Mornington News 25th February 2025

Call for end to ‘wasteful’ climate change projects

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will take a closer look at how ratepayer money is spent in its fight against climate change after some councillors claimed “wasteful projects” were not delivering community results.

Councillors voted in favour of a motion at their 28 January meeting for shire officers to prepare a report to help councillors make informed “strategic and budgetary decisions” regarding its climate emergency declaration.

Deputy mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro, who introduced the amended motion, said it was about “critically evaluating whether we as a council are delivering real, measurable outcomes for the people of the Mornington Peninsula”.

“Ratepayers deserve to see how their money is spent and the tangible benefits it provides. Every dollar invested in climate must deliver meaningful action and results at a local level,” he said.

Pingiaro also noted while the council’s climate emergency plan progress report highlighted several achievements, “they don’t really represent all of council led actions”.

“We claim credit for 2148 solar panel installations – yet these are driven by state-based incentives, not council-based initiatives.

“And let’s not forget we’re the same council that declared the climate emergency [but] also built a gas heated pool.

“It’s a great pool, a profitable pool but a facility that consumes approximately 50 percent of the total gas usage, effectively doubling our consumption overnight.”

Pingiaro added, “we cannot claim to lead on climate action while simultaneously wasting resources on initiatives that do not align with our community’s needs.”

Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh also weighed into the discussion, emphasising the need for a thorough evaluation to make sure the shire was getting the “best bang for buck” to achieve “effective climate action at the local level”.

“We are a country where we say we have a role to play. It’s whether or not we are using that money effectively,” he said, in which he pointed to questionable ratepayer funded cases from previous years.

This included a private school receiving a $5000 grant from the shire to buy energy efficient dishwashers, and carbon credits being used in India and China so that the shire could say it was “carbon neutral”. Marsh stated he believed the latter initiative was a “really silly thing to be doing with ratepayer money” and was ultimately abandoned.

Cr Max Patton said “every dollar in this budget must earn its place” after conceding climate change was a complex issue that required all levels of government, businesses, and the community to act.

He said research showed it was “far more economically efficient” to invest in mitigation strategies as opposed to disaster recovery, noting 97 per cent of disaster money across the local government sector was spent on recovery.

“While we know that they’re going to get more frequent, we do not know when a specific storm event or coastal inundation disaster may arise,” Patton said.

Continued Page 11

IT was all smiles for Mount Martha Life Saving Club’s Charlise Busuttil who took home gold for the club representing them in the U9 beach sprint at Life Saving Victoria’s junior state titles. The three day event was held at Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club over the weekend. Picture: Supplied

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‘Youth crime out of control’: residents protest outside MP’s office

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

A RECENT spate of youth crime across the peninsula has pushed fed up residents to the brink, with a protest held outside the Somerville office of Hastings MP Paul Mercurio on Friday afternoon, 21 February.

The small group of demonstrators were calling for immediate action to address the rising concerns surrounding youth crime in the community.

Holding placards emblazoned with messages like “End violence”, “Enough is enough”, and “Tough laws, safer streets”, the protestors, a mix of concerned residents, stood united in their demand for changes aimed at curbing the surge in criminal activity in the area.

The peaceful protest saw a small police presence as officers set up witches’ hats around Mercurio’s office. Three police cars were there while other unmarked police cars were also seen patrolling the area.

Organiser Rowan May voiced frustration that current efforts to combat youth crime had not been enough.

“It’s certainly atrocious the way it is,” he told The News

“They (youth) just go out and they get bail and commit the same offence yet again, over and over and over again ... and now they’re targeting innocent business owners.”

May, a Hastings resident, maintained that police “were doing their best” but took aim at the state government and Mercurio - whom he pointed did not “send a representative” on his behalf to be at the protest- for

not delivering safer outcomes for the community.

Over the past few months, peninsula residents have witnessed a string of incidents including aggravated burglaries, anti-social behaviour, theft, and vandalism.

This included youths using fake firearms outside Target at Somerville shopping centre, one of whom pointed it at a woman carrying a child.

Last week there were a string of crimes in Hastings believed attributable to youths including smashed windows in High St, including Carpet Court which was reportedly smashed by two kids on a monkey bike; five smashed car windows; two mobile scooters stolen from a mobility shop; and an e-bike stolen from a private

property in Hastings.

A burglary also occurred at a supermarket and a car was smashed and stolen on Spring St, while staff were also abused at a McDonald’s restaurant, in which a youth aged between 12 to 14 yelled and threw chairs outside the playground entry, causing a door to jam.

Another resident reported their son’s car being stolen which was essential for work.

In other incidents, bus shelters have been graffitied along Hodgins Rd and two ATMs were damaged earlier this month at the Commonwealth Bank while a pizza shop was also damaged.

Many residents have come forward expressing their growing frustrations saying it’s “wrong these young kids

with no respect can leave the public scared”, and that offenders were “literally getting away with everything”.

In a statement, Mercurio said he supported the community’s right to protest, but confirmed he wouldn’t be able to attend due to another commitment that was organised four months ago.

“I have extended an invitation to the organiser of the protest, and others, to meet with me to discuss the community’s concerns, an offer that to date has not been accepted,” he said.

“Everyone has the right to live and work safely and anyone who endangers that right must feel the consequences”, he said, adding he was pleased the state government had listened to the community’s concerns about bail laws.

But he added, “It is clear we need to go even further when there are still too many Victorians who don’t feel safe”.

“The Premier has asked the Attorney-General and the Minister for police to review our current laws, including bail laws.”

Mercurio said he was in regular contact with the local police including since the incident in Somerville earlier this month, noting police did a “fantastic job supporting our community”.

“Victoria Police are out 24/7 holding offenders to account - backed by a record $4.5 billion investment, new powers, and new laws that deliver tougher consequences for serious, repeat offenders which are already making a difference.”

Victoria Police Mornington Peninsula Local Area Commander Inspector Terry Rowlands said crimes commit-

ted by children and youths “continue to be a significant issue across Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs” and police were “doing all we can to keep the community safe”.

“Young offenders continue to be overrepresented in crimes such as home burglaries and car thefts,” he said.

“We have also seen the Mornington Peninsula targeted in recent weeks, with opportunistic offenders preying upon unlocked properties.”

Rowlands said Operation Trinity ran across the south-east every night from dusk to dawn, specifically targeting burglars and car thieves.

“Last year alone, Victoria Police committed 140,000 policing hours towards this operation, making almost 1650 arrests,” he said.

“We continue to see these offenders look for the easy option, with as many as 90 per cent of aggravated burglaries in key hotspots due to unlocked doors and windows.

“Please take simple steps such as locking your windows and doors as it dramatically decreases your chance of falling victim.”

Shadow Police Minister David Southwick said locals in Hastings had “every right to be fed up with Labor’s repeated failure to deal with the young crime crisis their own mismanagement has caused”.

“Not only are Labor’s weak bail laws putting serious offenders back on the street, but Labor has closed the local Hastings Police Station - meaning fewer police resources across the local area,” he said.

PROTEST organiser Rowan May with protesters outside Hastings MP Paul Mercurio’s office on Friday 21 February. Picture: Gary Sissons

Locals Deserve to Have a Say!

Standing up for Arthurs Seat

The Victorian Government needs to give Peninsula residents a say in the $25m Arthurs Seat Eagle re-development.

Arthurs Seat is not just another development site – it’s a beloved state park that is deeply important to our community. Yet, the government is pushing this project forward without proper community consultation. Let’s make our voices heard!

I am calling on Premier Jacinta Allan and the Victorian Government to:

→ Visit Arthurs Seat and meet with the community to see what’s at stake.

→ Release the full environmental impact assessments so the public can see the risks posed to the state park.

→ Commit to protecting the natural and cultural significance of Arthurs Seat.

Sign the open letter today and let’s make sure we get a say →

Are you with me?

smithforflinders.com.au/eagle

Fisheries office closure sparks concern of weak compliance

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

VICTORIA’S fisheries department is proposing to close its Mornington station and replace it with a “community office” in Carrum under a new model stakeholder groups fear would lead to weaker compliance and increased illegal fishing.

The community hub would be “education only”, according to the Community and Public Sector Union (CSPU), with nine engagement officers to serve the whole Port Phillip and Western Port Bay areas, resulting in a 66 per cent staff reduction.

Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has not made a formal announcement on the changes. Instead, a spokesperson said in a statement its future was “focused on education and engaging the community with fishing, and some workforce changes have been proposed to reflect this”.

“Our workforce will focus on keeping compliance levels high, and on major fishing crime, while working closely with the community to provide them the education and resources they need to fish responsibly,” the spokesperson said.

The CPSU said along with the Mornington station, fisheries offices at Cowes, Braeside, Altona North and Queenscliff are also proposed to be closed.

The VFA did however confirm a new community office was planned for Carrum with new offices also planned for Tooradin and St Leonards. Fisheries officers would still operate around Port Phillip and

Port.

All changes are proposed at this stage with no plans having been finalised.

According to the CPSU, 73 fisheries officer positions throughout the state would be replaced with 36 engagement officer positions.

The VFA did not specify any reasons as to why it was making the sudden changes nor whether it was under pressure to meet any state government funding cuts, only that “we’re confident our new operating model means fishing in Victoria will be as

good into the future as it is today”.

The spokesperson also noted they were consulting with employees and the union on workforce changes and would provide “all staff with the support they need through this period”. It would also continue to “provide the resources, services and education the fishing community needs, as required by legislation”.

But the controversial move has alarmed stakeholder groups and the CPCU that it would reduce the region’s capacity to enforce fisheries regulations.

As the highest performing secondary school on the Mornington Peninsula, Dromana College will continue to work tirelessly to develop and consolidate the many exemplary educational programs on offer.

With outstanding facilities, a committed professional staff and a caring school community, students are challenged to explore their interests and talents to achieve their personal best.

Open Night

Tuesday 11th March 2025 at 6.00pm

‘Lessons come from the journey …not the destination’

SNAPPER Point Angling Club president Russell Sheppard has concerns about the proposed closure of the Mornington fisheries office. Picture: Gary Sissons

“This proposal raises huge safety concerns for our members who will be forced to work one up in situations that can become unsafe very quickly,” the CPSU’s acting branch secretary Wayne Townsend said in a statement.

Townsend added fisheries officers were already operating at 30 per cent vacancy rate which was below the 10 per cent cut,” adding it was a “fictitious view” that compliance rates were high and needed no maintenance going forward.

Overall Townsend said significant risks included an increase in noncompliance leading to the “destruction” of the aquatic environment, no protection for marine national parks and sanctuaries, and an “obliteration of a proud branch that has serviced the Victorian community for generations”.

Advocacy group Protect Victorian Fisheries has launched a change.org petition, which has garnered more than 6000 signatures calling for the reinstatement of fisheries officers, stopping the closure of stations, and protecting fish stocks for future generations.

The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) warned the proposed cuts would leave the state’s marine parks and wildlife “virtually unprotected and vulnerable to widespread illegal fishing”.

McCrae Lighthouse to shine bright for worthy cause

THE McCrae Lighthouse will be illuminated in a symbolic display of support for Rare Disease Day on 28 February, drawing attention to the often-overlooked rare condition of myositis.

The event, which is part of a global initiative to raise awareness of rare diseases, is set to shine a light on the challenges faced by individuals living with myositis.

A group of autoimmune diseases, myositis causes inflammation in the muscles, leading to weakness, pain and fatigue.

Research toward a cure is underway but is dependent upon funding and support.

The Lions Club of McCrae is throwing its support behind the Myositis Association with its members lighting up the lighthouse – one of many buildings around the world to be lit up in a burst of colour.

For more information visit www. myositis.org.au or rarediseaseday.org

THE Lions Club of Mornington has launched its own dedicated website. It contains information about its history, club officers and sponsors, as well as articles about upcoming and past events.

The website also lists how to make donations, the local activities supported by the Lions, and how new volunteers can join.

In addition, community members can place orders for Lions Christmas cakes and puddings. lionsmornington.org.au

Western

Journalists: Brodie Cowburn, Brendan Rees

Ph: 5974 9000. Email: team@mpnews.com.au

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ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: mpnews.com.au

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 4 MARCH 2025

We are the only locally

Memorial for beloved goat

A MURAL of Victor The Goat now overlooks Olivers Hill. Victor (pictured right) was a famous face in Frankston, and often welcomed visitors at his Olivers Hill home. He died in January.

A mural memorialising the local legend has been painted by artist Sheldon Headspeath. Pictures: Gary Sissons, above supplied

A celebration of country life

EXCITEMENT is building for the 97th Red Hill Show, Saturday 8th March 2025 at Red Hill Recreation Reserve and Showgrounds! This much-loved event brings together families, farmers, artisans, and competitors for a day packed with tradition and excitement.

From the moment the gates swing open, the showgrounds will be a hive of activity. Champion livestock competitions will be in full swing—cattle, alpacas, poultry and sheep - are proudly on display, showcasing the dedication of our local exhibitors.

And of course, no Red Hill Show would be complete without the thrilling woodchop competition - a crowd favourite where strength, skill, and sawdust fly! Meanwhile, the kids’ zone will be bursting with adorable animals, face painting, and carnival rides guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

The Mornington Peninsula Produce (MP) Paddock kicks off at 8:30 AM, offering the very best in local produce, coffee, and gourmet delights. Be sure to catch live Pavlova and Apple Pie Judging, Golden Sausage Award plus much more on the Mornington Peninsula Produce Stage hosted by Food writer Richard Cornish. But beyond the entertainment, the Red Hill Show is about community. It’s a place to reconnect, celebrate local talent, and embrace the rural heritage that makes the Mornington Peninsula so special.

So, mark your calendars, gather your crew, and don’t miss out on a spectacular day of country charm, family fun, and unforgettable moments at the Red Hill Show! For more information visit www.redhillshow. com.au.

Fire comes precariously close to trapped kangaroos

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

A MORNINGTON Peninsula kangaroo welfare group is sounding the alarm after a recent bushfire came dangerously close to hundreds of kangaroos trapped on a private property in Cape Schanck.

According to Save the Kangaroos on Mornington Peninsula Inc. (SKOMP), more than 600 kangaroos have been trapped on the Rogers Rd property since September 2021 after the land manager erected gates and closed off all exits.

SKOMP’s spokesperson Jo Hansen said they had unsuccessfully appealed to authorities including the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) to secure the release of the kangaroos, noting of particular concern was a bushfire came dangerously close to the property after a blaze broke out on 6 February near Long Point Rd that spread to two hectares.

“The recent fire on Long Point Rd, Cape Schanck, has further highlighted the precarious existence of the 600 plus kangaroos trapped behind wildlife exclusion fencing,” she said.

“The ongoing issues concerning us even more so now are that there is minimal cover to shelter the kangaroos in this heat; we are unsure of the state of the water supply and the introduced grass is severely degraded, especially due to the lack of rain.”

Hansen said she and other members of SKOMP visited the property last November, with the land manager informing them that the fence had

Picture: Gary Sissons

previously been cut open by unknown people to allow the kangaroos access to the feed on the property during the drought.

But Hansen said there was no drought at that time and feed at the nearby Greens Bush, the kangaroos’ home, was abundant and “we do not know of anyone who would damage private property”.

“We noted at that time the very poor state of the grasses and the land manager told us that all joeys had died and no more were being born, a sign that the kangaroos were under stress,” she said.

SKOMP has called on the help of

Victoria MP Tom McIntosh who organised the meeting last November with a DEECA representative and the land manager.

According to Hansen, a permit is required to open the gates within the property to release the kangaroos back into Greens Bush, which was approved by Parks Victoria.

However, she said, DEECA furthermore required a release management plan which the land manager had provided but did not meet DEECA’s satisfaction and therefore was rejected.

Three one-way gates were installed on the property in early 2022 with

the consent of the owner and the help of the Mornington Peninsula Shire to release the kangaroos back into their habitat in Greens Bush, but this proved ineffective with hundreds of kangaroos having remained on the property.

“We have tried all channels open to us to secure the release of these kangaroos including pleas to the conservation regulator who is responsible for the protection of wildlife and prevention of cruelty under the Wildlife Act 1975,” Hansen said.

