Southern Peninsula YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND FOR PENINSULA FAMILIES FACEBOOK:
peninsulakids.com.au mornpenkids
INSTAGRAM:
An independent voice for the community
FREE
Your weekly community newspaper covering Safety Beach to Portsea For all advertising and editorial needs, call 03
5974 9000 or email: team@mpnews.com.au www.mpnews.com.au
Shire zoning ‘makes no sense’: mayor Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is pressing the state government to classify it as a region – and not part of metropolitan Melbourne – to liberate it from the stage four coronavirus restrictions. The shire says the harsher zoning “makes no sense on several levels and is unsafe”. In 1966 the entire peninsula was included in the metropolitan statistical area. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn in a letter to Premier Daniel Andrews last week blamed “lines on an administrative map and not any COVID-19 specific considerations” for its inclusion into the Melbourne metropolitan area. He said a letter from Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton on 19 August confirmed that stage four restrictions were “implemented across the [Health] Department’s metropolitan region, including all metropolitan local government areas”. “This includes Mornington Peninsula, despite the nomenclature of [it] being a shire,” Dr Sutton had said. “All non-metropolitan region LGAs were not included in the stage four restrictions.” Cr Hearn said the “arbitrary classification with its oppressive restrictions aimed at clamping down on the spread of the coronavirus is stifling business on the peninsula and the social interaction that would rejuvenate it when there are no cases of the virus and none for at least the past 14 days”. The DHHS on Sunday said the peninsula had one active case and had recorded 183 overall. It is especially galling when other parts of regional Victoria with similar or even higher case numbers, including neighbours Bass Coast, Queenscliff, Geelong and Surf Coast, have progressed to stage two and are well on the way to re-opening for business as usual. Cr Hearn said Queenscliff had highlighted problems for its own recovery of having the peninsula in a different category. “In effect we are the missing link in the creation and operation of a coastal corridor of all regional areas,” he said. This is preventing the reactivation of the muchhyped tourism and hospitality economies.
Wednesday 23 September 2020
Power of a Premier under challenge
The shire’s plea comes as a 10,382-signature online petition is also urging the state government to rethink the peninsula’s stage four status. Organisers want the peninsula excluded from metropolitan Melbourne and are aiming for more than 15,000 signatures. Originator Mandy White said the peninsula, with low numbers of active COVID-19 cases, had been forced into lockdown with the rest of Melbourne. She said the peninsula was not classified as part of metropolitan Melbourne when it came to infrastructure spending but had been “clumsily lumped” into this category as part of the COVID-19 restrictions. Ms White said more than 6000 jobs had been lost on the peninsula, which had suffered a 21 per cent fall in gross regional product (compared with a 6.9 per cent drop for Australia) and an 11 per cent drop in employment opportunities. Business group the Committee for Mornington Peninsula called for the peninsula to have regional status after hosting a meeting of the state Opposition’s Shadow Cabinet at Rosebud in August. The 50-member committee told Opposition leader Michael O’Brien that classing the peninsula as metropolitan was “hurting business and causing job shortages and lost government grants”. Earlier this month the committee reported that many local businesses were “on the brink” as a result of the stage four restrictions (“Call for urgent road-out plan” The News 8/9/20). President Shannon Smit said: “Our research shows many hospitality and retail businesses are on the brink and in desperate need of hope and a road out of the current punishing business conditions on the peninsula.” Cr Hearn said the stricter stage four classification, which had nobbled the shire’s community services activities, made “no epidemiological sense and posed serious health risks” on several fronts. He cited ongoing lack of support and services for vulnerable families and people sleeping rough; large numbers of isolated seniors, hospitality workers trapped at home and tradespeople unable to work.
RESTAURANT owner Michelle Loielo is challenging the power of the Premier Daniel Andrews to impose a curfew as part of Victoria’s COVID-19 lockdown. Page 8 Picture: Yanni
Worried about Skin Cancer?
Free
Need a lesion checked?
Skin Checks for PENSIONERS AND HCC HOLDERS. Call today 5986 4229 to find out more or visit www.wholemedicine.com.au
Dr David Parsons is one of the most highly experienced skin cancer General Practitioners on the Mornington Peninsula and spring is the perfect time to start the process. Just another way Whole Medicine Integrative General Practice is supporting our community during Covid 19.
113 Boneo Rd, Rosebud (adjacent to new aquatic centre) P. 5986 4229
Facebook.com/wholemedicinerosebud
wholemedicine.com.au | Taking new patients
book online
The future will bring new challenges. So we’re prepared. We’re building a modern fire and rescue service, with firefighters working together for all Victorians. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) leads fire and rescue in Melbourne and major regional centres. We are also strengthening and supporting the CFA with new equipment, upgraded stations and better facilities – ensuring our volunteers continue to serve and protect their communities. With world-class technology and highly trained firefighters, we’re ready to meet the challenges we face today, and into the future. For more information about Fire Rescue Victoria visit frv.vic.gov.au
Fire Rescue Victoria. We’re prepared. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne PAGE 2
Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
NEWS DESK
Agent’s call to cut forest fire risk Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au
THICK regrowth under powerlines held up by wooden poles on the boundary of the state park at Arthurs Seat. Picture: Keith Platt
A DROMANA real estate agent is urging the state government to reduce fuel loads on the forest floor at Arthurs Seat before the summer fire season. A “frustrated” Roger McMillan has been keeping a paper trail of emails sent to Nepean MP Chris Brayne over the past two months asking what was being done to prevent the “imminent bushfire threat this summer … and the resulting devastation of lives, properties, flora and fauna”. To start the clean-up process, he told Mr Brayne: “You need to organise a meeting up on the hill, walk the roads and tracks, see firsthand the fuel load on the ground, together with the local fire brigades, the council, and the department, and local residents who live on the hill. “It is probably already too late for this bushfire season.” Mr Brayne replied that he was waiting on expert advice from Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D'Ambrosio. Four weeks later, Mr McMillan wrote again saying he “still [had] not heard a word from you or your Labor government on this critical issue”. “It’s simply not good enough,” he said. “So what do we do now … just do nothing and watch the mountain burn, or do we push the issue?” “How is it that I seem to be the only one who is concerned about this serious matter? Everyone seems to have already forgotten about the fires last December and January. No lessons have been learnt. People need to understand how serious this is. I remember the last fire on the hill. Do you? “You are my local member [and] for you to keep saying you are waiting on a reply from the department is very disappointing. How much longer are you going to wait? You should be
THE blackened slopes of Arthurs Seat in April 2016 after a controlled burn. Picture: Yanni out there making noises, making things happen. That’s your job. That’s what you were elected to do. “Your job as the local elected representative in state government is to protect your constituents, their lives, their properties and the local area.” Mr Brayne again told Mr McMillan during a Dromana Rotary Club Zoom call that he would “chase up with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning about works already undertaken/expected to be undertaken to mitigate fire risk at Arthurs Seat”. In a reply to Mr Brayne’s queries, Ms D’Ambrosio said Forest Fire Management Victoria was working with the CFA, Mornington Peninsula Shire, and VicRoads to “plan and deliver annual fire management programs in the Arthurs Seat State Park and surrounding areas”. These activities include planned burning, slash-
ing and mechanical treatment on public and private land, as well as community education. Six planned burns over 50 hectares had been conducted over the past 10 years. “The state park is a challenging environment to conduct planned burning, owing to the steep slopes, proximity of private assets and the impact of smoke and road closures on the local tourism and wine industries,” Ms D’Ambrosio said. She said most fuel management in the park was mechanical treatment, such as roadside and fuelbreak slashing, as well as broad scale mulching. About 10 hectares of forest has been mulched over the past five years, with a further 3.3 hectares of broad scale mulching planned for 2020/21. ,” Ms D’Ambrosio said plans were being drawn up to upgrade roads and tracks in the park to make it easier to conduct fuel management activities and fire response.
We’ll help you find the floor you’ve been searching for. Choices Flooring by Smiths Shop 1, Cnr Bruce St & Tyabb Rd, Mornington
5975 2600 choicesflooring.com.au
carpet | timber | luxury vinyl | laminate | bamboo | vinyl
20
$
TAP BEER!
lls
and WE’LL FILL IT with once off ref
LUNCH & DINNER MENU FOR TAKEAWAY AND HOME DELIVERY
Fu
n
that’s over 7 pots!
AVAILABLE
via Thirsty Camel Drive Thru ia
$30
Buy a 1.9lt Growler
COMING SOON TO RYE!
As
Missing the FRESH Taste of Tap Beer?
PREPARED MEALS
sio
od
a 1.9lt Growler
$12 GRAB & GO
Fo
Watch the footy with
tr e n Ha w ker S
et
FROM 12NOON TO 7.30PM
p lu s WE CAN DELIVER YOUR ALCOHOL!
2415 Point Nepean Road, Rye Ph: 5985 2277
www.ryehotel.com.au
Spice Hawker Beach Bar Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
PAGE 3
MORNINGTON ANY SYMPTOMS GET TESTED It’s important to get tested for coronavirus at the first sign of any symptom and stay home until you get your result. •
ACL - Mornington Weekdays: 8.30am - 5.00pm
•
Peninsula Health Mobile Screening Clinic Various sites across Frankston and Mornington Please visit https://www.peninsulahealth.org.au/
•
Peninsula Health - Rosebud Hospital (Eleanora House) Daily: 9.00am - 4.00pm
•
Rosebud Respiratory Clinic Weekdays: 9.00am - 5.00pm By appointment only Please call 0436 033 507 and 0429 270 096 Bookings are required at some testing locations. Opening hours subject to change.
Getting tested means you keep yourself, your friends, family, workplace and your community safe. It’s not over yet.
