Western Port News 15th May 2024

Pelicans in decline

PELICANS always seem to attract attention. They waddle along beaches, gracefully paddle in the water and fly overhead following the thermals. But while they appear to be common, especially when looking for scraps around piers and jetties, pelican numbers are declining.

The Westernport Pelican Study Group reports that just two of a previously known 10 Victorian breeding sites remain.

A breeding site on French Island “went extinct” in 2001, according to the group, and pelican numbers in Western Port have been declining ever since.

Study group members look for and photograph banded pelicans and have also appealed for members of the public to report numbers and colours of leg tags, along with the date and time of sighting. Pictures or emails can be sent to wpsg2020@gmail. com or uploaded to facebook.com/ groups/532493277609873.

Picture: Fran Henke

Call to ‘confirm’ Hastings for terminal

Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au

THE Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula wants the state and federal governments to “confirm” Hastings as the site for a terminal to assemble offshore wind turbines following the awarding of feasibility licenses to companies involved in the project.

“This development means the future of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal (VRET) proposed for the Port of Hastings is now crucial to the advancement of Victoria's offshore wind industry,” committee CEP Josh Sinclair said. He said Hastings was “perfectly

poised for the terminal and that the community now wants certainty”.

This latest call from the industry lobby group for governments to back Hastings as the terminal site follows federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek saying that Hastings was unsuitable because of threats posed to the sustainability of Western Port’s ecosystem and its international importance as a destination for migratory birds (Federal veto a blow to terminal plans, The News 10/1/24).

The state government allocated $27 million in its 2023/24 budget for the offshore wind turbines to be built on the north side of Bayview Road, Hastings.

Although the Premier Jacinta Allan in January said the state government

believed the environmental impacts could be overcome, no official announcements have since been made. Meanwhile, another company wants planning permission for a factory on eight hectares on the south side Bayview Road, Hastings to build towers for wind turbines and blades.

The uncertainty over the wind turbine assembly terminal being built at Hastings saw attention shift to the possible use of either Barry Beach, near Toora in South Gippsland, the Port of Geelong or Bell Bay in Tasmania.

Barry Beach which, like Western Port, is a Ramsar internationally protected area for migratory birds, has long been a construction and maintenance site for Bass Strait oil and gas

fields.

Tasmania’s Energy and Renewables Minister, Nick Duigan, said the port of Bell Bay would be ideal to service construction and maintenance of Bass Strait offshore wind farms.

“Tasmania is already the nation’s renewable energy leader, and we are forging ahead with our plans to continue to position our state as a clean energy powerhouse,” Duigan said in the wake of Plibersek’s announcement.

However, Sinclair says the Commonwealth Government’s awarding of feasibility licences to companies “will fast-track the development of the offshore wind industry off the Gippsland coast”.

“Both levels of governments view

offshore wind as crucial to the state and nations' energy supply, so confirmation around the role of the Port of Hastings is vital to ensure the industry and our local community have clarity over Western Port's role,” he said.

"Hastings is strategically located close to Gippsland and provides access to a qualified and skilled workforce.

“The VRET has the capability of reinvigorating Hastings economic potential and help play a key role in Australia's transition to a clean energy future.

"We want to see both levels of government work collaboratively on this project and back Hastings as the site for a 'green terminal’."

Journalists: Keith Platt, Liz Bell, Brodie Cowburn Ph: 5974 9000. Email: team@mpnews.com.au

Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni

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ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915

Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: www.mpnews.com.au

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NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WED 22 MAY 2024

MORNINGTON teenager Geena Davy won the under-18 women’s long jump championships with a 6.11 metre jump at the Australian Athletics Championships in Adelaide in April. It was a consecutive win for the 17-year-old Balcombe Grammar School VCE student who won the under-17 event in Brisbane last year and has been competing in athletics since she was 10.

The Mornington Peninsula Athletics Club member has been winning medals at a national level since she was 13 and juggles her year 12 studies with three track sessions a week, and gym, daily stretching and recovery sessions. This schedule saw her fly in and out of Adelaide in 24 hours to miss as little school as possible.

Coach Jason Hodson said that as a result she had not competed in the 100 metres, despite winning a medal, qualifying at the state championships and making the final at the Australian All Schools Championships in Perth in December with a time of 12.12 seconds.

Davy’s success at this year’s championships and her achievement of a qualifying distance multiple times has led to her being selected in the Australian team for the Oceania Athletics Championships in Fiji in June.

Hodson said the Oceania championships were a major milestone for young athletes as their first chance to represent their country.

Following the Oceania Championships Davy’s next goal will be the World Junior Championships in the USA in 2026.

“With the qualifying jump distance being 6.20 metres, she is well on the way to achieving that goal,” Hodson said.

Champion readies to jump in Fiji

Charge’ Green Waste event from 24-26 May 2024. The ‘No Charge’ Green Waste event is for Shire

and

Liz Bell GEENA Davy is jumping to new lengths in her athletic career despite a demanding training and educational schedule. Pictures: Supplied

Copper theft loss to sports clubs

dents in the area to see if anyone captured these people coming into the club on their home security cameras,” he said.

POLICE investigating a series of copper thefts from Mornington Peninsula sports clubs are urging anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers.

Football clubs at Balnarring, Hastings and South Mornington have been hit in recent months, with some hit more than once as thieves target copper wires and copper water pumps.

Two weeks ago, Hastings Tennis Club was hit for the second time, with thieves taking copper from three lights poles.

Coach Reece Driscoll said it was a sad blow to the club and the community.

“It’s terrible that community clubs are being targeted like this, it’s costly, and for us it means we can’t have any night games or night coaching for up to six weeks,” he said.

“We have been building the club up and increasing our numbers, so this is a setback.”

Driscoll said the club had spoken to electricians and was looking at what it could do to prevent further thefts.

“I have also appealed to resi-

The secretary of Balnarring Football Club, Pia Price, confirmed that the club lost its water pump to thieves last week, with the theft discovered on Thursday (8 May) when members from the netball club noticed there was no water.

“We had nine games and Oz Kick coming up on the weekend, and if it wasn’t for the [Mornington Peninsula Shire] council organising someone to come out, there would have been a lot of kids and players disappointed,” she said.

Copper theft is big business for crooks and the thefts continue despite police monitoring scrap metal dealers to prevent the stolen metal being bought and sold.

The thieves are driven by the lure of easy cash, with copper used in electrical circuits and widely sought on the international market.

Last year police busted an organised crime gang that stole up to $780,000 worth of copper from telco pits in Melbourne’s north. Eleven people were arrested.

Anyone with information in relation to copper thefts should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Seat top spot for Saturday light show

THE free light show provided by the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) was not missed by Adam Richmond last Saturday night. There were plenty of vantage points from the Mornington Peninsula, but Richmond opted to drive up to one of the lookouts on Arthurs Seat where he

took this shot at about 9pm.

For the photographically minded, Richmond used a D500 Nikon with Tokina 11-16mm lens at an. Aperture of 2.8.

The coloured lights seen around the world were attributed by scientists to the most powerful solar storm recorded

in the past 20 years.

The storms are coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun.

Similar storms in October 2003 caused blackouts in Sweden and damaged power infrastructure in South Africa.

Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au

Keith Platt

Street Address Township Lot/Plan Volume/Folio

1 Cooma Street Crib Point 28/LP006672 10610/366

2 Valley Court Mount Eliza 44/LP080540 08732/633

or any other interested parties.

In accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy any person can make a written submission regarding the proposal to sell the land. Any person wishing to make a submission on the proposal must do so in writing by no later than 5.00 pm on Thursday 13 June 2024.

A person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that they wish to appear in person in support of the submission, or to be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a hearing on the submissions by Council or a Committee, which is to be held at a date and time to be determined by Council following the close of submissions.

NEWS DESK

Frills aplenty with underwater discovery

A MORNINGTON Peninsula diver has made a remarkable underwater discovery that is sending ripples of excitement through the marine world.

Emily May, of Tootgarook, had a recent encounter with a rare frilled pygmy octopus (Octopus superciliossuss) on Portsea West Reef, and was able to capture some video and photos of her amazing find.

Her footage has been confirmed as the first taken of this species in the wild and only the second viewing in the wild. All other footage was taken at the aquarium at Queenscliff Discovery Centre in the late 1990s.

May said this was confirmed by Dr Julian Finn of Museums Victoria, who is an expert on marine life in Port Phillip.

“I am beyond thrilled to have seen and been able to document [the octopus],” she said.

May was able to photograph the shy octopus after a drift dive off Portsea pier when it jumped from a buoyancy control device into the water.

Little is known about the frilled pygmy octopus, as they are elusive and tiny.

Following the consideration of any submissions, Council may decide to sell the land, part(s) of the land, or not to sell the land. Submissions received, including the name of the submitter, may be published on Council’s website and any Council agendas on the proposal and will form part of the public record of the relevant Council and Committee meetings. Personal contact details and any offensive, defamatory or third-party personal information will not be published. You may access personal information you have provided to Council at any time and make corrections. Further details of our Privacy Policy can be found at www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/privacy.

If you have any concerns about the use and disclosure of your personal information, please contact the Governance team at privacy@mornpen. vic.gov.au. This notice, including location plans of the subject land, can also be viewed on the Shire’s website at www.mornpen.vic.gov.au. Any queries can be directed to the Property Operations Coordinator on (03) 5950 1709 or at Property@mornpen.vic.gov.au.

This notice, together with location plans of the subject land can also be viewed on Council’s website pursuant to Section 114 (2) (a) (i) of the Local Government Act 2020.

John Baker

CHIEF

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

“Since my observation, my footage has been shared by PADI - the Professional Association of Diving Instructors - the most recognised dive training organisation worldwide), Instagram account to over one million followers, OctoNation - the world's largest octopus account with 409k followers and co-author of recent National Geographic book, Secrets of an Octopus, whose owner actually discussed my sighting on the press tour of the new book on American news, and various other accounts including

“This rare sighting is huge news, not only for marine enthusiasts, the scuba diving community and octopus fans, but also for the Mornington Peninsula.”

OctoNation described the octopus as “so elusive it makes Bigfoot look like a social butterfly”.

May describes exploring underwater as a “way of life”.

Liz Bell

Rare find: Emily May, inset, could not believe her eyes when she came across the elusive frilled pygmy octopus on Portsea West Reef. Pictures: Supplied

Running, walking is healthy, for sure

Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au

SOMETHING powerful happens at Rosebud and Hastings on Saturday mornings as people of all ages walk, jog, run or just amble five kilometres in the name of fitness, friendship and fun.

The event is known as Parkrun, and it’s a “must do” every week for hundreds of Mornington Peninsula residents.

There are regulars who know each other by name and catch up for a post-run coffee, and others who like to maintain their fitness in a friendly, encouraging environment. Everyone is welcome at Parkrun – all ages and sizes.

Rosebud Parkrun started about four years ago and, along with Hastings, is one of peninsula’s two Parkrun groups and one of 2000 spread across 22 countries.

After starting in the UK in 2002, the event has become a global phenomenon that has no social or economic boundaries. It’s inclusive, it’s free and it’s as easy as each participant makes it.

For a free event, it is surprisingly well organised, with an event director and a run director, health and safety precautions in place, a team of volunteer walkers and guides, and insurance to cover all.

Rosebud Parkrun volunteer Dave Thornell, of Mornington, said the event had a role to play in the wellbeing of a community, giving partici-

pants a reason to get out of the house and mingle.

“We have a lady in her 70s who became a volunteer after her daughter brought her along to help her get out of the house more,” he said.

“Everyone just wrapped their arms around her and her family were amazed at the difference being part of something made to their mum and how much it changed her outlook; she ended up coming for years.”

Thornell joined about four years ago as a way of getting regular exercise, but it has turned into much more.

