block of land will have to be purchased as a replacement and money spent improving its conservation value.

In recent months, LMA has whittled down the 4000 sites to just eight. It has signed agreements with private landowners that allow wildlife and plant experts to closely inspect the properties to ensure they fit guidelines.

LMA’s Bill Hooker said at a Peninsula Link net gain offsets meeting last week the authority would likely need to buy only four of the eight blocks being considered.

At the meeting were conservationists, environment staff from Frankston and Mornington Peninsula councils, a representative of DSE and staff from LMA and road builder Abigroup.

Ratepayers eye shire electoral review, council MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s forthcoming review of electoral boundaries and the number of councillors will be discussed at the next meeting of the Mornington Peninsula Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association.

Guest speaker will be Darren Ray, director of public policy with Victorian Local Government Association.

Other topics include “your council”, ward representation and monitoring the shire’s performance.

The public meeting is at 2pm on Monday 16 May in Rosebud Library’s meeting room (rear of library), McDowell St, Rosebud.

Association secretary Alan Nelsen said it was a chance for residents to hear the VLGA’s views and ask questions.

“You will also hear about the VLGA submission to the state government’s Essential Services Committee on monitoring the performance of local government,” he said.

Details: Alan Nelsen, telephone 5982 3821 or 0413 457 092.

Dozer days: Abigroup bulldozers wait beside heritage-listed Westerfield before being given permission to clear its precious bushland last year. Now freeway manager Linking Melbourne Authority is on the hunt for replacement land.

Mr Hooker said it had been difficult finding replacement land in the City of Frankston.

This is where most of the precious bushland had been bulldozed.

He indicated two of the four areas of land would be in Mornington Peninsula Shire, and in the immediate vicinity of Peninsula Link.

There was a limited market as landowners had to be willing to place a covenant on their titles restricting any further development of their land.

When the two councils’ environment officers report to their managers, there is likely to be a level of annoyance among councillors who supported Peninsula Link on the basis that all native vegetation offsets were to be in the two municipalities. Mr Hooker said LMA was still considering sites.  On Tuesday, fauna conservationist Mal Legg said contractors had knocked down snow and manna gums where Moorooduc Hwy joins the freeway at Mt Martha and “13 possums were

displaced and run down by cars”.

He alleged no zoologist was present during the clearing. “I can’t understand why the pines were left and the native vegetation was removed. The trunks and limbs are full of hollows and need to be retained not mulched.”

Mr Legg said snow gums were rare on the peninsula.

The News contacted Erin Coldham of LMA just before deadline and she said they had received a complaint from Mr Legg and were investigating.

Transport focus of state budget for Mornington

By Keith Platt MONEY for a study into extending the electrified railway from Frankston to Baxter has been included in the Baillieu government’s first budget.

“We had some very big holes, particularly in reduced GST income, but we’ve managed to keep our pre-election promises,” Mornington MP David Morris said on Tuesday afternoon.

Three projects pushed by Mr Morris in his election campaign and funded in the budget are:  $450,000 for a bus interchange at Mornington.  $100,000 for pedestrian-operated traffic lights on the Esplanade at Mt Martha village.  $80,000 for a pre-feasibility study

into electrifying the railway line to Baxter.

Mr Morris said the rail study “is potentially the start of something quite revolutionary”.

Acknowledging that the money fell far short of what would be needed for a full study, Mr Morris said it “will at least get it on the map”.

“The Western Port side of the peninsula is well served by rail, but the Port Phillip side is entirely bus dependent.”

Mr Morris said his ultimate dream would be for a light rail service “first to Mornington and then servicing the whole of the southern peninsula”.

He said the bus interchange was included in the Mornington structure plan and was earmarked to be

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“The next step to make bus routes work better will be to get traffic lights at the Wilsons Rd intersection with Nepean Hwy.” Mr Morris said pedestrian lights at Mt Martha followed summer’s reduced speed limits along the Esplanade.

“We’ll be working hard to get them in before next summer. One of the challenges is getting the Nippers across the road to the lifesaving club.”

Mr Morris said the budget brought some money to the peninsula’s transport needs “which have basically been ignored for a very long time”.

The Peninsula Link freeway was

a major exemption aimed at easing traffic congestion.

“But the other side of the argument is public transport and we’re trying to get a few basics in place,” Mr Morris said.

Although not specified in the budget, he would continue to seek money to install security cameras at Mt Martha and Mt Eliza as well as creating a new planning policy for the peninsula.

Mr Morris said he was pleased with the budget’s outcome, “which is picking up from a pattern of budgets that have been held up by oneoff Commonwealth injections of money”.

“It’s come out pretty well and we’ll be hiring extra police, public security officers and more nurses.”

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PAGE 3

NEWS DESK

When fear of German invasion galvanised peninsula community The Invasion The Germans are off to Calais and from thence to England, and after that to America, and then – when you’ve taken all those places there will be Mornington left. As you sit under your pine and fig tree counting your ill-gotten gains after the Cup, do you ever think of what would happen but for the Boy Scouts? Who would mind your losses – or the prophet (see under, no extra charge) When the Germans come to Mornington, We all will start to mourn; We’ll all be sorry in Mornington That ever we were born.

Some scalps will hang on the Royal Hotel; And some will have spirits agoing to – well Where noses will burn before they smell The odour of lives well done.

When the Germans come to Mornington, We will all be in a tear; When the Germans come to Mornington There won’t be none of us there.

We’ll run with our tails all half-mast high That’s a jolly lot better to do; and die Of a fine and fat old age!

When the Germans come to Mornington, We’ll none of us sit on The Post.

We won’t stay sitting in Mornington; Nor soaking our corns on the coast.

We’ll stretch our legs as far as we can, While the Germans are prodding the hindermost man– We hope we won’t count ’mong the “also-ran” – When we run in the German Cup. – The Bandy Coot THIS is one of about 140 poems in the recently published book Our Boys at the Front: 1914-18 The Mornington Peninsula at War from the pages of The Peninsula Post ($39.95 inc DVD).

Compiled and published by the Mornington & District Historical Society, the book was launched at Mornington’s historic Royal Hotel last month and tells the story of peninsula men who went to the First World War through letters, diary entries, stories, war poems and photos from The Peninsula Post, the peninsula’s dominant local paper between 1913 and the late 1970s.

It also covers what was happening on the home front through the pages of the newspaper, including the controversial issue of recruitment as Australia suffered mounting losses of its finest men. The three illustrations are from the paper.

The book is available from Mornington Peninsula bookshops and newsagents, the Shrine of Remembrance bookshop, Hylands, 1/23-31 Heffernan Lane, Melbourne, 9654 7448 and by mail order from Mornington & District Historical Society, PO Box 71, Mornington 3931 (add $9.50 for post and handling).

Fish litter shows up the ones that didn’t get away IF you see a sign, ignore it. At least that seems to be the rule for anglers who have dumped filleted snapper carcasses into the shallows near the boat launching ramps at Mornington.

Bins are provided under the signs warning against dumping the “carcases” and warning of heavy penalties for “aggregated littering” (shire spelling).

A regular fisherman contacted

by The News said the dumping may have been retaliatory action against Mornington Peninsula Shire, which had increased boat launching fees although “the facilities have not changed”.

The fisherman said it was against the law to fillet fish at sea “because fisheries officers can’t measure the length of a fish from a fillet”.

“Maybe people should be able to dump the carcasses off the end of the jetty where they can be cleaned up by stingrays.”

PAGE 4

Mornington News 5 May 2011

Success brings awards for women MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is backing a program aimed at helping women “identify their unrealised skills and capabilities”.

The shire has formed a “community partnership” with True Leadership, a business running “women making change happen” seminars and making awards to women for their success in business, community or involvement with local government.

Director Sina Summers said her work enable women to “understand their ability to face into their challenges and allow their leadership to emerge”.

“Most of the women who attend don’t know quite what their next stage is or how to translate their ideas into action,” Ms Summers said.

“And many arrive without ideas, but just know that they are ready for a change in direction. They share their stories and hear their potential to achieve.”

Monthly seminars at Bentons Square Community Centre, Mornington, are open to all women with the latest one featuring Bunurong elder Carolyn Briggs as guest speaker.

The first annual awards were made in March “to acknowledge the commitment and achievements of our local women who are making positive change happen in our community”, Ms Summers said.

Sharon Cairns, of Sorrento Day Spa, won the business award for showing “drive, tenacity, vision and grounded industry knowledge” in developing “a thriving business”.

The community award went to Mar-

Kim Sadler.

Margaret Hellier and Glenda Hughes.

garet Hellier and Glenda Hughes, proprietors of BEST, which provides care for the aged and disabled.

Kim Sadler, manager of the Bentons Square Community Centre, won the local government award.

“She has great insight into implementing an initiative that is aimed at humanising administrative systems and processes and making them more user friendly for the community at large,” Ms Summers said.

Twenty women nominated for awards and the winners were chosen

by Cr Antonella Celi and Cr Bev Colomb.

The awards were presented by Mornington Peninsula mayor Cr Graham Pittock.

Ms Summers said True Leadership is offering a sponsorship “to women who are disadvantaged in some way and therefore limited financially due to their circumstance”.

Sharon Cairns.

Recycle ‘e-waste’ SHIRE residents can dump computer and electrical equipment – ‘e-waste’ – free of charge over the weekend of 14-15 May. Mornington Peninsula Shire is throwing open the gates of its Mornington Waste Disposal Centre in Watt Rd, Mornington, from 9am-4pm for:  Computer equipment – any brand of desktop or laptop computer, monitors, computer mouses, keyboards, cables, hard drives, floppy disc and CD/DVD drives, other computer peripherals, iPods and Walkmans.  Entertainment equipment – televisions, video recorders, DVD players, hi-fi and stereo equipment, digital cameras and video cameras.  Home office equipment – printers, scanners, toner and ink cartridges.  Mobile phone handsets and chargers, electronic games, and computer game consoles.