For more details visit vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
PAGE 4
Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
NEWS DESK
Cancer gives Kyle a reason to run KYLE Llewellyn, who was diagnosed with cancer twice as a child, is not one to take it easy. Later this month he will tackle the gruelling 4x4x48 Challenge to mark the end of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Mr Llewellyn, 20, of Rosebud, will run four miles (6.4km), inside every four-hour block over 48 hours on 29-30 September. The aim is to encourage children with cancer to focus on something positive to help get them through their treatment and to never lose sight of their goals. “I hope that by doing this challenge I can show kids currently going through treatment that at the end of it, they’ll be able to do some amazing things in life,” Mr Llewellyn said. He is also raising money Redkite, the childhood cancer support charity which supported him and his mother through his two cancer diagnoses. Mr Llewellyn has already raised $2000 with his Kids with Cancer fundraiser and hopes to raise $5000 by month’s end. If lockdown restrictions are still in place then, he will do his running on a treadmill at home. “It’s important to keep positive and to look forward to what’s on the other side of it,” he said. To support Mr Llewellyn visit his donation page: supportredkite. everydayhero.com/au/kids-withcancer-fundraiser
Plea to curb drug overdose toll Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au FRANKSTON had 71 unintentional overdose deaths between 2014 and 2018, making it the third highest of any Victorian region. The Mornington Peninsula, with 50 recorded deaths, was fifth on the list of 14 regions listed by the Penington Institute. Topping the list of unintentional overdose deaths was Geelong, with 82, followed by Dandenong, 78, Frankston, 71 and Melbourne, 60. The Carlton-based institute’s 2020 Australia’s Overdose Annual Report said more than 2000 people died from overdoses in the previous year. CEO John Ryan says drug-induced death is not confined to either illegal drugs or those taken as medicines. “When used in conjunction with other drugs, alcohol may contribute to a fatal overdose, or rarely, be the sole cause of an unintentional drug-induced death,” he said in a foreword to the report which was released in August. “Up until recently, alcohol was the third most common drug involved in unintentional drug-induced deaths, though it has recently been surpassed by both stimulants and anti-depressants. “It is a grim landmark – and a brutal indictment of our governments’ narrow focus on controlling the supply of substances while failing to care enough for those who are already consuming and at risk of multiple harms
including fatal overdose.” Although Australian statistics were unlikely to be available until 2022, Mr Ryan said evidence from overseas showed “COVID-19 is accelerating trends and exacerbating risk factors which are already detectable in this year’s report”. “Vulnerable people risk losing the supports they rely on to stay connected and healthy. But these risk factors for overdose were present in Australia long before the pandemic,” he said. Drugs were used for many reasons, including curiosity, pleasure “or the promise of new experiences” as well as in response to mental or physical traumas. “Mental health drivers are important, like anxiety and depression. Some people turn to drugs to distract them from despair or isolation, while some are people with little hope for their futures, including the financially insecure and those who have lost their jobs. “Drug use risks are driven by alcohol and pharmaceutical drugs as well as the illicit drugs that are the subjects of whispered conversations. All these drugs contribute to overdose and death.” Mr Ryan said there were no simple solutions to the problem and “real time prescription monitoring” was not a “silver bullet”. “A comprehensive national overdose strategy would be a good start ... but at a minimum, we need an overdose educated and empowered community.”
Racecourse Grange Aged Care Mornington At Australian Unity your safety and wellbeing is our priority. When you’re part of our community, we take care of the small things that lift you up so you can focus on reaching your goals. Because when we’re together, we’re better. Visit our website to take on online video tour or phone our team to organise a personalised virtual tour.
1300 282 604 racecoursegrange.com.au Respite care | Permanent residential care | Memory support | Palliative care
Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
PAGE 5
Southern Peninsula
Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty. Ltd
PHONE: 03 5974 9000 Published weekly
Circulation: 22,870
Audit period: Apr 2014 - Sept 2014
Source: AMAA; CAB Total Distribution Audit for further information visit auditedmedia.org.au
Journalists: Stephen Taylor, Brodie Cowburn 5974 9000 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Ricky Thompson 0425 867 578 or ricky@mpnews.com.au Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production/Graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Dannielle Espagne Group Editor: Keith Platt 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Craig MacKenzie, Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Ben Triandafillou 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 24 SEPTEMBER 2020 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
NEWS DESK
Creative way to cope with crisis BUSINESSES are pitching in to help Victorians cope with the stresses and strains of dealing with restrictions imposed in a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While regional Victoria is feeling the benefits of restrictions being eased, the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne remain under stage four restrictions. Charlie Ryan, of Red Hill, who started design agency Five Creative with James Baker in 2009, said they launched their V for Victoria campaign in the hope on “spreading a unifying message of love, hope and solidarity across the country”. The stylised hand forming a peace sign has been reproduced on posters throughout Melbourne and Sydney. Ryan says his design “up-cycles” the original V for victory sign made famous by wartime British prime minister Winston Churchill. Money donated to the cause is “going straight back to spreading the message”.
“The graphic has been designed with the official colour of Victoria adjoining to other colours that represent all other Australian Commonwealth
states and territories,” Ryan said. “Initially developed [in August] as a direct response to the state of Victoria going into tough COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and the ongoing closures of state and territory borders, the campaign coincided with an evident rise in negative media and online coverage towards Victorians, that inflamed further fear, anger and division between states. “Having seen our country come together over the summer bushfire crisis, and to rally for a law for equality not long before that, I don’t believe these are the words or feelings of everyday Australians. I believe that there should be more words of love, hope and solidarity between ourselves as a greater community and V for Victoria encourages that.” Free downloads of the V for Victoria artwork, prints, face masks and apparel are available at www. vforvictoria.com.au Keith Platt
Portsea lifesavers win top award An independent voice for the community We are the only locally owned and operated community newspaper on the Mornington Peninsula. We are dedicated to the belief that a strong community newspaper is essential to a strong community. We exist to serve residents, community groups and businesses and ask for their support in return.
PORTSEA Surf Life Saving Club has won the Beaurepaire Shield and was named 2020 Marsh Club of the Year at Life Saving Victoria’s Awards of Excellence evening. Now in their 17th year, the awards celebrate the achievements and contributions by lifesaving volunteers as part of LSV’s mission to prevent drowning deaths and aquatic injury in Victoria. The Portsea club also took home Youth Team of the Year and Masters Team of the Year. Rhys Cole, of Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club, was
awarded the John Wishart Memorial Medal as the Microflite Lifesaver of the Year for his contribution to lifesaving. Over the past year he also won the Gary Tierney Foundation Award and Club Captains Award. Cole is also the first member of his club to be qualified as a crewman on the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter. “In these extraordinary times, it is so important to reflect on and celebrate the achievements of all our volunteers, staff and members of the broader aquatic community,” Life Saving Victoria president Paul James said.
Advertisement
Council’s Climate Emergency Plan: no more ‘window dressing’, please The third in a series of articles in which Hugh Fraser writes about contemporary shire council matters in the run-up to local government elections. Follow his work on the council and in the community at hughfraser-morningtonpeninsula.com
decision to use gas to heat the pools of Yawa Aquatic Centre at Rosebud. There was no exploration by the council of renewable energy alternatives including the possibility of using the hot water aquifer under the peninsula (as accessed by Peninsula Hot Springs at Fingal).
IN August, shire councillors adopted yet another plan to address climate change. The council’s press release referred to it as an “ambitious” climate emergency plan. This is the third plan since 2015 when the council declared for carbon neutrality in Mornington Peninsula Shire’s own operations by 2021. At that time in 2015, the council abandoned the use of its longstanding expression Committed to a Sustainable Peninsula. A carbon audit of the council’s carbon footprint revealed for the first time that no measurable reduction in this footprint had been achieved, despite years of what shire management described as “embedded” – but vacuous – principles of sustainability in its day to day operations.
With 2021 just around the corner, the council now knows that carbon neutrality – decarbonisation – cannot be achieved by practical projects alone. Carbon offsets will be required – at a cost to the shire council and ratepayers. This is a disappointing result for a council that has shown leadership in local government at home and abroad over many years through its membership of the International Council for Local Government Environment Initiatives (ICLEI) and as an advocate for decarbonisation. I recently represented ICLEI and local government at the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain, also known as COP25 (and paid my own way).
PAGE 6
Southern Peninsula News
In the wider community, opportunities for reducing carbon consumption have not been approached in an innovative way. One lost opportunity was a solar farm on the council’s former landfill at Truemans Road. Onerous expressions of interest conditions put up by shire management stopped the project advancing past first base.
The council – and shire management – has participated in this dialogue since the 2007 COP in Bali. Local government working in this international community – the subnationals – by exchanging ideas and dialogue has led debate and practical decarbonisation initiatives while nation states have been bickering and backsliding.
But all that changed at the Paris 2015 World Environment Conference when 196 nation states of the world, generating 98 per cent of the world’s greenhouse emissions, agreed to keep global warming to 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels – but aim for 1.5 degrees.
Or rather, we thought it had all changed. President Donald Trump has acted to take the United States, which runs on undiminished carbon, out of the Paris Agreement by November 2020 (on the day after the presidential election).
23 September 2020
In our own backyard, regrettably – and despite practical projects like upgrading street lighting to energy efficient LEDs, installing solar panels, and facilitating financial arrangements for the private sector to invest in solar energy – the shire council’s operational carbon footprint has not materially reduced since 2015 when councillors declared for operational carbon neutrality by 2021. Opportunities to do so have been lost.
In September 2015, councillors agreed to close the Rye landfill by 2018 (but retain the waste transfer station for resident drop-offs). This would have just about halved the shire council’s landfill emissions by 2050 but the decision was reversed in the last days of the 2012–16 council. The appalling result is that the council’s landfill emissions will now double by 2050. It gets worse. The council’s carbon footprint is being enlarged by its
A solar farm would have helped meet the huge summer holiday increase in electricity demand, particularly on the southern peninsula. Instead, diesel generators like those used in developing economies now dot the southern peninsula to meet this demand – facilitated by council planning.
So what of the council’s new Climate Emergency Plan? Are the double standards to continue? Is it all window dressing or is the council serious about decarbonising its own operations as well as those in the wider community?
With key targets and strategic aims in the Climate Emergency Plan, the council now has another opportunity to deliver decarbonisation in the shire council’s own operations as well as in the wider community. As a society we cannot continue our damaging consumption of carbon – coal, gas and petrochemical processes and products – which heats the environment and air that we all breathe as well as warming and expanding the oceans.
