Southern Peninsula
THIS WEEKEND 17–19 JANUARY
VILLAGE GREEN, ROSEBUD
VICTORIA’S BIGGEST OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVAL SET TO LIGHT UP THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA THIS SUMMER
The iconic Peninsula Film Festival is set to dazzle the Mornington Peninsula this summer when it returns for its 14th edition from January 17-19.
The annual event, taking place over three days, will include special screenings, filmmaking workshops and the highlight of the program, the Short Film Festival. With up to 20 short films from local and national creatives, it is Victoria’s biggest outdoor film festival.
Festival Director Steve Bastoni said, “We are thrilled to see what emerging filmmakers Australia-wide are producing and look forward to unearthing some fresh new talent under the watchful eye of our stellar judging panel, which would have to be one of our strongest ever.
“Attendees can expect a rich program featuring incredible screenings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to celebrate the art of cinema.’’
The short film festival is the centrepiece of the festival. Presented by Lexus of Brighton, it screens under the stars near the shores of Rosebud beach on Saturday, January 18. The event is a film buff’s delight as well as a feast for the senses, with food trucks, market stalls, local music performer Maddison Daniels and emerging local musician, Lily Clancy plus wine and beer vendors. Australian film and TV stars, including Michala Banas, Doris Younane, Shane Jacobson, Gary Sweet, Simone Buchanan and Stephen Curry, along with director Ivan O’Mahoney, will judge the short-film festival. The director of the winning film takes home the $5000 cash top prize.
The festival will launch at Rosebud Cinema on Friday, January 17 from 7pm with the screening of Unbreakable, the true story of tennis star Jelena Dokic’s survival and, ultimately, ascension to the sport’s world No.4 ranking.
General admission to the SATURDAY Peninsula Film Festival tickets start at just $10pp, with group tickets available for as little as $7pp.
Tickets are available via peninsulafilmfestival.com.au or on the gate on the day (unless sold out prior).
The film details how she triumphed by defying extraordinary odds in the form of poverty and bullying. The screening will be followed by drinks and nibbles and a Q&A with Ivan O’Mahoney, one of the film’s directors.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said “The Allan Labor Government is proud to back this much-loved festival through the Regional Events Fund and VicScreen. Peninsula Film Festival has become an annual pilgrimage for thousands of film lovers and an important professional development event for emerging and established filmmakers. This festival kicks off Victoria’s screen calendar in style and I hope all visitors and locals enjoy the festival and everything this stunning region has to offer.”
Festival Director Steve Bastoni is excited to announce a new partnership with Beyond Blue who will support the Mental Health Category at the Saturday event. Georgie Harman, CEO of Beyond Blue says, “We are delighted to partner with the Peninsula Film Festival to sponsor the Mental Health Category Award this year. It is great to see the topic of mental health put in the spotlight because we know first-hand how powerful storytelling can be to increase understanding and reduce stigma towards mental health conditions. We greatly appreciate the focus the Peninsula Film Festival has placed on mental health and letting audiences know about Beyond Blue’s free support service that is available 24/7, right around Australia.
The festival concludes on Sunday, January 19, with a workshop for budding filmmakers to get expert advice on making their own short films in a hands-on workshop with some of Australia’s leading exponents. This session will be at Rosebud Cinemas from 1pm-5pm and is facilitated by AACTA and ARIA nominated filmmakers, Peninsula locals Anthony Littlechild and Liam Kelly.
“Based on the success of last year’s workshop, we are bringing back Liam and Anthony to provide insight into the filmmaking process,” said Bastoni.
Supported by the Victorian Government through the Regional Event Fund.
Full details and tickets are available at peninsulafilmfestival.com.au
Pre-purchased tickets get priority entry from 5pm, on the day gate sales start from 5:30pm.
Friday Jan 17: Opening night film launch, $25pp includes drinks and nibbles
Sunday Jan 19: Filmmaking workshop, $15pp
Claiming beach spots with cabanas ‘totally inappropriate’ - Mayor
A DIVISIVE trend of people setting up cabanas and tents to reserve prime beach spots on the peninsula has prompted mayor Cr Anthony Marsh to call for the behaviour to end.
“If you come and set up (at the beach) with the intent of going off and doing other stuff and returning half a day later, that’s totally inappropriate,” he said.
The issue has attracted global attention after it was revealed early beachgoers were reserving coveted beach spots at Safety Beach with cabanas, tents and chairs before wandering off and returning later.
It has sparked debate on social media as to whether the practice was “un-Australian”, selfish or being plain smart – with some beach users leaving their set up overnight to come back the next day.
Marsh, who was contacted by the BBC media in the UK for a comment last week, told The News he was surprised the matter had gone global.
While he encouraged everyone to enjoy the beach, he urged people to be considerate of others.
“The beach is a public asset. We have limited real estate. If you’re not going to use it, let someone else use it.
“Come and enjoy our beaches, we’re not anti-tourism … respect people around you; look after it, take your rubbish home, have a good time.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in on the issue saying the trend was “not on”.
and tents
Tide turns for beach cleaning
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
A CONTENTIOUS hand beach cleaning trial launched by Mornington Peninsula Shire has come under fire for failing to meet the “community’s expectations” with reports of litter and seaweed having increased. The shire is currently undertaking a 12-month trial that involves cleaning all Port Phillip beaches solely by hand on a fortnightly basis instead of a mechanical rake, which was found to have only removed about 40 per cent of litter, according to the shire.
However, while mechanical raking does create an aesthetically pleasing groomed look, it has been known to leave behind broken bottles, shredded plastic and even hypodermic needles.
Deputy mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro voiced his concerns at the council’s 18 December meeting, noting 82 per cent of respondents to a community survey had reported beaches “are less enjoyable to visit” because of hand cleaning, and had seen a rising presence of seaweed and litter since the trail began last July.
“This dissatisfaction, coupled with
increasing complaints, indicates that the trial is failing to meet the community’s expectations for a clean, safe, and enjoyable beaches,” he said.
Pingiaro successfully moved an “urgent business” motion for a report to be brought to the council’s first meeting in January to consider ending the trial “with immediate effect” and reinstating a mechanical rake method.
A report will also come back by April to explore a hybrid approach of hand and mechanical methods, informed by community and broad
industry consultation.
Crs Williams, Pingiaro, Allen, Ranken, Batty and mayor Cr Anthony Marsh voted in favour of the motion to considering ending hand beach cleaning.
Voting against was Crs Gill, Stephens and Binyon.
Gill said he could not support the motion because the “interpretations we’ve been hearing are just assertions” and “our beaches are now cleaner than they have ever been because of hand cleaning”.
Last year, Gill said mechanical raking “doesn’t work” and should be re-
placed by “environmentally friendly hand cleaning that protects children from hidden dangers” (Hands up for beach cleaning, The News 15/7/24).
Award winning beach cleaning campaigner Josie Jones OAM, who had initially pushed the shire for a hand cleaning trial, defended its effectiveness.
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to actually reassess our coastline based on federal, state and local plans that all aim for low impact solutions for our coastlines,” she told The News
Continued Page 10
Brendan Rees
Cabanas
at Safety Beach. Picture: Gary Sissons
Rye foreshore set for major revamp with new open space
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
A $6.5 MILLION redevelopment of the Rye foreshore promenade is set to transform the area, featuring a new open space and two plaza areas.
The plan, which saw a tender awarded to undertake the project at the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 17 December meeting, will see the eastern car park next to the pier replaced with a public open space.
It will also include the construction of two plaza areas either end of the foreshore promenade, as well as a network of paths, seating, barbecues, and landscaping.
To make way for the new open space, existing walkways, bollards, fencing, walling, and furniture would be demolished.
A new car park will be built at the west of the existing Rye pier western car park.
The shire will also explore options for upgrading a paved and timber decked areas, new custom shelters, additional pathway connections to be upgraded, and a boardwalk extension and new beach access.
Consideration will also be given to new turfed areas, feature lighting along the promenade and additional picnic tables and shelter area.
Construction is scheduled to begin in March with completion aimed at the end of the year.
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors voted unanimously in favour of awarding the tender.
According to a shire report, a continuous area of public open space
to the existing foreshore park that is directly accessible to pedestrians from the township “will be a great benefit to the community and all who visit Rye”.
“The Rye township experiences a large influx of tourists during the summer months, looking to enjoy the existing coastal environment and vibrancy of the township,” it said.
“However, this also results in unsafe and undesirable congestion issues in the small and outdated public spaces along the foreshore reserve.”
But “years of sporadic infrastruc-
ture development has resulted in the township losing its intrinsic connection to the coast”.
“This has resulted through the development of car parks, a wider street through the township, removal of vegetation and the expansion of foreshore camping across the majority of the foreshore reserve.
“All of these elements hinder the townships’ connection to the coast, which is its strongest asset however it is underutilised at present.”
Funding will be a 50-50 split between the council and the state
government, with the latter contributing $3.25 million through its Growing Suburbs Fund to assist with for the development of the Rye Township Plan, which was adopted by council in 2017.
The promenade transformation forms part of stage one of the Rye Township Plan, which also includes a new public square called the Napier Street Plaza, completed in July 2021.
The shire engaged with the Rye Community Group Alliance, Bunurong Land Council, and government authorities for the foreshore revamp.
SOUTH East Water has completed a 4.4 km pipeline upgrade from Portsea to Sorrento, enhancing the water supply network.
While the main alignment of the pipeline is complete, crews will return to the site in February for about one week of work to finish the project on Melbourne Rd and Point Nepean Rd. “This upgrade won’t just enhance the reliability of the water network; it’ll also support the growing needs of the Portsea and Sorrento communities. By rejuvenating this vital pipeline, we’re helping to significantly reduce the risk of bursts and faults,” South East Water’s liveable water solutions general manager Charlie Littlefair said.
Crews adopted an “innovative trenchless construction approach”, he said, to reduce impacts on the community, cultural heritage, and the environment.
South East Water said the original pipeline was laid by the army in the 1940’s, with 300mm diameter concrete pipes servicing the Point Nepean Quarantine Station, but overtime the pipes had deteriorated, increasing the risk of disruptions.
Road deaths ‘catastrophic’
RELEASED figures show 282 people died on Victorian roads in 2024. Two men and one woman died in separate incidents on the Mornington Peninsula last year, On 9 January, a man aged over 70 died driving his car on Nepean Highway in Mt Martha. On 24 August a pedestrian aged between 60 and 69 was struck and killed on the Peninsula Link ramp in Baxter. On 8 September, a passenger aged over 70 died after a crash on Lonsdale Street in McCrae.
MEMBERS of the Rye Community Group Alliance and councillors (l to r) Russell Atkins, Mechelle Cheers, Lynne Woollard, Chris Derwin, Cr Cam Williams and Cr Andrea Allen. Picture: Gary Sissons
Journalists: Brodie Cowburn, Brendan Rees Ph: 5974 9000. Email: team@mpnews.com.au
Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni
Advertising Sales: Ricky Thompson 0425 867 578 or ricky@mpnews.com.au
Real Estate Account Manager: Ricky Thompson 0425 867 578
Production/Graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Dannielle Espagne
Publisher: Cameron McCullough
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Craig MacKenzie, Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough.
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 16 JANUARY 2025 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2025
Healthcare reforms unveiled
Brodie Cowburn brodie@mpnews.com.au
PENINSULA Health has been grouped in with five other health services to form the “Bayside Local Health Service Network” as part of a controversial state government restructure.
Last Friday, 10 January, the state government unveiled 12 new “health networks”. It has grouped together health services statewide into geographic regions - health minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the reformed system would “mean stronger referral pathways between health services – freeing up beds in busier hospitals, taking pressure off our dedicated workforce, and ensuring Victorians get care sooner, closer to home.”