This was “all to no avail and over four years later they are still trapped and in a potentially dangerous place”.

In a statement, a Conservation Regulator spokesperson said, “We understand there is community interest about kangaroos on the Mornington Peninsula”.

“Wildlife management activities on private property are the responsibility of the land manager and it is their responsibility to ensure they comply with the relevant legislation and regulations.”

The Conservation Regulator said it was unable to comment on whether a land manager had applied for an authority to control wildlife.

As reported by The News last year, DEECA was yet to approve a “soft herding” plan to remove the kangaroos trapped from the property [The News, Agencies refusing to move on trapped kangaroos, 16/07/24].

A 9000-signature petition supporting the soft-herding proposal was submitted to the state government with the backing of various groups and political parties.

Kackeraboite Ward Community Forum

McCrae landslide - More owners return to houses

RESIDENTS of an additional three properties impacted by the landslide at McCrae are now allowed to move back into their homes.

The Emergency Orders were lifted at 9am Friday 21 February on these three properties, meaning a total of 11 out of 19 properties have now had the orders lifted.

“We expect these properties to have power and water supply reinstated by the utility providers very soon,” said Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh.

“Our Building Maintenance Team is on stand-by, ready to assist residents at these three properties as they move back in. Additional waste collection will also be arranged.

“This is another very welcome step forward in getting affected residents safely back into their homes. We continue to speak directly with all impacted residents as we develop tailored plans for each property that map out next steps.

“Our focus is now on working with the geotechnical engineers to gather more data around conditions at the remaining eight properties”.

Commenting on speculation of further looting and squatters, Marsh told The News “I’ve not been aware of any squatting or additional break ins since the incident on Saturday 15 February.”

“The speculation is not helpful, and we remain solely focused on returning residents safely to their homes as quickly as possible.”

Eastern

Welcome TO THE WORLD

Parents: Jaime & Ben

Birth date: 11.02.2025

Birth weight: 3590gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Kate

Birth date: 17.02.2025

Birth weight: 3628gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

MAY

Parents: Shannon & Peter-John

Birth date: 18.02.2025

Birth weight: 3698gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Sammie & Josh

Birth date: 18.02.2025

Birth weight: 3330gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Bree & Brodie

Birth date: 18.02.2025

Birth weight: 3540gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Jessica & Michael

Birth date: 18.02.2025

Birth weight: 3401gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Angelique & Darel

Birth date: 18.02.2025

Birth weight: 3480gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

More roadside barriers in hinterland concerns residents

Brendan

Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

A MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire plan to install roadside barriers along a scenic route in Red Hill has sparked concern from residents who argued it overlooked “far greater” road safety issues.

The shire has locked in state government funding to develop concept plans to improve motorcycle safety on Arthurs Seat Rd near Mechanics Rd, with a proposal to install a 30-metre barrier with under-rails on the eastern embankment that sits within the hinterland region.

Funding for the plans has been provided under the government’s Motorcycle Safety Levy program as the council investigated “possible solutions to reduce risk” at this site.

However, the shire confirmed “no grant funding has been approved for any treatments and community consultation will occur shortly, prior to any decision being made”.

The proposal comes after a 2000-strong petition from locals was lodged with council last December calling for the removal of barriers and signage in front of Eldridge Estate along Arthurs Seat Rd which they believed had compromised the green wedge landscape and the unique character of Red Hill.

The barriers and signage, installed last September and October, were funded through the federal government’s Black Spot program with the speed limit also dropped to 60kmh, but according to a community campaign group Bring Down the Barriers, the measure was “totally disproportionate” to actual crash data.

They also said the “application falsely claimed that community consultation had taken place”.

The group now fears more signage could be on the way on Arthurs Seat Rd if the shire secures final approval for the proposed project under the Motorcycle Safety Levy program.

“The continued installations are very disheartening,” Kerry Watson, the Red Hill Community Association’s president and lead of the Bring Down the Barriers group, said.

Watson argued it would only add to the “visual pollution” of existing signs in designated scenic corridors, as well as “destroying the scenic value of the hinterland area”.

“We don’t need barriers everywhere on our roads just because they happen to be wavy or just because we happen to have trees.”

Red Hill fire brigade Captain Sam Norris also opposed the installations, noting the barriers and signs were “unjustified and don’t reflect CFA road data or local risk areas”.

Watson and Norris also pointed to the Whitehill Rd and Arthurs Seat Rd intersection which was “a far greater safety concern”.

“If they want to make our roads safer, they should prioritise fixing dangerous intersections where accidents happen. Safety is not about who has jurisdiction of certain roads,” Norris said.

The shire said it was aware of serious crashes having occurred at the Whitehill Rd-Arthurs Seat Rd intersection, which is owned by the Transport and Planning Department.

“We have advocated to officers at the department for consideration of improving the safety but don’t have any updates at this point in time,” the shire said.

The Transport and Planning Department has been contacted for comment.

Watson also expressed frustration that the community was unable to have its say on a list of proposed road safety projects in the Main Ridge area that the shire has lodged through the federal government’s 2025/26 Black Spot funded program.

This included safety improvements at Baldrys Rd between Browns Rd and Mornington Flinders Rd, as well as at the intersection of Tucks Rd and Shands Rd.

In a statement, the shire confirmed consultation wasn’t undertaken on the 25/26 Black Spot projects, which had been chosen “based on crash data and risk”.

“Traditionally for Black Spot projects consultation hasn’t been undertaken prior to submitting them for grant funding because they are data driven applications, based on crash data and risk. Consultation has instead been undertaken on projects that have received grant funding,” the statement read.

“We have however changed this approach for the 26/27 FY Black Spot applications (with a June 30 deadline) and will be consulting with the community before the grant applications are submitted.”

Waston said “good community consultation occurs before decisions are made,” noting the shire’s response had been “solely focused on proactive safety measures, rather than commonsense”.

“They have failed to find a balance between road safety and preserving the rural character and economic value of tourism on a road designated as a scenic corridor in their own peninsula planning scheme document,” she said.

“The Bring Down the Barriers group remains committed to pushing for change and ensuring genuine community input into future road planning.”

EVIE LONDON

KAIA

COOPER JAMES

GEORGINA

WINTER

POPPY EVE

BOBBY FRANCIS

Photos: Yanni

RESIDENTS rallied last year calling for barriers and signage along Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill to be removed. Picture: Yanni

Our hospital has cared for generations of Peninsula families. Now, after years of neglect, it is at risk of closing. Stand with your neighbors, doctors, nurses, and community members as we unite to save Rosebud Hospital and secure critical funding for its re-development.

WHEN: Sunday 2nd March, 11am

WHERE: Meet at the skate park near the Rosebud Hospital RSVP smithforflinders.com.au/saverosebud

Sporting club grants open

LOCAL sporting clubs will be able to apply for a state government grant to upskill staff and volunteers as well as get more community members involved.

Grassroots clubs can apply for funding through the Sporting Club Grants Program which opened last week, and is aimed at addressing barriers in participation, developing safe and sustainable practices and build social and active local communities.

Grants of up to $5000 are available for clubs to improve the skills and knowledge of volunteers, coaches and officials, as well as grants of up to $4000 to help clubs deliver new programs to the community.

Clubs can also apply for grants of up to $1000 to purchase uniforms and equipment, and $750 travel grants are also available to participate in competitions away from home.

Applications close 27 March. For more information, visit sport.vic. gov.au/funding/sporting-club-grantsprogram

SE Water grants open

GRANTS of up to $10,000 are now on offer through South East Water’s annual community grant program.

South East Water managing director Lara Olsen said “last year we were thrilled to award $140,000 to 22 community groups across a range of community and environmental projects. If your community group is within our service area and needs support for a project, I encourage you to apply now for a 2025 community grant.”

Applications close 21 March. To apply visit southeastwater.com.au/grants

New partnership recycles refunds back into the community

MOUNT Martha Community House has joined forces with the Rotary Club of Mount Martha to help raise community funds using a recycling scheme.

The community house has set up cages at the back of its venue so residents can drop off containers, cartons, and bottles, which are then refunded through Victoria’s container deposit scheme (CDS).

All money raised at 10c per item will then go back into supporting the community and local programs.

The partnership builds on the Rotary Club of Mount Martha’s Containers 4 Community program which harnesses the benefits of the CDS by having collection bins set up around the community.

This includes bins at the Mornington Yacht Club, Mount Martha Bowls and Petanque Club, Mount Martha Life Saving Club, New Peninsula Men’s Shed and more.

Rotary Club of Mount Martha’s Containers for Community administrator Peter Rawlings said since November 2023 they have collected 344,000 containers and raised $43,500 – “every dollar of which has gone back into our local community”.

“Rotary are thankful for the support of this community, and we trust that they will continue to support this great initiative and that the Rotary Club of Mount Martha will in turn steward well the funds raised,” he said.

The Community Bank Mount Martha has been a major sponsor having provided $25,000 to help Rotary establish the program including a trailer and eight collection cages.

To celebrate the new partnership,

the Mount Martha House Community Centre coordinator Jacqueline Kemp hosted a gathering on 19 February with members of the Rotary Club of Mount Martha, the Community Bank Mount Martha, and Return It, Victoria.

The gathering also saw two new collection bins set up on-site for volunteers only so all recyclable items can be collected taken away and refunded.

Kemp said the partnership was aimed at enhancing sustainability, as well as promoting eco-friendly prac-

tices within the community.

“This collaboration will enable residents to easily return their eligible drink containers and while also supporting an important local initiative,” she said.

“Funds generated through the scheme will be reinvested into supporting the local community through Rotary Mount Martha.”

Kemp said the community support had been overwhelming, with residents and businesses eager to participate and make a difference.

“The Neighbourhood House thanks

everyone who has helped launch this new initiative and encourages all to get involved in making their surroundings cleaner and greener.

“The partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving change and fostering community spirit.”

The new site at the Mount Martha House Community Centre compliments an existing over-the-counter service at the Mornington Community Support Centre where the public can return eligible drink containers.

Brendan Rees

Teen taken to hospital after car slams into trees

By Brendan Rees

A TEENAGER has been flown to hospital after an allegedly stolen car crashed into trees before rolling down an embankment in Tuerong on the morning of 20 February.

Victoria Police alleged the grey Mitsubishi Pajero was stolen during an aggravated burglary at a property on Atunga Terrace in Dromana about 1.40am.

The Mitsubishi then crashed into trees on Old Moorooduc Road, before rolling down an embankment, a police spokesperson said.

Ambulance Victoria said paramedics responded to the incident about 5am, which resulted in the male teen driver being airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition after being treated for upper and lower body injuries.

Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating.

Anyone who witnessed the incidents, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

MOUNT Martha House Community Centre coordinator Jacqueline Kemp with members of the Rotary Club of Mount Martha, the Community Bank Mount Martha, and Return It Victoria. Picture: Supplied

Police patrol with Brodie Cowburn

Picture: Andrew Hosking

Falling through the aged care cracks

By Dr Sarah Russell

AFTER the heart-breaking revelations of the Aged Care Royal Commission, many of us hoped stories of neglect and poor treatment of older people were behind us. Not so on the Mornington Peninsula, thanks to our council leaving aged care.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council stopped providing aged care services in 2022 because of changes in the way the Federal Government funded aged care. Thousands of vulnerable older people were left without home care – some for several months.

Then mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said the council wanted “to ensure our residents had a choice and the advantage of a competitive market environment”. A choice? What sort of choice was it to leave some of our most vulnerable residents without care?

In the past, when an older person needed assistance to live at home, GPs and the council were the first port of call. Now older people begin their ‘aged care journey’ either by phoning My Aged Care or, if they are computer literate, visiting its website. The aged care system is now so complex that the government has employed Care Finders to help older people and their families ‘navigate’ it.

Aged care wasn’t complex when local councils delivered services to older people in their home. As a recent study by Flinders residents showed, many older people are both unaware of their entitlements and also how to access them.

I was recently asked to advocate for Susan*, who lives alone on the Peninsula with no family on hand to offer support. Susan is an example of someone who has fallen through the cracks and is now at serious risk.

Susan had been assessed by Peninsula Health’s Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service twice, in April and August 2022. On both occasions, she saw a professor who wrote a detailed letter to Susan’s GP. Whose responsibility was it to follow up the suggestions in the letter? Her GP? Her neighbours? Her friends?

With no family living on the Mornington Peninsula, and no one nominated as her power of attorney,

there was no follow-up.

In March 2023, a friend became increasingly concerned about Susan’s safety at home. She made an appointment for Susan to see her GP. The GP gave Susan a piece of paper with the following list of actions she needed to take.

1. Call CDAMS

2. Call ACAS assessment

3. Webster pack

4. Chase MPOA

Susan did not know what the acronyms meant (who would?). Again, no one followed up the “to do list”. It is likely that there are many other older people on the Mornington Peninsula in Susan’s situation – liv-

ing alone with significant cognitive impairment. Now that our council no longer provides aged care services, who is helping them access the support they need?

In July 2024, Susan’s GP requested a comprehensive assessment via My Aged Care. In December 2024, Susan mistakenly received a regional assessment. According to those working in the sector, My Aged Care often makes this mistake.

Comprehensive assessments need to be undertaken by staff who are clinically qualified.

Regional assessments, on the other hand, do not require staff with a tertiary degree.

Susan’s regional assessment was undertaken by APM, one of four private companies operating on the Mornington Peninsula.

Susan’s assessment was riddled with errors, some quite serious. Her assessor claimed she was driving, doing her own shopping and able to prepare meals. None of these claims were correct, and made a significant difference to the amount of home help support Susan should have been offered.

However, even if Susan was eligible for services, the private providers on the Mornington Peninsula may not have been able to provide them. According to a case manager, private providers on the Mornington Peninsula who received funding via Commonwealth Home Support Program have no capacity. She said: “I called every provider last Friday and no one

Sea rescues climb in busiest summer

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

THE Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad has responded to more than 30 rescue calls this summer, prompting a concerning rise in the number of incidents across the region.

It has been one of the busiest seasons for the search and rescue service despite safety campaigns from Safe Transport Victoria urging boaters and jet skiers to be prepared before heading out.

The Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad is a not-for-profit volunteer marine search and rescue service, which has been based at the Blairgowrie marina for 58 years.

It operates 24-7 with 31 local volunteers responding to all calls in southern Port Phillip Bay and the near surf coasts of Bass Strait.

Rescues during December and January have included attending to recreational boaters, jet skiers, paddleboarders, sailors, divers, snorkelers and swimmers, the squad’s secretary Denis Baguley said.

One of the most serious incidents involved two paddle boarders who got swept out to sea in Rosebud.

“Our guys got to them but one of the girls involved was suffering hypothermia and we delivered them back to the Rosebud pier to the ambulance,” Baguley told The News

“She was not very well at all; she wouldn’t have lasted a lot longer (in the water).”

Speaking of the number of rescues, Baguley said it was “pretty excessive,” which included 61 people being brought back to shore using the squad’s two search and rescue boats as well as a support vehicle and associated rescue and medical equipment.

Baguley said their team assisted the Water Police, responding to about 80 per cent of jobs on the southern peninsula.

Other rescues this summer included a collision between two jet skis in Rye, which luckily did not result in serious injuries, as well as motor breakdowns, equipment failure, and vessels running out of fuel.

Volunteers have also rescued several surfers at Corsair Rock in the Rip, just off Point Nepean.

“They take a small boat and anchor it, but the boat gets swamped,” Baguley said.

Baguley said the rise in incidents highlighted the increasing risks faced by boat and jet skis operators.

“It’s the most we’ve had in a while”, he said, noting “we normally do about

60 a year, and obviously this is a busy time, but it’s been really busy.”

“They (vessels) can get swept into the shipping channels and they can also get caught up in the change of weather” and “can swamped by the ships, that’s the problem”.

Baguley added while callouts to paddle boarders in trouble were not frequent, “they can be extremely dangerous,” particularly if they weren’t wearing lifejackets.

“Life jackets are key, maintenance of vessels is key, ensure you’ve got enough petrol and know your weather and tide,” he said.