The atmosphere and oceans do not stop at the boundaries of the nation states – they are something every living creature and ecosystem on the planet shares. What we consume and burn in coal, gas and petrochemical processes and products also consumes our planet and its environment – and us. The council must now rigorously guide the implementation of the Climate Emergency Plan. It’s our last gasp to achieve meaningful decarbonisation. Hugh Fraser is Nepean Ward councillor on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and a candidate in the upcoming local government elections. Hugh is a barrister by profession and was a member of the Victorian Legal Services Board and its finance and investment committee 2007–10. He was first elected to the shire council in 2012 as councillor for Nepean Ward (representing Blairgowrie, Portsea, Rye, Sorrento and Tootgarook) and again in 2016. On the council he served as a member of the Audit Committee 2012–19 and has taken a close interest in shire business practices, capital works for Nepean Ward, rates reform, waste disposal, climate change, and heritage. He has been a member of Parks Victoria’s Point Nepean National Park Advisory Committee since 2018 and is a shire delegate to Friends of Lospalos (Timor-Leste). Email: hwfraser@vicbar.com.au or mobile: 0418 379 335; hughfraser-morningtonpeninsula.com Written and authorised by Hugh Fraser, 12 Michael Street, Rye 3941
LOCKDOWN PICTURES ALTHOUGH pets are probably seeing more of their owners than ever before, the lockdown also disturbs their daily lives (mostly sleeping with a morning and, if lucky, afternoon walk). Lyn Truscott says the look on her dog’s face is all about “take me for a walk”. Regular contributor Jonte Field snapped the spray at Mornington pier, right, while Elkesley and Bill Strafe got a laugh from the decorated bins in Mornington. Kirsti Suominen is confronted by a need to wash an item that has become part of every day wear, below, and Anthony Scroggie envies the freedom yellow-tailed black cockatoos have to dine out where and when they want. Readers are invited to send and share their own pictures, with a short caption, to: lockdown@mpnews.com.au
MADRID BUFFET in acacia blonde
RRP $1059 NOW $794
SKYE CHAIR
in rattan honey brown
RRP $499 NOW $374 ABBEY 210CM BUFFET Metal A leg in wormy chestnut.
RRP $3329 NOW $2497
HAMPTONS
DISPLAY UNIT in white.
RRP $1449 NOW $1087 MILTON
CONSOLE
in Australian hardwood / clear lacquer.
RRP $1299 NOW $974
25% OFF
SOHO 3 SEATER SOFA in linen white fabric.
RRP $2649 NOW $1987 PORTO
ALMOST EVERYTHING*
BIG DRAWER BUFFET
TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY*
in mangowood / multi
RRP $2499 NOW $1874
MANGO CREEK 207CM ENTERTAINMENT UNIT in clear lacquer / white
RRP $2499 NOW $1874
GORDON 3 SEATER SOFA in natural aniline leather.
RRP $2649 NOW $1987
ASHTON 3 SEATER SOFA in downtown mink fabric.
RRP $2499 NOW $1874 MORNINGTON PH: 8560 1137, SHOWROOM D4, PENINSULA HOME, 1128-1132 NEPEAN HIGHWAY FIND YOUR NEAREST LOCATION OZDESIGNFURNITURE.COM.AU *See in-store or online ozdesignfurniture.com.au/ozpromotions for more information.
Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
PAGE 7
NEWS DESK
Court challenge to power of the Premier Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au
MICHELLE Loielo wants to trim the powers of premiers to make sure they cannot easily impose curfews. Picture: Yanni
A member of the Liberal Party for three years, Ms Loielo, who lives in Frankston South, makes no secret of wanting to win the party’s nomination for the seat of Nepean at the 2022 state election. She says this has nothing to do with her decision to fight the curfew in court. That decision was the result of a fortuitous meeting of minds over a coffee with her solicitor and barrister. “The universe brings people together. We all have a passion for the law and simply want the law defined. “I’ve been given a very big opportunity in life; it was a light bulb moment.” Her solicitor, a longtime friend, has a Polish background - “a martial regime” - and also wanted to set a legal precedent to make sure curfews could not be imposed without legal backing in the future. “I’ve voted Liberal for 22 years, so
I’m not new to the party,” Ms Loielo said. “If a little piece of law is set [as a result of her anti-curfew action] it will mean a little piece of me will continue on.” Ms Loielo hopes a hearing yesterday, Monday will direct her case to the Appeals Court. She is also critical of a decision not to fine people in the latest outbreak in Casey for travelling more than five kilometres to visit family. “This sets a precedent and is another example of decisions being made on the run,” she said. “It is suffocating to think that inch by inch these [restrictive] decisions are being made. I would oppose them no matter which political leader or party was making them - leaders need to be accountable. “There is no such law guiding [the premier] now. The decisions could be being made by anybody.”
metropolitan media which had “made the Liberal connection very early on”. The court challenge was announced in a media release from state Opposition leader Michael O’Brien. “I’m not trying to make money, just a point of law.” Ms Loielo, who has a background in human resources and business development, predicted “most” restaurants in the area near hers would not reopen when the curfew and other restrictions are lifted. The news release from Mr O’Brien said the Liberal Nationals welcomed Ms Loielo’s the legal action as “never before have five million Victorians been locked in their homes under government edict”. The release quoted Ms Loielo as saying that if the curfew continued for much longer, “I have grave fears for both my business and my ability to provide for my three children”. The release said there had been no public health justification made for the curfew, “despite it being imposed under public health legislation”. It stated that the Chief Health Officer or Chief Commissioner of Police had “called out Daniel Andrews by stating the curfew was not their idea”. The director of NOH Legal, Omar EL-Hissi, who is representing Ms Loielo, said the case would challenge the validity of the curfew. “Ms Loielo claims that her human rights of liberty and freedom of movement have been impacted by this arbitrary decision,” Mr El-Hissi said. “She seeks to overturn the curfew so that she, her three young children can gain some of their life back.”
5p We m d-7 Su .3 n 0p m
RESTAURATEUR Michelle Loielo hopes to set a legal precedent preventing state premiers from having the powers to declare a curfew like the one Victorians are under during the COVID-19 restrictions. Her decision to challenge the power of the Premier Daniel Andrews in the Supreme Court has led to widespread support, and condemnation. Ms Loielo’s legal team last Monday (14 September) filed a motion in the Supreme Court against Michelle Giles, who is Victoria's Deputy Public Health Commander, for the curfew to be declared "unlawful and invalid”. A further Directions Hearing was scheduled for Monday (21 September) this week. Ms Loielo, whose Unica Cucina E Cafe is in Point Nepean Road, Capel Sound, has been taken aback by threatening posts on social media. She says her action is to ensure that her children do not grow up under an oppressive regime as experienced by her father and his parents who lived under Mussolini’s fascist regime in Italy. However, people were showing little tolerance or understanding of the issue, with one post on Facebook threatening to make sure she would not make it alive to the polling booth at the next election. The post has been reported to police. The 9pm to 5am curfew and five kilometre from home travel restrictions are expected to stay for another four weeks, even if the seven-day average number of COVID-19 cases keeps dropping.
Ms Loielo said that two of her staff and herself were receiving JobKeeper payments, but her chef was not eligible. She said her challenge to powers of the Premier were not about making money or publicising her business. “Far from it, but our takings on Friday night equated to more than the previous week’s total,” she said. Her restaurant was offering takeaway and home-delivered meals, but that was now jeopardised by threats on social media. “I refuse to engage with negative comments. People are so off target; they’re not reading about what I’m really doing. “You can’t argue with someone who will not address the point you a making.” The publicity had led to fake reviews on social media, although she had not made any postings about anything but food on her personal or business websites. Ms Loielo said her business had been under siege by the media late last week but she managed to avoid the cameras by arranging for her mother to pick her up from the rear car park. “Thank God for masks, no one recognised me.” One TV show had called at 4am and then broadcast images taken from social media of her and her late husband. “It was disgusting for my children to see that as they ate breakfast.” She said her life had been “turned upside down” following the death of her 37-year-old husband from cancer in September 2017. Ms Loielo said she had purposely avoided speaking directly with the
Y A W A E K A T OPEN FORBEVERAGES* DINNER &p or Delivery* Pick U
PHONE
5950 0800 Option 3
CLICK ‘N’ COLLECT C OR
Via www.rosebudcountryclub.com.au 207 Boneo Rd, Rosebud 3939 *Conditions apply - available on selected beer and wine/delivery within a 4km radius
PAGE 8
Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
AN OPPORTUNITY THAT INSPIRES. Fully-funded scholarships for 2021.
It is the rare student that can take a leap of faith in their secondary schooling and choose to alter the course of their own destiny. If you are this student we want to hear from you. Our Class of ’99 Memorial and Robert Barr-Smith Scholarships encourage students to be daring and to be inspired today, to shape their tomorrow. These scholarships fully fund the education of a student who will join the School in Year 7, 10 or 11 in 2021.
PENINSULAGRAMMAR.VIC.EDU.AU
It is a simple process so please contact us and ask for more details. It could be the inspiration your child has been waiting for.
Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
PAGE 9
• No more mud in your gutters • Gutters stay clean - no more cleaning • No more vermin or birds in your roof • Save money and cleaning time • Protect your most valued investment • 25 year guarantee -your home, your building
1300 220 869 *Valid Until 04/10/20 Conditions apply PAGE 10
Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
NEWS DESK
Wall collapse leaves fishers high and dry Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au THE collapse of the steel cofferdam around the new Hastings boat ramp has thrown the reopening of fishing into jeopardy. Work to complete potentially the busiest ramp in Western Port, which started 20 July, is now behind schedule and will not be completed in time for the remainder of the snapper season. The cofferdam is a four-metre high dam or rectangular wall of sheet steel driven into the mud. Once erected water is pumped out to provide a dry area so workers can construction the all-tide concrete ramp and walkway. The deepest, most vulnerable section buckled under the weight of a high tide on Thursday 10 September with the exact cause of the failure being investigated. A crane was brought in on Thursday to remove the buckled steel and prepare for another attempt at erecting a wall. Fishing identity David Kramer said the “disaster” had set the Hastings boat ramp replacement “back to square one”. “I am fuming, but it’s not the contractor’s fault as things do go wrong.” Mr Kramer said delays in getting the project started and putting it at the mercy of high spring tides, were always going to be problematic. “I told the authorities not to start this late,” he said. “The big tides do not start for another week, so god knows what they are going to do. “Better Boating Victoria have just proved they are incompetent.” Mr Kramer said building the new
THE watertight steel wall erected to enable workers to build the new boat ramp at Hastings has collapsed, above, causing delays for the project and problems for fishers once the COVID-19 restrictions are eased. boat ramp should be postponed until May with fishers allowed to use the existing four-lane ramp. He said alternative ramps at Warneet and Stony Point “simply won’t be able to handle the traffic when COVID-19 restrictions ease”. “With no AFL or kids’ sports, we saw record numbers of people fish-
ing from May to July. It is not going to be a pleasant November in Hastings unless this project is abandoned until next winter.” Mornington Peninsula Shire’s manager project delivery Derek Rotter said the Marine Parade construction site had been “made safe and the contractor is working quickly to get the pro-
ject back on track”. The works were planned in two stages: replacing the existing boat ramp with a longer ramp and a connecting walkway between the new boat ramp and the existing floating pontoon and dredging to accommodate the extended ramp and enable access during all tide levels. The works for stage two
were planned for delivery late this year or in the first half of 2021. “At this stage it is too early to say how this [cofferdam collapse] will affect the timetable for delivery, but we remain hopeful that it will have a minimal impact on the project,” Mr Rotter said.