Items will be recycled rather than going to landfill.

Items that won’t be accepted include whitegoods, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, other kitchen and household appliances, UPS (uninterruptible power supply) units, overhead projectors, televisions and monitors that have been removed from their cases or are cracked, batteries that are not part of the computer system, fluorescent tubes, contaminated equipment or other hazardous waste.

As well as Mornington, e-waste can be dropped off at other locations around Melbourne. Details: www. mwmg.vic.gov.au There is a limit of 20 item a person a day.

For more information, visit www. mornpen.vic.gov.au under “Your Property” then “Rubbish, Recycling and Waste” or call 1800 850 600.

Mornington News 5 May 2011

PAGE 5

LETTERS

Late harvest lead in to wine show GRAPES are being harvested up to four weeks later than usual on the Mornington Peninsula because of unseasonable rains and cooler temperatures.

“The extra time being given to grapes for ripening can concentrate the flavour, so quality will be up, but it can also see them suffer downy mildew and other diseases,” Cool Climate Wine Show manager Steve Robin said.

“On the peninsula quality is on par with last year but some areas of Victoria have suffered.

“A few vineyards have left grapes on the vine which won’t be harvested because they didn’t ripen.”

Mr Robin said “the other sleeper” was organic vineyards that had been hit by diseases because grapes were not sprayed.

However, the current harvest has not affected this year’s cool climate wine show which has received 670 entries, below last year’s 690 but up on the 660 entries in 2009.

“Following a very challenging vintage this year it was expected entries would be down, but this has not happened,” Mr Robin said.

“With increased production of wine and reduction in overseas markets, vignerons

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need a marketing edge, which medals from prestigious wine shows like ours can provide.”

He said entries from New Zealand vineyards had held up, despite their drop in export markets and still makes up 20 per cent of wine show entries, with a similar number coming from the peninsula and Tasmanian.

The rest of the entries come from the Yarra Valley, Geelong, Gippsland, the Port Phillip region and small wine growing regions in South Australia and New South Wales.

“Variation in entries each year is caused by regional or seasonal factors” Mr Robin said.

Wine show judging will be on 24 and 25 May at Mornington Racing Club, with a public tasting following the second day of judging on the Wednesday.

As part of wine show week, 10 of the peninsula’s top restaurants and cafes on Friday 27 May are offering a twocourse lunch featuring local products with a glass of cool climate wine for $49.50.

The public tasting costs $20 (including a glass) 6pm-8pm Wednesday 25 May at Mornington Racing Club. Awards will be presented at a dinner on Friday 27 May. Visit www. classiclunches.com.au.

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will host a special art exhibition as part of the national Human Rights Arts and Film Festival.

Thirty-three artworks will be shown in the foyer of the Mornington Library from May 12.

The artworks were created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Thirty-three artists from various backgrounds were each given an article of the Declaration to interpret.

They used print-making to examine values that are fundamental not only to their country, but also the international community.

Of particular significance is the collaborative linocut, Journeys and Destinations, by Indigenous artist, and former Mornington Peninsula resident, Ben McKeown and Melbournebased artist William Kelly.

Ben will speak about his journey as an artist, and as a human rights advocate, at the official exhibition opening at Mornington Library on the 20th of May at 4pm.

Shire Mayor Councillor Graham Pittock said the Shire is committed to supporting activities around human rights.

“The Mornington Peninsula Shire supports human rights and is dedicated to facilitating the necessary conditions and opportunities to enable people to be free from discrimination.”

“This includes having access to healthy places and spaces, lifestyle choices, life opportunities, participation in active local communities and a sense of hope and belonging now and in the future,” said Cr Pittock.

Manna from heaven: Visitors to the first open day of the Endeavour Fern Gully in Red Hill are dwarfed by eucalypts as they stroll along a boardwalk deeper into the near-pristine bush.

Fern gully secret is out ONE of the best kept secrets of the Mornington Peninsula hinterland is the Endeavour Fern Gully, which is being preserved and adjoining paddocks revegetated by the peninsula branch of the National Trust.

But the cat’s out of the bag after more than 130 people turned up Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill, for the first open day on Saturday, with many expressing amazement at the pristine state of a gully little changed since European settlement.

National Trust volunteers, pupils from Red Hill Consolidated School, TAFE students from Rosebud, members of birdwatching groups, Red Hill Lions and members of peninsula conservation societies have been beavering away for about three years on the 27 hectares (67 acres) of land given to the trust by owner John Douglas nearly 40 years ago.

They have removed pines and smaller weeds, planted indigenous trees and shrubs, repaired an old boardwalk installed about 20 years ago and created a loop path through the gully.

Previous attempts to ready the fern gully for visitors failed due to lack of volunteers and money.

Majestic manna gums and messmates more than 30 metres tall, acacia and blackwood trees are the most obvious signs of preserved bush

as you walk toward it across paddocks recently cleared of cattle.

Once in the ferny wonderland, the flora biodiversity is astounding.

The land was once owned by the Holmes family, but when patriarch Vic Holmes died, the family was forced to sell it to pay death duties. Many members of the family were among the 130 last Saturday, walking on the land of their forefathers before returning to St George’s Church hall for a much anticipated family reunion. After tea and talks in the hall, visitors broke into groups and marched down the hill to the fern gully, each group with a guide from the National Trust.

One group was led by Gidja Walker and Philip Jensen of Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association and they received an impromptu history of flora of the peninsula using the fern gully as huge show and tell session.

Much work remains to be done on the slopes above the fern gully and the branch is seeking volunteers. For details about volunteering or visiting the Endeavour Fern Gully, contact Gillian Tolley on 5989 2550 or gilliantolley@ gmail.com Mike Hast

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Flinders pier set for June opening FLINDERS pier’s $2 million staged upgrade has been delayed and the project is now due to be completed in June.

Western Port ranger in charge Phil Fowler said the upgrade would separate vehicles and pedestrians on a 4.5-metre wide, 200-metre section of the pier running alongside the existing pier.

“Unfortunately, our contractor has been delayed in driving the new pier piles on the exposed site without restricting access to the existing pier,” Mr Fowler said.

“New equipment will allow the contractor to proceed with the pile driving using the existing pier as the platform for the pile driver.

“Once the pile driving is complete the new pier deck will be poured and vehicle turning circle installed at the end of the new section.”

Mr Fowler said commercial and sea pilot operators had been patient and understanding about the restricted access for about four weeks.

“We are working with the pier users to minimise the inconvenience to their operations during the limited closures which are necessary to allow for pile driving.”

Mr Fowler said anglers and visitors could use the pier on weekends and public holidays.

“For public safety reasons the existing pier will be closed during pile-driving works, due for completion in May.”

Jet skier’s costly close encounter on the water A 45-YEAR-OLD Montrose man will have to make a $500 donation to the Dolphin Research Institute and pay court costs for going too close to dolphins while riding his jet ski near Olivers Hill.

The man pleaded guilty to three offences but will avoid having a conviction recorded against him if he makes the donation to the Hastingsbased research institute, is of good behaviour for four months and pays the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s court costs.

DSE wildlife officer Emily Gibson said the man was placed on a magistrates court diversion program after pleading guilty to the offences under the Wildlife Act 1975 and Wildlife (Marine Mammal) Regulations 2009.

The case arose from an incident on 14 December 2010 when the man was seen approaching a pod of common dolphins while riding his jet ski off Olivers Hill, a popular launching place for the craft.

Ms Gibson said the man had gone within 50 metres of the dolphins and stopped the jet ski directly in the dolphins’ direction of travel.

“The dolphins quickly ducked under the water – a common response to disturbance – after the jet ski travelled past at speed,” she said.

“This case sends a clear message to recreational jet ski and boat operators that seals, dolphins and whales are protected wildlife and you must stay outside the prescribed minimum approach distance.

“We are privileged to have dolphins in the bay and we want to ensure they remain here for current and future generations to enjoy.”

Jet skis are classified as prohibited vessels under the regulations and are not permitted to be within 300 metres of dolphins or whales. Recreational vessels are not permitted to be within 100 metres of a dolphin and 200 metres of whales.

There is a 150-metre caution zone around dolphins for recreational vessels. If recreational vessels or jet skis do find themselves in the caution zone they must: Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.  Maintain a constant speed not exceeding five knots. Leave the zone if the whale or dolphin shows any signs of disturbance. Not separate any individual whale or dolphin from its group. Not come between a mother and her young.

Recreational vessels and jet skis are also not permitted to approach dolphins or whales within 30 degrees of their observed direction of travel, from in front or from behind the dolphins or whales.

For more information on the regulations, visit www.dse.vic.gov.au or call 136 186. To report an emergency (stranding, entanglement, injury or death) involving a whale or a dolphin call the whale and dolphin emergency hotline, 1300 136 017.

Mornington News 5 May 2011

PAGE 7

NEWS DESK

Slice of history on sale for $10m

Top spot: The Eastern Sister from Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron’s jetty.

By Mike Hast A BLOCK of land in Sorrento that is part of Victoria’s history is on the market for $10 million plus.

A member of the Myer dynasty, Richard Shelmerdine, is selling one of five blocks of the Eastern Sister, part of The Sisters historic site where Victoria’s first European settlement was based in 1803.

The 2946 square metre block has 270-degree views from Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron around to the Western Sister, the headland on the other side of Sullivan Bay, which is a public reserve.

The headland on the eastern end of Sullivans Bay was part of the short-lived settlement led

by Lieutenant-Governor David Collins who was sent by the British government to protect the embryonic sealing industry.

Mr Shelmerdine won approval from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to subdivide the 1.2-hectare property last December.