“Victoria’s health system is one of the best in the world, and these reforms will deliver even better care by supporting health services to work together and ensuring local voices are heard,” she said. “At the centre of our health system reform is Victorian patients and staff – this is about expanding access to frontline services, particularly in regional and rural Victoria.”
The Bayside local health service network features Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Kooweerup Regional Health Service, and Peninsula Health. Last month Peninsula Health, Alfred Health, and Kooweerup Regional Health Service announced plans to merge under the tentative name “Bayside Health”.
The state government’s networks come into effect on 1 July this year,
RESORT LIVING EVERY DAY. RETIRE IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND.
with each health service expected to meet with its new regional partners in the months to come to discuss how to work together. The Health Department website says that the new networks “may include co-ordinating clinical services and attracting and retaining the right workforce.”
The governance of each health service will remain unchanged under the new system, the state government announcement read.
The Victorian Liberals have slammed the state government’s announcement as “a desperate attempt to cover up years of financial mismanagement and neglect of Victoria’s health system” and an “ill-conceived plan will result in reduced services, job losses and force Victorians to travel further for essential care.”
Shadow health minister Georgie Crozier said “Labor’s health merger mess
proves they can’t be trusted with our healthcare or our money. Victorians deserve the opportunity to access quality care close to home.
“While Labor focuses on paperwork, patients are left waiting. It’s time for a government that prioritises people over bureaucracy.”
Peninsula Health chief executive Helen Cooper said that last month’s decision to merge with Alfred Health and Kooweerup Regional Health was made voluntarily. “The complementary nature of the three health services means we will be able to provide the full spectrum of care for the 1.1 million people we’ll serve through this network,” she said. (“Peninsula Health to voluntarily merge” The News 17/12/2024)
The Bayside Health merger is expected to come into effect from 1 January, 2026.
PENINSULA Health’s Frankston Hospital, which is undergoing a major redevelopment. Picture: Supplied
CASH FOR UNWANTED GOLD & JEWELLERY!
Turn your unwanted jewellery and gold and precious items into CASH
Your Questions Answered
HOW DO I DO THIS?
Show your items to our expert buyers. After we have calculated the price based on its resale value, you can then decide to sell them to us or just walk away with a free assessment of your jewellery!
WHY SELL?
Is it worth keeping old jewellery that you will never wear again? The extra cash may help now or in the future rather than unwanted jewellery sitting in your drawer!
We buy all gold Jewellery, Antiques & Contemporary Jewellery Diamonds, Silver Jewellery, Gold Sovereign Coins and other coins, Precious Stones, Including Broken Jewellery and Watches and unusual Items.
“Your Jewellery maybe worth a lot more than what you think!” Monday 20th January 2025 - 11am to 3pm
The Yard By The Bay
The Yard By The Bay, a family-owned gelateria on the Mornington Peninsula, is driven by a passion for crafting the finest gelato. Made fresh on site with the best ingredients, our gelato is a true labour of love. We also serve premium coffee, freshly made crêpes, and authentic Italian granita. Each treat reflects our dedication to quality and tradition. Visit us and indulge in our passion for deliciousness!
Greetings from
La Porchetta Rosebud
La Porchetta Rosebud, located in Capel
Sound, is a locally owned family restaurant serving the community for the last 30 years.
A family-friendly restaurant offering a wide range of Italian meals, we only use the freshest ingredients. We can also cater to all your dietary requirements. Whether it be for dinner, lunch or catering for your next occasion let us take the hassle out of it for you.
Show us your seniors’ card and receive a 10% discount when dining in store. Conveniently opened seven days a week we deliver from Blairgowrie to Safety Beach and all areas in-between.
Capel Sound Lotto
Ever since we took over it has been our goal to turn the shop into a friendly, welcoming place where our customers feel comfortable coming in, even if just for a chat!
With a large range of new stock including newspapers and magazines, phone accessories, a nice range of cards from $2-3 each and second-hand books for $1, all your stationery needs, delicious Redhill Confectionery chocolates, toys and teddies for the kids and we now also have our very own Capel Sound magnets and drink coasters.
So come on down for a chat and hopefully we can get you a winner!
Capel Sound Chiropractic
Capel Sound Chiropractic is a modern but cosy family based Chiropractic office based in the middle of the Capel Sound foreshore shops. We are the southernmost Chiropractic Centre on the Mornington Peninsula.
Formerly Mawby Chiropractic, we have just recently rebranded and are excited to welcome you into our practice.
We are passionate about looking after people with lower back pain, headaches, and scoliosis. We also have a particular interest in optimising bad posture.
We can’t wait to see all of you, past, present and future Capel Sound Chiropractic practice members!
Dromana housing development approved despite 79 objections
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
A PLAN to transform a huge beachside Dromana site, including a former holiday park, into 69 homes has been approved despite strong community opposition.
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have given the green light for the 1.7-hectare site to be developed at 105-113 Point Nepean Rd that comprises eight allotments of varying sizes, one of which was formerly used as a service station and the Kangerong Holiday Park.
The plans, endorsed at council’s 17 December meeting despite receiving 79 objections, proposes a mix of three and four-bedroom residences across two-storey buildings, each providing private open space and garages that have two car parking spaces. It would also have open spaces including a playground, barbecue, and outdoor seating area and a “community sustainable zone and food production area”.
Under the plans, internal pedestrian paths would connect the development with the existing public footpath on the western side of Kangerong Ave.
But the development proposes not to include any social or affordable housing.
Several trees would also be removed as there are no vegetation controls in place except for the front portion of the site.
According to the plans, “the subject site provides an opportunity to facilitate diverse housing of higher density that could provide a wider housing
choice for residents”.
Joseph Indomenico, senior principal at Tract Consultants Melbourne planning team, which acts on behalf of the site’s owner and applicant, Samuel Property, addressed the council meeting saying “that we have met a really high bar” with the application.
“Both the Samuel Property and the wider project team are acutely aware of the responsibility that is before us on a site that is very prominent and very important on the gateway entry to Dromana,” he said.
“The application is a result of an extensive and highly collaborative pre-lodgement and assessment process with councils’ technical staff, as well as some voluntary community engagement that Samuel Property undertook with the community very early in the application process.”
But residents have raised several issues, chief among them being the scale and bulk of the development,
loss of coastal character, increased traffic and lack of parking with a total of only 13 parking spaces being provided.
Other concerns included noise, loss of tourism from the closure of the holiday park, no affordable housing, insufficient infrastructure, construction impacts, a lack of parking for local business customers, and overshadowing impacts.
Further objections cited amenity loss, privacy impacts, building on contaminated land (former petrol station), homes being used for Airbnb’s and therefore leading to increased parties and crime, as well as concerns of stormwater runoff into the beach, vegetation loss and flooding from the site being flood prone.
Despite the backlash, a council report said the overall proposed development “is considered complementary to the surrounding prevailing neighbourhood character”.
It was also “considered tokenistic to provide a range of sizes and types that only cater to larger, family or grouporiented occupants of dwellings,” it noted.
However, the council’s transport team did not support the proposal due to traffic concerns at the intersection of Kangerong Ave and Point Nepean Rd and that the proposal would not maintain direct access to Point Nepean Rd – but the determining authority, the Department of Transport, did not hold this view.
The existing crossings to Point Nepean Rd would be removed but a crossing at 8 Joan Ave would be kept.
Parking was a point of contention at the meeting and whether 13 parking spaces was enough, but Indomenico said, “one of the key drivers for the layout of the site was to provide as much green space on site as possible” and that visitor parking complied with the planning scheme.
But Cr Ranken believed council should look at “increasing that substantially, maybe, 18 to 20 (parking spaces) or even more”.
“I think being a holiday destination and noting that there could be Airbnb’s down there and all sorts of stuff, we need to be aware that there’s going to be additional traffic, additional parking on roads, which then creates safety issues,” he said.
Cr Patten, who was the only dissenting councillor, asked why the proposal did not include affordable housing to which Indomenico responded, “we accept that affordable housing is a statewide issue, but considering the planning controls that apply to the site, the application has been made to comply with those requirements”. Indomenico said it was hoped the development, if approved, would start in the new year.
On 20 November last year, the developer lodged an appeal with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for council’s failure to grant a permit within a prescribed time.
But the council report stated that in recommending that the application was supported, “council advise the VCAT and the relevant parties that it would have issued a notice of decision to grant a permit”.
The old Kangernong Caravan Park in Dromana. Picture: Gary Sissons
New beach box president unveils top priorities for better beaches
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
PETER Clarke, the newly appointed president of the Mornington Peninsula Beach Box Association, has wasted no time in outlining an ambitious agenda to ensure the region’s beloved beach environment is improved.
The McCrae resident, who officially began his new role this month, expressed an unwavering commitment to ensuring the peninsula’s beaches remained clean, safe, and sustainable – noting a particular concern with an increase in beach erosion, as well as high tides impacting retaining walls.
“Obviously the owners of the beach boxes have got a particular unique interest in making sure that that environment is looked after,” he told The News, adding the iconic beach boxes, some of which were 100 years old, were a “piece of history of the local community”.
“The population has grown very dramatically and as a consequence the beaches just get washed away by storm water, which is just untreated water going into the bay,” he said.
“So, it’s not good for the bay and it’s not good for beach erosion generally.”
Clarke said his main goals would be to work with both government agencies such as the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria and council to really improve issues surrounding the environmental impacts, and “trying to get that coordinated response”.
Clarke said getting authorities to fund projects or undertake maintenance was among beach box owner frustrations.
“It can be very tricky, and those authorities tend to do either nothing at all, or if anything, not much. You look at it down at Portsea, for instance, where you’ve got those massive sandbags and governments know what they’ve got to do to be able to repair that, but they don’t spend the money on fixing it,” he said.
At Shire Hall Beach at Mornington,
Clarke said there were programs that council and governments “know that they should be undertaking to look after that beach and restore those environments and again they don’t fund it”.
“As a consequence of that, the beach boxes can find themselves under siege with water and whatever else. Indeed, the sand builds up behind them and creates infestations of termites or there were retaining walls which were holding the sand back and those collapse and the council
and authorities did nothing.
“Yet on the other hand, they’re quite happy to take all of the rates and the costs and fees and licenses and transfer duties (associated with beach boxes) along the journey.”
However, he said members were excited by Mornington MP Chris Crewther having launched a forum to “talk through those issues” and “find ways which not only have low impact on the environment but also improve the sustainability and the environmental outcomes that occur right around
PETER Clarke is keen for Mornington Peninsula’s beaches to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Picture: Gary Sissons
the bay”.
Clarke, who is also chairman of the Port Phillip Beach Box Association, said there were about 1200 beach boxes along the peninsula, many of which had been ruined during damaging storms last September.
Fortunately, all were repaired except for a handful in Dromana and Rosebud, which he believed would be fixed after the availability of contractors was challenging close to the Christmas period.
Another aspect of Clarke’s agenda is enhancing safety as beach boxes had been targeted by vandals where decks and roof structures had been “badly damaged”.
One beach box in Rosebud had burnt to the ground last October after squatters moved in.
“They’d set up a whole bunch of batteries to provide light for themselves and one the batteries caught on fire,” he said.
“More of the damage tends to occur during the winter months. We had probably about ten in a row where all the doors got smashed in just for pure vandalism; just kids kicking them in.” Graffiti was also a concern, he said, but police have been conducting some patrols, “so they’re certainly recognised that there’s an issue in certain pockets”.
School parent calls out ‘unfair’ parking fines
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
A MOTHER has spoken out against what she describes as unfair parking fines being issued to parents outside Sorrento Primary School, claiming they are nothing more than a “revenue raising” tactic by the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Sari, who asked not to use her surname, said she and other parents had been targeted last year for parking in Kerferd Ave for just a few seconds or minutes while they collected their children from school.
Sari said while there were about three to four “kiss and go” parking spaces, this was “not enough” for the growing school population with the nearby Ocean Beach Rd also being busy.