M. & A. EGAN Licensed Plumber & Gasfitter Lic No: 22042
461 Dundas St, Rye, 3941. PO Box 101, Rye, 3941.
MOB: 0418 301 980
m.eganplumbing@gmail.com Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
PAGE 11
NEWS DESK
Artists work to oppose AGL gas plan
Online event to help find a cancer cure
MOUNT Eliza’s Geoff Nyssen will be going all out for Sunday’s annual MY Mount Eliza Run & Fun Festival raising money for the Snowdome Foundation to find a cure for the terminal blood cancer, multiple myeloma. Everyone, including pets, can join 8am-12pm on the day on Facebook. The virtual event will include live entertainment, challenges, promotions, prizes, silent auction and physical activities. Mr Nyssen was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2014, and despite COVID-19 restrictions is de-
termined to go ahead with this year’s festival. “We plan to engage and connect around the core values of empowerment, wellness and community,” he said. “We ask our participants to don their MY Mount Eliza T-shirt, and get active for a good cause. Participants can walk, run, jump or cycle, but the main aim is to have fun.” The festival will be on its Facebook page @MyMountEliza or visit mymounteliza.org.au and use #HelpGeoffTo80 to participate or to offer support. MY Mount Eliza Run & Fun Festival is also atmymounteliza.org.
AN exhibition to raise awareness of the campaign to stop AGL’s proposed gas import terminal from being built at Crib Point will run 3-25 October. Art is in our Nature includes the work of 54 artists while raising money for community group Save Westernport’s legal challenge to the proposal alongside Environment Victoria and the Victorian National Parks Association. “I reached out to the broader art community and was struck by the incredibly generous response of artists,” curator Penelope Gebhardt said. “Many have personal connections to the Mornington Peninsula and it has been heart-warming to hear their stories. Our community is passionate about this issue and the broader community is as well.” Visitors are being asked to “act for the health and longevity of Western Port” by donating or buying an artwork to help reach the $100,000 target by November. Co-hosted by Merricks General Wine Store and Silver Leaf Art Box, the exhibition will continue across the two venues (subject to COVID-19 restrictions) and will be live online from 12pm, Saturday 3 October. The wine store is at 3460 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks, open 9am-5pm, call 5989 8088 and Silver Leaf is at 3361 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks, open 9am-5pm, 0422 132 525. Visit silverleaf-artbox.com.au
Hearings begin An online directions hearing for consideration by a government-appointed
BRONZE figure by David Larwill panel of the environmental effects information prepared by AGL was held last week (17 September) ahead of the formal hearings which begin on 12 October. Findings will be delivered mid-February 2021. Mornington Peninsula Shire has asked panel chair Kathy Mitchell to postpone the hearings because expert witnesses cannot physically inspect the Crib Point site because of stage four COVID-19 restrictions. The panel has given AGL until this
Friday (25 September) to produce further information about tidal and weather conditions, greenhouse gas emissions, chlorine and formaldehyde, acid surface soil contamination, the disposal of oily sludge, traffic considerations, and the proposed mitigation strategies. The panel has asked objectors to list areas within Western Port that they believe will be adversely affected if AGL is given the go ahead. Keith Platt
Drive-in lines up for shot at scoring Grand Final Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au DROMANA Drive-In’s Paul Whitaker is on a Grand Final mission to convince the state government to allow him to run a live screening of the AFL’s biggest game of the year. Permission would be manna from heaven – however unlikely – if his beloved Saints were one of the team’s playing. “We hosted a successful live telecast of the St Kilda football match on 14 June, during stage two restrictions,” Mr Whitaker said. “It was a fantastic night. Lots of people commented that it was like the old VFL days with cars parked around the oval, horns and lights flashing with every goal and behind. “It was monitored by the Victoria Police COVID-19 squad from Frankston divisional deadquarters. “We had also completed negotiations for hosting the Melbourne Victory match on 16 July, but that was cancelled due to the introduction of stage three restrictions.” Mr Whitaker said hosting the Grand Final was a unique opportunity to live telecast the match
being played at The Gabba, in Brisbane, on all three screens to Victorians on Victorian soil. “With the effects of stage four restrictions biting hard for many people, to be able to proceed with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would be priceless,” he said. To get the nod, as things currently stand, Mr Whitaker would require an exemption for the evening of Saturday 24 October – two days before the current restrictions are expected to ease. He said all tickets for the match would be issued electronically with a mandatory name, address, and phone number recorded for contact tracing purposes. On arrival, the tickets would be scanned without contact. During the match people would stay in their cars and wear facemasks or facial covering. The drive-in would provide food ordered through a smart phone app and delivered to cars in sealed paper bags. Toilets would be open, with staff monitoring numbers. Hands would be sanitised upon entry and exit and the bathrooms regularly cleaned. “If there is any way for this to proceed, it would be a huge social relief for the community,” Mr Whitaker said.
Ferry back with weekend services SEAROAD Ferries has resumed its weekend service between Sorrento and Queenscliff following last week’s lifting of restrictions in regional Victoria. CEO Matt McDonald said the lifting of restrictions would allow the “‘recovery” to begin and hoped to see the Mornington Peninsula and metropolitan Melbourne soon “move in line with regional Victoria”. The changes allow people from regional Victoria to use the ferry service to drive from Geelong to Phillip Island.
PAGE 12
Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
“During stage three and stage four we have continued to move our customers who, ultimately, rely on the service,” Mr McDonald said. Permitted travel has included food supplies, emergency services, essential workers and medical staff, along with individual carers travelling for compassionate reasons. The service will operate an interim, two-hourly timetable departing Queenscliff at 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm and from Sorrento at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Details: visit searoad.com.au
LETTERS Shire’s heavy hand Heavy handed enforcement seems to be escalating at Mornington Peninsula Shire. First was its response to Tyabb airfield (“More turbulence ahead despite aero club’s win” The News 9/9/20). Next was its treatment of a privately owned swimming school. Then came the “urgent issue” of hedges, fences and windbreaks. The straw that has broken this camel’s back is the blinkered and heavy-handed approach to farm gate shops (“Farm gates going ‘outside’ to source produce” The News 31/8/20). One of the things I love about the peninsula is the abundance of produce right on my doorstep. Except that it is not literally on my doorstep – the peninsula is large. But one of these farm gate shops is on my doorstep and, thanks to it, I can enjoy all the locally grown and made delicacies to my heart’s content. Even before the COVID-19 lockdowns it would have been ludicrous to expect me and others to traipse around the shire from one little farm gate to another to buy one or two items. I understand the idea of a farm gate trail as a tourist drawcard, but for residents it is impractical. Surely the needs of local residents are the primary concern of council? To compare the big three farm gate businesses to supermarkets is absurd. At a pinch, you could compare them to a neighbourhood general store. These shops are within farms and to go there is an experience that is more enriching than a trip to the supermarket. They enhance rather than detract from the green wedge, in contrast to some large accommodation facilities that I could mention. They also support myriad local businesses. To penalise them for this because it runs counter to the strict definition of a “farm gate shop” is Kafka-esque. Bianca Felix, Bittern
Justify rate increase How does Mornington Peninsula Shire justify the huge increase in rates? My rates have gone from $2354 in 2016 to $3304 this year. I realise we must pay for wastage deciding on a name for a swimming pool and subsidise overseas trips for staff and money spent on trivial issues instead of serious problems that are neglected. I fail to see why huge bonuses are given out in these difficult times. During the lockdown most of the things we are paying council for are nonexistent, such as tips and library. I thought the state government had imposed a rates cap and I fail to see if this has been implemented. I will be very interested in councillors’ promises before this next election. Trevor Billson, Tuerong
Executives may pay I cannot see how AGL will be able to proceed with its gas import project at Crib Point after reading some of the 3835 public submissions on the Engage Victoria website. The submissions from individuals like Vicky Karitinos and Robert Harrison have been very high quality, alongside professional submissions from doctors like Belinda Lewis and Professor Jeff Lewis. Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, Cardinia and Casey councils have produced detailed analysis that expose many flaws in the AGL project. Small community groups and large organisations such as Western Port Biosphere, VR Fish, Surfrider Foundation, Landcare groups and others have highlighted other deficiencies. AGL has persisted with this flawed gas import project despite receiving honest feedback from our community since 2017. AGL may have wasted its time and millions of dollars of its shareholders’ money, but it has brought many local people together to fight for our environment and the future of our communities. AGL should look to Rio Tinto as an example of how very poor management decisions can lead to massive community and shareholder backlash. How many AGL executives will be forced to resign over the Crib Point gas import project? Dale Stohr, Crib Point
Business misunderstood During the course of the daily press conference on Sunday 13 September, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he fully understood how
Letters - 300 words maximum and including full name, address and contact number - can be sent to The News, PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or emailed to: team@mpnews.com.au the Victorian business community was worried about “loss of profit” when they haven’t made a profit for months and are worried sick about how they can simply survive the next few weeks. His statement underlines the total lack of business understanding displayed by this government. Private sector and free market principles are anathema to their collective socialist minds. They are comfortable in the bosom of their trade union backgrounds and upbringing. The great majority of this government have zero experience in the private sector that they are now proposing to assist. How do you go about helping a sector you know nothing about? About 80 per cent of Cabinet members have progressed from trade union ranks as union organisers or officials and have no private sector or business experience. About the same number are member of one or more trade unions, including the premier, and have only ever been employed in the public sector, with no exposure to the private market. There is no evidence that Mr Andrews has ever held a job outside of local or state politics. This is the same premier who would have us believe the government has a plan to resurrect the business community that accounts for the overwhelming majority of this state’s employment. The premier could do worse than to include some heads of industry and business advisors on the so-called “crisis cabinet” before this state is plunged into an irreversible economic wasteland. Victoria, we have a problem. Neville Congress, Rosebud
Mistake with China Let’s get this right. [Premier] Daniel Andrews, through the farcical [hotel] quarantine blunder, has managed to exile Victoria from the rest of the country while throwing it into economic chaos including a devastating endless lockdown. As the world distances itself from China’s president Xi Jinping, arguably the world’s enemy number one, Mr Andrews embraces Xi’s push for world domination by signing Victoria up to the Belt and Roads strategy. Fortunately, Prime Minister Scomo [Scott Morrison] is moving for the federal government to overrule such insane state decisions which seriously threaten our security. Aussie (Austin) Sadler, Mornington
Isolate, isolate Regional Victoria is now released from the shackles of the pandemic. In the meantime, residents of the Mornington Peninsula and its businesses continue in lockdown for several more weeks as a result of the Victorian government’s shambolic hotel quarantine debacle. At the end of our peninsula our forefathers established a quarantine station that actually functioned as a secure site to safely constrain arrivals. Perhaps our current Victorian government’s politicians and bureaucrats failed to learn history while they were at school. Or maybe it was English that they failed, where quarantine means complete isolation! Bill Holmes, Sorrento
Act responsibly The wheels have definitely fallen off the proverbial bus and the antics of the Prime Minister must be seen been for what they are. Is anyone else sick and tired of the Scott Morrison’s ongoing slogans? States not getting on the bus regarding border openings. He needs to stop being Scotty from Marketing and show real leadership. The ongoing aged care debacle, the Ruby Princess, the mobile app that hasn’t lived up to tracing and what it was supposed to do. I don’t believe the age care minister [Richard Colbeck] is not fit to hold that very vital portfolio. His and the PM’s continuing mantra “nothing to see here” is wearing very thin. The Federal Minister for Health our local federal member [Flinders MP Greg Hunt], where is he? Missing in action! At least [Victorian Premier] Dan Andrews fronts up day after day and explains his actions. He says the buck stops with him; he will be accountable at the next state election. He is putting lives before profits and listens to the advice from his health chief. Taking personal responsibility starts with all of us. Unbelievably self-interested, unthinking people must start behaving appropriately.
