NEWS DESK
View to learning SINCE it started in 2019, the Southern Peninsula VIEW Club has grown from 35 to 84 members. The club’s sponsorship of students through its Learning for Life program - its core money-raising activity - has increased from two to nine students, ranging from prep through to VCE. Club president Mandy Kiklis said the club believed that helping disadvantaged children succeed at school could have a lasting impact on their lives and potential generations to come. Currently, VIEW clubs across Australia sponsor more than 1680 students. VOICE Interests Education of Women (VIEW) is a network of about 300 clubs and more than 1400 women throughout Australia. The organisation provides a place for women to connect in the community, enjoy social activities and develop lasting friendships while supporting the work of the children’s charity The Smith Family. The Smith Family is the largest community sponsor of the Learning for Life program that provides students with financial, educational and personal support. The peninsula VIEW club has also donated to special appeals by the Smith Family. “Joining a VIEW club is an excellent way to both support a great charity and also to develop friendships along the way,” Kiklis said. The Southern Peninsula VIEW Club meets on the morning of the second Thursday of the month followed by a lunch option. In 2024 members will be meeting at Eagle Ridge Golf Club , Browns Road, Boneo. For further details email southernpeninsula.view@gmail.com
On the run for mental health Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au ATTEMPTING 50 kilometres a day for 50 days is a challenge that would make even the bravest of runners hesitate, but for Somerville man Connor Scott it was a mission with a purpose. Scott took on the challenge to raise money for Mornington charity Speak & Share because he backs what the charity does for young people. “I wanted to be able to help challenge the stigmas of mental illness and help this charity work on proactive responses,” he said. From 15 October to 3 December, no matter the weather or the pain level, Scott donned his running shoes and took to the track. “I love what the boys at Speak & Share do … when I was younger I had no idea what mental health looked like until it was too late,” he said. “I fell into a deep depression with crippling anxiety following some life-changing events and I had no idea how to handle it or describe what was happening. “In my mind, I’d lost the plot. I was having constant panic attacks, was struggling to get out of bed and felt like I’d lost all sense of self. “I couldn’t bring myself to talk to anyone because I felt scared of being judged and honestly I thought I was the only person going through it.” Sott said that after 18 months of continuing to sweep it under the rug, it became too much, and led to him attempting suicide. “Once I did reach out to a couple of mates, I realised I wasn’t alone, that I wasn’t weak and that others were going through it, too,” he said. He said the resulting support he received from friends and family, psychologists, counsellors and coaches have all had a huge impact on his life. “I can happily say I’ve had the best year of my life so far. Back then, I never thought I’d be in the position that I am now. I never thought it
Daily run: Connor Scott has run 2500 kilometres for charity Speak & Share. Picture: Yanni
would pass.” Scott said he knew it was important to empower others to speak up about their mental health. To let people know that “it will pass”. From needing ice packs to treat his many aches and pains and some torn quads, plus lots of extra meals to keep his weight from dropping too much, Scott – a physiotherapist - has suffered (albeit happily) for his quest. “There were many days when I really had to
challenge myself to run 50 kilometres before work. I won’t say it was easy, but it’s been an amazing journey,” he said. Scott’s GoFundMe page is still open, and he is aiming to raise $50,000 for Speak & Share to provide 2500 young people with the opportunity to learn about how the vulnerability is “an act of courage, not weakness”. To donate got to gofundme.com/f/connors50km-for-50-days.
GIFT AN EXPERIENCE FOR CHRISTMAS WHAT could be better than a present that will always be remembered? Giving the gift of a live theatre experience is a gift that keeps on giving. In addition to being captivating in the moment, a great performance can create memories that last a lifetime. It’s the perfect gift for anyone because there are so many wonderful shows to choose from. Whether it be drama, dance, comedy, cabaret, circus, music or family fun, Frankston Arts Centre is your ticket to great gift giving. For lovers of theatre, musical or dramatic, the choices are varied and truly fantastic. Start by ringing in the new year with the ever-popular PLOS Musical Productions’ singing, dancing, musical rendition of Catch Me if You Can. Kids and adults alike will be delighted when Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat hits the stage with rhythm and rhyme for a jolly good time. Season 2024 officially kicks off with The Sunshine Club, a feel good 1940s Australian musical about an Aboriginal returned soldier who comes home to find some things haven’t changed. He decides to do something positive about it. The Visitors, a thought-provoking Aboriginal drama about one of the most impactful days in Australian history is sure to move its audience. Rounding out the theatre season is a jazzy new show called The Tap Pack that will have audiences snapping their fingers and tapping their feet to beats from the 1950s to the noughties. Comedy fans will be laughing out loud
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Southern Peninsula News
at the madcap antics of The Umbilical Brothers when they return to Frankston for their Distraction tour. Live music lovers are in for a treat with a stellar line up starting with Dancing in the Shadows of Motown featuring an 11-piece band playing the hits of Motown legends. Rock fans will dig The Zepplin UnLedded: Page and Plant Years. The Beach Boys Experience brings classic Californian beach vibes. The Piano Men: The Songs of Elton John & Billy Joel showcases two of the all-time greatest singer-songwriters. Australia’s Southern Sons celebrate 35 years in the spotlight. Respect – The Aretha Franklin Story returns by popular demand. The World of Musicals is sure to uplift. The Michael Jackson HIStory is a dazzler. Creedence Clearwater Collective share their swamp rock/ country songs. Leaving Jackson: The Johnny Cash Story will likely sell out again. Finally, The Madonna Show, will highlight the music and iconic fashions of the mighty Madge. There is something for everyone! Dance enthusiasts are certain to be enchanted by Victorian State Ballet’s performances of two iconic classics. Sleeping Beauty, one of the world’s most famous love stories will put the audience under its spell. Snow White adds a dash of humour and drama in this traditional fairy tale performed in its full-length version. Don’t know what to choose? Get a gift card instead! For more details, visit thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060. 6 December 2023