Sari said she and other parents were trying to do the right thing by getting their kids to school safely, but instead of support, they were being hit with fines.
“I just think it’s really unacceptable and constantly happening,” she told The News
“I’ve only been caught out once, but I know that a lot of people have been caught many, many times.”
According to Sari, parking inspectors sat in parked cars as they used dash cameras to nab unsuspecting drivers parking in no-stopping zones.
“They’re not walking down the street because they don’t want to be seen by people getting parking tickets and saying how unacceptable it is,” she said.
“I’m sure they’re all on some sort of point system or they’ve got to get x-amount of fines a day and it’s just ludicrous.
“I understand that people who are in the wrong and park in a two-hour
spot for four hours or whatever; they absolutely deserve one (a parking fine).”
But she reiterated that if someone was “just trying to collect their child from school safely” then there should be some form of leniency, or a practical parking solution provided.
“Everyone you speak to is just like, ‘Oh, I cannot believe that they’re revenue collecting right in front of the school’.”
Sari said she received a fine in November after collecting her 11-yearold child from school near a crossing for just a few seconds.
The shire confirmed there had been no recorded crashes on Kerferd Ave between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2024, according to data providing by the Transport Accident Commission.
Sari raised the issue after submitting a question to the shire’s 17 December meeting, requesting that it “stop issuing parking tickets as a form of revenue collecting in Kerferd Ave”.
“In current financial hardship times how are the council supporting local
communities and families?”
In response, the shire issued a statement saying that parking congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times “is a common issue at schools across the peninsula, including Sorrento Primary School”.
“However, this does not exempt drivers from adhering to road rules. Kerferd Rd has various parking controls on the school side, including accessibility spaces, two-minute zones, bus zones, and no stopping zones,” it said.
“The western side of Kerferd Rd has no restrictions except near the school crossing. Parents are encouraged to park legally, even if it means walking a short distance from available parking spots, such as those on Ocean Beach Rd, located less than 250 meters from the school gate.
“Council enforces parking restrictions around schools to ensure the safety of all road users, prioritising the protection of children.”
Jet-ski crashes cause concern
MULTIPLE jet-ski crashes across the Mornington Peninsula since the new year have prompted emergency services to call for greater caution on the water.
A jet-ski and a boat crashed into each other on Safety Beach at around 2.45pm on 4 January. A 14-year-old boy riding as a passenger on the jet-ski was airlifted to hospital with serious upper body injuries. The jet-ski driver and a second passenger, aged 43 and 14 respectively, were rescued from the water and also taken to hospital. The two boat passengers sustained minor injuries.
The jet ski and boat were seized by police as part of their investigation.
Only half an hour later, police were called out to a jet-ski crash in Rye.
Three occupants were thrown off a jetski after it crashed into a wave.
The three jet-ski riders were uninjured, but the vehicle was badly damaged.
At around 10.30am on 3 January, a 19-year-old man was left with serious body injuries after a collision between two jet-skis on Parkdale Beach. He was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment.
In the first week of 2025, the water
police squad was called to more than 100 incidents. The same period in 2024 had just 17 incidents, and 2023 had 36. Water police squad inspector James Dalton said police will continue to monitor beaches, including across the Mornington Peninsula, to monitor behaviour.
“We’ve had an incredibly busy start to the year with thousands of people taking to our waterways during the hot weather. While most people do the right thing, there are some who show blatant disregard for the safety of other water users,” Dalton said. “Already we’ve seen multiple serious collisions on the water. These young people are lucky to be alive, but instead of enjoying the summer they’re now recovering in hospital with serious injuries.
“People need to remember that a split-second decision can have lifelong consequences. Water Police will continue to patrol the state’s waterways this summer, but vessel operators need to take some responsibility for their own behaviour and safety, because we can’t be everywhere at once. That means wearing a lifejacket, respecting the safety of other water users, and carrying the mandatory safety equipment.”
Controversy over the abandoning of beach hand cleaning
Continued from Page 1
“Sending a four-tonne tractor with a raking device is not low impact and we are seeing the following benefits … we’re not flattening the beach, and the beaches are starting to get berms on them, those berms actually help stop erosion by leaving the wrack on the beach.”
Wrack is natural material that washes up on beaches, including algae, sea grasses, and some invertebrates.
According to Jones, data showed there was “actually more wrack on the beach while the rake was still in effect than there has been recorded in the first and second quarter of the test”.
Jones added the hand cleaning was also improving the ecosystem and biodiversity including saltbush growth.
However, Pingiaro argued the hand cleaning practice was not addressing the issue of microplastics “which pose a threat to marine life and human consumption”.
“Despite hand cleaning efforts, the pilot has not demonstrated the anticipated success of reducing litter and debris,” he told the meeting.
“The manufacturers of beach rake cleaning machines are recognised worldwide for their efficiency. The surf rake is designed to remove larger debris while ensuring smaller particles are trapped,” he said.
“The problem is further compounded by strong storms and winds from Port Phillip Bay that push rubbish into seaweed due to our west and northwest prevailing winds. This makes hand cleaning even more chal-
lenging.”
Pingiaro acknowledged while volunteer groups and beach patrols “play a massive and very critical role in providing data, as do contractors … often they have vested interests”.
“The credibility of the trial is further compromised by the proper evidence of this verification of 166 syringes found during cleaning, raising questions of accuracy of such reports.
“In fact, 13 syringes were once found in 300 meters … I’ve been on the beaches of Mornington and Mt Martha for 40 years. I don’t think I’ve found 13 syringes in my entire time.”
Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh told The News, “we’ve seen enough to know the current approach is not working and now we’re looking to work with community and industry to find that balance/compromise that’s in the best interests of the various user groups”.
Marsh said there were concerns raised of beach litter having increased at the front of Mt Martha Life Saving Club including sharp sticks, chunks of concrete, and pine pieces, and a glass bottle among other items found in the sand.
In this case, he said given a nipper’s state-wide competition would be held at the club on January 19, hand cleaning would be brought forward two days before the event as a “duty of care” to ensure the safety of all participants.
Marsh said he believed where there were areas of high beach activity it made sense to use mechanical cleaning methods, but added this would be made on a “case by case” basis as
it would be “appropriate in some instances” to use hand cleaning, which was the original recommendation made by shire officers.
The News understands that four shire workers are paid for hand cleaning the beaches with several community volunteers lending their support.
Among the volunteers is Mornington resident Melanie Bird, who has spent hours cleaning beaches by hand since December, and although it may be labour intensive she is driven by a deep passion to protect the beaches.
“I’m not paid a single cent, I’ve done it for years and have joined the beach patrol group, as well as monitoring how much rubbish is left on the beach through the trial and reporting back the statistics to council,” she said.
“What we used to find on the beach was the broken glass, crushed up cans, and a lot of broken things … now we are finding whole items that’s a lot easier to pick up.
“We’re all passionate for our beaches, it’s a beautiful place and I would personally like to see it remain clean and safe.”
Bird said she had collected several children’s toys that she found along the beaches, which had been “formerly broken up and taken to landfill” at a cost to council under the mechanical rake method.
She now intends to use all the collected toys including little plastic rakes, buckets, spades, sea animals and more to open a toy library at Mother’s Beach in Mornington in the coming days.
MELANIE Bird will open a Toy Library at Mother’s Beach in Mornington using toys she has found at various beaches. Picture: Gary Sissons
SARI on Kerferd Ave, Sorrento, outside Sorrento Primary School. Picture: Gary Sissons
JET-skis on Safety Beach. Picture: Gary Sissons
Exceptional space and endless potential
NESTLED in the tranquil and picturesque
Bethany Close in Rye on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, this solid brick, 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom family home offers exceptional space, comfort, and endless potential. Set on an expansive 4001m² parcel of land, this property is perfect for those looking to create their dream forever home or a peaceful holiday retreat.
As you enter the home, you’re greeted by a spacious and functional layout that’s designed for both family living and entertaining. The large living areas include two separate lounges, providing ample room for relaxation and socializing. Whether
HOME ESSENTIALS
you prefer a cozy night in or hosting a lively gathering, this home has the space to accommodate it all.
The kitchen offers practical functionality, while the adjoining dining space makes family meals easy and enjoyable. With four generously proportioned bedrooms, there’s room for everyone-whether you have a growing family, frequent guests, or want to create a personal retreat for yourself.
The two bathrooms are functional and offer the opportunity for updating, allowing you to add your own personal touch. The home’s solid brick construction ensures long-term durability, giving you a solid foundation to
make updates and renovations to suit your needs and preferences.
One of the standout features of this property is the extensive land surrounding the home. The 4001m² block offers plenty of room for further development, with ample space for a pool, tennis court, or even a beautifully landscaped garden. Whether you love outdoor entertaining, or simply want room for your children to play and explore, this property can cater to all your needs.
For those with a love of cars, tools, or hobbies, there are two large carports and a substantial lock-up shed/workshop, providing the perfect space for storage,
ADDRESS: 22 Bethany Close, Rye FOR SALE: $1,450,000 - $1,550,000 DESCRIPTION: 4 bed, 2 bath, 4 car, 4,001m2
AGENT: Toni Katsivelas - 0409 407 437, Hodges Rye, 1/2353 Point Nepean Road, (03) 5985 6855
DIY projects, or parking multiple vehicles. There’s no shortage of room for all your toys and tools here.
A covered outdoor entertaining area further enhances the property, offering a delightful space for alfresco dining and enjoying the serene surroundings. Picture yourself hosting summer barbecues or relaxing on warm evenings as the sun sets.
With so much land, so many features, and so much potential, this home in Bethany Close is truly a rare find. Whether you’re looking to create your dream family home or a serene holiday escape, this property is ready to make your vision come true.n
39 Matthew Street, McCrae.
Superbly designed by renowned architect Gregory Burgess, this elevated hillside home has been cleverly configured for natural light, cross breezes and stunning bay vistas. With large living zone and wide front deck, plus self-contained ground floor for multi-gen living/rental. Totalling 4BRs, 3 bathrooms, and set peacefully near shops, cafés, beaches, freeway.
belleproperty.com
Lyon
Charming seaside retreat with studio
.
This fantastic family home or seaside getaway radiates modern rustic charm, with delightful indoor/outdoor entertaining spaces perfect for making new memories, plus 3BRs and a beautiful garden studio, ideal for extra guests or multi-gen living. Relax in the front alfresco with pizza oven and fireplace, and enjoy peace and privacy in droughttolerant gardens with fruit trees. Walk to beach and shops.
belleproperty.com
- $750,000
Enjoy
Opposite
1 Glendale Grove, McCrae.
Large block for new home or townhouses
Presenting a great opportunity for developers or owner-occupiers, this large corner block with original cottage provides approx. 898sqm close to the beach. Construct 2 or more townhouses for investment or create your own new home (STCA). Around 1km walk to the beach and McCrae Plaza, near cafés, schools, local amenities and nearby freeway access
belleproperty.com
7 Burton Street, Dromana .
Hidden gem with sparkling bay views
Delightful family home in a serene location, offering stunning bay views from the front balcony and expansive kitchen, along with versatile living and dining areas. Includes large master bedroom with ensuite and huge WIR, 2nd bedroom with bay views, bathroom, laundry. Tranquil garden with patio for BBQs, relaxing with bay views. Minutes’ drive to Dromana and McCrae villages and gorgeous beaches.
belleproperty.com
6 Hillman Avenue, McCrae.
A garden escape with elevated bay views
Enjoying beautiful bay views over leafy treetops, this mid-century coastal style 4-bedroom 2-bathroom home is nestled amidst 872 sqm approx. of flourishing fruit gardens. Reversing the floorplan to capture the magical vistas, this blissful home features a superb wrap around deck, a light filled living and dining area, a separate downstairs bedroom and a deep double carport.
belleproperty.com
2 Charles Street, McCrae.
A lifestyle position with great options
Secure this prime 743sqm (approx.) site in a sought-after location, with plans for a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom single-level home. The level block offers flexibility to design your dream home or use the existing plans, featuring 2 living zones, a double garage, and a gym. Customize finishes to make it your own. Just a short walk to McCrae Beach, the plaza, and local amenities.
belleproperty.com
Magnificent bay views on 1,917sqm approx.