Lot 1 of 1915 square metres sold for more than $6 million soon after and a second lot of about 2140 square metres sold for a similar price.

Mr Shelmerdine is retaining lots 3 and 4, and now the final block is on the market.

As part of the VCAT approval, Mr Shelmerdine agreed to hand over a small parcel of land that will allow public access to Sullivan Bay and pay for construction of a path.

The Eastern Sister property has been making headlines for years. In 1997 its owner, eccentric gay millionaire Peter

Thomas Rand, died of prostate cancer, sparking a bitter and expensive legal dispute over multiple copies of his will.

The dispute was settled by the Appeals Court in 2007 and the property put on the market the following year.

It was bought by Mr Shelmerdine for $19 million.

When it went on the market, residents, Mornington Peninsula Shire and federal MP Greg Hunt called for either the state or federal government to buy the property and return it to public hands.

The campaign failed and after Mr Shelmerdine went to the VCAT and won approval for five lots, another call went out for government to buy the block that went on the market last week, which has a 67-metre frontage to Tideways Beach.

The Sisters site, in private ownership since 1890, is also claimed to be an area of immense Aboriginal significance “and the first place in Victoria to experience frontier violence between settlers and local Aborigines”, according to author and historian Richard Cotter in his 2001 book No Place For a Colony: Sullivan Bay, Sorrento & the Collins Settlement.

Agent for the property is R T Edgar of Portsea. Expressions of interest close on 25 May. The history of Sorrento, and Victoria, had its genesis in April 1803 when the British govevernment sent the transport ship Ocean and HMS Calcutta from England to Port Phillip led by Lieutenant-Governor David Collins with naval officers, marines, free settlers and convicts,

including William Buckley who was one of a number of convicts to escape.

Buckley walked around Port Phillip and joined an Aboriginal tribe near Geelong, where he lived for 33 years before meeting John Batman’s party in 1835 when they arrived to settle Melbourne.

About 460 settlers, including about 300 convicts, arrived at Sorrento in October 1803, but lack of drinking water and other factors forced them to abandon the area the next year and sail to Tasmania where they joined John Bowen’s settlement at Risdon Cove at Hobart.

The seven months at Sullivan Bay, named after the UnderSecretary for War and the Colonies, John Sullivan, saw the first European birth, christening, funeral, marriage service, school lesson, stonemasonry, postal service, public hospital, law court, water supply and printing press for a local newspaper.

The colonists soon discovered water was scarce, there was no suitable timber, and the dangerous entrance to Port Phillip made the site unsuitable for whaling.

Little evidence of the settlement exists apart from four graves on the eastern headland and a monument erected many years later. Local legend has it that parts of barrels, leg irons, bottles and other pieces were found in the 1840s.

The Collins Settlement Historic Reserve is protected under the Victorian Heritage Register and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Planning Scheme.

Chairlift consortium wants tower toppled THE preferred operator of the proposed Arthurs Seat chairlift wants to demolish the historic viewing tower on top of the mountain.

Simon McKeon, head of the consortium appointed by Parks Victoria last year, told a community information session in Dromana last week plans for the replacement chairlift – a mixture of gondolas and open chairs – would mean the tower had to go.

The hexagonal concrete tower was built for the centenary of Victoria in 1934, but fell into disrepair and has been closed to the public for many years.

Mr McKeon, Macquarie Group’s Melbourne office executive chairman, chairman of CSIRO and Australian of the Year, said the chairlift would be extended over the car park and Arthurs Seat Rd to a new upper base on the tower site.

The plan to demolish the tower has already attracted criticism from Dromana and District Historical Society president Peter Holloway and Flinders MP Greg Hunt.

Mr Holloway said the tower should be preserved as it was

PAGE 8

Mornington News 5 May 2011

Tower watch: The viewing tower atop Arthurs Seat that the chairlift consortium wants demolished to make way for the new ride.

part of the history of the Shire of Flinders and the cultural history of Arthurs Seat.

Mr Hunt reportedly said any plan for the future of Arthurs Seat should include the tower being renovated and reopened.

Mr McKeon told the meeting

the $5 million chairlift would be operating by 2013.

Former chairlift operator Richard Hudson has unresolved legal issues with WorkSafe, which closed it down, and Parks Victoria, which failed to renew his lease.

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PAGE 9

NEWS DESK

Weeds make way for natives at coast park WEEDS and non-indigenous grasses are being replaced by native shrubs and grasses on the cliffs at Flinders.

The planting is part of improvements being made to the section of Mornington Peninsula National Park that begins at Flinders and stretches along the Bass Strait coast to Cape Schanck.

A team led by Parks Victoria ranger Kim Cott has been planting at the Picnic Point car park and near Mushroom Reef where weeds have been manually and chemically cleared.

“We are revegetating small areas around the car park in an effort to restore what was a rather degraded site,” Ms Cott said.

“The aim is to enhance conservation values, combat some of the weed problems and improve the general amenity of the area.”

Ms Cott said some plants came from Mornington Peninsula Shire’s nursery and others were grown by the volunteers at the Seawinds nursery at Arthurs Seat.

“All the plants are natives with local provenance. The seed was collected locally and species being planted are those which would naturally occur along that

stretch of Flinders coastline and are mainly understorey species – shrubs and grasses.”

Helping Ms Cott were students from the federal government-funded Green Corps and volunteers from Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA).

“Parks Victoria regularly has volunteers from these groups and we try and expose them to a number of conservation projects throughout the national park and peninsula,” she said.

“CVA often has international volunteers and it’s a wonderful way for them to see some of Australia’s amazing national parks as well as doing something good for the environment” Changes to the car park at the western end of Flinders Golf Course have reduced the number of vehicles that it can hold, resulting in cars being parked on nearby nature strips on nearby houses (‘Car park wipeout for surfers’, The News 8/2/11).

At that time the ranger-in-charge of the southern peninsula Chris Rowe said the car park was crowded “about a dozen times a year”, particularly when there was good surf at the nearby breaks.

“It’s a challenge. We had money to improve the sites with infrastructure that’s at West Head and the ocean beach as well,” he said.

“At King St there’s been a ripple of

criticism that goes back to the property owners as well.”

Mr Rowe said nature strips were “not owned; they’re public land”.

Keith Platt

Planting time: Green Corps team leader Eldvitch Belzober, Matt Landy, Masayo Yamabe and Parks Victoria ranger Kim Cott have been working on garden beds at a clifftop car park at Flinders.

Shire plans put Green Wedge at risk OPINION

By David Harrison MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire officers are seeking to change green wedge rules to permit now-prohibited business activity – plus expansion of existing businesses – on land where this is now banned.

The officers’ ambitious plan would require changes in state law, or would see the changes incorporated into the Baillieu government’s promised standalone Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme, work on which has begun.

If the shire achieves its aims, the peninsula’s most scenic rural areas could be cracked open for intensive development on a scale more intense than allowed in any of the other 11 green wedge zones surrounding Melbourne.

The Mornington Peninsula proposal has echoes in a Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission draft report, “Unlocking Victorian Tourism”, which urges the opening-up of national parks and green wedge zones for tourism.

The VCEC report states that controls on land use in green wedge areas such as the Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley “discourage investment in tourist facilities”.

It recommends that the state government “introduce a more flexible approach to tourism-related investment in regional and green wedge areas”.

The shire officers’ aim for dilution of green wedge planning controls permeates the shire’s Green Wedge Action Plan, presented to councillors on 20 December. Councillors voted to have the document put on public exhibition, but did not approve it.

They queried why the action plan was preceding the unfinished and far more important Green Wedge Management Plan. The action plan, if approved, would be incorporated into the management plan.

The action plan is not the first shire foray into seeking more intensive development on green wedge land.

Its recent proposal to allow substantial caravan and camping parks on land parcels of 40 hectares or more – vigorously opposed by both propo-

PAGE 10

Mornington News 5 May 2011

nents and opponents – went to a panel hearing, whose report caned the shire and suggested it go back to the drawing board.

Now the shire officers’ focus appears to be to open up small land parcels currently not permitted to have businesses. Their plans mention specifically restaurants and tourist accommodation, but could encompass other business ventures with no links to green wedge land.

The shire plans run directly counter to the state government aim of maintaining green wedge zones as the “lungs” of Melbourne – vital agricultural and recreational zones.

They are also at odds with the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s own stated aim – in the action plan – to “Rigorously oppose any amendments to the urban growth boundary that would result in a loss of green wedge land”, since many of these small green wedge blocks abut urban areas.

So, while the urban growth boundary would not move, the shire’s plans would effectively allow peri-urban activity such as tourist accommodation on small green wedge blocks – with much the same development result that moving the boundary would achieve.

The shire also states its aim is to “Rigourously [sic] oppose any amendments to the Green Wedge Zone which would reduce the minimum lot size requirements”, even though its proposals are aimed at achieving precisely that result.

The action plan is in five parts: 1 Occupation and Settlement Pattern.

2 Agriculture and Rural Land Management.

3 Biodiversity, Conservation and Management of Environmental Risks.

4 Landscape, Recreation and Tourism.

5 Coordination and Implementation.

According to part 4 – on which this article focuses – shire strategy appears to be twofold: Firstly, lobby to abolish the “in conjunction” rule, which requires a green wedge business to be linked to agricultural activity such as restaurants established on vineyards to sell wines

made onsite from grapes grown onsite, both for consumption with meals and to take away.

Secondly, achieve approval to allow activities proportional to the land size.

At present, for example, a new restaurant must be sited on land 40 hectares or bigger, and can have no more than 150 patrons at any time.

Clause 14 of action plan 4 (landscape, recreation and tourism) seeks councillor endorsement to: “[Enable] applications for extensions/alterations to existing restaurants in the Green Wedge. The scale of operation should be in proportion to the size of the property and the extent of agricultural or conservation activity on the land.”