“The run forces me to stay fit, but I love meeting the newcomers and getting to know everyone,” he said.

“It’s such an incredible community to be part of. We even have the occasional overseas visitors because you can participate in a Parkrun anywhere in the world. I’ve even helped run events in Cape Town [South Africa] and the UK … It’s a great way to meet people.

“Rosebud has started a bit of a subculture in our runs, some people dress up – we have a few pirates and other themes, and it’s a lot of fun. It’s about getting out and participating.”

In summer, in the middle of tourist season, around 300 people could turn up for a Parkrun, but the average number throughout the year is about 100.

For people who don’t want to run, there are flag holder and “trail walker” volunteer positions to fill every week.

“Most people have different reasons for being part of Parkrun, some try to better their times every week or compete with friends, others are just happy to finish at their own pace,” Thornell said.

Every participant gets a timer to help runners compare results.

“But not everyone cares about their times, we encourage people to come along and walk it if they don’t feel up to a run. It’s better than sitting at home,” Thornell said.

The Rosebud Parkrun is a fivekilometre route along the bays trail, starting at Rosebud Parade.

For more Parkrun details go to: parkrun.com.au/

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Keeping fit: Dave Thornell, left, says Parkrun participants have a great sense of fun and often dress up for the season or for no reason at all. Picture: Supplied

Building design, tech add to mental health outcomes

Platt

keith@mpnews.com.au

A NEW $30 million mental hospital in Mount Eliza has “salutogenic design principles” that creates “environments to support health and wellbeing rather than simply treating illness”.

The design of the 60-bed Avive Clinic Mornington Peninsula in St Johns Lane recognises “the connection between a person’s health and their physical surroundings”, Avive Health co-founder and co-CEO Mark Sweeney said.

Avive, which describes itself as a progressive, privately-owned company, was founded by Sweeney and co-CEO, Greg Procter and partnered with Northwest Healthcare Proper-

Freeway crash seven taken to hospital

POLICE are investigating a two-vehicle collision in Tuerong on Saturday night (11 May) which left two people with life threatening injuries.

It is believed a Mazda hatchback was being driven along the Mornington Peninsula Freeway when it collided with another vehicle on the Nepean Highway about 9pm.

The driver of the hatchback, a 33-year-old Mt Waverley woman, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital for treatment.

Her passenger, a 27-year-old

ties (“Northwest”) through its New Zealand stock exchange-listed Vital Healthcare Property Trust as property owner and partner.

Kingdom Projects built the hospital which was designed by HSPC Health Architects.

The hospital says it has “embraced the latest health design principles, technology-integrated care and trauma-aware programs intended to reinvigorate mental health services while providing better outcomes for patients”.

Recovery choices for patients offer “flexible pathways and access to clinical teams and psychiatrists”.

The “boutique hotel-like environment” has 60 single patient rooms with ensuites, group and art therapy rooms, psychiatrists’ consulting suites,

a fitness studio and gymnasium and landscaped outdoor retreat areas.

It provides inpatient treatment, day patient programs and outpatient consultations for people living with alcohol use disorders, anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders, early life, and adult trauma, including defence and emergency first responders Iwithin a trauma-aware culture and facility that ensures both clinical and non-clinical staff can positively impact each patient’s recovery journey”.

Procter said the hospital was a “game-changer” for the peninsula.

“Avive Health is focused on delivering better patient experiences and outcomes, while delivering healthcare differently and embracing the latest technology from across the globe,” he said.

“We’re focused on delivering evidenced-based services throughout a person’s entire mental health and wellness journey, so each of our streamed programs – be it anxiety and mood, dual diagnosis, intensive trauma processing, or mind and body – include comprehensive discharge and aftercare planning to support ongoing recovery.

“Investment in technology across our business, including in our hospitals is a key point of difference. Our electronic patient tablets alone are already supporting improved outcomes, specific to what each of our patients need.

“Our clinical team can access and share patient treatment information, complete rounding, capture real-time patient input and adjust care during a

hospital stay; whilst our patients have greater control over their environment and access to information resources, therapy programs and streaming platforms – to name just a few.”

Sweeney said Avive had also “invested heavily” in such building technologies and management systems as circadian rhythm lighting, true presence sensors, security and access control technology.

The hospital’s research-backed salutogenic design principles “focused on creating environments to support health and wellbeing rather than simply treating illness”.

Interior designs supported the “emotional and spiritual states of patients, as well as integrating indoors and out through nature, landscaping, and natural light”.

Bundoora man, also sustained lifethreatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver of the other vehicle, a Toyota Camry, a 37-year-old Oakleigh South man, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for observation.

His female passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital for treatment.

His male passenger sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Two other passengers sustained minor injuries and were also taken to hospital for treatment.

The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be

determined and investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Footage sought

POLICE are appealing to dash cam owners after an incident involving two cyclists on Point Nepean Road, Blairgowrie, on Saturday 30 March.

It is alleged that at about 9.30am one of the cyclists forcefully pushed another off his bike near the pedestrian crossing in the main shopping area. The victim came off his bike and

fractured five ribs.

Police are urging anyone in the vicinity of the incident who had their dash cam on at the time to share any footage with them.

Police said it could prove crucial to understanding what happened.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online crimestoppersvic.com.au/ report-a-crime/

Drugs, weapon

ROSEBUD police have charged a man with drug and weapons offences after they searched a house in Safety Beach on Thursday 9 May.

Officers found a large amount of cash, cannabis thought to be prepared for trade and a rifle.

A police spokesperson said the operation was a victory in the fight against drug proliferation.

“This shows a concerted effort of law enforcement agencies to tackle drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms and other related crimes,” the spokesperson said.

One male has been charged on seven different counts, including cultivating narcotics, trafficking cannabis, illegal possession of a prohibited weapon, and unlicensed possession of Category A longarm firearm.

He has is scheduled to appear in court at a future date.

Keith

AVIVE Health co-founders Matt McDornan, Mark Sweeney and Greg Procter with Richard Roos of Northwest at the new mental hospital in Mount Eliza. Pictures: Supplied

Police patrol

With Liz Bell

Concerns over use of e-scooters

THEY may be fun and convenient, but there are growing calls on the Mornington Peninsula for increased education about electronic scooters after a rise in both popularity and accidents.

Clinical director of emergency at Peninsula Health, Dr Gabriel Blecher, said there had been an anecdotal increase in injuries relating to e-scooter accidents in the past 12 months, with limb and head trauma being the most common presentations.

“We have noticed an increase in injuries relating to e-scooter accidents given their recent rise in popularity,” he said.

Data from the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit shows that 32 e-scooter riders from the Mornington Peninsula had been injured in the past two years, with most injuries occurring in riders aged 16 years or over.

Most hospitalisations related to head, elbow and forearm injuries.

Blecher saw education as the key.

“When riding or preparing to ride an e-scooter simple actions can make a huge difference,” he said. “Wearing a helmet is an essential safety measure and of the easiest ways to protect your head from a fall. You should always ride solo, only one person should be on each scooter at a time, adhere to road regulations, and never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“By adopting these simple actions, we can foster a safer environment for our community and e-scooter users.”

Mount Eliza resident Cameron McAdam, a pastor at The Village Church, said he was concerned there would be a fatality before too long, given the current non-compliance of road rules by mostly teenaged riders.

“I’ve been saying this for a while, nobody

wants to come across as a killjoy, but I’ve seen pedestrians almost toppled over by e-scooters. The message about responsible riding is really important, for everyone’s safety,” he said.

“I am definitely not against e-scooters at all, I am just trying to ensure that all road users and pedestrians are safe. It would also be distressing for a car driver to be involved in an accident with an e-scooter, as safety on the road affects everyone.”

In February, a young rider was flung into the air after being hit by a car in Mornington. While it is unclear who was responsible for the accident, witnesses alleged the rider wasn’t paying attention as he sped across a pedestrian crossing.

McAdam said he had written to schools in the area, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, and Mornington MP Chris Crewther to try to start an awareness campaign to educate parents and riders about the legalities of e-scooter riding. He said it was disappointing that not all schools had replied.

The law requires e-scooter riders to:

n Be aged 16 years and over.

n Not exceed 20 kph.

n Ride only on roads that have a speed limit of 60kph or less and on bike or shared paths.

n Always wear a helmet.

n Have proper control and ride responsibly.

n Use a warning signal (bell, horn, or verbal) to avert danger.

n Follow traffic rules.

n Give way to pedestrians where appropriate.

n Have front and rear lights if riding at night.

E-scooter riders cannot ride on footpaths; use a hand-held mobile phone while riding; ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; carry passengers or animals; lead an animal, including by tethering the animal to the e-scooter; or ride in tandem, two abreast. Liz Bell

Questions over golf ‘shire subsidy’ claim

Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au

MEMBERS of Mount Martha Golf Club want

Cr David Gill to justify his claim that Mornington Peninsula Shire is “subsidising” each of its members by $9000 a year.

Club member Edwin Gill (no relation to Cr Gill) said he believed the subsidy claim was based on incorrect or incorrectly calculated data. However, he said the shire was “not very transparent on how they assess golf course results or what they are”.

Edwin Gill said the average annual operating loss at the shire-owned Mount Martha Golf Course between 2012 and 2017 was $87,000, or $261 for each of the club’s 250 members. He said the main charges at the shire-owned course - green fees, day tags and CIP - had risen 48 and 93 per cent over that same time frame.

“Unless management efficiency has deteriorated, the losses should be reduced significantly as a result, if not entirely. The COVID period excepted,” Edwin Gill said.

“I have no idea how [Cr David Gill] arrived at the $9000 figure.”

The shire is undertaking an expressions of interest campaign in a bid to make money from the Mount Martha golf course (Market call to end golf losses, The News 7/5/24).

Councillors were told that “long term financial challenges” meant it would not be viable for the shire to run the golf course “at a deficit”.

The EOI process will “gather golfing market information and capability” that may include mini golf, driving ranges and such “nontraditional” activities as food trucks, moonlight cinemas, a restaurant, functions and short term accommodation.

Welcome TO THE WORLD

Parents: Estelle & Dave

Birth date: 30.04.2024

Birth weight: 3090gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Samantha & Aaron

Birth date: 30.04.2024

Birth weight: 4294gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Jac & Justin

Birth date: 29.04.2024

Birth weight: 3520gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Bronwyn & Rodney

Birth date: 29.04.2024

Birth weight: 3100gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Cr Gill said last week that he was not advocating “to get rid of the Mount Martha Golf Course - I favour keeping the open space”.

He said Edwin Gill’s figures “seem to only include operating costs and not the ever increasing capital investment, replacement and maintenance costs” at the golf course.

There were “costly maintenance” and capital improvements needed at the golf course which ratepayers were subsidising.

“Mount Martha Golf Course has 250 members, which means that even just the ratepayers’ contribution to an overdue new clubhouse estimated to cost $2 million, the subsidy for members is $8000 each,” Cr Gill said.

“There are many other costly maintenance and needed capital improvements required in running a golf course that add to the subsidy.

“Should ratepayers be paying to keep Mount Martha Golf Course viable?

“This course should be outsourced like our other golf course at Devil Bend which makes a small profit. Mount Martha has an operating loss.”

Cr Gill said it was “very unusual” for a council to provide two golf courses and there was limited money available to help the many sporting clubs and organisations “crying out for change rooms and toilet blocks to cater for the increased numbers playing women’s sports”.

“I do not support another expensive master plan that we are unlikely to be able to fund. That would be another vain attempt to conjure up a perceived profit like we have with the $20 million Briars master plan.”