Backing onto Arthurs Seat State Park in this exclusive cul de sac, this elevated home is pure peninsula gold. Spectacular with its panoramic bay views that meet the natural beauty of the state park, ‘Battersea’ is a rare find of a level building parcel offering the potential to renovate the existing home or build a luxury new masterpiece conducive to the surrounds. Metres to the Two Bays Trail leading to the beach. 8 Timara Court, McCrae.
belleproperty.com
- $1,749,000
Dromana
This
Beachside
n
n
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6 Angela Court RYE
Weatherboard charm with stylish family design
Offering a front-row seat to breathtaking Peninsula vistas and captivating treetop views, this dual-storey weatherboard cottage unfolds a world of serene privacy that’s perfect for growing families. Its artfully renovated interiors dance in harmony with its reserve-side position and established gardens, delivering a true retreat within walking distance of Padua College, Peninsula Grammar and Mount Eliza Primary School. With every corner inviting cherished family
ESSENTIALS
moments, the light-filled home unfolds beyond a welcoming void entry. The openplan living and dining area comes alive with large windows that invite the outdoors in. A gas log fireplace, VJ panelling and sheer fullheight curtains add warmth, while a sliding door celebrates the summer breeze, opening to a large rear deck and connecting with a spacious lawn for kids to play.
The adjoining kitchen, featuring European appliances including a double oven and
dishwasher, fosters lively conversation across the breakfast bar, while upstairs, a secondary lounge with a covered balcony and bay views provides a perfect retreat for those seeking a little separation.
Choice in master suites provides a ground or first-floor retreat for couples, with each ensuite complete with shower, vanity with underbench storage, toilet, underfloor heating, and gold tapware. A third bedroom with large built-in robes sits alongside a main
ADDRESS: 183 Wooralla Drive, Mount Eliza FOR SALE: $1,300,000 - $1,400,000 DESCRIPTION: 3 bed, 3 bath, 3 car, 732m2
AGENT: Katrina O'Carroll - 0414 578 178, RT Edgar, 82 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza, (03) 97763369
bathroom with a feature tub, shower, vanity with underbench storage, and underfloor heating.
With split-system heating and cooling throughout, a dedicated laundry, ample storage, large secure yard, underhouse workshop/storage, and triple carport with remote gate, this impressive weatherboard home sits within easy reach of Mount Eliza Village, Emil Madsen Reserve, Tully’s Corner Store and multiple walking trails.n
The Guide
TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK
THURSDAY BACK ROADS
ABC TV, 8pm
Nestled between dormant volcanoes and majestic crater lakes, the rich lands of Camperdown in southwestern Victoria are home to a community with strong ties to both its Scottish heritage and Indigenous culture. In town for the Robert Burns Celtic Festival, which celebrates Camperdown’s connection to the famous poet, guest presenter and ABC News reporter Kerry Staight (pictured above) throws herself into the celebrations, entering the shortbread baking contest and tasting haggis.
FRIDAY CAST AWAY
TEN, 7.30pm
Tom Hanks plays Chuck Noland, a Federal Express systems engineer who survives a plane crash and finds himself on a deserted island. Isolated from civilisation, he tries to live as normal a life as he can, and gains a companion in the form of a volleyball he dubs Wilson. While the film is not quite perfect (some elements are a bit rushed), the sheer
brilliance of the 90-minute middle section (with no music, little dialogue and no cutaways to back home) compensates for this.
Thursday, January 16
ABC TV (2)
SUNDAY
SATURDAY
BEYOND PARADISE
ABC TV, 7.30pm
Less sunny in both setting and tone than its predecessor, this pensive Death in Paradise spinoff finds DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall, pictured, left) and his beloved Martha (Sally Bretton) at one of the lower points on the roller-coaster of life. However, this week’s mystery takes a break from the personal with a delightful detour into the art world. After a significant painting disappears in a seemingly impossible heist the entire community of Shipton Abbott is shaken to its core. Martha’s mother Anne (Barbara Flynn) is wracked with guilt, believing the theft is all her fault.
I’M A CELEBRITY… GET ME OUT OF HERE!
TEN, 7pm
Robert Irwin wasn’t in the running to be named “King of the Jungle” last year, but season 10 of this celebrity reality staple was certainly the young presenter’s crowning glory, netting him a Gold Logie nomination. Back for another instalment of jungle hijinks with co-host Julia Morris (pictured, right), the wildlife warrior continues to breathe fresh air into the franchise in 2025, along with a new cast of stars entering the Kruger National Park camp tonight.
n House Cleaning
n Laundry Service
n Plumbing Service
n Commercial Cleaning
n Gardening
n Electrical Service
n Window Cleaning
n Handyman Service
n Mowing n Pest
n
n
SBS (3)
SEVEN (7) TEN (10) NINE (9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Penguin King With David Attenborough. (R) 1.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 2.55 Back Roads. (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)
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Back Roads: Camperdown, Victoria. (PG) Presented by Kerry Staight.
8.30 Long Lost Family. (PG) Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell.
9.20 Grand Designs: Tunbridge Wells. (PG, R) Hosted by Kevin McCloud.
10.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work: Chocolate. (R)
10.40 ABC Late News.
10.55 Escaping Utopia. (R)
11.55 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.15 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PG, R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.05 Destination Flavour China. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Highlights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) Rae Johnston meets a chocolatier.
8.30 Silk Road From Above. (PGa, R) Documents an aerial journey along the ancient Silk Road, beginning in Xi’an, China. 9.30 The Darkness. (M) Magnus assigns Hulda a new partner.
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 DNA. (Malv)
11.50 Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. (Mlnsv, R) 12.45 Blanca. (Malnv, R) 2.45 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Ms, R) 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (PGv, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: The Valley Of Love. (2023, PGal) 2.00 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 36. Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes. From the Gabba, Brisbane.
11.00 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. A deep dive into the world of cricket. 11.45 Pam & Tommy. (MA15+als) Pam is pushed to the emotional brink. 12.45 Black-ish. (PGa, R) Jack gets a job as a locker room attendant.
1.40 Harry’s Practice. (R) Information about pet care.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 5. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 5. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and James Bracey. 6am
6.00 9News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 5.
11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 5. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Ma, R) Max endeavours to save a nurse.
1.00 First On Scene. (M) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) A panel of experts banter about golf.
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 MOVIE: Top Gun: Maverick. (2022, Mlv, R) An aviator trains a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a mission while confronting the ghosts of his past. Tom Cruise, Miles Teller. 10.05 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
Tom Hanks is Cast Away
Friday, January 17
ABC (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00
ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Rulla’s Cooking On Country. (R) 10.30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (R) 11.00
Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00
ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Newsreader. (Mdl, R) 2.00
The Split: Barcelona. (Final, Ml, R) 3.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (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. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden: The 18th Century. (R) Monty Don visits Rousham House.
8.30 Murder In Provence. (Final, Mav, R) A love affair seems to be at the heart of a young woman’s death in a nearby town.
10.00 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World: Berlin. (Final, PG, R) Joanna Lumley concludes her journey.
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 Grand Designs: Norwich. (R)
11.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
12.40 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
SBS (3)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.15 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.10
Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 3.05 Destination Flavour China. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30
Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 11. Highlights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 MOVIE: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. (2008, R) A man ages in reverse. Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 De Gaulle. (Ma) France plunges into turmoil.
12.00 Kin. (MA15+lv, R)
2.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
3.30 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
SEVEN (7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 10.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 3. From Bellerive Oval, Hobart. 2.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 3. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 37. Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder.
10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. 11.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) Dr Harry Cooper helps clingy cavaliers.
12.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 1. Highlights.
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 5.00 NBC Today.
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue.
NINE (9)
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 6. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 6. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and James Bracey.
6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 6. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 6. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Iggy helps a family come to terms with their deaf child’s inability to communicate.
1.00 First On Scene. (Maln) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) A dog goes missing in the park.
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Drive TV. (R) Presented by Emma Notarfrancesco.
TEN (10)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: Cast Away. (2000, Ma, R) A workaholic executive becomes stranded on a deserted tropical island after a plane crash. Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy. 10.20 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.
10.45 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 11.50 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Question Team. 2.30 Scandinavian Star. 3.40 Uncovering Incels. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 Alone. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Love And Sex In Scandinavia. 9.35 Secrets Of Penthouse. 10.30 Homeland. 1.30am Love And Sex In Israel. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Carpool Koorioke. 2.00 Family Rules. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Waabiny Time. 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.15 Harlem Globetrotters. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 The Big Dry. (Premiere) 7.30 MOVIE: The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter. (1990, PG) 9.15 MOVIE: Under The Cherry Moon. (1986) 11.05 Late Programs. NITV (34)
6am
December Boys. (2007, PG) 8.00 The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 10.00 Tracker. (2010, M) 11.55 A Bronx Tale. (1993, M) 2.10pm Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 3.35 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 5.30 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 7.40 The Two Faces Of January. (2014, M) 9.30 Proof Of Life. (2000) Midnight Odd Thomas. (2013, M) 1.50 Late Programs.
America’s
SCHOOL TIME
Saturday, January 18
9.00
News At Noon. 12.25 Beyond Paradise. (PGa, R) 1.25 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Ml, R) 2.25 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 3.10 Lucy Worsley: Agatha Christie Mystery Queen. (PG, R) 4.10 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World. (PG, R) 5.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.05 The World From Above. (R) 10.10 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir. 1.00 PBS NewsHour. 2.00 Women’s Weekly Football. 3.00 Aliquam Dive Stories II. (R) 4.00 Forgotten Frontlines. (PGa, R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 12. Highlights.
(PG) 12.00
6.00 Brian Cox: Life Of A Universe: End Of Days. (Final, R) Brian Cox looks at how the universe will end.
6.30 Back Roads: Camperdown, Victoria. (PG, R) Presented by Kerry Staight.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. A painting disappears.
8.30 Vera. (Mad, R) Vera and the team investigate the murder of an addiction support worker.
10.05 Miniseries: Until I Kill You. (Mal, R) Charts the story of Delia Balmer. 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. 8.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. (PG, R)
9.20 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (PGa, R)
10.15 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (R)
11.25 MOVIE: Radioactive. (2019, Mavw, R) Rosamund Pike. 1.25 MOVIE: Subjects Of Desire. (2021, MA15+av, R, Canada) 3.20 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Down Under 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 Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. January Cup Day, VRC Summer Fun Race Day and Eagle Farm Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: International. (PGadl) An American citizen returns from Russia.
7.30 MOVIE: Kindergarten Cop. (1990, Mv, R) A detective goes undercover as a teacher. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Penelope Ann Miller.
9.50 MOVIE: True Lies. (1994, Mlsv, R) A secret agent’s wife is caught up in his latest mission. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis. 12.50 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 2. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 The Garden Gurus. (R) 6.30 Drive Safer. (R) Hosted by Kris Smith and Jess Morris. 7.00 Weekend Today. News, current affairs and sports. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 7. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 7. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 9.30 Drew Barrymore. (PGas, R) 10.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 11.00
6.00 9News Saturday.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 7. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 7. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+am, R) The staff grapples with the aftermath of the Supreme Court abortion rights decision.
1.00 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R) A 59-yearold could have serious injuries.
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) Religious program.