“They’ve got to be mindful that there’s risks out on the water.”

Baguley said the squad’s new supply of digital radios recently provided by the state government had greatly im-

has capacity for any Commonwealth Home Support Program services. This has been the case for approximately eight months”.

When I raised concerns about the errors in Susan’s assessment with the Minister for Aged Care, I received the following response from the Department of Health and Ageing: “I would like to assure you that the Australian Government is committed to creating a better experience for older people in Australia seeking aged care services.”

In the past, our taxes funded councils to undertake regional assessments and provide aged care services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Our Council’s services were in the main excellent and much appreciated by recipients.

Older residents and their families appreciated having a highly trained and fairly remunerated Council employee provide aged care services. They also knew they were not being ripped off by a private provider that prioritised profits over care. Now our taxes are given to large private companies to undertake private assessments, and then private companies to deliver the services. Has this created “a better experience for older people in Australia seeking aged care services”? For older people living on the Mornington Peninsula, the answer is a resounding “No”.

Dr Sarah Russell is Director, Aged Care Matters

*Not her real name

New council moves away from climate change focus

Continued from Page 1

“It’s only when disaster manifests to a tangible outcome that we will be looking back, wishing we had done more in a strategic planning space when we had the opportunity.”

Through the motion, shire officers will look at cost-saving to households when carrying out recommendations related to decarbonisation and impact on their cost of living and health, as well as providing financial impact estimates of climate-related weather events, coastal hazard impact, and adoption programs on council.

Input from the audit and risk committee will be also sought regarding climate change and associated mitigations.

proved communication with the Water Police rescue coordination centre who could now communicate directly with their rescue boats in the water.

“They also provide a direct communication link with the Police Air Wing and other rescue units in Port Phillip Bay critical during multiunit tasks. In summary, they greatly improve our capacity to save lives on the Southern Mornington Peninsula,” he said.

The new equipment was also delivered to the Volunteer Marine Rescue at Mornington, and the VF6 Coast Guard at Safety Beach.

Looking ahead, the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad hoped to upgrade its aging fleet including replacing an almost 15-year-old vessel with a new generation rescue vessel.

The motion recognised the benefits of council-funded initiatives, including climate action “are not immediately tangible or measurable, and acknowledges and values these long-term and intangible outcomes”.

“These include fostering community resilience, reducing future risks, and meeting ethical obligations to future generations,” the motion read.

A list will be complied for budget costing of coastal structure repair projects that may be attributed to climate change.

Additionally, councillors will attend a meeting in February with the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance.

A report will come back to council in April.

VOLUNTEERS at Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad. Picture: Yanni

News from your Shire

Beek Beek

Cr Kate Roper

Construction of the Somerville to Baxter: Peninsula Trail – Shared User Path has started and is progressing well. Stay up to date by keeping an eye on our website. With school back, be aware of pedestrians around school zones. It’s also wonderful to see the Baxter Men’s Shed back up and running – providing essential social connection in our community. Men’s Sheds provide a vital space for men to get together, socialise, build friendships and learn new skills. They’re not for profit, community based and aim to improve the health and wellbeing of members. pnmsbaxter.org.au

Kate.Roper@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Moorooduc

Cr Bruce Ranken

What a winner – Mount Martha Soccer Club, Mornington Little Athletics and Mornington Peninsula Athletics Club have a new home at the Civic Reserve Sports Pavilion. The new pavilion features a solar system and measures to reduce maintenance costs. There’s nothing like being outdoors cycling, jogging or going for a stroll. That’s why the Peninsula Trails project ticks so many boxes. Thanks to all who provided input at the consultation sessions on the Peninsula Trails Mornington to Moorooduc section. We’re now working to review and revise the Master Plan.

Bruce.Ranken@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Benbenjie

Cr Max Patton

The McCrae landslide has had a significant impact on residents.

I’ve been listening to those directly affected and the broader community to ensure their issues are heard and taken into account as the situation progresses. I recognise the frustration and uncertainty this has caused and appreciate the community’s patience as officers and relevant authorities continue their work to address the situation. I’m pleased to see Shire funding for a biolinks project to protect McCrae foreshore – helping to restore habitat and improve biodiversity. I encourage residents to reach out with any concerns.

Max.Patton@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Nepean

Cr Andrea Allen

We have had a spectacular summer of events in Nepean Ward for both locals and visitors to enjoy. Those that I attended included the 49th running of the Rye Gift, the 46th Australia Day Tournament at Rye Tennis Club, the 41st Sorrento Rotary Art Show, the 39th Portsea Swim Classic and Australia Day celebrations in Sorrento. A big thank you to everyone in the community involved in organising these long running annual events, as well as all the other annual events that are held in Nepean Ward each summer.

Andrea.Allen@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Briars

Cr Anthony Marsh

We’ve hit the ground running. Addressing the McCrae landslide remains a top priority. Our Federal election advocacy is now underway and we are progressing through recruitment for our next CEO. We’re focused on fostering a high-performing, community-centric culture — enhancing efficiency, cutting unnecessary costs and delivering tangible local results. Engaging with residents, opening new facilities and welcoming 99 new Australians at citizenship ceremonies have been highlights. Locally, I’m prioritising repairs to the Birdrock Beach stairs and Balcombe Creek boardwalk.

Anthony.Marsh@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Tanti

Cr Paul Pingiaro

I’m excited to ensure every decision delivers tangible benefits. It’s important to not only listen to residents’ concerns but also take proactive steps to address them. Responsible financial management is essential for maintaining trust and delivering results. By reviewing budgets, seeking innovative solutions and cutting unnecessary costs, we can fund projects that improve residents’ lives — through better infrastructure and community services. I want residents to feel the impact of our decisions through improved services, facilities and a stronger community.

Paul.Pingiaro@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Brokil

Cr Patrick Binyon

The new year began meeting residents and discussing foreshore related concerns. During the Dromana Australia Day celebrations, I was privileged to make a presentation to Caitlin Parker, our first female Olympic medal winner in boxing. I also attended the Survival Day event at the Briars. I was amazed by the community spirit at the Moonah House forum, hosted by the Lions Club of Flinders and Women’s Community Shelters, to raise awareness of the homelessness crisis. I was welcomed into the Dromana Association, a volunteer group advocating to achieve positive outcomes. dromana.org.au

Patrick.Binyon@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Tootgarook

Cr Cam Williams

I’m proud to be part of a welcoming and inclusive Council that celebrates cultural diversity on the Peninsula. The Shire’s Culture Fest 2025 features a dynamic week of events that reflect our community’s rich cultural tapestry, including Rhythms and Flavours: A Journey of Multicultural Music and Food. The Fest is held over 17 – 23 March and incorporates Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Week. It aims to engage, inform and entertain while promoting unity and belonging. Get involved and explore the program on our website: mornpen.vic.gov.au/culturaldiversityweek Cam.Williams@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Coolart

Cr David Gill

I look forward to hearing from you. Outcomes are improved by community involvement and your willingness to contribute to help shape the direction of Council. For instance, efficiency and costs are always under scrutiny. Last year, the difference between the State Government rate rise cap and a zero rate rise to the average property payment was $44 for the year. There are many views about the underlying responsibilities of Council – between ‘stick to the basics’ to community development support – highlighting the difference between knowing the cost of everything and the value of nothing.

David.Gill@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Warringine

Cr Michael Stephens

Volunteering is close to my heart. I have held positions on local committees, including kinder and school boards, Westernport Foreshore Coastal Management Committee, Westernport Seagrass Trails and the CFA. I’m committed to supporting volunteer organisations, sporting clubs and small to medium-sized businesses. It’s critical to involve the community in the decision-making process, ensuring that the voices of residents are considered. I am dedicated to securing increased Shire funding for Warringine, advocating for resources to support local projects.

Michael.Stephens@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Have Your Say on the Future of the Peninsula

Life on the Mornington Peninsula is always changing and we want your input to help shape what’s next.

Your feedback will guide Council’s work over the next four years –ensuring we continue to support our community’s needs.

Share your ideas through our online survey or by visiting us at a pop-up session at local

markets and shopping centres across the Peninsula.

Join the conversation today! Together, we can make sure the Peninsula continues to be a great place to live, work and play.

To complete the survey and find a pop-up near you, visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/ourfuture

Kackeraboite

Cr Stephen Batty

It’s a privilege to represent Kackeraboite (Mount Eliza) Ward. I have enjoyed connecting with residents, hearing your views and visiting schools, sporting clubs and other organisations. I’m working with residents to address concerns including creating a safe, family environment, beautification of our public gardens and maintenance of footpaths. It has been fantastic to see Our Library Van at Mount Eliza Community Hall at Canadian Bay Road: ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au

I am hosting a Community Forum at Mount Eliza Hall on 6 March at 6pm. RSVP: councillor.support@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Stephen.Batty@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Contact the Shire Local events

February

28 Film Club Rosebud Library McDowell St, Rosebud

March

01 Hill and Ridge Community Market

Red Hill Recreation Reserve

01 Inspiring future female scientists

Mount Martha Community House

03 Mixed media workshop

MPRG, Civic Reserve, Mornington

07 International Women’s Day author talk Mornington Library, Vancouver St

08 Red Hill Show

Red Hill Recreation Reserve

09 Weed Management Plan

Balnarring Community Hall

10 Somerville Family Day

Fruit Growers Reserve, Somerville

11 1960s dance party

Mount Martha Community House

12 Guided birdwatching

Baldry’s Crossing, Main Ridge

Information is correct at time of printing. mornpen.vic.gov.au/eventsactivities

Cash splash for shared path

THE federal government will spend more than $900,000 on a new shared path on Towerhill Road in Frankston South. The $923,650 project will “upgrade existing infrastructure to enhance safety by providing dedicated paths to enable cyclists to avoid the busy roadway”, a federal government statement read.

Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King said the federal government is spending $21 million across 19 cycling and walking projects statewide. “From

Melbourne to the Yarra Ranges, we’re investing in active transport options right across Victoria to shape the way locals and visitors move around our great towns,” she said.

“Whether you’re on a motor scooter, pushing a pram, walking or cycling, we’re making it easier for people to get to school, work or local services, without having to jump in the car.

“This is about so much more than bike lanes and footpaths, it’s about reshaping our cities and regional centres, connect-

ing our everyday places, and making our towns better to live in and easier to visit.”

Dunkley MP Jodie Belyea said “the Albanese Labor Government is investing in our community, building a more connected Frankston. We’re making it easier for families and students to get around Frankston safely.”

Brodie Cowburn

Frankston calls for major events

FRANKSTON Council is offering money to bring major events into Frankston.

Council’s 2025/2026 “destination event attraction program” grants are now open. Through the program, promoters can receive in-kind support to stage festivals and other large-scale events.

Last year, council spent money on staging End of the Line Frankston, The Carlsberg Beach Club, the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships (pictured above), and the Frankston Swim Classic. Frankston councillor David Asker said “the destination event attraction program

Helicopters scanning powerlines over peninsula

HELICOPTERS are scanning powerlines across the Mornington Peninsula over the next fortnight, as part of United Energy’s year-round bushfire mitigation and vegetation management program.

People may see and hear the choppers, which fly about 300 metres above the ground and use technology known as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to scan the distance between tree branches and powerlines.

Using the LiDAR data, United Energy teams create 3D models of powerlines and their surroundings, helping to inform what vegetation needs to be cut.

United Energy’s Head of Vegetation Management, Ayce Cordy, said it was important that accurate measurements were taken of all vegetation each and every year.

“Inspecting and managing vegetation growing near powerlines is an essential part of how we keep power safe and reliable for our customers,” Cordy said.

“By capturing data every year, we can track growth rates of vegetation across our network, helping us plan where to cut right now and when we may need to conduct cutting in the future.”

The helicopters are operating over Frankston, Red Hill, Sorrento, Hastings, Rosebud, Mornington and Dromana.

Each year United Energy uses a fleet of three helicopters to inspect 100 per cent of more than 13,000 kilometres of powerlines across Melbourne’s east, south east and the Mornington Peninsula.

is more than just supporting great events—it’s about driving economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are felt throughout our local economy.

“Frankston’s diverse cultural and natural assets, combined with strategic event support, allow us to continue driving economic prosperity through tourism and local partnerships.”

Three tiers of events are eligible for council funding. For more information visit frankston.vic.gov.au/ Things-To-Do/Get-Involved/Destination-Event-Attraction-Program

Mornington digs deep to help students in need

THE Mornington community has rallied to raise $9700 to support The Smith Family thanks to Officeworks Mornington’s Back to School appeal.

All funds will help disadvantaged children to afford uniforms, books and excursions, as well as provide personal support and extra educational programs.

“Education is the foundation of opportunity, and together, we’re ensuring that no child is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control,” The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor said.

“Thanks to the support of partners like Officeworks, we’re not just providing school supplies—we’re unlocking potential and creating brighter futures for students in need.”

Officeworks Mornington store business manager Ryan Howarth said they were incredibly proud to raise the money from 27 December to 9 February and thanked the “kindness and generosity of the Mornington community”.

“A heartfelt thank you to every customer and team member who played a part in this year’s appeal, supporting The Smith Family’s Learning for Life sponsorship program and its vital mission to give all Aussie children the educational opportunities they deserve,” he said.

The Back to School appeal is part of Officeworks’ People and Planet Positive commitment to support 30,000 students by 2025, which has now been revised to support 60,000 students this year.

It aims to deliver support and explore ways to bridge the digital divide for Indigenous and disadvantaged students across the country.

The fundraising effort has contributed to a total of $1.3 million raised by Officeworks stores across the nation, helping 1800 students to succeed in their education.

FRANKSTON councillor Brad Hill, MPs

Jodie Belyea and Catherine King, and the mayor Kris Bolam. Picture: Supplied

Raising a glass to French success

By Brendan Rees

MORNINGTON Peninsula’s Ten Minutes By Tractor is toasting an outstanding achievement after their signature wine was chosen among a select few to be displayed at a major event in France.

The state government announced last week that the family-owned vineyard in Main Ridge was among a handful of Victorian wineries that would be featured at the iconic La Cité du Vin trade museum in Bordeaux, France.

The event is part of a two-year partnership with Victoria enabling wineries, including those on the peninsula, the chance to participate in the international event, which attracts 400,000 wine lovers every year.

“It’s fantastic news and a great initiative from the Victorian government,” Ten Minutes By Tractor’s Martin Spedding said.

“The Mornington Peninsula wine region has got a tremendous profile interstate and internationally now and that comes from all the local vinerons and wineries working really hard together to help promote the region overseas.

“We’ve been selling our wines in France for about three years now so that’s been great, and I think what we’ve seen is a growing interest in wines from around the world in France.”

Other Victorian wineries to be showcased at La Cité du Vin include William Downie, Bests Great West-

ern,

Yering, Brown Brothers, and Chambers Rosewood Vineyards. Economic Growth and Jobs Minister Danny Pearson said, “Victoria is home to many of our country’s most celebrated winemakers, and this partnership is sharing their talent with the rest of the world and boosting their export opportunities.”

Fundraiser for life-saving machines

FUNDRAISING by the Blue Ribbon Foundation is underway to purchase two new life support machines for Peninsula Health.

The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machines cost $300,000. The new machines will be installed at the redeveloped Frankston Hospital.

The machines offer temporary lifesupport for patients with severe or acute respiratory and cardiac failure.

The Frankston E.C.M.O Unit is expected to be named in memory of the four police officers killed on the Eastern Freeway in 2020: Lynette Taylor, Kevin King, Joshua Prestney, and Glen Humphris.

Blue Ribbon Foundation CEO Neil Soullier said “we can do nothing to bring these members back but we can ensure that their sacrifice will be honoured in a way that recognises more how they lived, rather than how they died – serving the community and helping to save lives.”

“So many Victorians wrapped their arms around the families of these members and their police force in support of the families and we’re now appealing to the public and corporate donors to assist us in funding this very special, life-saving project that will stand as a ‘living memorial’ to Lynette, Kevin, Joshua and Glen,” he said.