Parents: Cassandra & Zeph

Birth date: 06.05.2024

Birth weight: 3500gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Kate & Nik

Birth date: 08.05.2024

Birth weight: 3900gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Ashlea & Scott

Birth date: 05.05.2024

Birth weight: 2800gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

HENDRIX RUDY

MATILDA

ALASKA

MICHAEL JAMES

ARCHIE JAMES

JACKSON DAVID PETER

ELI

Photos: Yanni

OBITUARY

Rob Metcher – A Man Of Many Talents

OBITUARY

Robert William Stanley Metcher

1 October 1948 – 3 April 2024

By Peter McCullough

THE population of French Island was somewhat depleted on the afternoon of Sunday 14 April when many of its residents, plus a large number of ‘mainlanders’, gathered at the Hastings Uniting Church for the memorial service for Rob Metcher. A private cremation preceded this event.

Rob, a French Island resident for almost 20 years, passed away while in palliative care after a long illness. He was 75. The eulogy was delivered by the Reverend Nigel McBrien who conducted the service, and each of Rob’s children (Tamsin, Craig and Mark) shared their memories. ***

ROBERT William Stanley Metcher was born on 1 October 1948. He had a brother and sister and they lived in Elwood with parents Alec (a plumber) and Doris (a highly qualified nurse).

Rob started school at Elwood Primary but during the 1954 floods their home, situated the length of about three cricket pitches from the Elwood Canal, was inundated. This led to the family moving to Selby in the Dandenong Ranges where Rob continued his schooling at Selby Primary and then Upwey High School. Rob had a habit of always being a fraction late for the school bus. Fortunately he could hitch a lift with a neighbour who was on her way to work: they would chase the bus until it stopped for a pickup when Rob would jump aboard. From his early days Rob had an enquiring mind and a thirst for learning. He was an avid reader and had a practical flair for fixing things. After finishing secondary school he enrolled to study land surveying at RMIT.

During his time at RMIT Rob and two of his friends went on a summer camping holiday to Tathra on the NSW south coast. Camping nearby was the Sutton family from Bairnsdale; this included Judith who was about to commence Year 12. A friendship started which continued during their student years; Rob at RMIT and Judith at Melbourne Teachers College. In 1971 they married at the Presbyterian Church in Bairnsdale.

While Judith’s career as a music teacher and tutor has been constant over the decades, Rob’s work life has been incredibly varied. After a short time in land surveying he joined his father in his plumbing business; he completed his apprenticeship and continued to conduct the business after the death of his father. Rob’s next move was to the Southern Cross hotel as a boiler attendant (a certificate was required) and from there he became the caretaker at the Toorak Anglican church (no certificate required).

While there the Loy Yang gas explosion took place and Rob resumed his role as boiler attendant, continuing it at the Heinz factory in Dandenong. When Heinz closed and moved to New Zealand, Rob obtained a position in the engineering department at the Freemasons Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Metcher family had expanded with the arrival of Tamsin in 1973, Craig in 1975 and Mark in 1979.

In 2000, during the time Rob was working at the Freemasons Hospital, the couple visited French Island to stay overnight at the Tortoise Head

Lodge. A week after visiting they were back looking at land and 11 weeks later they took possession of their French Island property and became popular ‘weekenders’. In 2005 they became permanent residents after Rob had completed renovations to the existing residence.

Soon after achieving ‘permanent status’ Rob was given the opportunity to become shipmaster on the barge transporting trucks, cars and livestock to and from the Island. He loved the opportunity to learn a new skill and quickly obtained his Ship Masters licence. Rob filled this role for almost 20 years and enjoyed meeting the truckies and other people who were travelling to and from the Island. For a time, while training, his task on the barge was supplemented by driving a tour bus.

If Rob’s work life had been an interesting mixture, his hobbies and interests were just as varied. His greatest passion was boating: throughout his life he owned a motorboat, several catamarans and, more recently, a yacht. This interest in boating provided the family with many wonderful memories and segued into his role as captain of the French Island barge.

While the boating hobby was in full swing Rob developed an interest in astronomy, possibly prompted by the appearance of Halley’s Comet in 1986. In recent times he had a powerful telescope and enjoyed enlightening visitors as to various constellations and planets. It was even brought to the mainland when he gave a talk to the youth group at the Hastings

Uniting Church.

What Rob termed ‘the arts’ (music and writing) also captured his interest. In his younger days he was the drummer in a blues band (The Black Panther Blues Band) and there was always an acoustic guitar around the house when the children were growing up. What with Rob’s interest in music and Judith’s profession as a piano teacher, it was inevitable that the children were given instruments and music lessons. Rob also liked to write short stories and poems and from time-to-time spoke at functions at country towns and on community radio.

Finally, Rob was a natural athlete who played football and cricket in his younger days. He was a leg spin bowler and finished his cricketing years with a number of trophies, including one for a double hat trick (4 wickets in 4 balls).He also enjoyed surfing and played competition squash into his 30’s. At the age of 32 he took up skiing which led to many ski trips for the family.

Rob’s keen involvement in a range of sports was passed on to the children who were encouraged to participate and this has led to many memorable experiences. Most significantly, he passed on his passion for St. Kilda Football Club. Rob had the good fortune to be a spectator when the team won its only premiership in 1966 and spent the next 57 years hoping for a second. Rob and Judith enjoyed the lifestyle on French Island and have been valued members of the community. They shared their interests in music,

astronomy and sailing and participated in local organizations such as the CFA (Rob was a nominated driver of the French Island fire truck). Rob gave generously of his time to assist others and, underlying it all, was a strong Christian faith. To quote the final line from the eulogy delivered at the memorial service: “He brought encouragement and hope to people and the belief to reach for the

in life.”

stars

Left to mourn the loss of Rob are his wife Judith, children Tamsin, Craig and Mark and grandchildren Saffron, Marilla and Harvey.

Above: Rob in the CFA uniform

Top right: Rob adjusting the telescope

Below right: Rob and Judith at the theatre in 2016

Ultimate luxury on five scenic acres

A masterpiece of contemporary design and rural indulgence in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, this exquisite luxury residence captures the essence of Hamptons and country-inspired living with unparalleled elegance and charm.

Nestled within a scenic five acres plus (approx), yet conveniently close to Balnarring Village and Mornington, this extraordinary residence epitomises sophistication and leisure, with firstclass amenities, equine potential, and flexible family accommodation over approximately 100 squares of living space.

A triumph of contemporary design, the residence has been meticulously curated to inspire awe with limestone-clad walls,

engineered Oak floors, and striking Rosso Allegro marble set amidst the palatial floor plan, offering an abundance of space for both relaxation and entertainment.

Across two floors, multiple expansive living zones seamlessly extend outdoors via banks of sliding glass, highlighting the idyllic scenery from every possible angle.

A showpiece kitchen, equipped with top-ofthe-line appliances and a butler’s pantry, sets the stage for entertaining and hosting on a grand scale, complemented by a beautiful heated pool and spa, where parents can watch the kids from inside and out.

Five bedrooms and four bathrooms

provide ample space and zoning for each family member, headlined by a glorious main bedroom—a haven of tranquillity and comfort, with two dressing rooms, an indulgent ensuite, and picturesque landscape views.

For those who love to entertain, a wine cellar, a cinema room, and an entire wing dedicated to leisure and wellness become a playground for luxury, complemented by a gym/yoga retreat and a home office for those working from home.

Additionally, the property’s beautiful acreage delivers the desirable space for horses and equine pursuits, with room for a menage, stables and additional infrastructure, whilst

also offering scope for a north-south tennis court, a helipad and more (STCA). Impeccably appointed to the highest standard, highlights include zoned RC/airconditioning, two mudrooms, double glazing, abundant water storage, solar power, secure garaging and additional garaging for the boat or caravan.

Surrounded by some of the region’s most notable wineries and breweries, and set within minutes to the coast and under 20 minutes from Mornington, 10 minutes from Balnarring Village and only a few moments to freeway access to access the CBD, this is the epitome of luxury Peninsula living.n

The Guide

TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK

FRIDAY ST. VINCENT

SBS WORLD MOVIES, 7.35pm

THURSDAY

BRITAIN BY THE BOOK

ABC TV, 9pm

Mel Giedroyc and Doc Martin’s Martin Clunes (pictured) embark on a literary adventure. Polished with whimsical music and the type of bucolic scenery that only the UK can offer, it’s a quirky exploration of the abodes and iconic locations that leap off the pages of some of Britain’s most loved books and poems. Brush up on some new and old classics: this cosy one-off travelogue delves into Enid Blyton‘s The Famous Five, Ian McEwan’s On Chesil Beach and Thomas Hardy’s prose, to name a few.

Audiences love Bill Murray (pictured with Naomi Watts) and it’s easy to see why in this crowd-pleaser. Here he plays a grumpy, chain-smoking gambler, whose first meeting with his new neighbours leaves them less than impressed. Vincent has personal demons a mile long but is the only one around to look after young Oliver. Cue several excursions to strip clubs and gambling houses that somehow still make Vincent a loveable and needed addition to their lives.

Thursday, May 16

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SATURDAY

THE HATEFUL EIGHT

SBS WORLD MOVIES, 8.30pm

Set in the depths of a Wyoming winter, bounty hunter Marquis (Samuel L. Jackson, pictured) is caught in a storm and snags a ride with fellow bounty hunter John (Kurt Russell), who is carrying fugitive Daisy (Jennifer Jason Leigh). On the way they pick up Chris (Walton Goggins), but are soon forced to take shelter in a haberdashery, which is already cramped by a cluster of questionable people. Bursting with betrayal, violence and wit, The Hateful Eight also brandishes some great surprises.

MONDAY MEL BUTTLE: LET ME KNOW EITHER WAY TEN, 9.40pm

Mel Buttle (pictured) has her audience in stitches without even uttering a pointed punchline. Known across social media for her hilarious and relatable chatterbox suburban mum character called Lyn – who is based on her own mother – Buttle is keen observer who isn’t afraid to be a little controversial. From growing up in Ipswich where only mutt dogs live, to the uselessness of PE teachers, Buttle even critiques her own show as Lyn, calling it “crass”. In the uproarious closing moments, Buttle reveals her comical mettle by using her mother’s text messages as rap lyrics as hip-hop music blares. It’s laugh-out-loud fare.

SEVEN (7)

NINE (9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australian Story. (R) 10.30 Compass. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Back In Time For Dinner. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 11. Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (R) 11.00 The Story Of Beer. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Alone Australia. (Ml, R) 3.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 11. Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Dying To Be Perfect. (2022, Madv) Christy Bruce, Keara Graves, Cameron Brodeur. 2.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG) Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 DNA Family Secrets. (PGa, R) Presented by Stacey Dooley. 8.35 Our Law. (PGa, R) Constable Jarwin has a difficult day on the beat. Recruit Leroy struggles with taser training.

9.45 Blue Lights. (Malv) As Lee consolidates power, Stevie and Grace are thrown back together on a response call.

10.50 SBS World News Late.

11.20 Illegals. (MA15+al) 12.15 The Responder. (Mal, R) 2.10 Das Boot. (MA15+av, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 10. Gold Coast Suns v Geelong. From TIO Stadium, Darwin. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game.

11.00 The Latest: Seven News. (R) 11.30 The Amazing Race. (PGl, R) One racer receives the surprise of a lifetime after their elimination.

1.00 Fortitude. (MA15+av, R) Dan faces his toughest battle yet.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. The latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Long Story Short. (2021, Ml, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s State Of Origin. Queensland v New South Wales. Game 1. 9.45 NRL Women’s State Of Origin Post-Match. Post-match wrap-up. 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av) 11.20

TEN (10)

Samuel L. Jackson in The Hateful Eight

Friday, May 17

ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (10) NINE (9)

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

That Pacific Sports Show. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Queen Of Oz. (Final, Mdls, R) 2.30 White Fever. (Final, Mls, R) 2.55 Back In Time For Dinner. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 12. Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (R) 11.00 The Story Of Beef. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Mastermind Aust. (PG, R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 12. Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: I’ll Be Watching. (2018, Mav, R) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Wedding Daze. (2006, Mls, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis visits an urban farm.