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG) A celebration of people and organisations.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 8.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A dog goes on a charm offensive. Determined to prove that it is young at heart, a pooch enjoys a game of tennis with a possible new family. A lovable goofball sends a couple into a spin. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Ambulance NSW responds to calls about an 88-year-old with a severe head wound, a motorbike accident, a serious burns incident and a challenging extraction involving a patient weighing 170kg. 10.30 Ambulance UK. (Mm, R) A collision stretches resources to the limit. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am Morning Programs. 1.55pm Fashionista. 2.05 Beyond Oak Island. 2.55 Celebrity Mastermind. 3.55 BBC News At Ten. 4.25 ABC World News Tonight. 4.55 PBS News. 5.55 The Mega-Brands That Built The World. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Spider-Man. (Premiere) 10.20 Hudson & Rex. (Return) Midnight The X-Files. 3.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja 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 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.55 MOVIE: The Boy In The Dress. (2014) 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing. 10.30 Teen Titans Go! 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 7.25 The Crossing. (2020, PG, Norwegian)
Sunday, January 19
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Breaky. 10.00
Secret Science. (Final, PGan, R) 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.25 Landline. (R) 12.55 New Leash On Life. (R) 1.25 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.25 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden. (R) 3.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.00 Magda’s Big National Health Check. (PG, R)
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) Hosted by Fiona Bruce.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Final, Ml) Miriam Margolyes journey ends.
8.30 Miniseries: Until I Kill You. (Malv) Having escaped with her life, Delia lies in a critical condition in hospital as police search for Sweeney.
10.05 MOVIE: Mystery Road. (2013, Malv, R) An Indigenous detective investigates a murder. Aaron Pedersen. 12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
4.05 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.05 The Great Acceleration. (PG, R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The World From Above. (R) 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 11.30 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 North Beach Football Club. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Grace Brown: Time For The Rest Of Life. 3.30 Cycling. NRC. Women’s. Highlights. 4.30 Cycling. NRC. Men’s. Highlights. 5.30 Forgotten Frontlines. (PGa, R) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 NFL. NFL Playoffs. Divisional Playoffs. 3.30 Jabba’s
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts: The Norman Takeover. (Final, PG, R) The team charts William the Conqueror’s journey.
8.30 One Mind, One Heart. (PG) A look at how the discovery of a historic Yirrkala bark petition evoked the spirit of decades of activism for change.
10.05 Stopping The Steal. (Mal, R)
11.45 The Choice 2024: Harris Vs Trump. (PGa, R)
1.45 The VP Choice: Vance Vs Walz. (Ml, R)
2.45 Love Your Garden. (R) 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 40. Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes.
11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (R) Interview with James Packer and Robbie Williams. 12.00 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 3. Highlights.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 10.30 DVine Living. 11.00 Animal Rescue. 11.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 3. 3.30pm South Aussie With Cosi. 4.00 Harry’s Practice. 4.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. 5.30 I
6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 8. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 8. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mdm, R) Max learns about the bequest office.
1.00 First On Scene. (MA15+av) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) A panel of experts discusses golf.
5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Today.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (Return, PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 The Graham Norton Show. (Mhs) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by Sigourney Weaver, Nicholas Hoult, Jamie Oliver, Lolly Adefope and Coldplay. 10.10 MOVIE: Mafia Mamma. (2023, MA15+lsv) A woman inherits her grandfather’s mafia empire. Toni Collette, Monica Bellucci. 12.25 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm Vegan Vigilantes. 12.30 Jeopardy! 2.35 PBS Washington Week. 3.00 ABC World News Tonight. 3.30 Queer Sports. 4.30 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Round 1. 7.30 Abandoned Engineering. 9.20 MOVIE: Ascension. (2021, M) 11.05 WWE Legends. 12.40am The X-Files. 3.25 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja 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 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 The Secret Life Of Our Pets. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Doctor Who. 11.05 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
NITV (34)
7.30 Australia In Colour. 8.30 One Mind, One Heart. 10.00 History Bites Back. 11.05 Late Programs.
6.40am Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PG) 8.30 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 10.40 Proof Of Life. (2000, M) 1.10pm The Two Faces Of January. (2014, M) 3.00 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 4.45 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 6.35 Leap Year. (2010, PG) 8.30 The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 10.40 Luzzu. (2021, M, Maltese) 12.30am The Orphanage. (2019, M, Dari) 2.10 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Rugby League. 2022 Koori Knockout. 1.00 Rugby League. 2022 Koori Knockout. 2.00 S.O.G. The Book Of Ward. 4.00 I Live, I Breathe, I Surf. 5.00 Ray Charles At Salle Pleyel. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Camels And The Pitjantjara.
Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Escaping Utopia. A journalist investigates a community.
9.00 Hear Me Out, Australia Day. A discussion surrounding Australia Day.
9.35 Shakespeare: Rise Of A Genius: Treason And Mortality. (Final, Ma, R) A scandal threatens Shakespeare’s reputation.
10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 Lucy Worsley: Agatha Christie Mystery Queen. (Final, PG, R) 11.50 Grand Designs. (R) 12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.10 World’s Most Amazing Festivals. (PGa, R) 10.20 Confucius Was A Foodie. (PGa, R) 11.15 Great Canal Journeys. (R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (R) 3.05 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.10 Destination Flavour. (PGa, R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain By Beach. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Hunt For Truth: Tasmanian Tiger. (Ml, R) 8.30 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M) Comedic game show. 9.30 Inside Sydney Airport: Rain. (PGal, R) An incoming flight relays a distress call. 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Clean Sweep. (Mals) 12.00 Wisting. (MA15+als, R) 12.55 Faking Hitler. (Ml, R) 2.45 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mas, R) 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven Noon News. 1.00 MOVIE: Morning Show Mystery: Mortal Mishaps. (2018, PGav) Holly Robinson Peete. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Twenty20 International Series. Australia v England. Game 1. 10.30 Motorway Patrol. (PGa) A driver decides to off-road it. 11.00 Highway Cops. (PG) Flooding hits the Tasman region.
11.30 Born To Kill? Peter Moore – The Man In Black. (Mav, R) Takes a look at Peter Moore.
12.30 Wild Tokyo. (PGa, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 9. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 9. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and James Bracey.
6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 9. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 9. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Floyd gets creative to help a prospective mother in need. Max takes a chance with Wilder.
1.00 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R) A 76-yearold is in agony after an accident.
2.00 Family Law. (Mas, R) A client wants to know her biological child.
3.00 US Presidential Inauguration. Coverage of Donald Trump’s inauguration. 5.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv, R) The death of an American seaman is investigated in a joint effort between NCIS agents afloat and the Australian Federal Police. 10.00 48 Hours: The Menendez Brothers’ Fight For Freedom. (Ma) Looks at the case of the Menendez brothers. 11.00 10’s Late News. 11.25 The Project. (R) 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm 48 Hours In Wales. 2.30 Transnational. 3.00 The Feed. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.50 Alone. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News Update. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Forged In Fire. 10.10 The Weekly Football Wrap. 10.40 Everyone Else Burns. 11.40 Am I Being Unreasonable? 12.50am Bad Education. 2.00 United Gangs Of America. 2.55 Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja 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 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.35 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.05 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 9.50 Doctor Who. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 6.50 Breaker Morant. (1980, PG)
Tuesday, January 21
ABC (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Our Brain. (PG, R) 11.00
Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (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 Dr Karl’s How Things Work: Ginger Beer.
8.30 Eat The Invaders: Cane Toad. (PG) Hosted by Tony Armstrong.
9.05 Croc Watch With Steve Backshall. (PG, R) Hosted by Steve Backshall.
9.50 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Final, Ml, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.10 Murder In Provence. (Final, Mav, R)
12.35 Grand Designs. (R) 1.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (10)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 World’s Most Amazing Festivals. (PGa, R) 10.10 Confucius Was A Foodie. (PGa, R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (R) 3.00 The Weekly Football Wrap. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain By Beach. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven Noon News. 1.00 MOVIE: Morning Show Mysteries: Murder On The Menu. (2018, PGav) Holly Robinson Peete. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Kathy Lette. (PGa, R)
Kathy Lette explores her roots.
8.35 Stock Aitken Waterman: Legends Of Pop. (PG, R) The story of Stock Aitken Waterman.
9.55 The Artist’s View: Bon Jovi. (PGal, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a) 11.55 Christian. (MA15+v, R) 2.55 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R) 3.45 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja 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 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Deadly Predators. 9.05 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Qualifier. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of The Qualifier. 11.30 Lockerbie. (Final, PGalv, R) Doubt has been cast over the prosecution’s case and the court awaits the verdict tensely.
12.35 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 1. Highlights. 1.35 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. The latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Sunrise.
(9)
6.00 Today. The latest in news, current affairs, sport, politics, entertainment, fashion, health and lifestyle. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 10. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and Tony Jones. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 10. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and James Bracey.
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 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 The Ex-Wife. (Premiere, Mlsv) A woman asks her husband to cut ties with his ex-wife after a series of uncomfortable encounters. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.25 The Project. (R) 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning
Programs. 1.45pm Fashionista. 1.55 Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 2.50 Celebrity Mastermind. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.55 Alone. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News Update. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe. 9.20 Leguizamo Does America. 11.10 Adam Looking For Eve. 1am Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia. 2.50 Late Programs.
6am
Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 6.40 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 8.30 Leap Year. (2010, PG) 10.25 Luzzu. (2021, M, Maltese) 12.15pm The Bribe Of Heaven. (2016, M, Spanish) 1.55 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 3.45 The 400 Blows. (1959, PG, French) 5.40 The Wild Duck. (1983, PG) 7.30 The Furnace. (2020, M) 9.40 Son Of A Gun. (2014, MA15+) 11.40 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Spirit Talker. 2.00 Faboriginal. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Waabiny Time. 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.15 Harlem Globetrotters. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 The Big Dry. 7.30 Australia In Colour. 8.30 MOVIE: Finke: There And Back. (2018, M) 10.20 You Are Here: We Don’t Need A Map. 11.55 Late Programs. NITV (34)
Wednesday, January 22
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 The Way We Wore. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Changing Ends. (PG, R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (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 World’s Most Amazing Festivals. (PG, R) 10.10 Confucius Was A Foodie. (PG, R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGav, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 3.05 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.10 Destination Flavour China. (PGa, R) 3.40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.10 Britain By Beach. (PGn, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by Adam Hills.
8.30 Live At The Malthouse. (Mal)
A stand-up comedy performance.
9.40 Planet America. (Return) A look at American politics.
10.10 Utopia. (PG, R)
11.05 ABC Late News.
11.20 Aftertaste. (Mls, R)
12.25 Grand Designs. (R)
1.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
1.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.25 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.
7.35 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor: Intruders. (PG, R)
8.30 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (Ms, R) Michael Palin explores Iraq. 9.25 The Night Manager. (Masv) Roper and his team return to Cairo.
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Pagan Peak. (Mav)
11.55 Rogue Heroes. (Malv, R) 1.00 Soldiers. (Malv, R) 2.50 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R) 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.20pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja 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 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 My Greek Odyssey. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.30 Inspector George Gently. 10.30 Air Crash Inv. 11.30 Late Programs.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 10. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 10. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Max helps an ICU intern.
1.00 First On Scene. (Mv) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Our State On A Plate. (PG, R) Sophie Budd explores a brewery.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) The team reviews a TaylorMade putter range.
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (92)
7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 2.00 Bewitched. 2.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 3.00 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Law Abiding Citizen. (2009, MA15+) 10.40 Seinfeld. 11.40 The O.C. 12.35am The Nanny. 1.35 Love After Lockup. 3.00 Teen Titans Go! 3.30 Late Programs. 6am Fishy Business. 7.00 Step Outside. 7.30 Creek To Coast. 8.00 A Football Life. 9.00 America’s Game. 10.00 American Pickers. 11.00 Pawn Stars.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven Noon News. 1.00 MOVIE: Morning Show Mysteries: A Murder In The Mind. (2019, PGav) Holly Robinson Peete. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Knockout. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of The Knockout. 11.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) Footage of headline-grabbing moments.