“The Peninsula Branch of Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation committed to installing E.C.M.O at Frankston Hospital some time ago, with about one third of the funds already raised. But in order to complete the planned roll out of this life-saving service for all Victorians we have now launched

a major appeal across Melbourne and Victoria in an effort to complete the funding to have the E.C.M.O Unit operational in time for the opening of

the new Frankston Hospital.” To donate visit remember.org.au/ donate/

Sages Cottage Nursery opens doors

SAGES Cottage in Baxter has launched its own nursery for locally grown plants and products.

The Baxter cottage hosts people living with disabilities, and allows them to gain work experience and build their skills.

Sages Cottage client Callum is among the workers at the new nursery - he said it is an “amazing opportunity for everyone.”

“I’m excited, ecstatic, happy— all the

emotions. I want it to do well. I’m excited about the plants going inside the nursery,” he said.

Sages Cottages CEO Phil HayesBrown said “Sages’ new farm gate shop will provide more work opportunities for clients as well as create more funds which directly go back to the farm.”

“One of many highlights of opening day was the debut of the tagline created by a Wallara client - Smile, you’re at Sages.”

LUCY, Maddy, Chloe and Nathan (L to R) open the new nursery at Sages Cottage in Baxter. Picture: Supplied

Yarra

TEN Minutes By Tractor’s Martin Spedding celebrates his wines being showcased in France. Picture: Yanni

Shape our Peninsula’s Future

Our Peninsula is changing, and we need your input to plan what’s next.

Share your ideas and help shape Council’s plans and priorities for the next four years. Your feedback will inform the Council Plan and Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, as well as key strategies—ensuring they reflect our community’s needs.

Have your say! Take the 10-minute survey online or visit a pop-up event near you.

mornpen.vic.gov.au/ourfuture

Dromana Secondary College welcomes big funding win

DROMANA Secondary College has been given just under a $1 million in state government funding to support much-needed planned maintenance.

The substantial grant totalling $977,934.49 was announced last week as part of the government’s Planned Maintenance Funding program, which are awarded to schools each month.

The college was among six schools on the peninsula to be awarded funding.

This included Boneo Primary School ($121,641.56), Mornington Secondary College ($434,650.17), Mount Eliza Primary School ($445,438.50), Osborne Primary School ($418,512.57), and Somerville Secondary College ($590,320.41).

The funding allows schools to undertake essential work in classrooms and other school buildings.

Dromana Secondary College principal Alan Marr said the funding represented a major win for the school, noting it would be used for a va-

riety of maintenance projects including painting, carpeting, and a refurbishment of the student restroom facilities.

“It’s really exciting for the whole school community, we’ll be able to tackle a number of infrastructure projects that have been on the backburner for some time that will make the learning environment more productive and welcoming,” he said.

Marr said it was also an exciting time for the school as work to build a new mountain bike track with a storage facility would be completed in the next two weeks as part of its mountain bike program.

“It’s been a fantastic start to the year,” he added as the school welcomed its 275 year 7 students.

Education Minister Ben Carroll said the latest maintenance blitz “will keep every Victorian school up to date, so that every child can access a world-class education in a world-class school”.

Plans to expand car park in Sorrento

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has shared four different scenarios to expand Morce Ave car park in Sorrento with the community encouraged to have its say.

The shire said the need for more carparks “is evident” as the popular tourist town continued to attract high levels of visitors during the festive season and long weekends throughout the year.

“Expanding the Morce Ave car park and reviewing parking limits will reduce congestion in surrounding streets with the proposed increased parking opportunities,” it said.

The shire said the introduction of parking limits would encourage vehicle turnover with a portion of the car park to remain all day parking to accommodate local businesses and other users.

Last week the council revealed four concept ideas for the carpark.

The community is invited to have its say with all four concept plans are available to view on the shire’s website to at mornpen.vic.gov.au/ morceave or at customer service centres until 20 March.

COMMUNITY FORUM

Federal Election 2025

The Mornington Peninsula Shire is hosting a community election forum.

Join us to hear directly from the candidates running for the federal seat of Flinders.

Candidates will present their vision and priorities for the Mornington Peninsula, address key community concerns and respond to moderated and audience-submitted questions.

We encourage everyone to take part, whether in person or online, to learn more about what each candidate has planned for the Peninsula.

Council’s role is to advocate for the needs of our region. This forum will provide an opportunity for residents to hear directly from the candidates who seek to represent our community.

For more information and to register: mornpen.vic.gov.au/SHOUTOUT

The forum will be:

• open to the public. Register now to secure your seat (rsvp required).

• live-streamed on Facebook Live and YouTube

• recorded for future viewing to ensure accessibility for all community members.

20 March 2025 6.15 – 8pm Rosebud Country Club

207 Boneo Road, Rosebud

Authorised by Mayor A. Marsh, 90 Besgrove Street, Rosebud 3939

Scan the QR code for more information and to register

FEDERAL ELECTION 2025

Ben Smith calls on Premier to visit Arthurs Seat

Independent

INDEPENDENT candidate for Flinders, Ben Smith, has called on the Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to give Peninsula residents a say on the $25 million Arthurs Seat Eagle redevelopment.

The project is being fast-tracked through the state government’s Development Facilitation Program, bypassing local council oversight. There has been minimal consultation with the community about the impacts of the project.

“Decisions that will reshape our region should not be made from Spring Street without listening to the people who live here,” Smith said.

“Arthurs Seat is not just another development site – it’s a treasured state park with deep environmental and community significance. The proposed 1.5km luge track and 25-metre observation tower would permanently alter its character, yet locals – who know this place best – have been sidelined.”

Mr Smith has released an open letter calling on Premier Jacinta Allan and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny to:

1. Visit Arthurs Seat and meet with the community before making any decisions.

2. Release the full environmental impact assessments so the public can see the risks posed to the state park.

3. Commit to protecting the natural and cultural significance of Arthurs Seat.

“This project is being rushed through without transparency or local input. Economic development should not come at the cost of proper planning and community consultation. Locals deserve a say in the future of their own region.”

Arthurs Seat advocate Sally Baillieu said, “Ignoring local voices on a project of this scale is reckless”.

“The government needs to come here, meet with the community, and listen to our concerns. We’re not against tourism, but it shouldn’t disregard the amenity of the people and wildlife that live here already.”

The open letter can be found at smithforflinders. com.au/eagle.

SALLY Baillieu with Ben Smith on Arthurs Seat. Picture: Supplied

Race for health and dignity at home on the peninsula

LABOR

FRIENDS of Peninsula Home

Hospice hosted Rosie Batty AO for a sold out fundraising luncheon at the Blairgowrie Yacht Club last Thursday.

Peninsula Home Hospice provides free critical support to people on the Mornington Peninsula who are suffering life-limiting illnesses in the comfort and safety of their own homes.

Labor candidate for Flinders Sarah Race attended the luncheon to show her commitment to the health care sector and health care workers.

Primary health care plays a crucial role in our communities. It gives patients access to the right care at the right time, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced pressure on hospital emergency departments.

Support at home is growing, particularly for older Australians. In 2024 the Albanese Labor Government passed once-in-a-generation reforms

to support the growing numbers of older Australians choosing to retain their independence and remain in their homes as they age.

To find out how you can help and be part of a giving, supportive and involved community that supports aging residents on the Mornington Peninsula, reach out to Peninsula Home Hospice peninsulahospice.com.au

“I was thrilled to see a bookedout event with our community, who continue to show-up and support the service which provides much needed palliative care support to people in their own homes,” said CEO of Peninsula Home Hospice Janet Phillips.

“Our increasing costs are not fully covered by our current state government funding and demand continues to grow. This is a service which ultimately saves the healthcare sector through reduced hospitalisation.”

Having recently lost her mum, Race reflected on her experience with palli-

ative care nurses “these nurses are the superheroes of our healthcare system, treating people with the highest care at the end of life, as well as ensuring families know that their loved one is being afforded great respect.”

“Everyone has the right to die with dignity, on their terms, and I am proud to support the incredible work being done by the extraordinary specialist palliative care team at Peninsula Home Hospice. If elected I will advocate for better funding for this incredible organisation,” said Labor Candidate for Flinders Sarah Race.

Race also welcomes the announcement that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will make the single largest investment in Medicare since its creation over 40 years ago, with $8.5 billion to deliver an additional 18 million bulk billed GP visits each year, hundreds of nursing scholarships and thousands more doctors in the largest GP training program ever.

Sussan Ley visits Flinders electorate

LIBERAL

Zo

e McKenzie, Federal Member for Flinders, welcomed Sussan Ley, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business, to the Flinders electorate on January 28, to participate in a roundtable with leading businesswomen from the Mornington Peninsula.

The roundtable was facilitated by the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, and held at Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter. A difficulty in attracting and retaining staff post-COVID, high energy prices, difficult-to-navigate industrial relations

laws and the large state tax burden were issues raised by the group.

According to the 2021-22 Mornington Peninsula Business Survey, there are approximately 15,800 businesses on the Mornington Peninsula with the vast majority (94%) employing less than 5 people.

Ms Ley and Ms McKenzie also visited the Bata Shoes factory, which has been manufacturing gumboots in Mornington since the 1980s. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition reiterated the Coalition’s commitment to lowering energy prices, to ensure manufacturing stays in Australia.

Zoe McKenzie MP, Federal

Committee presents its five key priorities for election

CFFMP

AT this year’s federal election, the results in both Dunkley and Flinders will shape the national outcome in Canberra.

The pathway to forming government will see major party leaders visit Dunkley over coming months, while Flinders is shaping up to be a three-cornered contest between the Liberals, Labor and a Community Independent.

The Committee was pleased to facilitate a Federal Candidates Forum held on 14 February in Mornington with all major candidates for both electorates. More than 200 people attended the event at Mornington Racecourse for the forum hosted by the ABC’s Patricia Karvelas.

As the peak advocacy body for the region, the Committee remains a strictly non-partisan member-based organisation that is determined to help influence positive decision-making or funding commitments for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. We do this in between election cycles by consulting with our members, facilitating conversations with key decision makers, and advocating to State and Federal Governments in the halls of Parliament.

Member for Flinders, commented that: “A couple of weeks ago, Sussan Ley joined me for a women in business roundtable, and we heard from women in retail, agriculture, training, health, hospitality, and a range of other sectors.”

“It was a constructive, collaborative, clearly expressed and common sense conversation about the challenges facing Australian business: cost of living, local taxes, energy prices, access to skills, and respite from red tape.”

“Only the Coalition can get the Mornington Peninsula’s local economy back on track”

The Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula is calling on the Federal Government and Federal Opposition to deliver significant commitments to our region which improve liveability, enhance economic growth, and improve health and education outcomes for locals.

As outlined in the Committee’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030, our five key priority areas are:

n Homes and livelihoods

n Better connectivity; better infrastructure

n Sustainable development

n Smarter people; healthy communities

n A thriving local economy and

world class destination

These pillars cover a range of issues which sit at different levels of government.

With a focus how the Commonwealth Government can deliver for our region beyond the federal election, the Committee is calling for the following:

1. $10m towards key projects in Frankston’s City Centre, including the Nepean Boulevard Revitalisation Master Plan

2. $25 million to secure the future of the National Centre for Health and Ageing in Frankston; run in partnership between Peninsula Health and Monash University.

3. $900 million in funding for public transport improvements towards electrification to Frankston’s Health and Education Precinct, and $1 million for a full business case for the Stony Point uplift.

4. $131 million in Federal funding (one third) towards the redevelopment of Rosebud Hospital – enabling the Victorian Government to get on with it.

5. $13.5m in funding for Peninsula Trails – delivering safe paths which connect townships and boost economic, health, education and tourism opportunities.

“These priorities cover improvements to infrastructure and connectivity, health and education, and tourism opportunities from Frankston City Centre right down to Sorrento,” said CEO – Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula, Josh Sinclair.

“Together with Frankston City and Mornington Peninsula Shire, the Committee has identified these commitments as the most pressing for the region this federal election.”

“There’s more than a billion dollars worth of projects here than the Commonwealth can choose from and get behind. This will show locals that Canberra really is listening.”

SARAH Race with Peninsula Home Hospice CEO Janet Phillips. Picture: Supplied

ZOE McKenzie with deputy leader of the opposition Sussan Ley and representatives from Bata Shoes. Picture: Supplied

'Somerton Cottage'

A circa 1900 beachside home on 949m2 (approx) of land 500m to Fisherman’s Beach, this residence presents a beautiful sense of period grace and potential on a deep, flat allotment.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own and adapt (STCA) a part of Mornington’s history, with the property having been held by one of the area’s pioneering families for the past 49 years.

HOME ESSENTIALS

'Somerton Cottage’ features a doublefronted late-Victorian facade and eyecatching detail within the original front section, including chandeliers and fireplaces, soaring ceilings, original floorboards under the carpet, and more. It has been extended and sympathetically restored, and it is backdropped by a huge northerly-facing back yard with a double carport and a garage, a laundry and shower,

a storage shed, space to dine outdoors, a magnificent liquid amber tree, and more. Dare to dream.

• Circa 1900 double-fronted late-Victorian home 500m (approx) to Fisherman’s Beach

• Flat 949m2 (approx) block presenting potential space to extend or subdivide (STCA)

ADDRESS: 25 Naples Street, Mornington FOR SALE: $1,500,000 - $1,600,000 DESCRIPTION: 3 bed, 2 bath, 3 car, 949m2 (approx) AGENT: Kara James - 0412 939 224, Area Specialist Mornington, Ground Level, Suite 4/315 Main St, Mornington

Soaring ceilings, large bedrooms, original floorboards, and a gas log fireplace insert

• Generous kitchen, 2 living rooms, a double carport, a garage, and a storage shed

• Largely original facade and established gardens

Quiet street 10 mins’ walk to Main Street (approx), and 5mins to the local shops.n

Stylish Spacious Family Living

This substantial five-bedroom home is customised to cater for a family's every want and need.

Set atop of Mt Eliza's east facing slopes with a view over peninsula hinterland and doors from bushland walking trails, the home is located just minutes to Peninsula Grammar, Mt Eliza primary and secondary school and St Thomas More Primary School,

ESSENTIALS

while The Corner Café and Mt Eliza Park and playground are at the end of the street.

Spread across a fully fenced corner allotment, every inch of the property is used to perfection with separate playgrounds for little kids and big kids including a cubbyhouse and slide under a giant nectarine tree, with a chicken coop just beyond.

With formal gardens leading to the entry, the home has been spectacularly modernised with to an impressive open plan living and dining area moored by a stone-topped kitchen with walk-in pantry with second dishwasher, sink and space for the refrigerator.

With abundant living spaces, the home also includes an open plan family room opening out to a sundeck beside the cubbyhouse,

ADDRESS: 21 Quinns Parade, Mount Eliza FOR SALE: $1,325,000 - $1,425,000 DESCRIPTION: 5 bed, 2 bath, 2 car, 744m2

AGENT: Kristen Cumming – 0404 146 235, Belle Mornington/Mount Eliza, Level 1, 311/313 Main St, Mornington, (03) 5970 8000

an upper level lounge beside the children's bedrooms and a playroom beside the nursery, which would otherwise be used as a home office area with a handy toilet. Steps lead down to a deluxe alfresco pergola with built-in BBQ beside an outdoor jacuzzi.

The home also features internal access from a double remote-controlled garage and fabulous off-street parking.n

Occupy or Develop

Land area: 2,215sqm*

Frontage: over 30m*

Mixed-Use Zoning

Building area: 900sqm* over 2 levels

30 on-site carparks on-grade 12m* height limit (STCA)

Moments from Bayside Shopping Centre & Frankston Train Station

Our

When

The Guide

TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK

FRIDAY UNDER THE VINES

ABC TV, 8.30pm

THURSDAY BOILING POINT

SBS, 9.30pm

The title of this nail-biting British drama ought to give some indication of the tensions within: like the 2021 one-shot film it follows on from, this is an incredibly stressful viewing experience. Set six months after the events of the movie, the kitchen-based drama takes place in Point North – the fine-dining establishment opened by former sous-chef Carly (Vinette Robinson, pictured) after the closure of Jones & Sons. The high-pressure working environment makes a MasterChef finale look like child’s play.