Approval of this would give enormous advantages to restaurants on small green wedge blocks that were established before green wedge laws came into force and that operate “as of right” outside the new green wedge land size and patron number requirements.

An example is the T’Gallant restaurant at Main Ridge, whose permit allows it to operate on a site of only 15.81 hectares. It has tried twice to increase its size beyond the 60-patron limit it was granted in 1999.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has ruled that, legally, it can seek a permit amendment to allow more patrons, but last year refused its application for 314 patrons, ruling that, among other reasons, this was too intensive a use of the site.

Shire councillors rejected its latest bid, for 190 patrons, on 31 January.

The Foster’s Group-owned T’Gallant has appealed to VCAT. The shire has twice indicated it is willing to allow 150 patrons at T’Gallant. It proposed this number to the VCAT in 2009 in draft permit conditions, then again on 31 January, again in draft permit conditions in response to T’Gallant’s new application.

This consistent shire support for 150 patrons on an “undersized” site could well persuade the tribunal to grant T’Gallant that number, allowing the restaurant to steal a march on its ri-

vals – or trigger a rush by them for the same, or greater, patron numbers.

Ironically, one of the shire planner’s recommendations for refusing T’Gallant’s latest bid argued that approval “would provide an unfair advantage for T’Gallant over the establishment of new uses which are compliant with the [Green Wedge] Zone provisions ...”

Perhaps the officer who wrote this recommendation was unaware of the shire’s proposal for proportional development on green wedge land.

The shire’s push for “proportional” land use, combined with planned shire advocacy for an end to the need for green wedge businesses to have an essential link to agriculture (see below) is clearly aimed at opening the way for many more restaurants and other businesses on small green wedge land parcels.

So much for the aim of the Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge Zone to act as Melbourne’s “lungs”, vital agricultural zones and scenic vistas of the city.

The policy of proportionality could work upward as well as down. Perhaps the shire has not considered this possibility. Or perhaps the shire is prepared – or could be forced by the VCAT or the state government – to accept 400plus patrons on 40-hectare properties now permitted only 150.

Clause 15 of Action Plan No. 4 deals with proportionality. It recommends: “Exhibit planning scheme amendment in relation to tourist accommodation in the Green Wedge. The scale of operation should be in proportion to the size of the property and the extent of agricultural or conservation activity on the land.”

No minimum land size is stated.

Clause 16 seeks to: “Investigate a policy/planning scheme amendment in relation to tourist accommodation in the Green Wedge, so that the permissible number of accommodation units would be in proportion to the area set aside for conservation activity (via binding covenants) either on the land or in designated areas.”

It is not clear how this squares with

the vaguely worded Clause 17, which seeks “to prohibit group accommodation (multiple dwellings) in the Green Wedge”.

But planners return to the action plan theme in clause 18 (“Advocate for review of the Green Wedge Zone and local schedules to provide flexibility to consider the expansion of existing uses on selected sites that would otherwise be prohibited”) and in clause 25.

This reads: “Advocate further clarification of the ‘in conjunction with’ test which requires certain commercial uses in the Green Wedge to demonstrate an ‘essential association’ with Agriculture, Outdoor recreation facility, Rural industry, or Winery, and a ‘genuine, close and continuing functional relationship’.”

The “in conjunction with” test is a legal reef on which many green wedge development proposals have foundered. To abandon it would blow an enormous hole in the green wedge raison d’etre – it would enable separation of restaurant from wine production, possibly to the point where not a single vine would need to be grown on the land accommodating the restaurant.

Mornington Peninsula Shire bureaucrats must know these outcomes would result from the changes they are promoting, even as they tell councillors and the public they will “rigorously oppose” any steps to diminish the green wedge.

If the shire is successful in its push to radically alter the green wedge planning rules, the face of the peninsula could be changed in ways that would diminish its appeal to the very people it aims to entice here.

It could well result in a tourism development free-for-all – a “Billy Butlin’s meets the Gold Coast” future for the peninsula. Few, apart from the shire’s prodevelopment clique, would welcome that.

The writer is a former Age journalist.

He lives in Red Hill and is a member of Red Hill Community Action.

Vale Hec Sutherland - 6/3/1930 - 26/4/2011

Great achievements: Hec and Margaret at their Balnarring home in 2009 holding the 1954 Sun Tour trophy.

IT was with much sadness that the Mornington Peninsula News Group learned of the passing of Balnarring resident, Hec Sutherland.

Hec, who had a stroke some years ago, took ill on the Thursday prior to Easter and was admitted to Frankston Hospital where he passed away five days later.

Hec stared riding a pushbike when delivering newspapers in Footscray and went on to become one of the leg-

ends of Australian cycling. This was the golden era when riders like Mockridge and Patterson were household names; Hec held his own with the best of them. In 2003 he was inducted into the Victorian Cycling Hall of Fame and his record is set down in the programme (see below). Two years earlier Australia Post included Hec in a series of stamps featuring Australia’s cycling greats who won the Sun Tour.

In August and September 2009 the

Mornington Peninsula News Group ran a two part biography. Although a cycling legend, one couldn’t help but be astounded by the breadth of his talent. Hec started out as a jockey on leaving school but grew too heavy; he never lost his love for horses and took up training when he came to Balnarring in 1957.

At Footscray he attended Jack McLeod’s gym and was a regular sparring partner of Frankie Flannery, the Australian lightweight champion.

After coming to Balnarring he played tennis, cricket and football, coaching the Hastings Second Eighteen to a premiership in 1976. He also excelled at snooker and darts and, after taking up bowls in 1980, he won championships at club level and at Country Week. On top of all this he ran a cartage contracting business.

When we ran our series over 18 months ago, Hec received plenty of phone calls from old acquaintances.

He even had a call from an old bike rider who lives in Queensland which shows that The News has a wider circulation than we thought!

On behalf of all our readers (including the Queenslander) we extend our sympathy to his wife (Margaret), children (Glenda, Lee & Ken), and family members.

Photos from top right: Famous cyclist: Hec Sutherland on the cover of The Australian Amateur magazine in 1951.

Tour winner: Wife Margaret looks on as an admirer embraces a mud splattered Sun Tour winner.

Riding skill: Hec Sutherland at the 1950 Empire Games at Auckland.

Premiers 1976: Hec (top row, far left) coached the Premiership winning 1976 Hastings Reserves.

Mornington News 5 May 2011

PAGE 11

NEWS DESK

Nuclear: the good, the bad, the ugly This is the second of an occasional series of articles by Andrew Raff and Peter North covering a range of environmental topics including the CO2 debate, use of resources, future energy and the nuclear power debate. Both are members of SHIPPS, St Andrew’s Habitat Improvement, Preservation and Protection Society, on the southern peninsula.

UNFORTUNATELY we are hearing about the disaster in Japan and its nuclear facility at Fukushima. Is nuclear power safe? Is it a clean form of producing electricity? Here are some facts.

Firstly let’s look at what a nuclear power plant does. It turns water into steam to power electrical turbines to produce electricity. This occurs by nuclear fission (refer www.wikipedia. com for more about fission).

Unlike coal or oil, which can be used with very little alteration for the generation of electricity, uranium must undergo several very specific and technical stages before it can be used in a reactor, and this is called the nuclear cycle.

Mining, milling, processing, enrichment, fuel fabrication, interim storage of spent fuel rods, reprocessing or transport to a waste site. All these stages are essential for the overall operation of a nuclear reactor.

In addition, it is necessary to transport the various stages of production as well as transport the highly radioactive waste to a suitable – none are in (full) operation as yet – long-term storage facility; by long term we mean 1000 years plus.

Most uranium mining operations require vast amounts of fresh water to process the ore dug up. In the case of the Olympic Dam uranium mine in South Australia, it draws water from the Great Artesian Basin.

Mine owner BHP Billiton currently uses about 35 million litres daily to mix with the uranium ore. It is planned to increase mining operations and this will utilise about 150 million litres daily – 42 million litres from the Great Artesian Basin and the remainder from a proposed desalination plant at Point Bonython.

Point Bonython is a world renowned breeding ground for the giant Australian cuttlefish, which has extremely limited tolerance to saline and temperature changes when reproducing.

The amount of usable uranium-235 in the ore mined is extremely small, about 28 grams (1 ounce) a tonne.

There are two types in uranium ore – 235, which is fissionable (can be used after enrichment) and 238 or depleted uranium (DU).

DU has been discovered to have unique properties for use in armour protection and in weapons.

DU has a half-life (see www.wikipedia.com for detailed explanation) of 4.5 billion years while U235 has a half-life of 700 million years.

DU was used extensively in Iraq, the Balkans War and is in use in Afghanistan. It can be argued it is not part of the nuclear cycle for generating electricity, but U238 has been used for military purposes as a direct result of mining for the nuclear power industry.

There is not enough space in this article to go into all phases of the nuclear cycle; suffice to say it is a highly technical, highly specialised and highly expensive industry.

Nuclear reactors are not cheap; naturally, depending on the megawatt output, a basic cost range would be between $3-12 billion. No nuclear reactor has ever been built within budget.

Currently the largest nuclear reactor being constructed is in Finland; it is already more than double its original cost, is well behind schedule and has nearly 1000 design faults to fix. This

reactor will, in all probability, eventually cost well over $10 billion. Yes, a nuclear reactor does emit very little CO2 in its operating life.

Transport of both highly enriched uranium and of waste material is another highly specific and costly exercise.

Naturally, safety is on everyone’s mind, and as we have seen in Japan, safety limits can be pushed well passed their tolerance.

The Fukushima facility was an old design and had some fundamental flaws. Modern reactors are better designed to cope with possible future incidents; however all possible scenarios cannot be negated.