12.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 2. Highlights. 1.30 Black-ish. (PGa, R) Junior’s girlfriend gets into Yale.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 Antiques Roadshow. 2.20 MOVIE: Kind Hearts And Coronets. (1949, PG) 4.30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 10. 7.00 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 To Be Advised. 8.40 Shakespeare And Hathaway. 9.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 11.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 11. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 11. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and James Bracey.
6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 11. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 11. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+am, R) Helen Sharpe returns to New York.
1.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) The team pays a visit to a very special farm.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG) The team reviews a GPS golf watch.
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 Elsbeth. (Premiere, Mav) An unconventional attorney must balance her role with the NYPD and her own methods to uncover a killer.
10.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Return, Mav) Tennant faces her final interview.
10.55 10’s Late News. 11.20 The Project. (R) 12.25 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 2.20pm Unknown Amazon. 3.15 Cook Up Bitesize. 3.20 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Alone. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News Update. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 1982: The Greatest Geek Year Ever. 9.15 MOVIE: Attack Force Z. (1981) 11.00 MOVIE: Son Of A Gun. (2014, MA15+) 12.45am Letterkenny. 2.10 Late Programs.
6am The 400 Blows. (1959, PG, French) 7.40 Oliver! (1968, PG) 10.20 Arctic. (2018, M) 12.10pm Stay. (2005) 2.10 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 3.50 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 5.40 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 7.30
Roadshow. 2.30 MOVIE: Seven Days To Noon. (1950, PG) 4.30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 11. 7.00 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 To The Manor Born. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 Late Programs. 9GEM (92) 7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 1.00 Bewitched. 1.30 I Dream Of Jeannie.
Sound financial management essential for council
Good to note mayor Cr Marsh and deputy mayor Paul Pingiaro (Council Rate Cap Set, The News 7/1/25) are keen to focus on core services and to eliminate unnecessary spending.
Perhaps the mayor and council can address the excessive salary paid to the previous CEO when seeking a replacement CEO. A cut of at least $100,000pa would seem in order and would both provide additional funds for community use, and I believe would still attract quality candidates.
Bureaucracies at all government levels tend to grow and get bogged down with meetings, committees, reports, and assessment but provide fewer visible outcomes.
Sensible fiscal management must start from the top. I would also reduce the numbers of highly paid executive bureaucrats that have increased in number in the CEO’s office in particular, and in other areas, in recent years. A cut of up to 20% cut may be in order. Some other staffing may also need reviewing or reducing. When the business is cash poor and cannot complete its core work in the community, then often some staff cutting or rationalising of programs is essential.
There may also be some other peripheral aspects that council promotes that are not essential to core council business that can be reduced or erased.
We have a large municipality with many challenges facing council from roads, beaches, coastal management, tourism and many sporting and community services.
Sensible fiscal management and additional funds appear essential to effectively fulfil these competing, but essential, needs.
I wish them well in the term ahead.
John Renowden, Mornington
Citizen’s panel
On 17 December, new Crs Batty, Rankin, Allen, Williams along with mayor Marsh, voted against hearing from community before abolishing the non-resident paid parking scheme, no alternative permit parking of revenue replacement scheme was provided, despite council officer’s advice that “...the reported payback period is expected to be mid-way through the third year of operation and approximately $38.7 million over the first ten years”
While the 7-8m visitors are good for local business profit this does not cover costs to the community to maintain the supporting the required services and infrastructure.
The next day overflow items were addressed via Zoom and Cr Batty’s motion to abolish the Citizen’s Panel established in 2021, was carried endorsed by new Crs Rankin, Allen, Williams and Pingiaro, along with mayor Marsh, despite Council officer’s advice that (sic) “to fulfill obligations to the Local Government Act 2020. Central to the Act, was for councils to include deliberative engagement into their suite of community engagement activities. The Citizens Panel currently costs $140k ...alternative is to recruit a representative panel and engage a facilitator for stand-alone projects, it is estimated that each project could cost up to $40,000. Each year the Citizens’ Panel is presented with seven projects/initiatives to discuss and consider. Based on this number, running these as separate projects could cost the Shire around $280k”. These new councillors promised to reduce waste and maintain service, with these early days cost increases and cancelling significant revenue streams, are we looking at going down the road to state intervention, when we are ultimately unable to responsibly manage our financials?
Daniel McCaffrey, Mornington Editor’s note: Daniel McCaffrey was the unsuccessful candidate for Kackeraboite Ward in shire’s 2024 election.
Housing disaster
At this time of the year we are thinking of those in our community who are finding it difficult to secure stable, affordable housing.
Our local member for Mornington, Chris
Crewther, in his Christmas community newsletter published some alarming figures on Victoria’s worsening housing and homelessness crisis.
There is a wait list of 61,000!
The state government has only increased social housing dwellings on the peninsula by 11 homes over the past decade!
Of the 1,449 public and community housing properties, the shire provided statistics that 428 of these are currently out of action or vacant!
The Mornington Peninsula now has the fourth highest level of housing needs in Victoria!
Why is there a hold up on the 428 homes now currently empty?
Common sense tells us that if they need repairs then they need to be refurbished as quickly as possible so that our homeless community have adequate housing.
My feeling is that our state of Victoria has become a state of disrepair and despair.
Carmel Coles, Mt Martha
Hydrogen project
It is pleasing to see that the backers may be finally coming to their senses with regard to the shipping hydrogen to Japan (Hastings hydrogen project in doubt, The News 07/01/25).
While shipping the clean fuel hydrogen to Japan seemed like a sensible idea, it was always flawed because of the way the hydrogen was to be made.
Had the hydrogen been produce through the electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy then the idea had merit. However, the method chosen, converting brown coal to hydrogen was always flawed because converting coal to hydrogen still produces carbon dioxide, so there is no benefit to the environment and the proposal optimistically relies on carbon capture and storage (CCS), a technology that has not worked commercially anywhere in the world.
This is a project driven by a government subservient to the fossil fuel industry and by Japanese businesses that could see a government blinded by the fact that Japan got all the benefit of a clean burning fuel and leaving all the waste in Victoria.
Ross Hudson, Mt Martha
Bad idea from the start
The apparent abandonment of the coal to hydrogen project (Hastings hydrogen project in doubt, The News 7/1/25) has finally happened. It should never have been started!
The project was going to produce enormous carbon dioxide emissions and the gullible public was expected to believe that this CO2 would be captured and stored underground – an impossible task and I believe all parties knew it.
I believe the intention was to let the emissions rip and pay a carbon offset tax. Yet the coal fired power stations in the Latrobe Valley, using the same coal, were shut down ostensibly because of carbon emissions.
The hydrogen project would ultimately produce much more CO2 than the power generators did.
It makes you stop and think: does the government really believe the theory that minuscule amounts of the rare gas CO2 high in the sky will cause the planet to get hotter?
If we were going to use our almost inexhaustible reserves of brown coal and produce vast quantities of CO2 then far better for us to use it to generate electricity for ourselves than to provide “clean, green” fuel for Japan.
The only way to get clean hydrogen is by electrolysis of water requiring huge amounts of electricity. Nuclear.
If Australia is to eliminate domestic gas usage, convert our automotive fleet to 80% electric vehicles, continue massive immigration to prop up our economy, get some manufacturing industry up and running to make Australia great again, we will need five or six times as much electricity as is available now.
If we can’t use coal then we will have to go nuclear and start now, no matter how much our get rich investors in solar and wind may complain.
Brian A Mitchelson, Mornington
Birdrock’s birds
Like many others I would like to see the Birdrock Beach stairway restored. It is a much more attractive and negotiable access to the beach than the nearby steep bitumen ramp.
I note that the Birdrock action group spokesperson Sharon Forrest (Stairway repairs delayed again, The News 7/1/25) describes an important feature of the reef as “being a sanctuary for local and immigrating seabirds”.
However, this significant aspect of bird protection is being ignored by most visitors to the beach. Even with the current limited access, dogs are allowed to roam freely, contrary to the required on-leash restrictions and despite there being nearby off-leash beaches.
I have even seen a dog swimming to the rocky reefs and chasing the resting birds from their ‘sanctuary’!
I would not support a restoration of the stairway, which would further increase out of control dog numbers, until their owners take the sanctuary requirements seriously and keep their dogs on leash or take them somewhere else where they can legally be off leash and do no harm.
Henk van Leeuwen, Mt Martha Cheesed off
I keep reading and being told that nuclear plants are emissions free (Chalk and cheese, Letters 7/1/25). They do have emissions, it’s called nuclear waste.
We still haven’t talked about continuous building of storage containers, extraction and transportation from the proposed nuclear plants or even a place and structure to store it all.
Wouldn’t parts and replacements every 20 years as stated be more economical than continuously getting rid of waste from nuclear plants that only have a life expectancy of 80 years, then spend billions again on new plants.
Doesn’t a nuclear plant need any maintenance in that time? Not to mention also the mining and transport of uranium to feed the plants, will all those vehicles be running on batteries?
Listen to the scientific evidence here rather than a politician.
John Blogg, Somers
Ignoring facts?
M. Free (Chalk and cheese, Letters 7/1/25) claims that nuclear power is safer and cheaper than clean energy like solar and wind farms, ignoring the facts from independent scientists from CSIRO, who say differently.
Also ignoring the fact that countries like Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Spain and Switzerland have been closing their nuclear power plants down to go more green.
Also ignoring that facts of nuclear power plants accidents over the years but M. Free is claiming nuclear power is safe. Look what had happened in Japan, Ukraine and America as examples.
No, state and territories in Australia don’t want nuclear power plants and where is the nuclear waste going to be dumped because no one would want it in there town.
Also, nuclear rods in these power plants need a lot of water to keep them cool. As Australia is a dry continent and is prone to droughts that can last years, where do you think they would get the water to keep the nuclear rods cool during these droughts.
What if we do have a nuclear accident, there may be more than one state or territory effected by deadly radiation and you want to risk all that because Dutton has convinced you that’s cheaper and safer with no evidence to back it up?
I’d rather listen to the scientists at CSIRO that know a lot more than a politician that is desperate to be the next PM.
Kerrie
McCoy, Dromana
Neglect of road reserves
Cheers to Fred Crump for pointing out to all the sad state of our road reserves in a year when unusually hot weather is happening in our part of the country (Crump calls for action on ‘disgraceful’ road reserves, The News 7/1/25).
Knee high grass that is rapidly browning off should have been cut at least three weeks ago.
The responsible authorities keep reminding us ordinary citizens to make our properties bushfire safe, but they themselves put all our lives at risk by the reckless neglect of their own responsibilities.
And when it comes to the state of our roads, disgraceful is the only word that comes to mind. Last year,when I cleaned a lot of flammable
material from a council reserve near me and asked the shire to take it away, I was threatened with fines instead a thank you for my proactive actions. It took many months for the shire to remove the dangerous material; well past fire season.
So let’s hope the new councillors will treat us poor cash cows a little better. Not holding my breath.
Rupert Steiner, Balnarring Beach
What’s in a name
As a supporter of the nationwide community independent movement, I was surprised that Independent 4 Flinders’ organising committee chose to endorse a candidate who is an Ordained Minister in the Reorganised Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Although the congregation gave the church a makeover in 2001 by changing the name to “Community of Christ”, the church continues to use the Book of Mormon scripture.
Perhaps the name change was simply because members had spent 130 years explaining they are not Mormons.
Although an increasing number of MPs in both federal and state parliaments have strong religious beliefs, only six Australian politicians have ever been ordained ministers. The most memorable is NSW MP the Reverend Fred Nile. The lack of ordained ministers, priests and rabbis in our parliament is due, in part, to a widely held belief in the separation of church and state. The community independent movement is a grassroots movement that aims to ensure MPs represent their communities, not their church.
Beware!
Annette Davidson, Northcote
Come next month 89; where goest thou?