I am sure nobody wants the lockdown and all that means to our freedoms and businesses continuing any longer than absolutely necessary. Denise Hassett, Mt Martha
Political case I’m slightly confused and bemused regarding the Rosebud restaurateur who’s suing the state over imposition of the curfew. I would have thought she would have been eligible for the JobKeeper grant to protect her and her staff financially. I believe the restaurateur is a prospective LNP candidate for the seat of Nepean. Her legal representative is a Liberal-supporting QC working for her pro bono. Questionable politics is a trademark of the LNP. The latest is attacking [Victorian Premier] Dan Andrews’ wife in the Murdoch media. [State Opposition leader] Michael O’Brien obviously approves of this attack otherwise he would have condemned it rather than presenting the usual nightly whinge. The Queensland chief medical officer has police protection because of receiving death threats. Once again, no condemnation from the Queensland opposition leader, [Prime Minister Scott] Morrison or any Liberal MP in the ACT. The people being attacked are women, so it must be all right. It’s a bit like how they treated [former prime minister] Julia Gillard. John Cain, McCrae
No entitlement We need to get the message across to those council candidates who expect to romp in just because they went to a non-government school and have been active in Liberal Party and can print a glossy no expenses [spared] flyer delivered by Australia Post. Many of us free thinking retirees no longer trust, rate or support politicians (“MPs all quiet” Letters 15/9/20). In the crucial Briars Ward, there are several clearly political candidates pursuing office based on misconceptions of entitlement, born to rule and spurious claims of long acquaintance with Mornington Peninsula issues. What we need is ordinary community activists who have voluntarily attended meetings, joined local associations and clubs, written letters to the press, harangued and lobbied local MPs and endured Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meetings. Keep politics out of our council and we shall all be better off. The lack of any dynamic Liberalism on the peninsula contrasting with the clearly active and supportive alternative in Dunkley with [Labor’s] Peta Murphy doing a good job, is clear for all to see. Ian Morrison, Mount Eliza
Accident awaits As regular walkers along sections of the popular path along the foreshore from Safety Beach to Sorrento we have to be always conscious of the bikes which travel at speed, narrowly missing the walkers, consisting of the elderly, mums with pushers and children on their trainer bikes (“Coming through” Letters 15/9/20). It is particularly very dangerous when the bikes approach from behind and, without warning, speed past with only centimetres separating bike from walker. Some will ring a bell or announce their presence, but these are in the minority. More often than not it would appear that the bike riders seem to think they have the right of way and pity any walker who gets in their way. It is time for Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to act before a serious accident occurs. Richard and Rooney Keogh, Dromana.
End vendetta The recent VCAT decision regarding “church hour” and Tyabb Airfield was a victory for common sense, rather than a “kick in the guts” (“Kick in guts decision” Letters 15/9/20). Even Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Sam Hearn has acknowledged that it was a “sensible decision”. I don’t believe the decision would have been different if the council had enforced an outdated planning condition. The VCAT ruling considered that the church had closed in 1978 and that council had sensibly not enforced the condition after that because there was no longer any need. Removing this redundant planning condition should therefore have been a formality. In recent times, council discussed the redun-
dant “church hour” with the Peninsula Aero Club and suggested that it apply to have the condition removed. The club subsequently did this but, unbeknown to it, council tried to sneak in new conditions to restrict operations at the airfield. This action by council was duplicitous. Indeed, VCAT’s recent finding against the council notes that “not surprisingly” the aero club subsequently withdrew its application. So instead of a commonsense approach by council to resolve the matter, council will now have to pay for losing this expensive battle, and waste ratepayers’ money. Ratepayers should carefully and wisely consider who they vote for at the upcoming council elections. We need capable and competent councillors who can deliver responsible management of the shire – something that we don’t seem to be getting at the moment. The vendetta being conducted by the shire against the Tyabb Airfield, at significant cost to ratepayers, must cease immediately. Eric Collier, Somerville
Assessing views It is incorrect to say I am anti-airfield. A long with 99 per cent of Tyabb residents I support the continued operation of Tyabb airfield (“Information lacking” Letters 9/9/20). My standard practice when conducting my survey, if people identified as being strong airfield supporters, was to encourage them to participate: all views were necessary for the survey to be representative. Some of these people declined to do the survey; many did it. Other people declined to do the survey for various reasons (such as being too busy, were selling up or were renters). In total, 163 people declined the survey, 827 agreed. On a few occasions the person whose door I knocked on was so abusive to me and unwilling to listen that I recorded them as refusers and walked away. The survey showed 90 per cent wanted a night curfew and 79 per cent wanted no increase in aircraft movements above 2018 levels. This is why I say “the vast majority” want better protections. If we made the ridiculous assumption that all of the 163 who declined the survey did not want a night curfew and accepted increased traffic, then the results would still be that 75 per cent of Tyabb residents want a night curfew and 66 per cent want no traffic increase above 2018. I strongly reject the claim that I engaged in “push-polling”. The questions I asked were designed to find out people’s views about critical airfield issues, not to elicit responses supporting my own position. Brewis Atkinson, Tyabb
Unequal tax help Single parents unable to pay rent will be relieved to hear of tax breaks for rich Australians. More than 1.1 million Australian children will be affected by this month’s cuts to pensions, wages, JobKeeper, JobSeeker, the covid welfare supplement that will force many people to go without meals, medicine or other essentials, and push 740,000 Australians into poverty Not to worry if you are on $120,000 salary, you will soon be getting a $2565 tax cut to invest. Extrapolating that means that Flinders MP Greg Hunt at his $365,000 salary (before entitlements) will be $7375 better off. Workers at $22,000 will be a whopping $255 better off. Making these inequities worse, household expenditure fell 12.1 per cent in the June quarter but household savings rocketed from sic to 19.8 per cent. Rich save - poor spend! If you are a corporation benefiting from JobKeeper and paying multi-million dollar salaries and multi-million dollar bonus packages and multi-millions in dividends you can expect a tax break to further increase your profits. At least 25 companies have paid bonuses worth a combined $24.3 million to their executives after claiming JobKeeper subsidies. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is thinking that “if giving the rich tax breaks got us into this mess, it’ll get us out of it”. Reducing JobSeeker will be a good thing to inspire these dole bludgers to get to work, especially when 1,614,412 are competing for 104,880 job vacancies Corporations who pay no tax will be getting a tax incentive bonus equal to five per cent of gross turnover and multi-millionaires and billionaires who pay no tax will receive a 15 per cent tax incentive bonus equal to gross income. Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
PAGE 13
WHAT’S NEW...
World Tourism Day a time to reflect and look to a bright future By Nick Angus - for Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism IN light of commemorating World Tourism Day Sunday 27 September, we take a look at the everlasting charm of the Mornington Peninsula, and what its role might be in our next getaway chapter. There’s no doubt that tourism is a prominent word in today’s media. For decades, the tourism phenomenon has stood as one of the most important global industries, connecting us to people, places and experiences all around the world. While the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected this mode of connection, the flame of travel and adventure will continue to burn brightly for society, as we celebrate World Tourism Day today and anticipate the many journeys to come. For the Mornington Peninsula, the notion of tourism will continue to mean a lot. As a region that welcomes in thousands of visitors each year, the diversity and abundance of this coastal destination has been able to thrive astronomically, offering countless experiences and the opportunity to create countless memories. To our extensive list of exceptional businesses on the Peninsula, our residents of this inspiring location and our regular or occasional visitors, we say thank you. Thank you for helping to make this region so special. Thank you for representing our own piece of Australian paradise. For the moments when we have longed to travel this year, we have of-
ten looked to our own memory boxes in comfort and hope. Whether through photos, videos or even just simple reflection, we have been able to relive some of our most cherished vacation sentiments from home, and become inspired for when we can voyage once again. Now, and to further commemorate World Tourism Day, we look at what a getaway along the Mornington Peninsula will mean for us when possible, and how this journey may be different from last time. As the glistening treasure of the
Mornington Peninsula, the beach scene here has rapidly become one of the most popular and admired in the state. For many of us, the beach has continually represented a site of renewal and rejuvenation; a place to be one with nature. From the serenity and delicacy of Safety Beach to the grandeur of both the Sorrento and Portsea seashores, the potential for a day of complete relaxation within this distinguished region is truly endless. So, maybe our next journey will be about healing and recovery? Finding those moments to completely unwind,
and let go of any past negativity or unease. Where we dive into the lapping sea waves and let the natural ocean water refresh our senses. Or where we sojourn on the soft yet supportive sand and breath in lasting emotions of tranquillity and contentment. As one of the world’s natural beauties, there is something captivating about the beach. And when evening arrives, and a sunset of orange and golden light thrives, the beaches along the Peninsula start to welcome in a calming tide, resetting for the next day that awaits. Through the quiet backstreets and lively main roads, the calming hills and picturesque plains, the Mornington Peninsula continues to astound with its rich culture of market meandering, shopping and hinterland hiking. There aren’t many opportunities to witness all three of these distinctive experiences in the one location, where the chance for exploration extends for leaps and bounds. So then, maybe the next journey will centre around the notion of discovery? Where we set out our own path to search and explore, paving the way for both the sentiments of fascination and appreciation. Whether it be taking a wander through the celebrated shopping strip of Cook Street in Flinders or venturing around the Cape Schanck Lighthouse on a scenic stroll, there are countless ways to fulfill the objective of discovery along the Mornington Peninsula. Here, the concept of spontaneity is key, and will ultimately assist in forming an adventure of surprise
and wonder; an experience to always remember. Continually sparking the interest and acclaim from visitors around the state, the Mornington Peninsula has established an extensive portfolio of businesses which excel in their craft and expertise - from day spa pampering to promoting exceptional local produce, and everything in between. There’s no feeling quite like the one we have when engaging in a new region-inspired experience, learning more about the landscape and environment which surrounds. So then, maybe the next getaway will more be about indulgence? A time to treat both ourselves and the loved ones around us and enjoy new treatments or tastes along the way. Where we wander amongst the gentle and soothing Peninsula Hot Springs and welcome in the feelings of rest and repose under a canopy of Australian wildlife beauty. Or where we sample local and intelligent flavours at the esteemed Ten Minutes by Tractor, whilst appreciating extensive vineyard views and intricate interior designs. There’s no need for a special occasion to mark the undertaking of these experiences. All that is needed is you, and the desire to be inspired. Simple. As an additional way to help in celebrating World Tourism Day, take a look at some of our most loved articles and features, unearthing the people and places of the adored Mornington Peninsula. We cannot wait to welcome you back very soon.