Waste has always been one of the banes of the nuclear industry – what can governments and the industry do with highly radioactive waste to keep it safe and secure for thousands of years?

The United States currently has more than 70,000 metric tonnes of high level waste (increasing yearly) that requires a long-term, secure storage facility. (Search on the web: “Yucca Mountain nuclear repository”.)

Then there is the decommissioning of a nuclear reactor after an incident such as at Fukushima or when it

reaches its use-by date (although this usually gets prolonged due to the high cost of a new reactor). The process is very lengthy and costs can go into the billions of dollars, and much of the material must be safely stored for a very long time.

So what is the future for the world’s electricity needs? Spain has a very large solar power industry. A 49.5-megawatt solar power station is currently being constructed in Nevada, US, and there are many solar power installations around the world.

Domestic solar power, wind power, hydrothermal power, wave and tidal energy power all have their place.

Unfortunately none of these systems come close to the efficiency of a coalfired or gas-fired power station and even less compared to nuclear power.

Unless we develop another mainstream industrial energy source that is capable of large megawatt online production (such as coal, gas or nuclear is), we may have no options.

All current large application electrical power generating plants are either large atmospheric polluters (CO2 emitters causing a greenhouse effect) or are extremely detrimental for other environmental and health reasons such as nuclear.

Andrew Raff and Peter North are available for talks on the nuclear power industry that explain the nuclear cycle; types of nuclear reactors; subsidies for the industry; public insurance for any nuclear incident; the possibility of a nuclear power industry in Australia; and some of the nuclear material we hear about such as plutonium, caesium and strontium 90. For details, email chrysalis61@hotmail.com  Andrew Raff has lived on the Mornington Peninsula for 50 years, was in the Royal Australian Navy for 20 years, served in Vietnam, and has studied the nuclear industry and climate change. He is a member of Sustainable Population Australia and founded SHIPPS last year.  Peter North has degrees in engineering and commerce, and has worked in the petrochemical, mining, manufacturing and construction industries in Australia and overseas. He has published nine books on business, travel, environment and economics, has written for the environmental magazine Pacific Ecologist and is also a member of Sustainable Population Australia.

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A drunk who works at an upholstery shop is a recovering alcoholic

Riddle: I run all day but never walk, I often murmur but never talk, I have a bed but never sleep, I have a mouth but never eat, what am I? Answer page 16.

PENINSULA COMMUNITY THEATRE Book on 5976 1224

The Big’O’ & Friends is no doubt the finest Roy Orbison tribute Show in the country and was voted in the top 10 in the world . It is no mystery why this show has been touring for almost 20 years and had so much success Fronted By

JOHN WELLS

From the opening line “Only The Lonely” you instantly feel the magic and know you are in for an amazing evening

Saturday May 21st Doors open at 7pm Show at 8pm

The first set highlights the friends of Roy featuring songs from the Travelling Wilburys Chris Issac , Jeff Lynn Bob Dylan George Harrison Tom Petty The Mavericks and Elvis Presley Featuring The

Mercuries

Lots of variety and lots of Roy Orbison all in one evening

This show sells fast so book early

$48.00 sweett platters $48 00 with ith finger fi food f$43.00 d anddConcession lDiscount tt , tea t andd coffee ff inc i TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT: ONDE - 5976 1224 BLUE BAY CAFE, McCRAE - 5982 0295 FRANKSTON TOURISM INC - 1300 322 842 PAGE 14

Mornington News 5 May 2011

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

The Curse of the Corporate Love Rat

By Stuart McCullough HOW dare they toy with my emotions in such a cold, calculating fashion.

Despite all appearances to the contrary, I have real feelings that are not to be trifled with for sport or kicked around like an emotional hackey-sack. My emotions are not to be played with or taken for granted. They ought not be subject to trickery or slight of hand. I’ll admit that – as I write – my senses are somewhat heightened, but believe me when I say that I very much doubt that I will ever be able to look Ticketmaster in the eye again and believe a single word it says.

It was Tuesday two weeks ago when it happened. I was sitting at my computer whilst at work (something I do quite a bit) when I received an email from Ticketmaster. The subject line conveyed both excitement and a masterful sense of restraint. It said, ‘Hi Stuart, Congratulations you’ve been selected for 2 special offers.’

How my heart leapt with joy. They had chosen me! Of all the people in all the world, they had selected me. Had they produced a bouquet of flowers from behind their back, I could not have been more flattered. But then a second email arrived.

‘Hi John, Congratulations you’ve been selected for 2 special offers.’

Years ago, I’d had the emails of a work colleague diverted to me when he left. Thus, a minor administrative task had accidentally managed to uncover a major emotional rouse by Ticketmaster. It was suddenly clear that I was not special, unique or

ww

u m. a w. peni ns ulafudge. c o

important. Whilst I may have been ‘selected’, the process was, in no way, selective. I felt used. In fact, I hadn’t felt this violated since the time I realized that whenever I jumped over the forecourt fence at high school that other students could see straight up my shorts.

Revenge is a dish best served cold, preferably with some kind of salad and a crusty bread roll. Probably a Kummelweck. Or maybe, if push comes to shove, a Lancastrian Oven Bottom. However, sometimes revenge

is something best served in t-shirt form. It was quite a sizeable irony – I would estimate between XXL and XXXL – that the offer for which I had apparently been ‘selected’ came in the form of a free t-shirt. Blinded by my sense of betrayal, tears stinging my eyes, I immediately logged on.

The basic premise was that you could design your own t-shirt for free and get it shipped to you with the kind of speed that normally requires the use of lycra.

They used to say there were five stages

PENINSULA FUDGE

of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Or, as they are colloquially known; sporty, scary, baby, posh and ginger. Then, like an ever-expanding home and away football season, they decided to add a further two stages of grief. It is widely accepted that the additional stages are confusion and, most importantly, sarcasm. Luckily, I had been chosen for accelerated advancement through the five (plus the two extra) stages of grief and by the time I’d logged on to design my t-shirt, I was at ‘sarcasm’.

Frankly, sarcasm is something I wear remarkably well. It is a slim-fit state of mind for me, and I eagerly set about designing a t-shirt that would be so witheringly incisive that it would cause Ticketmaster to fall, helpless to its knees and beg my forgiveness. But what message could possibly be so powerful? ‘Ticketmaster sux’? Too crass. ‘Ticketmaster made me feel more special than I am’? Accurate, but not so good on a t-shirt. The answer was obvious and the message as simple as it was inevitable: ‘I have been selected’.

I have never before designed so much as a sock much less an entire t-shirt. I would have to say that I took to it not necessarily like a duck to water but at least an egret. The results, if I do say myself (and, for lack of alternatives, I certainly do), were most impressive. Having sent off my order, I sat back and waited for the world as Ticketmaster knew it to crumble to dust.

It arrived after only five or six days, despite my choice of ‘standard’

postage. As I pulled out my t-shirt, I marveled at the genius of my blistering retort. From this moment on, all of corporate Australia would surely be on notice. Here was one person who would no longer tolerate their shenanigans. Things were bound to change. All I had to do was put on my t-shirt and wait for Ticketmaster to see the error of its ways.

I have now been wearing my ‘I have been selected’ t-shirt for the best part of two weeks without a result.

Maybe they’re embarrassed.

But perhaps the real lesson here is not to take things at face value, or even body value despite the fact it is wrapped in a complimentary t-shirt. For now, let me simply say that I curse the day that I ever stared across a crowded room at Ticketmaster. Like the Mata Hari of ticket service providers, I had been seduced into thinking that I was something special when nothing could be further that the truth. It occurs to me now that such declarations of affection are all too common in the business world.

These corporate trollops think they can get away with treating us like the gullible fools we most certainly are. No more. From now on, I’ll not believe a single word they say. My capacity to be sucked in like a marble up a vacuum pipe has now come to end. I am not a valued customer. They do not value my feedback. This offer is not limited and, in spite of my t-shirt’s sarcastic protestations to the contrary, I have not been selected. www.stuartmccullough.com

MORNINGTON RSL Thursday Lunch - Weekly

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Mornington News 5 May 2011

PAGE 15

Joke!!!

RIddle Solution

A drunk stumbles along a baptismal service on Sunday afternoon down by the river. He proceeds to walk down into the water and stand next to the Preacher.

The minister turns and notices the old drunk and says, “Mister, Are you ready to find Jesus?” The drunk looks back and says, “Yes,Preacher. I sure am.”

The minister then dunks the fellow under the water and pulls him right back up. “Have you found Jesus?” the preacher asked.

“No, I didn’t!” said the drunk.

The preacher then dunks him under for quite a bit longer, brings him up and says, “Now, brother, have you found Jesus?”

“No, I did not Reverend.”

The preacher in disgust holds the man under for at least 30 seconds this time brings him out of the water and says in a harsh tone, “My God, have you found Jesus YET?” The old drunk wipes his eyes and says to the preacher...”Are you sure this is where he fell in?”

ANSWER: A river

Sudoku Solution

The most ridiculous and strange, fresh for you...

COOL CLIMATE Friday 27th May 2011 How could you resist?

The Mornington Peninsula tempts you with simply delicious discoveries at our restaurants, cafés and cellar doors.