Set in idyllic New Zealand, this third season of the sunny dramedy sees newcomer William (Mark Mitchinson) ruffling feathers. Charles Edwards and Rebecca Gibney (pictured) are ripe with feel-good warmth as step-cousins Louis and Daisy, now running their inherited Oakley Wines vineyard together. However, as Daisy readies to marry again, the duo must focus on ousting self-declared heir William to save their shared love: the winery.

SATURDAY

CHERIE BARBER’S TINY HOME

NINE, 4pm

It would be easy to suspect that Australia’s renovation queen Cherie Barber (pictured) has more hours in the day than the average human. In this new series, Barber tackles her biggest challenge yet: overhauling a run-down, 18 square metre studio apartment in Sydney’s Balmain, purchased for just $260,000. You won’t believe your eyes when you see all that Barber and co. can fit into a space approximately the size of a single-car garage.

SUNDAY THE NEWSREADER

ABC TV, 8.30pm

There’s lights, cameras and plenty of action as Australia’s favourite fictional newsreaders leave it all on the table before we bid farewell to the stellar, cinematic drama next week. Three seasons’ worth of secrets and personal struggles explode tonight after threatened News at Six boss Lindsay (William McInnes) takes

spirals under the pressure

Thursday, February 27

ABC TV (2)

sets the scene for an

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7)

NINE (9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.10 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Newsreader. (Mal, R) 2.00 Miniseries: In Our Blood. (Final, Mal, R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Back Roads: Great Keppel, Queensland.

8.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul: Salzburg And Vienna. (PGn) Comedian Sue Perkins visits Salzburg.

9.20 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (Return, PG)

10.05 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG, R) 10.55 ABC Late News. 11.10 The Business. (R) 11.30 Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian. (Mls, R) 12.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up. (R) 9.05 Destination Flavour. 9.15 Legacy List. 9.45 Victorian House Of Arts And Crafts. 10.55 South Africa From Above. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00 Shepherdess. (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Ancient Superstructures. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Finding Your Roots: Hold The Laughter. (PG) 8.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (PG) Alan Cumming’s trip continues. 9.30 Boiling Point. (Premiere)

A head chef runs a new restaurant. 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Golden Boy. (Mlns) 11.55 Blackport. (MA15+s, R) 1.50 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R) 2.55 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

TEN (10)

Married At First Sight. (Mas, R)

Getaway. (PG, R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit. (2024, Mav) Nikki Deloach. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Abigail is shaken by a lack of trust. 8.30 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. (2018, PGs, R) A young woman deals with a series of challenges threatening to derail the reopening of her family hotel, Bella Donna, while learning more about the free-spirited life of her late mother. Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep. 10.50 To Be Advised.

12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv)

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

Pointless. (PG, R)

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

9News Afternoon.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) The travel guides head to Los Angeles. 9.00 MOVIE: The Hangover. (2009, MA15+lnsv, R) Three friends wake up after a buck’s night and realise the groom is missing. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms.

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 First On Scene. (MA15+a)

11.55 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.45 Pointless. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Gogglebox Australia. (s) Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by guests including Robert De Niro,

Friday, February 28

ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30

Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.05 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Silent Witness. (Final, Ma, R) 2.55 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up. (R) 9.05 Destination Flavour. 9.15 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. 9.50 Victorian House Of Arts And Crafts. 11.00 The Story Of Ramadan. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Edward VIII: Britain’s Traitor King. (PGa, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Ancient Superstructures. (R) 5.05

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. (Return)

8.30 Under The Vines. (Return, PG) Daisy plans her wedding. 9.15 Optics. (Ml, R) Greta and Nicole get a board meeting date.

9.45 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

10.20 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

10.50 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R)

11.35 ABC Late News. 11.50 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 James May: Our Man In Italy: House Of Pain. (M)

8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines: Artificial Intelligence. (R) Tony Robinson explores AI.

9.20 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead: Vikings, Inca, Tel Banat. (PG) Looks at Jell Mound in Gjellstad, Norway. 10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Bonn. (Msv) 11.45 Sisi. (MA15+s, R)

2.40 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (Final, PG, R) 3.45 Employable Me (UK) (Mal, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets up with Nicole Maguire.

8.30 MOVIE: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody. (2022, Mdl) An exploration of the life and music of singer Whitney Houston, chronicling her journey from obscurity to superstardom. Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders. 11.30 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

12.00 To Be Advised.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

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6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals: Water. (PG) Looks at how air-breathing mammals live in water.

8.40 MOVIE: Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. (2021, MA15+lv, R) A bodyguard and a hitman work together. Ryan Reynolds, Salma Hayek.

11.00 MOVIE: Lions For Lambs. (2007, Mlv, R)

12.45 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

(10)

5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Mr. Fox. (2009, PG) 9.05 MOVIE: Big Momma’s

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Wheel Of Fortune UK. Game show. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Malv, R) Graham Norton is joined on the red couch by comedian Kevin Hart and actors Jodie Comer, Sofia Vergara and Alan Cumming. English singer-songwriter Tom Odell performs his single BlackFriday 10.50 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.15 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 1.25pm Question Team. 2.20 Fanatics: The Deep End. 2.50 The Inside Story. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of. 6.10 If You Are The One. 7.10 Jeopardy! 7.35 NITV News Update. 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.35 100 Vaginas. 9.30 Secrets Of Playboy. (Return) 11.15 Pose. 1.10am Hells Angels: Kingdom Come. 2.05 QAnon: The Search For Q. 2.55 Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Final Countdown. Continued. (1980, PG) 7.05 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 8.45 Skies Of Lebanon. (2020, PG, Italian) 10.30 A Most Wanted Man. (2014, M) 12.45pm Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.30 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 5.50 Mr Holland’s Opus. (1995, PG) 8.30 All The President’s Men. (1976, M) 11.05 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm No Ordinary Black. 2.00 The Casketeers. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Nanny Tuta. 3.10 Eddie’s Lil’ Homies. 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00

Saturday, March 1

Of A Lifetime. (PG, R) 4.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG, R)

Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Second Innings – Bharat Sundaresan. (R) Leigh Sales chats to Bharat Sundaresan.

6.30 Back Roads: Great Keppel, Queensland. (R) Heather Ewart visits Great Keppel Island.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025. Coverage of Australia’s largest celebration of diverse LGBTQIA+ communities from Sydney.

10.30 The Newsreader. (Mal, R) Rob makes a controversial comment on air. 11.25 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) Sunny and Jess struggle to focus on the case. 12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Love Your Home And Garden. (R) 10.00 The World From Above. (R) 11.00 BBC News At Ten. 11.30 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir. 12.00 PBS NewsHour. 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 1. Day 1. 5.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (R) 5.30 Hitler: Decoding A Dictator. (Premiere)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Wonders Of Europe: The Sacre-Coeur. (Return) 8.35 Queen Camilla: The Wicked Stepmother. Looks at the story of Queen Camilla. 9.30 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro: Bondi Coastal Walk. (PGal, R) Julia Zemiro heads to Bondi Beach. 10.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 11.25 Suspect. (MA15+av, R) 3.20 Australia Uncovered: Our African Roots. (PGa, R) 4.20 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Verry Elleegant Stakes Day and Australian Guineas Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A mystery bag contains a massive concealment.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A backpack catches the attention of officers.

7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Legacy. (2012, Mav, R) A secret agent is hunted by the government. Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz.

10.15 MOVIE: Green Zone. (2010, Malv, R) A rogue military officer uncovers a conspiracy. Matt Damon. 12.30 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 To Be Advised.

4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)

6.00 The Garden Gurus. (R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 My Way. (R) 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 1.30 Your Next Cruise. 2.00 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R) 3.00 David Attenborough’s Mammals. (PG, R) 4.00 Cherie Barber’s Tiny Home. (Premiere, PGl) 5.00 9News

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) The team help a single mum declutter her home.

8.30 MOVIE: Legally Blonde. (2001, PGls, R) A ditzy blonde enrols in a prestigious law school to woo her ex-boyfriend. Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair.

10.30 MOVIE: Magic Mike’s Last Dance. (2023, Mls) Channing Tatum.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 Let’s Eat With George. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. (s, R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 9.30 Matlock. (PGals, R) Matty and Sarah pose as family to gather information at a senior living facility facing a wrongful death suit. 10.30 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) A plastic surgeon is found dead. 11.30 FBI. (Mv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Beyond Oak Island. 2.20 Ten Year Old Tom. 2.50 Celebrity Mastermind. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 Late Life Lesbians. 6.45 The Food That Built The World. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Steven Spielberg: The New Hollywood Prodigy. 9.35 The Hunt For Hitler. 10.25 Hudson & Rex. 12.05am The X-Files. 3.25 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Tiddler. 3.55 Children’s Programs. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. 10.30 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 7.40 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 10.00 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 12.25pm Silverado. (1985, M) 2.50

Sunday, March 2

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 The World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens. (R) 3.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (PGn, R) 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. (PGl, R) 5.00 This Is Going To Be Big. (PG, R)

6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG) The mentors evaluate the teams.

8.30 The Newsreader. (Madl) Helen is blindsided by a front-page story revealing her history of mental health struggles.

9.25 Love Me. (MA15+s) Glen and Peter rescue Aaron from a drunken night out.

10.20 MOVIE: Cosi. (1996, Ml, R) Ben Mendelsohn.

11.55 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.05 Australia Remastered. (R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Love Your Home And Garden With Alan Titchmarsh. (PGa, R) 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Range Of Motion. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 1. Day 2. 5.00 Heroines. (Premiere) 5.30 Hitler: Decoding A Dictator.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Ancient Greece By Train: Athens. Professor Alice Roberts explores Greece.

8.25 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (Mav) Looks at Livia, who comes to regret the scheming that put her son Tiberius on the throne.

9.20 Legends Of The Pharaohs: Nefertiti, The Beauty Becomes Queen. (Ma, R) Takes a look at Nefertiti.

10.20 Great British Landmark Fixers: Manchester Town Hall. (R) 11.15 Elvis’ Women. (Mas, R)

2.40 Love Your Garden. (R) 3.30 Employable Me (UK) (MA15+l, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 4.45pm Gardening Australia Junior. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Octonauts And The Ring Of Fire. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.15 Speechless. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs.

2.10pm Rugby League. Murri Carnival. Replay. 3.10 Rugby League. Murri Carnival. Replay. 4.25 Black As. 4.30 Carpool Koorioke. 4.40 MOVIE: Amazing Grace. (2018) 6.10 News. 6.20 Queer & Here. 6.50 Great Lakes Wild. 7.20 First Horse. 7.30 Murder In Big Horn. 8.30 Te Puna Ora: The Source Of Life. 9.55 MOVIE: Bones Of Crows. (2022, MA15+) 12.10am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.20pm VICE. 2.15 Rites Of Passage. 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 ABC World News Tonight. 5.20 PBS Washington Week. 5.45 Domino Masters. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 10.10 WWE Legends. 11.45 Hoarders. 12.30am The X-Files. 4.05 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am

Charade. (1963, PG) 8.05 Mr Holland’s Opus. (1995, PG) 10.40 All The President’s Men. (1976) 1.10pm Whina. (2022, PG, Maori) 3.15 Sissi. (1955, German) 5.15 Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 6.55 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 8.30 Fame. (1980, M) 11.00 Sira. (2023, French) 1.15am Shiva Baby. (2020, M) 2.40 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. H’lights. 1.30 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. H’lights. 2.30 Air Crash Investigations: Special Report. (PGa, R) 3.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Melbourne Weekender. (Return, PG)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

8.40 The Hunters: The Car Bomb And The Underworld War. (Madv) Takes a look at the murder of John Furlan in 1998 by a car bomb, a crime which has never been solved.

10.15 Murder In The Outback: The Falconio And Lees Mystery. (Mdlv, R) Takes a look at Bradley Murdoch’s guilty verdict.

12.15 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)

1.15 Travel Oz. (R) 2.00 To Be Advised. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (72)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 10.30 DVine Living. 11.00 I Escaped To The Country. Noon Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 3.30 Steam Train Journeys. 4.30 I Escaped To The Country. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Extreme Railways. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGals)

8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.45 9News Late.

10.15 See No Evil: Body In The Barrel. (Mav)

11.15 The First 48: The Standoff. (Malv) 12.05 World’s Greatest Myths And Mysteries. (PGa, R)

1.00 Destination WA. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Customs. (PG, R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (92)

6am Morning Programs.

8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 Getaway. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 Skippy. 11.30 MOVIE: She’ll Have To Go. (1962, PG) 1.30pm MOVIE: The Lone Gun. (1954, PG) 3.00 MOVIE: The Horse Soldiers. (1959) 5.30 NRL Sunday Footy: Las Vegas Post-Match. 6.00 Customs. 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Gran Torino. (2008, M) 10.55 Late Programs.

6am Children’s Programs.

1.15pm MOVIE: In The Heights. (2021, PG) 4.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: The Lego Movie. (2014, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Black Adam. (2022, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Sons Of Summer. (2023, MA15+) 11.45 Gotham. 12.40am Arrow. 2.30 Surfing Aust. 3.00 Beyblade X. 4.00 Bakugan. 4.30 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 4.50 LEGO City Adventures. 5.10 LEGO Friends: The Next Chapter. 5.30 Pokémon. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Counting Cars. 11.00 Pawn Stars. Noon The Fishing Show By AFN. 1.00 Hook, Line And Sinker. 1.30 Tackling Australia. 2.00 Merv Hughes Fishing. 2.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates. 3.00 Fishing Addiction. 4.00 Motor MythBusters. 5.00 Hustle & Tow. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security.

6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 Australian Survivor. (PGl) Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia. 8.30 Matlock. (PGl) Tensions escalate when Shae collaborates with Olympia’s team, investigating stolen trade secrets at a tech startup. 9.30 FBI. (Mv) Jubal must search for the truth when his long-time confidential informant brings intel of an impending large-scale terror attack. 11.30 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

Monday, March 3

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PG, R) 10.25 MOVIE: They Shall Not Grow Old. (2018, Ma, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story. Presented by Leigh Sales.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser. 9.35 Q+A. Presented by Patricia Karvelas. 10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 Planet America. (R) 11.40 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 12.10 Grand Designs. (Ml, R) 12.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PGs, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up. (R) 9.05 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.15 Legacy List. (PG) 9.45 Victorian House Of Arts And Crafts. (R) 10.55 Revolution: Ideas That Changed The World. (PGal, R) 12.05 WorldWatch. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (PGadln, R) 3.05 Shepherdess. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain’s Beautiful Rivers. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Sicily With Michael Portillo. (PGaw)

8.25 Dan Snow’s Greatest Discoveries: Terracotta Army. (Return) Dan Snow travels to China.

9.25 Inside Sydney Airport: Holiday Surge. (PGal, R) Christmas brings extra challenges. 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Wisting. (Malsv) 12.25 A French Case. (Mav, R) 2.20 Her Majesty’s Cavalry. (Ml, R) 2.50 Employable Me (UK) (Mal, R) 3.55 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 6.55 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 The Crystal Maze. 9.25 Street Science. 9.50 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 7.35 Sissi. (1955, German) 9.35 Earth To Echo. (2014, PG) 11.15 Barry Lyndon. (1975, M) 2.40pm Charade. (1963, PG) 4.40 Sissi: The Young Empress.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 10.30 Oscars Red Carpet. (PG) 11.00 The Oscars. (PGalv) 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) Presented by Bradley Walsh. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, with judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines. 9.10 Suits L.A. (Mav) Ted needs Amanda’s help with a new prosecutor in Lester’s murder trial. Erica tries to stop Rick from poaching a client. Stuart and Samantha argue over Rick’s position in the firm.

10.10 The Oscars. (PGalv, R) From the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. 2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (PGals, R) 1.45 Innovation Nation. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The couples head to Byron Bay. 9.00 Footy Classified. (Return, Ml)

A team of footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues and controversies. 10.00 9News Late.