Advertise in the Southern Peninsula’s own newspaper
Call MPNG Classieds on 1300 666 808
PAGE 14
Southern Peninsula News 23 September 2020
100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...
The Nobel case – ‘The Standard’ offers little sympathy Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE case of the Nobles, dealt with in the Frankston Police Court on Monday last, will probably excite a good deal of interest throughout the State, leaving an impression on the public mind that the accused were, perhaps, “more sinned against than sinning.” The attitude of the police in conducting the prosecution was wholly sympathetic. The Melbourne daily papers followed the lead thus given, and pictured to the astounded public the spectacle of a stricken family driven to crime to avert starvation. The story, as related in the Police Court, and reproduced in the Press, was sufficiently startling to give the average citizen pause. “The Standard” heard the story told in the court, and has formed the opinion that the sympathy extended to the Nobles is, to a great extent, undeserved. On the contrary, the plea that poverty, to the point of starvation, drove them to crime, has not been substantiated. As a matter of fact, full details go to prove that while the family and their ne’er-do-well associates were existing in a state of moral depravity, which easily led to the commission of acts not within the law, the matter of starvation or bounty with them was largely a matter of choice. Out of 14 persons living in the tworoomed house, five were men, two were women, and seven were children, six of whom were wards of the State. The Neglected Children’s Department paid Mrs Noble £9 per month for the maintenance of these unfortunate mites, who were found by the police to
be scantily clad. It was not stated whether they were ill-fed. Three of the five men referred to were not related in any way to the Nobles – one was missing when the police arrived. The point is that all these men were content to shelter with the Nobles, despite an alleged empty cupboard. In the Police Court sympathy was enlisted by the recital of where, one evening, Mrs Noble, in despairing accents, appealed to her sons, Taylor and Wardlow (according to young Noble’s story) as follows: “There is nothing for the children to eat; I cannot see them starve – go out and see what you can do.” And the police evidence has it that these “chivalrous” young men arose, went forth into the night, and – ROBBED A BOOT SHOP! It is recorded that old man Noble, the women folk, and some of the children were provided with new boots as the result of this raid. The depleted larder and empty stomachs were apparently forgotten. Thereafter three other robberies were committed by the gallant three, and the success which attended their efforts suggests the practiced rather than the amateur hand. Postage stamps, fountain pens, cigarettes and tobacco were included in the hauls made on behalf of the starving folk at home. Bakers and butchers shops appear to have enjoyed an inexplicable immunity. Altogether these youths exercised considerable ingenuity and enterprise in their criminal undertakings, and
Mr and Mrs Noble proved no less resourceful in placing the ill-gotten goods in safe keeping. Had the same industry been confined to legitimate channels, the fruit of honest labor would have been abundant – sufficient even for fifteen. That the opportunity exists for legitimate and lucrative employment throughout the district is common knowledge. Labor is at a premium, and workmen for farm, orchard and general works almost unprocurable. It is known that one of the shop breaking trio actually worked for a single day. At the end of eight hours he asked for an advance, and was paid 12s on the strength of the story that the people at home were starving. He was never seen by his employer again, and inquiry elicited the fact that the day’s wage had been squandered in a night’s dissipation with drink procured from a wine shop. Everything points to the fact that the house of the Nobles was the resort of an idle, dissolute and criminal hand, who probably left their city haunts for very good reasons. Thanks to the Salvation Army the elder daughter of the Nobles is assured of the care and comfort her unfortunate condition demands, and a younger sister has also been taken to the same Institution. It now remains for a searching inquiry to be held into the working of the Neglected Children’s Department. There must be something radically wrong with a system which hands over the care of young children to people of the Noble class. ***
LAST week. Mr J. Sargood, son of Mr A. H. Sargood, of “Deniston”, Mornington Road, met with a very painful accident whilst riding a motor cycle. He was treated at St Pancras Hospital, Frankston, and is now progressing satisfactorily. *** A MORE serious accident befell Mr Guy Ramsden, who is visiting Frankston, as the guest of Mr Bright, of Mornington Road. Mr Ramsden was riding a motor cycle down Oliver’s Hill, when he collided with a vehicle driven by Mr Leland Davey, of Mt Eliza. The cyclist was thrown heavily to the roadway, and on being removed to St Pancras Hospital, was found to be suffering from a slight concussion and abrasions to the face and head. *** THE Frankston Seconds Football Club held a highly successful social evening in the Mechanics’ Hall last Friday evening. The popularity of the junior players with the public was evinced by the large attendance, between 70 and 80 couples being present. Dancing provided the principal attraction, and refreshments were served during the evening. *** NEXT Thursday evening the Brass Band will hold its final euchre party and dance for the season in the Mechanics Hall. *** MRS G. Connal announces by advertisement that she has opened business as a dressmaker in Frankston. *** MR Milner Macmaster, of the Bay
Estate Agency, has made arrangements for the opening of a temporary office opposite the Frankston Railway Station towards the end of next week, so that he may be ready to see country clients returning from the Royal Show on Friday and Saturday. As permanent offices will be built on an adjoining site as speedily as the scarcity of labor and material allow, the address will remain “opposite the railway station, Frankston.” *** ON Saturday last, the majority of the Frankston people who journeyed by special train to Somerville, to see the football season out, had to walk back to Frankston, as the train returned empty without them. Many of the players had to pad it, too, whilst the Mornington people were forced to walk to Baxter. The station master at Somerville held the train as long as he possibly could, but the whole trouble was caused by Umpire Osborne holding up the game until the spectators got outside the enclosure. *** THE Frankston branch of the AntiLiquor League held a meeting in the Mechanics’ Hall on Monday night. Cr F. H. Wells presided. Miss Box was appointed treasurer, and working committees were also appointed. Arrangements were also made to hold a public meeting at Frankston on Monday, October 4th, when the Rev. Frank Lynch, M.A., B.D. will speak. *** FROM the pages of the Mornington Standard, 17 September 1920.
Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
PAGE 15
PUZZLE ZONE 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
ACROSS 1. Pile of earth 7. Obvious 8. Chose 10. Impractical visionary 12. Clutching 14. One time 16. Castle ditch 17. Escapes
20. Alpine landslides 23. Squally 24. Confection on a stick 25. Curved (roof)
DOWN 1. Making cow sound 2. Have (to) 3. Mimicked 4. Stupefies 5. Not temporary 6. Go hungry 9. Smears 11. Pleasant tasting
13. Pen tip 15. Spiral fastener 16. Paltry 18. Remained 19. Ship’s room 21. Food preparer 22. Grain storage facility
Puzzles supplied by Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd www.lovattspuzzles.com See page 18 for solutions.
THE MEANING OF EXISTENCE... AND OTHER SHORT STORIES
If Music Be The Food of Love, I am a Lousy Cook By Stuart McCullough MY wife was whistling. This is an uncommon occurrence, so I immediately asked what song it was. She paused for a moment before telling me it was ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer’. This seemed something of an incongruous choice as, at the time, we were about to brush our teeth before lights out rather than, say, holed up in some ramshackle honky-tonk, but I let it pass. Instead, I asked whether she was whistling the John Lee Hooker version of ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer’ or the cover by George Thorogood and the Destroyers. It was clear the question caught her by surprise. My wife shot me the kind of look you’d expect if someone had just asked her to gargle ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in its entirety while knitting a scarf (and, to be honest, I was thinking about it), so I let it go. Plunging my toothbrush into my mouth I began to think that, had it been me doing the whistling, I’d have definitely opted for the John Lee Hooker version. It may seem like nitpicking but when it comes to music, these things matter. I am, when all is said and done, a music snob. I’ve long had a passion for music. I find it difficult when I meet someone who says they don’t really care for music. It’s akin to declaring you can take or leave oxygen or that you have no interest in food. My parents had a vinyl record collection that had come through some kind of record club. (The first rule of record club, presumably, is that you do not talk about record club.) There was a lot of classical music that we rarely (if ever) played.