8.30 Silent Witness. (Malv)

The team works to find out why the truck was found with bodies inside and a dead driver at the wheel.

9.30 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson. 10.10 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

10.40 White Fever. (Final, Mls, R)

11.10 ABC Late News.

11.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

12.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

1.00 Traces. (Final, Malv, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Abandoned Railways From Above: Somerset. (Premiere, PG) Explores abandoned railways.

8.30 Supertrains: The Race For Speed. (PG, R) Examines the TGV, France’s high-speed train.

9.30 Secrets Of The Lost Liners: Cap Arcona. (PGav, R)

A look at the SS Cap Arcona

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 World On Fire. (Return, Mav)

12.00 L’Opera. (Mls, R) 2.45 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.55pm Supertato. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 MOVIE: Matchstick Men. (2003, M) 10.25 MOVIE: Hedwig And The Angry Inch. (2001, M) 11.55 Would I Lie To You? 12.55am QI. 1.35 MOVIE: Pan’s Labyrinth. (2006, MA15+) 3.30 ABC News Update. 3.35 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready, Jet, Go! 5.25 Alva’s World. 5.40 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Dr Harry Cooper helps a dog with a bad chewing habit.

7.20 Football. AFL. Round 10. Sydney v Carlton.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.15 Armchair Experts. (M) A panel discusses all things AFL.

12.00 Celebrity Obsessed: Gianni Versace. (MA15+av, R) 1.00 Medical Emergency. (PG, R)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Medical Emergency. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Australia’s

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Take Me Home. (PG) A family takes a punt on a new animal.

8.30 MOVIE: Sliding Doors. (1998, Msl, R) Two possible lives unfold for a public relations executive based on whether or not she misses a train. Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah, John Lynch. 10.30 MOVIE: Music & Lyrics. (2007, PGls, R) Hugh Grant.

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 Pointless. (PG, R) 2.30 Destination WA. (PG) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Postcards. (PG, R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Ready Steady Cook. Hosted by Miguel Maestre. 8.30 To Be Advised. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Graham Norton is joined by Bernie Taupin, Catherine Tate, Ashley Walters, Bill Bailey and Christine and the Queens. 10.35 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Beerland. Noon WorldWatch. 12.25 Rhod Gilbert: Stand Up To Infertility. 1.35 Criminal Planet. 2.30 Bananas. 2.35 Over The Black Dot. 3.25 WorldWatch. 5.20 Shortland St. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Eats The 80s. 8.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 13. 1.35am Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.05pm Hunting Aotearoa. 2.00 Shortland St. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 The Magic Canoe. 3.25 Wolf Joe. 3.35 Nanny Tuta. 3.40 Bushwhacked! 4.05

And

5.00

6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Kenya Wildlife Diaries. 7.30 MOVIE: Yogi Bear. (2010, PG) 8.55 MOVIE: Guess Who. (2005, PG) 10.45 Late Programs. NITV (34)

Beneath The Sea. 4.35

Stories. 5.30 NITV News:

6am

The Scarlet And The Black. Continued. (1983, PG) 8.05 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 9.50 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 11.40 Juniper. (2021, M) 1.30pm Mary And The Witch’s Flower. (2017, PG) 3.25 Funny Lady. (1975, PG) 5.55 The Witches. (1990, PG) 7.35 St. Vincent. (2014, M) 9.30 Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 11.25 Late Programs.

Saturday, May 18

TV (2)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (Ma, R) 1.30 Father Brown. (Mav, R) 2.15 Gruen. (R) 3.00 Monty Don’s Japanese Gardens. (R) 4.00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 5.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (Final, PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 13. Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 9.40 Ageless Gardens. (R) 10.10 Phase III Odyssey. (PGl) 11.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 3.55 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R) 4.30 UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 13. Highlights. 5.30 War Gamers. (PG)

6.00 Australian Story: Off Menu – Josh Niland. (R)

6.30 Back Roads: Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. (PG, R) Guest presenter is Paul West.

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

7.30 Father Brown. (Mv) Hercule Flambeau returns.

8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate when a former supermodel is murdered during the Carver Valley comic festival.

9.50 After The Party. (Malns, R) A death in the family sends Penny spiralling.

10.35 Shetland. (Malv, R)

11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Mysteries From The Grave: Titanic. (PG, R) A look at the sinking of the Titanic 9.00 The Rise And Fall Of Boris Becker. (Mals, R) Part 1 of 2. 10.50 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (R)

11.45 Everything You Love. (Final, Mal) 12.15 Paris Paris. (Premiere, Mls) 1.10 Dear Mama. (Madl, R) 3.15 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 4.05 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Doomben 10,000 Day, Andrew Ramsden Race Day, Morphettville Race Day and Scone Cup Carnival Day 2. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 10. Brisbane Lions v Richmond. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game. 11.00 To Be Advised. 12.35 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 4. Perth SuperSprint. Day 1. Highlights. 1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R) Dr Harry tries to groom a dog. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Tales Of Aluna. A group of people lands on a magical island. 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)

6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. (R) 12.30 Explore TV: Portugal & Spain. (R) 1.00 Adelaide Equestrian Festival. 2.00 The Summit. (PGl, R) 3.30 The Lap. 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Jeopardy! Australia. Hosted by Stephen Fry.

8.30 MOVIE: Twister. (1996, PGvla, R) Two meteorologists, on the brink of divorce, are forced to work together after they are caught in a severe storm. Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton.

10.45 MOVIE: Contagion. (2011, Mal, R)

12.50 Ageless. (PGal, R) 1.20 Talking Honey. (PG, R) 1.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa) 2.30 Getaway. (PG, R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.00 The Brighter Side: Save. Grow. Dream. Georgie Tunny grills Neil Perry on business wisdom. 6.30 The Dog House. (PG, R) Dogs are matched with companions. 8.30 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) Ambulance crews attend an 85-year-old man who has collapsed and cut his leg, a woman with chest pain, a male patient who has come off his motorbike and a 93-year-old female struggling with shortness of breath. 11.00 To Be Advised. 12.00 Fire Country. (Mdmv, R) A wellness retreat catches fire. 1.00 So Help Me Todd. (PGv, R)

WorldWatch.

Beerland. Noon Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic

series. H’lights. 1.00 Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic World Cup Series. H’lights. 3.00 Shortland St. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.25 Woman. 5.55 The Food That Built The World. (Return) 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Travel Man. 9.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 14. 1.35am The X-Files. 3.25 Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Karma’s World. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.00 QI. 8.30 Live At The Apollo. (Return) 9.20 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 10.05 MythBusters. 10.55 Portlandia. 11.40 The Witchfinder. 12.35am Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 1.20 Would I Lie To You? 1.50 MOVIE: The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus. (2009, PG) 3.45 ABC News Update. 3.50 Close. 5.00 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22) 6am Mon Oncle. Continued. (1958, French) 7.45 Funny Lady. (1975, PG) 10.15 Undine. (2020, M, German) 11.55 Devil’s Knot. (2013, M) 2pm The Scarlet And The Black. (1983, PG) 4.35 All Roads

Sunday, May 19

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World

This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (R) 11.30 Praise. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Monty Don’s French Gardens. (R) 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella. (PG, R) 3.55 Britain By The Book. (PG, R) 4.40 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass: The Moral Philosopher.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PG) Trixie supports an underage mother.

8.30 After The Party. (Mal) When a new accusation against Phil surfaces, Grace is terrified that he will abandon her again.

9.20 The Luminaries. (Madlv) Emery and Anna have a disastrous reunion.

10.15 Shetland. (Malv, R)

11.15 Savage River. (Mal, R)

12.10 The Messenger. (Final, Mal, R)

1.05 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Landline. (R) 4.30 Art Works. (PGl, R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 7.30 WorldWatch. 9.35 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 10.10 Phase III Odyssey. (Ml, R) 11.10 My Unique B&B. (Premiere) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Wheelchair Sports. (R) 1.00 Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 2. 5.00 UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 14. Highlights. 5.30 War Gamers. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Tulum: The Last City Of The Mayan Empire. Looks at the final hours of the Mayan civilisation.

8.30 Philae The Last Temples Of Ancient Egypt. (R) Takes a look at the temples of Philae, the last stronghold of the ancient Egyptian religion.

9.30 When Champollion Meets Ramses II. (PG, R) A look at Champollion’s journey to Egypt.

10.30 Legendary Castles. (PGa, R)

11.30 Lance. (Mal, R)

1.25 Jack The Ripper: Hidden Victims. (Mav, R)

4.05 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 11.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 12.00 Football. VFL. Round 8. Sandringham v Richmond. 2.40 To Be Advised. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 10. Port Adelaide v Hawthorn.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGa) Hosted by Samantha Armytage.

8.30 7NEWS Spotlight. An exclusive special investigation.

9.30 The Latest: Seven News.

10.00 Code 1: Minute By Minute: The Perth Air Show Disaster. (Ma, R) A look at the Australia Day airshow crash.

11.00 Quantum Leap. (Mav)

12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 4. Perth SuperSprint. Day 2. Highlights. 1.00 Lipstick Jungle. (Ms, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 Escape To The Country. Noon House Of Wellness. 1.00 The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.30 Escape To The Perfect Town. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Greatest Escapes To The Country. 7.15 The Vicar Of Dibley.

6.00 Hello SA.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 Travel Guides. (Return, PGl) Ordinary Australians become travel critics. 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.40 Footy Furnace. (Mlv) A look at the latest round of football.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 Transplant. (MA15+m, R)

12.00 The Brokenwood Mysteries. (Ma, R) 2.00 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Drive TV. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.30 The Sunday Project. Panellists dissect, digest and reconstitute the daily news, events and hottest topics. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGl) A fresh batch of talented and passionate amateur cooks competes to impress the judges. 8.55 FBI. (Mv) When a bombing at a local restaurant leaves several injured or dead, including a congresswoman and someone close to Isobel, the team races to apprehend the suspect before another explosive goes off. 11.55 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Tattoo Age. 10.00 Most Expensivest. 10.30 Beerland. Noon Hudson & Rex. 1.40 Chad. 2.35 The Story Of. 3.05 The Bee Whisperer. 4.05 WorldWatch. 4.35 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 5.05 Alone Denmark. 6.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 15. 1.35am Dark Side Of The 2000s. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Ben And Holly. 6.50 Kiri And Lou. 6.55 Supertato. 7.05 Karma’s World. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.00 QI. 8.30 Louis Theroux Interviews... 9.20 You Can’t Ask That. 9.50 Miniseries: Time. 10.45 Would I Lie To You? 11.15 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Midnight Wreck. 1.30 ABC News Update. 1.35 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready, Jet, Go! 5.25 Alva’s World. 5.40 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22) 6am The Movie Show. 6.05 Cutthroat Island. (1995, PG) 8.20 All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 10.00 St. Vincent. (2014, M) 11.55 The Man In The Basement. (2021, M, French) 2pm A Hero. (2021, PG, Farsi) 4.20 Asterix At The Olympic Games. (2008, PG, French) 6.30 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 8.30 The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 10.50 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Going Places. 3.00 The Land We’re On With Penelope Towney. 3.10 The Other Side. 3.40 Strait To The Plate. 4.10 Going Native. 4.40 Ella Fitzgerald At The Paris Olympia. 5.10 Johnny Cash: The Man In Black Britain. 6.10 News. 6.20 Wild New Zealand. 7.30 Everything’s Gonna Be All White. 8.30 White Riot. 10.00 MOVIE: Monster’s Ball. (2001) Midnight Late Programs. NITV (34)

May 20

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story: Off Menu – Shaun Christie-David.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Hosted by Paul Barry.