10.30 The Life And Murder Of Nicole Brown Simpson. (Mav) 11.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Australian Survivor. (PGl) Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia. 8.40 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv, R) A glitzy tech launch turns into a disaster, leaving half of the NCIS team trapped underground. 9.40 NCIS. (Mv, R) Torres finds himself in prison as the team tries to stop an impending terror attack.

10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm The Inside Story. 2.00 Who Gets To Stay In Australia? 3.00 Wine Lovers’ Guide. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of. 6.10 Underground Worlds. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Monty Python’s Life Of Brian. (1979, M) 10.15 The Weekly Football Wrap. 10.45 Forged In Fire. 11.35 Late Programs.

Tuesday, March 4

ABC (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australian Story. (R) 10.30 Optics. (Ml, R) 11.00 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Cook Up. (R) 9.10 Legacy List. (PG) 9.40 Victorian House Of Arts And Crafts. (R) 10.50 Revolution: Ideas That Changed The World. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (Mal, R) 3.00 The Weekly Football Wrap. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10

6.25

Correspondent.

8.30 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG) Kate Ritchie and Nazeem Hussain look at parenting.

9.20 Queerstralia: Community And Belonging. (Malns, R) Looks at how queer people must jostle for space.

10.25 The ABC Of. (Ml, R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.25 Four Corners. (R) 12.10 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.25 Q+A. (R) 1.25 Grand Designs. (Ml, R) 2.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Douglas To Port Erin. (PGa, R)

8.30 Insight. (Return) Presented by Kumi Taguchi.

9.30 Dateline: Singapore’s Toughest Prison. (Return) Adam Liaw goes inside Changi Prison. 10.00 SBS World News Late. 10.30 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 11.30 Prisoner. (MA15+av) 12.40 Fargo. (Malv, R) 2.25 Her Majesty’s Cavalry. (R) 3.20 Employable Me (UK) (PGal, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, with judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines.

9.10 The Hunting Party. (M) The team races to stop Roy Barber, also known as the Couples Killer, before he strikes again.

10.10 The Irrational. (Mav) Alec and Marisa investigate a museum heist.

12.10 Sun, Sea And Surgery. (MA15+a, R)

1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

(9)

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The couples’ retreat continues. 9.00 Madam. (MA15+ls) Following Toby’s medical scare, Mack steps back from the brothel.

10.20 Footy Classified. (Return, Ml) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues. 11.20 9News Late.

11.45 The Equalizer. (Mav, R)

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Building Ideas. (PG) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

(10)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Australian Survivor. (PGl) Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia. 8.45 NCIS. (Mv) The NCIS stages a fake wedding for two of its own in an attempt to take down the mob. 10.35 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 1.25pm VICE. 2.00 Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 2.55 Queer Sports. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of. 6.10 Underground Worlds. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News Update. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Dark Side Of Reality TV. 10.20 Black Comedy In America. 12.10am Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 1.00 Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep.

7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Deadly 60. 9.10 Foxes: Their Secret World. 10.00 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

Basketball. 8.25 Yarning Culture Through Film. 8.35 Ice Vikings. 9.30 Over The Black Dot. (Return) 10.00 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.30 MOVIE: Mekko. (2015, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs. NITV (34)

6am

Sirocco. Continued. (1951, PG) 6.50 Whina. (2022, PG, Maori) 8.55 Sissi: The Young Empress. (1956, PG, German) 10.55 Shiva Baby. (2020, M) 12.20pm Fame. (1980, M) 2.45 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 4.20 Sissi: The Fateful Years. (1957, PG, German) 6.20 From Here To Eternity. (1953, PG) 8.30 Amadeus. (1984, M) 11.30 Iron Sky 2. (2019, M) 1.10am Clean. (2021, MA15+) 2.45 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.55pm Black As.

Wednesday, March 5

Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PG) 9.40 Britain’s Biggest Dig. (PGal, R) 10.50 Revolution: Ideas That Changed The World. (PGav, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.10 Britain’s Beautiful Rivers. (PGaw, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.45 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R) 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG)

8.30 Optics. (Final, Ml) A clown car disaster creates headaches.

9.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.

9.45 Planet America.

10.20 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.20 Gold Diggers. (Mls, R) 12.15 Grand Designs. (R) 1.05 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Australia: An Unofficial History. (l) Looks at Australia in the 1970s.

8.35 The Jury: Murder Trial UK. (Mal) The defence argue John was provoked.

9.30 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+) Mayne leads the SAS into Augusta.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Blackwater. (Premiere, MA15+alv)

12.15 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlv, R) 3.20 Her Majesty’s Cavalry. (PGal, R) 3.50 Employable Me (UK) (PGal, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Hosted by Lee Mack.

8.30 The Front Bar. (Return, Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Full Sweat. (Premiere, M)

A behind-the-scenes look at the Hawthorn Football Club’s pre-season training, as they prepare for the 2025 AFL season.

11.00 Autopsy USA: John Wayne. (Return, Ma) 12.00 Covert Affairs. (Mv, R)

2.00 To Be Advised.

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 My Way. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Tipping Point Australia. (PG)

6.00 9News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 The Dog House Australia. Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 8.30 Elsbeth. (Ma) Elsbeth suspects foul play after a posh country club wedding ends in the golf cart death of the hapless groom. 9.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mav) The NCIS discovers a disturbing secret when a marine is murdered during training on the island. 10.25 10’s Late News. 10.50 The Project. (R) 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 2.15pm Cryptoland. 3.15 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of. 6.10 Underground Worlds. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News Update. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Kimi. (2022, MA15+) 10.10 Am I Being Unreasonable? (Return) 11.55 Girl, Taken. 1.40am Letterkenny. 3.05 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Abbott Elementary. (Premiere) 9.25

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The couples have two dinner parties in one night.

9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam) A woman undergoes her last IVF treatment.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R) 11.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+av, R)

12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Your Next Cruise. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

It’s time for the Friends of Fusion Garden Party

FUSION Mornington Peninsula is a local organisation supporting at-risk young people and families through housing and support for those experiencing and at-risk of homelessness.

Each year a major fundraising event is held to raise awareness and funds to ensure these vital programs can continue to be delivered.

Gemma Bell from Fusion Mornington Peninsula shared her insights. ‘Home, never just a roof over one’s head. Home is a place where we can take off the protective layers, breath and connect with self. Home as a place of healing, can only exist within community.

Fusion Mornington Peninsula has been housing and supporting our most vulnerable young people for over 40 years through a community response. Where ‘you’ as a local neighbour make a difference to those around you.

Despite today’s world appearing so chaotic with wars, housing crises, and ongoing human disconnection, we believe safety and home within community is worth fighting for, not the kind of fight where punches are thrown, but where we stand up for homes, for people who are precious - our young ones. Where we offer home and hope to those who need their community to fight for them to have a future alongside us all.’

After the success of the inaugural Garden Party last year, Fusion Mornington Peninsula are once again holding the Friends of Fusion Garden Party, on their premises where countless young people have been housed in Mount Martha. Join us on Sunday

30 March from 2.00pm to 4.30pm for an enjoyable afternoon of unicorn pony rides, interactive entertainment, and lawn games, as we all come together to support our community.

A delicious picnic will be provided by MoreISH Catering, and the Fusion team will be mixing up some lovely

mocktails. Throughout the afternoon tours of Fusion Mornington Peninsula’s facilities will be held, allowing visitors to see firsthand the vital sup

port being provided by Fusion.

Guests are in for a whole lot of dancing fun, with The Footscray Gypsy Orchestra (FgO) performing at

the Garden Party. Formed in the dark recesses of a Footscray Cafe in 2011, and led by the enigmatic Terry Cole, the FgO is a 25 member ensemble that delights, intrigues, tantalises, and enthrals with its eclectic array of songs, tunes and dances from greater Europe, the Balkans and beyond.

Hearts are made happy, feet are made to tap, and tears of joy are often shed as the FgO weaves its musical magic. It is very fitting that we are sharing the day with Neighbour Day, Australia’s celebration of community, urging everyone to connect with those around them, and reflect on the importance of social connections in their lives.

Visitors are encouraged to carpool, as there is limited parking available, and a free shuttle bus service will run from Mount Martha Uniting Church to Fusion, returning on completion of the event.

A Silent Auction will form the main fundraising element of the Garden Party and items available for bidding include jewellery, handmade quilt, BBQ gift package, vouchers for family friendly activities, photography shoots, and much more! These items have kindly been donated by many local businesses and organisations. Tickets can be purchased at morningtonpeninsula.fusion.org.au/ gardenparty/ for $55 each (general), $22 each (child under 12), $143 per family (2 general, 2 children under 12), or $495 for 10 tickets (all tickets are GST inclusive). Get in quick before tickets sell out!

Fusion gives special thanks to all the generous sponsors of the Garden Party, including Naming Rights Partner SMART Business Solutions, Major Partners Community Bank Mount Martha, Ford Frankston | Mornington | Westernport, and Pier Creative & Web, and all the donors, supporters, and volunteers.

Heat pump hot water wipes hundreds off energy bills

POWRHOUSE is a company that specialises in affordable, good quality heat pump hot water units. Tim Johnston, Powrhouse’s CEO, is proud that his company has saved customers more than $37,000 and counting (in addition to the equivalent of 1,800 trees planted from the reduced carbon emissions).

And these numbers are based on real world examples.

“Powrhouse continues to report case studies which clearly show the savings,” said Johnston.

“Vijay is saving $540 per year having installed a heat pump hot water unit, and he only has two people in his home.

“Vijay sent his energy bills for the 12 months before and 12 months after installation. The results surprised even us – Vijay’s gas bills dropped $560 per year.

“Now, we’d expect Vijay’s electricity bills to increase as the new heat pump is powered by electricity. They did increase, by only $20 per year!”

The $540 cost saving was achieved by putting Vijay’s heat pump on a timer and running it during the day when it was mostly powered by his free solar.

“We’d expect savings to be even greater for a family of four or more.”

There are currently generous rebates available making the installation of heat pumps affordable. Solar Victoria offers $1,000 off heat pump installations to eligible homeowners.

“If your hot water unit is less than five years old, I can understand you’d want to get more mileage out of it,” said Johnston.

“But many Powrhouse customers that have a unit that is ten or more years old

get on the front foot and replace their unit before it fails. These customers get the benefit of the rebates while they are around.”

Many Powrhouse customers are looking to get off gas completely. Heat pump hot water is a great place to start. Households that disconnect gas from the property will save an extra $350-$400 per year by removing the daily service fee charged by gas companies.

Powrhouse had a record number of installations in December and January, with the growing popularity of heat pumps.

“The key to heat pump hot water is choosing a good quality unit installed by a trusted provider,” said Johnston.

“You should avoid ultra cheap units advertised on Facebook and, equally, don’t pay huge amounts. Powrhouse’s standard installation price is between $1,300 and $2,000, depending on the size of the tank and the installation.

“For that upfront cost, and saving over $500 per year, its a worthwhile investment.”

Powrhouse is proud to join as an official partner of Repower Mornington Peninsula, a volunteer group dedicated to helping the Mornington Peninsula decarbonise and save residents from increasing energy bills.

Johnston is a trusted local who grew up in Mt Martha and loves visiting Mt Martha South Beach with his two young girls.

Feel free to contact Tim directly on 0401 324 961 or tim@powrhouse.au for more information and to discuss how Powrhouse can help you save.

Slash your energy bills with Heat Pump Hot Water

Powrhouse customers are saving thousands off their energy bills every year. You’re in safe hands with Powrhouse - we communicate clearly, we recommend great products and we’ll work on your house like it’s our own.

For every 10 heat pumps we sell, we donate 1 to those in need.

www.powrhouse.au

Ask these questions of election candidates

Congratulations and thank you to the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula on the excellent federal election candidate forum held on 14 February in Mornington.

Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) was very pleased to attend and hear all candidates acknowledging the critical issue of the housing and homelessness crisis on the Mornington Peninsula.

The plight of our homeless, the lack of social housing and the unfairness of housing affordability is a huge problem both for our business sector trying to attract a stable well-trained workforce, and for our community support organisations trying to find homes for people in desperate need of shelter.

The solutions to this crisis are known. It requires good leadership and hard work by our elected representatives at all levels of government. It is very clear and was emphasised by the CFMP and others that the Mornington Peninsula is not getting its fair share of federal funding. Our urgent need for new affordable housing, the provision of social housing and support for our homeless have been overlooked by successive governments for far too long.

When you meet any federal election candidates – at a street stall, door knocking, via a phone call, at events – ask them stridently the following questions:

Will you commit to:

n funding a replacement for the peninsula’s only crisis accommodation, The Ranch?

n a considerable increase in the funding of our three local community support centres to assist with their escalating case-loads?

n as an urgent priority, providing significant funding of social housing projects in our local area?

Answers to the above questions will tell you a lot about a candidate that genuinely cares about our local area and will work hard to make our community a better place to live work and raise a family.

Lyn Jones, Southern Women’s Action Network committee member

Housing

Zoe McKenzie MP as our local representative seems to taking a bet each way with her latest newsletter.

First decrying the ambition of the state government to have another 31,000 dwellings on the Mornington Peninsula.

I wonder if Zoe is aware of the challenges for people on lower incomes looking for a place to rent down here. The unavailability of affordable rental accommodation is having a significant impact on local businesses who find it hard to staff their businesses because potential staff cannot find suitable rentals here.

Then Zoe talks about the need for careful planning to support more housing, though she does not mention the word affordable.

Seems the Dutton/McKenzie approach is to provide money to developers to provide the basic services that once were part of any housing development.

Our independent candidate Ben Smith has said we do not have a housing supply problem on the peninsula, we have a housing use problem, (over 50% of houses in some areas were not occupied at the time of the census) though I haven’t heard Ben or Zoe suggest ways we address that down here.

Our new council has voted against a levy on new developments that might have helped provide affordable housing, yet I don’t see any discussion of that in Zoe’s pondering on housing.

So maybe instead of taking the NIMBY approach, Zoe and her leader could have supported Labor’s housing initiatives, including shared equity schemes and the Housing Future Fund which has already seen $ allocated to build a Women’s Shelter on the peninsula as part of the fund for social and affordable housing, instead of voting against every single housing initiative that Labor has introduced.

Marg D’Arcy, Rye

Sign of the times

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has a clear signage policy for electoral signage. “Electoral signs are permitted on private land with the owner’s consent and without the need for a planning permit, provided that: they are not displayed longer than 14 days after the event is held, or three months [total duration], whichever is sooner.”

Fence signs for Ben Smith have been popping up around Flinders since he launched his campaign in December. Zoe McKenzie is quickly catching up.

In contrast, the Labor Party waited patiently until 17 February to put up our signs for Sarah Race. 17 February is three months before the latest date for the next federal election to be held.

We expect the Liberals to flout council’s rules. But community independents say they “do politics differently”. Haven’t seen much sign of that yet in Flinders.

Marilyn Merrifield, Rye

Vote splitting

With an election looming on the horizon, is it too much to ask for a bit of integrity in what is written into the letters pages.

Two things I have always tried to do with my letters is show respect for the opinions of others and where possible, use facts to get my point across.

That being said, I also expect others to do the same and not misrepresent my opinions or the facts put forward by others. In last weeks letters (Independent, Letters 18/02/25) Ross Hudson quotes statistics from a couple of other letter writers in his letter, such as the voting percentages of the independents.

He wrote “the independents share their vote between the Labor and the coalition”. So what were the figures from Lenzo’s letter that he was quoting? Liberal 41%, Labor 53% and the Greens 55%.

Looks like somewhere between the armchair and the computer Mr Hudson dropped the piece of paper with the Greens name on it.

M. G. Free, Mt Martha

Biased media

I’m reply to Cliff Ellen (Nightly news, Letters 18/2/25). I 100% agree with you that network 7 9 and 10 have been to pro Liberals for years while find anything to make Labor look bad.

It is known that these networks are owned by Liberal supporters, just like most of the newspapers that are owned by Murdoch, a well known Liberal supporter.

It makes sense that you read the papers and they’re all pro Liberal reports and we can’t forget Sky which is also pro Liberal. These networks also avoid bring up Liberal mistakes, like Robodebt which they knew was illegal and cost stress and people lives.