The past 15 years zoomed, unnoticed. Take note, if you are in your 70’s treasure the time, daily, or the zoom effect is in waiting. Maybe an individual journey, alone, despite the comfort (if lucky?) and satisfaction of family and friends, each on their own journeys. Fair enough. Up to you? Our Prime Minister is doing the rounds, for caring, or popularity, (also) come March? I have the urge to listen. Alas, at last, I’m treasuring.
Cliff Ellen, Rye
Well done?
Mornington Peninsula Council Watch: “Well done Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors Williams, Pingiaro, Allen, Ranken, Batty and mayor Cr Marsh” for shutting down public consultation on two issues at the council meeting on 17 December.
Is Mornington Peninsula Council Watch against public consultation?
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Don’t despair!
Having read the letters (My despair, Letters 7/1/25), I hastened out of my hanging seat under the prunus tree to give hope to Bruce WearingSmith who, I suspect, is a consumer of mainstream media.
Bruce, don’t. They are harbingers of doom and gloom; purveyors of fear, doubt and malcontent. Their aim seems to be to keep us all in despair and on edge, thereby disempowered, and useful fodder for those who sponsor them.
There are several remedies for your despair.
One is to ditch the news and newspapers (apart, of course, from our wonderful local paper).
Two is to become a recipient of the Good News Network, which will tell you about wonderful things people are doing and inventing – kindnesses and problem-solving.
The third is to know that, yes, all our old systems may well be crumbling, because they are overdue for change and improvement. Mainstream media does not tell you much about the quiet improvements stirring out there, while they make much of the crumbling. New and better times might well be on the way, but, like any birth, it may be a painful process as truths come to light, cognitive dissonance punches us in the head, and old beliefs are seen through.
Yes, it looks bad now, but I bet when you’re gone and you look down, you will see your descendants reaping the benefit of the current apparent madness.
Keep heart Bruce.
Paula Polson, Dromana
PUZZLE ZONE
ACROSS
1. Skewered meat dish 7. Housing loan
8. Should, ... to 10. Purposely overhears 12. Dingier
14. Major Indonesian isle 16. Green gemstone
17. Piercing with spear
20. Full-length 23. Of sound
Quivers
Proposal DOWN
Shady tree
Raps
Dull pain
Hand (out) 4. Breeding males
Wide (view) 6. Japanese hostess
Brindled cat
Wood-smoothing sheet
THE ECOLOGIES PROJECT
MORNINGTON Peninsula Regional Gallery celebrates the first summer in the Bunurong calendar with the stunning and thought-provoking exhibition, The Ecologies Project: How Climate Changes Culture. The Ecologies Project features over 60 works covering a variety of media including photography, installation, video and sound work from artists Maree Clarke, Aunty Netty Shaw, Megan Cope, Sue Ford, Jill Orr, Rosemary Laing, Linda Tegg, Joseph Beuys, Jacobus Capone, Nicholas Mangan and more.
Curated by new MPRG Director Dunja Rmandić and Acting Curator Exhibitions Leah Ferguson, the exhibition asks ‘how does a changing ecology change our culture?’. Considering the Mornington Peninsula as a starting point, many of the works featured were chosen as reference points for the ongoing climate conversation of how what we create now, as a response to climate change, will change our culture in the long run.
Ten thousand years ago the Mornington Peninsula did not exist. The Bunurong / BoonWurrung people were People of the River not People of the Sea and their traditional lands extended to what is now the top of the north-west/central Tasmania. The current climate calamity differs from previous mega-changes in that it has come from us; our colonial and capitalist culture that has changed the climate.
A program of events will run alongside the exhibition including a Long Table discussion, workshops, education and kids’ events and a series of writings. This free exhibition runs until 16 March at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.
Titled ladies
Lively
Food retailer
Beetle larvae 21. Antlered animal
Remove (hat)
www.lovattspuzzles.com
See page 35 for solutions.
JILL Orr, Walking on Planet Earth, 1989, ink jet print. Courtesy of the artist.
School of sharks spotted off Mornington Pier
Compiled by Cameron McCullough
ACCORDING to the report of a number of fishermen and people fishing off the Mornington pier, a school of sharks, measuring from 6ft. to 8ft. long, and about seven in number, were seen patrolling some distance from the pier.
The experience that has befallen people in the vicinity of Mentone and Aspendale has made bathers doubly careful as to the risks they take.
In face of such danger, it is only they of the foolhardy and irresponsible genus who venture beyond the limits of safety.
DURING the afternoon sitting of the Council on Friday last, the Civic Fathers, in accordance with old-time methods of procedure, went “into committee” while Mr. D. J. Quartermain, manager of the electrical department, submitted a list of names pertaining to consumers in arrears for current supplied.
The members of the Press, also certain ratepayers present, were requested to make their presence scarce for a matter of ten minutes’ duration, or so, and, of course, acceded to the ruling of the President, moreover, with a much greater degree of courtesy than later was extended to them by the attributes of mystery.
In short, the doors of the Chamber of Horrors, which were closed at the outset, remained so even after the gentlemen of the Council concluded their business “in camera.”
As a matter of fact, it was only due to the vigilance exercised by the
Press that it was ascertained the Civic Fathers had come into the open again, and were listening to the plea of Miss McNeil, the assistant Shire Secretary, to be relieved of her duties, in consequence of overwork, as a valued member of the municipal staff. Apparently, the Shire Secretary did not deem it to be an act of duty on his part, at all events, to appear in the outer office passage, and announce, in stentorian tones after the manner adopted by the officers of the law on Court days: “The Council is now open to John Citizen” (not the Court).
In view of the circumstances, as explained, it is regrettable that we cannot give the speech in detail, as propounded by the assistant Shire Secretary, who since her appointment, has laboured so strenuously morning, noon, and night, in a supreme endeavour to bring arrears of work in the office up-to-date, and thus cause the daily routine to run smoothly like a bubbling brook of progress.
Suffice it is to say, that the onus of failure does not lie at the door of Miss McNeil’s herculean efforts to make good.
***
LOCAL business people, particularly confectioners, complain that the game of “Housey-Housey”, which is nightly in full operation in one of our main thoroughfares, is seriously interfering with their means of livelihood.
Every night crowds of people assemble at the open-air shrine of chance, and stake their silver on the roll of the little ball.
Sometimes the “school” invests as much as 20/- in the hope of winning
a box of chocolates worth little more than twice as many pence.
One young girl was heard to remark the other evening, as she left the playing board, that she had lost 15/- without drawing a single prize.
In and around Melbourne this game of “Housey-Housey” has been objected to. At carnivals, agricultural shows, sports meetings, etc., it is not unusual to see such ventures “given a spin” for the day, but when such “enterprises” threaten to become permanent institutions” to the detriment of ratepaying citizens, it is not surprising that vigorous protests are heard on every hand.
***
MR. S. T. King, who has been pound keeper for the Carrum Borough at a very inadequate salary, was appointed dog tax collector at the last meeting of the Council, at a remuneration of half the fees collected.
Mr. King’s son was killed in the war. He has been a long resident of the district, and highly respected, and the appointment has found favour among ratepayers.
Cr. Beardsworth, the mover of the motion, said that the appointment would be in keeping with the Council’s policy of preference to returned soldiers, and would assist a very trustworthy officer.
***
THE death of Mr. Robert Calvert Macafee removes from the scene one of those worthy citizens who was called into the service of his country during the war.
As officer in charge of the Garrison Institute on Langwarrin Camp, by his
tact and sagacity, he cultivated the friendship, and gained the respect of officers and men, and many prisoners of war in Europe will remember him with gratitude.
There is little doubt the war service affected his health, for he died at the comparatively early age of 54 years.
As a faithful servant of the Defence Department, hundreds of soldiers
“Can call to mind, with loving thought. Some kindly deed, the icy hand hath wrought, Errands on which, the willing feet hath sped.” ***
THE Mornington Council has had its attention drawn to the condition of that section of the Point Nepean road, which lies between Vale’s Hill and the Frankston Shire boundary.
Owing to the continued neglect of maintenance it is now in a very advanced state of ill-repair.
The Country Roads Board has issued a strong request to the Council to have the cause of complaint remedied without delay. ***
THE gratitude which members of the Methodist Church invariably display towards those who endeavour to assist them was strikingly exemplified in the Upton-Cowley wedding.
Although Mr. Arthur Upton has settled in another district, for some time he was recalled to the church of his youth, and on behalf of the Langwarrin Methodists at a social evening,
Mr. P. J. Murray presented Mr. A. Upton with a Coleman lamp.
Mr. Allan Corlett, on behalf of the Sunday school, presented the guest of the evening with a family Bible.
Rev. Mr. Wellard paid a warm tribute to the generous aid the guest had rendered the Sunday school, while Mr. Murray praised his sterling character.
Mr. Allan Corlett made a very fine speech, exalting the solid virtues of the guest’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Upton, in their relations with their neighbours.
Their home forms a striking feature in the landscape on the road between Cranbourne and Frankston.
For many years, Mr. George Upton was the sheet anchor of the local school board, and the Progressive Association, and in addition he has been the mainstay of the recreation reserve.
A fine writer, whose contributions frequently appeared in verse, he proved a powerful force to advance the district.
Withal, Mr. George Upton is a very practical and successful orchardist.
The marriage united two wellknown families, for the bride, Miss Cowley, is a grand-daughter of the fine old pioneer, the late John Corlett. Harmony was supplied by Mr. D. Adderley, whose effort was much appreciated; Miss Wellard, whose voice shows cultivation and promise;. Misses A. and D. Bowker, mandoline and organ; Misses G. and Olive Murray, all of whom received recalls. Speeches on the marriage tie were made by a visiting lay preacher and Mr. Archibald, but we regret that space compels us to curtail.
***
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 14 & 16 Jan 1925
SOUTHERN PENINSULA NEWS scoreboard
Things heat up for the 2025 Rye Gift
By Barry Irving OAM
DESPITE a very warm day Rye’s premier event, the 49th running of the Rye Gift, drew a record number of entries. There were 99 juniors who contested the junior gift with competitors coming from clubs as far away as Warrnambool .
A record number of 736 VAL registered athletes contested the day's events with clubs coming from Victoria-wide and including one international competitor from Scotland. Mornington Peninsula Shire prepared an excellent surface for competition; the running track was cut and rolled a number of times as was the 400 metre surface for all the distance runners.
The event is hosted by the Rye Sports and Social club that consists of the six member clubs that work together to make the Rye Gift a huge success for the past 49 years.
The events are conducted by Victorian Athletic League using electronic timing to determine winners. The competition was so fierce that one final event was decided by a one hundredth of a second.
The Rye Gift welcomed a number of new major sponsors this year including Kia Mornington who sponsored the 120m Mens Gift along with Rye Hotel for the 120m Women’s Gift. Community Bank Southern Peninsula
continued as club sponsor. The Rotary Club of Rosebud- Rye jointly sponsored the Junior gift with long-time supporter Maw Civil.
The community relay remains a crowd favourite with both the junior and senior events. The junior relay competing for the David Keech Memorial trophy was won this year by Southern Peninsula Little Athletic Club.
The senior community relay was won by the Rye Football Netball Club who proudly now hold the winners shield. Each of the clubs that compete in the community relays receive $500 for their respective clubs.
Results
Womens 120m Gift:
1st Alexia Loizou: Time 13.336
2nd Jemma Stapleton: Time 13.500
3rd Ilana Grandine: Time 13.688
Mens 120m Gift
1st Jesse Cordoma: Time 12.071
2nd Dash Muir: Time 12.072
3rd Corey (SA) Baker: Time 12.119
Save the date 10 January 2026. This will be the 50th year of this event and promises to eclipse all the previous years. Become a sponsor or just bring the family along for a great day out.