9.35 Q+A. Presented by Patricia Karvelas. 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 Gruen. (R) 11.45 Planet America. (R) 12.20 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.05 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.55 Monty Don’s French Gardens. (R) 2.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Landline. (R) 5.00 Art Works. (PGl, R) 5.30

7.30. (R)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Gran Torino. (2008, M) 11.00 Late Programs. 9GEM (92) 7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm MOVIE: Pokémon The Movie: Genesect And The Legend Awakened. (2013) 4.05 MOVIE: Pokémon The Movie: Diancie And The Cocoon Of Destruction. (2014) 5.35 MOVIE: Toy Story 2. (1999) 7.30 MOVIE: Troy. (2004, M)

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 WorldWatch. 9.50 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 10.20 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.10 The Story Of Sugar. (PGa, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 9/11: Ten Mistakes. (Ma, R) 3.05 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 15. Highlights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines: Superhuman.

8.30 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PG, R) The Tower is planning an ambitious installation.

9.20 24 Hours In Emergency: Lost In Translation. (Ma, R) A single mother is rushed to St George’s. 10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Christian. (Malsv) 12.45 My Brilliant Friend. (MA15+v, R) 3.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 3.55 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.30 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam. (PG, R) 2.00 The Chase. (R) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

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

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Samantha Armytage.

9.05 9-1-1. (Mav) After years of anticipation, Maddie and Chimney’s long-awaited wedding day arrives.

10.05 S.W.A.T. (Mav) Hicks witnesses his friend’s assassination.

11.05 The Latest: Seven News.

11.35 Police Custody USA: Killed In Cold Blood. (Malv, R)

12.35 The Event. (Mav, R)

1.35 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Everything, Everything. (2017, PGals, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG)

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Summit. (PGl) Presented by Jai Courtney.

9.10 Paramedics. (Mlm) Nhi and Carlos are under pressure to bring an overdose patient back from the brink of death.

10.10 Footy Classified. (M) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

11.10 9News Late.

11.40 La Brea. (Mav)

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

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGl) A fresh batch of amateur cooks competes. 8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 Mel Buttle: Let Me Know Either Way. (MA15+ls) Stand-up special with comedian Mel Buttle. 10.50 10’s Late News. 11.15 The Project. (R) 12.20 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Beerland. Noon WorldWatch. 12.25 Beyond Oak Island. 1.55 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 2.05 Insight. 3.05 WorldWatch. 5.20 Inhuman Kind. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Taskmaster. 9.25 The Specials: A Message To You. 10.45 Alone Australia. 11.50 Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 MythBusters. 9.20 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 10.05 Louis Theroux: Law And Disorder In Lagos. 11.05 Would I Lie To You? 12.05am QI. 12.35 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 1.20 Preppers. 2.25 MOVIE: Hedwig And The Angry Inch. (2001, M) 3.55 ABC News Update. 4.00 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22) 6am Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 8.00 Asterix At The Olympic Games. (2008, PG, French)

Tuesday, May 21

ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (10) NINE (9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 The Pacific. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 After The Party. (Mal, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 Back In Time For Dinner. (R) 4.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.45 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.00 The Story Of Tea. (PGd, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 56 Years Of Painting, 1 Lesson On Anger. (Ml, R) 2.10 Hindenburg: Ten Mistakes. (PGav, R) 3.05 Living Black. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Who Do You Think You Are? US. (PG, R) 5.00 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.30 7.30. 8.00 Tony Armstrong’s ExtraOrdinary Things. (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Tony Armstrong. 9.00 Secret Science. (Premiere) Myf Warhurst looks at our six core emotions.

9.30 David Stratton’s Stories Of Australian Cinema: Outsiders. (Malsv, R) Part 2 of 3.

10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R)

11.05 Four Corners. (R) 11.50 Q+A. (R) 12.55 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.15 Grand Designs. (PGl, R) 2.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Art Works. (PGl, R) 5.00 Landline. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Kathy Lette. (PGa)

8.30 Insight. Presented by Kumi Taguchi.

9.30 Dateline: Romania’s Webcam Girls. A look at Romania’s camgirl industry.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.05 Lost Luggage. (MA15+a)

12.55 Dark Woods. (Mav, R) 3.35 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (Final, PGa) Hosted by Samantha Armytage. 9.05 Miniseries: The Marlow Murder Club. (Mav) Part 4 of 4. Judith Potts, Becks Starling and Suzie Harris race against time to catch the killer.

10.05 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) Follows the work of an ambulance service.

11.05 The Latest: Seven News.

11.35 The Real Manhunter: The Murder Of Christopher Donovan. (Madv, R)

12.35 Gold Digger. (Final, Malv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Summit. (PGl)

8.45 Clarkson’s Farm: Counselling. (Mlm) The fallout from the council’s decision continues.

9.45 Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip. (PGl) Rod launches some new money-making schemes.

10.45 9News Late.

11.15 Chicago Med. (MA15+am)

12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Pointless. (PG, R) 2.00 Explore TV: Portugal & Spain. (R) 2.30 Hello SA. (PG) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGl) A fresh batch of amateur cooks competes. 8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was. 9.40 NCIS. (Mmv) The NCIS team looks for a motive behind the kidnapping and death of a famous heart surgeon. 10.40 10’s

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Beerland. 10.25 Cook Up Bitesize. 10.30 Nuts And Bolts. Noon WorldWatch. 12.25 UFOs. 1.00 The World’s Toughest Prisons. 2.00 Hunters. 2.55 Where Are You Really From? 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.30 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.20 Jeopardy! 7.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 16. 1.35am Sex Unlimited. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Ben And Holly. 6.50 Kiri And Lou. 6.55 Supertato. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 White Fever. (Final) 9.00 The Witchfinder. 10.00 Portlandia. 10.45 Would I Lie To You? 11.45 MOVIE: Matchstick Men. (2003, M) 1.40am ABC News Update. 1.45 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready, Jet, Go! 5.25 Alva’s World. 5.40 Late Programs.

ABC TV PLUS (22) 6am

Morning Programs. 7.40 A Hero. (2021, PG, Farsi) 10.00 The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 12.20pm Zana. (2019, M, Albanian) 2.10 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 4.10 The Crossing. (2020, PG, Norwegian) 6.00 Alone In Space. (2018, PG, Swedish) 7.30 The Big Boss. (1971, M, Cantonese) 9.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. (2009, MA15+, Swedish) 12.20am Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.55pm Wiyi Yani U Thangani.

Wednesday, May 22

Q+A. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.00 Further Back In Time For Dinner. (PG, R) 4.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.45 Grand Designs Revisited. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 16. Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.05 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.00 The Story Of Ramadan. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 16. Highlights.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

8.30 Gruen. Presented by Wil Anderson.

9.10 QI. (PGs) Hosted by Sandi Toksvig.

10.10 Planet America.

10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 The Business. (R)

11.15 The Luminaries. (Madlv, R)

12.05 Superwog. (MA15+l, R) 12.30 Grand Designs Revisited. (PG, R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 Landline. (R) 5.00 Art Works. (PGl, R)

5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml) The final participants face food shortages.

8.30 24 Hours In ALDI. Explores how German discount store ALDI became one of the world’s cheapest and most successful supermarket chains.

9.25 This Town. (Premiere, Malv) Four young friends embark on a musical career.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.05 You Shall Not Lie. (Final, MA15+als)

12.15 Black Sands. (MA15+as, R) 4.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Update. 3.50 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready, Jet, Go! 5.25 Alva’s World. 5.40 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22) 6am Morning Programs. 8.05 Black Narcissus. (1947,

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.35 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam. (PGl, R) 2.00 The Chase. (R) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

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

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

9.30 Talking Footy. A look at the week’s AFL news, hosted by Trent Cotchin, Joel Selwood and Mitch Cleary.

10.30 The Latest: Seven News. 11.00 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)

12.00 Dracula. (Premiere, MA15+hv) 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Summit. (PGl, R) 1.15 My Way. (R) 1.30 Getaway. (PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 6am Morning Programs.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Summit. (PGl)

8.45 Ski Rescue Downunder. (Ml) A Code-3 emergency puts a new arrival under pressure.

9.45 Footy Classified. (M) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

10.45 9News Late.

11.15 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R)

12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.55 Destination WA. 2.20 Garden Gurus Moments. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. A fresh batch of amateur cooks competes. 8.40 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv) When a Navy Compliance Officer is found dead in a waterhole, the team’s investigation uncovers a complex trafficking ring. 9.40 FBI: International. (Mv) A cybersecurity expert robs a bank. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30

State pays to remove pests

MORNINGTON Peninsula

Landcare Network will receive $38,450 to manage established weeds and pests on the peninsula.

The money is part of $500,000 allocated by the state government as part of the Partnership Against Pests Program to tackle invasive species estimated to cost Victorian farmers $869 million a year.

The grants follow $250,000 already awarded through a program to pest management groups the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party and the Victorian Gorse Taskforce.

“Invasive weeds and pest animals are a major threat to biodiversity and farming on the Mornington Peninsula,” Landcare network facilitator Chantal Morton said.

“The MPLN will also deliver a series of workshops and field days for the wider community focused on best-practice control, upgrading its website and print materials, and installing weed signage at key locations on the Mornington Peninsula.”

"I regularly see the great work that Landcare groups do, and these funds will mean they can continue to remove weeds and pests,” Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh said.

New residents at home in Mt Eliza

A 19-BED refurbished wing has opened at the Calvary George Vowell aged care home, Mount Eliza.

Calvary spent $300,000 to increase capacity at the home and accommodate residents from the home’s Bonbeach premises which will close at the end of this month.

A lunch was held at Mount Eliza on Tuesday, 7 May to welcome the residents from Bonbeach to the Wattle Unit.

100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...

Calvary Health Care’s regional chief executive officer for Victoria, Angela Littleford, said many staff had also transferred from Bonbeach with the residents.

“George Vowell offers residents

a bright and welcoming home with improved amenities, including single rooms with ensuites and other home comforts,” she said.

The refurbishment works at Mount Eliza included air-conditioning, painting, new carpets and new beds.

“We have been able to make the transition as smooth as possible for our

former Bonbeach residents, and provide them with a lovely new home they can call their own,” Littleford said.

Calvary George Vowell, which has 110 residents, has adopted the Montessori memory support program for residents living with varying levels of dementia. Details: calvarycare.org.au. Keith Platt

Farewell to Constable and Mrs Graham

Compiled by Cameron McCullough

A SMOKE social was held on Tuesday evening last, in the Frankston Mechanics’ Institute, at which a large section of the residents of Frankston and representatives of the travelling public were present, not withstanding the wet state of the weather, to bid farewell to Constable and Mrs Graham, he having being transferred to Goornong after a residence here of two years.

Cr. Oates occupied the chair. After the usual loyal toast had been sung, Mr. Dodd gave a recitative song, which was well received, and for encore gave a humorous description of Frankston and its environs.

Mr. R. Tait also sang a comic song in good voice, for which an encore was demanded.

The chairman then stated the objects of the gathering, viz., to wish Constable and Mrs. Graham farewell.

It was a pleasing thing to take the chair to do honors to the departing guests. They both had made many friends while in Frankston.

The life of a constable is a pretty trying one and he was pleased to say that Constable Graham has come through all right.

He was sure that the people of Frankston and surrounding districts have fully appreciated the efforts of Constable Graham in the preservation of law and order.

Both Sergeant Cullane and Constable Graham were men of discretion and tact.

They gave a word of warning when needed, but when they found that way not sufficient they took other means.

They had met there that evening to wish Constable and. Mrs. Graham farewell, and he felt sure that his many friends in Frankston will look with pleasure on his promotion; and there is no doubt that when on his holidays he will look us up again.