Don’t forget the trillion dollar debt the Liberals put Australia in but Dutton is trying to convince you that they are better with the economy than Labor.

Wake up these networks and papers driven by self interest to get the Liberals elected at any cost.

Kerrie McCoy, Dromana

Getting noticed

Thank you Graeme Burrowes (Laugh and the world..., Letters 18/2/25). It is nice to be noticed and know that my letters are being read.

Ross Hudson, Mount Martha

The last nail?

Has the last nail been driven into the coffin of democracy? Labor’s deal with the Coalition in a record short timeline with little debate and a quick “Yes” vote on political donations and spending caps is the only thing the political duopoly have been able to agree on for a long, long time other than the politics of fear. If this is not rescinded after the next election we are condemned forever to the “democratic

dictatorship” where we are allowed to vote every once in a while to just elect the next “democratic dictatorship”.

It is more important than ever to vote Independent with all indications pointing to a minority government. Political donations and spending caps? YES! Truth in political advertising even before the election period? YES! It will never happen with the political duopoly making sure our democratic choice is stymied. Independents will hold any government to account and keep them from running amok, with a minority government they balance the books on the democratic process.

This sham has little to do with political donations and spending caps. It puts anyone other than the “democratic dictatorship duopoly” at a great disadvantage. It puts us on a path to, ultimately, a Trumpism model of “democracy”. It takes away our ability to elect anyone other than the power hungry political machines grinding us into dust in the political outback.

Hilda McLeod, Dromana

Immigration

The next question is from Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie who asks: “The PM promised he would halve migration numbers. Instead he is bringing 1.8 million more people to Australia over five years during a housing crisis with higher rents and fewer homes being built. Why won’t the prime minister apologise for his weak leadership and wrong priorities”?

Peter Dutton has articulated various positions on Australia’s immigration policy. May 2024: proposed reducing the permanent migration program by 45,000 places. If every permanent migration category were reduced to zero, they would have to deny 14,840 Australians and New Zealanders entry.

December 2023: Albanese government released a ten-year strategy aiming to reduce Australia’s annual net migration intake to 250,000 by June 2025. 110,954 are permanent vias which means cutting to 250,00 which means a big cut to billions of dollars revenues and about 500,000 jobs.

I suggest these people revisit my letter (445,600 Immigrants?, Letters 4/2/25). Blaming migration for the lack of housing supply oversimplifies a complex issue and detracts from the systemic solutions needed to resolve it.

I challenge The Sustainable Future Association, The Liberal Party and the Labor Party and also other all anti-immigrationists to reply to the data with a clear and concise proposal to reach their goals.

You can bet that’s not going to happen because they do not have a clue how to do it and just enjoy kicking a political football around the field. Imagine something improbable, then feed off the controversy. Doubt is the great divider and does not have to be true or based on fact.

I have been challenging the anti-immigrationists for at least a decade to provide their numbers to this dilemma. None have done so!

Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach

Power to the people

America seems reluctant to take our exports of aluminium and steel, leaving a lot of our production with nowhere to go if it happens.

Simultaneously, we have an enormous shortage of houses; construction material deficits being a big part of the problem.

Steel frame and concrete house construction has been around for decades. It is evolutionary and quite feasible that we stop using wood for house frames.

It would not be too difficult to draw up standards and techniques for steel frame add-on modules and components to quickly build a multitude of solid houses everywhere.

Government could assist or even instigate. We could use all of that surplus steel and possibly export it to America in a new form: pre-fab house modules.

Aluminium, too, might be used for cladding, roofing, window frames, fencing.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers wants Australian industry to happen, or so he says, and here is a very good opportunity to start some beneficial large scale manufacturing.

Don’t stop at houses, this is just the tip of the iceberg of things we could manufacture, especially if we followed America’s lead on tariffs in this apparently new world economic system.

But wait! You need lots and lots of fairly cheap electricity to power up industry on this scale. You can’t run all of those arc welders, presses, furnaces and factories on two hour

batteries or puffs of wind when the weather is very sub-optimal; nor can industry afford the extremely high price of renewable electricity as it is now, even with subsidies mostly for the voters.

So, forget industry, wealth in lieu of debt, houses, creativity, innovation,industrial might and power. It can never be done.

Unless we go nuclear in the absence of coal.

Brian A Mitchelson, Mornington

Young leader

At just 18 years old, Finn Mackay has already proven himself to be the kind of young man our society needs more (Mt Eliza teen up for community award, The News 18/2/25). Selfless, hardworking, and deeply committed to making a difference.

While some may take from their communities, Finn has chosen to give, dedicating his time to clerical work in a politician’s office and handson involvement in local initiatives.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he has been nominated for a Young Achiever Award, recognizing his dedication and integrity.

Finn stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that young people can be forces for good when given the opportunity and encouragement.

His willingness to step up, serve, and contribute speaks volumes about his character. In a world where negative stories too often dominate the headlines, young individuals like Finn restore faith in the future.

His actions remind us that real strength is found not in taking but in giving, not in causing harm, but in creating positive change.

Let us celebrate Finn Mackay – not just for what he has done, but for the example he sets for others. If we want a better world, it begins with recognizing and uplifting young people like him.

Anne Kruger, Rye

Eyes wide shut?

Antisemitism and homeless, our daily news, the latter understandable (up to a point) by way of millionaires stuffing up the market. But why religion, why not skin colour, sexuality, country of origin? Do we live among ratbags? it’s got me tossed.

Cliff Ellen, Rye

Heat pumps

Your articles under the banner Repower Mornington Peninsula are timely because of the government rebates available and the savings that can be made getting off gas.

Having recently replaced our old gas hot water service with a heat pump, I can vouch for the advice and information in the article (Heat pump hot water wipes hundreds off energy bills, The News 18/2/25).

Our gas bills in recent times have been astronomical mainly due to heating. Using split system heat pumps to replace the ducted gas and another heat pump to heat the hot water has saved over $1000 per year – and the house is on the small side.

I am staggered how efficient the new heat pumps are. Together with government rebates, the units should pay for themselves in around five years.

While the induction hob is not so much of a financial saving, it is a delight to use, especially to clean and so much healthier and safer.

In the same way we look back at heating our living rooms and hot water with briquettes as obsolete, I am sure in a few years we will think the same about gas.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn

Best sandwich applauded

Some time ago I thought about submitting a letter complaining about all the whingers who monopolise these pages, but then I realised that by having a whinge about the whingers I would only be contributing to the whingefest.

Imagine my surprise upon reading Lance Rickard’s letter (Best sandwich, Letters 18/2/25) where he declared he had ordered a toasted pastrami sandwich with pickles and cheese from a sandwich bar in Mornington, and he stated the sandwich was the best he had ever eaten.

Mr. Rickard is completely out of kilter in making such a statement, and will be widely condemned, but for my part, I heartily applaud his cheery positivity.

Reading his letter was like gazing upon a field of sunflowers.

Tony Nemaric, Somerville

100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...

Friday Night’s Sudden Storm - High velocity wind and dust

Compiled by Cameron McCullough SHORTLY after seven o’clock on Friday night last, a storm of more than average violence swept over Frankston. During the afternoon the heavy clouds presaged that an abnormal change in the weather was imminent, but beyond an occasional shower, nothing transpired until later, as already stated.

Then, and almost without premonition, the storm burst in all its fury. Dust, which had been lying dormant for days, was swept along the thoroughfares of usually peaceful Frankston; doors in houses banged in unison; open windows rattled ominously and cleanly people rushed to close them.

The gale continued to increase in velocity, then, above the turmoil that raged in the heavens, the fire bell rang. No, the members of the local corps were not again testing it on the new tower as they had done the previous evening – it was a real fire this time, the glare of a conflagration over in the direction of Oliver’s Hill, confirmed the alarm which had been sounded.

Inquiries promptly elicited through “The Standard’s” source of intelligence, gleaned the information that a portion of the scrub near Plummer’s Avenue, was ablaze, which, however, the brigade managed to quell before much damage had been done.

Following a series of minor mishaps, consumers of electric current, who had switched on the light, found that it had failed, and many places were plunged into a seeming abyss of darkness.

Oil lamps and candles were brought into requisition, and as of yore, did yeoman service.

Subsequently the telephone service –

far from being what it should be at any time – became disorganised, and any attempt to obtain a connection was, for the most part, doomed to failure.

About 4am (Saturday) the gale, which had been fluctuating from low to high pressure, reached its zenith.

Truly, the storm of its kind, and in consequence of an unexpected violence, may be classed as having been phenomenal.

***

Midnight Chase at Frankston. Local Police Pursue Motorists.

“Beer, beer, glorious beer,” but this time it was gin. Late on Monday night last, gin bottles hurled to the road and footpath from a Melbourne-bound motor car, as it sped through Frankston, resulted in a 60-mile-an-hour chase, which ended at midnight in a capture at Cheltenham.

Senior-Constable Elliott, on duty, lost no time in obtaining a six-cylinder Buick from the Frankston Motor Garage, and then the fun started.

It was a race for life after the vanishing car – a Buick four. A short distance past the Carrum bridge, over which flashed the members of the “blue brigade” at 55 miles an hour, the offending party was overtaken.

As the front car slewed across the roadway, a smash was narrowly averted.

At Cheltenham the first car stopped suddenly with engine seizure, through, it is surmised, overheating.

Two men and two women were in the car. The men were detained, and the names of the women taken.

At the Frankston Court yesterday, as reported elsewhere in this issue, a series of alleged charges were preferred

against the men.

The two women will be proceeded against by summons.

Tempus fugit.

into the matter of the Municipal Log pertaining to creating a combined position as Shire Secretary and Engineer, likewise other offices.

***

The superior and would-be intelligence of some of our civic fathers, especially those who have been in oflice for a period of years, and should know better than to blatantly contend that they are making assertions, and citing authorities in accordance with fact, occasionally baffles description.

Alternatively, it is pleasing to record that in so far as the Frankston and Hastings Shire Council is concerned, there are younger and more mentally robust councillors in whom the ratepayers, as a whole, may, at all times, place implicit confidence in relation to discerning wherein the hitherto flawless element (so deemed) prevails.

In this paramount regard, and treating or analysing the subject under review from it the purely impartial standpoint, as well as in the public interests – seeing it is “John Citizen” who is called upon to pay the piper – we desire to allude to quite recent happenings at the Council table.

In short, last Monday night a special meeting was held with the object of further discussing the new appointments to be created in the office staff personnel.

A full and authentic report of the proceedings was duly published in Wednesday’s issue of “The Standard.”

To those who carefully perused the report in question, it must have appealed to them that the debate which ensued was of a somewhat fluctuating kind, even in the abstract.

Previously, a committee, consisting of Crs. Alden, McCulloch and Wells, went

This triple entente met in conclave, when, as it later transpired, they ascertained that if a combined office were established in the direction as indicated aforesaid, the salary would be £555 per annum, plus 50 per cent., namely, £832 per year.

Hence, finding themselves between the devil and the deep sea, metaphorically speaking, they decided to convene a special meeting of their confreres-inoffice.

In the early stages of this sitting, Cr. Bradbury maintained that from an authoritative source, he had gleaned the information whereby, under the 1923 Log the services of a combined officer could be obtained for the sum of £555 per annum.

The president (Cr. May) interpolated with the remark: “That puts a different complexion on the matter,” but Cr McCulloch averred that the committee had “gone very carefully into the subject of the Log.” Further; Cr. Alden said: “We’ve got the Log here right enough. It is official; Cr. Bradbury’s is not official.”

The Tyabb representative was evidently indignant at the idea of Mt. Eliza’s energetic councillor having taken the precaution of probing the issue at stake, for he added: “He had no authority to go seeking information.”

We feel confident that the ratepayers will applaud the action of Cr. Bradbury, for since then he and Crs. Pratt and Miles have made exhaustive and timely investigations into the actual ruling of the latest Municipal Log, to which

Cr. Bradbury referred at the special meeting.

It has now been conclusively proved that the salary in a dual capacity is £555, and that the document, erroneously quoted by Cr. Alden and supported by Cr. McCulloch, was the original claim.

Truly “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing,” but, apparently, in the hands of Crs. Alden and McCulloch it spells disaster; is a hopeless waste of valuable time, perpetuates the prevailing mania for lengthy and unprofitable debates; moreover, momentarily staggers the credulity of those possessed of a forensic mind and a clear vision.

Lastly, it is the province of a Shire Secretary to advisedly direct the members of the Council when they are prone to trip over obstacles, and put them on the right path of procedure.

His lot, like that of a policeman; may not be “a happy one” – to quote the “late Gilbert – nevertheless, duty is duty.

***

MR. W. E. Thomason, of Frankston, has returned home after spending a truly sporting time at Kerang, during the duck season.

Mr. Thomason, who on his trip was accompanied by his wife, travelled by motor car to Kerang, via Gisborne. He found the roads very bad all the way, and came back through Heathcote, where good roads and beautiful scenery prevail.

Mr. Thomason computed that the distance traversed, from Frankston to Kerang, was 220 miles.

***

From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 25 & 27 Feb 1925

PUZZLE ZONE

Secretes

Be brave enough 14. Leafy side dishes

Comforting squeeze

Parsley or mint

Innate

Riled

Chesspiece

Wild pig

Surpass

Hawaiian garlands

By Stuart McCullough

I’M not afraid to say it – I was wrong. In fact, I’ll go further – I was spectacularly wide of the mark and profoundly mistaken when I brazenly, if not recklessly suggested that the world order would be upended, and any sense of global stability would sink into a soup of self-inflicted chaos under President Donald Josephat Trump.

Rather than spiralling into a pit of turmoil and pettiness, we have, instead, witnessed the glorious resurrection of a once-great Nation. It’s not just what he’s done so far that’s fantastic, it’s what he’s going to do next that’s truly exciting.

Next week, President Trump will sign an Executive order banning the use of prime numbers. To those who would argue that such an action might be divisive, I would simply point out that this is impossible, as not being divisive is kind of what prime numbers are all about.

This is a move that’s long overdue – the refusal of prime numbers to play nicely with the other digits marks them out as elitist and, as such, they must be eliminated.

Granted it may have a minor effect on inconsequential things like computer programming and mathematics more broadly, but it’s a small price to pay (and either Mexico or Canada should pay it).

Eyeball hollows

Large vase

Survived

Simpleton

and President Trump had installed himself both as the Board Chair and its principal dancer. His debut performance will consist of a three-hour version of ‘YMCA’. A lot of people are saying that it’s the greatest dance routine they’ve ever had the good fortune to bear witness to, and who are we to disagree?

We can expect a complete overhaul of the performance program. Gone are ballets and operas, replaced by proper cultural pursuits like championship wrestling and hot dog eating competitions. About time.

Tired of fumbling around for the correct change? Not anymore!

After dispensing with the penny, the President’s next big move will be to abolish regular currency altogether and make a permanent shift to crypto. Sound confusing? If so, then you’re part of the problem and should immediately hand yourself in.

Golf will remain an Olympic sport.

In fact, golf will remain as the only Olympic sport and team USA will comprise of one person and one person only, Donald J. Trump. Having other countries win medals represents a serious trade imbalance that must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

www.lovattspuzzles.com

See page 41 for solutions.

tion, losers. One tier avoids needless waste. This is a key philosophical shift, where the new administration refuses to recognise mediocrity with the notable exception of cabinet appointments.

If you thought that annexing foreign lands would end with Canada, Panama, Greenland and Gaza, think again. Tuesday mornings will now be devoted to a lottery in which the next country to join America will be chosen.