Come and enjoy a meal full of bountiful local produce at one of the following:

~ Barmah Park Vineyard Café ~ Green Olive at Red Hill ~ Max’s at Red Hill Estate ~ Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove ~ Nazaaray Estate Winery ~ Salix at Willow Creek ~ The Long Table Bar & Dining Room ~ Trim’s of McCrae ~ Veraison at Bluestone Lane ~ Verde Restaurant & Bar Two course lunch with a glass of cool climate wine

To Book: Go online to select your choice from our specially designed mouth watering Classic Lunch menus.

www.classiclunches.com.au OR CALL: 1800 804 009 (outside local area only) or 03 5987 3078 IN PERSON: Mornington Peninsula Visitor Centre, Point Nepean Road, Dromana

PAGE 16

Mornington News 5 May 2011

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

Different and entertaining PATRONS at the “A Pleasant Sunday Arvo” to be held at the Mornington RSL, Mornington on Sunday 15th May will be entertained by the original sounds of a “jug” band. The Gutbucket Jug Band has perfected the challenge of adapting tunes to a jug band idiom which has allowed band members to develop their individual musical styles yet still maintain a refreshingly cheeky approach to the tunes they perform.

It has been suggested that origins of using a jug to provide an accompanying base line goes back to Africa, but jug bands had their heyday in the United States in the late eighteen eighties and early nineteen hundreds. The sound produced by a jug is the result of the jug player singing the desired note, matching the frequency with their lips and using the jug as a resonator (to soften the tone). This is very technical art and takes many

years to bring to perfection.

Most people are unaware that they are familiar with a jug band tune – “Walk Right In” which was written in 1912, recorded in 1929 and subsequently revived by Dr Hook. The greatest influence of jazz on a jug band was the Dixieland Jug Blowers and its various formats with the Memphis Jug band most probably the well-known band of this jazz format.

“The sound produced by a jug is the result of the jug player singing the desired note, matching the frequency with their lips and using the jug as a resonator (to soften the tone). This is a very technical art and takes many years to bring to perfection”.

Jazz commences at 12.20 – concludes 3.30 Light luncheons/bar service available bookings/ further information telephone RSL 03 5975 2106.

Lunch at 10 top restaurants TEN of the Mornington Peninsula’s top restaurants and cafes are making a delicious offer that’s hard to resist: a two-course lunch featuring bountiful local produce with a glass of cool climate wine for just $49.50.

But the offer is just available on Friday May 27, as a feature of the 12th Cool Climate Wine Show from May 25 – 27 on the Mornington Peninsula.

Participating restaurants are Barmah Park Vineyard Cafe, Green Olive at Red Hill, Max’s at Red Hill Estate, Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, Nazaaray Estate Winery, Salix at Willow Creek, The Long Table Bar and Dining Room, Trim’s of McCrae, Veraison at Bluestone Lane and Verge Restaurant and Bar. The chefs have more than risen to the Cool Climate occasion...Green Olive at Red Hill is offering three courses for the price of two, includ-

ing hand-made sausages from their own organic lamb, accompanied by their farm-made relish and chutneys, with seasonal greens.

Max’s at Red Hill Estate’s dishes include baked figs with Red Hill blue cheese, prosciutto and Max’s famous aged morello cherry balsamic vinegar.

Barmah Park Vineyard Cafe has brought together a basket of local producers, including Dannic garlic to accompany baked and stuffed pork loin with a celeriac and chive salad drizzled with Delgrosso apple balsamic coulis. The Long Table Bar and Dining Room is serving an entree of Mornington Peninsula seafood and sea herbs, followed by Chinese inspired duck, heritage beetroots and organic watercress, accompanied by a glass of Darling Park pinot noir.

For Classic Lunch menus and to make a booking, go to www.classiclunches.com.au

Entertainment AUSTRALIAN country music singer Nicki Gillis is a traditionalist who weaves in and out with a touch of soul and jazz.

The daughter of Italian and Croatian migrants, Nicki was singing from age six and was a backing singer for major Perth tours at 16.

She enjoys great success in Australia but is one of a few local acts who enjoys great success overseas including the United Kingdom, Belgium and Sweden.

Nicki has also toured Iraq, Kuwait, East Timor, Solomon Islands, the UK, United States and Germany.

In 2007 she released her debut album Lucy’s Daughter, which produced three Top 10 singles taking her total of Top 10s to 10.

Nicki has picked up a swag of awards along the way including the 2010 People’s Choice Award, 2009 Frank Ifield International Spur Award, 2008 Australian Golden Saddle Award for Best Entertainer, and she won the Gympie Muster Talent Search.

Nicki recalls her music heritage: “Mum played keyboards and piano, and sang while dad played the drums.

Mum also taught piano and was the leader of the church choir.

“Growing up we listened to all sorts of music including The Judds, INXS, Laura Branigan, John Farnham, Divinyls and U2. My first big concert was INXS at the Perth Entertainment Centre.”

Nicki is a big John Farnham fan and is currently playing the soundtrack to Burlesque in her CD. Her latest album is Woman of Substance, which contains some of her favourite songs as well as fan requests.

“The album was inspired by fans who over the years have either asked me to sing these songs or have asked

for them on CD after watching me perform,” she said.

I never thought anybody could sing a Carly Simon song until I heard the first track on the album, You’re So Vain, which is probably the best track on the album with Ode to Billy Joe, Ballad of Lucy Jordan, Harper Valley PTA and River Deep, Mountain High not far behind.

“You’re So Vain was written by Carly Simon and when I was young, I thought the words in the chorus were ‘there were clowns in my coffee’ and for some reason it made sense.”

Some excellent guitar work is featured by Bob Howe on the Ike and Tina Turner classic River Deep, Mountain High with strong vocals by Nicki.

The song was chosen by Rolling Stone magazine in 2004 as the 33rd greatest song of all time. It has been a part of Nicki’s live repertoire for many years.

Rose Carleo features on backing vocals. “Rose and I met when we were young teenagers. We had a trio together with my mum called Sweet Revenge when we were in our early 20s. It was great to hook up with Rose

again and have her in the studio doing something together again. Rose is like a sister.”

The bonus track on the album, Nutbush City Limits, is perhaps not what you’d expect to hear from a country music artist.

“Nutbush has to be one of the first line dances I ever did,” she said with a laugh.

“I have always loved this song and sung it from a young age. I would have to say disco was in the mix of music I grew up listening to along with rock, country, cabaret and lots of musical theatre.”

The album features the great talents of Bon Howe who also produced the album with Nicki at Kenilworth Studios in Sydney.

Nicki will head off on tour to New Zealand shortly to promote the album and will appear at Music in the Mulga Nardoo Station, Cunnamulla, Queensland 6-8 May. She will travel to Nashville in June and do a UK tour in July before returning to Australia for a tour of country NSW and Victoria.

Woman of Substance is available online at www.nickigillis.com

any wrongdoing I did in my past and (hopefully) any future wrongdoings are as a result my BB, my apparently vast subconscious brain, and so are “not my fault”. It also explains why I (and all of us) cannot make a number 6 with my finger at the same time as moving my foot in a clockwise direction. *** LIVING alone is a working assignment, particularly after your working life has had the gong. Loss of selfesteem and social status beckons; possibly depression if you let it get to you.

Keeping busy, staying positive, going for walks are important. The key is not to “retire”; so find other interests, the problem being in the finding. As an actor I’m not technically retired until the telephone stops ringing after about two years so I’ve still got a few days left.

After Darling passed away, the physical separation was slowly replaced by some sort of spiritual togetherness. In the strangest of ways we are still connected regardless of my present life path, the end being, as always, another beginning. I don’t recommend living alone despite the dreamlike qualities of some partners desperately seeking

peace. It presents the danger of selfobsession. Wasn’t it always there?

Maybe, but tempered by compromise and love in spite of arguments. Alone however, on its own, it presents a danger with no one to communicate with, particularly at night.

Just you, alone, after (often) years or a lifetime of being in company. Learning to bring other people into your life as a defence to self-absorption helps.

The more we change the more things stay the same.

I work on the theory that if you wake up in the morning and you’re not sick, and you’re fit enough to do a 15-minute walk, all is well.

Remember that old joke: “What happened to Jimmy Smith?” “He went mad and they shot him.”

The day I don’t arrive for a morning coffee I’ll be Jimmy Smith, unless it’s raining. *** MEMORIES that stick forever: As a kid I had two Auntie Elsies; big Aunty Elsie and little Auntie Elsie. Big Auntie Elsie was no taller than little Auntie Elsie but she was fatter and tougher.

She secretly dug a hole in her Preston backyard underneath the chopping block and hid some money in a to-

bacco tin. Back then it was common to have a chopping block spot where the wood was cut for the fire, more often than not by the mothers.

They were hard times and how she saved the money and why she buried it we never found out. Four years later big Auntie Elsie needed that money.

Alas, Uncle Tom of short memory had moved the chopping block. An extensive search failed to unearth the money tin; Preston back then had enormous backyards.

We sympathised, never knowing how much was involved. “Leave me alone in my misery,” big Auntie Elsie said, as she moved from the kitchen to way down to the far end of her backyard, and sat there, a forlorn figure.

The money was never found and is likely still there, but I never forgot her famous words, which has been a catchphrase for me for the past 50 years.

Misery is endemic when the telephone never rings. *** PETER Costello’s rants about Julia Gillard are becoming more and more sexist. “She’s an atheist who keeps her unmarried partner in the Lodge”, he said, which borders on misanthropic

with Gary Turner Top Ten Albums 1. Best of Australian Country – Various (EMI) 2. Planet Country – Lee Kernaghan (ABC) 3. All the Women I Am – Reba McIntyre (Universal) 4. Woolshed Creek – James Blundell 5. Hit Country: Hits of the Decade 2001-2010 – Various (ABC) 6. Pre Loved – Beccy Cole (Core) 7. What You Hear is What You Get – Johnny Chester 8. Country 4 Mum – Various (ABC) 9. Bad Machines – Shane Nicholson (Liberation) 10. Cream of Country 39 Biggest Hits – Various (Sony) Album of the week: Woman of Substance – Nicki Gillis.

A Grain of Salt I HAD this system during the football off season where the DVD of the 2010 grand final replay was permanently in the machine so that when there was nothing on the box I’d simply switch to my boys winning the grand final.