Messrs. Oldring, Ward, Bloxham Patroni, Coghlan, Young, and Dodd supported the toast, and it was drank enthusiastically.

The chairman then presented Constable Graham with a wallet of notes, as a slight token of the well wishes of the residents of Frankston, and wished him the very best of health and luck.

He also presented a tobacco pouch (the gift of Mr. C. Wood) and a box of handkerchiefs to Mrs. Graham.

Constable Graham, on rising to respond, was greeted with great applause. He was pleased to be there that evening. He had enjoyed himself in Frankston and had made many friends. He thanked them sincerely for their many expressions of regard and tokens of goodwill to his wife and family.

A Voice: I hope the next constable is as good as Constable Graham.

The health of Sergeant Cullane was then proposed, and heartily honored.

The Sergeant thanked them for the compliment paid him. He said he had known Constable Graham for the past five years. He was sorry to lose him and wished both his wife and himself the best of health, and hoped that his successor was as good or near as good as Constable Graham.

More musical items were then rendered by Messrs. Dodd, Tait, and Morrison, when the company dispersed, after singing “Auld Lang

Syne”, and “God Save the King.”

***

A Cow in A Grocer’s Shop

One often hears the saying of: “A bull in a china shop. However, quite a sensation was caused in Young St., Frankston, on Wednesday evening last, when a cow galloped into Mr. J. L. Pratt’s grocery shop.

It appears that shortly before closing time on Wednesday, when quite a number of customers were in the shop, a cow suddenly made its appearance.

Rushing right to the far end of the shop, finding its further progress barred, it turned round and was driven out without doing the slightest damage.

The mystery is, how this was managed seems a miracle, seeing that a consignment of several dozen bottles of phenyle, ammonia, and other things had just been delivered and were on the floor waiting to be put away.

After leaving Mr. Pratt’s store, the cow wandered into Dodd’s drapery emporium, but, fortunately, Mr. Dodd was just inside the door, and he valiantly seized it by the horns and tried to back it out.

However, it would not back until Mr. Dodd, becoming exasperated, delivered a straight right from the shoulder, and with a promise of more to follow, the cow thought it advisable to beat a retreat, and in doing so, put its horns through the wire door of the “Fox” cafe, this being the only damage done.

***

THE many friends of Mr. Charles Lawrey, of Cranbourne Road, Frankston, will be sorry to hear that

he has been the victim of an unfortunate accident.

It appears that Mr. Lawrey was dressing a chisel when a piece of steel flew off and struck him in the eye.

Mrs. Lawvrey, saw at once that the eye was seriously injured; and sought the advice of Dr. Johnson, who after treating it ordered Mr. Lawrey to the Eye and Ear Hospital, where, we understand, it has been decided that the eye will have to be removed.

The sympathy of this office, as, indeed, we feel, that of all who know him, will go out to Mr. Lawrey in his misfortune.

***

A NARROW escape from serious injury happened this morning, when an accident happened on the Hastings Road.

It appears that a Ford deluxe car was travelling along the Hastings Road, en route from Williamstown to Flinders, and when on the other side of the Mount the driver had to go off the tarred road to allow of a loaded lorry to pass.

As he did so the two near wheels took the side of the road, which, being greasy, caused the car to skid, and go over on its side.

As a result the near hind wheel was broken, the windscreen shattered, and the hood badly bent.

Fortunately, the inmates of the car escaped serious injury, coming off with only a few scratches, which were attended to at the local hospital.

The driver of the car escaped injury altogether. The car was afterwards towed to Mr. Stell’s garage for repairs.

***

Accident to School. Edna Lovitt

Breaks Her Arm

The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Lovitt of Dandenong Road, Frankston, will be sorry to learn that their daughter Edna met with a nasty accident on Tuesday evening, which resulted in her arm being broken in two places.

It appears that some planks have been placed in Mereweather Avenue to provide a crossing, to obviate walking in the water surrounding it.

On Tuesday evening Edna was riding home on her bicycle, and, when negotiating the crossing, the accident occurred.

She was at once taken by her uncle (Mr. W. D. Evans) in his car to Dr. Johnson, who set the little sufferer’s arm, and made her as Comfortable as possible under the circumstances. We wish her a speedy recovery. ***

THE committee of the Frankston Brass Band, which met on Monday night, have decided to make a personal canvas of residents, seeking monthly subscriptions from residents towards the upkeep of the band. Certain streets have been allotted to different members, and when the reports are in from them, the committee will then be in a position to know definitely what can be done.

This step is being taken to allow of all those who are desirous of helping the movement, be their help ever so small, the opportunity of rendering that assistance which is essential to the success of the establishment and conduct of a good band. ***

From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 14 & 16 May 1924

Welcome home: New residents, their families and staff in the refurbished and expanded Calvary George Vowell aged care home in Mount Eliza. Picture: Supplied

Development levy would only add to housing costs

Mornington Peninsula Shire’s proposed building development levy of 3.3 per cent should not be introduced (Views sought on 3.3% development levy, The News 23/4/24).

Rental housing or assistance with housing is not a council responsibility.

Social housing is a state government and federal government responsibility.

The federal government already provides rent assistance for low-income renters.

The need for accommodation is common across the country and has largely been created by federal govt immigration policies – it is the responsibility of government to fix.

A council impost of a development levy would add to the cost of new and existing homes by about the levy amount.

Thus, it would put all homes further out of reach for people struggling to buy a home.

The peninsula is a preferred place to live, and any increase in house prices would increase homelessness just like in Byron Bay.

Council expends money for economic development supporting small business and industry. It’s rather a contradiction proposing a levy on new development to these same property groups.

A levy would be a deterrent for residential, commercial and industrial development in the shire and create more problems than it resolves.

Social housing cannot be regarded as “essential infrastructure” because it is not a council responsibility.

If considered as infrastructure, then it is unfair to slug only planning applicants rather than from rates revenue.

The proposed development levy would have minimal effect in addressing the housing needs on the peninsula.

The council should focus more on its own major responsibilities like better maintenance of roads, rather than proposing new ways to charge property owners. Ian Smith, Tyabb

Levy ‘experiment’

As a local timber truss manufacturer, I consider Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s proposal to mandate a 3.3 per cent levy contribution rate for building developments on the peninsula to be a major slap in the face for housing affordability (Views sought on 3.3% development levy, The News 23/4/24).

I’m in disbelief that the council is even considering this proposal as such a levy would make housing even less affordable. Of course, owners, builders and developers would pass this levy on to the end user. It would also greatly discourage development on the peninsula. If the shire wants to help housing affordability it should be offering financial incentives to developers rather than punishing them.

The council should drop any social political agendas and just concentrate on the reason why it exists - providing the essential services and facilities to the ratepayers and greater community. At best, this proposal is an uninformed,

unintelligent social experiment – at worst, an additional cash grab form a greedy local council.

Darren Hercus, Safety Beach

Parking fines

Recently we invited guests to join us at a Mornington restaurant on a Saturday night for dinner.

Our booking was for 8pm and our guests arrived at the appropriate time.

Upon returning to their vehicle after dinner, they were dismayed to have received a parking ticket issued at 7.59 pm. Yes 7.59pm.

One can only assume car parking fines are for revenue purposes only.

A check with our respective watches varied by minutes, surely the same must apply with our revenue collectors.

Some common sense with car parking inspectors must be applied or it just makes Mornington Peninsula Shire Council the laughing stock of the community.

John Tingiri,

Mornington

‘Absurd’ golf claims

While I appreciate Cr David Gill’s advocacy for his [Red Hill] ward, I take issue with his strange statistics (Market call to end golf losses, I 7/5/24). Yes, there are 250 [Mount Martha Golf Club] members, but we have been regularly reminded by the pro shop that we are not the main users. Claiming each member costs $9000 each is absurd.

The club has financed improvements to the clubhouse.

Golf is great for mind and body with many players over the age of 60. This is an affordable shorter course for seniors and beginners.

Cr Despi O’Connor reasonably points out that all council sporting facilities run at a loss. Our building is not the Taj Mahal, like some I could mention. Janet King, Mount Martha

Never ban books

It is alarming that even in the 21st century, books are banned in Australia. This includes children’s books like Noddy, Dr. Seuss, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the doll called Gollywog. Adult books like Animal Farm, Brave New World, and the movie American Psycho have also been banned, with over 500 books prohibited.

Cr Steve Christou, a former NSW mayor, even proposed banning same-sex books in libraries in the Cumberland Council area. This is worrying, as a few objections can start a process that can gain momentum and spread to other states.

We must not ban books, especially for young adults. If some books are deemed objectionable, they can be placed in a different section or have restrictions placed on them. However, they should not be completely outlawed.

Banning books is like burning them and we must always remember that during the Hitler regime, libraries full of books were thrown onto bonfires. Such actions must never happen again,

here or anywhere else.

Dictators like Mussolini and Stalin banned books that opposed their rulings, attempting to change history to suit themselves. Gaddafi and Mao Ze Dong are other dictators who wrote to suit their beliefs and forced those ideals onto the people. The truth in books went against their designs. This is an omen that governments should never ban the written word. Anne Kruger, Rye

Drug policies

The Victorian government has abandoned its proposed safe injecting room in the Melbourne CBD but is not closing the injecting room in North Richmond.

In your article you quote from the Lay report that there were 29 drug related deaths in Frankston, which are old figures dating back to 2020 and 2021 (Dozens dead from drugs in Frankston, The News 30/4/24).

We need to know today’s figures so the Frankston people will know the full impact of the drug epidemic in Frankston today.

The problem with the government’s new approach to stop drug deaths in Victoria is that if drug users do not wish to “kick” the habit will continue to use drugs and not utilise new government services.

We need to stop young people accessing drugs and wanting to use them, and one way is to bring in more severe laws to punish those who push drugs and those in organised crime syndicates.

If the numbers in drug users death continue to increase through the use of heroin and other injected drugs the Victorian government will reverse it course and reinstate self-injecting room policies, not in the Melbourne CBD but in the outer suburbs where Frankston will get a safe injecting room which will expose more young people in Frankston to heroin addiction.

Not closing the North Richmond safe injecting room shows that the Allan government has not given up completely it’s policy to establish safe injecting rooms in Victoria.

Russell Morse, Karingal

Refunds required

Questions about the Frankston waste charges are about what is included in the charge, not the cost of the various services. The cost efficiency of services can be assessed by benchmarking with like providers.

The Local government Act 1989 S162 (1) (b) clearly indicated the charge is for waste, recycling and resource recovery. If there were any doubts about some cost centres under the new legislation, direction should have been sought from the department.

I laugh at the suggestion by Frankston Council that others engage in similar practices. I tried a similar line when I misbehaved as a 10-yearold. That line didn’t wash then, and it doesn’t now. The issue is whether or not it is right. The minister has clearly indicated council’s practices have been wrong. Some media have alleged the overcharging is around $10 million.

The correcting action must be transparent and fair to property owners. The compensation per property is over $150 (assuming the $10m is accurate) and should be paid, with interest, immediately to the owners who have overpaid. It cannot be offset by rate changes. That would substantially distort the benefits. Rates

are a property tax reflecting property value. The waste charge is a fixed cost per property which receives the service and should reflect actual costs. If the redress was through rates the owner of a $5m property would get 10 times the benefit of the owner of a $500,000 property.

Council’s draft budget 2024/25 does not indicate council intends to redress the overcharging. In fact, the minor change in the proposed charge suggests the issue has not been addressed.

Council must come clean and advise the principles to be used to address the issue and state when and how this issue will be resolved.

Ian Robins, Frankston

Climate target

In recent weeks, two interactive maps of Australia have been released showing the risk from heatwaves by region and how low-income households in those regions could benefit from home energy upgrades.

The first map is created by the Australian Climate Service and uses age and health status, built and social environment, and access to cooling and health services to rate regions according to one of five categories from lower risk to higher risk.