But it’s not all take, take, take. In the interests of fairness, the administration is selling (or, at least, selling out) Ukraine by redefining notions of sovereignty to whatever takes Vladimir Putin’s fancy at the time. You may ask why I’m writing about another country. It’s often said that when America sneezes, Australia catches a cold. Or, given that we’re talking about Donald Trump, if America sneezes, Australia needs a visit to the GP and a dose of penicillin. It may well be I’m reacting to the ‘shock and awe’ of the last few weeks. But stability in government is a good thing and, dare I say it, entertainment is to be avoided. My hope is that the current madness is a phase, but it seems unlikely. There seems to be no boundary that won’t be breached, no gutter that won’t be danced in. I am now counting down the remaining one thousand four hundred and thirty days of the remaining term and crossing my fingers that there isn’t a Constitution-defying third. Here’s hoping. stuart@stuartmccullough.com One month down, two hundred

After the glorious triumph that was the unilateral decision to rename ‘The Gulf of Mexico’ as ‘The Gulf America’, it’s high time to take the next logical step. The song ‘Spanish Harlem’ by Ben E. King will, here forthwith be known as ‘American

Harlem’, ‘English Ham’ will now be known as ‘American Ham’ and ‘the Dutch Oven’ will be done away with completely.

By Executive Order, the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ will be replaced by a Kid Rock song. I’m not sure which Kid Rock song and I doubt that it matters.

If there was a defining issue in last year’s election, it was undoubtedly concerns over the leadership of the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts. And so it was that an anxious nation was delivered the glorious news that the Board had been sacked

That’s why nations seeking to compete in the Olympics will be confronted with (naturally) an Olympic-sized tariff as a means of either evening up the competition or, preferably, eliminating it altogether.

Obviously, podiums will have to be redesigned to have one tier only (for the winner), disposing of the tiers for second and third place getters which are both unnecessary and distasteful, given that these people are, by defini-

scoreboard

Langy bowlers up for the task, Rosebud wins again

By Brodie Cowburn

PROVINCIAL

LANGWARRIN and Pines remain neck-and-neck in the race for top spot after they both locked up wins last weekend.

Langwarrin defeated Baden Powell at Lloyd Park on Saturday. The Kangaroos bowled out Baden Powell for 182 to successfully defend their day one total of 263.

Opener Daniel Di Paolo was dismissed for a duck at the start of the innings - Baden Powell couldn’t recover from their poor start.

Jake Prosser starred for Langwarrin, finishing the day with figures of 6/45 off 25 overs.

Langwarrin finished the round on top of the ladder. They are six points ahead of Pines, who beat Red Hill at Eric Bell Reserve last weekend.

Pines scored 184 runs on day one of the two-day match. On day two their bowlers proved up to the task, bowling out Red Hill for 120.

Jordan Dowell and Declan Jackson each took four wickets for Pines. Pat Jackson took the remaining two wickets.

Sorrento defeated Dromana at home on Saturday. Heatherhill chased down Old Peninsula’s total of 254 with five balls left to spare at Peninsula Grammar to close out the weekend.

PENINSULA

ROSEBUD continued their winning ways against Seaford at Olympic Park last weekend.

The ladder leaders were tasked with chasing down a target of 153 on day two of their clash with Seaford. Rosebud survived a minor middle order collapse to claim a three-wicket win.

James Egan top-scored for Rosebud with 43. Skipper Patrick Nagel helped guide his side over the line with an unbeaten 31 from 64 deliveries.

Somerville fell just short of a victory against Moorooduc on Saturday.

Chasing 244 to win, Somerville was in the hunt all day. They ended up all out for 225, 19 runs short of a result.

First drop batter Jack Barbour gave his all for Somerville - he scored 87 runs.

Mornington picked up a comfortable seven-wicket win over Long Island away from home on Saturday. Mt Eliza’s comfortable win over Seaford Tigers was also confirmed on day two of their match.

DISTRICT

CARRUM battled bravely on Saturday, but couldn’t quite chase down a big target set for them by Carrum Downs.

Carrum Downs scored 270 runs on day one - Robert Johnston top scored with an unbeaten 112 from 120 deliveries.

Carrum pushed hard on day two, but couldn’t get over the line. A middle order partnership between Liam Hulett and John Mitchell was the highlight.

After 67 overs Carrum was bowled out for 259. Josh Dinger and Gordon Waterfall each took three wickets for Carrum Downs.

Balnarring were comfortable win-

ners over Flinders last weekend. Boneo and Main Ridge closed out the round with wins over Baxter and Crib Point respectively.

SUB DISTRICT

DELACOMBE Park finished up the round in first place after a dominant win over Skye at home last weekend.

On day one of their match with Skye, Delacombe Park was bowled out for 190 runs. Their bowlers ran riot on day two, preventing Skye from getting near their target.

Skye was left all out for just 95 runs on Saturday. Lucas Christides took 3/22, and Flyyn Walker, Max Sherry, and Ben Bradley Bridge took two wickets each.

NOT even a century from Old

Tyabb, Frankston YCW, Rye, and Tootgarook are all equal on 96 points between second and fifth spot on the ladder with two rounds left to play. Frankston YCW celebrated a comfortable win over Ballam Park on Saturday. At Ferrero Reserve, Mt Martha succumbed to defeat against Rye. Tyabb dominated Tootgarook, chasing down a paltry target of 84 with ease.

WOMENS DIV ONE

TOORADIN closed out their homeand-away season with another win last Sunday.

Tooradin will go into finals in first place after going 11-1 in the 2024/2025 season. They added another win to their record last weekend at home against Balnarring.

Aimee Melford top-scored for Tooradin with 66 runs. She helped her side reach 2/148 from their 30 overs.

Balnarring skipper Jemma Reynolds made a good start, scoring 23 from 21 balls, but her dismissal was the beginning of the end.

Balnarring was bowled out for 81 runs. The result saw them finish the season in fourth place.

Somerville head into the finals from second spot after a dominant eightwicket win over Seaford Tigers. Rye wrapped up third spot with a comfortable victory over Carrum Downs. A century from Rhiannon Hewitt helped Crib Point lock up a big win over Delacombe Park on Sunday. The Magpies finished the year in fifth spot on the ladder. The result left Delacombe Park stranded in last place.

MORNINGTON sit third on the Peninsula ladder after making Long Island's total of 130 with the loss of three wickets. Charlie Parker carried his bat through the innings finishing on 76 not out assisted by Ryan Smith on 22 not out. Picture: Alan Dillon

Peninsula’s Justin Grant (pictured) could secure a win against Heatherhill.

Picture: Paul Churcher

Mount Martha Yacht Club hosts successful state championship

THE Mount Martha Yacht Club has celebrated the successful hosting of the 50th Victorian Sabre Championship over the weekend of 15- 16 February.

The event attracted 87 Sabre sailors, with participants hailing from various parts of Victoria, as well as interstate competitors from South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and Queensland.

“Despite challenging weather conditions, the MMYC volunteers showcased exceptional dedication and expertise,” the club’s Marshall Bickford said.

“Saturday’s races were postponed due to squally winds and rough seas, but Sunday saw the successful completion of four races amidst strong winds and passing weather fronts.”

Bickford said the fleet demonstrated resilience and skill, supported by cub’s proficient safety boat teams.

“The shifty wind conditions led to a dynamic competition, with a mix of race leaders throughout the day, culminating in a tightly contested top ten, culminating in a tightly contested top ten.”

Mark Bloom from Darling Point Sailing Squadron in Queensland took out first place in the championship while second place was claimed by Hamish Cowell from Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, followed by Alan Riley from McCrae Yacht Club in third.

Notably, Philippa Danks from Blairgowrie was the first female finisher, placing 13th overall, and the first youth sailor was Harry Schlager from Black Rock Yacht Club, who finished 18th overall.

Bickford said the Sabre class continued to thrive, boasting the largest state championship fleet of any dinghy class in Australia. Renowned for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere, the class attracts sailors aged 14 to 80, with a commendable 25 per cent female participation at championship events.

The club is dedicated to fostering sailing in Mount Martha and surrounding districts, offering a range of programs for all ages and skill levels. For more information about Mount Martha Yacht Club and its programs, visit www.mmyc.org.au.

Lifesaver receives award for dedicated service

By Brendan Rees

GUNNAMATTA Surf Life Saving Club’s Jill Douglas has been awarded a Life Saving Victoria national medal recognising her 15 years of dedicated service.

The award, which is part of Australia’s national honours system, acknowledges those who “risk their lives to protect or assist the community in enforcement of law or in times of emergency or natural disaster”.

Recipients must have served a minimum of 30 patrol hours per year over 15 years to be eligible for the medal.

Douglas, who is one of the club trainers and assessors and the junior bronze lifesaver camp coordinator, expressed her commitment to volunteering was not about accolades but “changing lives”.

“I love training the young kids that come into the club,” she said.

“I see them sort of coming all very nervous, a bit tentative, and by the end of it they really make solid friendships.”

Douglas teaches new skills to a group of about 24 young people aged over 14.

Although a Mont Albert North resident, her interest in lifesaving was sparked after her daughters were involved in nippers on the peninsula and noticed there was also an adult’s bronze camp.

She has not looked back since, noting she

particularly loved that all club members “looked after everyone”.

“Some of my friends saw me involved, so they decided they would also do their bronze medallion together with their children, so I have an amazing patrol group which makes patrolling an enjoyable activity.”

Two of Douglas’ daughters went on to become lifeguards with her 21-year-old still actively involved in patrolling along the peninsula.

Speaking of the award, she said “It’s absolute honour,” but was quick to recognise other dedicated and long-serving volunteers at the club including Ray Webb who has racked up 58 years as an active lifesaver with Gunnamatta, and the club’s president Donna Watt having notched up 33 years’ service.

Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club will be celebrating its 60th anniversary next year with some of the original volunteer members still involved in the club today.

“Gunnamatta is fortunate to have over 100 volunteer patrollers in this current summer season, who contribute to the depth of our five experienced patrolling teams including 19 active members,” club secretary Barry Williams, who also congratulated Douglas, said.

“The club has a proud history of serving the beach going public with over 5200 rescues by volunteer lifesavers since the inception of the club.”

EIGHTY-seven Sabre sailors competed in the championship at Mt Martha. Picture: Supplied

GUNNAMATTA Surf Life Saving member Jill Douglas (right) with the club’s president Donna Watt.

Picture: Supplied

Cup clashes steal the show

SOCCER

By Craig MacKenzie

ROSEBUD v Mornington and Peninsula Strikers v Banyule City are the marquee match-ups in this weekend’s second preliminary round of the 2025 Australia Cup.

Rosebud and Strikers go in to these sudden-death ties as underdogs but they won’t make life easy for their more-fancied opponents.

Many Rosebud players have ties with Mornington having come through the club’s juniors and played in the reserves and in most instances they have moved on in order to gain senior playing time.

What an opportunity this clash presents to showcase their talent to their former club.

Remarkably 18 of Rosebud’s senior squad have been involved with Mornington at various levels.

They are: Jack Wyer, Sebastian Siegl, Louie Bisogni, Ben Symonds, Barney Johnson, Ethan Hunt, Sam Ruddy, Sean Smith, Connor Wharton, Alfie Harris, Nathan Yole, Callum Hughes, Harry Wyer, Hamish Budgen, Josh Lyall, Kai Robinson, Enzo Rosenblum and Ethan Sanderson.

Saturday’s Olympic Park tie is a potential banana skin for Adam Jamieson’s side and the Mornington gaffer was unsure of how he would approach the clash as we went to press.

“Not sure how we are going to go about this one yet as our main focus is the league,” Jamieson said.

“We have had a few injuries over the last few weeks and we need to make sure that we are all ready for March 22.”

It’s expected that Jamieson will field an under-23 squad as he has done in previous Australia Cup ties.

One player who may not be wearing a Seagulls strip is English veteran Nick McKoy who agreed terms with Mornington early last month.

It’s believed that the club is having an issue registering McKoy who was given a life ban in 2014 for match-fixing when playing with Southern Stars but later had the ban overturned.

Mornington has sought legal advice regarding the situation.

Rosebud head coach Stuart Johnson was an interested onlooker at Mornington’s friendly with Clifton Hill last weekend and welcomed the challenge of facing a much higher-ranked opponent.

“We go into the game as massive underdogs and it’s a good benchmark for our boys to see where they are individually,” Johnson said.

Young guns: Rosebud midfielders Barney Johnson (left) and Ben Symonds will line up against former club Mornington in Saturday’s big Cup tie at Olympic Park. Pictures: Darryl Kennedy

“Most importantly it’s going to be a great night for football on the peninsula with hopefully a great crowd.”

State 2 promotion hopeful Strikers are pitted against a State 1 opponent that has splashed the cash in the offseason and made it clear that it is targeting an NPL spot.

Banyule finished fourth last season and immediately embarked on a recruiting campaign that has netted a host of players with NPL experience including midfielders Nicholas Voulgaris and Evan Christodoulou, defender James Riccobene and wingers Nicholas Sette and Matt Lazaridis.

This may be the biggest test Strikers face this season and they do so without Campbell Steedman (absent) and injured duo Jamie Davidson (hamstring) and Noah Musso (ankle hairline fracture).

However news that winger Matt Harrington’s international clearance came through last week is a welcome boost for the home side.

Saturday’s midfield battle is intriguing given Strikers’ strength in that area where Wayne Gordon, Ethan Goulding, Danny Brooks and Jaiden Madafferi all have played at NPL

Sudoku and crossword solutions

level.

Strikers gaffer Scott Morrison expects a contest that will test his men to their limits.

“Banyule presents a great challenge for us and exactly what we need right before the season starts,” Morrison said.

“They have signed a lot of top NPL players and are full of quality so it’s great for us to go up against that and see where we are at.

“We will go in as strong as we can albeit that we’re missing a few through injury or being away but that also presents opportunities to boys to prove themselves in a tough game before Round 1.”

Last week Football Victoria released the official State League fixtures for 2025 and three local derbies highlight the season launch.

Round one kicks off on Friday 21 March when Chelsea and Mentone meet under lights at Edithvale Recreation Reserve at 8.30pm.

All other matches take place on Saturday 22 March: Gippsland Utd v Mornington, Baxter Park (Warragul) 3pm; Peninsula Strikers v St Kilda, Centenary Park 3pm; Berwick City v

Skye Utd, Jack Thomas Reserve 3pm; Rosebud v Frankston Pines, Olympic Park 6pm; Somerville Eagles v Springvale City, Westernport Secondary College 3pm; Monash University v Baxter, Monash University Playing Fields 3pm; Seaford Utd v Mount Martha, North Seaford Reserve 3pm; Mount Eliza v Bunyip District, Emil Madsen Reserve 3pm; Barton Utd v Aspendale, Barton Recreation Reserve, 3pm.

Last week’s friendly results: Peninsula Strikers reserves 6 (Sean Benz 2, Jack McKernan 2, Nave Yoresh, Hayden Schreck) Mount Martha 0; Endeavour Utd 3 Skye Utd 2 (Elliott Craig, Tapiwa Kufakurowa); Casey Comets 3 Chelsea 2 (Daniel Vella 2); Mornington 4 (Kieran Dover, James Kelly, Tom Wood, James Clark) Clifton Hill 0; Baxter 1 (Hassan Nazari) Middle Park 4; Gippsland Utd 9 Skye Utd 4 (Jason Nowakowski, Elliott Craig, Tapiwa Kufakurowa, Triallist); Frankston Pines 1 (Triallist) Dandenong South 4.

This week’s VPL1 round 4: Saturday 1 March

Langwarrin v Brunswick City, Lawton Park, 7pm

Australia Cup second preliminary round:

Saturday 1 March

Mentone v Mazenod, Darebin International Sports Centre, 3pm

Aspendale v Melton, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, 5.30pm Burwood City v Skye Utd, Burwood East Reserve, 3pm

Peninsula Strikers v Banyule City, Saturday 1 March, Centenary Park, 12 noon

Mount Eliza v Balmoral, Saturday 1 March, Emil Madsen Reserve, 3pm Keilor Park v Baxter, Saturday 1 March, Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, 3pm Rosebud v Mornington, Saturday 1 March, Olympic Park, 6.30pm Monday 3 March

Somerville Eagles v North Caulfield, Olympic Park, 7.30pm

This week’s local friendlies (check social media to confirm kick-off times):

Saturday 1 March

Casey Panthers v Chelsea, Prospect Hill Reserve, 12 noon & 2pm Frankston Pines v Mount Martha, Monterey Reserve, 12 noon.

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