PAGE 16
It was music that was more important to possess than to listen to. But I was fascinated by these records and became obsessed with Beethoven at the age of nine. I read everything I could about Beethoven. It was the kind of activity that marked me out as ‘odd’. I also learned to play music. I took piano lessons from the time I was six. The odds were against me as my parents had put the piano in the coldest room in the house. For those of you who don’t know much about playing the piano, I can tell you that it’s difficult when your hands are frozen. But despite these depravations, I persisted. I was twelve when I started playing with bands. I was the ‘synth guy’. Unless you’re Brian Eno (and I wasn’t), no one wants to be ‘synth guy’. I soon stopped joining other people’s bands and formed one of my own. I was fourteen when I wrote my first song. It wasn’t very good. But because
Southern Peninsula News 23 September 2020
I had a band back then, I dutifully taught it to my colleagues and we inflicted the thing on anyone within earshot; willing or otherwise. To this day, there are probably people living on the Mornington Peninsula who genuinely believe they don’t like music because they heard our (or, to be more precise, my) song. It’s quite possible that I may have put them off music for life. Despite a complete absence of positive reinforcement or, indeed, any evidence of even a shred of musical ability, I have persisted. Due to overwhelming public consensus and a petition with a surprisingly large number of names on it, this has all been done in private, away from the public gaze. This, I feel, is best for everyone. People can be so ‘judgey’. Especially on social media. And in person. Not to mention letter, email, billboard and t-shirt. Honestly, it’s as though everyone saw Bernard King on ‘Pot Luck’ and decided to approach all of life that
way. But things are different now. Whereas once you needed to convince a multi-national company that you can produce a hit every time you blow you your nose, technology now means that anyone can get their song out there through a streaming platform. It’s the punk ideal taken to its natural conclusion. You can do everything yourself. That, of course, is a different thing from saying that everybody should. I didn’t want to use my own name and I was reluctant to borrow someone else’s. So I decided to pretend to be a band and no one would ever know that it was just one person with a laptop. I decided to call myself ‘A Band of Rain’ because it sounded like a weather report. And, also, the band name I wanted – ‘Emotional Toothpaste’ – was already taken. For no other reason than because I could, I put a few songs onto a range of streaming platforms. I was sur-
prised when on ‘Apple Music’ some of the songs had a ‘star’ beside them. I had understood this to be some kind of seal of approval. Like an elephant stamp. The songs with a star beside them were always the songs you wanted to listen to. Presumably the ‘stars’ are awarded by Dr. Dre personally. Any moment now, I’ll be asked to get myself to Geneva as soon as conditions permit for the ceremony where Dr Dre will award me my star in person…. I know it’s silly, but it’s a way to stay creative. Music has been good to me, even if I’ve been not so good to it. Still, at least one of my songs has a star. Who knows what’ll happen next? A video clip? Duet with Lady Gaga? Maybe I’ll do a couple of shows. I’ll ask ‘Emotional Toothpaste’ if they’d like the support slot. stuart@stuartmccullough.com
networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au Trades & Services Deadline
V
&2%% 15/4%3 s $!93 ! 7%%+
(1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofďŹ ce)
-OB s 0H
Est. 2010 V
All Carpentry & Repairs
Doors, Locks, Fences, Gates, Decks, Pergolas NO JOB TOO SMALL - FREE QUOTES
s (OME -AINTENANCE s 4REES ,OPPED s 2UBBISH 2EMOVAL s 2ETAINING 7ALLS s 'UTTERS s &ULLY )NSURED
Call Mel: 0407 121 284
Carpenters V
DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME CALL MARTIN
0418 172 044
1155688-CG39-14
PERGOLAS & DECKS
Concrete Products & Services
FREE COLOUR WITH EVERY JOB
0412 588 130
12353918-PB23-17
All types of concrete work done. Free quotes. Reasonable rates. Pensioners discounts. Small site cleans.
PLASTERING & PAINTING Quality & reliable service Small repairs welcome Free quotes
Call Keith 0432 480 865 Plasteringnpainting.com
V
ROCKHARD CONCRETING SERVICES
Plasterers
12417522-RC20-19
Call Anthony for a free quote on 0423 808 691 "ASED ON THE -ORNINGTON PENINSULA hKEEP IT LOCAL USE A LOCALv
V
V
LIC: 109028
Advertise with us and get better results CALL:
Get 10% Discount Use code: EMPDISC
Fill your position online
Legal Notices
Massage Therapists
V
ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX
Need cash?
Pets & Services
ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE
Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiďŹ cation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiďŹ cation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
section of Network Classifieds.
V
Garage Sales
PLACE YOUR
** Same Day Plumbing Service **
0447 007 178
Ph Graham 0407 357 927
Real Estate
s (OT 7ATER s "URST 0IPES s 4APS 4OILETS s (EATING s #ARBON -ONOXIDE 4ESTING s 0UMPS s "LOCKED $RAINS s 'AS &ITTING
www.orbitplumbing.com.au
Mulch For Sale
ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer non-sexual services.
ORBIT PLUMBING Local & Friendly Plumber Daniel:
NEW STAFF?
General Classifieds
Plumbing
12415744-DJ16-19
Experienced Concreter for: s $RIVEWAYS s 0ATIOS s 'ARAGE 3HEDS s (OUSE 3LABS s !LL 4YPES OF #ONCRETING s %XPOSED !GGREGATE s 0LAIN #OLOURED
UĂŠ/Ă€iiĂŠEĂŠ-ĂŒĂ•Â“ÂŤĂŠ,iÂ“ÂœĂ›>Â? UĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?ĂŠ Â˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€>˜ViĂŠ ÂœĂ›iĂ€ ĂŠUĂŠ7œœ`ĂŠ Â…ÂˆÂŤÂŤiÀÉ Ă•Â?V…ˆ˜}ĂŠ-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂŠ Ă›>ˆÂ?>LÂ?i
FRANCES Speed and Felicity Dall - late of 77 Wimborne Avenue Mount Eliza, both deceased Next of kin and others having claims in respect of any property located at 77 Wimborne Avenue Mount Eliza are required to send any claims to GM Legal, PO Box 158 Elwood 3184 or email gary@gmlegal.net.au or 03 9531 8628 by 30 September 2020 after which date all remaining items will be disposed of.
Positions Vacant
NEED
Tree Lopping/Surgery
12400498-CG38-18
12446933-SN17-20
9850 6611
Home Maintenance 12434465-NG49-19
V
V
CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP
12337429-CG06-17
Phone Tim: 0412 315 798
Builders & Building Services Since 1972
12417889-FA21-19
Years of experience. Fully insured. Free Quotes. Rye and surrounding area.
12461765-NG39-20
5998 7796
V
V
For more information contact Patrik on 041 094 2230 or email patrik@intensivecareathome.com
12462634-SN39-20
10 year Guarantee. Call now for a FREE quote: 0405 817 173
Tim The Handyman
www.fairbairns.com.au
V
Roof Restoration Specialists
Ä‘Ĺ? ((Ĺ?(! 'Ĺ?.!, %./Ĺ?Ä‘Ĺ? ++"Ĺ? /$%*#Ĺ?Ä‘Ĺ? ++"Ĺ? %*0%*# Ä‘Ĺ? (!4%ÄĄ,+%*0%*#Ĺ?Ä‘Ĺ? % #!Ĺ?0%(!Ĺ?.!ÄĄ ! %*# Ä‘Ĺ? ((!5Ĺ? $ *#%*#Ĺ?Ä‘Ĺ? 100!.Ĺ? (! *%*#Ĺ?".+)Ĺ?Ä¸Ä Ä‚Ä€ Ä‘Ĺ? ((Ĺ?05,!/Ĺ?+"Ĺ?.++Ăź*#Ĺ? * Ĺ? .,!*0.5
Phone Dave: 0421 07 3939
See website for details
ICU/PICU nurses wanted for home care in Bittern and Mornington/Mount Martha. Minimum of 2 years ICU/PICU experience. Must be ventilation and tracheostomy competent.
12458169-SN34-20
One call, We do it all!
Medical/Nursing
REGISTERED NURSES
EMERGENCY JOB NEED DOING?
12370016-ACM44-17
Pensioner Discounts
V
Handy Persons
-- Servicing the Peninsula --
• Air Conditioning Get ready • Split Systems for Summer!! • Evaporative Evaporative Cooler & Split Cooling System Service Specials
Employment
s 1UALITY WORKMANSHIP s &ULLY ,ICENCED )NSURED s $EAL DIRECT WITH THE TRADESMAN s &REE 1UOTES Call Andy 0414 477 121
To Share
MORNINGTON Fully furn room for rent, no expenses, mature person, close to shops & transport, rent neg. Phone: 0424 642 070.
By Horizon Plumbing Pty Ltd
GuttersUncluttered.com.au
ASK HANDYMAN DAVE
Be cool this summer
Roofing
ROOF REPAIRS & ROOF LEAKS
CALL JORDI: 0418 312 121
12437177-ACM52-19
Air Conditioning
CAMPIS.COM.AU
V
The Peninsula’s own gutter cleaning professionals. See website for details and pricing guide. 12435752-FA03-20
Deadline for all classiďŹ cations is 1pm Friday.
Guttering
V
12447720-LB18-20
V
Real Estate
Sell it local V
Professional
DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL
12423634-SN31-19
Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...
RENOVATIONS DBU3721 EXTENSIONS s NEW BUILDS
12462442-RC39-20
12428296-ACM40-19
VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS
PH: 0402 769 819
12400545-LB38-19
We accept payment by:
V
DELIVERED
Specialising in: s 3LABS s &OOTINGS s 0AVING s $RIVEWAYS s #ROSSINGS s ,AYBACKS s )NDUSTRIAL &LOORS s 4ENNIS #OURTS s %XPOSED !GGREGATE
(include your name, address and phone number)
Firewood
FIREWOOD
PTY LTD
Peter Sharp
Online: networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au
REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212
V
CONCRETE SPECIALISTS
Placing your classiďŹ ed advert is so easy...
V
Concrete Products & Services
12403490-RA45-18
V
General Classifieds
The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Motoring V
ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX
Motor Vehicles
HOLDEN CRUZE Sedan. Immaculate. 4 cyl. Unleaded. T-bar auto. 89,000kms. Dark red. Log books. 4 new tyres with RWC. REG XLH-987. $11,000 NEG. Rye area. Phone: 0457 539 873.