Mornington and most of the Flinders electorate, for example, has lower to medium risk.

The second map developed by Climateworks for the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) found that on average energy efficiency, electrification and solar could save lowincome households thousands of dollars a year – a strong argument for the federal government to establish a national fund to subsidise home energy upgrades for low-income housing in the May budget.

The map reveals that more than 12,000 lowincome households in the Flinders electorate would save on average $3600 a house and more than $2700 per apartment while reducing CO2 emissions by more than 65,000 tonnes a year. A national home energy upgrade program would help those struggling most with the cost of living while assisting the nation to meet its 43 per cent 2030 emissions reduction target. A clear win-win. Ray Peck, Hawthorn

PUZZLE ZONE

ACROSS

1. Amusingly coarse

5. Castle water ditch

7. Senseless (comment)

8. Hawaiian dance

9. Grumble

10. Dining bench

11. Cows’ milk sacs

13. Not one

14. More effortless 18. Phantoms 21. Collar button 22. Wellbeing 24. Female reproductive organ 25. Forbid

Injury

27. Ascended

28. Operates

Records

1. Reaccommodate

Conscious

Slimming plans

Poking abruptly 5. Token of remembrance

6. Opposed to 12. Regret

National songs

Within building 17. Fall ill again 19. Garden tool 20. Plots 22. African scavenger 23. Pallid

www.lovattspuzzles.com

See page 21 for solutions.

Pick me! Even an Olympic Village Needs a Village Idiot

By Stuart McCullough

THIS may come as a shock to you, but I am yet to be selected as a member of Australia’s Olympic Team. Despite this apparent and egregious snub, I have continued with my demanding training regimen of wearing a tracksuit whenever possible and drinking lots of tea. I’ve also learned all the words to ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi’, which means I’ll be an asset when cheering on more talented members of the squad.

Frankly, the team selectors have something of a bias towards picking young, athletic types and barely give middle aged has-beens like me a look in. Which is a shame, because I have so much to offer. It’s easy to win medals and break records when the competitors have talent. If a middleaged man manages through either divine intervention or, more probably, the process of elimination, to end up on a dais without it constituting a pitch invasion, it deserves not so much a mere ‘congratulations’ as it does a national public holiday.

I’ve never been much of an athlete, but that doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned hope that I could simply be a late bloomer. While others peak in their twenties, I’ve spent decades biding my time and it can’t be too long before it all falls into place and I clock a sub-ten second one-hundred metre dash.

In primary school, I remember being shocked when told that we were going to compete in a race by way of a lap around the compound. It sounded like madness then. It sounds like madness now. But some of my classmates seemed not only ready for the challenge but inexplicably enthused. As the starter’s gun went off, they charged along the fence as I stood wondering whether this was some kind of elaborate practical joke. Don’t get me wrong – I like to run. It’s just that the type of running I do has nothing to do whatsoever with speed. It’s more about being durable and moving forward no matter what. Suffice to

say, last year I was overtaken by someone who was pushing an occupied pram. But despite the fact that I’m susceptible to being lapped by infants, I’d still be a worthy addition. If nothing else, I could bring balance to the team. It’s no good if everyone’s fantastic; you really need a little bit of mediocrity to put the Games, if not life more broadly, into perspective. I also have plenty of experience. Not experience that is remotely relevant to competing at the highest level, but experience nonetheless. Unlike most of the members of the team, I’ll know what to do in the event there’s no internet coverage. Some athletes have never experienced life without internet, whereas I grew in an age where, if we wanted to see cat videos, we had to get off our backsides and make our own.

I haven’t settled on an event yet. To be honest,

I’m not especially fussy. That said, the decathlon looks like a lot of hard work for little reward, so I’ll probably give that a miss. The equestrian events have a certain appeal in that, afterwards, you don’t have to hang around for public transport to get back to the Village. Sadly, the event that I’ve done the most training for – Pub Trivia – has not yet been recognised by the organising committee as an official Olympic sport. They don’t know what they’re missing. On the plus side, Paris will be the very first Olympics to feature competitive break dancing. This is excellent news. By my reckoning, I’ve seen ‘Breakdance 2: Electric Boogaloo’ thirty times and know all the moves Special K, Turbo and Ozone used to try and stop their local recreation centre from being demolished by greedy developers. (Apologies if I should have preceded

that with the words ‘spoiler alert’, but I figure if you’ve not bothered to watch ‘Breakdance 2: Electric Boogaloo’ in the last forty years, you probably never will.)

Having moved house in the last twelve months, I have easy access to the one thing every breakdancer needs – cardboard boxes. Indeed, I’m one quick trip to the shed away from having as much flattened cardboard as anyone could ever need to perform their breaks, pops and spins with confidence. If that doesn’t get me over the line with the selection committee, I don’t know what will.

I even have my backing track all organised. I’ll be performing to the golden sounds of ‘Agadoo’ by Black Lace. Released in 1984, it topped the charts for reasons most likely associated with some kind of clerical error. Quicker than you can say, ‘push pineapple, shake the tree’, the entire stadium will be enthralled.

It is, of course, possible that I’ve left my run too late. Much as my dreams of being a member of the Johnny Young Talent Team are now seemingly destined to go unfulfilled, so too does my ambition to be selected to represent the country (and any country would do) at the elite level. It’s a funny thing to consider all the things that are no longer possible because of the passage of time, even if they were always impossible due to a severe deficit of talent.

When the Olympics roll around in a few months, chances are I’ll be watching them from the couch at home like everyone else. I will, of course, be dressed in my team tracksuit in a tragic bid to feel part of the action. And, naturally, the floor will be covered in flattened cardboard boxes so that I can perform a few celebratory breakdance moves in the event the mood should take me. I will, however, have forgotten the words to ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi’ by then. Perhaps that’s for the best.

stuart@stuartmccullough.com

Dromana smashes Sorrento, Seagulls still on top

MPNFL

By Brodie Cowburn

MEN'S DIV ONE

LADDER leaders Dromana fired a warning shot to the rest of the competition by thumping Sorrento at David Macfarlane Reserve on Saturday.

Dromana flexed their muscle early with a stunning seven-goals-to-zero opening term. Sorrento weren’t able to recover from their slow start.

After a tighter second quarter, Dromana put their foot back on the gas in the second half. They ran out 87 point winners 7.7 (49) to 20.16 (136).

Sam Fowler was best-on-ground. He scored six goals to help guide his team

to victory. Ethan Johnstone booted four goals.

The win leaves Dromana a game clear on top of the ladder.

Mt Eliza finished the round in second place after a comfortable 10 goal win over Rosebud.

Rosebud booted the first two goals of the game, but lost control from there. Mt Eliza scored the next six goals, and went on to claim a 6.6 (42) to 15.11 (101).

Frankston Bombers were 29 point winners over Mornington at home last weekend. Red Hill closed out the weekend with a 49 point victory over Langwarrin.

MEN'S DIV TWO

CHELSEA continued their unbeaten

run with another big victory on Saturday.

Chelsea went on the road to tackle Crib Point. The Magpies kept touch with Chelsea in the first half, but couldn’t stay in the contest.

Chelsea went on to claim a comfortable 36 point win 6.8 (44) to 12.8 (80).

Jack Francis and Jack Wallace booted three goals each for Chelsea.

Seaford picked up their first win for the 2024 season against Hastings last weekend.

Not much split the two sides at halftime, but Seaford took control of the second half. The Tigers beat Hastings 9.8 (62) to 16.21 (117).

Pearcedale FNC had a better week on-field than it did off-field. On Saturday the seniors defeated Tyabb by 21

GOLF COURSE COMPETITON WINNER CONGRATULATIONS! to Kevin Baker

Kevin has won a round of golf for 2 players at all the courses featured in the Golf Course Feature Competition

points. On Friday, the club was handed a suspended fine after a league investigation into alleged racial vilification by its supporters.

Edithvale-Aspendale defeated Bonbeach by 26 points last weekend.

Devon Meadows comfortably bested Somerville, and Karingal beat Rye by 16 points.

WOMEN'S DIV ONE

TOP-of-the-ladder Mornington Blue were big winners in last weekend’s Bulldog Derby.

Mornington Blue played Mornington White at Alexandra Park. The ladder leaders came away from the match with a comfortable 75-point win 3.2 (20) to 14.11 (95).

Ashley Jans scored four goals for

Sudoku and crossword solutions

Mornington Blue. She was named best-on-ground, alongside Anna McGlade, Diane King, Jessica Stepanavicius, and Lucy Grocock.

Frankston kept touch with the top of the table with a comfortable win over Pearcedale on Saturday.

Frankston had ten scoring shots in the first half, but had just one goal to show for it at half-time. A three-goal third term put the Dolphins firmly in control.

Frankston beat Pearcedale 3.2 (20) to 7.13 (55). Chelsea Gibbs was named Frankston’s best.

Seaford defeated Karingal by three goals away from home last weekend.

Warragul Industries had a bye.

Climb time: Langwarrin headed up to Red Hill, but went down by 49 points after a blistering second half by Red Hill. Picture: Paul Churcher

WESTERN PORT scoreboard

Heaton leaves, Musso wins it

SOCCER

By Craig MacKenzie

JOSH Heaton has left Mornington but his playing future is uncertain.

The 27-year-old is one of the finest central defenders in State 1 and his impressive CV is bound to attract a number of suitors.

Heaton joined Mornington in March 2020.

He is from Preston in Lancashire and came through Preston North End’s academy before signing pro forms in July 2015.

In June 2018 he was signed by Scottish Premiership side St Mirren from Darlington for £75,000.

Heaton met with Mornington last week and told the club that he wanted to stop playing.

President Matt Cameron and head coach Adam Jamieson (who was on a business trip in Western Australia) were blindsided by Heaton’s decision.

“He’s not enjoying his football and has lost his passion for the sport,” Cameron said.

“To say ‘Jamo’ and me are disappointed is an understatement because he’s a fantastic footballer and I expect him to end up at an NPL club.”

Yet Heaton’s immediate playing future is clouded.

“I’m not really considering playing right now,” he said.

“I just want to sort out some personal issues and take some time out.

“I’m actually really interested in the coaching side to be honest even though I’m only 27 because I feel with my background that I could do well in that area.”

Heaton is waiting to be granted residency and expects that to happen this year.

FC Melbourne (formerly Fitzroy City) in VPL2 is believed to rate Heaton highly and it would be no surprise if the Serbian-backed outfit moved to sign him.

Heaton’s ex-teammates enjoyed their second win of the season when Mornington beat Old Scotch 1-0 at Dallas Brooks Park on Saturday.

The winner came after just 11 minutes via a first-time strike from James Clark.

Ryan Paczkowski returns from suspension next week, Sammy Orritt may be available after a hamstring injury while David Stirton is close to playing his first game this season following a serious calf injury.

In VPL1 high-flying Preston Lions beat Langwarrin 4-1 on Friday night at BT Connor Reserve.

From the get-go Preston left winger Connor Bell loomed as a productive avenue to goal and just seven minutes in so it proved.

Bell capitalised on opponent Luke Goulding being caught out of position to break quickly then cross to the far post where Wesley Jobello had a free header and made no mistake.

Langy keeper Griffin Bambach was much more involved than counterpart Bon Scott but the visitors stunned the home crowd when they drew level in the 43rd minute.

Jacob Brito got free from a Goulding throw-in into the box and he squared the ball to striker Archie Macphee who looked to have blown his chance until he conjured up an innovative backheel from close range to make it 1-1.

In the 68th minute Macphee was unlucky with a near post header from a Dante Avian cross from the left and five minutes later the home side was back in front.

A quick break once again involved Bell whose lay-off was finished from close range by substitute Matthew

Tom Youngs gave Langy a spark in attack when he came off the bench but with the visitors pushing for an equaliser the home side always looked dangerous breaking forward.