MAJOR sponsors KIA Mornington, represented by Nick Habib and Salvatore Arceri, congratulate Mens 120m Gift winner Jesse Cordoma while, below, the juniors celebrate a great day out. Pictures: Barry Irving
A BLISTERING finish sees Alexia Loizou take out the Women’s 120M Gift. Picture: Barry Irving
All eyes turn to Wallace Cup
SOCCER
By Craig MacKenzie
THE focus of the local game switches to Lawton Park this Saturday and the 12th official staging of the annual Steve Wallace Memorial Day.
The event commemorates the life of local soccer icon Stephen William Wallace who was 54 years old when he died on 19 July 2011 and was a former Langwarrin player, coach, president, life member, club council representative and Bayside League referee.
COVID-19 rules impacted on the event in 2022 and forced a series of one-off 90-minute games so no winner was declared but the tournament returned to a more familiar format in 2023 with the host club winning the trophy for the third time.
Last year Baxter caused the biggest boilover in Wallace Cup history when it defeated Langwarrin on penalties in the final to become the lowest-ranked Football Victoria club to lift the trophy.
A significant feature of the 2024 event was the introduction of the Steve Wallace Plate run concurrently with the Wallace Cup.
Somerville Eagles defeated Rosebud 2-0 in the Plate final.
This year’s Wallace Cup will be contested by Langwarrin, Mornington, Peninsula Strikers, Skye United, Baxter and newcomer Chelsea while the Wallace Plate will feature Somerville Eagles, Frankston Pines, Rosebud, Seaford United, Mount Eliza and Mount Martha.
The Cup and Plate contestants will be split into two groups with group winners playing in the final.
Wallace Cup, Group A: Chelsea, Skye United, Peninsula Strikers.
Wallace Cup, Group B: Mornington, Langwarrin, Baxter.
Wallace Plate, Group A: Mount Eliza, Seaford United, Mount Martha.
Wallace Plate, Group B: Frankston Pines, Somerville Eagles, Rosebud.
Matches will consist of 20-minute halves and the Cup will be played on the main pitch at Lawton Park with the Plate being played on the top pitch near the venue’s main entrance.
Both finals will be played on the main pitch.
Here is the full draw:
12pm: Chelsea v Skye Utd
12.50pm: Mornington v Baxter, Mount Eliza v Mount Martha
1.40pm: Peninsula Strikers v Skye Utd, Frankston Pines v Somerville Eagles
2.30pm: Langwarrin v Baxter, Mount Martha v Seaford Utd
3.20pm: Peninsula Strikers v Chelsea, Rosebud v Frankston Pines
4.10pm: Langwarrin v Mornington, Seaford Utd v Mount Eliza
5pm: Somerville Eagles v Rosebud
5.10pm: Wallace Cup Final
6pm: Wallace Plate Final.
Previous Wallace Cup winners are:
Casey Comets 2013; Mornington 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018; Moreland Zebras 2019; Langwarrin 2020, 2021, 2023; Baxter 2024.
In State 4 news Frankston Pines are in the spotlight once more after senior coach Jason Grieve dropped a bombshell on the local club by resigning on Sunday.
Grieve was appointed in December after knocking back the senior coaching job at Baxter.
The former Mentone mentor held his first training session last Thursday and there was no indication that he would quit.
“There were around 18 at training and some quality players but not enough yet so lots of work to do,”
Grieve said after the session.
Grieve and Pines president Liz Diaz spoke after Thursday’s session and again on Friday.
“Everything was fine, we were both on the same page and we were about to announce a reserves coach,” Diaz said.
“I truly don’t know what happened.
“I’ll be honest this came completely
out of the blue.”
When Grieve took on the Pines job he spoke of his enthusiasm to grab “an opportunity to shape the whole club – it’s a much bigger role than just the senior men’s coach.
“Right now we don’t have a playing squad of any note but that will change.
“I want to assemble a squad mainly of under-23s with a selection of really experienced heads to help and to be as competitive as we possibly can.”
Now that task falls to Alex Halikias who has taken over as interim head coach.
Halikias was appointed as Pines senior women’s coach in December and has coached at a number of clubs including Peninsula Strikers, Richmond, Casey Comets and Mount Eliza.
In other State 4 news Rosebud has released its pre-season match schedule for January and February.
Check the cub’s facebook page for confirmation of these fixtures in case weather forecasts force changes:
Thursday 16 January v Mount Eliza, Olympic Park, 7pm
Thursday 23 January v Knox City, Olympic Park, 7pm
Saturday 1 February, v Skye Utd, Olympic Park, 4pm & 6pm
Saturday 8 February v Moonee Ponds Utd, Olympic Park, 4pm & 6pm
Saturday 15 February v Yarraville, Olympic Park, 4pm & 6pm
Saturday 22 February v St Kevin’s, Olympic Park, 4pm & 6pm
In State 5 news Chris Sanderson has taken over as president of Mount Martha with no fanfare whatsoever.
The club’s AGM in November didn’t go to plan and process anomalies forced an extraordinary AGM which was held last month.
Sanderson replaced Rhys Piper as president becoming the fifth person to hold the office in the 10 years the club has operated.
Other members of the new executive are vice-president Jay Bartle, secretary Shelley Christie, treasurer Anton Mihoc and Piper is now operations manager.
Sanderson is keen to oversee the establishment of clearly defined player pathways bridging the junior and senior sections of the club.
“We would have had around 40 junior teams last season from under-6s to under-18s,” Sanderson said.
“But we tend to lose our A-grade players to other clubs which is a problem.
“We don’t mind losing players to NPL juniors because they are testing themselves at a higher level but we should never lose them to other com-
munity clubs
Mount Martha’s under-18s have been the talent pool from which the club’s senior men’s and women’s programs have been built and the results in the women’s program have been spectacular.
The women won State 5 in their first season of senior competition and finished third this year in State 4 with top scorer Kira Greenwood winning the league best and fairest award.
“I’m keen to make sure that what happened with the men doesn’t happen with the women,” Sanderson added.
“There were some changes to the club’s approach a couple of years ago and they had a negative impact on the men’s program at the time but it’s back on track now.
“Charlie (Platt) our senior coach has strong links with Mornington and hopefully we can attract some younger players from there by offering them senior football.”
Shire council has given Mount Martha access to the new clubrooms at Civic Reserve that are expected to be officially opened before the league season.
“We’ll be applying for a liquor licence,” Sanderson said.
“We can’t open the venue without the ability to sell alcohol as it’s an important revenue base for clubs nowadays and allows us to hire out the venue for various functions.”
Sanderson’s son Ethan is a former Mount Martha best and fairest and Golden Boot winner but it’s unlikely that he will return from last year’s State 5 champion Rosebud.
“They really looked after him and he’s happy there so he’s looking forward to testing himself in State 4.”
In practice match news Langwarrin travelled to Shepparton on Saturday and drew 1-1 with Goulburn Valley Suns in oppressive heat.
The Suns opened the scoring after five minutes but Archie Macphee equalised shortly after.
On Sunday Skye United drew 1-1 with Hampton East Brighton at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve.
A triallist scored for Skye.
such as Rosebud and Mount Eliza.”
Winners are grinners: Baxter president Bray Hodgkinson shows off the 2024 Steve Wallace Cup with reserves assistant coach Harry Liapis at left.
Picture: Darryl Kennedy
2025 FINALISTS BEST FILM: 2025 FINALISTS
Our best film finalists will be competing for $5K CASH first prize, $2.5K CASH second prize, $1250 CASH third prize plus loads of other cool prizes.
EMERGING FILMMAKER
Melody by Harrison J Thomas
A Sweet Deal by Leah Jade Reaper
BEST ANIMATION
Baggage by Lucy Davidson
BEST DOCUMENTARY
The Ranch Motel by Damian McLindon
2025 JUDGING PANEL
Don’t Ignore Me
Director Charli Fletcher
The Wonton Whistleblower
Director Cooper Clark
The Box
Director Ashley Pitman
The Goat
Director Kenny Foo
MICHALA BANAS (MCLEOD’S DAUGHTERS, UPPER MIDDLE BOGAN)
We are thrilled to welcome Michala Banas back to our PFF judging panel. Michala is multi talented and has been juggling many roles of late. She’s been treading the boards for the theatre adaptation of Trent Dalton’s Love Stories, she’s been filming a new show on our screens right now – A Remarkable Place to Die, and if that’s not enough she’s an anchor on the new radio station – Broad Radio. Welcome back Michala.
STEPHEN CURRY (THE CASTLE, THE KING, HOUNDS OF LOVE, CLOUDSTREET)
Stephen Curry is best known for his roles in The Castle, The King, Hounds of Love, Cloudstreet, and Time of Our Lives. Stephen has recently featured in Ten Pound Poms, Population 11 and Bay of Fires, for which he was nominated for a Silver Logie for Best Actor in a Drama. He loves long walks on the beach and throwing the frisbee to himself.
SHANE JACOBSON (KENNY, THE ODD COUPLE, AUSTRALIA’S GOT TALENT)
Shane Jacobson has had a busy couple of years treading the boards with hits like The Odd Couple Cinderella the musical and Hairspray. He’s recently hosted Australia’s Got Talent and has appeared in films including Charlie and Boots, Kenny and Ladies in Black. Shane joined the panel in 2017 and we are excited to host him once again!
SIMONE BUCHANNAN (HEY DAD, SHAME, NEIGHBOURS)
After playing Debbie Kelly for many years in Australia’s most successful and longest running sitcom Hey Dad, Simone went on to star alongside Deborah Lee Furness in internationally acclaimed feature film Shame. Simone has also starred in many television dramas including Neighbours, McLeod’s Daughters, Blue Heelers, Water Rats, All Saints, Pacific Drive, A Country Practice and Upper Middle Bogan. Her film credits include High Country, My Brilliant Career, Patrick, Boar and most recently, The Girl at the Window with Radha Mitchell. Simone has also recently directed several episodes of Neighbours for Fremantle media.
Unseen
Director Alex Nesic
BrokerFace
Director Carl J Sorheim
Edie and Audrey
Director Alexandra Millen
Demon Dog
Director Juliana Purnell
Salt Pig
Director Frederick Herrera
Dawn In Paradise Directors
Alice Bishop, Craig Reasons
I See You
Director Jake Neville
The Meaningless Daydreams of Augie & Celeste
Director Pernell Marsden
DORIS YOANNE (5 BEDROOMS, THE CLEARING, NCIS)
Doris has been an actor for 30 years. After 4 years working on the series 5 Bedrooms for Paramount Plus, it was time for her to back herself and create a series that speaks to women of her age who she feels are not represented on our screens. Doris took off a large part of last year to concentrate on writing her own TV series. In between working on her own project Doris has been jumping in and out of shows The Clearing Apple Cider Vinegar Last King of the Cross, Darby and Joan, NCIS. Doris is excited to be part of this festival: “we need to support the new storytellers in our country if this industry is to survive and move forward”, she said.
GARY SWEET (POLICE RESCUE, STINGERS, HOUSE HUSBANDS)
He’s an Australian acting royalty, the multi awardwinning Australian actor who has graced our screens for more than five decades in roles in Police Rescue, Stingers, House Husbands as well as international film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. But that’s not all, he has also been in stage productions including The Club and Oh What a Night. We can’t wait to welcome him here at PFF.
IVAN O’MAHONEY (UNBREAKABLE: THE JELENA DOKIC STORY, FOLAU)
Ivan O’Mahoney is the founder of In Films, the production company behind projects such as Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra, The Queen & Zak Grieve, Hitting Home Revelation and Folau. Originally a lawyer, his TV career kicked off at CNN following a degree from Columbia Journalism School. From the US, he moved to London where he produced and directed documentaries for BBC, Channel 4 and HBO. Notable films include festival favorites Baghdad High and How To Plan a Revolution. Love and marriage brought him to Australia in 2008. His work earned the Robert F Kennedy Journalism Award, a Golden Nymph, a Rose d’Or, and several Walkleys, AACTAs, Screen Producer and Director Guild Awards.