Now that we’re into a fresh season what to put in the machine as my standby? Crown Prince William and Kate Middleton, of course. “The wedding.” I was glued to the telly naturally, and taping every second for afters, but it’s the DVD I’m anxiously waiting for to take the place of my beloved 2010 Magpies. May the marriage be successful, and if ructions arise, who better to ask for advice than grandad Philip and father Charles? *** NEUROSCIENTIST David Eagleman tells us that the innumerable facets of our behaviour, thoughts and experience are inseparably yoked to a vast chemical–electrical network called the nervous system, and most of what we think and feel is not under our conscious control, the conscious being the smallest “bit” of our brain.

This is fascinating; you think you know yourself but in fact you’re under some kind of Big Brother control. Two thoughts come to my conscious brain:

with Cliff Ellen jealousy for mine. I disagree with Julia on euthanasia, gay marriage and bible study in schools but why the constant personal comments?

Buddy Franklin was upset about a racist comment in Tassie but that was insignificant compared to what the big boys say about Julia in the privacy of their clubs. Howard must have been smarter than we credited him with. *** CONGRATS to the RSLs for their wonderful efforts on Anzac Day. Ditto to Essendon and Collingwood. *** Harvey ‘Big Daddy’ Pollitt: Truth is dreams that don’t come true, and nobody prints your name in the paper ’til you die. (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams) Adieu cliffie9@bigpond.com

Did you know... you can now view our papers online at: www.mpnews.com.au Mornington News 5 May 2011

PAGE 17

All eyes on Brisbane as carnival kicks off WITH the Sydney Autumn Carnival over, attention turns to the Brisbane Winter Carnival. Over the next two months there will be a series of feature meetings at Doomben and Eagle Farm.

There also will be a shorter carnival in Adelaide where the major attractions will be the Goodwood Handicap and South Australian Derby – both Group 1 events – at Morphettville.

Among the Victorians likely to cross the border into SA will be Right Of Refusal and Shrapnel.

Right Of Refusal has been patiently handled by Flemington trainer Nigel Blackiston and indications are the best is still to come.

After holding a forward position in the VRC St Leger at Flemington on Anzac Day, the Refuse To Bend gelding easily dispatched his rivals and is the one to beat in the $350,00 SA Derby on Sunday 8 May. Exciting colt Shrapnel was scratched from his assignment in Sydney because of a wet

Clean pairs of heels: Ears back and feet flying, Right Of Refusal takes jockey Michael Walker toward the line to easily win the $200,000 VRC St Leger at Flemington on Anzac Day.

track but has been redirected to Adelaide for the Group 1 Goodwood Handicap also on 8 May. The Mark Kavanagh-trained 3yo is already proven at Morphettville clocking a very slick 1.8.81 when running his rivals ragged in the Group 2 Yallambee on 14 March.

Another Victorian heading west for the SA Derby is the Peter Moody-trained Elusive

King. An on-pacer, Elusive King had been racing consistently against 3yos before a slashing fourth to Morningtontrained 4yo The Big Steel at Flemington on 25 April.

While the major focus will be interstate, there are several horses to follow on the local horizon. Foremost among these are: Well-bred filly Miss Stellabelle caught the eye on

debut at Caulfield when a brave third to Manhattan Maid. After covering ground in midfield, she stuck to her task nicely and is sure to derive great benefit from the experience.

Another to impress in the same race was fourth-placed Panhandle, a Starcraft filly who took time to find her stride but was very strong at the finish.

Cranbourne-trained She

Commands doesn’t win too often but is worth backing when she returns to the country. Having her second run this campaign, the seven-year-old stuck on nicely when sixth (80/1) behind the classy Miss Octopussy over 1100m at Caulfield on 23 April.

Staying bred 3yo External is worth following when he steps up in distance. After two nice efforts at the provincials, he was an unlucky third behind the free-striding Frenetica over 1600m at Caulfield.

Former Kiwi Shadowfax has been a model of consistency since joining Mark Kavanagh and is destined for further success judging by his desperately unlucky fourth when resuming over 1100m at Caulfield. Suited to 1200m and 1400m, the 5yo is capable of getting a mile this campaign.

Mornington-trained Kutchinsky started favourite in the $125,000 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield but was always up against it after setting back in a race dominated by horses racing handy. His closing sectionals were excellent and punters can recoup their losses when the 4yo steps out to 2200m or 2400m. Runner-up behind

Bart Cummings Dariana in the Queensland Derby last year, trainer Tony Noonan is sure to be heading north for the winter.

In-form Adelaide trainer David Jolly was unlucky not the land the Group 3 Victoria Handicap with Budriguez.

Backed into favouritism at $4, the lightly raced 4yo was trapped wide from an outside barrier but only relented in the last few strides.

Smart mare Moment In Time, who is now under the ownership of Patinack Farm, worked home stylishly in the Victoria Handicap and is sure to collect more black type when she steps out to a middle distance.

Sale-trained Miss Matari failed to produce her best when campaigning in Queensland last year but her recent efforts have been encouraging and she has her foot on the till.

Octagonal filly What A Beauty continues to work to the post strongly and is worth backing over 1600m or further while Gonna Be A Rocksta, Our Tigress, Sheila’s Star and Too Deadly are others worth following in the coming months.

Best: Kutchinsky

Got any local Western Bulldogs tackle Sydney Swans sport news? at Manuka in match of the round Email: team@mpnews.com.au or call us on 59798564

Round 7 previews

To advertise in the next Mornington News please contact Carolyn Wagener on 0407 030 761

Friday 6 May Port Adelaide v Hawthorn, AAMI Stadium 8.40pm The Power don’t get too many Friday night matches in prime time so they’re going to want to make the most of this to win some fans back after the previous losses. Hawthorn will be livid after surrendering a last-quarter lead to go down to the all-conquering Cats. Lance Franklin will be unstoppable, mainly because the Power haven’t got anyone to go with him. Port will be pleased to get their best player, Travis Boak, back in the side but it’s still a lost cause.

Hawthorn by 64 points.

Saturday 7 May Western Bulldogs v Sydney, Manuka Oval 1.10pm In what is probably the match of the round, these two middle-of-the-road teams have so much to benefit by winning. The Bulldogs again were gallant in defeat but they need to start winning or their finals chances will steadily get slimmer. Sydney will be most disappointed after losing two SCG games in a row and will be getting desperate as well. Justin Sherman last week played his best game for his new club, kicking three goals in the wet and getting them back into the contest against the Pies. The Swans will get the win in Canberra.

Sydney by 26 points.

Geelong v North Melbourne, Skilled Stadium 2.10pm Last week North Melbourne finally broke

PAGE 18

Mornington News 5 May 2011

the drought with a 60-point win against Port Adelaide, now they face a pretty heavy reality check when they meet Geelong down at the Cattery. Geelong, still undefeated, fought hard a fortnight ago to get the tight win against the Hawks. Brad Ottens is having a sensational year in this revived Cats side and should be too good for young Todd Goldstein. Geelong haven’t lost at Skilled Stadium since 2007 and it’s not likely to happen any time soon.

Geelong by 95 points.

Richmond v Fremantle, MCG 4.40pm Richmond goes into this game after two wins that were great for their confidence. This will be Fremantle’s first game in Melbourne this year and it’s their time to make a statement that they can win at the home of football. Richmond’s Dustin Martin is one of the best 19-year-olds I have ever seen – he’s tough, he wins his own ball and he doesn’t let big games hinder his performance. The Dockers so far this season have been brilliant considering they’re missing players such as Barlow, Silvagni, Morabito and Mzungu.

Fremantle by 18 points.

Gold Coast v Brisbane. Gabba 7.10pm In what is the first-ever Queensland derby, these two struggling sides will meet on a Saturday night in front of a huge crowd. The Gold Coast last week was brought back to earth in humiliating fashion against a rampaging Bombers’ side.

Despite their second quarter they were absolutely woeful. Brisbane last week had another close loss to Richmond in which they were competitive for the majority of the night and just fell away at the end. I think this match comes down to who wants it more and Brisbane will do that little bit extra to prevail.

Brisbane by 11 points.

Sunday May 8 Essendon v West Coast, Etihad Stadium

1.10pm You can say what you like about the Gold Coast, but when your team kicks 15 goals in the first quarter, it is absolutely phenomenal. If you are an Essendon fan, it must have been pure heaven, because they were nothing less of brilliant.

West Coast are looking pretty good after easily disposing of Melbourne last week. It’s funny how quickly things can change: older players like Dean Cox, Andrew Embley and Quinten Lynch, whose careers were in the twilight, have returned to their former brilliant form.

Essendon by 29 points.

Melbourne v Adelaide, MCG 2.10pm The Demons are hurting after their demoralising loss in the west last week and Dean Bailey will be expecting a much better effort against the Crows. Their experienced players haven’t been the problem – Brent Moloney has bounced back well – it’s their youngsters who have struggled, players like Austin Wonaeamirri, Jamie Bennell and Jack Watts go missing far too often.

Adelaide got over the line against a lacklustre St Kilda last week. Kurt Tippett played a great game with four goals, and one of those, the sealer, was pure genius.

Melbourne by 1 point.

Monday 9 May St Kilda v Carlton, Etihad Stadium 7.20pm In what is the second, and last Monday night game of the season, the in-form Carlton plays the greatly out of form St Kilda. Last week Carlton won against the odds in the wet against a decent Swans side. Chris Judd was the difference in the end; when the game was up for grabs, he played flawless, inspirational football and got his team over the line. Sadly St Kilda are at their lowest point since Malcolm Blight was senior coach. Nothing has gone right this year and coach Ross Lyon appears to be at a loss to figure out what to do about it.

Carlton by 58 points.