That was emphasised with two goals in injury time the first from substitute Jakob Cresnar and the second a fine glancing header by Whelan from a corner curled in at pace to the near post.

Langwarrin has reached the halfway mark of a 26-match season with just three losses and has eight home games in its next 13 matches.

“I’m pleased with the first half of the season although results haven’t quite matched the performances,”said Langwarrin head coach Jamie Skelly.

“The players are performing well and over the next two weeks we should be back to almost a full squad available.”

Lucas Portelli and Jeremy Min Fa are progressing well with their recovery from injury although Charlie Fry will take some time to recover from a high-grade hamstring strain.

In State 2 news Skye snapped a fivegame losing streak with a seesawing 4-3 away win over fellow struggler Doncaster Rovers on Friday night.

The visitors were on the back foot after just three minutes when Doncaster captain Stefan Cardamone’s clever finish caught Skye keeper Steven Hadjikakou off his line.

Alex Roberts equalised after 28 minutes when he headed home a George Jeffs corner and six minutes later turned provider as he laid off for Marcus Collier to drive home a great finish from outside the box.

Just before halftime Roberts nabbed his second and made it 3-1 when he pounced on a loose ball inside the box.

Doncaster made things interesting by scoring in the first minute of the second half after Daniel Piazza wriggled free on the left and finished well. Collier restored Skye’s two-goal cushion in the 78th minute after heading home another George Jeff’s corner.

However Cardamone ensured a tense finish after pulling another goal back in the 87th minute but despite some frantic moments including a goal-line clearance Skye held on for an important three points that takes it out of the bottom two.

At the other end of the table Peninsula Strikers maintained their promotion push with a gutsy come-from-behind 2-1 win over Berwick City at Centenary Park on Saturday.

Riley Anderton and Tom Woods missed chances to put Strikers ahead in the first half and Berwick took the lead after 75 minutes when a long goal-kick wasn’t dealt with and Kaspar Fry made

no mistake.

Strikers hit back from the penalty spot after Jamie Davidson was fouled and skipper Riley Anderton converted in the 84th minute.

The winner came three minutes later when a long throw wasn’t cleared and substitute Noah Musso was on hand to bury the chance at the back post.

In State 3 news Frankston Pines lost its sixth straight game when going down 3-0 to Noble Park United at Monterey Reserve on Friday night.

Pines’ defender Khaliqyar Yousufi was sent off in bizarre circumstances in the 33rd minute after accidentally kicking the ball into the referee who ruled the incident intentional.

In State 4 news Chelsea won Friday night’s derby clash at Edithvale Recreation Reserve when it defeated Mentone 4-1.

Goals from Tim Koulouris, James Stinson, Daniel Vella and a Liam O’Brien own goal gave Chelsea a comfortable win with Marcus Spivey replying for Mentone.

Baxter had a fruitful away trip to Dendy Park on Saturday returning with a 4-1 win over Brighton.

Jack Elliott, Aiden McKenna, Ryo Togashi and Aleks Dukic scored for Baxter.

Somerville Eagles continued their good recent form when they beat promotion hopeful Endeavour United 2-1 at Westernport Secondary College on Saturday.

Both teams struggled to create chances in the first half but the intensity picked up when Connor Carson’s fortunes changed dramatically within minutes.

Carson scored for Sommerville with a header from a Jake Meggs corner but it was disallowed for a push.

Shortly after Endeavour broke quickly and a cross was flicked on at the front post leaving Carson no time to react and he put the ball into his own net.

Somerville wasn’t kept at bay for long though when a Conor Mcfall freekick found Meggs at the back post who squared it to Marcus Anastasiou for the equaliser.

Just before the break Somerville went ahead when Tom Simmons found Anastasiou free in the box and he scored his second to give the home side a 2-1 half-time lead.

The second half was a hard-fought affair with Endeavour forced to play with 10 men for the last 20 minutes following the send-off of Dejan Radojicic and Somerville held out to claim all three points.

In State 5 news Seaford United stayed on top of the league with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over As-

to the wall after Finlay Moore stopped a scoring opportunity in the 32nd minute and was shown a straight red.

Billy Painting’s header from a corner was handled on the line by Moore and Rosebud’s Dougie Cunnison made no mistake from the spot.

Casey defended resolutely for the remainder of the contest but Rosebud should have made much more of the many chances created.

Headliners: Josh Heaton (left) has quit Mornington while Noah Musso came off the bench and scored the winner for high-flying Peninsula Strikers.

Picture: Paul Seeley, The Man In The Stands

pendale at North Seaford Reserve on Saturday.

Seaford went into this clash without back-up keeper Alfonso Cardinale and central defender Jack Wyer who both walked out last week with Wyer tipped to be joining Rosebud.

Blake Hicks (suspected hernia) and Wisey Barakzoi (back) were injured while Sam Luxford is on holiday.

Aspendale striker Koray Yildirim shrugged off two defenders in the 23rd minute as he stormed into the area only to have his shot tipped wide by Seaford keeper Hayden Hicks.

Three minutes later the Seaford crossbar shuddered after a stunning long-range strike from Felix Hampson.

In the 28th minute Seaford midfielder Cory Osorio’s low shot saw Aspendale custodian Josh Mravljak get down well to block and gather at his near post.

The visitors hit the front in the 33rd minute when Seaford’s Paul Aitchinson succumbed to Aspendale’s press.

Taylan Yildirim dribbled into the box then laid off to the incoming Dom Paul who couldn’t miss from point-blank range.

Koray Yildirim thought he’d increased the lead in the 58th minute with a slick turn and spectacular volley but Hicks at full stretch got a hand to the ball.

Shortly after despite a series of fullblooded tackles on what had become a battlefield Paul decided that it was party time despite the game still being in the balance.

He teased and taunted young fullback Logan Johnson who lost patience and felled Paul with a crunching tackle earning an immediate yellow card.

In the 69th minute Seaford substitute Mikey Turner should have equalised when he got clear on the left of the area only to shoot over when well placed.

Home fans were starting to despair and Seaford’s first loss of the season was staring it in the face.

Until the 77th minute when Josh Vega somehow conjured up an overhead kick that sailed into the far corner for the leveller.

Mravljak had clattered into Vega as the Seaford forward struck and had to be stretchered off with Matthew Self replacing him in goal.

The decisive moment in this noholds barred contest came in the 85th minute when Michael Nobbs made Aspendale pay a heavy price for not clearing the ball sending his volley rocketing past Self for the winner.

Rosebud remains hot on Seaford’s heels after Saturday evening’s 1-0 home win over Casey Panthers.

The ’Buds were in control from the outset and the visitors had their backs

Rosebud captain Stef Papaluca made his first start of the season and with a number of regulars unavailable his man-of-the-match performance emphasised the depth in the senior squad.

Jordan Vacouftsis reports that Mount Eliza and Endeavour Hills Fire shared the points after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Emil Madsen Reserve on Friday night. The home team came out of the blocks firing and in the 12th minute went 1-0 up.

Raymond Amiri played a defencesplitting through ball to Cohan King who drilled it through Endeavour keeper Josh Permal’s legs and into the back of the net.

Eight minutes later it was 2-0 after Mujtaba Sakhi’s initial shot was saved and he pounced on the rebound making no mistake from close range.

As the second half unfolded momentum shifted in the visitors’ favour and they forced some excellent saves from Mount Eliza goalkeeper Luke Armao. But there was no denying Endeavour’s Seb Polydor in the 60th minute when he latched onto a through ball for a composed finish to make it 2-1. Ten minutes later Polydor curled the ball directly from a corner into the back of the net for a remarkable equaliser.

The final 20 minutes were hectic with neither team taking a backward step and tackles flying in from all angles but the deadlock couldn’t be broken in this enthralling contest.

Mount Martha continues to give away soft goals and it went down 3-2 to Bunyip District at Civic Reserve on Saturday.

Kayan Taberner and Jaden Taberner scored for Mount Martha which has lost all seven league games this season despite being competitive in most matches.

NEXT WEEK’S GAMES

Friday 17 May, 8.30pm: Frankston Pines v Heatherton Utd, Monterey Reserve Bentleigh Greens v Langwarrin, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

Saturday 18 May, 3pm: Gippsland Utd v Mornington, Baxter Park (Warragul) Peninsula Strikers v Bentleigh Utd Cobras, Centenary Park Skye Utd v Knox City, Skye Recreation Reserve

Brighton v Somerville Eagles, Dendy Park

Aspendale v Cleeland Utd, Aspendale Gardens Sports Ground FC Noble Hurricanes v Mount Eliza, Alex Nelson Reserve

Saturday 18 May, 3.30pm: Barton Utd v Seaford Utd, Barton Recreation Reserve

Saturday 18 May, 5pm: Mentone v Baxter, Mentone Grammar Playing Fields

Saturday 18 May, 6pm: Rosebud v Mount Martha, Olympic Park

Saturday 18 May, 6.30pm: Keysborough v Chelsea, Coomoora Reserve

Whelan.

WESTERN PORT scoreboard

Racism scandal rocks footy club

Brodie Cowburn brodie@mpnews.com.au

PEARCEDALE Football Netball Club has been slapped with a suspended fine and will be made to issue an apology after an investigation into alleged racial abuse by its supporters.

The alleged racial vilification occurred during a MPFNL match between Pearcedale FNC and Karingal FNC on 20 April. After Karingal player Agape Patolo was sent off by the umpire, he was allegedly racially abused by Pearcedale supporters.

The MPFNL began its investigation into the matter on 1 May, and

published its findings on 10 May. It determined that Pearcedale FNC had violated the AFL National Community Football Policy Handbook, and handed down sanctions.

Pearcedale FNC have been directed to apologise to the Karingal player and to the club itself. It has also received a suspended $10,000 fine, which will be waived at the end of the 2025 season if the club does not re-offend.

A media release published by the MPFNL last week read that “racist actions and behaviours are inexcusable”.

“Following the match between Pearcedale FNC and Karingal FNC on Saturday 20 April, 2024, the MPFNL received numerous allegations and

witness statements involving racial vilification towards a Karingal FNC player by Pearcedale FNC supporters,” the media release read. “The Pearcedale FNC is to accept responsibility for the vilification which occurred and within seven days, publish an apology to the Karingal FNC player involved and the Karingal FNC for the distress caused by the comments made in respect to Karingal FNC player.

“The MPFNL strongly condemns racial vilification in our football and netball community. Acts of racism can trigger trauma and seriously impact the mental health of the individuals, families and communities involved.”

The league has directed Pearcedale

FNC to hire security for its next match against Karingal, currently scheduled for 15 June.

Pearcedale FNC players and officials will also be made to complete an online module on racial discrimination in the next four weeks, and have been told to self-report to the Victorian Liquor Licensing Commission in the event of “unacceptable crowd behaviour associated with the excessive use of alcohol”, the MPFNL statement read.

After the allegations were first made, Pearcedale FNC published an unapologetic statement on its Facebook page which slammed supporters of the player allegedly targeted by the racial abuse. The post, which remains on the

club’s Facebook page as of 10 May, read that the player’s supporters were “attempting to excuse/deflect from his violent actions by painting our club in a negative light.”

“Our committee urges all of our members and supporters not to engage with the instigators of this attempted intimidation and to continue to stand by our wonderful sponsors, players and club. We trust that justice will prevail through the appropriate channels,” the club’s statement read (“Investigation into on-field incident” The News 30/3/24).

Pearcedale FNC was contacted for comment.

The Frankston Tomatoes held on in a close contest defeating the Mornington Pirates eight to seven in their B1 Grade at CB Wilson Reserve on Saturday. The Tomatoes B2 side also had a win with six runs to four. Pictures: Craig Barrett

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