Southern Peninsula News
Professional Services
23 September 2020
PAGE 17
SOUTHERN PENINSULA NEWS
scoreboard
Lancaster steps down at Seaford SOCCER
By Craig MacKenzie ANDY Lancaster has made a sudden departure from the Seaford United coaching setup. The club icon emailed president Willie Lyn recently to tell him of his decision to end his coaching partnership with senior player-coach Matt Morris-Thomas. Lancaster had a long and distinguished playing career at North Seaford Reserve. He is a three times senior best and fairest winner and is the club’s second highest scorer behind legendary goal ace David Greening. He also has served on the committee and only stepped down earlier this year from his role as sponsorship coordinator to concentrate on his coaching duties. There is uncertainty over the reason for his resignation and the only explanation so far offered is that he is taking a break. “It’s just an extended break and I intend coaching in the future,” he said. He coaches a junior girls side at Seaford and plans to coach the girls under-15s next year but it wouldn’t surprise to see him take on a coaching role with another club despite his strong Seaford ties. President Willie Lynn can offer no explanation for Lancaster’s decision. “I got an email from him and he never said why he’s resigned and to be truthful I never went into it as you never know whether there are personal reasons behind it or not,” Lynn said. “When Andrew sent through the email we got in touch with Matty and asked him if he was still interested and he said ‘yes’ but we haven’t taken it any further. “I’d say Matty would be doing it again but that’s not been confirmed and we’d need to hold a meeting to discuss it. “You can’t just have one particular person making these decisions.” The favourite to replace Lancaster is former Melbourne Knights, Richmond and Langwarrin goalkeeper Peter Schwellinger whose sons Matthias and Jeremy are part of Seaford’s senior squad. Schwellinger includes Frankston Pines, Old Carey, Melton Phoenix and Whittlesea United on his coaching ré-
Seaford smiles: Former Seaford United senior assistant Andy Lancaster (left) and player-coach Matt Morris-Thomas. Picture: Darryl Kennedy
sumé and Seaford is aware of his interest in coaching there. Don’t be surprised to see him stepping into Lancaster’s old role as Morris-Thomas’s senior assistant. In State 3 news Frankston Pines has confirmed its coaching staff for 2021 and as expected Kevin “Squizzy” Taylor has been re-appointed as senior coach. The former Bentleigh Greens, Westgate, Langwarrin and Seaford United coach was first appointed to the Monterey Reserve job in October 2018. Pines’ off-field link with a Fijian community group played an important part in Taylor’s makeover of his senior squad earlier this year. The signing of four Fijian internationals, goalkeeper Aeseli Batikasa, defender Penni Tuigulagula, midfielder Savenaca Baledrokadroka and striker Tito Vodawaqa was a major coup for the club. “The Fijians will be there next year,” Taylor said, confident that he could fend off approaches from higherranked clubs once the quality of the imports becomes common knowledge.
Did you know... you can view our papers online
Sudoku and crossword solutions M O U N D E
O O P
T
I
www.mpnews.com.au
N
P
G R
A
M O A E A L Y
Southern Peninsula News 23 September 2020
E
D
D
A
B
A L E
B
T L L
T
Z
R
A
E
A M E
R
S
A
V
O N C
E
P
A
E Y
D R
I
N G I
A
B
R
S S
S
P N
P
C
B O
D
A
S
T V
A
U
L
S
PAGE 18
The former Dalian Shide (Chinese Super League), Żabbar St Patrick (Malta), Hampton Park and Seaford United playmaker first joined Pines’ coaching staff in 2019. “We are delighted ‘Wangy’ has agreed to join us again next season. He holds an FFA B licence and willingly shares his experiences from the professional game,” club president Lee Davies said. The final piece of Pines’ coaching jigsaw fell into place when the club announced the re-appointment of Paulo Pinheiro as reserve coach with the added role of senior football analyst. Portuguese-born Pinheiro, 45, arrived in Melbourne when he was 16 having played with Union Tomar in his native country. He played primarily in midfield and had two spells here with Springvale City then played with Portuguesebacked Port United before a knee injury curtailed his career. Pinheiro has held senior coaching posts at Skye United and Seaford United and like Wang holds a B coaching licence.
“We put together a very strong squad and I want to finish what we started. “I’m confident that we are capable of achieving something next year and I want to be involved with this club when our new complex is ready.” That’s a reference to the multimillion dollar facility development at Monterey Reserve due to get underway early next year. When completed Pines will have the infrastructure base on which to build programs for women, juniors and all abilities. Pines also confirmed the re-appointments of Darren Roberts, Li Nam Wang and Paulo Pinheiro. Birmingham-born Roberts played professionally in England and his former clubs include Wolves, Chesterfield, Darlington and Scarborough. He has played and coached at Skye United and Seaford United and his principal role at Pines is to assist Taylor with the senior squad. Taylor and Roberts will be supported by Li Nam Wang, who has been appointed to the newly created role of senior technical assistant.
E
E
C O N D
S
R
T
T
A
N C H
E
S
B
O
W
I
I
P O P
N
K
A N D
L D O M E
Y E D
Pines vice-president Victor Kumar was pleased to have retained his services. “Paulo has expressed an interest in venturing into the field of football analysis. As such, in combination with his coaching duties, he will fill the newly created position of senior football analyst,” Kumar said. “This role will provide the coaching staff with invaluable data-driven in-depth analysis of player and team actions, tactical trends and opposition scouting reports.” In other news late last week Football Victoria provided an update on return to training and playing guidance for regional clubs. This followed the state government easing regional restrictions to step 3 in its COVID-19 roadmap. FV’s announcement stated: “Key community sport changes in step 3 for regional Victoria as detailed on the Sport and Recreation Victoria website include the ability for contact training and competitions for players aged 18 and under and non-contact training for 18+. “There is also guidance around changeroom/shower access and spectator numbers. “FV are seeking further detail from SRV in relation to some of the guidelines to ensure we can update the current return to training/play conditions. We expect these will be released next week. “As part of any return to football, councils must also grant access to facilities and we anticipate this may take a few days to work through for each club. “Please note that training/play restrictions remain in place for regional clubs, until FV publishes an updated set of return to train/return to play conditions and councils advise of their required processes.” When restrictions ease for metropolitan Melbourne announcements are expected for FV’s plans for off-season competitions.
SOUTHERN PENINSULA NEWS
scoreboard
Kangaroos junior stars on the big stage AFL
By Brodie Cowburn SYDNEY Swans captain Luke Parker played his 200th AFL game this season. He has won a premiership, made the All Australian team, finished second in the Brownlow voting, and won two best and fairest medals. Despite his many achievements in the AFL, a lone senior outing for the Langwarrin Football Club still ranks high on the list of Parker’s best memories. Before making the move to New South Wales to start his AFL career in 2011, Parker pulled on the blue and white guernsey he had grown up wearing for a solitary senior game. “It was an incredible memory,” Parker said about his senior debut. “I had my one senior game for Langwarrin against Mornington when we had a one week break in the TAC Cup. We were 30 or 40 points down at half time and we came back and won. As a young bloke it was great, it was one of my best memories in football.” Since his last appearance for Langwarrin, Parker has kept busy. He wasted no time making an impression for the Sydney Swans, breaking into the team in his debut year and winning a premiership medal in his second. His career reached a high point when in 2019, he was named captain of the Swans. Before finding success at AFL level, Parker played his junior football for Langwarrin. He ran out for his first game with the club as an under-9, and continued to play a starring role right
FORMER Langwarrin junior Luke Parker wearing his old club colours alongside Swans teammates Aliir Aliir, Will Hayward, and Callum Mills. Picture: Supplied
up until under-18s. Parker says that the way he was taught to play as a junior is still front of mind for him today. “I had some really good coaches. I had Darryl Henderson, who was my best mate’s dad, he played for North Melbourne and Sydney. He coached us for a few years to a few grand finals. My old man was an assistant
coach too, and he helped out where he could,” he said. “I think what they gave me was an enjoyable upbringing in football. I carry that on today, because when you enjoy the sport, you play your best football. That was something that was instilled in us from a young age.” The Sydney Swans have partnered
with Volkswagen to put together the Footy Assist grants program, a $50,000 grant pool that local clubs can apply for. Parker said the program might help “put smiles back on faces” in a year where COVID-19 has brought junior football in Victoria to a screeching halt. “This is a fantastic initiative. Volk-
swagen has donated $50,000, which will be split between eight grants for local clubs to apply for. Clubs will be able to buy extra equipment, or invest in coaching,” Parker said. “We know how important grassroots footy is, and how important it is to have really good coaching for juniors coming through to help with their development. It’s great to have money going into grassroots football.” Parker still keeps an eye on how his old club is doing. He spent two years as the club’s number one ticket holder, and still knows some players in the senior side. When asked if he might consider coming back for a second senior game down the track, he played his cards close to his chest. “We’ll wait and see,” Parker said. “But it is always great to get back to Langwarrin.” Clubs can visit sydneyswans.com. au/vwfootyassist to apply for grants. Submissions close 11 October.
Binaisse breaks through with Group success HORSE RACING
By Ben Triandafillou MORNINGTON-based trainer Dean Binaisse broke through for an elusive Group-class victory on Saturday 19 September with his ever-consistent mare, Felicia. Having previously placed six times at black-type level, Binaisse finally broke through with his four-year-old daughter of Unencumbered, as she convincingly put away a handy field in the $160,000 Group Three How Now Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield. Ridden by Craig Williams, Felicia sat up on the speed before finding plenty in the straight to kick clear for a comfortable two-length victory ahead of the Mitchell Freedman-trained Broadwayandfourth and the Chris Waller-trained Fiesta. The win brought up Williams’ third victory for the day after also claiming the Group One feature aboard Behemoth earlier in the day. Trainer Dean Binaisse said it was a great feeling to get “the monkey off the back” with Felicia’s dominant performance. “It was relief more than anything,” Binaisse said. “It’s been a long time coming with all the placings that I’ve had in other Group and Listed races. “She put away a pretty good field and won pretty convincingly yesterday I thought. It’s great for the owners, they are terrific people.” It was just Felicia’s ninth career start having spent more than a year off the scene with a serious knee injury. But after being nursed back to full health and being carefully placed by Binaisse, she has managed to land two victories and has finished outside the top three just once from her seven starts in his
Black-type: Trainer Dean Binaisse lands his first black-type win as Felicia dominates the G3 How Now Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 19. Picture: Supplied
care. Now with a Group Three win under her belt, Binaisse is still confident the mare can show even more improvement heading forward. “She came very backwards when we got her due to the sickness and the surgeries she had to have. Each run she’s had, she’s continued to improve so I
don’t know where the bottom is,” he said. “She’s still on an upward curve I feel and looking at the horse she hasn’t completed furnished and matured. She missed nearly her whole three-year-old career so for her to do that and to be as quirky as what she is, it was really good.”
Felicia’s next target will be the Group Three Northwood Plume Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on October 10 before potentially stepping out in trip for the Group Two Tristarc Stakes (1400m). But Binaisse was adamant that he won’t be running his mare if the track’s felt too firm given her past injuries.
“There’s plenty of races around and the most important thing is the horse’s health and we’ve always brought that to the forefront,” he said. “Her longevity is the most important thing, so we won’t be risking her at any stage on a firm track or if we feel that she’s had enough she’ll be heading straight out to the paddock”.
Southern Peninsula News
23 September 2020
PAGE 19
As a region that welcomes in thousands of visitors each year, the diversity and abundance of this coastal destination has been able to thrive astronomically, offering countless experiences and the opportunity to create countless memories. To our extensive list of exceptional businesses on the Peninsula, our residents of this inspiring location and our regular or occasional visitors, we say thank you.
27 SEPTEMBER
Thank you for helping to make this region so special. Thank you for representing our own piece of Australian paradise.
visitmp.org PAGE 20
Southern Peninsula News 23 September 2020