WHAT’S ON Beleura Ladies Probus Club – Retired/Semi-retired why not join our happy group of ladies for Meetings, Outings Gallery visits and more? Meet 2nd Wednesday of the Month at 9.30am at St Mark’s Uniting Church Hall, Barkly Street , Mornington. New members most welcome. Details Contact Joy 5974 3162.

Over 50’s American Clogging New beginner classes learning Clogging, cross between Country Tap Dancing, Irish Dancing and American Folk Dancing. No dance experience or partner needed.

Contact: Mornington Cloggers Lee : 59776985 04129777898 Mahjong Club plays at Mornington R.S.L. (Virginia Street) on Fridays.

12:30 - 4:00pm. Experienced players made very welcome. Cost is $3.50. Tea & coffee provided.

Contact Lucy - 5981 0801.

Cancer Support Group meets every second Tuesday of the month. All welcome. Community Health. 185 High Street, Hastings, or ring 0419 020 543.

AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA To be held at the Hastings Senior Citizens Club Rooms, Herring St. Hastings at 10am Friday 20th May. Entry by donation. All welcome. Further Information 59793425

ANTIQUE ROAD SHOW -VALUATION DAY. To be conducted by ’LEONARD JOEL AUCTION HOUSE’. On Wednesday 25th May from 10am to 2pm at The Fire Station Collingwood Street RYE. $5 fee for each item to be valued. Light refreshments available (donation).

The Day will be run by the Rye Fire Brigade Auxiliary and all money raised will go towards the Brigade New Truck appeal. Ring Dawn 59853054 or Margaret 59857244

Western Port Equestrian Association Inc, for equestrian families, holds rallies on the 3rd Sunday and 2nd Wednesday of every month at Woolley’s Road Equestrian Reserve, Woolley’s Road, Crib Point. New members most welcome. Enquiries 0408 173 486

Chicks to Boilers Lunch. May 10th 12.OO- 2.30pm Brooklands 99 Tanti Ave Mornington.

“Living Black in Brighton” - Speaker Mariam Issa will share her story.

Escaping from Somalia and becoming a re-settling in Australia.

Marian is married with 5 children, and very inspirational women with a burning passion for Education for all women.

RSVP Merrilyn 59744072 noon May 5th.

Australian Breastfeeding Association The Peninsula Group of the Australian Breastfeeding Association will hold a discussion meeting on Tuesday, 10th May at 10 am in the Mornington Library Community Room, Mornington.

The topic will be “National Mothering Week”. Please bring a plate. New members welcome.

Enquiries: phone 9787 7106.

AGLOW MORNINGTON!!!

Aglow Mornington, an interdenominational group, will meet in the Mornington Information Center at 320 Main St. on Thursday, April 14 at 10.30am. Our speaker will be Mrs Robyn Carron, President of Dandenong Aglow, so come and share with us. We know it will be a wonderful day at this exciting time of year. Entry is $9 with morning tea included. For enquiries please ring Marie on 59776200 or Pam on 59776073 and we’d love to see you there.

Tutankhamon Exhibition.

Exhibition entry, bus and morning tea cost $40. Bus Leaves Rosebud RSL at 8.15 on May 25th, pick up at Murry Anderson Rd and Mornington. To book: 5986 2962 Lyn.Haywood@gmail.com Boot AND BARGAIN SALE Saturday 7th May Last before winter closing.

St Marks Uniting Church Cr. Barkly and Waterloo Mornington. Selling 8.30am till 1pm. A big welcome to stall holders and buyers.

59756429/ 59751943 The Probus Club of Dromana will meet at the Community Hall in Hodgkinson Street, Dromana, on Wednesday 11th May 2011 at 9.30 am. New members and visitors are very welcome to join us for a “cuppa” and to listen to the speaker. This month the speaker is Mr Percy Cooper, a private detective, speaking on aspects of his vocation. Contact President Gordon Moore on 5985 7284 for more information.

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Mornington Peninsula Family History Society will meet on Saturday 4th June at 1.30pm in the Frankston South Recreation Centre, Towerhill Road Frankston Mel ref 102 D7.Subject “Researching Irish Family History”.

Members $3.00 Visitors $5.00 Details ph 9785 6814 or www. mpfhs.org Swing It. If you play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument come and join the well established youth swing band at St Peters Church Hall, Albert St. Mornington.

Make use of your music skills, have fun while developing your performance and ensemble skills, and make new friends. To join contact Peninsula Music Society on 9782 2450 or 5975 8841 or visit www.pyms.org.au Peninsula Bird Observers will be at The Briars Park,Mt Martha on Wednesday 11th May. Birdwatching will start at 9.00am and a Meeting will follow at 10:30am. There will be birdwatching at Red Hill on Sunday 15th at 10am. Bring lunch and binoculars. Details Max 97890224.

3. Mail it to Mornington Peninsula News Group, PO Box 588, Hastings, 3915.

We accept Visa and Mastercard or cheque only: Card Number: Expiry:

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All ads must be paid for before publishing. No ads will be taken over the phone.

ORGAN Southern Peninsula Organ Society will meet at 5/80 Bentons Rd. Mt. Martha on Sunday May 15 at 2pm. New members welcome. Details: 5973 6008 or s.p.organ@gmail.com A FASHION PARADE by ‘CLICHE CLOTHING’ is to be held on Thursday MAY 26th starting at 11.30am at Rye Fire Station Collingwood Street. Cost $5 includes lunch & Door prize.

Wholesale prices - Plenty of specials and a Raffle of clothing vouchers. All money raised goes towards the Brigades New Truck appeal. Everyone welcome.

Enquiries ring Dawn 5985 3054

classifieds

Mornington Peninsula News Group

General Goods TAXI TRUCK SERVICE Storage Available PH: 59 77 3560 or 0419 964 920 Wanted Kitchen, bathroom or mosaic tiles for Local School Mosiac Project.

Please call 0408719550.

Ads are free for private items under $100.

Ads are just $5 for private items over $100.

Add a photograph to an ad for another $10.

Situations vacant ads are $20. Garage sales ads are $20.

Once you have your ad or listing completed you can 1. E-mail it to team@mpnews.com.au 2. Fax it to (03) 5979 3509

Rosebud Ladies Probus meet on the fourth Friday of every month at the Salvation Army Citadel, Melaleuca Ave Rosebud West. at 9.30am. Speaker Kay Rawlinson on Jewellery on Friday May 27th May. New members are always welcome to join. We are a friendly and caring group of ladies lookimg forward to meeting YOU Ring Barb 5985 7695

Brass Bed Head and Foot White Posts with Brass Knobs porcelain inserts includes inner spring mattress and base complete with broderie anglaise valance beautiful single size vgc $7O 59774177 Tyabb Furniture for sale Sofa-bed in good condition $99 T.V unit $80 2 Wall units , $90 + $75 Call 0402 673 113 Tyabb Decking boards.

Cypress 70 x 20mm.

105@ 2.7m. $1.55 per LinM. Excellent condition.

Arthurs Seat. 0408 919 707.

Phone 7 days.

General Goods Single Bed. Good condition.

Good clean mattress.

Solid light wood head and foot board.

2.1mx1.2m approx.

Ideal for spare room, or for teenager or young adult. $50 Phone 0435 442291 Balnarring John Deere petrol mulcher. GC. $100, Hastings.

5979 1610.

2 seater couch & 2 recliner chairs, $300.

4 dining chairs, $50.

Coffee table, $30.

Antique tea trolley, $25. Assorted other furniture.

Phone 5984 3512, Sorrento.

Situations Vacant Property Manager Century 21 Hastings, the leaders in property management in the Western Port area, are seeking an agent’s representative with residential property management experience.

A current, Victorian driver’s license and a reliable car are all essential.

Familiarity with REST software package would be an advantage.

The successful candidate will be a mature team player, with excellent communication and customer service skills, seeking a long term career in Property Management.

Immediate start available.

WE KNOW GOOD PEOPLE COST MONEY! Enquiries in the first instance to Abby Furniss – Senior Property Manager on 5979 3555 or abbyfurniss@century21.com.au

General Goods

Navy bed settee.

As new. Generous 2 seat length.

Comfortable with two small matching cushions. Perfect for unexpected guests or holiday home. $500 ono. Phone Support belts. 59774562.

Less than half price. New. Sizes Headboard, queen. medium and x-large. Attached side Thermoskin with pedetals plus corner trioxin. Adjustable. cupboard & 1 single $30. Safety beach. cupboard. $99.

5987 1194.

Phone 5975 365

Workbench, folding new B&D assembled for inspection.

Adjustable. Ideal for limited space, home & hobby. $50. Safety beach. 5987 1194.

General Goods Victa electric lawn mower. EC, $50. Ryobi electric whipper snipper, used 3 times, $40. kelvinator fridge, 320 litre, all fridge, no freezer, needs new rubber seal, and drain tube needs unblocking.

Motor works well, $20.

Prices not negotiable. Phone 59861834.

Mornington News 5 May 2011

PAGE 19

Enjoy up to 50% off our exciting new range of modern furniture and homewares.

Buy any Dining Suite and get 50% off the matching buffet Buy any Lowline TV unit and get 50% off the matching coffee table Buy any sofa and get 50% off the second (based on same size or smaller).

Our gorgeous range of homewares also includes chairs made from Australian hardwood and covered in the latest stunning fabrics from here and overseas. We also have an extensive range of cushions, lamps, paintings and much more at pretty surprising prices as well.

Please visit our new store at 2/185 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Mornington, and feel right at home.

Phn: 5976 3688.

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Four Legs Furniture & Homewares

2/185Mornington MorningtonTyabb TyabbRoad, Road, Mornington.

Mornington. Phn: Ph: 5976 2/185 59763688 3688 PAGE 20

Mornington News 5 May 2011